Don’t change a thing
The Village Smithy celebrates 50 years on Cinco de Mayo
JAMES STEINDLER
Contributing Editor
Besides the entry door being moved along the west side of the building and an expansion, not a lot has changed at The Village Smithy over the past 50 years. You can still order bottomless coffee and hang around from opening to close, if you wish. And it all started with Chris and Terry Chacos, who met at a physical therapist convention in Denver. Chris’ dad immigrated from Greece and later settled in Oklahoma, where Chris was born. Terry was born and raised in the Mile High City.
Shortly after meeting, and during the Vietnam War, Chris signed up with a Quaker group to provide physical therapy services to the Vietnamese people. Terry, cut from the same cloth, decided to join. “Just from that brief introduction, she chase[d] him halfway across the world,” their son, Charlie, told The Sopris Sun. There, they happened to meet Paul Lappala of Carbondale. Among other properties, in Carbondale, such as 689 Main Street and the old Post Office (Beer Works), Lappala owned what is now The Village Smithy — and what was then the largest
tropical fish store on the Western Slope and once the forge of blacksmithing brothers Roy and Hugh Pattison. Upon their return, the Chacos moved to the Valley. Chris did construction work for Peter Dahl, on top of working at The Crystal
Palace. Terry put her physical therapy degree to use. After helping a buddy start a restaurant in Ouray, Chris was struck with the idea to do the same in Carbondale — a town of about 700 in 1975 with a dirt Main Street. Lappala suggested using his building on 3rd and Main, and the rest is history…
Opening The Smithy
Starting out, the new restaurant served three meals a day. Terry did the books and Chris hardly left the restaurant. “He would get up at 5am [and] close
up at midnight,” Charlie said. “Unless it was a snow day,” HP Hansen, a longtime patron and friend of the Chacos, cut in. After Doug Worline got his hand caught in his snowblower, Chris stepped in to voluntarily move snow on the sidewalks along a good portion of Main Street. “We haven’t had another force like Chris since,” said Hansen. Chris would also shovel a path from their home on Garfield Avenue clear to the restaurant.
Terry made all of the tablecloths and would take them home regularly, along with the aprons,
continued on page 5
The original Smithy crew of 1975: (clockwise from upper left) Chris Chacos, Karen Kroeger, Terry Chacos, Linda Heller, Paul Lappala, Gayla Duckowitz, Peter (last name unknown), Anne “Tuna” Toomey and kiddos Ariel Heller, Charlie Chacos and Eric Chacos. Photo by Becky Young , The Valley Journal
Equanimity now
Watching this administration barge their way through the days, weeks, months is taking a toll on my nervous system. I strive for equanimity, but it’s like someone brought their toddler into the air traffic control tower and then went out for a pack of smokes. For those of you born after the 70s, that is code for “never came back.” And “smokes” are the things we all used to inhale before vaping came along. I feel like Lloyd Bridges’ character in “Airplane” — “Looks like I picked the wrong week to quit sniffing glue.”
But instead of taking up smoking or huffing, I’ve been calling my senators and representatives regularly concerning the state of our union. Boy, there sure are a lot of cowards for a Congress this size. I mean, we are going to try to remain the United States of America, right? Because if not, I’ll stop wasting my time and just go about my merry way on the obvious path to tyranny and empty grocery store shelves.
OPINION
Ps & Qs
By Jeannie Perry
I really hope that somewhere, in a closeddoor room with no social media, (wink, wink, nudge, nudge, Pete Hegseth) there are some brave Congress members sitting around a table with some high-ranking military officers who take their oath seriously to protect this country from terrorists both foreign and domestic, all plotting the course for survival of these united states. And I really hope they will feel the need to act before Trump marches us into a world war.
I know that Big War is our #1 industry — smirking at Big Oil & Gas and Big Pharma as it slowly tank rolls its ginormous girth toward the finish line — but if Big War wins, won’t we all lose? And forgive my ignorance, but do we really want a draft dodger leading the charge? Which begs another question, why wasn’t Trump on the Signal chat to start bombing Yemen? Is it because he has dementia?
He’s like a Chatty Cathy doll with a low battery, just standing where they tell him and spewing fraudulent nonsense. I’ll admit, it is interesting to watch the nuances of dementia play out on a malignant narcissist. Someone should study Trump’s brain as the ultimate example of a Glamour Don’t for living your best life. But it does make me wonder, who is actually running this shitshow?
Let’s take a peek at the top three contenders: Stephen Miller, Peter Thiel and Pete Hegseth — Ha! Totally kidding. That guy’s having the ride of his life.
“When Pete Hegseth sobers up, he’ll be surprised to learn he was defense secretary.” -Jason Selvig
Stephen Miller is such an American same-old-story that it’s hard to find anything significant. Descended from emigrating ancestors, who were fleeing persecution and striving for a better life, he grew up to be a person who takes that opportunity away from countless others. It’s the kind of boring, bigoted arrogance that usually stems from self-loathing — and not the zany Hunter S. Thompson kind.
Peter Thiel, an immigrant himself, is an innovative thinker with a mathematical brain and a Dungeons & Dragons childhood (I know, say no more) who has apparently embraced the Dark Side, emulating a Sith Lord by hiding in the shadows to accomplish his goals. He is less known by the public, but with a corporal punishment upbringing and friends like Ann Coulter, we can assume an ominous lack of self-love there. These guys are like gingerbread men if the gingerbread was made of prejudice and hate. The world can be a harsh place, and these boys grew up to treat others as they were treated, instead of breaking the cycle. Self-awareness often leads to a very good place of acceptance and forgiveness, but some get lost and end up stuck in a mirrored funhouse of distrust and retribution.
It’s entirely possible someone in that diabolical chat group caught a glimpse of their inner-Jedi and added a journalist to the thread so that the world would know what these chuckleheads are up to. Either that, or they just really are incompetent. Either way, it’s time to call their parents because these toddlers are running amok in the control tower of our country.
LETTERS
ADDITION: Wild Mountain Seeds has been added to our online 2025 CSA Guide.
WILD MOUNTAIN SEEDS
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Contact: info@wildmountainseeds.com
Dates: June 12 to Oct. 9
Pricing: $495 bi-weekly or $855 weekly
Pick up: Thursdays from 3pm to 6:15pm at Sunfire Ranch (6333 Highway 133)
Growing practices: Regenerative
Offerings: Seasonal vegetables and the option for pick-your-own bouquets when available. Add Dooley Creek Farm eggs for an additional cost.
Tidbit: Wild Mountain Seeds is a pioneering seed breeding and food production research farm. They are renowned for breeding resilient, vigorous seeds and growing exceptional produce at 6,300 feet. Committed to fostering a relationship between land, community and farmers, CSA members can participate in Thursday volunteer days to get dirty and enjoy access to exclusive u-pick produce
Pool investment
Last spring, I had the privilege of participating on the Town of Carbondale’s Aquatics Center fundraising team as a grant writer. In the course of doing that work, I sought answers to three questions: 1. Why is the Town doing a fundraiser for its pool? 2. What is “building electrification?” 3. Why is the swimming pool an important community asset? My journey of learning about this project led me to better appreciate why the Town’s Aquatic Center project deserves community support. This is what I learned: Why is the Town doing a fundraiser for its pool? It is unusual for a town government to undertake the sort of capital campaign we usually see from nonprofits, arts and civic organizations. Many of us assume that town governments are funded solely by tax revenues, and if they need more money, they must get more from the taxpayers. In fact, there are legal limits on the amount of tax revenues a municipality can collect — the town already asked the voters in a ballot measure to support the pool, which 78% of voters approved for an $8 million bond in 2022. Unfortunately, since that time, construction costs have increased by more than 50%. In addition, the pool was over four decades old and badly in need of replacement. Many other municipalities are in the same situation, so there is limited grant funding to replace municipal pools.
What is building electrification? Conventional heating systems are often designed to burn natural gas to generate energy. There is a trend underway to convert fossil fuel heating equipment into systems that use electricity for power. The benefit is that electric power can then come from upstream grid-based sustainable energy generation, or from local renewable energy sources, such as on-site solar arrays. In support of the Town’s mission to be a sustainability leader, and in pursuit of its net-zero energy footprint goals, the Aquatic Center is designed to be fully-electric and solarready, and will be the first municipal pool in Colorado to heat its water with high-efficiency electric heat pumps.
Why is the pool an important community resource? Many of us grew up with a municipal swimming pool available to us. Unless we still have swimming in our lives now, we may not appreciate the important community services a municipal pool provides. Affordable, accessible, public swimming pools are a crucial community resource that provides a place to safely learn to swim; a wellness facility for senior fitness and adaptive recreation for the disabled; and a community gathering place for families to escape the summer heat. The new Aquatics Center will provide seasonal jobs; a venue for competitive swimming team training; and a recreation and fitness resource that is available for regular affordable use by school-age, fixed income and low-income patrons. In a valley that is oriented around recreation that is often expensive and/or requires travel by car, an affordable municipal pool located near public transportation is an essential equitable alternative.
In addition, the new pool — which is in fact two pools plus a spa — has increased capacity, modern amenities and can host concurrent programming.
I hope this information has allowed you to better understand why the Town of Carbondale’s Aquatic Center project needs the community’s support. See the Parks and Recreation website for more information on how you can contribute: www.carbondaleconnect.org/carbondale-aquatics-center Malcolm McMichael Carbondale
continued on page 22
Editor Raleigh Burleigh 970-510-3003
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Garden plots
The Good Seed “Buena Semilla” community garden in Carbondale, next to The Orchard Church, still has plots available for folks who wish to grow their own organic food. Discover the joys of gardening, learn new techniques and connect with fellow gardening enthusiasts by joining this vibrant, supportive garden community. For more information, visit www.theorchardlife.com/ community-garden, call 970-379-4956 or email garden@theorchardlife.com
Valley Artists Booth
FirstBank Alpine Bank
Colorado Mountain College
Nordic Gardens
Hilary Porterfield
Basalt Library
NONPROFIT PARTNERS
Two Rivers
Unitarian Universalist
Carbondale Arts
Carbondale Rotary Club
Colorado Animal Rescue
Interested in becoming an Underwriter or Nonprofit Partner?
Email Todd@soprissun.com or call 970-987-9866
Applications are due by May 12 for local artists wishing to display their work in a cooperative, inexpensive way at Mountain Fair. Booth space is limited and artwork will be juried. For details, visit www.bit.ly/MFVAB2025
Marble museum move
Volunteers are needed on May 17 from 9am to 3pm to help move items from the Marble Historical Society’s museum to a temporary home across the street so renovations can be done in the old school building. People who help out will be treated to Slow Groovin BBQ. Email srichingsgermain@gunnisonschools.net for details.
Rotary grant
Coal Ridge High School graduate Caleb Thompson was living in Turkey in 2023 as a youth exchange student sponsored by the Glenwood Springs Rotary Club when his host country was struck by a 7.8 magnitude earthquake. Thompson and the Glenwood Springs Rotary Club subsequently raised funds to purchase a new intra-aortic balloon device to replace one destroyed by the earthquake at the Balcali Hospital in Adana, Turkey. It’s expected to save over 100 lives per year.
Osmia love
An Advance Funds Network poll of 3,014 people, asking which small businesses in Colorado they would be willing to drive more than an hour to reach, turned up Carbondale’s Osmia Skincare as number two, just after Samadhi Yoga Sangha in Denver.
