20221117

Kristi Nicholls was a Carbondalian, psychotherapist, triathlete, CAFCI steering committee member and mother of four. On Oct. 30, she legally and peacefully ended her life, with her four adult children at her side, before having to endure the grand mal seizures and strokes that would have been in her future. CAFCI dedicates this column to her.

Ron Kokish: On Oct. 26, Kristi told me she was excited about dying, about the energy called Kristi becoming something new and different. Four days later, with her children gathered around, Kristi took a medication to help her hold down what would come next. Then she drank medication to stop her heart; finally, she drank a lethal sedative, followed by another drug so as not to be conscious when the second medication took effect. Shortly thereafter, the Kristi energy transformed as planned.

Larry Bogatz: Early in 2019, I settled into an airline seat, said good morning to the woman on my right and prepared for takeoff. I was looking forward to a long-postponed family visit, and was more outgoing than usual. As I traded pleasantries with my seatmate, I learned that her name was Kristi and that she was going to a psychology conference.

Some friends and I had recently formed CAFCI,

LETTERS

Near New, old story

a group of older citizens dedicated to making Carbondale an ever-better place to live for people of all ages and abilities by contributing its voice and participating in civic issues, planning and policy development. Kristi, who was at least 10 years younger than most of us, shared our mission. She asked how she could become involved, and I gave her contact information. A few weeks later, I was pleasantly surprised to learn that she had met our co-chair for coffee and conversation and had joined us. Our coincidental trip turned out to be the beginning of an important, but all-too-short, friendship.

Frank Sgambati: We are taught early about how others think we ought to live, but rarely do these teachings include much about how we ought to die, as if dying were not a part of living. Dying is what my friend Kristi often taught about, and when her time to die arrived, she lived her teachings and died on her terms.

Kristi was hopeful when she was diagnosed with cancer. She endured tests,

scans, drugs and procedures along with nausea, pain, mobility issues, brain fog and depression. Gradually, she began looking at alternatives to a helpless and painful death.

As long as she lived, Kristi taught us how to plan for death. She taught us how to talk to medical professionals about dying. She taught us that dying is living. She taught us how to say goodbye. She taught us about compassion, listening, strong values and thoughtfulness. She lived what she taught. Her final gift provided us with one example of a path to a dignified death. Thank you, my friend.

Niki Delson: Kristi reminded me to live by my word — to live with intention and agency, and choose my own path. She reminded me that I have no choice about death but do have choices about the part of life called dying. Kristi ended her life with grace and commitment and a lesson about endings and beginnings.

Nancy Peterson: Kristi attended her first CAFCI meeting in-person. Then, COVID hit and our meetings became virtual. Wanting to deepen our relationships, we began sharing our life stories.

Kristi’s story was filled with raising children, fulfilling careers, outdoor adventures and her obvious love of life. But, she had stage 4 cancer. She wanted to live, and I watched her bravely pursue therapies to do so. Finally, her quality of life deteriorated to the point where she didn’t want to live. As a veterinary

nurse, I’ve ended the lives of suffering animals, but I never knew a person who chose to end their own life. Kristi was very grateful to have that option and, although her death as the youngest CAFCI member seems unreal to me, I am also grateful she had that choice.

Judie Blanchard: I have companioned many people on the last journey of their lives, both professionally with those experiencing cancer and personally with those I loved. Unlike Kristi, all were waiting for death. Luckily for Kristi, she had a choice under Colorado’s Medical Aid in Dying Act. Kristi’s legacy of living a full life with clarity and courage is what I will remember, and is beautifully expressed by poet Dawna Markova:

I will not die an unlived life. I will not live in fear Of falling or catching fire. I choose to inhabit my days, To allow my living to open me, To make me less afraid, More accessible, To loosen my heart Until it becomes a wing, A torch, a promise. I choose to risk my significance, To live so that which came to me as seed Goes to the next as blossom, And that which came to me as blossom, Goes on as fruit.

Mature Content is a monthly feature from the Carbondale AARP Age-Friendly Community Initiative (CAFCI)

I came to Carbondale in 1961 with my husband who was hired to teach at Colorado Rocky Mountain School, a fledgling college preparatory school founded on the Bar Fork Ranch in 1953. Salaries were skimpy and we depended on the Near New for clothing and a few household items. We could also meet community members there.

Without the existence of the Near New, sponsored by the Seven Stars Rebekah Lodge, I could not have provided clothes for my growing family. Today, as a member of the Rebekahs and among an outstanding team of volunteers, I am privileged to serve on Saturday afternoons.

But what could cause us to close?

Not the abundance of donations, clothes and items for all ages and households and explorers of all kinds. We could close if useless or broken items are left on the sidewalk which faces the Smithy.

Why?

We are staffed by volunteers, some of whom spend more than 40 hours a

week sorting what is donated and can be repurposed, recycled and sold from what is … trash. Instructions about leaving donations appear outside the building.

Our operating expenses include standard utilities, weekly cleaning and delivery of items which could be used in other thrift operations. Our “profits” go to a variety of community organizations. Rebekah members meet twice monthly to determine gifts.

Information on where our profits go and items we cannot take is posted in the store. One person’s trash is not always another’s treasure. Sometimes, it is simply trash. With the cooperation of our community we can keep this vital resource operating. Step one is not donating useless or broken items. Step two is coming to shop and participate in a win-win sustainable solution as well as real thrift. Many thanks to numerous people who donate and even ask ahead if something can be used.

The Near New is open from noon to 4 p.m. Wednesdays through Saturdays but will closed will be closed Nov. 20-28.

Mary-Ann Sands, Carbondale

Thanksgiving

On Thanksgiving, when I was a boy, I asked my dad, "What are you thankful for?” He said, “I'm up to a billion blessings and I've lost count."

How lucky are we to call the Roaring Fork playground we love home?

Whether it's fishing, boating, rafting, kayaking, camping, wildlife viewing or gazing at the Crystal, Roaring Fork, Fryingpan, or Snowmass Creek — every day waking up in our valley is a gift. Mt. Sopris, Sunlight Peak, Snowmass, Aspen Mountain, Aspen Highlands, Buttermilk, Missouri Heights, Red Hill, Basalt Mountain, Marble, Treasure Mountain, Mt. Justice or any of our high places, give us a challenging invitation to explore.

People choose to live in this valley because we are filled with a passion for life, exploration and exercise. Many of us work in the valley but we work on “the mountain” or are involved in the service industry allowing everyone to appreciate eating, skiing, sleeping, moving and enjoying life which is accessible to

Editor

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

Contributing Editor James Steindler

Editorial Graphic Designer Hattie Rensberry

Advertising Graphic Designer Alyssa Ohnmacht

Delivery

Frederic Kischbaum Bartlett Proofreader Lee Beck

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

Youth Program Coordinator Jeanne Souldern

Current Board Members board@soprissun.com

Klaus Kocher • Kay Clarke Lee Beck • Gayle Wells Donna Dayton • Terri Ritchie Eric Smith • Roger Berliner • Jessi Rochel

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

The Sopris Sun, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit corporation with a mission to inform, inspire and build community by fostering diverse and independent journalism. Donations are fully tax deductible.

Sincerest thanks to our Honorary Publishers for their annual commitment of $1,000+

Lee Beck & John Stickney • Kay Brunnier Michelle & Ed Buchman

Eric Smith • Sue Edelstein & Bill Spence Deborah & Shane Evans

Greg & Kathy Feinsinger

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Carly & Frosty Merriott

James Noyes • Megan Tackett

Patti & George Stranahan

Anne Sullivan & John Colson

Elizabeth Wysong • Alpine Bank

Legacy Givers for including us in their final wishes. Mary Lilly

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Carbondale, CO 81623

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The Sopris Sun, Inc. is a proud member of the Carbondale Creative District

Spruce up The Sun

Break out the art supplies, it’s time for our annual “Spruce Up The Sun” cover illustration contest! This year’s theme is: Travel Through Time. The contest is open to local kids from pre-kindergarten through high school. Submissions can be dropped off in the designated box outside the Launchpad in Carbondale and the deadline is Dec. 13.

Respiratory illnesses

The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment is monitoring increases in respiratory viruses, including flu, Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) and COVID-19. Cases are occurring earlier than usual in the season with a rapid increase in hospitalizations for RSV (already surpassing the total for last season), putting strain on the pediatric health care system. Accordingly, the state’s COVID-19 disaster declaration has been extended by executive order to include RSV, influenza and other respiratory illnesses.

Art mentorship

The Claudette Carter Art Mentors Program pairs young, aspiring artists with experienced local artists to explore the importance of process over five months and culminating with an exhibit at the Art Base. Sophomore, junior and seniors high school students are encouraged to apply by Dec. 9; details at www.bit.ly/ArtMentors2023

Operation Christmas

The week of Nov. 14-21, Samaritan’s Purse, the international Christian relief organization, invites people to fill a shoebox with toys, hygiene products, school supplies and more to be sent to children in need worldwide. Locally, people can drop off a packed shoebox at The Orchard church in

Carbondale, the First Baptist Church in New Castle or the Rocky Mountain Baptist Church in Rifle. For information on how to pack a shoebox, visit www.bit. ly/OperationChristmasRFV

Valley Visual Art Show

Carbondale Arts is accepting applications from artists for their works to be featured in the 44th Annual Valley Visual Art Show, but don’t delay because the deadline is Dec. 5. Anyone living within a zip code beginning in “816” is eligible to apply. Visit www.bit.ly/ValleyVisualArtShow for more information and to apply.

Food facility feasibility

As part of a feasibility study, Pitkin County and Lift-Up have teamed up to solicit opinions from local farmers and small business owners from Garfield, Eagle and Pitkin counties about the potential for a food facility and/or warehouse at the Emma Townsite and/or the former Carbondale City Market. Farmers can fill out the survey at www.surveymonkey.com/r/RoaringForkFarmers and small business owners or food entrepreneurs can do the same at www.surveymonkey.com/r/ RoaringForkBiz

Too cool

The Colorado Chamber of Commerce honored Marble Distillery with their “Coolest Thing Made in Colorado” award in the Best Food and Beverage category. Connie Baker, head distiller and founder, commented, “[We are] excited for everyone in Colorado to enjoy the coolest, most sustainable local vodka, made with 100% Colorado-grown grains and pure Crystal River water.” Receive a 10% discount with the promo code “Cool” at www. shopmarblespirits.com

Logo design contest

The Roaring Fork Valley Wildfire Collaborative invites local high school students to submit logo designs for the alliance of local organizations working to reduce wildfire risk and protect people, property and places. The winning design will receive $250 and special recognition. Entries should be submitted to ali.hager@aspenfire.com with “Logo Contest” in the subject line by Dec. 16.

