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A healthy future …is the theme we gave local kids to inspire submissions to our annual Spruce Up The Sun cover contest. We thought 7th- grader Simona Perutkova-Rand illustrated it perfectly, but we can never choose just one, so see pages 16-17 for more!

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una nueva publicación semanal con noticias Volume 13, Number 46 | Dec. 23-29 2021 locales en español.

OPINION

Mature Content by Ron Kokish

Of course there’s a Santa Claus. I saw him up close in the Bronx, in 1959, in the employee bathroom at Alexander’s Department Store. We stood silently, as men do at adjoining urinals, finished our business and returned to our work: he to the Children’s Department on the second floor, I to Women’s Blouses and Sweaters on the third. Mr. Claus likely never thought about this non-event again. I did. I was the spoiled, smart and smarty-pants only-child of struggling Jewish refugees who barely made it out of the Third Reich before the worst began. We lived in a tough Manhattan neighborhood because my father wanted to be close to his small business near Times Square, because he loved Vienna and New York was as close as he could get without being gassed by the Nazis; and most importantly, because it was a neighborhood

A miracle in the Bronx we could almost afford. The sound of gunshots was not uncommon after dark. “It’s probably the Puerto Ricans,” Dad would say (usually in German). I thought it was more likely the Irish, because the Puerto Rican and Italian kids didn’t terrorize me so much at Public School 94. But it didn’t matter. Kids in all those groups had gangs they could join, starting in fourth grade. They wore jackets with their emblems sewed on and wide belts with sharpened buckles. Some of them had spring-loaded pocket knives and even zip guns. They were children of immigrants too, but the gangs offered them a way to belong. I knew one other Jewish kid, but he wasn’t raised speaking German and learning to waltz, so we didn’t form a gang. I felt alone, lonely and scared on my first day in kindergarten and felt even more so when I graduated with near-perfect grades six years later. Junior high and high school were lots better for me, but I was still totally unprepared for the Ivy League social scene I encountered at Cornell six years after leaving PS 94. The hallowed halls and uniform freshmen dorms far above Cayuga’s waters were unfamiliar, very different from the inner city. I missed the friends I’d finally made during the previous six years, and I

was afraid to start over with real American kids who were, I thought, mostly richer, mostly smarter and certainly cooler than me. I was always clumsy at dating, and with four guys for every girl at Cornell, I was afraid to even try. No one scapegoated me, but without a home to hide in after class, it was worse than PS 94. It was the unhappiest nine months of my life, and when it was over, I was on academic probation. In June, I went home to my parents, my friends and a wonderful young woman I’d met during Christmas break. I worked days, made up grades in two courses at night and spent every minute I could with my friends and girlfriend. I knew I wasn’t going back to Cornell and wondered whether I needed college at all. When my summer job ended, I went to work as an assistant manager at Alexander’s, which is how I ended up in the employee men’s room with Santa some three months later. When I saw him there, doing what I was doing, taking about as long as I did, looking as “relieved” as I was, zipping his baggy red trousers just like anyone else — when I saw all that, it struck me. Like a bolt of lightning, it struck me. Santa Claus is basically like me! Then, in my mind, I began mentally replacing his visage with Clark Gable, Dwight Eisenhower, Mickey Mantle, even with rich kids at Cornell . . .

They all urinated like me. We are basically alike, every inner-city kid, every refugee, every person everywhere. We are basically alike. If the insight was sudden, its impact was not. I went back to school, but not to Cornell. It took at least 15 more years to develop enough mature confidence to begin acknowledging the arrogance that sometimes still protects me from myself. It took longer to regret feeling embarrassed by my parents because they were poor refugees, superficially different from the successful Americans whose acceptance I craved. It took even more time to realize that I always had that acceptance (except at PS 94) but didn’t feel it until I began accepting my refugee heritage and myself. I’m still working on all that and probably always will be. But this wonderful, unfinished process took a giant step forward in that men’s room, standing silently at the urinal next to Santa’s as he gave me the present I was wishing for. I don’t think he knew, but maybe he did. Maybe I’d been good that year. Thank you, Santa. You ARE real. Ho, ho, ho, and a Merry Christmas to all. Mature Content is a monthly feature from the Carbondale AARP Age-Friendly Community Initiative (CAFCI).

