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Volume 18, Number 33 | September 24-30, 2026
Cruisin’ in the rain
Photo by Terri Ritchie
Photo by Klaus Kocher
Colorado Grand makes a stop in Bonedale Carbondale hosted the 37th annual Colorado Grand, a vintage sports car rally and fundraiser traversing 1,000 miles across the Rocky Mountains in five days, on Thursday morning, Sept. 17. Drivers and onlookers mingled on 4th Street, boasting and admiring classic whips manufactured up to 1960. LIFT-UP was the selected nonprofit to host in Carbondale, serving up refreshments and lots of smiles as the rain came down. The Colorado Grand has raised more than $11 million since its inception in 1989, according to its website.
(Top to bottom) A 1929 Bentley sits wide eyed in front of the camera; the driver of a 1957 Ferrari 250 Testa Rossa gives a thumbs up; LIFT-UP staff and volunteers weathered the storm to host a successful event. Photo by Klaus Kocher
‘Holy ballot, Batman!’ Government is a core pillar of society. When choosing our leap-frogging the legislative/representative process and denying leaders, there is a lot to unpack, and this column is intended to adequate transparency. It’s sort of like asking your uncle to take help readers do just that before election day. you to the R-rated movie because you know your parents won’t. I was appointed the head of “all things money” by my family a So, scrutiny becomes more important, but also more difficult. quarter century ago and I’ve been reappointed every year since. I like to ask: What problem is this question trying to solve? Why If I asked any one of them to help me review taxes, insurance is this question being asked outside of the legislative process with options, loan docs, etc., the response would be a resounding, its built-in checks and balances? Is this being enshrined into our “That’s your job!” But when the issue is particularly important, to state constitution, or will this be a law that the legislature can me or to them, they usually step up to offer their input. modify if necessary? Is a “Yes/No” vote the best way to solve this This approach is like a representative democracy. In govern- problem? Does the solution protect rights, or take them away? ment, few people attend elected board meetings, one because Thanks to TABOR, we the people have the responsibility of they are boring, and two because they rely on voting on nearly all tax questions, and this ballot elected officials to make good decisions on their will have two. One is the extension of a “mill levy behalf. Therefore, the more ballot initiatives override” (MLO) for the Garfield County Public on a ballot, the less representative democracy Library District (GCPLD). It’s a property tax that we have. And while it may not be ideal to have was passed in 2006 with a “sunset” provision, many ballot initiatives, as active participants in which means it expires in 2027 unless voters a democracy, it’s important we voters provide choose to renew it. GCPLD is asking voters for thoughtful guidance when asked. this to become permanent. I asked Abraham It’s relatively easy to get a measure on the Korah, GCPLD’s executive director, why they ballot in Colorado compared to other states. And chose to eliminate the sunset provision and he by easy, I mean all it takes is enough money to clarified that the first 20 years of the tax were to pay signature gatherers around the state. In 2024, support the debt service of new and remodeled more than $42 million was spent to support or facilities, which will be retired in 2027, but from oppose 14 ballot measures. I’m guessing that this point forward it would be to fund the perpetDIG A LITTLE back in 1910, when the citizen-driven initiaual costs of maintenance, repair and operations. tive was voted into law in Colorado, the voters The second question is the Roaring Fork DEEPER intended them to be the exception, not the rule. School District (RFSD) asking voters to approve By Dan Richardson The concept of a citizen-driven initiative another MLO, this time to “retain and recruit makes sense, especially if the legislature isn’t adequately address- amazing teachers and staff,” as stated on their website. This quesing the issues at hand, and especially if it is truly driven by Colorado tion speaks to a larger trend of shifting the funding for many citizens. In a representative democracy, the public identifies prob- things even beyond education from the federal and/or state lems, elected representatives prioritize which problems should government to local governments. The concept of greater local be addressed, staff and consultants think through the details of control and funding makes a lot of sense, especially if federal a proposed solution and draft policy, the public then offers their taxes are reduced. I asked RFSD’s board president, Jon Delk, what comments and concerns, and finally elected representatives either happens if the MLO fails and he stated, “The practical effect of adopt the solution as law, or not. The process generally works not receiving the additional revenue would be less capacity to because it has multiple checks and balances. improve compensation and support recruitment and retention, If elected representatives want to, or are required to, they can potentially increasing employee turnover, difficult-to-fill posiput a question on the ballot, like the way citizens can. It’s called a tions, and pressure on classrooms.” The rationale for the funding referendum (as opposed to an initiative), and the public benefits is solid, so perhaps its passing will hinge on how voters choose to because referendums are vetted by multiple checks and balances, prioritize tax dollars. unlike initiatives which aren’t. Maybe this is why in the last 100 I don’t always like being the “money guy” in the family, but years 60% of referendums have passed, while only 36% of initia- it’s my job. And sometimes, the whole family (aka voters) needs tives have passed. to weigh in on tough decisions. Whether it’s true citizen-driven Colorado has become a playground for “citizen”-driven initia- initiatives, special interest groups packing the ballot or local entitives driven by special interest groups that are intentionally ties asking for funding, democracy is demanding our attention.
OPINION
LETTERS CORRECTIONS: Sopris Sun photographer Bob Rugile’s last name was misprinted on last week’s cover as “Rubile.” A disclaimer regarding the assisted use of AI for the Sol del Valle translation last week was missing. Lastly, the Sept. 3 article, “Debate heats up around Amendment 84,” was written and titled ahead of the measure being relabeled as Amendment 83; the online article was updated with an editor’s note to reflect this change.
Re: Amendment 83 The Sopris Sun’s Sept. 3 article, “Debate heats up around Amendment 84,” incorrectly identifies Amendment 84, a voter identification initiative, as an amendment that would “enshrine the right to hunt and fish in the Colorado Constitution.” Amendment 83, the Right to Hunt and Fish Amendment, is the initiative in question. Without issuing a correction and leaving the article as is, The Sopris Sun is misleading the public. Alex Brandhorst Colorado EDITOR’S NOTE: This article was written ahead of the measure being relabeled as Amendment 83; the online article was updated with an editor’s note to reflect this change.
Shelter from the storm Thank you so much to the Carbondale & Rural Fire Protection District for welcoming me into their station, providing shelter from the intense rain storm I encountered on my bike ride on Sept. 19. I was biking on the Crystal Trail returning from the BRB Campground and noticed a wall of water headed my way. I rode as fast as I could, thinking I could make it home before it got too close. I was drenched and had just passed Prince Creek Road when I saw two strikes of lightning, immediately followed by thunder. I looked ahead and saw two firefighters holding the station doors open for me and waving me inside. A special thank you to Lt. Keegan Fawley who I hadn’t seen since he was a student at Roaring Fork High. He offered me to join the crew for lunch and hung out with me while I waited for the weather to clear. I can’t thank you all enough for your hospitality! It is reassuring to know our firefighters are always looking out for our safety. Terri Ritchie Carbondale
Thank you, Bonedale & ranchers I want to share a big thank you to the community for showing up to sell out
2 THE SOPRIS SUN | soprissun.com | September 24-30, 2026
“Our Ranches, Climate & Our Local Food System” last week at the Crystal Theatre. It’s truly a testament to how deeply this community loves this extraordinary valley and the agriculture that will continue to protect land for ecosystem health, wildlife habitat and to feed us as our global food supply becomes ever more fragile. Thank you to the panelists, Jason Sewell, Parker Nieslanik, Kade Gianinetti and Jared Kerst. And to sponsors Aspen Valley Land Trust, Western Mosaic Fund, Rocky Mountain Ranch Services, Roaring Fork Valley Coop and Amore Realty and Joe Risi, as well as supporters Roaring Fork Farmers & Ranchers, The Center for Human Flourishing and Botany Houseplant Shop. Thank you, Emmet Hood Garcelon, for the sound. Also thanks to Jan Garrett and JD Martin for their beautiful musical invocation. Please support our local producers by buying local food: Mana Foods in Carbondale, Two Roots Farmstand, Nieslanik Beef, online at nieslanikbeef.com, and Wild Mountain Seeds, online at wildmountainseeds.com, for fall CSA shares in October, and up valley at the Farm Collaborative market. Gwen Garcelon Roaring Fork Food Alliance continued on page 22
Editor James Steindler 970-510-3003 news@soprissun.com Managing Editor Skyler Stark-Ragsdale Sol del Valle Editora Bianca Godina bianca@soldelvalle.org Digital Editor Ingrid Celeste Zúniga ingrid@soldelvalle.org Lead Editorial Designer Terri Ritchie Partnerships & Engagement Manager Luise Nieslanik Advertising Department adsales@soprissun.com Sol del Valle Marketing & Development Manager Margarita Alvarez margarita@soldelvalle.org Advertising and Special Section Designer Emily Blong Delivery Fred Kirschbaum Bartlett Proofreaders Lee Beck Tracy Kallassy Ken Pletcher Hank van Berlo Executive Director Todd Chamberlin 970-510-0246 todd@soprissun.com Board Members / Mesa Directiva
board@soprissun.com Klaus Kocher • Kay Clarke • Eric Smith Roger Berliner • Elizabeth Phillips Anna Huntington • Loren Jenkins Carlos Ramos • Gayle Wells • Jamie LaRue Adele Craft • Stephen Shapiro • Andrew Parrott
The Sopris Sun Board meets at 6pm on second Thursdays at the Third Street Center. The Sopris Sun, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit corporation with a mission to inform, inspire and build community by fostering diverse and independent journalism. Donations are fully tax deductible.
Sincerest thanks to our Honorary Publishers for their annual commitment of $1,000+ Kathy & Carter Barger Lee Beck & John Stickney Karen & Roger Berliner Emily & George Bohmfalk Kay Brunnier Michelle & Ed Buchman Sandy & Paul Chamberlin Frances Dudley Sue Edelstein & Bill Spence Deborah & Shane Evans Greg & Kathy Feinsinger Peter & Mike Gilbert Michael & Nancy Kish Gary & Jill Knaus Jan & Warren Koster Bob & Dori Libson Lee Mulcahy Donna & Ken Riley Eric Smith Patti & George Stranahan Gayle & Dick Wells Elizabeth Wysong
Legacy Givers for including us in their final wishes. Mary Lilly Linda Criswell
Donate by mail or online: P.O. Box 399 Carbondale, CO 81623 520 S. Third Street #26 970-510-3003 soprissun.com/Donate The Sopris Sun, Inc. is a proud member of the Carbondale Creative District
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Election accuracy The Garfield County Clerk and Recorder’s Office completed “logic and accuracy testing” (LAT) at the Garfield County Courthouse on Sept. 14 and 15 to ensure the accuracy of ballot scanning and counting. Forty-seven ballot styles were filled out and run through Clear Ballot tabulation equipment. The results were compared to the results of election judges’ hand tallies to determine any discrepancies. The testing was open to the public. For more information on the election, go to garfieldcountyco. gov/clerk-recorder/elections Register to vote at govotecolorado.gov
OUR UNDERWRITERS AND NONPROFIT PARTNERS!
Ranches, rivers, stories The Crystal Theatre will host “Ranches, Rivers & the Stories We Tell,” a writing-andland-focused discussion, from 5 to 6pm on Friday, Sept. 25. Author Robin Johnson, who writes about systems under pressure — the collision of technological ambition, environmental limits and civic institutions — will engage in a conversation with Aspen Valley Land Trust Board President Betina Moreira Infante, discussing “what it takes to write hope into land people actually rely on,” according to Johnson.
Alpine Bank
Community garden feast
Colorado Mountain College
The Carbondale Community Garden threw a potluck on Sept. 12 at Crystal Meadows to celebrate surviving the 2026 gardening season amid the early frost and Colorado’s hottest summer on record. The potluck saw more than 30 gardeners indulge in summer and winter squash, carrots and variations of kale.
Nordic Gardens Hilary Porterfield Basalt Library
NONPROFIT PARTNERS
Highway 82 lane closure Highway 82 drivers should expect delays on the north end of the Aspen/ Pitkin County Airport (ASE) when heading upvalley as crews build a temporary construction entrance to help reduce traffic impacts during the ASE Airport Modernization Project. One upvalley lane will be closed from 10am to 7pm, Monday through Saturday, until Oct. 10, according to a press release, and drivers should expect less than a five-minute delay. Owl Creek Road will also see alternating one-lane traffic and “brief delays” expected through October. For construction updates, visit aspenairport.com/construction
Two Rivers Unitarian Universalist Carbondale Arts Colorado Animal Rescue
Interested in becoming an Underwriter or Nonprofit Partner? Email Todd@soprissun.com or call 970-987-9866
Science center donations Donations made to the Aspen Science Center (ASC) through Oct. 9 will be matched for a fundraising goal of $10,000.
On Sept. 12, Dance Initiative’s K-pop team, Cloud970, competed at the Korean Festival in Colorado Springs, hosted by the Korean American Society of South Colorado, and took home the silver medal. The local K-pop troupe, composed of teens from the Valley, formed just one year ago and is “already an award-winning team,” Executive Director Joan Dizon told The Sun. Photo courtesy of Dance Initiative
The Reuben H. Fleet Foundation, which also supports San Diego’s Fleet Science Center, committed $4,000, and an ASC board member contributed $1,000 toward the matching campaign. The campaign highlights declining rates of science education for young students. “According to the most recent National Survey of Science and Mathematics Education, students in kindergarten through third grade receive an average of 18 minutes of science instruction per day, compared with 89 minutes of English language arts and 57 minutes of mathematics — a figure that has declined by roughly 22 percent since 2000,” an ASC press release stated. Donations can be made at aspensciencecenter.org, and should be tagged “18 Minutes Fall 2026 Programs” at checkout to be matched.
Fishing closures lifted Voluntary fishing closures have been lifted on three northern-Colorado rivers, including the Colorado River flowing through Glenwood Springs. Voluntary fishing closures were lifted on the Colorado River between Red Dirt Creek north of Gypsum and the Highway 13 bridge in Rifle, as well as further upstream between the Windy Gap Dam and the Williams Fork confluence near Parshall. Colorado Parks and Wildlife has also lifted voluntary
fishing closures on sections of the Fraser and White rivers, but reminds anglers that voluntary closures remain in place on the Eagle, Crystal, Elk and Yampa rivers due to high water temperatures and low flows.
Fire restrictions lifted The Town of Carbondale and Garfield County lifted Stage 1 fire restrictions on Wednesday, Sept. 23, citing recent rainfall and cooler temperatures as factors influencing the decision. The town and county still cautioned residents to be careful managing fires. White River National Forest will lift its Stage 1 fire restriction on Friday, Sept. 25.
