20220505

Sopris the

Cultivating community

connections since 2009

Sun

Volume 14, Number 13| May 5 - May 11, 2022

Happy Mother's Day!

Cordelia & Rebecca Fulker

Hazel & Katy VanNostrand

Molly & Van Dillon

Molly & Clara Sustad

Eloise & Erin Crawley

Allison, Harriot & Isabele Sample More mamas on page 3!

OPINION

Ps & Qs

By Jean Perry

“Have you been vaccinated?” the hostess asked me. She was wearing a pink and orange striped jumper with a crocus fascinator set jauntily on the side of her head.

“Sure.” I said, thinking of all the shots I’d had over the years: Hepatitis A, Yellow Fever, that one year I got the flu shot — and then promptly got the flu…

“Oh, you mean for COVID?” I asked innocently. In my dream, I could see platters of donuts and little cakes in every color across the room behind her, and I really wanted to get into this party.

In reality, COVID vaccinations are the newest form of a long-standing social-standing determination tradition in society. What used to take five to 10 minutes within meeting at a cocktail party, is now one little loaded question. And from my answer they will know which side of the spectrum I live on, and whether or not they should cross the street when they see me coming.

Here’s a thought from the “wrong side” of the tracks, what if the vaccine inadvertently brings out our weaknesses?

For example, someone with hay fever will experience

LETTERS

Trump’s theme song mind-blowing allergies each spring. Or someone with poor digestion will live with gut-wrenching issues from now on. What if we become desensitized to the suffering of our friends and neighbors?

Oh snap! It sounds like a Dean Koontz story, our health and sanity forever altered by our own doing, i.e. no good deed goes unpunished.

Frankly, I’m okay with whatever the outcome of the vaccine turns out to be as long as we still respect individual choice. If everyone you know eats and loves éclairs, but they make you sick, then for Pete’s sake, don’t eat them.

And the rest of us will try to remember to politely chew with our mouths closed. Who encouraged us to chew openly and loudly while mocking the hungry? Oh yeah, that guy.

I saw a video on Jan. 6, 2021, of Trump and his family all hanging out in a white VIP tent like the kind you see at Jazz Aspen: tables set with platters of finger foods and bottled drinks, television screens showing the melee as covered by the many differentyet-the-same media platforms, and loud music playing in the background. This is my favorite part — guess what song was playing while Trump stood around, equal parts awkward and cocky in his dark trench coat, watching what I believe he believed was his confirmation as America’s first Fuhrer…

Give up? It was “Gloria”

by Laura Branigan. I am not kidding! It’s true what they say, you can’t make this stuff up.

Do you care?

On April 21, the commissioners of the Roaring Fork Valley Regional Planning Commission recommended by a three-to-two vote to up-zone the controversial Fields Development project.

The three commissioners voting in favor of the up-zoning and recommending approval to the Eagle County Commissioners are Chair Phillip Ring and board members Bob Andre and J.R. Spung.

Commissioners Ring, Andre and Spung, in their vote to approve the Fields Development, essentially sent this message to the mid-Valley community: “We don’t care!“ “We don’t care” that more than 400 midValley residents signed a petition in opposition to the Fields Development. “We don’t care” that a three-to-one ratio of letters and emails submitted to Eagle County were against the development.

“We don’t care,” even after it being cited by fellow commissioners opposing the up-zoning that the project does not meet certain standards, such as adequate infrastructure, with failed intersections (El Jebel Road and Highway 82) and non-compatibility with surrounding uses and properties. “We don’t care” about issues brought forth, including public safety, environmental

Gloria, you're always on the run now

Running after somebody, you gotta get him somehow I think you've got to slow down before you start to blow it I think you're headed for a breakdown, so be careful not to show it You really don't remember, was it something that he said?

Are the voices in your head calling, Gloria?

Gloria, don't you think you're fallin'?

If everybody wants you, why isn't anybody callin'?

I haven’t seen this video again since that day, but even if it played nightly on the network news, I’m sure there would be a contingent of the population that would still see Trump as a savior. Personally, I can only believe in things that are biologically possible, so I think Jesus was just an openminded guy who had a knack for public speaking, but if he did come back from the dead, then surely he will attempt to reach us again… although, we’ll probably kill him or commit him for claiming to be Jesus.

Meanwhile, have we all forgotten about the philosophical idea that sacrificing our own comfort

for the greater good is actually a really cool thing to do?

And feeling as though we are punished for our goodness may be the immediate perception, but the ripple effect is what really counts. Looking back on history, the guys who took one for the team — guys like Jesus, Gandhi, Mandela; they are all revered. And the schmucks who could only think about their own wants and needs are remembered as narcissistic losers.

Incidentally, I hope eventually the word schmuck will be replaced in the dictionary. As in, who ate all the donuts?! What a trump!

concerns, density, the lack of pedestrian trails and cycling access, as well as no mass transit proximate to the development.

What commissioners Ring, Andre and Spung did care about was choosing to approve the maximum zoning designation of Residential Multi Family on a site currently categorized as Rural Residential.

Development will occur in the Eagle County mid-Valley area, but it must be done in a responsible and reasonable manner. Ring, Andre and Spung do not care for such an approach, but one would hope that the Eagle County commissioners, Kathy Chandler-Henry, Jeanne McQueeney and Matt Scherr, who bear the responsibility of the final denial or approval of the Fields Project, do in fact care.

Mark A. Fortunato El Jebel

Likewise, I’ve always been opposed to a supply side approach to combating climate change. Leave it in the ground, cut off the money pipeline and ban fracking.

These are all ways to restrain fossil fuel production.

As long as there is a demand, the supply will come from somewhere: Russia, Saudi Arabia, Venezuela, these are all autocratic regimes. The way to eliminate fossil fuels is to wipe out demand by walking, biking, taking public transportation, buying electric vehicles and replacing coal and gas fired power sources with renewables.

The fossil fuel industry doesn’t have to be shut down by government edict. Economic forces can do the job.

Fred Malo Jr. Carbondale

Supply solutions

Celebrating school staff

Never thought much of supply-side economics. Seems to me the way to goose up an economy is to make sure the demand side has the resources to eat into the supply. Manufacturing will meet the needs of the people and the economy will flourish.

The Roaring Fork Schools recognize May as “Staff Appreciation Month.” This year, with the financial support of our communities, we were able to show some material appreciation for our teachers

2 • THE SOPRIS SUN • soprissun.com • May 5 - May 11, 2022

continued on page 30

Editor

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

Contributing Editor James Steindler

Editorial Graphic Designer Hattie Rensberry

Advertising Graphic Designer Alyssa Ohnmacht

Photo Editor Paula Mayer Delivery

Frederic Kischbaum

Proofreader Lee Beck

Executive Director

Todd Chamberlin 970-510-0246 • adsales@soprissun.com

Current Board Members board@soprissun.com Klaus Kocher • Kay Clarke Lee Beck • Megan Tackett Gayle Wells • Donna Dayton Terri Ritchie • Eric Smith

The Sopris Sun Board meets at 6:30 p.m. on first Thursdays on Zoom.

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 Michelle & Ed Buchman Toni Cerise CoVenture Sue Edelstein & Bill Spence Deborah & Shane Evans Greg & Kathy Feinsinger Peter & Mike Gilbert Gary & Jill Knaus Carly & Frosty Merriott Mama Sandy & Lee Mulcahy James Noyes Ken & Donna Riley Patti & George Stranahan Anne Sullivan & John Colson Megan Tackett True Nature Healing Arts Elizabeth Wysong Alpine Bank

Legacy Givers

for including us in their final wishes.

Mary Lilly

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

y p p Ha s ' r e h t o M Day! Meg & Murphy Plumb

Ashley & Rynley Hejtmanek

Keera & Evan Kirchenwitz

Bekah Riggs & Storm Trede

Katie Hmielowski & Weston Purvis

Eridan Albert & Megan VanZandt

Haldane & Sarah Pitts

Kenna & Winifred Crampton-Steindler

Kate & Sawyer Phillips

Jessica & Hudson Riveira

Liza, Vera & Theo Campbell

Ashley & Brooks Worthington

THE SOPRIS SUN • Your weekly community connector • May 5 - May 11, 2022 • 3

SCUTTLEBUTT

What's the word on the street? Let us know at news@soprissun.com

Holy Cross Energy election The Holy Cross Energy (HCE) cooperative is holding its annual election and two board of directors seats are on the ballot.

HCE chair Dave Munk runs unopposed in the southern district, while incumbent Adam Quinton is challenged by Rosanne Casey in its northern district. Members will also vote on HCE’s updated Articles of Incorporation, which were last updated in 1988. Ballots will be mailed out on May 9, but voting is already open online at www.holycross.com

Young farmers wanted Seed Peace is initiating a new education program in 2022 to introduce agricultural knowledge to high-school-aged youth. Up to 12 participants will engage in hands-on learning one day each week for six weeks. Learn how to register or sponsor a student at www.seedpeace.org

Creative Apprentice Program Carbondale Arts is now accepting applications for its summer apprentice program. Youth ages 14-19 have the opportunity to gain creative skills and get paid! Teens will work with a landscape designer to develop custom signage at Coal Basin Ranch. Learn more at www.carbondalearts.com/education-programs

Distracted driving According to data from the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT), of 302 serious injuries attributed to distracted driving, 205 involved drivers using their phone just prior to the crash. In response, CDOT has launched the “Defeat Distracted Driving Pledge” to remind drivers to remove distractions and focus on driving.

Free to pass Cottonwood Pass, connecting Gypsum to the Roaring Fork Valley, is now open! Motorists are warned that portions of the road are not paved and there are many sharp turns and steep drop-offs.

Oversized vehicles require a permit to travel over Cottonwood Pass.

Supporters of The Sopris Sun gathered for screenings of Dave Taylor's two most recent films, "Mark of the Jaguar" and "unTHINKable," at the Crystal Theatre on April 28. The event was part of The Sun's spring fundraising efforts. Thanks to all who came out in support of this community nonprofit newspaper. For those who couldn’t make it but would still like to make a donation, visit www.soprissun.com/donate Photo by James Steindler

Volunteers sought

Peace Garden clean-up

Garfield Clean Energy, CLEER and Xcel Energy are updating their countywide Energy Action Plan, and they’re looking for volunteers to help. Residents with an interest in energy policy are needed to serve on the energy planning team alongside energy experts, utility representatives and other stakeholders. The process involves three planning sessions held in Glenwood Springs on May 11, June 15 and July 13. Each will last from 10 a.m. to noon, and lunch will be provided.

For more information, contact Christina Matzl at cmatzl@ cleanenergyeconomy.net or 970-704-9200, ext. 1105.

True Nature invites neighbors eager to get in the dirt this spring to help clean up its community Peace Garden ahead of the planting season. The event is intended to be mutually beneficial; the garden gets the love it needs and the volunteer gets into their spring gardening groove. Those interested in volunteering on May 7, from 8 a.m. to noon., can sign up online (www.bit.ly/peacegardencleanup).

For more details, email megan@truenaturehealingarts.com

Powers Art Center The Powers Art Center is closed until June 7 for the installation of its upcoming exhibit, “Things the Mind Already Knows,” by Jasper Johns (which opens June 7). The museum’s current exhibit, “Warhol in Colorado,” will remain on display through Oct. 15.

The Kids Art Tent, inspired by the Warhol exhibit, will be up every Thursday, June 9 through August 16, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

More details can be found at www.powersartcenter.org

They say it’s your birthday!

Folks celebrating another trip around the sun this week include: Stan Bell, Frank Betts, Jeremy Heiman, Claudia Prado Zepeda and Sandy Kaplan (May 5); Joe Burleigh, Soozie Lindbloom, Stephen Olson and Maggie Suma (May 6); Amanda Leahy (May 7); Judy Milne, Rick Ross and Karen Tafejian (May 8); Cheyenne Booher, Jillian Livingston and Karen Crownhart-Nieslanik (May 9); Kay Bell and Chris Perry (May 10); Mark Chain (May 11).

Colorado Rocky Mountain School

ANNUAL PLANT SALE GET YOUR GARDEN GROWING!

Tomatoes • Herbs • Veggies • Annual Flowers • Perennials • Seed Potatoes • Onion Plants & More!

FRIDAY, MAY 13 • 1-5 pm SATURDAY, MAY 14 • 9 am-3 pm SUNDAY, MAY 15 • 9 am-3 pm To see a full list of plants available: www.crms.org/plantsale Payment via Venmo (preferred), Cash, Check or Credit Card All garden starts are organically grown and are well suited to the Roaring Fork Valley Climate.

CRMS Organic Garden Learning Center 500 Holden Way, Carbondale

Bring your own box to carry home all of your goodies.

4 • THE SOPRIS SUN • soprissun.com • May 5 - May 11, 2022

Amy Kimberly prepares for ‘rewirement’

By Myki Jones Sopris Sun Correspondent

Amy Kimberly is perhaps the best-known member of Carbondale’s eclectic community. She has been instrumental in carrying forth the Mountain Fair tradition since 2004, and her role as executive director of Carbondale Arts brought fresh zeal into the organization. In 2019, she was honored with the Governor’s Creative Leadership Award in recognition of all she’s done wearing that particular hat.

After more than a decade in the role, Kimberly will be stepping down as executive director at the end of this year, but plans to stay involved with the community while spending more time with her daughter and grandchild in California. She told The Sopris Sun that she enjoys paddle boarding, attending live music events and will focus energy on special passion projects.

“I would actually call it ‘rewirement’ instead of retirement,” she said. “I did just get on the board of [Thunder River Theatre Company], so I’m excited to put some more energy into other nonprofits locally.” Working intimately with various nonprofits and planning teams is nothing new for this community leader.

Kimberly was born and raised in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. As soon as she was out of high school, she began her journey west, stopping off in St. Louis, Missouri, for her college education. She later moved to Sonoma County, California where she ran the Commedia dell’Arte Theater Company for 10 years.

After having her first child, she moved to Telluride where she opened the Fly Me to the Moon Saloon with a partner.

“The Moon” was well-known for attracting jam bands from around the country, including Phish, Widespread Panic and The String Cheese Incident. During her 18 years in Telluride, she also served as director of Telluride Arts for five years.

In 2001, she decided to move to Carbondale while her daughter attended Colorado Rocky Mountain School.

“Owning a nightclub, especially as I began to get older,

I needed breaks, especially so I could be with my kids,” Kimberly said. “My plan was to go back to Telluride, but I never went back.”

Once in Carbondale, she landed a job at KDNK community radio as the development director. “There were some golden years of some fun events. … I was happy, but I could see that my future probably would lie more at Carbondale Arts instead of KDNK.” When the position opened up for executive director at Carbondale Arts, she jumped at the opportunity.

