The canopy flaps loudly in a gust, and in the background Mt. Sopris vanishes behind haze, while a slim young man in black — that’s what magicians wear — makes one coin, and another, and then another disappear.
Logan Seriani of Fruita, age 23, works at the Palisade Peaches fruit stand at the Roaring Fork Valley Coop on Highway 133. When he has time between customers, he practices magic tricks or studies a book from his many-shelf home collection. He might offer to show you his tricks; or you might have to ask.
As he told his brother, who
owns the stand, “It’s the only magical fruit stand in the Valley.”
The brother, Gene Harper of Palisade, owns the business and operates a stand in Glenwood (by Ace Hardware), and they attend the weekly Basalt Sunday Market.
Seriani loves to do live performances (free) when the stand isn’t busy. Coin tricks are a specialty, and he performs with cards and rubber bands as well.
He can also juggle — say, apricots.
You just have to catch Seriani when he is there, and wait for a lull.
He starts with cards: has you mark one and puts it, or what sure looks like it, in the deck, and then snaps his fingers — and, as he says, “It hops to the top.” That is why this trick is called the Ambitious Card.
“It’s ambitious because it keeps hopping to the top.”
A customer comes, and he pauses the demo. She chooses her peaches and apricots, and drops a dollar in the tip bag. He thanks her.
She says, “I love you guys being here.”
Local peaches at this time of
THE
FRUIT stand
year are heaven. The stand workers — there are five in total — hand out samples all day of apricots, plums and cherries as well. Next to the Coop stand is a box-laden Chevy truck named Rusty, which is pushing 300,000 miles.
“You’re going to love that hot sauce,” Seriani tells a customer as she chooses a bottle from a neat row alongside jars of jams and honey. To another person, he says, “Those peaches are from my brother’s orchard.” That brother is James Sanders, owner of the Palisade Peach Shack.
A customer says she is having 30 people for dinner. Peaches are $40 a flat, he informs her, “a better price” that way than buying large numbers in bags. (Prices drop each summer, as quantity increases.)
Between sales, Seriani buries coins in his fists and pulls them out of his ear or from behind his arm or knee. He turns four $1 bills into $20s. “Money comes, and money goes,” he says, part of the patter — and now they’re back to being $1s. He changes a $2 into two $1s
and back. Three coins turn into two and back to one, and the Four Coins trick follows.
Coins “teleport,” jumping from one hand to another. Sometimes he refers to doing “a vanish.”
A smiling fellow in flip-flops steps from a car with California plates. Sure, the customer says, he’d like to see a magic trick or two, but doesn’t have much time. “My wife’s in the car,” he explains. He watches several coin tricks, blinks, laughs. Glancing toward the waiting car, he asks for one more.
“You’re very good,” he says, leaving with a fist bump.
Seriani, who ran cross-country (“I loved it”) and played baseball at Fruita Monument High School, has been doing magic since he was 12, taking it seriously the last three years. Coin magic is considered difficult, requiring patience as well as dexterity to learn, and some people avoid it.
“Coin magic is objectively hard,” say a leading expert, Rick Holcombe, on www.vanishingincmagic.com “I think we can agree, but it’s really just
the learning curve. It’s a steeper learning curve in the beginning.”
A Reddit poster identified as pgadey writes on www.reddit.com: “Coin magic is super-duper hard. I’ve been at it for about two years, and everything still looks bad.
“Hopefully, in a couple more years it’ll start to look reasonable.”
Seriani performs perhaps eight times a day. “It’s the only way you can get better,” he says. He has no website yet, nor business cards, intending to create those after his wedding at the end of August.
“The most magical thing in my life is my soon-to-be-wife, Emily [Morrison],” he says.
He is usually at the Coop stand Thursday through Saturday, and goes to the Basalt Sunday Market, but you won’t get a show at that location. “No time there for magic!” Seriani is self-taught, although he talks to pros online.
“I don’t like to present myself as doing real magic,” he adds, lowering his eyes shyly. “It’s sleight of hand. The real magic is making someone’s day better.”
Logan Seriani displays coins and cards for tricks at the Palisade Peaches stand at the Roaring Fork Valley Coop. Photo by Alison Osius
You can’t get there from here
How long does it take to get to Marble? Gus Darien told me that when he was a young man he could hop on the train to Carbondale. The train stopped at his Marble ranch to take on water or maybe coal from Camp Genter Mine and cabbages and raspberries from Clotan Moore’s place above Lily Lake.
The ranch address was 2804 Marble Star Route, connotating it was 28 miles from the Carbondale Post Office. The train could make the journey to town in just a few hours. The unpaved, rough and rocky auto road required an entire exhausting day to make the trip in the 1950s. After doing his errands, Gus could catch the train back home in relative luxury. Today, the drive takes 40 minutes.
The Crystal Valley developed later than surrounding valleys on the Western Slope. Access that we all take for granted now was a topographical no man’s land just several generations ago. The earliest mining camps in the upper Crystal Valley were accessed from the Gunnison country to the south. With its broad valleys and accessible passes, the Gunnison Valley developed earlier. That is, once the “troublesome” Ute Indians were forcibly removed in 1880, after years of promises and deceit.
group of 12 people tumbled off the road in their brand new pickup truck. Nine people died.
OPINION
Surefooted mule trains were the mode of transporting food, tools, fuel and ore. Winters were long(er) and cold and avalanche hazards forced residents into hibernation, rationing their supplies between daring deliveries. Wild and wooly as it was, this was the route to the Upper Crystal Valley. Legendary mailman Al Johnson from Crested Butte braved the Schofield Canyon, when the odds favored him. Al’s modus operandi, “Colorado snowshoes” (10 to 12-feet wooden skis), would challenge any of today’s mountaineers. Al Johnson’s daring earned him the respect, and silver, of many a man.
The descent from Crystal to Marble made travel less frequent, but that did not stop Crystalians from coming down to battle their sister city on the baseball diamond.
CVEPA VIEWS
By John Armstrong
That was the year Gunnison and Crested Butte were founded — Crystal City a year later. Of course, the Native Americans had their local perennial routes, as documented by the Hayden Survey Party as early as 1874, but their needs and motives differed greatly from European man.
Some of our earliest history recounts the journey of the entrepreneur D.R.C. Brown (the predecessor of the D.R.C. Brown who founded the Aspen Skiing Company). Brown and his wife pioneered a wagon full of merchandise down Express Creek from the Gunnison Valley via Taylor Pass. Their destination: Ashcroft. Aspen was secondary to Ashcroft, being isolated by Independence Pass until the richest of silver strikes was found. At one point, Brown detached his horse team and belayed his wagon down a cliff band with ropes. His efforts rewarded him as he became one of the earliest Aspen successes.
Crested Butte and Gothic were Gunnison steppingstones to the Schofield and Elko townships in the highest reaches of our watershed. Seeking more mineral opportunities, ambitious miners worked their way down to remote Crystal City. The trail to Crystal was etched through the steep rocky bastion of Schofield Pass and the Devil’s Punchbowl with its perennial snowbridge. The Punchbowl is legendary for its treacherous trail. In July 1970, the Punchbowl was the site of Colorado’s most deadly off-road accident when a family
LETTERS
Re: GarCo Report
It is easy for folks to criticize elected officials as they conduct the business of local government, but it is uncommon that we recognize our local leaders for doing the right thing.
Therefore, I am writing to thank the Garfield County Commissioners for working to protect the Shoshone water rights by urging the Department of the Interior to finalize its $40 million funding in support of the Colorado River District’s planned purchase. These senior Colorado River rights are vital to Western Slope agriculture, recreation, wildlife and our future. Front Range interests are eager to get this water for continued growth and expansion. The loss of the Shoshone water right would be disastrous to Western Colorado.
Also, thank you for opposing Utah Congressman Mike Lee’s absurd proposal in the federal budget bill to liquidate our public lands. Public spaces in the West are part of our heritage, vital for recreation, wildlife, open space, natural resources and have countless other benefits. You commissioners were joined by many other elected officials, outdoor organizations and the public, all of whom expressed their solid support to keep public lands in public hands. It is likely we will see future attempts to seize our public lands, so a unified voice from the residents and elected officials
Why not come up the Crystal River as we do today? Even getting to Carbondale was very difficult back then. Of course Independence Pass was formidable, but Snowmass Canyon, before the Department of Transportation blasted it into submission, inhibited transportation. Then, let’s try traveling through the Glenwood Canyon with its ancient strata and walls dropping into the whitewater river. Vertical by nature and fraught with rock slides, the canyon was impassable late into the 19th century. If you could get to the Crystal Valley you’d be hard pressed to pass Hell Gate Cliffs at Penny Hot Springs. This geological choke forbade travel for a millennium and isolated Redstone from the north. Now, much of that obstruction lay as the foundation of South Highway 133. Hays Creek and Placita canyons isolated Redstone equally from the south. Larry Meredith’s book, “This Cursed Valley,” offers a colorful palette for the reader to explore our not so ancient valley pathways. Four generations ago, our ancestors were on horseback looking for the route to a better life, greener pastures and economic opportunity. Blasting, digging and hydraulically manipulating our environment, man has changed our environment in ways we cannot imagine. Many locales, scarred and raw 75 years ago, have regrown to become pleasant trails today. Other places that have lacked moisture and organic materials remain damaged. Seeking progress or profit, it is an age-old challenge to find the balance between growth and preserving the natural environment that has sustained us these many years.
CVEPA Views is a regular column from the Crystal Valley Environmental Protection Association (CVEPA). To learn more, visit www.cvepa.org or visit its Facebook page.
to keep these assets in public hands is an important message to any ill-advised elected official to keep their hands off.
Davis Farrar Carbondale
Unprecedented
In the span of a single week, KDNK Community Radio has gone from experiencing one of our greatest highs, celebrating the 100th birthday of our Art Ackerman, the world’s oldest DJ, to the devastating low of losing all of the station’s federal funding. This amounts to a $174,000 shortfall, or 27% of KDNK’s annual budget. This is a funding challenge unlike any other in the station’s 42-year history.
KDNK has long been a model of the best of what community radio can be. With 98 regular DJs and program hosts free of station restrictions on their content and self-expression, award-winning local reporting, 22 volunteer public affairs shows, a powerhouse youth radio partnership with the Andy Zanca Youth Empowerment Program, a remarkable culture of music discovery, a strong commitment to emergency preparedness and regional resilience, and an authentic local spirit that springs from a cross-section of our community, we know that KDNK holds a special place in the hearts of so many. That is why, now, in our
hour of need, we turn to you.
If you believe in a free and truthful press, a place for art and expression outside the confines of commercialism, a right to information and emergency alerts for residents of our remote areas, and a democratic institution truly by and for the people, now is your moment. Please visit www.KDNK.org or call 970-963-0139 to make a donation and find out the different ways that you can stand with KDNK.
With solidarity and profound gratitude,
The KDNK Staff and Board of Directors
In retrospect…
History will not look back kindly on these years, when the richest and most powerful country turned its back on civility, science and honesty, and embraced cruelty and greed. I am dismayed at how quickly Trump has dismantled everything great about our country, but I’m even more appalled that he has done it with the blessing of Republicans and about 40% of the public. Anyone not seeing the parallels between Nazi Germany and the Trump regime is not looking. The same tactics of sowing fear and always having someone else to blame while destroying education and democratic institutions lies at the heart of both regimes.