They say it’s your birthday! Folks celebrating another trip around the sun this week include: Jon Fox-Rubin (Sept. 24); Taila Howe, Laura Stover and Geneviéve Villamizar (Sept. 25); Martin Calkins, Carolyn Cipperly, Klaus Kocher, Kate Phillips, Kenya Pinela, Matt Rader, Mimi Schlumberger and Leonard Zanni (Sept. 26); Susan Cheney, Kate Comer, Peggy DeVilbiss, Linda Fleming, Renee Ramge, and Jason White (Sept. 27); Madeleine Dameron Dahl, Andrew McMichael, Dave Reed, Kristin Stewart, Grace “Flash” Trevor Gallo and Pam Kaiser Williams (Sept. 28); Steve Jundt (Sept. 30).
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THE SOPRIS SUN | Your weekly community connector | September 24-30, 2026 3
‘The Lost Art of Random Conversations’ movement goes to print ALEJANDRA RICO Sopris Sun Correspondent
book appeals to the people [who] enjoy deeper conversation and who get drained Tom Karrel wears a t-shirt that reads by simple or small talk. It shows how to get “I talk to strangers” as he welcomes a into a meaningful space with whom we are mixed-age group of expectant attend- talking, a little bit more easily.” ees to Carbondale’s very own bookstore, Tom’s awareness of the powerful and White River Books, for his final (for now) deep effect that meaningful conversations local iteration of “The Lost Art of Random have in one’s soul’s quest for belongConversations” book tour and discussion ing began in Uganda, where he lived for series the evening of Sept. 17. five years starting in 2017, while workIn an interview held a couple ing with The Global Livingston of days before that event, Tom Institute. He had studied engireminisced about beginneering, public health and ning in Carbondale with international development this evolving movement, at Tulane University in which inspired the book, New Orleans before that. about four years ago. “Uganda definitely Through a mutual friend, changed me. I can sum he met his life partner, it up in one word … - Tom Karrel Taylor Freeman, during this belonging,” Karrel said. “As period of inception. humans, we all desire to be Freeman, an entrepreneur part of something bigger than and fine artist, had lived in the Roaring ourselves, where people are looking out Fork Valley for 11 years, and decided to join for us and we are for them.” Karrel in growing and bringing the move“Uganda’s values evolve around ment to other places in the country. She was community and collaboration. There’s a the catalyst for him to cement his dreams higher need to work together for survival into reality by writing the book, aptly titled and wellbeing in their communities. “The Lost Art of Random Conversations.” People need each other more to survive, “[It’s] a children’s book for adults; a play- whereas in the U.S. people value indiful guide that gives essential tools to go to vidual achievement and a lifestyle where a stranger and turn them into a friend or a we don’t really need people to grow or to meaningful connection,” Karrel said. “The survive, and where it’s easier to live our
I’d love to see a world where kids are talking to their elders.
Folks circle up for a meaningful evening of discussion at White River Books on Sept. 17 during Tom Karrel’s “The Lost Art of Random Conversations” local book tour. Photo by Alejandra Rico
lives in isolation,” he continued. “I kept thinking on how to bring the Uganda feel back to the U.S. back then.” Born in 1994, and growing up in Westport, Connecticut, Tom remembers enjoying connecting and hanging out with friends as a kid, but it was also during his middle and high school years that he experienced social anxiety, often prompted by talking with adults he did not know and public speaking. Lost to suicide during his college years, three of Karrel’s close friends also inspired the thread of the Lost Art of Random Conversations movement, woven from his own life experiences. After making this full time job over the past couple of years, Karrel’s “impossible goal” is to get to every school in the U.S.
over the next year and a half. His vision is to redevelop the natural way of interacting among teenagers, an intended antidote to the isolating effects of social media, the use of smartphones and artificial intelligence. “I’d love to see a world where kids are talking to their elders,” Tom expressed. Being back in the Valley after living on the road in an old airstream and spreading the movement around the U.S. since 2024, along with Freeman, a lot of nostalgia has filled Tom’s heart. “Having been out of the Valley and coming back to feeling the support from the community has been very affirming,” he shared. “The community has been very welcoming and given us a lot of positive feedback … I’d like to thank the Roaring continued on page 17
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Literacy group to host Dolly Parton-themed fundraiser KEN PLETCHER Sopris Sun Correspondent
Raising a Reader Aspen to Parachute will hold what they are calling a “Dolly-Palooza” night, from 5 to 8pm on Friday, Sept. 25, at Townline Trucks in Carbondale. The event, celebrating the life of the late Dolly Parton, will be a fundraiser for the Glenwood Springs-based nonprofit, which, in collaboration with Garfield County Public Library District (GCPLD), administers Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library education program in the county. The evening is the brainchild of devoted Parton fan April Spaulding, who (as Ape on the Dink) frequently plays Dolly’s songs on her Friday-morning Wild Rumpus radio show on KDNK. She, like the rest of the country, was devastated by Parton’s sudden death in August. Spaulding shares Parton’s strong passion for promoting early childhood literacy. “When Dolly passed away,” she said, “I asked, ‘What can we do?’” She continued, “My first thought was to help with the Imagination Library.” She reached out to Raising a Reader because of the organization’s involvement with the pre-K program. “So, it was a perfect fit,” she said, adding that she wanted to hold the event on Sept. 25 as a nod to Parton’s 1980 hit song “9 to 5.” Townline Trucks was eager to have them there that night. Suzanne Wheeler-Del Piccolo, Raising a Reader’s executive director, only knew Spaulding slightly, but said, “I was very excited to hear from her about the possibility of a fundraiser in honor of Dolly and her wonderful program.” She went on to describe the Imagination Library and Raising a Reader’s connection to it. The program was established by Parton in 1995 to bolster early childhood education in her home county in eastern Tennessee. Since then, it has grown to operate throughout the United States and in several other countries. Children enrolled in the program receive a free book each month from the time they are born until their fifth birthday, when they “graduate.” To date, some 333 million books have been distributed, and nearly 3.2 million kids are participating worldwide. Raising a Reader’s involvement began in March 2025, when they took on sponsorship of the program as GCPLD’s
nonprofit partner administering it. “We have added 300 to 400 more kids since taking over,” Wheeler-Del Piccolo said, “And we now have 1,776 participating [in the county.]” She said that families can choose to receive either English or bilingual books. Wheeler-Del Piccolo said that she had to assure several concerned parents after Parton’s passing that the program would continue, saying, “In her life [Parton] was a champion of literacy; in her death, more so.” Indeed, in the first 48 hours after she died, some 40 new kids were enrolled in the local program, even causing the website to crash for a short time. “We’d never seen traffic like that,” she said. The Imagination Library is only one of the early childhood literacy ventures offered by Raising a Reader. The others, which are available either in the full Aspen-Parachute corridor or in portions of it, include the weekly bilingual Bositas Rojas, biweekly Red Book Bag, monthly 123 Let’s Read and annual (in the spring) Blue Book Bag programs — all in collaboration with participating schools and libraries. Since 2020, the organization has also offered Spanish-language summer camps from El Jebel to Parachute. Describing Friday’s Dolly-Palooza, Spaulding said, “It’s definitely family friendly.” Music, from Kenny Wayne Gentry and the Companions, will start at 7pm, and before that door prizes will be handed out. She noted that this is not a raffle: “We’re not charging for anything, it’s all just going to be donations.” A highlight of the evening will be what Spaulding described as a “Dolly-inspired costume contest,” with child and adult categories. She emphasized, “This is not a look-alike contest. I want to see kids in pink and butterflies and other things Dolly might have worn.” Judging will be by Wheeler-Del Piccolo and staff members from local libraries. Details on Raising a Reader Aspen to Parachute (which has expanded its programs to Marble and De Beque), can be found at rar4kids.org; to sign up for the Imagination Library, click the programs tab.
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THE SOPRIS SUN | Your weekly community connector | September 24-30, 2026 5
GLENWOOD SPRINGS REPORT
Council hears school zone safety concerns, amends short-term rental rules JOHN STROUD Sopris Sun Correspondent
Student safety at several busy street crossings near Glenwood Springs Elementary School (GSES) was top of mind for parents who spoke before Glenwood City Council at the regular Sept. 17 meeting. After a student was hit and injured by a vehicle at 10th Street and Pitkin Avenue on the way to school recently, members of the school’s Parent Teacher Association (PTA) decided to approach the city’s leaders about making some school zone safety improvements. “It’s kind of mayhem out there,” parent Connie Geiman said, as she and others described the usual morning rush-hour traffic with its mix of parents dropping off students at school, high school students driving to school, and commuters buzzing along Grand Avenue and side streets trying to get to work on time. “Our youngest citizens need more protections,” she said, offering some ideas to create a better “safe walking corridor” for students. The designated walking and biking route to GSES is on 10th Street, which crosses several busy intersections including Blake, Cooper, Grand, Colorado and Pitkin avenues. Since the accident, the PTA has been organizing volunteer crossing guards to
keep watch over students and help control traffic at 10th and Pitkin, in particular. “We don’t believe this is a long-term solution,” PTA President Emily West said. “We’ve been asking for changes in this area for the last two years … merely meeting code is not sufficient.” While recent Glenwood public works projects have brought pedestrian safety improvements to school zones around Sopris Elementary, Glenwood Springs High School and Glenwood Middle School, including raised speed bumps and better-delineated crosswalks, some parents said it feels like GSES has been “a bit forgotten.” The designated school zone includes a 20 mph speed limit, with fines doubled for speeding. Geiman pointed out that a new state law allows communities to extend safety zones up to 1,000 feet around a school, and to lower speed limits to 10 mph. Grand Avenue, which doubles as Colorado Highway 82, could be included within the school zone if the city works with the state transportation department to make that happen, Geiman suggested. City council members agreed the city needs to do more to address the situation, both near- and long-term. City Manager Steve Boyd said it’s “never okay”
Volunteer crossing guard, and parent of two at Glenwood Springs Elementary School, Erin Evers, holds traffic for a family crossing Pitkin Avenue at 10th Street on Tuesday morning, Sept. 22. Photo by James Steindler
for a child to get hit at an intersection, and offered to meet with parents to come up with some solutions. “We will lean into this,” he said.
Other matters Additional comments from persons addressing items not on the evening’s agenda included followup thoughts on the recent discussion about bears and unsecured trash. A bipartisan pledge was also introduced by Heather Exby and Debbie Bruell in support of the Garfield County election process ahead of the upcoming midterm elections. The pledge also opposes any outside interference in local elections. As for the regular agenda, city council
heard presentations from Stepping Stones, a Carbondale-based youth services program that’s looking for space to run its programs in Glenwood Springs; and from Habitat for Humanity of the Roaring Fork Valley. Habitat is busy marketing and working with its current renters to purchase units at the Carter L3 Condos in Glenwood Meadows, and is nearing completion of the Confluence project at 8th and Midland. One current renter at the Carter explained that she is trying to buy the unit she now rents, but that obtaining financing is a challenge. “If you’re poor enough to qualify for affordable housing, you’re too poor to qualify for financing,” she said. continued on page 17
GARFIELD COUNTY REPORT
Cavern Springs, Sweetwater Lake and a solar farm AMY HADDEN MARSH Sopris Sun Correspondent
The Garfield Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) were urged to sign a pledge to protect elections on Monday. Heather Exby, former dean and vice-president of Colorado Mountain College’s Spring Valley campus, explained that “pro-democracy groups” have said that Garfield County is an area of concern for the midterms, stating that a small group of Garfield County residents came together to offer the pledge throughout the county. “I never thought I’d be here talking about election integrity, but it is an issue that we see weekly, daily out there,” said former state Rep. Gregg Rippy, who is also a member of the group. “The freedom to vote and have our votes counted is the foundation of our democracy.” Before he read the short pledge, he pointed out that there is no problem with election integrity in Garfield County. “But if we have people watching this and thinking, ‘My vote doesn’t count’ and they don’t show up because they believe that their vote is not going to be counted, there’s [a problem],” he said. “So that’s why I’m on board with this election pledge.” Commissioner Perry Will said that the Garfield County Clerk’s office just went through an audit without issue. “This is just our attempt to recognize that,” Rippy responded. “We really want people to feel comfortable that their vote is counted and important.”
The GarCo citizens group pledge encourages people to register to vote and go to the polls in November. Commission Chair Tom Jankovsky gave a shout out to past county clerks Mildred Alsdorf and Jean Alberico, thanking Alberico for choosing Clear Ballot voting machines in 2018 instead of Dominion, which was at the heart of false election fraud allegations in 2020. County Clerk and Recorder Jackie Harmon told the BOCC that ballots go in the mail Oct. 6; early voting centers open Oct. 19. “The ballot is two pages and four sides so we highly encourage people to return them to the ballot drop boxes,” Harmon explained, adding that it will cost two
stamps to return by mail. All election information is available at the Garfield County website. The BOCC then approved the consent agenda and heard from local nonprofits High Country Volunteers and Literacy Outreach, which has been in operation for 40 years. The Glenwood Springs Salvation Army has started a winter coat drive and is getting ready for the annual Red Kettle fundraising campaign. Kings and Priests Ministry, home of Jesus Saves homeless day shelter, Discovery Cafe and sober living houses in Rifle for men also
“The board will now go into Bonus Round.”
