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Pluralizing Potato Day For years, folks have sometimes mistakenly referred to Carbondale's oldest festival as Potato Days – as in more than one. Perhaps it's because of Strawberry Days, or maybe the Homecoming events that usually accompanied the hometown holiday expanded it in the imagination.

Well, this year, there actually were three days of official events, with a Contra Dance at the Carbondale Rec. Center during First Friday (below) and Gymkana moving from its of-rained-out Saturday slot to Sunday morning (right) followed by Ride the Ranches and Aspen Valley Land Trust's Party in the Pasture in the afternoon.

Along with new main-day activities like a cornhole tournament, it made for an event to remember and emulate.

Photos by Sue Rollyson More on pages 8-9

Volume 15, Number 36 | October 12-18, 2023

OPINION

VOICES Radio Hour

By Claudia Pawl

Caution! Construction Zone. I am not a final product; I am evolving.

I didn't know I was Latina until I was forced to define myself to others.

I was simply a living being, part of a family with a simple and happy life.

It was exciting for me and common to see my mother sewing other people's clothes and doing crafts all the time.

I didn't understand that it was much more than a hobby.

The cundinas (Mexican mutual aid), raffles and lottery afternoons became customary and seemed to be part of a mandatory regimen. There was no shortage of family meals together and birthday parties full of unknown children lining up to receive their candy. The bolo (coins tossed to kids during a baptism) on christening days was a reason to plan exactly where I would stand for that perfect moment, and what I would do with my winnings. I didn't even care about the name of the baptized or the family having the celebration, I had one goal in mind. The gum balls with chili powder in their center would be my most coveted prize.

Latinidad, woven by generations Once my world became all questions and labels, I realized that I could no longer remain in the comfort of ignorance. I was forced to decide between green or blue, up or down, and from here or from there. This decision was unfair and caused more confusion than clarity. Since then, the search began.

I see myself in the stories I hear daily, in the smells of fideo soups, fresh bread and ponche de frutas (fruit punch). Then everything changes, and I return to that point of neutrality, where I feel full and complete — no need to decide or define.

Later, something changes and the curiosity of that being in construction begins. The being that thinks in English most of the time, communicates without thinking and expands its wisdom every day.

My roots light up like fireflies at unexpected moments and disappear without reason, like lightning in the sky. They are always present, but in parallel worlds.

Listening to the iconic comadres sharing stories at the market or commercial stores makes it impossible for me not to smile.

It brings a feeling of inexplicable warmth and nostalgia that is only understood when felt. It transports me back to a bus ride from my childhood to an unknown destination where I couldn't reach the window to look out at the scenery.

The whisper of a conversation in Spanish in the distance in unexpected places reminds me that the world I belong to is much bigger than I have been told, that I am part of a blanket woven with love and patience by many

LETTERS

TRTC delight

My wife and I attended the Thunder River Theatre Company production of “Rabbit Hole” by David Lindsay-Abaire, directed

by Missy Moore. We have had a lot of exposure to quality live drama in our years in Chicago, being season ticket holders to the Goodman and Steppenwolf theaters for decades. The story was riveting, that of the sudden, accidental loss of a child, one of parents’ worst nightmares, and the play won the Pulitzer Prize for Drama on Broadway in 2007.

Each of the five actors were flawless to watch and their performances rivaled many of those we had seen in Chicago.

Even the set was remarkable for a small town theater play.

Kudos to those five actors and the whole production staff for a stimulating and rewarding evening.

The only negative was that on a Friday night the theater was only about two-thirds full! Some Carbondale folks were not up to the challenge, their loss.

Dick Wells Carbondale

Potato Days praise

I hope this message finds you in good health and high spirits. I write to you today brimming with gratitude and appreciation for the remarkable community in which we reside. I am left in awe of the dedication and tireless efforts of our town leaders and volunteers.

This gratitude was kindled during my attending a recent Potato Days Committee meeting. The level of coordination and planning that transpires in such a brief span of time is nothing short of astounding.

From the Contra Dance on Friday to a Saturday with nearly a million events including a parade, a run, cowboy coffee, games, music, fantastic food and so much more, I was nothing

2 • THE SOPRIS SUN • soprissun.com • October 12-18, 2023

generations. Each day I have the privilege and responsibility to decide the magnitude of that feeling of my roots. Whether to brighten or dim it, like the light of the firefly that travels and changes by simply existing.

It is celebration and peace simultaneously, without reason or end. It simply becomes a balanced state of being that nourishes and nurtures. It illuminates and darkens; it changes and stays the same and feels no need to control anything. I am excited to be acquainted with that being in construction that will never quit exploring. The one that always reminds me that I am, and that is more than enough.

Claudia Pawl is a Mexican artist who loves to dance and perform.

She migrated to the U.S. as a child, discovered social dance as an adult and is now a dancer and interpreter.

She travels to dance events to learn, and she teaches and hosts social dances in our community through Mezcla Socials, an organization she founded.

VOICES presents “Nuestras Voces, Noche Mística, Teatro En Español” on Oct. 21-22 at TACAW. This original theater project weaves together comedic stories with splashes of mysticism, often based on lived and shared experiences. Tickets are a suggested $25 donation and English subtitles will be provided.

short of amazed at what our community can accomplish.

Potato Days is a grand celebration, meticulously tailored for our local community and to honor our town’s long-built character. Potato day committee members should be honored for their unwavering commitment to creating moments of joy and connection for all of us.

Their work leaves an indelible mark on the tapestry of our community's history.

On behalf of the Carbondale Historical Society, I extend my deepest thanks to each and every one of you who contributed to the success of Potato Days. Your passion, enthusiasm, and tireless work do not go unnoticed.

Stephen Shapiro Carbondale Historical Society

5Point thanks

5Point Film would like to extend our sincere gratitude to all of those who helped make our second annual benefit, 5Point in the Field, possible last Saturday evening. We were impressed by the incredible support we received. The community in this valley certainly steps up and steps out!

The event raised over $40k which allows us to continue funding our filmmaker grants, education initiatives, bilingual community screenings, and will enable us to produce the 17th flagship festival in April 2024.

We’d like to thank the following organizations, individuals, and businesses for their contributions: Aspen Art Museum, Aspen Daily News, Aspen Paragliding, Aspen Skiing Company, Avalanche Ranch, Bethel Party Rentals, Beyul Retreat, Contour Body Aesthetics, EcoFlight, Elk Mountain Anglers, EverGreen ZeroWaste, Field 2 Fork Kitchen, The Gant Aspen, Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park, continued on page 26

Editor Raleigh Burleigh 970-510-3003 news@soprissun.com Sol del Valle Editor Vanessa Porras Contributing & Digital Editor James Steindler Editorial Designer Hattie Rensberry Advertising Designer Emily Blong Delivery Frederic Kischbaum Bartlett Hank van Berlo Proofreader Lee Beck Executive Director Todd Chamberlin 970-510-0246 adsales@soprissun.com Board Members / Mesa Directiva board@soprissun.com Klaus Kocher • Kay Clarke Lee Beck • Donna Dayton Terri Ritchie Eric Smith • Roger Berliner Elizabeth Phillips • Jessi Rochel Juanma Cespedes • Andrew Travers Anna Huntington

The Sopris Sun Board meets at 6:30 p.m. 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+ Lee Beck & John Stickney Kay Brunnier • Frances Dudley Michelle & Ed Buchman Sue Edelstein & Bill Spence Deborah & Shane Evans Greg & Kathy Feinsinger Gary & Jill Knaus • Eric Smith Peter and Mike Gilbert Carly & Frosty Merriott James Noyes • Megan Tackett Patti & George Stranahan Anne Sullivan & John Colson Elizabeth Wysong • Alpine Bank Emily & George Bohmfalk Kathy & Carter Barger Sandy & Paul Chamberlin Karen & Roger Berliner Gretchen Greenwood & Lee Mulcahy Donna & Ken Riley

Legacy Givers for including us in their final wishes.

Mary Lilly

Donate by mail or online: P.O. Box 399 Carbondale, CO 81623 520 S. Third Street #26-B 970-510-3003 soprissun.com/Donate The Sopris Sun, Inc. is a proud member of the Carbondale Creative District

SCUTTLEBUTT

What's the word on the street? Let us know at news@soprissun.com

Welcoming Brian Lorch

protecting workers’ rights “prohibiting an employer from making dishonest representations of job security to its employees or prospective employees to induce them to take the job.”

Colorado Wild Public Lands, an organization dedicated to monitoring land exchanges and advocating on behalf of the public, hired Brian Lorch as its first full-time executive director. Lorch worked for nearly two decades leading Summit County’s open space and trails program.

During that time, he worked closely with the Forest Service and state agencies, oversaw the purchase of properties, planning and construction of over 50 new trailheads and trails and securing over $10 million in grants. Stay apprised at www.coloradowildpubliclands.org

Our Underwriters and Nonprofit Partners!

Pet adoption deals

Phil Long Glenwood Springs Subaru is sponsoring pet adoption fees at Colorado Animal Rescue for the whole month of October. Adoption fees for dogs and cats will be waived. Learn more at www. coloradoanimalrescue.org

Realtor of the Year

After-school tutoring

Summit54 offers after-school tutoring for elementary school students in the Roaring Fork School District. Small group tutoring is offered Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays immediately after school for students who test below grade level. Gifts to Summit54 qualify for the Colorado Child Care Contribution Credit that allows Colorado taxpayers to deduct 50% of their gift from the bottom line of their Colorado tax liability. Learn more at www.summit54.org

The Upper Colorado River Interagency Fire Management Unit plans to burn up to 1,200 acres this fall. The Lime Park project area is located five miles northeast of Ruedi Reservoir; the Muddy Sheep project is east of Wolcott and north of I-70, near Edwards and Avon. Smoke from these prescribed fires is expected to be visible from I-70.

On Thursday, Oct. 5, advocates for an alternative to the Forest Service’s current plan for redevelopment of their offices on Main Street in Carbondale held a public forum. At least three Forest Service employees were present. Citizen Ross Kribbs presented the community group’s concerns and its proposed enhanced plan.

Afterward, members of the public shared their thoughts. Jillene Rector, pictured here, spoke in favor of the enhanced plan.

“I grew up in Carbondale. My senior class, on the first Earth Day, planted the trees on the east side of Sopris Park, so I love the trees in Carbondale and I really love the Forest Service in Carbondale. I like the alternative plan, because we can save the trees.” Rector was referring to trees slated for removal under the Forest Service’s current plan. Photo by James Steindler

West Elk Mountain Rescue

Travers v. Ogden

Prescribed burns RJ Paddywacks Cool Bricks Studio White River Books Alpine Animal Hospital

Nonprofit Partners

Wilderness Workshop 5point Film Festival Basalt Library Aspen Strong Carbondale Rotary Colorado Animal Rescue Carbondale Arts Carbondale Chamber of Commerce Interested in becoming an Underwriter or Nonprofit Partner in 2023? Email Todd@ soprissun.com or call 970-987-9866

West Elk Mountain Rescue assisted two injured hikers during one recent weekend. On Sept 29, a hiker with an ankle injury summoned help via a satellite communications device at 1:35pm. They were located several hours later at the intersection of Geneva Lake Trail and North Fork Cutoff Trail, arriving in Marble before midnight. On Sept 30, a day hiker used an SOS satellite communication feature on their iPhone 14 to call for help; they were located on the Ruby Anthracite Trail and taken to an ambulance at the trailhead in under three hours. To learn more about West Elk Mountain Rescue, including how to volunteer and donate, visit www.westelkmountainrescue.org

An Oct. 4 press release announced that Andrew Travers (a Sopris Sun board member) is suing The Aspen Times and its parent company, Ogden Newspapers, over terminating his employment as editor-in-chief days after being promoted to that position. Travers sought to restore the paper’s reputation by publishing two previously spiked opinion columns suppressed by Ogden after The Aspen Times was sued for defamation by a billionaire involved in the Lift 1A land deal. Internal emails were also published

by Travers revealing why the columns were pulled. The lawsuit seeks to uphold the sanctity of uncompromised journalism, while relying on laws

The Glenwood Springs Association of Realtors named Erin Ryan with Western Slope Real Estate its “Realtor of the Year” for her “vast volunteer service.”

Meanwhile, Academy Mortgage was named “Affiliate of the Year” for “going above and beyond to not only ensure that the real estate community thrives, but that needs and rights of property owners and prospective buyers are met and protected.”

Wolf neighbors

Colorado Parks and Wildlife entered into a one-year agreement with the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife to source up to 10 wolves for Colorado’s gray wolf reintroduction effort. The Oregon wolves will be captured and translocated between December 2023 and March 2024. Factors including habitat suitability and distance from neighboring states and tribal lands have placed the area surrounding Glenwood Springs, Aspen and Vail as a top choice for initial releases.

They say it’s your birthday!

Folks celebrating another trip around the sun this week include: Rick Borkovec, Stephanie Deaton, Linda Giesecke and Paul Luttrell (Oct. 12); Janice Forbes and Bryce Pizano (Oct. 13); Michael Carter, Carrie Close, Gabrielle Greeves and Hannah Ross (Oct. 14); Matt Albericom Darren Broome, Calder Morrison, Lupita Ochoa and Corey Mineo (Oct. 15); Alex Heinig, Oriana Moebius and Abby Zlotnick (Oct. 16); Greg Knott, Eric Berry, Ian Edquist, Carianne Eisenson, Mike Grandbois and Mary Margaret O’Gara (Oct. 18).

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THE SOPRIS SUN • Your weekly community connector • October 12-18, 2023 • 3

Glenwood receives $600k federal forestry grant

By Will Buzzerd Sopris Sun Correspondent

On Sept. 14, the City of Glenwood Springs was awarded a $600,000 grant for urban and community forestry, expanding the city’s community forestry program sixfold over the course of the next five years to make for a greener, more environmentally equitable Glenwood.

