20221124

By Raleigh Burleigh Sopris Sun Editor

It’s early on a cold winter morning. The sun has yet to crest over the eastern hills and a layer of ice is settled over everything outside. As residents of the Valley sip coffee, scrape windshields and commute to work, a warm, familiar voice on the radio assures them that they’re not alone.

For 14 years, Steve Cole has hosted the morning news on KDNK from 6 to 8 a.m. He is cherished for imbuing the National Public Radio broadcast with a touch of playful humor.

“If I thought anybody was listening, I’d be nervous,” joked the well-known voice, and not only from KDNK. RFTA enthusiasts may know that Cole is also the friendly “stop requested” voice announcing each destination. He has written numerous jingles for commercial radio and enjoys an expansive career as a musician, performing with the Bobby Mason Band in the heyday of Aspen’s local music scene. Nowadays, he plays saxophone and keys frequently at Heather’s in Basalt and other locales.

Cole’s broadcast career officially began some 40 years ago at KSNO when it was an AM station, though he remembers as a child taking song requests while operating a small plastic stereo on the patio. He later entertained with a “DJ

shtick” during his college days at the University of Denver as a political science major.

Cole eventually moved from KSNO to KSPN, where he often hosted a fivehour midday show consisting mostly of music. He followed his friend and former KDNK station manager, Steve Skinner, to KJAX and landed at KDNK in 2008.

At the age of 70, Cole is deciding to step away from the news hosting gig after “kind of living in a different time zone for 14 years.” Cole said he looks forward to taking fewer naps and focusing on producing a CD or two. Nonetheless, “I’m just kind of cherishing each morning for now…”

Although he will no longer be heard almost daily reading the community calendar, a rebroadcast recorded during the morning news, Cole does plan to continue doing his music show on KDNK, alternating with Billy Bob’s Revenge on Tuesdays from 8 to 10 a.m. He will also continue with sports talk on “Bronco Babble” every Thursday at 4:30 p.m. Cole’s son, Anderson, joined the KDNK staff in 2021 and likewise commentates during “Bronco Babble”.

That is to say, KDNK is now searching for a part-time morning news host and reporter. Bilingual candidates are encouraged to apply. Contact Morgan@ kdnk.org for more information.

You can find Cole’s music at www.stephencolemusic.com

Photo by Will Sardinsky

Guest Opinion

By Kate Collins

Martin Luther King Jr. received the Nobel Peace Prize; America grieved President Kennedy’s assassination; Lyndon Johnson signed the Civil Rights Act. It was the last year of the Baby Boom and the first year of my life: 1964.

Exactly one century earlier, my great great grandmother, Matilda Sage Spoonhunter, was only 18 when she miraculously survived the violent assault on the peaceful tepee camp she shared with Cheyennes and her fellow Arapaho women, children and elders at Big Sandy Creek on Colorado’s eastern plains.

The Sand Creek Massacre, during which 230 of Matilda’s friends and family were slaughtered and mutilated, is now acknowledged as the deadliest event in state history. It has brought lasting scars of generational trauma to exiled descendants who struggle to retain and maintain the ancient culture and language that the perpetrators endeavored to erase on that frigid November day in 1864 — and in the subsequent decades.

Every day, there is a visceral familiarity I experience with my Arapaho heritage: Give me directions in terms of peaks and drainages, not roads and developments. My eyes quickly spot game and

LETTERS

Christmas boutique

The past is prologue

wildlife. I crave collaboration and consensus. Despite these regular touchpoints, I experience a lingering disconnect from the culture, customs and traditions of my ancestors.

So I was excited to attend History Colorado’s new Sand Creek Massacre exhibit, by Tribal invitation, for its pre-opening ceremony day with my Colorado family and husband and my Wyoming relatives from the Wind River Reservation.

In an emotional, revelatory ceremony and presentation from fellow descendants of both Tribes, contributors named Colorado their forever home. But now they live on reservations in Wyoming, Montana and Oklahoma and traveled great distances to participate. So they too feel a disconnect.

Not only did their testimony reinforce my gratitude for life in Colorado, it also augmented my knowledge of our family’s history. When the Northern Arapaho were relegated to the reservation in 1878-79, I learned there were just 383 individuals; only 53 of whom were men. At the same time, the roughly 60 million buffalo of the early 1800s were diminished to 450.

My dad, John Edward Collins, was born on the Wind River Reservation in 1928 to Frances E. Collins (Gibson). Frances attended boarding school at Genoa in Nebraska and Haskell in Kansas, "where she excelled even as she endured brutal treatment," Dad says.

Grandma rode horses and hiked with me on the trails in Palmer Park in Colorado Springs, and she taught me to bead and sew. She

The 46th annual Carbondale Christmas Boutique was held on Saturday, Nov. 12 at the Carbondale Fire Department, and we are grateful and full of appreciation for so much. For starters, we thank all of the artisans and crafters over the years who have helped make this Carbondale tradition so wonderful for over four decades. We thank all of the shoppers who come to support us, year after year after year! And we thank the new faces that joined us this year as well. We thank the Carbondale Fire Department for their gracious cooperation and for hosting the event each year. We proudly donate a percentage of all purchases to the fire department. Our shoppers

Edith Spoonhunter Collins and Frances Elizabeth Collins, circa 1917. Frances was born in 1909. Both she and her mother are pictured in traditional buckskin and beaded dresses and moccasins. Edith’s dress has elk ivory teeth. Courtesy photo

re-used everything and was eminently resourceful.

Frances’s mother was Edith Spoonhunter, who was married to Dad’s namesake: John Edward Collins of Wicklow County, Ireland. He was a great friend to the tribe, putting in irrigation and other infrastructure.

Dad left the reservation at age 14 and has had a remarkable life as an Air Force pilot and officer, businessman and intellect. He earned both his undergraduate degree and MBA while actively flying missions in the military. Dad was a warrior in his own way. Although he rarely talked about his wartime experiences, he did describe that if you felt fear it seemed a certainty you would die.

He’s still alive at age 94 — the winter of his life in Arapaho terms — and happily living in Colorado Springs, a place he loves. It only occurred to me in my

enjoy delicious coffee generously donated by Carbondale’s very own Bonfire Coffee and we say “thank you” to them. The Village Smithy is the perfect location for displaying our banner for the week leading up to the event and we say “thank you” to them.

Already, we are looking ahead to make the 47th annual Carbondale Christmas Boutique even better! Happy Holidays from all of us.

Carbondale Christmas Boutique

Unity

It is with sincere gratitude that I would like to offer my appreciation to voters of Garfield County for their gracious consideration of my candidacy for the position of county treasurer. I would further wish to

Frances Elizabeth Collins, circa 1919. She was shipped out of state to attend boarding school at Genoa, Nebraska, and Haskell in Lawrence, Kansas. Despite poor treatment and punishment for speaking Arapaho, she excelled in school. She contributed to the Arapaho dictionary later in life and was a dedicated historian on all aspects of Tribal life. Courtesy photo

adult life that the “sense of place'' he experiences must be strong for him, as it was Cheyenne, Arapaho and Sioux ancestral homeland. We understand that our ancestors ranged from Cherry Creek (Denver) to Manitou Springs, a sacred place for all three tribes. Dad loves to gaze at Pikes Peak every day.

I may never know if Matilda hid in the creek bed or fled, but the Sand Creek Massacre exhibit creates an individual and collective blueprint for moving forward. Colonizers aren’t the only ones telling the story anymore. It’s one of trauma

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

Gary & Jill Knaus

extend my heart-felt gratefulness to the volunteers, donors, officers and members of the Democratic Party who supported my campaign as their nominee. Throughout the process I was humbled and honored by your constant encouragement.

Though there were many highlights in this campaign, I would be remiss if I did not call attention to an ugliness that I hope we can commit to one another to extinguish here. In the many conversations I had with residents of this county, the vast majority were positive. However, I witnessed several angry insults leveled at candidates that would shock any reader here.

I would like to remind everyone,

continued on page 22

Peter and Mike Gilbert

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

Donate by mail or online: P.O. Box 399

Carbondale, CO 81623

520 S. Third Street #26-B 970-510-3003

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What's the word on the street? Let us know at news@soprissun.com

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.

Nuestras Historias

The Glenwood Springs Library, in partnership with the Glenwood Springs Historical Society, will screen “Nuestras Historias (Our Stories)” on Dec. 8 at 6 p.m. This documentary features eight Roaring Fork Valley Latinos sharing their experiences of moving to the Valley and pursuing their American Dream. The project was made possible with a grant from the National Endowment for the Humanities.

State support

“Our hearts are heavy following the horrific shooting in Colorado Springs,” stated Governor Jared Polis on Sunday, Nov. 21. “Colorado deserves to be a place where everyone can be who they are, love who they love, and live freely without the threat of violence.” Coloradans seeking support are advised to visit the Behavioral Health Administration’s website (bha.colorado.gov). Those wishing to contribute to community members in need are encouraged to make a donation at www.coloradogives.org/organization/ COHealingFund

Reuniting families

Local Daniel Benavent is requesting used cell phones from the public to donate to Casa de Paz, an organization which provides for people who are released from the Immigration and Custom Enforcement (ICE) detention facility in Aurora. Often, people who are released from ICE custody are

left without resources, including the ability to get in touch with their families. Donated phones must be unlocked with internet capability. Email Benavent at danielbenavent@hotmail.com to arrange a drop-off. For more information about Casa de Paz, visit www. casadepazcolorado.org

Art Around Town

The town of Carbondale is accepting applications for public sculptures to be displayed for a year beginning June 2023. Each of the 15 artists selected will receive a $1,000 honorarium. The deadline is Feb. 2, 2023 and Roaring Fork Valley residents are especially encouraged to apply. Find the application at www. callforentry.org by selecting the “FIND CALLS” tab and entering “Carbondale” in the search bar.

