Happy Potato Days ... err, we mean, Mountain Fair!
LIFT-UP Executive Director Samantha Freese sits atop one of 21 pallets of russet potatoes — 38,000 pounds total — donated to the organization from the national food-security nonprofit Sharing Excess.
Flip to page 11 for the full story. Photo courtesy of LIFT-UP Fair-brained? Turn to page 5 for a preview of the 55th Mountain Fair.
Walking down Carbondale’s Main Street on a warm summer afternoon, I’m struck by the sweet essence of this place. I hear the squeals of delight spilling out from the pool, friends lingering over cool drinks on restaurant patios, the smell of Peppino’s pizza drifting through the air and laughter echoing from Fourth Street.
Yes, summer can seem a little sleepy compared to other communities in the Valley, but that’s part of what makes Carbondale special. There are so few places like this. Sure, traffic backs up on Highway 133 at certain times of day and, yes, many new people now call Carbondale home. But our job is not to change Carbondale. Our job is to let Carbondale change us.
This year marks 10 years since Carbondale was designated a Colorado Creative District by the Colorado Office of Economic Development. The designation wasn’t just another award. It was a vehicle for our community to chart a vibrant future and distinguish ourselves from other valley towns. It was a “yes” project that everyone could rally around — and they did.
Businesses proudly displayed Creative District decals representing Studio Arts, Health & Wellness, Performing Arts, Heritage, History and Culinary Arts. Those broad categories reflected who we are and cast a wide net for participation. The Rio Grande ARTway was created, along with wayfinding signage.
Yet the magic remains.
Where else in the Valley is there a classic old movie theater that opens its doors free of charge for nearly every World Cup match? Where else is the dandelion celebrated as the town flower with an annual Dandelion Day Festival?
Our deep love of the land continues to bind us together. Longtime ranching families preserve open spaces filled with livestock instead of subdivisions.
The Carbondale Mountain Fair continues a remarkable tradition of volunteerism that has now been passed down through three generations. (For newcomers, volunteering at Mountain Fair isn’t just helpful — it’s one of the ways you become part of this community.) Behind it all are extraordinary people who genuinely care.
By Amy Kimberly
The Carbondale Chamber of Commerce enthusiastically promoted the district and secured funding to partner with other Creative Districts on a Western Slope road trip campaign. Joint advertisements invited visitors to experience the “Historic Carbondale Creative District,” appearing in magazines throughout the Valley and across Colorado. Other communities even called asking, “How can we become more like Carbondale?” Our public schools explored reshaping their curriculum around the district’s vision by creating a mini ARTway, connecting the schools and emphasizing more experiential learning. Farmers and ranchers were embraced as an essential part of our creative identity through the Heritage category, recognizing that creativity here extends far beyond galleries and studios.
The district was created and managed by Carbondale Arts, with guidance from a separate board representing businesses, nonprofits, local government and artists. It was a magical time. Rents were lower, real estate was more attainable and Carbondale was working together toward a shared vision.
Much has changed since those early years. The high cost of living and lack of affordable housing have made it increasingly difficult for artists and working families to remain here. The chamber shifted its focus to other priorities, and the Creative District gradually faded as a marketing tool. New businesses have opened, many unaware they are part of a Creative District at all — except perhaps during First Fridays. The governing board dissolved.
Dear Community,
Thank you all for helping me through my difficult time. The outpouring of love last Sunday was the best thing I can imagine for me, my family and, I think, our community.
I know Linda appreciated the gathering as much as I did, and she sends her love to all.
Russ Criswell Carbondale
Theater review at large Sol Theatre Company’s production of “The Prom” is a joyous, polished and emotionally resonant musical that captures the heart of Broadway while showcasing the remarkable talent in our community.
Under the direction and choreography of Luke Ryan (local theater student) trained in New York City’s American Musical and Dramatic Academy, this production is visually stunning and deeply moving.
So why are businesses struggling? Why is it becoming harder to make a living here? Why do so many people feel increasingly isolated?
If we want to preserve what makes Carbondale special while allowing it to thrive, we cannot forget the ideas and partnerships that brought us here. Nor can we rest on our laurels.
A thriving small town requires continual care and cultivation.
That means strengthening the relationship between businesses and nonprofits. It means reinvigorating the Carbondale Creative District and the Rio Grande ARTway.
Recently, I picked up Local magazine and noticed that the only destinations mentioned along the Rio Grande Trail in Carbondale were TownLine, True Nature and White River Books, wonderful businesses and organizations that deserve recognition. But the trail also passes by an entire Creative District, the ARTway, SAW Studios, galleries, public art and countless creative businesses. Those are stories worth telling, too.
It means a town needs to be willing to continually invest in the unique vision which is Carbondale.
The good news is that the building blocks already exist. Carbondale Arts continues to work tirelessly throughout the year. A new Main Street Business Alliance is emerging and doing important work to support local businesses. The Tourism Council has formed a marketing subcommittee that has the opportunity to once again promote the Creative District as a destination.
We don’t need to reinvent the wheel. We simply need to reconnect with the vision that united us a decade ago.
The Creative District was never just about art. It was about creating a place where creativity, business, agriculture, culture, history and community could flourish together. That vision is just as relevant today as it was 10 years ago.
Perhaps the best way to move forward is to revisit our past, and let it guide the pathway to Carbondale’s future.
Jennifer Austin Hughes, executive director of Sol Theatre, commands the stage as Dee Dee Allen. She embraces the larger-than-life Broadway diva, while revealing the character’s humanity as the story unfolds.
Local Jennetta Howell is a standout as Angie Dickinson, lighting up the stage with her vibrant comic personality and Fosse-inspired choreography.
New York professional Kurt Perry is delightful as Barry Glickman — warm, witty and heartfelt — providing us with funny moments and reminding us of the emotional stakes of the story.
At the center of the show is Rachel Grodek’s moving portrayal of Emma Nolan. She brings honesty, vulnerability and quiet strength to the role. Her performance is the emotional anchor for this story.
Ryan, as director and choreographer, has crafted a Broadway ensemble with outstanding professional Broadway
singers and dancers in this spectacular theatrical event.
While filled with laughter, dazzling dance numbers and showstopper Divas, it also delivers the message about acceptance, compassion and the impact prejudice can have on our young students.
This show deserves full houses. To experience “The Prom,” audiences must make at least one of four remaining performances on July 23, 24 and 25 at 7pm, and July 26 at 2pm. Treat yourself to one of the finest musical productions of the season and discover why Sol Theatre continues to raise the bar for professional theater. Tickets at soltheatrecompany.org
Jacquie Johnston At-large Critic
Small, friendly mountain town Carbondale is known for being a small mountain town with a friendly and vibrant community. This reputation is maintained continued on page 22
Editor James Steindler
970-510-3003 news@soprissun.com
Managing Editor Skyler Stark-Ragsdale
Sol del Valle Editora Bianca Godina bianca@soldelvalle.org
Digital Editor Ingrid Celeste Zúniga ingrid@soldelvalle.org
Lead Editorial Designer
Terri Ritchie
Partnerships & Engagement Manager
Luise Nieslanik
Advertising Department adsales@soprissun.com
Sol del Valle Marketing & Development Manager
Margarita Alvarez margarita@soldelvalle.org
Advertising and Special Section Designer
Emily Blong
Delivery
Frederic Kischbaum
Bartlett
Proofreaders
Lee Beck
Tracy Kallassy
Ken Pletcher
Hank van Berlo
Executive Director
Todd Chamberlin
970-510-0246 todd@soprissun.com
Board Members / Mesa Directiva board@soprissun.com
Klaus Kocher • Kay Clarke • Eric Smith
Roger Berliner • Elizabeth Phillips
Anna Huntington • Loren Jenkins
Carlos Ramos • Gayle Wells
The Sopris Sun Board meets at 6pm 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+
Kathy & Carter Barger
Lee Beck & John Stickney
Karen & Roger Berliner
Emily & George Bohmfalk
Kay Brunnier
Michelle & Ed Buchman
Sandy & Paul Chamberlin
Frances Dudley
Sue Edelstein & Bill Spence
Deborah & Shane Evans
Greg & Kathy Feinsinger
Peter & Mike Gilbert
Michael & Nancy Kish
Gary & Jill Knaus
Jan & Warren Koster
Bob & Dori Libson
Lee Mulcahy
Donna & Ken Riley
Eric Smith
Patti & George Stranahan
Gayle & Dick Wells
Elizabeth Wysong
Legacy Givers for including us in their final wishes. Mary Lilly
Linda Criswell
Donate by mail or online: P.O. Box 399
Carbondale, CO 81623
520 S. Third Street #26
970-510-3003
soprissun.com/Donate
The Sopris Sun, Inc.
is a proud member of the Carbondale Creative District
OUR UNDERWRITERS AND NONPROFIT PARTNERS!
Looking to enjoy the festivities this weekend, while giving back to the fair? Sign up to volunteer for the 55th annual Carbondale Mountain Fair, running Friday, July 24 through Sunday, July 26, and join an impassioned group that makes the fair run! Volunteers who contribute four or more hours of time over the three-day period will earn a “Friend of Fair” T-shirt. Volunteer at tinyurl. com/mountainfairvolunteer2026 or email emily@carbondalearts.com with questions.
Alpine Bank
Colorado Mountain College
Nordic Gardens
Hilary Porterfield
Basalt Library
NONPROFIT PARTNERS
Two Rivers
Unitarian Universalist
Carbondale Arts
Colorado Animal Rescue
Interested in becoming an Underwriter or Nonprofit Partner? Email Todd@soprissun.com or call 970-987-9866
A mudslide cascaded onto I-70 around 7pm Monday, July 20, closing an eight-mile section of highway between mile marker 97 in Silt and mile marker 105 in New Castle, according to the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT). CDOT said the debris, consisting of mud, logs and rocks, spanned an estimated 300-yard section of highway, was over three-feet deep in areas and was set loose by heavy rain and hail. “There is a lot of material for the crews to clear and water to drain,” CDOT Regional Transportation Director Jason Smith said in a press release issued Tuesday. “We are working hard to get this cleared up to get this vital road back open as soon as possible.”
Glenwood Springs High School is hoping to replace its deteriorating pole vault equipment and is asking the community to support the cause. The pole vault foam and landing mats are breaking down and the “mechanism to raise the bar is rusted,” wrote the school’s communications manager, who attributed the diagnosis to Track and Field Head Coach Parker Kennedy. Kennedy is hoping to raise more than $13,600 to replace the equipment through a GoFundMe page. Donate at tinyurl.com/gshspolevault
The Airport Modernization Project construction kicked off July 15 at the Aspen/ Pitkin County Airport, beginning an expected four-year construction process with an anticipated airport closure from April to November next year. The modernization will “improve airfield safety, modernize aging infrastructure and prepare the airport to serve the Roaring Fork Valley community and its visitors for generations to come,” a press release stated. Construction begins with utility relocation, site preparation and roadway improvements. Components of the project include the reconstruction and relocation of the runway to align with Federal Aviation
Sinkhole! The Town of Carbondale closed Main Street west of the intersection with Hendrick Drive after the formation of a sinkhole early Tuesday morning, July 21. “Crews are on site, and repair work is underway,” the Town wrote Tuesday on its Facebook page. “The area must be filled and compacted until it is stable enough to support vehicles.” The Town encouraged drivers to avoid the area and follow posted signs, and said it will repair the hole with asphalt so “any future movement is easier to identify.”
Photo courtesy of the Town of Carbondale
Administration standards and the construction of a new airport terminal. The project was passed by voters in November 2024.
Colorado Parks and Wildlife implemented voluntary fishing closures on July 17 to account for “extremely low flows and high water temperatures” in four regional rivers, according to a press release. CPW said that fish struggle to recover when caught and released if water temperatures are 71 degrees Fahrenheit or higher. The part-day or all-day voluntary restrictions apply to sections of the Crystal, Roaring Fork, Colorado and Eagle rivers, including a full-day voluntary closure on the Crystal between Highway 133 mile marker 64 and the Roaring Fork confluence as well as a voluntary closure from noon to midnight on the Roaring Fork between the Highway 133 bridge and the Colorado River confluence.
