20221027

Photos by Jane Bachrach

Hundreds of bicycle racers gathered at Colorado Mountain College's Spring Valley campus to participate in the state's 2022 high school mountain biking state championships on Saturday, Oct. 22. What was scheduled to be a two-day event was condensed into one, due to impending weather. The start and finish lines were located on the soccer field, where thousands of spectators, racers and costumed creatures hung around with bikes, wheels, tents, trucks and other biking paraphernalia.

As reported by Aspen Daily News, Glenwood Springs finished ninth in Division I, Colorado Rocky Mountain School finished third in Division II, Roaring Fork finished ninth and Aspen/Basalt finished fifth.

By Mayor Ben Bohmfalk

Affordable housing has long been Carbondale’s most vexing challenge, with limited supply, seemingly unlimited demand, and no dedicated local revenue source to address it. But change is on the horizon. With housing revenue on the Nov. 8 ballot, a Board of Trustees focused on solutions, and new opportunities at the state and local level, Carbondale is now poised to make major progress on affordable housing.

First, the ballot issues. Voters can create Carbondale’s first-ever dedicated revenue source for affordable housing by voting Yes on 2A, which places a 6% sales tax on visitors' stays in Airbnb's, VRBO's, and other short-term rentals. 2A was placed on the ballot by a unanimous vote of the Carbondale Board of Trustees, following calls from the community to regulate and tax short-term rentals to

LETTERS

Thank you to our communities!

Housing Carbondale

mitigate their impact on our rental housing stock. 2A is estimated to generate about $125,000 annually; this is not enough to solve our housing crisis, but it will enable us to provide matching funds for grants and make other local investments in affordable housing.

At the state level, voting Yes on Proposition 123 will provide additional funding for affordable housing when state revenues generate a budget surplus. Carbondale will be able to apply for funding from this new revenue source, using funds from our short-term rental tax as a match. Voting No on Proposition 121 is also important for affordable housing advocates, to keep state income tax rates at their current level, so revenue is available for housing.

Under Trustee Colin Laird’s leadership, the Carbondale Board of Trustees is currently holding extra monthly work sessions to develop the town’s first Community Housing Plan, with clear goals and strategies. Historically, Carbondale has relied on the private sector to build affordable housing through our Inclusionary Housing policy, requiring 20% of units in larger new developments to be deed-restricted based on income. This policy has led to almost 150 affordable

units being built at no cost to the town. Our goal is to double that number in the next 10 years, through a range of new strategies and funding sources.

First, we will review our 20% Inclusionary Housing policy to determine if we can increase the requirement for new development. Next, we will identify the best organization to partner with to develop a mixeduse project with around 60 affordable housing units on the Town Center properties that were donated to the town. We will then explore development-neutral strategies including buydowns, down payment assistance, and trailer-park resident purchases to ensure the long-term affordability of existing housing stock.

The funding landscape is more encouraging than at any time in history. Through annual transfers and conservative spending, the Carbondale Board of Trustees has carefully built up $1 million in our housing fund, which we can use to advance our housing goals. At the state level, almost $400 million in one-time federal funds will soon be available for grants and loans related to affordable housing. If 2A and Prop 123 pass (and Prop 121 fails), we will have ongoing funding to make significant progress on affordable

housing.

We can’t solve the housing crisis on our own, so we are actively engaged in the Greater Roaring Fork Regional Housing Coalition’s efforts to establish a regional approach to housing strategies and access to funding. We are grateful to organizations including Carbondale Senior Housing Authority; Catholic Charities; Aspen Pitkin Employee Housing Inc.; the Roaring Fork School District; RFTA; and Habitat, who have worked with the town to expand affordable housing in Carbondale by another 200 units through their own projects within the town of Carbondale.

There’s not a lot we can do to moderate the price of free-market housing, which has skyrocketed across the country in desirable locations like Carbondale in recent years. Our clear and predictable development approval process has helped generate more workforceoriented housing, and will continue to be an important part of our strategy to meet our community’s housing needs. With your support, we will add more tools to our toolbox and continue to leverage opportunities to provide affordable housing in Carbondale. Our next Housing Work Session is Nov. 29 at 6 p.m. at Town Hall, and I invite you to join us as we refine our plans.

Editor Raleigh Burleigh 970-510-3003 news@soprissun.com

Contributing Editor James Steindler

Editorial Graphic Designer Hattie Rensberry

Advertising Graphic Designer Alyssa Ohnmacht

Delivery

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Executive Director Todd Chamberlin 970-510-0246 adsales@soprissun.com

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Current Board Members board@soprissun.com

Klaus Kocher • Kay Clarke

Lee Beck • Gayle Wells

Donna Dayton • Terri Ritchie Eric Smith • Roger Berliner

The Sopris Sun Board meets at 6:30 p.m. on second Thursdays at the Third Street Center.

The Two Rivers Unitarian Universalists want to recognize the support for “community” which was evident at the Two Rivers Unitarian Universalist annual auction gathering held at Carbondale’s Third Street Center recently. After a COVID interruption last year, the annual auction event returned with friends, neighbors and visitors meeting for food, entertainment, music and an assortment of auction items.

The evening was filled with conversation, good food, music, laughter and support. The successful event was evidence of the strength and resilience of our population.

Unitarian Universalists are a people of theological, spiritual and philosophical diversity. We believe in the interdependent web of life and, as part of that, we support local businesses and social justice campaigns to support our beloved community! Our annual auction returned, and we appreciate your support.

Dorothea Farris, TRUU Board Member

SkiCo trails

The Aspen Skiing Company is asking for suggestions for trail names

in the new Pandora's area on Aspen Mountain. I have a suggestion: Name the trails after women who have had an impact historically on Aspen, whether as community leaders, prominent skiers/snowboarders or past leaders of SkiCo.

A review of the trail maps for all four ski mountains reveals just four trails named after women: Ruthie's Run and Gretl's on Aspen Mountain, and Suzi Q and Scarlett's on Aspen Highlands (Naked Lady on Snowmass doesn't count).

The Little Nell on Aspen Mountain could, perhaps with some disrepute, be counted as a fifth. According to the history posted on the Little Nell hotel’s website, an inspired miner from the 1880s named his mining claim Little Nell as a way of expressing his ardent passions for "a certain lady of the night."

Meanwhile, there are upwards of 30 trails named after men. The naming rights for two of those, Gene Reardon's Run and Adam's Avenue, were literally sold to the highest bidder. So how about it, SkiCo? Can you find a way to give some of the amazing women in Aspen's history their due by naming trails in their honor?

Allyn Harvey, Carbondale

Housing-pool swap

If Roaring Fork School District housing were placed where the pool is now, it would be close to the RFTA stop, the Launchpad, theaters and City Market — via circulator or even walking, etcetera. If the new pool were placed near the current ballfields and schools, it would be closer to students, athletic grounds and the seniors at Crystal Village. With a cover and a season extended from May to midOctober, physical education (“PE'') classes could add a swimming unit and increased revenue from local use might cover the additional operating expense. Some teachers may prefer to live not immediately adjacent to work but well within walking or biking distance.

A day late and dollar short, however, I never heard this option discussed and the pool design was so constrained.

Jay Coursey, Carbondale

Yes on 2A

I am writing to ask for your support for the town of Carbondale’s ballot issue 2A. Last year, a group of citizens came before the Carbondale trustees to express concerns about short-term rentals (STRs), like AirBnBs and VRBOs, in Carbondale. We pointed to a lack of rules and fair taxation,

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Carbondale history

This Saturday, Oct. 29 from noon to 4 p.m., is the last chance for history buffs to peruse local artifacts and watch “old school” reels at the Dinkel Mercantile Museum and History Theater before the Carbondale Historical Society buttons up the cabin for the winter. The museum, located at 499 Weant Boulevard in Carbondale, is scheduled to reopen in June 2023.

Local impact

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Aspen Community Foundation (ACF) raised $9.7 million through three relief initiatives to help local businesses and households from Parachute to Aspen. The dollars primarily supported housing and utility assistance, food, mental and physical health and strengthening community. ACF is now distributing the last of those funds this and released a report detailing how the money was allocated: www.bit.ly/ACFfunds

Statistics

Results from a national math and reading test for fourth and eighth graders showed Colorado students’ scores dropped in most areas when compared to prepandemic results, along with the rest of the country. Eighth grade math proficiency in Colorado dropped from 37% in 2019 to 28% in 2022, while fourth grade math proficiency scores fell from 44% to 36%. However, as reported by the Department of Education, Colorado’s students had better reading scores than the national average.

Tangle hazards

Antlered wildlife are on the move as they migrate to winter range and seek mating opportunities. At this time, deer, elk and moose are especially prone to

Winter’s impending arrival was felt this week. First, with two inches of snow falling at the base area of Sunlight Mountain Resort on the night of Oct. 23. Then, a proper dumping blanketed Western Colorado on Tuesday and Wednesday. Sunlight’s planned opening day is Dec. 9. Photo by Troy Hawks

become entangled in objects like plastic fencing, nets, holiday decorations, etc. Colorado Parks and Wildlife asks that the public assess their homes and remove potential tangle hazards.

Child care financial aid

Kids First, the city of Aspen’s early childhood resource center, increased its funding for child care financial aid and extended the application deadline to Nov. 8. Assistance is available to applicants with children ages five years and younger that live or work in the Aspen Urban Growth Boundary. Learn more at aspen.gov/316/financial-aid

Hanging Lake

The serene destination, Hanging Lake, will be open for winter hiking, Nov. 1 through April 30, 2023, for the first time since 2020. A permit is required to use the Hanging Lake trail. Users are advised that winter conditions will exist and to go prepared. Hikers can purchase tickets and find more information at www. visitglenwood.com/hanginglake

Voting early, in-person

Early in-person voting is now available statewide. Voters that received a mail ballot may return it to a drop box or voting center or cast their vote in-person. Eligible persons can also register to vote in-person at a voting center or online until 7 p.m. on Election Day, Nov. 8. Learn more at GoVoteColorado.gov

They say it’s your birthday!

Folks celebrating another trip around the sun this week include: Chip Brotzman, Julie Lang, Katrina Nelson, Annette Roberts-Gray, Kay Schaefer and Ellen Stapenhorst (Oct. 27); Kaden Kirk and Gina Murdoch (Oct. 28); Chase Fenton, Katee Peach, Daniela Rivera and Lisa Ruoff (Oct. 29); Lowry Camp, Brendan Cochran, Gracyn Overstreet and Claudia Pawl (Oct. 30); Julia Lee, Marty Voller and Kaleigh Wisroth (Oct. 31); Angel Cruz, Justin Marshall, Don Parkison, Vanessa Porras and Jay Riley (Nov. 1); Marge Palmer and Dave Weimer (Nov. 2).

