20240516

Northern Lights reach south

Much of North America was treated to a rare spectacle as the aurora borealis stretched as far south as Florida over the weekend. The phenomena was caused by solar flares affecting Earth’s magnetic field. The current solar cycle is predicted to peak in July 2025, meaning more chances for viewing the Northern Lights may be on the horizon. Night sky enthusiasts are invited to a free presentation about reducing local light pollution at TACAW on May 16. Find details in this week’s calendar.

Photo by Amy Hadden Marsh

Kenny Rogers serenades Carbondale

In May of 1985, my job was troubleshooting the most difficult cases for my county’s child protection program, which I’d helped found a few years earlier. A respected expert in my field, I lunched with attorneys, probation officers, and judges. Both of my teenage children were about to enter college and I owned a marijuana farm in Oregon, just across the California state line.

Although I liked my work, I now hated the agency I worked for. But I was well paid and, with looming college expenses, I felt trapped. I knew two social workers who were earning more with their weekend marijuana growing than they did at work, so why not? My buddy Mike and I bought 75 acres near Cave Junction and started “developing” it. We figured we’d do it long enough to put those college expenses aside, at which time we’d be freer to leave our depressing jobs.

To this day, I don’t know what changed for me. I went to bed on a Monday evening feeling optimistic. At 2am Tuesday, I woke up to visions of being arrested at work, led past my peers in handcuffs, my reputation, license, and career gone forever, along with my house and, probably, Niki who had never really liked the idea.

working on Age-Friendly Carbondale’s (AFC) Highway 133 Report, but this time the fear isn’t for myself and my family. It’s for the town I’ve come to love, because 133 is changing Carbondale as dramatically as that farm could have damaged my life.

OPINION

Half a thousand respondents told us (AFC) that they want to walk and bike more, but they’re afraid of the Highway 133 corridor. They’re afraid to have their children walk or bike along it unaccompanied and they’re terrified for them to cross. They said that traffic moves too fast, that there aren’t enough marked crossings and that even the existing crossings don’t feel safe. Our most vulnerable population, people who rely on wheelchairs for their mobility, told us they “jaywalk” at Nieslanik to avoid traveling the extra distance to marked crossings that are inadequate for them anyway.

I called Mike to share my sudden awakening. He didn’t see it that way but, with some urging from his wife, he agreed to consult Robert Cogan, a good friend and respected dope lawyer. Bob listened respectfully while we detailed our plan and its progress. (By now, we had 200 beautiful young plants in the ground). When we finished, Bob said, “I want you to drive up there immediately, and pull and burn every plant.”

MATURE CONTENT

By Ron Kokish

Then he told us the mistakes we’d made. We’d put title to the land in our own names. We’d bought our topsoil, hoses, pumps (one of which had already been stolen), and deer fencing less than 30 miles away. We were strangers in a town where we stood out like sore thumbs. Local authorities and their federal friends, Bob assured us, were just waiting for our plants to mature. Because we had crossed state lines, we would be taken straight to San Francisco to face federal charges. He finished with, “...and there will be nothing I can do for you.”

We rushed off to buy kerosene and at 2am on Wednesday, feeling sad, stupid, and relieved, I drove home while listening to Kenny Rogers on my 8-track. “You gotta know when to hold’em, know when to fold’em, … etc.” Disaster averted! I had another, similar awakening two weeks ago while I was

LETTERS

1968 again

As a veteran of the 1968 “police riot” at the Democratic National Convention in Chicago, I can compare it to today’s pro-Palestine, anti-Israel protests. Once again, it’s the nation’s youth taking an antiwar stance. They always do. The old farts start the wars and it’s the nation’s flowering generation that has to spill the blood.

The clearest difference between the two antiwar movements is it was our buddies who were being thrown into the fray and not coming back or returning with their heads so screwed around they couldn’t be functioning members of a society at peace.

I mourn for the Palestinian and the Israeli combatants who’ve given their last full measure of devotion and, especially, the civilians who’ve lost their lives or had those lives completely disrupted by the destruction, but I don’t know any of those people.

The police have gotten a little rough with the current protesters and used excessive force rather than de-escalation, but nothing like what I saw in Chicago. I saw two of Hizzoner da Mare’s storm troopers dragging a demonstrator by his feet, while a third officer was playing ratta-tat-tat on his already unconscious head with his nightstick.

And it wasn’t all one-sided. I went to the protest with two friends, one of whom was a midshipman at Annapolis. As we were watching the melee, a troublemaker came up between us and heaved a brick at the National Guard. My naval academy companion grabbed him and bellowed, “You idiot!”

I was looking at the National Guard who was pointing at us. “Let him go,” I shouted, “And let’s get outta Dodge.” We did and when we looked back, we saw tear gas canisters exploding

We wanted growth, and with good reason. We knew there’d be downsides, but rather than making the hard decisions needed to minimize those, we approved one development after another without installing the requisite infrastructure.

We glossed over obvious problems with comforting buzzwords like “smart growth” and “preserving small-town character.” Several reports and some residents told us what we needed to plan for but, like Mike and me, we were too intent on what we wanted to let that get in our way, and like our wives, the nay-sayers didn’t shout and pout and cry loud enough and long enough to break through.

So, here we are, afraid to let our children near the highway that should have been, and still can be, a boulevard. There are planned improvements in the works, but they are slow in coming and they appear insufficient to restore our rapidly-fading smalltown character.

So, once again, I woke up terrified. But this time, it will take more than a night’s work and 20 gallons of kerosene to undo the harm. In keeping with this urgency, for the next eight to 10 weeks The Sopris Sun will publish weekly specifics about each problem our respondents pointed to, and our recommendations for addressing those problems. Look for these segments beginning next week. Until then, you can read our complete report and watch the video recording of our presentation to the BicyclePedestrian Commission at www.bit.ly/133-presentation

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

Happy Mother’s Day 2024

CORRECTION: Our sincere apologies for incorrectly identifying Julia Morton and Rune in the May 9 issue.

Editor Raleigh Burleigh 970-510-3003

news@soprissun.com

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SCUTTLEBUTT

Murder suspect

On May 10, Garfield County Sheriff’s Office arrested John Michael Worley for the suspected murder of Wayne Moore. Moore was discovered bleeding and unresponsive in his car on May 11, 2021. Over the past three years, investigators conducted dozens of witness interviews, multiple search warrants and the analyzing of physical evidence, identifying Worley, a 30-year-old man from Parachute, as the primary suspect. All subjects are presumed innocent until proven guilty.

Wildfire preparedness

Colorado Rural & Fire Protection District (CRFPD) is offering free home wildfire mitigation consultation to property owners. To schedule an appointment, you can call 970-963-2491. It’s also a great time to download the ReachWell app and sign up for emergency alerts for Eagle, Garfield and/or Pitkin counties. CRFPD publishes a regular newsletter with seasonal safety tips in English and Spanish. You can subscribe at www.carbondalefire.org

El Jebel fire

On Sunday, May 12, Roaring Fork Fire Rescue Authority responded to a structure fire on Clark Drive in El Jebel. The first arriving unit reported “a single-story, single-family mobile home with smoke showing from the eaves.” Crews were able to contain the fire and prevent it from spreading to adjacent homes. One person suffered from smoke inhalation and the home sustained extensive damage with the majority of its contents deemed “a total loss due to smoke and water damage.” The cause of the fire is under investigation.

Civic innovation

The Knight Foundation’s Knight Emerging City Champions program is accepting applications for innovation pitches to revitalize downtown areas, enhance public spaces and foster economic opportunities. Applicants will receive $5,000 seed funding, along with a $500 tech grant to kickstart their community projects. This program targets individuals ages 18-35 and begins with a trip to Toronto, Canada. Applications close on May 27. Learn more at www.bit.ly/KECCapp

Rocky Mountain School

the 20th and 21st Century,”

returned to

teaches students

current

The topic of protest this year was “climate change” which garnered many honks and a few sneers from passing motorists. Asked if she has hope for the future, student Isla

am committed to life, and thus I can’t not hope.”

AARP award

AARP Colorado is seeking nominations for its 2024 Colorado Andrus Award for Community Service, honoring Coloradans over 50 who share their experience, talent and skills to enrich the lives of their fellow community members. Nominations will be evaluated based on how the volunteer’s work has improved the community, reflected AARP’s vision and mission and inspired other volunteers. The application can be found at www. bit.ly/AARPawardCO and is due by July 15. For more info, contact COAARP@aarp.org

Aspen art

The City of Aspen is commissioning an artist/team to create and install a work of public art and community engagement at the Rubey Park Transit Center. Bilingual, participatory projects will be prioritized. The project will have a $15,000 budget and be on display for two months this summer. Applications are due by May 20 at www.bit.ly/RedBrickENG

5 Point winners

On May 9, 5 Point Adventure Film Festival announced its 17th flagship festival award-winning films. “Best of Festival” went to “26,000 Days” by Henry Behel; “Best Editing” was earned by “Reel Rock: Jirishanca” by Josh Lowell and Peter Mortimer; “Best Cinematography” was awarded to “The Polar Passage” by Andrew Harrison Brown and Renan Ozturk; the “Hayden Kennedy Award” was given to “Moving Mountains” by Jessa Williams; and “People’s Choice Award” went to “School of Fish” by Oliver Sutro and Colin Arisman.

They say it’s your birthday! Folks celebrating another trip around the sun this week include: Bartlett, Cynthia Butterfield, Aaron Luttrell and Fred Pulver (May 16); Terrie Geddes, Lisa Johnson and Steven Quint (May 17); Willa Bonzi, Mike Cassetty, Bonnie Earl and Gretchen Hofmann (May 18); Peter Frey (May 19); Eloise Clark, Jenny Garcia and Daniel Self (May 20); Tucker Farris and Wesley Niemer (May 21); Arn Menconi, Steve Beckley, Charlie Chacos, Mila Fomina, Frank Markoya and Bonnie Pletcher (May 22).

Colorado

seniors

the roundabout for their annual protest. This activity is the culmination of Beth Krasemann’s advanced-placement history class, “Human Rights in

which

about

events and civic engagement.

Brumby Nelson stated, “I

Photo by Raleigh Burleigh

Long COVID: where are we now?

KEN PLETCHER

Sopris Sun Contributor

In late 2021, The Sopris Sun published a story on a medical condition that had arisen during the COVID pandemic and had only been identified a short time earlier. Formally called postacute sequelae of SARS CoV-2 (PASC) by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), it is now commonly known as Long COVID.

