20231207

This Week: 4 ~ Venezuela 7 ~ Canine illness 10-11 ~ Calendar 14-16 ~ Español 25 ~ Avalon, part 2 Your nonprofit

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Volume 15, Number 44 | December 7 - December 13, 2023

Little Buddy, Andrea, and Big Buddy, Ana Quiceno, add the finishing touches to their gingerbread masterpiece at the Buddy Program’s Gingerbread House Workshop in Carbondale. Thanks to the generosity of community sponsors and Coldwell Banker Mason Morse, this joy-filled event — free for all Buddy Program participants — kicked off the holiday season with smiles, festive fun and sweet connections. Bottom-left: Little Buddy Nicolas, a pint-sized Picasso. Bottom-right: Big Buddy, Liz Heller, and Little Buddy, Stella, had the perfect recipe for laughter and cheer. To learn about the Buddy Program’s youth mentoring programs, visit: www.buddyprogram.org Photos by Sue Rollyson

OPINION

Ps & Qs

By Jeannie Perry

On my mom’s fourth deathday (like a birthday without the gifts), I went by the Third Street Center to drop off winter coats I had collected the night before at Ladies Wine Night. As I walked into Third Street with a big pile of Glamour Do’s, I wasn’t sure what I would find.

All I knew was that a large number of people from Venezuela had been living in our town without the necessities and someone had organized a coat drive.

What I found was Carbondale at its finest; people pulling winter clothes out of a huge heap of bags to sort and display by size throughout the room. No one was really in charge, and yet everyone was busy setting up the epic display of free winter gear. It was enough to make anyone cry, even if it wasn’t their mom’s deathday.

My sister likes to say we were brought up as Buddhist sympathizers. Mom went to Nepal in the early days of the Peace Corps and while those years definitely had an impact on the rest of her life, I feel like her ability to share — not only her things, but also her time, was innate.

And, she hummed. All the time. It was almost like she had an endless tune playing in her head that came out as a hum even when she wasn’t consciously

LETTERS

Gracias RFTA

I drove a bus for RFTA for a little over a year, starting in November 2021. I am writing to express my gratitude towards the management of RFTA, as well as its passengers and the majority of RFTA employees for making the experience a pleasant one.

RFTA trains drivers to be safe and courteous. The RFTA management, as well as all of the supervisors, are very friendly. When you experience a driver treating you poorly, or driving unsafe, that is not how RFTA management wants them to behave.

RFTA management wants drivers to treat passengers, as well as all vehicles sharing the road, with respect and common courtesy.

By using public transportation, passengers are helping to reduce pollution. They deserve respect. If you experience bad behavior from a RFTA bus driver, it is not management's fault. Maybe their hemorrhoids are increasing, or maybe, they are just not a nice person. My experience with the passengers was very good.

Thank you to all passengers, most employees, all supervisors and RFTA management for making my experience working for RFTA fun and enjoyable.

Good vibrations

aware she was doing it. It was just part of who she was, like the wool sweaters that somehow weren’t scratchy or the tea cupboard that could not be contained.

Mom was the epitome of the adage, “When we have more than we need, it’s time to build a longer table.” And that’s exactly what happened in Carbondale that Saturday, on the anniversary of her death, as they brought out more and more tables to accommodate all of the donations.

It feels really good to give away what we don’t need, both emotionally and in our closets. Especially right now. Our country’s chock full, and I for one would like to see a shift in worldly goods and sentiment, with the U.S. taking less and giving more.

I also think we should embrace the idea of automated jobs, starting at the top. I mean, what do these CEOs do all day that a computer couldn’t master with a little get-up-to-speed session?

I’m sure we can find a millennial to write an algorithm that simulates the elite corporate culture and I know the shareholders would like the sound of golden parachute-sized savings.

As sentimental as we may be for the good ole days, if we’re being totally honest, they weren’t all that good (or fashionable!) for some of us — actually, for most of us. This is where I give credit to GenX for shaking up the system by normalizing our differences and pointing out the banality of Leave-ItTo-Beaver-land. In the last few decades, the world’s concept of what we should all look like, or be, has shifted drastically (and there are plenty of podcasts dedicated to the discovery that even the Ward Cleavers [Caucasian hetero cis men] weren’t that happy with their role.)

A major influence on GenX was the music: Prince, Joan Jett, David Bowie;

I'll see you from the passenger seat.

Stephen Horn, former RFTA employee, No. 1-4-69 Editor's note: This letter was originally written in Spanish.

Advice to commissioners

Let me advise the Board of Garfield County Commissioners, John Martin, Mike Samson and Tom Jankovsky, after reading "Garfield County Libraries Report: A quick look at GCPLD's 2024 draft budget" (Sopris Sun, Nov. 23, 2023) that the Garfield County Public Library District (GCPLD) Board of Trustees should reduce their advertising and marketing budget simply bumping up their promotions and cultural events publicity efforts by using more Yankee ingenuity and Beverly Hills' fabulous Rodeo Drive Committee legacy strategic antics to capture the news media's and the general public's imagination for wanting to be there for the spectacular action and dazzling showmanship during one-of-kind moments.

Furthermore, let me suggest the GCPLD board and library staff get busy using their present precious resources to turn mud into rivers of gold. Get busy and read their books.

2 • THE SOPRIS SUN • soprissun.com • December 7 - December 13, 2023

all of the artists who refused to conform to the record label’s monotone, instead choosing to follow the sound of their own beat. The vibration of how we all live here, together, on this spinning ball of capitalism and denim is fundamental to our vitality.

From the beginning, tribes and clans would get together at night to dance around the fire, and aside from a shared sense of community, there was a vibration sent into the actual planet that cleared the cells of all living things.* There were even nightclubs in the 80s that shook the Earth, but today, everyone at home, plugged into their individual device, does not give back anything to the planet. It isn’t healthy, our solitary dance of creature comforts and consumerism, not to mention how full our closets have become …

So, the good news is that winter’s coming (bet you never thought you’d hear me say that!). There’s plenty of time to clear out all that messy clutter — on both ourselves and our closet shelves.

My advice: get yourself into a sound bath or get out and dance in the moonlight, because your good vibes are worth sharing. * “The discovery of the cellular symphony was made in 2001 from a biophysicist, Jim Gimzeweski … He found that certain cells emit a beautiful eerie hum … Gimzeweski also noted that cancerous cells emit a horribly out of tune sound, discordant and aggressive. This tells us that cells are in fact highly sensitive to sound healing and vibrational frequency can tune into any out of tune cell sound and alter or change its frequency into a sense of calm and peace through the science of entrainment and periodicity.” www.bit. ly/howsoundaffectsus

Wonders never cease!

If Mr. Beverly Hills Fred Hayman and the original Rodeo Drive Committee could produce spectacular special events and publicity stunts on shoestring budgets time and time again in yesteryear with little planning, then GCPLD board and the library staff can do it today. Let them use their brains to show everybody they are not educated fools.

In conclusion, I say the same thing to the Aspen Chamber Resort Association, Carbondale Chamber of Commerce, Glenwood Springs Chamber Resort Association, (Rifle) Colorado River Valley Chamber of Commerce, Basalt Chamber of Commerce, and other unmentioned area business groups.

Emzy Veazy III, Aspen Letters policy: The Sopris Sun welcomes local letters to the editor.

Shorter letters stand a better chance of being printed. Letters exclusive to The Sopris Sun (not appearing in other papers) are particularly welcome.

Please cite your facts and include your name and place of residence or association. Letters are due to news@ soprissun.com by noon on the Monday before we go to print.

Editor Raleigh Burleigh 970-510-3003 news@soprissun.com Sol del Valle Editor Vanessa Porras Contributing & Digital Editor James Steindler Editorial Designer Hattie Rensberry Advertising Designer Emily Blong Delivery Frederic Kischbaum Bartlett Hank van Berlo Proofreader Lee Beck Executive Director Todd Chamberlin 970-510-0246 adsales@soprissun.com Board Members / Mesa Directiva board@soprissun.com Klaus Kocher • Kay Clarke Lee Beck • Donna Dayton Eric Smith • Roger Berliner Elizabeth Phillips • Jessi Rochel Andrew Travers • Anna Huntington

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 • Frances Dudley Michelle & Ed Buchman Sue Edelstein & Bill Spence Deborah & Shane Evans Greg & Kathy Feinsinger Gary & Jill Knaus • Eric Smith Peter and Mike Gilbert Carly & Frosty Merriott James Noyes • Megan Tackett Patti & George Stranahan Anne Sullivan & John Colson Elizabeth Wysong • Alpine Bank Emily & George Bohmfalk Kathy & Carter Barger Sandy & Paul Chamberlin Karen & Roger Berliner Gretchen Greenwood & Lee Mulcahy Donna & Ken Riley

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 soprissun.com/Donate The Sopris Sun, Inc. is a proud member of the Carbondale Creative District

SCUTTLEBUTT

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

Spruce it up!

Our Underwriters and Nonprofit Partners!

It’s that time of year again! The Sopris Sun invites youngsters to submit illustrations for its annual Spruce Up The Sun contest. The winning image(s) will be featured on the cover of our Dec. 21 holiday issue. Contestants, or their parents, can submit scanned submissions to news@soprissun.com or place a hard copy in the submission box outside The Launchpad in Carbondale (76 South Fourth Street). Preschoolers through high school seniors are welcome to participate. This year’s theme: World Peace. Entries should reflect the theme.

Songwriting contest

Jazz Aspen Snowmass’ fourth annual “Share Your Voice” songwriting competition is now accepting entries from middle and high school students.

Original songs in any music genre are welcome and entries must be received by Feb. 1, including an audio or video recording, lyric sheet and student information. Up to two songs can be submitted per student to jazzaspensnowmass@ jazzaspensnowmass.org and the top high school and middle school entries will receive a cash prize and opportunity to perform live at a JAS Café event.

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Nonprofit Partners

Wilderness Workshop 5point Film Festival Basalt Library Aspen Strong Carbondale Rotary Colorado Animal Rescue Carbondale Arts Carbondale Chamber of Commerce Interested in becoming an Underwriter or Nonprofit Partner in 2023? Email Todd@ soprissun.com or call 970-987-9866

Cottonwood Pass

Cottonwood Pass, connecting Gypsum to the Roaring Fork Valley, is now closed for the remainder of the winter season. The road will reopen in April 2024 or when conditions allow.

Ranger Fazzi

Garfield County native Joe Fazzi was hired as the new Rifle District Ranger for the White River National Forest (WRNF), covering 300,000 acres from the Colorado River Valley north to the Flat Tops Wilderness and south to the Grand Mesa. Fazzi had been acting Rifle District Ranger since June and previously worked as WRNF’s land program manager and as a realty specialist for the Bureau of Land Management.

Opera house gallery

Aspen City Council has approved a contract with Daniel Joseph (DJ) Watkins to operate the “Aspen Collective” in the Wheeler Opera House

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gallery tenant space, which Valley Fine Art occupied for nearly 17 years. Watkins’ proposal prioritizes exhibiting local artists from the Roaring Fork Valley and hosting community events.

Satisfied?

Pitkin County’s public satisfaction survey is now open to residents not included in the initial outreach.

The “broader public” is welcome to provide feedback, including those who work or spend time in Pitkin County but are not residents. Find details at www.bit.ly/Pitkinsurvey

Mount Champion

The Wilderness Land Trust proudly announced that 275 acres on the west face of Mount Champion, near Independence Pass, were generously donated for protection by Amy Margerum Berg in honor of her late husband, Chuck McLean. The popular North Fork Lake Creek Trail runs through the base of the donated property and will remain open to the public.

Water law

Colorado lawmakers are expected to consider legislation next session aimed to protect wetlands left vulnerable after a U.S. Supreme Court decision in May, reported Aspen Journalism late last week. The decision found that the definition of “Water of the United States” protected under the Environmental Protection Agency’s Clean Water Act is limited to wetlands with a direct surface water connection to a stream or permanent body of water.

As reported by Aspen Journalism, “experts say the decision removed federal protections from at least half of Colorado’s wetlands” potentially including fens. Read the full article at www.aspenjournalism.org

Labor of Love

KDNK’s Labor of Love fundraiser auction continues online through Friday, Dec. 8 at 9pm. Browse items and place your bid in support of community radio at www.kdnk.org

Fresh web

The Sopris Sun and Sol del Valle are sporting a fine new website powered by

Test drilling for a major geothermal demonstration project took place at Carbondale’s Third Street Center recently.

This project is one of 11 nationwide funded through the U.S. Department of Energy to explore geothermal, cleanenergy solutions. The feasibility and design phase is being led by Clean Energy Economy for the Region, which also secured the federal grant. If built, the proposed system would provide heating and cooling across 16 acres, and be a model for other rural communities to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

Photo by Lynn “Jake” Burton

Newspack thanks to funding assistance from COLab and donor support. It will be a process as we roll out new features and dial in the tools. If you have any suggestions, feel free to send a note to news@soprissun.com with “website” in the subject line.

