20 09 03

Because every town needs a park, a library and a newspaper

Carbondale’s weekly

community connector

Put up a parking lot

Volume 12, Number 29 | September 3 - September 9, 2020

Garfield County Sign Coordinator Jim Walton and Road and Bridge Crew Leader Dusty DeCrow took a moment to appreciate the fruits of their labor as the new Red Hill parking lot and trailhead opened on Sept. 1.

Photo by Mark Burrows

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OPINION

Ps & Qs

By Jeannie Perry Last month, for my 50th birthday, I got some great gifts, including an epiphany.

It happened in Aspen, where even the poodles forget their masks and have to run back before they can go into Starbucks. My epiphany had to do with historic milestones and significant life lessons, and goddess knows there are plenty of teachable moments in Aspen, so it was fitting that I was back in the place where it all began (for me.)

For the better part of the last fifty years I thought the object of the game of life was to improve: humanity, the planet, etc. But watching all the foot traffic on the

History is a spin cycle

sidewalk I thought: what if that’s not the case? What if the purpose of life is for each of us to relearn the same lessons as those who came before… like a philosophical washing machine churning out the same lesson plan over and over. I mean really, what notion could I possibly come up with that Plato, Nietzsche, or Lily Tomlin have not already conceived? The whole point is to figure it out for myself.

With this realization, my perspective totally shifted; on the town I was born in, and the planet as a whole. I have spent years wishing for a collective conclusion in Aspen. A town-wide packing up and moving on, if you will. I’d like to overhear people say, “No one goes there anymore. It’s too crowded.”

-Yogi Berra.

But why waste my time wishing for the attraction to fade if everyone is here to figure it out for themselves?

This theory is blowing my mind.

Also, it explains why war never ends and human greed has no cap.

As long as we have been here, there have been those who will take advantage of a situation to gather more nuts and berries than they need. And sacrificing the well-being

of others to stockpile more than one can possibly use is not even seen as a negative trait in today’s caveman circle-jerk of wrinkly old white guys sitting around, counting their guns. The hardest part for me to understand is why money should be the end all, be all. Why not harmony with nature or a clear conscience or the perfect margarita?

You gotta admit, there is something to be said for that connection that occurs at a neighborhood Mexican restaurant when it’s someone’s birthday and the wait staff stands around the table singing and clapping, other tables join in, and people genuinely smile at strangers.

That is the place where I want to live. Not in a society where we are pitted against each other— actually killing each other in the streets, while a select few make more money than anyone needs, the talking heads who preach health and happiness are only paid to repeat the latest rhetoric, and QAnon puts in for overtime.

If, like me, you wonder what the Q stands for, there is a good article by Adrienne LaFrance in The Atlantic that shines a light on the ugly little beast behind the curtain

(tinyurl.com/qatlantic). Let me sum up: apparently someone with a high level of security clearance began posting messages to the masses as a gag, but when he realized that a lot of people were taking them seriously he backed off. Enter stage alt-right, Jim Watkins and his son, Ron, with their pockets wide open. These guys are like the Christian Taliban and there’s nothing they will balk at if it feeds the piggy bank. Basically, Q stands for quit being so naïve and follow the money.

There is nothing new happening here. Charlatans have been betting on people’s gullibility for centuries.

And while there really are adults abusing children at pizza parties, what Q forgets to mention is that Trump attends those parties.

By taking a nugget of truth and spinning it to make money, Q has shown their true colors. Pathetic and sad as it may be, we are simply in another rinse cycle of fascism. Like Mussolini and Franco before him, Trump must be here to learn the age-old lesson of just how hard we will fight to protect our life, liberty, and the pursuit of a spiced latte for generations to come.

LETTERS Come and gone Dear Editor: Summer slips away A sorrowful memory Not the best of times JM Jesse Glenwood Springs

How you can help Dear Editor: Many of the comments on the Grizzly Creek Facebook page asked the fire team “how can I help?”

While it’s still so fresh in all of our minds that our town once again was threatened by a serious wildfire, please consider giving to the Wildland Firefighters Foundation (wffoundation.org/) as a way to help and say thank you.

The Wildland Firefighters Foundation was founded in 1994 in direct response to the Storm King Fire tragedy in Glenwood Springs that killed 14 firefighters. Based in Boise, Idaho, the “Wildland Firefighters Foundation’s main focus is to help families of firefighters killed in the line of duty and to assist injured firefighters and their families.”

The foundation also provides services to aid with the mental health challenges of wildland firefighting and injury compensation. From their website: “Wildland firefighters represent the diversity of the land they protect. They are federal, state and local firefighters, private sector firefighters, interface firefighters, and volunteers from rural communities and towns across the United States. Many are long-time career professionals, some much newer to the job. They’re ordinary people doing an extraordinary job, a community of committed individuals who work and train

to protect our private and public lands.”

For a third time in 26 years, we desperately needed help from the wildland firefighting community. Please consider making a donation to the Wildland Firefighters Foundation (https://wffoundation.org/) in gratitude for the difficult and dangerous work that it has taken to gain control over the Grizzly Creek fire. Thank you all.

Ellie Caryl and Andrew McGregor No Name

How to identify a census worker Dear Editor: A Census worker wears a name badge that is clearly identified as US Census, carries a cell phone labeled as US Census and a black shoulder bag saying US Census and hands out an information paper labeled US Census.

Do not give personal information to anyone who does not have all this personal Census ID with her/him.

Someone has been impersonating a Census worker in Carbondale to get private information. This person has targeted Hispanic people, told them she was a census worker, asked many personal questions including is the Hispanic person here legally or not, and entered this info into a computer.

So these targeted individuals think they have filled out the census and they have not. They have given their information to someone with no right to have it.

This is under investigation. If anyone comes to your door saying he/she is a Census worker and does not have ID do not speak with them. Call the police. That person is impersonating a person representing an official branch of the US government. The Census is the way we know how many people live where and determines our representation

in congress, and how much federal tax dollars we get for schools, hospitals, roads, and other government services. We all need to be counted, not framed.

Illène Pevec Carbondale

It’s voting time!

Dear Editor: On Nov. 3, all Pitkin County residents will be selecting the County Commissioner who will reflect the concerns of District #5, an area that includes the town of Redstone, the Crystal River Valley, the communities of Thomasville and Meredith and a portion of the Frying Pan River Valley! While candidates are selected by district, the five members of the Board share the discussions, observations, and decisions regarding needs of all five districts.

We need a representative who knows and understands our area, and one who knows and understands the needs and interests of the entire county. Francie Jacober is that candidate. As an educator, she understands the challenges and opportunities of learning in our diverse communities and the role of county governance in meeting the needs of our students. As a businesswoman, she understands the role of a small business, the necessary response to community needs, the importance of a budget. As a long term resident, she understands the commitment to protection of our special environment, the wild places and the wildlife, the need for and value of appropriate public transportation, and respect for the needs and dreams of all who share our village.

