This Week: 5 - AZYEP 6-8 - GOVERNMENT 9 - RAMS REPORT 13 - PEPPINO’S REVIEW 16 - SOL DEL VALLE Your nonprofit
community newspaper
Food, art and community PHOTO AND TEXT BY BOB RUBILE Sopris Sun Correspondent
Volume 18, Number 32a | September 17-23, 2026
Sustainable Settings sits on 244 acres a few miles south of Carbondale on Highway 133. It is a working ranch and learning center advancing biodynamic/regenerative agricultural stewardship, soil health and whole-systems education. Putting the “culture” in agriculture, Sustainable Settings hosted “Feast & Form,” a “friendraiser” on Thursday evening, Sept. 10, along with Dance Aspen and local gourmet chefs. Donations benefited both Dance Aspen and Sustainable Settings. Dance Aspen put on an impressive show with a backdrop of Mount Sopris at the golden hour for approximately 150 guests. BOSQ and The Farmer and the Chef provided small bites, sourced from Sustainable Settings. Aspen Vodka, Woody Creek Distillers and Mountain Heart Brewery poured craft cocktails, beer and other refreshments. To top it off, Pollinator Chocolate served up a softserve dessert made from the milk of the ranch’s dairy cows. “It is our privilege [through] our events to feature the abundance of health and astounding flavor that comes from this ranch,” Brook LeVan, co-founder and director of Sustainable Settings, said, “and to feature the passionate and talented professionals in our valley who help craft this unique place.” Local art, food and community was the perfect mix for a memorable night. To learn more about Sustainable Settings, visit sustainablesettings.org
When Jae was shocked (but I was pleased) Early this summer, respected local Jae Gregory published Faced with a down-valley population wave beyond their a Facebook post about her move to Redstone after 28 years in control, Garfield County and its municipalities planned accordCarbondale. Since her move, she wrote, she suddenly finds ingly and cooperatively. Carbondale, wanting to avoid sprawl, Carbondale “a bit shocking.” opted for firm boundaries with growth through infill, and began “I’ve often wondered,” she continued, “why, when a small zoning accordingly. This intention was written into the town’s town is perfect, the developers and off [sic] the council can still 2013 and 2023 comprehensive plans and the county Comp Plan take over and persuade the Town it needs to grow. But [the] new for 2010 through 2030. All three plans refer to a 2001 Intergoverngrowth never solves the problems. It just turns it into every other mental Agreement (IGA) that includes a protocol for referring town instead of its charming self.” development applications on unincorporated land to nearby Jae’s thoughts are worth examining because she is hardly municipalities for review and comment. alone. Commenters were largely in agreement. So are many For the last quarter century, Carbondale’s Planning and letters to the editor, public comments to the Zoning Department has issued permits to Board of Trustees and frequent similar posts by developers in keeping with those comp plans, other people. consequent zoning laws and the IGA. How did it happen? To get some perspective, Before exiting our historical review, we I spoke with former Carbondale planners Mark should note that the ranchland that became Chain and Janet Buck, exchanged emails with River Valley Ranch (RVR) was incorporated into the current planner, Jared Barnes, and Public Carbondale via a series of annexations beginWorks Director Kevin Shorzman, and did a ning in 1979, culminating with voter approval lot of online research. So, grab some coffee, of the town’s existing boundaries and the RVR because you’re about to get a history lesson. Agreement in 1994. In keeping with all this But first, let’s acknowledge that developplanning, we’ve seen little development on ers aren’t necessarily there to solve problems. land abutting the town, which has stayed rural, Developers, with maybe a few exceptions, do and much of which has been conserved. In what they do to make money. Government is short, the dramatic changes that shocked Jae MATURE there to influence the situation so that develophave been happening in a predictable, planned CONTENT ment also helps the public. Building codes and and relatively controlled way since well before By Ron Kokish zoning are its primary tools. she became a resident in 1998. Okay, now the history. When my son moved to Aspen in the Nonetheless, I understand her surprise because I had my own mid-1990s, he had to pay $400/month to share a bedroom small “What the . . .” moment as I exited City Market this spring. Lookenough to require bunk beds, because Aspen started pricing out ing around, it suddenly struck me that the town I was looking at its working-class residents in the 1970s. Snowmass and Basalt was very different from the town I moved to in 2009. Like Jae, I absorbed many early victims, and, indeed, when my son started was shocked. But, as I did my double-take, I realized that, unlike raising a family, he moved to Basalt, but Carbondale was where Jae, I liked the changes. he landed. I can walk to two food markets within ½ mile of my house, Even with APCHA (Aspen-Pitkin County Housing Author- and to a modern physical therapy facility that 85-year-old me ity) being established in 1982 to help stem the down-valley flow, is one stumble or stroke away from needing. Ditto for a growsecond-home ownership created another easily predictable wave ing group of restaurants, three banks and a couple of clothing of Aspen emigrants before we entered the 21st century. No one stores. Thanks to a growing tax base, our sidewalks are increasneeded a crystal ball to see the future, and the Colorado Depart- ingly decent, street crossings, while still far from good, are slowly ment of Transportation responded by expanding Highway 82, a getting better and, if that stumble/stroke causes serious damage, project under consideration by 1969. Except for the “entrance to I don’t have to walk at all. I can call The Downtowner. Aspen,” it was completed by 2004. Longing for a town that never really existed except in a nostalThe 2008 financial crisis briefly cooled home prices, but Aspen gic memory is understandable. So is disliking the town that’s recovered quickly, reinforcing its position as a wealth-parking actually here, because, yes, Carbondale has become bigger, asset rather than a normal housing market. The current down-val- busier and maybe even a little less personal. But as an 85-yearley surge began in 2020-21, spurred by COVID-19 and remote old resident, the changes are serving me a whole lot better than work; but these were mere circumstances, accelerating a trend that the little charmer I moved to ever could have. Beauty is in the eye became visible about the time Carbondale paved its streets. of the beholder.
OPINION
Mature Content is a monthly feature from Age-Friendly Carbondale.
LETTERS CORRECTION: The Sept. 10 column “Stopping the extermination of our wild horses” misstated that photojournalist Scott Wilson’s upcoming CU Museum of Natural History exhibit will be focused on wild horse roundups. The exhibit will be focused more generally on the history of the horse in North America.
Only in Carbondale Jeannie Perry’s column devoted to the memory of the Pour House reminded me of an experience there worthy of sharing. What I loved to eat and always ordered was their thick enough pork chop with plain, cold apple sauce, just the way I like it. On a visit like any other, when my pork chop arrived without the apple sauce, I couldn’t help distressing. I may not have ordered the pork chop had I known there was no apple sauce. The long-time waitress looked me in the eye to gauge my seriousness. She was moved enough to say “wait a minute, honey; let me double check in the kitchen.” Happily yattering away at the table made the 10 minutes or so pass without notice. What happened next fortified my
faith in human kind. Our waitress burst from the kitchen wearing a big grin and bearing a heaping bowl of plain applesauce, which she had jumped into her car and bought just then at the Carbondale City Market. My heart was so touched, my mind so blown. I was only able to sum up with the words, only in Carbondale. Jon Fitch Carbondale
‘Oct-tuber-fest’ I understand that since El Jebel is only “technically” part of Carbondale, my opinion doesn’t matter much, but wouldn’t it be funny if they started calling it “Oct-tuber-fest?” Eric Palmer Carbondale
Journalism awards Congratulations to The Sopris Sun and Sol del Valle for the 38 journalism awards from the Colorado Press Association. The Sun is my favorite source for local news. Last week’s Sun had 24 pages full of articles and stories about Carbondale and our neighboring towns. Also, shout out to The Aspen Daily News that won 18 journalism awards.
2 THE SOPRIS SUN | soprissun.com | September 17-23, 2026
The key word is “journalism.” Journalists are professionals that I trust will provide me with facts. They investigate and interview, then they and their editors fact check to make sure they’re providing us with the truth. Influencers are NOT journalists. They have no obligation to report facts or tell the truth. Is that where you’re getting your information? On social media? Think about it. Udelle Stuckey Carbondale
Rally the vote This is our moment! Seize it. Saturday, Sept. 19, at 11am, Paepcke Park, Aspen: The Good Fight: Rally the Vote. (Plan on one hour of your time.) We are looking forward to the energy that our Roaring Fork community can bring. Creative signs, impassioned voices, camaraderie. Speakers will address issues including Freedom of the Press and First Amendment Rights, justice and pending lawsuits against the Trump administration, rally the vote, protection of our public lands, immigration and more. continued on page 18
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 Fred Kirschbaum 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 • Jamie LaRue Adele Craft • Stephen Shapiro • Andrew Parrott
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
SCUTTLEBUTT
Send your scuttlebutt to news@soprissun.com
Colorado Grand in Bonedale
OUR UNDERWRITERS AND NONPROFIT PARTNERS!
LIFT-UP was selected as the nonprofit in Carbondale to host the 37th annual Colorado Grand vintage sports car rally when it comes through town this Thursday morning, Sept. 17, between 8:30 and 10:30am on 4th Street. The annual event raises over $800,000 each year for nonprofits and scholarships along the 1,000-mile route through the Rockies, according to a press release from LIFT-UP. For details on Colorado Grand, visit co1000.com
Questions for candidates The Glenwood Springs and Colorado River Valley chambers are hosting a regional candidate forum on Monday, Sept. 28, from 6 to 8:15pm at the Ute Theater in Rifle, and are soliciting questions from constituents ahead of time. Candidates for the Garfield County commissioner, Colorado House District 57 and Senate District 8 seats have been invited to participate. KMTS News Director Ron Milhorn will moderate, and the CoWest Noticias News Collaborative, a cohort of local news outlets providing content for the Spanish-language newspaper Sol del Valle, is sponsoring the forum. Interpretation will be provided, as well as streaming access courtesy of Rifle TV. Community questions must be submitted by Sept. 23 at 5pm. For details or to submit a question for the candidates, visit glenwoodchamber.com/forums
Humanitarian awards
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
Garfield County honored community volunteers and human services workers for their “selfless contributions” during the 2026 Humanitarian Awards dinner at the Hotel Colorado on Monday, Sept. 14. Frank McSwain Sr. won the “Knows No Stranger Award,” Michelle McCurdy won the “Art in Service Award” and Jack Oulund won the “Heart of Gold Award.”