Initially, she was not chosen. In 2004, she was hired to direct Mountain Fair, which eventually became a full time position. During this time, she created the Green is the New Black fashion extravaganza, which will be returning next year under Kimberly's direction. She felt strongly the importance of bringing Carbondale Arts beyond its “hippie” associations, by focusing foremost on quality and creativity. In 2011, when then-executive director Ro Mead retired, Kimberly got her shot at overseeing the nonprofit.

During her time with Carbondale Arts, the state’s Economic Office of Development, recognizing the importance of creative industries in Colorado, started a creative districts program. It was geared toward communities that identified artistically, and Carbondale was a shoe-in.

“I felt that Carbondale had always been known as this little funky creative arts place, but we didn’t really have much support beyond the locals. So the creative district program changed the way people perceive Carbondale and the arts,” reflected Kimberly. “This program allowed our community to come together with a cohesive vision.”

Kimberly hopes that the next executive director of Carbondale Arts will not be intimidated by the role. She mentioned to The Sopris Sun that this person does not need to “fill her shoes” but hopes that they wear their own and bring unique ideas to the table, while also keeping up with the changing community.

“I think I have really done and given this organization the best that I can, and it is now maybe time for someone else to infuse what they have,” Kimberly continued. “It

Amy Kimberly, known affectionately as "Miss Moon," carried the Carbondale Mountain Fair through the pandemic, celebrating its 50th anniversary with an epic party last summer. Courtesy photo

is an incredible opportunity for someone that wants to bring their own vision to it and work with a great staff.

Sometimes you don’t need more, sometimes you just need to wrap your arms around what is going on and be thankful that it is here.”

To review the job application, visit www.bit.ly/ CdaleArtsED

THE SOPRIS SUN • Your weekly community connector • May 5 - May 11, 2022 • 5

L’Orto Farm to Table serves up local culinary comfort

By Kate Phillips Sopris Sun Correspondent

It is slowly starting to feel like spring in the Roaring Fork Valley, which means fresh produce is on the horizon, and culinary creatives everywhere are busy gathering supplies and ideas to revamp their seasonal menus.

Among those creatives is Josie Cruz, owner of L’Orto Farm to Table.

L’Orto, which is the Italian word for beloved vegetable garden, prepares and serves locallysourced produce and meat for meal kits and private events.

“I get food from farmers and I preserve it.

Then I make meals out of it for people who want convenience-based meals, and of course they’re delicious,” Cruz laughed. “But the point is that people get to eat local food from a pantry-style menu all winter long.”

For years, cooking for others has been Cruz’s “love language.” As a teenager in the Valley, she dived right into the food industry when she secured a job in the kitchen of Gwyn’s High Alpine in Snowmass. However, the long hours and little pay frustrated her, and she asked to work in the “front of house” instead.

“I was getting tumbled in the kitchen world for peanuts,” Cruz said, and she started to wonder, “How do we make it so that people in the food industry can afford good lives? And how do we make it so that consumers can get good food?”

On a mission to create this change, Cruz worked in every aspect of the restaurant world, gaining experience and an eclectic palette along the way.

Eventually, she began working for Megan Rainnie of Gourmet Girl on the Go in Aspen, and with the “big-ticket catering events,” Cruz

said she was able to simultaneously branch out on her own.

In summer 2021, L’Orto blossomed when Cruz started hosting farm-to-table events for friends and family. While the setting was private, the menus were down-to-earth and comforting.

“There’s no Michelin anything,” Cruz said. “I don’t make any one kind of food. I make spaghetti and meatballs, egg rolls and fried-rice style quinoa.

The menus are based on the ingredients I can get and the food that I like to eat.”

A key aspect of L’Orto is that Cruz works closely with the farmers who supply her meals.

“I was getting everything I needed for the amount of food I was putting out from Erin and Jose [of Erin’s Acres Farm and Rocking TT Bar],” Cruz said. “It was an easy relationship. I did a lot of work/trade for the food, which is something I like to do with farmers if that’s helpful for them.”

This past fall, using produce from Nature First Farm and meat from Dooley Creek Farm, Cruz put her talents to work again with weekly meal kits that showcased nourishing dishes, such as kohlrabi and sausage quiche, Dooley Creek ground beef stews and purple potato gnocchi with creamy pumpkin sage sauce.

While the meal kits and dinners were a hit, Cruz said that she will be taking a hiatus to focus on the next phase of L’Orto: mobility.

Noting the Valley’s skyrocketing real estate market and how it excludes many entrepreneurs without capital, Cruz decided to take matters into her own hands with the recent acquisition of a commercial food truck.

According to Cruz, making L’Orto mobile is a creative opportunity for her to have more flexibility and longevity in the culinary industry.

“I can be at farmer’s markets, I can be at fairs, I can be at people’s weddings,” Cruz said. “Having

Josie Cruz, owner of L'Orto Farm to Table, displays a beautiful arrangement of food prepared with locally-sourced produce and meat.

Cruz will be catering Dandelion Day's Farmers' Night Out on May 13. Photo by Deb Macsalka

a restaurant is like the plant from Little House of Horrors, but it doesn't have to be this constant, hungry, monster,” she laughed.

“We just want to celebrate [the agricultural community] and give them a night where they are honored and recognized for the work they do,” Fuller said.

The evening will feature local food catered by L’Orto, music by the duo Bonfire and DJ Grim Nymph, drinks and the chance to connect with local food producers.

Participating farms include Dooley Creek, Nature First, Colorado Rocky Mountain Permaculture Institute, Two Roots Farm, Basalt Mountain Gardens, Sustainable Settings, Colorado Edible Forest, Rivendell Distribution, Wild Mountain Seeds, Toadstool Traditions, Juniper Farm, and the Farm Collaborative.

“Our valley has a very strong and beautiful agricultural history, and it is crucial to preserve. If we lose that, we’re going to lose our soul,” Fuller said. “The agricultural community is taking care of us, and we have to take care of them. We have to seek them out and bring their food to our tables.”

To purchase tickets for Farmers’ Night Out and to learn more about Dandelion Day, visit them on Facebook. To keep up with L’Orto Farm To Table visit www.lortofarmtotable.com or check them out on Facebook.

L’Orto set to cater Farmers’ Night Out On May 13, from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Craft Coffeehouse, Valley residents will have the opportunity to experience L’Orto’s culinary delights at Dandelion Day’s Farmers’ Night Out. Natalie Fuller, queen bee and organizer of Dandelion Day, said that this year’s event will move away from the panel format, and instead focus on a “fun mix and mingle” experience.

Farmers' Night Out tickets are at www.https://bit.ly/DandyDinner

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CARBONDALE 6 • THE SOPRIS SUN • soprissun.com • May 5 - May 11, 2022

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By Raleigh Burleigh Sopris Sun Editor For the better part of a year, the Garfield County Public Libraries District (GCPLD) was without a formal executive director. The district’s previous executive director resigned in August 2021, preceded by several other employees including four of the six branch managers. By October, Finance Director Kevin Hettler stepped up to fulfill director duties in the interim.

Then, late last month, exciting news was announced by the libraries’ board of trustees.

“After a long and thoughtful search,” wrote the press release, “[GCPLD] is happy to introduce to you our new executive director.”

James “Jamie” LaRue comes to the role with passion for intellectual freedom and a lifetime of experience. Growing up in Illinois, LaRue discovered his love for libraries at the age of six. Playing baseball one day, “bored out of my mind, way out on right field,” he told The Sopris Sun, he spotted something shiny in the distance. Curiosity prompted him to abandon the field, mid-game. Approaching what he discovered to be a mobile library, “Mrs. Johnson looked at me like I was the man she had been waiting for all of her life.” Her simple question set the course for young LaRue: “How can I help you?”

From that moment on, he knew his calling.

He founded a library club in the seventh grade and went to work for the library in Normal, Illinois, as an undergraduate. After hitchhiking around the country and helping build an all-volunteer library in Arivaca, Arizona, he pursued a graduate degree in library science.

At that time, computer technology was revolutionizing libraries around the world and LaRue was right on the curve, converting paper

Jamie LaRue brings fresh expertise to Garfield County Public Libraries District catalogs to electronic catalogs and gearing up for the internet.

The bulk of his career occurred in Douglas County. There, LaRue was named Colorado Librarian of the Year (1998), Castle Rock Chamber of Commerce's Business Person of the Year (2003), he earned the Julie J. Boucher Award for Intellectual Freedom (2007) and Colorado Association of Libraries' Career Achievement Award (2013). In 2013, the Highlands Ranch Library was renamed the James H. LaRue Library. That change was later undone, because “you never know what a person may do that may tarnish the reputation of a library,” LaRue explained in good humor.

LaRue informed The Sun that during his time with Douglas County, there were about 250 attempts to remove materials from that library network. He observed that nearly every single one came from parents of children between the ages of four and six and 14 and 16, parents concerned about the developmental stages of their child and experiencing “love, loss and grief.” Later, he wrote a book on the subject.

Identifying this, he said, “changes the way a librarian responds to the complaint.” No longer “the enemy,” a concerned parent can be reframed as “probably a friend, [who] brought their kids to the library, read to them, cared about what they’re reading. Someone willing to act in the civic sphere to make a point — those are the marks of a good parent and a good citizen.”

LaRue has also been an adjunct teacher at the University of Denver, worked as

a consultant and directed the Office for Intellectual Freedom for the American Library Association. “[Libraries] are an institution dedicated to individual dignity of inquiry,” he said, “it is where you come if you want to investigate the world.”

Asked what LaRue is currently reading, he told The Sopris Sun that he reads a book a day and is enjoying science fiction works

by Nathan Lowell, a self-published Greeley author “suddenly selling 300,000 copies of his books, not available in any store.” LaRue has downloaded the books on a Kindle Fire.

“Most of the time, four big publishing houses generate 80% of what’s published in America,” he explained. That trend, however, is changing with the rise of self-published works and mid-level independent publishers. “It’s the greatest explosion of writing in the history of mankind,” he said. “By 2014, 16% of New York Times Best Sellers were self-published.”

Among his focuses for GCPLD: “build community and grow literacy.” LaRue cited a 2010 study that suggests having 500 books in the home of a child five years of age and younger is comparable to having two parents with masters degrees.

Other studies reveal that fourth grade reading scores are the single best predictor of health, education and other measures of success. The best predictor of strong fourth grade reading scores, meanwhile, comes from reading readiness by the age of five which, in turn, correlates with the number of books in

James "Jamie" LaRue, courtesy photo

the home. “Early childhood literacy is the key to everything,” he said.

Now a resident of Glenwood Springs, “Why did I want this job?” he asked. “The staff. The staff impressed me very much. I have rarely met people so committed, ethical, diligent, conscientious, friendly, intelligent.”

The second best part, according to LaRue, are the buildings. “I’ve built a lot of library buildings in my time and I think that the six buildings I see here are among the six best that I’ve seen. Really, very intelligently designed.”

Third, “the natural beauty is spectacular.

I can’t believe the quality of the air and stunning views.”

Learn more about LaRue and peruse his thoughts on intellectual freedom at: www. jlarue.com

TOWN OF CARBONDALE

511 Colorado Avenue • Carbondale, CO 81623 www.carbondalegov.org • (970) 963-2733 Fax: (970) 963-9140

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Town of Carbondale Crystal River Restoration and Weaver Ditch Efficiency project Issue Date: 4/20/2022 | Closing Date: 5/16/2022 @ 3:00 PM. Non-Mandatory Pre-Bid Conference: 4/29/22 @ 10:00 am. at Project Site note – all times are in Mountain Daylight Time (MDT) Sealed bids for the construction of the Crystal River Restoration and Weaver Ditch Efficiency Project will be received from interested Bidders by The Town of Carbondale (“OWNER”) at Town Hall, 511 Colorado Ave, Carbondale, CO 81623, until 3:00 PM on Monday May 16, 2022, at which time the Bids received will be publicly opened and read. The project consists of approximately 1,500 lineal feet of improvements which include inchannel river restoration, bank stabilization, upland riparian rehabilitation, community gathering area, and river access. See the Bidding Documents for more information about the project.

Bids will be received for a single prime Contract. Bids shall be on a unit price basis as indicated in the Bid Form. Bidding Documents will be provided to prospective Bidders as electronic PDF files located at the link below.

The Issuing Office is the Town of Carbondale, Public Works Department (511 Colorado Ave, Carbondale, CO 81623). Bidding Documents will be issued as electronic portable document format (PDF) files at no charge through the Engineer’s office. Prospective bidders should email (crystal.bid@riverrestoration.org) or call (970.947.9568) the Engineer’s office and request an electronic copy of the Bidding Documents. Alternatively, printed Bidding Documents may be obtained from the Engineer’s office (818 Industry Place Carbondale, CO 81623) via in-person pick-up, for a

non-refundable charge of $125 per set, cash or check only. Checks for Bidding Documents shall be payable to RiverRestoration. The date that the Bidding Documents are transmitted by the Issuing Office will be considered the date of receipt of the Bidding Documents. Partial sets of Bidding Documents will not be available from the Issuing office. Neither Owner nor Engineer will be responsible for full or partial sets of Bidding Documents, including Addenda if any, obtained from sources other than the Issuing Office.

A non-mandatory pre-bid conference will be scheduled on Friday April, 29th, 2022 at 10:00 am at the intersection of Crystal Bridge Drive and Sebree Place in RVR (parking is limited) in Carbondale, CO. Contractors should notify the Engineer via email (crystal.bid@riverrestoration.org) if they plan to attend the pre-bid conference.

Questions regarding the plans and documents will be taken via email until Friday May 6, 2022, at 5:00 pm. Questions should be directed to the Engineer’s office (crystal.bid@riverrestoration.org). Answered questions will be sent out to plan holders no later than Tuesday, May 10, 2022 at 5:00 pm.

A 5% bid security shall be furnished in accordance with the Instructions to Bidders. Bidders shall submit proof of qualifications to perform the Work as described in the Instructions to Bidders.

THE SOPRIS SUN • Your weekly community connector • May 5 - May 11, 2022 • 7

COMMUNITY CALENDAR

Visit soprissun.com to submit events

Title Sponsor

Rotary Club of Carbondale

Friday, May 6,2022 Sopris Park in Carbondale, CO

Watch live as up to 1,000 numbered ping-pong balls fall from the Carbondale & Rural Fire Ladder Truck down onto a field of targets in Sopris Park during Carbondale’s First Friday on May 6th!