Editor Raleigh Burleigh 970-510-3003
news@soprissun.com
Contributing Editor
James Steindler
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
SCUTTLEBUTT
Homelessness
The City of Glenwood Springs will host a virtual town hall on homelessness this Thursday, July 24 from 6 to 7pm. Officials will share information and take questions about encampments, fire concerns, intervention efforts, law enforcement and resources. Community members are invited to learn more and submit questions ahead of time at www.gwsco.info/homelessness
Mounted patrol
The Garfield County Sheriff’s Office announced Monday, July 21 they will be reinstating a “mounted patrol unit” with deputies on horseback. Advantages cited include: enhanced visibility (seeing over crowds and obstructions), crowd control, maneuverability in difficult terrain, community engagement and public relations. Rather than ask the Commissioners for a budget increase, the Sheriff’s Office is attempting to raise funds through donations (givebutter.com/MPU) which will be matched by Alpine Bank.
Two Rivers Connect
Members of the “Rainbow Family” were spotted outside the Third Street Center on July 21 offering coffee, tea and soup to strangers. These travelers are preparing for Lughnasadh, a regional, non-commercial Rainbow Gathering, in a nearby forest in early August. Stay apprised by joining the “Colorado Rainbow Regional August 2025” public Facebook group, or look for some guys called Silver Fox, Mustard and Blue at Mountain Fair. Photo by Raleigh Burleigh OUR UNDERWRITERS AND
The new Two Rivers Connect platform invites commuters, employers and visitors throughout the Colorado River and Roaring Fork valleys to explore and adopt new ways of getting around. By downloading the app and logging trips, you can earn prizes like e-bikes, lift tickets and gift cards. This year-round initiative intends to help organize carpools and more. Find details at www.cleanenergyeconomy.net/tworiversconnect or @tworiversconnect on Instagram.
Public radio funding
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
On Friday, July 18, Congress voted to rescind $1.1 billion in previously approved funding for public media. This decision will deeply affect local radio stations including KDNK, Aspen Public Radio and Colorado Public Radio. As KDNK informed its supporters on Monday, the elimination of federal funding cuts $174,000 from that station’s annual budget. Aspen Public Radio will lose approximately $210,000. Both were anticipating federally allocated but not yet distributed funds in 2025 and now rely on increased community support to bridge the gap.
Conservation watch
“The budget reconciliation bill that President Trump just signed into law, alongside aggressive deregulatory actions affecting our bedrock environmental laws, are a coordinated effort to cut the public out of public land management decisions,” conservation advocacy nonprofit Wilderness Workshop told supporters in a July 22 newsletter. They describe how the “One Big Beautiful Bill” includes provisions that reduce or eliminate public participation, stripping the Bureau of Land Management’s authority to remove oil and gas parcels from lease sales, for example. Find an online action hub at www.bit.ly/WWactions
High Lonesome 100
Carbondale’s Jeff Colt (34) earned first place competing in the High Lonesome 100 race this past weekend with a finish time of 18 hours, 52 minutes — over an hour ahead of second place. The High Lonesome 100 is a 100-mile endurance race in the Sawatch Range crossing five mountain passes with a total of 23,500 feet of vertical gain (all by foot). Colt beat the previous course record by 50 minutes and told The Sopris Sun: “We are more capable than we think we are, and for me that’s all about the we — my support system and my community based in Carbondale, showing up for me and helping me reach my goals.”
Giving Network grants
Aspen Community Foundation’s Giving Network recently awarded $675,000 to 18 local nonprofits supporting mental health, basic needs and children and families. The Giving Network pools philanthropist funds to allocate large grants for meaningful impact. Learn more at www.giving-network.org
Basalt infrastructure
The Town of Basalt received a $573,200 grant from the Colorado Department of Transportation for a project improving pedestrian safety along a .2-mile stretch of Two Rivers Road adjacent to the middle and elementary schools. ADA accessible sidewalks, bike lanes, flashing signals and enhanced lighting are among the planned improvements. Design ideas originated with a local Girl Scout troop doing a volunteer project, which the Town expanded upon with temporary changes highlighting new possibilities.
Wolf conflict manager
Following the Colorado Parks (CPW) and Wildlife Commission meeting on July 17, the agency announced that to further efforts to mitigate and minimize livestock depredation, it plans to hire a wolf damage and conflict minimization manager in the near future. The statewide leadership position will oversee both CPW’s Wolf Damage Program and its Wolf Conflict Minimization Program.
They say it’s your birthday!
Folks celebrating another trip around the sun this week include: Michael Banks, Mark Von Hagke, Adele Hause, Greg Jeung, John Masters and John Steuben (July 24); Adrienne Ackerman, Robert Moore and Frank Norwood (July 25); Meredith Ogilby, Alison Osius, Fran Page and Jesse Steindler (July 26); Franz Alderfer and Vince Savage (July 27); Tom Baker, Lisa Lindon and Brent Moss (July 28); Owen O’Farrell, A.O. Forbes, Randi Garcia, Sarah Kemme, Liz Phillips, Jake Spaulding, Greg Tonozzi and Jess Worley (July 29).
Eagle Mushroom and Wild Food Festival will enrich funga community
KATE PHILLIPS
Sopris Sun Correspondent
On Aug. 8-10, mushroom enthusiasts from around the country will gather to celebrate the world of mycology at the 16th annual Eagle Mushroom and Wild Food Festival (EMWF). Happening at the Brush Creek Pavilion in Eagle, the immersive experience will include hands-on workshops, keynote presentations, expert guided forays, live music by Sweet Jessup & The Dirty Buckets and more — all to intertwine the wonders of nature with the sanctity of community.
This year, Carbondalian Hamilton Pevec has been named the festival’s new executive director and president. Pevec, who has been involved with the Beyul and Telluride mushroom festivals, is introducing the theme of “Renewal and Stewardship” to elevate EMWF.
“I’m trying to renew this event and give it some fire,” said Pevec, who is also the president of the Western Colorado Mycological Association. “Because of the current political climate and the dismantling of our public servants and services, it’s up to us to become more responsible in our stewardship of public lands. Foragers, conservations, anglers and anyone interested in wild food has a vested interest in stepping up their stewardship and protecting our natural forests.”
With this intention, the festival’s offerings will orient around academic and culinary experiences. Notably, a lecture series including esteemed mycologists Britt A. Bunyard, Gabrielle Cerberville and Pevec will top the weekend’s schedule. Bunyard is a scientific author who founded FUNGI Magazine and serves as its editor. Cerberville, a multidimensional mycologist, is currently pursuing her Ph.D. at the University of Virginia in music composition and computer technologies. She is also the creator of @chaoticforager where she shares edible plant and funga wisdom with millions of viewers.
While Pevec will provide insight on medicinal mushrooms, Cerberville, who focuses on mycophagy (consuming mushrooms), will speak about mushroom cooking and preservation, including fermentation and canning.
“There are so many really cool ways to cook and preserve mushrooms beyond freezing and drying,” said Cerberville. “Food is a wonderful way to be creative. One of my professors at Butler University, Frank Felice, was an Italian chef and really convinced me that cooking is like composing because you have to think about how the dish is going to unfold.”
Cerberville, who is launching her book “Gathered: On Foraging, Feasting, and the Seasonal Life” in October, will also be one of many expert guides for the festival’s permitted forays through National Forest land. Following the forays, the Fungal Diversity Survey will be at the Mushroom ID tent where attendees can bring their specimens and upload them to the iNaturalist app, a global database for flora, fauna and funga.
“We’re going to document maybe 200 or 300 species, and maybe one or two of those are previously undescribed,” said Pevec. “Everytime you go on a mushroom hunt, the possibility of making a new discovery or making a contribution to science is a real thing.”
Continuing with the academic intention, respected mycologist Michael Heim will lead an introductory cultivation workshop. Aspiring cultivators will obtain practical guidance on growing gourmet and medicinal mushrooms at home or on a small scale.
The joy of dining on wild food will take center stage as an eclectic array of culinary events will provide meaningful nourishment throughout the weekend. For the experiential, Chef Michael Connolly will lead a wild food cooking and tasting workshop; while foodies can delight in a family-friendly pizza party and/or an exquisite four course, wine pairing dinner for adults by Chef Kevin Nelson of Wild Sage. The menu, specifically curated for EMWF, will showcase locally foraged and cultivated mushrooms.
As a filmmaker, Pevec is thrilled to host EMWF’s first annual Funga Film Festival. Dedicated to the work of Giuliana Furci, foundress and executive director of the Fungi Foundation (the world’s first non-governmental organization dedicated to fungal conservation), Pevec hand-selected films that will
honor and platform the fungal scientists and storytellers.
Pevec said EMWF is meant to be a deeply immersive gathering. As a result, the schedule does not have any overlapping events and ticket prices (including an all-inclusive VIP package, a $50 general admission and à la carte options) will reflect options for everyone. Meg Kendell, EMWF’s foray master and vice president, emphasized that she hopes the festival will create an authentic and enriching experience for everyone, regardless of their mycological background.
“It’s important for people with zero experience to know that anyone can walk in and learn mushrooms,” said Kendell. “We
continued on page 15
Brothers Hamilton (right) and Lucien (left) Pevec are thrilled to share the wonders and deep wisdom of the mycological world with their community. Photo credit: @shannonchristinephoto
Mountain Fair
is for everyone
JAMES STEINDLER
Contributing Editor
Carbondale is in the midst of transforming itself, yet again, for the 54th Annual Mountain Fair — three days of music, food, good vibes and community. “Bailamos,” or “Let’s Dance,” is this year’s theme, inspired by David Bowie, of course, but also meant to incite a sense of unity.
“This year just feels complicated and messy — heavy for some and scary for others,” said Deborah Colley, Mountain Fair’s chief of operations, “and we really just wanted to have an unapologetic, inclusive invitation.”
The opening blessing by Gabriela Mejia, 3:50pm on Friday at the Gazebo, will be bilingual and followed by the “Rhythm of the Heart Community Drum Circle” hosted by Mother of the Fair Laurie Loeb.
The Mountain Fair supervising team continues to turn to its predecessors for guidance. Loeb is known to drop by the Carbondale Arts office to offer sage advice from time to time, and Mountain Fair royalty, Queen Amy Kimberly and King Mark Taylor, remain on speed dial.
While much has stayed the same and honors tradition, other aspects of the fair continue to evolve.
Oasis Block Party
With the onset of construction of the new pool and the Forest Service building last year, the Oasis space, traditionally meant for youngsters and their families, moved from the north end of Sopris Park to Main Street, spanning from Weant Boulevard to 4th Street. With construction still in progress, the Oasis will trace the same path as last year, but with a few significant upgrades.
Colley described it as a “bolstered Oasis,” inspired by fairgoer feedback last year. For one, a grass space will be included within the Oasis this year, thanks to the owner of the lot between 6th Street and the Dinkel Building, often referred to, unofficially, as “Christmas Tree Park.” For the weekend, that grassy space will be known as “Future
Town,” where the Carbondale Community School Carnival along with activities offered by nonprofit partners, such as The Meeting Place, Thompson School House, Thunder River Theatre Company, the Waldorf School and Dance Initiative, will take place.
The northeast entrance/exit to Sopris Park will lead down Weant through a collection of additional art vendors and to the Oasis Activity Lounge on Main, which will be shaded by a 20 by 40-foot tent with soft surfaces and lounging areas.