The CDC states, “Long COVID is a wide range of new, returning, or ongoing health problems that people experience after being infected with the virus that causes COVID-19. Most people with COVID-19 get better within a few days to a few weeks after infection, so at least four weeks after infection is the start of when Long COVID could first be identified.” And, they note, “Anyone who was infected can experience Long COVID.”

As discussed in the 2021 article, symptoms of Long COVID vary widely, from mild to severe. Some of the most common reported are shortness of breath, chest pain, heart palpitations, fatigue, continued loss of smell and “brain fog” (i.e., confusion and problems with concentration and memory). In addition, organs (e.g., the lungs, heart and kidneys)

can become damaged and lead to serious conditions such as diabetes or heart problems. Long COVID symptoms can last weeks, months or even years.

Long COVID in the Valley

Back in early 2021, the Lung Center at Valley View Hospital set up a once-monthly Long COVID clinic to handle what Jenny Queen, a physician’s assistant at the center, told The Sun was “the big spike in cases” that winter. She continued, “We had a very busy 2021,” anticipating that 2022 would be as well. However, that turned out not to be the case. Flash forward to April 2024, when Queen told The Sun that the clinic had closed down “sometime in 2022,” because “there were just not that many referrals at that point.”

She continued, “When we started [in 2021], we were getting four to eight referrals a month, and then it tapered off with the development of vaccines and then the [appearance of the] Omicron [virus] strain. Vaccines came out, and people were not getting the same severity of illness. Overall, with Omicron, we had a decreased number of patients who got Long COVID. It still happens but at much less frequency; we handle about one referral every other month.”

The situation out West

While such low incidences of Long COVID may be common in our neck of the woods, that is not the case out in far-western Colorado, especially Mesa County, where hundreds of Long COVID patients have been reported since the start of the pandemic.

The focus of treatment there is the Post-COVID Recovery clinic at Family Health West (FHW), a 25-bed critical-access hospital in Fruita. The clinic was set up in late 2020 by Dr. Ellen Price, DO, a specialist in physical and rehabilitative medicine, and by others, who saw the need for specialized care addressing lingering effects of COVID-19. It is the only facility of its kind in western Colorado, the rest being in Front Range communities,

and is part of a large network of collaborative PASC/Long COVID clinics nationwide.

In a recent conversation, Dr. Price told The Sun that the clinic was set up to help St. Mary’s Hospital in nearby Grand Junction as COVID cases (and then Long COVID) spiked in Mesa County. However, FHW was also receiving patients from as far away as Crested Butte and Eagle. Even now, the clinic sees patients from a broad area of western Colorado and even Moab, Utah.

She said that about 420 patients have been treated by the clinic since its opening, “some

Watercolor by Sarah Andersen

just once or twice, some since the beginning,” for the more debilitating cases. They are still receiving an average of two to three new referrals per week. In general, they see a patient “about once every six weeks,” which becomes difficult for patients who live farther away. Telemedicine is common. When asked, Dr. Price could not say if the vaccination rate in Mesa County (about 50%) was a factor in the higher incidence of COVID and Long COVID there. She also noted that they “don’t really know completely” why twice as many women have Long COVID compared to men. Acknowledging that Long COVID likely is here to stay, though, she added, “People have learned to live with it.”

Additional information can be found at www.bit.ly/CDCpostCOVID and www.bit.ly/ COLongCOVID

Housing Coalition’s ‘Good Deeds’ buydown program hoping for summer launch

JOHN STROUD Sopris Sun Correspondent

A new affordable housing program aimed at lowering the price of existing homes for qualified buyers in the Roaring Fork and Colorado River valleys, without the burden of new construction, could launch as soon as this summer.

The West Mountain Regional Housing Coalition (WMRHC) outlined plans for its Deed Restriction Purchase Program at a housing forum in January. Also at that forum, attendees voted on a new name for the program, which will be called “Good Deeds.”

Commonly referred to as a buydown program, the WMRHC effort is modeled after a similar program that goes by the same name in Eagle County.

The way it’s structured, WMRHC will partner with buyers who have employment in Garfield, Pitkin or Eagle counties to defray the cost of a free market home, up to a certain price point, by 30%.

Price points are $1.5 million for homes in the Basalt area and upvalley to Aspen and Snowmass, $1.2 million for homes in and around Carbondale and Glenwood Springs, and $800,000 for homes in western Garfield County.

In exchange, the buyer will agree to place a permanent price-capped deed

restriction on the property, allowing 3% annual appreciation. The buyer also must not own other property, and must live in the home as their primary residence.

“From our research, even if you earn median or just above median income in our area, the housing market is still too far out of reach,” said April Long, programs director for the WMRHC. “So, essentially anybody who works here can’t afford to buy a home here.”

If a buyer can participate in the free market based on their income, they should, she emphasized.

“This program is for those who really need assistance in purchasing a home, and are okay with the deed restriction requirements,” Long said.

To qualify, a buyer must prove that they work for a local employer and are not working remotely for a company located outside the area.

Buyers do not need to be in a certain income category to qualify, unlike other affordable housing programs.

The formal launch of the program is still dependent on the final funding pieces falling into place.

To date, the Town of Carbondale has committed $100,000, Snowmass Village $250,000 and, just last month, Glenwood Springs said it was in for $200,000.

Pitkin County has tentatively committed to put up $2 million, but details are still being worked out, Long said. A work session with the county commissioners is scheduled for May 28.

Talks are also ongoing with Aspen and Basalt, she said.

The initial fundraising goal is $3 million, which the coalition has estimated could buy down seven to 15 homes. With $6 million, the number of homes increases to around 30.

“Our hope is that once we secure funding from local governments we can use that as leverage to seek matching funds from local philanthropists or donors,” Long said. “The goal is to show

that we are all in together, and that our local governments are taking a leadership role in approaching this regionally.”

Glenwood Springs City Council Member Shelley Kaup said she and her fellow council members saw value in funding the Good Deeds program as a regional solution beyond what the city may be able to accomplish on its own.

“We realize how expensive and unattainable housing prices are for people who want to live and work in Glenwood Springs and make a life here,” Kaup said. “If we can help some people get into homes who don’t qualify for other assistance, that’s a plus.”

continued on page 19

Participants discuss housing solutions at a housing forum hosted by the West Mountain Regional Housing Coalition on Jan. 18 at TACAW. Courtesy photo

Celebrating our GARDENS

Celebrating our GARDENS

“Gardening is not just a set of tasks. It’s not restricted to backyards, courtyards, balconies. It can, and should, happen anywhere, everywhere. Gardening is simply a framework for engagement with our world, grounded in care and action. To garden is to care deeply, inclusively and audaciously for the world outside our homes and our heads. Its a way of being that is intimately interwoven with the real truths of existence-not the things we’re told to value, but the things that actually matter.”

-Georgina Reid (Audacious Gardening: On Daring to Care)

After decades of work, state lawmakers approve wolverine reintroduction

AMY HADDEN MARSH

Sopris Sun Correspondent

Unlike the gray wolf (Canis lupus), Colorado voters did not approve the reintroduction of the North American wolverine (Gulo gulo luscus); state lawmakers did. In late April, the Senate vote was 29-5 in favor of SB 24-171. In early May, the House followed suit with a 51-13 vote. The bill was sponsored by Republican Sen. Perry Will (SD-05) who told The Sopris Sun that he was asked by conservation groups and the state Department of Natural Resources to get on board.

The bill is the result of decades of work to bring the animal back to the state. But, it all started with the Canada lynx. “Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) first identified a need to reintroduce wolverines back in 1998 at the same time that they identified a need to reintroduce Canada lynx,” said Megan Mueller, conservation biologist with Rocky Mountain Wild. At the time, she told The Sopris Sun, CPW did not have the resources to do both reintroductions simultaneously. “So, they decided to reintroduce Canada lynx first,” she explained.

In 2010, the reintroduction of the Canada lynx was declared a success, and CPW got going on wolverines. The agency started talking to stakeholders like livestock growers, anglers, conservation groups and the ski industry to set up a reintroduction plan. But, according to CPW, that was put on hold because the wolverine was not listed under the Endangered Species Act (ESA).

To list or not to list

In 2013, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) proposed listing the North American wolverine in the contiguous U.S. as threatened under the ESA but reversed course the following year.

In 2020, under the Trump administration, the agency determined that a listing was unnecessary. A coalition of conservation groups filed suit, stating that climate change could impact the wolverine’s viability. In 2022, a district court judge in Montana agreed and required Gulo gulo luscus to be reconsidered for listing.

In September 2023, FWS updated the assessment that led to the 2020 decision with

information on climate change, habitat connectivity, trapping, snow, population density, and, according to the FWS website, considered changing how the animal would be managed.

Two months later, the wolverine was listed as a threatened species due to climate change.

10j Rule

The ESA listing opened the door to the Section 10j rule process to declare wolverines an experimental, non-essential population in Colorado.

“It’s intended to facilitate reintroduction,” explained Mueller.

“That’s the whole purpose of 10J rules. But, wolverines will still be protected under the ESA from any activities that are really going to threaten them.”

The 10j rule was a big deal last year just before gray wolves landed in Colorado. The draft gray wolf 10j rule was released Sept. 15, just a few months before the Dec. 31 deadline for paws on the ground. Its purpose was mainly to allow for the use of lethal control methods. Since the gray wolf is an endangered species under the ESA, a 10j, which downlists the animal to threatened, non-essential,

Art by Sofie Koski

experimental status, had to be in place before wolves were established in Colorado or lethal control — in all cases except self-defense — would remain illegal.

It’s the same idea for the wolverines but not for the same reasons. The FWS website states that the 10j for wolverines “provides for allowable legal incidental taking of the wolverine” within the defined non-essential population area of the Southern Rockies of Colorado, northern New Mexico, and southern Wyoming. “The 10j alleviates any landowner concerns,” said Perry Will. “It allows you to still do those kinds of things you do on the landscape without the species interfering.”

CARE. PRIMARY REGION’S LARGEST NETWORK OF

Take ski areas, for example. “Let’s say a ski area wants to repair an existing lift that’s already [in use] every day,” said Mueller. “Wolverines are not going to be in the middle of a busy ski area when that’s getting constructed so the 10j could give an exception for the permitting process for that and, at the same time, still require the ski industry to go through [the permitting process] if they wanted to do a major expansion into wolverine habitat.” Will added that even though livestock predation is not an issue with wolverines, the 10j is there just in case. “They pretty much eat carrion,” he said. “I

continued on page 22

PLANT SALE

BONEYARD BASH

Revel Bikes (786 Industry Place) hosts a Bonedale Bike Week party with pizza, music and a log-pulling contest from 4 to 8pm.

ART EXHIBIT

The Art Base hosts an opening reception for “Colorado Women Living Large,” an exhibit running through June 21, from 5 to 7pm.