6 THE SOPRIS SUN | soprissun.com | September 24-30, 2026
provided an update. Becca Schild of Roaring Fork Outdoor Volunteers was given a letter of support for a $43,000 Colorado Parks and Wildlife grant. County public assistance benefits for August totaled over $1.088 million. The BOCC approved a letter of support for a request from the Sopris Mountain Collective, a resident-owned cooperative at Cavern Springs Mobile Home Park, to enter into a special limited partnership (SLP) with the county housing authority. The SLP would qualify the mobile home park for a property tax exemption. The letter also requests that the resulting savings be passed to residents. The BOCC chose not to contribute financially to the residents’ efforts to purchase the mobile home park. Commissioner Mike Samson said this would be a way to help. The BOCC renewed a five-year lease for communication towers at Anvil Points and Harvey Gap, approved fee waivers for upcoming events at the county fairgrounds and gave the nod to a major impact review for a solar farm near Parachute. Commissioners discussed comments on the U.S. Forest Service’s (USFS) draft environmental impact statement (DEIS) for the proposed Sweetwater Lake Recreation Management and Development Project. The DEIS is required by the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and proposes three action alternatives or management options, and one no-action option. continued on page 23
CARBONDALE REPORT
BASALT REPORT
Town to celebrate its 125th anniversary, Oct. 10 WILL BUZZERD Sopris Sun Correspondent
The Board of Trustees opposed potential amendments to the Colorado Constitution that would require police collaboration with the Department of Homeland Security in certain immigrationrelated circumstances and protect the sale of natural gas. Photo by Skyler Stark-Ragsdale
Trustees stand against amendments to state constitution
Board opposes proposals requiring police collaboration with DHS, natural gas purchase as right SKYLER STARK-RAGSDALE Managing Editor
The Town of Carbondale drew a firm line on Tuesday against a potential statewide escalation of immigration enforcement efforts and natural gas sales. The Board of Trustees passed a resolution in its consent agenda opposing Amendment 81, “Law Enforcement Reporting Requirement to Federal Authorities.” The proposed amendment would modify the Colorado Constitution, requiring law enforcement agencies to report individuals not lawfully present in the United States — or those whose lawful presence is unknown — to the Department of Homeland Security within 72 hours after a charge, if the person is charged with a violent crime or has previously been convicted of a felony. Amendment 81 will go before voters in the Nov. 3 general election and requires 55% approval to pass, as is required of constitutional amendments in Colorado. The town said the amendment conflicts with the town’s policies, including a resolution passed in 2017 that “limits immigration-status inquiries and actions based solely on immigration status and generally requires Board approval for participation or partnership with federal immigration officials,” according to the resolution. The resolution also said the amendment conflicts with the town’s Comprehensive Plan, which “includes goals related to inclusivity and equity and seeks to keep Carbondale welcoming and accessible to all members of the community.” “Whereas, the Board of Trustees finds that Amendment 81 could conflict with
the Town’s policies, reduce community trust in local law enforcement, and limit local discretion in addressing publicsafety needs while respecting due-process protections,” the resolution states. The board on Tuesday also formally opposed Amendment 82, a proposed amendment to the Colorado Constitution that would enshrine the right for consumers to purchase natural gas, a fossil fuel, for “cooking or heating in homes or businesses throughout the state,” and embedding the right for distributors and utilities to sell natural gas “for homes or businesses.” In its resolution opposing the amendment, the town notes that its Environmental Bill of Rights, passed in 2017, directs environmental considerations to “guide Town plans, codes and practices.” “Whereas, the Board of Trustees finds that placing a right to purchase and sell a particular energy source in the Colorado Constitution could restrict regulatory options that the Town may otherwise consider and could interfere with the Town’s ability to adopt local policies responsive to community needs, changing technology, and climate objectives,” the resolution states. “On behalf of the Environmental Board, I would like to thank you for your public opposition to [Amendment] 82,” Environmental Board Chairperson Fred Malo told the trustees in public comment.
Also on the consent agenda … The board passed a resolution formally supporting the Garfield County Public Library District’s proposed property tax extension, which asks voters to continue a tax passed in 2006 and slated to sunset after 2027. The one-mill property tax would provide funding for the district’s facilities, staff, books, technology, community programs, nonprofit partnerships and more. continued on page 23
This week, town staff announced a free community celebration in Arbaney Park on Oct. 10 to commemorate the Town of Basalt’s 125th anniversary. Additionally, the Town of Basalt’s financial department presented its proposed budget for 2027, which paints a picture of a continued trend of decreased capital expenditures, since major projects like the Midland Streetscape have fully concluded. All community members are invited to Arbaney Park from noon to 6:30pm on Oct. 10 to celebrate the history of Basalt. The event will feature historical tours, live music, a pie-baking contest and activities for all ages. “Our heritage is a significant part of our present and the community is strong today because of those who came before us and those who work hard to contribute to a vibrant and close-knit Basalt,” Mayor David Knight said. “Our 125th anniversary is a chance to celebrate yesterday, today and tomorrow.” Community members are encouraged to arrive at 1pm for an official town photo, which will enter Basalt’s historical record — a snapshot of how the town has grown. The history tours will be led by the Basalt Regional Heritage Society. A performance of a traditional Ute dance will be from 3 to 4pm, meant to recognize the original roots of Basalt. The music will continue from 4 to 6:30pm with performances by the Aspen-based Norteño-style band Malqueridøs and high-energy country rockers A Band Called Alexis. For the kids, the Art Base will provide fall-themed pumpkin crafts. Young Basaltians can also enjoy a bouncy house and obstacle courses hosted by the Basalt Library. Basalt Lions Club will provide lunch from noon to 2pm. At 2pm, the town will hold a community pie baking competition. Bakers of Basalt wanting to show off their confectionary skills can bring in two pies for the judges to taste and rate. More information regarding how to enter the pie-baking competition is forthcoming on the town’s website. Local farmers will also host stands to sell fresh fall produce. The Town of Basalt encourages those interested in attending to leave their cars at home and walk, bike or take RFTA. Those who need to drive are recommended to park at Basalt Elementary or Middle School and walk the path to Arbaney Park; ADA parking will be available at Arbaney Park.
Our heritage is a significant part of our present and the community is strong today because of those who came before us and those who work hard to contribute to a vibrant and close-knit Basalt ... Our 125th anniversary is Basalt’s financial future The town’s Budget has been subjected to a chance to celebrate a review process by the town manager the past yesterday, today few weeks of September. On Tuesday evening, the proposed budget was presented to Basalt and tomorrow. Town Council. - Mayor David Knight In recognition of its excellence in budget reporting, Basalt’s Finance Department has been a recipient of the Government Finance Officers Association Distinguished Budget Presentation Award for several consecutive years. For 2027, the town budgeted for lower revenues for the general fund than in 2026, decreasing from $15.7 million to an estimated $13.5 million. General fund expenditures are planned to match this new estimated revenue. However, in both 2024 and 2025, actual expenditures were slightly lower than budgeted. Seventy-five percent of general fund revenues, approximately $10.2 million, is expected from taxes. Ninety-three percent of general fund expenditures would be spent on town personnel and operating costs. The Basalt Police Department makes up the largest portion of expenditures at 24% from the general fund, followed by administrative expenses at 17%. Expenditures in the restricted fund are expected to exceed revenues by approximately $723,000. A good share of the restricted fund planned expenditures, $5.7 million of the $6.8 million, will be used by Open Space and Trails for capital improvements. There are currently few expenditures planned in 2027 from the capital construction fund. Since 2024, Basalt has spent approximately $13 million from this fund, primarily for the Midland Streetscape Project. Along with the project, that figure has winded down year-by-year. In 2027, the town has only budgeted for a comparatively miniscule $3,750 in expenditures from the capital construction fund. Approximately $7.47 million in funding has been requested by various departments for 2027, but has yet to be allocated. The largest planned expenditure over the next several years will be used by Open Space and Trails to improve parks, irrigation systems and trails, as well as for Phase II of the Safe Routes to School Project, which will specifically provide a safe trail along Two Rivers Road for young students. Open Space and Trails estimates a cost of roughly $2.8 million in 2027 for this specific project. The final version of the budget will be presented for approval on Dec. 8.
THE SOPRIS SUN | Your weekly community connector | September 24-30, 2026 7
Post 100 beckons all veterans and first responders to gourmet lunch on Sept. 29 JAMES STEINDLER Editor-in-Chief
The American Legion Post 100 is inviting all first responders, veterans and active service members for a top-of-the-line smorgasbord, made with wild game from here to the wild blue yonder. Retired U.S. Air Force Veteran, with 23 years of service, Gabe Adame, was just recently introduced to Post 100, where he already feels right at home. He’s lived in the Valley for nine years, along with his wife, Susie Jimenez, who’s been around for about 25. Jimenez is a celebrity chef and was a featured finalist on the Food Network. The two have been palling around the country feeding veterans, first responders and people experiencing homelessness through a program called Hunt. Fish. Feed., an offshoot of the Sportsman Channel and sponsored by Xfinity and Comcast. It all started when Jimenez was picked up by the Outdoor Channel for the show “The Sporting Chef,” after having been discovered on the Food Network. “Then, I decided to take a little break from the whole showbusiness, I guess, and then they
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asked if I wanted to travel with my husband — a retired veteran himself — and travel around the country to feed first responders, homeless, veterans, the whole shebang,” Jimenez told The Sun. Hunt. Fish. Feed. has provided more than 45,000 meals since its inception in 2007, according to Adame. Adame added, “We just wanted to do something in our backyard, because we’re usually going to Houston … New Orleans … Illinois and all these other places.” The menu will include elk, wild boar, brats and turkey. “We’re going to grill it; we’re going to make it Brazilian style with a bunch of sauces and vegetables and rice pilaf,” Jimenez said. Live music will be provided by LeAnn Wright and Tim Pobirk. “When you have a meal with somebody [who] you’ve experienced the same things with, it just makes that whole meal a lot better,” Adame said. “I went to war 10 times and I don’t talk about it ever … but it’s nice to get around veterans and you can relate.” Post 100 is always looking to grow its family of veteran and
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proxy members, according to Post 100 Adjunct Chris Potvin. Sons or grandsons of servicemembers are eligible to join as Sons of the American Legion, and other relatives can sign up as American Legion Auxiliary members. If you don’t fall within the eligibility guidelines, “we still have a place for you,” Potvin said. Post 100 Commander Michael Adams has been a member of the Carbondale unit for 11 years, having stepped into the leadership role in April 2025. He enlisted in the Army in the early ‘70s, after having drawn No. 5 in the draft lottery and being classified as 1A, a tell-tale sign he’d be heading into the military one way or the other, he explained. Once discharged, he hitchhiked across the country, eventually making his way to the Valley. “Once in service, always in service,” Adams said. “If they called my number right now, I’d show up. When the American Legion formed in 1919, in Paris, France of all places, there was more of a veteran services component, according to Potvin. The official
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Aspen Literary Festival September 25-27 Panels
Parties
Book signings
Aspen in autumn Most of it free
Register at
AspenLiteraryFestival.org
PRODUCED BY
FESTIVAL FOUNDERS CIRCLE Edie Barvin, Ruth Turnquist Carver and Jim Schmidt, Terena Eisner, Soledad and Bob Hurst, Brent and Belinda Johnson, Lauren Johnson and Marissa Mandel, Melony and Adam Lewis, Arny and Anne Porath, Peter and Lynne Rigby, Maria and David B. Rosenfield, M.D., and Donna and Elliott Slade
8 THE SOPRIS SUN | soprissun.com | September 24-30, 2026
American Legion Post 100 Adjunct Chris Potvin (left) and Commander Michael Adams hope for a good turnout of veterans and first responders at the posts’s luncheon on Sept. 29. Folks can RSVP by email at RSVPspiceitup@gmail.com Photo by James Steindler
IN A NUTSHELL What: Veterans & First Responders Lunch Where: American Legion Post 100, Carbondale When: Sept. 29, 11:30am to 1:30pm Who: Veterans, military members and first responders RSVP: Email RSVPspiceitup@gmail.com service responsibility was eventually assumed by the Department of Veterans Affairs, but Post 100 still provides guidance and support for veterans, he added. Both of the Post 100 leaders hope that the welcoming on Sept. 29, will inspire more recruits to join the ranks of the local chapter. The event is family friendly, according to Potvin and Adams, so eligible attendees are welcome
to bring family members. Though the barbecue will not include beer or whiskey, the pair said, the bar will open early at 1:30pm for folks who wish to stick around. Adame said that it’s important to RSVP, which can be done by emailing RSVPspiceitup@gmail. com He added that folks can call or text his cell, 209-502-8940, with any questions.
Rain helps, but doesn’t alleviate regional drought status ANNALISE GRUETER Sopris Sun Correspondent
Despite recent rain, much of the Roaring Fork Watershed remains in “exceptional” drought as of the autumn equinox. Pitkin and Eagle counties are among the 15.2% in the state categorized in the highest ranking for drought, according to the United States Drought Monitor, alongside Lake and Alamosa counties. The majority of Garfield County is in either exceptional or “extreme” drought, the next highest ranking. The dryness paired with above-average temperatures in 2026 made the January through August period the sixth-driest recorded in Colorado since 1895, with 3.78 fewer inches of rain than average. That decreased precipitation has shown in local watersheds and trickled into recreation management. By June, local angling guides were sharing anecdotes about adjusting trips to early hours of the morning to reduce stress on fish. In July, water closures and interventions began, while local river monitoring started registering record low flows. Pitkin County Open Space and Trails closed the North Star Nature Preserve to watercraft on July 28, when measured flows on that stretch of the Upper Roaring Fork River were 20 cubic feet per second (cfs), less than one quarter of the historical average for that time of year. One week later, on Aug. 6, the Colorado River District and Colorado Water Conservation Board began intermittent releases from Ruedi Reservoir to help maintain river flows in the lower Roaring Fork and Colorado rivers. “One of the reservoir’s purposes is to
Ruedi Reservoir is exceptionally low this year, as seen in this picture taken on Sept. 14. Photo by Bob Rugile
compensate Colorado River Basin water users for the diversion of Colorado River Basin water to the Arkansas River Basin in southeastern Colorado,” according to the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation. Roaring Fork Conservancy reported that the August “releases out of Ruedi were used towards satisfying the Colorado River Basin Emergency Substitute Water Supply Plan to protect legal water availability for municipal and domestic users and support irrigators throughout the basin, including senior water rights in the Grand Valley, and to support aquatic conditions in the Fryingpan, Roaring Fork, and Colorado rivers.”