They say it’s your birthday!

Folks celebrating another trip around the sun this week include: Thomas Cerise, Katie Hankinson, William Steindler, James Steindler and Robin Tolan (Nov. 17); Larry Smith (Nov. 18); Rowynn Anthes, Kelsey Clapper and Heather Lafferty (Nov. 19); Mike Metheny and Rosie Sweeney (Nov. 20); Karen Barbee,

Alpine Bank’s 50th anniversary 2023 calendar, featuring the whimsical art of Larry Day, is now available! Each month illustrates in detail a place in Colorado where Alpine Bank operates a branch. Mosey on down to your nearest branch to inquire about taking home a copy of the calendar. Courtesy art

State okays use of treated wastewater for drinking

By Ken Pletcher Sopris Sun Contributor

On Nov. 14, the state’s Water Quality Control Commission (WQCC) members gave final approval to regulations that pave the way for treated wastewater from sanitation districts to be used as drinking water. The measure had won unanimous provisional approval by the commissioners at its October meeting. The WQCC is the administrative agency under the Colorado Department of Public Health & Environment that is “responsible for developing specific water quality policy” in the state.

The process is known as direct potable reuse (DPR), where wastewater that has been treated in the conventional way at a sanitation plant is subjected to further purification and filtering that brings the effluent up to potable (drinking-quality) level. It can then be recirculated into municipal water systems.

The standard process for handling wastewater in Colorado is that, after an appropriate level of treatment, it is returned to a river,

stream or reservoir or is injected into the ground. In that way, the discharge mixes with “raw” surface water or groundwater, which then acts as an environmental buffer. Downstream from those discharge sources, the combined flow can become a source for drinking water after it is suitably treated at a municipal waterworks, a process called indirect potable reuse (IPR).

The sanitary districts of each of the three main communities along the Roaring Fork River — Carbondale, Basalt and Aspen — all discharge treated wastewater into the river. None uses water directly from the Roaring Fork in its water supply, but the water systems of Basalt and Carbondale obtain part of their water from wells driven into the Roaring Fork alluvium (accumulated sediments along the river bed).

The process leading up to WQCC’s approval of the new rule on DPR was several years in the making. Tyson Ingels, the lead drinking water engineer on staff at the WQCC, told The Sopris Sun that the final decision came from a 2021

informal stakeholder process that was “built on four to five years of earlier work” by highly skilled experts in the field. He continued, “I’m really proud of the amount of collaboration and good will from stakeholders and professionals … we really relied on a lot of expertise from them.”

Laura Belanger, a water reuse specialist and policy advisor at Western Resource Advocates who was involved in the WQCC’s process, echoed Ingels’ sentiments. She told The Sun that it was a “wellcrafted regulation” and “a super collaborative effort” that was “very transparent and included a lot of one-on-one with affected communities.” She continued, “We’re really excited about this new regulation,” which will “help meet the gap between supply and demand,” especially on the Front Range.

Ingels elaborated on the process to finalize the regulation. Now that it has been formally adopted by the WQCC, it is being sent to the Secretary of State’s office, which will then publish it. Following a 20-day period after publication, the regulation will become

Schematic of one way wastewater can be treated and used as potable water. From "Guidelines for Direct Potable Reuse in Colorado", 2019; National Water Research Institute

official. Ingels did note that the new rules are completely optional for a city or town and are in place to guide the process for adopting a DPR system. He mentioned that the agency has not yet received any applications.

It seems likely that the development of any early DPR systems will be in the densely populated Front Range urban corridor, where economies of scale will be an important factor for the considerable investment required. Mark O’Meara, utilities director in Carbondale, told The Sun that DPR was an “ongoing debate,” but that, “We don’t have anything in the pipeline … the infrastructure to do [DPR] would be significant.”

In an email to The Sun, Nathan Nelson, treatment

manager at the Aspen Consolidated Sanitation District, stated that DPR was “the future of wastewater treatment.” He went on, “I can see it happening in Aspen if the never-ending drought and dwindling snowpack forces us to reuse wastewater and treat it to potable standards.”

And then there is the “ick” factor, the notion that one may be drinking water derived from sewage. Belanger emphasized the importance of reaching out early to the community (including non-English speakers), and making it clear that the use of DPR is really no different from the growing number of IPR systems in use throughout Colorado.

By James Steindler Contributing Editor

Snow is flying and the temps have dropped below freezing. It’s a perfect recipe to instill safe and slow driving habits. What’s more is the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) is currently down a number of snow plow operators for clearing Highway 82 and Highway 133 this winter season.

Only three of 10 snow plowing positions for the region are currently filled. While this may read as alarming at first, CDOT assures that there is no need to be overly concerned and moreover that worker shortages for the state agency are not atypical. Last year, CDOT only had five of the positions filled for the same area.

As needed, CDOT plans to divert drivers who typically (un)cover roads in Grand Junction to the Roaring Fork and Crystal River valleys.

“We’ve identified employees with the proper license and training and we will strategically bring them up to the Roaring Fork Valley based on detailed weather forecasts and conditions,” Elise Thatcher with CDOT told The Sopris Sun. “CDOT is a large organization and one of the benefits of having many teams out in the field is that there is redundancy.” She added that personnel traveling farther than their assigned region are compensated with overtime.

Thatcher notes that employers are competing to hire people with commercial drivers licenses (CDL) across the country due to global supply chain issues. On top of which, especially locally, the cost of living has affected retention.

“In the Roaring Fork Valley in particular, the acute rise in housing costs — especially in areas like Rifle and Parachute, which have historically been affordable — create a challenge across the workforce,” said Thatcher.

“Mountain areas which combine higher housing

costs and sometimes limited applicant pools can be harder to fill,” she continued, and then circled back, “but surging staff from across areas of the state is an effective strategy for managing gaps which has been successful for years in areas like Interstate 70 near the Eisenhower Tunnel.”

On Nov. 3, CDOT released a fact sheet, “CDOT Maintenance Readiness”, acknowledging the worker shortage and strategies implemented to address it. The document begins: “CDOT is taking an all-handson-deck approach to the upcoming winter,” and goes on to describe tactics for retaining workers and navigating snow removal this season.

“Tactics include rotating crews to address roadways that are being highly impacted by adverse conditions, providing updated housing stipends — and workforce housing in some of Colorado’s most sought after locations — and growing CDOT’s CDL program to those just starting out in their careers as professional highway maintainers.”

Working for CDOT

In the past two months, according to the Nov. 3 fact sheet, 68 people have joined CDOT to help maintain state roadways.

While the job calls for a standard 40-hour work week, there are times when employees are called out in the middle of the night to address issues which require CDOT’s attention.

“Also, during snowstorms, maintenance employees switch to 12-hour shifts,” explained Thatcher. “They often end up working more than 40 hours a week during a storm … and they are again earning overtime for those additional hours.”

Noting that prospective employees may feel discouraged to pursue a career which requires obtaining a CDL before being hired, CDOT toted its on-the-job training program. Since September 2021, 72 employees have earned their CDLs and, according

to the Nov. 3 release, “33 students are currently in the program and expect to have their CDLs in the next few weeks.”

Since 2018, CDOT has been providing housing stipends for some of its employees living in areas where there is a higher cost of living. After recently performing a market analysis, CDOT decided “to extend stipends to a broader range of geographic areas.” Stipends can reach up to $2,000 a month depending on the location.

“Together we help make sure locals can get to school, the grocery store, doctor appointments and other critical parts of day-to-day life,” concluded Thatcher. “It’s a demanding job and CDOT is taking several new and innovative steps to better compensate employees for their work.”

Honoring veterans, at home and abroad

Guest submission

American Battle Monuments Commission

Glenwood Springs native Jason Bordelon has been serving as the superintendent of the American Battle Monuments Commission’s Netherlands American Cemetery in Margraten, Netherlands for more than a year.

He oversees the day-to-day operations of the cemetery, including the pristine upkeep of the grounds and memorials, but most importantly the dignified commemoration of the nearly 8,300 U.S. military members buried there and the more than 1,700 individuals whose names are inscribed on the walls of the site’s Tablets of the Missing.

Tens of thousands of individuals visit the cemetery each year, including many veterans and active-duty service members. Veterans Day is a particularly important time for the cemetery and its visitors.

“Veterans Day is an incredibly special day here at Netherlands American Cemetery,” said Bordelon. “Of all of the visitors that we see, veterans really encapsulate that spirit of service and sacrifice that the ABMC represents.”

Bordelon is currently working to usher in a new visitor center at the cemetery, which will help to tell the World War II story and give context

to the rows of marble headstones that line the grounds. The center will help preserve the legacy of those individuals who gave their lives helping to liberate the region from German occupation during World War II.

This includes the 83 Colorado natives who are buried at the cemetery — individuals like Army Pfc. John H. Boysen of the 259th Infantry Regiment, 65th Infantry Division, who was killed on April 4, 1945, and Army Cpl. Roy Lewis, who served with the 508th Parachute Infantry Regiment and was killed on Sept. 17, 1944.

Along the Tablets of the Missing, a bronze rosette appears beside Colorado native Pvt. Harry Wilder’s name. Wilder served with the 110th Infantry Regiment, 28th Infantry Division, and died on Nov. 15, 1945. Though not recovered after the war, he was never forgotten. His remains were identified in 2018, and the rosette was placed as a sign that he is now accounted for.

Of the 16 million Americans who served in World War II, more than 400,000 died during the war. Tens of thousands are still unaccounted for. Many groups of veterans and military members visit the site to lay wreaths and honor their service.

Basalt falls to defending champ Eaton

By Luke Wander Sopris Sun Contributor

Basalt traveled to two-time defending state champion Eaton on Saturday, Nov. 12, hoping to earn a spot in this weekend’s semifinals. The Longhorns and the Fighting Reds carried winning streaks of ten games and 9 games, respectively, into the matchup, but only one team could move on.

The Longhorns struggled to cope with Eaton’s offensive firepower, and multiple turnovers did not help the cause. The Fighting Reds struck early and often, scoring 28 unanswered points in the first quarter. Basalt could not get a foothold in the game, and Eaton led at the half 41-0.

A Cooper Crawford touchdown early in the third quarter gave the Basalt faithful a sliver of hope, but a series of fumbles and intercep tions from

both teams ensured that the remainder of the second half was scoreless. The game finished 41-7.

Despite the defeat, the Basalt Longhorns and Head Coach Carl Frerichs deserve praise for an outstanding season of football. Thanks to the hard work of seniors Lev Illouz, Shane Britt, Trevin Beckman, Jamie Dolan, Luke Rapaport, Will Keating, Dylan Madden, Kade Schneider and Cooper Crawford, future generations of Longhorns will have plenty of heroes to emulate in years to come.

