04172025

The future is Boot Tan Fest

KATE PHILLIPS

Sopris Sun Correspondent

To know Boot Tan Fest (BTF) is to experience it — first-hand, surrounded by an outrageously beautiful constellation of women and nonbinary participants. It’s a community that shines from every facet of a disco ball, swoops you up with love and cheers on the most authentic version of you. In short, BTF is a microcosm of humanity’s full potential.

Jenny Verrochi, BTF and Buck Wild Coffee founder, once had a radical idea: shredding naked in the woods. Twenty-six women joined her noble quest. This year, over 600 people danced, skied and laughed at Sunlight Mountain Resort. A true evolution.

“It’s become so much bigger than we could imagine,” shared Verrochi in a pre-event interview. “It truly is for everybody and we couldn’t have pulled it off without everybody participating and spreading the joy.”

Joy was apparent the moment I pulled into Sunlight on Friday, April 11. At 9am, the camping area was already swirling with positive vibes and creatively decorated tailgates. I missed the first night that included live music, a talent show and tattooing, so I quickly grabbed my ski gear, some snacks and headed to the vendor village. With a cup of Buck Wild Coffee in hand, I perused over 30 of the country’s most inclusive nonprofits and outdoor brands. Each organization — like Coalition Snow and Roam Fest — was a clear nod to BTF’s mission to cultivate recreation for everyone.

After briefly reconnecting with the lovely Anna Tedström of Hoohah, a local upcycled apparel company, I ogled some sweet fleece overalls by California-based ROWDYalls — not grabbing a pair is my only continued on page 11

Sun, vibes and glitter sparkled at the fifth anniversary of Boot Tan Fest, hosted at Sunlight Mountain Resort April 10 to 12. Founded in 2021 by Carbondale resident Jenny Verrochi, Boot Tan Fest is the world’s largest ski and snowboard festival for women and nonbinary folks. Presented by Kari Traa, Boot Tan Fest doubled as a music festival complete with a vendor village. Inclusivity, laughter and naked skiing abound, Boot Tan Fest 2025 was one for herstory. Photo by Kersten Vasey

A loon in interesting times

One day, during the time of COVID, as my granddaughter and I walked she told me about her family’s spirit animals. And she, of course, asked me about mine. Until then, thinking about such things was of no interest to me. Jokingly, my immediate response was, “I am clearly a loon.”

She didn’t yet have the perspective of “loon,” used colloquially to describe a crazy person. I thought it was rather clever of me, though she thought it was a bit bizarre. Go figure.

We talked about what the heck a spirit animal is, anyhow. I told her that I always thought that a spirit animal was an animal (should reincarnation be a real thing) that I might enjoy embodying next time around. With some reading later on I learned about other interpretations, but when she introduced the subject that day that was the one I was using.

Fantasizing about the idea, I admit that in many youthful dreams I could fly. Not in a plane, but able to push up from anywhere unassisted to silently soar on a thermal with complete control, unaided in any way. I certainly am NOT interested in doing this on a glider in this lifetime, but the idea of doing it independent of cumbersome equipment is sweet.

that helps adult loons contact one another, find wayward children and shoo off intruders.) Hmm ...

OPINION

The outward beauty of my bird should not be flamboyant. No rainbow colors or ornate feather arrangements for this aspirational bird. But plumage that completely blends into the background doesn’t seem right either. My bird’s physical presentation should gently complement its surroundings.

MATURE

CONTENT

By Sue Zislis

So I guess I would be destined to be a bird. But confidence and skill in the air would not be enough. I would want to be just as competent in the water … floating, diving, staying under long enough to take it all in … with comfort. So I guess I would be destined to be a diving water bird. (I learned that loons can, indeed, dive to a depth of more than one hundred feet beneath the water’s surface and can remain underwater for up to 15 minutes. From just a few days old, loons have excellent underwater vision.) Hmm …

But I am not fond of glaring sunlight, hot climates or sandy beaches. My water bird would need to be content in the cooler mountain air, on a secluded lake surrounded by dense green woods, far from civilized cacophony and people-clutter. This re-formulated version of me would also need to have a voice that is pleasing to hear, with no harsh unmodulated Philadelphia accent — as is the current situation. My smooth and mellow voice could glide across calm waters and be lifted to fill the crisp air, with a lingering bit of a soft echo. Other beings lucky enough to hear this rare call could not help but smile inside. (It just so happens that each loon does have a broad repertoire of unique vocalizations, including the infamous wail and “loony” laugh

LETTERS

Sexual assault

My mountain lake, mellow-singing, water bird in simple-yet-elegant attire, would also need to be family-oriented. This marvelous creature would be a joyful and nurturing parent. (Actually, loons do live in bonded lifelong family units. Their chicks climb up into the feathers of either parent’s back, falling asleep there.) Hmm …

So, in consideration of my originally assumed definition of a spirit animal as a wanna-be-nexttime-around critter, perhaps a loon is not far off. However, “common loon,” as this black and white patterned wonder is known, is an unfortunate name. The “common” moniker might erroneously convey a vision of a less-than-noteworthy creation. Better might be: omnipresent loon, serene loon, simpatico loon.

It turns out that there are many variations on the theme of spirit animals. Among the versions I read is one that included attributes of someone with a loon totem. These include:

• Pays attention to dreams and can often remember them.

• Is calm and content most of the time but can summon an inner call to action, especially to support lasting bonds with family and close friends.

• Is creative and resourceful in the face of challenges.

• Uses eloquent speech to enrich communication. Communication, contentment, devotion, dreams, family, patience … hmm … If my preferred interpretation of spirit animal pans out, and reincarnation is a thing and I come back as a loon, I could feel quite comfortable in that new skin. But I certainly would NOT be a common loon. A serendipitous loon, perhaps. So I have shared with my family that, when I’m on my deathbed, fading from this life and into my next adventure, whatever that might be, please do not play music. Play lots of loon calls for me … the calls with that sweet mountain lake echo. Please. I had fun learning about my loony self. Might researching potential spirit animals for yourself be a temporary, but pleasant distraction during the interesting times in which we live?

Mature Content is a monthly feature from Age-Friendly Carbondale.

On Nov. 2, 2024, an 82-year-old woman in Carbondale was sexually assaulted in her home. A community meeting was held two days later. Police asked for video footage, promised updates, and emphasized their commitment to the investigation. Since then, only one formal update has been issued — a press release dated Nov. 12 and posted on the Carbondale Police Department website.

That release thanked the community for support, acknowledged the trauma of the incident, offered safety tips and emotional health resources, and concluded with: “No additional information will be released at this time.”

That was five months ago.

Since then, the silence has been absolute. No public updates from police. No reporting from local media. No word on whether the DNA evidence was processed. No confirmation of leads. No clarity about whether the suspect is still at-large. No discussion of what steps, if any, have been taken to improve community safety or institutional response.

It now feels as though this horrific assault has simply been allowed to fade from view. And that is unacceptable.

Let’s be clear: the Carbondale Police

Department will not necessarily be the driver of public accountability. That responsibility lies with the press.

The media cannot wait for law enforcement to decide when to speak. It is the role of journalists to ask questions, file records requests, revisit cases, and follow up — especially when the public’s safety and the community’s trust are at stake.

This is not about identifying the victim or sensationalizing the crime. It is about ensuring that serious, violent incidents do not disappear into silence, and that survivors are not forgotten. Journalism is not a relay system waiting for press releases to hand off; it’s an active pursuit of truth.

It’s time for our local newsrooms to re-engage this story. Not to provoke fear, but to demonstrate that we are a community that doesn’t look away.

Jeanne Souldern

Glenwood Springs

NOTE: I previously contributed to The Sopris Sun as a freelance reporter. I do not currently have an editorial or staff role with the paper. These views are my own.

Celebrating libraries

How many of you have treasured memories of the public libraries you used as a child or a young parent with children

who needed a wide array of fun books?

Remember the bookmobiles that drove through neighborhoods to bring books to us?

The morning after our Garfield County Library District director, Jamie LaRue, spoke to a sizable and very interested crowd at our library, I woke up thinking about my childhood libraries. I told the story of Rumpelstiltskin with puppets I made at the Denver Public Library to earn my Girl Scout storytelling badge when I was 11. I remembered the small house in Washington Park, the Eugene Field Library in Denver. The words of Field’s poem, “Little Boy Blue,” wandered through my brain. “The little toy dog was covered with dust, but sturdy and staunch he stands....” Such a sad poem caught my attention when I was a child as it allowed me to feel loss that was not part of my reality.

Libraries provide books that feed imagination and dreams and are filled with knowledge that gives us a window into the broad world even if we are not scientists, astronauts, or Arctic explorers. Libraries are the bedrock of democracy because they provide everyone with free access to knowledge, community, and sharing with strangers and neighbors for the public good.

continued on page 22

Editor

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

Contributing Editor

James Steindler

Sol del Valle

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Carlos Ramos

The Sopris Sun Board meets at 6pm on second Thursdays at the Third Street Center. The Sopris Sun, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit corporation with a mission to inform, inspire and build community by fostering diverse and independent journalism. Donations are fully tax deductible.

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SCUTTLEBUTT

Autism awareness

OUR UNDERWRITERS AND NONPROFIT PARTNERS!

ASPEN VALLEY HOSPITAL

Ascendigo Autism Services invites businesses and individuals to display their commitment as advocates of neurodivergent inclusivity with a sign for their home or storefront, or a sticker for their car or water bottle. Bonfire Coffee and Dos Gringos are sending every cup of to-go coffee out the door with a custom “Inclusion Advocate” java jacket and Beer Works is setting pints on the like bio-friendly, wildflower-seeded coasters for the month of April: Autism Awareness Month. Businesses can also choose to donate a portion of their proceeds this month to Ascendigo to benefit its Building Momentum Capital Campaign, supporting the ongoing build-out of its new facility at 695 Buggy Circle in Carbondale. Businesses can sign up for a team training through Ascendigo to help create a more inclusive workspace. To get your sign or sticker, visit www.ascendigo.org/inclusion-advocates or for more on Building Momentum, visit www.ascendigo.org/building-momentum

Midland award

Internship opportunity

Pitkin County is offering a high school internship program for local students this summer, June 16 to July 11. Interns will have the opportunity to explore various career paths while developing valuable skills. For details, visit www.pitkingcounty.com/jobs

Pitkin County manager

FirstBank Alpine Bank

Colorado Mountain College

Nordic Gardens

Hilary Porterfield

Basalt Library

NONPROFIT PARTNERS

Two Rivers

Unitarian Universalist

Carbondale Arts

Carbondale Rotary Club

Colorado Animal Rescue

Interested in becoming an Underwriter or Nonprofit Partner? Email Todd@soprissun.com or call 970-987-9866

On April 3, the Town of Basalt received the 2025 Downtown Colorado Excellence Award for Best Place Small Community for its Midland Streetscape project. For 22 years, Downtown Colorado, Inc. has presented awards recognizing various community projects. “It’s an honor to be recognized with this statewide award,” said Michelle Bonfils Thibeault, Basalt’s planning director. “Our team delivered a thoughtful project that was the result of an engaged community. It’s a joy to see vibrancy and accessibility downtown and have confidence in updated infrastructure in historic Basalt.” Basalt was one of 12 communities to win awards at the reception in Greeley on April 12.

Watershed cleanup

Roaring Fork Conservancy is holding its 27th annual Watershed Cleanup, previously known as the “Fryingpan & Beyond River Cleanup,” from April 25 to 29. Volunteers will pick up trash within watersheds from Aspen, Ruedi Reservoir and McClure Pass to Glenwood Springs. Registration is required by April 19. For details, visit www.roaringfork.org/events

Bennet joins governor race

It was announced April 11 that U.S. Senator Michael Bennet will run for governor of Colorado in 2026, potentially leaving his seat in Washington, D.C. up for appointment by Democrats. “The answers to our economic challenges will not come from Washington’s chaos,” Bennet announced. “They will come from us — and that’s why I am running for governor.” Attorney General Phil Weiser, also running for governor, criticized the move,

Year three of the Red Hill Council’s poopflagging experiment demonstrated a positive trend. In partnership with Colorado Rocky Mountain School students, purple flags were planted at every visible dog dropping within the first quarter mile of the Red Hill trailhead. The bad news is some trail users continue to neglect picking up after their dogs and allow the pets to wander off-leash, compromising sensitive vegetation and cryptobiotic soil. The good news: 335 flags were planted this year, compared with 545 last year and 687 in 2023. Independence Run & Hike is appreciated for servicing two pet waste stations near the trailhead. Courtesy photo

stating: “Two years ago, the voters sent Senator Bennet back to D.C. because we believed he would be there for us no matter what — especially in historically dangerous moments like the one we currently face.”

