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Volume 17, Number 17 | June 12-18, 2025

Summer daze

On June 5, Valley residents gathered at the rodeo grounds once again for the opening night of the 2025 Colorado Wild West Rodeo (CWWR) season. After the audience filed in, first-time flag bearer Alex Fouchet hoisted the American Flag to kick off the evening.

Despite overcast skies, the rodeo saw packed stands full of excited crowds. While the opening night of the CWWR was a wild event, the

fun doesn’t stop there. As stated on the website, CWWR is held at the Gus Darien Riding Arena every Thursday from June until late August, “rain or shine.”

Gates open at 5pm, slack starts at 5:45pm and grand entry is at 7:30pm.

Free shuttles run from The Orchard and 4th and Colorado between 6 and 10pm. Find the list of special events at www.carbondalerodeo.com

Find more photos by Sam Brule at SoprisSun.com

‘Dad’s Favorite’ EDITOR’S NOTE: Be it known that AI helped tie the beginning shoes to make my outfit complete.”

“No, Niki, you want saddle shoes. There is a difference.” Young of this article to the ending. as I was, I understood. He would provide for my needs; my wants, Walking on the Rio Grande Trail, I watched a young father I had to earn. I went to work in my aunt’s store and got my shoes. cheer his child up the climbing wall at the Youth Art Park. I In high school, I did my homework at the dining room table, stopped, caught off guard by a sudden ache, familiar empticlose to my father, who would read in the living room and be ness, and a feeling of loss. Suddenly, my father was with me available to answer my questions. My mother was playing cards again, reaching for me, bending his knees as I took his hands and with friends at the kitchen table and discussing what they wanted climbed — his thighs, his chest, his shoulders — until I stood atop for their children. “Happiness,” my mother said. my world, his quiet strength beneath me for My father arose from his chair and entered the support. I was in my 50s by the time I realized kitchen. “That’s a terrible thing to wish for your all the ways he had stood beneath me, guiding children,” he said. “Wish that your children are me into and through adulthood. discontent so that they’ll struggle to make the His heart attack when I was in my mid-30s world better.” surprised and frightened me. We rarely think Dad was diagnosed with lung cancer shortly of our parents as vulnerable — until something before his 80th birthday. We (four children, happens to remind us. Until then, I never thought spouses and grandchildren) planned a party about him being a reservoir from which I drew at his house in upstate New York. Mom told us strength. I picked up my pen and wrote him a that he was depressed, so we decided to cheer long letter, and so began our correspondence that him up by sending him one birthday present nurtured me when I was unable to visit. a day for the 80 leading up to his birthday. We “Dad, I am scared for you and feel very far each took 20 days and didn’t discuss our gifts away. I try to put myself in your shoes, active with one another.

MATURE and very much alive one minute, thinking heart When we arrived for the celebration, our attacks are for old people. It is hard for me to CONTENT 80 gifts adorned the living room. There were think of you as anything but strong and healthy.

By Niki Delson poems, paintings, copies of stories he read to Are you scared?” us when we were young, songs we sang together when he was “Niki, my feeling is that there are still a few chapters left, and a folk singer and a framed New York Times photo of all of us I think that they will be interesting and perhaps exciting. Your with our guitars, protesting the closure of Washington Square to letter truly moved me to tears. No, I was not scared at the time, “beatnik” singers.

There were narratives about what we did with but I now have an awareness that I have crossed the line that money he loaned us (mostly downpayments on first homes), a defines the start of old age, and that I, who is not more than 20 wizard statue for him to request a miracle, photographs of family years old, am trapped in an old man’s body.” outings, of grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

But the best In another letter, he wrote, “There are very few years in a gift, in my not-so-humble opinion, was the t-shirt I made for him parent’s life when you can genuinely be friends with your child. with a picture of myself and the inscription, “Dad’s Favorite. ” Your child is no longer dependent, nor are you dependent on I was, of course, one of four, and not the favorite.

I remain forever them.” From that day forward I felt that we talked as equals and his daughter. Thirty years after his death, that t-shirt is in my dresser yet, he was and, though long dead, still is my mentor.

My father managed our family’s financial affairs, while Mom while his internalized voice echoes daily throughout my life.

Like the child at the climbing wall, we’ve all stood on precireceived and managed the household budget. The four children pices, on the edge of something daunting, hoping for a hand to had to negotiate when we wanted anything extra. At age 10, I steady us. When it’s there, reaching up with quiet strength like my practiced and mentally rehearsed negotiating for a new pair of father’s, it’s no small thing. It stays with us. Happy Father’s Day, shoes. “Don’t sound defiant, don’t put your hands on your hips.” and thank you, Dad — for everything.

Dad was sitting in his favorite chair. I quietly said, “I need saddle

OPINION

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

LETTERS Re: Nuclear power At the end of last week’s article “Nuclear power in Western Colorado revisited,” geothermal power is mentioned as another option for the Craig or Hayden powerplants.

In my humble opinion, this has about zero likelihood of success in my lifetime. A little geo-hotspot exists in the Yampa Valley, but the local geology and geography is very different from the unique basin and range where enhanced geothermal power is being developed commercially. That plant resulted from hundreds of millions of dollars in federal research in that specific basin over 15 years. It utilizes 40 square miles and requires 10 “little” power plants on the surface.

A month ago, the Moffat County Commissioners denied a permit for a 200 MW solar and battery project just west of the Craig power plant. The developers were ready to invest more than $300 million+ for this proven greenhouse gas-free generation. (OK, fossil fuels are used to manufacture and construct the arrays, but that’s offset in less than a year now.) That array would have required fencing 1,500 acres, but it would have been right under two existing 345,000 volt powerlines, reducing its impact on views and keeping the cost to consumers reasonable. The site included old oil or gas wells.

The project would have replaced some

of the property taxes from Craig Station, though not duplicated its employment.

Various groups seem enraptured with hopes for Greenhouse gas-free generation as long as it is not wind, solar and storage with backup. Many “just transition” schemes seem to revolve around preserving “thermal” generation and its employment profile. But if the goal is electricity which is almost free of greenhouse gases, at a reasonable cost any time soon, then we need to accept direct generation of electricity from solar and wind, expand storage as the “killer app,” and look elsewhere for jobs to replace those at the obsolete baseload fossil fuel thermal power plants.

Fred Porter Carbondale

Senior parking Will the scoundrel who made off with my “Senior Homeowner” parking sign, with a heavy cast iron pole and base, from 3rd Street and Garfield kindly return it? This behavior is not how to be a good Carbondale resident or visitor!

Laurie Loeb Carbondale

Constitution education I spent three weeks copying the United States Constitution by hand. Why? To

2 THE SOPRIS SUN | soprissun.com | June 12-18, 2025

learn. Fifty-five men including James Madison, Alexander Hamilton, John Jay, George Washington and Benjamin Franklin attended the Constitutional Convention and collaboratively wrote our constitution in 1787. Jacob Shallus hand-wrote it. The Preamble Shallus capitalized these words: We, United States, Order, Union, Justice, Tranquility, Welfare, Blessings, Liberty, Posterity, Constitution, United States of America.

Those capitalized words reflect the values and intent of our forefathers to form a union of states into “one nation, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all,” words we say in our pledge of allegiance.

The capitalized words hold the hopes and principles of those early Americans for themselves and us.

The Constitution is the supreme law of the land. Immigrants to this country must pass an oral test on it to become citizens. Do Trump and his Cabinet uphold what they swore to defend when they took office? What do their actions reveal?

Rather than justice, ICE detains and imprisons legal immigrants and international students with visas. Rather than order, we have chaos with the president’s new decrees, tariffs and firings daily.

Rather than tranquility, we experience fear that some new decree will strip us of our rights to free speech, peaceful assembly, continued on page 22

Editor Raleigh Burleigh 970-510-3003 news@soprissun.com Contributing Editor James Steindler Sol del Valle Editora Bianca Godina bianca@soldelvalle.org Advertising Rep Margarita Alvarez margarita@soldelvalle.org Digital Editor Ingrid Celeste Zúniga ingrid@soldelvalle.org Lead Editorial Designer Terri Ritchie Partnerships & Engagement Manager Luise Wollesen Advertising Designer Emily Blong Delivery Frederic Kischbaum Hank van Berlo Proofreaders Lee Beck Tracy Kallassy Ken Pletcher Hank van Berlo Executive Director Todd Chamberlin 970-510-0246 adsales@soprissun.com Board Members / Mesa Directiva board@soprissun.com Klaus Kocher • Kay Clarke Donna Dayton • Eric Smith Roger Berliner • Elizabeth Phillips Jessi Rochel • Andrew Travers Anna Huntington • Loren Jenkins Carlos Ramos

The Sopris Sun Board meets at 6pm on second Thursdays at the Third Street Center.

The Sopris Sun, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit corporation with a mission to inform, inspire and build community by fostering diverse and independent journalism. Donations are fully tax deductible.

Sincerest thanks to our Honorary Publishers for their annual commitment of $1,000+ Lee Beck & John Stickney Kay Brunnier Frances Dudley Michelle & Ed Buchman Sue Edelstein & Bill Spence Deborah & Shane Evans Greg & Kathy Feinsinger Gary & Jill Knaus Eric Smith Peter and Mike Gilbert Patti & George Stranahan Elizabeth Wysong Alpine Bank Emily & George Bohmfalk Kathy & Carter Barger Sandy & Paul Chamberlin Karen & Roger Berliner Donna & Ken Riley Gayle & Dick Wells

Legacy Givers for including us in their final wishes.

Mary Lilly

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

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Send your scuttlebutt to news@soprissun.com

RHS cottage

OUR UNDERWRITERS AND NONPROFIT PARTNERS!

The Redstone Historical Society (RHS) has been offered an unique opportunity to purchase the DeMaestri-Durrett mining-era cottage on Redstone Boulevard and needs $25,000 to close the deal. The home is valued at $875,000. Donations so far include $275,000 from one of the cottage owners and a matching $200,000 grant from Pitkin County to go with a pending $250,000 from History Colorado. Individual donations have raised $120,000, according to the RHS. The funds are due by the end of July, so time is of the essence. To donate, you can visit www.bit.ly/RHScottage

Public art destroyed “Mt. Sopris” — a new public art piece on loan to Carbondale by local Sara Jensen — was unfortunately wrecked on First Friday shortly after its debut. The ceramic piece used topographic maps to produce seven pieces stacked together for an impression of Mt. Sopris. Jensen told The Sopris Sun that the incident was an accident, not an act of vandalism, and the person who broke the sculpture “reached out with a kind message.”

Jensen is apprenticing with an artist in Taos, New Mexico, and plans to remake and reinstall “Mt. Sopris” later this summer.

News Director Halle Zander Aspen Public Radio has announced the promotion of Halle Zander to news director. Zander has worked for Aspen Public Radio for three years as a reporter, producer, editor, moderator and host of “All Things Considered.” Her previous experience includes teaching youth radio with the Andy Zanca Youth Empowerment Program and educating elementary students with the Aspen Center for Environmental Studies.

Food rescue

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

Main Street in Carbondale was lit up by fire sirens on Monday night, June 9. According to Jenny Cutright, Carbondale & Rural Fire Protection District deputy chief and public information officer, a call went out close to 8:30pm with smoke emanating from the Dinkel Building. No flames were found and it was determined that something on fire had fallen into a grate on 4th Street. Smoke was then pulled into the Black Nugget leaving minor damage. The cause is under investigation. Photo by Will Grandbois

abide by federal notice-and-comment requirements before making significant future changes.

Lawsuit calls out Polis

Harvest for Hunger (HH), a Snowmass-based nonprofit, has opened a new food distribution center in Aspen at the Michael W. Schultz Health and Human Services Building. HH rescues surplus food from local grocers, restaurants and bakeries, and redistributes it to the community to reduce food insecurity and food waste. “We’re proud to offer a resource where residents can get the help they need without judgment or delay,” said Gray Warr, HH executive director, in a press release. Last year, according to the HH website, the nonprofit rescued 121,041 pounds of food from businesses between Aspen and Carbondale. The new center operates Monday through Friday from 8am to 5pm. For more information, visit www.harvestforhungerco.org

A whistleblower lawsuit filed last week by Colorado Division of Labor Standards and Statistics Director Scott Moss revealed that Governor Jared Polis directed his staff to comply with a subpoena that would have given ICE and other federal law enforcement agencies access to personal identifying information of unaccompanied minors in the state. Colorado Public Radio reported that Polis backed off from enforcing the subpoena until June 23 when parties will meet again in court. The Colorado Democratic Latino Caucus (CDLC) supports the litigation. “This action by the governor represents a betrayal to the immigrant community of our state,” said Elena Martinez-Vivot, CDLC executive director, in a press release. “[It] is a direct contraction to a bill he signed only a mere two weeks ago. SB25-276 was passed to prevent this exact sort of circumstance from occurring.”

