“By connecting our new rooftop solar to this battery system, we’re enhancing the museum’s energy resilience and helping create a smarter, cleaner grid for our community,” declared Bobbi Hapgood, president and CEO of the Powers Art Center. The Powers Art Center (13110 Highway 82, Carbondale) is among the first commercial facilities within Holy Cross Energy’s service area to install a commercial battery energy storage system. The project’s completion was celebrated with a ribbon cutting on Aug. 12, reflecting a successful collaboration between the museum, Holy Cross Energy and Sunsense Solar. On-site solar and the new battery system will meet 75% of the museum’s energy needs. Moreover, the battery system can be controlled by Holy Cross Energy to cut their peak load costs during periods of high energy demand.
It was a beautiful morning on Aug. 12 when the ribbon was cut for the
Center’s new commercial battery energy storage system. FAR-LEFT: Mike
with Holy Cross Energy proudly presented the new battery system. BELOW:
president and CEO of the Powers Art Center — and the granddaughter of John and Kimiko Powers, did the ribbon-cutting honors.
TOP:
Powers Art
Steiner
Bobbi Hapgood,
Photos by Landan Berlof
Extractions of the heart
I awoke feeling sad about my appointment to explore having some teeth pulled. I love my teeth and don’t want to separate from them, but these thoughts were soon pushed aside by thoughts about another loss I’m even less ready for. My youngest granddaughter decided to complete her senior year of high school in Salt Lake City, where she will be better able to immerse herself in martial arts and take AP classes at a real university. Her host family is waiting, and her farewell party was scheduled for the following evening.
Dentally, things could be worse. The surgeon who will remove two teeth will also screw studs into what’s left of my jawbone, fill around them with pig tissue and, in half a year, I should be chewing like a teenager. Replacing a grandchild is a different matter. I know this because my three older ones have already flown away. I rarely see them now, and when I do, we share only that visit and our pasts. We update each other about our current lives, but alas, those lives are now barely joined.
That’s not to say grandchildren don’t care anymore. During the COVID-19 summer of 2020, when their great-grandmother was dying, Darian, my oldest grandchild (she was already 31), flew across the country and stayed six weeks, helping “GG” die where she wanted to die, in her own home. Dare cared. But I’ve seen almost nothing of her since then. She has her own life to live, and it has little space for people who run half as fast as she hops on one leg with her eyes closed. Ditto for Veronica, Cole and, now, Sara Gray. I don’t like it, but I understand. I was a grandchild once, and ready to fly.
holding one of her arms and me the other. We started taking her out once or twice a day.
I was happy that Grandma was recovering, but I resented the added responsibility. I wanted to socialize with friends, read comic books, play basketball, anything other than help an old lady make the most of what was left of her life. But I kept these feelings to myself and did my duty. On the morning of my 15th birthday, before I left for school, Mom and I took Grandma for one of those walks. Later that day, she went to the bathroom, sat down on the toilet, and died.
By Ron Kokish
Adele, my maternal grandmother, lived with us until my 15th birthday. She was already in her late sixties when she arrived in the USA, seeking refuge from Austria’s Nazis. She learned little English, and I often translated for her, particularly when we watched television together. During my childhood, I felt closer to her than anyone else. Adele loved long walks, but when I was somewhere past 14, she suffered a mild stroke that kept her home for several months. As those months passed, though, she recovered enough to slowly walk a block or two with my mother
LETTERS
CORRECTIONS: A photo by Alison Osius in last week’s paper was mistakenly attributed to Laird Little. In “PEAK learning comes to Marble Charter School,” Karly Anderson was named, but she has since left Marble Charter School and Hope Dwiggins will take her place supporting the PEAK program. Lastly, in the Carbondale commercial inventory article published last month, Justin “Chester” White is called an alumnus of Colorado Rocky Mountain School (CRMS). He in fact worked as a staff member for the HS2 program for several years during the summers, but never attended CRMS.
Libraries
For 16 years, the Garfield County Public Library District selected its own trustees, which the County affirmed through appointment. The Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) took over the selection process in 2023, complaining in part that the library was not timely in filling vacancies.
The BOCC was notified of Myrna Fletchall’s resignation as the Rifle trustee on June 23, 2025. Seven weeks later, the BOCC notified the library that it intends to leave the Rifle position vacant until December 2025 and the community without representation for six months. At that time, two additional trustee positions will also become vacant.
This is a problem of the County’s own making. The BOCC rejected an
I was sad. I cried a lot. I missed her for a long time. And I felt relieved. I was 15, ready to fly and had little room in my life for people who could only run half as fast as . . . I felt guilty about feeling relieved and told no one about it until my thirties. I thought I was a bad person for feeling that way, and to be honest, I still think that. I know it’s not true. I know that it’s deeds we are righteously judged by, not thoughts or feelings. Judaism taught me that. Modern psychology teaches it, and so does ordinary wisdom. But I still wonder whether a better 15-year-old would have appreciated having a grandma to help instead of thinking about himself.
And now, with Sara Gray soaring to new heights of self-discovery, I have the same problem. I’m unready for life without her. Honestly, I’d be happy if, in a few weeks, she decided she was too lonely and returned home. She would probably feel like a failure about her first great, independent adventure; but so what? Never mind about what she wants or what’s best for her. I could comfort her. I could help her understand the value of what she learned from the experience. I could be grandpa again. And just as I did at 15, I feel guilty about those selfish feelings. If her experiment fails, I’ll feel genuinely sad for her. But I’ll be happy to have her nearby again, dropping in for occasional spontaneous visits for just a little while longer.
I’m confident about adjusting to having a few teeth replaced, but how do we replace people we love?
Mature Content is a monthly feature from Age-Friendly Carbondale.
intergovernmental agreement proposed by the library last year to allow the library to again run the selection process itself and to permit the reappointment of trustees in good standing for a second term. Now the BOCC will spend three months in an involved process when their time is better spent in addressing the County’s financial woes and other pressing issues.
The BOCC is taking a further step — denying representation because it can’t manage its own process. It puts convenience ahead of library governance.
Isn’t it about time to hand trustee selection back to the library district, which is, after all, an independent subdivision of the state, established by the voters, and more than capable of managing its own business?
Jocelyn Durrance Carbondale
Gas prices
The price for a gallon of regular gas in Rifle was $3.49 as of Aug. 17.
Except for the independently owned station on 5th and Railroad; their price was $2.89 per gallon.
Are all the other gas stations just 20% greedier or are they colluding to dupe the public into financing their price gouging?
And wow, head upvalley to Bonedale and the same gas is $3.84. Keep heading upvalley to Aspen and we find Californicated costs.
So, is it corporate greed or is the station
on 5th and Railroad giving away gas for economic empathy?
Bruno Kirchenwitz Rifle
Keeping the republic
Marines and National Guard troops on the streets of Los Angeles and Washington, D.C. are ostensibly restoring law and order. President Trump says get used to it. He’s just getting started making America great again.
Maybe we will get used to it. That, or protest and get tear gassed, or maybe just shot in the legs, as Trump suggested during his first term, as a way to curb Black Lives Matter demonstrators.
With Trump, “an emergency” always justifies the means. Despite a steadily falling crime rate, there’s an “emergency” crime spree in Washington. Send in the Guard. Random deportations in LA got some local blowback. Bring in the Marines! It’s beginning to feel normal.
This could be a dress rehearsal for something bigger.
Trump indicated he’d like to stay in office longer than his constitutional two-term limit. What if he insists he be placed on the ballot again in 2024? Or if he just won’t leave? MAGA loyalists control virtually every government office, and Supreme Court be damned! Such a move would hardly go unnoticed and could bring millions into the streets. It
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Lift-Up shutters thrift stores
Lift-Up, a local food assistance nonprofit, is closing thrift stores in Parachute and Rifle to focus on its food assistance services. The Glenwood Springs thrift store closed earlier this year. Lift-Up has been serving those in need since the oil shale bust in 1982 and added thrift stores in Rifle and Parachute in the ‘90s. The Parachute store closed during the COVID-19 pandemic, reopened less than a year ago and closed for good last weekend. The Rifle store remains open through Aug. 30. Lift-Up is also selling the Parachute and Rifle properties.
Pot shop seized
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A sign posted on the window of Verde Natural in Carbondale (previously home to Miser’s Mercantile) announces “this property has been seized for nonpayment of taxes and is now in the possession of the State of Colorado.” The Colorado Department of Revenue declares that $149,354.35 is owed by Consciously Crafted LLC “for delinquent and unpaid taxes” and all personal property, furniture, fixtures, equipment and inventory at locations in Denver, Silt, Cedaredge, De Beque, Carbondale, Snowmass Village and Boulder shall be auctioned off to satisfy the claim. Another notice accuses Consciously Crafted LLC of owing the landlord at 303 Main Street a total of $11,584 for June and July rent and utilities plus late fees.
Wolf pause proposed
A bipartisan group of state legislators from the Western Slope, including Senators Dylan Roberts (D-SD8) and Marc Catlin (R-SD5) and Rep. Elizabeth Velasco (D-HD57), plans to introduce a bill during a special session Thursday, Aug. 21 that would move more than $260,000 from the state’s general fund for wolf reintroduction to bolster Colorado health insurance affordability that took a hit after the passage of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act on July 4. According to the bill’s text, Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) would not be able to use that money to bring more wolves into the state during fiscal year 2025-26. CPW would still be able to use appropriated funds “to assist livestock producers in preventing and resolving conflicts between gray wolves and livestock” and to pay for wolf predation claims.
Paper prices
The Sopris Sun is facing another increase in printing costs — between 4% and 7% beginning Sept. 1. The paper’s printing costs have increased by about 28% since 2021. Readers can help offset this financial pressure by donating at www.soprissun.com/donate
Shoshone pressure
On Aug. 6, Colorado State Senator Marc Catlin (R-SD5), along with five other General Assembly members, sent a letter to the Department of Interior requesting the release of $40 million in federal funding that was previously awarded to the Shoshone Water Rights Preservation Project for the purchase of the $99 million Shoshone water rights. Over $57 million has been raised between the state, local governments and other regional organizations, and the federal funding would bring the total to $97 million — just shy of the goal.
Chipped and sealed
The Colorado Department of Transportation, in partnership with United Companies, recently completed the Highway 133 chip seal project, improving about 24 miles of roadway from Roaring Fork High School to McClure Pass. The project commenced in early June. The highway will now remain closed through August and into September in downtown Carbondale for the installation of a new pedestrian crossing.
Construction work is wrapping up at the Marble Charter School, remodeling one of two buildings that house the K-8 school. Director Sam Richings-Germain said she hopes K-2 students will return to this building on Sept. 15. “We’ll be looking for volunteer support to restore the classroom,” she told The
Crystal fishing
On Friday, Aug. 15, CPW implemented a full-day voluntary fishing closure on the Crystal River — from mile marker 64 to the confluence with the Roaring Fork River — until further notice. “CPW takes implementing fishing closures very seriously,” said Northwest Region Senior Aquatic Biologist Ben Felt. “Closures, voluntary or mandatory, are implemented once river conditions meet a threshold where fish health is impacted. Typically, these closures are implemented when water temperatures are high and stream or river flows are low.” For more information, visit www.tinyurl.com/CrystalClosure
Crystal Caucus election
This November, the Crystal River Caucus will hold board elections, including an opening for a new board member. Board members elected in November will be expected to serve a two-year term beginning in January. Interested candidates can email crcaucus@gmail.com
Armory Hall redevelopment
On Aug. 12, Aspen City Council approved the redevelopment of Armory Hall and Conner Memorial Park, following years of public engagement, according to a press release. The historic grounds will become a community hub with a food hall, indoor and outdoor gathering spaces and a visitor center. The project was reviewed by the Historic Preservation Commission ahead of the council’s decision. The City will begin a search for a master lease operator and formalize construction proposals so it can submit a building permit application. Construction is expected to begin in the fall of 2026. For more information, visit www. aspencommunityvoice.com/aspen-armory-hall
They say it’s your birthday!