A wildland fire ignited shortly after 3pm Tuesday, burning about 0.5 acres roughly 15 miles east of Glenwood Springs, according to the Eagle County Sheriff’s Office. Located off of Cottonwood Pass Road near Blue
Hill, the fire was about 80% contained as of 2:20pm Wednesday. The cause is currently unknown, according to the sheriff’s office. Fewer than 15 homes in the immediate area off of Cottonwood Pass Road were placed on preevacuation as an overnight precaution between Tuesday and Wednesday, the sheriff’s office believes. The restriction was lifted at 1:30pm Wednesday.
The Roaring Fork School District (RFSD) hired longtime educator Jessica Piwko as its new chief academic officer, the district announced last week. With 14 years of experience in K-12 Colorado public education, Piwko most recently served as Denver Public Schools’ interim chief of academics. “Jessica brings deep instructional expertise across grade levels and content areas, along with a strong track record of supporting diverse learners and improving outcomes for all students, including emerging bilingual students, students with disabilities and historically underserved student groups,” RFSD Superintendent Dr. Anna Cole said in a press release.
Four handguns were allegedly stolen from a sporting goods store in the early morning of Monday, July 20, the Rifle Police Department announced this week. The department said a citizen reported hearing breaking glass at roughly 5:12am near East 26th Street and Highway 13. Officers found a broken front window at the scene. They searched the building and surrounding area, determining the guns were stolen. The department asks folks who live or work in the area of the incident to review security camera footage between 4:45 and 6am, Monday, and contact Rifle Police Department Detective Sergeant Dewey Ryan at 970-625-8095 with any information about suspicious activity.
They say it’s your birthday! Folks celebrating another trip around the sun this week include: Mary Boucher, Rick Burrows, Shelle DeBeque, Ruth Frey, Allan Ingram, Maria Sabljak and Jeff Wadley (July 23); Michael Banks, Adele Hause, Greg Jeung, John Masters and John Steuben (July 24); Adrienne Ackerman, Robert Moore and Frank Norwood (July 25); Meredith Ogilby, Alison Osius, Fran Page and Jesse Steindler (July 26); Franz Alderfer and Vince Savage (July 27); Tom Baker, Lisa Lindon and Brent Moss (July 28); Owen O’Farrell, A.O. Forbes, Randi Garcia, Sarah Kemme, Liz Phillips, Jake Spaulding, Greg Tonozzi and Jess Worley (July 29).
JAMES STEINDLER Editor-in-Chief
Folks are chattering about the recent River Valley Ranch (RVR) golf club sale, and wondering what it means for the future of the club and the surrounding RVR community, annexed as part of municipal Carbondale in 1994, and the townspeople at large.
The listing price for the golf club was $24.5 million, but according to the Garfield County Assessor’s website, the sale price was $8.4 million paid by the grantee, Carbondale Golf, LLC. The Colorado Secretary of State website lists the same address out of Miami associated with 8K Capitol, one of the acquiring partners, for the new LLC.
The Sopris Sun caught up with CEO Michael Diaz of Palm Tree Crew, another acquiring partner, to glean some of what the community might expect. His responses were received by email.
Palm Tree Crew partnered with both Major Food Group and 8K Capital, and this is the first time the three have worked together on a project. Palm Tree Crew did not disclose investment percentages between the three.
“What we can say is that all three partners have meaningful skin in the game,” Diaz told The Sun.
It’s also the first time Palm Tree Crew has invested in a golf club, but its bread and butter is hospitality, according to Diaz.
“Our platform includes Palm Tree music festivals and hospitality concepts in destinations such as Aspen, the Hamptons,
St. Barth, Napa Valley, Miami, Orlando and Kansas City,” he said, including the annual Palm Tree Music Festival in Aspen, going on its fifth year.
When asked what drove the company’s interest in the area, Diaz said, in part, “We were drawn to the property’s incredible setting, strong community, and the opportunity to preserve and enhance an already special club. Aspen is a community we have long been close to, so this felt like a natural way to deepen that commitment while furthering our investment in golf.”
“While neither founder has long-standing personal ties to Carbondale, our partner, Alex Levin of 8K Capital, has deep ties to the area and has been instrumental in introducing us to the community,” Diaz added. He noted that the music festival in Aspen helped develop “a meaningful connection to the Roaring Fork Valley.”
Because it’s still quite early on, the company isn’t “in a position to share specifics about future operations or potential changes,” Diaz said. As far as the golf club’s current pay-to-play model, he said that they are not yet ready to discuss membership structure, public access or pricing, but that “it
will be in accordance with local regulations.”
Carbondale Town Manager Ryan Hyland pointed out that the original agreement between the Town and the golf club, driving range and clubhouse requires public access.
Hyland said that the extent of communication between the Town and the new owners so far has occurred through legal counsel, including the Town approving the transfer of a water rights operation agreement to the new owners in April, and the Town providing an “estoppel letter as required by the [1996] Subdivision Improvement Agreement.”
Hyland noted that the Town has not received any proposals for substantial change, but that the golf course and driving range are not zoned for additional development. A proposed zoning change would first have to be approved by the majority of property owners in RVR before an application is filed, he added.
With world-renowned DJ Kygo being a founding partner of Palm Tree Crew, it doesn’t come as a surprise that “music and culture are central to [its] identity,” as Diaz put it. He added that they’re excited about such
opportunities in the future, but don’t have any DJ sets planned and ready to announce.
Hyland noted that “Any concerts or events that could have public impacts would require applications for special event permits to be reviewed by the Town of Carbondale staff and elected officials.”
When asked if kids will still be allowed to sled on the hill at the far end of the driving range during wintertime, Diaz said, “We love hearing about traditions like that. We’re still evaluating winter operations and policies, so we can’t make any commitments today. That said, we appreciate the role the club has played in the community and will certainly keep those traditions in mind as we make future plans.”
A statement from the RVR Master Association noted that RVR is a diverse community, and residents, of course, have varying hopes and concerns. The new ownership team has reached out “and are eager to communicate and partner with the HOA, and its homeowners,” according to the statement. The statement noted that the previous management team is still currently in place and that the “Master Association has always had an outstanding relationship with them.”
“We understand that a project like this is about more than the property itself; it’s about being part of a community,” Diaz concluded. “We’re focused on building strong relationships with local leaders, residents and stakeholders, and we look forward to continuing an open dialogue as we move forward.”
Sopris Sun Correspondent
It’s time to get excited for Carbondale’s 55th annual Mountain Fair! This year’s theme is Camp Bonedale, a tradition originating in 1981 from the graduating class of Roaring Fork High School. Camp Bonedale nostalgically embraces the heart of the fair being about connection and community.
“We were very close, so when we got out of high school and people moved away to go to college or started a career of their own, Camp Bonedale was set up,” John Thiel, the initiator of Camp Bonedale, said. “We had 66 kids in our graduating class, so everybody knew everyone’s parents and brothers and sisters.”
Thiel knew that his close-knit class deserved a spot at the annual Mountain Fair to gather and catch up, so he staked out the spot between the sound booth and the beer garden facing the stage.
“It was prime real estate,” Thiel explained. In 1983, they made a Camp Bonedale sign from redwood siding that came from a coal bin of an Aspen home built in the 1890s.
The sign has gone missing before, to return, go missing again and return again … As for Camp Bonedale …
“It just carried on year after year. Looking forward to the fair meant looking forward to Camp Bonedale and seeing everybody that would come back for the fair,” Thiel said. “Some of the best memories of my youth.”
“I was very, very flattered and enthusiastic about Camp Bonedale being the theme of the Carbondale 55th Mountain Fair, and it brought back a lot of memories,” Thiel said, adding that he wished he could attend this year’s fair. Thiel currently lives in Kalispell, Montana and is recovering from an e-bike accident which left him as quadriplegic.
“I’m doing much better. I’m walking again, I’ve regained use of my arms and my right hand,” Thiel shared. “So yeah, things are going really good.”
Folks involved in the fair share Thiel’s sentiment and locals look forward to the festivities every final weekend of July. The fair would not be as spectacular as it is without the commitment of the awesome volunteers that run it each year. Many traditions have carried through, evolved and changed year after year — from limbo to pie making to wood chopping.
One area that has evolved is the Oasis. Now located on Main Street from Weant Boulevard to 4th Street, the Oasis is a family-friendly area with more vendors, activities for children and a live music tent.
Starting off at the Oasis stage Friday at 5:30pm will be Rock and Roll Academy Aspen. Another thing to look forward to at the Oasis is line dancing Sunday at 1 o’clock in the afternoon.
The fair opens Friday at noon, starting with the kid’s carnival until 7:30pm.
At the Gazebo Main Stage in the park Gabriela Mejia and friends will lead off the opening blessing at 3:50pm, followed by the Rhythm of the Heart Community Drum Circle. Local rock ‘n’ roll band Tommy the Animal kicks off after that at 5:15pm.
When you arrive, you can choose to be in costume with the first theme, Camp Crafts. Make a costume inspired by classic camp crafts like flower crowns, hand and leaf paintings, friendship bracelets and nature weavings. Saturday’s theme is Camp Couture, so think sashes, khaki and cargo pants
Mountain Fair Chief of Operations Deborah Colley said that the Carbondale Arts’ team knows how important the original Camp Bonedale sign is. “We’re honored to have it and to put it up at the fair,” she said.
“People can find it and take a photo with it if they want, or just take a look and see that there’s little bones burned into the sign! It’s like a living symbol of something that we’ve grown and taken care of together.” Photo by Katalina Villarreal
— but fashion! The final fair day’s costume theme is Carbondale’s classic, Tie Dye. This year’s poster design was created by Colorado visual artist and tattooer Rowan Brown and encapsulates the vibrant sense of community and joy that the fair brings. The Mountain Fair poster
continued on page 18
Sopris Sun Correspondent
A new, smart irrigation system is now fully operational at Crown Mountain Park that can slash the mid-valley park’s water usage by 20% to 30%, or tens of thousands of gallons of water a day — coming not a moment too soon during a historically dry year.
The new irrigation system, called Baseline, uses real-time data monitoring and a vast network of sensors in order to ensure Crown Mountain Park’s fields are watered efficiently. More efficient water usage also means less time waiting for irrigation failures to be resolved and for wet turf to dry, increasing the time spent enjoying the park.
“On our old programming, if we ran every zone for 30 minutes a day, the park used about 180,000 gallons of water daily,” Crown Mountain Park Executive Director Rebecca Wagner said. “With the new Baseline system and updated scheduling, that same run pattern is now down to roughly 126,000 gallons per day.”
Crown Mountain Park is currently the only irrigation system in the valley equipped with the Baseline monitoring system. The system creates 140 different zones across Crown Mountain’s entire area, and each one is subject to monitoring and adjustment. The smart system “learns” the patterns of water usage for each zone not only for more efficient data collection, but so that if the system detects any abnormally high flow rates, it can flag
that zone for a leak or fault and shut down that zone, saving thousands of gallons of water before any human even notices.
The staff at Crown Mountain Park were first made aware of the need to eventually replace the park’s irrigation system in a study in 2016 that estimated the lifespan of all the park’s amenities. However, wear and tear from usage dictated the actual lifespan of the irrigation system, and pressure problems and failing wiring signified that a change needed to be made.
The Baseline system was installed last fall with the help of Peer Erickson from irrigation consultant Colorado Outdoor
Environments. Much of the intensive installation work such as connecting valves and trenching took place outside of peak hours to ensure that recreation would be minimally disrupted. In the new year, staff at Crown Mountain installed new wiring, conduits and soil-moisture sensors.
