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Community sprouting around RFHS biodome

Next volunteer project day is Oct. 25

RALEIGH BURLEIGH Sopris Sun Editor

Gretchen Hofmann has been taking care of organic gardens and biodomes since landing at the Windstar Foundation, an Aspen nonprofit founded by musician John Denver, when she was 25. She made her career stewarding diverse landscapes, even teaching organic gardening at UC Davis. Coming full circle, she is now helping revive the biodome at Roaring Fork High School (RFHS) 41 years later.

An article Hofmann saw in The Sopris Sun back in June coaxed her out of retirement to join a cadre of devoted volunteers bringing new life to the school’s gardens, established in 2010. As described in that article, the gardens fell into decline without students present to help during the crucial summer months. Instead, that work fell on science educator Hadley Hentschel, who transferred from RFHS to the middle school in 2024 when his wife, Lindsay Hentschel, became the high school principal. The agriculture-biology program then took a pause.

Fast forward to 2025, Lindsay and science teacher Megan Ravenscraft set out to bring the gardens back with help from volunteers. Parent Karen Crownhart coordinated a redesign of the outdoor space with Christie Jensen and an overhaul of the irrigation system with donated materials (thanks to Grand Junction Pipe) and labor. The new system can run on ditch water or town water, extending the growing season. Thaddeus Eshelman, an RFHS alum and owner of TE Build ers, lent his time and expertise to do the installation and diagnosed elec trical issues which were resolved by Green Electrical Solutions.

The Garfield County CSU Extension brought in fresh soil for the biodome, which Hadley got busy repairing over the summer with oversight by Michael Thompson, who designed the biodome with ag visionary Jerome Osentowski. RFHS students and CSU Master Gardeners have put in many hours, however, the work is far from over..

“We need help, we need stuff, we need money,” Hofmann told The Sopris Sun. For several months, she’s dedicated at least 10 hours a week to the project, she said, opening the dome each morning, cleaning up the space and planting new crops with donations and purchases from Eagle Crest Nursery. Deb Beauchamp, Alisa Grimes, Guinevere Jones and the RFHS Environmental Club have assisted her, Hofmann noted.

Upon arriving, she was horrified to find a forest of thistles proliferating outdoors. In addition to installing the new irrigation system, TE Builders helped mow those down, followed by Roaring Fork Outdoor Volunteers. This particular thistle flowers every other year, so knocking them down two consecutive years, before they spread new seeds, can make a major impact without resorting to chemicals.

No longer a school-specific garden program, the model is bringing in more community involvement (with edible rewards). Anyone and everyone now stands to benefit from getting their hands dirty helping maintain an ideal growing space, albeit in need of some love and attention. In addition to the dome, there’s an orchard that could use some pruning, new outdoor beds in the works and even a set-up for keeping bees complete with an electric fence.

So far, financial support has come from an Aspen Community Foundation donor-advised fund, Carbondale’s Seven Star Rebekah Lodge and Alpine Bank. According to advisory committee member Illène Pevec, “What we really need is $11,000 more to pay for the permanent weed barrier between the new raised bed gardens for students, the wood for students to build those beds and to finish paying the various materials costs.” She added, “Donations to the school are tax-deductible! If anyone knows of a local foundation that might help us, please let us know so we can apply.”

With another couple truckloads of compost to fill the boxes once they’re built, there will be community garden plots available next spring for people interested in planting their own food plants, herbs and flowers.

“This is such a good, open resource for the future,” Hofmann said. This time next year, with enough help, she imagines the beds producing, bees being kept, the orchard thriving and the community hooked in, assuring longterm sustainability.

Another public project day is scheduled for Saturday, Oct. 25, from 10am to 3pm. Volunteers are requested to bring their own gloves and tools, if possible, including trash bags, hand clippers, hedge shears, tree pruners, rakes and a broom. Donations of buckets, trash cans, weed barrier fabric and organic soils and fertilizers will be much appreciated. RSVPs, inquiries and tour requests can be directed to gretsgardens@gmail.com

Folks interested in joining the advisory committee can contact lhentschel@rfschools.com

ABOVE: Gretchen Hofmann worked on the first biodome at the Windstar Foundation in 1984, thanks to John Denver, Buckminster Fuller, John Katzenberger and Tom Crum.

Photo courtesy of the Aspen Historical Society, Aspen Times Collection

LEFT: She is glad to return to year-round high altitude food production at RFHS’s biodome, built in 2010 by Jerome Osentowski and Michael Thompson.

Photo by Raleigh Burleigh

Turning 85

This month’s Mature Content, a column about aging and life from the perspectives of older people, has been hard to write. Though I dislike admitting it, it’s because I’d rather not face what I’ve been dreaming about most nights and thinking every morning, in that middle space between being asleep and being awake: the number 85.

Eighty-five! That’s when my father stopped living, though he continued existing for another four years. He sold his business at 80, then worked part-time for the new owner for two more years. He took what turned out to be his final European trip when he was 84. Though it probably wasn’t safe, he drove his car around Manhattan and took an occasional trip into the countryside until he was 85. Then, Dr. Stein finally found the courage to tell him what he should have been told five years earlier, and Dad stopped living.

OPINION

bad, being dopey.” No kidding, he really said that. By the time you read this, I’ll be on a road trip to California, visiting great-grandchildren. Will it be my final road trip? Like dad, I’ve always enjoyed driving. He began teaching me when I was eight. (That’s not a typo.) Three months from now, on my 85th birthday, I’ll be in Thailand. Will it be my last overseas trip? I still hope to visit some of Europe’s great opera houses, but I’ll be 85 in January. Thanks to a physically easy life, never smoking, a healthy diet, modern medicine and dumb luck, I’m in much better shape than Dad was at eighty-five, but I’m already taking a daily Fountain-of-Youth cocktail that includes ten pills from eight prescriptions, not counting vitamins and supplements. Healthy lifestyle, modern medicine and dumb luck can only do so much. Eighty-five scares me.

Dad was the last of his friends to keep a car in midtown Manhattan, where garage space costs as much as a studio apartment and finding on-street parking can take hours. He parked on-street to save money, and, since he always enjoyed driving, why not drive around looking for parking spaces? It was something to do, and the car was important. Several days each week, my mother or one of their friends would need a ride to that special delicatessen, a bakery or a cardiologist. Because he had his Oldsmobile, Dad provided it. The Olds also transported Mom and Dad to visit Uncle Walter, who was dying of ALS in New Jersey. It took friends to lunch at garden restaurants in Westchester and to Catskills Hotels for long weekends. That Olds wasn’t just transportation. It infused Dad’s life with purpose.

By Ron Kokish

Then, there’s my mother-in-law. As she aged, she used to say, “I don’t buy green bananas.” But she drove until she was 95 (though she probably should not have been licensed at any age), and she lived happily to the age of 103 because she found ways to adapt to her increasing limitations. In spite of what she said, she did buy green bananas. I know, because I often drove her to the store during those last 8 years. Sadly, Dad didn’t adapt the way she did. He and his friends could have used taxis and limos, but he never “gave up” driving. He just didn’t do it anymore.

We spoke soon after his 85th birthday, after Dr. Stein had done what had to be done. “Hi, Dad. How are you?” It was the usual casual greeting, but the answer wasn’t casual. “Physically, I’m okay, but life is hell when you don’t have any goals.” He was right, of course. Life without purpose is hellish at any age. Whether we’re 25 or 85, we need to be driving something — a family, a career, a garden, a monthly newspaper column, towards something. Once he stopped driving, Dad became increasingly depressed, seeming to almost welcome his increasing dementia. Dropping out mentally and emotionally probably relieved his depression. Once, he pretty much told me exactly that. “You know, it isn’t

LETTERS

A bad dream

It was a little over a year ago that I attended the Garfield County community meeting regarding the proposed development by Harvest Roaring Fork, LLC. The meeting was held on the property site, at the confluence of Cattle Creek and the Roaring Fork River, between Carbondale and Glenwood Springs.

As I stood on a mound of dirt, one with podiums displaying housing concepts awaiting our approval, I couldn’t help but think of the elk herd that winters here, using those same mounds as vantage points.

When I was a homeowner in El Jebel 20 years ago, I witnessed that elk herd displaced from its migration route to make way for stacks of luxury condos, a small water ski pond and the conveniences of big city living. That memory stays with me.

Recently, I woke up to the news that the Harvest Roaring Fork, LLC application has been deemed complete by Garfield County Community Development. The developers have submitted a proposal for 1,500 residential units, plus 450 accessory units, 55,000 square feet of commercial space and a 120-room hotel on approximately 283 acres.

Am I dreaming? It is no secret that both the quantity and quality of our water supply are already under strain. Traffic is nearly intolerable, and it feels as though we’re waiting for a catastrophe before meaningful action is taken. Grocery stores struggle to

Dad’s Olds has been gone for decades, but I think of him every time I push start on my Honda hybrid, fully equipped to help older drivers be safer. Now it’s my turn at the wheel, eyes on the horizon, weaving my way through the years to some final destination. I don’t know how far I’ll get, but hey, the road ahead still stretches further than I can see, and with the grace of another green light or two before that final red, there’s no knowing when the end is.

As I said, we all need to drive something to somewhere because life without goals is hellish at any age. I guess I’ll keep driving until I’m there and hope that when I put it in park for the last time, someone else will take the wheel. And I’ll think of my mother-in-law every time I buy bananas. I bought some yesterday. They were green. So far, so good.

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

keep shelves stocked and medical facilities are understaffed and overwhelmed by the growing population.

Balancing development with the preservation of the Valley’s natural beauty and ecosystems is a responsibility we all share. Our valley’s reputation for quality of life is the reason many of us chose to live here — and we cannot afford to lose that.

Learn more at Cattlecreekcc.com

Rosemary Burkholder Cattle Creek Road

Gotcha coming and going

I have a respiratory condition that requires the use of an inhaler. Because our government doesn’t negotiate pharmaceutical prices with the manufacturers as they do in Canada and other countries with socialized medicine, the cost of one of these devices that would last me one month is well over $100.

So, I consulted with my pulmonologist and looked to the north for my inhalers. The Canadian’s original asking price was $135 for a three month’s supply, but they wanted to hold off on that until Trump’s tariff threats were resolved.

The Canadian pharmaceutical company frogged around and frogged around until Aug. 1 when Trump slapped Canada with a 35% tariff. The price of my three-month supply of inhalers jumped up to $580, about what I would’ve paid buying them in this country.

The fact that my country doesn’t recognize health care as a right, not a privilege, combined with Trump’s pointless trade war is preventing me from getting a reasonably priced medical device that costs about $4 to produce.

Trump says the tariffs will reduce our nation’s $38 trillion debt. Economic analysts, the folks who know what they’re talking about, say that’s highly unlikely. The downside of tariffs, inflation and resultant slow growth, will wipe out any increased revenues from tariffs.

Oh well, at least I still have Medicare, for now. The poor bastards with Medicaid or the Affordable Care Act will have that chopped next year because of last summer’s Republican continuing resolution. If you think the current administration cares one whit about this, you’re deluding yourself.

Fred Malo Jr. Carbondale

Re: Church and state

In the Oct. 8 Sopris Sun, Jodi Barr, a school board candidate, made statements on the role of religion in schools containing several claims that require closer examination. “The separation of church and state comes from a letter by Thomas Jefferson and was intended to keep the state out of the church, not the church out of the state.”

The idea that Thomas Jefferson’s “wall of separation between church and state” was solely intended to protect the church

Editor Raleigh Burleigh 970-510-3003 news@soprissun.com

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

Sincerest thanks to our Honorary Publishers for their annual commitment of $1,000+

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SCUTTLEBUTT

Heralding poets

Colorado Humanities is on the prowl for Colorado’s next poet laureate. This position serves as an ambassador for poetry, engaging with communities across the state, conducting readings and workshops and inspiring a love for the art form. The selection process will consider a nominee’s body of work, public speaking ability and their vision for the role. Nominations are due by Oct. 27 at www.coloradohumanities.org/ programs/colorado-poet-laureate

Nieslanik crossing

The Town of Carbondale announced last week that the new Nieslanik Avenue Pedestrian Crossing on Highway 133 is open for public use. The Town reminds pedestrians and cyclists to use caution when crossing. Activate the flashing lights by pressing the button and always make sure vehicles have fully stopped before entering the crosswalk.

Born To Be Wild

Fashion Show

FirstBank

Alpine Bank

Colorado Mountain College

Nordic Gardens

Hilary Porterfield

Basalt Library

NONPROFIT PARTNERS

Two Rivers

Unitarian Universalist

Carbondale Arts

Carbondale Rotary Club

Colorado Animal Rescue Interested in becoming an Underwriter or Nonprofit Partner?

