20231227

This Week: 4-5 ~ Year in Review 6-7 ~ Calendar 9-11 ~ Español 12-15 ~ Year in Review 17 ~ Works in Progress

Your nonprofit

community newspaper

Volume 15, Number 47 | Dec. 28, 2023 - Jan. 3, 2024

Courtesy photo Photo by Sue Rollyson Photo by Raleigh Burleigh

Photo by Elvis Estrada

Photo by Klaus Kocher

Photo by Sue Rollyson

Looking back, 2023

It was a year of contrasts, with jubilation and hardship. Find our year in review feature on pages

Photo by Raleigh Burleigh

4-5 and 12-15.

Photo by Amy Hadden Marsh

Photo by Sue Rollyson

Photo by Jane Bacharach

Photo by Raleigh Burleigh

El Sol del Valle, a magical newspaper OPINION

By Vanessa Porras Sol del Valle Editor

I remember when el Sol del Valle was just an idea. Before we were coworkers, Raleigh Burleigh was already a great friend. We had arranged to meet at Spring Gulch for Nordic skiing in early 2021.

After a tough and isolated pandemic, I longed to be able to connect with friends in the great outdoors. As we slid down the snowy trails, Raleigh told me about a project he was planning to start; a Spanish-language newspaper.

He described it to me as an artistic magazine, or something of that nature. Something that would not only inform, but also carry the essence of the Latino culture.

Months later, I was invited to be a board member and began writing my column, Al No Artista, about creativity and art. I enjoyed being able to philosophize about what I believed in and to develop those theories. Art and words have always been two of my greatest loves, and it gave me great joy to be able to combine the two.

After a while, Crystal Mariscal, as the great communicator and organizer that she is, took over as the first editor of el Sol del Valle.

Slowly over the months, I got to know the other columnists and recognized that each of them had an incredible story, and so much to contribute to their community.

I remember one of those first columns was by Judith AlvarezQuiroz, Desde la Clínica. Judith is

LETTERS

Re: Gaza ceasefire

I wrote a guest opinion in last week’s issue about the war in Gaza, arguing Americans were in a unique position to stop the war and restart peace talks. I referred to the repeated U.S. vetoes of ceasefire resolutions in the U.N. Security Council, increasingly at odds with the rest of the world. Indeed, on Friday, a Security Council resolution passed that the Biden Administration had succeeded in watering down, making sure the wording “cessation of hostilities” was changed to simply, “extended pauses and humanitarian corridors,” which Israel will ignore.

Aid groups were quick to point out the obvious: they can’t distribute aid while bombs still fall from the sky.

The United States continues to

one of the most altruistic people I know, always sharing information on how to improve one’s health and, on top of that, the work she does with SANA. Through that first column, I learned that Judith was a medical assistant in Mexico and that she also had a column published in The New York Times, sharing the loss of her husband during the pandemic.

And like Judith, many other columnists came to share their personal stories and expand their work to communicate with the Spanish-speaking community through el Sol del Valle.

After several months, in the middle of 2022, Crystal resigned from her position, and like Bambi on ice, a little unsure of what I was doing, I accepted the position as editor. During this year and a half, I have seen the expansion and need for what Raleigh once dreamed.

A partnership was formed with seven media partners spanning from Aspen to Glenwood Springs, including Aspen Daily News, Aspen Public Radio, Aspen Journalism, Aspen Times, KDNK, Post Independent and La TriColor.

We have also collaborated with other media outlets outside of our partnership, including Chalkbeat, The Colorado Sun and KGNU. El Sol del Valle received a grant from the Colorado Media Project that helped not only to create a full-time editor position, but also provided us with the funds necessary to hire Latino freelancers. We have a team of approximately 10 columnists, two translators, an illustrator, a photographer and an intern.

Our columnists are a team of professionals who provide information to their community on topics ranging from culture and the arts to immigration and the immigrant experience, law enforcement and civic rights, environmental sustainability and preservation, physical and mental health, as well as food insecurity services.

Our columnists are people who

have lived in the community, who are critical thinkers and have a lot to say. I have seen them grow from people who were unsure of their contribution as columnists to people who are inspired and willing to dive into a story to report about their own community.

One of our translators, Jacquelinne Castro, is now also our illustrator, after she very timidly submitted a drawing for our New Year's issue in 2023. I have seen her improve as a translator after her talent as an artist was also recognized and encouraged.

Triny Rochin, columnist for Volver a lo Esencial (Back to Basics), went through several topics until she decided she wanted to focus on the evolution of the "American Dream" and highlight family values. After writing her first column on this topic, she has been approached by Latino family businesses who want to be featured in her column. A few months ago, she sent me a message and told me she was meeting members of the community she had never spoken to despite living in the valley for more than 20 years.

Jackie Ramirez is our COLab intern. She wrote her first story in Spanish and proudly shared it on social media because her story was featured on the cover. Now, she is managing our social media and also shares the Chisme del Pueblo feature as a video.

There are many more examples like these. I could talk about each one of the members of this team and "throw flowers" at them, as they say in Spanish. I speak about our contributors because they are also the community that reads and shares the newspaper. El Sol del Valle is a place where the community can be uplifted and highlighted, as well as informed. It is an example of collaboration between various news outlets for the benefit and health of a community that has been largely left uninformed via print media in our region.

People who didn’t think their

be the lone nation standing in the way of an end to Israel’s assault on the 2.2 million people of Gaza.

Israel’s military has killed 20 times the number of innocent Palestinians as the number of innocent Israelis Hamas killed on Oct. 7. Half of Gazans are facing starvation. All are facing disease. Even if there was a ceasefire tomorrow, it will take an enormous international humanitarian effort to provide food, water and medicine to Gaza, the open-air prison they were living in now utterly leveled, as high Israeli officials promised. And only the United States, which provides 15% of Israel’s military budget and automatic veto power at the U.N. can pressure Israel to accept a ceasefire. Which is why it’s more vital than ever that we call our

Senators Bennet and Hickenlooper and Representative Boebert, none of whom are among the 63 members of Congress who support a ceasefire resolution. And join Ceasefire Now RFV, a group of citizens in the valley working for an immediate ceasefire and massive humanitarian aid to Gaza. Follow us on Instagram: @ CeasefireNowRFV Will Hodges, Carbondale

2 • THE SOPRIS SUN • soprissun.com • December 28, 2023 - January 3, 2024

continues on page 18

Christmas cheer

A couple of days before Christmas, I found myself at City Market in Carbondale looking for last-minute items. I was cruising the aisles when two young boys, along with their parents, walked toward me and one continues on page 18

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

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

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

Donations are fully tax deductible.

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

Legacy Givers for including us in their final wishes.

Mary Lilly

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

SCUTTLEBUTT

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

Silent night Our Underwriters and Nonprofit Partners!

An Xcel Energy power outage on Christmas Eve affected homes in neighborhoods surrounding Carbondale for several hours. Power blipped out downtown but returned in short order. Others were left up to their own creative devices.

CO v. Trump

Last week, the Colorado Supreme Court ruled that Donald Trump is ineligible to appear on Colorado’s 2024 presidential primary ballot. Colorado Secretary of State Jena Griswold was sued by six Republican and unaffiliated voters on Sept.

6 demanding that Colorado must disqualify Trump from the ballot based on language in Section 3 of the 14th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution. Next, the Supreme Court will decide whether to hear the former president's appeal.

Sheltering newcomers

Carbondale’s Community United Methodist Church on 2nd Street announced on Christmas Eve that the building will serve as a temporary shelter during the evenings for some of the mostly Venezuelan refugees that have been staying at the Third Street Center since November. Town Hall will also receive around 20 people each night. The Third Street Center, meanwhile, plans to phase down its use as a shelter by Jan. 19.

As reported by the Post Independent, a $223,880 emergency grant was approved from the Colorado Department of Local Affairs "to assist with housing services, transportation, local government staffing and more."

Crystal Theatre update 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

The Ezras announced that in preparation for handing over their business to new owners, Discount Passes and Gift Tickets now sold will expire one year from the date-of-purchase. A clause in the listing states that Discount Passes and Gift Tickets dating back to 2018 must be honored.

Fourmile closures

The White River National Forest enacted several closures to snowmobiles and other vehicles in the Fourmile area for public safety due to logging and related hauling operations.