The ball that lands closest to the center target wins the

GRAND PRIZE of $5,000 CASH! Other targets offer prize packages including $500 cash!

Adopt your ball: $20 each or 3 for $50 Need not be present to win!

Visit: www.paybee.io@fireballdrop@1, use

QR code here, see us at City Market  the Carbondale or purchase from our partners at: • •

Ascendigo Autism Services Roaring Fork Pickleball

•

Carbondale & Rural Fire Protection District • Roaring Fork Youth Soccer •

YouthZone

•

Mount Sopris Rotary

Proceeds benefit Carbondale Rotary Club, our local high school scholarships, youth exchange programs and community and international projects. Ball drop will be streamed on Facebook Live (facebook.com/ carbondalerotaryclub) at 5pm on Friday, May 6, 2022.

Featured Sponsor

Mark your calendar! Sopris Sun cartoonist Larry Day presents work at the Aspen Chapel Gallery in partnership with EcoFlight. The show is called “SOAR” and will run from June 1 through July 9.

THURSDAY, MAY 5 TRAUMA RELEASE The Center for Human Flourishing presents a two-part Trauma Release Exercises (TRE) training. The intro session is from 7 to 8:30 p.m. on May 5, with a workshop on May 7 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Third Street Center. RSVP by emailing info@tcfhf.org LIBRARY CONCERT Musical storyteller Seth Brown performs at the Glenwood Springs Library at 6 p.m.

FRIDAY, MAY 6 FAMILY BLOCK PARTY Celebrate First Friday in downtown Carbondale with a family block party at the 4th Street Plaza, with live music, games and more. Event proceeds benefit local youth and family education/ programming and Colorado Animal Rescue.

FIREBALL DROP The Carbondale Rotary Club presents its Fireball Drop at Sopris Park at 5 p.m. — sharp. Up to 1,000 numbered ping-pong balls will be dropped from a fire truck ladder and the closest to hit the center target earns one lucky winner a $5,000 grand prize.

Visit www.bit.ly/fireballdrop2022 for more information and to purchase ping-pong balls.

Garden Music

Carbondale Arts Presents

Concert Series

Curated by MinTze Wu, this summer concert series celebrates the rich diversity of artistic styles and cultural backgrounds in our place and time.

Through innovative collaborations, we offer four programs, each from a different world created with a unique voice and narrative.

June 23

Finding Bach

July 14

Johannes & clara

Aug 25

Chansons d ‘Amour

Sept 15 16

Let s Tango !

Thompson House

Community Hall in the Third Street Center

Community Hall in the Third Street Center ‘

Thompson House

Tickets & details at carbondalearts.com

8 • THE SOPRIS SUN • soprissun.com • May 5 - May 11, 2022

PRIDE PARADE Carbondale’s annual pride parade travels down Main Street at 5:30 p.m.

EARTH DAY CONTINUED 350 Roaring Fork invites the public to join a First Friday march downtown at 6 p.m. Listen for the brass band to know where to go!

CRYSTAL THEATRE “The Duke” screens at the Crystal Theatre through Monday, except at 5 p.m. on Sunday.

SATURDAY, MAY 7 BIKE-A-THON Basalt Middle School presents the second annual Bike-A-Thon fundraiser. This year, participants can choose between three distance options (one mile, 10 miles or 25 miles) and ride on their own day between May 7 and May 14, or join the gathering on May 14 from 10 to 11:30 a.m. Details at www.bit.ly/BMSrace GARDEN CLEAN-UP Get dirty in the Peace Garden with True Nature from 8 a.m. to noon. Details at www.truenaturehealingarts.com TRE WORKSHOP Jacy Sundlie and Jacquie Wheeler lead a unique Trauma Release Exercises (TRE) workshop, meant to invoke neurogenic muscle tremors for a positive benefit, at the Third Street Center from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. To learn more about the technique, visit www.naturalstressrelease.com COMMENCEMENT CEREMONY Colorado Mountain College graduates students at their Spring Valley Campus at 9 and 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. 2022 Colorado Teacher of the Year, Autumn Rivera, will provide the keynote presentation. Details at www.coloradomtn.edu/graduation

HEALTH FAIR La Clinica del Pueblo and 9 Health host the Glenwood Springs Feria de Salud from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. It is requested but not required to register ahead of time by calling 303-698-4455.

TREE PLANTING The town of Carbondale invites you to help plant a tree at Sopris Park at 10 a.m. in celebration of Arbor Day. Coffee, donuts and tree education will be provided, plus the opportunity to meet the town’s new arborist, Carl Meinecke.

MAYFAIRE Waldorf School on the Roaring Fork hosts its spring Mayfaire celebration from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and invites the community to join the fun.

Visit www.waldorfschoolrf.com for more info.

PLANT SALE Yampah Mountain High School students host a plant sale fundraiser on campus (695 Red Mountain Drive, Glenwood Springs) from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

COMICS FESTIVAL Garfield County Libraries and Tesseract Comics invite you to celebrate comic books at the Glenwood Springs Library from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. There will be games, crafts, artist talks, a cosplay contest and more.

Info at www.gcpld.org/comics-festival CASTING CALL Queer-identifying Roaring Fork Valley residents are invited to audition for the Queer Voices Theater project by VOICES from 3 to 5 p.m. at the Third Street Center.

Participants must be 18 years of age or older.

To register, email art@voicesrfv.org THRIFT SHOP PROM KDNK hosts a prom-themed dance party fundraiser at the Arts Campus at Willits at 7 p.m. Tickets at www.tacaw.org

SUNDAY, MAY 8 MICROSOFT WORD Learn intermediate techniques for Microsoft Word software from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. at the Basalt Library. For more info, email Amy at agiertz@basaltlibrary.org FLOW AND IMMERSION Eliza Demarest hosts a three-hour yoga reset and cacao ceremony at Kula from 2 to 5 p.m.

More info at www.kulayogaonmain.com

TUESDAY, MAY 10 GMAIL BASICS Get to know the basic functions of Gmail at the Basalt Library from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. Registration and more info are available at www.basaltlibrary.org LEGAL CLINIC Basalt Library hosts a free self-help legal clinic from 2 to 5 p.m. Volunteer attorneys will assist people one-on-one via the computer. To sign up, call 970-927-4311.

C-LINE TRAIL BUILD Roaring Fork Outdoor Volunteers invites volunteers to help form the new downhill route on Red Hill, dubbed the C-Line Trail, from 4 to 8 p.m. Registration and more details can be found at www.rfov.org CONTACT IMPROV Contact improvisation is “a conversation

between bodies using the language of weight sharing.” Learn more at The Launchpad at 5:30 p.m. For guidelines, visit www.bouldercontactlab.com

WEDNESDAY, MAY 11 RAMS ART SHOW Roaring Fork High School holds its annual Visual Art Show at the school’s library today through Friday, May 13.

The exhibit is open to the public.

THURSDAY, MAY 12 HAPPY HOUR DANCE Katrina Toews teaches a drop-in dance class at The Launchpad from 6:15 to 7:30 p.m.

HIGH COUNTRY SINFONIA The High Country Sinfonia spring concert series performs at The Arts Campus at Willits on May 12 at 7 p.m., at the Old Thompson Barn in River Valley Ranch on May 14 at 7 p.m. and at the Aspen Chapel on May 15 at 2 p.m. Admission is free with a suggested donation of up to $20.

FRIDAY, MAY 13 FARM TO TABLE DINNER Kick off your Dandelion Day celebration with a night of mingling and local food prepared

by L’Orto at Craft Coffee beginning at 5 p.m.

Tickets at www.https://bit.ly/DandyDinner TEA CEREMONY All ages are welcome to join Fudō-an Tea & Wellness for a Japanese tea ceremony at the Carbondale Library at 5:30 p.m. The event is free but space is limited. Register by calling the library at 970-963-2889.

PRESCHOOL BENEFIT Blue Lake Preschool invites folks to its Sip, Savor and Support fundraising event at the Orchard in Carbondale from 6 to 10 p.m. All proceeds benefit the Blue Lake and Little Blue preschools.

Tickets and info at www.bluelakepreschool.org COHENHOVEN Indie artist Joen Van Horne, known as Covenhoven, performs at The Arts Campus at Willits (TACAW) at 8 p.m. Tickets at www.tacaw.org

SATURDAY, MAY 14 WORK DAY Roaring Fork Outdoor Volunteers gets to work at Rifle Gap State Park from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. To register, visit www.rfov.org ART, HEALING & HOPE Sheri Gaynor hosts an in-person and virtual workshop at The Art Base from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. Details at www.theartbase.org DANDELION DAY Carbondale’s annual spring festival begins with the Parade of Species at 10 a.m., marching from outside KDNK on 2nd Street to Sopris Park where artisans will sell sustainably-minded clothing, tinctures, soaps, jewelry and more. As always, there will be plant starts, live music and a beer tent hosted by KDNK from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

BIKE WEEK Celebrate National Bike to Work Week with bicycle enthusiasts at the Carbondale Library from 1 to 2 p.m. Then, on Sunday, mechanics will help you tune up your ride from 1 to 5 p.m.

SUNDAY, MAY 15 AFRICANA DANCE Join the Africana Village of Peace Project in Ghana for a traditional dance class live streamed at The Launchpad from 10 to noon.

No experience or registration required.

ECSTATIC DANCE Join Alya Howe and DJ Mama Ale for an ecstatic dance at 13 Moons Ranch from 6 to 8 p.m. Questions? Email alyahowe@ me.com or call 970-309-2582.

WEDNESDAY, MAY 18 BOOK-SIGNING The Glenwood Springs Citizens’ Alliance presents an author talk and book-signing with Paul Andersen, author of “The Town that Said ‘Hell, No!’ Crested Butte Fights a Mine to Save Its Soul.” The presentation begins at 7 p.m. at the Hotel Colorado.

ONGOING COMMUNITY CHOIR The Carbondale Community Choir meets at Sopris Park on the first and third Tuesday of each month from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m.

STORYTIME Young ones and their parents are invited to storytime at the Glenwood Springs Library on Tuesdays at 10:30 a.m. More information is at www.gcpld.org STORYTIME AT HOME Every first Tuesday of the month at 10:30 a.m. Garfield County Libraries posts a storytime video to its Youtube page; just search Garfield County Libraries on YouTube.

EXPLORERS CLUB School-age children are invited to free after-school activities with the Aspen Science Center at the Glenwood Springs Library on Wednesdays at 2:30 pm.

ASK A LAWYER Alpine Legal Services offers a hotline clinic on Wednesdays from 5 to 7 p.m. Call 970368-2246 and visit alpinelegalservices.org for the schedule of dates by legal topic.

STORYTIME Children and their parents are invited to storytime at the Carbondale Library on Thursdays at 10:30 a.m. More information is at www.gcpld.org UNDER THE SUN Join Sopris Sun correspondents and guests for Everything Under The Sun, airing every Thursday on KDNK at 4 p.m.

GROUP RUN Independence Run and Hike leads a weekly group run on Thursdays departing from the store at 6 p.m.

KARAOKE THURSDAYS The Black Nugget offers karaoke on Thursdays at 7 p.m.

NARCOTICS ANONYMOUS The Meeting Place in Carbondale (981 Cowen Drive) offers a 12-step meeting at 8:30 p.m. on Thursdays.

KUNDALINI YOGA CLASS The Sattvic Health Temple at Mana Foods now offers a Kundalini Yoga class on Fridays at 8:30 a.m.

HEROIN ANONYMOUS The Meeting Place in Carbondale (981 Cowen Drive) offers a 12-step meeting at 4 p.m. on Sundays.

RFHS SPRING SPORTS*

*Game dates and times are subject to change. For the most current information, check out www.maxpreps.com BASEBALL May 7 - versus Moffat County (away) at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m.

May 14 - versus Gunnison (away) at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m.

GIRLS SOCCER May 5 - versus Rifle (away) at 4 p.m. (V) and 6 p.m. (JV) May 7 - versus Aspen (home) at 4 p.m. (JV) and 6 p.m. (V) GIRLS LACROSSE May 5 - versus Steamboat Springs (away) at 4 p.m. (V) and 5:30 p.m. (JV) May 7 - versus Durango (home) at 10 a.m. (V) TRACK & FIELD MEETS May 6-7 - 3A Western Slope Meet in Rifle May 13-14 - Tiger Invitational in Grand Junction May 19-21 - State Championships in Lakewood

! n o ti c A to n i g n Spri Garfield County Democrats Party & Fundraiser Sunday, May 15 2:00 - 4:00 pm The Homestead Bar & Grill Carbondale

Enjoy an afternoon of live jazz, tacos, a silent auction, and a chance to meet our candidates Please purchase tickets in advance: garcodems.org

THE SOPRIS SUN • Your weekly community connector • May 5 - May 11, 2022 • 9

Celebr

EKAH LODGE B E R Y B D E T HOS FT STORE H R IF T W E N R A E N

IL M A Y 1 3 T H 'T D E T P E C C A D O N A T IO N S A IN S T H R IF T : 3 0 2 M T W E N R A E AT N LS : GARAGE TOO D N A N E D R A G V E S .. .

A C C E P T IN G S , H O E S , G LO R E P P LI C , S W S H O V E LS , S A

Saturday Sopris Park 10am-5pm

ate Sp ring, Comm unity, Susta inabili ty!

Beer T ent by KDNK, over 5 0 vend ors!

Get yo ur pla nt starts !

10am Species Parade at 2nd and Main

11:30-1pm Valle Musico 3 legged race

1:30pm-3pm Red Hill Rollers Live musical Chairs

3:30pm-5pm Hell Roaring String Band

10 • THE SOPRIS SUN • soprissun.com • May 5 - May 11, 2022

Valle

Sol del el

Volumen 2, Número 10 |5 de mayo -11 de mayo de 2022

Conectando comunidades desde 2021

Honremos a nuestras madres

Norma Teran vive en Apple Tree. Ella es una mamá especial de un joven especial. Es una mamá soltera que ha sacado a sus hijos adelante y que se ha enfocado en que su hijo Luis tenga una calidad de vida sin limitaciones. Es por eso que ella merece ser reconocida en esta edición del mes de las madres. Foto de cortesía

Por Crystal Mariscal Editora Contribuyente Si pudiera describir a su mamá, ¿cómo lo haría? ¿Qué palabras utilizaría? ¿Qué anécdota tiene que jamás olvidara de algún sacrificio que haya hecho su mamá por usted?

Porque el ser mamá va más allá de lo que la ciencia pueda explicar, pero — por medio de palabras e imágenes — podemos de cierta manera transmitir lo que nuestras madres son y significan para nosotros.