Email Todd@soprissun.com or call 970-987-9866

Carbondale Arts announced last week that the 15th annual Fashion Show will see founder and director Amy Kimberly stepping into a mentorship role, supporting Meagan Shapiro and Emily Fifer as the new directorial team. The theme is “Step Right Up” and the deadline for designer applications is Dec. 5. Dancer auditions will take place at The Launchpad on Nov. 16 at 5pm. Aspiring models are required to preregister for casting on Dec. 7 with sessions at 2 and 5:30pm. Find all the juicy details at www.carbondalearts.com/ fashion-show

FML grants

The Garfield County Federal Mineral Lease District board of directors announced $2.6 million in grants for its fall cycle, including the City of Rifle ($500,000), Town of Silt ($500,000), Battlement Mesa Metro District ($300,000), Re-2 ($300,000), Garfield County School District 16 ($200,000), the Town of New Castle ($200,000) and Grand Valley Fire Protection ($150,000).

Basalt scam

The Town of Basalt wants to make the community aware that scam emails are circulating asking residents and applicants for projects to submit payments on an attached invoice. The Town will never ask for an electronic payment for an invoice transmitted via email to the public. All Town staff and council emails are “first name dot last name at Basalt.net” — the scam email is planning.basalt@usa.com

The Rocky Mountain Wolf Project celebrated more than $1 million generated by sales of the Born To Be Wild state license plate toward non-lethal conflict mitigation tools through Colorado Parks and Wildlife. “The Born To Be Wild plate is a symbol of hope,” said Courtney Vail, Rocky Mountain Wolf Project’s board chair. “Every plate on the road is a vote for a wilder Colorado, ensuring recurring revenue for the state’s wildlife agency for years to come.”

Learn more at www.wolfplate.org

Sneaker drive

Mountain Valley Developmental Services (MVDS) is holding an athletic shoe drive fundraiser through Nov. 11 to raise money for its day programs. Gently worn, used and new sneakers can be dropped off at the Defiance Thrift Store in Glenwood Springs, MVDS in Glenwood (700 Mt. Sopris Drive), Divine Moon in Rifle (111 W. 3rd), MVDS in Silt (580 Home Ave), MVDS in Minturn (472 Main St), GrassRoots Community Network in Aspen and KDNK in Carbondale. GotSneakers, a zero-waste sneaker recycling social enterprise, will issue funds in compensation for the collected sneakers. MVDS’ goal is to collect 500 pairs.

Low-income tax relief

Pitkin County is accepting applications for the Low-Income Property Tax Relief Program, designed in collaboration with Aspen Valley Hospital to alleviate financial burden on homeowners amidst rising property values. Applicants must own a free-market, non-deed-restricted home and have an income less than 500%

Noah Scher and his son, Damon, were the first to discover the last hidden codex, concluding this season’s Carbondale Treasure Hunt. Scher moved here in 2010 and helps run High Mountain Gardeners with Eric Baumheier. He saw in Scuttlebutt last week that the treasure remained undiscovered and deduced from the poem a place with live music outdoors. After some research he landed on Chacos Park and found it hidden beneath the fire ring. October’s treasure contained $200 worth of gift cards to Bonfire and the Smithy, each. Photo by Raleigh Burleigh

of the Federal Poverty Level. The program offers rebates between $50 and $2,000 based on income. Learn more at www.bit.ly/Pitkin-relief or call 970-319-2150 for assistance.

Aspen Writers Network

The Aspen Writers Network hosts an autumn workshop, “Making Meaning in Your Personal Essay,” with author Peter Mountford on Nov. 2. This all-day workshop will hone the skill of making one’s personal story relevant to strangers. For registration visit www.bit.ly/AWN-essay

RVR trespassing

The Carbondale Police Department (CPD) has received multiple reports of unknown individuals entering vehicles and residences in River Valley Ranch at various times throughout the day and night. Residents who have

security cameras in the areas of Perry Ridge Drive, Heritage Drive, Cedar Creek Drive, Lakeside Drive and surrounding areas, or may have witnessed suspicious activity, are encouraged to contact CPD at 970-963-2662. Police remind residents “to keep all home and vehicle doors and windows locked — even when at home — and to remove valuables from vehicles.” They say it’s your birthday! Folks celebrating another trip around the sun this week include: Alex Heinig, Oriana Moebius, Daniel Torres and Abby Zlotnick (Oct. 16); Eric Berry, Ian Edquist, Carianne Eisenson and Mike Grandbois (Oct. 18); Hannah Condon (Oct. 19); Gabe Alcala (Oct. 20); Heidi Hendricks and Caitlin Kinney (Oct. 21); Lisa Quint and Adam Ting (Oct. 22).

Shining Mountains Film Festival returns this weekend

MYKI JONES Arts Correspondent

Oct. 17 and 18, the seventh annual Shining Mountains Film Festival will bring a fresh set of native documentary films to the iconic Wheeler Opera House. This festival, produced by the Aspen Indigenous Foundation (AIF), was created to commemorate a resolution passed by Aspen City Council in 2017 to replace Columbus Day with Indigenous Peoples Day. It provides a platform to share Indigenous voices, stories and histories from a broad spectrum of creators.

One of the films in this year’s lineup, “You’re No Indian” was written and directed by Ryan Flynn and shines a light on the prevalent issue of tribal disenrollment — removing someone from membership in their community. The hidden motivation exposed in Flynn’s film is over sharing casino profits. Flynn said this documentary took seven years to make, from the initial research process and making community connections to filming, editing, legal review, festival strategy and distribution. This film stretched him but, over time, proved to be worth the effort.

“There wasn’t one single ‘moment,’ but a slow accumulation [which inspired this film],” Flynn told The Sopris Sun. “I was researching casino revenue disparities among tribes and noticed staggering gaps. That led me to disenrollment. As I followed that thread and encountered story after heartbreaking story — people exhuming ancestors for DNA tests, elders losing homes, families fractured — I

realized this injustice was largely invisible. That’s when ‘You’re No Indian’ became necessary.”

In his work, Flynn focuses on themes of erasure, identity, truth and the tension between memory and silence. Though he does not have Indigenous heritage, his storytelling vision is deeply rooted in research and empathy, aiming to help film subjects feel seen while highlighting nuanced issues. People interviewed in “You’re No Indian” took time to come around, as discussing disenrollment can negatively impact those who speak out.

“Once I started hearing [those disenrolled people’s] stories, families forced to exhume relatives for DNA tests, elders locked out of their homes, language teachers fired for speaking up, it stopped being academic. It became personal. I couldn’t unsee it, and I knew I had to use my craft to give those people back some measure of voice and dignity,” Flynn stated.

“Access was one of the biggest hurdles,” he continued. “People were scared, and rightfully so. Speaking on camera about disenrollment can mean social exile or retaliation. It took years of conversations before some subjects were ready to be filmed.”

Flynn looks forward to the upcoming festival, which he describes as more of a community than a traditional film festival. He looks forward to connecting with the audience and fellow filmmakers and is excited to bring this story to the Roaring Fork Valley.

“The Roaring Fork Valley has a community that honors art,

ABOVE: Ivan Looking Horse delivers the opening prayer in 2019 accompanied by Dine’ (Navajo) ladies.

RIGHT: From left to right: Filmmaker TC Johnstone, emcee Steve LaPointe, Deanne Vitrac-Kessler and actor Lorenzo Manuelito at a previous Shining Mountains Film Festival.

Courtesy

photos

nature and story. That space feels sacred to me. I’m excited to share ‘You’re No Indian’ there, to see community members before the film, to hear responses, to witness conversation and to build bridges where this story has not yet reached,” he stated.

Speaking with Deanne Vitrac-Kessler, founder and executive director of AIF, in the early days of the festival, she and collaborator Anuk Bald Eagle primarily focused on platforming media from Indigenous creators to provide insight to the non-Indigenous community about the histories of the native people of this country. Lineups have evolved over the years, highlighting history while also showcasing the beauty and talents of these communities.

“It has evolved over the years, because at first we were telling mainly the history from the native side, which, of course, is very dark with the genocide,

boarding schools, all those very negative histories,” Vitrac-Kessler said. “Now we are trying to focus more on the talents, beauty and successes. Of course, there is still some struggle, but there is a lot of success. You’ll see this year, the program has a much more upbeat feeling than in the past.”

This year’s lineup begins on Oct. 17 with a showing of “Free Leonard Peltier,” a film by Indiegenious filmmaker Jesse Short Bull. The following day will see a lineup of five short films focusing on Indigenous stories, four

of which were created by Indigenous filmmakers. The festival will wrap with the screening of “You’re No Indian” on Oct. 18 at 6:30pm, followed by a Q&A with Flynn and the awards ceremony. A variety of vendors from native communities will be present to visit between screenings.

For tickets to the Shining Mountains Film Festival, visit www. shiningmountainsfilm.com

To further support the efforts of the Aspen Indigenous Foundation, visit www.aspenaif.org

At the Free-For-All Book

ALISON OSIUS Sopris Sun Correspondent

A toddler in a red jacket and yellow boots holds the book “What Are Feelings?” up so high it is practically above his (or possibly her) head. Another, also in a stroller, clutches a colorful volume on learning to count via “touchable ladybugs.” Elsewhere in kaleidoscopic crowd images from last year’s Free-For-All Book Fair, children make bookmarks with paper and glue, or are read to, while adults nearby peruse titles by the boxload.

At the annual Free-For-All Book Fair, the third of which will be held Saturday, Dec. 13, at the Glenwood Springs Community Center from noon to 5pm, attendees range in age from infants in arms to the elderly. People leave with bags full of books. No money changes hands.

Caitlin Causey, one of the volunteer organizers, said of this pre-holiday happening, “A lot of kids say, ‘I’m going to give this to my brother’ or ‘to my mom.’”

Last year, according to a press release from the Free-For-AllBook Fair (motto: “Reading is for

everyone”), approximately 1,500 attendees took home 7,000-plus books, most new or nearly new, in English and Spanish. The organization is soliciting book donations through October (see drop-off sites below).

The story started two years ago in a pediatrician’s office at the Castle Valley Children’s Clinic, when Shelby Williams, a secondgrade teacher at Elk Creek Elementary School, brought her then 12-year-old daughter, Becca, for a well-child check with Dr. Rebecca Percy.

“Becca is an avid reader, as am I, and so is Dr. Becca, and the two Beccas always talk books when we go in.” The conversation, she recalls, “kept spiraling on book fairs. ‘Weren’t they fun?’ ‘What books were your favorite?’” Schools host annual book fairs, partially as benefits.

“And [we were] talking about how inequitable it is that some kids can go buy 10 books and maybe some don’t get to buy any,” Williams said. ”Some have no books at home.” She personally buys books for all her students every year.

She and Dr. Percy then met at the New Castle library, asking themselves, What could we do to get books to kids in the community who don’t have them?

“We really wanted a book fair for all, all kids and all people. We started brainstorming, and reached out to others.”

Friends — all of them moms with jobs and busy lives — came onboard, collecting books and storing them in their garages. The New Castle Recreation Center hosted the premiere, with the Glenwood Springs Community Center stepping in for 2024.

The first year, Causey estimates, 2,000-plus books came in and all but about 100 books went out; hundreds of people poured in the door. Williams said, “We were so excited that it even got off the ground. … We had donations from all types of people. We hope for donations in English and Spanish. We want everybody to get books.”

Causey said the fair is held to reduce barriers to reading and encourage lifelong reading. Monetary donations are welcome and used to buy books to give

away, and the event has received some business sponsorships, including use of a storage unit from Gould Construction. Most books are donated by the community, as people clean out their shelves and jettison books they or their children no longer read. The organizers request only books in good condition, not those that are ripped or water-damaged. They seek books in Spanish, “primarily for children but also adults,” Causey said. “We purchased a couple hundred

books in Spanish [for adults], and they were all gone by the end of the day. … We want everybody in the community reading.” Another need is books for teens.

The core group of consistent volunteers is four to six, with about a hundred volunteers joining in over time. Those have included employees from Alpine Bank, a sponsor; a young employee at White River Books, a Carbondale pickup site; and high schoolers who last year broke down the event.

Last year’s Free-For-All Book Fair redistributed more than 7,000 used books.

Photo by Caitlin Causey

Fresh dance company presents ‘Re:Collection’

MYKI JONES

Arts Correspondent

On Oct. 24 and 25 at The Launchpad, locals Meagan Londy Shapiro and Emily Fifer will host the inaugural show of their newly created contemporary dance company — the name of which is currently pending — that’s fiscally sponsored by Dance Initiative. The show, “Re:Collection,” will include a combination of new movements and throwbacks to dances the two have done before.

The show, which Shapiro described as a repertory, will feature the new company’s current cast of dancers: Jen Campbell, Dana Ellis, Caitlin Evans, Lindsay Marquino, Micha Schoepe, Sam Stableford and Vicki Tobia.

— “Emme” was originally considered — they are mainly focusing their attention on the type of choreography they’d like to incorporate and the general direction of the company.

The name of the show reflects their past creative ventures and, as Fifer noted, can be interpreted two ways. Either way, it’s bound to unlock even more inspiration.