Interstate fatalities Two teenagers — Kyle McKinney, 17 of Glenwood Springs, and Reese Allen, 18 of Silt — tragically passed away following a head-on collision on Interstate 70 near Rifle during the early hours of Sunday morning, Sept. 13, according to the Garfield County Coroner’s Office. Both young people were the drivers of their respective vehicles. The office made a preliminary determination the manner of death was an accident. “The coroner’s office team extends our deepest condolences to the families and friends of Kyle and Reese,” the office said in a press release.
Valley Health Alliance After 10 years, the Aspen School District (ASD) recently rejoined the Valley Health Alliance (VHA), an organization building “partnerships that improve care and lower healthcare costs for communities from Aspen to Parachute,” a press release stated. ASD was one of the founding members of the alliance, which was created in 2014. “Having ASD back in the fold means a great deal to us,” said Chris McDowell, executive director of VHA. “They helped shape what this coalition stands for from day one, and their return is a powerful reminder of the lasting value of the work we do together.” Learn more about VHA at ourvha.org
Sustainable solar Holy Cross Energy (HCE) members who make below 80% of their county’s area median income can apply for the utility’s Sustainable Solar lottery. The lottery will help those chosen save up to 50% of their locally-generated solar electric bills for the next two years. “Sustainable Solar gives members with lower household incomes an opportunity to benefit from local solar bill credits without the expense or trouble of installing panels on their home,” said Jenna Weatherred, HCE vice president of Member and Community Relations. Credits
Carbondale & Rural Fire Protection District is accepting letters of interest to fill a vacancy on the Board of Directors. Applicants must be a registered elector in the Carbondale & Rural Fire Protection District. SUBMISSION DEADLINE: Monday, September 28, 2026 at 4 pm.
On the 25th anniversary of September 11, 2001, communities across the country held remembrance ceremonies, including here in the Valley. The early morning of Sept. 11, Carbondale Fire honored the lives lost during the attack on the Twin Towers in New York City on that tragic day in 2001, and the courage of the responders who put their lives at risk, many of whom made the ultimate sacrifice, to save others. “Twenty-five years later, we remember, we serve,” Deputy Chief Jenny Cutright stated in a press release. Photo courtesy of Carbondale Fire
will be rolled out beginning in February 2027. Visit holycross.com/ sustainable-solar to learn more and enter the lottery.
RFSD literacy The Roaring Fork School District (RFSD) invites the public to review and provide feedback on K-8 literacy curriculum options, as it plans to incorporate a fresh approach next school year. The district narrowed down 20 prospective curriculums to a final three: 1) Savvas: myView Literacy/Mi visión and myPerspectives, 2) Amplify: CKLA/Caminos and ELA, and 3) American Reading Company: ARC Core and Fusion. The public can access the materials for each option from 9am to 4pm Mondays through Fridays until Sept. 23 in the Colorado Room of the District Office at 400 Sopris Ave. in Carbondale. The district’s goal is to recommend a curriculum to the Board of Education by Nov. 20.
They say it’s your birthday! Folks celebrating another trip around the sun this week include: Vanessa Anthes, Smith Blanchard, Eric Gross, Dani Grace Kopf, Lori Meraz, Ken Olson and Bob Stein (Sept. 17); Jackson Burcham, Coral Eva Froning, Frosty Merriott and Nancy Payne (Sept. 18); Kenny Hopper (Sept. 19); Wylie Chenoweth, Maria Judith Alvarez Quiroz, Marty Garfinkel, Josh Smith and Ralph Young (Sept. 20); Frances Castillo, Karen Funk Ireland and Bianca Ortega (Sept. 21); Cheryl Cain, Betsy Browning, Nancy Helser and Dawson Kuhl (Sept. 22); Cathy Derby, Barbara Dills, Oliver Goddard, Kent Jones, Jerome Osentowski, Julia Hortenstine and Luke Wander (Sept. 23).
fall sale Up to 50% off nursery wide SALE OPEN TO ALL
SAVE THE DATE FOR THE
Letters of interest should be submitted to: Jenny Cutright cutright@carbondalefire.org
FALL FESTIVAL! October 10th, 10-2 Hours:
• GAMES • PAINT-A-PUMPKIN • HAY RIDE • CARAMEL APPLES • HALLOWEEN HOUSE • COSTUME CONTEST @1PM • FOOD AVAILABLE FOR PURCHASE
Entry: $20 per child
Monday-Friday 8-5
Saturday 9-5
2551 Highway 133 Carbondale, CO
THE SOPRIS SUN | Your weekly community connector | September 17-23, 2026 3
Ascendigo expands access for early intervention KATE PHILLIPS Sopris Sun Correspondent
Young learners are incredibly moldable and undergo significant brain developWeaving play with measurable results, ment. With early intervention, children Ascendigo Autism Services recently have more opportunities to practice and expanded to include the Early Start strengthen skills, such as communication, Denver Model (ESDM), an early-inter- social interactions and routines that can vention program. Specifically designed help them thrive. for children 0 to 5 years old, ESDM is an “How do you enter a conversation? evidence-based program that has been How do you play well? All of these things implemented in schools, clinical settings may come easy for some families, and and homes around the country. be really hard for others,” McGough said. “We are so thrilled to launch “[The ESDM is] also very indithis in the Valley,” Ascendigo vidualized, so whatever that President and CEO Amy foundational skill is we’re Grogan said. “We can going to focus on.” connect with famiThrough the ESDM, lies as quickly and the family unit plays as early as possible, an essential role. and with a model While most therathat we know has a peutic approaches proven track record.” see the parents and The model couples caregivers as the Applied Behavior experts on their child, - Sarah McGough, Ascendigo Analysis therapy with the program takes it a step Clinical Supervisor developmental science to further by encouraging the support children with autism families to be active participants or developmental disabilities as they from start to finish. Ideally the families feel build key foundational skills. Likened to a confident enough to integrate the plan into playbook, the ESDM provides therapists their home life. and caregivers tailored plans around each “Families help shape the goals of what child’s strengths, interests and goals. we’re trying to work on,” Grogan said. “It matches up those two [practices] “[The] ESDM has such a proven track perfectly so you’re working on all the right record of successful outcomes, because skills at the right time,” Ascendigo Clini- the parents are a critical component of cal Supervisor Sarah McGough said. “It’s everything that is happening.” … structured so it gives you a pathway as In addition to her credentials, McGough a therapist or a parent on what the child is and her team of qualified professionals supposed to be doing right now.” have undergone ESDM-specific training.
It’s very fun to implement. We’ve heard feedback from parents that their kids respond to it very well because it’s fun.
Schubert MiniFest
Lone Traveler A stranger I arrived. A stranger I depart.
Four Concerts. Two Days. One Extraordinary Experience. MinTze Wu
artistic director & violin
Micha Schoepe narrator
Chih-Long Hu
WED, 9/23 5:30 p.m.
Impromptu Duo in A major Quartettsatz in C minor
piano
Stephen Salters baritone
Delaney Meyers violin
Chieh-Fan Yiu viola
Michael Graham cello
7:30 p.m.
Song Cycle Winterreise
THURS, 9/24 5:30 p.m.
Arpeggionne Sonata Piano Trio in Eb major
7:30 p.m.
String Quartet in G major Lieder
Old Thompson Barn, Carbondale
BenFengMusicProductions.org $200 — 2-Day Pass (Includes 4 concerts + 2 dinners) $120 — 1-Day Pass (Includes 2 concerts + 1 dinner) $40 — Single Concert Ticket
4 THE SOPRIS SUN | soprissun.com | September 17-23, 2026
Committed to supporting all people with autism and developmental differences, Ascendigo recently launched its own Early Start Denver Model chapter, an early-intervention program for children 0 to 5 years old. Courtesy photo
“I have a really fantastic team work- disabilities. Currently, Ascendigo can ing with me,” McGough said. “They’re just support four to six families as they continue really fun, empathetic and charismatic to thoughtfully grow during this initial year. people. We’re very lucky.” “In tandem with ESDM and the growth The best part? ESDM really is all fun for the littles, 0 to 5, we are also making and games. lovely movements on our waitlist for “It’s not like sitting in a chair and doing school-age kiddos, too,” Grogan said. work,” McGough said. “I’m crawling all over Families can use private insurance that clinic or preschool with trucks and or Medicaid to access services. As the Barbies … It’s very fun to implement. We’ve program rolls out, Grogan said that they heard feedback from parents that their kids will continue to evaluate and implement respond to it very well because it’s fun.” ways to support families. Funding comes from the New and “I’m grateful we were able to launch Innovative Grant created by the Colorado and expand our services in what I hope Disability Opportunity Office. The grant is really impactful,” Grogan concluded. was awarded to programs focused on “With the support of the grant and the improving the quality of life and increas- capable and talented team we have in ing independence for Coloradans with house, we were able to press go.” Visit ascendigo.org/early-start-denver-model to learn more.
AZYEP intern Caden Smith takes his podcast, ‘The Ripple Effect,’ to the Crystal VIVIENNE SHAPIRO Sopris Stars Correspondent
EDITOR’S NOTES: The Sopris Stars Youth News Bureau returned to the office this week, and will be producing a monthly paper within the pages of The Sun every final Thursday of the month, beginning with its Halloween issue on Oct. 29. Here’s but a taste of what’s to come. On another note, Vivienne is the daughter of Meagan Londy Shapiro. On Aug. 22, a set of individuals with seemingly little relation to one another gathered in the Crystal Theatre on Main Street in Carbondale: a gaggle of Glenwood Springs High School students, speaking in hushed tones and laughter; a few volunteers standing behind the counter serving buttery popcorn and sharing stories; two dancers, adorned in dark, flowy pants, itching to pull back on their legwarmers, regardless of the summer heat. Why were they there? Caden Smith, a junior at Glenwood
High, spent his Saturday afternoon conducting a live taping of his podcast, “The Ripple Effect,” along with a live audience. Andy Zanca Youth Empowerment Program (AZYEP) helped Smith orchestrate the event. Smith is an intern with the youth radio program based at KDNK Community Access Radio, and was the designated interviewer for this special event. The topic was art education, and included interviewees from throughout the Roaring Fork Valley with various tie-ins with the arts scene. Sean Hamilton was the first to share his wisdom. A junior at Glenwood High, a close friend of Smith and an aspiring songwriter, Hamilton noted that his passion did not derive from instruction. “Nothing was actually handed to me [in life] other than the instrument I’ll be playing,” said Hamilton. “It all started from my own curiosity.” Hamilton went on to play an original song for the radio following the interview. While he has yet to utilize the music
opportunities available at Glenwood High, he believes our valley has played a crucial role in his upbringing. “I’m very lucky to have been raised in a community that very much encourages musicality,” he shared. Hamilton’s music is available on all streaming platforms under the name Cadence Rhapsody. Director, choreographer and
dancer Emily Fifer is one of the people in our community who strives to be part of the support system for young artists. “There always [have] been, and there will again be, youth that comes over and says, ‘Hey, I’m really serious about this,’” she said during the on-stage interview following Hamilton’s, “and then conversations can happen around what they want to get out of the experience.” Meagan Shapiro, a fellow director, choreographer and dancer who works alongside Fifer, made sure to tell listeners that the arts should not be contained within the walls of a high school.