LETTERS Re: Water reportage Thank you for the article by Olivia Emmer: "Helping out the trout at Canyon Creek" and the accompanying photograph of the bumps and baffles in the culvert. While the project is exciting and hopeful, the article and photos gave specifics that let me appreciate the design, work and impact. The longer river article focusing on the Crystal is similarly welcomed. Jay Coursey Carbondale

Re: C’dale report The article about the last Board of Town Trustees (BoTT) meeting is a bit confused about plans for CLEER and the “Climate Action Plan” and “EcoBlock” initiative. The BoTT was likewise a bit confused. The “Net Zero District” seems to have stalled. This was a proposal to link some properties around the Third Street Center with a variety of energy-related strategies. Its demise seemed predictable from the many “moving parts” needing coordination. I think the “EcoBlock” initiative would try to get residents in any neighborhoods to coordinate emissions reductions (and maybe water or waste reductions?) for similar homes to get some

economies of scale. A nice sounding phrase, but it also seems like a lot of “moving parts” and people to be coordinated. Recently, Ithaca, New York (pop. 31,000), garnered some attention for an emissions reduction plan focused on its residents’ buildings. They issued an RFP (request for proposals) and have apparently contracted for an “Energy Efficiency Retrofitting and Thermal Load Electrification” program bonded at about $100 million and repaid over 15 years. Contrast this with “outreach” for “EcoBlocks” as part of a $25,000 budget for a town of 7,000. To be fair, CLEER utilizes other funds for incentives for ongoing energy efficiency retrofit incentives available to local homes and businesses. That CLEER budget also includes work to wrap our “Climate Action Plan” into our Comprehensive Plan update. Hopefully that plan can be understandable and actionable. These plans can get quite muddled when they emphasize climate “resilience” and “equity” and “justice,” distracting from more concrete tasks. We can end up with conflicting items like “more shade trees and greenspace” and “less water use” at the same time, making the plan somewhat unhelpful for actual planning and somewhat distracting from core issues — all under the “Mother Earth” section. I think the “Climate Action Plan” should

be unbundled from the Comprehensive Plan update. The latter is really, and should remain, a plan focused on land use and associated impacts. Many of the likely effective actions for emissions reductions are not tightly coupled with its focus. Fred Porter Carbondale

Merry Christmas! Please allow me to express heartfelt gratitude to Jared and his wonderful staff at the Village Smithy for the opportunity to display my aprons on the brick wall through the month of November. Art is turned over monthly and, in addition to supporting local artists, the Smithy’s walls are decorated with fun and funky art in keeping with the spirit of Carbondale. Community integrity is knitted into this special gathering place we all identify as our own. I also would like to thank our community and beyond for your support and feedback on my aprons! Our family has enjoyed many meals together at the Smithy and the memories we have come away with are priceless. In the spirit of shopping locally, don’t forget gift cards from the Smithy! Deborah Evans Carbondale Continued on page 22

The views expressed in opinion pieces do not necessarily reflect those of The Sopris Sun. The community is invited to submit letters up to 500 words to news@soprissun.com. Longer columns are considered on a case-by-case basis. The deadline for submission is noon on Monday. 2 • THE SOPRIS SUN • soprissun.com • Dec. 23-29, 2021

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Dr. Gary Knaus hangs up his stethoscope By Will Grandbois Sopris Sun Correspondent