Holy Cross election

Hands-free success

The results of last week’s Holy Cross board of directors’ election are in. Three candidates ran for one seat in the electric cooperative’s southern district and two candidates for one seat in the northern district. With a total of 4,171 votes cast, Robert Gardner won the southern district seat with close to 62% of the vote. Kimberly Schlaepfer won the northern district seat with 62.5% of the vote. Seven members sit on the board, representing three districts and serving four-year terms. More election information is available at www.holycross.com

The Colorado Department of Transportation announced on June 10 that inattentive driving crashes in 2025 are down 19% compared with the first five months of 2024. As of Jan. 1, 2025, holding a cellphone or other mobile device while driving is illegal under a new hands-free law intended to curtail distracted driving. Penalties for violating the law start with a $75 fine and two license suspension points for the first offense.

AmeriCorps ruling On June 5, a federal judge ordered the Trump administration to restore AmeriCorps grant funding in 24 states, including Colorado, following a lawsuit led by Governor Jared Polis. AmeriCorps is the federal agency for national service and volunteerism. “The court affirmed what we’ve said from the beginning: you cannot shut down vital national service programs without transparency, accountability and due process,” said Lt. Governor Dianne Primavera in a press release. According to the ruling, AmeriCorps must reinstate terminated grants in the 24 states, return AmeriCorps and VISTA members to service where possible, restore the National Civilian Community Corps program to its previous status and

Redstone Magical Moments Summer Concert Series

June 14 - Queen Bees

LGBTQ+ advocate sought Colorado Parks and Wildlife is filling a vacancy on its Outdoor Equity Grant Program board. Applicants with experience advancing equity for LGBTQ+ folks can apply by June 20 at www.tinyurl.com/CPWLGBTQ

They say it’s your birthday!

Folks celebrating another trip around the sun this week include: Sophie Catto, Emmy Lerma, Ben Meckley, Lorraine Morrison and Jonathan Waterman (June 12); Riley Ames (June 13); Britney White (June 14); Jade Bath, Lynni Hutton, Eric Lamb and Eileen Waski (June 15); Todd Chamberlin, Garrett Edquist and Vince Simonetti (June 16); Annie Flynn and Amber McMahill (June 17); Tenzin Byrne, Bill Flanigan and Nancy Smith (June 18).

Itzy Bitz Catering Ready to cook for you this summer.

Providing as organic and local as possible, delicious food for private dinner parties, cocktail parties, celebrations and family gatherings!

REDSTONE PARK | 6:00-8:00 PM From Americana, Country, Indie Bluegrass, and Folk, this magical, all-female, band weaves together original stories and new interpretations of classic covers with stunning harmonies, inspiring melodies, and the perfect feminine touch.

Parking available at Elk Park and behind the coke ovens FOLLOW US ON FACEBOOK & INSTAGRAM @REDSTONEMAGICALMOMENTS Special Thanks to all our Sponsors - RedstoneMagicalMoments.com

Carbondale-based I Amber Crowley 970-366-0074 I dooneseamus@mac.com THE SOPRIS SUN | Your weekly community connector | June 12-18, 2025 3

Get ready for an epic night

of Music

on the Mountain!

In support of .Sopris Sun & Sol del Valle, your nonprofit community newspapers.

Your presence makes a difference!

Saturday, June 14, from 6 PM to 9 PM Featuring: Roka Hueka, Denver’s premier Latin Ska band, bringing a high-energy mix of Cumbia, Funk, Reggae, Soul, Punk, and Ska.

4 THE SOPRIS SUN | soprissun.com | June 12-18, 2025

Passing the torch at Sopris 100 Who Care MYKI JONES Arts Correspondent

Carbondale’s Sopris 100 Who Care is preparing for a changing of the guard at their upcoming event on June 26 at the RVR Barn. This community entity, formed in 2018, started as a group of women, many of whom were or still are educators, who wanted to come together and find a way to give back to the community. The group has since given away more than $80,000 to recipients such as The Freedom Center, Family Resource Center, Pathfinders, Patrick’s Place (Stepping Stones), Battlement to Bells Anti-Trafficking Task Force, La Clínica del Pueblo and The Sopris Sun — thank you!

At these gatherings, members and the community come together to pool funds and nominate local nonprofits and other causes. The only stipulation for a recipient to receive approximately $10,000 is to be non-religious, non-political and have a positive impact on the community. Participants write the names of their nominations on a piece of paper, three of which are then drawn from a hat and voted on by those in attendance. The winner collects the whole sum each year.

Bonnie Cretti, the current president of this chapter and a key figure who helped spearhead the group’s formation, looks forward to passing the torch to up-and-coming president Rachel Menke, for whom she expressed gratitude and confidence.

“Rachel does not have a problem getting

up in front of the multitudes and being the master of ceremonies and being sort of the organizer. So she took that, and then other people duly took the remaining positions,” Cretti said.

Menke, a full time nurse practitioner and long-time local, said she is honored to be stepping into the president role. She expressed deep gratitude and admiration for Cretti, who she describes as a friend and mentor, and the other women who got Sopris 100 Who Care started, including Jennifer Carney, Cathie Farrar, Jamie Maybon and Cindy Nett. “[Bonnie] is this amazing human being who is humble about everything,” Menke stated. “I have a unique relationship with her. She wasn’t my teacher, but she knew my family growing up in a small town. She’s been here for over 40 years and knew my husband’s family. I haven’t been here that long, but with that dynamic, she’s also been like a mentor for me.”

Menke explained how good it has been not to have to wait to retire to be intimately involved in giving back to the community. While it typically takes a considerable amount of time to plan events and put things together, the laid-back nature of these fundraising gatherings makes giving back more accessible.

“My life is pretty busy, and while [Sopris 100 Who Care] does require time and commitments, it is so cooperative, seamless and simple,” Menke said. “One thing I have learned being a part of this is

La Clínica del Pueblo is one of several area nonprofits to benefit from the Sopris 100 Who Care philanthropic model. Courtesy photo

I don’t have to wait until I am not working anymore and in my 60s to make a big difference to the community.”

Another member of this cause, Jeannie Perry, will be taking on more hands-on tasks for the chapter. Having been involved in behind-the-scenes work, she is excited to see these shifts happening, which she said is a great way to get folks to come together, regardless of if they’ve known each other for years or have just met.

“I was asked to jump in and get involved

by Rachel, who is my friend and neighbor,” Perry told The Sopris Sun. “I am a native to the Roaring Fork Valley, and I’m going to be 55 this year, and yet I show up at these events, and there are women I don’t know and I’m like, ‘How is this possible?’ It’s wonderful to see a bunch of old friends, to meet new friends, and I’m looking forward

to getting the word out and bringing more and more people into the fold.”

Perry emphasized the importance of chapters like this, especially in communities where there is a significant gap in access to particular needs scattered throughout the Roaring Fork Valley.

“I think this valley is a hard place to live, especially where the spectrum is so large.

You have people who have so much and people who are just struggling to get by, day by day. It feels good to see everyone come together and support someone in need when they need it,” Perry expressed.

This event will be catered as usual by Philip Kendzior and Pan and Fork and Sopris Liquor & Wine.

For more information or to get on the guest list, email Sopris100whocare@gmail.com

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THE SOPRIS SUN | Your weekly community connector | June 12-18, 2025 5

HR-passed “Big Beautiful Bill” to impact local healthcare, food security WILL BUZZERD Sopris Sun Correspondent

On May 22, the U.S. House of Representatives passed budget reconciliation package H.R. 1 — also known as the “One Big, Beautiful Bill Act” (BBB) — which includes hundreds of provisions, including trillions in tax cut extensions and slashed federal funding over the next 10 years. While the bill will face changes before it is passed by the Senate, many of its proposals as-written would significantly affect life in the Roaring Fork Valley.

Medicaid and SNAP Many of the provisions within the BBB will make eligibility requirements for Medicaid and the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (also known as SNAP and formerly referred to as food stamps) more stringent.

In the case of Medicaid, states will be required to double the frequency of Medicaid eligibility checks from once a year to once every six months. Additionally, a new work requirement would mandate that childless adults work, volunteer or attend school for 80 hours a month as

a condition for enrollment, and U.S. citizenship will become a requirement.

A work requirement will also be introduced for SNAP eligibility. According to House Republicans, these new rules are designed to reduce fraud and waste.

Currently, SNAP and Medicaid require that an individual’s income not exceed a certain level in order to be eligible for benefits. While this income level varies state-by-state and adjusts based on the size of households, it does not adjust for the cost of living, which is significantly higher in Eagle, Garfield and Pitkin counties than elsewhere in the country.

By default, a livable wage in the Roaring Fork Valley will push most residents out of eligibility for SNAP and Medicaid, even if those individuals still struggle to afford food and health insurance.

Effects on local healthcare Of all the government programs targeted by the BBB, Medicaid will be hit the hardest. The program, designed to provide health insurance to those with limited income, will lose around $600 billion in funding as

eligibility requirements become more stringent. The Congressional Budget Office estimates around 10.9 million people nationwide could lose Medicaid coverage as a result of BBB provisions. Accessible healthcare will be affected for residents in the Roaring Fork Valley — insured and uninsured alike.

Mountain Family Health Centers (MFHC) operates several integrated health centers designed to provide quick, accessible health services such as medical, behavioral and dental care across multiple counties. Within the Roaring Fork Valley, MFHC operates integrated health centers in Basalt and Glenwood Springs, as well as school-based centers in Glenwood High School and Roaring Fork High School.

Due to the high cost of living in the Roaring Fork Valley, more MFHC patients are uninsured than enrolled in Medicaid. Without Medicaid, MFHC cannot receive federal reimbursement for providing care, which would drastically reduce revenue — and has already in the past.

In 2023, a mass redetermination of Medicaid eligibility led to a $1.5 million loss in MFHC’s

Gray Warr, executive director of Harvest for Hunger Food Rescue and Pantry, cut the ribbon with his wife Mariana on a new stigma-free pantry this Monday. Located in Aspen’s Health and Human Services building, the pantry is representative of partnerships between nonprofits and local governments that provide food security services — the same likely to face financial challenges according to the provisions in the “One Big, Beautiful Bill Act.” Courtesy photo by Sue Ellen Rodwick

annual revenue, which drove the provider to lay off staff and close its health centers in Basalt Middle and High schools.

According to MFHC’s CEO Dustin Moyer, it’s hard to say which of MFHC’s services will be next on the chopping block when the new Medicaid provisions take hold. Either way, further reduction in revenue as a result of the

BBB as-written means further healthcare service reductions.

Food Security Like with Medicaid, most Roaring Fork Valley residents are ineligible for SNAP due to the high cost of living. Because of this, hunger is often addressed by partnerships between local

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6 THE SOPRIS SUN | soprissun.com | June 12-18, 2025

continued on page 17

Carbondale food truck court cruises toward completion KEN PLETCHER Sopris Sun Correspondent

The new food truck court at the east end of Main Street in Carbondale is getting closer to reality. The facility — officially named Townline Trucks — has been under construction since late winter. The name comes from the property’s location on Carbondale’s eastern border.

The project is the brainchild of Richard (Rich) and Kathryn Camp and their partner, Terrance McGuire. The Sopris Sun recently spoke with McGuire and Rich Camp at the construction site.

The two men and their families have been good friends since each moved to the Roaring Fork Valley more than 30 years ago. Each family has a strong connection to the hospitality industry.

McGuire was, literally, born into it — working from a young age at Butch McGuire’s, the family’s legendary bar and restaurant on Chicago’s Near North Side. Not long after moving to the Valley, he established Johnny McGuire’s deli in Aspen, which he owned for 25 years. By 2015, however, “It was time to close,” he said, after the building was sold. But he soon set up a food trailer that he hauled to various music and other festivals and operated until the 2020 pandemic.

Camp, a landscape architect in Carbondale, doesn’t have that kind of restaurant experience. However, his wife, Kathryn, worked in Aspen in pastries at The Little Nell and as head chef of Explore Bistro before moving on to other pursuits.