CVEPA Views

By Dale Will

When Ferdinand Hayden’s team of surveyors entered the Crystal Valley in 1873, they noted the existence of a “hardened trail” running from the summit of what is now known as Schofield Pass down to the confluence of the Roaring Fork and Colorado Rivers. At this point, the surveyors were the guests of the Ute Nation which had been promised roughly the western fifth of the Colorado Territory as their permanent reservation under the Treaty of 1868.

The eastern boundary of the 1868 reservation lies approximately where Woody Creek sits today, and the entire Crystal watershed, and lands west to the Utah border, were within it. Hayden’s report to Congress that year noted that the trail was a major Ute travel route, connecting the western Colorado River valley with the Front Range via

Thoughts on the Hayden, the Meeker Uprising, and the Crystal Trail

Schofield and Monarch passes. Hayden’s maps were ultimately published in the 1884 Atlas of Colorado. For those interested in such things, the atlas can be viewed at both the Aspen Historic Society and Denver Public Library Western History Collection.

When the Ute were granted the western fifth of Colorado, one might have hoped that the U.S. government would protect their dominion of the same. But the government’s racial bias in favor of white settlement permeated the priorities and policies of the day. So it was, that when a zealous missionary named Nathaniel Meeker entered the reservation to “civilize” the Ute, the U.S. Army was sent to protect him.

This didn’t end well for Meeker, or for the initial cavalry detachment. The Ute were determined not to become victims of another Sand Creek Massacre, and attacked the soldiers as soon as they entered the reservation, defeating them at Milk Creek in September of 1879.

For generations, the Ute had skirmished with the Arapaho, each fond of hot springs and

I'm waitingjustuntil you say the magic word… Treats!

horses, and vying for control of both. These skirmishes were among people who understood each other, who shared both the strengths and vulnerabilities of living off the mountain landscape.

Estimates of the total Ute population vary, with “The People of the Shining Mountains” concluding their total numbers were likely around 4,000. The warriors in the tribe could not know the extent of the white population and material resources of the recently arrived Europeans. But when they trounced the cavalry at Milk Creek, reinforcements arrived quickly, and the warriors knew enough not to wait around for a further response. And so, they fled up the Crystal Trail and sought the high grounds on Schofield Pass.

I originally became aware of this story in a brief mention in “The Crystal River Pictorial”, Dell McCoy’s wonderful book on the Crystal Railroad. Years later, I was fortunate to walk some of the same sections of the trail with Kenny Frost, a member of the Southern Ute tribe. Kenny independently recounted that the Ute warriors had indeed sought refuge in the

upper Crystal Valley following the Meeker uprising and the associated Battle of Milk Creek.

Imagine that scene. Some early white settlers had already appeared in the Valley, squatting on lands promised to the Ute. Myron Thompson had apparently first diverted water from his namesake creek this same year, in 1879. Perhaps he was about his farm that fall day, when the battle-weary group of Ute rode past.

These brave souls were at the height of their strength, combining their deep knowledge of the mountains with the horses and firearms that Europe had introduced to the scene. Myron would have been wise to keep a low profile.

And what was on the minds of the warriors? They had prevailed at Milk Creek by controlling the high ground. They also knew the topography intimately. They might have chosen any place in Western Colorado for refuge. They chose the upper Crystal. Whatever the invaders’ numbers and equipment, they at least would have their familiar high ground.

What might have been a protracted guerilla war in the Crystal Valley was averted by

Chief Ouray himself. By this time, the Meeker women were under his guardianship at his home near Montrose. He arranged to repatriate them, unharmed (contrast this to what occurred 15 years prior, at Sand Creek).

According to Kenny, Ouray then sent runners up into the Crystal and told them to come down. These brave souls had won the battle, but they could not win the war for their homeland, and Ouray would sadly agree to relinquish the 1868 reservation, accepting in return two smaller reservations in southwest Colorado, and shared habitation of the already occupied Uintah reservation in northeast Utah.

This history bears remembering for all those visiting and residing in the Crystal Valley, especially for those who might do that without respect for the sacred landscape. Not long ago, the bravest warriors of an honorable nation stood ready to defend their homelands in this fragile valley.

CVEPA is dedicated to protecting access to all the ancient trails in the Crystal Valley, while insisting that human interactions with the same are conducted in a respectful manner.

By Kate Phillips Sopris Sun Correspondent

Money talks and so do kids. So, financial experts agree that it’s time to talk to kids about money.

As more research arises indicating a growing need for financial education, more schools are adopting financial literacy standards. In an October 2020 study published in the Economics of Education Review, researchers found that when schools require financial education students achieve more positive financial outcomes — such as higher credit scores.

Today, Colorado leaders are advocating for financial education to better prepare students for the future.

Colorado House District 52 Representative Cathy Kipp has been a longtime advocate for student financial literacy.

In June 2021, Kipp led a team of bipartisan legislators in successfully enacting House Bill 211200, which outlines current financial literacy standards for high school

students. Implemented by the Colorado State Board of Education, the standards include: budgeting and paying for higher education; applying for federal and state student loans; managing student loan debt; navigating homeownership; and credit management.

“The whole idea is to make sure the information is relevant to students,” Kipp said. “We want to empower them as they are figuring out what comes after high school. What steps can they take that are financially viable and reasonable for them? How do they meet the goals they want?”

Similar standards were first introduced in 2008 under House Bill 08-1168, but the bill was broad at the time. Kipp said the standards are much more pertinent now and, to ensure applicability, there is a partial review every two years. The first review will occur before the end of the year. While Kipp acknowledged that not every district can require financial literacy credits

literacy in schools

to graduate — due to cost restraints and teacher retention — she did add that interested schools can access the Department of Education’s online financial literacy resource bank to alleviate the workload.

Visit www.cde.state. co.us/cofinancialliteracy to learn more about the financial literacy resource bank.

Close to home

Roaring Fork High School (RFHS) English teacher, Denise Wright, happens to be passionate about financial literacy. Since 2015, she has taught the school’s elective and believes this information is some of the most important knowledge a student can learn in their academic career.

“Every single student that leaves my classroom will at some point have to budget, pay taxes, maybe get a loan and figure out how to pay for things,” Wright told The Sopris Sun. “This is something every single student is going to need to do.”

Wright said that prior

to enrolling in the course, many of her students had a vague understanding of personal finances, noting that stock market and retirement plans were abstract concepts for them. She found that personalizing the material with her own experiences, and tailoring the coursework toward her students’ interests engages them and makes the material more approachable.

Throughout the semester, students complete projects such as building a business plan, calculating the cost of a preferred college and playing a mock stock exchange game in a fun classroom environment.

Emphasizing the longterm value, Wright said she often receives phone calls from former students asking about taxes or homeownership.

A former student, Jorge Sandoval, said that before starting his two businesses (Aspen Christmas Lighting and Punchbowl Power Washing), he spoke with Wright about a business

plan and how to start a limited liability company.

“I also talked to her about purchasing homes,” Sandoval added. “I ask her for any help I need or information that I'm not sure about. She’s helped me throughout my whole life and I’m grateful for the connection.”

Sandoval added that even though it has been four years since he took the course, it is still relevant.

“It has honestly helped set me up for the future,” he said. “I understand how I can use the market — like

"Yeah, but can he balance a checkbook?"

By Raleigh Burleigh Sopris Sun Editor

As snow gently spiraled from the sky on Tuesday, Oct. 25, Carbondale’s Board of Town Trustees cozied up with a full agenda and all trustees present.

After approving a straight-forward consent agenda, the board heard from Debbie Wilde representing a regional partnership to establish a withdrawal management program (aka, detox facility) in Garfield County. Funded by Valley View Hospital, Grand River Hospital District and the governments of Garfield County, this service will be administered by Mind Springs Health. Mind Springs Health acquired property in south Glenwood Springs in 2019 and has reserved space for a new alcohol and drug detoxification facility to assist the hospitals and police with sobering up individuals under the influence of alcohol and/or other drugs. Once an agreement is finalized, Wilde explained, Mind Springs Health will begin building with the aim to have the facility operational by spring of 2023. The trustees unanimously approved joining the agreement, committing $10,000 to the effort.

Next, the focus was green. Jeff Dickinson of Biospaces Energy Consulting and Zuleika Pevec with Clean Energy Economy for the Region (CLEER) presented on three topics: 1) adopting the 2018 International Green Construction Code (IGCC), 2) establishing a plan for making new construction net zero and 3) beginning to look at how to make existing buildings net zero. Dickinson began by explaining the benefits of electrification. With utility companies independently greening grids, technology advancing that makes heat pumps effective and efficient even at

below freezing temperatures, and significant funding to be made available through the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), the transition is becoming achievable. Trustees unanimously approved adopting the 2018 IGCC with amendments. This applies only to commercial buildings and will come into effect before the end of the year.

For residential construction, trustees unanimously voted in support of a roadmap to net zero beginning in 2023. Regarding retrofitting existing buildings, “this will take more time and have more cost implications,” said Dickinson. CLEER and the Environmental Board were directed to work on a plan in 2023 that could come into effect in 2024. Appropriately, this discussion was followed by a check-in with the town’s Environmental Board (eboard) represented by its new chair, Hannah-Hunt Moeller. After recognizing Colin Quinn, the former chair, for his years of leadership, Moeller presented a list of nine action items established by the eboard and went into detail regarding two.

The Board of Trustees gave their support for joining GoEV City with the aim of electrifying transportation and installing more electric vehicle chargers. As far as hiring a sustainability manager, the second item highlighted, the trustees expressed reservations. “We’ve spoken about someone for grant writing in general,” said Trustee Marty Silverstein. “A grant writer, while aspirational — I don’t know if we have the money to have this right now.” Mayor Ben Bohmfalk thanked the eboard for pushing the town toward its green goals. “You’re definitely having an influence,” he said. Trustee Erica Sparhawk suggested that CLEER’s contract could be increased for now, to assist that organization with grant writing, while the town leans on Garfield Clean Energy for access to federal grants and other work.

After a brief break, the trustees heard from the Roaring Fork School District about their employee housing project on Meadowood Drive near the high school. Mayor Bohmfalk, an employee with the school district, recused himself from the discussion.

In preparation for the meeting, Town Attorney

Mark Hamilton and Planning Director Jared Barnell discovered an agreement entered into in 2002 that may change the process for approval. Whereas the school district’s understanding was that project approval depended on the state, it may have to go through a more standard process that includes a public hearing.

Planner Bob Schultz was unphased, given that the project was designed to conform to the town’s code anyway. The goal, stated Schultz, is to break ground in the spring and have 50 units, with a mix of studio, one-bedroom, two-bedroom and three-bedroom apartments, ready to inhabit by fall of 2024. This would bring the district’s total number of employee housing units up to 116.

