Sopris the
Cultivating community
connections since 2009
MADE WITH LOVE Cover photo courtesy of Genevieve Villamazar
Sun
Volume 14, Number 1 | Feb. 10 - 16, 2022
What's cooking this Valentine's Day? Geneviéve Villamizar shares a family recipe, page 2 ... Jackson Emmer serves up fresh tunes, page 3 ... Ski for Sisu soothes the soul like coffee, page 9 ... Eat local with MANA Foods, page 19 ...
OPINION
Branching Out By Genevieve Villamizar
The scent of cumin hits an ancestral note for me; it frees the feels, right up there with sauteed onions or sizzling garlic: uniquely and pungently itself. Familiar and welcoming, yes, but otherworldly, too. In just a handful of homes do I smell it, that pervasive, bulk-food spice cabinet smell: cumin. It is the fragrance of family, of home and, to me, the fragrance of “you are welcome here.” When we moved in with our Colombian dad, I was six, maybe seven years old. Everything about him (after four or five years apart) and our new home was exotic, intriguing and, at times, embarrassing. As a single dad with no experience, we endured a lot of weird food combos — tuna, Kraft singles, green olives, cheap bread. Oyster stew? Guava paste and queso blanco? But ohhhh, his black beans. They were special; they were on purpose. You had to plan ahead, soaking them overnight. This meant he was focused on
Fragrances of home-making It often starts around a chunk us, thinking of us, cooking for us. The sight of that bowl, filled of protein: muscle, bone and to the brim with shiny dark bean give way, melding. Distinct “pebbles” in a scrim of purple- terroirs become one. With a gray foam, stirred relief and joy: porcelain spoon (a burnt tongue Dad was in a good mood! He can’t taste) I sample every few was planning a dinner for us! hours to learn more of the meat hunted, gifted or purchased. Would he make arepas, too? Mountain lion from Oak, His recipe was basic. javelina rump and feral Soak overnight. Rinse. boar from Martha. Large soup pot, fresh "Missing or needing Elk, deer, even water. He’d dash 'home' in my early Jacober Brothers the air above with 20s and on my own, I moo moos when cumin and adobo. cooked the family black they still grazed Salt and pepper; beans for comfort." our watershed. onions, garlic. He’d Ground pork or sear and slice a rope bacon from Potter of spicy sausage. Then Farms, water buffalo bred and came the yummy part: the beans simmering all day long. Tendrils raised by friends. Each animal has of steam, densely layered aromas, its own savory slant. Simmering, simmering; meat, teased my nose; made my tummy rumble and my mouth water. bean and bone surrender into Decades onward, black beans and succulence. The opposite is true rice are still a cherished family of loose grind. High quality grind is not a mushy paste, but squiggly meal. Missing or needing “home” strands of “broken” meat: in my early 20s and on my own, small morsels, chewy and juicy. I cooked the family black beans Something to bite into. And for comfort. By my 30s, they had encased sausage, mixed with its become a go-to for potlucks and own array of seasons? Nom, nom! Enjoying a beer? One for parties. Today, at 50, my family black beans are still gobbled with you, one for the crock. (Tequila gusto. Never have I tasted black works, too.) Frozen stock? beans prepared by another as Chuck it in. Dried porcini from the Lake Christine burn complexly delicious as mine. scar? Why not? Two squares Yes, I boast. And no; no recipe. I cook them when the heart of forgotten chocolate, 80%? requests and no batch is ever Go for it, 100%. Cayenne for the same. Each is unique to the bite; marjoram to marry wild season, to my fluctuating pantry and domestic notes. Coriander, tomatoes, or fridge and to whatever I have Worcestershire, harvested out back or palmed poblanos… Any other leftovers? My dad is an artist. He around town.
collects oddities from Nature and integrates them into expansive dioramas that he carves and paints in the magical realism born of his native Colombia. Watching him prepare black beans, among his many other life-long rituals, taught me about living and being. Growing, hunting, gathering, sourcing, harvesting, storing, planning, cooking, sharing, showing: each of these verbs — in fact, every and any verb — can be expressed artfully. So I crumble silver-green leaves of culinary sage from a bundle tied in twine and dried last summer. I sprinkle thyme and last autumn’s breath from a pretty jar diverted from the recycle bin. I pull bay leaves from a plant I had ordered and grown in the old greenhouse, one leaf, two; don’t want a bitter edge. No measuring spoons; it’s all in the feel — but yes, add a carmine dune of smoked paprika; golden mesa of ground mustard seed. Celery seed, tiny with explosive flavor. Cardamom — just a smidge to see what it does? Amusing to note that this is really just a huge pot of flora with a lil’ bit of fauna when you compare it to all the boxes, bags, bottles and jars on the grocery shelves… But these beans, here? So darn beautiful to assemble, to savor, to smell. And soon? To share and consume.
LETTERS Happy New Year January has already come and gone. They say time flies and we are watching it happen. Carbondale Homeless Assistance is still very active in our Community. Although “different,” 2021 still showed the need for our help. We are grateful to all of those who have contributed to our program. We could not exist without your donations. Those funds help us provide City Market cards, gas cards, gift cards, the shower program, emergency overnight accommodations, pet care and other miscellaneous items. The clothing and gear you donate to Ragged Mountain Sports also helps, as they in turn donate to Carbondale Homeless Assistance. Please, please, please continue to donate. Send checks or gift cards (City Market, Dos Gringos, Subway, Peppino’s, White House Pizza) to Carbondale Homeless Assistance at 711 Main St, Carbondale. Or you can VENMO @ CarbondaleHomelessAssistance or direct deposit to Carbondale Homeless Assistance at any Alpine Bank. Unhoused persons in our community are taking advantage of the daily hygiene program that we offer with shower passes at the Rec Center. Those in need have met the criteria and are given the opportunity to use the facility as needed. Even during restrictions imposed for health concerns,
we were able to assist and provide showers. During the extreme cold and other emergencies, we continue to assist with clothing and outerwear appropriate for the weather conditions. Our local motels, the Days Inn and Comfort Inn, assist us with discounted accommodations whenever possible. We are very grateful to Michael Miernicki at Days Inn and Emily Ravn at Comfort Inn for their personal involvement with our program. It is with heartfelt gratitude that we thank you for your continued support. Here’s to a healthy and happy 2022. Lynn Kirchner Carbondale
Heat pumps Thanks to The Sopris Sun for highlighting heat pumps for electric heating in some new buildings in the Roaring Fork Valley (Jan. 27 issue). Gas heat is a major source of climatedisrupting emissions here. Compared to burning gas (plus upstream leaking and venting), heat pumps greatly reduce global warming emissions. This advantage gets better as more solar, and particularly wind, is installed on our electricity supply. While it’s kind of sad that Holy Cross Energy issued only 20 heat pump rebates last year, this conversion is just getting started here.
This is not just a Roaring Fork Valley thing. Other regions and countries are pulling ahead. In the Netherlands last year, in areas where gas is available, 90% of all new buildings installed electric heating instead. They have plans for two million heat pumps in a decade in their little country. Europe is installing more “natural refrigerant” heat pumps, too. I spent a month in Vermont last year, and outdoor units for heat pumps were popping up on many older buildings. We need heating conversion programs which result in much higher participation. A few entities seem to be having success with centralized contracting for multiple energy retrofits using leasing models, and there are probably other approaches. This is instead of trying to pile greater rebates and credits on the current model of custom assessments and applications, bespoke financing, and multiple contractors bidding on each home or business. A traditional conservative question is, “Why can’t we let ‘the market’ do this?” It might, if we added the emissions damage from fossil fuels to gas rates. At the low-end compromise rate of $75/ton of damage from CO2 emissions (plus 70% or so to account for 2.5% methane venting and leaking), retail heating gas rates would nearly double from this winter’s relatively high level. More recent estimates of this form of deficit spending are $200/ton for current and future Continued on page 19
The views expressed in opinion pieces do not necessarily reflect those of The Sopris Sun. The community is invited to submit letters up to 500 words to news@soprissun.com. Longer columns are considered on a case-by-case basis. The deadline for submission is noon on Monday.
2 • THE SOPRIS SUN • soprissun.com • Feb. 10 - 16, 2022
Editor
Raleigh Burleigh 970-510-3003 • news@soprissun.com
Executive Director
Todd Chamberlin 970-510-0246 • adsales@soprissun.com
Contributing Editor James Steindler
Editorial Graphic Designer Hattie Rensberry
Advertising Graphic Designer Alyssa Ohnmacht
Delivery
Frederic Kischbaum
Proofreader Lee Beck
Current Board Members board@soprissun.com Klaus Kocher • Kay Clarke Lee Beck • Megan Tackett Gayle Wells • Donna Dayton Terri Ritchie • Eric Smith
The Sopris Sun Board meets at 6:30 p.m. on first Thursdays on Zoom.
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 journliasm. Donations are fully tax deductible.
Sincerest thanks to our Honorary Publishers
for their annual commitment of $1,000+
Lee Beck & John Stickney Kay Brunnier Michelle & Ed Buchman Toni Cerise CoVenture Sue Edelstein & Bill Spence Deborah & Shane Evans Greg & Kathy Feinsinger Peter & Mike Gilbert Gary & Jill Knaus Carly & Frosty Merriott Mama Sandy & Lee Mulcahy James Noyes Ken & Donna Riley Patti & George Stranahan Anne Sullivan & John Colson Megan Tackett True Nature Healing Arts Elizabeth Wysong Alpine Bank
Legacy Givers
for including us in their final wishes.
Mary Lilly
Donate by mail or online: P.O. Box 399 Carbondale, CO 81623 520 S. Third Street #26-B 970-510-3003 soprissun.com/Donate The Sopris Sun, Inc. is a proud member of the Carbondale Creative District
Jackson Emmer to release 22 songs in 2022 By Ken Pletcher Sopris Sun Correspondent
It started out as one song per month; twelve new singles that Jackson Emmer wanted to release during the year. Then his wife suggested doing 22. “All the best ideas come from Olivia [Emmer’s wife],” he observed to The Sopris Sun. And so, the 22 singles in 2022 project was born. Singer-songwriter Emmer has been a staple of the Valley’s music scene for years. His voice, characterized in his website biography as “lush with overtones, ghostly harmonics and friendly grit” is the result of him losing it completely at age 28 and having to relearn how to sing — a story for another day. Performing either solo, accompanied by his guitar, or with talented backing musicians, he has graced countless area venues including Steve’s Guitars, the Mountain Fair stage (in 2019 and 2021) and Dan Sadowsky’s house concerts at the Missouri Heights Schoolhouse. In addition, he has toured extensively around the country. His songwriting, as described on his website, “blends humor with heartache and tradition with exploration … [and] often [has been] compared to that of John Prine and Guy Clark.” It has attracted widespread attention
including awards at the Telluride Troubadour Contest, Folks Festival Songwriter Showcase in Lyons and Songwriter Serenade in Moravia, Texas. Emmer explained that he has written “plenty” of songs recently. “I have these songs I want to put out in the world but they don’t have to gel together.” He also has been thinking about his and Olivia’s nine-month-old daughter, Dylan. “What kind of music will I leave in the world for her?” He continued, “Now that I know how precious time is, I try to make the most of it.” One of the unexpected and fortuitous consequences of having to stay at home so much during the COVID pandemic has been Emmer’s online collaboration with legendary singer-songwriter Tom Paxton. Emmer first encountered Paxton when Paxton was a panelist at a folk music conference Emmer attended. Later, a friend of Paxton’s (who lives in Carbondale) heard Emmer at Steve’s Guitars and said she would bring Paxton to hear Emmer play sometime. Although Emmer was a bit skeptical, she and Paxton did indeed attend a gig in Glenwood Springs. Emmer noted that Paxton did not remember him from the earlier event, but this time he made a stronger
impression, and the connection was made. Paxton has said that Emmer is “firmly on the right track – do not fail to hear this man!” The two have been collaborating for a year or so. “We try to write a song every Friday, unless one of us has something else on,” Emmer said. The results have been fruitful. So far they have written more than 30 songs together including a few being released among the 22. As for those 22, “All have been written; now it’s more about recording them.” Emmer is producing most of them himself, each taking considerable time. He noted that five have been recorded, mixed and “staged for release,” and that “eight more will be done by the end” of February. However, when he’s feeling stretched, he has turned to his friend, noted producer and musician Jon Estes in Nashville to help complete tracks. Each of the 22 singles are being released roughly every two to four weeks and will be distributed on all streaming services. The first one, “Colorado Line” dropped on Jan. 14, and the second, “I Love You Now, I Loved You Then” comes out on Feb. 11. A third, the dryly humorous “Can’t Take It with You” (March 11) was cowritten with Paxton.
Jackson Emmer at Steve's Guitars. Photo by Olivia Emmer (Happy Valentine's Day, you two!)