Whereas last year it was coined the Oasis Family Block Party, Michael Stout, Carbondale Arts’ community engagement director and the Oasis supervisor, stated that for this iteration it will be known simply as the Oasis Block Party — a space for everyone. It will be a section where people can continue to enjoy the fair vibes, but in a more sensory-friendly setting.
It’s fitting that Stout, as a parent, is taking on the management of this extension. “My first memory of Mountain Fair was bringing my newborn son and figuring out how to be in that space as a parent,” he shared. Six years later, he’s still attending with his son. “Those are some of my fondest [fair] memories — connecting with him.”
This year just feels complicated and messy — heavy for some and scary for others — and we really just wanted to have an unapologetic, inclusive invitation.
- Mountain Fair Chief of Operations Deborah Colley
The idea is to also include the Creative District, from retail stores to restaurants, on that end of the fair and beyond. Therefore, Carbondale Arts worked with the chamber to create signage directing folks to various businesses within the Creative District to help spread the love and give people more breathing room.
For the daily dress code, a schedule of events and the musical lineups at both the Gazebo main stage and the Oasis Music Tent, check out the Mountain Fair program or go to www.carbondalearts.com/mountain-fair
It’ll still be family friendly, of course. Kids can ping-pong off the walls of the bouncy house and then the family can stroll down the block together toward 4th and Main to listen to live tunes at the new Oasis Music Tent and enjoy food vendor options and local beer from Mountain Heart or bubbly wine from Bom Dia within a permitted perimeter.
“In addition to those things that had been in the traditional space, we’re adding more live music, a beer garden and some food trucks,” Stout said of the revamped Oasis. “At one end of Main Street is music, a beer garden, food and at the other end is activities and vendors.”
“We’re trying to listen to the community and evolve what this space looks like, because in our planning and visioning this isn’t going away,” explained Stout. “It’s going to continue to grow and evolve and hopefully get better and better.”
ADA parking is available at the lot east of Thunder River Theatre and the lot south of Main Street across from Bonfire Coffee. Additionally, Carbondale’s Downtowner will have a drop off and pick up location at the Euclid Avenue entrance to Sopris Park.
And while Thursday before the fair is the last chance to register to volunteer online, people can still go to the volunteer booth to sign up in person. “It’s volunteerism that’s held the fair together for 54 years,” Colley concluded.
Remember to drink lots of water, make good choices and have fun. Bailamos!
Photo by Sarah Overbeck
Photo by Mark Burrows
Photo by Sam Sheppard Photography
Hiring freeze, horse poop, MLK Jr. Day, unfunded mandates and more
AMY HADDEN MARSH
Sopris Sun Correspondent
Public comment in the afternoon of Monday’s Garfield County Commissioner (BOCC) meeting included West Glenwood Springs resident Jamie Darien with complaints about an unnamed neighbor who is apparently collecting fire hazards in his backyard. Darien said there is brush, dry grass, palettes and 30 to 40 hot tub covers that have also attracted mice and skunks. She said that she has contacted the county building inspector and the board of health. Neighbors have suggested organizing a petition. People have been knocking on her door, asking what she’s going to do about the neighbor. She and her husband have also considered moving.
Commission Chair Tom Jankovsky said that private property rights can be difficult. Darien added that this is not just about one person, that the neighborhood is concerned about safety. “When do our rights come in?” she asked.
During the morning session, state Representative Elizabeth Velasco was scheduled to give a legislative update but failed to attend.
The BOCC unanimously approved a letter to Governor Jared Polis, state Senate leader James Coleman and Speaker of the
House Julie McCluskie about the number of unfunded mandates coming from the state. According to the letter, spearheaded by Mesa County, unfunded mandates are “issued without the financial support required to implement them, place an unsustainable burden on local governments and the citizens we serve and [undermine] both the fiscal responsibility and the principle of local control.” The letter requests open dialogue about solutions, funding mechanisms or revisions to state compliance laws.
Jankovsky pointed to two such mandates affecting the county. “The Department of Human Services had a number of legislative updates that required more staff time,” he said. “The Department of Health had an increase in what we’re going to be charging for licensing for food and beverage establishments.” He asked County Attorney Heather Beattie if they could start calling out the state on this and not accept mandates because they’re not funded. Beattie said there is not much case law on the issue, citing a recent case involving Arapahoe County elections.
“As always in the legal field, it’s a caseby-case analysis. It really depends on the specific unfunded mandate,” she explained. “So what would happen is if the
county refuses and says, ‘Nope, we’re not doing it,’ then we wait for the lawsuit.”
The BOCC also approved a hiring freeze for county administrative staff due to a $9 million property tax shortfall. They listened to a review of the county employee compensation package for 2026, including health insurance options and salary ranges. They approved the addition of Friday, Jan. 2, 2026 and Monday, Jan. 19, Martin Luther King Jr Day, as observed county holidays. This will be the first year the county has officially honored MLK Jr Day.
Commissioners heard from the Department of Human Services, Valley Meals, High Country Volunteers and the Advocate Safehouse Project (ASP). ASP Executive Director Betty Lucas said that community needs are “significantly bigger.” Domestic violence survivor numbers increased by 17% in 2024. ASP provided more than 1,300 emergency housing nights to Garfield
County clients, about a third of which were covered by a $33,000 county grant. ASP’s Housing First Program saw a 48% decrease in 2024 due to federal funding cuts.
Sharon Longhurst-Pritt, the county’s human services director, reported that EFT/ EBT disbursements came to $1,259,321.29 for June. According to the state Department of Health Care and Financing report, included in Longhurst-Pritt’s presentation, 1,223,788 Colorado residents were enrolled in Medicaid at the end of April, including more than 12,200 in Garfield County.
High Country Volunteers (HCV) Director Mary Moon reported that the 52-year-old organization now has 220 volunteers and works with over 100 nonprofits. But uncertain federal funding for Americorp has crimped what HCV can do. “Trump wants to eliminate Americorps,” she said. “If we lose this grant, High
continued on page 15
New lodging approved for Main Street
RALEIGH BURLEIGH
Sopris Sun Editor
The Carbondale Board of Trustees tackled a light agenda ahead of Mountain Fair weekend and the next town manager, Ryan Hyland, arriving in early August. All trustees were present minus Christina Montemayor. The unanimously approved consent agenda included accounts payable and tree board member applications from Vanessa Harmony and Leslie Kuhn. There were no public comments.
During general trustee remarks, there was a discussion around the State of Colorado Energy Office’s Local IMPACT Accelerator grant opportunity providing local governments with $200,000 for policy adoption and $1.8 million for implementation. The first round of applications closes Aug. 1. A second round for applications will open Oct. 1 and close Nov. 17.
Trustee Jess Robison suggested the implementation funding could offset the $1.3 million cost of replacing the Town’s water metering infrastructure, a project approved in late May.
Trustee
Colin Laird thought researching policy changes around affordable housing and particularly accessory dwelling units would be a good match for the policy adoption funds.
Our role at this level is not to review and weigh in on every single project and what we think about it personally, which is totally unpredictable for a developer.
- Mayor Ben Bohmfalk
Mayor Ben Bohmfalk expressed reticence to ask staff to compile an application so hastily. He thought it better to prepare something for the
BASALT REPORT
next round. Trustee Ross Kribbs felt differently, concerned “we’re leaving something on the table” and speculating more municipalities may similarly apply in the second round. Public Works Director Kevin Schorzman, serving as interim town manager, encouraged the trustees to wait.
“I’m not hearing enough staff support and board support to move quickly,” said Bohmfalk. “We may come back and say, ‘We missed an opportunity and they gave all the money away.’ That’s a risk we’re taking.”
Next, Schorzman updated the trustees about the Town following Garfield County into Stage 2 fire restrictions. Schorzman also announced that a grant from the Colorado Department of Local Affairs (DOLA) toward predevelopment work at the Town Center site is set to expire at the end of this month, and DOLA doesn’t intend to extend it. The
grant already reimbursed $108,000 in costs, Schorzman said, and could have offset another $92,000, but hasn’t been tapped since 2023.
“I don’t see it as necessarily devastating news because it doesn’t seem like that project is moving all that quickly right now,” Schorzman said. “And if we get to a point where it is, we can reapply.”
Action items included an agreement with the Roaring Fork School District (RFSD) to partner with the police department to provide a school resource officer. A memo stated that RFSD will cover $61,250 of the officer’s salary this year and that RFSD “has been incrementally working toward covering 75% of [the salary cost].” According to the contract, RFSD’s contribution will drop to $50,000 this year
Town keeps an eye out for fires and lions
WILL BUZZERD
Sopris Sun Correspondent
Last Wednesday, the Basalt Police Department responded to reports of a wildfire caused by a lightning strike located above Pinion Drive. Roaring Fork Fire Rescue personnel hiked into the area and successfully controlled the spread.
While Basalt PD was notified of the fire by multiple 911 calls, responders were also notified by its Pano AI system, which uses a network of cameras throughout the Valley constantly watching for smoke. Two cameras from the Pano system detected the fire simultaneously and enabled responders to triangulate the location of the fire and arrive on the scene quickly.
As of June 27, Stage 1 fire restrictions remain in effect in Eagle and Pitkin County. Because of a ruling by Colorado Parks and Wildlife, the Basalt Shooting Range remains open. Closure of the range will be evaluated should Stage 2 fire restrictions come into effect.
School crosswalk
On July 15, the Town of Basalt announced that it received a $573,200 grant from the Colorado Department of Transportation to reimagine the 0.2-mile stretch of Two Rivers Road adjacent to the Basalt middle and elementary schools.
The area, which includes the intersection
of Cottonwood Drive and Two Rivers Road, is heavily trafficked by schoolchildren traveling by bike and foot. Improvements to the area include upgraded ADA accessible sidewalks, bicycle lanes, signage, flashing signals, enhanced crosswalks and improved drainage.
“The improvements that the Town of Basalt will make in this area are significant for the community and for the safety of our children,” said Town Engineer Catherine Christoff.
The design originated from a collaborative volunteer project between the Design Workshop and local Girl Scouts. The scouts envisioned an area both safer for pedestrians and more fun and colorful. This collaboration inspired the rainbow crosswalks which currently line the intersection that’ll be redeveloped.
In other news…
During this week’s regular meeting, Interim Manager Doug Pattison notified the public that a juvenile mountain lion has been sighted repeatedly in Basalt. The Town has also received reports of two missing housecats and advises general precautions for pet owners. Pattison stated that it is possible the mountain lion may be sick. The Town has contacted Colorado Parks and Wildlife for further guidance.
Council unanimously approved a water
use agreement with the Colorado Water Conservation Board (CWCB) to donate excess water for instream flow uses in the Fryingpan River. This agreement comes off the heels of a presentation by CWCB to the Town Council on July 8.
During the presentation, CWCB identified that low instream flow in the wintertime results in anchor ice formation on the Fryingpan River. Anchor ice forms along the riverbed of turbulent waterways, and particularly damages the habitat of aquatic macroinvertebrates. These invertebrates — such as caddisflies — are not only important for the health of the river overall,
Tbut also make up much of the diet of the trout for which the Fryingpan is famous. Increasing instream flows from Ruedi Reservoir in the wintertime will mitigate the formation of anchor ice by increasing the barrier between the cold air and the riverbed.
In its resolution, Council agreed to lease the excess portion of its water rights to CWCB.
“I’m pleased to see this,” said Mayor David Knight. “I hope other municipalities who have storage water up there are able to look at their own dependencies, and we can find ways to all contribute.”