TIBETAN CULTURE NIGHT

The public is invited to join the Gaden Shartse monks for a vegetarian meal and cultural exchange at 6pm. Registration is required at www.wocdc.org

TRAIL RUNNING FILMS

TACAW hosts the Trail Running Film Festival at 6:30pm. The evening will kick off with a panel hosted by Zoë Rom, editor-in-chief of Trail Runner magazine. Tickets at www.tacaw.org

SATURDAY, MAY 18

UPLIFT

HeadQuarters offers a fitness class for the mind and body in partnership with Roaring Fork CrossFit at 9am.

LINOCUT

Curt Carpenter teaches color reduction linocut techniques at The Art Base from 9am to 3pm today and tomorrow. To register, visit www.theartbase.org

BODY-MINDFULNESS

welcome, though people should bring their own plate, utensils, drink and (if they choose) toppings to share.

VIBRANCY

The City of Aspen celebrates its Cultural Vibrancy Fellowship with presentations at the Wheeler Opera House from 5:30 to 7pm.

LOUNGE

HeadQuarters offers a free drop-in lounge session from 6 to 7:30pm with journaling and literature. This month’s book is “Scars to Stars: Stories of Vulnerability, Resilience and Overcoming Adversity.”

HEALING RITUAL

Gaden Shartse monks perform a healing ritual at the Third Street Center at 6:30pm.

SPOKE’N’WORD

El Dorado hosts the revived Bonedale Bike Week limerick contest at 7pm.

DARK SKIES

Snowmass Capitol Creek Caucus and Wildsky Old Snowmass present “Stars and Stripes: Preserving the Dark of Night” with Dr. Jeffrey Hall at TACAW at 7pm. RSVP for free at www.tacaw.org

MATILDA MUSICAL

Theatre Aspen presents “Matilda the Musical, Jr.” tonight, tomorrow and Saturday at 7pm with a Sunday matinee at 2pm. Tickets at www.theatreaspen.org

CRYSTAL THEATRE

The Crystal Theatre shows “The Fall Guy” through May 21 at 7:30pm each night, except on Sunday at 5pm instead.

FRIDAY, MAY 17

RETIREMENT

Sopris Lodge hosts financial advisors with tips for a worry-free retirement at 2pm. To RSVP, call 970-456-6871.

LOVE OF THE LETTER

Mateo Sandate guides a letter-writing workshop at the Carbondale Library at 4pm.

Yogi Susan Aposhyan teaches “Bodymindfulness” at the Aspen Chapel from 9am to 3pm. The ticketed event will also be live-streamed. Find details at www.aspenchapel.org

PHOTO WALK

Deb Shannan teaches visual journaling using digital photography at The Art Base from 9:30am to 12:30pm. To register, visit www.theartbase.org

KIDS SAFETY

Valley View Hospital hosts its annual Kids Safety Fair from 10am to noon. Learn more at VVH.org/SafetyFair

ASPEN POLYNESIA

The Carbondale Library hosts “A Day in Tahiti” with Aspen Polynesia at 2pm. Glenwood Springs Library hosts the same event at 6pm.

BUTTER SCULPTING

Gaden Shartse monks teach the Tibetan arts of calligraphy, sand painting and butter sculpture at the Third Street Center at 2pm.

ARTIST RECEPTION

The Rifle Library welcomes Trish O’Grady and her artwork with a reception from 2 to 4pm.

MOTORS AT WILLITS

The Basalt Education Foundation hosts Motors at Willits beginning at 4pm.

CEASEFIRE RALLY

Ceasefire Now RFV protests the war in Gaza and latest incursion into Rafah with a public rally in Aspen’s Paepcke Park from 4 to 8pm.

GREEN TARA

Gaden Shartse monks perform a “Green Tara Empowerment” ritual at the Third Street Center at 6:30pm.

PRINCE

The Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park welcomes Paizley Park, a Prince tribute band, for a rocking concert at 7pm.

BIKE FILM

The Painted Pig hosts a bike-in movie to conclude Bonedale Bike Week, showing “In The Dirt” at 7:30pm. Costumes encouraged!

CALEB DEAN BAND

TACAW welcomes the Caleb Dean Band performing for free at 7pm. Tickets at www.tacaw.org

DJ SET

Adobe Jones spins tunes at Bodegón beginning at 9pm.

SUNDAY, MAY 19

SOPRIS RUN-OFF

The Mt. Sopris Run-Off race has split off from Mountain Fair. The race departs at 8am with 10-mile and 25k options. Proceeds will benefit Roaring Fork Outdoor Volunteers. For details, visit www.mtsoprisrunoff.com

SPRINGFEST

Aspen Valley Land Trust’s Springfest returns to Strang Ranch from 11am to 2pm with live music, lunch and a free shuttle from downtown Carbondale. Tickets are available by donation at www.avlt.org

GARCO DEMS

Garfield County Democrats hosts a spring fundraiser at the Homestead Grill (303 River Valley Ranch Drive) from 2 to 4pm. Find tickets at www.garcodems.org

MANDALA DISSOLUTION

The Gaden Shartse monks conclude their visit with a ceremonial dissolution of their sand mandala at 4pm. The sand will be poured into the Crystal River to spread its blessing.

SONG CIRCLE

Sweet Root hosts a song circle at the Third Street Center at 6pm. Anyone and everyone is welcome to sing, dance, set intentions, write love letters and create harmony.

MONDAY, MAY 20

BABY SUPPORT

KLR Baby invites mothers with infants (newborn to 6 months) and pregnant women (35 weeks or more) to learn more about motherhood at Basalt Library from 10:30 to 11:30am. Questions? Call Kaja at 847-894-6546.

IN STITCHES

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

AIKIDO

Crystal River Aikikai hosts aikido practice at 13 Moons Ranch on Mondays from 5:15 to 6:15pm and Wednesdays from 9:30 to 10:30am.

SOURCE DIALOGUES

The “Source Dialogues” book club led by Lisa McKenzie meets at the Third Street Center from 6:30 to 8pm. To reserve a spot and purchase a copy of the book, email info@tcfhf.org

MEDITATION

Roaring Fork Insight welcomes meditators of all backgrounds to practice together at 13 Moons Ranch from 7 to 8:30pm. Tea and 3 B’s Bakery cookies are provided.

TUESDAY, MAY 21

SOPRIS LODGE

Sopris Lodge invites the public to complimentary coffee and donuts and a tour from 10 to 11am. To RSVP, call 970-678-0057.

PAWS TO READ

Therapy dogs from Heeling Partners of the Roaring Fork Valley will be available for children to practice reading with 15-minute sessions beginning at 3:30pm at the Carbondale Library. To register, call 970-963-2889.

GIRLS WHO CODE

Basalt Library offers coding classes for teens of all genders from 3:45 to 4:45pm.

WEDNESDAY, MAY 22

SPANISH CONVERSATIONS

Bodegón hosts a conversational Spanish club for language-learners at 5pm.

GOLDEN LIGHT MEDITATION

Lisa McKenzie leads a meditation at the Third Street Center from 6:30 to 8pm. More info at www.tcfhf.org

HOMETOWN SCIENCE

The Aspen Science Center presents “The Eras Tour (of the Universe)” with Matt Wilde, a senior data scientist at Rocky Mountain Institute, at El Dorado from 7 to 8pm (featuring a guest appearance by slime mold).

THURSDAY, MAY 23

ART-MAKING

Basalt Library invites teens to create art to give away during the library’s Senior Social Lunch on Friday. Mocktails will be served. The event runs from 4 to 5:30pm with canvas and acrylic paints provided.

HOME EFFICIENCY

Basalt Library presents “PowerUp: Energize Your Savings” from 5 to 7pm — a free event focused on local and federal rebates available for your next energy upgrade project. Registration is recommended at www.basaltlibrary. org/events-calendar

RANCHERS’ PERSPECTIVE

Ginny Harrington represents the Holy Cross Cattlemen’s Association as she discusses Colorado’s wolf reintroduction from a ranching perspective at the Carbondale Library at 6pm.

Summer Classes in Carbondale...

OPEN PAINTING STUDIO

Bring ongoing work, or start something new while enjoying the inspiration of other artists. and teacher guidence if needed. Tuesdays, 5:30-8:30pm, 5/21-6/8

BALANCE AND MOBILITY

Consciously activate balance with strength, reflex, flexibility, sensory awareness, and concentration exercises. Thurs, 1:30-2:20pm, 5/30-8/15

ZUMBA WITH MIMI

Burn lots of calories in this fun cardio fitness dance program with Latin music and rhythms. Thurs, 6:30-7:30pm, 5/30-8/8

RELATIONSHIP READY

Explore the nature of thought, the purpose of emotions, and your ‘state of being’ to improve relationships to self and others. Mondays, 6-7:30pm, 6/3-7/8

BIPARTISAN PROBLEM SOLVING

Join Bo Persiko to discuss CMC Common Reader “The Bill of Obligations” by Richard Haas. Tuesdays, 6-8pm, 6/4-6/25

MICROSOFT EXCEL

Spreadsheet basics - formatting, printing, formulas and functions, charting, tables Excel tricks. Tues, 8:30am-12:30pm, 6/4-6/11

THE ART OF VISIBLE HAND MENDING

Learn to repair the clothes you love to create a unique piece of wearable artwork. Fridays, 11am-1pm, 6/7-7/19

Thinking

Career in Conservation?

Start now by learning about the animals and plants where you live. Roaring Fork Audubon has FREE guided walks posted on the website RoaringForkAudubon.org and others will become available.

Email us at info@roaringforkaudubon.org for more information. High School, Middle School, and Beyond:

The Caleb Dean Band, consisting of Caleb Dean, JD Martin, Dave Johnson, Paul Valentine and Larry Gottlieb, performs at TACAW on May 18 at 7pm for free! Courtesy photo

Dandelion Day draws a crowd

On Saturday, May 11, Carbondale held the 25th annual Dandelion Day in Sopris Park celebrating the environment, sustainability and community.

Following the ever-popular Parade of Species, there were a plethora of joyous activities inside the park, from perusing vendor booths with starter plants, cut flowers and natural products to a seed swap, slow bike race and live music on the main stage. (including the Farm Collaborative’s adorable baby goat)

The atmosphere was generally peaceful, with familiar attractions such as KDNK’s beer garden and a performance by the Sopris Soarers, as well as new activities like live screen printing.