Elsewhere in 2A playoff football action, #14 seed Rifle fell to #11 seed Montezuma-Cortez, who will play #2 seed Eaton this weekend. On the other side of the bracket, #1 seed Delta defeated #8 seed Alamosa and will face the #2 seed Classical Academy to see who will move on to the state championship game.

American Battle Monuments Commission Superintedent Jason Bordelon speaks during a media day event for the Netherlands American Cemetery visitor center on Nov. 8, 2022. Courtesy photo

Despite the loss against Eaton on Nov. 13, the Longhorns had a thrilling season. Photo by Elvis Estrada

Backbone Media celebrates its silver anniversary

By Elizabeth Key Sopris Sun Contributor

Backbone Media is celebrating 25 years of success by innovating for tomorrow. Originally established as a public relations agency representing outdoor lifestyle brands such as Black Diamond Equipment and Polartec, Backbone Media desired to provide meaningful career opportunities and work-life balance to the active Carbondale community. Today, they are delivering on that initiative as one of Carbondale's largest employers.

Backbone Media splits its 135-person strong workforce into three equal parts, with hybrid work environments offered in its Carbondale and Denver offices and fully-remote employees working from across the United States.

After 18 years with the company, Greg Willams was recently promoted to president of Backbone Media. Working from the Carbondale office on Fourth and Colorado, Williams told The Sun, “We want to make the right investments in our business. We want to integrate the right technology. We want to make the strategic hires we need to make to be competitive.”

During his tenure, Williams has helped upscale the company’s business and transitioned the agency from traditional print media to the company’s present 80% digital landscape. Now

more than a PR agency, Backbone Media also specializes in strategic media buying with a dedicated data analytics team evaluating the outcomes of clients’ digital campaigns. Williams said, “The pace and cadence of change within digital media almost require most brands now to work with a digital media agency.”

From its boutique roots, Backbone Media has amplified its expertise to contend with the dominant city agencies for brands like Yeti, Osprey, Chaco, Thule and Salomon. The pandemic supercharged the digital arena, enabling Backbone Media to expand its services to include social media, affiliate marketing, SEO and content marketing. Heading in the direction of full channel management and content creation, the agency has identified TikTok as an area to target the younger demographic.

“One interesting client we have, which we do that for, is Bank of the West. We create sustainable finance TikToks: financial literacy on TikTok. Kids gotta learn somewhere,” Williams said.

In addition to TikTok, Backbone Media will spend about $75 million buying media this year from Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Google, Hearst Media, Outside Magazine and other print and digital platforms. Backbone Media is celebrating this rapid growth by rebranding the company

to accommodate a more diverse demographic. The agency’s coordinated color palette establishes a lighthearted and fun mood while relying on clean technical design elements to ground the brand in its origins.

Williams said, “It started as a core outdoor agency, then active lifestyle. Then with rebrands, we say we are for people that want to move, people that want to travel, people that want to be active, people who don’t want to be pigeonholed into a demographic.”

Along with the change in color scheme, the contemporized logo visually represents the company’s innovative tagline, “The here and the next,” with an x representing the agency’s presence combined with an arrow indicating the company’s forward momentum.

Williams explained, “One thing we are really looking at is what’s next. How do we remain competitive? How do we continue to deliver for our clients with changing media consumption habits, generational trends and post-COVID changes?”

Williams recognizes that Backbone Media’s achievements are rooted in its warm relationships with some of the most iconic brands in the outdoor industry and its employee cultivation. Growth remains a core value for the rebranded agency in terms of company success and employees’ opportunity for upward mobility. The agency is competitive, which involves a degree of hustle. Still, it is mindful of its lifestyle commitment to its employees by paying a living wage and building a supportive culture with flexibility that promotes work-life balance.

Media, located at fourth and Colorado in Carbondale.

“We have very low turnover relative to other agencies in the country. Therefore, we have low turnover with our clients as well. They like the consistency that we can provide,” Williams said. “We want to be telling our story 25 years from now. We are 135 hard-charging, fun individuals, and we are good friends.”

Highly quantifiable digital advertising mediums allow for the calculation of precise returns on investments for the company’s brand partners. Backbone Media invests in the future with data integrations, which enables the company to target and convert audiences at modern media’s blistering digital pace. Perpetually in motion, Backbone Media spins from here to the next with pedals underfoot, skis over shoulders and marketing in mind.

Backbone

Photo by John López

COMMUNITY CALENDAR

Winterfaire

LESSONS AT SPRING GULCH

Classes for Beginners and Intermediate skiers in both CLASSIC and SKATE styles. Various days and dates Starting as early as January 3

PILATES

Matwork, Power Barre and Pilates, Pilates Blend, Pilates for Mom and Baby, and NEW Reformer at FreeBird Pilates in Carbondale.

Various days and dates Starting as early as January 9

CREATIVE WRITING

Find the power, beauty and even courage in the words you create. This class is taught online via Zoom. Wednesdays, 6-8pm, 1/11-2/8

NATIVE AMERICAN LITERATURE

Highlights themes of historical context, reservation life, and current cultural conflict through the writings of well-known Native American authors of various tribes.

Mondays, 6-8pm, 1/16-2/20

PAINTING AND DRAWING

Painting classes in different mediums/levels, and Beg. Drawing. Starting as early as January 17

FUNDRAISING FOR NON-PROFITS

Learn how to solicit major gifts and create donor loyalty in this program designed for new and seasoned development professionals.

Wednesday, 9am-12pm, 2/1

MEDICINE OF TREES

learn how to identify a variety of tree species as well as explore their ecosystem importance and clinical and medicinal actions.

Tuesday, 5-7pm, 3/7

MORE CLASSES THIS SPRING...

The Roaring Fork Youth Orchestra treated an enthusiastic audience to a special performance at the Third Street Center on Nov. 13. This nonprofit organization provides scholarships, hosts an instrument library and brings together more than 60 student musicians from throughout the region. Catch an upcoming holiday concert at the Launchpad on Dec. 2 from 5 to 7 p.m., at Basalt Library on Dec. 4 at 3 p.m., the Pitkin County Library on Dec. 9 at 5 p.m. or at Silt Library on Dec. 10 at 10 a.m. Photo by Raleigh Burleigh

THURSDAY, NOV. 17

WE ARE AMERICA

Students of Bridges High School’s U.S. history class, American Identify and Storytelling, invite the public to learn about their collaborative book, “We are America: Carbondale Voices of the Nation’s Future” during a book signing and coffee event at Bridges from 8:30 to 10 a.m.

MOUNTAIN PITCH

COVENTURE’s Mountain Pitch Summit 2022 takes place online at noon. Register online at coventure.io

MAC BASICS

Learn how to use your Mac laptop at the Basalt Library from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. Registration is required online at www.basaltlibrary.org or by calling 970-927-4311.

BOOK CLUB

Join Carbondale Library’s Third Thursday Book Club for a discussion of “The Lincoln Highway” by Amor Towles at 2 p.m.

SQUASH AUCTION

Seed Peace holds its Second Annual Squash Auction & Variety Showcase at Craft Coffeehouse at 6 p.m. Tickets and more info is available at www.seedpeace.org

TRAUMA RELEASE

The Center for Human Flourishing hosts a Tension and Trauma Release exercise session at the Third Street Center at 7:15 p.m. Learn more at www.TCFHF.org

CRYSTAL THEATRE

“Tár” shows at the Crystal Theatre at 7 p.m. Opening on Nov. 18 and continuing through Nov. 22 is “The Banshees of Inisherin” at 7 p.m. except on Sunday at 5 p.m. “Lyle, Lyle, Crocodile” shows on Nov. 18-19 at 4:45 p.m.

STEVE’S GUITARS

June Star performs Baltimore-based country rock at Steve’s Guitars at 8 p.m.

FRIDAY, NOV. 18

LIBRARY MUSIC

Basalt Library presents “The French Violin” with Emily Acri and Kevin Kaukl at 5:30 p.m. No registration is necessary.

SOPRIS THEATRE

“The Play That Goes Wrong” opens at Sopris Theatre Company’s New Space Theatre at 7 p.m. and continues through Dec. 4 at 7 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays and at 2 p.m. on Sundays. For tickets, call 970-920-5770 or email svticketsales@coloradomtn.edu

PROOF

Thunder River Theatre Company presents “Proof” at 7:30 p.m. The show continues through Dec. 4 at 7:30 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays and at 2 p.m. on Sundays, with one Thursday show on Dec. 1 at 7:30 p.m. Tickets at www.thunderrivertheatre.com

DESMOND JONES

Michigan’s Desmond Jones, a five-piece American rock band, returns to Steve’s Guitars for a performance at 8 p.m.

SATURDAY, NOV. 19

YARN CLUB

Come knit or crochet in Sopris Park from 10 a.m. to noon.

BURNING WILD AND FREE

Aviva Arts presents a ritual celebration through theater and storytelling at 13 Moons Ranch from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. A vegetarian lunch will be provided; learn more at www.bit.ly/13MoonsNov19

HISTORY COLORADO

“The Sand Creek Massacre: The Betrayal that Changed Cheyenne and Arapaho People Forever” opens at the History Colorado Center in Denver at 10:30 a.m. This exhibit is the result of a ten-year partnership between History Colorado and three tribal nations.

REPRODUCTIVE SOVEREIGNTY

True Nature hosts a workshop from noon to 4 p.m. on the topic of

fertility and avoiding pregnancy at inopportune times. Learn more at www.truenaturehealingarts.com

ALL�AGES ART

Basalt Library invites adults and kids to spend time doing art together from 2 to 3 p.m.

WINTER FESTIVITIES

Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park kicks off its Winter on the Mountain festivities from 4 to 7 p.m. with giveaways, special food and the unveiling of Santa at the North Pole. Visitors that bring $25 City Market gift cards to donate to Lift-Up will receive four free gondola tickets.

VINCE HERMAN

The Arts Campus at Willits presents the Vince Herman Band, led by a longtime coleader of Leftover Salmon, at 8 p.m. Tickets at www.tacaw.org

SUNDAY, NOV. 20

HEALING WITH ANCESTORS

Carol Shure leads a systemic and family constellation workshop at the Third Street Center from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. For more info, visit www.carolshure.com/events

CRAFTERNOONS

The Art Base in Basalt welcomes all ages to a craft-making activity from 10 a.m. to noon. No registration is necessary.

RESUME BUILDING

Get help building your resume at the Basalt Library at 1:30 p.m. Visit www.basaltlibrary. org for details and to register.

SAG MOON

Celebrate the Sagittarius New Moon with a ceremony incorporating aromatherapy at True Nature at 6 p.m. Learn more at www. truenaturehealingarts.com

MONDAY, NOV. 21

KIDS�GIVING ADVENTURES

Rocky Mountain Kid CLUBS offers full and half-day supervised pre-Thanksgiving adventures for children three and up, Nov. 21-Nov. 23. Visit www.rockymtnkidclubs. org to register and for more info.