Folks celebrating another trip around the sun this week include: Jan Edwards, Rick Norman and Kevin Schorzman (Aug. 21); Raine Beau, Chris Hassig, Ryan Honey, Kathy McCann and Jeannie Perry (Aug. 22); Susan Brady, Brett Haynes, Chrissy Leonard and Sarah Mac (Aug. 23); Dalton Handy, Sarah Meyer and Andrea Porter (Aug. 24); Lauren Gister, John Hoffmann, Alli O’Neal and Danielle Rozga (Aug. 25); Larry Day, Linda Froning, Julie Goldstein and Julia Tallmadge (Aug. 26); Mason Frisbie, Joanne Howard and Tommy Sands (Aug. 27).
Sopris Sun. Photo by Lynn “Jake” Burton
Raftoberfest rides the river to benefit cancer survivors
ANNALISE GRUETER
Sopris Sun Correspondent
The first Saturday in September, a unique fundraiser is set to make waves in Glenwood Springs. Raftoberfest combines a love for water and the dramatic local landscape with fundraising. Epic Experience is an Arvada, Colorado-based nonprofit that facilitates adventures and empowerment for cancer survivors. One of the nonprofit’s many creative charity events is Raftoberfest, a half-day of rafting and following party.
The afternoon and evening of Sept. 6 will mark the seventh annual iteration of Raftoberfest. Epic Experience partners with Glenwood Springs-based adventure company Whitewater Rafting, LLC to put on the event. After a three-hour guided trip on the Colorado River, participants gather at the boathouse for local beers and food, live music, a silent auction and more.
“Raftoberfest is the perfect mix of Colorado adventure and community connection,” said Colin Ferro, executive director of Epic Experience. “It’s more than just rafting and beer — it’s about
supporting adult cancer survivors and helping them rediscover joy and strength beyond cancer.”
The 501(c)(3) nonprofit was founded in 2012 with a mission to empower adult cancer survivors to live beyond cancer through outdoor adventure.
Epic Experience emphasizes that cancer survivorship is more than follow-up medical appointments and scans; it’s about living life to the fullest. The organization aims to empower adult cancer survivors to do just that via its various programs, from adventure experiences including rafting to structured community gatherings.
Epic Experience offers regional community meet-ups across the country, weeklong camps in the Rocky Mountains, virtual reality programming (ThriveVR) and a story-sharing podcast (Campfires of Hope). The organization’s programs help survivors find confidence, healing and connection — reminding them that while cancer may be part of their story, it does not define them.
The apex program is a free, weeklong adventure camp in the Colorado Rockies. The outdoor
education opportunity breaks down boundaries for cancer survivors. As participants challenge themselves physically, find community with other survivors and talk through fears and worries, they gain hope and return home with tools and support to help them thrive.
Whitewater Rafting, LLC has operated in Glenwood Springs for over 50 years, since 1974. In 1998, the company moved to riverfront headquarters in Glenwood Springs, just below the confluence of the Colorado and Roaring Fork rivers. In 2022, founders Erik and Phoebe Larsson sold the company to Thomas and Jenny
Carter, who aim to keep it a locallyowned family business.
The Carters are dedicated to the community and to the outdoor spaces in which they operate. To them, getting to expose customers to new adventures and natural beauty is the highlight of the work they do. “The river is such a uniting force that everyone you meet out there is always friendly, happy and ready to help,” said Thomas Carter. “That joy of living is what we want everyone to experience during their time with us, and we hope a little of it goes home with them too.”
Tickets include the three-hour raft trip and dinner and drinks for
$120 per person, or $80 for kids between the ages of 5 and 12. A set of four tickets costs $450. Those interested in joining the fundraiser but not spending time on the river can purchase a ticket for $60.
Raftoberfest starts and ends at the Whitewater Rafting, LLC boathouse at 2000 Devereux Road in Glenwood Springs. The event starts at 1:30pm on Saturday, Sept. 6. It will wrap up around 7:30pm that evening.
To purchase tickets, visit www. epicexperience.org; there you can also learn more about Epic Experience’s work supporting cancer survivors.
Raftoberfest participants enjoy rapids and adventure while contributing to a good cause. Courtesy photo
Watch Duty on duty since 2021
AMY HADDEN MARSH
Sopris Sun Correspondent
During the early chaos of the Lee Fire this month, when social media was also burning up, locals wanted information. Where’s the smoke coming from? How far away is the fire? Do I have to evacuate? Where do I take my livestock?
As I was scrambling to get a handle on what was happening, a friend and retired U.S. Forest Service employee sent me the link to an app with fire maps, nationwide. All kinds of real-time information — updates, photos, fire perimeters, evacuation notices, human and animal shelter locations, weather, wind flow, air quality and hotspots — literally at my fingertips and plotted on an interactive map. Welcome to Watch Duty.
Sailors and soldiers understand what it means to be on watch. It’s a 24/7 thing, split into manageable shifts, so someone is awake and aware at all times. While others are sleeping, the person on watch looks out for danger, keeps the boat on course. The Watch Duty app works the same way with a crew of about 90 staff and volunteers across the globe, gathering and coordinating information into a hub and making it visible on the map.
“It’s a distillation of all sorts of different things that people would have to have open on their phone, like weather, a flight tracker, air quality — any of those things,” said Sekhar Padmanabhan, a staff reporter living in Los Angeles. “It’s all in one place. We want people to have the information in their pocket.”
That’s pretty much how the app got started. CEO John Clarke Mills, a tech entrepreneur in California, lived through two wildfires in two years. Long story short, frustrated and angry about the lack of timely information during the fires, Clarke took matters into his own hands. He founded Watch Duty in 2021. Three years later, the nonprofit logged 7.2 million active users, up from 1.9 million in 2023. Funding reached $5.6 million last year from memberships, individual donations and grants, including $2 million from Google.
How it works
A typical day at Watch Duty doesn’t involve clocking in at the office or even a central office, for that matter. Employees and volunteers are scattered across the U.S. and across the globe, connected by computers. Cut the telecom lines and it would be a different story.
Adam Johnson, regional captain, is
in Fort Collins, Colorado. He started as a volunteer in 2023 because he, too, was frustrated with how difficult it was to find wildfire information.
“I was attempting to do what Watch Duty does in 2012,” he explained. “I was contributing to a Facebook page called ‘Colorado Wildfire Information’ and that was the year the High Park Fire started in Larimer County.” He was working on the West Slope at the time and continued to post about the fire. “I was subscribing to every fire department, Twitter, everything, and I was trying to populate it all into one Facebook page for people.”
Johnson said after he wakes up, he waits for official updates on long-running fires, like the Lee Fire. “We make sure we get the right signals, that no evacuation zones were missed, and then share the information provided by the agencies,” he explained. “Then after those updates are made, we listen and watch for new signals.”
“We take everything in,” added Padmanabhan. “Part of the day we’re listening to radios, checking socials or we’re processing information or watching press conferences or just any number of things to get as much information as we can for people.” They collect info from different agencies, vet it and post it. Watch Duty does not take information from media reports. “We can’t vet it,” Padmanabhan said.
Newbies
During the Lee Fire, the Garfield County Sheriff urged the public to rely on local updates instead of those from other organizations. “It’s a common practice for those types of agencies to be that way when they haven’t [worked with Watch Duty],” said Johnson. “We have a person that can reach out to them and hopefully bridge the gap, but they don’t have that history.” He added that the sheriff’s post was picked up by fire protection agencies all the way to El Paso County.
“As a fire starts, it’s definitely a more local information level from local fire departments,” he added. “They’re the first ones [on the scene].” But, as the fire grows and federal agencies get involved, information is more difficult to come by and the updates slow down.
You can find the app ‘round the clock at watchduty.org. A lot of features are available for free. You can also become a member and agencies can join at the “pro” level.
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As of Aug. 20, the Lee Fire west of Meeker was 137,755 acres and 68% contained. Carbondale & Rural Fire Protection District courtesy photo
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Formation of Colorado’s first special district funding childcare to be decided by tri-county voters
KATE PHILLIPS
Sopris Sun Correspondent
This November, regional voters will decide whether or not to pass the Early Childhood Service District ballot measure proposed by the Confluence Early Childhood Education Coalition (CECE). If approved, it would become Colorado’s first special taxing district meant to improve access to early-childhood care and education — another is being explored on the Front Range, but won’t likely make the 2025 ballot. Following a successful judicial review in July, CECE launched its “Strong Start, Bright Future” (SSBF) campaign to promote the measure and connect with voters.
“We really believe sustainable funding is one of the critical pieces [of the] puzzle,” said Maggie Tiscornia, SSBF’s outreach coordinator.
Spanning Garfield, Pitkin and the southwest corner of Eagle County, the special district would implement a 0.25% sales tax on non-essential goods. Items excluded from the tax are things like groceries, gas, medicines, diapers, feminine hygiene products and other goods not taxed by the state. The tax could generate an estimated $10 million in annual revenue.
To maximize reach and address the
region’s diverse socioeconomic needs, the funds would be flexible. Families with children under 5 could benefit from sliding-scale tuition assistance, while childcare providers would receive grants for expanding capacity (particularly for infant and toddler care), lowering tuition rates, improving quality of services or obtaining licensure and so forth. Additional funds would be used for the district’s operational needs and thirdparty accountability reviews.
Voters will also elect the special district’s five-person board of directors.
Akin to a school board, the special district’s board would implement programs, determine policies and listen and adapt to the community’s needs. Nominations for the new board are due Aug. 22.
“I think the beauty of this being local, and these directors being voter-elected to represent these communities, is that we can directly advocate, have our voices heard and respond to the needs here,” said Tiscornia, “rather than at the state level.”
Community-wide challenge
From Parachute to Aspen, the need for high-quality, reliable and affordable childcare is increasingly prevalent. Noting that 90% of brain development happens
from birth to 5 years old, Tiscornia said supporting these children will set them up for success and also benefit the communities where they live and play.
Currently, the region has 2,272 licensed childcare placements, but over 5,100 children under the age of 5. Faced with this challenge, many working parents have opted to reduce their work hours or leave the workforce entirely. Based on CECE’s data analysis, the lack of accessible childcare leads to an estimated regional loss of $50 million in annual revenue, earnings and productivity.
Families who have secured a spot face another challenge: tuition. The federal government recommends that 7% of household income goes toward childcare.
In the Valley, families making the median household income with two young children are budgeting nearly 37% of their monthly income toward childcare. In some cases, this surpasses their monthly housing budget.
Ali Cottle, founder and director of the Thompson Schoolhouse and a CECE volunteer, said childcare funding is a systemic problem. Providers have to charge more to maintain their business and employees in an expensive area, and families struggle to afford the tuition.
“We just need money; that’s the big answer,” said Cottle. “This proposal is a way [visitors and second homeowners] can help build our small community.”
continued on page 22
Children at the Thompson Schoolhouse enjoy a moment of nourishment with Director Ali Cottle. Consistent research shows that access to early childhood education results in better outcomes for children socially, academically and emotionally. Courtesy photo
Medicaid changes and a public land use ally from Utah
AMY HADDEN MARSH Sopris Sun Correspondent
As the Lee Fire on Monday was closing in on 137,000 acres and the dubious achievement of becoming the state’s 4th largest wildfire in history, Garfield County Commissioners (BOCC) had a public conversation promoting natural gas drilling and timber sales with Jacey Albaugh, legislative assistant for U.S. Senator Mike Lee (R-UT) on the U.S. Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee (ENRC). Lee, who chairs the ENRC, was responsible for this year’s public lands scare when he proposed selling off public lands for housing. The BOCC wrote a letter to Lee on June 23 opposing his plan. According to legistorm.com, Albaugh has worked for Lee in various capacities since at least 2022.
But first, the BOCC listened to monthly human services updates including federal government assistance disbursements and how H.R. 1 (aka the Big Beautiful Bill Act) will impact Garfield County. Total disbursements came to $1,078,883.52 for July. Sharon Longhurst-Pritt, director of county human services, reported that just over 12,500 county residents use Medicaid, about 4,000 use food assistance and new applications are 17% lower than in June. She added that most of the food assistance between Carbondale and Parachute goes to Rifle and Glenwood Springs residents.
Longhurst-Pritt took on the task of explaining Medicaid changes, such as eligibility and work requirements, and how difficult it will be to implement them, including increased workload and no federal direction or funding.
Other items included approval of plans for a cell tower on Davis Point near New Castle; a letter of support for a grant from Colorado Parks and Wildlife’s Colorado Outdoor Regional Partnerships Initiative to the Colorado River Valley Economic Development Partnership; a lease agreement for two sheriff department vehicles; and a contractor’s yard on private land near Carbondale.
