On July 11, Navy veteran, former auditor, founder of Rotary International’s Carbondale chapter and iconic KDNK DJ Art Ackerman will celebrate his 100th birthday with family and friends. Ackerman has been on KDNK’s airwaves since 1987 hosting a myriad of jazz with his popular weekly show “Swing, Swing, Swing,” every Tuesday from 7 to 9pm. Two of his grandchildren, J.R. and Georgia, now help out, sharing history and occasionally covering the show to maintain that music as a part of our community’s zeitgeist.
“I feel really lucky to have grown up here and have a wonderful grandfather who raised a great family. He’s got five kids, eleven grandchildren and five great-grandchildren,” Georgia said. “The opportunity to be on KDNK is wonderful. I’ve always had that opportunity living here, and it’s so open and inviting, but I probably wouldn’t have done it if it weren’t for him. To be able to have our voices on the air is pretty incredible.”
Having spent his infancy in the height of the Great Depression in Detroit, Michigan, Ackerman said his family actively moved over several years to stay afloat. “We moved from Detroit to Northville, Michigan, where I went to Kennedy,” Ackerman relayed. “Then I attended first grade in Detroit, second grade in Lima, Ohio, and third and fourth grades in Muskegon, Michigan, before completing fifth grade and graduating from high school in Detroit.”
He said this was an experience which gifted him something he hopes younger generations never stop gaining: knowledge. “Some people think, ‘God, that must have been hard on you, moving like that,’ but it was wonderful,” Ackerman insisted. “You know, a year in a kid’s life is a long time. Being in those different places and getting acquainted with a different group of kids here, and another one there, and so forth and so on, it
was a real education for me. I mean, I didn’t realize it was, but to have those different experiences with all these different people and kids was life-changing.”
Georgia stated how she felt this experience of meeting so many people at such a young age helped shape her grandfather into the personable man that people have gotten to know since he moved to Carbondale in 1985.
“I think the biggest thing I’ve learned from him as a young person is to never stop learning,” Georgia said. “He’s lived through quite a few social shifts in the last century, and has always been very open-minded. He’s not a stubborn old man and I’m really grateful for that.”
Ackerman enlisted as a naval cadet after graduating from Cooley High School in Detroit in 1943, right during the height of World War II. “I got my wings in commission in the Navy two weeks after the war ended,” Ackerman explained. “I learned to fly a Navy dive bomber and then I had the opportunity to get out with the G.I. Bill of Rights, which, by the way, is a wonderful, wonderful thing that happened to this country. Millions of kids got out of the service at that time and went to college who never would have otherwise, and I think that’s the reason we are so far
ahead in technology and so forth.”
Ackerman himself received a bachelor’s degree in industrial engineering and a master’s degree in business. He finished college with a wife and three children — he’d later have two more children — and went on to work for an accounting firm. After retiring from his day job in Detroit at the age of 58, with three of his kids already living in Carbondale, Ackerman made the move with his wife to join his family here.
In addition to being closer to his kids and grandkids (and skiing) Ackerman soon stumbled into KDNK, where he decided to share his love of music with the Roaring Fork Valley.
“I moved here in 1985, and KDNK had started up only a few years before that. I had this collection of records, and when I found out they had disc jockeys and a studio, I thought to myself, ‘Why not?’” Ackerman recalled.
Decades later, he has become a Carbondale staple and is excited to spend this special birthday with his community.
“I can’t think of any real challenges [I’ve faced],” Ackerman concluded “Things just fell into place. When you have a family like I have, which is unbelievable, you can be so proud of the whole group; there’s never any challenge for me.”
All the community is invited to celebrate Ackerman’s 100th birthday at the Third Street Center on July 11 from 5:30 to 7:30pm.
ABOVE: Art Ackerman at home in Heritage Park. Photo by Gus Richardson LEFT: “Little Art,” courtesy photo
Carried by butterflies — My journey back home
This month on VOICES Radio Hour — airing Friday, July 11 at 6pm on KDNK — Roaring Fork Valley locals share about their journeys to find home, whether here or returning to places they had never been before. Mateo Sandate shared his story of discovering one such place, and the family he found along the way.
Nothing can really keep loved ones apart. Although like the ticking of a clock, sometimes Time can get in the way. Better felt than said. A year away from a significant other is significant. How about 100 years apart?
That’s where my dad and I found ourselves as we boarded an airplane bringing us back to a home we’d never known. Our journey into our family history to that point was like a butterfly, carried by the wind — this way and that way. The monarch butterfly specifically became a symbol for us as we embarked on this journey to carry us home.
We were accompanied by my uncle, with whom we’d found key documents like the birth certificate of my grandfather. This included the address of the home where he was born in Mexico just over 100 years ago.
The handful of phone numbers we discovered also came with addresses. We pulled up to the first. As we did, residents milling about seemed to step inside with a swiftness only given to strangers. It was fitting. As everyone went inside, one person stepped outside. The streets were emptied and still.
OPINION
VOICES
RADIO HOUR
By Mateo Sandate
For an immigrant grandfather, details like ancestry were secondary when trying to feed a family of 10, especially as immigrants in a community where you couldn’t eat at a restaurant, swim in a public pool or even get a haircut because you were labeled a “colored person.” Imagine not even being able to drink the water that flowed from a public water fountain!
So when we found the document, it was like a piece of treasure. Questions arose — Might family be alive we’d never met? Might family live at this address? Are there more of us?! We gave ourselves a week to find out, and to go back to our home we’d never known with hopes of finding family!
Upon arriving, we went all over town, and after a week, we exhausted all our attempts to find family in government offices, clerks, municipalities, historic records, cemeteries and even bars! We did find the address on my grandfather’s certificate (in 15 minutes) though it had turned into an ice cream shop in the historic center of town.
We had an angel with us, however — a local named Mario, who learned what we were doing and decided to join us. He turned the tide. On our last evening, Mario followed his hunch to visit a friend who had an old phone book — 50 years old! We tried the handful of phone numbers listed that shared our family’s surname, Sandate, though none worked. We thought we’d reached the end of our road. It was ambitious to get off an airplane, land in a foreign country, and discover family after being estranged for over 100 years. On our final morning we resorted to knocking on doors.
LETTERS
CORRECTION: Last week’s article about commercial space availability in Carbondale noted nearly 10,000 square feet vacant at Hayden Place. We were informed the northernmost portion has been leased to a local builder as a showroom and office. The remaining 6,755 square feet (or a smaller portion) can be rented by contacting Gabe Molnar at Gabe.Molnar@elliman.com
Electricity & fire risk
At Holy Cross Energy we want to reaffirm our unwavering commitment to safety, especially as wildfire risk becomes an increasingly urgent concern across our region. We’ve taken bold, proactive steps to reduce the risk of wildfires caused by electrical infrastructure. One of the most effective tools we use is “fast tripping,” a system setting that increases relay sensitivity during heightened fire danger. When fire weather becomes significantly elevated, for example during a Red Flag Warning in any part of our service territory, we enable these settings to reduce the chance of ignition. If a tree or debris contacts a line, the power cuts off more quickly than under normal settings, minimizing potential fire risk.
My uncle got out of the car carrying the birth certificate and went right up to the one person standing outside. He mentioned we were in town looking for Sandate family and before he could show the certificate, we heard a voice in Spanish say, “I’m a Sandate.” Thus began a tearful conversation full of hugs and the laughter of a family reunited.
Miles away, forgotten and unknown, we were as mysterious to him as he was to us. It turned out this elder named Moises, about 80 years old, was our cousin. My grandfather’s cousin to be exact. He shared a story of waking up that morning with so much excitement. He didn’t know where it came from or what to do about it. He decided to go outside. For him that meant to go out the front door and get some fresh air. That’s when all of us met with our eyes. Gazing from curb to car, and only moments before “strangers” became “long-lost relatives.”
Have you ever hugged someone you’re related to? The warmth, the peacefulness. Now imagine being separated by 100 years. There is a familiar warmth that silently communicates “we’re related,” “we share family in common,” “we have the same blood.” It’s a feeling of joy beyond words, beckoning tears. The hug seemed to change us molecularly. Feeling that familiar warmth, reuniting with family we’ve never known, going back to a home we now know.
This summer, I’m planning to make my third pilgrimage back home. And what an honor it is to go home on the wind like the butterflies! My journey has been one of going back home to reunite with what was once unknown, like the monarch butterflies. It takes them several generations to fly from Mexico across North America carried by the wind as far as Wisconsin, Georgia, California and Colorado. In one generation, a single butterfly makes the journey all the way back to a home it’s never known.
Mateo Sandate is a professional guitarist who lives in Carbondale. He studied jazz performance and holds multiple degrees from the University of North Texas. He is the founder of the Guitar Academy at A Spiritual Center and has supported Colorado Mountain College, Jazz Aspen and the Aspen Music Festival as an instructor. He loves to compose! His current single, “Peace Prevail,” is inspired from a tour with the Goi Peace Foundation and Nobel laureate Nihon Hidankyo.
These changes are made for the safety of our communities, but they can result in short, momentary power “blinks.” Therefore, we deeply appreciate your patience and understanding on these high-risk days.
In addition, we’ve embraced cuttingedge inspection technologies to enhance our wildfire mitigation strategy:
• Drone inspections give our crews a bird’s-eye view of our system, helping detect issues not visible from the ground.
• Multispectral imagery allows us to assess tree health, decay and fallen vegetation, helping to prioritize areas for vegetation management.
• LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) enables us to build detailed digital models of our infrastructure for more efficient system awareness and planning.
• Infrared thermography identifies “hot spots” on equipment that can’t be seen by the naked eye.
These inspection technologies allow us to identify and correct system problems before they become failures. Lastly, extreme fire conditions may warrant the need for more extreme safety measures. While rare and used only as a last resort, our team has worked diligently
with our local governments and regional transmission partners on a plan for potential public safety power shutoff (PSPS) planned outages. An action of this scale will never be taken lightly, but it is another tool to prevent catastrophic wildfire ignition from electric infrastructure.
Safety will always guide our operations, and we thank you for your continued support and trust.
Cody O’Neil, VP Operations Holy Cross Energy
Carbondale rafters
While on my interminable and unscheduled flight, compliments of our thoroughly broken airline industry, recently, my frustration was assuaged by a good read. The novel was “Secrets of the River” and it was written by my neighbors, Larry Gottlieb and Kay Knickerbocker.
I don’t do much reading for enjoyment these days. Mostly, I read newspapers and emails. That’s gotten awfully depressing. Larry and Kay’s book is enlightening, thought provoking and eminently enjoyable. I may change my reading habits.
A lot of philosophy, psychology and continued on page 22
Sol del Valle Editora Bianca Godina bianca@soldelvalle.org
Digital Editor Ingrid Celeste Zúniga ingrid@soldelvalle.org
Lead Editorial Designer Terri Ritchie
Partnerships & Engagement Manager
Luise Wollesen
Advertising Department adsales@soprissun.com
Sol del Valle Marketing and Development Manager
Margarita Alvarez margarita@soldelvalle.org
Advertising Designer Emily Blong
Delivery Frederic Kischbaum
Gus Richardson
Proofreaders
Lee Beck
Tracy Kallassy
Ken Pletcher
Hank van Berlo
Executive Director
Todd Chamberlin 970-510-0246 todd@soprissun.com
Board Members / Mesa Directiva board@soprissun.com
Klaus Kocher • Kay Clarke
Donna Dayton • Eric Smith
Roger Berliner
• Elizabeth Phillips
Jessi Rochel • Andrew Travers
Anna Huntington • Loren Jenkins
Carlos Ramos • Gayle Wells
The Sopris Sun Board meets at 6pm on second Thursdays at the Third Street Center.
The Sopris Sun, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit corporation with a mission to inform, inspire and build community by fostering diverse and independent journalism. Donations are fully tax deductible.
Sincerest thanks to our Honorary Publishers for their annual commitment of $1,000+
Lee Beck & John Stickney
Kay Brunnier
Frances Dudley
Michelle & Ed Buchman
Sue Edelstein & Bill Spence
Deborah & Shane Evans
Greg & Kathy Feinsinger
Gary & Jill Knaus
Eric Smith
Peter and Mike Gilbert
Patti & George Stranahan
Elizabeth Wysong
Alpine Bank
Emily & George Bohmfalk
Kathy & Carter Barger
Sandy & Paul Chamberlin
Karen & Roger Berliner
Donna & Ken Riley
Gayle & Dick Wells
Legacy Givers for including us in their final wishes. Mary Lilly
Donate by mail or online: P.O. Box 399 Carbondale, CO 81623
520 S. Third Street #26-B 970-510-3003
soprissun.com/Donate
The Sopris Sun, Inc. is a proud member of the Carbondale Creative District
OUR
UNDERWRITERS AND NONPROFIT PARTNERS!