CPW strategy
Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) is developing a new strategic plan to guide its work from 2026 to 2036. The public is encouraged to share their thoughts at www.engagecpw.org through May 26. The new strategic plan will serve as a roadmap for CPW to address current and future challenges and opportunities, enhance service to the public and strengthen the agency’s commitment to stewardship in balance with recreation.
CDOT updates
The Colorado Department of Transportation reported that traffic related fatalities are down by 21% so far this year. In mid-April last year, 164 fatalities occurred, compared to 130 as of April 25 this year. Last month, however, law enforcement issued 1,108 citations to drivers for not buckling up. As of Jan. 1, people can be pulled over if an officer observes that a passenger who appears to be under 18 years old is not wearing a seatbelt — up from 16. Drivers can be cited for a seatbelt violation as a secondary offense, after being pulled over for an initial violation, if an adult is unfastened. According to new laws, children up to 9 years old must be in a booster seat and children under 2 and less than 40 pounds are required to be in a rear-facing car seat — a change from under the age of 1 and below 20 pounds.
Polis veto
Governor Jared Polis vetoed a bill on April 23 that sought to require social media platforms to cooperate more readily with law enforcement and remove accounts engaging in illegal activity, like selling drugs and firearms, sex trafficking and exploiting minors. SB25-086 saw bipartisan majority support in both the Senate (29 yes, 6 no) and House (46 yes, 18 no, 1 excused). According to Colorado Newsline, “Polis said he looks forward to working with lawmakers to achieve the bill’s goal,” but “the approach set forth in SB25-086 risks undermining efforts to protect the right
of free speech and dissent,” Polis remarked, “and empowers social media companies with police-like powers to make or break someone’s lives and livelihood in a time when free expression is absolutely critical.”
Colorado v. Trump
On Tuesday, April 29, the State of Colorado filed a lawsuit against the Trump administration for cutting funding and services to AmeriCorps. Federal funds make up 41% of AmeriCorps’ 2025 revenue. The cuts were made without Congressional approval and without statutory authority, according to a press release. Some 300 AmeriCorps members — working in education, mental health and wildfire mitigation — at close to 200 sites in Colorado will lose their positions as a result.
They say it’s your birthday! Folks celebrating another trip around the sun this week include: Pixie Byrne, Melanie Gianinetti Cardiff, Devika Gurung, Jeff Leahy, Ginny Parker and James and William Steindler (May 1); Sherry Caloia and Patrick Wilson (May 2); Kathy Goudy, Maura Masters and Mary Matchael (May 3); Matte Curry, Mackie Keller, Zoe Kimberly and Aaron Laemmel (May 4); Stan Bell, Frank Betts, Jeremy Heiman, Claudia Prado Zepeda and Sandy Kaplan (May 5); Joe Burleigh, Susan Caddoo Hannisian, Kat Hardy, Soozie Lindbloom, Stephen Olson and Maggie Suma (May 6); Amanda Leahy (May 7).
The morning of April 29, beneath the watchful eye of Mt. Sopris, water from irrigation guns produced a thin layer of ice atop the spring grass in one of the pastures at Someday Ranch on Missouri Heights. The Middle Ditch was turned on on April 28, which provides water used for irrigating these pastures as well as others in the area. It’s also a sure sign that springtime has officially arrived for ranchers.
Photo by Jane Bachrach
bar towels and anything else that needed washing. Despite a brain tumor that left her paralyzed on one side of her body in the late ‘80s, Terry continued to do the books for another decade. She had to learn to write with her left hand and communicate without the power of speech. “She never slowed down,” said Hansen.
“She was the trunk of the tree,” added Catherine Zimney.
Zimney started as a parttime dishwasher in 1977, and with encouragement from Terry moved up to manage the soups, desserts, daily specials and cold-lunch menu. When Charlie would come to the restaurant after school, Zimney would set him up “with little pots and pans, and give him things to chop — I think that’s where his career was born,” she said.
Charlie and his brother, Eric, were toddlers at the time of opening day — Cinco de Mayo, 1975. “I always loved the kitchen,” echoed Charlie.
Walking into the Smithy in those days, one was met with a large community table. Workers of various trades came and went every morning, and returned the next. Pat Noel, the founding editor of the Valley Journal, was known to put in lots of work hours there. Many friendships, relationships and even offspring, added Zimney, were a result of The Smithy.
Zimney was tasked with helping open The Smithy Two — a four-year endeavor in Glenwood Springs, next to the old Rite Aid (Walgreens) — which also attracted lots of folks. “On Saturdays and Sundays we were doing 400 breakfasts,” she said of the satellite restaurant.
The menu
Each of the “Legends,” still included on the menu today, has a backstory. Take the McGurks, for instance. Pat McGurk was a dishwasher and every morning would have a plate of “loaded” hash browns, which all of the other employees started to really like as well, so they put it on the menu. Later they combined the McGurks and Huevos Rancheros, and voilà, the McHuevos were born.
The salsa that’s still served today is Terry’s original recipe, and was so popular they would can and sell it to go. The hollandaise, sold only on the weekends with eggs benedict, has likewise always been made from scratch.
Special menu options have changed over the years. Zimney mentioned the seven-layered “Kiss Me Cake” she made every Valentine’s Day. Not only did it come with a slice, but was deliv ered to the table by Zimney who would sit on the patron’s lap and sing Bing Crosby’s “Let Me Call You Sweetheart.”
The later days
Charlie stepped in to take over in 1999 and was mentored by his dad, who technically stepped away in the early 2000s but always maintained a presence. Charlie started working in restaurants in Aspen from the time he could drive. Later, he would come home from college in the summers to cook at The Smithy.
His parents had put the restaurant on the market for a couple of years, so The Smithy could have changed as we know it if it hadn’t been for Charlie. It was halfway through hiking the Colorado Trail with his girlfriend (now wife), Andrea, when they decided they’d move to Carbondale and take on the family business.
“He had dishwasher experience, and that’s the beginning of anybody’s career in the kitchen,” quipped Zimney, who, in all seriousness, added that’s where everyone should start.
Co-owner, and the restaurant’s current operator, Jared Ettelson started working there — as a dishwasher — at 14. “At some point, it was almost a curriculum at the high school that you had to work at least one shift at The
and Kira, have worked there 10 and eight years, respectively. “And they’re a force,” Hansen said of the duo.
Many people who came through the doors to work there stayed put for a long time. Steve “Blue Eyes” Inverso pulled up to The Smithy Two from New Jersey in a clunker when Zimney offered him a job as a dishwasher and went on to be one of “the best” fry cooks around. Leti Gomez worked there for 17 years, and for the last eight has been at Bonfire Coffee —
Hansen said, “For 50 years you’ve maintained that same atmosphere that you started with, the very same. If someone asked me what’s different, I’d say nothing,” and that’s just the way it should be.
“If I ever get a complaint, it’s because they know better than we do,” Ettelson chimed in. “That’s the way we keep things consistent, is by the 50-year locals and regulars who come in and hold us accountable.”
“It’s hard not to equate The Smithy with happiness,” Zimney concluded. “We [are] a family.”
Conrado Dolores (left) cooked at The Smithy for 22 years before taking on a full time management position at City Market. Courtesy photo
Little Blue Preschool expands child care capacity
KATE PHILLIPS
Sopris Sun Correspondent
After nearly two years of planning, construction is underway for an expansion at Little Blue Preschool in Carbondale. Projected for completion in fall 2025, the 2,427-square-foot expansion will more than double Little Blue’s current capacity for children between the ages of 6 weeks and 12 years.
“In Carbondale there are so many people who are trying to get their kids into care or who understand the need for child care and how it supports our community,” said Michelle Oger, Blue Lake Preschools’ (BLPS) executive director. “Child care helps people work and helps these kids be successful entering kindergarten and be successful citizens as they grow up.”
Situated at 55 North 7th Street, Little Blue is one of three schools operated by BLPS, a board-governed, nonprofit child care organization. The other two locations are the original BLPS — also known as “Big Blue” — in El Jebel and Stott’s Mill in Basalt. Stott’s Mill opened in September 2024 and is licensed for 50 children ages 6 weeks to 6 years. Oger said these spots filled within three months of opening. At Little Blue, the expansion will increase the infant room, add a toddler room, preschool room, teacher work space and space for after school care; licensing will increase from 35 to 86 children, including 15 new after school spots.
Working closely with the Town of Carbondale, the new design creatively maximizes usable space. Previously,
Little Blue operated on two separate lots and was zoned as commercial-residential transitional. The lots have now been combined and Little Blue was rezoned to Historic Commercial Core (HCC). With HCC zoning, the nonprofit can more easily connect to Carbondale events, remove on-site parking and ensure high-quality outdoor space.
“Once construction is done, we can plant new trees, add a sandbox and put a garden out there,” said Oger. “The Carbondale trustees were fantastic at approving our requests for zoning, our building
permits, and really enabling us to move this project forward.”
It takes a village
Currently BLPS’s waitlist, excluding school agers, is 494 children; of that number, 284 spots are requested for infants and toddlers. In a recent study, the Confluence Early Childhood Education Coalition (CECE) — a collaborative partnership between local business, nonprofit, education and parent leaders working to expand affordable child care options — reported that infant care was significantly
limited from Parachute to Aspen. Specifically, “as of fall 2024, staffed capacity for infants in the Roaring Fork and Colorado River Valleys was only sufficient to serve approximately 18% of babies born in the region in 2023,” CECE reported. In the downvalley region — Glenwood Springs and Carbondale — there were only enough infant slots for 23% of babies born in 2023.
“Everyone joining our waitlist wants Carbondale. That’s our smallest school. While this addition will help, it won’t solve the problems,” said Oger.
Oger added that infant and toddler care is often more expensive than preschool care because of the lower teacher to student ratio. BLPS maintains a one-tofour ratio in the infant rooms and a one-to-five ratio in the toddler rooms.
“The majority of our schools have more infant and toddler spots than preschool to help fill a portion of that need,” Oger said. “We have to work so hard to raise funds to make up for that so we’re not putting that expense back on families.”
To quickly address ever-mounting child care needs, BLPS has decided to forego a low cost loan from USDA. Instead, the nonprofit will apply for grants, host fundraisers and accept donations from the greater community. Thus far, Oger said community support has been incredible.
On April 4, BLPS partnered with TACAW to host a successful fundraiser. The nearly sold-out event included live music by solo artist Nick Lenio and
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Smiles are aplenty among Little Blue Preschool’s youngest children. On-site director Drew Sorenson (left) and infant teacher Stephanie Ruiz (back) both expressed excitement for Little Blue’s expansion that will greatly help local families. Courtesy photo continued on page 22
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Dandelion Day beckons
RALEIGH BURLEIGH Sopris Sun Editor
Dandelion Day is very nearly upon us. This Carbondale festival, now in its 27th year, is a celebration of sustainability and responsible Earth stewardship. It began in 1998 in concert with efforts to ban the use of herbicides in public parks, safeguarding the health of people, pets, pollinators and entire ecosystems. The dandelion became Carbondale’s town flower, symbolizing reverence for wild and resilient beauty.
Considered by some a weed, dandelions are important early-season food for crucial pollinators and offer many health benefits for humans too, a fact well understood by Dandelion Day’s founder, Doc Philip.
This year, lead organizer Kat Hardy carries on the tradition with a fresh theme: “Mother Earth is calling… Will you answer?” Hardy has helped produce the event for several years with support from Carbondale’s Environmental Board.
During a recent interview, she explained that the day is now structured to begin with a “kids fest” from 10am to noon. “Stewardship of the Earth is the message, and having children be a big part of this is how we prepare the future generations for Earth stewardship,” Hardy explained.