Fourmile Road is closed to all vehicles, including snowmobiles, at the gate about ½-mile above the snowmobile parking area.

In addition, the first two miles of the Sunlight to Powderhorn Trail are closed. Snowmobilers can use alternate routes such as the Fourmile Trail and the Pipeline Trail to travel around both closures and resume travel on the Fourmile Road/Sunlight-toPowderhorn Trail.

Sweetwater sale

The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is proposing to sell a 7.55-acre parcel in Eagle County to the operator of Anderson Summer Camp, resolving a more than 100-year-old inadvertent trespass. The land is being sold for the fair-market value and the purchasers will reimburse the BLM for its staff time processing the sale. Written comments may be emailed to blm_co_si_ crvfo_webmail@blm.gov or sent to Larry W. Sandoval Jr., Field Manager, Colorado River Valley Field Office, 2300 River Frontage Road, Silt, CO 81652.

"Tinsel in the sky" spotted on Christmas Day by photographer Sue Rollyson

Art Around Town

The Town of Carbondale Public Art Commission’s annual rotating sculpture show, Art Around Town, is receiving applications through Feb. 5 for 15 outdoor pieces that will be on display from June 6, 2024 through May 15, 2025. Artists can have up to four sculptures selected with a $1,000 honorarium per sculpture. A $250 travel allowance will also be paid for out-of-town artists for delivery costs.

Apply online at www.bit.ly/CdaleArt2024

They say it’s your birthday!

Folks celebrating another trip around the sun this week include: Chip Bishop (Dec. 28); Sue Edelstein, Mark Gray, Jordan Hirro, Randy Schutt, Will Tempest, Nick Walgren and Debbie Wilde (Dec. 29); Beymar Silva and Stephanie Syson (Dec. 30); Chris Barlow and Kris Cook (Dec. 31); Ryan Camp, Anne Grice, DJ Hill and Dan Sadowsky (Jan. 1); Dustin Eli and Eric Rudd (Jan. 2); Angela Bruno, Patrick Casse, Jay Engstrom, Mark Hamilton, Kerry Honan and Lucas Pulver (Jan. 3).

Your Mid-Valley Real Estate Expert Professionally Representing You with 16 Years of Experience

HILARY PORTERFIELD

Call me, I love to talk real estate!

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

THE SOPRIS SUN • Your weekly community connector • December 28, 2023 - January 3, 2024 • 3

Year in Review: 2023

By Raleigh Burleigh Sopris Sun Editor

The events of 2023 evoked much compassion, perhaps even challenging our capacity to care without being overwhelmed as our world slides into unfamiliar terrain. The “Year of the Water Rabbit” in Chinese astrology has certainly been emotional and fast-paced.

If 2022 was a return to “normalcy,” 2023 had us sprinting to keep up with the changes. Many of the things that transpired this past year set the stage for an even more interesting year to follow. With a presidential election looming and artificial intelligence (AI) poised to play an ever larger role in our already-saturated information landscape, it’s a wise time to take a breath and reflect.

Photo by Raleigh Burleigh

Courtesy photo

57 representative in Colorado’s 74th general assembly. Perry Will of New Castle was selected to fill the Colorado Senate District 5 vacancy left by Bob Rankin’s departure.

The shortage of chicken eggs (and a sharp spike in their price) was attributed to avian influenza, though the passage of House Bill 1343 (requiring egg producers provide at least one square foot of space per laying hen) was considered to be a contributing factor as well.

January

After almost 40 years of public service, former Garfield County clerk and recorder Jean Alberico passed the baton to Jackie Harmon. A boisterous retirement party was enjoyed by all.

Carbondale trustees approved naming the donated park space at 4th and Main after Chris and Terry Chacos, founders of the Village Smithy restaurant credited with bringing vibrancy to Main Street.

Spring Gulch opened for the season with six kilometers of new trails.

Elizabeth Velasco of Glenwood Springs began her work as District

A community housing plan was adopted by Carbondale trustees, with the goal of doubling the number of deed-restricted, rental-capped and town-owned units by 2032 — from 144 to 288. Trustees also approved a predevelopment agreement with nonprofit Artspace for the townowned property surrounding Thunder River Theatre.

Swimming athlete Amélie Ogilby made the Sopris Barracudas proud at the Junior Nationals in Austin, Texas.

Courtesy photo

Cathy Derby retired, after nearly 18 years as Carbondale’s town clerk.

Alpine Bank celebrated its 50th anniversary with a Larry Day calendar and party at their Carbondale branch.

Governor Jared Polis proclaimed Aug. 1, 2023 as “Alpine Bank Day.” A rockslide on Jan. 18 paused Rocky Mountain Industrials’ operations at the limestone quarry above Glenwood Springs, initiating an investigation into possible permit violations. In April, the Colorado Court of Appeals upheld a 2021

Art by Larry Day

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Trauma and General Surgeon, Chief of Medical Staff

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4 • THE SOPRIS SUN • soprissun.com • December 28, 2023 - January 3, 2024

Ask your doctor if this surgery is right for you.

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Get to know da Vinci.

Devastating earthquakes in Turkey and Syria killed at least 65,000 people.

March

The Valley enjoyed above-normal snowpack with a heavy winter followed by a wet spring. Roaring Fork Conservancy wrote: “The watershed has not seen cumulative [snow water equivalent] levels this high since 2011!”

Carbondale Arts’ fashion show was revived after a three-year hiatus. “Mirror Mirror,” the show sunk by COVID in 2020, finally surfaced with extra polish and good vibes.

Colorado Rocky Mountain School dominated the Colorado State High School Climbing Championships with first place in the Varsity Boys, JV Boys and JV Girls competitions.

Courtesy photo

Carbondale changed direction on a plan to spray herbicides at the Nature Park, instead consulting with Bee Happy Lands. Trustees also approved a 50-unit employee housing development for the Roaring Fork School District, currently under construction near the high school.

Photo by Sue Rollyson

Garfield County District Court decision that the county has the authority to enforce special use permit conditions, regardless of the fact that the company operates the Mid-Continent Quarry on federal land.

February

The controversial Crystal Trail advanced, with the White River National Forest’s environmental assessment finding “no significant impact” from a proposed seven-mile bicycle and pedestrian trail between Redstone and McClure Pass. Wilderness Workshop and other orgs disagreed. “This is an 83-mile trail that the Forest Service has failed to comprehensively evaluate,” Wilderness Workshop assessed.

Pitkin County’s alert system

continues on page 12

Photo by Jane Bacharach

Courtesy photo

partnered with ReachWell to offer translations in 100 languages.

Meanwhile, a statewide “swatting” incident placed local schools on “lockdown” status.

The Farm Collaborative and Seed Peace, two leading regenerative ag orgs in the Valley, joined forces “to increase efficiencies while maximizing impact.”

Tuition-free preschool enrollment began for the fall semester.

In its 50th year, the Buddy Program expanded to Glenwood Springs.

Local libraries introduced passwords associated with online browsing.

SNAP benefits returned to prepandemic levels.

Garfield County Commissioners approved the Fussner Minor Subdivision, located in Missouri Heights at the same site as the previously proposed, and rejected, Ascendigo Ranch.

Art by Jaquelinne Castro

SOPRIS SUN'S YOUTH JOURNALISM PROGRAM

Ensure the journalism of tomorrow by supporting our program today.

DONATE HERE

www.coloradogives.org/organization/TheSoprisSun

THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT!

Sopris Sun's youth journalism program features guest teachers on a range of topics from ethics to interviewing to photography to cartooning! Students practice hands-on journalism with pieces published in The Sopris Sun and el Sol del Valle, and are paid a stipend. All high school students are welcome to join us for this journalism education program.

Illustration by Sofie Koski. Youth Program Graduate THE SOPRIS SUN • Your weekly community connector • December 28, 2023 - January 3, 2024 • 5

COMMUNITY CALENDAR Visit soprissun.com to submit events

HAPPY HOLIDAYS FROM

MANA FOODS N AT U R A L F O O D S S T O R E

Whether it’s a fantastic dessert, a local artisan bread, or a gourmet ingredient you can’t live without....

Think of us for all of your holiday needs.