SCUTTLEBUTT
River flows
According to the Roaring Fork Conservancy’s weekly river report published July 3, “rivers in the Roaring Fork Watershed continue to decrease toward summer base flows earlier than usual, resulting in flows 23-42% of normal for this time of year.” Water releases from Ruedi Reservoir aim to boost flows and support endangered fish recovery efforts near Grand Junction.
Carbondale water
The Town of Carbondale Utilities Department is urging residents to conserve water following a failure at one of the pressure reducing valves on the Nettle Creek transmission line, resulting in decreased flows into town. “Although we are currently able to meet the Town’s water demand, our main water supply is experiencing a lower-than-average flow rate this year,” a press release stated. Carbondale residents are asked to avoid outdoor irrigation using potable water between 10am and 3pm and follow the odd/even address watering schedule, with even-numbered houses watering on even-numbered days and vice-versa. If conditions worsen, the Town will issue water restrictions.
Drought resiliency
The Town of Carbondale invites you to learn how to prepare for potentially dangerous drought conditions this summer, from 6 to 7pm at the Third Street Center on July 21. Hear about updates to the Town’s drought resiliency planning from 2018 to understand how this affects you — in our parks, rivers and your backyard (including wildfire preparedness). For more information, contact gwen@gwengarcelon.com
Shoshone
FirstBank
Alpine Bank
Colorado Mountain College
Nordic Gardens
Hilary Porterfield
Basalt Library
NONPROFIT PARTNERS
Two Rivers
Unitarian Universalist
Carbondale Arts
Carbondale Rotary Club
Colorado Animal Rescue
Interested in becoming an Underwriter or Nonprofit Partner?
Email Todd@soprissun.com or call 970-987-9866
The Colorado River District is soliciting written public comments to the Colorado Water Conservation Board in support of preserving the Shoshone Hydropower Plant’s historic water rights — protecting agriculture, recreation and ecosystems along the Colorado River. The deadline to comment is Sept. 18, learn more at www.keepshoshoneflowing.org
Forty years at the Crystal Theatre
The Crystal Theatre will be marking its 40th Anniversary under the stewardship of Bob and Kathy Ezra with a fundraiser for the Crystal Theatre Alliance, “40 Years: A Celebration of Audience Special-ness,” on Saturday July 19. This unique fundraiser features contests, door prizes and two throwback films from the theater’s opening era: Kathy’s pick, “True Stories,” shows at 5pm and Bob’s pick, “Pee Wee’s Big Adventure,” at 8pm. Supporters who donate $50 or more on Indiegogo will receive an exclusive invite for helping keep the Crystal Theatre rolling. Learn more about the Crystal Theatre Alliance at www.crystaltheatrecarbondale.com/nonprofit
Childcare assistance
Kids First and the City of Aspen are accepting applications from parents and guardians of children under 5 years old for financial assistance toward childcare. Applicants must meet income eligibility requirements, have a child attending a participating Pitkin County childcare program and live or work within the Aspen Urban Growth Boundary. Applications are due Aug. 1 and assistance begins Sept. 1. For more information or to apply, visit www.aspen.gov/316/ Financial-Aid
PBS joins lawsuit
Last month, three Colorado radio stations (including Aspen Public Radio) joined a lawsuit with NPR against President Donald Trump’s
Congratulations to Neal Martin and Alice Hackney — and Gus, the dog — this month’s winners of the Carbondale Treasure Hunt! Martin, a Carbondale & Rural Fire Protection District employee, loves treasure hunts. Hackney, who works for Backbone Media, helped decipher the clue to discover the hidden codex in Friendship Park. Thanks to the Village Smithy for matching the $100 prize with a second $100 gift certificate. Be on the lookout for the next clue in our July 31 issue on the Works in Progress page. Photo by Raleigh Burleigh
executive order that aims to cut funding for NPR and PBS. Now, public television broadcaster Rocky Mountain PBS is joining the legal fray, supporting the lawsuit. Colorado Attorney General Phil Weiser, who once served on the board of Rocky Mountain PBS, is actively participating. “Cuts to public broadcasting won’t just rob us of programming many of us cherish, they will create real danger by reducing our ability to get critical emergency notifications to the public,” stated Weiser, “especially to people in rural and tribal communities.”
Concealed handgun permits
New requirements for concealed carry permits went into effect on July 1. New applicants must complete an eight-hour training from a verified instructor or hold a current certification as a peace officer. Renewal applicants must show one of the following: participation in organized shooting competitions, current military service or certification as a peace officer; being a verified instructor for firearms safety courses; honorable discharge from the military or retirement from Colorado law enforcement; completion of an eight-hour training; or completion of a two-hour refresher course with a passing score. A list of verified instructors exists on the Garfield County Sheriff’s Office website.
They say it’s your birthday!
Folks celebrating another trip around the sun this week include: Peter Gilbert and Rita Marsh (July 10); Art Ackerman, Joanne Kaufman, Monica Munoz, Danny Muse, Mellie Rose, Bill Spence and Bob Young (July 11); Ian Bays, Ariana Gradow, Solomon Liston, Rebecca Self and Summer Scott (July 13); Ben Isak Green, Andrew Halloran-Taylor, John Tolan and Britney White (July 14); Meghan Gillespie (July 15); Diana Alcantara, Katie Browne, Bel Carpenter, Tony Spires and Niki Turner (July 16).
Successful cottage purchase allows Redstone Historical Society to move forward with new museum
ANNALISE GRUETER
Sopris Sun Correspondent
Since last year, the Redstone Historical Society (RHS) has been working to establish a new, larger museum location. Last month, a successful fundraiser toward purchasing the DeMaestri-Durrett Cottage moved this effort to its next step.
Redstone was originally built around the turn of the 20th century by John Cleveland Osgood. Osgood was among the ultra-wealthy industrialists known as robber barons; he specifically focused on trading in coal. The community was established as a kind of small kingdom for Osgood, with the large manor now often called the Redstone Castle, 88 cottages for workers constructed through the 1890s and a variety of local amenities.
One of those cottages, a two-bedroom and one-bathroom structure, was purchased by John Persano in 1944. The Persano family moved to Leadville during the silver mining boom, then settled in the New Castle and Glenwood Springs area. John, one of the youngest sons, was a mailman and avid fisherman.
He purchased the Osgood-built cottage as a family fishing retreat.
The cottage then passed to his nieces and nephews, the DeMaestri siblings, in the 1960s. Their first cousins in the Durrett family took over ownership in the 1980s. Each generation of the family has sought to preserve the cottage as close to the original Osgood conditions as possible.
The Durrett cousins — Ashton Durrett, Anthony Durrett and Lisa Erickson— first approached RHS
about a potential sale of the property in mid-2023. Negotiations began in earnest last summer.
For years, an old coal-mining lamp house has served as the historical society’s Redstone Museum. The small building is not large enough to adequately display much of the 100- to 150-yearold artifacts. So, many pieces of artwork, preserved photos and mining equipment have been stored in society members’ basements as the organization sought a solution. The acquisition of the DeMaestri-Durrett cottage promises a new era for the village’s diligent historians.
RHS has been in conversation with Pitkin County and other entities like History Colorado
since last year for support in the purchase. One of the challenges through negotiations has been rising market prices.
The property was assessed at a fair-market estimate of around $515,000 in early 2024; that number increased to $825,000 by early spring and $879,000 by June. After consideration and significant discussion, the Pitkin County Board of County Commissioners agreed to a funding match of about $200,000 or just under 25% of the total price. This required RHS to raise at least that amount to activate the Pitkin County contribution. RHS had until July 31 to come up with the funds. Had the numbers not been met, the cottage would have been available
to other interested parties for private purchase instead.
In early June, RHS was $25,000 short of funds required for the Pitkin County match. Luckily, a private donor stepped in, unlocking the matching commitment and helping the fundraiser reach the needed threshold. The accomplishment coincided with the announcement of a $250,000 grant from the History Colorado State Historical Fund toward preservation and designation of the cottage. RHS is now in the process of working with Pitkin County and History Colorado to finalize the purchase and move forward with paperwork for official historical designations. Part of that process involves additional rehabilitation. While the cottage is one of the best-preserved of the Osgoodera construction, it needs some adjustments before it can open as a public museum. Once those steps are complete, RHS will be able to move forward with developing exhibitions, finally moving many of the mining-era artifacts from basements into the cottage for display.
Redstone Historical Society welcomes new members to support their community education and preservation work. You can learn more about the DeMaestri-Durrett Cottage and the history of Redstone at www.historyredstone.org
Redstone Historical Society is excited to develop a new museum with the acquisition of the Osgood-era DeMaestri-Durrett Cottage, originally built in the 1890s. Photo by Lynn “Jake” Burton
Aspen Historical Society hosts ‘Ute Knowledge’ exhibit
WILL BUZZERD
Sopris Sun Correspondent
History and culture buffs, mark your calendars: a free three-day pop-up exhibition is coming to the Aspen Historical Society (AHS) next week, providing an in-depth exploration of the technologies of the native Ute people — also called Nuche. Titled “Ute Knowledge: Colorado’s Original Science, Technology, Engineering & Math,” the exhibition will teach visitors how the Ute survived and thrived in the Rocky Mountains with a rich understanding of math and sciences.
The exhibit will be hosted in the AHS archives building at 620 W. Bleeker Street, July 16-18. Complete with short films, interactive experiences and stories from Ute youth and elders, it promises to be an engaging and immersive experience for all residents of the Roaring Fork Valley.
“Ute Knowledge” was created as a collaboration between History Colorado, the Southern Ute Indian Tribe, the Ute Indian Tribe of the Uintah and Ouray Reservation, the Ute Mountain Ute Tribe, archaeologists and ethnobotanists as part of the Ute STEM Project. The Ute STEM Project explores the fusion of Western science and Ute traditional ecological knowledge through exhibitions as well as field work and school programs.
AHS’s own traveling exhibition, titled “Seasons of the Nuche: Transitions of the Ute People” will be displayed alongside the visiting exhibit. “Seasons of the Nuche” traces the lifeways and celebrations of the semi-nomadic Ute people as they moved across the land in conjunction
with the changing seasons.
Since its inception in 2018, “Seasons of the Nuche” has travelled across Western Colorado. For its return to Aspen, AHS has updated graphics and other aspects of the exhibit to make it more accessible to visitors.
AHS worked with Ute tribal representatives through the whole process of creating its exhibitions. “This is their culture, and we wanted their voice to come through, not our voice,” said AHS Vice President and Curator Lisa Hancock.
This pair of exhibitions is the first collaboration between History Colorado and AHS. “It is part of our mission to tell the story of the Ute people,” said Hancock. “We felt like this was a great opportunity to fulfill that part of our mission.”
In addition, Roaring Fork Valley resident, AHS educator and Northern Ute tribal member Skyler Lomahaftewa will be hosting “Ute/Indigenous Culture Conversations” in conjunction with the exhibitions’ opening day, July 16, from 3 to 4pm, as well as on July 22 from 11am to noon and July 23 from 3 to 4pm.
“Conversations” audiences are invited to come with questions for Lomahaftewa, who will share contemporary experiences and historical perspectives on the Ute and Native Americans in general. Each of the “Conversations” will be a unique experience tailored to the curiosities of those in attendance. While visitors of all ages are invited, Lomahaftewa is especially well known by students up and down the Aspen and Roaring Fork school districts for his engaging school presentations and
REMEMBERING
Northern Ute tribal member Skyler Lomahaftewa guides students in a circle dance. Lomahaftewa will host “Ute/ Indigenous Culture Conversations” on July 16, 22 and 23. Courtesy photo
traditional drum performances.
With guidance from Ute representatives, AHS aims to present an objective picture of living Ute culture and the difficulties Ute tribal members face today.
“They’re not a past-tense culture. People are so used to looking at black and white photos … and they think of [Indigenous people] as just existing in the past,” said Hancock. “They’re still here, and they’re still fighting to survive and thrive … It was important to the tribal members we talked to [that we] tell it like it is, and that they are current tense.”
Although settlers displaced Ute people from the Roaring Fork Valley over a century ago, the Ute are Colorado’s longest continuous residents, and AHS looks forward to
sharing their living history with everybody sharing this land today.
AHS asks educators in the Roaring Fork Valley to get in touch. AHS hosts educational field trips free of charge, and can be contacted at outreach@aspenhistory.org
There
Please
A visiting exhibition from History Colorado will be paired with Aspen Historical Society’s own “Seasons of the Nuche” pictured above, which returns to Aspen with a fresh coat of paint. Photo by Anna Scott
WILL BUZZERD
Sopris Sun Correspondent
A thermal energy network (TEN) is a geothermal heating and cooling system that uses shallow wells and pumps to circulate water between buildings and the earth. Using the earth’s consistent temperature as a heat sink, water is pumped from underground into buildings for cooling in the summer and heating in the winter. After absorbing or releasing heat, the water is sent back into a field of wells to return to a stable temperature. If powered by a renewable energy source, a TEN is an efficient, emission-free alternative to regulating building temperature with gas.