As always, the Parade of Species, led by African dancers and drummers, will begin the day. All are welcome to participate by meeting at 2nd and Main around 9:45am dressed as any “flora, fauna, funga, animal, creepy-crawly, interdimensional being,” Hardy listed with a smile. The procession will lead to Sopris Park, where close to 100 vendors are poised to sell a variety of artisanal goods. Bonedale Ballet kids will then perform at the gazebo, followed by Sopris Soarers.
At high noon, KDNK will open the beer
IN A NUTSHELL
Date: May 10
Time: 10am to 5pm
Place: Sopris Park
Cost: Free! Prospective volunteers can contact dandelionday81623@gmail.com
garden as the Jazzmonauts, a local seven-piece jazz band, takes the stage.“ I like to say that we party with a purpose at Dandelion Day,” Hardy said. Down Valley Sound will serenade the park next, but first there will be a panel discussion on stage featuring Madeline Werner, Delia Malone and Harper Kaufman, three local women embracing Earth stewardship, sustainability and regenerative practices. After the panel, a lifetime achievement award will be bestowed upon a secret guest of honor.
Live t-shirt printing with Inkswell, a popular activity introduced last year, will also return. This go-around, four designs were created by Heather Quinn and each will be available to print on any washed, natural fabric. There will be shirts for sale, but attendees are encouraged to reduce waste by bringing their own.
“Mother Earth’s not playing around. It’s time to step up and be good stewards of the Earth and pay attention,” Hardy said. “These images are meant to impart that emotion of the theme.”
Funds raised above the event costs will benefit Casey’s Fund for Farmers, connecting people who work in agriculture with wellness benefits. “This is the first year that it is not just a festival, but a fundraiser,” Hardy said. “My vision is that Dandelion Day will remain a fundraiser
We are delighted to offer you, our community, the opportunity to take advantage of low-cost blood tests Lab Tests Offered
June 6 & 7
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• HealthScreen w/CBC – $79 Includes CBC, CMP, Ferritin, Iron Panel, Lipid Panel, TSH and Uric Acid (Fasting Required)
• hsCardio CRP – $42
for perpetuity. So every year, the excess funds that are gathered will be put toward sustainability efforts.” She concluded, “I want people to feel
like they can be part of this revolution, because I really do believe that’s what this is. The elders in this community were ahead of their time in many ways.”
June 8
EL JEBEL Eagle County Community Center 20 Eagle County Drive
• PSA, Total – $47
• Vitamin D – $54
• T3, Free – $32
• T4, Free – $32
• CBC (Complete Blood Count) – $32 By appointment only 8-11:30 am Online aspenhospital.org/health-fair, or by phone 1.800.217.5866 Monday–Friday, 9 am–4 pm
• Hemoglobin A1C & EAG – $44
Artist Heather Quinn was commissioned to personify the four seasons as four women. Each will be available to screenprint on a t-shirt for a cost. Courtesy art
Senate Bill 25-276 seeks to protect civil rights status for immigrants
LONDON LYLE Sopris Sun Correspondent
A new bill moving through the Colorado legislature aims to strengthen civil rights protections for immigrants by eliminating an affidavit requirement tied to driver’s licenses and in-state tuition.
Senate Bill 25-276, Protect Civil Rights Immigration Status, considers measures to prevent violating people’s civil rights in Colorado based on their immigration status.
If passed, the bill would repeal current affidavit requirements that all persons who do not have lawful immigration status submit an affidavit stating they either have or will apply for lawful presence as soon as they are eligible. This comes up when someone is applying for either in-state tuition or state identification, pursuant to the “Colorado Road and Community Safety Act.”
present in the United States to still obtain a driver’s license or identification card, so long as they are able to present a taxpayer identification card or a social security number.
The 2018 law was also intended to help the state more accurately track spending in the education sector and allocation of taxpayer dollars toward road maintenance, emergency vehicles and police officers.
- HD57 Rep Elizabeth Velasco
That was a law passed in 2018 which allows a person who is not lawfully
While it might seem as though the 2018 law is harmless to immigrants and beneficial by providing a legal pathway to obtain a driver’s license or in-state tuition, immigration advocates have presented a very different argument through SB 25-276.
The prime sponsors of the bill, Senators Julie Gonzales and Mike Weissman and Representatives Lorena García and Elizabeth Velasco, have called the 2018 legislation “dangerous … a violation of personal privacy … harmful” and “anti-American.”
In a press release about the bill from Velasco’s office, the Glenwood Springs-based
Democrat said that SB 25-276 is her priority legislation this year.
In reference to herself and the other sponsors, she wrote in a press release, “We have been working on this bill since immediately after the 2024 election, knowing that immigrants in this country would come under even more terrifying attacks, which we have seen unfold every day since Jan. 20.”
“After months of intensive stakeholding, we are proud to present a bill that enhances Colorado’s existing laws by expanding policies around personal data, schools and healthcare facilities,” she wrote. As well as “enhancing law enforcement transparency to ensure fair treatment under the law.”
“Strengthening these policies has
critical public safety, community and economic implications for all Coloradans,” she continued. “We are proud to live in a state that values all of its residents, that acknowledges that immigrants are essential to the fabric of our communities economically, culturally and socially.”
“Colorado thrives when everyone, regardless of immigration status, is able to live, work and access basic services without fear,” Velasco concluded. “We look forward to passing this bill and holding strong to our values as a state, and as a party.”
The bill was introduced on April 4 and a second, amended version of the bill was introduced on April 15 and passed the Senate, but its fate remains undetermined at this point.
A group protesting federal immigration policy marched at the Auraria Campus in Denver on March 20. Photo by London Lyle
Earth Day panel talks policy implications
Sopris Sun Correspondent
On Monday, April 21, a near-capacity crowd gathered at the Third Street Center for a panel discussion titled, “How Environmental Policies in D.C. and Denver are Affecting the Roaring Fork Valley.” The event was sponsored by Wilderness Workshop (WW) and Mtn Bio, a community-based, climate-centered educational nonprofit; both are Carbondale-based.
Beth Shoemaker, founder of Mtn Bio, introduced the panelists: Chelsea Congdon, cofounder of Kinship and the evening’s moderator; Patrick King, senior director of strategic partnerships at Boulder-based Protect Our Winters (POW); Natasha Léger, executive director of Citizens for a Healthy Community (CHC) in Paonia; and Will Roush, WW executive director.
Congdon invited each to discuss their organization. Léger said that through the efforts of CHC and its partners, “Not a single acre of public lands [in the region] has been leased to oil and gas since 2013,” though noting that the “current state of things [at the federal level] is unsettling, to say the least.”
Roush described WW’s work to protect public lands across the Western Slope, saying, “What we’ve found to be effective and successful in the past is bringing together communities and people who care passionately about public lands and places.” Describing the wide range of groups WW works with, he said that when they can bring those groups together, “We’re able to protect our public lands, or maybe more apt right now, defend them.”
King said POW’s focus is on “public lands protection [and] clean energy development,” and that the organization’s “superpower” are their alliances with some 300 “athletes, scientists and creatives and a hundred brand partners who help us get calls for climate action out to hundreds of millions of people.”
Congdon asked about the
threats coming from Washington or the state level “that really feel formed and urgent,” and also the “opportunities you see responding to those.”
Léger was most concerned with public lands opening to “unfettered oil and gas development,” particularly the upper North Fork Valley of the Gunnison River, which is designated “high-developmental potential.”
Noting that protecting public lands there was always “a hardfought battle,” she said “now it’s even more dire” with the way the administration has gone after a host of environmental and publicland issues, especially “try[ing] to remove the public from its ability to have a voice in the projects within their communities.”
She voiced concern about state efforts to “chip away at protecting disproportionately impacted communities” by defining census blocks as the people within them, rather than the much vaster uninhabited geographic area of each block. She said that CHC was trying to get “denial criteria” into existing oil and gas regulations. One of those criteria could be what CHC calls “local warming” (rather than calling it “climate change”), noting that the Western Slope is warming faster than other areas. She urged people, “Give your federal land managers some love, because they are the first line
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of defense at this point.”
Roush noted, “There’s a lot of good, proactive work that we need to keep doing.” For example, “continuing our work to protect the Crystal River with Wild and Scenic [designation].” He emphasized the importance of designating wilderness areas as well. “That’s the last place conservation is going to be undone.”
Roush acknowledged recent executive decisions and Congressional legislation saying, “Some of that’s just going to be bluster.” He continued, “Economics will stop some bad projects from happening.” He reiterated Léger’s mention of the administration’s “real effort to keep the public out of decision-making and prevent the public from being informed about what’s happening.”
He brought up the administration’s effort to sell off hundreds of thousands of acres of public lands, saying, “That’s probably the biggest threat that my organization can think of.” Finally, Roush touched on the “indiscriminate layoffs and staff cutting at our federal land-management agencies,” adding, “That’s just a travesty in and of itself.”
King discussed the importance of 2022’s Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), “the biggest investment in climate history,” and that the IRA provisions are “under serious threat” by the current
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administration, also noting that 14 Republican representatives support the IRA, and “a lot of IRA dollars went to those states.”
He shared his concern that what is under threat is “our will to support climate action,” continuing, “The dizzying pace and direction of all the chaos is not unintentional; it’s very directional.” He added, “We’re just trying to keep people engaged.”
King brought up the POW concept of the “outdoor state” — meaning any kind of outdoor activity — citing that 175 million people participate nationwide. Rallying them, he said, “could be the most important voting bloc in the country.” He saw their best opportunity as “flexing both those muscles: our size and our economic output.”
Congdon circled back to the “effort to keep the public away from the conversations that belong to them.” She wondered how to keep the public engaged. She also mentioned connections, noting the connectivity of biodiversity and climate, and asked, “How [do] we resist keeping the public out?”
Léger responded, “To stay engaged, be engaged at all the levels,” and the “really important role” of local governments … with their current authority.” She mentioned the “inspiration” of Our Children’s Trust,
of Eugene, Oregon, that recently won a lawsuit in Colorado against fracking. She also encouraged people to “get out onto public lands” and suggested joining community groups. “The more we can come together and feel like we’re not alone is really the important piece.”
Roush focused on silencing public participation: “That’s a goal of this administration.” Noting the actions organizations like WW, POW and CHC are taking, he encouraged people to “stay informed, join those organizations, so that you can be part of that advocacy.”
He strongly encouraged people to write letters, show up at public meetings and rallies and contact government and nongovernment individuals, adding, “In some ways, those less formal means are even more important.” Mentioning the large number of people participating in public rallies and events this year, he said, “You’re in good company of people who are speaking out and trying to make their voice heard.”
King, echoing his fellow panelists, said, “Getting into the work is super important.” He talked about the “love for the outdoors and outdoor places” as “something that can’t be broken or exhausted,” and exhorted folks to “Keep … doing the hard work when it gets hard.”
The floor was opened to audience questions. One was: “Are the administration’s policies toward opening up public lands consistent with what the extractive industry wants?”
Roush answered, “A lot of them are,” notably “less regulations and laws around pollution or environmental standards.” But he also said that industry doesn’t like it when regulations “get turned on and then turned off and turn back on again,” concluding, “A lot of what the administration is doing has not been at the top of the industry’s list.”