Hitting the slopes

Sunlight Mountain Resort opens for the weekend with the Tercero lift servicing the main Midway run. The mountain will close again on Monday, Nov. 28. "If we get one more decent storm, we can open Dec. 2 for the season with additional terrain and lifts,” said assistant general manager Ross Terry. Even without additional snowfall, the mountain will open again for at least the weekend on Dec. 2. Aspen Mountain and Snowmass, meanwhile, opened on Nov. 19 with Aspen Highlands slated to open on Dec. 10 and Buttermilk on Dec. 17.

Open enrollment

Individuals and families who buy health insurance through the Connect for Health Colorado individual marketplace have until Dec. 15 to purchase a plan that starts Jan. 1, and until Jan. 15 to purchase a plan that starts Feb. 1. There are two insurance companies serving the individual market in the Aspen to Parachute region: Rocky Mountain Health Plans and Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield. Residents

White River Books and Crystal River Elementary School (CRES) are teaming up to grow student book collections. Through the first week of December, a “Giving Tree” stands inside White River Books, as well as outside the library at CRES. Both trees have tagged ornaments describing a particular student’s interests. Any community member can buy as many books as they’d like for one or more children. Trevor Clapper, for instance, is pictured here after purchasing a couple of Pokémon reads — a popular choice these days — to support the cause. Call White River Books at 970-340-4503 for more information, or just mosey in at 65B North Second Street in Carbondale. Photo by James Steindler

of the Eagle County portion of the Roaring Fork Valley have a third choice with Friday Health Plans. To view all of the plans available and sign up, log onto ConnectforHealthCO.com. If you need help understanding the many options, or with the website, call 855-752-6749 for live assistance.

They say it’s your birthday!

Folks celebrating another trip around the sun this week include: Crystal Mariscal, River Morgan, Matthew Thomas and Casey Weaver (Nov. 24); Kathy Flanigan, John López, Steve Puzick, Jillene Rector and Neiby Vargas (Nov. 25); Dan Richardson, Terra Salamida and Hunter Taché (Nov. 26); Alice Steindler (Nov. 27); Richard Fuller and Paul Hassel (Nov. 28); Naomi Pulver and Kat Rich (Nov. 29); Chuck Dorn and Stephen Horn (Nov. 30).

CPW to review first draft of wolf management plan

By James Steindler Contributing Editor

Colorado’s Wolf Restoration and Management Plan to restore gray wolves in the state by the end of 2023 is on track, according to Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW). Meanwhile, back home, local producers are bracing for what the reality may be once the federally endangered species is reintroduced.

On Nov. 17, the Keystone Policy Center — a contracted company tasked with managing stakeholder input and the public opinion process — presented the final summary of recommendations from the Stakeholder Advisory Group (SAG) to the CPW Commission. The Technical Working Group (TWG), experts tasked with providing science and experiential feedback, also submitted a final report.

The SAG is made up of a diverse group of stakeholders, from hunters to conservation advocates, who met monthly for nearly a year and a half to hash out differences and reach some compromise.

“This charge may have seemed impossible in a world of often polarized opinions. Over the course of 15 months of relationship building, difficult conversations and information gathering, the SAG ultimately reached consensus on a wide range of important issues,” the introduction to the report reads. “Throughout, the SAG fostered civil discussion and understanding across differences, often resulting in strong convergence even on the most contentious issues.”

One of the more contentious subjects is the use of lethal control, specifically when livestock is at risk. This is covered in the SAG’s final summary under

the subhead “Report on Impact-based Management Recommendations.”

“Proactive and reactive nonlethal conflict minimization should be encouraged and explored as a first line of defense, with consideration of individual and community-level approaches,” the recommendation states. It continues, “Lethal management should not generally be a first line of defense, however, there may be certain conditions under which lethal take may be used first to support effective conflict management.”

Other subjects broached in the SAG’s final summary included: compensation for livestock lost to wolf depredation, hazing of wolves, ungulate management, funding and more.

Notably, in February, a federal court order relisted gray wolves as an endangered species. Now, however, the United States Fish and Wildlife Service is working to designate Colorado’s incoming “experimental” wolf population under 10(j) of the Endangered Species Act, which would provide management flexibility for wolves that are in the state.

Wolf drop-off locations have not yet been determined, however, during a CPW commission meeting in September, Eric Odell, CPW’s species conservation program manager, presented a map of Colorado depicting which areas are ecologically suitable and which would pose a high risk of conflict.

By statute, all releases will happen west of the Continental Divide. Based on recommendations from the TWG, there will likely be a 60-mile buffer between release areas and neighboring states and tribal lands. This places parts of Garfield, Pitkin and Eagle counties within a considered boundary for reintroduction.

CPW staff is preparing a first draft of the management plan to present to the commission on

Local producers listen intently during a panel discussion organized by Holy Cross Cattlemen's Association at Colorado Mountain College's Rifle Campus. Courtesy photo

Dec. 9 during a virtual meeting. The draft plan will also be available online for public review at that time. Subsequently, there will be five public engagement opportunities around the state, including in Rifle on Feb. 7. Public comment will be open online from Dec. 9 to Feb. 22, 2023. Visit www.wolfengagementco.org

LGBTQ book challenged in local libraries

By Jeanne Souldern Sopris Sun Correspondent

Book challenges in 2022 are set to exceed those of 2021, according to data released by the American Library Association (ALA) ahead of September’s Banned Books Week.

Across the nation, the most frequently challenged books contain: LGBTQ topics or characters; sex, abortion, teen pregnancy or puberty; race or racism or protagonists of color; history of Black, Indigenous and people of color (BIPOC).

At the June meeting of the Garfield County Public Library District (GCPLD) board of trustees, a library patron, speaking during public comment, challenged whether a book should be on the shelves. The book in dispute is one book in the 10-volume Japanese manga series “Finder” written and illustrated by Ayano Yamane.

According to the ALA, the top three challenged books in 2021 — “Gender Queer: A Memoir” by Maia Kobabe, “Lawn Boy” by Jonathan Evison, “All Boys Aren't Blue” by George M. Johnson — have one thing in common: all have LGBTQthemed content.

The patron, attending every board meeting since

June, completed a Request for Reconsideration form at the most recent Nov. 3 meeting. According to Adrian Rippy-Sheehy, GCPLD board president, the patron’s response to the form’s inquiry “Please state the action you wish taken on this item” was, “Let’s just build a fire and burn it.”

A book challenge may lead to a book being removed from a library’s shelves and database, but only after an intensive review process. A completed Request for Reconsideration form is reviewed by a committee of librarians from the district’s six libraries. Their completed review is then sent to GCPLD Executive Director Jamie LaRue and the process concludes with a letter to the patron outlining GCPLD’s decision with an opportunity to appeal that decision.

Timeframes for GCPLD responses are built into the policy. As Rippy-Sheehy explained, “Once we receive that written Reconsideration form, the library has 45 days internally to go through their process of reviewing it ... the patron, after receiving whatever the decision is from the executive director and the committee, still has another chance to come before

Courtesy graphic from the American Library Association of Intellectual Freedom

Holiday festivities

sugar cookies courtesy of Alpine Bank , (while supplies last) free sleigh rides with Santa 5:45pm–7:45pm

Quotes from the exhibit’s opening ceremony, Nov.

19, 2022

“We acknowledge the land that we’re on. This history isn’t just Tribal. It’s Colorado history; it’s U.S. history. We are here to bear witness, and to hold this history in our hearts and minds. We collectively carry the grief of such loss.” - Dawn DiPrince, executive director of History Colorado

“Hatred,

“Our

“This exhibit is a sacred place in the museum. It will support intergenerational relationships between our elders and our youth.”

- William Walksalong, executive administrator, Northern Cheyenne Tribe

“Our work is not done. We remember this dark past, but move forward.” - Lee Spoonhunter, councilman, standing in for Jordan Dresser, chairman of the Northern Arapaho Tribe

“We have always felt like Colorado is still our home.”

- Reggie Wassana, governor, Cheyenne and Arapaho Tribes

We have to pay attention to our language, or the massacre continues.” - Dr. Richard Littlebear, Northern Cheyenne

“Sand

a

brain-tanned

and attempted annihilation, but it’s also a story of resilience, courage, survivors and family.

Perhaps in Colorado’s fourth grade history curriculum, when we learn that our state tree is the blue spruce and the state fish is the greenback cutthroat trout, we will also teach about the original people here.

Whatever race, ethnicity or tribe you’re a part of, we’re all connected by this land, this survival story and the future. And we have an ongoing job to do in both commemorating the past and healing in the present.

Kate Collins is a Carbondale resident and member of the Northern Arapaho Tribe.

“The Sand Creek Massacre: The Betrayal that changes the Cheyenne and Arapaho people forever”, is a core exhibition of History Colorado and will be a central part of its educational offerings for years to come. See it at 1200 Broadway, Denver.

Sand Creek Massacre National Historic Site is located approximately 23 miles east of Eads, Colorado.

nps.gov/sand

Now Open After Hours Urgent Care

Life keeps going after hours and so do we.

Valley View is proud to announce the opening of After Hours Urgent Care. From nasal congestion to a sprained ankle, our walk-in clinic is here to treat you. Thanks to its convenient location inside Valley View next to the Emergency Department, you get to decide the right level of care for you at the right price.

OPEN EVENINGS AND WEEKENDS FOR SAME-DAY, WALK-IN CARE IN GLENWOOD SPRINGS.