The Basalt Police Department and Roaring Fork Fire Rescue sprung into action on Wednesday, July 18 to control a fire caused by a lightning strike above Pinion Drive. The fire, which burned a section of shrubbery along a section of Basalt Mountain previously burned by the Lake Christine Fire, was located with the assistance of a system of AI-connected cameras.
Courtesy photo
An 11-unit, two-building lodging complex is coming to 888 Main Street. Courtesy graphic
E-bikes, holiday bus capacity and Transportation Coalition dominate July meeting
ANNALISE GRUETER
Sopris Sun Correspondent
This month’s online meeting started quickly with approval of the June minutes. During public comment, community member Kathleen Brehm spoke up about her injuries and experience stemming from a collision with an e-biker. She requested the Roaring Fork Transportation Authority (RFTA) and Pitkin County establish a self-report database for accidents and mechanisms for enforcement around speeding and the types of e-bikes used on local trail systems. Brehm stated that she is disappointed there are subsidies for e-bikes given the danger they pose. Board Chair Greg Poschman thanked Brehm for sharing her comments.
Vice Chair Alyssa Schenk shared that on July 4, it took her almost two hours to get to Aspen from Snowmass Village on RFTA buses due to how full they were. She noted that while she was glad people were using the buses, the experience highlighted that the capacity for major holidays was inadequate.
Aspen Mayor Rachel Richards, also a RFTA board member, thanked CEO Kurt Ravenschlag for his participation in the Transportation Coalition for the 21st Century. Richards expressed her appreciation for having a “true transportation expert in the room” and suggested that RFTA put together a short report on what the towns and organizations in the Valley are already doing regarding transportation.
Richards also shared that the City of Aspen is officially requesting a reevaluation of the preferred alternative for the entrance to Aspen, but that the team is cautious due to changes in the Federal Transit Administration.
Poschman seconded Richards’ comments about the coalition meetings and agreed that Ravenschlag’s presence was highly valuable. Basalt Mayor David Knight updated the board that moving forward, Ryan Slack and Dieter Schindler will be representing Basalt.
Schenk, also the mayor of Snowmass Village, referred back
to Brehm’s public comment and asked if there would be time designated to discussing safety measures on the Rio Grande Trail, specifically regarding e-bikes. Ravenschlag highlighted that anytime public comment concerns are raised, the board addresses those during the following board meeting and will do so in this case during the August meeting. He stated that conflicts and risks around e-bikes are issues that RFTA seeks to address.
The Board quickly consented to four resolutions on the agenda. These included two authorizations for grant applications: one to the Colorado Department of Transportation and the other to the Federal Transit Administration. There was a brief conversation about the status of federal grants in general. Ravenschlag shared that so far indications are that federal grant programs continue to function.
The third item was to accept the RFTA 2024 audited financial report based on the agenda supplement prepared by RFTA Finance Director Paul Hamilton and Administrative Officer Michael Yang.
The fourth resolution authorized amending the deed of the
interim trail easement for the RFTA corridor of the Rio Grande Trail within Pitkin County by extending it through Dec. 31, 2050.
Sustainability and Legislative Affairs Director David Johnson introduced David Kennedy, the principal and CEO of Corona Insights, to present the results of 2025 onboard passenger surveys. The key findings and survey result summaries are viewable in the board agenda packet linked on RFTA’s website.
The next board meeting will occur on Aug. 14 at 8:30am in Carbondale. The public is also able to join via Webex. An agenda will be available at www.rfta.com a week ahead of the meeting.
AGE-FRIENDLY CARBONDALE
Challenges with MOBILITY or ACCESS at home or in the community?
YOU ARE INVITED TO AN OPEN CONVERSATION ABOUT THESE CONCERNS.
Please join us to share your experiences & ideas!
When: Wednesday, July 30 , 6:30 – 8:30 pm
Where: Community Room at the Carbondale Library
Who: Open to all, especially if you:
- have difficulty gaining access to community buildings or activities.
- want to STAY IN YOUR HOME AS YOU AGE
- have concerns about the availability of ACCESSIBLE HOUSING.
- have a disability, or are a caretaker or service provider for someone who does.
- are interested in advocacy efforts to address such concerns.
Please share YOUR STORY about local access challenges at the meeting OR send it to us ahead of time. RSVP to segzislis@gmail.com is appreciated, but walk-ins are welcome.
SNACKS? Absolutely!
Prefer ZOOM attendance? Let us know ASAP. Consider taking the FREE, ACCESSIBLE DOWNTOWNER. Call 970 504-0054
Know someone else who might be interested? Please SHARE this invite.
RFTA is one of many stakeholder groups participating in a series of Valleywide meetings titled the Transportation Coalition for the 21st Century to discuss policy-focused incentives and solutions for mitigating traffic.
Photo by Annalise Grueter
Redstone’s southern bridge to be replaced next year
Sopris Sun Correspondent
During the monthly Crystal River Caucus meeting on July 10, Pitkin County presented plans to demolish and replace the southern Redstone bridge in 2026.
Overlooked by the Redstone Inn and located across from Coke Ovens Open Space, the two-lane bridge serves as the most direct entrance into the Redstone business district from Highway 133. The northern bridge, approximately 1.6 miles away from the village’s main thoroughfare, will serve as Redstone’s only entrance and exit during construction.
After advertising for a contract this winter, Pitkin County plans on demolishing the current bridge in March before the spring runoff begins. Construction of the new bridge would then continue through the summer with completion anticipated in October. The new design will ensure the Redstone business district has a safe, flood-secure entrance for the next 75 years.
In 2022, representatives from design consulting firm SGM were hired by Pitkin County to aid in formulating a county-wide Bridge Assessment Management Study in which the Redstone bridge was identified as a top priority to replace due to its age and the cost of repair.
After field work in the summer of 2024, Pitkin County held a predesign phase during which the team considered constructing an alternative alignment bridge beside the existing bridge such that traffic interruptions could be kept to a minimum. However, the team determined that an alternate alignment bridge would
not significantly improve the traffic impact, be too costly and have too great an impact on the wetlands adjacent to Highway 133. Instead, the bridge will be completely replaced where it stands.
After a public outreach phase at the beginning of this year, Pitkin County drafted a preferred design alternative with feedback from the Redstone community, which the team presented during the July 10 meeting.
Andrew Knapp, Pitkin County engineer and former resident engineer for the Colorado Department of Transportation in the Roaring Fork and Colorado River valleys, led the presentation along with Mark Frymoyer, bridge team leader for SGM.
According to Knapp, Pitkin County has been coordinating with local utilities such as Holy Cross Energy and Pitkin County Telecommunications to create a design which will accommodate any necessary improvements in the future.
Along with new paving and guardrails, the bridge’s design features a raised 10-foot concrete sidewalk on its north side. The sidewalk will neatly align with the existing footpath to Elk Park next to Highway 133. Both ends of the sidewalk will terminate with domed yellow ADA slopes. This new sidewalk will increase safety for pedestrians parking along Highway 133 or traveling between Redstone and Coke Ovens Open Space.
The new bridge design does not feature permanent lighting features, but it does have power outlets for ease of hanging string lights along the bridge during the holiday season.
In terms of safety features, the new bridge’s design will lack the middle pier present in the current bridge. The middle pier, if damaged, presents a risk of total structure loss in the event of exceptional flooding. The new bridge will also be raised by two feet above FEMA 100-year flood elevation as an extra safety measure, allowing debris to flow under the bridge during such an event.
Frymoyer stated that during construction, signage will be installed encouraging visitors to park in Elk Park and walk over the footbridge into town. In order to discourage speeding, flashing, speed-detecting signs will be installed along Redstone Boulevard from the north bridge into the business district. According to Knapp, the sheriff’s department will also lend a hand in monitoring Redstone Boulevard for speeding.
The team is considering a temporary traffic signal at the north bridge during particularly busy parts of the year.
For semi-trucks delivering goods, Frymoyer stated the team has determined that large vehicles are able to loop around Firehouse Road and Osgood Drive to get in and out of the business district.
The construction team will continue to reach out to the Redstone community over the next few months as the design is finalized in order to ensure that Redstone has a safe, convenient and welcoming entrance for the remainder of the century.
Safety features of the new bridge design include a 10-foot concrete sidewalk for ease of pedestrians walking into Redstone from the east side of the Crystal River. Courtesy graphic
SUMMER RADIO WORKSHOP
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
FALL CLASS SCHEDULE IS OUT
Registration is open
Colorado Mountain College
Aspen and Carbondale campuses offer a variety of Credit classes open to public and Community Education classes for adults and children.
Upcoming Classes:
GEOLOGY FIELD TRIPCRYSTAL RIVER VALLEY
Explore the geology of the lower RF Valley up the Crystal River to Marble/McClure Pass with local Geology legend, Garry Zabel. Saturday, 8am-5pm, 8/2
EATS YOUR WEEDSSEEDS AND ROOTS
Learn how to identify and use edible and medicinal plants growing wild in your backyard. Meets at Heritage Garden. Saturday, 1-3pm, 8/2
INTRO TO SOUND HEALING
Explore the use of sound frequencies and vibrations for promoting physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being. Monday, 6-9pm, 7/28 Basalt
INTRO
MUSHROOM FORAGING
Learn about our local mushrooms and how to identify, sustainably harvest, and use those we find in our own yards or along the trail. Monday, 6-9pm, 8/4 Basalt
PERMACULTURE FOR SOCIAL SYSTEMS
Explore permaculture design for communities, career developement, and human interactions. Online or in-person. Wednesday, 6-8pm, 8/6 Basalt
PONDEROSA FOREST WALK
Learn the ethnobotanical uses of various edible and medicinal plants at Basalt’s Food Park. Sunday, 5-6:30pm, 8/17 Basalt
THURSDAY, JULY 24
ARTS AND CULTURE
The Aspen Chamber Resort Association and the City of Aspen present a Summer Arts and Culture Celebration at the Red Brick Center for the Arts from 4 to 6pm with live music, performances, art activations and more.
‘GOOD GRIEF’
Join 350 Roaring Fork for a free screening of “Good Grief: The 10 Steps,” a documentary about how people are dealing with despair over climate change, from 5 to 7pm at the Carbondale Library.
MUSIC AT THE LIBRARY
Students from the Aspen Music Festival and School perform chamber music at the Basalt Library at 5:15pm.
HOMETOWN SCIENCE
The Aspen Science Center presents Noah Davis, founder and director of Solar Rollers, and “Educating our Future Energy Stewards” at the Cocoa Club at 5:30pm.
SOUND JOURNEY
Dr. Zachary and Krista Cashin lead a sound journey in True Nature’s Kiva from 6:30 to 8pm. To sign up, visit www. truenaturehealingarts.com
CRYSTAL THEATRE
The Crystal Theatre shows “The Life of Chuck” tonight, July 30 and 31 at 7pm.
GLENWOOD VAUDEVILLE
A Band Called Alexis performs at the Glenwood Vaudeville Revue at 7pm. Dinner and drinks are served at 6pm. Reserve a seat at www.gvrshow.com
VISITING SHAMAN
The Center for Human Flourishing welcomes Woo Du-An, an elder shaman, sharing practices for peace and self-acceptance at the Third Street Center at 7pm. Register in advance for a discount at www.tcfhf.org
‘CABARET’
Stage of Life Theatre Company presents “Cabaret” at Thunder River Theatre tonight, tomorrow and Saturday at 7:30pm and Sunday at 2pm. Find tickets at www.soltheatrecompany.org
FRIDAY, JULY 25
GARDEN MORNING
Laura Kirk guides a Peace Garden tour at True Nature from 8 to 9am. Register at www.truenaturehealingarts.com
DEFIANCE SALE
Today and tomorrow, Defiance Thrift Store in Glenwood Springs has a sale on clothing, lamps, books and jewelry.