They say it’s your birthday!

Folks celebrating another trip around the sun this week include: David Dabney, Holly Richardson and Lisa Speaker (Dec. 7); Jennifer Lamont (Dec. 8); Jennifer Johnson (Dec. 9); Bob Johnson, Bill Laemmel, Krista Paradise, Scott Skinner and Vicki Yarbrough (Dec. 10); Marc Bruell, Gerald DeLisser, Leslie Johnson and Lea Linse (Dec. 11); Olivia Emmer, Beth Mohsenin and Laurel Janeen Smith (Dec. 12); Jon Araujo, Amy Broadhurst and Claire Markoya (Dec. 13).

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THE SOPRIS SUN • Your weekly community connector • December 7 - December 13, 2023 • 3

Carbondale requests emergency DOLA funds to address refugee crisis

By James Steindler Contributing Editor Carbondale’s town trustees circled up for a special meeting Tuesday, Dec. 5, with a sole action item on the agenda: Venezuelan Refugee Response. That same morning, Carbondale made National Public Radio’s Morning Edition report on the crisis, which was filed

by Aspen Public Radio.

Town Manager Lauren Gister explained that according to Voces Unidas de las Montañas, the organization currently assisting with the response, the culturally sensitive nomenclature when referring to the group of mostly Venezuelan refugees is “newcomers” or “new arrivals.” Officially, however, when applying for legal or financial assistance, the newcomers are referred to as refugees.

Rob Stein, a former tenured superintendent of Roaring Fork School District, has been working with the Town to solve the immediate humanitarian crisis. Stein summarized his responsibilities as threefold: helping to secure shelter through March for about 100 people, fostering a more regional approach and helping achieve legal working status for those who qualify.

Currently, about 60 people are still staying at the Third Street Center per night, which is the only

public facility that has provided space thus far. Some individuals continue to sleep outside or in their cars. Stein summarized some of the challenges when it comes to housing people at the current site, such as 1950s plumbing with no showers and inadequate kitchen space.

He outlined “unconditional improvements” that need to be applied for immediate response including, but not limited to: designating two to three full-time staff members, adding security at potential shelter sites, improving access of kitchen space and separating males and females in shelters.

Alternative scenarios

Stein presented three alternatives to consider for emergency response.

First, finding a single large space that can meet the sheltering needs.

However, he added that all known potential sites have already been eliminated, making it a moot option.

Secondly, Stein brought up the concept of a “mancamp,” which is an emergency response model that brings in module units to a single site.

He noted that it would likely be too expensive as a short-term solution.

The final proposed scenario is to have several smaller sites house people overnight. According to Stein, a number of potential sites have been identified, with capacities ranging from 10 to 40 people.

Whether it be churches, nonprofits

Many individuals continue to endure cold nights sleeping in cars outside the temporary shelter, which is receiving up to 60 people per day. Photo by Raleigh Burleigh

or Town sites, the expectation is to house people at night, so the spaces could operate their typical programming during the day.

Trustee feedback

Of the alternatives, the board agreed that the distributed site model is the way to go. The Town will take on insurance coverage for facilities offering shelter.

There was also discussion about bringing back the COVID Task Force model. Stein added that he already reached out to the former leaders of the Task Force to solicit guidance and perhaps help form a “steering group”

Former RFSD superintendent Rob Stein has been hired to organize efforts for minimizing the impacts of this sudden crisis. Photo by Raleigh Burleigh continues on page 21

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GARFIELD COUNTY REPORT

'Communist' library board, DC lobbyist, proposed property tax reductions

By Amy Hadden Marsh Sopris Sun Correspondent Anti-manga activist John Lepkowski brought copies of the Japanese illustrated books to Monday’s Garfield County Commissioner (BOCC) meeting that he and others in the county want moved or removed from the Silt Library. He said that as of Saturday, Dec. 2, “The trash books are still at low level,” referring to the low shelves at the Silt Library where the books have been housed.

He exclaimed that the library board is “following the Communist game plan” according to a book he brought with him, “How the Spectre of Communism is Ruling the World.” He added that a change is needed in the library board but that they’re not going to appoint someone who is in favor of removing the books.

Commission Chair John Martin advised Lepkowski to address the library board.

National

Robert Weidner, the county’s Washington, D.C. lobbyist, updated the BOCC about goings-on at the nation’s capitol, citing foreign policy and immigration as current congressional priorities. He added that the Department of the Interior is working toward implementing the Bureau of Land Management’s proposed conservation rule. He also mentioned the proposed Securities and Exchange Commission regulations for Natural Asset Companies (NAC), stating that there has been no congressional movement on this. He mentioned a website (pipeline. org) as a source of his NAC information and voiced concern about the issue.

Commissioner Tom Jankovsky said that he thinks the proposed conservation rule and the proposed NAC regs are “in sync” with one another.

“This is my conspiracy theory for the morning,” he said. Weidner said he is working with Nevada

lawmakers on the right-ofway bill and following up on the BOCC’s meeting with Sen. Joe Manchin (D-WV).

Local

Jankovsky also commented on the increase of undocumented immigrants in Garfield County. Later, he stated that he was invited

by Pitkin County Commissioner Francie Jacober to attend a meeting about Venezuelan migrants this week in Carbondale.

None of the commissioners could attend the meeting due to prior commitments.

Garfield County Sheriff Lou Valario requested $186,000 for a new vehicle to replace one that was “totaled” as result of an at-fault accident as well as an additional vehicle for the fleet. The BOCC approved $93,000 to replace the wrecked vehicle but denied the request for the additional vehicle.

County finance director Jamaica Watts and county

manager Fred Jarman provided a 2024 budget update. Watts said that next year’s budget revenue is projected to be slightly more than $131,282,000 but expenditures are projected to be $131,439,000. She said funds from the county’s reserves will replace the $156,196 shortfall. She added that the $1.5 million loss of property tax revenue will also pull down reserves.

Watts and Jarman requested direction from the BOCC about property taxes in the wake of Colorado lawmakers’ Nov. 17 special session. County assessor Jim Yellico, who joined the discussion at the meeting, explained the situation in an email to The Sopris Sun. He said that the commissioners gave direction to reduce the 2023 county mill levy from continues on page 21

THE SOPRIS SUN • Your weekly community connector • December 7 - December 13, 2023 • 5

Wild Rose hosts a polar visitor for Antarctica Day

By Will Buzzerd Sopris Sun Correspondent On Wednesday, Nov. 29, Wild Rose Education, a Carbondale-based nonprofit, virtually hosted engineer Sarah Wilson live from the South Pole to share her experiences with educators in the Roaring Fork Valley, just two days in advance of Antarctica Day, celebrated annually on Dec. 1.

The discussion was oriented towards educators and mentors in order to provide them with the knowledge necessary to introduce students to Antarctica. Likewise, it emphasized the importance of the diverse skill sets needed to help fight climate change.

Wilson joined the discussion from the Amundsen-Scott South Pole Station, where she is currently providing information technology (IT) support for the U.S. Antarctic Program.

“It’s awesome to be able to connect with people from the South Pole, which is one of the most remote and hardest places to get to on the planet,” Wilson said.

Her engineering background and passion for STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) outreach has taken her from Colorado to England.

Additionally, it led to her being named as an Ambassador to the IF/ THEN Initiative — a program from the American Association for the

Advancement of Science aimed at increasing girls’ interest in the sciences by highlighting real women in the field.

The discussion was hosted

by Sarah Johnson of Wild Rose Education, who first met Wilson while co-creating a citizen science project for Girl Scouts of Colorado.

The morning of Nov. 29, the South Pole’s thermometers ran at -30.5°F, which was -56.6°F with wind chill.

Although covered with ice up to three kilometers thick, Antarctica is the driest continent on Earth.

Perhaps even more extraordinarily, due to the earth’s tilt, the South Pole only sees one sunrise and one sunset each year. Wilson is currently experiencing an Antarctic summer, when the sun appears to rotate in the sky 24 hours a day, never dipping below the horizon and lending nonstop daylight until the solstice.

In such a harsh environment, a staggering amount of resources goes into logistics. In fact, Wilson stated that logistics for getting supplies and people in and out of the South Pole is more difficult than getting to the International Space Station.

Wilson emphasized that there’s much more to be done in Antarctica than just high-level research.

“When I was growing up, I had the impression that in order to go to Antarctica I had to be a super-focused PhD research scientist, or I had to be an extreme athlete expedition

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Engineer Sarah Wilson jumping for joy at the South Pole. Since the station slowly drifts upon thousands of feet of ice, the geographic pole must be replanted each year. Courtesy photo

adventurer,” she shared. “I didn’t have a lot of a concept for how much middle ground there was.”

Most of the people living in Antarctica work to keep the stations functional. In the summertime, the South Pole station is shared by around 150 personnel from the international community. Come wintertime, when the station is completely inaccessible, the population drops to 40.

“Any time things break,” Wilson continued, “it’s probably easier to make a new custom part on-site than it

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is to try to order something and hope that it comes down within the next two years.” Working in IT, Wilson serves a vital role in keeping the South Pole connected to the rest of the world.

Johnson added that being part of the global community and fighting climate change is more accessible than one might be led to believe.

“We’ve had such an emphasis that you must study and get a PhD or a master’s to do anything useful in the world, and it’s just not true,” she agreed.

Trade skills, for example, are some of the most vital to have in order to keep valuable research going in one of the harshest environments humans inhabit.

Wilson and Johnson shared tips for educators looking to share the wonder of Antarctica with their students.

“Approaching Antarctica through the perspective of exploration can be a really fun way to get kids excited about the history of the continent … so many parts of this continent haven’t been touched at all,” said Wilson.

Again, both Johnson and Wilson emphasized sharing the accessibility of green problem-solving with students. “Every problem in the world that needs solving takes all types,” Wilson concluded.

For more about Wild Rose Education, visit www.wildroseeducation.com For more about the U.S. Antarctic Program, visit www.usap.gov

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Questions linger amid spread of mysterious canine respiratory illness

By Jackie Ramirez Sopris Sun Intern This holiday season many people are concerned about their beloved dogs due to a mysterious canine respiratory illness making its way across the country. Around Thanksgiving, there were suspected cases of the new illness among dogs on the Front Range. Locally, dog owners are cautioned to keep an eye out for symptoms.

Not much is known about the sickness that affects a dog’s respiratory system, and can lead to a bacterial infection and pneumonia.

A Nov. 16 article, published by CSU’s College of Veterinary Medical and Biomedical Sciences (CVMBS), stated that “In September, October and November of this year, CSU’s Veterinary Teaching Hospital has seen more than double the cases of canine pneumonia compared with the same period in 2022.”

Common symptoms to look out for are coughing that lasts 7-10 days or more, sneezing, nasal or eye discharge and lethargy.

“Most people who study these kinds of things, think that it’s probably more of a virulent strain of the usual causes of ‘kennel cough,’” Dr. James Ziegler with Red Hill Animal Health Center told The Sopris Sun. “Certain bacteria and certain viruses synergize with each other to cause the symptoms. Some of the viruses and bacteria may be stronger, so we are seeing in some patients more severe signs.”

Ziegler mentioned that contagious respiratory illnesses are common for dogs, and will come and go through the Valley. But, he acknowledged that this illness may be potentially more harmful to dogs Working To gether For Pets A nd Their Peo ple 2801 Glenwood S CR 114 prings, CO (970)947-9 173

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"To our knowledge we have not seen any cases at our hospital or in our boarding facility," stated Kelly Cuttitta, the hospital manager at Red Hill Animal Health Center, Carbondale.

Locally, "There have been cases of dogs with a cough, fever, and bacterial pneumonia.” Ziegler added, but there is “No way to confirm if this is the mysterious disease since we do not know exactly what it is."

For the moment, dogs are being treated on a case-by-case basis, “depending on how severe a patient’s [symptoms] are,” he added. “We’re asking people to be diligent when taking their dogs to certain places that could expose them to illnesses.”

For instance, when folks bring their dogs to the boarding kennel at Red Hill the staff will ask if they’ve noticed any relevant symptoms.

Ziegler explained that dogs in the Valley could be at higher risk of spreading such ailments, because of the social settings the area provides. Going to parks, such as the dog park in Carbondale, provides a lot of face-to-face contact with fellow canine friends.

The CVMBS article assured that “CSU experts are working to unravel the mysteries surrounding this unusual syndrome and are particularly interested in determining whether the cause is a new or existing virus or bacterial infection.”

“The possible virus, which is under intense observation by CSU veterinarians, has been linked to cases of severe pneumonia and, tragically, resulted in some fatalities,” the article continued.

Ziegler said that the most important thing for dog owners to do to keep their companions safe is to vaccinate them for upper respiratory illnesses.

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It’s particularly important to do so if they have to go to doggy daycare or a boarding facility.

The CSU article recommends avoiding social settings for a dog until two weeks after its “last dose of a vaccine” and once “immunity has developed.”