In the afternoon came the conversation with Albaugh, which lasted close to an hour. “I cover forestry policy as well as oil and gas issues,” said Albough, whose parents live in Carbondale. “I believe you all were in D.C. earlier this year,” she said. “So it’s a pleasure to meet you and it’s good to be here on your home turf.” Commissioners appeared excited about the upcoming discussion. Mike Samson shook Albaugh’s hand twice.
A discussion with someone connected to a congressional ally appeared to embolden Jankovsky to criticize the new state rulemakings regulating oil and gas operations and National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) requirements. “We go through planning hell with the Biden administration, the Obama administration, where we would have upwards of 12 [environmental impact statements] in front of us,” exclaimed Jankovsky. “Then the Trump administration comes along and we don’t have any, which is great!”
Albaugh said that Lee was interested in what she called “permit reform” and seemed to view both NEPA and the Endangered Species Act as liabilities. “We’re looking at ways to stymie, or really kind of change, some of the litigation on NEPA issues because I know that hampers a lot of very good projects,” she explained. “We’re looking at ways we can reform the land management process, make it easier to develop energy and other multiple use activities on federal lands.”
She referred to the Endangered Species Act as another roadblock to resource extraction on public lands, calling it “a broken system”. “The whole point was to recover species and then get them off the list,” she opined. “Instead it’s been a holding ground, and it’s been weaponized completely to stop projects. It’s essentially turned into an unofficial land grab device.”
Albaugh works mainly with forestry and oil and gas issues, about which she had plenty to say. She said timber sales are “a good way to prevent wildfires.” Jankovsky agreed. “We’re dealing with forest fires right now and if we had a clear cut somewhere, it just stops, slows down the fire,” he said.
They lauded the end of the Roadless Rule, which has kept oil and gas operators and loggers from building roads across unroaded U.S. Forest Service lands
Help reduce traffic and get rewarded with Two Rivers Connect
MYKI JONES
Sopris Sun Correspondent
It’s no secret that traffic in the Valley has steadily increased. That’s why Clean Energy Economy for the Region (CLEER) launched Two Rivers Connect earlier this month. In partnership with the City of Glenwood Springs, Garfield Clean Energy, the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT), the Roaring Fork Transportation Authority (RFTA), Garfield County Libraries, chambers of commerce in Garfield County, the Glenwood Springs Downtown Development Authority and the Colorado River Valley Economic Development Partnership, an app has been launched for this initiative where users can log their miles traveled through alternative methods of transportation (anything but a personal vehicle) to lessen the amount of cars on the roads.
CLEER, who said the initiative is designed to encourage folks to slowly start changing their transportation habits, as opposed to all at once.
“The goal of this initiative is to get people to think about just one day a week to change things. We’re trying to make it accessible to folks by encouraging them to try one day carpooling or one day biking, and not trying to make it super difficult for people to achieve, which I think is a cool part of the program — that incremental change,” Hamilton stated.
When users log a trip that is not a single-occupancy vehicle ride — such as biking to work, taking the bus for errands, carpooling to events or even walking to places that don’t require the use of a car — they can earn points within the app that count toward a plethora of rewards and benefits. These include the chance to win an electric bike, ski resort passes, hot springs passes, a paragliding flight, Crystal Theatre tickets and gift cards to local restaurants and shops.
“Basically, the goal is to create a program that encourages people to learn about and adopt new ways of getting around,” Dova Castañeda Zilly, clean mobility program manager at CLEER, told The Sopris Sun. “So, walking, biking, taking the bus, carpooling, vanpooling and working remotely — basically anything that can encourage someone to think, ‘Okay, I drive my car from here to here. How could that car trip not be just a single-occupancy car trip?’”
She continued, “It’s not just commuting. We totally understand that not everyone can change how they get to work, and some people have to drive. It’s also about how you get to the grocery store, the park-and-ride to take the bus or how you go to your friend’s house. It’s about the in-town commuting trips.”
These sentiments were echoed by Joy Hamilton, communications manager at
This project was made possible through a Transportation Management Organization grant from CDOT. CLEER and RFTA worked closely on incubating the project after recognizing how significantly traffic has grown over the course of several years. According to a Two Rivers Connect press release, data collected from CDOT’s Online Transportation Information Station demonstrates a 33% increase in traffic on I-70 west of Silt and 23% on Highway 82 south of Glenwood Springs from 2013 to 2023.
“We [at CLEER] can’t say for certain why traffic has increased — we’re just trying to think about how we can make getting around in towns and throughout the region more enjoyable for everyone,” Castañeda Zilly said.
In addition to encouraging users and community members to find alternative modes of transportation, Two Rivers Connect also features an employer network, which allows employers to help with engagement by sharing incentives and finding carpools throughout the system.
“We’ve reached out to a number of employers. Some of the ones signed up so far include Valley View Hospital, Roaring Fork and Aspen school districts, RFTA, Holy Cross Energy, and the list is growing,” Castañeda Zilly stated. “We had a very quick launch at the beginning of the month, and we’re really working to continue that engagement and growth.”
The program is planned to continue through 2026 and is one of many steps toward reducing traffic in the Valley.
To participate in Two Rivers Connect, visit www.tworiversconnect.garfieldcleanenergy.org or download the app using Apple or Google stores.
Anyone commuting past Glenwood Springs during rush hour knows that traffic is dense and becoming thicker! Alternative transportation like commuting or riding a bike puts fewer cars on the road and makes traveling more fun. Courtesy RFTA photo
Roarin g Fork
Yout h Activi ti e s
Ac t i v i t i e s
EXPLORE CREATE CONNECT
The Sopris Sun is excited to introduce programs that let kids try new activities, build skills, and connect with their community in fun and meaningful ways.
COLORADO MOUNTAIN COLLEGE
Kids’ Classes on Wednesdays in Carbondale
BEGINNING SKETCHING Ages 10-17
Learn how to loose sketch characters starting with the basics. Students will sketch simple characters including some from Disney.
Wednesdays, 3-4pm, 9/10-10/1
STEAL THE SPOTLIGHT Ages 12-18
Join Travis Wilson to learn how to block, sing, dance and act out a number as a character in a musical of your choice.
Wednesdays, 4:30-6pm, 9/17-12/10
ADDRESS: 690 Colorado Ave, Carbondale For more info and to register: www. coloradomtn.augusoft.net Or call 970-963-2172
GARFIELD COUNTY LIBRARIES
Children of all ages can explore, play, and learn through a wide variety of our engaging programs o ered each week.
From storytimes that spark a lifelong love of reading—whether for babies, toddlers, preschoolers, or the whole family—to active sessions like “Get the Wiggles Out” and “Shake Your Sillies Out,” there’s something for every energy level. Creative minds can dive into hands-on fun with “Spark” and “STEM Exploration” events, while bilingual and sensory-friendly programs ensure every child feels welcome and included.Across all six library branches—Carbondale, Glenwood Springs, New Castle, Silt, Rifle, and Parachute—families will find opportunities to connect, learn, and grow together.
Whether you’re looking to introduce your little one to their first storytime, inspire curiosity with science and art, or enjoy enriching cultural experiences, the libraries are here to help your child’s imagination soar.
FOR MORE INFO: www.gcpld.org
MOUNTAIN SPROUTS PLAY CAFE Explore, Discover, and Connect!
COMING SOON
play areas, to climbing walls and foam pits, to imaginative play zones, each section is designed to encourage physical activity, creativity, and social interaction. 578 CO-133, Carbondale, CO 81623
CALL FOR MORE INFO: 970-319-0584
CRYSTAL RIVER BALLET SCHOOL Fall Registration Now Open!
Crystal River Ballet School is now enrolling students for the 2025–2026 academic year! O ering classes for children, adults, and pre-professional dancers, CRBS welcomes new students and families while celebrating the return of their dance community. Students can look forward to a year of technical growth, artistic development, and the excitement of full-length ballet productions — both in the studio and on stage. Since 1999, Crystal River Ballet School has been inspiring dancers of all ages in Carbondale. Secure your spot today and join the tradition!
76 South 4th St @ The Launchpad, Carbondale CALL FOR MORE INFO: (970) 987-4880
CARBONDALE REC CENTER: Registration for Youth Climbing Now Open!
Youth Beginner Climbing (Ages 6-8)
Dates: September 2, 9, 16 Day: Tuesdays Time: 4-5pm
This is an introductory climbing class for younger children and first-time climbers. This course focuses on building confidence and basic technique through games and fun activities while teaching safe practices, fundamental vocabulary, and an age-appropriate introduction to climbing equipment.
YouthClimbing (Ages 9-13)
Dates: September 4, 11, 18 Day: Thursdays Time: 4-5pm
This course is designed to review and build on skills learned in previous climbing classes, introduce older children to those concepts, and allow students to have fun and build confidence as they progress at their own pace through technical skills practice and technique-focused activities. This course is open to all ability levels. Please note each month is its own session and must be registered for individually.
CARBONDALE CROSSFIT
Get Your Kids Moving at Carbondale CrossFit
Carbondale CrossFit is excited to offer a special promotion for our Kids classes. Designed for children aged 5–12, our CrossFit Kids program introduces young athletes to the fundamentals of movement, basic gymnastics, safety etiquette, mobility, and flexibility—all while having fun with their friends. Classes are held on Mondays and Fridays at 4:00 PM, providing a great opportunity for kids to stay active and healthy. To make it easier for families, we offer a $20 drop-in rate or a 10-class punch pass for $145.
INFO AND REGISTRATION: carbondalecrossfitco.com or CALL: 561-972-1240
Helping pollinators and reducing water use at Thompson House Park
AND TEXT BY
SUE GRAY
EDITOR’S NOTE: Sue Gray is a member of Bee Friendly Carbondale.
The bees are busy in the new 1,600-squarefeet demonstration pollinator garden at the Thompson House Museum History Park in Carbondale. Along with a plethora of honeybees, several species of wild bees, wasps, moths, beetles, butterflies and hummingbirds are visiting their favorite pollen-producing plants, which were installed by an all-volunteer team of local native-habitat advocates.
Bee Friendly Carbondale started as an offshoot of the Carbondale Environmental Board, spearheaded by then-Board Chair Hannah-Hunt Wander in the fall of 2022. Soon, a small group of citizens gathered around the idea of replacing grass turf in Town parks and rights-of-way with elements of native habitats. The goal was to create “pollinator corridors” throughout town — pathways of nutrient- and habitat-dense areas for beneficial insects and birds. And because native habitat is drought resistant, the Town would be able to reduce its water usage.
Grass lawns are great for sports and social events, but some turf is solely ornamental and non-essential. A typical Kentucky Bluegrass lawn uses 12-times more water than landscaping with native plants, which feed and house pollinator species, require no chemical additives and thrive in our arid environment.
Garden takes shape
Because of my association with the Heritage Garden at the Thompson House Museum, I was approached by Bee Friendly Carbondale in early 2023 about making the Thompson House Park the location of the first demonstration pollinator garden. I quickly lent my support to the project and joined the group, which now included my neighbors, Jane Hendricks and Dina Bowers, as well as Wander’s neighbor, Jillene Rector.
Bowers created a “matrix” design plan using native and regionally-adaptive plants, as outlined in the book “Prairie Up” by Benjamin Vogt. Native plants are those that grow naturally in this area. Adaptive plants are from areas with a similar climate, such as parts of Asia and South Africa.
With approval from the Parks and Rec Department and funding from the Environmental Board, we ordered 800 seedlings from the wholesale Bluebird Nursery in Clarkson, Nebraska to be delivered the following spring.
— purchased with a grant through Aspen Skiing Company’s Environment Foundation.
More Bee Friendly gardens
Starting in 2024, Bee Friendly worked with the Town of Carbondale to encourage residents to replace turf in their own yards with drought resistant gardens by applying for the “Turf Replacement Program.” Using funds from the statewide program, sponsored by the Colorado Water Conservation Board, qualifying residents received $2 per square foot of irrigated turf removed and replaced with waterwise landscaping.
The benefit for Bee Friendly Carbondale and all who pass by is the joy of seeing the beautiful garden in full bloom, humming with insect life.
