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Volume 15, Number 49 | January 11 - January 17, 2024

Former coal miners, from left to right: Robert Congdon, Smiley Wise, Gene Schilling and Mario Villalobos. These four described in detail the exciting and often scary work they participated in during the 1970s. Photo by Will Grandbois

Carbondale Historical Society mines for living history

By Raleigh Burleigh Sopris Sun Editor

A gentle snow fluttered silently outside KDNK’s classroom on Sunday, Jan. 7, as four former coal miners took about two dozen listeners deep into the harrowing history of Carbondale’s 1970s coal mining days. This panel was the first in a four-part series organized by the Carbondale Historical Society with a focus on capturing living history directly from longtime area residents.

Sunday's speakers, Robert Congdon, Smiley Wise, Gene Schilling and Mario Villalobos, described a not-so-distant Carbondale that newcomers may have a hard time imagining. Main Street was unpaved and the economy was almost wholly sustained by a gaseous — and thus very dangerous — coal mining operation run by Mid-Continent Coal and Coke Company near Redstone, as well as the Thompson Creek Mine, closer to Carbondale.

Back then, the cowboys would fight the hippies and the coal miners would fight everybody, including each other. Wise said there was once a Christmas party at the Hotel Colorado where the waitress was “really nervous.” She told him, “I've heard about you coal miners.” He assured her it would be a “nice, quiet night.” About 10 minutes later, “one table went upside down and the fight was on.”

“I'm glad that it's not like that today, and I'm glad I didn't miss those days,” Congdon remarked.

He described the claustrophobic feeling of first entering the mine. “I puked,” he admitted, and it took him weeks to acclimate. Decades later, however, Congdon continues to prospect. When he first began, prompted by a baby on the way, Condon was a hippy with long hair and a school bus with New York license plates. He cut his hair and sold the bus. “I had to clear my past up so I could move forward,” he said.

Wise compared working in the coal mine to serving in Vietnam, saying Vietnam was “nothing like coal mining.” He talked about the adrenaline rush of barely escaping tunnel shafts as they collapsed. “When you get back, you've been so scared, you just fall on the ground and start laughing.”

At the Thompson Creek mine, water would be constantly dripping in, sometimes up to the workers' waists as they operated electric equipment underground. “I was scared all the friggin' time,” said Congdon. “I should have quit,” he continued. “But I was young, and I had another baby on the way.”

Villalobos, coming from working as a ranchand in Arizona, thought, “There must be a boatload of rock stars” in the area when he first arrived — “All that black mascara.” He soon learned they were miners who “could rip you in half any time they wanted to,” with coal dust around their eyes that wouldn’t wash off in the shower. Villalobos said that finding the Valley was like entering into a Disney movie compared to growing up in Detroit, and he knew he’d do everything he could to stay.

The four men told of many near death experiences and, of course, the very real loss of 15 lives when an explosion was triggered in a Mid-Continent mine in April 1981. Schilling, a foreman at the time, was among the first on the scene in the aftermath. “I knew everybody,” he said.

The explosion was the beginning of the end for Mid-Continent’s operation up Coal Basin. When Schilling was laid off, he joined Carbondale’s police force, with a drop in income from around $50,000-$60,000 annually (depending on overtime) to $13,000. The mine’s closure had a dramatic impact on the local economy, with many workers moving away.

Although the first event was not broadcast live on KDNK, the audio will be uploaded to Carbondale Historical Society’s podcast for folks that missed the event.

Find that audio, along with archived “This I Remember” conversations hosted by Mary Ferguson, at www.carbondalehistory.org There is also a video archived at www.bit.ly/CdaleMiners "Establishing this speaker series has been my goal since COVID forced us to shelve it," commented Stephen Shapiro, board president of the Carbondale Historical Society. "Will Grandbois, board member, did an incredible job recruiting these miners for this event. Their comradery, passion and unbelievable journey through life was on full display."

Next month's topic will be cowboys and ranchers on Feb. 4. Each session will take place on the first Sunday of every month through April 7, and the series will continue at KDNK unless the size of audiences outgrows the venue.

Fully aware that tomorrow’s history is lived today, the Carbondale Historical Society is also exploring the possibility of curating a time capsule representing “81623 Day” (Aug. 16, 2023) to be opened on Aug. 16, 2123. The idea is to collect artifacts from our present that may be of interest to the Carbondale Historical Society of the future. If you would like to contribute, contact will@carbondalehistory.org

OPINION

Carbondale Mayor

By Ben Bohmfalk

When Town officials first learned that up to 80 people were camping under the bridge at the entrance to Carbondale in early November, we decided to respond in a humanitarian way that is consistent with Carbondale’s values, balanced with pragmatism based on our limited capacity. We determined that the impacts on the community and the newcomers of an orderly, humane, temporary shelter system and related supports are preferable to the impacts and life/safety threats of unregulated camping around town and in cars in winter.

In the absence of a coordinated national resettlement program, it is falling to local municipalities across the country to respond to unhoused refugees who arrive. Our best hope is that we may transform this challenge into an opportunity to help address the labor shortage with workers who gain work permits and can support themselves, as generations of immigrants have done here before.

Two months in, as we transition into the next phase of our plan, I hope this update will help residents understand our decisions and what’s next.

Phase 1: Where we’ve been: In early November as winter set in, the Third Street Center (as an independent nonprofit) opened

LETTERS Civic service

For over the last 11 and a half years, I have served the town of Carbondale in one capacity or another. First, as a member of the Parks and Recreation Commission for four plus years, then as a town trustee for over seven and a half years. It has been both an honor and a chore that I have enjoyed. I want to share some of the things that I have learned.

First, you need to be fiscally responsible. It is not your money, but the taxpayer’s money you are dealing with. Second, no matter what you decide on for any given issue, half of the town will disagree with you. You are trying to make the best possible decision with the information which you have available.

Some things you can foresee, some you cannot. No one could have predicted Covid or the impact it had on the town and real estate prices. Please, keep in mind that you should hire the best staff that you can, and then follow their recommendations most of the time.

When you do not want to follow their recommendations, please inquire why

Carbondale's response to migrants

its community hall as a temporary emergency shelter site; and the Carbondale Board of Trustees established three goals to guide our response: Ensure immediate basic needs are met with a focus on securing shelter during the height of winter, while setting clear limits to prevent Carbondale from becoming a destination for more people than we can support; Create a pathway for work and selfsufficiency by connecting refugees to support and resources; and Spearhead a regional discussion and seek external funding to broaden resources for this response We owe a huge debt of gratitude to the tenants, staff, and board of the Third Street Center, Voces Unidas, and others for maintaining the emergency shelter for much longer than anticipated while the Town has worked to secure funding and establish the next phase in our plan.

Phase 2: Where we are: Over the next two weeks, the Town will open two new night shelter sites to house 20 people each through March 31 as Third Street winds down its emergency shelter and returns to normal operations.

The new sites will be the Carbondale Community United Methodist Church on 2nd Street and Meeting Room 2 at Carbondale Town Hall. We researched every potential site in the region, and these are the only two sites currently available. We need other organizations, communities, or counties to step up to house the 20 additional refugees who are currently at Third Street.

The Town operates on a tight budget, which we have been careful to protect as we have stepped in to respond to this emergency. We are using a $223,880 grant from the Department of Local Affairs to pay for shelter

they suggested what they did. There very well may be reasons that you did not even consider.

We serve not as Democrats or Republicans, but as members of the community. As I leave office, I would ask some of the many people who have found fault with our efforts, to step up to the plate and serve, whether on a commission or by running for office.

Interested in filling one of the three vacancies coming up on the Carbondale Board of Trustees? Please see the town clerk and get a petition, then get 40 signatures from Carbondale residents (only twenty-five are required, but get some extras), advocate your agenda and serve your community. If your choice is to step up to the plate and run for office, I thank you for your time and effort to make our community a better place.

Please keep in mind all of those who have helped shape Carbondale through the years. Potato farmers, ranchers, hippies, crafts people, miners, educators and small business people.

Help keep Carbondale the strong vibrant community that we love.

Marty Silverstein, Carbondale Trustee

2 • THE SOPRIS SUN • soprissun.com • January 11 - January 17, 2024

staffing, security, meals, and project management. Overnight parking will be allowed on the Town-owned vacant lots at Town Center. We continue to partner with non-profit organizations to provide legal aid, case management, transportation to other destinations, etc.

Phase 3: Where we’re going: The Town has stepped in to help coordinate an emergency response but is actively working to return to normal operations.

Once we get the night shelters open, we will immediately start planning how to close them by our goal of March 31 without people returning to unregulated camping and sleeping in cars. We may be forced to revise our goal to address ongoing impacts, but our goal will guide our actions. We will start discussion of this phase at our Work Session at Town Hall at 6pm on Jan. 16.

Q&A

The following questions are the most common I’ve heard in daily emails, calls, meetings, and conversations throughout the community.

Question: By providing shelter and services for the unhoused refugees who arrived in the fall, will Carbondale become a destination for an unlimited stream of people?

Answer: This has been our top concern as well. Fortunately, in the more than two months that the emergency shelter has been open, our numbers have remained fairly steady, with some turnover as early arrivals move on. Phase 2 involves reducing capacity from 60 to 40 and limiting shelters to nighttime occupancy. Phase 3 is focused on winding down our shelters completely. Carbondale’s main draw is the availability of work in this valley. Most people arrived before continues on page 19

Thank you, USPS

We want to thank the Carbondale Post Office for the yeoman work they did this past holiday season.

Not only was our post office understaffed, underpaid and undersupplied by the U.S. Postal Service, but they were overwhelmed by some very rude customers, very long hours and overtaxed by the volume of boxes that were sent through the post office.

We don't know why Amazon and other retailers have made the decision to have their boxes delivered by the local post offices across the country (perhaps a big Government contract?), but it only adds to the volume of mail that our post office has to handle on a daily basis.

Yes, our post office is short on staff, short a postmaster, short on supplies, but they try every day to fulfill their obligations to our zip code.

Let's start the new year fresh with a new attitude and a sense of appreciation for all at the Carbondale Post Office. It's a great resolution!

Janet and Arvid Johnson continues on page 22

Editor Raleigh Burleigh 970-510-3003 news@soprissun.com Contributing & Digital Editor James Steindler Editorial Designer Hattie Rensberry Advertising Designer Emily Blong Delivery Frederic Kischbaum Bartlett Proofreader Lee Beck Executive Director Todd Chamberlin 970-510-0246 adsales@soprissun.com Board Members / Mesa Directiva board@soprissun.com Klaus Kocher • Kay Clarke Lee Beck • Donna Dayton Eric Smith • Roger Berliner Elizabeth Phillips • Jessi Rochel Andrew Travers • Anna Huntington

The Sopris Sun Board meets at 6:30 p.m. on second Thursdays at the Third Street Center.

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

Donations are fully tax deductible.

Sincerest thanks to our Honorary Publishers for their annual commitment of $1,000+ Lee Beck & John Stickney Kay Brunnier • Frances Dudley Michelle & Ed Buchman Sue Edelstein & Bill Spence Deborah & Shane Evans Greg & Kathy Feinsinger Gary & Jill Knaus • Eric Smith Peter and Mike Gilbert Carly & Frosty Merriott James Noyes • Megan Tackett Patti & George Stranahan Anne Sullivan & John Colson Elizabeth Wysong • Alpine Bank Emily & George Bohmfalk Kathy & Carter Barger Sandy & Paul Chamberlin Karen & Roger Berliner Gretchen Greenwood & Lee Mulcahy Donna & Ken Riley Gayle & Dick Wells

Legacy Givers for including us in their final wishes.

Mary Lilly

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Municipal elections

Petitions to run for election to the Carbondale Board of Trustees are now available at Town Hall and can be retrieved from Town Clerk Jessica Markham. There will be three seats available. To qualify, petitions must be turned in by Jan. 22 with 25 signatures from Carbondale residents who are registered to vote. In Basalt, three council seats and the mayoral seat are up for grabs. Basalt also requires 25 signatures, and petitions are due by 5pm on Jan. 22.

House fire

RJ Paddywacks Cool Bricks Studio White River Books Alpine Animal Hospital Nonprofit Partners Basalt Library Colorado Animal Rescue Carbondale Arts Interested in becoming an Underwriter or Nonprofit Partner in 2023? Email Todd@soprissun.com or call 970-987-9866

On Jan. 7 at approximately 9:12pm, the Carbondale & Rural Fire Protection District (CRFPD) was dispatched to a residence on Red Dog Road for a report of a chimney fire. Upon arrival, crews found a single-family home with fire in the chimney chase and the exterior wall, put out the fire and cleared the scene by around 12:38am. CRFPD planned to return early the following morning. Around 6:05am, CRFPD was paged again to the residence. The arriving crew found fire in the chimney, on the exterior wall and in the attic. The fire had been smoldering low in the void of the wall between the insulation and exterior wall and was not visible when crews left the night before, according to a press release. CRFPD extinguished the fire and spent most of the day overhauling the structure. No loss amount has been determined at this time, but there was heavy smoke and water damage to the structure, no injuries were reported.