While currently fully operational, Crown Mountain staff are still putting the finishing touches on the system. Part of that work includes installing grounding plates every 500 feet to protect the system from lightning strikes.
Another ongoing project is manually fine-tuning each of the 140 zones with
appropriately sized nozzles to ensure uniform water pressure and distribution. The Baseline system enables staff to finely measure the impact of every change and adjust accordingly.
“We recently re-nozzled a zone near the pavilion. We recorded the flow before and after, and that one adjustment reduced flow by 41 gallons a minute,” Wagner said. “Over a five-month irrigation season, running 30 minutes a day for 30 days a month, that single change saves roughly 180,000 gallons of water a year.”
Crown Mountain Park is also hard at work reducing water usage while expanding year-round recreation opportunities by using synthetic turf. Staff at Crown Mountain Park intends to replace the grass in the volleyball area with turf and designate the area as a “special event hub” meant to support tournaments, community events and daily recreation. Not only will the synthetic turf provide year-round recreational spaces, but the change is expected to reduce irrigation in that section of the park by about 2 million gallons of water annually.
According to its current traffic report, Crown Mountain Park expects to see more than 800,000 visitors this year. Though snowpack and precipitation have hit record lows this year, Crown Mountain Park’s new smart irrigation system makes a major stride in the challenge of balancing conservation with recreation in the Roaring Fork Valley.
PHOTOS BY BOB RUGILE Sopris Sun Correspondents
On July 16, Carbondale Town Arborist Carl Meinecke led the Town’s annual tree walk. The summer stroll offered community members the opportunity to learn about the public tree canopy from Meinecke and members of the Carbondale Tree Board, who otherwise are kept busy ensuring planting and maintenance of a healthy mountain town forest and park system.
Back in early May, Meinecke and the community planted a new tree in recognition of Arbor Day — a fast-growing honey locust planted in Hendrick Park. Carbondale maintains its status as a certified Tree City by planting a new tree on public ground and observing Arbor Day each year.
In the past few years, the Tree Board has planted several other trees around Carbondale. For the 2024 Arbor Day event, a Kentucky coffee tree was planted at Colorado Meadows Park, which Meinecke recently said was doing well.
of 13 tree plantings in 2026 are meant as replacements of ash trees that were removed.
“Water availability is important for trees getting treated, so that the product can be drawn up through the trees’ vascular system along with water,” Meinecke said. “Next spring of 2027, the Town will begin its second round of treatments on high-value ash.”
Carbondale has signed on to have its inventory of trees updated this summer, which will provide important information relevant to the treated ash trees.
“The inventory update is important to collect data on all our public trees in Carbondale,” Meinecke pointed out, noting that the Town has approximately 4,000 in all.
A newly planted tree can become a real asset to our community.
-
Town Arborist Carl Meinecke
“This species is interesting as it leafs out late,” he said. “We planted a seedless cultivar to avoid the large pods it can have. It gets its name from brown seeds in big pods that look like coffee beans.”
In 2025, Meinecke guided Carbondale community members in planting a chinkapin oak and a David elm within the green space off of Hendrick Drive, also for Arbor Day.
“The chinkapin oak is a nice oak that is not as common in Carbondale. I only know of one other chinkapin oak on Town property in Miners Park,” Meinecke said.
He explained that the David elm is a new tree he had not planted before, but it was recommended by the late Vince Urbina as one of the better elm cultivars to try.
“[The David elm] should not be as large as the many Siberian elms we have in town, and is resistant to Dutch elm disease and other common insects and diseases that afflict elms,” Meinecke said.
He also shared updates with The Sun on the mitigation of the emerald ash borer infestation, for which the Town treated and removed a number of trees in 2024. Eleven
“This data will be invaluable for the Town to continue maintenance of its public trees, and consider long-term goals and strategies for our public tree canopy for future generations,” he said.
Meinecke noted that there are drought-tolerant trees folks can choose from, but that they will still need regular moisture in the beginning.
“There can be many drought-tolerant trees and plants that are good choices for our area,” he said, emphasizing that consistent watering is important for new trees.
“The important thing to remember is that even a drought-tolerant tree will still need water to become established throughout its first one to three years after planting,” he explained. “The first year is crucial to not allow the root ball to dry out — keep it moist but not swampy. The next few years are also important to continue to water and keep the greater area around the tree moist.”
Meinecke recommends using mulch and paying attention to irrigation in the early years after planting new trees.
“Keep mulch away from the trunk [so] as to not choke it … donuts of mulch, not volcanoes around new trees,” he quipped.
“A newly planted tree can become a real asset to our community,” he said. “I really love that I get to be part of planting and maintaining all our newly planted trees for the Town.”
Community members can learn more about Carbondale trees and resources via the Tree Board’s page on the Town’s website, carbondalegov.org
AMY HADDEN MARSH Sopris Sun Correspondent
Land-use issues filled this week’s Garfield Board of County Commissioners’ (BOCC) agenda on Tuesday, beginning with Sweetwater residents against the proposed state park at Sweetwater Lake. They voiced concerns during the public comment period about what they and the land have to lose if the park is approved.
When the White River National Forest (WRNF) purchased the Sweetwater Lake Ranch in August 2021, local residents were excited about the protection for the land, wildlife and rural character the purchase would provide. That October, Gov. Jared Polis announced the state park idea, which soured residents and created complications. A member of the group in front of the BOCC Tuesday said that almost 100% of locals were against the park.
The WRNF released a draft environmental impact statement for a developed recreation area on June 26, which is open for public comment for 90 days.
The group talked about how the proposed state park could violate Garfield County land-use standards and devastate the area with long-term construction, increased human presence, noise and pollution.
GAME Act redux
Later on, the BOCC revisited the GAME (Great Access for Multiple-use Experiences) Act, a proposed federal/ private land exchange involving Bureau of Land Management (BLM) parcels in the Spring Valley area and on the Roan Plateau. The proposed bill was first presented to the BOCC on July 6 by Jeff Small, a lobbyist with 76 Group.
Small returned Tuesday via Zoom. Scott Smith, owner of Out of Bounds Ranch, who said he initiated the swap, appeared in person. The land exchange involves BLM land near Out of Bounds Ranch and private land on the Roan Plateau.
Smith’s idea is to purchase two ranch properties on the Roan and trade them for BLM land that would connect
“Honey, do you have the Sweet Water Park registration?”
two Out of Bounds Ranch parcels near Spring Valley. So, the private land on the Roan would become public and the public land near Out of Bounds Ranch would be privately owned.
This all depends upon the passage of the GAME Act that would finalize the transaction. Small has said that they chose a legislative land exchange over an administrative exchange because it can be finished sooner, although the bill itself has not been introduced into Congress.
A few High Aspen Ranch residents attended Tuesday’s meeting, stating that they did not find out about the proposed swap until they learned about it in the media two weeks ago.
“We were never contacted. We never heard this was being discussed,” said Meme Kistner, president of the High Aspen Ranch Homeowners Association. “No one asked for neighborhood responses even though we are adjacent to this land.”
Their concerns focused in part on the entrance road to High Aspen Ranch and nearby Homestead Estates. The road is on the BLM parcel that would go private.
JOHN STROUD
Sopris Sun Correspondent
The City of Glenwood Springs would ideally approve or somehow create another 1,824 housing units over the next 10 years to help meet the region’s anticipated need for new workforce housing.
That was the upshot of a report given to Glenwood Springs City Council on the newly completed Roaring Fork/Colorado River Valley Housing Needs Analysis during their regular July 16 meeting.
The study, commissioned and paid for by the City of Aspen, Snowmass Village and Pitkin County, contains critical data and conclusions that can be used by jurisdictions from Aspen to Parachute to develop their own action plans, explained Glenwood Housing Development Manager Watkins Fulk-Gray.
The regional study also meets Glenwood’s obligation to assess its housing needs under a new Colorado law (Senate Bill 24-174), he said.
“It both complements and differs slightly in its methodology from our strategic housing plan that we adopted in 2023,” he said.
A housing action plan, due by January 2028 under the new law, is needed to qualify for state funding under the voter-approved Proposition 123, Fulk-Gray said.
Presenting the Needs Analysis before Council was Rachel Shindman from Economic & Planning Systems, Inc. (EPS), the consultants who conducted the study.
In addition to compiling demographic and economic data and related trends for the region, and outlining the challenges for people to find affordable housing options, the analysis gets into just what it would take to meet the housing need based on current and future population growth and workforce needs in the region.
The numbers are daunting.
Across the region, Garfield and Pitkin counties would need to add another 7,686 housing units over the next 10 years to meet the anticipated needs, according to the analysis.
Excluding the number of units already in the pipeline, that number drops to 7,168 units — 1,239 in Aspen and another 1,299 in other parts of Pitkin County, and 4,630 across Garfield County from Carbondale to Parachute.
Glenwood Springs has been doing its part during the two years that the study has been in the works, with 98 units coming onto the market during that time — in places like Glenwood Meadows and at the Benedict Senior Housing and Habitat for Humanity Confluence projects — resulting
“We lease the easement through the BLM,” said Kistner, adding that the two subdivisions are responsible for maintaining the road. She said they’ve worked with the local BLM office for years. “We got the road paved. We have done repairs on it. We have done fire mitigation along it. We do weed control. We plow it,” she explained.
Smith said, should the exchange happen, he would give the road to the subdivisions. But Kistner said the legalities and administration would be too costly.
She also expressed confusion about maps of the proposed parcel close to High Aspen Ranch and nearby Fisher Creek.
“We understand that this proposed land swap would really benefit the Roan Plateau area,” she said. But, she added, thought must be given to nearby homeowners and the public. “We have to think about the other users of this BLM public land,” she said.
Other High Aspen Ranch residents said that the BLM land in question connects their land to U.S. Forest Service land near the Glenwood Canyon rim and provides good hiking. Small quickly dismissed that claim.
continued on page 17
in a net need of 1,824 more units.
Glenwood also checks all the boxes when it comes to housing resources such as deed restrictions, down payment assistance, employee housing and rental assistance programs, plus partnerships with groups like Habitat and the intergovernmental West Mountain Regional Housing Coalition, Shindman said.
While some Council members embraced the study and its conclusions as useful information, others were skeptical.
While the study does not dictate that Glenwood Springs must come up with
1,824 additional housing units, Councilor David Townsley put the number into perspective.
“So, we’d need to increase [Glenwood’s] population by 30 or 40 percent to meet need,” Townsley offered, asking if the study considered whether employers are providing a livable wage.
Wages and housing costs are factored into the study, Shindman said. But there’s also a breaking point for businesses to increase the cost of products in order to pay a higher wage, she noted.
we are and where we need to be
SKYLER STARK-RAGSDALE Managing Editor
“Inspired.”
That was the word that loomed largest in a community-driven word cloud following Carbondale’s climate discussion Tuesday evening at the Third Street Center.
The discussion — hosted by Clean Energy Economy for the Region (CLEER), Garfield Clean Energy, Town of Carbondale, Town of Carbondale Environmental Board and supported by Marble Distilling — outlined where Carbondale stands on its environmental goals, and prompted attendees to determine how the community should take action to meet those goals.
Carbondale’s emissions reduction goals are to reach 100% net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050 and 50% emissions reduction by 2030, compared to 2005 levels, explained CLEER Education and Outreach Manager Emily Williams in her presentation at the discussion. According to 2024 data, Carbondale’s emissions decreased by 41% per person since 2004. The town’s overall emissions decreased by 30% over this period, while Colorado’s emissions decreased by 22% from 2005 to 2024. That’s as Carbondale’s population increased by 5.6% from 2010 to 2024 and Colorado’s increased by 20%.
“What this says to me is we’ve made really good progress, and we’ve still got a
long way to go,” Williams said of reaching the town’s goals.
Carbondale’s emissions are tallied in three different scopes: emissions inside the town boundaries, emissions from grid supply of electricity used by the town and emissions from outside town boundaries that are created by the town, Williams said.
