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Lifting the veil
People took to the streets under the shadow of night at the Día de los Muertos First Friday celebration on Nov. 6, when the veil separating the worlds of the dead and the living was lifted in the heart of Carbondale. Faces of all ages were painted at the Carbondale Library and Chacos Park ahead of the procession that flowed from the Third Street Center to the park at 4th and Main streets. Downtown was packed with bodies from this realm and the spirits of loved ones from the other, all of whom marveled at the displays of bold Catrinas, colorful garb and traditional Latin American performances. Photos by Bob Rugile
community newspaper
Volume 18, Number 40 | November 12-18, 2026
Leadership is collective Abraham Korah is the executive director of the Garfield County Public Library District.
Every Friday over the past six weeks, I have been discussing challenges in our region. Although we discussed affordable poems, essays and other readings from luminaries, including housing and food insecurity, the unique challenge I have continAudre Lorde, Joy Harjo, George Orwell and Ursula K. Le Guin. ued to reflect on is the luxury of time. I didn’t enroll in a Colorado Mountain College course or particiAgency over time is connected directly to our bank balances. pate in a series of discussion groups at one of our libraries. Rather, The challenge of time is one that is felt more acutely the lower you I completed these readings as a member of the 2026 cohort of the go down the socioeconomic ladder. A lack of affordability leads to Hurst Leaders Forum (HLF). longer commutes, longer working hours and less time for leisure. I happily said yes to an invitation to join the 2026 HLF cohort The further you go up the socioeconomic ladder, the greater the before I knew that I would have the opportunity opportunity to live in a more convenient locato assume the director role for the library district. tion, less time spent working to meet financial Before moving to the Western Slope, I had obligations and the ability to offload tasks to participated in multiple trainings that brought others, leaving one with more leisure time. ascending leaders together in Houston. I was When you first start discussing the multifacexcited by the opportunity to network with leadeted aspects of any of these challenges, it can ers from across the Valley, and for any leadership feel unsolvable. Our smaller population means nuggets I would pick up along the way. that we feel more connected to our towns and I assumed the HLF curriculum and structure the region. Feeling connected matters. The would be similar to my previous experiences. It connection leads to feeling invested in the turns out I wildly missed the plot. The HLF expefuture of the place where we live. I have develrience didn’t share many commonalities with oped an affinity for the Valley that I didn’t feel the many books, videos and leadership trainings over the more than 25 years I lived in large I have experienced. I should have known when cities. The smaller population also leads to OPEN BOOK I was completing the first set of readings that understanding the impact our actions can have By Abraham Korah included Plato and Hannah Arendt that I was in on our neighbors, permitting us to be more Garfield County Public Library for a unique experience, one which prized wresthoughtful about how we act locally. District director tling with ideas over facts and figures. Although we don’t have a large population, One of the unique characteristics of HLF that changed the we live and travel across a large geographical region. HLF theredynamics of the gatherings was that we didn’t start with job titles. fore had cohort members that lead organizations from Aspen I find it easier to remember what someone does and where they to Parachute. This is an important element that enables a real work than I do remembering their name. In this dynamic, unless impact. Without cooperation among many entities across the you knew the folks in the room from previous interactions, you region, it will continue to be difficult to solve problems. Sustainwere getting to know 20 first names and their ideas. able solutions for our problems cannot be solved town by town, Eventually, we did share titles. By then, it seemed secondary or even county by county. Solutions require regional cooperation to the reflections and lived experiences that we shared with each and coordination. other. A lot of the conversations centered around dissecting the I wish I could report that we solved the problem of time readings in a manner I haven’t done since college. Rather than poverty, affordability or any of the other challenges that our using the internet to verify facts, we simply shared our thoughts region faces over the course of six Fridays. We did not. However, with each other on the authors, their work and how it related to we did create authentic connections with leaders in the region. our work and impact. Through collaborations with governmental, nonprofit and busiUnsurprisingly, some readings led to discussions of national ness leaders, I feel optimistic that we can use the power of the issues and eventually turned to the similarities and unique collective to impact our shared challenges.
OPINION
LETTERS CORRECTION: Aye, aye, aye … a correction to last week’s correction regarding the Oct. 29 Historiography column: Wallace deBeque’s wife’s first name was Betty, not Betsy.
Go CMS Rams! Congratulations to the Carbondale Middle School (CMS) boys eighth grade basketball team for winning the Eagle Valley Invitational tournament. The CMS Rams went 4-0. Team members included: Juanito Quintero, Rocco Lazar, Tygh Barker, Jackson Morton, Wyatt Cheney, Alex Broadhurst, Jesse Galvin, Tenzin Byrne, Tatum Rice, Mac Bevington and Declan Doherty. The Rams are coached by Joe Markham. Rams Fan Carbondale
Citizens of Garfield County, THANK you for passing 6B, an extension of the library’s mill levy. We are very pleased to report that on Nov. 3, 6B garnered 13,968 votes — more than twice as many as the votes against it. In fact, more people voted for the library than voted for or against any other issue or candidate on the ballot. Maybe that’s because the library is not a partisan issue — nor should it be. We would also like to thank: • The remarkable service-oriented staff of the Garfield County Public Library District
• The board that voted unanimously to put the measure before the public • The many people who made videos in support of the campaign, wrote letters to the editor, handed out campaign information or donated to the campaign • All of you who just wanted to keep your libraries strong, and showed up to make it happen! Committee to Maintain Our Garfield County Libraries Jocelyn Durrance, Chair Carole O’Brien, Campaign Agent Kevin O’Brien, Treasurer Ellen Dole Jamie LaRue Sharon Morris Laurie Raymond Jamie Tredeaux
Trumpublicans Republican officeholders used to act in accordance with some general principles: law and order; federalism, states’ rights and local control; fiscal responsibility; supporting business (not just big business); free trade and strong international commerce; maintaining peace with a strong military and a broad network of alliances; and diplomacy that included helping other nations and peoples (soft power). Republicans were cautious about
2 THE SOPRIS SUN | soprissun.com | November 12-18, 2026
adopting new policies and ideas. That conservative approach forced more liberal advocates of new programs to design them more carefully, and eliminate potential flaws. That’s a good thing. Past Republicans showed patriotic zeal in dealing with crooks in their party, even highly placed officeholders such as Vice President Agnew and President Nixon. That has changed. For 10 years, most Republican officeholders have abandoned their principles, bit by bit, in subservience to Donald Trump. A few have resigned or retired. Even fewer have fought for traditional Republican values, and have been driven out of office and party. Those who remain — however they may rationalize their support for this corrupt, erratic, unreliable president — have sold their principles to keep their jobs. On a scale from “honest public servant” to “selfish coward,” they move toward the low end. Republicans have become Trumpublicans. Representative Jeff Hurd seems to be a pleasant person, who supports major Colorado business interests and no doubt has helped individual constituents. He does not act like a raving MAGA fanatic. But he has failed to resist even the worst Trump actions. Ignoring them, or claiming to not really support them, is not resistance. That is the moral failure that has infected, and may destroy, the Republican Party. continued on page 18
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board@soprissun.com Klaus Kocher • Kay Clarke • Eric Smith Roger Berliner • Elizabeth Phillips • Anna Huntington Loren Jenkins • Carlos Ramos • Gayle Wells Jamie LaRue • Adele Craft • Stephen Shapiro Andrew Parrott • Rosa Santiago
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48th Valley Visual entries
OUR UNDERWRITERS AND NONPROFIT PARTNERS!
Carbondale Arts is accepting submissions for the annual Valley Visual Art Show, an opportunity that’s provided a platform for local artists to share their work for going on 48 years now. The deadline is approaching on Dec. 7. Artists who reside within a 816 zip code are eligible. Submissions must be original and created within the past 12 months, according to the application form, which can be found along with more information at carbondalearts.com/exhibitions/vvas-48
X-mas tree permits Christmas tree cutting permits for the White River National Forest are available online and from local vendors and district offices as of Thursday, Nov. 12, according to a press release. The release noted that some roads will be closed to vehicles as of Nov. 23, so folks should plan ahead. Permits are $10 at district offices and vendor locations and $12.50 online. A list of vendor locations and cutting regulations are available at fs.usda.gov/r02/ whiteriver/permits/christmas-tree-permits Fourth graders are eligible to receive a free permit through the Every Kid Outdoors Pass, available at everykidoutdoors.gov
Alpine Bank Colorado Mountain College Nordic Gardens Hilary Porterfield Basalt Library
NONPROFIT PARTNERS Two Rivers Unitarian Universalist Carbondale Arts Colorado Animal Rescue
Interested in becoming an Underwriter or Nonprofit Partner? Email Todd@soprissun.com or call 970-987-9866
Gingerbread competition Entry forms are now available to participate in the Glenwood Springs Historical Society’s gingerbread house competition. Gingerbread houses will go on display on Nov. 27 at the Hotel Colorado, where they will be judged by a community panel, and when attendees can vote for “people’s choice.” The competition includes three categories: ages 18-plus not employed as professional bakers or chefs, ages 13-17 and ages 12 and under. All proceeds and donations associated with the competition will benefit the historical society. Enter at GlenwoodHistory.org
Green Light for Veterans Garfield County illuminated the county courthouse in Glenwood Springs from Nov. 4 to 11, participating in the Operation Green Light for Veterans national trend “uniting counties to support military veterans,” according to a press release. “By lighting our buildings green, we are sending a simple and powerful message to veterans that we see you here in our community, we appreciate you and we stand behind you,” Garfield County Commissioner Perry Will said in the release. “I would also add that Garfield County wants to make sure that when veterans see these green lights, it represents our gratitude and respect and our promise that their service and sacrifices will never be forgotten.”
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Roaring Fork soccer players Kevin Morales (#8) and Cristian Turcios (#10) emerge from the student “tunnel of love” following the Rams’ emotion-packed 3A State Quarterfinal win on penalty kicks over the visiting Eagle Ridge Academy Warriors at Rams Field on Saturday, Nov. 7. After being tied 2-2 after 80 minutes of regulation that featured a player and a coach ejection and a fan warning from the officials, it came down to penalty kicks after 20 scoreless minutes of extra time. Roaring Fork prevailed 4-1, thanks to two clutch saves by senior goalie Quentin Galbraith and a misdirected boot by one of the Warrior players. The Rams were set for a semifinal matchup Wednesday evening against DSST: Conservatory Green at Trailblazer Stadium in Lakewood, with the winner advancing to this Saturday’s 3A State Championship game. Results of the semifinal round were not available by press time. Photo and text by John Stroud
Re: Harvest Village As reported last week, the Garfield County Planning Commission hearings regarding the Harvest Village development, a 1,500-unit proposed development between Carbondale and Glenwood Springs, were postponed from their Nov. 18 and 19 scheduled dates. The meetings, which would have been at the Spring Valley Colorado Mountain College campus, were canceled due to “unmet public notice requirements,” according to a county spokesperson. The date or dates of the rescheduled hearings have yet to be determined.
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They say it’s your birthday! Folks celebrating another trip around the sun this week include: Alex Achterhoff, Kelsey Freeman, Estefania Montoya and Lance Quint (Nov. 12); Bob Ezra, Maria Flores, Pola Oginska and Riley Skinner (Nov. 13); Amy Fulstone, Ron Leach, Sue Rollyson and Morgan Williams (Nov. 14); Rachel Baiyor and Joyce Leeman (Nov. 15); Martín Bonzi (Nov. 16); Colin Bashant, Thomas Cerise, Katie Hankinson and Robin Tolan (Nov. 17); Larry Smith and Erin Patricia (Nov. 18).