The first four releases feature original illustrations by Austin, Texas based artist Chris Kelly and are intended to evoke the songs’ themes. Singles five through eight will include photographs of Emmer as a child. The fifth, “Kids on Crescent Drive” (April 8) is a remake of a solo video performance he released on YouTube last June. Those interested in seeing Emmer live in the near future need go no farther than Steve’s Guitars on Monday, March 7, when he, Natalie Spears and Ken Gentry will do a tribute concert for what would have been Townes Van Zandt’s 78th birthday. Inperson tickets are available at www.bit.ly/emmerandpaxton1
It will also be live streamed for free. In addition, Emmer is looking forward to a songwriting retreat that he and Paxton will lead at Four Mile Creek B&B near Glenwood Springs on July 8-10. The retreat will culminate with a concert by the two of them. Details on the retreat can be found at www.bit.ly/emmerandpaxton Emmer is planning a tour ranging from Texas to Pennsylvania to California, between mid-March and early May. Reflecting on his time as a professional musician, he mused, “There are many self-destructive narratives you could follow, but I’m not one of them.” He added, “People can make a life as a musician, it’s still doable.”
Best way to warmup after playing in the cold Historic Underground Vapor Caves
No Walkins Please Call for Appointments Caves Included
Hot Springs Mineral Baths
“A Lot More Private than a Pool”
For Information & Reservations call 970-945-0667 • yampahspa.com Spa Open 9-9 Salon Open 9-7 • One Block East of the Hot Springs Pool
Cool Brick Studios
photography • film • video 360° virtual tours
CoolBrickStudios.com
86 S 3rd St. Carbondale, Colorado
world-class multimedia studio
Audio and visual excellence all under one roof ! THE SOPRIS SUN • Your weekly community connector • Feb. 10 - 16, 2022 • 3
SCUTTLEBUTT
What's the word on the street? Let us know at news@soprissun.com
Downtown Liquors
access to the Roaring Fork River from the Rio Grande Trail. The new draft management plan maintains and broadens a lease agreement to protect wildlife habitat near Arbaney Gulch. “The proposed management actions … put the protection of biodiversity first,” said Open Space and Trails senior planner Carly Klein. The plan also evaluates how additional housing could accommodate the needs of employed land stewards. Learn more at www.pitkinOSTprojects.com
The longstanding Main Street Spirits liquor store, at 389 Main Street in Carbondale, recently changed ownership. The new owners, Ryan and Janie Pratt, retitled the business “Downtown Liquors on Main” and are eager to welcome the 21-and-up community.
Poster contests The 51st Carbondale Mountain Fair poster contest is underway! This year’s theme: New Moon Magic. The fair will coincide with a new moon on July 28 and will be overseen by a new generation of leaders. A well-developed concept for the design with three work samples is due by April 1 (emailed to brian@carbondalearts.com). The winner will receive $750 and five t-shirts. Simultaneously, the Dandelion Day poster content is receiving submissions through March 15 (emailed to dandelionday81623@gmail. com) for the earthbound festival on May 14.
2A input The Town of Carbondale is soliciting pro/con statements from its residents regarding ballot issue 2A — a proposal that would increase the town’s debt-limit up to $8 million, without increasing taxes, for the construction of a new aquatic center. Visit www. carbondalegov.org to view the text of Ballot Issue 2A. Statements received by Feb. 18 will be summarized and included in a pro/ con list along with the TABOR notice sent to voters ahead of the election. Statements can be emailed to cderby@carbondalegov.org or mailed to the clerk’s office at 511 Colorado Ave. Participants must be registered to vote in Carbondale and submittals need to include a signature and registered address.
Getting strategic Roaring Fork Outdoor Volunteers is entering into the second year of its six-year strategic plan. In 2022, the trail stewardship nonprofit will focus on offering childcare for select projects; hosting projects accessible by public transit; expanded public trainings; general outreach; and more paid seasonal field positions.
Latino Network
Rock Bottom Ranch invites familes to hang with the animals. Details are at www.aspennature.org Photo by Sue Rollyson
Three Mile Creek The city of Glenwood Springs has received $130,000 for the completion of the Three Mile Creek Confluence Restoration Project from the Colorado Water Conservation Board Watershed Restoration Program. “The project is designed to help address the heavy use of the area, enhance amenities, protect and improve the Roaring Fork River shorelines and improve river access,” states a press release. Additional funds have been received via the city’s River Commission and work is anticipated to occur in August and September.
Ditch cleaning Carbondale work crews have begun cleaning irrigation ditches throughout town. Residents with ditches adjacent to their property are asked to keep access open. Smoke may be present near work areas and the town asks that residents help clear debris and plant growth accumulated over the past year. Ditches are anticipated to be turned on by mid-April.
Deer Creek management A draft management plan for Pitkin County’s Deer Creek Open Space is open for public input through March 7. The 38acre parcel near Aspen was acquired in 2015, providing public
4 • THE SOPRIS SUN • soprissun.com • Feb. 10 - 16, 2022
Voces Unidas, a local nonprofit which aims to elevate Latino participation and leadership in the community, announced this year's Latino Network selectees. Fourteen Latino leaders from the region will partake in several day-long retreats and regular programming to enhance their leadership skills and networking pool. Voces Unidas graduated six participants from its inaugural Latino Network class of 2021.
Reengineer and rewild A group of conservationists has announced a contest to “reengineer” Glen Canyon Dam to rewild the Colorado River. The contest is seeking “engineering alternatives for Glen Canyon Dam that would allow for a ‘run of river’ flow regime through or around Glen Canyon Dam.” The contest is open to engineering students and firms across the country and includes a $4,000 prize for the winning proposal. Details are at www.RewildingColoradoRiver.org
They say it’s your birthday Folks celebrating another trip around the sun this week include: Diego Gonzales, Sara McAllister and Pam Rosenthal (Feb. 10); Georgia Chamberlain, Linda Criswell, Anne Goldberg, Thomas Mack and Sydney McBrayer (Feb. 11); Raleigh Burleigh, Sam Hayes, Ciara Low, Faith Magill, Meghan Murphy, Sarah and Laura Nelson, Jamie Ramge and Gene Schilling (Feb. 12); The Sopris Sun (Feb. 12, 2009); Amy Rota (Feb. 13); Gabriela Meijia and Andrea Stewart (Feb. 14); Jennifer Moss, Scott Levine, Dave Plumb and Megan Tackett (Feb. 15); Cody Lee, Tristan Mead, Jen Moss, Jessie Murillo and Dale Will (Feb. 16).
Clark bids adieu to CRMS By James Steindler Contributing Editor
Mark Clark came to the Valley as a bright-eyed, bushy-tailed 25-yearold, and he hasn’t changed much since. His laugh has carried through the halls and meadows of Colorado Rocky Mountain School (CRMS) and now echoes off the Grand Tetons — at least for part of the year. Clark recently retired from CRMS, where he began teaching in 1979. He was born with an urge to get outside, whether to run, ski or kayak down the Colorado River. After a not-so-favorable stint at a public high school, Clark attended Colorado College. There he met his wife, Jeanie. After college, he found himself overseas in Germany, initially with the intention to complete his master’s degree in theology. “My girlfriend at the time, who became my wife and is still my wife,” Clark laughed, “had gotten a job with the Outward Bound school” there. It occurred to him then that he wanted his wife’s job. He tried to get a position with the German Outward Bound school, but it turned out there wasn’t an opening for the young American — not yet, anyway. First, he worked as a tree-faller (lumberjack) with the patriarch of a previous host family in Germany. Soon, however, he landed his dream job and worked two years along with Jeanie for Outward Bound. He came back to the states to
complete his studies at Claremont Graduate University and continued studying religion, delving into eastern and western theologies. “It’s always been interesting to me how people formulate their lives, what motivates them and gets inside of them and becomes an ultimate concern,” he told The Sopris Sun. Before going on to pursue a doctorate, and thanks to a little push from an advisor, Clark realized his niche was in secondary education. “I really like that era, that age … I find them more receptive,” he explained to his mentor at the time. So, he came up with a short list of high schools that resonated with him, and CRMS made the list. After seeing the campus, with a cross country ski track jetting from each faculty member’s front door, he was hooked. He fielded a couple of other job offers, but his heart was set. Clark anxiously waited by the phone for a call from the school at his soon-to-be in-laws’ house (while his soon-to-be wife was on a river trip). “I’m like this dog watching a bone,” he recalled. By 5 p.m., he couldn’t take the anticipation. He got in his rig with a kayak on the roof and drove toward Moab. He slept in the back of his car at the Hole in Rock parking lot. Knowing his wife’s group was due to come through Mexican Hat, he
successfully intercepted them there. Off the boat ramp, at a little store, he used a payphone to make the call. CRMS Headmaster, Randy Brown, told Clark he had the job. “I didn’t know how much I was going to make. I didn’t know where we were going to live, but I’m like, ‘awesome.’” Then, he got on his kayak and paddled downstream with Jeanie and their friends.
CRMS years Clark and Dutton Foster, the academic dean at the time, taught Western Civilization together — in the same classroom and during the same period. “As an apprenticeship, to watch this guy who was so linguistically gifted and so compassionate for the students … to work with him was an amazing experience.” In the early ‘80s, he took over for Ken Hause, teaching philosophy and religious studies. “He was a legend. He was a great teacher,” Clark said of Hause. Clark also ran the kayaking and, eventually, cross country ski programs. He recalls setting ski tracks with a jeep on the point pasture just north of the school. He describes the school as a consumptive place. “I’ve always tried to find a way to lose myself in an experience,” and CRMS provided that opportunity. By the same token, “I always felt, even though I was sort of cloistered over
Mark Clark outside Colorado Rocky Mountain School. Photo by Will Sardinsky
there, I felt the community … I felt the Carbondale community.” Clark continued, “The thing that was really wonderful for me was that people like Sue Lavin would go out of their way to introduce me to really wonderful people in the community — like John and Anne Holden [the founders of the school] … like Peggy
and J.E. DeVilbiss.” He recollects a talk he gave once about “being branded by the old Bar Fork. All of us at the Rocky Mountain School had been stigmatized. And that stigmata, that is a sort of brand. We’ve been touched. So I feel super grateful to the school for being able to have been there for as long as I have.”
THE SOPRIS SUN • Your weekly community connector • Feb. 10 - 16, 2022 • 5
BASALT REPORT
B a s a l t declares election winners
By Dyana Z. Furmansky Sopris Sun Correspondent
The oddest action that Basalt Town Council took Tuesday night was when the quorum of four councilors unanimously voted to approve a resolution that canceled the Town’s April 5 municipal election. The regular meeting, held again on Zoom due to the declaration of a local disaster emergency from COVID, was skeletal; council members Ryan Slack, Glen Drummond and Bill Infante were not in attendance, staff reports were sparse and the public was entirely absent. The agenda was wrapped up in less than an hour. Giving the grounds for the election’s cancellation, Town Attorney Jeff Conklin explained that only three candidates had submitted applications by the Jan. 31 filing deadline for the three open council seats. Since there were no other issues on the ballot, Conklin said the council had the authority to cancel the election and declare the three people who were running unopposed, as the winners. And this the councilors did. Slack, an incumbent, will retain the
seat he has held for four years. Newcomers to the Basalt Town Council are Dieter Schindler and Angela Anderson, replacing Gary Tennenbaum, who is term-limited, and Infante, who decided not to run again. Biographies for Schindler and Anderson were not available. Town Manager Ryan Mahoney said that, while candidate debates are not necessary, the Basalt Chamber of Commerce will host a forum for the new members to “talk about their interest in running for council.” This was scheduled tentatively for March 7. The three members will be sworn in at the April 12 regular meeting. Mayor Bill Kane said that it was the second time that Town Clerk Pam Schilling would be directed to cancel an election. “It’s kind of what Joseph Stalin did, canceling elections [and] crushing dissent,” Kane joked. After the meeting adjourned, Schilling told The Sopris Sun that she has held her position for about 20 years. Conklin told the council that canceling the election saves the town between $12,000 and $15,000.
In other news... In the business that was usual, the council approved, on second reading, a contract for the purchase of land from Loose Cannon, LLC, for the construction of a police station at 20526 Highway 82. The $1.7 million site is adjacent to where the new public works compound will be built. The new site will double the police station’s current 2,400-square foot building size, and allow for the addition of
Make time for your HEART
The new preschool in Willits will likely resemble Blue Lake Preschool's recent renovation in Carbondale. Courtesy photo a training center in the future. The second part of the contract was the council’s approval of financing the land purchase using taxable certificates of deposit, with a bank as the investor on the three-year type of loan. Also receiving approval was an initial agreement for the town to enter into a partnership with Blue Lake Preschool Inc., to provide licensed childcare at a site to be developed across from The Arts Campus at Willits. Senior Town Planner Sara Nadolny said the agreement is an outgrowth of the Basalt Early Childhood Coalition, which has wanted to “increase and improve access to quality licensed child care in the mid-valley.” The 2020 Basalt Master Plan recognizes mid-valley child care as “a legitimate burden in tandem with
housing.” “We are ready to take on the role,” said Blue Lake Preschool Director Michelle Oger, who will work with the Land and Shelter Design and Alan Ford Architects to produce a conceptual design of the new childcare center. Blue Lake operates Little Blue Preschool in Carbondale, as well as the Blue Lake Preschool in El Jebel. All three locations will have separate rooms and licensed caregivers for infants, toddlers and preschoolers. According to Oger, after-school care will also be provided. Mahoney said that Pitkin County Public Health is expected to lift its COVID advisory, enabling the council to meet inperson at its next regular meeting, Feb. 22.