By leveraging renewable geothermal energy and waste heat recovery, TENs can significantly contribute to decarbonization, replacing traditional fossil fuel-based systems, reducing greenhouse gas emissions and providing a pathway to full electrification without straining the electrical grid and peak resources.
In 2023, the Town of Carbondale emerged as one of the first communities in Colorado to explore this technology at a neighborhood scale. With support from the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), local nonprofit Clean Energy Economy for the Region
(CLEER) secured a groundbreaking grant — preceding the launch of Colorado Energy Office TEN funding — to study the feasibility of a multi-property TEN that could serve the Third Street Center, the Carbondale Library, Bridges High School and surrounding homes in a 16-acre area. The TEN was an especially exciting prospect for the Third Street Center. Although the building is powered by clean energy, it still relies on fossil fuels for heating.
The study positioned Carbondale at the forefront of Colorado’s emerging geothermal market, becoming the State’s first federally funded TEN study. Much of the $716,000 grant went to
the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL). The project construction bids came in at around $21 million. This price did not include expected cost reductions from grants, tax credits, utility incentives, capacity payments and rate recovery. The project did not receive DOE second-round funding. Due to a change in DOE administration, that funding has yet to be distributed to projects around the nation that did “win” construction grants.
Despite this, the Town of Carbondale and Third Street Center leadership remain interested in the long-term vision. Rather than a setback, the
experience has fueled a broader effort to share insights, coordinate regional planning and support other communities exploring similar systems.
CLEER is currently the leader of the Carbondale Geothermal Coalition, which continues to refine designs for the now-onpause TEN at the Third Street Center and explore alternative funding opportunities to eventually bring the project to life. CLEER Director of Strategic Development Lauren Suhrbier recently joined the Colorado Geothermal Council — a state advisory group hosted by NREL.
On June 6, CLEER hosted “TENs Together: A Technical
Exchange for Communities and Developers” at Colorado Mountain College in Glenwood Springs. The summit drew utilities, developers, engineers, local governments and state agencies for a full day of discussion and strategy focused on overcoming the barriers to thermal energy networks.
Notable entities represented at the event included: Utilities (Xcel Energy, Holy Cross Energy, DMEA, YVSC, Mountain Parks Electric, Black Hills Corporation, Aspen Utilities), large developers such as Steamboat Ski and Resort Corp, local governments (Gunnison, Eagle, Pitkin, Garfield counties and the towns of Breckenridge, Winter Park, Vail, Eagle, Carbondale, Basalt and many others), NREL, the Colorado Energy Office and international industry associations.
There are more TEN studies underway across the state of Colorado, almost all of which are funded through Colorado Energy Office programs. Pitkin County is currently in the process of drilling test wells near the Aspen Airport Business Center for a TEN microgrid to heat public buildings. The Colorado Energy Office is working with Pitkin County to provide a $130,000 tax grant to continue the test study. Results from the
Colorado’s geothermal aspirations persist CARE. PRIMARY REGION’S LARGEST NETWORK OF
Senate page experience made politics more tangible for Mali Sparhawk
JOHN STROUD
Sopris Sun Correspondent
An up-close and personal peek at the inner workings of the U.S. Senate during the spring semester was an eye-opener for Roaring Fork High School (RFHS) soon-to-be senior Mali Sparhawk.
After nearly five months working as a page for the Senate Democrats, Sparhawk said she came away with a better understanding of the political process and who politicians really are as people.
It was a comment by Sen. Bernie Moreno, R-Ohio, during the closing ceremony for the spring session that seemed to sum things up for Sparhawk.
“Democracy is messy” is what he said.
“I think that’s what I learned, is that if everything goes perfectly, that’s not what democracy is,” Sparhawk said. “The process is meant to be slow, and to allow for everyone’s voice to be heard.”
In the end, it’s more about relationships, rather than party lines, she said. The relationships she built with her fellow pages that she lived and studied with during her time in Washington, D.C. also resonated.
“Sure, some of them have beliefs that I don’t agree with, but just like our political leaders you can still be friends and you can still go to dinner together. We should not be picking our friendships and who we respect based on political beliefs,” Sparhawk said.
It’s an ideal she plans to carry with her as she completes her final year at Roaring Fork, where she is on student council, and in the broader Carbondale community where she’s a youth representative on the Town’s Parks and Recreation Commission.
She intends to apply this fall to be admitted to the U.S. Naval Academy, where she wants to study political science, serve her country and eventually go into politics.
Sparhawk — daughter of Ryan Sparhawk and two-term Carbondale Trustee Erica Sparhawk — learned of the Senate Page Program from an announcement in her school newsletter, and decided it was something she wanted to pursue.
The highly-competitive program brings 30 high school students from across the country each semester to Washington to experience and assist with the daily workings of the U.S. Senate.
Pages help deliver correspondence and materials within the Capitol building, prepare the Senate Chamber for sessions, assist with roll call votes, carry bills and amendments to the desk and support senators and staff during floor debates.
Sparhawk was skipped over for the fall program, but reapplied and was accepted for the spring semester. She was at a speech meet with her RFHS teammates when she got the word.
“It couldn’t have been a more perfect time to find out, because everyone I’m close friends with at school was there to support me,” she said.
Dr. Kim Spence to retire from Roaring Fork Family Practice
SAM BRULE
Sopris Sun Correspondent
On Sept. 1, after more than three decades of service, Dr. Kim Spence will retire from Roaring Fork Family Practice in Carbondale. But Spence doesn’t necessarily see it as a permanent end of his career.
“I’m officially unemployed on Sept. 1,” he said. “But I’m kind of gonna view it more as a one-year sabbatical. I want to see what it feels like not to have job obligations, and to see what calls me in, what other opportunities.”
Right after his family medicine residency, Spence began practicing in Carbondale on July 31, 1992, and delivered “his” first baby the next day. He joined Roaring Fork Family Practice, which was founded in 1975, when the town was still largely made up of miners, ranchers and upvalley ski and tourist industry workers. “It was exactly what I wanted,” he said.
Spence, who worked as a board certified family physician, said he was drawn to medicine through his early work as a ski patroller and paramedic. “I really got interested in medicine through ski patrolling and the medical knowledge it required,” said Spence. “I loved studying the human body, anatomy and physiology. But I didn’t love being a paramedic.” A physician advisor at the ski area encouraged him to go to medical school, as did his high school biology professor a decade before.
He attended Des Moines University in Iowa, where both his grandfather and uncle also studied osteopathic medicine, and later completed an M.D. residency in family medicine at the University of Nevada, Reno.
Spence then came to Carbondale where he joined Dr. Rick Herrington and Dr. Gary Knaus, who started the practice 17 years prior. Together, they covered a wide variety of medical services. “We practiced obstetrics, pediatrics, geriatrics and everything in between. We’d admit our patients to the hospital from the ER when sick enough to be admitted,” said Spence. “Now there’s a hospitalist program, and wonderful obstetrical providers in the Valley, and a host of specialty care, which is a great change.”
In 2012, Valley View Hospital bought their practice. Two years later, they built the current Roaring Fork Family Practice building. Valley View Hospital “has really supported us in continuing and developing our hometown primary care model,” said Spence.
Over the years, Spence has seen Carbondale change a lot. “The town of Carbondale was less
than 3,000 people when I moved here,” he said. “The face of Carbondale has changed. We see more golf shirts these days than we do cowboy boots but all the great elements remain.”
Spence recalled seeing the office change over the years, too. Roaring Fork Family Practice was an early adopter of electronic medical records (EMR) in 1996. At that time, EMR was more of a computerized filing system whereas, “Now, the computerized medical record does so much more ... It keeps track of screenings, vaccines and we get records on our patients from everywhere they get care. But it’s expanded the amount of computer work that primary care has to do,” said Spence. Arriving before cell phones did in the Valley, “for the first few years I carried a pocket full of quarters and knew where the pay phones were to answer the pager,” he said.
Even on the busy and stressful days, Spence said it was the work helping patients that kept him going. “Sometimes those tough days were the most rewarding days,” he said. “Because, you know, if there was something that was that tough, you really had to put your heart and soul into it.”
That closeness is what he’ll miss most. “I don’t want to give up the relationships,” he said. “I write down notes on some of my patients that I do want to try and connect with outside of the office … I don’t want to lose that.”
After retirement, Spence is planning to catch up on family time. He has a wife of 36 years and two sons who he’s excited to see on a looser schedule. Spence also plans to run rivers, backpack, listen to and play more music, and ski 100 days in a year. The last time he hit 100 days was in the 1980s when he and his wife worked as ski patrollers in Arizona.
He’ll also make time for his two brothers and 91-year-old mother in Washington. “She still lives independently and drives her sit-on-top mower,” Spence said. “But I want to be available if she needs me for a project or two.”
What he looks forward to most is spontaneity. “It’ll be fun to go on a trip and come home when I’m ready to go home, not when I have to. To say, ‘Oh, there’s that cool canyon up in Utah that I’ve wanted to visit forever. Someday I’ll do that.’ Well, that could be next year.”
While he’s stepping away from full-time practice, Spence isn’t leaving the Valley. “I like it here. It’s a good spot,” said Spence. “I want to thank this great community for nourishing me for 33 years. I envision myself riding my e-bike up the Crystal River when I’m 88, God willing.”
Dr. Kim Spence in his office at Roaring Fork Family Practice in Carbondale. Photo by Sam Brule
U.S. Sen. John Hickenlooper (D-Colorado) gives Mali Sparhawk of Carbondale a fist bump during the spring Senate session. Sparhawk, who will be a senior at Roaring Fork High School this coming year, was selected to be part of the Senate Page Program during the spring semester of her junior year. Courtesy of official Senate photographer
CPW Commission clarifies role at special meeting
No decision on Copper Creek pack
AMY HADDEN MARSH Sopris Sun Correspondent
The Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) Commission, replete with two new members Dr. John Emerick and Frances Silva Blayney, continued the discussion at a special meeting on Monday, July 7, about the Copper Creek grey wolf pack. The discussion wasn’t much different than a discussion at the regular June meeting. The usual wolf update wasn’t on the June agenda but the commission spent about 43 minutes right off the bat talking about wolves.
It wasn’t clear why no time had been set aside in June for an update but its absence seemed intentional. Travis Duncan, CPW public information supervisor, told The Sopris Sun that the update wasn’t ready in time to be included on the agenda. At the June meeting, CPW Director Jeff Davis did not tell the commission exactly why a wolf update was not on the agenda but decided to give one anyway.
Commissioner Marie Haskett, who has now termed out of her position, told Davis at the June meeting that too much time has been spent talking about the canids. “I am glad not to see wolves on the agenda this time,” she said. “Wolves have taken over this agency and we’re not getting the business done at this commission for all the other species that we manage.” With that, she and the rest of the commission continued the wolf discussion for another 23 minutes.
Haskett referred to Pitkin County predation events that occurred in May and were attributed to a male from the Copper Creek Pack. CPW killed wolf #2405 from the pack on May 29 to try to modify the behavior of the pack. Discussions have centered on whether CPW violated the Grey Wolf Restoration and Management Plan by relocating the Copper Creek Pack from Grand County to Pitkin County last winter, if the pack needs to be removed and who has the authority to make that decision.
meeting to discuss the issue.
So that brings us to last week’s special meeting. Davis set the stage for a discussion about whether or not the commission has authority to direct CPW staff to remove wolves. He said that regulations surrounding the Grey Wolf Restoration and Management Plan are clear on the role of the commission.
Wolves have taken over this agency and we’re not getting the business done at this commission for all the other species that we manage.
At the end of the second day of the June meeting, Commissioner Ty Jacober put forward a motion to remove the Copper Creek pack either lethally or by putting them in a sanctuary. Jacober’s comment triggered a heated discussion among commission members about what to do with wolves who take down livestock, particularly the Copper Creek Pack.
- Commissioner Marie Haskett
“The regulations issued by the commission in preparation for the wolf reintroduction specifically identified [CPW staff] as the entity that will make the decision on lethal wolf removal,” he explained. “So the commission has already delegated this type of decision on wolves to [CPW staff].”
endangered species. But the 10(j) rule was established before paws were on the ground, so the new wolves are managed as a nonessential, threatened species. This allows for lethal take under certain circumstances. For example, if a wolf is caught in the act of taking down livestock, it can be shot on the spot.
Tutchton was concerned about overstepping on the 10(j) rule.