“The valley is so small, but the arts community is so vast,” she said, particularly reflecting on her experiences as a cast member, choreographer and as the freshly appointed co-director of the Carbondale Fashion Show, alongside Fifer. “Everyone in that cast is being asked to stretch themselves,” she said. Shapiro believes that the importance of the arts community stretches beyond the content produced. “It’s important to try things, to be vulnerable,” Shapiro said, “even if you don’t share the thing with anyone else.”
Local youth musician Sean Hamilton, or “Cadence Rhapsody,” serenades the crowd during AZYEP Intern Caden Smith’s live podcasting event at the Crystal Theatre. Photo by Indigo Michel, Sopris Stars Correspondent
The two-part episode is scheduled to air on KDNK on Sept30 at 4:30pm and Oct. 7 at 4pm. Check out Smith’s “The Ripple Affect” podcast archives at kdnk.org/podcast/ the-ripple-effectan-azyep-podcast And don’t miss the Andy Zanca Youth Empowerment Program 24-Hour Takeover of the KDNK airwaves, from 2pm Oct. 10 to 4pm Oct. 11. For details, visit azyep.org
For you. For life.
Riverfront Luxury in the Heart of Basalt 455 Gold Rivers Court 531 & 532, Basalt, CO 4 beds, 4 baths, 2,060 sq.ft., $5,995,000 Two thoughtfully combined residences.
Your Mid-Valley Real Estate Expert
Supporting Your Vibrant Life
Professionally representing you with 19 years of experience.
When life throws you curveballs—you can count on After-Hours Medical Care in Basalt, to be there for you. We’re in your neighborhood, offering convenient walk-in care for non-life threatening emergencies, seven days a week.
970 319-5757 roaringfork-homes.com hilary@hilaryporterfield.com Call me. I love to talk real estate.
After-Hours Medical Care
970.544.1250
Basalt 234 East Cody Lane
Weekdays: 1-9 pm NEW HOURS Weekends: 8 am-5 pm
No appointment necessary, walk-ins welcome!
aspenvalleyhealth.org
©2026 Engel & Völkers. All rights reserved. Each brokerage is independently owned and operated.
THE SOPRIS SUN | Your weekly community connector | September 17-23, 2026 5
Local land swap update and a bit of history AMY HADDEN MARSH Sopris Sun Correspondent
said. “Based on that guidance, OBR subsequently placed the Cow Creek and Timber Valley properties A land swap in the Roaring Fork and Colorado River [on the Roan Plateau] under contract specifically for valleys is attracting attention across the state. The potential inclusion in the proposed exchange.” legislative exchange, known as the Greater Access for The GAME Act is a legislative land exchange. Multiple-Use Experiences (GAME) Act, proposed by The other kind of land exchange, an administrative Congressman Jeff Hurd (R-CD3), must be approved exchange, is handled by agency procedure instead of by Congress before any land changes hands. an act of Congress. There are a lot of questions swirling about A Congressional Research Services 2024 the swap. But chasing answers only leaves report states, “Land sales or exchanges more questions. that Congress directs in statute Here is what we know so far. also generally are subject to Scott Smith, owner of Out [National Environmental Policy of Bounds Ranch (OBR), east Act] review, unless the statof Glenwood Springs in the ute authorizing the sale or Upper Cattle Creek/Missouri exchange expressly waives Heights area, initiated the the requirement or removes proposed swap. all BLM discretion in execut“The idea for a possible land ing the disposal (or unless the exchange grew out of the pracsales or exchanges are othertical challenges created by the wise excluded under NEPA).” intermingled public and private Jeff Small is the face of 76 - Out of Bounds Ranch Owner ownership pattern around OBR,” Group for the GAME Act. He Scott Smith he wrote in an email to The Sun. presented the proposed bill to the He added that the ranch has grazGarfield County Commissioners in July. ing rights and privileges on the neighboring Proponents of the exchange, including Bureau of Land Management (BLM) land, dating back Small and OBR, have assured the public that there to at least 1966. He has been thinking about changing will be opportunities to comment on the exchange, the so-called “checkerboard” land ownership pattern but some are already miffed that no one contacted to better serve ranch operations and the public. them about the exchange. “A former BLM manager suggested that we speak “We never heard this was being discussed,” said with 76 Group, which has experience with federal Meme Kistner, president of the High Aspen Ranch land exchanges, and that began the process of Homeowners Association at the July 21 Garfield exploring whether an exchange might be feasible,” County Commissioner meeting. “No one asked for Smith wrote. neighborhood responses even though we are adja“In identifying potential lands that could provide cent to this land.” meaningful public benefits, we sought guidance from Small told The Sun in an email that Smith has met Colorado Parks and Wildlife and the BLM,” Smith with local landowners.
The idea for a possible land exchange grew out of the practical challenges created by the intermingled public and private ownership pattern around OBR.
6 THE SOPRIS SUN | soprissun.com | September 17-23, 2026
The draft bill states that the exchange must be completed within 180 days after the Act is passed. In July, Small presented the proposal to the Garfield County Commissioners. He included BLM maps, created in February 2026, depicting the parcels up for trade.
Eastern portion The eastern portion of the exchange is in the Roaring Fork Watershed east of Glenwood Springs, near Fisher Creek and Consolidated Reservoir. This section includes BLM land that would become private land if the Act is passed. The western section is on the Roan Plateau, and includes two investment properties (Timber Valley Ranch and Cow Creek Ranch) that would revert to BLM land. The draft GAME Act states that “The term ‘federal land’ means the approximately 2,158 acres of land administered by the BLM.” But there are some discrepancies about the exact acreage included in the swap. The act states that 2,158 acres of federal land will be exchanged for 2,103 acres of private land. The legal descriptions of the parcels, including township and range, are not included in the draft bill, which states that this information will be added after the act is passed. The OBR website states that the exchange includes 2,139 acres of BLM-administered land in Garfield County and 40 acres in Eagle County for a total of 2,179 acres. According to property records and corresponding maps on the Garfield County Assessor’s property location page, the BLM lands in Garfield County involved in the exchange total 2,274.72 acres. Small told The Sun in an email that the county assessor maps do not always correspond precisely with BLM records or federal exchange boundaries. continued on page 15
Libraries seeks to continue property tax
District asks voters to extend one-mill levy KATE PHILLIPS Sopris Sun Correspondent
Twenty years ago, Garfield County voters helped shape and strengthen the local library system. This November, voters will once again have the opportunity to support Garfield County Public Library District’s (GCPLD) next chapter as voters consider a ballot measure to extend an existing one-mill levy property tax rate. “The original 20-year mill that is sunsetting was used to build or remodel six library buildings, and parallels the end of the mortgage obligation in 2027,” GCPLD Executive Director Abraham Korah said. “The catalyst for asking voters to consider an extension of the mill is to ensure the library district can continue to maintain buildings and resources into the future with defined funding.” GCPLD receives funds from one quarter of Garfield County’s one-cent sales tax. It is also funded by a 2.5-mill property tax split into two voter-approved mill levies. One mill of that property tax, which voters approved in 2006 alongside the establishment of GCPLD, is set to expire in 2027. Unanimously supported by all GCPLD trustees, the proposed measure will not increase taxes. Garfield County residents will continue to pay roughly $38 per year based on the median assessed value — not market value — of a home in Garfield County. With approval, GCPLD will not
have a lapse in funding and continue collecting revenue in 2028. “Where else can you get that much value for that little money?” New Castle resident Carole O’Brien said. A community activist, O’Brien formed the Committee to Maintain Our Garfield County Libraries. Registered with the Colorado Secretary of State, the committee educates and informs the public about the mill levy extension. Alongside her team, O’Brien shares how communal fiscal support has expanded GCPLD’s robust services. “The [library’s] programs are so varied and the outreach to so many different people in the community,” O’Brien said. “We have programs in Spanish, for older folks like myself, children and teens, meetings and study rooms … We have become a vital hub for the community.” Extending the mill levy will provide the necessary funds to keep the libraries safe, clean and accessible, purchase books, technology and materials, expand programming, and recruit and retain qualified staff. GCPLD can also continue to partner with existing nonprofits dealing with social support like food insecurity and domestic violence. If the measure fails, GCPLD faces a possible $1 million loss per year. “We are known across the state as being an outstanding library district,”
Carbondale Branch Manager Tracy Kallassy helps a young patron check out a book. GCPLD’s mill levy extension will help library staff continue to serve and support all six library communities. Photo by Kate Phillips
O’Brien said. “We owe that to the people to continue the positive impact that we’ve had to the people in this county.” The measure also includes a no sunset provision, which will safeguard GCPLD’s ability to maintain an adequate reserve to offset emergencies and unpredictable fluctuations in other income sources. Former GCPLD Executive Director Jamie LaRue noted the volatility of some GCPLD revenue considering roughly 50% comes from the oil and gas sector. “Two years ago we were flush, but you can’t plow that into operations because you don’t know if that will be there next year,” LaRue said. “What that means is the library identifies oil and gas windfalls, sets the money into capital funds and doesn’t
go into operations because we know there can be big crashes.” LaRue added that in 2026, GCPLD lost over $800,000 of revenue because of the drop in oil and gas. “The main thing is that financial planning means looking ahead,” said LaRue, who is also a member of O’Brien’s committee. “You don’t just lurch from crisis to crisis. The library has managed its funds intelligently and does not need to apologize for saving for the future.” Korah noted that GCPLD is a tax payer funded entity and that all funds, including mill levy funds, are audited annually and made publicly available in the board packets, which are reviewed monthly. continued on page 18
COMING SEPT. 29
LEADERSHIP THAT LISTENS. Planning for Garfield County’s Future.