Resident ownership grant

The Roaring Fork Community Development Corporation (RFCDC) was awarded $280,000 over two years by the Colorado Health Foundation to support its mobile home park bridge-to-ownership pilot project. The RFCDC team will use the funds to collaborate with bilingual experts and experienced resident-owners from across the state to help guide the Three Mile Mobile Home Park project. RFCDC purchased Three Mile Mobile Home Park outside of Glenwood Springs in April 2023 from the previous longtime owners with the goal of assisting residents to purchase the park from RFCDC by 2026. For more background on this story, visit www.bit.ly/ SoprisSun3MileMHP

Courtesy graphic. The Pitkin County Open Space and Trails board of directors met on Jan. 4 to discuss an updated management plan for Filoha Meadows, as well as renovations to Penny Hot Springs. In response to public comments, the improvements will be minimal, focusing on making parking more uniform, access to the pools safer and preventing further erosion on the slope from the highway to the river. Construction may occur late this summer/ early fall or be pushed to 2025. Find details here: www.bit.ly/PlanningPenny

Newcomer meal service

As of Jan. 8, migrant newcomers in Carbondale will be hosted for dinner at Crystal River Elementary School, Monday to Friday from 6 to 7pm through March 22. “We are so grateful to the folks at the Roaring Fork Schools and Crystal River Elementary School for opening their space to support the town’s response to the influx of newcomers,” said Town Manager Lauren Gister. “This is truly a community response.” To learn more about the town’s response or how to support the newcomers, visit www.bit. ly/NewcomerResponse

Snowmass Falls acquisition

On Jan. 10, the Pitkin County Commissioners approved an open space land acquisition to preserve the Snowmass Falls Ranch, 650 acres in the upper Snowmass Creek Valley. The Pitkin County Open Space and Trails (PCOST) board voted unanimously to recommend the $34 million purchase at its Jan. 4 meeting in Redstone. The ranch was purchased by Bob Perry in 1943, and remained in the care of the local ranching family for the past 80 years.

The purchase price outweighs any Pitkin County land acquisition to date. PCOST applied for a three-year $10 million loan from GOCO to assist with the purchase, and ultimately hopes to transfer much of the property for inclusion in the Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness Area, a press release stated.

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Trump appeal

On Feb. 8, the U.S. Supreme Court will review Colorado Supreme Court’s decision that Donald Trump is ineligible to appear on the state’s primary ballot under the U.S. Constitution’s insurrection clause. In the interim, the Colorado court stayed its decision until the U.S. Supreme Court makes its final ruling. Therefore, as of now, Donald Trump remains on Colorado’s Republican primary ballot.

Colorado’s primary elections are set for Tuesday, March 5.

Re: Mountain lion(s)

Following last week’s article, “Elusive mountain lion(s) is talk of Hendrick Drive,” The Sopris Sun received surveillance footage of a mountain lion outside of a house in River Valley Ranch.

The homeowner advised that residents should keep an eye on their pets.

They say it’s your birthday!

Folks celebrating another trip around the sun this week include: Kim Anne, Emily Goldfield, Crystal Holley and Nick Penzel (Jan. 11); Betsy Bingam-Johns (Jan. 12); Marianne Ackerman, Chuck Bauer, Michael Hassig, Tracie Wright and Annemarie Zanca (Jan. 14); Crista Barlow and Frank Nadell (Jan. 15); Johann Aberger, Kimberlie Chenowith and Drew Walters (Jan. 16); Brenda Buchanan, Katrina Byars, Roy Rickus and Tanner Rollyson (Jan. 17).

Offering: Dentistry Surgery Wellness Geriatric Care Chiropractic Acupuncture Cold Laser

THE SOPRIS SUN • Your weekly community connector • January 11 - January 17, 2024 • 3

Vigil sets somber scene at USFS office in Carbondale

By Amy Hadden Marsh Sopris Sun Correspondent A vigil for the trees in front of the Aspen-Sopris Ranger District office in Carbondale on First Friday set a somber tone. Close to 20 people formed a circle in the front yard to honor the iconic evergreen trees that may be lost when the 1930s-era buildings are demolished.

Carbondale resident Richard Vottero, a vigil organizer, told The Sopris Sun that he’s angry about what the U.S. Forest Service (USFS) plans to do with the property. The original project design included demolishing all buildings on the lot, pulling out seven trees, including the spruce trees facing Main Street, and staging the new building to accommodate a drive-through for large vehicles. (In May 2023, the USFS told The Sopris Sun it will attempt to save the “community tree” at the corner of Weant and Main.)

“It’s a design that’s inconsistent with our historic downtown,” Vottero said.

Rita Marsh, also from Carbondale, opened Friday’s vigil with the Haudenosaunee Thanksgiving Address: Greetings to the Natural World, Ohén: ton Karihwatéhkwen (Words Before All Else). “Today we have gathered,” she began, “and when we look upon the faces around us, we see that the cycles of life continue. We have been given the duty to live in balance and harmony with each other and all living beings. So, now, we bring our minds together as one as we give our greetings and our thanks to each other as People.”

Prayers of gratitude for the earth, the waters, fish, plants, medicine herbs, animals, trees, birds, the four winds, the thunderers, the sun, moon, stars and the Creator were read aloud by candlelight, sometimes through tears. After the prayer, vigil-keepers offered thoughts and thanked the trees.

Jillene Rector was born and raised in Carbondale. “I remember these buildings in this town since the early 1960s,” she told The Sopris Sun. “When these trees and buildings go, it’s going to be a totally different, cold feel and look to this part of town, my hometown.”

Longtime Carbondalian Grace Trevor Gallo said she is sad about losing the trees. “I keep trying to visualize that we’re jumping for joy because some miracle happens and the thing doesn’t go through,” she said.

The first and only USFS open house about the project was held in February 2020. According to the sign-in sheet posted on the project website (www.bit. ly/FSCdaleProject) , seven Carbondale residents attended the meeting. It wasn’t until summer, 2023 that the public seemed to take notice.

Close to 100 people attended the Aug. 22 Board of Town Trustees meeting where Kevin Warner, district ranger for the Aspen-Sopris Ranger District, updated the trustees about the project.

A group of concerned citizens presented an alternative plan at the meeting, which kicked off efforts to convince the USFS to work with them on a better design.

They collected at least 600 petition signatures and hosted a public event so their plan would have a wider audience.

Feeling like their concerns were falling on deaf ears, they contacted elected officials. Some in the group suggested litigation to stop the USFS from tearing out the trees and the buildings until a more Carbondale-appropriate design could be agreed upon.

To their credit, the town trustees sent a letter to the USFS in October 2023, clarifying their involvement and concerns. In conclusion, they wrote that they support the upgrading of facilities if it is needed to improve “productivity and retain staff.” But, they added, the project needs to incorporate more of the suggestions made by town staff and elements from the Town Code for the historic downtown.

Candice Hart has been involved with the issue since the summer. She was at Friday’s vigil and told The Sopris Sun that it doesn’t look like litigation is going to happen. At least not right now. “Without a stronger town backing and historical society’s backing, [the attorney] said they didn’t think we were going to get anywhere and that it might not be money well spent,” she said, adding that she’s learned from this experience. “There were a few people from our group at the 2020 [USFS] presentation and they did write letters but nothing was listened to,” she said. “I hope everyone can wake up and realize that more needs to be done by the citizens.”

Vottero prayed for a lawyer during the vigil to which someone responded, “You don’t hear that very often!” He, too, is disappointed that more locals did not take action to protect the trees or

Photo by Amy Hadden Marsh

support a different plan. “It’s so curious that a town of our stature, our model town with its involved citizens, is unable to influence the federal government to integrate themselves into our town,” he said. “[The USFS] came upon a design and really didn’t include the townspeople, and that’s really wrong because we live here.”

He sees the consequences of the USFS design concept — fewer trees, a drive-through for RVs or larger vehicles and a modern building that does not

reflect Carbondale’s character — as a huge loss for the town. “Carbondale is going to be so shocked to see what’s going to happen here,” he said.

This week, the USFS fenced off the property. Staff has moved into a temporary, administrative-only office across Weant Blvd from the construction site. The public will have to conduct USFS business at the White River National Forest office on Grand Avenue in Glenwood Springs until further notice.

Carbondale residents participate in a vigil for the trees on the lawn in front of the Aspen/Sopris Ranger District buildings in downtown Carbondale on Jan. 5. Photo by Amy Hadden Marsh

4 • THE SOPRIS SUN • soprissun.com • January 11 - January 17, 2024

Carbondale Bike Project: Pedaling toward a sustainable future

By Jeanne Souldern Sopris Sun Correspondent

The wheels keep turning at the Carbondale Bike Project (CBP), the community-driven initiative promoting cycling and fostering a sense of community since its inception.

Founded by former Carbondalian and Way of Compassion Dharma Center executive director, Aaron Taylor, CBP evolved from garage-based, neighborhood bike repair get-togethers to a fully-equipped bike shop located in Carbondale’s Third Street Center and staffed by a volunteer base of dedicated bike enthusiasts.

Taylor’s passion for cycling and bike mechanics began in his teens. While attending Colorado State University, he worked at the campus bike shop, where he focused on keeping students’ bikes in tip-top shape and promoted cycling as a sustainable mode of transportation on campus.

After college, he worked with the Aspen Center for Environmental Studies (ACES), maintaining a commuter bicycle fleet for summer naturalists to travel back and forth from the Hallam Lake campus to their living quarters.

Moving to Carbondale in 2009, he transformed his vision into the first iteration of CBP, initially operating out of his garage “with the neighborhood kids so they could learn how to maintain their bikes and keep them out of landfills,” he stated.

As Taylor grew and adapted his bike initiative, he worked as a bike mechanic at Aloha Mountain Cyclery. “Nic Degross and Darren Broome, coowners of Aloha Mountain Cyclery, were happy to invite us into their shop. It was very unusual to have a professional bike shop do that. It was quite supportive and amazing,” reflected Taylor.

Jim Githens met Taylor when they were working at

Aloha. Taylor had The Bonedale Bike Project (CBP’s former moniker), which, for a time, operated in Aloha’s basement. When Taylor transitioned to the Way of Compassion, the bike shop moved to the Third Street Center.

In 2022, Taylor relocated to Crestone and Githens took over the day-to-day management of CBP to keep the shop open. Now retired, Githens shared, “I'm 70 years old, and I didn't want to have a full-time job again.”

However, when Taylor left, it was understood that “there would be a little bit of a flux as to the future. I didn't want to see the Bike Project disappear completely, so I took it on to keep it moving along,” explained Githens.

Githen’s wife, Valerie Gilliam, has taken on administrative duties and spearheaded grant-writing efforts. Despite facing a recent setback in securing grant funding, the CBP team remains committed to finding a leader who can guide CBP into its next phase.

“We need somebody like Aaron Taylor, who has good ideas and bike sense,” Gilliam offered, with the vision and ability to turn CBP into a self-sustaining entity with various revenue streams.

“If we did find a person to manage the shop, part of their responsibility would be outreach and trying to gather up different ways of bringing in funds, either through events, grants, donations, fundraising, things like that,” Githens added.

With Taylor’s departure, CBP was no longer under the Way of Compassion umbrella — as had been the case.

“Colin Laird and Mark Taylor [of the Third Street Center] did not want to see the Bike Project go away either, so Colin offered to have the Third Street Center become the fiscal sponsor of the Bike Project,” Gilliam shared.

Last spring, Carbondale Community School students were treated to a tour of the Carbondale Bike Project shop. Photo by Nick Lado

Jim Githens and Valerie Gilliam have been working on a volunteer basis to keep the Carbondale Bike Project's doors open. Photo by Jeanne Souldern

With four bike workstations with stands and a shop with countless bike tools, Githens said they’re equipped for servicing most bikes, excluding the most current models and e-bikes. Those who utilize the space are asked for a $10 an hour donation. CBP sells bike parts and refurbished and donated bikes. “Generally, donations for stand time and everything else are based on ability to pay,” Githens said. continues on page 18

Congratulations, Jared!

Celebrating 15 Years!

Thank you for being the best partner!

THE SOPRIS SUN • Your weekly community connector • January 11 - January 17, 2024 • 5

Carbondale Arts seeks artists to beautify storage facility

By London Lyle Sopris Sun Intern Carbondale Arts (CA) has put out a call to artists for a sizable new Carbondale Creative District public art installation, commissioning five murals (ranging in size from 30’ x 9’ to 60’ x 9’) and three sculptures, up to eight feet tall and four feet wide and deep. The artwork will live at the town’s northern gateway, along Highway 133 just north of the Park and Ride.

The installation is expected to be completed in May, and it’s been years in the making. The process was set into motion following the approval of a 590-unit self-storage facility along the highway in December of 2020.

The promise of beautiful murals was intended to assuage concerns that the storage facility would become an eyesore. Additional public improvements include a new bike path along Highway 133 between the Park and Ride and crossing signal at Garcia’s Market.

The town approvals included an agreement for the owners to fund the installation of the art pieces and to allocate 2% of the gross rental income fees from the rental of the storage units. Of that 2%, half can be used for any purpose that sales tax revenue can be used for, and the other half is reserved for the maintenance of the public art area. As part of that

YOUR

agreement and approval process, CA was identified as the organization responsible for procuring, installing and maintaining the public art area.

In other words, the project is not funded by taxpayer dollars but by the developers.

“Carbondale has long been a testament to the role of the arts in a community,” said Michael Stout, community engagement director at CA. “Our work is to provide continued support to ensure that artists have opportunities to share their work and continue to shape the culture and landscape of our community.”

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Five blank canvases await a splash of color to enliven the new storage facility under construction north of the Carbondale Park and Ride. Three sculptures are also being commissioned for this mini-art park. Photo by Raleigh Burleigh

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6 • THE SOPRIS SUN • soprissun.com • January 11 - January 17, 2024

The Colorado Creative District program is a state program that certifies communities that contribute to the statewide economy through the arts. Carbondale was first certified as a creative district in 2017. Stout added, “Long-term funding of the arts is critical to sustaining the impact of the creative industries in our community.”