“If we were to start killing wolves for which we had no evidence or insufficient evidence that they had been involved in depredations, I think we would violate the 10(j) rule,” he said. “I think that rule gives us flexibility to kill wolves involved in depredations, but a bunch of puppies in a den? I do not think that’s in line with the 10(j) rule.”
Outgoing Commission Chair Dallas May put the kibosh on Jacober’s motion, stating that it was out of order. Jacober eventually withdrew his motion and the commission agreed to schedule a virtual
Commissioner James Jay Tutchton brought up the 10(j) rule, put in place by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service just before the first wolves were brought into Colorado in December 2023. The rule changes how CPW can manage grey wolves. If the wolves were reintroduced before the 10(j) rule was in place, they would be managed as federally
The commission brainstormed about predation on private versus public land, the use of range riders, non-lethal injurious methods such as rubber buckshot, maintaining relationships with ranchers and advocates and sticking to sciencebased decisions. The upshot was that it isn’t up to the commission to tell CPW staff what actions to take, but no decisions were made about the Copper Creek Pack.
The commission holds its next regular meeting on July 17-18 in Grand Junction; a wolf update is on the agenda.
Defending Shoshone water
right, Medicaid concerns
AMY HADDEN MARSH Sopris Sun Correspondent
Glenwood Springs resident
Judy Haynes returned to talk to the Garfield County Commissioners (BOCC) Monday about Medicaid and the threat to local hospitals. Haynes was one of several members of Mountain Action Indivisible, a local citizens group, who approached the BOCC in late May about supporting the retention of Medicaid in light of the threat from the One Big Beautiful Bill Act.
The Glenwood Springs Post Independent reported that a little over 22% of Garfield County residents are enrolled in Health First Colorado, the state’s Medicaid program.
Haynes told the BOCC during Monday’s public comment period that her granddaughter is starting kindergarten this year.
“She is a healthy, happy Pediatric Partners patient,” said Haynes, adding that Medicaid provides a great deal of Valley View Hospital’s Pediatric Partners’ income.
“Her mom works at the hospital and is very concerned about what is going to happen to Valley View Hospital,” she said.
The One Big Beautiful Bill Act was signed into law on July 4, and includes significant changes to Medicaid and health insurance marketplaces. The American Hospital Association reports that the bill includes almost a trillion dollars of Medicaid cuts. The bill also requires 80 hours of volunteer, useful public service, part-time study or paid work per month for recipients. The bill bans federal funding for gender transition procedures and certain family planning providers.
But Haynes was in front of the BOCC to talk about rural hospitals as well as the threat of increased health insurance premiums.
“Because of the loss of Medicaid, I expect that our premiums are going to go up for our own insurance because the pool of insured people is going to get very small,” she explained. “That means all of us will be paying more.”
She asked commissioners about what will happen when Medicaid dollars stop coming into the community or if the Craig hospital closes. She referred to a list of hospitals reported in the Denver Post that could be threatened by Medicaid
losses, including Delta Health and Grand River Health in Rifle.
Commissioner Perry Will disputed the claim about Grand River Health. “I talked to a couple people that are in administration from the Rifle hospital and they said they’re not in any danger of shutting down,” he said.
Commissioner Mike Samson said he applauds getting fraud out of Medicare and Medicaid. “There is so much fraud there,” he opined. “I wish that would take care of it so the people who are deservingly needing the help can get the help.”
Will added that it’s a matter of wait-and-see in terms of the impacts. But Haynes asked the BOCC about what resources the county might have to help. Commission Chair Tom Jankovsky said her five minutes were up before adding that she is speculating about the impacts. He added that it’s important to cover the county residents first. “One thing we’ve done is to try to keep the costs down in our healthcare centers,” he said.
In other news, Zane Kessler of the Colorado River Water Conservation District brought
a letter addressed to Interior Secretary Doug Burgum about protecting the historic Shoshone water right on the Colorado River. Will said that it’s important for the Western Slope.
“It’s basically getting the federal money,” he explained. “We have about $57 million and
we need about $40 million from them to preserve this.” He added, “The Front Range, they want our West Slope water for sure and we need to protect that for [agriculture] and our energy community and everything here.” Recreation is important, he added. “Without
Town considers tax hikes to fund housing
WILL BUZZERD
Sopris Sun Correspondent
On July 10, the Town of Basalt will celebrate the groundbreaking for the construction of the new Midland Residences at 140 Basalt Center Circle. Located at the corner of Two Rivers Road and Midland Avenue at the site of the old Clark’s Market, the new edifice will also feature a market and restaurant operated by Aspenbased CP Restaurant Group as well as an expanded home for Jimbo’s Wine and Liquors.
Midland Residences will feature a mix of studio, one-bedroom and two-bedroom apartments — 60% of which are already sold out. Seventeen of the units are required to be deed restricted.
In March, Basalt Town Council signed Ordinance No. 06 of 2025, which permitted nine of the deed-restricted units to be owned by Colorado Mountain College for its staff. The remainder of the deed-restricted units are prioritized for educational staff, emergency services and other local workers on a “waterfall list.”
Shaw Construction will be building the new residences, and completion is anticipated
sometime between late 2025 and early 2026.
Taxes for housing
During the regular council meeting, Town Planning Director Michelle Thibeault led a presentation on possible long-term funding mechanisms to address affordable housing concerns in Basalt.
In 2024, Town staff contracted Economic Planning Services to create a housing needs assessment, which gathered data on housing costs and availability in Basalt and proposed strategies to mitigate rising rates.
As proposed by the housing needs assessment, Basalt has expanded its income categories in its inclusionary housing ordinance and developed programs to purchase deed restrictions in partnership with Eagle and Pitkin counties.
However, Town staff have identified that existing deed-restricted housing in Basalt is largely the result of mitigation on new development, which is not meeting the demands for more affordable housing. According to Thibeault, additional funding will be necessary in order to keep up with rising needs.
Other communities across the Western slope have employed a variety of different revenue sources. Towns like Gypsum and Winter Park have employed lodging taxes specifically to fund affordable housing projects, while Summit County and Vail have employed sales taxes. Thibeault stressed that there is no “silver bullet,” and a mix of strategies is likely to be necessary.
Basalt’s housing needs assessment identified four possible dedicated funding sources: a sales tax, property tax, lodging tax and short-term rental (STR) regulatory fee.
An increase of sales tax is anticipated to generate the most revenue of the four. At a 0.25% increase, the tax could generate $8.7 million in 10 years. At a 1% increase, the 10-year revenue quadruples to $34.9 million.
Currently, Basalt-Pitkin County and Basalt-Eagle County have a sales tax of 9.3% and 8.2%, respectively. In comparison, Aspen has a sales tax of 8.3%, and Carbondale a sales tax of 11.9%.
An additional mill levy of 1.0 would increase property taxes by 1%, generating $3.4 million over
A groundbreaking ceremony for The Midland Residences, at the corner of Midland Avenue and Two Rivers Road, takes place Thursday, July 10 at 4pm. Courtesy graphic
10 years. Based on Basalt’s current median home price of $2.6 million, property taxes for residents would increase by $30 per month, or $356 per year.
A lodging tax increase of 0.25% is anticipated to generate $384,000 over 10 years. Currently, Basalt charges a 4% lodging tax rate, which is double the rate in both Carbondale and Aspen.
In May, a conflicted council approved a STR regulatory fee of $2,532 per bedroom annually. However, this measure is anticipated to generate the least revenue of the four sources suggested in the housing needs assessment.
Councilor Angèle DupreButchart preferred a combination
of sales and lodging tax, as she believed that, as property values in Basalt increase, an increased property tax would place too much of a burden on already financially strained residents.
Councilor Ryan Slack and Mayor David Knight both agreed a property tax would unfairly burden Basalt residents, and that the burden of sales and lodging taxes would be more evenly spread across visitors and residents alike.
Town Council directed Town staff to pursue drafting a sales and lodging tax to be voted on in separate municipal elections. The lodging tax vote will be prioritized with a possible presence on a November ballot at the earliest.
Town enacts voluntary water restrictions to avoid crisis
RALEIGH BURLEIGH
Sopris Sun Editor
Public Works Director Kevin Schorzman acted as interim town manager during the July 8 meeting. All trustees were in attendance with Ross Kribbs joining via Zoom. A quickly-approved consent agenda included meeting minutes, special event licenses for a Stepping Stones fundraiser (Sept. 19) and Cowboy Up (Aug. 22) and accounts payable.
During general public comments, Pam Zentmeyer asked for better management at the new pool construction site. She described a truck making deliveries obstructing vehicles turning from Main to 7th with no posted warning and no visibility for motorists due to the construction fence. She also observed work vehicles occupying most of the Sopris Park parking on the west side of the park, and she suggested asking the workers to park across from Town Hall instead.
During general trustee remarks, Colin Laird announced he joined the West Mountain Regional Housing Coalition and Thistle ROC to ask the Garfield County Commissioners for a contribution toward purchasing two mobile home parks to convert them to a resident-ownership model. “They did not say ‘no;’ they did not say ‘yes,’” he detailed. Laird also stated an offer has been made on behalf of the residents. “Fingers crossed we can get across the finish line.”
Schorzman, in his interim capacity, elaborated on a July 3 press release asking Carbondale residents to curtail potable water usage (see this week’s Scuttlebutt). Schorzman explained how a broken pressure
reducing valve on a pipe transporting water from the Nettle Creek treatment plant is reducing the flow to about 100 gallons per minute, which just matched demand on Monday, July 7. “We’re not in a crisis mode yet, but we’re very, very close,” he said.
Until the problem is fixed, which could take a few weeks, Carbondale residents are asked to reduce their potable water usage, primarily by not watering outdoors (unless with ditch water) between the hours of 10am and 3pm so storage tanks can refill. Odd-numbered addresses are asked to water on odd-numbered days, and even addresses on even days. These measures are voluntary and the Town will enact restrictions if necessary.
Next, Justin “Chester” White returned
before the trustees with a hotel and restaurant license application for Sprazzo, a new Italian cuisine concept at 689 Main Street. The application was swiftly approved. “Thanks for continuing to invest in Carbondale,” commented Mayor Ben Bohmfalk.
Jordan White, general manager at La Raza, stood behind his restaurant’s modification of premises application for outdoor dining — just in time for Mountain Fair. Bohmfalk suggested it will be important to pay attention to how this plays off with the Fair’s open container perimeter extending to Main Street this year. The application was approved.
Tammy Tucker, representing Wember, then delivered an aquatic center project update. It’s been an “exciting month,” she stated, with the building taking shape.
Trustee Jess Robison asked for clarification regarding the project’s procurement policy. She pointed out language describing how cumulative change orders with a single contractor exceeding $100,000 should be reviewed by the Board of Trustees.
Schorzman’s understanding was this didn’t apply when the overall project cost was not increased. He said that adhering strictly to the policy in relation to cumulative costs could result in short-noticed special meetings so as not to delay the project.
After some discussion, a motion was made to clarify the policy, authorizing staff to proceed as long as any single change order does not exceed $100,000 or increase the total project budget. All voted in favor, minus Christina Montemayor who said she felt confused.
Aquatics Coordinator Brian Froelich then delivered a fundraising update, stating they’re $123,239 away from meeting the minimal goal. Funds raised beyond that, through grants and donations, will reduce the amount of Town reserves spent.
Lastly, trustees were asked to consider selling solar panels to Holy Cross Energy for $92,831. Schorzman said the Town is over 100% cost recovery for the panels with nine years of savings and “I don’t know what we’d do with them” if not sold. Following staff’s recommendation, the sale was approved unanimously. Because the panels were purchased from the Wastewater Fund, that money will return there.
Trustees then entered executive session “for advisement on potential property acquisition,” stated the agenda.
Assistant Public Works Director Scott Wenning took The Sopris Sun on a tour of the Nettle Creek water treatment plant last summer. Photo by Raleigh Burleigh
Annual & Sick Patient Care
Dentistry
Urgent Care
Affordable Wellness Plan Memberships
Surgery
Pet Food & Pharmacy
Hospice and End-of-Life Care
Oneal Bogan, DVM
Lindsey Brooks, DVM
( 97 0) -309-24 03
( 97 0) 4 00-97 09
i n fo@ m ou n ta i n p a ws
m ou n ta i n p a wsvet co
1058 Cou n ty Road 100 Carbon dale, CO 81623
Hours: M-F 8-6 and Saturday 9-3
THURSDAY, JULY 10
NONFICTION BOOK CLUB
The Carbondale Library invites you to read a nonfiction book by a foreign author to discuss with the library group from 2 to 3pm.