BLOOD DRIVE
Sopris Lodge hosts a summer blood drive with the chance to win up to $30,000 toward the purchase of a car. Schedule an appointment from 10:30 to 2pm at www.vitalant.org/cargiveaway
MOUNTAIN FAIR
The opening blessing is at 3:50pm followed by a drum circle at 4pm and live music beginning at 5:15pm. Sopris Park and Main Street will be filled with artisan booths and live entertainment will emanate from two stages all weekend. You can catch a live broadcast on KDNK. Find all the details at www. carbondalearts.com/mountain-fair or in this year’s program.
THE DELTAZ
Enjoy a Mountain Fair after party at Steve’s Guitars with The Deltaz performing at 8pm. Tickets at www.stevesguitars.net
SATURDAY, JULY 26
CLIMATE LEADERSHIP
350 Roaring Fork invites you to a
climate leadership workshop at the Glenwood Hot Springs Lodge from 12:30 to 4:30pm. To register, email steve@350colorado.org
MARIO KART
Mario Kart racers compete at the Glenwood Springs Library from 1 to 3pm.
ASPEN INSTITUTE
The Aspen Institute celebrates its 75th anniversary with a community open house, panel discussions, picnic, music by Aspen Music Festival and School students and more from noon to 5pm. Then, at 5pm, New York Times columnist David Brooks joins Todd Breyfogle and Cristal Logan at the Paepcke Auditorium for “a thought-provoking conversation about how humanism can help renew our personal lives, our communities and our culture.” Visit www.aspeninstitute.org for a list of events and locations.
MUSIC OF THE DEAD Gunnison Valley-based Easy Jim, Music of the Grateful Dead performs at the Belly Up at 8pm. Tickets at www.bellyupaspen.com
SUNDAY, JULY 27
SUNDAY MEDITATIONS
Dr. Elliott Dacher guides Sunday morning meditations each week over Zoom at 8am. The Zoom meeting ID is 819 5897 2394 and the passcode is 202224
SPIRITUAL CENTER
The Spiritual Center hosts an open discussion in room 31 of the Third Street Center at 10am.
‘FOREST OUT OF BALANCE’ Kairos Futura hosts an intimate discussion, “Forest Out of Balance: Wildfires, Beetle Kill and the Realities of High Alpine Climate Change,” in the forest outside of Aspen from 5 to 7pm. Email director@thefutureisonearth.org for the precise location and to register.
‘A STREETCAR NAMED DESIRE’ The Streetcar Project brings Tennessee Williams’ masterpiece, “A Streetcar Named Desire,” to the Vault at the Wheeler for four nights in a row at 7:30pm. Tickets at www.wheeleroperahouse.com
SAGE CHRISTIE
Steve’s Guitars presents Sage Christie performing at 8pm. Tickets at www. stevesguitars.net
MONDAY, JULY 28
LIFT-UP
Beginning today and continuing through Aug. 8, Sopris Lodge in Carbondale will collect non-perishable food donations in boxes at the front entrance from 9am to 5pm. A donation wish list is posted at www.soprislodge. com/community-food-drive
TAI CHI
Community Tai Chi sessions are hosted every Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 9 to 10am at the Third Street Center. Newcomers are welcome. For details, email jhof@rof.net
SCHOLASTIC BOOK FAIR
The Basalt Library hosts an end-of-summer Scholastic Book Fair from 10am to 7pm. This is your chance to cash in hard-earned Book Bucks!
GUITAR ENSEMBLE
Local middle and high school students who participated in Aspen Music Festival and School’s summer programming perform at the Carbondale Library at 5pm.
POTTERY WHEEL 101
Carbondale Clay Center offers a single session to learn the basics of throwing
About 70 people lined the sidewalks around Glenwood Springs’ Centennial Park on July 17 in honor of the late John Lewis, a U.S. representative and civil rights activist who died July 17, 2020. It was part of a nationwide “Good Trouble Lives On” day of action. Lewis marched across the Edmund Pettus Bridge in Selma, Alabama for voting rights, joined the Freedom Riders through the Deep South in the 1960s, organized lunch counter sit-ins and marched on Washington with Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. in 1965. Protestors last week told The Sopris Sun that they were tired of the Trump Administration and worried about its impacts on their lives. The Glenwood protest was organized by the Garfield County Democrats. Photo by Amy Hadden Marsh
pottery on the wheel from 6 to 8:30pm. This class is meant for people 15 and up. Register at www.carbondaleclay.org/ summer-of-ceramics
SOUND HEALING
Colorado Mountain College offers an introduction to the therapeutic use of sound frequencies and vibrations for promoting physical, emotional and spiritual well-being from 6 to 9pm at Mogridge Commons in Basalt. To register, visit www.coloradomtn.augusoft.net or call 970-963-2172.
POTLUCK & FILM
The Center for Human Flourishing hosts a plant-based potluck and screens an inspirational film at the Third Street Center from 6:30 to 8pm. Questions? Email info@tcfhf.org
NATHAN GRAHAM
Steve’s Guitars presents Nathan Graham performing at 8pm. Tickets at www.stevesguitars.net
TUESDAY, JULY 29
ASPEN ART FAIR
The New York-based Alexandre Gallery brings a collection of renowned American landscape painter Tom Uttech’s works to the Hotel Jerome for an exhibit that’ll be up through Aug. 2.
BILINGUAL YOGA
Diana Laughlin leads bilingual yoga sessions at the Glenwood Springs Library at 1pm and the Carbondale Library at 4pm. Recommended for ages 4-10, but all are welcome.
ROCK SKILLS
Roaring Fork Outdoor Volunteers invites you to learn how rock structures are used to improve the sustainability of trails at Red Hill from 5 to 8pm. Sign up for free at www.rfov.org/calendar
MENTAL HEALTH
Garfield County Public Health and the Garfield County Public Library District host an open conversation about mental health at the Glenwood Springs Library at 5pm.
DRAWING CLUB
The Roaring Fork Drawing Club sketches at Board by Design in Glenwood Springs at 6:30pm.
ONGOING EVENTS
LIFE AFTER 70
Folks past 70 are invited to “connect, learn and grow with others who truly understand the journey” every second Saturday at the Carbondale Library from 10:30am to noon.
CRYSTAL RIVER AIKIKAI
Crystal River Aikikai offers aikido classes for kids from 4:45 to 5:45pm and teens and adults from 6 to 7pm on Mondays at 13 Moons Ranch, south of Carbondale.
ENGLISH IN ACTION
Volunteer English tutors and developing learners meet for informal conversational practice at the Carbondale Library every Monday at 6:30pm. Interested in becoming a tutor? Email angela@ englishinaction.org or call 970-963-9200.
MONDAY MEDITATION
Roaring Fork Insight guides a weekly meditation group meeting at the Third Street Center (Room 31) from 7 to 8:30pm. A Wednesday session takes place at St. Peters of the Valley in Basalt from 11:30 to 1pm with a Zoom option.
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
CRUZ CONTRERAS
Cruz Contreras plays a solo show at Steve’s Guitars at 8pm. Tickets at www.stevesguitars.net
WEDNESDAY, JULY 30
COSMIC COUNTRY
Cruz Contreras opens for Daniel Dona to’s Cosmic Country at the Basalt River Park at 5:30pm. The headliner starts around 7pm and KDNK will live broad cast the concert.
MOBILITY & ACCESS
Age-Friendly Carbondale hosts an open conversation for aging and disabled residents and caregivers to share their mobility concerns at home and in public spaces at the Third Street Center from 6:30 to 8:30pm. RSVPs to segzis lis@gmail.com are appreciated, but walk-ins are also welcome.
PERI PARTY
Meredith Kasper, the creator of WTFF PeriMenopause, hosts a Peri Party — “a fun, welcoming event to talk, learn, laugh and connect over the madness of perimenopause and menopause” — at Ripple Effect (2551 Dolores Way, Carbondale) from 6 to 8:30pm. Register online at www.bit.ly/peri-party
THURSDAY, JULY 31
MUSHROOM WORKSHOP
Mycologist Dr. Andrew Wilson guides a two-day exploration for elusive moun tain mushrooms at Hallam Lake from 9am to 3pm today and tomorrow. Register at www.aspennature.org
TIE-DYE FOR TEENS
Teens and tweens are invited to a tie-dye party at 4:15pm at the Carbondale Library.
SOL MUSICAL
SoL Theatre Company performs “The Lightning Thief: The Percy Jackson Musical” at Roaring Fork High School tonight, tomorrow and Saturday at 6pm and Sunday at 2pm. Tickets at soltheatrecompany.simpletix.com
COMMON ROOTS
The Common Roots women’s group reflects on this month’s theme, manifesting, at Headquarters in Basalt from 6 to 7:30pm. Register at www.headq.org/event
ASK A LAWYER
Alpine Legal Services offers a hotline clinic on Wednesdays from 5 to 7pm. Call 970-368-2246 and visit alpinelegalservices.org for the schedule of dates by legal topic.
GERI-FIT
The Carbondale Library hosts an olderadult fitness class every Thursday from 12:15 to 1:15pm. Call 970-625-5282 ext. 3084 to register.
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
STORYTIME
Both the Carbondale and Basalt libraries host storytime for youngsters and their caregivers every Friday at 10:30am.
NATURE JOURNALING
Anyone interested in creatively documenting nature is invited to a Nature Journaling workshop at the Carbondale Library every first Friday from 1 to 2:30pm.
NONVIOLENT COMMUNICATION
The Carbondale Farmers’ Market season is underway, every Wednesday from 10am to 3pm at 4th and Main.
SENIOR LUNCH
Every Wednesday at noon, Garfield County Senior Programs provides a nutritious meal for seniors at The Orchard. To reserve a place at the table, call 970-665-0041.
Talia Starwood is offering Nonviolent Communication in Action on the last Wednesday of each month from 6:30 to 8pm. To RSVP, text 970-309-1120. Donations will be gratefully accepted.
SUNDAY MARKET
Basalt’s Sunday continues every Sunday through Sept. 28 along the Midland Spur from 10am to 2pm.
(and kids at heart) can get up dose to a variety of big trucks and working vehicles.
For more information call the library at 970-963-2889.
Kids
CMC trustees approve new biological science bachelor’s degree
KATE PHILLIPS
Sopris Sun Correspondent
Continuing to elevate the standard for higher education in rural communities, Colorado Mountain College’s (CMC) Board of Trustees unanimously approved a competitive bachelor of science degree in biological science. Pending approval from the Higher Learning Commission, the program will launch in fall 2026 at the Steamboat Springs and Breckenridge & Dillon campuses, thus becoming CMC’s ninth bachelor’s degree.
The program will create a direct and affordable pathway for students interested in science-based careers — such as health care, biotechnology and research — and will cover a wide breadth of coursework to meet state and national standards. Upon completion, students will be prepared for jobs after graduating or can confidently continue onward to a master’s or doctoral program. To increase cost-effectiveness and opportunities for students, CMC will leverage current coursework from its natural and health sciences program and rely upon its esteemed faculty members.