Those emergency releases lowered water temperatures by up to 7 degrees Fahrenheit on the lower Roaring Fork and helped mediate downstream irrigation needs. However, the reservoir releases also affected recreation around Ruedi. A popular boating destination, Ruedi’s boat ramp was closed on Aug. 4. Before the water releases, the reservoir was considered low enough that managers deemed boating use unsafe for the remainder of the season. The Ruedi Boat Ramp is typically open through Oct. 31. The reservoir also hosts five different campgrounds along its shores. On Sept. 9,
White River National Forest managers closed the lowest two campgrounds, Little Maud and Mollie B, on the northwest shores due to lack of water. Some of the higher campgrounds remain open. Officials have encouraged campers across the White River National Forest to fill water tanks before arriving at campgrounds due to low wells and water availability. On Sept. 10, Roaring Fork Conservancy announced record lows across the watershed. The Crystal River at the Carbondale Fish Hatchery was measured at 8.8 cfs the preceding week, 12% of the historical average. The Fryingpan River at Meredith, above Ruedi, was measured at 12 cfs, 16% of average. Recent rain has led to additional water release requests from downriver water users. From Sept 13 to Sept 17, rainfall in Aspen totaled 1.05 inches, according to Pinpoint Weather. The town’s historical average for September is 1.89 inches. In response, Grand Valley water users requested that Ruedi releases be increased by 50 cfs to 170 cfs. Grand Valley farmers’ growing season runs until Nov. 1, most years. The increased rate started Sept. 18, then decreased to 115 cfs on Sept. 21, following more rain. The flow rate is expected to continue until further notice. The seven-day National Weather Service forecast for the region predicts chances of precipitation, 20-70%, most days through Sept. 28. To see more details on river flows in the Roaring Fork Watershed, visit roaringfork.org/your-watershed/river-flows
THE SOPRIS SUN | Your weekly community connector | September 24-30, 2026 9
The ReMemberers return to Carbondale, Oct. 3 RALEIGH BURLEIGH Sopris Sun Correspondent
IN A NUTSHELL
Remember The ReMemberers? Last fall, Who: The ReMemberers True Nature Healing Arts brought this musical What: “The Firebird” performance and myth-making trio into their underground Kiva room for an intimate retelling of “The Lindworm.” mythic storytelling workshop Upon a carpet, among an assortment of altar Where: True Nature Healing Arts items and soundmakers resonating in that circular space, Violet Southard’s sirenesque singing When: Saturday, Oct. 3 and Alex Harvey’s string instrumentation built a sonic nest for John de Kadt’s expert spinning of “Each place brings a different history to it,” the tale with wit, humor and rhythm. Harvey noted, adding, “I’ve thought about that The performance was so well received that night in the Kiva with you all more than any True Nature has invited The ReMemberers back other room we played [last] year.” for another performance, plus an additional On the heels of performing for eTown in three-hour deep dive into the five layers of myth Boulder, The ReMemberers will deliver “The according to Mayan traditions. Whoever commits Firebird” in Carbondale on Oct. 3 and to Paonia to the workshop will be extra prepared to receive the following night, before traveling on to New the medicine of the story that evening. All ticket Mexico for the tour’s conclusion. holders are also invited to gather around a fire after This year’s myth has a political undertone, the show to discuss personal impressions and finer depicting a person’s will becoming overridden details with the cast. by and enmeshed with that of a tyrant ruler. Based out of the Berkshires in MassaWhile Harvey thinks “politics per se doesn’t chusetts, the group tours with a fresh make great art,” he believes that myth each season. Blending “The Firebird” holds a relevant their backgrounds in music, message for this time, depictmyth, cinema, sound healing the journey of a lowly ing and wellness, The hunter into powerful, spirReMemberers consider itual initiation. their offering more of a “Like an ICE agent fallliving ceremony than ing in love with one of simple entertainment. the people he’s tasked to The Sopris Sun deport,” Harvey mused. caught up with Harvey to “How do you save your learn more. soul in that situation? [The “It’s so great to be able to myth] became a big indict- Alex Harvey, The sit with a living, poetic, exploment of our whole moment ReMemberers sive, highly-visual story that is right now, as we are swayed to just delivered through sound,” he the whims of a kind of rudderless, remarked. “We’re told by everyone right now that out-of-control ego.” the attention span is gone forever. The ReMemFrom 1:30 to 4:30pm, Oct. 3, The ReMemberers berers are here to convince you otherwise.” will teach a framework for storytelling inherThis year’s myth is “The Firebird,” a ited from renowned educator and author Martín 1,000-year-old Russian folktale transcribed by Prechtel. This same class will be offered at the Alexander Afanasyev, a 19th-century ethnogra- University of Colorado and nowhere else on the pher. Whereas last year’s selection was “interior,” tour. Then, at 6pm, the doors of True Nature’s Kiva Harvey explained, “‘The Firebird’ is about soul open to guests for the 90-minute performance. retrieval in a time of totalitarian rule by the ego The integration fire in True Nature’s Peace Garden made sovereign.” will remain lit from 8 to 9:30pm for a “collecHe continued, “We build a new story each tive metabolizing” of the myth. Ticket prices are year with new music — a new project each year tiered and scholarships are available thanks to the as opposed to a band that plays their hits. When Connection is the Medicine Foundation. we return to a place, we return with a new piece.” “The sense of our entire species and culture The group enjoys bringing their art to life in a coming to a head right now is just absolutely variety of spaces, from churches to concert halls everywhere,” Harvey concluded. “The stories to libraries to festivals. are built for this moment.”
We build a new story each year with new music — a new project each year as opposed to a band that plays their hits. When we return to a place, we return with a new piece.
Theo Hirschfield, photo by Zach Sevilla @mr.raysbrain
Theo Hirschfield packs his bags to head to Carbondale Clay Center RACHEL OWENS Sopris Sun Correspondent
The Carbondale Clay Center has a new Guest Artists Series, and Theo Hirschfield is the first invited artist. He will be here for the month of October, and is looking forward to getting to know the community, encouraging people to come by and say hello. Hirschfield is based in San Diego, California, where he is a practicing ceramicist and teaches classes at Tao Clay. Born in Jackson Hole, Wyoming, he has been immersed in the creative world from a young age. Moving to California when he was just a kid, his family motivated him to stick with his dream of becoming an artist. Deaf since early childhood, Hirschfield creates pieces that are “informed by a highly physical, full-sensory process,” according to his bio on his website, theohirschfield.com He eventually received hearing devices to help him hear, which he is grateful for. Hirschfield attended the University of California Santa Barbara, graduating with a bachelor of arts degree in sculpture. He has a following of 230,000 on Instagram and 1.5 million followers on TikTok, and he was discovered through social media by the Gallery Sonder in Newport Beach, where he has a current showing through November titled “Euphorbia.” That exhibit is inspired by the succulents of the Golden State. Hirschfield likes to use a darker, toothier clay, with vibrant glazes of various colors, like something out of a Dr. Seuss book. “His biomorphic forms now swell to human height or taller,” Carbondale Clay Center wrote in a press release, “prompting a physical renegotiation between viewer and art-object.” Hirschfield described to The Sun what a day was like in his life as an artist, starting off with a big breakfast to maintain his creative energy along with exercise, whether that’s going for a walk or surfing. He then heads to his studio, where he hits the ground running, working on his more difficult projects first. He will have multiple projects going on at once, and might light some incense and put on a Pink Floyd record or listen to ambient music in the background. When he struggles with a creative block, he does not only rely on inspiration, but pushes on and forces himself just to make, even if it’s turning to something more simple, like throwing a cup, to get the creative juices flowing. “You can spend all the time in the world thinking about what you want to make, but the best thing you can do as an artist is constantly make,” he said. “If you are an artist, most likely you are doing it because you have to do it, or you need to express this feeling. If you did not need to, you’d be okay letting that idea go. Just keep making.”
In other news … On another exciting note, the Clay Center is slated to open a new space at 215 North 12th Street, aptly named The Carbondale Clay Center 12th Street Annex. “This space allows us flexibility to meet the increasing demand for more programming and outreach, classes, shelf rentals and studio time as we address waitlists and continue to fundraise toward a new building,” Executive Director Angela Bruno wrote in a recent newsletter. “The additional space makes creating with you here at Carbondale Clay Center even easier, and allow[s] us the flexibility to keep Carbondale dirty.” The goal is to open the annex in October. So stay tuned. The ReMemberers invite audiences into sacred time with acoustic instruments and live storytelling. Courtesy graphic
10 THE SOPRIS SUN | soprissun.com | September 24-30, 2026
For more information, visit carbondaleclay.org
RAMS REPORT
Homecoming soccer on tap Thursday night JOHN STROUD Sopris Sun Correspondent
EDITOR’S NOTE: John Stroud is a Roaring Fork High School track and field coach and a substitute teacher for Roaring Fork School District. It’s homecoming week at Roaring Fork High School, as well as neighboring Glenwood Springs High, which means lots of home games and events are on tap Thursday, Friday and Saturday. On Thursday night at 6pm under the lights at Rams Field, the Roaring Fork boys varsity soccer team hosts Aspen to begin the all important 3A Western Slope League (WSL)schedule. The Rams are sitting at 5 wins, 2 losses heading into the league opener with the Skiers, who come in at 4-2. Roaring Fork senior Oliver Shook has scored eight goals on the season, while Aspen’s Ryan Nitti has been good for 16. Roaring Fork gathered its latest win on the road at Steamboat Springs on Sept. 17, 4-2. The Rams were down 2-1 at the halfway point, but came out in the second half to score three unanswered goals for the win. Senior Cal Stone had two goals and an assist, while freshman Noe Alvarez-Tellez had a goal and an assist to help lead the Rams. Senior goalie Quentin Galbraith recorded five saves. Roaring Fork held a Colorado 3A ranking of No. 5 coming into the week, while Aspen was No. 28.
Volleyball Meanwhile, the Roaring Fork girls volleyball team was on the court Tuesday night for its homecoming game, hosting Delta for a 3A WSL match. The Rams varsity team fell in three straight sets, 17-25, 20-25,
13-25, to drop to 3-10 overall on the season and 1-5 in league play. The Panthers improved to 4-3 overall and 2-2 in the league. In earlier action over the past week, the Lady Rams lost 3-1 at Gunnison on Sept. 17 (20-25, 25-23, 11-25, 18-25).
Football While Roaring Fork has decided to disband its varsity program for the season, and will also not play a junior varsity schedule, several Rams athletes have been added to the rosters of the 3A Glenwood Springs and 2A Basalt varsity football teams. Among those joining the Glenwood varsity squad are senior Gianluca Liuzzi, juniors Emmit Nieslanik, Blake Tardif and Tobin Vinciguerra and sophomore Levi Bumgarner. The Demons (0-5, 0-1) host Grand Junction Central for their homecoming game Friday (7pm kickoff) at Stubler Memorial Field.
Cross country in Cali The combined Basalt-Roaring Fork cross country running team spent the past few weeks preparing for the prestigious Woodbridge XC Classic in Irvine, California. Billed as the fastest 3-mile cross country course in the U.S., the weekend racing festival brings in high school teams from all over the country. The Longhorns entered runners in multiple age and ability classifications in the Green Division. Here are the results: Boys — junior Levi Friday (38th Varsity A, 15 minutes, 58.5 seconds); sophomore Elliot Galbraith (67th Varsity A, 16:37.8); junior Kaiden Werth (94th
Senior Rams Kate Taylor (#2) and Tess Hayes (#5) go up for a spike in unison during the Homecoming game on Tuesday night against the Delta Panthers. Photo by Milo Berger, RFHS senior
continued on page 17
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Discover how a little assistance can preserve your independence! Openings Available Now aspenvalleyhealth.org THE SOPRIS SUN | Your weekly community connector | September 24-30, 2026 11
CALENDAR
711 Main St.
will be hosting an OPEN HOUSE on FIRST FRIDAY October 2nd 5 pm – 7 pm
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 24
EYELID LIFTS & REJUVENATION Valley View University hosts a webinar, “Fresh Look: Eyelid Lifts & Rejuvenation,” featuring board-certified plastic surgeon Jennifer Butterfield, MD, at noon. Register at tinyurl.com/VVeyelidlifts TECH CLUB The Aspen Science Center Tech Club, fifth grade and up, meets at the Carbondale Library from 3:45 to 4:45pm. Details at aspensciencecenter.org HAPPY HOUR The Buddy Program and Aspen Out host happy hour, featuring conversations with mentors and community members, at the Mollie Hotel in Aspen from 5 to 7pm. Details at buddyprogram.org/events KAYAK CLUB AT VAUDEVILLE The Roaring Fork Kayak Club brings an evening of river films to the Glenwood Vaudeville Revue. The night will include an update from the Colorado River District and American Whitewater, as well as a raffle. Tickets at gvrshow.com/ now-showing.html
Please stop by and meet the folks who call it home! Amore Realty, Carbondale Homeless Assistance, Edinger Law, Rocky Mountain Psychotherapy, Structural Solutions, Smith Law & Hayes Counseling Collective
STANDUP AT THE CRYSTAL Try your hand at standup comedy at the Crystal Theatre. Doors open at 6:30pm, show begins at 7pm. Tickets for audience members at tinyurl.com/ watchstandup Registration for comedians at tinyurl.com/standupperformer YOGA IN SPANISH Join True Nature for a yoga session taught in Spanish from 6:30 to 8:15pm. Register at tinyurl.com/ yogainspanishtruenature ‘VISIONS OF AMERICA’ TACAW presents “Visions of America at 250” by photo-historian Joe Sohm at 7:30pm. Tickets at tinyurl.com/ visionsofamericajoe
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 25 HARVEST PARTY OCTOBER 2 In The Heart of the Carbondale Creative District
Featuring extended hours and special events at local shops, galleries, and restaurants. Plus music, food trucks, street activities, and games with community booths. ACES and Marigold Livestock Co. pop-ups with locally inspired specials | Sprazzo, 4-8pm Live DJ set with Sunfire Ranch Firetruck Chacos Park, 5-8pm
Exhibitions The Beauty of Beasts & Everlasting Floral Design | Carbondale Arts, 5-7pm Spring Pilates Anniversary Party with a potato stamp station | Mountain Tide Provisions Co., 5-8pm Open studio with art-making and Pika Coffee pop-up | Handmakery, 5-8pm Fall Sculpture Walk with Carbondale Public Arts Commission | Start at 5:30pm at Town Hall Carbondale Clay Center Reception of The Language of Texture | Main Street Gallery, 6-8pm Sign up to volunteer during First Fridays! Main St. is closed to thru traffic from Weant Blvd. to 3rd St.
Full details at carbondalearts.com 12 THE SOPRIS SUN | soprissun.com | September 24-30, 2026
STORYTIME PLAYGROUP Children, ages 0-3, are welcome to the Basalt Library for Storytime Playgroup, where they will participate in large motor movements, listen to stories and more. Details at tinyurl.com/ storytimeplaygroup2026 CONVERSATION AT THE CRYSTAL The Crystal Theatre hosts “Ranching, Rivers & the Stories We Tell,” from 5 to 6pm, a public discussion about land and writing between author Robin Johnson and Aspen Valley Land Trust Board President Betina Moreira Infante. The event is free and open to the public. ‘DOLLY-PALOOZA’ Townline Trucks hosts “Dolly-Palooza,” a Dolly Parton-inspired costume contest, from 5 to 8pm. This family-friendly event has contest categories for both kids and adults, and benefits the Imagination Library and Garfield County’s Raising a Reader. The get-together will include live music at 7pm. GHOST WALK The 26th annual History Ghost Walk, a fundraiser for the Glenwood Springs Historical Society, kicks off at 6:30pm at Linwood Cemetery, and continues in half hour increments until 8:30pm. Walk with ghosts again at the same time and place tomorrow, and on Oct. 2, 3, 9 and 10. CRYSTAL THEATRE “Forgotten Island” screens at the Crystal at 7pm today, 7pm tomorrow, 5pm (captioned) on Sunday and 7pm on Monday. Tickets at the door. ‘JURASSIC PARK’ The Town of Basalt and the Basalt Library screen “Jurassic Park” at Lions Park from 7:30 to 9:30pm.