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THE SOPRIS SUN | Your weekly community connector | November 12-18, 2026 3
‘Just a Moment in Time’
Dancing-Light releases new album; concert Saturday ALEJANDRA RICO Sopris Sun Correspondent
How profound, beautiful and creative could a human’s life be? Lisa Dancing-Light’s new album release is a testament of the wonders such an existence invites. With more than seven decades of piano playing and showcasing original compositions, “Just a Moment in Time” is DancingLight’s seventh album and sole piano solo release. Dancing-Light will highlight the album with a piano solo this Saturday, Nov. 14, at the Third Street Center from 4 to 5:30pm. It will be a retrospective of the last 46 years of her life as a professional musician. “The intention of the concert is to show people what you can do when you carry a passion for something throughout your life, in this case through the expression of music,” Dancing-Light told The Sun. Her passion for nature is integral as well. Her love for nature and music began at a very early age. Originally from Kansas City, Missouri, she first visited Colorado on a trip with her family to Grand Lake when she was just 6 years old, then again at 8 — the age she started learning piano. After those two visits, she
wanted to make a life in Colorado. Starting her formal musical training while still in high school at the University of Missouri-Kansas City Conservatory — an academic institution for music, theater and dance — she underwent intensive artistic instruction and ensemble and stage performance. She went on to graduate with a music education degree from the University of Kansas. Dancing-Light is among Carbondale’s group of elders who made their way to the Roaring Fork Valley, first landing in Aspen, back in the 1970s, working all sorts of trades and being part of one big family-like community, “where everyone took care of each other,” she said. Her records demonstrate her connection to Native American wisdom, as well as worldly spirituality. “‘Just a Moment in Time’ invites the listener on a delicious, sonic journey through time, inviting deep relaxation and healing,” Dancing-Light said. Her ability to tap into “divine inspiration,” as she described it, came as a “mysterious process of receiving music and [was] utterly undefined for me when it began,” she explained. “It isn’t about sitting and writing like I learned in music
school …This has happened many different times throughout my life.” One of the pieces in her new album came through while in Paris a day after the Notre Dame burned. The French connection, and inspiration therefrom, is prevalent in the album. Traversing the “French Camino,” along the Le Chemin de St. Jacques, in 2019 was a life-changing pilgrimage for her and inspired several pieces. Influences of the “two Claudes,” one being the first impressionist composer Claude Debussy, Dancing-Light’s favorite composer, and the other the founder of impressionism in art, Claude Monet, are imprinted in this record as well. Visiting the Musee de l’Orangerie in Paris and seeing the oblique display of Monet’s largest Water Lily pieces, was the culmination of a love spell that Lisa fell under as a young second grader on a school field trip to the Nelson Art Gallery, when for the first time she saw one of Monet’s Water Lilies. The process of recording “Just a Moment in Time” was quite a monumental experience, according to Dancing-Light. The album has been in the works for about 10 to 15 years and has roots as far back as the 1980s — such as the piece “Watercolors,” which she composed and played on the
Lisa DancingLight, photo courtesy of Doug Ellis Photography
IN A NUTSHELL What: “Just a Moment in Time” album release Who: Lisa Dancing-Light and friends Where: Third Street Center When: Nov. 14, 4 to 5:30pm Tickets: At the door or lisadancinglight.com
piano during a performance with Aspen Dance Connection at the Wheeler Opera House in 1988. During the pandemic, when everything was closed down, it was recommended that she contact local musician Mark Johnson when she was feeling the impulse to record a solo piano album, which she had never done before. “Mark agreed to come to my home with his recording continued on page 18
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The exploration continues! Introducing ‘Unparalleled Universe, Volume II’
KATALINA VILLARREAL Sopris Sun Correspondent
“Well, since it started out in COVID, that was a heavy five hours. Colley shared how his artwork starts out and inspiration. There’s stuff about being quarantined, comes to life by connecting ideas. For six years, Sun-scribers have been brightened by there’s stuff about toilet paper and getting haircuts,” “This is from a college teacher; in a drawing class Brian Colley’s weekly comic that reflects upon the big Colley said. “I can also see myself zooming out, thinking he said, ‘One plus one doesn’t equal two. For artists and little moments of this unparalleled life. Colley’s about the bigger picture.” it equals three,’ because you are taking one comic, “The Unparalleled Universe,” has become a However, Colley said there are only so many idea and one idea and making a third weekly joy for him to create and for readers to relate to. COVID cartoons a person can do, and that readseparate idea,” Colley explained. His dedication and craft built up enough ers will enjoy, so he shook it up. Thankfully, Colley said that the comic has material to print, and Volume I was the freedom in the comic’s name allowed become a special practice for him released three years ago. Now, Volume Colley to walk in any direction that felt and a good challenge. After six II has been printed and is ready to right; he has access to a whole years of creating comics, Colley be released into our universe. unique universe after all. has no intention of stopping. He “I think that’s the joy “I was thinking about has plans to dive even further of having a comic that’s the freedom I could have into this vast cosmos and wants called ‘The Unparalleled from making a parallel to collaborate with more artists - Brian Colley Universe.’ I care about universe and then doing inside the universe. what I’m putting out a play on words with the “If people are still into it and The there, but I don’t feel ‘unparalleled,’” Colley said. Sopris Sun is willing to keep it going, like I have to be on “In an unparalleled universe, it’s I’m into it. I haven’t missed a single week one path because, if like something that’s unparalleled is since I started,” Colley said. it’s a whole universe, incredibly rare.” Colley explained that while not every weekly it can be so many Recently, Colley mentioned he comic has been dazzling or relatable, saying some things,” Colley said. has been drawing comics that are have been off the wall, he feels overall that they When Colley first lighter and humorous. His art style has represent the experiences of the world and reflect started out, he was also evolved with his work. At first, it local issues as well. inspired by the politwas primarily in black and white, “It’s like a time capsule to look through the past ical climate and however, he began adding color three years,” Colley said. “That’s what this rollercoaster the pandemic. He and has enjoyed that even more. of this comic is. Looking back through the years and had never done He said Volume II has very little the moments.” a weekly comic black and white. Colley teased that volume three is already in producbefore former “It is a fun challenge to try to tion as he nearly has a third of the book done. Sopris Sun Editor mix it up and do different styles or Brian Colley, portrait by Katalina Villarreal Will Grandbois recruited themes,” Colley said. Physical prints of “The Unparalleled Universe Volume him to contribute in March His comics range from more realistic to psyche- II” will be available soon at Bonfire Coffee, White 2020. Colley said he wanted to make something that people delic, from loud and vibrant to peaceful and quiet. The River Books, Carbondale Arts and online. Visit Colley’s could relate to, so he started with current events. process of making the weekly comic takes about two to website for more information: briancolley.com
That’s what this rollercoaster of this comic is. Looking back through the years and the moments.
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THE SOPRIS SUN | Your weekly community connector | November 12-18, 2026 5
PitCo Sheriff’s Office employs drone to monitor crime at Penny SKYLER STARK-RAGSDALE Managing Editor
A Pitkin County Sheriff’s Office drone has had eyes on Penny Hot Springs crime calls for the first time this fall, which the office said has helped it use its resources more efficiently. Stationed about 1.5 miles south of the hot springs on Pitkin County Open Space & Trails-owned land, the “Drone as a First Responder” system allows the office to see the amount of resources, if any, it needs to put toward a crime call, rather than send a deputy, or deputies, on at least a 20 or 30 minute drive to the hot springs. “We’re using it as a tool, as a deputy in the sky,” Pitkin County Sheriff Michael Buglione said. The drone — which has a Federal Aviation Administration registration number and about a 2-foot by 2-foot span when flying — was first stationed in the Penny Hot Springs area during the first week of October in response to crime calls over the summer. The office plans to move the drone to the downvalley side of Snowmass Canyon to respond to traffic incidents sometime this week. The calls over the summer and into the fall included complaints of individuals spending the night at Penny, welfare concerns,
parking-related calls, indecent exposure and more, according to Parker Lathrop, Pitkin County Sheriff’s Office chief deputy of operations. (It’s illegal to be naked at Penny as it’s set on public land.) Buglione said there was one individual living out of their van earlier in the fall that “kind of took ownership of the parking area,” which prompted some harassmentrelated calls. Pilots can “get some eyes” on a situation using the drone at Penny within two minutes of a call to the sheriff’s office, Buglione said, adding that it also helps them understand the resources required in traffic incidents, as is the office’s plan for drone use in Snowmass Canyon. “It’s just such a great help to have these eyes in the sky,” Buglione said, “and there’s so many, many things that we can do with it, and other agencies are doing with it, and it’s a growing program in law enforcement for sure, and we will be getting more.” Regarding drone use more broadly, Anaya Robinson, the public policy director at ACLU of Colorado, an organization focused on civil rights and liberties, said individuals’ privacy rights come into question. “There is a lot of concern around invasion of privacy and breaching
that Fourth Amendment threshold when it comes to the government utilizing these drones,” he said. To collect information with a drone facing private property, that would otherwise be out of view from ground level without a warrant, would violate an individual’s Fourth Amendment rights protecting citizens from unreasonable government search and seizure, Robinson said. He added that law enforcement use of technologies like drones, complex camera systems and AI can be “extremely problematic,” but not if they are “well, appropriately and responsibly regulated.” “Right now, they’re really not,” he said, “beyond internal policies.” Buglione said the sheriff’s office does not record with the drone until it feels it necessary and it is lawful to do so. Recording or videoing at Penny Hot Springs falls within the office’s legal right as it is situated on public land. He added that the sheriff’s office is going to create a public link on its website home page that maps where the drone has flown. “People want to see where the drone flies,” Buglione said. “They have every right to see exactly where the drone has flown.” He added, though not positive on these details, that the public
The drone used by the Pitkin County Sheriff’s Office as a first responder launches from a trailer, pictured here in September up Independence Pass, where the office used the technology to monitor oversized loads traveling on Highway 82. The trailer and drone were relocated about 1.5 miles up the Crystal River Valley from Penny Hot Springs in October, and are slated to move to the downvalley side of Snowmass Canyon this week. Photo courtesy of the Pitkin County Sheriff’s Office
might be able to request the video produced by the drone through the Colorado Open Records Act, depending on whether or not an incident is still under investigation. Robinson said that law enforcement use of technologies like drones, complex camera systems and AI in a responsible and regulated manner can “help on the back end because there is not an unlimited supply of taxpayer dollars.” “While communities need to be kept safe, we also need to fund public schools. We also need to fund healthcare access. We also need to fund food access. We also need to fund access to housing,”
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6 THE SOPRIS SUN | soprissun.com | November 12-18, 2026
Robinson said. “Those resources aren’t unlimited, so utilizing them in a responsible manner is and always has been important. A lot of these tools allow for that future, but they have to be regulated in their use.” From an environmental standpoint, the sheriff’s office spoke with Pitkin County Open Space & Trails to understand the best way to mitigate wildlife disruption, and got permission from the department to station the drone on its land. Lathrop said the office avoids flying the drone over the Filoha continued on page 18
GARFIELD COUNTY REPORT
Welcome Godes, library trustees, charter school, South Bridge update AMY HADDERN MARSH Sopris Sun Correspondent
Garfield County Commission Chair Tom Jankovsky put Democratic Commissioner-elect Jonathan Godes on the spot at Monday’s Garfield County Commissioner (BOCC) meeting. “I want to acknowledge that you are our next county commissioner that is going to be sitting in my position,” Jankovsky said. Godes won the race for Jankovsky’s seat on Nov. 3 against Republican candidate Eric Rudd. Jankovsky won his seat in 2010 against Democrat Trési Houpt, who had served since 2002. “Welcome to the Board of Garfield County Commissioners,” said Jankovsky, offering a congratulatory handshake to Godes, who was sitting in the audience. “Nobody can really understand what it’s like to run for a political office until you’ve actually done it, and the local politics can really be strenuous,” added Jankovsky. “You make somebody happy, you make somebody not happy, and that’s just the nature of the beast.” Jankovsky then offered Godes time to speak. After thanking his supporters and the BOCC, Godes said he looks forward to working with everyone. “This whole community is looking to you guys, and will at some point be looking to me as one of you three, to help guide
them through tough times, tough decisions, budget decisions, political decisions, library, transportation — the list goes on and on,” he said. “I look forward to getting to know staff, getting to know department heads. And you don’t need to hear a whole lot more from me because you got four years of probably hearing enough from me. So I’ll leave it at that.”