JAZZ JAZ Z THA THAT T ROCKS
Tuesday, September 29, 2026 7:00 PM Mountain View Church
WORLD-CLASS MUSIC, RIGHT HERE IN OUR COMMUNITY.
GWSCCA UPCOMING CONCERTS
More than a decade of Planning & Zoning experience. Focused on: Responsible growth A strong local economy Attainable housing Energy & environmental stewardship
OUR VALLEY. OUR FUTURE. Make your voice heard - share your priorities at VoteRudd.com
THE SOPRIS SUN | Your weekly community connector | September 17-23, 2026 7
GARFIELD COUNTY REPORT
BOCC claims compliance for senior meals AMY HADDEN MARSH Sopris Sun Correspondent
Monday’s Garfield Board of County Commissioner (BOCC) meeting was over almost as soon as it started, but included the approval of an animal care fundraiser, the contention over senior home-delivered meals and more. The meeting was held at the Silt Municipal Building this week. The BOCC gave permission to Journey Home Animal Care Center to hold its 12th-annual “Laugh Your Tail Off” fundraiser in the Atlantic Aviation hangar at the Rifle-Garfield County airport on Oct. 3. Then, the board approved a “skinny” consent agenda, as Commission Chair Tom Jankovsky put it, of three items, including bills, payroll funding and a resolution authorizing the assignment of nearly $41 million in tax-exempt, private activity bonds to the Colorado Housing and Finance Authority, which was discussed on Sept. 7. The BOCC waived half of the landfill fees for the City of Rifle’s 18th Annual Fall Clean-Up event from Sept. 21 through Oct 2. Alan Lambert, community service officer for the Rifle Police Department, said the trash load is around 350,000
“Just laugh it off.” pounds annually. “Of all the things the City of Rifle does every year — supply clean water, the usual weekly trash pickup, the solid waste management, everything we do — it seems like the stuff we get the most kudos on is this annual cleanup,” Lambert said. Residents within city limits can put items they want to dispose of curbside the night
before the pick-ups. A list of acceptable items, plus exact dates and more are at the City of Rifle website. Lambert also asked that residents to be mindful while rummaging for any treasures in the neighborhood. “We ask people if there’s stuff in bags, don’t tear them apart and scatter it around,” he said. The final agenda item was
Your phone doesn't need you. They do. Heads Up Parenting! A Community Forum on Smart Screentime and Healthy Development for Children 0 - 3 Years
Thursday, September 24, 5:00pm – 6:30pm What: Free Community Learning and Discussion Opportunity for Parents, Providers and Physicians – All interested community members welcome! Co-hosted by Mountain Valley Developmental Services and Heads Up Parenting, an Initiative of Western Colorado Community Foundation
Where: Glenwood Springs Community Center 100 Wulfsohn Rd, Glenwood Springs, CO 81601
Why: Panel expertise and community discussion on the challenges and opportunities for smart screen use and the hallmarks for healthy development for parents of children 0-3 years.
Includes: Dinner, Speakers and Discussions, Free Resources, Chance to Win Gift Cards from Mountain Sprouts Play Cafe and KidVentures Indoor Playground and More! Free to attend but RSVP required. Seating is limited. Thanks to generous funding from El Pomar Foundation
http://bit.ly/hup-mvds
8 THE SOPRIS SUN | soprissun.com | September 17-23, 2026
the approval of a letter to Mary Kenyon, director of Valley Meals and More, concerning the county’s obligations to senior home-delivered meals under federal law. Kenyon discussed this at length with the BOCC and County Attorney Heather Beattie on Sept. 7, stating that the county was out of compliance with the Older Americans Act (OAA) and the Americans with
Disabilities Act (ADA). Beattie wrote the letter over the past week and told The Sun that Commissioner Mike Samson “had referred to it as a white paper but it’s really just a letter to Mary Kenyon.” In brief, the letter explains how and why the county is in compliance with federal law for both senior congregate meals and those that are home-delivered. Samson read the final paragraph for the record, which said, in part, that neither the OAA nor Title II of the ADA require the county to fund or purchase home-delivered meal services from a particular nonprofit, and that the county’s obligations are to its own programs in compliance with the law. “The county’s current program and practices [satisfy] those obligations and we will continue working with the [Area Agency on Aging] and community partners to ensure that older residents, including individuals with qualifying disabilities, have appropriate access to nutrition services,” Samson concluded. Once the letter was unanimously approved, the meeting was adjourned after only 33 minutes. “And the crowd went wild!” Samson said.
RAMS REPORT
Roaring Fork 10, CRMS 0 in crosstown soccer dual JOHN STROUD Sopris Sun Correspondent
EDITOR’S NOTE: John Stroud is a Roaring Fork High School track and field coach and a substitute teacher at Roaring Fork School District schools. Roaring Fork High School’s boys soccer team stands at 4 wins, 2 losses on the young season with the 3A Western Slope League slate of games looming on the near horizon. The latest win came in shutout fashion Tuesday over the Rams’ crosstown neighbors, the Colorado Rocky Mountain School Oysters, by a mercy rule score of 10-nil. The Rams unloaded a string of goals early in the game, including a hat trick by senior Oliver Shook, allowing head coach Nick Forbes to sub in some of his younger players to develop some bench strength as the season winds toward those allimportant conference matchups. Additional goals came from Michael Parada, Kevin Morales, Cristian Tucios, Jerry MarinTrinidad, Inmar Gutierrez, Noe Alvarez-Tellez and Max Loya. The win came on the heels of a Sept. 12 loss on the road at 4A Montrose, in which Forbes said the team looked a little flat, giving up an early goal and failing to get much going in the way of any offensive pushes. “I think you saw some of that frustration out there today, where they were knocking the ball around and finishing, and just kind of putting people to the
sword,” Forbes said. “CRMS is a good team, but I think we just came to play after that loss.” The season to date has seen the Rams score some solid wins, including a 7-1 rout of a decent Telluride team that came back the next day (Sept. 29) to down one of the Rams’ 3A league opponents, Coal Ridge, 5-2. Roaring Fork downed Glenwood Springs 3-0 that same day. “A lot of these kids have been starting for four years, but we also have a lot of really good freshmen and other fringe players, and I think going forward I just need to lean into them a little bit more and use my bench better,” Forbes said. “I love this team, and I’m having a great time with them.” Following a trip to play Steamboat Springs this Saturday, the Rams open the league season on a homecoming date with Aspen on Thursday, Sept. 24, at Rams Field. Varsity game time is 6pm under the lights.
Girls volleyball Meanwhile, the Roaring Fork volleyball team picked up a 3-1 win (23-25, 25-17, 25-13, 25-22) at Moffat County on Sept. 12 to score their first 3A WSL victory and improve to 3-8 overall and 1-3 in league play. The win came after a string of 3-0 losses for the Lady Rams to Aspen, Glenwood Springs and Coal Ridge. Next up, Roaring Fork is at Gunnison on Thursday night, and plays host to Delta for their homecoming week game on Tuesday, Sept. 22 (varsity at 6pm).
Boys golf Roaring Fork golfer Hudson Arnold, who plays for the Basalt Longhorns boys golf team, continues to dominate the competition, taking first place in two tournaments this past week, the Summit and Moffat County invitationals.
Mountain biking Boys and girls teams from both Roaring Fork High School and CRMS competed at the Haymaker Classic in Eagle last weekend. Top performances for the Rams came from Sophia Warner, sixth in the JV girls race, Maggie Cole, sixth in the sophomore girls race, and Samuel Brown, ninth in the sophomore boys race. And, for CRMS, Drew O’Keefe won the varsity boys race and Bram Marlow was seventh, while Finley Nolan took 10th in the varsity girls race.
UPCOMING LOCAL RAMS GAMES: BOYS SOCCER Thursday, Sept. 24 at 6pm: Rams take on the Aspen Skiers at Rams Field Wednesday, Sept. 30 at 4pm: Rams play away against Basalt Longhorns GIRLS VOLLEYBALL Tuesday, Sept. 22 at 6pm: Rams play home against Delta Panthers Tuesday, Sept. 29 at 6pm: Rams play away against Basalt Longhorns
THE SOPRIS SUN | Your weekly community connector | September 17-23, 2026 9
CALENDAR THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 17
COLORADO GRAND Ninety-plus, 1960-or-earlier vintage cars park in downtown Carbondale, off 4th Street, from 8:30 to 10:30am for the Colorado Grand vintage car rally. ‘GERI-FIT’ Older adults are welcome to attend a strength training class at 12:30pm in the Carbondale Library — “Geri-Fit.” The class will continue every Thursday at the same time and place through Nov. 5 AMANDA GESSLER Pianist Amanda Gessler plays Ludwig van Beethoven and Claude Debussy at the Basalt Library from 5:30 to 6:30pm.
Fall
Health Fair We are delighted to offer you, our community, the opportunity to take advantage of low-cost blood tests.