LEARN MORE AT VVH.ORG/URGENTCARE

racism, fear and violence have no place in Colorado history.” - Lt. Governor Dianne Primavera

mission [at the NPS] is to tell the stories, even when they’re humiliating and ugly. We are faithful interpreters of history and we encourage everyone to visit the site.” - Stuart West, superintendent of the National Parks Service High Plains Group

Creek Massacre” elk hide painting, 1994, by Eagle Robe (Eugene J. Ridgeley Sr.), Northern Arapaho Tribe, Wind River Reservation, Ethete, Wyoming. These images, painted on

smoked and

elk hide, depict the horrors and atrocities of the Sand Creek Massacre based on the Cheyenne and Arapaho oral traditions. Courtesy image

CARBONDALE

CROSS-COUNTRY SKI

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...

BEGINNING SWING DANCE

SEWING

TENSION & TRAUMA RELEASE

YOGA FOR SENIORS

MICROSOFT EXCEL

BEGINNING SCULPTURE

UKRAINIAN EGG DECORATING

KILN GLASS - PATE DE VERRE

ARBOR DAY APPRECIATION

WORKING WITH WEEDS

COMMUNITY CALENDAR

THURSDAY, NOV. 24

LIBRARIES CLOSED

Local libraries and other public buildings 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 2.0

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

MEETING PLACE DINNER

The Meeting Place hosts a special Thanksgiving meeting at their Carbondale location (981 Cowen Drive) at 10 a.m. followed by a lunch potluck at St. Mary’s Church in Aspen at noon.

FRIDAY, NOV. 25

SUNLIGHT WEEKEND

Sunlight Mountain Resort will open for the weekend with the Tercero lift servicing the main Midway run.

LIGHTING CEREMONY

The annual Hotel Colorado lighting ceremony begins with activities on Sixth Street in Glenwood Springs at 3 p.m. Stage performances start at 6 p.m. and the fireworks pop off at 7:05 p.m. Visit www. hotelcolorado.com for more info.

GINGERBREAD COMPETITION

The Glenwood Springs Historical Society and Frontier Museum hosts a gingerbread design competition from 3 to 8:30 p.m. at the Hotel Colorado. Entries are due by noon. Learn more at www.glenwoodhistory. com//gingerbreadcompetition

FRIDAY AFTERNOON CLUB

Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park hosts “Friday Afternoon Club on the Mountain” at 5 p.m. with musical guest Oran Mor. 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.

CRYSTAL THEATRE

“The Banshees of Inisherin” shows at the Crystal Theatre at 7 p.m. tonight and tomorrow and on Sunday at 5 p.m. “Ticket to Paradise” also plays today at 4:45 p.m. and “Lyle, Lyle Crocodile” on Saturday at 4:45 p.m.

SOPRIS THEATRE

“The Play That Goes Wrong” continues at Sopris Theatre Company’s New Space Theatre at 7 p.m. 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

SATURDAY, NOV. 26

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. Can’t make it today? Santa will be back on Dec. 3 at the same time and place.

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

The Carbondale Library hosts The Lost Art of Random Conversations — a free, community-building activity — from 6 to 7:30 p.m.

MONDAY, NOV. 28

DEATH CAFE

Share your thoughts and hear from others on the topics of death

A pair of wild turkeys peruse the grass at Crystal River Ranch. Photo by Tommy Sands

and dying at Craft Coffeehouse from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m.

VEGAN 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 at www.TACAW.org

ECOGOVERNANCE

The Center for Human Flourishing presents “Introduction to EcoGovernance” 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 1021 annually, opens the doors for tours at its Carbondale location (1154 CO-133) from 4 to 7 p.m.

BIRDS OF ASPEN

Join authors Rebecca Weiss and Mark Fuller to celebrate the second release of “Bird of Aspen and the Roaring Fork Valley” at the Aspen Center for Environmental Studies’ 100 Puppy Smith Street location at 5 p.m. Register online at aspennature.org

COUNCIL CHAT

Glenwood Springs community members are invited to chat with their municipal representatives at the Glenwood Springs Golf Club (193 Sunny Acres Road) from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m.

HEALING PSYCHEDELICS

Wellness Practitioner and Healing Coach Julie DeVilbiss, BSN, CCH, offers a presentation at the Third Street Center at 7 p.m. exploring the nervous system's role in healing, and the support psychedelics can offer. Learn more at www.bit.ly/NurseDeVilbiss

THURSDAY, DEC. 1

OPEN DOORS

Aspen/Bariloche Sister Cities fellow Valeria Fiala unveils a new mural at The Red Brick Center in Aspen at 5 p.m.

VISITING ARTISTS

Anderson Ranch hosts public lectures by visiting artists Rashawn Griffin, Sam Yates and Maggie Jensen at 5:30 p.m. with an optional dinner afterward. Visit www.andersonranch. org for reservations and more info.

FOCUSED PARENTS

Parents of fourth through sixth grade students are invited to the Basalt Library to learn about how a child’s brain functions and develops at that age. This is a bilingual,

three-part course from 6 to 7 p.m. today, Dec. 8 and Dec. 15. Visit www. basaltlibrary.org for more info.

SOURCE DIALOGUE

The Center for Human Flourishing hosts an online study group for Gary Springfield’s “Source Dialogues” book about balancing and aligning our emotional and physical bodies to create harmony, peace, abundance and universal love. The series continues every Thursday from 7 to 8:30 p.m. More info at thecenterforhumanflourishing.org

RELEASE TRAUMA

Learn simple exercises to release stress or tension from the body with a guided session at the Third Street Center from 7:15 to 8:30 p.m. tonight and on Dec. 8. More info at thecenterforhumanflourishing.org

FRIDAY, DEC. 2

BOLSITAS ROJAS

Bolistas Rojas (Little Red Bags) holds bilingual storytime at the El Jebel Firehouse at 10:30 a.m. Email liz@rar4kids.org for more info.

JEFF RICE

Jeff Rice performs during “Friday Afternoon Club” at Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park. The fun starts at 5 p.m.

CLAY CENTER

The Carbondale Clay Center continues to celebrate 25 years! Its upcoming exhibit, “A Visual Timeline”, displays photos, articles and more from the past quarter century. The opening reception occurs today, First Friday, at 6 p.m. Meanwhile, drop by the ArtStream retail shop for a 25% off pottery sale from 6 to 8 p.m.

SATURDAY, DEC. 3

POSADA PARTY

Cut your own Christmas tree and celebrate Posada! Wilderness Workshop, Defiende Nuestra Tierra, along with Smokey Bear and White River National Forest hold the annual “Posada and Christmas Tree Cutting” event at the Babbish Gulch trailhead from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. This is a bilingual event.

WINTERFAIRE

Waldorf School on the Roaring Fork hosts its annual “Winterfaire” with an artisan market, music, lunch and more from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Visit www.bit.ly/Winterfaire22 for tickets and more info.

REDSTONE MARKET

The Redstone Art Foundation hosts a European-style outdoor market on the boulevard with unique gifts and holiday decorations from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

COOKIE DECORATING

Youngsters are invited to decorate holiday cookies in the treehouse behind Basalt Library at 1 p.m.

SUMMIT FOR LIFE

The Chris Klug Foundation is back with its 17th annual Summit for Life. Racers will take off from the base of Aspen Mountain and begin the 3,267 feet ascent at 5:30 p.m. There is a “ride for life” option for those who’d rather forgo the race. Visit www.chrisklugfoundation. org for more info.

ORAN MOR

Enjoy traditional Scottish and Irish music mixed with more contemporary tunes performed at the Glenwood Springs Library at 6 p.m. The concert will repeat at the Carbondale Library on Dec. 7 at 6 p.m.

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!

continues with

By Hec Salas Sopris Sun Contributor

On Nov. 29, MANAUS and The Arts Camps at Willits (TACAW) will host poet Assétou Xango for the fourth installment of their Equity Speakers Series in the Roaring Fork Valley.

The Equity Speaker Series is a free, community-facing program that hosts space for experts in the realm of diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) to come to the Roaring Fork Valley and share their stories, encouraging conversations centered on equity.

The program emerged from within MANAUS’s Equity Action Project, an initiative to address injustices strained further by the COVID-19 pandemic. The Equity Action Project connects community organizations with a seven-week curriculum rooted in DEI and anti-racism training. The Colorado Health Foundation recently awarded $240,000 in grant funding to MANAUS to continue offering public events, trainings and ongoing support for the growing alumni network of over 30 organizations spanning many sectors.

This curriculum helps organizations identify and dismantle oppression from within and throughout the region. MANAUS garnered attention quickly, eventually connecting with individuals interested in participating with the Equity Action Project but

MANAUS and TACAW partnered to launch the aforementioned Equity Speaker Series.

Bryan Alvarez-Terrazas, project manager for the Equity Action Project, believes that the Roaring Fork Valley can change for the better through open dialogue regarding equity.

“We’re trying to shift away from that normative thinking that we have and hold as a community, as a region, as a nation,” they said. “We’re trying to push back on what we take as a given and reorient how we can have these conversations better and how we can do our respective work in a more inclusive and equitable way.”

So far, the Equity Speaker Series has seen three different guests take the stage at TACAW.

The program’s first guest speaker was Alejandro Jimenez, a formally undocumented immigrant, Emmynominated poet and two-time National Poetry Slam semi-finalist. Jimenez was named in TIME Magazine as one of the 80 Mexican artists shaping contemporary Mexican culture.