Airport incident

The Aspen/Pitkin County Airport was temporarily closed on April 13 due to a “false positive in a checked bag” (aka, a modified hairdryer, as reported by Aspen Daily News) that led to passengers and employees being evacuated from the building while general aviation operations continued. For further information, visit www.aspenairport.com

Scholarships

Local students Annabelle Applegate (Glenwood Springs High School) and Collin Luu (Aspen High School) are two of eight winners of the Michael E. McGoldrick scholarship, representing $100,000 each over their four-year college journey. SGM, a multi-disciplinary engineering, consulting and surveying firm based in Glenwood Springs, awarded its Steve Westhoff scholarship to five high school students this year, including two locals — Jane Taylor (Roaring Fork High School) and Zealand Lane (Basalt High School); each will receive up to $2,000. Congratulations, graduates!

It was announced last week that Basalt Town Manager Ryan Mahoney will join Pitkin County as the new deputy county manager, working alongside Jon Peacock. “We are thrilled to welcome Ryan to the organization,” stated Peacock. “From major infrastructure to climate action and housing, Ryan’s experience and leadership will be a strong asset to our team and the community.”

Nonprofit support

Aspen City Council approved the distribution of $2,149,823 to 117 local nonprofits on April 8. Organizations, including The Sopris Sun, received grants to continue supporting mental and physical health, protecting the environment and creating community connections.

Humanities cut

Colorado Humanities, a statewide nonprofit that provides public education and programming, released a statement that it is facing imminent closure following the federal government’s termination of National Endowment for the Humanities funding. On April 2, the Department of Government Efficiency notified all 56 state and jurisdictional humanities councils nationwide that federal funding would be eliminated, effective immediately. “This decision is not just a funding cut—it’s an existential threat to cultural life in Colorado,” said Maggie Coval, Colorado Humanities’ executive director. “It endangers a vital public institution that has served Coloradans of all ages, in all regions, for over 50 years.” For more information, visit www.coloradohumanities.org

They say it’s your birthday! Folks celebrating another trip around the sun this week include: Monica Groom, HP Hansen and Doug Stewart (April 17); Stephanie Schilling and Hadley Hentschel (April 18); Francisco Nevarez-Burgueno, Deborah Colley, Karen Dixon, Leslie Emerson, Jill and Alleghany Meadows, Louie Neil and James Surls (April 19); Julie Bomersback, Jack Bergstrom, Jared Carlson, April Clark and Molly Ogilby Jacober (April 20); Renae Gustine and Shannon Muse (April 21); Sage Dawson, Fred Malo, Kameron Miranda and Mendo Will (April 22); Rosemary Dewers and Nova Vhrin (April 23).

Mountain Valley residents ask for help

JAMES STEINDLER

Contributing Editor

Pulling into the Mountain Valley Mobile Home Park, behind Honey Butter in Carbondale, one is met with kids playing basketball and riding bikes who clear the lightly-traveled roadway for passersby. It’s almost like driving into the 1950s, a simpler time. But the problem its residents are facing is far from simple.

According to an Aspen Daily News (ADN) article on March 25, residents at both Mountain Valley and the Aspen-Basalt Mobile Home Park, outside of Willits, were given notice that the land their homes sit on will be put up for sale for $18 million and $24 million, respectively. “The notice of intent to sell or list says the owner will only consider offers to purchase both for $42 million,” the ADN article stated.

However, according to a GoFundMe page created by the Mountain Valley community, that park will be sold for $15.5 million — also its lofty fundraising goal. Still, as stated in the ADN article, the actual assessed 2024 value for Aspen-Basalt was $6,259,010, while Mountain Valley’s actual value sits at $9,432,810.

Due to Colorado regulations, the residents have 120 days from the notice date, March 11, to put in an offer, but the owner, Investment

Property Group, can entertain other offers once the parks are listed. Investment Property Group also owns the Apple Tree Mobile Home Park outside of New Castle. The Sopris Sun reached out to the company for comment, but did not receive a response as of press time.

At Carbondale’s Board of Trustees meeting on April 8, Trustee Colin Laird brought up the situation. He had attended a meeting the previous Wednesday at the Third Street Center, where roughly 80 residents gathered and met with a local legal team. “They invited Thistle ROC [Thistle Community Housing], which is a nonprofit developer that works with mobile home communities to help them purchase themselves and become a resident-[owned] community,” explained Laird. “[Thistle Community Housing] has done 11 to 13 mobile home park transitions in Colorado.” Trustee Chris Hassig chimed in and said Carbondale should be ready to step in and help, even pitching the idea of considering annexation.

JVAM law firm, with an office in Glenwood Springs, is representing the Mountain Valley community.

The Valley saw a successful case study in 2023, when Roaring Fork Community Development Corporation — an arm of the former social justice nonprofit

MANAUS — purchased the Three Mile Mobile Home Park outside of Glenwood Springs for $2.4 million with the intent to eventually sell it to the residents.

Aspen-Basalt resident

Victor Argueta-Gomez has lived in the Aspen-Basalt park his whole life; he is 21 years old. He resides there with his mother, step-dad and siblings. A graduate from Basalt High School — it’s possible readers saw him perform in one of the school’s annual musicals. Today, he works as an apprentice plumber. “I had the privilege to grow up in a quiet, safe and beautiful area. I definitely don’t take that for granted,” he told The Sopris Sun.

The Sun spoke with Argueta-Gomez at the end of March. Then, he explained his community is working together to try and come up with a solution, but had to move quickly.

He said being forced to leave would be “incredibly painful … especially when that home has been a source of comfort and … identity.” He continued, “For many Hispanic families and mobile home communities, such as the one in Basalt, they’re not just affordable housing options, but tight-knit neighborhoods, with culture and shared experiences. It’s just something that I would really love to keep.”

Mountain Valley residents

Maria Quezada has lived in her Mountain Valley home for almost 20 years. In fact, she managed the park for 12 years under the previous owners. Both of her children graduated from Roaring Fork High School (RFHS). Now her daughter practices immigration law in Denver and her son works in construction — they both still come home for the holidays and every chance they get.

“We’re looking for help in any way possible,” said Quezada. “We’re working together, and we’re trying to find ways to keep our homes.”

And they are not sitting back and waiting. The evening of Quezada’s interview with The Sun, April 15,

Mountain Valley residents gathered at the small playground west of the property to discuss fundraising efforts — from organizing car washes and yard sales to each household contributing $100 to start off the GoFundMe page. Quezada said there are currently about 60 kids living in the Mountain Valley community who are enrolled in Carbondale schools. She estimated the park is made up of about 80% Hispanic families. Idelia Montes has lived there for 24 years. She has two daughters who reside with her, each of whom have a child of their own. Montes’ grandchildren participate in extracurricular activities, including sports, taekwondo and attending Stepping Stones. Her

continued on page 23

Residents at Mountain Valley Mobile Home Park gathered after work on April 15 to discuss fundraising strategies. Photo by James Steindler

Clearing a path for Avalanche Creek bighorns

WILL BUZZERD

Sopris Sun Correspondent

In the spring of last year, The Sopris Sun published a report on the herd of bighorn sheep at Avalanche Creek. At the time, The Sun reported that the bighorn herd was in a precarious position due to a disease contracted from local domestic sheep, and Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) was considering different strategies to keep the bighorn population stable. Recently, The Sun contacted local wildlife officials and ranchers to obtain an Avalanche Creek bighorn status update and to see how the herd is faring.

2024 report

The Sun’s April 2024 coverage came in the wake of a presentation given to the Crystal River Caucus by District Wildlife Manager John Groves, in which Groves described the health condition of the bighorns and other local species.

According to Groves, the local bighorns — approximately 50-head at the time, compared to roughly 250 historically — were experiencing low lambing survival rates due to the proliferation of a bacterial pneumonia complex contracted through contact with domestic sheep.

The difficulty with managing the pneumonia complex is that, in most cases, fully grown sheep can remain healthy if infected. However, they will remain invisible carriers of the disease and, come springtime when ewes begin lambing, newborn lambs can contract and succumb to it.

In 2024, Groves mentioned the possibility of a “test and remove” or “test and cull” procedure. In this scenario, the bighorns would be caught, tested and carriers would be euthanized.

Another potential strategy would be transplantation — bringing healthy bighorns from elsewhere to the area — which is a common practice in preserving and maintaining bighorn sheep herds across the United States.

Disease remains a threat

This spring, The Sun got in touch with CPW’s Northwest Region terrestrial biologist, Julie Mao. Presently, the count of Avalanche Creek bighorns is about 40 to 50. While lambing rates are “low but not nonexistent,” the herd’s population is described as “relatively stable” — having not significantly changed since last year’s report.

After some consideration, CPW has opted not to employ the

test and remove strategy because the risk of re-exposure to domestic sheep would still be a factor. Due to the social nature of bighorn sheep, just one infected bighorn can rapidly spread the disease to the rest of the herd.

Additionally, capturing and testing bighorns — infected or not — can place undue stress on the animals. This also means that accurate figures for transmission rates among the herd are not available, as CPW has only tested dead bighorns it has discovered.

Transplantation was also deemed impractical, as foreign sheep would likely become infected as well.

Therefore, the primary risk factor is continued interaction with domestic sheep. So long as contact is a possibility, neither test and remove nor transplantation strategies are deemed effective.

Domestic sheep mingling

The Sun’s 2024 report stated that domestic sheep had been removed from the area. However, as some citizens correctly pointed out on Facebook, there are still domestic sheep around the Crystal River habitat, including at the Avalanche Ranch Cabins and Hot Springs resort.

So what gives?

Specifically speaking, by 2024, some but not all domestic sheep had been removed from areas where they would be liable to interact with wild bighorns. This is the case around Marble, where the Forest Service rescinded and no longer issues domestic sheep grazing permits for this very reason. By way of those historic grazing permits, domestic sheep were once able to intermingle directly with bighorns on public lands — the latter’s home turf. More recently, CPW has been working with Avalanche Ranch to remove its domestic herd, deeming the sheep too dangerous to the local bighorns.

Molly Jacober owns and operates Avalanche Ranch along with her husband, Tai, who was

Easter Egg Hunt

Following 10am Easter Worship

appointed to the CPW commission in August of last year. Molly spoke with The Sun, stating that she has been working with CPW for the good of the bighorns. Avalanche Ranch won’t be breeding its flock again and sometime after lambing season will likely sell its whole herd. However, exposure can continue to be a threat. According to CPW, at least one trail camera has captured an instance of a stray domestic sheep roaming the Crystal River area. CPW urges citizens to report any instances of interaction between bighorns and domestic sheep and goats. Prompt reporting allows CPW to act quickly and prevent the spread of disease, keeping our bighorns as safe as possible.

A young bighorn up the Fryingpan Road. Photo by Sue Rollyson

Family and friends carry on a local farming legacy

Wild Mountain Seeds and Seed Peace sprout sans Casey Piscura

RALEIGH BURLEIGH

Sopris Sun Editor

On Feb. 2, the Valley lost one of its most prolific young farmers to suicide. Casey Piscura, 39, was an ambitious entrepreneur and adept plant whisperer. He founded Wild Mountain Seeds, a for-profit seed-breeding business with the byproduct of abundant, delicious, organic vegetables. Later, he formed a nonprofit, Seed Peace, with the mission “to accelerate the transition to regenerative farming and land management in the Roaring Fork Valley through seed, education and farm innovation.”

Wild Mountain Seeds

In the wake of this tremendous loss, many have wondered what will become of the work Piscura labored tirelessly to advance. Last week, a hopeful message appeared in the email inboxes of 2024 Seed Peace community-supported agriculture (CSA) shareholders and other supporters. The wheels

at Sunfire Ranch are churning to offer a 2025 CSA, plant starts and seeds will be sold at Dandelion Day, fresh produce at Carbondale’s Wednesday farmers’ markets this summer and Lift-Up’s food pantries will again be augmented with vegetables grown at Sunfire Ranch. Seeds will also be available at Habitat for Humanity’s Earth Day celebration at the ReStore this Saturday, April 20.