Book your appointment today. Visit aspenvalleyhealth.org/health-fair or by phone 1.800.217.5866 Monday–Friday, 9 am–4 pm
ARTIST TALK Listen to an artist talk, “The Push and Pull of Collaborative Printmaking,” by Valpuri Remling from 5:30 to 7pm at the Powers Art Center. RSVP at tinyurl.com/ pushandpullprint TOM MIX AT THE VAUDEVILLE The Glenwood Vaudeville Revue screens silent movie classic “The Great K&A Train Robbery” along with authentic sound effects from its photoplayer. Doors open at 6pm. TRUE NATURE Join True Nature for “Spirit Messages & Nourishing the Grieving Heart” from 6 to 8:30pm with Becky Hesseltine. Register at tinyurl.com/grievingheart2026 ‘RANDOM CONVERSATIONS’ “The Lost Art of Random Conversations” founder and author Tom Karrel makes his way to White River Books in Carbondale for a talk and public discussion beginning at 6:30pm. Learn more about the book and movement at randomconvo.com
October 2
COMEDY AT STEVE’S Steve’s Guitars hosts “Carbondale Comedy Underground” from 7 to 9pm. Tickets at stevesguitars.net
Aspen Ambulance Building Aspen Valley Health Medical Center 0403 Castle Creek Road
ADAM PALMER AT THE CRYSTAL The Adam Palmer Sustainability Fund screens “The Casual Enormity of Adam Palmer” at 7pm at the Crystal Theatre. Tickets at tinyurl.com/casualenormity
ASPEN
Book Today
October 3 EL JEBEL
Eagle County Community Center 20 Eagle County Drive By appointment only 8-11:30 am
Lab Tests Offered • HealthScreen w/CBC – $79 Includes CBC, CMP, Ferritin, Iron Panel, Lipid Panel, TSH and Uric Acid (Fasting Required)
• hsCardio CRP – $42 • Hemoglobin A1C & EAG – $44
• PSA, Total – $47 • Vitamin D – $54 • T3, Free – $32 • T4, Free – $32 • CBC (Complete Blood Count) – $32
For you. For life. aspenvalleyhealth.org aspenvalleyhealth
10 THE SOPRIS SUN | soprissun.com | September 17-23, 2026
NATIONAL THEATRE LIVE A live theater production of an Arthur Miller classic, “All My Sons,” featuring Bryan Cranston and Marianne Jean-Baptiste, filmed in real time from Wyndham’s Theatre in London’s West End, screens at TACAW at 7pm. Tickets at tacaw.org ‘EVERY BRILLIANT THING’ Thunder River Theatre Company’s “Every Brilliant Thing” takes the stage at 7:30pm tonight, 7:30pm tomorrow, 7:30pm on Saturday, 2pm on Sunday, 7:30pm on Sept. 24, 7:30pm on Sept. 25, 7:30pm on Sept. 26 and 2pm on Sept. 27. Tickets at tinyurl.com/ everybrilliantthingtickets2026 A WAY OUT A Way Out hosts “Recovery Game Night” at 8pm at the Bluebird Cafe in Glenwood Springs.
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 18
WATER SEMINAR The Colorado River District hosts its annual Water Seminar, “The River Ahead,” at Colorado Mesa University in Grand Junction from 8:30am to 3:30pm. A virtual attendance option is included. Register at tinyurl.com/TheRiverAhead BONEDALE BALLET Bonedale Ballet offers fall season classes for children ages 3-5 on Fridays from 10:30 to 11:15am, today through Nov. 20 at The Launchpad. Details at bonedaleballet.com/news
RFOV AT RED HILL Roaring Fork Outdoor Volunteers invites folks to help with trail maintenance on Three Gulch Trail on Red Hill from noon to 5pm. Register at www.rfov.org ‘STEPPING UP FOR YOUTH’ Stepping Stones presents its annual fundraiser, “Stepping Up for Youth” from 5 to 8pm at 1010 Garfield Ave. in Carbondale. The event will include a taco truck, live music, a minidocumentary, bingo, a silent auction and more. Childcare is available. Tickets at steppingstonesrfv.org/fundraiser CRYSTAL THEATRE The Crystal Theatre screens “The Dog Stars” at 7pm tonight, tomorrow and Monday. The captioned Sunday screening begins at 5pm, followed by a discussion of the book presented by White River Books. Tickets at the door. MUSIC AT TOWNLINE The Intaglios perform at Townline Trucks from 7 to 10pm. MOVIE NIGHT Catch the movie “Hoppers” at the Basalt Library and Town of Basalt’s outdoor screening at Lions Park from 7:30 to 9:30pm. Details at basaltlibrary.libcal.com/event/17340713
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 19
LATINO CONSERVATION WEEK Celebrate Latino Conservation Week with a Doc Holliday Trail restoration project from 10am to 4pm, hosted by Glenwood Springs Parks Dept., Roaring Fork Outdoor Volunteers and Defiende Nuestra Tierra. Register at rfov.org/ calendar/9/13/2026/doc-holliday ‘YOU ALREADY KNOW’ Shamanic healer Meghan Gilroy hosts “YOU ALREADY KNOW: A Women’s Day Retreat Centered on Intuition, Clarity and Self-Trust,” from 10am to 4:30pm at The Hope Barn. Register at tinyurl.com/youalreadyknow2026 ‘THE GOOD FIGHT’ “The Good Fight: Rally the Vote” takes place at 11am at Paepcke Park in Aspen. CAVERNS OCTOBERFEST Ride a mountaintop rollercoaster, explore a cave and tip back an Octoberfest stein at the Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park’s “Mountain Top Octoberfest” celebration from noon to 5pm. The celebration will continue at the same time and place on Sept. 26, Oct. 3 and Oct. 10. Details at tinyurl.com/ glenwoodoctoberfest CELEBRATION OF LIFE A Celebration of Life for Peter Bisset takes place on top of Aspen Mountain on Richmond Ridge. The event will include a potluck from noon to 1:30pm and a memorial from 1:30 to 3pm. Attendees can drive to the top via Little Annie Road, up from Castle Creek Road, or take the gondola. Once off the gondola, go east on the Nature Trail, go past Hero’s chair, stop before the former Grant’s Cabin and look for balloons. Bring food, snacks, a raincoat and stories. MUSIC AT TOWNLINE Before heading to Steve’s Guitars, Quinlan Valdez performs at Townline Trucks from 1:30 to 4:30pm. STEVE’S GUITARS Quinlan Valdez performs at Steve’s Guitars at 8pm. Tickets at stevesguitars.net
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 20
CONNECTION 5K True Nature hosts its inaugural Connection 5K fun run, beginning with a gathering and walk through the
L
ee isa S
Tayari Jones
Christina Baker Kline
Ke lly Ya ng
Maria Semple
Vero
n
Peter H. Reynol
ds
ña
Matt de la Pe
Robinne Lee
th nica Ro
ho Ariel Law
Robert Kolker
dy cCur
eM nett
Jen
ain
ount
F Ben
Aspen Literary Festival September 25-27 Panels
Book signings
Parties
Tunes echoed from a grassy cove of Main Street midday on Friday, Sept. 11, as Wooden Nickel serenaded the downtown corridor at Friendship Park with an assembly of string instruments; (from left to right) Lynn Siodmak on the banjo, Linda Mossman on the bass, George Bohmfalk on the banjo, Don Paine on the fiddle and Molly Child on the guitar. The group will provide the tunes during this year’s contra dance on Potato Day, Oct. 3, in Sopris Park.
Aspen in autumn Most of it free
Register at
AspenLiteraryFestival.org
Photo by Skyler Stark-Ragsdale
com/autumnequinox1 Keep the equinox celebrations going at True Nature tomorrow from 7 to 8pm with “Autumn Equinox Kirtan: Awaken the Heart Through Song.” Register at tinyurl.com/ autumnequinox2
A SPIRITUAL CENTER A Spiritual Center hosts “I/i Love Me/ me — The Way Through” with Carmen Iacino from 10 to 11:30am in room 31 of the Third Street Center.
EARLY CHILDHOOD Early childhood expert Dan Wuori engages in a conversation with the community from 9:30 to 11:30am at Hotel Colorado. The event is hosted by Every Child Parachute to Aspen, among other local organizations. RSVP at publicinput.com/wuori
CELEBRATION OF LIFE Friends and family gather at the Cliffhouse atop Buttermilk from 2 to 3pm for a memorial service for Bob “Sloman” Sloezen. The celebration of his life continues from 3 to 6pm at BUMPS at the base of the mountain. The Summit Express Lift will begin operating at 1pm. MUSIC FOR MARGUERITE Heather’s Savory Pies and Tapas Bar hosts “Music for Marguerite from 3 to 9pm, bringing together 20 musicians from around the Valley to benefit Marguerite Dykann, who suffered a brain bleed and is facing a long recovery. Details at tinyurl.com/ musicformarguerite2026 MUSIC AT TOWNLINE The Frank Martin Band performs with Carbondale local Harley Ellis at Townline Trucks from 3 to 6pm. AUTUMN EQUINOX Katie Smith and Mateo Sandate guide an autumn equinox community circle and healing sound immersion session, presented by The Center for Human Flourishing, in the Round Room of the Third Street Center from 4 to 5:30pm. Register at tcfhf.org
MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 21
WILDERNESS FIRST AID Roaring Fork Outdoor Volunteers teams up with Desert Mountain Medicine and Garfield County Outdoors to offer a two-day wilderness certification first aid training at the Silt River Preserve from 8am to 4pm today and tomorrow. Register at rfov.org TRUE NATURE Embrace the autumn equinox with True Nature’s “Sacred Balance: Autumn Equinox Community Celebration,” hosted by Kate Mulheron from 7 to 8:30pm. Register at tinyurl.
PRODUCED BY
TUESDAY SEPTEMBER 22
KDNK AT THE CRYSTAL KDNK and Cool Brick Studios present “School of Rock” at 7pm at the Crystal Theatre. Tickets at tinyurl.com/ schoolofrockcrystal
FESTIVAL FOUNDERS CIRCLE Edie Barvin, Ruth Turnquist Carver and Jim Schmidt, Terena Eisner, Soledad and Bob Hurst, Brent and Belinda Johnson, Lauren Johnson and Marissa Mandel, Melony and Adam Lewis, Arny and Anne Porath, Peter and Lynne Rigby, Maria and David B. Rosenfield, M.D., and Donna and Elliott Slade
Community Education Classes
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 23
TRUE NATURE A five-week series, “Born Ready: A Complete Childbirth Preparation Series With KLR Collective,” begins today at True Nature from 5 to 7pm. Register at tinyurl.com/bornreadyturenature
EXPLORATIONS IN MIXED WATER MEDIA
Explore watercolor, acrylic, casein, and gouache, with different materials and papers. Mondays, 9am-12pm, 9/28-11/9
‘SAFE PASSAGES’ The Aspen Chapel Gallery hosts a conversation with participating artists of its current exhibit, “Safe Passages,” along with Roaring Fork Safe Passages Executive Director Cecily DeAngelo, from 5:30 to 7pm.