He also noted, however, the issue of renewed leasing for mineral
continued on page 19
Panelists for the April 21 discussion on environmental policies at the Third Street Center sponsored by Wilderness Workshop and Mtn Bio: (from left) Chelsea Congdon, Natasha Léger, Will Roush and Patrick King. Photo by Ken Pletcher
Girls lacrosse, soccer in position
loss at Vail Mountain on Tuesday, April 29, pushing them into fourth place in the 3A Western Slope
Down 2-1 at halftime, the Rams and the Gore Rangers scored two goals each in the second to keep it competitive. Game stats for the Rams were
Last week, Roaring Fork beat Aspen 3-0 on April 24, and lost at home to Mead on April 25, 4-0. The Rams sit at 6-5-3 overall and 4-2-1 in league play. The last state ranking put them at 19th, ahead
Roaring Fork hosts Rifle at 6pm on Thursday,
The Rams baseball team dropped a double header to the visiting Gunnison Cowboys on Saturday, April 26, by scores of 12-4 and 12-6.
Roaring Fork stands at 4-13 overall and 1-7 in the 3A WSL, and was set to play at Rifle on
Seniors will be honored at the final home game of the season, May 7 against Aspen (4pm game time), when the recipient of the Trent Goscha Memorial Scholarship will also be announced.
Traveling to the Clint Wells Invitational at Moffat County High School in Craig on Friday, April 25, several Roaring Fork athletes scored top-eight finishes in their respective events,
continued on page 19
The 12th annual Rams Run took place under perfect skies and was a huge success. The event raises money for the PE department at Crystal River Elementary School from many local major sponsors as well as donations made to the students who get pledges per lap run. Every student, as well as many siblings and parents, run laps for 30 minutes. Teachers and support staff participate while students from other grades encourage and cheer on the runners with high fives and pom-poms. Photo by Sue Rollyson
5 Point shines bright
Sopris Sun youth intern Isaac Sterling got the chance to check out some of the fun and adventure — outside of the plethora of adventure film screenings — at this year’s 5 Point Film Festival held last weekend. From pirates to mullets to cold plunges, excitement was high on a bright and sunshiny day in Carbondale.
Photos by Isaac Sterling
Nature Journaling with Words and Drawings
Friday, May 2 at 1pm
Adults who wish to explore, observe, and creatively document nature are invited to join a group of novice and experienced sketch book writers and artists.
The Art of Conversation
Sunday, May 4 at 6pm
A community-building event filled with meaningful conversations among strangers. Thought-provoking questions allow you to connect deeply with whomever is sitting next to you.
Introduction
to Tai Chi
Tuesday, May 6 at 5:30pm
In this four-part series, participants will learn the basic movements and postures of Tai Chi, how to move the body into alignment without stress. All levels are welcome.
970-963-2889
www.gcpld.org
TOWN OF CARBONDALE
RESIDENTIAL TURF REPLACEMENT PROGRAM
DO YOU IRRIGATE YOUR GRASS WITH TOWN WATER?
The best way to lower your monthly water bill, conserve water, and support pollinators is to remove and replace turf lawn with native plants!
Join us to create beautiful low-water native landscapes that are good for people and pollinators!
THURSDAY, MAY 1
VALLEY VIEW
Valley View invites the community to attend a virtual town hall from noon to 1pm. During the call, Valley View leaders will talk about recent work and investments as well as a new Community Health Needs Assessment. Participants are invited to ask questions and share perspectives. Register at VVH.org/TownHall PROTEST
Mountain Action Indivisible organizes a May Day sign-waving event in Sayre Park from 4 to 6pm to demonstrate solidarity with immigrants and labor unions. Protestors will also converge at the Carbondale roundabout at 4pm.
PORTFOLIO NIGHT
Colorado Mountain College students of photography, digital media, graphic design and integrated media show off their work at the Spring Valley Campus from 4:30 to 7pm.
MUSIC AT THE LIBRARY
Local vocalist Josefina Mendez and Denver-based bassist Gonzalo Teppa introduce their new project, “Gonzalo Teppa Band: Origins,” to listeners at the Basalt Library from 5:30 to 6:45pm.
SOLAR FARMLAND
Garfield Clean Energy presents a seminar for local farmers, landowners, policymakers and community members called “Solar on Farmland” at the Morgridge Commons in Glenwood Springs from 5:30 to 7:30pm.
CRYSTAL THEATRE
The Crystal Theatre screens “The Ballad of Wallis Island” (with captions) at 7pm tonight. Then, catch “Warfare,” screening tomorrow, Saturday and Thursday at 7pm; the Sunday showing is at 5pm.
MEN’S GROUP
In partnership with Bee Friendly Carbondale and Colorado Water Conservation Board HOW IT WORKS:
Town of Carbondale residents who irrigate their grass with town water are eligible: RECIEVE $2 PER SF OF IRRIGATED TURF REMOVED AND REPLACED
Scan QR for application or visit beefriendlycarbondale.com
OPEN BOOK SOCIETY
The Basalt Library hosts a virtual teen book club, “The Open Book Society,” where young people exchange book recommendations and discuss their favorites, from 4 to 5pm. Register at www.basaltlibrary.org/events-calendar
SCIENCE IN SPANISH
The Aspen Science Center invites Spanish-speaking parents and their children to cultivate scientific interests together at the Basalt Library from 4 to 6pm.
CINCO DE MAYO
Hispanics in Local Leadership and the Colorado River Valley Chamber of Commerce host a Cinco de Mayo celebration, to include performances by Aspen Santa Fe Ballet Folklorico, a jalapeño eating contest and much more, from 5:30 to 8:30pm at the Garfield County Fairgrounds in Rifle.
CIRQUE D’SOPRIS
Cirque d’Sopris presents “Unicorn: Celebrating What Makes Us Special” tonight and tomorrow at the Roaring Fork High School Auditeria at 6pm. Tickets at www.bit.ly/2025CIRQUE
YOUTHZONE GALA
YouthZone hosts its second annual Spring Gala from 6 to 9pm at the Hotel Colorado. Tickets at youthzone. ejoinme.org/gala
‘THESE SHINING LIVES’
Thunder River Theatre Company presents “These Shining Lives” opening tonight at 7:30pm. Shows continue through May 18 at 7:30pm Thursday-Saturday and 2pm on Sundays. Tickets at www.thunderrivertheatre.com
BELLY UP
River Spell opens for the Banshee Tree at the Belly Up at 8:30pm. Tickets at www.riverspellmusic.com/tour
JEREMY DION
The Common Roots men’s group reflects on this month’s theme, authenticity, at HeadQuarters in Basalt from 6 to 7:30pm. Register at www.headq.org
JUNE STAR
June Star, from Baltimore, Maryland, performs at Steve’s Guitars at 8pm.
FRIDAY, MAY 2
TREE PLANTING
The Carbondale Tree Board invites folks to help plant a couple of trees on Hendrick Drive, between Greystone Drive and Rock Court, at 10am. Town Arborist Carl Meinecke will be onsite to answer all tree-care queries.
SUBJECT/MATR/MOTHER
Join a free virtual panel discussion with the seven featured artist-mothers from Carbondale Arts’ current exhibit, “subject/matr/mother,” at 10am. Details at www.carbondalearts.com/ upcoming-events
NATURE JOURNALING
Adults wishing to explore, observe and creatively document nature are invited to join other sketchbook artists at the Carbondale Library from 1 to 2:30pm.
FAMILY BLOCK PARTY
Carbondale Arts celebrates First Friday with the annual Family Block Party at Chacos Park and the 4th Street Plaza beginning at 4pm. Main Street will be closed from 5 to 9pm from Weant Boulevard to Snowmass Avenue with the Rotary Club’s Fireball Drop outside the Smithy at 5pm sharp. Carbondale’s annual Pride parade will take place in June this year in alignment with larger, nationwide Pride celebrations.
Steve’s Guitars presents Jeremy Dion performing at 8pm. Tickets at www.stevesguitars.net
SATURDAY,
MAY 3
RFOV
Roaring Fork Outdoor Volunteers kicks off its summer season with a work day at the Silt River Preserve from 9am to 3pm. Burning Mountain Pizza & Subs will feed volunteers at the day’s end and the Little Explorers program will care for children ages 4-8 while their parents volunteer. To sign up, visit www.rfov.org
GARDEN DAY
Bee Friendly Carbondale invites you to help with spring cleanup at Sopris Bridge Garden (at Sopris Park) from 10am to 2pm. Snacks, refreshments and tools will be provided; volunteers are asked to bring gloves.
MAYFAIRE
The Waldorf School on the Roaring Fork hosts its 33rd annual Mayfaire spring celebration from 10am to 2pm. More details at www.waldorfschoolrf. com/calendar/mayfaire-2
CLOTHING SWAP
Spring Pilates, 1131 Main Street in Carbondale, hosts a clothing swap from 10am to noon. Folks can bring their gently used athleisure wear — leggings, tops, jackets, sets — to trade or sell. More details at www.pilatescarbondale.com/schedule
COMICS FEST
Celebrate Free Comic Book Day with the 4th annual Comics Festival at the Glenwood Springs Library from 11am to 4pm. There will be games, crafts, tech, cosplay and more. Local fantasy author Cianan Puckett will discuss his novel, “Never
High Country Sinfonia’s spring concert, “Art of Sinfonia,” will feature the world-premiere of “Snow Prayer,” a composition by local musician Kevin Kaukl. It will also be Aspen High Schooler Kurt Kowar’s final performances in the High Country Sinfonia before he heads off to college! The concert will be hosted by TACAW on Friday, May 2, at 7pm and the Aspen Chapel on Sunday, May 4, at 4pm. Both shows are free, though donations are appreciated. Courtesy photo
Without Hope,” at 1:30pm.The event is free and open to all. More details at www.gcpld.org/comics-festival
KENTUCKY DERBY
Join WindWalkers for an extravagant Kentucky Derby watch-party fundraiser at Spring Creeks Ranch from 2 to 6pm. Tickets at www.windwalkers.org/events
JILL SOBULE
Singer-songwriter Jill Sobule performs at TACAW at 8pm with local performer Toddy Walters opening. Tickets at www.tacaw.org
SUNDAY, MAY 4
FIRST SUNDAY MEDITATION
The Carbondale Meditation Circle of Self Realization Fellowship meets the first Sunday of every month from 9 to 10:30am in the meditation room at True Nature.
PHYSICS & SPIRITUALITY
Larry Gottlieb speaks to how physics and spirituality inform one another from 10 to 11:30am in room 31 of the Third Street Center.
MOTHER’S DAY MARKET
TACAW hosts local businesses for a Mother’s Day Market from 11am to 4pm. Botany Houseplant Shop will offer two terrarium-building workshops (sign up at www.botanyhouseplantshop.com).
‘BREATHE, BISON’
The True Nature Healing Arts Foundation presents “Breathe, Bison,” a storytime offering for children and their caretakers with music and meditation from 3 to 4:30pm. Tickets at www.truenaturehealingarts.com/events
ART OF CONVERSATIONS
Dive into meaningful conversations with strangers every first Sunday at the Carbondale Library from 6 to 7:30pm.
MONDAY, MAY 5
CINCO DE SMITHY
The Village Smithy celebrates its 50th anniversary with food, drinks, music, games and prizes beginning at 5:30pm.
TUESDAY, MAY 6
BIRDING CLUB
Basalt Library invites middle school students to discover the wonders of the avian world from 3:45 to 5pm.
YARN GROUP
The Basalt Library yarn group meets at 5pm to discuss projects and techniques.
TAI CHI
Martin Finkelstein teaches the basics of
Tai Chi and the Carbondale Library on Tuesdays in May from 5:30 to 6:30pm.