The grant was received as part of a sweeping action by the U.S. Department of Agriculture Forest Service, which invested over $1 billion in projects nationwide to improve access to trees. Of that total billion, $37.2 million was awarded to the Rocky Mountain Region. Thanks to matching funds from the city, the budget for the forestry program will expand from this year’s $50,000 to $200,000 in 2024, and after that will gradually increase year by year until it peaks at $300,000 in 2028.

The massive expansion in budget will be allocated towards tree planting, maintenance and community education programs over the next several years. The funding came at an opportune moment, as over the past year city staff performed a massive inventory of trees in the right-of-way, assessing species, health, management needs and more in order to determine where best to direct forestry efforts.

Urban Ecology & Public Spaces Supervisor Heather Listermann

stated that after the study it’s clear that a significant amount of work needs to be done in both public and private rights-of-way.

In Glenwood — and commonly across the country — private property owners are responsible for the maintenance of trees in the right-ofway. Since the maintenance of trees can be a delicate business typically requiring the use of a trained arborist, many homeowners can have a difficult time affording to keep trees healthy and safe.

“Trees are an incredible public asset that are not always budgeted for,” Listermann stated. Because of this — as well as a need for right-of-way tree work across town — Glenwood Springs City Council approved a one-time reimbursement program so that residents can afford tree work. Residents can apply online for up to a $1,500 match of funding for treating, pruning, removing and/ or replacing high risk trees in the right-of-way.

Previously, the community forestry program’s $50,000 budget was primarily reserved for emergency tree care in parks and public spaces. While reimbursement to private property owners is only available between Aug. 1 and Dec. 31, city staff will be working over the next few months to expand on this program with new grant funds over the next year and beyond. According to Listermann, about 50% of the

4 • THE SOPRIS SUN • soprissun.com • October 12-18, 2023

funding will be directed to this rightof-way assistance program and/ or a similar program in the future, enabling the improvement of tree coverage even for those experiencing financial difficulties.

“Taking care of trees is important for quality of life as well as the vibrancy and longevity of the community,” said Public Information Officer Bryana Starbuck. “Being able to expand the funds for the program is a really big windfall for preserving the canopy and the community.”

Part of the funding will also be directed towards community education programming. Since the influx of money is recent, the city is still working on developing programs, but right now citizens can look forward to next year’s Arbor Day, during which the city will host an event in order to educate citizens on water smart species and proper planting techniques.

In terms of tree health, the City of Glenwood has luckily remained emerald ash borer free. This bright green beetle, found in Carbondale in June, is an invasive species native to Asia which has killed millions of ash trees across the world. However, Glenwood has identified lilac ash borers — a similar species — as well as bark beetles within its city limits, and the city has been taking preventative measures in order to preserve its precious trees.

Starbuck encourages citizens

Gardens and Forestry staff plant trees at Two Rivers Park on Friday, Oct. 6. Photo courtesy of the City of Glenwood Springs

to check their trees frequently for signs of pests and illness. A guide to various symptoms and species is available on the city’s Gardens and Forestry webpage. However, citizens are discouraged from attempting maintenance themselves, as sick trees can be delicate. Instead, folks concerned for their trees can contact the tree hotline at 970-384-6336 or tree.hotline@cogs.us Citizens who are also interested in the right-of-way reimbursement program can find a form online, also on the Gardens and Forestry webpage.

Passmore ‘on the shoulders of giants’ as KDNK director

By Myki Jones Sopris Sun Correspondent

After five months as interim director, Megan Passmore was officially hired as KDNK’s station manager in late September, just before the community access radio station’s Fall Membership Drive. Having been a Carbondale local since May 2007, and involved with KDNK since 2009 when she filled in for a DJ’s Halloween show, Passmore is looking forward to carrying forth the beloved station’s traditions.

"Originally, when I came here, I was working for CRMS [Colorado Rocky Mountain School] in their garden program, which was great because it felt like I had found an instant community,” Passmore told The Sopris Sun. “I realized quickly that this was seasonal and would quickly end, so I started finding new ways to get involved with the community."

When her position at CRMS ended, Passmore began exploring community volunteering opportunities. She first got involved with Carbondale Arts and Mountain Fair before joining KDNK as a DJ and member.

"I grew up in Boulder, which has KGNU, and it took me a while to figure out that there was actually a public radio station here in Carbondale! Once I did, I started tuning in regularly and quickly came in for a DJ training," she reminisced.

Shortly after her first show, Passmore was hired by Steve Skinner, station manager at the time, to work as a membership director in 2010. She held that position until 2015 before taking a six-year hiatus to raise her child. Passmore's full-circle return to KDNK in 2022 was meant to be temporary, filling in while an employee took maternity leave. Being back in the KDNK studios on 2nd Street, she explained, "I realized I had missed the station so much and was trying to figure out how to stay.” As the stars would have it, “My colleague on maternity leave decided not to return, so I stayed on."

Megan Passmore served as interim director at KDNK for five months before being hired as general manager. Photo by Aly Sanguily

Since stepping up to the plate as interim director, Passmore has taken on some of the biggest responsibilities of the year at KDNK, including the two-year audit and a record-setting membership drive goal: $88,100 (after the station’s spot on the FM dial from its primary signal on Sunlight Peak). Discussing her new role as KDNK's station manager, Passmore said that while the process has been overwhelming at times, she is able to lean on the guidance and wisdom of her colleagues and past station managers.

"There's a lot of pieces to the puzzle of running a radio station, some I was aware of and some found out through trial and error. It's a big job," she stated. Passmore explained she feels she is

“standing on the shoulders of giants” as she stewards the 40-year legacy of KDNK. She felt inspired during the station's recent 40th birthday celebration, where important people from KDNK’s past and present came together to share stories.

"The vibrancy of KDNK, us being so involved in the community, having the community come in through the doors all the time — it’s a fun environment and certainly something I'm passionate about," Passmore said.

She is grateful to all the members, volunteers and KDNK staff for achieving a record membership drive total in just two weeks, something she described as “a pretty awesome feat.”

She said, "I was so proud of the staff and the station once that wrapped up. When we have membership drives, hearing the community's feedback about the station and the reasons why they love KDNK so much motivates me to continue in this role."

KDNK’s next big fundraising push is the Labor of Love Auction in December. An in-person location for the event is yet to be determined, but folks can tune in, call in and even place bids online for a plethora of items in different categories, including art, culture, food, wine, recreation, music, entertainment and more. Item donations for the event are currently being sought and are highly appreciated.

On the topic of KDNK’s overall role in the community, Passmore said that the thought of Carbondale not having an outlet like KDNK saddens her. She expressed, "KDNK is such a vibrant and unique way for people to be connected to one another. Everyone that tunes in is listening to the same music and listening to the same stories. It's almost like we're all on the same wavelength."

Keep an ear out for volunteer and job opportunities at the station by tuning in, visiting www.kdnk.org or calling 970-963-0139.

THE SOPRIS SUN • Your weekly community connector • October 12-18, 2023 • 5

What a Kroger-Albertsons merger might mean for consumers

By Jeanne Souldern Sopris Sun Correspondent The largest retail grocery chain merger in U.S. history — between Kroger Co. and Albertsons Cos. — is estimated to be a $24.6 billion acquisition.

Last October, Kroger announced the complex deal to acquire Albertsons that would pay all shareholders $34.10 a share. The proposed merger, if approved by federal regulators, would take place at the beginning of 2024.

In Colorado, Kroger operates 148 stores under the City Market and King Soopers banners, while Albertsons operates 105 stores under the Safeway and Albertsons banners.

According to Progressive Grocers’ annual list of North America’s top food and consumables retailers, published in May, Cincinnati-based Kroger Co. ranks fourth with $148.258 billion in fiscal year-end sales, up 7.52% from the previous year, with 2,719 stores.

Albertsons Cos., headquartered in Boise, Idaho, ranks ninth with $77.6 billion in sales, up 7.95% from the previous year, with 2,271 stores.

In June, the Center for Economic and Policy Research, a Washington, D.C.-based think tank, reported: “According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the cost of store-bought food increased by 23.5% from February 2020 to May 2023. For those interested in making a comparison, the average hourly wage for all workers in the private sector has risen 17.1%.”

Supply chain disruptions caused by the COVID pandemic, higher fuel prices and transportation costs have increased the expense of goods arriving in stores. Extreme weather events, like floods and droughts, have harmed crops, leading to reduced

supplies and price spikes. Price fluctuations in agricultural commodity markets impact the cost of food production.

While the U.S. Department of Agriculture expects grocery prices to rise less than 1% in 2024, there is no denying that consumers have less purchasing power than they did pre-pandemic. And, as the inflation rate continues to tick upward, the price of goods and services, including groceries, continues to make a larger dent in consumers’ wallets.

In 2017, Amazon’s acquisition of Whole Foods propelled the e-commerce company into the retail grocery industry. Online services, like Amazon Pantry, offer delivery of non-perishable grocery and household items and, depending on where you live, also provide same or next-day delivery or pickup for fresh produce, dairy products and meats.

Meal preparation services, like Hello Fresh and Blue Apron, have increased competition in the food industry. While the pre-packaged meal kits are more expensive than buying separate ingredients at a grocery store, they offer the convenience of home delivery and time savings on meal preparation.

It should be noted that all major retail grocery chains provide some form of online grocery-buying service, with a store pick-up option or a delivery option available for an additional charge.

While the COVID pandemic furthered the appeal of contactless shopping options, it has arguably permanently changed some consumers' grocerybuying habits.

The most significant hurdle the merger faces is Federal Trade Commission (FTC) approval. This independent U.S. government agency oversees and regulates mergers to ensure fair competition and protect consumers.

Art by Sofie Koski

Many state attorneys general, including Colorado Attorney General Philip Weiser, have pursued consumer feedback. Consumer input can provide the legal basis for the state attorney general to challenge a merger in court if it is considered detrimental to consumer interests.

But what could the practical day-to-day application of a merger mean to the average consumer? Here are a few of the possible benefits: • Increased bargaining power with suppliers: with a larger corporate entity having the ability to buy a larger market share of products, better deals could result in lower prices for consumers.

• Operational streamlining: reducing duplicate operations and optimizing supply chain deliveries could result in profitability.

• Increased store-brand product offerings: both Kroger and Albertsons own product lines that, when combined, could offer the consumer more product choices.

• Enhanced innovation: taking the best resources and technology from both companies to provide consumers with improved shopping experiences. continued on page 18

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Habitat ups the housing ante with 1% broker campaign

By John Stroud Sopris Sun Correspondent Habitat for Humanity of the Roaring Fork Valley is all about changing the regional affordable housing game. A new giving campaign plus plans to build a modular home manufacturing plant in Rifle might move the game piece forward several more spaces.

Recently, Habitat RFV launched its new 1% “Sell a Home, Help Build a Home” campaign, partnering with real estate brokers in the area who have committed to donate 1% of their net sales commission to the cause of building affordable homes in the region.

Brokers are asked to commit to the program for at least a year, and their clients (buyers and sellers) can also contribute to the campaign through real estate transactions.

“It really is an opportunity for the real estate community to reinvest in our communities when it comes to affordable housing, and to be a part of that solution,” Habitat RFV President Gail Schwartz said.

Already, more than 40 brokers have volunteered to participate in the program, and two brokerages — Coldwell Banker Mason Morse and Sotheby’s International Realty — are matching what their brokers contribute.

Longtime Coldwell Banker Mason Morse broker Nancy Emerson of Carbondale is among the participants.

“I believe that we have a housing crisis in the region, and this is something Working To gether For Pets A nd Their Peo ple 2801 Glenwood S CR 114 prings, CO (970)947-9 173

Work continues on the 20 homes being built at Habitat for Humanity Roaring Fork Valley's Wapiti Commons affordable housing project in South Rifle earlier this week. The first units are expected to be occupied by year's end. Photo by John Stroud

I can do to address that problem in some small way,” Emerson said.

She chose to allocate her donations to help develop the new manufacturing facility in Rifle.“I felt like that will address two concerns, one being to create housing and the other being to develop job skills, which I think is critical as well,” she said.

Schwartz said the manufacturing facility, for which the City of Rifle agreed this summer to lease 10 acres for $1 a year, will be a true game changer.

Habitat is partnering with the Colorado River Board of Cooperative Education Services’ EPIC (Educational Pathways to Innovative Careers)

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7 • THE SOPRIS SUN • soprissun.com • October 12-18, 2023

program and Colorado Mountain College to not only build up to 100 new homes per year, but to develop construction job skills in the process.

The program aims to train up to 50 individuals per year, and bring 27 fulltime jobs to the Rifle area.

“This combination of bringing together workforce training and having people certified in the building trades, which we’re so desperate to have, and building houses for people who need them … it’s a pretty exciting concept,” Schwartz said.

Off-site construction should also help to bring down construction costs, which are ever increasing, she noted. A large modular home production facility in Idaho is helping to design the facility and develop an operating plan. Hopes are to break ground in the spring.

Another goal is to produce homes that are net-zero in terms of energy use, with super tight construction, solar access and other energy efficiencies. Already, residents of Habitat’s Basalt Vista project next to Basalt High School report their monthly utility bills are just $14, Schwartz said.

Habitat also remains committed to acquiring land and building homes to sell to qualified buyers whose households are making 80% of the area median income (AMI). It’s not easy. “I heard just today that the construction cost in Aspen is $2,800 a square foot,” Schwartz observed. “We're building for $300 a square foot, and we sell for $200 a square foot, and so we have a gap.”

That gap is made up through fundraising and grants, while proceeds from home furnishing sales at its Habitat ReStore go to cover overhead expenses, she said. Habitat’s current housing projects in Rifle and Glenwood Springs have also been awarded Enterprise Zone status, which means a larger portion of donations can be claimed for charitable deductions on taxes.

Meanwhile, Habitat is forging ahead with two on-site projects, Wapiti Commons in South Rifle and the Confluence project at Eighth Street and Midland Avenue in Glenwood Springs.