PHOTOGRAPHY 101
MUSIC FESTIVAL The “Schubert MiniFest” music festival kicks off at 5:30pm in the Old Thompson Barn, bringing together seven acclaimed musicians from around the Valley for concerts and dinners tonight and tomorrow night. Tickets at benfengmusicproductions.org/schubert
Learn to capture and process dynamic photographs and be a more confident photographer. Tuesdays, 6-8:30pm, 9/29-10/20
Find more upcoming events at www.soprissun.com/tag/curated-calendar
Skyler Lomahaftewa, Ute Tribe member and educator, will lead an informal talk about the historic and contemporary culture of the Ute Indian Tribe, and other Native American societies and cultures. Thursday, 6-7:30pm, 10/8
CELLPHONE PHOTOGRAPHY W/SANDY KAPLAN
Get great images you will want to frame, using quick and easy tricks available in your phone. Mondays, 6-8:30pm and Sat, 9am-12pm, 10/5-10/19
‘TIPS FOR HEALTHY HIPS’ R Valley View hosts a webinar, “TrainingE Tips for Healthy Hips,” at 6pm. Register at tinyurl.com/VVhealthyhips ‘THIRSTING FOR A FUTURE’ Wild Rose Education and the Aspen Center for Environmental Studies present the 30-minute documentary “Thirsting for a Future” at the Crystal Theatre, followed by an interactive forum, from 6:30 to 8pm. High school students, parents and educators are encouraged to attend. RSVP for free at tinyurl.com/thirstingforafuture
UTE AND NATIVE PHILOSOPHIES
FROM RELIABLE EMPLOYEE TO RESPECTED LEADER
A 5-week class for adults ready to grow into supervisory, team lead, or middle-management roles. Online Tues, 4-6:30pm, 10/6-11/3
CARBONDALE
690 Colorado Avenue
970-963-2172
Scan for Community Ed
t
Peace Garden at 8am and continuing with a 5K on the Rio Grande Trail at 9am, which ends back at True Nature. A post 5K celebration will be held at True Nature from 10am to noon. The fun run/walk benefits the Connection is the Medicine Foundation. Register at truenaturehealingarts.com/connection-5k
THE SOPRIS SUN | Your weekly community connector | September 17-23, 2026 11
True Nature brings together community for inaugural Connection 5K ANNALISE GRUETER Sopris Sun Correspondent
This Sunday, Deva and Eaden Shantay hope to initiate a new Carbondale tradition: the Connection 5K, benefiting the Connection is the Medicine Foundation, which the two True Nature founders started back in 2022. “The Connection 5K is about more than a finish line,” Larry Smith, CEO of True Nature, said in a press release. “It’s a chance for folks to experience the Peace Garden, gather in community and take part in a wellness activity that gives back — supporting the foundation’s mission of connection with self, community and the natural world.” The first Connection 5K starts from the Peace Garden, follows a route on the Rio Grande Trail and circles back to True Nature. The new event is envisioned as a family-friendly morning, focused more on movement and togetherness than competition. Runners, walkers, families and supporters are invited to join. The hope is that it becomes an annual Carbondale tradition, promoting community and well-being. True Nature Cafe will provide refreshments for all participants, and the center has also organized a raffle with support from other local and regional businesses. Eaden and Deva Shantay started True Working To gether For Pets A nd Their Peo ple 2801 Glenwood S CR 114 prings, CO (970)947-9 173
Nature as a small multi-purpose studio on Main Street in 2007. From 2009 to 2011, the organization moved to the Third Street Center, where they added spa services and retail. In 2011, they acquired the property along the Rio Grande Trail and began developing the campus. The gathering spaces there include the Peace Garden, Kiva and a variety of indoor and outdoor spaces for reflection. The campus is considered an intentional sanctuary, drawing inspiration from the surrounding environment, including the 12,953-foot Mount Sopris, south of Carbondale. Connection is the Medicine aims to address the side effects of disconnection from ourselves, other humans and the natural world, and is of the belief that physical and emotional illness can be attributed in part to disconnection. The foundation builds upon True Nature’s offerings by providing programs for children and adults to create change and inspire connection in areas of their lives. The new 5K event is intended as one vector helping participants connect with one another and their own bodies in a fun, low-pressure way. True Nature has brought in expert support for the Connection 5K. Local running coach Zach Russell of Microcosm Coaching provided a general training plan
.A.R.E. KS offers a “C RJ PADDYWAC adoptive families, ew package” for n s for Points” plan aw including a “P t e 15% discoun and a first timpet. for your new
CARE cu 17 cats & krrently has 10 dogs,s , 2 rabbits avittens,s, and ailable for adoption. Callie’s loving energy has madpersonality and playful C.A.R.E’s volu e her a favorite of one of Callie’s adoptinteers, who has sponsored forever home! on fee to help her find her other dogs, an Callie enjoys playing with a person can gid any kind of attention motivated, exci ve her. She is tr eatand comes wit ted to learn new things, RJ Paddywacks bill of health h a clean C.A.R.E’s vet tecourtesy of 400 E Valley Rd. # I/J is ready to go am. She Next to City Market YOU, so go meehome with in El Jebel lady today! t this lovey 970.963.1700 rjpaddywacks.com
12 THE SOPRIS SUN | soprissun.com | September 17-23, 2026
All are welcomed to join the Connection 5K this Sunday, Sept. 20, starting from True Nature. Courtesy photo
and resources for early registrants. Russell has experience in endurance sports including running, ski mountaineering and biking. He is a certified sports nutritionist and athletic trainer. The hour before the 5K, 8 to 9am, True Nature will host a labyrinth and reflexology walk for participants, and coffee and treats will be available to the community. At 9am, the 5K will start from the Peace Garden and follow the Rio Grande Trail for 1.5 miles, before being routed back to True Nature. Awards for podium-finishing runners and a raffle for all participants will start at 10am. Registration for the Connection 5K costs $20, and can be completed online at the True Nature or Connection is the
Medicine websites. Number pickup will be open at True Nature from 9am to 6pm on Friday, Sept. 18, as well as 8am onward on Sunday, Sept. 20. Sponsors for the Connection 5K include Grateful Gardens, Alpine Bank, Madison Insurance Group, ISUN Skincare, Independence Run & Hike, Alpine Performance Labs, Bower Coffee, High Rockies Pastry Chef, Terralink, Shepherd Bread and Authentic. For more information about Connection is the Medicine, visit connectionisthemedicine.com To register for the Connection 5K on Sunday, Sept. 20, visit truenaturehealingarts.com/connection-5k
Peppino’s “Amateur Eats” is The Sopris Sun’s new food review, written by Carbondale resident and eating enthusiast Jake Skardon and published on the third Thursday of each month. Carbondale: idyllic mountain town, the pizza gets cold, the toppings lose dutiful fief in the kingdom of SkiCo, their flavor and start to dry. Reheating crimes reportedly few. However, police cold veggies is always a gamble. But the have been lax, to the point of conspiracy, mushrooms still had some moisture in solving the case of the missing “afford- in them and heated well, maintaining able lunch.” My advice to any aspiring a good bite and earthy flavor, and the robbers would be to healthy amount of diced pose as a new food truck garlic and shredded or boujee business basil made for a tasty casual restaurant with slice. Would recoma craft, locally-sourced mend that even picky lunch menu. That way, eaters give this a try. you could bash my 6. Deli Meat head with a hammer Stromboli: A mini Italin broad daylight on ian sub rolled up into a Main Street, empty my crisp bite. Between the pockets, and torture my generous stack of meat social security number and glob of melted out of me; just leave mozz, this is a tasty bite, me a $10 empanada or but high on the heartAMATEUR $19.99 burger (fries not burn index. Most will included) and nobody EATS find one to be enough, would blink an eye. or get a few as a snack By Jake Skardon Thankfully, we still to share with a group. have Peppino’s. Whether you love it, hate 7. Tomato with Oil Base: Tomait or are indifferent, I know you eat there. toes were dry and likely suffered from A slice or two and a cheeky pint of lunch being reheated. What I feared from the beer rarely runs over $15, plus quick Mushroom & Garlic was realized here. service if you can avoid the high school With the tomato being less flavorful, the lunch rush. ample amount of oregano was overPeppino’s Pizza is so integrated in whelming. I can imagine this being Carbondale life that a traditional review delicious if it were a fresh slice, but that’s is pointless. Instead, on a quiet Saturwhat we get for showing up an hour day night, I rallied about a dozen hungry before close. lads to help me rank every slice of pizza 8. Sausage: Similar to Buffalo they had available. The criteria: how Chicken, it came out of the oven HOT. I much I enjoyed each slice as it was given had to finish a mug of ale before it was to me. While they did not have the largcool enough to eat. While Buff Chick est selection when we stormed in, there worked out post-nuking, Sausage did not. were enough to satisfy the strict statistical The red sauce was watery and assisted the standard The Sopris Sun demands. Here cheese in sliding off the crust. The bites is my Peppino’s Power Ranking, highest of sausage were flavorful, and I suspect to lowest: this slice would rank much higher in a 1. Pepperoni: Perfectly crisp peppertemperature-controlled study. onis, cheese was just the right amount of 9. Grandma Slice: I think this was the greasy, correct amount of tomato sauce. Grandma slice? Or maybe Margherita? Peppino’s rarely messes up a pepperoni It was the last slice of the night, and the pie; tonight was no exception. ale was weighing heavily on my judge2. Cottage Cheese: A light oil base, ment. A robust amount of red sauce, with mozzarella, fluffy cottage cheese plus fresh mozzarella, basil and crushed and a healthy amount of parsley. I tomato galore; usually this would have assumed the cottage cheese would not been a favorite. However, it was stone fare well reheated, but I was wrong. cold by the time I got around to it. While Cheese lovers should check this out. no fault of the pizza, the crushed tomato 3. Buffalo Chicken: A heavilywas almost uncomfortably cold. A typicheesed slice, so much that it was cal cheese or pepperoni slice is a great collapsing under its weight out of the bite at room temperature, but this pizza oven. Sometimes, Peppino’s slices are needs to be eaten hot and fresh. so violently reheated that waiting for it There were plenty of Peppino’s clasto cool down is futile. With the help of a sics, as well as some unorthodox pizzas fork and knife, I was able to cut through on the takeout menu, that were missthe molten field of cheese. The chicken ing that night. It’s likely that another was juicy and soft, almost doubling as a visit could lead to a serious shake up in sauce with spicy oils bleeding into the the rankings. However, as is often said, cheese. Each bite is rewarding, even judge a man not by the size of his tool if the pizza keeps falling apart. Highly box, but by how much of a tool he is. recommended with a side of ranch. Peppino’s will give you what they have 4. Ska Brewing Co. Raspberry and you will eat it, and I wouldn’t have Blonde Ale: Served in the Peppino’s it any other way. signature frosty 22-ounce mug. A nice crisp ale with a moderate fruit finish. Preferable to heavier beers when paired RESTAURANT RATING with pizza. Essential for cleansing the Cuisine: Pizza and beer palate and maintaining appetite. Unsung hero of the night. Quality: (4/5) 5. Mushroom & Garlic: I’m not the Price: ~$15 biggest fan of veggie slices. The minute
OPINION
2025 BUSINESS SHOWCASE Sept 11 - December 25 REACH MORE THAN 12,000 HOLIDAY SHOPPERS WEEKLY, IN PRINT AND ONLINE. YOUR ADVERTISING HELPS UNDERWRITE THE SOPRIS SUN / SOL DEL VALLE
OCTOBER 15 - DECEMBER 31
*
Place Both English & Spanish Ads And Get 50% Off Second Set of Ads! Complimentary Spanish Translation and Ad Design
15 Full Page Ads $6,000 15 Half Page Ads $4,000 15 Quarter Page Ads $2,000 Ask about GLOSSY WRAP AD PLACEMENTS available during this time as an exclusive add-on.
