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Volume 17, Number 46 | December 25-31, 2025

HOLIDAY HARMONY

That’s the theme we gave local kids to inspire submissions to our annual Spruce Up The Sun cover contest. We thought 7th- grader Maya Annabel illustrated it perfectly, but we can never choose just one, so see pages 4-5 for more!

H NEWSPA UT

Poetry in print matters Nancy Bo Flood regularly shares her poetry with The Sopris Sun, which is published on its Works in Progress page, a weekly section that highlights community creativity. From sketches to short stories, Works in Progress contributions have run the gambit since the page’s inception three years ago. Flip to this week’s feature by Nancy’s husband, Bill, on page 17. “Look! My poem is printed in The Sopris Sun.” The author might be 7 or 77, it doesn’t matter. Seeing your words in print for others to read is a wonderful rush of excitement that comes with a big happy grin. It feels so good to share your thoughts. “I wrote that.” It’s more than making your thoughts public, it’s reaching out, connecting, sharing stories — maybe an experience of wonder, or perhaps one of pain. Sharing words in print creates a strong invisible glue of connection between reader and writer, the basis of community building. Words break boundaries. We hear and GUEST OPINION feel the joy or the sorBy Nancy Bo Flood row of another person, perhaps someone we would otherwise never know. Without it, we may feel all alone, never imagining that we could share a common experience or thought with someone else — similar worries or fears, or shared visions of a better world. Words break the boundaries of isolation. When I read the poetry of Mary Oliver, I often think she has expressed clearly how I feel … When my dog dies, when another shooting happens, when spring changes a wild place into a bouquet of hope. Doing life is often hard. Not just for me, but for each and every one of us. Poetry distills. Poetry shared in print connects, offers hope, causes sighs, laughter, smiles. Our past president, John F. Kennedy, who was tragically assassinated, said, “When power leads man toward arrogance, poetry reminds him of his limitations. When power narrows the area of man’s concern, poetry reminds him of the richness and diversity of his existence. When power corrupts, poetry cleanses” (1963). What if those words had never been shared in print? Writing our thoughts, capturing in words the fears that haunt us in the night or the joys that give us courage to step into a new day, is one way we can reach out to one another. Even if the reader and the writer never meet face to face, their hearts meet. In closing, again I share words from John F. Kennedy: “If more politicians knew poetry, and more poets knew politics, the world would be a better place” (1963). Poetry in print connects us, pierces barriers and creates community. But only if we dare to put our words in print.

Poetry in print connects us, pierces barriers and creates community. But only if we dare to put our words in print.

To support The Sopris Sun and help ensure the continuation of Works in Progress for three more years and beyond, make a donation at www.soprissun.com/ donate And don’t forget to share your creative works with fiction@soprissun.com for publication in your local nonprofit newspaper.

LETTERS Clay Center thanks I’d like to extend my deepest gratitude to the incredible community who made the Carbondale Clay Center’s two-day Cup Auction event a tremendous success. Thanks to the generosity of 246 donated cups from talented artists all over the world, the dedication of our volunteers and the hard work of our staff, we raised vital funds to support our mission — and, just as importantly, we brought people together around creativity, shared experience and clay. Events like this remind us that art thrives when community members show up for one another. Every helping hand, every donated cup, helped fuel not just our programs, but the sense of connection that makes the Carbondale Clay Center so special. To the artists who gave their work to support our cause, the volunteers who made set-up and clean-up a breeze and to the staff whose commitment made the event seamless — thank you. Your time, talent and passion made all the difference. A very special thanks to Will Sardinsky and The Sopris Sun for the beautiful cover last week! We are honored to be part of such a generous community, and we look forward to continuing to build a vibrant future for the ceramic arts together. With gratitude, Angela Bruno Executive Director Carbondale Clay Center

‘It’s a Wonderful Life’ I was delighted when the Crystal Theatre Alliance announced their intention to show the Frank Capra film “It’s a Wonderful Life” a week before the holidays. It’s my favorite Christmas movie, just ahead of “A Christmas Carol,” “A Christmas Story,” “The Polar Express” and other Yuletide classics. At this year’s viewing, I was struck by the film’s current relevance. The antagonist, Henry Potter played by Lionel Barrymore, is the early 20th century’s version of a MAGA Republican. Discussing a bank loan to a needy borrower, Potter says if you give him the money, “What does that get us? A discontented, lazy rabble instead of a thrifty working class.” That’s right out of the MAGA playbook. Those not entitled should work hard all their lives for less than the bare essentials, so those who have way more than they could ever need can get more. In another exchange, Potter is telling the protagonist, George Bailey played by James Stewart, how he took advantage of the

2 THE SOPRIS SUN | soprissun.com | December 25-31, 2025

Great Depression to take control of most of the town’s (Bedford Falls) viable assets. “Most people would say you stole the rest,” Bailey charges. “The envious ones would say that,” is Potter’s reply. If I’d been George, I would’ve countered with, “Do you really believe anyone envies you? You have no family, no friends. You couldn’t possibly spend all your money. Who would want that?” Which brings us to the true message of “It’s a Wonderful Life.” At the end, George looks at the inscription in the copy of “The Adventures of Tom Sawyer” given to him by his guardian angel, Clarence. It reads, “Remember, no man is a failure who has friends.” That rings true for me during this holiday season. My life has hardly been a string of stunning successes and there have been times when I thought my name starts with F and F is for failure. However, since I’ve moved to Carbondale, I’ve made so many good friends I can’t help but feel blessed. Fred Malo Jr. Carbondale

Treason The blogger, Robert Reich wrote, “Trump’s cruelty is almost unbearable — the destruction of USAID, the pursuit of undocumented immigrants, the breakup of families, the arrests and detentions without due process, the bombing of small boats in the Caribbean and killing of more than 100 people, and so on.” I find it stunning that there is not a world-wide outcry against Trump’s manipulations, enabled by the John Roberts court since 2005. How can we, in our Town of Carbondale, not demand the resignation of the demented president. How can the Roaring Fork Valley, with the City of Aspen, home of the most influential folks in the world, stand back and allow this attack on democracy by a treasonous president. We will not be able to indict, arraign, try and convict him of his crimes documented daily in the media, until he is arrested and charged for those crimes, but now, when much truth is coming to light, we must attend to the country’s needs at hand. Arrest Trump for treason, for enriching himself by working against the interests of Americans and plotting against the U.S. in collusion with Putin to weaken American standing in the world, to separate us from our allies, while breaking treaties 80 years old. All without any input from his entranced and castrated Congress. John Hoffmann Carbondale

Editor Raleigh Burleigh 970-510-3003 news@soprissun.com Contributing Editor James Steindler Sol del Valle Editora Bianca Godina bianca@soldelvalle.org Digital Editor Ingrid Celeste Zúniga ingrid@soldelvalle.org Lead Editorial Designer Terri Ritchie Partnerships & Engagement Manager Luise Nieslanik Advertising Department adsales@soprissun.com Sol del Valle Marketing and Development Manager Margarita Alvarez margarita@soldelvalle.org Advertising Designer Emily Blong Delivery Frederic Kischbaum Youth Journalism Instructor Skyler Stark-Ragsdale Proofreaders Lee Beck Tracy Kallassy Ken Pletcher Hank van Berlo Executive Director Todd Chamberlin 970-510-0246 todd@soprissun.com Board Members / Mesa Directiva

board@soprissun.com Klaus Kocher • Kay Clarke Donna Dayton • Eric Smith Roger Berliner • Elizabeth Phillips Jessi Rochel • Anna Huntington Loren Jenkins • Carlos Ramos • Gayle Wells

The Sopris Sun Board meets at 6pm on second Thursdays at the Third Street Center. The Sopris Sun, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit corporation with a mission to inform, inspire and build community by fostering diverse and independent journalism. Donations are fully tax deductible. Sincerest thanks to our Honorary Publishers for their annual commitment of $1,000+ Lee Beck & John Stickney Kay Brunnier Frances Dudley Michelle & Ed Buchman Sue Edelstein & Bill Spence Deborah & Shane Evans Greg & Kathy Feinsinger Michael & Nancy Kish Gary & Jill Knaus Eric Smith Peter and Mike Gilbert Patti & George Stranahan Elizabeth Wysong Alpine Bank Emily & George Bohmfalk Kathy & Carter Barger Sandy & Paul Chamberlin Karen & Roger Berliner Donna & Ken Riley Gayle & Dick Wells

Legacy Givers for including us in their final wishes. Mary Lilly

Donate by mail or online: P.O. Box 399 Carbondale, CO 81623 520 S. Third Street #26-B 970-510-3003 soprissun.com/Donate The Sopris Sun, Inc. is a proud member of the Carbondale Creative District

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Lift-Update

OUR UNDERWRITERS AND NONPROFIT PARTNERS!

Lift-Up, the nonprofit operator of food pantries and supplementary food programs from Parachute to Aspen, announced on Dec. 18 that Samantha Freese will serve as the organization’s next executive director. Freese, a New Castle resident, has worked for the Colorado Department of Labor and Employment as well as Mountain Valley Developmental Services and most recently as financial literacy and marketing director at YouthEntity. “I have spent much of my career working alongside individuals and families in this community who are navigating economic instability and systemic barriers,” Freese stated in a press release. “Those experiences shaped my understanding that asking for help is not a weakness, it is often an act of strength. That belief, along with my commitment to this community, guides how I lead.”

CMS transition Carbondale Middle School (CMS) Principal Michael Logan announced his plans to resign from the position at the end of the 2025-26 school year. “Serving families at CMS as principal over the past three years has been the honor of a lifetime, and I am grateful to have worked with people who care so deeply about our youth and our community,” Logan stated in a letter. “Leaving the principal position is a transition toward the next stage of my career,” he added. “I hope to retire as a teacher, the way I began in 1997.” The position will be posted in January on the Roaring Fork School District website.

History gardens help

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 Heritage Gardens is seeking help to maintain the Pioneer Heritage Garden, next to the Jail and Cabin History Park, as well as gardens at the Thompson House, meticulously cared for by Sue Gray. An appreciation for seed-saving practices is essential, as well as interest in teaching visiting school groups about the gardens and their histories. For details, email carbondaleheritagegarden@gmail.com or call 970-618-1849.

Oil and gas “To meet the requirements of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act,” a recent Bureau of Land Management (BLM) press release begins, “the [BLM] will hold an oil and gas lease sale on Jan. 8, 2026, offering 23 parcels totaling 20,451.34 acres in Colorado.” The BLM’s regular fourth-quarter lease sale on Dec. 9, 2025 generated nearly $4.9 million, and the Big Beautiful Bill requires a replacement sale if there are no bids on 25% or more of the acreage offered during a previous sale. Find parcel details at www.bit.ly/182026BLMCO

River boost Roaring Fork Conservancy has partnered with the Colorado River Water Conservation District, Town of Basalt, Basalt Water Conservancy District and Colorado Water Conservation Board to increase winter flows on the lower Fryingpan River by release water from the Ruedi Reservoir contracted to the Town of Basalt in order to minimize the formation of anchor ice and its impacts on aquatic life. “Maintaining minimum winter flows at 60-700 [cubic feet per second] increases both recreational opportunities, ecological resiliency and economic benefit,” a press release stated. As of Dec. 18, Roaring Fork Conservancy recorded snowpack at 53% of normal for the Roaring Fork Watershed.

Wilderness Workshop, the Aspen Center for Environmental Studies and Roaring Fork Audubon have released the schedule for their 2026 Naturalist Nights free winter speaker series. Each presentation will premier at the Third Street Center on a Wednesday and be repeated the following night at Hallam Lake, as well as archived on YouTube. Find the list of speakers and topics at www. wildernessworkshop.org/naturalist-nights-2026

Basalt SRO Pitkin County commissioners approved an emergency ordinance authorizing an intergovernmental agreement with the Town of Basalt to provide supplemental law enforcement services, allowing for a dedicated school resource officer (SRO) to return to Basalt schools for the remainder of the 2025-26 school year. “This agreement allows us to prioritize the safety and well-being of students,” said Basalt Town Manager Gloria Kaasch-Buerger. Under the agreement, Pitkin County Sheriff’s Office deputies will provide patrol services within the Town of Basalt, allowing the police department to refocus its resources while efforts are underway to recruit more officers.

