20221208

8-9 ~ Calendar

11-14~ Español

16-17 ~ Events

Basketball bounces back!

By Raleigh Burleigh Sopris Sun Editor

Per tradition, basketball season at Roaring Fork High School began in earnest with the annual Brenda Patch Memorial Tournament last weekend, Dec. 2-3. Brenda Patch was a Roaring Fork High School athlete who’s life was tragically cut short on Thanksgiving Day, 1986.

In her honor, all proceeds from the tournament are given to student athletes in the form of two scholarships. “These two basketball athletes will share the leadership, sportsmanship, determination and a love of the game of basketball that Brenda embodied,” wrote Athletic Director Crista Barlow in a letter addressed to all teams, officials, volunteers, fans and supporters.

The tournament was attended by boys and girls, JV and varsity teams from Rifle High School, Prospect Ridge (Broomfield), Palisade, Plateau Valley (Colbran), Aspen, Steamboat, Hayden and West Grand (Kremmling).

The Roaring Fork boys defeated West Grand by a wide margin (62-7) and narrowly lost after an exciting game against Plateau Valley (49-51). The Lady Rams gave Steamboat Springs a close match, losing by three points (27-30) and were defeated by Rifle (27-42).

The boys and girls will next travel to play Basalt on Dec. 14. The girls’ first home game is on Jan. 11 against Meeker. The boys play Cedaredge at home on Jan. 13.

Roaring Fork High School senior River Byrne sends the ball gliding above Plateau Valley’s Jackson Bevan.

Photo by Sue Rollyson

Outsiders wanting in OPINION

Branching Out

By Geneviève Villamizar

Arriving in the dark, we parked in a cloud on mud tracks amid falling rain. Visiting family in a tiny Central American mountain town, population 250, our minds were blown — because we’re moving here. Driving through third-world towns and villages, along ridges and valleys cloaked in rainforest, I was keenly self-conscious of the tables turning: I was now the outsider, wanting in. We woke to welcoming blue skies and cascading river. Melodious birdsong enlivened the morning air — I leapt from the covers, dashing to the open window. What new, fantastical creature would I see?

Roosters crowing were a familiar, comforting call to breakfast. Dressing, I could see white through rows of coffee and bananas. Milk goats were staked at the edge of the jungle, keeping grass at bay. Oh, their gentle bleats, bells chiming … just … all of it. Slow. Simple. Pure.

It felt like home, the magical realism of my Latino father’s paintings and colorfully carved dioramas come to life.

LETTERS

Invasives alert

Researching guidebooks for our trip, the energy inherent to reservations, shuttles and herds of humans held no appeal. Ziplines, whitewater rafting and coffee tours somehow felt disrespectful of the small communities now subject to the modern plague of ecotourism. We realized family and farm projects were rich enough for our visit. In our free time, we would go for walks in the area, and look at land.

Moving from the capitol, my family is in their second year of homesteading and building their individual homes. Year one, everyone lived in a single huge canvas tent — even through the rainy season. My godmother Carmel posted pictures of their milk cow (which came with the property) and cooking meals on a tripod over an open fire. I was enchanted, and knew I must visit. She told us stories of demolishing the original farmhouse and cockroaches pouring from the walls. Today, new ivory-plastered walls support bamboo, beams and tongue and groove ceilings.

That first morning, we ate breakfast at the lower house in an open-air kitchen, construction still in progress. We peeled spiky red lychee, sucking at the pearly insides. Eggs came from their hens; jam and juice from the plants around us.

Inside, the foundation of the home was compacted gravel, over which they

laid clay and coconut fiber floors. Expansion joints of fermented, cured bamboo slats composed a whimsical pattern of earthy greens and olive. Plastering the final hallway sections, we troweled on a mix of sandier clay and finely-chopped fermented straw, whose manure smell would dissipate with drying. Next, they’ll seal it with five layers of linseed oil. Ayal’s livelihood is natural home building, and he works all over the country.

Stefan and Cristina had us for breakfast as well. Their kitchen is almost complete — everything but the window glass. Knowing we’ll be building a home from the earth as well, we asked about their beautifully layered rammed earth walls. Explaining their process, we were impressed to discover that in building together, they’ve been conflict-free, which is quite something, living in a construction site. Stefan is gentle and thoughtful; Cristina, joyful and competent.

We helped to mix and pour concrete for a raised bed alcove in the guest room, which will be surrounded on three sides by glass. Glazing features largely in their architecture; in the early evenings, their house glows like a warmly-lit greenhouse.

They’re fascinated with fermentation, which can stabilize and enrich raw products. Their yogurt and cheeses, sans the raunchy presence of a billy goat, are sweetly tangy; their

Invasive species are plants, animals, insects or diseases that are not native to Colorado and have harmful effects on the economy and environment. They are introduced either accidentally or intentionally outside of their native range.

Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) staff recently discovered live adult zebra mussels in the Highline Reservoir. In an effort to find the source and extent of these organisms, they investigated the reservoir's source water which is the Highline Canal that diverts water from the Colorado River.

While doing so they discovered a second invasive aquatic mollusk, the New Zealand mud snail. Unfortunately, New Zealand mud snails were also detected upstream at the boat ramp west of Parachute. Both of these mollusks are highly invasive and were likely spread by folks who recreate in and around our streams and lakes. The introduction and spread of these creatures can have adverse impacts on local ecosystems and can quickly become detrimental to the function of municipal water

infrastructure.

CPW's website (www.bit.ly/ HelpCPW) provides guidance on how to prevent the spread of aquatic nuisance species (ANS) and minimize their presence. There you will find steps on how to prevent ANS proliferation by our many different water users including anglers, boaters, gardeners, pet owners, hunters, outdoor enthusiasts, professionals and scuba divers.

Kendall Bakich, aquatic biologist, Glenwood Springs Area 8

Re: Diemoz

Floyd Diemoz writes in his letter to The Sopris Sun (Dec. 1, 2022) that the U.S. is a republic and not a democracy. Here is a complementary remark:

It is correct to define the U.S. as a republic. A republic is the opposite of a monarchy, where a monarch or a family will rule a country, mostly with absolute power over its citizens.

A republic has elected officials and representatives with limited time for ruling, from one year to six years. To elect these representatives on the community, state or federal level you

sourdough breads, moist and chewy; and they sell kombucha at a touristoriented natural foods store. Each week cycles towards the Wednesday farmers market, the feria.

The feria, 20 minutes away, is attended primarily by the expat community, largely into yoga and holistic living, so Stefan and Cristina get quite a chuckle. Their products embody most of what the expats eschew — dairy, gluten, sugar. In addition to bread, they bake cheesecakes, chocolate tortes, tiramisu. Tag teaming, they kill it at the market!

Preparing, eating and sharing meals were central to our visit — we’ll be homesteading too, after all. We mostly “shopped” the property — such abundance! Even so, the farmers market (especially compared to City Market) had so much exotic produce, it made eating an adventure and spurred a list of things we’re eager to grow. Sigh. It was hard to leave. So much to relax into, to savor. In addition to the river, the farm has seven springs and streams; we relished our cold plunges. Porch-bound afternoons of hot coffee or wine, reading or meditating together as the clouds wafted in, rains fell and thunder reverberated. A simple, gracious Eden. Wherever we land a few years off, we’ve vowed to honor the slow, local rhythms we sought. In our simpler, saner future, the last thing we want to be are the outsiders bringing change.

need rules, and these rules must be based on democratic principles.

Democracy stands for equality and authentic and ethical leadership. One person, one vote. Elections are held based on the democratic principles.

Democracy stands for freedom of speech, freedom of the press, freedom of assembly and citizens allowed to express and live by their values and wishes. Democracy provides people with rights and obligations.

A good republic uses democratic rules and principles to authentically and ethically govern over people.

Werner Neff, Carbondale

Silly-cybin

I'm now regretting my vote for psilocybin legalization. If this effort follows the arc of marijuana legalization, you'll see me on the corner with a big sign: “Monkey See But Monkey Don't Do.”

I don't want to see the essential and sacred nature of this fruit of the Earth become a mere commodity. Even with the heavy layer of scientific rectitude

Editor

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

Contributing Editor James Steindler

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Java Jazz®

“Traipsing the Jazz timeline and visiting the lands of coffee and chocolate,” Java Jazz, formerly broadcast every Saturday night on KDNK, is now live online at www.javajazz.org

Senator Rankin resigns

Republican State Senator Bob Rankin announced last week that he will be moving “forward with the next chapter of my life.” Rankin was elected in 2020 after being appointed to the state Senate in 2019. He previously served in the state House of Representatives since 2012. The Republican Party has until Feb.10 to appoint Rankin’s replacement, who must come from the same district.