“For now, we are putting our thoughts and creative efforts into this upcoming show and [will] see what evolves from that. The title, ‘Re:Collection,’ can also be seen as ‘recollection,’” Fifer clarified.

We felt like we wanted to put our effort and energy right into the show, and then afterwards kind of decide what we want to be called, and what type of company we are.

- Emily Fifer

“We’re excited to be taking this brave step forward into other work that we want to make, rather than just saying, ‘Let’s do a project here and a project there,’” Shapiro told The Sopris Sun. Shapiro and Fifer have been friends and collaborators for over a decade, working together as performers throughout and choreographing the annual Carbondale Arts Fashion Show since 2019. They are excited to bring their combined talents and camaraderie to this new company.

As the duo takes the time to listen to feedback regarding the company’s name

“We talked about that and both really enjoy that it can be said both ways. We felt like we wanted to put our effort and energy right into the show, and then afterwards kind of decide what we want to be called, and what type of company we are.”

As opposed to curating the repertory by simply resetting what’s been done, the collaborators are instead opting for a more nuanced process.

“There are a lot of interesting and important ways to do repertory work, and one of those ways is to go in and reset that work almost precisely as it was created,” explained Shapiro. “It’s interesting and valuable … and not what we are

doing with the show. We are instead going into that repertory work in a remembering state. We are asking a lot of questions about what we remember, what we don’t remember [and] what doesn’t serve anymore in the piece.”

“These are pieces that we created for an audience of between 500 and 700 people in a big space that are now being performed in a very intimate space,” she continued. “We’re seeing that as an opportunity to look at past work as a springboard or a starting point.”

There will also be moments of improvisation throughout the performance, which may be surprising for both the

IN A NUTSHELL

What: “Re:Collection”

Where: The Launchpad in Carbondale When: 7:30pm on Oct. 24 & 25

Tickets: www.danceinitiative.org/ events/recollection

audience and the performers.

“I hope that the community that comes to see the performance gets to experience that sort of intimacy with dance,” concluded Fifer. “The idea is to see how our performers will respond and hopefully that brings some surprise and delight to our audiences as well.

Emily Fifer directs dancers Lindsay Marquino and Jen Campbell. Courtesy photo

Second No Kings rally set for Oct.

KEN PLETCHER

Sopris Sun Correspondent

Saturday, Oct. 18, is the date for the second nationwide No Kings event this year. Locally, the rally will be in downtown Glenwood Springs. It is being organized by Carbondale-based Mountain Action Indivisible (MAI), which is affiliated with the national Indivisible organization.

MAI volunteer Pat Morrissy — acting as the group’s press contact — told The Sopris Sun that participants will meet at 10am in Bethel Plaza (at 7th Street, underneath the Grand Avenue Bridge). People will then march southward on the sidewalk on the east (northbound) side of Grand (at first, around the block via Cooper Ave. to avoid the narrow sidewalk on Grand between 7th and 8th streets) to 11th Street, cross at the stoplight there, and then head northward on the west-side sidewalk of Grand back to Bethel Plaza (diverting along Colorado Ave. between 8th and 7th streets). The rally is scheduled to end at noon.

Asked about the overall objective of the day, Morrissy said, “It’s an opportunity for people to get out and speak out”

against Trump administration policies. “We want it to be a show of force for common sense” and against authoritarianism and the erosion of democracy. “We haven’t lost democratic and popular control yet,” he added. MAI is also billing the Glenwood Springs event as No Kings/ Power Belongs to the People.

MAI cofounder Debbie Bruell and principal organizer of Saturday’s Glenwood Springs rally seconded Morrissy’s comments. “I’m hearing lots of enthusiasm for this one,” she told The Sun.

She described the establishment of MAI early this year after stepping down as chair of the Garfield County Democrats in December. “We pulled together people interested in [the national] Indivisible” organization and “brainstormed,” coming up with the local organization’s name and putting together a steering committee that “got it off the ground.”

Bruell clarified MAI’s relationship with Indivisible, explaining that the national organization “encourages local grassroots groups to form, but there is no formal affiliation.” She continued, “Each grassroots group is different,”

adding, “Indivisible provides a ton of resources” to local organizations. She noted that there are some 5,000 of such groups nationwide.

As the MAI website states, “We are an action-oriented, volunteer group of community members — from Parachute to Aspen — dedicated to justice, equality and democracy.” And active they have been, organizing such events as the first No Kings rally in Glenwood Springs in June and the Workers over Billionaires protest at the Highway 133 roundabout in Carbondale on Labor Day.

The Sun sought an opposing view and reached out to Bruno Kirchenwitz, an outspoken

t-shirt with a crude slogan (not fit for print) disparaging liberals and carry a sign. Asked why he wanted to wear the shirt, he said, “If I can piss off a liberal, it’s a good day.” He might be disappointed on Saturday, however. Both Morrissy and Bruell emphasized the nonconfrontational aspect of these events. Bruell said, “It’s all about peaceful protest; we don’t want people to engage” with counter-protestors. Nonetheless, MAI has made provisions for security on Saturday, including a hired private security presence and what are being called volunteer “peacekeepers” (similar to the Peace Patrol at Mountain Fair and trained by patrol veteran George Wear).

conservative and staunch supporter of Donald Trump, who frequently expresses his views in letters to Valley newspapers. Kirchenwitz said that he gets most of his news from “lots of conservative channels” like Fox and Newsmax, but that he also watches Rachael Maddow and Jen Psaki on MSNBC. “I like to listen to both sides,” he explained. He conceded that “all have biases, but not to the extent of other outlets” like CNN or MSNBC.

Asked if he would be attending the rally on Saturday, he replied, “Yes, I will be on the opposite side of the street from the marchers.” Kirchenwitz plans to wear a

Indivisible has said that some 2,500 individual protests are planned on Saturday, including in all 50 states plus Mexico and some western European countries. Bruell mentioned that, in addition to the march itself in Glenwood Springs, there will be live music with a local band, a song from the Raging Grannies, a group dance and games for kids. Recalling the positivity and camaraderie that participants felt at the June rally, she said of Saturday’s event, “You don’t want to miss it!”

Information on the Oct. 18 event can be found on the MAI website: www.mountainactionindivisible.org

An estimated 3,000-plus people gathered in Glenwood Springs on June 14, as part of the first nationwide “No Kings” protest. Photo by Raleigh Burleigh

7B asks voters whether or not to renew Basalt Library mill levy

ANNALISE GRUETER

Sopris Sun Correspondent

Next month, some Roaring Fork Valley voters will weigh in on a ballot question about the Basalt Regional Library. Measure 7B applies to people living within the library district, which includes Old Snowmass, Missouri Heights and up Fryingpan Road all the way to Norrie Colony.

The Sopris Sun spoke with the library’s executive director, Amy Shipley, to learn more. In late September, the Basalt Library met a major milestone by paying off bonds that were approved by voters in 2006 — a year ahead of schedule. Those bonds made it possible to build the library nestled along the Roaring Fork River. It is also LEED-certified for energy efficiency.

On the heels of that accomplishment, the library is requesting community approval to extend the mill levy, this time to fund library operations and maintenance. The ballot question, if passed, would not increase the overall property tax rate which has funded the mill levy thus far. The cost to homeowners is estimated at $67 annually for every $1 million of property value.

Shipley shared that her team has planned for 2026 if 7B doesn’t pass, but managing without would mean the library would have to make some sacrifices.

“We’re budgeting a $164,000 shortfall for 2026 if the ballot measure doesn’t pass. Normal operations could continue for one

year with that budget, but after that we’d face staffing restrictions and hours adjustments,” she stated.

Shipley explained that the mill levy was originally used to pay back debt on the building. Renewal would start to shift the purpose and application of the funds, with the primary objective being to maintain and expand programming to meet community needs. Other top priorities are increasing staff pay to reduce turnover and maintaining the building as it ages. Shipley reiterated that the library would like to pay its staff more livable wages, and that renewing the mill levy would help make that possible.

Asked whether she believes the community understands what the library needs to maintain services, Shipley was diplomatic.

“I think it’s difficult to understand how a lot of things are funded,” she said, noting her staff’s efforts at increasing that awareness. “My hope is that those who are curious gain some understanding as part of this ballot process.”

She emphasized that the continued funding would empower the library’s staff to provide the community with access to resources and offer programming valuable to patrons of many different interests.

“It comes down to our staff and availability to help people,” Shipley said. “With technology, we’re able to help people with everything from printing to navigating websites.”

The Basalt Regional Library District encompasses a significant portion of southern Eagle County and western Pitkin County. Voters within the district can cast their vote on measure 7B this year and determine whether or not to renew the library’s 1.08 mill levy. Courtesy graphic

She also mentioned the Library of Things, which allows patrons to check out camping gear, sports equipment, tools and even electronics. Another library offering is the reservable study and meeting rooms, which are free for public use and reservable for up to two hours.

Shipley said that the ballot measure is essential to sustaining the Basalt Library. She shared that long-term financial support will help with employee retention, building upkeep, updating books on the shelves, public computer use, online resources and more.

The library director emphasized that 7B is intended to support the local community, not for the sole purpose to expand local institutions.

“This measure is not about growing government. It’s about sustaining the essential services our community already relies on,” she stated.

Local government bodies have shown support for the ballot item. In recent weeks, both Basalt Town Council and the Pitkin County Board of Commissioners voted to endorse renewal of the mill levy.

Basalt Library staff have set up a designated webpage at www.basaltlibrary.org to help inform patrons about the ballot measure and how funds would be used. The page includes a detailed list of frequently asked questions. If readers have questions, they can contact the Basalt Regional Library at 970-927-4311.

From a turn-of-the-century hospital for silver miners to a Network of Care that spans Primary Care to Surgical Specialists, we have been proud to serve the Roaring Fork Valley for more than 100 years. It’s our commitment to making extraordinary, wholeperson healthcare accessible—season after season, generation after generation. For you. For life.

Roaring Fork School District candidate interviews: District E

The Sopris Sun asked all four Roaring Fork School District Board of Education candidates the same eight questions, formulated with help from our Youth News Bureau. We received all responses by Oct. 6.

1 What made you decide to run for the school board and what are your qualifications?

2 The Roaring Fork School District is grappling with financial strain due to several factors. What solutions do you propose?

3 What are your budget priorities?

4 How do you recommend balancing support for students with extra learningsupport needs, including English as a second language, and maintaining an advanced curriculum for high-achieving students?

KATHRYN KUHLENBERG, INCUMBENT

1 The Board of Education is a crucial part of our system of public education and it can wield a huge amount of power. I firmly believe that that power must be used to the benefit of students in a non-partisan way. I have a strong background for this role, including degrees in education policy and law, and among other employment experiences I am currently employed as an early childhood educator. As a result, I possess the knowledge and skills to manage this governmental body and I also have maintained a connection to classrooms and children. In my first term, this unique combination has been invaluable and has allowed me to assess situations and policy concerns from multiple perspectives. So, I decided to run again because I understand the impact that a board of education can and should have and my skills and experiences will allow me to continue to leverage positive change.

2 First and foremost, the Board of Education needs to continue to tighten its systems of review and accountability to ensure that the budget is reviewed adequately and timely. In the last two years, we created a finance committee, updated budget review cycles, updated several budgeting policies to include accountability checks, and reset the timeline for review to enable meaningful feedback to be given and adjustments made. In conjunction, the Board must also advocate vigorously at the state and local government levels for adequate funding for the services provided. Finally, the Board may also need to pursue additional local funding measures to address the higher costs of living and unique realities of the Roaring Fork Valley.

3 The Board holds the ultimate power of the purse and should do its best to make sure that the approved budget reflects the vision, mission, and priorities set out in the strategic plan. Roaring Fork School District is charged with providing K-12 education and it is critical that we fully fund classrooms, including teachers, staff, and materials. Therefore, my top budget priorities are to create a balanced, student focused budget, and to rebuild the district’s contingency funds.

4 Supporting students means supporting educators. It is imperative that RFSD is able to attract and retain high quality educators who know how to and are able to adjust curriculum to the unique needs of their students. In my previous term, we took a giant leap by entering into the district’s first-ever bargaining contract with our certified staff. It is critical that this work be supported and expanded in the coming years, because this is a crucial part of being able to attract and retain teachers.

5 Discriminatory behavior has no place whatsoever in our communities, but especially in systems of education. It must be called out and it must not be tolerated at any level of the Roaring Fork School District – from the superintendent down to each and every staff member and student. We must be vocal about our commitments and exemplary examples as leaders within RFSD. It is incumbent upon all of us as adults to lead by example for students and families and actively work to prevent discriminatory behavior from happening and acting swiftly and judiciously if it does.

6 Public schools are secular places that are open to all children in our communities. Religion is a personal choice and should be left to be taught by parents and families outside of school. I am a firm advocate of separation of church and state.