As spring returns full tilt, Adam Ting and Justin Blumenthal, accomplished farmers who worked multiple seasons with Piscura, are hustling to prep beds and transplant seeds. Jason Sewell, owner and operator of Sunfire Ranch, is committed to carrying on with the seed-breeding business, adapting plants to resiliently withstand a changing climate.

“Casey really paved the way for us to make the transition into something more,” Sewell remarked. “What I think about Casey is he’s like this spark in the universe that is bouncing

across the prairie, and every time it lands it tries to start a fire and bounces on. Whether or not that fire starts depends on the conditions where it lands.” He considers it his responsibility to feed the fire that Piscura, a close friend and collaborator for over a decade, lit at the historic Thompson Creek ranch.

This season, CSA members are encouraged to volunteer when they pick up their veggies on Thursdays. “Not just in the gardens,” Sewell suggested. A mechanic putting in just two hours a week would help tremendously, he noted. “Electricians, plumbers, cat herders,” all are welcome to collaborate, Ting added.

“Even through the tragedy of Casey’s passing, there are beautiful opportunities opening up,” Sewell continued. “If we actually take this responsibility to Casey’s legacy seriously as a community, we can do cool things — and have a lot of fun doing it.”

Interested volunteers can contact wildmountainseeds@gmail.com

Seed Peace

At an event hosted by True Nature on March 19, local agricultors gathered for a meal and film around the topic of mental wellness. It was announced then that the name “Seed Peace” was reclaimed from the Farm Collaborative to serve a new purpose. Seed Peace had merged with the Farm Collaborative early in 2023 and Piscura resigned his position as director of agriculture in the fall of 2024. Seed Peace will now house

Casey’s Fund Supporting Farmers, honoring Piscura’s memory by providing grants and supportive services “that nurture the mind, body, soul and spirit of regenerative farmers and food-related businesses,” a press release explained. The mission: “Sustaining those who care for the land and grow nourishing food.” The initiative will begin with a focus on the Roaring Fork and North Fork valleys of Colorado, as well as the New River

continued on page 19

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Basalt embodies Earth Day every day, and joins the worldwide celebration on April 22

KATE PHILLIPS Sopris Sun Correspondent

On Tuesday, April 22, from 2 to 6pm, the Town of Basalt is hosting “Our Power, Our Planet” — an Earth Day celebration — at Basalt River Park. The event will showcase Basalt’s renewable energy initiatives and include giveaways from local organizations, family-friendly crafting and other activities. Starting at 2:30pm, Basalt Elementary School students will parade through town to the park, where attendees can grab a vegan bite and enjoy music by Aspen band 8th St Bus Stop beginning at 4pm.

“We’re thinking about ways people on the ground are generating their own power from the planet, whether that be solar power for electricity or food to make power for ourselves,” said Brent Compton, Basalt’s public arts and community events manager. “We built this event up to look at how other groups are powering themselves from the planet.”

Over 20 vendors will be in attendance to engage community members and inspire sustainable action. Rocky Mountain Institute will present their green building initiatives through facility tours and Mountain Chevrolet will be demoing its fleet of electric vehicles. Locals can learn more about home energy rebates and efficiency inspections at the Community Office for Resource Efficiency (CORE) booth, engage with local farmers — including ACES at Rock Bottom Ranch

and Two Roots Farm — and connect with advocacy organizations like Roaring Fork Conservancy. Compton said that the Town will also highlight the last 12 months of energy produced at its five solar fields and information about its popular e-bike rebate program.

Some top-tier giveaways will also be happening. Attendees who bike to the event can enter to win one of 200 ponder osa saplings, or a larger tree, courtesy of Tree City USA and Eagle Crest Nursery. Additionally, Basalt’s Green Team — a citizen board dedicated to creating a more resilient and sustainable community — is partnering with EverGreen ZeroWaste to give away 25 compost bins to promote the Town’s composting program.

“The main goal is education, especially since the next generation of 450 kids are coming,” said Compton. “We want to help people think outside of the box for ways to protect the planet … Having all of these groups and highlighting what they are doing might trigger [some] to think, ‘I can probably make some energy with a blender and bicycle at my own house.’”

“He’s our bundle of sustainable energy.”

A global initiative

The Town of Basalt is joining thousands of communities internationally which are exploring and integrating renewable energy solutions. The theme “Our Power, Our Planet” was spearheaded by EARTHDAY.ORG (EDO), a Washington, D.C.-based nonprofit dedicated to mobilizing global Earth Day initiatives. Intended to cultivate meaningful action, the theme is twofold as it advocates for tripling global renewable energy by 2030 and using people power to do so — by writing letters to local representatives, signing petitions or pledging to shift personal behaviors.

“Every trend — whether that be economic, health or environmental — pushes toward renewable energy, and the final push toward that is the people power,” said Aidan Charron, EDO’s associate director of Global Earth Day. “The environment doesn’t have a voice … Environmental advocates have to be the ones who protect what we have without going further down the line of massive amounts of [pollution]. We have to be that line of defense.”

Charron added that each community is unique and can best decide how they represent “Our Power, Our Planet.” Whether it be adding solar panels to a public space or creating a community garden, the ultimate hope is to involve anyone willing to make a difference.

Sip and savor with Carbondale P.E.O. benefitting local women

KATE PHILLIPS

Sopris Sun Correspondent

Mark your calendars for April 26 as Chapter HC, P.E.O. Sisterhood — Carbondale’s chapter of an international philanthropic organization that helps women achieve their educational goals — is hosting a wine tasting benefit to make a difference in the lives of local high school girls. The event is happening at The Orchard Church from 5 to 7pm.

“We are helping these girls who are motivated and working so hard, and helping them realize their dreams,” said Meg Young, Chapter HC event chair. “The little bit we can do is so rewarding.”

The benefit is sure to be an elegant evening out. Sommelier Bryan Delendik will be pouring an international selection of exquisite wines donated by Main Street Liquors alongside a nonalcoholic mocktail courtesy of El Dorado. Attendees can dine on gourmet charcuterie boards and delectable desserts while being swept away by pianist Jennifer Gary and flutist Karen Tafejian, a classical music duo.

“We are a small group … It is amazing how much the community has come together to support us,” said Young. “Almost everything has been donated — all the wine was donated, the sommelier and the musicians are donating their time. It’s been a lot of work, but so much joy.”

The evening will also feature over 30 fabulous silent auction items. Notably, a six-night vacation in Hawaii and two nights at Beyul Retreat; original artwork by Chapter HC co-founder Jo Coffman; local eatery and beauty and wellness gift cards; and access to recreational activities including Aspen One ski passes, rounds of golf at Ironbridge and River Valley Ranch and Spring Pilates classes.

The philanthropic part of the evening will unfold as the night’s proceeds will directly benefit four high school senior girls — two from Basalt High School and two from Roaring Fork High School. To apply for the scholarship, the girls complete an extensive application that highlights their grades, activities and overall goals.

The biggest criteria, however, is the girls’ mutual interest in sisterhood and philanthropy.

“We want to see that she wants to give back to her community,” said Melissa McBurney, Chapter HC past president. “We look at their recommendations and what kind of student she’s been and get an idea about her character.”

Since this is a P.E.O. Sisterhood scholarship, the girls receive lasting support. Paula Henderson, Chapter HC past president, said the chapter hosts an ice cream social for recipients, past and present, to connect and share advice. The girls also receive annual care packages and academic support to ensure success.

“The intergenerational relationships have been the biggest part for me,” said Jennifer Ellspherman, Chapter HC recording secretary and a former scholarship recipient. Upon joining Chapter HC, she recalled feeling warmly welcomed and inspired by this brilliant group of women. With her award, Ellspherman earned a master’s degree and became an accomplished school principal.

Vibrant, philanthropic women

The International Chapter of the P.E.O. Sisterhood was founded in 1869 by a group of young women from Iowa Wesleyan College. The Colorado state chapter began in 1903 and now includes 240 chapters with over 10,500 active members. Chapter HC — Carbondale’s chapter — was founded in 1981 by Coffman, McBurney and Kristin Melsen and currently has 21 vibrant members.

At its core, P.E.O. embodies women supporting women as demonstrated by its results-driven commitment to motivate, educate and celebrate women. Since inception, the organization has awarded over $432 million in scholarships, grants and loans to more than 125,000 women, according to the international P.E.O. website. Recognizing that women’s dreams are dynamic, P.E.O. is nondiscriminatory.

“We also support trade schools, women who want to go for it, reach their dreams and make their lives happen,” said

We are delighted to offer you, our community, the opportunity to take advantage of low-cost blood tests.

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Young. “We support women in any way.”

For decades, Chapter HC has creatively generated funds through small fundraisers like selling butter braids, wrapping paper and tickets for Carbondale home tours and larger ones — namely the tea party and fashion show events. The wine tasting benefit is relatively new, but popular; the first one in 2022 quickly sold out.

“Our hope is to give each young woman a $2,000 scholarship and then carry them with $1,000 each year of their college career,” said Ellspherman. “We really need to start raising much bigger money to do this level of scholarship.”

The group emphasized that everyone should come to the benefit and learn more about the P.E.O. Sisterhood. “Any woman has the option of joining. It’s not just a select, fine group. Well, we’re actually really fine,” laughed Henderson. “But, if you’re moving to another community and you don’t know anybody, you can find a local chapter and get to know some incredible ladies.”

Visit buytickets.at/carbondalepeo for wine tasting tickets or to make a donation. To get involved with Chapter HC, P.E.O. Sisterhood reached out at carbondalepeohc@gmail.com

Ruby Mata and Fernanda Ruiz, 2024 Roaring Fork High School graduates, were last year’s Carbondale P.E.O. scholarship recipients. The young women each expressed sincere gratitude for the award, care packages and continued support. They are both studying nursing at Grand Canyon University in Phoenix, Arizona. Courtesy Photo

Big lacrosse wins, and a new Rams record on the track

JOHN STROUD

Sopris Sun Correspondent

The past week in Roaring Fork High School spring sports was highlighted by a big win for the girls lacrosse team, and a new school record for the girls 4x800 relay team on the track.

Starting things off, playing at Battle Mountain on Friday, April 11, the lacrosse team defeated one of the top 4A Mountain East League teams, 16-15.

“It was a great victory for us,” head coach Drew Kitchell said. “Battle Mountain was in foul trouble early, but the Rams played super tough with only one sub but for a short injury timeout.”

Points (combined goals and assists) for the Rams came from Jordyn Miller, eight; Josie McKinley, seven; Hailey Wolfe, six; Eva Feinsinger and Lilu Illouz, two; Marin Weaver, one.

Roaring Fork was back on the field Tuesday at Eagle Valley, where the Rams recorded a 18-3 win to improve to 7-2 overall and 4-2 in the league.

Next up, Roaring Fork hosts Aspen at 11:30am on Saturday at Rams Field, and then it’s Battle Mountain again on the home turf coming up on April 28.

“I’m feeling pretty good about being 7-2 and ranked No. 7 in 4A,” Kitchell said. “We have work to do, though, as only spots one through six get a bye in the first round of the playoffs,” skipping the first round and advancing directly. “Hopefully we can make up some ground late in the season and get that home field advantage with a bye.”

Track and Field

Running at the Glenwood Springs Demon Invitational on Saturday, April 12, the girls 4x800-meter relay team

— made up of freshman Sophia Warner, sophomore Sadie Silcox, junior Caroline Cole and senior Isabella Moon — broke a 26-year-old RFHS record in the event.

Anchored by Grace College commit Moon, the team clocked a time of 10 minutes, 51.65 seconds to not only take first place out of five teams, but break the former school record of 10:59.77 established in 1999. That team was anchored by Caroline Cretti, a four-time state track champion in the 1600 and 3200 meters in 2000 and 2001, who still holds the RFHS records in those events. Cretti went on to run collegiately for Williams College in Massachusetts.

Also placing in the top eight and earning team points in their respective events at the Glenwood Springs meet were:

Moon — 1600-meter run, third (5:49.23), and 800 meters, third (2:42.45).

Cole — 1600 meters, fifth (6:01.23), and 800 meters, fourth (2:45.64).

Nikki Tardif — 300-meter hurdles, fourth (52.06 seconds); 200-meter dash, seventh (28.6 seconds).

Kinley Richmond — 3200 meters, fifth (14:23.4)

Miley Stuart — 3200 meters, seventh (15:06.6)

Among the boys, there were no top-eight finishes but several athletes did record personal bests in their events, including Eli Norris in the 100-meter dash (12.10 seconds), Gianluca Liuzzi in the 100 (13.5) and Kaiden Werth in the 1600 meters (5:21.73).