‘SAVE THE LAND’
Aspen Valley Land Trust hosts its “Save the Land” fundraiser at T-Lazy-7 Ranch Lodge from 5 to 9:30pm. Tickets are sold out. To join the waitlist, visit www.avlt.org
MEN’S GROUP
HeadQuarters welcomes men to talk about “manifesting” from 6 to 7:30pm at 23400 Two Rivers Road in Basalt.
‘DARE TO DREAM’
Stage of Life Theatre Company presents “Disney’s Dare to Dream Jr.” tonight at 6pm and tomorrow at 2pm at Roaring Fork High School’s auditeria.
Happening
Life After 70
Saturday, July 12 at 10:30am
Join this group for a friendly, open environment where you can explore all aspects of aging.
LocoMotion - The Science & Circus Art Show
Tuesday, July 15 at 4pm
LocoMotion is filled with laughs, gasps, and participation! Plus, audiences of all ages are inspired to think about and experience the science of motion.
Spanish Conversation Club
Thursday, July 17 at 6:30pm
Learn practical vocabulary and practice speaking with those who are at a similar skill level. Everyone with a beginner to intermediate level understanding of Spanish is invited to join the conversation!
CRYSTAL THEATRE
“F1 The Movie” continues at the Crystal Theatre tonight, tomorrow, Saturday and Monday at 7pm. Sunday’s show is at 5pm.
MOVIE UNDER THE BRIDGE
The City of Glenwood Springs screens “Kung Fu Panda 4” in Bethel Plaza, under the Grand Avenue Bridge, at 8pm.
FULL MOON CRUISE
Grab your bike and meet on the west side of Sopris Park for a 9pm cycle around town!
FRIDAY, JULY 11
PARTY AT TOKLAT
The Aspen Center for Environmental Studies hosts a summer party at The Catto Center at Toklat, which was restored and reopened last year, from 2 to 6pm. Register at www.aspennature.org
MUSIC UNDER THE BRIDGE
Mountain People performs at Bethel Plaza, under the Grand Avenue Bridge, from 4:30 to 7:30pm.
CARBONDALE ARTS
Catch the opening reception for “The Muses Don’t Tell Me Sh*t” by Vallee Noone and “Oddly Familiar” by Chad Knowles at the Carbondale Arts gallery from 5 to 7pm. Both exhibits will remain on display through Aug. 14, weekdays from 10am to 5pm.
ARTISTS RECEPTION
The Ann Korologos Gallery hosts an artists reception for its exhibit, “Landscapes, Legends and Light,” made up of 100 works by 44 different artists, from 5 to 7pm. The exhibit will be up through Aug. 2.
ART TURNS 100
The community is invited to celebrate KDNK DJ Art Ackerman’s 100th birthday at the Third Street Center from 5:30 to 7:30pm.
LA COMEDIAN
Los Angeles-based stand-up comedian, actor and writer Irene Tu performs at The Collective at 7:30pm as part of Snowmass Comedy Weekend. Find tickets and the weekend’s lineup at www.thecollectivesnowmass.com
ALPINE PERFORMANCE LABS
Check out the grand opening of Alpine Performance Labs at 826 Highway 133 Unit A2 from 5:30 to 8pm. RSVP at www.bit.ly/APLopening
STARFISH ENTERPRISE
Catch local music masters Starfish Enterprise performing at Willits Triangle Park from 5:30 to 7pm.
SATURDAY, JULY 12
ART, HEALING + HOPE
Join Sheri Gaynor for artistic exploration
designed to alleviate stress from 9:30 to 11:30am at The Art Base in Basalt.
LIFE AFTER 70
A group of elders meets on the second Saturday of each month at the Carbondale Library to discuss all aspects of aging from 10:30 to noon. To RSVP, call 970-963-2889.
SMASH BROS. TOURNEY
The Glenwood Springs Library hosts an all-ages Super Smash Bros. tournament from 1 to 3pm. To register, call 970-945-5958.
EAT YOUR WEEDS
Learn how to identify and use edible and medicinal plants growing wild in your backyard with a Colorado Mountain College class at the Carbondale Historic Food Forest from 1 to 3pm. To register, visit www.coloradomtn.augusoft.net
BILL MORROW
Friends of Bill Morrow are invited to honor his life and legacy at the Carbondale Library beginning at 2pm. Photos can be emailed to nanceyglass@yahoo. com for inclusion in a slideshow. Attendees are encouraged to wear overalls.
MEDICINAL LAUGHTER
Snowmass Comedy WKND presents “Laughter is the Best Medicine,” a free panel discussion, at The Collective at 4pm.
WILD FUTURE LAB
Kairos Futura presents “Upcycling with Imagination and Innovation” from 4 to 7pm. “Participants will work with local garment waste, transforming fabric into prototypes for a more regenerative future.” To RSVP, email director@thefutureisonearth.org
JOURNALISM TALK
Aspen Journalism Editor Curtis Wackerle speaks with Stephen Engelberg, editor-in-chief of ProPublica, regarding the state of independent journalism at the Albright Pavilion in Aspen Meadows at 4:30pm. RSVP at www.aspenjournalism.org
GUIDED DREAM WORK
Natalia Snider guides a donation-based dream workshop at The Meeting Place in Carbondale from 5 to 7pm. RSVP at www.givebutter.com/hpwv6V
TUPPERWARE PARTY
Thunder River Theatre Company hosts “A Tupperware Party with Dixie Longate” at a private residence in River Valley Ranch at 6pm ahead of a ThunderChat presentation at El Dorado tomorrow at 6pm. Find tickets at www.thunderrivertheatre.com
REDSTONE CONCERT
The Delta Sonics perform this week’s Magical Moments Concert at Redstone Park from 6 to 8pm.
CASH BYERS
Catch Cash Byers performing at Steve’s Guitars at 8pm. Tickets at www.stevesguitars.net
ANDREW DUHON
Singer-songwriter Andrew Duhon performs at TACAW at 8pm. Tickets at www.tacaw.org
SUNDAY, JULY 13
WILD WATERCOLORING
Artist Nika Meyers guides watercoloring and hiking around Toklat and the upper Castle Creek Valley from 8am to 2pm. Register at www.aspennature.org
RIPARIAN ECOSYSTEMS
Learn the importance of riparian landscapes for plant and animal diversity with Colorado Mountain College in Carbondale from 9:30am to noon. To register, visit www.coloradomtn.augusoft.net
COME PLAY
Carmen Iacino presents “It’s all about what is happening on the metaphysical level” at A Spiritual Center (Third Street Center, Room 31) from 10 to 11:30am.
ECSTATIC DANCE
DJ Dustin Eli guides an ecstatic dance at 13 Moons Ranch from 6 to 8pm.
ASPEN FILM
Catch “One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest” at the Aspen Film Isis Theatre at 7pm.
MONDAY, JULY 14
WALKING CLUB
The Walking Club, hosted by Cook Inclusive, will meet on the south side of the Brush Creek Park and Ride at 5pm. The Walking Club plans to explore different paved paths throughout the Valley every Monday for about an hour. All are welcome. For details, contact libby@cookinclusive.org
TUESDAY, JULY 15
CONCENTRIC RECOVERY
True Nature hosts its “Concentric Recovery Monthly Meeting” from 5:30 to 6:45pm. More details at www.truenaturehealingarts.com
GUARDIANS FILM
Aspen Film and Wilderness Workshop present “We Are Guardians,” a documentary about Indigenous guardians of the Amazon Rainforest, at the AF Isis Theatre at 7:30pm.
WEDNESDAY, JULY 16
COMMUNITY ACUPUNCTURE
Colorado Community Acupuncture offers acupuncture sessions on the third Wednesday of each month with sliding scale payment options. Owner/ acupuncturist Annie Van Druten’s birthday is July 19 — you can help her celebrate by gifting yourself a session. To schedule an appointment, text or call 970-963-2150 or visit
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
MOMMY MEET-UP
The Glenwood Library hosts a “mommy meet-up” on Mondays from 11am to 12:30pm for mothers and their babies ages 0 to 3. There will be play items provided for the little ones and coffee and conversation for the moms.
IN STITCHES
The In Stitches Knitting Club meets at the Carbondale Library every Monday at 1:30pm.
PILATES
Coredination offers weekly pilates mat classes for all levels at The Launchpad in Carbondale. Tuesdays from noon to 1pm intermediate/advanced students are welcome. Beginners are encouraged to attend on Thursdays from 8 to 9am. For more info, call 970-379-2187.
BIKE PROJECT
The Carbondale Bike Project Shop helps people repair their bicycles on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 2 to 6pm and Sundays from noon to 6pm on the east side of Third Street Center.
FARMERS’ MARKET
The Carbondale Farmers’ Market season is underway, every Wednesday from 10am to 3pm at 4th and Main.
SENIOR LUNCH
www.cocommunityacupuncture.com for more offerings.
‘UTE KNOWLEDGE’
The Aspen Historical Society opens an exhibit from History Colorado and National Science Foundation, “Ute Knowledge,” telling the story of how Utes used science, technology, engineering and math to survive and thrive in the Rocky Mountains, at the Archives Building Community Gallery. The exhibit will be on display from noon to 5pm Tuesdays through Saturdays until Oct. 15. More details at www.aspenhistory.org
ANIMATED FILMS
Aspen Film brings a selection of animated short films to the Basalt Library from 1 to 3pm. Registration is required at www.basaltlibrary.org
VICTORIA PENNOCK
Catch Victoria Pennock performing music at the Carbondale Library at 2pm before she heads to the Rifle Library for another performance at 6pm. Tomorrow, July 17, she will perform at the Glenwood Springs Library at 6pm.
BASALT MUSIC
Jill Andrews opens for Langhorne Slim at the Basalt River Park free concert beginning at 5:30pm.
THURSDAY, JULY 17
COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS
Adults are invited to mingle and chat outside the Glenwood Springs Library from 10 to 11:30am today and Thursday, July 31. Spanish-speaking adults are invited to the Rifle Library from 12:30 to 1:30pm for a like opportunity. For more details, call 970-945-5958.
SPANISH CONVERSATIONS
Beginner and intermediate Spanish speakers are invited to practice with one another at the Carbondale Library every first and third Thursday from 6:30 to 8pm. For more details, call 970-963-2889.
a nutritious meal for seniors at The Orchard. To reserve a place at the table, call 970-665-0041.
SUSTAINABLE SETTINGS
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.
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.
SOBER QUEER CLUB
Every Wednesday at noon, Garfield County Senior Programs provides
Geology Field TripCrystal River Valley Saturday, 8am-5pm, 8/2
Eats Your WeedsSeeds and Roots Saturday, 1-3pm, 8/2
Wines of Sardinia Friday, 6-8pm, 8/8
The Meeting Place hosts an LGBTQIA+ specific recovery meeting every first and third Saturday at 5:30pm. For more details, visit www.meetingplacecarbondale.org
Classes in Basalt
Build Soil with Livestock Wednesday, 6-8pm, 7/16
Intro to Natural Herbal Medicine Making Monday, 6-9pm, 7/21
How to Lead a Transformative Life Wednesday, 6-8:30pm, 7/23
Intro to Sound Healing Monday, 6-9pm, 7/28
Intro to Mycology and Mushroom Foraging Monday, 6-9pm, 8/4
Permaculture for Social Systems Wednesday, 6-8pm, 8/6
Kids’ Classes
Sketching and Drawing II Mondays, 10-11am, 7/14-8/4
Fall Classes
Start 8/17...
Watch for the printed class schedule coming to your mailbox soon.
Fall Reg Opens Monday, 7/14
Lappala Center, 690 Colorado Ave Carbondale 970-963-2172
Scan to Browse & Register...
“Learning to Fly” by Diana Woods is a new oil painting and part of the “Landscapes, Legends and Light” 100-work exhibition on display at the Ann Korologos Gallery in Basalt through Aug. 2 with an artist reception on July 11 from 5 to 7pm. Courtesy art
Pollinator Conservancy abuzz with intention
KATE PHILLIPS Sopris Sun Correspondent
The Pollinator Conservancy has had a busy year. Flitting between community events and speaking before local municipalities, founder and Valley resident Lisa McKenzie is on a mission to raise critical awareness and education about our most vulnerable creatures: the pollinators.
A vast collection of species, pollinators consist of bees, butterflies, moths, birds, bats and others that efficiently move pollen, encourage fertilization and promote plant production. While quietly buzzing about, these species make a big impact as they currently support the growth of over 90% of the world’s wild plant species and over 75% of the world’s food crop, McKenzie shared. Thanks to pollinators, people can enjoy coffee and cacao, fresh fruit, fields of wildflowers and lush gardens. But their numbers are rapidly declining, causing significant concern.
“We really need the pollinators for humans to stay around,” said McKenzie. “We need them to pollinate our plants and food supply. I think it was Albert Einstein who said that if we lose our pollinators, humans have two to four years left.”