Library board Moving on to the agenda, the BOCC appointed two new library trustees based on interviews from Nov. 3 and the library board’s recommendations. Despite commending former Library District Director Jamie LaRue on his knowledge and experience, the BOCC did not appoint LaRue. “Jamie, your interview was great,” said Commissioner Perry Will, echoing Commissioner Mike Samson’s remarks. “But, in my opinion, being such a short time out of being director, I don’t think that makes much sense to be on the board.” Commissioners voted unanimously to appoint Tela Forehand as the representative of the greater Silt area. Forehand is the daughter of Robin Robinson, a Silt business owner who has been a vocal opponent of the Manga books at the Silt Library and has made statements against the Equal Rights Amendment. Robinson commented at the start of Monday’s meeting that re-appointing John Malonee would be playing into
“It’s a sixteen year Democrat.” “groupthink” since there are other lawyers on the library board. “And one of them gets paid quite well to be the lawyer for a Marxist organization,” she said, naming neither the lawyer nor the organization. Garfield County Republicans also put out an emailed call-to-action letter on Nov. 6 for constituents to sign, urging the BOCC to appoint Caleb Waller to the at-large seat and Tela Forehand to the Silt seat. Waller did not apply for the at-large seat. Commissioners and the library board selected Malonee, the current board treasurer, for his second term as the at-large trustee.
GarCo School of Innovation Then, the commissioners tackled a request from Judy and Barry Brannberg to
MARBLE REPORT
lease a building at 949 Railroad Avenue in Rifle from the county for the Garfield County School of Innovation. County Manager Fred Jarman told the BOCC that the property is the old NAPA building and has some “significant challenges,” including water damage from a leaky roof, saturated insulation, possible asbestos in the ceiling and floor tiles and a cracked foundation. Jarman added that it is not up to standards under the Americans with Disabilities Act. He said that the county’s intention for the property is to raze the building and add the land to the County Fairgrounds campus. After much discussion, the BOCC denied the request. The Brannbergs founded the STEM School Highlands Ranch charter school in continued on page 19
Kerching! The town joins the CapEx party ANGUS BARBER Sopris Sun Correspondent
Land use issues once again dominated November’s regular meeting of the Town of Marble Board of Trustees, with a significant spending announcement thrown into the mix. In the absence of Mayor Vinciguerra, Larry Good, accomplished musician and Mayor pro tem, entertained the handful of attendees with a few bars of “America the Beautiful” played on the tinny upright piano in the Church Hall. After a brief round of applause, Good got the meeting underway. Treasurer Amy Rusby reported that the Town’s reserves stood at approximately $653,000 as of October month end, up $190,000 from the same point the previous year. Most of this she attributed to an uptick in sales tax receipts, recalling Town Administrator Ron Leach’s observation at October’s meeting that “It’s amazing how much stuff people buy,” the Town of Marble included. Leach invited Nick Sparling of Wildfire Collaborative Roaring Fork Valley to the meeting to give an update on the implementation of the wildfire modelling project conducted by Dr. Hussam Mahmoud’s research team at Vanderbilt University. Sparling explained that the collaborative had a war chest of $56,000 earmarked for the protection of the 10 most vulnerable buildings in the town, as identified by Dr. Mahmoud’s model. Of these, the Marble Charter School and adjacent
museum have been designated as priorities, although at present privacy and insurance concerns prevent the entire list from being made public. Sparling also clarified that any fire mitigation work undertaken by the program would be limited to a 30-foot perimeter around each structure. There followed a public hearing to consider a brace of variance requests from Karen Good, owner and operator of the Beaver Lake Lodge and director of Jyoti’s Seeds for Change foundation, which owns the Freight Farm on the adjoining lot. The Board of Trustees has in the past voiced its concern over the granting of variances, a process perceived as courting the risk of litigation and further complicated by arcane surveys and cavalier building practices of yesteryear. Karen Good outlined her plan to relocate the historic 200-square-foot ice cream parlor, currently sitting on another property belonging to her on 2nd and State Street, to the northwest corner of her Lodge property. She argued that, although the new building would sit on the property line (like several of the existing cabins on the lot), the only person likely to be inconvenienced by the change would be the owner of the adjacent lot, Karen Good herself. When asked by Trustee Dustin Wilkey whether there were alternative sites on her property on which to situate the building, Karen Good spoke to the underground labyrinth of utility cables and pipes crisscrossing her land. “There’s a lot in the ground,” she said.
Trustee Amber McMahill then read a memo written by absent Vinciguerra in which he praised the Goods for their “entrepreneurial spirit,” all the while reminding them of the board’s sensitivity to granting variances, in relation to setbacks in particular. The variance was nevertheless granted. Karen Good then made a second request for a variance, this time relating to her lot on East 2nd and State Street, stressing the need to construct employee housing on the site. McMahill said that this request, if granted, would result in an encroachment of a town street and, after Wilkey suggested an alternative solution to Karen Good’s dilemma, the subject was tabled until January. Jewel Campbell, who some time ago purchased Duane Piffer’s lot opposite the Slow Groovin’ restaurant, sought the opinion of the board about what to do with the dilapidated structure on the lot she referred to as the “trash house.” “It’s just such a mess,” she said. Wilkey sought to offer Campbell some solace over her plans to rebuild. “As long as you use the same footprint (of the existing structure), there should not be an issue,” he said. Also at the meeting, the board unanimously agreed to spend up to $100,000 of its cash reserves to purchase snow removal equipment in the form of a skid-steer and new plow for the town’s truck. Emphasizing the $30,000 that Marble currently budgets annually for snow removal by a third party, Town Administrator Ron Leach
Trustee Larry Good makes a point during the November regular meeting of the Marble Board of Trustees. Photo by Angus Barber
described the initiative as “a good move for the town of Marble (that) will translate into future savings in the years ahead.”
THE SOPRIS SUN | Your weekly community connector | November 12-18, 2026 7
GLENWOOD SPRINGS REPORT
Ice rink policy questioned, West Glenwood water line agreement revised JOHN STROUD Sopris Sun Correspondent
A Glenwood Springs Community Center Ice Rink policy prohibiting speed skating during open skate times is being called into question as discriminatory. Jesse Lafayette appeared before Glenwood City Council at its Nov. 5 regular meeting, presenting a petition calling for the end to the prohibition of speed skating during public ice time. “Public recreation centers are funded by and built for the entire community,” Lafayette said, reading from the petition. “Policies must not be dictated by the personal bias or preferences of individual employees.” Currently, a sign outlining the rules of use for the ice rink includes a recently added rule, “No speed skates allowed.” Lafayette said there’s a small but growing group of speed skaters in the community, and that they hope to establish a club once there is enough interest. Ice time is critical, he said. “Exposure to speed skating is critical during these public hours, along with all disciplines, when done in a safe and appropriate manner,” he said. Mayor Marco Dehm called on Tim Bergman, the interim parks and recreation
director for the city, to explain the situation and reason for the rule. Bergman said it comes down to safety, and speed skating when other recreational skaters are on the ice is not safe. Speed skaters are not being singled out, he said. There are also rules during open skate time prohibiting hockey pucks, and figure skaters must also stay in designated sections to help prevent collisions with other skaters, Bergman said. If any specialized groups want to arrange for dedicated ice time, staff is happy to work with them, he said. But the facility is now booked out most days from about 5:30am until as late as 1am. Lafayette called for a public hearing on the matter.
Water service agreement revised An already approved plan to provide city water to a property outside of city limits in West Glenwood was back before council for some changes. The site is where Mark Gould of Gould Construction is currently building a new self-storage facility. Council agreed in February of this year to extend a water line beyond city boundaries to service the Gould property, and eventually the Ami’s Acres property where a new residential
A sign above the entrance to the Glenwood Springs Ice Rink states “No Speed Skates Allowed,” a policy called into question during the Nov. 5 Glenwood City Council meeting by those wanting to start a speed skating club. Photo by John Stroud
development is being proposed through Garfield County’s land-use review process. Now, Gould is planning to subdivide off a portion of his property for U-Haul to operate a separate mobile storage container business, necessitating a change in the water service agreement. Council voted 5-2 to approve the revised agreement, but with the two council members who opposed the original agreement still in opposition. Councilor Ray Schmahl called the process “ass-backwards,” and said the properties should go through the city’s new annexation procedures requiring a vote of the public. “This is a precedent that I think is going to come back to bite us, and it’s an
indication of things to come,” Schmahl said of possible future attempts to circumvent the annexation process through utility agreements. Councilor David Townsley joined Schmahl in voting against the revised agreement. Public Works Director Matt Langhorst reminded council that a benefit for the city in extending that particular water line was to establish more fire hydrants along that stretch of Highway 6 and 24 as a protection against wildfires. The city will also receive revenues for the water sold to customers outside city limits. Pressed on the issue by Schmahl, who said he felt voters were clear in their intent to limit annexations, City Attorney Karl continued on page 18
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CARBONDALE REPORT
Trustees come around to 3-story Main Street development with a fee
Development still not formally approved SKYLER STARK-RAGSDALE Managing Editor
The Carbondale Board of Trustees appeared mostly in favor of greenlighting a three-story mixed commercial- and residential-use development at the east end of Main Street that would exceed the town’s building height restriction, after proposing a tax on all future sales of the property. Land+Shelter, the Carbondale-based architecture firm bringing the design to the trustees on behalf of the family that owns the property, asked the board in October to approve its alternative compliance request for the three-story, stepped back design at 155 Main Street, next to Carbondale Clay Center. The alternative compliance would allow the design to reach a max height of 38 feet, as measured from the mid-span of the sloped roof, exceeding the town’s 35-foot building height limit. The peak height would reach 40 feet on the north side of the building. The proposed design includes storage, five commercial spaces, four market-rate, leasable apartments and one deed-restricted apartment for rent to those making 100% or less than the area median income. At the October public hearing, the trustees did not collectively agree there was a sufficient community benefit to warrant the alternative compliance, as is required by town code. But
(Left to right) Carbondale Middle School sixth grader Dorian Changana-Mendoza, Ross Montessori fifth grader Maple Holsinger, Carbondale Middle School sixth grader Kinley Beery and Ross Montessori second grader Lansford Norton won students of the month awards at the Carbondale Board of Trustee regular meeting on Tuesday, Nov. 10. Photo by Skyler Stark-Ragsdale
the board on Tuesday proposed the owners adopt a real estate transfer assessment fee, which would levy money for the town in all future sales of the property. Land+Shelter Architect Andrea Korber said the owner would agree to a 1% transfer assessment fee, allowing the town to levy 1% of the property sale amount every time it changes hands. “I think that would be a huge community benefit, so thank you,” Trustee Christina Montemayor said of the fee.
The board voted 5-2 to continue the public hearing to the next regular meeting on Nov. 24, including documents to potentially approve the project with the stipulation that the property owner agrees to a 1% real estate transfer assessment fee. Trustees Ross Kribbs and Chris Hassig opposed the matter. Though otherwise in favor of the design, Hassig had hoped to include a condition requiring the developer to build a bulbout on the Main Street-side of the building that would
provide suitable conditions for planting a tree, as well as a public bench and the planting of a tree north of the property close to the Rio Grande Trail. Carbondale Public Works Director Kevin Schorzman could still require landscaping conditions from the applicant despite the potential omission of the conditions. Kribbs said that he couldn’t vote on Tuesday to move the project along with the 1% fee because he hadn’t yet heard an estimated dollar value the fee would yield in future sales. Before the discussion regarding the real estate assessment fee, Carbondale resident Oliver Sweet returned to the stand for public comment, saying he created a petition that tallied 140 signatures in opposition to Land+Shelter’s request to exceed the town’s height restriction. “The public concern is to not exceed 35 feet unless there is a clear community benefit,” he said. “I don’t know if a bulbout onto the public street, kind of interfering with potential parking and adding a tree is enough community benefit.” Carbondale resident Steve Zlotnick also spoke during public comment and submitted written comments to the trustees raising concerns, among many, of the view of the 40-foot height of the building from the Rio Grande Trail. He argued that, given the lower grade of the Rio Grande, the perceived height of the building from the trail will rise significantly higher than the height listed by Land+Shelter.