Ski For SISU
Feb. 5 - 13, 2022
30th Annual SISU (Finnish): Demonstrating extraordinary determination and grit in the face of adversity. Joseph L. Schuller, MD, FHRS
Gordon Gerson, MD, FACC
Board Certified in Cardiology and Cardiac Electrophysiology
Board Certified in Cardiology
With clinics in Aspen and Basalt, you can see Dr. Schuller or Dr. Gerson at the location that fits around your schedule. And, as part of Aspen Valley Hospital’s Network of Care, visits are just the cost of a copay with most insurers. Services include: • Echocardiograms • Bubble studies • Loop implants
FUNDRAISER FOR SPRING GULCH All proceeds benefit the Mount Sopris Nordic Council for the Spring Gulch Nordic trail system.
• Stress tests • Cardioversions • Device clinic
1) Sign up on our website. $30 per adult, $20 per youth to participate. 2) Gather sponsorships to multiply your contribution! 3) Between 2/5 and 2/13, ski anytime of day, as often as you like, on our marked 3.5k, 10k, and 12.5k courses -OR- take advantage of our new virtual option to ski remotely on a trail near you. 4) Report your distance(s) skied via our website (honor system).
Virtual visits available.
most KMs skied, most Prizes! For pledges raised, & more!
Schedule your visit today, call 970.544.7388.
Sign-up and pledge online:
www.springgulch.org Learn more about our services. aspenhospital.org |
TAKE THE 9-DAY CHALLENGE
AspenValleyHospital
6 • THE SOPRIS SUN • soprissun.com • Feb. 10 - 16, 2022
Many thanks to our generous SISU sponsors!
Celebrate SISU - 2/13 Join us for a celebration of SISU’s 30th year! Stay tuned for details. - Weather permitting -
Cold Mountain Ranch
CARBONDALE REPORT
Trustees split over yard waste collection By Raleigh Burleigh Sopris Sun Editor
Tuesday’s meeting saw all trustees in attendance besides Erica Sparhawk. The meeting began with student of the month awards, approval of the consent agenda and comments by trustees. Next was a public hearing for an application for a new retail marijuana store called Goodflower, to be located at 1101 Village Road. With no comments from the public, the application was approved. Trustee Ben Bohmfalk encouraged the applicants to be proactive to avoid issues with fugitive odors. Public Works Director Kevin Schorzman introduced three contracts recommended for extension. First, a five year contract with Roaring Fork Engineering, set to expire on Feb. 14, was renewed for another five years. Schorzman praised the local company’s customer service and regional insight. Second, a three-year contract with Mountain Waste was also renewed for trash and recycling collection at town facilities. This is one of three contracts with
Mountain Waste, the company also chosen in 2019 for residential curbside collection. The third contract held by Mountain Waste, and the third contract reviewed by trustees on Tuesday, was for operation of the yard waste drop site. Dave Reindel, co-founder and chief operating officer of Evergreen ZeroWaste, stood to comment. “I simply ask that this doesn’t get handed off for renewal, but put out to bid again,” said Reindel, listing the accomplishments of Evergreen ZeroWaste, specifically regarding waste diversion education. “Your program could be approved and potentially even cheaper.” He concluded, “If nothing else, it’s more American to have some competition out there.” Asked about the downsides of issuing a new request for proposals (RFP) for that two-year contract, Schorzman responded that there’s an advantage to consistency, especially given the inflationary economy. With the current contract set to expire on May 1, he recommended renewing for another two years and then issuing an RFP with more time to receive responses. In a rare moment, the board
Melissa Arellanes was one of the students of the month honored at the beginning of Tuesday’s meeting. Photo by Raleigh Burleigh
was split over how to proceed. Heather Henry, Lani Kitching and Marty Silverstein all agreed with Schorzman’s assessment. Bohmfalk, Dan Richardson and Luis Yllanes favored putting the contract back out to bid. Without a tie-breaker, the discussion was pushed to their next regular meeting on Feb. 22. Finally, trustees began discussing Town Center, the land surrounding the Thunder River Theatre that
was donated to the town late last year. Mayor Richardson proposed hiring a contractor to compile due diligence studies and clarify for the town and public what is and is not possible on that land. Included in the assessment would be the large empty lot just east of Town Hall, across fourth street. The park at Fourth and Main, also donated to the town, would have a separate process. The Town Center topic will next
Preserved!
be discussed at the trustees’ work session on March 15. Save the date! The Sopris Sun and KDNK will host a candidate forum from 6 to 8 p.m. on March 9. Details to follow. Save the date! The Sopris Sun and KDNK will host a candidate forum from 6 to 8 p.m. on March 16 at Town Hall. Details to follow.
Thanks to the support of our members and friends, the Crystal Valley Environmental Protection Association and the Trust for Land Restoration have conserved 55 acres along the Crystal river in Marble. Wetlands, wildlife and public access are now protected for future generations. For more information, please visit cvepa.org and restorationtrust.org.
THE SOPRIS SUN • Your weekly community connector • Feb. 10 - 16, 2022 • 7
GARFIELD COUNTY REPORT
Mystery Ranch proposed near Carbondale By Myki Jones Sopris Sun Correspondent
Garfield County Commissioners took nearly seven hours to address the agenda at their Feb. 7 meeting. For more information about the agenda, an assortment of attachments, and a recording of the entire meeting, visit www.garfieldcounty.com The latter part of the meeting included topics pertaining to community development. During a public notice hearing, the commissioners reviewed 14 exhibit items as part of a developer’s proposal for the “Mystery Ranch” subdivision on land south of Carbondale. Garfield County Senior Planner Vince Hooper presented the sketch plan. Brian Mcnellis of BMC Planning + Design joined the applicant, Antony Cullwick of Mystery Ranch, to make their case. The proposed development would subdivide an 83.74-acre parcel and a 16.67-acre parcel (totaling roughly 100 acres) into nine lots. The designated plots are located at 1634 Prince Creek Road and 928 County Road 111.
The separate lots would serve as “unattainable housing,” as pointed out by Chairman John Martin, with 31 acres dedicated for conservation and wildlife protection. During the public comment portion of the hearing, Ryan Mitchell, an attorney with Balcomb & Green law firm, appeared representing T2 Carbondale LLC, “the owner of the Big Four Ranch — a historic 2,500-acre working ranch that surrounds the proposed development on three sides,” the attorney explained. Mitchell argued how much space the proposed subdivision would take up and how that would subsequently affect agricultural work for ranchers already operating near the proposed site. “Proposed developments such as this one should be located within or adjacent to existing communities to eliminate sprawl and preserve agricultural lands for continued operation,” Mitchell said. “This proposal, to me, looks a lot like sprawl. It is located outside of Carbondale’s municipal boundary, an urban growth area, and nine homes with swimming
8 • THE SOPRIS SUN • soprissun.com • Feb. 10 - 16, 2022
pools and hot tubs would replace roughly 25 acres of agriculturally productive land,” he summarized. Simultaneously representing the East Mesa Ditch Water Supply Company, Mitchell pointed out that the applicant seeks to acquire legal access to water through the use of the East Mesa Ditch, channeling an additional .75 cubic feet per second through it. Reportedly, the ditch does not currently have the capacity to divert the proposed level of water. Matt Nieslanik, a lifelong resident of the Roaring Fork Valley and employee of T2 Carbondale LLC, stated that the lots of the proposed subdivision “don’t fit,” referring to the ranch land and demographic that surrounds the area. Notably, as pointed out by Commissioner Mike Samson, Colorado Parks and Wildlife has not chimed into the conversation. Furthermore, the town of Carbondale has yet to provide any input. Commissioner Tom Jankovksy was on the fence. He acknowledged that it’s agricultural land, but added that “nobody can make a living on 100 acres,” agriculturally. He noted that members of the planning commission indicated it is a good
Screenshot from Garfield County Assessor GIS maps
plan. “It’s sad to see land being split up but, at the same time, on 100 acres, I don’t know what else an owner does … I don’t know what else you do other than subdivide it.” He concluded by saying, “I’m not totally in favor of the plan, but I’m not opposed to it either.” Samson said that he would echo some of what Jankovsky said, but added, “I think I’m more against it than he is.” The commissioner went on, “I’m looking at the time frame here and I’m thinking, ‘not yet.’ But I can see this happening in 10, definitely 20 years — something like this is going to happen to that land.” The county attorney reminded
the commissioners they did not need to make a decision at the time. Samson replied, “I understand that, but I don’t want them to spend a whole lot of money if you catch my drift,” he said of the developers. “The use and change of agricultural water to other purposes, that’s a big impact. That’s a big issue,” stated Martin. He also noted that the potential wildlife impact needs to be addressed. “It is definitely a change of community and neighborhood, and it’s a real challenge to get your hands around,” he added. No final decision was made at the close of the session.
Like your life’s cup of coffee
By Will Sardinsky Sopris Sun Contributor
“‘Sisu’ is a Finnish term and it means ‘enthusiasm, spirit, drive.’ All of the ingredients that you think of getting yourself going and being happy about what you’re doing and challenging yourself, that’s what ‘sisu’ is,” explained Elliot Norquist, Mount Sopris Nordic Council board member and trails/grooming manager. “‘Sisu’ is like your life’s cup of coffee.” Paul Lappala, an early participant, introduced the term to the Carbondale Nordic skiing community after living abroad in Finland. As it became more expensive to run Spring Gulch, the Mount Sopris Nordic Council created an event around this concept, calling it Ski for Sisu. Norquist continued, “Spring Gulch started out just as the locals, sort of supporting their own deal. Our numbers and the people that ski up here have increased over the years. Since the ‘80s, I would say maybe 10 times, maybe 20 times the number of people we had before. So we had to build this bigger parking lot and now we’re filling the bigger parking lot on the weekends, not even for an occasion, just for normal skiing. So, this thing has really taken off.” The fundraiser was designed to be inclusive of all levels of skiers who utilize the more than
21 kilometers of trails in the Spring Gulch trail system. Participants can get sponsored by individuals or companies who sponsor a skier by pledging an amount per kilometer skied. “There’s some tremendous days,” said Norquist, “Andrew Gardner, from Colorado Rocky Mountain School, came up here in the old days and started really putting the [kilometers] in. Ever since then, somebody always skis at least 70 [kilometers] for the fundraiser.” The money raised largely goes toward keeping the trails open and well-maintained. Between three groomers, the snowmobiles, gas, employee wages, insurance and other expenses that come up, Spring Gulch costs about $500 per day to maintain. “It is an example of people taking the initiative to build something that they can actually keep going that is a benefit for everybody. You know, it’s very much a shared effort. I think that the beauty of it is that we made it and we get to live it, we get to participate in it,” said Norquist. It’s value lies in the “community connection, for one thing; physical exercise and the beauty of being out here in this environment; and, maybe the third thing is just a sense that you’re contributing to something that the whole community can enjoy and it’s free. I mean we ask for donations, but nobody has to pay every day that they come up here and ski.” In years past Ski for Sisu has been a oneday event full of skiing, community and “jive,” as Norquist put it. The past two years it has been spread out over multiple days due to COVID. This year, Ski for Sisu is taking place Feb. 6 through Feb. 14 and skiers report their kilometers on the honor system. “We’ve created a good thing and this is a good way to celebrate it,” concluded Norquist. Learn more at www.springgulch.org/
Elliot Norquist gazes over the cross country tracks in Spring Gulch. Photo by Will Sardinsky
Share the love with your community! Give back with the Alpine Bank Loyalty Debit Card Every time you use your Loyalty Debit Card*, Alpine Bank donates a dime to community causes that are important to you.
*Alpine Bank debit cards are available with no annual fee to individuals with an Alpine Bank checking account.
ALPINEBANK.COM • MEMBER FDIC
THE SOPRIS SUN • Your weekly community connector • Feb. 10 - 16, 2022 • 9
COMMUNITY CALENDAR FA I T H , FA M I LY, A N D F R I E N D S !
KEEP A PMA (Positive Mental Attitude) • FINISH STRONG L O V E C R I T T E R S especially Goldens
FA I T H , FA M I LY, A N D F R I E N D S !