WEDNESDAY, NOV. 23

HEALY HOUSE MUSEUM

Leadville’s Healy House Museum & Dexter Cabin in Leadville has reopened with bilingual tours on Wednesdays in November at 10 and 11:30 a.m. and 1 p.m.

MOUNTAIN V. HUMAN

The Aspen Institute welcomes Italian high-altitude mountaineer, rock climber and adventurer Reinhold Messner in conversation with rock climber, BASE jumper and wingsuit flier Steph Davis at 5 p.m. Tickets are on sale at www.aspenshowtix.com

THURSDAY, NOV. 24

LIBRARIES CLOSED

All Garfield County library branches will be closed today and tomorrow. Happy Thanksgiving!

TURKEY TROT

Carbondale’s annual Turkey Trot Thanksgiving race begins at 9 a.m. Sign up to participate at www.carbondalerec.com

TURKEY TROT 2

Basalt Elementary School also hosts a Turkey Trot starting at 9:30 a.m. Register at www.bit.ly/basaltgobble

FRIDAY, NOV. 25

FRIDAY AFTERNOON CLUB

Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park hosts “Friday Afternoon Club on the Mountain” at 5 p.m. with musical guest Oran Moore. Visit www. glenwoodcaverns.com for more info.

GRAND ILLUMINATION

Redstone’s Grand Illumination kicks off with Santa at Propaganda Pie at 5 p.m. Santa will then lead the way down the Boulevard to light the Christmas tree at the park and then to the Redstone Inn to warm up by the bonfire and tend to his workshop (stationed at the Inn). Visit www.redstonecolorado. com for more info.

SATURDAY, NOV. 26

MORE SANTA

Youngsters can meet Santa at Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park at 4 p.m. Kids 12 and under get to ride the gondola for free.

SUNDAY, NOV. 27

U�PAINT IT

The Carbondale Clay Center welcomes all ages to decorate a variety of pre-made ceramic ornaments to be glazed and taken home in time for the holidays. The event requires no registration and runs from noon to 2 p.m.

RANDOM CONVERSATIONS

Sweet Cream Dreams at Craft Coffeehouse (now selling warm chili bowls) hosts The Lost Art of Random Conversations — a free, community-building activity — from 6 to 7:30 p.m.

MONDAY, NOV. 28

PLANT�BASED POTLUCK

The Center for Human Flourishing hosts a whole foods, plant-based potluck at the Third Street Center from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Questions? Email info@TCFHF.org

TUESDAY, NOV. 29

POP ART EXHIBIT

The Powers Art Center presents a new exhibit with legendary pop artists: Robert Rauschenberg, Tom Wesselmann, Roy Lichtenstein, James Rosenquist, Andy Warhol and Claes Oldenburg. The museum is open Tuesday through Friday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. and on the last Saturday of each month from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

EQUITY SPEAKER

Artist Assétou Xango, also known as the Dark Goddess Poet, presents at TACAW as part of MANAUS’ Equity Speaker Series at 6:30 p.m. RSVP for free at www.TACAW.org

ECOGOVERNANCE

The Center for Human Flourishing presents “Introduction to Eco-Governance” with Dr. Shelley Ostroff at the Third Street Center at 7 p.m.

WEDNESDAY, NOV. 30

BUTTON MAKING

Kids in grades 5-12 are invited to make buttons of all sizes at the Basalt Library from 2:30 to 4:30 p.m.

STEPPING STONES

Stepping Stones, a communitybased mentoring program serving over 300 youth ages 10-21 annually, opens the doors for tours at its Carbondale location from 4 to 7 p.m.

Regional restrictions increase Colorado abortions

By Kate Phillips Sopris Sun Correspondent

On June 24, 2022, with the stroke of a pen, over 25 million Americans lost access to a critical healthcare service: abortion.

When the United States Supreme Court decided by a 6-3 vote, that abortion is not a constitutional right in the Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization case, states were granted the authority to regulate abortion access. In the aftermath, 13 states enacted complete bans forcing residents to seek out-of-state providers, self-manage, or carry to term.

In an Oct. 28 report compiled by the #WeCount reporting effort, since Dobbs, Colorado providers have collectively reported a 33% increase in abortions, whereas providers in banned states like Texas saw a staggering 100% decrease in services.

“Each one of those data points represents a devastating loss to the people and families who couldn’t access abortion in the state where they live,” said Dr. Alison Norris, #WeCount co-chair and associate professor at the Ohio State University College of Public Health. “States like Colorado, which did not have restrictions against abortion care, saw these increases as people from other states drove where they could have an abortion.”

Supported by the Society for Family Planning, #WeCount analyzes abortion volume shifts by state based on the responses of 79% of all U.S. abortion providers. The year-long study began pre-Dobbs in April 2022, and Dr. Norris and #WeCount Co-Chair Dr. Ushma Upadhyay will continue gathering data through March 2023.

Thus far, the #WeCount analysis presents a sobering reality.

“The increases in some states were insufficient to account for the decreases in other states,” said Dr. Norris. “We came to this estimate that there were 10,000 fewer abortions in July and August than we would have expected compared to the numbers that we see in April.” She continued, “There are about 5,000 per month fewer abortions post-Dobbs as compared to pre-Dobbs.”

While Colorado providers have been supporting travelers for months because of restrictive laws like Texas’s September 2021 Senate Bill 8, that banned abortions after fetal heart activity detection, or about six weeks, the Dobbs decision significantly increased the need for services.

According to the Colorado Department of Public Health and Education, in 2021, travelers accounted for 13.6% of all Colorado abortions. As of Sept. 2022, that number skyrocketed to 40%, prompting providers to quickly adapt by extending hours and staffing for expanded care, said Dr. Norris.

At Planned Parenthood of the Rocky Mountains, Medical Director Dr. Kristina Tocce noted a significant increase in out-of-state patients, specifically those with life-threatening complications forced to travel because

Across the United States abortion numbers are dramatically shifting as patients from restrictive states turn to out-of-state providers. The #WeCount reporting effort is documenting these shifts in a year-long study to indicate the need for access to safe healthcare. Graphic by Society of Family Planning and #WeCount

of wary providers.

“If you have restricted a medical service so much, it ends up clouding clinical judgment,” said Dr. Tocce. “There’s a whole population of providers who are uneasy ... and that should never be involved when you are trying to make medical decisions with patients.”

Consequences of restricted access

Both Dr. Norris and Dr. Tocce agree that restricting abortion access will have detrimental effects on longterm public health.

For individuals who are able to travel, the burden of driving long distances and staying overnight causes financial set-backs and a delay in care; and individuals unable to travel might lose the ability entirely because of financial insecurity, age, caring for dependents, or other forms of systemic oppression that create barriers to travel.

As restrictions continue, Dr. Tocce said that favorable maternal health outcomes will decrease over time.

Already, a December 2021 study, published in Demography by Dr. Amanda Jean Stevenson, assistant professor at Colorado University at Boulder, estimated that after a one-year abortion ban, maternal deaths will increase 21%. Deaths for Black patients will increase 33%, the highest of any demographic.

“Overall, denying all wanted induced abortions in the United States would increase pregnancy-related mortality substantially, even if the rate of unsafe abortion did not increase,” the report noted.

Removing the debate

Regardless of one’s position on abortion, the choice to have a common medical procedure should only be decided by the pregnant individual.

In the Roaring Fork Valley, residents have the option to consider their decision with medical professionals and advocates who best fit their circumstances.

At Planned Parenthood in Glenwood Springs, comprehensive healthcare, including birth control, pregnancy tests and abortion services such as the pill and medical procedures are available for patients. The Pregnancy Resource Center, a faith-based nonprofit organization, also offers patients free healthcare such as pregnancy and STD testing in addition to counseling, and will connect patients to local agencies when necessary. Both organizations provide confidential and non-judgemental services.

“People agree they want to make the most informed choice they can, and desire an education that is pertinent to their situation,” said Marylu Sim, executive director of the Pregnancy Resource Center. “It really is that simple. Beyond education is support. Many of us don’t have extended family to come alongside us, and we have the opportunity to give spiritual, emotional and practical counsel as they desire.”

For medical professionals and advocates alike, keeping patients’ well-being at the core of care is most pertinent.

“We need to take [abortion] away from the debate and instead talk about the people at the heart of it,” said Dr. Norris. “So many people need abortions. Hundreds of thousands of people have an abortion in the United States every year, and it’s the stigma around it that makes it so much more stressful than other types of important care that you need in a timely way.”

She continued, “We need to put the humanity of the people at the center of the conversations.”

Please visit www.societyfp.org/wecount to learn more about the #WeCount report.

Volunteers Needed!

CASA of the Continental Divide guides volunteer ad vocates who ensure a child’s safety, best interest and well-being are at the forefront of legal proceedings. We believe that every child should be given the op portunity to thrive in a safe and loving home. Change a child’s story by volunteering with us today! Apply to volunteer at mtncasa.org or call us at 970-513-9390.

Sol del Valle

Restricciones regionales incrementan los abortos en Colorado

Por Kate Phillips Traducción por Dolores Duarte

El 24 de junio de 2022, de un plumazo, más de 25 millones de estadounidenses perdieron el acceso a un servicio de salud fundamental: el aborto.

Cuando el tribunal supremo de los Estados Unidos decidió por una votación de 6-3, que el aborto no es un derecho constitucional en el caso Dobbs vs Jackson Women's Health Organization, se concedió a los estados la autoridad para regular el acceso al aborto. Como consecuencia, 13 estados promulgaron prohibiciones absolutas que obligan a las residentes a buscar proveedores en otro estado, a tener un control propio o a llevar el embarazo hasta el final.

En un informe del 28 de octubre recopilado por la iniciativa de información #WeCount, a partir de Dobbs, proveedores de Colorado han reportado colectivamente un aumento del 33% en los abortos, mientras que proveedores en los estados con prohibición como Texas vieron una asombrosa disminución del 100% en los servicios.

"Cada uno de esos datos representa una pérdida devastadora para las personas y las familias que no pudieron acceder al aborto en el estado en el que viven", dijo la Dra. Alison Norris, copresidenta de #WeCount y profesora asociada de la facultad de salud pública de la Universidad Estatal de Ohio.

"Estados como Colorado, que no tenían restricciones contra la atención al aborto, vieron estos aumentos a medida que las personas de otros estados se dirigieron a donde podían tener un aborto".