ROOTBEER RICHIE Rootbeer Richie and Purse Thief perform at 8pm at TACAW. Tickets at tacaw.org STEVE’S GUITARS Steve’s Guitars presents a live recording of Angel Corsi’s “Burn the Map” at 8pm. This is a free community offering, but donations are appreciated.
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 26
CELEBRATION OF LIFE A Celebration of Life will be held for Marsha Ann Brendlinger at the Brendlinger residence (12537 Highway 82 in Carbondale) today at noon. Attendees are encouraged to wear anything purple. The ceremony will be held outside, with lunch to follow. NORDIC COUNCIL Mount Sopris Nordic Council celebrates its 40th anniversary at 5pm in the Old Thompson Barn, where attendees can raise a glass, have a meal and hear stories from those involved in creating the Spring Gulch Nordic trail system. Tickets at tinyurl.com/nordicturns40 DANA GOULD AT TACAW Stand-up comedian Dana Gould takes the stage at TACAW at 6pm and again at 9pm. Tickets at tacaw.org
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 27
RFOV Join Roaring Fork Outdoor Volunteers from 8am to 4pm for a trail project on the Jesse Weaver Trail, which was damaged by the Grizzly Creek wildfire in 2020 and flooding in 2021. Register at rfov.org/ calendar/9/27/2026/jess-weaver BIKES FOR BIKES The Carbondale Rotary Club hosts its second annual Bikes for Bikes family-fun bikeathon, raising money to fight malaria outbreaks in Africa, starting at Hooks Bridge in Basalt at 10am and finishing at Iron Bridge on the Rio Grande Trail. Teams of up to four can register at go.rallyup.com/ bikes-for-bikes-2026 A SPIRITUAL CENTER A Spiritual Center hosts John Kleinwachter for “Thoughts on Silence,” a discussion on the nuances of silence, from 10 to 11:30am at the Third Street Center, room 31. TRI WISDOM The TRI Wisdom Institute, formerly The Mindful Life Program, hosts a featured talk and community open house from 4 to 6pm at the Third Street Center for attendees to learn about the organization’s four program areas. Light snacks and drinks will be provided. Details at triwisdominstitute.org
MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 28
CLOTHING DONATIONS Donate lightly used clothing and accessories at the Basalt Library during operating hours today through Oct. 15 for the library’s “Swap It Like It’s Hot” drive. The library will accept clean, gently used shirts, pants, dresses, shoes, jackets and outerwear, baby and kids clothing, accessories and more. It will not accept sporting equipment, household items, gear, books, games or toys. The annual clothing swap is Oct. 17 from 10am to 3pm at the library. CANDIDATE FORUM The Glenwood Springs and Colorado River Valley chambers host a regional candidate forum from 6 to 8:15pm at the Ute Theater in Rifle, along with a virtual attendance option hosted by Rifle TV. Candidates for the Garfield County commissioner, Colorado House
The Glenwood Springs Historical Society’s 26th annual History Ghost Walk, featuring local actors portraying past figures such as Doc Holliday, runs every Friday and Saturday, Sept. 25 through Oct. 10, setting out from the base of Doc Holliday Trail and heading up the hill to Linwood Cemetery. Tours are available every half hour, beginning at 6:30pm nightly, and last about two hours. On Oct. 8, the ghosts will take the stage at the Glenwood Vaudeville Revue at 7pm; doors open at 6pm. For more information and tickets, visit glenwoodhistory. org Pictured: Chip Wells portrays the ghost of Caroline Barlow during the 2025 Ghost Walk. Courtesy photo
District 57 and Senate District 8 seats have been invited to participate. Details at glenwoodchamber.com/forums Find the livestream at RifleTV.plus
birdhouse at ACES’ Hallam Lake property close today. Find details and applications by searching for Red Brick on submittable.com
POTLUCK & FILM The Center for Human Flourishing hosts a plant-based, whole foods potluck, along with a film screening “exploring the benefits of plant-based living,” at the Third Street Center from 6:30 to 8pm. Register at tcfhf.org
A WAY OUT The annual A Way Out Addiction and Breakfast Symposium takes place at TACAW from 8am to 1pm. Details and registration at tinyurl.com/ AWayOut2026
ASPEN FILM Aspen Film’s 47th edition of Filmfest kicks off at the Isis Theatre, and includes two screenings at the Crystal Theatre on Sunday. “Six days of exceptional films, inspiring stories and unforgettable conversations await,” Aspen Film said on its website. Schedule and tickets at aspenfilm.org/festival/2026-filmfest SNOWMASS WATER TOUR Learn where the tap water arrives from in Snowmass during the Snowmass Water & Sanitation District’s “Snowmass Water Supply Tour” from 9am to 2pm. Meet at the sanitation district, 0177 Clubhouse Drive. Register at tinyurl.com/snowmasswatertour VIDEO TRIVIA Teams of up to four can test their movie and television knowledge at the Crystal Theatre’s video trivia night, kicking off at 7pm. Prizes will be awarded to the top three teams. Tickets at the door.
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 30
‘UNTIL WE’RE ALL HOME’ West Mountain Regional Health Alliance presents “Until We’re All Home” — “a powerful film exploring solutions to homelessness” — at the Glenwood Vaudeville Revue. Doors open at 5pm and the event runs until 7:30pm. RSVP at tinyurl.com/untilwereallhome It’s free, but a suggested donation of $10 is appreciated.
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 1
SUNLIGHT CHAMBER PASS Sunlight Mountain Resort extended its deadline until today for pass buyers to purchase a Sunlight pass with the chamber deal. Chamber verification at tinyurl.com/ sunlightchamberverification RED BRICK ARTISTS Applications for Red Brick Center for the Arts’ 2027 exhibitions and the opportunity to design a human-scale
‘PAPERBOY OMNIBUS’ Carbondale’s Colorado Mountain College campus hosts an opening reception for Terry Glasenapp’s “Paperboy Omnibus,” an art exhibit about politics, social movements, education and more, from 5 to 7:30pm. ‘THELMA & LOUISE’ “Thelma & Louise” screens at 7pm at the Crystal Theatre, a nod to the Root 66 theme of this year’s Potato Days. Tickets at the door. TOM RUSH AT THE WHEELER Americana folk revival artist Tom Rush performs at the Wheeler Opera House at 7pm. Tickets at wheeleroperahouse.com
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 2
SENIOR STROLL Join the Powers Art Center for a guided senior stroll beginning at 11:30am. Participants will get a tour through the exhibits and learn about the museum. Details at powersartcenter.org/ upcoming-events-1 POTATO DAYS/FIRST FRIDAY It’s Potato Day weekend! The festivities kick off with Main Street First R Friday activities from 5 to 9pm, includ-E ing an Art Around Town Walk with the Carbondale Public Art Commission at 5:30pm (meet at Town Hall), as well as a harvest party from 5 to 8pm. Then make sure to stop by the Carbondale Rotary Pancake Breakfast at Chacos Park tomorrow from 8:30 to 10:30am, followed by the Potato Day Parade, “Get Your Kicks on Root 66,” live music at Sopris Park, where the homegrown barbecue lunch will also be served at 11am, and more. Find the full schedule at tinyurl.com/potatodayschedule2026
Find more upcoming events at www.soprissun.com/tag/curated-calendar
Community Ed: for Lifelong Learners EXPLORATIONS IN MIXED WATER MEDIA
Explore watercolor, acrylic, casein, and gouache, with different materials and papers. Mondays, 9am-12pm, 9/28-11/9
PHOTOGRAPHY 101
Learn to capture and process dynamic photographs and be a more confident photographer. Tuesdays, 6-8:30pm, 9/29-10/20
UTE AND NATIVE PHILOSOPHIES
Skyler Lomahaftewa, Ute Tribe member and educator, will lead an informal talk about the historic and contemporary culture of the Ute Indian Tribe, and other Native American societies and cultures. Thursday, 6-7:30pm, 10/8
CELLPHONE PHOTOGRAPHY W/SANDY KAPLAN
Get great images you will want to frame, using quick and easy tricks available in your phone. Mondays, 6-8:30pm and Sat, 9am-12pm, 10/5-10/19
FROM RELIABLE EMPLOYEE TO RESPECTED LEADER
A 5-week class for adults ready to grow into supervisory, team lead, or middle-management roles. ONLINE Tues, 4-6:30pm, 10/6-11/3
CARBONDALE
690 Colorado Avenue
970-963-2172
Scan for Community Ed
t
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 29
LIBRARY STORYTIME Children and their families are welcome to “Musical Storytimes with Ms. Holly,” in the Glenwood Library today at 11am, and Carbondale Library tomorrow at 10:30am. Holly brings 30 years of educational experience from the Waldorf School on the Roaring Fork, as well as a love of music, movement and more.
THE SOPRIS SUN | Your weekly community connector | September 24-30, 2026 13
POTATO DAYS2026
OCTOBER 2nd-4th
117thANNUAL CELEBRATION
2026 Impact Fund: Slow Money Western Slope - QR code for lunch tickets:
FOR MORE INFORMATION VISIT
WWW.CARBONDALEREC.COM OR CALL (970)510-1290 Friday, October 2nd: First Friday Harvest Fest Location: Mainstreet Carbondale Public Arts Commission “Art Around Town” Guided Tour 5:30 pm Location: starts at Town Hall Saturday, October 3rd: 8:30 AM - 10:30 AM - Carbondale Rotary Club Pancake Breakfast Location: Chacos Park 9:00 AM - "Tater Trot" 1-Mile Fun Run - Hosted by Ross Montessori School Location: Chacos Park 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM - Farmers Market, Family Activities & Cowboy Coffee KDNK Record Sale Harvest Bar at Sopris Park 10:30 AM - Potato Day Parade “Get Your Kicks on Root 66” – Location: 2nd & Main Street to Sopris Park 11:15 AM – Community Harvest Lunch Location: Sopris Park 11:00am-12:30pm - KDNK DJ tribute to Route 66 with AZYEP DJs 1:15pm - 2:00pm - Contra Dance with Wooden Nickel String Band and Caller, Jon Unger Location: Gazebo and Sopris Park 2:00 PM - Parade Winners & Largest Potato Contest Announcements Location : Gazebo 3:30-5:00pm - Sweet Jessup and the Dirty Buckets Location : Gazebo Sunday, October 4th: 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM - Youth Gymkhana Location: Rodeo grounds at County Road 100 14 THE SOPRIS SUN | soprissun.com | September 24-30, 2026
Jamming for a friend PHOTOS & TEXT BY BOB RUGILE Sopris Sun Correspondent
Heather’s Savory Pies in Basalt was packed, with people pouring out onto the sidewalk, for the Music for Marguerite jam session on Sunday, Sept. 20. Twenty-five valley musicians showed up for the cause, benefiting Marguerite Dykann’s recovery after a fall left her with a brain injury. It was virtually a “who’s who” of musical talent in the Roaring Fork Valley. Well over 100 people came to support Marguerite, and rocked out from 3 to 9pm.
Meet the Candidates Colorado River Valley Chamber and Glenwood Springs Chamber
2026 Regional Candidate Forum MONDAY
CANDIDATES PARTICIPATING
SEPTEMBER 28
State Senate District 8 Candidates: Corey Marshall Dylan Roberts (incumbent)
The Ute Theater 132 E 4th St., Rifle, CO 6-8:15 p.m.
State House District 57 Candidates: Russ Andrews Elizabeth Velasco (incumbent) Garfield County Commissioner Candidates: Jonathan Godes Eric Rudd
Attend in person or watch at RifleTV.plus Spanish interpretation will be available Submit your questions by Sept 23 SUBMIT QUESTIONS
THE SOPRIS SUN | Your weekly community connector | September 24-30, 2026 15
Aspen Film’s Filmfest returns in reignited collaboration with Crystal Theatre MYKI JONES Sopris Sun Correspondent
On Tuesday, Sept. 29, and running through Sunday, Oct. 4, Aspen Film’s Filmfest will be in full swing for its 47th year. In addition to the plethora of full-length feature films showing at the Isis Theatre, on Oct. 4, audiences can also anticipate Carbondale’s Crystal Theatre to screen two Filmfest selections, both of which highlight deeply human stories, according to Regna Jones, head of Education and Institutional Giving at Filmfest. “The American Dream,” a comedy by French director Anthony Marciano, tells the story of a video store clerk and an airport cleaner finding one another over their shared love of basketball, and striving to make it as NBA agents. “Time Warp,” directed by Allison Berg, tells the story of Kenny Starling and his community of shadow performers in “The Rocky Horror Picture Show,” and how that project led to a fight for queer visibility in a small community.
Jones said these films should resonate with audiences because of recent programming around sports with “The American Dream” and the strong presence of performance art in Carbondale. “We wanted to have a little variety of drama and comedy narrative films along with a documentary, and so considering that there’s a strong theater presence down here with the Thunder River Theatre Company and SoL Theatre Company, we thought that this would be appealing to the Carbondale audiences,” Jones said. “The primary focus [in ‘Time Warp’] isn’t strictly on LGBTQplus people, but it is bringing up those themes of inclusivity and communities opening their arms to diversity,” she added, “and we feel like Carbondale is one of those communities that’s aligned with those values.” In discussing the collaboration with the Crystal Theatre, Jones said Filmfest is excited to bring the collaborative elements of the two organizations back
together after the development of the Crystal Theatre Alliance, reaching audiences further downvalley. She expressed adoration for the community programming that the Crystal Theatre Alliance has implemented since its launch. “We’re excited to be back downvalley, and excited about the new Crystal Theatre Alliance and all of the cool community programming they’re doing,” Jones said. “We’re also enthusiastic about being able to bring the festival back into Carbondale and to our downvalley audiences. It’s like a soft reopening or relaunching the screenings we once did with them, and we’re excited about what they’re doing and happy to be a part of their community programming and offering Filmfest to wider audiences.” These sentiments were shared by Crystal Theatre Alliance Executive Director Kate Schwerin, who said she hopes these screenings will give audiences a brighter outlook on the future and serve as a boost of positivity while also opening
“Time Warp,” still pictured here, will screen at the Crystal Theatre on the evening of Sunday, Oct. 4. Director Allison Berg will take part in a Q&A at the theatre following the showing. Photo courtesy of Aspen Film
them up to new perspectives. “I’m hoping that these will be the types of films that will make us believe in our own country a little bit again,” Schwerin said. “I think we could use that kind of positivity — I hope they sell out because the subject matter will resonate with different groups in our town. We’re a lot more varied — I hope it makes people think a little bit more introspectively. That’s the beauty of film, in a lot of ways. It’s a very accessible way to make people think.” In addition to these showings, which will first premiere to Roaring Fork audiences at the Isis Theatre, the Crystal Theatre is collaborating with “Time Warp” Director Allison
Berg for a pre-screening happy hour event at Carbondale Beer Works, where filmgoers will have a chance to mingle with one another. Berg will also participate in a Q&A at the Crystal Theatre after the film.