Photo by Raleigh Burleigh

Photo by Raleigh Burleigh

Photo by Lynn Burton

Photo by Raleigh Burleigh

Photo by Jane Bachrach

Photo by Jane Bachrach

Photo by Raleigh Burleigh

Photo by Raleigh Burleigh

Photo by Raleigh Burleigh

Photo by Raleigh Burleigh

Photo by Jane Bachrach

Photo by Raleigh Burleigh

Photo by Raleigh Burleigh

Construyendo puentes hacia la equidad

Por segundo año consecutivo llega a Carbondale el Simposio de Equidad traído por Manaus en colaboración con Colorado Health Foundation

POR BIANCA GODINA

Editora de El Sol del Valle

Por segundo año consecutivo, se llevó a cabo el Simposio de Equidad para Carbondale y sus alrededores, una iniciativa respaldada por Manaus en colaboración con Colorado Health Foundation.

Bryan Alvarez, líder del Proyecto Acción de Equidad, o Equity Action Project en ingles, junto con Manaus, compartió, “Nos inspiramos en la necesidad de contar con eventos que proporcionen una plataforma local para oradores y expertos, ya que a menudo vemos conferencias y simposios en otras partes del estado sin tener acceso a estos recursos localmente”.

El evento del año pasado contó con la participación de 70 asistentes a lo largo del día, y este año se vio un crecimiento significativo con 85 personas registradas, logrando un lleno total. El simposio de equidad también marcó la culminación del proyecto Equity Action, que llega a su fin este verano.

Durante el día, se desarrollaron una variedad de actividades, incluyendo estiramientos, una clase de baile breve y una serenata en honor al Día de las

Madres, una tradición en muchas partes de Latinoamérica. Para concluir el evento, se presentó el espectáculo de la drag queen Zen Fatale, al final se repartieron mangos traídos por El Señor Mango. El evento incluyó tres presentaciones significativas, seleccionadas a partir de una encuesta realizada a aproximadamente 500 personas conectadas con la organización. La primera presentación fue por Full Circle Strategies, abordando la narración de historias como estrategia de acción comunitaria antirracista y solidaridad. Luego, Regan Byrd presentó el tema de interseccionalidad avanzada, que explora la idea de los 12 diferentes sistemas de opresión basados en raza, género, discapacidad, orientación sexual, entre otros, y cómo la interacción entre estas identidades puede influir en los resultados de vida. Por último, Sofia Chaparro presentó “La Lucha Continua” y la importancia del lenguaje e idioma en la educación equitativa.

A lo largo del día, las presentaciones fueron interpretadas tanto del inglés al español y viceversa, gracias a los servicios de Convey Language Solutions.

Estiramientos para comenzar la

Arriba: El grupo Full Circle Strategies, abordando la narración de historias como estrategia de acción comunitaria antirracista y solidaridad. Izquierda: Rogelio Mercado ofreciendo serenata para el

Conectando comunidades desde 2021

Volumen 3, Número 12 | 16-22 de mayo de 2024

mañana con Joh Begay y Joan Dizon de Dance Initiative. Foto por Bill Donovan

Día de las Madres. Fotos por Bill Donovan

La integridad de pintar lo que ves

Uno de los nombres más reconocidos de México, es del muralista, Diego Rivera. Durante mi reciente viaje a la Ciudad de México, tuve la oportunidad de ver algunas de sus obras. Es una experiencia bastante surreal cuando ves en persona una obra de la cual has leído en tus libros de historia de arte. La obra de la que hablo se llama, “El hombre controlador del universo”. No recuerdo cuándo fue la primera vez que leí sobre esta obra, pero la recuerdo por la controversia que causó.

Depresión, la Primera Guerra Mundial y el gran deseo de una revolución social, económica, y política.

A pesar de que hoy en día, “El hombre controlador del universo”, se encuentra en el Palacio de Bellas Artes en la Ciudad de México, es una réplica del fresco original. Antes de que el mural fuera realizado en las paredes del Palacio, fue comisionada para ser creada en el Centro Rockefeller en la ciudad de Nueva York por la familia Rockefeller, con el título, “El hombre en el cruce de caminos”.

OPINION ARTISTA EXISTENCIAL

Al observar, el mural en su inmensidad y contemplar su polémica, me puse a pensar: ¿Cuál es el verdadero poder que tienen los artistas? No solo en lo que respecta a sus obras, sino también en la política y sus críticas hacia ella. En este viaje, llegué a ver las biografías de muchos artistas que se llamaban a sí mismos activistas e incluso usaban su arte como propaganda.

Por Vanessa Porras

Las obras de Rivera han sido consideradas como monumentos históricos por el Gobierno Mexicano y también ayudaron a establecer el muralismo en México entre los años 1910-1920 después de la Revolución Mexicana. Las obras de Rivera al igual que obras de otros artistas se volvieron aún más radicales durante este tiempo, intensificadas por la Gran

Se suponía que Rivera representaría el contraste del capitalismo ante el comunismo en el mural de tres paneles. Pero después de la crítica llamando la temática del mural, “propaganda anti-capitalista” por el periodico, The New York Telegram, luego conocido como The Sun, uno de los periódicos más exitosos de su tiempo, la respuesta pasivo-agresiva de Rivera fue incluir el retrato de Vladimir Lenin quien fue un revolucionario y líder comunista ruso al igual que el primer y máximo dirigente de la Unión de Repúblicas Socialistas Soviéticas (URSS por sus siglas en inglés).

Después del descubrimiento del retrato de Lenin, Nelson Rockefeller, entonces director del Rockefeller Center, le pidió a Rivera que cambiará el retrato que originalmente se había acordado sería un

“El hombre controlador del universo” por Diego Rivera, que hoy se encuentra en el Palacio de Bellas Artes en la Ciudad de México, es una réplica de la original que fue destruida en el Rockefeller Center en la ciudad de Nueva York en mayo de 1933. En la parte derecha, al centro del mural se puede ver el retrato de Vladimir Lenin, que causó la destrucción de la primera versión. Foto por Paul Engstrom

obrero con gorro, pero la respuesta de Rivera fue, “antes que mutilar la concepción, preferiría la destrucción física de la composición en su totalidad, pero preservando, al menos, su integridad”. Y así es como tan solo dos meses después de su comienzo, el mural de Rivera se ordenó ser destruido y reemplazado.

Tan solo un año despues en 1934, usando las unicas fotos de blanco y negro que existian del mural tomadas por el mismo Rivera, reconstruyo su vision del mural con motivo de la inauguración del Palacio de Bellas Artes. En el centro, vemos a un obrero rubio que controla las fuerzas mecánicas y naturales del universo, en sus ojos se puede ver la angustia y la incertidumbre hacia el futuro, ya que “deberá elegir entre la amenaza del capitalismo

representado por Estados Unidos y la promesa del socialismo representado por la Unión Soviética”.

Así que regreso a mi pregunta inicial: ¿Cuál es el verdadero poder que tienen los artistas? No supongo tener la respuesta de la mayoría de las preguntas filosóficas que a veces hago, pero pienso que tan solo plantear la pregunta es importante. Aún más importante pienso que es mantener la integridad no solo de lo que piensas sino de tu trabajo. El poder de un artista proviene de su integridad y de su disposición a defender su creación. En el caso de Rivera, los Rockefellers eran admiradores de sus obras, no de sus creencias. Tomo este ejemplo como moraleja: A muchos no les gustara lo que haces, pero habrá a quien si, y te admiren por ello.

El asesino silencioso: Presión arterial alta

La presión arterial alta es conocida como “el asesino silencioso” porque no causa síntomas. Muchas personas que la padecen no han sido diagnosticadas y, aunque reciben tratamiento, muchas siguen teniendo niveles de presión arterial por encima de lo ideal.

¿Cómo se define la presión arterial?

La presión arterial se compone de dos números: el número superior (sistólico) es la presión en las arterias cuando el corazón se contrae; el número inferior (diastólico) es la presión cuando el corazón se relaja entre latidos. Según estudios en grandes poblaciones, el riesgo de ataques cardíacos y accidentes cerebrovasculares comienza a aumentar cuando la presión arterial supera 115/75. Los médicos especializados en la prevención de ataques al corazón como el Dr. Feinsinger consideran que la presión arterial debería estar por debajo de 120/80, aunque algunos pacientes mayores y frágiles pueden tener mejores resultados con presiones ligeramente superiores.

¿Cómo se debe determinar la presión arterial?

OPINION

El estándar de oro es usar un manguito de presión arterial durante 24 horas, que mide la presión cada 30 minutos, pero no es práctico para uso masivo. Muchas farmacias tienen estaciones de presión arterial, pero si te preocupa tu presión arterial, la mejor opción es comprar tu propio manguito y revisar por la mañana, al mediodía y por la noche durante algunos días. Los manguitos de brazo son más precisos que los de muñeca, y hay tamaños especiales disponibles para adultos con brazos de gran o pequeño perímetro y para niños.

¿Qué es la “hipertensión de bata blanca”?

enfermedades de la tiroides y suprarrenales, así como la enfermedad renal crónica, pueden desempeñar un papel significativo. El uso de ciertos medicamentos recetados, como esteroides y antidepresivos, así como medicamentos de venta libre, como los AINEs, también pueden ser factores contribuyentes. El consumo de drogas ilícitas, como la cocaína y las anfetaminas, así como ciertas hierbas como el regaliz, pueden tener efectos adversos. Además, el consumo de alcohol y la abstinencia alcohólica, la sensibilidad a la cafeína en ciertas personas, problemas de sueño y estrés también pueden contribuir a esta condición.

¿Por qué es peligrosa la alta presión arterial?

Daña las arterias y es un factor de riesgo principal para ataques cardíacos, accidentes cerebrovasculares, insuficiencia cardíaca, enfermedad renal crónica, pérdida de visión, demencia incluyendo el Alzheimer, y más.

Lo que sabemos sobre estilo de vida e hipertensión:

DESDE LA CLÍNICA

Por Maria Judith Alvarez

En el siglo XX, no había medicamentos para la hipertensión y las personas morían por lo que se llamaba “hipertensión maligna”. En la década de 1940, el Dr. Walter Kempner puso a un grupo de estas personas en una dieta estricta de arroz y frutas sin sal, lo que normaliza la presión arterial. En sociedades como las Zonas Azules, donde las dietas son a base de plantas y alimentos integrales, la presión arterial no aumenta con la edad. La actividad física regular también ayuda a reducir la presión arterial.

Tratamiento

Antiguamente, los médicos usaban batas blancas y algunas personas dicen tener la presión arterial alta solo cuando visitan al médico. Estudios han demostrado que estas personas corren el mismo riesgo de problemas de salud que aquellas con hipertensión sostenida, ya que su presión arterial también se eleva en otras situaciones de estrés que la mayoría de las personas experimentan durante el día.