“We’ve created a package and a pathway out of courses we already had, and now we can structure it for students to complete a four-year program without having to go to the front range,” said Dr. Rebecca Schmidt, CMC’s biological science department chair. “Previously, students would maybe complete an associate degree with us, but for their upper level classes that they would need for medical school or any professional program, they would have to go somewhere else for their bachelor’s. Now
they get to stay in our district area.”
Specifically, the program will revolve around a rigorous curriculum that’ll include coursework and select labs in genetics, cell biology and physiology, molecular biology, biochemistry and organic chemistry.
“I love cells,” shared Schmidt. “I am very excited about this program because this will be bringing in some of my upper-level class specialities I get to do with students.”
CMC has a goal to bring the required coursework to the Salida, Spring Valley and/or Rifle campuses in the near future.
Until then, CMC recommends that interested local students enroll in associate of science aligned courses with an emphasis
in health science or the ecosystem science and stewardship (ESS) program to begin prerequisites and some lower-level classes that go toward the bachelor’s degree — such as microbiology and biostatistics.
“The students can absolutely begin working toward these degrees in the Roaring Fork and Colorado drainage,” said Dr. John Lawrence, CMC’s dean of natural and applied sciences. “Right now, the first two to three years are available at most CMC locations.”
“We conscientiously built the program from what any biologist needs to know,” Schmidt elaborated. “Students, especially the younger ones who are growing into
themselves, have the opportunity to learn, explore and make changes. You can pivot a little and let something speak to you.”
Students could also benefit from CMC’s partnerships with Regis University and University of Colorado Anschutz when it comes time to apply to medical school or another doctoral program.
“University of Colorado Anschutz’s goal is to take our students when they graduate and put them into their rural medical program and get them back up into these communities as medical students and residents as soon as possible,” elaborated Lawrence. “They want to train our youth or locals who want to practice in our communities.”
Lawrence noted that 77% of rural communities are experiencing a health care professional shortage. He referenced a 2024 NBC Nightly News report by Shannon Pettypiece that examined how the high cost of living in mountain towns deters wellpaid professionals — thus limiting access to health care in rural communities.
The issue also caught the attention of the state legislature. In 2022, Colorado SB22172 was signed to establish the Colorado Rural Healthcare Workforce Initiative. The bill allowed higher education institutions to create or expand a rural health care professional track. Institutions can use program funding for staff compensation, scholarships or housing costs for participating students. Enrolled students then commit to practicing in a rural county for two years. The bipartisan bill noted the University of Colorado Anschutz program as a model.
continued on page 15
CMC Department Chair of Biological Science Dr. Rebecca Schmidt is ready and excited to share her passion for cell biology with students pursuing CMC’s new bachelor of science in biological science degree. Courtesy photo
Federal government freezes $71 million in education funding for Colorado schools
SAM BRULE
Sopris Sun Correspondent
As school districts in Colorado prepare for the 2025-26 academic year, a freeze of $71 million in federal education funding by the U.S. Department of Education is affecting districts across the state, including in the Roaring Fork Valley.
In an email, the federal government said it is holding $6.8 billion in education funding while they carry out an “ongoing programmatic review” of schools. This email came only one day before schools expected the money to be released.
Since the initial freeze, the federal government has unfrozen $1.4 billion as of July 18, but the remaining $5 billion has yet to be released.
Roaring Fork School District (RFSD) Superintendent Dr. Anna Cole said the district is dealing with a freeze of approximately $366,000 in expected federal aid. Cole said that money is critical for staffing, student support programs and professional development.
“We’re in the business of people,” said Cole. “There’s only so much you can do before you’re cutting people.”
Cole said that while the district is committed to keeping cuts away from the classroom in the short term, the long-term outlook presents a tougher situation. “I think we’re going to be able to mitigate the immediate impacts,” said Cole. “What I’m really worried about is the compounded impacts of where this is headed for the 2026-27 school year as we grapple with potential additional cuts at the federal level, the state budget that is looking flat at best, rising cost of living in the Valley and the rising cost of health insurance.”
These frozen education grants, called title funds, were supposed to provide targeted resources for schools and programs that serve low-income students and families and English-language learners. In the Roaring Fork schools, that would have contributed to some teacher and support staff salaries, curricular materials and professional development. School leaders had been counting on these allocations, until they were abruptly frozen.
Colorado Governor Jared Polis called the freeze “absurd” and joined a number of other states in filing a lawsuit demanding that the U.S. Department of Education release the funds.
“Colorado schools and families face enormous uncertainty as the Trump administration continues to play politics, violate the law and refuse to prioritize the
needs of Americans and what is best for families,” said Polis in a press release. “In Colorado, we will not back down from the fight and we will continue to make sure that every student and educator has the resources they need to succeed.”
“Unless federal funding levels are restored, Colorado is projected to lose more than $70 million in education support for the 2025–26 school year based on current allocations,” said Susana Córdova, Colorado’s education commissioner. “Without them, schools may face significant cuts to programs and services that families and educators rely on.”
This budget freeze hit RFSD almost immediately after the district resolved issues from the 2023-24 and 202425 school years related to staff health insurance plans. RFSD had switched to a self-insured plan from the previously-used managed insurance plan as an attempt to save costs, but the new plan negatively impacted the district’s finances.
Cole, who became acting superintendent in August of 2023 before assuming a permanent position in 2024, said RFSD then quickly pivoted and switched back to a managed insurance plan at the beginning of this year and budgeted to fix the discrepancy.
Looking forward to the 2025-26 school year, Cole said, “We built a conservative budget, and now what we’re up against moving ahead is external risk.”
RFSD is now facing a declining student population projection on top of the federal budget freeze. “We know that from a demographic study we did in the 20242025 school year, as a whole, RFSD is anticipating to see declining enrollment over the next decade,” said Cole. “Our revenue is really based on our student enrollment and title funds.”
“Our school leaders return this week. We have these immediate impacts that we’re trying to mitigate so that schools can open consistently with the staff that we have agreed to fund,” said Cole. “We’re not pulling the rug out from some of the amazing people who’ve committed their professional lives to our district right now.”
Looking ahead to the coming years, Cole understands the challenges the Valley may face. “I feel very responsible for our communities to understand what’s going on,” said Cole. “I think we’re headed for challenges that we’re going to really need our community to understand, to be aware of, to help us look outside of ourselves … We definitely can’t fight this on our own.”
Johnny Weiss
Johnny, a self-described “Jewish-Rasta-ZenQuaker-Humanist,” passed away at his home in Paonia on July 10, surrounded by family. He was 74 years old. In the year since his cancer diagnosis he was cared for closely by his sons, Alex and Zack, and his former wife, Caryn.
Johnny often said he felt lucky in life — and he meant it. Born in Glen Ridge, New Jersey in 1951, he credited much of his joy to two loving older brothers, a tight-knit junior high friend group that stayed close for more than 60 years, his home family, his global solar family and a life filled with community, travel, friendship, adventure and meaning.
Arriving by motorcycle with his best friend Kevin in the summer of 1972, he made Colorado and the Roaring Fork Valley his home. After building homes and teaching at Colorado Mountain College in 1991, he co-founded Solar Energy International (SEI) as a nonprofit. For almost two decades, thousands of students from all over the world traveled to SEI in Carbondale and later Paonia to learn solar energy and pursue careers in renewable energy. His passion was magnetic, his mentorship unwavering and his commitment to underserved communities foundational to everything he did.
Johnny reminded us that we must never lose sight of the communities still without reliable power, the schools still teaching by candlelight, the clinics still waiting for basic energy access. This is where his heart lived. After retiring from SEI, Johnny continued to work with communities to bring solar energy to those who needed it most — from Maasai villages in Tanzania to sovereign Native American lands across the U.S.
Johnny was open about living with bipolar II, dyslexia, a long s-s-stutter and a short stature — but what he lacked in height, he more than made up for with boundless enthusiasm for life. When he was first diagnosed with cancer in June 2024, Johnny spent nearly a month at the hospital in Denver. At the time, his doctors didn’t think he’d make it home. But, in true Johnny fashion, he defied the odds.
The past year became a gift: potlucks on the front porch, long phone calls with old friends, fly fishing, stargazing and visits from the people he loved most. He cherished this time deeply. The house was full of laughter, music, dogs, memories and mismatched chairs pulled up for shared meals and stories. It gave him the chance to reflect, celebrate and say goodbye on his own terms. In his final moments, Johnny was able to express his love to his family and say that he felt blessed.
Johnny’s family created a permanent memorial webpage — Johnnyweiss.forevermissed.com
There, you can share photos, stories, music and memories, or just browse the beautiful tributes being added by friends from every chapter of his life. Johnny didn’t want a service, instead there will be a celebratory potluck and party, Saturday, Aug. 16 in Paonia (start time is 4:20pm). More info will be posted on the memorial site soon.
The entrance to Roaring Fork High School in Carbondale.
Photo by Sam Brule
GUS RICHARDSON
Sopris Sun Contributor
This weekend, Stage of Life Theatre Company (SoL) continues its run of the 1966 black comedy “Cabaret.” This very well may be the only musical that has ever made this reporter shed a tear. It is a vision into a fantastical yet genuine world, about real people dealing with real problems at the end of the world, and the club they all attend to try and escape it.
For those who have never heard of it, “Cabaret” chronicles a story of the last days of a 1929 Berlin cabaret known as the Kit Kat Club. This story is told mostly through the lens of American wanna-be writer Clifford Bradshaw’s relationship with the English cabaret performer Sally Bowles. Through these characters — alongside a couple of elderly German suitors, the other performers at the Kit Kat Club (including a horrifying Master of Ceremonies), a prostitute across the hall and Clifford’s somewhat
suspicious best friend — we bear witness to the end of an era in Berlin, as charming debauchery is replaced with the dark, all-enveloping and spirit-killing reality of fascism.
While watching “Cabaret,” any empathetic audience cannot help but fall in love with its cast of disgusting, perverted and greedy characters as they experience the trials and tribulations of day-today life. Everyone is out to get something, but “Cabaret” subtly suggests that this is just the way life is and will always be, so it’s wrong to judge them for it.
Possibly due to this fact, the characters feel deeply real. No one is purely good or evil, rather almost all the characters function within a grayness that necessitates audience empathy, because we see these flawed individuals in their wretched lives and cannot help but see ourselves. The main romance of the play is messy and complicated, but there is beauty
and humanity to be found within that struggle. These people argue and fight, but we know deep down that they are still people, and they all still have something honest to their lives.
As the story develops, it becomes clear that the debauchery of the Kit Kat Club and its patrons is truly harmless in the grand scheme of things, for when true evil arrives in Berlin, only then do we realize how good we had it.
From a musical aspect, the songs are wonderfully put together, with the most interesting to this reporter being the in-universe song-and-dance numbers brought to the audience by the Kit Kat Club. They first seemed somewhat frivolous distractions from the overall plot, but it quickly became clear that they represented something
deeper as the story went on. The more classic “musical-style” musical numbers are also quite good, and are performed beautifully by their singers. This musical features a live band whose talent elevated the show to something very professional.
On another production note, the set design is excellent. There are very few set pieces within the show, which would normally be a hindrance. But in this case, it helps to elevate the fantasy. Since the Kit Kat Club doesn’t really exist in the physical space of the theater, it creates an opportunity for the audience to imagine a truly decadent and overwhelming space that may not strike the same chord in the wake of a detailed set. When there were set elements, it never took away from this feeling.
One particular decision featuring phone lines created a truly amazing effect.