BASALT REPORT
South Side storage-residential complex denied
WILL BUZZERD Sopris Sun Correspondent
A Sopris Sun correspondent successfully shook the sleep out of his eyes this week to report that on Tuesday Basalt Town Council voted to deny an application to construct a mixed residential-storage development at 555 Basalt Ave. The application in question was to construct 42 commercial storage units, 30 residential units, 12 live-work units and two community-serving spaces on a single mixed-use property in the South Side neighborhood. After many continued hearings, council voted 5-1 to deny the application at Town Hall, which was filled by Basalt residents. It was standing room only during the period for public comment. A majority of speakers voiced their support for the project, especially for its inclusion of affordable single-person residences and industrial space. Local contractor Justin Gray, who appeared at the Oct. 27 meeting, reiterated his support for the project. “For me and my business, having somewhere to keep tools and materials as well as the ability to have a permanent meeting and office space is a necessity,” Gray said. “I’ve spoken to a few other
contractors. It turns out we’re all looking for the same thing.” “This project could help Basalt establish a down-payment-assistance program that makes home-work space ownership possible for those who might otherwise never be able to achieve it,” Elizabeth Lahey said. “As someone who rents, I can tell you there’s an enormous difference between living somewhere and knowing you have the security of having a place you call your own.” Darryl Grosjean, a resident of South Side and former employee of Basalt and Rural Fire Protection, voiced safety concerns, especially regarding an existing flooding issue on the adjacent Cody Lane, which freezes in the winter. “I’ve noticed so many injuries in the wintertime, especially at crossings at pedestrian areas,” Grosjean said. “It would be a mistake by the council to permit these hazardous conditions to continue until a pedestrian is injured or even killed at this location.” Laurel Fox of South Side added her safety concerns. “We need to address the one road that everyone gets out at. If we have a fire in South Side, we’re looking at a huge issue with more people on Cody Lane and Basalt [Ave.] when
you think of that one light on Highway 82,” she said. Other commenters not in favor of the project were concerned primarily with traffic generated, especially from the commercial spaces. At the previous meeting, public opinion was evenly split on the development, with nine commenters supporting the project and nine against. During this meeting, 15 commenters supported the project and 12 urged Council to deny the application. After all the comments had been considered, Councilor Greg Shaffran put forth a motion to deny a proposed amendment to the Master Plan, which led to the ordinance for the development itself also being denied. Both motions to deny were approved 5-1. Councilors denied the application on the grounds that, according to the Basalt Master Plan, improvements to infrastructure must be made before applications are approved. Additionally, uncertainty about traffic generation fueled doubts about how the project would actually unfold once completed. The motion was opposed by Councilor Elyse Hottel, and Councilor Hannah Berman was absent for the vote.
Lukewarm on sales tax
After taking to the polls on Nov. 3, Basalt residents voted to approve a ballot measure funding a new combined Police Department and Public Works building, though only by a slim majority of 51.4%. Ballot measure 3A asked Basalt residents to approve a 20-year sales tax hike of 0.5% beginning in the new year to fund the construction, operation and maintenance of the new public facility. According to unofficial results posted by the Town of Basalt on Nov. 4, 971 of 1,888 voters voted yes on 3A. Within Pitkin County, 295 of 528 voters approved of
the measure for an approval rate of 55.9%. The measure was less favorable, comparatively, among Eagle County voters, of which 676 of 1,360 voted to approve for a rate of 49.7%. In total, the needle tipped to approve by only 27 votes. The facility is planned to be located on a pair of annexed, town-owned properties south of the Highway 82 and Original Road intersection, just across from the Midvalley Medical Center. The facility is still in the planning and conceptual design phase, which the town estimates will be completed in the first quarter of 2027. If so, the project could potentially go out to bid next summer.
A mockup of the combined Public Works and Police Department building that will be funded by a 0.5% sales tax increase approved by voters last week. Courtesy graphic
THE SOPRIS SUN | Your weekly community connector | November 12-18, 2026 9
R E
CALENDAR THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 12
SELF-PUBLISHING WORKSHOP Roy Serrao, a senior library consultant at Lyrasis, fills local authors in on self-publishing tools offered through the Garfield County Libraries, including its Indie Author Project, where self-published e-books can be uploaded for statewide discoverability and potential royalty payments. The workshop will also go over how to create an e-book, free of charge. Folks can attend in person at the Glenwood Library, from 5:30 to 7pm, or join remotely. RSVPs by Nov. 8 by emailing tlamee@gcpld.org and svail@gcpld.org For more details, visit gcpld.org/GarCoWriMo or call the library at 970-945-5958.
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Art Classes Call or stop by for more information and to register for these Credit Art Classes at the Aspen Campus FIBER DESIGN I RINGS AND TINY THINGS
Forming, bending, cutting and soldering metals to make rings and/or other smaller jewelry. Tuesdays, 5:10-9p, 1/12-3/2
DRAWING II
Explores expressive drawing techniques with emphasis on composition, color media, and thematic development. Thursdays, 10:10a-2pm, 1/14-5/6
POTTERBOT - 3D PRINTING
Introduction to 3D printing in clay using Potter Bots. Design your own or use open source. Thursdays, 6:10-8:45pm, 1/14-3/4
Weds, 5:10-9p, 1/13-5/5
BEGINNING SEWING
Students will build foundational confidence with hand and machine sewing techniques. Basic fabric knowledge will also be explored. Thurs, 5:10-7:45pm, 1/14-3/4
CERAMICS III MOLDS & SLIP CASTING
Explores intermediate-level traditional and contemporary approaches to ceramic form and surface design, glazing, glaze formulations, and kiln firing procedures. Thursdays, 5:10-9pm, 1/14-5/6
SCREEN PRINTING
JEWELRY AND METAL WORK
COMBINING MEDIA
HANDBUILT CLAY I
Mondays, 5:10-7:45p, 1/11-5/3 Choose your medium to focus on a series in painting, printmaking, collage, encaustic, and use the laser engraver and digital lab equipment. Weds, 11:10a-3p, 1/13-3/3
Thursdays, 10:10a-2pm, 1/14-5/6 Provides instruction in several methods of handbuilding and the study of functional and decorative design elements Thurs, 10:10a-2pm, 1/14-5/6
255 Sage Way Aspen in AABC
970-925-7740 10 THE SOPRIS SUN | soprissun.com | November 12-18, 2026
UPSTAGE PRODUCTIONS Student-led theater company Upstage Productions presents “The Government Inspector” in the Roaring Fork High School auditorium today, tomorrow and Saturday at 7pm and Sunday at 2pm. Tickets at tinyurl.com/ UpstageProductions ‘FRIEDL’ Learn about Aspen Skiing Company Founder Friedl Pfeifer in the Crystal Theatre’s screening of “FRIEDL” at 7pm. Tickets at crystaltheatrecarbondale.com Sold out! CRYSTAL CAUCUS The Crystal River Caucus convenes at the Church at Redstone at 7pm. The agenda includes: 1) election of board members; 2) an update on the Crystal River Wild and Scenic and other Alternatives Steering Committee; and 3) revisions to the Caucus Master Plan. Folks who can’t make it in person can join on Zoom at tinyurl.com/ CrystalCaucusZoom STEVE’S GUITARS Dan Rodriguez performs at Steve’s Guitars at 8pm. Tickets at stevesguitars.net
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 13
GONDOLA GIVING Donate a $25 City Market gift card at the Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park ticket office and receive four free gondola tickets for today through Nov. 25. All donations will go to the food-security nonprofit LIFT-UP. YOUTH CLIMATE SUMMIT Wild Rose Education hosts the Colorado Youth Climate Summit, a two-day immersive retreat for eighth through 11th graders from rural areas around the state, at the Catto Center at Toklat today and tomorrow, including a slumber-party style overnight. Register by Nov. 5 at wildroseeducation.com YOUNG AT heART OPENING Senior citizens exhibit their creative works, completed through The Art Base’s Young at heART class, at the Basalt Library and invites the community to an opening reception today from 4 to 6pm. The exhibit will be up through Nov. 30. HOLIDAY INVITATIONAL The Carbondale Clay Center hosts an opening reception for its Holiday Invitational exhibit, which features handmade holiday gifts by more than 10 artists, from 6 to 8pm at Main Street Gallery & The Framer (399 Main St.). The exhibit will be up through Dec. 23. A “Special Sale” will take place on Dec. 4 from 6 to 8pm. Details at carbondaleclay.org
‘CHANGE IN THE WEATHER’ The Center for Human Flourishing presents a concert celebrating Jan Garrett and JD Martin’s fresh album, “Change in the Weather,” along with harmony singer Marcy Baruch from 6:30 to 8:30pm at the Third Street Center Round Room. Reserve a ticket in advance by emailing info@tcfhf.org For more about Garrett and Martin and their recordings, visit Garrett-Martin.com SOUND JOURNEY Dr. Zachary and Krista Cashin take participants on a sound journey from the True Nature Kiva at 6:30pm. Register at truenaturehealingarts.com ‘FRANK’S FALL FILM FESTIVAL’ Established in Jackson Hole in 1992, “Frank’s Fall Film Festival” comes to the Crystal Theatre, with “The Incomer” screening today at 7pm, “Sundance Shorts” screening tomorrow at 4pm, “If I Go Will They Miss Me” screening tomorrow at 7pm and “DJ Ahmet” screening Sunday at 4pm. Tickets at crystaltheatrecarbondale.com SOPRIS MTN BOYZ The Sopris Mountain Boyz perform at Townline Trucks from 7 to 10pm. ‘CINDERELLA’ Aspen Community Theatre’s “Cinderella” opens at 7pm tonight at the Aspen District Theatre. The performance runs tomorrow at 7pm, Sunday at 2pm and continues next weekend. Tickets at aspenshowtix.com/other-venues The theatre is looking for ushers to help out at the showings. Sign up at tinyurl.com/ cinderellaushers2026 ‘BEYOND REASON’ Thunder River Theatre presents the world premiere of local playwright Kristin (K.D.) Carlson’s “Beyond Reason” tonight at 7:30pm. The run continues through Nov. 29 with Friday and Saturday showings at 7:30pm and Sunday matinees at 2pm. Tickets at thunderrivertheatre.com ‘WHAT MOVIE?’ AT TACAW Comedians Adam Cayton-Holland, Rory Scovel & Ben Roy talk over a movie at TACAW starting at 8pm.