Dance Aspen performed A Snowy Soiree at the Wheeler Opera House this past weekend. Photo by Jordan Curet

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 28

CARBONARO EFFECT The star of a popular series, “The Carbonaro Effect,” Michael Carbonaro performs a New Year’s Eve show at the Wheeler Opera House at 6pm. Tickets at www.wheeleroperahouse.com

CRYSTAL THEATRE The Crystal Theatre shows “The Boys in the Boat” tonight, Friday and Saturday at 7pm and Sunday at 5pm.

“Maestro” returns on Saturday at 4pm.

ALCOHOL�FREE NYE The 13 Moons Ranch south of Carbondale hosts a New Year's Eve extravaganza beginning at 6pm. There will be chocolate, empanadas, a shadow puppet show, vision boarding, music

by Sweet Root, a dance party and a midnight sound bath. Proceeds benefit the Land of Peace Art Village in Ghana.

COMMUNITY DINNER The Redstone General Store serves up a community meal with live music from 4 to 8pm.

Mana Foods 792 Hwy 133, Carbondale Open 7 days a week 10-6:30 Phone: 970-963-1137

CELEBRATE THE SEASONS FINEST AT MANA FOODS REGISTER TODAY!

Community Classes in Carbondale

CAMPUS CLOSED FOR HOLIDAYS Friday, 12/22 - Tuesday, 1/2

CROSS COUNTRY SKI LESSONS Beginner and Intermediate level classes in both Skate and Classic style at Spring Gulch Trails.

Various dates in January PILATES BLEND A popular workout class that targets specific muscles while engaging the entire body. All exercises focus on the core principles of Pilates.

Mon/Wed, 1-1:50pm, 1/8-2/28 FUNDRAISING FUNDAMENTALS An online class dedicated to nonprofits, board members and volunteers. This 3-evening class will focus on the basics of fundraising.

Tuesdays, 7-8:15pm, 1/16-1/30 QIGONG Simple movements that energize, and harmonize the internal organs and energy flow. A gentle practice that improves balance, flexibility, and muscle tone, while promoting relaxation and focus.

Wed., 10:30-11:30am, 1/17-4/3

FILM STUDIES Watch five curated films and examine some literary and technical terms, as well as some social issues to guide discussions.

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

TODDLER AND ME YOGALATES Yoga and pilates are combined in this playful class where you can connect and exercise with your baby/toddler aged 6 mos - 4 yrs Fridays, 9:30-10:30am, 1/19-2/9 HAND WOVEN BASKETS Learn the basics of basket weaving while creating a beautiful and functional “Jelly Jar” basket.

Monday, 9am-3pm, 2/5 BEGINNER OIL PAINTING Learn the basics of mixing and painting with water-based oil paints. Class includes exercises, paintings, hands-on practice and guidance. Supplies are provided.

Tuesdays, 1:30-4:30pm, 2/6-3/19 SPRING PLANTING IN THE ROCKIES How and when to plant for successful high altitude gardening.

Wednesday, 6-8pm, 3/6

FOR MORE INFO AND TO REGISTER...

coloradomtn.edu/community-education

Carbondale Lappala Center • 690 Colorado Ave • 963-2172

6 • THE SOPRIS SUN • soprissun.com • December 28, 2023 - January 3, 2024

LEE ROCKER Grammy-nominated Stray Cats founder and upright slap bassist Lee Rocker performs at the Wheeler Opera House at 7:30pm. Tickets at www.wheeleroperahouse.com

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 29

HOUSE OF VENUS Thunder River Theatre Company presents “House of Venus,” a fundraiser gala, at 7:30pm tonight and tomorrow. Tickets at www. thunderrivertheatre.com

NY BASH Rootbeer Richie & The Reveille perform a New Year’s Eve Bash at TACAW at 8pm. Tickets at www.tacaw.org DJ TACHÉ El Dorado celebrates New Year’s Eve with DJ Taché spinning tunes from 9:30pm to 12:30am.

MONDAY, JANUARY 1

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 30

2024 Begin the new year with intention setting at Kula (1201 Main Street) from 10am to noon, including live music, meditation prompts, 108 sun salutations, mimosas and OJ. Tickets at www.kulayogaonmain.com

DRAG BINGO Marble Distilling hosts the Roaring Divas for a goldthemed bingo night at 7pm.

TUESDAY, JANUARY 2

SLOPESIDE SOIRÉE The Aspen Art Museum hosts a “Slopeside Soirée” benefit at 5:30pm. Tickets and more info at www.aspenartmuseum.org

OZOMATLI A Valley favorite, Ozomatli, performs at the Wheeler Opera House at 7:30pm.

Tickets at www.wheeleroperahouse.com

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 31

SPRING GULCH The Mount Sopris Nordic Council celebrates the addition of the Marion Lot at Spring Gulch with coffee, cocoa and sweet treats from 11am to 1pm.

NOON YEAR’S EVE The Glenwood Springs Community Center celebrates “Noon Year’s Eve” with familyfriendly fun from 12 to 2pm.

PRE�PARTY Mountain Heart brewery (1841 Dolores Way) hosts a New Year’s Eve pre-party beginning at 3pm.

YARN GROUP Knitters, crocheters and other yarn workers gather at the Basalt Library from 5 to 7pm. All are welcome.

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 3

POTBELLY PERSPECTIVES The Aspen Center for Environmental Studies presents “Stories from the Wild” with journalist Jeffrey Barbee at 6pm at Hallam Lake.

THURSDAY, JANUARY 4

TEEN LIBRARY COUNCIL The Basalt Library Teen Library Council meets from 4 to 5pm.

Students involved commit to one hour per month and can influence the games, books, movies and programs that the library makes available.

FRIDAY, JANUARY 5

NATURE JOURNALING Adults wishing to explore, observe

Let’s Get You

Covered.

Two beautiful performances yielded some very lovely photos. Photo by Jordan Curet

and creatively document nature are invited to join novice and experienced sketchbook artists at the Carbondale Library from 1 to 2:30pm.

FIRST FRIDAY Carbondale hosts a family ice skating party at the Chacos Park Ice Rink from 5 to 8pm.

GLENWOOD CAVERNS Pam and Dan perform at the Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park from 5 to 8pm.

WHIFFENPOOFS Yale University’s famous a capella group, the Whiffenpoofs, performs at TACAW at 8pm.

Epicure Catering’s Supper Club will serve a pre-show dinner for up to 60 patrons at 6pm.

Find tickets at www.tacaw.org

ONGOING

MEDICAL CONSULTATIONS “Health is not just about pills and procedures.” La Clínica del Pueblo offers free medical consultations. For details, call Dr. Feinsinger at 970-379-5718.

AA The Meeting Place in Carbondale (981 Cowen Drive) offers “Hole in the Donut AA,” Monday through Saturday, at 6:45am, plus “Daily Reprieve” at noon on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays.

Find a full schedule at www. meetingplacecarbondale.org WOMENS’ HEALTH Every first and third Tuesday, the Mobile Health Clinic will be parked on Gisella Way in Basalt from 10am to 2pm, providing free ultrasounds, STI testing and more. More info is at www.pregnancycolorado.org YARN GROUP Basalt Library hosts a weekly yarn group on Tuesdays at 5pm. All are welcome.

BIKE PROJECT The Carbondale Bike Project Shop helps people repair their bicycles on Tuesdays from 2 to 6pm and Thursdays and Sundays from noon to 6pm at the Third Street Center.

SENIOR LUNCH Every Wednesday at noon, Garfield County Senior Programs provides a nutritious

SATURDAY, JANUARY 6

AI UNTETHERED The Aspen Science Center is partnering with Aspen Film for three Science on Screen nights at the Isis Theatre, beginning with “AI: UNTETHERED” tonight at 6:30pm. The films “Her” and “The Sun Like a Big Dark Animal” will be presented along with special guests Cristina Nowak and Jessica Ann of aiEDU, an educational nonprofit.

SUNDAY, JANUARY 7

MINING HISTORY The Carbondale Historical Society kicks off a speaker series with a panel of former Mid-Continent and Thompson Creek miners from 5 to 6pm at KDNK. RANDOM CONVERSATIONS The Lost Art of Random Conversations kicks off the new year with a community-building event at the Carbondale Library from 6 to 7:30pm. No RSVP is necessary.