Francie Jacober understands that it takes a village, and she is willing to take on the Continued on page 14

The views expressed in opinion pieces do not necessarily reflect those of The Sopris Sun. The community is invited to submit letters up to 500 words to news@soprissun.com. Longer columns are considered on a case-by-case basis. The deadline for submission is noon on Monday.

2 • THE SOPRIS SUN • soprissun.com • September 3 - September 9, 2020

Sincerest thanks to our

Honorary Publishers for their annual commitment of $1,000+

Email marilyn@soprissun.com for more information.

Jim Calaway, Honorary Chair Kay Brunnier Scott Gilbert Bob Young – Alpine Bank Peter Gilbert Umbrella Roofing, Inc. Bill Spence and Sue Edelstein Greg and Kathy Feinsinger Carolyn Nelson Jim Noyes True Nature Healing Arts Nicolette Toussaint Jill and Gary Knaus Megan Tackett Ken & Donna Riley Michelle & Ed Buchman CoVenture Lee Beck and John Stickney Deborah and Shane Evans Carly and Frosty Merriott

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Donate by mail or online.

P.O. Box 399 Carbondale, CO 81623 520 S. Third Street #32 970-510-3003 www.soprissun.com Editor Will Grandbois • 970-510-0540 news@soprissun.com Advertising Todd Chamberlin • 970-510-0246 adsales@soprissun.com Graphic Designer: Ylice Golden Reporter: Roberta McGowan Delivery: Crystal Tapp Proofreader: Lee Beck Current Board Members Raleigh Burleigh, President Marilyn Murphy, Vice President Linda Criswell, Secretary Klaus Kocher, Treasurer Kay Clarke • Carol Craven • Lee Beck Megan Tackett • Gayle Wells Donna Dayton • Terri Ritchie The Sopris Sun Board meets at 6:30 p.m. on second Mondays at the Third Street Center.

Contact board@soprissun.com to reach them.

Founding Board Members Allyn Harvey • Becky Young Colin Laird • Barbara New • Elizabeth Phillips Peggy DeVilbiss • Russ Criswell

The Sopris Sun, Inc. is a proud member of the Carbondale Creative District The Sopris Sun, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit corporation. Donations to The Sun are fully tax deductible.

You may be young and healthy, but the virus doesn’t care

By Roberta McGowan Sopris Sun Staff

It’s early March 2020. Skiing is great, and people — locals and visitors — are enjoying the slopes, restaurants, live entertainment and music radiating from the many nightclubs and bars throughout the valley.

A visit to a popular Aspen venue would spice up the evening, thought three friends.

But, deep inside life in paradise lurked a virus that would upend the world.

One of the group, Dani, 34, woke up several days later, on March 7, a chilly late winter morning in her Garfield County home with a cough, difficulty in breathing and a high fever. The symptoms continued for three days. She decided she needed to be tested for COVID-19 but was met with bureaucratic and healthcare roadblocks.

Medical personnel informed her she was not in a high risk group. “You're young and healthy, so no test,” she was told.

However, community pressure made facilities open their doors to her just enough. She was asked to quarantine herself just in case.

Her physician told her to just rest and drink fluids and prescribed cough medication.

Dani tested positive, quarantined herself and began her long battle with the virus and its ongoing effects.

Garfield County (GARCO) Public Health Specialist Carrie Godes reported people ages 30 to 39 “comprise 20 percent of Garfield County COVID-19 cases overall and are the second largest age group after 20 to 29-year-olds.”

Godes continued, “Garfield County 30 to 39-year-olds comprise 12 percent of our hospitalizations. As a point of clarification, We only report data on individuals who live in Garfield County.”

She added, “As of mid-August, none of the Garfield County 30 to 39-year-olds had a stay in

Intensive or critical care units.

None of our deaths have been in this age group.”

Dani continued her COVID-19 tale, “Two of my friends, Katie and Nate, who were at the same public event, were infected as well,” Dani said.

But each had different outcomes.

The long haul Ten years ago, Dani was diagnosed with supraventricular tachycardia, a condition the Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, described as an abnormally fast heartbeat with a rate of more than 100 beats per minute.

That, plus COVID-19, sent her to the hospital emergency room with cardiac problems. She is now taking beta blockers to control her heartbeat.

“The hardest part is not having more information on the possible long-term effects of the virus,” Dani noted, which for her now include short term memory loss and “hair shedding.”

Dani went back to work several days a week. She was glad for her strong support system including her ex who is now taking care of their six-year-old son.

Katie, in her early ‘30s, lives in Glenwood Springs, said she’s still having breathing problems from the virus, “Those like me with continuing issues are called “the long haulers.”

She too had problems getting tested even after being referred to a Vail hospital. “I didn’t get tested till three weeks had gone by.” That meant the results were inconclusive.

“I can’t work. I have hallucinations, severe memory loss and little energy, ” Kate reported, “So, I’ve started distance learning for a masters degree in my field, landscape architecture at the University of Colorado Denver.”

Katie was diagnosed with severe abnormal lung disease, Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Diseases (COPD). “I’m still coughing, and I also have apnea.”

Katie had been told, “There are a lot of long term effects.

Fortunately, I can get a flu shot but don’t know about getting the pneumonia vaccine.”

Godes noted, “We don’t have a way to track the severity of illness. There is not a pattern among who will have severe symptoms and who won't. “ Another of the 30-something group of friends, Nate, chronicled his experience with COVID-19: “I was very tired with a severe headache and a fever of 102 degrees for 24 hours.

On the third day my chest was constricted. It felt like someone was sitting on my chest.”

“For the first month,” he added, “I couldn’t walk up a small hill.”

But, he “knew I was getting better,” and said he is still improving.

National statistics portrayed a bigger picture.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) compared 30 to 39 year olds to those in the 20 to 29 group. The older group had 2 times higher hospitalizations and deaths were four times higher.

Also, the CDC reported nearly 30 percent of confirmed US coronavirus cases have been among people between 20 to 44.

And it stated “While older age groups are still at more risk from COVID-19, the numbers show that lots of younger people are getting sick as well.”

Time magazine reported that, in current COVID-19 hot spots like Texas, Florida and Arizona, “More people of all ages seem to be getting sick in these areas, and we now have enough tests to see it happening… if young people throw caution to the wind, though, it may have ripple effects for older and more vulnerable people. Young, healthy people who get mild or asymptomatic disease can still be carriers, potentially transmitting the virus to someone who goes on to have a much more severe case.”

Meet three local survivors of COVID-19

Katie

Nate

Dani

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THE SOPRIS SUN • Carbondale’s weekly community connector • September 3 - September 9, 2020 • 3

SCUTTLEBUTT Got the point Initially just rescheduled, the 5Point Adventure Film Festival is officially moving online this year.

The home base edition to the 13th Annual Flagship Festival will bring five days of guided, curated films, complete with guest cameos and behind-the-scenes segments. In an effort to encourage a shared experience, programs will be shown once at a designated time, just like an in-person event.

Tickets go on sale Sept 10, visit 5pointfilm.org to reserve your seat or for more information.

Take shelter A shelter in place order in the Evans Court area of Willits caused concern and consternation on Aug. 27, as the Basalt Police Department responded to a report of an assault.

