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Spot the Spud!

Mini hands make light work

Mark Gianinetti received extra help with this year's potato harvest thanks to his daughter's fifth grade class at Two Rivers Community School. Hattie Gianinetti and Mariel Ritacco brought some 40 students to learn firsthand about Carbondale's agricultural legacy. They even got to see Ernie Gianinetti 's inherited potato harvester, estimated to be more than 90 years old, in action. Many of the potatoes were destined for the pit beneath Sopris Park and this year's Potato Day lunch, but some were sent home with the students in return for their work. "Can you hire me when I'm not in school?" asked one student in earnest.

Cultivating community connections since 2009

Find the three images of potato pals scattered throughout this issue!

Photos by Raleigh Burleigh.

Trail

By Calen Vickers

With increased funding opportunities brought about by the Great American Outdoors Act of 2020, many nonprofit organizations have been able to grow and expand their reach.

For the first time, Roaring Fork Outdoor Volunteers (RFOV) was able to hire a professional team of three trail workers. In partnership with the U.S. Forest Service Aspen-Sopris Ranger District, this team repaired and maintained many troubled trail systems within the Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness area .

Shaw Hughes, Tyler Arsenault and I spent eight days at-a-time living and working in one of the most spectacular landscapes in the world. While staring up at cloud shrouded mountains every day is truly impactful, what resonated with me the most was the sense of community we felt among those peaks.

Everybody knows, and often bemoans, how popular the Bells are these days. The Four Pass Loop, in particular,

Vote for Perry!

A community’s love for wilderness

attracts thousands of visitors every year — plus visitation skyrocketing during the pandemic — impacting the quality of wilderness in the region. However, something powerful happens out there to even the most novice explorer: they fall in love.

This might sound silly to some people, but those of us who call this corner of the world home know the truth of it. It is the reason we are all here. Love for the natural world is what binds us to this place and to each other. It is the foundation of our community. You can find the strongest evidence of this out on the trail.

For a trail worker, such as myself, it is easy arithmetic to anticipate what sort of condition the trails will be in.

One would think, the Maroon Bells, being the second-most photographed mountains in the world, that the paths around them would be the secondmost deteriorated trail systems in the world. This is simply not the case! These trails are clearly well loved and cared for. Many professional teams, such as mine, roam these hills on the lookout for problems to solve.

However, there are not many of us considering the size of this Wilderness. It has taken many more hands than ours to do this work.

The true credit goes to the community.

RFOV alone sends hundreds of volunteers each year into the backcountry with the skills to care for the trails — and there are many organizations like it. It was astounding how many folks I spoke with this summer who have dedicated much of their precious time to care for these trails. I am continually impressed by the enthusiastic support the people of this community show for their open spaces.

And, it’s not just the locals who pitch in. I worked alongside several volunteers who found time to swing a pulaski with us in the middle of their vacation. It seemed as though every other group of backpackers we spoke with had volunteer experience. The rest — even if at first they assumed we were out there mining or gardening — showed a keen interest in not just what we were doing, but how they could be a part of it. Many of them may never give their time here in Colorado, but they will take that curiosity and enthusiasm home with them.

The RFOV crew had an amazing time this summer. On top of the memories of our many struggles and successes, I have two major takeaways. First, this community is passionate

about giving back to the public lands which we all love. Second, that the love we share for our home is infectious. True, the mountains do most of the work all on their own, but it is all of us who provide a positive example of stewardship and the framework for others to join in this labor of love.

It is clear to me, whether we intend it or not, that the actions of our community have a ripple effect across the world. I am proud to be a pebble in the pond alongside the rest of you, and I hope to see you on the trail.

Upcoming RFOV projects include fire mitigation on Sunday, Oct. 2 at Wulfsohn in Glenwood Springs — childcare for children ages 4-8 will be available. Then on Sunday, Oct. 9 at Basalt's expanding Ponderosa Trail, we will enhance new sections to make an accessible riparian trail for all ages and abilities. Volunteers are invited to register online at www. rfov.org/calendar

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

Contributing Editor

James Steindler

Editorial Graphic Designer Hattie Rensberry

Advertising Graphic Designer Alyssa Ohnmacht

Delivery Frederic Kischbaum Bartlett 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 • Gayle Wells Donna Dayton • Terri Ritchie

Eric Smith • Roger Berliner

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

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

Sincerest thanks to our Honorary Publishers for their annual commitment of $1,000+ Lee Beck & John Stickney Kay Brunnier Michelle & Ed Buchman Toni Cerise Eric Smith CoVenture Sue Edelstein & Bill Spence Deborah & Shane Evans Greg & Kathy Feinsinger Peter & Mike Gilbert Gary & Jill Knaus Carly & Frosty Merriott

Every four years, responsible citizens of our democracy are asked to participate and vote in a public election to select those individuals considered to be most informed, most qualified and most trusted with positions of participation and leadership in our society. On Nov. 8, residents of Colorado House District 57 will have the opportunity to vote for Perry Will to continue to be our representative, a position he has held since 2019.

In that position, Perry Will represents our district’s interests and concerns regarding our natural resources, water limitations, agricultural history and priorities, appropriate growth and development that protect our special places, our wildlife, our wildlife habitat and the special reasons we choose to live where we do.

Perry Will has 40 plus years of on the ground experience working with the Colorado Division of Wildlife, responsible to those in his district and his state who know and love and protect the land and the wildlife. He is honest and approachable, informed and independent, intelligent and able to work with all who share a dedication to the protection of our special places, our special lifestyles and our commitment to our special Western Colorado mountains and landscape.

As citizens and residents of this special place, each of us has the obligation and responsibility to engage in discussion, deliberation, choice and voting. Please join me on Nov. 8 as we select Perry Will to continue caring for us in his role as representative for Colorado House District 57.

Dorothea Farris, Carbondale

World(view) War 2022

Forget about WWI and WWII, we’re in World(view) War 2022 as evidenced by the letter to the editor on Sept. 15 denouncing God in government. I thank the author for alerting us to the supposedly questionable character of David Barton and Tom Jankovsky’s support for Mr. Barton, as if it were wrong. I went to Barton’s WallBuilder website and learned all kinds of amazing history of the freed slaves in the 1600s and their great accomplishments both economically and religiously. Let’s take a closer look at the concept of “separation of church and state” criticized in the letter and by many, as coined by Thomas Jefferson, but not in the Constitution:

The ”extremes of religion” include no religion on one end of the spectrum, called Atheism, where they believe there is no God. On the other end of

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

Sculpt a spud

The 113th Potato Day, themed “Marble Mash” in honor of the 100th anniversary of the Lincoln Memorial, kicks off Friday, Sept. 30, with a Community Contra Dance at the Third Street Center. See page 10 for a schedule of additional Potato Day events. Care to participate in advance? Enter into any of the four potato sculpting contest categories — Lincoln Memorial, most representative of Carbondale, most representative of Marble and/or most creative — by sharing a picture of your sculpted potato on the “Carbondale Annual Potato Day” Facebook page by 8 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 29.

Potato history

There are some who may still wonder why Carbondale celebrates Potato Day. Well, those folks can get the story straight from the experts at the Carbondale Historical Society, by visiting its website (www.carbondalehistory.org) and clicking “Potato Day History” at the top of the page. There, they’ll find a concise and enlightening slide-show, narrated by Sue Gray, all about Carbondale’s love for potatoes. Have a spud-tacular (and informed) Potato Day!

Dream big

5Point Film Festival has launched the 2023 Dream Project, inviting high school students from throughout the Valley to apply for the chance to receive funding to develop a community impact project. In its 13th year, the Dream Project will select seven students to receive $2,000 each toward pushing their personal boundaries while living their own best adventures. The deadline to apply is Oct. 31; learn more at www.5pointfilm.org/about5point/dream-project/

I-70 rock work

Traffic holds are scheduled in the Glenwood Canyon Oct. 4-6 for rock scaling and helicopter operations. Holding traffic for 20-30 minutes in both directions incrementally between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. will help crews to complete their work safely. Additionally, the Glenwood Canyon recreation path between the Shoshone Power Plant (exit 123) and the Hanging Lake Rest Area (exit 125) will be closed during the operations.