Health Insurance Enrollment Events November 5 November 12 November 19 December 3 December 17 January 14

| | | | | |

Glenwood Library, 9am – 1pm Edwards Integrated Health Center, 9am – 1pm Third Street Center / La Clinica del Pueblo, 9am – 1pm Rifle Library, 9am – 1pm Third Street Center / La Clinica del Pueblo, 9am – 1pm Glenwood Library, 9am – 1pm

Mountain Family Health Centers is a certified assistance site for Connect For Health Colorado. Cover ALL Coloradans expands access to health insurance for all – including those without documentation and DACA recipients.

Call: 833-273-6627 or 970-945-2840 to schedule an appointment Email: EnrollmentHelp@mountainfamily.org

Se Habla Español.

meal for seniors at The Orchard.

To reserve a place at the table, call 970-665-0041.

ASK A LAWYER Alpine Legal Services offers a hotline clinic on Wednesdays from 5 to 7pm.

Call 970-368-2246 and visit alpinelegalservices.org for the schedule of dates by legal topic.

SENIOR SOCIAL Seniors are invited to the Glenwood Springs Library on the second and fourth Thursdays of each month to socialize and make new friends at 1pm.

UNDER THE SUN Join Sopris Sun correspondents and guests for Everything Under The Sun, airing every Thursday on KDNK at 4pm.

Then, stay tuned for El Sol Habla, noticias en español.

GROUP RUN Independence Run and Hike leads a weekly group run on Thursdays departing from the store’s location, next to the Carbondale City Market, at 6:30pm.

COFFEE WITH THE MAYOR Carbondale Mayor Ben Bohmfalk posts up at Bonfire every Friday from 8 to 9am, and everyone is welcome to stop by to chat.

RECOVERY YOGA The Meeting Place hosts a free yoga session for people in recovery on Fridays at 6pm.

THE SOPRIS SUN • Your weekly community connector • December 28, 2023 - January 3, 2024 • 7

Have you heard…..

The Waldorf School on the Roaring Fork

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

El Sol del Valle is searching for its next editor!

is a ‘no-tech’ school?

Reality: we are a ‘slow-tech’ school and we encourage placing value on the intention behind technology use and the ways in which it works as a critical tool in our modern world.

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

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

Our Cyber Civics curriculum prepares students to be ethical, digital citizens and teaches them to leverage the power of technology. Our alumni speak to the value of an education that values human connection first and technology as a tool.

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

Explore our school’s unique approach to technology & discover how ‘slow-tech’ can support your student’s development and your family as a whole.

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

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

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

8 • THE SOPRIS SUN • soprissun.com • December 28, 2023 - January 3, 2024

Discover the difference with Waldorf Education.

Learn more at waldorfschoolrf.com Newborn to 8th grade • 16543 Highway 82, Carbondale CO • (970) 963 - 1960 • @waldorfschoolontheroaringfork

Sol del el

Conectando comunidades desde 2021

Valle

Volumen 2, Número 44 | 28 de deciembre de 2023 - 3 de enero de 2024

Cinco lobos grises liberados en la ladera occidental, y vienen más Por Halle Zander Aspen Public Radio Traducción de Dolores Duarte

Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) liberó cinco lobos grises en terrenos públicos del condado de Grand el 18 de diciembre como parte de una iniciativa electoral aprobada por los votantes en 2020 la cual requería la reintroducción del lobo hacia fines de 2023.

La liberación de tres machos y dos hembras lobo -en su mayoría jóvenes- es parte de un esfuerzo por desarrollar una población permanente y autosostenible de lobos grises en Colorado.

El objetivo de los oficiales es alcanzar una población de entre 30 y 50 lobos en los próximos tres a cinco años.

El Servicio de Pesca y Vida Silvestre de EE.UU. ha designado la población de lobos de Colorado como "experimental" en virtud de la Sección 10(j) de la Ley de Especies Amenazadas.

Esto otorga a CPW cierta flexibilidad en la gestión de la población, de modo que aunque el animal se considere "amenazado" a nivel estatal y federal, CPW puede eliminar letalmente un lobo del paisaje si supone una

amenaza para las personas o el ganado de Colorado.

Los lobos grises pueden aportar beneficios ecológicos como depredadores en el tope de la cadena, según los biólogos de fauna salvaje que estudian su impacto a lo largo del tiempo, al atacar a los miembros débiles y enfermos de las poblaciones de pastoreo y animar a los mamíferos grandes con pezuñas a evitar hábitats ribereños sensibles y abiertos que los hacen vulnerables a los ataques. El Parque Nacional de Yellowstone experimentó un aumento de la biodiversidad tras la reintroducción del lobo en 1995. Sin embargo, esta polémica especie también puede atacar al ganado y suponer una competencia para los amantes de la caza mayor.

Grupos de interés especial que representan a la industria ganadera demandaron a CPW y al Servicio de Pesca y Vida Silvestre a principios de este mes en un intento por detener la liberación de los lobos. Pero, según Associated Press, un juez dictaminó que la liberación podía continuar mientras el caso seguía su curso.

La iniciativa electoral de Colorado se aprobó por un estrecho margen, con la aprobación de muchos votantes

de la ladera frontal y el voto en contra de muchos habitantes de la ladera occidental. El condado de Pitkin fue muy diferente en comparación con la mayoría de los demás condados de la ladera occidental, ya que el 62% de los votantes locales aprobaron la medida.

Reubicación de los lobos

Los cinco lobos grises fueron capturados en Oregon, donde veterinarios y biólogos de CPW evaluaron a los animales para determinar si eran aptos para su reubicación.

En un comunicado de prensa del 18 de diciembre, CPW dijo que los criterios incluían la edad, sexo, salud y condición física de cada animal.

Los tres lobos machos y las dos hembras son negros o grises y pesan entre 68 y 108 libras.

El comunicado de CPW señala que "cada lobo gris fue pesado y medido. El personal recogió material genético -muestras de tejido y sangre- antes de colocar a cada uno un collar satelital GPS para su rastreo".

Los lobos fueron vacunados, puestos en jaulas y se les trasladó en avión a Colorado.

En un comunicado de

Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) liberó cinco lobos grises en terrenos públicos del condado de Grand, Colorado, el 18 de diciembre de 2023. Foto cortesía de CPW

prensa, el gobernador Jared Polis calificó el acontecimiento como histórico.

"Por primera vez desde la década de 1940, el aullido de los lobos volverá oficialmente al oeste de Colorado", dijo Polis. "Los esfuerzos compartidos para reintroducir lobos no han hecho más que empezar y los lobos volverán a unirse a un ecosistema diverso de vida salvaje de Colorado".

CPW dijo que repetirá este proceso hasta que al menos 10 a 15 lobos hayan sido reintroducidos en Colorado para mediados de marzo de 2024, como se indica en el Plan de

Restauración y Gestión del Lobo de Colorado. El plan fue desarrollado a través de una serie de reuniones de las partes interesadas y los esfuerzos de divulgación en el transcurso de dos años.

La agencia estatal dijo que el próximo grupo de lobos reubicados en Colorado procederá de los estados cercanos en el norte de las Montañas Rocallosas, y el personal de CPW los seleccionará de varias manadas diferentes empleando trampas y dardos durante la temporada invernal.

CONVOCATORIA DE CARBONDALE

JUNTA DE SÍNDICOS NOMINACIONES Elecciones ordinarias Ciudad de Carbondale

La ciudad de Carbondale celebrará elecciones municipales ordinarias el 2 de abril de 2024. Se eligen tres asientos de la Junta de Síndicos (todos los términos son de cuatro años). Aquellos que deseen postularse para Síndico pueden recoger una Petición de Nominación a partir del 2 de enero de 2024, lunes-viernes 8:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. de la secretaria del ayuntamiento, 511 Colorado Avenue, Carbondale, CO. Requisitos: Todos los candidatos deben ser un elector cualificado de la ciudad, un ciudadano de Estados Unidos, tener al menos 18 años de edad y haber residido en la ciudad de Carbondale durante un año consecutivo inmediatamente anterior a la fecha de la elección.

Las peticiones deben devolverse a la secretaria del ayuntamiento antes de las 5:00 p.m del lunes 22 de enero de 2024.

La ciudad de Carbondale es un organismo gubernamental local no partidista, por lo que no existe designación de afiliación partidista.