Then MANAUS and TACAW brought in Dr. Adrianna Alvarez, assistant professor in the Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Education program at the School of Education and Human Development at the University of Colorado Denver. Dr. Alvarez dove into a research study that illuminated the educational

Next, TACAW screened “The Holly,” a documentary film by Julian Rubinstein that follows the case of anti-gang activist Terrance Roberts after he shot someone during his own peace rally. Rubinstein and Roberts were in attendance to speak about the film, the complex history of gentrification, activism and violence in our most marginalized communities.

Assétou Xango will be the fourth speaker to come to the Valley. Xango is a Colorado-based artist and facilitator who identifies as a black, pansexual, polyamorous, genderqueer womxn. They have been featured on HBO’s “Brave New Voices'' in 2010 and are a two-time TEDxMileHigh speaker. Xango was a fellow of the Academy of American Poet Laureates in 2021 and is the former Emeritus Poet Laureate of Aurora, Colorado.

MANAUS and TACAW think of each speaker as part of an overarching mission of the series, not as an isolated transaction.

“What I’ve been trying to be really intentional about has been trying to bring in different perspectives and lived experiences into this space, to bring to life the different variety and diversity that exists in this term that we call ‘equity,’” Alvarez-Terrazas said. Alvarez-Terrazas reflected on the need for this type of program after the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic and the racial justice movement following the murder of George Floyd. He notes a waning prioritization of these

Xango

Xango, also known as the Dark Goddess Poet, works to dismantle "the dangerous, colonial binaries that restrict our full existence."

discourses as time passes, but sees the Equity Speaker Series and the Equity Action Project as a refusal to let those conversations fade out.

“We want to make sure these conversations get the space and attention that they deserve so we don't revert back to the status quo, and make sure that we’re still moving forward when it comes to equity, inclusion and justice,” he said.

Anyone interested in joining the conversation can score free tickets to Assétou Xango’s Nov. 29 lecture by submitting an RSVP at TACAW’s website (www.tacaw.org). Doors open at 5:30 p.m. and the program starts at 6:30 p.m.

Assétou

Courtesy photo

– Amy Kimberly

Sol del Valle

Serie de oradores por la equidad continúa con Assétou Xango

Por Hec Salas Traducción por Dolores Duarte

El 29 de noviembre, MANAUS y The Arts Camps at Willits (TACAW) recibirán a la poeta Assétou Xango para la cuarta parte de su Serie de oradores por la equidad en el valle de Roaring Fork.

La Serie de oradores por la equidad es un programa gratuito y dirigido a la comunidad que ofrece un espacio para que los expertos en el ámbito de la diversidad, la equidad y la inclusión (DEI por sus siglas en inglés) vengan al valle de Roaring Fork y compartan sus historias, promoviendo conversaciones centradas en la equidad.

El programa nació en el marco del Proyecto de acción por la equidad de MANAUS, una iniciativa para hacer frente a las injusticias que se han visto agravadas por la pandemia del COVID-19. El Proyecto de acción por la equidad conecta a organizaciones comunitarias con un plan de estudios de siete semanas de duración basado en la formación en materia de DEI y antirracismo. La Colorado Health Foundation ha concedido recientemente $240,000 dólares de apoyo a MANAUS para que siga ofreciendo actos públicos, formación y apoyo continuo a la creciente red de ex alumnos, formada por más de 30 organizaciones de varios sectores. Este programa ayuda a las organizaciones a identificar y desmantelar la opresión desde adentro y por toda la región. MANAUS captó rápidamente la atención, llegando a conectar con personas interesadas en participar en el Proyecto de acción por la equidad pero que no podían asistir a un entrenamiento en nombre de su organización. En respuesta, MANAUS y TACAW se asociaron para lanzar la anteriormente mencionada Serie de oradores por la equidad.

Bryan Álvarez-Terrazas, director del Proyecto de acción por la equidad, cree que el valle de Roaring Fork puede mejorar a través de un diálogo abierto sobre la equidad.

"Estamos tratando de apartarnos de ese pensamiento regulador que tenemos y mantenemos como comunidad, como región, como nación", dijo. "Intentamos rechazar lo que damos por sentado y reorientar cómo podemos mantener mejor estas conversaciones y cómo podemos hacer nuestro trabajo respectivo de una manera más inclusiva y equitativa".

Hasta el momento, la Serie de oradores sobre la equidad ha contado con tres invitados diferentes en el escenario de TACAW.

El primer orador invitado del programa fue Alejandro Jiménez, un inmigrante oficialmente indocumentado, poeta nominado al Emmy y dos veces semifinalista del National Poetry Slam. Jiménez fue nombrado por la revista TIME como uno de los

80 artistas mexicanos que están dando forma a la cultura mexicana contemporánea.

Después, MANAUS y TACAW trajeron a la Dra. Adrianna Álvarez, profesora adjunta del Programa de educación cultural y lingüísticamente diversa de la Facultad de educación y desarrollo humano de la Universidad de Colorado Denver. La Dra. Álvarez se adentró en un estudio de investigación que iluminó las experiencias educativas de las familias de origen inmigrante en el valle.

Posteriormente, TACAW proyectó "The Holly", un documental de Julian Rubinstein que sigue el caso del activista antipandillas Terrance Roberts después de que disparara a alguien durante su propia manifestación por la paz. Rubinstein y Roberts asistieron para hablar sobre la película, la compleja historia de la gentrificación, el activismo y la violencia en nuestras comunidades más marginadas.

Assétou Xango será la cuarta ponente que vendrá al valle. Xango es una artista y facilitadora establecida en Colorado que se identifica como womxn negra, pansexual, poliamorosa y genderqueer. Ha aparecido en el programa de HBO "Brave New Voices'' en 2010 y ha sido ponente en dos ocasiones de TEDxMileHigh. Xango fue miembro de la academia de poetas premiados de Estados Unidos en 2021 y es una antigua poeta emérita galardonada de Aurora, Colorado.

MANAUS y TACAW piensan en cada orador como parte de una misión general de la serie, no como una operación aislada.

"Lo que he tratado de hacer con mucha intención ha sido intentar traer diferentes perspectivas y experiencias vividas a este espacio, para dar vida a la diferente variedad y diversidad que existe en este término que llamamos 'equidad'", dijo Álvarez-Terrazas.

Álvarez-Terrazas reflexionó sobre la necesidad de este tipo de programas tras el inicio de la pandemia del COVID-19 y el movimiento por la justicia racial tras el asesinato de George Floyd. Observa que, con el paso del tiempo, se ha ido perdiendo la prioridad de estos discursos, pero considera que la Serie de oradores por la equidad y el Proyecto de acción por la equidad es negarse a que estas conversaciones desaparezcan.

"Queremos asegurarnos de que estas conversaciones reciben el espacio y la atención que merecen para no regresar a la situación actual, y asegurarnos de que seguimos avanzando en lo que respecta a equidad, inclusión y justicia", dijo.

Cualquier persona interesada en unirse a la conversación puede conseguir entradas gratuitas para la conferencia de Assétou Xango del 29 de noviembre enviando una confirmación de asistencia al sitio web de TACAW (www.tacaw.org). Las puertas abrirán a las 5:30 p.m. y el programa inicia a las 6:30 p.m.

Conectando comunidades desde 2021

Assétou Xango, foto de Karson Hallaway

El rincón del Sargento

Por Carlos Cornejo

La carretera 82 entre Glenwood Springs y Aspen es sin duda una de las más peligrosas en nuestra región. Según datos obtenidos por el Sopris Sun el año pasado, en un artículo escrito por Dyana Furmansky, la carretera vio 384 accidentes del 2020 a mediados de noviembre de 2021. Del 2019 al 2021 hubo 94 choques que resultaron en heridas graves y 5 fueron mortales.

Si te ha tocado manejar este trecho de carretera en hora pico, te darás cuenta de lo peligroso que es. Si es peligroso manejar en un día soleado, imagina cuando llega el invierno. Las carreteras congeladas

Bajale en la 82

y todo mundo irritado y de prisa tratando de llegar al trabajo o a casa. Pero desafortunadamente no todos llegan bien debido a conductores agresivos manejando a alta velocidad.

Estos conductores no son personas extranjeras que vienen a conducir en carreteras desconocidas. Esos conductores somos tú y yo. Toma conciencia. Estás poniendo en riesgo tu vida y la de los demás por tu imprudencia. Bajale a la velocidad, sigue los reglamentos, y maneja seguro.

Ya sé, Ya sé… la respuesta típica es, pues es que se me pegan los demás carros si voy al límite y por eso le tengo que acelerar. La realidad es que de seguro tú también haces lo mismo de vez en cuando. Todos podemos tomar acciones para mejorar el problema, ya que somos parte de él.

Levántate más temprano. Planea tu ruta y planea llegar con bien. Mantén distancia de los otros vehículos y se respetuoso con los demás. No seas esa persona que

ve a alguien manejando al límite y les pasas el dedo o les andas pitando. Tú eres parte del problema. El problema es de vida o muerte.

Se que el Colorado State Patrol Tiene planes para aumentar patrullaje en esa carretera. Creo que la oficina del alguacil de Garfield y Pitkin también deberían de hacer lo mismo. Todos sabemos los horarios, todos vemos el peligro. Necesitamos una zona de cero tolerancia con conductores agresivos.

Pienso que el problema ha sido ignorado por las autoridades y eso ha creado un sentido de que puedes manejar como te dé la gana. El motivo principal de enforzar las leyes de tránsito es la seguridad pública y el salvar vidas. Desafortunadamente, creo que para ver un cambio pronto se necesita educación y una presencia policial fuerte en esta zona. La gente debe de saber que si van a manejar como locos, hay consecuencias. Deben sentir que si van a exceso de velocidad, los van a

parar y los van a multar.