En este mes donde celebramos a las mamás, vayamos un paso extra para honrar lo mucho que hacen día a día por sus familias. No solo lleve a su mamá a comer y le regale flores, este año queremos ayudarle a expresar su amor.

Envíenos un mensaje por “Messenger” en Facebook y yo, Crystal Mariscal, me comunicaré personalmente con usted para ayudarle a escribir un mensaje a su mamá. Todo este mes, el Sol del Valle quiere reconocer, aplaudir y publicar fotos de mamitas en nuestro bello valle — sin costo para usted, pero de gran valor sentimental para ellas, los seres que nos dieron la vida.

Quizás en tu vida no tengas a una mamá de sangre, pero si alguna figura materna, también a ellas las queremos reconocer.

Y por parte del personal de The Sopris Sun y el Sol del Valle, queremos desde ya desearles un ¡Feliz Día de las Madres!

Maricela Muñoz, originaria de Chihuahua, México, vive en New Castle. Sus hijos le envían este mensaje: "Mamá, la admiramos por lo trabajadora, compasiva, dadivosa, cariñosa, fuerte, luchadora, excelente cocinera, pero más que nada su fe en Dios y su amor por Él. Gracias por todo lo que nos ha enseñado.

La amamos y admiramos con todo nuestro corazón". Foto de cortesía

Antonia Peña reside en Parachute y es una líder comunitaria. No hay quien no se enamore de sus burritos y sus tamales, al igual que de todo lo que cocina. Es una mujer que lucha por el cambio que desea ver en su comunidad, y que no solo espera a que alguien más lo haga. Toñita, como cariñosamente es conocida, es una mamá dedicada a su matrimonio, hijos y nietos. Gracias por todo lo que haces por tu familia, y gracias por hacer de Parachute y de este valle un mejor lugar para tus nietos. De parte de tu familia. Foto de cortesía

Ana Vega, o mejor conocida como Anita, como cariñosamente la llaman las personas que la conocen y que terminan de una manera u otra siendo adoptadas por ella, vive en Glenwood Springs. Es una mujer amada por sus hijos, nietos y bisnietos. Es una guerrera de oración y siempre con un abrazo y una sonrisa en el rostro para todos.

Así es, como en este mes de las madres su familia la honra, reconociendo la bendición que ella es para todos los que la rodean. Foto de cortesía

OPINIÓN

The River Center: ‘Vecinos ayudando a vecinos’ Por Liz Gabuardi

Cada comunidad tiene necesidades insatisfechas, y éstas son especialmente pronunciadas para individuos, familias y niños de bajos ingresos. En las ciudades de New Castle y Silt, las necesidades insatisfechas toman muchas formas.

Desde la asistencia con los gastos de vida, hasta la conexión de comunidades de ancianos aisladas, hasta asegurar que los niños tengan alimentos nutritivos disponibles cuando las escuelas no están en sesión, la misión del River Center es abordar estas necesidades insatisfechas a través del voluntariado compasivo. Nuestra meta es ver a cada familia trabajar hacia la sostenibilidad.

El River Center fue fundado en 2010 con el deseo de ver a los miembros de la comunidad trabajar juntos por el bien de la comunidad.

Somos una organización centrada en la comunidad, 501(c)(3), que se enfoca en la mejor manera de servir a nuestra comunidad con compasión.

Estamos ubicados en New Castle, pero servimos a las comunidades de New Castle y Silt.

Nuestra declaración de misión se vive a través de nuestros equipos de alcance como una forma de

Recursos comunitarios: ¿Quiénes somos?

fomentar la creación de una comunidad unificada, dinámica y solidaria.

Nuestros equipos de alcance sirven a la comunidad en una amplia variedad de áreas, entre ellas: regalos de navidad, útiles escolares, dos jardines comunitarios, clases de enriquecimiento comunitario, al igual que asistencia de emergencia para renta, utilidades, comida, ropa, reparación de auto y gastos médicos.

Además, proveemos un almuerzo semanal para las personas de la tercera edad, programas de comida juvenil, lonches semanales para niños menores de 18 años, aparte de coordinar a voluntarios de New Castle.

El programa de Angel Tree, proporciona a los niños regalos para la temporada navideña gracias a las generosas donaciones de la comunidad. En 2021, 330 niños recibieron un regalo.

El programa de Vuelta a la Escuela donó más de $2,000 en tarjetas de regalo que se proporcionan a las escuelas de New Castle y Silt para que los maestros puedan comprar artículos necesarios para sus clases.

También atendemos las necesidades individuales de los estudiantes cuando son referidos por los consejeros escolares o los maestros.

En el caso de los dos jardines

comunitarios en New Castle, estos ofrecen un espacio para que los miembros de la comunidad compren su propia parcela. La mitad de los jardines producen alimentos que vuelven a la comunidad a través del River Center y el banco de alimentos Lift-Up, y el jardín del Apple Tree Park también es utilizado por Liberty Classical Academy con fines de aprendizaje.

En el caso de las clases de enriquecimiento de la comunidad, estas ofrecen clases de finanzas, paternidad, nutrición, conservación de alimentos y jardinería de forma gratuita o a bajo costo para la comunidad.

En el programa de asistencia financiera, 203 hogares, o un promedio de 801 personas, fueron asistidas en 2021 con la renta, servicios públicos, gastos médicos, transporte, reparaciones de vehículos, ropa, alimentos y gastos de manutención.

Con los almuerzos para personas mayores, alrededor de 25 personas mayores asisten a este almuerzo semanal que apoya a los restaurantes locales y le da la bienvenida a nuestros invitados especiales.

También incluimos una actividad mensual.

Otro programa que nos tomamos muy en serio es el de Totes

12 • el Sol del Valle • soprissun.com/espanol/ • 5 de mayo - 11 de mayo de 2022

of Hope que proporciona una bolsa semanal de comida para que los niños se la lleven a casa y la utilicen durante el fin de semana. Durante el año escolar 2021-2022, 55 niños recibieron alimentos semanalmente.

El ya tan reconocido por el área, el programa Meal Monkey proporciona un almuerzo nutritivo cada viernes, durante todo el año, en cuatro lugares dentro de New Castle y Silt. Como los viernes no hay escuela, esto asegura que los niños, de 18 años o menos, sigan recibiendo los almuerzos necesarios.

En otras palabras, River Center es un centro de voluntarios en New Castle y Silt. Si usted desea ser voluntario en cualquiera de nuestros alcances, por favor póngase en contacto con nosotros al 984-4333 o envíeme un correo electrónico a Liz@rivercenternewcastle.org Si no puede ser voluntario pero desea donar al River Center, o estar al día de nuestros eventos, visite nuestro sitio web en www. rivercenternewcastle.org El River Center colabora con la ciudad de New Castle y el distrito escolar Garfield Re-2, así como con muchas otras organizaciones de todo el Valle, para ofrecer oportunidades significativas de voluntariado que permitan a los vecinos ayudar a los vecinos.

Donaciones por correo o en línea P.O. Box 399 Carbondale, CO 81623 970-510-3003 www.soprissun.com Editor Raleigh Burleigh • 970-510-3003 news@soprissun.com Editora Contribuyente Crystal Mariscal Directore Artístico Hattie Rensberry Diseñadora de anuncios Alyssa Ohnmacht Traductoras Jacquelinne Castro y Dolores Duarte Distribucion Frederic Kischbaum Executive Director Todd Chamberlin • 970-510-0246 adsales@soprissun.com Miembros de la Mesa Directiva Klaus Kocher • Kay Clarke Lee Beck • Megan Tackett Gayle Wells • Donna Dayton Terri Ritchie • Eric Smith el Sol del Valle agradece por su apoyo a: MANUAS, FirstBank y Alpine Bank The Sopris Sun, Inc. es una 501(c)(3) organización benéfica sin fines de lucro.

Contribuciones financieras son deducibles de impuestos. ¡ESCRÍBENOS! Para contribuir ideas y contenido al Sol del Valle, escribiéndonos a: sol@soprissun.com Para comprar espacio publicitario en español, inglés, o ambos, mándanos un correo electrónico a:

adsales@soprissun.com

También se puede contactarnos llamando a 970-510-3003.

¿Tradiciones o costumbres?

Foto de River Center, página opuesta

OPINIÓN

Otra Perspectiva Por Crystal Mariscal

¿Que no es la misma, tradición y costumbre? Para ser más acertada, me di a la tarea de hacer comparaciones entre los significados de dichas palabras.

Las tradiciones revelan una forma de pensar, comportamiento o hacer algo que durante muchos años las personas de una determinada

comunidad, sociedad o familia han hecho de manera similar. Esta puede ser una creencia o una idea.

Es tan importante para este grupo de personas que se hereda de una generación en generación.

Una tradición puede estar unida a una religión o cultura en particular.

Las tradiciones pueden o no ser obligatorias dentro de este grupo de personas, de ello depende que puedan modificar algunos detalles de su celebración.

Por otro lado, la costumbre es una práctica que practica un lugar o varios grupos de personas. Es una forma de comportarse o hacer algo que la sociedad ve como correcto.

Al igual que las tradiciones, las costumbres pueden tener su origen en la familia. A veces algunos actos, palabras o comportamientos pueden llegar a ser costumbres.

Cuando ya este tipo de actuar se pasa de generación en generación, se convierte en tradición.

Algo que me llama la atención es que las costumbres representan prácticas comunes para algún lugar, pueblo o país, en tanto que la tradición son patrones de comportamiento o pensamientos que se heredan. Con frecuencia estos últimos son establecidos por la sociedad o religión. Una costumbre puede ser regulada por gobiernos, una tradición puede ser familiar y puede perdurar por siempre.

Cuando entendí que una

costumbre puede ser regulada por gobiernos (no solo políticos, pero también religiosos) y que aparte estas costumbres pueden convertirse en una tradición, me alarmé. Ya lo decía “Jose, Jose — no cabe duda que es verdad que la costumbre es mas fuerte que el amor”. Y si, ya se que es una canción, pero al amor que quiero hacer énfasis es al que le tenemos a nuestros hijos, familias, comunidades, valores familiares, tradicionales y por qué no, el amor a nosotros mismos. ¿Lo que les estamos dejando a nuestros hijos y futuras generaciones son tradiciones que valen la pena repetir? Hablo de esas costumbres que nos fueron inculcadas y que nunca preguntamos el porqué de ellas, y así las fuimos haciendo y ahora nuestros hijos las comienzan a repetir. Es verdad que el machismo podría ser una costumbre y tradición de nuestra cultura, pero que poco a poco se ha ido haciendo eco y transformando esa idea. Pero hay otras tantas que también necesitan ser cuestionadas.

En otra perspectiva, cuando toco temas comunitarios, me gusta desafiar y animar a los lectores a cuestionar, analizar y sacar conclusiones propias.

Por ningún motivo quiero pretender que mi manera de pensar es la correcta, puesto que a veces al igual que ustedes solo estoy debatiendo mis propias ideas. Le hago una invitación para los próximos días

analizar el trasfondo de lo que hace.

Estoy en ese proceso, y me crean conflicto emocional muchas cosas.

Una de ellas era que mis hijos tenían que cenar a la hora de la cena, ya que era una tradición cenar cuando todos los miembros de la familia cenaban.

Si alguno de mis hijos no cenaba, me irritaba mucho ya que sentía que tenía que interrumpir las labores de la tarde para asegurarme de que él había cenado.

Charlando con otras madres de familia, me di cuenta que ellas sentían como si ellas trajeran la cocina cargando con ellas para cualquier parte que fueran. Así que decidí acabar con esta tradición tan amada por mi, pero que no funciona para mi familia. Ahora, solo cenamos en familia los fines de semana, y cada quien cena cuando tiene hambre durante la semana.

La nueva costumbre es dejar los teléfonos al centro de la mesa y nadie puede tomar su teléfono hasta que todos hayamos terminado de cenar. Eso espero se convierta en una tradición. Puedo ver los ojos asombrados de algunos al leer que durante la semana mi enfoque no es una cena familiar. Pero ¿cuántas tradiciones intentamos mantener sin éxito solo por que son “tradiciones”?

La costumbre de no involucrarnos en la educación de nuestros hijos es algo en lo que definitivamente no quiero continuar. En México, mis padres estaban involucrados en

"Como decía Alberto Llegas Camargo, 'Un pueblo sin tradición es un pueblo sin porvenir'. juntas de la escuela y hasta festivales.

Este país no me limita de ser menos madre, sino al contrario, son nuevos sistemas y como tales mi deber es saber cómo estar al pendiente de la educación de mis hijos y de lo que ellos aprenden. Estos son solo dos ejemplos fáciles de exponer. ¿Qué tradición recuerda de su niñez y cuales son los orígenes de ella? Quizás hay tradiciones que no le gustan de donde provienen, pero tal vez puede solo enfocarse en lo que si le hace bien. ¿Qué costumbres tienen sus hijos que han aprendido de usted? ¿Qué aprendió usted de sus antepasados que es una mala o buena costumbre? ¿Qué costumbre va a quitar de casa?

Como decía Alberto Llegas Camargo, “Un pueblo sin tradición es un pueblo sin porvenir”. ¿Cuál tradición le gustaría que pasara de generación en generación gracias a que usted la continuó?

SEA CONSCIENTE SEA SABIO EN LA CALLE.

Spring into ACTION!

Primavera en ACCION

Now is the time to help your community

Este es el momento de ayudar a tu comunidad

Become a mentor to a local youth who would love to hang out with YOU!

Sé mentor de un joven a quien le encante pasar tiempo CONTIGO

TALK TO US 970-317-2833 LauraS@buddyprogram.org

LLAMANOS 970-367-4193 katie@buddyprogram.org

Carbondale puede ser un lugar ajetreado y caótico. Todos los viajeros ser más vigilantes y recordar que no están solos..

MANERAS SABIAS DE VIAJAR EN CARBONDALE:

• Peatones: Crucen por pasos peatonales.

• Ciclistas: Pedaleé en la carretera, deje las aceras para los peatones.

• Conductores: Manejen despacio y cedan el paso a los ciclistas y peatones.

SABIDURIA EN LA CALLE Tenga sabiduria ciclando, caminando, y conduciendo

970-963-2733 • carbondalegov.org el Sol del Valle • Conector de comunidad • 5 de mayo - 11 de mayo de 2022 • 13

Cada árbol es un ecosistema en miniatura

Por Raleigh Burleigh Traducción por Dolores Duarte

Este 29 de abril, en el Día del Árbol, los amantes de los árboles tuvieron una buena razón y amplias oportunidades para celebrarlo.