CPW director sought The Colorado Department of Natural Resources is seeking candidates for the position of director of Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW). “CPW is a national leader in conservation, recreation and wildlife management,” the press release describes. Applications are being accepted through Dec. 31 at www.bit.ly/ CPW-director

They say it’s your birthday! Folks celebrating another trip around the sun this week include: Tashreen Alam, Daniel Giese, Hanah Jundt and Greg Mohl (Dec. 25); Caitlin Causey, Emma Danciger and Darryl Fuller (Dec. 26); Laura Hader and Eduardo Torres (Dec. 27); Chip Bishop (Dec. 28); Willoughby Bourne, Sue Edelstein, Mark Gray, Jordan Hirro, Randy Schutt, Will Tempest, Nick Walgren and Debbie Wilde (Dec. 29); Beymar Silva and Stephanie Syson (Dec. 30); Chris Barlow and Kris Cook (Dec. 31).

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Tempranillo Restaurant is celebrating its 20th anniversary with expanded holiday hours and specials this December. Founded by Madrid native and executive chef Javier Gonzalez-Bringas and business manager and wife, Laura Maine, this family-owned and operated restaurant brings a passion for fine Spanish wine and cuisine to downtown Basalt. Courtesy photo

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THE SOPRIS SUN | Your weekly community connector | December 25-31, 2025 3

HOLIDAY HARMONY RUNNERS-UP!

Picking up a Valley Journal tradition, The Sopris Sun has highlighted youth artwork in each holiday issue. Every year, The Sun comes up with a different prompt and young people (kindergarten through high school) submit associated illustrations. An ad-hoc committee judges the pieces based on quality and how well they match the theme. Participants submitted works around this year’s prompt, “Holiday Harmony,” and boy did they hit the mark!

Happy Holidays!

RUTH QUINN, 3RD GRADE

4 THE SOPRIS SUN | soprissun.com | December 25-31, 2025

ASHLEY MERAZ-MANCINAS, 7TH GRADE

CALEB ANNABEL, 2ND GRADE

MADELINE HALVERSON, 4TH GRADE

EMELIA HALVERSON, 1ST GRADE

A big THANK YOU for all who shared their beautiful creations with us! If you dropped off a hardcopy of your or your child’s art piece and would like it back to hang on your fridge or wall, please email news@soprissun.com or call 970-510-3003. LYDIA, 4TH GRADE THE SOPRIS SUN | Your weekly community connector | December 25-31, 2025 5

Updates on public lands, new land purchases, federal legislation ANNALISE GRUETER Sopris Sun Correspondent

National perspectives and decision-making on public land continue to create pressure for state and local governments and organizations. Attempts this year to include provisions in federal legislation for selling public lands to private developers, ostensibly for housing and energy development, received bipartisan opposition from the public and from Colorado elected politicians, including District 3 representative Jeff Hurd (R) and senators John Hickenlooper and Michael Bennet (D). November and December have seen multiple developments around land and environmental issues. One way Roaring Fork Valley governments have responded to national legislative attempts to privatize lands is by partnering with local and national nonprofits to purchase private property or federally-owned public land to designate as county or cityowned wilderness. Two recent purchases in the region include the 20-acre Busher Claim and 650-acre Snowmass Falls Ranch, both in the Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness. The Busher Claim is located in the

upper Castle Creek valley, close to the seasonal four-wheel-drive Pearl Pass Road, which connects Pitkin and Gunnison counties. While the Busher purchase was completed by a national nonprofit, The Wilderness Land Trust, the organization intends to transfer it to fully public ownership by having it designated as wilderness when the United States Forest Service is able to acquire it. The process is expected to take two to three years. The latter is located close to Snowmass Village, and has long been a negotiated access point for recreationalists to pass through for Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness. Pitkin County partnered with The Wilderness Land Trust this year to purchase the land for $34 million. Once the property is passed into Forest Service ownership, over 600 of the 650 acres are expected to be officially added to the Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness area designation. The White River National Forest has noted the land package as its top priority for 2026, but Pitkin County representatives confirmed that it is committed to protecting the property regardless of how long it takes to transfer to Forest Service ownership and management.

On the state level, Colorado lawmakers introduced many bills in 2025 that would affect outdoor conservation, recreation and wildfire management. On Dec. 2, following the record 43-day government shutdown, the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources held a hearing on over two dozen public lands bills under consideration. Some of the legislation that affects Colorado include the CORE Act, which would create new wilderness areas along the Continental Divide and in southwestern Colorado as well as remove areas near Thompson Divide from future mineral and oil and gas leasing. The CORE Act remains under consideration by the Senate subcommittee. It is sponsored by Colorado’s entire national Democratic representation in both the House and Senate. Senator Bennet’s signature piece of legislation, the Gunnison Outdoor Resource Protection (GORP) Act, has not yet received a Senate hearing, and also requires further procedure from House committees before it can proceed. It aims to protect over 730,000 acres of land in Colorado, including expanding wilderness areas in Pitkin County.

Hikers on Snowmass Creek trail systems cross previously private land to access local wilderness. Pitkin County and The Wilderness Land Trust hope to add the 650 acres of Snowmass Falls Ranch to the Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness package in coming years after successfully purchasing the property in 2025. Photo by Annalise Grueter

Competing bills for wildfire mitigation were among those considered in the Senate subcommittee hearing. The Cross-Boundary Wildfire Solutions Act and Western Wildfire Support Act respectively propose a study on federal programs inhibiting wildfire mitigation and increasing funding and training for federal and local firefighters. The controversial Fix Our Forests Act is closest to congressional approval. Senator Hickenlooper is among the bill’s sponsors; it is supported by all of Colorado’s House Republican

representatives and opposed by three state Democrat representatives as well as Senator Bennet. The bill’s language around wildfire management and restoration work has been debated by stakeholders, and it includes stipulations for minimizing the review and approval process for logging initiatives. Locally, the Roaring Fork Public Land and Water Forum, founded by area governments and nonprofits this past spring, will become part of the Roaring Fork Outdoor Coalition in coming continued on page 19

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6 THE SOPRIS SUN | soprissun.com | December 25-31, 2025

GLENWOOD REPORT

Fees approved for non-emergent ambulance calls, false alarms JOHN STROUD Sopris Sun Correspondent

The final regular Glenwood Springs City Council meeting of the year on Dec. 18 included a pair of items deferred from the last meeting related to new fees for non-emergent EMS calls within the city. Absent was Mayor Marco Dehm, leaving Mayor Pro-Tem Erin Zalinski to run the meeting. All other Council members were present. Following a late-afternoon work session, including an update on the City’s new speed enforcement program using traffic cameras, Council tackled the regular agenda. Under general comments, two residents expressed concerns about the City’s use of Automatic License Plate Recognition (ALPR) cameras along Grand Avenue, South Glen and other streets. Commenters said they don’t oppose the cameras being used for speed enforcement, but that the data collected could be used for other purposes that aren’t defined. Bailey Leppek said the company that provides the systems has been criticized for possible security breaches, and for allowing data to be used for false accusations and immigration enforcement. “There is no benefit to the public,” she said. Further, “there’s a lack of transparency … and no effort to educate the public about how the data is being used, and why.”

Glenwood resident Doug Winter underscored Leppek’s points, adding that he’d like to see the City reconsider the $60,000 budgeted for 2026 in support of the surveillance program. “We don’t see a benefit for this and how these cameras are improving our lives,” Winter said. “We are seeing a really big downside to our security, and our privacy.” In response, Council asked to schedule a work session with police officials after the first of the year to gather more information about how the data is being used beyond speed enforcement.

Land purchase Council removed one item from its consent agenda for further explanation, regarding the City’s planned purchase of property at 1441 Riverside Drive. The property, which sits on the Roaring Fork River to the northwest of Glenwood Springs High School, is bordered on either side by other City-owned land and makes sense for acquisition, City Manager Steve Boyd explained. The existing residence can also be used in the interim to house one of the City’s public safety workers, he added. Council agreed 6-0 to proceed with acquiring the property.

EMS fees Two items had to do with new fees for emergency services. The first sets a new fee for assisted living

Glenwood Springs Fire Station #2, located at Eighth Street and Cooper Avenue is where emergency response originates for calls in the central part of the city. City Council last week adopted new fees for non-emergent ambulance calls at living facilities and alarm malfunctions. Photo by John Stroud

or nursing facilities whenever an ambulance is called to deal with a non-emergent situation that does not involve transporting a patient. Under the fee schedule approved unanimously by Council, there would be no charge for the first non-transport call within 12 months. However, a second call within a year would result in a $1,500 fee, and then $2,500 each for a third or more.

“I’m comfortable that these fees are below our actual cost for that service,” City Attorney Karl Hanlon said. The second related matter sets a new fee schedule for malfunctioning alarm systems that result in emergency services being rolled out. In many cases, the systems go unfixed after multiple false alarms, Hanlon said. continued on page 18

At Unitarian Universalist communities we’re not guided by creeds, but by shared values. We come from many paths — spiritual, secular, and somewhere in between — but we gather as one community. Not because we think alike, but because we choose to care. Instead of dogma, we’re guided by values: like the worth of every person, justice and compassion in human relationships, and respect for the interconnection of all life.

This Sunday: Fellowship Service with Susan Proctor & Susan Cashel on: Choosing Hope!

THE SOPRIS SUN | Your weekly community connector | December 25-31, 2025 7

New Glenwood Springs day shelter operator ‘could use some help’ RAY K. ERKU Sopris Sun Correspondent

Residual whiffs of mapleglazed bacon lingered amid a 3,000-square-foot layout furnished by a living room, a large kitchen, a bathroom with a shower, an office, cubbies, laundry machines and a closet full to the brim with items like winter coats and extra pairs of snow boots. It was soggy and overcast shortly after 2pm last Thursday, and Gabe Cohen had spent that morning cooking breakfast for a sliver of the Roaring Fork Valley’s homeless population. The sign-in sheet showed 15 morning meals served, including hashbrowns and 40 eggs to complement the bacon. “I’m so happy I did this,” Cohen, once unhoused and an addict on the streets of Denver, said with tears building in his eyes. The space in the basement of this Glenwood Springs Catholic Charities church was formerly operated as Feed My Sheep. What originally started in a Glenwood motel turned into one of the few brick-and-mortar homeless shelters in the Valley. Its longtime director, Karen Peppers, however, gave notice she was closing it down in the

fall. The Sopris Sun was unable to reach Peppers for comment to confirm why. Nevertheless, Cohen, who in 2021 used his past struggles to kickstart a Roaring Fork Valley assistance program called Discovery Cafe, reluctantly took over the shelter’s lease before it could close permanently. Now called Jesus Saves Homeless Day Shelter, it’s been open to the public since Dec. 15. “There was a part of me that didn’t want to do this because I knew it was going to be challenging,” he said. “But if there’s anyone who can do this, it’s me.” Not only beginning but maintaining a nonprofit that caters to disenfranchised individuals in Colorado’s socioeconomically lopsided high country is a tall order. Despite acquiring multiple grants from the Colorado Health Foundation and the Colorado Department of Human Services to launch Discovery Cafe, Cohen’s funding began to dry up this past June and his operations were in peril. Throughout the past four years, the former prison inmate and barroom bouncer had established assistance programs in Basalt, Rifle and the Garfield

County Detention Center. He also held peer programs at Rifle Correctional Center, a minimum security prison near Rifle Gap Reservoir, and established two local sober-living homes for newly released inmates. This means Feed My Sheep’s impending closure posed a grand opportunity for Cohen. Taking over the lease, he’s since consolidated Discovery Cafe’s local services to this cozy, warm church basement. Meanwhile, it includes additional amenities: showers, meals, laundry, clothes and more. “If you need something, just ask,” Cohen said. “And if we got it, we’ll give it to you.”