The final item on the agenda involved checking in with the town’s public works and parks and recreation departments for 2023 budget considerations. Public Works Director Kevin Schorzman stated that conceptualization work has begun for a second roundabout, estimated to cost $3.5 million and slated for completion in 2024/2025. Looking at the list of upcoming projects, Trustee Colin Laird asked if it would be possible to work on Highway 133 crossings in 2023. After a brief discussion, it was determined that improving the crossing at Cowen Drive would be a priority. The trustees also committed to completing phase two of Eighth Street improvements in 2023 at a cost of $550,000. Trustee Chris Hassig questioned the value in lieu of other initiatives, to which Schorzman and Bohmfalk pushed back.

Schorzman also emphasized the higher cost and limitations of an electric street sweeper. He encouraged trustees to buy a diesel-powered sweeper “one more time” while the technology evolves for an electric sweeper with higher battery power and the ability to vacuum and not just sweep.

The trustees’ next meeting, on Nov. 8, will occur at the Third Street Center to allow for election work at Town Hall. On Nov. 15, the board will discuss adopting the Comprehensive Plan Update that has been underway for more than a year.

By James Steindler Contributing Editor

As noted in a Sept. 14 Sopris Sun article, “Carbondale Report: Full Panel, full agenda, full audience”, Carbondale’s “Public Arts Commission (CPAC) voted to remove Stephen Lock’s deteriorating ‘Helping Hands’ sculpture located next to the Near New at Third and Main since 1991.”

The news trickled out to the community, and some have expressed their discontentment over the decision. Tucker Farris, for instance, commented on Facebook, “Sad to see it come down. This has been a hallmark staple of town for my entire life.”

A Jan. 23, 2020 article in The Sopris Sun, “Sculptures past to present”, details the origins of Helping Hands, but here is a quick recap.

Helping Hands was created by Stephen Lock a few years after he moved to the Valley from England. The artist was commissioned by Carbondale Council on Arts and Humanities, known today as Carbondale Arts, to create the piece.

It symbolizes Lock’s impression of Carbondale: a place where people regularly lend a helping hand to one another.

On Sept. 9, CPAC met for a public meeting at Town Hall and unanimously agreed to “deaccession” the sculpture. The

board packet referred to the piece as the “climbing” sculpture. Some board members who were present seemingly joked about seeing what it's worth in scrap metal or simply giving it to the town of Basalt.

Luis Yllanes, the board of trustees’ liaison to CPAC, noted that it’s not uncommon to deaccession public art.

“Last year, I would say, with sussing out how the artist would like to have that restored — if they wanted to — they did not care,” then-chairperson Britini Johnson conveyed to the rest of the board. “So, it fell to the town and CPAC to decide and it was very expensive to restore it … it’s also moderately dated.” According to the board packet, the cost was estimated to be no less than $2,500.

Lock reported, however, “It came as a huge surprise and disappointment that the town had decided to ‘deaccession’ the sculpture with no plans to relocate [it].” He added that to his knowledge, the piece was the first commissioned art installation for the town of Carbondale, “and I believe it started the desire for more art around town.”

Noting CPAC’s intention to incorporate the location within its annual rotation of Art Around Town, by laying a foundation for new installations, Lock questioned,

“Why not leave Helping Hands in its historical location and put the new marble base somewhere else?”

Yllanes acknowledged the sense of permanence the sculpture holds in town. He also pointed out that the sculpture predates Art Around Town, which provides more artists with the opportunity to have their works displayed prominently.

Lock concluded, “It has been in place for 31 years, but if it has to move, then I believe it is important that it remains in a downtown location.”

The morning of Friday, Oct. 21, The Sopris Sun was notified by a reader that the sculpture was to come down that day. The same day, Laurie Lindberg, director of public works and staff liaison to CPAC, reported that the sculpture would not come down then, but added, “maybe next week.”

On Wednesday, Oct. 24, Lindberg informed The Sopris Sun that the deinstallation had been postponed, “because Public Works is busy and removing the sculpture isn’t a high priority.” It’s unclear when Helping Hands will come down. Lindberg stated that Lock is to take possession of the sculpture once it is removed.

She reported that the board has been discussing the sculpture for a long time and that CPAC has been in touch with Lock over the years.

The 2020 article in The Sopris

Sun reads, “CPAC and Lock have been in touch regarding a ‘facelift,’ as Lock puts it, of the sculpture. The refurbishment would likely require a powder coating. Lindberg recalls one bid for powder coating the sculpture being $1,200.”

The article continued, “There is also some talk about relocating the statue. Lock says he loves where it is now but is open to the possibility of it being moved. He added, ‘as long as it remains in Carbondale and is accessible that’ll be fine.’”

Lindberg is not aware of any public sculpture in Carbondale which predates Helping Hands.

"Helping Hands," as seen in 1991. Courtesy photo

Catto’s artistic efforts reveal Nature’s designs

By Jeanne Souldern Sopris Sun Correspondent

In an essay titled “The Study of Color in Nature”, published in the 1896 edition of The Observer: An Illustrated Monthly Magazine, naturalist and artist F. Schuyler Mathews noted: “Color in Nature is illimitable; there is positively no end to its complexity.”

The essay offers the reader a few simple color theory experiments to perform, to which Mathews concludes, “... it goes to prove that there is more color in Nature than we at first supposed. If then, we take the pains to search for it, no doubt our efforts will be crowned with some success.”

Isa Catto Studio’s founder and creative director, Isa Catto, has captured some of that success in her lush watercolor designs that often incorporate

elements from nature.

The studio, located in Woody Creek, is cradled in nature’s paintbox, now with its golden, orange and red hues of autumn trees, set against an evergreen-filled Elk Mountain Range backdrop.

When you see the view, you understand that Catto’s creations are reflections of the surroundings with its ever-changing seasonal color palette.

Catto and her full-time studio crew — Jennifer Roberts, Ted Maertens and Savanna LaBauve — are getting ready for a series of events called Willits Weekend, which will introduce the public to new Catto textiles and art.

Kicking off on Friday, Oct. 28, from 5 to 7 p.m., a community open house will celebrate Decorative Materials’ new space with a cocktail and hors d’oeuvres reception. Located at 900 E. Valley Rd. in Basalt, Decorative Materials is a home design and custom-made tile and stone showroom.

The view of the Elk Mountain Range from the second floor of Isa Catto's studio workspace. Roberts said the natural surroundings provide inspiration for her designs. Photo by Jeanne Souldern.

Catto's desk is surrounded by icons of a creative mind, from the ceramic mugs splayed with watercolor brushes and bulletin boards with images of muses and her daughter's paintings and photographs. Photo by Jeanne Souldern

Catto Studio director Roberts shared, “We're going to pair some [of Isa’s] artwork with their beautiful and colorful tiles to create a curated exhibit.”

Also, at Decorative Materials on Saturday, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., a pop-up shop of Catto Studio art and textiles, including scarves, accessories and housewares, and original art and prints, will be available to purchase.

On Oct. 28-30, during regular store hours, Bookbinders Books in Basalt will showcase a new collection of journals, notebooks and wrapping paper and an opportunity to meet and chat with Catto on Saturday from 4 to 6 p.m.

In a tour of the two-story Isa Catto Studio, led by studio director Roberts, you first notice an abundance of natural light streaming through the large windows, creating an atmosphere that invites instinctive creative flow.

Roberts said Catto’s Bird Flight series was inspired by Catto “watching all the birds up here and creating her artistic interpretation of their flight patterns,” including the lazy loops of a turkey vulture, the diving descent of a falcon and the nimble darting of the hummingbird.

The Bird Flights designs are also featured on sets of notecards, journals, and a new, more compact reporter notebook.

Earlier this year, Catto and her team did their first-ever collaboration with Aspen Public Radio to create the hummingbird-design canvas tote bag and matching notebook, given to donors as a gift during APR’s summer membership campaign.

Catto’s textiles on display include women’s scarves and wraps made from lightweight chiffon, super-soft wool and a modal silk blend. The Italian silk scarves are printed in Italy, then sewn in New York with hand-rolled hems.

Roberts said they found a location in India, a country known for its cotton production, to make fabric for their organic cotton scarves. However, a careful vetting process was completed “to ensure that we found a reliable place that has the right certifications for fair labor practices and organic cotton that's been certified,” she explained.

A new product is a journal with 80-pound paper and an exposed spine, so it lays flat when opened, which “is perfect for use as an artist’s journal,” Roberts said.

In November, they will open “the notebook bar,” where studio visitors can design and assemble a notebook with covers that aren’t part of the regular collection and a variety of papers, including lined, dot-grid and plain sketchbook paper. “It's just a fun interactive thing for people to do,” Roberts explained.

To learn more about Isa Catto and her design process, visit isacatto.com Catto’s workspace, located on the second floor, has a large picture window that unveils a color-popping mountain landscape, proving that, as Mathews said, “there is more color in Nature than we at first supposed.”

Given the careful attention that Catto infuses into her designs, she may have been awarded the crown.

Isa Catto sits outside the entrance to her studio. Visits to the studio can be scheduled on the studio's website. Courtesy photo by Michele Cardamone Photography

THERAPEUTIC YOGA

6-7:30pm, 11/1-12/6

QUICKBOOKS PRO WORKSHOP

Quickbooks desktop, and some of the common issues. Bring your questions – this will be an interactive class so we can address specific issues.

Wednesday, 9am-4pm, 11/2

INTERMEDIATE PAINTING

Paint in your choice of medium in this fun, interactive class with guided projects and free painting time. Meet other painters!

Tuesdays, 1-4pm, 11/2-12/14

INTERMEDIATE SWING DANCE

Build on basics of Jitterbug (East Coast Swing), and learn Charleston, Lindy Hop (West Coast) basics and expand your dance knowledge.

Wed. 6:30-8:30pm, 11/9-12/7

Make your own custome slippers with local textile artist, Jill Scher.

Saturdays, 11/12-19

PILATES BLEND

A full-body workout with exercises that target specific muscles while engaging the entire body using the fundamentals of Pilates.

Mon/Wed, 12-12:50pm, 11/14-12/14

NOURISHING OURSELVES FOR WINTER

Learn how to make delicious, nourishing, medicinal foods to feed your soul through the winter.

Thursday, 6-8pm, 11/17

SEED SAVING AND VEGETABLE GARDENING 101

Learn the basics to grow your own food, and how to save your heirloom flower and veggie seeds.

6:30-8pm

Veg. Gardening: Tuesday 11/15

Seed Saving: Thursday 11/17

MORE CLASSES COMING IN SPRING 2023!