Apoyado por la Sociedad para la Planificación Familiar, #WeCount analiza los cambios en el volumen de abortos por estado basándose en las respuestas del 79% de todos los proveedores de abortos de Estados Unidos. El estudio, de un año de duración, comenzó antes de la llegada de Dobbs, en abril de 2022, y la Dra. Norris y la Dra. Ushma Upadhyay, copresidenta de #WeCount, seguirán recopilando datos hasta marzo de 2023.

Hasta ahora, el análisis de #WeCount presenta una sombría realidad.

"Los aumentos en algunos estados fueron insuficientes para compensar los descensos en otros", dijo la Dra. Norris. "Llegamos a esta estimación de que hubo 10,000 abortos menos en julio y agosto de lo que habríamos esperado en comparación con las cifras que vemos en abril". Ella continuó, "Hay alrededor de 5,000 abortos por mes menos posterior a Dobbs en comparación con antes de Dobbs".

Mientras que proveedores de

Colorado han estado apoyando a los viajeros durante meses debido a las leyes restrictivas como el proyecto de ley 8 del senado de Texas de septiembre de 2021, que prohibió los abortos después de la detección de la actividad cardíaca del feto, o alrededor de seis semanas, la decisión de Dobbs aumentó significativamente la necesidad de servicios.

Según el Departamento de Salud Pública y Educación de Colorado, en 2021, los viajeros representaron el 13.6% de todos los abortos de Colorado. A partir de septiembre de 2022, esa cifra se disparó al 40%, lo que hizo que los proveedores se adaptaran rápidamente ampliando el horario y contratando personal para ampliar la atención, dijo la Dra. Norris.

En Planned Parenthood of the Rocky Mountains, la directora médica, Dra. Kristina Tocce, observó un aumento significativo de pacientes de otro estado, específicamente aquellos con complicaciones que amenazan la vida y que se ven obligados a viajar debido a médicos cautelosos.

"Si se ha restringido tanto un servicio médico, se acaba nublando el juicio clínico", dijo la Dra. Tocce. "Hay toda una población de proveedores que se sienten incómodos (...) y eso nunca debe intervenir cuando se trata de tomar decisiones médicas con los pacientes".

Consecuencias del acceso restringido

Tanto la Dra. Norris como la Dra. Tocce coinciden en que restringir el acceso al aborto tendrá efectos perjudiciales para la salud pública a largo plazo.

Para las personas que pueden viajar, el peso de conducir largas distancias y pasar la noche causa contratiempos financieros y un retraso en la atención; y las personas que no pueden viajar podrían perder la capacidad por completo debido a inseguridad financiera, la edad, el cuidado de dependientes u otras formas de opresión sistémica que crean barreras para viajar.

A medida que las restricciones continúen, la Dra. Tocce dijo que los resultados favorables de la salud materna disminuirán con el tiempo.

Hasta ahora, un estudio de diciembre de 2021, publicado en Demography por la Dra. Amanda Jean Stevenson, profesora adjunta de la Universidad de Colorado en Boulder, estimó que tras un año de prohibición del aborto, las muertes maternas aumentarán un 21%. Las muertes de pacientes negras aumentarán un 33%, el más alto de cualquier grupo demográfico.

"En general, negar todos los abortos inducidos deseados en Estados Unidos aumentaría sustancialmente la mortalidad relacionada con el embarazo, incluso si la tasa de abortos inseguros no aumentara", señalaba el informe.

Eliminando el debate

A pesar de la perspectiva desalentadora, Colorado continúa allanando el camino para apoyar a las pacientes.

En Glenwood Springs, Planned Parenthood y el Centro de Recursos para el Embarazo ofrecen atención integral a las pacientes, como pruebas de ETS y de embarazo. Solamente Planned Parenthood realiza procedimientos médicos para

abortar, pero el Centro de Recursos para el Embarazo remite a las pacientes cuando es necesario.

Para ambas organizaciones, la educación es lo más importante, ya que ofrecen asesoramiento gratuito y confidencial sobre el aborto, la adopción y el embarazo.

"La gente está de acuerdo en que quiere tomar la decisión más informada posible, y desea una educación que sea pertinente a su situación", dijo Marylu Sim, directora ejecutiva del Centro de Recursos para el Embarazo. "Es así de sencillo. Más allá de la educación está el apoyo. Muchos de nosotros no tenemos una familia extensa que nos acompañe, y tenemos la oportunidad de dar consejería espiritual, emocional y práctica como lo deseen”.

Tanto para los profesionales de la medicina como para los defensores de la causa, mantener el bienestar de los pacientes en el centro de la atención, es lo más importante.

"Tenemos que apartar [el aborto] del debate y, en su lugar, hablar de las personas que son la prioridad", dijo la Dra. Norris. "Hay mucha gente que necesita abortar. Cientos de miles de personas abortan en Estados Unidos cada año, y el estigma asociado, lo hace ser mucho más estresante que otros tipos de atención importante que se necesitan de manera oportuna".

Y continuó: "Tenemos que poner la humanidad de las personas en el centro de las conversaciones". Visita www. societyfp.org/wecount para obtener más información sobre el informe #WeCount.

Volumen 2, Número 38 | 17 de noviembre - 23 de noviembre, de 2022

Conectando comunidades desde 2021

El Centro de Recursos para el Embarazo ofrece atención de salud integral y gratuita a las pacientes en cualquier momento de su embarazo. Su unidad móvil, totalmente equipada, se desplaza hasta las pacientes y elimina las barreras de acceso a la atención médica. Llama o envía un mensaje de texto al 970-707-8334. Foto de cortesía

¿Ya tienes tu vacuna contra la gripe?

Por Maria Judith Alvarez Desde la Clínica

Un viejo refrán chino dice que un médico excelente previene la enfermedad. Las vacunas, incluidas las de COVID y las vacunas contra la gripe, son uno de los más brillantes éxitos en la prevención de enfermedades. Estimulan el sistema inmunitario para luchar contra las enfermedades infecciosas sin que sufra la enfermedad la persona vacunada.

Han salvado millones de vidas en todo el mundo y han evitado millones de casos de discapacidad como: la sordera por el sarampión, los defectos de nacimiento por la rubéola, la parálisis por la poliomielitis y el COVID de largo plazo.

El Centro de Control de Enfermedades (CDC por sus siglas en inglés) recomienda que todos los mayores de 6 meses se vacunen contra la gripe a finales de octubre, salvo raras excepciones (la alergia al huevo ya no es una de ellas). Los niños menores de 6 meses no deben recibir la vacuna contra la gripe, por lo que es especialmente importante que los cuidadores de esos niños

estén vacunados. Durante la temporada de gripe en los años 2019 al 2020, 166 niños murieron de gripe, muertes que probablemente se habrían evitado si estos niños hubieran sido vacunados. Los adultos de 65 años o más necesitan vacuna de mayor dosis.

La gripe está causada por un virus que no responde a los antibióticos. Las formas más graves de la gripe son gripe A y B, siendo la C más leve. En climas templados como el nuestro, los virus de la gripe suelen estar activos durante los meses más fríos: finales de otoño, invierno y principios de primavera. Las vacunas tardan unas dos semanas en "hacer efecto". Las vacunas contra la gripe pueden obtenerse en la mayoría de las consultas médicas, en las farmacias y en las oficinas de salud pública. Se modifican cada año, debido a la "variedad genética" de los virus de la gripe.

Los efectos secundarios, aparte de un leve dolor en el lugar de la inyección durante uno o dos días, son poco frecuentes. A veces la gente dice que la vacuna de la gripe les ha dado la

gripe, pero nunca se ha demostrado que eso ocurra.

El adulto en promedio contrae cinco infecciones víricas no relacionadas con la gripe al año, como los resfriados, por lo que de los millones de vacunas contra la gripe que se administran cada año, algunas personas contraerán casualmente una de estas otras infecciones víricas y se verán afectadas y le echan la culpa a la vacuna contra la gripe que acaban de recibir.

La gripe es muy contagiosa y se transmite por vía respiratoria, es decir, por la secreción nasal y las gotitas expulsadas al toser. El periodo de incubación es de 1 a 4 días.

Los síntomas típicos son fiebre, escalofríos, malestar general, molestias en el pecho, dolor de cabeza, congestión nasal, tos seca y dolor de garganta. Los pacientes de edad avanzada suelen presentar cansancio y confusión, pero no los demás síntomas.

Las complicaciones comunes de la gripe incluyen infecciones de los senos nasales y del oído, bronquitis y neumonía (viral y bacteriana), siendo

la neumonía la causa de las muertes relacionadas con la gripe.

¿Sabía que las vacunas contra la gripe pueden reducir las muertes por ataques cardíacos y accidentes cerebrovasculares? Las infecciones bacterianas y virales bacterianas y virales, como la gripe, pueden provocar una inflamación que puede desencadenar la rotura de la placa arterial, que es la causa de los infartos de miocardio y los accidentes cerebrovasculares.

Recuerde que las vacunas contra la gripe sólo previenen la gripe A y B, no los resfriados ni la gripe estomacal o intestinal. Las vacunas no son 100% efectivas para prevenir la gripe, pero la enfermedad tiende a ser más corta y más leve en las personas inmunizadas y las complicaciones, incluida la muerte, son mucho menos probables. Sea proactivo en cuanto a su salud y vacúnese contra la gripe si aún no lo ha hecho. Las vacunas contra la gripe son especialmente importantes durante la actual pandemia de COVID-19, y las vacunas contra la gripe y el COVID pueden pueden administrarse al mismo tiempo.

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

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Miembros de la Mesa Directiva

Klaus Kocher • Kay Clarke • Jessi Rochel Lee Beck • Megan Tackett Gayle Wells • Donna Dayton

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

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Como Director del programa Defiende Nuestra Tierra en Wilderness Workshop, tengo el honor de trabajar para proteger las tierras públicas y conectar a la comunidad Latin/a/e/x de nuestra región en estos lugares espectaculares Una de mis formas favoritas de hacer esto es trabajar con socios y colaboradores para organizar eventos que tienen lugar en Tierras públicas justo en nuestros bosques que nos rodean. Y esta vez tenemos uno de esos eventos por venir, se trata de nuestra tradicional Posada Anual y tala de arbolitos de Navidad el Sábado 3 de Diciembre de 10 a.m. a 2 p.m. en Babbish Gulch Trailhead en las afueras de Glenwood Springs rumbo a la Montaña Sunlight.

Puede que no se haya dado cuenta, pero siempre que obtiene un permiso para cortar su arbolito de Navidad, puede ir a ciertos lugares en los Bosques Nacionales. Gran parte de las tierras públicas en, y alrededor, del Valle del Roaring Fork son tierras del Bosque Nacional y ahí puede cortar su propio árbol de Navidad. Durante la Posada y la tala de árboles de Navidad, que organizamos en colaboración con el Bosque Nacional White River, el Servicio Forestal contará con personal en el lugar para enseñar a los asistentes las mejores maneras de elegir un arbolito y cuidarlo durante las fiestas decembrinas. También tendremos permisos gratuitos para cortar árboles, herramientas adicionales, bebidas calientes y tamales tradicionales para disfrutar.