Jennifer Lamont to retire

After 25 years of work with the Roaring Fork School District, Carbondale Middle School Principal Jennifer Lamont has announced her plans to retire at the end of this school year. “It is with a great deal of sadness, but also with a sense of fulfillment and appreciation,” she wrote in a letter to the school community. The position will be posted at www.rfsd.k12.co.us

Tree removal

The town of Carbondale will remove three large Siberian elms from the newly-acquired Fourth Street Plaza/Park on Dec. 8-9. According to the town arborist, all these trees began as sprouts in undesirable locations and are now crowding each other, blocking street lights and will cause future sidewalk lifting. For more information about the trees, contact cmeinecke@ carbondaleco.net

Asteroid mining

Karman+, a space resource startup, is relocating from the Netherlands to Denver with up to $1,287,128 in performance-based tax credits over an eight-year period. The team is working to enable the mining of near-earth asteroids. As described in a press release, “The first stage of development is focused on the process of mining for water. The tailings from mining will form the basis for the building of space-based solar

power systems that will allow them to deliver electrical power in space and on Earth as non-intermittent sustainable electricity.” With some 150 jobs to fill at their new location, Karman+ is actively hiring at karmanplus.com/jobs

Eagle County represent

Eagle County is seeking several citizen volunteers in the Roaring Fork Valley, including: alternates on the Roaring Fork Valley Regional Planning Commission (meeting on the first and third Thursday of every month at 2:30 p.m.), Zoning Board of Adjustment members (meeting on the first and third Wednesday of each month at 10 a.m. as needed) and Building Board of Appeals members. For details, contact Jill Ragaller at 970-328-8751 or jill.ragaller@eaglecounty.us

Lost and found

State Treasurer Dave Young is celebrating National Lost and Found Day (Dec. 9) by attempting to reunite Colorado nonprofits with lost money and property. An online tool (colorado.findyourunclaimedproperty.com) makes it easy for hopeful board members and executive directors to check whether, for example, $90,000 from the estate of a deceased patron was lost in the shuffle (as occurred with The Humane Society of the Pikes Peak Region).

They say it’s your birthday!

Folks celebrating another trip around the sun this week include: 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 Smith (Dec. 12); Jon Araujo, Amy Broadhurst and Claire Markoya (Dec. 13); Alex Curtis, Steve Keohane and Natalie Spears (Dec. 14).

New cell tower proposed near Aspen Glen

By James Steindler Contributing Editor

The Sopris Sun was recently nudged by a reader to look into a legal notice that ran in the Oct. 13 issue regarding the construction of a proposed Verizon Wireless cell tower near Aspen Glen.

It turned out that the property in question, located on County Road 109 immediately south of Aspen Glen’s driving range, is owned by Carbondale & Rural Fire Protection District (CRFPD). The fire department was deeded the property when Aspen Glen was first being developed.

According to Fire Chief Rob Goodwin, Verizon Wireless reached out a few years ago to propose leasing a piece of the lot to place a cell tower. The CRFPD board agreed to have Verizon pursue the endeavor but, pending the approval of its development, has not finalized a lease with the cellular company.

The proposal is for a 65-foot “monopine” telecommunications tower, which apparently would resemble a pine tree. According to the public notice, the anticipated lighting application would be medium intensity and include dual red and white strobes.

“We’re still interested in leasing a portion of it to them and they’re still interested in doing it, so hopefully at some point it will move forward and we’ll have better cell service in there,” Goodwin told The Sopris Sun.

Goodwin expects that once the permits have been approved and both parties sign a lease agreement, Verizon will pay a rent monthly for the portion of the land it uses.

Highway 82 commuters know that the section

Just down County Road 109, between the entrances to the Iron Bridge and West Bank subdivisions, a monopine tower already stands. Photo by James Steindler

which spans Aspen Glen is a deadzone for cell service, and even more so do the residents in the area.

Not only will it improve cell service, but Goodwin believes it will have the added benefit of community safety and enhance emergency response. “Improved communications there is going to help everyone, including us … and having the ability to put any radio antennas we might need up there would help too. I

think it would be very beneficial to public safety and to the public.”

There is an eagle protection zone which was recently contested when it came to additional development proposed in Aspen Glen on the north side of the river. The proposed tower is south of the river and about a mile away, as the crow flies, from the bufferzone.

Goodwin said he knows about the bufferzone. He stated that he doesn’t believe it is anywhere near there, but acknowledged he is not the “right guy” to speak to that component.

Sheryl Bower, community development director for Garfield County, has not received any zoning application from Verizon. However, she stated that Verizon will need to get approval from the county before proceeding.

Verizon speaks

According to Heidi Flato, a communications manager with Verizon, the notice printed in the Oct. 13 issue was “the local public notice that is required as part of our NEPA [National Environmental Policy Act] regulatory process.”

She added that the zoning process has not yet begun, which explains why Garfield County had not yet been notified about the proposed project prior to The Sopris Sun’s inquiry.

Verizon’s engineers examine current network usage and data trends to determine placement for small and macro cellular sites.

“We spend a great deal of time with each community to take into account unique needs while engineering the best possible network,” said Flato. When pressed about what sort of community outreach was performed in this case, she said, “I don’t have a lot of detail.”

“This proposed cell site in Carbondale will improve Verizon’s network coverage and capacity in the area — particularly important now and into the future, as many residents will continue to depend on reliable broadband service to work and learn from home,” Flato stated.

By Amy Hadden Marsh Sopris Sun Correspondent

Editor’s note: The Sopris Sun is proud to return to regular Garfield County coverage. Better yet, ace reporter Amy Hadden Marsh will be on the beat. If you would like to help us underwrite this feature in 2023, contact Todd@SoprisSun.com

On Monday, the Garfield County Commissioners unanimously voted to approve a preliminary plan for the Eagle Ridge subdivision with 19 townhouses and 16 single-family units on 7.3 acres near Colorado Mountain College’s Spring Valley campus. Three townhouses and one single-family home will be deed-restricted.

Eagle Ridge is part of the Los Amigos/Elk Springs Planned Unit Development (PUD), originally approved in 1979. The site was partially developed in the early ‘80s and now resembles a ghost town with the ruins of unfinished foundations and a partially graded landscape bisected by Auburn Ridge Lane. The developer plans to remove the foundations and improve the road.

The Elk Springs Homeowner Association will supply water to Eagle Ridge residents through a water allotment contract with the Basalt Water Conservancy District. The Spring

Valley Sanitation District will provide wastewater services. There is some concern that, even though water has been allocated to Eagle Ridge, ongoing drought will reduce the supply.

The Garfield County Planning Commission in September recommended approval of Eagle Ridge with conditions, including infrastructure needs, water management, revegetation and weed control plans and a state health department stormwater permit. Developers agreed to submit final engineering plans before building infrastructure improvements. Once improvements are complete, housing construction will begin.

Elk Springs residents, living north of Eagle Ridge, voiced concern about headlights shining into their homes as well as outdoor lighting, dogs at large, open burning of any kind, xeriscaping and wildlife. Some written comments were entirely against the development.

Commissioner John Martin warned developers to pay attention to recommendations from a geological survey, citing the 2003 sinkhole that swallowed a CMC soccer field. He also said that Eagle Ridge will bring longneeded housing to the south side of Glenwood Springs.

In other news, commissioners gave thumbs up to a request to sign an agreement between Habitat

for Humanity and Alpine Bank to prioritize two units in Wapiti Commons in Rifle for county employees. Martin voted in favor of the request but not before stating that he’d prefer Pitkin and Eagle counties to provide worker housing.

Aspen Polo Partners presented a final plat presentation for McClure River Ranch, east of Carbondale, which commissioners also approved. Key issues identified by county staff included a management plan for the Ute ladies'-tresses orchid, a listed threatened and endangered plant species found on the property.

Commissioners okay’d the weekly consent agenda and all action items as well as the transfer of a liquor license

to Liquor Cave Colorado in Battlement Mesa. Monday’s public hearing for the license was continued from the Nov. 14 meeting. Commissioner Mike Samson requested clarification on the new owner’s legal background, which was resolved during Monday’s meeting.

Garfield County resident Jeff Holub brought up the need for a guard rail along a section of County Road 113 about six miles from Highway 82 where Holub recently lost a neighbor to a fatal car accident on a dangerous curve. He said that several cars have gone off the road after failing to navigate the curve. Martin told County Manager Fred Jarman to get the county road and bridge department to look into the problem.

The Garfield County Commissioners,

by Larry Day

Federal agencies are hosting a public meeting regarding the proposed Thompson Divide Administrative Withdrawal. This is an important opportunity to learn about the process for a withdrawal and to ask the agencies to make the withdrawal a priority and to move quickly.

Let’s show the agencies our community remains “Unified for Thompson Divide!”

For more information, scan the QR Code, visit wildernessworkshop.org/events, or email erin@wildernessworkshop.org to learn about other ways to participate.

Jon Mullen Photography

Thompson Divide meeting welcomes public

By Ken Pletcher Sopris Sun Contributor

The U.S. Bureau of Land Management (BLM) and Forest Service (FS) have scheduled a public meeting for Wednesday, Dec. 14, from 5 to 7 p.m. at the Carbondale Firehouse (300 Meadowood Drive). The purpose of the meeting is to provide information and hear public feedback on the proposed federal administrative withdrawal of oil and gas and mineral leasing on a vast area of public lands in the Thompson Divide area west and southwest of the Roaring Fork Valley.

The official notice of the administrative withdrawal was given jointly by the BLM and FS on Oct. 17, after it had been publicly announced five days earlier at Camp Hale during its dedication as a new national monument. That began a 90-day public comment period, which will end on Jan. 16, 2023. The Dec. 14 meeting is part of that process.

The proposed area for the withdrawal, consisting of nearly 225,000 acres in southeastern Garfield, western Pitkin and northwestern Gunnison counties, stretches southward from just south of Glenwood Springs and west of Carbondale and Marble to just south of Crested Butte. It also includes two smaller units a little farther south along the western Gunnison County line.

An “administrative withdrawal” is an action that can be taken by the executive branch of the federal government to prohibit new leases for oil and gas extraction and other mining activities on public lands for a period of 20 years. However, it does not affect a small number of previously granted leases in the Divide region. The withdrawal is also not permanent; that can be accomplished only by an act of Congress signed by the president.