In 2024, Carbondale emitted 76,986 metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent (MT CO2e), a metric that equates the amount of various greenhouse gases to the global warming potential of carbon dioxide.
Transportation emissions account for 61% of that total. Natural gas emissions primarily from buildings constitute 20%, electricity emissions primarily from buildings constitute 17%, landfill emissions make up 1.4% and wastewater treatment tallies 0.7%, according to the 2024 data. Of the emissions produced by transportation, 95.2% are produced by traffic that starts or ends in Carbondale (which could mean someone coming from Denver to Carbondale), while just 4.8% are produced by in-town traffic.
Between 2009 and 2024, transportation emissions declined slightly, Williams said, though she noted the transportation emissions trends are notoriously hard to measure as past data collection used different methodologies than they do currently.
“Regardless of whether or not this has
gone up or down,” Williams said of transportation emissions trends, “it’s 60% of our emissions right now.”
To reduce emissions in this sector, individuals could think about purchasing an electric vehicle or using public transportation, she said.
“For those in-town trips, Carbondale’s a small place, a couple miles across,” Williams said. “What are the opportunities for active transportation? Biking, walking? What does that infrastructure look like? Also, thinking about how do we incentivize that as a region?”
Discussing emissions trends in other sectors, Williams said emissions from
wastewater treatment decreased significantly between 2009 and 2024.
“Emissions (were) cut by 60% at the wastewater treatment plant,” Williams said. “That’s something the Town of Carbondale, that’s in its municipal control, and they have done an amazing job.”
Emissions from landfill are estimated to have remained relatively constant between 2009 and 2024, though the town’s diversion rate from the landfill sits at 26%, higher than the state average of 15%, Williams said.
Emissions from electricity use in buildings, however, dropped by 54% between 2009 and 2024, despite electricity use
continued on page 17
AMY HADDEN MARSH Sopris Sun Correspondent
Rocky Mountain Industrials (RMI) is one step closer to a new mining plan for the beleaguered limestone quarry just northwest of Glenwood Springs. The quarry sits on a Bureau of Land Management (BLM) parcel in full view of the Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park. The proposed plan is the third iteration of an application that was turned down twice in 2025. RMI submitted the third version on May 29, and, less than a month later, BLM deemed it complete.
“I know a lot of you thought maybe this was an issue put to bed, but it’s not,” said Glenwood Springs Mayor Pro-Tem Erin Zalinski to a small crowd at a recent visit from Senator John Hickenlooper. “Once again, we find ourselves here because the future of our thriving, self-sustaining community is being jeopardized for the profits of a single company.”
The mine has been in operation since 1982, initially owned by the Mid-Continent Coal and Coke company to make limestone dust used in the company’s coal mines. Rocky Mountain Industrials, a Beverly Hills-based mining investment company, purchased the quarry in 2016 and three years later proposed a 447-acre expansion, which was never withdrawn.
The Glenwood Springs Citizens Alliance (GSCA), a local, bipartisan watchdog group, has fought the mine
since 2018 with some success, including raising public awareness and discovering permit violations.
“Beginning in 2022, BLM started to push RMI to resolve a series of non-compliance issues that include stormwater runoff, mining outside of their approved boundary and a failure to properly ‘bench’ the high wall of the quarry itself,” explained GSCA President Jeff Peterson during Hickenlooper’s visit. “In January 2023, a major slope failure occurred within the quarry.”
Peterson also mentioned issues surrounding the type of rock that RMI was mining — essentially the wrong, unpermitted kind.
“So with continued regulatory review and oversight, ultimately the mining operation shut down in 2024,” he said. “It was followed by a Department of Interior decision in January [2025] that affirmed they couldn’t continue operating under their existing agreements.”
Now, RMI wants to expand the mine from 16 acres to 56 acres, extending
hundreds of feet upslope, and wants to sell limestone aggregate.
Steven Hall, director of communications at Colorado’s state BLM office, told The Sopris Sun in an email that the “modified plan of operations responds to issues identified by BLM in 2022, including unauthorized surface disturbance, and would bring operations at the mine into compliance with BLM requirements.”
But Peterson has concerns.
“While the BLM and RMI describe this as a solution to the non-compliance issues, many in our community are really concerned that this is nothing more than a first step towards reviving their ambition of a broader expansion,” he warned.
“RMI had submitted a proposal to expand operations in 2019,” Hall said in the email. “That proposed mine expansion is separate from this modified plan of operations.”
In June, GSCA board member and former Glenwood Springs Mayor Michael Gamba, Glenwood Springs City Manager Steve Boyd, City Attorney Karl Hanlon and Zalinski traveled to Washington, D.C., for meetings with BLM officials and members of Congress, including Rep. Jeff Hurd, Hickenlooper and Sen. Michael Bennet. They brought with them concerns about the impacts of the mine and what would happen if RMI sought a new operations plan.
JAMES STEINDLER Editor-in-Chief
A massive donation of potatoes recently came to LIFT-UP, the local nonprofit fighting food insecurity. Thirty-eight thousand pounds of russet potatoes filled 21 pallet containers, and the task now is to distribute as much as possible before the spuds go to waste.
Therefore, in addition to LIFT-UP distributing the produce between its five food pantries, Mobile Pantry and Extended Table community meals programs, the excess will go to partnering organizations, including Harvest for Hunger, Mountain Valley Developmental Services, Jesus Saves, Eagle Valley Community Foundation and several other nonprofit organizations serving Western Colorado, according to a press release.
A
11,000 pounds, had been distributed, according to Freese, with approximately 27,000 pounds still in the warehouse.
donation
of this size is an incredible gift, but it only reaches its full potential when organizations work together.
“This is exactly what community collaboration looks like,” said LIFT-UP Executive Director Samantha Freese in a press release. “A donation of this size is an incredible gift, but it only reaches its full potential when organizations work together. By sharing these potatoes with our partners, we’re making sure they reach as many tables as possible and that nothing goes to waste.”
“Our goal is to get the potatoes to the community within two to three weeks. We are one week down, and so we have a limited amount of time to utilize them,” Freese told the Sopris Sun. “This is both because of space in our warehouse and longevity of the potatoes.” She added that all of the potatoes are being sorted to ensure the bulk going out for human consumption is in good shape. Some of the potatoes on the fence will go to partnered ranchers to feed to their pigs.
“We strive for zero food waste at LIFT-UP, and are grateful for our piggy friends,” Freese said.
- LIFT-UP Executive Director Samantha Freese
While the intent is to get most of the potatoes to people in need and nonprofits helping triage to that end, anyone who can make use of some potatoes is welcome to email director@ liftup.org to facilitate a pick up.
There was no limit on the number of potatoes an organization or individual can take as of Tuesday.
The potatoes were donated by Sharing Excess — a fitting name in this case, which, according to the press release, “is a national nonprofit dedicated to rescuing surplus food and redirecting it to communities in need, reducing food waste while increasing access to nutritious food.”
As of noon on Tuesday, July 21, six pallets, or about
“This has been a really beautiful experience. Potatoes have been passed out by over 20 organizations from Garfield, Pitkin, Eagle and Mesa counties. It’s incredible seeing everyone come together to support those in need,” Freese said.
“This is why I love the work that we do, and the community we live and serve in. I feel very fortunate to be in a position to help,” Freese concluded. “My team of staff and volunteers have really stepped up during this project, and the impact is enormous!”
After a very successful Junior Varsity campaign in 2025, Roaring Fork Football will return to a Varsity schedule and a Freshmen/JV Schedule.
2026 will mark the return of one of the most successful High School programs in the State of Colorado.
3 Time Winner State Champion 1973, 1977, 1985
3 Time State Runnerup.
6 Time Semi-Finalist.
Dating back to the early 1900’s, Roaring Fork Football has been part of the fabric of the Carbondale community. Football has reflected the grit of our community.
Football has formed the future of youth to men of Carbondale.
Work ethic and overcoming adversity are a trademark of Roaring Fork Football. These young men have become Navy Seals, Chiefs of Police, Chief of the Fire Protection District, Ranchers, Heads of Banks in the Valley and Important Business Leaders in the Valley.
Today’s coaching staff reflects generations of Roaring Fork Football concerned with creating a safe and successful culture that is Roaring Fork Football.
QUESTIONS? PLEASE CONTACT JOHN NIELSEN 970-309-9539
Gunnison HOME 7pm Salida HOME 7pm Grand Valley AWAY 7pm Meeker HOMECOMING 7pm
North Fork HOME 7pm
Moffat County HOME 7pm
Cedaredge AWAY 7pm
Ellicot TBD
Olathe 7pm
Full Fresh / JV Schedule to compliment the Varsity Schedule
Weight Room is OPEN Monday- Thursday for players and alumni 4-6:30pm
In honor of World Breastfeeding week, join AVH for an Ice Cream Social to recognize the Roaring Fork Valley’s families.
Where: Aspen Valley Health Lawn
When: Friday, August 7, 2026
Time: Noon-2 pm
Enjoy complimentary ice cream and meet our team of experienced Lactation Consultants.
No RSVP necessary, just come by!
To stay up-to-date on all things AVH, join our social media community. Follow us on Instagram, Facebook or LinkedIn, @aspenvalleyhealth, and sign up below for a chance to win a Mompush Ultimate 2 Baby Stroller. One lucky winner will be notified on Monday, August 10, 2026.
THURSDAY, JULY 23
COSMIC SOUND
Get ready for Mountain Fair by taking part in True Nature’s Cosmic Sound Journey with Danielle Klein from 6 to 7:15pm in the True Nature Kiva. Register at tinyurl.com/cosmicsoundjourney
HIROYA TSUKAMOTO
Internationally acclaimed guitarist and storyteller Hiroya Tsukamoto returns to Carbondale for a performance at 7pm in the Round Room of the Third Street Center. Tickets at tinyurl.com/ HiroyaCarbondale Tune in for a live interview with Tsukamoto on Everything Under the Sun at kdnk.org at 4pm.
LIBRARY MUSIC
Aspen Music Festival and School students perform at the Basalt Library at 5:15pm.
IMMIGRANT JUSTICE TRAINING
Join Indivisible on a virtual call, “How to Connect with Immigrant Justice Orgs in Your Community,” at 6pm. Register at tinyurl.com/justicesummercall
BLUEGRASS JAM
Local bluegrass musicians jam out at Townline Trucks from 6 to 9pm.
‘THE PROM’
Sol Theatre Company’s “The Prom” runs at Thunder River Theatre at 7pm tonight, tomorrow and Saturday, and 2pm on Sunday — the final performance. Tickets at soltheatrecompany.org
MOUNTAIN FAIR
Carbondale’s 55th annual Mountain Fair begins! Hosted by Carbondale Arts and running Friday through Sunday, Mountain Fair’s got it all: music, art, wood-splitting, pie-baking, ecstatic dance, a pottery throwdown, flycasting, belly-dancing and more. Sign up to volunteer at tinyurl.com/mountainfairvolunteer2026 and join a group of over 500 others. Vendor booths open at noon today, and the opening blessing is at 3:50pm in front of the Gazebo at Sopris Park followed by the Rhythm of the Heart drum circle. For a list of events, visit carbondalearts.com/ mountain-fair or, better yet, check out the Mountain Fair program included in this week’s Sopris Sun.
ART KIDS
The Glenwood Springs Community Art Center hosts Art Kids Day Camp: Crafting Colorado from 9am to 5pm. Kids will use the Colorado flag as creative inspiration to make art. Register at coglenwoodspringsweb.myvscloud.com
BABYSITTER TRAINING
The Glenwood Springs Community Center hosts a babysitter training for ages 11+, showing attendees how to safely and responsibly care for infants and children, from 10am to 4pm. Register at tinyurl.com/ babysittertraining2026
BLOOD DRIVE
Donate blood from 10:30am to 2:15pm at Vitalant’s Bloodmobile parked at Sopris Lodge. Those who donate will be entered to win a car. Register at soprislodge.com
MUSIC AT TOWNLINE
Mark Nussmeir performs at Townline Trucks from 7 to 10pm.