‘TOASTMASTERS’
Coventure hosts “Toastmasters,” a gathering of people practicing public speaking in a supportive environment, from 5:30 to 6:30pm. Learn more at www.coventure.io
INTERGENERATIONAL TALK
From Gen Z to the Greatest Generation, Basalt Library welcomes all to participate in a conversation aimed at fostering connection and understanding across age groups. Questions? Contact edewetter@basaltlibrary.org or 970-927-4311 ext. 1000.
‘COLLECTIVE HEART’
The Land of Peace Project, which connects Carbondale with the Land of Peace Art Village in Ghana, invites the community to a screening of “Collective Heart,” which delves into that connection, at the Crystal Theatre at 6pm. Tickets at www.tinyurl.com/ LandofPeaceProject
DRAWING CLUB
The Roaring Fork Drawing Club meets at El Dorado in Carbondale at 6:30pm.
WEDNESDAY, MAY 7
HEAT PUMPS
Garfield Clean Energy hosts “Ducted Heat Pump Retrofits: Modern Solutions for Existing Homes” at the Morgridge Commons, above the Glenwood Springs Library, from 8am to 12:30pm. www.tinyurl.com/HeatPumpsRetrofit
NONFICTION BOOK CLUB
The Carbondale Library invites you to read a nonfiction book pertaining to travel (this month’s topic) to discuss with others today from 2 to 3:30pm. For more info, call 970-963-2889.
KID ZONE
Basalt Library welcomes kids 5 to 11 to enjoy activities from 2:30 to 3:30pm.
GRIEF AND LOSS
Lisa Dancing-Light and Deanna Jenné, “River of Life Guides,” lead a workshop on embracing elderhood and wisdom, teaching strategies to navigate grief and loss, from 6 to 8:30pm.
SCIENCE ON SCREEN
Aspen Film hosts the final event in its Science on Screen series, featuring guest speaker Andrew Travers of the Aspen Institute, full-length film
“The House of Tomorrow” and short film “Chilly & Milly” at 6:30pm at the AF Isis Theatre. Tickets at www.aspenfilm.org
ONGOING EVENTS
ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS
The Meeting Place in Carbondale (981 Cowen Drive) offers “Hole in the Donut AA,” Monday through Saturday at 6:45am, plus “Daily Reprieve” at noon on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. Find a full schedule at www.meetingplacecarbondale.org
MOMMY MEET-UP
The Glenwood Springs Library hosts a “mommy meet-up” on Mondays from 11am to 12:30pm for mothers and their babies ages 0-3. There will be play items provided for the little ones and coffee and conversation for the moms.
ENGLISH IN ACTION
Volunteer English tutors and developing learners meet for informal conversational practice at the Carbondale Library every Monday at 6:30pm. Interested in becoming a tutor? Email angela@englishinaction.org or call 970-963-9200.
MONDAY MEDITATION
Roaring Fork Insight guides a weekly meditation group meeting at the Third Street Center (Room 31) from 7 to 8:30pm. A Wednesday session takes place at St. Peters of the Valley in Basalt from 11:30 to 1pm with a Zoom option.
PILATES
Coredination offers weekly pilates mat classes for all levels at The Launchpad in Carbondale. Tuesdays from noon to 1pm intermediate/advanced students are welcome. Beginners are encouraged to attend on THursdays from 8 to 9am. For more info, call 970-379-2187.
BIKE PROJECT
The Carbondale Bike Project Shop helps people repair their bicycles on Tuesdays
and Thursdays from 2 to 6pm and Sundays from noon to 6pm on the east side of Third Street Center.
SENIOR LUNCH
Every Wednesday at noon, Garfield County Senior Programs provides a nutritious meal for seniors at The Orchard. To reserve a place at the table, call 970-665-0041.
FARM DAYS
Wild Mountain Seeds invites you to volunteer at Sunfire Ranch every Thursday from 12:30 to 4pm. Bring a water bottle and gloves and leave as early as you need to.
GERI-FIT
The Carbondale Library hosts an olderadult fitness class every Thursday from 12:15 to 1:15pm. Call 970-625-5282 ext. 3084 to register.
TEEN LIBRARY COUNCIL
The Teen Library Council convenes every first Thursday at the Basalt Library at 4pm.
GROUP RUN
Independence Run & Hike leads a weekly group run on Thursdays departing from the store’s location, next to the Carbondale City Market, at 6:30pm.
COFFEE WITH THE MAYOR
Carbondale Mayor Ben Bohmfalk posts up at Bonfire every Friday from 8 to 9am, and everyone is welcome to stop by to chat.
SOBER QUEER CLUB
The Meeting Place hosts an LGBTQIA+ specific recovery meeting every first and third Saturday at 5:30pm. For more details, visit www.meetingplacecarbondale.org
Roaring Fork Fencers Club helps build young bodies and minds
JOHN STROUD Sopris Sun Correspondent
Art form and sport merge in a rather obscure discipline called fencing. And it’s on display on Carbondale’s Main Street this First Friday and through the summer.
Greg Domashovetz is the head coach and owner of the Roaring Fork Fencers Club, which got its start in 2017 and has grown to around 20 members, mostly elementary through high school aged students, from Glenwood Springs to Aspen.
Fencing is essentially competitive sword fighting, where two individuals in protective gear use special (non-lethal, of course) swords to score points by hitting designated target areas on their opponent’s body using a special suit that keeps score electronically.
It’s one of just a few sports that has been featured in every modern Olympic Games.
Domashovetz has been fencing since he was a senior in high school in 2004 and was on his club team in college.
“That’s where I really fell in love with the sport, and then after college I moved to Chicago and worked really hard on training and competing there for a few years,” he said.
He moved to Denver and started refereeing and coaching the sport there in 2014, and his passion continued to grow to the point where he decided to start his own club.
He considered forming a club in Denver, but had also been coming up to the mountains several days a week and decided to relocate to Glenwood Springs.
“After looking at a bunch of different markets, the Roaring Fork Valley was kind of the clear winner in terms of population and
resources, and seemed like the best place to give it a shot,” Domashovetz said.
The club gained traction as an alternative to the many traditional sports that are offered in the Valley through schools or clubs, and became an attractive pastime during the COVID-19 pandemic as a way for youth to stay active with a relatively non-contact, one-on-one sport.
“I remember one particular day where I drove up and down the Valley, giving lessons in someone’s driveway, or in a parking garage, the basement of an art gallery and even at the wastewater treatment plant in Aspen,” Domashovetz said.
“The challenge was once everyone decided to kind of return to what they were doing before. But now I feel like we’ve kind of re-hit our stride.”
Many of the students involved now have been with the program for multiple years and have stuck with it into high school.
Like Faye Vanmoorsel, 16, of Glenwood Springs, who started fencing in fifth grade as part of an Access After School program at her school.
“I was really bad at other sports, but there was something about fencing that just sort of clicked in my head,” she said. “I kept with it and decided, ‘Hey, this is really fun.’”
Fencing is good for the body and the brain, Vanmoorsel said.
“It has taught me how to use my body in different ways, and how to balance myself,” she said. “Mentally, it’s taught me a lot about patience and how to be strong when I need to be.”
Vanmoorsel added that diversity within the sport has also taught her about different
cultures, and to be a strong leader.
Clubmate Asher Rudow, who is in the 10th grade, would agree. “I’ve definitely learned a lot of leadership, and how to work with other people,” he said. “And to be able to push myself past my boundaries and work harder.”
The small club also makes for a tight-knit community, especially when they travel to tournaments and do other group activities, he said.
The club is currently in the thick of its competition season, having done a big tournament last weekend and taking some students to a regional competition in Denver this coming weekend, which is a qualifier for the national championships.
“Some of our students are already qualified through other paths for the summer championships,” Domashovetz shared.
The Roaring Fork Fencers Club also hosts its own tournament May 17-18 at Sopris Elementary School in Glenwood Springs, bringing in clubs from across the state.
The club practices two times a week at
Domashovetz agrees there are multiple benefits to the sport of fencing. “I think it builds a lot of physical literacy,” he said. “It’s way more physical than most people realize, so it has a lot of those important skills that transfer to all sports, like hand-eye coordination, balance and agility. It also builds a lot of strength, because it’s very explosive, whether you’re lunging or whether you’re quickly changing directions. And it’s aerobic.”
It also builds problem-solving skills. “That’s how I teach fencing to the kids, that all these skills have context,” he said. “We use all these skills together for this reason, and I think it transfers very well to academics.”
The Roaring Fork Fencers Club is open to any youth, ages 7 through high school, and adults are welcome to help provide mentorship. Learn more about the club at www.roaringforkfc.com, and look for their demo station at First Friday this week.
CARE. PRIMARY REGION’S LARGEST NETWORK OF
the Glenwood Arts Center on 6th Street (former Center for the Arts).
Roaring Fork Fencers Club members Faye Vanmoorsel, right, and Asher Rudow at one of their weekly practice sessions at the Glenwood Springs Arts Center. Photo by John Stroud
Roaring Fork School District libraries remain safe
ANNALISE GRUETER
Sopris Sun Correspondent
The public forum has seen notable discussion about libraries in recent months. Many libraries have been navigating increased scrutiny, challenges to books available for checkout and more. Among the actual difficulties that libraries have been facing, some have also had to handle fearful rumors.
Recently, those fears have extended into conversations about Roaring Fork School District (RFSD) libraries. In April, amidst community conversations about the Garfield County libraries, there were anonymous claims that middle and elementary school libraries in Garfield County were in danger of being closed. The Sopris Sun connected with RFSD and the county libraries to investigate.
Joel Hathaway, RFSD executive director of schools, was quick to dispel these rumors. “We are not aware of rumors about libraries closing,” he said. “There are no plans to close school libraries.” He then offered insight into how RFSD schools manage library access. “Libraries look different across the district because there are various models that work best for various schools,” Hathaway said. “School librarian is not a role that has ever been mandated for each school like a principal, assistant principal or counselor, for example.”
Each school within the district has some autonomy in how it allocates its budget and personnel. Explained
Hathaway, “All elementary schools are currently budgeted for one library paraprofessional, but schools have flexibility in how they use this position. School leaders work with their leadership teams and school advisory councils for guidance on the school budgets.”
In response to rumors that potential risk might be associated with enrollment concerns and associated budgets, Hathaway said that libraries in the schools are not directly based on enrollment numbers. RFSD shares regular available-to-public updates at its bimonthly board meetings, covering topics from budget updates to student engagement to promotions. Agenda packets are available on the district website, and livestreams and recordings of the meetings can be found on YouTube. While both April RFSD board meetings included personnel updates, no librarians were on either list of terminations or resignations.
Jamie LaRue, executive director of Garfield County Libraries, confirmed that he heard a single mention of rumors about RFSD libraries in early April. LaRue shared that the number of school librarians in Colorado has dropped in the past 10-15 years, but that pattern does not have to prove true at all schools. He also confirmed “I have no direct knowledge of pending retirements or layoffs.”
What LaRue hopes to highlight is how libraries can empower students in addition to the general public. “What
GARFIELD COUNTY REPORT
Commissioner catch-up from April 21
AMY HADDEN MARSH
Sopris Sun Correspondent
Glenwood Springs resident Craig Amichaux started off the meeting with complaints about traffic and trash on the lower part of County Road 132 (Mitchell Creek) in West Glenwood. He asked commissioners (BOCC) to put flashing signs or speed bumps on the road and to help clean up construction trash near Storm King Trailer Park.