KEEP A PMA (Positive Mental Attitude) • FINISH STRONG L O V E C R I T T E R S especially Golden Retrievers Lack of affordable workforce/community housing is the most pressing problem facing Carbondale today. To be fair it is not just Carbondale facing this issue. I do think we have the opportunity to solve a good bit of ours, especially now that the Town has been the recipient of a little over 2 acres Downtown. The Town Center land is a prime location for more community housing as infrastructure is in place and it’s within walking distance to amenities including transportation. It could be used for 250-300 units ranging from 300 sq. foot studios to a mix of 1BR and 2BR as needed. The other good news is Colorado has $400 million of Fed infrastructure funds that can probably be disbursed to help with these needs. This would require a shovel ready project and an adjustment to the HCC (Historic Commercial Core) zoning. Carbondale with a can-do attitude could get it done. There would need to be skin in the game but there are several buckets of money available to draw on. Basalt just issued an $18 million bond issue for community housing and sustainability infrastructure so seems we could do the same? The current residential development model where for every 100 units a developer builds, only 20 need be affordable dictated by Gross Median Income, has not been working for several years. The number I hear currently is we have an additional 400 units approved/under construction of which 80 will be affordable. This does not count River Valley Ranch single family homes. The number I hear for RVR is another 100 units have gone/are going through Design Review Committee. By the time you factor all this new construction in we will have created enough additional residential units to generate another twenty plus new jobs not to mention more traffic which seems to get worse every day. We have become the proverbial dog chasing its tail on housing. That happens when you don’t manage growth and approve every development that is presented. If it takes a targeted moratorium like Aspen has done and Glenwood proposed, to decide what our desired growth is, so be it. We must change the paradigm. We are fighting for the soul of Carbondale and time is running out. I have a vision for where we should be in 10/20 years along with the passion it takes to get there. By the way, the Insights Collective in its second part of a nine part series concludes that the lack of community housing will reshape tourism destination economies (ours). As far as traffic is concerned, we need to purchase/lease at least 2 more circulator buses to get more people out of their cars especially in Downtown and on 133. If a bus ran the correct route every 15-20 minutes, we could fill them up. In the summer we could rent out golf carts for people to move around Town. We vacationed once in Florida where you were not allowed to use a car only a bike or a golf cart once you arrived. Let’s continue to work to keep Carbondale the special place it is and not a Willits 2.0. Remember every policeman, every teacher, every fireman, every City Market employee that wants to should be able to live here. That’s what real community is and it will increase our quality of life exponentially.
•
•
•
•
•
• •
FA I T H , FA M I LY, A N D F R I E N D S !
KEEP A PMA (Positive Mental Attitude) • FINISH STRONG L O V E C R I T T E R S especially Goldens
10 • THE SOPRIS SUN • soprissun.com • Feb. 10 - 16, 2022
COMMUNITY CALENDAR
Visit soprissun.com to submit events
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 10
ASPEN MUSIC FESTIVAL Inon Barnatan performs a piano recital at Harris Hall in Aspen at 6:30 p.m. On Feb. 14, Simone Dinnerstein performs virtually on piano at 6 p.m. followed by Colin Davin virtually on classical guitar on Feb. 15 at 6 p.m. Learn more at www.aspenmusicfestival. com NATURALIST NIGHTS Wilderness Workshop, ACES and Roaring Fork Audubon present “Forest Disturbance by Bark Beetles” at Hallam Lake in Aspen at 6 p.m. Registration is at www.aspennature. org and the presentation will also be streamed and archived through Grassroots TV. TRTC OPENING Thunder River Theatre Company’s latest production, “Circle Mirror Transformation,” opens with socially-distanced seating at 7:30 p.m. The show continues through Feb. 27 with traditional seating options and Sunday matinees. Find tickets at www. thunderrivertheatre.com NARCOTICS ANONYMOUS The Meeting Place in Carbondale (981 Cowen Drive) offers a 12-step meeting at 8:30 p.m.
FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 11
ART OPENING The Art Base shows “MIRROR: A Reflection of the Black + Latinx Diaspora” with Miami-based photographer Diana Eusebio. The multimedia exhibit will be on display through March 5, open Tuesdays through Saturdays from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. An opening reception is on Feb. 12 from 5 to 7 p.m. LIGHT THE NIGHT The Carbondale Creative District and KDNK present Light the Night with Love, an interactive HeART Walk along the Rio Grande Trail, on Friday and Saturday from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Find tickets at www. shopcarbondalearts.com MOUNTAINFILM Basalt Regional Library presents “MountainFilm on Tour” with dinner and drinks at 5 p.m. followed by 10 short films beginning at 6 p.m. The event is free, but registration is required by emailing Cathy at cclick@basaltlibrary.org CLAY DATE The Carbondale Clay Center offers a night of pottery making for couples from 6 to 8 p.m. on Feb. 11, 12, or Sunday, Feb. 13 from 2 to 4 p.m. CRYSTAL THEATRE Oscar-nominee “Licorice Pizza” plays at the Crystal Theatre at 7:30 on Feb. 11, 12 and 14 at 7:30 p.m. A Sunday matinee shows at 1 p.m. SILENT SKY Sopris Theatre Company at Colorado Mountain College presents “Silent Sky” by Lauren Gunderson, the true story of 19th century astronomer Henrietta Leavitt, at the Spring Valley campus. The show runs on Feb. 11, 12, 18, 19, 25 and 26, from 7 to 8:45 p.m.; and Feb. 13, 20 and 27 from 2 to 3:45 p.m. Tickets, with virtual options, are at www.coloradomtn.edu/theatre ART DEADLINE Submissions for Roaring Fork Outdoor Volunteers’ 2022 art contest are due by midnight. The winning design will be featured on posters and stickers and the winner will receive $400. Find submission details at www.rfov.org
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 12
FILM TALK Honoring Black History Month, Garfield County Libraries invite you to stream “They Ain’t Ready For Me” for free. Then, join a virtual discussion facilitated by Steven Arauza and Sájari Simmons at 11 a.m. For more info, visit www.gcpld.org/ SNOWSHOE AND S’MORES Aspen Valley Land Trust invites people to Coffman Ranch for snowshoeing and s'mores around a bonfire from 5 to 7:30 p.m. Ticket and more info are at www.avlt.org
Joshua Adamson (left) as Peter Shaw and Bostyn Elswick as Henrietta Leavitt, rehearsing for “Silent Sky” opening Feb. 11 and running through Feb. 27 at CMC Spring Valley. Courtesy photo
SENIOR NIGHT Roaring Fork High School hosts Coal Ridge at home for basketball. The girls team plays at 5:30 p.m. followed by the boys at 7 p.m. SALSA NIGHT TACAW hosts a salsa lesson and Latin music plays starting at 7:30 p.m. Tickets and more info are at www.tacaw.org
SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 13
SLED DERBY Anderson Ranch is hosting its first-ever Sled Derby on Feb. 21. In preparation, high school students are invited to assemble toboggans with free workshops this Sunday from 9:30 a.m. to noon and from 1:30 to 4 p.m. Sign up at andersonranch.org DEATH CAFE Amy Maron and Akaljeet offer a safe and relaxed space for the community to discuss death and dying at the Third Street Center from 4 to 4:30 p.m. HEROIN ANONYMOUS The Meeting Place in Carbondale holds a Heroin Anonymous session from 4 to 5 p.m. For more support group info visit www. meetingplacecarbondale.org
MONDAY, FEBRUARY 14
BASALT BASKETBALL Basalt’s boys team plays against Edwards at home at 6:30 p.m. VALENTINE COMEDY Married couple Noah Gardenswartz and Ester Steinberg provide a lovely evening of comedy from 8 to 10 p.m. Tickets and more info are at www.tacaw.org
TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 15
SPRING CLAY CLASSES Registration for Carbondale Clay Center’s adult spring classes opens. To register for upcoming classes visit www.carbondaleclay. org BASALT BASKETBALL Basalt’s girls team plays against Moffat County at home at 5:30 p.m. BINATIONAL COLLABORATION Roaring Fork Conservancy presents Dr. Francisco Zamora of the Sonoran Institute, on the topic of restoring the Colorado River’s connection to the sea. The free virtual talk is from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Register at www. roaringfork.org/events RAMS V. SKIERS The Roaring Fork High School basketball boys compete against Aspen in Aspen at 7 p.m.
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 17
HERITAGE SEEDS Garfield County Libraries and Senior Matters present a free online presentation on gardening at 5 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 17 in English and Spanish. Sign up at www.gcpld. org/seeds FULL MOON Join Sheridan Semple each full moon for a ceremony and lesson in True Nature’s kiva from 6 to 7:30 p.m. More info is available at www.truenaturehealingarts.com TRIVIA NIGHT Beer Works hosts Trivia Night with Roaring Fork Outdoor Volunteers at 6:30 p.m.
Sol del el
Conectando comunidades
Carbondale intenta reflejar intereses diversas
Valle
A este su agrpadec nu e o y o e m o vo p par s ro y a ecto .
Volumen 1, Número 49 |10 de feb. - 16 de feb. de 2022
Por Raleigh Burleigh Traducción por Dolores Duarte
Al comparar los comentarios de las reuniones de participación en español e inglés, la directora de planificación de Carbondale, Janet Buck, se divirtió al encontrar entre las opiniones comunes: "¡No pongan Carbondale demasiado bonito!". Ese comentario es sólo una pequeña muestra de los miles que se recibieron a lo largo de siete meses para el borrador de actualización del plan integral, que ya está disponible para revisión pública. En enero de 2021, el consejo de administrativo de Carbondale acordó actualizar el plan integral de 2013. En junio de 2021, la empresa de diseño de arquitectura e ingeniería Cushing Terrell fue contratada para dirigir el proceso. Cushing Terrell fue guiado para centrarse en seis temas de planificación a largo plazo: carácter del centro, centro norte (ahora llamado área de oportunidad), acción climática, envejecimiento de la comunidad, movilidad multimodal y carácter residencial. El proceso inició con una encuesta, la cual recibió más de 500 respuestas, y se amplió con reuniones de grupos de interesados, planeaciones de diseño y reuniones bilingües en persona y virtuales en el ayuntamiento. "Estas ideas no vinieron de Cushing Terrell", dijo Buck sobre el borrador, "vinieron de los comentarios de la comunidad".
Cómo participar Una nueva encuesta y materiales importantes están en línea en www.chartcarbondale.com Además, se han establecido "salas de lectura" en nueve lugares de la ciudad. En ellas se puede consultar una copia física del borrador de la actualización. Busca una sala de lectura en: el ayuntamiento, biblioteca de Carbondale, Third Street Center, Launchpad, biblioteca de Roaring Fork High School, Craft Coffeehouse, centro recreativo de Carbondale, RVR Ranch House y Bonfire Coffee. Reconociendo que algunas copias ya les han "crecido pies" y supuestamente han salido caminando, Buck pide que cualquier persona que desee tener una copia en papel para llevar a casa, la solicite al departamento de planificación llamando al 970-510-1208. La encuesta se cierra el 25 de febrero. Después, la comisión de planificación puede recomendar la adopción del documento con una audiencia pública. Entonces, la junta administrativa de la ciudad votará sobre la aprobación final, también con una audiencia pública. A lo largo de este proceso, la ciudad ha hecho un esfuerzo adicional para recibir las opiniones de los miembros hispanohablantes de la comunidad de Carbondale. Aunque en un principio no estaba previsto traducir el documento completo al español, Buck consideró imprescindible hacer un seguimiento de la reunión de alcance celebrada en agosto. "Fue una reunión increíble", reflexionó Buck. "Los participantes dijeron que agradecían que se les incluyera y que querían seguir participando". En enero de 2022 se tomó la decisión de traducir la encuesta y, por tanto, dedicar un tiempo extra a la traducción de toda la actualización del plan integral. Buck optó por contratar a un traductor capaz de interpretar parte del lenguaje más técnico, "porque el traductor de Google simplemente no lo consigue bien", dijo.
Eloisa Duarte, residente de Carbondale, revisa una copia del “Anteproyecto Actualización del Plan Exhaustivo de Carbondale” encontrada en la biblioteca de Carbondale. Foto de Raleigh Burleigh
OPINION Que mi amor tenga nombre la primera mascota que abrazaste, misma humanidad, de nuestra un amanecer soleado, un cielo espiritualidad. Y nos preguntamos azul, las incontables primeras veces ¿qué es, al final de cuentas, el amor? que te hicieron consciente de la ¿Un sentimiento o una acción, una grandeza de estar viva. Una certeza palabra o una ilusión? llena de incertidumbres, que nos El hilo de vida que vamos arroja a los brazos de la esperanza, tejiendo: la cuna de nuestros de la gratitud y la empatía. hijos, el lecho compartido, el Y es que del amor nace el amor, caudal de palabras, canciones inequívocamente. Ya bien lo dijeron y poemas cuidadosamente los Beatles, “todo lo que necesitas elegidos, la telepatía que brota es amor”. ¡Qué revelación! el darse de la complicidad. El amor eres cuenta de que si lo que quieres tú mismo. Con esa capacidad es recibir amor, primero infinita de creer, de tienes que darte amor, "¿Cuántas vidas levantarte, de volver sentir amor, vivir el tiene el amor? Tantas a sonreír, a confiar, amor desde bien a vivir en plenitud. como sean necesarias adentro hasta que se El amor para evolucionar, te desborde. No hay también son crecer, aprender y los patrones que otra manera. Somos lo que (nos) damos, y o retomar bríos." conservamos lo que nos inunda. rompemos a lo largo Y de ahí partimos, para de nuestro camino; las no solo abrirle la puerta a lo que elecciones que tomamos para llega, sino para saber elegir al reconocer que el amor es ternura. amor bonito. El amor que no es La inmensa fortaleza de la tu otra mitad, sino una extensión delicadeza. Y tal como hacemos de tu amor propio. No, el amor con todo lo que es delicado, no es tan solo compañía, es un debemos tratarle como a algo bálsamo que te va curando las precioso e irrepetible, algo a lo heridas. Un camino para dos, en que hay que guardarle a veces de la individualidad y en el respeto, nuestras propias debilidades. pero sobre todo en la plenitud de El amor es el resultado de tu persona. A ese amor hay que la suma de nuestros anhelos y darle la bienvenida que se merece. nuestras realidades divididas Muchas veces filosofamos entre dos perspectivas. sobre los distintos tipos de amor, Pero, ¿cuántas vidas tiene las ramas de ese árbol inmenso el amor? Tantas como sean con raíces profundas en nuestra necesarias para evolucionar,
Carta de Amor Por Iliana Renteria
Al amor se le escribe y se le describe, por si las dudas, no vaya a ser que Cupido se equivoque. Al amor se le saluda, se le da la bienvenida y se le invita a ponerse cómodo. Al amor se le abraza y apapacha. Como a la vida, se le disfruta y se le agradece cada día, porque uno nunca sabe. Al amor se le dice que sí y “adelante''. Porque no hay nada más bonito que dejarle entrar y sembrarle un jardín. Arroparlo con el alma y verle florecer en cada poro de la piel. Al amor se le escucha aún en la profundidad del silencio, porque a veces sus respuestas pueden ser avasalladoramente silenciosas. Al amor se le honra, como se honra lo que es bueno y verdadero. Con tantos rostros como colecciona la memoria: La primera sonrisa que te recibió en el mundo,
de Carbondale
ÚnaSe Y ParTICIPe
Donaciones por correo o en línea P.O. Box 399 Carbondale, CO 81623 970-510-3003 www.soprissun.com Executive Director Todd Chamberlin • 970-510-0246 adsales@soprissun.com Editor Raleigh Burleigh • 970-510-3003 news@soprissun.com Directore Artístico Hattie Rensberry Diseñadora de anuncios Alyssa Ohnmacht Traductoras Jacquelinne Castro y Dolores Duarte Distribucion Frederic Kischbaum Miembros de la Mesa Directiva Klaus Kocher • Kay Clarke Lee Beck • Megan Tackett Gayle Wells • Donna Dayton Terri Ritchie • Eric Smith The Sopris Sun, Inc. Es un miembro orgulloso del Distrito Creativo de Carbondale 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.
