20230817

This Week:

5 ~ El Dorado

6-7 ~ Calendar

9-11 ~ Español

13 ~ School Board

14-16 ~ Events

Roaring Fork High School rolled out the red carpet for its students on Aug. 16 (incidentally, 81623 Day). With a new semester beginning, commuters are reminded to drive attentively and leave with more time to account for increased traffic. GO RAMS!

Photo by Sue Rollyson

School's back!

When is a reservoir not a reservoir? Thoughts on Mobley’s Corral and the Crystal Augmentation Plan OPINION

this time is that no one can point at “outsiders” trying to grab the precious H20; we have met the enemy, and it is us.

To its credit, the new water plan is seeking “natural” ways of keeping more of the spring runoff in the valley so that the river will retain enough flow late in the summer to allow domestic wells to pump even while watering alfalfa, hay and the odd potato continues. The theory is that the watershed functioned better before the railroad and then the State Highway boxed the river into a narrow channel.

By Dale Will CVEPA VIEWS

The headline on Heather Sackett’s recent coverage of the Crystal Augmentation Study caught my eye: “Janeway site promising for Crystal River backup water supply.” (See Aspen Times, July 22, 2023 or www. aspenjournalism.org) For those of you not following this study, the West Divide Water Conservancy District (WDWCD) and the Colorado River Water Conservation District (CRWCD) are looking for water storage options to sate the thirst of residential subdivisions along the river itself.

One of CVEPA’s proudest environmental victories was achieved with strong support from Pitkin County and others when WDWCD and CRWCD were compelled in 2012 to abandon their dream of a storage reservoir on the main stem of the Crystal River. The battle over the proposed Placita Dam was driven by an ambition to export Crystal water (see www.soprissun.com/west-divideplacita-dam-a-brief-history). In contrast, the current study seeks to address competing demands within the Crystal Valley.

The water supply agencies are concerned that domestic wells serving the myriad residential subdivisions sprawling between Carbondale and Marble were, in 2018, subjected to pumping restrictions to satisfy the senior water rights of agricultural irrigation ditches in the lower valley. And, these agencies are now again looking for ways to store our water. The difference

LETTERS

Helmets

As a recovering brain injury victim, I was appalled at your cover feature on WE-cycle (The Sopris Sun, Aug. 10-16). One of the recommendations listed on the front page was to wear a helmet when riding. There are six out of six cyclists gleefully disregarding this advice. I call helmetless riders “organ donors” and I urge them and others to please wear a helmet.

Russ Criswell, Carbondale

Re: WE-cycle

I have been reading the articles in the area newspapers about WE-cycle coming to Carbondale. If my wife and I each rented an electric bicycle and took the RFTA trail to Basalt for

Indeed there are obvious places where the highway and the old railroad blocked the river from its historic floodplain, thereby limiting groundwater storage. For example, the confluence of Coal Creek and the Crystal River used to be a mile downstream of where it is now, and one can still see the old bed of Coal Creek filling with water in the spring, even though it is now cut off from the river by Highway 133. And hence the concept of reconnecting the river to its floodplain to restore natural storage.

The problem with applying this concept to Janeway is that the evidence suggests this area dried out long before Europeans arrived. Shortly after the Utes were marched out of western Colorado, an enterprising pioneer named John Mobley brought his family over Schofield Pass, and eventually built the cabin that remains to this day visible from Highway 133 (see www.historyredstone. org/vintage-valley/a-real-pioneer-johnmobley). The cabin, labeled “Mobley’s Corral” on early maps, became a post office in 1887, several years before the Crystal Railroad was laid down. Access was via the Ute Trail, cum Rock Creek Wagon Road. The railroad bed was later constructed inland of the cabin site. Unlike areas where the rail bed was rip rapped against the river's edge, the grade height in this location is minimal, and the vegetation on either side of it is similar.

Meanwhile “Rock Creek” became the “Crystal River” and “Mobley’s Corral” became “Janeway” (a tribute to heiress Jane Irwin Francis who resided near Carbondale and maintained a

lunch and biked back to Carbondale, it would cost us approximately $900. That is not going to happen!

Larry Ballenger, Carbondale

Re: Wild Horses

Thank you for publishing Barbara Sophia's piece on America's wild horses. Eloquently stated, accurate in facts, and her personal observations are of great value to us all.

Go local papers!

Penny Jackson, Tallahassee, Florida

Forest Service is anti-tree

Of all the federal bureaucracies, you wouldn’t expect the Forest Service to be removing nine trees in Sopris Park to make room for the expansion of the White River National Forest offices on

rather mysterious relationship with local miner Harry Van Syckle). There is no indication that flood waters have impacted the cabin itself, although it’s been sandwiched between the railbed and the river for over 120 years.

Today Mobley’s Corral can be accessed via a small trailhead near the Avalanche Creek closure gate. As Sackett’s article notes, the vegetation there is not that of a seasonal wetland, but is comprised of upland xeric species such as potato cactus, mountain mahogany and sagebrush. The whole flat is quite dry, except for the north end under the red cliffs, where the river has already reclaimed its freedom. And yet, the supply water agencies are considering a $1.5 million project to flood this area with a 765-foot “excavated channel” into the southern (and dry) side of Janeway. Not a reservoir mind you, merely an excavated channel. “Nature based.”

Pitkin County’s Assistant Attorney Laura Maker is openly critical of this idea. She suggests the need for the project can be entirely avoided by cooperative agreements between irrigators and water suppliers to “loan” ditch water during late summer in dry years. CVEPA agrees. Let’s not start digging channels (reservoirs?) into historic landscapes without first seeking cooperation among local water users. And we certainly hope this entire conversation makes it obvious that our fragile little valley has reached its carrying capacity for suburban sprawl.

Be assured that CVEPA will continue to champion careful stewardship of the Crystal River. Anyone wishing to learn more about the augmentation plan would do well to attend CVEPA’s annual meeting, Aug. 20th at 4pm at the Raspberry Ridge Cafe (formerly the Inn at Raspberry Ridge) in Marble. We will be joined by Andy Mueller of the Colorado River Water Conservation District for an update on Crystal Augmentation as well as the District’s interest/role in establishing the Crystal River Wild and Scenic Collaborative.

To learn more about CVEPA, please visit cvepa.org

Main Street in Carbondale. The trees with their necks on the chopping block include two large spruces and two maples.

This is an environmental and climate change issue. Trees are a carbon sink. A single mature tree can absorb up to 48 pounds of carbon dioxide in a year and release breathable oxygen. This will come in handy as the carbon dioxideemitting traffic increases on Main Street because the up-valley traffic from City Market can’t turn left onto Highway 133. Further, the Forest Service plans for a visitor’s center at their new building which would increase congestion on Main Street.

We shouldn’t be totally surprised by this action from the Forest Service. This

Editor Raleigh Burleigh 970-510-3003

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Update

Cesar Herrera-Romero, 20, was arrested on June 7, 2023, on a warrant for two charges of sexual assault on a child. Although initially reported that Herrera-Romero was part of the Roaring Fork United Soccer Club (RFUSC) coaching staff, RFUSC President Kevin Jardine released a statement explaining that he had only expressed interest in coaching and was not an official league employee. On Aug. 10, Herrera-Romero appeared before Ninth Judicial District Court Judge John Neiley, where a continuance for Sept. 21 was granted for the accused’s lawyer and District Attorney Jefferson J. Cheney to discuss mitigation. Anyone with information regarding this case is encouraged to contact the Carbondale Police Department at 970-625-8095.

Senate District 5

Family medical leave

Roaring Fork School Superintendent

Dr. Jesús Rodríguez took Family Medical Leave Act time-off beginning Monday, Aug. 14. The Board of Education was aware that Rodríguez planned to take leave this fall in anticipation of his wife giving birth. Dr. Anna Cole, chief of student and family services, will serve as acting superintendent through Oct. 20. “I am committed to our district and I am honored to take on these additional responsibilities while Dr. Rodríguez is with his family,” she stated.

Curtain call

Aspen Community Theatre is hosting auditions for “Once Upon a Mattress,” a comedic retelling of “The Princess and the Pea” to be performed at the Wheeler Opera House on Oct. 27-29 and Nov. 3-5. Auditions will be held Aug. 25-26 with callbacks on Aug. 27. To sign up, visit www. aspencommunitytheatre.org/auditions

RJ Paddywacks

Cool Bricks Studio

White River Books

Alpine Animal Hospital

Nonprofit Partners

Wilderness Workshop

5point Film Festival

Basalt Library

Aspen Strong

Carbondale Rotary

Colorado Animal Rescue

Carbondale Arts

Carbondale Chamber of Commerce

Interested in becoming an Underwriter or Nonprofit Partner in 2023? Email Todd@ soprissun.com or call 970-987-9866

On Aug. 15, Fifth-generation West Slope resident Cole Buerger announced his campaign for Colorado’s Senate District 5 in the 2024 election. The District (which includes the Crystal and Roaring Fork valleys) is currently represented by Republican Perry Will, who was appointed to fill the vacancy left by Bob Rankin’s resignation in late 2022. Buerger is running as a Democrat. For more details, visit www.coleforcolorado.org

Green tech

The Community Office for Resource Efficiency is hosting the Green Electronics Showcase on Aug. 23 at TACAW from 5 to 7:30pm. This free event will feature industry experts sharing innovations in green technology, including electric vehicles and mowers, heating and cooling systems, cooking innovations and more. To RSVP, visit www.AspenCORE.org/climate-actionseries/

Administrative leave

Following a special city council meeting on Aug. 10, Glenwood Springs City Manager Dr. Beverli Marshall went on administrative leave with no timeline announced for her return. The special meeting was an executive session related to the city manager’s review and contract and no action was taken. “It is the City’s policy not to discuss personnel matters,” announced a press release.

Sopris Lodge

Carbondale’s newest retirement community for seniors is now offering a day retreat service that allows family members and caregivers to take time off from caring for their loved ones. Day Retreat at the Lodge includes chefprepared meals, shared amenities, wellness programs, social activities and possibilities for older adults living with Alzheimer’s or other forms of dementia. The service is available from 7am to 7pm on weekdays. For more information, call 970-251-1635.