“We appreciate the public avoiding this area during this incident,” Police Chief Greg Knott said. “We know it was an inconvenience, but our primary goal is the safety of our citizens, and the shelter in place order was necessary. We are glad we were able to end this incident without any further injuries.”

For granted Area nonprofits are encouraged to apply for funding to the Two Rivers Unrestricted Endowment Fund through Two Rivers Community

Foundation, managed by the Western Colorado Community Foundation. Nonprofits serving Carbondale, Glenwood Springs and New Castle are eligible to apply,and grants can range from $500 to $1,500. 501c3 status is requested but all small nonprofits with a strong mission are encouraged to apply by first contacting Mandy Murray at email2rcf@gmail.com for assistance.

Baby driver The Colorado Department of Transportation's new “Keep Your License Safe” campaign is a humorous and engaging social media effort that targets teens with information about laws that apply to them: no cell phones, no passengers under 21, and always wear a seat belt. Graduated Drivers Licensing laws were designed to encourage a driving experience without distractions, and limiting dangerous driving situations.

A free lunch Basalt Regional Library is offering a free grab-and-go lunch for kids and teens on Wednesday afternoons, through partnership with Western Slope Food Bank of the Rockies. These shelf-stable snack lunches may also be picked up by a parent or caregiver. Take them home for later, or enjoy your lunch while responsibly socially distanced in

the park behind the library — just make sure to pick up after yourself.

Lunches will be distributed from the eastern side entrance of the library.

Facemasks and social distancing are required at pick up.

A day off Speaking of libraries, all six Garfield County branches will be closed Monday, Sept. 7, in observance of Labor Day. In general, expect closures at most public buildings, and some private establishments as well.

Kids choice Sunlight’s Mini-Mayor election is on for 2020, and this year the resort is working with the Glenwood Springs Post Independent to run the contest. So, when the new website — mimi-mayor.com — goes live on Oct. 1, expect it to look a lot like the Local’s Choice Awards. After two weeks of nominations, up to 10 candidates will vie for a season pass, new skis or snowboard, and a seat at Sunlight’s Executive ZOOM meeting. Voting begins Oct. 15 and runs through Nov. 3.

Hope for the future Congratulations to RFHS grad Andrew Kollar, who made the dean’s list at Colorado State University’s Walter Scott, Jr. College of Engineering!

Bears are back!

All garbage or refuse containers must be stored in a secured enclosed area or own a bear resistant container.

(Except on collection day between 6:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m.)

Up to $1,000 fine for violating trash/ bear ordinance!

WARNINGS WILL NOT BE ISSUED! Carbondale Police Department (970) 963-2662.

Carbondale Town Ordinance: Sec. 7-3-60 (b) No person, including but not limited to an owner, occupant, lessee, person in possession or control, homeowners’ association officer, property manager or agent of a given premises, shall place any refuse or garbage container in any street, alley or other public place or upon any private property, whether or not owned by such person, within the Town, except in proper containers for collection, as provided in Section 7-3-50 above. No person shall place any such refuse or garbage container in any public street right-of-way for trash collection purposes by the Town or a private trash hauler, except for on the day collection occurs. For purposes of determining compliance with this requirement, refuse and garbage containers may be stored in a public street right-of-way only between 6:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m. on the day of collection. Placement of refuse or garbage containers outside of this time period shall result in the levying of fines, pursuant to Subsection (g) below. Except for between 6:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m. on the day of collection, and except in the instance that a refuse or garbage container is bear-resistant, as defined in Section 7-3-10 above, all refuse and garbage containers must be stored in secure enclosures when not out for collection.

Help keep the bears out of town and Carbondale safe.

4 • THE SOPRIS SUN • soprissun.com • September 3 - September 9, 2020

Mt. Sopris received a dusting of snow on Sept. 1, the date Kim Bock guessed as part of our annual contest. While it was all but bare again by the end of the day, it's a clear and welcome sign of the changing seasons. Photo by Will Grandbois

They say it’s your birthday Folks celebrating another trip around the sun this week include: Samuel Bernal, Kathy Webb, Pat Pier and Kim Kelly (Sept. 3); Terry Kirk and Cory Golden (Sept. 4); Heather Craven and Janelle Johnson (Sept. 5); Brisella Escalante, Peter Robinson, Ben Hoffmann, Nancy Taylor, Linda Bishop, Jesse Payne, Lora Meraz and Randy Lowenthal (Sept. 6); Richard Hart and Mario Tarin (Sept. 7); Jane Bachrach, John Bruna, Whitney Will, Hailey Thompson, Tris and Tag Speaker, Gayla Tippett Auten and Janet Boyle (Sept. 8) Annie Worley and Ben Bohmfalk (Sept. 9).

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Want to advertise your business, but fear you might have to shut down?

The Sopris Sun is here to help!

If you advertise with us and your business is shut down or an event is canceled due to Covid-19 after the paper is published (between Thursday and Wednesday), we will credit you with a new ad when you reopen. No questions asked.

Todd Chamberlin Advertising Manager 970-987-9866 adsales@soprissun.com Deadlines, Rates and Specifications: www.soprissun.com/advertise/

THE SOPRIS SUN • Carbondale’s weekly community connector • September 3 - September 9, 2020 • 5

Lt. Wurtsmith’s awesome ride

By Will Grandbois Sopris Sun Staff

For 25 years, locals have known Chris Wurtsmith primarily as a leader within the Carbondale Police Department. But after his retirement as a lieutenant this week, they’ll have to get acquainted with him as an amateur prospector, or perhaps an automobile pin-striper.

And while he’s planning an extended road trip around the country with his family, he’ll be back. His roots go back to local cattle ranching, and the Valley always seemed like home.

“As a kid coming up here, I decided this is where I wanted to be and bring my family,” he said.

Along the way, he worked on the Glenwood Canyon Project and enrolled in the law enforcement academy. His brief stint as a jailer with the Garfield County Sheriff ’s Office ended in 1995 when then-Carbondale Chief Fred Williams offered him an officer role through a COPS fast grant.

“The nation was in severe need for police officers at that time,” Wursmith explained. “Fred really needed somebody who could speak Spanish. It turned out to be a really good fit.”

He recalled the Carbondale of his early patrol days as rougher, with a lot more bar fights. He also saw more of a conservative influence, but doesn’t think the community’s move to the left has changed his role much — even with the political context nationwide.

“I feel like Carbondale has heavily supported the police and that they appreciate the brand of law enforcement that our P.D. brings,” he said. “Every community has its own flavor. This department fit the way I see law enforcement should be done… as long as you have time, trying to go the extra mile.”

His transition to sergeant in the early aughts marked a move toward leadership, but not a lot of difference on the ground.

“Sergeant in a small police department is really really similar,” he said. “The work doesn’t change and the cases don’t change, you’re just more tuned to the bigger picture.”

On his last day as Carbondale Police's second in command, Lt. Chris Wurtsmith was all smiles contemplating his future.