VISITE UNO DE LOS SPAS MAS ANTIGUOS Y RESPETADOS EN AMERICA
Municipalidad
¡InVolÚCreSe!
crecer, aprender y retomar bríos. Porque el amor es la permanencia en el cambio. Un camino nuevo que ya antes habías recorrido. Nacido del anhelo más profundo de dos almas: dos miradas que se buscan con la ilusión de encontrarse. ¿Serán acaso tus ojos los que me lean el resto de mis días? Entre risas y simbolismos va naciendo un sentimiento compartido. En el silencio mismo. En la tierra fértil del deseo y la caricia, del beso y el secreto (a voces) que va creciendo y no deja rincón intacto. Tú y yo. Tuyo. Mío. Como fruto que va madurando y, cada vez más dulce, se transforma en pulpa y jugo. Y alimenta. Motor de vida, combustible de soñadores y poetas. Celebremos pues la esperanza, el anhelo, la fuerza inmensa de ese sentimiento. Personalmente, hoy como cada día, festejo y agradezco la suerte de encontrarme en tu mirada, el nacimiento de nuestra historia combinada, de tus manos forjando nuestros cimientos, de mis latidos guiando nuestros pasos. Que mi amor tenga nombre y apellido. Recibe esta carta con dedicatoria, y sábete aludido: Mi elección consciente, mi hoy de todos los días. Destinatario conocido.
redacción de la actualización del Plan exhaustivo de Carbondale
la aportación del público es necesaria para la Redacción de la actualización del plan Exhaustivo como suplemento para el plan Exhaustivo de carbondale del 2013. Todos los materiales serán proporcionados en español y en inglés. comenzando el lunes 24 de enero, usted puede elegir entre estas dos maneras de aportar ideas y comentarios sobre la redacción del plan: 1) lea la redacción de la actualización del Plan exhaustivo en línea y tome la encuesta referente a la redacción del plan, visitando Chartcarbondale.com 2) diríjase a una “sala de lectura”. Visite una de las diez locaciones alrededor del pueblo, lea la actualización del Plan exhaustivo y tome la encuesta, ya sea de manera electrónica o utilizando la versión impresa. - la lista de locaciones puede encontrarse en chartcarbondale.com o llame al 970.510.1208 - las copias impresas de la redacción del plan se encontrarán disponibles en todas las salas de lectura, junto con un buzón para comentarios y un código QR para tener acceso a la encuesta.
los resultados de las encuestas electrónicas e impresas serán recopilados del 24 de enero al 25 de febrero www.chartcarbondale.com
12 • el Sol del Valle • soprissun.com/espanol/ • 10 de feb. - de feb. de 2022
y las Cuevas históricas de Vapor
Baños naturales minerals termales “Más privado que una piscina” No WALKINS Por favor. Llame para citas Para información y reservaciones llame a 970-945-0667 • yampahspa.com El Spa esta abierto de 9 a.m. a 9 p.m. y el Salón de 9 a.m. a 7 p.m.
CHISME DEL PUEBLO Licores del centro
proyectos accesibles por medio de transporte público; expender entrenamiento público; alcance general; y más posiciones pagadas en áreas temporales.
La tienda de licor Main Street Spirits, en 389 Main Street en Carbondale, recientemente cambió de dueño. Los nuevos dueños cambiaron el nombre del negocio a “Downtown Liquors on Main” y están ansiosos para darle la bienvenida a la comunidad mayor de 21 años de edad.
Beca de CMC Más de 500 becas estudiantiles de Colorado Mountain College Foundation estarán disponibles para el semestre del otoño a través de una sola inscripción, la cual automáticamente dirigirá a los estudiantes con las becas a las cuales califican. Las inscripciones están disponibles en https://apply.coloradomtn.edu/ con la fecha límite hasta el 30 de junio. Para más información, contacte a la coordinadora de becas Kathy Desportes a kdesportes@coloradomtn.edu
Concurso de carteles ¡El concurso para el cartel del 51º Mountain Fair de Carbondale ya está en marcha! El tema de este año es “Magia de Luna Nueva”. La feria coincidirá con la luna nueva el 28 de julio y será supervisada por una nueva generación de líderes. Un concepto bien desarrollado con tres muestras deben ser entregadas el 1 de abril (al correo electrónico brian@carbondalearts.com) y el ganador recibirá $750 y cinco camisetas. Simultáneamente, el concurso de cartel de Dandelion Day está recibiendo propuestas hasta el 15 de marzo (al correo electrónico dandelionday81623@gmail.com) para el festival de la tierra el 14 de mayo.
Rediseñar y restaurar Un grupo de conservacionistas ha anunciado un concurso de “rediseñar” Glen Canyon Dam para restaurar el Rio Colorado. El concurso está buscando “alternativas de ingeniería para que le permita a la presa Glen Canyon tener un sistema de flujo que pueda tener una corriente de río a través y alrededor de Glen Canyon Dam.” El concurso está abierto a estudiantes de ingeniería y empresas a través del país, esto incluye un premio de $4,000 para la propuesta ganadora. Para más detalles visite www.RewildingColoradoRiver. org
Limpieza de zanjas Equipos de trabajo de Carbondale han comenzado a limpiar las zanjas de irrigación a través del pueblo, se le pide a los residentes que tengan zanjas adyacentes a sus propiedades que mantengan acceso disponible. Hay probabilidades que humo se haga presente en áreas de trabajo y el pueblo le pide a los residentes que ayuden a limpiar plantas acumuladas durante el último año. El agua de zanjas está prevista que regrese a mediados de abril.
Three Mile Creek
Latino Network Voces Unidas, una organización sin fines de lucro la cual tiene como objetivo elevar la participación y el liderazgo latino en la comunidad, anunció los seleccionados para el Latino Network de este año. Catorce líderes latinos de la región participarán en varios retiros de días completos y regulares para mejorar sus habilidades de liderazgo y conexiones con la red. Felicitamos a Renata Araujo, Evelyn Corral, Gabriela Alvarez Espinoza, Brianda Cervantes, Monica Perez-Rhodes, Ana Vega Terrazas, Patty Torreblanca, Luis Yllanes, Maribel Obreque, Cinthia Nevarez Ruiz, Steven Arauza, Erick Perez, Gerardo Gomez, y Olivia Martinez. Voces Unidas ha graduado a seis participantes de su clase inaugural de Latino Network del 2021.
Poniéndose estratégico Roaring Fork Outdoor Volunteers está entrando en el segundo año de su plan estratégico de seis años. En el 2022, la organización sin fines de lucro de administración de senderos se enfocará en ofrecer cuidados de niños para proyectos seleccionados; organizar
La ciudad de Glenwood Springs ha recibido $130,000 para la realización del proyecto de Restauración de Confluencia de Three Mile Creek del programa de Conservación de Agua de Colorado para la Restauración de Cuencas Hidrográficas. “El proyecto está diseñado para ayudar a discutir acerca del uso intensivo del área, mejorar comodidades, proteger y mejorar las costas del río Roaring Fork y mejorar el acceso a los ríos,” dijo el comunicado de prensa. Fondos adicionales han sido recibidos por medio del Comisionado del Ríos de la ciudad y se anticipa que el trabajo ocurra en agosto y septiembre.
Administración Deer Creek El concepto de plan de administración de Deer Creek Open Space del condado de Pitkin está disponible para aporte público hasta el 7 de marzo. El terreno de 38 acres cerca de Aspen fue adquirido en el 2015, proporcionado acceso público al río Roaring Fork a través del sendero Rio Grande. El nuevo concepto del plan de administración mantiene y amplía un contrato de arrendamiento para proteger al hábitat de vida salvaje cerca de Arbaney Gulch. “Las acciones propuestas de administración … pone la protección de la biodiversidad primero,” dijo la planificadora principal de Open Space and Trails Carly Klein. El plan también evalúa como el alojamiento adicional podría acomodar las necesidades de los empleados encargados de la tierra. Para saber más visite www. pitkinOSTprojects.com
el Sol del Valle • Conector de comunidad • 10 de feb. - 16 de feb. de 2022 • 13
Residentes locales desplazados en medio de la crisis de vivienda Por James Steindler Traducción por Dolores Duarte
Jimmy D'Annibale, residente desde hace mucho tiempo, se enfrenta a la posibilidad de dejar su casa de casi una década. Es uno de los varios inquilinos de los apartamentos Thunder River Lodge en Carbondale cuyos contratos de arrendamiento no serán renovados por su propietario, Aspen Ski Company (ASC). Los apartamentos ofrecen actualmente una opción de vida accesible situada entre Honey Butter y Garcia's Market, junto a la autopista 133. Un estudio cuesta 825 dólares al mes, e incluye servicios públicos. El vicepresidente de comunicaciones de ASC, Jeff Hanle dijo a The Sopris Sun que la compañía de esquí compró el edificio en 2005 o 2006. Hay un total de 24 unidades, los inquilinos de nueve de ellos tendrán que encontrar una nueva vivienda o encontrar empleo con ASC. D'Annibale descubrió hace poco el aviso pegado en su puerta. Está fechado el 19 de enero y le indica que debe desalojar antes del 30 de abril, fecha en la que finaliza su contrato de alquiler. Pronto se enteró de que muchos
de sus vecinos habían recibido un aviso similar. Hanle dijo que el ASC necesita ahora los estudios para alojar a sus empleados. "Con los desafíos actuales de vivienda y personal que todos enfrentamos aquí, es necesario maximizar nuestras unidades de vivienda para los empleados de ASC", declaró. "Notificamos a los que viven en Thunder River que no son empleados de ASC para que busquen otros arreglos de vivienda al final de su actual contrato de arrendamiento", dijo Hanle, "y damos a cualquier persona la oportunidad de encontrar empleo con ASC si eso funciona para ellos". Reconoció que la empresa es consciente de que la opción de buscar empleo en ASC "no funcionará para todos". Los inquilinos que ocupan las otras 15 unidades ya trabajan para ASC y no tendrán que marcharse. Hanle declaró que, a medida que las nueve unidades queden vacantes, empleados de ASC se trasladarán a ellas. Añadió que el alojamiento de sus empleados no es estacional, sino durante todo el año. En nombre de ASC, Hanle afirmó que los inquilinos habían sido notificados por escrito en septiembre sobre su inminente
desplazamiento, "y tendrían que encontrar otros arreglos antes del 30 de abril". Sin embargo, el inquilino D'Annibale sostuvo que se enteró por primera vez cuando llegó a casa y encontró el aviso publicado en su puerta en enero. Más de uno de los inquilinos afectados avisó al Sopris Sun a finales de enero. D'Annibale fue el único inquilino que se sintió cómodo para hablar en público. Hanle aludió a la actual crisis de la vivienda y dijo que también está afectando a los empleados de la empresa. "Todos nos enfrentamos a algunos retos únicos en el entorno actual", comenzó. "Tenemos trabajadores El inquilino Jimmy D'Annibale se encuentra en la base de la escalera que conduce desplazados en todas las a su apartamento, el cual debe desalojar antes del 30 de abril. divisiones y en todos los niveles Foto de James Steindler de nuestra empresa". Hanle continuó: "Tenemos siglas: HUD) cuyo contrato de ocho años; ha habido gente aquí 10, 11, 12, 14. Nos cuidamos gente que quiere trabajar aquí, arrendamiento no será renovado. "No le digo a nadie lo mal unos a otros. No es sólo una pero no podemos encontrarle una vivienda. Nos debemos a nuestros que están las viviendas por aquí", habitación, es nuestro hogar". D'Annibale continuó: empleados el hacer lo posible bromeó D'Annibale. Añadió que por ellos, y por eso tenemos que él personalmente pensaba vivir allí "Sinceramente, creo que quizá las buscar todas las oportunidades hasta que se mudara a una vivienda personas que toman esta decisión no para ofrecer nuestras viviendas a para mayores algún día. Trabaja saben el impacto que están teniendo por las noches en Aspen y planea en tanta gente. Básicamente, todo el nuestros empleados". ASC tiene conocimiento de un buscar vivienda a través de su actual mundo está muy devastado por ello". Al respecto, Hanle dijo: inquilino dentro del complejo que empleador, "o cualquier vivienda que "Entendemos el impacto que esto recibe beneficios del Departamento sea razonable". "Hemos sido una familia aquí", tiene en las personas y no llegamos a de Vivienda y Desarrollo Urbano (comúnmente conocido por sus dijo D'Annibale. "Llevo aquí casi esta decisión de forma ligera".