John Fielder

Colorado photographer John Fielder passed away on Aug. 11 at the age of 73 after battling pancreatic cancer. Fielder recently donated more than 5,000 photos to the History Colorado museum (1200 Broadway, Denver) which is currently hosting an exhibition called “REVEALED: John Fielder’s Favorite Place” and plans to open The John Fielder Mezzanine Gallery in January 2024. View the full collection online at www.historycolorado.org

Platinum achievement

Valley View is among 262 hospitals nationwide to receive the highest-ranking Performance Achievement Award (Platinum) from the American College of Cardiology for its Heart & Vascular Center team. Learn more at www.vvheartcare.org

It’s beginning to feel a bit like Christmas? Peter Arlein, founder and CEO of mountainFLOW eco-wax, has been spotted dressed as an elf and distributing plant-based water bottles (made mostly from corn instead of plastic) around Carbondale. Photo by Raleigh Burleigh

Glenwood history

The Glenwood Springs Historical Society is seeking to raise $20,000 by Dec. 31 in order to receive matching funds from the City of Glenwood Springs. Already, more than $12,000 has been raised. Go to www. glenwoodhistory.com to help out.

They say it’s your birthday!

Folks celebrating another trip around the sun this week include: James Leonard and Jake and Heather Marine (Aug. 17); Rebecca Binion, Emily Good, Lindsay Gurley and Jonathan Shamis (Aug. 18); Kyle Bruna and Lance Norton (Aug. 19); Kirsten Keenan, Eric Skalac, Sid Smock, Sarah Tory, Torrey Udall and Katherine Whitney (Aug. 20); Jan Edwards, Rick Norman and Kevin Schorzman (Aug. 21); Raine Beau, Chris Hassig, Ryan Honey, Kathy McCann and Jeannie Perry (Aug. 22); Susan Brady, Brett Haynes, Chrissy Leonard and Sarah Mac (Aug. 23).

Tanzanian Tooth Fairy teams up with The Cocoa Club

By Myki Jones Sopris Sun Correspondent

Annie Zancanella has been providing free quality dental care to extremely remote tribal communities outside Arusha, Tanzania for the past six years, now going on seven. For six months at a time, she will fly with a medical team to distant villages where she teaches dental hygiene and shares her dentistry knowledge, while treating mild to acute cases

She is now back in the Valley and gearing up for her return to Africa on Sept. 5. In collaboration with Mark Burrows, founder of Pollinator Chocolate, a fundraiser for medical supplies and other vital expenses will take place on Aug. 25 at The Cocoa Club in Carbondale.

Zancanella, affectionately called “The Tanzanian Tooth Fairy” by children in the villages, spends six months each year in Glenwood Springs, the place where she was born and raised. In that time she works a myriad of jobs here before returning to Africa, where she is a Tanzanian Government Board Certified DDS and MD board in addition to her U.S. training.

“Each year I've encountered countless children which I met during my first year, and they still recognize me and bring me their toothbrush to see how well they are taking care of it, Like

a precious treasure along with their healthy smiles. They are so sweet and love to teach me more Swahili each year, which helps me to connect with them even better," Zancanella told The Sopris Sun.

For the past six years she has provided oral health resources to many people in these communities. Some are provided in partnership with Colgate in Kenya. However the majority of these tools are purchased out of Zancanella's own pocket.

When Burrows learned about her self-funded work, he felt inspired to help bring more attention to her cause.

"As soon as I heard her story and saw the passion in her eyes when she talked about it, I was in awe,” Burrows stated. “Then, when I realized she was doing this alone, I thought, ‘That's just ridiculous, and we need to fix that.’”

Asked how she got her start in dentistry, Zancanella said she felt inspired to pursue it after gaining confidence in her childhood after having braces removed. "I realized how much confidence and happiness comes from feeling good in your body, and I wanted to give that to other people." She stated. "Plus, health-wise, my family struggled with strokes and heart disease, both of which can be linked to poor oral hygiene.”

Zancanella lost both her parents and multiple family members over the

course of 18 months. She felt drawn to Tanzania during this time because her grandmother-figure, Juanita, was of Tanzanian descent.

"I decided to go where this beautiful soul I knew as my grandmother was from," she explained. "I had always heard and read amazing things about Tanzania, and I was excited to get to know its people even better.”

After fighting her own battle with cancer for over 10 years along with these huge family losses and discovering her path to Tanzania, Zancanella took herself out of cancer treatments. It’s something she continues battling today and, according to her, the best treatment is her work. Each year when she returns after volunteering for six to eight months

Courtesy photos

El Dorado's gold standard is collaboration

By Raleigh Burleigh Sopris Sun Editor

Ever since Batch Provisions vacated 358 Main Street nearly a year ago, its absence has been felt — especially on a First Friday. Thankfully for Carbondale, the building’s new owner, Mike Arnold, set out to revitalize the space with a similar feeling, albeit revamped.

Officially open as of Thursday, Aug. 17 (with murmurs of an “81623” celebration the day before), the freshly-painted gold door beckons anyone and everyone into what Arnold described as “a 1920s bohemian, funky psychedelic, western lounge.”

Arnold also owns the neighboring space currently leased to Brass Anvil and decided to purchase 358 Main Street largely to “recreate the vibe that was lost with Batch,” he said. “This will not be run solely for the bottomline. … Of course we’d like to make some money, but at the same time, we want to give to Carbondale.” Arnold is committed to the community that he now calls home, where he’s raising his kids, and wishes to contribute in a meaningful way.

He even hired Chase Engel and Aly Sanguily, owners of Batch, as consultants for dialing in the new concept. “They ran such a successful business here,” Arnold explained. “And they’ve had a lot of fun, I

think, in helping us carry that legacy forward.”

Initially renovated into a bar by Engel and Sanguily in 2017, the decorative elements have been substantially redone, with no detail overlooked. Every ornament was thoughtfully chosen and even the books on a shelf carry the theme, as well as a carefully curated playlist sounding over the speakers. “We want the music to match the aesthetic. Moody, surf rock, punk rock, psychedelic sounds from Africa. When you come in here, you're not going to hear the Steve Miller Band,” Arnold said. The playlist will be frequently updated and is considered an important part of the experience.

“We went way down a wormhole with El Dorado,” he continued. “Who he supposedly was, what the city supposedly was. And then we started tying that together with poems from Robert Frost and poems from Edgar Allan Poe.” Several key phrases emerged, including “Stay gold” from a Frost poem and famously quoted in “The Outsiders” film.

“Everybody that’s touched this place lives here,” Arnold said. From artists Brian Colley and Lindsay Jones to houseplant connoisseur Leslie Buettner, El Dorado was imbued with as much local participation as possible. “We need all the cactus,” Buettner was told.

Colley’s wall remains notably

empty with an October unveiling planned for a massive, threedimensional commission. Dave Kodama is turning Jones’ logo design into an etched wood sign for out front. Cate Tallmadge of Main Street Gallery framed other art. Mark Burrows with Pollinator Chocolate is supplying espresso beans and chocolate (of course). Bldg Seed Architects helped rework the interior with the expertise of Leila Schwyhart.

Behind the bar, Ben Simonette and Jess Clutter, fresh from Emerald Island in North Carolina, are enthusiastically getting to know the community. “We’re beyond excited to be here,” said Simonette. “Our whole goal is to foster that community that Batch built.”

El Dorado seeks to remain inclusive with drinks in the $5-$8 range, as well as higher-end cocktails ($11-$16) and fine bottles of wine. Specialty nonalcoholic mocktails have also been a priority. As for the food, El Dorado will serve locally-made, Argentinestyle empanadas, as well as Spanish charcuterie boards.

After several soft openings to warm the space up and iron out the kinks, Arnold and his team are ready to welcome everyone in, and anticipate the space will continue to define itself.

“It’s not a stagnant thing, it’s an evolving thing,” said Ramsey Fulton, principal and design architect at Bldg Seed Architects. “The more people

got involved, the more the influence matured and became better, and became more a part of the soul of the project and soul of the community.” He added, “It’s just going to keep growing.”

“We’re going to know a lot in 30 days,” Arnold concurred.

El Dorado is now open, Wednesdays and Thursdays from 4 to 10pm and Fridays and Saturdays from 4pm to midnight. You can follow the business on Instagram at #eldoradostaygold

Crystal Valley Environmental Protection Association 51st Annual Meeting

Sunday, August 20th at 4:00pm

Enjoy Food and Drinks on the Patio

Raspberry Ridge Cafe and Inn, Marble, CO (formerly the Inn at Raspberry Ridge)

Andy Mueller of the Colorado River Water Conservation District will provide an update on Crystal Augmentation as well as the District’s involvement with the Crystal River Wild and Scenic Collaborative

To learn more about the Crystal Valley Environmental Protection Association, the environmental watchdog of the Crystal River Valley since 1972, visit cvepa.org

Jess Clutter and Ben Simonette mix up some drinks. One cocktail (a semi-frozen blend of vodka, gin, blanc vermouth and white port) was affectionately named “The Spankin’” by Mike Arnold’s grandmother. Photo by Raleigh Burleigh

DANCE

SOLSTICE

The Aspen Chapel Gallery presents a mixed-media exhibition featuring works by 10 artists celebrating Independence Pass. The show begins Aug. 23 with a reception from 4 to 7pm and continues through Sept. 30. Ten percent of all sales will benefit the Independence Pass Foundation. “Single Lane” by Linda Loeschen, courtesy art

THURSDAY,

AUGUST 17

CERAMICS CONVERSATION

Anderson Ranch Arts Center Snowmass) hosts a conversation between acclaimed ceramic artists Brad Miller and Jolie Ngo from 12:30 to 1:30pm. RSVP at www.andersonranch.org

BOOK CLUB

Carbondale Library’s Third Thursday Book Club will discuss “Paper Palace” by Miranda Cowley-Heller at 2pm. For more info, call 970-963-2889.

RENT

Theatre Aspen’s production of “Rent” continues with shows at 2pm and 7:30pm today. Performances continue through Aug. 26, Monday through Friday at 7:30pm and Saturdays at 8pm. There are also 4pm Saturday matinees. Find tickets at www.theatreaspen.org

BRIDGE

Bridge players are invited to practice with Courtney Keller at the Basalt Library from 4 to 6pm.