Wapiti Commons is in the final stages of construction, with the first closings expected to come before year’s end. The project includes 10 townhomes and 10 condominium units, all with Americans with Disability Act (ADA) accessibility.

Homes are reserved for people who work in the Rifle area, and five of the homes are reserved for specific employers, including Garfield County, Alpine Bank and bicarbonate producer Natural Soda, through funding partnerships. Agreements stipulate that homeowners do not have to sell their homes if their employment situation changes, and they remain in Rifle.

“That way we’re not handcuffing home ownership with their employment,” Schwartz said.

Employer partners would have first priority when those homes do go up for sale, she said. continued on page 19

A Parade of Potatoes

Mountain Fair

8 • THE SOPRIS SUN • soprissun.com • October 12-18, 2023

Barbecue lunches served - 725 Contra dancers - 139 Parade winners - Coldwell Banker Mason Morse (commercial), Crystal River Elementary School (youth), Little Blue Preschool (originality), Two Rivers Community School (workmanship), Roaring Fork High School Student Council (crowd appeal) Biggest potato - Harrison Patrick with Top of the World Cultivators (10" long, 2 lbs.)

KDNK Record Sales - $2,800 Fun - had by all Photos by Sue Rollyson

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car ca r bo b o nda l e a r t s.com THE SOPRIS SUN • Your weekly community connector • October 12-18, 2023 • 9

Fire Truck Rides ______

2023 CARBONDALE FIRE COMMUNITY OPEN HOUSE Saturday October 14, 2023 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.

Carbondale Fire District invites you to come to our Community Open House.

It will be a great time with something for the entire family. Enjoy fire truck rides, see firefighting demonstrations, meet Sparky the Fire Dog, and enjoy free giveaways for grown-ups and kids! Join us for lunch and get to know your friends at Carbondale Fire.

Check Out Fire Trucks and Ambulances with Your Local Heroes ______ See the Classic Air Helicopter ______ Meet Sparky the Fire Dog ______ Firefighting Demos ________ Giveaways ______ FOOD and FUN !

CARBONDALE & RURAL FIRE PROTECTION DISTRICT 300 Meadowood Drive Carbondale, CO www.carbondalefire.org

COMMUNITY CALENDAR Visit soprissun.com to submit events THURSDAY, OCTOBER 12 EAGLE COMMISSIONER One of the three Eagle County commissioners will be holding office hours at the Basalt Library from 11am to 1pm.

LEGAL CLINIC People can get 15 minutes of free legal advice at the Basalt Library today between 2 and 5pm. Sign up for a consultation by calling 970-927-4311 or emailing info@basaltlibrary.org ALZHEIMER’S AND DEMENTIA Angel Hoffman, Alzheimer’s Association director of community engagement, hosts an educational presentation at Sopris Lodge in Carbondale at 3:30pm. To RSVP, call 970-456-6871 or visit www. soprislodge.com/events BRIDGE New and experienced competitors play Bridge at the Basalt Library at 4pm.

AUTHOR TALK Local author Larry Gottlieb presents his book, “Hoodwinked,” at White River Books in Carbondale (65B N. 2nd St.) at 6pm.

CLUE Stage of Life Theatre Company presents “Clue” — a murder mystery appropriate for all ages — at the Thunder River Theatre tonight, tomorrow and Saturday at 7pm with a Sunday matinee at 2pm. Tickets at www.soltheatrecompany.org STOP MAKING SENSE Catch the remastered version of a Talking Heads concert film at the Crystal Theatre, tonight at 7:30pm.

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 13

FALL RETREAT True Nature hosts a three-day healing retreat, beginning today at 5pm, with a ceremony and vibrational sound journey. Find details at www.truenaturehealingarts.com

68TH L ANNUA ASPEN

ALL THAT JAZZ Lenore Raphael (piano) and Wayne Wilkinson (guitar) perform traditional jazz and original compositions at the Basalt Library at 5:30pm.

- 1 pm l m o a o 9 h dle Sc r 14, 2023 | d i M n Aspe ay, Octobe m Saturd Progra

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NO BACKPACKS, PURSES OR LARGE CARRIERS ALLOWED IN SHOPPING AREA

10 • THE SOPRIS SUN • soprissun.com • October 12-18, 2023

TAYLOR SWIFT The Crystal Theatre kicks off four consecutive weekends of showing “Taylor Swift: The Eras Tour” at 6:30pm each night, Thursday through Sunday.

NATURAL SHOCKS Sopris Theatre Company presents “Natural Shocks” tonight and tomorrow at 7pm at Colorado Mountain College’s Spring Valley campus. To purchase tickets in advance, call 970-947-8177 or visit www.bit.ly/SoprisTheatreCompany

ECLIPSE 2.0 The Aspen Science Center will also host a community solar eclipse viewing, while providing some scientific background, on the south side of the Third Street Center. The eclipse begins at 9:12am, peaks at 10:34am and ends at 12:04pm.

HIGHWATER BRUNCH Highwater Farm outside of Silt hosts its Third Annual Fall Brunch, and its final event of the season, with a meal prepared by The Farmer & Chef highlighting produce grown at the farm, at 10am. Visit www.highwaterfarm. org/shop/fallbrunch for tickets.

HARVEST PARTY Enjoy food, beer, a vegetable harvest, family pumpkin carving, tomahawk throwing and more at ACES’ Harvest Party at Rock Bottom Ranch. This year, there are two times to choose from: 11am to 2pm, or 2 to 5pm. Visit www.aspennature. org for tickets and more info.

OKTOBERFEST Sunlight Mountain Resort hosts The Kirstie Ennis Foundation’s third Oktoberfest Fundraiser from 11am to 8pm. Tickets at www.bit.ly/TKEFOktoberfest ROLFING Dr. Dia Lynn demonstrates how a unique bodywork technique, known as rolfing, can benefit the body at the Glenwood Springs Library at 1:30pm.

RUTH VARS BARNES Friends of Ruth Vars Barnes are invited to a celebration of life honoring her memory at the Glenwood Springs First United Methodist Church (824 Cooper Avenue) at 2pm.

STORIES WORTH TELLING The Stories Worth Telling Festival returns to Leadville’s Tabor Opera House for a night of impactful films beginning at 5pm.

SKI FILM Teton Gravity Research shows “Legend Has It,” a new ski and snowboard film, at TACAW at 7pm with a Tincup Whiskey tasting, athlete Q&A and special giveaways. There will also be a family-friendly matinee at 2:30pm. Tickets at www.tacaw.org TWISTED PINE Twisted Pine, a Boston-based band blending bluegrass and groovy pop, performs at Steve’s Guitars at 8pm.

Tickets at www.stevesguitars.net

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 15

LITTLE EXPLORERS Roaring Fork Outdoor Volunteers invites nature enthusiasts ages 11 and younger to a free, interactive and educational event at Wulfsohn Mountain Park in Glenwood Springs, from 9am to 12:30pm.

Register at www.rfov.org

DEATH OF THE PUGILIST TACAW presents “Death of the Pugilist,” a short story about a 19th century English boxer set to chamber music, one night only at 8pm! Tickets at www.tacaw.org

PONIES & PAINTING The Carbondale Clay Center, together with Wildwalkers, invites people of all ages to drop by between 1 and 3pm to paint a miniature ceramic pony to take home.

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 14

LABYRINTH WALK Join Laura Kirk and Megan Miller for a “sacred harvest” ceremony in True Nature’s Peace Garden from 1:15 to 3pm. Tickets at www. truenaturehealingarts.com

RFOV Roaring Fork Outdoor Volunteers hosts a family-friendly work day at the Silt River Preserve from 9am to 3pm — lunch included!

Sign up at www.rfov.org ECLIPSE WATCH PARTY Each of the Garfield County Public Libraries hosts a solar eclipse watch party, and will provide goggles, at 10am.

VOLLEYBALL TRYOUTS The Maroon Belles Volleyball Club hosts tryouts for 6th, 7th and 8th graders at the Riverview School from 3-5pm. Tryouts for 9th and 10th graders are Nov. 12, also 3-5pm.

Details at www.maroonbelles.com

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

Online aspenhospital.org/health-fair, or by phone 1.800.217.5866 A dozen Carbondale residents gathered in Sopris Park on Oct. 9 to honor Indigenous Peoples’ Day. John Hoffmann (pictured reading) shared a historical account of the actions which led to the Ute Removal Act of 1880, denying native Utes access to 12 million acres previously guaranteed to them in perpetuity, including the future site of Carbondale and surrounding communities. Photo by Raleigh Burleigh

RANDOM CONVERSATIONS The Carbondale Library hosts The Lost Art of Random Conversations, where strangers make meaningful conversation, at 6pm.

MONDAY, OCTOBER 16

PROPOSITION HH Mountain Chamber Alliance hosts a free webinar offering nonpartisan analysis of Proposition HH, from noon to 1pm. To register, visit www.mountainchamberalliance. com and click the “events” tab.

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 19

OSTEOPOROSIS Dr. Susan Inscore and Valley View Hospital’s Bone Health and Fracture Prevention Team present at Sopris Lodge at 2pm. To RSVP, call 970-456-6871 or visit www.soprislodge.com/events

SOUND HEALING Katie *Sol Luz guides a sound healing journey at the Third Street Center from 8am to 5pm.

Bring a yoga mat, blanket, pillow (optional) and a water bottle.

Email info@tcfhf.org to register.

FREEDOM TO READ The Garfield County Public Library District hosts a presentation about the First Amendment, followed by a moderated public comment session and reaction panel, beginning at 6pm at the Ute Theater in Rifle.

PRINCESS WARRIOR INTRO Find out what the “Princess Warrior Series” is all about during a Zoom presentation at 5pm. The four-week Princess Warriors Series, meant for 7th and 8th grade girls, kicks off on Sunday, Oct. 22 at 13 Moons Ranch.

Visit www.bit.ly/PrincessWarriors for the Zoom link and more details.

Eagle County Community Center 20 Eagle County Dr, El Jebel

(Fasting Required)

• hsCardio CRP - $40 • Hemoglobin A1C & EAG - $40 • PSA, Total - $45

BOOK CLUB The Third Thursday Book Club discusses “Dinner with Ruth” by Nina Totenberg at the Carbondale Library at 2pm.

BREAD BAKE Bring your dough to the Carbondale Community Oven (behind the Third Street Center) by 5:30pm sharp. Baking takes about 45 minutes, then share your bread or take it home for dinner!

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 18

Aspen Valley Hospital 0401 Castle Creek Road

ASPEN

EL JEBEL

Lab Tests Offered

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 17

YARN GROUP Knitters and crocheters convene at the Basalt Library at 5pm.

October 22

• HealthScreen w/CBC - $75

WALDORF EDUCATION Waldorf educator Nancy Blanning presents “Outdated or Innovative: Exploring Waldorf Education” at the Waldorf School on the Roaring Fork at 5pm. Visit www.waldorfschoolrf.com/ calendar for details and to register.

WORD BASICS Learn the basics of using Microsoft Word at the Basalt Library at 4:30pm. Details at www.basaltlibrary.org

October 20 & 21

All appointments 8:00 - 11:30 am

MONDAY NIGHT LIGHTS

Roaring Fork High School's JV football team plays against Glenwood Springs at the Carbondale Middle School field at 7pm. Join fans for a pregame fundraiser beginning at 5:30 pm

Monday – Friday, 9:00 am – 4:00 pm

• Vitamin D - $50 • T3, Free - $30 (New!) • T4, Free - $30 (New!) • CBC (Complete Blood Count) $30 (New!)

HIGH COUNTRY SINFONIA High Country Sinfonia presents “Con Dolce Espressione” tonight at St. Vincent Catholic Church in Basalt (250 Midland Ave) at 7pm.

The show will travel to the Glenwood Vaudeville Revue on Saturday, Oct. 21 at 7pm and Sunday, Oct. 22 at the Christ Episcopal Church in Aspen (536 West North Street) at 4pm.

The ensemble will perform music

by Kaija Saariaho, Gustav Mahler and Johann Sebastian Bach.

TAYLOR ASHTON Steve’s Guitars presents Brooklyn based Canadian songwriter Taylor Ashton performing at 8pm.

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 20

HEALTH FAIR Aspen Valley Hospital hosts a health fair, where discounted lab testing will be available, today and tomorrow at Aspen Valley Hospital, and Sunday, Oct. 22 at the Eagle County Community Center in El Jebel. The fair goes from 8-11:30am each day. To book an appointment, visit www.bit.ly/AVHhealthfair

THE SOPRIS SUN • Your weekly community connector • October 12-18, 2023 • 11

Pitkin County Cares Volunteer Service Awards Greg Mace Award Carol Kurt Over the past two decades, Carol has led the Aspen Chapter of the Colorado Mountain Club, served on the Colorado Mountain Club’s state board, hosted visiting dignitaries with Aspen Sister Cities, and served as a board member for Wilderness Workshop and the Aspen Center for Environmental Studies. Carol is also a long time friend and former neighbor of the Greg Mace family in Ashcroft and has worked to eliminate Russian Thistle in the Ashcroft area.

David Floria Education Award

David has been a volunteer coach for English in Action since 2016. He also serves on the English in Action Board of Directors. With a long and successful background in the fine arts as an artist, curator, and gallery owner he is also on the Aspen Art Museum Access Community Advisory Committee, he is an art career coach, and Artists Talk Moderator for the Aspen Chapel Gallery in addition to his work with English in Action.

David Freeman Seniors Award

David Freeman has built his professional career and business around caring for older adults through his non-profit organization, Aspen Compassion Adventures, aimed at connecting older adults, including and especially those with physical, mental and financial limitations, with outings and activities to help them stay engaged in the community. He is also a member of the Aspen Rotary Club and Pitkin County Senior Council.

Christina King Health Award

Christina King co-founded Aspen Strong in 2014, a nonprofit organization that helps local residents find the mental health care they need through an online directory of mental health providers. She has also championed the annual Hike, Hope, Heal event on Smuggler Mountain to help reduce the stigma around speaking up about mental health issues. She was instrumental in the creation of the “Changing Brains, Changing Lives” symposium that ran from 2016 to 2019.