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 14
DECK THE WALLS Carbondale Arts’ annual “Deck the Walls” holiday market opens to the public today at The Launchpad (76 South 4th St.) at 10am. The market, featuring more than 70 local and regional artists and vendors, runs until Dec. 24. Details at tinyurl.com/ holidaymarketcarbondale DANCE ASPEN CLASSES Dance Aspen offers a free community dance class at the Red Brick Center for the Arts in Aspen from 10 to 11:15am today, Dec. 12, Jan. 9, 2027 and Feb. 6, 2027. Register at danceaspen.punchpass.com
SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 15
MEDITATION RETREAT The TRI Wisdom Institute hosts a “Cultivating Balance Meditation Retreat,” employing shamatha meditation, “a universal attentional practice [that] helps us develop focus, emotional balance and inner calm, while building a stable foundation for greater wisdom, connection, resilience and well-being,” from 9:30am to 12:30pm at the Third Street Center, with a virtual attendance option also available. Register at triwisdominstitute.org CLAY CENTER ANNEX The Carbondale Clay Center hosts an open house at its new 12th Street Annex (215 12th Street, Unit D, Carbondale)
Hats off (or on) to Carbondale Fire, local artists and vendors for their contributions that helped to make the annual Carbondale Christmas Boutique a success on Nov. 7. This year’s event, which always takes place at the Carbondale Fire House and is a kickoff to the holiday season, was particularly notable because it was its 50th anniversary. Stay tuned for the 100th anniversary in 2076! Photo and text by Jane Bachrach
from 1 to 4pm. The Cocoa Club will provide hot chocolate, while folks explore the new space and decorate ceramic ornaments, while supplies last. Details at carbondaleclay.org
SOL/SUN BINGO Sol del Valle and The Sopris Sun host bilingual Bingo Night at Carbondale Beer Works starting at 6pm. Proceeds benefit both nonprofit newspapers. ¡Vámanos!
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 16
CRYSTAL THEATRE The Crystal Theatre screens “You Can See Everything” tonight and tomorrow at 7pm. Tickets at the door.
UTE HISTORY ONLINE The Basalt Library hosts a 30-minute tutorial on how to access and use tools to explore museum archives of Indigenous history from 6 to 6:30pm. Details at basaltlibrary.org
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 17
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 19
HOT SPRINGS ClOSURE The Glenwood Hot Springs pool is closed today for maintenance. It will reopen tomorrow. DRAWING CLUB The Roaring Fork Drawing Club sketches together at the Cocoa Club in Carbondale from 6:30pm til “we get kicked out.”
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 18
FARM TO FRIDGE The Farm Collaborative hosts the 19th annual Farm to Fridge event, when the organization purchases growers’ end-of-year produce at fair market rates to give back to the community. One bag of produce is good for a family of four. Register to pick up your bag at the Farm Collaborative, next to Cozy Point, sometime between 2 and 6pm. Register at farmco.org ‘SMALL WONDERS’ Aspen Chapel Gallery’s “Small Wonders” showcase returns with affordable 12-inch by 12-inch pieces by 31 participating artists. A portion of the proceeds benefits Holiday Baskets, a 45-year-old volunteer nonprofit providing gifts and food cards to 300 families. The opening takes place today from 4 to 7pm. DANCE ASPEN SNEAK PEEK Meet Dance Aspen’s new artists and get a sneak peek of the company’s winter repertoire at the Aspen Art Museum from 5:30 to 6:30pm. Details at dance-aspen.org/events BOOK TALK This month’s Book Talk at the Basalt Library explores “Broken Country” by Claire Leslie Hall from 5:30 to 6:30pm.
DOCUMENTARY AT THE LIBRARY The Basalt Library screens “Reel Injun” — “a thought-provoking documentary exploring the portrayal of Native peoples and Indigenous cultures in Hollywood films” — from 5:30 to 7pm. Details at basaltlibrary.org WRITING CRITIQUE CIRCLE As part of Garfield County Libraries GarCoWriMo series, teens and upwards writers working on manuscripts are invited to give and get feedback at the Glenwood Springs Library from 5:30 to 7pm today, Dec. 17 and Jan. 28. For more info, visit gcpld.org/GarCoWriMo or call the library at 970-945-5958. ‘ACTUALLY, IT IS ROCKET SCIENCE’ The Crystal Theatre Alliance screens “Actually, it is Rocket Science” — “the newest chapter in Teton Gravity Research’s ongoing study of the fall line, told through the world’s best skiers” — at 7pm. Tickets at tinyurl.com/ TetonGravityattheCrystal LOCALS NIGHT AT BELLY UP Tommy the Animal is playing at Belly Up Aspen featuring River Spell as the opener. Doors open at 7:30pm and the show starts at 8:30pm. Tickets at bellyupaspen.com/events/ locals-night-tommy-the-animal/
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 20
‘A DREAMERS MOSAIC’ Riven Badgett and Dance Initiative present “A Dreamers Mosaic,” a musical and dance production around the theme “what it means to be human,” from 6:30 to 7:30pm at the Third Street Center. Tickets at danceinitiative.org/ adreamersmosaic
Find more upcoming events at www.soprissun.com/tag/curated-calendar
BINGO Carbondale Beer Works presents
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STARTING AT 6 PM 647 Main St, Carbondale, CO
In support of Sol del Valle The Sopris Sun is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit community organization that publishes the weekly newspapers The Sopris Sun and Sol del Valle. Our mission is to inform, inspire, and build community by fostering diverse and independent journalism.
BILINGUAL EVENT THE SOPRIS SUN | Your weekly community connector | November 12-18, 2026 11
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the many men, women, and children who continue to support us in helping raise awareness of the vital role Hospice of the Valley brings to our communities. The 2nd Annual Trek for Hospice would like to thank all the local individuals and businesses who supported us on October 3rd at Two Rivers Park.
$10,000
Our Generous Silent Auction Donors:
City of Glenwood Springs
$5,000 Alpine Bank Aspen Valley Health
$2,000 Brown’s Cremation & Funeral Services
$1,000 Bighorn Toyota DWC CPA’s and Advisors Glenwood Hot Springs Pool Glenwood Springs Post Independent Holy Cross Energy KMTS Leslie Gallagher Linda Huntsman and Frank McGuirk Luu Family Paul and Maura Carlson/ GriefShare Premier Medical Care SGM Skyline Mechanical Sopris Lodge Valley View Hospital
$500 Carbondale Family Dental Carnes Wealth Management Derron Cloud with State Farm Insurance Grand River Health PNC Bank Roaring Fork Coop
19th Street Diner A la Carte Annie’s Café and Bakery Aspen Glen Golf Course Aspen Rec Center Beer Works Bleu Door Boutique Body Bliss Studio Bonfire Coffee Brendan Theatres Brew Pub Bullocks Carbondale Rec Center Charcoal Burger Chris Lee with Conoco City Market Cooper Street Wine and Spirits Crystal Theatre Dawn Thomas Massage Downtown Drug Dr Jen Butterfield - Mount Sopris Plastic Surgery Exquisite Design Fine Things Jewelry Frank McGuirk Gearhead Outfitters Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park Glenwood Vaudeville Review Grand Avenue Liquors High Country Gems and Minerals Holly Ann Gifts Hot Spring Pool Hotel Colorado Iron Bridge Golf Course Jimmy Johns Jon Zalinski Luma Medical Aesthetics Lesa Russo Marble Distillery
Miners Claim Natural Grocers Nido Women’s Apparel RFTA River Valley Ranch Golf Course Riviera Scratch Kitchen Rub a Dub Car Wash Smoke Snowmass Rec Center Sprazzo Sunburst Car Wash Sweet Coloradough Tequila’s Thunder River Theatre TLC Ranch Designs Ute Theatre Village Inn Walmart White House Pizza White River Books Zheng Asian Bistro
Silent Auction Volunteers Ann Deyarmond Brigitt Widmir Carla Comey Dan Becker Dave Sheriff Greg Jeung Jan Shute Jeanne Sheriff Jenny Zetah Jo Bershenyi Lesa Russo Leslie Gallagher Linda Huntsman Lisa Moretti Mike Podmore Paul Carlson Sean Jeung Stephen Burns and Bear Wallow Ranch Sumaya Abuhaidar
A Holiday Market at Carbondale Arts! Over 70 local & regional creatives
THE
Opening to the public on Saturday, Nov. 14, 10am Preview night for Carbondale Arts members on Friday, Nov. 13, 4-7pm, 10% off purchases!
We’re open nearly every single
day through Christmas Eve!
Holiday Hours: Mon-Sat 10am-5pm and Sundays in December 11am-4pm
NOVEMBER 13 - DECEMBER 24, 2026
CARBONDALE ARTS
12 THE SOPRIS SUN | soprissun.com | November 12-18, 2026
Located in The Launchpad at 76 South 4th Street. More information at carbondalearts.com
Consensual Improv celebrates 10 years of ‘yes, and’ MYKI JONES Arts Review
Hit comedy troupe Consensual Improv returned on Friday, Nov. 6, to the stage of Thunder River Theatre Company (TRTC), the venue where their shenanigans began a decade ago, to celebrate the growth of the players and the audiences that have grown around them. The show was sold out and those in attendance left the black box with smiles wider than when they walked in. The show included many suggestions from the audience, new games based on collaborations between the cast and audience, and, above all, gratitude. In chatting with the players after their final bows, each performer shared gratitude for the work they have contributed to the troupe, along with hope for what they can accomplish in the next decade of “yes anding” across stages. Kristin Carlson, a member of the players since 2021, whose original show “Beyond Reason” will premiere at TRTC on Nov. 13, credits Consensual Improv’s success to the trust the players have in one another, which is why folks keep coming back to see their shows. “[In improv] you have to trust each other, so that is something that we have in common because any theater production,
you have to be ready to cover for a scene,” Carlson said. “You might drop a line, or you have to cover for someone else. So there are moments of improv in probably every performed show you witness, but the trick is, usually, to make that invisible. Whereas when we’re performing, even our fluttering around and fumbling for words adds to the humanity of it, and that’s really why we’re laughing. It’s like, ‘oh, aren’t we humans ridiculous?’ And in the best way possible.” The trust between the cast can be felt throughout the entire run. This energy remains a comfortable constant in viewing the act despite none of the material being scripted, with the majority made up on the spot using a prompt. Some of the highlights from this milestone celebration performance included prompts where items such as a feather duster and a roll of cheap toilet paper were used outside of their intended purposes, a scene where a funeral with the most ridiculous moments of the deceased’s life were acted out, the making and reenacting of a dime-store novel and much more silly hijinks. In discussing the future stages and venues of this act, Carlson said the team is looking to expand more into the community of the Roaring Fork Valley,
Ryan Honey (center) gets airborne on stage with Cassidy Willey (left) and Jeff Patterson in the Consensual Improv performance at Thunder River Theatre Company on Friday, Nov. 6. Photo by Bob Rugile
but hopes that the players are all able to spread their wings to explore new places. Her sentiments were shared by co-star Mike Monroney, who also said future players and collaborations may play an important role in the years to come. “One of the things that keeps the group going is new people,” Monroney said. “I am getting up there in age but I will keep contributing as long as I am able
to, but I love when we bring in new people and watch how they develop. We’d love to do more shows, but it’s really tricky. The Valley is finite and we worry about oversaturating the need for improv. At the same time, it’d be really fun to collaborate with other troupes and see what we can make happen.” Newcomer Nellie Conboy, whose acting and comedy skills felt like a very natural fit to the
team, is one of these new talents, and as a first time viewer of her contributions, I strongly believe she will quickly become a fan favorite among the current, longtime cast as well as new viewers. Her humor was quick-witted, flexible and quirky, all the classic makings of an improv performer. For updates on upcoming performances, to purchase tickets, or to join a jam session, visit theconsensualimprov.com
Aspen Community Theatre gets ‘Cinderella’ ready for the ball MYKI JONES Arts Correspondent
of incredible storytellers. They bring an energy to this production which is passionate, uniquely curiBeginning Nov. 13 and running through Nov. 22, ous … magical.” Aspen Community Theatre (ACT) stages RodgIn discussion with Producer Travis Lane McDiffett, ers and Hammerstein’s “Cinderella” — the grand who is also moonlighting as the actor playing Sebasfinale of its Golden 50th Anniversary season. The tian, this production perfectly captures the ethos of nonprofit’s 78th production, the performance also what it means to come together as a community. marks several firsts and full-circle moments for ACT “Beyond just a story about a prince and princess and Brad Moore, who is directing the musical and finding each other, this show is about a community has been with ACT since its first show in 1976. banding together to overcome challenges and “This is the first time ACT has done make real changes in their world,” he said. Rodgers and Hammerstein’s McDiffett shared that the cast is ‘Cinderella.’ This version of the fully embracing that spirit with story and Aspen Commuthis show, having developed nity Theatre have a lot in what he described as lasting common,” Moore said. “Not connections with one another only are we exploring what through the work. it means to grow with your “[The musical] embodcommunities, but seeing our ies the ‘community’ in ACT’s dreams realized is what fuels name, as our cast does the our existence.” same to bring this show to the This rendition of the story, stage. They’ve been dedicated - Director Brad Moore with one Tony win and nine and have done their best in balancnominations, is packed with ing the challenges of having families whimsical and wacky stage presence and commitments, while still devoting and blocking, along with themes of young themselves to this,” he said. “It’s always a joy to see love and self-discovery, come what may. The the cast develop not only as performers, but to also classic score from Rodgers and Hammerstein make lasting connections and friendships that will is paired with Douglas Carter Beane’s modern, exist beyond closing night.” witty book, in which ‘Ella’ (played in this producAccording to a press release, audiences can tion by Eva Rudow) and the newly-crowned expect a set that was inspired by French pop-up Prince Topher (Gabriel Traver) set out to make books, with on-stage transformations and “a cast of their kingdom a kinder, more inclusive and puppets [that] brings more characters to life, includbeautiful place for everyone, all the while explor- ing a fox, a raccoon, mice that become horses and a ing the love between themselves. towering 12-foot giant.” “This is the new Broadway version and has been Tickets are available, but going fast, according rebuilt with strong character themes,” Moore said. to the production team. To snag yours, visit aspen“The cast and crew are simply the perfect gathering communitytheatre.org
Not only are we exploring what it means to grow with your communities, but seeing our dreams realized is what fuels our existence.