In early 2024, the turf was scraped from the southwest perimeter of the park. Soon after, nearly a dozen volunteers helped install a portion of the small plant plugs. No soil amendments were added, as these native plant varieties have evolved to grow in these sandy alkaline soil conditions. A three-inch-thick layer of mineral mulch (pea gravel) was added, creating ideal conditions for the heat and drought-loving native plants to thrive, while also discouraging weeds.
A second planting was completed in the spring of 2025, filling in the matrix with 700 plant plugs from online-distributor High Country Gardens and High Plains Environmental Nursery in Loveland
To see how native landscapes can beautify residential neighborhoods and public spaces, look for the Bee Friendly Garden signs in front yards around town, in Sopris Park and coming soon to the Carbondale Library.
By next spring, the plants in the Thompson House Park demonstration garden will be well established, and Parks and Rec will be able to reduce the irrigation amount in that area. The longterm benefit for the Town is less water usage and turf maintenance. But the benefit for Bee Friendly Carbondale and all who pass by is the joy of seeing the beautiful garden in full bloom, humming with insect life.
For more information about Bee Friendly Carbondale, visit our booth at Potato Day, find us on Facebook or go to our website: www.beefriendlycarbondale.com
PHOTOS
Bee Friendly Carbondale
(Left to right) Dina Bowers, Hannah-Hunt Wander and Jillene Rector participate during a volunteer planting party in the spring of 2024.
A honeybee collects pollen from a purple prairie clover.
Bee Friendly garden signs are available to Carbondale residents who complete the Turf Replacement Program.
Bee Friendly Carbondale member Dina Bowers and her daughter, Ada, pulling weeds at the pollinator garden.
Agastache and nodding onion bloom in the pollinator garden south of the Thompson House Museum.
Is recess enough?
ANNALISE GRUETER
Sopris Sun Correspondent
Earlier this summer, a concerned parent reached out to this newspaper to raise their concerns about opportunities for physical activities in Carbondale Middle School (CMS). They asked to remain anonymous because they also work for the school district. “At CMS they have one 20-minute recess after lunch only,” they wrote, compared to a 20-minute midday recess and an additional 15-minute recess at Crystal River Elementary School. “At CMS the kids have PE once a year for a trimester and it’s only every other day. If they are lucky enough to get it another trimester again then it’s still every other day. They are not permitted to have PE all trimesters.”
The parent also raised concerns about fifth grade being part of middle school, rather than elementary school, specifically because the latter has more allocated recess and physical activity time. “They are losing a legitimate year in elementary school as most schools in our nation have elementary school through fifth grade then go to middle in sixth grade,” they wrote.
That parent is correct that many elementary schools in the United States include fifth grade. Data from the National Center for Education Statistics suggest that just over a third of elementary
schools in the country include fifth grade, while a sixth of them include sixth grade. The remaining sum spanned a variety of grade compositions. In that 2007 data, kindergarten through fourth grade schools were the lowest number with just under 5,000 nationwide.
Joel Hathaway, Roaring Fork School District (RFSD) executive director of schools, said that physical education and student well-being are major priorities for the district. “RFSD schools develop their own schedules with stakeholder input in order to maximize opportunities for student learning and wellness,” he wrote in response to the parent’s concern. “Although state law and board policy only mandate physical activity in elementary schools, all of our middle schools also provide a recess period for students.”
Hathaway also clarified that RFSD schools have lunch and recess blocks longer than 20 minutes. “RFSD middle schools typically have a lunch and recess block in the middle of the day. This block ranges from about 35 to 45 minutes,” he informed.
Beyond that designated midday time, Hathaway said local schools offer a variety of opportunities for physical activity. “Students at our schools are enrolled in physical education classes, which are offered at every level. Instruction
in every classroom incorporates a variety of strategies to engage our learners, including movement.”
These opportunities fall within the district’s interest in supporting students. As Hathaway explained, “Board Policy JLJ states: ‘The Board believes students who engage in physical activity as part of the learning environment are healthier and more likely to be engaged learners.’” He added that physical activity is not limited to outdoor recess breaks. “Teachers are free to integrate movement breaks
into their class periods as needed or appropriate,” which may include dance, yoga or creative ways for students to engage with lesson material.
The concerned parent’s assertion was that the school district is deprioritizing physical activity to focus on test scores. “My issue is it’s a true injustice to our growing children as students to limit their physical and social activity and expect them to perform in school expectations to achieve and thrive,” they wrote. “Administration is so concerned about test scores and
data that they push the academics and oversee the connection to exercise and success.”
RFSD policy language does not appear to align with that accusation. The school district’s near-term goals and strategy plans mention intended benchmarks for physical activity, social engagement and academic testing. It is true that physical activity is associated with high academic performance. A 2022 Frontiers in Pediatrics review compiled data from many studies on children ages 3 to 11. Findings included that physical activity promoted cognitive and motor development, and is even correlated with emotional maturity. The nation of Finland regularly makes headlines for its consistent rank among the top five countries globally for education. Finnish teachers consistently cite a focus on movement and play as one of the ingredients to that achievement. In primary (elementary) schools, Finland offers 15 minutes of recess every hour.
The topic of recess and physical activity opportunities in local schools is one of many surely on the minds of parents, teachers and administrators alike as a new school year begins.
NOTE: The concerned parent did not respond to a request for additional comment following their initial email.
Sunday, August 24th
The Inn at Raspberry Ridge, Marble, CO at 3:30pm
Featured Speaker is Perry Will, Garfield County Commissioner, former Colorado state senator and representative, and longtime game warden with Colorado Parks and Wildlife.
Meeting at 3:30pm, followed by Commissioner Will’s remarks and concluding with food and beverages. Admission is free, donations are gratefully accepted!
Since 1972, CVEPA has been the environmental watchdog for the Crystal Valley. To learn more, go to cvepa.org
An empty swing at the Carbondale Community School playground on a late summer’s day. Photo by Raleigh Burleigh
High school sports return to the fields and courts
JOHN STROUD
Sopris Sun Correspondent
The start of the new school year this week for the Roaring Fork School District also marks the beginning of fall sports seasons.
Roaring Fork High School returns to action with varsity boys soccer and girls volleyball, while the football team will be competing at the junior varsity level this season due to low numbers in the upperclassman ranks.
Rams soccer will be looking to build on its 3A state semifinals appearance last season, when the team went 13-4-2 overall and 6-0-1 in conference play to win the super competitive Western Slope League (WSL).
Although Roaring Fork lost several key players from that team to graduation, the Rams return a core group of starters who will look to defend the league title and make another deep run in the playoffs.
“We looked really good in our scrimmage last weekend against some pretty good 4A and top 3A teams,” veteran coach Nick Forbes said of the tune-up day in Edwards, where the Rams defeated Fruita and Colorado Academy, and dropped one to defending 4A WSL champs and fellow state semifinalist Battle Mountain.
“While we lost some starters, we have some numbers behind them to make another run,” Forbes said.
Among them are seniors Jason Clemente, Peter Brennan, Salbador Vasquez and Miles Speiss, and a junior class that includes one of the state’s top 3A boots at forward, Cal Stone. Other contributors
in that group are Wesley Serrano, Randy Candela, Quentin Galbraith, Michael Parada and Oli Shook.
The team is looking to fill the goalie position, after their stalwart keeper, senior Keven Cisneros, was deemed ineligible by Colorado High School Activities Association officials due to his age. Cisneros is still helping out by working with the keeper corps as a student assistant, Forbes said.
The Rams open the regular season on the road at Crested Butte this Friday, Aug. 22, and will regroup for a week before the home opener on Sept. 3 against Basalt, 6pm at Rams Field.
Volleyball
The Roaring Fork girls volleyball team welcomes Rod Taylor as the new head coach this season, replacing longtime coach Karen Crownhart who stepped down after her daughters Carley and Erica graduated last year.
Taylor has been involved with the Carbondale middle and high school programs as a parent volunteer. His daughter, Kate, is a junior member of the team this season. Also returning to the court this year are a core group of seniors in Nikki Tardif, Yaki Hernandez, Maddy Applegate, Elleree Richmond and Hannah Bays.
“We’re excited to finally get going,” Taylor said. “I’m pretty optimistic with the way they look in practice, and I think we have the potential to be really good.”
Taylor is assisted on the sideline this season by Canace Finley, a former D1 collegiate volleyball player with the Universities of Oregon and San Diego.
The Rams open the season this weekend with a tournament at neighboring Glenwood Springs High School, followed by another at Steamboat Springs on Aug. 26. They start the home campaign at 6pm on Sept. 2 against Vail Mountain.
In other sports...
Meanwhile, the JV football team is set to open its rebuilding campaign on the road at Grand Valley on Sept. 2, with games at Basalt (4pm, Sept. 8), Cedaredge (Sept. 22) and Delta (Sept. 29), before hosting Basalt on Monday, Oct. 6 (4pm kickoff).
Also teeing it up for the fall season are the combined Basalt and Roaring Fork girls softball, boys golf, boys tennis and coed cross country teams, which are hosted by Basalt High School.
The annual Basalt Longhorn Cross Country Invitational takes place at Crown Mountain Park in El Jebel this Saturday, Aug. 23 (races start at 9:30am), bringing teams from Aspen, Glenwood Springs, Coal Ridge, Rifle and Grand Valley, among others. Younger runners from Carbondale Middle School, Ross Montessori and several other middle school teams will also be participating in the event.
Roaring Fork junior Ollie Shook (middle) works the ball between defenders junior Randy Candela (left) and senior Peter Brennan (right) during soccer practice this week ahead of the Rams’ season opener on Friday at Crested Butte. The home opener is slated for Sept. 3 against friendly rival Basalt. Photo by John Stroud
Thursday, August 28, 2025 | 3 – 4:30 p.m.
295 Rio Grande Avenue, Carbondale, CO 81623
Get ready to sway, swoon and sparkle at the Senior Prom! Hosted by Sopris Lodge, KDNK and Sopris Sun, this stylish celebration of nostalgia will feature light bites, a festive atmosphere and a curated soundtrack spun by a live KDNK DJ. Dress to impress for the runway-style Best Dressed Contest, where a panel of judges will award gift card prizes to the most glamorous male and female seniors. FREE and open to adults 55+, but space is limited, and an RSVP is required.
Call 970-432-8772 or visit soprislodge.com/events
THURSDAY, AUGUST 21
RAIZADO 2025
The Raizado Festival returns to Aspen for its fourth year, celebrating Latino culture, culinary excellence, transformative leadership and more, today through Sunday. Visit www.raizadofest. org for a list of events and locations.
FINAL RODEO
The Carbondale Wild West Rodeo season at the Gus Darien Riding Arena wraps up tonight with finals and awards! Gates open at 5pm, slack starts at 5:45pm and grand entry is at 7:30pm.
FUTURE OF PUBLIC LANDS
Wilderness Workshop partners with The Wilderness Society to welcome two former Bureau of Land Management employees on the topic of public lands and the threats they face at the Third Street Center from 5:30 to 7pm.
CARE FOR CAREGIVERS
True Nature’s monthly Care for Caregivers support series takes place from 5:30 to 7pm, featuring light movement, meditation and breathing exercises. Sign up at www.truenaturehealingarts.com
SPANISH CONVERSATIONS
Learn practical vocabulary and practice speaking Spanish with a conversation club at the Carbondale Library meeting from 6:30 to 8pm.
‘THE SOUND OF MUSIC’
Stage of Life Theatre Company presents “The Sound of Music” at Roaring Fork High School at 7pm tonight, tomorrow and Saturday, with a 2pm matinee on Sunday. Tickets at soltheatrecompany.simpletix.com
CRYSTAL THEATRE
Back by popular demand — “The Life of Chuck” shows at the Crystal Theatre tonight at 7pm and Saturday at 4:30pm. “Bad Shabbos” opens tomorrow and continues Saturday and next Thursday at 7pm. The Sunday show is at 5pm. On Tuesday, Aug. 26, the Crystal Theatre Alliance will show the 1986 Jim Henson-David Bowie classic “Labyrinth” at the Crystal Theatre at 7pm as a fundraiser.
FRIDAY, AUGUST 22
GLENWOOD MUSIC
Enjoy live music by Feeding Giants under the Grand Avenue Bridge from 4:30 to 7:30pm.