Para más información, póngase en contacto con la secretaria municipal Jessica Markham en el 970-510-1206 o en jmarkham@carbondaleco.net

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10 • el Sol del Valle • soprissun.com/espanol/ • 28 de deciembre de 2023 - 3 de enero de 2024

OPINIÓN

Al no Artista

Por Vanessa Porras Editora de el Sol del Valle

Recuerdo cuando el Sol del Valle era apenas una idea. Antes de ser compañeros de trabajo, Raleigh Burleigh ya era un gran amigo. Habíamos quedado en vernos en Spring Gulch para practicar el esquí nórdico a principios del año 2021.

Después de una pandemia dura y aislada, anhelaba poder conectar con amigos al aire libre. Mientras nos deslizabamos por las vías de nieve, Raleigh me contó sobre un proyecto que pensaba iniciar; un periodico en español. Me lo describió como una revista artística, o algo por el estilo.

Algo que no solo sirviera para informar, sino también tuviera esa esencial de la cultura latina.

Meses después, me invitaron a ser un miembro de la junta y comencé a escribir mi columna, Al No Artista, sobre la creatividad y el arte. Me gustaba poder filosofar sobre lo que creía y poder desarrollar esas teorías. El arte y las letras siempre han sido dos de mis

el Sol del Valle, un periodico magico

más grandes amores, y me daba mucha alegría poder combinar ambas.

Después de un tiempo, Crystal Mariscal como la gran comunicadora y organizadora que es, ocupó el puesto como la primera editora de el Sol del Valle. Lentamente en el transcurso de los meses, fui conociendo a los demás columnistas y reconociendo que cada uno de ellos tenía una historia increíble y tanto que aportar a su comunidad.

Recuerdo que una de esas primeras columnas fue la de Judith Alvarez-Quiroz, Desde la Clínica. Judith, es una de las personas más altruistas que conozco, siempre comparte información sobre cómo mejorar la salud y encima de todo, el trabajo que hace con SANA. A través de esa primera columna aprendí que Judith era una asistente medico en Mexico y que también tuvo una columna publicada en The New York Times, compartiendo la pérdida de su marido durante la pandemia.

Y así como Judith, muchos otros columnistas llegaron a compartir sus historias personales y expandir la labor de su trabajo para poder comunicarlo con la comunidad hispanohablante a través de el Sol del Valle.

Después de varios meses, a mediados del 2022, Crystal renunció a su puesto, y como Bambi en hielo, un poco insegura de lo que hacía, acepté el puesto como editora. Durante este año y medio he visto la expansión y la necesidad de lo que un día

CHISME DEL PUEBLO Traducción por Jacquelinne Castro

Noche silenciosa

Un apagón de Xcel Energy en la víspera de Navidad afectó las casas en los vecindarios alrededor de Carbondale por varias horas. La electricidad se fue en el centro pero regresó después. Otros tuvieron que recurrir a dispositivos creativos.

CO v. Trump

La semana pasada, la corte suprema de Colorado dictaminó que Donald Trump es inelegible a aparecer en las papeletas de votaciones presidenciales de Colorado del 2024. La secretaria de estado de Colorado Jena Griswold ha sido demandada por seis republicanos y votantes no afiliados el 6 de septiembre demandando que Colorado debe descalificar a Trump de la papeleta de votos basado en lenguaje en la sección 3 de la 14 enmienda de la constitución de los EE.UU. “Esto puede ser apelado”, ella comentó.

Albergando a los recién llegados

Community United Methodist Church de Carbondale en la calle 2 anunció en la víspera de

Raleigh soñó.

Se formó una asociación con 7 socios de medios de comunicación que recorren desde Aspen hasta Glenwood Springs que incluye a Aspen Daily News, Aspen Public Radio, Aspen Journalism, Aspen Times, KDNK, Post Independent, y La TriColor. También hemos colaborado con otros medios de comunicación ajenos a nuestra asociación, como Chalkbeat, The Colorado Sun y KGNU. El Sol del Valle recibió una subvención de Colorado Media Project que ayudó no sólo a crear un puesto de editora de tiempo completo, sino que también nos permitió disponer de los fondos necesarios para contratar a freelancers latinos. Tenemos un equipo de aproximadamente 10 columnistas, dos traductores, una ilustradora, un fotógrafo y una becaria.

Nuestros columnistas son un equipo de profesionales que proveen información a su comunidad con temas que entablan desde la cultura y las artes, la inmigración y la experiencia del inmigrante, la aplicación de la ley y los derechos cívicos.

Sostenibilidad, acción, impacto y preservación del medio ambiente. Información sobre la salud física y mental, así como servicios de inseguridad alimentaria.

Nuestros columnistas son personas que han vivido en esta comunidad, son personas que tienen pensamientos críticos del mundo que les rodea y tienen

mucho que decir. Los he visto desarrollarse como personas que no estaban seguras de su contribución como columnistas a personas inspiradas y dispuestas a sumergirse en una historia para informar sobre su propia comunidad.

Una de nuestras traductoras, Jacqueline Castor, es ahora también nuestra ilustradora, después de que muy tímidamente presentará un dibujo para nuestra edición de año nuevo en el 2023. La he visto mejorar como traductora después de que su talento como artista también se reconociera y destacara.

Triny Rochin, columnista de Volver a lo Esencial, pasó por varios temas hasta que decidió que quería enfocarse en la evolución del "sueño americano" y resaltar los valores familiares. Después de escribir su primera columna sobre este tema, se le han acercado empresas familiares latinas que quieren aparecer en su columna. Hace unos meses me envió un mensaje y me dijo que estaba conociendo a miembros de la comunidad con los que nunca había hablado a pesar de llevar más de 20 años viviendo en el valle.

Jackie Ramírez es nuestra becaria de COLab, escribió su primera historia en español y la compartió con orgullo en sus redes sociales porque su historia apareció en la portada. Ahora, se encarga de compartir las historias en las redes sociales y también comparte el Chisme del Pueblo en video.

Hay muchos más ejemplos como estos, pudiera hablar de cada uno de los miembros de este equipo y “echarles flores” como luego dicen. Hablo de nuestros contribuyentes porque ellos también son la comunidad que lee y comparte el periódico. El Sol del Valle es un lugar donde la comunidad puede elevarse y destacarse al mismo tiempo que informarse. Es un ejemplo de colaboración entre varios medios de noticias en beneficio y para la salud de una comunidad que ha estado muy desinformada a través de los medios impresos en nuestra región.

Personas que pensaban que sus historias no merecían ser contadas ven ahora su nombre y su foto en el periódico.

Escritores y creadores cuyos pensamientos y trabajos habían quedado sin expresar, están ahora marcando la diferencia.

Soy la fan número uno de los contribuyentes que no solo me aceptaron como su editora, sino que también confiaron en mí, ha sido mi gran felicidad trabajar con todos ellos así que les doy las gracias. A principios de este mes entregué mi carta de renuncia a la junta, continuaré colaborando con el Sol del Valle como lo hice en su inicio, como columnista de arte y creatividad. Espero que el Sol del Valle continúe creciendo bajo la guía de alguien que vea la magia de lo que es este periodico y esta comunidad. ¡Feliz año nuevo!

Navidad que el edificio servirá como un albergue temporario durante las tardes para algunos de los muchos venezolanos refugiados que se han estado quedando en Third Street Center desde noviembre. El ayuntamiento también recibirá a algunas personas cada noche. Third Street Center planea reducir el uso de albergue a finales de enero, dijo el administrador de Carbondale Luis Yllanes durante una reunión pública en la mañana del 26 de diciembre.

Cierres en Fourmile

El Bosque Nacional White River promulgó varios cierres a motos de nieve y otros vehículos en el área de Fourmile para la seguridad del público debido a la tala forestal y operaciones de transporte. Fourmile Road está cerrada a todos los vehículos, incluyendo motos de nieve, en la puerta a media milla arriba del área de estacionamiento de motonieves. En adición, las dos primeras millas de Sunlight a Powderhorn Trail estarán cerradas.

Los conductores de motos de nieve pueden usar las rutas alternas así como Fourmile Trail y Pipeline Trail para viajar alrededor de ambos cierres y resumir su viaje en Fourmile Road/Sunlight-aPowderhorn Trail.

"Sincronías" parte 54, por Leonardo Occhipinti

el Sol del Valle • Conector de comunidad • 28 de deciembre de 2023 - 3 de enero de 2024 • 11

Year in Review continued...