Girls soccer

The Lady Rams soccer team suffered a tough 5-2 loss at home against league-leading Delta on Tuesday, April 15. Down 3-2 with 25 minutes left in the game after Roaring Fork goals by Emma Charters and Maddie Anderson, a

missed kick on the defensive end led to another Panthers goal by multi-sport star Jessica Black.

On April 9, the Rams tied 1-1 at Steamboat Springs, with the lone goal by Kennedy Arnold, assisted by Carley Crownhart; and on April 11, Roaring Fork won 10-0 at Moffat County.

The Rams stand 3-2-3 overall, and 1-1-1 in the 3A Western Slope League, ahead of a Thursday date at Basalt. Game time is 4pm.

Baseball

Meanwhile, the Roaring Fork baseball team lost 14-11 and 18-6 at Delta on Friday, April 11, dropping to 3-9 overall and 0-4 in the 3A WSL.

The team was at Basalt on Wednesday, and is set to host Basalt on Saturday (11am).

The record-breaking Roaring Fork High School girls 4x800 relay team, from left: Izzy Moon, Sadie Silcox, Sophia Warner and Caroline Cole. Courtesy photo by Emmaline Warner

regret. I also learned about the brand Gnara and their award-winning GoFly zipper technology that allows women to pee without taking any layers off. Okay, not grabbing their gear is my second regret.

Onward, I met VNTRbirds, an adventure company that brings women and nonbinary people together to gain backcountry skills, confidence and self-reliance. Co-founders and sisters Leanne and Kelley Wren hosted an uphilling clinic earlier that day. I also stopped by the Radical Gear Exchange booth where attendees could pick any item — namely snowboards, ski boots and jackets — for free. Booth runner Morgan Kravarik and I discussed innovative ways to remove outdoor access barriers. Women really should rule the world.

By noon, excitement was ramping up as the weekend’s crown jewel was next: the naked party lap. Attendees could uphill or ride the lift. I chose uphilling with my friend Liz, who has been diligently influencing me to attend BTF for years. We fell in stride with a group of folks from around the western states and discussed privilege, menstruation and idyllic safe places.

Less than an hour later, we crested the last hill to witness what happens when safe places become real: pure jubilation. Folks

were accessorized in fluorescent colored wigs and outfits, giggles and shrieks of delight scored the moment’s soundtrack and compliments permeated through the crowd. The naked party lap was absolute Barbie-core. Before long, I was swept down the mountain in a wave of glitter.

There is something to be said about hundreds of prosocial people descending a mountain together. Smiling faces flew by while cheers accented a successful landing. I savoured the lap — hoping to harness that positive energy for the future — before reconnecting with Liz and the Telluride girls. Dare we ski the rest of the afternoon sans clothing? Yep. There was no better way to bid adieu to Sunlight’s Primo Lift, slated for replacement this year.

Pleasantly exhausted and tanned (or burned), in places the sun doesn’t always shine, we made our way to the aprés-ski, complete with sauna, cold plunges and beats by DJ Maro.

After a brief nap, I spent the rest of the evening absorbed in connection and music. Lobsters, tigers and Borat twirled in the campground dirt, while raffle winners were revealed on the Main Stage by BTF leadership and nonprofit beneficiary EDGE Outdoors — a powerful initiative that dismantles systemic barriers, particularly in snow sports, and

promotes inclusivity and wellness for Black, Indigenous and women of color.

I listened carefully to new friends as they expressed feelings of healing and liberation because of this gathering — conversations I will keep close to my heart. Together we swayed to cosmic cowgirl Christie Huff before boot stomping with Lena Marie Schiffer and Ani Casabonne. DJ Harmony of LVDY closed out the evening with a wild set that had everyone howling at the full moon. For a music festival fanatic, this was an unforgettable lineup.

Days later, while attempting to wrangle the words that encapsulated my first BTF experience, I recalled some wisdom from Professor Slu, art educator and guide for BTF’s journaling session: during reflective practice, channel gratitude. I am grateful to connect with a place where everyone — cis, trans and queer — is safe and seen, for playfulness and deep belly laughs and the flow of intentional community.

I hope you read this and feel empowered to be someone’s sparkle. BTF is the future. In the words of Shania Twain, “Let’s go, girls!”

AUTHOR’S NOTE: Sincere gratitude to the dedicated BTF staff and volunteers. You made the magic happen. Join the herd at boottanfest.com

Jenny Verrochi founded Boot Tan Fest in Kremmling in 2021 to celebrate women and femmes on snow and connect through vulnerability and fun. The event moved to Sunlight Mountain Resort in 2024. Courtesy photo by Abby Fountain

CALENDAR

THURSDAY, APRIL 17

BOOK CLUB

The Carbondale Library’s Third Thursday Book Club discusses “Wandering Stars” by Tommy Orange at 2pm.

BLOOM

HeadQuarters hosts Bloom, an aprés event with a silent auction “where you can mingle like it’s 1999,” at the Gravity Haus in Aspen beginning at 4pm. Find tickets at www.headq.org

STORY CIRCLE

VOICES RFV and Garfield County Libraries invite youth (ages 10 to 16) and sage (age 75 and up) community members to exchange stories at the Glenwood Springs Library from 4 to 6pm today and again on May 15. For more details, call 970-945-5958.

WISH CARDS

Learn to create Wish Cards with living seeds from recycled paper at the Basalt Library from 4 to 5pm. This hands-on workshop is designed for children ages 6 to 10.

‘CARE FOR CAREGIVERS’

True Nature hosts its monthly “Care for Caregivers” session to include light movement, meditation, breathing and sharing from 5 to 6:30pm. Register at www.truenaturehealingarts.com

CRAFTIVISM

The Basalt Library screens a documentary about the life and impact of the late Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg while encouraging participants to create an original activism zine from 5 to 7:30pm. This program is for teens and young adults, ages 14 to 35.

COSMIC SOUND JOURNEY

Danielle Klein guides a “Cosmic Sound Journey” at True Nature from 6 to 7:15pm. Register at www.truenaturehealingarts.com

‘BRIGHT STAR’

Sopris Theatre Company at Colorado Mountain College’s Spring Valley Campus presents “Bright Star” tonight at 7pm. The show continues tomorrow at 7pm and Sunday at 2pm. For tickets, call the box office at 970-947-8177 or visit www.tinyurl.com/CMCBrightStar

SOUND HEALING

Zachary and Krista Cashin take attendees on a vibrational sound healing journey grounding them in present-moment awareness at the Third Street Center from 7 to 8:45pm. Register at www.thecenterforhumanflourishing.org

POLTZ & RODRIGUEZ

Singer-songwriter Steve Poltz performs at TACAW, with Daniel Rodriguez of Elephant Revival opening at 8pm. Tickets at www.tacaw.org

SATURDAY, APRIL 19

WHERE MY PEEPS AT?

Carbondale’s annual “Where My Peeps At?” scavenger hunt takes place with check-in for teams of two to six people at the Rec Center at 9am. Pre-registration is required at www.carbondalerec.com

HOMEBUYER WORKSHOP

The Rifle Library hosts a NEWSED homebuyer workshop from 9am to 3pm. For more details, call 970-625-3471.

UPLIFT

CLIMATE FILM

Join 350 Roaring Fork for a free screening of “Single-Use Planet,” a film about petroleum-based plastic pollution, at the Carbondale Library at 5:30pm.

BENFENG

BenFeng Music Productions presents “Haydn: Seven Last Words of Christ” at the Old Thompson Barn tonight and tomorrow at 7pm. The performance will weave together music by Franz Joseph Haydn performed by a local string quartet and thoughtful reflections from local spiritual leaders. Find tickets at www.benfengmusicproductions.org/haydn

CRYSTAL THEATRE

Catch “The Friend” at the Crystal Theatre tonight at 7pm. “The Ballad of Wallis Island” opens tomorrow and continues Saturday and next Thursday at 7pm; Sunday’s 5pm showing is captioned.

FLY FISHING FILMS

TACAW presents the 19th annual Fly Fishing Film Tour at 7:30pm, followed by a Roaring Fork Fishing Guide Alliance panel discussion. Tickets at www.tacaw.org

FRIDAY, APRIL 18

RESUME BUILDING

The Basalt Library offers a bilingual resume workshop from 3:30 to 5pm.

‘FOREVER YOUNG’

Aspen Country Day School presents “Forever Young,” an original play written by eighth graders about a group of students writing a play when a prank gone awry threatens their friendships and the success of the production. The play takes place at the Wheeler Opera House tonight and tomorrow at 5:30pm. Tickets at www.aspenshowtix.com

BASS MUSIC

Big B’s Delicious Orchards in Hotchkiss hosts the third annual CYMATIKA psychedelic bass music festival today beginning at 7pm and all day tomorrow. Find details at www.bigbs.com

HeadQuarters and Roaring Fork CrossFit team up for a monthly workout session engaging the body and mind from 9 to 10:15am in Willits. Register at www.headq.org/support/events

BRANCHING OUT

The City of Glenwood Springs hosts a community forestry tree giveaway from 11am to noon at Two Rivers Park. Registration is required at www.bit.ly/ GWStreegiveaway — restrictions apply.

SUNDAY, APRIL 20

COLLECTIVE WISDOM

Golden Sha will facilitate a stimulating conversation originating from the wisdom of those attending A Spiritual Center (Room 31 of the Third Street Center) from 10 to 11:30am.

THE FULFILLED MAN

Kyle Jason Leitzke leads an immersive one-day men’s retreat where participants step away from the noise and pressures to perform so they can reconnect with themselves through a powerful framework built on “The Fulfillment Code” — Leitzke’s framework for living a successful, balanced and fulfilling life — at True Nature from 9am to 4pm. Register at www.truenaturehealingarts.com

MONDAY, APRIL 21

POLICY TALK

Wilderness Workshop and Mtn Bio host a discussion on how environmental policies in D.C. and Denver affect the Roaring Fork Valley at the Third Street Center from 5:30 to 7pm. Registration at www.mtnbio.org/all-events

POLICY 2.0

Wilderness Workshop and Environment Colorado Research & Policy Center host a discussion on how environmental policies in D.C. and Denver affect the Roaring Fork Valley at Explore Booksellers in Aspen from 5:30 to 6:30pm. Registration at www.bit.ly/Apr22Climate

ONGOING EVENTS

ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS

The Meeting Place in Carbondale (981 Cowen Drive) offers “Hole in the Donut AA,” Monday through Saturday at 6:45am, plus “Daily Reprieve” at noon on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. Find a full schedule at www.meetingplacecarbondale.org

MOMMY MEET-UP

The Glenwood Springs Library hosts a “mommy meet-up” on Mondays from 11am to 12:30pm for mothers and their babies ages 0-3. There will be play items provided for the little ones and coffee and conversation for the moms.

IN STITCHES

The In Stitches Knitting Club meets at the Carbondale Library every Monday at 1:30pm.

BOARD GAMES

TUESDAY, APRIL 22

OUR PLANET OUR POWER

Celebrate Earth Day at the Basalt River Park from 2 to 6pm. Clean Energy Economy for the Region will showcase electric vehicles, complete with test drives, and present “The Road to EVs” at the RMI Innovation Center (22830 Two Rivers Road) from 6 to 7pm with food provided.

ANIME CLUB

The Basalt Library invites middle and high school students to launch its new Anime Club from 4 to 6pm. Registration is required. Register at www.basaltlibrary.org/events-calendar

MORTALITY

Akaljeet Khalsa leads a discussion on mortality at True Nature from 4 to 5:30pm.

EARTH DAY

Habitat for Humanity celebrates Earth Day at the ReStore with food trucks, discounts and more from 5 to 8pm.

DRAWING CLUB

The Roaring Fork Drawing Club gathers this week at DHM Design in Carbondale beginning at 6:30pm.

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 23

KIDS ZONE

Kids aged 5-11 are invited to explore the children’s side of the Basalt Library along with their peers most Wednesdays, the exception being every third Wednesday, through the end of May from 2:30 to 3:30pm.

BOOK TALK

Kingsolvers’s book, “The Poisonwood Bible,” at the Basalt Library from 5:30 to 6:30pm. Pick up a free copy at the circulation desk while supplies last.