Photo by Paula Mayer Making lieutenant seven years ago, however, meant more jewelry, so that that’s the latest thing I’ve been able to get involved responsibility and, even better, daylight hours. with,” Wurtsmith said. “When people come to a region like this, “When you’re working nights for almost two decades, that’s they want a piece of it and they love the story behind it.” really tough stuff for your family,” he noted.

While a wide range of artistic mediums bring him joy, But, in retrospect, he really enjoyed each phase of his career. his current favorite is old-school pin-striping like Von “I’ve been blessed. Each time my role changed, I got to rub Dutch or Ed Ross. shoulders with amazing people around me,” he said. “The most “When I was about 13 or 14, I watched my first pin-striper meaningful part is helping victims of crime who often don’t and ever since then I’ve had the bug to do it,” he explained. have voices.”

That fits in perfectly with his membership in the Valley So why leave?

Cruisers car club and his own Model A Roadster street rod.

“I’m just tired,” he said. “I’m a rock hound and an artist and Of course, he’ll miss the camaraderie of the department, but, I’m going to change it up a little bit.” even with longtime Chief Gene Schilling leaving soon, he thinks His mineral mania dates back to childhood expeditions it’s in good hands, from soon-to-be Chief Kirk Wilson on down. with his dad, and its current manifestation includes some high“We have a lot of young, talented officers here and a really altitude mining claims and an informal rock club with insurance good representation of different cultures to meet the needs of agent John Bell and retired officer Mark Luttrell. the community,” he said. “I’ve been blessed to be in the same “Mark started showing me how he makes materials into department for 25 years. It’s been an awesome ride.”

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6 • THE SOPRIS SUN • soprissun.com • September 3 - September 9, 2020

Carbondale’s BOT meetings translated in real time

By James Steindler Sopris Sun Correspondent

On Aug. 25, the Town of Carbondale (TOC) held its first ever Spanish translated Board of Trustees (BOT) meeting via Zoom.

This puts Carbondale yet another step closer toward transparency with the Spanish speaking portion of its community.

While before meetings could merely be summarized and explained in Spanish after the fact, now the content will be streamed simultaneously in both languages.

Town Clerk Cathy Derby mentioned that, “We had a few people attend the meetings via Zoom requesting they be interpreted into Spanish.” This incentivized Derby to do some research. “I didn’t know that Zoom had an interpreter feature” she said, “Once I found an interpreter it was really easy to get the meeting translated.”

When someone joins the virtual meeting on Zoom, “At the bottom there is an interpreter icon — it looks like a globe — and you just click the Spanish button,” Derby excitedly explained, “It’s super easy.”

According to Derby, the first translated meeting went smoothly although she has not received much feedback. “I think it went well,” she said and then added, “Hopefully more people will tune in as the word gets out.”

Interpreter Jen Quevedo has assumed the role for the town. Though Quevedo is not otherwise a TOC employee she is paid out of its budget.

If anything, Derby is slightly concerned for when it comes time to resume in person BOT meetings. Why? Well, when using the

Having interpreter, Jen Quevedo on the call has the added benefit of encouraging board members not to talk over each other and to spell out acronyms.

United Mountains’ have formed to enhance communication between Latinos and Anglos in the Valley. The page’s description reads, “In an effort to streamline communication amongst vested community members, this group has been created.” Samuel Bernal with La Tricolor Aspen (LTA) radio station is the page’s administrator. LTA has also been keeping the Spanish speaking population informed of critical updates and regulations — including fire restrictions.

According to the most recent data from the US census 45 percent of Carbondale’s population speaks a language other than English. The same source indicates that 48.9 percent of the town is made up of people who identify as “Hispanic or Latino.”

It remains to be seen if other local governments will follow Carbondale’s lead. The Sopris Sun inquired about implementation for Garfield County Commissioners meetings, but has not yet received an answer.

English is only barely the most common first language in town. translation feature on Zoom the English speaker’s voice can be completely overshadowed by the interpreter’s. Therefore, Spanish speakers can still see the person who is talking and understand the information as it’s being provided. Furthermore, typically, “The meetings are televised on YouTube so I don’t know if it’s possible,” to have it translated in the same way Derby stated.

Regardless, “I am in the process of trying to figure out how we will have an interpreter when we return to in person meetings,” she assured.

At this point, there is not a recorded Spanish version of the BOT meeting saved online for someone to watch on their own time. Only the English version has been uploaded to the town’s YouTube page. The town intends to remedy this hiccup and Derby expressed that, “It’s frustrating but hopefully we will get it figured out.”

“The Board has made communication their priority this year and next,” Derby stated.

Additional efforts The year thus far has underscored the urgency of getting information to everyone.

From government shutdowns to evacuation orders, various intelligence has been pertinent for people who speak either language.

That’s why, “We have a contractor translating our Facebook Live community meetings into Spanish in real time,” said the Grizzly Creek Fire teams’s current Public Information Officer Tim Mowry. The team has also had, “Daily written updates [translated] into Spanish, as well as daily smoke reports and our daily operational videos; all of which are posted on the Grizzly Creek Fire Facebook page,” Mowry stated.

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Streamin’ Steve’s Photos by Mark Burrows

You won’t see them on screen, but Ralph Pitt and Mike Lavker are at the heart of each livestream from Steve’s Guitars. Pitt ( foreground) runs the sound board while Lavker operates the cameras.

Like the rest of the space, the control room is an eclectic mix of many years of musical art. Jeremy Isenhart, not pictured, is also an essential part of the team.

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Pitt’s job is not only to make sure the bands sound great, but that they can hear each other in a chaotic environment. He has 45 years of experience in the audio world, from California to the Belly Up in Aspen. He was an instrumental part of the upgrades that made streaming possible.

Please continue to Love Local and support Carbondale businesses and organizations.

For updates on livestream and virtual experiences visit www.carbondale.com/first-friday

WWW.CARBONDALE.COM/FIRST-FRIDAY Artwork: "I'm Going Through Changes Now" by Brian Colley

8 • THE SOPRIS SUN • soprissun.com • September 3 - September 9, 2020

Lavker’s own background includes ESPN and Jazz Aspen and Colorado Audio Visual and Design, but in this capacity he’s a representative of Grassroots TV, Steve’s main partner for the programming.

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The shop has been a weekly staple for local bands to perform and out of town bands to enjoy, with streaming acts including Whiskey Stomp (top) and The Reminders (above).

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Still, youtube.com/user/grassrootstv12 is probably the best seat in the house.

THE SOPRIS SUN • Carbondale’s weekly community connector • September 3 - September 9, 2020 • 9

Soto shaking up the GarCo Commissioner field race

By Ross McLane Special to The Sopris Sun

that, after high school, Soto’s options to pursue higher education in the U.S. were limited. “When I was in high school, DACA didn’t exist, and our The race for Garfield County Commissioner universities still hadn’t built any programs for from District 2 is shaping up to be one for the undocumented kids to be able to access higher history books as Beatriz Soto’s entry alongside six- education, so it was literally impossible unless your term incumbent John Martin (R) and Brian Bark parents were really wealthy.”