No hay nada peor como policía, que ir a notificarle a una familia que su ser querido ya no volverá a casa porque perdió la vida en un choque que pudo ser fácilmente prevenido. Después viene el arrepentimiento, que de poco sirve para regresarle a un ser querido el apoyo y sustento. Nada repone a un padre o madre que ya no estará ahí para sus hijos porque necesitabas ahorrarte cinco minutos.

Me encantaría trabajar en el área para poder hacer un poco de diferencia ahí. Como autoridades debemos hacer algo y hacerlo pronto. No solo responder cuando hay accidentes, si no verdaderamente trabajar para prevenirlos. Y hasta que la gente lo piense dos veces antes de manejar como locos, no veremos resultados.

Si ves conductores agresivos, reportalos llamando a *277. Enfada a los oficiales hasta que, aunque sea por enfado, vayan a tomar cartas en el asunto. Tal vez hasta llegues a salvar la vida de la misma persona que está manejando mal.

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

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

Editora Contribuyente Vanessa Porras

Directore Artístico Hattie Rensberry

Diseñadora de anuncios Alyssa Ohnmacht

Traductoras Jacquelinne Castro y Dolores Duarte Distribucion Frederic Kischbaum Bartlett

Executive Director

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

Miembros de la Mesa Directiva

Klaus Kocher • Kay Clarke • Jessi Rochel

Lee Beck • Megan Tackett Gayle Wells • Donna Dayton

Terri Ritchie • Eric Smith • Roger Berliner

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

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

¡ESCRÍBENOS!

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

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

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

Por Kate Phillips Traducción por Dolores Duarte

El 9 de diciembre, el público está invitado a asistir a la recepción de apertura de "Hogar" de 5 a 7 p.m. en The Art Base en Basalt.

En un esfuerzo conjunto entre Basalt High School, The Art Base y Aspen Sister Cities (ASC), la exposición anual de arte explora el sentido de hogar de los estudiantes migrantes - pasado, presente y futuro. Este año, los estudiantes - quienes son predominantemente de México, Honduras y El Salvadorcrearon "Pequeñas bibliotecas" para ser instaladas alrededor de Basalt y están provistas con libros donados en español e inglés.

Diseñadas cuidadosamente con colores vivos, serpentinas brillantes, símbolos complejos y banderas de todo el mundo, las bibliotecas representan los hogares soñados e historias de los estudiantes.

"Tomé el tema de sus casas que dejaron y las casas en las que están ahora", dijo Valeria Fiala, artista visitante de Aspen Sister Cities. "Después, empezamos a trabajar con la idea de crear el hogar [de sus sueños]. … Están proyectando sus deseos en esa casa".

Fiala, quien tiene su hogar en San Carlos de Bariloche, Argentina, ha estado trabajando con los estudiantes desde octubre como parte de su tiempo con el programa de intercambio de arte y cultura de ASC. Esta organización sin

fines de lucro intercambia artistas del valle de Roaring Fork y de Bariloche para que den clases, organizan charlas, muestren su trabajo e interactúen con los lugareños para fortalecer las relaciones y la apreciación cultural a través del arte. Además de "Hogar", Fiala ha estado dando clases de arte para adultos y creando su mural "Puertas Abiertas" en The Red Brick Center for the Arts en Aspen.

"En 2016, estuvo aquí durante dos semanas como artista invitada para el intercambio, y siempre dijo que quería volver para enseñar por más tiempo", dijo Lala Caffarone, coordinadora del sitio ASC Bariloche. "Cuando The Art Base nos hizo esta increíble propuesta de conseguir un artista de Bariloche para enseñar este programa, la primera persona que se nos vino a la mente fue Valeria. Ha sido increíble que ella pueda volver y reconectarse".

Desde entonces, se ha formado una relación de confianza entre los estudiantes, Fiala y las cocreadoras de "Hogar", Skye Skinner, directora ejecutiva de The Art Base, la directora del estudio, Dana Higbie, y la Dra. Leticia Guzmán Ingram, profesora de matemáticas e historia para estudiantes de inglés en Basalt High School. Juntas, las mujeres han creado un entorno de aprendizaje seguro para que los estudiantes brillen, con un proyecto dinámico que combina el arte, las matemáticas y el lenguaje.

Guzmán Ingram, Maestra del Año de Colorado en 2016, ha dedicado

Artista visitante y educadora, Valeria Fiala, de Bariloche, Argentina. Foto de Olivia Emmer

su trabajo a apoyar a los estudiantes migrantes, y dijo que éstos florecen cuando se involucran con la comunidad. Desde la búsqueda del tesoro en el City Market hasta las cenas de Acción de Gracias con la Aspen Thrift Store, ha creado interacciones divertidas y animadas tanto para los estudiantes como para los miembros de la comunidad.

Queriendo aprovechar esta dinámica, se puso en contacto con The Art Base, que casualmente estaba pensando en formas de relacionarse con los

estudiantes inmigrantes; y así, "Hogar" empezó a construir sus cimientos.

"Trabajamos juntos y colaboramos para crear este proyecto. Sabíamos que los niños salían de sus hogares, y queríamos que se sintieran más cómodos, y que no estuvieran nerviosos o asustados", dijo el Dr. Guzmán Ingram. Cabe destacar que esta es la primera vez que muchos de los estudiantes han creado arte o han entrado en una galería.

"Creo que se emocionan porque es nuevo y diferente", dijo Guzmán Ingram. "Siento que aprecian mucho más la escuela, también, porque para todos ellos, si escuchas sus historias, tener una educación gratuita donde puedan ir a la escuela de forma segura es un gran regalo".

Según Fiala, este proyecto evoca un sentido de pertenencia y propiedad para los estudiantes porque han creado un recurso comunitario favorable que se mantendrá y disfrutará durante años.

"La están pasando muy bien aquí, y están contentos porque esto les ha cambiado la vida. No piensan en lo que dejaron. ... Esto es un tratamiento reparador", dijo Fiala.

Guzmán Ingram destacó que "Hogar" anima a la gente a detenerse y escuchar la historia de otra persona. Añadió que nuestra comunidad se fortalece al romper con las creencias y estigmas derivados del miedo a lo desconocido.

La exposición "Hogar" estará abierta hasta el 29 de diciembre, y las donaciones de libros son siempre bienvenidas. Para conocer más, visita www.theartbase.org

REGLAS:

• Estudiantes de kindergarten a high school están invitados a entrar

• Tamaño de papel: 8 ½ x 11”

• Se puede utilizar una variedad de materiales, pero no destellos ni elementos tres-dimensionales

• Se recomienda colores brillantes

• Por favor, incluir el nombre del artista, su edad, curso, escuela y información de contacto para su pariente (en la parte atrás de la página)

FECHA LÍMITE: 5 P.M. EL DIA MIERCOLES, 13 DE DICIEMBRE

el Sol del Valle • Conector de comunidad • 24 de noviembre - 30 de noviembre

CHISME DEL PUEBLO

Traducción por Jacquelinne Castro

Padres enfocades

Padres de estudiantes de cuarto a sexto grado están invitados a la biblioteca de Basalt para aprender acerca de cómo funciona y se desarrolla el cerebro de un niño a esa edad. Este curso bilingüe de tres partes será de 6 a 7 p.m. el 1, 8 y 15 de diciembre. Visite www.basaltlibrary.org para más información.

Nuestras historias

La biblioteca de Glenwood Springs, en asociación con la Sociedad Histórica de Glenwood Springs, presentarán “Nuestras Historias” el 8 de diciembre a las 6 p.m. Este documental destaca ocho latinos de Roaring Fork Valley quienes compartirán sus experiencias en búsqueda de su Sueño Americano. El proyecto se hizo posible con una subvención de parte de National Endowment for the Humanities.

Reuniendo a las familias

El residente local Daniel Benavent está solicitando teléfonos celulares usados para ser donados a Casa de Paz, una organización el cual proporciona para las personas que hayan sido puestos en libertad del centro de detención de la Oficina de Inmigracoin y Aduanas (ICE) en Aurora. A menudo, las personas en libertad de custodia de ICE se quedan sin recursos, incluyendo la habilidad de mantenerse en contacto con sus familias. Todos los teléfonos donados deben estar desbloqueados y con capacidad de Internet. Envíe un correo electrónico a Benavent a danielbenavent@hotmail.com para organizar una entrega. Para más información acerca de Casa de Paz, visite www.casadepazcolorado.org

Inscripción abierta

Los individuos y familias que compran un seguro médico a través del mercado individual de Connect for Health Colorado tienen hasta el 15 de diciembre para comprar un plan que comenzará el 1 de enero, y hasta el 15 de enero para comprar un plan que comenzará el 1 de febrero. Hay dos compañías de seguros que sirven al mercado individual en la región de Aspen a Parachute: Rocky Mountain Health Plan y Anthem Cross Blue Shield. Los residentes del condado de Eagle con una porción en Roaring Fork Valley tienen una tercera opción con Friday Health Plans. Para poder ver todos los planes disponibles e inscribirse, ingrese a ConnectforHealthCO.com. Si necesita ayuda para entender las opciones, o el sitio web, llame al 855752-6749 para asistencia.

Arte por el pueblo

El pueblo de Carbondale está aceptando inscripciones para esculturas públicas, las cuales serán presentadas por un año comenzando en junio del 2023. Cada uno de los 15 artistas seleccionados recibirán un honorario de $1,000. La fecha límite es el 2 de febrero y los residentes del valle Roaring Fork son especialmente alentados a inscribirse. Encuentre la inscripción en www.callforentry.org al seleccionar la pestaña del sitio web “FIND CALLS” y escribir “Carbondale” en la barra de búsqueda.