LAST RODEO

The final Carbondale Wild West Rodeo of the season kicks off at 5:30pm at the Gus Darien Riding Arena (County Road 100). Tickets can be purchased in advance at the Roaring Fork Valley Coop. A free shuttle runs from 6 to 10pm between the rodeo and The Orchard (110 Snowmass Drive).

PIZZA BAKE

The Carbondale Community Bread Oven behind the Third Street Center hosts a pizza picnic at 6pm. Bring your favorite pizza toppings.

SCIENCE OF WONDER

We are delighted to offer you, our community, the opportunity to take advantage of low-cost blood tests By Appointment Only.

October 20 & 21

ASPEN Aspen Valley Hospital 0401 Castle Creek Road

October 22

EL JEBEL Eagle County Community Center 20 Eagle County Dr, El Jebel

All appointments 8:00 - 11:30 am

Lab Tests Offered

• HealthScreen w/CBC - $75

(Fasting Required)

• hsCardio CRP - $40

• Hemoglobin A1C & EAG - $40

• PSA, Total - $45

• Vitamin D - $50

• T3, Free - $30 (New!)

• T4, Free - $30 (New!)

• CBC (Complete Blood Count)$30 (New!)

Dacher Keltner, professor of psychology at the University of California, Berkeley, converses with Carolyn Heldman, producer and host of “Behind the Lens” podcast, about her new book, “Awe: The New Science of Everyday Wonder and How it Can Transform Your Life,” at the Aspen Institute’s Paepcke Auditorium at 6pm.

‘CONTEMPT’

Aspen Film shows “Contempt” by Jean-Luc Godard at the Isis Theater at 7:30pm. Enjoy a meal prepared by French Alpine Bistro before or after the show. Tickets at www.aspenfilm.org

FRIDAY, AUGUST 18

R2 GALLERY

Carbondale Arts hosts an opening reception from 5 to 7pm for “Tiny Shiny Guild,” by Natasha Seedorf and students, and “Seen/Unseen: An Invitation to Presence” by Staci Dickerson, Shelley Franklin and Brenda Peters. The show will remain on display at The Launchpad through Sept. 21.

DINNER AND A PLAY

The Basalt Library hosts “Date Night” featuring a performance by Hudson Reed Ensemble of “Subtera, Episode One: Below the Ocean,” a pilot for a sci-fi series written by local Todd Hartley. The fun starts at 5:30pm.

BACH TO BLUEGRASS

Roaring Fork Youth Orchestra (RFYO) hosts a classical performance by the program’s directors followed by The Sopris Mountain Boys at the Old Thompson Barn at 6pm. All proceeds will benefit RFYO. Visit www.bit.ly/ RFYOfundraiser for tickets.

MUGSY FAY

Join High Rockies Harm Reduction at The Cocoa Club for pizza and a dance party with music by Mugsy Fay and Basick VVitch from 6pm to midnight.

OPPENHEIMER

The Crystal Theatre shows “Oppenheimer” at 7pm tonight, tomorrow and Aug. 23-24. There will be a captioned show on Sunday at 5pm.

GOLDEN OAK

Steve’s Guitars presents Golden Oak at 8pm. Tickets at www.stevesguitars.net

WILDERMISS

Wildermiss performs at TACAW at 8pm. Tickets at www.tacaw.org

SATURDAY, AUGUST 19

HUNTER CREEK

Join the Aspen Historical Society for a tour of Hunter Creek from 9am to noon. RSVP at www.aspenhistory.org

YARN CLUB

The Roaring Fork Yarn Club knits up a storm at Sopris Park at 9am.

DOG DAY 5K

Colorado Animal Rescue (CARE) hosts its Dog Day 5K fundraiser, starting at Two Rivers Park, Glenwood Springs, at 9am. Visit www.coloradoanimalrescue.org for more info and to register.

COMPLETE PRACTICE

True Nature Co-founder Deva Shantay guides a complete yoga practice from 11am to 12:30pm. Sign up at www. truenaturehealingarts.com

ART FOR ALL AGES

People of all ages create art together at the Basalt Library at 2pm. This month, celebrate self empowerment by turning your name into an art piece with a positive message.

MUSIC ON THE MOUNTAIN

After Midnight sextet performs at the Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park at 6pm. Gondola proceeds will benefit Valley Meals and More.

OUTDOOR MOVIE NIGHT

A Way Out and the Basalt Library screen “Fantastic Mr. Fox” outside of the library at 8pm.

SUNDAY, AUGUST 20

DEFIENDE

Join Wilderness Workshop and Defiende Nuestra Tierra for a group hike above the Colorado River Valley north of Dotsero beginning at 9am. Register online at www.wildernessworkshop.org/

LIONHEART DRUMS

The whole family is invited to a drumming workshop with Lionheart Drums from 2 to 3pm at TACAW. Tickets at www.tacaw.org

ENERGETICS MINI�RETREAT

The Center for Human Flourishing presents “Energetics Mini-Retreat” with Candice Claire Oksenhorn and Conor Johnson at the Third Street Center from 3:30 to 6:30pm, including a cacao ceremony. Visit www.tcfhf. org for more info and to register.

MUSIC ON THE MOUNTAIN

Buckle in for a second day this week of Music on the Mountain at Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park featuring Zin Zin, a Cajun-style band, at 4pm. Gondola proceeds will benefit Lift-Up.

OUR TOWN ONE TABLE

Carbondale’s annual communitywide picnic gathers at 4th Street from 5 to 7pm.

MARC BERGER

New York-based talent Marc Berger performs “Ride” (a dusty tour of the Great American Frontier) at the Glenwood Springs Library at 6pm. The show repeats at the Carbondale Library on Aug. 21 at 6pm.

RUPERT WATES

Rupert Wates performs at Steve’s Guitars at 8pm. Tickets at www.stevesguitars.net

MONDAY, AUGUST 21

WILD FOOD LAB

Kairos Futura and Stick & Bundle forage for wild foods and cook in Aspen. Tickets at www.bit.ly/Aug21Food

IN STITCHES

Join fellow knitters and crocheters at the Carbondale Library on Mondays at 2pm. All levels are welcome.

DIRTY GRASS

Steve’s Guitars presents The Dirty Grass Players at 8pm. Tickets at www.stevesguitars.net

GOOD WILL HUNTING

Aspen Film shows “Good Will Hunting” outdoors on The Little Nell’s lawn in Aspen at 8:30pm.

TUESDAY, AUGUST 22

MEDICARE 101

Aurora McCarroll of Bridlewood Insurance presents an introduction to Medicare parts A,B,C and D and supplements at the Carbondale Library at 4pm. This presentation is for anyone turning 65, retiring and coming off group health insurance or interested in finding out about going on Medicare while still working. RSVP to aurora@passageinsurance. com or by calling 970-355-3505.

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST

ART FOR THE PASS

focused on photographing birds at the Carbondale Library at 5:30pm.

ELK MANAGEMENT

Colorado Parks and Wildlife seeks input on elk management with a public open house at the Eagle County Community Center (20 Eagle County Drive, El Jebel) from 6 to 8pm.

ASPEN FILM

"Jews of the Wild West,” a featurelength documentary, shows at the Isis Theater at 7pm. For tickets, visit www.aspenfilm.org

THURSDAY, AUGUST 24

TALK ABOUT IT

Attorney Elizabeth N. Siegel discusses recent Supreme Court decisions at Basalt Library at 5:30pm.

CULTURAL CRISIS

Rev. Dr. Dia Lynn presents “Our Cultural Crisis as a Death/Rebirth Opportunity” at the Third Street Center from 7 to 8:30pm. Send an email to info@tcfhf to RSVP.

FRIDAY, AUGUST 25

TRAVELING SHAMANS

The Traveling Shamans Camp returns to Hotchkiss for a weekend of ceremony, art and music. Details at www.shamanscamp.com

NATURAL DYE

Katie Browne of BOX ELEVEN hosts an evening of botanical dyeing at Two Roots Farm from 6 to 8pm using florals grown onsite by Juniper Flowers. Tickets at www.box-eleven.com

SOUND JOURNEY

Join Zachary Cashin for a “vibrational sound healing journey” at the Third Street Center from 7 to 8:45pm. Tickets at www.tcfhf.org

SOLSTICE

DanceAspen’s summer showcase, “Solstice,” is performed tonight and tomorrow at the Wheeler Opera House at 7:30pm. Tickets at www.aspenshowtix.com

TANZANIA TOOTH FAIRY

The Cocoa Club hosts a fundraising event with sweet delights, live entertainment, an auction and more from 7:30 to 9:30pm. For tickets, visit www.pollinatorchocolate.com

BIRDS OF PLAY

TACAW hosts an album release show for Birds of Play at 8pm, with Shafer Welch opening. Tickets at www.tacaw.org

SATURDAY, AUGUST 26

SANA RACE

“Hunger doesn’t have to be a secret!” Join the Safe and Abundant Nutrition Alliance (SANA) for a free walk/run to raise awareness about food justice. The race begins at 8am at Burning Mountain Park in New Castle. Register online at www.bit.ly/SANA2023

THOMPSON DIVIDE

23

The Aspen Chapel Gallery presents a mixed-media exhibition celebrating Independence Pass with a reception today from 4 to 7pm. The show continues through Sept. 30.

GREEN TECH

The Community Office for Resource Efficiency hosts the Green Electronics Showcase at TACAW from 5 to 7:30pm. RSVP at www.AspenCORE. org/climate-action-series

BIRD PHOTOGRAPHY

Join Matt Shetzer, a professional photographer, for tips and techniques

Annual Picnic

- A Free Event! -

from

At Rislende Events, a beautiful new riverside events center in Silt.

Meet our candidates & enjoy some great food, live music & gorgeous views!

Join Wilderness Workshop for an off-trail hike through a canceled oil and gas lease in the Thompson Divide, meeting at the Babbish Gulch parking lot at 9am. Register online at www. wildernessworkshop.org/events

REDSTONE ART SHOW

The 27th annual Redstone Art Show opens today and continues tomorrow from 10am to 5pm outside the Redstone Inn. Artists interested in joining the Plein Air Paint Out can stop by today to register and have their materials stamped.

NARCAN TRAINING

Garfield County Public Health hosts High Rockies Harm Reduction in Glenwood Springs for a Narcan training to reverse an opioid overdose from 10am to 2pm. Register at www. highrockiesharmreduction.com

PILATES BLEND

A full-body workout to improve balance, muscle coordination, strength, and stability with the fundamentals of Pilates, and an awareness of the core powerhouse.