McGuire said, “We looked at a bunch of properties” around Carbondale, including

Townline Trucks co-owners Rich Camp (left) and Terrance McGuire stand outside the partially finished building for their food truck court on east Main Street, Carbondale. Photo by Sam Brule

the vacant lot at 2nd and Main just north of KDNK. “Rich was able to come up with a different scenario” for three of those properties, mostly new townhomes. But, as Camp noted, “We would have to build it from scratch, and then we wouldn’t own the land. All of them would have been way too expensive to really make work.”

As to why a food truck court, McGuire said, “I had the idea of a food truck bar from a place in Boulder called the Rayback Collective.” He went on, “And it was kind of the same concept [as here]. Every time we went there it was a different truck and

Waterline and Tank Replacement Project

a different vibe.” He also admitted that it was “a great way to get off the road [in his trailer]. Being mobile is fun, and sometimes you get to go to fun festivals, but other than that it kind of sucks.”

After they acquired the lot at 111 Main Street, they went to work on designing the food truck court. Commenting on the project, McGuire said, “We had a bigger plan than this, and we scaled it down … took a lot of meat out of it, and got it down to something that’s a little more doable here,” including keeping and repurposing the small house on the property.

Camp pitched in, “Yeah, we had a pretty big expansion [plan]. We were going to pop the top off and do a new roof,” and punch out a wall. “I think, in hindsight, it ended up being a better project. ... The scale of this is a lot closer to what you think of, like, small-town character of Carbondale. And it’s a more intimate space. We had to cram everything in here — two bathrooms, a commissary [essentially, a roomful of sinks and counters], dining room. If you have a dozen people in here, it feels like a crowd.”

As for the construction pace, Camp said, “We have done a lot in the short time that we got our building permit.” However, progress has been slower than hoped, delaying when they might open. “We’re hoping for some warm days of operation,” McGuire said, adding jokingly, “At least before the snow sticks.”

The two were a little uncertain about the number of trucks they would have (though, McGuire pointed out, most actually are trailers, like his). One would be his, typically, and, he said, “Let’s just say [on] busy days, we’ll see three trucks.” Camp added, “And then we have the ability to bring in other non-food vendors [like] local craft makers.”

McGuire said that Kathryn “is excited about the food end of this thing,” though noting that she is now too busy as publisher and editor of Mountain Pearl magazine. “I think she’s going to work her way in there. I thought [what] would be cool is a pie truck; she makes great pies.

I’ve never seen a pie truck.”

If anyone can figure out how to make it work, it probably will be them.

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Bids will be received for three potential bid schedules are described in Bid Documents. Bidding Documents will be provided to prospective Bidders as electronic PDF files.

The Issuing Office for the Bidding Documents is Roaring Fork Engineering (RFE), 592 Hwy 133, Carbondale, CO, 81623 (Contact: Maggie McHugh, PE (614) 256-4714, MaggieM@rfeng.biz). Prospective Bidders may examine the Bidding Documents at the Issuing Office on Mondays through Fridays between the hours of 8 AM to 5 PM and may obtain copies of the Bidding Documents from the Issuing Office as described below.

HILARY PORTERFIELD

Call me, I love to talk real estate!

970.319.5757 • hilary@hilaryporterfield.com • roaringfork-homes.com ©2025 Engel & Völkers. All rights reserved. Each brokerage is independently owned and operated.

Bidding Documents are available as electronic portable document format (PDF) files. Alternatively, printed Bidding Documents may be obtained from the Issuing Office via in-person pick-up, for a nonrefundable charge of $75 per set. Checks for Bidding Documents shall be payable to Roaring Fork Engineering. The date that the Bidding Documents are transmitted by the Issuing Office will be considered the date of receipt of the Bidding Documents. Partial sets of Bidding Documents will not be available from the Issuing Office. Neither Owner nor Engineer will be responsible for full or partial sets of Bidding Documents, including Addenda if any, obtained from sources other than the Issuing Office.

A pre-bid conference will be held at 9:00 AM on June 18, 2025. This conference is non-mandatory but highly encouraged. In accordance with the Contract Documents (C-200 Section 5.03) the Contractor is required to conduct a site visit prior to bid submission. That visit can either be at the pre-bid meeting or arranged for another day and time with HOA staff present. The pre-bid conference will start at 39°14'57.5"N 107°14'11.9"W, at the well house directly off of Highway 133.

A 5% bid security shall be furnished in accordance with the Instructions to Bidders. Bidders shall submit proof of qualifications to perform the Work as described in the Instructions to Bidders.

Swiss Village HOA

EJCDC® C-111, Advertisement for Bids for Construction Contracts.

Advertisement for Professional Bids for Construction Contracts.

Copyright ©EJCDC® 2013C-111, National Society of Engineers, American Council Copyright © 2013 National Society ofSociety Professional Engineers, AmericanAll Council of Engineering Companies, and American of Civil Engineers. rights reserved. of Engineering Companies, and American Society of Civil Engineers. All rights reserved.

THE SOPRIS SUN | Your weekly community connector | June 12-18, 2025 7

Typical Ghost celebrates new album release at KDNK MYKI JONES Arts Correspondent

Beloved local band Typical Ghost released their self-titled album, produced by Cool Brick Studios, on April 25. The band, which seamlessly combines funk, jazz, rock and jam-band influences, is enjoying the post-release bliss and is excited to share that bliss with the community at an upcoming block party at KDNK on June 20 from 6 to 9pm. This event is free to attend and will feature a performance by the band, as well as beer from Mountain Heart Brewing. All beer sales will be donated to KDNK. “Being able to share our music with our people and our community, and now being able to share it on the album and in our live shows is a double blessing,” said Soozie Lindbloom, percussionist and energy gal for Typical Ghost.

“We wanted our album release party to not only be a celebration of our art, but of the people and the place that enlivens and supports us,” she continued. “That is why we chose to partner with KDNK and make this a fundraiser for them.”

Lindbloom and the rest of the band, composed of vocalist-guitarists Shane Lieberman and John Moffitt, bassist Sam Chittenden and drummer-vocalist

Typical Ghost is anything but typical. Courtesy photo

Chris Lambe, are all Carbondale locals who began playing regular live shows at Steve’s Guitars.

They were also one of the side stage acts at the 2024 Mountain Fair. Conceived in a basement through many jam sessions and a lot of improvisation, the group knew almost instantaneously that this project was going to continue to be a presence in all their lives.

“I moved to Carbondale a couple of years ago. I had been living on the Front Range and playing in bands for a long time,” Lieberman revealed. “I then started asking around and looking for some nice people to make

some noise with. I met Sam and Soozie while living in the neighborhood. I work with John’s wife, and then ended up working with Chris’ wife as well.”

He continued, “It’s a local and very much Carbondale, community-oriented group that we put together here, and ended up having a lot of luck with. Not only are everybody good players, but we’re also good friends.”

This level of collaborative closeness is evident in all the songs from the album. From start to finish, listeners can find a song that is perfect for any time, place, event or situation. In addition to the beats laid through each track,

IN A NUTSHELL: What: Typical Ghost album release Where: KDNK, 76 South 2nd Street, Carbondale When: June 20, 6 to 9pm Why: For the love of local music How: Free, just show up ready to groove there are lines in every song that provide gentle motivation for day-to-day life.

For example, “Who can be

sure of anything more, what’s reality? So I’ll play what I can with the cards in my hand and just breathe.” Or, “This is your life. Sometimes you make a mess of it, sometimes you don’t, but circumstance has other plans.”

Discussing the most rewarding parts of being a part of this band, as well as the process of getting the album launched, Chittenden said, “It’s a quality album we’ve put out, even after the process, which involved a lot of listening over and over again.

When you put something under the microscope like that, things pop out in a good way, in a bad way. But I think overall, at the end, it was great to see it survive that process.”

His sentiments were shared

by Moffitt, who looks forward to bringing this album to life for the community at the KDNK block party.

“With all the improvisation on the songs, we try our best to bring a lot of positive energy to what we do. I think along those same lines, what I’m super excited about is bringing the album to the community in Carbondale outside for the block party. It’s gonna be fun, and it’s gonna be a lot of energy,” Moffitt stated.

To keep up with Typical Ghost, visit www.typicalghost.com

30 years in business

Full Line Pet Store

RJ Paddywacks Located in the heart of the Roaring Fork Valley Established in 1995

Open 7 days a week From live crickets to organic and raw food nutrition. RJ’s is the one stop shop for all your animal needs Home delivery and Self Service Dog Wash available

RJ Paddywacks next to City Market El Jebel 970. 963.1700

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8 THE SOPRIS SUN | soprissun.com | June 12-18, 2025

I n C lin i c& H ou se c a lls

CRMS graduates walk Sopris watched as Colorado Rocky Mountain School (CRMS) graduated 41 students into the world on June 7.

It was a beautiful sunshiny day following a night with rain. Per tradition, each student received a leather diploma.

John Stickney, graduate of the Class of 1957 led the procession with CRMS Head of School Jeff Leahy. The two Senior speakers were Charlie Dockendorf and Kira Harvey, both pictured.

Photos by Renee Ramgee

The Class of 2025 proceeds to Graduation Lawn, led by Head of School Jeff Leahy and John Stickney, CRMS graduate of the Class of 1957.

Kira Harvey, the second senior speaker chosen by her classmates.

Photo by Lewis Cooper

Graduating seniors Henry O’Hagan, Canyon Cherney, Teo Menconi, and Lucas Berry.

Lila Russell proudly holds her diploma (left) and Pippa Spaan (right) with her diploma, just after receiving it.

Daisy Cullwick and Logan Hernandez were all smiles on Saturday.

Charlie Dockendorf, one of two senior speakers chosen by his classmates, addresses the audience.

Following the Commencement ceremony, seniors shared heartfelt hugs with faculty and staff. Daisy Cullwick added a celebratory high-five with longtime staff member Marlin Rhodes.

THE SOPRIS SUN | Your weekly community connector | June 12-18, 2025 9

In ‘plein’ sight — a celebration of natural art in the Crystal River Valley MYKI JONES Arts Correspondent

The Redstone Gallery and Redstone Art Foundation are partnering in 2025 to bring another Plein Air Festival to fruition. From June 23-29, artists will gather to paint under the open sky and the public is encouraged to mosey over and watch them work.

June 23 will feature a private painting workshop with Scott Ruthven at the Redstone Gallery.

The following day, artist registration and painting will begin at 8am and continue until 6:30pm, when a casual dinner will take place at the Redstone Gallery.

Public events will take place June 25-29, starting with a talk at the Redstone Gallery with Lanny Grant at 10am followed by a demo by mosaic artist Rebecca Swain-Grant along the Boulevard beginning at 2pm. There will be other talks, demonstrations, a makers market, historical tours, awards and more throughout the week,

with work created by participants on display for purchase at Joy & Wylde June 28-29.

“The theme of this year is inherent in the name of the festival itself. Since it’s plein air, those participating are celebrating the beauty of our surroundings,” Stephen Springfield, head of marketing and media at the Redstone Gallery, stated. “It’s just as much about having artists mix together. I think that is one of the best parts of it, because artists often don’t get the chance to be collegial and share and celebrate one another’s work as often as they would like to.”

Springfield believes this camaraderie among the artists has been a driving point in the success of the event, especially when combined with the receptions curated specifically for the artists with live music, food and wine.

“We have over 30 artists this year being part of this, and that creates value for the community who comes out,” Springfield

continued. “They get to see a broader range of talent and get a bigger appreciation for the work.”

The festival was inspired by the Gallery and Foundation’s recognition of a deep history of art in the Crystal River Valley.

The area was a home and living muse for nationally renowned artists including Jack Roberts, whose memorial scholarship was granted to four seniors across three different high schools this year. The recipients were Lilu Illouz of Basalt High School, Danica Lee of Yampah Mountain High School and Sawyer Patrick and Willa Corcoran of Glenwood Springs High School. The Scholarship is presented annually by the Redstone Art Foundation to outstanding art students in the Roaring Fork Valley.

“The Valley has a great history of some pretty nationally renowned artists,” Springfield said. “This is part of the legacy of where we live in this valley — the beauty that brings people out. There’s such an artist community here.”

He continued, “By artists, I don’t mean strictly people who paint or people involved in the visual arts. There’s such an appreciation for aesthetic beauty and our surroundings, and appreciation for creative expression that comes out just through the sort of Bohemian culture that exists here. It’s just something people enjoy, and it’s been the history of the Valley.”

Discussing the importance of events such as this, Springfield said that once the community comes together to witness the creative process more intimately, many doors can open.

“I can’t think of a better way for people to support the arts than to show up, be present and to show support through their personal enjoyment of the art.

Everything else stems from that, as some people will be so moved they’ll have to buy a piece of art.