7 It is critical that students and staff are safe and protected in our schools. In my first term, RFSD has strengthened relationships with emergency services, created tighter protocols for response and communications, and identified areas for improvement. If I am elected, I will advocate strongly that we continue to update physical areas for improvement and also that we better educate everyone about the gravity and seriousness of these issues. Finally, I would strongly push for increased support from local government and law enforcement.

8 I believe that extracurriculars are a fundamental part of a well-rounded public education. I am extremely grateful as a school board member and as a parent for the incredible partnerships that have been developed over the years in the Roaring Fork Schools. I believe it is imperative that we continually assess our fiscal resources and do everything we can to ensure that we can fund these opportunities and to also maintain positive relationships with community partnerships.

A quick search on tracer.sos.colorado.gov reveals that this candidate has not responded to accepting voluntary spending limits and raised $7,455.47 as of Oct. 14. Major contributors Adam Lewis and Melony Lewis, both of Aspen, each gave $2,500.

5 How do you recommend we protect students from discriminatory behavior?

6 Please share your thoughts on the separation of church and state as this pertains to our schools.

7 How do you propose protecting and preparing students and schools in light of potential acts of violence?

8 What are your thoughts on funding extracurricular opportunities, like music, movement and outdoor education?

ELIZABETH COCKRILL TAYLOR

1 I decided to run for three major reasons: First, I believe we all want to see our children succeed academically as well as socially and emotionally. Our achievement scores, for years, are well below the state’s average. Second, I want to see our teachers supported, allowing them to concentrate on the basics while simplifying lesson plans and eliminating anything that impedes their teaching abilities. Our teachers are on the front lines. We must listen to their input while empowering them to teach our children effectively. Third, I want to see parents more involved in their children’s outcomes. We must gain the trust of every parent and the way we do that is by being transparent, encouraging parents to be involved, and then listening when they do become involved. Involved parents will also help with the social and emotional aspect of our children’s lives.

2 Acknowledging past mistakes and addressing them has been key to getting the Roaring Fork School District back on financial solid ground. The district now has a chief financial officer who has gone through the budget with a fine-toothed comb and the district has been really good about making this all transparent. The biggest challenge the RFSD faces right now is decreasing enrollment. While some of this decrease may be due to a decreased birth rate, I think we should address why many parents are choosing alternatives to public school for their children. Let’s make the public schools a worthy and desirable choice for parents who are evaluating their options. Getting back to basics regarding curricula and lesson plans, and offering more career and technology education (CTE) options are a couple of suggestions I have been given directly by parents.

3 I value making sure teachers are set up for success by giving them the best tools and curricula possible in the classrooms, and the professional development required to use them. Creating more opportunities for CTE and outdoor education are also priorities of mine. Students have varying strengths and aptitudes and learn in various ways. By making curricula and hands-on training a priority, we may attract more students to the school district which could address our budget challenges, and additionally create more well-rounded and successful student outcomes.

4 We can teach to the individual student’s skill and ability, giving extra help where needed. This could mean extra English-language learning for Spanish-speaking students, and encouraging reading in the home. Offering testing at an early age for learning disabilities while increasing verbal interactions to encourage increased vocabulary could help to close the achievement gap. For the students who are high-achieving, we should continue to offer the PEAK program so that they can be adequately challenged.

5 Discriminatory behavior is essentially bullying, and bullying of any kind should not be tolerated. We currently have a curriculum in place to address ways to counter bullying tactics. However we can emphasize

that anti-bullying education should start at home. At school, we can include an information campaign which may include school assemblies and conversation topics in class. If this type of behavior persists, it should have swift and serious consequences in order to deter any future negative behavior.

6 Separation of church and state is a concept that was introduced in a letter between Thomas Jefferson and a church group regarding the importance of maintaining the expression of religious freedom. This separation was intended to keep government control out of religion, not for religion to be excluded from government. So, in our schools, religion should neither be banned nor forced in any way, but instead people should be allowed to express their religious freedom.

7 RFSD now has two school resource officers and one school safety and security coordinator. We have a standard response protocol as well as secure entrances for parents and visitors. If we need more safety infrastructure in place in each school, we will have to take a look at a variety of options, discuss them amongst the board and decide which solutions are the most feasible. We may want to look at solutions that are within our budget, have a quick response time, and discourage or prevent situations before they arise.

8 I am wholeheartedly in favor of funding extracurricular activities. Children learn and process information in various ways, and offering a wide variety of learning opportunities allows for the greater possibility for their success in the long run. I was an outdoor education leader for sixth graders in the Boston, Massachusetts school system, as well as a backpacking leader for teens in the Pacific Northwest. Both experiences impressed on me the importance of these experiences for youth. Outdoor group experiences instill trust, leadership skills, and basic survival skills which all lead to greater confidence. Confident kids are happier kids. Music and sports are also extremely important for tapping into other areas of the brain for more well-rounded learning and physical fitness and skills.

A quick search on tracer.sos.colorado.gov reveals that this candidate has not responded to accepting voluntary spending limits and received $7,572 in contributions and $6,000 in loans as of Sept. 24. The sole major contributor listed, Emily Radler of Texas, gave $1,000.

Kathryn Kuhlenberg

Elizabeth Cockrill Taylor

The Glenwood Springs Chamber Resort Association, The Sopris Sun, Post Independent and other CoWest Noticias Collaborative members will host an Issues & Answers forum with Roaring Fork School District candidates on Thursday, Oct. 16 at Morgridge Commons in Glenwood Springs from 6 to 8pm.

Local women battle weather, earn impressive finishes at XTERRA Worlds

Frigid temperatures, shin-deep muck and relentless rain couldn’t stop Roaring Fork Valley residents Michelle Smith and Kathryn Lee from earning impressive finishes at the 2025 XTERRA World Championships. Held in Trentino, Italy, Sept. 25 - 28, XTERRA rolled out the red carpet for top international athletes who competed in the grueling and competitive off-trail triathlon.

“International races are just so cool. You meet people from all over the world who also think this kind of thing is fun,” said Lee of Carbondale. “XTERRA does an impressive job putting on the race. They have fancy opening and closing ceremony dinners as well as lots of group practice clinics leading up to the race.”

Despite the unfavorable conditions, the women finished among the top U.S. performers in the 1.5 kilometer open-water swim, 32 kilometer mountain bike ride and 10 kilometer trail run. In the final results, Smith placed 10th in the 45-49 division and 67th overall, including elites. She was the third U.S. woman to cross the finish line with a time of four hours, 36 minutes, less than 10 minutes behind Amari Graber — the top U.S. woman from the elite division. Lee also saw success, finishing 13th in the 35-39 division and 104th overall. She was the sixth U.S. woman to cross the finish line, coming in at five hours, eight minutes.

“I really love how XTERRA does these races because even if you’re a 40-something year old, you still feel like an athlete and special,” said Smith, a filmmaker from Glenwood Springs. This year, the women’s 45-49 age group had more participants than any other division. “There’s something about this age group that wants to get back to center and kick ass,” she added.

Both women qualified for Worlds this past June at XTERRA Lory in Fort Collins. This was not their first time competing at Worlds, but this year’s conditions made the race a memorable experience.

“This year was wild,” said Lee, who works as the Sierra Club’s senior social media strategist. “Last year’s race had

some rain and cold temperatures leading up to race day, but this time the mud was on another level. Every rider and bike was completely coated at the end of the day.”

Athletes were assured the courses would be dry, but one day before the race a consistent torrential downpour slashed any hope.

“At the pre-race meeting they said the course is a mess, but everyone has to do the same thing,” said Smith. “In Colorado, we’re not even allowed to bike [in those conditions] … The Canadians and a lot of the Europeans were used to it, but Kathryn and I were like, ‘I hope we don’t die!’”

Relying upon years of training and grit, the athletes set their worries aside to compete. Up first was the open swim in Lake Molveno, where athletes completed two 750-meter laps in 60-degree water. Lee, a former competitive swimmer at Colby College, kept pace with the elites and finished the swim in 24 minutes, 36 seconds. Smith split 31 minutes, 6 seconds.

“Open water swimming is just so fun and definitely my strongest discipline, so it’s super fun for me to kick off the race,” said Lee.

Following a quick transition, the athletes tackled the mountain bike course with over 3,600-feet of climbing. The mud was unforgiving. It caked backwheels and forced athletes to make frequent stops for removal. Smith said she employed a positive mindset to finish in 2 hours, 54 minutes.

“I just kept telling myself it was grippy mud, even though it wasn’t,” laughed Smith. “I was careful, but I was tricking my brain into thinking I wouldn’t slide out. On some of the rooty uphills, I just lifted my bike by its seatpost and pushed forward. It made all these weird noises, but I just told myself it was going to work out.”

Lee felt grateful for her Revel Ranger bike and navigated the challenging route in 3 hours, 25 minutes.

The 10-kilometer trail run was a blur for both Smith and Lee who finished in 1 hour, 6 minutes and 1 hour, 12 minutes, respectively. But the memories and friendships made will last for years to come.

“It was amazing racing alongside my friend, Michelle! Just knowing she was out there too made the experience even better,” said Lee. “It felt like having a teammate to chat

continued on page 19

KATE PHILLIPS Sopris Sun Correspondent

Roaring Fork Valley locals and competitive trail triathletes Kathryn Lee (left) and Michelle Smith were all smiles (and mud-free) at the 2025 XTERRA World Championships held in the Italian Dolomites. Courtesy photo

Longhorns drop Roaring Fork in volleyball; big game Thursday for boys soccer

JOHN STROUD

Sopris Sun Correspondent

Basalt High School’s girls volleyball team evened up the season series with rival Roaring Fork High in Carbondale Tuesday night, taking the highly competitive match in three straight sets (25-21, 25-22, 25-20).

The host Rams held a 16-13 advantage in the second set, but the Longhorns came stampeding back to take the win. The Longhorns then opened a commanding 10-2 lead in the third set to keep the edge and hold on for the victory.

Roaring Fork won the first meeting between the two teams, 3-2, on Sept. 4.

Both teams currently sit middle of the pack in the 3A Western Slope League (WSL) standings, at 4-3 (5-6 overall) for Basalt, and 3-4 (6-12) for Roaring Fork. A run of wins through the final few matches of the season before the end of October could still land either team in the postseason.

The Rams are back on the home court Thursday against league foe Olathe (6pm varsity start), while Basalt hosts Gunnison, also on Thursday (6pm).

Ahead of Tuesday’s match, Roaring Fork picked up a pair of wins: 3-1 (25-20, 25-8, 25-27, 26-24) at Moffat County on Oct. 9, and 3-0 (25-23, 25-14, 25, 21) at Grand Valley on Oct. 7.

Against Grand Valley, senior Nikki Tardif

led the team in kills with 11, followed by senior Yaki Hernandez with seven. Tardif also had six aces from the service line, while junior Ember Golden had five.

Basalt fell 3-1 at Coal Ridge on Oct. 9 (kills leader was senior Tahlia Ferguson with 10), and won 3-1 at home over Moffat County on Oct. 2 (junior Ellysia Guillonta with 12 kills).

Soccer WSL title in sight

A scoreless game until the final two minutes against 4A Glenwood Springs at home on Oct. 9 ended in a 1-0 loss for the Rams soccer team, but served its purpose as the Rams aim to secure the 3A WSL regular season title this week.

“It was a physical and high quality game, and a great tune up for playoffs,” Roaring Fork head coach Nick Forbes said of the loss to the Demons. “They played us hard and we had our chances, but couldn’t put them away.”

Junior goalie Quentin Galbraith recorded 11 saves on the night.

Queue up the always-tough Coal Ridge Titans at Rams Field this Thursday, Oct. 16 (6pm), which could determine the league champion.

Roaring Fork (7-3-1 overall, 4-1 league) comes into the matchup with the mathematical edge over Coal Ridge (8-3-1, 4-1).

Steamboat Springs, also at 7-3-1 and 4-1, hangs in the mix.

“Thursday is a huge game for us,” Forbes said. “Coal Ridge has had great results against a lot of good sides and it’s a league game, so we have to win if we want to stay in the driver’s seat for defending the league title from last year.”

A win would also help boost the Rams in the postseason rankings. They currently hold the No. 12 spot among 3A teams, while Coal Ridge sits at No. 14 and Steamboat at No. 4.

“If we stay focused and play like I know we

are capable of, we will be up to the challenge,” Forbes said.

Cross country Racing at the Warrior Lincoln Park Classic Mountain States Challenge in Grand Junction on Friday, Oct. 10, Basalt senior Towler Scott earned an 11th-place finish and was the top 3A runner in a field

continued on page 19

Roaring Fork players celebrate a point during the Rams’ 3-0 volleyball loss to Basalt in Carbondale on Tuesday, Oct. 14. Photo by John Stroud

CALENDAR

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 16

SOUND BATH & ALIGNMENT

Nicole Korinek guides a sound journey from 10 to 11:30am in Room 31 of the Third Street Center.