Mon/Wed 12pm & 1pm 8/21-10/11

BEGINNER DRAWING

Learn traditional drawing and observational skills in a simple method, with observable progress.

Tuesdays 9am-12pm 8/22-10/10

BEG WATERCOLOR PAINTING

Get painting right away! Learn which basic colors to start with, and complete fun projects each week, in a fun and supportive class.

Tuesdays 9am-12pm 8/22-9/26

BEGINNER OIL PAINTING

Learn the basics of painting with and mixing water-based oil paints. Skills exercises as well as several actual paintings, with lots of handson practice and guidance.

Tuesdays 5:30-8:30pm 8/22-9/26

ADULT BEGINNER BALLET

Classical ballet fundamentals at the ballet barre and center work in a fun and positive learning environment. No experience necessary.

Tuesdays 9-10am 8/22-10/10

QIGONG

Improve balance, flexibility, muscle tone, relaxation and focus with simple, gentle movements.

Wednesdays 10:30-11:30am 8/23-11/1

FICTION WRITING WORKSHOP

This 10-week course will help your writing come to life. Bring your work-in-progress to get pointers.

Thursdays 10am-12pm 8/24-11/2

BEGINNING SWING DANCE

Learn the basics of Jitterbug (East Coast) Swing steps, turns, spin, dips, and other fun moves.

Wed’s 6:30-8:30pm 8/30-9/20

FILM STUDIES

View and discuss 5 curated films. Examine literary and technical terms, and social issues.

Wednesdays 6-9pm 8/30-9/27

ATTENTION NON-PROFITS: FUNDRAISING FUNDAMENTALS

Courtney Johnson comes to CMC with big non-profit experience and great accolades. Learn best practices of a board, building blocks to help your nonprofit thrive, how to build a donor relations practice that lasts, and much more! Cost: $49

Tuesdays 7-8:30pm 8/29-9/12

Special Guest: Representative Elizabeth Velasco

GARCODEMS.ORG

Colorado Extreme sets shining example for diversity, equity and inclusion

By James Steindler

Contributing Editor

Colorado Extreme, a local youth hockey program, has taken the midValley (and beyond) by storm, exceeding expectations on and off of the ice.

Specifically, the lack of diversity in hockey is a conversation that’s been percolating nationally, up to the National Hockey League (NHL). And, Colorado Extreme has been sought out for challenging that norm.

For example, 9News out of Denver covered the program in April. A fiveminute documentary opens with the rink at 2340 County Road 100 in Carbondale; in the frame viewers see the Mexican, United States and Canadian flags flying side-by-side in the background. Visit www.bit. ly/9NewsColoradoExtreme for that story.

From there, the calls rolled in. The NHL, having already heard of the organization and donating 100 suits in its first year, was impressed to see how widespread of an impact Colorado Extreme has since made, with roughly 500 kids getting on the ice last year.

Then, the Aspen Institute invited the team’s leaders to present at the 2023 Project Play Summit in Colorado

Springs, sponsored by Nike. “They had a breakout session specifically around diversity and inclusion that they asked us and two other organizations to present on. It was super impactful,” said Colorado Extreme founder and president Sheldon Wolitski.

“Now, we’re helping other organizations achieve the same types of goals,” he added. A key piece of advice that he shared was to model diversity within an organization. “Because, ‘If you can see it, you can be it.’ We say that all the time.”

Another suggestion: remove all barriers. While Wolitski has funded much of the program out of his pocket, it is a registered nonprofit. From the gear to the tournament fees, no expenses are passed onto participants’ families.

Asked how they manage to get 500 kids on the ice, Wolitski noted that moving from the smaller rink at Crown Mountain Park to the team’s very own home on CR 100, with a NHL-size rink, made a big difference.

The organization expects to grow the numbers this year as it continues to gain popularity. It’ll welcome the first 12U (12 and under) team, up from 10U in previous years, as well as an all-girls 10U team.

To keep up this winter, there are plans to lay a second outdoor rink and

hold practice every day of the week.

“Right now, we’re just doing six days a week, but I think we’re going to go to seven,” he added, “just to accommodate all of the kids.”

Last year, the team traveled as far as Las Vegas and Salt Lake City for tournaments. They won the Vegas tournament and the 10U A team won its state championship in Denver.

Down the road, Colorado Extreme plans to build a permanent indoor rink and is working toward submitting those plans to Garfield County. The team has already gone before the commissioners for a special use permit for its outdoor rink.

In the meantime, dryland training is in full swing, and summer ice hockey camps are hosted at the Lewis Ice Arena in Aspen.

Nikita Lu has three children in Colorado Extreme. “You look out for each others’ kids, and the kids look after each other,” she shared. “We are all a part of the team.” She appreciates that the program builds character and teaches values. “You build the person before you build the athlete,” she said. “It’s not just the stick and the puck, it’s more than that.”

Kathy Vega Muñoz has two boys in the program who had never skated before joining. “It’s built character and passion,” she echoed. “And, major credit to the coaches of Colorado Extreme, because the relationship they build with these kids is extraordinary.”

Coach Jay Wolitski, Sheldon’s little cousin, pointed out a Colorado Extreme team member who recently moved from

continues on page 17

Colorado Extreme players run dryland training drills. Photo by James Steindler

Sol del Valle el

Colorado Extreme da un ejemplo sobresaliente de diversidad, equidad e inclusión

Por James Steindler Traducción por Dolores Duarte

Colorado Extreme, un programa de hockey juvenil, ha tomado por asalto el centro del valle (y más allá), superando las expectativas dentro y fuera del hielo.

En concreto, la falta de diversidad en el hockey es un tema que ha ido filtrándose en todo el país, hasta llegar a la Liga Nacional de Hockey (NHL por sus siglas en inglés). Y Colorado Extreme ha sido abordado por desafiar esa norma.

Por ejemplo, 9News de Denver, cubrió el programa en abril. Un documental de cinco minutos inicia con la cancha de 2340 County Road 100 en Carbondale; en el encuadre, los espectadores ven al fondo las banderas de México, Estados Unidos y Canadá ondeando una al lado de la otra. Visita www.bit. ly/9NewsColoradoExtreme para ver este reportaje.

A partir de ahí, empezaron a llover las llamadas. La NHL, que había oído hablar de la organización y había donado 100 trajes en su primer año, quedó impresionada al ver el gran impacto que Colorado Extreme había tenido desde entonces, con unos 500 niños sobre el hielo el año pasado.

Entonces, el Aspen Institute invitó al responsable del equipo a presentar una ponencia en el 2023 Project Play Summit, celebrado en Colorado Spring y patrocinado por Nike. "Tenían una sesión específica sobre diversidad e inclusión en la que nos pidieron a nosotros y a otras dos organizaciones que participáramos. Fue muy impactante", dijo el fundador y presidente de Colorado Extreme, Sheldon Wolitski.

"Ahora ayudamos a otras organizaciones a alcanzar el mismo tipo de objetivos", añadió. Un consejo clave que compartió fue modelar la diversidad dentro de una organización. "Porque 'si puedes verlo, puedes serlo'. Lo decimos todo el tiempo".

Otra sugerencia: eliminar todas las barreras. Aunque

Wolitski ha financiado gran parte del programa de su bolsillo, se trata de una organización sin fines de lucro registrada. Desde el equipamiento hasta las tarifas del torneo, ningún gasto es solicitado a las familias de los participantes.

A la pregunta de cómo se las arreglan para conseguir que 500 niños jueguen sobre hielo, Wolitski señaló que moverse de la cancha más pequeña del parque Crown Mountain a la propia sede del equipo en CR 100, con una cancha del tamaño de la NHL, hizo una gran diferencia.

La organización espera aumentar las cifras este año a medida que siga ganando popularidad. Dará la bienvenida al primer equipo 12U (12 años y menos), frente al 10U de años anteriores, así como a un equipo 10U femenino.

Para mantener el ritmo este invierno, está previsto instalar una segunda cancha al aire libre y entrenar

todos los días de la semana. "Ahora mismo, sólo entrenamos seis días a la semana, pero creo que pasaremos a siete", añade, "para dar cabida a todos los niños".

El año pasado, el equipo viajó hasta Las Vegas y Salt Lake City para participar en torneos. Ganaron el torneo de Las Vegas y el equipo 10U A se proclamó campeón estatal en Denver.

Más adelante, Colorado Extreme planea construir una cancha cubierta permanente y está trabajando para presentar esos planes al condado de Garfield. El equipo ya se ha presentado ante los comisionados para obtener un permiso de uso especial en su cancha al aire libre. Mientras tanto, el entrenamiento en tierra seca está en pleno apogeo, y los campamentos de hockey sobre hielo de verano se celebran en la

Lewis Ice Arena de Aspen.

Nikita Lu tiene tres hijos en Colorado Extreme "Cuidamos por los hijos de todos nosotros, y los chicos se cuidan unos a los otros", compartió. "Todos formamos parte del equipo". Aprecia que el programa forje el carácter y enseñe valores. "Se forma a la persona antes que al deportista", afirma. "No es sólo el palo y el disco, es más que eso".

Kathy Vega Muños tiene dos hijos en el programa que nunca habían patinado antes de unirse a él. "Ha forjado el carácter y la pasión", añadió. "Y hay que reconocer el mérito de los entrenadores de Colorado Extreme, porque la relación que establecen con estos niños es extraordinaria".

El entrenador Jay Wolitski, primo menor de Sheldon, señaló a un miembro del equipo

Colorado Extreme que se ha mudado recientemente de Venezuela y nunca había pisado el hielo. La organización le regaló un par de patines para que practique el patinaje antes de que llegue el invierno. "De eso se trata realmente, de dar una oportunidad a niños que nunca habrían jugado al hockey", añadió. "Creo que nunca pensamos que iba a ser tan grande", concluyó Jay. "Es increíble".

Visita

www.coloradoextreme.org para obtener más información. Sintoniza Everything Under The Sun el jueves 17 de agosto a las 4:00 pm para ver una entrevista en directo en inglés con los entrenadores de Extreme. Después, a las 4:30 pm, El Sol Habla, conversará en español con el director de operaciones de Extreme, Calos Ross.