‘It’ll save your life’ Antonio Rascon was desperate. The former truck driver turned to meth to combat fatigue, and it wasn’t long before he lost his marriage, his house and was living on the streets of Denver, many times resorting to crime to make ends meet. Amid this harrowing time, Rascon used services offered at a similar Denver homeless shelter. “You don’t have any money, you don’t have any resources,” the Albuquerque, New Mexico

Gabe Cohen hands a client some tissue at Jesus Saves Homeless Day Shelter on Thursday, Dec. 18. Photo by Ray K. Erku

native said. “Unless somebody feeds you, you’re going to end up maybe not dying of starvation but for sure your body’s going to be so weak from being so thin and not having any nutrients.” Rascon, now 41, met Cohen at Delta Correctional Center. And upon his release, he took up residence at one of Cohen’s sober-living homes in Rifle. He’s been helping run the Jesus Saves Homeless Day Shelter in Glenwood Springs, while also working full-time in construction. His primary focus is to help folks like him, facilitating the successful recovery process from substance abuse. And when asked his thoughts on the homeless day continued on page 19

IN A NUTSHELL Hours: 8:30am to 4pm, Tuesday through Friday Services: Breakfast, 8:30 to 9:30am; lunch, 11:30am to 12:30pm; Bible study, 1 to 2pm; Discovery Cafe Recovery Groups, 2:30 to 3:30pm; clothing, showers, laundry services and more also offered Location: Basement of Catholic Charities, 1004 Grand Avenue, Glenwood Springs Contact: Call/text 970-379-5983 or visit jesussavesdayshelter.com Note: 24-hour sobriety not required

DON’T BE FOOLED BY THE HARVEST ROARING FORK DEVELOPMENT ADS! THIS DEVELOPMENT HAS NOT BEEN APPROVED - 1,500 residential units, up to 325 ADU’s - 55,000 sq feet of Commercial Space - 120 room Hotel all on 230 Acres No enforceable commitment to affordable housing except for 150 mitigation units required by Garfield County. All other units will be “market rate.” IMPACTING: -

Traffic ~An additional 12,000 daily vehicle trips, 2 new stop lights with U-turns, 20 years of construction traffic on an already overloaded Hwy 82

Water Quality and Availability ~ Increased Runoff to the Roaring Fork River, Excessive Water Consumption

Wildlife ~ Critical Loss of Habitat

Photo courtesy of Steven Harding

JOIN THE CATTLE CREEK CONFLUENCE COALITION GET THE TRUTH “SAVE THE DATES” January 6th 2026, 6-8pm

Public Information Meeting, Third Street Center, 520 South Third Street, Carbondale CO

January 28th, 2026 6pm

Confirmed Planning Commission Meeting regarding the HRF Application. Ascent Center – CMC Spring Valley Campus, 3000 CR 114 Glenwood Springs

HALT Harvest Roaring Fork STOP THE DEVELOPMENT!

Stop the Continuous Urbanization of the Valley Make your voice be heard - Let’s get LOUD!

cattlecreekcc.com 8 THE SOPRIS SUN | soprissun.com | December 25-31, 2025

New Year Salon set to inspire 2026 community resolutions MYKI JONES Arts Correspondent

On Jan. 3, Alya’s New Year Salon will take place at The Launchpad at 6:30pm. This event — curated by local artist Alya Howe and sponsored by Dance Initiative, Carbondale Arts, Connie Calaway, Alex Yajko and her partner, Don, as well as a myriad of “angel” donors — will include seven artists presenting pieces in their respective mediums, ranging from music and dance to spoken word and even stand-up comedy.

Howe said this year’s Salon lineup is full of extraordinary voices, sure to inspire aspirations to foster in 2026, particularly any having to do with community. “The only through line of this year’s Salon is inspired by the more classic senses of a Salon,” Howe told The Sopris Sun. “Traditional Salons date back to 17th and 18th century Europe, where artists, writers, philosophers, musicians met in an intimate room to exchange ideas, challenge the status quo and expand the cultural imagination.”

Alya Howe (left) and Lilly Bright look forward to engaging the community with their “Disappeared” production. Courtesy photo

“We have such extraordinary and serving us in our communities, our love unique voices of artists here in the Valley,” lives, our work and our lives in general.” she continued. “The artists will share what Lydia Bain will bring an immersive they’re imagining, and maybe that will also sound experience, blending electronic inspire the audience to imagine the most soundscapes, vocals and the violin; Gabrimagnificent solutions to our community.” ela Mejia will share cultural songs she has She suspects that the setting, created by learned traveling over the years; Sarah locally renowned set designer Sean Jeffries, Uhl will illustrate a piece live; “Ms. Snowwill be interpreted as a collaboramass,” Sarah Sanders, will indulge tive space, opposed to that of a the audience with a stand-up traditional performance. routine; Paonia-based “The space is intimate. musician David AlderdSome of the performice will play a selection ers will share what of his works; and they’re doing and local fulfillment why. Others will just coach and ayurvegive the experience. dic counselor Kyle It’s a very tender, Jason Leitzke tell a intimate space,” she spoken-word story. explained. “The artists Leitzke said that are so close at The he looks forward to Launchpad that it feels connecting with the - Alya Howe more like a conversation.” audience and conveying One of the artists to appear is a range of emotions through a local filmmaker, movement teacher and telling of his life experiences. writer Lilly Bright, who will be joining Howe “From tears to laughter to inspirafor a dance segment titled “Disappeared.” tion, through a rollercoaster journey of “‘Disappeared’ is a community-based some of the trials and triumphs that I’ve project [that] came from artists in resi- gone through in my own personal life, I’ll dence through Dance Initiative,” Howe be sharing different catalysts in my life said. “The project asks the community, that shaped my identity,” he said. One of my artists and myself: What’s disappeared the main themes, he explained, is learnthat you value? What do you want to ing to live through moments of immense have appear? What might be the steps to loss and grief and how the emotions that make that appear? It also presses what we follow can be a meaningful teacher. can make disappear, which is no longer

The artists will share what they’re imagining, and maybe that will also inspire the audience to imagine the most magnificent solutions to our community.

For tickets to Alya’s New Year Salon, visit www.tinyurl.com/NewYearSalon

PeopleCare. That’s Valley View.

THE SOPRIS SUN | Your weekly community connector | December 25-31, 2025 9

CALENDAR THURSDAY, DECEMBER 25 JANUARY 2 In The Heart of the Carbondale Creative District First Friday features extended hours and special events at local shops, galleries, and restaurants in the heart of the Carbondale Creative District. The Town of Carbondale hosts wintery activities with some telescopes to get a great view of the full moon thanks to Aspen Stargazing. Enjoy a bonfire in Chacos Park with hot dogs and marshmallows for roasting from 5-8pm.

CRYSTAL THEATRE “Song Sung Blue” opens at the Crystal Theatre with a 3pm matinee and repeats tomorrow, Saturday and next Friday and Saturday at 7pm with captioned shows at 5pm each Sunday.

MONDAY, DECEMBER 29

MOUNTAINFILM Mountainfilm on Tour stops by the Wheeler Opera House for a family-friendly matinee at 4pm. Tickets and details at www.aspenshowtix.com

LAST MONDAY BOOK CLUB The Last Monday Book Club gives participants two options to discuss this month, “The Christmas Bookshop” by Jenny Colgan and/or “Holiday on Ice” by David Sedaris, from 2 to 3pm at the Glenwood Springs Library. “The Frozen River” by Ariel Lawhon is January’s selection.

DINKY AWARDS Tune in to KDNK for the third annual Dinkys, highlighting the best in music from 2025 as determined by KDNK volunteers and staff, from 4 to 7pm.

WINTER ON THE MOUNTAIN Eclectic Summit County musician Daniel Bednarski, or Acoustic Moose, performs at Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park from 5 to 8pm.

WINTER ON THE MOUNTAIN Singer-songwriter duo Eric Gross and Emily Jurick perform at Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park from 5 to 8pm.

‘WEAVING WISDOM’ True Nature hosts “Weaving Wisdom,” a monthly gathering of women of all ages, every fourth Monday, from 6:30 to 8pm. Register at www.truenaturehealingarts.com

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 26

BOOMBASSADOR TACAW brings The Polish Ambassador and Boombox together for an epic dance party with local opener Heady Hooligan at 8pm. Tickets at www.tacaw.org

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 27

WINTER ON THE MOUNTAIN Jes & Tom, “a talented Western Slope duo known for their heartfelt Americana and folk-infused songs,” perform at Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park from 5 to 8pm. THE MOTET The Motet performs at the Paul JAS Center (422 East Cooper Ave, Aspen) from 7:15 to 8:30pm and again from 9:30 to 10:45pm. Tickets at www.jazzaspensnowmass.org KATE HUDSON Kate Hudson performs at the Wheeler Opera House celebrating her debut album, “Glorious,” at 7:30pm. Tickets at www.aspenshowtix.com

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 28

PICK A CARD! A Spiritual Center (Room 31 at the Third Street Center) invites you to draw a divination card for new year guidance from 10 to 11:30am. CACAO & SOUND JOURNEY Danielle Klein hosts two cacao ceremonies and sound journeys at True Nature welcoming in the new year, first at 2:45pm and again at 5pm. Join the waitlist at www.tinyurl.com/ CacaoandSound STORYTIME AT THE JEROME Author of “Adventures of Fraser the Yellow Dog” series Jill Sheeley shares stories at the Hotel Jerome in Aspen from 3:30 to 4:30pm. WINTER ON THE MOUNTAIN Singer-songwriter and American Idol competitor Shea Bramer, who blends acoustic pop and rock, performs at Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park from 5 to 8pm. THE NEW MASTERSOUNDS The New Mastersounds perform at the Paul JAS Center (422 East Cooper Ave, Aspen) from 7:15 to 8:30pm and again from 9:30 to 10:45pm. Tickets at www.jazzaspensnowmass.org EZ STREET Hank Azaria and the EZ Street Band perform a Bruce Springsteen tribute at the Wheeler Opera House at 7pm. Tickets at www.aspenshowtix.com 10 THE SOPRIS SUN | soprissun.com | December 25-31, 2025

MUMFORD & SONS Mumford & Sons play an acoustic set at Belly Up in Aspen at 9:30pm. Join the waitlist at www.bellyupaspen.com

DEE DEE BRIDGEWATER Dee Dee Bridgewater and The Memphis Soulphony perform at the Paul JAS Center (422 E Cooper Ave, Aspen) tonight and tomorrow night at 6:30pm and 8:45pm. Tickets at www.jazzaspensnowmass.org THE MUSIC OF ABBA Arrival From Sweden, founded by ABBA original musician Rutger Gunnarsson and Swedish artist Vicky Zetterberg, performs at the Wheeler Opera House at 7pm. Tickets at www.aspenshowtix.com

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 31

NOON YEAR’S EVE The Glenwood Springs Community Center hosts a family-friendly celebration from noon to 3pm. VAUDEVILLE The Glenwood Vaudeville Revue hosts an early show at 4:30pm and a later one at 9pm, each with a champagne toast to the new year. Tickets at www.gvrshow.com WINTER ON THE MOUNTAIN The Colorado Currys perform at the Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park from 5 to 8pm. JEN KRAMER The Wheeler Opera House welcomes magician Jen Kramer for a familyfriendly New Year show at 5pm and 9pm. Tickets at www.aspenshowtix.com HOT SPRINGS The Glenwood Hot Springs Resort rings in the New Year with games and prizes from 7 to 11pm. The Grill will have a special menu from 4 to 11pm and the pools will remain open until 1am. COOL COOL COOL TACAW’s New Year’s Eve celebration features Cool Cool Cool, blending funk, house and R&B with a seven-member ensemble. The show starts at 8:30pm. Tickets at www.tacaw.org EL DORADO DJ Kordicimo hosts a New Year dance party at El Dorado beginning at 10pm and concluding with champagne.

THURSDAY, JANUARY 1, 2026

GLENWOOD GENEALOGY The Glenwood Genealogy Group meets at the Glenwood Springs Library from noon to 1:30pm.