In that vein, Ziegler further recommended keeping dogs as stress-free as possible so that their immune systems are less compromised.

Contact your veterinarian if you have any questions or are concerned that your dog is experiencing any of the symptoms listed above.

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unique furniture, lighting, home decor & gifts HILARY PORTERFIELD

Call me, I love to talk real estate!

970.319.5757 • hilary@hilaryporterfield.com • roaringfork-homes.com ©2023 Engel & Völkers. All rights reserved. Each brokerage is independently owned and operated.

580 main street, carbondale, co

monday - saturday I 10 - 5

( corner of Main and Weant

-OR BY APPOINTMENTp. 970-963-5991 hazy@hazyoak.net

under the stairs by La Raza patio)

THE SOPRIS SUN • Your weekly community connector • December 7 - December 13, 2023 • 7

AXKAWA closes on a high note

By Myki Jones Sopris Sun Correspondent

AXKAWA (formerly Señor Taco Show) has closed its doors after 10 years of operation. The beloved taqueria underwent an evolution when they changed the name of Señor Taco Show to AXKAWA in 2019. The word “axkawa” means abundance in the indigenous Nahuatl language from the Curiel-Bernal family’s home region of western Jalisco, Mexico. The family adopted pre-colonial recipes in tandem with their original menu of Mexican cuisine, and spent a year expanding into the space where they had resided the previous five years.

Francisco Curiel and Marylu Bernal, his wife and muse, ran the restaurant with their children and co-owners, Desireé, Fátima, Marisol and Emmanuel “Manny.” The menu featured delicious family recipes that the crew grew up with, while “Chef Francisco” crafted fresh and authentic creations. Much of the inspiration for the menu came from his time managing restaurants in Jalisco.

“Gathering around the table to enjoy meals and nourish our bodies and spirits has always been the foundation of our family, and we feel blessed to have been able to share that with the community,” Desireé Curiel told The Sopris Sun. She continued, “We are forever grateful for this beautiful community, as they have wholeheartedly supported us the entire time. It was such a special experience to

share our food, our creativity as it came through, but most of all, our family.”

Francisco and Marylu decided to retire from the restaurant business this year and will now be living in Mexico full-time. “It was honestly time for my parents to step away and retire after all these years,” Desireé stated. “They have worked so hard and it was time for a new era in their lives.”

Francisco said that his favorite part of the business was nourishing Carbondale’s community. “It was about the satisfaction of creating food, the essential sustenance that we cannot live without. It was a blessing to participate in this with my family and create and maintain our existence in a delicious way; what a marvelous experience it has been,” he stated.

Despite AXKAWA closing its doors, Desireé shared that catering will still be available under her management. “Our catering operation will continue with our traditional Señor Taco Show and AXKAWA classics. Every now and then, we will add different things based on client needs and we always leave room to explore,” she told The Sopris Sun. “As our catering operation continues, it will leave a little space through which we can maintain our connection to the community. ” The restaurant space at 46 North 4th Street will not remain empty for very long, however. Bodegón by Domingo Sausage, sharing Argentine cuisine, has already begun moving into the location where they will be opening their doors to

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8 • THE SOPRIS SUN • soprissun.com • December 7 - December 13, 2023

the public on Dec. 15.

“Bodegón has been great so far,” Desireé Curiel stated. “It was necessary to find someone who has a passion for what they do to come into this space we have created with so much love, creativity and passion.”

She continued, “We are excited to offer them the special space we created and are looking forward to seeing how they transform it into their own.

We highly encourage everyone to go experience Bodegón, we know it will be worth it!”

For those inclined toward nostalgia, there is original Señor Taco Show swag available for purchase on the restaurant’s website: www.axkawa.com For more information on catering, contact Desireé Curiel at deziluna@ icloud.com or call 970-319-2421.

Marylu Bernal and her son, Emmanuel “Manny.” Courtesy photo

Enjoy México, Señor y Señora Taco!

Y O U !

THANK Dear Carbondale,

Our family at AXKAWA aka Señor Taco Show is most grateful for all of your love and support over the last 10 years. What a wild ride it has been! From our first years as Señor Taco Show- our intimate little taqueria, to our rebirth as AXKAWA, you were always there showing us the heart of community. Thank you to our beloved Carbondale and beyond, you forever left an imprint in our hearts; it was an absolute honor serving you.

We will have some STS original swag on our website.

Catering will continue, for more information please contact: deziluna@icloud.com or (970-319-2421).

We give a welcome to our friends Bodegón by Domingo Sausage as they come into our space and create a new experience; we wish them all the best.

THE SOPRIS SUN • Your weekly community connector • December 7 - December 13, 2023 • 9

COMMUNITY CALENDAR Visit soprissun.com to submit events

Roaring Fork for a Ceasefire in Gaza screens “Gaza Fights for Freedom,” a documentary by Abby Martin, at the Carbondale Library on Thursday, Dec. 7, at 7pm. Pictured above is a scene from a recent ceasefire protest outside of the Hotel Jerome in Aspen. Courtesy photo

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 7

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 8

TEEN LIBRARY COUNCIL Basalt Regional Library welcomes 6th-12th grade students to voice their opinion on the new Teen Library Council, meeting today at 4pm.

HOLIDAYS ART The Art Base hosts its Holiday Open House at 4pm.

CERAMICS SALE CMC Aspen’s Ceramic Club hosts a holiday pottery sale at 255 Sage Way, Aspen today from 4 to 7pm, tomorrow from 10am to 7pm (with a festive reception beginning at 4pm) and Sunday from noon to 4pm.

BRIDGE Bridge players of all levels are invited to sharpen their skills with lessons by Courney Keller at the Basalt Library from 4 to 6pm.

REPUBLICAN CHEER The Pitkin County Republicans host “Holiday Cheer to Wrap Up the Year” at the Hotel Jerome at 5pm. RSVP at www.bit.ly/RepublicanCheer MENORAH LIGHTING The Aspen Jewish Congregation hosts its annual Menorah lighting at Triangle Park in Willits at 5:30pm.

SOL THEATRE SoL Theatre presents “A Christmas Story” at Thunder River Theatre tonight, tomorrow and Saturday at 6pm. Catch the matinee on Sunday, Dec. 10 at 2pm. Tickets at www.soltheatrecompany.org MEN’S GROUP HeadQuarters in Basalt hosts Common Roots, a monthly open gathering for anyone 18 and up who identifies by he/him pronouns, at 6pm. Register at www.headq.org AVALANCHE V. GRIZZLIES Grizzly Youth Hockey hosts Colorado Avalanche alumni, Glenwood Demon and Aspen Junior Hockey 19U Girls players at the Glenwood Community Center rink for a game where the youth get to play alongside the pros at 6pm.

Following the game, there will be an Après Ice party at the Hotel Colorado.

More info at www.grizzlyhockey.com THINK POSITIVE Join Heyday Revolution for a donations-based workshop at the Aspen Chapel from 6 to 7:30pm, “You Are What You Think and Say.” Learn more and register at www.heydayrevolution.com CLIMBING FILMS TACAW presents the fourth season of the Climbing Film Tour, which includes a selection of short films celebrating the global climbing community, at 7:30pm. Tickets at www.tacaw.org

10 • THE SOPRIS SUN • soprissun.com • December 7 - December 13, 2023

TOY SWAP�BABY GYM Basalt Library hosts a toy swap from 10:30am to noon for up to five items age-appropriate for children 5 and under. Meanwhile, indoor baby gym allows ages 3 and under to get some wiggles out with tunnels, ball pits and more.

COOKIE CONTEST CMC’s Lappala Center in Carbondale (690 Colorado Ave) invites bakers to bring by two dozen homemade cookies from 4 to 6pm for the chance to win a prize. Register by stopping by, calling 970-963-2172 or online at www.coloradomtn. edu/community-education using “cookie” in the keyword search.

BASALT CHRISTMAS A Band Called Alexis takes the stage at the Basalt River Park performing twists of favorite holiday songs, along with a light show. There will be a petting zoo and visits with Santa and Mrs. Claus to boot. It all starts at 4pm.

CRYSTAL THEATRE The Crystal Theatre screens “Killers of the Flower Moon” tonight and tomorrow night at 5pm, and Sunday at 5pm with captions.

CUP AUCTION The Carbondale Clay Center hosts its 25th Annual Cup Auction fundraiser at 6pm at the Third Street Center.

More info at www.carbondaleclay.org HANDEL’S ‘MESSIAH’ The Aspen Choral Society presents its 47th Annual Presentation of “Messiah” tonight at the historic Wheeler Opera House, tomorrow at TACAW and Sunday, Dec. 10 at St. Stephen Catholic Church in Glenwood Springs. Each show is at 7pm. Tickets and more info at www.aspenchoralsociety.org ‘THE NUTCRACKER’ Aspen Santa Fe Ballet presents “The Nutcracker” at the Aspen District Theater tonight and tomorrow at 7:30pm, tomorrow at 2pm and Sunday, Dec. 10 at 1pm. Tickets at www.aspensantafeballet.com

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 9

SOUND IMMERSION Ildi Ingraham hosts a sound immersion with singing bowls, a gong and chimes at the Carbondale Library at 4pm. The event is free and open to all, call 970-963-2889 for more info.

NHL EXTREME Former National Hockey League players hit the Colorado Extreme rink on Catherine Store Road for likely the first pro-level hockey game the Valley has ever hosted. The NHL alumni will do some drills with Colorado Extreme’s youth hockey participants at 5pm, and the game begins at 6:30pm. More info at www.coloradoextreme.org

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 10

BREAKFAST WITH SANTA Santa will be at the Hotel Colorado during breakfast time. Kiddos can share their holiday wish list and get a photo. Call 970-928-3785 to make a reservation. Mr. Claus will be back for breakfast on Dec. 17.

‘THE POLAR EXPRESS’ Aspen Film presents a free screening of “The Polar Express,” with a special performance beforehand by the Roaring Fork Youth Orchestra at the Wheeler Opera House at 4pm. Reservations at www.aspenshowtix.com RANDOM CONVERSATIONS The Lost Art of Random Conversations continues at the Carbondale Library tonight from 6 to 7:30pm. No need to register, just show up!

MONDAY, DECEMBER 11

MAGIC Basalt Library invites teens to play Magic the Gathering from 4 to 5:30pm.

HISTORIC OPEN HOUSE The Aspen Historical Society hosts a Holiday Open House at the Wheeler Stallard Museum from 4 to 6pm.

More info at www.aspenhistory.org TOY MAKEOVER Grown ups have their turn to give used toys a makeover for the holidays. Repurpose and upcycle old toys to create something new at the Community Art Center in Glenwood Springs from 5:30 to 8pm tonight and tomorrow night. Register at www.bit.ly/glenwoodrec-arts MEET THE AUTHOR James Mitchell, author of “Musical Chairs,” will present his humor-filled quest to learn every instrument in the orchestra (beginning at the age of 76) at the Carbondale Library at 6pm.

Books will be sold following the event.

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 12

DATA BACK�UP Learn to back up your most important computer files at the Basalt Library from 1:30 to 2:30pm.

ALZHEIMER’S SUPPORT The Sopris Lodge in Carbondale hosts a support group for family, friends and providers of people living with Alzheimer’s at 3pm.

To RSVP, call 970-251-1635.

GINGERBREAD ARCHITECTS Basalt Library hosts its annual Gingerbread House Extravaganza for middle and high school students from 4 to 6pm. Hot cocoa will be served and the best gingerbread house architect will receive a prize.

DRAWING CLUB The Roaring Fork Drawing Club returns to Coffman Ranch for live drawing in the company of others beginning at 6:30pm.

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 13

SO FLY Teens in 5th to 12th grade are invited to join the Teen Fly Tying Club at Basalt Library, in preparation for the Iron Fly Competition in February. The club meets today from 3:30 to 5pm and snacks and materials will be provided!

BUSINESS AFTER HOURS The Carbondale Chamber hosts Business After Hours at Alpine Bank at 4pm. Register at www. chamber.carbondale.com OLAF AT HALLAM LAKE Olaf the winter elf visits Hallam Lake from 4-5:30pm. Registration and more info at www.aspennature.org SCRAPBOOKING Angela Shetzer guides the second part of a scrapbook workshop at the Carbondale Library. This time, discover ways to make “Mommy & Me” keepsakes. The class is for parents and children at 5pm.

HOLIDAY GLOW FLOW Cari Eisenson guides a yoga session and DJ Bhakti Styler provides the beats at Kula Yoga on Main at 6pm.

Register at www.kulayogaonmain.com STRIKE A POSE Dance Initiative hosts “Strike a Pose,” a dance party and fundraiser for the organization, at TACAW at 6pm.

Tickets at www.danceinitiative.org

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 14

EAGLE COMMISSIONERS Have a question for Eagle County?

Commissioners will hold office hours at Basalt Library from noon to 2pm.