Watch for our printed bulletin in the mail, or browse at the website below. Registration opens 11/14.

Colorado Mountain College (CMC) opens the gates of its 220-acre farm and veterinary teaching hospital for the community to meet barnyard animals and tour the grounds. Youngsters are encouraged to dress up in Halloween costumes and the fun goes from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 29. Leslie Rockey is CMC’s vet-tech program and facilities director, pictured here with Reggie the pig. Photo by Ben Suddendorf

THURSDAY, OCT. 27

ALTAR DE DÍA

Basalt Library invites the public to contribute photos, flowers and other objects to a community altar honoring our lost loved ones. This will remain on display through Oct. 29.

USPS JOBS

As part of its effort to hire 1,000 employees throughout Colorado, the United States Postal Service will host job fairs at the Basalt and Glenwood Springs post offices from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Those who can’t make it can also apply online at www.usps.com/careers

ON YOUR OWN TERMS

A panel of experts discuss people’s right to choose when and how to pass on when approaching the end of their life. The first panel takes place at the Glenwood Springs Library at 12:30 p.m. and the second at the Rifle Library at 5:30 p.m. There is a virtual option for the first event. Register at www.gcpld.org

STEM

Aspen Science Center teaches about light, sound “and other wiggly things” at Basalt Library from 4 to 5 p.m. Activities are designed for children ages four to 12 and their families.

THIS IS HALLOWEEN Stage of Life Theatre Company

and Sopris Soarers perform “This is Halloween: Songs and Soaring from the The Nightmare Before Christmas” at the Community Hall at the Third Street Center at 6 p.m. nightly through Oct. 29. There will be a post-show dance and costume party Saturday, Oct. 29. Visit www. bit.ly/SoLThisisHalloween for tickets.

SOLAR ECLIPSE

True Nature Healing Arts hosts a new moon ceremony honoring the partial solar eclipse in Scorpio from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Tickets online at www.truenaturehealingarts.com

SOURCE DIALOGUES

The Center for Human Flourishing hosts author Gary Springfield to talk about his book, “Source Dialogues” from 7 to 8 p.m. This series will continue every Thursday at the Third Street Center through Dec. 15.

WILD RIVERS FILM TOUR

Join Wilderness Workshop at the Crystal Theatre for the Wild Rivers Film Tour at 7 p.m. Tickets at www.wildernessworkshop.org

FRIDAY, OCT. 28

PUMPKIN CARVING

The Garfield County Public Library District invites youngsters to the Glenwood Springs Library today at 2 p.m. — and the Carbondale Library tomorrow, Oct. 29, at 1:30 p.m. — to carve some pumpkins!

FABULOUS FELTED SLIPPERS

ALTAR ART

Anderson Ranch and Basalt Library team up to create colorful altars with wood, paper and other materials from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at Basalt Library.

CREEPY CRAFTS

Anderson Ranch in Snowmass welcomes families to don costumes, create creepy crafts and trick-or-treat throught artist studios from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m.

FRANKENSTEIN

Basalt Library presents an allages Frankenstein double feature beginning at 6 p.m. — bring blankets and pillows and the library will supply the snacks.

FRIDAY NIGHT LIGHTS

Support Roaring Fork High School’s football team at their last game of the season at home at 7 p.m.

CRYSTAL THEATRE

“Ticket to Paradise” shows at the Crystal Theatre at 7:30 p.m. today and tomorrow. A Sunday matinee begins at 5 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. showings continue on Wednesday and Thursday, Nov. 2-3.

SATURDAY, OCT. 29

PUMPKIN CARVING

Carbondale Library hosts a pumpkin carving celebration at 1:30 p.m. Pumpkins, patterns and tools will be provided while supplies last.

HAUNTED HALL

Escape Rooms are back at Basalt Library. Sign up in groups of up to six people to solve clues in under 30 minutes with time slots from 3 to 6 p.m. Registration at www.bit.ly/BasaltEscapeOct29

TRUNK OR TREAT

Ascendigo Autism Services hosts an evening of autism-friendly fun at the Carbondale Fire Station from 4 to 6 p.m. If you’d like to volunteer, email Grace Sinclair at gsinclair@ascendigo.org

GLENWOOD CAVERNS

Hang out at the Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park after dark with lantern-lit cave tours and moonlit amusement rides from 6 to 9 p.m.

MARCHFOURTH

MarchFourth performs at TACAW at 8 p.m. Visit www.tacaw.org for tickets and more info.

HALLOWEEN DRAG

The Roaring Divas perform at the BlueBird Cafe at 8 p.m. followed by a dance party until 1 a.m. Visit www.bit.ly/RoaringDivas

SUNDAY, OCT. 30

CRAFTERNOON

Families create together during “Crafternoon” at the Art Base in Basalt from 10 a.m. to noon. Email paul@ theartbase.org with questions.

MONDAY, OCT. 31

RHYTHM OF CONNECTION

Feeling isolated, overwhelmed, uninspired or stuck? Carbondale Library offers a class from 10:30 a.m. to noon to help support your personal cultivation of rhythms and connections to mindfully thrive. All sessions are free and open; wear comfortable clothing and bring a towel or yoga mat, journal, pen/pencil and a water bottle.

TUESDAY, NOV. 1

OFRENDAS

Community members are invited to bring photos and mementos of loved ones who’ve passed to the ofrenda in front of the Launchpad, as it is a tradition of Día de los Muertos.

GRAB AND GO

On the first of each month, middle school and high school students can pick up a Grab and Go kit from The Art Base with supplies for an art project and bilingual instructions.

TALK ABOUT IT

Basalt Library hosts Let’s Talk About It: Real Estate in the Roaring Fork Valley from 4:30 to 6 p.m. Community professionals will offer their expertise.

DRAWING CLUB

The Roaring Fork Drawing Club returns to Batch Provisions for a final hoorah at 6:30 p.m.

WEDNESDAY, NOV. 2

LATINO OUTREACH

Join media of the Roaring Fork Valley at The Arts Campus at Willits for a presentation of survey results relating to Latino outreach and a complimentary breakfast from CC’s Cafe from 9 to 11 a.m.

BLOOD DRIVE

The Bloodmobile will be outside the Carbondale Recreation Center every first Wednesday of the month from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Be sure to bring a photo ID.

BOOK CLUB

Basalt Library hosts an informal discussion of all things books from noon to 2 p.m.

TEEN NAIL ART

Teenagers are welcome at Basalt Library to explore creating their own nail art from 2:30 to 3:30 p.m.

BRIDGE CLUB

Bridge players unite! Twice a month, on the first and third Wednesday afternoons, Basalt Library hosts newcomers and regular players from 4 to 6 p.m.

ALIVE THE SHOW

Get your dance on at TACAW with the return of “Alive the Show” tonight at 6 p.m. Visit www.tacaw. org for tickets and more info.

THURSDAY, NOV. 3

PUPPETS WITH MS. HOLLY

Ms. Holly, from the Waldorf School on the Roaring Fork, will lead a music and movement program on Thursdays in November from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. at Basalt Library.

MEDICARE PRESCRIPTIONS

In collaboration with High County RSVP, Basalt Library offers appointments for seniors looking to review or change their Medicare prescription drug plans from 1 to 4 p.m. Register online at www.bit.ly/RSVPMeds

ARTIST LECTURE

Autumn Knight, a visiting artist at Anderson Ranch in Snowmass, lectures from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. about working with performance, installation, video and text. A buffet dinner at the ranch will follow the lecture. Register online at www.andersonranch.org

FRIDAY, NOV. 4

LAST CALL

Batch Provisions, opening at 4 p.m., closes out First Friday with a toast to the memories and adventures to come.

a la 18va

Ofrenda Comunal | El 1ro de Noviembre

La celebración comenzará el Martes 1ro de Noviembre con la creación de la ofrenda comunal al The Launchpad. Recuerden traer sus fotos y recuerdos de aquellas personas a quienes quieran recordar.

Primer Viernes | El 4to de Noviembre

Las festividades continuarán en la 4th Street Plaza. Celebraremos junto a Francisco “Paco” Nevarez-Burgueno quien tiene veinte años de experiencia enseñando con el Ballet Folklórico.

4–5:30pm

En la 4th St. Plaza

Actuones de las sedas aéreas Pintura facial Juegos de Lotería Actividades artísticas Camiones de comida

6:00pm

En el Third St. Center

Una procesión comenzará a las 6pm por el centro. La misma terminará en la 4th Street y Main Street.

6:30–8:00pm

En la 4th St. Plaza

Más actuaciones del Roaring Fork Youth Orchestra, Ballet Folklórico, Mezcla Socials Dance y Mariachi Reyes de Jalisco. Competencia de disfraces de La Catrina.

Entre nuestros co-partícipes en este evento están Samuel y Iliana Bernal, Bonfire Coffee, Sopris Soarers, Mezcla Socials Dance, Bridges High School, OM

Roaring Fork Youth

Manaus,

Abundant

Más

(SANA).

en carbondalearts.com

Sol del Valle

¡Vota por las tierras públicas este noviembre!

candidatos a favor de la conservación para cargos públicos, y un deseo creciente de hacerlo.

Según la encuesta State of the Rockies 2022 Conservation in the West Poll de Colorado College, "el 88 % de los latinos dice que las cuestiones relacionadas con el agua limpia, la vida silvestre y las tierras públicas son importantes para decidir si apoyar a un funcionario público electo" y "el 84 % apoya la creación de nuevos parques nacionales, monumentos nacionales, refugios nacionales de vida silvestre y áreas tribales protegidas”.

• Infórmese sobre los temas y los candidatos.

¿Por qué estás votando en realidad? Los medios de comunicación no partidistas, así como organizaciones como Conservation Colorado o League of Conservation Voters tienen información sobre medidas y candidatos a nivel estatal; los medios de comunicación locales, como Aspen Daily News, Post Independent o Aspen Public Radio, tienen buena información sobre las carreras más cercanas a casa.

Defiende Nuestra Tierra

Por Omar Sarabia

Durante las elecciones de 2020, Wilderness Workshop y el programa Defiende Nuestra Tierra alentaron a las personas a registrarse para votar, alentaron a las personas a aprender sobre los candidatos y sus posturas sobre las tierras públicas y crearon todo tipo de materiales de "Vote Public Lands": es un mensaje que sentimos ¡fue fundamental en esa elección y es igual de importante hoy! Las elecciones de 2022 se llevarán a cabo el martes 8 de noviembre e incluirán una amplia gama de cargos, desde comisionados locales del condado hasta cargos estatales (como gobernador y fiscal general) y un escaño en el Senado de los EE. UU.