¿Qué causa la hipertensión?

La hipertensión puede ser influenciada por una serie de factores. Entre ellos se encuentran la obesidad, la predisposición genética y la adopción de la dieta estándar americana, la cual se caracteriza por su alto contenido en productos animales, grasas saturadas, azúcares añadidos, sal, alimentos procesados y aceites añadidos. Además, la apnea del sueño,

NOVEDADES

Preparación para incendios

Colorado Rural & Fire Protection District (CRFPD por sus siglas en inglés) está ofreciendo consultas gratis para dueños de propiedad para reducción de incendios forestales. Para programar una cita, puede llamar al 970-963-2491. También es una buena oportunidad para descargar la aplicación ReachWell e inscribirse a las alertas de emergencia para los condados de Eagle, Garfield y/o Pitkin. CRFPD publica su boletín regular con consejos de seguridad de temporada en inglés y español. Puede suscribirse en www.carbondalefire.org

Incendio de El Jebel

El domingo 12 de mayo, Roaring Fork Fire Rescue Authority respondió a una estructura en llamas en

En su libro “Cómo no hacer dieta”, el Dr. Greger menciona los siguientes alimentos como particularmente efectivos para reducir la presión arterial si se consumen diariamente: granos enteros, linaza, té de jamaica; legumbres y sandía. También son útiles los alimentos que hacen que el revestimiento endotelial de las arterias produzca óxido nítrico, lo que provoca la dilatación de las arterias y, por ende, la reducción de la presión arterial: remolachas, verduras de hoja, cilantro, albahaca y ruibarbo.

Si te preocupa tu presión arterial o simplemente deseas llevar un estilo de vida más saludable, te invitamos a aprovechar nuestras consultas médicas gratuitas. ¡Actúa hoy para un corazón más sano mañana! No esperes a que los síntomas aparezcan; la prevención es la mejor herramienta contra “el asesino silencioso”. Para más información de la Clínica del Pueblo o para hacer tu cita hoy llama al 970-948-1072.

Clark Drive en El Jebel. Al llegar la unidad reportó “una casa móvil unifamiliar de un piso con humo saliendo de los aleros”. El equipo fue capaz de retener las llamas y prevenir la expansión hacia hogares adyacentes. Una persona sufrió de inhalación de humo y el hogar sufrió grandes daños y la mayoría de su contenido se consideró una “pérdida total debido al daño del humo y del agua”. La causa del incendio todavía está bajo investigación.

Arte de Aspen

La ciudad de Aspen está comisionando a algún artista/equipo para crear e instalar una obra de arte pública y participación comunitaria en Rubey Park Transit Center. Proyectos participativos bilingües eran priorizados. El proyecto tendrá un presupuesto

de 15,000 y estará en exhibición por dos meses este verano. Las inscripciones deben ser entregadas el 20 de mayo en www.bit.ly/RedBrickSPAN

Sospechoso de asesinato

El 10 de mayo, la oficina del alguacil del condado de Garfield arrestó a John Michael Worley por el presunto asesinato de Wayne Moore. Moore fue encontrado sangrando y sin responder en su carro el 11 de mayo del 2021. Durante los últimos tres años, los investigadores llevaron a cabo docenas de entrevistas con testigos, múltiples órdenes de búsqueda y analizando evidencia física, identificando a Worley, un hombre de 30 años de edad de Parachute, como el sospechoso principal. Todos los sujetos se presumen inocentes hasta que se pruebe lo contrario.

Lady Rams soccer bows out in 3A quarterfinals

JOHN STROUD

Sopris Sun Correspondent

Roaring Fork High School’s girls soccer team made it to the quarterfinals of the Class 3A state tournament, collecting a pair of shutout wins before falling 7-0 to second-ranked Jefferson Academy Tuesday evening in Broomfield.

The Rams held the Jaguars scoreless through the first 40 minutes of play in the quarterfinal match, but were unable to set up a good scoring run of their own for the entire game.

Jefferson Academy used a strong northerly wind to their advantage in the second half, breaking open the deadlocked game with a goal inside the 41st minute and peppering the 10th-ranked Rams for six more unanswered goals to earn the shutout and move on to the semifinals.

Roaring Fork got there by blanking No. 23 Longmont 6-0 at home Thursday, May 9, and then upsetting No. 7 Manitou Springs 2-0 on the road Saturday, May 11. The win over Manitou came after a scoreless tie against the Mustangs on April 19, also at Manitou.

In the first-round win over Longmont, Roaring Fork junior Emma Charters had two goals, with one each coming from juniors Erica and Carley Crownhart and Annika Anslyn, and from sophomore Maya Lindbloom.

Carley Crownhart collected both of the Rams’ goals in the win over Manitou, with sister Erica assisting on one of them. Junior Maggie Russell recorded six saves in goal.

The Rams finished the season at 10-5-3 overall, after taking second in the 3A Western Slope League at 5-1-1.

It was the final game in a Rams jersey for seniors Audrey Lopez, Avery Smith, Avery Shook, Inez Passerini-Burks and Mia Cubias.

Baseball

Roaring Fork’s baseball team ended the regular season at 11-12 overall and 6-3 (third place) in 3A Western Slope League behind Delta (18-5, 9-0) and Coal Ridge (21-2, 8-1).

The Rams hold the 28th spot heading into the 32-team regional round of the state playoffs. Regional assignments were to be announced midday Wednesday. Visit chsaanow.com for details.

Coal Ridge enters the playoffs as the No. 5 seed, with Delta at No. 7.

Roaring Fork went 2-1 down the regular season stretch, picking up home wins over Cedaredge 9-6 on Thursday, May 9 and North Fork 8-4 on Saturday, May 11, after losing 6-1 at Coal Ridge last Wednesday, May 8.

Track and Field

Two Rams track athletes are headed to the 3A State Track and Field Championships at Jefferson County Stadium this weekend. Senior Kyra Reeds will represent Roaring Fork in the 100- and 300-meter hurdles, and sophomore Nikki Tardif made it to state in the 400-meter run.

At last weekend’s Dennis Teeters Tiger Invitational in Grand Junction, Reeds took fourth in the 300-meter hurdles with a time of 49.75 seconds, after running a personal record (PR) 49.71 in prelims, and was fifth in the 100 hurdles (PR 16.54).

Other PRs at that meet came for senior David Finley in 100-meter dash (11.88 seconds), sophomore Kurai Chadwick in 100 (13.6 seconds); junior Eli Norris in 200-meter dash (25.98); and freshman Eric Palomera in 400 meters (1:04.21).

continued on page 19

Cada vez que usas tu tarjeta de débito Loyalty*, Alpine Bank dona diez centavos a las causas comunitarias que son importantes para ti.

¡Solicita tu tarjeta hoy mismo!

Roaring Fork High School Track & Field senior athletes (from left): Angel Quinteros, Kyra Reeds, Mateo Ledezma, Evi Keating, Margaux Zeijlstra and David Finley. Photo by John Stroud

Coaches Marty Madsen (far left) and Tanner Nieslanik (far right) with graduating seniors Ben Oldham, Noel Richardson and Max Seitel-Hayes.

Photo by Sue Rollyson

*Las tarjetas de débito de Alpine Bank están disponibles sin cuota anual para personas con una cuenta de cheques de Alpine Bank.

Revving up for ‘Motors at Willits’

JEANNE

SOULDERN

Sopris Sun Correspondent

Rev up your engines for “Motors at Willits” at The Arts Campus at Willits (TACAW), a free, all-campus event on May 18 at 4pm. Proceeds from the event, organized by the Basalt Education Foundation (BEF), will benefit Basalt public schools.

The showcase, which attracts about 70 entrants, lets motorheads polish up their finest classic cars and trucks, including muscle cars, Stutsman CAT earthmovers and vintage motorcycles. The Basalt Fire Department is joining the fun by bringing one of its old engines.

It’s a great event because it brings the whole community out, and it’s fun for kids, adults and everyone.

“BEF also offers teacher and administration grants to enhance learning in the arts, STEM and dual language. It also tries to meet immediate needs outside of the school’s budget,” Opp explained. “Additionally, we’ve been lucky enough to have some really generous gifts from our community to provide scholarships. We’ve been able to help fund a college career counselor position. We’ve supported teacher appreciation, and the high school got a great gift to support their climbing program.”

-Amy Groom

Ginger Opp, newly-named BEF executive director, said the nonprofit was formed in 2004 “as a grassroots organization with community members committed to raising funds to enhance education in the Basalt public schools.”

Opp listed some of BEF’s accomplishments, including staffing an experiential outdoor education coordinator position last year. They are looking to continue developing outdoor programming for all Basalt schools.

Amy Groom started the event in 2012 when she owned a stationery and gift store in downtown Basalt. “A couple of business owners got together with the Town and created events for the downtown space,” she said.

Groom, BEF marketing and events director, continued, “I’ve done the event every year except for the COVID years of 2020 and 2021. It’s a great event because it brings the whole community out, and it’s fun for kids, adults and everyone.”

Formerly known as “Motors on Midland,” the event has been temporarily relocated this year and last to the TACAW campus due to street construction on Midland Avenue.

Vintage vehicles hold a special place in the hearts of Groom and Opp, with childhood memories intertwined with classic cars and trucks from their families.

“My dad had a couple of classic cars, but I grew up in a 1974 [Toyota] Land Cruiser. My whole childhood was based out of that vehicle,” Groom said. “My family has classic cars, which also started with my dad. We have a model 1955 Ford pickup truck and a 1970 Ford Bronco, which we love,” Opp said.

The BEF team was excited to announce Alpine Bank as the event’s inaugural community sponsor.

The event will feature local food vendors and BEF will serve complimentary hot dogs

and hamburgers. For the kids, there is face painting and Hot Wheels tracks. BEF organizers’ only request is that you keep your pets at home.

Live music by the band Blackout starts at 5pm, and at 7pm the festivities will move inside TACAW for some boot-scootin’ country tunes by the Caleb Dean Band. Dean is joined by bandmates Larry Gottlieb, J.D. Martin, Dave Johnson and Paul Valentine.

In closing, Opp said, “We ask for a small donation to register a car for the show. Those proceeds are donated directly to our schools.” For further details or to register a vehicle, go to www.basaltedu.org

Celebrate the first day of Summer in the Sun with the birth of a new Animal Writes on June 20, in the Sopris Sun! To enter

Classic cars with hoods opened up for closer examination at last year’s “Motors at Willits” event. Courtesy photo

New trustees start strong

RALEIGH BURLEIGH

Sopris Sun Editor Carbondale’s newest trustees were met with a full-on first meeting May 14. After briefly approving the consent agenda and awarding one student of the month, the floor was given for a robust public comments portion.