Morning agenda items began with a report from the Western States and Tribal Nations Energy Initiative (WSTN), which the BOCC joined about five years ago while involved with the ill-fated Jordan Cove Energy Project. The controversial project proposed a liquified natural gas export terminal in Coos Bay, Oregon and a 230-mile pipeline that the BOCC believed would open Western Colorado natural gas to Asian markets. The project died in late 2021.
Commissioner Mike Samson said that the main purpose of WSTN is to “foster energy development, specifically natural gas” and export it from the West Coast. Tribal members include the Southern Utes, Uintah-Ouray Utes and the Jicarilla Apache Nation. The State of Baja California in Mexico is also a member plus New Mexico, Utah and Wyoming. “Colorado was approached to be part of that,” said Samson. “Our present administration under Governor Polis and our state legislature doesn’t want anything to do with that.”
So, he said, Garfield, Rio Blanco, Mesa and Moffat
counties got involved on their own. Garfield County pays $5,000 annually as a member. Other county members include several in Wyoming and Utah’s Seven County Infrastructure Coalition, which is behind the Uinta Basin Railway. Industry members included energy companies Caerus, Laramie, Terra, Chevron, Jonah and Utah Gas Corp. According to climate watchdog Floodlight News, one of WSTN’s early funders was Pembina Pipeline Corp, the company behind Jordan Cove.
In front of the BOCC on April 21 was a request to support a WSTN initiative to study energy infrastructure. Bryson Hull, WSTN’s vice-president, pitched the pre-feasibility study via Zoom. “What that is about is getting markets for [Rocky Mountain] natural gas and a way to get to those markets,” he explained. The study is publicly funded by WSTN members. Hall said that Wyoming and Utah committed $250,000 each and New Mexico, $300,000, adding that the Southern Utes and the Jirailla Apache threw in $25,000 each.
According to the initiative draft, the study’s goal is to support monetization of resources within the WSTN region as well as rural economic sustainability and energy resilience while reducing greenhouse gas emissions. It will also look at connecting western U.S. natural gas to domestic West Coast markets and export facilities in the Pacific Northwest, Canada and Mexico.
Discussion included the rise of data centers and the subsequent
I would promote to area students, in addition to our access to over 30 million items through our shared Marmot catalog (combining most of the libraries on the Western Slope) are our digital resources.” County libraries can partner with school libraries to promote reading programs and events. The former are also open year-round, ensuring access to educational resources when school libraries are closed for summer break.
“Our e-resources include things like BrainFuse (direct online tutoring), college prep resources, and lots of newspapers, magazines and biographies useful for homework,” LaRue shared. “I would advise any student to get and use a local library card.” His concerns about library access are broad; LaRue wants to ensure preservation of library collections and information accessibility as a public resource.
Hathaway credited public libraries throughout the Roaring Fork Valley for their work. “We have great relationships with our local libraries and are grateful for the mutually supportive relationship.”
You can learn more about Garfield County Library offerings online (at www.gcpld.org). The website has a general events calendar as well as webpages for each branch location. Families interested in learning more about their local school libraries can visit the school website, as each school manages its own library.
need for more electricity as well as how Garfield County is positioned to provide natural gas. “We have the infrastructure. We have the gas plants. We have the compressor stations,” said Commission Chair Tom Jankovsky. “We can get our gas up to the pipeline that runs both east and west.”
The BOCC unanimously approved $6,500 toward the initiative. Jankovsky said that $5,000 is budgeted and that the additional $1,500 could come out of the commissioners’ discretionary grant fund. “There are several places we can pull that from,” he said.
CO measles cases tick up County human services director Sharon Longhurst-Pritt presented EBT/EFT disbursement totals for March at $1,186,540, a significant increase from February’s $799,955 and topping January’s totals of $1,142,733. Longhurst-Pritt has not responded to a request for further information.
Sara Brainard, county public
health deputy director, told commissioners that three measles cases were confirmed in Colorado during the first quarter of 2025. Public health specialist Carrie Godes told The Sopris Sun this week that two more cases have been confirmed since April 21.
“There are outbreaks occurring in the United States as well as internationally,” said Brainard. “We know Texas, New Mexico, Oklahoma have had case outbreaks and there’s also an outbreak occurring in Mexico right now, specifically in Oaxaca and Chihuahua.” The most recent confirmed Colorado case involves a vaccinated Denver County adult who traveled to Chihuahua.
Colorado is not in outbreak status. Vaccinations are recommended for children and adults traveling to outbreak areas.
Brainard added that latent tuberculosis cases are still coming in and being treated — five in Glenwood and two in Rifle. Patients range from teens to older adults. Nineteen animal bites
were reported between Jan. 1 and the end of March, as well as 18 enteric cases and 72 respiratory illnesses, including RSV, influenza and COVID-19.
In other public health news, the county is reinstating a farmers’ market voucher program for the Special Supplemental Program for Women, Infant and Children (WIC) this summer. A similar program funded by the state ended last October. Commissioners approved $20,000 to resurrect the local program. Christine Dolan, county public health nutrition programs manager, told the BOCC that markets in Carbondale, Glenwood Springs, New Castle, Rifle and Parachute are interested in participating in WIC this year.
You can find all of the Garfield County Public Health updates from April 21 and archived BOCC meetings dating back to 1998 at www.garfieldcountyco.gov/ board-commissioners/meetings
Downriver Divas helps women liberate their inner goddess
ANNALISE GRUETER
Sopris Sun Correspondent
It all comes back to the energy of flowing water.
Aimee Cullwick has spent a lifetime getting to the character and magic of water. “I just grew up on rivers; my dad was a big fly fisherman,” she shared in a conversation with The Sopris Sun last week. Cullwick is a Colorado native and was introduced to many water-proximate outdoor spaces as a child. After seeing people kayaking during her teenage years, she took a summer course in the sport her freshman year of college.
Cullwick met her future husband, Antony or “Ants,” and his brother during college. The trio explored rivers, primarily by rafting — bringing along kayaks just for fun. Cullwick has fond memories of an early trip on the American River in northern California. It was in those adolescent and early adult years that she fell in love with rafting. “I knew it would be a big part of my life,” she said.
That notion proved accurate. These days, Cullwick offers annual river retreats for women through her organization, Downriver Divas. This summer marks 10 years since she started leading the empowering retreats, the inception of which
marked a return to river guiding for Cullwick. She spent a few years after graduating college as a river rat exploring the American continents and New Zealand by water. When she returned to Colorado in her mid-twenties as a secondary school teacher, she migrated to whitewater in the summertime working a coveted gear-shuttle job in the Grand Canyon.
It was reflection upon the camaraderie formed while on the river that inspired her to start Downriver Divas. To Cullwick, rafting is empowering in a way that’s very graceful and free. The setting and sport are positive for women in a way that may not have been accessible to earlier generations. “Our mothers never had that opportunity,” she said.
She wanted to challenge the “boys’ club” associated with outdoor sports. “I was curious about the river without a specific type of male energy,” she explained.
During her earlier tenure, Cullwick had her share of experiences as the only woman in guide groups, where hierarchies were established and her gender was an automatic qualifier for being treated as an outsider. In guiding empowerment retreats, her goal was to instill the opposite.
For the first several years, Downriver Divas offered three trips a year (around a week each) catered specifically to women for personal growth and community connection. “I was really ambitious in the beginning,” Cullwick said, in part because “I was rebelling against feeling like ‘just mom.’”
She finds that the wild and transitory nature of river trips helps people step away from the pressure of normal life. “This feels like the perfect setting to elevate conversations to be very
meaningful, while also preserving play and fun away from everyday stressors.”
And especially in groups of all women, Cullwick has seen participants rediscover their own individual, as well as collective, power. Downriver Divas retreats “have a very protected, healing energy,” she stated — a feeling of rejuvenation and camaraderie she considers sacred. “I want to encourage that energy on the planet.”
In recent years, Downriver Divas has offered just one trip each year. This year, the Kindred Currents retreat runs from Aug. 9 to 16 on Idaho’s Main Salmon River. Enrollment costs $2,750
per person, starting with the $500 deposit. The price includes all rafting gear and premium camping and sleeping equipment, gourmet meals on the river, a passenger flight over the Frank Church Wilderness and gift bags in addition to the connection and community formed with other trip members.
Cullwick hopes to enroll mothers and daughters, cousins, aunts and sisters in addition to individuals. People can contact her with questions by email at aimee@korultd.com or by phone at 970-274-2423.
For more information, visit www.downriverdivas.com
Downriver Divas having a blast during a float in 2022. Courtesy photo
Laurie Clemens Maier continues to crank out new perspectives
MYKI JONES Arts Correspondent
Film festival season is upon us and local filmmaker Laurie Clemens Maier has been on a roll with her short film “47,” co-written by and starring her longtime friend and collaborator at Laurel Leaf Productions, Laurel Harris. “The Dude is Legit” is a feature film making the rounds written by Maier and her brother, Dan Clemens, about his college baseball career. All the while Maier works as the assistant director and producer of “An Aspen Christmas Conspiracy” with Graham Northrup and writes for two more films in collaboration with Harris.
Maier and Harris have known each other for nearly 25 years and have collaborated on several projects. The story idea for “47” came about as they discussed medical check-ups. Both women realized how little was being discussed regarding infertility.
“It started just as us girlfriends talking about a doctor’s appointment where one of us had been told by the doctor, ‘Your eggs are too old; I wouldn’t use these,’ and how much of a gut punch hearing that was,” Maier recalled. “But the other one said, ‘Yes, that happened to me as well.’ So we both had these terrible moments with our gynecologists about having kids. We had this moment where we thought about how women don’t often realize how frequently
this happens, and we need to talk about it.”
After going through “a million different versions of the script,” Maier and her collaborator filmed the version which has been sweeping up awards throughout the film festival circuit. Some of these include “Best Drama” at the Santa Fe Film Festival and the New York Film and Actress Awards, “Best Ensemble” at the Rock The Shorts Film Festival, “Best International Short Narrative” at the Ottawa Film Awards and “Best Women’s Empowerment Film” at the Cinema Odyssey Film Awards.
Discussing these achievements, Maier said how honored she feels, specifically regarding the “Best Ensemble” award from Rock The Shorts. This, coupled with all the hard work that went into the film, has her eager to share it with more audiences.
“[The organizers of] the Rock Your Shorts fest created that award for us because they were so impressed,” Maier stated. “Toward the end of the year, ‘47’ will be available to the general public. It takes a while to go through this festival process, but we’re excited to show people that haven’t seen it, so stay tuned for that.”
“The Dude is Legit,” Maier’s feature film, has also been gathering awards and finalist placements. These include “Best Original Screenplay” from ZEPfest
and “Best Feature Screenplay” at Oniros Film Awards, Garden State Film Festival and International Independent Film Awards. Additionally, Maier was proud to announce the film has been “optioned,” meaning a producer has secured the rights to take it further. “Hopefully she’s going to be able to get it in the right hands and get it sold, or find somebody who wants to make it and include us in that,” Maier stated.
Another feature film, “Pink Boa,” is being written in collaboration with Harris and has already won numerous awards in screenwriting competitions. The film will focus on sex trafficking and
misconceptions on the subject. Maier acknowledges that while seedy cases of people being plucked off the street do happen, they are few and far between. There is a deeper, darker reality lurking.
“We started researching this and I began to realize how much I was wrong about the topic,” Maier admitted. “I realized how long it has been underneath our noses and how it lives in every community. If [a film] could help people who are sucked into it … it’s totally worth all the hours that will need to be put into it.”