WINE & DINE
The Chris Klug Foundation raises awareness and funds with a decadent dinner and live music at the Snowmass Club from 5 to 10pm. Tickets at www.chrisklugfoundation.org/ wine-and-dine
CARY MORIN DUO
Cary Morin and Celeste Di Iorlio perform at Steve’s Guitars at 8pm. Tickets at www.stevesguitars.net
SATURDAY, AUGUST 23
CMC TRAILS
Roaring Fork Outdoor Volunteers helps maintain trails at Colorado Mountain College’s Spring Valley campus from 9am to 3pm. Sign up to volunteer at www.rfov.org
TENSION/TRAUMA RELEASE
Jacy Sundlie guides tension and trauma release workshops from 9am to 4:30pm at the Third Street Center. Register at www.tcfhf.org
LIQUID LOVE
Nicole Lindstrom leads a cacao ritual at True Nature from 11:30am to 1:30pm. Tickets at www.truenaturehealingarts.com
GARDEN PAR-TEA
Sopris Lodge, Roaring Fork Home Care, Botany Houseplant Shop and Colorado Animal Rescue host an outdoor garden party from 2 to 4pm honoring family caregivers and their loved ones with tea sandwiches, spritzers and garden-inspired treats, plus live music. The first 75 guests will receive a complimentary potted plant. RSVP for free by calling 970-678-0057 or visiting www.soprislodge.com/events
‘BLUES AND NEWS’
Aspen Daily News rings in one year of its community-supported journalism program with a “Blues and News” fundraiser featuring Americana blues musician George Kilby Jr. at TACAW. Doors open at 5:30pm and the show starts at 7pm.
REDSTONE CONCERT
Don’t miss the final performance in Redstone’s Magical Moments summer concert series. Hand Turkey takes the stage at Coal Basin Ranch at 6pm. Details at www.redstonemagicalmoments.com
ECSTATIC DANCE
DJ Gabriela Mejia provides the tunes at this month’s Ecstatic Dance hosted on a Saturday at the Old Thompson Ban in River Valley Ranch from 6 to 8pm. For details, email alyahowe@icloud.com
SUNDAY, AUGUST 24
POWER OF THE SEED
A Spiritual Center welcomes Jan Garrett “whose words and songs will inspire us to find that deep magic beneath the present turmoil” at the Third Street Center (Room 31) from 10 to 11:30am.
‘DOG DAYS OF SUMMER’
The Carbondale Library hosts a day for dogs, starting with puppy-inspired storytime at 10:30am, then a lawn party in the back from 11am to 12:30pm. Folks can bring their dogs for some games, and a basic first-aid class with Mountain Paws Vet at 1pm (registration is required for the class). For more details and to register, call 970-963-2889.
WAKE THE VOICE
Vocal coach Liat Arochas teaches “Wake the Voice: Through the Elements” at True Nature from 11am to 1pm. Tickets at www.truenaturehealingarts.com
BREATHWORK
Pathfinders presents a free community breathwork session led by Allison Alexander at True Nature from 6 to 7:30pm. Tickets at www.truenaturehealingarts.com
JAMES BARRS
Steve’s Guitars presents a James Barrs album release with Camille Backman at 7pm. Tickets at www.stevesguitars.net
MONDAY, AUGUST 25
JANE AUSTEN CLASS
Colorado Mountain College offers a six-week community education course, “The Literature of Jane Austen and Women’s Issues,” starting today and meeting every Monday through Oct. 6 at the Basalt Morgridge Commons, from 6 to 8pm, with the exception of Sept. 1. Register at www.tinyurl.com/ CMCcommunity
‘LESS TRAFFIC, MORE COMMUNITY’ Culdesac CEO Ryan Johnson, the creator of a car-free neighborhood in Tempe, Arizona, and John Zimmer, co-founder of Lyft, highlight transportation shifts “empowering whole communities to live well without needing a car” at TACAW at 7pm. RSVP at www.tacaw.org
ONGOING EVENTS
ROARING FORK ZEN
A new Zen meditation community based in Carbondale gathers at True Nature to sit from 8 to 9am on Mondays weekly.
MOMMY MEET-UP
The Glenwood Springs Library hosts a “mommy meet-up” on Mondays from 11am to 12:30pm for mothers and their babies ages 0 to 3. There will be play items provided for the little ones and coffee and conversation for the moms.
IN STITCHES
The In Stitches Knitting Club meets at the Carbondale Library every Monday at 1:30pm.
‘EL PLACER DE LEER’
Delve into Spanish literature with Angélica Breña at the Basalt Library every Monday from 5 to 6:30pm. Spanish comprehension is necessary to participate. For more details, visit www.basaltlibrary.org
MONDAY MEDITATION
Roaring Fork Insight guides a weekly meditation group meeting at the Third Street Center (Room 31) from 7 to 8:30pm. A Wednesday session takes place at St. Peters of the Valley in Basalt from 11:30 to 1pm with a Zoom option.
YARN GROUP
Basalt Library hosts a weekly yarn group on Tuesdays at 5pm. All are welcome.
BIKE PROJECT
The Carbondale Bike Project Shop helps people repair their bicycles on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 2 to 6pm and Sundays from noon to 6pm on the east side of Third Street Center.
FARMERS’ MARKET
The Carbondale Farmers’ Market season is underway, every Wednesday from 10am to 3pm at 4th and Main.
NONVIOLENT COMMUNICATION
TUESDAY, AUGUST 26
RFOV
Roaring Fork Outdoor Volunteers joins the Independence Pass Foundation to remove old rebar, metal cable and aluminum panels left behind from a failed 1960s snow fence project from 10am to 2pm. Sign up to help out at www.rfov.org
SENIOR PICNIC
Pitkin County Senior Services hosts a picnic on Aspen Mountain’s wedding deck for people 60 or older. To reserve a spot, call 970-920-5432. Check-in is from 11:30am to noon.
ANIME CLUB
Middle and high schoolers are invited to Basalt Library’s Anime Club from 4 to 5:30pm. Call the library at 970-927-4311 to register.
‘OCEAN’ SCREENING
Catch a screening of “Ocean with David Attenborough” presented by Aspen Film and Global Choices at the AF Isis Theatre at 5pm, preceded by an in-person conversation between Sally Ann Ranney, co-founder of Global Choices, and National Geographic Society Explorer Dr. Sylvia Earle. Tickets at www.aspenfilm.org
SOUND BATH & HEALING
Nicole Korinek of Divine Moon guides a sound bath and energy healing session at the Basalt Library from 5:30 to 6:30pm. Bring water and a yoga mat, if you have one.
AIKIDO CLASS
Colorado Mountain College offers a seven-week aikido class, held on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 6 to 7:30pm at the Carbondale campus, with the caveats that students can choose to participate in just one class a week and try the first week for free. Register at coloradomtn.augusoft.net
DRAWING CLUB
The Roaring Fork Drawing Club cruises up to the Aspen Art Museum for a freeform sketching session (and a tour of current exhibits) at 6:30pm.
CRYSTAL THEATRE ALLIANCE
The Crystal Theatre Alliance screens the 1986 Jim Henson-David Bowie classic “Labyrinth” at the Crystal Theatre at 7pm as a fundraiser. Tickets at tinyurl.com/ CTAlabyrinth
WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 27
NONPROFIT VOLUNTEER FAIR
Aspen Public Radio hosts a free nonprofit volunteer fair at the Glenwood Springs Library from 2 to 6pm.
This annual event will feature a live radio broadcast from 3 to 4pm, a variety of food trucks and 30 participating nonprofits showcasing their programming and volunteer opportunities.
TEEN CAFE
With the start of classes, middle and high school students are invited to the Teen Cafe at the Basalt Library to play Switch, work on homework or just enjoy one another’s company on Wednesdays from 2:30 to 3:30pm.
TEEN WRITING CLUB
The Basalt Library hosts its “Creative Writing Club for Teens” from 3:45 to 4:45pm.
BASALT MUSIC
The final summer concert of the Basalt River Park series takes place tonight beginning at 5:30pm. Sopris Sisters will open for Big Richard and KDNK will live broadcast the show.
SOUND TRIGGERS
Explore various sounds that trigger powerful memories, both uplifting and difficult, at HeadQuarters in Basalt from 5:30 to 7:30pm. Register at www.headq.org
OLIVIA THE BARD
Alice the Mag presents “an incantation for love, mutual aid, and the divine mother power of the universe” featuring Olivia the Bard for dinner and a show at Flying Dog Ranch beginning at 6pm. For tickets Venmo @JeanniePerryWilfley or bring cash or a check to the event.
THEATRE ASPEN
Catch a local production of “What the Constitution Means to Me” by Heidi Schreck at the Hurst Theatre tonight at 7pm and tomorrow at 4 and 7pm. Tickets at www.theatreaspen.org/constitution
DANCE PERFORMANCE
DanceAspen presents “Shifting Forms,” a world premier by choreographer Garrett Smith inspired by the music of Nils Frahm, tonight and tomorrow at the Wheeler Opera House at 7pm.
CIRCLES AROUND THE SUN
Circles around the Sun and Mikaela Davis perform at TACAW at 8pm.
THURSDAY, AUGUST 28
SENIOR PROM!
The Sopris Lodge, in collaboration with KDNK and The Sopris Sun, hosts its Senior Prom, free for all adults 55 and up, featuring live music by a KDNK DJ, light bites and a best-dressed contest, from 3 to 4:30pm. RSVP by calling 970-678-0057 or visiting www.soprislodge.com/events
AFRICAN DANCE
Enjoy dancing to live drumming with the Carbondale Rhythm Collective at the Glenwood Springs Library on Mondays from 6:30 to 8pm.
POTTERY WHEEL 101
Want to test the waters before committing to a several-week class? Crave an evening out of the house? Interested in trying something new? Carbondale Clay Center’s teen and adult one-day “Intro to Wheel Throwing” is perfect for learning the basics and opening your eyes to the possibilities of clay. These classes are offered every Monday through Oct. 6, from 6 to 8pm. Register at www.carbondaleclay.org
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.
GROUP RUN
Independence Run & Hike leads a weekly group run on Thursdays departing from the store’s location, next to the Carbondale City Market, at 6:30pm.
COFFEE WITH THE MAYOR
Carbondale Mayor Ben Bohmfalk posts up at Bonfire every Friday from 8 to 9am, and everyone is welcome to stop by to chat.
SUNDAY MARKET
Basalt’s Sunday continues every Sunday through Sept. 28 along the Midland Spur from 10am to 2pm.
THE LITERATURE OF JANE AUSTEN AND WOMEN’S ISSUES
Explore Austen’s commentary on relationships, love, and societal expectation and why it is still relevant to women today.
Mondays, 6-8pm, 8/25-10/6, Basalt
More Community Education Classes
AIKIDO (TRY IT FOR FREE)
Learn to re-direct, neutralize, or avoid an attack altogether without harm to the attacker. Tuesdays and/or Thursdays, 6-7:30pm, 8/26-10/9, CB
MEDICINE OF OUR TREES
Explore the healing properties of several local tree species and the gifts they offer us. Thursday, 5-7pm, 8/28, CB
BEGINNING SWING
DANCE - SEPTEMBER
Learn Jitterbug basics: steps, turns, spins, dips, and other fun Swing Dance moves. Wed, 6:30-8:30pm, 9/3-9/24, CB
INTRO TO ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE
Explore the ethics and impacts of this mega trend - with hands-on practice. Wed, 1:30-3:30pm, 9/3-9/24, CB
SEWING
Learn to sew with a simple project provided or bring your own project. Upcycling encouraged. Wed, 6:30-9:30pm, 9/3-10/22, CB
SCULPTURE
A class in 3-D design including projects that introduce sculpting materials and processes. Thurs, 1-5pm, 9/4-10/3, CB
HAND MENDING FOR KNITS AND WEAVES
Repair your sweaters, socks, hats, and jeans using hand darning, patching, and stitching.
Fridays, 4-6pm, 9/5-10/10, CB
EXPLORATIONS IN MIXED WATER MEDIA
Explore watercolor, acrylic, casein, and gouache, with different materials and papers. Mon, 9am-12pm, 9/8-10/20, CB
INTRO TO THE BUSINESS OF ART
Practical info, resources, and computer tech that artists can use to develop business plans. Mon, 5-7pm, 9/8-10/20, CB
Stage of Life Theatre Company has one final summer production — “The Sound of Music” — concluding this weekend at Roaring Fork High School. Find tickets at soltheatrecompany.simpletix.com
Photo by Landan Berlof
What’s the difference between service and emotional support animals?