The actors were incredible, with the emcee in particular being exceptionally funny and simultaneously very touching. The older actors portraying the two German suitors were deeply heartwarming. All of the cabaret performers brought a real charm to their numbers and scenes and, of course, our main duo was incredible, imbuing their scenes with an intense realism. The suspicious best friend of Clifford, Ernst Ludwig, is deeply charismatic — and squirrely — and leads the audience to have doubts early. This is one of the many great traits of SoL’s “Cabaret” — everyone is real.
In conclusion, “Cabaret” provides a fun, raunchy and honestly heartbreaking experience, serving as a peak into a time and way of life that is otherwise far distant. It is one of the most beautifully tragic pieces I have had the pleasure of witnessing in recent memory, and this reporter would highly recommend seeing “Cabaret” before it closes. In the words of Sally Bowles, “Life is a cabaret, ol’ chum, so come to the Cabaret.”
“Cabaret” continues at the Thunder River Theatre this Thursday, Friday and Saturday at 7:30pm and Sunday at 2pm. Find tickets at www. soltheatrecompany.org
Dreams from the energy field
Natalia Snider is a certified dream practitioner living in Carbondale. She works with people’s dreams and imaginations to facilitate self-healing. Every month, she will analyze someone’s dream in The Sopris Sun. Anyone can submit a dream for personal analysis or inclusion in this column by visiting: www.dreamhealings.com
Dream
I’ve had this dream many times. It’s a reoccurring dream that I’ve had since I was young and it’s disturbing. I haven’t had it in a while, but I recently visited my sister and had the dream that night.
In the dream, my sister is choking me and I can’t breathe or speak. I’m trying to tell her this and she just keeps telling me, “You’re fine!” and “It’s fine!”
I never die in the dream, because I wake up before I die, but I think if the dream continued it would end that way. I get along fine with my sister, apart from those words that she does say to me all the time when we are together when I have an issue. My question is, when we get along so well why would I have such a disturbing dream about her? It makes me feel weird every time I have it.
Interpretation
OPINION
DREAM WELL
By Natalia Snider
This dream is a visual representation of your energy bodies and how they are interacting with each other in the energy field. You have this dream often because this is often happening in the energy field with her. There are many reasons this dream might have started, but to dive deeper into that would be best suited for a one-on-one session where we can re-enter this dream safely and privately. So instead, let’s dive into what’s happening in your energy field.
We often forget how much our energy affects others. This is the most poignant take away from this dream. We can send energy to others in many ways and most of us do this many times a day unconsciously. We can send energy in the form of thoughts, emotions, actions, inactions and, of course, verbally and physically. Thoughts can be the most subtle form yet they are the most common. Your dream is a visual representation of thoughts that are being sent to you.
When our thoughts are loud enough they generally are sent with or without our conscious agreement to send them. This means that your sister may not be meaning to send you this thought. A “loud” thought means a thought is in the forefront of the mind and often has an inner dialogue narration to go along with it. Even loud dreams can be sent.
Picking up on energy sent in thoughts is just as unconsciously easy — for better or worse. Have you ever thought about someone and then they called or texted? This is a perfect example of picking up on the thought message that is being sent loudly from someone else. They are thinking, “I need to reach out to this person” loudly and therefore send that message to you energetically just as they pick their phone up to call.
When we are unaware that energy is being sent to us it often ends up coming to us in a dream afterward. This is because we go through processing the day’s events in our dreams with what happened to our energy body just as much as with our physical body. You are replaying in your dream what happened between the two of you in the energy field when you were together. Your sister’s energy was trying to silence yours. It’s important to note here that all dreams remembered are on purpose. You’re remembering this dream so that you may work out this unspoken energy between the two of you. You can start with the invitation the dream is giving you to begin in your dream realm where it is safe, but you can go further if you wish.
Energy field dreams can easily shift into astral projection dreams. This is because you are interacting with a realm (the energy field) that makes up the astral realm (where the soul exists), the physical world and all other realms and dimensions — because everything is energy. Astral projection in dreams means that you can move through the energy field unbodied, or in your “astral body” or “soul,” instead of being tied into your personal dream and dream realm. In your astral projected body you can affect your reality because the energetic field overlays the physical. That’s the true invitation given here.
Because your sister is sending this message out only with her energy and not with her actions, it could be assumed that she is unaware altogether or, at the very least, unaware of why she’s doing this. In the energy field you can discover the why and work directly with each other’s astral bodies to heal together. This can be done in a conscious lucid dream work session.
We may think of dreams as not being able to affect our waking life, but our physical bodies are products of our energy bodies. We are constantly communicating in the energetic field affecting ourselves and others. This dream is such a testament to how important it is to become conscious of what it is we are saying to each other.
EAGLE FESTIVAL
from page 4
can absolutely work with people on a beginner level. Everyone is welcome.”
Pevec credits the festival’s inspiring new developments to the commitment of a dedicated group of volunteers, including his brother, Lucien, and Kendell.
“I feel super grateful and fortunate to have connected with other people who are willing to step up and throw down for a community event,” Pevec concluded. “It takes passionate people to want to do these things so we can all get together and celebrate our mutual love for mushrooms.”
Head over to www.eaglemushroomfest.com to purchase tickets and learn more about the Eagle Mushroom and Wild Food Festival.
CMC from page 12
Motivated by Pettypiece’s report, the bill and a strong desire to serve the communities, CMC’s new bachelor’s program is an affordable entry point for students who were perhaps unable to leave their communities to pursue a competitive bachelor’s degree. Furthermore, they have the option to stay in their communities longer and even come back after professional schooling.
“I love teaching here because I get to work with students from such a wide slice of life,” said Schmidt. “[This degree] really opens doors and pathways. The expectations for these careers haven’t changed, but now we’ve changed where students don’t have to leave to do it.”
To learn more, visit www.coloradomtn.edu/programs/ biological-sciences
GARCO
REPORT from page 6
Country Volunteers will not be able to continue. Our program will end.”
The BOCC approved $50,000 from the county solid waste disposal fund for outside legal counsel to assist county staff during the upcoming state Air Quality Control Commission hearings on methane capture. They voted 2-1 to increase rental rates at the county fairgrounds because people are not cleaning up after events. Apparently, shavings and manure are left in stalls or the parking lot and removing it takes labor away from other fairground work.
County licensing fees for restaurants, grocery stores and mobile food vendors are indeed going up in phases. Colorado Senate Bill 25-285 requires that the changes begin on Aug. 6 with a 25% increase.
Archived BOCC meetings are at the county website.
CARBONDALE REPORT from page 7
“if Pitkin County money is not secured.” Bohmfalk, RFSD chief operating officer, recused himself from the vote and a motion passed to approve the contract.
The next item was a development improvement agreement for 888 Main Street Lodging. As noted by Planning Director Jared Barnes, the trustees were only asked to review and approve a few public improvements, like sidewalk and curb replacements and landscaping. The minor site plan review, conditional use permit and alternative compliance request for construction of two new buildings totalling 5,667 square feet was already approved by the Planning and Zoning Commission on April 24.
A log building previously occupied the site. The cabin was determined to be structurally unsound and lacking historical significance. It was documented with floor plans, elevations and photographs before being demolished. The new development will create 11 dedicated lodging units close to downtown operated like short-term rentals with no on-site front desk or manager.
“This is a great example of the process working,” Bohmfalk stated. “Our role at this level is not to review and weigh in on every single project and what we think about it personally, which is totally unpredictable for a developer.” He said for the trustees to not have to review a project on this scale is a sign the Town’s plans and codes are serving their purpose. The public improvements agreement was unanimously approved.
Lastly, Lauren Gister, Carbondale’s former town manager, joined the meeting remotely to weigh in on the dissolution of the Town Center Owners Association — a project she’d diligently been working on prior to retirement. The Board of Trustees gave approval for staff to work out final details so long as these don’t include substantive changes to the reviewed draft. With unanimous support from all members of the association, a significant obstacle to developing the Town Center parcel, donated to the Town in late 2021, will be lifted.
The meeting concluded with gratitude for Schorzman fulfilling the interim town manager role once again.
Cultivating community, connection and fresh food at Highwater Farm
BIANCA GODINA Sol del Valle Editor
Highwater Farm was founded in 2020 and has since made its mark along a dirt road outside of Silt that leads to a space full of life and connection to the land. From the soil to the table, the farm has grown over 133,000 pounds of fresh produce.
To date, 314 volunteers have contributed more than 1,800 hours of service and around 14 students from five local high schools have participated in its youth program. Add to this the constant dedication of its team and the active participation of 460 families in its community supported agriculture (CSA) program.
The goal of the CSA program is to connect families with fresh, locally-grown food while supporting the work of community farms. The program runs for approximately 18 weeks, from mid-June to mid-October, during which time families receive produce directly from the gardens.
On Wednesday, July 9, Highwater Farm held its annual community lunch, prepared by Tiffany and Joey from The Farmer & Chef along with the youth program participants. The day began with guided farm tours where the young farmers shared
interesting facts about their agricultural practices.
During the tour, one of the youth program participants explained the use of caterpillar tunnels, structures that help simulate warmer climates and protect crops from extreme conditions. They also highlighted the use of wobbler sprinklers, ideal for evenly watering vegetable crops.
María, a student at Coal Ridge High School, was one of the guides during the tour for the Sol del Valle team. “I’ve learned so much being here,” she shared during lunch. Her peer from Rifle High School, Sebastián, agreed. “It’s a great place to learn.” And their fellow participant Xavier added, “I’ve
come to realize this is more than a farm, it’s actually a community.”
Highwater Farm invites youth between the ages of 14 and 17 to join as youth crew workers, a team that works on the farm during the summer and fall. Participants in this program commit to maintaining high work standards and to growing both personally and professionally.
This program is ideal for those who want to learn new skills, work outdoors, have a positive impact on their community, explore the world of agriculture or simply gain work experience and earn pay for their efforts.
Barbarita San Pedro, the Latino community outreach coordinator
and an agricultural technician at Highwater Farm, shared that farm work “is very hard,” but also enriching. She invites the community to get involved, especially parents, encouraging them to “motivate your teens to join the youth program.” She added, “Everything grown here is fresh and organic, cultivated locally in Garfield County.”
Barbarita concluded, “Come visit Highwater. We speak Spanish and everyone is welcome.”
The farm is located at 7001 County Road 346 in Silt, along the dirt road that also leads to the Silt River Preserve.
For more information, visit www.highwaterfarm.org
Follow Leonardo Occhipinti’s
(Above) The 2024 youth crew workers at Highwater Farm last summer. (Right) The Farm held its Community Lunch on July 9, with youth program participants, volunteers, friends and neighbors. Courtesy photos
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‘Bonedale’ excerpt: Flicker
By Patrick Kitson Guest Author
EDITOR’S NOTE: The following is an excerpt from Patrick Kitson’s new collection of short stories, “Bonedale.” Born and raised in the Roaring Fork Valley, Kitson coined the term “Valley Horror” in reference to his particular brand of homebrewed speculative fiction which largely takes place in and around the snowy climes of Colorado.
Nestled amongst the snow-capped peaks of Colorado’s Western Slope lies a town with a rich history and spectacular scenery — as well as a dark undercurrent of the miraculous and the macabre. What first appears as a sun-dappled mountainous hideaway from the techno-modernity of our chaotic world is, in reality, a waypoint between the strange and the surreal, the spooky and the scintillating. For this community harbors a mind-dazzling, spine-tingling menagerie of historical spectres and future dangers. It is a place where the line between the real and unreal remains eternally blurred.