IN A NUTSHELL What: Crystal Theatre partnership with Aspen Film’s Filmfest; showing of “The American Dream” and “Time Warp” Where: Crystal Theatre When: Sunday, Oct. 4 Tickets: crystaltheatrecarbondale.com
LEADERSHIP THAT LISTENS. Planning for Garfield County’s Future. More than a decade of Planning & Zoning experience. Focused on: Responsible growth A strong local economy Attainable housing Energy & environmental stewardship
OUR VALLEY. OUR FUTURE. Make your voice heard - share your priorities at VoteRudd.com
16 THE SOPRIS SUN | soprissun.com | September 24-30, 2026
CONVERSATIONS from page 4 Fork Valley for showing up for events, putting wind on our sails and keeping LARC [The Lost Art of Random Conversations] moving forward. It has made us feel that it’s worth jumping into the unknown and that the world needs it.” The movement still has a local and active chapter offered at the Carbondale Library, which Karrel started. Karrel and Freeman will be moving to Santa Barbara, California, after wrapping up a couple more events around Colorado. Randomconvo.com is the place to look for more information about LARC, buy the book, find an event nearby, subscribe to its newsletter and discover the four factors of how LARC is facilitated: Awareness, Action, Feedback and Change.
GLENWOOD from page 6 That said, she added in support of Habitat, “If it doesn’t work out for me, it is working out for a lot of other people, and it means a lot.” Glenwood Economic Development Specialist Jacob Zook gave an extensive report on socio-economic data for Glenwood Springs. Notably, the city has 10,230 residents as of the latest data from the Colorado demographer; has nearly 12,000 jobs, with an average weekly wage of $1,396 and an unemployment rate of 3.1%; has an average home value of $864,000; and generates $2.4 billion in gross retail sales annually.
Short-term rentals Finally, council approved amendments to the city’s regulations and permitting of short-term (vacation) rentals and accessory tourist units. The regulations came up for review following a recent appeal for a permit that was denied for renewal, when it was determined that the unit in question was not actually being used as a short-term rental (STR). Rather, it was preventing a nearby property owner from obtaining a permit based on the city’s 250-foot STR separation rule. The city’s Planning and Zoning Commission recently voted 6-1 to amend the rule to require STRs to be rented out at least 10 nights within the two-year permit period, up from the current minimum of two nights, and that the required accommodations taxes be remitted to the city. City council, on a 4-2 vote (with Mayor Marco Dehm recusing himself as a permit holder), decided to require a minimum of 20 nights over two years and a minimum of $150 in taxes remitted. Glenwood Springs currently has 125 active STR permits, and could accommodate 210 with the separation requirements, city staff reported.
RAMS REPORT from page 11 Varsity A, 17:04.6); junior Henry Ogburn (144th Varsity A, 17:58.8); sophomore Hunter Raymond (168th Varsity A, 18:41); sophomore James Honey (64th Junior, 19:11.5); junior Maximus Rooding (49th Junior, 18:45.9); junior Nick Searles (52nd Junior, 18:55); sophomore Caleb Opp (69th Junior, 19:29.5); sophomore Travis Beard (95th Junior, 20:50.4). Girls — sophomore Scarlett Jones (12th Varsity A, 18:55.8); sophomore Jude Tiernan (17th Varsity A, 19:19.9); senior Miley Stuart (29th Varsity A, 19:55.3); senior Sadie Silcox (50th Varsity A, 20:45); sophomore Maggie Cole (68th Varsity A, 21:29.3); junior Eva Feinsinger (70th Varsity A, 21:32.8); senior Marin Weaver (13th Junior-Senior, 21:16.9); junior Sophia Warner (23rd Junior-Senior, 22:13.7); junior Isla Friel (25th Junior-Senior, 22:21.6); sophomore Lucy Sparhawk (48th Junior-Senior, 24:15.9); junior Juniper Mullet (84th Junior-Senior, 28:09.3); freshman Nevee Campbell (18th Frosh, 22:32); freshman Florence Serson (26th Frosh, 23:11.7); freshman Hazel Kuhn (64th Frosh, 27:29.5); freshman Bianca Liuzzi (78th Frosh, 33:35.7). Next up, the Ram’horns and other area high school and middle school cross country teams are at the Glenwood Springs Demon Invitational this Saturday, Sept. 26. Races begin with the combined boys-girls 3-kilometer middle school race at 9:30am in the open space just west of Glenwood High School, followed by the 5K high school races, girls at 10:15am and boys at 11am.
OBITUARIES
Clara Combs Moore March 18, 1942 – August 14, 2026
With grace and dignity, Clara Combs Moore, age 84 of Carbondale, Colorado, died August 14, 2026, at St. Joseph Hospital in Denver, surrounded by a circle of loving family. Born March 18, 1942, in Denver, Clara was the third child of Harry Benjamin Combs (1913-2003) and Clara Mitchell Van Schaack (1914-2007). After attending Graland Country Day School and Kent school in Denver, she graduated from Westover School in Middlebury, Connecticut, before attending Connecticut College in New London, Connecticut. She married the love of her life, Christopher Grant Moore on June 3, 1962, and moved between Melbourne, Australia, and Invercargill, New Zealand over the course of four years, before returning to Denver with two young sons in tow. There she finished her bachelor’s degree in economics at the University of Denver and earned a master’s degree in psychology. After the birth of her daughter, the family moved to Montrose, Colorado, in 1972. Clara loved the view of the San Juan Mountains from Montrose. She was a visual artist, practicing photography, graphic design and painting, and returned to Arapahoe Community College for a degree in graphic design in 1991. She was a voracious reader and had a passion for engaging with people to have deep discussions on life, art and politics. She was also involved in the local mental health community, serving on the board of the Colorado Mental Health Center. After the passing of her husband, she moved to Carbondale in 2011 to be closer to her children and extended family. Her Carbondale life was filled with painting at her home studio, art studies, family time and many deep friendships. She was sustained by a strong
spiritual faith after the passing of both her husband Kit and son Cam, finding support with The Orchard Church in Carbondale. Clara held court wherever she was — the center light for all who interacted with her. Her home was a welcoming beacon, everyone greeted with a genuine smile and a stash of her favorite cookies. Clara played a fierce and winning game of Cards Against Humanity, spoke with disarming candor and leaves us all with her wicked sense of humor. She was predeceased by her husband, Kit Moore, and second son, Christopher Cameron (Cam) Moore. She is survived by her son, Sean Moore (Melissa); her daughter Ellie Moore (David Wrench); grandchildren Tucker, Cortland, Devin and Tanner Moore, Christopher, Katie and Ryan Wrench; elder brothers Terry and Tony Combs; countless friends from Montrose and Carbondale. We wish to thank the supportive and caring staff at St. Joseph’s hospital, her home caregivers in Carbondale, (especially Dori), the kind staff at Sopris Lodge and Castle Peak Rehabilitation, all who were a part of “team Clara” in her final months. A memorial gathering will be held in Carbondale at The Old Thompson Barn at River Valley Ranch on Saturday, Nov. 21, at 11am. Clara would love that we remain curious, hold meaningful conversations and continue to discover, create and contribute in our daily lives. In lieu of flowers, please consider contributing to the Art Base in Basalt. The Art Base fosters creative expression in the visual arts for all ages and abilities, through education, exhibitions and by providing opportunities to artists. theartbase.app.neoncrm.com/ forms/donation-00
Robert ‘Bob’ James Mick August 7, 1933 – September 15, 2026
Robert “Bob” James Mick passed away on September 15, 2026 at the age of 93 years old. A memorial service will be held at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Delta, Colorado (1679 Pioneer Road) at 11am on Saturday, Sept. 26. Bob was born at home on Aug. 7, 1933, in Wiley, Colorado to Louise (Morlan) and Aurie Mick. He grew up in McClave, Colorado. His first job was working in a hay factory where hay pellets were made for livestock. He moved to the Western Slope after losing his sheep herd and corn crop to the Dust Bowl. He held many jobs, including working at a log camp on the Flat Tops, driving a coal truck for the mine in Carbondale and working as a ranch hand at the Crystal River Ranch before attending barber school in Denver in 1963. He barbered for 59 years until the age of 92, but he was always a cowboy first and foremost. He was also well known as a referee for high school basketball and football. Bob spent his time away from Cascade Barber Shop raising cattle and enjoying his family cabin on the Uncompahgre Plateau.
Bob and his wife, Rosilee Anne Mick (Arbaney), were married in 1978. They would have celebrated 48 years of marriage in October. Bob is survived by his wife Rosilee, his sons Robert Mick (Linda) and Kenneth Holgate (Suzanne), daughters Lori Mick, Toni Coburn and Ivy Fife (Darrell) and his nephew, Phillip Hemphill (Dorris). He had 12 grand children, 14 great-grandchildren (soon to be 15) and one great-grandchild (soon to be two). Bob was preceded in death by his parents, Louise and Aurie, his sister, Dolores Hemphill, and his daughter, Linda Mick. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made in Bob’s name to HopeWest at 3090 N. 12 St., Grand Junction, 81506, through Stewardship Coordinator Breanna Kramer. Arrangements are under the care and direction of Taylor Funeral Service and Crematory. View the online obituary and sign the guest registry at: taylorfuneralservice.com
THE SOPRIS SUN | Your weekly community connector | September 24-30, 2026 17
Have you been visited?
OPINION
Natalia Snider is a certified dream practitioner living in Carbondale. She works with people’s dreams and imaginations to facilitate self-healing. Every month, she will analyze someone’s dream in The Sopris Sun. Anyone can submit a dream for personal analysis or inclusion in this column by visiting dreamhealings.com
Dreams 1) I had a lucid dream in the same dream house I always become lucid in, but this time my recently deceased grandma
showed up suddenly to tell me she loves me. The other “characters” in the dream noticed her, too, and looked shocked like she wasn’t supposed to be there. She
was only there for a few seconds and I wish I could’ve talked to her. 2) I never remember my dreams, but I remembered this one. I had a dream a year after my grandfather passed that he came to check up on me. I hadn’t gotten the chance to talk to him or update him on my life before he passed, but in the dream he was asking all about my truck — which he didn’t know I had. It was an identical interaction to the conversations we would have when he was alive. It felt real to me; his presence was beyond dream-like. 3) A friend told me of a dream he had of his father, which he said was as real as talking to someone fully awake. They discussed many matters in which he found healing from. He relayed that he knew his father had passed that night when he awoke, and moments later got the call that confirmed this. He said that having that dream helped him with the passing and he was able to tell his sibling that their father was okay.
Interpretation These dreams are what we call visitation dreams, where one is visited by the astral body (soul) of a deceased person. They are
18 THE SOPRIS SUN | soprissun.com | September 24-30, 2026
not to be interpreted, but rather believed in and cherished. For those of you who have had one, you will never be convinced that it wasn’t real. I am not here to do that. On the contrary, I am an ally. Having had many of my own, I understand how important it is to be believed, especially since oftentimes they are life changing experiences. Such dreams are also an incredible validation of the vastness of experiences one can have while asleep. These dreams have strong signifiers of being hyper realistic, tangible and invite a feeling of clear headedness as opposed to the haziness of the normal dream state. For me, I always feel as if I wake up into them from my personal convoluted dream realm into the clarity of the astral realm. Think back to your dreams, have you had one with these signifiers? They happen more often than we realize. Although the important ones leave an impact impossible to ignore, we often take counsel with loved ones in the astral without remembering. If you wake with a feeling of having just been somewhere very real but can’t recall, chances are you were in the astral.