e h t

s i r S p t a o rs S

IN THIS ISSUE Dissecting the ‘performative male’ PAGE 2

A youth newspaper powered by The Sopris Sun

Topping out as a team at CRMS PAGE 3

Happy Ho days Volume 1, Number 3 | December 25-January 28, 2025

from the Sopris Stars staﬀ

Raging Grannies impart the power of peaceful protest

“Music is just fundamental communication,” Rhea commented. “It’s not all angry shouting and intellectual reasoning and argument. We can come together in song, which will maybe lead us to more light-hearted communication.” Many of the women are seasoned activists and continue to participate in civic engagement regularly — traits they’d like to pass on to the next generations. “I love the slogan, ‘Been woke since before you were born.’ It makes me laugh,” Rhea said, noting that peaceful protest and inclusivity are not new concepts. The Grannies dress themselves in bright colors, decorated hats and flowers to accentuate their purpose to brighten the world. Beyond activism, however, the group serves as a welcoming community. “We all come in tired, The Raging Grannies take a harmonious stand outside of the Carbondale Post Oﬃce. Photo by Anna Sophia Brown discouraged, but come out refreshed,” Pevec said. ANNA SOPHIA BROWN chance to make a statement oﬃ ce, singing original songs Rhea added, “Just being which they changed from Sopris Stars Correspondent and come together,” Pevec and modifying famous melaround people and laughing “I wanna wish you a merry EDITOR’S NOTE: Illene Pevec told The Sopris Stars. She odies with lyrics that protest makes a difference.” Christmas” to “We don’t is Anna Sophia's grandmother. Immigration and Customs remembered being a young On the Raging Grannies’ want no deportations … from mother in Canada and hearEnforcement crackdowns, website, the international the bottom of our hearts.” A “It’s not about having a ing about the group. Now, deTrump administration poliversion of “America The Beau- group acknowledges that singing voice, it’s about havcades and a life full of activism tiful” is a stark commentary cies, a lack of climate action older women's voices can ing a voice that wants to sing later, she’s among the gaggle and monopolizing corporaabout the flaws of government often be dismissed, but also out,” said Illene Pevec, the tions. Their aim is to uplift the of singing grandmas. that there is power in action, and the climate crisis. woman who formed a local Recently, the Raging Granimportance of human rights joy, delight, wisdom and Singing in protest isn’t new chorus group. nies invited this reporter to a and peaceful diplomacy. passion. They may play into for member Susan Rhea. The Raging Grannies, rehearsal at the Third Street “We are totally non-viothe stereotype of innocent, “I was a teenager in the founded in 1987 in British CoCenter, and kindly said The lent,” the webpage for the overly-cheerful grandmothers, ‘60s,” Rhea said. “I grew up lumbia, Canada, is an internaStars’ presence would “add international organization but ultimately are a force to spending my time playing the tional coalition of older womwarmth and fullness” — no reads, under its “philosophy” be reckoned with, not through piano and singing along to en (but welcome to all) who matter their singing ability. The Simon and Garfunkel songs tab, “believe in only peaceful violence, but by using these protest through music, bright women carefully calculated protest (with lots of laughter), powers to call out injustice. on the radio.” She was also colors and daring satire. work for the ‘many not the syllables to match rhythm, The group looks onwards, not part of a push to protect the In Carbondale, a local few’ ... and see our work as the pondered breaks that added Table Mountains, west of Den- only trying to improve their chapter began meeting this fall. Since then, they’ve attend- spreading green branches of a emphatic character and shifted ver, helping organize the Mesa lives, but the lives of their chilgreat tree, rising up to provide lyrics toward local relevance. dren and grandchildren. Music Fest to raise awareness. ed and sang at “No Kings” shelter and nourishment for For the holiday season the “Whatever you’re doing, Ultimately, the land was conmarches and other protests. Grannies adapted Christmas leave a place better than you served as Jefferson County On Fridays, they’ve performed those who will come after us.” “I wanted to give women a carols, like “Feliz Navidad,” found it.” Rhea said. Open Space. in front of the town’s post THE SOPRIS SUN | Your weekly community connector | December 25-31, 2025 11

Mirroring the modern world through ﬁlm EDITOR’S NOTE: Potential spoilers of “Wicked”and “Stranger Things” lie ahead. Many critics agree that the Broadway musical and popular “Wicked” films paint a political drama, exploring themes of conspiracy, polarization and facism. New York Times film critic Manohla Dargis stated in her review that “Fascism has come to Oz in ‘Wicked: For Good,’ and there’s no wishing it away.” These themes were even more prevalent in the play-inspiring novel by Gregory Maguire, but, rather than allowing the story to parallel the sensitive debates prevalent in today’s political environment, director John M. Chu has drawn on its face with crayons and poured glitter in its hair. While the film still covers complex societal themes, each has been buffered. This ebullient perspective is pervasive, from the fashion designs to the script itself, and does not make the story more approachable. It rather infers that topics of great severity can not be conceptualized by the average viewer, at least not without a layer of pink bubblewrap to protect them from a stark reality. The musical’s Doctor Dillamond is a goat with human qualities, including the ability to think and speak, who is very special to the protagonist, Elphaba, in all variations of the story. The two characters find comfort in each other's presence due to their unusual appearances. In the story, Dillamond finds the words “animals should be seen and not heard” scrawled on his whiteboard. In 2024, critic David Crow wrote, “Even 20 years ago, I recognized the importance of reminding the next generation about the insidious way hatreds and bigotries can be manipulated like something out of 1930s Germany.” I could not agree more with Crow about the references prominent in the story. However, I think that these themes, particularly Dillamond’s absence following the incident, would have been much more impactful without the filler dialogue surrounding it. The search for Dillamond could have been an impactful reflection of the discrimination that so often follows diversity, but instead our focus was turned almost completely to the complicated romance between Elphaba and Fiyero.

This is not a critique of “Wicked” alone, but of countless other cinematic tellings that attempt to explore contemporary political and cultural divides. The mixing and mingling of contrasting points of view can be effective. In fact, it is essential for an informed society not to build an intolerance toward candor, CINEMATIC regardless of how diﬃcult it may be to untangle. CRITIQUE Entertainment is meant By Vivienne Shapiro to entertain, but also serves to educate on many topics, including morality and bigotry. And perhaps popular media can be used to convey themes that younger generations tend to shy away from.

the

Sopris Stars Youth Editor Lou Gall lou@soprissun.com Anna Sophia Brown anna@soprissun.com Arthur Cherith arthur@soprissun.com Aurora Egan aurora@soprissun.com Kate Ott katelynn@soprissun.com Giselle “Gigi” Rascon giselle@soprissun.com

‘Stranger Things’

Take the show that has recently taken the world by storm, “Stranger Things.” This action-packed thriller flew out of left field and executed this purpose almost perfectly. While New York Times critic James Poniewozik stated that “it never met a subplot it could do without,” I believe these subplots are what make the show so appealing to younger audiences, each demonstrating the chaos and complexity of being a teenager. The child characters are pulled between saving the world and playing Dungeons & Dragons in Mike’s basement, juggling monsters, parents and curfews. All the while, the show carries symbolisms of politics and, more specifically, clandestine government control. Though the series takes place in the ‘80s, certain themes reflect our times. The characters are surrounded by people covering up truths: from their parents to the demogorgon to the government. The characters struggle to differentiate reality from fraud, which I can’t help but compare to modern misinformation and disinformation concerns or far-fetched conspiracy theories circulating the internet. In the show, the “upside down” is concealed by the government, reflecting transparency and accountability concerns. The subplots in “Stranger Things” may be construed as a buffer to overshadow these themes, but, to this critic, mirror the daily lives we each carry out amid our real world’s own omnipresent chaos.

Vivienne Shapiro vivienne@soprissun.com Youth Journalism Director James Steindler james@soprissun.com Youth Journalism Instructor Skyler Stark-Ragsdale Graphic Designer Terri Ritchie 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. The Sopris Stars is made possible thanks to The Sopris Sun. Support The Sopris Stars Youth News Bureau by making a donation at www.soprissun.com/donate

Have something to shout about? Email

letters to the editor for publication in The Sopris Stars to youthnews@soprissun.com

Fashion Alert

Dissecting the ‘performative male’ BY GISELLE RASCON Sopris Stars Fashion Columnist A wolf in a sheep’s skin, except it’s not an actual wolf but a guy with a Lububu keychain dangling off the side of his tote bag or on the clasp of his car keys. He may appear gentle, emotionally grounded and overall curated, yet his outer-persona lacks what means the most: who he is beneath the surface. This is, more or less, the definition of a “performative male,” an archetype sweeping the internet through memes and social media posts. The performative male often borrows popular trends and symbols to construct their "character." Some particular give-aways are: incessant

ordering of matcha lattes (preferably iced and from a local cafe); wearing quarter-zipped pullovers (or really anything with a collar at this point); wielding a Penguin Classics book with elements of feminism (“The Bell Jar” by Sylvia Plath comes to mind — spoiler: He only made it to page 81); or pontificating Lana Del Ray poetry to further “understand” you. Women are drawn to connections that feel sincere. And who doesn't want someone who appears educated and neatly assembled? These traits can signal emotional maturity. But what if the socio-cultural markers that

define this persona are just a hook to undermine the female gaze? To gain further insight into this social stereotype highlighted on countless TikTok feeds, The Sopris Stars spoke with a few local high schoolers. One student described the trend as “cringy.” Another, Betsy Joya, added that it’s all a performance, from the artificial personality to the inevitable manipulative behavior. She said that performative tendencies end up causing trust issues. Another respondent,

“I THINK A GOOD AMOUNT OF GUYS ARE DEFINITELY PERFORMATIVE TO SOME LEVEL." - Kevin Castillo Kevin Castillo, said bluntly, “I think a good amount of guys are definitely performative to some level. And it's just so clear, and funny, to see how they immediately change the way they act when they're surrounded by other guys versus when there is a woman present.” Castillo said that propensities of the performative male can range from comical to repulsive, and that their pur-

pose is to impress, rather than truly get to know someone. It’s clear that these accounts raise a social issue of framing attraction and fellowship with a schematic script. It also furthers a concern of whether Gen Z is facing a crisis of autonomy by constructing archetypes through a prefaced facade. May these elements simply attract the male interest? It’s important to reiterate that this is but another social media trend (#performativemale), and probably should be taken with a grain of salt. Just because a young man likes some of the things associated with the stereotype doesn’t necessarily make them a performative male. So go ahead and love on your Lububus, drink iced matcha lattes, and just remember to always be yourself.

2 THE SOPRIS STARS | The Sopris Sun Youth Journalism Publication | December THE 25-January SOPRIS SUN 28, 2025 | Your weekly community connector | December 25-31, 2025 12

Topping out as a team

Making school a place where everyone belongs

PHOTOS & TEXT BY KATE OTT Sopris Stars Correspondent

AURORA EGAN Sopris Stars Correspondent

Halfway through its season, the Colorado Rocky Mountain School (CRMS) climbing team is building momentum. Numbering over 50 participants in 2025-2026, the team prioritizes not just individual improvement but also the formation of a community — one that happens to enjoy scaling walls together. Freshman Mia Rivers talked about her experience as a first-year climber, stating, “It's been great! The entire team just cheers me on. Whenever I'm up there all I hear is, ‘Mia, yes! Good job! Captain Ethan Flynn ascends a V10 rated bouldering Keep going!’” route on a 45-degree-angled wall. Captains, and seniors, Hazel Lazar and Ethan Flynn also shared some reflections with The Sopris Stars. Having grown up climbing with her father who has a background in mountain guiding, Lazar wasn't a stranger to the sport. At CRMS, the team aspect is what really strikes her. “I think the climb team culture is really special in the way that you get to meet people from all different grades and backgrounds that you wouldn't necessarily talk to otherwise,” she said. “As a freshman, it was terrifying talking to seniors, but asking them for help on a climb was like no big deal.” When asked about how climbing has impacted him outside of the gym, Flynn shared: “It's gotten me to really just take the opportunities that are given to me.” At CRMS, the climb team isn't just about getting the highest scores, but helping others.

EDITOR’S NOTE: Aurora Egan is a member of the GSHS Student Coalition

After resting their fingers over break, the Turtles will set out for a competition in Gunnison, Jan. 24-25. Regionals kick off in February, followed by Nationals in March. Junior Marcus Mortell problem solves a V4 rated climb at the CRMS gym.

“I THINK THE CLIMB TEAM CULTURE IS REALLY SPECIAL IN THE WAY THAT YOU GET TO MEET PEOPLE FROM ALL DIFFERENT GRADES AND BACKGROUNDS THAT YOU WOULDN'T NECESSARILY TALK TO OTHERWISE." - Captain Hazel Lazar

CRMS Climbing Program Manager Tracy Wilson (left) and Captain Hazel Lazar discuss plans for a team obstacle course.

Students can feel less and less belonging at school. At Glenwood Springs High School (GSHS), Dean of Culture Garret Peters and senior Star Hernandez gathered together to start Student Coalition, a club focused on raising student voices and improving the social and academic environment at school. Through this club, Peters hopes to see more fun emerge at the school. He commends GSHS in preparation for life after high school and academic rigor, but worries that many at the school don’t feel a connection. “I’d like to see a more inclusive school that feels welcoming,” Peters said, “where people really feel comfortable and want to spend their time.” Similar coalitions are present at other high schools in the Roaring Fork School District, including Roaring Fork and Basalt. The Student Coalition is a leadership club that strives to make GSHS a better place for all students. At GSHS, the coalition first began as a Student Advisory Board in 2024, with only invited students participating. During this period, the board discovered it was missing many other student voices. The voices that were present, Hernandez said, were students that were never late, did well academically and were very involved in school. Only giving these students a voice excluded those who might have struggled academically or who didn’t feel a sense of connection to the school, according to Hernandez. This year, Student Coalition is a larger club, and any student interested is welcome to join. Students are able to come together and discuss problems they observe throughout the school and collaborate on solutions to fix these problems. Hernandez had always enjoyed school, but had friends around her who struggled to find where they fit in and may have even developed an animosity towards school for that reason. In starting Student Coalition, Hernandez hopes all students find where they belong and thrive at GSHS. Hernandez is optimistic that Student Coalition will improve attendance and encourage more involvement in clubs and activities among students. Although GSHS is a very diverse school, Hernandez said diversity isn’t typically seen in extracurriculars or advanced-placement classes. “We’re hoping to have more students, especially Hispanic students, join more clubs and extracurriculars,” Hernandez said. Both Hernandez and Peters hope that the Student Coalition will send the message to students that everyone belongs somewhere at GSHS. If you’re a GSHS student interested in joining the Student Coalition, the club meets during lunch every other ThursStudent Coalition members recently brainstormed day in room 3001. several ways to help the school enhance mental health support for teens. Photo by Aurora Egan

THE SOPRIS STARSTHE | The SOPRIS SoprisSUN Sun Youth | YourJournalism weekly community Publication connector | December | December 25-January 25-31, 28,2025 202513 3

Slang Crossword Editor's note: This crossword was developed at www.crosswordlabs.com How keen is your Gen-Z slang? Sopris Stars Editor Lou Gall put together this crossword puzzle for all ages to take a crack at! If you get all the answers, let The Sopris Stars know by emailing a picture of the completed crossword to youthnews@soprissun.com for a shoutout in next month’s paper.