Kaleb Cook

Diversity Equity and Inclusion Award

Kaleb Cook is the founder of the charity Cook Inclusive offering support to the disabled and queer communities in our valley by providing job transition services, job resources, therapeutic recreation, and community building events. He organized the first Glenwood Pride event and is also on the Board of Directors the Gay for Good organization and PFLAG RFV an organization of LGBTQ+ people, parents, families and allies who work together to create an equitable and equal world.

Anita Bineau

Good Samaritan Award

Anita has been involved with LIFT UP for nearly a decade serving as the President of its Board of Directors for the past two and a half years.

During this time she has been at the forefront of creating its vital mobile food distribution program and has spearheaded a $2 million Capital Campaign for the purchase of a food warehouse facility in Glenwood Springs.

Judy Schramm Environment Award

Beginning 22 years ago, Judy worked with the Forest Service to create the Forest Conservancy, a pioneer organization and one of the first in the United States to be given authority to represent the Forest Service in official uniform on the trails and at the Maroon Bells Scenic Area.

Blake Zilberman Rising Star Award

Caleb Seward Rising Star Award

As the Aspen Indigenous Club co-leader, Blake and his classmates prepped and taught a financial-literacy class to young students at the Aspen Indigenous Foundation Powwow. He is also the co-founder of Unity Soccer, a soccer program welcoming to everyone, showing kids firsthand the communitybuilding impact of the sport.

Greg Mace Award through the years The Greg Mace Award was created in 1986 following the tragic death of Mountain Rescue Aspen member Greg Mace in a training exercise on North Maroon peak. Like Mace, the recipients of the award exemplify a selfless dedication to the Aspen community.

Caleb Seward has been involved with the Buddy Program for 9 years beginning as a Little Buddy in 2014 as part of the community-based program and it was through his own relationship with his mentor he was inspired to join the Buddy Program’s Peer-toPeer program his Junior year of high school and become a mentor himself for a third grader at Aspen Elementary School.

1986 - Louiva Stapleton and Fred Braun 1987 - Fritz Benedict 1988 - Budge Bingham 1989 - Eve Homeyer 1990 - Sue Smedstad 1991- Jim Ward 1992 - Ruth Whyte 1993 - Claire Sanderson 1994 - Lynn Wille 1995 - Les Anderson 1996- Rick Deane 1997 - Sigrid Braun Stapleton and David Emmett Stapleton

12 • THE SOPRIS SUN • soprissun.com • October 12-18, 2023

Elsa Tullar Rising Star Award

A rising Senior, Elsa is Editorin-Chief of the Aspen High School yearbook, a staff writer, and now the newly appointed Co-Editorin-Chief of the Skier Scribbler. She partners with Aspen Elementary and Middle school classes to mentor budding journalists and will be an intern this winter with the Roaring Fork Outdoor Leadership Youth in Nature program.

1998 - King Woodward 1999 - Ramona Markalunas 2000 - Al Dietsch 2001 - Clifford W. Little 2002 - David Swersky and Craig Ward 2003 - Bob Lewis 2004 - Dottie Fox 2005 - Scott Messina 2006 - Katie & Carl Bergman 2007 - Tim McFlynn 2008 - Lenny "Boogie" Weinglass 2009 - Barbara Bakios - Wickes 2010 - Gregg Anderson

2011 - Nancy Oden 2012 - Dorothea Farris 2013 - Bennet Bramson 2014 - Willard Clapper 2015 - Ernie Fyrwald 2016 - Tom McCabe 2017 - Tony Vagneur 2018 - Charlie Hopton 2019 - Sallie Bernard 2020 - Debbie Kelly/Doug Paley 2021 - Roy Holloway 2022 - Lynda MacCarthy

Sol del el

Conectando comunidades desde 2021

Valle

Volumen 2, Número 33 | 12-18 de octubre de 2023

Organizando a los propietarios de casas móviles mientras los inversores se devoran los parques Por John Stroud Aspen Journalism

Nota del Editor: Este reportaje de Aspen Journalism se encuentra publicado en completo en nuestro sitio de web: www. soprissun.com/espanol Como muchos de sus vecinos, John Sullivan mira hacia su calle en Apple Tree Park y al otro lado del río Colorado hacia la pequeña ciudad de New Castle en el Western Slope y se pregunta sobre el futuro.

El parque de casas móviles de 290 espacios donde ha vivido durante 25 años tiene uno de los escenarios más pintorescos entre los aproximadamente 50 parques de este tipo, grandes y pequeños, que salpican la región desde Aspen hasta Parachute.

Las calles y los patios están bordeados de árboles maduros para brindar abundante sombra en el verano, y hay un parque comunitario de buen tamaño donde los niños pueden jugar y las familias se reúnen para hacer picnics.

Muchos de los espacios incluso dan al río, aunque con la Interestatal 70 y las vías del ferrocarril Union Pacific justo al otro lado.

No es del todo un paraíso, pero en un mercado inmobiliario en auge como el que surgió de la pandemia de COVID-19, los 63 acres de propiedad frente al río podrían ser el sueño de un desarrollador.

“Ese pensamiento ciertamente está en tu cabeza. Nunca se sabe, es posible que en algún momento suceda. Quiero decir, ha sucedido en otros lugares,” dijo Sullivan, quien recientemente se jubiló de su antiguo trabajo de mantenimiento en el Hospital Valley View en Glenwood Springs.

Dos de sus hijos adultos también viven en Apple Tree con sus familias, lo que significa que sus nietos están cerca. Es un gran lugar para vivir, especialmente

Niñas juegan afuera de sus casa en el 3-Mile Mobile Home Park cerca de Glenwood Springs en Junio 2023. Foto de John Stroud

para personas de medios modestos, dijo.

“Sería difícil ir a otro lugar, a menos que tengas mucho dinero para intentar comprar algo,” dijo Sullivan.

“Esa realmente no es una opción para la mayoría de nosotros aquí.”

Lo que preocupa a Sullivan y sus vecinos (la adquisición de propiedad corporativa, la creciente inasequibilidad, la posibilidad de que el parque sea desplazado por la reurbanización) está sucediendo a un ritmo acelerado, tanto en el valle de Roaring Fork como en todo Colorado, lo que ha provocado prescripciones políticas más estrictas por parte de los funcionarios electos y líderes comunitarios.

En el 2020, según los registros de transacciones de propiedad del Condado de Garfield, Apple Tree Park se vendió por 22.7 millones de dólares a Investment Property Group (IPG), con sede en Park

City, Utah, cuando la familia Talbott, propietaria del parque desde sus inicios, decidió venderlo.

Ese mismo año, IPG también compró el parque de casas móviles Mountain Valley de 68 espacios, en la autopista 133 a la entrada de Carbondale, por $9.5 millones, casi $4.3 millones más de lo que se vendió la propiedad solo dos años antes, según muestran los registros.

IPG ingresó por primera vez al mercado inmobiliario del área en enero del 2019 cuando compró el parque de casas móviles Aspen-Basalt de 79 espacios, en Willits Lane en Basalt, por $11.2 millones, según los registros de transacciones de propiedades del condado de Eagle.

La cartera de la compañía ahora incluye más de 150 propiedades en 13 estados, incluidos 114 parques de casas móviles que ofrecen más de 19.000 espacios, según la base de datos en línea de Mobile

Home Park Home Owners Allegiance.

IPG se anuncia en su sitio web como una empresa de administración de propiedades residenciales con énfasis en la renovación y el mantenimiento de sus propiedades a largo plazo. Los funcionarios de la compañía declinaron hacer comentarios para este reportaje.

Es parte de una tendencia de propiedad que se aleja de los parques de casas rodantes de propiedad familiar (como solían llamarse)—a menudo construidos por familias de agricultores y ganaderos como una forma de generar ingresos adicionales a través de alquileres y para ayudar a los trabajadores domésticos para grandes proyectos de obras públicas desde mediados y hasta finales del siglo XX—y hacia intereses de inversión en bienes raíces de fuera del estado.

“Definitivamente es una tendencia nacional,” dijo Jon

Fox-Rubin, quien trabaja con el fondo filantrópico Manaus, con sede en Carbondale, como líder del Housing Innovation Project (Proyecto de Innovación en Vivienda).

“Irónicamente, algunos de los fondos federales que fueron designados para viviendas asequibles han estado accesibles para muchos de estos grupos de inversionistas para comprar parques de casas móviles y obtener tasas de interés increíblemente bajas en su financiamiento.”

Hay jugadores decentes a largo plazo, e IPG y algunos de los nuevos jugadores recientes pueden llegar a estar entre ellos, reconoció.

Sin embargo, rara vez existen acuerdos que obliguen a los propietarios a mantener los alquileres asequibles o que les impidan vender el terreno para una posible reurbanización, dijo.

Para leer más, visité a www. soprissun.com/espanol

OPINIÓN

Elevando el Futuro Por Ana Vega-Terrazas

El día 28 de mayo del 2011 me gradué de la preparatoria de Roaring Fork High School en Carbondale. También era el cumpleaños de mi mami. Fue un día hermoso y asoleado, celebramos otro año de vida de la mujer más importante de mi vida y la continuación de mi educación. Mis padres desde pequeña me inculcaron la importancia de la educación.

El enfoque de mi mami desde que comencé el kínder fue que mantuviera buenas calificaciones y que fuera perseverante en la escuela.

Me acuerdo que llegaba llorando de la escuela a los brazos de mi mami porque no entendía inglés y me sentía del tamaño de una hormiguita y sin voz por no poder hablar

Apoyo incondicional inglés. A los cinco años, el no poder comunicarme con mis maestras se sentía como un obstáculo que jamás vencería.

Los abrazos de mis papas siempre han sido mi refugio y mi motivación más grande.

Yo veía a mi papi llegar del trabajo y mi hermana y yo corríamos a sus brazos y le quitábamos sus botas sumamente pesadas. Mi mami y mi papi siempre estuvieron presentes para aconsejarme, apoyarme, y sostenerme cuando quería darme por vencida.

Mi aprecio y valor a la educación me dirigió a siempre esforzarme académicamente y dar lo mejor de mí en la escuela. Terminé la preparatoria con un promedio académico que me abrió las puertas a muchas opciones de universidades y ayuda financiera a través de becas.

Me acuerdo tanto el día de mi graduación de la preparatoria que muchos de mis compañeros me decían, Ana, ¿pero porque escogiste Colorado Mountain College si puedes asistir a otra escuela? En aquél entonces, mi decisión por asistir CMC fue directamente basada en el costo de la universidad. En

CMC por las becas que obtuve y el costo de la escuela resultó que, en vez de yo pagar la universidad, CMC me iba a regresar dinero cada semestre.

Afortunadamente mis padres no tuvieron que pagar mi matrícula universitaria. Mientras que estaba en el tercer año de la universidad, mi vida cambió completamente—iba a ser mamá. Desde el día que mis padres se enteraron de que iban a ser abuelos, me recordaban a cada rato que me iban a apoyar pasara lo que pasara. Mi hija nació dos días después de mis exámenes finales del semestre de la primavera, les supliqué a mis padres que me dejaran tomar un descanso de la escuela para trabajar. Mis padres no me permitieron dejar la escuela. Ahora, reflejo y les doy las gracias por el apoyo incondicional que me brindaron, por ellos es que he podido ejercer profesional y académicamente.

Cuando llegó el siguiente semestre mi hija tenía tres meses. Seguí como estudiante de tiempo completo, y me gradué con mi licenciatura en administración de empresas un año después.

La Fundación de Colorado Mountain College nos dio a mí y a mi equipo la oportunidad bajo la dirección de Yesenia Silva Estrada, directora ejecutiva de iniciativas estratégicas, de crear el programa El Fondo Sueños 2.0. Es uno de los proyectos bajo mi ámbito.

Algunos de los servicios de El Fondo Sueños incluye: ayuda financiera, orientación académica, mentoría profesional, y asistencia financiera para servicios legales como hablar con abogados o costos para someter aplicaciones de DACA. En CMC estamos dedicados a nuestras comunidades a través del empleo. Hemos creado posiciones que no requieren estudio de los estados unidos dándole valor a la experiencia de los profesionales de nuestra comunidad ya tengan estudio de otro país o experiencia práctica.

Estamos comprometidos como universidad a seguir implementado políticas para elevar a nuestras comunidades que tanto apoyo nos brindan.

Ana M Vega Terrazas es Gerente de iniciativas de acceso y equidad, Colorado Mountain College: avega@ coloradomtn.edu

Noche Mística

AZYEP ADQUISICIÓN DE 24 HORAS ¡Los DJ del programa de Andy Zanca Youth Empowerment se apoderan de las ondas de la radio de KDNK por 24 horas! ¡Nuestra meta es recaudar $24,000 para la radio juvenil!

Ahora estoy a menos de un año de graduarme con mi maestría en ciencias en liderazgo organizacional con especialización en innovación estratégica y gestión de cambio de Colorado State University Global.

Todo lo que he logrado en mi vida profesional se lo dedico a mis padres, por su apoyo incondicional.

Desde que empecé mi carrera profesional descubrí que mi pasión es ayudar a estudiantes como yo a ir a la universidad. Por más de una década me he dedicado a asesorar estudiantes subrepresentados en las universidades ya sean de primera generación, minorías, de bajos recursos, o indocumentados.

Hoy tengo la dicha de ser parte de los cambios innovadores de la universidad de la cual me gradué. Colorado Mountain College recientemente recibió la asignación federal de "Institución de servicio a hispanos". Esta es una designación del Departamento de educación de los Estados Unidos. Uno de los requisitos para ser designado con este honor es que el mínimo del 25% de nuestros estudiantes sean de origen hispano.

Donde la risa se encuentra con el misticismo en una extravaganza cómica.