LEGAL CLINIC Volunteer attorneys are available to assist with legal matters on a oneon-one basis for 15 minute sessions from 2 to 5pm taking place via Zoom at the Basalt Library. Sign up in advance by calling 970-927-4311 or by emailing info@basaltlibrary.org CONSENSUAL CHRISTMAS The Valley’s famous Consensual Improv troupe performs tonight and tomorrow night at TACAW at 8pm. Tickets at www.tacaw.org

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 15

ROCK’N LUNCHEON The Rock and Roll Academy hosts a luncheon for those involved in arts education and mental wellness programming for teens at noon in Aspen. Space is limited. For more info and to RSVP, email lesleefrancis@msn.com BOOK FAIR Free books for babies, kids, teens and adults will be given away at the Carbondale Library from noon to 5pm, along with school supplies, holiday cheer and hot cocoa.

PHOTOS WITH SANTA The Carbondale Police Department hosts Santa at the Launchpad. Kids are invited to take a photo with Mr. Claus and enjoy cookies and hot chocolate. Proceeds will benefit the Shop with a Cop program. Call 970-963-2662 for more info.

KIDS HOLIDAY SALE Kiddos on a piggy-bank budget are invited to shop for priceappropriate gifts at the Carbondale Clay Center from 3:30-5:30pm.

DARK NIGHT The 15th Annual Dark Night Solstice Show, a magical evening of storytelling, art, music and more, featuring author Craig Childs and guests Greg Istock (musician) and Uche Ogbuji (poet), takes place tonight and tomorrow night at the Paradise Theatre in Paonia at 7:30pm.

Tickets at www.paradiseofpaonia.com

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 16

SNOWSHOE SHUFFLE Sunlight Mountain Resort’s Snowshoe Shuffle is a 6-8k race through Babbish Gulch on snowshoes benefitting Colorado Animal Rescue.

Registration begins at 9am and the race starts at 10am. For more info, visit www.bit.ly/snowshoes2023

THE SOPRIS SUN • Your weekly community connector • December 7 - December 13, 2023 • 11

larr ydayillustration.com

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Join our Effort to Inform, Inspire and Build Community by Fostering Diverse Voices in Local Journalism.

All Donations will be Matched $2 for $1 through December 31.

Mail A Check: PO Box 399, Carbondale, CO 81623 For More Info Contact: Todd Chamberlin 970-510-0246 • Todd@SoprisSun.com

Thank You if you already Joined Our Effort. We still need to raise $36,000 to reach our 2023 Matches.

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A 501(c)(3) Nonprofit. Building and Empowering Our Communities from Aspen to Parachute and Beyond. All Donations are Tax Deductible.

12 • THE SOPRIS SUN • soprissun.com • December 7 - December 13, 2023

Sol del el

Conectando comunidades desde 2021

Valle

Volumen 2, Número 41 | 7 de deciembre - 13 de deciembre de 2023

Corte de árboles de Navidad y Posada orientada a incrementar el acceso a tierras públicas Por Eleanor Bennett Aspen Public Radio Traducción por Dolores Duarte Más de 150 personas se reunieron el sábado en el sendero Babbish Gulch, cerca de Sunlight Mountain, para cortar sus propios árboles de Navidad y celebrarlo con una fiesta navideña latina llamada "Posada".

Este evento bilingüe y bicultural es organizado anualmente por el Distrito de Guardabosques Aspen-Sopris del Servicio Forestal de EE.UU. y el programa de defensa del medio ambiente dirigido por latinos del Wilderness Workshop, Defiende Nuestra Tierra.

El encuentro en las montañas a las afueras de Glenwood Springs es una oportunidad para que los residentes que hablan inglés y español se reúnan para aprender sobre sus tierras públicas en la zona de Thompson Divide, comer tamales y cortar un árbol.

"Creo que ambas culturas están aprendiendo una de la otra, en otras palabras es otra gran excusa para reunirse y pasar buenos momentos con la familia y los amigos", dijo Omar Sarabia, director de Defiende Nuestra Tierra.

"Esperamos que la gente establezca esa conexión con nuestras tierras públicas y las agencias federales que las gestionan, y que aprenda más sobre cómo podemos preservar este hermoso lugar", dijo.

En México, el país natal de Sarabia, y en otras partes de Latinoamérica, las Posadas se celebran antes de la Navidad para honrar el viaje de María y José de Belén a Nazaret en busca de un lugar para el nacimiento del niño Jesús.

Un componente principal de la celebración es pedir posada, o un lugar para descansar.

"Cuando le das posada a alguien, es como decir: 'Puedes quedarte en mi casa'; es una tradición de hospitalidad", dijo Sarabia.

Para muchos, la reunión anual es la primera vez que cortan un árbol en el bosque.

Mayra Rodelas, residente de Silt y originaria de Chihuahua, México, cortó su primer árbol de Navidad en el evento de hace tres años, y este año trajo a sus cuatro hijos con ella.

"Nunca hice esto cuando era niña y la primera vez fue increíble. Mis hijos me dicen: '¿Por qué no compras en Walmart? Y yo les digo: 'No'", cuenta Rodelas. "A veces se cansan, buscando el árbol perfecto, pero yo les digo: 'No se trata del árbol, para nosotros es el recuerdo familiar y me encanta'".

La hija menor de Rodelas, Mariana, de seis años, dijo que este año habría elegido un árbol de Navidad diferente al que eligieron sus hermanos mayores, pero que aun así se divirtió. "¿Cuál fue tu parte favorita?", le pregunté.

"Acostarme sobre la nieve mientras mis hermanos cortaban el árbol", contestó Mariana.

"Y me gusta decorar toda la casa y el árbol".

Junto a la mesa del Servicio Forestal de

Erika Jiménez, en el extremo derecho, y el resto de la familia López Jiménez junto a su árbol de Navidad recién cortado en el sendero de Babbish Gulch el 2 de diciembre de 2023. Este es el cuarto año que el Bosque Nacional White River y el programa de defensa del medio ambiente dirigido por latinos de Wilderness Workshop, Defiende Nuestra Tierra, organizan el evento. Foto de Janie Bennett / Aspen Public Radio

EE.UU., Iris Salamanca ayudó a repartir permisos para cortar árboles, seguetas y dio instrucciones en español.

Salamanca trabajó anteriormente para la Oficina de Gestión de Tierras en Grand Junction, donde el año pasado ayudó a los bomberos de Aspen a traducir al español las alertas de incendios controlados. Ahora es la nueva Asistente de Información sobre Diversidad, Equidad, Inclusión y Accesibilidad (DEIA por sus siglas en inglés) del Bosque Nacional White River.

La Posada del sábado fue una oportunidad para ella de conocer a la comunidad y ayudar a aumentar el acceso a tierras públicas.

"Puedo decirles quién soy, hablarles en español y hacerles saber que ‘estoy aquí para proporcionarles información. Estoy aquí para que sepan que son bienvenidos, que estas son también sus tierras públicas'", dijo Salamanca.

"Así que se trata de romper esas barreras y hacerles saber que pueden cortar su árbol de Navidad en el bosque nacional".

Aumentar la participación en las actividades al aire libre es algo personal para Salamanca, quien creció en una familia hispanohablante de Los Ángeles sin mucha interacción con los terrenos públicos ni con las agencias que los gestionan.

"Nunca había estado dentro de una oficina del Servicio Forestal, nunca había estado dentro

de una oficina de la Oficina de Gestión de Tierras porque mi familia, ya sabes, mis padres, sabían que era una agencia federal o un edificio federal y eso es todo lo que tenían que saber para no querer acercarse, por no mencionar que mi primer idioma era el español", dijo.

"Pero siempre me gustaron los animales y la naturaleza y, simplemente, algo en ello siempre me atrajo".

El Bosque Nacional White River es el más visitado del país, y Salamanca quiere aprovechar los esfuerzos locales para ofrecer más información en varios idiomas de uso frecuente, incluido el español.

"Hay como un 40% de población latina aquí en la zona, pero no está representada entre los visitantes del bosque nacional", dijo. "Así que mi trabajo consiste realmente en atraer a esta comunidad y mostrarles y educarlos sobre lo que son nuestras tierras públicas, qué podemos hacer en ellas y el recurso que es – es un recurso maravilloso".

El año que viene, Salamanca empezará a desarrollar nuevas iniciativas y programas de DEIA para el Servicio Forestal de EE.UU., entre ellos dirigir excursiones con raquetas de nieve y caminatas ecológicas en español.

Información sobre permisos de corte de árboles, así como dónde y cómo cortar un árbol de Navidad, está disponible tanto en español como en inglés en el sitio web Recreation.gov

OPINIÓN

Criticás

Por Hector Salas-Gallegos

Considera por un momento la vida laboral de un trabajador de construcción en Rifle, Colorado. Cada día comienza y termina con un viaje de ida y vuelta hasta Aspen, su lugar de trabajo. En teoría, su salario indica que ganan x por hora. Pero a lo largo del mes, sin que sea culpa del trabajador, parte de su sueldo debe destinarse a llenar su tanque de gasolina.

Los trabajadores del valle conducen varias horas para trabajar, a menudo sin que su empleador les reembolse nada. Las empresas contratadas para trabajar en las montañas no tienen ninguna responsabilidad en Colorado de proporcionar compensación por millaje

Alguien tiene que pagar el viaje al jale

a sus trabajadores. El IRS tampoco considera que conducir al trabajo sea un gasto necesario para los negocios, excluyendo a estos trabajadores del apoyo federal.

Luego, nos encontramos en un ecosistema donde se construyen desarrollos inmobiliarios privados, nuevas mansiones, a expensas de los salarios disminuidos de los trabajadores de Colorado.

Otra persona logra quedarse con más dinero en el bolsillo de lo que debería porque los cálculos por hora no toman en cuenta los desplazamientos en la cifra final. En pocas palabras, sostengo que esto es un robo sistemático de salarios.

Una pausa. Entiendo que la mayoría de las personas conducen al trabajo y que la mayoría no recibe reembolso por sus desplazamientos.

Pero hay una razón por la que me centro únicamente en los trabajadores del valle.

Para los trabajadores del valle, cada milla conducida se convierte en un costo incorporado a la propia estructura de hacer negocios aquí. Es común que los viajeros frecuentes

registren varias horas al día conduciendo en la I-70. Dicho esto, el paisaje pintoresco que define el valle tiene un precio- el costo de la gasolina, el desgaste de los vehículos y el tiempo real dedicado a conducir. Todo se suma para perfilar las dinámicas laborales únicas en nuestras comunidades montañosas.

Hay otro costo menos tangible asociado con los largos desplazamientos: el tiempo. Es sencillo, conducir largas distancias implica salir de casa más temprano y regresar más tarde. En Rifle, yo regresaba a casa de la escuela a las 4 pm, pero las trocas del trabajo no llegaban hasta las 6:30 o 7 pm. ¿Cuánto tiempo queda en el día para un verdadero descanso después de cenar, bañarse y realizar cualquier deber en casa antes de acostarse?

Es cierto que este impuesto de tiempo es algo inherente a vivir en la parte occidental de Colorado, donde la supervivencia se basa en navegar por la I-70.

Para mí, está bien conducir a distancia si es para algo que quiero o necesito. De todos modos, los destinos son

14 • el Sol del Valle • soprissun.com/espanol/ • 7 de deciembre - 13 de deciembre de 2023

bastante lejanos por aquí.

Pero lo que diría es que sería bueno que nuestro tiempo sea respetado si debemos pasar tanto tiempo en la carretera, especialmente si es por trabajo.

Si el tiempo y el dinero perdido no son razón suficiente para compensar a los trabajadores que viajan largas distancias, entonces consideren el bien que hacen los trabajadores del valle para combatir los costos de los desplazamientos: compartir el auto. No solo reduce los costos que cada trabajador tiene que gastar para llegar al trabajo cuando van juntos, sino que también reduce la congestión del tráfico.

Compartir el auto conduce a menos vehículos individuales en el corredor de la I-70, especialmente durante las horas pico cuando nuestra parte de la I-70 ya está llena de autos. ¡Y no olviden los beneficios ambientales!

Entonces, ¿cuál es la solución? No soy un experto en impuestos ni un entusiasta de las políticas. ¡Pero! El estado de Colorado debería considerar alivio para los trabajadores que conducen una cierta cantidad de millas de ida y vuelta al trabajo. Una

propuesta podría implicar la creación de un crédito fiscal para los trabajadores que recorren una distancia específica en sus desplazamientos. Colorado ya tiene varios créditos fiscales y esto no sería diferente.

Satisfaría las necesidades de los trabajadores rurales que tienen largos viajes al trabajo cada día. Alivia la carga de ese viaje mientras también sostiene el ecosistema laboral de esta región durante un tiempo más prolongado.

Considerar legítimamente un crédito fiscal como este, primero requiere una investigación profunda que aún no existe ni siquiera como concepto. Estamos hablando de rastrear las millas de los trabajadores en diferentes sectores, identificar cuáles son los desplazamientos que demandan más millas y hacer un seguimiento del dinero gastado puramente en los desplazamientos. Significa que el dinero debe ir a organizaciones e instituciones que ya tienen la confianza construida para acceder a una red de información que pasa desapercibida en el edificio del Capitolio en Denver.