La portera Livani Vázquez-Vega detiene un disco durante un entrenamiento de verano. Foto por James Steindler

Volumen 2, Número 25 | 17 de agosto de 2023 - 23 de agosto de 2023

Conectando comunidades desde 2021

El Sueño Americano OPINIÓN

de sus descendientes. De manera personal puedo decir que, desde muy pequeña en Sinaloa México vi personas “irse al norte” como decían los mayores, y de alguna manera tenía la idea de que Estados Unidos era el país donde los sueños se volvían realidad.

de los casos no solo se busca mejores oportunidades económicas, sino que además muchos migrantes buscan refugio y asilo.

En una conversación reciente, alguien hizo la pregunta, ¿Qué es el sueño americano? Las respuestas no se hicieron esperar y fueron muy variadas. Alguien respondió, “es tener una casa grande, un buen carro a la puerta y mucho dinero”. Alguien más dijo, “es poder darles todo a tus hijos, incluyendo poder pagar la universidad para que sean profesionistas”. Otro opinó, “el sueño americano ha cambiado, hoy la gente está migrando a este país huyendo de la inseguridad en sus países de origen”.

En esencia, el sueño americano se trata de la idea de que, en Estados Unidos, las personas tienen la posibilidad de mejorar sus vidas y las

El sueño americano es un concepto ampliamente conocido en nuestro medio y se refiere a que, en este país, cualquier individuo, independientemente de su origen social o económico, puede alcanzar el éxito, la prosperidad y la felicidad a través del trabajo duro, la determinación y las oportunidades disponibles. A menudo, el llamado sueño americano se ha descrito en términos de lograr una vivienda cómoda, una educación de calidad, una carrera exitosa y una vida próspera en general.

Estados Unidos es uno de los destinos principales para los inmigrantes, que en su mayoría provienen de México, pero también los hay de Centro y Sudamérica, Asia, Europa y otros lugares.

Algunos migrantes entran al país de manera legal y otros de manera ilegal, poniendo en riesgo sus vidas. En muchos

Aunque el país de dónde venimos y el método que usamos para llegar hasta aquí puede variar mucho de un inmigrante a otro, hay un factor que todos tenemos en común, me refiero a la serie de retos emocionales, culturales, legales, y económicos que enfrentamos al emigrar.

Lo primero y más difícil es separarse de los seres queridos ya que en muchos casos no todos los miembros de una familia emigran, o por lo menos no al mismo tiempo. No es fácil llegar a un país con una cultura diferente, aprender un lenguaje nuevo mayormente aquellos de nosotros que llegamos aquí siendo adultos. Encontrar un empleo estable y bien remunerado puede ser muy difícil, especialmente cuando los estudios realizados en nuestro país de origen no son reconocidos en este país. Encontrar vivienda puede ser uno de los más grandes retos, ya que además de ser escasas, los costos son tan altos que están fuera del alcance de muchas familias.

Puede también ser difícil tener acceso a servicios de salud ya sea por motivos económicos o por la falta de un seguro médico. El sistema educativo también es muy diferente en los Estados Unidos, lo cual representa una dificultad tanto para los niños como para los adultos que en muchos casos ni siquiera nos sentimos aptos para ayudar a nuestros hijos con sus tareas.

Cabe mencionar también que, hay una gran cantidad de familias que en el proceso de emigrar son separadas y en los mejores de los casos, aunque con dificultad son reunidas, lamentablemente no todos son tan afortunados de reencontrarse nuevamente con sus seres queridos. Entre tantos retos, mantener los valores familiares mientras nos adaptamos a una nueva cultura puede ser especialmente difícil. La experiencia de cómo cambian los valores familiares al emigrar a Estados Unidos puede variar significativamente según las circunstancias de cada individuo o familia en particular, de su cultura de origen, o de las razones por las que emigra.

Cada familia es única y reacciona de manera diferente

ante la nueva cultura y el entorno en Estados Unidos. Además, algunas familias pueden mantener firmemente sus valores y tradiciones de origen, mientras que otras pueden adoptar una mezcla de valores de su país de origen y de la sociedad estadounidense.

En este valle hay historias de familias inmigrantes realmente conmovedoras, llenas de desafíos y de esperanza. Próximamente por este medio, estaremos relatando algunas de las historias de personas o familias de nuestra comunidad, conoceremos de su trasfondo cultural, los desafíos u obstáculos que enfrentaron para llegar aquí y para adaptarse a un nuevo país. Conoceremos inspiradoras historias de superación, de cómo enfrentaron y superaron cada desafío, y qué valores o principios los han llevado a salir adelante. Todos tenemos una historia que contar. Personalmente, estoy emocionada por la jornada que tenemos por delante. Si usted quiere contar su historia o si conoce a alguna persona o familia que quiera relatar su historia me encantaría conocerla y escribirla.

rochintrini@gmail.com

Por Triny Rochin

Volver a lo Esencial

El calor es malo para mi cuerpo OPINIÓN

frío y continuar con su día e ir a un evento por la tarde. Sin embargo, ya no pudo acudir porque se desmayó y golpeó la cabeza, decidió reposar en casa pero al poco tiempo empezó a temblar y sudar frío así que fue al hospital, donde fue atendida por deshidratación.

Desde la Clínica

Por Judith Alvarez-Quiroz

Este mes de Agosto, dos personas cercanas sufrieron dos enfermedades a causa del calor, lo cual me hizo pensar de la importancia de poder compartir lo que sé acerca de este tema.

En el primer caso se trata de una compañera de trabajo en la comunidad. Después de estar expuesta al sol por más de 4 horas ayudando en la repartición de comida, al regresar a su casa presentó un dolor de cabeza el cual describió como horrible. Ella imaginó que se había deshidratado así que decidió tomar un baño

En el segundo caso, una amiga fue a una conferencia de salud por tres días y estuvo expuesta al sol por más de 30 minutos. El tercer día durante el almuerzo empezó a notar un sarpullido y mucha comezón en todo su cuerpo. Se dio cuenta que no utilizo un protector solar y que la causa de su picazón había sido el sol, no fue al doctor para ello y lo trato en casa con cremas humectantes para piel a base de sabila.

En general, el cuerpo se enfría mediante la sudoración. Pero en algunas ocasiones no es suficiente para enfriar el cuerpo. La temperatura corporal puede elevarse hasta niveles peligrosos y es posible desarrollar enfermedades causadas por el calor.

La mayoría de las

CHISME DEL PUEBLO

Traducción por Jacquelinne Castro

Actualización

Cesar Herrera-Romero, de 20 años de edad, fue arrestado el 7 de junio del 2023 con una orden de arresto por dos cargos de agresión sexual en un niño. Aunque inicialmente se reportó que Herrera-Romero era parte del personal de entrenamiento del Club de Fútbol Roaring Fork United (RFUSC por sus siglas en inglés), el presidente de RFUSC Kevin Jardine publicó una declaración explicando que él mostró interés únicamente en entrenamiento y no era empleado oficial de la liga. El 10 de agosto, Herrera-Romero se presentó frente al noveno juez del tribunal del distrito judicial John Neiley, donde se programó una continuación para el 21 de septiembre debido a que el abogado del acusado y fiscal del distrito Jefferson J. Cheney necesitaba llevar a cabo una mitigación para discutir el caso más a fondo. Alguna persona con información con respecto a este caso es alentado en contactar al departamento de policía de Carbondale al 970-625-8095.

Distrito 5 del senado

El 15 de agosto, el residente de quinta generación de West Slope, Cole Buerger, anunció su campaña para el distrito 5 del senado de Colorado para la elección del 2024. El distrito (el cual incluye los valles Crystal y Roaring Fork) está actualmente representado por el republicano Perry Will, quien fue designado para llenar la vacante dejada por la renuncia de Bob Rankin a finales del 2022. Buerger se postulará como demócrata. Para más detalles, visite www. coleforcolorado.org

Tecnología verde

La Oficina Comunitaria para Eficiencia de Recursos está organizando una exhibición de Electrónica Verde el 23 de agosto en TACAW de 5 a 7:30 p.m. El evento es gratuito y destaca a expertos de la industria que compartirán innovaciones de la tecnología verde, incluyendo vehículos eléctricos y cortacéspedes, sistemas de calefacción y enfriamiento, innovaciones

enfermedades causadas por el calor ocurren cuando se permanece expuesto al calor demasiado tiempo, como cuando se hace ejercicio o trabajar al aire libre. Los adultos mayores, los niños pequeños y las personas enfermas o con sobrepeso tienen un riesgo mayor. Tomar algunas medicinas o consumir alcohol también puede aumentar su riesgo.

Las enfermedades relacionadas con el calor incluyen:

• Golpe de calor: Una enfermedad peligrosa para la vida en la cual la temperatura corporal puede subir por encima de los 106° F en minutos (41º C). Los síntomas incluyen piel seca, pulso rápido y mareos fuertes , náusea y confusión. Si ve alguno de estos signos, busque ayuda médica de inmediato

• Agotamiento por calor: Una enfermedad que puede ocurrir después de varios días expuesto

a altas temperaturas y sin suficientes líquidos. Los síntomas incluyen sudoración profusa, respiración rápida y pulso rápido y débil. Si no recibe tratamiento, puede preceder al golpe de calor.

• Calambres por calor: Dolores o espasmos musculares que ocurren durante el ejercicio intenso. En general, puede sufrir en el abdomen, los brazos o las piernas.

• Erupciones cutáneas por calor: Irritación de la piel por exceso de sudoración. Es más común en niños pequeños.

Puede reducir el riesgo de enfermedades causadas por el calor bebiendo líquidos para evitar la deshidratación, reemplazando la sal y minerales perdidos y limitar el tiempo de exposición al calor. Una buena regla que nos dice si la persona esta hidratada es que si al beber suficiente agua, orina cada hora

culinarias y más. Para reservar un espacio, visite www.AspenCORE.org/climate-action-series/

Ausencia administrativa

Después de una reunión especial del concejo municipal el 10 de agosto, la administradora de la ciudad de Glenwood Springs Dra. Beverli Marshall tomó una ausencia administrativa sin ningún anuncio para su fecha de regreso. La reunión especial fue una sesión ejecutiva relacionada con la revisión y contrato de administración de la ciudad y no se tomó ninguna acción. “Es la póliza de la ciudad de no discutir asuntos personales”, anunció el comunicado de prensa.