According to the Xerces Society, an international nonprofit dedicated to conserving invertebrates and their habitats, the European honey bee (Apis mellifera) is considered stable in North America despite colony loss. However, a recent Xerces Society study found that North America has over
3,600 native bee species and nearly 28% are considered threatened while over 40% of invertebrate pollinators face extinction in the coming decades. Habitat loss and the application of insecticide and herbicide are linked to declining populations.
“Something that affects the whole community is [when] someone sprays and the bees are exposed to it; they may carry it back to their hive and wipe out their whole colony,” said McKenzie.
A hive of activists
Driven to make a difference, McKenzie joined a collaborative effort spearheaded by four Carbondale Community School (CCS) students and horticulturist Lisa DiNardo to propose a Pollinator Resolution Plan (PRP) to the Town of Carbondale. The group was successful. On Oct. 10, 2023, the Town declared June as Pollinator Month and committed to valuing clean land, water and air for pollinators by integrating harmless weed mitigation practices and planting native gardens.
“It was really meaningful,” DiNardo recently shared with The Sopris Sun. “When we clear land that indigenous food supply — nectar, pollen — for the insects is gone. To have this come together was foundational. It was so beautiful to watch the transformation and how we all learned from this process … McKenzie was part of the team and it was so fun to watch her enthusiasm.”
With momentum building, McKenzie, who holds a master’s in education, saw that education was the key to activism. Shortly after Carbondale’s PRP adoption, she started a Pollinator’s Club at Basalt Elementary School. The club attracted 50 students who met twice a month to study pollinators, connect with guest speakers
and sow seeds.
She then expanded to the Basalt Middle School to help students cultivate native plants and seasonal crops. Inspired by the CCS advocates, McKenzie and her students approached the Town of Basalt to propose another proclamation that was immediately approved in May 2024, making Carbondale and Basalt the first Western Slope towns to take action toward protecting pollinators.
“The change comes from the community,” said DiNardo. “My observation is that the voice comes from the citizens who gather and rally for what’s important to them.”
The Pollinator Conservancy was established in 2024 and joins a substantial
Lisa McKenzie at the Bee Friendly Carbondale garden in Sopris Park.
Photos by Sam Brule continued on page 16
Sunfresh Flowers changes with the times
A wide variety of events and celebrations take place in the Valley and many of them share something in common: flowers. Whether it’s a wedding in Redstone or a dinner in Aspen, lots of those flowers come from a local flower shop, Sunfresh Flowers, run by Laura Lucero.
Lucero grew up in Fort Collins but moved to the Valley in 1994 after spending some time in Washington, Oklahoma and Texas. She said the decision to move back to Colorado was simple.
Once settled, Lucero took a job at Planted Earth, a nursery that used to operate off of Highway 82 outside of Carbondale. There, she worked on floral arrangements and was later offered the opportunity to take over a local account, Colorado Rocky Mountain School (CRMS), when she decided to launch Sunfresh Flowers.
Operating first from a small studio behind her home in Carbondale, Lucero began designing floral arrangements for weddings, special events and local customers. “We did a lot of weddings up in Redstone, Carbondale, Glenwood,” said Lucero.
each graduate,” said Lucero. “That’s what I love, connecting with the person I’m making something for. I think about them, and I let the colors and the design come to me.”
After assembling the flower arrangements for CRMS for nearly 30 years, Lucero is no longer continuing the account due to moving her business in a different direction.
While weddings and events, like the CRMS graduation, have made up the bulk of her work during busy summer seasons, Lucero has begun exploring new avenues. Most recently, she started supplying edible flowers to chefs, bakers and mixologists.
That’s what I love, connecting with the person I’m making something for. I think about them, and I let the colors and the design come to me.
- Laura Lucero
Unlike bigger commercial florists who rely a lot on imported flowers, Lucero grows all of her own flowers. She also includes foraged materials like grasses and sage to mirror the feeling of the outdoors.
Among her partnerships has been the annual tradition of crafting custom floral crowns, boutonnieres and bouquets for CRMS graduates. Each spring, Lucero meets with the students ahead of time to ask their color and flower preferences before designing the pieces the night before graduation. “Flowers are perishable,” she said, “so I have to do them the night before, into the wee hours.”
Her edible flowers can be found garnishing dishes and cocktails at places like Aspen Meadows and Aspen Public House, and through a growing partnership in Grand Junction with a pair of microgreen farmers.
The process of growing edible flowers, she explained, is more meticulous. “You have to baby them,” said Lucero. “You have to make sure they’re not getting bugs. That’s why I keep a fan running constantly in the greenhouse.”
Harvested the morning of delivery, the flowers are packaged in clamshells to preserve freshness.
Another part of her business model includes a collaboration with Heirlooms Resale, a consignment store in Basalt. There, Lucero sells fresh bouquets available for design and purchase via a QR code. The idea grew out of a longstanding relationship with a friend and former client who now works at the store. “I’m always thinking of different ideas,” she said.
In the winter months, Lucero slows down with flowers to teach skiing and offers seasonal decorating services such as greenery and garlands to a handful of clients. She sources holiday greens through foraging trips with her husband and supplements arrangements with purchased eucalyptus and preserved flowers. “There’s plenty of greenery around here,” Lucero said. “It’s fresher, and you’re not
spending so much money.”
Over the years, Lucero has seen the Valley change. Its rural and easygoing character, she says, has gradually turned into more refined tastes and higher expectations. Still, she’s committed to staying true to the creative image that started Sunfresh Flowers in the beginning.
“I’ve always stuck to the part of this that I love,” she said. “The connection and letting nature do its thing.”
Environmental Podcasting & Storytelling with AZYEP and the Sopris Sun
Who: High school students (incoming 8th-12th graders)
When: Monday, August 4th - Thursday, August 7th from 10am to 4pm
Cost: $300 - partial scholarships available
Description: Join AZYEP and the Sopris Sun for a 4-day crash course in radio podcasting and written storytelling with a focus on local environmental issues. Stories will be published in the Sopris Sun and/or aired on KDNK radio. Students will go on a variety of field trips to learn about local environmental organizations and issues, including water, farming, trails and stewardship.
Registration and more information at azyep.org
Founder and owner of Sunfresh Flowers Laura Lucero at her garden and workspace in Basalt. Photo by Sam Brule
Sparhawk was sponsored by Sen. John Hickenlooper, D-Colorado, but technically worked for all Senate Democrats. Another group of pages worked for the Senate Republicans.
She arrived in Washington on Jan. 26, checked into her dorm, got her official uniform and quickly learned what she was in for. Pages attend an on-site school, but their classes revolve around the Senate schedule.
That meant getting up at 5am and being ready for classes to start at 6:15. Classes would run until the Senate session began, which varied by day.
Their studies included a fair amount of civics, which went hand-in-hand with their work. They also learned about such things as what the different paintings hanging in the Capitol and the Senate and House chambers depicted, and where they originated, Sparhawk said.
Her time there included such historic events as President Trump’s Joint Address to Congress on March 4, following his inauguration to a rare second nonconsecutive term, and the record 25-hour speech by Sen. Cory Booker, D-New Jersey, on March 31-April 1 protesting the Trump agenda.
The daily routine for the pages included making sure each of the senators had their drink of choice — only water, sparkling water or milk are allowed on the floor.
By the way, Sen. Hickenlooper prefers his water iced, and Sen. Michael Bennet, Colorado’s other Democratic senator, prefers his water at room temperature.
Of course, there are some real characters, she recounted.
Sen. Booker, for instance, would often ask the pages to tell him a joke, and would reward them with cake leftover from the Democratic Caucus lunches.
Though the pages are not supposed to engage the senators in conversation, some senators would acknowledge the pages as they were holding the doors open for them to pass in and out of the chamber.
“The ones who did talk to us, we’d compliment them on their ties, or something,” she said. That elicited a response from Sen. Jack Reed of Rhode Island: “It was only $5, don’t tell anyone.”
One of the more amusing interactions was when
Minority Leader Sen. Chuck Schumer, D-New York, was walking out, and Republican Sen. John Barrasso from Wyoming pulls up next to Sparhawk and asks, “‘Hey, why aren’t you serenading him?’”
“And then he started playing air trumpet, and so we started playing air trumpet with him,” Sparhawk said. “Leader Schumer, who never talks to the pages, gave a bow to us and Sen. Barrasso just walks out laughing … that was a good moment,” she said.
Those kinds of encounters reminded her that, though they hold one of the highest offices in the land, they’re still just everyday people beneath that persona.
And, that political differences don’t have to be barriers to friendships and working relationships, Sparhawk said.
Sen. Booker and Sen. Katie Britt, R-Alabama, are good friends, she said, and once invited some of the pages to lunch.
“They talked a lot about, ‘Hey, obviously we don’t agree on some things and we don’t have the same political beliefs, but we can’t get anywhere without compromise,’” Sparhawk recounted.
She also witnessed one of the veteran Democratic senators giving advice to a freshman Republican senator on how to juggle parenthood and be present in his kids’ lives while keeping up with the demands of being in the Senate.
“They went up and voted opposite ways, then came back and continued the conversation,” Sparhawk said.
Only once does she recall being asked what she thought about a legislative matter. It was on the topic of using artificial intelligence in K-12 education and increasing student access to various AI web platforms, which Sparhawk indeed has some opinions about.
However, pages are not allowed to share those opinions while in their official roles, so she tactfully just told him she thought he gave a good speech.
“I do think I have more respect for all of our senators after this experience,” Sparhawk said. “At the end of the day, they all truly do love their jobs. Even though they have a prestigious position, they’re just people.”
She added that it also instilled in her a love for public service, and an even stronger desire to serve.
POLLINATORS
from page 14
community of local pollinator advocacy organizations — and, like every bee in the colony, each individual matters. McKenzie aims to protect pollinators by using education to build a global network of citizens, municipalities, educators and experts.
One way to sustain life in a loving, kind and gentle way is to protect the pollinator.
- Lisa McKenzie
She recently approached the Town of Glenwood Springs to join the effort. As of press time, the City intends to schedule a work session to discuss a PRP adoption. In the meantime, McKenzie said the Pollinator Conservancy can point citizens where to sign a general pledge to dissolve the use of chemicals and plant native gardens, access educational resources and learn how to start a Pollinator’s Club. She hopes this work will extend beyond the Valley and eventually land in every town around the country — a powerful intention sparked by the actions of some dedicated youth advocates.
“I’m grateful for people in this area who want to protect pollinators and learn as much as possible,” said McKenzie. “It’s so important because it has to do with humanity and our lives. We don’t want to wipe out the human population. One way to sustain life in a loving, kind and gentle way is to protect the pollinators.”
Head over to pollinatorconservancy.net to learn more.
Thriving Together
Snowmass Comedy WKND returns with focus on inclusion
Brave, Usama Siddiquee and Dino Archie — have performed at The Collective before, Sanders shared. “We’re really excited to bring them back and give them a more engaged audience, put them on bigger stages and have more off-the-cuff festival experiences with them,” she said.
“When we seek talent for Snowmass, we’re always seeking people who maybe aren’t represented in our community as much, to show a different background and perspective to our snow globe,” Sanders continued.
Irene Tu, a Los Angeles-based comedian who is recognized for her quick wit and off-the-wall observations about day-to-day life, will also be headlining. Each headliner will have a local act opening for their main stage events. Ryan Honey will open for Tu, and Julie Gillespie, who won the 2025 Ajax Award for funniest local, will open for Brave.
“We keep a close eye on all of the comedians and all the performers in our valley, and we try to match up the performer, our local comic, with the headliner that makes the most sense,” Sanders explained. “Ryan and Julie’s styles compliment their headliners very well.”
Additionally, a local showcase will take place on Sept. 24, also featuring an open mic. Discussing what she hopes audiences take away from this WKND and other upcoming events at The Collective, Sanders said, “Our intention at The Collective is to be inclusive, vibrant and foster community and connection. With everything we program and do outside of comedy, but across all of our programming, we strive to be a place for everyone.”
She concluded, “I think one of the best things to know when coming to an event with us is you’re going to be welcomed, met with a smile and laugh, and have an incredible time. Even if you disagree with the content, you can put that aside and take a moment for yourself to be in a safe space and have a great experience.”
For a full events schedule and more information, visit www.thecollectivesnowmass.com
The Collective Snowmass looks forward to once again hosting comedians and laugh-lovers for Snowmass Comedy WKND, July 11-13. Courtesy photo
A writing initiation
Awestruck steps into the world of [Aspen] Words
BY ANNALISE GRUETER
EDITOR’S NOTE: Annalise Grueter is a member of the Aspen Writers Network. This column details her recent experience at the Aspen Summer Words juried workshops.
If you’ve been reading The Sopris Sun for at least a couple of weeks, you already know that this valley harbors an impressive roster of passionate writers.