MUSIC AT STEVE’S
The Velvet Daydream performs at Steve’s Guitars at 10pm. Tickets at stevesguitars.net
SATURDAY, JULY 25
‘REINS FOR A REASON’
WindWalkers hosts “Reins For a Reason” from 9am to 4pm at 1030 County Road 102 in Carbondale. Register at tinyurl.com/ WindWalkers2026
MOUNTAIN FAIR 4-MILER
Put rubber to road at the Mountain Fair 4-Miler, hosted by Independence Run & Hike. The race begins at 9am and runs from Prince Creek to Sopris Park. Register at tinyurl.com/rubbertoroad
CRYSTAL THEATRE
The Crystal screens “Minions & Monsters” at 1pm. The flick will also screen at 1pm on Sunday, 6pm on Monday and 6pm on Tuesday.
LOCAL AUTHOR SHOWCASE
Meet local authors from 2 to 4pm at the Glenwood Library. Call the library at 970-945-5958 for details.
MUSIC AT TOWNLINE
Colorado singer-songwriter Dalton LaFever performs at Townline Trucks from 3 to 6pm, followed by Starfish Enterprise from 7 to 10pm.
MUSIC AT STEVE’S
The Gypsy Jazz Social Club performs at Steve’s Guitars at 8pm. Tickets at stevesguitars.net
SUNDAY, JULY 26
GOLDEN SHA
A Spiritual Center hosts an open discussion facilitated by Golden Sha from 10 to 11:30am in Room 31 of the Third Street Center.
KAYAK PARA HISPANOHABLANTES
Roaring Fork Kayak Club welcomes Spanish-speakers to learn to roll a whitewater kayak at the Carbondale Aquatics Center from 2 to 4pm. Register at roaringforkkayakingclub.com
MUSIC AT TOWNLINE
Urbane Coyote performs at Townline Trucks from 3 to 6pm.
MUSIC AT STEVE’S
The South Austin Moonlighters perform at Steve’s Guitars at 8pm. Tickets at stevesguitars.net
MONDAY, JULY 27
ADVENTURE STEWARDS
Roaring Fork Outdoor Volunteers’ Adventure Stewards Camp, focused on rock climbing for ages 11 to 14, takes place from 9am to 4pm daily until Friday. Register at www.rfov.org
ROCKET CAMP
Aspen Science Center hosts a rocket camp for ages 7 to 10 at the Third Street Center. The camp runs from 9am to 3:30pm daily through Friday. Register at aspensciencecenter.org
KINDER STEM
Kids ages 5 to 7 are welcome to Aspen Science Center’s Kinder STEM Camp at Sopris Elementary in Glenwood, running daily from 9am to 3:30pm through Friday. Register at aspensciencecenter.org
PLANT-BASED POTLUCK
The Center for Human Flourishing hosts
a plant-based, whole foods potluck featuring the final segment of Dr. Greger’s documentary, “How Not to Die,” focused on the benefits of plant-based living for both people and the planet, from 6:30 to 8pm. Details at tcfhf.org
TUESDAY, JULY 28
‘WALK-N-TALK’
True Nature hosts “Walk-n-Talk,” a walk through the Peace Garden with True
Nature CEO Larry Smith and Foundation Executive Director Anne White from noon to 1pm. Details at truenaturehealingarts.com
RFOV
Join Roaring Fork Outdoor Volunteers (RFOV) from 4 to 8pm to help improve Babish Gulch Trails near the base of Sunlight Mountain Resort, which is partnering with RFOV for the project. Register at www.rfov.org
LEARN TO GARDEN
The Glenwood Springs Community Center hosts “Learn to Garden: Summer Harvesting and Fall Crop Planning” from 6 to 7:30pm. Register at coglenwoodspringsweb.myvscloud.com
OPEN MIC AT TOWNLINE
Marc Diemer hosts an open mic night at Townline Trucks from 6:30 to 9:30pm.
MUSIC AT STEVE’S
Lillie Corinne performs at Steve’s Guitars at 8pm. Tickets at stevesguitars.net
WEDNESDAY, JULY 29
BASALT MUSIC
Aggie Flores opens for Dragondeer at Basalt River Park at 6pm. Can’t make it in person? Tune in at kdnk.org
ASPEN ART FAIR
The Hotel Jerome hosts the Aspen Art Fair today through Saturday, Aug. 1, from 11am to 6pm daily. Details at aspenartfair.org
MUSIC AT TWO RIVERS
Glenwood Springs Summer Music in the Park presents Typical Ghost opening for Titonic at 6:30pm at Two Rivers Park.
THURSDAY, JULY 30
TIE-DYE FOR TEENS
Teens and tweens, ages 10-18, are invited to tie-dye bandannas at the Carbondale Library at 2:15pm. Participants are encouraged to bring their own clothing to tie-dye as well.
GROUNDSWELL
350 Roaring Fork screens
“Groundswell,” a film about regenerative agriculture at 5pm in the Carbondale Library.
The No-Swipe Social in-person dating games resurface, this time at Carbondale’s new Aquatic Center on July 31 from 7 to 9pm, presenting “BAEWATCH: AFTER HOURS.” Colored wristbands will indicate if someone is single, taken or “somewhere in between.” DJ Thump3r spins the tunes, and Sprazzo hosts an after party across the street. “Whether you leave with a new friend, a date or just a hilarious story, it’ll beat another night spent scrolling,” stated a promotion for the event. “Dating in the valley is weird ... Let’s make it weirder.” This is an adults-only (21+) event. Tickets and details can be found at tinyurl.com/ BaewatchBonedale
Photo courtesy of Joy Maura
GALERIE MAXIMILLIAN
Galerie Maximillian (602 East Cooper Avenue in Aspen) hosts an opening reception for Sarah Graham’s solo exhibition, featuring nine monumental oil-on-canvas iris paintings, from 6 to 8pm. RSVP by emailing art@galeriemax.com or calling 970-925-6100.
YOGA EN ESPAÑOL
True Nature hosts yoga taught completely in Spanish from 6:30 to 8:15pm. Details at truenaturehealingarts.com
MUSIC AT STEVE’S
The Foggy Memory Boys perform at Steve’s Guitars at 8pm. Tickets at stevesguitars.net
FRIDAY, JULY 31
RFOV
Help Roaring Fork Outdoor Volunteers improve Thomas Lakes Trail from 8am to 3pm. Register at www.rfov.org
ART KIDS
Drop the kids off at “Art Kids Day Camp: Horsing Around” at the Glenwood Springs Community Art Center from 9am to 5pm. At night, the center will host “Art Kids Night: Make Musical Instruments” from 5:30 to 8:30pm, when kids will build their own percussion instruments. Register at coglenwoodspringsweb. myvscloud.com
CRYSTAL THEATRE
The Crystal screens “Spider-Man: Brand New Day” at 7pm. The theatre will also screen it at 7pm on Saturday, 5pm on Sunday and 7pm on Monday.
NO-SWIPE SOCIAL
Fundraising for Non-profits
Provides non-profits with development tools to build and maintain their resource base. Online Tues, 5:30-8:30pm, 8/4
Zumba
High energy, aerobic fitness with upbeat world rhythms to make exercise feel like a dance party. Mondays, 6-7pm, 8/10-10/5
Aikido (TRY IT FOR FREE)
Re-direct, neutralize, or avoid an attack with this peaceful practice for conflict resolution. Tue/Thur, 6-7:30pm, 8/11-10/1
t tBramson teaches “Fundraising for Non-profits” Pilates Blend w/Natalie
Matwork to improve balance, strength, and stability with the fundamentals of Pilates Wed, 9-9:50am, 8/12-9/30
Philosophical Tools w/Bo Persiko
R E
No-Swipe Social takes over the pool at the Carbondale Aquatics Center from 7 to 9pm for “BAEWATCH: AFTER HOURS.” Open to adults only, the festivities include a live DJ, games, prizes and an after party at Sprazzo. Tickets at tinyurl.com/BaewatchBonedale
SOUND HEALING
The Center for Human Flourishing hosts a vibrational sound healing journey from 7 to 9pm at the Third Street Center. The event is centered around present-moment awareness. Register by emailing info@tcfhf.org
Introduces ideas and strategies from philosophers’ writings and explores values and moral principles in this changing world. Wed, 9-9:50am, 8/12-9/30
Registration is Open
Don’t wait for the printed schedule to sign up.
JOHN STROUD
Sopris Sun Correspondent
A return to the glory days.
That’s the objective of any sports program that’s been in rebuilding mode, and none more so in Carbondale than the Roaring Fork High School football program.
Several things are coming together for Roaring Fork to have a varsity football program this coming season, after a series of on-again, off-again restarts in recent years.
“It’s been 20 years, 2006, since Roaring Fork had a winning [varsity] record, and a playoff game,” said former Rams head coach and current assistant Tory Jensen.
That capped off a successful run of seasons under Jensen’s tutelage dating back to another rebuilding phase in the late 1990s, when the three Roaring Fork District high schools — Roaring Fork, Glenwood Springs and Basalt — had to combine for a single multi-school varsity team due to dwindling numbers.
Jensen ultimately went on to lead a talented group of Roaring Fork athletes to the Class 2A semifinals in 2003, with quarterfinals appearances in 2004 and 2005.
You’d have to go back to 1985, 1977 and 1973 for the last Roaring Fork football state championships.
But the history is there, and there’s good reason to believe the Rams can make a comeback, Jensen said.
For one thing, last year’s junior varsity squad was successful, and many of those players are expected to provide a solid nucleus to build upon for this year’s varsity program, he said.
Roaring Fork was required to play a junior varsity schedule last season in order to be eligible under Colorado High School Activities Association rules to field a varsity team this year.
“We have a core group of guys who are really good at football, and so our goal is to build some more players around them,” Jensen said.
Carbondale Middle School’s eighth grade team last season rostered more than 20 players and bodes well on the developmental side of things. But what Jensen and the Rams coaching staff would really like to see are some of the older high school students come back to a game they maybe played in elementary or middle school, but dropped in high school for whatever reason.
One important thing to note, Jensen said, is that high school football is safer now than it’s ever been.
“The perception of football is that it’s a dangerous sport,” he said. “You do have collisions, you do hit people, but you’re wearing equipment and it’s really no different than lacrosse, or hockey, or soccer, or mountain biking, or skiing, where you’re putting yourself at risk for an injury. We’ve all done it.”
The difference now with football is in the routine safeguards and training methods, including the use of Guardian caps on helmets during practices and when a player is on concussion protocol.
“We didn’t have one concussion last year, and we only had 15 guys so they were getting a ton of playing time and it’s not like they weren’t exposed,” Jensen said. “The players today know how to tackle, they know how to keep their heads out of the game, and the game is way safer now than it was when I coached before.”
It could be now or never to revive high school football in Carbondale, and Jensen believes a combination of recent football success at neighboring Basalt High School, and a large number of people in Carbondale who remember Roaring Fork’s glory days, is the catalyst.
“The place was packed for our home JV game last year against Delta,” Jensen said. “People were curious, and we won!”
continued on page 16
KATE PHILLIPS
Sopris Sun Correspondent
Zenobia Todd, Glenwood Springs High School (GSHS) 2026 graduate, was overwhelmed with gratitude at her school’s scholarship award ceremony this past spring. By the end of the evening, the University of Colorado Boulder-bound student had earned an entire year’s worth of tuition.
“I am so, so thankful,” Todd said. “My first year of college is covered by local and community scholarships. It is just so amazing. It was very emotional for my family.”