As he sees his final patients, Dr. Gary Knaus isn’t one to romanticize the past. Sure, he has many fond memories from his 43 years practicing family medicine in Carbondale, but he also remembers each bad prognosis, personal struggle or mental health issue the era didn’t equip him to treat. “You were sort of doing everything, and you always went home wishing for the skills to help that person with that problem,” he explained. “It’s really a teambased model now, with expanded support. Only about 10% of health problems are medical. It’s about genetics and habits and social determinants. So we're trying to address all those things and you need to build a different organization to do that.” It’s a far cry from the kind of medicine Knaus first studied at Colorado State University — much less practiced at the naval hospital in the Hotel Colorado, where he was born, or by his father, a longtime veterinarian in Rifle. But he wasn’t looking for a profession that was static or simple. “It was really hard in medical school and residency, but you were learning so much every day that it didn’t even seem like a job,” he noted. He also had the support of his wife, Jill, both in school and for their move to Carbondale, where she taught and he joined Tri County Medical Center (now Roaring Fork Family Practice). “Coming to a small town and doing

this, it's a partnership,” he observed. “I call her the brains of the outfit — she keeps things going. And she's just superb in her own right, in so many ways.” Family medicine was a bit more modern than traditional general practice, but it was still a small-town outfit, complete with baby deliveries (which they don’t do anymore) and house calls (which they sometimes still do). “We were at the hospital every day and on call every other night,” Knaus recalled. “We worked hard and really felt like part of the community.” Of course, the community itself has changed along with the medicine — an influx of the affluent and retirees, a significant Latinx population, and certainly fewer smokers. “So it’s a different makeup, but the same in human condition," he said. "The town has a lot of resiliency in reinventing itself.” And while he has families that he’s cared for for five generations, it’s still always something new. “It's probably part of the magic of the whole thing,” he said. “I can't imagine seeing the same thing over and over and over again every day.” Certainly, COVID had a tremendous impact on the industry, and may have delayed his retirement by a year or so. “It has been the most fascinating, stimulating, frustrating, maddening, satisfying thing. It’s bizarre. It’s sad because you lose friends and see people get sick that didn’t need to get sick. It’s sad that something scientific has to be political,” he noted. “It has been a model for integrating

lots of different organizations and efforts. There’s lots of people doing wonderful work, and everybody was all hands on deck. We’ve learned so much that is going to apply to how we deliver medical care in general for the next 10 years.” But now it’s truly time, and his patients will have to see someone new in 2022. His son, Chad, is also a doctor at Roaring Fork Family Practice, while his daughter, Megan, is a Physician’s Assistant at Mountain Family Health. But there are also plenty of docs to choose from outside the family. “We’re all of the same mind. We’re all committed and talented. We have the same training and philosophy,” Knaus said. “We all have different styles, and you need to find somebody who fits your style.” And Knaus himself is still on the board of Valley Health Alliance and plans to stay involved with some of the systems work he’s been integral to at Roaring Fork Family Practice. “We’re just in a great spot,” he said. “We’ve got great people and I think we’ve been on the forefront, locally and nationally, for pushing the envelope and innovating.” Don’t worry; he also plans to take some time for other endeavors. “I’m kind of a big-picture guy and I’m kind of a geek in those ways. I inherited that from my granddaughter. I’m kind of a mind on the loose, and I inherited that from my grandson,” he said. “I’ve discovered lots of interests. I enjoy reading While he's not given to nostalgia, Dr. Knaus will certainly miss some of and gardening — every day I think of the job. “I consider a lot of people more friends than patients in a lot of ways, and I hope they feel the same,” he said. Photo by Will Grandbois something new I want to try.”

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Public health

The Sopris Sun’s website temporarily went down late last week. We appreciate everyone who called, emailed and texted to let us know. Thanks to Titan Digital migrating our files to a new server, we are now back online… though some bugs persist. If you encounter any issues, please drop us a note at news@soprissun.com

Eagle County extended a public health order requiring face coverings in schools and childcare settings through Jan. 17. The order pertains only to staff, students and visitors while indoors at childcare centers or schools.