(Left to right) Ella (Eva Rudow), stepsister Gabrielle (Sage Smiley) and stepmother Madame (Sheri Brinker) open invitations to the prince’s ball. Photo courtesy of Aspen Community Theatre
IN A NUTSHELL What: “Cinderella” Who: Aspen Community Theatre Where: Aspen District Theater When: Nov. 13-22, Fridays & Saturdays at 7pm, Sundays at 2pm, plus a 2pm matinee on Saturday, Nov. 21 Tickets: aspencommunitytheatre.org
THE SOPRIS SUN | Your weekly community connector | November 12-18, 2026 13
Chris Klug Foundation celebrates 15 years of sports fundraising at the New York City Marathon ANNALISE GRUETER Sopris Sun Correspondent
A select group of Roaring Fork Valley runners were among the more than 60,000 marathon participants making their way through the five boroughs of New York City on Nov. 1. The Chris Klug Foundation (CKF) has long celebrated sports and active lifestyles. Since 2011, the organ, eye and tissue donation awareness group has coordinated for donors to participate in endurance races, starting with the Leadville 100 mountain bike race. The next autumn, fundraisers ran the New York City Marathon for organ donation awareness. The “Miles for a Mission” opportunities have grown from there. Chris Klug Foundation Executive Director Jessi Rochel, who grew up in Carbondale, shared more about the initiative and this year’s race with The Sopris Sun. “CKF has been utilizing endurance sport participation as a fundraising and awareness-raising mechanism for over 15 years,” Rochel said. “While both [Leadville 100 MTB and New York City Marathon] draw large national attention, Leadville gives us a hometown race, and NYC gives us a giant platform with which to share our lifesaving message.” Rochel said she thinks the Leadville 100 MTB was the perfect first fundraising race for CKF. With its proximity to the Roaring Fork Valley, challenging nature and coveted race spots, Rochel described it as an excellent race to raise awareness and to highlight what donation and transplant can make possible. She added that Chris Klug celebrated 11 years post-transplant shortly before the 2011 Leadville 100 MTB, and he was the first organ recipient to compete there. As for the New York City Marathon, Rochel said one of the most iconic running races in the United States with a robust charity program was the perfect second race for CKF to add. “This year we had 16 runners complete the New York City Marathon,” Rochel said. “They were from seven different states, and included one husband-wife duo, two brothers and two best friends.”
She described the group as “some of the best connections to the cause we have ever had.” CKF runners included two liver recipients, a living donor, donor family members, a transplant surgeon, a transplant coordinator and a doctor pursuing donation research, among others. “CKF was especially honored to welcome Brittney Cunningham to the team this year,” Rochel said. “Brittney is the older sister of Billy Flood, the heroic young donor who saved Chris Klug’s life 26 years ago.” Rochel herself is a fundraising race participant. “I love this method of race entry both personally and professionally. It gives individuals an alternate way to achieve entry into a race, while also giving more meaning behind the miles,” she said. She described the cause as a motivator which frames the effort and gives it deeper meaning. “Endurance racing is difficult, costly and time-consuming, but when you’re doing it for something bigger than yourself, it makes all of those things manageable,” she said. “It puts your time, energy and challenges into perspective when you get to remind yourself how lucky you are to be able to compete in a marathon or 100-mile race.” Rochel noted that competing to fundraise also resonates with other potential donors. “When you have multiple people with compelling stories reaching out on your nonprofit’s behalf to their networks and communities, they help collectively draw in hundreds or thousands of new connections,” she said. “We always count every single interaction as a profound win because just one person saying yes to organ, eye and tissue donation can result in multiple lives being healed and saved.” The New York Marathon was just one of many races that CKF fundraisers competed in this year. Rochel said that Team CKF Run and Bike Team members also raced in the Tokyo Marathon, Cape Town Marathon, Sydney Marathon, Berlin Marathon and the Unbound Gravel bike races. Twentytwo bikers rode in the Leadville 100 MTB this summer on behalf of CKF. “Our Cape Town runners were the daughter of a heart continued on page 15
The Chris Klug Foundation runners of the New York City Marathon saw Hadestown on Broadway while in the city for the race. Photo courtesy of Jessi Rochel (center)
14 THE SOPRIS SUN | soprissun.com | November 12-18, 2026
OBITUARY
Connie Harvey 1931 - 2026
Connie Harvey, one of Colorado’s fiercest conservationists, cattle rancher, beloved mother, grandmother and great-grandmother, died peacefully in her home on Maroon Creek on Nov. 3. She was 95. Born in Austria in 1931, Connie grew up in a world powered by steam locomotives, but lived to watch rovers land on Mars. To those who knew her, she was a loving presence who could recite pages of Shakespeare by heart one moment and wax philosophical on cattle selection and thistle eradication the next. A voracious and frighteningly fast reader, she was curious about subjects from Marcus Aurelius to epidemiology, and relished good conversations about everything under the sun, including the sun itself. She loved the land, animals of every stripe and her family. Connie’s devotion to animals began as a young child. When she was just 9, she talked her mother into converting her bedroom into a menagerie with a thick layer of sand on the floor. In her self-styled zoo, she kept skunks, snakes, woodchucks, chipmunks, mice, bats, raccoons, rabbits and turtles. Eventually, she conceded the bedroom to the animals and took to sleeping in the barn. She studied at McGill University in Montreal and became an accomplished ski racer. Because women students at that time were not allowed off campus unchaperoned, Connie had to sneak off to races to avoid the wrath of the dean. She was eventually caught when newspapers ran articles about her many victories. Connie married Dr. Harold Harvey in 1955. Their lives were almost cut short in the summer of 1956, when they were returning from a trip to Europe on the Italian ocean liner, the Andrea Doria. Traveling at night in thick fog, the Andrea Doria collided with the Swedish ship Stockholm. With their ship listing sharply and sinking, Connie and Harold climbed hand-over-hand down a rope into the Atlantic and swam to a lifeboat. They were rescued by the Ile de France, a French liner that had turned around when it heard the SOS. Three weeks later, Connie gave birth to her first child. Connie and Harold moved to Aspen in 1959. She taught skiing for many years as an instructor for the Fred Iselin Ski School at Aspen Highlands. Besides skiing, Connie spent the majority of her adult life raising a brood of six children, fighting for wild places and wildlife, and ranching. After Congress passed the Wilderness Act in 1964, Connie and her friends, Joy Caudill and Dottie Fox, organized a small army to explore and map potential wilderness areas, then lobbied Congress to add the land to the American wilderness portfolio. In 1967, they established Wilderness Workshop (still going strong today). They were largely responsible
for the permanent protection of several hundred thousand acres in the Maroon Bells-Snowmass, Hunter-Frying Pan, Collegiate Peaks and Raggeds wilderness areas. She is also the co-founder of Pitkin County Open Space and Trails, and helped shape it into an organization that has preserved thousands of acres and built hundreds of miles of trails. As a founder of the Maki Foundation, she helped hundreds of small environmental organizations get started, survive and go on to become powerhouses in protecting the Rocky Mountains West. For over a decade, she wrote a weekly column for the Aspen Daily News, never afraid to express her strong opinions on complex political and environmental issues facing Aspen and the world. Connie was tough as they come, both physically and morally. She rode horseback for hours over the roughest mountain country well into her eighties, swam ice-cold rapids when bucked out of a boat on rafting trips and gracefully skied the steepest lines on Aspen’s mountains. Faced with crooked operators, marauding developers or scoundrels trying to steal her ranch’s irrigation water, she set her jaw, gathered her considerable wits and sent them scurrying home to re-evaluate their life choices. She loved the West through and through and ran three large cattle ranches in Steamboat, Brush and Snowmass. While cleaning out her old desk — a $40 hunk of crude sheet metal — her kids discovered that her personal photo collection consisted almost entirely of pictures of barbed wire fences, livestock scales, prize bulls and heavy machinery. There was nary a photo of school plays, graduations or baby showers. Though she wasn’t given to sentimentality, her loyalty and devotion to friends and family were immovable and absolute. When things went sideways, her kids could call her at any hour on any day, and she would get in a truck on an icy road in the dark of the night to help them get back on track. She is survived by her six children, nine grandchildren, three great-grandchildren and many friends. Through her love of the West and everything wild, she left her mark on the land, the waters, and the spirit of Colorado. She was fierce, tender and unsinkable. We will miss her beyond measure.