Historic commission

The Colorado Division of Motor Vehicles invites artists to design a license plate to commemorate the state’s 150th anniversary. Anyone living or studying in Colorado is eligible. Ten finalists will be selected by a committee with a final public vote on the top three designs. The winner will receive a special commemorative license plate plus $1,000. Entries are due by Nov. 30 at DMV.Colorado.gov/ HistoricColorado

Bloodletting

Blood drives are back at the Carbondale Recreation and Community Center. Vitalant will bring the Bloodmobile to Colorado Avenue, outside the Rec Center, on the first Wednesday of every month from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. You must bring a photo ID and may donate “Whole Blood” every 56 days and “Power Red” every 112 days. Register online at www.bit.ly/VitalantCdale

Election season

The general election is on Nov. 8. Look forward to candidate interviews as ballots arrive in the mail. Ballots must be received by 7 p.m. on Election Day at drop box locations throughout the Valley. Register to vote online at www.sos.state.co.us/voter

"Make sure the seam doesn't show. I want to look good for Potato Day."

Bilingual banking guidance

FirstBank recently launched a bilingual financial literacy program, its “Empower All” initiative, to educate consumers about best banking practices. The initiative offers online educational videos and resources. Periodically, organizers will hold in-person events. To peruse the economic insight offered online, Spanish speakers can visit www. firstbank.com/todos and English speakers can link to www.firstbank.com/empowerall

They say it’s your birthday!

Folks celebrating another trip around the sun this week include: Steve Jundt (Sept. 30); Mark Grice and Mike Waski (Oct. 1); Ray Alexander, Josh Behrman, Bill Rice, Meddi Shaw, Megan Webber and Renee West (Oct. 2); Cole Fenton, Shannon O'Gara, Daniella Stanley Kline, Kate Schwerin and Kevin Steuben (Oct. 3); Matt Koenigsknecht, Jill Rubin and Mac Scott (Oct. 4); Lisa Girardot, Morgan Neely and Tami Stroud (Oct. 5).

Photo courtesy Ri e Middle School

Former Marble resident achieves prestigious Naval rank

By Kate Phillips Sopris Sun Correspondent

Commander Elouise “Ellie” Hurst had a childhood most today can only imagine. Growing up as “one of the Marble kids,” she experienced independence, adventure and a self-awareness that ultimately shaped her impressive career in the Navy — including her recent promotion as the commanding officer of the Center for Naval Aviation Technical Training Unit (CNATTU) in Norfolk, VA.

“We were kind of the wild ones,” Hurst chuckled. “I really cherish the way my parents chose to raise us and the freedom they allowed us.”

Born in El Paso, Texas, Hurst and her two brothers, Joe and Andrew, grew up in a career-military family. Her father, Stewart, was a heavy equipment mechanic in the Army for 21 years, and the family often moved around before he retired in Louisiana. Soon after, Stewart took a job in Grand Junction and they relocated once again to Colorado. One year later, an opportunity to work in the local coal mines arose, so they settled in the Crystal River Valley.

It was the late ‘70s and, according to Hurst, Marble was a sleepy town with about 60 residents yearround. The Marble Charter School did not yet exist — children being few and far between — but Hurst had her brothers for company and attended school in Carbondale.

At the time, Marble kids were required to have a designated “safe house” in Carbondale, in the event a heavy blizzard made the road impassable. For Hurst, that safe house was the home of Peggy and J.E. DeVilbiss — the parents of her dear friend, Jorie.

Their friendship blossomed. While Hurst never had a need to use the safe house for that end, her parents “adored and trusted” the DeVilbisses who became like a second family.

“Jorie and I met in second or third grade and we became best friends,” Hurst recounted to The Sopris Sun. “She would come up to Marble and spend weekends with us, or I would go down and stay at their house. J.E. would load us all up in their car and take us to Canyonlands to go camping and hiking.”

Her parents trusted Hurst and her brothers while they ventured through the backcountry to follow three simple rules: stay out of the river during springtime, sign-in at the trailheads and be back before the streetlight came on.

“If we got into trouble, we knew how to get help,” Hurst stated.

“My parents took us to hunter-safety classes when I

was eight or nine,” she recalled. By 13-years-old, “Every time I went up into the mountains he gave me a pistol. I’d take off on a motorcycle with a fishing pole and the pistol saying, ‘I’ll be back after dark. I’m going fishing.’”

Despite living in the Elk Mountains, Hurst was drawn to the ocean and dreamed of becoming a marine biologist. She was accepted to Texas A&M, Galveston’s undergraduate marine science program, but it would be costly.

While she knew that the Navy would pay for school, the eight-year commitment and her father’s declining health deterred her from leaving, and she decided to stay in the Valley. However, after one semester at Colorado Mountain College, Hurst knew the current

Elouise (left) with her best friend, Jorie, enjoying a summer day in Marble during the mid-1980s. Courtesy photo

Reflecting upon her monumental Navy career, Commander Elouise Hurst noted the dedication she put forth, and the people who supported her along the way. Photo courtesy of the Department of the Navy

would take her elsewhere.

“I finished my courses that day, drove to Glenwood Springs and enlisted in the Navy. I didn’t tell my parents … my mom was so mad,” Hurst laughed. “She wasn’t opposed to me joining the military, but she told me if I was joining that I had the brains to become an officer.”

“My dad just looked at me and said I just made the best decision in my life,” she added.

After enlisting in 1992 as an aviation structural mechanic, Hurst went on to gain special recognition as well as awards for her dedication to the profession.

Over 13-years, she advanced through the ranks from an E-1, seaman recruit, to an E-7, chief petty officer, before applying for a commission in October 2005. As a

first-time applicant she was accepted — a high honor in the military.

Since then, Hurst said it has been a whirlwind. She quickly moved from O-1, ensign, to O-5, commander; and upon this promotion, she immediately put in an application to be screened for commanding officer. Once again, she was selected the first time around.

Now, as the Commanding Officer of CNATTU, Hurst has 180 people on staff and directs all training operations for future aviation maintenance technicians and managers.

“I take that trust very seriously — to help mold, guide and present opportunities,” Hurst said. “There’s so much in the Navy. You just never know where you’ll end up. My plan was to do four years and get out, yet here I am 30 years later as a commanding officer of a training facility. I never dreamed of that.”

While an upbringing in Marble and Hurst’s work ethic fostered a lifestyle fit for the rigors of a groundbreaking Naval career, she said that her network was the key to her success. From her father who inspired her career, to the DeVilbiss family who offered friendship, to her colleagues who opened doors and to her wife, Katy, who has endlessly supported Hurst and their two young boys, family has meant everything.

“We don’t do this for the pay. There is so much camaraderie that your units and organizations become like a family. For me, there is a big sense of belonging,” Hurst said. “Family is huge. Nobody can do this without the support of family.”

TRTC opens season with ‘Hurricane Diane’

By Myki Jones Sopris Sun Correspondent

Thunder River Theatre Company is opening their 2022-2023 season on Sept. 30, with Pulitzer prize finalist Madeleine George’s original comedy “Hurricane Diane.” The show, directed by Tony nominated actress, Beth Malone, centers on a titular character, Diane — a permaculturalist, who is also the incarnation of the Greek God of wine, agriculture and theatre himself: Dionysus.

Diane (Dionysus) appears in modern times, intent on returning the world to its natural state.

TRTC’s artistic director, Missy Moore, sat down with The Sopris Sun to discuss the production; which she actually wanted to open with last season, but was unable to due to a scheduling issue. The production is described by Moore as a “stylized” dark comedy with many Greek influenced thespian themes and references.

“They might not be leaving the theater saying, ‘Oh my God, that was the funniest thing I've ever seen,’ but they'll certainly laugh at particular moments,” Moore stated. “Madeleine George as a playwright, however, does not shy from a message … which is that we’ve got one Earth and we’ve got to take care of it. We're really not right now.”

“I really hope that the moral of the story resonates with how people consume in this modern day and age,” she stated. Audiences can expect to see “powerhouse” performances from all the women on stage, she assured.

Susannah Mclead is playing the role of Diane (Dionysus), Traci Blaire is portraying Carol and

Moore is stepping back into her acting shoes as Pam. Jennifer Johnson, the executive director of Sol Theatre Company plays Renne and Julia Whalen is making her TRTC debut as Beth.

“I’m really thrilled about all the shows I’m putting on my acting shoes for,” said Moore. “I haven’t been on stage for about a year, so it is fun to just stretch those muscles again.”

She also told The Sopris Sun that when choosing the season TRTC looked at more lighthearted performances and stories.