DREAM WELL By Natalia Snider For those dreamers who are highly lucid, meaning that you can manipulate your dreams at will, there are dream character checks that can be applied as an additional validation. Does this visitor obey your thought control? If so, then they are of your own creation and this is probably not their astral body. Can you see their eyes if you get closer? If you get farther away does their face change? Nothing about them should behave like a typical dream if this is really them. I could go on, but I would like to leave space for a method for those of you who have lost someone and are longing to see them again in this way. Of course these dreams happen on their own but, if you wish to call someone in, I can’t stress enough the importance of doing so in full conscious protection and clarity of mind. continued on page 19
Hot potato
Happy climate news
In the 1940s, schoolteacher and farm wife Edna the rest of the country preferred white varieties, as Sweet compiled historical accounts of the first one grower lamented in The Rocky Mountain News homesteaders. In her book, “Carbondale Pioneers on Oct. 4, 1978: 1879-1890,” Sweet tells a familiar tale of a miner If some advertising-wise grower had promoted turned farmer: the McClure as the folks over in Idaho had promoted the Burbank Russet, the San Luis Valley Thomas McClure came from Little Kenny, might be an entirely different kind of place … It Donegal County, Ireland, son of a Presbyterian was the McClure that put the San Luis Valley on minister ... Thomas wanted to come to America, the map … If we had advertised it right, it would but his father would not consent; so, he took a be more popular than the Idaho Baker. fine-brood sow to the county fair, disposing of her, he … sailed for America. He was 21 years Through the 1980s, Thomas McClure’s lucky old when he arrived in Philmutation continued to be popuadelphia. Hearing of the gold lar with home gardeners. It was strike in Gilpin County, he among the suggested varieties for decided to take up mining mountain gardens by the Eagle [and] went to Leadville in County Colorado State Univer1876, and in 1882 located at sity Agricultural Extension. Wheeler (Catherine), ColoBy the 1990s, commercial rado, on the Roaring Fork. He potato production in Colorado was the first to grow the red had virtually ended. The Red early rose potato and it was McClure slowly disappeared named the McClure potato in from fields, gardens and seed his honor. catalogs. But some still longed for the red tuber, as expressed in While growing Peachblow potatoes on his Carbondale HISTORIOGRAPHY a letter to The Valley Journal on Dec. 22, 1994: farm, McClure noticed an interBy Sue Gray esting mutation and decided Dear Editor: Is anyone to develop it into a new variety. out there still growing Red The first mention of the “Red McClure” in Colorado McClure potatoes? This tasty, good keeper newspapers was a sales ad in The Avalanche-Echo, potato was developed in Carbondale … and was March 13, 1902: widely grown in the 1930s through 1950s. We would love to buy some seed potatoes to start a Seedling potatoes for sale … the famous Red hill of this local heirloom variety. Please call … McClure, the most vigorous grower and the if you have any information on McClure’s. heaviest cropper. Keeps later than any known sort. One of the most popular varieties of recent In the early 2000s, local food enthusiasts launched introduction. Price $1.35 per 100. a successful quest for the lost spud, as reported in the By 1910, the Red McClure was winning prizes at Aspen Daily News on March 22, 2009: Carbondale’s Potato Day, where farmers and their Carbondale was a great potato town, but as families celebrated the harvest with games, contests the potato fields vanished, so did a potato variety and a barbeque beef and potatoes meal supplied and that was born here … Concerned that this heircooked by local ranchers and housewives. loom variety had disappeared from its birthplace Thomas McClure died in 1913, but his legacy and was drifting into obscurity, the Roaring Fork potato continued to grow in popularity, as noted in chapter of the Slow Food movement conspired to The Hotchkiss Herald on Feb. 5, 1914: track down the elusive tuber and bring it back. The group found the spud growing in the San J.S. Henderson, who … has been looking up Luis Valley, where the Red McClure once was markets for potatoes, has come to the conclusion king, being raised by Colorado State University. that the Red McClure variety is about the most popular potato on the market ... In his correSeed potatoes were brought back to the Valley and spondence with the buyers[,] he finds that almost distributed to farmers, gardeners and schools. The all of them want Red McClure’s. future was looking bright for Carbondale’s famous The highly desirable spud spread to farms and potato. Alas, seventeen years later there is still no gardens all across the state, and was the hot potato commercial production of the Red McClure and it from the 1920s through the 1940s, Colorado’s prime has once again become scarce, found only in a few scattered home gardens. potato production period. Finally, regarding the name of the nearby pass on As potato prices dropped in the 1950s, and smaller areas of cultivation like the Roaring Fork Valley turned Highway 133, columnist Steve Skinner wrote in the to raising cattle and hay, the San Luis Valley became Aspen Daily News on Sept. 20, 2022: the state’s commercial potato epicenter. In 1962, Red … [N]o, McClure Pass, was unfortunately not McClures grown there won prizes at the Colorado named after that scrappy Irish spud farmer, but Pure Seed Show. after “Mac” McClure, who built and ran a hotel But while red potatoes were popular in Colorado, along the railroad in the area.
Too many climate activists mope around like Joe Btfsplk, the character in Al Capp’s comic strip Li’l Abner that walks around with a permanent dark cloud over his head. Yes, the outlook is bleak with all the heat domes and waves, droughts, wildfires, floods, tropical storms and hurricanes, and rising sea levels that are here and now. We’re close to blowing past the 1.5 degrees Celsius of warming from preindustrial times mark the 2015 Paris Climate Accords set for us to avoid by 2030. The current administration in Washington has declared all out war on climate remediation efforts. Then presidential candidate Donald Trump called the fossil fuel barons together in Mar-a-Lago in 2024 to ask for a billion dollars in campaign contributions in return for his unflinching support. That’s one campaign promise he’s delivered on. Trump thinks windmills are ugly. I assume he sees coal plants as attractive. The Secretary of Energy, Colorado’s own Chris Wright, acknowledges the reality of climate change, but sees the effects coming far in the future, his children’s problem, and cautions against “climate alarmism.” Look out your window, THE VIEW FROM Chris, and you’ll be alarmed, too. Doug Burgum, Secretary of the THE THERAPY POOL By Fred Malo Interior, doesn’t even recognize the facts. He calls the concept of an energy transition a “semi-religion.” Get the faith, Doug. Through all this, there’s reason for optimism. We have the tools available to fix the problem. Renewable energy is flourishing, making up 91% of all new electricity capacity in the U.S. the first five months of 2025. The world’s second largest economy, China, is building twice the amount of renewables as the rest of the world combined. They achieved their wind and solar objectives in 2024, six years earlier than projected. Locally, cooperative power provider Holy Cross Energy has committed to 100% renewable by 2030 and they’re going to make it in a walk. Holy Cross already achieved 100% in March of this year because the Comanche 3 coal plant in Pueblo was down again and the average for the year looks like 90%. Xcel Energy, the national, investor-owned power company that serves the majority of Carbondale, stands at 47%. They’re estimating to be 100% by 2050. A federal judge has ruled there is insufficient evidence of an “energy emergency” to keep a coal plant in Michigan open past its scheduled termination date as ordered by Wright. Wright also kept the Craig, Colorado coal plant open after its planned December 2025 shutdown due to the “emergency.” Colorado Attorney General Phil Weiser, co-owners Tri-State Generation, Transmission Associates and Platte River Power Authority, and environmental groups Earthjustice and Sierra Club have sued to have the plant closed. The Roaring Fork Transportation Authority has added 11 electric buses to its fleet along with the eight it already has. Electric vehicle sales in this country are lagging because of insufficient charging facilities, but they’re booming in China and Europe. The majority of passenger vehicles sold in China are fully electric or plug-in hybrids. Earthjustice, a legal environmental nonprofit, has had a string of victories lately. They’ve blocked oil and gas pads in the Gulf of Mexico (not America), ended fracking on Pawnee lands in Oklahoma, supported all-electric building codes in Denver, New York, Los Angeles and Oak Park, Illinois, stopped Enbridge Energy’s oil pipeline underneath the Straits of Mackinac in the Great Lakes, got a stay in the Department of Defense’s (not War’s) freeze on wind farms, fought unfair solar fees in Arizona, and prevented liquified methane gas terminals in the Gulf of California. Pollution regulators are asking Colorado’s Air Quality Control Commission to apply tougher emissions restrictions on Commerce City’s Suncor refinery. Black Hills Energy, a Glenwood Springs methane gas company, is building battery storage for wind power. On a personal note, I had a discussion with a friend lately about the record-breaking, oppressive heat we experienced this summer. She’s an Evangelical Christian and a devout Trumpster from Rifle. I said the climate’s screwed up (I don’t drop F-bombs around her). Without prompting, she said, “It’s all those greenhouse gases we’re emitting.” The word’s getting out. We’re hearing concerns about the climate from unlikely sources. That’s who we climate crusaders need to target and quit preaching gloom and doom to the choir.
OPINION
AUTHOR’S NOTE: To view the rare Red McClure potato as well as other local heirloom vegetables, visit the Carbondale Heritage Garden Booth at Potato Day.
DREAMWELL from page 18 To try for a visitation dream, you must set and hold protected space. In bed before you fall asleep, use precise wording to create a space in your mind’s eye. Protect this space from all outside influences with your words and will. With your words: Allow this space to stay open until you choose to close it, or until they come. This is like leaving the light on for a meeting place in which they are the only ones with the key. Next, write down your dreams as best you can because you may have had signs of a visitation but aren’t realizing it until you write it down or look back to read it. If you see signs but don’t remember, trust that the information shared was only for your subconscious at the time. If you need better dream recall or want to wake right from the astral, you can utilize the common dream recall method of drinking water before bed, enough to wake you to use the bathroom. The goal is for your body to wake within a natural deep-to-light cycle. This is important because we frequent the astral realm most often from deep sleep, and deep sleep happens for longer periods of time earlier in the night. Lastly, share your visitation dreams because the more dreams we share the more we understand.
OPINION
THE SOPRIS SUN | Your weekly community connector | September 24-30, 2026 19
ASPEN & SNOWMASS Pitkin county Library Hyman Avenue Box Wheeler Opera House Box Snowmass Town Park Station Aspen Valley Hospital Mi Chola Snowmass Clarks Market Snowmass Mall Alpine Bank in Snowmass Alpine Bank in AABC BASALT & EL JEBEL Willits General Store Alpine Bank ANB Bank Basalt Quick Lube Basalt Regional Library Big O Tires El San Miguel Box Casa Tequila CC’s Cafe Whole Foods Eagle County Courts Crown Mountain Express Lube El Jebel Mobile Offices El Korita Hightone Autobody El Jebel Laundromat Mountain Family Health Cazadores Scottie’s The Basalt Store Timbo’s Hightone Automotive and Tires CARBONDALE 3rd St. Center Alpine Bank Carbondale Library Main St. Box Catherine’s Store Food Truck Carbondale Recreation Center City Market Carbondale CMC Edna’s Hair Salon Gloria’s Boutique Garcia’s Jalisco Grill La Fogata La Perla La Placita La Roca Lift-up Sunburst Valley Meats First Bank GLENWOOD SPRINGS Glenwood Springs Library Centennial Park Box Comfort Dental Coin Laundromat Glenwood Recreation Center Glenwood CMC El Yaqui First Bank Frida’s Glenwood Hot Springs Yampa Hotsprings Valley View Hospital Impuestos Seguros La Michoacana Mountain Family Health Post Office Garfield County Human Resources Sal Mex Tequila’s Tony’s Bakery Super Taco Alpine Bank on Grand Ave New Castle New Castle Library City Market Carniceria Elias Hacienda San Miguel Post Office Tapatios Alpine Bank SILT Silt Library La Placita 2 La Placita Market LeMora Pizza Silt Roundabout RIFLE Cafe y Pasteleria Galea East Ave & 3rd St. Box City Hall Box E 12th St. Box El Patron El Rincon Jalisco Grill Mercado San Jose Momma’s Nachos Mexican Dining Paleteria La Korita Promex Bakery Remington Square Spyderwash Tapatios La Baja Espresso Rifle Library Imperio Variedades Dinora Diversity Salon Alpine Bank on 4th St Alpine Bank on Airport Rd PARACHUTE Nalini’s Taqueria Jalisco El Tapatio City Hall Box Parachute Library Running Burrito Lift-up Fifty Shadz Salon Sinclair Vero’s Mexican Bakery
Look for stories like this in this week’s Sol del Valle!
Full edition is available every Friday afternoon on newstands and at businesses from Rifle to Aspen
The voice of Sol del Valle ‘is built by all of us’
Bianca Godina says farewell to her role as editor of Sol del Valle and welcomes Owen McArdle, who will take on the newspaper’s editorial leadership There are moments in life when saying goodbye does not mean putting a period at the end of a story, but rather pausing to look at everything that has been built and trusting in what comes next. When I officially submitted my resignation from Sol del Valle because of my move to another state, I did not expect to have the honor of continuing alongside this newspaper for another six months. As with everything in life, each chapter has its time. That is why today I want to invite our community to welcome Owen McArdle, the new editor of Sol del Valle, and to accompany him as he begins this new chapter. From the very beginning, my goal as editor was clear: that Sol del Valle truly reflected the diversity of our community. Our valley has an incomparable beauty in the way our cultures, languages, stories and the communities on both sides of these two valleys intertwine. Here, people with different roots, experiences and ways of seeing the world live side by side, but we also share something in common: this place we call home. I once wrote in these pages a few words for the future editor of Sol del Valle. Today, I am grateful to remember a little of that letter, “This newspaper belongs to the community that reads it. Take care of it, listen to it and let it guide you.” Today, those words hold a special meaning for me. Sol del Valle has something that transcends any editor: its voice is built by all of us. It takes an entire community to build a strong resource, a newspaper that does not simply publish about a community, but truly listens to it and sees itself reflected on every page. Every story, business, family, organization and every person who shares their voice helps shape what Sol del Valle is and what it can become. I invite you to continue staying connected with us through every edition, every social media post,
EDITOR’S LETTER By Bianca Godina
Thank you!
To my Sol del Valle team: • Diane Amsden • Pérez Family • Ingrid Zúniga • Margarita Alvarez Sol del Valle Advisory Council CoWest Noticias Collaborative Our contributors and artists The Sopris Sun
every correction you send our way, every question you ask and every topic you bring to our table. I will always be grateful for the opportunity this community gave me over these years. It allowed me to meet stories and people I might never otherwise have had the opportunity to know. When Sol del Valle began, perhaps none of us could have
Owen McArdle, pictured, will take the helm of Sol del Valle, following the departure of Editor-in-Chief Bianca Godina. Photo by Miah Cornett
imagined all that it would come to mean to our community. Although today I am saying goodbye to my role as editor, I do not feel that I am saying goodbye to everything Sol del Valle represents. I am taking with me the stories, conversations and lessons. Now a new chapter begins because Sol del Valle does not belong to one person or one
organization; it belongs to an entire community. As long as that community continues reading, participating and believing in this project, Sol del Valle will continue to have a reason to exist. Thank you for allowing me to be part of this, our story. Translation assisted by AI.
Follow Leonardo Occhipinti’s “Nuevo Mundo” in Sol del Valle every week in Spanish.
Bianca Godina — Editor • bianca@soldelvalle.org | Margarita Alvarez — Advertising • margarita@soldelvalle.org www.soldelvalle.org • info@soldelvalle.org • 970-510-0234
20 THE SOPRIS SUN | soprissun.com | September 24-30, 2026
Share your works in progress with readers by emailing illustrations, creative writings and poetry to fiction@soprissun.com
Comparte tus proyectos creativos aún en proceso con nuestros lectores. Puedes enviarnos un correo electrónico con tus ilustraciones, creaciones literarias y poesía a fiction@soprissun.com
objects appear closer Eric Matthew Olander
Paintballs pounding the house with rainbow hail, for all he cares, with his viewpoint constrained in flashbacks and the shed, watching the roof destroyed for the tenth time in five times as many years, the Alumni of MKUltra who did not ride a psychedelic bus across white bread America promoting something of a greater notion; electrifying cross country travel ethics, or brought his typewriter along, into the Study, so drug induced inspiration could fuel the lyrics of songs destiny will smile upon, to create a lifelong jam band movement as an ongoing concern, but is just an irregular regular guy, nobody creative.
A first roof and the first conversations with someone who could understand how he felt about not just the program but that the whole damn-gone psychedelic era being the totality of the plan. Declaw a generation by making the up and rising Yippies (the Youth International Party) momentum vector into a sub-cult calling themselves Hip and therefore its denizens Hippies. Later, in their turn, herding the addicts of instant gratification (the seemingly uninhibited sex, drugs and rock and roll pseudo-homophone sub-culture) into the manor of cocaine infused Yuppiedom. The sound investment returned to the feudal fold.
