Together, we write what comes next
For the past 850 weeks, The Sopris Sun has been a guiding light in our valley — more than just a newspaper, it’s become a reflection of our community’s heartbeat and soul. I’ve witnessed firsthand how our stories inspire pride, foster understanding and unite us with shared purpose.
Each week, we deliver news and information that can make a real difference — help heal wounds, save lives and preserve our treasured forests and rivers. These stories remind us that community deepens when we strive for greater understanding across our diverse and beautiful valley.
This week’s blank cover stands as a reminder that the future of The Sopris Sun, like all local news, is not guaranteed. However, with your help, we may turn that empty space into a canvas for the next 850 papers.
Our commitment to this extraordinary community shines brightest through acts of renewal.
Last year, we recognized that it was not enough to simply print a Spanish-language insert. That approach — while well-intentioned — felt, in many ways, dismissive of more than a third of our neighbors.
and sponsorship revenue covers less than 50% of this cost. Recent economic shifts and changes in national funding priorities have strained both advertisers and foundations. Small, rural community-owned newsrooms like ours are at risk of being left behind. To continue this vital work, we must raise $300,000 over the next 18 months.
Historically, less than 10% of Sopris Sun readers contribute financially, and that support has helped us bridge a $100,000 annual gap in recent years. If more of our readers act together, reaching our $300,000 goal is well within our grasp.
OPINION
Today, we proudly publish and distribute Sol del Valle as a full, freestanding and beautifully designed Spanish-language newspaper throughout the Roaring Fork and Colorado River valleys. It amplifies the voices of our Latino neighbors and exemplifies the richness of our shared humanity.
OPEN LETTER
By Todd Chamberlin
This achievement was made possible through generous support from the City of Aspen, Rose Community Foundation, Press Forward, The Miami Foundation, Rocky Mountain Health Foundation, Brett Family Foundation, Colby Fund at Western Colorado Community Foundation, and our incredible media partners in the CoWest Noticias Collaborative.
This renewal reflects the core principle that guides us: honoring and elevating diverse voices in our community.
This work matters — and it needs you. Every week, I see its spirit grow. When your stories are reflected in our pages, when you discover a new local business, attend a community gathering or read about the tireless work of another local nonprofit — it sparks hope.
When our student journalists craft honest, meaningful stories, or neighbors attend local government meetings motivated by what they’ve read, it affirms that journalism is more than just reporting — it’s an act of connection, compassion and possibility.
And yet, we face a pivotal moment.
Today it costs us approximately $3.25 to print a single copy of each newspaper — or $14 per paper per month. Decreasing ad
LETTERS
Who represents Carbondale?
The June 5 Garfield County libraries board meeting at the Carbondale Library was my first opportunity to see the makeup of the new board, as directed by the county commissioners, in action. I wasn’t impressed. As it has been for about three years now, how and when to restrict children from reading material someone has determined is unsuitable was the primary topic of discussion — and it drew a standing room only house. It got pretty heated.
Trustee Stephanie Hirsch has replaced Jocelyn Durrance as Carbondale’s representative on the board. She walked into the meeting late with a scowl that never left her face. Hirsch is a known homophobe who believes children’s eyes should be shielded from any literature that recognizes homosexuality exists.
Carbondale has a vibrant LGBTQ community and they’re embraced by nearly all. The June 6 Pride parade demonstrated that. I wonder if Hirsch has read Edmund White. I have. He’s a gay male who describes homosexuality in a way this straight male could never understand without reading the book. Kids could handle it. They wouldn’t be groomed. Hirsch actually said, “Children have no First Amendment rights,” causing an audible gasp from the audience. She tried to explain how children can’t drink alcohol or drive, comparing
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those privileges to constitutional rights.
Hirsch likes to brag about being a published author. I wish I was, but I know at least a half dozen writers from Carbondale with their monikers on books and that’s probably just the tip of the iceberg. Does she think she’s the only one?
Just like first district County Commissioner Tom Jankovsky, Hirsch has no business representing Carbondale. If Garfield County was a home rule jurisdiction, Jankovsky would get nowhere near the commissioner’s desk.
Another one of the new trustees, Tony Hershey, was censured by the Glenwood Springs City Council for inappropriate behavior and foul language. He was abusive to representatives from Ceasefire Now RFV when they addressed the city council. Hershey replaced Susan Use on the library board.
Are these the kind of library trustees we’re going to get now that the commissioners have taken over appointing them? The trustees themselves chose new members in the past. Jankovsky said they made the changes to get more “diversity” on the board. Bull! As near as I could tell, there isn’t a progressive on that board. This is all a ploy to replace open libraries advocate Jamie LaRue as library director.
Get up early some Monday morning and go to the Garfield County commissioners
meeting and tell them you don’t approve of their choices for the library board. Fred Malo Jr. Carbondale
Letter to Hurd
Congressman Jeff Hurd and the others who support the “Big, Billionaire, Boondoggle” are either unable to process math or are warriors against the poorest working Americans. Let’s give him advice to change his position.
Tax cuts for the wealthiest Americans continue the reallocation of wealth to the richest of society at the cost of increasing our national debt. It is really a simple concept. The Congressional Budget Office reviewed the proposal and found that it would result in the lowest 10% of households seeing their ability to support their family drop by 3.9%. The wealthiest would experience a 2.3% increase; that is unconscionable.
In addition, this monumental failure of reason balloons our national debt by more than $3.5 trillion, which likely ensures high interest rates. It is impossible to take anyone seriously who purports to care about the national debt and supports this bill. They are either lying about their position or too uninformed to be trusted with decision making. Tax increases are plus numbers and tax cuts are negative numbers — that is as real as
Editor Raleigh Burleigh 970-510-3003 news@soprissun.com
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James Steindler
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SCUTTLEBUTT
Mysterious death
A 38-year old man who was found dead near Carbondale on Sunday has been identified as Glenwood Springs resident Matthew Cox. Authorities initially thought Cox was the victim of a hit-and-run incident but, according to the Glenwood Springs Post Independent, an initial autopsy revealed no traumatic injuries to the body. The Garfield County Sheriff’s Office said the body was discovered around 10:30am Sunday morning down an embankment along the westbound shoulder of Highway 82, but the incident may have occurred several hours earlier. Cox was apparently riding a red and white bicycle from Carbondale toward Glenwood Springs. A Facebook page shows that Cox worked for Builders First Source in Carbondale and leaves behind a daughter. Cause of death is undetermined.
Filoha access
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
A settlement agreement signed by the Rock Creek Association will ensure non-motorized public access to Filoha Meadows Nature Preserve once approved by the Pitkin County Commissioners on June 25. This agreement resolves a six-year dispute over ownership of County Road 3B, also known as Dorais Way, linking the north end of the Redstone Boulevard to the boundary of Filoha Meadows, a county property open to the public from July 1 to Sept. 30 during daylight hours.
Water under the bridge
The Roaring Fork and Crystal Rivers have likely reached peak flows for the season, reports the Roaring Fork Conservancy. On June 3, the Crystal reached a high flow of 1,370 cfs in Redstone and the Roaring Fork in Glenwood Springs hit 3,360 cfs. This year’s peak flows are the earliest and lowest since 2018. Streams throughout the watershed are flowing at 50-68% of normal for this time of year due to ongoing severe to extreme drought conditions. The City of Aspen declared Stage 1 water restrictions as of Tuesday, June 10.
Deputy Director Udall
Aspen Valley Land Trust is welcoming Torrey Udall, who grew up in Carbondale, as the organization’s new deputy director. Udall previously led Protect Our Winters and held advisory roles with Neimand Collaborative and author Jim Collins. He currently serves on the Board of Directors of The Wilderness Land Trust.
RFSD board shuffle
The Roaring Fork School District (RFSD) board of education has a new chair after
Kathryn Kuhlenberg resigned her position last week. Vice-chair Jasmin Ramirez was unanimously chosen to fill Kuhlenberg’s role through November. Betsy After steps in as vice-chair. Ramirez was first elected to the RFSD school board in 2019 and won re-election in 2023.
E-bikes in Basalt
The Town of Basalt is offering its residents $500 rebates on the purchase of a new commuter e-bike. That plus a $450 rebate from the State of Colorado means a potential for $950 of incentives. E-bikes may be purchased at any retailer between now and October 31, 2025. Proof of residency and receipt of purchase are required. Residents must also fill out a W-9 to get reimbursed. E-mountain bikes do not qualify. More information about e-bike rebates and how to apply can be found at www.basalt.net/ebikerebate
Public lands sale
The proposed federal budget bill could allow the sale of millions of acres of public lands. The Colorado Sun reports that language in the proposed bill requires the U.S. Forest Service and the Bureau of Land Management to sell up to 3.3 million acres of public lands in 11 western states, including Colorado, ostensibly for housing developments. Interior Secretary Doug Burgum told the Senate Natural Resources Committee last week that this isn’t about the “most beautiful and sacred places.” Burgum also plans to cut millions from the National Park Service budget. He said
selling off public lands could offset budget cuts. Conservation groups and the Mountain Pact, a coalition of more than 300 western local elected officials, including two Carbondale town trustees, oppose the plans.
Colorado fights Trump
Colorado joined 18 states in an April lawsuit, challenging President Trump’s March 25 executive order attempting to override elections and impose strict voter registration requirements for federal elections. Last week, a judge granted a preliminary injunction against provisions of the order. In a June 13 press release, Secretary of State Jena Griswold, who is running for state attorney general in 2026, said, “Trump wants to prevent eligible Americans from exercising their sacred right to vote. I will keep fighting whenever Trump attempts to attack our democracy and democratic values.”
They say it’s your birthday!
Folks celebrating another trip around the sun this week include: Jennifer Bauer, Forrest Fulker, Matt McBrayer and Garrett del Castillo (June 19); Alyssa Barsanti, Robin Bundy, Ty Burtard, Todd Fugate, Arleen Ginn, Brandon Jones and Ernie Kollar (June 21); Jessica Kollar and Elliot Forrest Willey Lamb (June 22); Keith Edquist, Marc Loggins, Daniel Pulver, Hattie Rensberry, Donna Riley, Felix Tornare and Lauren Whittaker (June 23); Brian Keleher (June 24); Mark Burrows, Olivia Pevec and Michael Quint (June 25).
A few fancy wheels rolled through Carbondale on Sunday thanks to Dale Will and his annual fundraising efforts to benefit the Independence Pass Foundation. Photo by Tommy Sands
Carbondale’s search for a new town manager narrows
Photos by Will Grandbois
Although the Carbondale Board of Trustees has likely selected a top choice for the next town manager, The Sopris Sun was informed that the decision will not be made public until close to the next regular meeting, June 24, when a contract is voted on. Until then, we share in the suspense.
On Thursday, June 12, the public was invited to meet four finalists at the Third Street Center. The following day, the Board of Trustees conducted interviews with the candidates alongside a panel of community members: Andrea Stewart, Jamie Abbot, Niki Delson, Hollis Sutherland and Brion After. The public was also invited to share feedback based on the meet and greet.
Ryan Hyland most recently served as the town manager for the Town of Silverthorne. He has 28 years of experience working in municipal government organizations. Hyland holds a Master of Public Administration from the University of Colorado at Denver, and a Bachelor or Arts in Political Science from the University of Colorado at Boulder.
Shannon Kelly-Fong is the current assistant city manager for the City of Lacey, Washington. Her over 10 years of experience in municipal government includes serving as the senior policy analyst for the City of Lakewood. Kelly-Fong holds a Master of Science in Urban Studies from the University of Wisconsin and a Bachelor of Arts in History from the University of Washington.
Sara Ott most recently served as the city manager for the City of Aspen until February of 2025. Sara has 22 years of experience in municipal government. Ott holds a Master of Public Administration from the University of Kansas and a Bachelor of Arts in Politics and Government from Ohio Wesleyan University.
Kara Silbernagel is the current deputy county manager for Pitkin County. She has 15 years of experience working for public sector organizations. Silbernagel holds a Master of Public Administration and Urban and Regional Planning from the University of Colorado at Denver, and a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration emphasizing statistics from the University of Denver.
RFV rallies for democracy
An estimated 3,000-plus people gathered in Glenwood Springs on June 14, Flag Day, as part of a nationwide “No Kings” protest. The event was organized by Mountain Action Indivisible and featured an address by Representative Elizabeth Velasco, CO HD-57. Chants that reverberated through the crowd included: “No hate, no fear, immigrants are welcome here.” Support for immigrants was a common theme depicted on many homemade signs.