Ausencia médica familiar

El superintendente de la escuela de Roaring Fork Dr. Jesus Rodriguez tomó una ausencia médica familiar comenzando el 14 de agosto. La Junta de Educación estaba consciente que Rodríguez tenía planificado tomar una ausencia este otoño en anticipación de su esposa dando a luz. La Dr. Anna Cole, jefa de servicios para estudiantes y familia, continuará el trabajo de superintendente hasta el 20 de octubre. “Estoy comprometida con nuestro distrito y estoy honrada de tomar estas responsabilidades adicionales mientras que el Dr. Rodriguez está con su familia”. Ella dijo.

Sopris Lodge

La nueva comunidad de retiro de Carbondale para personas de mayor edad está ofreciendo un servicio de retiro de un día que le permite a los miembros familiares y cuidadores tomar un día libre para cuidar a sus seres queridos. El Día de Retiro en el hotel incluye comidas preparadas por un chef, servicios compartidos, programas de bienestar, actividades sociales y posibilidades para otros adultos que viven con Alzheimer y otras formas de demencia. El servicio está disponible de 7 a.m. a 7 p.m. en los días de semana. Para más información, llame al 970-251-1635.

John Fielder

El fotógrafo de Colorado, John Fielder, falleció el 11

mas o menos durante el dia y la orina es transparente o de color amarillo claro, la orina de color amarillo oscuro significa deshidratacion.

El agua puede ser aburrida, así que el doctor Feinsinger siempre recomienda agregar limón, lima, menta, rodajas de pepino, trocitos de jengibre, un trozo de canela o lavanda. El té tiene muchos micronutrientes que promueven la salud. Según el Dr. Greger, el té de hibisco-jamaica tienen la mayor cantidad de nutrientes y en segundo lugar el té verde.

Un remedio casero utilizado en áreas rurales de México es preparar un litro de agua, agregar el zumo de tres limones, dos cucharadas de azúcar, una y media cucharada de sal y un pisco de bicarbonato se mezcla bien y se guarda en el refrigerador para tomar fría. Si no puede ir a comprar un suero hidratante a la tienda y a pesar de beber agua sigue con dolor de cabeza, puede tratar este suero casero.

Seguimos ofreciendo consultas médicas gratis por favor llama al 970-948-1072 Isabel Almeida puede atender tu llamada y darte una cita.

de agosto a la edad de 73 años después de batallar con un cáncer de páncreas. Fielder recientemente donó más de 5,000 fotos al museo histórico de Colorado (1200 Broadway, Denver) el cual actualmente presenta una exhibición llamada “REVELACIÓN: El Lugar Favorito de John Fielder” y planea abrir The John Fielder Mezzanine Gallery en enero del 2024. Para ver la colección completa en línea, visite www. historycolorado.org

Logro de platino

Valley View está junto a 262 hospitales en toda la nación para recibir el Premio al Logro de Desempañamiento de la categoría más alta (Platino) de la Universidad Americana de Cardiología para su equipo de Centro Cardíaco y Vascular. Para saber más, visite www.vvheartcare.org

"Sincronías" parte 36, por Leonardo Occhipinti

Introducing: Sweet Jessup and the Dirty Buckets

By Lynn “Jake” Burton Sopris Sun correspondent

This reporter heard Sweet Jessup and the Dirty Buckets on KDNK a while back and figured they were probably a touring band playing at Steve’s Guitars that night. Wrong.

They are local folks.

After hearing the band play to a goodsized crowd at the KDNK First Friday open house a week or so later, it seemed a Q&A interview was in order. The following questions were put to band leader Morgan Williams. So, without further delay:

Sopris Sun: Do you have any other shows lined up?

Morgan Williams: Not yet. We are currently trying to line up gigs. If anyone out there is interested in booking us, contact me at 970-404-7125 or find us on Facebook at Sweet Jessup and the Dirty Buckets, then send a message.

Sun: What are some of the instruments you use at various times during a typical show?

Williams: Sweet Jessup is pretty gimmicky in a fun way. We like to incorporate as many fun instruments as possible: Kazoos, a toy piano, singing saw, slide whistle, slide guitar, buckets and baby toys for percussion. We aren’t snobs about sound. Deb is our token slide-whistle master.

Sun: How many octaves does the toy piano have?

Williams: Unfortunately, the toy piano has two octaves. They are for sure out of tune. If there are any toypiano tuners out there, please contact us.

Sun: Who is in the band?

Williams: Deb Colley, Ashton Taufer, Alex Regginelli, Brian Colley (Deb’s brother) and myself.

Sun: Where does the name come from?

Williams: When I was living abroad, I conjured up the name. I really thought the Sweet Jessup diversion ditch, which comes out of the Crystal River upriver of the KOA (formerly BRB) campground and takes water to Crystal River Ranch, was a cool name. I originally thought, “Sweet Jessup and the Bucket Brigade” because I knew I wanted bucket percussion. However, after Reggie played with us, he literally was playing a bucket that left dirt all over our living room floor. Also, the bucket had some really bad, dirty poetry on it. The name stuck.

Sun: Do you plan to record a CD or make your music available electronically?

Williams: This is on our list of things to do. Organizing five peoples’ lives is pretty challenging. Also, we need to throw down some money to make this happen.

Sun: Who writes the songs?

William: I write the songs. I’m usually the one bringing the songs to the group and then we workshop them. Reggie usually has some really good compositional ideas that we make happen. We currently play only two cover songs.

Sun: How do you describe your sound?

Williams: Upbeat Carbonbilly folk, trashy haunted punk blues and footstomping rag Americana. April, from “Ape on the Dink” on KDNK, coined the term “Carbonbilly.” Thanks, April.

Sun: Have you played enough live to figure out crowd favorites?

At the KDNK patio gig the chicken song and something about tequila seemed to be crowd faves.

Williams: Yeah, I do think people like the tequila song because we yellsing that favorite word out loud for as long as we can, and then we go into a rocking blues instrumental. The chicken song is about the devastation of a flock and is pretty comedically melodramatic. Kids love to “bawk” with us at the end of the song.

Sun: Where does everyone live?

Williams: Everyone lives in Carbondale and Glenwood.

continues on page 18

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Sweet Jessup and the Dirty Buckets, from left to right: Alex Regginelli, Deb Colley, Ashton Taufer, Brian Colley (Deb’s brother) and Morgan Williams.

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Sept. 1 deadline for RFSD school board candidates

By Jeanne Souldern Sopris Sun Correspondent

Three of the five Roaring Fork School District (RFSD) Board of Education seats will be on the ballot on Nov. 7.

The district, with 14 schools and 5,600 students, is publicizing the board of education upcoming election through their usual channels, including parent and staff newsletters, social media, radio and directly to media outlets through press releases.

The three incumbents whose terms are up for election this year are Natalie Torres, representing District B, Maureen Stepp, representing District C, and Jasmin Ramirez, representing District D. All were first elected to their fouryear terms in 2019 and, as of The Sopris Sun’s print deadline, Natalie Torres is the only incumbent to announce that she is not seeking another board term.

Geographically the three seats encompass the areas west of Highways 133 and 82 from Carbondale to Glenwood Springs, including Ironbridge/West Bank and Four Mile (District B); the south and east sections of Glenwood Springs, Spring Valley and western Missouri Heights (District C); and the northern and western sections of Glenwood Springs (District D).

For those interested in running for a school board director seat, the first step is to contact the district’s designated election official, Jonathan Landon, to request a candidate petition packet.

In an interview with The Sopris Sun on Aug. 10, Landon said, “I've had a few people reach out already, and I'm scheduling appointments for them to pick up their packet.”

The packet includes a written notice of intention to be a candidate and a nomination petition to be signed by at least 50 eligible electors registered to vote in the regular biennial school election.

Landon said petition signatures will be reviewed and verified and, after validating that all election requirements are met, Landon will notify individuals that their packet has been processed.

Working with the county clerk’s offices in Garfield, Eagle and Pitkin — the three counties within RFSD boundaries — Landon said the process of assembling the ballot will include a lottery drawing to determine the order of the names on the ballot. Candidate names will be listed in alphabetical order on the RFSD website.

Eligible district voters can vote for a candidate in each of the three districts. However, school director candidates must reside within the district they will represent. Candidates must be a registered voter, and at least 18 years of age on Election Day. A person is ineligible to run for a school director position if he or she has been convicted of committing a sexual offense against a child.

The RFSD Board of Education calendar has a meeting scheduled for Wednesday, Nov. 8, the day after Election Day. Due to the possibility that vote tabulations may not be completed by Nov. 8, winning candidates will be seated at the next regularly scheduled meeting on Nov. 29.

According to the Colorado Association of School Boards (CASB) website:

GARFIELD COUNTY

This map indicates the boundaries of RFSD's five director district boundaries. This November, three seats are up for election (B, C and D). Courtesy graphic

“A great board candidate understands the proper relationship of the school board to the state, the community and the superintendent — and the proper relationship of the individual board member to the other members of the board.”

School board directors have an important role in the decision-making around policies that impact students, and while most school board elections across the country are meant to be non-political, issues faced by school board directors changed greatly with the introduction of COVID-19 face mask and quarantine mandates.

As some parents and community members have questioned school policy choices, some have vented their anger and frustration at school board directors.

An Oct. 2021 story from Colorado Public Radio (CPR) stated: “questions about COVID policies, masks and “critical race theory” or “CRT” and “DEI” (diversity, equity and inclusion) are more common. Two strong themes among some candidates in several debates reviewed by CPR is the notion that parents' voices are not being heard and deep suspicion about what is taught in schools.”

Given some of the political rhetoric that has infiltrated school board elections, some people do not wish to subject themselves to the fray of constant public scrutiny and criticism.

However, a school board director has an important role in the community they serve. A 2017 CASB Leadership Workbook stated: “Colorado school board members have the privilege of serving their communities in order to ensure all students have access to high-quality education. School board members have the ability to make positive changes, which affect the lives of students and therefore community members.”

Candidate petitions can be obtained by contacting Landon by email at jlandon@ rfschools.com or 970-384-6009. Spanish speakers can contact Cristina Vargas at cvargas@rfschools.com or 970-384-6026.