Cuando pienso en la increíble comunidad Latinx del oeste de Colorado, pienso en nuestras conexiones con el medio ambiente y la Madre Naturaleza. En mi experiencia, somos una comunidad apasionada por el aire libre, una comunidad cuyos trabajos están estrechamente ligados a las economías de recreación y turismo que operan en y alrededor de terrenos públicos, y una comunidad que ve la necesidad de proteger nuestros recursos naturales como una obligación moral. Tenemos el poder de ayudar a elegir

• Este sentimiento a favor de la conservación, junto con un gran aumento en la cantidad de latinos y latinas en nuestra región, significa que los políticos inteligentes se centran cada vez más en nuestra comunidad Latinx y en las políticas que nos afectan. Durante esta elección, lo invito a apoyar a los candidatos que son considerados con el valor del medio ambiente de nuestra comunidad, que se alinean con sus valores y que se preocupan por la salud ambiental de este hermoso valle.

• Dicho de otra manera, ¡espero que podamos usar nuestro poder para votar tierras públicas! Sé que hay muchos temas a considerar al emitir su voto, ¡pero recuerde que no tenemos una segunda oportunidad cuando se trata de proteger nuestro planeta! A continuación, he reunido una guía rápida para ayudarlo a votar tierras públicas:

• Asegúrate de estar registrado para votar. En Colorado, puede registrarse para votar en persona hasta el día de las elecciones. Si aún no está registrado, esto significa que puede ir a las urnas el martes 8 de noviembre, registrarse y emitir su voto. Si ya se registró, debería haber recibido su boleta por correo (más sobre esto a continuación). Puede verificar su registro de votante en Colorado visitando www. coloradosos.gov.

This November, Vote Public Lands!

By Omar Sarabia Defiende Nuestra Tierra

• ¡Vota! Las boletas se enviaron por correo a partir del lunes 17 de octubre a todos los votantes registrados, pero tiene diferentes opciones para entregarlas. Una vez que haya llenado su boleta, la haya sellado en el sobre de devolución y haya firmado y fechado el sobre, envíelo por correo (¡hasta el 1 de noviembre!) o llévelo a un buzón o a los centros de votación. Su boleta debe recibirse antes de las 7 p.m. el 8 de noviembre. Después del 1 de noviembre, la Oficina del Secretario de Estado dice que las boletas deben entregarse en persona, no enviarse por correo. Si desea votar en persona en un centro de votación, comuníquese con el secretario del condado local para obtener información sobre las ubicaciones y los horarios. Para obtener información adicional sobre las elecciones, visite www. GoVoteColorado.gov

• ¡Anima a otros a votar! Cada año, hay millones de votantes elegibles que no votan. ¡Asegúrese de que sus amigos, familiares y colegas no sean parte de este número! Usted puede alentar a más personas a votar a través de organizaciones como Protect Our Winters y Voces Unidas (que tiene información bilingüe).

• Si tiene preguntas sobre cómo registrarse para votar, dónde obtener información sobre los candidatos y las medidas electorales o si desea involucrarse más, no dude en comunicarse. ¡Y no se olvide de votar por las tierras públicas este noviembre!

During the 2020 elections, Wilderness Workshop and the Defiende Nuestra Tierra program encouraged people to register to vote, encouraged people to learn about candidates and their stances on public lands, and created all sorts of “Vote Public Lands” materials — it’s a message we felt was critical in that election and one that’s just as important today! The 2022 elections take place on Tuesday, Nov. 8 and will include a wide range of offices — everything from local county commissioners to statewide offices (like governor and attorney general) to a U.S. Senate seat.

When I think of Western Colorado's incredible Latinx community, I think of our connections to the environment and Mother Nature. In my experience, we are a community with a passion for the outdoors, a community whose jobs are closely tied to the recreation and tourism economies that operate on and around public lands, and a community who view the need to protect our natural resources as a moral obligation. We have the power to help elect pro-conservation candidates to public office — and a growing desire to do so.

According to Colorado College’s State of the Rockies 2022 Conservation in the West Poll: “88% of Latinos say that issues involving clean water, wildlife, and public lands are important in deciding whether to support an elected public official” and “84% support creating new national parks, national monuments, national wildlife refuges, and tribal protected areas.”

This pro-conservation sentiment coupled with large increases in the number of Latinos and Latinas in our region means savvy politicians are increasingly focused on the Latinx community and policies that affect us. During this election I urge you to support candidates who are considerate of our community’s value of the environment, who align with your values, and who care about the environmental health of this beautiful valley.

Put another way, I hope that we can use our power to Vote Public Lands! I know there are a lot of issues to consider when casting your vote, but remember that we don’t get a second chance when it comes to protecting our planet! Below I’ve assembled a quick guide to help you Vote Public Lands:

• Make sure you're registered to vote. In Colorado, you can register to vote in-person through Election Day. If you aren’t already registered, this means you can go to the polls on Tuesday, Nov. 8, register, and cast your ballot. If you've already registered, you should have received your ballot in the mail (more about this below). You can verify your voter registration in Colorado by visiting www.coloradosos.gov

• Learn about the issues and candidates. What are you actually voting for? Nonpartisan media outlets, as well as organizations like Conservation Colorado or the League of Conservation Voters have information about statewide measures and candidates; local news outlets — like the Aspen Daily News, Post Independent, or Aspen Public Radio — have good information on races closer to home.

• Vote! Ballots were mailed starting on Monday, Oct. 17 to every registered voter, but you have different options for returning it. Once you’ve filled out your ballot, sealed it in the return envelope, and signed and dated the envelope, put it in the mail (up until Nov. 1!) or take it to a drop box or voting center. Your ballot must be received by 7 p.m. on Nov. 8. After Nov. 1, the Secretary of State’s Office says ballots should be delivered in-person, not mailed. If you want to vote in-person at a voting center, contact your local County Clerk for information about locations and hours. For additional election information, visit: www.GoVoteColorado.gov

• Encourage others to vote! Every year, there are millions of eligible voters who don’t vote — make sure your friends, family, and colleagues aren’t part of this number! You can encourage more people to vote through organizations like Protect Our Winters and Voces Unidas (which has bilingual information). If you have questions about how to register to vote, where to get information about the candidates and ballot measures or want to get more involved, don’t hesitate to reach out. And don’t forget to Vote Public Lands this November!

Por Carlos Cornejo

Octubre es el mes de concientización sobre la violencia doméstica. Antes que nada, si estás en una relación abusiva, no estás sola. Si te sientes atrapada, debes saber que hay una salida. Si te sientes “loca” y te culpas por los maltratos de tu pareja y crees merecerlos, quiero que sepas que eres una persona hermosa y que vales mucho más de lo que te han hecho creer.

La violencia doméstica solo no son golpes y maltratos físicos. Aunque la mayoría de los casos culminan ahí, siempre empiezan de una forma más leve y van creciendo con el tiempo. El opresor te manipula de tal forma, que cuando te das cuenta piensas que ya es muy tarde; te hace sentir “loca”.

Es importante saber los síntomas de una relación tóxica para darte cuenta

No

que no estás “loca”. Lo que estás sintiendo es real y si tu espíritu te pide a gritos salir de la situación, hazlo. Si la siguiente lista te suena, te diré dónde conseguir ayuda.

Una señal muy fuerte es el control obsesivo, o sea, si tu pareja te cela demasiado y te vigila constantemente. Por ejemplo: Te exige que compartas tu ubicación, quiere ver todos tus mensajes o hace que a su celular lleguen réplicas de todos tus mensajes automáticamente, te aleja de tus amistades y familiares porque se molesta que pases tiempo con ellos, te acusa de coquetear con todo mundo, te cambia tu forma de vestir o solo de deja que te pongas la ropa que él te compra. No te permite trabajar o si trabajas te exige que le entregues todas tus ganancias.

Otra bandera roja son las amenazas. Las amenazas pueden ser dirigidas a ti, a tus hijos, a tus mascotas o incluso a ellos mismos. Por ejemplo, te dicen que si los dejas se van a quitar la vida o que le harán daño a tus seres queridos o mascotas. Esto con el propósito de manipularte y que sientas culpabilidad. A veces,

pueden comprar un arma y aunque no te amenazan con ella directamente, hacen comentarios que te ponen a pensar en que pueden usarla.

También están los insultos y humillaciones constantes. Aunque todas las parejas discuten y de vez en cuando se insultan, cuando las humillaciones e insultos son constantes no es saludable. Por ejemplo: Te hacen sentir menos, te tratan de tonta y loca, te grita malas palabras, se burlan de ti constantemente, especialmente cuando estas llorando o pasando por algo difícil, se burlan de tus logros o los ignoran por completo.

Los insultos llegan con cambios de humor frecuentes. Por ejemplo, si tu pareja quiere algo y tu no, se les quita inmediatamente lo dulce y se ponen histéricos. Te comienzan a gritar e insultar.

si alguien te

estuvieras

Estos son solo algunos síntomas, hay muchísimos más. Pero al final de cuenta es preguntarle a tu corazón si verdaderamente quiere continuar así. Recuerda que por más que te lo diga tu pareja, no estás loca. Y por más pisoteado que este tu autoestima, si hay una salida. Si puedes hacerlo ¡No estás sola!

La pregunta más grande es ¿Cómo le hago? Te tengo que decir que el camino no es fácil, pero si es posible. Si eres sobreviviente de violencia doméstica, llama a tu policía local. Haz una demanda. Tengo que advertirte que la policía no siempre te podrá ayudar ya que no siempre hay un crimen claro aunque hay abuso.

También puedes tramitar una orden de protección aunque no exista un crimen. Esta la puedes tramitar en la corte de tu condado local.

Donaciones por correo o en línea P.O. Box 399 Carbondale, CO 81623 970-510-3003 www.soprissun.com

Editor Raleigh Burleigh • 970-510-3003 news@soprissun.com

Editora Contribuyente Vanessa Porras

Directore Artístico Hattie Rensberry

Diseñadora de anuncios Alyssa Ohnmacht

Traductoras

Jacquelinne Castro y Dolores Duarte Distribucion

Frederic Kischbaum Bartlett

Executive Director

Todd Chamberlin • 970-510-0246 adsales@soprissun.com

Miembros de la Mesa Directiva Klaus Kocher • Kay Clarke Lee Beck • Megan Tackett

Gayle Wells • Donna Dayton Terri Ritchie • Eric Smith • Roger Berliner

el Sol del Valle agradece por su apoyo a: MANUAS, FirstBank y Alpine Bank

Algo que poco se menciona es el abuso sexual. Por ejemplo, te obliga a tener relaciones o hacer actos sexuales. Te humilla y se burla de tu sexualidad. Se molesta o es violento contra ti o contra otros objetos si te niegas a la intimidad.