This same day, President Donald Trump spent an estimated $25-$45 million on a military parade in Washington, D.C. Incidentally, June 14 was his 79th birthday. In all, some 2,000 rallies took place across the U.S. and in 17 countries, including over 40 in Colorado alone.
“Trump has been defying court orders, disappearing people off the streets and slashing services that America’s families depend on,” said Debbie Bruell, co-leader of Mountain Action Indivisible. “He’s acting like a wanna-be dictator. Americans of all ages, colors and backgrounds poured into the streets today to stand up for democracy and to show the world that we will not bow to fascism.”
“I was blown away by the number of people from all walks of life who came together today to march for democracy,” said Laurie Lawrence of Rifle. “It felt inspiring and empowering to join together in the singing of the national anthem, and to demonstrate our love for our country and our flag.”
The protests were largely peaceful, though shots were fired in Salt Lake City killing one bystander when security confronted a man with a rifle. Overall this was one of the largest days of protest in United States history.
Photo by Klaus Kocher
Photo by Klaus Kocher
Photo by Amy Hadden Marsh
Photo by Raleigh Burleigh
Photo by Raleigh Burleigh
Photo by Klaus Kocher
Photo by Klaus Kocher
Photo by Raleigh Burleigh
Photo by Klaus Kocher
Photo by Klaus Kocher
Courtesy photo
Senate draft of “Big Beautiful Bill” poses challenges for sustainability
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). Many of its provisions aim to cut down on federal spending by targeting climate-related tax credits, which are likely to put a dent not only in the operations of renewable energy and home efficiency organizations in the Roaring Fork Valley, but cross-county efforts to reduce emissions as much as possible.
The BBB plans on reducing over $500 billion in federal spending by cutting tax credits for clean energy production investment, electric vehicle rebates, residential clean energy investment and energy efficient home improvements.
While many of the aspects of the bill are expected to change as it moves through the Senate, the first budget draft released by the Senate this week maintained the cuts to solar and wind projects by 2028. However, hydrothermal, geothermal and nuclear energy will continue receiving tax credits until 2036.
Solar energy
Sunsense Solar recently
celebrated its 35th anniversary and according to president Scott Ely, his company has seen plenty of ups and downs in that time.
“We see this as yet another one,” Ely said, “and one that we will work our way through. We’re not sounding the alarm that we’re going to close up shop.”
While Ely sees the reduction of tax credits as concerning, Sunsense has other streams of revenue. “We would likely ramp up our service side, our commercial/industrial side, our storage side, even off-grid,” Ely said.
Maintenance of existing energy systems will remain unaffected by the changes in federal funding, and in its many years of operation, Sunsense has created a vast network of renewable energy systems to maintain. Working in resort areas, Ely also said that many of his clients have the resources to invest in solar even without tax credits.
Additionally, Sunsense is part of a much larger, solar-buying cooperative called Amicus, which does $1.75 billion in business annually. Being part of Amicus will mitigate some of the economic impact.
Other provisions in the bill pose significant concerns for Sunsense. One potential
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regulation would render a renewable energy project ineligible for tax credits if the project uses components from federally determined foreign adversaries. “So basically that means we’re not gonna be able to do any project, because everything we do and everything we use … has a chip in it or some bolt that comes out of China,” Ely said, adding, “Obviously we want to use domestic parts whenever possible.”
Amicus also employs lobbyists of its own which, for the past week, have been working in Washington, D.C. to convince senators to preserve the tax credits and change this legislation. According to the latest draft, however, it seems that a majority of senators remain unconvinced. This Monday, stock prices in solar energy tumbled after the draft legislation was released.
Energy efficient homes
Aspen-based nonprofit Community Office for Resource Efficiency (CORE) expects its energy-conscious clientele to be impacted by tax credit cuts.
One of CORE’s primary missions is to help homeowners and business owners increase energy efficiency in
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their buildings by helping them apply for and acquire as many tax incentives and rebates as possible. Incentives can come from local energy producers — like Holy Cross — as well as from the state and federal government. Because of this model, changes in tax credits for renewable energy won’t impact CORE’s revenue and will instead land on its clients directly.
“We’re grateful that we have a community that’s committed to climate action and sustainability,” said Jami McMannes, CORE’s communications and engagement manager. “And a lot of our funding is reliant on local partners and not so much the federal administration.”
CORE also provides its own grants for energy efficient construction independent of federal funding. “We adapt regularly to meet the needs of the community,” said McMannes, “and so if there was a greater need for renewable energy projects, there’s the opportunity for us to evaluate that need and improvise support from CORE’s end.”
As town governments and counties throughout the Roaring Fork Valley have taken pledges to reduce carbon emissions over the next several decades, CORE remains prepared to deal with policy changes coming down from Washington. “We’ll be here standing by,” said McMannes.
Sunsense Solar has helped install residential solar energy in the Roaring Fork Valley for over three decades. However, federal legislation threatens to cut tax credits for renewable energy projects and stifle residential solar development. Courtesy photo by Sunsense Solar
Penny Hot Springs improvement plans slowly flow forward
ANNALISE GRUETER
Sopris Sun Correspondent
On June 3, proposed improvements to access, parking and drainage at Penny Hot Springs were approved by the Pitkin County Planning and Zoning Commission. Access work at the non-commercial springs off Highway 133 has been under discussion for about six years. In 2022, Pitkin County Open Space and Trails (OST) opened a public survey to source community input on desired adjustments. Close to 70% of respondents supported improvements to the free, public hot springs.
Since that survey closed in September 2022, the office has been working to fine-tune options that meet the public need. Pitkin County OST also consulted with the Crystal Caucus and the Pitkin County Healthy Rivers and Streams Board in 2022 while considering design alternatives. Top changes under consideration were trail access, stabilizing the streambank and improvements to the parking area. Public support allowed the OST Penny Hot Springs Steering Committee to move forward with integrating input into an actionable plan.
Steps identified during the design process include addressing runoff issues and streambank erosion, revegetating the nearby slope, improving footpaths down
to the hot springs and redesigning and repaving the parking lot. By January 2024, OST staff and a consulting team were able to start preparing construction documents for an identified preferred alternative (top choice) of improvements.
The Planning and Zoning approval earlier this month clears another step in the process to implement those improvements. The preferred alternative’s next hurdle is securing permits for construction. Carly O’Connell, an OST senior planner and landscape architect, spoke with The Sopris Sun to provide
additional insight on the project and an approximate timeline.
O’Connell emphasized that no OST construction work is being done at Penny Hot Springs in 2025. The final planning and design phase involves acquiring several permits and completing one or two more studies. “We’ll be required to do a floodplain permit through Pitkin County,” explained O’Connell. “Modeling has been completed to show that construction won’t lead to a rise in the river,” but OST still needs to run a slope stability study to finalize strategies.
The department is also
balancing the Penny Hot Springs project with recent high-urgency land acquisition projects. OST has a number of considerations ahead of setting a time for construction, but O’Connell confirms that the public will be notified well in advance of work around the hot springs. “We would definitely provide advance notice starting six months before the project at the hot springs and provide other public communications,” she said. “We want to let the community know when construction would occur given the love for the place.”
O’Connell elaborated that
OST has many environmental considerations when scheduling improvements to open space resources. “We would need to avoid any times of year when fish are spawning, and high water is not a safe time to construct.” Even so, the closure time is not expected to be very long once it does get scheduled.
“Construction time would be limited to short periods during the summer with a condensed schedule. Users could expect up to a two-month closure of the springs when it gets underway,” O’Connell said. “The hardscape improvements could be completed in one season, once construction begins.”
During the interview, O’Connell noted the Pitkin County OST will be opening a survey this summer on watershed and land use, and invites all interested parties in the region to participate, even residents of Eagle and Garfield counties. Once live, that survey will be accessible on the OST website: www.pitkincounty.com/443
You can read more about the Penny Hot Springs project on that same website. The page includes links to the June 3 presentation deck and other reference sources. For more about the history of Penny Hot Springs, The Sopris Sun covered those details in 2022 during the survey process.
The Penny Hot Springs preferred alternative focuses on improvements to access trails, slope stability and appearance between the road and the hot springs, plus parking lot improvements. Graphic courtesy of Pitkin County Open Space and Trails
Coal Basin methane capture project awaits USFS approval
WILL BUZZERD Sopris Sun Correspondent
Though the coal mines in Redstone have sat unused for several decades, their impact on carbon emissions is far from over.
Methane continues to steadily leak from the mines, and for the past four years, Aspen-based nonprofit Community Office for Resource Efficiency (CORE) and Delta Brick & Climate Company have been preparing the solution.
The research is complete, the technology has been tested and since the partnership’s last round of community outreach, the U.S. Forest Service (USFS) has been reviewing an application to finally set up methane capture devices in Coal Basin and cut down on a major source of emissions in Pitkin County.
Methane is ordinarily trapped within the seams of rock that get broken in the process of coal extraction. While plenty of the gas is released during the actual mining process, more continues to leak out even after mining operations cease.
Back in 2021, CORE was awarded a $1.2 million grant from the U.S. Department of Energy to research methane
release at Coal Basin. CORE partnered with Montrose-based climate action and sustainable building material company Delta Brick to aid in that research and explore possible solutions for how to best address the issue. The project is currently funded by a combination of state, federal and county sources, as well as a donation from Atlantic Aviation, the company that operates the Aspen/Pitkin County Airport.
After extensive study in the fall of 2023, the partnership released their findings at a pair of community outreach meetings in the spring of 2024. According to the findings, they estimate that 1,950 metric tons are being released from the Coal Basin mines per year — equivalent to the emissions from 36,456 gas-powered cars and 30% of all other greenhouse gas emissions released in Pitkin County.
Since the outreach in 2024, the partnership prepared and applied to the USFS for permission to place methane capture devices around Coal Basin’s most emissive sites. During the review process, the partnership will continue supplying the USFS with research and information as
requested. Though the application was submitted in September of last year, there is no current estimate for when the review process will be completed.
In the meantime, the partnership has continued with community outreach and held another informational meeting in Carbondale on Thursday, June 12, to refresh the public on what’s been going on at Coal Basin and what’s being done to fix it. At the same time, Delta Brick has been continuing work on methane capture elsewhere in Colorado and testing out some of the same technologies which, if the application is approved, will be hauled up to Coal Basin.
One of the best ways to get rid of methane is the simplest — combustion. However, a burner is only effective with high concentrations of methane, and the team has found that the mix of gases being released from the Coal Basin mines require an alternate, more complicated device called a regenerative thermal oxidizer.
An RTO, however, is a large machine roughly the size of a shipping container and will require the reopening of a service road for installation, plus maintenance and
In 2023, Delta Brick employed horses to haul research equipment up to Coal Basin. Difficulty in accessing some of the region’s worst methane leak sites means that lightweight, alternative technologies like bioremediation will be necessary to cut down on escaping methane. Courtesy photo by Impact Media Lab
an electrical line up to the Dutch Creek #1 mine, which means substantial noise and construction in the area if the application is approved — a primary concern among some local residents. However, there are many more sites at Coal Basin which can only be reached by horseback, and so the partnership has been exploring a third technology known as bioremediation, which uses methane-digesting bacteria to capture and process the gas.
Chris Caskey, founder of Delta Brick, has been testing out this technology at the decommissioned Bowie mine in Delta County. First, the team collects samples of local soil bacteria from
leak sites and sends them to CH4 Microbial Solutions, which identifies and cultures the best, most methane-digesting bacteria in that sample, and sends it back to the site. Methane gas is blown through 55-gallon drums containing the bacteria which digests the gas and produces carbon dioxide. This tech can be transported via horseback to the harder-to-reach leak sites at Coal Basin. Until then, it’s back-and-forth between the USFS and the project team. According to Caskey, nationwide budget cuts and understaffing in the USFS mean that it may be a long while until the process is complete and construction begins.
SANCTUM opens psychedelic healing center in Aspen
local nonprofit, the Aspen Psychedelic Resource Center (APRC).
“SANCTUM supports Aspen Psychedelic Resource Center’s mission by providing a space for us to offer accessible education and support around psychedelic medicines,” said Laura Betti, who founded APRC alongside Martha Hammel. “One way we actualize this is through free monthly community integration circles held at SANCTUM.”
Until recently, spaces like SANCTUM weren’t permitted to operate. In November of 2022, Proposition 122 was passed which decriminalized psychedelic substances both for personal use by those over 21 years
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of age and licensed facilities like SANCTUM.
Following the passage of Proposition 122, Mesirow was appointed to the state’s Natural Medicine Advisory Board, a 15-member group tasked with helping the Colorado Department of Regulatory Agencies create safe, ethical guidelines for psychedelics use.