Mountain Parent changed its name to Mountain Pearl under the leadership of publisher and editor Kathryn Camp.

The Crow & Key opened on Main Street.

Pope Francis “repudiated” the Doctrine of Discovery, the basis of Western expansion and oppression of original peoples globally for more than 500 years. Sopris Sun contributor Amy Hadden Marsh responded with a series of interviews with Indigenous leaders.

April

Basalt’s Midland Avenue redo got underway (approved in 2021) with considerable opposition from affected

Photo by James Steindler

businesses. Public work sessions were hosted to quell concerns, though it was determined delaying the project would be too expensive.

La Raza opened on Main Street, restoring life to the vacant space formerly housing Mi Casita.

5Point Film Festival expanded

Courtesy photo

Collaborative hosted a community meeting at the Marble Firehouse, attracting many participants with a stake in the Crystal River. This meeting was followed by others all summer and another community summit in late October.

RFSD Chief Operating Officer Jeff Gatlin announced his resignation. Ben Bohmfalk would later be hired to fill the role.

Crystal River Elementary School’s 10th annual Rams Run raised a record $31,000.

Glenwood Springs’ 27th Street underpass project got underway (updates here: www.27thstreetproject.com).

Photo by Elizabeth Key

Photo by Sue Rollyson

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KDNK celebrated its 40th birthday with a party at the Third Street Center. Many founding figures and other station leaders were guests at the event and the mortgage was symbolically burned with the building on 2nd Street being fully paid off.

Elected officials gathered on the north bank of the Colorado River in unified opposition to the Uinta Basin Railway.

The Western Colorado Mycological Association held its inaugural meeting in Carbondale.

The Town of Basalt got a new logo.

Carbondale Utilities Director Mark O’Meara retired.

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12 • THE SOPRIS SUN • soprissun.com • December 28, 2023 - January 3, 2024

May

Highway 133 between Somerset and Paonia was destroyed by a washedout culvert, affecting the connection between communities on either side of McClure Pass.

The GCPLD board denied a book appeal, retaining three controversial manga books to the dissatisfaction

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of some library patrons.

Brian Colley’s artwork appeared in “Paint,” an Owen Wilson film. The town celebrated with a red carpet event at the Crystal Theatre.

Redstone community members bagged sand in preparation for possible Crystal River flooding.

A First Friday arrest resulted in Carbondale police confiscating 12 grams of cocaine cut with fentanyl. Chief Kirk Wilson warned that this dangerous drug had arrived in the community. In June, the Garfield County Special Problem Enforcement and Response team seized approximately 1,300 fentanyl pills during one drug bust, with 3,000 additional pills seized in August and September in the Battlement Mesa area.

Apple Tree Trailer Park water quality concerns made headlines, amplifying the need for House Bill 23-1257, Mobile Home Park Water Quality, introduced

by Rep. Velasco and signed by the governor in June.

The RFSD board of education faced packed meetings with controversy over a comprehensive health and human sexuality curriculum, meanwhile housing task

Courtesy photo

Photo by Raleigh Burleigh

force meetings were held to explore superintendent retention strategies.

Former superintendent Dr. Jesús Rodríguez then purchased a home in Denver for $840,000.

The Garfield County Assessor’s Office reported a median increase of 54% over 2021 appraisals, raising concerns over an imminent spike in property taxes.

The CORE Act was reintroduced (again) by U.S. Senators Michael Bennett and John Hickenlooper, an expansive land protection initiative.

The bill previously passed the U.S. House of Representatives several times and received a committee

hearing and a tied 10-10 committee vote in the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee in 2022.

Valley Settlement received a $2 million donation from philanthropist MacKenzie Scott.

Hollywood writers and actors went on strike over the possibility of AI replacing their work, among other issues.

The Carbondale Wild West Rodeo began a new season with new rules in response to booming postpandemic popularity, including: parking restrictions, a shuttle service, increased ticket prices and the end of BYOB. The presence of emerald ash borer is confirmed in Carbondale, the first case on the Western Slope of Colorado, catalyzing a plan from the Town to extend the life of selected trees with treatment while removing others. Over 438 public ash trees were identified, in addition to an uncertain number of trees on private property.

Carbondale’s own Jackson Emmer won the 30th annual Troubadour Contest at the Telluride Bluegrass Festival.

Ron Speaker hosted the inaugural Finance Camp, teaching investment skills to 12 students from high schools throughout the Valley.

Colorado and Wyoming signed a Memorandum of Understanding focused on the development of direct air capture technology and activity.

June

Aspen Public Radio hosted the inaugural Aspen Psychedelic Symposium at the Wheeler Opera House, after Colorado voters chose to decriminalize certain psychoactive plants and fungi in 2022.

Photo by James Steindler

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THE SOPRIS SUN • Your weekly community connector • December 28, 2023 - January 3, 2024 • 13

Year in Review continued...

Photo by Raleigh Burleigh

July

Stage of Life Theatre Company

presented “Ride the Cyclone,” an

Fourth of July parade was required

by Pitkin County to obtain a permit with the goal of easing parking and improving safety. Pitkin County helped fund traffic control during the first year of this change.

Basalt’s new community bandshell opened with a free summer concert series at Basalt River Park.

Mountain Fair turned 52 with a “Where the Wild Things Grow” theme.

Aspen Valley Land Trust announced it will purchase the historic Colorado Outward Bound School Marble Base Camp.

“edgier” show for older kids.

COVID testing behind Town Hall ended after many months.

Work began on the Crystal River Restoration Project.

VOICES HerStory at the Thompson House brought together influential women to tell the story of Carbondale.

The third annual Anna Lynn Cunningham Foundation concert hosted Dark Star Orchestra, a Grateful Dead tribute band.

For the first time ever, Redstone’s

August

Photo by Raleigh Burleigh

Photo by Jane Bacharach

WE-cycle debuted in Carbondale,

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

Tre a t s !

with 17 solar-powered stations and yearround service.

A contract was signed by Carbondale trustees for the installation of a micro hydro project on Nettle Creek.

A D.C. Circuit Court judge overruled the Federal Surface Transportation Board’s December 2021 decision to approve the Uinta Basin Railway.

Plaintiffs in the lawsuit included Eagle County and Glenwood Springs.

Two transportation-related surveys circulated in Carbondale, one regarding Highway 133 safety and the other a “Mobility and Access Plan” from the Public Works Department.

Three Rivers Little League teams won the state championships and headed to

Texas for regional tournaments.

After a long process, Little Blue Preschool received approval for a rezoning that will allow them to double the number of children they care for at their Carbondale location. Trustees waived planning department and attorneys fees with a 4-2 vote.

Glenwood Springs’ city manager resigned following an executive session, given five months of severance pay.

El Dorado, in the former Batch space on Main Street, hosted a soft opening on “81623” day.

A massive wildfire claimed 115 lives on the Hawaiian island of Maui.

September

A first-ever, unique Schubert MiniFest was hosted as part of Carbondale Arts’ Garden Music Series.

World-renowned anthropologist, ethologist and conservationist Dr. Jane Goodall visited Roaring Fork High School, as organized by Aspen Center for Environmental Studies.

The GCPLD board meeting in Carbondale saw huge attendance in response to concerns over manga books considered pornographic by some

Photo by Paula Mayer

CALL FOR CARBONDALE

BOARD OF TRUSTEE NOMINATIONS Regular Election Town of Carbondale The Town of Carbondale will hold a regular municipal election on April 2, 2024. Three Board of Trustee seats (all four-year terms) are up for election.

Those wishing to run for Trustee may pick up a Nomination Petition beginning January 2, 2024, Monday–Friday 8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. from the town clerk, 511 Colorado Avenue, Carbondale, CO. Qualifications: All candidates must be a qualified elector of the Town, a citizen of the United States, at least 18 years of age, and must have resided in the Town of Carbondale for one consecutive year immediately prior to the date of the election.

Petitions must be returned to the town clerk no later than 5:00 p.m. on Monday, January 22, 2024.

El Jebel, Colorado 970-963-1700 RJPaddywacks.com 14 • THE SOPRIS SUN • soprissun.com • December 28, 2023 - January 3, 2024

The Town of Carbondale is a non-partisan body of local government, therefore, there is no party affiliation designation.