Posada

Wilderness Workshop y Defiende Nuestra Tierra organizan su evento anual, “Posada y Tala de Árboles de Navidad”, en el comienzo del sendero Babbage Gulch de 10 a.m. a 2 p.m. el 3 de diciembre. Para más información, visite wildernessworkshop.org

Durante la tarde del domingo 20 de noviembre, con tan sólo unas pocas horas para planear y pasar la voz, los líderes de AspenOUT, Aspen Gay Ski Week, PFLAG-Roaring Fork Valley y otros socios locales organizaron una vigilia con velas en The Bluebird Cafe en Glenwood Springs. El domingo por la mañana, los medios de comunicación informaron de la devastadora y demasiado familiar historia de un tiroteo masivo, esta vez en el Club Q, un club nocturno LGBTQ de Colorado Springs, la cual dejó cinco muertos y 19 heridos. La representante electa del Distrito 57 de la Cámara de representantes de Colorado, Elizabeth Velasco, quien se identifica como "una orgullosa bisexual y miembro de la comunidad LGBTQ", se alegró de ver la cantidad de personas que casi llenaron el Bluebird y destacó la necesidad de apoyarse unos a otros "en estos momentos tan difíciles". Velasco resumió sus pensamientos sobre las desigualdades a las que se enfrentan los miembros de la comunidad LGBTQ, diciendo: "No somos libres hasta que todos seamos libres". Foto y texto por Jeanne Souldern

By Kate Phillips Sopris Sun Correspondent

On Dec. 9, the public is invited to attend an opening reception for “Home” from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at The Art Base in Basalt.

In a collaborative effort between Basalt High School, The Art Base and Aspen Sister Cities (ASC), the annual art exhibition explores migrant students’ sense of home — past, present and future. This year, the students — who are predominantly from Mexico, Honduras and El Salvador — created “Little Libraries” to be installed around Basalt and stocked with donated Spanish and English language books.

Carefully crafted with bold colors, bright streamers, intricate symbols and flags from around the world, the libraries represent the students’ dream homes and stories.

“I took the theme of their houses that they left and the houses they are in now,” said Valeria Fiala, Aspen Sister Cities visiting artist. “Afterward, we started working with the idea of making their [dream] home. …They are projecting their wishes into that house.”

Fiala, who calls San Carlos de Bariloche, Argentina home, has been working with the students since October as part of her time with the ASC Arts and Culture Exchange program. The nonprofit exchanges Roaring Fork Valley and Bariloche artists to teach classes, host talks, showcase their work and interact with locals to strengthen relationships and cultural appreciation through art. In addition to “Home”, Fiala has been teaching adult art classes and creating her mural “Open Doors” at The Red Brick Center for the Arts in Aspen.

“In 2016, she was here for two weeks as the invited artist for the exchange, and she always said she wanted to come back to teach for longer,” said Lala Caffarone, ASC Bariloche site coordinator. “When The Art Base came up with this amazing proposal for getting an artist from Bariloche to teach this program, the first person who crossed our mind was Valeria. It has been great that she can come back and reconnect.”

A trusting relationship has since formed between the students, Fiala and “Home” co-creators Skye Skinner, executive director at The Art Base, Studio Manager Dana Higbie and Dr. Leticia Guzman Ingram, a mathematics and history teacher for English language learners at Basalt High School. Together, the women have created a safe learning environment for the students to shine, with a dynamic project that combines art, mathematics and language.

Guzman Ingram, 2016 Colorado Teacher of the Year, has dedicated her work to supporting migrant students, and said they flourish when they engage with the community. From City Market scavenger hunts to Thanksgiving dinners with the

Aspen Thrift Store, she has created fun and lively interactions for students and community members alike.

Wanting to build upon this momentum, she reached out to The Art Base, which happened to be brainstorming ways to engage with migrant students; and thus, “Home” started to build its foundation.

“We worked together and collaborated to create this project. We knew that kids left their homes, and we wanted to make them feel more comfortable, and not be nervous or scared,” said Dr. Guzman Ingram. Notably, this is the first time many of the students have created art or stepped into a gallery.

“I think they get excited because it’s new and different,” said Guzman Ingram. “I feel like they appreciate school so much more, too, because for all of them, if you hear their stories, having a free education where they can go safely to school is such a huge gift to them.”

According to Fiala, this project evokes a sense of belonging and ownership for the students because they have created a beneficial communal resource that will be maintained and enjoyed for years to come.

“They are having such a good time here, and they are happy because this changed their lives. They are not thinking about what they left. … This is a healing treatment,” said Fiala.

Guzman Ingram emphasized that “Home” encourages people to slow down and listen to another person’s story. She added that our community becomes stronger by breaking through assumptions and stigmas stemming from fear of the unknown.

The “Home” exhibit runs through Dec. 29, and book donations are always welcome. To learn more, visit www.theartbase.org

(Left ot right) Lala Caffarone of Aspen Sister Cities, Dr. Leticia Guzman Ingram of Basalt High School and visiting artist and educator Valeria Fiala are among the many individuals involved with “Home” at The Art Base. Photo by Olivia Emmer

By William Buzzerd Sopris Sun Contributor

On Tuesday evening, Basalt Town Council held their regular meeting to discuss several ordinances and hold public hearings, among the topics: changes to parking laws, approving a PUD amendment for the development of a domestic abuse shelter on East Cody Lane, establishing a licensing system for short-term rental businesses and establishing regulations for the Basalt Fairview cemetery.

The meeting opened with few remarks from council members and no public comment. Among the remarks, member Ryan Slack mentioned that of 6,330 boat inspections performed this year, there were 198 decontaminations, 13 of which due to the discovery of invasive zebra mussels. Zebra mussels, native to freshwater lakes in Eastern Europe, reproduce quickly and pose a significant threat to native plankton populations. Colorado Parks and Wildlife has recently confirmed that Highline Lake near Fruita is infested with these mussels, which commonly spread between bodies of water via boats.

The first order of the meeting was for the amendment of various traffic and parking codes. The initial draft of these codes was made back in 2018, and since then various streets have opened up as a result of the Sopris Meadows Development. The new amendment is primarily to include these new roads in the regulations document, as well as to correct some minor errors.

The second action item which took up most of the meeting, concerned the approval of a PUD amendment for a domestic abuse shelter as a special review use. The prospective shelter would be operated by Response and located at the cul-de-sac at the end of East Cody Lane. The shelter would include both transitional residency for domestic abuse survivors and their children, as well as office space for Response employees. Representatives from Response as well as their consulting firm, BendonAdams, were present to provide background for their development and to answer any questions.

Response, founded in Aspen in 1983 and represented by executive director Shannon Meyer, seeks to

provide “individual advocacy, crisis intervention, support groups, therapy, legal assistance, emergency financial aid and housing assistance” to victims of domestic and sexual abuse throughout Eagle and Pitkin counties. The nonprofit addresses a rising issue in the Valley: Meyer stated of last year, “[Response] served 175 survivors and answered over 300 calls to the crisis headline, and those numbers have been increasing by 20% each year since the start of the pandemic.”

In terms of housing, Response provides aid in three different ways: the first is emergency shelter provided at local hotels, the second is three-month transitional housing for survivors to readjust and find a new independence, the third is long-term rental housing. Transitional housing is one of the more difficult pieces of the puzzle and one of the most important. \

Initially, transitional housing was established in rental apartments throughout the valley, but recent difficulty in finding available housing has meant that supply has not kept pace with survivors’ needs. Without transitional housing, this means that victims of domestic abuse may remain in their households and abusive relationships for as long as it takes until new transitional housing becomes available.

The proposed building would have seven rooms for survivors and their families and feature a secure design and security on staff. There would also be a space for children to play, as Meyer stated that around 70% of survivors live with children. There was a unanimously approved motion for a second reading and public hearing of this proposal on Dec. 13.

Afterward, there was a reading for an amendment to the Basalt Municipal Code to create a special class of business license for short-term rentals. Town Manager Ryan Mahoney, who introduced the amendment, stated that “staff believes that there are between 40 and 80 short-term rentals in Basalt, and currently only between seven and 10 are licensed.”

The licenses would serve to allow

By Raleigh Burleigh Sopris Sun Editor

All trustees were present during their regular meeting on Nov. 22. Several actions garnered hearty applause from public attendees. Mayor Ben Bohmfalk called it “a community lovefest” on KDNK the next morning.

To begin, trustees approved a consent agenda including a resolution reversing the Planning and Zoning Commission’s denial of a minor site plan review for LOVA — the new retail marijuana store approved by trustees with variances to go next to the 7-Eleven on West Main; a “useby-right” within the existing zoning, Bohmfalk explained.

During “trustee comments,” Colin Laird gave a reminder about the town’s next housingfocused work session on Nov. 29 at 6 p.m. Lani Kitching gave an update about Crystal River work north of the fish hatchery. While a new headgate is anticipated to be installed by the end of the year, she explained, “in-stream work

still poses challenges” with a narrow window for work to not disturb protected wildlife and inflationary costs having doubled what was in the prepandemic budget.

Continuing in that vein, trustees heard from the Crystal Wild and Scenic Coalition and members of the public regarding a resolution in support of federal designation for the upper 39 miles of the Crystal River under the Wild and Scenic Act of 1968. As explained by Francie Jacober, speaking as a private citizen and not as a Pitkin County commissioner, the existing 24 transmountain diversions in Colorado displace 182 billion gallons of water every year, or “half a million football fields, one-foot deep;” and it would be naive to assume the Crystal River won’t again be threatened by a major dam or diversion given population growth on the Front Range among other pressures.