ARTHUR CHERITH
Youth Correspondent
Emotional support animals and service animals are two different things. But what fully defines each?
Service animals are dogs that, according to the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) website, ada.gov, “are individually trained to do work or perform tasks for people with disabilities.” Under ADA, only dogs are legally recognized as service animals.
Service animals are trained to perform tasks specific to their owner’s needs. For example, some dogs are trained to alert a person with epilepsy before they have a seizure, or help protect a person who is experiencing a seizure. Service animals can also be trained to perform tasks like pulling a wheelchair or guiding people who are visually impaired.
physical support. Warning someone of an impending seizure or simply reminding another to take their medication are examples of alerting. Physical support might be guiding someone safely or assisting with mobility — like opening doors.
disorders, and can help to alleviate symptoms of depression, anxiety or even post-traumatic-stress disorder. Unlike service animals, emotional support animals can be any animal, but they are not covered under ADA.
However, there are service dogs who assist people with psychological disorders and can be trained to give medication reminders, perform deep pressure therapy, interrupt impulsive or harmful behaviors, redirect attention in a panic attack or alert others when their person is in the midst of a crisis.
A service animal is a working animal. Because they are specifically trained to provide assistance to an individual with a disability, they are working all the time.
- Rebecca Rogers, Garfield County Public Health
Basically, service animals are trained to assist with a task that is specific to their owner’s disability. The types of services they perform are commonly within the realm two categories: alerting and
Emotional support animals, on the other hand, are not necessarily trained to perform a specific task, but rather can offer a sense of security. They are beneficial for individuals who struggle with psychological or emotional
“The ADA makes a distinction between psychiatric-service animals and emotional support animals,” clarified the frequently-asked questions page of the ADA website. “If the dog has been trained to sense that an anxiety attack is about to happen and take a specific action to help avoid the attack or lessen its impact, that would qualify as a service animal. However, if the dog’s mere presence provides comfort, that would not be considered a service
Art by Arthur Cherith
animal under the ADA.”
In an interview with Rebecca Rogers of Garfield County Public Health and Environment, she pointed out that “A service animal is a working animal. Because they are specifically trained to provide assistance to an individual with a disability, they are working all the time.” She continued, “Whereas [with] an assistance animal, there isn’t anything defined in the regulations.”
In Colorado, a business owner is permitted to ask two specific questions if they are unsure whether a dog is a service animal or not: “Is the dog a service animal required because of a disability?” and “What work or task has the dog been trained to perform?” A
service-dog owner is not required to provide documentation for the animal or proof of the nature of their disability.
In fact, “There is no such thing as a certification or a license or a registration for a service animal,” clarified Rogers. “There are a lot of individuals and organizations who sell animal certification or registration documents online, [but] these documents don’t hold any legitimacy.” Emotional support animals are not permitted the same access as service dogs. “When we are talking about a retail food space, an emotional support animal cannot be allowed in,” stated Rogers. Falsely claiming that a dog is a service animal can result in a fine up to $500.
Valley’s Folklórico program likely to sunset with departure of longtime director
VIVIENNE SHAPIRO Youth Correspondent
“Maybe they come shy to the first class and cry. But after a few years with me, give them the microphone,” Francisco “Paco” Nevarez-Burgueño told The Sopris Sun. “[It] can be 3,000, [or] five people in front of them, and they’re not afraid. Their self-esteem is so high.” The pride he holds for his students is unwavering.
When Nevarez-Burgueño speaks about his career, his passion is so palpable you can practically hear the scuffle of shiny black shoes and the wisping of embroidered fabric rippling through a hushed backstage as Folklórico dancers step out from behind the curtain to perform in Aspen Santa Fe Ballet’s (ASFB) Nutcracker — the only Nutcracker in the world featuring traditional Mexican dance.
For 23 years, Nevarez-Burgueño transformed the lives of countless students in the Valley through ASFB’s Folklórico program. He helped young participants embrace their culture, ambition and creativity the same way he was taught as a child, taking much inspiration from his dance teacher, Leonor Avalos Zaragoza, in Chihuahua. “She was so good and passionate,” he said. “She was demanding … She was hard ... She was the one who gave me all of this knowledge about folklórico, about dances I love.”
The Roaring Fork Valley is different from when Nevarez-Burgueño first arrived, and he’s driven part of that change himself. Think about Carbondale’s annual Día de los Muertos celebration, for instance, when
the community gathers under a dark sky to admire the spectacle of Folklórico dancers and mourn the loss of loved ones. Día de los Muertos is a mix of ancient Aztec, Toltec and Nahua tradition, rooted in the idea that death is not the end of existence but a new chapter. Locally, it provides a moment when cultural distinctions fade away.
“When I came here, I saw the needs of these kids to develop their talents,” explained Nevarez-Burgueño. “I want to say there was too much segregation.” Twenty-three years later, he describes Día de los Muertos as a melting pot. “It’s not only Latinos in the street. It’s Anglos and Latinos together. I think that’s the only festivity we have in town where everybody comes together.”
While connecting with their community benefits his students, he also recognizes that it’s vital for them to have a greater understanding of the world. The Folklórico program offers once-in-a-lifetime international travel opportunities, allowing participants to perform on stages around the globe. Nevarez-Burgueño’s motive for these trips isn’t just about sharing art, but experiencing the beauty of other cultures as well as seeing poverty firsthand. He considers this essential, so students can grow into empathetic and aware adults.
“One of the boys was telling me, ‘Here in Carbondale, Paco, we’re going to 7-Eleven and we choose whatever we want — different chips, different kinds of sodas. Over there? Nothing … No gas; people walking in the highways, like from here to Glenwood.’” He continued, “It makes you feel
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so fortunate …16 years old and he realized, ‘Gosh, we have everything here in the United States. My parents worked so hard for me to have [this].’”
The Folklórico program has been a vital, free resource in the Valley, and essential to its creative and culturally diverse community. It is with a heavy heart that the local program will, more than likely, lower its final curtain coinciding with Nevarez-Burgueno’s retirement later this year. The longtime Folklórico director made the difficult decision so he could move back to Mexico to care for his mother. While many have suggested finding a new director, he
claimed that only his own students would be qualified to lead and he wishes for them to attend universities and chase bright futures instead.
Additionally, the program has faced significant financial challenges, including the loss of essential funding from the National Endowment for the Arts. “Now, with this administration we have right now in this country, [it’s become] so difficult,” Nevarez-Burgueño stated. “I don’t want to get political on this, but that’s the reality.” He added, “For us Latinos, it’s been hard.”
While the future of the local program is in jeopardy, the Santa Fe branch of ASFB’s Folklórico program, which was inspired by Nevarez-Burgueño’s leadership, continues to thrive, according to an ASFB press release.
continued on page 18
Francisco “Paco” Nevarez-Burgueño with Aspen Santa Fe Ballet Folklórico dancers. Courtesy photo
Albert Schweitzer Day: Building upon a legacy of humanism
ANNALISE GRUETER
Sopris Sun Correspondent
EDITOR’S NOTE: This story is a follow up to a June 18 article, “Dr. Jim Withers to present at Albert Schweitzer Days,” in The Sopris Sun.
“Kindness is the highest expression of the spirit in man.”
- Dr. Albert Schweitzer
Earlier this summer, humanists gathered in Willits to view a film about the Street Medicine Institute. The next day, community members listened to conversations about Albert Schweitzer, the early days of the Aspen Institute and the value of service. These were just a few of the events that spanned the two-day inaugural celebration of Albert Schweitzer Day.
Schweitzer’s 1949 speech during the Goethe Bicentennial Convocation in Aspen inspired what Walter and Elizabeth Paepcke coined the “Aspen Idea.”
Dr. Jim Withers, founder of the Street Medicine Institute, gave the keynote speech. He spoke in detail about his calling to service work, particularly from a medical background. His own journey and leaving behind the insulated life of doctors in hospitals and offices was akin to that of Schweitzer over a century before.
“I decided I wanted to work with people who hated people like me,” explained Withers, having felt called to meet people in need where they were at — practicing medicine on the streets. His initial foray into inner-city
areas of need was spent during his free time, between shifts at a hospital.
Withers initially found it challenging to meet people in urban environments willing to accept the care he offered. Many unhoused individuals resisted at first, not wanting to feel patronized. In demonstrating that was the opposite of his intention, Withers did a lot of listening. He built relationships with a few people who became willing to accept the service he was providing.
From there, he gradually learned where and how to offer medicine. The more he was able to help, the more he craved hands-on work in areas with the greatest need.
“The streets began to teach me what they needed,” he told the audience at the Aspen Historical Society. “And that’s been our guiding principle.” The Street Medicine Institute grew from his solitary, vigilante
medical service into a small cohort of likeminded doctors and nurses, eventually resulting in what the organization is today.
Withers compared this type of medical field work to extreme athleticism.
“The thing I love about mountain-climbing,” he said, “is that you get onto that mountain and you don’t get excuses. You have to just respond to the conditions around you with whatever you know and have in that moment.” Practicing street medicine is similar, he explained, emphasising the importance of empowering people. “It’s more important to know what person the disease has than what disease a person has.”
The work demands expanding one’s empathetic capacity, Withers noted. “I’d like to posit the importance of reverence for the reality of others,” he said, noting that the beliefs and emotional states of patients
significantly influences which treatments will be most beneficial. One of the goals of the Street Medicine Institute, he shared, is “allowing people to be the author of their own healing.
Since its official launch, Street Medicine programs have spread to 80-plus locations around the world.
Withers believes that this work complements environmental protection and conservation. He argued that there are countless organizations advocating for protection and stewardship of ecosystems, but that the view of nature and man as separate is reductive.
“There’s a danger in dwelling [on] and honoring nature that we can forget about people all over the world — in other places — who are also nature and need our help,” he said.
Along those lines, Withers sees great opportunity for humanist action in today’s changing society.
“Albert Schweitzer was in a time of great turmoil and the fate of mankind. His vision was powerful and needed for that time. Now is just as critical,” he stated. “We’re really facing some serious issues. By honoring the basic humanistic values that Schweitzer taught, we can find our way through this.”
The action committee behind Albert Schweitzer Day events are working to expand the moment of recognition into a series. Discussions are in progress to identify a modern-day humanitarian to honor at the second Albert Schweitzer Day next year, and to fundraise for a prize and grant for service work.
CARE. PRIMARY REGION’S LARGEST NETWORK OF
Attendees listen to a panel about Albert Schweitzer, the early days of the Aspen Institute and the importance of humanism and service. Photo by Annalise Grueter
Sopris Lodge hosts all-ages ‘Senior Prom’
MYKI JONES
Arts Correspondent
On Aug. 28, Sopris Lodge at Carbondale will host its very first Senior Prom, an event which will not only serve the senior residents of the living center, but also the community as a whole. Those in attendance can anticipate an evening of danceable music from KDNK DJs, one of the event’s sponsors, food and drinks and a photobooth fit with balloons and decorations. The Sopris Sun is also a collaborating partner.
“I like to work with local nonprofits and help to support them, and I love involving the community, so I thought this was a fantastic way to bring the community in for an event, not just the Sopris Lodge community, but the Roaring Fork Valley as a whole,” said Marie Herr, executive director at Sopris Lodge. “I thought it’d be a fun opportunity and a fun party for the Roaring Fork Valley.”
Herr praised her collaborators on this project for their involvement in launching this event. According to Herr, the three of them were able to bounce ideas off each other easily while they brainstormed activities for participants.
One of these brainstorms included helping select prizes for winners of the “Best Dressed” contest, where a panel of judges will award gift certificates to the Village Smithy for the best-dressed man and woman.
Discussing what Herr looks forward to the most, she said the prom will be a good opportunity for togetherness as local seniors from different living centers and the broader community intermingle. Herr was sure to extend the invitation to Heritage Park and Crystal Meadows for this free event.
“I’m looking forward to the community togetherness,” said Herr, adding she hopes new friendships emerge. “I’m looking forward to the seniors and the community as a whole just having a good time and enjoying the day and the event.”