Since then, psychedelic healing centers have opened up in Colorado. The first was The Center Origin, founded by Elizabeth Cooke and Mikki Vogt, in Denver. But Mesirow noticed a lack of similar centers catering to people outside the Front Range and founded SANCTUM to close that gap.
Although these substances are now legal in specific contexts, SANCTUM is taking extra precautions to ensure safe use. Mesirow went through over 200 hours of training to become licensed as a facilitator of psychedelic substances in order to ensure the work they are doing is responsibly managed.
While psychedelics are a big part of the practice, Mesirow believes a bigger piece is working on solving issues in conjunction with the psychedelic treatment. “I find that about 95% of the healing opportunity is really in the things that are not the medicine itself,” said Mesirow. “It’s really about the work you’re putting in around it.”
While passionate about SANCTUM’s approach, Mesirow acknowledged that the journey to healing is personal and can take many forms.“I don’t think that there’s one right way to do medicine work,” said Mesirow. “We’re offering something that is particularly helpful for healing, growth and transformation. But that doesn’t mean it’s the only way.”
Wed’s, 11:10am-3:30pm, 7/9-8/6
Wed’s, 11:10am-3:30pm, 7/9-8/6 Wed’s, 11:10am-3:30pm, 7/9-8/6
*WIRE WORK & CHAIN MAKING
campus for Registration info.
EAT YOUR WEEDSLEAVES 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
DICKENS AND THE LAW
Mondays, 6-8pm, 7/7-8/18
EDIBLE LANDSCAPES
Wed, 6-8pm, 7/2
Basalt In-person or Online
SANCTUM founder Skippy Mesirow and SANCTUM co-leader Jamie Butemeyer sit in the lobby area of Shakti Aspen. Photo by Sam Brule
LA FIESTA DE
YOUR SPANISH NEWSPAPER CELEBRATES 4 EDITIONS!
You're invited to celebrate another year of independent journalism! Join us from 4:00 to 9:00 p.m. on Saturday, June 28, 2025, at the Glenwood Springs Library for an evening of music, food, art, and the chance to meet the team behind the newspaper.
4:00 PM – 7:00 PM | Info fair, food, lotería, and prizes
7:00 PM – 9:00 PM | Music and dancing with DJ Salsón
Free and open to the public
Roaring Fork Valley continues advancing news equity
RALEIGH BURLEIGH
Sopris Sun Editor
Two upcoming events will celebrate advancements in the availability of Spanish-language news media in the Roaring Fork Valley.
The first of these events will feature the debut of CoWest Noticias Collaborative (CNC), a now formalized group of Roaring Fork Valley news organizations that began convening in 2021. Aspen Daily News, the Aspen Times, Glenwood Springs Post Independent, Aspen Journalism, KPVW La Tricolor, KDNK community radio, Aspen Public Radio and The Sopris Sun began meeting years ago to address the notable lack of Spanish-language news in the Valley. The group has received financial support from Colorado Media Project and guidance from the Colorado News Collaborative.
Historically, CNC funnels news stories to Sol del Valle for publication. On June 26, the group will introduce a new speaker series, bringing elected representatives before a bilingual audience of constituents with guaranteed Spanish-language interpretation. The first of these free events will feature Colorado Attorney General Phil Weiser speaking about the state’s response to federal actions. Weiser, who previously served as dean of the University of Colorado Law School and is now running to be Colorado’s next governor, will also answer audience questions.
The event will be held at Morgridge Commons in Glenwood Springs, above the Library, in conjunction with Colorado
Mountain College. Carlos Cornejo, a former Rifle police sergeant turned social media influencer, will host beginning at 4:30pm. From 5 to 6pm, Weiser will address attendees. Then, from 6 to 6:30pm, a panel of CNC editors will speak briefly and take questions.
The second event will occur the following Saturday, June 28, at the Glenwood Springs Library. Organized by the Sol del Valle advisory group, this event will
celebrate the “changing of the volume” for Sol del Valle, one year after a relaunch which turned the design, printing and distribution over to The Sopris Sun nonprofit following an encouraging partnership with Aspen Daily News which helped make the weekly newspaper what it is today.
“This is a celebration of Sol del Valle continuing to bring trustworthy and community-focused information to readers from Parachute to Aspen,” stated Sol
also an opportunity to connect with our team and get to know our advisory board, to continue reinforcing that community engagement.”
“La Fiesta de Sol del Valle” will begin at 4pm with a resource fair, food and Lotería games, then conclude with dancing to music curated by DJ Salsón from 7 to 9pm. All are welcome to celebrate an informed and diverse community by attending one or both of these free events.
Thrif� �nd Con�ignmen� ��ore� of �he V�lley
all secondhand stores are the
Thri shops thrive on donations and low prices, while consignment stores o er handpicked pieces with a bit more polish. The Valley has a rich mix of both, each with its own charm and plenty to discover.
Address: 53 Calaway Ct., Glenwood Springs Open Hours: Monday-Saturday 9am-6pm
Address: 1429 Grand Avenue, Glenwood Springs
Hours: Tuesday-Saturday 10am-5pm Village Vintage offers a mix of consignment fashion, furniture, handmade pottery, local art, and unique gifts - where style meets creativity and sustainability. Deluxe Consignment Shop: Village Vintage
Thri Boutique: Lulu’s Thri Shoppe
Address: 574 HWY 133, Carbondale
Hours: Mon-Sat 10am - 6pm & Sunday 10am - 4pm Phone: 970-963-1984
Consignment quality at thrift store prices. Lulu’s is the cleanest
Consignment: Susies at Willits
Address: 0331 Robinson Street, Basalt (Reed & Robinson in Wilits Town Center) Hours: Monday- Sat 10:30-5:30pm and Sunday 12-5pm
Always fresh, Always fun, Always affordable and Always Classy! Susies at Willits curitates a range of consignment clothing, housewares, & furniture for our customers.
Address: 1676 County Rd 100 Unit N-2
Carbondale
Hours: Monday-Thursday 10 AM–6 PM, Friday 10 AM–5 PM, Saturday 10 AM–4 PM Sunday Closed
We preserve the history of skiing, by finding classic images & vintage ski equipment that brings skiing memories to life, promoting the joy & passion of skiing. Our 1-of-a-kind, vintage ski items enhance any decor, provide special gifts, and supply a treasure trove for collectors of vintage ski products.
del Valle Editor Bianca Godina. “It’s
The Sol del Valle team and advisory board invites you to party on June 28 at the Glenwood Springs Library. From left to right: Klaus Kocher, Raleigh Burleigh, Gladys Arango, Elena Marquez, Ingrid Zúniga, Bianca Godina, Rosa Santiago, Margarita Alvarez, Carlos Ramos, Lorena Gallegos, Yajaira Ayala. Photo by Klaus Kocher
SoL remains steadfast honoring inclusivity
MYKI JONES Arts Correspondent
Stage of Life Theatre Company (SoL) has been making adjustments as its season progresses. With the season premiere show “Assassins” opening June 12, SoL is now offering “pay what you can” options to patrons for all upcoming productions as costs elsewhere continue to rise. In conjunction with this change, SoL remains dedicated to fostering an environment where diversity, equality and inclusion are guaranteed for every young thespian who helps get new shows up and running.
In a community letter sent by SoL on May 28, Executive Director Jennifer Austin Hughes drew attention to financial strains not only affecting SoL but all businesses and organizations within our community.
“We are feeling the direct effects of decisions being made in rooms thousands of miles away from our valley,” the letter read. “Funding cuts, grants disappearing overnight, sponsors unable to recommit due to increases in costs to their businesses and donors who have supported us for years unable to do so as they tighten their personal belts. This isn’t another instance of you hearing about how the changes being made may theoretically affect someone you know or an organization you love — this is happening right now, in our town, to us.”
Hughes echoed this sentiment in a candid conversation with The Sopris Sun, saying, “The decisions that are being made when they talk about cutting funding for NPR or keeping foreign students out of Harvard, or cutting funding for the National Endowment for the Arts, it can seem like this huge, big thing that is happening miles away. It’s not. It’s happening to organizations that are in our valley, not just SoL.”
Additionally, the letter revealed how SoL was asked to remove any language from its website which made references to inclusivity, so they would not be disqualified for previously applied for grants. In true SoL fashion, however, Hughes assured the community that would not be happening. The word “inclusivity” only appears once on SoL’s website, and other mentions of inclusivity can be found in the organization’s non-discrimination policy, which is legally required for
For more information, to receive updates
nonprofit organizations in the state of Colorado.
Discussing the impact of the call to action email, Hughes said she wasn’t concerned about the possibility of offending anyone. In fact, follow up correspondences thanked the community for an outpouring of support for SoL’s commitment to maintaining an environment where all students can thrive.
“I didn’t worry about offending anyone who maybe believes something different than I do,” Hughes elaborated. “I don’t think folks understand that there are so many of us that just fall right in the middle, and these conversations need to happen in the middle. I don’t want to walk around hedging my bets and wondering whether or not I should say how I feel about something.”
She continued, “I don’t want any of my kids to ever feel like they have to hide any part of themselves.”
Hughes said the request to remove language referencing inclusivity goes against the principles of theater itself. Historically, this art form has been a safe haven for the disenfranchised — for people who don’t fit the molds of society. A place where people can comfortably let their freak flags fly — regardless of their looks or backgrounds.
“I’m going to land firmly on what I consider to be the right side of history, and I am not taking that language off. The kid who needs to read, that needs to be able to see that’s what we stand for. It has to be reflected in our actions, words and deeds right now. We either believe in these principles or we don’t. We can’t walk between the raindrops right now, we have got to walk out in the rain and just get wet,” Hughes stated.
SoL, like other nonprofits, relies in part on donations to keep its programming running. However, one of the biggest things Hughes said folks can do, not only for SoL but for all organizations in the Carbondale Creative District, is to show up wherever you can.
“Showing up for any organization — whether it’s [Thunder River Theatre Company], the Clay Center or showing up at Carbondale Arts — and sending the message that what they do matters to you can be really powerful in times like this,” Hughes concluded.
www.soltheatrecompany.org
takes community theater to a deadly new level
GUS RICHARDSON
Sopris Sun Contributor
This week, Stage of Life Theatre Company continues its run of the 1990 dramatic-comedy “Assassins,” and it very well may be one of the best shows I have ever had the pleasure of viewing. It is witty, irreverent and hauntingly relevant, especially in our modern political climate.
The musical follows a cast of (you guessed it) historical assassins who all share one common goal: to kill the president. The play centers upon the framing device of a peculiar, nameless, aged man who posits that those who are ignored by, wronged by or just plain upset with America should do that one simple thing: kill the president. One-by-one, our assassins take their guns, and their seats, in a mythical place between time and space.
Throughout the remaining runtime, the assassins bare their hearts (and arms) as they sing about how moral or necessary or justified their murder of the commander of chief must be. These characters range from John Wilkes Boothe — an eloquent lost-causer with a penchant for self-grandization who is so caught up within his own ideological fanaticism that he has constructed a reality where he is a hero — to Charles Guiteau, a Joker-esque madman that comes off more like a one-victim serial killer than an assassin, to Squeaky Fromme — a member of the Manson family who hopes her presidential murder will give “Charlie” (as she calls him) a platform to spread his ideas while acting as her witness.
These oddball characters, alongside many more bona fide or would-be presidential assassins, manage to tell a deeply engaging story about the nature of the American experience. It’s a story of anger, depression, hate and nihilism which all wraps into a deeply satisfying and modern sentiment that, of course, all leads back to that one nation-shaking event: killing the president.
The show is beautifully produced, with a dialed-in and highly skilled lighting team, alongside equally impressive costuming and sound. The lighting cues hit, elevating otherwise less hard-hitting scenes to a Broadway-level impact. The costuming allows each character to feel firmly within their time period, while further informing us about their overall “deal” with as little as a glance. The sound is clear, crisp and punctual, giving the show’s many gunshots their “oomf” and musical numbers a real major-league feel.
Furthermore, the actors themselves imbue the script with the deep humanity that a story like this needs, somehow turning these larger-than-life figures into someone you can maybe not agree with, but viscerally understand. Everything, from their physical actions to their intonations to their minute facial expressions, shows a deep and rich character, even if they’re not delivering much more than exposition. This shines especially within our titular assassins, but the nameless figure as well as the incredible ensemble also make acting choices that feel real, personal and more impactful than they have any right to be.