MARIA BAMFORD

TACAW welcomes comedian Maria Bamford for a performance at 8pm. Tickets at www.tacaw.org

THURSDAY, APRIL 24

5 POINT

The 18th annual 5 Point Film Festival kicks off with a reception at the Carbondale Rec Center at 5pm. Tickets at www.5pointfilm.org

JAZZ DAY

The Glenwood Springs Center for the Arts celebrates International Jazz Day at the Glenwood Vaudeville Revue with The Smooth Players and Dave Poulsen with Element Jazz. The fun begins at 5:30pm. Tickets at www.gvrshow.com

LEE ASHER

Animal rescuer extraordinaire Lee Asher shares the highs and lows of his

journey to create one of the largest animal sanctuaries in the U.S. at the Wheeler Opera House from 6:30 to 8pm. Tickets at www.aspenshowtix.com

ORCHID 101

Botany Houseplant Shop teaches all about replanting and caring for orchids from 6 to 7:30pm. To sign up, visit www.botanyhouseplantshop.com

EL DORADO

El Dorado hosts an opening night party for 5 Point beginning at 10pm.

FRIDAY, APRIL 25

WATERSHED CLEANUP

Roaring Fork Conservancy organizes a watershed cleanup today through the 29, including a kick off party this evening from 4 to 6pm. Register by April 19. Learn more at www.roaringfork.org

FREE YOGA

As part of the 5 Point Film Festival, Eliza Demarest leads a free yoga and sound healing session at True Nature, welcoming all levels from 8 to 9am. Reserve your spot at www.5pointfilm.org

CHANGING PLANET

Catch a free conversation between filmmakers at True Nature exploring “Stories for a Changing Planet” at 11am. This event is free and open to the public.

CHILD SAFETY FAIR

The Garfield County Child Safety Fair returns to the Rifle Middle School from 11am to 2pm, providing parents and children with entertainment and information on keepings kids safe, along with free food, giveaways, music and more.

BACKBONE POV

The public is invited to learn from industry leaders on the forefront of adventure filmmaking from Backbone Media at 1:30pm at Bodegón.

LIBRARY PARTY

The Basalt Library hosts a party for library lovers and first-time visitors alike from 6 to 8pm. All are welcome.

SATURDAY, APRIL 26

RIVER CLEANUP

The City of Glenwood Springs hosts a springtime river cleanup from 8 to 11am at Two Rivers Park. Learn more at www.gwsco.info/RiverCleanup

HIGHWAY CLEANUP

The Rotary Club hosts a Highway 82 cleanup, from the entrance of Carbondale to the entrance of Aspen Glen, from 9am to 2pm. Register with a text or a call to 970-948-1369. Register by Wednesday, April 23. Lunch will be provided!

Kids (5 and up) play board games in the Treehouse Room at the Basalt Library Mondays at 4pm. Snacks provided.

ENGLISH IN ACTION

Volunteer English tutors and developing learners meet for informal conversational practice at the Carbondale Library every Monday at 6:30pm. Interested in becoming a tutor? Email angela@englishinaction.org or call 970-963-9200.

MONDAY MEDITATION

Roaring Fork Insight guides a weekly meditation group meeting at the Third Street Center (Room 31) from 7 to 8:30pm.

YARN GROUP

Basalt Library hosts a weekly yarn group on Tuesdays at 5pm. All are welcome.

BIKE PROJECT

The Carbondale Bike Project Shop helps people repair their bicycles on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 2 to 6pm and Sundays from noon to 6pm on the east side of Third Street Center.

SENIOR LUNCH

Every Wednesday at noon, Garfield County Senior Programs provides a nutritious meal for seniors at The Orchard. To reserve a place at the table, call 970-665-0041.

SPANISH CLUB

Practice Spanish and enjoy specials at Bodegón in Carbondale every Wednesday from 5 to 7pm.

CANCER CARE

The Calaway-Young Cancer Center at Valley View Hospital offers yoga for cancer patients, survivors and caregivers at 9:15am on Thursdays. Then, the Walk and Talk cancer support group meets at 11am at the chapel in the cancer center.

GROUP RUN

Independence Run & Hike leads a weekly group run on Thursdays departing from the store’s location, next to the Carbondale City Market, at 6:30pm.

COFFEE WITH THE MAYOR

Carbondale Mayor Ben Bohmfalk posts up at Bonfire every Friday from 8 to 9am, and everyone is welcome to stop by to chat.

COSMIC WHOLENESS

Micha Shoepe leads Cosmic Wholeness, an embodied movement and meditation offering that explores patterns found in nature, the cosmos and our inner lives, at The Third Street Center every Sunday from 2:45 to 3:45pm. More details at www. michaelschoepe.com/cosmic-wholeness

Community Education Classes in

SPANISH - BEGINNING LEVEL II Mon/Wed, 5-7pm, 5/19-6/18

SLOW FLOW YOGA

Wednesdays, 9-10am, 5/21-6/18

SEWING - KNOW YOUR FABRICS Thursdays, 6-8pm, 5/22-6/19

WINES OF SICILY Friday, 6-8pm, 5/23

INTRO TO BEEKEEPING Tuesday, 5-8pm, 5/27

APOCALYPSE 101: SURVIVING Saturday, 10am-1pm, 5/31

CARBONDALE PLANT WALK Sunday, 5-7pm, 6/1

SEWING - REPAIRS & ALTERATIONS Mondays, 6-8:30pm, 6/2-7/7

SOMATIC YOGA WORKSHOP Monday, 9-11am, 6/2

BEGINNER WATERCOLOR Tuesdays, 5:30-8:30pm, 6/3-7/15

CELL PHONE PHOTOGRAPHY Tues 5-8pm/Sat 9am-12pm, 6/3-6/17

OPEN PAINTING STUDIO Tuesdays, 1:30-4:30pm, 6/3-7/15

ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE Wed’s, 1:30-3:30pm, 6/4-6/25

CREATIVE WRITING Thursdays, 6-8pm, 6/5-7/3

INTRO TO SOUND HEALING Thursday, 6-9pm, 6/12

LEAD A TRANSFORMATIVE LIFE Tuesday, 6-8:30pm, 6/17

BEGINNING SWING DANCE Wed’s, 6:30-8:30pm, 6/18-7/9

INTRO TO PERMACULTURE DESIGN Wednesday, 6-8pm, 6/18

GEOLOGY OF COLORADO, RF AND CRYSTAL VALLEYS Thursday, 6-9pm, 6/19

EAT YOUR WEEDSLEAVES AND SHOOTS Saturday, 1-3pm, 6/21

KIDS’ CLASSES

STEAL THE SPOTLIGHT AGES 12-18

Learn to block, sing, dance and act a character from a musical. Fridays, 2-3:30pm, 5/30-8/8

BEGINNING SKETCHING AGES 10-17

Loose sketch simple characters starting with the basics. Mondays, 10-11am, 6/9-6/30

SKETCHING AND DRAWING LEVEL II

Draw forms, pets and humans to learn proportions, & perspective. Mondays, 10-11am, 7/14-8/4

More info and to Register...

Gemara Gifford will be the keynote speaker at Colorado Mountain College’s virtual Sustainability and Ecosystem Science Conference on Friday, April 18, from 9am to noon. Gifford is a doctoral student at Colorado State University advocating for environmental justice and Indigenous rights. Register at www.coloradomtn.edu/sustainability-conference Courtesy photo

New RFSD leaders eager to apply years of experience

ANNALISE GRUETER

Sopris Sun Correspondent

This spring, the Roaring Fork School District (RFSD) is closing several chapters and opening new ones when it comes to school leadership. In March, the district announced three hires for the 2025-2026 school year: two new principals and an assistant principal. Just this week, RFSD announced another principal’s retirement. Hiring for other administrative vacancies is underway.

The announced new leaders all come from within their respective school in the district. They were selected through thorough and inclusive screening processes with four rounds of interviews and multifaceted vetting.

Kendall Reiley, the incoming principal for Crystal River Elementary School (CRES), holds degrees from Dartmouth College and the University of Denver. Reiley taught at district schools for nine years before becoming assistant principal at CRES, a position she’s held for the past four years.

“I am excited to continue the strong work that the staff, families and students of Crystal River have been carrying out. We have built a strong culture of focusing on both academic growth and student and staff well being.” stated Reiley. “This coming year, we look

forward to continuing that work, as well as focusing on family engagement and ways to collaborate as a staff to better support students. I’m excited for our third grade bike and camp trip to Rock Bottom Ranch in a couple weeks, celebrating our fourth graders as they move to CMS and welcoming our newest Rams in the fall.”

Lora Smith has served as the interim principal at Glenwood Springs Elementary School (GSES) this year after 13 years as the school’s assistant principal. Smith taught at GSES for three years before shifting into administration. She holds degrees from Central Michigan and the University of Colorado.

“I am excited to continue to build on the momentum from

this school year,” Smith said. “Our staff has been involved in seeing through our major improvement strategies, which include building a strong staff and student culture, high academic achievement for our emerging bilingual students and a culture of using data to inform our daily instruction.”

At Glenwood Springs High School (GSHS), Tom Penzel is also stepping into a more lasting role as one of the secondary school’s assistant principals. He has served in an interim capacity this school year, and has a long resume in both administration and teaching. He has degrees from the University of Colorado and from Colorado College.

Bilingual communications specialist for RFSD, Cristina

Vargas, shared more details about the evaluation and hiring process with The Sopris Sun.

“Our hiring process isn’t built around a fixed timeline,” Vargas explained. RFSD conducts the selection processes with a tendency toward elevating stakeholder voices and giving candidates multiple opportunities to demonstrate key leadership competencies. “We balance the need for a careful, robust process with a sense of urgency. This year, we launched the process in November to attract top candidates.”

RFSD is also in the process of hiring new assistant principals and other positions. “The selection processes are underway, and we’re making good progress. Updates will be shared

through press releases as appropriate,” Vargas shared. The intent is for all selected candidates to start their new positions in July of this year. The searches for most of the remaining pending positions launched this spring.

“We are thrilled to have Kendall, Lora and Tom in these leadership roles,” said Assistant Superintendent and Chief Academic Officer Dr. Stacey Park. “Their collective experience, commitment to equitable outcomes for students, instructional knowledge and extensive time in the Roaring Fork schools community are important assets in our broader leadership team. We are proud to see leaders develop from within our schools and hope to continue fostering a culture of continuous growth. ”

Another position yet to be filled for next school year is a new principal for Sopris Elementary School (SES). As recently announced, David Lindenberg is retiring after eight years as principal at SES, and over two decades as an educator in the Roaring Fork Valley.

Amid these leadership changes, RFSD has plenty to celebrate. National Assistant Principals Week was last week, and May 1 is National Principals’ Day. The schools will continue to share periodic press releases as more personnel gaps are filled.

Tom Penzel

Lora Smith

Kendall Reiley

2025 All Valley Talent Show Glenwood Springs High School Thursday, April 17th

BOCC signs resolution opposing Senate Bill 25-003

Charging citizens a fee to buy back their 2nd Amendment rights, says Perry Will

AMY HADDEN MARSH Sopris Sun Correspondent

Right off the bat at Monday’s regular meeting, Garfield County Commissioners (BOCC) discussed and approved a resolution “strongly opposing” Senate Bill 25-003, which Governor Jared Polis signed into law on April 10. Gun enthusiasts and sheriffs of at least 13 Colorado counties are up in arms, so to speak, about the new law, which aims to restrict the sale of certain semi-automatic firearms. The law also requires safety training for those who want to purchase them, a permit from the local sheriff and classifies devices that increase the rate of fire, like bumpstocks, as dangerous weapons.

The bill, which goes into effect August 2026, is complicated — but many, including the BOCC, believe it to be an affront to 2nd Amendment rights. “I want the county to oppose Senate Bill 3, which is probably the most restrictive gun law in the United States,” said Commissioner Perry Will, who added that the law could put “mom and pop” gun shops out of business.

RFTA REPORT

The bill, co-sponsored by state Senator Tom Sullivan, whose son was killed in the 2012 Aurora movie theater shooting, requires 12 hours of training to purchase a semi-automatic firearm, four hours if a person already has a hunting license. “There’s no training requirements to exercise your 1st Amendment right,” Will exclaimed. “And I don’t think there should be for your 2nd Amendment [right].” He added that he’s all in favor of firearm safety training but not like this.

Commission Chair Tom Jankovsky and Commissioner Mike Samson were of one mind, adamant about the potential job losses on the state level, costs to counties for additional hires, more responsibilities for county sheriffs and, finally, the governor’s action.