RED HILL RESTORATION

Roaring Fork Outdoor Volunteers hosts its final trail maintenance and habitat restoration project of the season at Red Hill from 2 to 6pm. Sign up to volunteer at www.rfov.org

THIRD THURSDAY BOOK CLUB

The Third Thursday Book Club discusses “Yellowface” by R.F. Kuang at the Carbondale Library from 2 to 3:30pm.

BACK TO REALITY

The Back to Reality Book Club explores thought-provoking nonfiction at the Carbondale Library at 3pm.

ANDERSON RANCH

Anderson Ranch welcomes 15 new artists-in-residence with a presentation of their works from 4 to 5pm.

CARE FOR CAREGIVERS

True Nature invites caregivers to enjoy light movement, meditation, breathing and sharing space every first Thursday of the month from 5:30 to 7pm. Register for free at www.truenaturehealingarts.com

WILD FOR GOOD

Wilderness Workshop celebrates the launch of Wild for Good, a new report highlighting 10 Western Colorado places worth protecting, with a happy hour at Mountain Heart Brewing in Carbondale (1841 Dolores Way) from 5:30 to 7:30pm.

ISSUES & ANSWERS

The Glenwood Springs Chamber Resort Association, The Sopris Sun, Post Independent and other CoWest Noticias Collaborative members host an Issues & Answers forum with Roaring Fork School District candidates and ballot measure 7A and 7C representatives at Morgridge Commons in Glenwood Springs from 6 to 8pm. You can submit a question for consideration at www.bit. ly/oct16questions

PAINTING WITH BOB ROSS

Bob Ross (portrayed by Brian Colley) leads a paint and sip event at The Art Base (celebrating the real Bob Ross’ birthday) from 6 to 8:30pm. Register at www.theartbase.org

SPANISH CLUB

Beginning and intermediate Spanish speakers practice together at the Carbondale Library every third Thursday from 6:30 to 8pm.

CINE DE LAS MONTAÑAS

The Wheeler Opera House screens shorts from Telluride’s Mountainfilm Festival for a Spanish-speaking audience from 6:30 to 8:30pm. Sol del Valle, The Sun’s sister publication, is a media sponsor. Tickets at www.aspenshowtix.com

‘SUCK’

5 Point Film presents “SUCK” with Paddy O’Connell, “an evening of film, story and adult beginnerism” at the Crystal Theatre from 7 to 9pm.

‘THE SECRETARY’

Don’t miss the final weekend of “The Secretary” at Thunder River Theatre Company, showing tonight, tomorrow and Saturday at 7:30pm and Sunday at 2pm. Tickets at www.thunderrivertheatre.com

HANNA VON B

Singer-songwriter Hanna von B plays at El Dorado at 8pm.

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 17

NATURE IN THE STUDIO

Dan Young guides a weekend landscape oil painting workshop, “Bringing Nature Into the Studio,” at The Art Base from 9am to 4pm today, tomorrow and Sunday. Register at www.theartbase.org

TRAUMA RELEASE

The Center for Human Flourishing hosts a two-day tension/trauma release exercises workshop from 2 to 9pm today and 10am to 5pm tomorrow. Register at www.tcfhf.org

‘1946’

Catch a screening of “1946,” a documentary about a biblical mistranslation spurring homophobia across the world, at the Carbondale Library with dinner provided at 6pm. Donations benefit Roaring Fork PFLAG.

SHINING MOUNTAINS FILM

The Shining Mountains Film Festival brings Native films and documentaries “that reveal the unspoken history of our nation” to the Wheeler Opera House today (6:30-9pm), tomorrow (2-4:30pm) and Sunday (6:30-9pm). Tickets at www.wheeleroperahouse.com

HIGH COUNTRY SINFONIA

Catch a free High Country Sinfonia concert (donations appreciated) at the Christ Episcopal Church in Aspen at 6:30pm tonight and Sunday, Oct. 19 at the River Valley Ranch barn in Carbondale at 4pm with a reception to follow.

CRYSTAL THEATRE

The Crystal Theatre Alliance screens “One Battle After Another” tonight and tomorrow at 7pm and Sunday at 5pm (captioned).

ELECTRIC BLUE YONDER

Catch a band of “space folk explorers” from Alabama at Steve’s Guitars at 8pm. Tickets at www.stevesguitars.net

CONSENSUAL IMPROV

Consensual Improv, the Valley’s premier improv comedy troupe, performs at TACAW at 8pm. Tickets at www.tacaw.org

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 18

HIGHWAY CLEAN-UP

The Carbondale Rotary Club meets at the Red Hill parking lot at 8:30am to clean a section of Highway 82. Volunteers will be provided lunch with an RSVP to 970-948-1369.

NO KINGS

Mountain Action Indivisible rallies opposition to the Trump administration at Bethel Plaza at noon, followed by a march along Grand Avenue, with music, activities and more. This is part of a national day of action.

SUNLIGHT PICNIC

Sunlight Mountain Resort hosts its first annual Skier Picnic from 10am to 2pm with live music, a buffet, face painting, a bounce house, pumpkin carving and a cornhole tournament. Plus, a retired chair from the old lifts will be given away.

SWAP IT LIKE IT’S HOT

The Basalt Library hosts its free annual clothing swap from 10am to 2pm.

BILINGUAL STORYTIME

Children (3 and older) and their guardians are invited to bilingual storytime at the Carbondale Library every third Saturday from 10:30 to 11:30am.

DUNGEONS & DRAGONS

The Glenwood Springs Library hosts a Dungeons & Dragons campaign from 2 to 5pm recommended for ages 12 and up. Sign up at the front desk.

CRAFTERNOON

The Carbondale Library invites you to make beaded wire jewelry from 2 to 4pm. Register by calling 970–963-2889.

OKTOBERFEST

Oktoberfest returns to Carbondale, now organized as a fundraiser for and by the Carbondale Education Foundation. From 4 to 10pm, classic offerings will return, including hammerschlagen, a beer stein-holding competition, authentic food offerings, live music and (of course) delicious beer! Learn more at www. carbondaleeducationfoundation.org

TEEN NIGHT

TACAW hosts a Halloween dance party for teens at 7pm. Tickets at www.tacaw.org

D’LOVELIES

Steve’s Guitars presents d’Lovelies, a high-energy swing band from Lyons, performing at 8pm. Tickets at www.stevesguitars.net

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 19

HALLOWEEN HUSTLE

Support the Advocate Safehouse Project by joining the third annual Halloween Hustle for Charity in Glenwood Springs, open to racers of all ages and abilities. Registration opens at 8:30am and the races start at 9:30am. Costumes are encouraged! Learn more at www.advocatesafehouseproject.org/halloween-hustle

‘THE WIZARD OF OZ’

The Aspen Choral Society presents a fundraiser screening of “The Wizard of Oz” at the Crystal Theatre at 2pm, followed by dinner at La Raza. Tickets at www.aspenchoralsociety.org/events

POETS & WRITERS

The Carbondale Library hosts a poets and writers group every third Sunday from 3 to 5pm.

TEEN OPEN MIC & JAM

Teens are invited to the Bluebird Cafe in Glenwood Springs for an open mic and jam session from 5 to 7pm.

MONDAY, OCTOBER 20

BALLOT REVIEW

The Basalt Library, Basalt Chamber of Commerce and Count Me In Colorado present an information session on statewide ballot issues for this November election. The nonpartisan event will not promote any position or measure, but it will provide pro and con perspectives. It takes place at the library from noon to 1:30pm.

COMMUNICATION INTELLIGENCE

Nicole Elias Seawell teaches “Communication Intelligence & The Enneagram” at True Nature from 4 to 5:30pm. Tickets at www.truenaturehealingarts.com

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 21

MAH JONGG

Drop in on games of American Mah Jongg at the Carbondale Library from 1:30 to 3:30pm. Adult players of all levels are welcome.

GRIEF SUPPORT

Sopris Lodge and HomeCare Hospice of the Valley host compassionate speakers offering guidance, support and connection related to the loss of a loved one from 3:30 to 5pm. Register at www.soprislodge.com

PUBLIC SPEAKING

Practice public speaking in a supportive and fun environment at COVENTURE (201 Main Street, Carbondale) from 5:30 to 6:30pm. Register at coventure.io

DRAWING CLUB

The Roaring Fork Drawing Club gathers at the Cattle Creek Thrift Store at 6:30pm for casual arting in creative company.

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 22

INTERNET SECURITY

Basalt Library teaches about online safety from 2:30 to 3:30pm.

SPOOKTOBER

The Crystal Theatre Alliance continues its Spooktober screenings with “Hocus Pocus” today at 3:30pm and again on Wednesday, Oct. 29 at 2pm. Things get really scary tonight with a 7pm showing of “28 Days Later.” For more spooky screenings this month, visit www.crystaltheatrecarbondale.com

TEEN CREATIVE WRITING

Basalt Library invites teens to share poems, stories, songs and more from 3:45 to 4:45pm.

RAGING GRANNIES

All are welcome to join the Raging Grannies, singing for a healthy planet and a kind world, on Wednesdays at the Two Rivers Unitarian Universalists office at the Third Street Center from 4:30 to 5:45pm.

WOMEN’S WORKSHOP

Basalt Library hosts a three-part series for women “ready to shake off what no longer fits and discover fresh energy, clarity and confidence” on Wednesdays from 5 to 6:30pm. This first session will explore “What are you tolerating?”

MUSHROOM TERRARIUMS

The Botany Houseplant Shop hosts a tropical plant terrarium building workshop, with a mushroom twist, from 5:30 to 7:30pm. Details at www.botanyhouseplantshop.com

‘BICYCLING WITH BUTTERFLIES”

Basalt Library invites discussion of Sara Dykman’s “Bicycling with Butterflies” at 5:30pm. As this year’s Common Reader selection, the author will present at Colorado Mountain College’s Rifle campus on Oct. 24 at 6pm, Aspen campus on Oct. 27 at noon and Spring Valley campus on Oct. 27 at 6pm. Free copies of the book are available at CMC campuses and local libraries.

SPRING VALLEY RANCH

The Garfield County Planning Commission holds a public meeting regarding the proposed Spring Valley Ranch PUD at 6pm at Colorado Mountain College’s Spring Valley campus.

‘HUMANS 2.0’

The Wheeler Opera House presents “Humans 2.0,” a circus performance by Yaron Lifschitz and the Circa Ensemble, at 6:30pm. Tickets at www.wheeleroperahouse.com

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 23

NEW MOON HEALING

True Nature welcomes back Jenutza Falco for an evening of “guided meditation, channeled messages from spirit, a moderated share circle and Reiki energy healing for all” from 3:30 to 6pm. Tickets at www.truenaturehealingarts.com

WRITING WORKSHOP

Local writers are invited to write, reflect and grow with others at the Carbondale Library from 5 to 7pm.

BUDDY HOUR

The Buddy Program fills folks in on mentorship opportunities during happy hour at The Hoffman Hotel from 5:30 to 7pm. Details at www.buddyprogram.org

NATURAL DYEING

Amanda Carotenuto guides a natural dye and vegetable printing workshop at Rock Bottom Ranch from 5:30 to 7:30pm. Register at www.aspennature.org

MUSIC AT THE LIBRARY

The Roaring Fork Valley String Quartet performs at the Basalt Library at 5:30pm.

‘WAR OF THE WORLDS’

Sol Theatre Company and Sopris Soarers present “War of the Worlds: A Radio Play” at Thunder River Theatre tonight, tomorrow and Saturday at 6pm and Sunday at 2pm. Tickets at soltheatrecompany.org/currentproduction

MOUNTAIN BIKE FILMS

The Roaring Fork Mountain Bike Association (RFMBA) presents the Freehub Film Festival at the Crystal Theatre at 7pm. Tickets at www.tinyurl.com/RFMBAfilm

Adult Community Education Classes

OPEN PAINTING STUDIO

Bring ongoing work or start something new with support of other artists and an instructor. Tue, 5:30-8:30pm, 10/21-12/2

BEEKEEPING

Learn what you kneed to know and be ready to order your first bees in January/February. Thurs, 5-8:30pm, 10/23-11/6

AIKIDO (TRY IT FOR FREE)

Learn to re-direct, neutralize, or avoid an attack altogether without harm to the attacker. Tue/Thur, 6-7:30pm, 10/21-12/11

SUCCEED IN A COMPETITIVE NON-PROFIT ENVIRONMENT

Organization, admin, finances, fund raising, community building, volunteers, and more. Online Tue, 5:30-8:30pm, 10/21-11/4

DARING GREATLY WORKSHOP

Explore Brene’ Brown’s work. Topics include courage, values, trust, boundaries and more. Mon, 5:30-7:30pm, 10/27-12/15

BUILD A CONSULTING CAREER

Tools to maximize your life and career experiences into a viable business and independence. Tue, 5:30-7:30pm, 11/11-18, Online

MARTIN SEXTON

Guitarist Martin Sexton covers “Abbey Road” by The Beatles at TACAW at 8pm. Tickets at www.tacaw.org

FRIDAY,

OCTOBER 24

ZOMBIE CRAWL

Carbondale’s annual Zombie Crawl kicks off at El Dorado with music by Heady Hooligan and DJ Da Walrus from 7 to 10pm.