There are a number of aspects which the selection committee will take under consideration when selecting artists for the project.

The selection committee is made up of community members and

representatives of the storage facility.

While artists don’t have to be local, one of the criteria is relevance to Carbondale. Muralists will have to start from scratch, however, sculpture artists are invited to submit previous works, so long as they fit the theme.

Muralists can receive up to $6,000 for their work and sculptors up to $7,500. Any artist, or team of artists, over 18 years old is welcome to apply before the Jan. 22 deadline. Additional eligibility details can be found at www.bit.ly/ CalltoCarbondaleArtists

RFOV awarded $300k state grant for stewardship efforts

By Will Buzzerd Sopris Sun Correspondent

On Dec. 8, 2023, local outdoor stewardship organization Roaring Fork Outdoor Volunteers (RFOV) received a $300,000 state grant to support its work across four counties. The grant will provide two years of funding for RFOV’s group projects and Adopta-Trail program, as well as professional training and the creation of a diversity, equality and inclusion (DEI) plan to engage with underrepresented communities throughout the Valley.

Since 2018, RFOV has grown rapidly. Participation has increased by 77%, project days have doubled and the operating budget has more than doubled. While fulltime staff hasn’t expanded widely, RFOV has hired a professional trail crew and additional seasonal staff to ramp up services during project season.

This marks the second time RFOV has received this

same grant from GOCO. The first grant, received in 2021 and nearly the same amount, helped support RFOV in the creation of a program coordinator position.

This second grant will continue funding the program coordinator position, as well as seasonal field coordinator positions, helping to cover RFOV’s Adopt-A-Trail program as well as group and youth projects. “Because we have more staff capacity, we are able to do a lot more custom projects with volunteers, which removes barriers,” said Becca Schild, executive director at RFOV. RFOV works with local businesses through the AdoptA-Trail program, in which the businesses (or any group of friends, family or like-minded folks) commit financially, or through volunteer work, to help maintain a local trail or open space. “[Businesses] are paying their employees, which removes another barrier to volunteering, and we work with schools and youth groups in service-learning projects

Over the past few years, RFOV’s stewardship operations have nearly doubled, and the latest grant from GOCO will allow the organization to continue its work maintaining our outdoor spaces. Courtesy photo

as well,” said Schield. “Not everyone is able to come out on a Saturday.”

Regarding the DEI plan, RFOV has identified the need for more outreach to underrepresented communities, especially the Valley’s Latino community. “We’ve done a lot of internal work,” said Schild. “We’ve done training with our board and staff, we’ve participated with the MANAUS Equity

Action Project … We have a DEI statement that really outlines our commitment to this work.”

The final plan is still in the works, and RFOV will be engaging with a professional consultant for the best possible outcome.

“We recognize that we don’t have that expertise or representation in our own staff and board, and we want to make sure we’re doing it in a comprehensive,

facilitative manner.”

The grant will also help fund additional training both for internal staff and RFOV’s land manager and nonprofit partners to improve knowledge of diverse stewardship skills.

“We’re putting together an accessible trail design training, and we’d bring in an expert [for that],” said Schild. “The grant helps us to provide those services to continues on page 19

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THE SOPRIS SUN • Your weekly community connector • January 11 - January 17, 2024 • 7

REGISTER TODAY!

COMMUNITY CALENDAR Visit soprissun.com to submit events

Community Classes in Carbondale CROSS COUNTRY SKI LESSONS Beginner and Intermediate level classes in both Skate and Classic style at Spring Gulch Trails. Classes are filling up so register today!

Various dates in January

TODDLER AND ME YOGALATES Yoga and pilates are combined in this playful class where you can connect and exercise with your baby/toddler aged 6 mos - 4 yrs Fridays, 9:30-10:30am, 1/19-2/9

FUNDRAISING FUNDAMENTALS An online class dedicated to nonprofits, board members and volunteers. This 3-evening class will focus on the basics of fundraising.

Class meets online via Zoom.

Tuesdays, 7-8:15pm, 1/16-1/30

HAND WOVEN BASKETS Learn the basics of basket weaving while creating a beautiful and functional “Jelly Jar” basket.

Monday, 9am-3pm, 2/5

QIGONG Simple movements that energize, and harmonize the internal organs, and energy flow. A gentle practice that improves balance, flexibility, and muscle tone, while promoting relaxation and focus.

Wed., 10:30-11:30am, 1/17-4/3 FILM STUDIES Watch five curated films and examine some literary and technical terms, as well as some social issues to guide discussions.

Wed., 6-9pm, 1/17-2/21

BEGINNER OIL PAINTING Learn the basics of mixing and painting with water-based oil paints. Class includes exercises, paintings, hands-on practice and guidance. Supplies are provided.

Tuesdays, 1:30-4:30pm, 2/6-3/19 ZUMBA WITH MIMI Burn calories and have fun while dancing to Latin music.

Thursdays, 6:30-7:30pm, 3/14-5/2 PHOTOGRAPHING ANIMALS Learn to get great images with your camera or cell phone.

Sat/Sun, 9am-12pm, 3/16-3/24

FOR MORE INFO AND TO REGISTER...

coloradomtn.edu/community-education Carbondale Lappala Center • 690 Colorado Ave • 963-2172

Just Us

by Aaron Brown

It can be the work of a lifetime to build beloved community and nurture social justice. The work can be both rewarding and heartbreaking as we strive to impact the outer world in all its infinite complexity. In this service, we will explore the inner work of building systems of love and justice in our own lives as a means both of supporting our own thriving and supporting sustainable justice work in broader contexts.

Live in-person service. Live music by Jimmy Byrne.

Sunday, January 14th, 10am at Two Rivers Unitarian Universalist Community Room @ Third Street Center in Carbondale or via Zoom Join Zoom Meeting - https://us06web.zoom.us/j/82605258305 Meeting ID: 826 0525 8305 - Passcode: chalice

On the second and third Sundays of each month, Aaron Brown will be speaking in-person at Third truu.org Street Center. Aaron Brown received his Master’s in Theological Studies from Iliff School of Theology. He develops coaching and leadership programs for a global consulting firm and has spoken intermittently over the last 12 years at TRUU. He is the father of two teenagers, one who recently started college, the other in 10th grade. He is delighted and honored to be joining the congregation this year as a guest speaker.

8 • THE SOPRIS SUN • soprissun.com • January 11 - January 17, 2024

Don't miss the Sopris Sun cartoonists' exhibit at Bonfire Coffee, featuring original works by Larry Day (pictured) and Brian Colley (facing page), on display through February. Photos by Sue Rollyson

THURSDAY, JANUARY 11 STORYTIME Basalt Library offers bilingual storytime for children up to 6 years old from 10:30 to 11am.

FREE LEGAL CLINIC Basalt Library hosts volunteer attorneys for free legal advice from 2 to 5pm. To sign up, call 970-927-4311 or email info@basaltlibrary.org CODING CLUB Aspen Science Center invites students from 8th to 10th grade to learn Python (a coding language) at the Carbondale Library at 3:45pm.

DANCE�ASPEN DanceAspen hosts an exclusive preview of “Cloudline” at the Aspen Art Museum’s Rooftop Café at 4pm.

FLAMENCO MUSIC Basalt Library hosts a free evening of flamenco, jazz and world music with Denver-based ensemble Miguel Espinoza Fusion. A rhythm workshop will be hosted from 4:30 to 5:30pm followed by a concert at 6pm.

BANNED BOOK CLUB The Banned Book Club discusses George Owell’s novel, “1984,” at the Basalt Library at 5pm.

‘ASPEN HISTORY 101’ The Aspen Historical Society presents “Aspen History 101,” a theatrical “crash course” of Aspen’s history, at 5:30pm at the Wheeler Opera House. Then, the 1993 film “Aspen Extreme,” which tells the story of two ski bums, screens at 7:30pm. This is a first-come-first-serve event.

NATURALIST NIGHTS Did you miss the opening Naturalist Nights presentation at Roaring Fork High School? The same presentation

by Taylor Rabe of the Yellowstone Wolf Project occurs tonight at Hallam Lake in Aspen at 6pm.

Register at www.aspennature.org 350 ROARING FORK 350 Roaring Fork screens climate film “Bidder 70" at the Carbondale Library at 6pm. A discussion will follow.

CRYSTAL THEATRE The Crystal Theatre shows “The Boys in the Boat” tonight, Jan. 12, 13, 17 and 18 at 7pm. Catch an earlier screening on Sunday, Jan. 14 at 5pm.

CRYSTAL CAUCUS January’s Crystal River Caucus meeting takes place at the Church at Redstone and over Zoom at 7pm.

The Zoom ID is 817 4794 3458 and the passcode is 5GS1bq.

COMEDY Steve’s Guitars hosts “Patio Night Live” with Beth Brandon and Miller Ford, plus a special guest, at 8pm.

FRIDAY, JANUARY 12

WATER CONSORTIUM The Colorado Produced Water Consortium hosts a state-wide public meeting over Zoom from 9am to noon. Register at www.bit. ly/COProducedWaterConsortium ‘COYOTES’ Getting back to its roots, The Artbase hosts an opening reception for “The Coyotes AKA The Backhoes” at 5pm.

MOVIE POSTER DESIGN The opening of “Coyotes” coincides with Brian Weller ‘s Movie Poster Design workshop at The Artbase at 5pm. Register at www.theartbase.org WINTER RETREAT True Nature hosts its Winter Retreat, weaving together sound, yoga, ceremony, live music, delicious food and more through the weekend. The journey begins tonight at 5pm. Tickets and more info at www.truenaturehealingarts.com DISCO Mountain Heart Brewing hosts DJ Pinto for a Friday-night dance party from 7:30pm to “LATE.” WINTERSKÖL Aspen Film celebrates Wintersköl with the Aspen Chamber Resort Association by screening “Weak Layers,” a comedy that takes on the male-dominated ski industry, at the Isis Theatre at 7:30pm.

COMEDY NIGHT Comedians Ben Roy and Christie Buchele perform stand-up at TACAW at 8pm. Tickets at www.tacaw.org

SATURDAY, JANUARY 13

PARENTING CLASS Dr. Lisa Marr leads “Parenting the Love and Logic Way,” a two-part parenting course, at the Glenwood Church of Christ from 9am to 3pm today and again on Jan. 27.

Registration and more info is at www. trailheadchristian.com/events CONSCIOUS LOVING Join Rita Marsh and the Center for Human Flourishing for the beginning of a six-part series exploring “The Conscious Loving Universe” at the Third Street Center from 9 to 10:30am.

For details email info@tcfhf.org VISUAL JOURNALING Sheri Gaynor, a registered expressive arts therapist, leads a visual journaling class intended to alleviate stress at The Art Base. The first session

Adults are invited to participate for free in this year’s Winter Reading Challenge!

Brian Colley, photo by Sue Rollyson

is from 9:30 to 11:30am, and a second session is from 1 to 3pm.

Register at www.theartbase.org SPRING GULCH RAT RACE The Mount Sopris Nordic Council revives the Spring Gulch Rat Race, which will feature 5 and 10-kilometer course options, a 3.5k for kids (1014) and 1k for its youngest racers (10 and under). Courses will be groomed for skating, but classic skiers are still welcome to participate. Register at www.bit.ly/SpringGulchRatRace CARING CONNECTIONS Dede Osborn welcomes the community to a conversation for families supporting a loved one with early cognitive challenges. The group will explore resources and creative problem-solving from 10 to 11:30am at the Third Street Center.

YOUTH ART SHOW The Aspen Chapel Gallery hosts an opening reception for its “5 X 17, Art from Five Roaring Fork Valley High Schools” exhibit at 3pm. More info at www.aspenchapelgallery.org/about ‘TOM OF FINLAND’ Ahead of Gay Ski Week, AspenOUT and Aspen Film present a special screening of “Tom of Finland” at the Isis Theatre at 7pm. Tickets at www.aspenfilm.org CONTRA DANCE The contra dancing season is back in swing! Join this dance community with live music by the Wooden Nickel String Band at the Carbondale Community School from 7:30 to 10pm. All ages and experience levels are welcome.

THE MOTET TACAW presents The Motet, a six-piece funk favorite, at 8pm.

Tickets at www.tacaw.org BROADWAY AT THE JEROME To kick off its first winter season, Theatre Aspen presents Sirius-XM radio host Seth Rudetsky for two nights of his “Broadway Concert Series” at the Hotel Jerome in Aspen. Tonight, Rudetsky speaks with Tony Award winner Jessie Mueller and on Jan. 15, he hosts Ana Gasteyer. Both events start at 8:30pm.

Tickets at www.theatreaspen.org

SUNDAY, JANUARY 14

JUST US The Two River Unitarian Universalist congregation presents a sermon on social justice with Aaron Brown at the Third Street Center at 10am.

FAMILY SHOWING As part of its Wintersköl series, Aspen Film screens “Abominable” at the Isis Theatre for free at 4pm.

Reserve a seat at www.aspenfilm.org SONG CIRCLE Join Sweet Root, a local folk band, for “lullabies of the land”

sung in community at the Third Street Center at 6pm.

MONDAY, JANUARY 15

MLK DAY Various local government offices will be closed in observance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day. IN STITCHES The In Stitches Knitting Club meets at the Carbondale Library on Mondays at 1:30pm.

MINDFUL WRITING Basalt Library hosts a workshop for aspiring writers which incorporates meditation from 5 to 6:30pm.