“This is another example of the governor and the state legislature just ram-rodding bad legislation down our throats,” opined Samson, adding that neither the governor nor the state legislature cares about the Western Slope. He also admonished local state representative Elizabeth

“He’s so arrogant. Thinks he knows everything.”

Velasco (D-HD57) for casting a “yes” vote. “To me, this is another example of very poor representation that Garfield County has on a state representative level,” he growled. “It’s terrible. It’s terrible.”

Jankovsky called the bill an unfunded mandate and had this to say to Governor Polis: “If you’re trying to run for president of the United States, the public and the citizens of the United States will take this into account,” he said. “They don’t need a Little Napoleon

Bus operator comments and potential free travel this autumn

Sopris Sun Correspondent

On April 10, the RFTA board meeting was defined by driver input, welcoming new board members following Aspen’s recent municipal elections and project and strategy updates. The meeting was hosted at its usual location at Carbondale Town Hall, though around 20 people joined online.

Public comment

Edward Anderson has been driving RFTA buses for four years. “I can say it’s been a great experience. I enjoy the people I work with and interacting with passengers on my bus,” he shared. Anderson was recently named for the RFTA Pillar Award for outstanding service. He attended the meeting to represent bus operator discomfort with an intended safety insurance measure.

“I’d like to talk about the AlertMeter [test] that RFTA drivers are required to take at the start of every shift and the negative effects it has on driver retention and driver morale,” Anderson said. AlertMeter measures a person’s cognitive awareness with an image-driven test designed to detect impairment due to drugs, alcohol, fatigue and stress. “I know drivers who have quit directly because of the AlertMeter. Or the AlertMeter was a contributing factor to

why they quit.” Anderson cited drivers who passed the test tired or distracted but have failed the test when fully alert and awake. He said that the test becomes harder to pass after having failed once.

He also asserted that the test has implicit bias because it is quite easy for some bus operators who are naturally inclined toward games and tests, while extremely difficult for operators who have different aptitudes. For the latter, Anderson said it causes those drivers intense stress and they study for hours in fear of failing the test. “At this point, no one has any confidence in the alert meter as a safety tool,” he claimed.

The board listened closely to Anderson’s comments and thanked him for attending the meeting and sharing his concerns. The meeting then turned to welcomes and gratitudes. Chair Greg Poschman announced an award of recognition for former Aspen mayor Torre’s public service over the years.

Poschman also shared a compliment received from a citizen at Bonfire Coffee ahead of the board meeting, praising one of the bus operators.

Carbondale board representative Colin Laird publicly recognized Aspen Mayor Rachel Richards as a new RFTA board member and Aspen city councilman Bill Guth as her alternate. Laird suggested adding the alert meter to the agenda of a future board

to be a dictator as the president of the United States.” He added that the bill is just another example of how Polis does not listen to citizens. “He is arrogant, thinks he knows best,” said Jankovsky. “I hate to be so critical of the governor because he’s also vindictive.”

The rest of the meeting lasted about 45 minutes and included consent agenda approval, an intergovernmental agreement with the Parachute Urban Renewal Association and a

meeting to further investigate and discuss the intended safety measurement.

Richards shared that the valley commute is eye-opening and demonstrative of the magnitude of the transportation issues RFTA is working to mitigate. She thanked RFTA drivers for all they do, especially when road conditions are dangerous, and the board for the work they do in maintaining and expanding public transportation in the region.

Poschman shared a final submitted comment asking whether bus access can be increased and if it will ever be possible for dogs to be on buses and increase bike-carrying capacity. Affirming murmurs indicated interest in discussing these possibilities in the future. Pitkin County commissioner and RFTA board alternate Francie Jacober seconded welcoming Richards to the board and complimented her dedication and seriousness to public

contract with Rifle-based Greyco Customs for upfitting vehicles for the county sheriff.

Carrie Couey, county treasurer and public trustee, presented the public trustee report for the first quarter of 2025. Net revenue is $5,698.16 in the red.

You can find BOCC meeting minutes in video and PDF form, dating all the way back to 1998 at www.garfieldcountyco.gov/ board-commissioners/meetings

service. Jacober also shared compliments to bus operators.

Consent agenda

Poschman presented two resolutions for consent. Resolution 2025-17 authorized approval of an intergovernmental agreement for planning and participating in a regional planning commission. Resolution 2025-18 authorized submitting a request to the Colorado Multimodal Transportation and Mitigation Options Fund.

Richards requested brief comments on each ahead of the consent vote. Director of Sustainability and Legislative Affairs David Johnson quickly reviewed that the first resolution is intended to ensure documentation and oversight between multiple agencies working together. He also shared how RFTA is seeking state funding via the second resolution to help fund additional microtransit expansion in the service area. Both resolutions were approved.

Presentations and action items

Johnson shared an update about RFTA’s Fare Free Pilot Project. The concept came out of the refreshed climate action plan as an incentive to increase ridership. The program is slated to run during autumn 2025, when RFTA projects it will be able to accommodate additional riders without increasing the number of buses. The pilot will make all regional routes, including hogback routes, free between Sept. 22 and Nov. 23. The Maroon Bells route will not be included in the pilot, given the need for crowd-control and public education programs. The

ANNALISE GRUETER

RFTA is investigating funding options to provide fare-free transportation throughout its service area from late September to late November this year. Courtesy photo

Pika Furniture Studio elevates custom woodwork

MYKI JONES Arts Correspondent

For six years, Pika Furniture Studio has provided custom wood furniture pieces to customers in the Roaring Fork Valley and beyond. The shop, located at 826 CO-133 Suite E in Carbondale, is run by Corey Summers and Jason Caudill. The business began as a passion project between the two in a way that Caudill described as fate.

“Eight years ago, I moved into the condo next to [Summers] here in Carbondale. We went to school together at Basalt, reconnected and started talking about woodworking. We ended up on this crazy job, doing this crazy ceiling that nobody else wanted to touch. We took a break, and we were talking about how we’re gonna collaborate and start some sort of business together.”

Summers’ father operated Summer Mouldings, so he grew up in the world of woodworking. Caudill’s father was a general contractor, and he was always surrounded by things being built. Summers’ father eventually retired and moved to where Pika currently sits. During the COVID-19 pandemic, multiple business

partners pulled out. Caudill walked into the space, and the journey alongside his co-owner began.

“Corey asked me if I wanted to jump into the middle of things. At first, I said, ‘Hell no,’ because it was half-assembled and I had just gotten a place in Missouri

Heights. We then started working together and realized we worked really well together,” Caudill stated. “I abandoned my idea of having this small garage shop making furniture, and we started Pika together.”

According to Caudill, the journey has been rewarding,

but it has also included challenges like breaking into the world of custom furniture without slipping into mass production of specific pieces, plus logistics, financials and staying ahead of the market curve while honoring the craft that goes into each custom piece.

“We’ve been fighting an uphill battle for the past six years trying to figure out how to make it so that we can do the real fine-craft woodworking,” Caudill said. “We’ve taken on the challenge of diving deeper into solid wood furniture, and it’s an art form that you never master. You always feel like you come up short and have more to learn. That’s where we’ve invested our time and energy, trying to get these complex jobs that nobody else wants to do and then figuring it out.”

A passage on Pika Furniture Studio’s website states that when someone commissions a piece of furniture from the shop, they are participating in the creation of a legacy. This comes in part from the crew’s sustainable wood materials sourced from family-owned sawmills throughout the country. In this studio, every custom piece is a journey in and of itself.

“Every project is different, even if you’re making the same thing twice, because every piece of wood is different,” Caudill explained. He likened woodworking to working with clay due to the variability of materials. While primarily serving upvalley clients, Caudill shared that the community they have built in Carbondale, with the help of shop parties for folks interested in learning about the studio, is something he and his crew are proud of.

“With the people that work here, I think we’ve created something pretty bulletproof that everybody’s passionate about. That’s been a special thing. We push hard on everybody at different points because we’re trying to do this ridiculous thing where we’re trying to do, like, the most high [quality] woodworking that there is out there. It’s hard when it’s your friends, but it’s been cool to watch everybody receive that well and then reciprocate by doing their best.”

To order a custom piece or or more information, visit www.pikafurniture.com or follow @pika_furniture_studio on Instagram

Just one example of Pika Furniture Studio’s custom work, courtesy photo

Notes from Brazil

ANASOPHIA BROWN Rotary Youth Ambassador

The past eight months have easily been the most challenging but fulfilling of my life. I arrived in Brazil certain I was almost fluent in Portuguese, only to find I couldn’t understand a single sentence that was said to me. My self-confidence plummeted as I realized how severely unprepared I was. Exhausted after several delayed flights and 45 hours of travel, I was certain I had made the biggest mistake of my life; I was in a foreign country, living with people who didn’t speak more than five words of my language, and this would be my life for the next 11 months.

My Brazilian great-grandmother met my great-grandfather, an American Navy intelligence officer, at a Carnaval party in 1943 in Santos, Brazil. My grandmother was born in Rio de Janeiro before the family relocated to the Roaring Fork Valley in the 1950s. My family grew with the town, and Carbondale is the only home I’ve known for the first 17 years of my life.

Though Brazilian cuisine — pão de queijo, mousse de maracujá and feijoada — were staples at family dinners, my connection to Brazil remained largely unexplored, limited to a

deep curiosity. Inspired in part by this curiosity, I applied to Rotary’s youth exchange program. I was accepted to go to Brazil, my first choice country, and I eagerly began studying Portuguese.

After great anticipation and preparation with Rotary, I arrived in the city of Rio de Janeiro on July 27. I was both overwhelmed and enamored by the vibrancy of the city. However, in my new hometown of Nova Friburgo, with a new family and pets, new school and new everything, my first few months in Brazil were an uphill battle. I witnessed my academic downfall as I started school in a language I didn’t understand or speak. Relentless homesickness made some days unbearable.

To cope, I created a list of eight milestones, promising myself that if I remained miserable upon reaching the next one, I would let myself go home. For the first few, I was still miserable, but I am more determined (or stubborn) than I am fragile, so I pushed on. After my third or fourth milestone, I realized that the nights of tears were few and far between and had been replaced by a feeling of belonging. I had friends, an amazing language tutor and I had fallen

in love with the warmth of the Brazilian people, with the energy and animation that hung in the air and with the unabashed joy that infuses daily life.

The music, the parties (which far surpass those in America), the makeshift family I had built, the beauty and directness of Portuguese and even the humid air that finally restored moisture to my perpetually dry hair and nails — all of it became familiar, comfortable and a part of me. Time started to fly.

For summer vacation around Christmas, I spent a month in Buzios and Arraial do Cabo. I lived in what felt like my very own coming-of-age film; my friends and I escaped the relentless summer heat in the crystalline waves of the Pacific Ocean and stayed out dancing until sunrise on the beach. I became acutely aware of the fleeting nature of my time in Brazil, my time in Buzios even more so. With enthusiasm, I embraced every sunburnt smile, every spontaneous adventure and every new friend.

For my entire exchange, I had been anticipating Carnaval with excitement. My first weekend of celebration brought me to Vitória, a coastal city in Espírito

Santo. Adorned in an elaborate costume, I samba-danced with both Brazilians and other exchange students from all over the world in front of thousands of onlookers. I have always had two left feet, but dancing that night with electrified crowds in an enormous parade, I felt more alive than ever before.

The next weekend, in my host city, Nova Friburgo, felt like a reward for having made it this far in my exchange. I celebrated with what seemed like the entire city, laughing and dancing, but alas, I

didn’t follow in my great-grandmother’s footsteps of meeting my future husband.

Now, as my second-to-last milestone of the year, my trip to the Amazon, comes closer, I am filled with immense gratitude and pride. My exchange year has given me space to grow and become a more independent and resilient person. I can speak and understand a language that once felt insurmountable. I connected to my Brazilian roots, and I embraced a second home.

continued on page 19

AnaSophia Brown (right), courtesy photo

Wanna write a book? The poop scoop

I know you do.

Everything changed in 2010. Patrons handed library staff their shiny Christmas present: Kindles. “Make them work!”

Despite the many predictions of a paperless society, eBooks really hadn’t caught on. But suddenly it was possible to carry 15 or 20 or 100 books around with you in your preferred font type and size.

That same year, 2010, also marked the beginning of a big shift in the publishing landscape.