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Teatro en espaÑol MANERAS DE APOYAR LA RADIO JUVENIL PATROCINA UNO DE NUESTROS DJ HAZ UNA OFERTA EN UN ARTÍCULO DEL 15 DE OCTUBRE AL 23 DE OCTUBRE ¡Inscríbase hoy mismo!

Fundraiser.support/azyep ¡Gracias a nuestros patrocinadores!

14 • el Sol del Valle • soprissun.com/espanol/ • 12-18 de octubre de 2023

20-22 de Octubre, 2023 | TACAW

El Viernes, 20/10, 7:00p | El Sábado, 20/21, 7:00p El Domingo, 20/22, 4:00p Este evento se llevará a cabo en español y habrá interpretación del español al inglés El proyecto está asegurado por Good Works Foundation & Laura Donnelley

LAS ENTRADAS CUESTAN UN DONATIVO CON LA OPCIÓN DE PAGAR LO QUE SE PUEDA

OPINIÓN

Sopa de Letras Por Angélica Breña

El teatro tiene sus raíces profundamente arraigadas en la historia de la humanidad, ha desempeñado un papel crucial en la civilización de las comunidades a lo largo de los siglos.

Desde el mundo antiguo de Grecia y Roma hasta las superproducciones de Broadway, el teatro ha sido un espejo de la sociedad y un agente de cambio. En esta columna exploraré como el teatro es un aglutinante social.

Los orígenes del teatro se remontan a la antigua Grecia. Los griegos celebraban festivales en honor a los dioses, y durante estos se llevaban a cabo representaciones dramáticas al aire libre. Autores como Esquilo, Sófocles y

El teatro es un engrudo Eurípides crearon obras que exploraban temas humanos profundos, cuestionaban la moralidad y la ética. Hacían crítica a los gobernantes y hasta satirizaban lo que sucedía en ese momento.

Además de entretener, provocaban debates y reflexión entre los asistentes.

Los temas expuestos eran, por así decirlo, universales, hasta la fecha resuenan en nuestras audiencias.

Hagamos un acercamiento a uno de los más brillantes momentos del teatro en Occidente. Hacia el siglo XVII, el teatro Isabelino en Inglaterra, y en España, el llamado Siglo de Oro, fue para ambos mundos una época de efervescencia cultural y florecimiento en las artes.

El público en general escuchaba su idioma y se identificaba, no era necesario saber leer o tener un grado de educación para entender, al escuchar su propio lenguaje se conectaba y se sentía parte de esa comunidad.

Mucho de este esplendor, tanto en Inglaterra como en España, se debió a una economía sana y a una

estabilidad política. Sin los mecenas culturales: me refiero a los aristócratas, la iglesia e incluso los gobernantes, no se hubiera dado este fenómeno.

Ellos patrocinaban a los dramaturgos y proporcionaban recursos para la producción escenográfica, también apoyaban con recursos financieros a las creaciones artísticas del momento.

Aquellas sociedades tenían, como ahora, clases sociales diferenciadas y era el teatro el que unía a los diversos estratos de la sociedad.

Todos acudían al teatro, unos en gayola y los otros en exclusivos balcones, pero compartían la misma historia. Lloraban con los dramas presentados y reían al mismo tiempo. Se indignaban con los villanos y soñaban con las enamoradas.

Cada individuo se conectaba emocionalmente con lo que aparecía en el escenario, un verdadero espejo. La historia de todos.

Por mencionar un ejemplo de lo anterior, recordemos a "La vida es sueño" de Pedro Calderón

de la Barca, uno de los más destacados representantes del teatro del siglo de Oro Español. El desdichado príncipe Segismundo fue encerrado en prisión desde su nacimiento, durante la obra este personaje transmite estados anímicos que todos los seres humanos conocemos, ira, rebeldía, confusión, arrepentimiento, venganza.

La obra culmina cuando Segismundo entra en una autorreflexión, en un monólogo inolvidable que lo lleva a la autocompasión, y aceptación de su destino, preguntándose qué es la libertad, y porque el destino es azaroso. ¿Acaso no son estas nuestras preguntas?

Cuando acudimos a una puesta en escena no estamos frente a una pantalla o celuloide. Vemos los gestos de los actores, el sudor, en las soluciones de la dramaturgia, echamos a andar nuestra imaginación.

Las voces, el lenguaje, el temblor de la voz nos enriquecen nuestro propio vocabulario.

El teatro es una de las artes que nos muestra vivamente la fragilidad humana. Al hacernos reír, llorar o padecer con los actores, estamos

poniéndonos en los zapatos del personaje. Como audiencia, todos sentimos en nuestra piel el drama del otro, o la risa del chiste al mismo tiempo.

Entendemos que hay debilidades, confusiones y aprendemos que cada quien interpreta diferente lo que está pasando aunque la historia sea una.

Afortunadamente en este Valle hay dónde acudir al teatro, puede ser en las escuelas, auditorios, teatros y, hasta, en los parques.

Existen patrocinadores y mecenas que fomentan las representaciones y puestas en escenas originales. Tanto para chicos como para grandes.

Me alegra anunciar que por segunda vez, TACAW junto con Voices ofrecerán una obra de teatro en español.

Es la gran oportunidad para juntarnos todos los que amamos el español y de disfrutar un espectáculo en ese bello idioma. Será una comedia, divertimento para todos en español.

Es el idioma el que será el aglutinante que unirá a todos en una tarde jocosa.

No te pierdas, Noche Mística el próximo 20, 21 y 22 de octubre.

el Sol del Valle • Conector de comunidad • 12-18 de octubre de 2023 • 15

CHISME DEL PUEBLO Traducción por Jacquelinne Castro

Ofertas de adopción de mascotas

Phil Long Glenwood Springs Subaru está patrocinando costos de adopciones de mascotas en Colorado Animal Rescue durante todo el mes de octubre.

Los costos de adopción para los perros y gatos no serán cobrados. Enterese más en www.coloradoanimalrescue.org

Tutoría después de la escuela

Summit54 ofrece tutoría después de escuela para estudiantes de la escuela primaria en el distrito de Roaring Fork. grupos pequeños de tutoría serán ofrecidos los lunes, martes y jueves justo después de la escuela para los estudiantes que obtienen resultados bajo el nivel de grado. Obsequios a Summit54 califican para el Crédito de Contribución de Cuidado Infantil de Colorado el cual permite que los contribuyentes de Colorado pueden deducir el 50% de su obsequio en la última línea de su carga tributaria de Colorado. Para saber más visite www. summit54.org

Los vecinos lobos

Parques y Vida Silvestre de Colorado entró en un acuerdo de un año con el Departamento de Pesca y Vida Silvestre de Oregon para obtener hasta 10 lobos para el esfuerzo de reintroducción de los lobos grises

en Colorado. Los lobos de Oregon serán capturados y trasladados entre diciembre del 2023 y marzo del 2024. Los factores incluyendo el hábitat adecuado y distancia de estados vecinos y tierras tribales han ubicado el área alrededor de Glenwood Springs, Aspen y Vail como las mejores opciones para la liberación inicial.

Quemas controladas

La Unidad interinstitucional de manejos de incendios de ríos superiores de Colorado (Upper Colorado River Interagency Fire Management) planea iniciar quemas de hasta 1,200 acres este otoño. El área del proyecto de Lime Park está ubicada cinco millas al noroeste de la reserva Ruedi, el proyecto de Muddy Sheep está al este de Wolcott y al norte de la I-70, cerca de Edwards y Avon. El humo de estas quemas controladas se espera ser visible desde la I-70.

Agente inmobiliaria del año

La Asociación de agentes inmobiliarios de Glenwood Springs nombró a Erin Ryan con Western Slope Real Estate como “La agente inmobiliaria del año” por su “amplio servicio voluntario”.

Mientras tanto, Academy Mortgage fue nombrado como “Afiliado del año” por “ir más allá para asegurarse de que no solamente la comunidad de bienes raíces prospere, sino que también se protejan y cumplan las necesidades y derechos de propietarios y posibles compradores.”

"Sincronías" parte 44, por Leonardo Occhipinti

Town of Carbondale

Paseo en Unidades de Bomberos Gira camiones de bomberos y ambulancias

2023 CASA ABIERTA PARA LA COMUNIDAD EN EL DEPARTMENTO DE BOMBEROS EN CARBONDALE Sabado 14 de Octubre, 2023 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.

Ve el helicopter Classic Air Conoce Sparky el Perro Bombero Demostración de extracción de vehículos Demostración de rappel Daremos Artículos Gratuitos y Premios

El Districto de Bomberos en Carbondale te invita a venir a la Casa Abierta para la Comunidad. Sera un momento Comida & Bebidas divertido para toda la familia. Disfrute una _____ oportunidad de conocer Sparky el Perro Bombero y premios para los CARBONDALE & RURAL adultos y niños! Los invitamos a tener FIRE PROTECTION lonche con nosotros y conozca tus amigos DISTRICT en el Departamento de Bomberos. ______ 300 Meadowood Drive Carbondale, CO www.carbondalefire.org 16 • THE SOPRIS SUN • soprissun.com • October 12-18, 2023

Noche Mística

Where laughter meets mysticism in a comedic extravaganza.

+ VOICES

presenT

Teatro en espaÑol October 20-22, 2023 | TACAW

Friday, 10/20, 7:00p | Saturday, 10/21, 7:00p Sunday, 10/22, 4:00p Performance is in Spanish with English interpretation and subtitles Underwritten by the Good Works Foundation & Laura Donnelley

TICKETS BY DONATION

¡ALEJE LA GRIPE – VISITE NUESTRAS CLINICAS! Clínica Abierta Sin Cita: Salud Publica del Condado Garfield 2014 Blake Avenue, Glenwood Springs Miércoles, octubre 18, 9 am - 4 pm Miércoles, octubre 25, 9 am - 4 pm

(NOTA: De las fechas anteriores estarán cerrados de 12 pm -1pm)

Biblioteca Sucursal de Carbondale 320 Sopris Avenue Sabado, octubre 28, 10:30 am - 12:30 pm

$15/niño, $25/adulto | Vacuna de dosis alta disponible para mayores de 65 años. El spray nasal antigripal está disponible.

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

Medicare Parte B, Medicaid, CHP+, RMHP, BCBS y seguros médicos de UHC

Salud Publica: Rifle 970-625-5200 ext. 8116 Glenwood Springs: 970-945-6614 ext. 2030

¡Solicita tu tarjeta hoy mismo!

Llame para agendar una cita para una fecha diferente.

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

garfield-county.com

INDEPENDENCIA • COMUNIDAD • COMPASIÓN • INTEGRIDAD • LEALTAD ES.ALPINEBANK.COM • MEMBER FDIC

THE SOPRIS SUN • Your weekly community connector • October 12-18, 2023 • 17

Rams teams hit a rough patch

By John Stroud Sopris Sun Correspondent

Roaring Fork High School’s two fall varsity sports teams went from the highs of Homecoming week when they scored a pair of big wins to some low points this past week.The Rams volleyball dropped two matches, including a straight-set 3A Western Slope League loss on the road at Rifle on Tuesday and another tough loss at Basalt last Thursday.

Tuesday’s match was a big one for both the Bears and the Rams, with positioning for the limited postseason spots on the line. Rifle was up to the task, securing the 3-0 win (25-16, 25-22, 25-18) to hang onto the third spot in the league at 3-2 (8-4 overall), behind undefeated Delta and 4-1 Gunnison.

Roaring Fork falls to 1-4 in league and 6-9 overall heading into a weekend tournament on the road and away dates with Aspen and Moffat County next week.

Against Rifle, senior Ruby Denning notched eight kills and sophomore Yakelin Hernandez had six. Junior Carley Crownhart served up four aces on the night.

It was another five-game thriller against Basalt on Oct. 5, before the Longhorns prevailed 3-2 (23-25, 2517, 24-26, 25-17, 12-15). It was Roaring Fork’s second loss to the Longhorns this season, with both affairs

Merger continued from page 6 As is the case in most mergers and acquisitions, where there are benefits, there are also potential drawbacks. Here are a few to consider: • Reduced competition: fewer players in any industry can lead to more expensive and less competitive pricing and choice for the consumer.

• Antitrust concerns: as mentioned earlier, the job of the FTC is to protect consumers.

Concerns about a merger’s potential impact on competition might lead the FTC to require the divestiture (selling) of some stores and other measures to address antitrust concerns.

• Job losses: in efforts to streamline operational efficiency and eliminate job duplicity, mergers often result in job layoffs.

• Corporate culture challenges: the philosophy of how two different companies conduct their daily business can create conflicts for employees and consumers when adapting to organizational changes.

According to the Colorado Attorney General’s website: “As authorized by state law, C.R.S. §§ 6-4-107, 6-4-111, the Colorado Department of Law is reviewing this proposed merger to ensure it is lawful, does not undermine competition, and is fair to consumers, workers, farmers, and suppliers.”

As part of the Department’s review, they are seeking public comment and consumer opinion on the merger, including information about consumer needs to help evaluate the potential impact of the merger on Coloradans.

The online survey is available at www.bit.ly/Krogermerger

going five games. Denning recorded 11 kills in the match, and sophomores Nikki Tardif and Hernandez had 10 and nine, respectively. Hernandez also had two blocks. Basalt junior Josie Mckinley had nine kills, and seniors Chloe Stettner and Lauren Custodio had seven each. Custodio also had seven blocks.

On the soccer field

Roaring Fork suffered a pair of losses playing up against some 4A competition this past week. The Rams fell to Summit on the road Tuesday, 1-0, and dropped a Friday night match at home against Glenwood Springs, 2-1. Versus Glenwood’s Demons, the game was knotted 1-1 at the half before Glenwood got the game-winner in the second. The Demons, now 8-3-1 on the season and 4-2-1 in the 4A League, are coached by Roaring Fork alum Juan Quintero.