In conclusion, “Assassins” delivers a biting critique on what it means to be an American, while also having enough wit, charm and professionalism to make that pill a bit easier to swallow. So, this reporter would highly recommend you catch the closing weekend of “Assassins” and walk away with a few more laughs, a few more ideas, and maybe, just maybe, a newfound goal. I’m kidding, of course. Political violence is in no way endorsed by this newspaper.
More information about “Assassins,” including showing times and ticket availability can be found at www.soltheatrecompany.org
The cast of “Assassins” from left to right: Jacob Owlsley, Clare Williams, Ozley Choquette, Eliza Domingos, Josh Adamson, Charlie Cox, Isabella Poschman, Bow Williams. Courtesy photo
Dr. Jim Withers to present at Albert Schweitzer Days, June 30 and July 1
ANNALISE GRUETER Sopris Sun Correspondent
“The only thing of importance, when we depart, will be the traces of love we have left behind.”
–Albert Schweitzer
It is difficult to describe Albert Schweitzer briefly. The man lived more in both years and actions than most people do. In his 90 years, he was a classically-trained organist who performed across Europe, a Lutheran minister, a PhD theologian, a writer, a medical doctor and a Nobel Peace Prize winner for his humanitarian work.
These accomplishments and Schweitzer’s outspoken humanitarian advocacy made him a natural choice when Walter and Elizabeth Paepcke were organizing the Goethe Bicentennial Convocation in Aspen for the summer of 1949. Like Goethe, Schweitzer was born in southwestern Germany, spent time studying at the University of Strasbourg and was a tireless polymath — someone with extensive knowledge of many topics. Schweitzer’s participation and speech at the 1949 Goethe Bicentennial Convocation helped to spark what the Paepckes referred to as “the Aspen Idea” — the
notion that dedicating time and space to nurturing physical fitness, intellectual curiosity and spiritual exploration could foster open-mindedness and magnanimity. While an ambitious concept, Schweitzer’s global reputation and poetic speech at the event set a tone that influenced the cultural development of the Roaring Fork Valley for decades.
In September 2024, a group of Valley locals resolved to reignite this cross-disciplinary inspiration, beginning with a celebration of Schweitzer’s visit to Aspen close to the 76th anniversary of the moment.
One of the Albert Schweitzer Days organizers, Greg Poschman, explained, “A group of locals wanted to celebrate Schweitzer’s seminal visit to Aspen in 1949, and the culture of empathy, service to others, volunteerism and philanthropy that he inspired.” One goal is to refresh community memory of those ideals and Schweitzer’s work.
“We think it’s time to celebrate, remind and educate Valley residents about the aspirations toward a better society that came from the Goethe Bicentennial and Schweitzer’s keynote. Empathy was never a four-letter word!”
The first event will take place the evening of Monday, June 30 at TACAW in Willits. Community members can RSVP for free tickets to see a film on “The Rise of the Street Medicine Movement” and participate in a question-and-answer session with Street Medicine Institute founder Dr. Jim Withers. The following day, Tuesday, July 1, the City of Aspen and Pitkin County will jointly designate as Albert Schweitzer Day on local calendars. All Aspen events will also be free with RSVP, starting with a 4pm organ concert at Aspen Community Church
where Dr. James Welch will perform a selection of works by Johann Bach, one of Schweitzer’s favorite composers. At 5:30pm, local author and journalist Paul Anderson will give a talk at the Wheeler/ Stallard Museum on “The Second Coming of Albert Schweitzer,” the book from which his January series with Aspen Journalism was derived. At 6:30pm, Dr. Jim Withers will offer a keynote about his own journey with humanitarian work. Withers shared a preview of his thoughts with The Sopris Sun in a conversation last week. “Albert Schweitzer is important for our times,” Withers said, “because his life is his argument. He walked in compassion for his fellow humans. He made a distinct effort to work across continents and cultures. His
continued on page 17
Dr. Jim Withers, founder of the Street Medicine Institute, will deliver the Albert Schweitzer Day keynote at the Wheeler/Stallard Museum on July 1. Courtesy photo
THURSDAY, JUNE 19
JUNETEENTH
In honor of the end of slavery in the United States, most government offices are closed today. Juneteenth became a federal holiday in 2021 and was adopted as a Colorado state holiday in 2022.
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
COCOA CHEMISTRY
Mark Burrows offers a free talk on the chemistry behind making the perfect chocolate from 5:30 to 6:30pm at the Cocoa Club.
PIZZA PICNIC
Bring toppings to share to the Carbondale Community Oven (behind the Third Street Center) at 6pm and they’ll provide the dough, sauce, cheese and of course the heat!
TREE WALK
Meet the Carbondale Tree Board at Town Hall at 6pm for a tree-centric tour guided by Town Arborist Carl Meinecke.
CRYSTAL THEATRE
“The Phoenician Scheme” continues at the Crystal Theatre at 7pm tonight, tomorrow, Saturday and next Thursday at 7pm with a captioned show Sunday at 5pm.
‘ASSASSINS’
Stage of Life Theatre Company presents “Assassins” by John Weidman and Stephen Sondheim at the Thunder River Theatre tonight, tomorrow, and Saturday at 7:30pm with a Sunday matinee at 2pm.
FRIDAY, JUNE 20
LIBRARY CAMP-OUT
The Basalt Library hosts an all-ages camp-out on the lawn with games, activities, dinner and a pancake breakfast. Registration is required at www. basaltlibrary.org/events/full-calendar
TYPICAL GHOST
Local band Typical Ghost performs at an album release block party hosted by KDNK from 6 to 9pm. The event is free with drink purchases benefitting KDNK.
SOLSTICE HEALING
The Center for Human Flourishing hosts a “Summer Solstice Vibrational Sound Healing Journey” with Zachary and Krista Cashin at 7pm. For tickets, visit www.tcfhf.org
DANCEASPEN
See choreographer Garrett Smith create a brand-new world premiere with the artists of DanceAspen at TACAW at 7pm as part of the “In Progress” series. Tickets at www.tacaw.org
THE FLINNS
Catch The Flinns, a husband-wife Americana duo, at Steve’s Guitars at 8pm. Tickets at www.stevesguitars.net
SATURDAY, JUNE 21
PLEIN AIR PAINTING
Aspen’s Soldner Center hosts Nicole Gogolak for an immersive outdoor painting class from 10am to 5pm. To sign up, visit www.soldnercenter.com/ plein-air-painting
QUEER PROM
The Garage Bar hosts Queer Prom with DJ Basick VVitch and The Roaring Divas. From 7:30 to 9:30pm, ages 18 and up are welcome, then the event is 21+ only.
BILL’S ROOM
TACAW presents William H. Macy with Jim Beloff and David Brown performing at 8pm. Tickets at www.tacaw.org
SUNDAY, JUNE 22
BEING PRESENT
A Spiritual Center presents John Field on the power of being present, in the here and now, from 10 to 11:30am at the Third Street Center, Room 31.
FIRST DRAFT
Mitzi Rapkin hosts the podcast “First Draft: A Dialogue on Writing” live from TACAW interviewing “Stag Dance” author Torrey Peters at 6:30pm. RSVP at www.tacaw.org
STEVE’S GUITARS
Rachel Summer & The Traveling Light performs at Steve’s Guitars at 8pm. Tickets at www.stevesguitars.net
MONDAY, JUNE 23
RFHS GARDENS
The community is invited to lend a hand at the grow dome and surrounding gardens at Roaring Fork High School today from noon to 7pm. An interest meeting and potluck will take place at 5:30pm. Questions? Contact mariah.foley@colostate.edu
ASPEN WORDS
Aspen Words presents a craft panel series this week at the Viewline in Snowmass Village. Today’s topic is “Publishing Unpacked: What Every Writer Needs to Know” at 1:30pm. Find the full lineup and tickets at www.bit.ly/ AspenWordsPanels
TWISTED PINE
Twisted Pine returns to Steve’s Guitars for a show at 8pm. Tickets at www.stevesguitars.net
TUESDAY, JUNE 24
NATURE’S EDUCATORS
Basalt Library welcomes Nature’s Educators for an interactive lesson for ages 3 to 10 at 10:30am.
MR. TAP
As part of the Summer Reading Challenge, the Glenwood Springs Library welcomes Mr. Tap for a performance at 1pm. The event will repeat at the Carbondale Library at 4pm.
NIA DANCE CLASS
Enjoy a high-energy dance class that welcomes all bodies and experience levels at the Basalt Library at 5:30pm. Footwear is optional.
DRAWING CLUB
The Roaring Fork Drawing Club meets at Modern West Floral Company in Silt at 6:30pm.
MARY CHAPIN CARPENTER
Five-time Grammy winner Mary Chapin Carpenter performs with Brandy Clark at the Wheeler Opera House at 7pm. Tickets at www.aspenshowtix.com
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 25
BIKETHERE!
Garfield County celebrates biking with family-friendly events at the libraries in Carbondale, Glenwood Springs, New Castle, Silt, Rifle and Parachute from 3 to 6pm. Each location will feature local flair. Riders in Carbondale can also stop by a BikeThere! station along the Rio Grande Trail north of the Park-n-Ride from 7:30 to 9:30am.
BIKE TO WORK
Likewise, the Town of Basalt hosts Bike to Work Day. The fun begins at Triangle Park in Willits and Basalt River Park with Aspen Mini Donuts and treats from CC’s
The Books in Bars Book Club, sponsored by the Carbondale Branch Library, met on Thursday night, June 12, to discuss and celebrate 100 years of “The Great Gatsby.” Courtesy photo
Cafe from 8am to 10am. From 4 to 5pm Basalt Regional Library invites people to decorate their bikes for a parade sponsored by Basalt Printing and AVSC.
TIE DYE
Basalt Library hosts a tie dye workshop for teens from 1 to 2:30pm. All materials are provided.
BASALT FREE MUSIC
Down Valley Sounds opens for Co-Stanza at the Basalt River Park beginning at 5:30pm.
DIGGING IN
HeadQuarters presents “Digging into your Humanness” at The Collective Snowmass at 5:30pm. This free, immersive event is open to all ages.
DROUGHT RESILIENCY
Learn how to prepare for a potentially dangerous drought this summer and hear about updates to the Town of Carbondale’s drought resiliency planning at the Third Street Center from 6 to 7pm.
THURSDAY, JUNE 26
RED HILL PROJECT
Roaring Fork Outdoor Volunteers invites you to the first of three drop-in opportunities at Red Hill beginning at 2pm, with happy hour at Mountain Heart Brewing afterwards. Visit www. rfov.org for info and registration.
PIZZA PARTY
The Carbondale Library invites teens to make a personal pizza at 4:15pm! For details, call 970-963-2889.
PHIL WEISER
Colorado Attorney General Phil Weiser visits Glenwood Springs for a free, bilingual conversation hosted by the CoWest Noticias Collaborative at Morgridge Commons from 4:30 to 6:30pm.
COMMON ROOTS
HeadQuarters hosts a women’s group for ages 18 and up at 6pm. This month’s topic of conversation is aging.
FRIDAY, JUNE 27
FLY TYING CLINIC
Learn the art of tying flies or just socialize and enjoy a drink from 5:30 to 7:30pm at El Dorado. Email shyanneorvis@gmail.com to register.
ONGOING EVENTS
ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS
The Meeting Place in Carbondale (981 Cowen Drive) offers “Hole in the Donut AA,” Monday through Saturday at 6:45am, plus “Daily Reprieve” at noon on Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Fridays. Find a full schedule at www.meetingplacecarbondale.org
MONDAY MEDITATION
Roaring Fork Insight guides a weekly meditation group meeting at the Third Street Center (Room 31) from 7 to 8:30pm. A Wednesday session takes place at St. Peters of the Valley in Basalt from 11:30 to 1pm with a Zoom option.
BIKE PROJECT
The Carbondale Bike Project Shop helps people repair their bicycles on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 2 to 6pm and Sundays from noon to 6pm on the east side of Third Street Center.
FARMERS’ MARKET
The Carbondale Farmers’ Market season is underway, every Wednesday from 10am to 3pm at 4th and Main.
SENIOR LUNCH
Every Wednesday at noon, Garfield County Senior Programs provides a nutritious meal for seniors at The Orchard. To reserve a place at the table, call 970-665-0041.
SUSTAINABLE SETTINGS
NONVIOLENT COMMUNICATION
Talia Starwood is offering Nonviolent Communication in Action on the last Wednesday of each month from 6:30 to 8pm. To RSVP, text 970-309-1120. Donations will be gratefully accepted.