“Two of the three shows we did last year were, what I would consider to be, epic pieces of theater. Scenically, they were very large … and I just wanted to pull it back and get a little bit more into the art of the stories,” she explained. “I wanted to lean a bit more into the comedic ground — except for “Proof,” which is a rather dramatic show.”

Coming out of the pandemic, she felt that audiences would like to be entertained in a fun and upbeat way. “I could be completely wrong … but the cool thing about our craft is that it ebbs and flows — never really, truly perfected,” she added.

TRTC is proud to announce that all the shows this season will be directed by women. David Auburn’s Pulitzer prize winning play, “Proof,” will be directed by Sue Lavin and is to run Nov. 18 through Dec.4. Moss Hart and George S. Kaufman’s “You Can’t Take it With You” will be directed by Moore and run Feb. 17 through March 5, 2023. And, Jeremy Karken, David Murrell and George Farrell’s “Lifespan of a Fact” will be directed by Renee Prince and run June 9 through June 25, 2023.

The executive director of TRTC, Sean Jefferies, said that the audiences can expect some really fantastic shows this season.

“There’s a lot of humor, human stories, some supernatural flares and they will all be really fun shows,” he stated.

When asked which show he was most excited to see brought to life in the space, he said that that was like asking him to “pick his favorite child.”

“They all present fantastic challenges; with “Hurricane Diane” holding the wrath of two demigods and “Proof” questioning if you’re safe in your own head. Each show has such a fun flavor and feel — it is impossible to pick just one,” he said.

For more information regarding the season, performance dates and to purchase tickets, visit www.thunderrivertheatre.com

After the world implodes, Missy Moore, Julia Whalen and Jennifer Johnson lament the loss. Photo by Nick Pascarosa

Godzilla exhibit examines fallout from the nuclear age

By Jeanne Souldern Sopris Sun Correspondent

In their first collaboration, visual artists Brian Colley and Andrew Roberts-Gray present “The Godzilla Show: Planet Eater.” The exhibition, which takes its title from the 2018 computer-animated film of the same name, will explore two man-made phenomena: Godzilla and the nuclear bomb.

The multimedia installation opens Thursday, Sept. 29 at The Art Base in Basalt.

The 1954 film “Godzilla” was releaseed just nine years after the world saw the first atomic bombs dropped by the United States military on the Japanese cities of Hiroshima and Nagasaki. The bombings would, in effect, end World War II with the Japanese Emperor Hirohito announcing his country’s surrender on August 15, 1945.

Many in Japan, still reeling from the physical effects of radiation exposure and the psychological trauma, embraced the film’s arrival, along with its criticism of America and its use of nuclear weapons.

Director Ishirō Honda and co-writer Takeo Murata,

introduced Japanese filmgoers to a scaly, prehistoric creature, known in Japanese as “Gojira,” which was born from nuclear fission and awakened by Americans conducting nuclear tests off Japan’s shores.

“Godzilla just kept coming up for me,” is how Colley described a fascination that began ten years ago at Anderson Ranch Arts Center, when he took a class on the Japanese woodblock printing technique known as mokuhanga — taught by long-time Anderson Ranch instructor, Hiroki Morinoue. Colley made a Godzilla poster for his final class project.

In researching Godzilla’s origins, Colley said he fell in love with the creature’s “antihero qualities.”

“He's sort of there to do his own thing,” the artist continued. “Like he'll save the city for you from other monsters, but he's also going to just wipe you out in the process. I admired that kind of guts. Just being able to be yourself. He’s somewhat of an alter-ego for me.”

Colley, with a Bachelor’s of Fine Arts from Principia College in Illinois, moved to the Roaring Fork Valley

about 12 years ago and works as an independent artist and illustrator. He is the gallery manager for Carbondale Arts, and his comic series, “The Unparalleled Universe,” is featured weekly in The Sopris Sun.

Growing up in Livermore, California, Roberts-Gray earned a Bachelor's degree in Fine Arts from the San Francisco Art Institute and a graduate degree from the University of WisconsinMadison. After graduation, he and his wife, Annette, a ceramicist and painter, moved to New York City and then, in 1993, moved to the Roaring Fork Valley.

Roberts-Gray’s father was a computer scientist, and his mother is an artist and former art educator. “My roots are these two different worlds that combined inside me — with my interests in science fiction, the history of the computer and art,” he said.

In 1933, physicist Leó Szilárd developed his concept of nuclear chain reactions and the following year patented the idea of a nuclear fission reactor. That scientific discovery would, in 1942, lead to the fruition of the Manhattan Project in the Los

Alamos desert of New Mexico.

Roberts-Gray has incorporated Szilárd’s diagrams into some of his works.

Another nuclear-era element molded in with the exhibit, is a leaflet that Allied aircrafts would drop warning Japanese civilians of impending air bombings and advising them to evacuate immediately. Colley used reproductions of the leaflets to create origami cranes, representing the Japanese practice known as “senbazuru.” The tradition states that if you join together a thousand origami paper cranes, a wish will be granted to you by the Shinto gods.

After the Manhattan Project’s first successful detonation test of a nuclear weapon, J. Robert Oppenheimer, the wartime head of the Los Alamos Laboratory, expressed his regret by remarking the sight of the explosion brought to mind a verse from the sacred Hindu text, the Bhagavad Gita: "Now I am become Death, the destroyer of worlds."

Roberts-Gray’s father would work for the former Manhattan Project scientist,

Brian Colley talks to Andrew Roberts-Gray about a piece, his silkscreened "Godzilla" movie still. In the background, sits a Godzilla made from folded origami cranes.

Edward Teller, at the Lawrence Radiation Lab (now the Lawrence Livermore Laboratory) when the Cold War’s existential threat of nuclear obliteration became a palpable proposition, as Roberts-Gray explained, “because the technology had reached the point where we could erase ourselves.”

An opening reception will take place on Sept. 29, from 5 to 7 p.m.

Colley and Roberts-Gray will lead an artist talk on Oct. 6 at 5:30 p.m. at The Art Base’s Alpenglow exhibition space. The exhibition, sponsored by U.S. Bank, runs through Oct. 29.

For more information about The Art Base, go to www.theartbase.org

Photo by Jeanne Souldern

COMMUNITY

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 29

ASPEN FILMFEST

The 43rd annual Aspen Filmfest continues with screenings at the Wheeler Opera House at 2, 5 and 8 p.m. The festival continues through Oct. 2. More info at www.aspenfilm.org

PHILIP TARLOW

Colorado Mountain College’s Aspen Gallery (0255 Sage Way, Aspen) hosts “Jestur: Work by Philip Tarlow” with a public reception from 4 to 7 p.m. The exhibit will be on display through Nov. 22.

INDIGENOUS JAZZ

Delbert Anderson fuses together music from his Navajo roots with jazz. Along with his trio, Anderson will lead a workshop at the Basalt Library from 4 to 5 p.m., followed by a concert at 5:30 p.m. Visit www. basaltlibrary.org for more info.

HEARING HEALTH

Senior Matters presents “Hearing Health is more than Hearing” with audiologist Daria Stakiw live at the Carbondale Library and online at 6 p.m. Registration at www.bit.ly/HearingCdale

AIKIDO SEMINAR

Aikido master Matthew Addison teaches a mini-seminar at 13 Moons Ranch (6334 Highway 133, Carbondale) from 6 to 7:45 p.m.

SPORTS

Roaring Fork High School’s volleyball team plays Delta at home at 6:30 p.m.

WILD & SCENIC FILM

The Middle Colorado Watershed Council hosts its annual fundraiser, the Wild and Scenic Film Festival, at the Glenwood Vaudeville Revue at 6 p.m. The show will be repeated at the Ute Theater in Rifle on Oct. 1 at 6:30 p.m. For tickets and more info, visit www.midcowatershed.org/filmfest

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 30

PLANET EATER

Brian Colley and Andrew RobertsGray co-present an exhibit inspired by Godzilla at The Art Base through Oct. 29. The opening reception is from 5 to 7 p.m. with an artist talk on Oct. 6 at 5:30 p.m.

SPORTS

Roaring Fork High School’s soccer team plays Crested Butte at home at 6 p.m.