The Pirate
Third time’s a charm
“If you see the pirate-looking man with mission to Moon Lake. A lake on a map with dazzling blue eyes, give him my number.” A no trail. My friends and I spread the map out bold text I sent to my hiking friends group chat on a big table and compared nearby trails after seeing the black-bearded, musty-smell- and possible entrances. I asked them if I was ing man out in the woods for the third time. crazy to even consider going and they just I saw him paddling down the river at kept hyping up the adventure. North Star in a handmade wooden canoe. I crossed roaring creeks. I followed faint I saw him while traversing an avalanche game trails. I scared a herd of cows and debris field following cairns up to Conun- jumped behind a tree so they wouldn’t stamdrum Hot Springs. pede me. I made some wrong turns. I fell I saw him coming down from Electric Pass. tripping over logs. I crossed over boulders Who was he and was he the size of cars. also off on Tuesdays? “Yo-de-lay-hee-hoo.” My friends and I had I look up and the pirate just almost summited is yodeling down from Sopris and were walkCapitol, hop-skipping ing down the final stretch over rocks like it was easy. drenched from the continWho was this guy? What uous downpour, shoes am I doing bushwhacking covered in mud, faces still for hours to meet up with white from running down some dude and his friends from the lightning. We got I didn’t actually know at all. our first view of the parkI felt hot with adrenaline. ing lot when I saw him Five of his friends from coming up the trail. I spotgrowing up and I fished, VOICES ted his dark black beard jumped in the lake, ate and small gnome-style felt our backpacker meals by RADIO HOUR hat immediately. the campfire and shared By Olivia Niosi “I always know I’m going adventure stories. Under to see you in the mountains,” he said while the bright moon we sang happy birthday passing. I felt the blood returning to my face as and I faked confidence as he and his friends I blushed at another wild encounter with him. smiled across the fire to me. “Olivia, that’s the pirate!!” My friends On the hike out, he asked me my next days wouldn’t let me walk on. I’m a shy gal. Send- off. “Meet me at Snowmass Lake.” And I did. ing the group text was as far as I thought While we laid under the stars next to the I’d get to actually connecting with the guy. lake, he said to me, “I got something for I’d never really dated before and wasn’t you while I was looking for mushrooms. I sure how to platonically or romantically found this special rock. Feel its energy.” He approach. But my friends insisted that I had put a black rock into the palm of my hand to get his number. I ran after him but the mud and wrapped my other hand around it. It just caused me to slip back. It felt like walking strangely felt warm — not cold like I would’ve up a treadmill. Chasing after a man made me expected and it was surprisingly heavy for its feel so out of myself. small size. He then put his hands around “I knew I’d see you again,” he said as I mine and closed his eyes. I copied. caught my breath. Now I really felt the blood I wake up having slept a full eight hours rush to my face. I told him we kept seeing holding the rock with him. This man is no each other in the mountains, maybe we pirate, he is a mountain wizard putting a should exchange numbers and plan a hike spell on me! The spell lasted three months. together sometime. He told me I had perfect He would ask my days off and tell me a new timing because he had just bought a phone. high alpine lake by which to find him. We He said he’d only use his phone on a peak would hike together in silence to see goats, with service because he was starting his elk and lions. We foraged, frolicked and annual walkabout. He was walking for his feasted in the mountains. birthday, 31 days for 31 years. He told me to The wizard and I found each other in the come to his birthday party on Aug. 15 and mountains on trails and off until winter came meet him at Moon Lake. that year. He left me with a new sense of self, I moved my schedule around with a a deepened call to adventure and conneccoworker and together we planned my tion to the magic of the mountains.
Wow! Not since the most racist nation in the world elected a Black president in 2008 have I been so inspired by an election. During the midterm campaign, President Trump pleaded with his acolytes to “Vote like I’m on the ballot.” Afterward he said, “I was not on the ballot. If I was, we would’ve won.” As he is so often, Trump is talking out his ass, as evidenced by the congressional campaign commercials. The Dems were screaming along the lines of, “My opponent voted with Trump 100% of the time.” The GOP candidates acted like they never heard of the guy. It was like, “Donald who?” Trump was on the ballot, alright, and that’s why the Republicans got their butts kicked. Don’t get too comfortable, however. The Dems have controlled both houses of Congress before and didn’t do diddlysquat. The euphoria of Nov. 3 needs to be followed up with action. Yeah, I know, the Dems impeached Trump twice before and the Senate failed to convict, but it’s worth another shot, if for nothing else to show our nation won’t tolerate such a man in its highest office. Seven Republican senators joined Democrats, finding Trump guilty of inciting an insurrection in the 2021 impeachment trial, short of the required two-thirds majority to convict. Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell said he thought Trump was guilty, but since he was already out of office, the case should be tried in a criminal court. With 54 Democrats sitting in the new Senate, all they need is 13 Republicans to cross THE VIEW FROM over to get a conviction. Given the dozens THE THERAPY POOL of Republicans who supported Democratic By Fred Malo candidates in this year’s election, that’s not beyond the realm of possibility. Rep. Steve Cohen (D-Tennessee) has authored 26 articles of impeachment, including abuse of power, oath violations, misuse of pardon power and emoluments clause violations, all high crimes and misdemeanors. I say throw the book at him. Hit him with all 26 and back them up with solid evidence. Some are saying the Democratic Congress shouldn’t waste their time with another impeachment, but focus on important agenda items like the Green New Deal, Medicare for all, ending the war in Iran, cutting off military aid to Israel, benevolent immigration reform, reproductive rights for women, restraining campaign spending, artificial intelligence guardrails, raising the minimum wage and oversight of this administration’s extensive corruption. All of this on top of impeachment proceedings is a full plate, indeed, but as Sen. Raphael Warnock (D-Georgia) said, “We can chew gum and walk.” One thing the House can do is stay in session. Every time the representatives were coming up on a vote Trump wouldn’t like, House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-Louisiana) would send them home for recess. Consequently, the House has only been in session 72 days this year, 27% of the calendar year. The average since 2001 is 150. The five-month Colorado legislature was in session 120 days this year, the maximum allowed by law. To accomplish all this, the Dems will need new leadership. Current Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-New York) and House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-New York) have shown themselves too weak to stand up to Trump. They’ve failed to work effectively with the democratic socialists and the progressive wing of the party and those groups have grown in number since Nov. 3. Schumer and Jeffries are a little too cozy with the American Israel Public Affairs Committee. I’ll go with Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vermont) and Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-New York), but that might be a bit of a stretch. I’d settle for Sen. Jon Ossoff (D-Georgia) and Rep. Joe Neguse (D-Colorado). Trump has vacillated from saying he’s going to be “Mr. Veto,” forcing the Dems to “make a deal” on everything they want to pass, to not wanting “to be sitting there for two years vetoing everything.” The Dems don’t have a veto-proof majority in either house. Somewhere between 250 to 260 Democrats will be seated in the House next year and 290 are needed for a two-thirds majority. As stated above, the Senate Dems are 13 votes short of a veto-proof majority. There are issues where the Dems don’t have to worry about a veto. On the war in Iran and military funding for Israel, they could exercise their power of the purse and refuse to allocate the money. Republican senators could threaten a filibuster to stop legislation they don’t want and the Dems would need a three-fifths majority to prevent that. That can be avoided with a budget reconciliation bill, which requires a simple majority and can’t be filibustered. It’s been suggested Trump doesn’t have any political ideology. He just wants to be loved. He could sign very popular Democratic legislation and take credit for it. Or the Dems could play the blame game and hammer Trump with the bills the electorate sent them to Congress to pass and let Trump veto them. The voters will wreak their revenge on whoever the GOP runs for president and Congress in 2028. Whatever, it’s going to be a very interesting next two years. I’m having very warm feelings about it. The people have spoken. Democracy will prevail. As Alan Moore wrote in his graphic novel “V for Vendetta,” “People shouldn’t be afraid of their government. Governments should be afraid of their people.”
OPINION
Olivia Niosi grew up in Oregon and has called the Roaring Fork Valley home since 2019. She recently started her new challenge of working for Pitkin County with the Forest Service as the Maroon Bells Facilities and Operations Supervisor. She spends 365 days a year outside enjoying live music, camping, skiing, working towards her goal of hike-running every trail in the watershed, and e-bike commuting around town.
MARATHON from page 14 transplant recipient and a living kidney donor, and both repeat runners for CKF,” Rochel said, “and they were able to run right by the hospital where the first-ever heart transplant in the world was completed in 1967.” Rochel noted that CKF’s final and largest fundraiser of the year is less than a month away. Summit for Life is a nighttime uphill race on Aspen Mountain on Saturday, Dec. 5, and includes options for hiking up the hill or taking the gondola. Registration is open; Rochel pointed out that the next price
increase is on Nov. 15. “We like to remind people to open up the conversation regarding donation and transplantation,” Rochel said. “Registering is the first step, but sharing your decision with your family is the vital second step.” She said there are also so many ways to get involved outside of registering as a donor. “You can sign up to donate whole blood, platelets or plasma. If you are between the ages of 18 and 35, you can sign up for the bone marrow and blood stem registry (90% of the time it works just like a blood donation!).”
You can learn more about the Chris Klug Foundation at chrisklugfoundation.org
OPINION
THE SOPRIS SUN | Your weekly community connector | November 12-18, 2026 15
ASPEN & SNOWMASS Pitkin county Library Hyman Avenue Box Wheeler Opera House Box Snowmass Town Park Station Aspen Valley Hospital Mi Chola Snowmass Clarks Market Snowmass Mall Alpine Bank in Snowmass Alpine Bank in AABC BASALT & EL JEBEL Willits General Store Alpine Bank ANB Bank Basalt Quick Lube Basalt Regional Library Big O Tires El San Miguel Box Casa Tequila CC’s Cafe Whole Foods Eagle County Courts Crown Mountain Express Lube El Jebel Mobile Offices El Korita Hightone Autobody El Jebel Laundromat Mountain Family Health Cazadores Scottie’s The Basalt Store Timbo’s Hightone Automotive and Tires CARBONDALE 3rd St. Center Alpine Bank Carbondale Library Main St. Box Catherine’s Store Food Truck Carbondale Recreation Center City Market Carbondale CMC Edna’s Hair Salon Gloria’s Boutique Garcia’s Jalisco Grill La Fogata La Perla La Placita La Roca Lift-up Sunburst Valley Meats First Bank GLENWOOD SPRINGS Glenwood Springs Library Centennial Park Box Comfort Dental Coin Laundromat Glenwood Recreation Center Glenwood CMC El Yaqui First Bank Frida’s Glenwood Hot Springs Yampa Hotsprings Valley View Hospital Impuestos Seguros La Michoacana Mountain Family Health Post Office Garfield County Human Resources Sal Mex Tequila’s Tony’s Bakery Super Taco Alpine Bank on Grand Ave New Castle New Castle Library City Market Carniceria Elias Hacienda San Miguel Post Office Tapatios Alpine Bank SILT Silt Library La Placita 2 La Placita Market LeMora Pizza Silt Roundabout RIFLE Cafe y Pasteleria Galea East Ave & 3rd St. Box City Hall Box E 12th St. Box El Patron El Rincon Jalisco Grill Mercado San Jose Momma’s Nachos Mexican Dining Paleteria La Korita Promex Bakery Remington Square Spyderwash Tapatios La Baja Espresso Rifle Library Imperio Variedades Dinora Diversity Salon Alpine Bank on 4th St Alpine Bank on Airport Rd PARACHUTE Nalini’s Taqueria Jalisco El Tapatio City Hall Box Parachute Library Running Burrito Lift-up Fifty Shadz Salon Sinclair Vero’s Mexican Bakery
Look for stories like this in this week’s Sol del Valle!
Full edition is available every Friday afternoon on newstands and at businesses from Rifle to Aspen
LATINO ADVISORY BOARD REPORT
LAB discusses RFTA survey, volunteers for Medicare counseling OWEN MCARDLE Sol del Valle Editor
information, write to MasterPlan@ RFTA.com or call 970-925-8484.
During its monthly meeting on Monday, Nov. 2, the Carbondale Latino Advisory Board (LAB) discussed the most recent statistics presented by members of the Roaring Fork Transportation Authority (RFTA) on its master plan survey. “We urge you to push the survey out to your communities because the Spanish-speaking participation in the survey and mapping is not representative of the Spanish-speakers that use the service,” said Mavis Fitzgerald, who is leading the master plan’s community engagement. Of the 500 responses received thus far, just 4% correspond to individuals who identify as Latino. RFTA looks to increase this percentage so that the responses better reflect their overall ridership, of which approximately 50% identify as Latinos. However, RFTA has had more success hearing from the Latino community through a series of in-person, community events, engagement that’s not reflected in the master plan survey results. “So we have been reaching people outside the website, which is sometimes the better way to go,” RFTA Regional Director of Planning Hannah Klausman said. One event in particular at the City Market in New Castle saw a large amount of interaction and Spanish-speaking communities in Silt and Rifle also saw increased participation, according to Klausman. The first phase of the master plan culminated with a public open house on Thursday, Nov. 5, at the Glenwood Library. Although phase one marks the end of the first stage of community engagement, stages two and three of the master plan will offer new opportunities to hear from the community once RFTA has developed its findings and recommendations. The RFTA members present emphasized that this initial deadline was not the only chance to participate. The survey is available to fill out online at tinyurl.com/masterplanRFTA until Nov. 13. For more
High Country Volunteers seeks Spanish-speaking support LAB also heard from High Country Volunteers, an organization that connects volunteers with nonprofit organizations in Garfield, Pitkin and Eagle counties. The organization has operated in Garfield County for 53 years and its volunteers account for more than 20,000 hours of community service each year, according to a presentation by Program Manager Laura Kay Good. Good also spoke about the organization’s Tax Assistance program and its Medicare Counseling program. “The most important thing right now is, if you know anyone on Medicare, there were two prescription plans that used to be absolutely free, and next year they’re going to be charged. If the clients don’t make arrangements to pay for their monthly bill, they’re going to lose coverage for all of 2027,” Good said. In an effort to inform older adults in the region about this change, High Country Volunteers is looking for Spanish-speaking volunteers to assist with its Medicare Counseling program. Volunteers simply need to complete the free training modules available on their website, highcountryvolunteers. org/#. All services offered by High Country Volunteers are free. If you need help with Medicare, call 970-896-6210.