Reserve 15 byEigFriday hth Page Ads Sept. $1,1255 15 Ser vic e Ads
$500
Reserve by Friday Oct. 2 Thank you for Supporting Thank you for your Support!
Contact Luise Nieslanik: adsales@soprissun.com Contact Luise Wollesen adsales@soprissun.com
30 years in business
Full Line Pet Store
RJ Paddywacks Located in the heart of the Roaring Fork Valley Established in 1995
Open 7 days a week From live crickets to organic and raw food nutrition. RJ’s is the one stop shop for all your animal needs Home delivery and Self Service Dog Wash available
RJ Paddywacks next to City Market El Jebel 970. 963.1700
THE SOPRIS SUN | Your weekly community connector | September 17-23, 2026 13
$ 292,800
DONATE • SPONSOR • ADVERTISE
Support award-winning local journalism in English and Spanish and mentoring the next generation.
www.soprissun.com/donate P.O. Box 399, Carbondale, CO 81623
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.
14 THE SOPRIS SUN | soprissun.com | September 17-23, 2026
LAND SWAP from page 6
OBITUARY
“County assessor maps are intended for property-assessment purposes, and the exchange may include only portions of particular assessor parcels,” he explained. He added that the 2,158-acre figure was included in the first draft of the GAME Act. “After [Kistner] raised concerns that the acreage was inaccurate, we contacted BLM and the Department of the Interior to confirm the figures,” Small said. “They subsequently provided the updated 2,139-acre figure for the federal lands near OBR Ranch and the approximately 2,179-acre total, which includes the separate approximately 40-acre Eagle County parcel.” He said that the act and the OBR website were updated to reflect this. “The current proposal materials, therefore, describe approximately 2,179 federal acres,” he said.
Jon E. Burnett
May 19, 1938 August 8, 2026 Jon E. Burnett, 88, of Mesquite, Nevada, passed away peacefully at his home on Aug. 8. He was a cherished father and friend, and his presence will be deeply missed. Jon was born in Morristown, New Jersey, and loved the arts — everything from action films to Broadway musicals. A longtime resident of the Roaring Fork Valley, Jon was a voracious reader, an avid patron of the library and enjoyed traveling and golfing in his free time. Jon is survived by his daughter, Heidi Johnson of Santa Fe, New Mexico.
Western portion The Timber Valley Ranch parcel sits on the Roan Plateau just south of the Rio Blanco County line. The Cow Creek Ranch parcel lies south of it. BLM land lies east and southwest of those parcels, which is why the exchange claims to open up public access to BLM land for hunting. Most of the Garfield County land on top of the Roan beyond Timber Valley and Cow Creek ranches is owned by oil and gas companies or the U.S. Department of Energy as the Naval Oil Shale Reserves, managed by the BLM. The Cow Creek and Timber Valley parcels weren’t always in private hands. According to Garfield County property records, they were managed by the BLM at some point before 1992, when the agency deeded the land to Aaron C. Woodward, then of Rifle. Woodward changed the authority of both parcels to an LLC in 2012. After that, the parcels became investment properties and changed hands in 2022, 2023 and 2024. Richardson Farms Outfitters, based in Illinois, owns Timber Valley Ranch. Michigan-based MRM Land Group LLC owns the Cow Creek parcel. There are no ranch buildings on the Roan parcels. The GAME Act states that once they are in BLM hands, they will unlock access to 8,900 acres of public lands. The land is advertised as prime elk and deer hunting areas. Both are in state Game Management Unit 22. Both Roan parcels are under contract with a realtor in Craig. It’s anyone’s guess if and when this exchange will be resolved. The GAME Act has not yet been introduced into Congress. Hurd’s office has not responded to requests for comment. BLM statewide Director of Communications Steven Hall told The Sun in July that the agency does not comment on pending or draft legislation.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Jon’s memory to the Garfield County Public Library Foundation at gcpld.org/about-us/library-foundation
We don’t charge for obits. The death of a loved one costs enough. The Sopris Sun is happy to publish local obituaries of a reasonable length, including a picture, for free. Email news@soprissun.com to submit one or for more information.
GURMUKH MANTRA
MANA FOODS
Join US FOR
A PRAYER FOR THE EARTH
AWAKEN THE GLOBAL MATRIX FOR PEACE
SIGN UP TO READ
MANAFOOD.ORG
EQUINOX READING: SUNDAY 8AM SEPTEMBER 20TH THROUGH TUESDAY SEPTEMBER 22ND AT MIDNIGHT
BE A PART OF THIS ALCHEMICAL PRAYER FOR A VIBRANT EARTH RESERVE YOUR SPOT IN OUR UNBROKEN 64 HOUR CHAIN OF SOUND { 11 YEARS RUNNING } 792 HWY 133 CARBONDALE 970-963-1137
THE SOPRIS SUN | Your weekly community connector | September 17-23, 2026 15
ASPEN & SNOWMASS Pitkin county Library Hyman Avenue Box Wheeler Opera House Box Snowmass Town Park Station Aspen Valley Hospital Mi Chola Snowmass Clarks Market Snowmass Mall Alpine Bank in Snowmass Alpine Bank in AABC BASALT & EL JEBEL Willits General Store Alpine Bank ANB Bank Basalt Quick Lube Basalt Regional Library Big O Tires El San Miguel Box Casa Tequila CC’s Cafe Whole Foods Eagle County Courts Crown Mountain Express Lube El Jebel Mobile Offices El Korita Hightone Autobody El Jebel Laundromat Mountain Family Health Cazadores Scottie’s The Basalt Store Timbo’s Hightone Automotive and Tires CARBONDALE 3rd St. Center Alpine Bank Carbondale Library Main St. Box Catherine’s Store Food Truck Carbondale Recreation Center City Market Carbondale CMC Edna’s Hair Salon Gloria’s Boutique Garcia’s Jalisco Grill La Fogata La Perla La Placita La Roca Lift-up Sunburst Valley Meats First Bank GLENWOOD SPRINGS Glenwood Springs Library Centennial Park Box Comfort Dental Coin Laundromat Glenwood Recreation Center Glenwood CMC El Yaqui First Bank Frida’s Glenwood Hot Springs Yampa Hotsprings Valley View Hospital Impuestos Seguros La Michoacana Mountain Family Health Post Office Garfield County Human Resources Sal Mex Tequila’s Tony’s Bakery Super Taco Alpine Bank on Grand Ave New Castle New Castle Library City Market Carniceria Elias Hacienda San Miguel Post Office Tapatios Alpine Bank SILT Silt Library La Placita 2 La Placita Market LeMora Pizza Silt Roundabout RIFLE Cafe y Pasteleria Galea East Ave & 3rd St. Box City Hall Box E 12th St. Box El Patron El Rincon Jalisco Grill Mercado San Jose Momma’s Nachos Mexican Dining Paleteria La Korita Promex Bakery Remington Square Spyderwash Tapatios La Baja Espresso Rifle Library Imperio Variedades Dinora Diversity Salon Alpine Bank on 4th St Alpine Bank on Airport Rd PARACHUTE Nalini’s Taqueria Jalisco El Tapatio City Hall Box Parachute Library Running Burrito Lift-up Fifty Shadz Salon Sinclair Vero’s Mexican Bakery
Look for stories like this in this week’s Sol del Valle!
Full edition is available every Friday afternoon on newstands and at businesses from Rifle to Aspen
National Hispanic Heritage Month Dear Sopris Sun readers, I’m excited to share that this year marks the fourth year of our special campaign celebrating National Hispanic Heritage Month. Over these five weeks, we dedicate time to honoring the history, culture, achievements and contributions of the Spanish-speaking community throughout the Roaring Fork and Colorado River valleys. This year is a little different from last year’s campaign, but we continue to create a space where we recognize and celebrate our community from Sept. 15 through Oct. 15. When I first started this campaign, I had no idea how much it would teach me. Over these past four years, I’ve had the opportunity to witness how
GUEST OPINION By Margarita Alvarez Contreras Sol del Valle Marketing and Development Manager
the campaign has evolved, and how much more there is still to do. I know that what we print today represents only a fraction of all the businesses that exist throughout our valleys. And as we prepare for
As you turn through the pages of these upcoming weeks, I invite you to think about the people behind every story: • Workers • Parents • Artists • Business owners • Teachers • Volunteers • Neighbors People who, often behind the scenes, make things happen, take risks, and bet on themselves.
these special editions, there is something this experience continues to remind me: Our community is defined not only by what we achieve, but also by what we contribute. This is more than a campaign. Beyond the businesses featured in these editions, there are people behind each one, with their own stories and dreams. This is an opportunity to leave a mark on the history of our valley and preserve these stories for generations to come, so that, many years from now, someone who grows up or lives here can look back and know who came before them, who dreamed, took risks, built and paved the way.