ACROSS

2. Maximizing appearance 5. An atmosphere of coolness 6. Feeling unattractive 7. “The way that switch brr, I know he dyin’ _____________” 8. Something creepy 10. An older person 11. A romantic interest 12. Inflating one’s ego 15. A term of affection 16. An iconic individual

DOWN

1. ______________ tea 2. Hyper focused 3. Not a relationship but not not a relationship 4. Being intensely criticized 9. Charisma in a romantic situation 13. On the down low 14. Dubbed the greatest (past tense)

The Andy Zanca Youth Empowerment Program invited the The Sopris Stars team to KDNK Radio for a music and talk show on Dec. 17. Photo by Just Jim

SUPPORT THE SOPRIS STARS YOUTH NEWS BUREAU Ensure the journalism of tomorrow by supporting our youth program today.

The Sopris Sun’s youth journalism program is in its fifth year, but recently published the first Sopris Stars insert on Oct. 30, 2025, a monthly publication where all

youth-generated content will live. Our Sopris Stars interns learn from a plethora of talented professionals, from top-notch journalists to cartoonists and photographers. Interns practice handson journalism, from requesting an interview to finalizing an article, with

guidance from regular instructors. The intent of The Sopris Stars insert is to provide young people with a reliable and accountable source of news meant for both their eyes and the wider community. High school students interested in participating, can visit www.soprissun.com/future

4 THE SOPRIS STARS | The Sopris Sun Youth Journalism Publication | December THE 25-January SOPRIS SUN 28, 2025 | Your weekly community connector | December 25-31, 2025 14

NEW YEAR RITUAL Aspen Shakti welcomes the new year with elixirs, yoga, meditation and more from 2 to 5pm. Register at www.aspenshakti.com

benefitting High Rockies Harm Reduction at The Black Nugget from 8:30pm to midnight.

FRIDAY, JANUARY 2

ECSTATIC DANCE Celebrate the first full moon of the new year with an ecstatic dance at the Old Thompson Barn in River Valley Ranch from 5 to 7pm.

FIRST FRIDAY Stop by Chacos Park in Carbondale to roast a hot dog and marshmallow from 5 to 8pm. Aspen Stargazing will have telescopes set up for sky viewing, too. MISTER WHATEVER The Wheeler Opera House presents John Mulaney performing comedy tonight and tomorrow at 7:30pm. Tickets at www.aspenshowtix.com

SATURDAY, JANUARY 3

ARTFUL STORY HOUR The Powers Art Center presents a creative story hour on the first Saturday of each month from 11am to noon. No sign-ups required! NEW YEAR SALON Enjoy intimate dance, storytelling, musical performances and more from a variety of artists at The Launchpad at 6:30pm. Tickets at alyaasnewyearsalon.eventbrite.com THE OTHER BROTHERS TACAW presents The Other Brothers, an Allman Brothers Band tribute with an all-star cast, at 8pm. Tickets at www.tacaw.org LUKE THE KNIFE McMission Presents brings you Luke The Knife (aka Luke Miller of Lotus) with local legend Heady Hooligan performing a disco-themed party

SUNDAY, JANUARY 4

RANDOM CONVERSATIONS The Carbondale Library hosts an opportunity for strangers to converse with expert facilitation from 6 to 7:30pm.

MONDAY, JANUARY 5

WINTER READING CHALLENGE Garfield County Libraries invites adults to participate in a winter reading challenge beginning today. Stop by any library for a free mug and bingo card to track your reading through Feb. 28, with the chance for additional prizes. Details at www.gcpld.org/winter-reading ICE SKATING Celebrate National Skating Month with a special storytime at the Carbondale Library at 10:30am with Colorado Extreme, free and open to all.

TUESDAY, JANUARY 6

STORY CIRCLE VOICES hosts the first of a monthly Story Circles series at the Basalt Library facilitated by Mitzi Rapkin from 5 to 7pm. Participants are invited (but not required) to share a personal story. RSVP at www.basaltlibrary.org/events

Independence Run & Hike store owner Brion After introduces the eventual winner of the Jingle Bell Run 5K ugly sweater contest, Mariana Rodriguez, during the annual holiday event outside the store on Sunday, Dec. 21. Also pictured is runner-up Calvin Kuhn. Photo by John Stroud

ON THE RISE The Snowmass Collective introduces a new weekly Monday open mic series for musicians, poets, comics — “anyone itching for a mic and a moment” — from 6:30 to 8pm.

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 7

VIDEO TRIVIA The Crystal Theatre Alliance invites you to gather a team of four and prove your knowledge of movies, television and more. Doors open at 6:30 and the competition begins at 7pm.

PILATES Alexandra Jerkunica leads a free, fourweek pilates mat series for adults at the Carbondale Library from 5:45 to 6:45pm on Wednesdays in January. Register at www.gcpld.org

BUSINESS BITES The Colorado River Valley Chamber of Commerce invites members to network at Rib City in Rifle from noon to 1:30pm.

Find more events at www.SoprisSun.com

ARCTIC CRISIS: BEYOND THE ICE

TAKE THE TERMINAL DESIGN SURVEY! ¡PARTICIPA EN LA ENCUESTA DEL DISEÑO DE TERMINAL! The Aspen/Pitkin County Airport is getting a new terminal. This is a key moment for community guidance and your feedback on the final conceptual options will help shape the future of the airport. SCAN HERE TO SEE DETAILED DESIGN GRAPHICS, AND GIVE US YOUR INPUT BY TAKING THE SURVEY.

El Aeropuerto de Aspen/Condado de Pitkin está por tener una nueva terminal. Este es un momento clave para la orientación de la comunidad y tus comentarios sobre las opciones conceptuales finales ayudarán a darle forma al futuro del aeropuerto. ESCANEA AQUÍ PARA VER GRÁFICOS DE DISEÑO DETALLADOS Y DANOS TU OPINIÓN RESPONDIENDO LA ENCUESTA.

FREE: Thursday, 1/15, 6-8pm

CROSS-COUNTRY SKI LESSONS

AT SPRING GULCH Fridays/Saturdays starting 1/3

Community Education Classes

PEACEMAKING IN COMMUNITY MEDIATION TRAINING FREE Join Wendy Huber for this 40-hr certificate course for conflict management used by courts, schools and communities. Offered with support from The Center for Civics. Mon, 5:30-8:30pm, 1/26-5/4 INTRO TO TAI CHI Mon, 10:30-11:30am, 1/12-3/30 PILATES WITH PURPOSE Mon/Wed, 12-1pm, 1/12-3/4

AIKIDO Tue/Thur, 6-7:30pm, 1/13-3/5 EXPLORING LOSS, GRIEF, AND RECOVERY Thurs, 6-8pm, 1/22-2/26

DRAWING FOR KIDS AGE 10-17 Wed, 3-4:30pm, 1/14-2/4

690 Colorado Ave, Carbondale

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THE SOPRIS SUN | Your weekly community connector | December 25-31, 2025 11

My little holiday miracle ALISON OSIUS Sopris Sun Contributor

Get a rental car, don’t get a rental car, yes, get one. Who will be in which car, who is picking up whom from trains or the nursing home, who can go to the store again? We were traveling to a relative’s house for Thanksgiving, in two cars packed with boxes and food, a wheelchair, two ramps and a walker. My husband and I and one son live in Carbondale, and our other son, who lives in South Lake Tahoe, California, and his partner were kind enough to invite us all for Thanksgiving in their house, finally through phase one of a major fixup. “Go ahead,” I told Mike and Ted. “Have fun.” My mother, age 95, had asked me to come back to Maryland for Thanksgiving, and that’s what I was doing. My father’s side of the family had a revered custom of holiday get-togethers, and many present-day Thanksgivings have continued at my family’s home in Annapolis and that of my father’s cousin Dick, in D.C. Though neither my father nor Dick are here any longer, their widows have carried the tradition on. On Thanksgiving, my nephew Sam and I fetched the wheelchair and ramps for my sister (his mother) Lucy, who had a severe stroke, from the garage. We lifted the wheelchair into the trunk of my mother’s car and stowed the two folding aluminum ramps, which probably weigh a total of 60 pounds, in the way back of my rental car, and then I stood stymied until I could figure out the power hatchback closure.

Sam and my mother left, with a load of food contributions, to pick up Lucy at a nursing home; my sister Meg and I packed up more food, plus bowls and spoons and cheese boards, and started the hour’s drive. At my first-cousin-once-removed (by marriage) Kate’s house, several of us together got Lucy in her chair up two sets of steps, and all enjoyed a small, for us, but mighty Thanksgiving of 11 people, with a wheelchair at one end of the table and two high chairs at the other. My little second cousins (once removed), ages 2 and 5, sat side by side with plastic ware and earnest expressions. Four days later, I packed out for a 4pm flight from Baltimore-Washington International (BWI). The airport is about 40 minutes away. I gassed up toward the end and was just approaching the rental-car complex when I sat straight up. Oh shit! The wheelchair ramps aren’t still in the car, are they? I pulled over and, cringing, opened the hatchback. There, of course, were the ramps, big and heavy and having cost hundreds of dollars. I ran back to the driver’s seat and called my mother’s house. The phone was off the hook. She was taking a nap. I called her cell phone, which was in her purse in another room, plus she’d taken out her hearing aids. I tried 13 times. I couldn’t imagine taking the ramps into the stadium-sized rental center, finding and trusting a lost and found, and leaving them for someone to pick up. It would even be hard to lug them, with my

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The author and Sam Osius fetched and set up a tree for the family house, and here her sister (his mother) Lucy Osius decorates it. Lucy and Sam, then a child, for a time lived in the Roaring Fork Valley, also Leadville and later Paonia. Photo by Alison Osius

rolling bag and computer backpack, into the complex. I would just have to miss my plane. So should I still return the car? Go to the airport, try to rebook? I’d need to come back tomorrow. Wait, did someone just pick up my mother’s cell phone? I yelled, as loudly as I could, “Mom!” at least six times. Nothing. I hung up. She called back. The smartwatch someone gave her, buzzing on her wrist beneath the pillow, had awakened her. “No, don’t miss your plane!” she said. “I’ll meet you.” While my mother, a nonagenarian, still lives in her own home, these days she tries not to drive, saving her errands for a twiceweekly visiting aide. But the roads were

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dry and she knew the way, a straight shot. “Okay,” I said. “Let’s go to the Earleigh Heights fire station.” I hastily backtracked 12 or so miles to the fire house, banged on a locked door, and explained the situation to the two inscrutable firefighters who appeared. Just as they nodded “yes” to my leaving the ramps, we heard honking from the highway, and into the lot swept a gray sedan, behind the wheel a triumphant, white-haired woman. I hefted one ramp into her car and turned to see a firefighter right behind me with the other. Bellowing thanks, I whipped back onto the highway… handed back the rental car, hurried through the garage and lobby… and darted into the shuttle.