Efforts to legislatively protect the Thompson Divide began a decade ago and, in 2019, became a component of the larger Colorado Outdoor Recreation & Economy Act (CORE Act). Although the CORE Act has passed

the U.S. House of Representatives several times, it has not yet been approved by the Senate — this despite strong support from a wide range of interested parties, including ranchers, environmentalists, hunters and anglers, campers, snowmobilers, hikers and mountain bikers.

Passage by the Senate has been one of the top priorities of Carbondale-based Wilderness Workshop (WW), as well as the affiliated Thompson Divide Coalition (TDC). As Mike Pritchard, the TDC’s treasurer, stated to The Sopris Sun, “The CORE Act has been our big hope these past few years. While the 20year withdrawal is appreciated, we need a lot of people to participate in the process to make [the CORE Act] happen.”

The fate of the Thompson Divide has long been a major focus of media coverage in the Valley, though perhaps never more eloquently than in a Sun opinion column in March 2022 by Tai Jacober. He noted that the Divide “is summer range to some of the oldest ranching operations in the Roaring Fork Valley; contains one of the densest concentrations of inventoried roadless areas in the region; and generates 300 jobs and $30 million each year in economic benefits.” He went on to point out its importance as a wildlife corridor for many species, “[that] links wildlands near Grand Junction to the Elk Mountains.”

Once the 90-day comment period ends in January, the administrative withdrawal directive will undergo environmental analysis and further public comment — a process that may take up to a year to complete. However, President Biden has already declared a two-year moratorium on any new mineral leasing on the Divide while the withdrawal decision is under consideration.

In a statement to The Sun, WW Executive Director Will Roush said, “We know our community is unified for the Thompson Divide, and the Dec. 14 public meeting is a critical opportunity for all of us to show

up and make this long-standing support visible to the federal agencies!”

Among other comments shared with The Sun by WW: “Protecting the Thompson Divide will help ensure [that] … future generations can enjoy these incredible public lands,” Jason Sewell, owner of Sunfire Ranch and a TDC board member; and “I’m proud to join the chorus of Carbondale voices calling on our federal agencies to move quickly and make this administrative withdrawal a priority,” Ben Bohmfalk, Carbondale mayor.

Written comments on the administrative withdrawal can be sent to: State Director, Bureau of Land Management, Colorado State Office, 2850 Youngfield Street, Lakewood, CO 80215; or emailed to: BLM_CO_Thompson_Divide@blm.gov

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Erin Riccio and Michael Gorman from Wilderness Workshop, with help from Mark Taylor at the Third Street Center, hang a sign alerting commuters about the Dec. 14 meeting. Photo by Grant Stevens

CROSS-COUNTRY SKI

LESSONS AT SPRING GULCH

Classes for beginners and intermediate skiers in both classic and skate styles.

Starting as early as January 3

PILATES BLEND

A full-body workout that targets specific muscles while engaging the entire body using the fundamentals of Pilates. Improve balance, muscle coordination, strength, and stability.

Mon/Wed, 12-12:50pm, 1/9-3/1

PILATES FOR MOM AND BABY

Moms can exercise and bring their baby to this all body workout that focuses on specific post natal pelvic floor, and core strengthening.

Fridays, 10:30-11:20am, 1/13-2/3

CREATIVE WRITING

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

NATIVE AMERICAN LITERATURE

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

Mondays, 6-8pm, NEW DATES: 3/20-4/24

BEGINNER OIL PAINTING

Learn the basics of painting and mixing with water-based oil paints. Supplies are provided Tuesdays, 9am-12pm, 1/17-2/28

FUNDRAISING FOR NON-PROFITS

Learn how to solicit major gifts and create donor loyalty in this program designed for new and seasoned development professionals. Wednesday, 9am-12pm, 2/1

TENSION AND TRAUMA RELEASING EXERCISES

Release deep muscular stress, tension, and trauma; calm the nervous system, and return balance. Sundays, 10am-11:30am, 3/19-4/9

COMMUNITY CALENDAR

THURSDAY, DEC. 8

LEGAL CLINIC

Basalt Library hosts its monthly free legal clinic from 2 to 5 p.m. Call the library at 970-927-4311 or email info@basaltlibrary.org to be added to the list.

SIP SHOP + CONNECT

True Nature opens its boutique from 4 to 7 p.m. on Thursdays through Dec. 22 with live music, special deals and local book signings.

OPEN HOUSE

Anderson Ranch Arts Center in Snowmass hosts its annual Holiday Open House event from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. with artwork available to purchase.

WRITING WORKSHOP

Aspen Strong and Atis Spuris, peer support specialist with Mind Springs, host a monthly writing workshop on the second Thursday of each month at Basalt Library from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m.

NORDIC SOCIAL

Mount Sopris Nordic Council members are invited to Dos Gringos from 5 to 8 p.m. for drinks and revelry.

CUP AUCTION

Carbondale Clay Center’s annual cup auction returns in-person at the Third Street Center with a member’s preview tonight from 5 to 8 p.m. and public access on Dec. 9 from 6 to 9 p.m.

MUPPET CHRISTMAS

SoL Theatre Company presents “The Muppet Christmas Carol” tonight, tomorrow and Saturday at 6 p.m. and on Sunday at 2 p.m. at Thunder River Theatre. Tickets at soltheatrecompany.org

NUESTRAS HISTORIAS

View a documentary featuring local immigrant stories at the Glenwood Springs Library at 6 p.m.

COMMUNITY CONCERT

As part of Glenwood Springs Community Concert series, grammywinning baritone, John Brancy, performs at the Mountain View Church at 7 p.m. For more info, visit www.gsconcertassn.org

IMMIGRANT VOICES

English In Action’s signature storytelling event is hosted at TACAW at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are free with registration at tacaw.org

FRIDAY, DEC. 9

CRYSTAL THEATRE

“The Banshees of Inisherin” (captioned) shows at 4:45 p.m. followed by “Till” at 7 p.m. “Till” continues tomorrow, Wednesday and Thursday at 7 p.m. with a 5 p.m. matinee on Sunday. “Ticket to Paradise” also shows on Saturday at 4:45 p.m.

CAVERNS CONCERT

Feeding Giants performs at the Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park’s “Friday Afternoon Club” series at 5 p.m.

ART OPENING

In collaboration with the Basalt High School Newcomer Program, The Art Base hosts an opening reception for “Home / Un Hogar” at 5 p.m. Community members are invited to contribute books in English and Spanish to the tiny free libraries created by the students.

GLOW FLOW

Kula on Main and DJ Bhakti Styler host a festive yoga class at 5:30 p.m. with beats, eats (by Plosky’s), beverages and glowing accessories. Sign up at www.kulayogaonmain.com

SOUND JOURNEY

Dr. Zachary Cashin leads a special sound journey at True Nature from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Tickets at www. truenaturehealingarts.com

ASPEN CHORAL SOCIETY

The Aspen Choral Society opens its 46th season of “Messiah” at the Wheeler Opera House. The production will run again at the Mountain View Church in Glenwood Springs on Dec. 10 and at TACAW on Dec. 11. All performances are at 7 p.m. Visit www.aspenchoralsociety. org for tickets and more info.

SATURDAY, DEC. 10

EARTH REGENERATION

Author Joe Brewer returns to the Third Street Center, hosted by The Center for Human Flourishing, at 9 a.m. to discuss sustaining the Roaring Fork Watershed as a unique bioregion. RSVP to attend by emailing Lmckenzie1light@gmail.com

ART HEALING & HOPE

Sheri Gaynor leads a workshop in-person at The Art Base from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. The free class will repeat online tomorrow. To register, visit www.theartbase.org

Isa Catto and Elle Mullen at the Isa Catto Studio pop-up in Willits (241 Harris Street), continuing all month from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday-Saturday and from noon to 4 p.m. on Sundays. Photo by Elizabeth Key

MANA MANIA

Mana Foods hosts Holiday Mania, complete with cookies, crafts, gifts and more from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

SATANK COUNTRY STORE

Swing by Cedar Street in Satank from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. for antiques, furniture, dishes and other items. A free drink will be offered with every purchase.

WAXY CRUDE PROTEST

350 Roaring Fork organizes a public protest to stop the Uinta Basin Railway from hauling heated waxy crude oil through the Glenwood Canyon. Demonstrators will gather at the White River National Forest Supervisor's Office (900 Grand Avenue) at high noon.

SAWLIDAY

Studio for Arts & Works holds an open house where its 25 artists’ works will be on display and for sale from noon to 7 p.m. For more info, visit www.sawcarbondale.com

GIFT MAKING

Basalt Library welcomes all ages to create gifts with art supplies including wood burning kits and button making supplies from 1 to 2 p.m.

DEATH CAFE

Akaljeet Khalsa facilitates a community conversation about death and dying at the Basalt Library at 4 p.m.

MEET SANTA

Santa will be at Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park tonight and Dec. 17 from 4 to 7 p.m.

HANGAI TEXTILES

The Art Base hosts a pop-up trunk show of Hangai Mountain Textiles, based out of Basalt, from 5 to 7 p.m.

MALA MAKING

Mindy Arbuckle teaches students to craft a personalized mala (prayer beads) at True Nature from 5:30 to 8 p.m. Tickets at www. truenaturehealingarts.com

CONSENSUAL CHRISTMAS

Catch the Consensual Improv gang at TACAW for this holiday special, “Consensual Christmas”, at 8 p.m. Tickets at www.tacaw.org

SUNDAY, DEC. 11

INTENTION

Nicole Lindstrom guides participants on a mindful journey complete with cacao, breath work, movement, mediation and sound at True Nature. For more info, visit www.truenature.org

COOKIE EXCHANGE

The Redstone General Store invites you to bake three dozen cookies and divide them into groups of six to exchange with other confectioners at noon.