UNDER THE SUN
Join Sopris Sun correspondents and guests for “Everything Under The Sun,” airing every Thursday on KDNK at 4pm.
RODEO TIME
It’s Carbondale WIld West Rodeo season at the Gus Darien Riding Arena. Every Thursday, 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
GROUP RUN
Independence Run & Hike leads a weekly group run on Thursdays departing from the store’s location, next to the Carbondale City Market, at 6:30pm.
COFFEE WITH THE MAYOR
Carbondale Mayor Ben Bohmfalk posts up at Bonfire every Friday from 8 to 9am, and everyone is welcome to stop by to chat.
SUNDAY MARKET
Basalt’s Sunday continues every Sunday through Sept. 28 along the Midland Spur from 10am to 2pm.
FRINGE FEST ENCORE
Catch an encore presentation of “Lincoln Goes to Hollywood” at the Thunder River Theatre today and tomorrow at 7:30pm.
CONSENSUAL IMPROV
The Roaring Fork Valley’s premier improv comedy troupe Consensual Improv performs at The Collective Hall at 7:30pm.
JON LAWTON
Steve’s Guitars presents Jon Lawton at 8pm. Tickets at www.stevesguitars.net
SATURDAY, JUNE 28
HAM RADIO FIELD DAY
The Ski Country Amateur Radio Club sets up their annual Field Day event at the CMC Spring Valley campus to practice an emergency preparedness exercise with other hams around the country, today and tomorrow.
PLEIN AIR FESTIVAL
The Redstone Boulevard hosts a maker’s market from 10am to 5pm. Works created by artists participating in the Redstone Plein Air Festival will be available for purchase at Joy & Wyld all day. Joy & Wyld will also host live music from 3 to 5pm
GLOW PARTY
The Basalt Library hosts a family-friendly glow party with lights, music and glow sticks from 3 to 4pm.
SOUND IMMERSION
Ildi Ingraham leads a sound immersion journey at the Carbondale Library at 4pm.
FIESTA DEL SOL
Sol del Valle turns the page to a new volume at the Glenwood Springs Library with a public party from 4 to 9pm.
REDSTONE CONCERT
Steve Manshel performs a free concert at the Redstone Park from 6 to 8pm.
V.S.O.P
Steve’s Guitars presents “A Very Special One-time Performance” with Tashi T. and Alex Paul (of Birds of Play) with special guest Vince Allis at 8pm. Tickets at www.stevesguitars.net
Sustainable Settings welcomes volunteers every Wednesday from 2 to 4pm — just email rose@sustainablesettings. org to RSVP.
SPANISH CLUB
Practice Spanish and enjoy specials at La Raza in Carbondale every Wednesday from 5 to 7pm.
COSMIC WHOLENESS
Micha Shoepe leads Cosmic Wholeness, an embodied movement and meditation offering that explores patterns found in nature, the cosmos and our inner lives, at The Third Street Center every Sunday from 2:45 to 3:45pm. More details at www.michaelschoepe. com/cosmic-wholeness
RFTA housing capacity challenges highlight Valley housing obstacles
ANNALISE GRUETER
Sopris Sun Correspondent
This spring, a former RFTA bus operator reached out to The Sopris Sun sharing concerns following the loss of his RFTA employee housing. Steve McQuiston worked for the transit authority for years, and has since moved out of the Valley. He said, “There is no way I could have remained in the Valley without a housing stipend covering 50% of the rent plus utilities.”
Our reporter asked McQuiston for more details, and interviewed RFTA about housing challenges. According to McQuiston, “I was first notified in September 2024 of the policy change.” He stated another driver obtained a copy of a consultant’s report in March of 2024. “I do recall that the consulting firm did propose a five-year limit on RFTA-owned housing at the time. The only other communication before or after that was rumors.”
RFTA states that they formally notified employee residents about upcoming housing changes on March 19, 2024, following the findings of a comprehensive housing study. “In that communication, we acknowledged that while RFTA had a three-year length-of-stay policy, it had not been actively enforced, and that this duration was no longer adequate given current
housing market challenges,” stated public information officer Jamie Tatsuno.
Tatsuno elaborated, “To address [housing market challenges], we announced a new five-year length-of-stay policy, effective May 1, 2024. Employees who were approaching or exceeding the five-year limit as of that date were informed they could remain in RFTA housing through April 30, 2025, giving more than one year’s notice to make other arrangements.”
The March communication also clarified that RFTA housing is intended to bridge the gap for new hires who are unable to secure housing in the region.
Tatsuno said that the limited capacity required RFTA to adjust policies to balance inventory between longer-term employees and new hires. “Prior to this recent policy change, some residents had occupied RFTA employee housing for extended periods, ranging from 10 to 17 years.”
The employer followed the announcement with facilitated conversations in November 2024, updated policy announcements in January 2025 and ongoing communication through the move-out date of April 30, 2025. Tatsuno explained “A series of open house events were held throughout November to address employee questions and offer individualized guidance, followed
up by a thorough Q&A communication and discussions with employees who were expected to be moving out come April 30, 2025.”
Tatsuno added, “RFTA provided one month of free rent to all employee residents to support the transition from payroll deductions to direct rent payments to the property management firm, beginning in February 2025. At that time, we had 12 employees who had resided more than five years in RFTA housing. Three of those 12 employees left RFTA altogether. Six requested additional time, and in two instances, RFTA granted short extensions due to individual circumstances.”
In McQuiston’s communication with The Sopris Sun, he also expressed concern about a mechanic shortage at RFTA. “It’s not just a driver shortage, it’s a shortage of
mechanics. Approximately half the fleet is years past its design service life.” He said that he sees a housing stipend as the only solution to retain employees who are not in RFTA housing in the region.
Tatsuno shared details about the negotiation process between RFTA and the employee union. “Negotiations between RFTA and Amalgamated Transit Union Local 1774 began in June 2024, paused due to scheduling challenges and resumed in September 2024, concluding in November 2024. She said, “While housing stipends were discussed, no agreement was made to include them in the final contract. RFTA communicated to the union that, should funding become available for housing stipends in the future, they would be made available
RFTA has been navigating how to best support employees with housing and maintain a workforce. Courtesy photo continued on page 17
TOWN OF CARBONDALE
RESIDENTIAL TURF REPLACEMENT PROGRAM
respect for the planet was impressive.”
Withers described how he has felt called to serve as a physician, and that he thinks Schweitzer followed a similar sense of privilege and obligation in medical work. “I love that he made the extra effort to talk about the need for caring for our sisters and brothers, that philosophy of reverence for other people.” Withers described how that service-oriented intent informed his own humanitarian career. “My intention 33 years ago when I started going under bridges was to follow that model, work in settings and with people that were a challenge.
“I’ve begun to realize that there needs to
RFTA REPORT from page 16
equitably to all eligible RFTA employees, not just bargaining unit members.”
Tatsuno described the efforts RFTA has made to address employee concerns. “Over time, employees have expressed a need for longer stays in employee housing, financial support such as rental assistance and more predictability in lease terms. These concerns were elevated during the housing study process and helped shape the new housing changes announced in March 2024. The five-year maximum stay, with an extension through April 30, 2025, was a direct response to these needs.”
According to Tatsuno, “RFTA has a Rental Advance Program and has published a Housing Resource Guide to assist staff in finding alternative housing in the region. While RFTA currently does not offer direct housing stipends due to funding constraints,
be reflection and retreat in places of peace and intentionality,” Withers said. “Places like the Aspen Institute and other gatherings of people are crucial. There’s a value to retreat into the mountains, literally, and reflecting about the strategic opportunities and lessons learned, how work can transcend. I’m honored to try to represent people, incredibly honored to be in a setting where respect is being given to one of the greatest humanitarians that ever lived.”
The Albert Schweitzer Day Events are presented by Aspen Historical Society, Aspen Community Church, TACAW, Alchemy Charitable Foundation, Greg and Maureen Poschman, John Dougherty, Lachlan Forrow and The Aspen Institute.
future programs are being considered as part of a Comprehensive Housing Policy which is still under development.”
Tatsuno also shared that administrative conversations about how to support employees and address concerns are ongoing. “RFTA has reached its bus operator staffing goals for the first time in eight years, thanks in large part to our new housing initiatives and total compensation improvements, including a significant pay increase for drivers in September 2023,” she said. “This pay adjustment was applied retroactively to July 1, 2023, as an amendment to the existing [Amalgamated Transit Union] contract at that time. A new contract was later renegotiated in 2024 and took effect in January 2025, further incorporating wage increases for drivers.”
Tatsuno stated that RFTA is conducting its biennial market survey in 2025 for all other positions to ensure the organization’s compensation plan remains competitive.
Happy Birthday Hattie Thompson!
Our Roots Run Deep
From a turn-of-the-century hospital for silver miners to a Network of Care that spans Primary Care to Surgical Specialists, we have been proud to serve the Roaring Fork Valley for more than 100 years. It’s our commitment to making extraordinary, wholeperson healthcare accessible—season after season, generation after generation. For you. For life.
aspenvalleyhealth.org
The Carbondale Historical Society celebrated Carbondale pioneer Hattie Thompson’s 159th birthday at her home, now a museum owned by the Town of Carbondale, on June 9. Grand nephew Lew Ron Thompson was in attendance.
Photos by Dan Bullock
Carbondale Rotary looks to expand outreach
MYKI JONES
Sopris Sun Correspondent
The Carbondale Rotary Club will soon see a “changing of the guard” for its presidential position as Rachel Hahn prepares to pass the torch to Daniel Ferguson, a man who has headed the club’s Environmental Committee since its inception three years ago. This transfer of power (aka, responsibility) is something both Ferguson and Hahn are feeling confident and excited about.
“I’m super excited,” Ferguson said. “Even though I’ve been there a short time at Rotary, I am enthusiastic about how the club operates its mission and tasks — we are very service-based, and we do help out in many directions.”
Hanh shared how during her time as president she accomplished all the goals she set for herself. She now looks forward to helping with efforts to expand outreach and get more people involved, either as club members or through a variety of programming and projects.
“We like to have a vibrant club with many different people represented in the club from various communities,” Hahn told The Sopris Sun. “That’s part of the Rotary thing, reaching across aisles and having community. I think the year went well — we had good fundraising — and I’m looking forward to handing the torch over and letting Daniel continue with it. I think it’s a great group.”
While many towns and cities in the country have one, some folks are uncertain about what a Rotary Club does for its community. The short answer? Well, just about everything. Rotary was founded in 1905 by Paul Harris in Chicago, Illinois, so that professionals with diverse backgrounds could gather to exchange ideas and form meaningful and lifelong relationships. There are now 1.2 million Rotarians around the world, each belonging to localized chapters adhering to acts of club, vocational,
community and international service.
The Carbondale Rotary Club has supported numerous local efforts, including raising scholarship funds for local school students and sending high schoolers on year-long study abroad trips. Additionally, the Youth Services Committee oversees programs for graduating seniors. The club has also assisted several businesses and nonprofit organizations with funding.
“Some of the things we’ve done locally is help fund the pickleball court, we have contributed to the Carbondale pool, Lift-Up, VOICES, and we helped with the elevator at [Thunder River Theatre Company],” Hahn rattled off.
“We have two fundraisers: the Potato Day fundraiser … and the big one is the Fireball Drop,” Hanh explained.
This year’s Fireball Drop occurred on First Friday, May 2, during the Family Block Party.
International efforts have included supporting the work of Annie Zancanella, aka the Tanzanian Tooth Fairy, and partnering with a Rwandan chapter dedicated to feeding orphans,
the Chinle Navajo Reservation in Arizona, Rotarians Against Malaria and The Guatemala Literacy Project. Each project received between $1,000 and $2,500 from the Carbondale Rotary Club.
Ferguson shared more information about his Environmental Committee efforts, providing grants to Rocky Mountain Sport Riders to support an initiative for responsible trail riding, for example and undertaking a periodic highway clean-up project on 82 and 133.
“The Environmental Committee is the newest committee in the Carbondale Rotary, and we had a nice campaign where we joined forces with the Town of Carbondale, CLEER and some other key players, where we encouraged people to turn in small engine gas-powered lawn care equipment in favor of receiving a gift card, for consideration of purchase of battery-powered or xeriscape alternatives,” Ferguson explained.
He continued, “Going forward, the Environmental Committee has a lot of ideas. It can be pretty daunting to pick topics, but we pick one thing at a time.”
The club also brings guest speakers to its weekly meetings, which take place every Wednesday from 6:45 to 8am both in-person at the Carbondale Fire Station and over Zoom. These meetings are open to anyone to attend. Carbondale Rotary wants to assure the community that all are welcome.