Others might form a relationship

with an artist and others might be inspired to take up a paintbrush themselves.” Springfield concluded, “This sort of event allows people to come for various reasons, and everybody can take something from it, and we’ll all be better for it.”

This year’s sponsors are Joy & Wylde, The Redstone Inn, Redstone Art Foundation and State Farm Agent Hailie Mickley. For more information visit www.redstoneartfoundation.org and redstonegallery.art

Lorie Merfeld-Batson, an artist based in Westcliffe, participated in last year’s festival. Photo by Larry Day

-The 54th Annual Mountain FairPhoto Credit: caitofosterphotography.com Photo: David Vasquez

Photo: David Vasquez

Photo: Sydney Yllanes

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Program Distribution • Inserted into The Sopris Sun • Given directly to Mountian Fair Guests • Available online at www.soprissun.com Photo: Will Sardinsky

CONTACT: Todd Chamberlin I adsales@soprissun.com I 970-510-0246

10 THE SOPRIS SUN | soprissun.com | June 12-18, 2025

24 THE SOPRIS SUN | soprissun.com | May 8-14, 2025

Meet the Town Manager Finalists Join us for a community meeting, where you'll have the opportunity to meet the finalists for the Town Manager position and ask them questions.

THURSDAY, JUNE 12, 2025 5:30 PM - 7:30 PM THIRD STREET CENTER (ROUND ROOM)

Community acupuncture offers affordable holistic healthcare ANNALISE GRUETER Sopris Sun Correspondent

Acupuncture, the practice of physical treatment by placing small needles at specific points in the body, is one of the oldest healing practices in the world.

While it is sometimes met with skepticism

by Western medicine, it has been a pillar of traditional Chinese medicine for thousands of years. In recent decades, Western medicine has begun recognizing acupuncture’s healing applications, especially for various forms of inflammation. The treatment is frequently sought for physical therapy recovery, fertility support and immune support.

One local acupuncture practitioner, Annie Van Druten, MS, offers a monthly option that more closely resembles contemporary Chinese acupuncture. In the community model, multiple clients are treated simultaneously to help mitigate cost. Van Druten preserves privacy by conducting a private intake session for each person. This consists of a short interview about the patient’s symptoms or desired healing. Once intake has been completed for each member of the group, needles are administered based on individual needs. As with private acupuncture, needles are left in place for 20-30 minutes per assessment and patient needs.

The community acupuncture model has been practiced in the United States since the 1970s, according to Van Druten.

She encountered it early in her career and values the way it increases accessibility to

healthcare and healing. She is able to offer community acupuncture sessions with a sliding cost scale of $60-80 per initial visit and $50-70 for returning patients. The fees are less than half the cost of a one-hour private session, which runs $175 for the initial visit and $150 per follow up treatments.

Van Druten offers monthly community acupuncture days because she wants to preserve accessible healthcare for community members regardless of their income. “I understand the importance of having access to holistic healthcare for all demographics,” she said while sharing about the offering. These sessions require scheduling like a private appointment, but folks can call to sign up between 11am and 5pm the third Wednesday of each month. Van Druten’s upcoming community days are June 18, July 16 and Aug. 20.

Clients visiting Van Druten for the first time are able to fill out intake forms online ahead of sessions to maximize treatment time. Initial acupuncture sessions generally take 75 minutes instead of 60, accounting for the assessment. These introductory appointments also include a one-time $10 consultation fee.

Van Druten has been practicing acupuncture for 16 years — 11 of those years in the Roaring Fork Valley. Her practice, Colorado Community Acupuncture, is located on Village Road in Carbondale, just off Highway 133 across from Gianinetti Park.

In conversation with The Sopris Sun, Van Druten expressed interest in expanding her community acupuncture program across

Acupuncture treatment involves small, singleuse sterile needles lightly inserted in targeted points of the skin. The practice is recognized as effective in reducing inflammation and promoting healing from inflammation-related ailments from acne to fatigue and chronic pain. Courtesy photo by Eliza Demerest

Annie Van Druten, MS, photo by David Clifford

language barriers as well. Though she does not speak Spanish, she has repeat clients with whom she uses language translation apps to provide treatment if they are less comfortable with English. While she acknowledges that the translation process is time-consuming, it has worked well for existing clients. She said she is looking into additional ways to mitigate language challenges to increase the accessibility of the offering.

Van Druten’s private practice includes additional traditional healing treatments. Individual appointments integrate acupuncture with cupping (where heated glass cups are used to stimulate blood flow, typically on the back), gua sha (a blood flow

and fascia treatment with a smooth-edged tool or stone across the skin) and cosmetic acupuncture and microneedling for improving skin definition. Other offerings include specific acupuncture treatment regimens for fertility and weight loss, for which Van Druten recommends sessions once to twice a week for three months.

Van Druten also offers health coaching services online to guide patients in optimizing their wellbeing. The three-month program targets individual patient needs from acne to thyroid issues to liver support.

“I love what I do,” she said, emphasizing that she values offering clients alternatives to medication regimens. “It fills me up to be in service to others and to offer tailored healthcare without the use of medications.”

To learn more about Van Druten’s health offerings, you can visit www.cocommunityacupuncture.com. To schedule a community or private acupuncture session, call 970-963-2150. Intake forms will then be sent by email.

THE SOPRIS SUN | Your weekly community connector | June 12-18, 2025 11

LAW WEEK

SEMANA DEL DERECHO

June 16-20, 2025 | 16-20 De Junio De 2025 Free, in-person & bilingual legal information at local libraries. No registration necessary.

Información jurídica gratuita, presencial y bilingüe en las bibliotecas locales. No es necesario registrarse.

6/16

MONDAY LUNES 2-4 PM

6/17

TUESDAY MARTES 5-7 PM WEDNESDAY

6/18 MIÉRCOLES 5-7 PM

THURSDAY 6/19 JUEVES 5-7 PM FRIDAY

6/20 VIERNES 5-7 PM

Aspen & New Castle

Elder Law & Estate Planning Derecho de la vejez y planificación patrimonial

Rifle

Housing Law Ley de Vivienda

THANK YOU to our 2025 Law Week Sponsors:

Parachute

Immigration Inmigración

Carbondale

Employment Law & Civil Rights Derecho laboral y derechos civiles

Glenwood Springs Family Law Derecho de Familia

FOR MORE INFORMATION GO TO www.alpinelegalservices.org PARA MÁS INFORMACIÓN VE A www.alpineservicioslegales.org

CALENDAR

Send your scuttlebutt to news@soprissun.com

THURSDAY, JUNE 12

www.sustainablesettings.org/workshops

WILD WORDS Jess Barnum teaches “Wild Words Whisper,” a three-part storytelling and journaling series at True Nature from 10am to noon. Learn more at www.truenaturehealingarts.com NONFICTION BOOK CLUB The Nonfiction Book Club explores this month’s theme, adventure, at the Carbondale Library from 2 to 3:30pm.

For more details, call 970-963-2889.

BANNED BOOK CLUB The Banned Book Club discusses “Nineteen Minutes” by Jodi Picoult at the Basalt Library from 4 to 5pm. There is a virtual attendance option. More details at www.basaltlibrary.org WEST AFRICAN MUSIC Sean Gaskell performs melodies on the kora, a 21-stringed West African harp, at the Basalt Library from 5:30 to 6:45pm.

Refreshments will be served at 5pm.

TOWN MANAGER FINALISTS Meet the four finalists vying to be Carbondale’s next town manager at the Third Street Center from 5:30 to 7:30pm.

GEOLOGY TALK Sally Potter McIntyre, PhD, shares her expertise as an Associate Professor of Geology at Southern Illinois University with a talk on the geology of the Roaring Fork Valley’s salt formations from 5:30 to 6:30pm at the Cocoa Club.

COMMUNITY PARTY Wilderness Workshop’s annual Community Party takes place in Sopris Park from 5:30 to 8:30pm with music

by Sweet Jessup and the Dirty Buckets, dinner, drinks and activities for all ages.

WOMEN’S HEALTH The Aspen Institute presents “The New Menopause: Navigating Your Path Through Hormonal Change with Purpose, Power and Facts” from 6 to 7pm.

For more info, visit as.pn/acpevents PRIDE PAGEANT The Aspen Art Museum hosts a free drag pageant from 6 to 9pm. Register for free at www.aspenartmuseum.org/calendar SHOSHONE HISTORY Join the Glenwood Springs Historical Society and Josh Mattson of Xcel Energy for a look at the construction and modern operation of the Shoshone Hydroelectric Plant at the Glenwood Springs Library at 6:30pm. The event is free and donations are welcome.

BOOKS IN BARS The Carbondale Library invites you to meet at Beer Works to discuss “The Great Gatsby” by F. Scott Fitzgerald at 7pm.

CRYSTAL THEATRE “The Phoenician Scheme” continues at the Crystal Theatre today, Friday, Saturday and next Thursday at 7pm with a 5pm captioned matinee on Sunday.

‘ASSASSINS’ SoL Theatre Company presents “Assassins” at Thunder River Theatre with shows tonight and tomorrow at 7:30pm and Sunday at 2pm. Shows will continue next week, too. Find tickets at www.soltheatrecompany.org

BIKE DROP The City of Aspen partners with the Carbondale Bike Project to collect used bikes at the Rio Grande Recycle Center (618 Rio Grande Place) from 2 to 5pm.

There will be prize giveaways, a free bike maintenance 101 course and light refreshments. More details at www. aspen.gov/bikedropoff HOLDEN HOEDOWN The Aspen Historical Society invites one and all to a free hoedown at the Holden/Marolt Mining & Ranching Museum from 4 to 7pm with demonstrations of steam engines and other historical machinery, tours, games, food for purchase and music by Sweet Jessup and The Dirty Buckets.

BOOK SIGNING Billy Wynne discusses his book “The Empty Path,” a how-to manual for cultivating the Buddhist principle of emptiness as the source of fundamental satisfaction and joy in our lives, at 6pm at White River Books.

BACH TO BLUEGRASS Roaring Fork Youth Orchestra presents “Bach to Bluegrass,” a fundraiser starring the Carbondale All-Stars String Band, featuring some of the best musicians in the Valley, at the Old Thompson Barn in River Valley Ranch from 6 to 9pm. The night will include Slow Groovin BBQ, local ale and Sweet Temerity Jazz opening. Find tickets at www.rfyo.org CONSCIOUS CONVERSATION The Center for Human Flourishing welcomes Karuna and Katie Smith for “Constant Conscious Conversation to Stoke the Life Force” at the Third Street Center from 6:30 to 8:30pm. Find tickets at www.thecenterforhumanflourishing.org ASPEN FRINGE FESTIVAL The 17th annual Aspen Fringe Festival begins with “Beauty,” a psychedelic ballet from SOULSKIN Dance at 7:30pm. Tomorrow features the world premiere of David Ledingham’s “Lincoln Goes to Hollywood,” a historical comedy, also at the Wheeler Opera House at 7:30pm. Tickets at www. aspenfringefestival.org STEVE’S GUITARS Enjoy Latino ska vibes at Steve’s Guitars with Roka Hueka at 8pm. Tickets at www.stevesguitars.net LOCAL COMEDY TACAW presents a local comedy showcase at 8pm. Tickets at www.tacaw.org

SATURDAY, JUNE 14

FATHERHOOD RETREAT Men of all ages are invited to connect with other men around the themes of fatherhood and fathers at 13 Moons Ranch from 8am to 7pm. Tickets at www.bit.ly/June14retreat

COUNTRY MUSIC TACAW hosts a country music night with Dave Alvin and Jimmie Dale Gilmore with The Guilty Ones and the Taylor Scott Band. Tickets at www.tacaw.org

PRANAYAMA Discover the power of pranayama and meditation at True Nature with Karuna and special musical guest Katie Smith from 10am to 1pm.

FRIDAY, JUNE 13

NO KINGS DAY Mountain Action Indivisible organizes a “No Kings” march along Grand Avenue in Glenwood Springs at 10:30am, concluding with a celebration of solidarity in Sayre Park.

PREPPING Sustainable Settings offers a two-day biodynamic preparation-making class today and tomorrow. For details, visit 12 THE SOPRIS SUN | soprissun.com | June 12-18, 2025

SCHOOL SAFETY National school safety law expert Dr. Bernard James speaks at the Aspen District Theater as part of a seminar hosted by the Pitkin County Sheriff’s Office and Aspen School District from 8am to noon. The event is free and open to the public.

LIFE AFTER 70 The Carbondale Library welcomes anyone 70 and older to join Age-Friendly Carbondale to talk about aging and connect with others who understand the journey, on the second Saturday of every month at 10:30am.