CONTEMPORARY DANCE

Meagan Londy teaches contemporary dance at The Launchpad at 1 p.m. Details at wwww.danceinitiative.org

YOUTH ORCHESTRA

The Roaring Fork Youth Orchestra performs shopping music at The Launchpad at 2 p.m.

OVERDOSE PREVENTION

High Rockies Harm Reduction and Aspen Strong host a panel discussion on mental wellness, overdose, drug poisoning and addiction education and prevention at the Basalt Library from 3 to 5 p.m.

RANDOM CONVERSATIONS

Get deep in conversation with strangers by participating in “The Lost Art of Random Conversations” at the Carbondale

Library at 6 p.m. Email tkarrel@ gmail.com for more info.

THE GRINCH

Dr. Seuss’ “How the Grinch Stole Christmas” adapted for film and starring Jim Carrey shows at the Wheeler Opera House at 4 p.m. Register at www.bit.ly/TheGrinchAspen

MONDAY, DEC. 12

CHRISTMAS MUSIC

Pianist Alyce Meredith performs at the Carbondale Library at 2 p.m.

TUESDAY, DEC. 13

YARN GROUP

Yarn enthusiasts convene at the Basalt Library from 5 to 7 p.m.

CORE CONVERSATION

CORE hosts its first annual State of Climate Action event at the Aspen Art Museum at 6:15 p.m. All are welcome to attend this free community conversation. RSVP at www.aspencore.org

CHRISTMAS VACATION

“National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation” screens at the Glenwood Vaudeville Revue at 6:30 p.m. Tickets at www.gvrshow.com

WEDNESDAY, DEC. 14

FAREWELL CHIEF

After nearly 29 years of service with the Aspen Police Department, Chief Richard Pryor bids adieu at “Coffee and Donuts” in front of the Aspen Police Station from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m.

TAKE & MAKE

Basalt Library hosts a workfrom-home gingerbread house competition. Pick up a kit at the library between 2 and 7 p.m. then send a photo of your completed house to klindahl@basaltliberary.org

OLAF THE ELF

Olaf, the winter elf, returns to Aspen Center for Environmental Studies at Hallam Lake at 4 p.m. Details at www.aspennature.org

THOMPSON DIVIDE

The Bureau of Land Management and the Forest Service hold a public meeting, regarding a proposed mineral withdrawal for the Thompson Divide, at the Carbondale Fire Department at 5:30 p.m.

RAMS V LONGHORNS

Varsity basketball teams, Roaring Fork Rams and the Basalt Longhorns, go head-to-head in Basalt. Girls play at 5 p.m and the boys at 6 p.m.

CELTIC CONCERT

Acclaimed Celtic guitarist and storyteller Jerry Barlow performs a Christmas concert at the Carbondale Library at 6 p.m.

MOUNTAINEERING FILM

TACAW screens a film about Michael Wirth, the first person to climb and ski from the summits of all 59 mountains above 13,000 feet in the Elk Range. Wirth and fellow mountaineer Neal Beidleman will answer questions following the film, which begins at 7:30 p.m. Tickets at www.tacaw.org

MISSION MT. MANGART

The Wheeler Opera House screens a documentary film about the 10th Mountain Division at 7:30 p.m. Find details at www. wheeleroperahouse.com

BARDO

Aspen Film screens “Bardo: False Chronicle of a Handful of Truths” at Isis Theatre at 7:30 p.m.

Sol del Valle

Construcción del 133 pronto dará la bienvenida a residentes

Durante muchos meses, Carbondale ha sido testigo de la construcción de varios edificios grandes a lo largo del Highway 133. Pronto, el más grande de los nuevos edificios residenciales quedará terminado, y 94 unidades nuevas de alquiler albergarán a residentes de Carbondale.

El Sopris Sun tuvo la oportunidad de visitar el Edificio C de MSP Development, casi terminado, en la esquina de Hendrick Drive y el estacionamiento del City Market. El desarrollador y contratista general Briston Peterson declaró que este proyecto se ha preocupado por contratar talento local a lo largo de su proceso, incluyendo Sopris Engineering, Bob Schultz, Richard Camp y Poss Architecture.

"Hace diecisiete años, City Market quería una nueva tienda y una nueva instalación", explicó Peterson. En 2022, Builder FirstSource y City Market, "dos de los mayores proveedores de impuestos sobre las ventas en el valle de Roaring Fork", pronto estarán lado a lado. "Es un cambio sustancial para la ciudad de Carbondale", continuó Peterson. "Somos el motor de la ciudad".

Con el Edificio C listo para completarse este mes, las 18 unidades residenciales ya están elegidas y hay una lista de espera cada vez mayor para las unidades de MSP en Carbondale Marketplace y Stott's Mill en Basalt. En estos momentos, las viviendas de una habitación y un baño cuestan entre $2,400 y $2,800 dólares al mes a precio de mercado. Las unidades de dos habitaciones y un baño cuestan entre $3,000 y $3,300 dólares, y las de dos habitaciones y dos baños, entre $3,200 y $3,400 dólares.

Cada unidad residencial tiene techos de 10 pies de alto, viene con un televisor LCD de 50 pulgadas y, "Realmente ponemos lo que yo llamo acabados de primera calidad en nuestra coordinación y acabado", dijo Peterson, incluyendo luces LED y electrodomésticos eficientes. Cada unidad tiene su propia bomba de calor y calentador de agua, y los costos de los servicios públicos no están incluidos en el precio mensual del alquiler.

Peterson subrayó que no hay diferencia de calidad entre las viviendas a precio de mercado y las accesibles. De acuerdo con las directrices de vivienda de la comunidad de Carbondale, el 20% del proyecto debe ser alquilado a personas en las tres primeras categorías de ingresos medios (AMI) según lo definido por la Autoridad de vivienda del condado de Garfield.

El documento de directrices de vivienda comunitaria (www.bit.ly/AffordCTown) explica que "Carbondale parte en sus categorías de ingresos con el hogar de cuatro personas del condado de Garfield y añade dependientes desde ese

punto de referencia". A partir de la media del condado de cuatro personas para una persona, se añaden $7,500 por cada persona adicional.

En 2022, esto es lo que ese cálculo produjo para los ingresos familiares que califican para tarifas económicas (www.bit.ly/CarbondaleAMI):

Categoría 1 (80% AMI): $75,360 para una persona, $82,860 para dos, $90,360 para tres, $97,860 para cuatro.

Categoría 2 (100% AMI): $94,200 para una persona, $101,700 para dos, $109,200 para tres, $116,700 para cuatro.

Categoría 3 (120% AMI): $113,040 para una persona, $120,540 para dos, $128,040 para tres, $135,540 para cuatro.

Y aquí está el desglose para el inventario económico en Carbondale Marketplace:

En la categoría 1, un estudio cuesta $1,320, una habitación $1,414 y dos habitaciones $1,696. En la categoría 2, un estudio cuesta $1,650, una habitación $1,767 y dos habitaciones $2,450. En la categoría 3, un estudio cuesta $1,980 dólares, una habitación $2,121 dólares y dos habitaciones $2,544 dólares. El Sopris Sun fue informado que estas tarifas se incrementarán en abril.

En este contexto, un salario mínimo en Colorado en 2022 (a $12.56 por hora), quedaría alrededor de $26,125 trabajando a tiempo completo, aunque a nivel local el salario mínimo ronda más cerca de $16-$18 por hora ($33,280$37,440 anuales). Según se informó a The Sopris Sun, City Market está en conversaciones para alquilar unidades para sus empleados a Carbondale Marketplace.

Encuentra detalles sobre alquileres con MSP Development en: marketplacelofts.us

Condominización

En cuanto a la condominización del complejo, aprobada por los administradores de la ciudad el 11 de mayo, Peterson aseguró que la intención de MSP no es vender algún edificio, sino que mas bien se trata de un mecanismo para financiar el resto de la construcción.

"Nuestro único propósito", declaró Peterson en esa reunión, "es crear aquí un condominio en el que podamos sacar los distintos bloques después de levantarlos, estabilizarlos y traer a algunas grandes instituciones con financiación a largo

Volumen 2, Número 41 | 8 de deciembre - 14 de deciembre, de 2022

Conectando comunidades desde 2021

Por Raleigh Burleigh Traducción por Dolores Duarte

Basalt mountain, vista desde una unidad en esquina en el tercer piso del Edificio C. Foto de Raleigh Burleigh

Esquina Legal

Por Tony Mendez

¿Cuál es la diferencia entre un contrato y un regalo? Para empezar, ocupamos platicar sobre la ley de contratos. Un contrato es una promesa o un conjunto de promesas cuyo incumplimiento la ley otorga un recurso, o cuyo cumplimiento la ley reconoce de alguna manera como un deber.

La ley de contratos tiene diferentes fuentes. Primero, la ley común aplica a contratos que tienen terreno o servicios como tema de interés. De ahí, el Código Comercial Uniforme (UCC por sus siglas en inglés) aplica a contratos de venta de mercancías. El UCC o la ley común se aplica dependiendo si la relación de los partidos predominante involucra mercancía o servicios. Cuando el elemento predominante de un contrato es la venta de mercancía,

¿Entró en un contrato o dio un regalo?

el contrato es visto como un contrato de venta y el UCC se aplica aunque servicios hayan sido rendidos sustancialmente instalando esa mercancía.