“For a long time, Rotary has had this stigma of being an ‘old man’ club. We are now pretty diverse in age, and we would like to be more diverse with ethnic groups in our community,” Ferguson stated. “We just want to be all inclusive that way, whereas we can then also reach out and communicate with various communities.”
For more information or to get involved, visit www.rotarycarbondale.org
Common Ground: Dialoguing across the aisle
This month, VOICES Radio Hour launches its Common Ground Conversation series with the promise of getting together in a safe and supportive setting to have conversations about tough topics. It’s our firm belief that one-on-one conversations are the way to start chipping away at the walls that have built up between us as a society. In this era of social media and 24-hour news on demand, we have never been more able to escape down the rabbit hole into our own ideologies. None of us exist in a vacuum — so how do we look outside of ourselves for the connections we so deeply crave?
For this first in the series, we are joined by two men — a Democrat, Peter Westcott, and a Republican, Caleb Waller — along with mediator Paul Dankers. With agreed upon parameters, the conversation navigated sensitive topics with mutual respect and open mindedness. Below
is an excerpt from that conversation, to be aired in full on KDNK this Friday, June 20, at 6pm.
As a teacher, Peter Westcott finds that to help high school students learn to be good humans, there are certain things that can be taught, and others that must be discovered by the students themselves.
But how to define “a good person?” Westcott would ask the students these questions: “How do you know the difference between what’s right and what’s wrong?” and “Where do you go if you’re unsure?” These questions should lead to discussions back and forth without judgments, Westcott said. Through discovering and clarifying, students are able to think deeply and reflect on a particular set of
values through the lens of religion or science, or other sources.
For Caleb Waller, the most important thing is to never assume and never project. “Unfortunately, in this political divide, there is a projection that is put on a person just because they have a party affiliation that they think a certain way,” Waller reflected.
He gave the example of a conversation he had with someone who went to a rally at Sayre Park. “I don’t understand how you could be a Republican,” they told him. “Are you a racist?”
These types of assumptions put people in a box before discovering who a person truly is or what their core values are as an individual. To know individuals based on the values they live by is the real challenge, and from that, we can begin to learn to love and embrace our neighbors.
“We need more people loving their neighbors,” Waller concluded.
Two Rivers Unitarian Universalist (TRUU) has appointed Paul Dankers (pictured) as its first-ever community steward, launching a new model of spiritual leadership that is inclusive, collaborative and rooted in curiosity, compassion and the belief that everyone deserves a place at the table. Caleb Waller — a conservative Christian, Republican and father of seven living in Silt — will speak at TRUU’s service “A Conservative View of Social Justice” this Sunday, June 22, at the Third Street Center at 10am.
Courtesy photo
Guiding the conduct of Rotarians around the world is the four-way test. Courtesy graphic
A Carbondale family receives Rotary incentives in return for retiring their smallengine, gas-powered lawn care equipment. Courtesy photo
The War on Information
This month I’d like to write about two related issues: government information and threats to children.
First is the purging of data on federal websites. Beginning in January of 2025, according to NPR, “several webpages from Centers for Disease Control and Prevention with references to LGBTQ+ health were no longer available. A page from the HHS Office for Civil Rights outlining the rights of LGBTQ+ people in health care settings was also gone ... The website of the National Institutes of Health’s Office for Sexual & Gender Minority Research Office disappeared. (Most of these pages could still be viewed through the Internet Archive.)”
So I went to the Health and Human Services website about vaccination. There was a link to a video about the pros and cons of vaccines. First the video went down. Then the link was gone. Today? Best check.
OPINION
LITERATE LIFE
By Jamie LaRue Garfield County Public Library District
This is disturbing for several reasons. Government performs many functions. Gathering ongoing reports about everything from census numbers to traffic fatalities is one of the most vital. The numbers help us sort out the truth from rumor and fantasy. They let us know which programs and initiatives work and which don’t.
U.S. data has tended to be non-partisan and well maintained. Many agencies have been tracking the numbers, like them or not, across many administrations. They in turn inform articles, books, documentaries and policy. They direct further research. They grow data into knowledge, our public birthright, the numeric memory of our nation.
The digital book burning is driven by the current administration’s executive orders on various topics (“Defending Women from Gender Ideology Extremism and Restoring Biological Truth to the Federal Government” and “Ending Radical And Wasteful Government DEI Programs And Preferencing” to name two). But many other kinds of data — CDC’s Social Vulnerability Index, a tool that assesses community resilience in the event of natural disaster, for instance — were also taken down.
It’s not just librarians who get nervous when whole swaths of research evaporate. So do firefighters and other first responders. So do insurance agents, dentists, doctors and scientists. Such data forms the information armature of disaster responses and public health campaigns. Without it, we flounder. People die.
When the truth disappears there’s suddenly a lot of room for lies.
The second issue: I often hear politicians talk about the need to “protect the children.” It follows, then, they would look long and hard at the threats. So should the rest of us.
Here are the top three causes of the death of children in the U.S.
From 1990 to 2018, the number one cause of death of children was far and away car accidents. By 1992 deaths by automobile were at about 10 per 100,000 children. But by 2020, car deaths had halved, despite the growth in the number of vehicles.
Over the same period, death by firearms jumped to first place, car accidents slipped to second.
Why the change? My take is that cars got safer. Seatbelts and airbags are now required. At the same time, gun regulations have mostly loosened across the country. Policy decisions have consequences. Extrapolating from the data, I’m going to say “Drug overdose and poisoning” is poised to hit the number three spot for the death of children.
For teens, it’s even more grim and violent. About 37% of all deaths are unintentional injuries, including firearms. The second leading cause of death among teens aged 15 to 19 is assault or homicide. The third leading cause of death among this age group is suicide, now among the leading causes of death for both 10-14 and 15-19 age groups. Here’s the link for that research: www.bit.ly/causes-of-death
For the curious among you, or those too slow to keep up with the purge, the remaining seven causes of childhood death in the U.S. from 1999 to 2020 were malignant neoplasm, suffocation, congenital anomalies, drowning, heart disease, fire or burns and chronic respiratory disease.
Where does all the data live? You can find it at the Center for Disease Control website. Or can you?
When the truth disappears there’s suddenly a lot of room for lies. We don’t have to bother ourselves with inconvenient contradictions.
For instance, here’s one I can’t help but notice. You know what does NOT appear on anyone’s list as a cause of child mortality? Library books.
That’s because reading isn’t the problem. It’s what you can’t read that kills you.
Remembering Tim McFlynn
MARK HARVEY Aspen Journalism
On May 24, the Roaring Fork Valley and Aspen Journalism lost one of our most devoted and invincible citizens: Tim McFlynn. Tim was a lawyer by training, but a cowboy at heart. Take a Stanford-educated cowboy who loved people, the wilds, crazy adventures, and seemingly impossible ideas and you have a picture of the man.
When Tim found a civic cause that he believed in, he would pursue it relentlessly with his considerable intelligence and infinite energy. Not for a few months or years, but for decades.
To list the many causes he led, championed, and invented would take a small book, so I’ll stick to just a few of the ones that stand out in my mind. Apart from his large thriving family, I consider the Pitkin County Open Space and Trails program to be his biggest legacy. He co-founded the program, built a strategy and a cohort to get it funded, and then stuck with it for decades to see it become hundreds of miles of trails and bike paths, tens of thousands of acres of open space, and intact wildlife habitat that all of us enjoy.
The Nordic skier crossing the Owl Creek Trail or the mountain biker riding the Crown has likely never heard of Tim, but the privilege of enjoying those spaces is a direct result of him sitting in a room some 30 years ago with a small group of skeptical people and convincing them it was a good idea. That plus hundreds of meetings to make it happen and get it funded and refunded.
Tim was a founding board member of Aspen Journalism when the organization launched in 2011 and its success is largely due to his same dog-with-a-bone ferocity. He brain-stormed with our founder Brent Gardner-Smith at the beginning, helped get early funding, recruited board members, and then went to nearly every board meeting with ideas and steadfast encouragement to the day he died.
Tim also helped The Wilderness Workshop evolve from a small organization to the powerhouse it is today. He served as board president there, brought in some of its most prominent board members, and loved the many get-togethers of the Workshop over the years.
The list goes on almost endlessly: public access to Hunter Creek, The Third Street Center in Carbondale, The Manaus Foundation, Public Counsel of the Rockies, Western Resource Advocates — he played a strong hand in each of these.
He had a personality trait that served him well through all his achievements: he loved conversations, he loved people, and dare I say this, he loved meetings. I suspect he went to more meetings than any person on the planet. As someone who kind of drags his feet to meetings, I am still hoping to inherit this trait.
Beyond his public life, Tim was a mentor to many of us and took a genuine interest in our life’s journey. As a lawyer and eventually a professional mediator he helped dozens of us negotiate unpleasant and sticky situations, be they legal or personal. I called him my consigliere for his uncanny ability to size up the politics and personalities of every conflict and every project.
He and his wife, Donna, lived the advice of the late Edward Abbey who wrote, “It is not enough to fight for the land; it is even more important to enjoy it.” Through their long marriage, they explored the West on dozens of rafting trips, hikes and road trips. But I’m afraid Tim did not abide by Abbey’s other advice to be “a part-time crusader and a half-hearted fanatic.” There was nothing part-time or half-hearted about him. He was full-time and all heart.
We are grateful for his long dedication to the life and health of this valley. We are in his debt for all he did for Aspen Journalism. Our hearts go out to Donna and his family and we will deeply miss him.
El Jebel Autowash carries on Father’s Day tradition
Photos by Margarita Alvarez
On Sunday, June 15, El Jebel Autowash hosted its second annual Father’s Day Car Show, which is quickly becoming a beloved local tradition. The parking lot in front of Bowlski’s filled with families and car enthusiasts, all together in celebration of Father’s Day with engines roaring.
A total of 55 vehicles were on display, ranging from classic Mustangs and sleek Corvettes to custom Sprinter vans. Over 150 people attended the event, enjoying a lively afternoon of community and celebration under the warm El Jebel sun.
Delicious food and desserts were provided by Sabor de México and Bright Big Sky, while DJ Adolfo Verduzco kept the energy high with nonstop music throughout the day.
Highlights included the award for “Best Tuner/Import Car” and “Best Show Car,” both won by Jose Jimenez with his Skyline. Jim Benninger took home “Best Classic” for his Mustang.
Follow Leonardo Occhipinti’s “Nuevo Mundo” in Sol del Valle every week in Spanish.
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Memories of Racism
By Fred Malo Jr. Carbondale
Like most people my age, my short-term memory really sucks. I can’t remember what I did five minutes ago. On the other hand, my long-term memory is spooky good. I remember details of a trip my family made to the Smoky Mountains in Tennessee in 1953, when I was 4 years old. It was my first experience in the segregated South, the first exposure to white and colored water fountains and bathrooms. A curious lad, I wandered into the colored bathroom in Chattanooga to see what it was like. It wasn’t well kept. A tall Black man with a voice like God said, “You don’t belong here, boy.” I stood transfixed, won-
dering if he was going to eat me. Charging to the rescue was my father, yanking me by the arm, nearly pulling my shoulder out of socket. The tall Black man laughed.
Boogying down the road to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, we saw a Black family burying their dead by the roadside. “Why are they doing that?” I asked. “Why don’t they do it in a cemetery?”
“Because white people won’t allow them to be buried in one of their cemeteries,” my father answered.
“You mean they don’t even want them around when they’re dead?” I inquired. “What kinda people are these?”
Three Mile Mobile Home Park Infrastructure Improvements Project
Three Mile Mobile Home Park Infrastructure Improvements Project
ADVERTISEMENT FOR BIDS
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Three Mile Mobile Home Park Infrastructure Improvements Project Issue Date: 6/11/2025 | Closing Date: 7/10/2025
My mother, who grew up in Idaho and never met a Black person until she joined the Army, responded, “They’re the kinda people who go to church on Sunday and worship the God of love, then, as soon as they leave, hate their brothers because of the color of their skin.”
Chattanooga is the site of a pivotal Civil War battle won by General Ulysses Grant’s Union troops. It opened up the South for General William Sherman’s famous March to the Sea.
I was 4-F during the Vietnam War and I’m glad I was. No way was I going to go over there and kill people who were obviously on the right side of history. But I think I may have picked up a musket and fought the Rebel traitors in the 1860s.