Pitkin in the red As of Dec. 17, Pitkin County moved to “high” or “red” on the CDC’s COVID-19 risk scale. Recently, Pitkin County Public Health reported that the county’s incidence rate went from 73/100,000 to 135/100,000, prompting the move to red. This does not alter current public health orders for Pitkin County. Meanwhile, Garfield County remains at level “orange” ahead of the holidays.

Faded plates The state of Colorado is implementing a new law to replace old license plates with new ones that are easier to read in lowlight situations. When Coloradans sell or dispose of an older vehicle, they will no longer be able to transfer their old plates to their new vehicle. The act also revives a previously retired style of plates with white numbers on a background of green mountains, if requested, for an additional fee of $25.

Community collaboration Carbondale Arts has initiated a bilingual, online survey promising “it’s quick!” Even better, your answers will help to guide the nonprofit’s staff in their efforts and programming for the next few years. Check it out at www.bit.ly/CASurveyENG

Educator loan help Qualified educators are eligible for an annual payment of up to $5,000 toward their outstanding educational loans. This Colorado Department of Higher Education program is funded for five years. To apply by April 15, teachers, administrators and special service providers must first complete an online survey at: www.bit.ly/COforgiveness

Clayful The Carbondale Clay Center’s 23rd Annual Cup Auction raised $12,559 on bids for 254 cups with 236 bidders. Cups sold for as little as $15 and the highest bid was $195 for a latte cup made of dark clay, glazed in yellow salt, by local potter Kendall Lucy.

Trustee openings Those who are interested in running for a Carbondale trustee position, or even the mayoral seat, can submit their petition starting Jan. 4. Petitions can be picked up at Town Hall during business hours and must be completed and returned by Jan. 24. For more info, email cderby@carbondaleco.net

STEM-bound Prancer, Dancer and Dasher came to visit Carbondale on Dec. 18, much to the delight of all ages visiting the Carbondale Library that day. The three female reindeer included a mother with her 7-month-old fawn. Noel Productions is located in Gypsum and raises reindeer as part of the family-run business since 1989. They use the herd for entertainment purposes only. Photo by Sue Rollyson

Avalanche danger With snow in the forecast, the Colorado Avalanche Information Center wants winter recreationalists to be aware of increased avalanche risk over the weekend of Dec. 25. The state experienced a dry autumn and therefore the snowpack is quite weak. For more information visit www.colorado.gov/ avalanche and be safe out there!

In 2020, Colorado Mountain College (CMC) alum Madison Muxworthy was the first CMC graduate to be accepted into the prestigious and competitive Scripps Institution of Oceanography internship program at the Center for Western Weather and Water Extremes. Muxworthy started a trend — in 2021, two more CMC students, Rachel Satni and Rachael Jones, were accepted into the same internship program.

They say it’s your birthday Folks celebrating another trip around the sun this week include: Ember Dahl (Dec. 24); Greg Mohl (Dec. 25); Caitlin Causey, Emma Danciger and Darryl Fuller (Dec. 26); Laura Hader and Eduardo Torres (Dec. 27); Chip Bishop (Dec. 28); Sue Edelstein, Mark Gray, Jordan Hirro, Randy Schutt, Will Tempest, Nick Walgren and Debbie Wilde (Dec. 29).

Stop on by. We’re in the neighborhood. Ready for personal financial service actually in person? Or to just ... see a person again? Us too. Our doors are still open and likely not far from your own. So come on in. We sincerely can’t wait to see you.

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4 • THE SOPRIS SUN • soprissun.com • Dec. 23-29, 2021

New possibilities growing in CFFA's Equity Garden By Raleigh Burleigh Sopris Sun Correspondent

Above: Elizabeth Agee points across the 2.5-acre field where Colorado Farm & Food Alliance will be growing its Equity Garden in Paonia. Photo by Raleigh Burleigh Below: Conceptual map by Elizabeth Agee