Un contrato es formado cuando dos partidos con la intención mental correcta, bajo las correctas circunstancias, dentro de los límites de la ley, y con algún detrimento a cada uno de ellos acuerdan a hacer ciertos actos a cambio de los actos del otro. Para tener un contrato, debe haber una oferta, aceptación, y consideración.

Al hacer una oferta, uno debe tener la intención de contratar y no solamente estar negociando. Al interpretar si un contrato existe, un estándar objetivo es usado; como una persona razonable y prudente percibe el lenguaje alrededor de las circunstancias, y las acciones de los partidos. Para entrar a un contrato de servicios válido, una oferta debe contener lenguaje definitivo y cubrir todos los términos necesarios. Estos términos son: nombrar los partidos al contrato, incluir el tema de interés, nombrar un precio, los términos de pago y de entrega, y el tiempo de desempeño. Para contratos de

compraventa de mercancía, la oferta solamente ocupa identificar los partidos y el tema de interés. Los demás términos están cubiertos en códigos del UCC.

Una oferta debe ser comunicada al destinatario antes de que sea válida. La oferta puede terminar en varias maneras. Uno puede revocar la oferta, con tal que el destinatario haya sido notificado sobre la revocación y no haya sido aceptada primero. Bajo la ley común, un contrato de opción no puede ser revocado. Un contrato de opción es una en cual el destinatario le paga al ofrecedor por el tiempo necesario para considerar la oferta. Bajo el UCC, un comerciante quien hace una oferta firme (o sea, la oferta es hecha por el comerciante, grabado en alguna manera, y firmado por el comerciante) hace un contrato de opción, el cual es irrevocable aun sin pago del destinatario.

Una oferta también acaba si es rechazada por el destinatario. Una contraoferta, bajo la ley común, rechaza la oferta original y hace una nueva oferta. Finalmente, una oferta puede expirar. La oferta expira si el ofrecedor fallece o, si la oferta no tiene un límite

de tiempo, para aceptar, después de que un tiempo razonable haya pasado.

Aceptación de una oferta, con tal que haya consideración, hace un contrato válido. Aceptación es la respuesta positiva del destinatario sobre la oferta del ofrecedor. Solo la persona a quien la oferta se le hizo tiene el poder de aceptar. La aceptación debe ser comunicada al ofrecedor dentro de un método de comunicación apropiada, o como el ofrecedor pidió que la aceptación se haga. Bajo la regla de correo, una aceptación es válida al ser mandada, no cuando es recibida por el ofrecedor.

Para que exista un contrato válido los partidos tienen que haber dado consideración. Consideración significa tener un incentivo recíproco. Cada lado tiene que dar algo bajo el contrato. Esto es lo que distingue un contrato a un regalo. Lo que uno da, como consideración, está bajo la discreción de los partidos.

Esto solamente es un rasguño de la ley de contratos. Sin seguir el proceso descrito arriba, especialmente la de dar consideración, quizás haya dado un regalo al otro lado.

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

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

Editora Contribuyente Vanessa Porras

Directore Artístico Hattie Rensberry

Diseñadora de anuncios Alyssa Ohnmacht

Traductoras Jacquelinne Castro y Dolores Duarte Distribucion Frederic Kischbaum Bartlett

Executive Director

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

Miembros de la Mesa Directiva

Klaus Kocher • Kay Clarke • Jessi Rochel

Lee Beck • Megan Tackett Gayle Wells • Donna Dayton

Terri Ritchie • Eric Smith • Roger Berliner

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

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

¡ESCRÍBENOS!

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

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

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

Al No Artista

Por Vanessa Porras

En los últimos años se han popularizado mucho los temas sobre el poder de la atracción y la manifestación. Nos ha dado un conocimiento nuevo hacia el poder de nuestra mente y su influencia en nuestro entorno. Desde una perspectiva de psicología esto me parece algo fascinante, y por igual, desde la perspectiva de la creatividad las posibilidades no tienen límites. Entre más conozco la física cuántica (¡en versión simplificada, claro!) me doy cuenta de cuánto importa nuestra imaginación. Recuerdo la primera vez que leí los libros de Harry Potter por J.K. Rowling, no me cabía en la mente como Rowling fue capaz de crear un mundo de fantasía tan detallado usando solo su imaginación. Por lo tanto,

Como el poder de tu mente crea tu realidad

también me he preguntado, cómo un libro ha sido capaz de provocar emociones fuertes como el amor, angustia y depresión aun después de haber terminado el libro.

En mi primer año de universidad tomé un curso en psicología, y aprendí sobre cómo el cerebro procesa información, particularmente a través de los tres estados de la mente, consciente, subconsciente e inconsciente.

La mente consciente es la parte que usamos para tomar decisiones lógicas y razonar lo que ocurre interiormente y exteriormente. Podemos ver esta parte de la mente como el mensajero que se comunica con la realidad de afuera y la realidad interna.

La mente subconsciente es la que se encarga de funciones involuntarias como la de respirar y el latido de tu corazón. También actúa como el almacén de emoticones y memorias. Los términos subconsciente e inconsciente se han usado indistintamente y se han asociado con Sigmund Freud y sus teorías de psicoanálisis. Actualmente hay debate entre la diferencia de ambas, pero para el propósito de esta columna, las usaremos sin distinción.

De acuerdo a una investigación de imágenes cerebrales hecho por la Universidad de Colorado en Boulder (CU Boulder) en el 2018, sugiere que cuando tenemos una memoria o imaginamos algo, el cerebro responde igual como si lo estuviéramos viviendo.

"Esta investigación confirma que la imaginación es una realidad neurológica que puede impactar nuestros cerebros y cuerpos de maneras importantes para nuestro bienestar", dijo Tor Wager, director del Laboratorio de Neurociencia Cognitiva y Afectiva de CU Boulder.

Así que, ¿qué tiene que ver la psicología y nuestra imaginación con la física cuántica?

Según el libro escrito por el Dr. Joe Dispenza, Deja de ser tu: La mente crea la realidad, explica la función de un átomo (de lo cual está hecho todo lo físico) y su relación en nuestra realidad. Antiguamente, el átomo clásico se consideraba ser partículas sólidas que podrían ser medidas y están hechas de partes subatómicas que consisten de electrones, protones y neutrones.

El átomo cuántico a comparación del átomo clásico,

como lo explica el Dr. Dispenza, es mayormente espacio vacío hecho de campos de energía y patrones de frecuencia de información. En pocas palabras, el átomo es una partícula y también una onda de energía.

La materia, a nivel subatómico, solo existe como un fenómeno momentáneo y no es nada más que potencial que será determinado por el observador. Cuando no hay observador, desaparece en el campo cuántico (en la nada, en donde no existe el tiempo).

El Dr. Dispenza nos da a entender que la energía de un átomo responde a la energía de tu atención consciente y se materializa. Es decir, tu estas creando tu realidad con tus pensamientos. El problema con esto es que muchos de nosotros no somos conscientes de nuestros pensamientos y seguimos creando más de lo mismo.

Vivimos en la parte subconsciente de nuestras mentes, y como piloto automático, actuamos de forma inconsciente dejando que nuestros pensamientos dicten nuestras vidas. El daño de revivir un pasado doloroso, un trauma o incluso imaginar una catástrofe a futuro, como

lo implica la investigación del Departamento de Psicología y Neurociencia de CU Boulder, es que nuestra mente no saber distinguir entre lo que está ocurriendo en el presente, lo que ya pasó o está por pasar.

"Este es el primer estudio de neurociencia que muestra que imaginar una amenaza en realidad puede alterar la forma en que se representa en el cerebro", dijo Marianne Cumella Reddan, estudiante de posgrado del Departamento de Psicología y Neurociencia de CU Boulder.

Crear usando la ley de la atracción y la manifestación que ha sido glorificada en los medios sociales no es tan sencillo. No van a llover billetes del cielo solo porque lo imaginas. Nuestra mente consciente, nuestras intenciones y nuestras emociones deben estar en coherencia con la frecuencia energética de aquello que anhelamos. La clave aquí es crear consciencia hacia los tipos de pensamientos que estamos alimentando en cada momento y así poder desarrollar nuestra creatividad hacia un futuro distinto.

REGLAS:

• Estudiantes de kindergarten a high school están invitados a entrar

• Tamaño de papel: 8 ½ x 11”

• Se puede utilizar una variedad de

el Sol del Valle • Conector de comunidad • 8 de deciembre - 14 de deciembre

CHISME DEL PUEBLO

Traducción por Jacquelinne Castro

Java jazz

“Recorriendo la línea del tiempo del Jazz y visitando las tierras de café y chocolate,” Java Jazz, anteriormente transmitido cada sábado por la noche en KDNK, está disponible en línea en www.javajazz.org

Jennifer Lamont se jubila

Después de 25 años de trabajo en el distrito escolar de Roaring Fork, la directora de la escuela Carbondale Middle School ha anunciado sus planes de jubilarse a finales de este año escolar. “Con mucha tristeza, pero también con una sensación de plenitud y apreciación,” ella escribió en una carta a la comunidad escolar. La posición será publicada en www.rfsd.k12.co.us

Senador Rankin renuncia

El senador republicano del estado, Bob Rankin, anunció la semana pasada que se, “moverá al siguiente capítulo de su vida”. Rankin fue elegido en el 2020 después de ser designado para el senado estatal en el 2019. Previamente, el senador ejerció su posición en la cámara de representantes del estado desde el 2012. El partido republicano tiene hasta el 10 de febrero para designar el reemplazo de Rankin, quien debe venir del mismo distrito.