Busca una comunidad, ya sea de fe u otra. Necesitas otras personas que te ayuden y te apoyen y que te recuerden que no estas loca.

Si necesitas apoyo o vivienda llama a Advocate Safehouse Project (970) 9452632.

The Sopris Sun, Inc. es una 501(c)(3) organización benéfica sin fines de lucro. Contribuciones financieras son deducibles de impuestos.

�ESCRÍBENOS!

Para contribuir ideas y contenido al Sol del Valle, escribiéndonos a: sol@ soprissun.com

Para comprar espacio publicitario en español, inglés, o ambos, mándanos un correo electrónico a: adsales@soprissun.com

También se puede contactarnos llamando a 970-510-3003.

Sopris

Por Vanessa Porras

De pequeños, nos llegaron a preguntar ¿qué quieres ser cuando seas grande? El mundo en ese entonces era amplio y las posibilidades ilimitadas. Había quienes decían que querían ser atletas profesionales y celebridades. También hubieron aquellos que querían ser artistas, bailarines, escritores, fotógrafos, etc.

Conforme fuimos creciendo, se nos pidió que fuéramos más realistas. Se nos aconsejaron trabajos y carreras que generan mucho dinero para vivir cómodamente ya que probablemente no seríamos el próximo Michael Jordan. Pero el mensaje era

El dilema de la persona creativa

confuso, porque veíamos a personas en la tele que sí habían realizado sus sueños.

Así que muy pronto nos encontramos con el dilema de hacer lo que nos hacía felices y lo que nos apasionaba o hacer lo que tal vez no fuera nuestro llamado en la vida pero que garantizaba un sueldo cómodo. Porque como hemos escuchado una y otra vez, es todo o nada.

Muchas de las personas que han realizado su sueño predican que el trabajo duro y la persistencia son los ingredientes secretos que les ayudó a lograr su sueño. Si solamente trabajas mucho entonces podrás ser exitoso. Pero si eso es cierto ¿significa que los que no lo han logrado, no han trabajado lo suficiente?

Tengo un problema con esta mentalidad que se ha ido fomentado culturalmente y socialmente. He visto a muchas personas trabajar duro por años y aun no alcanzar aquello que anhelan. Hace tiempo escuché casualmente a alguien decir, “si el trabajo

duro garantizara el éxito, las mujeres Africanas que carcan galones de agua sobre sus cabezas por millas, serían las personas mas exitosas del mundo”.

Mo Gawdat fue el director comercial de Google X y se ha reconocido últimamente como un experto de la felicidad. En una entrevista que tuvo en su podcast, Slo Mo, Gawdat habló con Carly Meyers. Esta entrevista se me hizo interesante porque Meyers comenzó una carrera exitosa como bailarina profesional. Gawdat quería saber sobre el lujo de ser una bailarina en musicales del prestigioso West End en Londres.

Resulta que a pesar de tener un título impresionante, Meyers aún batallaba para llegar a fin de mes. Suplementaba el trabajo como bailarina con el de mesera. Platicó que durante esa etapa estaba trabajando constantemente, hasta que a los 24 años se lastimó y su carrera en los musicales terminó.

La historia de Meyers me pareció similar a la de Elizabeth Gilbert, mejor conocida como la autora

del libro, Come, Reza, Ama. Gilbert escribió que su comienzo no fue el gran éxito que tuvo después del libro y la película que siguió. Antes de eso, Gilbert también trabajaba como mesera para poder pagar sus gastos mensuales en adición a escribir por las tardes y presentar su trabajo a empresas editoriales que frecuentemente la rechazaban.

La diferencia entre Meyers y Gilbert en mi opinión, es que Gilbert tuvo muy en claro desde el principio que ella haría lo que fuera necesario para apoyar financieramente su trabajo como escritora, en vez de esperar que su trabajo la apoyara a ella. En pocas palabras, para Gilbert era por amor al arte.

Hoy en día, el número en tu cuenta bancaria es sinónimo de tu nivel de éxito. Así que muchos artistas y personas creativas abandonan su llamado cuando no encuentran la fórmula secreta para ser “exitoso”. Comienzo a pensar que dicha fórmula secreta no tiene nada que ver con que tan duro

trabajes, pienso que el éxito es una decisión individual.

La realidad de la vida es que hay gastos que se necesitan cubrir para vivir, pero tu trabajo y tu pasión no tienen que ser lo mismo.

No me suscribo al tropo del "artista muerto de hambre", ni a matarme trabajando, mucho menos a la mentalidad de que las cosas tienen que ser todo o nada. Para mi, el éxito es encontrar un equilibrio entre un trabajo que pague bien y disfrute y al mismo tiempo seguir alimentando mi pasión y quitarle peso a mi creatividad de tener que generar dinero. Al no artista, define lo que para ti significa ser exitoso, al cabo que nadie sabe realmente lo que está haciendo ni mucho menos lo que significa ser exitoso.

FirstBank lanza la iniciativa ‘Empoderar a Todos’

Por Kate Phillips Traducción por Dolores Duarte

A principios de septiembre, FirstBank -uno de los mayores bancos privados del país- lanzó "Empoderar a Todos", un programa gratuito y bilingüe de educación financiera Enfocado en educación financiera, Empoderar a Todos busca mejorar la confianza e independencia financiera compartiendo orientación gratuita sobre temas bancarios importantes. La información está disponible tanto en español como en inglés en el sitio web de FirstBank e incluye cinco temas: fundamentos bancarios (tales como abrir una cuenta); hacer un presupuesto, ahorro e inversión; formas de construir y mejorar el crédito; pasos para ser propietario de una vivienda; y cómo prevenir pérdidas financieras debido a fraudes o fallas. Idealmente, esta oportunidad educativa ayudará a los participantes a conseguir un bienestar financiero a largo plazo, eliminando obstáculos -como el costo y barreras del idioma- que históricamente se han interpuesto en el camino de la gente para generar riqueza.

"Queremos hacer llegar esta información a la comunidad. Esto es parte de 'banking for good', y eso es algo de lo que FirstBank está orgulloso", dijo Marco Aguilar, oficial de banca de FirstBank. "Queremos incluir a todos".

La iniciativa arrancó durante el mes de la herencia hispana con una serie de reuniones regionales en persona - incluyendo un evento el 28 de septiembre en el restaurante mexicano Tequila's en Glenwood Springs, coordinado por Aguilar y Jorge A. Rojas López, vicepresidente de mercado de FirstBank para el valle. Según López, fue una excelente oportunidad para que los miembros de la comunidad disfrutaran de un refrigerio y aprendieran de los empleados de FirstBank sobre los beneficios de la iniciativa Empoderar a Todos.

"Hemos escuchado comentarios positivos sobre estos eventos y ya hemos incorporado con éxito a nuevos clientes que se acercaron a nosotros después de escuchar sobre esta iniciativa y nuestros esfuerzos comunitarios", dijo López, después del evento. Inspirado por el gran interés de la comunidad, López está encabezando la iniciativa de organizar más eventos presenciales en español.

"Entendemos la importancia de proporcionar recursos de educación financiera a todo el mundo, especialmente a la comunidad latinx, que a menudo se encuentra menos atendida", dijo López. "Al proporcionar estos recursos gratuitos [bilingües], podemos hacer nuestra parte para asegurar que todos tengan herramientas a su disposición para tomar decisiones financieras informadas en su idioma preferido".

Aunque los eventos en persona han culminado, al menos por ahora, el componente educativo continúa con la amplia colección de recursos bancarios bilingües de FirstBank en línea. El contenido de Empoderar a Todos es conciso, fácil de navegar y la información

Empleados de FirstBank y miembros de la emisora de radio La Nueva Mix crearon una velada divertida e informal para discutir temas bancarios importantes en el evento que dió arranque a -Empoderar a Todos- el 28 de septiembre en el restaurante mexicano Tequila's en Glenwood Springs. De izquierda a derecha, Alexandria Latz, Viri Salais, Jorge A. Rojas López, Nancy Menendez, Marco Marcelo Aguilar, Axel Contreras, Pauline Araujo-Agoitia y Kseniya Mamlin. Foto de cortesía

se presenta en formato de video y escrito para una mayor accesibilidad.

Según Aguilar, los temas fueron seleccionados por un equipo multicultural que quería llevar la información bancaria más relevante a la comunidad.

"Estamos aportando cosas que creemos que le faltan a nuestra comunidad, como la forma de conectar con nuestra comunidad hispana", dijo Aguilar. "Le planteamos a nuestro departamento de marketing que sentimos que hay mucha falta de comunicación y malentendidos... Queremos asegurarnos de proporcionar los recursos".

Para muchos miembros de la comunidad ser propietario de una vivienda es un tema crucial, y la iniciativa comparte cinco pasos que la gente puede seguir para encontrar una casa. El video para propietarios de viviendas detalla cómo obtener su puntuación crediticia, determinar la accesibilidad, cuáles son los pagos iniciales y los costos de cierre, encontrar un prestamista, obtener la precalificación y organizar su lista de deseos para su vivienda. Junto a la iniciativa Empoderar a Todos, el blog de FirstBank, "Smart Cents", ofrece recursos adicionales que incluyen consejos para ahorrar dinero en comestibles, cómo iniciar un negocio y formas de evitar estafas. Quizás el aspecto más convincente de la iniciativa Empoderar a Todos de FirstBank es la misión de crear un crecimiento financiero sostenible para los miembros de la comunidad. Según Aguilar, estos recursos gratuitos permiten a las personas hacer preguntas, tomar medidas y prepararse para el éxito a largo plazo.

"Siempre digo que el conocimiento es poder. No tengas miedo de hacer preguntas", instó Aguilar. "Queremos que nuestra comunidad tenga éxito y aumente su riqueza y esté financieramente [establecida]. Esa es la meta principal".

Para conocer más sobre la iniciativa Empoderar a Todos de FirstBank, visita www.es.efirstbank.com

El blog Smart Cents está disponible en www.efirstbankblog.com

CHISME

Traduccion por Jacquelinne Castro

Día de los Muertos

La biblioteca de Basalt invita al público a contribuir con fotos, flores y otros objetos para el altar comunitario honrando a nuestros seres queridos. Esta permanecerá abierta al público hasta el 29 de octubre. A la vez, Carbondale Arts organizará una ofrenda en Launchpad comenzando el 1 de noviembre. Luego, durante el primer viernes, Carbondale celebrará el Día de los Muertos en Fourth y Main Street con actuaciones y entretenimiento en vivo a las 4 p.m. seguido de una procesión que comenzará en Third Street Center a las 6 p.m. Para ser voluntario y ayudar, visite www.bit.ly/DiaVolunteering

Alcance latino

Únete junto con Roaring Fork Valley en The Arts Campus en Willits (TACAW por sus siglas en inglés) el 2 de noviembre para una presentación de respuestas de encuestas relacionadas con alcance latino, y un desayuno complementario de CC’s Café de 9 a.m. a 11 a.m.