Será un camino largo, pero necesario si queremos lograr la justicia de clase en el valle.

OPINIÓN

Al no artista Por Vanessa Porras

Hay tanto que consumir en el internet que nos podemos pasar horas, que se convierten en días, navegando y nunca encontrar la orilla.

Consumimos tanto pero saboreamos muy poco. No es nada nuevo analizar la sociedad y concluir que estamos todos sobreestimulados. Más que eso, parece ser que todos somos una réplica el uno del otro. El algoritmo que está diseñado para servir a tus gustos personales realmente solamente te está alimentando lo mismo de lo que le está alimentando a

No eres tan original como crees

todos los demás. ¿Te ha pasado que cuando quieres compartir un video, una canción, incluso un libro, miles de otras personas ya saben de él? ¿Te ha pasado que tu pensamiento disque original o tus gustos no son tan originales? Me pasa mucho esta sensación de estar viviendo una realidad como aquella de Truman Burbank en la película, The Truman Show. La trama de la película se centra en la vida de un hombre que está viviendo una existencia que ha sido planeada por una tripulación de reality TV, y donde su libre albedrío realmente no existe, es solo una ilusión.

Recalcando mi postura, hace unos días, leí algo en el internet y a pesar de investigar y navegar las aguas oscuras de este mar de ideas, no lo he logrado encontrar. Y sinceramente no presté la atención suficiente como para recordar quién lo dijo o averiguar si lo que decía realmente era cierto.

Como reportera, el no poder encontrar tus fuentes es un problema, pero me

gusto la idea, lo cual no me pertenece.

En resumen, este recorte era un fragmento de una conversación entre un joven y un viejo. El viejo le preguntaba al muchacho que hacía, cuáles eran sus pasatiempos. Éste le responde dándole una lista de actividades y hobbies, el viejo lo felicita, y el joven pronto lo corrige y le hace saber que aunque él hiciera todas estas actividades no era más que un mediocre y no sobresalía en ninguna de ellas. El viejo le dice que eso no importa, el hecho de intentar una variedad de cosas por el simple placer de hacerlas lo hacía en una persona más interesante, porque tenía muchas experiencias de donde basarse.

El internet y su contenido nos da la ilusión de que estamos eligiendo aquello que consumimos.

Nos creemos interesantes porque aparentamos saber sobre muchas cosas. Pero la realidad es que sabemos lo que medio mundo ya sabe, los mismos fragmentos de información y muchos de nosotros no nos permitimos

consumir como artistas.

Es decir, no le dedicamos el tiempo a nuestra curiosidad u observación ni mucho menos a nuestro aburrimiento. Entre todo el tsunami de información a nuestro alcance, también se esconde la presión siniestra de tener que ser excelente.

Como si estuviéramos compitiendo con todo el mundo.

Esta presión y la sobreestimulación deja poco espacio para la exploración, y como consecuencia hay una sobreproducción de lo mismo. Gente que no es interesante, ni original, ni mucho menos curiosa.

Por ende, la creatividad está sufriendo mientras nosotros nos ahogamos en la normalidad.

La creatividad es un subproducto de todo aquello que consumimos, una cosa informa a la otra, es como tomar dos ideas que aparentemente no pertenecen juntas y unirlas para ver que pasa. Toma como ejemplo el álbum de la cantante española Rosalía, El mal querer. Fue inspirado por una novela

del siglo XIII llamada, Flamenca, ¿Quien hoy en día está leyendo libros medievales? Sin embargo, inspiró posiblemente el álbum que la lanzó hacia la fama. Jaime Altozano (buscalo) hizo un video en Youtube analizando las notas musicales que usó, como la combinación del flamenco y el trap.

Mi propuesta es, date un clavado por la madriguera del conejo, y consume cosas raras. Si te gusta el cine, ve películas independientes, deja las superproducciones y ve algo que se produjo con un bajo presupuesto.

Analiza por un momento qué fue de el filme que te gustó, ¿porque lo incluyó el director? ¿Cuál fue su influencia? O por igual, si no te gusto, ¿por qué? Ser una persona interesante y creativa no requiere más que ser la luz del faro que guía tu propia vida. Tu decides que consumes, y si te atreverás a intentar cosas nuevas aunque solo seas mediocre.

CONVOCATORIA DE CARBONDALE

Santa, estará en su camión de bomberos especialmente decorado, visitará los vecindarios este fin de semana!

JUNTA DE SÍNDICOS NOMINACIONES Elecciones ordinarias Ciudad de Carbondale

¡Santa’s Holly Jolly Truck-Mas! Puede ver a Santa y su equipo en Crystal Bridge Drive, County Road 109, Westbank, Ironbridge y Cavern Springs Mobile Home Park el viernes 15 de diciembre y en el pueblo de Carbondale el sábado 16 de diciembre.

Se publicará un enlace para rastrear a Santa Claus y su camión de bomberos en www.carbondalefire.org y www.facebook.com/CarbondaleFireDistrict t o d a s l a s noches alrededor de las 5:00 p.m.

Santa saldrá de la estación de bomberos de Carbondale a las 5:00 p.m. en su ruta Holly Jolly Truck-Mas. Puedes encontrar los mapas de ruta de cada noche en https://bit.ly/SantaTruck23

La ciudad de Carbondale celebrará elecciones municipales ordinarias el 2 de abril de 2024. Se eligen tres asientos de la Junta de Síndicos (todos los términos son de cuatro años). Aquellos que deseen postularse para Síndico pueden recoger una Petición de Nominación a partir del 2 de enero de 2024, lunes-viernes 8:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. de la secretaria del ayuntamiento, 511 Colorado Avenue, Carbondale, CO. Requisitos: Todos los candidatos deben ser un elector cualificado de la ciudad, un ciudadano de Estados Unidos, tener al menos 18 años de edad y haber residido en la ciudad de Carbondale durante un año consecutivo inmediatamente anterior a la fecha de la elección.

Las peticiones deben devolverse a la secretaria del ayuntamiento antes de las 5:00 p.m del lunes 22 de enero de 2024.

La ciudad de Carbondale es un organismo gubernamental local no partidista, por lo que no existe designación de afiliación partidista.

Para más información, póngase en contacto con la secretaria municipal Jessica Markham en el 970-510-1206 o en jmarkham@carbondaleco.net

el Sol del Valle • Conector de comunidad • 7 de deciembre - 13 de deciembre de 2023 • 15

Persisten las interrogantes en torno a la transmisión de una misteriosa enfermedad respiratoria canina Por Jackie Ramírez Traducción por Dolores Duarte Durante esta temporada de festividades, muchas personas están preocupadas por sus queridos perros debido a una misteriosa enfermedad respiratoria canina que se está transmitiendo por todo el país. Alrededor del día de Acción de Gracias, hubo casos sospechosos de la nueva enfermedad entre algunos perros en el Front Range. A nivel local, se advierte a los dueños de perros estar atentos a los síntomas.

No se sabe mucho acerca de la enfermedad que afecta al sistema respiratorio del perro, y puede conducir a una infección bacteriana y neumonía.

Un artículo del 16 de noviembre, publicado por la Facultad de Medicina Veterinaria y Ciencias Biomédicas (CVMBS por sus siglas en inglés) de la CSU, afirmaba que "en septiembre, octubre y noviembre de este año, el Hospital de Enseñanza

Veterinaria de la CSU ha visto más del doble de casos de neumonía canina en comparación con el mismo periodo de 2022".

Los síntomas comunes a los que hay que prestar atención son una tos que dura de 7 a 10 días o más, estornudos, secreción nasal u ocular y letargo.

"La mayoría de las personas que estudian este tipo de asuntos, piensan que es probablemente más de una cepa virulenta de las causas habituales de la 'tos de las perreras'", dijo el Dr. James Ziegler con Red Hill Animal Health Center a The Sopris Sun. "Ciertas bacterias y virus hacen sinergia entre sí para causar los síntomas. Algunos de los virus y bacterias pueden ser más fuertes, por lo que estamos viendo en algunos pacientes signos más graves".

Ziegler mencionó que las enfermedades respiratorias contagiosas son comunes para los perros, que van y vienen por el valle. Pero, reconoció que esta enfermedad puede ser

CHISME DEL PUEBLO

Traducción por Jacquelinne Castro

Concurso de dibujo

¡Es esa época del año otra vez! The Sopris Sun invita a todos los jóvenes a entregar ilustraciones para su concurso anual Spruce Up The Sun. La imagen ganadora (o varias) será destacada en la portada de la edición festiva del 21 de diciembre. Los concursantes, o sus padres, pueden enviar las entregas escaneadas a news@soprissun.com o presentar una copia física en la caja de entregas afuera en The Launchpad en Carbondale (76 South Fourth Street). Los estudiantes de preescolar hasta los estudiantes de último año de preparatoria son bienvenidos a participar. El tema de este año: Paz Mundial. Las entregas deben reflexionar sobre este tema.

Concurso de composición de música

El concurso anual de composición de música “Cómprate Tu Voz” de Jazz Aspen Snowmass ya está aceptando entregas de los estudiantes de la escuela secundaria y la escuela preparatoria. Canciones originales en cualquier género de música son bienvenidas y las entregas deben ser recibidas antes del 1 de febrero, incluyendo un audio o grabación de vídeo, hoja de letra e información del estudiante. Se pueden entregar hasta dos canciones por estudiante a jazzaspensnowmass@jazzaspensnowmass.org y las entregas más destacadas de las escuelas secundarias y preparatorias recibirán un premio en efectivo y una oportunidad de presentarse en vivo en el evento JAS Cáfe.

Cottonwood Pass

Cottonwood Pass, conectando Gypsum con el Valle de Roaring Fork, está cerrando por lo que resta de la temporada de invierno. La carretera abrirá en abril del 2024 o cuando las condiciones lo permitan.

¿Satisfecho?

La encuesta de satisfacción del condado de Pitkin

potencialmente más perjudicial para los perros que no reciben tratamiento.

"Por lo que sabemos, no hemos visto ningún caso en nuestro hospital ni en nuestra instalación para alojamiento canino", declaró Kelly Cuttitta, gerente del hospital Red Hill Animal Health Center, en Carbondale.

A nivel local, "ha habido casos de perros con tos, fiebre y neumonía bacteriana". añadió Ziegler, pero "no hay forma de confirmar si se trata de la misteriosa enfermedad, ya que no sabemos exactamente de qué se trata".

Por el momento, se está tratando a los perros caso por caso, "dependiendo de cuán severos son los [síntomas] del paciente", añadió. "Pedimos a la gente que sea cuidadosa a la hora de llevar a sus perros a ciertos lugares que podrían exponerlos a enfermedades".

Por ejemplo, cuando la gente lleva a sus perros a la instalación para alojamiento canino de Red Hill, el personal les pregunta si han notado

algún síntoma relevante.

Ziegler explica que los perros del valle corren un mayor riesgo de contagio debido al entorno social de la zona. Ir a parques, tales como el parque de perros de Carbondale, proporciona mucho contacto cara a cara con otros amigos caninos.

El artículo del CVMBS aseguraba que "los expertos de la CSU están trabajando para desentrañar los misterios que rodean a este inusual síndrome y están especialmente interesados en determinar si la causa es un virus o una infección bacteriana nueva o ya existente".

"El potencial virus, que está siendo objeto de una intensa observación por parte de los veterinarios de la CSU, se ha relacionado con casos de neumonía grave y, trágicamente, ha provocado algunas muertes", continuaba el artículo.

Ziegler afirma que lo más importante que pueden hacer los dueños de perros para mantener a salvo a sus compañeros es vacunarlos

contra las enfermedades de las vías respiratorias superiores.

Es especialmente importante hacerlo si tienen que ir a la guardería o a una instalación para alojamiento canino.

El artículo de la CSU recomienda evitar los entornos sociales para un perro hasta dos semanas después de su "última dosis de una vacuna" y una vez que "se haya desarrollado la inmunidad". En esa línea, Ziegler recomienda además mantener a los perros lo más libres de estrés posible para que su sistema inmunológico se vea menos comprometido.

Póngase en contacto con su veterinario si tiene alguna duda o le preocupa que su perro esté experimentando alguno de los síntomas mencionados anteriormente.

Para más información sobre la misteriosa enfermedad respiratoria canina, visite https://bit.ly/46J3r3p

está disponible a residentes que no fueron incluidos en el alcance inicial. El “público más amplio” es bienvenido a proporcionar comentarios, incluyendo aquellos que trabajan o pasan tiempo en el condado de Pitkin pero no son residentes. Encuentre más detalles en www.bit.ly/Pitkinsurvey

Ley de agua

Se espera que los legisladores de Colorado consideren una legislación la siguiente temporada destinada a proteger los humedales restantes vulnerables después de una decisión de la Corte Suprema de los EE.UU. en mayo, reportó Aspen Journalism la semana pasada. La decisión encontró que la definición de “Agua de los Estados Unidos” protegida bajo la Ley de Agua Limpia de la Agencia de Protección Ambiental está limitada a humedales con conexión directa de agua superficial a un arroyo o cuerpo de agua permanente. Como ya ha sido reportado por Aspen Journalism, “los expertos dicen que la decisión eliminó proyecciones federales de al menos la mitad de los humedales de Colorado” potencialmente incluyendo pantano.