From local journalists to those who write national headlines (Zoë Rom’s work with The New York Times and NPR, for instance) to a myriad of novelists (Linda Lafferty and Scott Lasser among many others), the love for words runs deep in this pocket of the Rocky Mountains. And for many of us, Aspen Words’ late-June conference in Snowmass Village represents a doorway toward our aspirations.
Originally called the Aspen Writers Conference by local poet Kurt Brown, it all started in 1976 as a series of outdoor classes and evening lectures in barrooms or private-homes. Aspen Words became part of the Aspen Institute just 16 years ago — in 2009. Throughout its existence, the organization has focused on nurturing literary culture in the region. The Summer Words conference in particular has become known as a quality stepping stone for writers developing their craft.
Many of the artists who visit the Roaring
Fork Valley for Aspen Winter Words sessions also stop by local schools to speak with students. As a teenager in this valley, I was lucky to attend talks and Q&A sessions with writers like Alexandra Fuller, Walter Isaacson and Colum McCann. At 16 and 17, I had an inkling just how lucky and cool that was, but the magnitude of the opportunity set in a few years later when I read works by those authors.
I was already an aspiring writer in high school (really since age 6), but that ambition was both vague and tempered then. I was well aware that for many writing is a long road. My goals at the time were to write often in my free time and to collect broad life experiences. During Fuller’s talk at my high school it may have flashed through my mind that someday I wanted to stand where she was. But that hope and desire, I knew, was too bright at 16 to try to actually hold.
In my early twenties, I made a few fleeting forays toward the Big Dream. I was deep in Kerouac idolatry and tried in little ways to be him. I toted a small journal around in my purse and jotted down stream-of-consciousness thoughts and observations whenever I had a spare moment. Even at work, even at 3am after partying. One of my jobs included working a reception desk, and my supervisors were indulgent
ABOVE: Raquel Scianna, Red Bruhn and Molly Heckman were part of a two-day sit-in last week in front of Colorado Congressman Jeff Hurd’s office in Grand Junction. Protestors wanted to send a message to Hurd to vote against H.R. 1: One Big Beautiful Bill Act. The event started on July 2 with about 75 people attending. Thursday’s group was smaller because the bill had passed the House, said Scianna. Hurd (RCD3) voted in favor of the bill.
CONSTITUENTS LEAVE HURD A MESSAGE
BELOW: Rep. Hurd wasn’t around so constituents left a message on the front door of his Grand Junction office.
Photo by Molly Heckman
Annalise Grueter (second from left) along with fellow memoir workshop members and author and teacher Joshua Mohr (center, right). Mohr’s most recent novel, “The Wolf Wants Answers,” is the second book in a trilogy published earlier this year. Courtesy photo
enough to look the other way when I stuck my nose in a book if things were quiet.
I solicited feedback from my former college professors as well as esteemed local journalist Paul Andersen. I got a two-page essay into my university’s alumni magazine and a tiny freelance contract with a trail-conservation start-up (a whopping $300).
When other parts of life pushed in, like landing a full-time job with benefits and developing a hiking and mountaineering obsession, writing receded to the background for many years. Stumbling into
GEOTHERMAL from page 6
drilling will determine how much thermal energy can be stored and the cost efficiency of a possible TEN.
Pitkin County has partnered with industry leader GreyEdge Group for the engineering on this project. GreyEdge has also worked with CLEER in the past.
In addition, Aspen School District is interested in exploring a thermal energy network of its own in order to offset natural gas usage on its campus. “We are planning for the long-term future by taking the necessary preemptive steps today with geothermal,” said Joe Waneka, director of operations and facilities at Aspen School District.
Although yet to make firm development plans, Holy Cross Energy is investigating supplying energy to TENs to create emission-free heating systems. At a Carbondale Environmental Board meeting this spring,
GARCO REPORT
from page 9
Shoshone, you won’t be floating the river,” he said. “It’s literally a buy-and-dry [on] the West Slope if we don’t get hold of this Shoshone water right.”
Kessler said the letter sends a united message from counties near and far from the mainstem of the Colorado River. He added that U.S. senators from Colorado and Representative Joe Neguse support the water right purchase, which will cost $99 million.
The Aspen Times reports that, as of this month, more than $57 million has been
journalism early last year was an unexpected but delightful twist of fate. But applying to Aspen Summer Words this spring felt like an audacious, nothingto-lose, near-delusional endeavor. I’m a good little dreamer, though, and was well prepared for rejection.
But I was accepted.
So I walked into the conference a few weeks ago feeling breathless, joy poised to spill from my eyes down across my cheeks. How had I arrived at this communal oasis along an unknowably long expedition?
continued on page 19
representatives of Holy Cross expressed interest in the Town of Carbondale possibly managing a large TEN in order to reduce operational costs.
While these projects can take years of planning, design and coordination, they offer a powerful tool for Colorado communities to meet climate goals, stabilize long-term energy costs and modernize outdated building systems.
Carbondale’s pioneering steps — along with continued local engagement and Third Street Center leadership — have helped set the stage for this transformation.
As the Colorado Geological Survey notes, “Heat pumps can contribute significantly to a clean energy economy by saving a very substantial fraction of total energy use,” yet they remain underrepresented in conversations about renewable energy. That’s changing, and Carbondale is among the communities helping to lead that shift.
raised from the state legislature, the River District’s Community Funding Partnership Program and from West Slope water entities and local governments. The purchase would ensure the uninterrupted flow of water in the Colorado River. Xcel Energy owns the Shoshone water rights, which are connected to the Shoshone Hydroelectric Power Plant east of Glenwood Springs in Glenwood Canyon.
Last year, Garfield County committed $3 million towards the effort. On Monday, the BOCC unanimously signed the River District’s letter.
Photo by Amy Hadden Marsh
From diagnosis to dreaming: How community, art and connection have shaped my path through illness
Six years ago, I joined The Sopris Sun as a part-time employee, not knowing this place — and community — would become a lifeline and family during some of my darkest days. What began as a job soon became a calling, deeply woven with stories of resilience, strength and the transformative power of connection.
My journey didn’t begin in journalism. With a degree in environmental conservation, I started my career humbly as a park ranger/EMT at Rocky Mountain and Zion national parks. Later, I launched a website that led me to become “Cyber-Ranger Todd” on AOL and with The Denver Post, writing about the outdoors and becoming an early online personality. Eventually, I sold that website and business to National Geographic, which launched my second career in digital marketing. Though journalism wasn’t my original path, these past six years have shown me how local media can unite, inform and inspire in ways nothing else can.
OPINION
OPEN LETTER
By Todd Chamberlin
Growing up as a young, very political gay man in the 1980s and ’90s, I saw firsthand how the media can shape a community by increasing visibility, promoting acceptance, fostering belonging and helping people feel seen. That experience fuels my passion for the work we do at The Sopris Sun week after week.
Besides wanting to make a difference, perhaps it is my entrepreneurial spirit that has fueled my passion for organizational growth, innovation and the drive to raise the resources needed to sustain it. I’ve witnessed the extraordinary impact of this work: Sol del Valle has amplified voices too often unheard; our Youth Journalism Program is giving young people a platform to share their stories, dreams and fears; our new speaker series, Mountain Perspectives, will shine a light on changemakers shaping our region; and through our Annual Giving Guide, we’ve helped raise over $2 million for more than 100 local nonprofits. This work matters deeply to me because it’s about helping people and building a community where every voice is valued, and every story — no matter how big or small — counts.
I’m profoundly grateful to our board, staff, freelancers, local media partners, donors and grantors — whose passion, dedication and hard work have made all of this possible. You inspire me every day.
But life, as we know, rarely follows a neat script. The very month I joined The Sopris Sun, I was diagnosed with a brain tumor. This experience shook my world and taught me how fragile and precious life truly is. That moment, along with the heartbreak of a 22-year romantic relationship ending, revealed to me not only the importance of leaning into community, finding light even in darkness and always making space for hope, but also how profoundly our health affects the people who love us. Illness doesn’t just happen to one person, it happens to everyone around them. Often, it is in those raw, vulnerable moments that the bonds of compassion, understanding and connection grow strongest.
Now, just a week after my 55th birthday, I’ve been diagnosed with aggressive prostate cancer. This news has been deeply emotional — a jarring reminder of life’s unpredictability — but also a wake-up call. Prostate cancer is often seen as a disease of older men, but my diagnosis is proof that it can strike earlier, too. I urge every man, regardless of age, to have an open conversation with their healthcare provider about prostate cancer screening. Early detection saves lives and offers more options for effective and perhaps less invasive treatments.
A few days after my diagnosis, four young artists from SoL Theatre Company who will perform in the local production of “Cabaret” later this month, stayed at my home. Their laughter echoed through the house, their music filled the air, their youthful spirit lit up my heart. They reminded me that, while illness can take many things, it can never steal creativity, empathy, love — or the dream of building a better community for us all.
As I listened to them sing, it struck me that life is its own unfolding song, or perhaps a musical. Life is a series of acts and interludes, some steeped in sorrow, others shimmering with beauty. Each moment carries its own melody, its own lesson, its own grace. Though I cannot rewrite the verses already sung or the acts already performed, I can choose how to lift my voice for the next refrain — or step into the next act — with courage, tenderness and an open heart.
The road ahead may be uncertain, but I do not walk it alone. Just as The Sopris Sun shines as a beacon for our community, all of you are beacons for me. Thank you for your support, for inspiring me to keep dreaming and for reminding me that even in the darkest times, hope and resilience endure.
ASPEN WORDS from page 18
And, in so doing, found a whole tribe gathered — far larger than the small groups of writers (mostly introverts) who meet occasionally in this valley.
Aspen Summer Words is a week stacked with both juried and open workshops, plus breakfast and lunch each day for scribblers to get better acquainted and talk broader projects. I was accepted into one of this year’s juried memoir workshops with West Coast-based, beat-phenom Joshua Mohr at the helm. Mohr, who has churned out
You aren’t addicted to stress
It’s no mystery that we are a nation of stressed-out, overworked, undersupported humans. Many people think we’re addicted to stress, but I’m going to lay out a different hypothesis. We’re addicted to relief.
A common pillar between many religions, cultures and societies is: if you sacrifice and put in tremendous labor in this life, you will experience bliss in the afterlife. Efforting => Relief.
Regardless of your beliefs or background, you likely succumb to a pace of busyness that is only suited for the final throes of a competitive footrace. But ... why?
We’re addicted to relief. We worry, stress and set goals for a momentary ride on the Relief Express. Think about it. The apex moment of relief is a state of real-time bliss, unlike anything else. I think about my own fear of flying. Sometimes I wonder if I white knuckle the whole flight just so I can experience the floaty effervescence of arriving safely. Nothing else matters in these moments.
OPINION
MONEY JUICE
By Megan Janssen
Remember a time your pet showed up after five days of being missing; your team won with a half-court lob; your doctor called with negative test results. When in this state, we’re relaxed, present, flexible, unflappable; the small things don’t matter and we have a great sense of humor. Isn’t this who we’re all ultimately striving to be?
When you have a stressful relationship with money, I argue that it’s a manufactured state built for some future moment when the pressure valve trips and the steam pours out. Aaaaaah … The more intense the stress, the greater the relief. But, like all addictions, we want more. So we get back on the hamster wheel knowing the next break will only be rewarding if we’ve punished ourselves accordingly.
Picture the difference between the two scenarios:
1) You’ve been tucking away money since you were a young adult and have watched it gradually grow. You’re supported and secure. It’s evenkeeled progress.
2) You haven’t been tucking away money and you’re relying on a big moment in the future like a promotion, a windfall, an inheritance or a wealthy partner. You’re building up pressure for a monumental high. What’s more, if you live a feast/famine lifestyle, you might be addicted to the more frequent moments of relief that punctuate tough months. I mean, no one can argue that it’s not exciting!
If this feels like you, let’s reframe. Repeat after me:
• I am a thrilling person, especially when I take care of myself financially.
• I can find relief anytime I want by simply envisioning a time I was tremendously relieved and replaying it in my mind.
• Worries are fictional narratives; I can tell myself a different story.
Just as we manufacture stress, we can manufacture sweet, sweet relief.
Take your addiction out of your relationship with money. You can be a junky in other parts of your life, but you simply must go through the repetitive, stable routine of growing your money, paying off your debt and being intimate with what’s coming in and what’s going out.
Too boring? Find small breaths of relief anytime you spend money or receive money. Did you get a parking ticket in downtown Aspen? Take a relaxing exhale for the fact that you can pay it and don’t have to volunteer 60 hours as a meter maid to take care of it. Imagine struggling with unemployment each time you get paid and bask in your income.