I’m sure most of the Confederates called themselves Chris-
Three Mile Mobile Home Park Infrastructure Improvements Project
Issue Date: 6/11/2025 | Closing Date: 7/10/2025
Non-Mandatory Pre-Bid Conference: 6/19/2025 @ 11 AM at Project Site
Non-Mandatory Pre-Bid Conference: 6/19/2025 @ 11 AM at Project Site
Sealed bids for the construction of the 3 Mile MHP will be received from invited Bidders by the Roaring Fork Community Development (“OWNER”) electronically until 11:00 AM on July 10th, 2025, at which time the Bids received will be publicly opened and read The project scope includes the replacement of entire water distribution system within 3 Mile MHP, replacement of sewer creek crossing from aerial to buried, and replacement of two bridges (vehicle and pedestrian) on site. Additional scope of chlorination building replacement, buried water storage tank, and abutment and stream protection scope is also included.
Sealed bids for the construction of the 3 Mile MHP will be received from invited Bidders by the Roaring Fork Community Development (“OWNER”) electronically until 11:00 AM on July 10th, 2025 at which time the Bids received will be publicly opened and read The project scope includes the replacement of entire water distribution system within 3 Mile MHP, replacement of sewer creek crossing from aerial to buried, and replacement of two bridges (vehicle and pedestrian) on site. Additional scope of chlorination building replacement, buried water storage tank, and abutment and stream protection scope is also included.
Bids will be received for a single prime Contract. Bidding Documents will be provided to prospective Bidders as electronic PDF files
Bids will be received for a single prime Contract. 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.
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.
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
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 11:00 AM on June 19, 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 Town staff present The pre-bid conference will be at project site located at 250 County Road 127, Glenwood Springs, CO 816 01
A pre-bid conference will be held at 11:00 AM on June 19, 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 Town staff present The pre-bid conference will be at project site located at 250 County Road 127, Glenwood Springs, CO 816 01
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
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
Roaring Fork Community Development 3 Mile Mobile Home Park
Roaring Fork Community Development 3 Mile Mobile Home Park
81601
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tians and I don’t understand how anyone of that faith could fight for the cause of slavery. As it says in the Battle Hymn of the Republic, “As He died to make men holy, let us die to make men free.”
My paternal grandfather was a horrible racist. He couldn’t refer to Blacks without using the N-word and he definitely thought they were a lower form of human. My father was more of a separate-but-equal racist. He granted Blacks full humanity and enjoyed working with them as a lawyer representing the United Steelworkers. However, he preferred Blacks stay in Hammond, East Chicago and Gary while he raised his family in lily white Munster, Indiana. Then came me. In 1972, I was recruited by the Congress of Racial Equality to do voters’
rights work in Greenville, Mississippi. I faced the business end of a shotgun more than once.
A Black colleague confronted me. “What are you doing down here? You don’t know what you’re talking about. Nobody’s ever told you you can’t vote.”
“No,” I replied, “I’m outta my element here and I’m not Black, but Dr. King said, ‘Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.’’’
Not that the South has a patent on racism. While working at a steel mill in East Chicago, management got the notion there were racial tensions among the workers. They sent us to what would be called today diversity, equity and inclusion classes.
The teacher traveled around the country trying to convince
continued on page 23
Waterline and Tank Replacement Project ADVERTISEMENT FOR BIDS
Waterline and Tank Replacement Project Issue Date: 6/9/2025 | Closing Date: 7/2/2025 Non-Mandatory Pre-Bid Conference: 6/18/2025 @ 9:00 AM Tank Site
Sealed bids for the construction of the Waterline and Tank Replacement will be received from invited Bidders by the Swiss Village HOA (“OWNER”) to be email to the HOA and Engineer by 11:00 AM on July 2nd, 2025, at which time the Bids received and reviewed The project includes the installation of a new concrete storage tank, and new 6-inch C900 pipeline from the new tank down to tying into the existing 6-inch DIP pipe.
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.
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
, at the well house directly off of
gravity and the sun rising in the east.
According to the Federal Reserve, the top 10% of households by wealth hold more than two-thirds of all household wealth. Since Reagan’s presidency, the share of middle-income household wealth has fallen from 32% of all wealth to 17%, as tax policies benefited the richest households. This bill would not solve problems but rather makes them worse, which requires educated citizens to object and oppose. The future of 90% of our fellow citizens calls for you to act. Congressman Hurd’s phone
have benefited from these initiatives. Preventive health has suffered extensive funding losses. A cancelled study at Emory University was developing drugs to treat viruses such as bird flu and measles. Bird flu has caused widespread outbreaks in poultry and dairy cows in Colorado and begun infecting agricultural workers. Colorado has reported 14 cases of measles so far this year, in two separate outbreaks. Massive funding losses for medical research threatens our health now and in the future. Please contact Representative Hurd and senators Bennet and Hickenlooper to urge them to support valuable medical research!
Maria Chansky, MD Glenwood Springs
My U.S. House rep just voted for the most anti-environmental bill in U.S. history. I’m furious, disgusted, and horrified by their vote.
Passing this bill will mean higher gas and electricity prices for struggling families and businesses. It will also tank the U.S. manufacturing resurgence, giving China a lead in the race for who wins the clean energy economy. And it will lead to increased pollution
I’m deeply concerned about our economy and rising costs. We can’t afford to halt our clean energy progress or give handouts to Big Oil companies to pay for tax cuts for billionaires. It’s time for Congress to deliver on their commitments to ensure an affordable, clean energy future, not do the bidding of corporate polluters. I urge my rep, Jeff Hurd, to protect investments that grow jobs and lower prices, not sell off our public lands and waters, damaging our communities.
Glenwood Springs
I am a family physician writing to express concern over recent dramatic cuts in medical research. For decades, the National Institutes of Health has been the world’s premier public funder of medical research. This has positioned the U.S. as a world leader in medical science, resulting in incredible relief of suffering and countless lives saved. Unfortunately, this changed in 2025. The New York Times calculated that almost 2,500 biomedical grants have been delayed, diminished or eliminated. The lost funding may total $4 billion, over 20% of last year’s grants. These studies greatly impact the health of Coloradans. Interrupted research prioritizes cures for neurological disorders such as Parkinson’s disease and Alzheimer’s disease. According to the Center for Disease Control, 665 Coloradans died from Parkinson’s disease in 2022. The Alzheimer’s Association estimates that 91,000 Coloradans suffer from Alzheimer’s disease, with secondary impacts on 178,000 family caregivers. There have also been sweeping cuts to programs developing cures for brain and colorectal cancers and vaccines for HIV, vital to all communities.
Cancellations target grants including words such as “female,” “racial” and “equity,” eliminating research prioritizing the health of women and people of color. Programs addressing mental health and substance abuse have been decimated. Medpage Today reports that the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration is canceling $1 billion in school mental health grants, considering them to violate civil rights. According to the Colorado Health Institute, 16.5% of school aged children in Colorado suffer from poor mental health and would
Cost of living
A web-based company called “SmartAsset” gives personal finance advice. They just produced a cost of living guide for the states. They use the 50/30/20 budget rule — 50% for necessities, 30% for discretionary spending and 20% for long-term spending like retirement or debt. A single person in Colorado should earn $105,955 per year. That requires an hourly salary of $50.94 — the ninth highest in the country.
The current federal minimum wage is $7.25. Big corporations provide campaign money for the country’s politicians. Low wages produce more profit for those companies. A lot of people make a lot less, so they need government programs for support. The Republican Party is in the process of cutting and even eliminating support programs. At the same time, they plan to cut taxes. The Colorado minimum wage is $14.42. If people earned enough money, federal and state programs wouldn’t be needed. Housing would be affordable. People would be healthier. Life expectancy in the U.S. is falling. At 79.61, it is now 50th in the world. Life expectancy in Japan is at 85. Isn’t it a question of priorities?
Patrick Hunter Carbondale
Morrow moves on
I am holding Bill Morrow’s heart in my heart as he is freed from the earthly bounds of his gross material body and now resides in his emotional body and the body of the Mind. I don’t miss him because now he is closer than when he was a physical manifestation. I hold all the best for him on his journey.
John Hoffman Carbondale
Remembering Bill
Our beloved friend William Morrow, aka Bill, has taken his final trip to the galaxy and beyond the universe, as he’s always been looking forward to doing, on June 11, 2025. Bill, a dear friend of mine and many others throughout the Roaring Fork Valley and especially Carbondale, leaves us a tremendous legacy of kindness, generosity, and love. His wonderful, inspirational and one-of-a-kind metal art sculptures throughout the Valley will live on as his spirit, wisdom, incredible insights, imagination and fortitude, and many other things of his life, will always be remembered along with his true love for those he loved. I am honored to be one of them.
Explore through the universe my dear friend, you will always be cherished! For anyone wishing to see his art or hear his stories or contact someone about his legacy, go to www.williammorrowsculptures.com
Nancey Glass Rifle
PARTING SHOTS
Last Thursday, Wilderness Workshop held its annual Community Party, an opportunity for folks to play, lounge, enjoy live music and learn more about Wilderness Workshop, as well as KDNK and The Sopris Sun! Three from our team worked a booth, where they answered questions, engaged with the public and secured a handful of new SUNscribers. The Sun extends a formal thank you to the staff at Wilderness Workshop for putting on this excellent event, as well as all who came by to say hi. Photos by Gus Richardson
Racism from page 21
people of different races to get along. He said the hardest cases he’d encountered weren’t big-bellied southern sheriffs, but Irish-American Chicago cops.
I didn’t vote for Barack Obama either time he ran for president, but when I saw him come on the stage with his family at Grant Park in Chicago after his first victory, I cried tears of joy. I couldn’t believe the most racist nation in the world had just elected a Black president. So, the Malo men have made a lot of progress.
Until recently, Woodrow Wilson was considered our most racist president because his favorite film was D.W. Griffith’s classic “The Birth of a Nation,” a favorable account of the foundations of the Ku Klux Klan.
But Wilson is far surpassed by our current president. Donald Trump’s political career began with the blatantly racist Birther Movement where it was claimed Obama was born in Kenya.
After his 2016 win, Trump thanked Black voters for not showing up to the polls, which is not only racist, but incredibly un-American. Now, in his second term, Trump is deporting thousands of Latin American people of color, the vast majority of which haven’t even been charged with a crime and none of whom has been accorded due process.
At the same time, Trump has brought in 59 white Afrikaners from South Africa claiming, without evidence as usual, they were being abused by the Black government with genocide and land seizures. This is what Mother Jones calls “remigration,” where “non-ethnically Europeans” are sent back to where they came from and pure whites are imported.
This isn’t progress.
When I was a young man, if I saw an attractive, white woman with a Black man, a shiver would move up my spine. I didn’t really care. It was like an instinctive, impulsive response. In later years, after I learned that all white women weren’t like my mother, I took a “you can have ‘em” attitude.
Seriously, I now see intermarriage as a possible solution to racism. If we’re all the same shade of light tan, who’re the haters going to hate?
Photo by Terri Ritchie
TOWN OF CARBONDALE 2025 Drinking Water Quality Report Covering Data For Calendar Year 2024
Public Water System ID: CO0123167
Esta es información importante. Si no la pueden leer, necesitan que alguien se la traduzca.
We are pleased to present to you this year’s water quality report. Our constant goal is to provide you with a safe and dependable supply of drinking water. Please contact SCOTT WENNING at 970-510-1351 with any questions or for public participation opportunities that may affect water quality.
General Information
All drinking water, including bottled water, may reasonably be expected to contain at least small amounts of some contaminants. The presence of contaminants does not necessarily indicate that the water poses a health risk. More information about contaminants and potential health effects can be obtained by calling the Environmental Protection Agency’s Safe Drinking Water Hotline (1-800-426-4791) or by visiting epa.gov/ground-water-and-drinking-water.
Some people may be more vulnerable to contaminants in drinking water than the general population. Immunocompromised persons such as persons with cancer undergoing chemotherapy, persons who have undergone organ transplants, people with HIV-AIDS or other immune system disorders, some elderly, and infants can be particularly at risk of infections. These people should seek advice about drinking water from their health care providers. For more information about contaminants and potential health effects, or to receive a copy of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC) guidelines on appropriate means to lessen the risk of infection by Cryptosporidium and microbiological contaminants call the EPA Safe Drinking Water Hotline at (1-800-426-4791).
The sources of drinking water (both tap water and bottled water) include rivers, lakes, streams, ponds, reservoirs, springs, and wells. As water travels over the surface of the land or through the ground, it dissolves naturally occurring minerals and, in some cases, radioactive material, and can pick up substances resulting from the presence of animals or from human activity. Contaminants that may be present in source water include:
• Microbial contaminants: viruses and bacteria that may come from sewage treatment plants, septic systems, agricultural livestock operations, and wildlife.