Scan to Register

Clases que se imparten en español

CÓMO INICIAR UNA EMPRESA Jueves, 6-8pm, 10/30-12/11

Aprende a Hornear un Bizcocho Perfecto Sabado, 9am-12pm, 10/25

INTRODUCCIÓN A INTERNET Y CORREO ELECTRÓNICO Viernes, 6-8pm, 11/7-12/5

INTRODUCCIÓN A LA FOTOGRAFÍA Martes, 6-8:30pm, 11/11-12/2

*Credit Art Classes

*BEZEL MAKING - Seedorf Wed, 5:10-9:30pm, 11/5-12/10, CB

*SAND CASTING - Seedorf Thurs, 10:10-2:30pm, 11/6-12/11 , AS

*Call campus for Registration Info

Kids Classes

CHRISTMAS COOKIE DECORATING Wednesday, 3-5pm, 12/3

PAPER WINDOW STARS Wednesday, 3-4:45pm, 12/10

GINGERBREAD CONSTRUCTION Saturday, 1-4pm, 12/13

Local ace reporter Amy Hadden Marsh hosted NPR’s Kirk Siegler for a KDNK News fundraiser on Oct. 9 which included a meet-and-greet at Steve’s Guitars prior to their discussion at the Crystal Theatre. Photo by Ken Pletcher

Helping You Live the Extraordinary— Every Day

BASALT REPORT

Front Range and Basalt students connect through shared water

WILL BUZZERD

Sopris Sun Correspondent

During this week’s Town Council meeting, four students from Basalt Middle School shared valuable lessons they’ve learned about the importance of waterways through the Roaring Fork Conservancy’s semester-long Watershed Pen Pals program.

From across the continental divide, students from Basalt Middle School connected with students from Vista Peak Exploratory in Aurora to talk about the headwaters these two communities share.

Students from the two schools exchanged letters and learned what their communities had in common. Students from Aurora were then invited to the Western Slope to meet their pen pals and see the local watershed firsthand by way of hikes and rafting trips down the Roaring Fork River.

“The program really came from a desire to connect people across the state that utilize the same headwaters,” explained Megan Dean, director of education for Roaring Fork Conservancy. “We send about 40% of our headwater to the Aurora and Front Range area [through a transbasin diversion] and a lot of people on the Front Range aren’t really aware of where their drinking water comes from.”

The program was designed to teach students the importance of conservation and sustainability, and to build relationships based on shared water sources. It was supported by the Colorado Water Conservation Board, Pitkin County Healthy Waters and rafting outfitter Blazing Adventures.

Basalt Middle School students Alex Chmura, Gibson Livingston, Kurt Wiltgen and Reggie Lewin stood at the podium to present what they learned. A short video detailed the curriculum, complete with hands-on experiments regarding water usage, fishing for aquatic macroinvertebrates and fun outdoor recreation.

“I like our rivers and reservoirs to be deep enough to do activities like rafting, swimming and backflips off paddleboards,” said Lewin. “We need to conserve water so it stays in the river.”

Dean commented on the contention surrounding water rights and usage between the Western Slope and the Front Range, saying, “These students are pioneers

in creating positive relationships to create sustainable conversations and ways that we can come together to move forward.”

This year marks the second of Watershed Pen Pals program and Roaring Fork Conservancy’s 29th year in action.

Rick Lafaro, executive director of Roaring Fork Conservancy, praised the program’s success, declaring it indicative of how significant water sustainability has become across the community.

“This [program] is one of the greatest examples of what this town and this community and especially this organization can do to raise awareness, not just here in the Valley but across the state,” he said.

ADU Incentive Program

To encourage alternative housing solutions, the council unanimously approved a framework for an accessory dwelling unit (ADU) incentive program.

Basalt’s 2024 Housing Needs Assessment recommended the development of such a program, and shortly thereafter Town staff contracted Design Workshop and Economic & Planning Systems (EPS) to perform outreach and draft a potential policy. The draft was presented on Sept. 23. Design Workshop and EPS found that, due to Basalt’s zoning laws, development of ADUs required a lengthy legal process that was considered likely to discourage interested residents. Part of the new ordinance will streamline the ADU approval process to reduce political barriers to development. In order for interested residents to be eligible to receive funding through the incentive program, tenants for the potential ADUs must either work within three miles of Basalt, be retired or disabled with previous employment in Basalt or telecommute while living full time within three miles of Basalt. Initially, tenants were required to sign a minimum one-year lease. However, councilors agreed that the minimum lease should be shortened to six months due to the seasonal nature of employment in Basalt. Although the ordinance does not specify how much funding will be set aside for the program, nor how much funding will be granted to eligible residents, the new program and code amendments should pave the way to new, accessible housing.

Over the course of a semester, students from Basalt Middle School and Aurora’s Vista Peak Exploratory connected with one another over their shared water source, culminating in a fun, educational raft trip down the Roaring Fork River. Photo courtesy of Blazing Adventures

Chris Roseberry, MD

Alexandra Kovar, MD

CARBONDALE REPORT

Budgeting begins

RALEIGH BURLEIGH

Sopris Sun Editor

All trustees were present for the Oct. 14 meeting which kicked off the budget ing process on the board level, with staff laboring diligently behind the scenes.

A quickly-approved consent agenda included: meeting minutes; accounts payable; a liquor license renewal for Phat Thai; special event permits for 5Point Film’s “SUCK with PaddyO” at the Crystal Theatre on Oct. 16 and the Crystal Theatre Alliance’s own “Rocky Horror Picture Show” fundraiser on Oct. 30 and Oct. 31; Nicole Rom’s joining the Environmental Board; a $2,700 contract with Colorado Concrete for an ADA-friendly concrete pad around a drinking fountain at Miners Park; a resolution reaffirming the Town of Carbondale support for protecting the Thompson Divide; a construction contract with All Around Property Maintenance Inc. for irrigation and landscaping work at the Thompson House for $28,100.

school-based mental/behavioral health staff overall. Mayor Ben Bohmfalk, a RFSD employee, recused himself from the discussion.

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Lynn Kirchner stood during the general public comments portion to give an update about Carbondale Homeless Assistance, stating their goal this fall is to raise $10,000. She told the stories of longtime locals who have fallen on hard times and mentioned how much more expensive lodging people temporarily has become.

A Main Street resident living near the Tiny Pine restaurant said, “My neighbors and I have had routine issues with parking around this area,” describing driveways being blocked by restaurant patrons. Town Manager Ryan Hyland explained that when a contractor was striping spaces in that area, no-parking signs were removed by someone. He said the contractor will return by the end of the year.

The first action item was an extension for public improvements at the new ANB Bank site, currently under construction. While most improvements will be completed by the Oct. 31 deadline, the applicant requested until July 31 for landscaping and sidewalk work. This was unanimously granted.

Next, Roaring Fork School District (RFSD) Superintendent Dr. Anna Cole presented on the Town’s tobacco sales

Trustees were then presented with paperwork for the combined purchase of the Aspen-Basalt and Mountain Valley mobile home parks with an intergovernmental agreement between Aspen, Basalt, Carbondale, Glenwood Springs, Pitkin County, Eagle County and Snowmass Village. The West Mountain Regional Housing Coalition (WMRHC) is administering the funds between two resident co-ops. The Mountain Valley Co-op will receive $4 million while the AspenBasalt Co-op will receive $12 million. This was approved unanimously. According to WMRHC Executive Director April Long, the price of the Aspen-Basalt park was “much higher,” $26.5 million compared with $15.5 million for the Mountain Valley park, and a larger subsidy was needed there to keep lot leases affordable. Fundraising is ongoing to keep lots rents at both parks as low as possible.

Trustees received their monthly Aquatics Center update from Wember, the owner’s rep on the project. As revealed during last month’s update, project completion is now anticipated for spring of 2026, which necessitates contract extensions for architect Land+Shelter and Wember, around $26,000 and $39,604 respectively. This will draw from the owner’s contingency which the trustees were assured remains strong.

“As long as the bottom line is the same and the contingency is accurate,” stated Bohmfalk. “Thank you for the update.”

The topic of a treatment plant project was complicated by an expansion in scope. Upgrading a programmable logic control blew the lowest bid nearly $400,000 above the engineer’s preliminary cost estimate of $530,000. Trustees

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Everett Conklin (left) and Joey Steele (right) were the only students of the month to make it over to Town Hall for Tuesday’s meeting. Not pictured: Alexa Nunez-Hernandez, Natalia Czechowicz, Hazel Patera, Caroline Suhrbier. Photo by Raleigh Burleigh

RFTA REPORT

Budget amendments, e-bikes and more

ANNALISE GRUETER

Sopris Sun Correspondent

October has been a busy month for RFTA. In addition to launching the Fare Free Fall pilot program, which offers free ridership on all regional routes through Nov. 30, the transportation authority hosted Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) representatives for a site visit at its Glenwood Maintenance Facility and Operations Center on Oct. 15. During its October board meeting, RFTA held a public hearing to consider supplemental 2025 budget appropriations.

Also during the October meeting, the board heard from Silt resident Kimberly Leitzinger, who expressed interest in expanded Hogback services. She explained that she has been relying on RFTA buses for transportation to Glenwood Springs for medical needs, but the existing services are limited. Several board members thanked her for the input and encouraged Leitzinger to tell Garfield County as well.

During board comments, Vice Chair Alyssa Shenk, who represents Snowmass Village, reported that she visited Aspen Middle School around the launch of the Fare Free Fall program. Shenk explained the services to classes as students worked on a project relevant to transportation. She encouraged them to ride the buses and to attend future board meetings to

provide input.

Aspen Mayor Rachel Richards expressed concerns about managing safety on the Rio Grande Trail, given the frequent use of high-speed e-bikes on the trail. Chairman Greg Poschman noted that community members have come to RFTA to ask about the possibility of establishing designated bike lanes on frontage roads for increased cycling capacity and safety.

The board addressed several action items during the meeting. First, Chief Financial Officer Michael Yang presented Resolution 2025-34, authorizing lease-purchase financing to support improvements at the Iron Mountain Place employee housing facility in Glenwood Springs, purchased in 2022 and made available to employees this year. Yang explained that establishing lease-purchase financing through Alpine Bank would help to spread the cost of the asset and smooth out RFTA’s annual cash flow. The approved lease term is 20 years.

Chief Executive Officer Kurt Ravenschlag then presented a review of 2026 “objectives and key results,” measuring organizational goals and specific desired results. Among those that Ravenschlag presented were details related to the management of the Rio Grande Trail, RFTA’s energy efficiency planning and goals and financial stability planning.

Supporting Your Vibrant Life

The meeting then moved to the public hearing of the 2025 supplemental budget appropriations, presented by Yang and Director of Finance Paul Hamilton. RFTA’s finance staff identified six areas that require amendments to the existing 2025 budget, including: the Iron Mountain Place lease-purchase financing, Fare Free Fall pilot costs reimbursed by local governments, adjustments related to Burlingame Complex employee housing, organizational investment income and regional bikeshare projects.

The sixth budget amendment item would authorize spending for emergency repairs to the retaining wall of Wingo Bridge near Holland Hills along the Rio Grande Trail. Inspections by Pitkin County revealed that the retaining wall requires

urgent repairs to stabilize. Pitkin County Open Space and Trails will manage the project, but asked RFTA to partner in the repairs and contribute 50% of the costs, estimated at $46,000.

The meeting closed with Ravenschlag’s report. He shared that S&P Global has reaffirmed its long-term AA+ rating on RFTA’s Series 2021A Property Tax Revenue Bonds and maintained a “stable” outlook. He also discussed RFTA’s policy for bikes on buses, based on comments received during the September board meeting.

The next board meeting is on Nov. 13 at 8:30am at Carbondale Town Hall. The public can also join via Webex. An agenda will be available at www.rfta. com a week ahead of the meeting.

RFTA expects the 10 new electric buses authorized in late 2024 and ordered early this year to be delivered in the second quarter of 2026. Courtesy photo

County Fair Board fills vacancies, DHS pinches staffing to help offset budget shortfall

JAMES STEINDLER

Contributing Editor

The Garfield Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) tackled a relatively short agenda on Monday and continued rolling budget hearings with department leaders on Tuesday.

The commissioners reviewed four new applicants for three contested seats on the County Fair board: Scott Schilt, Aaron Walker, Kevin Costanzo and Jozie Merritt. Levy Burris resigned, leaving one seat vacant and two other current members, Oliviya Daugherty and Leah Bergener, are seeking reappointment for another three-year term. Neither Walker nor any of the current members were present during Monday’s BOCC meeting.