La historia del Día del Árbol en Estados Unidos data de la década de 1870. Julius Sterling Morton, editor del Nebraska City News, fue un ferviente partidario de la plantación de árboles y a menudo escribía sobre el tema. Más tarde, aprovechando su función de secretario del territorio de Nebraska, Morton propuso designar un día especial para que los habitantes de Nebraska echaran tierra y raíces frescas. El primer Día del Árbol se celebró el 10 de abril de 1872, hace 150 años. Se dice que ese día se plantaron un millón de árboles.

Según las investigaciones del nuevo arborista de Carbondale, Carl Meinecke, la tradición se remonta incluso a Europa. En 1804, un sacerdote local del pueblo español de Villanueva de la Sierra convocó la primera celebración moderna del Día del Árbol, inspirada en antiguas festividades.

La ciudad de Carbondale, cuya designación como Tree City USA le exige una actividad anual del Día del Árbol, invita a la comunidad a asistir al Sopris Park el día 7 de mayo a las 10 a.m. Además de plantar un árbol, habrá café y donas gratis, y la oportunidad de aprender sobre el cuidado de los árboles.

Por su parte, las organizaciones conservacionistas Aspen Valley Land Trust y Wilderness Workshop celebrarán su 55avo. aniversario con un evento del Día del Árbol en el rancho Coffman el 30 de abril. El evento bilingüe incluirá la plantación de un pino ponderosa y un manzano, junto con paquetes de semillas para llevar a casa proveídos por Seed Peace, además de otras actividades. Obtén más información e inscríbete en línea en www.avlt.org.

Por su parte, las organizaciones conservacionistas Aspen Valley Land Trust y Wilderness Workshop celebraron su 55avo. aniversario con un evento del Día del Árbol en el rancho Coffman el 30 de abril. El evento bilingüe incluyó la plantación de un pino ponderosa y dos manzanos, junto con paquetes de semillas para llevar a casa proveídos por Seed Peace, además de otras actividades.

"Los árboles tienen un inmenso valor en nuestra comunidad al enfriar los espacios, limpiar nuestro aire, reducir el estrés y ayudar a apoyar las conexiones sociales en nuestros espacios públicos, por mencionar solo algunos", dijo Meinecke a The Sopris Sun. La educación sobre cómo trasplantar correctamente los árboles es un componente importante del Día del Árbol. Illéne Pevec, autora de "Growing a Life" (Cultivar una vida), comprende bien la importancia de impartir estos conocimientos. Se ha asociado con Crystal River Elementary

School (CRES), Senior Matters y Aspen Tree Service para conectar a personas de la tercera edad con niños en la plantación de ocho árboles en la escuela.

Tres de estos árboles fueron donados directamente por Aspen Tree Service, que celebra su 40avo. aniversario este año. "Nuestro objetivo es plantar 40 árboles, como agradecimiento a nuestra comunidad", dijo Chris Forman, arborista consultor de la empresa.

Se ofrecieron otros cinco árboles a precio reducido, que se compraron con donaciones hechas por personas mayores y a través de un subsidio de Susila Dharma. Pevec ha trabajado con Susila Dharma International en el pasado, plantando árboles en Brasil, Canadá, Perú y México.

Juntos, estudiantes y adultos plantarán fresnos, arces y algarrobos para ayudar a dar sombra al edificio.

"Tenemos que hacer que los niños se ensucien", se ríe Forman. Pasarán por delante de estos árboles todos los días durante años, y tal vez algún día, continuó Forman, "unos cuantos puedan tener una carrera en el servicio de árboles, también".

La directora de CRES, Aimee Brockman, habló de cómo el día se relaciona con el plan de estudios de los niños de kindergarten, aprendiendo sobre los árboles y su relación con los animales. "Nuestro objetivo general es utilizar lo que [los alumnos] aprenden para hacer del mundo un lugar mejor", dijo.

El objetivo de Pevec es crear un modelo, involucrando a la comunidad en la plantación de árboles para las escuelas. "Necesitamos árboles y más árboles", dijo. "Son una reserva de carbono, un elemento de belleza, de esperanza, de sombra y de vida".

Por supuesto, no se trata sólo de dónde se planta, sino de qué se planta.

Lisa DiNardo, horticultora y arborista certificada, sugiere que la gente piense en los polinizadores locales a la hora de elegir un árbol para plantar este Día del Árbol. DiNardo es una apasionada de los jardines públicos y ha trabajado para municipios desde New Castle hasta Aspen.

"Tenemos que reaprender a reaprovechar", dijo DiNardo a The Sopris Sun. "Las especies nativas coevolucionaron con plantas específicas [y] la adaptación no se produce en décadas". Comparó las especies de plantas no nativas para los polinizadores con la fruta de plástico que hay en las estanterías de los supermercados para los humanos.

"Parece atractiva", pero carece de la nutrición necesaria. "No puede tratarse sólo de nosotros", continuó.

Un recurso que DiNardo recomienda sumamente es la herramienta de búsqueda de plantas de la National Wildlife Federation (www.nwf.org/nativeplantfinder). En el sitio web, un sembrador potencial puede introducir su código postal para descubrir qué especies son nativas de la zona y la cantidad de polinizadores que alimentan.

La clase de Courtney Jaynes en la escuela primaria Crystal River plantó "Hector Linden" la primavera pasada con ayuda de Illéne Pevec. Foto de cortesía

Dada la "gama específica de plantas" para nuestra región semiárida, sugiere tener en cuenta las características que se introducirán junto con un determinado árbol. Cuantas más orugas jugosas y de cuerpo blando crezcan, más comida disfrutarán también los pájaros.

"Comunidades más verdes son comunidades más fuertes", concluye DiNardo.

Lecturas recomendadas para el Día del Árbol: "Bringing Nature Home" y "Nature's Best Hope" de Doug Tallamy y "En busca del árbol madre" de Suzanne Simard.

Nosotros no cobramos por abituarios.

La muerte de un ser querido nos cuesta bastante. The Sopris Sun se complace en publicar obituarios locales de un tamaño razonable, incluida una foto, de forma gratuita.

AS PE N VA

RU LLEY LAND T

Envie un correo electrónico a news@soprissun.com para enviar un obituario o para más información.

ST

Un dia de campo comunitario en la tierra!

VISITE UNO DE LOS SPAS MAS ANTIGUOS Y RESPETADOS EN AMERICA y las Cuevas históricas de Vapor

STRANG RANCH, CARBONDALE 22 DE MAYO, 11am A 2pm

Baños naturales minerals termales “Más privado que una piscina”

!

TENDREMOS

* música en vivo por Hell Roaring String Band * comida de Slow Groovin’ BBQ * demostraciones en vivo de pastoreo con perros ovejeros, paseos a caballo y trabajo sensorial * ¡actividades para niños y más!

Boletos en avlt.org/springfest

No WALKINS Por favor.

Llame para citas Para información y reservaciones llame a 970-945-0667 • yampahspa.com El Spa esta abierto de 9 a.m. a 9 p.m. y el Salón de 9 a.m. a 7 p.m.

14 • el Sol del Valle • soprissun.com/espanol/ • 5 de mayo - 11 de mayo de 2022

Gripe aviar pone en alerta a la ladera occidental

Por James Steindler Traducción por Dolores Duarte

El Departamento de Agricultura de Colorado (CDA) continúa monitoreando el creciente alcance de la nociva gripe aviar H5N1. Para aves domésticas, la enfermedad conlleva una tasa de mortalidad del 90100%. Hasta ahora se han confirmado casos en los condados de Pitkin, Montrose y La Plata.

La enfermedad procede de gansos, patos y otras aves migratorias que la transmiten a las poblaciones domésticas.

El primer caso confirmado en el estado se produjo en Crystal Valley (condado de Pitkin). Según un comunicado de prensa, una bandada doméstica fue completamente eliminada en 48 horas, con la excepción de un pollo que fue eutanizado posteriormente.

El 19 de abril se confirmó otro caso justo al otro lado de McClure Pass, en el condado de Montrose, en una explotación avícola comercial. Allí, toda la bandada de 60,000 aves fue eutanizada para controlar la propagación del virus. Según un comunicado de prensa del CDA, el veterinario del estado emitió una orden de cuarentena para partes de los condados de Montrose y Delta con el fin de limitar el movimiento de las aves dentro y fuera de la zona.

Al día siguiente, el 20 de abril, se confirmó otro caso en el condado de La Plata, en una bandada doméstica. El propietario informó a la oficina del veterinario del estado de un aumento de la enfermedad y la mortalidad entre la bandada de aves de corral de especies mixtas.

Antes de que se confirmaran los resultados de las pruebas, y debido a que las aves estaban sufriendo una enfermedad importante, las aves fueron eutanizadas el 17 de abril.

"Aunque el condado de Garfield no tiene ningún caso confirmado, pedimos urgentemente a la gente que tome medidas inmediatas para proteger sus bandadas", dijo la directora del condado de la extensión de la Universidad Estatal de Colorado, Carla Farrand.

En un comunicado de prensa del condado de Garfield se indica que los propietarios de aves de corral deben tomar las siguientes medidas inmediatas para proteger sus bandadas y evitar una mayor propagación: cubrir los gallineros y los corrales para mantener a las aves dentro, lavarse las manos antes de entrar en los gallineros, no manipular las aves de otras personas, usar ropa y zapatos específicos para las bandadas, evitar las tiendas de alimentos y otros lugares con aves de corral, evitar los parques y otros lugares con aves acuáticas, no compartir el equipo, desinfectar regularmente el equipo en contacto con las aves de corral, no atraer a las aves silvestres con los comederos, alimentar a las aves dentro de los gallineros, limpiar los derrames de alimentos y eliminar el agua estancada.

También se pide a los propietarios de aves de corral que vigilen sus bandadas e informen de cualquier comportamiento sospechoso a la oficina del veterinario estatal en el 303-869-9130.

Un veterinario de guardia permanecerá en turno.

Los signos a los que hay que prestar atención son: depresión extrema, dificultad para respirar, disminución de la ingesta de alimento o agua, hinchazón o decoloración púrpura de la cabeza, los párpados, la cresta, la barba y los corvejones,

disminución de la producción de huevos y muerte repentina e inexplicable.

"No tenemos operaciones comerciales de cría de carne avícola en el condado de Garfield, pero hay familias con 20 o más aves en los programas CDA que crían y venden huevos como productores, también estamos alertando", dijo Farrand.

Se pide al público en general que no alimente a las aves silvestres y que se ponga en contacto con la oficina de Parques y Vida Silvestre de Colorado más cercana si encuentra un ave muerta en el entorno. Las

aves mascotas deben permanecer en interiores.

Los avicultores que estén experimentando problemas de salud mental debido al brote pueden ponerse en contacto con los Servicios de Crisis de Colorado llamando al 844-4948255 o enviando un mensaje de texto TALK al 38255. Granjeros y ganaderos pueden obtener hasta seis sesiones gratuitas con un proveedor competente en materia de agricultura.

No se ha detectado ningún caso de gripe aviar (HPAI) en humanos en Estados Unidos.

Para obtener más información y recursos, visita www.bit.ly/avianinfluenzabeware

"Aunque el condado de Garfield no tiene ningún caso confirmado, pedimos urgentemente a la gente que tome medidas inmediatas para proteger sus aves", dijo la directora del condado de la Universidad Estatal de Colorado, Carla Farrand. Foto de Jane Bachrach

Mayfaire Sábado 7 de Mayo 10am-2pm

Gratis y abierto a la comunidad Una celebración familiar de la primavera 9:30-10:00am Información de la familia prospectiva 10:00-11:00am Ceremonias de Mayo 11:00am-1:00pm Artesanias, comida y música 1:00pm Show de marionetas

Coronas de flores Marionetas Baile de los estudiantes Rey y Reina Comida, bebidas y dulces Artesanías de primavera y música en vivo!

Waldorf School on the Roaring Fork 16543 Highway 82, Carbondale CO ¡Es alentado llegar por bicicleta!

el Sol del Valle • Conector de comunidad • 5 de mayo - 11 de mayo de 2022 • 15

CHISME DEL PUEBLO para desarrollar letreros personalizados en Coal Basin Ranch. Para saber más, visite www.carbondalearts.com/ education-programs

Carta a la editora Las escuelas de Roaring Fork reconocen Mayo como el mes de agradecimiento al personal. Este año, con el apoyo financiero de nuestras comunidades, pudimos mostrar algo de aprecio material a nuestros maestros y miembros del personal con los aumentos de sueldo que todos vieron en sus cheques de pago la semana pasada. Sin embargo, el dinero, por sí solo, no es suficiente para expresar el profundo agradecimiento que sentimos por todas las personas que trabajan en nuestras escuelas. Durante el último mes del año escolar, celebramos los logros de los alumnos y de la escuela, así como de las personas que hacen posible esos éxitos.

No hay duda de que las personas que trabajan en nuestras escuelas -en las clases, las cocinas, los autobuses, las oficinas o hasta detrás de la escena- son nuestro activo más importante.

Tenemos más de 1,000 empleados, y cada uno de ellos desempeña un papel crucial en nuestra misión. Los miembros de nuestro personal hacen mucho más que enseñar, preparar comidas, mantener espacios o transportar estudiantes: inspiran y motivan; cuidan y arreglan; cambian vidas.

Estamos muy agradecidos de haber podido hacer el mayor ajuste salarial en la historia del distrito el mes pasado a través de un sobreimpuesto aprobado por los votantes; esto demuestra un sincero aprecio y afirmación por el trabajo que nuestros miembros del personal hacen cada día. Sabemos que nuestro personal hace este importante trabajo no por el cheque de pago, sino porque se preocupan mucho por la educación, el bienestar y el éxito futuro de nuestros estudiantes y nuestra comunidad.

El equipo Ejecutivo de las Escuelas de Roaring Fork

Conducción distraída Según el Departamento de Transporte de Colorado (CDOT), de las 305 lesiones graves atribuidas a la conducción distraída, 205 conductores estaban involucrados en el uso de teléfono antes del accidente. En respuesta a esto, CDOT ha lanzado la “Promesa de Derrotar la Conducción Distraída” para recordarles a conductores de eliminar las distracciones y concentrarse en conducir.

Pase libre

De Izquierda a derecha: Isela Ventura, Michail Kharitonov y David Reynolds (administrador de New Castle). La mamá de Kharitonov es de Ucrania y el papá de Rusia. Durante su visita a New Castle se tomó una foto con las banderas y agradeció que el town pasará una resolución en apoyo a Ucrania en estos momentos tan difíciles. Foto de cortesía

Cottonwood Pass, la carretera que conecta Gypsum y Roaring Fork Valley, está abierta. Los motoristas están advertidos que porciones de la carretera no están pavimentadas y hay varias curvas pronunciadas además de descensos pronunciados. Los vehículos grandes requieren un permiso para poder viajar por la carretera.