For more information contact Town Clerk Jessica Markham at 970-510-1206 or jmarkham@carbondaleco.net

library patrons.

Around 130 women camped out at 13 Moons for the seventh annual Red Earth / Mountain West Women’s Herbal Gathering, sharing knowledge and skills.

Town Center planning advanced with community charrettes hosted at the Third Street Center.

The first-ever King of the Crown dirt jumping competition was hosted at Crown Mountain Park.

Juvenile suspects were arrested on vandalism charges after a proliferation of graffiti in Carbondale and Glenwood Springs.

The Sopris Sun took home 15 awards from the Colorado Press Association.

A wildlife cam at Glassier Open Space captured the first detection of a badger on Pitkin County open space land.

The Roaring Fork Pickleball Association hosted “The Great Sopris Showdown” at the Young-Calaway Pickleball Courts.

Mountain Heart brewery opened on Dolores Way. The White River National Forest awarded a $6.3 million contract to DareCase Contracting Services LLC (based in Grand Junction) to demolish the Aspen-Sopris Ranger District buildings and construct a new building. Public opposition to the project spanned from the removal of healthy trees, including two large blue spruces, to the loss of historic buildings and dissatisfaction with a pull-through feature taking larger vehicles from Main Street to Weant Boulevard. Close to 100 people attended an August meeting at Town Hall on the topic and many more signed a petition.

Nonetheless, demolition is scheduled to begin in early 2024.

administrative leave time, with $144,182 on top.

RFHS JV football team hosted Glenwood Springs for its season finale, with excitement building for a varsity season next year (canceled this year due to low player turnout).

Mount Evans was renamed Mount Blue Sky, sensitive to John Evans (Colorado’s second governor) having paved the way for the Sand Creek Massacre in 1864.

The global population of humans tipped above 8 billion as India surpassed China as the world’s most populous country (1.43 billion).

The Israel-Gaza war began with the Oct. 7 attack by Hamas, the worst in Israel’s history.

November

The Redstone General Store appealed to its community for support to transition into a nonprofit.

Dr. Judith Alvarez was honored during Carbondale’s Day of the Dead celebration for her work with La Clínica del Pueblo.

It’s officially announced that Carbondale Arts will take the reins for First Fridays beginning in January 2024.

Carbondale Arts first founded the First Fridays tradition, which later fell under the Carbondale Chamber of Commerce’s leadership.

The presence of over 100 migrants in Carbondale, mostly from Venezuela, was made known. The Town responded by temporarily housing 60 at the Third Street Center while donations of food and clothing poured in thanks to the greater community.

The Sopris Sun launched a new website.

denied the appointment of Hanna Arauza to the GCPLD board as its Rifle rep. Commissioners also denied Flying M Ranch PUD (144 townhomes and eight single-family homes proposed near Riverview School).

The Rodeway Inn in Glenwood Springs was converted into employee housing units for RFTA. AXKAWA (formerly Senor Taco Show) closed.

Photo by Sue Rollyson

Argentina elected Javier Milei, a self-declared “anarcho-capitalist.” As the war in Ukraine continued, U.S. lawmakers disagreed over support for the ongoing war.

December

After 38 years of selling movie tickets and popcorn, Bob and Kathy Ezra announce they will be selling the Crystal Theatre business.

Five wolves captured in Oregon were released onto public land in Grand County as part of the first phase of the 2020 voter-approved reintroduction.

The USFS released a draft environmental assessment for a Thompson Divide mineral lease withdrawal, moving closer to protecting 225,000 acres for 20 years.

Photo by John Stroud

Carbondale piloted a Home Energy Score program in partnership with Garfield Clean Energy, with qualifying homes receiving a full-service home energy audit for free.

The Painted Pig opened for business at 689 Main Street.

ANB Bank received approval for a new building north of 7-Eleven with 16 apartments and commercial space included.

Carbondale received a $716,000 Department of Energy grant for a geothermal demonstration project, a large-scale system to heat and cool 16 acres surrounding the Third Street Center, including townhomes on 2nd Street.

CRMS won the state mountain biking team title.

Carbondale trustees passed a pollinator protection resolution.

Dr. Jesús Rodríguez resigned from the RFSD superintendent position amid controversy and following his family-

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In memory…

Community Resources:

This past year, our community said goodbye to many local legends, people who shaped our home with their special way of being.

We remember and learn from their example: Adrian (Twirp) Anderson, Ruth Vars Barnes, Scott Bowie, Monk Burkmier, Gertrude “Rusty” Burtard, Evelyn Ellsworth Condit, Marc Grandbois, Bill Hagedorn, Philip Richard Haines, Jeremy George Heiman, Alan Dean Joyner, Ann Korologos, Peter Kent Lundgren, Julia Marshall, Mark McElroy, Luke Patrick Menke, Charley Moore, Wick Moses, Bill Myers, John Nieslanik, Jack Raife, Barbara Reese, Barbara O’Neil Ross, Benjamin Bruce Sellers, Joel Shute, Bruce Somers, Paul Newcomet Sutro, Gayla Tippett, Leonard Truesdell.

Editor’s note: Names included in this list were drawn from obituaries published by The Sopris Sun in 2023. We don’t charge to run obituaries with a local connection. Just send a photo and under 500 words to news@soprissun.com

pitkincounty.com/humanservices (970) 920-5235

SOPRIS SUN • Your weekly community connector • December 28, 2023 - January 3, 2024 • 15 Garfield CountyTHE commissioners

AFTER-HOURS MEDICAL CARE ASPEN VALLEY HOSPITAL

When You Have Unexpected Medical Needs

Our After-Hours clinic provides a convenient, cost-effective way to receive the compassionate care you deserve without a visit to the ER.

Whitcomb rrace No appointment necessary, walk-ins welcome!

Weekdays: 3:00 pm - 11:00 pm Weekends: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm

234 East Cody Lane, Basalt 970.544.1250 Virtual visits available

social justice serv service ser vice vice What would it be like to leave friends and family, and the culture with which you are familiar and comfortable, and travel thousands of miles to an unknown welcome? The TRUU Social Justice service on December 31 will host two of the Venezuelans currently housed in the Third Street Center who will share their stories of the decisions they made, the journey they took, and of their view of the future.

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

Sunday, December 31st, 10am at Two Rivers Unitarian Universalist Community Room @ Third Street Center in Carbondale or via Zoom Join Zoom Meeting - https://us06web.zoom.us/j/82605258305 Meeting ID: 826 0525 8305 - Passcode: chalice

After-Hours Medical Care

aspenhospital.org |

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CALL FOR ENTRIES DEADLINE IS January 19, 2024

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

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

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

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

16 • THE SOPRIS SUN • soprissun.com • December 28, 2023 - January 3, 2024

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

Untitled poem

By Adam Kreft Mercer

In early winter's quiet embrace, A lonely soul finds a solemn space.

Beneath the pale sky's muted hue, Frost-kissed whispers, echoes true.

Amidst the barren branches cold, Loneliness weaves its tale, untold.

Like leaves that fled in autumn's gale, A heart in solitude sets its sail.

A single crow in the wintry sky, Loneliness echoes its plaintive cry.

Fleeting shadows on the frosty ground, Solitude's embrace, profound.

Silent snowflakes softly descend, A dance of solitude, a lonely trend.

Leaves, once vibrant, now decay, Mourning deepens in the gray.

Text and art by Benny Blue The Gregorian calendar tips into 2024 this week with all the typical fanfare, meanwhile Lunar New Year falls on the second new moon after the winter solstice (Saturday, Feb. 10, 2024). In Chinese astrology, we will be moving into the Year of the Dragon, fifth animal to cross the finish line in the Jade Emperor’s race. Traits of the dragon: good luck, perseverance, courage and wit. A dragon will face down any challenge with gusto. Additionally, each year is ascribed one of five elements, progressing from metal to water to wood to fire to earth and back to metal, with a masculine then feminine expression of each element.

Therefore, we remain in the same element for two years at a time. On Feb. 10, we go from a yin (feminine) water year into a yang (masculine) wood year, signifying the patience and trust necessary for enduring growth.

Trashing Through the Snow

By Deborah Holt Williams

Trashing through the snow, in a noisy garbage truck, The bins are hard to empty, with boxes good and stuck.