For more information about “Pink Boa,” visit www.laurelleafproductions.com/projects
From left to right: Laurel Harris, Diane Robin, Laurie Clemens Maier and Iris Almario on the set of “47.” Courtesy photo
PUBLIC NOTICE
SUBJECT: Rail Salvage Project Phase #1 – Vegetation Removal
NOTICE TO THE PUBLIC: RFTA will be cleaning up portions of the Aspen Branch of the Denver & Rio Grande Western Railroad Corridor property (RFTA Owned). There are still sections of rail/track in the Corridor and other areas with piles of discarded rail/track. The City of Glenwood Springs and the Roaring Fork Club have the most rail/track still in place, and thus the majority of the work will occur in these two locations. However, work will occur in the RFTA owned Corridor from Glenwood Springs up to Wingo Junction in the Basalt area. RFTA aims to salvage and sell this rail, because much of the rail/track is still valuable material.
Phase #1 of this project will entail vegetation removal, clearing overgrown vegetation from the sections of rail/track. We will NOT be clear cutting the entire Corridor, only the immediate areas around the rail/track and as necessary for the rail salvage (Phase #2). Our goal is to begin Phase #1 on or around June, 1, 2025. The vegetation removal will be completed by RFTA hired contractors which are licensed/professional arborists.
Rio Grande Trail users may encounter work crews, please obey all posted signs and be sure to give workers as much space as possible so they can safely perform their jobs. Some neighbors of the Corridor may be able to hear the equipment during the work day. Phase #1 of this project should not impact much beyond the Rio Grande Trail and its immediate neighbors. Please contact RFTA with any questions or concerns. We appreciate your understanding and apologize for any inconveniences.
DETAILS:
Who: RFTA hired contractors may impact Rio Grande Trail users and the Corridor’s immediate neighbors What: Vegetation Removal within the RFTA owned rail Corridor, Phase #2 Rail Salvage within the RFTA owned rail Corridor When: June 1, 2025 to June 30, 2025 | Phase #2 Rail Salvage - To Be Determined Where: Within the RFTA owned rail Corridor from Glenwood Springs to Wingo Junction Why: In order to salvage the rail/track, the corresponding area needs to be cleared of vegetation
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
Updates and project information can be found on RFTA’s website: www.rfta.com Rio Grande Trail users please pay attention to tra c control signs and any necessary detour information.
CONTACT INFORMATION:
For further details, please contact: rgt@rfta.com or RFTA Customer Service (970) 925-8484
AVISO PÚBLICO
ASUNTO: Proyecto de Recuperación de Rieles Fase #1 – Remoción de Vegetación
AVISO AL PÚBLICO: RFTA realizará trabajos de limpieza en varias secciones de la propiedad del Aspen Branch of the Denver & Rio Grande Western Railroad Corrido (Corrido de la rama de Aspen del ferrocarril Denver & Rio Grande Western) – propiedad de RFTA. Aún existen tramos de rieles/vías en el Corredor, así como áreas con pilas de rieles/vías desechadas. La Ciudad de Glenwood Springs y el Roaring Fork Club son las zonas donde se conserva la mayor parte de las vías, por lo que la mayoría de los trabajos se llevará a cabo en estas dos ubicaciones. No obstante, también se realizarán trabajos en el Corredor propiedad de RFTA desde Glenwood Springs hasta Wingo Junction en la zona de Basalt. El objetivo de RFTA es recuperar y vender estos rieles, ya que muchos de ellos siguen siendo materiales valiosos.
La Fase #1 de este proyecto consistirá en la remoción de vegetación, eliminando el crecimiento excesivo de vegetación de los tramos de riel/vía. NO se realizará una tala completa del Corredor, únicamente se limpiarán las áreas inmediatas alrededor de los rieles/vías y según sea necesario para la recuperación de rieles (Fase #2). Nuestro objetivo es comenzar la Fase #1 alrededor del 1 de junio de 2025. La remoción de vegetación será llevada a cabo por contratistas contratados por RFTA, quienes son arboristas profesionales con licencia.
Los usuarios del Sendero Río Grande podrían encontrarse con cuadrillas de trabajo; por favor, obedezcan todas las señales publicadas y asegúrense de darles a los trabajadores el mayor espacio posible para que puedan realizar sus labores de manera segura. Algunos vecinos del Corredor podrían escuchar el funcionamiento del equipo durante la jornada laboral. La Fase #1 de este proyecto no debería tener un impacto signi cativo más allá del Sendero Río Grande y sus vecinos inmediatos. Por favor, comuníquese con RFTA si tiene alguna pregunta o inquietud. Agradecemos su comprensión y pedimos disculpas por cualquier inconveniente.
DETALLES:
Quién: Contratistas contratados por RFTA que podrían afectar a los usuarios del Sendero Río Grande y a los vecinos inmediatos del Corredor Qué: Eliminación de vegetación dentro del Corredor ferroviario propiedad de RFTA; Fase #2 – Recuperación de rieles dentro del mismo Corredor Cuándo: Del 1 de junio de 2025 al 30 de junio de 2025 | Fase #2 - Recuperación de rieles: Fecha por determinar Dónde: Dentro del Corredor ferroviario propiedad de RFTA, desde Glenwood Springs hasta Wingo Junction Por qué: Para poder recuperar los rieles/vías, es necesario despejar de vegetación las áreas correspondientes
INFORMACIÓN ADICIONAL:
Actualizaciones e información del proyecto estarán disponibles en el sitio web de RFTA: www.rfta.com Usuarios del Sendero Río Grande: por favor, presten atención a las señales de control de trá co y a cualquier información sobre desvíos que sea necesaria.
INFORMACIÓN DE CONTACTO:
Para más detalles, comuníquese con: rgt@rfta.com o con el Servicio al Cliente de RFTA al (970) 925-8484
exploitation. Although there may not be active drilling on that land, leases take it out of consideration for other uses, like conservation, for many years. He also mentioned prioritizing “what cannot be undone,” like a timber sale in old-growth forest.
Roush said that, so far, “there’s been no direct threat” to the 20-year Thompson Divide administrative withdrawal. However, when asked if he thinks the administration may be “prepping to do bad things” (like rescind the withdrawal), Roush replied, “Definitely yes.”
Another question focused on the actions of attorneys general in several blue states pushing back on some of the administration’s policies and what can be done at the state level.
Léger described how Colorado Attorney General Phil Weiser “strongly defended” the state’s climate policies against an executive order claiming that states were “overreaching” on them. King brought up the dramatic increase nationwide in local rules and laws to prevent clean-energy development, encouraging people to counter “organized and vocal opposition” to that development.
Another person asked if maybe the emphasis should shift away from climate change and more toward understanding and protecting the regulatory state on climate
RAMS REPORT
• Nikki Tardif, second in the 300-meter hurdles with a personal record (PR) time of 50.25 seconds.
• Isabella Moon, fourth 800-meter run (PR 2:32.71).
• Miley Stuart, second 3200-meter run (15:11.34) and eighth 1600 meters (PR 6:30.38).
• 4x800 Relay (Isla Friel, Miley Stuart, Juni Mullett, Sadie Silcox), second (11:52.21).
policy.
King responded by citing POW’s approach — what he called a “kernel.” Rather than discussing a scientific report with someone skeptical of climate change, one might mention “a pond hockey tournament in Vermont that’s been held for 50 years in a row hasn’t happened in the last three years,” to spark a discussion.
Léger reiterated CHC’s use of “local warming” instead of climate change, “Because everyone recognizes that it is getting hotter and drier” on the Western Slope. She continued, “People seem to be resonating with that as the change piece,” and noted that climatechange deniers “all agree that their local climate is changing,” though they don’t agree it is human-caused.
Roush concluded the evening by saying, “Your voice does matter. … Vote with your feet, vote with your wallet and your words; and in 18 months and in 2028, vote for real. Pace yourself; this is a marathon, not a sprint. Stay educated, and then get outside and enjoy the out of doors. Enlist your friends and family, and connect with people like Beth [Shoemaker], who are just grabbing this, taking initiative on their own, and making change happen. And that’s how we make a difference and win this.”
from page 10
• 4x100 Relay (Sadie Silcox, Juni Mullett, Isabella Moon, Morgan Fink), eighth (57.58).
And, for the boys:
• Levi Friday, fourth 1600 (PR 5:03.29).
• Waylon Applegate, fifth 3200 (13:19.87).
The Roaring Fork Track team is at the 3A Western Slope League Championships in Grand Junction this Friday and Saturday, May 2-3.
When You Have Unexpected Medical Needs
Our After-Hours clinic provides a convenient, cost-effective way to receive the compassionate care you deserve without a visit to the ER.
No appointment necessary, walk-ins welcome!
Weekdays: 2-10 pm | Weekends: 8 am-5 pm 234 East Cody Lane, Basalt | 970.544.1250
Ardeen L. Arbaney
August
28, 1944
– April 20, 2025
Ardeen L. Arbaney passed away peacefully at her home on April 20, surrounded by the love of her family. She was 80 years old.
She was preceded in death by her beloved brother Larry King, her mother Cathrine King and her father Clinton King.
Ardeen is survived by her devoted husband, Jack Arbaney, her loving children, Bambi (Jeff) Burtard and Bruce (Cindy) Arbaney, her cherished grandchildren, Kasie Burtard, Ty (Lauren) Burtard and Taylor (Kelsey) Arbaney, and her adored great-grandchildren, Gracin Casaus, Brayden and Kohen Arbaney and Cash and Charli Burtard. She is also survived by her brother, Emmet, and sisters, Sharon and Carol.
Born on Aug. 28, 1944, Ardeen grew up on a ranch in Minturn, Colorado, where she learned the value of hard work and developed a deep love for animals. In 1960, she moved with her family to Carbondale and attended Roaring Fork High School, where she met the love of her life, Jack. The two were inseparable from the start.
Together, they started TK’s Cowboy Shop, a beloved local business known for repairing tack, chaps and other western gear. Ardeen worked side by side with Jack, whether in the shop or helping build fence at their cabin in Thompson Creek.
Above all, Ardeen was a fierce protector and nurturer of her family. She adored her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren with her whole heart and would have gone to the ends of the earth for them.
Her legacy of love, strength, and devotion lives on in each of them.
The service will be Thursday, May 1 at the Orchard in Carbondale at 10am with reception to follow.
May 2 | 4-9pm
In the Heart of the Carbondale Creative District
May First Friday features extended hours and special events plus street activities and games.
Family Block Party
Chacos Park, 4th St Plaza | 4-8pm
Local food, music by youth, and activities for kids of all ages!
Youth Entrepreneurial Zone
Patio at 55 N 4th Street | 5-8pm
Youth entrepreneurs sell custom hats, stickers, snow cones, and more!
A Mama’s Garden Collaborative Installation The Launchpad Garden | 4-8pm
An interactive floral installation celebrating Mother's Day. Free!
Gallery Craftivation & Scavenger Hunt
Carbondale Arts | 5-7pm subject/matr/mother, will be on display with a special craftivation and scavenger hunt with gallery sponsor, The Crow & Key.
Carbondale Rotary Club’s Fireball Drop Village Smithy | 5pm
*Main Street is closed to thru traffic from Weant Blvd to Snowmass Ave. New this year: 2nd and 3rd Streets will remain open for cross traffic.
Full details at carbondalearts.com
From the Gulf to the Rocky Mountains
A couple of months ago, I had the opportunity to take a road trip from Colorado to Florida. After a few months, the return trip was inevitable. The route through the southern United States — more than 6,000 miles roundtrip — took us several days and corresponding nights of constant transit, stopping at gas stations and rest areas to check the condition of the truck and to ease the natural fatigue of such a long journey.