Limpieza de Peace Garden

Seed Peace está iniciando un nuevo programa de educación para el 2022 el cual ayudaría a presentar información acerca de la agricultura a jóvenes entre las edades de escuela secundaria. Alrededor de 12 participantes tomarán parte del aprendizaje práctico cada día por un periodo de seis semanas. Para saber cómo inscribirse o patrocinar a algún estudiante, visite www.seedpeace.org

True Nature invita a los vecinos ansiosos de ensuciarse esta primavera a ayudar a limpiar el jardín comunitario Peace Garden antes de que llegue la temporada de siembra. El evento tiene el propósito de ser mutuamente beneficioso; el jardín recibe el amor que necesita y el voluntario entra en su rutina de jardinería de primavera. Para aquellos que estén interesados en ser voluntarios el 7 de mayo de 8 a.m. hasta mediodía, pueden inscribirse en línea (www.bit.ly/peacegardencleanup).

Para más detalles, envíe un correo electrónico a megan@ truenaturehealingarts.com

El programa Aprendiz Creativo

Feria de salud

Se buscan jóvenes agricultores

Carbondale Arts está aceptando solicitudes para su programa de aprendizaje de este verano. ¡Los jóvenes entre las edades de 14 a 19 años tienen la oportunidad de obtener habilidades creativas y recibir un pago! Los adolescentes trabajarán con un diseñador de paisaje

¡TUS BIBLIOTECAS

YA ESTÁN ABIERTAS

LOS DOMINGOS! PARA VER LOS HORARIOS VISITA: WWW.GCPLD.ORG

La Clínica del Pueblo y 9 Health organizarán la Feria de Salud de Glenwood Springs el sábado 7 de mayo desde las 9 a.m. hasta la 1 p.m. No es requerido pero es sugerido que se inscriba antes de tiempo llamando a Isabel (970-948-1072), Barbarita (989-366-8725) o Judith (970-989-3513).

Pregnancy Resource Center s t r e n g t h f o r t o d a y, h o p e f o r t o m o r r o w

Gratis y Confidencial • Pruebas de embarazo • Ecografía

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• Pruebas de ITS ¿Está embarazada y considerando sus opciones?

Llame hoy para hacer una cita. 970-945-5562 Text - English 970-707-8325 or Español 970-707-8334.

www.pregnancycolorado.org 16 • THE SOPRIS SUN • soprissun.com • May 5 - May 11, 2022

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Nuestra meta de recaudación de fondos es de $25,000 Al apoyar a The Sopris Sun, nos ayudarás a: CONTINUAR ENFOCADOS EN APOYAR A OTRAS ORGANIZACIONES SIN FINES DE LUCRO $100 proveen espacio publicitario gratuito cada mes FOMENTAR UN PERIODISMO LOCAL, INDEPENDIENTE Y DIVERSO PARA HOY Y PARA LAS FUTURAS GENERACIONES $250 ayudan a proveer una reserva de fondos para apoyar a nuestros colaboradores locales por el increíble trabajo que hacen cada semana.

OFRECER INSTRUCCIÓN Y EXPERIENCIAS DE CRECIMIENTO A PERIODISTAS EN DESARROLLO $500 financian un semestre entero para un estudiante de nuestro nuevo programa de periodismo en la escuela secundaria.

PROPORCIONAR COBERTURA A COMUNIDADES DESATENDIDAS $1,000 dólares proveen recursos para ampliar la redacción y distribución de la sección en español.

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El Sopris Sun es una plataforma 501c3 impulsada por la comunidad. Tus donaciones son deducibles de impuestos. el Sol del Valle • Conector de comunidad • 5 de mayo - 11 de mayo de 2022 • 17

Carbondale Tourism leans into stewardship

By Raleigh Burleigh Sopris Sun Editor For many years, Colorado cities and towns have promoted their qualities to attract visitors. This is becoming exceedingly less necessary as local establishments struggle to keep pace with the demand, exacerbated by the ongoing shortage of service workers. In late March, the governor signed into law House Bill 22-1117, allowing counties to spend lodging tax dollars on affordable housing initiatives, and not just advertising for tourism.

Although the bill won’t affect counties that don’t collect lodging taxes, including Garfield, Eagle and Pitkin, it stands as evidence for the greater trend. The state’s population continues to grow, counting 774,518 new residents between 2010 and 2020, and visitation remains high. In response, organizations that promote tourism are adapting.

“You can see a shift in terminology, from marketing to management,” said Andrea Stewart, executive director of the Carbondale Chamber of Commerce. The chamber also oversees Carbondale Tourism, funded by a 2% lodging tax collected by the town.

Carbondale Tourism recently hosted a visioning and rebranding workshop with Rainy Day Designs. “Tourism has changed so much over the past two years,” said Stewart.

Specifically, “even locals are being tourists in their own backyard,” discovering new places close to home during the pandemic.

Stewart suggested that the term “tourism,” which has come to bear negative connotations, can also encompass a kind of stewardship. She gave the often-cited example of dog poop baggies, notorious for littering trails. “It’s such a relatable experience, and an example of taking ‘us versus them’ out of the issue and addressing the issue as tourists and locals alike.”

Five tourism-promoting organizations in the Valley have rallied around this idea of “responsible visitation” to form the Roaring Fork Valley Destination Alliance. The alliance partners with the Colorado Tourism Office and is funded by a CARES Act Recovery Assistance grant. It includes Aspen Chamber Resort Association, Snowmass Tourism, Basalt Chamber of Commerce, Carbondale Tourism and Visit Glenwood Springs, and it is the first of its kind in Colorado.

In addition to promoting thoughtful trail etiquette and leave-no-trace practices, the alliance seeks to develop an integrated framework for Valley-wide crisis communications strategies. Stewart gave the example of a Glenwood Canyon closure. Not only will wouldbe tourists be assured they are welcome when possible, outsiders stranded in the Valley will be encouraged to peruse stores and visit a local restaurant. More seriously, in the incidence of a fire, visitors will be alerted to evacuation protocol and resources.

“It’s about dealing with how to communicate with visitors during times of crisis,”

The Roaring Fork + Farm Map, first published in 2020, will be refined to launch again this spring.

Art by Sarah Uhl

explained Sarah-Jane Johnson, spokesperson for the alliance. “So whatever crisis is coming, we’re operating hand-in-hand to put the right message out there.”

Additionally, Carbondale Tourism was awarded a $14,000 grant to help develop agritourism in the Valley. According to the Colorado Department of Agriculture, the number of Colorado farms generating income from agritourism and recreational services grew by nearly 200 between 2012 and 2017. Income per farm, meanwhile, nearly doubled.

What is agritourism? One component of the grant includes funding to facilitate conversations among local farmers and ranchers, bringing in outside expertise to help them develop programs and infrastructure for welcoming curious visitors.

Additionally, a revamped Roaring Fork + Farm Map will be launching this spring. The map was initially created thanks to a program development grant received previous to the pandemic. It was set to print in March 2020 and resulted far less widespread than initially intended.

Now, the local farms and foods map, recognized by the United Nations International Mountains Day as “an exemplary sustainable tourism project” in 2021, will re-launch this spring with more of a Valley-wide focus.

“Tourism is a really important part of our way of life in Western Colorado,” said Johnson, championing the benefits to local economies. Nonetheless, “industry-wide, all tourism management organizations are looking at what their role is to manage and mitigate the impacts of tourism and protect quality of life for host communities.”

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18 • THE SOPRIS SUN • soprissun.com • May 5 - May 11, 2022

KDNK launches Thrift Shop Prom, its newest event

By James Steindler Contributing Editor

Was prom all you thought it was cracked up to be? Looking to relive those glorious and perhaps awkward teenage moments? Perhaps you wouldn’t change a thing. Either way, there’s good news. KDNK is inviting you to a prom-themed fundraiser.

That’s right, The Arts Center at Willits (TACAW) will host KDNK’s first-ever Thrift Shop Prom event this Saturday, May 7, beginning at 7 p.m. It’s a 21 and up event (sorry, highschoolers — this one’s for the grown ups) with tasty libations and music by DJ The Guest.

“If there has been a [KDNK] prom, it’s in the history books that are hidden at the moment,” organizing guru and KDNK’s marketing and events coordinator Anderson Cole told The Sopris Sun. Knowing that not all of its members can spend a fortune on a new prom dress or tux, and in fitting with the “déjà vu” theme, the dress code is thrift shop attire. To that extent, Cole put local second hand stores on notice that an influx of patrons may be stopping in to pick through their fancy threads.

Cole is the main mind behind the event. He came up with the idea while brainstorming with KDNK Executive Director Greg Albrecht and Andy Zanca Youth Empowerment Program Executive Director Beth Wysong during a recent Rocky Mountain Community Radio conference in Crested Butte.

In part, inspiration came from Crested Butte community radio station KBUT’s “Disco Inferno” fundraising event, explained Cole.

“It sounded really fun, and they said it just got so raucous,” Cole recalled. “You know, it’s simple.

People don’t get an opportunity on a dance floor, where great nostalgic music plays, to just let loose, too often. We talked about how we could bring that to this valley and KDNK would be the perfect organization to put it on.”

Cole continued, “[Prom] has all this hype in high school and a lot of times it can be kind of disappointing for folks. Now that everyone has been through prom, or even if you missed prom, it’s a good opportunity to realize that it’s supposed to be fun and a night you can make the most out of.”

Cole himself had two great prom experiences, as a junior and again as a senior at Aspen High School. Still, he expects KDNK’s to be even better. He added that he’s actually been to a couple impromptu thrift shop proms since.

In fact, Cole has experience organizing backyard thrift shop proms with friends. He recalls one particular occasion in Whitefish, Montana, where he and his housemates were the hosts.

“We all took a trip to the thrift shop to see what we could find,” Cole explained. “I ended up with zebra-print suspenders, some shorts and a Hawaiian shirt.” The theme “can be interpreted anyway you want,” he added.

Hold onto your ticket stub the night of the event for additional perks in Willits; Capitol Creek Brewery has already confirmed prom goers will get a discount.

Cole and the KDNK crew want everyone to have a great time but, more importantly, to see them get home safe. That is why RFTA has been put on notice to expect an increase of riders

Anderson Cole all dappered up for his high school prom. Courtesy photo Morning Edition host Steve Cole (Anderson's dad) around the time of his high school prom.

Courtesy photo

KDNK news director Morgan Neely ahead of his high school prom. Courtesy photo

boarding at Willits after prom.

While everyone who's anyone, related to someone, will be there, participants do not have to be a KDNK member to attend. Members, meanwhile, get a special discount. It’s $30 for general admission and $25 for members.

Members can retrieve the discount code by calling KDNK at 970-963-0139 or emailing anderson@ kdnk.org ahead of the event. Tickets are available online at www.kdnk.org or can be purchased at the door.

Cole and the KDNK family hope to continue

KDNK board member Aly Sanguily is ready for prom, round two. Courtesy photo

Thrift Shop Prom as an annual event so that listeners and supporters can cut loose and tear up a rug in the name of community radio, year after year.

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

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El Jebel, Colorado 970-963-1700 RJPaddywacks.com THE SOPRIS SUN • Your weekly community connector • May 5 - May 11, 2022 • 19

Lead King Loop stakeholder group hosts listening session

By Alex Menard Sopris Sun Correspondent

As the upper Crystal Valley sheds its protective coat of winter white, many things are revealed. The daily appearance overhead of a pair of bald eagles means that our ecosystem has a crowning touch: an eagle's nest. On McClure Pass, the melting snow makes way for a flowery carpet of yellow glacier lilies and white and lavender spring beauties. But memories of past summers have put residents on the defensive.

In Marble, residents are installing barriers to protect their yards from the annual return of motorized visitors. The town of Marble is installing “No Trailer Parking” signs to prohibit parking for ATV unloading on town streets, and is considering an ordinance to ban all Off Highway Vehicle (OHV) unloading in town limits. Gunnison County has promised steep fines to enforce parking regulations on County Road 3 (CR3), the access road to the Lead King Loop (LKL).

The Lead King Loop Stakeholder Group (LKLSG), formerly known as the LKL Working Group , has revealed its recommendations after meeting for more than three years. At the listening session meeting, hosted on April 28 at the Marble Fire Station, some recommendations were revealed including a parking lot at the base of Daniels Hill. Other recommendations are less concrete: signs and education, some sort of reservation/permit system, a modification of road maintenance standards.

Melanie Armstrong of the Center for Public Lands was the facilitator of the group. She explained that the group's name was changed

from “working” to “stakeholder” because “stakeholders were representatives of residents.”

She did not explain why representation involved a nondisclosure agreement to not discuss the contents of the ongoing work sessions with the residents until now.

After the introduction, the group broke into five smaller discussion stations focused on: parking options, road conditions, reservations/permit system, signs and education and OHV prohibition. As reported last week, the Stakeholder Group did not actually discuss improving road conditions or an outright ban on ATVs, like in Pitkin County, during their meetings.

The proposed location for parking at the base of Daniels Hill is a meadow surrounded by wetlands and inhabited by a beaver colony. It is bordered on three sides by the historic Lost Trail Ditch which supplies over 20 homes. Two homes are immediately adjacent to the proposed lot.

Local residents immediately spoke in opposition as the parking plan was announced.

According to Armstrong, “The establishment of the parking lot would be a development on federal land subject to the National Environmental Policy Act and would require an Environmental Assessment (EA).”

An EA would require a rigorous review of all possible options and have high standards about data collection. Melanie continued, "Approval of a parking lot will take years.”

U.S. Forest Service District Ranger Kevin Warner disagreed on this point, stating, “There may be grounds for a Categorical Exclusion from an EA requirement, due to the small size of the project and the scoping already done." Scoping

DIY property protectors Tim Goodwin, Jesse Congdon and grandson James stand by their completed fence to keep ATVs out of their front yard. Photo by Alex Menard

refers to the gathering of public comments.

During the LKLSG process, scoping focused on residents of Marble, but not Gunnison county residents living outside town limits.

Warner responded to questions about the data collection regarding LKL users. “The traffic counters on the road did not distinguish between ATVs, jeeps or passenger cars." There is also no data about what percentage of users are hikers.

Tom Sobal of the Quiet Use Coalition, an advocacy group, questioned the study. “How can they make policy without knowledge of the relative numbers of user groups?" He then cited that "White River National Forest annual visitation figures show hikers as the second largest user group after skiers. Annual figures show hikers at 30%-40% of total use, with ATVs at less than 2%."