First, Niki Delson, Sue Zislis and Susan Rhea, all representing Age-Friendly Carbondale, spoke about Highway 133 safety and the Industry Way roundabout in planning. The group is recommending instead a roundabout at Nieslanik Avenue, one block south, to facilitate pedestrians crossing to and from City Market where many people currently jaywalk.

Next, Trevor Cannon, representing the Roaring Fork Pickleball Association (RFPA), requested that trustees consider dedicating $100,000 from the general fund toward the construction of three additional, approved pickleball courts. He said that RFPA raised $200,000 toward the effort.

For the fifth consecutive voting meeting, members of the Ceasefire Now RFV group asked the trustees to consider a resolution calling for an end to Israel’s assault on Gaza. After presenting a petition with 488 local signatures, several members of

BASALT REPORT

Ceasefire Now RFV took turns reading the resolution in its entirety as well as the United Nations Human Rights Council report from March finding “reasonable grounds” that Israel is committing genocide against Palestinians in Gaza.

Danny Stone, a resident of Carbondale, identified himself as Jewish and stated, “being aware of this information morally requires us to use whatever voice, whatever platform available to us, no matter how small, to persuade our federal government to change course and demand an end to the violence that is being enacted

on over one million innocent people, especially children.”

During general comments by trustees, Ross Kribbs addressed the group. “We shouldn’t govern by not listening,” he stated. “I would encourage fellow trustees to put this on the agenda and allow us as a community to discuss some of this stuff.”

Trustee Chris Hassig countered, “Parsing through the language of a resolution could take a whole year of meetings.” He pointed to an agenda item regarding the many municipal projects underway in Carbondale and said, “It is our job to focus on those things.”

Moving on to action items, Carbondale Center Place received a security reduction for public infrastructure improvements with a unanimous vote. Two trees planted did not meet the minimum required size and must be replaced before the Town will release the remaining $14,475.

Wilderness Workshop received all necessary permits for its Community Party in Sopris Park on June 7 from 5:30 to 8:30pm. This year, the celebration will begin with a costumed parade departing from the Village Smithy at 5:15pm. Trustees then reviewed a detailed application (www.bit. ly/CdalePoolPlan) for the new municipal pool. In rare happenstance, the Town itself was the applicant. “The best approach here is to treat it just like any other application,” advised Mayor Ben Bohmfalk. The crux was to rezone the area from “Open Space” to “Public Facility” to allow the building to ride closer to Main Street and maximize the size of two pools and a hot tub with a footprint that moves further into Sopris Park than the pool being replaced. It will be one of the few all-electric pools in all of Colorado, said Andi Korber representing the design team. A new contiguous sidewalk will

continued on page

Summer concert series lineup announced

WILL BUZZERD

Sopris Sun Correspondent

A free summer concert series will return to the Basalt River Park every Wednesday night from June 19 to Aug. 28.

In 2023, the Town of Basalt cut the ribbon at Basalt River Park and kicked off a wildly successful first season of free concerts. “We saw crowds of more than 500 people show up to some of the shows and we witnessed a wide range of participants, from infants to esteemed octogenarians, locals to visitors from afar,” said planning director Michelle Thibeault.

•••

This year, music lovers can look forward to a strong lineup as well as enhanced lighting and on-stage sound. The concerts begin at 5:30pm and each performance will feature a Colorado-based supporting act followed by a 30-minute break before the headliner.

June 19 – Queen Bees, Sunny War

June 26 – Feeding Giants, Annabelle’s Curse

July 10 – Dan Sheridan, Magic Beans

July 17 – The Know Bodies Band, Dangermuffin

July 24 – Highway 82, Peach St. Revival

July 31 – Sittin’ on Strings, Futurebirds

Aug. 7 – The Low End, Rootbeer Richie & the Reveille

Aug. 14 – Aggie Flores, Karina Rykman

Aug. 21 – Jon Rubio, Los Mocochetes

Aug. 28 – Elk Range, Dragondeer

New this year is another music series called Local Vocals, a smaller affair every other Friday at Triangle Park in Willits. This series begins May 31 and continues through Sept. 6 at 5:30pm.

May 31 – Emotional Rescue

June 14 – Tommy the Animal

June 28 – Valle Musico

July 12 – Grupo Ascenso

July 26 – Whiskey Stomp

Aug. 2 – Chris Banc

Aug. 23 – Sweet Jessup

Sept. 6 – Wooden Rock

Council actions

The star event of the May 14 meeting was the declaration of June as Pollinator Month. Lisa McKenzie of Basalt Elementary School presented the proclamation, accompanied by many youth from the school’s Pollinator Club.

Beginning last January, the Pollinator Club met every other week to appreciate and learn more about the pollinator species which perform a crucial role for ecosystems and agriculture.

One of the club’s major projects was to bring the Pollinator Month proclamation to Town Council so Basalt can formally

recognize the importance of protecting and supporting these critical species.

Each council member took turns reading a paragraph before signing the proclamation and handing it off to the club’s dutiful ecosystem defenders.

Next, the council reviewed Basalt’s Water Utility Master Plan (WUMP). In 2022, Town staff and a consultant team began working diligently to prepare a planning document for annual water system improvements, budgeting and discussion with developers. In addition, the WUMP assesses and analyzes current water infrastructure and utility rates and makes recommendations on how to change water rates to help fund the system as a whole.

In their assessment, the team noted that while the system as a whole has the capacity to meet current and future needs, there are elements in need of repair as soon as possible. Those range from repairs and improvements to the roofs of the hydro plant and water treatment plant to repairing damaged storage tanks. All of these projects are outlined in a capital improvement section of the WUMP, which also outlines potential funding avenues for these projects.

While the WUMP is simply a guiding document and its adoption does not

necessitate any further action, Town Engineer Catherine Christoff noted that its approval by Town Council will aid in acquiring grants for any future developments in the water system.

The next item approved was a contract with Z Group Architecture and Interior Design for the design and entitlement services on a new affordable housing project. Z Group, which has most recently completed the modern-looking line of apartments next to Basalt River Park, has provided the Town with an approximately $306,000 bid for design, public outreach and entitlement for an affordable housing development on the empty lot beside the rugby field on East Valley Road. Z Group included Habitat for Humanity as a consultant on their team to help cater this project to the needs of the affordable housing market.

Currently, Z Group estimates that the planning and entitlement project will take between 12 and 18 months, so ground is unlikely to be broken on the lot until well into 2025.

The Town is excited about this project due to the competency and experience of the team, the housing being located beside open space and simply because it will make a dent in Basalt’s continuing need for affordable housing.

Over two dozen people stood to demonstrate their support for putting a ceasefire resolution on a future agenda.

Photo by Raleigh Burleigh

Sean Passmore (first grade, Crystal River Elementary School) was one of two students of the month. Irvin Quintana (kindergarten, Crystal River Elementary School) was not present at the meeting. Photo by Raleigh Burleigh

19

Condos? In an airplane hangar?

AMY HADDEN MARSH

Sopris Sun Correspondent

Garfield County Commissioners (BOCC) Monday spent a little over an hour in the morning and maybe a half-hour in the afternoon approving, denying and continuing various items. No one from the public had anything to say about issues not on the agenda.

An update from Rural Public Lands County Council lobbyist Robert Weidner from Washington, D.C. was first on the agenda. President Biden’s 30x30 plan, also known as the America the Beautiful Initiative, is a top concern for the BOCC and Weidner, as is the Bureau of Land Management’s (BLM) Public Lands Rule (PLR) published on April 18, which adds conservation to the BLM’s multiple use management framework.

Last week, several conservative western senators introduced legislation to block approval of the rule, stating that it violates the 1976 Federal Land Policy and Management Act. Weidner and the BOCC agree. They discussed possible political ways to foil the PLR but Weidner said that it doesn’t look good for opponents.

“The conservation rule is an administrative rule through the

BLM and what came out of the House was a bill in opposition to that rule,” said Commissioner Tom Jankovsky. “But it won’t get any traction in the Senate.” He added that he’s confident there will be legal challenges to the PLR. “It really gets to that point where it’s a Big Government and administrative oversight,” he said. The BOCC approved a payment of $7,500 to Weidner for his work during the first quarter of 2024.

“Your forever home!”

Two abatements were approved, including Valley View Hospital Association for $58,484 due to its non-profit status. The BOCC approved a pass-through grant for electronics upgrades as well as the consent agenda. Jankovsky recused himself from a decision to approve an amended final plat on a lot in the Coryell Ranch, northwest of Carbondale.

“My wife did not receive any compensation but represented the

owners of this lot,” he explained.

All but two discretionary grant requests made last week were approved. Yampa Mountain High School’s Yampah Campah request for $3,900 for this summer’s activities was denied. Jankovsky said it felt like the county would be funding an individual instead of a nonprofit. Roaring Fork Pre-Collegiate was also turned down because, said Jankovsky, the nonprofit has “$212,000 in reserves.”

Two fee waivers were granted for upcoming events at the county fairgrounds as well as a supplemental request for $20,000 for the CSU Foundation. Commissioners agreed to sign a letter of support for Eagle County to pursue a $15 million federal grant for improvements to Blue Hill on the Eagle County side of Cottonwood Pass. Garfield County received $287,960 from the National Forest Reserve for 2023, which, according to Jamaica Watts, county finance director, is a little over $19,739 more than what was received the year before.

In the afternoon, the BOCC approved an extension request by Royal Mini Storage to complete conditions of a November, 2023 approval.

Now, about those condos. Garco Premiere Hangars wants to build five condominium units in a 20,000-foot hangar at the Garfield County Airport. While listening to the presentation, The Sopris Sun thought that building condos inside an airplane hangar was a novel housing idea and asked for clarification. “It’s for airplanes, Amy,” replied Commission Chair John Martin. “Not for housing.” They continued the public hearing and will make a final decision on Monday, May 20.

Roseberry, MD, FACS Trauma and General Surgeon, Chief of Medical Staff

Chris

Award-winning Canadian singer-songwriter makes her Steve’s debut

MYKI JONES

Arts & Culture Correspondent

On Monday, May 20, award-winning singer-songwriter Lynne Hanson will perform on the Steve’s Guitars stage for the first time, accompanied by her guitarist, Blair Michael Hogan. This is part of her Colorado/New Mexico tour to promote her most recent album, “Just a Poet.”

“Being [in Carbondale] for the first time will be cool. This will be my second time in Colorado,” Hanson told the Sopris Sun. “The first time was a short tour, but I had a great time, and the people were so nice. I’m really looking forward to being back because I enjoyed the first time there, and something about touring close to the mountains always resonates with me.”