We are leaving a mark on the future of the Roaring Fork and Colorado River Valleys. Perhaps one day, someone who grew up in these valleys will come across these pages and recognize a name, a business, a story or a familiar face. A printed newspaper does not disappear easily. Its pages can be saved, shared and rediscovered years later. Join us in amplifying your voices, your achievements and also your needs. Because when we print our stories, we are not only celebrating who we are today, we are also leaving a mark for those who will come tomorrow. Sincerely, Margarita Alvarez Contreras Marketing and Development Manager
What does being part of this community mean to you? You can participate by sharing a short message celebrating our valley’s Latino community: an anecdote, something you have learned, a special experience, or a recognition of a person, business, organization or place that is meaningful to our community. We will be sharing these letters throughout the month in the Letters to the Editor section on page five of Sol del Valle. The history of our valley is also shaped by the stories of the people who have called it home. We want to hear your voices and learn what being part of this community means to you. Tell us your story, and let’s celebrate our community together!
People who, often behind the scenes, make things happen, take risks, and bet on themselves.
Follow Leonardo Occhipinti’s “Nuevo Mundo” in Sol del Valle every week in Spanish.
Bianca Godina — Editor • bianca@soldelvalle.org | Margarita Alvarez — Advertising • margarita@soldelvalle.org www.soldelvalle.org • info@soldelvalle.org • 970-510-0234
16 THE SOPRIS SUN | soprissun.com | September 17-23, 2026
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
Share your works in progress with readers by emailing illustrations, creative writings and poetry to fiction@soprissun.com
The Marble mountainsides are already starting to light up with fall colors, seen here at noon on Sunday, Sept. 13. Photo by Lynn “Jake” Burton
Air canine! Around 50 four-legged friends took flight at the Basalt Pool’s “Doggie Day,” on Saturday, Sept. 12, like Caileag, pictured here mid-leap. The event also offered free hot dogs, hamburgers and chicken. Photo by Bob Rugile
Growing Care for Our Community Aspen Valley Health is proud to welcome our experienced physicians to the 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.
Mary E. Harris, MD, FAAP Pediatrician
Lisa Hicks, DMS, PA-C Women’s Health
Megan Hiles, MD, MBA, FACP Internal Medicine
Kelsea Loveless-Hoffman, MD, FAAP Pediatrician
Primary Care Medical Center | Aspen 0401 Castle Creek Road
Downtown | Aspen NEW! 101 Founders Place, Suite 109
Midvalley | Basalt 1460 East Valley Road
970.279.4111
Monday-Friday, 8 am-5 pm Virtual visits available
aspenvalleyhealth.org
Now accepting new patients
THE SOPRIS SUN | Your weekly community connector | September 17-23, 2026 17
LETTERS More important is participation, to see friends and neighbors turn out en masse, demonstrating that we care passionately about our nation. See you then! Linda Lafferty Carbondale
Sanction Russia, Hurd June 4, 2026, in a 226–195 vote, the U.S. House passed H.R. 2913, the Ukraine Support Act, showing support for sanctioning Russia and standing with Ukraine. Rep. Jeff Hurd, R-Colo., one of the Republicans who supported the final bill, said the legislation’s “core objectives ... were in America’s interests.” “We need to stand with Ukraine against Russian aggression,” Hurd said. “Putin is a dictator. What they’re doing is wrong.” On July 16, Senate Majority Leader John Thune, R-S.D., took procedural steps to place on the Senate calendar the House-passed Ukraine Support Act legislation. However, on Aug. 7, the U.S. Senate, instead of taking up the U.S. Housepassed Ukraine Support Act, voted 86–11 to pass the Lindsey O. Graham
from page 2
Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026 (H.R. 5334). Both the Senate and the House of Representatives must pass identical versions of a bill before it goes to the president for a signature or veto. On Aug. 10, U.S. House Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Emeritus Michael McCaul, R-Texas, and Rep. Steny Hoyer, D-M.D., introduced the bipartisan Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026 alongside 16 of their colleagues. This legislation — which honors the late Senator Lindsey Graham, who worked on the bill for more than a year and secured the White House’s support — will hold major purchasers of Russian oil and gas accountable for supporting Russia’s war against Ukraine. Hurd voted for the Ukraine Support Act. Let’s encourage Hurd to support the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026. Contact Hurd at hurd.house.gov/contact The above quote by Hurd was reported by Politico in the June 4, 2026 article: “Ukraine aid package passes House” Neonila Martyniuk Montrose
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.
MILL LEVY from page 7 “Transparency and fiduciary responsibility are foundational to the district’s operations and ensure legal compliance,” Korah said. Keeping funds local, the mill levy will go where it matters most: the community. “It’s the community’s money and they have entrusted it to the library district to use in the best interest of the community,” O’Brien said.
Building the future Currently, GCPLD is undergoing an extensive three phase plan to continue renovating and maintaining the six libraries. Phase one is centered on New Castle and Parachute; phase two is currently underway for Rifle and Silt; and phase three will include a Carbondale and Glenwood Springs refresher next year. In New Castle, innovative study pods and workrooms were added to support remote workers while staff space received a generous refresher ultimately increasing morale. “There has been a lot of thankfulness that we updated the building,” GCPLD Facilities Manager Jon Medrano said. “We added features so that the community can engage better.” Silt Branch Manager Brenda Ramirez noted the importance of expanding the space to better accommodate vulnerable populations. Following a conversation with an AARP (formerly American Association of Retired Persons) representative, Ramirez said seniors are in need of more connections. Taking this into consideration, the Silt remodel will have designated areas for people to enjoy time together. The refresher will also include study rooms for teenagers and adults and an updated children’s section. “We’re changing with the times,” Ramirez said. “I think the libraries are doing a really great job with creating space for conversation and building the community.” And the public happens to agree. According to a GCPLD 2026 Ballot Measure Survey conducted by Magellan Strategies, GCPLD received an overall 80% approval rating from the public. Resources were well used with over 500,000 digital and print books checked out, over 17,000 study and meeting rooms booked and over 45,000 patrons attending library programs. Notably, GCPLD saw over 440,000 visits annually across the six branches. “No matter what, one thing that won’t change is our heart to serve our patrons,” Medrano said. “That’s our goal as a library, day in and day out.” Colorado’s election is Nov. 3. Visit gcpld.org/ballot-measure to learn more about the mill levy and survey insight.
18 THE SOPRIS SUN | soprissun.com | September 17-23, 2026
PARTING SHOTS
Carbondale clothing boutique Nido planted some wildflower seeds two years ago, and, now brightening Main Street, waves “an alpine meadow of wildflowers right in the middle of Carbondale,” as remarked a Nido guest on Sept. 8, according to Nido Owner Robyn Clark Liotta. Liotta said an average of six people per day stop by and take photos of the wildflowers this time of year. Photos by Skyler Stark-Ragsdale
a family-friendly fiesta
una fiesta para toda la familia
TICKETS FROM / DE: $35 for adults / adultos
ENTRADAS
$15 for kids 12 & under / para niños 12 & menores Proceeds benefit English In Action programs. / Los ingresos se destinarán a los programas de English In Action.
Meet the Candidates Colorado River Valley Chamber and Glenwood Springs Chamber
2026 Regional Candidate Forum MONDAY
CANDIDATES PARTICIPATING
State Senate District 8
SEPTEMBER 28 Candidates: Corey Marshall Dylan Roberts (incumbent)
FALL MEMBERSHIP DRIVE IS HERE
PLEASE DONATE NOW! KDNK’s 2025 loss of $174,000 in federal funding has to be made up every year. You bridged the gap last year - help us do it again!
Donate at kdnk.org or via QR>> Drive Events:
Friday 9/18: Block Party with Typical Ghost - 6-9pm Saturday 9/19: Members Mimosas & BYO Brunch - 11-4 Tuesday 9/22: “School of Rock” at Crystal Theatre - 7pm Wednesday 9/23: Bingo Night at Beer Works - 6:30pm
The Ute Theater 132 E 4th St., Rifle, CO 6-8:15 p.m.
State House District 57 Candidates: Russ Andrews Elizabeth Velasco (incumbent) Garfield County Commissioner Candidates: Jonathan Godes Eric Rudd
Attend in person or watch at RifleTV.plus Spanish interpretation will be available Submit your questions by Sept 23 SUBMIT QUESTIONS
All event details at kdnk.org
THE SOPRIS SUN | Your weekly community connector | September 17-23, 2026 19
POTATO DAYS2026
OCTOBER 2nd-4th
117thANNUAL CELEBRATION
2026 Impact Fund: Slow Money Western Slope - QR code for lunch tickets:
FOR MORE INFORMATION VISIT
WWW.CARBONDALEREC.COM OR CALL (970)510-1290 Friday, October 2nd: First Friday Harvest Fest Location: Mainstreet Carbondale Public Arts Commission “Art Around Town” Guided Tour 5:30 pm Location: starts at Town Hall Saturday, October 3rd: 8:30 AM - 10:30 AM - Carbondale Rotary Club Pancake Breakfast Location: Chacos Park 9:00 AM - "Tater Trot" 1-Mile Fun Run - Hosted by Ross Montessori School Location: Chacos Park 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM - Farmers Market, Family Activities & Cowboy Coffee KDNK Record Sale Harvest Bar at Sopris Park 10:30 AM - Potato Day Parade “Get Your Kicks on Root 66” – Location: 2nd & Main Street to Sopris Park 11:15 AM – Community Harvest Lunch Location: Sopris Park 11:00am-12:30pm - KDNK DJ tribute to Route 66 with AZYEP DJs 1:15pm - 2:00pm - Contra Dance with Wooden Nickel String Band and Caller, Jon Unger Location: Gazebo and Sopris Park 2:00 PM - Parade Winners & Largest Potato Contest Announcements Location : Gazebo 3:30-5:00pm - Sweet Jessup and the Dirty Buckets Location : Gazebo Sunday, October 4th: 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM - Youth Gymkhana Location: Rodeo grounds at County Road 100 20 THE SOPRIS SUN | soprissun.com | September 17-23, 2026