Sobal explained the concept of disproportionate impact. “ATV trucks and trailers use two to three times the space for parking and unloading as other users. The noise and dust they create eventually drives away other users. Studies

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have shown that ATVs have the largest negative effect on wildlife, trail quality, vegetation and even air and water quality."

Sobal has experience with other stakeholder groups and compares their process with that of professional environmental planners.

"Stakeholder groups attract members with special interests and environmentalists are underrepresented. Stakeholder groups have lower standards for data collection and consideration of alternatives and may be steered in a predetermined direction by leaders with a hidden agenda."

He calls the parking lot proposal "an active accommodation of ATVs, not just an allowing of use, which does nothing to manage use and will actually expand use." The proposed parking lot is accessed by a driveway to private residences, behind a gate that has remained locked for the past 60 years. The Forest Service is now requiring that gate to remain unlocked.

Roland Mason is Gunnison County commissioner for District 3, which includes continued on page 30

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Carbondale Community Choir, allowing space for ‘messy’

By Vanessa Porras Sopris Sun Correspondent

After a COVID-pause during the winter, the Carbondale Community Choir is back!

They had their first gathering of the year last month and will continue to meet on the first and third Tuesday of every month, rain or shine.

The choir is hosted by rotating volunteers, including Cara Lynch, Pam Rosenthal, Gabriela Mejia and Jessica Congdon. Each session offers a safe space for those who just want to sing.

“There is no motive, just the opportunity to express ourselves through song and connecting with fellow members of our community,” noted Congdon.

The Carbondale Community Choir is meant to foster community, especially after the difficulties and isolation experienced during the COVID pandemic.

A long-time vision of Rosenthal, the choir came into fruition last year after Sweet Root, a local band, was in need of voices for their Mountain Fair set. After formalizing a core group of six participants who performed, in addition to community members who would also gather and practice all summer long, there were several people who decided to continue on.

Rosenthal wanted to create a space she wished she would have had access to as a young child eager to belt out in song. She recalls a memory at the tender age of 12, when a choir visited her rural school. Amidst the commotion and all the excitement, young Rosenthal sang and soon found herself pushed to the back where Working Togethe r For Pets And The ir People 2801 CR 11 Glenwoo d Springs 4 , C.A.R.E. h (970)947- CO 9173 as 19 dog

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her voice was drowned out by the others. “[The] teachers were so mean. … Choir was something you had to try out for, you had to be good enough, it wasn’t an invitation for a young person to sing.”

Now a professional musician, Rosenthal wanted to change that narrative for all the singers who are curious but often too intimidated to let their voices be heard.

“There are choir members who come and whisper their songs and, over time, we’ll see them start to step up. … We never pressure anyone, no one is ever called out, [you’ll] never be put on the spot unless that’s your jam,'' said Rosenthal. She assures you there are no evil eyes if you can’t hit the right note.

The Carbondale Community Choir is a passive learning environment where people learn by training their ears. “The choir doesn’t teach me to sing; it allows me to experiment with my voice and come to a better understanding of whether I am in or out of tune with the other voices. I can freely experiment, improve and find harmonies,” said Congdon.

The hostesses encourage members to sing for the fun of singing, “I always want to allow space for messy,” said Rosenthal.

Although the choir does not perform, there are occasional opportunities presented and shared with the group and decided upon based on common interest. In the future, Rosenthal sees a possibility for harmonizing workshops, in addition to singing time.

Participants are welcome to bring their own songs and contribute to the flavor of the session. Well-known and loved songs, including traditional gospel songs and

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Even during a downpour, the Carbondale Community Choir attracted five participants (including our photographer) on Tuesday, May 3. The choir meets next on May 17 at 6:30 p.m. in Sopris Park.

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songs with Earth-honoring themes are sung around the circle occasionally, accompanied by shakers and Mejia’s acoustic guitar.

The Carbondale Community Choir is free of charge; there’s no sign up or pressure to commit to anything as a member of the choir. In fact, if singing isn’t of interest to you but you still want to participate and build community, you’re invited to bring a blanket or pull up a chair and listen.

The choir hostesses see this as their gift to the community and their biggest goals are community building, accessibility and diversity. Rosenthal hopes that more young voices will join the choir. “Our culture has really gone off-track with our

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[perfectionism]. ... we’re teaching our young people that they’re not allowed to do anything unless they’re already good at it,” said Rosenthal.

Singing is a vulnerable, creative expression that requires one to expose themselves and their limits. As Congdon eloquently put it, “we can heal ourselves through acceptance of our own unique voice. Finding that harmony within, and the ability to share it with others, is a gift to the world.”

The choir meets next on May 17 at the gazebo in Sopris Park, from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m.

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970-963-2733 • carbondalegov.org THE SOPRIS SUN • Your weekly community connector • May 5 - May 11, 2022 • 21

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Steven D. Stouffer

September 3, 1930 - March 28, 2022

October 13, 1949 - April 26, 2022 Uncle Junie and Auntie Ann had five children... Lynn, Butch, Steve, Janie and Danny. Steve Stouffer was right in the middle of that lively bunch. He also had about 40 cousins or so, who got together from time to time for Granny Stouffer’s birthday at the old House on Cliff Drive.

Growing up in Fort Smith, Arkansas, with dogs, BB guns and a homemade swimming pool, Steve was a boy’s boy, then a guy’s guy and later a man’s man.

He was husband to Pam and father to Haley, Brian and Leslie. He was a friend, hunter, fisherman, truck driver and colorful raconteur. He was a natural-born storyteller and could spin a real good yarn, or two. Steve was a unique individual, about as close to a modern-day cowboy as you can get. He was once seen wearing cowboy boots and a cowboy hat while in a swimsuit on a beach in Florida.

He was big and strong, a great baseball player and a great football player... he won a game, or two. He rode a bull, or two. He shot a deer, or two. He traveled a million miles, or two. He bent a rule, or two. He broke a law, or two... or maybe three. Steve was in a bar fight, or two.

He was kicked by a mule, or two. He crashed a truck, or two... and he survived being shot, stabbed and bit by a snake once, or twice. He loved hunting and he was a great shot with a rifle. He lived quite a wild, adventurous, crazy, funny and fun life. He was loved by many, disliked by a few and he rolled with the punches that life had to offer him about as well as anyone could. Steve was a dreamer.

He dreamed of finding a lost gold mine in Alaska and of discovering an important Civil War document in the mounted head of a wild boar. He dreamed of winning big horse races and of hunting a white-tailed buck or bull elk that was bigger than any he had ever seen before. He was known to gamble from time to time and he did win a big bet, or two. All in all, Steve Stouffer was larger than life as he tried his best to live his life to the fullest extent possible. He will be missed.

Robert (Bob) Francis Leonard Esq. passed away peacefully on March 28, 2022, with his family present. He was born on a farm outside of Crocker, Missouri, to Harry Allen Leonard and Mable Mae Barr on Sept. 3, 1930. The youngest of 11, Bob lost his mother at the age of two, and was raised by his father, elder siblings and loving grandparents, Will and Angeline Barr. He grew up in Lacona, Iowa, graduated at 16 and enlisted in the Marine Corp at age 20. After three years of service — two in the Korean War — Bob was honorably discharged as a sergeant, and vowed to never leave U.S. shores again, which he didn’t.

Upon his return, he met the love of his life, Louise Marie Williams, whom he married on June 2, 1956, at the Little Church of the West in Las Vegas. After a brief time in Los Angeles, they welcomed their sons Rock (1958) in Dallas, Texas, and Harold (1961) in Chariton, Iowa.

Bob obtained his bachelor’s degree at Simpson College, before receiving his Doctorate of Jurisprudence from Drake Law School in August of 1966.

In 1967, the family moved to Sidney, Iowa, where Bob started his Law practice with G.O. Nichols, and where they would eventually run a farm and put down roots. Bob served two terms as county attorney in Fremont County and was a 50-year member of the Iowa State Bar Association. He was also invited into the Iowa Association of Trial Lawyers, serving 39 years and eventually retired in 2017.

Bob made many great changes to the world as we know it. He didn’t litigate for money, he litigated for change. As an attorney, he wholeheartedly advocated for his clients and diligently worked to make things right.

As a husband, father, grandfather and greatgrandfather, he was amazing in all aspects. He was ever-present, quick with wit, a little ornery and always loving. We will be forever grateful for having known and loved such an honorable man.

He is preceded in death by his parents,Harry and Mable; his brothers, Dick, William, Howard, Harold, Len, John; and sisters, Corilla (Toots) Wanless, Harriet Goodrich, Ruth Butler, Anna Bray, Ester DeVos. He is survived by his beloved wife of 65 years, Louise Leonard, sons Rock (Christie) and Harold (Sadie), his grandchildren Lindsay (Trenton) Cheney and James (Rachel) Leonard and his great-grandchildren Ivy, Wyatt and Georgia Cheney, who will always miss their adored “Pap-pap.”

Bob's ashes will be interred alongside his three brothers at the Cochran Cemetery near Lacona, Iowa, where he grew up.

THE SOPRIS SUN • Your weekly community connector • May 5 - May 11, 2022 • 23

Sheepdogs compete at Strang Ranch Photos and text by Jane Bachrach Art by Larry Day Handlers and their dogs from around the U.S. and Canada descended upon Strang Ranch last week to compete in the annual sheepdog trials. The trials, which were held April 28 through May 2, were a fundraiser for the 2022 National Sheepdog Finals, which will also take place at Strang’s in 2023, and the Meeker Classic which will be held in Meeker this year.

Over 100 handlers and their dogs from around the U.S. and Canada descended upon Strang Ranch last week to compete in the annual sheepdog trials. The trials, which were held April 28 through May 2, were a fundraiser for the 2022 National Sheepdog Finals, which will also take place at Strang’s in September 2023, and the Meeker Classic which will be held in Meeker this year. Bridget Strang not only organized and hosted the event, but competed too.

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THE SOPRIS SUN • Your weekly community connector • May 5 - May 11, 2022 • 25

Legacy Dance Company teaches with empathy

By Myki Jones Sopris Sun Correspondent

Legacy Dance Company (LDC) of Glenwood Springs is preparing for its fifth annual dance recital — “Legends of Dance” — which will take place May 6-7 at Glenwood Springs High School, starting at 6:30 p.m.

LDC hosts dance classes for everyone from 18 months of age to 18 years and above. These types of dance courses include ballet, tap, jazz, lyrical, contemporary, modern movement, hip-hop, acro, conditioning and progressing ballet techniques.

Bella Barnum-Collier, the company’s owner and executive director, referred to their updated mission statement, “creating great dancers but even better people.”

This came from meeting with her team of dance teachers.

“We really like to take the approach of achieving great technique. But, ultimately, we are here for them emotionally: to support. We want [dancers] to have the best experience possible,” stated Barnum-Collier.

She and her team sat down with The Sopris Sun to talk about the direction that the company has taken in their teaching style, and what plans they have for their students. Joining Barnum-Collier was her sister and co-teacher, Bailey Barnum, Jameson Osbourn, Laura Huwa, Nicole Zinn and Riley Terry.

Each teacher credited students’

successes to empathic approaches to learning. Teachers started doing mental health checks with their students, having open and honest discussions about negative experiences in dance and helping students stay grounded. All of this provides the students with as positive a start as possible as they launch their aspiring dance careers. LDC often takes difficult moments that students experience — in or out of the studio — as teaching moments, which they can later tie into their routines.

“We go beyond teaching dance,” explained Barnum. “There have been times where we will sit with a student, one-on-one, or even with the class and talk them through stuff; teach them life lessons.”

The staff at LDC also credited their working relationships as a factor that sets them apart from other dance companies. Osbourn proudly proclaimed that there is “a wonderful ebb and flow” as educators teaching new generations of dancers and learning for themselves.

“I don’t think a lot of companies would talk about what we do, those faults in front of one another. We embrace that,” Osbourn continued.

“It gives us the ability to graph how we want to lead our dancers.”

Terry shared that sentiment, stating that providing a “solid emotional cushion” and safe environment for students to be open and honest is extremely important to her, especially

The talented team of teachers at Legacy Dance Company includes: (back row, left to right) Stacey Barnum, Jameson Osborne, Riley Terry, Bella Barnum-Collier, (front row) Nicole Zinn, Bailey Barnum and Laura Huwa. Courtesy photo

given how vulnerable it is to perform.

LDC also offers summer camps, competes in regional and national competitions and frequently performs for local and private events.The sites of some of their most prominent performances are Strawberry Days, the Hotel Colorado Christmas tree lighting ceremony and the St. Stephen Catholic Church Winter Gala. They recently partnered with Aspen Dance Connection for a celebration of tap dancing, described by Barnum-Collier

as “small but mighty,’ with plans of returning as an annual event.

“We want to provide the students with more opportunities, that’s why we’re doing things like the tap festival and taking them to conventions,” Barnum continued.

Other elements that the company is hoping to include in the future are teaching more classic tap styles, incorporating musical theater programming, ballroom dancing and more.

The upcoming “Legends of Dance” recital will feature a plethora of different styles of dance which the company has been focusing on, along with a condensed version of the second act of the classic ballet “Swan Lake,” featuring students from kindergarten through middle school.

For ticket information, upcoming event announcements, or to enroll in classes, visit: www.legacydancegws.com

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26 • THE SOPRIS SUN • soprissun.com • May 5 - May 11, 2022

Your source for showcasing local fiction, poetry and more!

Send your creative pieces to: fiction@soprissun.com

Haikus Smells like Rain

La lámpara de Agatino Por Leonardo Occhipinti

Agatino era un gato al que le había

A gathering storm Thunder cracks the sky open And the rain pours out

crecido un hongo en su espalda. Lo llevaron

JM Jesse Glenwood Springs

su cabeza para que se curara.

al veterinario y le pusieron una pantalla en

Algunos aseguran que tiraba luz con su

A Realization A persistent storm Moved in through my awareness Shifting things around.

Jampa Carbondale

mirada.

Agatino’s lamp

By Leonardo Occhipinti Agatino was a cat with a mushroom

A big shout out to these talented haiku poets who have contributed frequently to date in the letters to the editor section of The Sopris Sun. Going forward, keep a look out for their haikus here on the Work in Progress page.

growing from its back. They took him to the vet and put a shade around his head so that he would heal.

Some swore that his gaze shone light.

THE SOPRIS SUN • Your weekly community connector • May 5 - May 11, 2022 • 27

Dismal water flows inspire expansive collaboration

By James Steindler Contributing Editor The Colorado River District (CRD) held its annual “Middle Colorado State of the River'' meeting at the Morgridge Commons in Glenwood Springs the evening of May 3.