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Living Stonehenge AMY HADDEN MARSH From the Salisbury Plain, Wiltshire, England

Looking out the bus window, I couldn’t see a thing. It was pitch black outside. No roads — except for the one upon which we were traveling and lit only by our headlights — no cars, no lights in the distance signaling habitation, just a curtain of black. At 5:30 in the morning on the first day of astronomical winter, it’s dark on the Salisbury Plain. Two hundred of my friends and I piled aboard a Salisbury Reds double-decker bus, which ran the shuttle service to and from the city of Salisbury and the mystery of Stonehenge. Stonehenge is older than time, as we know it, begun about 5,000 years ago. By comparison, the Salisbury Cathedral is new — completed in 1238. It houses the Magna Carta (yes, that Magna Carta), written in 1215. It’s difficult to wrap my mind around such antiquities, especially in the context of the 21st century when a social media post is considered old news within hours. The United States celebrates its 250th anniversary next year and it seems like a joke. There are yew trees in Somerset, UK that are centuries older than my country. Well done, us. Anyway, back on the bus, we are all headed for a winter solstice celebration at the ancient stones, one of four days of the year that humans are allowed inside the circle. Rebecca from London and Sarah, who lives in London but is from upstate New York, told me it was the main reason they were on the bus. “It’s

Photo by Amy Hadden Marsh

a once-in-a-lifetime experience,” they agreed. “We had to come.” After about 45 minutes in the rolling darkness, the windows on the bus’ upper deck were fogged; a few passengers drew runes and oblique messages in the condensation. We alighted (a British term much more genteel than “debarked”) from the bus to a relatively hearty welcome from volunteers who had been up since 2am. The conservation nonprofit English Heritage runs the site, which has a bustling

visitor center about a mile and a half away from the actual henge. On solstice morning, I took one look at the queue in front of the cafe and headed for the stones. With my trusty walking stick, which I found in the woods of Avalon on Hallowe’en, I set off on a paved single lane through fields and woods intermittently lit by those giant spotlights that road crews use during night work. The shards of bright light through the mist made us all look like wizards… except for the phones.

Phones have become ubiquitous among the sarsens and bluestones at solstice. Even the banner on the English Heritage winter solstice webpage shows a pile of people inside the stones, trying to get a phone photo of the sunrise. When I saw that, I thought, “Oh that’s not me. I’m just going to experience the stones.” Well, yeah, but after an hour or so, I couldn’t resist. One gets caught up in the raucous, laughing, singing, drumming crowd, screens and all. This year, we were 8,500 strong — elders, parents, toddlers, teens, 20-somethings, soccer moms, druids, a choir, Rastafari, witches, wizards, a Scot with his bagpipes and that guy nipping Jack Daniels from a flask. No rain but cloudy so no sunrise beam pierced the stones, which did not, however, put any kind of a damper on the excitement of the prospect of lengthening days. Elders dressed in white cast a circle for a pagan ceremony that I couldn’t really hear. Snatches of song and scent drifted through the crowd. “Who’s burning weed?” said a woman behind me. Three of us turned around at once: “That’s not weed; it’s sage.” “How can you tell the difference?” she asked as she inched her way further into the pulsating crowd. The towering stones are magnificent, bleached and worn by thousands of years of wind, sun and rain, and covered with a rare lichen, whose origin is unknown. Humans are told not to touch the stones continued on page 18

THE SOPRIS SUN | Your weekly community connector | December 25-31, 2025 13

OBITUARY

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The Roaring Fork Valley is an outdoor wonderland where adventure is a way of life. My husband and I each moved here for that connection to nature and knew it’s where we’d raise our family. When our daughter Juliet was born, we realized those everyday adventures—skiing, hiking, biking—were no longer easily accessible. Then we found Ascendigo. Through their caring staff and inclusive programs, Juliet experiences the same outdoor activities as her peers and builds independence through big adventures. Ascendigo has opened the door to the life we dreamed of for her and made our community more inclusive along the way. We’re deeply grateful for Ascendigo’s vision, heart, and unwavering belief in every individual’s potential.

”

— Anjuli DiMaria

J. Robert “Bob” Young July 11, 1938 December 11, 2025

The Young family is saddened to announce the passing of their beloved father, life partner, grandfather and friend. Bob died peacefully on Dec. 11, 2025, in Florida, surrounded by loved ones. J. Robert “Bob” Young, founder and chairman of Alpine Bank and its holding company, Alpine Banks of Colorado, leaves behind a remarkable legacy of leadership, generosity and dedication to the people of Colorado. For more than 50 years, Young built Alpine Bank into one of Colorado’s most respected financial institutions, always guided by his belief in the power of caring for others. “Bob believed in people. He believed in doing what’s right, even when it wasn’t easy,” said Alpine Bank President Glen Jammaron. “He had a rare ability to see the best in others and to draw it out with kindness. I, like so many others, am a better person because of Bob Young.” “The passing of my father marks not just a personal loss, but a passing of the torch at Alpine Bank,” said MargoYoung Gardey, a member of the Alpine Bank Board of Directors. “His generosity, philanthropy and vision have shaped our communities, and that legacy will continue to strengthen Colorado for years to come. His fierce independence, so evident throughout his life, will remain a guiding light for all of us as we move forward.” Young’s banking journey began shortly after earning a business administration degree from Wichita State University in 1961. After serving with the FDIC and gaining commercial banking experience, he followed his vision to create a community-focused bank. In 1973, he opened the first Alpine Bank, originally named Roaring Fork Bank, in Carbondale. Alpine Bank grew under Young’s leadership into a statewide institution with 39 locations and $6.8 billion in assets. Throughout its growth, Young remained committed to keeping the bank locally owned and employee driven. In 1983,

he introduced an employee stock ownership plan, making employees meaningful stakeholders in the bank’s future and creating the conditions for independence well beyond his lifetime. Young’s impact extended well beyond the borders of Alpine Bank. He served as president of the Colorado Bankers Association, spent more than 20 years on the Colorado state banking board, and was inducted into the Colorado Business Hall of Fame in 2011. He was equally passionate about community service, championing numerous philanthropic efforts across the Western Slope and beyond. Among his proudest achievements was the creation of the Alpine Bank First-Generation Scholarship, which has supported more than 300 college students from Colorado. Through his vision and values, Young created more than just a bank. He built a culture of service and integrity that continues to guide Alpine Bank’s mission today. His legacy lives on in the lives he touched, the communities he strengthened, and the bank he founded with care and purpose. “From day one, Bob knew that connection builds community,” remarked Jammaron. “And our commitment to community will never change because we are a bank that cares.” In the words of Young himself, “the most valuable thing one person can give to another is caring. When you care, everything else just follows.” We ask that you please respect the family’s privacy at this time, and we look forward to a life celebration in the future.

HOLIDAY MIRACLE from page 12

BIG

Let’s GO Make a BIG Difference Together at ascendigo.org/GO-BIG 14 THE SOPRIS SUN | soprissun.com | December 25-31, 2025

Others boarded. Go, go, go. The driver shut the door and the bus lurched forward. I stared at my phone. My flight was boarding. I was never, ever going to make it. The bus stopped three times at the doors for other airlines. At mine, I bolted and ran to security, practically elbowed through, then ran all the way to my gate — people scattering, some laughing. Still 20 gates away, I heard, “Last call for Denver!” Now limping, I peered ahead. The gate! The door to the passageway was closed. But there was someone at the desk. Huffing, sweating, my nose running, I waved my free arm wildly. The woman picked up the phone, and said into it, “One more!” That was my holiday miracle. I’d been stuck overnight in Denver on the way East,

missing my connection due to a delayed originating flight, but that night I got home to Carbondale, where snow had fallen while I was gone. I always tell people never to put anything — travel mug, sunglasses, gloves — on a car roof. It’s one of my rules. As is: Never leave any place, like a restaurant table, without turning around for a last look. That one will also save you sunglasses, jackets too. And try to appreciate luck when you have it, and being here. My mother says never to wish time away. She doesn’t even like to hear someone say, “I can’t wait for the weekend.” I also always say I learn something new every day. To the tally I will add, as we move into a new year: Always check the hatchback.

Summer Christmases of years past Trail and Timberline (Denver), Jan. 1, 1927: Due to an inconsiderate spirit as far as Father Winter has been concerned, we are all lamenting a lack of snow up to the present time. In the late 1800s, Norwegian immigrants introduced America to snowshoeing, or skiing as we call it today. Ever since, annual snowfall has been a topic of discussion for winter sports enthusiasts living in the Rocky Mountains. Now, 2025 is one of those years when everyone is remarking on the unusually dry weather. How unusual is it? In the first 25 years of this century, we’ve already experienced several lean winters, notably 2007 and 2015. Newspaper archives reveal drought years occurred several times in the first part of the 20th century as well. Seemingly, every time a winter starts off dry, stories appear comparing previous dry years. The infamous winter drought of 1976/77 was no exception. The Roaring Fork Valley Journal, Dec. 16, 1976: The dry weather is putting an emotional damper on the hopes of many a nostalgia buff who is looking for a white Christmas.

Old timers, however, are more likely to reflect on what some of them call “the summer Christmases” of years past. The late snow, according to the veteran valley farmers, seems to be a cyclic event that is neither new nor unique to the area. In particular, the winters of 1927, 1931 and 1945 are frequently mentioned for their dryness. Several older residents were certain that the snows of the earlier days in the mountains hereabouts started sooner, lasted longer, and were ever so much deeper than what we’ve been getting the past 10 years. Below that article is an ad for Buffalo Valley restaurant on Highway 82 between Carbondale and Glenwood Springs. The ad beckons: Snow Dance, Come see ULLR the Norse Ski God, who will give Sunlight his Blessing for Snow. Aspen residents also performed a snow dance in December 1976. However, the dancing did not induce Ullr’s benevolence, and the snow didn’t fall until March of 1977. Recreational skiing came to the Roaring Fork Valley in 1947, and by the 1970s, as coal mining and ranching were waning, the

OPINION

HISTORIOGRAPHY By Sue Gray area had become dependent on winter tourist revenue. Lack of snowfall had a devastating impact on the local economy. The Aspen Times, Dec. 16, 1976: The 1976 year of no snow has already caused about a $1 million loss of revenue to the Aspen Skiing Corp. The loss was estimated from lift-ticket sales and ski-school revenues the previous season over the same period. The drought also caused record unemployment in modern Aspen. Ski Corp. officials said they would normally have 900 workers on payroll by mid-December. There were only 100 in 1976. In a column published in The Aspen Times in January

2012, Paul Andersen cited the following journal entry by former Snowmass Ski Area manager Jim Snobble: Thursday, Dec. 30, 1976: 2nd opening day – still partial and limited – only #2 lift for free skiing – had about 950 skiers & conditions still terrible – now have orders from board to stay open no matter how bad conditions get, as long as anyone shows up to ski – most unbelievable winter ever – no winter, in fact. The Summit Daily (Vail) published on Jan. 29, 2007, also recalled the 1976 winter: There was no snow, there was no economy, there were no paychecks. Among ski areas in the West, Winter Park had been one of the few investors in snowmaking equipment. It survived the winter almost nicely. But few ski areas had snowmaking. After that drought winter, many ski areas invested in snowmaking. Skiing was becoming too big of a business to abide the infidelities of weather. Snowmaking equipment first appeared in Connecticut in 1950, and quickly spread to other eastern U.S. resorts, where snowfall was sporadic and unreliable. But the Rocky Mountains were assumed to be

immune to lack of snow, until that winter of 76/77. Keystone, which opened in 1970, had already invested in snowmaking by 1972, and the ability of Winter Park and Keystone to weather the drought of 76/77 encouraged other Rocky Mountain resorts to follow suit. Buttermilk installed snowmaking equipment in the summer of 1977, followed shortly by Aspen Mountain and Snowmass. But snowmaking couldn’t solve all of our problems. The Valley Journal, Feb. 1, 1990: For the first time in its seven-year history, the Redstone sled dog races have been cancelled due to lack of snow. “We need about 12 inches of snow but only got 5 or 6,” said race organizer Bob Morrison. “Twice [before] we’ve hauled in snow, but this year there isn’t any to haul.” And of course, winter snow provides water in the rivers and streams for summer irrigation and year-round municipal use. Therefore, “Summer Christmases” have an impact far beyond disappointed skiers and economic shortfall. So let’s all do our best snow dance and hope that Ullr blesses us with a white Christmas.

insider tips for outdoor adventures TheyDidWhat.org is a no-nonsense travel guide that advocates for sustainable adventuring in Eagle County. Get the most out of every moment in the wild by making good choices and showing up prepared.

GET THE TIPS You know that friend who tells you when there’s spinach in your teeth or a wad of TP on your shoe? We’re that friend, helping you slide into your visit like a seasoned local. WHAT TO BRING Pack like a pro and spend your time chasing adventures. WHEN IN NATURE Minimize your impact. Maximize your enjoyment.

GETTING AROUND Think outside the car: like buses, bikes, or Birkenstocks. ABOUT TRAILS Trail etiquette is a thing, so read up. ABOUT WILDLIFE This is their world, we’re just living in it. Respect and protect wildlife. ABOUT FIRE DANGER Understand local fire restrictions and use sparks safely when allowed.