YOUTH FILM FEST

YouthZone hosts a watch party for this year’s Ascent Youth Film Festival at The Orchard at 6 p.m. Tickets at www.bit.ly/AscentFilm2022

ASPEN FILM IN CARBONDALE

The 43rd annual Aspen Filmfest screens “Good Night Oppy” at the Crystal Theatre at 7 p.m. On Oct. 1, “Farewell, Mr Haffmann” shows at 5 p.m. and “Broker” shows at 7:30 p.m. “Wildcat” will conclude the Carbondale screenings on Oct. 2 at 5 p.m. More info at www.aspenfilm.org

BARN DANCE

Potato Day kicks off with a Friday night community contra dance, with live music by the Wooden Nickel String Band, at the Third Street Center at 7:30

p.m. Caller Andrea Early Cohen will guide dancers of all experience levels.

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 1

POTATO DAY

Potato Day returns to Sopris Park with a market and record sale from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. along with contests, live music and the traditional barbeque lunch. The Rotary Club will serve breakfast at 4th and Main from 8 to 10 a.m. where Tater Trot registration begins at 8:30 a.m. The parade will depart from 2nd Street at 10:30 a.m. and a Youth Gymkhana will be hosted at the Gus Darien Arena from 3:20 to 5:30 p.m.

CHARITY TENNIS

Cainegels Connection Inc hosts its annual tennis tournament to raise money for a scholarship program at Crown Mountain Park in El Jebel. Women’s doubles matches begin at 8:15 a.m. and continue all day. Then, the mixed doubles event takes place on Sunday from 8:15 a.m. onward.

PAW�TERY PAW�LOOZA

The Carbondale Clay Center and Colorado Animal Rescue host a petfriendly clay day from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

OCTOBERFEST

The Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park hosts German-themed activities, live music, food and drinks from noon to 6 p.m. today, Oct. 8 and Oct. 15.

OVERDOSE EDUCATION

High Rockies Harm Reduction and Aspen Strong lead discussion regarding overdose education and prevention along with a demonstration on how to administer Narcan at the Basalt Library at 3 p.m. Visit www. basaltlibrary.org for more info

SUSTO AT TACAW

SUSTO performs at TACAW at 8 p.m. Find tickets and more info at www.tacaw.org

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 2

WULFSOHN WORK

Fork Outdoor Volunteers helps to prevent another Coal Seam Fire with fire mitigation work at Wulfsohn in Glenwood Springs from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Register online at www.rfov.org

MOUNTAIN BIKING YOUTH

Coal Basin Ranch hosts a day of mountain biking for kids of all ages, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. This event encourages children to “put down the video games, hop on their bikes and have a great time riding local trails, learning trail etiquette and skills.” Better yet, free donuts, lunch and the opportunity to win a raffle prize are included. RSVP at www.rfmba.org

MONDAY, OCTOBER 3

COAL BASIN ENGAGEMENT

The Community Office for Resource Efficiency holds a community engagement meeting, regarding the organization’s methane control project at the abandoned Coal Basin mine, at the Church at Redstone at 5:30 p.m. To RSVP, visit www. bit.ly/CoalBasinmethane

ART CLASS

Dan Young teaches a four-day course, “The Landscape in Oil: Strategies for Success,” at The Art Base, starting today at 9 a.m. More info at www.theartbase.org

AGING IN PLACE

AARP Colorado hosts a virtual town hall focused on seniors and the cost of housing at 10 a.m. Register online at www.bit.ly/AARPCOOct4

BOSS OF THIS BODY

Garfield County Libraries and River Bridge Regional Center present “Who’s the Boss of this Body?” and answer questions about talking to children about safe and unsafe touches. Carbondale Library will host at 10:30 a.m. and the event will repeat on Oct. 11 at Glenwood Springs Library at 10:30 a.m.

PAWS TO READ

Therapy dogs from Heeling Partners of the Roaring Fork Valley accompany beginning readers at the Carbondale Library to ease the learning process at 3:30 p.m. Registration and more info at www.gcpld.org

LAST OF THE COWBOYS

Anita Witt’s film, “The Last of the Cowboys in the Roaring Fork Valley”, screens at the El Jebel Community Center at 5 p.m. Attendees are invited to share stories after the film.

SPORTS Roaring Fork High School’s volleyball team plays Moffat County at home at 6 p.m.

DRAWING CLUB

The Roaring Fork Drawing Club gathers at Peppino’s Pizza in Carbondale at 6:30 p.m.

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 5

COFFEE WITH A COP

Celebrating National Coffee with a Cop Day, the Glenwood Springs Library invites community members to discuss issues and build relationships with the Glenwood Springs Police Department at 12:15 p.m.

FALL FEST

Ascendigo Autism Services hosts its Fall Fest fundraiser at Batch Provisions at 5 p.m. For tickets and more details, visit www.bit.ly/3dyc2R5

BRATS AND KILOWATTS

Holy Cross Energy treats people for a brat and a beer while providing an opportunity to meet its president and CEO, Bryan Hannegan, and learn about initiatives aimed toward providing members with 100% carbon-free energy by 2030. It all takes place at TACAW at 6 p.m. Visit www.tacaw.org for tickets and more info.

BIOMECHANICS

Valley View University presents “When Biomechanics Go Bad: Normal and Abnormal Biomechanics of the Foot” online at 6 p.m. Register online at www.bit.ly/VVUOct5

CRYSTAL THEATRE

“The Good House” shows at the Crystal Theatre at 7:30 p.m. today and tomorrow.

FURTHER OUT THURSDAY, OCTOBER 6

MUSICAL STORYTIME

Toddlers and their caregivers are invited to join Ms. Holly for musical storytime at the Carbondale Library at 10:30 a.m.

VOICES

The Aspen Chapel hosts an opening reception from 4 to 7 p.m. for a collaborative show with the Carbondale nonprofit VOICES. The show, curated by Dough Graybeal, will run through Nov. 12 and 10% of sales and 20% of sponsorships will go to VOICES.

SPORTS

Roaring Fork High School’s soccer team plays Delta at home at 6 p.m.

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 7

ADULTING 101

Glenwood Springs Library hosts teenagers and young adults grappling with how to become an adult in today’s society. This series repeats on the first Friday of each month at 4 p.m.

SIMPLE SHAPES

Carbondale Arts hosts an opening reception for a retrospective exhibit by metal sculptor Elliot Norquist from 5 to 7 p.m. The exhibit will remain on display through Nov. 4.

CLAY EXHIBIT

The opening reception for Carbondale Clay Center’s upcoming exhibit, “Journey of the Casually Curious to the Dedicated Maker,” takes place at 6 p.m. The show will continue through Nov. 4. For more info, visit www.carbondaleclay.org

SPORTS

Roaring Fork High School’s football team plays Olathe at home at 6 p.m.

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 8

SPORTS

Roaring Fork High School’s soccer team plays Rifle at home at 11 a.m.

LATINX ART

Anderson Ranch hosts miniworkshops for local teachers and community leaders with visiting artists Rafael Fajardo and Ricky Armendariz. Voces Unidas Executive Director Alex Sánchez will then join a public lecture at 4 p.m.

SCIENCE AND A MOVIE

The Basalt Library screens “Frankenweenie” while concocting a science experiment in an adjacent room. The fun starts at 1 p.m. Visit www.basaltlibrary.org for more info.

HARVEST MOON

Ildi Ingraham presents “Sound Immersion on the Harvest Full Moon” at the Carbondale Library at 4 p.m. The event is free, participants are asked to bring a mat, pillow, blanket and anything else to help them relax in comfort.

5POINT FUNDRAISER

5Point holds its first annual Fall Fundraiser at a private residence (location to be disclosed upon purchase of a ticket) from 4 to 8 p.m. More details and tickets are available at www.5Pointfilm.org

Sol del Valle

Mes de la Herencia Hispana y el medio ambiente

Por Omar Sarabia Sol Contribuyente

Como ya sabrán, estamos en pleno Mes Nacional de la Herencia Hispana, el cual se celebra cada año del 15 de septiembre al 15 de octubre. El Mes de la Herencia Hispana se celebra desde 1988 y conmemora, "las historias, culturas y aportaciones de los ciudadanos estadounidenses cuyos antepasados vinieron de España, México, el Caribe y América Central y del Sur".

En su Proclamación Presidencial en honor a la HHM (por sus siglas en inglés), el presidente Biden dijo, "Demos gracias a las muchas generaciones de líderes hispanos que han ayudado a construir este país y siguen luchando por la igualdad y la justicia". Una de las muchas formas en que esos líderes han luchado por la igualdad y la justicia, y siguen haciéndolo, es en el movimiento medioambiental. Quería destacar algunas tierras públicas que quizá no sepan que ayudan a contar las historias hispanas y los lugares en los que los activistas están trabajando para salvarlos hoy en día.