¡¡COMPARTE TU AMOR CON ROARING FORK HIGH SCHOOL!! Nuestro Armario de Graduación está en uso pero ¡necesitamos más donaciones para la clase de 2022!
MANAUS, es una organización sin fines de lucro que trabaja en colaboración con otros para crear soluciones sostenibles que promueven la equidad en nuestras comunidades utilizando los principios de organización comunitaria y con el enfoque centrado en las personas. Para obtener más informacion sobre nuestros proyectos, vaya a manaus.org/manaus-es.
www.manaus.org 520 SOUTH 3RD STREET SUITE 22A CARBONDALE, COLORADO 81623 14 • el Sol del Valle • soprissun.com/espanol/ • 10 de feb. - 16 de feb. de 2022
Por favor, ¡piensa en hacer una donación monetaria para la compra de más togas y birretes de graduación! Este año, tenemos más de 25% de estudiantes esperando un préstamo del Armario de Graduación, y no tenemos la ropa suficiente. ¿Preguntas? Contacte a Lorri: lknaus@rfschools.com o 970-384-5750 Por favor, pongan en sus cheques: “Grad Closet”
Thunder River Theatre Co. delivers two art forms at once By James Steindler Contributing Editor
It’s a rare occurrence for Thunder River Theatre Company (TRTC), or any theater, to have two openings in the same week. In this case, only one of the two is a theatrical opening. Still, for TRTC, it’s a first worth celebrating. A theatrical performance, “Circle Mirror Transformation,” opens on Thursday, Feb. 10. The play, written by Annie Baker, is a meta-theatrical piece (that is, a play about theater) about three individuals who join an adult drama class. It takes place in a fictional town, Shirley, in the very real state of Vermont. The entire production takes place in a single-room dance studio.
The drama class consists of a “recently divorced, and emotionally vulnerable” carpenter named Schultz; a former actress, Teresa, described as earnest and vibrant; a “reserved and self-conscious” high school student called Lauren; their instructor, Marty; and her friendly husband, James. All but the husband and wife are strangers to one another. Through acting exercises, and in between, the audience learns about the individuals and what makes them tick. For better or worse, the characters’ actions reflect relatable aspects of our human condition. “It’s a space where people who are in desperate need of connection are seeking to
find it,” explained the show’s director, Renee Prince. “What’s so beautiful about Annie Baker is, at the same time, she shows how much we desperately need each other.” The piece is intended to be raw and real to incite true emotion. The relatability, however, also serves up some comedic tones throughout the play. Additionally, Prince mentioned that Baker uses silence to convey meaningful messages. She noted how pauses and breaks serve as their own means of communication. This is the first show Prince will have directed on the TRTC stage. However, being the executive artistic director of the nonprofit VOICES, she has arranged “original theater shows to amplify local voices on Thunder River’s stage” before, as explained to The Sopris Sun. “It’s a play that I adore. I love it so much. It’s been quite an honor and a true pleasure to work on it,” said Prince, a big fan of Baker’s written works.
The still-art
Joslyn Doerge (Joz D.). Photo by James Steindler
On Wednesday, Feb. 9, the day before the play’s opening night, an art exhibit debuted with a reception in the lobby of TRTC. The installation, called “The Circle Mirror Group Show,” is made up of works from five Valley artists: Matty Davis, Chris Hassig, Natalia Snider, Clair Tweedy and Joslyn Doerge ( Joz D.). Interestingly, there are five characters in the play — a subtle mirrored semblance. Joz D. has on display pieces from her Marilyn
Renee Prince. Photo by James Steindler
Monroe series, which symbolize the integral similarities of human beings. She is also the curator for the exhibit and explained that the purpose of the selected art pieces is “to mirror the varying themes and moods of the play.” “This group of Roaring Fork Valley artists have been selected for their unique aesthetic take on the visual world,” reads a press release. The curator added, “The show itself can be perceived as one large piece: a blending of works ranging from the bright and cheerful to the dark and moody.” If you’re reading this and it’s news to you, then you’ve likely missed the art show’s opening reception. Not to worry, the exhibit will be waiting for you to peruse before any of the play’s showtimes. Performances run for three weeks, from Feb. 10 through Feb. 27, with Thursday, Friday and Saturday evening showings at 7:30 p.m. and matinee options on Sundays. Tickets and more information can be found at www. thunderrivertheatre.com
SHOW ROARING FORK HIGH SCHOOL SOME LOVE!! Our Graduation Closet is being put to good use, but we could use more donations for the Class of 2022! Please consider making a monetary donation to purchase more gowns, caps, and stoles. Or donate your RFHS gown, cap, or stole! This year, we have over a quarter of our students hoping to borrow from the Graduation Closet, but we don’t have enough of each item. Questions: Contact Lorri: lknaus@rfschools.com or 970.384.5750 Make checks payable to RFHS & write Grad Closet in the memo line.
THE SOPRIS SUN • Your weekly community connector • Feb. 10 - 16, 2022 • 15
Thank you !
K YOU N A ! TH
The Sopris Sun Board and Staff want to offer an immense THANK YOU to our 2021 donors, grantors and underwriters for their generous and ongoing support. For a small nonprofit, 2021 was a transformative year of growth for us, with launching el Sol del Valle, our Youth Journalism Mentorship Program, and several other initiatives. We couldn’t have done it without your financial support. We are looking forward to an even more successful 2022!
2021 DONORS & GRANTORS Adam Rudd Aimee Luther Alejandra & Elizabeth Hurtado Alfred & Consuelo Williams Allan & Cheryl Bomersback Alpine Bank Alya Howe Andrew Reed Angela Leigh Loughry Ann Harris Ann Johnson Ann Worley Anne & Tim Racke Anne Krimmer Anne S. Cooke Annette Roberts-Gray Annie Goldberg Annie Rector Annomynous Aspen Community Foundation Audrey Jane Spaulding Barbara & Peter Guy Barbara A. L. Collins Barbara Adams Barbara Dills Barbara Smith Bartlett Ben B. Sellers Benjamin Perry & Hilary Garnsey Bill & Carol Lightstone Bill Anschuetz & Sarah Kemme Bill Spence & Sue Edelstein BKS Charitable Foundation Blanca OLeary
Blythe Tardie Bob & Eilene Ish Brand family Brett Family Foundation Brian Colley Bruce & Suzanne Gray Carbondale Arts Cari Kaplan Carly & Frosty Merriott Carol Craven Carolyn Cipperly Carolyn Williams Charles Moore Chris Hassig Christie Leonard Christine Flynn Clarence & Ann Blackwell Colin & Alice Laird Colorado Media Project Community First Foundation COVENTURE Crista Barlow Dan & Holly Richardson Danny Stone Darrell & Jane Munsell David & Susan Courrejou David Anderson David Clair David Rummel David Thickman Dawn Barton Debbie & Marc Bruell Debbie Whaley Debbie Wilde Deborah & Shane Evans Debra Burleigh Dee Blue
16 • THE SOPRIS SUN • soprissun.com • Feb. 10 - 16, 2022
Denise Fogerty Diana Stough Alcantara Diane Doolittle Donald & Mary Anne Hillmuth Donna Phelps & Bruce Pearson Doug & Martha Pratt Douglas & Marjorie MacDonald Ed Holub & Libby Rife Elizabeth McMichael Elizabeth Phillips Elizabeth Wysong Ellen Birk Ellen Woods Eric & Becky Musselman Eric Brendlinger Eric Smith Erin & John Spiess Felicia Trevor Frank Chudy Fred Malo Frederick Porter Gabriel Mead & Julianne Lichatz Gabriella Sutro Real Estate Inc. Gail Anderson Garrett Spong Gary & Jill Knaus Gary & Leslie Jochum Gayle Wells George Bohmfalk George Wear Georgia Chamberlain Gerry Terwilliger Gilbert Johnson
Ginny Beesley Golden Sha Greg & Kathy Feinsinger Greg & Patricia Fitzpatrick Greg & Sean Jeung Guinevere Jones Harriet Morton Heather Henry Heather Pratt Heidi McGuire Helene Gude Hollis Sutherland Holy Cross Energy Hugh & Rosemarr Greathouse Ian Edlind Illene Pevec Irene Friedman J. Dayton & Sara Voochees Ja Coursey Jacelyn & Dave Durrance Jack & Marsha Brendlinger Jack & Suzanne Fraizer Jacqueline Amthor Jacquelyn Kasabach Jacquelyn Thompson Jake McGavock James Noyes Jan Johnson Jan MacCready Jane A. Kelly Jane Warren Jean & Steve Alberico Jean Campbell Jean Perry Jeana Vencill Jeff Finesilver Jem Moore
Jennifer Vanian Jenny & George Tempest Jenny Adamson Jerome & Donna Dayton Jerome Webster Jessica Lynn Jim & Rosemary Halterman Jim & Ruth Barnes Jimmy Byrne Joan Northrup Joe & Cindy Markham-Next Joe Burleigh Joel Rittvo John & Marianne Ackerman John Armstrong John Burks John Colson & Anne Sullivan Jony Lorrowe Josept Meade Judith Bartels Judith Blanchard Judith Dubey Judith M. Benson Judy Kravitz Judy Milne & Bill Dunn Julia Marshall Julia Morton Karla Breitenstein Karla Stukey Karole Gerner Katherine Mac Katherine Rich Katherine Soden & Janet Earley Katherine Ware Kathie Lieblick Kathleen Brewer Kathleen Sydoryk
2021 DONORS & GRANTORS Kathy & Bob Zentmyer Kathy & Carter Barger Katy Nardecchia Kay Brunnier Keith Brand Keith Keating Ken & Donna Riley Ken & Joani Lubrant Ken Ransford Kenna Crampton Kenneth & Patricia Miely Kim Bock Kim Stacey Kimberly McCleary Kirk & Sue Patrick Klaus & Leann Kocher Krystina Greenwood Lance Luckett/Leslie J. Lamont Larry & Nicki Zugschwerdt Larry Day Larry Gottlieb Laura Hanssen Laura Kirk & David Carpenter Lauren Sontag Laurie Bernhard Laurie Loeb Laurie Warren Lee Beck & John Stickney Lee Dale Leslie & Bill Neveu Leslie & Patrick Johnson Linda & Gregg Hollomon Linda & Russ Criswell Linda B. Keefe Linda Froning Linda Wylie Lisa Dancing-Light Lisa Linden Lise Sansom
Loge Properties Lois Veltus Lori Williams Lorrie Carlson Lydia McIntyre Lynn Nichols Lynne Diekmann Mama Sandy and Lee Mulchay MANAUS Marcee Hobbs Margaret Corcillo Margaret Palmer Marianne Ackerman Marj Perry & Bill Fales Marjorie MacDonald Martha Pratt Marty Silverstein Mary & James Griffith Mary Alyce Doll Mary Kay Clarke Mason Ingram & Nicolette Toussaint Mathew Adeletti Matthew Heck Megan Larsen Megan Tackett Meredith & Dan Bullock Merrill Lynch Michael & Barbara Maxson Michael & Liz Thele Michael & Patricia Piburn Michael Shook Michael Wadyko Michelle & Ed Buchman Mike & Penny McDill Nancy Ball Nancy Emerson Nancy Johnson Nancy Peterson Nancy Roen
Nancy Thorpe Network for Good NewsMatch Niki Delson & Ronald Kokish Nina Gworek Olivia Emery & Michael Hassig Pam Taylor Patricia & George Stranahan Patricia Chew Patricia Conway Patricia Hubbard Patrick Seydel Paul & Anita Adolph Paul & Linda Froning Paul & Sandy Chamberlin Pauline Koenigsknecht Penny Ridley & Katie Marshall Peter & Mike Gilbert Peter Davidoff Phil Armstrong Rachael Brenneman Rachael Richards Rachel Weishaar Randy Rice Ray & Margaret Speaker Raymond Reed Renee Prince Richard & Jane Hart Richard & Mary Davis Rick & Sherry Herrington Rick Blauvelt Rick Moore Riley Family Fund Rita & Dick Marsh RJ Paddywacks Roaring Forge Robert Libson Robert Schultz
CONTINUED
Robin & Alan Cole Royce & Sarah Schipper Russel & Mary Libby Ruth Hollowell Ryan Anslyn Sally Skaggs Faison Samantha Hayes Sandra Towne Sara McAllister Sarah Jane Johnson Sarah Klingelheber Scott & Betsy Bowie Shana Light Sharon Troyer Sheila S. Draper Siri Olsen Soozie & Hans Lindbloom Sopris Marketing Group Stephanie & Dave Munk Stephanie Janiga Steven Deliyianis Steven Wolff Sue & Bob Hess Sue & Christopher Coyle Sue Ann Carnahan Sue Engelhardt Sue Schimmenti Susan Cheney Susan Christman Susan Cuseo Susan Darrow Susan E. Horn Susan Emenaker Susan Handwerk Susan Hess Susan Jordon Susan Proctor Susan Rhea Susanna Hoeppli Suzanne Gray Suzy Meredith-Orr
Sylvia Wendrow Tamara Bennett Tanner Stirrat Ted & Julia Behar Teddy Burlingame Terri & Dave Ritchie Terri Slivka The Benevity Community Impact Fund Theresa & Gary Langley Thomas Adkison Thomas Clark Thomas Sands Thomas Turnbull Tim McFlynn Todd Chamberlin Tom Paxton Toni Cerise Trina Ortega Tristan Mead True Nature Healing Arts Udelle Stuckey Wadley Enterprises Walter Gallacher Wayne & Jo Ann Ives Wendy Bogner Wendy Stewart Wick Moses Will Grandbois William & Leslie Neveu William Gray William Lightstone Willie Gerner Wolf & Nancy Gensch
If we missed anyone, please let us know. Our apologies in advance.