The late Art Ackerman, “oldest DJ in the world,” per KDNK, will be honored with swing music. Ackerman was a resident at Sopris Lodge and Heritage Park and shared his love for jazz on KDNK airwaves for decades.
Before this event, on Aug. 23 from 2 to 4pm, Sopris Lodge will also host their “Summer Garden Par-TEA” to recognize and honor caregivers of all kinds. This event will feature a raffle, lawn games, tea sandwiches, spritzers and live music from Rodrigo. This event is also a collaboration between other organizations in the Valley, including Roaring Fork Home Care, Botany Houseplant Shop and Colorado Animal Rescue (CARE). Raffle entries will help fund the “Seniors for Seniors” pet adoption program managed by CARE.
“It’s to honor caregivers of all kinds,” Herr shared. “I feel like that group is often overlooked, and we need to celebrate people who are helping other people.”
For more information on both these events, visit www.soprislodge.com
IN A NUTSHELL
What: Senior Prom
When: Aug. 28, 3 to 4:30pm
Where: Sopris Lodge, 2 95 Rio Grande Avenue
Why: To connect for free across age divides!
Sopris Lodge is known for throwing fun parties, like this Mardi Gras celebration in February of 2023.
Photos by Marie Herr
Substance abuse has solutions
Back in March of this year, a Rifle library patron reported to our security guard that a man was apparently sleeping in the bathroom. The guard contacted our staff, and they went carefully to investigate.
The man was not asleep. But he was unresponsive and drooling.
There are people reading this that are already nodding. They’re thinking with despair, “This is my son.” Or, “My grandson.”
Others are thinking, “This could be my wife.” Or, “Me.”
Fortunately, library staff had received Narcan training just weeks before from High Rockies Harm Reduction. They called 911 then used the Narcan and by the time medics arrived, they had already prepared our defibrillator. The EMT told us, “If you hadn’t stepped in, the man would have died.” Libraries save lives.
also because there continues to be both denial and stigma attached to both mental illness and drug abuse.
OPINION
Our Rifle Branch Library also provides space to the peer-counseling Discovery Café, which provides various free services. Please pass along the word.
LITERATE LIFE
At the end of 2023, library staff interviewed almost 100 community leaders. The top issue in our county was housing. But the second issue was mental health, encompassing everything from anxiety to substance abuse.
By Jamie LaRue Garfield County Public Library District
Since 2023, fentanyl has taken many lives across the country. Rifle is one of the hot spots. A single overdose — and overdoses can be very hard to predict — can result in death.
Why is this a library issue? Because the library is where people go when other support systems fail. Responding to substance abuse is not the library’s primary purpose. But the problem showed up at our door. It’s here. It’s real.
We have partnered over the past year with the Garfield County Public Health Department to offer a variety of free public programs focused on mental health, featuring area health professionals and their advice. The programs are sparsely attended. In part, that’s because it’s hard for any program to break through the noise of our culture. It’s
Understand that the issue affects more than addicts. Staff have also spoken to an elderly adult who accidentally mixed medications and suffered an overdose. A young woman, overwhelmed by problems at home and unaware of how to cope, took expired medication she found in her parents’ cabinet, resulting in a serious health crisis.
There are many people who improperly dispose of insulin needles, putting the entire community and environment at risk.
According to the National Center for Health Statistics, 80,719 people died from overdose in the U.S. last year. In Colorado alone, 2,016 lives were lost. The highest months — March, May and November — each saw up to 100 overdose deaths, while the rest of the months hovered between 95 and 99.9. These numbers are heartbreaking.
Real communities look after each other. Among us there are always people bearing a load beyond their strength. That’s when they need our help. That requires us to both name the issues and openly seek solutions.
Recently I spoke to one patron who admitted to her discomfort seeing people standing in line for addiction services. Weren’t we just enabling them? But research says that these programs greatly reduce the danger of death. There are many kinds of suffering that most of us would prefer not to notice. But where would you rather have last seen your neighbor or your loved one? In line at a needle exchange or in a casket?
FOLKLÓRICO from page 15
As the interview came to an end, it was apparent that that familiar scuffling of shoes and wisping of skirts would cease in the Valley. But perhaps the greater loss is the one felt by his students. When asked, “What would you most like your students to remember about you?” He looked down at his hands and back up, quiet tears coming from his eyes. “I want them to remember me as a good person, for them,” his voice broke. “Like I remember my teacher.”
GARCO REPORT
from page 7 for over two decades. They praised Lee’s commitment to coal mining. “We opened up over 4 million acres for coal leasing as well as expediting some of the NEPA processing timelines for mining projects,” said Albaugh. “It’s reliable energy that’s affordable,” she added. “There’s no reason we should be shutting down perfectly good energy assets when we’re facing a massive energy shortfall.”
Citing a rancher in Utah who lost his grazing allotments due to wildfire this year, she said livestock grazing is a good way to take care of public lands. “Grazing is such an incredible tool for landscape health and fire mitigation,” she explained.
The BOCC’s approach to resource use on public land got a receptive ear from Albaugh. Samson conjured the ghost of the Jordan Cove Energy Project, a now-defunct liquid natural gas export terminal and pipeline proposal in Oregon that planned to get Canadian and U.S. natural gas to Asian markets. It was scrapped in 2021 but, now that Trump is in office, an Arizona company hopes to revive the project. Samson said he wants Lee to support the project. Samson also mentioned how the three commissioners might come to Washington, D.C. to talk to Lee or Interior Department staff. “We’ll even take you out to dinner,” he said.
Phillip Dean Maynard
August 28, 1954 - August 13, 2025
Phillip Dean Maynard passed away on Aug. 13 at 70 years old. Phil was a talented football player for the Glenwood Demons and always remained a fan, listening to Friday night games on his portable stereo. Growing up in a coal mining family, he went to work at Mid Continent in Carbondale. His daughter always enjoyed the story of him having to put on a backpack full of railroad spikes and having to run up a mountain in a certain amount of time to get the job.
Most knew the Maynard boys in Carbondale — Scott, Rick, Greg, Roger and Phil were always out and about and sometimes in trouble. Phil eventually met his wife, JoEllen Maynard, at the Black Nugget on their birthday, Aug. 28, 1982. Phil had to pick up her dog, Mahriah, and drive her around in the back of his truck before every date. They soon married and had their only daughter, Mariane.
One thing Phil loved the most was camping and fishing. He’d work his 16-hour coal mining shifts and wanted to be out on the boat until dark on his days off. Mariane even took her first steps on a boat. He loved the Maynard and Lusk family trips to Lake Powell. The whole clan caught 100 stripers in a day and even named a fishing spot after him called “Phil’s Rock.” He adored fishing with his dad, Herman, mom, Glenna, and stepfather, Boo Lusk, stepsister, Tina, and brother, Lawrence.
After the coal mine shut down he spent years working for the City of Aspen. Later in life he became a grandpa to Rustie Maynard and even got to go fishing with her in Montana. There will be a celebration of Phil’s life at one of his favorite places in Carbondale, the Black Nugget, on Thursday, Aug. 21 from 3 to 6pm.
Please join “Phil’s Happy Hour” — it’s a potluck.
Sharill Hawkins
January 28, 1954 - August 4, 2025
On Aug. 4, Sharill left us behind. The ravages of Alzheimer’s had done damage that she could not withstand, but that is not what we should remember.
Sharill was the only daughter of Wendell and Audrey Miller. She was born in a small town in rural Iowa. She took great pride in helping her dad at his grocery store and was introduced to the world of art by her mother. Audrey had attended the Chicago Art Institute before moving to Iowa after World War II. She taught art classes in their small town and was instrumental in Sharill’s keen interest in art. So much so that Sharill majored in art at Iowa State University.
During high school, Sharill played trombone in the marching band. When she moved on to Iowa State she was barred from the university marching band because she was a “girl.” She launched an aggressive effort to reverse that edict, and was successful! Sharill was the first female to ever be a member of the Iowa State University marching band! She was duly proud of that achievement!
She taught art in Iowa but soon moved to Colorado with her husband, Brian Hamilton. Their son, Jesse Hamilton, lives in the Denver area with his family. After an amicable parting of ways with Brian, Sharill worked as a visual display artist for a large department store. She then joined several other artists to start a fine craft gallery in the Cherry Creek North area of Denver.
Show of Hands, a gallery of fine crafts, was well-known in the Denver area and showed over 400 craftspeople’s work. There she met Jim Hawkins and they both exhibited their jewelry (gold and silver) in the gallery. That was the beginning of a 40-year adventure as lovers, friends and partners in life.
Sharill and Jim moved to Glenwood Springs with their son, Clay, in 1997. They immediately opened the Four Mile Creek Bed and Breakfast.
Sharill’s talents for producing beautiful jewelry and art, gardening, cooking and generally lighting up any room, were well-known by her many friends in the Roaring Fork Valley (and beyond)! Her warm smile and desire to help anyone, any time will be remembered by all who knew her.
A gathering of friends will be planned for later in the Fall. Sharill will be greatly missed but never forgotten!
Denise O’Connor
November
14, 1960 – June 22, 2025
Denise O’Connor passed away on June 22 due to complications following a long-awaited double lung transplant on April 15. The transplant offered a new beginning — a return to the breath, freedom and fullness of life she had missed in recent years. With hope in her heart and courage in her spirit, she faced this chapter as she did all others: with grace, humor and unshakable strength.
Denise was known not only for her striking outer beauty, but for the luminous light she carried within. Her deep love for family and friends was felt in every gesture, every conversation, every warm embrace. Her passing leaves an irreplaceable space in the lives she touched — a void filled by memory, love and the enduring impact of her presence.
Denise was born on November 14, 1960, in Casper, Wyoming, to Lucille Schoenewald and Gene Graveman. Denise raised her son Jonathan in the Eagle Valley and the Roaring Fork Valley, mostly as a single mom. She married Roderick J. O’Connor on Sept. 27, 1998, and on this coming Sept. 27, they would have celebrated 27 years of marriage.
All who knew, loved and respected Denise will miss her guiding light, her vibrant spirit, her dazzling laugh and those all-seeing blue eyes that seemed to hold both tenderness and truth.
A natural healer, Denise spent over 30 years working as a massage therapist in the Roaring Fork Valley, where her intuitive hands and generous heart brought relief, peace and renewal to many. For many years, Denise owned and operated Full Circle Massage.
Her passion for recovery and deep empathy for others inspired her to become a certified addiction specialist. She recently became the owner of Seven Cedars Training, LLC, a professional education center for addiction counselors, where she served as director, mentor and advocate for healing and growth.
She was also a gifted writer — her poetry and prose revealed a rare ability to see and name the sacred in everyday life. Denise completed her bachelor of arts degree in English and creative writing in 2014. She did this while balancing the demands of her massage practice and commuting to Mesa State College in Grand Junction. Her dedication to learning and service was matched only by her fierce intellect and sense of humor.
Denise loved music, especially bluegrass music. She believed in living with integrity and mindfulness, loving without hesitation and celebrating with friends and family.
She is survived by her mother, Lucy Shoenewald; her sisters, Dottie (Nick) Villalobos and Donna (Dick) Ragsdale; her brothers, Tom (Sheila) Graveman and Tim (Erin) Graveman. Also, her son Jonathan Stahlman, his wife, Jennifer, and grandsons Jackson (12) and Lucas (10). Denise was preceded in death by her father, Gene Graveman. Denise also leaves behind Sunny, her beloved Norwegian forest cat.
She walked through life with an open and generous heart, leaving light wherever she went.
A celebration of Denise’s life is planned at the Old Thompson Barn in River Valley Ranch on Aug. 24 at 4 pm.
In lieu of flowers, contributions in her name to: Pathfinders, A Way Out and The Meeting Place in Carbondale.
We don't charge for obits
The death of a loved one costs enough. The Sopris Sun is happy to publish local obituaries of a reasonable length, including a picture, for free.
Email news@soprissun.com to submit one or for more information.
Defiende Nuestra Tierra welcomes Alejandro Jaquez-Caro
BIANCA GODINA Sol del Valle Editor
Alejandro (Jando) JaquezCaro, — raised in the Colorado River and Roaring Fork valleys
— is Wilderness Workshop’s new Latino Community Liaison for the Defiende Nuestra Tierra advocacy program. He brings fresh ideas to strengthen the community’s connection with public lands.