RECOVERY CELEBRATION A Way Out hosts a potluck picnic with activities, music and resources in celebration of addiction recovery at Crown Mountain Park from 11:30am to 1:30pm.

RSVP at www.bit.ly/recoverypicnic ROKA HUEKA Denver’s premiere Latino ska band, Roka Hueka, plays at the Glenwood Caverns from 6 to 9pm. Gondola ticket sales — $5 per person after 4pm — will benefit The Sopris Sun and Sol del Valle.

QUEEN BEES The Queen Bees perform for Redstone’s Magical Moments concert series at Redstone Park at 6pm.

SUNDAY, JUNE 15

BASALT SUNDAY MARKET The Basalt Sunday Market kicks off its summer season today and continues through Sept. 28 from 10am to 2pm every Sunday along Midland Spur.

POLO CUP Team Land Rover takes on Team Hotel Colorado in the Devereux Polo Cup, honoring history and showcasing some of the most talented players in the region from 11am to 3pm at the Stout Ranch (2000 Baldy Creek Rd. New Castle).

SUNDAY MARKET The Basalt Sunday Market kicks off today and continues every Sunday through Sept. 28 along Midland Spur from 10am to 2pm.

ECSTATIC DANCE Alya Howe and DJ Aja offer an ecstatic dance at 13 Moons Ranch at 6pm.

PERMACULTURE FIELD DAY The Farm Collaborative hosts a free workshop with the Central Rocky Mountain Permaculture Institute guided by Jerome Osentowski from 3:30 to 6:30pm.

To sign up, visit www.farmco.org EDUCATION FOUNDATION Carbondale Education Foundation takes over The Homestead in River Valley Ranch from 5 to 7pm. All tips will directly benefit all six of Carbondale’s schools.

Reservations are required at events@ carbondaleeducationfoundation.org CONCENTRIC RECOVERY True Nature hosts a multi-dimensional recovery support community for all forms of addiction at 5:30pm. More info at www.truenaturehealingarts.com LIBRARY TRIVIA Calling all trivia lovers, bibliophiles, history buffs and creatives — the Basalt Library offers “an evening of colorful library trivia” from 5:30 to 7pm.

DREAM BATH Natalia Snider and Jeremy Joseph offer a sound bath with guided dream work at the Jeremy Joseph Photography Studio in Basalt at 6:30pm. To RSVP, email nataliarsnider@gmail.com ‘WOLF’S MESSAGE’ Join author Suzanne Giesemann for a discussion and screening of a documentary based on her book about the incredible true story of Michael “Wolf” Pasakarnis from 7 to 9pm at the Third Street Center. Tickets are at www.tcfhf. org SECRETS OF LONGEVITY National Geographic photojournalist David McLain takes you on a journey through the world’s “Blue Zones” — where people have the longest, healthiest lives — as part of the Changemaker Speaker Series starting at 7pm at the Wheeler Opera House in Aspen.

ETHAN J PERRY Steve’s Guitars presents Ethan J Perry performing at 7pm. Tickets at www. stevesguitars.net

HIGH HORSE Straight from Boston, Massachusetts, High Horse plays music at Steve’s Guitars at 8pm. Tickets at www.stevesguitars.net

MONDAY, JUNE 16

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 18

OPEN BOOK SOCIETY The Basalt Library offers a virtual book club for teens at 4pm. Registration is required at www.basaltlibrary.org/ events/full-calendar EL PLACER DE LEER Angélica Breña leads a discussion of Spanish-language literature at the Basalt Library at 5pm.

PICNIC ON THE PRESERVE The Aspen Center for Environmental Studies holds its annual membership dinner, with drinks, live music and dinner starting at 5:30pm at Rock Bottom Ranch. Visit aspennature.org for more information or to become a member and participate!

BROTHER AND THE HAYES Steve’s Guitars presents Brother and the Hayes performing at 8pm. Tickets at www.stevesguitars.net

TUESDAY, JUNE 17

LOCOMOTION Basalt Library presents Peter Davison, a national juggling champion and theater artist with a knack for physics at 10:30am. This performance is intended for children ages 3 to 10.

DRUM SAFARI As part of its Summer Reading Challenge event series for children, Garfield County Libraries welcomes Drum Safari for an interactive performance at the Glenwood Springs Library at 1pm and the Carbondale Library at 4pm.

An estimated 80 people turned up to tour new public sculptures on loan in Carbondale on June 5. Shohini Ghosh (pictured) was among the artists who spoke about their work. All the sculptures — including her “Eternity 2” — are for sale. Find a map identifying all the new sculptures in the lobby at Town Hall. This program is overseen by the Carbondale Public Arts Commission. Photo by Raleigh Burleigh

COLOR KITS Basalt Library gives away coloring kits to teen patrons while supplies last beginning at 10am.

BUG OUT The Carbondale Library invites the Aspen Center for Environmental Studies to teach about bugs at 10:30am.

COMIC BOOK ART The Basalt Library invites teens to explore comic book art from 1 to 3pm.

CLIMATE DOC 350 Roaring Fork offers a free screening of “The Climate Baby Dilemma,” all about how the current generation is considering the environment before deciding to have children, at 5:30pm at the Carbondale Library.

BASALT CONCERT The Basalt River Park summer concert series kicks off with Ipecac, “a clash of rock, punk and a whole lot of badass,” headlining at 7pm. Taylor Shae will open at 5:30pm.

THURSDAY, JUNE 19

BOOK CLUB The Carbondale Library’s Third Thursday Book Club discusses “Still Alice” by Lisa Genova at 2pm.

CARE FOR CAREGIVERS True Nature offers support for caregivers with movement, meditation and sharing from 5 to 6:30pm. More info at www.truenaturehealingarts.com THE SOPRIS SUN | Your weekly community connector | June 12-18, 2025 13

CARBONDALE REPORT

Latino Advisory Board recommends WhatsApp communication channel RALEIGH BURLEIGH Sopris Sun Editor

Tuesday’s board of trustees meeting, June 10, featured Spanish interpretation for a check-in with members of the Latino Advisory Board. All trustees were present minus Jess Robison.

The quickly-approved consent agenda included accounts payable, meeting minutes, a special event liquor license for the Typical Ghost album release party at KDNK on June 20, liquor license renewals for Brass Anvil and Tiny Pine Bistro, approval of Beth Shoemaker joining the Environmental Board, a memo authorizing interim finance director Renae Gustine to sign checks until a new finance director is hired — the same memo allows the public works director to also sign checks until a new town manager is onboarded — plus $89,800 to Grand River Construction for overlaying asphalt on the pedestrian trail that connects Snowmass Drive to Meadowood Drive.

Several members of the public gave general comments, including Doc Philip who couldn’t quite articulate his thought and promised to return in two weeks, as well as three Mountain Valley Mobile Home Park residents asking for financial support to purchase the land beneath their homes. As Maria Romero emphasized,

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“We want to stay here,” she said. “It just breaks my heart to hear the kids worried about where they’re going to go.”

“We have been discussing it and we are going to add it to future agenda items and we are very seriously considering a pretty large contribution,” Mayor Ben Bohmfalk responded.

Jeff Basler, a recent retiree living at the Ranch at Roaring Fork, took the public comments opportunity to introduce the Carbondale Beautification Club, a new initiative organizing volunteers to keep public spaces looking tip-top.

The first action item involved a presentation by the Latino Advisory Board, established with a resolution in 2023 with the mission “to strengthen equity, communication and civic engagement by serving as a bridge between Latino residents and the Town.” The board officially launched in January 2025 and has since met on the first Monday of every month.

The Latino Advisory Board recommended the Town of Carbondale create a bilingual WhatsApp channel for one-way communication. They envision a two-step approach, beginning with official Town announcements and then adding community-based resources like health

It’s Farmers’ Market season! Every Wednesday from 10am to 3pm at 4th and Main, you can find a plethora of booths with artisan crafts, hot food and fresh veg. Photo by Raleigh Burleigh

fairs and educational opportunities.

“That sounds like a great idea to me,” remarked Trustee Ross Kribbs. He suggested it’s also important that communication flows in the other direction, from Spanish-speaking residents to Town officials. “Don’t hesitate to come with other ideas sooner and less baked,” he added.

Mayra Juarez-Denis, executive director of Centro de los Trabajadores, took a few minutes to discuss their work, training laborers in hospitality, construction and childcare with a program sponsored by the City of Denver, and protecting workers from exploitation by preventing wage theft.

Next, Nick Nardecchia and Amalia Sparhawk, both Roaring Fork High School students, were approved as youth members to the Parks and Recreation Commission.

Trustee Erica Sparhawk recused herself from the vote as mother to Amalia.

Anne Krimmer and Gianfranco Palumbo were then approved to join the Planning and Zoning Commission as alternates following brief interviews. Krimmer already served on the commission as an alternate and offers the perspective of a long-time local with experience in accounting. Palumbo is a land use planner continued on page 16

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CNC SPEAKER SERIES:

Community Conversation with the Colorado Attorney General “We are thrilled to present this bilingual, informative event as the public launch for CoWest Noticias Collaborative, the formal name for an effort to address news equity in the Roaring Fork Valley with the participation of most local newsrooms.” – Raleigh Burleigh, Sopris Sun editor.

Join us for the first edition of a new speaker series featuring Colorado Attorney General Phil Weiser, who will discuss urgent issues impacting our communities.

How current political decisions are affecting our region.

Recent changes in immigration policies.

State and national funding cuts.

WHEN June 26, 2025 4:30 pm - 6:30 pm WHERE Morgridge Commons, 815 Cooper Ave, Glenwood Springs, CO

Panel with CNC editors and representatives + Q&A. Light refreshments provided.

BASALT REPORT

Town Council doubles commitment for mobile home park purchase WILL BUZZERD Sopris Sun Correspondent

The third year of Basalt’s beloved Summer Concert Series kicks off next Wednesday, June 18, at 5:30pm in Basalt River Park. Alt-country singer Taylor Shae will support Denver-based rock band Ipecac for the first of 10 free shows happening every Wednesday through Aug. 27. This year’s Summer Concert Series features a diverse lineup of new faces and fan favorites from near and far. Each show will feature a regional opener at 5:30pm with a main touring act playing at 7pm.

Music fans are encouraged to bring picnic blankets and snacks, as well as partake in the improved concession stands. The Town of Basalt has partnered with 10 different nonprofits who will receive a portion of the proceeds from the concessions. “This, along with the ongoing support of our impressive sponsors, makes this a true community celebration, and the Town looks forward to seeing our friends and neighbors at Basalt River Park every Wednesday night this summer,” said Town Planning Director Michelle Thibeault.

Town Staff is excited to invite visitors

to the River Park bandshell, and to kick off another rockin’ summer on the shores of the Roaring Fork River. More information can be found online at www.basalt. net/666/Summer-Concert-Series

Aspen-Basalt Mobile Home Park During the period for general public comments at this week’s Town Hall meeting, more residents of the Aspen-Basalt Mobile Home Park requested financial assistance. At the May 27 meeting, dozens of residents from the park came forth to ask for any support possible in order to finance the purchase of the park by its residents. On April 9, an anonymous buyer placed an offer to purchase both Aspen-Basalt Mobile Home Park and Mountain Valley Mobile Home Park near Carbondale for a total of $42 million. This purchase is anticipated to raise rents in the parks beyond affordability for their residents, who have 120 days from that date to place a counteroffer lest many workers, students, community members and families stand to lose their homes in the Roaring Fork Valley.

“We’re going to do everything we possibly can, and we encourage every other

The Basalt Summer Concert series kicks off this Wednesday evening at 5:30pm. Live music fans from up and down the Valley are invited to enjoy the vibes and celebrate the start of another fun season of free music. Courtesy photo

organization, business, individual to do everything they can — this is a huge priority for us,” said Mayor David Knight in response to the comments.

After convening for a retreat earlier on the day of the meeting, Town Council decided to double the previous meeting’s commitment of $250,000 toward the purchase of the parks and will now be contributing $500,000. In addition, the Town of Basalt signed on for a grant with the Colorado Department of Local Affairs which, though it can’t be used to directly finance a purchase, would fund efforts by the West Mountain Regional Housing Coalition to gather resources from various municipalities.

Natural medicine Town Council also held a second reading on a series of town code amendments which would allow for the sale,

manufacturing and use of natural medicine in Basalt — including psilocybin.

The code amendments are written in response to the State of Colorado’s Proposition 122 which allowed for the supervised use of natural psychedelic medicines at licensed facilities and prohibited local governments from banning said facilities.