Jacober and Lisa Tasker assured that the designation is customizable and will not affect private lands, existing

water rights or irrigation. Their formal presentation was followed by seven public comments outpouring support for protecting the integrity of our free-flowing river, a rare treasure.

Bohmfalk said that the town attorney and utilities director had previously concluded that designation above Nettle Creek, the town’s primary source of water, would enhance and not threaten the town’s supply. The trustees unanimously reaffirmed their support, which also occurred in 2014; one step in a process that will involve stakeholders working out details to bring legislation to Congress.

Next on the agenda, trustees approved a securities modification for Carbondale Marketplace, where 33 trees, landscaping within public improvements tied to the development, died within two years. Planning Director

Jared Barnes confirmed that problems with irrigation had been resolved and the letter of credit was reduced to $21,450 with a one-year warranty for replacing the trees. FirstBank, meanwhile, had its $910.80 security released with two improvements approved, though there had been a defect in the sewer line that was repaired.

The next big item was unanimous approval of Art Space’s application to partner with the town on developing the Town Center property. Art Space is a national nonprofit that has worked on projects in Loveland, Ridgway and Trinidad.

Contractor Bob Schultz said there was a strong response to the request for qualifications from eight different teams. Art Space was chosen based on their familiarity to the town, experience with mixed-use, live-work spaces, a willingness

to develop community partnerships (with Habitat for Humanity, for instance) and because their model offered the most flexibility.

“It’s an emotional night,” said Amy Kimberly, who played a role in bringing Art Space around in 2018 for a $20,000 market study. This approval sets the town up to enter negotiations for a predevelopment agreement and community meetings in January with a commitment of $650,000.

Burt Furmansky, a member of the Carbondale Clay Center’s board, spoke to their outgrowing the facility on East Main and a need for expanded makerspace. “The Carbondale Clay Center is excited and supportive of the decision to go with Art Space,” he said, “and we’re looking forward to the possibility of having a new

Calling a snow day

By Dominic Furer Youth Correspondent

Every once in a while, Roaring Fork Valley children wake up to the blissful news of a snow day. School is canceled, they get to sleep in and don’t have to concern themselves with whatever it was they were supposed to do in class that day. All kids adore snow days, and it's fun for students, teachers and parents alike to have a break from daily routines. But, snow days have more to them than people might assume.

On Oct. 26, a Roaring Fork School District (RFSD) bus slipped on the road and drove into a snowbank. Luckily, there were no student passengers on board and no one was harmed. Other students and their families reported experiencing similarly close calls. The question on many peoples’ minds: “Why wasn’t school called off that day?”

The process of scheduling and enacting a snow day is determined by the district’s transportation department. The department relies on weather forecasts to help predict when there may be heavy snowfall. They wake up as early as 2 a.m. to ponder the calculations, and by 5:30 a.m. a decision should be reached. If a snow day is called, the district spreads the word by

contacting parents.

“We have to find resources and tools to guide our decision making, and for the most part it has a pretty high success rate,” Jeff Gatlin, RFSD’s chief operating officer, told The Sopris Sun.

Still, despite the efforts of this dutiful department, they may not always get it right. For one, the weather forecast influences the decision — the estimations of which can be mistaken. At times, a snow day will be called only for the snow to dissipate by the early afternoon. Then again, there are others when a storm will slip under the radar and cause slick conditions on the roads — but the transportation department had no prior warning.

Such conditions can be troubling for families. Some parents or guardians have difficulty driving in snow and many don't have the proper vehicles to handle bad weather.

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic children and teachers are accustomed to remote learning. Students open their laptops, join the class call and it's “virtually” like they are back in the classroom. Some parents and students have found that they even prefer this method of education. Given as much, it has proven to be possible to proceed with curriculums when

Comic by Dominic Furer

students are unable to leave their homes, some might wonder if snow days are a thing of the past. Despite some hassle that may stem from snow days — not to mention, virtual-learning feasibly making them obsolete — there are some benefits to consider.

First and foremost, snow days allow for extra sleep. According to a 2015 Center for Disease Control study, a staggering 72.7% of the high school students surveyed typically had a shorter sleep duration than is recommended. There are considerable health risks involved in the youth being sleep deprived, such as drowsiness and depression.

Another benefit of snow days is keeping people off of the road. Not only is this safer for everybody, but it reduces the amount of pollution we put into the air. Finally, many children and families alike believe snow days are a tradition of the American public school system.

Regardless of today's political and sociological division, all can agree that the safety of students, parents and teachers is of utmost importance when it comes to public education. And, through whatever obstacles which may have to be navigated in the future, families can count on the staff at RFSD to put forth their best effort in making appropriate decisions.

By Diana Diaz Youth Correspondent

It’s no secret that Roaring Fork High School’s (RFHS) boys soccer team has been making local fans proud. Last season, the team won the 2021 state championship — a historical moment for this small town and one it’s safe to say will not soon be forgotten.

This year, the boy’s soccer team got to the quarter-finals and played their last game of the postseason against Liberty Common in Fort Collins. Despite the loss to Liberty, the Rams had a great season. They started their season off strong, beating neighboring Carbondale team, Colorado Rocky Mountain School, 10-0. Overall, this year the Rams won 15 games and lost only three.

The first playoff game was against Bayfield, which the Rams won 5-2. Next, another win against James Irwin with a score of 3-0. Needless to say, before the final match against Liberty Common, the Rams were, yet again, on a roll.

Recently, The Sopris Sun asked a few questions of the varsity team’s head coach, Nicholas Forbes.

“I tried to instill a growth mindset in them. I want them to be intrinsically motivated to learn and grow as soccer players and as humans. They are ultimately in charge of how much they can achieve,” Forbes began.

“This team will no longer be a ‘young’ team next season and they have the ability to win a title and make their own mark on the school’s history,” he continued. “It's just down to how much they are willing to work for it, the attitude they have toward each other and the training required.”

Forbes also told The Sopris Sun a little about himself and how he started coaching soccer. “I had just graduated from Willamette University where I had played four years of division three soccer,” he continued, “and was still playing a lot in the local indoor and outdoor leagues around the Valley.”

At the time, Cliff Colia was the Principal of RFHS and asked Forbes if he wanted to interview for the junior varsity coaching position.

“I saw it as an opportunity to be around soccer more and also explore if I liked teaching,” Forbes explained. “I now teach within the Roaring Fork School District and see myself more as a teacher and an educator than a coach when I run the Rams program and attribute the program’s success largely to that attitude.”

Seniors make up a big part of the soccer team. Most of them have been playing soccer for a long time — at least throughout high school — and will be missed when they graduate and move on to whatever comes next.

“I can't thank them enough for all their hard work over the last four years, both the ones who got to shine on the field and the ones who put their heads down and worked hard behind the scenes to make the team better,” said Forbes.

Forbes took the interview opportunity to give some specific shoutouts. “Special recognition ought to go to these seniors though, starting with Emi Magana who had 55 goals — a record for RFHS — and 24 assists, two state final appearances and one championship title in his four years as a varsity starter. Daniel Vega was also an important part of both those final runs and scored the vital go ahead goal in last year's semi-final,” the coach continued. “Max Brooke was a key defender…and showed great leadership and ability…And, last but not least Diego Loya who was a great goalkeeper for us this year.”

Forbes wrapped it up, “Also, a huge thank you to all of the seniors who will be moving on that didn’t get mentioned.”

Over the past four years the community has seen these players grow not just as players, but as people. Parents, mentors and friends of the team are rightfully proud of what they’ve achieved.

Photo by RFHS student Maria Candela

Have you heard…

The Waldorf School on the Roaring Fork doesn’t prepare students for the ‘real’ world?

By Myki Jones Sopris Sun Correspondent

Sopris Theatre Company (STC) premiered their second show of the season, “The One-Act Play That Goes Wrong”, on Nov. 18 at Colorado Mountain College’s Spring Valley Campus. Despite a small (intimate) audience turnout, those in attendance filled the room with uproarious laughter at the onstage shenanigans. With two more weekends of performances, this witty, slapstick show is guaranteed to make other audiences sore from laughter as well.

Henry Lewis, Jonathan Sayer and Henry Shields' farcical comedy was brought to life by STC’s incredible cast. They did a phenomenal job of being organized in the chaos of the production.

Running at only around 60 minutes, the play packs a powerful punch and treats theatergoers to two shows in one. Within “The One-Act Play That Goes Wrong”, the fictional Cornley Drama Society, complete with a cast and crew, produces “The Murder at Haversham Manor” by fictional playwrite Susie H.K. Brideswell.

Though the title may give away the plot of the show, there are surprises around every corner. While it may be tempting, audiences are advised not to sit in the front row to avoid getting wet from multiple, hilarious spit-takes, where an actor sprays water from their mouth in feigned astonishment.

Every single one of the wacky characters in this production is doing their best to keep the show going, and every one of them fails to do so gloriously. The powerhouse comedic performances from Michael Banks, Joshua Adamson, Delven Bourne, Scott Elmore, JD Edmonds, Bostyn Elswick, Wyatt Tulk and

Julia Whalen and Wyatt Tulk struggle to finish their lines in "The Murder At Haversham Manor" during "The One-Act Play That Goes Wrong". Courtesy photo

Julia Whalen will leave you in stitches. Everyone in this production becomes increasingly animated over time as more and more things go wrong with their production of “The Murder at Haversham Manor”.

From dead bodies that can’t sit still, inconvenient places to be handcuffed, repeated and misspoken lines of dialogue, set pieces and props suddenly being destroyed and a show’s crew slowly going insane, there is something to laugh about at every beat, and for days later.