Completed petitions must be submitted in-person to Landon by 3:30pm on Sept. 1 at the RFSD office at 400 Sopris Avenue in Carbondale. The last day for write-in candidates to file an affidavit of intent to be a candidate is Sept. 1.

Additional election information can be found at www.bit.ly/RFSDelection2023

Lost Sheepherder Gulch, Silt water treatment plant, nonprofits get dough

By Amy Hadden Marsh Sopris Sun Correspondent

Not to belabor the point but Commission Chair John Martin’s name change suggestion last week for Dead Mexican Gulch has now been officially submitted to the Colorado Geographic Naming Advisory Board (CGNAB). According to Commissioner Tom Jankovsky, CGNAB got back in touch with him, requesting a suggestion, so the Board made it official: Lost Sheepherder Gulch. It is unknown if and when the name change will occur. In other news, well, not much happened because not much was on the agenda. But, some local nonprofits will be happy. The board granted discretionary funds to those who made presentations last week. The Colorado Mountain College Foundation will receive $2,500, $5,000 will go to Summit54, $5,000 to the Western Slope

Veterans Coalition and $5,000 to Bookcliffs Center for the Arts. Glenwood Springs Summer of Music gets $2,500, half of its request, since the 2023 season has ended. Jankovsky added that the group will most likely approach the board next year.

The Town of Silt will be happy, too. The board unanimously approved a letter of support to help the town apply for a $1 million grant from the state Department of Local Affairs’ Energy Mineral Impact Assistance Funds toward a $28 million project to replace the water treatment plant. Jeff Layman, town administrator, told commissioners that the plant has reached the end of its useful life.

Silt’s main water source is the Colorado River, states Layman’s request, which has a high level of turbidity, exacerbated by impacts from the 2020 Grizzly Creek Fire. High levels of iron and manganese from the river and the town’s supplemental wells have also taken a toll on the

plant, which is 20 years old. The plant was designed to produce 1 million gallons of water per day. It now produces 60% of that, which is the current daily water use of Silt residents and businesses. Layman told commissioners that there is no room for breakdowns, which have occurred 12 times since 2020, nor can the plant support new area development. Even with grants and a $7 million loan forgiveness approval through the 2021 Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, the Town needs to borrow about $18 million to complete construction. Rates will go up eventually.

The board also approved the consent agenda and Supplement #3 to the 2023 approved budget with an increase in supplemental revenues of $541,308 and an increase in supplemental expenditures of $996,817.

Don’t forget the 53rd annual Silt Heydays and Grand Valley Days in Parachute this weekend.

Baroque meets bluegrass in RFYO fundraiser

By Jeanne Souldern Sopris Sun Correspondent

“Bach to Bluegrass,” a fundraiser for the Roaring Fork Youth Orchestra (RFYO), will be held on Aug. 18 at the Old Thompson Barn in River Valley Ranch.

Ross Kribbs, RFYO’s co-music director, said, “Now in our 13th year as an organization, and while we've always solicited donations and reached out to donors, and we've had some generous ones along the way, this is the first time that we've done a fundraiser. We definitely hope it becomes a flagship event.”

The classical portion of the concert will showcase the talents of RFYO mentors and professional musicians, including violinist Kribbs, who will be joined on cello by co-directors Sarah Graf, who serves as RFYO’s executive director, and violinist Brittini Brown. Shaunna Wilsky will join on viola. They will perform musical works by Johann Sebastian Bach, Georg Philipp Telemann and Reinhold Glière. Advanced members of the RFYO will join in two tango selections by Argentine composer Ángel Villoldo.

Kribbs said the event’s eclectic musical lineup reflects the musical interests of many RFYO student musicians “and our ethos as an organization.” He added, “We don't assign any hierarchy to musical matters, and we recognize that there are brilliant

players and performances in all genres. It also happens to make music that much more fun.”

Transitioning musical genres, the festivities will move to the Thompson Barn patio, where guests will be treated to toe-tapping Bluegrass tunes from The Sopris Mountain Boys (with Kribbs joining Larry Gottlieb, Don Marlin, Trevor Mountjoy and Dave Notor). At the same time, you can savor the sunset against a Mount Sopris backdrop.

RFYO works with 70+ young musicians from Rifle to Aspen and annually reaches over 1,500 community members through concerts and collaborations. They provide tuition and lesson scholarships to nearly 50% of their young musicians, who range from middle to high school aged students.

Student musicians meet for group rehearsals and one individual lesson per week throughout the school year. Kribbs

acknowledged that “Playing a stringed instrument is a challenging and super rewarding experience.”

RFYO provides music instruction and performance opportunities for those interested in playing violin, viola, cello or bass. For students choosing to learn a new instrument, RFYO’s instrument library has a couple of dozen instruments available for student use at no charge. As Kribbs explained, “Instrument rental costs can add up, and we recognize, particularly with beginning students, that we want to eliminate any barriers to getting started and developing a real love for playing.”

Musical instruction, Kribbs explained, is based upon a theory that when learning to play a musical instrument, small achievements help build a student’s self-confidence.

“We strive to instill and support the idea that there are many victories along

the way,” said Kribbs. “We break down skills into smaller parts by having the student recognize that the thing they couldn't do last week, they can do now. It’s a way to look at things a bit more granularly.”

RFYO is based at Carbondale’s Third Street Center, which Kribbs called “an amazing space to rehearse in, and very welcoming for our musicians.” He also shared, “We’ve felt really embraced by the community. Just this year, a group of students played the Oasis stage at Mountain Fair. Carbondale has been a great home for our program, and we appreciate that.”

An upcoming collaboration of note will be in November, during Carbondale’s Día de los Muertos celebration, when a group of student musicians will perform alongside Aspen Santa Fe Ballet’s (AFSB) Folklórico dancers. The idea came a couple of years ago when Francisco “Paco” Nevarez-Burgueño, the longtime director of the AFSB Folklórico dance program, and Kribbs revved up to seize the opportunity for the two groups to perform together. “Paco is super inspirational, and he has enough faith in us to let us play with his kids. It’s just a super experience for us,” he shared.

“Bach to Bluegrass” proceeds will support need-based scholarships for RFYO tuition and private music lessons.

The Aug. 18 performance is from 6 to 8pm. Admission is $25, with beer, wine and light refreshments available for purchase. To purchase tickets, go to www.rfyo.org

Brittni Brown rehearses with students at Third Street Center. Courtesy photo

DanceAspen debuts ‘Solstice’ showcase

By Myki Jones Sopris Sun Correspondent

DanceAspen, a nonprofit contemporary dance company, will premiere its first summer showcase at the Wheeler Opera House on Aug. 25 and 26. This performance, titled “Solstice,” will feature work from worldrenowned and award-winning choreographers Matthew Neenan of Philadelphia Ballet and Cayetano Soto of Barcelona, Spain. Audiences can also expect to see an all-time favorite piece by Australian ballet dancer Danielle Rowe.

Executive Director Laurel Winton said that ‘Solstice’ may be DanceAspen’s best production to date; a perfect mix and meld of creations born in the rehearsal process, which has been in session since May.

“We're looking forward to doing a show while everyone is still in full summer swing,” she said. “I'm excited about ‘Solstice’ specifically because we are bringing some of the top choreographers in the contemporary dance world into this and putting their work alongside our in-house works

created by our dancers.”

For Winton, the collaboration with Neenan is a full circle moment. She first met and began working with him during her first

professional dance job at Pennsylvania Ballet.

“Working with Matthew again and bringing him to the new company is really exciting,” she said., “Also,

Cayetano’s work is just so unique. Both works are physically demanding, but that has been a fun challenge for our dancers to navigate.”

Of Soto’s stylized and structured work, DanceAspen performer Sammy Alteneau added, “Cayetano pushes us in a lot of interesting ways. He definitely likes to play with us by going between narrativedriven and musically-driven internal processes. You never know until after you run a piece with him what he wants to focus on next.”

Dancer Blake Kraples, who has been with DanceAspen for a year, touched on his excitement for these collaborators. Having worked with both Neenan and Soto in the past, he praised the choreographers’ ability to connect with dancers and audiences.

He explained, “A lot of times, choreographers come into a studio and they have this choreographer hat on. Something about Matthew is that, while he is a choreographer and commanding space in the room, he's also very human and allows us to connect with him in the space.”

Kraples stated that Neenan’s ability to connect with the dancers in tandem

with Soto’s dynamic and playful direction will translate on-stage in a way that will resonate with audiences and entice them to return.

“Even if you don't understand a piece specifically, I think every audience member will see something in their own life,” Kraples continued. “Whether it's an emotion, the music, the physicality of the dancing, the lighting or the costumes, there's something that is relatable and will be felt and seen by everyone.”

Adding to those statements, Altenau said the dynamic pieces that have come to fruition throughout rehearsals will feature a range of different elements that will take audiences on many different journeys.

“The pieces are different enough that there's not one overlying theme for the whole show,” she stated. “You'll see intense, moody work, satisfying musical numbers and, for our final performance, it’ll be something in-between. It is upbeat, flowy, intense and almost dystopian.”

To purchase tickets for “Solstice” at the Wheeler Opera House on Aug. 25-26, visit www.danceaspen.org

Courtesy photo by Rosalie O'Connor

Steve's Guitars presents Rupert Wates

By Myki Jones Sopris Sun Correspondent

Rupert Wates, an award-winning singer-songwriter based in New York, will be taking the Steve's Guitars stage on Aug. 20. This melodic folk singer has been performing original music since he left Oxford College and has been playing guitar since his teenage years in London, England.

His songs capture vivid images of folklore stories as he sings in a poetic and almost vaudevillian manner. This style is perfectly encapsulated in songs like “The Man Who Worked in Clay & Stone,” “Lady of The Glades,” and “Guinevere,” all from his most recent album, “Elegies.” Wates is looking forward to his performance at Steve's as an opportunity to share the stories behind these songs, along with others from his vast discography.

Wates said a series of events pushed him into making music professionally after college. These trials, he said, led him to the road he is on today, without knowing it at the time.

"It wasn't until I came to America that I started playing live full-time. Before that, I was writing for other artists as the sort of house composer for my publishing company in London, which committed me to create a certain amount of writing material a year,” Wates told The Sopris Sun. “When I came here in 2007, I started playing live full-time myself.”