La historia de Carbondale

El sábado 29 de octubre es la última oportunidad para los aficionados de la historia para poder examinar artefactos locales y observar carretes de “la vieja escuela” en Dinkel Mercantil Museum y History Theater antes de que Historical Society cierre la cabina durante el invierno. El museo, ubicado en 499 Weant Boulevard en Carbondale, está programado para reabrir en junio del 2023.

Impacto local

Durante la pandemia de COVID-19, Aspen Community Foundation (ACF) recaudó $9.7 millones a través de tres iniciativas de ayuda para negocios

locales y hogares desde Parachute a Aspen. La asistencia logró apoyar primordialmente a hogares y pagos de servicios públicos, alimentos, salud mental y física y a fortalecer la comunidad. ACF está distribuyendo lo último de esos fondos y publicó un reporte detallando como se asigno el dinero: www.bit. ly/ACFfunds

Estadísticas

Los resultados de un examen nacional de matemáticas y lectura de cuarto y octavo grados mostró que las puntuaciones de los estudiantes de Colorado bajaron en varias áreas comparadas con los resultados de antes de la pandemia, junto con el resto del país. El nivel de aptitud de matemáticas en octavo grado en el estado de colorado bajó del 37% en el 2019 a un 28% en el 2022, mientras que el cuarto grado vio una disminución del 44% al 36%, según lo informado por el departamento de educación. Los estudiantes de Colorado tuvieron mejores puntuaciones de lectura que el promedio nacional.

Peligro en enredos

La vida silvestre con astas está en marcha ya que emigran por el invierno y oportunidades de apareamiento. Este año, los ciervos y los alces son

especialmente propensos a enredarse con objetos como plástico, redes, decoraciones navideñas, etc.

Los Parques y Vida Silvestre de Colorado le piden al público que evalúen sus hogares y eliminen peligros potenciales de enredos.

Ayuda financiera

Kid’s First, el centro de recursos de niñez temprana de Aspen, incrementó sus fondos para la ayuda financiera para cuidado de niños y extendió la fecha límite para inscripciones hasta el 8 de noviembre. La asistencia está disponible para solicitantes con niños entre las edades de 5 años o menores que viven o trabajan en el límite de crecimiento urbano de Aspen. Para saber más visite aspen.gov/316/financial-aid

Hanging Lake

La destinación serena, Hanging Lake, estará abierta para el senderismo de invierno desde el 1 de noviembre hasta el 30 de abril del 2023, por primera vez desde el 2020. Un permiso es requerido para usar el sendero de Hanging Lake. Se les advierte a las personas que usen el sendero que condiciones de invierno existirán y que vayan con preparación. Los senderistas pueden comprar sus boletos y encontrar información en www. visitglenwood.com/hanginglake

Votación temprana en persona

La votación temprana en persona ya está disponible en todo el estado. Los votantes que recibieron una papeleta de votación por correo pueden devolverla a un buzón especial o un centro de votación o en línea hasta las 7 p.m. el día de la elección, el 8 de noviembre. Para saber más visite GoVoteColorado.gov

By Dominic Furer Youth Correspondent

Ah, Halloween…A day to dress up; a day to become someone you aren't; a day of partying and taking on a different form. I always enjoyed Halloween as a child, mostly for the candy and the opportunity to run around at night with my friends and family. The holiday always came as second nature to me.

Men and women in cheap synthetic togas and cleopatra wigs parade down the streets. You may hear a fuzzy speaker blaring the song “Walk Like an Egyptian” by The Bangles as they move past, usually in troupes. The ridiculousness of it all seemed natural; like Halloween, a day that's different yet seemingly customary in the eyes of the New World — natural, but fake. I always loved how fake it was.

But, as I grew older, I realized that

the holiday was harboring a dark and unfortunate secret. Only when you push aside the cheap frumpy fabrics and cakey makeup does the sad truth become apparent.

I first noticed the way my culture was being used when I was fairly young — perhaps 10. I thought it was strange how people would drape themselves in robes and wear brown plastic wigs with ends long and dramatically curled to resemble payes. What didn't make sense to me at the time was why they all looked the same. Surely people knew that not all Rabbis looked like Orthodox Jews? ‘Do people even know that not all Orthodox Jews look the same?’ I had wondered. In time, I stumbled upon the answer: they knew, but simply did not care.

Once I was old enough to understand, I was also offended. But, I realized that Judaism was far from being the only culture blatantly stereotyped during Halloween. The cultures and traditional garbs of Indigenous Americans, Hispanic subcultures, various religious groups and so on are seen as nothing more than a costume — something to throw on for a laugh or sexual appeal.

This conversation bears mentioning the rampant sexualization of the kimono. One may be surprised to learn that traditionally a kimono is a very

modest garment, with a high neck and fine fabric that falls as low as the ankles. As stated in Akemi Johnson’s article in The Guardian on July 3, 2019, “...the picture that would draw men inside, the epitome of desire, was the woman in the kimono — and an erotic style of kimono that doesn’t exist.”

As a child, I remember the joy I felt when my mother brought home a Japanese princess costume. It included a flimsy piece of fabric to be used as a belt, a black wig, fake chopsticks and even little earrings to add to the mystique. I wore it with felt butterfly wings I’d found in my closet. I considered it a killer Halloween costume.

What I hadn’t considered, however, was the implications of the costume. What right did I have as a Jewish boy to wear such a traditional garment? What did that say about the garment? What did that say about me? I was seven-years-old at the time and I hold nothing against my past self for twirling around in the mirror with my Spirit Halloween kimono. I didn’t know any better, and that was the problem.

If I had only known what sort of impact, what sort of message my costume put out into the world, I simply wouldn’t have worn it. People want to be good, I have found. If you explain to someone what sort of impact their actions will have,

they likely will change course. Most people don’t wake up one day and say, “I want to wear the spiritual clothing of minorities as a costume with the intention of presenting myself as something humorous or sexual.” They’re simply uninformed.

I decided to end this column by highlighting the importance of education. It may sound silly to some, or come off as pretentious to leave such a piece with the sentiment of learning more and growing — but, it’s truly as simple as that. And, the best part is: It's easy! There are many people who are sharing their stories in hopes that others will learn from them. It is our job to listen.We can all try a little harder to make people feel more comfortable and respected on Halloween.

Justin Douglas

Jamie Tisch

By Tucker Farris

What does it mean to have a voice? The answer I think can be found more steadily in the examination of the inverse, or rather: what it means to not have a voice. We stand often in social spaces and recognize that the voice is something far more significant to the experience of existence than the simple pressure of exhaled breath through the larynx to produce recognizable syntax.

Rather, the voice is the medium through which we communicate our empathy, joy, love, sorrow, despair and absolute desperation. It is in our voices that we find ourselves, lose ourselves and perform outward as ourselves in the truest form of who we are.

Having seen and experienced the

on Orange Trees’

Queer VOICES Theatre Project at TACAW this past weekend, I am moved to express my love and admiration for every element of the production and the transformative power of the emergent social space it facilitates; as well as herald it a masterpiece of human empathy embodied in movement, music and drama.

This production encapsulated the human experience, the human condition; that inherent social drive within every individual’s identity formation that lands on the need for self-love, selfvalidation and an experience of coming to know one’s self within and without. This showcase of hauntingly beautiful and deeply honest personal triumphs of the wonderfully talented cast represents the pinnacle of what it means to be human: to be yourself.

In the broader image of the queer experience, of the journey of recognizing yourself as othered, as facing the harrowing social journeys within that realization and because of it to find yourself not in a halcyon circle of perfect acceptance and love and safety, but to always be pressing forwards towards a better tomorrow. The Queer VOICES project did this loudly, proudly and in a way that could not remit a dry eye in the auditorium.

Watching it myself, I was transported by each of the talented cast members to a place of social and emotional vulnerability. Even in those short moments in the course of the performance, you find yourself engaged in a truly internal existential conversation with yourself.

The cast and crew of the production stepped far beyond entertainment and firmly rooted themselves as weavers of reflexive introspection at the forefront of their audiences. Their stories were true to the variance of the human condition and they spoke to the struggles, strife and ultimate triumphs of love in the modern age.

I cannot fully sing the praises of this absolute triumph, but to the co-directors Cassidy Willey and Art Williams, the cast and Jeanette Adams — the standup bassist. Bryan Alvarez-Terrazas, Kat Dressman, Quentin Farris, Hattie Rensberry, Dani Rivera, Micha Schoepe, Travis Wilson, stage manager, Betsy Zaubler, and designer, Gabriela Mejia, I offer nothing but my thanks for a transformative evening of introspection and meditation on the nature of being human. Your work, your art, your beauty is infinite and immortal in the minds of your audience and you have our infinite thanks for your warmth, honesty and love.

that my S&P [Standard and Poor's] 500 and my Roth IRA [Individual Retirement Account] can be in the same portfolio which is something I never knew. Now I can keep my savings there for the future.”

Bianca De La Torre, who took Wright’s elective last year and owns a few stocks herself, said, “Financial literacy gets you into the real world,” and that the skills can help students beyond the classroom. She added that not every student wants to attend college, and financial literacy can help them navigate other ways to be successful.

“Life revolves around money, and knowing how to make budget charts or open a business is important,” De La Torre stated.

Regardless of one’s future career path, it is agreed that financial literacy for our youth is imperative. Wright is currently advocating to make the RFHS elective a requirement to graduate. She said it will help our youth and our community.

“Financial literacy is the great equalizer,” she said. “It is the cornerstone for everything else they are going to do in life…No matter where they are on the financial spectrum, they have to learn how to manage it effectively so they can have financial security and success, however they define that.”

Whitcomb Terrace

Aspen

By Whitney Will

One of the things about astrology, as with life, is that if you pay attention long enough, eventually it is just the same stuff over and over again. Despite buzzwords like “portals” and “lion’s gate” and evolutionary language, astrology is essentially the study of cycles that repeat themselves.

Much in the same way that seasons repeat in definite order, though they are never quite the same, planetary alignments recalibrate at regular intervals, donning new forms while maintaining a similar archetypal core. Without this repetition, prediction would be impossible. We cannot recognize something we have never seen before and we can never know exactly

what form it will take this time around.

Astrologer and cultural historian Richard Tarnas wrote, “astrology is not concretely predictive, but archetypally predictive.” By this he means that astrology can reveal core patterns of the psyche and the type of experiences it is likely to be drawn to, but not that marriage will happen on such and such a date, or that you will lose a job here, or eat the perfect taco on a specific Saturday in 2043.