The trip filled me with new impressions. Venturing down roads adjacent to the major highways, passing through small towns — some of which seemed to once have been culturally and economically significant cities — now frozen in time, preserving remnants of French and Spanish cultural heritage mixed with AngloSaxon influence, resulting in a very particular form of slang, worldview, customs... and undeniably good culinary taste.
We crossed major southern rivers and wetlands, such as the Mississippi and the countless basins formed around it, creating one of the most important natural ecosystems in the country. It’s a place where countless artists have found inspiration: B.B. King, Truman Capote, Mark Twain, Tennessee Williams and Jeff Buckley — who even gave himself over to the mysterious waters of one of these Mississippi basins.
Talking about the southern United States is talking about endless plots of land and livestock fields, forming a landscape where New Mexico’s ranches and Texas’ vast sorghum, wheat and corn crops mix with wind turbines and solar panels. It reflects a clash of our human realities: the dichotomy between technological demands of modern life and our basic biological needs.
Today, eating and browsing the internet have become equally necessary. Amid hats, horses, the usual weapons of the southern inhabitant, signs for hotels, restaurants, marijuana dispensaries and patriotic, military recruitment billboards, I
felt a deep cultural shock, even though my homeland’s anthem has always invoked war. Just recall the line: “Oh, dear homeland! Heaven gave a soldier in each of your sons” (¡Oh, patria querida! que el cielo un soldado en cada hijo te dio) — and it continues — “War, war! in the mountains, in the valleys, let the horrid cannons thunder.” (¡Guerra, guerra! en el monte, en el valle, los cañones horrísonos truenen.)
Navigating the small southern roads means coming face to face with the strongest contrasts in the world’s largest economy and one of the most influential political-economic empires in human history.
For a region that is arguably the poorest in the country, those contrasts become even more severe. As in the Roman Empire or Pharaoh’s Egypt, inequalities are constant, latent, unbearable. I once asked someone of Mexican origin why they thought the southern U.S. was poorer than other states like Colorado. Their response, full of prejudice and racism, was summed up in a single phrase: “The people who live here — referring to Colorado — actually work.”
Talking about poverty has become a kind of taboo for some of the country’s inhabitants, who often attribute it to supposed excessive state support or a lack of will to “get ahead” on the part of the southerners, particularly among minorities. They ignore the real causes: inequality, lingering racism and aggressive policies toward historic minorities — Indigenous peoples,
African Americans, and currently, Latinos.
Even media outlets like Euronews have covered the issue from their own perspective, with headlines like: “The poorest state in the U.S. rivals Germany,” referring to Mississippi’s per capita GDP. These pieces aim to exalt the economic power of the United States — which is, without a doubt, undeniable — but ignore and omit the reality of the common resident of that region.
According to a recent report from the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights, the main causes of poverty in the Mississippi Delta states are “the sharecropping system, Jim Crow laws, the concentration of wealth in the hands of a minority white population, the political disenfranchisement of Blacks and the nearly total social segregation of the races” which it describes as “well documented” and “generally viewed as the most significant factor in the region’s present position as among the poorest, if not the poorest, section of the nation based on virtually every socioeconomic measurement.” Here, talking about a lack of will to progress makes no sense. Systemic racism is more than evident.
On this trip, I didn’t just cross a large part of the country and three different time zones. I also encountered local warnings like: “Don’t go into that bar; they’re white extremists,” or “In that place, they’ll treat you badly for being Latino or because of your accent.” I never
wanted to find out if it was true. I took it as a fact.
I met people who had bumper stickers on their cars showing, for example, the silhouettes of the characteristic hoods of the KKK, the Confederate flag, images of nooses, slogans like “immigrants out” or the classic “no dogs or Mexicans,” replaced by “yes dogs, no Mexicans.”
As the Portuguese sociologist Boaventura de Sousa Santos rightly states, “When the individual places themselves below the ‘non-being,’ they consider themselves beneath the ‘non-human.’ This ontological positioning allows the individual who is above the ‘non-human’ to commit all sorts of injustices that, in reverse, would be unthinkable.”
At that point, I accepted it as a truth: that openly racist and absurd behavior still exists, and I simply let it run its course.
Leonardo Occhipinti’s “Nuevo
By Daniel Torres
Share your works in progress with readers by emailing illustrations, creative writings and poetry to fiction@soprissun.com
No Lullaby
By Kitty Riley
There ain’t no lullaby in this land
Sleep is hard to find
Trust and care are pushed away
Leaving fear behind
There was a time when helping others
Was the way to live
Friends and neighbors reaching out
Support and aid to give
Now trampling and dismantling
Are the preferred means
Of chipping away our fought-for rights
To build a power scene
Disregarding science and knowledge
Ignoring history
Playing games with the real truth
Breeding injury
All the ways to suppress those
Who use other voices
Who disagree and differ and Make other choices
There ain’t no lullaby in this land
But dreams can abound And together sing a song
To hush nightmares aground
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
Offering the following services:
Annual & Sick Patient Care
Dentistry
Urgent Care
Affordable Wellness Plan Memberships
Surgery
Pet Food & Pharmacy
Hospice and End-of-Life Care
Your pets health and happiness is our goal.
Oneal Bogan, DVM
Lindsey Brooks, DVM
The Sopris Sun’s official Florida correspondent Tom Mercer captured this image during a protest across the street from a Tesla dealership in Boynton Beach on April 28.
LETTERS
KDNK thanks
On behalf of the board and staff at KDNK Community Access Radio, we want to extend our heartfelt thanks to the incredible community members and businesses who helped make our Spring Membership Drive a success. We raised over $88,100.
Your support ensures that KDNK continues to be a platform for local voices, diverse music, news and storytelling that reflects the heart of our community. Every phone call, online donation and shoutout of encouragement reminded us why community radio matters.
We’re also grateful to the local businesses who stepped up with challenge grants and in-kind donations. Your partnership shows the true strength of a community that supports one another.
KDNK thrives because of our listeners, members and community partners. Thank you for standing by us and for believing in the power of local, independent radio. Also, it’s never too late to join the family; if you have a lapsed membership or are not yet a member, we encourage you to contact us today at KDNK.org or 970-963-0139.
KDNK Board of Directors
Hard times
In these difficult times, I find it helpful to look back at the thoughts of past presidents. When I read an account of President Ronald Reagan’s last speech, I felt the need to share the following because it speaks so clearly to an issue that is gripping our country.
“On the last day of his presidency, in his last speech, President Ronald Reagan recalled what someone had once written to him: ‘You can go to live in France, but you cannot become a Frenchman. You can go to live in Germany or Turkey or Japan, but you cannot become a German, a Turk or a Japanese. But anyone, from any corner of the Earth, can come to live in America and become an American.’
He [President Reagan] continued: ‘We lead the world because, unique among nations, we draw our people — our strength — from every country and every corner of the world. And by doing so we continuously renew and enrich our nation. While other countries cling to the stale past, here in America we breathe life into dreams. We create the future, and the world follows us into tomorrow. Thanks to each wave of new arrivals to this land of opportunity, we’re a nation forever young, forever bursting with energy and new ideas, and always on the cutting edge,
LITTLE BLUE
from page 6
Valley-based band The Confluents with catered food and wine, a silent auction and door prizes. The fundraiser exceeded its goal of $75,000, raising almost $92,000.
“I was so impressed with the 239 people who attended because we raised the admission price this year,” said Oger. “TACAW did such a great job making everything look so nice, and we had community members, parents and sponsors attend.”
Keeping it local, BLPS hired Valleybased TE Builders to be Little Blue’s general contractor. Jeff Bader, on-site superintendent, said TE Builders is excited
always leading the world to the next frontier. This quality is vital to our future as a nation. If we ever closed the door to new Americans, our leadership in the world would soon be lost.’” -Heather Cox Richardson, “Letters from an American” Candace Goodwin Carbondale
Act now
In the United States we are very fortunate to have a time-tested mission statement which spells out the “why,” “whats” and “hows.” The U.S. Constitution has served as the North Star for our country for almost 250 years, outlining a structure that allows us to develop as a country as time and circumstances evolve. The Constitution and its amendments have been heavily debated and adopted with purpose and always for the benefit of the People. Our actions (i.e. politics) have always been within the framework of the Constitution. Until now.
By any objective measure the current administration is taking action that is not in line with the U.S. Constitution that they have sworn to protect and uphold. It’s time for a course correction.
I have taken the position that anyone who voted for the current administration is 100% responsible for its actions, as the voters are the ones who hired the current leadership of our country. At this juncture, it doesn’t matter who voted or didn’t vote for the current administration. What does matter is whether we — individually and collectively — can recognize the deviation from our country’s mission statement and whether we are willing to do something about it. I, for one, cling to our Constitution and think it’s critically important our leadership act within its framework. This is not about politics; it’s about protecting and defending the vehicle that has led to so much prosperity over the past 250 years. I urge you to consider objectively whether the current administration is acting according to our Constitution. If you conclude that it is not, then I urge you to contact our elected officials — local, state and federal — and let them know your thoughts… often. The elected and appointed governmental officials work for us, the People, and we collectively have the power to keep them in line with our shared mission statement. I urge you to act now.
Doug Greenholz Carbondale
to have this job and to help local families. Bader, who grew up in the Valley, understands the child care shortage and said maintaining a tight schedule is critical. He added that many suppliers, including Builders FirstSource, have generously donated or discounted either their time, labor or materials.
“We want this to be a community project,” Oger concluded. “Whether it’s a cash contribution toward our capital campaign, or donating materials or connecting us to someone who is willing to help with this project [...] we want people to feel a part of this and help however they can.”
CECE is currently working on a ballot initiative to expand affordable access to early childhood care and education from Parachute to Aspen.
For CECE’s research and ballot initiative, visit www.cececoalition.org Connect with BLPS at www.bluelakepreschool.org
Roaring Fork High School Prom 2025
Spring Creeks Ranch hosted Roaring Fork High School’s prom this year. Here are just a couple photo highlights from Sue Rollyson
LEGAL NOTICE
NOTICE OF FINAL SETTLEMENT
NOTICE is hereby given that on May 13th, 2025, at 12:00 p.m., final settlement will be made with EXCAVATION SERVICES INC., 226 N. 12th Street., Carbondale, Colorado, 81623 by the TOWN OF CARBONDALE, 511 Colorado Ave., Carbondale, Colorado, on a contract for labor and materials for a project known as TOWN OF CARBONDALE WWTF DIGESTER BUILDING IMPROVEMENTS and that any person, co-partnership, company, association of persons, or corporation who has an unpaid claim against EXCAVATION SERVICES, INC., or its subcontractors, for labor and materials, may, at any time, up to closing of business the last work day prior to final settlement, that is, by May 13th, 2025, file a verified statement of the amount due with the TOWN OF CARBONDALE (Attn. Kevin Schorzman kschorzman@carbondaleco.net) pursuant to Section 38-26-107, C.R.S., as amended.
Failure on the part of the Claimant to make such verified statement, prior to the final settlement on the contract with EXCAVATION SERVICES Inc., will relieve the TOWN OF CARBONDALE from any liability for such Claimant’s claim.
PUBLISHED BY THE ORDER OF TOWN OF CARBONDALE.
Published in The Sopris Sun on May 1, 2025
A big thank you to Sue Rollyson for capturing so many inspiring moments in the school community through the years!
She has generously shared her talents with The Sopris Sun since its early days but is now taking time away from the paper.
We’ll miss you Sue!
HELP WANTED