She attended school back in Chihuahua to (IND) makes it the first three-way race in Garfield County in over three decades. And if Soto is elected, pursue a career in architecture, but returned to the she would become the first Latina to serve on the Roaring Fork Valley periodically to visit family and, upon graduation, finally Board of County Commissioners returned permanently, gained US in GarCo’s history.

We live in such a citizenship and began a career as Soto’s entrance comes after Katrina Byars, the previous beautiful place. We need a sustainability-focused architect.

In 2018, Soto joined Democratic nominee for District to think about how we Wilderness Workshop as their 2 — which covers Silt, New protect our land, our Latino Outreach Coordinator, Castle and parts of Glenwood and since has co-founded Voces Springs — stepped aside in early water and our air.

Unidas de las Montañas, an August citing the need for “real organization dedicated to promoting Latino and representation,” and instead endorsed Soto.

Soto, a Glenwood Springs resident, architect Latina leaders in the Valley, and the Latino Dems of by trade and the current Director of the Defiende Garfield, Eagle, and Pitkin Counties. Between these Nuestra Tierra program at Wilderness Workshop, involvements she engages with the community has since been approved as the new Democratic on a broad range of issues from “environmental nominee by the Garfield County Democratic Party protection and public lands management to and the Colorado Secretary of State, meaning her affordable housing and COVID-19 response.” name will appear on the ballot in November.

In part, Soto says, her recent entrance into By her own admission, Soto’s journey to this politics is the necessary next step in overcoming point has been an interesting one. the governmental barriers that stand in the way Born in Mexico, Soto moved to Florida at an of her community advocacy. “You do all this early age, where she had an “experience similar work on the ground and then as soon as you try to many immigrant youth in the United States,” to actually push policies that support the work speaking Spanish with her family, while reading and that you’re doing, you’re constantly hitting this writing in English at school. wall,” she says, “that’s really what motivated me.”

As a kid, she moved back to Chihuahua, But Soto plans on using her platform Mexico before eventually making her way to as county commissioner to go beyond just the Roaring Fork Valley, graduating from Basalt the issues she’s advocated for in the past, High School in 1999. promising she’s “not a single issue candidate.”

Being an undocumented immigrant meant She describes her platform as including three

“

”

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Beatriz Soto. Courtesy photo pillars: inclusive government, environmental stewardship, and economic diversity.

“I want to make sure we have a government for all,” Soto says, “one that includes diverse communities, different age groups, and small business owners.” A government for all, she continues, is one that collaborates with towns and other governments throughout the Roaring Fork Valley and is accessible to the people.

As for environmental stewardship, she points to the fact that 60 percent of Garfield County land is public. “We live in such a beautiful place. We need to think about how we protect our land, our water and our air.”

She warns, “If we’re not proactive, we’re going to have to be reactive.” A point made more salient by the recent wildfires.

For her campaign’s last pillar, economic diversity, Soto notes that “more than half of Garfield County’s income comes from a single industry. That’s just bad economics.” She

mentions the need to invest in small business, ranchers and farmers, and the Valley’s thriving tourist economy, and build resiliency to an inevitable down-turn in the cyclical oil and gas industry.

Since starting on the campaign trail earlier this month, Soto has been doing research on issues and policies, assembling her campaign staff, and notably, collaborating with Leslie Robinson, the Democratic nominee for Garfield County Commissioner for District 3.

“We both need to get elected to do the work we need in GarCo. We are very different candidates, but we want to bring a collaborative effort to the county, where more voices are represented.”

The Sun reached out to candidates John Martin (the incumbent republican) and Brian Bark (independent) for comment, but received no response as of press time.

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Wilhelm gets out there amid tough race

By James Steindler Sopris Sun Correspondent

the first Latina to be elected to any government position within Garfield County. He’s hoping that Beatriz Soto will unseat six-term incumbent Republican Commissioner John The Democratic nominee for the Colorado House of Martin.

Representatives 57th District (HD 57) Colin Wilhelm is fighting When it comes to healthcare, Wilhelm believes that the an uphill battle as the district historically votes Republican. private sector should be in charge of the actual care and that Incumbent Perry Will was appointed to the post in the state, or federal government preferably, step in with a spring 2019 after his predecessor, Bob Rankin (R), was public option for insurance needs. appointed to the Colorado senate to replace former State “First, we need to make sure we understand that Senator Randy Baumgardner (R) who resigned over sexual providing health care and paying for health care are two misconduct allegations. separate issues,” he stated. “In my plans, no matter how we Wilhelm is taking his listening cap to townships pay for healthcare, a public option will be available.” throughout HD 57 which spans from Wilhelm further believes that mental Carbondale, in its bottom right corner, health treatment needs to be more widely I support the Black Lives to the Wyoming and Utah borders. The available — especially to young people. point of his “Listening Tour” is to hear Matter movement, but I also “We know that tackling mental comments and concerns directly from support the police departments health early can ease negative effects on HD 57’s constituents. society later on,” he explained.

Carbondalians can catch Wilhelm and have plans that will reform He would like to see the private at the Christmas Tree Park across from policing in our state. mental health sector care for students Beer Works from 6 to 8 p.m. Sept. 9 and 16 to hash out his across HD 57. He pointed out Mountain Family Health as agenda and share their opinions — keeping social distancing an example which is, “Partnering with schools and placing in mind. Wilhelm has several similar events scheduled in a mental health care counselor into the school to provide predominantly Republican towns, including Craig and the care,” he stated. “I want to expand this program and Meeker, ahead of the election this fall. make it at least partially state funded so that every child, While Wilhelm is not from Colorado originally, he no matter what their insurance situation is, can receive has lived in Glenwood Springs for the past six years. He treatment if necessary.” considers himself a man of the people; while waiting to When it comes to law enforcement accountability take the Colorado bar exam he worked at both Target and Wilhelm indicated that law enforcement officers — like Sports Authority in Glenwood Springs. teachers — “are asked to do more with less.” Specifically, Having been raised outside of Detroit, Wilhelm is he would like to see mental health professionals supporting grateful to have grown up in a diverse community. He police officers in the field. “I support the Black Lives Matter noted the booming Latino population in this region and movement, but I also support the police departments and believes that not only does there need to be legislation that have plans that will reform policing in our state,” he stated. keeps the needs of this portion of the population in mind, As winter approaches, Wilhelm is aware that people are but more representatives from this demographic need to be worried about keeping their businesses up and running. elected to public office.

“We must revisit the idea of business economic support Wilhelm acknowledged that Roaring Fork School from the state during the winter months,” he said and District board member Jasmin Ramirez recently became further emphasized the need to, “set up grant programs

“

”

Colin Wilhelm. Courtesy photo and other potential measures that will protect those restaurants and businesses that may need to close or limit their normal business in the upcoming winter months due to these social distancing measures.”

Wilhelm hopes that people will begin to compromise over party lines. To him, rather than avoiding policy discussions with family or friends he encourages Republicans and Democrats to begin having these difficult conversations together.