Take the pledge Do you swear to respect the environment, the whole gamut of wildlife and wildflowers and everything in between, so help you, Mother Nature? Make a promise to understand the lay of the land before running wild so you don’t end up between a rock and a hard place. Take the pledge at TheyDidWhat.org — it’s free and easy, plus you’ll receive a cool image pack in return!

KEEP NATURE NATURAL We’re here to protect the wild from ourselves so everyone enjoys their adventure and the outdoors remain beautiful. Can you follow the rules and get caught doing the right thing? Learn more and get involved at TheyDidWhat.org. T HEY D IDW HAT.ORG IS MADE POSSIBLE BY EAGLE COUNTY LODGING TAX FUNDS

SCAN THE CODE. GET THE TIPS. TAKE THE PLEDGE.

MAKE GOOD CHOICES Theydidwhat.org

THE SOPRIS SUN | Your weekly community connector | December 25-31, 2025 15

ASPEN & SNOWMASS Pitkin county Library Hyman Avenue Box Wheeler Opera House Box Snowmass Town Park Station Aspen Valley Hospital Mi Chola Snowmass Clarks Market Snowmass Mall Alpine Bank in Snowmass Alpine Bank in AABC BASALT & EL JEBEL Willits General Store Alpine Bank ANB Bank Basalt Quick Lube Basalt Regional Library Big O Tires El San Miguel Box Casa Tequila CC’s Cafe Whole Foods Eagle County Courts Crown Mountain Express Lube El Jebel Mobile Offices El Korita Hightone Autobody El Jebel Laundromat Mountain Family Health Cazadores Skotties The Basalt Store Timbo’s Hightone Automotive and Tires CARBONDALE 3rd St. Center Alpine Bank Carbondale Library Main St. Box Catherine’s Store Food Truck Carbondale Recreation Center City Market Carbonaldale CMC Edna’s Hair Salon Gloria’s Boutique Garcia’s Jalisco Grill La Fogata La Perla La Placita La Roca Lift-up Sunburst Valley Meats First Bank GLENWOOD SPRINGS Glenwood Springs Library Centennial Park Box Comfort Dental Coin Laundromat Glenwood Recreation Center Glenwood CMC El Yaqui First Bank Frida’s Glenwood Hot Springs Yampa Hotsprings Valley View Hospital Impuestos Seguros La Michoacana Mountain Family Health Post Office Gafield County Human Resources Sal Mex Tequila’s Tony’s Bakery Super Taco Alpine Bank on Grand Ave New Castle New Castle Library City Market Carniceria Elias Hacienda San Miguel Post Office Tapatios Alpine Bank SILT Silt Library La Placita 2 La Placita Market LeMora Pizza Silt Roundabout RIFLE Cafe y Pasteleria Galea East Ave & 3rd St. Box City Hall Box E 12th St. Box El Patron El Rincon Jalisco Grill Mercado San Jose Momma’s Nachos Mexican Dining Paleteria La Korita Promex Bakery Remignton Square Spyderwash Tapatios La Baja Espresso Rifle Library Imperio Variedades Dinora Diversity Salon Alpine Bank on 4th St Alpine Bank on Airport Rd PARACHUTE Nalini’s Taqueria Jalisco El Tapatio City Hall Box Parachute Library Running Burrito Lift-up Fifty Shadz Salon Sinclair Vero’s Mexican Bakery

Look for stories like this in this week’s Sol del Valle!

Full edition is available every Friday afternoon on newstands and at businesses from Rifle to Aspen

‘A Ray of Light at Christmas’

BIANCA GODINA Sol del Valle

EDITOR’S NOTE: The author is a relative of Rayito de Luz’s founder. The event “A Ray of Light at Christmas” took place on Sunday, Dec. 21, as a year-end celebration honoring the Valley’s seniors. The responsible organization, Rayito de Luz, has six years of experience hosting events, each with a mission of bringing joy and strengthening mental health through music, games, companionship, good food and community connection. In addition to these special events, Rayito de Luz gathers Spanish-speaking grandparents every Tuesday, a group known as Club de Abuelitos (Grandparents Club), to enjoy singing, Loteria, good conversation and various recreational activities. Rayito de Luz and Club de Abuelitos gatherings manifest enduring friendships. The recent event was made possible thanks to the support of several sponsors, including: Alpine Bank, the Glenwood Springs Library, Sierra Servicios Latinos and Tortillería Remeke. Attendees also enjoyed delicious flavors from Sandy’s Rentals and Taquería El Yaqui. The celebration was filled with music, featuring DJ Luisito Peláez, and lots of joy, of course. Rayito de Luz founder Graciela Durán shared that she was “feeling the warmth and blessings that every senior and every person who attends our events and gatherings brings.” She added, “Abuelitos [grandparents] is a special word, because it carries so much wisdom and affection”. Rosalva Lara, a member of Club de Abuelitos since 2023, shared a few words at the microphone and thanked participants who attended at least one meeting during the year. She recalled that, initially, she DJ Luisito Peláez set the tone at this year’s Un Rayito de Luz en Navidad (A Ray of Light wondered why she should attend when she consid- at Christmas) event hosted by Rayito de Luz at the Glenwood Springs Library on Dec. 21. ered herself young, but joyfully shared that at 64 years old she found peace, tranquility and harmony within the group. Rayito de Luz will continue its “When I came here, I was met with peace, tranquility, harmony mission in 2026 through Club and play. We are all children here. We sing, dance, play Loteria and de Abuelitos, which meets every even argue sometimes, but we live in peace, together,” she said. Tuesday from 4 to 7 pm at the Rosalva invited people with a “young heart” to join Club de Abuelitos. Glenwood Springs Community The event concluded with the group’s anthem, “La Montaña” by Center. For more information Roberto Carlos, shared as a special message from Durán’s father, who about the group, interested indipassed away at the age of 42, leaving her with a life mission to bring viduals may send a message to joy to abuelitos, as he was unable to enjoy that stage of life himself. or call 970-274-0002.

Young and old community members took part in shared activities. Photos by Margarita Alvarez Follow Leonardo Occhipinti’s “Nuevo Mundo” in Sol del Valle every week in Spanish.

Bianca Godina — Editor • bianca@soldelvalle.org | Margarita Alvarez — Advertising • margarita@soldelvalle.org www.soldelvalle.org • info@soldelvalle.org • 970-510-0234

16 THE SOPRIS SUN | soprissun.com | December 25-31, 2025

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

Christmas Magic William L. Flood, MD Four Mile

Have you ever seen a reindeer fly? I haven’t, but that won’t stop kids from looking. I recently read a fun article in one of my pediatric journals. I enjoyed it from several angles. First, I am a parent, and Christmas has always been a magic time for my kids. Second, I used to be an engineer, so numbers fascinate me. This article was full of them. And last, when we were living on the island of Saipan, I got to play Santa Claus in an otherwise forgettable play, “Here’s Love.” (It was sure more fun than Scrooge, who I played in a previous play.) The article analyzed the “facts” of Santa and his flying reindeer. It acknowledges that no one has yet seen a flying reindeer. On the other hand, there are several hundred thousand flying “things” out there yet to be classified, so who knows? Then the article does some math. Out of the two-billion children on Earth, there may be about 400 million who believe in Santa Claus. With three-and-one-half children per home, and assuming at least one good child, that’s still over 100 million homes to visit! Considering time zones and the Earth’s rotation, Santa has about 31 hours to work with. This gives him 1/1000 of a second per home to park, get down the chimney, fill the stockings, eat the snacks (especially chocolate), lay his finger beside his nose and get back to the sleigh for the next stop. That’s fast! The article gets a bit cynical at this point. The author points out that with two pounds of presents per child (one medium Lego set), the sleigh will still weigh more than a fleet of ocean liners and need over 200,000 reindeer for power. This “fleet” will need to travel at over 650 miles-per-second to make the trip in time. Air resistance and friction would vaporize the whole shebang in a twinkling. Funny, after reading all these facts, I still believe in Christmas. In the musical play, “Here’s Love,” Kris Kringle says: “That’s just it. Faith is believing in something when your common sense tells you not to.” I remember watching my young son standing at the fence in a zoo. He was watching a herd of reindeer from Finland. He hoped if he waited, really quietly, the reindeer would fly, “just a little.” He still believed. At intermission in “Here’s Love,” I took off my beard to cool off in the backstage bathroom. A young member of the audience saw me. “Dad!” he exclaimed. “I just saw Santa. And he can take off his hair!” Magic. And I remember a long time ago, when my children were little and engaged in one of those “My daddy is better than your daddy” contests with a neighbor. One of mine delivered her best shot, “Well, my grandmother can take out her teeth!” Kids. We adults can learn a lot from our children. About faith. About magic. About love. Merry Christmas!

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Remembering a Refugee Family 2025 Years Ago

Illene Pevec Carbondale

“If it happened here as it happened there... If it happened now as it happened then... Who would have seen the miracle? Who would have brought gifts? Who would have taken them in?” William Kurelek, a Ukrainian immigrant to Canada, wrote those words when he was 12 in the 1930’s Depression. That Christmas season he had twelve dreams where he saw the Holy Family, Mary, Joseph and baby Jesus, in different places around Canada, from the Arctic to the BC fisherman’s hut to the natives of Manitoba to the Mennonites in Ontario. In each place the family sought shelter and found it, found warmth and kindness. His book, with paintings of his dreams and their stories, is “A Northern Nativity”.

My son’s second-grade teacher in Canada introduced her class and me to this beautiful book of a child’s spiritual awakening to the meaning of Christmas and the love that is the basis of the Christian faith, a love that comes from an awareness of the divine spark in each person, the love that unites humanity. Let us remember that a Jewish family, Mary, Joseph and Jesus, fled persecution by King Herod, went into Egypt on a donkey and found refuge there as immigrants. We are in the days of Hanukkah, when Jewish people light candles to commemorate a miracle of oil lasting for eight nights in their temple, and Christians are celebrating the birth of a baby born in a stable who brought love as a gift to all human families. Let us not be the persecutors but the people who welcome those who need shelter. I am grateful to the churches who are taking a stand, protecting the Holy Family in the sanctuary of their churches, and telling the ICE hooded men that this is a time and place of LOVE, not hate.

Amaryllis Linda Helmich January 12, 2024

Sometimes in life, though we have had a season of flourishing, we find ourselves in a dark place, all alone. We feel like a chopped off, rather fat, ugly bulb with hardly even a sign of life. “What’s the use?” we ask. Still, maybe it won’t always be this way. Better hang on and see. We feel, and may look, quite unlovable, like an amaryllis bulb. Still, circumstances and people do change from time to time. After this season of darkness, something good may happen. Someone may reach out to us in love and bring us into the world of light. Their care for us, even if it is just to water our sorry self, brings us back to life. We begin to grow, like the amaryllis, slow at first, An amaryllis in bloom. Art by Linda Helmich but then at an astonishing rate. We regain our stature and bloom in beautiful ways, full of unexpected color and “I am the Light of the world,” He said, “and design, a delight for all to see. This is the hope the water of life.” The amaryllis demonstrates God’s love for the world, found in His son, of Christmas. Because Jesus came into this world, to live and die for us, His love brings the Jesus Christ. The amaryllis is a worthy Christmas tradition. transformation we desperately need. THE SOPRIS SUN | Your weekly community connector | December 25-31, 2025 17

Solstice thoughts on landscapes — environmental, psychological and political Walt Whitman said that “all truths with the human experience. Those depenwait in all things.” I am often intrigued dent on a more limited basis of meaning by patterns that reappear across a spec- will invariably be shaken harder when a trum of physical and metaphysical component is lost or questioned. A diverexperience. One Lakota proverb landed sity of friendships and viewpoints will fairly close to Whitman: “The spiritual create more stability in times of crisis. landscape is revealed in In this light, our the physical landscape.” present politics of intolIn my experience, the erance are disturbing. It resonance between the would not surprise many physical and the metathat, as an organization, physical is everywhere. the Crystal Valley EnviSome of my closest ronmental Protection friends are afflicted by Association (CVEPA) tilts a seasonal depression blue. And yet we decided around the holidays. at our annual meetIn the Western landing to give the podium scape, wildfires consume to Perry Will, a Repubwoody overgrowth, lican Garfield County returning nutrients to commissioner (with no CVEPA VIEWS soil and allowing growth relation to the author). of the understory. In a Some members of the By Dale Will very similar way, I have CVEPA board, citing seen cyclical depressive episodes serve various disagreements with Mr. Will’s posia purpose of eliminating redundant atti- tions on some social issues, were uneasy tudes and ideas, returning more basic about this choice. energy to a blank mental palate and allowAs our event unfolded, the warmth of ing the next step in a person’s life. our common interests was inspiring. Perry I myself have a depressive cycle that has been a staunch champion of public seems to come and go over greater periods lands, vocally resisting disposal proposof time. I no longer look at these episodes als from within his own party. By the end as unhealthy. For many it happens this of that evening, new bonds were formed time of year. It is a process of returning the across aisles. Though we may never agree decadent contents of the mind into the on all issues, the resilience of our defense of abyss of the soul to allow regrowth. Our our common interests, such as public land, Yuletide fires are a synthesis of the physi- is dramatically enhanced by a welcoming cal and spiritual, at once consuming the attitude toward a diversity of viewpoints old and lighting a path toward the new. across the spectrum. The key is to play the long game. The ripple It seems a fitting point for our approach between ecosystem dynamics and spiri- to this Solstice, Hanukkah, Christmas tual dynamics is palpable. and whatever other traditions you may One of my favorite insights from the observe. Diversity begets stability. Peace great ecologist Aldo Leopold is that the and good will toward all things. stability of ecosystems is proportionate to their diversity. Each of the species, CVEPA is dedicated to promoting careful even those in apparent competition with stewardship of the Crystal Watershed. To the other, enhances the resilience of the learn more, visit www.cvepa.org or find system. Here too there is great resonance us on Facebook.