El primero está aquí mismo, en Colorado: Sangre de Cristo National Heritage Area. Situada en el valle de San Luis, esta zona ha sido el hogar de las tribus ute, navajo, apache, tiwa, tewa, comanche, kiowa y arapaho. Los exploradores españoles pasaron por aquí en 1776 y las familias mexicanas se asentaron en el siglo XIX, muchos de cuyos descendientes permanecen en el Valle de San Luis, y que siguen cuidando, defendiendo y protegiendo estos paisajes.

Además del Parque Nacional y la Reserva de las Grandes Dunas de Arena, esta zona patrimonial contiene tres refugios nacionales de vida silvestre, dos áreas silvestres y 15 áreas estatales de vida silvestre. En la actualidad, sus múltiples historias de nativos americanos, hispanos y anglosajones se reflejan en la diversidad de personas, arte y tradiciones. Esta zona patrimonial es un maravilloso ejemplo de protección de tierras públicas que honra a las personas, la historia y la ecología.

Dirigiéndose al oeste de California, encontrará el Monumento Nacional César E. Chávez. Junto a Dolores Huerta, en los años 60 y 70, cofundó la Asociación Nacional de Trabajadores Agrícolas (NFWA por sus siglas en inglés), que acabó convirtiéndose en la United Farm Workers (UFW por sus siglas en inglés).

César atrajo la atención internacional sobre las condiciones de los trabajadores agrícolas de Estados Unidos y uniendo fuerzas con otros movimientos de reforma, trabajó para asegurar salarios altos y condiciones de trabajo más seguras. Este monumento nacional, también conocido como La Paz, fue designado por el presidente Obama en la Ley de Antigüedades en 2012.

Fue una de las primeras veces que se designó un monumento nacional

específicamente por su herencia latina e hispana. Como decía la proclamación, "La Paz refleja su convicción (la de César) de que la gente corriente puede hacer cosas extraordinarias".

Hoy, esa convicción sigue siendo fuerte. Un informe de la Hispanic Access Foundation de 2021, Lugar, historia y cultura: Un enfoque inclusivo para la protección de los sitios del patrimonio latino, destaca dos campañas medioambientales actuales:

• Castner Range: "En el corazón de El Paso, Texas, Castner Range ofrece un sólido telón de fondo a la floreciente ciudad, que ha crecido alrededor de la cordillera y la ha acogido como una característica del paisaje. Castner Range ha sido el hogar ancestral de los comanches y los apaches, y varias comunidades indígenas siguen considerando la cordillera como sagrada."

• Río Gila: "El sistema del río Gila es un recurso valioso para todos los habitantes de Nuevo México en que proporciona un hermoso paisaje natural para ser disfrutado y apreciado por personas de todas partes, un entorno necesario para que la vida silvestre prospere, una importante ventana a la historia de Nuevo México, un recurso agrícola significativo, y un importante lugar para el estudio de nuestro entorno natural".

Estas historias me inspiran. Es alentador ver que se protegen historias y paisajes hispanos importantes para nuestras comunidades. Algunos de los esfuerzos de conservación más exitosos y de mayor colaboración han sido la protección de monumentos nacionales en los que los líderes hispanos han desempeñado un papel fundamental, como el monumento del Río Grande del Norte, en Nuevo México, que protege 240,000 acres de un espectacular paisaje desértico y que honra 400 años de historia hispana, y el monumento a las Montañas de San Gabriel, de 346,000 acres, en las afueras de Los Ángeles.

El monumento no sólo incluye increíbles recursos biológicos y oportunidades recreativas en las proximidades de una gran población latina, sino que también protege jardines naturales donde curanderos tradicionales recogen hierbas, peces y fauna. La herencia hispana representa una parte importante y muy variada de la historia de nuestro país.

Espero que haya aprendido algo, quizás hayas encontrado un nuevo paisaje o sitio para visitar, y espero compartir más sobre la participación hispana en el movimiento ambiental en futuras columnas.

Volumen 2, Número 31 | 29 de septiembre - 5 de octubre, de 2022

Conectando comunidades desde 2021

La Sierra de la Sangre de Cristo asombra con su magnitud impresionante. Foto de Vanessa Porras

Por Geraldine E. Pichardo Sol Contribuyente

Somos una especie en viaje, no tenemos pertenencias sino equipaje

Vamos con el polen en el viento, Estamos vivos porque estamos en movimiento…

La fascinación que tengo con la letra de la canción Movimiento, del cantautor Uruguayo Jorge Drexler, tiene una explicación un poco más sosegada. No tiene que ver con complejidades existenciales humanas sino la simpleza de articular un sentimiento que muchas veces encuentro inexplicable. El viaje del inmigrante.

Andamos desde muy temprano y nos tomamos de pecho en frente cualquier adversidad que se nos atraviese. Nos ganamos las horas extras y nos reímos de las fortalezas que hemos logrado porque llorar nunca es opción. Y es que, ¿Cómo le explicas a alguien qué no ha sobrellevado este viaje de nómada que al dejar una vida atrás y comenzar de cero es casi como programar tu cerebro recién salido de la fábrica?

Yo vengo de Venezuela. Por muchas razones políticas,

económicas y sociales me encuentro aquí y no allá. Entre la manada, he sido afortunada en muchos aspectos pero como todo inmigrante, conseguir adaptarme, casi la mitad de mi vida a este país se ha llevado un esfuerzo mental, emocional y espiritual inmensurable. Le he dado la vuelta a muchos lugares en busca de un hogar.

Cada uno me ha provisto con mayor asertividad, empatía, fortaleza, comprensión y paciencia con las personas que están en mi comunidad inmediata. Y algo que he observado que se asemeja en cada uno de estos son las personas.

Todos padecemos, en esencia, de los mismos dolores y preocupaciones. Tenemos mucho más en común de lo que creemos. Solo si removemos las falsas interpretaciones de quienes somos, por cómo nos vemos o de donde venimos, un sin fin de oportunidades se abren. Como diría la canción ya mencionada:

Somos padres, hijos, y bisnietos de inmigrantes, Es más mío lo que sueño, que lo que toco. Yo no soy de aqui, Pero tu tampoco, De ningún lado del todo y De todos lados un poco.

Colorado, y en particular Carbondale, me ha brindado con una comunidad atenta a dar una mano sin condiciones. Nunca he recibido tan genuinamente tanta ayuda. Y aun cuando sigo en busca de mi hogar, este hermoso pueblo me recibió en un momento donde lo que necesitaba era sanar. En épocas como la que vivimos, darse un espacio y tiempo en busca de la sanación, es un lujo.

Entre sus calles llenas de color por las flores en verano, o ver la montaña Sopris en un atardecer rojo y anaranjado que roba suspiros. En la ausencia de sonido total en invierno cuando la nieve recubre las aceras, he encontrado paz.

Carbondale provee un espacio seguro para todo aquel que lo habita, acepta a todo aquel que necesite un refugio y a cambio solo pide que lo mantengan tal cual como esta. Ya que su propósito es dar, esta pequeña comunidad, es un hogar seguro y fortalecido.

La búsqueda del inmigrante es eterna. Una vez tomado este viaje no hay vuelta atrás. No pertenecemos completamente a ese nuevo lugar, pero tampoco a lo que ya dejaste. Este es el gran sacrificio que pagamos como nómadas.

Pero una vez que

aceptamos y entendemos cómo vivir con ese sacrificio, nos fortalecemos en lo que sí podemos hacer, en lo que podemos entregar, y en la mejora para nosotros y todo aquel que nos acompaña.

La sabiduría que logramos alcanzar no es en vano. Conseguimos dar mucho con el poco equipaje que cargamos. Entendemos que un abrazo y un beso en un aeropuerto puede ser el último que entreguemos, y lo damos como si nunca hemos de amar otra vez.

No lloramos con frecuencia pero cuando soltamos lágrimas, es por una herida que nos pesa muy a fondo. Y continuamos en movimiento. Siempre teniendo claro que detrás de cada nube gris y niebla cubriendo el camino, hay un resquicio de esperanza al final de la montaña.