RFTA Regional Director of Planning Hannah Klausman tables at a Glenwood Springs bus stop. Klausman spoke at LAB’s meeting on Monday, Nov. 2, and hopes to increase Latino participation in its master plan community survey before the Nov. 13 deadline. Photo courtesy of Roaring Fork Transportation Authority
In other news … In accordance with new laws that came into effect in August, certain Carbondale streets will be incorporated into school zones in the coming weeks. The town will publish a press release featuring a map of the new zones on its website and on social media once these changes have been actualized. Those interested in participating in a Thanksgiving activity on Thursday, Nov. 26, can join Carbondale’s annual Turkey Trot. The information will soon be available in Spanish at the Carbondale recreation center. LAB also discussed potential ways to increase its visibility,
including appearances at community events and information released in Spanish-language WhatsApp groups. And, the board considered finding an easier way for interested community members to join their ranks in an effort to reach more members of the Latino community. LAB meetings are held on the first Monday of each month at 6:30pm in the Board Room at the Third Street Center. For more information, reach out to Public Information Officer and staff liaison Anna Ramirez at aramirez@carbondaleco.net Translation by Owen McArdle
Follow Leonardo Occhipinti’s “Nuevo Mundo” in Sol del Valle every week in Spanish.
Owen McArdle — Editor • owen@soldelvalle.org | Margarita Alvarez — Advertising • margarita@soldelvalle.org www.soldelvalle.org • info@soldelvalle.org • 970-404-7208 16 THE SOPRIS SUN | soprissun.com | November 12-18, 2026
Share your works in progress with readers by emailing illustrations, creative writings and poetry to fiction@soprissun.com
Comparte tus proyectos creativos aún en proceso con nuestros lectores. Puedes enviarnos un correo electrónico con tus ilustraciones, creaciones literarias y poesía a fiction@soprissun.com
Fall poetry ... A late afternoon flickering By Jonathan Fitch Sept. 25, 2022
It was an early fall day better than any … Wind breezing through aspens and cottons … Full afternoon sun filtered through the leaves … A visible flickering played with my senses … I am aging faster than the trees around me … The flickering continues behind my eyelids …
Autumn By Baylee Wilde Age 11
Autumn is here. Outside my bedroom window a tree explodes with color. Orange, yellow, the color of pumpkins. Orange, yellow, the color of fire. Leaves are on the ground, more every day. Time to rake. Time to jump in piles of leaves. Then time to rake again.
(Left to right) Anne Buchanan, Emery and Shauna Stout blended right in at First Friday’s Day of the Dead celebration in Carbondale. Courtesy photo
The grass’s green is growing duller.
out, hanging on to the last few leaves.
Autumn is stunning.
Some trees are bare, branches reaching
Autumn is here.
Winter is coming.
THE SOPRIS SUN | Your weekly community connector | November 12-18, 2026 17
LETTERS Trumpublicans’ unforgivable character flaw is that they put their own careers ahead of U.S. liberty, security and prosperity. Do not vote for them, ever. Vote against them, always. As they say, “For evil to triumph, it is only necessary that good people do nothing.” Let us hope for a new party of principled conservatives to emerge. J. R. Bernard Glenwood Springs
Is Trump gone yet? Okay, he’s destroyed the Oval Office. He’s destroyed the East Wing. He’s destroyed the Reflecting Pool. He’s destroying the Kennedy Center. He’s destroyed the economy. He’s destroyed the military.
from page 2
He’s destroying the Postal Service. He’s destroyed our alliances. He’s destroyed the free press. He’s destroyed the rule of law. He’s destroyed the lives of America’s immigrant community. He’s destroyed American society. He’s destroyed all of our futures for at least a generation. He’s contaminated our food supply. He’s destroying our national parks and protected lands. He’s destroyed our health and safety regulations. He’s destroyed trust in our elections. He’s destroying the air we breathe and the water we drink. He’s destroyed a century’s worth of progress and civil rights gains. I don’t know, is that cause for treason? John Hoffmann Carbondale
GLENWOOD from 8 Hanlon said the city could entertain a policy that would prevent the extension of water and other utilities outside city limits, without going through the annexation process. Councilor Mitchell Weimer took it the other direction, and said it’s all the more reason to repeal Ballot Question 2A regarding annexations. “This is one of the unintended consequences that we warned about,” he said.
In other news … All council members were present for the first regular meeting of November,
during which the annual audit was presented, giving the city a clean bill of financial health. Council also formally approved a $116 million 2027 city budget. The budget includes a $32.8 million general fund, with $10.6 million in reserves for general operations. Council unanimously approved a resolution supporting the Colorado Association of Ski Towns 2027 legislative priorities, and likewise unanimously approved Xcel Energy’s plan to rebuild an electric transmission line that runs through the city along the Midland Avenue corridor.
PENNY from 6 Meadows wildlife nature preserve that runs along the valley to the east of the Crystal River to keep from disturbing wildlife, apart from one mapping flight the drone carried out above the preserve at 200 feet in the air midday. The office flies the drone above the Crystal or Highway 133 to get to Penny Hot Springs from where it’s stationed, he added. “The drone, if anything, helps protect our wildlife by monitoring any trespassing that may happen into the preserve,” said Jami McMannes, communications and outreach specialist for Pitkin County Open Space & Trails, who spoke on behalf of Open Space & Trails Director Gary Tennenbaum. Ecologist Delia Malone, a Redstone resident who founded wildlife- and habitatfocused ColoradoWild, said, however, that drone use in the area could adversely impact wildlife. She said bighorn sheep and elk could “absolutely” notice a drone flying
in the area at 100 meters, or over 300 feet, off the ground. The office’s drone flight height is restricted to 200 feet above ground level or less, per the Federal Aviation Administration. Malone added that bighorn sheep might mistake the drone for a golden eagle, which preys on the species, and could cause them to separate from their young if they have a flight response. Drone use could also spike an elk’s heart rate and impact their survival through the winter, she said Elk, she said, may migrate to Filoha Meadows as early as October, and bighorn sheep use the areas adjacent to the hot springs through the winter. Breeding songbirds, whose breeding season can run from June into August, are also sensitive to drone use as they could mistake a drone for a predator like a raven or hawk, she added. “The consequence of disturbing wildlife, I think, is not worth combatting this minimal crime,” she said.
DANCING-LIGHT from 4 equipment to document this piano music for me on my Kawai grand piano. After completing the recording sessions, I would question if [the] sound was good enough, and Mark would respond with: ‘Lisa, this is just a moment in time. This is where you are today,’” she recalled. “I waited several years in angst, wondering if this was indeed ‘good enough,’” she continued. “One evening, I saw Mark playing at Heather’s Restaurant and told him I was finally ready to complete this project. Tragically, Mark was killed in an accident a week later. Coupled with the loss of Casey Piscura a week before, I was plunged into the depths of the grieving process.” Johnson not only left the sound files in the 18 THE SOPRIS SUN | soprissun.com | November 12-18, 2026
proper format to later master with the professional support of JD Martin at Slipstream Studios, but also the name of the album. During the concert, a projection of images of Dancing-Light’s own photography will visually depict the story of each piece. Friends of hers will enrich the artistic offering: Pam Rosenthal with her singing bowls, Jason Kannon joining in for the song “Zen Master,” local dancer Mellie Test moving to “Watercolors” and Sarah Graf, Ross Kribbs and Delaney Meyers playing string instruments along to “The Song of Love.” The album is dedicated to the memory of Johnson as well as to Judy Colaneri, who guided Lisa on the French Camino pilgrimage.
PARTING SHOTS
A Dance-A-Thon, hosted by Dance Initiative Executive Director Joan Dizon, graced the Third Street Center on Sunday, Nov. 8. All ages were represented at this high-energy fundraiser, which began with an inspiring performance by Claire Hardaker. From there the show featured a line dance demo, a breakdance performance, a medley performance by Quincey Gray in collaboration with the Bonedale Flashmob, a solo performance by Mellie Test titled “Staying Afloat” and “Cipher” by Johier Begay and EIGHTBIT. The Dance-A-Thon took place between acts. This event put the “Fun” in Fundraiser. If you missed it and would like to support this wonderful cause, you can donate at danceinitiative.org Photos and text by Bob Rugile
GARCO from page 7 the Douglas County School District (DCSD) in 2009. The school opened in 2011. The Brannbergs left the school in 2013 for reasons unknown and leadership changed hands. At the time, the Brannbergs signed a confidential separation agreement with the DCSD. In 2019, the STEM School Highlands
Ranch was the site of a deadly school shooting. Judy Brannberg filed suit in Colorado District Court stating that she had warned DCSD about failures in school leadership beginning in 2014, and that those warnings were ignored. In 2023, the Brannbergs tried to open 12 more charter schools on the Front Range; all applications were denied. She filed nine
lawsuits beginning that year, including litigation under the civil Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act (RICO), against the DCSD and others, connecting an alleged breach of the confidential separation agreement. Claims included domestic terrorism, blackmail and extortion, bribery of a public official, conspiracy and more. The Colorado Court of Appeals denied the
RICO case on Nov. 5. Judy Brannberg has represented herself in most cases.
South Bridge County Attorney Heather Beattie told the BOCC that Garfield County District Court Judge Maker could decide on the preliminary injunction to halt South Bridge construction on county land by the end of November.
Thank you, Carbondale, for being the outdoorsy, neighborly, small town we all love and feel proud to call home. • Support Neighbors • Stay Bear Aware • Walk & Bike • Share the Road • Shop Local • Save Water • Slow Down Carbondale’s Bike Ped Trails Commission
LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF PROPOSED 2027 BUDGET AND NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that a proposed budget for the Town of Carbondale, Colorado, for the fiscal year beginning January 1, 2027, and ending December 31, 2027, has been submitted to the Board of Trustees. A copy of the proposed budget is on file and open for public inspection at the Office of the Town Clerk, Carbondale Town Hall, 511 Colorado Avenue, Carbondale, Colorado, during regular business hours. The Board of Trustees will hold a public hearing to receive public comment at its Regular Meeting on Tuesday, November 24, 2026, at 6:00 p.m., at Carbondale Town Hall, 511 Colorado Avenue, Carbondale, Colorado. Any interested elector of the Town of Carbondale may inspect the proposed budget and file or register any objections thereto at any time prior to the final adoption of the budget by the Board of Trustees.
CHRISTMAS TREES ARRIVING ARRIVING NEXT WEEK!
THANKSGIVING WEEK! christmas trees, wreaths and garland
christmas trees, wreaths and garland! are all arriving next week! we are getting the store ready for all your holiday decor and gifting needs.
nordIc gardens
2551 HWY 133 CARBONDALE • 970-963-3023
This notice is given and published pursuant to § 29-1-106, C.R.S. on November 12, 2026 Published in The Sopris Sun on November 12, 2026.
THE SOPRIS SUN | Your weekly community connector | November 12-18, 2026 19
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