Please consider making a donation to The Sun today!
soprissun.kindful.com • The Sopris Sun • PO Box 399, Carbondale, CO 81623 THE SOPRIS SUN • Your weekly community connector • Feb. 10 - 16, 2022 • 17
R a g g e d Mountain Sports lands back on 133 By Kate Phillips Sopris Sun Correspondent
All settled in and ready to go, Ragged Mountain Sports has moved into its new location at 810 Highway 133 in Carbondale, behind Dollar Tree. For the team, it feels just like home. “It’s so exciting to be in space that actually fits Ragged again,” owner Aisha Weinhold said. Ragged was originally located in what was the Sopris Shopping Center before the complex was recently demolished. For 10 years, Weinhold and her team operated with a month-to-month lease well aware that at some point they would need to relocate due to the development plans. When the time finally came to move in April 2021, rental inventory was low and a spot in Satank was their only option. “Moving to Satank was just — we didn’t have anywhere else to move,” Weinhold sighed. “We literally couldn’t find another spot. The alternative was to close, and I’m not going to close,” she stated. “It was tough to be there because it was so disconnected from town and who we were.” While Weinhold tried to make the Satank spot work, she continued viewing other locations. All the while, manifesting what Ragged’s home should truly look like. “I was dreaming of a space that had a mezzanine,” Weinhold explained. “I looked
at a space before we were going to move and it had the coolest mezzanine, but that building didn’t go through.” In the end, fortune favored Ragged when a chance connection opened the doors to Weinhold’s dream. The current location’s “previous owner came into Ragged when we were still in Satank with his business card and said he thought we needed a new space,” Weinhold told The Sopris Sun. “One of my boys sent me a photo of it… and I was ready to pull the trigger and pay $35 per square foot.” She excitedly added, “I went over there and it had the mezzanine, and I was like, ‘this is it!’” Boasting double the space of the Satank store, its new location has 80% effective, usable area compared to 50-60% at the original store. It includes higher ceilings that create a fresh shopping experience, Weinhold’s mezzanine and, perhaps most importantly, a long-term lease. With a stable spot the team has begun personalizing the space for the entire community to enjoy. In particular, a dear friend of Weinhold and artist, Emma Yardley, recently came to Carbondale to create a mural that brings the outdoors to one of the business’ enormous walls. Yardley, a well established artist with clients that include Yeti and Patagonia, had never created a mural this big before. Interestingly, she never had added color or used paint because she typically uses black sharpie alone, according to Weinhold. For Ragged, however, Yardley created a stunning mural that features a brilliantly colored sun kissing the ridgeline of Mount Sopris. “She gave us this huge colored sun and I was speechless when I saw it,” Weinhold said. “She’s been doing art for years and it’s the only piece that has color. It just really ties it all together.” Capitalizing on her extensive background
Ragged Mountain Sports' new space boasts a massive mural painted by Emma Yardley. Photo by Will Sardinsky
in events, Weinhold intends to welcome the community into the shop with a variety of events in the future. Although the pandemic put a halt on gatherings, plans for a speaker series, gear repair workshops, outdoor movie nights and more are in the works. The bigger space allows for more consignment than ever before and the quality of the gear keeps getting better, Weinhold stated. The team only accepts consignment the first two weeks of every month, but with nearly 8,000 consignors those two weeks of intake have kept everyone busy. “We have so much good gear that is constantly coming in. With a full team checking in we’re open Monday through Sunday and we can barely keep up,” Weinhold
said. “The staff works really, really hard to make sure that everyone’s stuff is taken care of.” Despite the last several months of change, the heart and soul of Ragged’s mission has remained the same: to keep cherished gear out of the landfills. The store’s consignment policy also remains the same. Most notably, consignment accounts that have been inactive — meaning no buying or selling — for one year will receive store credit and after two years the accounts will be zeroed out. To learn more about Ragged Mountain Sports, check out www.raggedmountainsports. com and be sure to swing by its new home for deals on outdoor adventure gear!
I'm just waiting until you say the magic word…
Tre a t s !
El Jebel, Colorado 970-963-1700 RJPaddywacks.com 18 • THE SOPRIS SUN • soprissun.com • Feb. 10 - 16, 2022
The Polynesian-word “mana” evokes “the powers of nature embodied.” In other words, “supernatural” — as proclaimed by the signage welcoming grocery shoppers to MANA Foods’ new location in Carbondale. Independently, the word also has biblical roots meaning “nourishment from God.” The goal of MANA Foods, as stated by store manager Sotantar Anderson, is “to put something in your life that connects you back to the place where you’re standing.” MANA Foods is operated by the local nonprofit Adi Shakti Ashram. The store opened in March 2018, carrying forth the mission of Carbondale’s Dandelion Market, which disbanded shortly after moving from Main Street to Highway 133, next to Rhumba Girl Liquor. At their new location between Tortilleria La Roca and the Dollar Tree, also along Highway 133, MANA Foods enjoys triple the amount of space as before and even designated part of the building for yoga and meditation. “Emptiness has its place in all of this,” said Anderson. “So we have this empty space in the middle of a grocery store,” she laughed. Anderson grew up in the Roaring Fork Valley and has advocated for local food for decades. As a former member of the Dandelion Market’s board of directors and an organic farmer, she saw maintaining a local food
MANA Foods local market makes moves By Raleigh Burleigh, Sopris Sun Editor
Shoppers chat with the cashier at MANA Foods at their new location next to Tortilleria La Roca. Photo by Paula Mayer
outlet and health food store in Carbondale as crucial. “To be able to get back into it and see it succeed and see this local food thing just grow and grow,” she said, “It’s just absolutely amazing. It’s really like the fulfillment of where I started.” At the outset of the pandemic, MANA Foods saw a spike in sales as restaurants were closed. “Our goal was to stay open, serve people, be there,” Anderson said. And, “a crazy amount of money
poured in,” so the nonprofit saved it. With the cancellation of Dandelion Day in 2020, MANA Foods hosted plant starter sales that drew a long line of customers spaced up 133. The store maintained a personal choice stance from the beginning of the pandemic, which Anderson partially attributes to their success. “When we are at, or less than, what our constitutional structure has allowed us,” she said, “everyone suffers, everyone and
everything.” At their new location, sunlight pours in through several large windows, warming the wood floors. For over a decade, Wine Time — a German delicatessen and liquor store — filled the space with glistening bottles of alcohol from around the world. Sigrid and Rudy Pieper sold the store in 2021 to return to Europe and its new owners, Kiko and Graciela Peña of Sopris Liquor & Wine, closed it soon after.
“Kiko has been very generous with us,” said Adi Shakti Ashram board member Richard Vottero, explaining that they were given the remaining few months on the Peñas’ lease, plus shelving and refrigerators. At several stages, Anderson was among citizens protesting the new grocery store development along Highway 133. Despite those efforts, Crystal River Marketplace LLC eventually received approval from Carbondale trustees for what now — perhaps ironically — faces MANA Foods across the highway. “I’m a direct result of how much people didn’t like City Market,” said Anderson, who is glad to offer an alternative. She admires the young farmers and generations of ranchers keeping local food relevant. “It’s like, the greatest adventure that there is: to be involved in what these creative generations have done around food.” Beyond food, MANA Foods also carries locally-produced items like body creams, teas and tinctures. “Dandelion Day is amazing, but it’s one day a year,” so Anderson makes local “valueadded” products available yearround, promoting Carbondale’s creative industries. “Health will go on and freedom will go on … the creative expression of humanity doesn’t yield, it just doesn’t yield to limitation,” she said. “When you go toward what’s healthier for the Earth, it pays off. It pays off for everybody.”
SOPRIS LODGE at Carbondale WANTS YOU!
S IG N IN G* BONUS
Sopris Lodge at Carbondale, a beautiful new retirement community, is growing its team. We’re looking for caring individuals who want to make a difference – and have fun doing it.
You Have Skills, We Have Work • • • • •
Caregivers/QMAP Housekeeping Food service Resident assistants Maintenance – and more
Great Benefits • • • • •
Competitive pay Paid time off Medical, dental, and vision Great co-workers Growth opportunities
Apply Online: soprislodgejobs.com
* Restrictions apply.
970-440-2628 | SoprisLodge.com | 295 Rio Grande Ave., Carbondale | WellAge Managed Community THE SOPRIS SUN • Your weekly community connector • Feb. 10 - 16, 2022 • 19
Trophy hunting ban bill dies in committee By Amy Hadden Marsh Sopris Sun Correspondent
That was fast. Senate Bill 31 — a measure that would have prohibited trophy hunting of mountain lions, bobcats and lynx in Colorado — was introduced in the state legislature on Jan. 12 and, less than 30 days later, died in committee. The state Senate Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee, chaired by Eagle County rancher Kerry Donovan, voted 4-1 Thursday, Feb. 3 against moving the bill forward. The sole vote in favor came from the measure’s remaining sponsor Senator, Sonya Jacquez Lewis (D-Boulder County). Lewis stated at Thursday’s hearing that the bill prohibits killing these cats for sport but does not ban killing them for public safety, protecting livestock or for federallydirected scientific research. SB-22-031 was controversial from the start with lawmakers on the receiving end of torrents of emails opposing the bill. Then, in late January, three co-sponsors — Senator Joann Ginal and Representatives Judy Amabile and Monica Duran, all Democrats — dropped their support. A Jan. 29 editorial in the Boulder Daily Camera suggested that their decision was politically motivated by pressure from pro-hunting lobbyists. But, a Feb. 3 response from the lawmakers stated they withdrew support because the bill wasn’t ready.
Eliminating licenses for hunting bobcats was part of recently defeated legislation. Photo courtesy of Pixabay
They said that in order for an animal welfare bill to pass, people on all sides need to discuss the issue, make some concessions and buy into a viable policy. “We certainly were not cowed by the hunting lobby,” they wrote. Lewis took the bill to committee anyway. She said she originally introduced the bill because too many mountain lions and bobcats are killed by hunters each year in Colorado. According to statistics from Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW), 383 mountain lions were killed by hunters — or “harvested” — in 2011. Lewis cited CPW stats from 2020 that showed 515 harvested that year. The peak year for mountain lion hunting was 2018, when 541 were taken.