A graduate of Colorado Mountain College and Colorado Mesa University with a degree in geology, Jando finished school right as the COVID-19 pandemic began — a moment when everything slowed down, sparking in him a strong curiosity to travel and explore. With limited resources, he looked for accessible ways to do so.
During college, he worked as a tutor, which led him to develop an interest in education. Eventually, he found the opportunity to teach at a UNESCO-affiliated school in South Korea. He taught ecology and culture to students from 5th through 12th grade.
In his classes, he focused on global cultures, exploring with his students the food, clothing, language and customs from different parts of the world, all while encouraging English practice. His experience as an international educator inspired him to keep connecting with people through sharing culture and appreciating nature.
What are three words to describe you?
Adventurous, patient, mentor.
How did you discover your connection with nature?
I didn’t really start using public lands until I was 15 or 16, thanks to friends who already knew how to get permits to camp or fish. I feel like that access came late for me, and I know many people in our community still haven’t connected with these spaces. That’s why I want to invite them to take that first step and discover that public lands are for them too.
What advice would you give to someone just starting to explore the outdoors?
My advice would be to explore different clubs and look online for the various trails in the area. Even so, I know it can sometimes be hard to find that information, so I want to offer myself as a resource for those just starting out. They can ask me questions about different topics and activities, including what kind of gear is needed. I’m happy to help them find their way to public lands.
What proposals do you bring to your position at Defiende Nuestra Tierra?
My main goal is to invite our community to feel welcome in outdoor spaces and recognize that public lands belong to everyone. Often, we don’t realize we have access to them, or the risks and policies that could affect these lands. I want to make practical information accessible, like how to read a map, get permits or licenses, and explore these spaces safely.
I also propose creating volunteer opportunities like planting,
park maintenance and clean-ups, since many in the community have expressed interest in actively caring for these places.
What is one goal you have in your position?
One of my goals is to invite community members to participate in various meetings like those with members of Congress and county leaders. We want more people from our Latino community to come to the table and have their voices heard. We also want them to share the different impacts they’ve experienced in their lives.
What kind of activities do you enjoy participating in?
Whenever I have free time, I like to go fishing by the river. Lately, I’ve also started exploring maps and trails that lead to more secluded lakes — alpine lakes. I love the adventure of reaching little-known places where few have walked.
The world can be a very busy place. Remember to take breaks sometimes, get outside, and enjoy all the beautiful things that surround us in our lives.
For more information about advocating for public lands, visit “Defiende Nuestra Tierra” on Facebook or send a message to Jando via WhatsApp (970274-8126) to learn more about these efforts, how to get involved in activities or ask about local trails.
Follow Leonardo Occhipinti’s “Nuevo Mundo” in Sol del Valle every week in Spanish.
Alejandro (Jando) Jaquez-Caro is the next director of Wilderness Workshop’s Defiende Nuestra Tierra advocacy program. Courtesy photo
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I am a town that is far from the fray. I am a town that is filled with clichés. I am a town with little makeup and hairspray. I am a town with Full Moon biking soirees.
I am a town that celebrates parades. With stores proudly stating “Locally Made.” I am a town with a Fire Department who comes to your aid. Where volunteers appear and some don’t get paid.
I am a town so full of good spirit. If you play a concert, folks come to hear it. I am a town where you don’t need a permit. To walk, or to talk, or to sit and kibitz.
I live in a town with the best view to see. I live in a town where that is still free. I live in a town that encourages me to be. I live in a town where love is the key.
2025 BUSINESS SHOWCASE
Photo by Lisa Dancing-Light
would certainly qualify as “an emergency.” Trump could call out the National Guard, the Army, the Marines. Who could stop him? He’s the commander-in-chief. This could be our very own Tiananmen Square. On the last day of the Constitutional Convention in 1787, a woman — yes, a woman, Elizabeth Willing Powel — asked Benjamin Franklin, “Well Doctor, what have we got, a republic or a monarchy?” Franklin famously replied, “A republic, if
and we have martial law.
Patrick Hunter Carbondale
Article 24
President Trump brought troops into Washington, D.C. He claimed the crime rate was out of hand, a homeless problem, a lack of public safety and the city was overall unsightly. He said that foreign dignitaries were asking why the city was rundown. The crime rate has actually
Two things. First, on January 6, 2021, the capital was attacked. Trump refused to send the military to help the police. Odd. Second, now Trump sends the military and establishes a precedent. The practice becomes normalized. A few more cities
Trump has always been able to create and describe dystopian worlds, like in his inaugural addresses. I think it helps him to create a purpose and a dark ephemeral busy work to focus on. Describing Washington, D.C. on Aug 11 Trump said,” Our capital city has been overtaken by violent gangs and bloodthirsty criminals, roving mobs of wild youth, drugged out maniacs and homeless people.” This creates an excuse to incite D.C. with federally-commanded troops. It’s the amazing work of a sick imagination that has a total lack of connection with reality.
The media has done a great job of disappearing Trump’s inflammatory berserk from view, but it had an eloquence for me that of all electees he is most worthy of the Article 24 constitutional clause that give rise to the removal of a sick president — one who is unable to do his job for the country. Even JD Vance would be better than this mad dog loosed on the public.
John Hoffmann Carbondale
The Sopris Sun welcomes local letters to the editor. Shorter letters stand a better chance of being printed. Letters exclusive to The Sopris Sun (not appearing in other papers) are particularly welcome. Please, no smearing, cite your facts and include your name and place of residence or association. Letters are due to news@ soprissun.com by noon on the Monday before we go to print.
Founded in 2017, CECE has been a leading voice in expanding access to childcare. When the ballot proposal was made public, it quickly garnered support from community leaders and organizations. The boards of county commissioners in each of the three counties unanimously supported the proposal, while former and current superintendents from Roaring Fork School District and Aspen School District have endorsed it. In May, CECE gathered over 1,000 registered voter signatures in support.
“One thing that really grabbed me about this campaign is that it is a nonpartisan group trying to do something good for so many families in our valley,” said Kassidy Birdsong, another CECE volunteer. She added that with the number of overwhelming challenges worldwide – from healthcare to food insecurity – opportunities for success can be limited. For her, this childcare tax is an actionable piece of the solution.
“Becoming a mom made me feel a sense of solidarity with other moms around the world and in my community,” said Birdsong. “I want to see parents and providers in my
Nominations for the Early Childhood Service District board of directors are open until Aug. 22. Visit www.strongstartbrightfuture.com to learn more about the ballot measure and board nominations.
The Highway 133 detour through Carbondale is now underway. For approximately four weeks, traffic will be diverted for the installation of a new pedestrian crossing.
Find all the details at www. carbondalegov.org
Photo by Raleigh Burleigh
THE SOPRIS SUN TOOK HOME A RECORD 20 AWARDS
at Colorado Press Association’s annual conference last weekend. For work published in 2024 (statewide, within our division), we earned 14 first-place awards, plus six second-place ones to boot! Congratulations to all the talented folks who comprise this very special newspaper. We couldn’t do it without you!
FIRST PLACE AWARDS
Best Advertising Campaign - “Two Papers, One Community”
- Larry Day, Terri Ritchie, Todd Chamberlin
Best Advertising Special Section - Mountain Fair program
- Todd Chamberlin, Emily Blong-Machavariani
Best House Ad Promotion - Fall mailing ‘24 - Terri Ritchie, Larry Day
Best Print Ad - “Have You Herd?”
- Jane Bachrach, Emily Blong-Machavariani
Best Editorial Collaboration - Domestic abuse resources are here, but need community support
- Jeanne Souldern, Myki Jones, Sofie Koski
Best Headline Writing - James Steindler
Best Humorous Column Writing - Ps&Qs: Meditating with my fairy godmother - Jeannie Perry
Best News Story - Uinta Basin Railway: When is a railroad not a railroad? - Amy Hadden Marsh
Best Social Justice or Equity Reporting - Sudden spike in unhoused population exposes regional gaps - Raleigh Burleigh
Best Sports Event Story - A celebration of women, freedom and winter sports at Sunlight - Jeanne Souldern
Best Page Design - William Morrow reflects on his legacy in art
- Terri Ritchie, Myki Jones, Rebecca Young
Best Photography Portfolio - Will Sardinsky
SECOND PLACE AWARDS
Best House Ad Promotion - Tattoo dude - Larry Day
Best Business News - Cacao price surge, a bitter taste for chocolatiers - Will Buzzerd, Larry Day
Best Crime & Public Safety Reporting - Carbondale settles with Francisco for $350,000 - James Steindler
Best Editorial Collaboration - Dream Well
- Natalia Snider, Larry Day
Best Politics Reporting - SB 24-189 expands protections for transgender community - London Lyle, Larry Day
Best Social Justice or Equity Reporting - Local human rights attorney advocates for Afghanistan family - Myki Jones
LEGAL NOTICE
NOTICE OF FINAL SETTLEMENT
NOTICE is hereby given that on September 10th, 2025, at 5:00 p.m., final settlement will be made with VELOCITY CONSTRUCTORS, INC., 2107 W College Ave Englewood CO 80110 by Basalt Sanitation District 0701 Emma Road, Basalt, Colorado, 81621 on a contract for labor and materials for a project known as BASALT SANITATION DISTRICT SOLIDS HANDLING PROJECT and that any person, co-partnership, company, association of persons, or corporation who has an unpaid claim against VELOCITY CONSTRUCTORS, 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 September 10th, 2025, file a verified statement of the amount due with the BASALT SANITATION DISTRICT (Attn. Ian Quillan i.quillan@basaltsanitation.org 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 VELOCITY CONSTRUCTORS Inc., will relieve the BASALT SANTIATION DISTRICT from any liability for such Claimant’s claim. PUBLISHED BY THE ORDER OF BASALT SANITATION DISTRICT.
Sealed bids for the construction of the Roaring Fork WTP Filter Improvements Project will be received from invited Bidders by the Town of Carbondale (“OWNER”) at Town Hall, 511 Colorado Ave, Carbondale, CO 81623, until 11:00 AM on September 12, 2025, at which time the Bids received will be publicly opened and read. The Roaring Fork WTP Filter Improvements project includes installation of two (2) new cartridge filter vessels at the WTP and the procurement and installation of all associated filter equipment, piping, and instrumentation; the relocation of two (2) existing cartridge filter vessels, all associated filter equipment, piping, and instrumentation; and the demolition and removal of two (2) membrane filters, all associated filter equipment, piping, and instrumentation; demolition and removal of two (2) compressor/dryers and all backwash structures and piping. Procurement and installation of all associated electrical conduit and wiring, motor control centers, programmable logic controllers, and controls.
Bids will be received for a single prime Contract. Bidding Documents will be provided to prospective Bidders as electronic PDF files.
The Issuing Office for the Bidding Documents is Roaring Fork Engineering (RFE), 592 Hwy 133, Carbondale, CO, 81623 (Contact: Maggie McHugh, PE (614) 256-4714, MaggieM@rfeng.biz). Prospective Bidders may examine the Bidding Documents at the Issuing Office on Mondays through Fridays between the hours of 8 AM to 5 PM and may obtain copies of the Bidding Documents from the Issuing Office as described below. Bidding Documents are available as electronic portable document format (PDF) files. Alternatively, printed Bidding Documents may be obtained from the Issuing Office via in-person pick-up, for a non-refundable charge of $75 per set. Checks for Bidding Documents shall be payable to Roaring Fork Engineering. The date that the Bidding Documents are transmitted by the Issuing Office will be considered the date of receipt of the Bidding Documents. Neither Owner nor Engineer will be responsible for full or partial sets of Bidding Documents, including Addenda if any, obtained from sources other than the Issuing Office.
A pre-bid conference will be held at 9 AM on August 28th, 2025. This conference is non-mandatory but highly encouraged. In accordance with the Contract Documents (C-200 Section 5.03) the Contractor is required to conduct a site visit prior to bid submission. That visit can either be at the pre-bid meeting or arranged for another day and time with Town staff present.
A 5% bid security shall be furnished in accordance with the Instructions to Bidders. Bidders shall submit proof of qualifications to perform the Work as described in the Instructions to Bidders. Public Works Department Town of Carbondale
Sopris Sun editors James Steindler and Raleigh Burleigh collected 20 awards with Executive Todd Chamberlin (left to right) for work published in 2024. Photo by Cassandra Ballard