Apenas nos pusimos en dos pies Y nos vimos en la sombra de la hoguera

Escuchamos la voz del desafío Siempre miramos el río Pensando en la otra rivera Somos una especie en viaje No tenemos pertenencias sino equipaje

Vamos contra el polen en el viento

Estamos vivos porque estamos en movimiento…

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 Vanessa Porras

Directore Artístico Hattie Rensberry Diseñadora de anuncios Alyssa Ohnmacht Traductoras

Jacquelinne Castro y Dolores Duarte Distribucion Frederic Kischbaum Bartlett

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 • Roger Berliner

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

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

CHISME DEL PUEBLO

Traducción por Jacquelinne Castro

Escultura de patatas

El 113o Día de la Patata. Con el tema “Puré de Mármol” en honor al centenario del Memorial de Lincoln, empezará este viernes 30 de septiembre con una contradanza comunitaria en Third Street Center, consulte el calendario comunitario para ver el horario de eventos adicionales del Día de la Patata. ¿Le gustaría participar por adelantado? Inicie en cualquier de las cuatro categorías del concurso de escultura de patatas – Memorial de Lincoln, el más representativo de Carbondale, más representativo de Marble y/o el más creativo – al compartir una fotografía de su patata en la página de Facebook “Carbondale Annual Potato Day” antes de las 8 p.m. el jueves 29 de septiembre.

Sueña en grande

El Festival de Cine 5Point ha lanzado su proyecto 2023 Dream Project e invita a los estudiantes de preparatoria del valle a inscribirse para obtener una oportunidad de recibir fondos para desarrollar un proyecto de impacto comunitario. En su 13o año, Dream Project seleccionará a siete estudiantes para recibir $2,000 cada uno para empujar sus límites personales mientras viven sus mejores aventuras. La fecha límite es el 31 de octubre; para saber más visite www.5pointfilm.org/about-5point/dream-project/

Trabajo laboral en I-70

Retenciones de tráfico han sido programadas en el cañón de Glenwood del 4 al 6 de octubre para ajustamiento de rocas y operaciones en helicóptero. Las retenciones de tráfico pueden durar de 20 a 30 minutos en ambas direcciones entre las 9 a.m. y las 3 p.m., lo cual ayudará al equipo de construcción a trabajar de manera segura. Adicionalmente, la ruta de recreación del cañón de Glenwood entre

Shoshone Power Plant (salida 123) y Hanging Lake Rest Area (salida 125) estarán cerradas durante estas operaciones.

Dándole la bienvenida a Jenny

En conjunto con el Mes de la Concientización de Cáncer de mama (octubre), Valley View le da la bienvenida a Jenny Gonzales, una tecnóloga en mamografía bilingüe que nació en Puerto Rico, al equipo de imagen de Valley View. Gonzales considera el cuidado de las mujeres su llamado, diciendo, “hacerlas sentir cómodas y ganando su confianza… de eso se trata todo.” Las mamografías están completamente cubiertas por planes comerciales y de gobierno. Para programar una cita, llame al 970-384-7640.

Comisión histórica

La División de Vehículos de Motor de Colorado invita a los artistas a diseñar una placa para conmemorar el 150o aniversario del estado. Cualquier persona que vive o estudia en Colorado es elegible. Diez finalistas serán seleccionados por un comité con un voto público final en los últimos tres diseños. El ganador recibirá una placa conmemorativa además de $1,000. Las placas deben ser entregadas antes del 30 de noviembre en DMV.Colorado.gov/HistoricColorado

Sangria

Las donaciones de sangre han regresado al centro recreativo comunitario de Carbondale. Vitalant regresará con el Bloodmobile en Colorado Avenue, afuera del centro recreativo el primer miércoles de cada mes de las 10 a.m. a las 3 p.m. Debe traer una identificación con fotografía y puede donar “Sangre Completa” cada 56 días y “Energía Roja” cada 112 días. Inscríbase en línea en www.bit. ly/VitalantCdale

Las plantas son como alas, pero plantadas en tierra. Dibujo de Leonardo Occhipinti

Temporada de elección

La elección general es el 8 de noviembre. Esté atento a las entrevistas de los candidatos mientras las papeletas de voto lleguen por el correo. Las papeletas de voto deben ser recibidas antes de las 7 p.m. el día de elección en cualquiera de los buzones de elección ubicadas en el valle. Inscríbase para votar en línea en www.sos.state.co.us/voter

Orientación bancaria bilingüe

FirstBank lanzó recientemente su programa de educación financiera bilingüe, con su iniciativa “Fortalecer a Todos”, espera educar a los consumidores acerca de las prácticas bancarias. La iniciativa ofrece recursos y videos educacionales en línea. De vez en cuando, los organizadores ofrecerán eventos en persona. Para examinar la información económica que se ofrece en línea, los hispanohablantes pueden visitar www.firstbank.com/todos, y los angloparlantes pueden visitar www.firstbank.com/empowerall

Valle

Conector de comunidad

Photo courtesy Ri e Middle School

Business Confluence

THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT!

CRYSTAL RIVER MEMBERS MT. SOPRIS MEMBERS

MEDIA SPONSORS

AVALANCHE CREEK MEMBERS

MBS Associates

Abraham Trading Company

Alpine Animal Hospital

Alpine Therapeutics

Aspen Snowmass Sotheby’s International Real Estate

Aspen Tree Service, Inc.

Bank of Colorado

Bay Equity Home Loans

Carbondale Comfort Inn & Suites

Carbondale Market Place

Coldwell Banker Mason Morse Real Estate

Comcast Business COMPASS For Lifelong Discovery

Cornerstone Home Lending CoVenture Days Inn Carbondale

DHM Design Corporation

DiPaulo Walker, LLC

Double Diamond Moving & Storage Durgin Electric, LLC

Eastwood Investments, LLC

ECOS Environmental & Disaster Restoration

Element by Westin Basalt Aspen Valley

Garfield & Hecht, P.C.

Glenwood Hot Springs Resort

Gran Farnum Printing

Great Fortune Design

Heritage Park Care Center

Integrated Mountain Group

Izakaya Carbondale

MANAUS

Martin Insurance Group

Mind Springs Health & West Springs Hospital

Mitchell and Company

Osmia Organics

Pacific Sheet Metal, Inc.

Personal Rehabilitation Center, PC

Premier Party Rental

Promotional Concepts

Red Hill Animal Health Center

Redstone Inn

Roaring Fork Engineering

Roaring Fork School District

Roaring Fork Transportation Authority

Silver Mountain Properties

Sopris Lodge at Carbondale

Sunburst Car Care

Sunlight Mountain Resort

T. Thompson Construction, Inc.

The Colorado Health Foundation

The Fireplace Company, Inc.

The Stabers Group

TING

Titan Digital True Nature Healing Arts

Valley View Hospital

Village Smithy Restaurant, Inc. Waste Management, Inc.

White House Pizza White River Books

Xcel Energy

VOLUNTEERS & SPECIAL THANKSPRESENTERS

Carbondale Chamber Staff:

- Andrea Stewart

- Heather Beach

- Katie Montie

Carbondale Chamber Posse members:

- Katie Marquette, DHM Design Corp.

- Sarah Murray, Coldwell Banker Mason Morse

Third Street Center

Promotional Concepts

CoVenture

CARBONDALE

Trustees revisit STR ordinance

By Raleigh Burleigh Sopris Sun Editor

All trustees were present at the regular meeting on Sept. 27.

As part of their annual budgeting process, the board continued to hear updates from partners, including Senior Matters and Clean Energy Economy for the Region (CLEER).

But first, during general comments by trustees, Lani Kitching announced that Wilderness Workshop will have a booth at Potato Day to keep people informed about efforts to permanently protect the Thompson Divide from drilling. Kitching also gave a glowing review of the Business Confluence hosted by the Chamber of Commerce on Sept. 21. Lastly, she announced that Coventure is now back to 100% occupancy after two rough years due to COVID.

Mayor Ben Bohmfalk reminded the public that their next work session, focused on housing, will be held on Monday, Oct. 3, at Town Hall.

Next, trustees appointed Carbondale resident Stephanie Bergner to serve as the municipal prosecutor, replacing Angela Roff who was appointed to be the new Garfield County Court judge in Glenwood Springs.

During the Senior Matters update, former trustee John Hoffman handed around gift packages which included little spray bottles labeled “loving gratitude”, a flashlight and boxcutter. He affirmed that although the organization has moved out of their physical space at the Third Street Center, they continue to meet and host online webinars.

“COVID changed our game, we fully embraced Zoom,” said Sue Zislis.