I am reflecting on this as I sit down to write about the Mars retrograde that begins next week, and on the column I wrote about the previous Mars retrograde in the fall of 2020. Like then, tensions are running high and the state of our democracy feels a little perilous. Like then, we were headed into an election. Like many election seasons and previous falls, despite what the alarmist news anchors might say, archetypally speaking, we have been here many times before.

Planetary retrogrades are

essentially a time of reset for that particular planet, a break in the normally scheduled programming. As the planets are metaphorical correlates for aspects of our own lives, these resets often begin as breakdowns and failures, a snag in the plan or method. If we can soften our pride and approach the issues with curiosity, eventually these delays reveal themselves as invitations into other ways of being.

From Oct. 30 to Jan. 12, 2023, Mars will appear to move backward through the zodiac, and the martial principle will enter a state of insecurity, personally and collectively.

Mars at his core is about decision and action. To say this principle is a doubleedged sword is perhaps a little on the nose, but I would be remiss to not emphasize that every tool can be used constructively or destructively. While Mars is retrograde, we have a chance to reevaluate how we are using our power and to what end. A hammer without

enough force or coordination is ineffective, too much and it destroys what it aims to construct.

The entirety of the retrograde will take place in the sign of Gemini, an air sign that represents the creative force of the mind, the flurry of ideas and ideologies, and the power of language to create reality. It is a cerebral space, and Mars in Gemini can weaponize ideas and words alike. Gemini is the sign of multiplicities, and when our decision-maker (Mars) inhabits this sign, he can become paralyzed by the number of choices, or burnt out by trying to accomplish too many disparate things.

To navigate the tricky weeks ahead, I am meditating these three mantras: 1) things might not be what they seem, 2) the answer is in plain sight, if I change how I am looking, and 3) when I am feeling overwhelmed, rest instead of quit. Gemini is especially good at creative problemsolving, so when things hit a roadblock, lean into

innovative solutions rather than applying more force. While Mars seeks to make things happen, he is not particularly diplomatic, and so wherever Mars is in the zodiac signifies areas of particular conflict. In the labyrinth of political and social ideologies in fierce competition right now, accusations of inaccuracy, false evidence, and imperfect logic abound. If we seek to change anyone’s mind by intellectual overpowerment, we will probably fail. Mars retrograde is a far better time to change our own minds by approaching alternative views with curiosity, active listening, and a sense of playfulness. The road is long, and like I said, we have all been here before.

Whitney Will is an astrologer and psychotherapist who grew up in Carbondale. You can find her work, including classes and personal readings, at www. starhearthastrology.com

Haikus

Wendy Moore By Bob Schultz School servant leader Director of thespians Bravo Wendy Moore!

End of the Leaves

By Jampa

Leaves, most fallen down Follow me in on my shoes Crunching under foot.

More Poetry

Ahhh…Fall

By Kitty Riley

At last the pall of Summer heat is lifted

Breezes toss gold Coins from aspen trees

That meld with leaves

Of copper and brass And a few rubies

It seems easier to breathe now

My feet search for Those leaf-caches

At the edges of sidewalks Or swirled into corners

Ahhh

The giggly delight of crunching

Art by Sofie Koski

The Town of Carbondale Parks and Rec Department is hiring a Part Time Lead Customer Service Representative

Under the direction of the CRCC Front Desk manager, this position is responsible for coordinating the Rec Center day-to-day operations and front desk staff. Performs a variety of customer service duties, registrations, rentals, and facility up-keep. Actively involved in training and scheduling. Position hours vary and potentially involves working normal working hours, mornings, evenings, weekends, and some holidays, depending upon the specific need.

Maximum 30 hours per week Pay Scale: $20-$22/hour

For more information and to apply, please visit: www.carbondalerec.com or email Jamie at jwall@carbondaleco.net

Earlier this year, a coalition of eight media organizations based in the Roaring Fork Valley with support from the Colorado News Collaborative launched a survey to gauge awareness of and attitudes and behaviors towards local news media among Latino, bilingual and Spanish-speaking community members.

Come meet our community’s local reporters, broadcasters, and publishers. Hear more about what the survey shows and help guide us in what next steps might look like. Give your feedback in support of more Spanish news and information in the Roaring Fork and Colorado River Valleys.

Sopris Sunthe

Life-sized creepy crawler, photo by Justin Case

but most importantly warned that proliferation of these types of uses in residential areas could displace long-term renters who are key to the economy and community of our town. The trustees undertook a number of meetings to hear from the public and suss out a strategy. The early meetings were emotional and contentious, but slowly a semblance of consensus emerged to regulate STRs in a way that balanced some need for visitor accommodations with a need to protect long-term renters and create some funding for housing security in Carbondale. Issue 2A is just one of the results of that considerate and collaborative process and enjoys wide support from those who were involved on both sides. Carbondale’s annual budget is roughly one-quarter the size of Basalt’s, one-eleventh the size of Glenwood’s, and one-fifteenth the size of Aspen’s. While 2A will only add a modest amount to our housing fund, creating a dedicated funding source for housing demonstrates commitment to helping solve our housing issues and offers the town key leverage to match other grants. This tax is fair for STR landlords who still enjoy very low residential property tax rates compared to commercial lodges. In any case, they are expected to pass along its costs to visitors who enjoy the community and services long-term renters make possible. Please support 2A.

Chris Hassig, Carbondale Editor’s note: Hassig currently serves as a Carbondale trustee.

Yes on 2A

buydowns or matching funds, we need a revenue source that is being paid by visitors rather than residents.

Marty Silverstein, Carbondale Editor’s note: Silverstein currently serves as a Carbondale trustee.

Vote for Becky

I'm endorsing Becky Moller for Garfield County clerk and recorder because she is an excellent leader who is extremely well versed in the law and handles complex issues professionally and fairly. I've been honored to work with her on a municipal commission and a community project and have found her easy to work with. She will make an excellent county clerk. Vote for BECKY MOLLER FOR GARFIELD COUNTY CLERK.

John Williams, Carbondale

Vote for Becky

I have known Becky Moller since 2008. We jointly served on the Parks and Recreation Commission for the town of Carbondale for over a decade. During the time that we worked together, it became clear that Becky cares deeply about making a difference in her community. She has a strong sense of justice and is someone I consider to have the highest integrity. Becky is not swayed by popular opinion and has a strong sense of character. She isn’t afraid to say what needs to be said and to follow law and procedure as it is laid out before her. As the county clerk, she would serve as the chief election official for the county. I have no

Vote for Phil

I urge my fellow Carbondale citizens and other Colorado registered voters who are reading this, to vote for Phil Weiser for Colorado Attorney General. I have known Phil for nearly 15 years and am extremely proud of his success as Attorney General. For those who don’t know him, Phil has had a distinguished legal career. He clerked on the U.S. Supreme Court for Justices Byron White & Ruth Bader Ginsburg. He worked in the Justice Department, focusing on antitrust issues. He taught and served as dean at University of Colorado Law School, and he was a senior adviser for technology and innovation during the Obama Administration. For the past 4 years, he has served admirably as Colorado’s Attorney General. He ought to be re-elected.

Among his many successes as Attorney General, Phil has worked hard to fight for affordable housing; to protect our land, water and air; to safeguard our constitutional rights and the rule of law; and to defend the integrity of our elections and democracy. Phil has done this hard work without fanfare or self-aggrandizement, without scandal and without acrimony. He has dutifully done his job and he deserves a second term. Phil is not a career politician. He has undertaken this role out of public service, and we should reward that with voting to re-elect him. We need more elected leaders like Phil.

Whether you’re Republican, Democrat or Unaffiliated, I encourage you to cast your ballot for Phil Weiser as Attorney General. It feels good to vote for someone you know deserves the job and won’t let you down.

Chris Bryan, Carbondale

Letter policy: Please limit your letters to 500 words. We are committed to including all perspectives in The Sopris Sun. If your letter does not appear, it may be because of space limitations in the paper or because other letters we printed expressed the same idea or point of view. Letters are due by noon on the Monday before we go to print.

LEGALS

PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that a Public Hearing will be held before the Carbondale Board of Trustees for the purpose of considering an update to the Town’s Comprehensive Plan. The applicant is the Town of Carbondale.

Said Public Hearing will be held at the Carbondale Town Hall, 511 Colorado Avenue, Carbondale, CO at 7:00 p.m. on Novem ber 15, 2022. You may also participate via Zoom. The Zoom link will be available on the November 15, 2022 Board of Trust ees agenda.

Copies of the draft Comprehensive Plan are on file in the Planning Department office, Town Hall, 511 Colorado Ave nue, Carbondale, CO and may be examined by interested per sons during regular working hours, 8:00 a.m. through 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. The draft Comprehensive Plan may also be reviewed on the Town’s website at www.carbon dalegov.org or Chart Carbondale website at www.carbondale connect.org/chart-carbondale

Jared Barnes, Planning Director

These skeletons were soaking up the sunshine and livin’ la vida loca at the “Tropical Cafe” before the snow fell on Wednesday, Oct. 26. Carbondale resident, Denise Moss, is known for her wild and quirky decorations this time of year. Do what these bones do best, stay warm and have a happy Halloween. Photos by James Steindler

Correction:

It was inaccurately stated in last week's article about the race for County Clerk and Recorder that Becky Moller decided to run because no Democrats were running. In fact, by late February, no one was running. Jackie Harmon announce her candidacy in March. Also, Moller does in fact have a website: www.beckymollergarcoclerk.com

Smoker Friendly has Part Time Sales Associate positions at our Glenwood Springs location.

If you enjoy working with the public in a clean and fun work environment, we are the company you’re looking for. We offer compet itive pay and opportunities for advancement. Must be able to work weekends and evenings and able to pass our company background screening. Prior retail experience along with cash handling is a plus.

Pay/Compensation is $17.00 to $18.00 per hour.

To apply go to our website: www.smokerfriendly.com/apply -click on the Colorado flag note store #125. You can also fill out application at our stores located the following: 2902 S. Glen Ave., Unit C, Glenwood Springs, CO 81601.

Graphic Designer wanted to produce Ads and Special Sections for the Sopris Sun / el Sol del Valle. Proficiency with Adobe Creative Suite: InDesign, Photoshop, Illustrator, Acrobat, InCopy. Print publication experience preferred. Bi-lingual En glish/Spanish would be helpful. Website Management, Social Media, eNewsletter experience helpful. This Deadline Driven part-time contractor position 5-10 hours on Monday/Tuesday to start with potential to increase hours in 2023. Please send letter of interest and resume to Todd@SoprisSun.com