Wates had ties to the U.S. through family-friends and often visited during his youth. One visit in particular that inspired him to pursue music was a Joni Mitchell concert he attended. His decision to officially move across the pond was catalyzed by a conversation with his wife about expanding audiences for his music while they were living in Paris, France.

“It made sense because this is where the opportunities were for musicians," Wates said. "I knew there was a limited future for me working as a musician in Paris. I knew that sooner rather than later, I'd have to try and find a bigger audience. America seemed like the logical place."

Additionally, he was inspired by a quote from Miles Davis where in an interview he stated: “Man, sometimes it takes a long time to sound like yourself.”

"Inevitably, you absorb different influences when shaping how you sound. If you have any luck, you eventually shake those off and find your way to a sound of your own, but it can take a long time. It took a long time, in my case, before I

was making music that sounded like me," Wates explained.

This is his first gig at Steve's, but Wates is no stranger to the Valley. Having performed at several Redstone festivals, he heard about the Carbondale venue for years and was always intrigued by it. He also has a cabin in Colorado that he uses as a headquarters for his touring gigs in the West.

"It's not a huge space, but I tend to prefer smaller, more intimate spaces anyway," he said. "As a musician, it’s good to adopt the attitude of 'small is beautiful.' In particular, venues are tightening budgets, and many are closing their doors altogether."

He noted that people are feeling more comfortable again in smaller and more intimate crowds when seeing live music. He expressed that Steve's Guitars will be a perfect place for him to create new connections in the Valley. Additionally, he said that his goal as a performer is to move people.

"I'm not the kind of artist that makes people want to get up and dance,” he admitted. Nonetheless, “if I feel I've helped heal them in some way, perhaps in ways that they're not entirely conscious of at the time, then I know I’ve done well."

To get updates on Wates' touring schedule, visit www.rupertwatesmusic. com, and for tickets to his upcoming performance at Steve's on Aug. 20, visit www.stevesguitars.net

Rupert Wates at Badger Mountain House Concerts, 2017.

Courtesy photo by Randy Bradbury

Gertrude “Rusty” Burtard

Aug. 13, 1927 – July 17, 2023

Rusty was born in Bonne Terre, Missouri to John and Catherine Fenton. She was the sixth of seven children. She is survived by her children Gene (Linda), JoAnn, Becky, Mary Whitworth (Rocky), and Jeff (Bambi). Along with 19 Grandchildren, 29 Great Grandchildren, 6 Great Great Grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. She is preceded in death by her husband Joseph, sons John, Louie, Jerry, Tom, daughter Janine and granddaughter Kimberly.

She was truly inspirational with her positive attitude, determination and faith. She loved to garden, the mountains and life. We want to thank all her lovely friends and caregivers for enriching and comforting her life. A special thanks to the

Grand River Health Care Center.

A memorial service will be held at 1pm on Aug. 18 in Carbondale at St. Mary’s of the Crown. Please wear your favorite hat! In lieu of flowers, please donate to Tom’s Door at www.tomsdoor.com or mail to P.O. Box 755, Carbondale, Colorado 81623.

UP ON SUMMER’S BOUNTY AT MANA

The Eagle County Sheriff’s Office is investigating the death of a palomino mule, shot and killed sometime between Saturday night, July 22, and Sunday morning, July 23, on Frying Pan Road in Basalt. If you have information about this incident, call 970-479-2201 to contact an on-duty deputy. Or you can remain anonymous by contacting the Eagle County Crime Stoppers at 970-328-7007, 1-800-972-TIPS, submitting a tip online at www.p3tips.com or using the P3 Tips mobile app. If your tip leads to the arrest and indictment of any suspect involved, you could earn a cash reward. Art by Sofie Koski

straight she goes in for her check-ups with her oncologist and they find her markers and tests are looking better and better.

"I am utterly happy there. These people have next to nothing, yet they're happy." She explained. “They don't want things, just love and connections with people. It's incredibly healing.”

The Cocoa Club fundraiser will be a fantastic opportunity to hear about Zancanella's mission in more detail. The event will feature specialty cocktails, hors d'oeuvres and a performance from traditional African-style dancers. Despite her admitted shyness, she is excited for

the event and praises her friends for encouraging her to put her story out there.

"[My friends] have been vital to helping me set this whole thing up and bring people together. It will be my seventh year going, and it's not something I ever want to stop," Zancanella said with a smile.

For more information on how to support Annie Zancanella, visit www. gofundme.com/f/tanzanian-toothfairy

To purchase tickets for the event, on Aug. 25 from 7:30 to 9:30pm, stop by The Cocoa Club or visit pollinatorchocolate.com

Venezuela and has never been on the ice. The organization gave him a pair of rollerblades to practice skating before winter hits. “That’s what it’s really about, giving kids a chance who would have never played hockey,” she added.

“I don’t think we ever thought it was going to be this big,” Jay concluded. “It’s pretty incredible.”

Visit www.coloradoextreme.org to find out more. Tune into Everything Under The Sun at 4pm on Thursday, Aug. 17 for a live interview in English with the Extreme coaches. Then, at 4:30pm, El Sol Habla speaks in Spanish with Extreme’s Director of Operations Carlos Ross.

Courtesy photo

Tanzanian Tooth Fairy continued from page 4

Colorado Extreme continued from page 8

LETTERS continued from page 2

is the agency that approved the Uinta Basin Railroad, an 88-mile stretch of tracks through an up to now roadless area in the Ashley National Forest in northeast Utah, without studying the effects five to 10, two-mile long drags of heated oil tankers would have on Colorado.

Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack heads the Forest Service. A high school classmate of mine ran against him for governor of Iowa. Vilsack won two terms, a remarkable achievement for a Democrat in Iowa. Although a Democrat, my friend said Vilsack is no environmentalist. He’s strictly businessoriented.

We’re up against the Feds on this one. It’s a little-known fact that Sopris Park is federal land. The Town of Carbondale can manage and maintain it, but the park isn’t town property. About all we can do is protest, and that’s exactly what we should do at the Aug. 22 Board of Trustees meeting where the matter will be discussed.

Fred Malo Jr., Carbondale Smut

Yes, that is how an author describes her “art” in the manga/anime style of adult graphic novels that children have access to in the libraries from Carbondale to Parachute. These 25+ books all have a parental warning stating the material is of “explicit content,” what most people would call porn. The library placed red dots on the spine to indicate the graphic nature. Once kids know what the red dot means they can go right to them because some are on the bottom shelf in the Silt Library. They can freely view the drawings and use the self-checkout without interacting with anyone. The library has no policy addressing this growing concern. The library director has been asked more than once to place the books on the

top shelf to no avail. Because of this lackadaisical attitude toward our youth a petition has been started to require these books be placed in a secure area away from children, (not a ban) and require an 18-and-over ID.

The worst book is the “Prison School” series depicting all forms of abuse toward the student characters including emotional, physical and sexual. There are drawings of public humiliation, coercion, bondage and sodomy. In the story the school is controlled by a female referred to as the Vice President. She is dressed in a short skirt up to her crotch and is drawn from the angle of the floor emphasizing her genitalia. She wears S&M-style stiletto heel boots which she uses to ram into any orifice of boys. The school president, a male, has a butt fetish. He challenges the imprisoned boys to decide if butts or boobs are better. Depending on their answer he may release them. Do I need to go on?

There are other sick challenges and depictions.

Please sign the petition in Rifle at Action Shop and Rifle Performance Motorsports, also Hy-Way Feed in Silt. I need help collecting signatures at your business up-valley or from anyone who simply agrees that the library has a responsibility to keep our children safe. My number is on the petition if you have any questions. Thank you and please see these books for yourself.

Trish O’Grady, Rifle

Letters policy: The Sopris Sun welcomes local letters to the editor. Shorter letters stand a better chance of being printed. Letters exclusive to The Sopris Sun (not appearing in other papers) are particularly welcome. Please include your name and place of residence or association. Letters are due to news@soprissun.com by noon on the Monday before we go to print.

continued from page 12

awesome, packed-house show at Steve’s that was just rocking. Such fun energy.

Sun: Does anyone play with pollination is major. Ashton is so well-rounded and in so many different projects it’s hard to keep another electronic project called Beep Bop Boop and also play in an acoustic project called Hecate Spring.

Sun: What are your musical and songwriting influences?

Williams: 1990s Indie rock, though we sound nothing like that. Other influences include Modest Mouse, Built to Spill, etc. I like sappy folk such as Gregory Alan Isakov. I’m also really moved by Muddy Waters and especially early recordings of John Lee Hooker. I guess the only music I don’t really enjoy is metal.

Sun: Have you played Steve’s Guitars yet?

Williams: Yeah, we had an

Sun: A lot of people know Deb as a dancer. Has she sung with anyone else locally?

Williams: Deb first started singing as a kid and continued into college. However, in her adult life, she focused on dancing. But she would always sing around the campfire with others or with me. But in the last year, after taking lessons with local teachers, her voice has come into form again and she is really rocking it for Sweet Jessup, and for her own recitals.

Sun: Is the current five member lineup set, or do members come and go?

Williams: We are pretty much just the five of us.

Sun: What would be your dream gig? Red Rocks?

Williams: Ha ha! Red Rocks? Realistically, I think it would be cool to play in the Telluride band competition in a couple years after our sound gets dialed in.

Contact: Pastor Michael MacKenzie at 970.963.1464

The Sopris Gymkhana Club held its second event of the season on Aug. 12 with 52 participants, including a few internationals from the nearby polo club. Competitors ranged from 2 to 18 years old, and there was as much to look at outside the Gus Darien Arena as there was inside! Keep an eye out for future events, Sept. 17 and Oct. 8 (Potato Day). Photos by Jane Bachrach

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John Rehl

Rivers Dentistry

Terri & David Ritchie

Joel Rittvo

Jessi Rochel

Nancy Roen

Maureen & Artie Rothman

Tommy Sands

Aly Sanguily

Eric Smith

Terri Slivka

April Crow Spaulding

James Steindler

Wendy Stewart

Danny Stone

Kenny Teitler

Andrew Travers

Hank VanBerlo & Shelle deBeque

Gayle Wells

Kate Friesen & Peter Westcott

Fred Williams

Jan Williams

John Wilson

Annie Worley

Elizabeth Wysong

Becky Young

GG Young