“As a community, it’s our responsibility to uplift one another, so that everyone has the opportunity to grow,” says Elizabeth Agee, Just Good Food Manager for the Colorado Farm & Food Alliance (CFFA). We stand in a frosted field beneath Mount Lamborn, about a mile from downtown Paonia. Beneath our feet, the soil is rich with life from years of regenerative farming. Agee informs me that this was once the site of Paonia’s farmers markets and will soon be a community hub once again. With a three-year lease on the land, CFFA is planning to build a timber frame classroom, wheelchairaccessible gardening beds and an outdoor, horno-style (adobe) community oven. A pollinator garden and dryland garden will both be planted and – snaking through it all – there will be a path laid with bricks produced using escaped methane from nearby decommissioned coal mines. This is Paonia’s Equity Garden taking root. “In my mind, it’s the next evolution of the community garden,” explains Agee. “Scaling up to the

community-care model.” Beyond making plots available to rent, the Equity Garden seeks to actively include more people in the local food movement. Of the 2.5 acres, four eighthacre plots are designated for a new farmer incubator program, organized by Agee. The initiative aligns with CFFA’s commitment toward equity in agriculture. Four chosen applicants will each be given access to healthy soil, irrigation, on-site workshops, farm business tutorials, a cooperative booth for selling produce, regional farm tours and even one-on-one mentorship — all for $250. For additional support, participants will also have the option of joining the Montrose nonprofit Valley Food Parntership’s Cultivating Farmers and Ranchers that Thrive program. The common goal of both initiatives is to remove barriers and absorb risks that discourage aspiring agricultors from getting started. As a graduate of the Central Rocky Mountain Permaculture Institute, near Basalt, Agee fully understands the challenges of starting a farm from scratch, admitting “I’ve done it more times than I can count.” She continues, “There’s only so

much pulling yourself up by the bootstraps that you can do without support.” Thankfully, an outpouring of generosity has propelled CFFA’s Equity Garden efforts. As of now, “everything is a gift,” says Agee, describing how leftover plant starters were donated by nurseries last season, resulting in 275 lbs of fresh produce delivered to food pantries. “Everybody wants to help,” she continues, listing soil scientists, seed savers, builders and other facets of the agricultural valley’s heritage. In Agee’s experience, farmers must understand many trades to be successful. “The profit margins are too small to be able to contract out certain work.” CFFA originated in opposition to oil and gas lease sales in the North Fork Valley. The nonprofit has since broadened its focus to support the local food movement, sustainable food systems and climate advocacy. “Our liberation is bound up in it,” concludes Agee. “The more hands we have in our food system,” she says, “the more resilient it is.” To learn more about the Equity Garden Incubator Plot program, donate or apply, visit: www. colofarmfood.org/equity-gardenincubator-plot

Views included with every meal. (970) 963-6597 homesteadcarbondale.com THE SOPRIS SUN • Your weekly community connector • Dec. 23-29, 2021 • 5

Zipfit reboots in Carbondale By Dyana Z. Furmansky Sopris Sun Correspondent

Sven Coomer will be the first ski boot designer inducted into the U.S. Ski and Snowboard Hall of Fame. He's proud to see his business enthusiastically carried into the next generation. Photo by Will Sardinsky

6 • THE SOPRIS SUN • soprissun.com • Dec. 23-29, 2021

While Zipfit’s headquarters is still parked in a garage in Aspen, the custom ski boot liner company recently moved the daily operations to what Managing Director Chris Dominick and Brand Manager Jeff Colt affectionately call their “shredquarters” in Carbondale. On a chilly morning last week, the two men squired The Sopris Sun around their comfortably ramshackle corporate digs. An old wood-burning stove warmed the small ranch building which houses Zipfit’s business office. It’s also where Dominick and Colt keep their boot liner inventory, and the sandblasting machine abandoned by the previous owner. They revamped it into a serviceably regal “boot fitting throne” for local customers who need personalized assistance. Despite the rough floor’s gentrification by an Oriental carpet that Dominick’s father donated, the two executives identify with the lean alpine ski scene circa 1960. Each is close to the same age as the 33-yearold company, and the young men work like they are in start-up mode — which Zipfit is, for their generation. They know they have big boots to fill. Dominick and Colt, who took over daily operations last year, speak with awe of Zipfit founder and president Sven Coomer, who in 2023 will be the first ski boot designer to be inducted into the U.S. Ski and Snowboard Hall of Fame. Coomer’s wife and business partner, Mary Dominick Coomer, just happens to be Christopher Dominick’s grandmother, whom he calls “M.” “We want to create new energy around