In a 5-0 league win at Delta on Oct. 4, Rams goals came from senior Foster Hayes (2) and one each from seniors Jeffrey Candela, Yusbani Duarte and Jacob Barlow. The Rams sit at 6-3-2 overall and 4-1-1 in the 3A league, holding down the second spot behind 5-0-1 Vail Mountain.

The Rams are at Aspen for an important league game at 7pm Thursday, Oct 12, and travel up valley again the following Tuesday to play Basalt at 4pm.

The Rams faced off against Glenwood Springs on Oct. 6, losing by one goal scored in the second half.

Photo by Sue Rollyson

JV football finale

Roaring Fork’s junior varsity football team closes out its season on Monday, Oct. 16 with a home game against Glenwood Springs. The program is looking to create a positive buzz around the success of the JV squad as the Rams look to return to the varsity level next season after suspending this season due to low player numbers. Pregame community food and games will begin at 5:30pm and kickoff is at 7pm at Rams Stadium next to Carbondale Middle School. There will be a halftime show where coach Scott Noll will introduce the up-and-coming players from middle school down to third grade. The winner of the 50-50 raffle will also be drawn.

GARCO REPORT

Budget season, libraries and ice rinks

By James Steindler Contributing Editor

Commissioner Mike Sampson was not present during the Monday, Oct. 9 regular Garfield County commissioners board meeting.

Budget Officer Fred Jarman and Finance Director Jamaica Watts presented the staff’s proposed budget for 2024. Jarman mentioned that the county’s 2023 revenue included the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds, “and that resulted in a smaller reduction to the overall fund balance for this year.

In other words, the 2023 revenues were artificially propped up by the ARPA dollars that we had. It didn’t reflect the realistic revenue baseline, which is what we are now currently recognizing because those ARPA dollars are gone.”

For 2024, increased property values and, in turn, increased property taxes should help make up some of the gap.

However, should Proposition HH pass, that anticipated property tax revenue would decrease and the Dec. 4 deadline for the board to adopt the budget may need to be extended.

As it stands, the proposed budget projects $132.3 million in revenue and $136.9 million in expenditures for 2024.

The $4.6 million difference would come out of the 2024 reserves.

The initial public hearing regarding the operating budget was Tuesday morning, Oct. 10. The next operating budget public hearing will be all day on Oct. 17.

The afternoon of Wednesday, Oct. 25, the board will discuss capital expenses and discretionary funds. Each of these meetings is open to the public.

Library board candidate

The president of the Garfield County Public Library District (GCPLD) Board of Trustees, Adrian Rippy-Sheehy, appeared alongside Hana Arauza, who

18 • THE SOPRIS SUN • soprissun.com • October 12-18, 2023

"He's eating the budget again."

was recently selected to join the library board, serving Rifle. The library board approved her appointment, but the county commissioners have a final say.

Arauza has two young children, who she said were largely the inspiration to apply to the board. She worked for 10 years as a geologist, then transitioned to nonprofit work.

Arauza was the sole applicant, when the vacancy was advertised as “open until filled.” The library board received her application on Sept. 5, and on Sept. 27, she was selected during a special meeting.

After Arauza’s introduction, Commissioner Tom Jankovsky said, “I’m going to cut right through the chase.

There’s a lot of controversy right now on our libraries and a lot of it has to do with access to books. Can you just explain your position on that?”

Arauza replied that she is familiar with the issue and has attended several library board meetings in the past year.

She added that she is looking forward to GCPLD’s Freedom to Read forum, scheduled at the Ute Theater in Rifle on Oct. 18 at 6pm, and to hear peoples’ perspectives on both sides of the issue.

Jankovsky pressed Arauza for her personal stance on the issue.

“My personal opinion is that I wouldn’t change any situation in the library at the moment. I can watch my own kids. I feel that they are safe and comfortable in the libraries, and I’m comfortable with maintaining the status quo,” she replied.

“So, you think that children should have access to pornography in the library?” Jankovky countered.

“I don’t think that that is the case,” responded Arauza. “I think that parents should watch their children while they’re in the library.”

“Do you think that children should have the ability to check out pornography?” Jankovsky reiterated.

“Again, I think parents should be aware of what their children are checking out. If they are giving their children access to a library card, they should also have access to the account so they can monitor it … I think this is a matter of parents' responsibility.” Arauza added that she takes her kids to the Rifle library where they typically remain in the children’s section and don’t really venture away from it. “It’s my responsibility to see what they’re exposed to,” she concluded.

Jankovsky stated that he would like to wait until Commissioner Mike Sampson is present to continue with the appointment procedure. The commissioners continued the action item to Monday, Oct. 16 for a final decision.

Colorado Extreme rink

The commissioners approved a Substantial Modification to a Limited Impact Land Use Change Permit for the Colorado Extreme Hockey property (2001 CR 100), with conditions. In 2022, Colorado Extreme received approval for one temporary outdoor ice hockey rink. The recent approval is for a second smaller rink and summer training area, increased parking, modified ditch irrigation and an enhanced (paved) entrance at the current entry point.

Colorado Extreme provides free youth hockey programming.

Visit www.garfield-county.com/ board-commissioners/meetings to view the meeting in its entirety.

CARBONDALE REPORT

BASALT REPORT

Focusing on health and housing

Black Nugget liquor license renewed amid opposition

By Raleigh Burleigh Sopris Sun Editor

Tuesday’s meeting began with recognizing the first batch of students of the month for the new school year. All trustees were present, with Colin Laird and Luis Yllanes joining via Zoom. The unanimously approved consent agenda included: meeting minutes, a letter supporting Aspen Valley Land Trust’s request to Colorado Parks and Wildlife for a Coffman Ranch trail planning grant, the third amendment to a development improvement agreement for Carbondale Marketplace as approved during the Aug. 22 meeting.

After two general public comments, one touching on Al Gore’s recent New Yorker Radio Hour interview and another on the history of the Forest Service in Colorado, trustees and the town manager gave brief updates.

Then, horticulturist Lisa DiNardo and four girls representing the Difference Club advocated for a resolution “recognizing the importance of protecting and supporting pollinators” which establishes June as “Pollinator Month” in alignment with other places in the United States. The resolution was unanimously approved.

Next, a new liquor license was granted to Jalisco Grill, a restaurant with locations in Basalt and Rifle that will take the corner space at La Fontana Plaza, previously home to 450 Teppanyaki. According to the applicant, Armando Vidrio, the restaurant will open in a few months.

A far more contentious liquor license approval involved renewal of the Black Nugget’s license.

Mayor Ben Bohmfalk noted it’s unusual to have a lot of public comment challenging a normally routine liquor license renewal.

Opposition was initially presented in writing by Laura Wagner, a former Black Nugget employee alleging harassment, wage theft and tax evasion on the part of ownership.

The audience inperson and online was considerable, with nine

members of the public sharing verbal comments.

Chief Kirk Wilson kicked it off. After conducting a records check he noted an instance of an underage person discovered in the establishment a few months ago, and a few occasions where police noticed staff drinking while on duty.

Wilson recommended renewal with seven stipulations to adhere closely with standard rules.

Attorneys Mark Hamilton and Susan Ryan spoke to the legal grounds by which a liquor license renewal may be revoked. If the chief of police encounters statutory violations, they may initiate a process with a hearing officer. Otherwise, a license can be denied if the applicant is determined to be “not of good moral character” — defined by Colorado case law as having been convicted of a willfully malicious crime — or the establishment is negatively impacting its surroundings.

“Renewal doesn’t end inquiry,” clarified Hamilton.

“There’s a constant possibility for revocation.”

During the public hearing, several people spoke against the applicant, Jan Balas, and several defended his character.

Balas then addressed the accusations in detail, urging the trustees to consider that the Black Nugget receives a lot of “overflow” as the only business open until 2am.

The license was unanimously approved with stipulations. “We’re not taking any of this lightly,” assured Bohmfalk, asking that the police check in regularly to see that the stipulations are met.

Next, the trustees heard from three applicants for one open seat on the Planning and Zoning Commission. Jeff Davlyn, a regular voting member, asked to be reappointed for a third term. Candice Hart and Jesse Garcia sought appointment as alternate members. After interviews with each applicant, Davyln was reappointed with a unanimous vote.

Then, Town Manager Lauren Gister and Finance Director Christy Chicoine presented a draft budget for 2024 based on a conservative sales tax

By Will Buzzerd Sopris Sun Correspondent

Congratulations to the latest batch of "Students of the Month." Photo by Raleigh Burleigh

projection of a 1% increase over 2023. Along with the budget, they presented the first draft of a five-year capital improvement plan.

Priorities for 2024 include better benefits for staff and a cost of living adjustment, bringing technology up to speed, deferred maintenance for Townowned buildings including the Thompson House.

The proposed budget carries over $1.6 million from excess 2023 revenue to help finance the new pool, estimated to cost $11.5 million (with $6.5 million coming from the voter approved bond). Regarding fund balance expenditures, “the money is there to spend on meeting needs of the community,” said Bohmfalk, “while maintaining a rainy day fund and being able to pounce on opportunities.”

The meeting concluded with consideration of a letter to the Forest Service written by trustee Erica Sparhawk with input from trustee Chris Hassig. “They could have done a much better process,” summarized Sparhawk, “and they’re missing out on getting really good design input from our community, which happens to be filled with design professionals and creatives.”

“I can’t support this,” said trustee Marty Silverstein.

“I don’t feel it’s the board of trustees’ place to tell them they could have done a better job.”

“I think it’s important for us to try to put it into the record that we don’t think this is appropriate,” argued Hassig. “This is not the kind of way we want our town to be treated by anybody.”

Four trustees voted in favor of the letter (Hassig, Laird, Sparhawk and Yllanes) and three voted against signing it (Bohmfalk, Lani Kitching and Silverstein). The narrow approval was received with applause from five people remaining in the audience.

With that, the meeting adjourned.

Read the letter here: www.bit.ly/CdaleUSFSletter

Prior to their regular meeting on Oct. 11, Basalt Town Council held a work session with the West Mountain Regional Housing Coalition (WMRHC). Program Director April Long and Treasurer David Myler represented WMRHC, a multi-jurisdictional regional housing authority. They presented an update on its progress and plans for affordable workforce housing within the Roaring Fork and Middle Colorado valleys. “We’re all held together by the fact that this workforce that we have travels up and down the valley through all of our communities,” Myler said, “and the housing problems of each of these cities, towns and counties don’t stop at the borders, and neither do the solutions.”

Formed in 2022, WMRHC has been developing its programs, most notably a buy-down program modeled after Eagle County’s successful Good Deeds program. The coalition will provide up-front funds to “buy down” a market-rate house at a more affordable price in exchange for a permanent deed restriction being added to the property. This program is still in the works as the WMRHC develops a plan nimble enough to work in the rapidly changing housing environment.

Currently, WMRHC relies heavily on member contributions and targeted grants for its funding. Attempts to procure larger state grants were so far unsuccessful. An expansion of funding is necessary for the success of its programs so, for now, the coalition is prioritizing local funding.

After opening the regular meeting, Mayor Bill Kane thanked Stutsman-Gerbaz — the contractor currently working on Midland — for its dust mitigation efforts after concerns were raised during a previous meeting. Town Manager Ryan Mahoney announced a $15,000 donation made from Basalts Parks, Open Space & Trails toward trail extensions to the top of Crown Mountain — adding up to 10 miles of additional trail.

Mahoney also introduced Michelle Muething of the Aspen Hope Center to present the mental health outcomes of 2022. Of the 647 crisis responses Aspen Hope Center performed in 2022, 65 took

Habitat

place in Basalt and 15 of those were in Basalt schools. Muething noted a Valley-wide rise in crisis calls and threat assessments over the past few years, including for younger children. Much of the Hope Center’s efforts are directed toward school programs as a preventative measure and, Muething noted, stigma around mental illness and seeking help has been diminishing.

Providing 24/7 rapid crisis response is a high priority for the Hope Center, and one of its biggest challenges. As demands increase, they hope for additional funding from local sources.

After this presentation, the council made several motions.

The first was unanimous approval to appoint civil engineering and construction professional Ben Fierstein to a three-year term on the Planning and Zoning Commission.

In another motion, Town Council approved $149,000 in additional services to Connect One Design’s contract as part of the Streetscape Project. This cost came from value engineering efforts and the expanded scope of the project to include improvements to the Midland Spur.

After that, a resolution was approved to allow an exemption from nighttime lighting regulations to illuminate three sculptures coming to Basalt River Park. The bronze sculptures, titled “Stay Human” and created by local artist Gail Folwell, are yet to be installed behind Free Range Kitchen, but will contribute to the goal to “enlarge and improve Basalt’s art identity” as part of its Master Plan.

Also in arts, the council approved a resolution to direct funding from a real estate transfer assessment (RETA) to TACAW. The whole of the RETA was used for the construction of TACAW’s campus, but after building back up to over $800,000, TACAW will use 10% of the RETA for operating costs.

Last up, Town Staff presented its proposed budget for 2024. Manager Mahoney introduced the priorities of the budget, notably events planning after a successful summer concert series, as well as increased compensation for public employees to accommodate for an increased cost of living. After a month of rework and review, the final budget will be presented on Nov. 14. continued from page 7

Currently, two townhomes and four condos are still available at Wapiti Commons for qualified buyers at 80% AMI, which is roughly $70,000$80,000, she explained. Homes were originally priced at $285,000 for townhomes and $185,000 for condos, but that is being adjusted for the last round of sales due to increased construction costs, Schwartz said.

The Confluence in Glenwood Springs calls for eight condominium units — six two-bedroom units and two with three-bedroom floorplans, she said. Price points are expected to be $250,000 and $295,000, respectively. Groundbreaking could happen before the first of the year, Schwartz said.

THE SOPRIS SUN • Your weekly community connector • October 12-18, 2023 • 19

'Hit me baby one more time' with that Y2K fashion

By Myki Jones Sopris Sun Correspondent

Anita Sherman and Avery and Kenzie Hughes, a mother-daughters-trio and Glenwood Springs locals, celebrated a soft opening for their vintage fashion store, Y2Kynk Vintage, on Sept. 28. The niche vintage shop offers size-inclusive, sustainable, casual, professional, festival and designer fashion options.