Stop by your local library starting on January 15 for a registration packet and activity bingo card.

Turn in your completed bingo card by February 29 for a chance to win an evening at the Glenwood Springs Hot Springs Spa! Hurry in because special prize packets are available to the first 50 participants at each library.

WWW.GCPLD.ORG/WINTER-READING

DAPHNE GALE Artist Daphne Gale serenades Steve’s Guitars at 8pm. Find tickets at www.stevesguitars.net

TUESDAY, JANUARY 16

RESHAPING ROOTS Joanne Seongweon Lee’s solo exhibition, “Volume 1: Reshaping Roots,” is on display today through Feb. 23 at the Carbondale Clay Center. A reception will take place on First Friday, Feb. 2 at 6pm.

ARCHIVES TOUR The Aspen Historical Society hosts a “backstage” tour of its archives and research facility, 620 West Bleeker Street, at 3pm. Register at www.aspenhistory.org PAWS TO READ The Carbondale Library hosts adorable therapy dogs to assist kids with reading confidence on the first and third Tuesdays of every month at 3:30pm.

DRAWING CLUB The Roaring Fork Drawing Club convenes at Studio10 at the Third Street Center at 6:30pm.

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 17

STEM The Aspen Science Center offers hand-on activities for kids ages 5-11 at the Basalt Library on Wednesdays from 2:30 to 3:30pm.

‘FISH, FLOWS & FLEXIBILITY’ David Graf, the in stream flow coordinator for the Upper Colorado River Basin Endangered Fish Recovery Program of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and Ruedi Water and Power Authority Executive Director April Long present “ Fish, Flows and Flexibility: How Ruedi Reservoir Helps Multiple Species Survive and Thrive,” at the Basalt Library at 5pm. Register at www.roaringfork.org/events PARADISE PARADOX The Carbondale Library shows a documentary highlighting mental health challenges in mountain resort towns at 6pm.

Kids Summer Camp Unplug and Spend Time in Nature at a Week-Long Nature Camp

Apply for a scholarship today and go for FREE “On the Wing” by Bird Conservancy of the Rockies June 20-28 Ages 15 through 17 “Camp Colorado” by American Birding Assoc.

June 22-30 Ages 13 through 17 “Taking Flight” by Bird Conservancy of the Rockies July 7-12 Ages 12 through 14

For more information and to apply online

RoaringForkAudubon.org In the end we will conserve only what we love; we will love only what we understand; and we will understand only what we have been taught — Baba Dioum

THE SOPRIS SUN • Your weekly community connector • January 11 - January 17, 2024 • 9

CABIN FEVER WINETASTING 15th Birthday Celebration

Thursday Feb 8th 5-8pm Thompson Barn at RVR Sponsored By: Downtown Liquors on Main Street

$50 includes fine wines, great food from local chefs plus a silent auction Reserve tickets at soprissun.com 10 • THE SOPRIS SUN • soprissun.com • January 11 - January 17, 2024

Sol del el

Conectando comunidades desde 2021

Valle

Volumen 2, Número 46 | 11 de enero - 17 de enero de 2024

Libia Guzmán encuentra a su familia tras un largo viaje

Libia Guzmán, a la izquierda, sonríe mientras ve a su nueva familia posar para una foto el 27 de noviembre del 2023 en el Third Street Center de Carbondale.

Guzmán forma parte de un grupo de más de 100 inmigrantes, en su mayoría venezolanos, que han llegado recientemente al valle Roaring Fork.

Foto de Halle Zander, Radio Público de Aspen

Por Halle Zander y Eleanor Bennett Aspen Public Radio Traducción por Convey Language Solutions Decenas de miles de inmigrantes venezolanos han llegado a Denver en el último año, huyendo de la violencia y la inestabilidad y en busca de oportunidades económicas.

Algunos se están asentando en comunidades rurales como el Roaring Fork Valley, donde han llegado más de cien inmigrantes en los últimos meses. Algunos de esos recién llegados han elegido representar al grupo cuando se reúnen con las partes interesadas de la comunidad, entre ellas Libia Guzmán.

Guzmán habló recientemente con las periodistas Halle Zander y Eleanor Bennett sobre su huida de Venezuela, su viaje a Estados Unidos y el cuidar de su nueva familia.

Esta es la segunda historia de una serie de tres.

Libia Guzmán: En Venezuela yo pertenecía

al ejército. Cuando uno presta el servicio militar, le enseñan a proteger al pueblo, a no hacer daño al pueblo, así que me rehusé a hacer ciertas cosas.

Querían que disparara contra el pueblo, que matara a seres humanos. "No", les dije. "Dios no acepta eso. Dios puede perdonar muchas cosas, pero no quitar otra vida". Así que me rehúse. Me escapé.

La organización Tren de Aragua vino a buscarme, y mi hermana me escondió en un campo mientras vendía la casa y todo eso. Brinqué a Colombia y luego a Perú. Y cuando llegué a Perú, esa organización llegó a Perú. Y este llamé a mi sobrino, que estaba en Chile, y le pedí que viniera conmigo a ver qué podíamos hacer.

Así que vi en YouTube que la gente cruzaba la selva, la selva del Darién, para venir a los Estados Unidos. Agarré y me fui caminando con mi sobrino y llegamos a la frontera con Perú y Ecuador. Cuando llegué, había unos hombres

que me conocían, así que crucé a Ecuador [y] Colombia. Dure cinco días en la selva y después de cruzar la selva con mi sobrino, con su mujer y otro muchacho, los militaristas panameños nos llevaron en camiones, en camiones diferentes, y nos separaron.

Ahí no vi más a mi sobrino y caminé 21 kilómetros hasta una iglesia. Cuando llegué a la iglesia, mi hermano me envió 40 dólares, y seguí con lo poco que yo fui reuniendo. Llegué a Guatemala. Estuve allí unos tres meses buscando reunir dinero porque Guatemala es el último lugar donde puedes obtener ayuda antes de llegar a México, porque México es más fuerte.

Así que fui en una caravana de 5,000 a 6,000 personas que caminaban para cruzar México.

Tienes que ir en grupo porque si no, inmigración te devuelve, y empezar de nuevo es fuerte. Así que caminé y caminé, y llegamos a un lugar que le dicen "el basurero", donde se toma el tren, "la bestia".

Bueno ahí me monté en "la bestia" y estuve allí seis días. Deseaba la muerte. Era como una tortura; no tenía comida. La gente nos lanzaba comida, pero nunca tuve la suerte en recibir nada. Llegamos a la capital, Juárez. Me conseguí a mi sobrino en Juárez y me alegré.

Así que cuando subimos al autobús y llegaron otros señores con pistolas, pararon el autobús y, de repente, nos secuestraron. Empezaron a agarrar los teléfonos para llamar a nuestras familias y pedirles que enviaran el dinero. Y si no podían enviar el dinero, teníamos que despedirnos.

Los vi matar a un chico. Lo hicieron para que viéramos que era verdad, y sentí que me iba a morir porque yo no tenía dinero.

Así que miré al secuestrador a los ojos, recé a Dios, le mentí y le dije: "Estoy embarazada.

Por favor, no me mates". No sé de dónde salió esa idea, pero me resultó. Entonces él me dice: "¿Cuánto tiempo tienes?" Y le dije: "Cuatro meses". Entonces un hombre, su jefe, no sé,

vino y les dijo que nos soltaran.

Yo estuve en Texas, en El Paso. El pasaje de Texas a Denver costaba 95 dólares. Vinimos a Denver. Cuando llegamos acá, conocí a mi novia que me ha ayudado bastante. Ella es de Honduras, y es la que me ha apoyado y ayudado. Me prestó su coche y sus cobijas para que pudiera dormir en su coche. Me ayudó con la comida, y gracias a ella y a sus hijos, eso me ha dado ganas de vivir.

Y quiero ayudarles. Son los hijos que Dios me dio, y cada día me dan más ganas de vivir y de seguir luchando.

Vine acá porque en Denver fui a un refugio de emergencia, pero no era mi ambiente. Había mucha gente enferma con drogas y no me sentía segura.

Me gustaría quedarme aquí — aquí en Aspen, porque es tranquilo. Es seguro, y si hay trabajo, estoy bien. Eso es lo que realmente quiero hacer.

Quiero conseguir un trabajo para poder ayudarles y empezar a ayudar a mi familia en Venezuela.

Cuando pueda trabajar, mi sueño es ser abogado y defender a la gente que no tiene dinero, porque en mi país hay mucha injusticia. Eso es lo que siempre quise hacer desde niña. Extraño mucho a mis sobrinitos que están allá, pero quiero trabajar y ayudarles a ellos.

Todo cuesta. Lo que se gana son 15 dólares semanal, y eso no alcanza. Por ejemplo, mis sobrinos viven en un ranchito, por eso quiero trabajar para poder ayudarles con una casita, ayudarles que estudien, a ser alguien en la vida.

Aún no soy totalmente legal, pero espero serlo.

Ahora estamos todos juntos con los niños. Me dicen "mamá". Usted abre esa puerta, y salen corriendo y me dicen "mamá", y eso me llena de alegría y motivación.

Todos somos angelitos. Mi pareja es un angelito.

Yo soy un angelito. Y los niños también son unos angelitos. Y entre nosotros mismos no vamos a apoyar.

Estudiantes locales reconocen a sus restaurantes favoritos Nota del editor: Estas críticas de restaurantes locales fueron escritas por estudiantes del 8 grado en Carbondale Middle School con la maestra Krista Lasko. La tarea fue hecha al final de su unidad de los restaurantes. Que les disfrutes…

Propaganda Pie Por Olivia Streblow

Propaganda Pie es un restaurante en Redstone.

Tienen pizzas, sándwiches, ensaladas y alitas de pollo como plato principal.

Tienen galletas para los postres. Tienen un ambiente divertido con un servicio rápido y amable. Son precios bajos para una comida increíble. El restaurante está junto al río Crystal y ofrece asientos en el patio que admiten perros. Si tienes sed, tienen más de 10 opciones diferentes de cerveza, cócteles y vinos, además de bebidas sin alcohol.

Bonfire

Por Mckenzie Hageland Bonfire está en Carbondale. Es un café.

Los precios son un poco

caro. Tiene mucha comida deliciosa. El servicio es bueno y rápido. El bagel y batido de frutas son deliciosos. Los platos principales de Bonfire son pan tostado, bagel, un sándwich de desayuno, yogur con granola y tortilla.

Los postres de Bonfire son pan de banana, donut, bollito, galleta con chispas de chocolate, cruasán y barra de capa. Las bebidas de Bonfire son café, chocolate caliente y batidos de frutas. Mi bebida favorita es el chocolate caliente. Mi plato principal favorito es el bagel. Mi postre favorito es pan de banana.

Phat Thai

Por Marisa McShane Phat Thai es un restaurante tailandés pero no es tradicional.

Phat Thai tiene muchas comidas y bebidas tailandés muy buenas con un toque americano. Está ubicado en la calle principal de Carbondale. Están abiertos de lunes a sábado, de 5 de la tarde hasta las 9 de la noche. El servicio es excelente y los camareros son muy amables. Tienen

muchos platos diferentes.

Por ejemplo, hay muchos fideos, curry y muchos platos tradicionales tailandés. Tiene muchas opciones de postre.

Los camareros sirven arroz con coco, sorbet de coco y budín de pan de coco. Tiene muchas bebidas para adultos y algunas otras bebidas tradicionales tailandesas e interesantes. Por ejemplo, toman té tailandés y beben vinagre. Es un poco caro porque es un pequeño lujoso. El ambiente es muy tranquilo. Está muy limpio y bonito. En general, es un restaurante muy bueno. Yo siempre ordeno el mismo plato: Phat Thai. ¡Que riquísimo! Voy con mi familia de vez en cuando.

La comida es tan buena como la de Tailandia. Ve aquí para cualquier evento especial. ¡Yo recomiendo este restaurante, es muy delicioso!

White House Pizza Por Helina McCracken

Mi restaurante favorito es White House Pizza.

White House Pizza está en Carbondale. Vas allí a cenar, es una pizzería. El servicio es muy bueno, los camareros

Campamento de verano para niños

Desconéctate y pasa tiempo en la naturaleza en un campamento de naturaleza de una semana Solicite una beca hoy mismo y vaya GRATIS “On the Wing” de Bird Conservancy of the Rockies 20 al 28 de junio, edades de 15 a 17 años “Camp Colorado” de American Birding Assoc.

22-30 de junio, edades de 13 a 17 años “Taking Flight” de Bird Conservancy of the Rockies 7-12 de julio, edades de 12 a 14 años

son amables, y el ambiente es tranquilo. El precio es mediano. Los platos principales son pizza, pasta, ensalada y sopa. Después de comer tu primer plato, comerías postre. White House tiene muchos tipos de postres, como galletas grandes de chocolate, batidos, tarta de fruta, zarzaparrilla con helado y copa de helado. También sirven cerveza, vino y refrescos. Yo voy a White House para el almuerzo y cena, tienen muchas opciones. En general, White House Pizza es mi favorito debido a la ubicación excelente. Está muy cerca del centro de la ciudad. Por eso, está disponible para muchas personas.

Izakaya

Por Ella Klingelheber Izakaya es un restaurante japonés y tiene muchas comidas y bebidas muy deliciosas. Izakaya está en Carbondale. Izakaya está abierto de 5 de la tarde hasta las 9:30 de la noche de martes a sábado.