Welcome to the town of Carbondale, or as its denizens affectionately refer to
it, “Bonedale.”
For 54 years, the annual Mountain Fair has served as a colorful, cross-cultural, sometimes chemically-fueled vortex of cacophonic camaraderie. Swirling with local creativity and artful expression, exploding with the effervescent energy of youth unbound, and booming with bustling booths of bewitchingly bohemian bacchanalia, it’s the defining event of the year for the town’s dancing denizens. Dispensing with reckless abandon the trappings of the daily drudge that too often consume and control the lives of its attendees, the fair offers something for everyone. Sizzling meats flavor the air while liquid libations flow freely amid
the pulse of musical revelry. Contests and costumes and continuous commotion.
Wood splitting, artisanal pottery, tie-dyed anything, children in glitter-specked face paints, flowing dresses, stylishly curated cowboy hats, flashing lights and crunchy popcorn with sweet and sour lemonade to wash it down.
Folk, bluegrass, rock ’n’ roll, country, and a fair dollop of experimental music provide the soundtrack for a weekend filled with endless star-dotted nights and three utterly glory-filled days. All of it with an ever-present tapestry of happy human faces representing all walks and talks of life.
This is to say nothing of the hidden gems and shadow events within the larger festival. The backyard afterparties. The horseshoe hangouts with Grey Goose and sticky-icky Bubba Kush in hand. The barbecues, bar-binges, and beer-battered bashes. Or maybe even an offering or two for the truly adventurous. Something like the moonlit, butt-naked bike ride. That particular one sees a
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hundred-plus of Bonedale’s most daring and intrepid revelers stripping down to their birthday suits, hopping on their favorite glow-light adorned bikes and making a nude sojourn through the heart of the town while giving all onlookers and passers-by a sight they won’t soon forget. Star-dappled, naked flesh upon which the eyes desire to feast.
Naturally, the cops do nothing to stop it. Nudity, unofficially allowed for this brief moment during the year in Carbondale, Colorado, only causes the town’s police to smile and wave as they pass by — eternally bemused by the spirit of the unclothed youth. For who are they to complain?
You really must see it for yourself.
Still, as with all things, the Mountain Fair remains eternally in cultural flux. Times are always changing, and so with those times, the face of the yearly party. Nowadays, local folks would be pained, possibly even remiss, to admit that for a great many of its attendees in the ‘70s and ‘80s, the fair served as little more than a three-day-long excuse to get utterly wasted on any and all drugs one could reasonably procure for said event. Sheets of acid, handfuls of barbiturates, bullets full of uncut Colombian
snow, pinner-joints twisted up with Paonia Purple, and gallons upon gallons of homemade alcoholic offerings were the coin of the realm for many in the event’s heyday. This undercurrent of orgiastic chemical consumption often left the growing event with two problematic by-products.
The first, a smattering of well-meaning folks getting drug-lost in the swarming crowds and oft falling into unfortunate bad trips that required a safe haven for one to compose oneself and get back into the psychic swing of things. And the second, the children of those harder partiers getting separated from their parents and needing a place to hang out until their caretakers came around to finding them.
Hence, the Lost People’s Booth was breathed into existence by the event’s organizers. To help the druggies cool off, and to help kids reunite with their parental custodians.
To be continued in “Bonedale,” available at Mountain Fair, White River Books in Carbondale, Alpenglow Books in Glenwood Springs, Colorado Festival of Horror, Amazon, Barnes and Noble, as well as most online book retailers.
Celebration of Life FOR Joan Kette Lamont
THURSDAY,
St.
Trump is either so unhinged or so secure in his power that he feels empowered to attack his own supporters over their fascination with the Epstein files. I hate the fact he is a likely pedophile, but would add to that a list: serial liar, traitor, felon, misogynist, racist, bully, narcissist, criminal. I am baffled that anyone who considers themselves a Christian or educated can support this man. May the light of truth shine upon these times.
Do you have trouble getting around your house due to an injury, a disability or physical changes from aging? Do you find it challenging to get around Carbondale without a car or to access community buildings or events? Is it difficult to have family or friends with mobility challenges visit your home? Do you want to “age in place?”
Most of us will experience “mobility challenges” at points in our life. Injuries from skiing, mountain biking, cycling, hiking, stand-up paddle boarding, etc. are common in our active valley. Hopefully, the injuries are temporary, but sometimes they are permanent. Parents can be mobility challenged simply by trying to manage their young children. Some people are born with or develop disabilities that challenge their mobility for their lifetime, and all of us face changes that will likely challenge our mobil-
These issues and others are the topic of Age-Friendly Carbondale’s Community Conversation on July 30 from 6:30 to 8:30pm in the large meeting room at the Carbondale Library. Please join us to talk about experiences, concerns and ideas. RSVP to segzislis@gmail.com is appreciated and
Age-Friendly Carbondale
As members of the Carbondale Parks and Recreation Commission, we’re proud to support the construction of a new Aquatics Center, one that doesn’t just replace our aging pool, but reflects the values that make Carbondale a leader in equity and sustainability.
This new facility will serve everyone in our community. Access to swimming shouldn’t depend on income or zip code. Whether you’re a child taking your first swim lesson, a teen looking to hang out with friends on a hot day or a senior seeking low-impact exercise, this center is for you.
It’s also where many young people secure their first job as lifeguards or swim instructors. These roles teach responsibility, leadership and teamwork, lifelong skills that begin right here at the pool.
The design prioritizes inclusivity, accessibility, community connection and environmental leadership.
It also positions Carbondale as a sustainability trailblazer. This will be the first all-electric municipal pool in Colorado, and one of only a handful across the country, powered by high-efficiency electric air source heat pumps and solar photovoltaic systems that will handle heating, filtration and lighting. These innovative systems help move us toward a future net-zero operation.
We’re proving that small towns can lead on climate action. We hope this sets an example for municipalities across the state.
What’s more, 100% of our commission members have personally donated to the campaign, emphasizing our belief in the vision and long-term impact of this project. Construction is underway, but there’s still time to make a donation and be part of a successful project. Gifts of $1,000 or more will be recognized on a permanent donor wall at the pool’s entrance, and gifts of all amounts are welcome. Learn more and donate today at www.carbondaleconnect.org/pool
Let’s build a future that’s inclusive, forward-thinking, and uniquely Carbondale.
Amalia Sparhawk
Ashley Hejtmanek
Drew Sorenson
Hollis Sutherland
Leslie Keery
Nick Nardecchia
Rachel Bachman Perkins
Rose Rossello
Susan Rhea
Clay Center thanks
It is such a joy to reflect on the incredible success of our recent annual fundraising event, Clay & Moonlight! I am still moved by the unwavering support of our community. We celebrated another sold-out event that brought together friends, families and Clay Center supporters who share our vision.
To our generous sponsors — thank you. Your support was instrumental in making this event possible. Your commitment not only enhances our programs but also demonstrates the strength of our community partnerships. We are incredibly grateful for your trust and investment in our mission.
A special shout-out to the Special Events Committee, led by our board member Susan Muenchen, whose leadership elevated our standard of events and has brought us into a new era! The team’s hard work, creativity and passion were evident in every detail, creating an unforgettable experience and a beautiful evening for all of us.
To our amazing volunteers — we quite literally could not do this without you. We are and will always be a grassroots organization. Your time and commitment to CCC makes us stronger, closer and even more dedicated to our mission.
A special thanks to the cup makers — thank you for crafting the beautiful vessels that defined our event. They are more than functional objects, they’re symbols of our shared community and creativity.
Genuine thanks to Doug Casebeer for flying in just for the event and inspiring the crowd before the paddle raise! I am thankful for your ongoing support and inspiration!
To Mark Hardin — the food was absolutely outstanding! Your team also packed up a meal to go for one of our guests who had to leave early. That is exactly the kind of community we are proud to be a part of. Thank you, Mark and Field 2 Fork, you are the BEST!
To the board and staff at CCC — I hold such deep gratitude for all of you, for all the hours and phone calls, emails and meetings it took to pull it all off. This is not an easy time in our organization’s history, but it is a special time and each of you is a part of it. Thank you for happily contributing to the success of Clay & Moonlight; it was our collective efforts that made it a special night. Together, we have demonstrated what can be achieved when we come together as a community. Can’t wait to do it again next year!
Angela Bruno, Executive Director Carbondale Clay Center
PARTING SHOTS
IT WAS SWEET … not dill
PHOTOS AND TEXT BY JANE BACHRACH
Sopris Sun Correspondent
It’s too late now, but if you were in the mood for some action last weekend, July 18-20, the Young-Calaway Alpine Bank Pickleball Courts in Carbondale was the place to be.
There was plenty of action, both on and off the courts, as the Roaring Fork Pickleball Association held its annual members’ tournament, “The Sopris Showdown,” and what a showdown it was!
With 127 players participating, the competition was fierce in all three divisions. Each division — including men’s, women’s and mixed doubles — was then broken up into levels depending on players ratings. Congratulations to all the winners … and losers!
The results and more photos are on the RFPA website, www.roaringforkpickleball.org
LEGAL NOTICES
NOTICE OF FINAL SETTLEMENT
NOTICE is hereby given that on August 1st, 2025, at 12:00 p.m., final settlement will be made with EXCAVATION SERVICES INC., 226 N. 12th Street., Carbondale, Colorado, 81623 by the TOWN OF CARBONDALE, 511 Colorado Ave., Carbondale, Colorado, on a contract for labor and materials for a project known as TOWN OF CARBONDALE NETTLE CREEK HYDROELECTRIC PROJECT and that any person, co-partnership, company, association of persons, or corporation who has an unpaid claim against EXCAVATION SERVICES, INC., or its subcontractors, for labor and materials, may, at any time, up to closing of business the last work day prior to final settlement, that is, by August 1st, 2025, file a verified statement of the amount due with the TOWN OF CARBONDALE (Attn. Scott Wenning swenning@carbondaleco.net pursuant to Section 38-26-107, C.R.S., as amended.
Failure on the part of the Claimant to make such verified statement, prior to the final settlement on the contract with EXCAVATION SERVICES Inc., will relieve the TOWN OF CARBONDALE from any liability for such Claimant’s claim. PUBLISHED BY THE ORDER OF TOWN OF CARBONDALE. Published in The Sopris Sun on July 24, 2025.
NOTICE
PURSUANT TO THE LIQUOR LAWS OF COLORADO DOS GRINGOS BURRITOS, INC. D/B/A DOS GRINGOS HAS REQUESTED THE LICENSING OFFICIALS OF THE TOWN OF CARBONDALE TO APPROVE A NEW LIQUOR LICENSE FOR A HOTEL & RESTAURANT LICENSE LOCATED AT 588 HIGHWAY 133 CARBONDALE, CO 81623
HEARING ON APPLICATION TO BE HELD AT: 511 COLORADO AVE. CARBONDALE, CO 81623 OR EMAIL PTHIBAULT@CARBONBDALECO.NET FOR A LINK TO THE MEETING TIME AND DATE: 6:00 P.M., AUGUST 12, 2025
DATE OF APPLICATION: JUNE 19, 2025
OFFICERS: JULIE OLDHAM & NELSON OLDHAM BY ORDER OF: PATRICK THIBAULT, TOWN CLERK ADDRESS OF THE PLACE AT WHICH PETITIONS OR REMONSTRANCES MAY BE FILED: Town Clerk’s Office, 511 Colorado Ave., Carbondale, CO 81623