The shop is currently open with limited hours: Fridays from 4 to 8pm, Saturdays from 10am to 6 pm and by appointment on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays. After a larger grand opening celebration, scheduled for Oct. 27 with a 1980s fashion theme, the shop will open officially with increased hours.

"A big point we want to make with our store is that we have cute things for every body, because everybody is different,” Avery told The Sopris Sun. “We're not all cookie-cutter. Some people fluctuate between sizes, and we want to ensure that there is something for everyone's body type."

And, the Y2K aesthetic is certainly prevalent. The recently revived style was first manifested in the late 90s and early 2000s by brands like Juicy Couture, True Rebellion and Baby Phat — of which are available within Y2Kynk's inventory. Some notable icons with said style included reality television stars such as Paris Hilton and Nicole Richie,

and pop stars like Britney Spears and Christina Aguilera.

Anita worked closely with her daughters to create the business after her younger, Kenzie, mentioned doing her capstone project around fashion — something they all share a passion for.

From there, they went down a rabbit hole of thrifting, consignment shopping and finding vintage sales. Then, they elevated their hobby to a brick-andmortar resale concept. They are also finalizing their online shop, all while Kenzie is still in high school and Avery in college. "Sometimes, moving into a creative process is throwing it to the wall and seeing if it sticks,” Anita shared.

Each of the family members’ individual styles are reflected in Y2Kynk.

Avery, describes her style as funky, fun and unique. Kenzie describes hers as trendy with a twist. And, Anita, who worked in fashion stores in her youth, describes hers as explorative.

"My style progressed in the ‘80s. The fashion of that time was experimental, and I had a lot of fun in my teenage years,” said Anita. “My life, however, went in a different direction. I got into other things and had my girls.I could see they were both unique in their styles and their fashion. It's not my first rodeo being an entrepreneur, and I see that both of my daughters have that spirit."

When building Y2Kynk, Anita wanted to ensure that her daughters'

involvement was something they could feel confident immersing themselves in, whether they stick with the business forever or decide to pursue other careers.

That collaboration goes beyond the family unit, including networking with other fashion gurus around the country, already having made connections in New York, Scottsdale and Los Angeles — places where the trio plans to collect future inventory.

The Y2Kynk team, according to Avery, wants to prioritize inventory in their shop that will last and not end up in a landfill — an all too common occurrence from “fast fashion” brands, she expressed. "It's up to our generation to ensure the planet stays a planet.

With fast fashion, you see how much ‘deadstock’ is accumulated, because so many things are coming in and going out of fashion. It's too bad, but companies will make so much of a stock that will sit in a warehouse and never get sold, and could end up in a landfill where it won't decompose." Avery concluded. "We need to think about ways to be more sustainable with our clothing, collectively."

Thank You Potato Day Volunteers

Ace Hardware • Alpine Bank Casey Concrete • David Electric • Double Diamond Moving Reese Henry & Company Inc • El Dorado •Holy Cross Energy• • Sunlight Mtn • • Umbrella Roofing •

The Brawn: Donna Dayton & Kelly Wood, Roaring Fork High Boosters Will Grandbois Courtney-City Market Parade MCs: April Spaulding, Esmeralda Alverde

The Spud Slingers: Town of Carbondale Board of Trustees Sopris Sun Board, The Carbondale Rotary Club, Town of Carbondale Parks & Recreation Commission

For updates on Y2Kynk, check out their Facebook page, Y2Kynk Ltd. To reach the shop, call 970-426-629, and, for their online inventory, visit www.y2kynkvintage.com

Thank You Potato Day Sponsors Rebekah Lodge

The Brains: Gianinetti’s and the Pit Pyros

Parade Judges: Mayor Ben Bohmfalk, Sam Richings-Germain, Aimee Brockman

Y2Kynk is located above the liquor store next to City Market in Glenwood Springs. Owners (left to right) Avery Hughes, Anita Sherman and Kenzie Hughes, pose for a photo at the new digs.

Photo by James Steindler

Thanks Pit Crew!

Alex Rawal, Mark Gianinetti, Kamyran Maturaci, Marty Cheney, Rick Cheney, Jerry Cheney, Nate Cheney, Tristan Cheney, Shaggy Fink, David Cardiff, Hugo Castillo, Tim Daly, Josh Lively, Marc Bassett, Larry Stangland, Kade Gianinetti, Ernie Gianinetti, Megan Gianinetti, Hattie Gianinetti Reeds, Trent Reeds

The Committee: The Carbondale Historical Society Town of Carbondale Parks & Recreation Department The Sopris Sun & KDNK Ross Montessori School Carbondale Rotary Club 20 • THE SOPRIS SUN • soprissun.com • October 12-18, 2023

Mountain Waste • a4 Architects • American Legion •ANB Bank • Aspen Roofing Contractors • Aspen Water Wise • Avalanche Ranch Cabins & Antiques • Berthod Motors • Carbondale Beer Works • Carbondale Family Dental• Coldwell Banker Mason & Morse • Divide Creek Builders • Cowen Center • Distinguished Boards & Beams • Sunsense • OMNI Shading Solutions • Peppinos Pizza • Roaring Forge LLC • Roaring Fork Co-Op • Roaring Fork Family Practice • Roaring Fork Sign Co • • Rocky Mtn Ranch Services • Sopris Liquor & Wine • Sopris Self Storage • Eagle Crest Nursery • Marty Silverstein • Sopris Engineering llc • Village Smithy

Annual addiction symposium builds community

By Delaney Meyers Sopris Sun Contributor

Thursday, Oct. 5, community members and licensed professionals alike attended a sold-out, freewith-registration educational breakfast symposium presented by A Way Out. This local organization provides access to treatment and recovery support for individuals and families in crisis with substance abuse.

The annual Addiction Symposium, which has previously been held in Aspen, took place at TACAW this year and featured three nationally-renowned speakers, as well as information booths from 10 of the event’s 11 sponsor organizations.

Speakers Judith Grisel, Kevin McCauley and Tony Hoffman presented new research on substance abuse, brain development and mental health, focusing on how and why addiction happens and the physiological effects of drugs and alcohol. All gave powerful presentations and brought expertise in their fields, sharing from both their research and personal experiences.

Becky Gordon, executive director of A Way Out, stressed that the symposium is truly designed to be an educational opportunity for the community, not just an event for speakers to promote their work.

She hopes the event was, and will continue to be, beneficial not only for licensed area professionals in mental health and substance abuse recovery, but also to anyone interested in the topic, including folks who may have loved ones struggling.

“We’re hoping everybody walked out of there with something valuable that they learned — that’s really the goal of the symposium," she said.

With a strong community showing and lively conversation and connection happening all around TACAW, people were clearly excited to engage with each other and the presentation topics, and many

A Way Out's addiction symposium saw full attendance on Oct. 5. Photo by Nikki Hausherr

left feeling empowered by what they had learned.

The symposium is part of A Way Out's broader goal of bringing recovery support to communities across western Colorado. Gordon states that the organization’s mission is “to provide individuals and families who are in crisis with substance abuse access to treatment and recovery support, regardless of ability to pay."

While they are known for providing financial resources to those in need, A Way Out also provides other much-needed, important services that complement and help fill in the gaps of what other nonprofits and recovery organizations in the Valley are offering. This includes operating at an early level of intervention to help clients gain access to the level of care they need when battling chronic substance abuse disorder, as well as aiding in creating comprehensive treatment plans.

All services are free and offered in both English and Spanish.

While sending someone to treatment can be lifesaving, many of these programs are short term and, Gordon said, "often a 28-day treatment is not enough."

A Way Out stays engaged with their clients’ care for a minimum of a year, which includes case management,

clinical involvement, and support groups. Finding community in recovery is paramount, and Gordon explained that the peer support groups offer a chance for alumni to “[go] to fun events and have other people to connect with in their new sober life.”

A Way Out is also committed to supporting families affected by substance abuse.

They offer open family support groups that meet weekly — an English-speaking group meets on Tuesdays via zoom, and a Spanish-speaking group meets on Wednesdays.

“Anybody with a loved one who is struggling with substance abuse can come to these groups and find other people who are struggling and don’t know what to do,” Gordon said.

She also explained that when an individual goes to treatment, a family clinician will follow up to provide three to five sessions with family members to help them “learn the language” of what life will look like when their loved one returns home.

Grant funding from local municipalities and counties, as well as from organizations including Rocky Mountain Health Foundation, Colorado Health Foundation, the Aspen Thrift Shop and the Daniels Fund, allows A Way Out to provide all of these services to residents of Pitkin, Garfield, Eagle and Summit counties. Donations are also a source of funding for the organization, and anyone wishing to donate or learn more about their mission and services can visit their website at www.awayout.org Gordon encourages anyone struggling with substance abuse issues to reach out to A Way Out, as opposed to taking to Google and sifting through overwhelming amounts of information during a time of crisis. “Call A Way Out and have a conversation; whether it’s [with] the client themselves and we can provide a little hope, or a family member and we can provide a little direction."

Let’s Get You

CHASE AWAY THE FLUES - VISIT OUR CLINICS!

Covered.

Walk-in flu clinics: Garfield County Public Health 2014 Blake Avenue, Glenwood Springs Wednesday, October 18, 9 am - 4 pm Wednesday, October 25, 9 am - 4 pm (NOTE: dates above closed from noon - 1 pm)

Health Insurance Enrollment Events November 5 November 12 November 19 December 3 December 17 January 14

Carbondale Branch Library, 320 Sopris Avenue Saturday, October 28, 10:30 am - 12:30 pm $15/child, $25/adult | High dose vaccine available for 65+. Flu mist available.

Medicare Part B, Medicaid, CHP+, RMHP, BCBS and UHC insurances

Public Health: Rifle 970-625-5200 ext. 8116 Glenwood Springs: 970-945-6614 ext. 2030

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Glenwood Library, 9am – 1pm Edwards Integrated Health Center, 9am – 1pm Third Street Center / La Clinica del Pueblo, 9am – 1pm Rifle Library, 9am – 1pm Third Street Center / La Clinica del Pueblo, 9am – 1pm Glenwood Library, 9am – 1pm

Mountain Family Health Centers is a certified assistance site for Connect For Health Colorado. Cover ALL Coloradans expands access to health insurance for all – including those without documentation and DACA recipients.

Call: 833-273-6627 or 970-945-2840 to schedule an appointment Email: EnrollmentHelp@mountainfamily.org

Call to make an appointment for other dates.

garfield-county.com

Se Habla Español.

THE SOPRIS SUN • Your weekly community connector • October 12-18, 2023 • 21

22 • THE SOPRIS SUN • soprissun.com • October 12-18, 2023

‘Death of the Pugilist’ comes to TACAW

By Myki Jones Sopris Sun Correspondent

Roaring Fork Valley’s own MinTze Wu will take off her VOICES theater hat (where she is the executive director) momentarily to join a band of talented collaborators bringing an exciting and unconventional concert experience to life with “Death of the Pugilist.”

The performance takes place at The Arts Campus at Willits (TACAW) on Friday, Oct.13 at 8pm. Wu is the show’s artistic director and, in addition, plays violin and piano.

The music acts as the vehicle for Daniel Mason’s 2008 short story, providing an eclectic soundtrack of contemporary tunes, traditional Irish music, blues and even Bach in telling the story of a professional boxer, Jacob Burke, and his duel with Blindman McGraw in 1824 England.

“It's such a beautiful and wonderfully written story.

It taps into the underlayers of humanity,” said Wu. “It is this sort of David and Goliath tale. He [Jacob Burke] is someone who, by all means, is not meant to be

successful but — spoiler alert — redefines success.”

Wu expressed that she fell in love with the story despite a hesitance with the material.

Her husband, Jem Moore, introduced her to the story.

In fact, Moore appears in the story as The Narrator.

In 2008, he read the tale in Harper's Magazine while trying to kill some time in the cockpit of a plane which he was piloting. That same year, Wu got in touch with Daniel Mason to share the vision of the project, and was given his blessing to go ahead with it.

The project debuted in Newfoundland, Canada in 2008, while Wu was there for an artist's residency.

“I found this story so enticing. It has this color and rhythm of Daniel Mason’s voice, and the environment he’s created,” Wu shared.

“Everything was so vivid. So, almost right away, I felt like I could fully realize this story with music.”

This narrated concert first premiered in the Valley as a part of the 2021 Garden Music Series. Then, “Amy Kimberly was still the director of Carbondale Arts and, you know, Amy being Amy, I brought this to her

and she said, ‘Yes, let's do it!’,” Wu stated.

The Garden Music Series not only found a space for the premier, but also provided some inspiration for setting the stage.“There’s three stakes and two ropes, then we form a partial ring — similar to the boxing rings mentioned in the story,” described Wu. “So, we feel that as musicians, we are representing that environment and sound. We are both in the show but also paying witness to the story.

By us being the witness of the story, the audience becomes a part of that as well.”

The current ensemble also includes the talents of Blayne Chastain, Grammy nominee Eric Thorin and Grammy award winning cellist Joy Adams Twelve different instruments also make an appearance on stage, rotating among the five artists.

“What we’re trying to paint a picture of is not a pretty place for the eyes.

It’s rough, but I believe that art does not just serve the refined and the beautiful,” Wu stated. “There is something so incredibly revealing when you get down to a place that is

From Left to right: Blayne Chastain (playing whistle, guitar, flute and bodhran), MinTze Wu (director, violin and piano), Jem Moore (narrator, whistle and guitar), Joy Adams (vocals, banjo and cello) and Eric Thorin (Bass, guitar, tuba) come together to bring life to the raw and gritty short story, "Death of The Puglist." Courtesy photo

so raw. That is what this production is about.”