Schilt said that he can help keep the fair from falling short, and pointed to an event where the National Anthem was sung, but no flag was present. “To me that’s just something that can’t take place,” he said. Commissioner Perry Will asked how he’d propose to increase participation county-wide. Schilt replied, “All of the communities involved throughout Garfield County have

an identity and we have to find a way to tie ourselves to their identity, not the other way around.”

Costanzo of Rifle lamented that the fair hype is not what it used to be, and echoed his intent to help with participation. He suggested more vendors and activities during the day to keep people entertained outside of main events, which often start later in the day or in the evening.

When asked by Samson what the most important aspect of the fair is, both agreed: the youth.

Merritt moved to Rifle a year ago from Wyoming. She suggested catering more to the Hispanic community, including hosting more heritage events, to increase participation and make it a more equitable resource. The commissioners will return a decision for each vacancy next week.

In other fairgrounds business, the commissioners waived fees for the North West High School Rodeo Club to practice in the indoor arena Friday afternoons and for Youthentity’s Fall Career Expo.

Hiring freeze case study

On Monday, it was decided to table a request from the County’s

Department of Human Services to fill three vacancies — two child support positions and one child welfare position — until after the department’s budget hearing on Tuesday. The hiring requests will be back on the Oct. 20 agenda.

During the budget hearing on Tuesday, Sharon Longhurst

across multiple different program areas. We can’t take a child welfare worker and place that child welfare worker in child support, or vice versa.” For one, the former requires a four-year degree and the latter does not.

Garfield County also handles child support cases

If the commissioners do not agree to hire the two child support positions, alternatives would be to end those agreements and reduce caseloads or have managers also work cases.

continued

“Bringin’ the youth.”

CARBONDALE

Revolving Loan Fund

The Town of Carbondale developed the Carbondale Revolving Loan Fund (CRLF) to enhance the ability of local busine secure the necessary capital to finance start-ups, operations, or expansion The loan fund was set up in 2002 with a partnership with the USDA The Town and USDA both contributed $50,000 In addition to providing access to cap CRLF is designed to help stimulate job creation and retention Loans are available to new or established businesses within the town limits of the Town of Carbondale To-date, the fund has $150,000 to loan to for-profit and no businesses based in Carbondale

CRITERIA

Loan proceeds may be used for business reasons, including real estate acquisition, construction, and equipment

Funds cannot be used for the refinancing of existing debt Applications will be considered on the basis of the character of the applicant, the applicant’s capacity to repay the loan, collateral and/or other sources of capital, and conditions affecting the applicant’s ability to repay the loan

The guideline for the amount to be requested is $5,000 to $25,000 The interest rate will depend on several factors such as the type of collateral, financial strength of the applicant, and the overall risk Fixed rates of interest will range from 3% to 5%

The term of each loan will depend on repayment capabilities and the purpose of the loan Repayment is monthly and loans are usually no longer than a 36-month term (3 years)

CONTACT

Scan QR code for more information or contact the Carbondale Chamber: 970-963-1890, chamber@carbondale com

The CRLF is made possible by the Town of Carbondale The Carbondale Chamber is not affiliated with the Town of Carbondale, rather assisting the Town by overseeing the marketing & promotion, and certain aspects of the administration of this program The loan funds are in no way exchanged with the Carbondale Chamber

Censorship is no laughing matter

The past week, Oct. 5-11, was Banned Books Week. This event, the offshoot of a book expo in 1982, celebrates the Freedom to Read. It does so, paradoxically, by recounting the many ways people try to remove or restrict access to books, movies, magazines, databases, exhibits, programs and virtually anything else a library provides. The point of the First Amendment, and the deep purpose of the public library, is based on a simple idea. We have the right to speak and the right to access the speech of others.

It used to be that these attempts to censor (by hiding or removing) ideas and books was just a small fraction of library use. Most of them were one-offs, usually parents upset that their children (often between the ages of 4-6 or 14-16) were growing up a little faster than the parents wanted them to.

But since about 2021, book challenges tend to be coordinated by a few recurrent groups and cluster around a pre-identified set of books. Most of those books feature LGBTQ+ or people of color.

OPINION

Texas, Florida and Louisiana. In Basalt, a panel of librarians from Pitkin County, Basalt and Garfield counties talked about their experiences. In Mesa County, I participated in a library foundation fundraiser — an interview with their library director. They’ve had some recent issues with county commissioner appointments on their library board, and a challenge to a local art piece.

But my favorite event was in Leadville. There, in a large community space, over 100 local residents came to hear young adult author Jason Reynolds. Among his works: “Coach,” “Ghost,” “Long Way Down,” “All American Boys” and even the definitive “Miles Morales: Spiderman.”

LITERATE LIFE

By Jamie LaRue Garfield County Public Library District

The challengers are still a small subset of the populace. As recently as 2023, the Washington Post found that 1,000 attempts to ban books from school libraries across the nation were the work of just 11 people.

But today’s censorship attempts are more than a small group of alarmed and alarming residents frantically trying to suppress viewpoints they don’t share. Increasingly, the attempts come from elected officials. In over 30 states of the union, laws have been pitched, or passed, that not only criminalize books widely available commercially, but also criminalize the people who provide access to them.

Here on the Western Slope, there were many ways communities raised the issue of intellectual freedom last week. In Garfield County, we hosted the local debut of the documentary film “The Librarians,” about the surge of challenges in

Reynolds talked about growing up as a Black boy in Washington, D.C. and how coming out to Leadville was both a big difference and a welcome surprise. He’s done a lot of author talks now (being a New York Times bestselling author will do that) and said that despite the difference in urban and rural environments, it isn’t hard to find common ground. His stories, he said, were about ordinary people living ordinary lives. He liked his life as a boy, and his books are laugh-out-loud funny.

Here’s what stays with me: In his many trips to all the rest of America that Reynolds didn’t know much about, he had always found people with their own interesting stories. What held his attention was not the gritty and angry plotlines of action movies, or the divisiveness of politics. It was the deep humor of real human life.

It turns out that several of his books have been challenged, and some have been banned. He said he didn’t feel in the least “honored” by that. But this simple interest in the lives around us is the very best explanation of the freedom to read, and why it is worthy of preservation.

You may have missed the celebrations. But it’s not too late. Read a banned book today. If only for the laughs.

After learning about the free book fair, I visited White River Books with a small armload of books. Izzy Stringham, the owner, stood behind the counter, looking up a sequel for a mustachioed young customer in overalls.

Some of my books looked new, but I ask if a battered paperback, “The Right Stuff,” passes muster.

Stringham laughed and nodded. “I think it’s just if they smell or are fuzzy.”

She estimates that last year she took in 1,000 to 1,500 donated books. “My little store room” — which is also the bathroom — ”was up to the ceiling. Caitlin would come by and pick books up. I kept filling it up and calling her.”

While it might seem a conundrum for a bookseller to support a giveaway, Stringham said, “I want people to buy books, so I can stay in business, but I mostly want people to read books. A bookstore in a small town is part of the community. I’m all for this.”

Books can be dropped off through October at White River Books or the Castle Valley Children’s Clinic, Carbondale; Brynne Gordon Dental, Urnise Dentistry and Alpenglow Books, Glenwood Springs; New Castle Dental, New Castle; and Mountain Family Health Center, Rifle. For more information, email FreeForAllBookFair@gmail.com

LETTERS

from the state is wrong. While Jefferson’s 1802 letter to the Danbury Baptists did seek to reassure them of religious freedom, the Supreme Court has repeatedly affirmed this principle as a two-way street. The “wall” serves to prevent government from interfering with religion, but it also stops religion from becoming entangled with government functions, ensuring a neutral public sphere for all citizens, regardless of their beliefs.

Similarly, the claim that early religious gatherings in the U.S. Capitol prove the founders intended for a fusion of church and state overlooks critical context. Historical records show these services were a matter of convenience in a new city with few dedicated church buildings. They do not override the fundamental principle of the Establishment Clause of the First Amendment, which prohibits the government from establishing a religion.

The candidate’s assertion about Colorado schools is largely accurate: schools cannot provide religious instruction. However, this is not a ban on the subject of religion itself. Colorado schools, like all public schools, are legally permitted and encouraged to teach about religion in an academic context — in history, literature or social studies — as long as the instruction is objective and does not promote a particular faith.

It is crucial that we base our civic conversations on a full understanding of our history and laws, not on partial truths that can mislead the public.

Susan Sullivan Carbondale

Sell Sweetwater

Should our beloved but flat broke White River National Forest (WRNF) sell an asset worth more than half its annual budget or just give that asset away?

Retired WRNF Supervisor Scott Fitzwilliams’ 2021 plan to effectively donate 832 acres surrounding Sweetwater Lake to Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) for the creation of a state park might have made sense prior to DOGE’s cuts to the WRNF budget. It also might have made sense before the $23,860,000 Derby Fire burned 5,453 acres in the WRNF just one mile east of the lake.

However, the WRNF is now so destitute that even before the federal shutdown visitor centers were closed, volunteers emptied latrines and its maintenance budget for 2,800 miles of roads

was bupkis, zero, zilch, nada. The nation’s most visited national forest is not in any position to make donations.

Governor Polis desires Sweetwater Lake for a state park, so a logical solution is for the WRNF to sell those 832 acres at fair market value. The CPW is an “enterprise agency” and fiscally sound despite Colorado’s budget woes. Furthermore, the Trump administration has shown a willingness to divest federal lands thereby creating a win-win.

Selling the Sweetwater Lake land requested by the CPW should generate more than $13 million for the WRNF to fund operations or cover expenditures incurred fighting the Derby Fire. It would be a dereliction of duty for current WRNF Supervisor Brian Glaspell to execute this eight-figure donation as proposed by his predecessor.

Ken Wright Gypsum

Endorsements

I am writing this letter in support of Kathryn Kuhlenberg and Tammy Nimmo for school board.

I have had the great pleasure of working alongside Kathryn for the last four years on the Roaring Fork School District Board of Education, and I have gotten to see first-hand what an amazing asset she is to the district. She is thoughtful, highly intelligent, student focused, organized and a great leader. In her three and a half years as board president, Kathryn moved the district forward in many ways. She was instrumental in getting all of the district’s policies up to date, some of which hadn’t been updated in 20 years. Kathryn also crafted a new and comprehensive Board handbook that sets norms, procedures, roles and responsibilities for school board governance. Additionally, Kathryn has been part of a school board that in the last four years has raised starting teacher salaries over 30% and has built an additional 50 rental housing units for school staff.

Tammy is well known in her community for her public service and can-do attitude, which includes years of substituting in the Roaring Fork School District and being president of Crystal River Elementary School’s parent teacher organization.

There are several key points that separate this slate of school board nominees. Unlike their opponents, both Kathryn and Tammy have always enrolled their

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children in Roaring Fork School District schools. They believe in our schools and support them with their children. Also unlike their opponents, Kathryn and Tammy don’t support arming teachers inside the classroom, but rather stand behind the Roaring Fork School District’s comprehensive school safety plan. Finally, unlike their opponents, Kathryn and Tammy support 7A, to bolster early childhood education. They know that having students enter kindergarten with an early childhood experience will pay dividends in their future academic success.

I hope you please join me in voting for Kathryn Kuhlenberg and Tammy Nimmo for seats on the Roaring Fork School District Board of Education.

Kenny Teitler Carbondale

Yes on 7B

The Basalt Library is more than a building filled with books — it’s the heart of our community. With events and programs for all ages, it’s a welcoming space where friends, families and neighbors connect.

The library staff exemplify true community service — friendly, professional and committed to staying current with library trends to offer innovative community programming and personalized assistance.

Since its opening, the LEED-certified building has become a local treasure, an architectural gem that complements its natural surroundings.

That’s why I’m voting YES on 7B — and I hope you will too.

Voting yes does not increase the current tax rate. It simply maintains the existing level of funding, which allows the Basalt Regional Library District to: offer competitive wages to retain professional staff; provide cutting-edge library services and strong community programming; maintain the building responsibly.

It’s important to know that the Basalt Library receives no state or federal funding. Its support is 100% local, as is its governance.

The library’s Board of Trustees is fiscally responsible and committed to sound stewardship of this cherished institution.

By voting YES on 7B, we ensure that the Basalt Library continues to thrive — serving as a center for learning, creativity and connection.

Please join me in supporting this vital community asset. Vote YES on 7B.

Becky Musselman Basalt

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through strategy about biking in the mud, plan practice times on the course and to have camaraderie.”

The athletes also expressed gratitude for their support systems and hope to inspire other competitors.

“This is my daily meditation,” said Smith, a mom of two who overcame recent surgeries to compete. “If you’re feeling stressed or overwhelmed by kids, work or whatever you have going on, it’s worth taking the 15 minutes or two hours to go after your goals.”

Lee concluded, “If you’re curious about an XTERRA triathlon, just give it a try (no pun intended). Don’t worry about being perfect or having all the right equipment. Focus on getting out there, enjoying the experience and letting the community inspire you.”

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that included some of the state’s best 4A and 5A runners. He covered the fast 5-kilometer course in 15 minutes, 15.69 seconds.