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THE SOPRIS SUN • Carbondale’s weekly community connector • September 3 - September 9, 2020 • 11

Concerns rise over Grizzly Creek Fire’s impact on fish

By Heather Sackett Aspen Journalism The Grizzly Creek Fire in Glenwood Canyon has many people praying for rain.

But the very thing that could douse the blaze, which burned more than 32,000 acres, has some experts concerned it also could create problems for downstream endangered fish.

A heavy rain could wash dirt — no longer held in place by charred vegetation — and ash from the steep canyons and gullies of the burn area into the Colorado River. Scorched soils don’t absorb water as well, increasing the magnitude of the flood. And the heavy sediment load in the runoff could suffocate fish. A similar scenario played out in 2018 when thousands of fish were killed by ash and dirt that washed into the Animas River from the 416 Fire burn area.

Downstream from the Grizzly Creek Fire, beginning in DeBeque Canyon, there is critical habitat for four species of endangered fish: humpback chub, Colorado pikeminnow, bonytail and razorback sucker. “Yes, we are very concerned about a fire in that kind of terrain that is close to critical habitat. There’s just no question,� said Tom Chart, director of the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service’s Upper Colorado River Endangered Fish Recovery Program. “There’s a probability we could have an effect all the way down into the 15-mile reach.�

The Colorado River’s so-called 15-mile reach, near Grand Junction, is home to those four species of fish. This stretch often has less water than is recommended for these fish by

Fish & Wildlife mainly because of two large irrigation diversions that pull water from the river to irrigate Grand Valley farms: DeBeque Canyon’s Grand Valley Project, which takes water from the river at a structure known as the Roller Dam, and the Grand Valley Irrigation Canal, which takes water from the river near Palisade.

Between these diversions and the confluence of the Gunnison River, there is a problem spot where water managers constantly work to bolster water levels through upstream reservoir releases. According to Chart, there is currently a total of about 250 cubic feet per second being released from Ruedi, Wolford and Granby reservoirs for the benefit of fish in the 15-mile reach.

With hot, dry weather, a weak monsoon season and the ongoing diversions for irrigation season, which continue into the fall, current river conditions are already stressful for the fish, Chart said. Water managers say they have seen fish using fish ladders to swim upstream and downstream of the 15-mile reach in search of deeper, cooler water. “As far as concern about the ecological health of the 15-mile reach right now, we are very concerned about conditions there right now,� Chart said. “Native fish do move out of those dewatered stretches in search of better conditions.�

A debris flow on top of these alreadychallenging conditions could be devastating for fish populations. “The potential with the Grizzly Creek Fire could be as bad as it gets if we get a rainstorm on top of a low baseflow,� Chart said. “You

Welcome

The Colorado River divides Glenwood Canyon. Debris flows caused by rain on the Grizzly Creek Fire burn area could pose a problem for downstream endangered fish. Photo by Kelsey Brunner, The Aspen Times pray for rain, but at the same time this would be a tough time to get a flow of ash and retardant off the burned area.�

The U.S. Forest Service’s Burned Area Emergency Response (BAER) team has done a preliminary assessment of the severity of the soil burns to determine where debris flows would most likely occur, according to Lisa Stoeffler, deputy forest supervisor for the White River National Forest.

Areas of concern include Dead Horse Creek, Cinnamon Creek and No Name Creek, among others. More than an inch of rain in an hour — or a quarter-inch in 15 minutes, as occurs in a fast-moving thunderstorm — could trigger a debris flow, the BAER team found.

But this initial assessment, Stoeffler said, is mostly focused on potential impacts to Interstate 70, and water and power

infrastructure, not on impacts to the aquatic environment. “We may look at the environment later on, once we have a final footprint of the fire,� she said. “The BAER process is really looking at things that we would need to address because it would cause an emergency-type situation.�

When the Grizzly Creek Fire first broke out, the city of Glenwood Springs switched its municipal water source from Grizzly and No Name creeks, which are near the burned area, to the Roaring Fork River. “We are concerned about the ash and debris entering the water system and the costs we are going to incur because of this,� said Hannah Klausman, public information officer for Glenwood Springs.

Since preventing the dirty runoff from reaching the river would be difficult, if not Continued on page 13

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12 • THE SOPRIS SUN • soprissun.com • September 3 - September 9, 2020

Work in Progress Mural by Stanley Bell & Chris Erickson. PC: Lewis Cooper

Fish from page 12 impossible, in the steep, rocky terrain, the best bet, Chart said, would be tapping into upstream reservoir water to flush sediment and ash.

In other words: The solution to pollution is dilution.

The Roaring Fork River, which flows into the Colorado at Glenwood Springs, also would help dilute the ash and sediment before it got to the 15-mile reach. Some of it would probably settle out before it got there anyway. But that would do little to help native fish populations closer to the burn area. Although not listed as endangered, other species such as flannelmouth sucker, bluehead sucker and roundtail chub also could be impacted.

“We get concerned about the endangered fish the most, but it’s really the entire native fish community we need to be paying attention to,” Chart said.

The Colorado

‘Circulating Source Water’ inspires healing

CIRCULATING

River Water Conservation District has some water in Wolford and Ruedi reservoirs that could potentially be used for a flushing flow. But it would take careful coordination between reservoir operators.

And it could be a complicated juggling act to figure out how to accommodate all the different demands for that limited water supply, said River District chief engineer John Currier.

“I think we stand ready to try and figure out how to do something,” Currier said. “It will be a topic of discussion sooner rather than later.”

Managing the impacts of the burned landscape on the fish will be ongoing long after the fire is extinguished.

“I think this is going to be an issue for years to come,” Chart said.

“That landscape is going to take a long time to heal.”

SOURCE WATER

© William T. Evans, MD, PC 2020

A Living-World Story

Review by Raleigh Burleigh Sopris Sun Correspondent Will Evans, retired medical doctor and resident of Carbondale, recently published a powerful piece of literature to accompany our global predicament.

“Circulating Source Water” is presented as a monograph: an academic exploration focusing on a single topic. In this case, the subject of inquiry is water. We quickly are reminded that water touches everything.

This allows the conversation to weave together history, medical science, spiritual wisdom, and personal correspondences in describing the imperative of healthy waters and consequences of our internal and external imbalances.

“Creating a life-sustaining relationship with source water is the adventure of a lifetime,” posits Evans. “We cling to black-and-white views, we choose this over that; meanwhile, our emotions are running rampant: the division we have created between heart and mind has brought

us to the edge. We need to return to paradox in order to rediscover ourselves as whole people.

Whole-hearted thinking is a paradox in itself.

Can the heart think? Of course, but only when the mind and heart become one.”

Although the book may initially appear daunting — weighing in at 179 pages replete with hundreds of footnotes — Evans approaches the topic like entering a grand river to float. Each chapter takes us a layer deeper as we are initiated into a unique form of storytelling and introduced with frankness to the dangers of a health crisis greater than the current pandemic.

The journey begins aptly with Source then flows through Big Picture, Respect, Paradox, Disconnection, and Contamination. Having transited these hard realities, we begin to emerge through the chapters Aquifer, Balance, Identity, Source and Resource, Downstream, Resilience, A Catalyzing Event, Watershed, Flow, and the monograph concludes with Trusting.