Originally, the Town code amendment in question would enable the disbursement of these medicines in facilities already zoned as “Medical Centers,” which only includes the Midvalley Medical Center and the Aspen Valley Health building. However, after some discussion, Town Council directed staff to pursue amendments to the Town code in order to add “Healing Center” as a distinct use.

Town Council agreed to continue the reading and public hearing to June 24 for this possibility to be explored.

GARFIELD COUNTY REPORT

Too much development, eagles okay, Fair Board resignation AMY HADDEN MARSH Sopris Sun Correspondent

Monday’s Garfield County Commissioners (BOCC) meeting started off with two county residents’ concerns about a proposed 236-acre, mixed-use development at the old Unocal/ Sanders Ranch/Bair Chase property between Carbondale and Glenwood Springs across Highway 82 from the Cattle Creek entrance. Roaring Fork Capital is the developer whose projects include the Fairway Residences at River Valley Ranch, the Lofts at Red Mountain in Glenwood Springs and the Tree Farm Lofts across from Willits. According to LinkedIn, the project “is set to redefine luxury living and commercial space with unparalleled amenities.” It has a familiar ring to it and neither Mike Jeronimos, who operates an actual tree farm just east of Aspen Glen, nor Siri Olsen are excited about it.

Jeronimos dislikes the “continued urbanization” of the Roaring Fork Valley. “I think we do it for a lot of reasons — affordable, sustainable, renewable housing, workforce.

I understand all that, but it’s too much,” he said. He added that Aspen and Snowmass are

pushing development downvalley “so they can fly over us, fly over the traffic, fly over the sprawl.” He opined, “They don’t want to see the middle class.”

He urged commissioners to pay attention to the proposed development, called Harvest Roaring Fork, pointing to the size and the impact additional people will have on an already-dangerous Highway 82.

Olsen echoed Jeronimos’ remarks, adding she’d like to see an updated Highway 82 study. “Coming down to this meeting this morning at the Buffalo Valley light, the upvalley traffic was backed up a little more than a third of the way to the Walmart stoplight in town,” she observed. “It was backed up all the way to the City Market light. This is a daily problem on

this road but we need to analyze it on a regional basis.”

Olsen is worried about evacuation from the Roaring Fork Valley in case of a wildfire or other disaster. She eschewed Cottonwood and Independence passes and said McClure Pass is not always open. “The people out where I live, those of us who have rafts, we are literally saying you would be better off to get in your raft and try to evacuate on the river than to get on Highway 82.” She concluded, “Before we approve any more development anywhere along this corridor, I think we’re being negligent if we don’t truly address these safety concerns.”

“Buffer Zone here. Remove helmets. Take a breather.”

Patricia Lopez and others from the Mountain Valley Mobile Home Park in Carbondale approached the BOCC requesting help in their efforts to stay in their homes. Residents of two mobile home parks in the Valley own their homes but are raising money to purchase the land. Commission Chair Tom Jankovsky replied that April Long of West Mountain Regional Housing Coalition (WMRHC) is due to make a presentation during an upcoming work session. “Just to let you know, we don’t have any funding for housing,” he added. “But we will listen to [the WMRHC] proposal.

Maybe they have some ideas that we’re not aware of.”

Highlights from the rest of the meeting included a County Fair board resignation letter from Lisa Stoeber that Jankovsky called “damning.” Stoeber wrote, “As a new board member, I had hoped to receive more guidance and support; unfortunately, that has not been my experience.” She added that she felt disrespected, received “demeaning texts/ emails” and that some board members might not support the best interests of the community or the goals of the Fair Board. continued on page 16

THE SOPRIS SUN | Your weekly community connector | June 12-18, 2025 15

CARBONDALE REPORT from page 14 for Pitkin County and previously Salida.

He pointed out that Carbondale is due for a new comprehensive plan in the next few years which should guide redevelopment in the industrial area north of Town Hall.

Lastly, the trustees received another Aquatics Center update. Joe Farstad, mountain region vice president at Wember, the Town’s owner’s representative on the project, expressed optimism with the pool house going vertical that the new facility will be complete in October.

He revealed that a shade structure over the pool was struck from the design.

Town Manager Lauren Gister further explained that that particular 30’ by 40’ shade structure would have cost $100,000 — $80,000 more than budgeted. A snap decision had to be made whether to accommodate six 10-inch posts to support it, and the fabric was not rated for use over a playground or pool which could have been a liability.

Kribbs expressed frustration that the decision had to be made so abruptly. He said that the package of add alternates was approved collectively and if they had the opportunity to divide it up, he would not have voted to approve the hot tub.

Sparhawk defended the decision. “We always got cooked at the pool anyway,” she said. “If you had come with another $80,000 [expense] that would have been another problem.”

Aquatics and Health & Wellness Coordinator Brian Froelich said he visited recently-constructed pools in Eagle, Rifle and Basalt and none had shade directly over the pool. Farstad added that if identified as necessary, shade can be added in the future “at a much lower rate” with “minimal intrusion into the existing adjacent landscape.”

This Thursday, June 12, the public is invited to meet four town manager finalist candidates at the Third Street Center from 5:30 to 7:30pm.

Now in its third year, Ron Speaker’s Finance Camp convened its largest cohort yet, 15 local high school students from up and down the Valley, to learn all about stock trading with hands-on experience the week of June 9. Santi Ward, a Colorado Rocky Mountain School junior, called it “a great experience, especially for kids with families who can’t explain the terms and how to place orders.” Indeed, Speaker designed the camp to teach the mechanics of trading as well as its history. Photo by Raleigh Burleigh

GARCO REPORT from page 15 Stoeber served for six months.

The BOCC did not discuss the letter but talked to Levi Burris, Fair Board president, about how to improve the experience of board members, particularly new ones.

Delia Malone, wildlife chair of the Colorado Chapter of the Sierra Club, and Aspen Glen resident Sibel Tecke, updated the BOCC about the ongoing study of the Aspen Glen bald eagles, who, by the way, are doing well, said Malone. The female, who suffered the

death of her mate a year ago, has bonded with a young male. No eaglets this year, though. “That’s normal because, first, he is just becoming an adult,” explained Tecke. “Secondly, he’s in a new territory and she needs time to make a strong bond before they will have nestlings.”

Malone described the parameters and methods of the study. “Our conclusion from three years of data is that the Eagle Nest Buffer Zone is essential to the survival of the Aspen Glen bald eagles,” she said.

The Third Street Center has been graced with a new mural thanks to Gabriela Mejia and her Carbondale Arts mural camp students, working June 9-13. The design was dreamed up during the camp and applied thoughtfully on a west-facing wall visible from Highway 133. Photo by Raleigh Burleigh

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LIBRARY REPORT

Manga books will not be relocated; board to consider new access card for minors MEGAN WEBBER Sopris Sun Correspondent

The Garfield County Public Library District (GCPLD) will not relocate books that some members of the public consider unsuitable for children to read, library staff said at the board of trustees meeting on June 5. However, the board will consider a new library card at its July meeting that would restrict materials that minors could check out.

Under Colorado state law and federal law, it is unconstitutional for libraries to look at a user’s age to determine whether they can check out books, GCPLD Executive Director Jamie LaRue said. The library district’s legal counsel also weighed in and told the board that relocating the books behind a glass case or other barrier would not be legal.

“Our attorney has advised us that to adopt this process, to put something in a locked case under locked key, to require that adults now have to present an ID for things that they used to get without it, is in fact a violation of the First Amendment,” LaRue said. “It is the belief of counsel and it is also my belief that it is a violation of state law and federal law.”

For over a year, a group of Garfield County residents including Trish O’Grady of Rifle and John Lepkowski of Silt have circulated requests and a petition to remove or relocate a manga book series called “Prison School,” claiming that it is inappropriate reading material for anyone under the age of 18. Other community members including May Gray of New Castle have objected to the petition, arguing that everyone should be able to access books that they connect with.

On June 5, the board heard from multiple members of the public with varying opinions and then discussed the issue for nearly an hour, resulting in high emotions from everyone in the room as the board scrambled to reach a compromise.

“Both sides here I think have a very good point, and I wish that there was a common ground. I don’t know that there ever could be,” board member Tony Hershey said. “I don’t think it’s unreasonable to restrict children’s access to certain

materials. That’s not banning books.

That’s not preventing me from coming in and looking at anything I want to look at or someone online looking at things.”

Hershey proposed a new library card for minors that would restrict the items they could check out. Board members debated what that would entail. Board member Myrna Fletchall pointed out that a child might not check something out because they didn’t want their parents to see it at home but might read it at the library anyway. She also said that parents could decide whether they trust their children enough to let them look at anything or to sign their kids up for the new card and restrict their access.

“We don’t expect staff to walk around and say, ‘What are you looking at?’”

Hershey said.

The board agreed that librarians should not be responsible for policing what individual children are allowed to access in a public library, and that parents should have the majority of the say over what their kids read.

LaRue maintained that the First Amendment provides freedom of information to everyone, including children.

He said that any person should be able to access the information that they are looking for. He also said that most children want to read books that are appropriate for their age group, and that he has never personally seen a child choose to read a book with explicit content in any of the county’s libraries.

The board approved a motion to discuss and vote on the new card at the next meeting. LaRue will present options and information at that time with details about what could be restricted under the new card and what the design might look like.

Board member Stephanie Hirsch said that she was in favor of the motion, but that she wanted to keep discussing the issue in the future because there was more to it.

“But it’s a step forward,” Fletchall conceded.

The board’s next meeting will take place on July 10 at the Glenwood Springs Library at 2pm.

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BILL from page 6 governments and food security nonprofits. In Pitkin County, only around 250 residents use SNAP. However, far more residents rely on grant-funded nonprofits like Lift-Up to feed themselves and their families.

While the BBB will increase eligibility requirements for SNAP, it will also reduce federal funding for the program by requiring states to pay a portion of food benefits which are currently funded in full by the federal government.

This requirement will place strain on state and local budgets operating under a public benefits methodology which, according to Pitkin County Human Services Director Lindsay Maisch, has been identified as underfunded “for quite some time.” Additional eligibility requirements and doubling evaluations will place clerical strain on these already underfunded state offices.

Maisch said that as we travel into a possible recession and as federal funding disappears, both nonprofits and government offices will bear the impact, and it is likely that county governments in Colorado may have to cover the portion of benefits required by the BBB, necessitating some tough decisions on where to direct local funding. “It’s going to impact all of us,” Maisch said. “It’s looking grim out there.”

THE SOPRIS SUN | Your weekly community connector | June 12-18, 2025 17

Your Local Family Dental Office

Three uniquely delicious tax-advantaged accounts One of the ways to build wealth is to be aware of, and savvy with, your taxes. Your money needs to be growing for you and it needs to be in accounts that match your objectives, tax bracket and life choices. Obviously, your tax preparer can best answer your personal tax questions, but in the meantime, here are three delish types of accounts worth taking a peek into.

Health Savings Account (HSA) is highly underutilized as a money-growth tool.

• How it saves you now: The money you contribute to your HSA is tax deductible. The maximum contributions for 2025 are $4,300 or $8,550 for a family.

Those funds are there for medical needs.

Contact lenses, dentist, acupuncture, breast pump... you can even get a debit card to keep it simple.

• How it grows: Tax free. HSAs can be invested so they grow for you year over year. The interest, dividends and gains from investments grow tax free. Boss, right?

• How it saves you in the future: When used to pay for qualifying medical expenses, it’s withdrawn tax free. You can’t deny that you’re going to need some medical support in the future.

Sample of unique medical expenses as defined by the IRS: a service dog and their food, hand MONEY JUICE sanitizer to prevent COVID, pregnancy test,

By Megan Janssen transportation primarily for (and essential to) medical care.

• Fancy notes: You qualify to open and contribute to a HSA if you have high-deductible health insurance as defined by your state. The amount you contribute rolls into the next year. You can think of this as a burly retirement account you have access to at any time between now and retirement, if used for medical expenses.

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Custodial Roth IRA — did you know you can open a Roth for an infant?

• How it saves you now: As long as your kid earns income (babysitting, lemonade stand) that income (up to the annual contribution limit) can be contributed into a Roth for that kiddo. Roths are taxed up front and not taxed when the money comes out (so long as it’s qualified). So the very cool part about contributing to a Roth for your kid is it’s based on their tax bracket, not yours. Your local pediatrician takes a photo of your baby for a brochure and pays your baby — you put that money into a Roth and it will be taxed at their rate. We’ll assume the rate will likely be very low indeed.