Crumpled wrapping paper, chunks of Styrofoam, Packing peanuts everywhere blow home to home to home.

Oh, garbage truck! Garbage truck! After Christmas trash.

Dump it in the garbage truck and watch it mash and smash.

Garbage truck! Garbage truck! Haul it all away.

What looked so festive yesterday is now J-U-N-K. Mounds of piled-up pines now clutter up the roads.

It makes the driving tough, collecting heaping loads.

The garbage man works hard, no time to rest or pause.

He wishes he had elves to help like good ol’ Santa Claus!

Oh, garbage truck! Garbage truck! After Christmas trash.

Dump it in the garbage truck and watch it mash and smash.

Garbage truck! Garbage truck! Haul it all away.

Shiny decorations now are just J-U-N-K. Dried-up wreaths with bows, Lights that didn’t light, Toys already broken, sweaters far too bright.

The garbage man is tired. He’s handled lots of stuff.

He wishes folks could see that they already have enough.

Oh, garbage truck! Garbage truck! After Christmas trash.

Dump it in the garbage truck and watch it mash and smash.

Garbage truck! Garbage truck! Haul it all away.

Lots of presents yesterday are now J-U-N-K. The garbage man goes home, and hugs his kids and wife.

They eat and read together, a calm, uncluttered life.

He’s happy with his job, but wishes people knew That things don’t bring you happiness, but times together do.

Oh, garbage truck! Garbage truck! After Christmas trash.

Dump it in the garbage truck and watch it mash and smash.

Garbage truck! Garbage truck! Watch it mush and mix.

Love won’t turn to garbage on December 26.

Yet, within the solitude's cold art, A resilience, a quiet, beating heart.

For in the hush of winter's chill, Loss finds its solace still.

Beneath the muted sky's somber hue, A figure wanders, whispers askew.

Barren branches, stark and cold, Echoes of vanished stars, stories untold.

Amidst the fading autumn's gloom, A soul adrift in a quiet tomb.

Leaves, once vibrant, now decay, Footprints of departed warmth, in the gray.

The crow's solitary flight, a lament, A winged sorrow, in shadows spent.

Footprints in frost, a path forlorn, A heartache's embrace, weary and worn.

Silent snowflakes descend with grace, A poignant dance in open space.

World draped in sorrow's heavy cloak, A tapestry of memories, hearts provoke.

In the quiet where shadows weep, A figure stands in grief so deep.

Branches reach in mournful trance, A eulogy in nature's mournful dance.

Yet, within the stillness, a tear, Heartache, trapped in a frozen sphere.

How we mourne, a silent art, Memories linger, never depart.

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THE SOPRIS SUN • Your weekly community connector • December 28, 2023 - January 3, 2024 • 17

LETTERS

young boy handed me a card saying, "Here, this is for you. Merry Christmas!”

I was left speechless, which anyone who knows me will now shout, "Impossible!"

But I was, and I stammered, "Why? What for and how come?”

The sweet young boy just said, "Oh, because it's Christmas."

I profusely thanked them, still in shock that anyone would just hand me what turned out to be a gift card to City Market, totally unprovoked and, I might add, undeserved. They walked off and I tried to gather my senses. I then followed them to say that I really did not deserve this and that they should give this gift card to a more deserving and inneed person, to which the dad replied, “Ok then, go find that person."

I asked the boys for permission to pay it forward and they agreed. I was once again left standing in utter disbelief as now I opened the gift card and saw that it was for a whopping $50! The responsibility that card bestowed on me was made clear as I continued cruising the aisles, but this time looking for a person that could truly use a wonderful Christmas present, and that turned out not so easy a task.

I did want to do right by those two wonderful boys and their parents and find a deserving person to appreciate their largesse of heart. I found a gentleman who deserved this gift more than I did and upon handing him the card he looked just as baffled and shocked as I did a few minutes earlier and asked the same, "Why? What for and how come?” He was apprehensive at first to take the card and I came to find out he had macular degeneration and could not read the card. I explained the value of the gift card to be used right in this very store and his face lit up once I told him that two boys meant for him to have a wonderful and merry Christmas.

Those boys and their parents made my Christmas, their thoughtfulness and giving nature made my heart swell. I wish I had asked their names but, truth be told, I was so flabbergasted that all common sense left me standing in that aisle.

Most grateful and happy, Mogli Cooper, Carbondale

Remembering Vince

In the early 1990s, Kate Marra, who was working in the Public Works Department, established the Carbondale Tree Board under the U.S. Forest Service’s Urban and Community

Letter from the Editora

continued from page 2

Forestry Program. For 29 years, it was Vince Urbina, the community forester for the Western Slope, who guided us and taught many people in our valley about tree planting and pruning through workshops and Arbor Day planting demonstrations. He died too soon, on Nov. 29, and I keep thinking of him in this season, which holds an illuminated tree at its core.

Vince taught us how to choose, plant and care for trees in a town environment. He touched thousands of them in his career, from the threeinch sprout of an acorn collected from what he considered to be the finest burr oak on the Western Slope to the pot bound roots in a vast nursery near Fort Collins and finally to the charred arboreal remains of wildfire. He was the best investment the USDA ever made.

Every town in Western Colorado that posts a Tree City sign at its entry can thank Vince Urbina for helping it craft a tree program designed specifically to resonate with its own citizens. He taught us that dead trees support more life forms than live ones, but he hated to see a perfect tree in the prime of life being cut down because it had been planted in the wrong place or because development couldn’t see a way to work around it. He was never one to criticize, however. His agenda was simple: to cultivate the natural longing he saw in people to plant a tree.

You were a good man, Vince, and I hope we will honor you by taking care of our trees.

Olivia Emery Former Tree Board member

Forest Service

Recently, and a few times on radio news, I have heard that the Forest Service is cooperating with different places and peoples on projects in the works. How is it that the project in downtown Carbondale is an exception?

First Friday, Jan. 5, meet at the Forest Service site and bring a light to shine on our trees and buildings.

Richard Vottero, Carbondale

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 cite your facts and 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 2

stories were worth telling are seeing their names and photos in the paper.

Writers and creators whose thoughts and work had gone unexpressed are now making a difference.

I am the number one fan of the contributors who not only accepted me as their editor, but also trusted me. It has been my great pleasure to work with all of them, and I thank them. Earlier this month, I handed in my letter of resignation to the Sopris Sun board of directors. I will continue to collaborate with el Sol del Valle as I did at its inception, as an arts and creativity columnist. I hope that el Sol del Valle continues to grow under the guidance of someone who sees the magic of what this newspaper and this community is all about. Happy New Year!

18 • THE SOPRIS SUN • soprissun.com • December 28, 2023 - January 3, 2024

PARTING SHOTS

Lynn "Jake" Burton offered to document the current Aspen-Sopris Ranger District compound back in October with a few photographs. According to a November press release, demolition of all three buildings will begin in February, and the Forest Service will recycle or reuse as many materials as possible. New construction will then begin in March and continue into 2025.

Happy New Year Library Closed Basalt Regional Library will be closed Monday, January 1st. Have a safe and happy New Year!

The building may be closed, but you always have access to books, movies, magazines and more!

• Looking for a book, audiobook, or magazine? Check out Libby!

• Want to stream a holiday film? Log into Kanopy!

• Want to read the New York Times or Wall Street Journal? We have online access to those too!

Visit basaltlibrary.org/online-resources

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THE SOPRIS SUN • Your weekly community connector • December 28, 2023 - January 3, 2024 • 19

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GIVE WHERE YOU LIVE MATCHING GRANTS THROUGH DEC 31st!

An Informed Community is Empowered. No Matter What the Language.

Join our Effort to Inform, Inspire and Build Community by Fostering Diverse Voices in Local Journalism.

All Donations will be Matched $2 for $1 through December 31.

Mail A Check: PO Box 399, Carbondale, CO 81623 For More Info Contact: Todd Chamberlin 970-510-0246 • Todd@SoprisSun.com

Thank You if you already Joined Our Effort. We still need to raise $19,750 to reach our 2023 Matches.

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A 501(c)(3) Nonprofit. Building and Empowering Our Communities from Aspen to Parachute and Beyond. All Donations are Tax Deductible.

20 • THE SOPRIS SUN • soprissun.com • December 28, 2023 - January 3, 2024