Hanson, a two-time Canadian Folk Music Award winner hailing from Ottawa, Canada, started her professional career touring with fellow Canadian musician Shane Simpson, where she played rhythm guitar and did harmonizing vocals for five years. She said it was through this that she was able to gain knowledge of all things tour management and media relations. Since that partnership dissolved, Hanson went solo and has released 10 records and many singles over her nearly two-decade career.

“I’ve been a do-it-yourself musician my entire career, and I think the most challenging thing I find is balancing spending enough time being creative and all the business stuff involved with putting together tours and promoting your music. One of the most rewarding elements has been the fact that I’ve been doing this solo thing for almost 18 years now, and people still want to hear my music, which is amazing,” Hanson stated.

She hooks listeners with a unique brand of storytelling in her songs. She draws inspiration from the myriad of tales she hears on her journeys, using that fuel to create a cinematic sound all her own. Listening to her discography, one could close their eyes and see mini-movies playing out. Her lyrics deeply touch upon the nuances of relationships, both romantic and platonic, as well as universal experiences that any listener can relate to.

An incredible example of this can be found in tracks such as “Outlaw Lover,” the third single from “Just a Poet,” in which the narrator reflects on and even cautions the listener about the mistakes they’ve made and will make in their romantic relationships, leading to the demise of those connections.

The narrator rawly visualizes the pain they admit to causing others through vivid imagery with lyrics such as: “There’s

a lifetime of hurt in a pile outside, three feet deep and a mile wide — the kind of real estate that don’t come cheap,” and “I’m the one you carry ‘round for years — I’m a thousand tears.”

Hanson eagerly anticipates her upcoming show at Steve’s Guitars, where she hopes to forge a deep connection with the audience. As a storyteller, she weaves narratives between the songs, often injecting humor to balance the occasional melancholy. She aims to create a shared experience that resonates with each listener.

“I meet a lot of people, and I hear a

lot of stories. I like translating the stories I come across and making them accessible to any listener — I want people to be able to close their eyes and listen and say, ‘Yeah, I relate to that because I’ve been there,’” she stated.

IN A NUTSHELL...

When: Monday, May 8, 8pm

Where: Steve’s Guitars

Cost: $30

More info: www.lynnehanson.com

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

June 7 & 8

Lynne Hanson, courtesy photo

Shirley Lorraine Nightingale Joyner

January 27, 1934 - April 24, 2024

Born in Los Angeles, California to Lois and Charles Nightingale, Shirley attended 1st through 8th grade in Englewood, Colorado and graduated from Paonia High School in 1951.

On January 16, 1954, Shirley married William D. Joyner and they celebrated their 70th wedding anniversary this year. That union welcomed three sons, David, Alan, and Barry.

In 1974, the family moved to Carbondale and Shirley worked as the school cafeteria manager for Carbondale elementary, middle and high schools, serving 540 students daily. She was a member of the Rebekah Lodge and volunteered at the Near New thrift store. Shirley enjoyed cooking, crocheting, fishing, and RVing. She loved spending time with family and friends. In 2004, Shirley and Bill moved to Grand Junction. After retiring, they enjoyed spending their winters in Yuma, Arizona.

Shirley is survived by her husband, William; son, David (Sandy); grandchildren, David Jr., Derek, Richard (Lisa),

George; four great grandchildren; and sister, Edna Smith; along with numerous nieces and nephews.

She is preceded in death by her parents; sons, Alan and Barry; siblings, Tom Nightingale, Leonard (Tiny) Nightingale, and Barbara Wildt.

The burial has taken place at Cedar Hill Cemetery in Paonia.

Raymond Andrew Girardot, Jr. DDS

October

23, 1943 – May 9, 2024

Andy passed away peacefully at home on May 9. He was 80 years old. Andy was a fourth-generation Colorado native. He grew up hunting and fishing with his dad and friends. After attending East High School, he graduated from the newly-opened George Washington High School in the Denver Hilltop neighborhood. He attended the University of Colorado at Boulder for his undergraduate studies and the University of Southern California (USC) for dental and orthodontic school

He met his wife, Judy Heid, at USC and they were married in 1968. They moved back to Denver after his schooling where they raised their four daughters, Heidi, Aimee, Hilary and Lindsey.

Andy practiced orthodontics in Denver for 50 years, and had satellite practices in Winter Park, Carbondale and Aspen. Known for his quest for excellence, he taught and lectured around the world, including at the University of Colorado School of Dentistry, and treasured his association with Roth Williams Orthodontics. He authored many articles and edited the textbook, “Goal-Directed Orthodontics.”

There are countless beautiful and functional smiles in Colorado thanks to him.

Andy and family spent many happy years at their property on the Colorado River and at their home in Carbondale. Andy and Judy loved to travel, and Andy enjoyed many fly-fishing trips with dear friends all over the world.

Andy’s family, fly fishing and ortho-

BUY-DOWN

from page 5

She continued, “The whole point of the program is to get more homes in deed-restricted status, so that they can stay attainable for people who want to live and work here.”

Glenwood Springs’ funding for the Good Deeds program will be separate from the dedicated funds for affordable housing that were approved by voters through measure 2C in 2023. Those funds, generated through a lodging tax, can only be used for workforce housing in Glenwood Springs exclusively, whereas the buydown funds will come out of the city’s general fund, she explained.

Kaup also represents the Roaring Fork Transportation Authority Board of Directors on the WMRHC board. RFTA became a member of the coalition last fall, also in recognition of the need for a regional approach to housing.

The coalition is also exploring other programs, such as rental assistance and potentially partnering with local jurisdictions to build more deed-restricted housing in the future.

Prospective homebuyers who are interested in considering the Good Deeds program should contact WMRHC via email at info@WMRhousing.org

SPORTS

from page 14

Seniors concluding their high school track careers at that meet were Finley, Mateo Ledezma, Angel Quinteros and Evi Keating.

Girls lacrosse

The combined Roaring Fork-Glenwood SpringsBasalt girls lacrosse team concluded its season at 10-6 overall after taking second in the 4A Mountain East League at 6-3.

The Rams lost in the second round of 4A state playoffs 21-13 at Northfield on Thursday, May 9.

In that game, sophomore Jordyn Miller collected five points between three goals and two assists, while juniors Josie McKinley-Kitchell and Hailey Wolfe had four points each, and senior Grace Garcia, sophomore Juliana Pittz and freshman Marin Weaver each contributed two points.

It was the final game for seniors Garcia, Lucianna Phillips, Bailey Dodson, Kate Keleher, Genesis Castillon, Paige Pulliman and Olivia Goodman.

Miller, McKinley-Kitchell and Wolfe will be joining Team Colorado in a national tournament this summer.

dontics were the loves of his life.

Andy is preceded in death by his parents, Ray and Zola Girardot, sisters, Betty Jean and Carolyn, and grandson, Hudson Huckemeyer. Andy is survived by his wife, Judy; daughters, Heidi Ghiselli (Nick), Aimee Cullwick (Ants), Hilary Huckemeyer (David) and Lindsey Teets (Brad); and nine grandchildren, Lucca Ghiselli, Bebe Ghiselli, Maia Cullwick, Daisy Cullwick, Beau Huckemeyer, Brynn Huckemeyer, Delilah Cullwick, Hawk Teets and Harlow Teets.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Roaring Fork Conservancy, an organization committed to protecting the Roaring Fork watershed, where Andy spent many of his years fly fishing. www.roaringfork. org, PO Box 3349, Basalt, CO 81621.

A service will be held to celebrate Andy’s life on Thursday, May 30 starting at 3pm at Cielo Castle Pines.

TRUSTEES

from page 16

be installed along 7th Street and the ditch will be left uncovered. She added, it’s possible the pool won’t be open until 2026.

Public comment was heard with concerns voiced over the absence of parking. Planning Director Jared Barnes said, “We didn’t feel the need to add additional parking spaces to this site when the historical use has largely served parking needs.” Kribbs observed that with an increased size, the new pool is likely to receive more traffic which will affect neighbors.

All trustees voted in favor of the application with the exception of Kribbs. “You guys are doing a great job,” assured trustee Jess Robison. “You can tell there is care and thought put into this project.” The design team was asked to be in conversation with the Forest Service to maintain a pedestrian shortcut to Sopris Park from Main Street between these facilities.

The meeting concluded with a review of ongoing projects and priorities (www. bit.ly/Cdale2024). Trustee Christina Montemayor suggested a parking study be added to the list.

Professional dishwashing: Perfect for today’s teens

The headline in an upvalley newspaper caught my eye. It said, “Students, now’s the time to secure a summer job.” Great idea, and here is a great summer job for teens: washing dishes in local restaurants. Dishwashing is a quickly learned skill that can follow teens for a lifetime if they need a job fast.

Washing dishes was my retirement job at the Aspen Skiing Company (SkiCo) for two winters a while back and I know a bit about it.

What’s so great about working as a dishwasher (aka “pearl diver”)? For starters, in the Roaring Fork Valley, the pay is good and gets better as you move upvalley. On the functional side, for me, time moved pretty quickly through the day, which was better than factory jobs I had where the only diversion was looking at the clock every five minutes.

straight shot through the bowling-lane-like dish pit. The dish pit itself was less than 10 feet wide, so it often became congested with servers, kitchen staff and the occasional SkiCo supervisor. Toward the end of the day, as pots and pans came swarming in from the kitchen end, servers pushed overflowing carts of dirty dishes into the dish pit from the front of the house. Talk about a bottleneck. The senior pearl diver sometimes shouted, “No!” at the beleaguered servers as they struggled to push their way in.

GUEST OPINION

Here are two crucial tips for rookie dishwashers. First, most folks don’t know that dishwashers can turn deadly to co-workers. How? Let’s say you, the pearl diver, have a sharp butcher’s knife in your right hand and must transport it from point A to point B. Do you go charging across the kitchen with your arm cocked at a 45 degree angle at your waist, as if you were out to plunge it into a co-worker’s stomach? No. You do two things. You hold the knife straight down by your side, so its nose is pointed at the floor, and say, in a loud voice, “knife” as you leave the dish pit and any time you round a corner or enter another room. (I learned this tip after a few days from the senior dishwasher at the Merry Go Round at Aspen Highlands.)

By Lynn “Jake” Burton

The action for me got tense as 4pm approached. The Merry-Go-Round is located midway up the mountain. I don’t ski, so if I was late for the nearby chairlift, I had to wait to get schlepped down the mountain in the back of the Cloud Nine restaurant supply cat. The beast clanged like an army tank and rode like one.