• How it saves you in the future: Any money saved for your kids now is money for you in the future. Hypothetically, if you contribute $2,500 to your child’s Roth when they are 4 years old and never contribute another penny, assuming a growth rate of roughly 7%, that money could be worth around $114,875 when they reach retirement age (59.5 years old). Boom, baby.

• Fancy Notes: Roths aren’t just for retirement. Money can be withdrawn for qualified purposes before retirement age as long as the account has been open at least five years. Some examples: $10,000 for a first-time home purchase, $5,000 for childbirth or adoption, any amount if used for higher education.

Solo 401(k) — do you have a side hustle? Check out this tasty morsel.

• How it saves you now: Solo 401(k)s are neat because you can opt to contribute pre-tax or post-tax. If you contribute pre-tax, you’re reducing your taxable income in the contribution year. If you contribute post-tax, you don’t pay taxes on qualified withdrawals in the future. The contribution limits are massive because you get to contribute as both the employee and the employer: up to $70,000 total for 2025.

• How it saves you in the future: Retirement, baby! If you choose to contribute post-tax, you aren’t dealing with taxes on qualified withdrawals.

• Fancy notes: This account only works for solopreneurs, i.e., you are the owner and only employee of the business. You can take out loans against this account. In 2025, it’s the lesser of 50% of the balance or $50,000. If you’re over 50 years old, you can make “catch-up contributions” to this account, allowing an additional $7,500 of contributions in 2025.

Taxes and personal finance don’t have to be stuffy and boring. They liberate you and yours. Set up some boss accounts, contribute regularly, and go surfing in Tahiti, snag a $500 gold chocolate box from DeLafée, say yes to the $600 hot air balloon ride over the Serengeti or just bask in your own fabulous choices. Go get ‘em, tiger!

Megan Janssen is a certified financial educator and founder of Money Juice.

To learn more about the upcoming community money conversation series, visit www.money-juice.com

Another note from Brazil Upon arriving in Brazil, I was enraptured by the flora and fauna of the Atlantic Forest. Nova Friburgo, my exchange city, sits in the Serra dos Órgãos mountain range; it’s surrounded by lush hills and is distinctly colder than the rest of the state of Rio de Janeiro. Though I moved from one mountain town to another, the contrast was striking. I had traded a northern summer for a snowless southern winter and stepped into a dense, diverse forest that was completely unfamiliar.

Every place I go, I am constantly realizing that the world is so much more beautiful and so much more grand than I previously knew.

A large motivator for choosing Brazil was my environmental curiosity.

Colorado, and Carbondale especially, are very climate-conscious places.

During my childhood, nature documentaries narrated by Sir David Attenborough were peak television, and Bonedale Bike Week was highly anticipated yearly. Hikes always took a little longer than they should because of my insistence on stopping and inspecting every flower. My passion for the environment has been sculpted by my enthrallment of the natural beauty in Colorado. Last year, I met one of my lifelong inspirations, Jane Goodall. Also, I was a part of Roaring Fork Outdoor Volunteers’ internship, Youth In Nature, both of which further GUEST OPINION fueled my drive to pursue environmenBy AnaSophia Brown tal protection. Through my grandmother and great-grandmother, I grew up with little glimpses of Brazilian life, from photos of Ipanema beach to stories of the Pantanal. The Amazon rainforest–the largest living carbon sink in the world — has always fascinated me with its towering canopies and kaleidoscope of wildlife. I knew going to Brazil would give me a chance to discover and explore.

In April, I finally had the opportunity to visit the Amazon. I spent nine unforgettable days on a boat on the Rio Negro. It was every bit as incredible as I had imagined. The forest and river appeared tranquil, yet the unceasing chorus of Amazonian birds suggested otherwise. With attentive eyes, the stillness gave way to vibrant animal life. On canoe tours, we explored the canals that traverse the submerged forest and, with intent observation, saw howler monkeys, sloths and the most fascinating birds. Along with other exchange students from all over the world, I swam in the rich red waters, fished for piranhas and laughed wholeheartedly during games of Truco. I started several days by waking up in my hammock with the sun cresting the river, and pink dolphins playing in the coolness of the morning. It was incredible to experience the tranquility of a place infamous for giant snakes and spiders, which, I can confirm, are very real.

We camped for one night deep in the forest. A few days earlier, my closedtoe shoes had broken on a trekking trip so my only option was flip-flops and socks. Given that earlier that day we had learned about — and seen — bullet ants, this was a questionable decision. Before we slept in our hammocks that night, our tour guide used a broom to sweep spiders the size of my palm out of our shelter’s palm frond ceiling. I woke up several times that night, certain that one such spider would fall on me and subsequently, eat me. Despite the dangers of the forest and river, the trip was a magical highlight of my exchange year.

Visiting the Amazon was an opportunity to witness the significance of the human impact on the environment and all its life forms. Since the 1970s, 20% of the Amazon Rainforest, a place rich with culture, beauty and diversity, has been deforested. Similarly devastating, earlier this year, I had planned to visit the Pantanal, the world’s largest wetland. I was unable to go due to historically unparalleled fires and drought in the region. Both of these globally significant regions, known for their ecological richness, are facing the dire effects of climate change and extraction activities. Closer to home, wildfires in Colorado are becoming more frequent and extreme.

My love for the natural world is what compels me to protect it. So I ask you to take a step outside, explore the beautiful rivers, mountains and trails around Carbondale, and bask in the beauty we are lucky enough to live in.

This beauty will only exist as long as we do our part to protect it. Volunteer for Roaring Fork Outdoor Volunteers, the National Park Service, vote and do the little things that make all the difference. The more you explore the world, the more you will love it; I know I certainly do.

AnaSophia Brown, Carbondale native and Roaring Fork High School (RFHS) student, is spending her junior year abroad as a Rotary Youth Exchange Ambassador to Brazil. Inspired by the Colorado River and outdoor adventures, she is passionate about the environment and plans to study environmental science, policy or law in college after graduating from RFHS in 2026. Go Rams!

OBITUARY

Michael “Mike” Tyree Bouchet August 23, 1964 - June 1, 2025

Mike Bouchet of Carbondale passed away on June 1. He was doing what he loved — mountain bike riding with a good friend.

Mike was born on Aug. 23, 1964, in the Bronx, New York, to Anna and Henry Rodriguez. He was the youngest of their three boys. His mom raised them first in the Bronx, moving them when Mike was about 4 years old to Long Island, where they lived for a number of years with family in the home that Mike’s grandfather built. Mike loved to tell amazing stories from this time on Long Island with his cousins, aunts, brothers, mom and grandfather.

When they eventually returned to the Bronx, Mike’s mom had a goal of getting him out of the city because it was during a particularly rough era. She got him a scholarship to the Hoosac School in Upstate New York where, at age 13, he went to boarding school.

At school he developed a love for soccer and became a strong player. After Hoosac, he received a soccer scholarship to Southern Vermont College in Bennington, where his studies focused in the social sciences. After he returned to New York City, a favorite pasttime was to join the pick-up games “with people from all over the world” that were always happening in the city parks.

Mike then became an electrician after discovering his amazing aptitude in this trade, receiving his journeyman license under the training of “Scottie,” a Scottish master electrician in the Bronx.

Everyone who knew Mike knew of his love for skiing and cycling. It was at the Hoosac School where Mike was introduced to skiing. On Wednesdays after school, a van would take students to nearby Jiminy Peak for lessons and night skiing. During his college years, Mike leveraged the college ski club for gear, transportation to the mountains and lessons. He even joined the volunteer ski patrol for a time at Stratton Mountain in Vermont.

His love of cycling started young, when he discovered the thrill of “city riding” in New York. Later, while working as an electrician in the city, he would do long commutes to wherever the job-site was on his bike, loving the intensity of riding the streets through the various boroughs. Outside of commuting, he also started to play around on his bike, experimenting with the different terrain in Central Park. This was, of course, the spark to his later love of mountain biking.

When Mike was 28, he drove out to Vail for his first ski trip in Colorado. That experience was a game-changer. He went back to New York, packed up his things, and moved to Colorado, settling in Denver. In addition to working as an electrician, he picked up a part-time job at REI, where he built a tight and long-lasting community of friends. This “REI family” was equally passionate about doing crazy adventures outside. With this community, he discovered how to thrive in the balance between “having to work” and enjoying life through deep friendships, fun and recreation. It was also at an REI party that Mike met his wife, Jen, who also happened to like the out-of-doors.

Mike and Jen were married in the mountains surrounded by friends and family on July 4, 1998. It was right before they were married that Mike made the decision to change his name from Rodriguez to his mom’s maiden name of Bouchet. He felt very strongly that the new family he was going to help create carry the last name of the person who raised him, and for whom he had deep love, gratitude and respect. Mike and Jen settled into the Park Hill area of Denver where they began that family.

In 2007, Mike began a career shift into photovoltaic systems, coming to Carbondale to train with Solar Energy International. Mike and Jen fell in love with this little town and in 2008, with a local solar job offer, they jumped at the chance to move their young family to Carbondale.

Mike’s career stayed within renewable energy from then on. He developed long-lasting, close relationships with many people through his work. His work fascinated him, and he took immense pride in doing a job as well as it could be done.

Though he worked hard to support his family, he always emphasized enjoyment, relaxation and recreation. Weekends in the winter were all about skiing with family or friends. If six inches or more of snow fell on a work day, he unflinchingly invoked the “powder clause,” and work would simply have to wait. Once the skis were put away for the season, the bikes came out, as did the camp boxes. Mike was always on a quest to balance his lifestyle, and relaxation was key. He could be found many days a week at the Glenwood Hot Springs, soaking his aches and relishing in the friendships of his “pool buddies.”

In all spheres Mike engaged, he had an uncanny ability to connect with people. His enthusiasm for life was truly infectious. He was a connector. He took the time. He lived simply. He cared little for possessions (except his bikes and skis). Instead, he sought experience, exploration, laughter, connection and time with others. That is what truly fed his soul, which in turn is what endeared him to others. That was his magic.

Mike is preceded in death by his mother, Anna Rodriguez. He is survived by his wife, Jennifer Bouchet; his daughters, Justice and Joy; his son, Elan; his brothers, Jose and Richard Rodriguez; and his nieces, Jennifer and Jacqueline Rodriguez.

Like his mom, he leaves an incredible legacy of how to live your life in alignment with what is important to you.

There will be a Celebration of Life for Mike on July 12. More information will be forthcoming. Donations to support education and the training goals of his three children can be directed to gofund.me/3cff3fdd THE SOPRIS SUN | Your weekly community connector | June 12-18, 2025 19

ASPEN & SNOWMASS Pitkin county Library Hyman Avenue Box Wheeler Opera House Box Snowmass Town Park Station Aspen Valley Hospital Mi Chola Snowmass Clarks Market Snowmass Mall Alpine Bank in Snowmass Alpine Bank in AABC BASALT & EL JEBEL Willits General Store Alpine Bank ANB Bank Basalt Quick Lube Basalt Regional Library Big O Tires El San Miguel Box Casa Tequila CC’s Cafe Whole Foods Eagle County Courts Crown Mountain Express Lube El Jebel Mobile Offices El Korita Hightone Autobody El Jebel Laundromat Mountain Family Health Cazadores Skotties The Basalt Store Timbo’s Hightone Automotive and Tires CARBONDALE 3rd St. Center Alpine Bank Carbondale Library Main St. Box Catherine’s Store Food Truck Carbondale Recreation Center City Market Carbonaldale CMC Edna’s Hair Salon Gloria’s Boutique Garcia’s Jalisco Grill La Fogata La Perla La Placita La Roca Lift-up Sunburst Valley Meats First Bank GLENWOOD SPRINGS Glenwood Springs Library Centennial Park Box Comfort Dental Coin Laundromat Glenwood Recreation Center Glenwood CMC El Yaqui First Bank Frida’s Glenwood Hot Springs Yampa Hotsprings Valley View Hospital Impuestos Seguros La Michoacana Mountain Family Health Post Office Gafield County Human Resources Sal Mex Tequila’s Tony’s Bakery Super Taco Alpine Bank on Grand Ave New Castle New Castle Library City Market Carniceria Elias Hacienda San Miguel Post Office Tapatios Alpine Bank SILT Silt Library La Placita 2 La Placita Market LeMora Pizza Silt Roundabout RIFLE Cafe y Pasteleria Galea East Ave & 3rd St. Box City Hall Box E 12th St. Box El Patron El Rincon Jalisco Grill Mercado San Jose Momma’s Nachos Mexican Dining Paleteria La Korita Promex Bakery Remignton Square Spyderwash Tapatios La Baja Espresso Rifle Library Imperio Variedades Dinora Diversity Salon Alpine Bank on 4th St Alpine Bank on Airport Rd PARACHUTE Nalini’s Taqueria Jalisco El Tapatio City Hall Box Parachute Library Running Burrito Lift-up Fifty Shadz Salon Sinclair Vero’s Mexican Bakery

Look for stories like this in this week’s Sol del Valle!