LITERATE LIFE

By Jamie LaRue Garfield County Public Library District

At that time, there were about 300,000 new titles published a year by “the Big Five” (Penguin Random House, Macmillan, HarperCollins, Hachette and Simon & Schuster). There were roughly 60,000 new titles per year published by small and independent publishers who just couldn’t match the distribution system of the major publishers. There were about 10,000 so-called vanity press titles a year. Today we call them “self-published,” even though the platform usually belongs to someone else — Amazon, Apple and Barnes and Noble, probably.

Almost overnight regional, small and indie publishers could distribute electronic products anywhere in the world, allowing them to expand both offerings and reach. Today their output rivals the Big Five.

The biggest growth was in self-publishing. Today, literally millions of new self-published titles come out every year. Most are poorly written, poorly edited and sloppily formatted. Many others are quite professional, written by previously published authors who know their content and audience. The 2011 breakaway blockbuster, “50 Shades of Grey,” started as self-published fanfiction. These days, self-published titles consistently show up on the New York Times Best Seller list.

Why would an author choose to self-publish?

• Copyright. When authors get published by a big company, the company, not the author, is the owner.

• Control. Some authors feel like editors go too far, dictating either content or style in ways that compromise the authors’ vision. (But I would advise any author to get some tough copy-editing. Nothing says amateur like poor spelling and grammar.)

• Compensation. Beginning authors may make 10-12% on a sale. The rest goes to the publisher. Self-published authors can make up to 85% of the sale.

• Timeliness. Self-publishing options can allow a good and fast writer to hit the hottest topic of the day instead of waiting a year to go through more formal processes. Why would an author choose not to self-publish?

• Some authors really need that editing expertise. They’ve got the beginning of a book, but no idea how to organize it and get it over the finish line. Experienced acquisition editors can be a godsend.

• Many authors need other kinds of expertise. They have to convert a manuscript from Microsoft Word to the ePub format. They have to incorporate tricky tables and graphics. They need an index. They need to adopt the kind of book front matter that helps librarians find and catalog them. They need the right cover.

• Probably the biggest reason is marketing. Today the challenge is not writing something, it’s getting anyone else to notice. Getting a book reviewed is the first big hurdle. But with so many new titles, there need to be book clubs, book signings, radio interviews, video clips, blog posts, speaking engagements and more. Some authors love making these kinds of arrangements. But most writers are more introverted and solitary. They wouldn’t know where to start.

• Then, of course, there’s getting the books into actual stores and keeping track of sales.

All of this is a business goldmine. There are many companies that will offer services to aspiring authors. Not all of them are reputable. What advice would I give to someone who is just starting out?

• Read. Find the kind of book you want to write and devour the best. Librarians can help.

• Write. It takes at least five years of 40 hours a week of labor to achieve mastery at anything. Start!

• Seek criticism. But it doesn’t help to just bang away at the keyboard. Nothing improves the quality of your writing like public humiliation. Join a writer’s club. Hire a good editor. Seek out people who don’t just tell you how wonderful you are but help you improve.

• Keep writing. Accomplishment comes from discipline. Even the biggest books start out with just 150-200 words a day. Every day.

I’d also recommend heading to gcpld.org/elibrary; there you’ll find a service called BiblioBoard. As they write, “BiblioBoard lets you read eBooks written by independent authors in Colorado and more than 12,000 indie authors across North America with no wait or hold time. Plus, share your own eBooks with the Indie Author Project using the PressBooks self-publishing platform.”

So you wanna write a book. Wanna write a good one?

EDITOR’S NOTE: This column repetitiously employs a single expletive. Reader discretion advised. I tried to write this narrative in my head while picking manure this morning. That is when and where I always have the greatest clarity of thought. I should try to write or record while shoveling shit because I can never reproduce that train of thought and level of revelation. The mindless repetition of a simple task, like scooping poop, serves as a mantra to let the mind wander. And the poop itself happens to be one of my favorite topics. It inspires me. Which is a good thing, because most everything I’ve ever done has gone to shit.

GUEST OPINION

By Jim Duke

When I first wanted to be a cowboy, I learned that horsemanship starts with the manure fork. One must work their way up the ladder to the saddle. When I thought I wanted to be a veterinarian and went to work for one, I found myself in the lab preparing fecal samples for microscope slides to look for parasite eggs. When I decided to pursue my master’s degree on mountain goat food habits, I again found myself viewing shit under high power to determine diets by the remnants of lignified cell tissues of various plants. I wrote a feces thesis. Even when I finally had a professional position as a land manager, I was soon negotiating for the use of municipal sewage sludge as a source of organic matter, nitrogen and water — all necessary components of revegetation practices. The restrictive regulations dealing with raw sewage soon led me to the practice of composting, which became both my personal cause and my professional career. There is no better career than the one that pays you to do what you want and need to do. So, yes, everything I do goes to shit. I’ve accepted my lot in life, and I like it this way.

It

is the beginning and the end, the

yin and yang of living. The end of one food chain and the beginning of another.

“Give me lemons and I’ll make lemonade.” Give me shit and I’ll save humankind! While most consider shit to be the most worthless and least desirable substance on earth, I consider it to be the most underrated, but most important link in the great chain of life. It is the beginning and the end, the yin and yang of living. The end of one food chain and the beginning of another. The waste product of one being becomes the richest possible resource for multitudes of others. An item at rest and a microbial metropolis all at once. Often blunt, yet pointed.

Everyone talks about organic farming, permaculture, biodynamic farming and other approaches to sustainability. While many techniques show some levels of success on a limited basis, they have failed to demonstrate a worldwide solution to food production. My belief is that if it’s not a solution for everyone, it’s not the right solution. Everyone does better when everyone does better. We can’t leave anyone behind.

The worldwide departure from Monsanto based chemical agrobusiness depends upon the large-scale rebuilding of soil organic matter, which has been lost through generations of poor agricultural practices such as overgrazing and cultivation of sub-arable lands. Without soil organic matter to provide proper nutrient cycling, we are completely dependent upon chemical products which require the use of a variety of limited and polluting resources in an unsustainable fashion.

The vast majority of available organic matter and nitrogen can be found in our municipal waste streams and biosolids (sewage). For this reason, any form of sustainable agriculture depends upon the large-scale composting of these human wastes. And because the general waste stream has insufficient nitrogen to compost all the organic matter without the addition of biosolids to provide this nitrogen, it becomes obvious that shit is the key to continued human life on earth.

It should be apparent by now why I don’t consider the word shit to be a dirty word and why I consider the harvesting of shit to be such a worthy, almost spiritual, experience. One might as well consider water, another key component to life, to be something filthy. Not only is shit not filthy, it might be the most valuable substance produced by humankind. This would certainly be true from the viewpoint of nature.

EARTH DAY

from page 7

“Earth Day can be a celebration, but at the same time it’s this one pivotal day when people recognize the importance of the environment around them. We hope to flourish that,” said Charron. “We try to say Earth Day is every day.”

The impacts of climate change are ever-mounting. In the Roaring Fork Valley, watersheds are at risk, wildfire season is intensifying and local ecology is shifting. By following Basalt’s lead, changes in the right direction can happen.

“We’re hitting this tipping point in the United States where people are realizing that this is affecting [everyone],” said Charron. “We all, as a community, have to come together and say, ‘We can’t do this anymore.’ We have to step up now, and it’s going to take the local community all the way up to the international level.”

People can share photos from Basalt’s “Our Power, Our Planet” Earth Day gathering (April 22) with EARTHDAY.ORG by including hashtags #OurPowerOurPlanet or #EarthDay2025. Visit www.basalt. net/336/Green-Team to learn more about Basalt’s renewable energy initiatives.

Etta Louise Holgate

August 10, 1942 - January 27, 2025

Etta Louise Holgate, born August 10, 1942 in Brush, Colorado to Odie and Florence Cooper, was a Rebekah Lodge member in Carbondale, Colorado and a Near New Store volunteer. She passed away on Jan. 27 at Valley View Hospital in Glenwood Springs. Etta married her husband, Charles Roger Holgate, on April 17, 1960 in Carbondale.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Charles,

SEED PEACE from page 6

Valley of Virginia, a place Piscura also called home.

The fund will offer two types of assistance: emergency cash grants and wellness and care vouchers. These vouchers should cover essential services like medical care, mental health counseling and wellness and preventative care (yoga, bodywork, acupuncture) — all at low or no cost.

Traci Turner, a close friend of Piscura, emphasized the need to take care of the farmers who feed us. “Holidays, Sundays, they’re always working and always having to tend the crops that are those nutrients that fuel us,” she said. As an educator, she teaches her young students that food “doesn’t just magically appear at the market,” rather, it depends on hardworking farmers.

As presented at the True Nature event, existing services will be utilized, namely the Colorado Agricultural Addiction and Mental Health Program which provides six free counseling sessions to people working in agriculture, a vocation with unique and intense stressors.

Persons and businesses interested in partnering with or making use of the resource can reach out to Piscura’s father, Bob, at bpiscura@yahoo.com or

parents, Odie and Florence Cooper, and in-laws, Dorothy and Fred Holgate. She is survived by her daughter, Candace Holgate of Carbondale, brother, Ron Cooper, and nephew, Leland Cooper of Pueblo, as well as her six nieces.

The service will be held on Monday, April 28 at the Carbondale Community United Methodist Church at noon, and the burial will follow at Evergreen cemetery in Carbondale.

540-616-6780. Healthcare providers, wellness practitioners and agricultural suppliers are invited to connect, as well as potential donors.

“It’s been a whirlwind couple of months, but we’re getting stuff going, getting stuff done,” Bob commented. A professional financial planner, he is dialing in the finer details of the fund. Bob and Casey’s mother, Debbie, will commit $30,000 per year to the fund annually. He estimates this alone could help support up to 100 people. Bob also hopes to strike up a mental health seminar series every January/February to destigmatize mental health counseling and antidepressants.

“As I’ve found out about Casey’s endeavors, it was all about regeneration,” he said. “Regenerative farming, his land management company where he was advising ranchers, the music stuff that Casey did, it was all about regenerating your soul. That’s the legacy.”

This year, Dandelion Day will also raise funds for the Seed Peace nonprofit, ensuring local food systems thrive by directly supporting wellness for farmers.

“We’re just finding that Casey’s shoes were pretty damn big,” Bob concluded, “and that’s an understatement.”

If you or someone you know has an intent to harm themselves or someone else, the Aspen Hope Center offers a 24/7 crisis line: 970-925-5858 (Aspen to Glenwood Springs) and 970-945-3728 (New Castle to Parachute). To reach Colorado Crisis Service, call 1-844-493-TALK (8255) or text “Talk” to 38255. For the national Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, call 988.

ROTARY EXCHANGE

from page 17

Carbondale will always be my home, and the Pevecs and Browns will always be my family, but now I have the privilege of calling Brazil my home away from home. Although I don’t fully subscribe to the idea of destiny, I cannot shake the feeling that I was always supposed to come here.

AnaSophia Brown, Carbondale native and Roaring Fork High School (RFHS) student, is spending her junior year abroad as a Rotary Youth Exchange Ambassador to Brazil. Inspired by the Colorado River and outdoor adventures, she is passionate about the environment and plans to study environmental science, policy or law in college after graduating from RFHS in 2026. Go Rams!

RFTA REPORT

from page 15

implementation of the pilot is contingent on securing funding of approximately half a million dollars to compensate for the fares that would not be collected.

Board members had many questions for Johnson about details of the pilot. Other Colorado transit agencies have seen ridership increase by over 30% during threemonth free transportation programs. Readers can look through the presentation deck on RFTA’s website.

The next board meeting will occur May 8 at 8:30am in Carbondale. The public is also able to join via Webex. More details will be available on www.rfta.com a week ahead of the meeting.

Justin Blumenthal and Adam Ting are busy at Sunfire Ranch, preparing countless plants to sell and cultivate this season. Photo by Raleigh Burleigh

‘Let’s Talk Business’ returns to Glenwood Springs

FELIPE PEREZ AND BIANCA GODINA Sol del Valle

On April 15, the Glenwood Springs Chamber of Commerce held, for the second consecutive year, the event “Let’s Talk Business,” focused on highlighting the entrepreneurial spirit of the local Spanish-speaking community. The gathering took place at Morgridge Commons, above the Glenwood Springs Library, and brought together business owners, community leaders and members of the public in a warm and participatory environment.