“The One-Act Play That Goes Wrong” will be performed again on Nov. 25, 26 and Dec. 2 and 3 at 7 p.m. and at 2 p.m. Nov. 20, 27 and Dec. 4. For tickets or more information, visit www.coloradomtn.edu/theater or call the box office at 970-947-8177.

Town Hall to track the presence of these businesses and stay informed about their economic impact. The license would cost $300 to fund labor and tracking software, in addition to a $10 sales tax license fee. A second hearing was unanimously approved for Dec. 13, at which point penalties may be discussed and approved for operating without a license.

Next was the adoption of rules and regulations for the usage of Basalt Fairview Cemetery. Notably, the town is not to be held responsible for disinterment, and families who wish to disinter a body must employ a funeral director. Additionally, animal burials shall not be permitted in Basalt Fairview and citizens wishing to memorialize gravestones may not use candles or any open flame to do so, nor glass containers for flowers. This was also approved unanimously, along with a final amendment to the fee schedule to incorporate fees regarding both the new cemetery regulations as well as the short-term rental business licenses.

Carbondale Report

home in Town Center.”

from page 17

On behalf of the Thunder River Theatre Company, executive director Sean Jeffries said, “We’re so excited to finally, finally have neighbors.”

Continuing the night’s excitement, the Roaring Fork Transportation Authority (RFTA) came before the trustees with a memorandum of understanding for WE-cycle’s services, anticipated to begin in the summer of 2023. The cost to the town will be slightly lower than was presented in June and the service will be larger, including 17 stations as opposed to 15 and a mix of 80 bikes with half being electric. The service will be free, so long as users return a borrowed bike to a dock within 30 minutes.

Finally, trustees took another look at the 2023 budget ahead of final approval on Dec. 13, including increased salaries for town staff to remain competitive with neighboring municipalities.

The House at #45 Nancy McAtavey Carbondale

I loved the bigness of the house at number 45; the kitchen with its cast iron stove, the dining room where I built forts under the claw foot table, the front parlor with the upright piano that no one ever played.

At the top of the front staircase I walked through the bedrooms with their plump feather-tick mattresses and lace curtains at every window. Going down the back stairs I gripped the railing and placed one foot after another on the narrow wooden boards that led to the mudroom and brought me, full circle, to where I began.

Next to the pantry a latched door led to the back kitchen where jars of jams and homemade pickles lined the dusty shelves. Old brooms and rusted shovels stood teepee-like in a dark corner. Another door opened to the barn with its long-vacant horse stalls and trunks full of moth-eaten blankets.

Outside, red roses climbed a trellis overgrown with weeds and fat yellow bees played in the dandelions. By late summer, the back field grew so tall that it gobbled me up. And, when the snow fell and the cold months moved into the neighborhood, I climbed into the warmth of a woolen snow suit and ran my sled down the driveway, stopping just short of the busy street. Everything about the house was special to me. But I loved it most at Christmas time.

The morning after Thanksgiving, it’s still dark as my mother and I cross the street to Aunt Kitty’s house. After a quick kiss on the cheek, she heads to her car. I wave my mittened hands at her but she doesn’t see me. Just like every other day, she’s on her way to work. Gone.

Inside the mudroom Aunt Kitty is waiting for me. She gives me one hug and then another before finally letting me into the warm kitchen that still smells like roast turkey and apple pie. But, there’s no other signs of yesterday’s holiday. The dishes, glasses and silverware are washed and dried — once again safe inside the China cabinet.

Today, brown boxes cover the dining room table. I open each one, look inside and then remove its contents: Santa Clauses and reindeer, styrofoam balls decorated with pinecones and nuts and long paper chain garlands. The biggest box contains the electric window candles with their big orange bulbs. Aunt Kitty and I place one on every sill, snaking extension cords around the rooms. I unpack the final box carefully, making sure that the wooden stable and many figurines are all there; that Mary, Joseph and the baby Jesus are ready for their Christmas home.

To be continued…

These turkeys happily chow down on a few blades of grass alongside Cattle Creek Road, a few days before Thanksgiving. Obviously thankful for not ending up in someone’s oven, they’re having a happy Thanksgiving and we hope you are too! Photo by Jane Bachrach

the candidates for local office are your neighbors. They are mothers, fathers, sons, daughters, they are us. It is one thing to express your disagreements with their positions, it is entirely something else to feel entitled to vulgarly insult someone because they belong to another party than you. I truly hope Mrs. Couey was spared these experiences. We poison ourselves and community if we allow the opinions of national pundits, who are paid to stoke anger and division for ratings, to become how we describe our local candidates. We should always remember the democratic axiom that “every difference of opinion is not a difference of principle.”

I would like to extend my congratulations to Treasurer Couey on a hard-fought and won campaign. Thank you, Carrie, for stepping forward to serve our county. Though we disagree on our priorities for the Treasurer’s Office, I have no doubt in your sincerity to do what is right on behalf of the people of Garfield County as you set that course. I wish you success. Your success will be the county’s success.

We may continue to disagree, but the election is over and now is time for unity for our county. May God bless Treasurer Couey, her family and the people of Garfield County.

Aron Diaz Democratic Candidate for Garfield County Treasurer

the board of trustees and say, ‘I don't agree with this decision [that] was made.’ And we, as a board of trustees, have 60 days to respond to that.”

On the ALA’s website, the Support for Intellectual Freedom webpage states: “Intellectual freedom is the right of library users to read, seek information and speak freely as guaranteed by the First Amendment. Intellectual freedom is one of the core values of the library profession; it promotes access to information and guides the defense against censorship.”

Access to library materials continues to be a priority for ALA. In a Sept. 16 press release, ALA President Lessa Kananiʻopua Pelayo-Lozada said, “The unprecedented number of challenges we’re seeing already this year reflects coordinated, national efforts to silence marginalized or historically underrepresented voices and deprive all of us — young people, in particular — of the chance to explore a world beyond the confines of personal experience.”

The Dec. 1 meeting of the GCPLD board of trustees is at 2 p.m. at the New Castle Branch Library at 402 W. Main Street.

Wolves continued from page 4

to review the SAG and TWG’s final recommendations and to stay up to date.

Local producers

On Nov. 10, the Holy Cross Cattlemen’s Association organized an informative presentation and update for local producers at Colorado Mountain College’s Rifle campus.

“After the August meeting in Glenwood, as our area is in the center of the proposed introduction area map … I offered to host a meeting on behalf of Holy Cross Cattlemen's Association,” Ginny Harrington, Holy Cross Cattlemen Association’s membership chairperson, told The Sopris Sun.

A few SAG members were among the panel, including Renee Deal, a sheep rancher from Somerset, Lenny Klinglesmith, a cattle producer

from Meeker, and Pitkin County Commissioner Francie Jacober.

Harrington noted, in part, that “Livestock producers are very concerned about fair compensation both for direct and indirect losses, and the allowance of lethal methods for problem wolves.”

While CPW did not have a part in organizing the meeting, area wildlife manager Matt Yamashita was present. Yamashita was accompanied by Adam Baca, who was recently hired as CPW’s first wolf conflict coordinator.

“There are so many pressures on ranchers and farmers and far too many acres have been lost to development,” said Harrington. “We need to find ways to address the challenges we face. The introduction of wolves is a big challenge.”

“It says coins… we only have bills.”

PARTING SHOT

On the evening of Sunday, Nov. 20, with only a few hours for planning and getting the word out, leaders from AspenOUT, Aspen Gay Ski Week, PFLAGRoaring Fork Valley and other local partners organized a candlelight vigil at The Bluebird Cafe in Glenwood Springs.

Early Sunday morning, news media outlets reported the devastating, all too familiar story of a mass shooting — this time at Club Q, an LGBTQ nightclub in Colorado Springs, leaving five dead and 19 injured. Organizers understood they needed to get people together quickly, in a safe space where participants could speak freely about their concerns and shed tears of mourning for the senseless loss of life and its ensuing trauma. Some expressed concerns over hateful rhetoric, which they believe has fueled the recent uptick of violence against members of the LGBTQ community. Some also noted that Nov. 20 is National Transgender Day of Remembrance, observed annually as a day to memorialize those murdered as a result of transphobia.

Colorado House District 57 Representative-elect Elizabeth Velasco, who identifies as “a proud bisexual and member of the LGBTQ community,” was glad to see the near-to-capacity crowd at Bluebird and stressed the need to support one another “in these very hard moments in time.” Velasco summarized her thoughts about inequalities faced by members of the LGBTQ community, saying, “We are not free until we're all free.”

For those who are in crisis or need mental health support in the coming days, you can reach out to these organizations:

TevorLifeline 1-866-488-7386

Colorado Crisis Services: 844-493-TALK (8255) 24h/7 helpline ColoradoCrisisServices.org

LEGALS

PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that a Public Hearing will be held before the Carbondale Board of Trustees for the purpose of considering a Major Site Plan Review to allow the construction of a seven-unit residential town home project.

The property is located at 156 and 160 N. 12th Street, Carbon dale, Colorado (aka Lots 1 and 2, Coco Palms Estates).

The property is approximately 16,237 sq. ft. (.373 acres) and is zoned Commercial/Transi tional.

The Applicant / Owner is ALM DIN Holdings, LLC.

Said Public Hearing will be held at the Carbondale Town Hall, 511 Colorado Avenue, Carbon dale, CO at 7:00 p.m. on Decem ber 13, 2022.

Copies of the proposed applica tion are on file in the Planning Department office, Town Hall, 511 Colorado Avenue, Carbon dale, 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 applica tion may also be reviewed on the Town’s website at www.carbon dalegov.org

Jared Barnes, Planning Director

Photo and text by Jeanne Souldern