The night featured over 65 scholarships, including the GSHS Teacher Appreciation Scholarship presented by Western U.S. Teacher Appreciation Charitable Trust (WUTACT). Founded in 2025 by GSHS Spanish Teacher Muriel Moore, WUTACT is a nonprofit that creates and funds merit and need-based postsecondary scholarships for the children of teachers. Todd, daughter of longtime teacher Maggie Riley, had the distinct honor of receiving the $7,000 scholarship.
“Teachers do so much for everyone,” Moore said. “I created these scholarships to help teachers with their own families.” Moore, who was not involved in the selection process, said the scholarship had some exemplary applicants who demonstrated academic merit and proof of work
ethic, but Todd’s required essay about an influential teacher stood out to the selection committee.
“It was the voice of her essay and just how much her social studies teacher Greg Sustad meant to her when it came to creating a passion for learning in her life,” Moore said. “That’s going to stick with her in (the) future, both in her career and as a community member.”
Todd shared that Sustad, who teaches at Colorado Mountain College’s (CMC) annex building near GSHS, introduced her to CMC’s Concurrent Enrollment program. The program allows students to take college courses that count toward a high school diploma and a college degree.
“I really fell in love with CMC and its classes because of him. I graduated with 21 concurrent enrollment credits because he got me so into it,” Todd said. “He’s a passionate teacher and a storyteller … I’m super thankful I took his classes. I’ve learned so much.”
This fall Todd intends to study elementary education. She loves the children’s playfulness and inquisitive nature and feels fortunate to have experienced a taste of the profession while shadowing numerous teachers in the Roaring Fork School District. She also credits her mother for giving her the confidence to pursue the field. Riley was a teacher and counselor
at Bridges High School for over 20 years. This fall she will be the Glenwood Springs Middle School counselor.
“I grew up with a mom who loved her job and that made me want to love my job,” Todd said. “She is so passionate about teaching and now she has a private practice in counseling. It makes me excited to be a teacher.”
Reflecting on the type of classroom she hopes to create, Todd noted her experience as the Andy Zanca Youth Empowerment Program (AZYEP) Intern. Alongside AZYEP program director Adele Craft and Sarah Fedishen of CMC, Todd created Soul Connections, a monthly podcast that explores mental health. She said her guests often provide powerful perspectives and opinions that she hopes to use for a dynamic learning environment.
“On our latest episode we interviewed Amanda Petersen, executive director of FocusedKids, who spoke about the importance of learning about the brain and so many other things besides academics in the classroom,” Todd said. “I love learning about new things that I want to use in my future classroom.”
Attending CU Boulder was a financial stretch for Todd, but she said her
Zenobia Todd, Glenwood Springs High School 2026 graduate, received a generous scholarship from Western U.S. Teacher Appreciation Charitable Trust, a nonprofit that directly supports the children of teachers. Todd will be pursuing elementary education at the University of Colorado Boulder this fall. Congratulations Zenobia! Courtesy photo
scholarships have relieved some of that stress so she can focus on her studies and hopefully come back to teach in the Valley one day. Her relief is the driving force of WUTACT’s mission to strengthen local education by directly investing in the teachers and children.
“This [scholarship] increases morale for teachers,” Moore said. “They walk into
DELANEY MEYERS
Sopris Sun Correspondent
On Saturday, Aug. 1, the Glenwood Springs Historical Society will host the Theodore Roosevelt Commemorative Dinner at the Hotel Colorado, celebrating the 26th president’s visits to Garfield County in the early 20th century as well as 150 years of Colorado statehood. A fundraiser for the Historical Society, the black tie event will take guests back in time with historically inspired food, live music and more. Period attire is encouraged.
The highlight of the evening will be an appearance by President Roosevelt himself, as portrayed by Chautauquan Doug Mishler, a nationally recognized humanities scholar, retired American history professor and leading interpreter of historic figures. Mark Jensen, the executive director of the Glenwood Springs Historical Society, explained that “a Chautauquan not only portrays a historic figure, they’re a scholar on that figure. It’s not a script. It’s not just a performance.”
the Chautauquan’s performance, adding that Mishler is “very knowledgeable, and President Roosevelt is one of his favorites to portray.” Attendees will also have an opportunity to mingle with Mishler and ask questions throughout the evening.
President Roosevelt visited the Glenwood area several times, drawn by its renowned hunting, natural beauty and proximity to the railroad, which allowed him to stay informed while in office. A three-week stay at the Hotel Colorado for a bear hunting expedition in 1905 even earned the hotel a moniker:
- Glenwood Springs Historical Society
Executive Director Mark Jensen
Mishler will bring Roosevelt’s humor, intellect, energy and storytelling ability to life, entertaining guests with tales from Roosevelt’s various visits to Glenwood Springs and sharing thoughts on the issues of his time including conservation, leadership and public service. Jensen is excited for
“The White House of the West.”
The dinner itself features a near-recreation of the menu from a banquet Roosevelt hosted during that 1905 stay in honor of his local hunting guides and others at the Hotel Colorado.
Vocalist Heidi Rovig and pianist Kyle Jones will help set the scene with music by artists like Cole Porter, Fats Waller and Duke Ellington with the class and charm of the era.
“Heidi and I have been working together for the last decade on and off. We will be doing a number of jazz standards to set an early 20th century vibe,” Jones said.
The event will also feature an auction,
where guests can bid on items like Canyon Spirit’s “Rockies to Red Rocks” train experience, donated by Armstrong Collective, to keep the historical energy chugging along after the dinner.
Depending on who you ask, Roosevelt’s reshaping of the American presidency, our international standing and foreign policy, regulations on big business and conservation are either to thank or to blame for many aspects of our modern political world. His legacy is bold and complex. It includes groundbreaking advances in consumer protection and labor rights, but not for people of color. His unprecedented conservation efforts established five
national parks and the U.S.Forest Service and preserved over 230 million acres of land for sustainable “public” use, but approximately 86 million of those acres were Indigenous lands, and the Indigenous peoples living on them were often forcibly removed from and denied access to their ancestral homes.
Roosevelt greatly expanded the power of the executive branch with his charisma, tenacity and enthusiasm. He also transformed that personal dynamism into more political power by pioneering the strategic use of media to shape public opinion, helping define modern politics.
continued on page 18
For 25 years, it has been our privilege to serve the Carbondale community.
Now, we’re excited to begin a new chapter just down the road. On October 19, we’ll be opening the doors to our new full-service banking center in Carbondale, located less than half a mile from our current location.
This new space allows us to continue offering the personal and business banking services you rely on, with the same local commitment and care you’ve always known from ANB Bank.
We’re grateful for the trust this community has placed in us over the years, as we have been a part of our customers’ most meaningful endeavors. We look forward to continuing to serve Carbondale for many years to come.
from page 14
their building and think that one day their kids could go to college for free or get a huge chunk of tuition paid for by this community. That’s saying the community appreciates them and it puts a smile on their face.”
Moore noted that there is not a shortage of people who can be teachers, but instead a shortage of compensation. She envisions the scholarship growing to include more students, which is why she also created the General Scholarship Fund that expands the Teacher Appreciation Scholarship to more communities in need. For Moore, it’s going to take a village.
“It’s so much bigger than our valley and we really want to grow it at GSHS and to offer scholarships at other high schools in this valley and beyond,” Moore said. “We need more businesses, individuals or any organization that believes teachers are so important and that kids like Zenobia belong in this valley as teachers, to do something financially to attract them.”
Western U.S. Teacher Appreciation Charitable Trust accepts donations to the GSHS Teacher Appreciation Scholarship Fund and the General Fund. Please visit westernusteacherappreciation.org to learn more. Catch Zenobia Todd’s podcast Soul Connections at kdnk.org/podcast/ soul-connection-an-azyep-podcast
Councilor Ray Schmahl also challenged the notion that housing costs should be held to a third of a household’s income, suggesting that 40% is a more realistic number to work with. Schmahl suggested the population growth projections in the study may be “distorted” when considering national trends toward lower birthrates and reduced immigration numbers.
Councilor Sumner Schachter, though initially skeptical himself about a study done by upvalley governments, said he was impressed with the findings.
“It has tons of data that we can break out for our own needs,” he said. “And it’s not a prescriptive study. It’s just what’s out there, and what may be needed.”
It also takes the pressure off of Glenwood Springs to conduct its own study, Schachter said.
Appearing before Council under the
from page 14
Some of the players Jensen coached years ago are now parents of Roaring Fork students, as are non-football parents who remember when football was successful at the Fork, Jensen said.
“There’s a huge support system within the youth football structure up through middle school, but the problem is the tip of the spear hasn’t been there,” he said.
Another difference is that the Rams coaching staff, including head coach and former Rams player John Nielsen, aren’t parents of current players, so their
public comments portion of the meeting, a handful of business owners whose properties are within the old Mitchell-Cooper water utility service area lamented a recent shut-off notice from the City.
“Aggressive actions by the City are threatening our business,” said Jennifer Victor, co-owner of Vicco’s Charcoalburger Drive-In.
The City and Mitchell-Cooper shareholders are embroiled in a legal dispute over water service to a grouping of commercial and residential properties fronting U.S. Highway 6 in West Glenwood.
The private utility is unable to deliver its own water to customers due to an inadequate treatment plant, so it purchases water from the City to run through its service lines.
The City late last year took action against Mitchell-Cooper to collect several months’ worth of water bills and threatened to shut off the water supply. Council members said at the time that they did not intend to leave any customers without water, and that steps would need to be taken for those customers
motivation is different.
“We just want to see Roaring Fork and Carbondale have football back, and for these kids to have a meaningful experience that they can carry with them for life,” Jensen said.
Roaring Fork plays at the Class 1A level, rather than 2A, which the school’s enrollment would otherwise dictate.
“That gives us a group of teams in our league that we feel like we can be competitive with, and we’ve built our non-conference schedule to make sure we have teams on our same level,” Jensen said.
Roaring Fork is scheduled to open the
to formally connect to City water. Victor said all overdue water bills have been paid through a special assessment, but that the City sent out a final disconnection notice in early July demanding all shareholders purchase a City water meter and that Mitchell-Cooper dissolve as a company.
“This goes way beyond collection of a debt,” Victor said. Her concerns were echoed by several members of the Del Rio family who own and operate the Ponderosa Lodge.
City Council requested a private attorney-client executive session to discuss the situation ahead of their next regular meeting on Aug. 6.
In other business at the July 16 meeting, City Council unanimously approved the consent agenda, including a new ordinance prohibiting soliciting at several busy intersections, like the entrance to the Roaring Fork Marketplace, on or near the Interstate 70 on/off ramps and at all of Glenwood’s roundabout intersections.
varsity season at home on Friday, Aug. 21, against Gunnison, with a 7pm kickoff at Rams Field.
In the meantime, prospective players are invited to check out the summer conditioning sessions, including Monday throwing drills, Monday-Thursday weight room workouts at the high school, and seven-on-seven scrimmages every Wednesday evening at the district field behind Bridges High School.
Regular practices for football and all fall sports begin Monday, Aug. 3. For information, contact coach Nielsen at 970-309-9539.
”It was very clear that he not only didn’t know where Glenwood was but that Glenwood wasn’t his concern,” said Zalinski about BLM Director Stevan Pearce. “He let us know that this approval was to be viewed favorably on direction from the White House. He encouraged us to come back to him with bullet points of what we would be willing to accept.”
She added that the meeting
from page 8
“My understanding is if you [hiked] from Fisher Creek and High Aspen and you got all the way to the Forest Service land, I believe that’s about 18 miles,” he said. “I don’t know how many people actually do that to get all the way up there and look at the sunset. So I don’t know that that argument really holds water.”
The BOCC voted to support the proposed GAME Act with certain conditions related to no new development. Small said there will be future opportunities for public comment.
Spring Valley Ranch
The BOCC approved requests from Spring Valley Holdings, owner of Spring Valley Ranch (SVR), to vacate the SVR PUD Phase 1 Final Plat, covering
was before BLM finished reviewing RMI’s new application for the modified plan of operations.