Levi Friday, a sophomore from Roaring Fork High who runs on the combined Basalt-Roaring Fork cross country team, placed 68th (16:58.17).

In the girls race, Basalt freshman Scarlett Jones was the top finisher for the team in 46th (19:12.54), while junior Sadie Silcox was 96th (20:46.59), and freshman Jude Tiernan was 105th (21:06.88).

The Longhorns are resting up this week, ahead of the Class 3A Regionals in Craig on Oct. 24, which will serve as the state qualifier.

State Mountain Biking Championships

Colorado Mountain College’s Spring Valley campus hosts the High School State Mountain Biking Championships this weekend, with freshman and junior varsity riders hitting the trails on Saturday, followed by sophomore and varsity riders on Sunday morning.

Colorado Rocky Mountain School’s Hazel Lazar enters the girls varsity race (11am Sunday) as the state’s points leader and a favorite to win the title.

Other local varsity riders to keep an eye on are Roaring Fork’s Quinn Carpenter among the boys (12:40pm Sunday) and Emmaline Warner in the girls race.

See the full schedule for the weekend, visit www.tinyurl.com/ MountainBikeChampionship

‘Cimientos de Montaña’ A celebration of Hispanic heritage in the Valley

BIANCA GODINA Sol del Valle

A celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month returned to the Valley for its fifth consecutive year, this time at the Hotel Colorado. Mariscal LLC, along with Alpine Bank, Gould Construction, First Bank, Hotel Colorado, Garfield County Public Library District and other sponsors brought this edition to life under the theme “Cimientos de Montaña” (“Mountain Foundations”).

The event brought together more than 80 business owners and their guests. The idea to celebrate Latino entrepreneurs and recognize the pioneers who shaped the region surfaced over a cup of coffee between Crystal Mariscal, founder of Mariscal LLC, and her friend, Janeth Stancle.

“It was a time when our community was very divided, and the purpose back then was unity and celebrating our roots,” Mariscal recalled. From that impromptu conversation emerged an event that has become an annual tradition, bringing together a diverse array of leaders and pioneers in the Valley.

Mariscal shared that she continues to create these spaces as a way to honor her güelito (grandfather), Eluterio Mariscal, who she described as a sociable and kind person. Her way of keeping his legacy alive has been to recognize the impact of local entrepreneurs.

“I want to hear our stories and honor them,” she said. “We have so much potential, yet we often end up bringing things from elsewhere.”

This year, “Cimientos de Montaña” honored four Roaring Fork Valley businesses that were among the first Latino-owned to offer services to the community: La Perla Fashion, El Korita Restaurant, Taquería El Nopal and Tortillería La Roca.

Tomasa and Abelardo Quintero, owners of La Perla in Carbondale, celebrated 30 years of being in business. The family reflected on the challenges and freedoms that come with entrepreneurship.

“Even though businesses have ups and downs, you have to keep moving forward with faith and hard work,” said Tomasa.

Beto Gamboa, Lupe Montoya and Evelia Montoya, owners of El Korita Restaurant, which has served the community for 27 years, were also recognized. Evelia shared that despite the challenges, “the secret has been honesty, respect and humility.” She also quoted a popular saying: “If you own a store, take care of it; and if not, sell it.” In Spanish, “¡El que tiene tienda que la atienda, y si no que la venda!”

The third recognition of the night went to Israel and Elida Argueta, owners of Taquería El Nopal, which has been serving flavorful dishes for 32 years. Accompanied by his sister-in-law,

Alma Alvarado, who attended on behalf of Elida, Israel shared that El Nopal was born from his dream of wanting to stay in this country.

“Sometimes we miss out on many things because we’re tending to the business, but thanks to our workers and customers, the taquería has endured,” he stated. He then offered some advice to new entrepreneurs: “Know what you want to do, study the market and be willing to do what needs to be done.”

The final honorees of the evening were Manuel and Mayet Ruiz, owners of Tortillería La Roca, who have been neighbors of the Quinteros for 26 years. Manuel

recalled arriving in the United States at the age of 5 and thanked his father for teaching him to “walk with his head held high” and not let opportunities pass by.

“Thank God. It’s always been a blessing up to this day,” he said. “I’ve always been surrounded by good workers and good people.”

During the evening, Samuel Bernal, La Tricolor Radio’s station manager, shared an inspiring video highlighting the connection and strength of Latinos in the Valley.

“From the beginning, people came to these valleys drawn by their beauty and the promise of fortune,” he narrated. “Today, we want to recognize those brave and visionary adventurers — entrepreneurs, merchants — whose dreams build entire towns, whose work feeds thousands of families, whose creativity fills the mountain slopes and peaks with color and culture.”

He concluded, “We are the new river of abundance.”

MC Carlos Cornejo also offered a reflection: “Someone can steal everything material from you, but not what you carry in your heart.”

Bernal closed the presentation with a phrase that resonated deeply with the audience: “There was a time when people came in search of gold, but now the gold is our people.”

Mariscal LLC invites entrepreneurs, business owners and merchants interested in participating in future iterations of this event to contact crystal@mariscalllc.com

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

Carlos Cornejo, Crystal Mariscal and Samuel Bernal presented “Cimientos de Montaña” on Saturday, Oct. 11 at the Hotel Colorado.

Photo by Elvis Estrada

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

Trolling Canaries

By Larry Day Carbondale

Comparte tus proyectos creativos aún en proceso con nuestros lectores. Puedes enviarnos un correo electrónico con tus ilustraciones, creaciones literarias y poesía a fiction@soprissun.com

Mississippi

Snake

Pam Heckert, Placita March 31, 2022

Flying through the sky

Looking down on the mighty muddy Mississippi

Snaking through the green fields

Nourishing the land

Can life feel normal under a dictator? Many Germans, in Hitler’s rise to power, ignored the increasing brutality and repression of others, as long as it didn’t affect them personally. While we need to still have fun, socialize with friends and neighbors, we can’t allow ourselves to normalize what is happening. We have a president who ignores Supreme Court rulings, sends the military against U.S. citizens, and who lives in a paranoid state unrelated to reality. While his popularity is underwater, he still retains about 40% approval. The good news is that only 27% strongly approve, while 47% strongly disapprove. Speak out, and move that disapproval even higher.

Red or Blue, don’t let this administration turn us against each other. Instead, let’s stand together for the foundations of democracy: our constitution, separation of powers and free speech. We can be tough without turning a blind eye to an administration that is ignoring our freedoms and our rule of law.

Please join the resistance at a rally/march in Glenwood Springs sponsored by Mountain Action Indivisible from 10am to noon on Saturday, Oct. 18 at Bethel Plaza (under the bridge) in Glenwood Springs.

Phi Filerman 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

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The state reimburses the County for child support salaries at 66%, and the average salary (including benefits) is $93,856; so the County could save $31,911 for each position that’s not filled. The child welfare position is funded by the Child Welfare Block Allocation, with state and federal governments reimbursing 80% of an average $119,217

During the rolling Tuesday budget hearings the past two weeks, staff from each department presented their own proposed cuts. DHS was able to get its proposed county share portion of its 2026 budget down from $3.12 million to $2.44 million, the majority of which was saved due to the freeze.

A letter written by Kirby Winn, the County’s oil and gas liaison, commenting on the Bureau of Land Management’s (BLM) Drafted Supplemental Environmental Assessment for Greenhouse Gas Emissions and Air Quality Related to Oil and Gas Leasing in Colorado was unanimously approved by the BOCC. The letter urges BLM to affirm the existing rights of 285 previously issued leases, including 10 in the county, and to issue 21 pending leases in greater sage grouse areas in Colorado, including five in the county. The letter also suggests air quality analyses be made when an application for a permit to drill is made and not at the leasing stage.

A public hearing to modify McClure River Ranch’s PUD, a 98-acre property 3.5 miles east of Carbondale, was unanimously approved with conditions. There were no

Recordings of all BOCC meetings can be found at www.garfieldcountyco.gov

C’DALE REPORT

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were hesitant to approve a $922,901 contract with Excavation Services despite Assistant Public Works Director Scott Wenning suggesting staff could value engineer the cost down by about $300,000. In order to avoid stalling the project, Hyland was authorized to sign the contract after negotiations. Wenning assured, worst case scenario, there is sufficient budget in the reserves to cover the full cost.

Finally, trustees reviewed a preliminary 2026 budget. Bohmfalk applauded Hyland and Finance Director Ola Verploegh for getting up to speed with staff turnover, a gap between finance directors and a major software update. “It’s an incredible amount of work that we have before us,” he said.

Among the bigger items discussed: revenue is projected to be flat with the 2025 budget while expenses are currently $16,950,861, or 12.3% over 2025; payroll costs are increasing with a 3% cost of living adjustment and 11.3% increase in health care premiums; trustees expressed a preference for delaying Chacos Park renovations to spend that money elsewhere; discussions are underway with RFTA regarding the future of the Downtowner, WE-cycle and the Carbondale Circulator; Artspace will return before the end of the year to talk about Town Center; continued tactical urbanism experiments, rebranded as “community safety” by Trustee Colin Laird, are desired on more neighborhood streets.

Laird noted that if two local tax questions pass this November — Carbondale and Rural Fire Protection District’s Ballot Issue 7D and Confluence Early Childhood Development Service District’s Ballot Issue 7A — that will bring sales tax up to 10% which may affect the Town’s odds for passing their own sales tax increase in a future election.

THE SHOW MUST GO ON!

Photos and text by Jane Bachrach

On Saturday, Oct. 11, what was to be “a joyful outdoor celebration of our beloved animal companions” at Colorado Animal Rescue (C.A.R.E.) turned out to be a wet, muddy and rainy, joyful celebration.

The fundraiser, “The Blessing of the Animals” organized by Two Rivers Unitarian Universalist, still took place outside, but undercover in order to protect the brave, hearty human and canine souls who braved the elements in order to attend. Following the blessing, guests and their animals went inside the shelter and were treated to a tasty choice of human and animal treats along with some hot coffee.

PARTING SHOTS CO HIGHWAY 82

DAY

Due to the rain, attendance was understandably low, as were the donations. However, you can donate to C.A.R.E. anytime (rain or shine) at www.coloradoanimalrescue.org

LEGAL NOTICES

PUBLIC NOTICE OF PETITION FOR CHANGE OF NAME

Active Aging Wellness Expo

Active Aging Wellness Expo

Public Notice is given on September 24, 2025 that a Petition for a Change of Name has been filed with the Pitkin County Court. The petition requests the name of Michael Voorhies Owen be changed to Moe Owen. Case Number 2025C30075. Publication dates October 9, 16, 23.

Friday, October 31 | 9 a.m. – 12 p.m.

Friday, October 31 | 9 a.m. – 12 p.m.

Eagle County Community Center

Eagle County Community Center 20 Eagle County Dr. El Jebel, Colorado

20 Eagle County Dr. El Jebel, Colorado

Everyone is welcome to attend this FREE event!

Everyone is welcome to attend this FREE event!

NOTICE OF BUDGET (Pursuant to 29-1-106, C.R.S.)

P RE S E N T A TI ON S

P RE S E N T A TI ON S

Don’t Wait Communicate: Planning Your Living Will Sue O’Bryan, Alpine Legal Services 9:30 a.m. – 10:15 a.m.

Don’t Wait Communicate: Planning Your Living Will Sue O’Bryan, Alpine Legal Services 9:30 a.m. – 10:15 a.m.

More Than a Signature: The Responsibilities of a Power of Attorney

More Than a Signature: The Responsibilities of a Power of Attorney

Matthew Trinidad, Alpine Legal Services 10:30 a.m. – 11:15 a.m.

Matthew Trinidad, Alpine Legal Services 10:30 a.m. – 11:15 a.m.

Colorado Historical Hauntings

Colorado Historical Hauntings

Christi Couch, Eagle County Healthy Aging 11:15 a.m. – 12:15 p.m.

Christi Couch, Eagle County Healthy Aging 11:15 a.m. – 12:15 p.m.

+ RESOUMORERCES!

+ RESOUMORERCES!

Contact: Mandi Dicamillo mandi.dicamillo@eaglecounty.us 970-379-0020

Contact: Mandi Dicamillo mandi.dicamillo@eaglecounty.us 970-379-0020

NOTICE is hereby given that a proposed budget has been submitted to the Carbondale & Rural Fire Protection District for the ensuing year of 2026; a copy of such proposed budget has been filed in the office of the Carbondale & Rural Fire Protection District, where the same is open for public inspection; such proposed budget will be considered at the regular monthly meeting of the Board of Directors to be held at Carbondale Fire Headquarters, 301 Meadowood Drive, Carbondale, Colorado on November 12, 2025 at 11:00 a.m. Any interested elector of Carbondale & Rural Fire Protection District may inspect the proposed budget and file or register any objections thereto at any time prior to the final adoption of the budget.

Published in The Sopris Sun on October 16, 2025