This update was followed by two special event liquor license approvals. The first was for KDNK Community Radio’s Halloween dance party at the Third Street Center on Oct. 29. The second was a River Bridge Regional Center fundraiser at the Thunder River Theatre theater on Oct. 22.

A memorandum of understanding between Carbondale and other municipalities, medical providers and Garfield County, to establish a regional detox center, was tabled while added language is reviewed by attorneys. The topic will be discussed on Oct. 25.

Trustees then took a moment to review the allocation of marijuana and tobacco taxes, both of which have been declining.

police with an on-call mental health expert.

“Youth programming at parks and rec would maybe be a fit,” observed Trustee Erica Sparhawk, reflecting on youth comments from the week before.

“I would support that 100%,” said Trustee Marty Silverstein. “Another thing, scholarships. No kid should be deprived of participating in an athletics event… if we can’t support that, as wealthy as this community is, shame on us.”

Trustee Luis Yllanes agreed, suggesting that helping to pay for outdoor programs would be a good use of funds. He elucidated that given recreational marijuana legalization in more states, the wholesale price is in decline which will likely continue to result in lower tax revenue.

The next item that trustees discussed was short-term rental (STR) regulations. Following up on an ordinance passed in March, 65 STRs have been licensed within town limits, roughly 2.5% of the town’s housing stock, with 29 listed as primary residences and 36 as second homes.

Gister said it is clear that some properties are continuing to operate STRs without a license, but a process for enforcement is lacking. She also invited trustees to revisit any other aspect of the ordinance, which now limits licenses to properties that are the applicant’s primary residence, or on the same property, or located within the Historic Commercial Core zone district.

After hearing several public comments, Mayor Bohmfalk recommended the board wait to revisit the ordinance until their proposed 6% STR tax is voted on this November. Then, changes to consider include enforcement, notification, assuring license numbers are placed in advertisements, acquiring software to assist staff with identifying STRs in town limits, specifying proof of primary residence requirements and considering exemptions — for medical personnel, for example, as requested by one member of the public.

Lastly, trustees met with representatives of CLEER for a detailed update about strategies and opportunities to lessen the town’s carbon footprint. The full meeting is available to review on the “Town of Carbondale” YouTube channel.

PRESIDENT: Steve Skadron

VICE

Kister

TREASURER: Brendan Matthias, FirstBank

Leah Gallant

Garfield & Hecht, P.C.

Garret Jammaron

Alpine Bank

Law, LLC

“Funding is declining, but not to the point it’s going away any time soon,” stated Town Manager Lauren Gister. She suggested leaving cushion in 2023 in case dollars are not as high as anticipated or something like funding a detox center comes up, to give trustees flexibility to make those decisions on the fly. Historically, medical marijuana funding has supported mental health counseling in schools, as well as Hope Center programming that provides

In other news, the Comprehensive Plan update will come before Planning and Zoning for a vote on Oct. 13 at 7 p.m. The draft is online at www. carbondalegov.org

Parties interested in partnering on the 1.4-acre Town Center development downtown are required to submit their qualifications to towncenter81623@ gmail.com by Oct. 19. Details are at www.carbondalegov.org/top_alert_ detail.php

al acceso de

Poniendo de

reporte municipa en español en línea, el mismo día que se

El Sopris Sun

TOURISM

CHAIR: Troy Hawks

Marty Silverstein

Photo by Lewis Cooper

Squaring off with Parkinson’s

By James Steindler Contributing Editor

All Valley Boxing (AVB) started in a church garage in Carbondale about six years ago, according to the organization’s founder, Paul Shaffer. Today, as a nonprofit organization, AVB strives to strengthen the quality of life for its participants through boxing.

Shaffer grew up in the Boston area. He was in his early 20s when he happened upon a boxing gym readying to open its doors. “I stopped in one day and, as they say, ‘The rest is history.’”

He went on to compete in Golden Gloves competitions and was ranked number two in New England’s amateur boxing circuit in the early ‘80s. After being offered a five-year contract through a world-class manager, he had a conversation with his dad, who encouraged him to do some soul searching. He did, and opted not to accept the offer. “So, that was my retirement,” Shaffer laughed.

Still, he’s always maintained a love for the sport.

Shaffer has been coaching the Power Punch Parkinson’s classes nearly since the organization’s inception.

In the beginning, AVB moved around a bit, holding young adult sessions at Bridges High School in the mornings, and, “All the while, we were teaching the Parkinson’s crew out of what was then the Rising Crane Training Center,”

explained Shaffer. Rising Crane closed its doors about a month ago, he added, so those classes have resumed at Elite Performance Academy in Carbondale and Midland Fitness in Glenwood Springs.

In fact, the former owner of Rising Crane, Karen Bradshaw, started the Power Punch Parkinson’s program locally, before handing it off to Shaffer. There are similar chapters across the country.

Power Punch is sponsored by the Parkinson Association of the Rockies (PAR), making those classes free of charge to participants. “I never want money to be a reason why somebody can’t come in and train,” said Shaffer.

Typically, exercise comes highly recommended to those living with Parkinson’s disease, and, according to PAR’s website, “Exercise has been proven to slow the progression of the disease.”

Boxing is also a great way to focus on coordination. “There’s a cognitive association,” stated Shaffer. “There are a number of punches and we number every punch … so they have to associate a number with a punch on the bag,” not dissimilar to training as a professional boxer, he added.

There’s a lot of balance work involved, as well as strength building — covering each corner in the fight against Parkinson’s.

There’s also a social aspect, Shaffer

continued, even when it comes to “mittwork,” with one participant wearing mitts meant to receive hits for their partner to throw punches at.

“A lot of people have been here for years, coming to the same class,” he added. Meeting up three times a week, regular members have cultivated true friendships through the program.

Young adults

AVB has trained young adults, 14 and up, also for about five years — although at a more permanent location, Midland Fitness, for the last three.

Through the sport, young people not only learn how to throw punches, but it teaches discipline and the value of hard work. “Most of them will say it’s the hardest thing they’ve ever done,” Shaffer told The Sopris Sun.

Being an individualized sport, it takes a lot of self motivation. “You can see the ones who really start picking it up versus the ones who still kind of drag; but once I kind of nudge them along they start understanding … what they need to do to get the job done.”

Shaffer continued, “My motto is, ‘The hardest part is showing up,’” a phrase he picked up from a role model of his own.

Furthermore, Shaffer pointed out that a trainer can’t work with everyone at once, because they’re all at different levels — further incentivising selfdiscipline.

Usually, it takes about a month or

two from the time someone begins classes before Shaffer partners them with someone to spar with. “I just try to determine when they’re ready and when they want to — they have to be 100% ready. I mean, let’s face it, the sport is to hit and get hit.”

Two students are training to compete at The House of Pain in Aurora, although it all depends on getting matched with an opponent who meets their physical and experiential level.

The young adults meet twice a week and there are currently about 12 regulars. AVB charges for the class, unless there is a financial need, Shaffer specified.

For more information about AVB, visit www.allvalleyboxing.com

CASA of the Continental Divide guides volunteer ad vocates who ensure a child’s safety, best interest and well-being are at the forefront of legal proceedings.

child should be given the op portunity

and loving home.

with

mtncasa.org or

today! Apply to

at 970-513-9390.

Power Punch Parkinson's participants practice mitt-work at Sopris Park. Photo by Jane Bachrach

Photo by Jane Bachrach

Tim Parks faces off with the camera. Photo by Jane Bachrach

Caterpillar Moves

By Jampa

Potato Day Recipe

Jillene Rector, raised in the same Carbondale home she resides in today, brings readers this Potato Day themed recipe which she used a lot while working on a ranch in Kirby, Montana in the ‘80s. She would serve the ranch hands after a long day of working the land and its livestock.

So, in the spirit of the good old days, pick up a bag of local potatoes — enough to go around, plenty of butter, the rest of the ingredients listed below and be sure to add plenty of love.

Here’s the formula, as written in Rector’s personal notebook of recipes:

Potato Casserole

Boil six medium potatoes in skins, [then] peel and grate.

Melt ¼ cup of butter and 2 cups of shredded cheese

Stir in 2 cups of sour cream, ½ cup of a chopped onion, 1 teaspoon of salt and ¼ teaspoon of pepper

Add potatoes and put in a buttered dish

Dot with butter

Bake at 350 degrees for 45 minutes

[And have a tater-ific Potato Day!]