El servicio es bueno, el ambiente es tranquilo, y las comidas y bebidas son

caras. Los platos principales son: teriaki de piña, fideosyakisoba con carne y camarón, miso con tofu de crujiente, y negro bacalao de miso. Cada noche los postres son diferentes.

Otras comidas son: sushi, sopas, ensaladas, y platos de estilo Izakaya. Para bebidas, ellos tienen sake, cerveza, vino, licor, coctel, y bebida sin alcohol. Mi comida y bebida favorita son el sushi y refresco japonés. ¡Por favor vengan y disfruten!

White House Pizza Por Ayla Petersen

White House Pizza está en Carbondale. Es un restaurante de pizza y mucha comida deliciosa.

El ambiente es muy bueno y el precio es mediano. El servicio es bueno, no es rápido y ni es lento. Los camareros son graciosos y amables. Algunos platos principales son pizza, pasta, y sopa. Mi favorito plato principal es el espagueti y las albóndigas. Todos los platos son muy deliciosos.

Los postres son tarta de continua en pagina 13

SE BUSCA EDITOR/A EDITOR WANTED ¡El Sol del Valle está buscando su próximo/a editor/a!

El Sol del Valle is searching for its next editor!

Ayúdanos a informar, inspirar y construir comunidad... ¡en español!

Help us to inform, inspire and build community... in Spanish!

Para saber más sobre este trabajo de tiempo completo, mandanos tu CV y una carta de interés a raleigh@soprissun.com

To know more about this full-time job, send us a resume and cover letter to raleigh@soprissun.com

Para obtener más información y presentar su solicitud en línea

RoaringForkAudubon.org

Al final sólo conservaremos lo que amamos; sólo amaremos lo que comprendemos; y sólo comprenderemos lo que nos han enseñado - Baba Dioum

12 • el Sol del Valle • soprissun.com/espanol/ • 11 de enero - 17 de enero de 2024

Visita el enlace para más información: https://soprissun.com/elsoleditor

Visit the link for more information: https://soprissun.com/elsoleditor

OPINIÓN

VOICES Radio Hour

Por Anyelin Turcios

¿Alguna vez has pensado en lo que esperas en el futuro, o por qué es importante lo que esperas? Es importante porque te ayuda a sentirte optimista sobre el futuro y puede darte un pequeño impulso adicional de entusiasmo o voluntad para seguir adelante. Algo que espero con ansias son todos los viajes que realizaremos, como acampar e ir a diferentes partes del mundo.

El martes, 12 de diciembre de 2023, Genevieve Vickers y yo fuimos a Sopris

¿Qué estás esperando?

Lodge y participamos en VOICES (Voces).

VOICES es un programa en el que hablas con personas mayores, y es como un seminario sin lectura. Para VOICES, normalmente, hablaras con la gente, te graban y te transmitirán por radio. Sopris Lodge es un lugar donde puedes realizar muchas actividades y es asilo para personas mayores.

Hablamos con algunas personas sobre la pregunta “¿qué estás esperando?” Tuvimos que hacer preguntas refiriéndose a la pregunta “¿qué estás esperando?” Algunas preguntas que hicimos fueron “¿has hecho algún plan o preparación?”, “¿has sentido algo similar de lo que sientes acerca de lo que esperas o es un sentimiento completamente diferente que nunca antes habías sentido?”, “¿hay alguna persona específica con la que te interese compartir lo que esperas?” y “¿lo que esperas involucra alguna nueva habilidad o conocimiento que te

CHISME DEL PUEBLO Traducción por Jacquelinne Castro

Buen provecho

A partir del 8 de enero, migrantes recién llegados en Carbondale serán invitados a una cena en Crystal River Elementary School, de lunes a viernes de 6 a 7pm hasta el 22 de marzo. “Estamos muy agradecidos a las personas en las escuelas de Roaring Fork y Crystal River Elementary School por abrir su espacio y apoyar a la respuesta de una abundancia de recién llegados al pueblo”, dijo la administradora de pueblo Lauren Gister. “Esto es en realidad una respuesta de la comunidad”. Para saber más acerca de la respuesta del pueblo o cómo apoyar a los recién llegados, visite www.bit.ly/ NewcomerResponse

Subvenciones de propiedades

The Roaring Fork Community Development Corporation (RFCDC por sus siglas en inglés) fue premiado $280,000 por dos años por la Fundación de Salud de Colorado para ayudar a su proyecto de conectar derechos de propiedad en parques de casas móviles. El equipo de RFCDC usará los fondos para colaborar con expertos bilingües y dueños residentes experimentados a lo largo del estado para ayudar a guiar el proyecto Three Mile Mobile Home Park. RFCDC compró Three Mile Mobile Park a las afueras de Glenwood Springs en abril del 2023 y ahora los residentes tienen una meta de comprar el parque de RFCDC para el 2026.

Penny Hot Springs

La junta de directores de Open Space and Trails del condado de Pitkin se reunió el 4 de enero para discutir un plan de administración actualizado para Filoha Meadows, además de renovaciones en Penny Hot Springs. En respuesta a comentarios públicos,

entusiasme aprender?”

Ir a Sopris Lodge fue muy interesante.

Me encantó como se veía el edificio y el arte en las habitaciones.

Me gustó como todos fueron muy amables y muy divertidos. Todos tenían muchas historias increíbles y mantuvieron la conversación.

A veces, algunas personas se emocionaron, pero siempre había una persona que animaba la conversación.

La conversación fue súper interesante. Fue interesante porque todos tenían algo que decir sobre su vida y hacían bromas al azar.

Mi parte favorita de la conversación fue cuando empezamos a hablar de los viajes que hicimos. Fue mi parte favorita porque me ayudó a querer hacer más viajes y explorar más el mundo. Antes de ir a Sopris Lodge estaba muy nerviosa y ni desayuné, pero cuando conocí a la gente, sentí que habíamos sido amigos durante años. Nunca antes había

sucedido algo así.

Esta es mi primera vez estando en la radio.

Nunca antes había estado en algo tan grande, y cuando me dijeron si quería hacerlo, me puse muy feliz. Algo que a mi me encanta hacer es escribir. Puedo escribir por horas y no me aburro. A mi me encanta escribir para que otras personas vean. La experiencia fue genial.

Aprendí mucho de la gente de allí. Unas cosas que aprendí de las personas eran que todos tenían 80 años o más, se movieron de otro estado a Colorado, se movieron porque tenían familia en Colorado, y no se quieren mover de Colorado porque aman a este estado.

Recibí muy buenos consejos. Unos consejos que me dieron fueron pasar tiempo con mi familia, no hagas malas cosas, y vivir mi vida. A mi me gustó hablar con las personas y me gustaría ir otra vez. Yo la pasé muy bien estando allí.

Restaurantes de pagina 12

fruta, batido, y copa de helado.

Otra bebida que tiene es la cerveza. ¡Asegúrate de visitar a White House Pizza en Carbondale!

Frida’s

Por Lexi Filiss Frida’s es un restaurante Mexicana en Glenwood Springs y está abierto de 11am a 9pm o 10pm.

Frida’s tiene comida buenísima y un ambiente espectacular.

Los platos principales son enchiladas de pollo, camarones empanizados, flautas, y tamales.

A mi personalmente, me gustan los camarones empanizados. Para las bebidas, ellos tienen Don Julio 1942, horchata, margarita mexicana, y Jarritos. Las bebidas son deliciosas, pero me gusta más la horchata. Los postres son churros, sopaipillas, flan, y tiramisú. Generalmente, yo prefiero ordenar camarones empanizados con una horchata y sopaipillas, ¡es muy rica! El servicio es muy bueno.

Los camareros son muy rápidos y amables. También, ellos consiguen tu orden correcta. Una vez, fui allí para un cumpleaños y todos los camareros cantan la canción del cumpleaños. Sirve otras comidas también; son ostras, Rico 's nachos, barca de ceviche, y campechana. El lugar es muy mexicano.

las mejoras son mínimas, enfocandose en hacer el estacionamiento más uniforme, acceso a las piscinas más seguro y en prevenir mayor erosión en la pendiente de la carretera al río. La construcción podría ocurrir a finales de verano/ principios del otoño o puede ser movida hasta el 2025.

Incendio de hogar

El 7 de enero a aproximadamente las 9:12 pm el Distrito de Protección Contra Incendios Rurales y de Carbondale (CRFPD por sus siglas en inglés) fue enviado a una residencia en Red Dog Road por un reporte de una chimenea en llamas. Al llegar, el equipo encontró una casa con llamas en la chimenea y la pared exterior, apagaron el incendio y despejaron la escena alrededor de las 12:38am. CRFPD planificó regresar la mañana siguiente. Alrededor de las 6am, CRFPD fue llamado nuevamente a la residencia. El equipo que llegó encontró fuego en la chimenea, en la pared exterior y en el ático. El incendio ardía lentamente en la pared entre el aislamiento y la pared exterior y no era visible cuando el equipo se fue la noche anterior, según un comunicado de prensa. CRFPD extinguió el fuego y pasó la mayoría del día revisando la estructura. No se ha determinado ningún monto de la pérdida en este momento, pero ha habido humo denso y daños por agua a la estructura, y no se han reportado heridos.

Sol del Valle

El Sol del Valle está buscando Latinos locales que estén interesados en servir como un consejo consultivo ya que el proyecto se acerca a su fin de tercer año y contrata a su nuevo editor (www.

"Sincronías" parte 57, por Leonardo Occhipinti

soprissun.com/elsoleditor). ¿Qué puede hacer este periodico y nuestro sitio web para mejorar su acceso a información relevante en español? Una reunión tendrá lugar el 25 de enero para explorar el tema. Para más detalles, envié un correo electrónico a raleigh@soprissun.com o llame al 970-456-6929.

el Sol del Valle • Conector de comunidad • 11 de enero - 17 de enero de 2024 • 13

Bodegón abre sus puertas

Por Myki Jones Traducción por Dolores Duarte

Bodegón, un restaurante especializado en cocina argentina, operado por Silvina Rodríguez y su esposo Lucas De Cesco de Domingo Sausage, abrió sus puertas en Carbondale el 17 de diciembre. Ha recibido excelentes revisiones de los miembros de la comunidad que han pasado por el lugar.

Situado en 46 North Fourth Street, donde antes se encontraba Axkawa, los nuevos propietarios del restaurante han reducido su menú de temporada tras barajar una plétora de ideas culinarias.

Ambos se iniciaron en el negocio en Argentina. De Cesco aprendió sus habilidades mientras trabajaba en el restaurante de sus padres en la Patagonia. Se mudaron a Colorado en 2019.

La receta de salchicha de la casa se creó en 2020, cuando la familia comenzó a hacerlas para ellos y sus seres queridos. Un amigo les animó a compartir la cocina con todo el valle de Roaring Fork.

Durante el verano, Domingo Sausage inició la parte de servicio de banquetes del negocio, explicó Rodríguez.

"Así es como empezamos a crecer.

Cuando iniciamos con los banquetes, empezamos a hacer grandes eventos, cenas privadas y a vender nuestros paquetes de cuatro salchichas en los mercados. A la gente le gustó eso".

"Desde que arrancamos con el

servicio de banquetes, la gente nos pedía un sitio donde poder conseguir nuestra comida todo el año", añadió De Cesco.

"Sentimos que tener nuestro propio restaurante era una necesidad".

Rodríguez explicó que la receta de salchicha de la casa tiene su origen en historias familiares de ella y De Cesco.

El abuelo de Rodríguez, que da nombre a Domingo Sausage, y el abuelo de De Cesco emigraron de España a Argentina.

Ambos casualmente eran carniceros.

"Mezclamos recetas de nuestras familias y creamos nuestros propios embutidos", afirma Rodríguez. "Me encanta cocinar, y desde el principio supimos que queríamos abrir un local argentino donde pudiéramos presentar a la gente nuestra comida, nuestra cultura y traer algo de Argentina aquí".

Al hablar de su menú, la pareja compartió su emoción por poder ofrecer una opción única en el valle.

"Creo que la gente aprecia tener otra opción, y creo que Carbondale está en un buen nivel gastronómico. Tenemos todos estos grandes restaurantes y chefs, y estamos contentos de poder unirnos a esta ola", dijo De Cesco.

"Me gusta decir que jugamos con la nostalgia no sólo de los argentinos que viven aquí, sino también de los que nos han visitado", continuó.

El aspecto nostálgico se encuentra en el propio nombre del restaurante.

Bodegón significa "naturaleza muerta" y, en el mundo del arte, se refiere a una pintura que representa elementos comunes y cotidianos de la vida,

14 • THE SOPRIS SUN • soprissun.com • January 11 - January 17, 2024

principalmente comida. Además de la comida, la familia busca crear un ambiente similar al de las tabernas argentinas, que son muy comunitarias.

"Quiero que la gente encuentre este lugar como un sitio donde reunirse con sus amigos no sólo para almuerzo y cena, sino como un sitio acogedor en el que continuen deseando estar", declaró Rodríguez. "Tenemos muchos sitios así en Buenos Aires".

De Cesco añadió: "Ese es realmente el espíritu de Bodegón. Es un lugar donde puedes parar y encontrar hermandad y un lugar al que puedes regresar. Un lugar donde puedes leer el periódico, tener una reunión; un lugar donde siempre puedes encontrar un amigo".

El horario general es de lunes a viernes de 7am a 2pm, y los fines de semana de 8:30am a 2:30pm.

Pasa a tomar algo al Bodegón, en 46 North 4th Street. Para más información llama al 970-274-2735 o visita www. domingosausageco.com

Fotos de cortesía

Seniors play leadership role off the bench for Rams girls basketball

By John Stroud Sopris Sun Correspondent

Though not regular starters, the two seniors on this season’s Roaring Fork High School (RFHS) girls basketball team know they have an important job to do.