Zipfit and build on what Sven has built,” explains Dominick. His enthusiasm was ignited less than two years ago. On a visit to his grandmother and Coomer, he mentioned that when he rode the ski lift he saw few skiers wearing Zipfit liners in their boots. Dominick suggested the company needed to build up the brand for the younger generation, and create an internet store. These were not skills possessed by Sven or Mary, who are in their 80s. At their dining room table that day, Dominick says they “immediately” struck a partnership with him. As he drove away he called his friend Colt, a teacher at Colorado Rocky Mountain School who also worked for Protect Our Winters, and asked him to join. Zipfit sales, according to Colt, have tripled since he and Dominick started running the business for Coomer and M. Many things about Zipfit haven’t changed since Coomer started it, says Dominick. The padded liners, which were unique in the requirement to put them on separately from the outer plastic boot shell, are still made from what Colt calls “Sven’s three noble materials: leather, cork and neoprene.” And the liners are still made entirely by the same family-run shoemaking concern in northern Italy before they are shipped to Colorado. Zipfit liners, says Colt, last for at least 1,000 ski days, while less expensive foam liner alternatives need to be replaced after about 75 ski days because they “pack out,” or lose their cushioning properties. Continued on page 7

Continued from page 6 Dominick and Colt speak glowingly enough of the materials and craft that go into making Zipfit boot liners. They are, however, rapturous when the subject turns to Coomer, their inventor and “genius athlete.” “Sven was at the forefront of ski boot design and production since 1969,” says Dominick. “He is responsible for many of its innovations.” Coomer designed the ski boot used by World Cup skiers for 31 years, and trained with the French team. The ski boot shell’s taller form, now a ski shell standard, provides more ankle support and is considered one of Coomer’s design breakthroughs. After Coomer left his job at Nordica he opened his own ski boot shop in Mammoth, California and consulted for five different boot manufacturers. Gradually, he researched and developed what would become his own “zero injection pressure” system of Zipfit. At the age of 16, Coomer competed in the 1956 Melbourne Olympics on the Australian pentathlon team, which means he had mastered fencing, swimming, horse riding, shooting a rapid-fire pistol and running — essential skills for the 19th century cavalry soldier.At 20, when Coomer attended college in Sweden, he says he was “smitten” with skiing the first time he visited Åre, the country’s largest ski area. The following year, he and four friends won sport fame when they skied 622 miles from Innsbruck to Grenoble, traversing 30 peaks in 33 days, in untrammeled snow and through blizzards, while carrying packs that weighed more than 60 pounds. They slept in snow caves, which were much warmer, he says,

than huts they found along the way. Coomer treasures the low leather boots he wore in Åre. He shows them to a visitor on a tour of his Aspen garage workbench and ski boot and liner “museum.” It was this first pair’s extreme discomfort, he says, that inspired him to spend decades designing a better fit. The latest Zipfit creation is a collaboration between Coomer and Colt. It’s designed for the current craze on ski runs that’s as old as the hills and what skiers have always done when they couldn’t afford the price of a lift ticket: “Vendring uppför,” which is Swedish for “hiking up.”

Above: Zipfit boot liners come in all colors to suit each skier's style. Left: Zipfit's "shredquarters" is located in Carbondale, serving as the company's humble business office. Photos by Will Sardinsky

THE SOPRIS SUN • Your weekly community connector • Dec. 23-29, 2021 • 7

GARFIELD COUNTY UPDATES

BOCC buttons up final 2021 agenda By James Steindler Contributing Editor

The Garfield Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) meetings are available on the Garfield County website for those who wish to view the meetings in their entirety. Following are but a few highlights from the Dec. 20 regular meeting.