Footnotes are described in the foreword as side canyons available to explore at once or dignified to guard their knowledge for a return trip.

Published locally by Light of the Moon Inc., “Circulating Source Water,” achieves global appeal by expounding universally useful information for this strange slice of time in history. Meanwhile, the book holds an extra special layer of meaning for persons familiar with the Roaring Fork Valley. Just a few important stops along the journey include Sustainable Settings, Hanging Lake, and Roaring Fork High School. For longtime or previous residents, as well as newcomers, there is much to be gleaned about this place and the

responsibilities inherent for those of us who call it home.

Many important characters populate the shores of this narrative. Those known personally by the author include former Colorado governor Dick Lamm, Carbondale mayor Dan Richardson, Brooke LeVan of Sustainable Settings, The Endocrine Disruption Exchange founder Theo Colborn, and an anonymous indigenous friend called IF. Many historical figures also play a role like Arthur Carhart, an influential conservationist with the US Forest Service, and youth climate activist Greta Thunberg. We are accompanied throughout the book by Netti, a curious high school student watching global crises unfold, as Will Evans offers her the counsel of an elder. Their relationship gives conversational structure to an otherwise dense assortment of facts and observations.

Ultimately, “Circulating Source Water” offers understanding and hope, encouraging us to turn away from the abyss of a “dying world story” to evaluate with honesty the damages wrought by living disconnected. To discover right relationship requires listening and trust and the path to healing asks that we rediscover our most authentic selves.

Thankfully, such a challenge feels appropriately inspired by the concluding words of this story. My hope is that you discover the enriching contents of this work for yourself and circulate a copy among your cherished people.

The book is available online and at Mana Foods in Carbondale.

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Francie Jacober | 970-987-3928 |francie@jacoberbrothers.com THE SOPRIS SUN • Carbondale’s weekly community connector • September 3 - September 9, 2020 • 13

OBITUARY

LETTERS

LEGALS

Don Ensign

Sept. 5, 1936 – Aug. 21, 2020 Don died on Friday, Aug. 21 from natural causes and an immoderate lifestyle.

Don is survived by his exquisite wife Jody and three astonishing sons and daughters-in-law, all extremely successful and with not an ounce of pretension amongst them. They’ve produced eight grandchildren (who all appear to be on the same trajectory) and one great grandchild (who knows).

Don enjoyed a long and diverse career: professor (Utah State, North Carolina State), consultant (founder of Design Workshop), developer and most recently a sculptor. He worked long hours during the week but always took weekends off to play and enjoy family and friends.

He was an avid horseman (fox hunting, eventing, trail riding, stock herding), golfer, backcountry skier and hiker. He was sometimes observed to over indulge on weekends but always with good humor. Occasional anger was confined to inattentive drivers, muffed golf shots and political stupidity.

Politically, Don was a social progressive and an economic conservative.

He supported gay rights, and racial and gender equality. Whenever the opportunity presented itself he always voted for women irrespective of political complexion convinced that women had better foresight, more compassion and a superior grasp of budget reality.

If you would like to acknowledge

Don’s service to the community please do so with a contribution in his name to Carbondale Arts (CA). Don’s view is that this organization, coupled with superb town governance and an engaged citizenry has made Carbondale one of the most desirable communities in the intermountain region and loved it dearly.

Don’s life will be remembered by a going away party at some point in the future when friends, colleagues and family are allowed to gather. At which time no solemn, maudlin or religious stuff allowed, only the roasting of foibles, misconduct, irreverence and fun in celebration of a joyous life well lived will be allowed.

From early adulthood Don subscribed to the notion that life is far too important to be taken seriously. In that vein, Don said that he will not be personally attending the festivities but will be toasting everyone’s love and friendship.

Love, happiness and gratitude to you all.

DHE

PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that a Public Hearing will be held before the Carbondale Board of Trustees for the purpose of considering an Annexation, Rezoning, Major Site Plan Review, Vesting, and Conditional Use Permit. The application is to rezone the property from Commercial General (County) to Commercial/Retail/ Wholesale (Town) in order to construct a self-storage facility with residential unit(s).

The property is located at 0430 Highway 133 (Parcel #2393-284-00-011). It is the 2.602 acre parcel along the west side of Highway 133, just north of the Public Service electrical substation.

It is legally described as follows: A parcel of land situated in Lot 16 of Section 28, Township 7 South, Range 88 West of the Sixth Principal Meridian, being more particularly described as follows: Beginning at a point on the Westerly rightof-way line of Colorado State Highway No. 133, whence the East Quarter corner of said Section 28 bears North 24°43'21" East, 2372.8 feet; thence South 01°16'00" East, 511.89 feet along said Westerly right-of-way line; thence leaving said Westerly right-of-way line along the boundary of that Exception Parcel described in that document recorded as Reception No. 232893 South 88°44'00" West, 195.0 feet; thence continuing along said boundary South 01°16'00" East, 49.14 feet to a point on the Northeasterly rightof-way line of the Denver and Rio Grande Western Railroad; thence leaving said boundary North 33°10'35" West, 47.30 feet along said Northeasterly right-of-way line; thence leaving said Northeasterly right-of-way North 01°16'00" West, 520.88 feet; thence North 88°44'00" East, 220.00 feet to the point of beginning.

Containing 2.602 acres more or less.

The applicant/owner is Eastwood 133, LLC. Said Public Hearing will be held at 6:00 p.m. on September 22, 2020.

You may watch a live streaming of the meeting on You Tube. Search Town of Carbondale September 22, 2020 meeting. Please be aware that you will experience a 15-30 second delay.

If you would like to submit comments regarding this application, email your comments or letter to msikes@carbondaleco. net by 3:00 pm on September 22, 2020. This email or letter will be entered into the record.

If you would like to comment during the meeting, email msikes@carbondaleco.net with your full name and address by 3:00 pm on September 22, 2020. You will receive instructions on joining the meeting online prior to 6:00 p.m.

Also, you may contact msikes@carbondaleco. net to get a phone number to listen to the

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meeting, however, you will be unable to make comments. Wifi will be available in the lobby of Town Hall and a phone will also be available in the lobby for the public to listen to the meeting.

Please email Janet Buck at jbuck@ carbondaleco.net or call 970/456-3036 by 3:00 p.m. the date of the public hearing if special accommodations are necessary to participate in the meeting.

Copies of the proposed application are available on the Town’s website at www. carbondalegov.org. Please contact msikes@ carbondaleco.net if you are unable to view the application on the Town’s website and would like to request an alternate method of review.

Janet Buck Town Planner ORDINANCE NO. 10 Series of 2020 AN ORDINANCE OF THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES OF THE TOWN OF CARBONDALE, COLORADO, APPROVING THE APPLICATION TO REZONE PROPERTY LOCATED AT 958 STATE HIGHWAY 133 TO THE MIXED USE (MU) AND COMMERCIAL/TRANSITIONAL (C/T) ZONE DISTRICTS NOTICE: This Ordinance was introduced, read, and adopted at a regular meeting of the Board of Trustees of the Town of Carbondale, Colorado, on August 25, 2020.