“We feel like we are David and Goliath today,” she said, calling for any and all support. “We need to bring in all of our resources, everybody that, you know, has any teeth, any favors they can pull, any levers they can push,” she said. “All hands on deck.”
Sen. Hickenlooper said he would do everything he can
5,908 acres, revoke the SVR PUD and return the SVR PUD zoning to rural.
“What we’re basically asking here is to unwind this property back to 1983,” said Jon Fredericks with Land West, a Texas-based design group. “There’s 42 years of history and your predecessors in 1984 approved the first PUD, which, believe it or not, at that time included 2,400 homes up there.”
Commission Chair Tom Jankovsky said the decision was historic. Local resident Miriam Fennell praised the BOCC.
“Today is about closing one chapter,” she said, “and ensuring that any future proposal is evaluated under Garfield County’s current comprehensive plan, current land use and development code and today’s standards, not yesterday’s assumptions.”
You can find all BOCC meetings at the Garfield County website.
to help stop the mine and encouraged GSCA to talk with Hurd, Congresswoman Lauren Boebert and other officials, and contact larger environmental groups like Natural Resources Defense Council or The Nature Conservancy.
“I mean, there are some big [groups] that have a lot of lawyers that are bored,” he said.
Garfield County Commission Chair Tom Jankovsky echoed the
from page 9
group’s concerns. He reminded them about how RMI took the county to court in 2019 because the county said the mine was in violation of conditions of approval for a special-use permit.
At the time, RMI said the county had no authority to require a special-use permit on federal land. But the court ruled in the county’s favor.
Jankovsky told Hickenlooper that if RMI wants to
increasing, which Williams credited to the increase of renewable energy sources on the electrical grid.
In 2024, electric utility company Xcel Energy produced slightly less than half of its electricity from wind, solar and other carbon-free energy sources. Holy Cross Energy produced 75% of its electricity from renewable sources. So far in 2026, Williams said Holy Cross has sourced 92% of its electricity from renewables.
Both natural gas use in buildings and building emissions produced by natural gas declined slightly between 2009 and 2024, which Williams attributed to property owners switching to electric energy.
But there’s more work to be done to meet Carbondale’s emissions reduction goals.
“If Carbondale’s trying to cut their emissions in half, we’ve got a little bit of a way to go before 2030,” Williams said.
Following the presentation, CLEER asked community members to share what they believe needs to happen and how they believe Carbondale can accelerate change to meet its emissions goals across buildings, electricity supply, transportation, waste and green infrastructure/land use.
mine again, they will still need the county permit.
“We’re a natural resource county because of the Piceance Basin, of course,” he said. “But we have economic development and this puts our tourism at jeopardy here.”
RMI’s application is undergoing a technical review. BLM’s Hall did not say whether an environmental analysis would come out of the current review.
Transportation claimed the most community interest. Written comments from the community on “what needs to happen” in transportation included:
• “More and new bike racks.”
• “More EV fast chargers.”
• “Carbondale Circulator should be electric.”
• “More BRT times in middle of day.”
• “Eliminate parking options — then we have to find another way.”
• “Keep funding WE-Cycle and Downtowner.”
Carbondale Mayor Erica Sparhawk also spoke at the discussion, remarking on the community support that has led the Town of Carbondale and local utility companies to the environmental focus they have achieved today.
“A big shout out to community members who stay engaged, keep pushing on us as a town council, asking us to do the next thing, helping us get plans in place,” Sparhawk said. “Because we wouldn’t be here without this kind of really strong community support, without the businesses implementing the new technologies, getting those installed in people’s homes. It takes all of us to get it done.”
Aspen Valley Health is proud to welcome three experienced physicians to our Primary Care team—strengthening care for individuals and families across the Roaring Fork Valley. Together, we continue a legacy of trusted care as part of Aspen Valley Health.
Natalia Snider is a certified dream practitioner living in Carbondale. She works with people’s dreams and imaginations to facilitate self-healing. Every month, she will analyze someone’s dream in The Sopris Sun. Anyone can submit a dream for personal analysis or inclusion in this column by visiting dreamhealings.com
I want to take a slight variation from the normal format this month to share my own dream practices in hopes it will inspire dreamers out there to go farther, experience more, heal or grow if they so wish. There’s a conference each year that I am part of called the International Association for the Study of Dreams (IASD), where I am working with other dreamers to experience and study shared dreams. First, let me review where science is currently in the field of dream studies.
Lucid dreaming (meaning one is conscious inside the dream state) is at the forefront with labs successfully communicating with a sleeping lucid dreamer through electroencephalograms and biofeedback signals from inside the dream to the outside waking world. This proved that lucid dreaming is indeed a real phenomenon taking place, which on its own is a success and has created multiple stems of study along with devices to hack yourself into lucid dreaming. But it doesn’t stop there. At a research facility in California called REMspace, two lucid dreamers successfully communicated with each other from inside the dream. When one sleeping subject entered lucidity they were given a randomized word through earbuds, which they repeated into the dream space. A second sleeper then became lucid and correctly picked up the word from the dream space and reported it back to the waking world. Although, like all scientific studies, more studies are needed here to convince the masses. Yet, for us in the dream field, this is extremely exciting because it not only is proof of lucidity but validation
of this realm, in which people can meet and communicate, that is outside of the physical one — something many lucid dreamers, shamans and spiritualists have known for eons. So with this in mind, let me tell you what I am doing with shared dreams and the steps of how to experience shared dreams with your own family and friends if you so choose. After spending so much time with other dreamers focusing and talking about dreams for a week at the conference, we began to all dream of each other, sometimes through shared dreams. This is when two dreamers have individual dreams of the other person but the storyline and details of the dream are the same. This indicates that the two dreamers met in the dream realm and
By Natalia Snider
experienced the same dream together. Shared dreams happen naturally, spontaneously, and so much more often than most realize because of the lack of recording or sharing of dreams with each other.
from page 5
design contest is nearly as old as the fair itself and invites artists from across the state to participate.
“We’re just a fraction of the people who have cared for the fair, who have been the stewards, and, you know, we really don’t take that for granted,” Sarah Overbeck, Carbondale Arts’ marketing and communications director, added. “We know how much the fair means to everybody and we’re just trying to hold the torch.”
If you are interested in being a part of the incredible volunteers that make this fair possible, sign ups are still available until Thursday. Sign up at tinyurl.com/mountainfairvolunteer2026
As always, the importance is to show up as yourself and enjoy celebrating 55 years of Mountain Fair. The fair truly represents the heart and soul of the community in this town and is the perfect time to be grounded in the present with family and friends.
Find the music and event lineups and more information in this year’s Mountain Fair program, included in this edition of the newspaper and on-hand at fair entry points, or at the Carbondale Arts website: carbondalearts.com/mountain-fair
So, step two is to bring about awareness and importance to dreams in your own group by recording and sharing them continuously. You may be surprised how quickly you might dream sync with someone.
After so many spontaneous shared dreams my group and I decided to try and procure this type of experience. We created what we are calling an incantation that we repeat like a mantra while falling asleep to connect with the other dreamer. Once this began to work, we realized we needed more to prove that we were indeed meeting in the same space, so we decided to try and share a code word. A word that is secret to only yourself until the other dreamer successfully shares a dream with you where you shared that word with them.
from page 14
Jensen shared that “Mishler is the first person to say Roosevelt was loud! So we’re looking forward to an energetic evening.”
As a child, Teddy wanted to be a naturalist when he grew up, a spirit evident in his conservationism. Jensen said, “We’re always glad to celebrate the president’s connection to natural resources, which is important here on the Western Slope.”
The event is sponsored by Collett Enterprises, a wholesale petroleum products company based in Gypsum. Jensen explained that when the Historical Society put out a call for local sponsors, Collett answered, and they’re “very grateful to have the support of local businesses and recognize their support for the preservation of local history.”
He added that the preservation of natural resources is not the focus of the event, but “[Mishler’s] portrayal of President Roosevelt will
Step three, then, is to create a phrase with a code word for yourself to share.
One night practicing this, something extraordinary happened, not at all what I had hoped for but what now has my full attention. I became lucid inside my dream and went searching for the dreamer I was supposed to be meeting. When I found her she was sleepwalking in a forest. I tried to wake her but couldn’t fully bring her out of her stupor. Instead she started talking in her sleep, slurring and mushing her words. She said, “I love you,” and I knew she was dreaming of someone she loved. I could almost visualize her dream but stopped myself, not wanting to pry. Then I asked her for her code word and she mumbled out the word “salad.” I thought this odd but went about telling her my word, repeating it over and over. When I woke, she texted telling me of a really weird dream where she was trying to repeat a word but couldn’t remember it upon waking. Then she went on to say the rest of her dream didn’t mean anything and was a dream of preparing a salad with her new partner.
I found myself astonished at what I was realizing happened in my own dream. I was trying to wake someone from a real normal dream state into lucidity from inside the dream realm, the implications of which are exponentially exciting.
So lastly for step one, which is absolutely the most important and therefore best kept ‘til the end, is to first allow anything to become possible. Nothing happens in the dream realm, this place of pure consciousness and creation, without your belief that it can.
almost certainly include comments on that in his presentation, and our audience can make of it what they will.”
For all his ruggedness and boisterous personality, Teddy Roosevelt is also credited, rather ironically, with the naming of the teddy bear. In one origin story, the staff at the Hotel Colorado play a major role — but you’ll have to attend the event to find out how!
Learn more about what Teddy himself would say about his legacy and support the Glenwood Springs Historical Society at the Commemorative Dinner on Aug. 1 at 6pm. Tickets are $140 for members and $150 for non-members and must be purchased by July 27 at the latest. Tickets and more information about the Historical Society’s other programs can be found on their website, glenwoodhistory.org, or in person during their business hours.
Government is a core pillar of society. When choosing our leaders, there is a lot to unpack, and this column is intended to help readers do just that before Election Day.
I once helped a friend sail his 40-foot catamaran through the Caribbean. As we crossed the Gulf Stream at night, a precarious adventure for this rookie, my friend noticed some unusual lights ahead of us. As he quickly deciphered what the International Code of Signals (ICS) was indicating, we course-corrected and narrowly avoided disaster. Had he not understood the signals, and just as importantly, had he not had the will to act, I might not be writing this column today.
Similar to the ICS, the primaries are over in Colorado and now it’s up to us voters to understand the signals, and be intentional about the direction we want to go. Some decisions have been made, or effectively been made already. Brent Baker will be our next Sheriff because there were no challengers to the two Republican candidates, giving that party a multi-decade lock on “law and order” and public safety issues. And given how blue our state has trended, especially in statewide elections (think urban voting power), I’d bet the farm that Jena Griswold will be our next Attorney General (AG) and Phil Weiser will be our next Governor.
The AG field of candidates was impressive. Too bad they couldn’t be more strategic about which newcomer would run. As such, the candidate who is least qualified but has the most name
recognition won. In the race for the Democrats’ nomination for governor, voters appear to have favored a non-Washington insider in Phil Weiser, who also ran a very strong campaign. For the Republicans’ nomination for governor, spectacle once again won over experience, and based on the razor-thin margin, it’s clear the Republicans are as divided as ever.
and your power is probably growing at a disproportionate rate. With some local and state office exceptions, if you are an elected official, you are officially a “have” making life-altering decisions for the “have nots.”
One of the remaining interesting races is for State House District 57, with Russ Andrews challenging incumbent Elizabeth Velasco. This race is interesting because it highlights the multitude of divisions among voters in Colorado. Conservative versus progressive drives many issues, but mostly at the national level. In Colorado, rural versus urban is a larger source of division but can often unite Western Slope elected officials from different parties. And let’s not forget the age-old divide between the “haves” and the “have nots.”