Los permisos normalmente cuestan $10 dólares y están limitados a cinco por persona. Si no puede unirse a nosotros durante la Posada, usted puede comprar su permiso a través de proveedores locales o en línea a través de www.recretion.gov. El Bosque Nacional White River tendrá información adicional, incluyendo mapas a dónde puede ir a cortar su arbolito

de

y una lista de proveedores de permisos para este 2022, en línea en www.fs.usda.gov/ whiteriver; haga clic en “Pases y permisos en la página de inicio, luego en Permisos de productos forestales. El programa "Todos los niños al aire libre" de los Servicios Forestales también ofrece un permiso gratuito para cortar su árbol de Navidad a los estudiantes de cuarto grado con un Pase Inter agencial de 4to grado válido.

El comienzo del sendero Babbish Gulch, donde tendremos la Posada, se encuentra en las afueras de Glenwood Springs rumbo a Sunlight, en 4 Mile Road, en un área conocida como Thompson Divide. Este paisaje de 225,000 acres está al sur de Glenwood Springs, al oeste de Carbondale, y se extiende hasta McClure Pass. Este territorio brinda un hábitat crítico para la vida silvestre, lugares para la recreación, tierras de pastoreo y a su vez aire y agua limpia para nuestras comunidades locales. Tal vez usted haya visto los letreros "Unidos por Thompson Divide" a lo largo de todo el Valle. Deje le platico más acerca de la historia detrás de este famoso letrero: Hace más de una década, una coalición de vaqueros y

en

conservacionistas se unieron para eliminar la amenaza de la perforación de gas y petróleo en estas tierras públicas.

Esta campaña para proteger Thompson Divide ha tenido muchos giros y vueltas, con algunos logros importantes a lo largo de esta lucha, como cuando el Bosque Nacional White River cerró decenas de miles de acres en el Divide para nuevos arrendamientos o cuando la Oficina de Administración de Tierras (BLM) cancelaron docenas de contratos de arrendamiento después de reconocer que se vendieron ilegalmente. También se ha presentado una legislación federal que protegería permanentemente a Thompson Divide y cuenta con apoyo bipartidista, pero ha tenido problemas para avanzar en el Senado dividido en partes iguales.

Los primeros días de octubre nos trajeron noticias muy importantes. La Secretaria del Interior, Deb Haaland, inició un proceso para retirar administrativamente 225,000 acres de Thompson Divide del futuro arrendamiento de la minería, petróleo y gas durante los próximos 20 años. En este momento, está en marcha un período de comentarios

públicos de 90 días. Wilderness Workshop y nuestros socios enviarán comentarios técnicos y pronto brindarán información sobre cómo los miembros del público pueden mostrar su apoyo al retiro administrativo.

Si usted ya está encariñado con la División Thompson, o llega a apreciarla después de cortar un árbolito de Navidad durante nuestra Posada el 3 de diciembre, lo invito a unirse a nosotros para una reunión pública muy importante del Thompson Divide organizada por la BLM el miércoles 14 de diciembre p.m. de 5 a 7 en el Departamento de Bomberos de Carbondale (300 Meadowood Drive en Carbondale). ¡Esta será una gran oportunidad para decirles a los funcionarios de la agencia cuán importante es Thompson Divide para nuestra comunidad! Se puede encontrar más información en el sitio web de Wilderness Workshop (www. wildernessworkshop.org)

Si tiene preguntas sobre la Posada, los permisos para el árbol de Navidad, la División Thompson o la reunión pública del 14 de diciembre, lo invito a comunicarse. ¡Espero verte en la Posada pronto!

Por Omar Sarabia Defiende Nuestra Tierra

CHISME DEL PUEBLO

Traducción por Jacquelinne Castro

Calendario Larry Day

El calendario del 2023 del aniversario 50 de Alpine Bank, el cual destaca el arte fantástico de Larry Day, ya está disponible! Cada mes ilustra en detalle un lugar en Colorado donde Alpine Bank opera una sucursal. Dese prisa a su sucursal más cercana para poder adquirir una copia de este calendario.

Arreglando El Sol

Saque sus materiales de arte, ya es hora de nuestro concurso anual “Spruce Up The Sun”! El tema de este año es: Viaje por el Tiempo. El concurso está disponible para jóvenes locales desde preescolar hasta último año. Las entregas deben ser enviadas a los buzones designados afuera de Launchpad en Carbondale y la fecha límite es hasta el 13 de diciembre.

Exposición de arte

Carbondale Arts está aceptando inscripciones de artistas para que sus obras puedan ser presentadas en la 44a Exposición de Arte Visual del Valle, pero no se atrase porque la fecha límite es el 5 de diciembre. Cualquier persona que viva en un área de código postal que comience en “816” es elegible para inscribirse. Visite www.bit.ly/ValleyVisualArtShow para obtener más información y para inscribirse.

Roaring Fork Youth Orchestra cautivó a una audiencia con una presentación especial en Third Street Center el 13 de noviembre. La organización sin fines de lucro proporciona becas, organiza bibliotecas instrumentales y une a más de 60 estudiantes músicos de toda la región. No se pierda del próximo concierto festivo en The Launchpad el 2 de diciembre de 5 p.m. a 7 p.m.; en la biblioteca de Basalt el 4 de diciembre de 4 p.m. a 3 p.m., en la biblioteca del condado de Pitkin el 9 de diciembre a las 5 p.m. o en la biblioteca de Silt el 10 de diciembre a las 10 a.m. Foto de Raleigh Burleigh

ganador recibirá $250 y un reconocimiento especial. Los diseños pueden ser entregados a ali.hager@ aspenfire.com con “Logo Contest” como la línea de asunto. La fecha de entrega es hasta el 16 de diciembre.

Tutoría de arte

Claudette Carter Art Mentors Program es un programa que junta jóvenes aspirantes a ser artistas

Operación de Navidad

La semana del 14 al 21 de noviembre, Samaritan’s Purse, una organización de ayuda internacional cristiana, invita a las personas a llenar una caja de zapatos con juguetes, productos higiénicos, materiales escolares y más para poder ser enviados a niños necesitados en todo el mundo. Las personas pueden dejar sus paquetes en la iglesia The Orchard en Carbondale, la iglesia First Baptist Church en New Castle o en la iglesia Rocky Mountain Baptist Church en Rifle. Para más información en cómo empacar su caja, visite www. bit.ly/OperationChristmasRFV

Enfermedades respiratorias

El departamento de salud pública y ambiente de Colorado está vigilando el aumento en virus respiratorios, incluyendo gripe, virus sincitial respiratorio (RSV) y COVID-19. Los casos han ocurrido antes de lo usual esta temporada con un incremento rápido en hospitalizaciones por RSV (el cual ya superó el número de la temporada pasada), y ejerce presión sobre el sistema de atención de la salud pediátrica. Respectivamente, la declaración de desastres de COVID-19 se ha extendido por orden ejecutiva para poder incluir RSV, influenza y otras enfermedades respiratorias.

Cruz de Sopris

Barry Stevenson, junto con Outside Adventure Media, capturó un video mostrando “La Cruz de

By Raleigh Burleigh Sopris Sun Editor

All trustees except Erica Sparhawk were present during the special public hearing on Nov. 15 for adoption of the update to the town’s 2013 Comprehensive Plan.

First, minor items of business were addressed including a consent agenda which renewed White House Pizza’s liquor license, appointed Rick Blauvelt and Brad Tucker to the Bike, Pedestrian and Trails Commission (congratulations!), Britni Johnson to the Public Arts Commission (congratulations!) and signed on to a memorandum of understanding for the Roaring Fork Valley Wildfire Collaborative. The Carbondale Clay Center also received approval for a special event liquor license for their Cup Auction at the Third Street Center on Dec. 9.

Trustee Lani Kitching updated the board that while attending a Northwest Colorado Council of Governments Water Quality/ Quantity Committee meeting she discovered that Carbondale was already a member and, true to her expertise, found herself a seat representing the town on that board. She assured that it meets quarterly and intersected with her work as vice chair on the board of the Ruedi Water &

Power Authority. “Lots of paper water in my future,” she confirmed.

The main event, of course, was adoption of the 2022 update to the 2013 Comprehensive Plan. Trustees determined in January 2021 that key areas of the guiding document should be revisited in light of major changes since 2013, i.e. new codes, studies, action plans, special designations and major developments.

Under the guidance of the Planning and Zoning Commission (P&Z), the firm Cushing Terrell was contracted to update growth trends and demographics, implementation strategies, the Future Land Use Map and six key areas: Downtown, Downtown North, High-density Residential, Climate Action, Aging Within Community and Multi-modal Access.

Community outreach was described by Planning Director Jared Barnes as “robust,” with an initial online survey receiving 524 responses, stakeholder meetings, design charrettes, dedicated Spanish and English public meetings — virtual and in-person — and a draft review opportunity in February 2022.

As the process proceeded, P&Z faced the inherent contradiction of a partial approach to a comprehensive plan. Therefore, while recommending that the update be adopted, P&Z also

recommended a complete rewrite by 2026. P&Z Chair Jay Engstrom explained, “In all our outreach, people started showing concerns regarding areas not a part of this update.” Namely, the Highway 133 corridor where development has been concentrated.

Public in the audience included three people in-person and two online, though not all commented. An interpreter also attended, prepared to translate the meeting.

Resident Ross Kribbs — who also sent a letter to the trustees, planning commissioners and town staff — pointed out that in the initial survey, which he referred to as “the best, most widely-answered” portion of public engagement, 91% of respondents felt that the pace of residential growth was “too much” (51%) or “adequate” (37%), suggesting distaste for more development. Kribbs felt the process involved “compulsory approval” in some instances, giving options like “two stories,” “three stories,” or “mixed-use” without including “none-of-the-above,” for example.

Kribbs also referred to “sneaky ways of dividing responses … so development rose to the top,” or “gerrymandering a survey.” Regarding Downtown North, “a sort of presumptive name,” he continued, “folks are not looking for high-density. The number one response was a park.”

Last week, The Sopris Sun reported that Cushing Terrell suggested Downtown North could accommodate up to 340 units. This high estimate was given during an August 2021

mid-process update with trustees. The adopted update specifies mediumdensity, including buildings of up to three stories, with an emphasis on transitioning from higher density closer to downtown to lighter in fitting with the residential neighborhood to the north.