Wu encourages those planning to attend to come in with no preconceived notions, and, further, to allow themselves to stretch their perceptions of what they might deem acceptable.

“When I came upon the story, I thought to myself, ‘I don’t like death, I don’t like boxing. What is in there

for me?’” Wu reflected. “I realized later that there is a lot. It’s humanity expressing itself in different ways.” She concluded by quoting her elder daughter, Adelaide Moore, “‘This simplicity of storytelling in a musical format is so powerful.’”

To get tickets for “Death of The Pugilist,” visit www.tacaw. org or call 970-510-5365.

Outdated or Innovative?

Exploring Waldorf Education with Nancy Blanning

Thursday October 19th 5:00pm-6:30pm

YOUR ADVENTURE STARTS HERE NOW ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS FOR FALL 2024

Hosted at WSRF 16543 Hwy 82 Carbondale CO 81623

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Newborn to 8th grade • 16543 Highway 82, Carbondale CO • (970) 963 - 1960 @waldorfschoolontheroaringfork

FALL OPEN HOUSE

October 20 | 9:30 - 11:30 A.M. Learn more about CRMS and the application process for the 2024-25 school year. The program will include: • Campus tour with a student ambassador • Overview presentation with Molly Dorais, Director of Enrollment PLEASE RSVP

970-963-2562 www.crms.org admission@crms.org CRMS is a college-prep boarding + day school for students in grades 9 - 12.

THE SOPRIS SUN • Your weekly community connector • October 12-18, 2023 • 23

OPINION

Sun Signs

By Whitney Will

We're headed into another month of eclipses. On Oct. 14 we will have a solar eclipse in the sign of Libra, and on Oct. 28 we'll have a lunar eclipse in the sign of Taurus. These eclipses stand out because they are in the two signs of which Venus is the planetary ruler. In contrast, the eclipses we had in late April and early May of this year were in Mars's signs. Those eclipses were about breaking rank and taking a stand for our individual truths. These coming eclipses are about trying to find solutions and make it work.

“Eclipse season” occurs twice a year, even if the eclipses are not visible from our location. Eclipses occur around what is called the lunar “nodes,” meaning knot

Eclipses and emergent fate — the sticking points of fate.

One cannot deal with astrology without simultaneously confronting questions of fate. As with any predictive art, astrology begs the question of fate versus free will, the extent to which certain paths are flexible or inevitable. When we are talking about fate, we are talking about fulfilling a role that has been predetermined, such that all others can fulfill their roles and the whole project progresses toward some goal that transcends our understanding.

In graduate school, I took courses on family therapy. In one demonstration, a group of students role playing a family was asked to stand inside a giant rubber band, about the size of a large hula hoop. The idea was to demonstrate how different levels of tension or distance affected everyone within the family unit. If one member tried to withdraw, the others were pushed closer together by the tension of the band. Eclipses bring about sudden beginnings and endings, as often from inner epiphanies as from outward events. Often one finds a kind of fate-like quality to these

24 • THE SOPRIS SUN • soprissun.com • October 12-18, 2023

nudges, a feeling of being pulled toward or away from something, and the source of the pull existing outside of one's own heart and mind.

The strength of these pulls and the effect of individual eclipses or eclipse series will vary by each individual chart and how the eclipses fall within it. As with the rubber band example, even if you yourself are not affected directly, it’s likely someone you are close to will be chewing on some big questions this month.

The individual view of fate is a question most relevant to heroes because it is an illusion that individuality exists in a vacuum.

We are all suspended in the vastness of space by an indefinite number of “rubber bands.” Socially, culturally, emotionally, and politically, bound by physics and chemistry, by all our current theories of how things work, and all the theories and laws we will discover.

Venus, and her sign of Libra, where a solar eclipse

Oct. 14 solar eclipse path prediction by Fred Espenak, NASA http://eclipse.gsfc.nasa.gov/

will occur this Saturday, Oct. 14, is about recognizing our interconnectedness. Not only as a philosophical concept, but how our roles change and weave through each other’s stories. Libra is about restoring balance and holding everything in proportion.

Eclipses are not the agents of change. You are the agent

of change. Eclipses are the invitation to look again and see where you have held on so tightly to a way something needed to be that you abandon what it was in its becoming. If you can let go of the story, you free yourself and inevitably others to follow that intuitive tug toward the next inner or outer adventure.

Share your works in progress with readers by emailing illustrations, creative writings and poetry to fiction@soprissun.com

Good Noise

By Rosemarie Romeo In memory of Monk Burkmier

Editor’s note: Lark Ellen was Monk’s DJ name.

Knowing a disc jockey has its advantages. I wish I had more of Lark Ellen's playlists to stream through the sound system. He had a unique taste in music and his fans loved it. His life was music.

He volunteered at concerts, festivals, other venues and, at times, produced his own. He would listen to the young musicians and could tell if they would make it big.

At Steve’s Guitars, he told me the Infamous Stringdusters were the best. I said, “I will be the judge of that.'' We were both opinionated. He was right. He helped them every way he could. He played their music on the radio and he lost money on them when he planned a show to bring attention to them; but, he didn't care. It was a good party and everyone had a good time and they went on to be famous. A poster signed by all of the band members that night was my birthday gift to him that year.

If you knew him you were lucky. His friends were his family. He never had roots, only places with memories where he found joy. Some were really lucky because he was their mentor. When you needed him he was there. If you didn't know him, he was still there. Even if you didn't deserve it, he'd help you. That's the way he was.

Those who knew him, knew he loved butter. I think it was his middle name.

He came from nowhere and longed for nothing. However you knew him, he sized you up in a minute, this minute, the only time that mattered. He did kind things.

He did funny things. He was an atheist but constantly said, “Thank God,” and called it an expression. He wasn't much on religion.

Sometimes, when you least expected, he would do something that you never understood, and there was no sense in asking because he wouldn't tell you. He just did it. Like the time he called and asked, “Are you going to be there?” and I said, “Yes.“ He replied “I'll be there in a little while, don't go anywhere.” An hour later he came down the hall dragging a box with a new television. Why? I'll never know. I can only guess. Was it because he thought he didn't get enough money for the car he sold for me? or because he saw the little T.V. I

Town of Carbondale

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 was watching, and thought I needed a larger one? Anyway, He brought the television, hooked it up, handed me the remote and left — no kind words, no explanation. That was Monk.

If you knew him, you sat at the table and played Rummikub, you smoked pot and drank a beer, ate beautiful tasty food, prepared by his partner in life, Marie. You talked about music and you laughed a lot, picking on each other for fun. He was deep.

He was a philosopher. He looked for good in you and hoped for the best. On Memorial Day he would burn a flag and speak to those present about his love of country. He was a patriot, a veteran and he was proud.

His playlists have ended but the memories live on. Think of the times he'd stop in your store, meet you on the street, bring you a gift, show up at your door or play a song for you on the radio. When you were having problems he would play a song for you. If he liked you, you knew it. He would play your favorite tune and dedicate it to you. If he thought he did This super dad was spotted something wrong, he'd play music so at Potato Day moving three you would think of the good times and plates through the barbecue remember how much he loved you, and lunch line with an infant hope you would forgive him — you always strapped to his chest. Photo

by Kay Clarke did, because you loved him too.

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LETTERS

Guayaki Yerba Mate, Iron Mountain Hot Springs, Lance Michael Salon, Luna Bay Booch, Christy Mahon, Marble Distilling Co., Mountain Waste & Recycling, New Belgium Brewing, NRS, Orvis, Plato’s at the Aspen Meadows Resort, Sopris Liquor and Wine, Stio, TINCUP Whiskey, Tiny Pine Bistro, Valley Hopper and YETI. Finally, a tremendous thank you to Foraged & Farmed Catering, the Engstrom brothers, our incredibly dedicated volunteers, our small but mighty 5Point team, our wonderful board of directors, and our gracious host, Summers Moore.

With heartfelt thanks, Luis Yllanes Carbondale

Killer 82

Recently I encountered a cloggedup underpass while cycling just outside Carbondale forcing me to cross “Killer 82.” There was a couple camping in a tunnel with their tents and bicycles covering the width of the tunnel, blocking passage for others.

There is no one policing people from using tunnels as shelters. Many folks I have spoken to agree, overpasses may be a better option for pedestrians and cyclists. I hope that future plans to make Carbondale age-friendly will consider overpasses v. underpasses for pedestrians.

Deborah Korbel Carbondale

Please vote!

I recently asked a couple if they planned to vote in this fall’s school board election. “Nah,” they said, “we don’t have kids, so it doesn’t affect us.”

That is simply not true!

From shaping how children and teens engage with the rest of our community, to being one of the biggest employers in the area, our public schools have a tremendous impact on our towns.

A school district’s impact on a community becomes particularly apparent when it is NOT functioning well. In Colorado’s Woodland Park School District, several candidates who described themselves simply as “conservative” were elected to their board in 2021 and immediately began implementing a far-right MAGA agenda. They replaced the state’s social studies standards with the conservative

continued from page 2

Christian American Birthright standards, eliminated school counselor positions, and instituted policies to prevent teachers from criticizing board decisions.

As a result, close to 40% of school staff have left the district, students who relied on counselors’ support are suffering, and this small town is making national news as outraged teachers and community members denounce the terrible changes the board has implemented.

All it would take for our excellent Roaring Fork School District to go down a similar path would be for people to sit out the next couple school board elections. There are two contested seats on the RFSD board this November. Two of the candidates for those positions hold some very disturbing views.

Fortunately, we also have two excellent candidates running for those seats: Lindsay DeFrates and Betsy After.

They are a much better fit for our district given the values most of us share.

Please be a voter in this year’s school board election!

Debbie Bruell Carbondale

Betsy for RFSD

There is nothing more important in our community than our children, and our children, all of them, need community. They need safety, challenge, inspiration, rigor and leadership, and they need to feel like they are part of something important.

Teachers need all this as well as the community’s support and respect. Betsy understands this.

The Board of Education serves as our voice for our educators and students.

They must have leadership that they can trust from their executive team and provide leadership for the schools with vision, transparency and grit, particularly in difficult and controversial situations.

Betsy understands this.

Betsy has deep roots in the community, she has experience and expertise in building teams, leadership and finance, and she would be a great addition to the board, guiding with a steady hand. Please vote for Betsy After for our community.

Spread the word!

Jill and Gary Knaus Carbondale continued on page 27

MOUNTAIN WASTE IS HIRING! Mountain Waste is hiring for CDL Drivers, Driver Helpers, Laborers immediately!

We offer competitive pay, bonuses and excellent benefits.

Email Bryan.Miles@wasteconnections.com or call 720-837-0079 for more info.

26 • THE SOPRIS SUN • soprissun.com • October 12-18, 2023

LETTERS

continued from page 26

Vote for Lindsay

PARTING SHOTS

School board elections for RFSD are Nov. 7. Lindsay DeFrates will make a terrific school board member!

She’s been in the Valley for 18 years and she has young children who attend RFSD schools. She taught at Carbondale Middle School for six years and she is a trained professional communicator — a freelance writer and former deputy director of PR at the Colorado River District. In short, Lindsay has both the personal connection and commitment to our district and the professional experience necessary to make her a major asset on our school board.Lindsay is passionate about supporting ALL kids and their right to learn in a safe and secure environment where all feel welcome. She understands the importance of policy and curriculum choices and believes that strong support for our teachers and staff is the key to allowing students to thrive. She will work to reestablish trust between the public and the school board by making sure proceedings are transparent and by listening to all respectful discourse so that all stakeholders feel seen and heard. Lindsay is an extremely well-rounded candidate with the ethics and integrity necessary to serve in a position of public trust. Please vote for Lindsay on or before Nov. 7!

Eden Steele Carbondale

Re: Youth perspective

I was filled with hope for the future when I read Roaring Fork High School junior Gus Richardson’s op ed in The Sopris Sun (Sept. 28).

I met Gus outside the Carbondale Library after a library board meeting was “sabotaged” by a mob of adults behaving badly. Gus attended the meeting as a journalism assignment. The group wanted certain books in the adult section either removed from the library or made difficult to check out.

After the meeting, Gus interviewed people outside the library. Like Gus, many of us had never seen behavior like this in our library. These were fullgrown, red-faced adults shouting, accusing, and belittling library board members and anyone else who didn’t agree with them. Great adult role modeling for young Gus, eh?

If you haven’t read Gus’s op ed, you should. Go to www.soprissun.com and search for “Library controversy: A youth’s perspective."

I agree with Gus that libraries should remain places unencumbered by censorship or book bans. Atta boy, Gus. I hope you got an “A” on that assignment and I look forward to seeing your byline in the future.

By the way, I’m attending the “Freedom to Read” event at the Ute Theater in Rifle on Oct. 18 at 6pm. If you care about the future of our libraries, please plan to attend this important event.

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

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NOTICE OF BUDGET Notice is hereby given that a proposed budget has been submitted to the Town of Carbondale Board of Trustees for the ensuing year of 2024; that a copy of such proposed budget has been �iled in the of�ice of the Town Clerk at Town Hall, 511 Colorado Avenue, Carbondale, Colorado, where same is open for public inspection; that such proposed budget will be considered for adoption at a regular meeting of the Board of Trustees to be held at Carbondale Town Hall on December 12, 2023 at 6:00 p.m.

Any interested elector within the Town of Carbondale may inspect the proposed budget and �ile or register any objections thereto at any time prior to the �inal adoption of the budget.

Date: 10/10/23

Published in the Sopris Sun on October 10, 2023.

The spectacular colors of fall are slowly succumbing to cooler temperatures. Top photo shot in Marble by Lynn "Jake" Burton on Sept 24. Middle photo taken by Amy Hadden Marsh, Sept. 30 on McClure Pass. Bottom photo by Lynn "Jake" Burton, Oct. 9 in Glenwood Springs

THE SOPRIS SUN • Your weekly community connector • October 12-18, 2023 • 27

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28 • THE SOPRIS SUN • soprissun.com • October 12-18, 2023