By Dan Richardson
If you struggle to make ends meet (aka the “have nots”), then affordability supersedes all other issues and you may not even have the luxury of voting, let alone becoming an informed voter. If you have disposable income to make political contributions, let alone millions of dollars’ worth of contributions, then you already have an incredibly disproportional share of power,
A question I asked both Andrews and Velasco that highlights their division is: How do you, or would you, determine that a new law is needed to solve a problem? This question gets to the root of the rising tensions between liberalism and post-liberalism that I addressed in a previous column. The candidates’ differences speak to the chasm of divide in our country.
Andrews speaks with great confidence about his proposed solutions and apparently sees many issues as black or white (literally in the case of gun violence). He cited capitalism as the solution to many issues, and government as the problem. On the other end of the political spectrum, Velasco’s perspective is that if there’s a problem, and the government can afford to enforce a new law, then government is the solution. Their responses made me think of the quote, “If the only tool you have is a hammer, everything looks like a nail.”
Taxpayer’s Bill of Rights (TABOR) was another topic, specifically my pet peeve
issue of TABOR giving voters the option to vote on all tax initiatives, EXCEPT real estate transfer taxes. It is the pinnacle of conservative hypocrisy, written into our state’s constitution. Velasco clearly understood the issue, but stated that fixing it is a “complex issue.” Andrews didn’t seem familiar with this aspect of TABOR and stated, “he needed to think about it.”
We also discussed immigration enforcement versus public safety and gun rights versus gun violence. Their respective perspectives track as you might expect, but the issues are far too complex to cover in this column.
So, what are the signals we are receiving from the primaries in local, state and national races? My read is that the country is trending conservative (with exceptions and not necessarily trending Republican), Republican talking points are trending toward post-liberalism, Democratic Socialists are gaining ground and clearly the “haves” are rapidly increasing their power.
In Colorado, I’m seeing signals indicating Democrat and Republican candidates generally moving farther and farther to the extremes, while voters are fleeing both parties by unaffiliating. We’ll have to wait until November to see whether being unaffiliated translates into independent-thinking voters.
Often feeling lost on that sailing trip in the Caribbean, I remember thinking of the quote “If you don’t know where you’re going, any path will take you there.” Time will tell whether we understood the signals of today, and whether we mustered the will to act accordingly.
La Alianza seeks to connect organizations, leaders and residents to reduce barriers to health care access and strengthen well-being in the Roaring Fork and Colorado River valleys
BIANCA GODINA Sol del Valle
Hands came together to form a circle. For a moment, Two Rivers Park became a space for connection and reflection as attendees looked at those standing beside them. The activity, simple in appearance, represented the purpose that gave rise to La Alianza (The Alliance): to remind everyone that no person or organization can face a community’s challenges alone.
“Holding hands symbolizes something very simple but profoundly powerful. No one heals completely in isolation,” said Indhira Barrón, community outreach coordinator at Health Solutions West and program director of La Alianza, in an email interview. “Each hand represents a different story, but also the possibility of supporting others and being supported.”
La Alianza is an initiative of Health Solutions West and the West Mountain Regional Health Alliance that brings together organizations, institutions and community leaders with a common goal: strengthening the well-being of the Latino community in the Roaring Fork Valley through collaboration.
According to its organizers, the initiative emerged after different organizations identified the same needs among Latino families throughout the region.
“For a long time, we observed that many families face the same barriers: a lack of awareness about available resources, difficulties navigating health care and social service systems, language and transportation barriers and, at times, a lack of trust in asking for help,” Barrón said.
After listening to the experiences of families, participants concluded that no single organization could respond on its own to all of those needs.
That is how La Alianza was created, as a collaborative network where organizations share knowledge, strengthen relationships and coordinate efforts so that resources reach those who need them most in a more humane, accessible and culturally responsive way.
Who can be part of La Alianza, and how can the community get involved?
La Alianza: La Alianza is open to organizations, institutions, businesses, community leaders and individuals who share a commitment to promoting well-being, self-care and a better quality of life for the Spanish-speaking community of the Roaring Fork Valley. The community can get involved by participating in our events,
sharing information, sharing resources with those who need them and building relationships that strengthen the social fabric. The more people who join, the greater the impact we will be able to generate together.
Who benefits from La Alianza’s work and why is it important to support this effort?
La Alianza: La Alianza’s work benefits the entire community, especially those individuals and families who have historically faced greater obstacles to accessing health care services, wellness resources and community support. Many times, the barriers are not only economic; there are also barriers related to language, unfamiliarity with the systems, lack of information or fear of asking for help.
Our goal is to bring resources closer to people before difficulties become crises, facilitate access to information and strengthen a community network where no one has to face their challenges alone. When a community is better informed, connected and supported, everyone benefits. That is why we believe supporting La Alianza is an investment in a healthier, more resilient community with greater opportunities for present and future generations.
To create a strong, sustainable, longterm coalition in the Roaring Fork Valley that strengthens collective impact, reduces systemic gaps and promotes the health and well-being of the region’s Latino communities.
La Alianza Member Organizations: Garfield County Human Services
Garfield County Public Health
Grand River Health
Great Expectations
Health Solutions West
Mountain Family Health Centers
Response
Valley Settlement
Garfield County Public Libraries
Savings Collaborative Sol del Valle
Share your works in progress with readers by emailing illustrations, creative writings and poetry to fiction@soprissun.com
Comparte tus proyectos creativos aún en proceso con nuestros lectores. Puedes enviarnos un correo electrónico con tus ilustraciones, creaciones literarias y poesía a fiction@soprissun.com
This time of year, The Sopris Sun takes a dive into the Valley Journal photo archives to reminisce on memories of Mountain Fair. This year, we figured why not share a plethora of scenes from the old days, when times were simpler but the party was still off the chain.
by a constant adherence to Town rules
A major cornerstone to our friendly, small-town atmosphere is the long-standing code that limits all buildings downtown to a maximum of 35 feet. Buildings at this height are capable of developing three levels, which easily fulfills any reasonable business plan.
Thirty-five feet has been plenty for previous developers on Main Street. The 35-foot building limit in downtown contributes to the overall nature and character of our mountain town by maintaining a small-town feeling, yet keeping a vibrant and active population.
Once this height restriction is cracked open, it can never be closed! Even a small increase will change the downtown atmosphere, because future developers will follow and raise it higher and higher.
Come tell your Board of Trustees on Tuesday, July 28, at 6pm in Town Hall: “Please do not raise downtown Carbondale’s building height even an inch.”
John S. Williams Carbondale
We have, what we believe, is the tallest Ponderosa pine in Basalt. Unfortunately, I do not know the height or circumference. It is my understanding that our neighborhood was once a ponderosa pine forest. The trees were harvested to use in the nearby coke ovens to fuel the trains connecting in Basalt. Honestly, I do not know if it is a Champion Tree contender but it is a magnificent tree! Enjoyed the article in the Sun.
Miki Klahn
Concern for a fellow citizen
I am deeply disappointed by your coverage of Jonathan Ford. If he was told the story would focus on one thing but was instead portrayed in a completely different light, that is not
Every person deserves honesty and transparency from reporters. When someone agrees to be interviewed or photographed, they should be given a truthful understanding of how their words and image will be used. Misleading someone to get a story damages trust — not only with that individual, but with the entire community.
Jonathan has spent countless hours encouraging people with messages of hope, patience, prayer and perseverance. Whether people agree with his methods or not, reducing his story to a discussion about panhandling without accurately representing his intentions paints an incomplete and unfair picture.
The public deserves reporting that is fair, balanced and truthful. If Jonathan was led to believe the article would highlight his positive message
and community outreach, only to have the focus shifted elsewhere, your readers deserve an explanation and, if warranted, a correction.
Journalism should inform the public with integrity — not at the expense of someone’s trust or reputation.
Andrea Koenig
EDITOR’S NOTE: The Sun did explain the nature of the story to Jonathan Ford ahead of him agreeing to have his photo taken for the July 9 Glenwood Report.
Turf requires copious amounts of water on a daily basis to appear healthy in our hot, dry, windy summer climate due to very high evapotranspiration rates.
Mowing turf short on a set weekly schedule regardless of need immediately exposes the underlying ground surface to the sun’s intense radiation, allowing direct evaporation down about 4 inches below the surface and resulting in the turf’s root zone being solarized and baked with immediate moisture loss through direct evaporation.
Now that the Town of Carbondale and its residents are not watering every day to conserve water, this problem is almost immediately evident as large brown areas appear, especially in turf areas that receive a lot of sun and have south-facing slope aspects.
Since landscape maintenance and irrigation have for decades been tailored to meet turf needs, tree roots of established specimen trees that dot the landscape are also likely quite shallow. So existing tree health may be compromised as well, especially since deep soil-building mulch layers (leaves, etc.) have been routinely gathered each year and sent to the landfill.
Simply leaving the lawn to grow to at least 3-4 inches in order to help shade the ground, conserve soil moisture and protect soils and roots is probably the best short-term solution. And, of course, we can also hope and pray for clouds and rain.
In the longer term, science tells us that transitioning to a much more shady forest-like landscape, using various design strategies, with turf where it actually serves us, would make for a much more sustainable, resilient and regenerative landscape in terms of conserving water and energy, sequestering carbon and providing a buffer against existing and future climate instability, including seasonal dry spells, high winds, and flooding. And this would be consistent with the Carbondale Board of Trustees’ recent approval/adoption of Colorado Communities for Climate Action 2026 Policy Statement.
Craig Kafura 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, no smearing, 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.
Yields one 1 1/2 pound loaf
3 cups all-purpose or bread flour, more for dusting (any combination of flours OK)
1/4 teaspoon instant yeast
1 1/4 teaspoons salt
Cornmeal or wheat bran as needed
1. In a large bowl combine flour, yeast and salt. Add 1 5/8 cups water, and stir until blended; dough will be shaggy and sticky. Cover bowl with a plate. Let dough rest at least 12 hours, preferably about 18, at warm room temperature.
2. Dough is ready when its surface is dotted with bubbles.
PHOTO AND TEXT BY JAMES STEINDLER Editor-in-Chief
3. Using just enough flour to keep dough from sticking to work surface or to your fingers, gently and quickly shape dough into a ball. Generously coat a linen towel (not terry cloth) with flour, wheat bran or cornmeal; put dough seam side down on towel and dust with more flour, bran or cornmeal. Cover with another cotton towel and let rise for 1-2 hours. When it is ready, dough will be more than double in size and will not readily spring back when poked with a finger.
4. At least half-hour before dough is ready, heat oven to 425 degrees. Put a Dutch Oven or 8: cast iron frying pan (glass, enamel or Pyrex dish OK) in oven as it heats. When dough is ready, carefully remove pot from oven. Slide your hand under towel and turn dough over into pot, seam side up; it may look like a mess, but that is OK. Shake pan once or twice if dough is unevenly distributed; it will straighten out as it bakes. Bake 30 to 45 minutes, depending on size. Cool on a rack. Cool before cutting.
If you like: butter crust to keep softer.
Photo collages lined the right side of the wall leading to the Community Hall of the Third Street Center on Sunday, July 19, memories preserved on paper of a one-of-a-kind friend to Carbondale: Linda Romero Criswell.
Every seat was filled for the memorial, and more chairs were set so everyone could fit. Linda’s son, Bram Romero, welcomed the crowd, and then the side door of the hall was opened and everyone
turned to face it and welcome Linda in.
Linda left instructions that her wake not be boring, keeping the speeches to two minutes or less … However, all agreed, there was much to share. But the promise was kept and everyone laughed in unison and merrily basked in remembrance.
Dear friends, Brenda Buchanan, Andrea Bersson, Annie Worley and Larry Tallmadge, shared stories,
and the latter announced that the Community Oven — a wood-fired outdoor oven behind the Third Street Center founded by Linda — would be renamed in her honor: Linda’s Community Oven.
Linda’s husband, Russ Criswell, spoke volumes with but a few words, including: “I love all of you, and Linda loved all of you.” He then raised a toast “to our community,” on behalf of Linda. We love you, too, Linda.