And they’re up to the task.

Through the early part of the season in December, Avery Smith and Lelany Gardesani proved to be valuable relief coming off the bench in support of the Rams’ oftentimes fast-andfurious game plan.

Besides that, as the senior leaders on the team, they know full well they have an important mentorship role to help keep a talented young core of junior, sophomore and freshman players pumped and ready to go come game day.

“I feel like my role as a senior is making sure everyone feels comfortable and a part of things … picking them up when they’re down, and giving them feedback when they need help,” Smith said after a recent practice as

the Rams prepare for the 3A Western Slope League season to start.

“Something we really work on is making sure everyone is included and working together,” added Gardesani. “We all came in this season willing to work really hard to try to achieve something better, and as a team we’re excited.”

Their leadership extends beyond the gym to the hallways and classrooms of RFHS, where Smith is student body president and Gardesani is a peer tutor and a Link leader, helping incoming freshmen make the transition from middle to high school.

After an unexpected coaching change to open the season, when Colorado coaching Hall of Famer Albert Blanc had to step down due to health reasons, the Rams got off to a 3-0 start. They concluded the pre-holiday slate at 3-2, with the only losses coming to a pair of perennial contenders in the 4A ranks, Kent Denver and Moffat County.

Gardesani and Smith

have been a big part of the success thus far, and will be crucial as league play begins, said veteran girls basketball coach Mike Vidakovich, who took the reins of the Roaring Fork program following Blanc’s decision.

“As basketball players they’re doing a good job, but as people, they’re just great personalities,” Vidakovich said of his senior duo, who also bring some versatility to the team.

“Lelany is a natural guard but I’ve had to play her at the post position, and then Avery and (junior Lexy Sanchez) come in at the guard position,” the coach explained. “So, I feel like we have eight pretty solid players to rotate in, and that’s going to help us because we do try to full court press and race up and down the court.”

Through the early part of the season, the Rams have gone with a starting lineup of juniors Erica and Carley Crownhart and Maddie Anderson, sophomore Nikki Tardif and freshman Riley Bevington.

With a furious start to the league season that will rival the Rams’ style of play, those parts can prove to be interchangeable.

The Roaring Fork girls and boys were both set to resume play Wednesday night, Jan. 10, on the road at Meeker, followed by another away game at Cedaredge on Friday and a home game on Saturday against North Fork (girls varsity at 2:30pm, boys at 4pm).

Then, it’s off to Parachute on Tuesday to

take on defending league champion Grand Valley — the first of four straight away games.

Gardesani and Smith said the Rams have the drive and confidence as a team this season to do well in the highly competitive 3A league.

“I definitely feel like we’re in better shape than we were at this time last year,” Gardesani said. “Just doing the drills and getting more shots (repetitions), it feels continues on page 19

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Roaring Fork High School senior basketball players Avery Smith, left, and Lelany Gardesani. Photo by John Stroud

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THE SOPRIS SUN • Your weekly community connector • January 11 - January 17, 2024 • 15

CARBONDALE REPORT

Town Center advances as newcomer response shifts

By Raleigh Burleigh Sopris Sun Editor

A dividing wall partitioned the Town Hall meeting room in preparation for receiving 20 newcomer refugees from the 60 sheltered at the Third Street Center. All trustees were present, minus Erica Sparhawk.

The unanimously approved consent agenda included accounts payable, designation of www.carbondalegov.org as the primary place for posting public meeting agendas, a special event liquor license for The Sopris Sun’s Cabin Fever Winetasting fundraiser at the Thompson Barn on Feb. 8, liquor license renewals for the Carbondale Clay Center, Plosky’s and Carbondale Arts, and previous meeting minutes.

Several members of the public addressed the trustees with general comments. First, Bob Myers aired concerns about management of events at the Gus Darien Arena, a topic which was visited later in detail. Richard Vottero spoke to the changes slated for the Forest Service building, saying “historic downtown Carbondale is a pretty magical place” compared with new construction on Highway 133, and that the new Forest Service building will “meld the two together, which is not a good thing.” Kevin Woodward asked for more information of the Town’s response to the recent influx of migrants, also a topic addressed later in detail.

During her general comment, Town Manager Lauren Gister stated that the schematic design for the new pool is taking into account the loss of mature trees on the Forest Service property and considering a smaller building to save the neighboring trees.

Town Center

The first big action item involved an update from the project team working on an affordable-housing concept for the donated land surrounding the Thunder River Theatre. The first phase of Town Center is slated for 39 residential units and around 2,000 square feet of commercial space. The purpose of the update was to authorize submission of a tax credit financing application to the Colorado Housing and Finance Authority before a Feb. 1 deadline.

With minor changes to the design presented on Dec. 12, 2023 — primarily focused on the corner of 6th Street and Colorado Avenue, as well as vegetation along 6th Street and opportunities for public art — the concept was wellreceived and authorized to advance for a funding application.

Regarding the height of the buildings, the project team stated firmly that their preference is to stick with the 35-foot limit, in accordance with community feedback. Alternative compliance with the code will be sought to have residential units on the first floor bordering 6th Street.

Other business

Trustees next considered a second extension on the deadline for completion of public improvements surrounding the new storage facility under construction near the Park and Ride. The extension was unanimously granted, with Mayor Ben Bohmfalk requesting the sidewalk between the Park and Ride and Garcia’s Market be opened as soon as possible.

The applicant, Eastwood 133, LCC, was not present.

Then, the process began for possibly annexing into town limits a small property belonging to Richard and

over County Road 100 and the neighboring streets, enforcement of parking rules fell on Garfield County and remained a problem.

Bohmfalk moved the meeting along by acknowledging CWWR events will not begin for about five months and subsequent meetings with Garfield County have been planned. In addition to the CWWR, there will be two jaripeo/Mexican rodeo events at the location in 2024.

Newcomer response Students of the Month, from left to right: Kaiden Werth (8th grader at Ross), Owen Ibbotson (1st grader at CRES), Arlett Meraz (1st grader at CRES) and Allison Burgo-Contreras (8th grader at Ross, not pictured).

Photo by Raleigh Burleigh

Kathryn Camp and Terrance McGuire.

This undeveloped 1,700-square-foot parcel — 111 Main Street — is on the eastern end of town and currently zoned rural in Garfield County. McGuire intends to activate a food truck at the site in the tradition of Johnny McGuire's Deli, formerly located in Aspen.

Special Events Task Force

Parks and Rec Director Eric Brendlinger then gave an overview of 2024 events on Town properties, as determined by the Special Events Task Force. Find the complete list, which was approved, at www.bit. ly/2024CdaleEvents The greatest source of contention is use of the Gus Darien Arena, which is a Carbondale property surrounded

by Garfield County land. The postCOVID surge in Carbondale Wild West Rodeo (CWWR) popularity led to many meetings with neighbors and an impact mitigation plan implemented last year, including a shuttle service from the Orchard Church. However, because Carbondale lacks jurisdiction

The meeting concluded with a detailed update from Gister regarding the next phase of Carbondale’s response to the sudden influx of undocumented and unhoused migrants, mostly from Venezuela.

Two new shelter sites will be opening in the next week or so: Town Hall and the Community United Methodist Church on 2nd Street. Each site will receive about 20 people and the Third Street Center will cease to operate as a shelter. Unregistered vehicles will be moved to the dirt lot surrounding the Thunder River Theatre and, after a few days' grace period, the camping ban will be enforced. A temporary employee was hired to operate the shelters, and a security officer will remain under contract to patrol both sites.

Week-night meals are already being served at Crystal River Elementary School, and Gister was directed to continue leaning on volunteer support for breakfasts and weekend meals, considering the high cost of providing those through March.

“The minute we get the other two shelters open, we’re going to be talking about how to wind them down,” Gister stated.

The trustees’ public work session on Jan. 16 at Town Hall at 6pm will be dedicated to this topic. Find further updates here: www.bit.ly/CdaleNewcomers

BASALT REPORT

Council keeps seat empty until general election

By Will Buzzerd Sopris Sun Correspondent The Basalt Town Council convened for its first meeting of the year to discuss some lighting issues on the Spur, as well as the upcoming general election this April and the temporary position left open by Councillor Glenn Drummond’s resignation last fall.

Many citizens from the condominiums at 100 and 104 Midland Avenue came to the council to express their concerns with the new streetlights that have been installed on the Midland Spur as part of Phase I of the Midland Avenue Streetscape project. Since the residences in these buildings start on the second floor, the18-foot poles shine directly into many of the residents’ homes. The town has received complaints about this before and has since installed translucent shields and decreased the brightness of the streetlights, but due to the height of the streetlamps, they still shine through residents’ windows. The residents

uniformly wished for the streetlights to be changed, particularly to match the shorter, antique lights on Midland.

Town Manager Ryan Mahoney led the response to concerns about the streetlights. He stated that, since residents are still voicing concerns, metal shields will be installed to totally redirect light away from buildings.

However, replacing the poles themselves is cost-prohibitive. Mahoney noted the importance of lighting the Spur so folks feel safe using the new parking spaces at night.

Manager Mahoney, in his regular report, presented a grant application to the council addressed to the Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade (OEDIT) in regard to its Community Business Preservation Program. This state program is designed to provide economic support to longstanding community businesses so that they can keep up with changing customer needs, and, especially in Basalt, to be able to compete with pressures from private developers

16 • THE SOPRIS SUN • soprissun.com • January 11 - January 17, 2024

seeking to modernize areas of Basalt that have remained unchanged for decades.

Despite much of the development seen around Basalt, the grant application emphasizes that the town does not wish to see any of its historic buildings or locally-run businesses replaced. The grant, if approved, can award $10,000 to $50,000 per business as well as consultation support to help preserve the businesses important to the culture of Colorado communities.

Currently, the town is discussing the grant with businesses across Midland to see which is most in need of support.

The first council action item of the night was a hearing for a liquor license application for The Wild Fig at Willitt’s.

Originally based in Aspen, The Wild Fig is a cozy Mediterranean restaurant looking to set up a second location at 241 Harris Street. The new location already has staff and a menu put together, and now is relying on some changes in the building to be completed before seeking to open its doors in two months. The

While the controversial Midland construction last summer went by without too much of a hitch, residents in the Twin Rivers Condominiums are unhappy with the new streetlights shining into their living rooms. Photo by Will Buzzerd

town approved both the new menu and liquor license.

After that, Finance Director Doug Pattison presented a change to the mill levy rates in 2023, reducing the rate from 10.291 mills in 2022 to 9.071 mills in 2023. This reduction has been possible through reappraisals and a bond refund abatement, and the town hopes to maintain this reduction in the future.

Finally, with the early resignation of Glenn Drummond from the council continues on page 18

GARFIELD COUNTY REPORT

Updates, funding, more Manga and the 2020 election

By Amy Hadden Marsh Sopris Sun Correspondent Silt resident John Lepkowski and his Garfield County Libraries complaints are becoming fixtures during the open public comment period at Garfield County Commissioners (BOCC) meetings. This week, he disseminated information that he said he got from Daniel Kail. Kail, the director of Trailhead Christian Counseling in Glenwood Springs, is registered in Colorado as a licensed professional counselor. The hand-outs included a Citizen’s Guide to U.S. Federal Law on Obscenity from www. justice.gov, a clipping of a letter to the editor from the Glenwood Springs Post Independent and an email from Kail to “John” (listed as John Mierek in the email address) about the effects of pornography on the brain and social relationships.

Jamie LaRue, director of the GarCo Library District told The Sopris Sun in an email that Lepkowski “continues to overlook that there is no evidence that any young people are, in fact, checking out the titles that he disapproves of, or that his definition of pornography, whatever that might be, is an accurate description of [the books].”

Election legitimacy

Carbondale resident Debbie Bruell spoke next via Zoom, acknowledging that the BOCC requires that she identify herself as chair of the Garfield County Democratic Party. (No one else who spoke at Monday’s meeting was required to announce his or her political party affiliation.) Bruell stated that she read an open letter from the Colorado County Clerks Association in December 2023 (www.bit.ly/ COCountyClerks), inviting Colorado elected officials

to do what they can to restore trust in elections.

The letter includes references to former president Donald Trump’s and his attorneys’ efforts to undermine the 2020 election, stating, “If you are someone who continues to support the same lies that Powell, Ellis and Meadows once peddled and have now rejected, you are undermining our Constitution.” It asks elected officials “to come forward and help us correct the record and regain trust taken from our elections by bullies and bad actors.”

Bruell said, “I’d like to know if you all are planning to comply with that request and actively counter the notion that there was massive voter fraud in the 2020 election.”

Bruell’s question raised hackles across the BOCC. “I don’t have any true information in reference to every election that took place in the United States, so, I can’t say that it was legitimate or not,” replied Commission Chair John Martin.

Commissioner Tom Jankovsky praised the Garfield County election.

Bruell asked again, “Are any of you willing to state publicly that you believe Biden was legitimately elected in 2020?” After some heated back-and-forth, Martin said, “The Electoral College, which seems to supersede all of the public vote, says [Joe Biden] is the president.” Bruell voiced disappointment that none of the commissioners would state publicly that the 2020 presidential election was not stolen.

Silt resident Caleb Waller responded enthusiastically to Bruell’s question, identifying himself as a Garfield County election judge and stating that the county elections are transparent and fair. “It’s really important that the residents of Garfield County know that their vote matters,” he said.