OPINION

GLENWOOD REPORT from page 7 It was reported that one property on Sixth Street had 39 false alarms through the first 10 months of this year. Car dealerships are also a frequent culprit, according to staff reports. “As with most things, the first time people pay attention is when it comes with a dollar figure,” Hanlon said. Henceforth, per Council’s unanimous approval, the first two false alarms will come with warnings to fix the system. A third false alarm will result in a $500 fee, $1,000 for a fourth and $2,500 each for five or more. Under Council comments, Zalinski previewed a “State of Glenwood Springs” event coming up on Jan. 31, 2026. Stay tuned. Due to the New Year’s Day holiday on the first Thursday of January, the next Glenwood City Council meeting is set for Thursday, Jan. 15.

STONEHENGE from page 13 but that goes out the window during solstice gatherings. First of all, it’s unavoidable. Secondly, most people show up to touch the stones, believing energy can be passed between people and stones and vice versa. Others simply sit or stand on the altar stone to get a better view. I couldn’t help but wonder what the altar stone was used for all those eons ago. Stonehenge will never reveal its secrets but it will hold the exuberance of winter solstice revelers from around the world. “The henge is alive,” observed a woman, looking out over the crowd at sunrise. 18 THE SOPRIS SUN | soprissun.com | December 25-31, 2025

PARTING SHOTS

PUBLIC LANDS from page 6 months. The group will continue its work of regional information campaigns and filling in gaps from federal Forest Service layoffs and budget restrictions. On Jan. 7 and 8, public lands take center stage in the first of Wilderness Workshop and Aspen Center for Environmental Studies’ 2026 Naturalist Nights series. Former White River National Forest supervisor Scott Fitzwilliams and local journalist Elizabeth Stewart-Severy will discuss threats to public lands and public and local options for addressing these concerns. Fitzwilliams

retired earlier this year as part of the Trump administration’s Deferred Resignation Program after serving as the local supervisor for 15 years; this will be the first time he has publicly commented following his retirement. Stewart-Severy reports on local environmental issues through Aspen Journalism. The free presentations, titled “A Crisis of the Commons, Uncovering the Impacts of Federal Neglect of Public Lands,” will be held at the Third Street Center and Hallam Lake at 6pm on consecutive evenings.

SHELTER from page 8 shelter continuing on, he paused. “It’ll save your life,” he said.

Funding the future A dull hum emanated from a washer and dryer near the kitchen. As it was Thursday afternoon, Cohen just finished Bible study with a few clients and was waiting to start his daily session of Discovery Cafe services. Between shifts, he spoke about recent donations and volunteerism. One person dropped off 10 pounds of random items. Someone gave 11 bags of clothes. Another lady comes in on Mondays and Tuesdays to cook for folks. But when it comes to what he needs most, Cohen refers back to the droning cleaning machines, saying, “laundry soap and dishwasher soap.” In addition to items on Santa’s modest wishlist, there are also big-ticket requests. Cohen, who pays a hefty $2,000 in monthly rent for the space, applied for a $30,000

Garfield County Human Services grant and needs up to $50,000 to hire a full-time peer recovery coach. He also looks to potentially provide an overnight cold-weather shelter. Based on previous experience with Feed My Sheep, the current day shelter might receive 20 to 30 clients on a regular basis when the Norse god of snow casts a shadow and temperatures dip below freezing. A couple of weeks ago, Cohen looked out his window with a sullen sigh. It was snowing. “I have faith that God’s going to provide,” Cohen said. “So far, I’ve had a pretty good outpouring. I’ll speak at faith-based communities and try to gain donations … but I could use some help.” Interested in donating or volunteering for Jesus Saves Homeless Day Shelter? Visit jesussavesdayshelter.com or email Cohen at gabe@jesussavesdayshelter.com.

Roaring RoaringFork ForkWell WellVault Vault Project Project

Public PublicWorks WorksDepartment Department Town TownofofCarbondale Carbondale 511 511Colorado ColoradoAve Ave Carbondale, Carbondale,CO CO81623 81623

BIDS ADVERTISEMENT ADVERTISEMENTFOR FORBIDS

Roaring RoaringFork ForkWell WellVault VaultProject Project Issue IssueDate: Date:12/18/2025 12/18/2025 || Closing ClosingDate: Date:01/19/2026 01/19/2026 Non-Mandatory Non-MandatoryPre-Bid Pre-BidConference: Conference:01/08/2026 01/08/2026@@11 11AM AMatatWell WellHouse House Sealed Sealedbids bidsfor forthe theconstrucMon construcMonofofthe theRoaring RoaringFork ForkWell WellVault VaultProject Projectwill willbe bereceived receivedfrom frominvited invited Bidders Biddersbybythe theTown TownofofCarbondale Carbondale(“OWNER”) (“OWNER”)atatTown TownHall, Hall,511 511Colorado ColoradoAve, Ave,Carbondale, Carbondale,CO CO81623, 81623, unMl unMl11:00 11:00AM AMon onJanuary January19, 19,2026, 2026,atatwhich whichMme Mmethe theBids Bidsreceived receivedwill willbe bepublicly publiclyopened openedand andread. read. The TheRFWH RFWHWell WellIntake IntakeVault VaultProject Projectincludes includesthe theconstrucMon construcMonofofaanew newunderground undergroundconcrete concretevault vault including includingfive five(5) (5)piping pipingmaterials, materials,one one(1) (1)intake intakemanifold, manifold,one one(1) (1)connecMon connecMontotothe theexisMng exisMngwetwell, wetwell, and andone one(1) (1)connecMon connecMontotoan anexisMng exisMngwell. well.Work Workincludes includesallallassociated associatedsite, site,piping, piping,concrete, concrete,and and waterproofing waterproofingwork workrelated relatedtotothe theproject. project. Bids Bidswill willbe bereceived receivedfor fora asingle singleprime primeContract. Contract.Bidding BiddingDocuments Documentswill willbe beprovided providedtotoprospecMve prospecMve Bidders Biddersasaselectronic electronicPDF PDFfiles. files. The TheIssuing IssuingOffice Officefor forthe theBidding BiddingDocuments DocumentsisisRoaring RoaringFork ForkEngineering Engineering(RFE), (RFE),592 592Hwy Hwy133, 133, Carbondale, Carbondale,CO, CO,81623 81623(Contact: (Contact:Maggie MaggieMcHugh, McHugh,PEPE(614) (614)256-4714, 256-4714,MaggieM@rfeng.biz). MaggieM@rfeng.biz). ProspecMve ProspecMveBidders Biddersmay mayexamine examinethe theBidding BiddingDocuments Documentsatatthe theIssuing IssuingOffice Officeon onMondays Mondaysthrough through Fridays Fridaysbetween betweenthe thehours hoursofof88AM AMtoto55PM PMand andmay mayobtain obtaincopies copiesofofthe theBidding BiddingDocuments Documentsfrom fromthe the Issuing IssuingOffice Officeasasdescribed describedbelow. below.Bidding BiddingDocuments Documentsare areavailable availableasaselectronic electronicportable portabledocument document format format(PDF) (PDF)files. files.AlternaMvely, AlternaMvely,printed printedBidding BiddingDocuments Documentsmay maybe beobtained obtainedfrom fromthe theIssuing IssuingOffice Officevia via in-person in-personpick-up, pick-up,for fora anon-refundable non-refundablecharge chargeofof$75 $75per perset. set.Checks Checksfor forBidding BiddingDocuments Documentsshall shallbe be payable payabletotoRoaring RoaringFork ForkEngineering. Engineering.The Thedate datethat thatthe theBidding BiddingDocuments Documentsare aretransmiced transmicedbybythe theIssuing Issuing Office Officewill willbe beconsidered consideredthe thedate dateofofreceipt receiptofofthe theBidding BiddingDocuments. Documents.Neither NeitherOwner Ownernor norEngineer Engineerwill will be beresponsible responsiblefor forfull fullororparMal parMalsets setsofofBidding BiddingDocuments, Documents,including includingAddenda Addendaififany, any,obtained obtainedfrom from sources sourcesother otherthan thanthe theIssuing IssuingOffice. Office. AApre-bid pre-bidconference conferencewill willbe beheld heldatat1111AM AMon onJanuary January8th, 8th,2026. 2026.This Thisconference conferenceisisnon-mandatory non-mandatorybut but highly highlyencouraged. encouraged.InInaccordance accordancewith withthe theContract ContractDocuments Documents(C-200 (C-200SecMon SecMon5.03) 5.03)the theContractor Contractorisis required requiredtotoconduct conducta asite sitevisit visitprior priortotobid bidsubmission. submission.That Thatvisit visitcan caneither eitherbe beatatthe thepre-bid pre-bidmeeMng meeMngoror arranged arrangedfor foranother anotherday dayand andMme Mmewith withTown Townstaff staffpresent. present. Reach Reachout outtotoMaggie MaggieMcHugh McHughfor fora asite siteGPS GPS locaMon locaMonand anddirecMons. direcMons. AA5% 5%bid bidsecurity securityshall shallbe befurnished furnishedininaccordance accordancewith withthe theInstrucMons InstrucMonstotoBidders. Bidders.Bidders Biddersshall shallsubmit submit proof proofofofqualificaMons qualificaMonstotoperform performthe theWork Workasasdescribed describedininthe theInstrucMons InstrucMonstotoBidders. Bidders. Public PublicWorks WorksDepartment Department Town TownofofCarbondale Carbondale

EJCDC® EJCDC® C-111, C-111, Advertisement Advertisement forfor Bids Bids forfor Construction Construction Contracts. Contracts. Copyright ©© 2013 National Society of of Professional Engineers, American Council Copyright 2013 National Society Professional Engineers, American Council of of Engineering Companies, and American Society of of Civil Engineers. rights reserved. Engineering Companies, and American Society Civil Engineers.AllAll rights reserved.

Delighting in the dark At least 100 people sat together in the dark and silence for several long minutes on Dec. 20, accompanying Persephone’s underworld transformation. That may sound mundane — a room full of people doing ostensibly nothing. But it was, in fact, profound. Waves of discomfort rippled through the audience, now participants, in what felt for moments like a glitch in the matrix. “We’re still sitting here,” I remember thinking. “Nothing is happening. How cool.” Besides the occasional cough, no one dared break the sacred silence. After a while, I settled into delicious stillness, savoring the rarity of sharing something seemingly taboo with so many people. Comically (and in keeping with the ways of life), “Jingle Bells” could be heard blaring and muffled in the distance — a total contrast to what was happening inside the Community Hall at the Third Street Center. I suspect the source was the fire department’s Holly Jolly Truck-Mas Trip around town with Santa Claus. For their part, Two Rivers Unitarian Universalist, in partnership with The Center for Human Flourishing, honored the Winter Solstice with a theatrical ritual, blending myth, music and dance. Small symbolic acts took each individual into the collective wisdom of millennia of humans contending with the dark — like releasing a howl into the night, placing a piece of nature at the altar representing a loss and swallowing pomegranate seeds in empowered acceptance of life’s shadows. The volunteer-driven event concluded with a cider reception in the Third Street Center’s Calaway Room. Outside, a fire received all that’s ready to be released as well as hopes for the new year. The darkness is not to be feared, afterall. It is simply mystery remaking us, to emerge new, again and again, with every winter, every night, every death. Photos and text by Raleigh Burleigh THE SOPRIS SUN | Your weekly community connector | December 25-31, 2025 19

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