As for bobcats, in 2013-2014, hunters killed 1,945, up from 562 a decade earlier. The Denver Post reports that more than 1,900 bobcats were killed in 2018-2019. CPW rejected a proposed ban on hunting and trapping bobcats in 2019. “What is happening with bobcats is truly mystifying,” said Lewis. Bobcats are hunted only for their pelts. She questioned why someone would trap a bobcat and leave it in a cage for hours without food or water when pelts sell for only $50. According to Trapping Today, global fur markets are declining for a variety of reasons, including a lack of consumer demand, particularly in the U.S. Most North American bobcat pelts sell for $30 to
$60 and are shipped overseas. Lewis explained that human development is the biggest threat to Colorado’s big cats. “But, let’s not forget transportation corridors, drought, wildfires and now this huge increase in recreational hunting,” she said. “We must reduce the unnecessary killing of these animals so they can remain resilient in the face of our changing landscape.” Lewis said most Coloradans oppose recreational hunting of big cats. A December 2020 poll by the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) shows that more than 70% oppose trophy hunting or trapping of mountain lions and bobcats. A 2019 National Shooting Sports Foundation survey showed that only 24% of those living in the West approve of trophy hunting. But, that wasn’t the case at Thursday’s hearing. Colorado hunters and ranchers were predictably opposed to the measure, citing livestock predation, the need to control big cat populations, local economic benefits, financial support for CPW and the North American Model of Wildlife Conservation (NAMWC), which provides structure for U.S. wildlife management. Ryan McSparran, CPW liaison for Backcountry Hunters and Anglers, told the committee that S.B. 31 would “unravel” the NAMWC. “It is imperative that Colorado Parks and Wildlife retain its authority
over wildlife management in making science-based decisions.” In other words, wildlife management in the state belongs in the hands of CPW and not through legislation. This was a common thread throughout opposition testimony, as was a perceived lack of scientific information from wildlife advocates at odds with CPW’s management practices. CPW was noticeably absent from Thursday’s hearing. The agency provided no testimony, no statistics and no population numbers, largely because there are no specific population numbers for mountain lions and bobcats across the state. CPW estimates a population range of 3,000 to 7,000 cougars. Bobcat numbers continue to be reflected in harvest data. Population studies are “ongoing,” says the agency’s website. The bill’s proponents included HSUS, Center for Biological Diversity, the Mountain Lion Foundation, and others from around the state. Redstone-based ecologist Delia Malone, who worked on the Colorado wolf reintroduction bill and the Sierra Club’s new wild horse and burro policy, advocates for preserving predators. She explained that they enhance ecosystems and reduce trophic cascades. “Large carnivores structure ecosystems, maintaining healthy landscapes and enabling a full suite of biological diversity, from the common to the rare,” she said.
484 Mesa Verde Avenue | Carbondale NO HOA DUES! Incredible view lot overlooking the Carbondale Nature Park. Only a handful of buildable lots remain in Carbondale proper. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to create your dream home within walking distance to all the restaurants and shops on Main Street. 0.42-acres with incredible eastern views, abundant morning light, and amazing sunset views across the valley to Basalt Mountain. Ready to build, with Topographic Survey and Soils Study completed.
0.42 Acres | $575,000
TBD County Road 112 | Carbondale 15-acres tucked into the hills above Cattle Creek and situated across from the new Sutey Ranch Parking Lot. This property provides incredible access to 557-acres of hiking and biking trails. Multiple building locations offer incredible views down the Cattle Creek valley and of the surrounding mountains. Just 15 minutes from town, yet you feel as though you’re in a world of your own. Build the home you’ve dreamt about and use it to access all the fishing, rafting, biking, skiing that exists in the Roaring Fork Valley.
15.04 Acres | $475,000
Jason Hodges
cbmasonmorse.com 20 • THE SOPRIS SUN • soprissun.com • Feb. 10 - 16, 2022
Broker Associate 843.367.5101 jhodges@masonmorse.com
RECCOMENDED READING
Love is ‘strange’ By Amy Krakow Carbondale Library
It’s the amorous month of February, so it would be appropriate to review a romantic novel. Instead, however, I am going to steal an arrow from Cupid’s quiver and review a hilarious and sensitive graphic novel that I’m madly in love with. Based on his wildly popular Instagram comics, it’s Nathan W. Pyle’s “Strange Planet,” a 2020 Goodreads choice winner. In these tumultuous times of a tiresome and exasperating pandemic, comic relief is a necessity; and you’ll be filled with a plethora of endorphins reading
this little gem. Keeping with the theme of love, aliens in “Strange Planet” would draw a valentine for their beloved as a “vital organ being wounded” accompanied by the charming phrase, “You remove the air from my lungs.” This compact 6 by 6 inch book is bedecked with pink, purple and blue, eye bulging stick figures whose every word is taken verbatim. Throughout the book each paneled strip takes you to their literal universe, which at times is not easily understood and leaves one to ponder its meaning. This delightfully clever graphic novel takes the reader on a journey where the inhabitants go about their daily lives confronting different life topics including : 1) Young Beings, where a park is buildings that surround nature — nature being regulated; 2) Friendship, where hugs are absorbing one another; 3) Adulthood, where a relocated organism from nature gives us joy and oxygen; and 4) Recreation, where a preferred level of nature, though unsafe, is highly recommended. Aliens who find themselves holding a stray cat at arm’s length would frantically exclaim, “I found this and it’s vibrating.” Their friend would respond, “Great, that means it’s working.”
Trapping carbon dioxide in ephemeral spheres is the same as blowing bubbles. In their world, one does not worry over the need for sun protection because they “crave star damage” and consider it a sign of beauty. Personal star dimmers are sunglasses, foot fabric tubes are socks, spin-blasters are microwaves and refrigerators are sustenance preservers. Luckily, there’s a glossary of commonly used objects to help you navigate this parallel universe. As a fan of the Emmy winning television series “The Big Bang Theory,” it was difficult to read this book without hearing Sheldon Cooper’s voice in my ear while flipping through pages of laughs. I would recommend this read for teens to adults with an intact sense of humor. If you find yourself craving more from Pyle, check out his most recent graphic novels “Stranger Planet “ and “Strange Planet: The Sneaking, Hiding, Vibrating Creature” for young children. So this Valentine’s Day you might be inspired to tell your partner that they too “remove the air from your lungs.”
Garfield County Commision Chairman John Martin, as depicted by Sopris Sun youth correspondent Sofie Koski. Koski was inspired by illustrations of the commissioners by Larry Day.
TOWN OF CARBONDALE
Get involveD!
Comment & ConneCt
Draft Carbondale Comprehensive Plan Update
Public feedback is needed on the Draft Comprehensive Plan Update to Town of Carbondale’s 2013 Comprehensive Plan. All materials are provided in English and Spanish. Beginning Monday January 24 there are two ways to provide feedback on the Draft Plan: 1) Go online and read the Draft Comprehensive Plan Update and take the Draft Plan Survey at Chartcarbondale.com
Friendly Après-hours Care
ASPEN VALLEY HOSPITAL
WHEN YOU NEED IT Our After-Hours clinic — conveniently located in Southside Basalt — provides you with a lower-cost option for treating minor illnesses and injuries than a trip to the ER. Scan the QR code for directions and more information.
“
A big thank you to everyone who helped us — you guys went the extra mile to make sure my son and I felt safe and comfortable.
2) Head to a "Reading Room." Stop in at one of ten locations around town, read the Comprehensive Plan Update and take the online survey or paper survey.
”
No appointment necessary, walk-ins welcome!
- Locations are listed at Chartcarbondale.com or call : 970.510.1208
Weekdays: 3:00 pm - 11:00 pm Weekends: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Hard copies of the Draft Plan will be placed in all the reading rooms, along with a comment box. P
234 East Cody Lane, Basalt 970.544.1250 Virtual visits available
Paper + online Surveys will be collected from January 24 – February 25 www.chartcarbondale.com
AFTER-HOURS MEDICAL CARE
aspenhospital.org |
AspenValleyHospital
THE SOPRIS SUN • Your weekly community connector • Feb. 10 - 16, 2022 • 21
Last summer, cartoonist Larry Day was invited to join a group of illustrators to create something original for bookstores. Day's inspiration for this series was to highlight books about Black Americans, like abolitionist Frederick Douglass. Formerly enslaved, Douglass was famous as an orator, writer and social reformer. Victoria Woodhull, a leader in the women's suffrage movement, nominated Douglass as her running mate for the U.S. presidency with the Equal Rights Party in 1872.
LETTERS global damage and disruption. To compensate, current gas rates would need to triple! One projection estimated $400/ton would be needed to induce change quickly enough. Others say higher yet. Obviously, no one is going to impose these fees, so successful “programs” are needed instead. Our downvalley neighbors can participate. Perhaps someone would provide funds for vocational and training facilities. Beyond current HFC refrigerants, natural refrigerants for heat pumps can be high-pressure (CO2), flammable (propane) or toxic (ammonia). These issues are dealt with routinely by the gas industry. Also, the gold standard in heat pumps utilizes drilled geoexchange boreholes, which also require some skills familiar to the gas industry. Fred Porter Carbondale
Elizabeth Velasco for HD-57 I first met Elizabeth Velasco in 2009 at the high school graduation of her younger brother. It was a proud moment in my tenure as Headmaster of the Vail Ski & Snowboard Academy, and I stayed in touch with the family ever since. Fast forward to 2022, I could not be more thrilled to see Elizabeth gearing up to represent House District 57, a tri-county mash-up of Pitkin, Garfield and a portion of Eagle County. She is driven, well-researched, abundantly hopeful and full of creative solutions. She has a vision for a prosperous economy and she is uniquely positioned to execute that vision, so it works for all her constituents. She is a policy super-nerd but can have a casual conversation that makes you feel like a part of her team. On her website (www.elizabethforcolorado.com), Elizabeth outlines key areas that will improve quality of life for her neighbors and friends while supporting her points with compelling data. Elizabeth has worked in the field as a firefighter and she has worked in the office as a small-business owner. She has heard stories in English and Spanish from community members that have been prosperous and those that struggle every day. She has built a reputation as a grassroots advocate and activist, and from that foundation she now attacks her first big role in policy. She is not a corporate executive from a wealthy family, blind to the challenges of everyday people. She is on the front lines, and she has been on the
Continued from page 2 front lines. If you have not yet gotten to know Elizabeth, you should. Her path to citizenship took 23 years, but she never gave up and she crushed that goal. Elizabeth’s story is an inspiration to young leaders of all backgrounds, perspectives and values, but especially for awakening Latina leaders and women of color across the state of Colorado. I hope you will make time today to learn more about Elizabeth, her American Dream, and how you can get involved in supporting her victory in HD-57. Geoff Grimmer Eagle
seeds of love. The real story will not be in the mainstream media — look to Rumble, BitChute or YouTube. And keep your ears open. In the next few weeks, you might hear the honks for freedom driving down I-70. Diana Alcantara Carbondale
United truckers High time we made a stand, and shook off the views of the common man, The love train rides from coast to coast, DJ's the man we love the most! This is the opening stanza from an ‘80's song by Tears for Fears, “Sowing the Seeds of Love.” You may have become aware of what is happening across the Provinces of Canada, and especially in Ottawa, where thousands of people have gathered in the downtown area. Could you be, could you be squeaky clean? And smash any hopes of Democracy. As the headline says you're free to choose, but there's egg on your face and mud on your shoes. They are there to support independent truckers, who are making a stand against medical mandates. The truckers have been told that they are free to choose getting another jab (most have had the first round), or no job. Is that a choice in a democracy? Politician granny with your high ideas, have you no idea how the majority feels? So without love and a promised land, we're fools to the rules of a government plan. The prime minister of Canada has described the gathering of over 50,000 semi trucks, vans, cars and tractors, and several tens of thousands of people, as a racist, violent and fringe minority, saying their message is hateful and unacceptable. Feel the pain, talk about it. If you're a worried man, then shout about it. Open hearts, feel about it. Open minds, think about it. Everyone, read about it. Everyone, scream about it. We're sowing the
22 • THE SOPRIS SUN • soprissun.com • Feb. 10 - 16, 2022
Families gathered at Rock Bottom Ranch recently to meet the farm animals, including newborn lambs and another newcomer to the ranch, Cindy the Llama. Photo by Sue Rollyson
PARTING SHOT
SERVICE DIRECTORY Practicing minimal contact check-in.
WINDSHIE REPAIR 289 MAIN STREET | (970) 963-2826 | CARBONDALEAH@GMAIL.COM AUTO GLA REPLACEM WINDSHIELD REPAIR & AUTO GLASS REPLACEMENTMo
970-963-3891 970-963-3891
Mobile Service Available
bil Servic Availab
Locally Owned by David Zamansky
Locally owned byby Jake Zamansky Locally Owned David Zamansky
500 Buggy Circle, Carbondale, C 500 Buggy Circle, Carbondale, CO
Mentor one child, change two lives Mentor one child, Become a two lives change Become a Mentor Today! Mentor Learn more at Today! Learn more at BuddyProgram.org BuddyProgram.org
For the love of Carbondale! Photo by Matt Roeser
THIS COMMUNITY AD SPACE DONATED BY COOL BRICK STUDIOS.
Get Involved The Town of Carbondale Boards and Commissions have the following vacancies: • Board of Adjustment • Bike, Pedestrian and Trails Commission • Tree Board • Environmental Board • Public Arts Commission Contact: Kae McDonald 970-510-1248 kmcdonald@carbondaleco.net Applications and More Information: https://www.carbondalegov.org/government/boards_&_commissions THE SOPRIS SUN • Your weekly community connector • Feb. 10 - 16, 2022 • 23
Carbondale’s Community Supported Weekly Newspaper
Support The Sun in 2022! Become an Annual Advertiser
Advertise your business or sponsor ads for a non-profit. Or combine the two!
Special Advertising Packages and Discounts for: • Non-Profits • New Businesses and Sole Proprietorships • Event Venues such as Restaurants and Theaters • Annual Sponsorhip - pledge to support the non-profit of your choice • Annual Advertisers commit to minimum annual advertising budget – you decide ad size & frequency Single week ad insertions as low as $25
Contact Todd Chamberlin adsales@soprissun.com 970-510-0246