I'm just waiting until you say the magic word…

Funding and more

The Board approved a funding agreement with the U.S.Interior Department/U.S. Geological Survey for $11,405 for continuing water-quality monitoring and sampling on the Colorado River above South Canyon Creek. They also approved $11,000 for the 5Points Film Festival and $74,250 for Youth Zone (YZ).

Jami Hayes, YZ executive director, said the organization served 286 youths in Garfield County during fiscal year 2022/2023 and that marijuana possession was the top offense. She added that YZ has increased certified and licensed substance addiction technicians and counselors.

Commissioner Mike Samson asked Hayes what she thought of marijuana legalization after ten years. “Would you be willing to say that it just really didn’t do the State of Colorado any good to legalize marijuana?” he asked.

“What I will say,” replied Hayes, “is that the increase in substance use and abuse across the entire nation is explosive and we see that across states where it’s legal and not legal.” She added

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THE SOPRIS SUN • Your weekly community connector • January 11 - January 17, 2024 • 17

Steve’s Guitars presents Daphne Gale

By Myki Jones Sopris Sun Correspondent Singer-songwriter Daphne Gale will be making her first appearance at Steve’s Guitars on Jan. 15. The Telluride Bluegrass Festival regular released her debut album, “Nomadder,” in 2021. The stop at Steve’s is part of a 2024 tour to promote her new album, “And Things.”

Gale’s sound blends elements of jazz and bluegrass which come together to create a sense of familiarity, and perhaps nostalgia for listeners, albeit entirely original music. Some of her songs are akin to a soundtrack to a movie about self discovery; others strike one as something to listen to while walking through nature as the leaves begin their autumnal decay to make room for new life.

As the child of two musicians (a pianist for a father and a rock star for a mother), she explained that there was always music in her childhood home in the Bronx — as well as at her father’s residence in Paris, France.

These days, Gale splits her time between New York, Los Angeles and Berlin.

Gale told The Sopris Sun that she developed a deep love for sound early on, but discovered her strengths through trial and error.

“From the second I could crawl, I was trying to sit on the piano bench with my dad. When I was about fouryears-old, I started with piano lessons but hated it and begged my mother to let me play guitar,” shared Gale.

“My parents agreed, and from there I was off to the races.” She explained that playing the guitar enabled her to pair lyrics she had been writing with melodies.

Gale attended LaGuardia High School of Performing Arts, and went on to Wesleyan University, where she graduated with a music degree.

OBITUARY

Shortly after graduation, she took a road trip and stumbled upon a farm in Vermont. While there, she felt inspired and got the chance to really lean into her craft.

There was “something about the pace, and life on the farm that made me excited to listen to more folk music,” she stated. “I started to focus on storytelling as a focal point of the music I was listening to, rather than musical harmonic complexity. That chapter of my life lasted five or six months, and it taught me so much about patience, engaging with myself as a whole person and listening to my body in ways that I hadn’t known before and haven't found since.”

The stop at Steve’s will not only be her first time there, but will coincide with her first visit to Carbondale as well.

“There's always some energy, excitement and a little bit of anxiety around playing at a venue or in a town where you don't know anyone,” Gale admitted.

“I don't know exactly who will show up to this.”

At the same time, she expressed a desire to return for other music festivals in the Valley after this performance, including Mountain Fair.

As she gears up for Steve’s, Gale is in the midst of creating her next record — but fans will have to wait for more details about that until later in 2024.

When discussing her creative process as a singersongwriter, she said that her life now revolves around the music-making process. After debuting “Nomadder” at the 2021 Telluride Bluegrass Festival, she said that her life has changed in many ways. But, the music and the connections she has made remain consistent.

“It's so funny, [2021] feels worlds away. It was the beginning of the end of the pandemic, and life looked so different. Since then, I've more firmly established the places where I live and make music

… Between New York, L.A. and Berlin, it is both dizzying and wonderfully exciting,” Gale concluded.

To keep up with Daphne Gale, visit www. daphnegale.com, follow her on instagram (@ daphnegale) or follow her music on Spotify.

To get tickets for her Jan. 15 show at Steve’s, visit www.stevesguitars.net. Tickets can also be purchased at the door for $20.

Carbondale Bike Project

Kyle Mucci Stewart

Education is another cornerstone of CBP’s outreach, as demonstrated with a field trip last spring of a group of Carbondale Community School first- and second-grade students, organized by teachers Nick Lado and Angie Riley.

Githens and Gilliam hosted the students at the CBP shop who were shown basic bike maintenance, including greasing gears and changing a tire. “The kid's favorite part was Jim having them pump up the tires. It was a handson experience for the kids, which is beneficial at that age,” Lado shared.

The visit sparked students’ enthusiasm for future bike rides. “There were conversations between them, like, ‘Oh, we're going to go on bike rides together!’” he continued.

“I'm a big fan of the CBP. I think it drives home some of the things we teach at the

1952-2024

Music, nature, water, photography and animals were key loves of Kyle Mucci Stewart’s life. During Kyle’s career in radio and advertising, she brought great music to stunning places, from Key West, Maui, Friday Harbor, Boulder and Carbondale. Kyle was one of those jolly, free-spirited, gregarious people who could make themselves at home in both the mountains and on the beach. Her love of the ocean found her boogie boarding through her 60s in Flagler Beach, Florida. Kyle embarked on great adventures throughout her life from swimming with manatees and whale sharks, to diving in the Yucatan and the Bahamas. She will be missed by her family, friends and beloved cats, Ginny and Izzy.

Kyle rescued and loved many cats and dogs. While moving to Arizona, she suffered a massive stroke on the freeway in Texas. Thank you to everyone who assisted with this tragedy. Kyle’s first priority would have been

Daphne Gale, courtesy photo

Courtesy photo

Basalt report

on Nov. 30, the Council interviewed several candidates to temporarily fill the empty seat at the table until 2024’s general elections take place in April.

The first interviewee was Eric Theile, a local attorney and business owner with an office just across the street from Town Hall. Theile has been part of the town’s Financial Advisory Board since April 2022. Other interviewees included Chris Mullen, a 15-year resident of the Valley who has started an organization called In lieu of a memorial, donations can be made to the Mid-Valley Visionaries for young parents in the area to get together and make changes to Animal Rescue League of El Paso (ARLEP), P.O. Box 13055 their community. Next was architect Ted Guy, who has significant experience with affordable El Paso, Texas 79913, for housing and has previously voiced his concerns saving and caring for Kyle’s with the Midland Streetscape Project. The final cats. For more information applicant was Hannah Berman, a Colorado about ARLEP, call 915-877native who originally came to the Valley to join 5002 or visit their website, Ski Co.’s sustainability team, has worked as an www.arlep.org saving her cats, who were with her in the accident and went to the Sheriff’s office in Sierra Blanca, Texas. As the cats were over 200 miles away from a no kill shelter, getting them to a safe place to recover and be rehomed was a challenge.

18 • THE SOPRIS SUN • soprissun.com • January 11 - January 17, 2024

continued from page 5

Community School, including the sense of community and responsibility,” Lado shared.

“Aaron's original focus was to keep bikes out of the landfill — to take usable bikes, repair them and get them back out to the community,” Githens concluded. From that seed, CBP has grown because people have gotten involved, and because of that, it's been a successful venture.

Now, CBP is searching for a leader to carry their mission forward.

On top of searching for a new executive director, CBP is always looking for volunteers who have bike mechanic skills. For more information, go to www.carbondalebikeproject.org, email carbondalebikeproject@gmail.com or call 970505-8434. continued from page 16

election judge in Basalt the past two years and is part of the affordable housing system.

Councilors Angela Anderson and Dieter Schindler voiced their hesitations in appointing a temporary councilor, especially since many of the candidates applying for this seat are also looking to run in the general election. Councilor Anderson and Schindler argued that appointing one of these candidates now would be “putting a thumb on the scale” in their favor for the general election, and may not be fair to the other candidates.

After discussion, everyone on the council, excluding Mayor Kane and David Knight, voted to pass on filling the temporary seat in view of these hesitations. Of the applicants in this process Theile, Mullen, and Berman plan to run in the general election this spring.

Mayor's column

continued from page 2

we had any services in place, and the draw of employment will likely continue after the Town discontinues its emergency response.

Question: Will the Town’s response to this crisis distract us from our focus on workforce housing?

Answer: We continue to move workforce housing forward on multiple fronts every week, including the 39-unit project at Town Center, increases in our inclusionary housing guidelines, and contributions to the regional housing coalition. We are not distracted and our determination is unchanged.

Question: Is the Town prioritizing this group’s needs over the needs of long-term locals who also struggle with housing?

Answer: We are not prioritizing newcomers over long-term residents. We have never had such a large number of unhoused people in Carbondale, and our response to this moment may lead to a better response to our local unhoused population going forward. Our emergency services are available to anyone who needs them.

Question: Has there been an increase in crime since these newcomers arrived?

Answer: In the months that these newcomers have been in Carbondale, our police have not reported a disproportionate incidence of criminal activity. There is no factual basis for assuming that these newcomers are more prone to crime than any other group of people.

Thank you for your compassion and understanding as we navigate this challenge. I share your concerns and I will continue to do everything I can to mitigate the impacts of this crisis on our Town. For more information, see www.bit.ly/CdaleNewcomers, attend our Work Session at 6pm on Jan. 16, or email newcomersresponse@carbondaleco.net

Sports

continued from page 15

like we’re way ahead. And, just the whole team chemistry is better.”

Focusing on fundamentals is a key part of that, Smith said.

“I think last year that’s kind of where we were lacking, and where we were making some mistakes,” she stated. “This year, I think we’re more about getting those basics down.”

The Roaring Fork boys, meanwhile, got off to a 1-6 start on the season before the holiday break, and will be looking to right the ship headed into league play.

Virtually all of the team’s losses were to 4A and 5A programs, however, and third-year coach Jason Kreiling said he believes that experience will only help the Rams heading into the post-holiday schedule.

Roaring Fork Outdoor Volunteers

continued from page 7

not only increase our own knowledge, but everyone that we work with.”

With snow on the ground, much of RFOV’s programming has taken a pause, and most of the organization’s efforts have been focused on planning for the 2024 season and outlining how time and funding can best be used.

The grant was awarded by Great Outdoors Colorado (GOCO), a state organization which directs funds from the Colorado Lottery toward nonprofits, local governments and other organizations to increase outdoor accessibility and preserve natural beauty. More specifically, the grant is part of GOCO’s Stewardship Impact program which aims to improve the quality of Colorado’s landscapes through collaborative stewardship projects statewide.

RFOV also receives funding from the Forest Service through the Great American Outdoors Act, other grants and funding from private donors to provide a wide range of services. Notably, government grants often restrict how the funds can be used. Few grants support work on BLM land, and even general operating costs may not be covered.

“Even though RFOV has been very successful with grants, we still rely on individual and corporate donors so that we have more flexibility to work on all the public lands that are valuable to us,” Schild stated. In any case, RFOV looks forward to a busy 2024, acknowledging that this $300,000 grant will go a long way toward ensuring that our community can keep our trails beautiful.

Garfield County report

continued from page 17

that substance accessibility and stress within families have also risen.

The final agenda item before an executive session was an update on the access to a fisherman’s easement in the St. Finnbar subdivision outside of Carbondale. The county sent a letter last week to the Ranch at Roaring Fork HOA and John Mindling, who has complained that a fence and no trespassing sign were erected on an easement on his property and that his building permit was held up. The county wants the fence and sign removed immediately to avoid a code violation, and granted Mindling his building permit. The county also said that it will not be involved in litigation on this issue.

THE SOPRIS SUN • Your weekly community connector • January 11 - January 17, 2024 • 19

What are you looking forward to?

OPINION

Voices Radio Hour

By Genevieve Vickers

Genevieve Vickers enjoys writing, reading, theater and music. She is 13 years old and in eighth grade at Ross Montessori.

“What are you looking forward to?” This was the prompt of a conversation I helped lead at the Sopris Lodge retirement home in Carbondale. The opportunity to help guide the conversation came from Voices, a nonprofit art education program in Carbondale. Sopris Lodge is a retirement facility located in the heart of town, where residents enjoy a comfortable living space and a fun assortment of activities to choose from.

Voices has done various projects such as “Nuestras Voices”, “Women's Voices”, and “Sage Voices.” The latter was a theater project that

brought together kids from the community and its wise elders.

A peer of mine, Anyelin, and I met with four residents at Sopris Lodge, who ranged from 80 to 90 years young.

Two of our hosts participated in last spring's production of “Sage Voices.”

The community outreach and education director of Voices, Cassidy Willey, reached out to me, and my fellow moderator, with the vague question which she assured would inspire more conversation: “What are you looking forward to?” From there, we came up with a series of questions revolving around that same theme. When the time came, Anyelin and I were both intrigued and found the discussion very insightful.

When we arrived at Sopris Lodge, we were greeted

by Jennifer Johnson, the executive director of SoL Theater Company. Johnson was tasked with recording the conversation, so it could later be aired on KDNK Community Access Radio.

My partner and I started the conversation with the question, you guessed it, “What are you looking forward to?”

As Wiley promised, it sparked a wonderful discussion about

what to cherish in life and who to spend it with.

We discussed multiple thoughts around the theme, which ranged from personal stories to even political standpoints. Anyelin and I asked how participants might prepare for what they were looking forward to, and who they would want to share adventures with. Each person offered interesting answers.

One resident repeatedly mentioned looking forward to spending time with her son and grandchildren. Others were excited to see a political change, and some were simply looking forward to getting to know others better. One offered us some advice, to always stay curious, live in the moment and be willing to go with the flow.