Full edition is available every Friday afternoon on newstands and at businesses from Rifle to Aspen

Aspen-Basalt Mobile Home Park organizes community fundraiser PHOTOS BY MARGARITA ALVAREZ Sol del Valle

On Sunday, June 8, the Aspen-Basalt Mobile Home Park hosted a community gathering and fundraiser that brought neighbors together in a show of unity and mutual support. Everything offered at the event — from tamales and pupusas to aguas frescas, fruit cups and desserts — was made possible thanks to donations. Residents and local businesses contributed food, supplies and raffle prizes with the shared goal of supporting families in the park as they face the challenges of becoming a resident-owned community.

Attendees were able to enjoy food and participate in activities through voluntary monetary donations, with no set prices, ensuring everyone could take part. Children had fun in a bounce

house, while adults enjoyed loteria and raffles featuring prizes from community allies.

Those wearing red shirts were park residents — the heart of this place. Many of them not only prepared and served food but also helped set up and break down the event. Some families have lived in the park for over 35 years, while others are now raising second-generation children in the same homes.

As the event came to a close, residents and organizers reminded the community that this is just the beginning. With collaboration, active participation in public meetings and creative fundraising, the path toward a solution is being laid — and the first signs of progress are already visible.

For more information and updates, follow @aspenbasaltroc on Instagram.

Follow Leonardo Occhipinti’s “Nuevo Mundo” in Sol del Valle every week in Spanish.

Bianca Godina — Editor • bianca@soldelvalle.org | Margarita Alvarez — Advertising • margarita@soldelvalle.org www.soldelvalle.org • info@soldelvalle.org • 970-510-0234

20 THE SOPRIS SUN | soprissun.com | June 12-18, 2025

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

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

NEXT GEN AUTO-FILL ON KETAMINE

Carbondale Treasure Hunt

By Douglas Salg Cattle Creek Road

Father send the rain, in a time of globalized capital to grow her love who says we cannot father, send a global strike a fire un-contained we won’t ask to survive the horror of the unafraid, of the factory line, of mortgages and parking fines father, some of these emotions are leftover and cold send us a thermo-nuclear blast to warm my mushy peas and every hardened heart

Two families that are friends will share a dinner date at the Homestead in River Valley Ranch after winning a $150 gift card by solving the first-ever Carbondale Treasure Hunt with a clue in last week’s Sopris Sun. “I don’t do First Fridays much anymore,” Katie Bannon admitted, “but this brought me out.” Keep an eye out for the next clue in our July 3 issue.

Pictured: (left) Izzy Levine, Sagan Mulry-Green, Izzy Mulry-Green, Katie Bannon, Ania Mulry-Green; (above) Ben Green, Bannon, Sagan, Izzy Mulry-Green and Izzy Levine.

Photos by Rachel Mulry

Community Classes BEGINNING SKETCHING & DRAWING FOR ADULTS Tues’s, 10am-12pm, 6/17-7/15 HOW TO LEAD A TRANSFORMATIVE LIFE Tuesday, 6-8:30pm, 6/17

Chris Roseberry, MD

Alexandra Kovar, MD

Helping You Live the Extraordinary—Every Day Our team of Surgical Specialists is here to support your life-long health, offering advanced surgical services crafted with your unique needs in mind.

• General Surgery • Breast Surgery • Cancer Surgery • Laparoscopic Surgery

INTRO TO PERMACULTURE DESIGN Wed, 6-8pm, 6/17 Basalt In-person or Online

GEOLOGY OF COLORADO, RF AND CRYSTAL VALLEYS Thursday, 6-9pm, 6/19

REGISTER TODAY

EAT YOUR WEEDS LEAVES AND SHOOTS Saturday, 1-3pm, 6/21

SEWING - PROJECT BASED Thurs’s, 6:30-9:30pm, 6/26-8/14 SLOW FLOW YOGA Wed’s, 9-10am, 7/2-8/13

Kids’ Classes

BEG. SKETCHING AGES 10-17 Mondays, 10-11am, 6/9-6/30 SKETCHING AND DRAWING II Mondays, 10-11am, 7/14-8/4

690 Colorado Ave, Carbondale

970 963 2172

• Robotic Surgery with the latest da Vinci 5 • Trauma and Acute Care Surgery • Specialized GI Services

Now seeing patients in Basalt and Aspen

Basalt 1460 East Valley Road, Suite 103

8:30 am–5:00 pm 970.544.1200

Aspen 0401 Castle Creek Road

For you. For life. aspenvalleyhealth.org aspenvalleyhealth

JOB ANNOUNCEMENT: EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Are you looking for meaningful work that supports public lands and Colorado communities with flexible hours and the potential to work from your home office? This is the opportunity to lead a small and exciting nonprofit organization supported by an engaged Board of Directors working to ensure public lands stay public and accessible.

FOR MORE INFORMATION VISIT:

www.coloradowildpubliclands.org THE SOPRIS SUN | Your weekly community connector | June 12-18, 2025 21

LETTERS freedom of religion and the ability to petition the government to redress grievances.

Posterity now is only for the billionaires.

Trump threatens news outlets that criticize his actions and makes them pay him to continue operating. He makes law firms defend his interests pro bono. He denies immigrants their rights to court hearings and condemns children to death worldwide by ending USAID. Trump’s budget that Hurd voted for strips Medicaid and SNAP funding and medical research that aims for cures for cancer, ALS, Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s and AIDS prevention.

The estimated cost of Trump’s military parade: $45,000,000.

Join the NO KINGS gathering June 14 in Sayre Park, 10:30am to 12:30pm.

Illène Pevec Carbondale

Affordable housing Ms. Perry was right about trailer parks being an important part of employee housing. And then she went into a Trump Derangement rant without any suggestions on how to or who should help these situations.

These parks all house Glitzburg workers and I think some of those woke billionaires upvalley should be lining up to support their workers financially.

Like that one Dem rep said, the wealthy can never have enough cheap labor to wipe their fat butts.

But we must also stop the greed of the dirt pimps who are selling out these hardworking souls. These parks are truly the last affordable domiciles where workers can get ahead.

Screw the dirt pimp developers and save the parks, like George Stranahan did for Lazy Glen.

Bruno Kirchenwitz Rifle

Summer love One of my favorite memories of my daughter was a car ride home from the Carbondale town pool. She was a few months shy of 4 years old and, for the first time, had just swum with no swimmies.

Wiggling with excitement in her carseat, fidgeting with her hands, she said, “I’m amazed about myself! I’m PROUD because I didn’t do that before!” She took one more big, happy, high shouldered breath before rapidly changing (as small children do) to a very serious facial expression… “I want my snacks.”

Kaia was born with strabismus, commonly known as a lazy eye, which limited her peripheral vision and depth perception for the first four years of her life, until surgery. She was totally resistant to skis, bikes, and scooters — and in a town like Carbondale, where kids tend to be well ahead of the curve with mountain sports, this made us worry. But water has always been her happy place. She could spend all day, every day underwater, recovering diving toys, doing tricks, and exploring. It’s where she’s fully confident and herself.

I’m supporting the Let’s Make a Splash campaign for her, and for her younger sister who’s still in swimmies; so our whole community has a place at the center of town to cool off on hot days, make new friends, learn life-saving skills, and have 22 THE SOPRIS SUN | soprissun.com | June 12-18, 2025

from page 2

fun in the water all summer long.

Please join me in bringing the Carbondale pool to life. Head to carbondaleconnect. org/pool to learn more or make a gift.

Rachel Bachman Perkins Carbondale

Thanks!

Thank you to Mike Adams and Jackie Parker and all the other great folks at the American Legion in Carbondale for awarding me the American Legion scholarship this year. I’ll be attending Mesa Community College in Mesa, Arizona and the scholarship will pay a big portion of my tuition. It means a lot to me to have the support of this organization as I know they provide so much for the veterans and their families in the Valley. Thank you to everyone there who helps those who have served their country.

Cole Fenton Missouri Heights

Un-Hurd I went to Capitol Hill in D.C. a few weeks ago to speak to Senator Hickenlooper’s, Senator Bennet’s and Representative Hurd’s staffers about the importance of keeping the Endangered Species Act (ESA) intact and guided by science rather than short-term gains. The meetings with our senators’ staffers were productive and pleasant. Unfortunately Representative Hurd’s staff never replied to our emails requesting a meeting, so we decided to just stop by his office and see if the staff had five to 10 minutes available. I flew all the way across the country to his office on The Hill, walked in and introduced myself, and the two staffers were less than interested in me or the fact that I had come all the way from Basalt; nor did they take five minutes to hear my purpose for coming by. I decided to ask about when they expected the next town hall to be here in western Colorado and they had no idea when. I rolled my eyes and left them with some handouts about our stand on the ESA. Reflecting on all this, it‘s important to remember to continue to show up regardless. It may not feel like speaking up really makes much of an impact. Yet, I believe we still must. There is not a better alternative.

We still live in a democratic nation and the only way to save democracy is to be a practicing, participating citizen. It may be a very broken, imperfect system, yet it’s the only system we have, so we should exercise it to its max capacity. It’s possible that the people can save democracy and ultimately create a more just society for all if more and more people stand up, speak out, and show up. My 10-year-old niece wrote a letter to congressmen which I hand delivered copies to each of the offices we visited and took photos of the letters with the staffers and shared those with her. Teaching her the skills of civics and participating in democracy is something else I can do.

Representative “Un-Hurd,” the district elected you, you’re getting paid to represent all of us, and it is rather difficult to explain your behavior as a leader within a representative democracy. Listen to your people. We ultimately will decide if you get to keep your job or not.

Sarah Johnson Basalt

PARTING SHOTS June’s First Friday was proudly gay — bright and cheery — with a Pride parade that defied the weather, musical and dance performances at Chacos Park, a youth art showcase opening at the Carbondale Arts gallery and so much more!

The youth art showcase features work produced during the Carbondale Arts Creative Apprentice Program and the Stepping Stones Artist Residency Program.

The exhibit will remain on display at the Launchpad through June 26. ...............................................................................

Want to help First Friday continue to be a success?

Carbondale Arts is recruiting volunteers to set up and direct traffic at 3rd and Main.

Contact deborah@carbondalearts.com for details.

There is also a stipend available for live entertainment.

Find the application at www.bit.ly/FirstFridayApp Photos by Gus Richardson

SERVICE DIRECTORY YOUR BEAUTY SALON IN CARBONDALE

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OFF

your next professional haircut for the whole family.

COUPON for mens, women’s and kid’s haircut.

THE VALLEY HOPPER Need a ride? Call us at 970-355-4961 Private Rides Events Weddings Eagle-Aspen-Grand Junction Airport Rides w w w. thevalleyhoppe r. c om THE SOPRIS SUN | Your weekly community connector | June 12-18, 2025 23

REGION’S LARGEST NETWORK OF

PRIMARY CARE.

With board-certified pediatricians, internists and family medicine physicians on our team, primary care at Valley View is here to care for your needs, regardless of your age or circumstances. We are proud to have multiple offices and locations in Carbondale, Eagle, Glenwood Springs, Silt and Willits, providing multigenerational primary care across the region.

The best is ahead.

Because Valley View is behind you. vvh.org/primarycare

Eagle Valley Family Practice Pediatric Partners · Roaring Fork Family Practice

PeopleCare. That’s Valley View.

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!

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

Join us to create beautiful low-water native landscapes that are good for people and pollinators!

Silt Family Practice · Valley View Internal Medicine

Learn more & schedule

MANA FOODS N AT U R A L F O O D S S T O R E

SUMMER SNACKS DON’T LEAVE TOWN WITHOUT THEM. GO TO MANA FOODS FIRST!

now available Local Organic Cherries Also Featuring Local greens, eggs, cheese, milk, meat, bread and ice cream, as well as a whole host of produce

Scan QR for application or visit

beefriendlycarbondale.com

In partnership with Bee Friendly Carbondale and Colorado Water Conservation Board 24 THE SOPRIS SUN | soprissun.com | June 12-18, 2025

Mana Foods 792 Hwy 133, Carbondale Open 7 days a week 10-6:30 / Phone: 970-963-1137