Carta a la editora

Conduje un autobús para RFTA durante poco más de un año, a partir de noviembre de 2021. Le escribo para expresar mi actitud ante la dirección de RFTA, así como a los pasajeros, y a la mayoría de los empleados de RFTA, por hacer que la experiencia sea placentera.

RFTA capacita a los conductores para que sean seguros y corteses. La dirección de RFTA, así como todos los supervisores, son muy amables.

Cuando usted experimenta que un conductor lo trata mal o conduce de manera insegura, no es así como la dirección de RFTA quiere que se comporten. La dirección de RFTA quiere que los conductores traten a los pasajeros, así como a todos los vehículos que comparten la carretera, con respeto y común cortesía. Al utilizar el transporte público, los pasajeros están contribuyendo a reducir la

16 • el Sol del Valle • soprissun.com/espanol/ • 7 de deciembre - 13 de deciembre de 2023

"Sincronías" parte 52, por Leonardo Occhipinti

contaminación.Merecen respeto. Si experimenta un mal comportamiento por parte de un conductor de autobús RFTA, no es culpa de la dirección. Tal vez sus hemorroides estén aumentando, o muchas veces simplemente no son buenas personas. Mi experiencia con los pasajeros fue muy buena.

Gracias a todos los pasajeros, a la mayoría de los empleados, a todos los supervisores y a la dirección de RFTA por hacer que mi experiencia trabajando para RFTA fuera divertida y placentera.

Te veré desde el asiento del pasajero.

Gracias de nuevo, Ex empleado de RFTA número 1-4-69, Valle y Residente Planetario, Stephen Horn

Roaring Fork girls cruise to two wins at Patch tourney; boys fall to Aspen, Prospect Ridge

By John Stroud Sopris Sun Correspondent Playing on the home court for the Brenda Patch Tournament to open the basketball season last weekend, the Roaring Fork High School varsity girls scored a pair of wins, while the boys team was not as fortunate.

The Lady Rams easily handled Prospect Ridge Academy on Friday night, 63-16, and returned to the gym Saturday afternoon for a more competitive affair with Class 4A Steamboat Springs, eventually securing the 40-20 win.

The boys varsity fell on Friday night to 3A league rival Aspen, 67-37, and again was on the losing end of a 71-51 score on Saturday against Prospect Ridge.

after a technical foul was called against the Rams in the second quarter, and by the half the Skiers were up 30-16.

Aspen went on to outscore the host Rams 20-7 in the third quarter and 17-14 in the fourth to grab the win and move to 2-0 on the season.

Roaring Fork sophomore Ethan Wilson was the leading scorer for the Rams with 12 points and senior Noel Richardson had 8 points.

Against Prospect Ridge, the Rams opened strong, grabbing a 16-13 lead after the first quarter. But a 26-9 advantage for the Miners in the second was too much for the host team to overcome.

Roaring Fork did have more balanced scoring in its second outing of the season, with 16 points coming

from Richardson, 12 again from Wilson and 10 from junior Luis Andrade.

“We are young and still trying to find our roles,” third-year head coach Jason Kreiling said after the tournament. “We’re still learning our strengths and that it’s a faster-paced game, but once we settle as a team they are going to be fun to watch.”

The Rams’ boys were set to take on Rifle at home on Wednesday, followed by a road game at Brush on Friday and then a rivalry matchup with the Basalt Longhorns to open the Basalt tournament at 7pm Dec. 13.

The Roaring Fork girls, meanwhile, are off until the Basalt tournament, Dec. 13-16, with opponents to be determined.

Freshman Riley Bevington scored 20 points against Prospect Ridge on Dec. 1, including her team's first three baskets of the season. Photo by Sue Rollyson

Senior Josh Hernandez makes a concentrated leap past Aspen Skiers during Friday's game, Dec. 1.

Photo by Sue Rollyson

Press defense keys ladies’ wins

A tough full-court press against both of their tournament opponents, and the hot hand of freshman player Riley Bevington on Friday night helped secure the victories for the Roaring Fork girls.

Bevington scored 20 points on Friday, including the team’s first three baskets of the season, while junior Carley Crownhart added 17. Crownhart was the leading scorer on Saturday with 16 points, including a pair of 3-pointers at key junctures in both halves.

Head coach Mike Vidakovich spoke to the Rams’ effectiveness on the press, which forced numerous turnovers by both of their opponents.

“That’s going to have to be our bread and butter, because we certainly have the speed and the defenders to do it,” he said.

Vidakovich just did take the reins last week, after new coach Albert Blanc had to step down just ahead of the season start for health reasons.

“I think there’s still a lot of room for improvement, but it is a young team,” Vidakovich said. “We’re just trying to concentrate on the fundamentals right now, and cutting down on the turnovers and the fouls so that we make sure we keep the other team as our opponent, and not ourselves.”

Rams boys finding their way

The Roaring Fork boys were right in it after the first 8 minutes of play against Aspen on Friday night, tied at 9-9. But Aspen started to run away with the game

Celia and Paul Nieslanik, seated alongside family, were honored before the Brenda Patch girls basketball game with a Lifetime Ram Supporter award. They have been showing up at the Roaring Fork High School gym for 41 years to support 19 different children and grandchildren in the family. Currently they come to watch Erica and Carley Crownhart and have one more grandchild who will enter RFHS next year. Photo by Sue Rollyson THE SOPRIS SUN • Your weekly community connector • December 7 - December 13, 2023 • 17

Shining Mountains Film Festival spotlights Indigenous stories

By Jeanne Souldern Sopris Sun Correspondent The fifth annual Shining Mountains Film Festival (SMFF), presented by the Aspen Indigenous Foundation (AIF), was held on Dec. 1-2 at the Wheeler Opera House in Aspen.

Deanne Vitrac-Kessler, SMFF founder and AIF founder and executive director, said, “The film selections are focused on the resilience, strength and talents of all Native nations who, after years of genocide and aggressive plans of extermination by the American and Canadian governments, are not only ‘still here’ but are reclaiming their rights, fighting to protect their languages, their identity and being at the forefront of environmental protection movements.”

The opening film “Lakota Nation vs. the United States” is a feature-length documentary that chronicles the Lakota Nation’s continued legal battles with the U.S. government to reclaim the Black Hills of South Dakota, also the site of Mount Rushmore. The current Indigenous-led environmental, cultural and political Land Back movement calls for acknowledging and returning Indigenous sovereignty.

Saturday afternoon featured five short films, beginning with “The Road,” starring Stardale Women’s Group (SWG), a program in Calgary, Alberta, which serves Indigenous girls ages 10-17.

The film’s subtitle — “What Happened to Our Mothers, Sisters, Daughters” — refers to the Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women (MMIW) movement focused on combating widespread violence against Indigenous people, which often leads to people going missing or being murdered. In the film, young Indigenous women speak out about being the targets of misogynistic and racist comments and actions. Through the film they aim to garner more news coverage for the MMIW issue.

“Healing of the Dragonfly” is the inspiring story of ledger artist Joe Pulliam, raised on the Pine Ridge Reservation in South Dakota, who found sobriety and purpose through his art. He uses accounting ledger and stock certificate paper from the midto late-1800s to produce watercolor paintings.

“Paddle Tribal Waters” tells the story of Indigenous youth learning whitewater kayaking in hopes of becoming the first people to paddle the restored Klamath River after dam removal from source to sea. The kayakers reconnect river sections that have not flowed freely for over a century and reclaim their role as water protectors.

“Games of the North” showcases athletes who compete in traditional Inuit sports competitions to unite communities during the unforgiving Arctic winters. The feats of athletic prowess and mental toughness

also serve as conditioning for the dangerous traversing of ice floes during whale hunting season.

“Waniyetu Wowapi (Winter Count)” tells the story of the Cheyenne River Youth Project (CRYP), based in Eagle Butte, South Dakota. CRYP Executive Director Julie Garreau envisioned using graffiti as a contemporary method of marking “winter count,” the Indigenous method of visual storytelling. In July, the annual RedCan invitational graffiti jam brings together notable Indigenous graffiti artists and CRYP youth to reclaim community spaces by creating graffiti murals.

Saturday night’s screening of the documentary “Aitamaako’tamisskapi Natosi (Before the Sun)” profiles 21-year-old Logan Red Crow as she trains in Blackfoot territory to compete in Indian relay — bareback relay horse racing — a sport that is, to this day, dominated by male competitors. With the support of family and friends

and inspired by the legacy of her late grandmother, a relay racer herself, Red Crow, in 2021, became the first female relay rider at the Calgary Stampede.

Closing out the festival, “Yazzie” follows the upbringing of Larry Yazzie in Meskwaki Nation in Tama, Iowa, and his rise to two-time World Champion Fancy Dancer fame. After the film, Yazzie and his friend, Bart Powaukee, performed traditional dances dressed in full regalia with brightly colored ribbons, beads, feathers and fur. On Sunday, Yazzie staged a solo dance performance.

The award presentation ceremony had film participants take the Wheeler stage for one last round of applause.

“Before the Sun” received the Best Feature award, while “Paddle Tribal Rivers” won Best Short. Two films — “The Road” and “Healing of the Dragonfly” — were honored with Audience Choice awards.

Voices of the Crystal

As a science educator, landowner up the Crystal River and my family’s business of Avalanche Ranch and a grass-fed beef operation, the Crystal and its freeflowing beauty are at the core of my both my career and my family’s livelihood.”

SMFF moderator Barbara Dills (left) and emcee Bart Powaukee (right) listen as Vivian Delgado talks about treaty rights and tribal sovereignty. Delgado is a professor of Native American studies at Bemidji State University in Minnesota.

Photo by Klaus Kocher

Kayo Ogilby

Teacher, Boater, Angler

learn more CrystalWild.org World champion Fancy Dancer Larry Yazzie performs at the Wheeler Opera House on Dec. 3. Photo by Klaus Kocher

18 • THE SOPRIS SUN • soprissun.com • December 7 - December 13, 2023

Anderson Ranch redefines art residencies with family pilot program

By Jeanne Souldern Sopris Sun Correspondent

In a bold departure from conventional artist residencies, the Anderson Ranch Arts Center in Snowmass introduced the Family Residency Pilot Program, reshaping the traditional artist retreat experience. This innovative initiative seeks to provide artists and their families with an opportunity to immerse themselves in a creative sanctuary, fostering inclusivity and a sense of community.

Three artists and their families were selected to partake in two-week residency sessions, where they have access to studio workspaces, mentorships and essential resources. The inaugural participant, professional sculptor Trey Hill, shared his experience with The Sopris Sun, expressing his excitement about the newfound balance between artistic exploration and family engagement.

Hill, also a ceramics and sculpture professor at The University of Montana, achieved an impressive feat during his first week at the Ranch by crafting four clay sculptures. Reflecting on his productivity, Hill admitted, “It’s surprising for me.” His artistic journey involves large-scale sculptures, working with clay in the first week and transitioning to the newer challenge of working with steel in week two.

Acknowledging the experimental nature of his steelwork, Hill emphasized the residency “is the opportunity to make some discoveries for myself,” he said. Hill is accompanied by his partner, Olivia, and their five-year-old son, August.

The family-friendly campus at Anderson Ranch enables Hill to use the plentiful studio spaces, while Olivia’s job in healthcare, serving low-income families in Montana, allows her to work remotely.

Hill stated that August is experiencing “a truly amazing and very cool experience,” enjoying a schedule of visiting various studios from 1 to 4pm daily, engaging in ceramics, printmaking and FabLab, the Ranch’s digital fabrication lab. August also joins his father in the studio, fostering a unique father-son artistic collaboration.

As if that wasn’t enough adventure, August got his first ski lesson over the weekend. “It’s heartwarming to think about everything we’ve done in a week,” he said.

Liz Ferrill, the artistic director of painting, drawing and printmaking, has overseen Anderson Ranch’s artist-in-residency program since 2016.

Recognizing a gap in traditional residency models, Ferrill explained artist residency programs typically serve single artists. “But, over the years, I noticed a demand for artists who are parents to be accommodated because

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August Hill paints his own artistic creation during his family's recent stay at Anderson Ranch Arts Center. Photo by Trey Broomfield, Anderson Ranch Arts Center staff member

parent-artists are underserved in the residency circuit,” she said.

Ferrill highlighted the significance of the Family Residency Pilot Program in supporting parent-artists like Hill. She noted the rarity of opportunities where children are welcome to join their parents in art-making, emphasizing the importance of fostering creativity within families.