DHS approvals Department of Human Services (DHS) Director Sharon Longhurst-Pritt had several items for the BOCC’s consideration. The commissioners oversee human services for the county. First, they approved November’s electronic fund transfers and electronic benefit transfers, totalling $1,285,233. “We’re still distributing at full allotment for food assistance, and continue to be locked-in on our Medicaid clients,” explained Longhurst-Pritt, “and we started LEAP [low-income energy assistance program] payments again.” Longhurst-Pritt requested approval for a number of intergovernmental agreements (IGAs) for 2022. The first IGA the commission approved was between Garfield and Rio Blanco counties

for the provision of child support services, not to exceed $24,000. “Helping out our neighbors to the north,” Chairman John Martin stated before signing his approval. “They need it,” Commissioner Mike Sampson chimed in. Subsequently, the commissioners approved a similar IGA with Pitkin County for child support services for 2022, not to exceed $15,000. Commissioner Tom Jankovsky was curious as to why the amount was less for Pitkin County, which has a larger population than Rio Blanco. “I guess that rich people pay their child support,” he quipped. “The numbers are just lower,” Longhurst-Pritt clarified, “the hourly rates are the same.” The commissioners approved a third IGA between the county, the state of Colorado and Roaring Fork Transportation Authority (RFTA) which allocates funds for county-wide senior transportation services. The county’s contribution for 2022 will be $440,568. Additional funding will come from six other municipal governments included in a memorandum of understanding (MOU). Parties to the MOU include the county, each of its municipalities (excluding Parachute) and RFTA. “I’ll note the total contribution

8 • THE SOPRIS SUN • soprissun.com • Dec. 23-29, 2021

is $690,255 to RFTA,” added Jankovsky. The commissioners also committed funds for the county attorney’s office to provide legal services to DHS in 2022. The sum is not to exceed $172,900 for child welfare and adult protection cases, and up to $45,000 for child support cases.

Department of Health Department of Public Health Director Yvonne Long appeared in front of the BOCC, which also acts as the county’s board of health, for the last time in that capacity ahead of her retirement. “It’s really been an honor to serve this county through this time period,” said Long. “While there’s been a lot of struggle and heartache, it’s still been something I will cherish.” Long served as the director for the past eight years. “As everyone knows, this is not over yet,” Long said of the pandemic. “We don’t know when it’s going to give us a break; it continues to give us a twist and turn at every opportunity that it can. It’s sort of a wait-and-see situation as to where we move next.” Garfield County Public Health Specialist Mason Hohstadt presented about COVID-19’s effects in 2021 compared to 2020.

Garfield County's newly designated Department of Public Health Director Josh Williams. Courtesy photo In 2020, the number of documented positive cases in the county reached 4049 — or 13.9 per day. As of Dec. 10, the number of cases this year had reached 5,121 — 14.8 per day. COVID caused 37 deaths in 2020 within the county. This year there have been 37 deaths attributed to the disease with seven more pending investigations. On a lighter note, the commissioners formally designated Josh Williams as the new public health director for the county.

Williams will officially assume the position on Jan. 4. He currently works as the county’s environmental health manager. “I am honored and humbled at being selected for appointment as the next Garfield County public health director,” Williams said. “I look forward to bringing my past public health administration experience, as well as my continued dedication to local public health service and quality improvement to the director position.”