• Inorganic contaminants: salts and metals, which can be naturally-occurring or result from urban storm water runoff, industrial or domestic wastewater discharges, oil and gas production, mining, or farming.
• Pesticides and herbicides: may come from a variety of sources, such as agriculture, urban storm water runoff, and residential uses.
• Radioactive contaminants: can be naturally occurring or be the result of oil and gas production and mining activities.
• Organic chemical contaminants: including synthetic and volatile organic chemicals, which are byproducts of industrial processes and petroleum production, and also may come from gas stations, urban storm water runoff, and septic systems.
Our Water Sources
Sources (Water Type - Source Type)
WELL RFWF NO 1 (Groundwater UDI Surface Water-Well)
WELL RFWF NO 2 (Groundwater UDI Surface Water-Well)
WELL RFWF NO 3 (Groundwater UDI Surface Water-Well)
WELL CRYSTAL RIVER NO 2 (Groundwater UDI Surface Water-Well)
SOUTH NETTLE CREEK DIVERSION (Surface Water-Intake)
NORTH NETTLE CREEK DIVERSION (Surface Water-Intake)
In order to ensure that tap water is safe to drink, the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment prescribes regulations limiting the amount of certain contaminants in water provided by public water systems. The Food and Drug Administration regulations establish limits for contaminants in bottled water that must provide the same protection for public health
Lead in Drinking Water
Lead can cause serious health effects in people of all ages, especially pregnant people, infants (both formula-fed and breastfed), and young children. Lead in drinking water is primarily from materials and parts used in service lines and in home plumbing. We are responsible for providing high quality drinking water and removing lead pipes but cannot control the variety of materials used in the plumbing in your home. Because lead levels may vary over time, lead exposure is possible even when your tap sampling results do not detect lead at one point in time. You can help protect yourself and your family by identifying and removing lead materials within your home plumbing and taking steps to reduce your family’s risk. Using a filter, certified by an American National Standards Institute accredited certifier to reduce lead, is effective in reducing lead exposures. Follow the instructions provided with the filter to ensure the filter is used properly. Use only cold water for drinking, cooking, and making baby formula. Boiling water does not remove lead from water. Before using tap water for drinking, cooking, or making baby formula, flush your pipes for several minutes. You can do this by running your tap, taking a shower, doing laundry or a load of dishes. If you have a lead service line or galvanized requiring replacement service line, you may need to flush your pipes for a longer period. If you are concerned about lead in your water and wish to have your water tested, contact SCOTT WENNING at 970-510-1351. Information on lead in drinking water, testing methods, and steps you can take to minimize exposure is available at epa.gov/safewater/lead.
Service Line Inventory
New state and federal laws require us to inventory all water service lines in our service area to classify the material. A service line is the underground pipe that carries water from the water main, likely in the street, into your home or building. If you would like to view a copy of our service line inventory or have questions about the material of your service line, contact SCOTT WENNING at 970-510-1351.
Source Water Assessment and Protection (SWAP)
The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment may have provided us with a Source Water Assessment Report for our water supply. For general information or to obtain a copy of the report please visit wqcdcompliance.com/ccr. The report is located under
“Guidance: Source Water Assessment Reports”. Search the table using our system name or ID, or by contacting SCOTT WENNING at 970-510-1351.
The Source Water Assessment Report provides a screening-level evaluation of potential contamination that could occur. It does not mean that the contamination has or will occur. We can use this information to evaluate the need to improve our current water treatment capabilities and prepare for future contamination threats. This can help us ensure that quality finished water is delivered to your homes. In addition, the source water assessment results provide a starting point for developing a source water protection plan. Potential sources of contamination in our source water area are listed below. Please contact us to learn more about what you can do to help protect your drinking water sources, any questions about the Drinking Water Quality Report, to learn more about our system, or to attend scheduled public meetings. We want you, our valued customers, to be informed about the services we provide and the quality water we deliver to you every day.
Potential Source(s) of Contamination
EPA Superfund Sites, EPA Abandoned Contaminated Sites, EPA Hazardous Waste Generators, EPA Chemical Inventory/Storage Sites, Permitted Wastewater Discharge Sites, Aboveground, Underground and Leaking Storage Tank Sites, Solid Waste Sites, Existing/Abandoned Mine Sites, Other Facilities, Commercial/Industrial/Transportation, High Intensity Residential, Low Intensity Residential, Urban Recreational Grasses, Row Crops, Small Grains, Pasture / Hay, Deciduous Forest, Evergreen Forest, Mixed Forest, Septic Systems, Oil / Gas Wells, Road Miles
Terms and Abbreviations
• Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL) − The highest level of a contaminant allowed in drinking water
• Treatment Technique (TT) − A required process intended to reduce the level of a contaminant in drinking water.
• Health-Based − A violation of either a MCL or TT.
• Non-Health-Based − A violation that is not a MCL or TT.
• Action Level (AL) − The concentration of a contaminant which, if exceeded, triggers treatment and other regulatory requirements.
• Maximum Residual Disinfectant Level (MRDL) − The highest level of a disinfectant allowed in drinking water. There is convincing evidence that addition of a disinfectant is necessary for control of microbial contaminants.
• Maximum Contaminant Level Goal (MCLG) − The level of a contaminant in drinking water below which there is no known or expected risk to health. MCLGs allow for a margin of safety.
• Maximum Residual Disinfectant Level Goal (MRDLG) − The level of a drinking water disinfectant, below which there is no known or expected risk to health. MRDLGs do not reflect the benefits of the use of disinfectants to control microbial contaminants.
• Violation (No Abbreviation) − Failure to meet a Colorado Primary Drinking Water Regulation.
• Formal Enforcement Action (No Abbreviation) − Escalated action taken by the State (due to the risk to public health, or number or severity of violations) to bring a non-compliant water system back into compliance.
• Variance and Exemptions (V/E) − Department permission not to meet a MCL or treatment technique under certain conditions.
• Gross Alpha (No Abbreviation) − Gross alpha particle activity compliance value. It includes radium-226, but excludes radon 222, and uranium.
• Picocuries per liter (pCi/L) − Measure of the radioactivity in water.
• Nephelometric Turbidity Unit (NTU) − Measure of the clarity or cloudiness of water. Turbidity in excess of 5 NTU is just noticeable to the typical person.
• Compliance Value (No Abbreviation) – Single or calculated value used to determine if regulatory contaminant level (e.g. MCL) is met. Examples of calculated values are the 90th Percentile, Running Annual Average (RAA) and Locational Running Annual Average (LRAA).
• Average (x-bar) − Typical value.
• Range (R) − Lowest value to the highest value.
• Sample Size (n) − Number or count of values (i.e. number of water samples collected).
• Parts per million = Milligrams per liter (ppm = mg/L) − One part per million corresponds to one minute in two years or a single penny in $10,000.
• Parts per billion = Micrograms per liter (ppb = ug/L) − One part per billion corresponds to one minute in 2,000 years, or a single penny in $10,000,000.
• Not Applicable (N/A) – Does not apply or not available.
• Level 1 Assessment – A study of the water system to identify potential problems and determine (if possible) why total coliform bacteria have been found in our water system.
• Level 2 Assessment – A very detailed study of the water system to identify potential problems and determine (if possible) why an E. coli MCL violation has occurred and/or why total coliform bacteria have been found in our water system on multiple occasions.
Detected Contaminants
TOWN OF CARBONDALE routinely monitors for contaminants in your drinking water according to Federal and State laws. The following table(s) show all detections found in the period of January 1 to December 31, 2023 unless otherwise noted. The State of Colorado requires us to monitor for certain contaminants less than once per year because the concentrations of these contaminants are not expected to vary significantly from year to year, or the system is not considered vulnerable to this type of contamination. Therefore, some of our data, though representative, may be more than one-year-old. Violations and Formal Enforcement Actions, if any, are reported in the next section of this report.
Note: Only detected contaminants sampled within the last 5 years appear in this report. If no tables appear in this section, then no contaminants were detected in the last round of monitoring.
Disinfectants Sampled in the Distribution System
TT Requirement: At least 95% of samples per period (month or quarter) must be at least 0.2 ppm OR If sample size is less than 40 no more than 1 sample is below 0.2 ppm
Typical Sources: Water additive used to control microbes
Disinfectant Name Time Period
Chlorine December, 2024
Lowest period percentage of samples meeting TT requirement: 100% 0 8
continued on next page
TOWN OF CARBONDALE 2025 Drinking Water Quality Report - Detected Contaminants
Lead and
Sampled in the Distribution System
Contaminant
Exceedance Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5)
09/14/2024 to 09/14/2024
Trihalomethanes (TTHM)
*If minimum ratio not met and no violation identified then the system achieved compliance using alternative criteria.
Corrosion of
Corrosion of household plumbing systems; Erosion of natural deposits
Di(2ethylhexyl) adipate
Lowest monthly percentage of samples meeting TT requirement for our technology: 97 %
In any month, at least 95% of samples must be less than 1 NTU
Synthetic Organic Contaminants Sampled at the Entry Point to the Distribution System
Discharge of drilling wastes; discharge from metal refineries; erosion of natural deposits
Erosion of natural deposits; water additive which promotes strong teeth; discharge from fertilizer and aluminum factories
Runoff from fertilizer use; leaching from septic tanks, sewage; erosion of natural depositsfactories
Discharge from petroleum and metal refineries; erosion of natural deposits; discharge from mines
**Secondary standards are non-enforceable guidelines for contaminants that may cause cosmetic effects (such as skin, or tooth discoloration) or aesthetic effects (such as taste, odor, or color) in drinking water.
Unregulated Contaminants***
EPA has implemented the Unregulated Contaminant Monitoring Rule (UCMR) to collect data for contaminants that are suspected to be present in drinking water and do not have health-based standards set under the Safe Drinking Water Act. EPA uses the results of UCMR monitoring to learn about the occurrence of unregulated contaminants in drinking water and to decide whether or not these contaminants will be regulated in the future. We performed monitoring and reported the analytical results of the monitoring to EPA in accordance with its Unregulated Contaminant Monitoring Rule (UCMR). Once EPA reviews the submitted results, the results are made available in the EPA’s National Contaminant Occurrence Database (NCOD) (epa.gov/dwucmr/national-contaminant-occurrence-database-ncod) Consumers can review UCMR results by accessing the NCOD. Contaminants that were detected during our UCMR sampling and the corresponding analytical results are provided below.
***More information about the contaminants that were included in UCMR monitoring can be found at: drinktap.org/Water-Info/Whatsin-My-Water/Unregulated-Contaminant-Monitoring-Rule-UCMR. Learn more about the EPA UCMR at: epa.gov/dwucmr/learn-aboutunregulated-contaminant-monitoring-rule or contact the Safe Drinking Water Hotline at (800) 426-4791 or epa.gov/ground-waterand-drinking-water.
Violations, Significant Deficiencies, and Formal Enforcement Actions
Non-Health-Based Violations
These violations do not usually mean that there was a problem with the water quality. If there had been, we would have notified you immediately. We missed collecting a sample (water quality is unknown), we reported the sample result after the due date, or we did not complete a report/notice by the required date.
TURBIDITY
CHLORINE/CHLORAMINE
FAILURE TO MONITOR AND/OR REPORT
FAILURE TO MONITOR AND/OR REPORT
02/01/2024 - 02/29/2024
02/01/2024 - 02/29/2024
Celebrate Mexican music and dance with AMFS Mariachi Workshop participants, Denver-based Mariachi Sol de mi Tierra, and Aspen Santa Fe Ballet Folklórico
Join us for a fiesta starting at 4 PM on the David Karetsky Music Lawn! Free activities; food and drink available for purchase.
CELEBRACIÓN DE MARIACHI Presented in partnership with Presentado en asociación con
¡Gratis!
Abierto a todas las edades!
JULY 2 | 5:30 PM KLEIN MUSIC TENT 2 DE JULIO | 5:30 PM KLEIN MUSIC TENT
Celebra la música y el baile mexicano con los participantes del Taller de Mariachi de AMFS, Mariachi Sol de mi Tierra de Denver, y el Aspen
Santa Fe Ballet Folklórico
¡Únete a nuestra fiesta de 4 a 7 PM en el césped de música David Karetsky! Actividades gratis; comida y bebida a la venta.
Thriving Together
Living your best life starts with Primary Care in Aspen and the Midvalley. With us, you’ll find a team-based approach focused on prevention and wellness so you can live empowered—every step of the way. For you. For life.