Anderson Ranch is currently hosting the program’s last two families, including artists Rubens Ghenov and Lynne Marinelli Ghenov with their teenage children from Tennessee and photographer Rebecca Drolen with her partner and 8-year-old daughter.

Ferrill emphasized the importance of participant feedback in refining and enhancing the program. As the Family Residency Pilot Program unfolds, Anderson Ranch Arts Center may well be at the forefront of a transformative shift in artist residencies. As Ferrill explained, “What I see is that, ultimately, it’s about community and nurture in everything we’ve been discussing with these family residencies.”

Have you heard…..

The Waldorf School on the Roaring Fork

is a ‘no-tech’ school?

Reality: we are a ‘slow-tech’ school and we encourage placing value on the intention behind technology use and the ways in which it works as a critical tool in our modern world.

Our Cyber Civics curriculum prepares students to be ethical, digital citizens and teaches them to leverage the power of technology. Our alumni speak to the value of an education that values human connection first and technology as a tool.

Explore our school’s unique approach to technology & discover how ‘slow-tech’ can support your student’s development and your family as a whole.

Discover the difference with Waldorf Education.

Learn more at waldorfschoolrf.com

Se Habla Español.

Newborn to 8th grade • 16543 Highway 82, Carbondale CO • (970) 963 - 1960 • @waldorfschoolontheroaringfork

THE SOPRIS SUN • Your weekly community connector • December 7 - December 13, 2023 • 19

Sponsorships help CO nonprofit gift bikes to local second graders

Promotion by Lori Davis Wish for Wheels

Wish for Wheels began partnering with companies and organizations in 2004 to empower second graders at Title I elementary schools with the gift of a new bike and helmet.

Beginning with 68 children in 2004, the Denver-based nonprofit, Wish for Wheels (WFW), has been part of building and giving bikes to more than 85,000 second graders — the majority of them in Colorado.

WFW fulfills this mission through the generosity of corporate and local partners, who fund, build and give the bikes to the children at local schools through our Team Build and Give program.

Elementary schools throughout the Valley have reached out to WFW with the hopes of getting their second graders fitted with new bikes and helmets to give them all the opportunities that owning a bike can provide. If you remember how you felt when you received your first bike, you understand the significance.

Owning a bike is not just about having a means of transportation or having a new toy. It's an on-ramp to a world full of possibility. A new bike offers a sense of freedom and independence. It allows kids to explore their neighborhoods, visit

friends and go on adventures, all while gaining a sense of responsibility for their own mobility. This newfound independence fosters self-confidence, decision-making skills and a sense of accomplishment in children.

A new bike and helmet also provides children with the opportunity to connect with other riders and create a supportive network of friends who share a passion for cycling. As many Coloradans know, the sense of community through cycling, or any activity done with friends, promotes social skills, teamwork and empathy among children.

Owning a bike also promotes physical health. In an age where screen time often takes precedence over outdoor activities, a bicycle gives children a tool to get outside and be active. Riding a bike helps improve cardiovascular fitness, balance and coordination. Plus, it allows kids to get a daily dose of fresh air and explore the outdoors. Every week at Wish for Wheels we see the impact that a new bike can have in the lives of children and their families. Not only do the kids benefit, but our Team Build and Give program offers local businesses a wonderful opportunity to volunteer, work together and interact directly with children in their community.

Santa, on his specially decorated fire truck, will be visiting neighborhoods soon!

Santa’s Holly Jolly Truck-Mas!

joy of “new bike day,” as they spend time with the children, fit their helmets, adjust their seats and encourage or teach them how to ride their new bikes.

It’s an incredibly rewarding experience for everyone involved. The professional teams walk away with a renewed sense of purpose and connection to each other and their communities.

The school districts in the Valley serve a diverse student population, including many families who face financial hardships. To qualify as a Title 1 school, 40% or more of the students must qualify for free or reduced lunch.

In the Valley and the surrounding areas, many of the schools qualify as Title 1.

The gift of a new bike and a helmet can have a profound and lasting impact on these children, now and for the rest of their lives. As they pedal through their communities, they are not only riding bikes, they are riding toward a brighter future.

Last May, Umbrella Roofing, based in Basalt, partnered with Wish for Wheels and volunteered to fund, build and give 70 bikes to the second graders at Crystal River Elementary School.

Umbrella Roofing employee David Briscoe stands outside of CRES with a drove of bikes and one of many new bike owners. Courtesy photo

Here’s how it works. Our business partner’s employees build between 30 and 100 (plus) bikes through unique team-building challenges. Then, after building the bikes with their coworkers, they experience firsthand the

Editor’s notes: According to the Colorado Department of Education, for the 2022-2023 school year, Basalt Elementary, Glenwood Springs Elementary, Sopris Elementary, Crystal River Elementary and Riverview School qualify as Title I elementary schools within the Roaring Fork School District.

Lori Davis is the director of sales and partner relations for Wish for Wheels. For more information and to get involved, go to www. wishforwheels.org

I'm just waiting until you say the magic word…

Tre a t s !

You can see Santa and his crew on Crystal Bridge Drive, County Road 109, Westbank, Ironbridge, and Cavern Springs Mobile Home Park on Friday, December 15, and in the Town of Carbondale on Saturday, December 16.

A link to track Santa and his fire truck will be posted on www.carbondalefire.org and www.facebook.com/CarbondaleFireDistrict each night around 5:00 p.m.

Santa will be leaving the Carbondale Fire Station at 5:00 p.m. on his Holly Jolly Truck-Mas Route. You can find each night’s route maps at https://bit.ly/SantaTruck23

20 • THE SOPRIS SUN • soprissun.com • December 7 - December 13, 2023

El Jebel, Colorado 970-963-1700 RJPaddywacks.com

Newcomers

continued from page 4

dedicated to the response. The team is hoping to get some guidance from the American Red Cross as well.

Mayor Ben Bohmfalk acknowledged that a difficult, though necessary part will be capping Carbondale’s intake at 100 people. He went on to say that that is why it’s important to collaborate regionally, as well as at the state and federal level to find other places where new arrivals can be absorbed.

Gister noted that at least a few of the new arrivals have already left Carbondale for living opportunities elsewhere, or returned to Denver.

For now, she said, the focus is to get a system in place to keep people from freezing to death.

Thinking ahead, she stated, “The minute we get something set up, we’re going to have to start thinking about, ‘What happens in March?’”

The following day, Gister was to meet with all of the municipal managers within Garfield County, as well as the Garfield County manager to discuss potential for a county-wide response. The details of that meeting were not available ahead of press time.

DOLA funding

Gister has been in touch with the Colorado Department of Local Affairs (DOLA) about tapping into emergency funding through the state. If approved, the funds are considered reimbursement funds, so the Town would initially take on the cost then apply for reimbursements through DOLA. At first, it was Gister’s understanding that, according to state statute, the Town would have to declare a state of emergency to qualify for DOLA funding. However, DOLA staff suggested that the trustees vote on a resolution establishing that the Town does not have the capacity to feasibly manage the situation.

The resolution grants Gister the authority to make judgment calls going forward, such as hiring

Mid-Valley Self Storage

or contracting support agencies, “with the board of trustees’ goals in mind.” Secondly, “The mayor and/or the town manager is authorized to sign an application requesting emergency grant funding from DOLA …” and thirdly, it authorizes Gister to seek emergency funding elsewhere.

The resolution supported an initial letter, signed by the mayor, to be sent to DOLA requesting emergency reimbursement funding.

The letter requests $223,880 to address housing assistance, refugee response services (such as language services, food, medical care, etcetera), transportation and travel (between shelters or for relocation opportunities) and for local government staffing.

Resolution 14 was unanimously adopted, with Trustee Colin Laird recusing himself, authorizing Mayor Bohmfalk to sign the letter to DOLA. Bohmfalk asked Stein how soon the distributed site model might come online. Stein responded that every potential site has its own internal decision making structures that need to be met before finalizing a commitment. He stated that next week would be optimistic. The Town is considering space it might be able to offer, including the trustee meeting room at Town Hall.

Editor's note: The town opened a post office box for the newcomers, and plans to create an email address as a point of communication related to the response. They will also designate a website page where information regarding this crisis can be found, including how to help. The Sopris Sun will follow up next week with further details.

To view the meeting in its entirety, Resolution 14 and the letter to DOLA, visit www.bit.ly/ CarbondaleResponse

970.989.4203

GarCo Report

continued from page 5

13.655 to 13.155 via a temporary mill levy credit of .5 mills.

“This year, the legislature made some changes — offering a reduction to the Actual Value of $55,000 for residential properties and $30,000 for non-residential real property,” he added.

“They also lowered the residential assessment rate from 6.765% to 6.7% and non-residential properties from 29% to 27.9%.”

So, for a $500,000 property in Glenwood Springs that means the assessed value would be $29,815. Then, by multiplying the assessed value by the total mill levy for residential property in Glenwood Springs tax area 31, property tax would be $2,368.95. “A commercial property of the same value in the same tax area would have taxes due of $10,418.93,” he said. The mill levy certification is expected to be signed at next week’s regular meeting.

The BOCC approved action items and after an executive session, adjourned for lunch.

Gravel pit

In the afternoon, commissioners heard presentations from county staff and representatives of North Hangs Ranch LLC about a proposed gravel pit on 72 acres north of Interstate 70, south of the Colorado River, and west of Silt. Project operator Western Slope Materials (WSM), a local company, is a subsidiary of Pennsylvania-based Stewart Companies, which is the address on the application.

Travis Stewart, who gave Monday’s presentation, is listed as the property owner and WSM president of operations. County staff approved the project with conditions, as did the BOCC. The project is expected to dewater wetlands on the property, warranting wetlands mitigation, and will force the relocation of the Bernudy Ditch.

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THE SOPRIS SUN • Your weekly community connector • December 7 - December 13, 2023 • 21

Pluralism reminds us the world is made up of many parts, all with inherent worth and dignity. Internal Family Systems tells us we ourselves are made up of many parts, all with inherent worth and dignity. In this service, we’ll look at how love and beauty can guide us toward harmonizing with all of our parts, both those inside of us and those beyond.

Live in-person service. Live music by Jimmy Byrne.

Sunday, December 10th, 10am at Two Rivers Unitarian Universalist Community Room @ Third Street Center in Carbondale or via Zoom Join Zoom Meeting - https://us06web.zoom.us/j/82605258305 Meeting ID: 826 0525 8305 - Passcode: chalice

On the second and third Sundays of each month, Aaron Brown will be speaking in-person at Third truu.org Street Center. Aaron Brown received his Master’s in Theological Studies from Iliff School of Theology. He develops coaching and leadership programs for a global consulting firm and has spoken intermittently over the last 12 years at TRUU. He is the father of two teenagers, one who recently started college, the other in 10th grade. He is delighted and honored to be joining the congregation this year as a guest speaker.

22 • THE SOPRIS SUN • soprissun.com • December 7 - December 13, 2023

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THE SOPRIS SUN • Your weekly community connector • December 7 - December 13, 2023 • 23

Truckin’ through the racial climate

GUEST

OPINION

By Lynn "Jake" Burton

A couple of local occurrences in recent months have demonstrated a difference in how people perceive race relations in rural America. Both involved truck drivers landing their big rigs in precarious situations in Colorado mountain towns.

The first incident occurred just outside of Marble last summer and was reported in this newspaper and elsewhere. The young driver, from Las Vegas, pointed his rig up the road to Crystal, known as the Lead King Loop. His load included clothes bound for TJ Maxx in Denver.

Coming into Marble on County Road 3, the driver had grown suspicious and circled back to Paonia where there was cell phone service. There, he told his supervisor something wasn’t right, but the supervisor, in a southern state, told him to stay the course. Did I mention it was dark and raining?

The driver returned to County Road 3 and continued through Marble, creeped past Beaver Lake, then slowly started up Floyd Hill. That rocky stretch is basically a one-lane road. The driver didn’t make it far. He tried to turn around, but got his rig stuck — completely blocking the road.

The unfortunate driver spent the night in his cab,

then set out in the morning for Marble to get some help. Marble residents later told me he was afraid of bears on the hike to town. He came across the Marble Hub, which has Wifi access, and was able to call home to his family.

What happened next is what radio legend Paul Harvey would call “the rest of the story.” You see, the driver was a Black man who apparently was not only afraid of bears, but concerned about being stranded in a mostly, if not all, white occupied small town.

In short order, several Marble folks showed their true colors. Those who came into contact, befriended the worried man. Some folks drove him around town while others talked to him at the Hub and elsewhere.

One good Samaritan told him he could have just knocked on someone’s door and asked to use their phone. The driver allegedly replied something to the effect of, Do you see who I am?

The driver’s ordeal lasted three days and two nights, until a crane and two wreckers finally freed his rig. He stayed at Beaver Lake Lodge, getting to know the staff and using the phone to keep in touch with his family.

Here’s the yet to be reported punchline to the story.