The recipe, as written. Photo by Jillene Rector

Nothing goes with Potato Day quite like cowboy coffee, boiled in a copper cauldron. Get your fill this Saturday in Sopris Park.

Photo from the archives of the Valley Journal

True Nature celebrates 15 years at The Crystal Jubilee

By Kate Phillips Sopris Sun Correspondent

A stunning fall morning set the tone for a festive and inspiring day at True Nature Healing Arts as they hosted The Crystal Jubilee, a “renaissance of the awakened mind,” celebrating True Nature’s 15-year anniversary.

Founded in 2007 by Eaden and Deva Shantay, True Nature is an intentional sanctuary for visitors to explore and redefine their personal potential through workshops, events, ceremonies and retreats. The sanctuary further provides a rejuvenating spa and the lush Peace Garden to enhance one’s innergrowth.

Coinciding with the Fall Equinox and the International Day of Peace, The Crystal Jubilee took place on Sept. 24 in the Peace Garden. While the garden readies for its winter slumber, visitors were enlivened by an eventful day which focused on intention-setting and honoring the land, accompanied by heartcentric entertainment.

“There were a lot of moving parts, but we really wanted to relate to everyone,” Andrew Whitt, Development Director of True Nature, said. “To have something for our entire community and to celebrate everyone is really important to us.”

The day opened with a powerful tribute to peace, guided by local and national non-denominational spiritual and religious

leaders who spoke about the moments that shaped their spiritual awakenings. Together, attendees and leaders shared in a breathtaking, synergistic experience that imbued world peace into the aethers.

Following the opening ceremony, Eaden provided a guided tour while simultaneously sharing True Nature’s history and, perhaps most notably, its transition into the nonprofit sector.

At the beginning of 2022, the Shantays gifted True Nature and all of its assets to a foundation with the intention of expanding True Nature’s positive impact. While the Foundation is still in its early phases, Whitt said they plan to expand the educational campus by attracting forwardthinking visionaries and leaders who can support the community’s desire for increased accessibility.

“We’re going to have slow, organic, intentional growth that will really benefit the community,” Whitt explained. “There is a diverse group of trustees with an array of connections who will hear from all angles — including marginalized voices — and try to implement strategies and partnerships that can make a difference on every level.”

As visitors envisioned the future, they stepped back into the present with a stellar five course ayurvedic inspired meal presented by the Organic Cafe. The free offering nourished visitors with an enticing

menu that explored the five elements of space: air, fire, water, and earth. A dynamic selection of herbs and vegetables from the Peace Garden and speciality items from local artisans and farmers, such as Shepherd’s Bread and Seed Peace, highlighted the menu.

“I am so grateful for our cafe to rise to the occasion and want to do something for the celebration,” Whitt said. “It was really beautiful.”

The land, which plays a vital role at True Nature, underwent a special biodynamic stir led by True Nature’s master gardener, Megan Miller, and Thompson and Colleen Bishop of Alchemy of Prana. This deliberate agricultural practice acts as the soil’s homeopathic medicine that rebalances the garden and land to increase nutrient absorption and resiliency to pests. At True Nature, mindful agriculture is imperative because it helps support the health and fertility of the land so that future generations can continue to enjoy the garden’s bounty.

While conversations flowed and mandalas and flower crowns were created for the deities, an incredible lineup of music awaited to fill the hearts and souls of guests.

In the kiva, violinist and VOICES executive director MinTze Wu performed the second half of Bach’s Sonatas and Partitas for solo violin, “The Playful.” The kiva accented Wu’s performance as she soared through the melodies and lifted the spirits of

attendees in the waning afternoon light.

Under a blanket of stars, Tierro Band with Bridget Law closed the event as they took the audience on a cosmic musical journey that transcended time and space. Nestled between the yoga spiral’s Aspen trees, the scene felt other-worldly as guests jubilantly danced in the nighttime glow to a

lively performance of “gypsy grass” music.

Reflecting upon The Crystal Jubilee, one can say that it was the beginning of a beautiful metamorphosis for True Nature.

Throughout True Nature’s transition, the celebration will continue as they look to create a more mindful and inclusive future for the community.

Eaden Shantay led a tour of True Nature's gardens.

Photo by Sue Rollyson

The Crystal Jubilee celebration invited local thought leaders such as Brook LeVan (above) and John Bruna (below) to speak from within True Nature’s kiva. Photos by Sue Rollyson

Nancy Marie Vories

Nancy Marie Vories of Carbondale passed away on ursday, Sept. 22 a er a di cult battle with leukemia at the age of 63. Nancy was born in Alamosa to Hazel and Marion "Spike" Petty. She moved to Grand Junction for college and met her late husband Dan Vories. ey had two boys, Taylor and Luke, and later moved to Carbondale where they made a beautiful life together. She and Dan built many friendships in the community and loved being a part of their church.

Nancy lived to socialize, was a wonderful host and cook, and was always around to talk to anyone who needed to chat. She touched the lives of many, and we will all greatly miss her boisterous laugh, her caring spirit and her big, beautiful smile.

Nancy is survived by her mother Hazel, her older brothers Ron, Ralph, and Gary, her sons, Luke and his wife Sarah, Taylor and his wife Kate, and her three grandchildren, Hunter, Felix, and Carter.

ere will be a memorial for Nancy at the Orchard Church in Carbondale on Oct. 1 at 1 p.m.

LETTERS continued from page 2

the spectrum are the extremists who believe theirs is the only true religion and they will eliminate all non-believers. In between are all the other religions, including the largest and fastest growing in most nations called humanism, where self and humans can solve all challenges with no superior being to answer to.

The Founders didn’t want the new national government to adhere to one identified religion, as in the European countries many of them left for America’s freedom. However, our federal and state constitutions all recognize a power greater than the ruling government to be the source of our freedoms that politicians can’t take away:

1776 Declaration of Independence“We are endowed by our Creator [and not the D.C. Swamp] with certain inalienable rights…”

March 4, 1789 U.S. Constitution effective- “…secure the Blessings of Liberty…”

Aug. 1, 1876 Colorado’s Constitution enacted- “…with profound reverence to the Supreme Ruler of the Universe… secure the Blessings of Liberty…”

The radicals and atheists have their historical resolutions to stand on, as they worship government:

1789 French Revolution- a godless society murdering all resistance and changing the calendar to avoid any connection to Jesus’ life on earth.

1917 Bolshevik Revolution- a godless society murdering all resistance and active today.

In the USA, we still have the freedom to worship the Creator, while doing as He commanded us to be good stewards of His Creation. We also

have the freedom to worship self, the environment/animals, the government, etc. Fortunately, most of our civil and criminal laws are based on Christianity and the Holy Bible and not some other religion that changes with every rotation of the earth.

While our nation’s founding definitely had Christian influence and prospered greatly, our decline began in the mid-1800s to where we now may be described as an anti-Christian nation due to the radical actions of the past 170 years and mainstream media deception. Might the solution to today’s woes be that we return to our roots and stop childishly idolizing government to fill our every need, once done by family, churches and local communities?

So thank you Tom Jankovsky for following the Christian mandate to be a good steward of God’s resources, care so wisely for those in the county and for being a committed, diligent servant for Garfield County.

Jerry Law, Glenwood Spring

Letter policy: Please limit your letters to 500 words. We are committed to including all perspectives in The Sopris Sun. If your letter does not appear, it may be because of space limitations in the paper or because other letters we printed expressed the same idea or point of view. Letters are due by noon on the Monday before we go to print.

Full-time groundskeeper for a private estate in Aspen, CO. Assist the facilities manager with hands on maintenance of grounds and structures, including snow removal, lawn maintenance, and irrigation. Must have experience providing similar services, be capable of physically demanding work and be able to write and speak English. Clean driving record required. Send resume to maria.hr.rfv@gmail.com.

Jardinero de tiempo completo para una propiedad privada en Aspen, CO. Asistir al administrador de instalaciones con el mantenimiento de jardines y estructuras, incluyendo remover la nieve, el mantenimiento del césped e irrigación. El aplicante deberá tener experiencia sirviendo en posiciones similares, deberá tener la capacidad de realizar trabajos físicamente exigentes y poder escribir y hablar inglés. Se requiere un historial de conducir limpio. Enviar currículum a maria.hr.rfv@gmail.com.

GUNNISON

Blacksmith Vaughn Shafer, owner of Iron Arts, refurbished the El Jebel sign last week for the first time since 2008.

Photos by Paula Mayer