“Everyone wants affordable housing, not everyone wants more development. There is no way you can do both,” stated Trustee Marty Silverstein. Regarding Downtown North, “that can be worked out when a plan comes before us.” He continued, “I can live with this as a guiding document,” supporting the idea of a rewrite in 2026 with an even more inclusive approach.

Following a short discussion as to whether it should be indicated what parts of the update came from 2013 and what was rewritten, trustees opted to leave it as is; to let it read as one.

With unanimous approval for adopting the update, the meeting concluded with light applause. P&Z was directed to return with a more specific proposal for initiating a complete rewrite of the document by 2026.

Feelin' the heat

Photos and text by Jane Bacharach

Eleven students and trainees in Colorado Mountain College's Firefighter 1 program completed the practical skills portion of their firefighting classes on Saturday, Nov. 12. This was the first training class held at the recently completed training center located in Carbondale next to the Carbondale & Rural Fire Protection District building.

According to Training Division Captain Brandon Deter, there are two main skills taught in the practical skills training. The first is "donning and doffing," or putting on and removing personal protective equipment. Trainees are timed and must be able to “suit up” within two minutes.

The other major skill is live fire attack, which involves entering a burning structure, ladder training, advancing hose lines, etc.

Next, trainees will begin their hazmat training on Saturday to complete the course on Dec. 9.

Trainees check each other's equipment after the two-minute dress test.

Ivano Del Piccolo and Hunter Hotz train with proctor Robert Fields.

John Murray hoists a saw.

Lieutenant Hostetler and Captain Deter share the spirit.

Ivano Del Piccolo learns live fire attack.

Trainees Ivano Del Piccolo and Hunter Holz suit up.

Sam Goff dons his jacket.

Lieutenant Hostetler teaches while trainee Zamarron Alvarez does the heavy lifting.

Trainees learned how to properly take care of hoses.

By James Steindler Contributing Editor

Theater, theater, theater! As with many art forms, it is pervasive in this Valley. This week, we’re highlighting three local productions with a review and two previews. Following is one of the previews for Thunder River Theatre Company’s (TRTC) upcoming production of “Proof,” opening this Friday, Nov. 18.

The script was written by David Auburn and, in 2001, “Proof” received the Pulitzer Prize for drama and won the Tony Award for best play. “So, it’s a pretty unusually brilliant script,” Sue Lavin, director of the TRTC production, told The Sopris Sun.

“I think there are a lot of surprises for the audience because of how well it’s written,” she added. “There’s a lot of startling information that comes along, so the audience has to pay attention.”

The setting is in a neighborhood on the south side of Chicago, near the university. The central character, Catherine, is a brilliant mathematician who defers her own education and career to instead move home and take care of her father — also a genius — who slips further and further from sanity.

Lavin mentioned a review she had read in the Journal of the American Mathematical Society which considered “Proof” to be the best rendering of the mathematical world and mind — delving into mathematics, genius and madness.

Lavin has been grateful to work with “such a star studded cast,” as she put it. “All of the actors are terrific,” she said. “They're all experienced and bring a lot to these characters.”

Emily Henley plays Catherine, the lead role; Jeff Carlson plays Catherine’s father, Robert; John Hauser plays Hal, Catherine’s love interest and Robert’s protégé; and Allison Fifield plays Claire, Catherine’s concerned sister.

Serendipitously, when TRTC’s artistic director Missy Moore asked Lavin to direct the play, Lavin recalled

seeing it 20 years earlier, when Moore played the role of Catherine and Moore’s own father, Bob Moore, played Robert.

Three of the four characters in the play are mathematicians and the idea behind the title, “Proof”, carries a double meaning. While there is a mathematical proof central to the play, Catherine also struggles to trust herself and those around her. Consequently, the audience is left wondering who can be trusted and what a character's motivations might be.

“Catherine doubts everyone, and she mostly doubts herself,” explained Lavin. In fact, “I think another name for the play could be ‘Doubt’, but that’s taken,” she joked.

Speaking of humor, while the realist play focuses on sincere relationship dynamics and the level of trust between characters, there are some pretty funny moments in the script.

When asked what she believes the message people will take away from the show will be, Lavin instead replied with a few rhetorical questions. “I think that the question, ‘Who do you trust and how do you learn to trust people?’ is a big question that the play will leave the audience with.”

She added, “How do we use our talents to make a difference in the world?” And, “How do we find the courage to stand up for ourselves and what we have to bring to the world?”

Lavin chose to leave our readers on a note of hope. “We’re all haunted by our doubts and fears. But, if we reach a little further, the opposite of our doubts and fears can be true, too.”

There are 10 chances to catch this production. The show runs Nov. 18 through Dec. 4, with Friday and Saturday night performances at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday matinees at 2 p.m. There is one Thursday night performance, Dec. 1, at 7:30 p.m. For tickets, visit www. thunderrivertheatre.com

Cozying up to a crackling fire sounds pretty inviting on these cold, short days.

How about chimney fires, air pollution and smoke inhalation hazards?

Not so much.

If you use a wood stove or fireplace, it’s key to learn before you burn.

To save money, and have a safer and healthier home, remember these three tips:

1. Have a certified professional inspect and service your wood-burning unit annually. If you smell smoke in your home, something may be wrong. It’s important to clean out dangerous soot build-up to help keep it working properly and avoid chimney fires.

2. Burn dry, seasoned wood. Wet, green, painted, treated wood, and trash should never be options. Start with chemical-free fire starters and dry kindling. Maintain a hot fire and don’t let it smolder.

3. Upgrade to an efficient, EPA-approved wood stove or fireplace insert. Modern wood-burning appliances are more efficient, emitting less smoke and carbon monoxide to keep your home warmer, your fuel bill lower, and your family safer.

By burning wise, you can reap all the warmth — and none of the cold reality — of your wood fire.

Acostarse frente a un fuego crepitante suena bastante atractivo en estos días fríos y cortos.

ES LA TEMPORADA DE LEÑA EN CARBONDALE OTRA VEZ. AQUÍ HAY 3 CONSEJOS DE LA JUNTA AMBIENTAL DE CARBONDALE.

1. Para seguridad, deje que un profesional inspeccione su estufa de leña y el conducto de humo.

2. No queme mas madera seca. Mantenga un fuego caliente y evite la combustión lenta que produce humo nocivo.

3. Actualicé a una estufa o chimenea de madera aprobada por la EPA.

Reduzca las emisiones, queme menos madera, tenga un hogar más cálido y sea seguro. ¡Gracias!

Jeff Carlson (Robert) and Emily Henley (Catherine) rehearse for "Proof."

Photo courtesy of Betsy Zaubler

Soaring with SoL Theater

By Gus Richardson Youth Correspondent

Last Saturday, I went to the Stage of Life (SoL) Theatre Company and the Sopris Soarers’ first-ever collaborative show, “This Is Halloween: Songs and Soaring From The Nightmare Before Christmas.” It was pretty good, and there was a surprising amount to unpack from a show with a runtime of only 45 minutes.

First off, the venue was absolutely packed. There were 20 more people in the theater than those who had bought tickets. If people are sneaking into your show, it’s got to be good. Even after all that, we had three or four people that had to stand due to there not being enough chairs.

The show opened up with a fun, ensemble rendition of the titular song, “This Is Halloween.” For those who don’t prefer audience participation, the only downside were the karaoke letters up on the screen prompting anyone and everyone to sing along.

Fortunately (for this writer), the other members of my cohort on this viewing experience, as far as I could tell, did not participate.

The ensemble did great though, and the level of quality to come from such a young group was quite remarkable. If you didn’t know, SoL Theatre is composed of kids 15 and under, making this accomplishment all the more impressive. The show ramped on even after a banger of an opening, displaying lead vocal talents Lucas Munn (Jack Skellington), Genevieve Vickers (Sally) and Zack Hanrahan (The Boogeyman). Everyone sang very well and I was, again, shocked by the quality of the show with such a young cast.

Furthermore, the costume design was on point, and it was pretty easy to pick out individual characters in the cast even if they never had a line. The costumes all looked as if they were professionally made with incredible hair and makeup backing them up (courtesy of the wonderful parents of course — who

really help make these shows happen).

Wrapping up SoL for a moment, the Soarers were incredible. It would have been difficult not to have been captivated by the indeed soaring performers. This reporter was able to get an interview with one of the aforementioned SoL leads. When asked about the Soarers, Vickers described the aerial performers as “so distracting — just watching them. Like, they’re so amazing out there. You just get lost.”

Vickers shared that the day before the first show, “Things weren’t looking up.” If that’s true, obviously there was some serious improvement within that short time, as the show was highly polished.

Upcoming

So, dear reader, since you cannot see this show for yourself, this reporter took it upon himself to learn of the next SoL Theatre performance. They will be performing “The Muppet Christmas Carol,” which is a show they have

done before and loved, said Jennifer Johnson, head of SoL Theatre.

Johnson described the upcoming show as "The classic tale of Ebenezer Scrooge discovering the true meaning of Christmas with the help of the Ghosts of Christmas Past, Present and Future.” Then she added, “But this time there is a twist — we have cast SoL Theatre vet Sara Gray Kokish as ‘Ezmerelda’ Scrooge, which puts a new spin on an old tale."

Sadly, they will not be collaborating with the Sopris Soarers this time, but Johnson did give the

inside scoop that they are already planning future collaborations. Yay!

The Christmas show will be SoL’s first in-residence production at its new home, Thunder River Theatre Company (TRTC). So, be on the lookout for The Muppet Christmas Carol. I know I will! See you there, and here’s hoping it’s just as fun as “This Is Halloween” was.

“The Muppet Christmas Carol” opens Thursday, Dec. 8 at Thunder River Theatre Company and goes through the weekend. Visit www.soltheatrecompany. org for details.

Left to right: Genevieve Vickers, Zack Hanrahan and Lucas Munn. Photo by Gus Richardson

By Myki Jones Sopris Sun Correspondent

Sopris Theatre Company at Colorado Mountain College will premie r the second show of their 2022-2023 season on Nov. 18 with a slapstick, chaotic and all-together goofy play by Henry Lewis, Jonathan Sayer and Henry Shields Olivier. “The Play That Goes Wrong” is an award-winning comedy described by Sopris Theatre Company as “a delightful farce” tha t's part Monty Python and part Sherlock Holmes; a play within a play where, as the title suggests, everything goes hilariously wrong.

This play within a play takes place in a theater, appropriately, where a cast of characters from the fictional Polytechnic Drama Socie ty are performing “The Murder at Haversham Manor”, a mystery written by the fictional Susie H.K. Brideswell. Audiences can expect a very physical show with a lot of frustrating yet silly moments, depending on your perspective, such as spit-takes, collapsing stage sets and even staged fights gone too far.