Upon leaving town, he told folks he’d like to return to Marble with his family. A happy ending all the way around. Here comes happy ending number two …

Glenwood shows its colors

The second big-rig driver was a young Black woman.

While navigating downtown Glenwood Springs, the driver attempted to turn her north-bound rig off of Bennett Avenue and onto Seventh Street to head west.

A light pole got in the way about half way into the turn.

She climbed down from her rig and walked to the back of the trailer to assess the situation, looking worried.

She climbed back to her seat behind the steering wheel and it looked like she might be on her phone. I was parked nearby on Seventh Street. I walked to her

Photo by Lynn Burton

rig and looked up as she rolled down her window.

“You are in Glenwood Springs!” I yelled up. “The cops here are pretty good. They might be able to help you.” Apparently, calling the cops wasn’t a preferred option.

Seconds later though, a tall guy with an off-leash white dog walked up. He shouted up, “You’re in a pickle,” then headed to the back of the trailer and started giving her directions by hand, as she slowly backed up to get a better angle on the turn.

I stationed myself in front of her to signal from the front end. Sooner than you’d think, she made the turn, then headed west on Seventh toward Midland. The tall guy with the white dog and I escorted her all the way to the train station, where she stopped and rolled down her window. He gave her directions to Midland. She was all smiles as she drove off; no doubt relieved.

I brought up the rear on the way to the train station.

As the driver eased west along Seventh, the tall guy yelled “Thanks!” to me and waved as he continued his walk downtown.

So, there you go. Due to the world we live in, people may not feel welcomed and get worried when they find themselves in unfamiliar, predominantly white mountain towns. It’s up to us, and little acts of kindness, to make people think again.

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24 • THE SOPRIS SUN • soprissun.com • December 7 - December 13, 2023

Get to know Dr. Melissa Somers

Comparte tus proyectos creativos aún en proceso con nuestros lectores. Puedes enviarnos un correo electrónico con tus ilustraciones, creaciones literarias y poesía a fiction@soprissun.com

Share your works in progress with readers by emailing illustrations, creative writings and poetry to fiction@soprissun.com Approaching Avalon, Part 2 Amy Hadden Marsh, Carbondale

Charlie and Maddie were long gone and I was once again cast adrift in the night on strange English roadways, panic stricken and distracted by headlights coming at me from the wrong side of the road, refracting off a rain-smeared windshield. Every time a bus or truck would pass, it looked like it was heading straight for me, adding layer upon layer of anxiety to my already strained emotional capacity.

The only relief lasted about two minutes, whenever I exited the M5 Motorway, an eight-lane freeway that runs south from Birmingham.

Those precious two minutes gave me time to catch a breath before plunging into the evil roundabouts.

‘Twas brillig, and the slithy toves did gyre and gimble in the wabe came to mind as I navigated a particular roundabout a few times before the inevitable honk-and-veer.

Then, the road narrowed.

Giant hedgerows, probably planted just after the Battle of Hastings, loomed on either side, made menacing by the rain, the darkness, and my lonely headlights. At one point, I came upon a crossroads in what felt like the middle of a field. A random driver appeared. I thought maybe he was the farmer who belonged to the field, come to rescue the lost soul driving around his property in the rain.

But, it wasn’t a farmer and

I wasn’t in a field. I was on a road. “Help!” I yelled, as I jumped out of the car and stood in front of the headlights, waving my arms like a wild woman. “I’m lost!” The random driver tells me I’m in Bridgwater, wherever the heck that is, and gives me directions that make no sense. Poor guy didn’t know I had just fallen to earth from Mars.

I eventually got to Bridgwater (11 miles south of Burnham-on-Sea and 13 miles west of Glastonbury) where yet another roundabout ejected me into the Twilight Zone. I texted a friend back home for moral support. “I literally have ended up on a rooftop car park in Bridgwater,” said I. “The road came out of a roundabout and, voila, here I am on a (expletive) roof!”

Remember the roundabout scene in the original Pink Panther movie where Inspector Clouseau, dressed in armor, and his comrade, dressed as a court jester, are in a jeep, chasing two thieves in gorilla suits driving Karmann Ghias?

My evening could not have been more ridiculous. I sat in my battered rental, alternately laughing and crying. My texting friend urged me to breathe.

After a few minutes, my hysteria waned. I drank some water and killed off the box of shortbread. I noticed a high rise hotel right in front of me but in order to get to it, I’d have to pull a Jason Bourne and drive straight off the roof. It was, however, a handy reference point on my phone app map, which revealed what turned

out to be an elusive route to the M5. I ended up winding my way in and out of the dark, seedy-looking industrial section of Bridgwater, made more depressing by my psychological state. Finally, I stumbled upon a road out of town, not really caring where it led.

After what felt like hours on those narrow, forever winding country roads, I came upon the Windmill Inn, nestled into a wooded hillside near the coast about 20 miles northwest of Bridgwater and 30 miles west of Glastonbury. No room at the inn but the bartender offered to lead me, à la Charlie and

Maddie, to a hotel in Taunton another 15 miles east. The guy kindly called ahead to make sure a room was available.

But by the time we arrived, it was booked and no amount of cajoling was going to convince the concierge to let me in.

The good news? The bartender had given me directions to another place just in case. The bad news? I got lost.

After several dead-end streets, I was ready to stay up all night in the local McDonald’s when a Travelodge appeared directly in front of me. And, I didn’t have to drive

off a roof to get to it. I giddily skirted the edge of what I hoped would be the final roundabout of the night and parked in front of the motel. But, the lights were out; the office, locked. My shoulders sagged.

Glastonbury had never felt so out of reach. The ghosts of the dismal pilgrims had won…for now. I made my way to a dark corner of the Travelodge car park, turned off the engine, and curled up in the back seat.

In the morning, the rain had stopped. The mist cleared and I found my way to Avalon.

WE ARE PLEASED TO SPONSOR “WORK IN PROGRESS”

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THE SOPRIS SUN • Your weekly community connector • December 7 - December 13, 2023 • 25

OBITUARY

Adrian Selgren (Twirp) Anderson September 24, 1937 - November 27, 2023

Adrian Selgren (Twirp) Anderson passed peacefully at his home in Grand Junction with his granddaughter Annika by his side on Nov. 27, 2023. Adrian was born in Colfax, Washington, on Sept. 24, 1937, to Iris Ireta Anderson and Knute Oscar Anderson. He was the fourth of six children and was raised on the family farm just outside of Culdesac, Idaho. Adrian received his nickname, Twirp, at birth and it stayed with him his entire life! He grew up in Lapwai, Idaho and graduated from Lapwai High School in 1955. He attended the University of Idaho in Moscow and there he met his future wife, Barbara Timmons Anderson of Ashton, Idaho.

Twirp and Barbara Anderson wed on Dec. 28, 1962. They moved to Morton, Idaho where their first child was born, Eric Christian Anderson.

Twirp worked in the woods as a logger and truck driver. Here he formed his first band, The Hustlers.

This took him to Boulder, Colorado where their second child was born, Heidi A. Anderson. He played many gigs in Aspen with The Hustlers and eventually moved his family to Aspen in 1969.

Twirp had many jobs in his early years in Aspen, from janitor to deputy, truck driver and ski patrolman. He also worked as a cowboy and ranch manager for both the W/J and Snowmass Stables. He moved his family to the Snowmass Stables in 1970 where he helped build the rodeo arena. In Snowmass, he led pack trips and developed his skill as a horse shoer, a career he kept for 41 years. He also helped start the Snowmass Rodeo and announced that for 40 years to come. Also at the

Courtesy photo

Snowmass Stables, his third child was born, Wendy R. Anderson.

In 1977, Twirp and his family moved down the valley and made Carbondale their home. Between The Timber Mill at the base of Snowmass, the Stagecoach (Relay Station) and the Red Garter Room at the Hotel Colorado, Twirp played music every Friday and Saturday night for years.

He also played for many special events in the Roaring Fork Valley and formed a band, Heart of the Rockies, later in his career.

Twirp is survived by his three children and granddaughter and sister, Sandy Wilkinson in Fort Worth, Texas. We celebrate the legacy of a great entertainer and friend and say, with gratitude for the time we had, “Happy trails, pard.”

LEGALS ORDINANCE NO. 10 Series of 2023 AN ORDINANCE OF THE TOWN OF CARBONDALE, COLORADO, AMENDING CHAPTER 4, OF THE TOWN OF CARBONDALE MUNICIPAL CODE TO PROVIDE FOR THE COLORADO DEPARTMENT OF REVENUE TO COLLECT TOWN SALES TAX; TO ELIMINATE TOWN SALES TAX LICENSE REQUIREMENTS; TO REMOVE VENDOR’S FEES FOR SALES TAX AND MARIJUANA SALES TAX; AND TO UPDATE THE MUNICIPAL CODE CONCERNING TAXES THAT WILL CONTINUE TO BE COLLECTED, ADMINISTERED AND ENFORCED BY THE TOWN. NOTICE: This Ordinance was introduced, read, and adopted at a regular meeting of the Board of Trustees of the Town of Carbondale, Colorado, on November 28, 2023.

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

NOTICE OF FINAL SETTLEMENT NOTICE is hereby given that on December 21 st 2023, at 12:00 p.m., final settlement will be made with NORTHPEAK Inc., 305 Main Street, Suite A., Grand Junction, Colorado, 81501 by the TOWN OF CARBONDALE, 511 Colorado Ave., Carbondale, Colorado, on a contract for labor and materials for a project known as TOWN OF CARBONDALE WWTF DIGESTER BUILDING HVAC IMPROVEMENTS and that any person, co-partnership, company, association of persons, or corporation who has an unpaid claim against NORTHPEAK Inc., or its subcontractors, for labor and materials, may, at any time, up to closing of business the last work day prior to final settlement, that is, by December 20 th , 2023, file a verified statement of the amount due with the TOWN OF CARBONDALE (Attn. Kevin Schorzman kschorzman@carbondaleco.net )pursuant to Section 38-26-107, C.R.S., as amended.

26 • THE SOPRIS SUN • soprissun.com • December 7 - December 13, 2023

Failure on the part of the Claimant to make such verified statement, prior to the final settlement on the contract with NORTHPEAK Inc., will relieve the TOWN OF CARBONDALE from any liability for such Claimant's claim.

PUBLISHED BY THE ORDER OF TOWN OF CARBONDALE.

PARTING SHOTS

December's annual First Friday tradition, Light Up Carbondale, came and went with a healthy helping of snowfall. Main Street was illuminated with Christmas lights and holiday cheer. Families sipped hot cocoa, took turns riding in a horse-drawn carriage and the townspeople gathered at Weant Boulevard and Main for the official lighting of the tree, the last of which will occur in front of the 1930s Forest Service building, scheduled to be demolished in February. Photos by Sue Rollyson

ENTER TO WIN

THE BOOK of THE MONTH

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SCAN TO ENTER TO WIN

CALL FOR CARBONDALE

BOARD OF TRUSTEE NOMINATIONS Regular Election Town of Carbondale The Town of Carbondale will hold a regular municipal election on April 2, 2024. Three Board of Trustee seats (all four-year terms) are up for election.

DECEMBER Book of the Month

Those wishing to run for Trustee may pick up a Nomination Petition beginning January 2, 2024, Monday–Friday 8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. from the town clerk, 511 Colorado Avenue, Carbondale, CO.

JOIN US

For Our Monthly Book Club Follow us on instagram @whiteriverbooks for info about our next book club at White River Books

Qualifications: All candidates must be a qualified elector of the Town, a citizen of the United States, at least 18 years of age, and must have resided in the Town of Carbondale for one consecutive year immediately prior to the date of the election.

Petitions must be returned to the town clerk no later than 5:00 p.m. on Monday, January 22, 2024.

The Town of Carbondale is a non-partisan body of local government, therefore, there is no party affiliation designation.

Jamie Maybon 970.309.5552 jamie@masonmorse.com

For more information contact Town Clerk Jessica Markham at 970-510-1206 or jmarkham@carbondaleco.net cbmasonmorse.com

THE SOPRIS SUN • Your weekly community connector • December 7 - December 13, 2023 • 27

Spruce Up the Sun Art Contest!

¡EMBELL E CE EL SOL!

­

Theme: World Peace Temática: La paz mundial

­

DEADLINE: DECEMBER 17 FECHA LÍMITE: 17 DE DICIEMBRE

DROP OFF/ ENTREGA: MAILING/ POR CORREO:

P.O. Box 399, Carbondale CO 816234

:

RULES: RULES

• Students from kindergarten to high school are invited to enter • Paper size: 8 ½ x 11” • A variety of media is permitted, but not glitter or three-dimensional elements • Bright, bold colors are recommended • Please write the child’s name, age, grade, school and a parent’s contact information (on the back of the page)

REGLAS:

• Estudiantes de kindergarten a high school están invitados a entrarr • 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)

For more information, contact/Para más información:

news@soprissun.com / 970-510-5003

28 • THE SOPRIS SUN • soprissun.com • December 7 - December 13, 2023

Last Yearʻs Winners