Remoción de árboles

El pueblo de Carbondale eliminará tres olmos siberianos grandes del recién adquirido parque/plaza en la cuarta calle el 8-9 de diciembre. De acuerdo con arbolistas locales, todos estos árboles comenzaron como brotes en ubicaciones no deseadas y ahora están creciendo entre ellos, bloqueando iluminación pública y causando futuro levantamiento de ceras. Para más información acerca de los árboles, contacte a cmeinecke@carbondaleco.net

Construcción

desde la página 11

plazo que elimine el riesgo tanto para el desarrollador como para la comunidad".

Después de llenar el Edificio C, en el que quedan por construir 61 de las 115 unidades residenciales de Carbondale Marketplace, Peterson calcula que podrían pasar entre tres y cinco años más antes de que todas las unidades estén terminadas. En ellos se construirán apartamentos y casas adosadas de dos a cuatro dormitorios. Cada edificio incluirá también un 20% de viviendas económicas, según el indicador del condado de Garfield.

Además, el Edificio C aportará 5,718 pies cuadrados de espacio comercial al inventario de la ciudad. La mayor parte de ese espacio estará ocupado por un centro de fisioterapia y el resto por una tintorería. Al igual que las viviendas, continuarán siendo para alquiler.

Según Peterson, aunque fueron abordados por locatarios nacionales para estos edificios, optaron de nuevo por lo local, abriendo los espacios junto a City Market a Independence Run & Hike, Sure Thing Burger, M'S Beauty Salon, New York Pizza y Ming's Cafe.

Además, junto a la condominización, deberá estar terminado un parque público que incluye una pista de fútbol de salón, un cobertizo y baños para las cuatro estaciones a fines de julio de 2023.

Realiza una visita virtual del proyecto terminado en: www.bit.ly/C-TownMarket

Minería de asteroides

Karman+, una organización de recursos espaciales, se trasladó desde los Países Bajos a Denver con créditos fiscales basados en rendimiento de $1,287,128 en un periodo de ocho años. El equipo está trabajando para habilitar la minería de asteroides cerca de la tierra. Como descrito por un comunicado de prensa, “la primera etapa de desarrollo se enfocará en el proceso de la minería de agua. Los relaves de la minería formarán la base de la construcción de un sistema de energía solar basada en el espacio que les permitirá entregar energía eléctrica en el espacio y en la tierra en forma de electricidad sustentable no intermitente.” Con alrededor de 150 trabajos para llenar en su nueva ubicación, Karman+ está actualmente contratando en karmanplus.com/jobs

Representación en Eagle

El condado de Eagle está buscando varios voluntarios ciudadanos en Roaring Fork Valley, incluyendo: suplentes en el Comisionado de Planificación Regional de Roaring Fork Valley (con reuniones el primer y tercer jueves de cada mes a las 2:30 p.m.), miembros de la Junta de Zonificación de Ajuste (con reuniones el primer y tercer miércoles de cada mes a las 10 a.m. según sea necesario) y miembros del Comisionado de Apelación. Para más detalles, contacté a Jill Ragaller al 970-328-8751 o a jill. ragaller@eaglecounty.us

Objetos perdidos

El tesorero del estado Dave Young está celebrando el día nacional de objetos perdidos (9 de diciembre) al intentar reunir organizaciones sin fines de lucro de Colorado con dinero y propiedades perdidas. Una herramienta en línea

Al otro lado de la carretera

Al este del highway 133, está prevista la finalización de 76 unidades adicionales a principios de 2023. El primero de los dos edificios añadirá 48 unidades al inventario de viviendas de la ciudad. Se prevé que esté terminado en enero. Directamente al sur, 28 unidades residenciales más y 10,000 pies cuadrados de espacio comercial podrían estar disponibles ya en marzo.

Los nuevos edificios son conocidos como "Hayden Place" y, al igual que en Carbondale Marketplace, todas las unidades son de alquiler, con un 20% que cumple los requisitos de accesibilidad de Carbondale. El resto de las unidades de una y dos habitaciones se ajustarán al mercado y oscilarán entre $2,000 y $3,000 dólares al mes.

"Todo está en marcha y moviéndose rápido", dijo Riley Soderquist de Loge Properties. La misma empresa es responsable de 1201 Main Street, el hogar de Plosky Deli y Kula Yoga, así como 27 unidades de alquiler residencial por Colorado Avenue.

"Algo que se escucha continuamente es que la gente viene de California, Nueva York... que Carbondale es una ciudad Zoom", dijo Soderquist. "Realmente no vemos eso en absoluto ... todos nuestros inquilinos han vivido en el valle por un tiempo".

Hayden Place, diseñado según las normas de eficiencia energética de la ciudad, incluirá un gimnasio para los residentes, así como una área comunitaria al aire libre. Conoce más sobre los alquileres disponibles en: www. haydenplaceapts.com

Omar Sarabia, director de Defiende Nuestra Tierra, posa con el Smokey el Oso en la posada de arbolitos navideños organizado por Wilderness Workshop en colaboración con el U.S. Forest Service. Foto de cortesía

(colorado.findyourunclaimedproperty.com) hace más sencillo para que los aspirantes a miembros de la junta y directores ejecutivos verifiquen si, por ejemplo, $90,000 los bienes de algún patrocinador fallecido se haya perdido durante transporte (como ocurrió con The Humane Society of the Pikes Peak Region).

Consultas médicas

“La salud no es solamente pastillas y procedimientos”. La clínica de nuestro pueblo ofrece consultas médicas gratis. Para más detalles, llame a Isabel al 970-984-1072.

Ed Rubin muestra cómo se diseñaron las unidades teniendo en cuenta los estándares de accesibilidad ADA. Foto de Raleigh Burleigh

Craft Coffeehouse in Carbondale closes its doors

By Will Buzzerd Sopris Sun Correspondent

The historic building at 689 Main Street has seen several businesses come and go over the past decade — from Six89 to The Way Home — and in the coming months it will transition through yet another phase. Craft Coffeehouse will shut its doors in Carbondale on Dec. 22, 2022 to make way for fresh opportunities both at 689 Main, and for Craft’s business elsewhere.

Craft’s Carbondale location opened its doors a year and a half ago, and since then has served its local community not only as a a relaxed, funky environment to work, get an organically-sourced breakfast or have a specialty coffee, but also as a center for Carbondale events, culture and other small business.

Making its commercial kitchen available to other businesses, Craft shared its ovens with local baker Shepherd Breads and over the summer Craft gave space to Sweet Cream Dreams — a small fully-organic ice cream shop. Not only has the space been used as a market for local artists, farmers and makers, but Craft also hosted many large events including 5Point Film Festival activities, a CRMPI fundraiser and last September’s fashion show (Amy Kimberly’s rewirement party).

“The intention of Craft has always been for the community,” said owner Dri Liechti in a recent interview. “And I want to make sure the community knows how thankful we are, because we wouldn’t have been here without them.”

Liechti stated that there are plans for the building which don’t match with the future she envisions for Craft, and for that reason the space is being passed on to different hands. “I was offered an out,” she said, “and I’m very thankful

for that.”

The change comes as a third in a trio of shocks to Carbondale’s food scene, between farm-totable eatery SILO remaining closed through all of November and hip cocktail bar Batch Provisions closing its doors definitively.

Despite the inevitable disappointment of leaving such a well-loved space, the change comes at a time of exciting restructuring for Craft. The locations in both Carbondale and Basalt (at 160 Midland Ave) have always used their own roasted coffee, but equipment limitations meant that the only place one could taste their beans was in the shops themselves.

Recently however, Local Coffee House of Aspen donated an industrial roaster to Craft, and soon Craft will have an operational roasting facility in Willits to distribute across the Valley. Furthermore, Liechti mentioned plans to expand the location in Basalt to include a griddle, such that many of the same favorites Carbondale regulars were accustomed to could still be acquired for a tasty brunch.

“It’ll sort of be a return to classic Craft, in that way. Smaller space, that kind of environment we started out with,” said Liechti. And with or without the expansion, many of the same friendly faces coffee nuts have grown accustomed to in Carbondale will continue slinging drinks in Basalt, so regulars should be sure to swing by and say hello.

Additionally, one of Craft Carbondale’s most well-loved features is its funky, fully thrifted interior design. Because of that, on Dec. 23, the location will have a sort of garage sale, and all the unique items of décor will be on sale, so folks can preserve a little bit of Craft in their homes.

Furthermore, the space at 689 Main won’t be empty for long. For several weekends in the summer, Craft hosted their “Peruvian Nights” —

To Carbondale from Craft, "Thanks for all your support!" Courtesy art

full dinners of South American cuisine not found elsewhere in the Valley. Fans of those pop-up meals — and Roaring Fork foodies in general — will be glad to know that at some point in the near future, 689 Main will host a Peruvian restaurant, full-time. Furthermore, the top-tier sourdough from Shepherd’s Breads will continue being baked on 689 premises, so avocado toast connoisseurs can breathe a sigh of relief.

Above all else, Liechti wanted to highlight her thankfulness to the Carbondale community for allowing Craft to thrive at 689 as long as it did.

“We are so lucky and grateful to live in the most beautiful, supportive place, and excited for the next few weeks we have left with you all.”

Disclosure: In addition to writing for The Sopris Sun, Will Buzzerd is a part-time employee at Craft.