Practiced practicality escaping into the woods to build a better house and home. For self preservation. Off grid before the “Grid” was a thing. Still the oddity of it was it was a structure a random fugitive of the Weather Underground had helped him put its first-ever roof upon. Decades of acid trips ago. Leading mostly nowhere. Between the days of attempted self-creation and the increasingly hostile hail storms. The lonely edifice, now being pummeled by streaks of Heaven was framed out by a militant orphan of generational pacification, in exchange for anonymity.
Practiced practicality escaping into the woods to build a better house and home. For self preservation. Off grid before the ‘Grid’ was a thing.
Jimmy’s grandparents, (who had kept Jews beneath their floorboards, in the old country) would have loved the gesture; the resistance, although it was isolation which ennobled the consummate city dweller, the weary prankster, to reach out to the human hitchhiking into the unknown, and bestow upon him the shelter he, himself, never found. In neither sane nor insane worlds competing for market share of endless war and promised peace.
Power plays a longer game than just thought control, would be Jim’s dissertation. Or the seeking of enlightenment. His debriefing. This he could confide in his fugitive guest. Consumerism purchasing more of the soul than we suspected, with the suppose-it counter current itself becoming little more inspired than consumer goods. A visually presented gilded cage, he’d give days of discord and discourse towards, being contrary to the chaos given the mind’s eye, as the post-literate world began to champion and deploy fools and niche intellectuals. Building castles for the incompetent and down right stupidest humans alive — should tell you some-
SIXTH ANNUAL
SWAP IT LIKE IT’S
HOT DONATION INFORMATION Bring your gently used clothing and accessories to the library September 28-October 15. The first 40 donors will receive an Early Bird Ticket for exclusive shopping from 9–10AM on Oct. 17. Donate early, arrive early, and get first pick of the racks!
For more info, visit basaltlibrary.org/events
Items accepted: • Shirts • Pants • Dresses • Shoes • Jackets • Baby Clothing • Accessories • and more!
thing. Logos plastered on clothing and everything else, in the cities and towns. ‘Til the corporate names became identity itself. Muttering to himself, since the day he left civilization in search of the civilized. A bookish nobody, off the grind ... talking up the birds. Flies on the wall. The particulars and peculiarities of the flashbacks given his youth. The good and the bad days. As well as the characters filling out the fictive memories and the Non. Because the ears to hear were already always accusing him of tripp’n’. As he usually was ... Inebriated. Ultimately searching the stacks, rather than offend those interested in hearing only their own rebuttal. So with silence a better friend, Jimmy moved the future diaspora into this one room contraption now up on blocks, in the tall weeds, and serving as the Volks tool shed, and Eckhart’s Grunt, where a light penitence and bottomless guilt-fed existence, employed and entertained the destitute and fleeting sojourner alike, as he, here, could curse God and mankind aloud — as well as give praise where praise was overdue; depending on how the colors of the abuse of youth inform the very next day on the calendar, as he slowly built hearth and home within many mansion rooms. His own piece of Alexandria. A truer abiding. Even around the mania that was sometimes a Guest who stayed too long. A house he built most times alone — as well as with little help from friends, in the end. Recovery from even the third act of the “War to end all wars” remains a one day at a time thing; as the years would come and go. The mannequins selling us a fake democracy, exchanging
the fashion every four to eight years; as he repaired the wear and tear of surviving the living. With both communism and colonial capitalism finally collapsing unto the untainted necessity of cooperation — all growth required to circle back to beginnings no matter the method of avoidance. Death and birth the same point in space and time; anyone who has died can tell you. God’s presence in the absence ... Watching the hail’s 15 minutes of fame dissipate across the lawn and gardens, he’ll consider how he never knew what happened to that Guardian Angel. The foot soldier who was his psychiatrist for one blissful week. The Che protege who helped raise his ridge pole. On a humble shelter built solely to replace the microbus going nowhere. Like it was Providence’s function. The roof. An abode for a government issued lifestyle it turns out. As the perennial, permanent wars burn out. Momentum gutted by the education of the addicts of greed hitting the same sort of bitch slap hand of Providence. Like ducks on the road to Emmaus; so few wrestling Jacob’s ladder. The think and grow rich garden patch fallowed by its own over indulgence. The last communication a postcard of the Queen Mary, tied up to the dock. In NYC. Looking at the old, leather tool belt hooked over the mirror: saying objects appear closer ..., as the sounding of golf ball size destruction pebbles down and fades back to the dull grays of sunlight and drizzle reconstituting into gossip, trails (old and new) consider this ... He heard she didn’t make the crossing.
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THE SOPRIS SUN | Your weekly community connector | September 24-30, 2026 21
LETTERS Good folk in Carbondale At 84, I receive about 90 emails a day, many of which are cons/scams trying to take my identity, credit card usage or finances, leading one to think we’ve become a nation of thieves. Last Friday, I was filling my motorcycle with petrol at the non-ethanol pump at the Coop and managed to leave my wallet on top of the pump (also, perhaps, age related). I realized it was gone on Saturday morning and figured I may have left it there, so returned to find it was not and the cashier told me no one had turned it in. I returned home angry at myself, despondent, and while checking for mail found the wallet, somewhat soaked as it had rained since Friday afternoon, in my mailbox! It was completely intact with about $60 in cash, my credit cards and many critical pieces of medical identification and the like, all there. Some local person I’m sure saw my address on my drivers license — probably a male, as I have never seen a female at that special pump, but who knows, I’m sure women would do the same — and took it to my home mailbox. No note was included, so I had no idea who had been so kind, considerate and honest on my behalf. Thank God we live in Carbondale, where I believe most all folks would behave this way. Thank you very much, local mysterious stranger — if it had been a friend, I’m sure I would have been amply teased about it by now. My wife and I don’t plan to leave Bonedale any time in the future. Richard Wells Carbondale
Re: GAME Act The Sopris Sun’s Sept. 16 article on the proposed GAME Act provides useful history, but accepts the framing of Out of Bounds Ranch and its paid lobbyist while omitting details about what the public stands to lose. This is not simply an effort to clean up “checkerboard” ownership. A private landowner is asking Congress to privatize approximately 2,179 acres of public land near Glenwood Springs in exchange for approximately [2,103] acres nearly 50 miles away on the Roan Plateau. Those lands are not interchangeable. The public land near Out of Bounds Ranch has long been accessible to local hunters, hikers and other recreationists. I’ve hunted and recreated here my entire life, long before the ranch owners decided they wanted it for themselves. This is exceptional wildlife habitat and productive hunting ground. My family and many others depend on it for food, access and memories. Its proximity to the Roaring Fork Valley makes it valuable to hunters. If it becomes private, that access is gone forever. It repeats the claim that the Roan Plateau parcels would “unlock” access to 8,900 acres of BLM land. That is misleading. The two adjacent BLM parcels already have public access points. Even more troubling, the proposal is still changing. The reported acreage has shifted, and the publicly circulated draft leaves the final legal descriptions to be completed after enactment, even though it directs the exchange to be completed within 180 days. Congress and the public are being asked to approve the deal before its exact boundaries, values and consequences are fully established. This is not land-neutral bookkeeping. It would permanently remove cherished public land from one community and replace it with 22 THE SOPRIS SUN | soprissun.com | September 24-30, 2026
from page 2
different land, with different wildlife and recreation values, nearly 50 miles away. If public land is going to be transferred, the public deserves a transparent process and an opportunity to decide whether the trade is worthwhile. I also ask The Sopris Sun to publish Colorado Parks and Wildlife’s written comments on the exchange in full, including its concerns about comparing lands that are geographically separated and located in different herd management units. The GAME Act would set a dangerous precedent by allowing Congress to bypass the normal public land-exchange process before the details are complete. Public land should not be privatized simply because a wealthy landowner wants it. Once this land becomes private, it is gone for good. Tayler Larsen Utah, currently
DEI It is easy to be against something big or complicated, especially if it has a name which can be said with a sneer. Simply find, or invent, examples that seem unfair or threatening. Describing them can arouse strong emotions and be quite persuasive. For example, policies promoting diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI), whatever their benefits, will inconvenience or offend somebody. DEI can become a slur. (I once received a letter thanking me for my job application, but informing me that I would not be included in the next stage of the selection process. It was signed by the equal employment opportunity officer. My ethnicity may have influenced that decision. Resentment was tempting.) It is easy to be loudly against DEI. What’s harder is to say clearly what you are for: “I just want it to be fair, and to pick the best person” is not clear enough. Advocates of DEI are seeking those same (vague) goals, fairness in hiring and a collection of employees whose varied skills and backgrounds would best serve their organization. Such decisions are often quite complex, hard to make and easy to criticize. The reason it is hard for DEI opponents to say what they favor is because it does not sound good. They want to end, or at least move away from, diversity, equity and inclusion. The opposite of diversity is uniformity. The opposite of equity is inequity (unfairness). The opposite of inclusion is exclusion. These are not the high ideals of this democratic republic. May I call them “UIE”? Arguing for “UIE” is hard because it seems to be unAmerican. I believe it is. The only folks I’ve noticed openly, honestly advocating for “UIE” are the most rabid white Christian nationalists and a few far-right officeholders and commentators. Beware of those who are loudly “against!” without saying what they are for. J. R. Bernard, an older nobody Glenwood Springs LETTERS POLICY: The Sopris Sun welcomes local letters to the editor. Shorter letters stand a better chance of being printed. Letters exclusive to The Sopris Sun (not appearing in other papers) are particularly welcome. Please, no smearing, cite your facts and include your name and place of residence or association. Letters are due to news@ soprissun.com by noon on the Monday before we go to print.
PARTING SHOTS
KDNK Community Access Radio volunteer DJs gathered for a meeting in Sopris Park Wednesday evening, Sept. 16. While it was a good turnout, not all of the over 100 DJs were able to make it. Nevertheless, the spirit of public radio was surely present and as strong as ever. Photo by Just Jim, KDNK Volunteer DJ
CARBONDALE from page 7 The board resolved to support a bipartisan citizen group-led pledge, the “Garfield County Protect our Elections Pledge,” expressing confidence in the Colorado election system, calling for lawful election results to be honored, rejecting unlawful interference, encouraging eligible voters to participate in the upcoming election and more, according to the town. The town endorsed the Glenwood Hot Springs Protection Act, which would prohibit the U.S. Secretary of the Interior
from processing or approving applications striving to expand the Mid-Continent Limestone Quarry, located immediately north of Glenwood Springs, from 16 acres to 56 acres. “Any expansion of the mine,” the town said in its resolution, “poses a serious and irreversible risk of damage to the fragile groundwater network, which channels snowpack and rainfall downward from the Flat Tops mountains to the artesian hot springs that emerge along the Colorado River in Glenwood Springs.”
GARCO from page 6 “The three action alternatives vary in their scope and their intensity,” said County Manager Fred Jarman, who helped prepare the comment packet. The BOCC has been involved in the project as a cooperating agency for seven years. Jarman presented the 146-page comment packet, including county involvement history and concerns plus letters from locals and media coverage. Major concerns include how the land was purchased, state and federal government involvement and development impacts on the land, wildlife and rural lifestyle. The county is against the creation of a state park at Sweetwater Lake but urged the USFS to choose Alternative 3 — the least invasive and impactful action option. The entire comment packet is available at tinyurl.com/commentpacket2026
It’s fall. School traffic is in session. Slow down, look twice. Pay close attention while driving through school zones and traffic circles. Yield to children in crosswalks. Help reduce car traffic in town. Take a stroll or a bike ride and celebrate the beauty of fall in Carbondale!
In other news … Additionally, trustees approved a 3.2% increase in its waste hauling rate, as requested by contractor Mountain Waste and Recycling. It also amended a mandate by the state requiring all roads within 1,000
feet of a school to be defined as a school zone. The town’s change allows certain roads in Carbondale that are within 1,000 feet of a school but don’t immediately connect to the school to remain outside of the zone.
LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF FINAL SETTLEMENT Notice is hereby given that on October 29th , 2026, at 12:00 pm final settlement will be made with AD Miller (ADM), 7006 S. Alton Way, Bldg. E, Ste 100, Centennial, CO, 80112 by the TOWN OF CARBONDALE, 511 Colorado Ave, Carbondale, CO, on a contract for labor and materials for a project known as the Carbondale Aquatics Center and that any person, co-partnership, company, association of persons, or corporation who has an unpaid claim against ADM, or its subcontractors, for labor and materials, may, at any time, up to closing of business the last work day prior to final settlement, that is, by October 29th , 2026, file a verified statement of the amount due with the TOWN OF CARBONDALE (Attn. Parks & Recreation Director-Eric Brendlinger) ebrendlinger@carbondaleco.net pursuant to Section 38-26-107, CRS, as amended. Failure on the part of the Claimant to make such verified statement, prior to the final settlement on the contract with ADM, will relieve the TOWN OF CARBONDALE from any liability for such Claimant’s claim. PUBLISHED BY THE ORDER OF TOWN OF CARBONDALE. Published in The Sopris Sun on September 24, 2016.
Carbondale & Rural Fire Protection District is accepting letters of interest to fill a vacancy on the Board of Directors. Applicants must be a registered elector in the Carbondale & Rural Fire Protection District. SUBMISSION DEADLINE: Monday, September 28, 2026 at 4 pm.
Letters of interest should be submitted to: Jenny Cutright cutright@carbondalefire.org
Carbondale’s Bike Ped Trails Commission THE SOPRIS SUN | Your weekly community connector | September 24-30, 2026 23
Fall
Health Fair We are delighted to offer you, our community, the opportunity to take advantage of low-cost blood tests.
Book your appointment today. Visit aspenvalleyhealth.org/health-fair or by phone 1.800.217.5866 Monday–Friday, 9 am–4 pm
October 2 ASPEN
Aspen Ambulance Building Aspen Valley Health Medical Center 0403 Castle Creek Road
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October 3 EL JEBEL
Eagle County Community Center 20 Eagle County Drive By appointment only 8-11:30 am
Lab Tests Offered • HealthScreen w/CBC – $79 Includes CBC, CMP, Ferritin, Iron Panel, Lipid Panel, TSH and Uric Acid (Fasting Required)
• hsCardio CRP – $42 • Hemoglobin A1C & EAG – $44
• PSA, Total – $47 • Vitamin D – $54 • T3, Free – $32 • T4, Free – $32 • CBC (Complete Blood Count) – $32
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24 THE SOPRIS SUN | soprissun.com | September 24-30, 2026