Wrapping up, dishwashing is a skill that can be functionally learned in one-to-five days depending on your attitude and willingness to learn, although for me to become a really good dishwasher would have taken at least another year or two.

Dishwashers are usually in demand just about everywhere, so if you want to pick up and leave, there you go, which brings us to Dishwasher Pete. Pete’s goal was to dishwash in all 50 states. He only made it to about 35, but that didn’t stop him from writing a book about his adventures. The book is “Dishwasher” by Pete Jordan, which was published by Harper Perennial. The San Francisco Bay Guardian called it “an instant classic.”

Second tip: Wash the easiest pots, pans, plates and what-nots first. A tall, thin, Ethiopian at the Merry-GoRound taught me this one.

Everyone agrees the Merry-Go-Round dish pit layout is nuts. When I was there four winter’s ago, the only way from the kitchen to the front of the house was a 20-foot

Jordan said of his book, “For 12 years, I was the most prolific dishwasher of them all. From 1989 to 2001, I dished my way around the country, unwittingly searching for direction … From a bagel joint in New Mexico … a dinner train in Rhode Island … to a crusty hippie commune, I washed the nation’s dishes.”

What is Wealth?

In this service, we will consider how each of us defines wealth and how those definitions shape our experience of the world. What is wealth? What do you value? What do you want more of in your life? How will you determine if or when you have enough of whatever it is that you seek? Are there more equitable ways of thinking about the wealth of the world? These questions and more will be at the heart of our exploration. Join us and help us build the wealth of our community with your presence.

Join Zoom Meeting - https://us06web.zoom.us/j/82605258305 Meeting ID: 826 0525 8305 - Passcode: chalice truu.org Sunday, May 19th, 10am at Two Rivers Unitarian Universalist Community Room @ Third Street Center in Carbondale or via Zoom (scan QR code)

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

Pete is known to some for bluffing his way to the David Letterman TV show green room once, and being invited back once. (Long story short, Pete didn’t want to appear on the show but his friend did, so his friend pretended to be him). Pete’s Letterman adventure was recounted on NPR’s “This American Life” with Ira Glass.

Pete moved with his wife to Amsterdam in 2002 and began a new life as a bicycle mechanic and writer. So there ya go. A lowly dishwasher one day, a published author the next. And it all started for Pete when he landed his first job in a dish pit.

The book “Dishwasher” by Pete Jordan is a must read for all current, and potential, dishwashers. Best-selling author Sean Wilsey said the book is as compelling as Jack Kerouac’s “On the Road.” Courtesy graphic

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

The Time Traveler

By Tom Mercer

Charles “Timely” Smith was a relatively inconspicuous man. In fact, Charles was very close to unnoticeable, and that quality served him well as a professional “temporal violation agent” for his employer, ChronoCorp. When dressed appropriately for his target year, Charles could slide up unnoticed right behind a chrono-transgressor (aka a time-traveling tourist without the government’s permit to jump time periods). It was illegal to time travel without a license because after time travel became possible it quickly became apparent that many people suddenly had a serious desire to return to the past, in hopes of righting a wrong, correcting a calamitous personal mistake, or — most often — making investments that would greatly enrich

their future lives with the passage of time. Consequently, in the year 2695, all time travel had to be approved and licensed by the government. Still, some wannabe time travelers found ways to take their potentially profitable time-vacations without a government permit. Government had its hands tied just controlling terrorist time travel, which made it that much easier for “temporal scofflaws” to slip into the past.

In his time at ChronoCorp, Charles “Timely” Smith had earned an excellent reputation as a temporal violation agent. He had single-handedly disarmed illegal schemes, foiled political conspiracies, and stopped no less than eight planned assassinations. However, as time went by, he became increasingly envious

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of the people he knew who had successfully enriched themselves, their families and their descendants by employing a few illegal-but-smooth moves during their ChronoCorp missions into the past. So one day, Charles “Timely” Smith decided that he too would take advantage of his position as a ChronoCorp agent by arranging a few good investments of his own during a ChronoCorp mission. His next assigned target was a sketchy Chicago financier by the name of Gerald Wilson. Charles had heard about the “slight-of-hand” financial moves that had led Wilson to immense wealth. After all, it was just a matter of knowing the target’s history. Charles “Timely” Smith knew how the schemes worked and how to evade detection. As a result, he was confident that he too could come up with a plan that would generate vast wealth as time passed — wealth

which could be easily accessed by him upon his return to his own time period.

Charles “Timely” Smith arrived in the Chicago of 2027 on a cold midwestern day. A freezing wind was blowing into the city from Lake Michigan, and the city’s pedestrians had covered all but their eyes as they made their way down the frozen sidewalks that bordered the streets of Chicago. Charles knew that he had to accomplish his assigned mission before implementing his own plan, so he arranged the freezing of his target’s assets and delivered information about the man’s unscrupulous, illegal investment practices to the appropriate authorities. It was easy to provide convincing evidence as Charles had brought the incriminating information along with him for the trip to old Chicago. Then, having accomplished his mission, Charles made some significant investments in companies and

projects that he knew would see great success in the future — success that would generate huge profits for savvy investors. With his assigned mission completed, Charles placed the records of his Chicago investments into his briefcase and planned the return to his own time period in the future. He smiled as he packed his suitcase. He and his family would lead worry-free lives after he retired from ChronoCorp! Charles and his wife would drink the finest wines and take extravagant vacations to exotic islands in the Pacific! With his packing finished, Charles checked out of the hotel and stepped out onto the city sidewalk. He was still daydreaming about his golden future when the steel beam fell to the sidewalk below from a nearby building under construction. As John Lennon wrote in the lyrics for “Beautiful Boy”... “Life is what happens while we’re making other plans.”

The Itsy-Bitsy Crossword Corner

By Luke Wander & Larry Day No. 096

LETTERS

1. Scapula or humerus, for example

5. Over hill and over _____

7. Word after mountain, road, or stationary

9. 1/52nd of a year, or therabouts

last week’s solution

2. Situation in which Narcan may save a life

3. Catch

4. Ben F : bifocals :: ___ : cotton gin

6. Just barely make it, with “out”

8. Free form poet Cummings

right where we were standing. We weren’t so far away that I didn’t get my first taste and smell of tear gas.

So, guess where this year’s Democratic Convention is being held. A Democratic incumbent for president who’s largely held responsible for the war is due for renomination. In 1968, it was the incumbent vice president. The general election was won by a Republican who still suffered under the delusion the war could be won which was in tune with the nation’s macho inclination to not pull out.

If you’re planning to heed the plea to “please come to Chicago,” bear in mind the authorities are probably as afraid of you as you are of them. Their training tells them to react to fear with violence rather than de-escalation.

You may get what you ask for, but you won’t get what you want.

Fred Malo Jr.

Carbondale

Rotary thanks

Carbondale Rotary’s fourth annual Fireball Drop on May 3 was our best one yet! A record number of spectators joined us at the Village Smithy this past First Friday to witness almost 1,000 pingpong balls tumble from a fire ladder truck onto targets on the ground to select our winners, all of whom were from Carbondale and Glenwood Springs. It was a beautiful, sunny, breezy day and great fun!

Huge thanks go out to our title sponsor, Ace Hardware of Carbondale, and lead sponsor, Alpine Bank, for their consistent, dedicated support.

The Cowen Center, Glenwood Springs Post Independent, Obermeyer Wood Asset Management, Rivers Dentistry, Thunder River Theatre Company, and Umbrella Roofing also stepped in with key year-round support.

Other sponsors included Bookbinders, Carbondale Car Care/Phillips 66, Brian Keleher at Coldwell Banker Mason Morse Real Estate, Herschel Ross Family Dentistry, Lulubelle and Bristlecone Mountain Sports, Martin Insurance, Mike Waski, Modern Day Media, John Moore, Nordic Gardens, the Pain Center of the Roaring Fork Valley, Robin Tolan, Sopris Liquor and Wine, Karen Pierson at Aspen Snowmass Sotheby’s Real Estate at RVR, RK Wolff Safety Consulting, and Whitsitt Law Office.

We would like to especially thank the wonderful men and women of the Carbondale & Rural Fire Protection District. They once again provided the equipment, manpower, expertise, and good energy that made it all possible!

Thank you also goes to our event partners: the Town of Carbondale Parks and Recreation Department, Andrea and everyone at the Carbondale Chamber, The Sopris Sun, Megan and the crew at KDNK, and everyone at City Market Carbondale.

We’d also like to congratulate the Family Block Party and Pride Parade for putting on another wonderful event that brings out the best of Carbondale.

Lastly, many thanks to all of you who bought balls from us, our local Rotary high school scholarship recipients, our exchange students, Ascendigo, and everyone at the fire station! You’ve helped us raise much needed funds for local organizations as well as all our community service projects, scholarships and exchange program. We are indeed grateful to be a part of this amazing and generous community.

Yours in service,

Alan Cole – Carbondale Rotary Fundraising Chair

Ann Harris, Leslie Shor - Rotary Co-Presidents 2023-2024

LETTERS POLICY: The Sopris Sun welcomes local letters to the editor. Shorter letters stand a better chance of being printed. Letters exclusive to The Sopris Sun (not appearing in other papers) are particularly welcome. Please cite your facts and include your name and place of residence or association. Letters are due to news@soprissun.com by noon on the Monday before we go to print.

WOLVERINES

from page 7

guess if you’re a whistle pig in the rocks up there, you might get a little concerned. But other than that, there just really aren’t any issues with it.”

Next steps

Will and Mueller predict about two years before reintroduced wolverines are wandering the state. During the 10j process, CPW will craft a technical plan much like the wolf reintroduction and management plan. “Once those two things are in place, [CPW] is also going to create a communications plan about where they’ll be released and when,” explained Mueller. “Then, on the really off chance that a wolverine does prey on a sheep, there’ll be a fund for compensation.” After that, CPW will go find some wolverines to bring home.

Will said he’s proud of SB 24-171. “I championed that bill all the way through and I took a lot of grief for it because it was on the heels of the wolf reintroduction,” he said. “But I wanted to show the governor and the state that there’s a right way to do something and this was the right way.”

PARTING SHOTS

STRAW WARS

It was your typical Dandelion Day, May 11 — at least in the main area of the park.

What was happening at the far end, near the pool, is another story and was far from typical. Kids, mostly under 10, were dashing around, tossing armfuls of straw at one another or getting buried in the pile. They were having the time of their lives playing “Straw Wars” with the most simple of material. It was an environmentally-friendly, safe activity and — judging from the screams and laughter — a whole buncha’ fun!

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

Photos and text by Jane Bachrach

Photographer/author Jane Bachrach in action.

Photo by Raleigh Burleigh

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