Random conversations bud fresh relationships

By Myki Jones Sopris Sun Correspondent

Did someone once tell you not to talk to strangers? A new Carbondale resident is challenging that age-old axiom with an event series designed to take people out of their comfort zones and into meaningful conversation.

“The Lost Art of Random Conversations” is a community-building event created by Tom Karrel. The fourth and most recent session took place on Nov. 27 at the Carbondale Library and the next one will be hosted at 6 p.m. this Sunday, Dec. 11.

These events are designed to push those in attendance to learn about someone previously unknown through a set of thoughtful questions intended to delve beneath the surface. The conversation series began at Sweet Cream Dreams, the weekend ice cream parlor at Craft Coffeehouse, but moved to the library with that business closing down.

Each session is scheduled to last around 90 minutes. The evening begins with brief introductions. Then, before people are encouraged to make eye contact and begin a conversation, breathing and check-in exercises are performed. Once everyone is feeling grounded, they are paired up and handed a list of suggested questions to ask their partner. People typically speak with one partner for 30 minutes before rotating.

Some of the questions are serious and deep while others are a bit lighter and more fun; anything from, “If your life was a roller coaster what would it be called?” or “When's the last time you had a good cry?” to “If there was any musician playing at your funeral one day,

dead or alive, who would it be?” Respecting the privacy of attendees is also something that Karrel stresses at the beginning of each session.

He sat down with The Sopris Sun to discuss the foundation for “The Lost Art of Random Conversations” and its goals. He said that the idea of random conversations has been an interest of his for the past eight years. Much of that time was spent living in Uganda and Karrel became fascinated with how interactions are sparked and connections are forged in different parts of the world.

“When I was in university in grad school, then living abroad for the last five years and then back in the States, I noticed myself getting into familiar flows with old friends,” Karrel said. “‘What's new?’; ‘How are you doing?’; similar questions that felt a bit more surface level. However, when I was traveling, it felt like a fast track to talking a bit more about emotionally deep subjects like: ‘What excites you?’; ‘What lights you up?’”

He continued by saying that this approach in his conversations has changed the course of his life and the way he sees the world.

“I'm a huge believer that a deep presence and different types of questions can really change the way that conversations happen, whether it's between people who have known each other for 40 years, or are just meeting for the first time, Karrel said. “I introduced the concept of active listening to these meetings as well: resisting the urge to only think about what you're going to say in response, or think about something else.”

The event has been somewhat of a hit among the people of Carbondale, with Karrel stating that he’s received feedback from attendees that he should

schedule more events in the future. He joked that if he could find a way to do this full-time and get paid for it, he would. But the next best thing is to bring it into social, school and even business settings so that people can better understand their peers and possibly reach a more collaborative and understanding approach to potential conflicts.

It is best when attending this event to go with an open mind and be ready to actively listen to the people that you end up speaking with. You may find out that you may have a lot more in common with a random stranger than you expected.

As mentioned, another event is scheduled for Dec. 11 at the Carbondale Library at 6 p.m. For more

By Raleigh Burleigh Sopris Sun Editor

For the 46th year, without pause, Aspen Choral Society’s production of George Frideric Handel’s Messiah, composed in 1741, returns to audiences throughout the Roaring Fork Valley.

Which isn’t to say the show returns unchanged. In her second year as concertmaster, MinTze Wu is refining the baroque style that director Paul Danker prefers. The difference, Wu described, is “more release, more air. It’s more beautiful” than the romantic aesthetic.

“The ensemble was so responsive last year,” said Wu. “I feel like by introducing this new approach, the ensemble is more awake. And then the choir is more awake. You have to make every sound accountable and striving for something.”

Wu joined for the 45th year of the production, last year. Previously, Aspen Choral Society hired a concertmaster living in California who would fly in. Danker’s goal as director has been to make the organization more local. His dream was to collaborate with someone who shares his philosophy and ideals. “The more I’ve gotten to know

MinTze, that has proven to be exactly the right choice.”

“Paul courted me,” joked Wu, now executive director of VOICES. “When he invited me to join, I did not take that invitation lightly and I remember telling him that I’m beyond the age and stage of my life to do gigs. I’m not interested in doing a gig, I’m interested in doing music in a proud and meaningful way. And this is a proud and meaningful piece of music. … Anything that Paul does, it’s with purpose, with intentionality, with spirituality.”

Moreover, Danker said, with an annual tradition like this, “you have to constantly be looking for what you can do better or what you can do differently, so you’re not just doing it again … If you’re going to do this year after year after year, you have to be a processminded person and not a goalminded person.”

At its core, the Aspen Choral Society is sustained by a love of making art with others. The goal of a choir orchestra is not to stand out, but for all the voices to blend harmoniously. Danker said it’s egalitarian, not ego-focused. “It’s actually about subverting one’s own ego and voice so that it fits in with the tonal

idea we’re trying to create.”

“And Paul is the least egocentric leader I know,” said Wu. “He inspires us all to discover more in this journey.”

Especially after their COVID production, accomplished through a 360-degree, ambisonic digital video (archived at www.bit.ly/ ACSMessiah2020), Wu emphasizes the “new depth of joy” she associates with live performances. During last year’s show, they assembled inperson with some guilt, packing venues “to the gill,” she said. “But you don’t take that lightly, that we get to have this shared experience.”

With singers and audiences masked, during their final performance last year, the orchestra at Wu’s direction stood while performing “Hallelujah”, the concert’s most famous movement. As the story goes, Danker explained, King George II was so moved during the London premiere that he stood. Out of respect, all mimicked the king and the tradition has held ever since for audience members to stand during that momentous finale.

For the musicians to stand, however, is the kind of artistic intervention that Wu loves to introduce, shaking expectations

between an audience and its performers.

“Whatever idea she comes up with I support,” Danker said plainly. As for his artistic license, Danker has augmented this version of Messiah with additional pieces commissioned from Gerald Cohen, a New York-based composer, to complement the elements of the story derived from the Old Testament. The new movements were written specifically for the Aspen Choral Society, though Danker hopes that other productions adopt them.

Anyone and everyone is welcome to join the Aspen Choral Society’s ranks. To sing on-stage, good attendance is required, but otherwise no professional expertise is necessary. The nonprofit considers it part of their mission to bring musically-

inclined folks along, shaping phrases, matching vocals and sharing beauty.

The Aspen Choral Society also depends on a volunteer board of directors, donations and sponsorships to remain sustainable. “We need a lot of help to do what we do,” said Danker.

This year features three viewing opportunities: at the Wheeler Opera House on Dec. 9, at Mountain View Church in Glenwood Springs on Dec. 10 and at The Arts Campus At Willits on Dec. 11. All productions take place at 7 p.m. Find tickets details at: www. aspenchoralsociety.org

Tune in for an extended conversation with Danker and Wu during Everything Under The Sun this Thursday, Dec. 8 on KDNK radio.

Courtesy photo

Dinkel building to get some TLC

By James Steindler Contributing Editor

The famous Dinkel building on Main Street, built by one of Carbondale’s original townsmen, William Dinkel, is getting a facelift. A remodeling permit was issued on Oct. 6 and construction is due to begin any day now.

The building’s new owner, Rick Holmstrom, is the chief executive officer of Menlo Equities, a property investment company based out of California. However, he assures that the Dinkel building is a passion project and considers Carbondale like home. He also owns a house outside of town.

The architect for the project is 2757 Design and Koru LTD is the contracted construction company. Much of the work will be focused on bolstering the structural integrity of the building. The design updates, specifically on the exterior, will mimic the original structure.

Representatives of both 2757 and Koru attended a courtesy review by the Carbondale Historic Preservation Commission (CHPC), which occurred on Sept. 1. Overall, the commission was satisfied with the proposed renovations. As noted by Jared Barnes, the town’s planning director, the interior improvements are outside of the commission's purview.

Some of the notable exterior renovations include facade restoration, window replacement, new awnings and a new storefront off of Main Street.

A few CHPC members encouraged the owner to pursue landmarking the building, to set an example for other historic property owners to do the same.

Some interior renovations will include an elevator, ADA accessible stairs and restroom, a second-floor common area, retrofitted floor structures and fire sprinklers in the basement. The second floor will likely be used as shared office space.

The upstairs business tenants had to vacate for the remodel, as much of the interior work will be on the second floor. Holmstrom said that he does not foresee the downstairs businesses having to do the same, however there may be some interruptions due to construction. It was also noted in the CHPC minutes, “To buffer the current first-level tenants from the construction process, most of the improvements will be taking place from the second level up to the roof.”

Holmstrom informed The Sopris Sun that the cost to renovate the building will likely be more than 50% over what they originally budgeted for — largely due to inflation, particularly in the real estate and construction industries.

It was noted in the CHPC minutes that 2757 had been in touch with a friend of the artist who painted the mural on the west side of the building, who agreed to touch it up once some bricks have been replaced.

An original bank safe in the basement will be brought up to a lobby area to be put on display.

Rendering of the Dinkel building, post renovations. Courtesy graphic

According to Holmstrom, the team reviewed many old photographs of the building and the plan is to “hearken back” to its original look. Photo by CL McClure

Two communities, unified for the Thompson Divide

By Jonathan Godes and Ben Bohmfalk Special to The Sopris Sun

Thirteen miles may separate the two towns we’re proud to serve as mayors — Glenwood Springs and Carbondale — but the list of what unites our two communities is long. Summertime festivals and farmers markets. Support for local businesses and entrepreneurship. A growing and diverse mix of community members. But perhaps nothing unites us as much as our shared landscape.