The sages reminded us to stay close and connected to our family members, especially our grandparents.

The time with grandparents, especially for a young person, can feel rushed and later, as we were told, we’d wish we had made the most of it.

What I learned most from the conversation is to listen.

Everyone has something to say — the kids of the community and the sages. Working in an intergenerational environment

Anyelin Turcios listens attentively while a Sopris Lodge resident tells her story. Courtesy photo

is a wonderful way to promote change and learn from the past.

It’s important to listen to the people who led us to where we are, as well as those who are poised to take on the problems of tomorrow, and who will later provide wisdom to a forthcoming generation as well.

Hearing everyone's point of view is the key to building a better world. “Sage Voices” was a wonderful way to introduce multiple opinions from people on opposite sides of the age-

scale. Young people can learn things from the way the world used to be, and the old and wise can learn to adjust to major changes in the world which everyone is navigating.

I’ll end this column with a query you can reflect on, “What are you looking forward to?”

Tune in for Voices Radio Hour to hear this discussion between young and old on Friday, Jan. 12 at 6pm, only on KDNK.

CALL FOR ENTRIES DEADLINE IS January 19, 2024

at the Aspen Chapel Gallery in partnership with The Sopris Sun Carbondale, Colorado

The Aspen Chapel Gallery’s 4 Rivers Biennial Exhibition is seeking Roaring Fork Valley artists to submit work for the juried show. Jurors Lissa Ballinger and Andrew Travers will pick the $1000 Judges Award and a $250 People Choice Award will be chosen by attendees.

Three ways to get an entry form: aspenchapelgallery.org, pick up an entry form at the AspenChapel Gallery, or contact Michael Bonds at studiomb628@gmail.com. Submissions deadline is Friday, Jan.19, 2024.

How to Enter: • Complete the entry form and mail it with your non-refundable entry fee before January 19 to: The Aspen Chapel Gallery, Attn: 4 Rivers Biennial, 77 Meadowood Drive, Aspen, Colorado 81611 • Email original digital images as jpeg attachments (5 megabytes or less) to: studiomb628@gmail.com by Friday, January 19. Entries will NOT be reviewed until payment is received.

20 • THE SOPRIS SUN • soprissun.com • January 11 - January 17, 2024

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

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

Here, Now and After

By Rick Davis Glenwood Springs Editor’s note: Rick is a chaplain for a local hospice.

Spending time with someone as they are dying is such a sacred-humbling experience, walking with them to the gate, standing there with them as they prepare to leave all they know and embrace something new.

It was obvious that you were dying, the human body takes certain shifts as it gets closer to death.

The face changes, mostly around the eyes and the mouth.

Your breathing was slower with long pauses in between.

I held your hand and spoke to you.

I spoke of love and of light, describing how it filled you, was around you.

I told you there was no need to fear, that this was as natural as being born.

Birth and death, forever connected.

This illustration is based on a classic painting of Romeo and Juliet, redone by artist Sofie Koski to depict her characters, Parsley and Daxton, in a modern setting.

At times you squeezed my hand, so different than the tremors your body had, the squeeze felt intentional.

I found myself breathing with you, long slow breaths, a longer pause.

I watched your chest rise and settle, longer moments.

Was this it, you last breath, and then you took another breath, hanging on to life.

I Love Fondue!

By Deborah Holt Williams Glenwood Springs

The body does not want to let go, does it?

“It’s okay” I said, I am here, you are not alone, another squeeze of my hand.

I spoke of what I imagined comes next, stepping into great love, being greeted by family and friends, a welcoming and a celebration.

Sacre Bleu, I love fondue!

Cheese, white wine and nutmeg, too.

Brandy, lemon, Dijon mustard, Whisk it til it’s smooth as custard.

When the mix is bubbling hot, Swirl some bread around the pot.

A fork for me, a fork for you.

A meal that’s fun to share—fondue!

You made it, they said, smiles and hugs greet us, tears of joy and laughter meet us.

Welcome home.

WE ARE PLEASED TO SPONSOR “WORK IN PROGRESS”

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THE SOPRIS SUN • Your weekly community connector • January 11 - January 17, 2024 • 21

LETTERS

"Trees" (1913)

By Joyce Kilmer

I think that I shall never see A poem lovely as a tree.

A tree whose hungry mouth is prest Against the earth's sweet flowing breast; A tree that looks at God all day, And lifts her leafy arms to pray; A tree that may in Summer wear A nest of robins in her hair; Upon whose bosom snow has lain; Who intimately lives with rain.

Poems are made by fools like me, But only God can make a tree.

Submitted by Nancy Morey, Glenwood Springs

Real estate transfer fee

I was shocked to read the bill being presented by State Representative Elizabeth Velasco. For her to think a 4% real estate sale transfer fee is a good idea really upset me. In a world where everything cost us more, this would be the largest single tax burden on our Garfield County communities. We need to elect people who protect our property and families. I will be sure to continue to vote in my local elections in an effort to elect individuals with common sense policies.

Matt Pickett, Glenwood Springs

Holiday Baskets

22 • THE SOPRIS SUN • soprissun.com • January 11 - January 17, 2024

The Holiday Baskets Program, ran entirely by volunteers, was once again a joyful community effort. For over 40 years, this program has provided new toys, gifts, clothing and food for people in need in our Valley. This past holiday, we served 264 families and 1,091 individuals!

We are so grateful to the more than 300 volunteers who purchased individual gifts, shopped for entire families, sorted, wrapped and transported gift bags. And, we certainly appreciate those who made monetary donations which enabled us to gift over $45,000 worth of City Market food cards.

In addition to all of our volunteers, I especially wish to thank our Steering Committee: Elaine Bonds, Marsha Cook, Kathy Dreher, Suzi Jenkins, Elizabeth Parker and Bobbi Teliska who spent countless hours and lots of energy matching families with Holiday Angels and making sure all the gift bags were ready on pick-up day. We also thank the 11 agencies who referred the families and delivered their gift bags. We are extremely grateful to Mike Garbarini who developed an online system allowing us to go paperless this year! We greatly appreciate the Aspen Chapel Gallery for serving as a drop-off site for gift bags and wrapping, and St. Peter’s Church in Basalt for providing space in which to coordinate and distribute the thousands of gifts and gift cards.

continued from page 2

It was truly a joyful experience to witness the generosity and caring nature of so many members of our community!

Anne Blackwell, Holiday Baskets

For America’s sake

As we mark the third anniversary of the January 6 insurrection, it’s important to remember how we got to that moment and who was responsible for it. Donald Trump and his allies engaged in a months-long criminal conspiracy after the 2020 election.

They spread lies about voter fraud and used those lies to put pressure on state officials to illegally overturn election results. When their scheme to interfere with Congress’ certification of the 2020 election results failed, Trump and his co-conspirators incited a violent mob to attack the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021.

MAGA Republicans nationwide have continued this assault on our democracy by introducing radical voter suppression bills in Congress and state legislatures, spreading false election conspiracy theories and threatening to overturn election results they disagree with.

Now, Trump is running for president again and he and his allies are planning for a second term that is even more extreme and authoritarian than the last one. If he is re-elected, he plans to pardon himself and his supporters, use the Department of Justice to exact revenge on his enemies, and purge the federal government of anyone who doesn’t agree with him until there’s no one left to say no.

Just last month, Trump said if he was reelected, he would attempt to be a dictator on “day one.” We need to take him at his word. Too much is at stake for the American people to allow Trump to take back power. It’s up to all of us to say no to a second Trump presidency now, before it’s too late.

Peter Mertz, Carbondale

FS disturbs right-of-way

The U.S. Forest Service has bullied this town to get its new building, and to conduct demolition of historic buildings and mature trees. Claiming that town rules do not apply to federal land and projects such as they want, the local federal bureaucrats have pushed through with their chosen building plan and demolition. However, rules do apply, even to such as they. The feds do not own or control Carbondale’s sidewalks or streets.

Today (Jan. 9), fencing went up around their federal compound, including taking over five public parking places on Carbondale streets.

Our sidewalk is closed and signs tell pedestrians to use the Post Office side of the street. This is a heavily traveled sidewalk, contiguous to a bus stop.

Public safety requires the removal of the fencing and the return of our streets and sidewalks. Our own town government should assert the town’s right to control what is ours. Our own town should demand, and post on the town website, the construction mitigation plan.

Permits are required in Carbondale to block sidewalks and parking places. continues on page 23

LETTERS

PARTING SHOT

During the Carbondale & Rural Fire Protection District board meeting on Jan. 10, Jenny Cutright (right) was recognized for 30 years of paid service with the department. Cutright is pictured here with board member Michael Hassig who presented the award. Six of her coworkers were also recognized for their time with the department, ranging from 5 to 20 years. Photo by James Steindler Working To gether For Pets A nd Their Peo ple 2801 Glenwood S CR 114 prings, CO (970)947-9 173

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continued from page 22

Storage and taking of public rightsof-way are prohibited, except with temporary permits from the town. If the town granted these permits to the Forest Service, the town should revoke these permits until a public hearing can be held on community benefits and safety.

No permits were posted on the fence or sign as of Tuesday.

We of Carbondale control our streets and sidewalks. It is a municipal violation and a misdemeanor to block public egress. If the Forest Service wants to continue their project against the wishes of Carbondale, then it should be required to do it within their own compound.

No parking of workers’ vehicles on our streets by the Grand Junction contractors.

No parking of tree removal trucks blocking Main Street or Weant.

No fences blocking our sidewalks from our citizens.

No closing of traffic and bike lanes for demolitions and building. Safe traveling on our streets is paramount.

The Forest Service is the disruptor to Carbondale’s downtown, and the burden is on them to show why our town should agree to their demands to use our streets and sidewalks; particularly when the Forest Service has informed us they can and will do whatever they want: constructing new buildings and destroying healthy trees and historical buildings.

Kathy Goudy, Carbondale

End the war

Many of us have been holding our tongues for months over Israel’s war in Gaza, but it is time to speak out and demand a stop to the unrelenting violence being inflicted on innocent Palestinian civilians.

After the horrific attacks by Hamas on Oct. 7, we naturally stood in support of the Israeli people, and we still do.

They suffered a devastating tragedy and a blow to their security. However, the Israeli government’s response to the attacks has been completely disproportionate, resulting (so far) in 23,000 civilian deaths, with 90 percent of Gazans now literally starving. It is a historic humanitarian crisis of Israel’s making.

On top of that, the war is a historic strategic blunder that is perpetuating generational trauma on both sides and will only make Israelis less secure, not more.

Israel is supposed to be an ally of the United States. We give them $3 billion a year in military aid. Instead of supporting this morally unjust bombing, the U.S. should be using its leverage to de-escalate the conflict.

The violence must stop now. People all over America are organizing to demand an immediate ceasefire, unrestricted humanitarian aid to Gaza and the denial of U.S. military aid to Israel for this war. You can support this effort by calling our Colorado Senators Michael Bennet (202-224-5852) and John Hickenlooper (202-224-5941). For more information and to get involved, see www.ceasefirenowrfv.substack.com Dave Reed, Carbondale

350 Roaring Fork film series

2023 was the hottest year in recorded history and scientists estimate it was the warmest in 125,000 years. Beautiful, historic Lahaina, Maui was wiped off the face of the map and over 100 people were killed by a wildfire exacerbated by extreme drought and winds from Hurricane Dora.

Canadian wildfires began in April and are still burning, incinerating 18.5 million hectares to date and covering much of the North American continent in smoke. Maricopa County in Arizona, the massive jurisdiction that includes Phoenix, experienced an entire month of temperatures above 110 degrees fahrenheit.

Climate change is no longer an event we need to prepare for in the future. It’s here now and mankind must react. In keeping with this urgency, 350 Roaring Fork is showing a series of six climaterelated films this winter.

Screening at the Carbondale Library Community Room at 6pm will be: Jan. 11 – “Bidder 70” is the tale of a Utah teenager who set out to disrupt a BLM oil and gas lease sale by outbidding all participants.

Jan. 31 – “Kiss the Ground” extolls the virtues of regenerative agriculture.

Feb. 22 – “American Outrage” is about a pair of Native American women struggling to protect their grazing land from oil and gas development.

March 13 – “Happening: A Clean Energy Revolution” is a film where Robert Redford’s late son, James, gives an upbeat view of climate solutions.

March 27 – “A Land Out of Time” describes the harmful effects of oil and gas drilling in western Colorado and southwestern Wyoming.

At the Glenwood Springs Library Community Room at 6pm on Feb 24, “Fracking the System” will screen, and describes how a fracking operation was moved from a white neighborhood to a BIPOC community. Filmmaker Brian Hedden will be there to discuss and answer questions.

Understand what our planet is facing and learn remedial action by attending all or some of these film screenings.

Fred Malo Jr., Carbondale

Correction: We mistakenly listed a Dec. 6 event, one of Aspen Film's "Science on Screen" sessions, on last week's calendar under Jan. 6.

The final night in this three-part series will take place on Tuesday, March 26 at 6:30pm.

HILARY PORTERFIELD

Call me, I love to talk real estate!

970.319.5757 • hilary@hilaryporterfield.com • roaringfork-homes.com ©2023 Engel & Völkers. All rights reserved. Each brokerage is independently owned and operated.

LEGAL

Elizabeth Claire Vock has legally changed her name to Claire Elizabeth Rayes. Case number: 23C195

THE SOPRIS SUN • Your weekly community connector • January 11 - January 17, 2024 • 23

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