The delightful cast of this production sat down with The Sopris Sun to chat about the rehearsal process and what they are most looking forward to when the curtain rises. This production is being directed by Theatre Operations Manager Bradford Moore and stars several Sopris Thea tre alumni, some of whom take on the roles of multiple characters. This includes the talents of Bostyn Elswick as Annie the Stage Direc tor, Joshua Adamson as Chris and Inspector Carter, Michael Banks as Dennis and Perkins and Scott Elmore as Robert and Thomas Colleymoore.

Other talents taking the stage include Delven Bourne in the rol e of Trevor, the lighting and sound technician, J.D. Edmonds as Jonathan and Charles Haversham, Wyatt Tulk as Max and Cecil Haversham and Julia Whalen as Sandra and Florence Colleymoore.

“I would say the process is just as silly as I expected it to b e, if not sillier, and I hope the audience really clings on to the cringe and extr eme anxiety that comes from the things that go wrong in this show,” said Adamson.

Moore added to the sentiment that the “wild and crazy” rehearsa l process has been very fun overall, while also adhering to a strictly scripted and tightly choreographed production.

“It has been interesting simply because we're basically rehearsing two shows. We're rehearsing ‘The Murder at Haversham Manor’ and then, on the meta notion, we're rehearsing ‘The Play That Goes Wrong’,” Moore told us.

He then explained that this show is a good glimpse into the lif e of a theater production as it was written by theater people and does a wonderful job of portraying the “organized chaos” that goes on behind the scenes with the cast and crew.

Elswick touched on that idea when she spoke up about her favori te elements of the production.

“[My role] is really fun because in my personal life I haven't done any behind the scenes work. Usually I've only really tried out the acting part. It's really fun to explore that … This play really brings out those fun aspects and lets everybody see some of the panics we've definitely all had as actors at one point or another, and gets to just make it light-hearted,” she said.

Other members of the cast agreed, adding that the theme and mai n takeaway from a slapstick show like this is that, in theater as in life, things go wrong no matter how hard you try to make them perfect.

To purchase tickets or additional information, visit www.coloradomtn. edu/theater or call the box office at 970-947-8177.

JD Edmonds, Bostyn Elswick, and Julia Whalen rehearse a play within a play.

Photo by Scott Gerdes

The Beautiful Sandwich

Shelly Bergerhouse Merriam February 19, 2021, Glenwood Springs

She could always make the most beautiful sandwich. A loving memory of her Emporia, Kansas college years and lunch with her Alpha Sigma sisters.

A block of cheddar cheese shredded on her mother’s tin grater bent from decades of use, As was her finger slammed in the car door after safely securing us inside. I remember her cry.

Red pimento, the amount debatable. Never ‘too much’ for her.

All blended with Real Hellmann’s Mayonnaise and her metal, paddle spreader with Bakelite plastic handle, a 1939 wedding gift.

She piled the sharp and sweet cheese mixture high on country white bread and spread it with an artist’s flair from her art major schooling.

She cut the sandwich on the diagonal the extravagant 15 cent way. Lunchroom ladies cut peanut butter sandwiches with a 10 cent slice down the middle.

She placed the sandwich open gently angled on a Blue Willow china plate revealing the exotic story of an angry Asian father pursuing his daughter who is eloping with a commoner.

The couple escapes across the plate over an arched bridge, and sail to a cottage on an island in the upper left corner. Her father was about to have them killed

when the Gods transform the couple into two beautiful white turtle doves centered above the sandwich.

Mother, a young bride living unhappily near her critical in-laws in Emporia, Kansas

Many moons ago…

Collected her Blue Willow china, cheese grater, Bakelite spreader and infant daughter

Insisting they move far away to save their marriage.

I was born in Wichita, Kansas into a happier home far enough.

Dark Dead of Night

By Melissa Sidelinger, Marble

What is it?

About the touch of your skin Or the smell of your hair The taste of your lips

At 10 minutes to midnight When the world is dark and cold And all there is left Is the two of us And this bed and these blankets

The only two souls left in the world. I could disappear forever In the warmth of your embrace The comfort of your arms

The strength of your body Pressed against mine In the dark dead of night.

65 N 2nd Street, Carbondale • 970-340-4503

Photo courtesy of Shelly Bergerhouse Merriam

us all. We all know someone who is proud to be a ski instructor, yoga instructor, river guide, bike mechanic, restaurant or hotel owner, preacher, teacher or chef and they are proud of the work they do!

Our lives are so intentional and filled with joy! Home is where the heart is and our hearts are all right here, right now. Happiness reigns on our mountains, bike paths, trails and the rivers of the valley.

We greet each other with a smile because we are happy, healthy and whole. In addition to those who teach us to fish, ski and explore, there is a entire health care industry who, when we need it, give us physical therapy, chiropractic care, acupuncture, massage, nursing, hospitals, ambulances, doctors, pharmacies, etc., so we can get back outside, enjoying life in the Roaring Fork Valley, ASAP.

We must be appreciative, we owe teachers, supermarket workers, restaurant servers and all the people who take care of the necessities of life for us, housing and pay that allows them to enjoy this beautiful place and live here happily ever after as well.

How lucky are we? We are lucky because we choose to live and enjoy our spectacular valley with lots and lots of other healthy and happy friends.

Abbott Wallis, Carbondale

Squash Auction invite

This Thursday, Nov. 17, all are invited to the second iteration of the Squash Auction & Variety Showcase Fundraiser, hosted by local farming nonprofit Seed Peace! Starting 6 p.m. at Craft Coffeehouse, this is an opportunity to celebrate Roaring Fork Valley agriculture, dine on delicious seasonal produce, drink some amazing local beers donated by Casey Brewing and Ball Brewing, check out local squash art, and win great prizes. $30

tickets get you plenty of food and beer, and can be purchased at SeedPeace.org under the “11/17 Event” tab. And if you grabbed seeds from Seed Peace earlier in the season and grew Desert Spirit squash, bring your most unique squash for a chance to win great prizes! Contact community@seedpeace.org with any questions.

Graham Ward, Glenwood Springs

Celebrating 2C

Mountain Voices Project (MVP) leaders celebrate the passing of Question 2C in the Glenwood Springs ballot, which will create the city’s first workforce housing fund through a lodging tax increase, paid mostly by tourists. The fund will begin to address the deep shortage of affordable housing for the local workforce, which threatens the local economy and quality of life.

MVP, a broad based organization of faith, education and nonprofit groups along the Roaring Fork and Colorado river valleys, had several members in the initial “Ad Hoc Housing Committee” that formed in mid-2021 and included business, public and education leaders.

Our group, which was later named the Glenwood Community Housing Coalition, “met for months to listen, explore, deliberate and chart out a workable solution,” said Maria Tarajano Rodman, executive director of Valley Settlement and MVP leader; “we finally agreed on and recommended to the city council a ballot initiative that would increase the lodging tax to create a dedicated workforce housing fund.”

“I know how difficult it is to find a good, safe, affordable place to live here,” said Judith Alvarez, a St. Stephen Catholic Church member and MVP leader; “my neighbors struggle every day, living with the fear that they may lose their home. So this is personal to me.”

“I am proud to have been part of shaping a solution, gaining the support of the council to send it to the ballot, and then making sure it passed,” added Brianda Cervantes, an organizer with the Roaring Forks Schools and MVP leader. “We called voters, knocked on doors, shared information in congregations and schools — we reached hundreds of voters in the last few weeks!”

Mountain Voices Project leaders will continue to partner with other community leaders to ensure all funds generated by 2C are used for workforce housing in Glenwood Springs, providing solutions that fit our community, like incentives for Accessory Dwelling Units, motel conversions, public private partnerships, down payment loans and more.

Mountain Voices Project

The Boomerang

As we all notice, our roundabout gets busier by the day. A great part of that traffic comes from businesses at and around City Market, especially the gas station. Virtually every patron uses the roundabout to return back to our streets and to Highway 82. I would like to name the roundabout “The Boomerang.” I propose the present sculpture (can you tell me what it is?) be replaced with a very large and colorful boomerang for symbolism. You go out to come back. Something to think about as we drive in circles.

Patrick Hunter, 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.

Come on down!

Photos by Jane Bachrach

After completing their annual weed control and fire mitigation duties at Sutey Ranch last Saturday, Lani Malmberg’s goats headed down CR 112 to regroup and move along to their next job in Basalt. According to Malmberg of Goat Green, LLC., this year she brought 1,300 goats to what has become an annual stop for the group. Not baaaaad! Until next year….

SERVICE DIRECTORY

ORDINANCE NO. 11 Series of 2022

AN ORDINANCE OF THE TOWN OF CARBONDALE, COLO RADO, AMENDING THE MUNICIPAL CODE OF THE TOWN OF CARBONDALE WITH REGARD TO WATER AND WASTE WATER IMPROVEMENT FEES

NOTICE: This Ordinance was introduced, read, and adopted at a regular meeting of the Board of Trustees of the Town of Carbon dale, Colorado, on November 8, 2022.

This Ordinance shall take effect thirty (30) days after publication of this notice. The full text of said Ordinance is avail able to the public at www.carbondalegov.org or at the office of the Town Clerk, 511 Colorado Avenue, Carbondale, Colorado, during normal business hours.

ORDINANCE NO. 10 Series of 2022

AN ORDINANCE OF THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES OF THE TOWN OF CARBONDALE, COLORADO, APPROVING AN EX TENSION OF THE DEADLINE TO COMPLETE PUBLIC IM PROVEMENTS FOR EASTWOOD SELF-STORAGE FACILITY

NOTICE: This Ordinance was introduced, read, and adopted at a regular meeting of the Board of Trustees of the Town of Carbon dale, Colorado, on November 8, 2022.

This Ordinance shall take effect thirty (30) days after publication of this notice. The full text of said Ordinance is avail able to the public at www.carbondalegov.org or at the office of the Town Clerk, 511 Colorado Avenue, Carbondale, Colorado, during normal business hours.

PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that a Public Hearing will be held before the Carbondale Planning and Zoning Commission for the purpose of considering a Minor Site Plan Review and a Condi tional Use Permit in order to construct an Accessory Dwelling Unit in the basement of an existing single-family home.

The property is located at: 570 Redstone Drive

The owner is: Walter & Susie Burger

The applicant is: Walter Burger

Said Public Hearing will be held at the Carbondale Town Hall, 511 Colorado Avenue, Carbondale, CO at 7:00 p.m. on December 8, 2022.

Copies of the proposed application are on file in the Planning De partment office, Town Hall, 511 Colorado Avenue, Carbondale, CO and may be examined by interested persons during regular working hours, 8:00 a.m. through 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. The application may also be reviewed on the Town’s website at www.carbondalegov.org

Jared Barnes Planning Director

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.