Now, starting with the muscles in your face, clench each and every muscle in your body from top to bottom until your whole body is tight and exhausted. Hold for 10 long seconds. Then, let go. Just as we manufacture stress, we can manufacture sweet, sweet relief.
Megan Janssen is the founder of Money Juice and a financial advisor with Forum Financial Management, LP. Learn more at money-juice.com The ideas and language written here are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views or opinions of Forum.
indie novels since his 2009 debut, published a relapse memoir, “Model Citizen,” in 2021. His work is by turns searing, filthy and even Vonnegut-funny and irreverent. He also excels as a teacher. Mohr aptly calls writing conferences “nerd church” for the devotion attendees have in discussing and contemplating
words. Sessions with him were uplifting and informative, full of valuable perspectives on facets of craft.
During meals and the open panels, all attendees showed an air of excitement and motivation, unlocking doors to better carry works forward. For aspiring writers, Aspen Summer Words
is more than worth the price of admission. (Even if, like me, you resort to crowdfunding to cover the tuition). The conference is joyful and restorative, a threshold into a foyer of the more formal writing world. Take it from someone who applied with only the faintest notion of getting in: It’s well worth the leap.
Thank you for celebrating and building community with us!
“Since becoming part of Sol del Valle’s advisory committee, I have witnessed the heart and effort of the entire team to move this project forward. For this, just three points: THANK YOU for being a reliable source of news and information; CONGRATULATIONS on your anniversary — your work is essential to keeping us informed and united; we RECOGNIZE your newspaper as a fundamental pillar of our community. Please keep moving forward ... in your commitment to the truth.”
- Gladys Arango-Marcon
“You are truly a blessing for our businesses. As entrepreneurs, we struggle a lot to promote events and deals aimed at increasing sales. However, it’s either pay for advertising, pay the electricity or an employee. Personally, I am very grateful to you, who have covered each of our events extraordinarily and how blessings come one way or another. May god bless you and give you many more years. Thank you.”
- La Michoacana de Rifle, Confetis Colorado and Koko Gifts and Flowers
“I’m very grateful to Sol del Valle. I’ve been publishing comic strips since 2022, able to develop the “Sincronías” series until 2024 and from there the new color strip, “Nuevo Mundo,” was born. Thank you for the support for my art. I’m very thankful to be able to grow and develop in this profession. Big hug, and here’s to many more years!”
- Leo Occhipinti
Sol del Valle continues celebrating its fourth anniversary with much pride and gratitude. The Sol del Valle team collected several testimonials from its readers speaking to the impact the Spanish-language newspaper has had on the Roaring Fork and Colorado River valleys’ Latino communities.
“Your voice has given us wings and solid ground. By sharing our story, you’ve given us credibility in the community and planted hope in the hearts of the families who walk with us. Thank you for being a bridge and a mirror. Thank you for believing in us. Happy anniversary, Sol del Valle. May you keep shining with the strength of the sunrise.”
- Pueblo Azul Colorado
“We want to wholeheartedly thank you for the opportunity you gave us by sharing our son Gerardo’s work and his project, “Gerardo’s Productions,” in your newspaper. For us, as a family, this has meant much more than a simple publication. It
has been an act of inclusion that opened a huge door for Gerardo, an autistic child with a very special talent.
“Every time he begins to create, he does so enthusiastically, drawing new characters and proudly saying he already has a “job.” He’s always thinking about making his characters likable to the newspaper’s readers, because for him, connecting with others through his drawings is his greatest joy.
“Thank you for showcasing his creativity and allowing him to share his world. This gesture has had a great impact on our family and has strengthened Gerardo’s confidence in himself. We are deeply grateful for this opportunity you have given him.”
- Gerardo and his family
Mundo”
If you were at the Fiesta de Sol del Valle celebrating this four-year milestone, tell us what moment stood out to you or share your favorite photos
Photo by Danny Feria
Share your works in progress with readers by emailing illustrations, creative writings and poetry to fiction@soprissun.com
Let It
Begin Here
Illustration by Larry Day
Comparte tus proyectos creativos aún en proceso con nuestros lectores. Puedes enviarnos un correo electrónico con tus ilustraciones, creaciones literarias y poesía a fiction@soprissun.com
SAVE THE DATE
Nieslanik Ave Pedestrian Crossing
Nieslanik Ave Pedestrian Crossing
ADVERTISEMENT FOR BIDS
ADVERTISEMENT FOR BIDS
Nieslanik Ave Pedestrian Crossing
Nieslanik Ave Pedestrian Crossing
Public Works Department Town of Carbondale 511 Colorado Ave Carbondale, CO 81623
Public Works Department Town of Carbondale 511 Colorado Ave Carbondale, CO 81623
Issue Date: 6/27/2025 | Closing Date: 7/24/2025 Non-Mandatory Pre-Bid Conference: 7/15/2025 @ 2 PM at Town Hall
Issue Date: 6/27/2025 | Closing Date: 7/24/2025
Non-Mandatory Pre-Bid Conference: 7/15/2025 @ 2 PM at Town Hall
Sealed bids for the construction of the Nieslanik Ave Pedestrian Crossing will be received from invited Bidders by the Town of Carbondale (“OWNER”) at Town Hall, 511 Colorado Ave, Carbondale, CO 81623, until 2:00 PM on July 24, 2025, at which time the Bids received will be publicly opened and read. The project consists of the construction of a concrete median island and two curb bulb outs in Hwy 133. The installation of four pedestrian activated rectangular rapid flashing beacons (RRFB) will also be included in the project.
Sealed bids for the construction of the Nieslanik Ave Pedestrian Crossing will be received from invited Bidders by the Town of Carbondale (“OWNER”) at Town Hall, 511 Colorado Ave, Carbondale, CO 81623, until 2:00 PM on July 24, 2025, at which time the Bids received will be publicly opened and read. The project consists of the construction of a concrete median island and two curb bulb outs in Hwy 133. The installation of four pedestrian activated rectangular rapid flashing beacons (RRFB) will also be included in the project.
Bids will be received for a single prime Contract. Bids shall be on a unit price basis as indicated in the Bid Form. In the Certificate of Insurance, the Contractor shall list both the Town of Carbondale and the Colorado Department of Transportation as additional insured. 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: Anthony Alfini | PE (970) 618-7073 | AnthonyA@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 $25 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.
Bids will be received for a single prime Contract. Bids shall be on a unit price basis as indicated in the Bid Form. In the Certificate of Insurance, the Contractor shall list both the Town of Carbondale and the Colorado Department of Transportation as additional insured. 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: Anthony Alfini | PE (970) 618-7073 | AnthonyA@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.
Bidders obtain printed Bidding in-person sets
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 $25 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 2:00 PM on July 15, 2025 at Town Hall. Attendance at the pre-bid conference is highly encouraged but is not mandatory.
pre-bid on Attendance conference
Documents shall be payable to Roaring Fork Office Documents. sets sets Office. PM with in the Instructions to Bidders.
A pre-bid conference will be held at 2:00 PM on July 15, 2025 at Town Hall. Attendance at the pre-bid conference is highly encouraged but is not mandatory.
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.
5% accordance with described in the Instructions to Bidders.
Public Works Department Town of Carbondale : Carbondale Hall, 511 Colorado Ave, Carbondale, CO 81623, and read. The the Bid Certificate Insurance, shall list both the Town of Carbondale and the hours copies the the Documents
Public Works Department Town of Carbondale : opened and read. The median island and two curb bulb outs in Hwy 133. The the Bid shall list both the Town of Carbondale and the Fork AnthonyA@rfeng.biz).
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.
Flying the flag in Marble on July 4.
Photo by Lynn “Jake” Burton
physics in these pages, everything from existentialism to Carl Jung to quantum physics to A Yaqui Way of Knowledge. It’s about five total strangers from an unspecified city who take a raft trip down an unspecified river with a mysterious and omniscient guide known only as Skip, a psychologist and a physicist. Their discussions and the relationships that develop are fascinating. There’s a surprise at the end I won’t spoil for you. “Secrets of the River” is available at White River Books.
Are you looking for a meaningful way to give back? Do you enjoy cooking and helping others during challenging times? If so, Path-
Pathfinders is a longstanding, local nonprofit that provides support to individuals and families facing grief, loss, cancer and other serious illnesses. One of the ways we help ease the emotional and physical burdens of these life-altering conditions is through the work of our dedicated volunteer team — the Pathfinders Angels — who deliver home-cooked meals and companionship to those in need.
Many of our clients are too ill to cook for themselves, and their caregivers are often overwhelmed. A nourishing meal can bring comfort, dignity and relief. More importantly, it reminds them they are not alone, and that their
We seek volunteers to join our Pathfinders Angels team by preparing and delivering meals. We have a place for you whether you can contribute weekly, monthly or occasionally.
If you’d like to help or want more information, please contact Debbie at debbiekreutzer@ comcast.net Your time and kindness can make a meaningful difference in someone’s life.
Pathfinders Angels
Myrna Fletchall has submitted her resignation from the Garfield County Public Library District Board of Trustees. A little history: Myrna was appointed by the Garfield Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) a little over a year ago after they rejected the library‘s choice of Hanna Arauza as the trustee to represent Rifle and after they co-opted the long-standing procedure whereby library trustees were selected by the existing library board. (Coincidentally, Hanna‘s husband, Stephen, was running to replace commissioner Mike Samson on the BOCC). The BOCC expressed a desire for more diversity of thought on the board, accusing the existing board of “group think“ rather than recognizing that the trustees are required to follow the law and library policies. (There is some irony here that this extremely Republican BOCC was complaining about a lack of diversity; also that Mr. Samson said the trustees needed “new blood” when he has been on the BOCC for over 16 years).
The BOCC has swallowed the snake oil being peddled by a small group of local malcontents and it is clear that their goal is to “stack“ the board with members who would do their bidding.
Since Myrna‘s appointment, the BOCC has refused to reappoint two highly qualified trustees and have appointed three new trustees, one of whom is outspokenly antiLGBTQ+, doesn’t believe children have First Amendment rights and believes that the government controls the weather.
Now, they will be appointing a replacement for Myrna as well as future vacancies as
they occur. It is incumbent upon us as citizens of Garfield County to speak out and let the BOCC know their actions in this matter are not acceptable. Our library is excellent and we need to defend it.
Carole O’Brien
New Castle
Rio Grande safety
One year ago, I was the victim of an e-bike versus bike crash on the Rio Grande Trail. The 300 pounds of force that hit me inflicted a deep puncture wound through my thigh and caused broken bones. I’m still recovering and am facing future surgeries.
I’m grateful to the good samaritan who spotted me in the grass from her car, offered help and called 911.
While the Rio Grande Trail (managed mainly by RFTA and Pitkin County) is a beautiful asset to our community, over the past four years the speeds and weights of mobility devices on the trail have greatly increased. The Trail’s brochure states that riders should ride single file and not exceed 20mph. E-bikes/bikes on sidewalks are a common local sight. A helmet is a critical line of protection and a cell phone in an accessible pocket is an asset if you or someone else is injured.
These crashes are avoidable and should not happen, but they do. If you’re involved in or come across an accident, call 911 and, if you’re comfortable doing so, administer help to any injured party. Take pictures of the scene and the parties involved. If you don’t do the right thing a witness may capture your picture and post it on social media for identification!
Colorado state law requires that information to be exchanged between injured parties.
Local officials need to allocate resources to protect cyclists by policing trail speeds, ensuring only Class 1 or 2 e-bikes are on trails and deploying police officers to the scene when 911 is summoned. At present, there is little data on these injuries – mostly anecdotes. I urge RFTA and Pitkin County Open Space and Trails to establish a self-report database. With data, I hope protection via policing, trail signage and education can move forward.
As I continue to recover, I thank Aspen Valley Hospital, Drs. Ruzbarsky and Sachar as well as the Howard Head rehab team for their excellent care.
Kathleen Brehm Basalt
Climate change?
At least 95 are dead from floods in Texas. Eighteen days ago: six dead in West Virginia. Twenty-one days ago: 13 dead in San Antonio. Right now, fires over 1,000 acres are in Alaska, Arizona, California, Florida, Washington, Wyoming, Montana, Utah, Nevada and New Mexico. Heat domes have been popping up with temperatures over 100 degrees. All of these extreme events are now attributed to climate change.
Should anything be done to lessen climate change? What? The big spending bill just passed in Congress. AI says:
“The new spending bill does not include provisions that support climate change initiatives; instead, it dismantles incentives for clean energy and boosts fossil fuel industries. This has raised concerns among climate advocates about its negative impact on efforts to address climate change.”
Patrick Hunter Carbondale
Main Street in Carbondale became a sea of red, white and blue last Friday, July 4, as kids, adults, dogs and donkeys walked, ran, danced or pedaled through town during the annual parade in celebration of Independence Day.