This Ordinance shall take effect thirty (30) days after publication of this notice. The full text of said Ordinance is available to the public at www.carbondalegov.org or at the office of the Town Clerk, 511 Colorado Avenue, Carbondale, Colorado, during normal business hours.

THE TOWN OF CARBONDALE By: Dan Richardson, Mayor ORDINANCE NO. 11 Series of 2020 AN ORDINANCE OF THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES OF THE TOWN OF CARBONDALE, COLORADO, AMENDING ARTICLE 3 OF CHAPTER 4 OF THE CARBONDALE MUNICIPAL CODE (SALES TAX) NOTICE: This Ordinance was introduced, read, and adopted at a regular meeting of the Board of Trustees of the Town of Carbondale, Colorado, on August 25, 2020.

This Ordinance shall take effect thirty (30) days after publication of this notice. The full text of said Ordinance is available to the public at www.carbondalegov.org or at the office of the Town Clerk, 511 Colorado Avenue, Carbondale, Colorado, during normal business hours.

THE TOWN OF CARBONDALE By: Dan Richardson, Mayor

obligations of a Pitkin County Commissioner to protect the place we live in and love and the serious issues that the County must address if we are to retain and protect this special place.

Vote Nov. 3 for Pitkin County Commissioner, District 5: Francie Jacober.

Dorothea Farris Crystal Valley

Boebert for Congress Dear Editor: Republican Lauren Boebert is a breath of fresh air in our dank political swamp. Her opponent is an "experienced" Democrat.

Like the Dems who have ruled our cities for decades and turned them into America's hell holes. Like Denver's mayor Hancock, who has allowed the Californication of his city to allow an explosion of third-world refugee camps.

Ms. Boebert is a mother, a small business owner and a concerned citizen. Like her fellow Republicans, Lauren is against open borders, defunding police, raising taxes, racial reparations and gun confiscation. Boebert's challenger is on the opposite side of this common sense fence.

Lauren Boebert supports our region's greatest economic engine, the oil and gas industry. Her foe wants to eviscerate it.

Boebert doesn't believe in AOC's new green scheme, nor does she trust our government to totally control our health care. Her Dem opponent has endorsed both in the past.

Please folks, vote Lauren Boebert in Colorado's 3rd district. Stop the californication of Colorado.

Bruno Kirchenwitz Rifle

Better care for patients.

Better health for all – wherever you are in the Roaring Fork Valley.

At Aspen Valley Primary Care, our physicians provide comprehensive medical care at two convenient locations, plus virtual clinic visits from the comfort of your home.

Monday – Friday, 8 am – 5 pm

Aspen | 0401 Castle Creek Road Basalt | 1460 East Valley Road, Suite 103

No WALKINS Please Call for Appointments

For Information & Reservations call 970-945-0667 • yampahspa.com Spa, Salon 9-7 Caves 3-9 • Just One Block East of the Hot Springs Pool Working Togethe r For Pets And The ir People 2801 CR 11 Glenwoo d Springs 4 , (970)947- CO 9173

C.A.R.E. h as available 6 dogs and 5 c ats for adop tion.

.E. rs a “C.A.R e f f o s k c wa ptive RJ Paddy r new ado o f ” e g a for k pac g a Paws in d lu c in % , families st time 15 ir f a d n a n Points pla your new pet. or f discount

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I’m an energe tic, sweet litt old female Hee le 8 year ler with a supe personalit r fun am looking yfoand the cutest little ears active and enr a home that can keep ! I a good snuggltertained, but I also en me jo e session. I ge with other do t along greay t I don’t have exgs and people of all ag might like to perience with cats, soesI . chase and he rd them.

Call 970-94 7 -9 1 7 3 for information ab out me. more

Call 970.279.4111 to request a virtual clinic visit or in-person appointment with one of our physicians.

NEW PATIENTS WELCOME!

EXPANDED COVID-19 TESTING AVAILABLE

If you are experiencing ANY COVID-19related symptoms (cough, fever, shortness of breath, etc.), call your primary care physician.

Your physician will evaluate your symptoms and can give you a referral to be tested at AVH’s Respiratory Evaluation Center. If you do not have a primary care physician, call Aspen Valley Primary Care at 970.279.4111.

WE HAVE MOVED INSIDE!

RJ Paddywacks

Continued from page 2

HOURS OF OPERATION

By appointment only, physician referral is required.

COVID-19 TESTING

The Respiratory Evaluation Center is located to the left of AVH’s Main Entrance, through the double doors.

7 days/week, 12:00 – 4:00 pm HELP FOR RESPIRATORY SYMPTOMS

Monday – Friday, 12:00 – 4:00 pm

400 E Valley Rd. # I/J

Next to City Market in El Jebel

970.963.1700 rjpaddywacks.com

14 • THE SOPRIS SUN • soprissun.com • September 3 - September 9, 2020

ASPEN VALLEY PRIMARY CARE ASPEN VALLEY HOSPITAL

aspenhospital.org |

AspenValleyHospital

PARTING SHOT

Red Hill wasn't the only trail to receive a makeover recently. White River National Forest, Wilderness Workshop, Roaring Fork Mountain Bike Association, Roaring Fork Valley Horse Council, and Roaring Fork Outdoor Volunteers came together to restore the Hay Park Trail, one of the two main accesses to Mt. Sopris. Photo by Melanie Finan / Wilderness Workshop

SERVICE DIRECTORY ARCHITECTURAL DESIGN With over thirty years of local design & construction experience, we stand ready to assist you in your new or remodel project.

Homemade Gourmet!

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— Upcoming Live Music Schedule —

Ingrid Wussow 970.404.5105

Friday, September 4, 7pm Chris Bank

Monday, September 7, 7pm Labor Day Party with Aspen440

Saturday, September 5, 7pm Rhonda Funk

Wednesday, September 9, 7pm Chris Bank

Thursday, September 3, 7pm Sunday, September 6, 10am Randal Utterback & Smokin’ Joe Kelly Smokin’ Joe Kelly

Saturday, September 5, 7pm

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RESERVATIONS: 970-927-0151 | 166 Midland Ave Basalt, CO 81621 | Mon - Sat: 11a.m.-10p.m. Sun: 9a.m.- 9p.m.

U

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eW imaatte Wa as tm i i l t CLEAN Ul Cleans Inside shh

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You’re not alone if you’re feeling life’s challenges are overwhelming right now.

In-person and tele-health (Zoom) appointments available to treat Anxiety, Depression, and Trauma.

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cbmasonmorse.com THE SOPRIS SUN • Carbondale’s weekly community connector • September 3 - September 9, 2020 • 15

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UP SID E - DO WN WO RLD AN INSPIRED VIEW OF TODAY’S WORLD

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With the COVID-19 crisis, ACF is leading community response efforts to help individuals and families impacted by the pandemic. This includes working with government, nonprofits, and schools to coordinate assistance and outreach, engaging donors to support needs, and disbursing funding to nonprofit organizations providing critical services.

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