The event included a business resource expo, a discussion panel with experts and food tastings provided by Hugo’s, Super Taco and Taquería El Yaqui, with beverages provided by Quality Brands of the Rockies. Amid this atmosphere, three Latino entrepreneurs shared their stories in a Ted Talk-style format: Dr. Jorge Esparza of Beyond Borders Physical Therapy, Verónica Chacón of Bethel Party Rentals and Martha Peralta of Taquería El Yaqui. Their testimonies, although unique, revealed a common journey of sacrifice, family inspiration, resilience in the face of adversity and a success they now proudly share.

The paths of these Latino entrepreneurs toward success began marked by difficult circumstances and brave decisions. Esparza, for example, grew up between two realities. His family emigrated from Hermosillo, Sonora, with the hope of a better life and settled in Paonia, where they began working in the fields. Esparza was born in Aspen and raised in the valley, but he never forgot his roots or the barriers he observed from a young age.

“It’s been a dream to grow up here,” he shares, “but I was also able to see up close the limitations, especially within the medical system.”

For Chacón, the family story took an unexpected turn when her father was fired after the sale of the company where he worked. What at first seemed like a loss ended up becoming the origin of their business. At the church they attended, her father and a colleague reflected on what had happened and began to see that situation not as an ending, but as the opportunity to build something of their own.

In Peralta’s case, the decision to start a business came in the form of a proposal: to acquire a small business with payment plans. What many would have seen as a risk was, for her, a chance to change her life. She took it on with sacrifice and commitment, and step by step built what is now her livelihood and pride.

“Back then, resources in Spanish were scarce,” she recalls. “Every

step was a leap of faith, guided by hard work, intuition, and the desire to move forward.”

Family inspiration

In each story, family played a key role as a source of motivation.

“I know it’s a sad story, but that’s where the origin of my vocation comes from: from all those nights I spent with my dad, going to therapy and talking with doctors,” Esparza explains. “When I asked myself what I really wanted to do, I thought of all the therapists who came to treat my dad. They inspired me.”

Chacón tells how her parents not only dreamed but worked together to make it happen.

“The lender told them the business plan was very good, but that they needed to find investors,” she says. “And so, in 2005, they found those investors and Bethel Party Rentals was born.”

In Peralta’s case, her love for cooking has deep roots.

“My passion for the restaurant industry began in my mother’s kitchen, where I learned not only to cook, but also the value of sharing and connecting through food,” she explains. “I brought my love for authentic Mexican cuisine to Colorado.”

Resilience and moving forward

Difficulties were no strangers to these entrepreneurs.

“In 2014, my dad passed away after four years of battling his illness,” shares Esparza. “I went to every appointment, took notes, talked to all the doctors about the diagnosis, the prognosis … and that was my experience.”

Chacón remembers how her family took on all the work themselves in the early years. “There wasn’t enough income to have employees, so we’d come home from school to unpack, wash, and stock everything on the shelves,” Chacòn states. “Some nights we’d fall asleep underneath [a table in the office]. That’s how we pushed the company forward.”

Peralta shares, “I also went through painful moments — a couple of robberies that hit me hard, that tested my strength, but never shut down my passion.”

Returning, growing, giving Back

Despite the obstacles, the three speakers have managed to build successful businesses and now give back to their communities.

In 2022, after graduating from the University of Denver School of Medicine, Esparza decided to return to the community that raised him. He began working at Valley View Hospital, where he noticed that the same barriers his family had faced were still present.

“I dedicated myself to translating forms and facilitating processes,

but there came a point where days would go by without speaking English because all my patients were Spanish-speaking,” he says. That experience motivated him to open his own clinic. He started by working on Saturdays, and little by little, his business grew.

Chacón celebrates an important anniversary. “This May, we turn 20 years in business,” she says proudly, “and we currently handle more than a thousand orders a year.” Still, the journey has had its difficult moments. “My parents had to step back because my brother suffered an accident: someone under the influence hit him and caused a traumatic brain injury,” she continues. “Since then, he hasn’t fully recovered.”

Despite everything, Chacón remains hopeful. “It’s been a difficult path, but thank God, we’re still here. We had never truly understood how big the shoes were that our parents left for us to fill, and we are deeply grateful for everything they did.”

Peralta concludes, “Today I am an employer and a collaborator. I lend a hand, I cook not just to feed others, but to share a story of struggle and love,” she continues. “To those just starting out, I say: don’t be afraid to dream. Even if the road is long and lonely at first, every step counts. Because when you cook with your heart, you nourish the soul … and you also build dreams.”

The Glenwood Springs Chamber of Commerce reaffirms its commitment to supporting the Latino community through events like this, including seminars and networking events designed for Spanish-speaking residents.

“These gatherings are part of an ongoing series of educational and informational resources for Spanish speakers. Although most of our events are presented in Spanish, we are working to make them bilingual and more accessible to everyone,” states the organization on its official website: www.glenwoodchamber.com.

Leonardo Occhipinti’s “Nuevo

A business resource expo, giving attendees the chance to explore a wide range of opportunities, kicked off the “Let’s Talk Business” event.

Photo by Ingrid Celeste Zuniga

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

Aspen Highlands ski patroller Rob “Monkey” Dasaro in his “Monkey Lounge” shrine tucked alongside a run on the mountain. The shrine is one of dozens scattered across all four Aspen ski areas, notably ones for Hunter S. Thompson, Elvis and Marilyn Monroe. Among the mementos there is the newly added photo of Dasaro’s band from the front page of the April 8 Aspen Daily News. Photo by Ken Pletcher

When You Have Unexpected Medical Needs

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Longtime

“Free for All: The Public Library” was a movie shown last week at our library that tells the story of the many brave people, mostly women, who defied segregation and book bans to create and maintain a public library system throughout our country. It’s fascinating and inspiring and can be

Thanks to all our wonderful librarians who make all these books and events possi-

love for the outdoors and tradition of giving back. This year, RFOV is honoring its successes with a series of commemorative projects at some of our earliest sites, including the Maroon Creek Wetlands and Maroon Bells Scenic Area in Aspen, the Red Hill trail system in Carbondale, and Rifle Falls State Park in Rifle. These places, like our volunteers, represent the lasting impact of community-powered stewardship.

I have been asked why I sign my letters to the editor “Samuel Adams Jr. a.k.a. Clay

The answer is that I feel our great nation is now in the same relation to our plutocratically-controlled government that the original 13 colonies were to the British Parliament far across the Atlantic Ocean.

Our present leaders in Washington are equally as distant from their own country as the British Parliament was way back when.

When Paul Revere made his famous ride, it was actually to warn John Hancock and Samuel Adams that they were going to

And what was Adam’s treason? Under various pen names, Sam Adams had attacked the many injustices perpetrated on the colonies — including The Boston Massacre of colonials by British soldiers. He was also accused of being behind The

His writings and travels to other colonies helped unite the colonies, eventually culminating in the Declaration of Independence and the American Revolution of 1776.

So here we are again. Let’s work to make 2025 the time to speak out, as Sam Adams did, against the seemingly unending injustices being perpetrated on our citizens and public lands by a government that seems

Defend our people, our land, and

Write letters to the editor, contact your representatives, join groups of concerned citizens, and be sure to vote

Samuel Adams Jr. a.k.a.

As Roaring Fork Outdoor Volunteers celebrates its 30th season, I want to offer a heartfelt thank-you to the thousands of volunteers who have given their time, support, and energy to our mission over the past 30 years. Since 1995, volunteers have been the driving force behind RFOV’s work to care for and restore our beautiful public lands.

Whether you were on our very first project on the Scout Trail in the summer of ’95, helped maintain Hanging Lake Trail, hauled rocks in the Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness, cleared invasive species, or mitigated lands threatened by wildfire, your efforts matter. Every hour, every project, and every step has helped ensure our region has a vibrant network of shared outdoor spaces.

In 2024 alone, over 2,000 volunteers contributed more than 8,000 hours to projects across Garfield, Pitkin, Eagle, and Gunnison counties. That’s not just a number, it’s a testament to our community’s

As we reflect on three decades of trail work, habitat restoration, youth programming, and fire mitigation, one thing is clear: none of it would be possible without you. We invite everyone to be part of this milestone season. Whether you’re a longtime volunteer or considering your first project, now is the perfect time to get involved. Visit rfov.org/calendar to sign up. To every person who has helped RFOV grow year after year — thank you. This 30-year celebration is because of you.

With deep gratitude, Sophie Ahava Roaring Fork Outdoor Volunteers

Well done

The Center for Human Flourishing (TCfHF) acknowledges and thanks the sponsors of Spring Into Wellness First Friday 2025 — Carbondale Parks and Recreation and Carbondale Arts. We appreciate the partnership in planning and manifesting a very successful event.

Thanks also to the wellness businesses that cosponsored the event — 7 Hawks Healing, A Way Out, Colorado Community Acupuncture, Current Ritual - Kat Hardy, Dr. Greg Feinsinger Nutritional Counseling, Fifth World Coaching – Ben Germann, HeadQuarters, MHA Readings and Coaching Studio, Molly Kempel Nutrition, Pura Simple, Roaring Fork Reflexology, The Meeting Place, True Nature Healing Arts, Vis Foods. Thanks to the many practitioners and businesses that hosted tables at the Carbondale Recreation Center on April 4, First Friday. Many of these folks donated “prizes” for the bingo game. Thanks also to the businesses in town that donated prizes for bingo — Village Smithy, Sopris Wine & Liquor and Granetta Panini. It takes a village to put on a successful event and Carbondale pulled it off again! We hope the people of all ages who came to the Rec Center enjoyed meeting the people in Carbondale’s healing arts community. A special shout-out for the support of Ces Lowdermilk, a CMC student interning with TCfHF for her capstone project. Another shout-out to Pablo Herr and members of the Carbondale & Rural Fire Protection District for providing blood pressure screening and information on wildfire mitigation. Grateful for all!

Rita Marsh

The Center for Human Flourishing

LETTERS POLICY: The Sopris Sun welcomes local letters to the editor. Shorter letters stand a better chance of being printed. Letters exclusive to The Sopris Sun (not appearing in other papers) are particularly welcome. Please, no smearing, cite your facts and include your name and place of residence or association. Letters are due to news@ soprissun.com by noon on the Monday before we go to print.

NONPROFIT MILESTONES

Around 100 people turned up to see political analyst Ken Rudin present at the inaugural Mountain Perspectives speaker series event in partnership with TACAW and Aspen Public Radio (APR). Moderator Breeze Richardson, APR executive director, skillfully facilitated a conversation that spanned American history and the globe, providing some semblance of a map to navigate these unprecedented times. The event concluded on a lighter note, with a quick game of ScuttleButton, making use of Rudin’s vast collection of political campaign buttons. Sopris Sun board members welcomed attendees and signed up Sunscribers. Photos by Klaus Kocher

Folks usually dread tax day, April 15, but KDNK staff members celebrated reaching their membership drive goal of $88,100 thanks to photographer Jane Bachrach, Lucy the dog, Patrick Wilson, Robynn Newton, Birdie & Townes and DJ Big Daddy who helped the station cross the finish line. April 15 also happens to be KDNK’s birthday!

Photo by Jane Bachrach

granddaughter, 13, has asked what might happen and how it could affect her schooling. Entering her freshman year this fall, she, like most kids her age, wants to continue on with her classmates to RFHS.

When Montes’ granddaughter was small, 3 or 4, the family moved from one trailer to another within the park. Even then, as she watched her old home be hauled away, Montes recalled how concerned she was. Now, she has that same feeling, but with more understanding and much higher stakes.

Eber Silva, 28, was born and raised in the Valley and has lived in the same home for 18 years. He attended Carbondale schools throughout, and was in the pre-collegiate program and received his associates degree at Colorado Mountain College (CMC). His sister, Yesenia Silva Estrada, is the vice president of planning and chief of staff at CMC.

“Out of these little mobile home [parks], we have a lot of people who are very involved in the community,” said Quezada. “They were raised here.”

“We’re [also] the blue-collar class that you see bagging your groceries, checking you out, in service, cleaning homes,” added Silva. “In this community is the infrastructure that keeps this valley moving. If we don’t have this community, what does that mean?” He said it would have a ripple effect on the local economy.

Lily Magana has lived in the park for 25 years, and raised three daughters there. She attended both of her older children’s RFHS graduation ceremonies, alongside fellow Carbondale community members. With tears welling in her eyes, she stated through an interpreter, “We are scared, sad and worried.” She added that she has never had such feelings while living there.

“People say it’s 64 homes, but really it’s 64 families,” concluded Silva. Quezada added bluntly, “We want people to help us.”

Readers can find the GoFundMe page at www.tinyurl.com/MountainValleyGFM

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