Presenters predicted another hot summer with low water levels; not dissimilar to 2021.

From March through June, several meetings are taking place throughout Western Colorado, from Ouray County to Grand County, with many stops in between.

For a list of meeting times and locations, visit www.coloradoriverdistrict.org/state-rivermeetings-2022 Zane Kessler, director of government relations with CRD, led the meeting. “This is the first in-person State of the River we’ve been able to do in more than two years.

It’s really good to be back in the room with our constituents, seeing folks face-to-face and having conversations about our most important natural resource: our water and the Colorado River.”

Kessler also introduced Steve Beckely as the Garfield County representative to CRD. He explained that the CRD board of directors are appointed by county commissioners from each of the 15 counties it represents.

Garfield County Commissioner Tom Jankovsky was also in attendance. “Water is important to our county, it’s important to the entire Western Slope,” he told The Sopris Sun. “There’s no doubt, we are in a 20 year drought.”

Becky Bolinger, the assistant state climatologist at the Colorado State University Climate Center, was the first presenter. She explained that snowpack determines the rivers’ flows. “Even though we’re doing okay with snowpack, we really needed above average snowpack to get the inflows back to where they need to be,” she stated.

“We are still struggling through this long-term drought situation,” Bolinger stressed. “The summer heat is a big concern and what the precipitation does is also going to be a big concern.”

Lindsay DeFrates with CRD spoke about the history of western water politics, beginning with the 1922 Colorado River Compact which she described as the foundation of the law of the river.

The Colorado River Compact divided the right of use between the upper and lower basin states.

“Recent totals indicate that the lower basin states consistently overuse water from the allotments of the Colorado River because they do not take into account things like evaporation, transportation losses or the inflows from their tributaries,” she said. “The upper basin states — Colorado, Wyoming and parts of New Mexico and Utah — we all live within our hydrology because we are not downstream from a ‘savings account.’”

DeFrates, and many others throughout the evening, touched on Lake Powell, which she referred to as the upper basin states’ savings account. Lake Powell is now only 23% full.

She further stated that with every 1% rise in temperature, streamflow is reduced by 3-9%. “Last year, we ended at 89% snowpack,

but we only had 32% inflow into Lake Powell,” DeFrates explained. She referred back to Bolinger’s presentation, stating that “thirsty soils are going to drink the snowmelt first, before it becomes streamflow.”

She continued, “As we go forward, it’s going to take organization nights like this where voices are brought to the table who might not have been there before. … It’s going to take recognizing that we can’t just wish away our reality anymore.”

Janeth Stancle with Senator John Hickenlooper’s office confirmed the senator’s support for the Upper Colorado Endangered Fish Recovery Program. David Graf, the instream flow coordinator for Fish and Wildlife, spoke about the ecological benefits of the endangered species recovery program.

Raymond Langstaff, with the Bookcliff Conservation District, addressed the importance of agriculture in the region and the industry’s reliance on water. At the end of his presentation, Kessler added that 90% of agricultural businesses on the Western Slope are family owned.

April Long with Ruedi Water and Power Authority, as well as Roaring Fork Conservancy, touched on local trends.

Long mentioned that last year Ruedi Reservoir had the second to lowest water level since it was built in the 1960s. She hopes to see a more unified regional approach to water regulations across municipal and county lines in the region.

Paula Stepp, executive director of the Middle Colorado Watershed Council, referred to the ramifications the Grizzly Creek fire had, and continues to have, on water quality. She encouraged readiness for the next watershed changing event.

CRD director of strategic partnerships Amy Moyer wrapped up the evening by offering

Paula Stepp, executive director of the Middle Colorado Watershed Council, speaks to the organization's ongoing water quality monitoring efforts. Photo by James Steindler

a presentation on the state organization’s Community Funding Partnership program.

“We are just a year and a half into this program, where we have $4.2 million annually to dedicate to high impact water projects across our district,” she explained.

The program was first approved by Colorado voters in November of 2020. Eligible projects must be on the Western Slope and are sectioned into five categories: productive agriculture, watershed health and water quality, healthy rivers, infrastructure and conservation and efficiency.

Presentation materials from the May 3 meeting will be available online at www. coloradoriverdistrict.org

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28 • THE SOPRIS SUN • soprissun.com • May 5 - May 11, 2022

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Capping off senior year with Trail Tales Photos and text by Sue Rollyson Sopris Sun Correspondent It all started with a song. Then it became a musical performed by children. Then, a year ago, Lisa Dancing-Light turned her work into an illustrated children’s book about our very own Magic Mountain (Sopris).

For Roaring Fork High School senior Lukas Denning, it started with a climb to the top of Mount Sopris at age 12. This intermingled with a fond memory from his childhood of one of his dad’s work projects and a desire to do something for children. The result? A creative capstone project called Trail Tales.

A capstone project, according to the Colorado Department of Education, “is a multifaceted body of work that serves as a culminating academic and intellectual experience for students.”

Denning wanted to bring our community’s children into the outdoors while promoting a love for reading. A collaboration with Dancing-Light proved to be the perfect fit.

The idea shaped into a vision, but realizing the project involved acquiring new skills.

The first lesson for Denning was reaching out to those who could help make his concept a reality. He had to communicate with government officials to procure a place for the project. He found assistance brainstorming a design and also with budgeting and planning.

In addition, he had to work on promotion, through social media, print and signage.

His favorite part, however, was learning to use power tools to build the displays. He had never taken a woodshop class, nor had he any

previous exposure to using tools or building.

He contacted the woodshop teacher, Michael Black, who enthusiastically taught and directed Denning.

The final layout and installation at Nuche Park was the exciting fruition of a complex and ambitious project. The audience, Denning said, found “ the entire ‘Magic Mountain’ storybook split up, page by page, and set up around the one-third of a mile perimeter of Nuche park.”

To read the entire story, folks had to walk between pages. Denning’s promotional material stated: “I invite you and your family to come enjoy the mountain fresh air and read this outstanding children’s book while walking beneath the shadow of the enchanting Mount Sopris.”

The grand opening was May 1, with both the project creator and author present. People of all ages — families with children and even adults and elders without children — came to enjoy this unique presentation.

“Magic Mountain” is presented in English and Spanish, and there is a scan code at the end that connects you to an online version of Dancing-Light’s song by the same name.

Nuche Park is located on Highway 133, across from the turn to Prince Creek and just before the fish hatchery. Trails Tales will be on display until the end of May. Top left, a family explores the trail. Top right, Lukas Denning with Lisa Dancing-Light. Bottom, Denning and Michael Black in the woodshop.

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THE SOPRIS SUN • Your weekly community connector • May 5 - May 11, 2022 • 29

Lead King Loop continued from page 20 Marble and the adjacent area. When asked why he was putting ATV use above the right to peace and quiet for residents who are his constituents, he replied: "I am following the lead of the town of Marble." In fact, no formal survey has been conducted to determine residents; general sentiment toward ATVs. The Marble Crystal River Chamber met on April 29 and supported a ban on parking for ATV unloading in both the town and on CR3. The chamber has supported an alternative promotion for Marble called the “soft path,” which promotes the natural, scenic, historic and cultural resources over more impactful activities.

The Gunnison Public Lands Initiative, meanwhile, is supporting expansion of the Raggeds Wilderness over the top of Treasure Mountain and down to the private lands in Crystal. This would make the LKL even more of a “keyhole” road, a high-impact motorized anomaly between the Raggeds and MaroonSnowmass wilderness areas.

The Treasure Mountain Ranch (TMR) proposed development, which owns most of the town of Crystal and surroundings, remains a wildcard player. Spokesman Stuart Gillespie has offered a parcel of private land for an interim parking lot. Packing of the Crystal Road by the TMR snowcat has resulted in expansion of ATV use during winter in violation of the travel management plan. Shelly Grail, recreation ranger for Forest Service stated: "TMR could even start their own shuttle service for guests without a Forest Service permit."

The stakeholder group will have one final meeting to discuss input from the listening session and issue final recommendations. The only changes on the ground, so far, are more “No Trailer Parking” signs.

LETTERS

continued from page 2

and staff members with the pay increases that everybody saw in their paychecks last week. However, money alone does not go far enough in expressing the deep appreciation that we feel for all the people who work in our schools. During the final month of the school year, we celebrate student and school achievements, as well as the people who make those successes possible.

There is no question that the people who work in our schools — working in our classrooms, kitchens, buses, offices or even behind the scenes — are our most important asset. We have more than 1,000 staff members, and each person plays a crucial role in our mission. Our staff members do so much more than teach, prepare meals, maintain spaces or transport students: they inspire and motivate; they care for and fix; they change lives.

We are so grateful to have been able to make the largest salary adjustment in the district’s history last month through a voterapproved mill levy override; it demonstrates sincere appreciation and affirmation for the work our staff members do every day. We know that our staff do this important work not because of the paycheck, but because they care so much about the education, wellbeing and future success of our students and our community.

The Roaring Fork Schools Executive Team

Gratitude

I am writing to express gratitude to Sue Annabel, the art teacher at Crystal River Elementary School (CRES), for putting the Ladles of Love fundraising event together. I’d also like to thank the entire student body at CRES who voted to make the Buddy Program this year’s nonprofit partner to receive a portion of the money raised!

I also want to articulate a special thank you and congratulations on her retirement to Linda Haydock, the counselor at CRES who has been a critical partner for all of our programming at CRES over the past 12 years. She helped us build a strong program to support our mission to empower youth through mentoring experiences to achieve their full potential!

Brooke Bockelman Buddy Program Program Director

Vote for Velasco

I’m a fitness trainer, avid hiker and homeowner in Glenwood Springs, and I will be voting for Elizabeth Velasco for House District 57 in the Democratic primary on June 28, 2022. Elizabeth is the leader we need to best serve the needs of our unique community.

Her background is very similar to mine, as she’s worked in the service industry and held leadership roles for years. I want a leader who has been in the trenches, not someone who has never had to struggle to make it in this country.

Elizabeth aligns with my values, that everyone is entitled to quality healthcare as a right, not a privilege, and no one should have to choose between paying medical bills and buying groceries. This community desperately needs affordable housing. Folks are driving 2+ hours to work each way because they cannot afford to live where they work. It shouldn’t be this way. When I was making the commute from Glenwood Springs to Aspen, the money just didn’t add up.

It’s time for a change. It’s time for our voices from Western Colorado to be heard at the Capitol for the first time. Elizabeth would be the first Latina immigrant woman ever in history to represent HD57, and I am proud to support her. She is the living embodiment of the American Dream, and her understanding of the Declaration of Independence is deeper than any other candidate in this race.

I will do everything I can to get the word out about Elizabeth Velasco. Join me in voting for her this June.

Lauren Hinson Glenwood Springs

Although the rain deterred the marching band from joining their rally, climate activists of all ages, organized by 350 Roaring Fork, marched from the old City Market parking lot in Carbondale to the nearby Wells Fargo Bank on Earth Day, April 22. Their demands? Close Xcel's Unit 3/Comanche 3 coal plant in Pueblo! The marchers will march again this Friday at 6 p.m. in downtown Carbondale.

Photo by Raleigh Burleigh

30 • THE SOPRIS SUN • soprissun.com • May 5 - May 11, 2022

PARTING SHOT

SERVICE DIRECTORY Adverteyes Advert eyes in The Sun

Vanessa Harmony of Colorado Edible Forest (www.coloradoedibleforest.com) received abundant help from volunteers with planting trees at Coffman Ranch on April 30. Among the most eager, four-year-old Remy Davyln shoveled soil, watered saplings and stomped dirt. The event combined 55th anniversaries for Aspen Valley Land Trust and Wilderness Workshop with a celebration of Arbor Day. Photo by Raleigh Burleigh

LEGALS PUBLIC NOTICE NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that Stepping Stones of the Roaring Fork Valley (“Applicant”) has submitted an application for approval of condominium exemption application (“Application”), for the property legally described as West Addition, Block 2 Lot 7 Carbondale, with an address of 1150 Highway 133. (“Property”).

Stepping Stones of the Roaring Fork Valley is the owner of the Property.

Applicant is proposing to condominiumize the existing building into two commercial units.

Said Public Hearing will be held at the Carbondale Town Hall, 511 Colorado Avenue, Carbondale, CO at 7:00 p.m. on May 26, 2022.

You may also participate via Zoom. The Zoom link will be available on the May 26th P&Z meeting agenda.

Copies of the proposed application are on file in the Planning Department office, Town Hall, 511 Colorado Avenue, Carbondale, CO and may be examined by interested persons during regular working hours, 8:00 a.m. through 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. The application may also be reviewed on the Town’s website at www.carbondalegov.org

WINDSHIELD For more information contact Todd Chamberlin REPAIR & adsales@soprissun.com or 970-510-0246

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JOIN THE ASPEN SCIENCE CENTER FOR AN EXCITING SUMMER OF SCIENCE.

The Sopris Sun has launched a fiction section, "Work in Progress," to highlight our community's creativity.

From poetry, short stories to illustrations; we want to see it all. Submit your completed drafts or works in progress to fiction@soprissun.com

SCIENCE FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY! ◊ SCIENCE OF MUSIC SERIES ◊ cohosted with Aspen Music Festival and School. ◊ STARGAZING ◊ at the top of Independence Pass

Programs and events for learners of all ages. ◊ Rocket Camp (ages 7-13) ◊ Robotics (ages 7-13) ◊ Girls in STEM (ages 7-13) ◊ Kinder STEM (ages 5-7) ◊ Early STEM (ages 3-5)

Go to AspenScienceCenter.org for dates and locations.

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THE SOPRIS SUN • Your weekly community connector • May 5 - May 11, 2022 • 31

CONGRATULATIONS CLASS OF 2022!

WHEREVER LIFE TAKES YOU NEXT, TAKE US WITH YOU. Every time you use your Loyalty Debit Card*, Alpine Bank donates a dime to community causes that are important to you. *Alpine Bank debit cards are available with no annual fee to individuals with an Alpine Bank checking account.

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Colorado Wild Public Lands P.O. Box 1772, Basalt, CO 81621 coloradowildpubliclands.org coloradowildpubliclands@gmail.com

BIRDWATCHING ON PUBLIC LANDS with English in Action and Roaring Fork Audubon Join us for a day of FREE, bilingual guided birdwatching on Colorado Public Lands Day. Details Below!

• Colorado Public Lands Day (Saturday, May 21, 2022) • 7am - 11am (Early bird gets the worm!)

• Glassier Open Space, El Jebel • Free but space is limited so please RSVP to coloradowildpubliclands@gmail.com