The Thompson Divide — stretching west from Carbondale and south from Glenwood Springs into the North Fork Valley, and continuing south over Kebler Pass toward Crested Butte — is the backdrop to our lives. These quarter of a million acres of public land are foundational to the economy, culture and ecology of our communities, and the Divide is home to some of our favorite places to hike, bike and observe wildlife. It’s one of the last bastions of traditional ranching culture in Western Colorado. There’s a reason President Theodore Roosevelt described the area as “a great, wild country.”

For over a decade, through various councils and mayors, our two towns have been consistent and strong supporters of the work done by groups like the Thompson Divide Coalition and Wilderness Workshop to eliminate the threat of oil and gas development from this beloved landscape. Together these groups — with a seemingly endless stream of passionate supporters — have achieved remarkable progress in canceling existing oil and gas leases, and convincing officials at the White River National Forest to administratively protect portions of the Divide. But the threat of new leasing remains ever present.

We cheered in October when we heard President Biden announce that the Bureau of Land Management and U.S. Forest Service would be moving forward with a request to administratively withdraw 225,000 acres of the Thompson Divide from future oil and gas leasing, as well as mining, for 20 years under the Federal Lands Policy

and Management Act (FLPMA). But we also knew it was the beginning of more work — and that we would once again be calling upon our community to join us in support.

There is strong support for this request and our federal agencies need to move quickly and make this a priority. Both our communities will soon be adopting formal letters of support for the Administrative Mineral Withdrawal, building on our years of engagement. We encourage you to come out to a public meeting hosted by the federal agencies to learn more about the process on Wednesday, Dec. 14 from 5 to 7 p.m. at the Carbondale Fire Department (300 Meadowood Drive).

The proposed withdrawal isn’t permanent, but it would provide important interim protections for the next 20 years. We’ll keep fighting for a permanent, legislative mineral withdrawal alongside our Congressional champions and our local conservation organizations. As the signs in our two communities say: we’re “Unified for Thompson Divide!”

Jonathan Godes was first elected to the Glenwood Springs City Council in 2017 and was elected mayor in 2019; Ben Bohmfalk was first elected to the Carbondale Board of Trustees in 2016 and was elected mayor in 2022. When not serving in public office, you can find both outdoors, enjoying local landscapes like the Thompson Divide.

EcoFlight and Buddy Program train future stewards

By Antoinette Brasier Youth Correspondent

On Nov. 15-17, EcoFlight toured the Roaring Fork Valley with students as part of the Buddy Program’s outdoor leadership classes with Roaring Fork, Basalt and Rifle high schools.

Departing from the Aspen Airport, with each flight lasting 30 minutes, students were able to observe local watersheds, land features, wildlife corridors, the proposed Wild and Scenic section of the Crystal River and lands to be protected by a potential mineral lease withdrawal on the Thompson Divide. They even got to see their hometowns from over 1,000 feet in the air.

Each year, the Buddy Program and Ecoflight partner to offer this amazing opportunity for outdoor leadership students in coordination with the Buddy Program’s Outdoor Leadership Public Lands Management curriculum. Both organizations hope to train future stewards of our public lands

On Dec. 14, there will be a public meeting at the Carbondale Fire Department to discuss the withdrawal of mineral leases in certain areas of the Thompson Divide. If you would like to have your voice heard by the BLM and USFS, please attend this very important meeting.

– Amy Kimberly

The Thompson Divide, as seen from the sky. Photo by Antoinette Brasier

The square table was set for four A homespun family cloth and folded napkins Cobalt blue heirloom dinnerware and goblets It all came from another table in another time

The small tree, unpacked from its box stood taller than its three-foot reach Illuminated, the branches gently held glass balls, velvet poinsettias and bows. A “boombox” played cassette tapes of Christmas music past

With Santa’s help, beneath the tree were wrapped gifts From her, a sweater for him always blue, to match his eyes From him, silk pajamas for her Gifts they would have chosen for each other if they could have

There were large glittering cards with sentimental scenes and endearing words of love for eternity…

They would have read and spoken to each other if they could have He with macular degeneration and she, dementia

Under the tree, Christmas stockings I had made decades ago each with their image. He with Brillo silver hair a cigarette loose in his mouth and a salesman’s tie She with white-looped yarn hair chocolate button eyes and holding a large kitchen spoon

In her stocking was a fresh orange a treasure in every stocking of her 91 years And a dark chocolate bar like her father would bring from Dilbert’s Candy Store in Atchison, Kansas

Christmas dinner was tupper-toted prime rib, rare, seasoned to perfection

plated with crisp-skinned baked potatoes with a buttery heart

His favorite

A salad of garden greens, orange disks avocado slices, toasted slivered almonds and orange vinaigrette For dessert, dark chocolate mousse cake and flutes of champagne Her favorites

We sang the old familiar grace Told stories of Christmas past and memories flickered in the candlelight

The small room for four at the nursing home was becoming a precious Christmas memory just when we thought it impossible

being laid on it now, big money will most assuredly corrupt its mission and message. That is an outcome to be avoided.

There was a good article in the Denver Post about what comes next in the legalization saga. The caption under the photo read, in part: “...Colorado's law does not yet specify how psilocybin should be manufactured.” Manufactured! That approach is pathetic, prehistoric and completely inimical to the power inherent in the medicine.

The only real strategy to combat this takes a page from marijuana's playbook. The fact that Citizen Joe and Jane can legally grow their own is the salvation of legal ganja. Forget the dispensary — the one that's owned by a New York banker. Forget the glamorizing attempts to make it chic and expensive. Forget the meddlesome efforts of bureaucrats and influencers to make it what it isn't.

Down in the dirt is where you have to play if you're smoking ganja or eating soma.

Luke Nestler, Downstream (and dirty)

Time to rally

Once again, it is time to rally in support of protecting the Thompson Divide. As a community we have been working for over 15 years to protect our beloved public lands from oil and gas drilling. We have made progress with the White River Forest Service and BLM management plans to protect the Thompson Divide from new leases for 20 years, but the clock is ticking and we are seven years into that plan. We are not done yet.

We are a grassroots community and have been working from the bottom up. Our hard work is paying off and the administration is listening. President Biden announced in October that he would ask for an administrative mineral withdrawal for the Thompson Divided and the Department of Interior has started the process with a 90-day public comment period.

continued from page 2

We need to let the feds know loud and clear that we support protecting the Thompson Divide from oil and gas drilling.

Carbondale, the Roaring Fork Valley and extended communities have loved and protected the Thompson Divide for all the diverse benefits it provides. Most everyone has hiked, biked, walked dogs, rode horses, watched birds, hunted, fished, grazed cattle, taken Sunday drives, or enjoyed the uninterrupted views of this beautiful area. Elk and deer and a whole myriad of animals depend on the Thompson Divide for food, shelter and raising their young. Everyone benefits from its clean air and water. We must keep it as it is. The ultimate goal is permanent protection.

We must speak up now for the Thompson Divide. There will be a meeting at the Carbondale Firehouse on Dec. 14, from 5 to 7 p.m. where you learn more about the process and make comments. The BLM is also currently accepting written comments until Jan. 16, which is an important way to make your voice heard on this issue. Email comments to the BLM letting them know you support the proposed administrative withdrawal, to BLM_CO_Thompson_Divide@blm. gov or via mail to Doug Vilsack, Bureau of Land Management, Colorado State Office, 2850 Youngfield Street, Lakewood, Colorado 80215.

Every voice counts.

Judy Fox-Perry Carbondale, CO

Seeking help

I am grateful for many things; but I need help. Background: I was friends with the Crowns. I taught them. On Dec. 30, 2010 in Snowmass Village (on public lands and not in uniform, as claimed), I was interrupted passing out a union flyer advocating a living wage and immediately banned from all SkiCo property including public lands. It took five years in court and Hunter S. Thompson's attorneys;

however, the ban from public lands was declared unconstitutional.

In a typical corporate move to marginalize, SkiCo attempted a restraining order but was denied in court. Two weeks later, the Aspen Institute, with their many attorneys and whose president is Jim Crown, was successful in obtaining a temporary restraining order which included many Crown residences. It went to the Colorado Supreme Court and they lost. I apologized in a letter to The Aspen Times on Sept. 21, 2022.

Like the government, elites simply back up and try another route to circumvent our State Constitution. SkiCo now maintains the firm can ban citizens that are critical of them from hiking in public lands? What's next? Worse, who is next?

I bet there is at least one attorney with cojones willing to take bans from public lands on dissidents to the Crown left in the Roaring Fork Valley, pro bono. If so, please contact me at leemulcahyphd@gmail.com

Lee Mulcahy, Basalt

Thank you!

Due to Alpine Bank's generosity and Ramona and Phil's cooking talent, the residents at Crystal Meadows enjoyed a wonderful meal, laughter and a great sense of community on Thanksgiving Day. Thank you, Alpine Bank, for being there for all of us in the community and especially for making it a special day at Crystal Meadows. Ramona and Phil, thank you for cooking the delicious food and making them feel like family.

Jerilyn Nieslanik, Crystal Meadows

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

Carolers stay warm by the fire during Winterfaire at the Waldorf School on the Roaring Fork.

Photo by Raleigh Burleigh

Santa's entourage parades down Main Street on First Friday, Dec. 2. Photo by Jamie Wall Waldorf School on the Roaring Fork student creating a ribbon tree ornament at Winterfaire, Dec. 3. Photo by Liesl Bellack

Adee Briggs and Alice Newcomb with Santa at the Redstone Holiday Market, Dec. 3. Photo by Sue Rollyson