CARBONDALE REPORT

Trustees looking at short-term rental limits

By Raleigh Burleigh Sopris Sun Editor

The prospect of clamping down on short-term rentals drew robust participation at a Carbondale Board of Town Trustees special meeting on Dec. 21. More than 20 people joined the board and staff, online and in-person. The discussion was framed by the efforts of Community First Carbondale (CFC), a group formed about six months ago to address this very issue — “the nexus of the housing crisis and proliferation of short-term rentals,” as described by Kevin Rayes, who also works as a land-use planner for the city of Aspen. CFC collected 110 signatures toward a ballot initiative to limit shortterm rentals — defined as “a property, dwelling unit or sleeping room rented for a period of 29 consecutive days or less” — to only primary residences in Carbondale, and to leverage an associated 10% tax plus licensing fees toward implementation and enforcement, with any leftover funds allocated to affordable housing. The group’s proposal also designates that medium-term rentals — between 30 and 90 consecutive days — are allowed with a permit for residences not occupied by a full-time citizen. Mayor Richardson introduced the topic, saying that Carbondale

Ali O’Neal (right), an organizer with Community First Carbondale, describes her experience as a renter in Carbondale. Photo by Raleigh Burleigh “looked into the potential of regulating short-term rentals several years ago,” but “couldn’t come to terms with any regulations at the time” beyond requiring that short-term rentals pay a 2% lodging tax. When the mayor learned about the efforts by CFC, he considered it time for a conversation. Representing CFC, Rayes, Shirley Powers, Ali O’Neal and Chris Hassig sat across from the trustees. Rayes outlined the negative impacts to neighborhoods when residential houses act as “quasi hotels,” with new tenants every few days. “I’ve seen firsthand from my job how short-term rentals undermine the zoning process,” said Rayes, describing the efforts that go into formulating a comprehensive plan, with tens of thousands of dollars spent on a consulting firm to conduct public outreach and collect data to determine

how a community would like to develop. “New housing stock added should be advantageous to locals, not retroactively turned into short-term rentals,” declared Rayes, “undermining all parts of that process and the purpose of residential zone districts.” Adding urgency to the topic, the city of Aspen recently implemented a six-month moratorium pausing vacation rental permits. With implications of that action likely to impact Carbondale and other communities, “We have to keep our foot on the gas,” advised Rayes, “and get an ordinance passed as quickly as we can." Powers estimated 40 shortterm rental units are in operation within town limits, determined by logging into AirBNB and VRBO as a customer. “Every one is a unit that could be a long-term rental for a local,” she emphasized. “I wholly support everything,”

said Trustee Luis Yllanes about the proposal. “It’s well-researched and represented in a way we can really look at. I’m glad you didn’t try for an outright ban, that would have been more difficult to tackle.” During the public comment portion of the meeting, 10 people spoke. Among them, Alyssa Reindel, who founded Ever Green Zero Waste with her husband, described her experience as a renter for over a decade in Carbondale. “It’s been difficult,” she said. “We got in with really good landlords when we got here, they allowed us to start our business because they didn’t raise rent for ten years.” Reindel and her family have now been told that their current rental is going on the market. She is “in a hussle, getting prequalified,” and despite her businesses’ success, earning the state’s Recycler of the Year award in 2019, they’re struggling to find anything attainable to rent or own. “We didn’t pay ourselves routinely or enough, but we’ve been working on that for these two years, hoping with the new rental to at least get our kids through high school,” she stated. Former Town Planner Mark Chain compared the issue to a virus, morphing over the past couple of years and “morphing as we speak.” He emphasized that regional cooperation will be necessary to truly

address the issue. Valley resident Brittany Haley joined by Zoom and spoke on behalf of businesses benefitting from short-term rentals, like the one she operates in the area. She said that 95% of her clients are second home owners and, if not for short-term rentals, the houses would sit empty with a loss in tax revenue for the community. Haley also pointed out that people have made important investments which rely on short-term rentals and said her business pays over 15 people, $40 per hour. She warned that CFC’s proposal would have “extremely damaging results.” With general agreement among the trustees that something must be done, Mayor Richardson proposed formulating a problem statement and goals with a series of dedicated work sessions.The discussion will continue at the trustees’ next work session, on Jan. 18, which will also be the first meeting with Lauren Gister, the new town manager. The focus will be on things the board can do without an election, namely permits, caps on licenses, fees and penalties, ideally by March. Later, the possibility of a tax will be explored. “There's no moss to be gathered in this,” said trustee Heather Henry. “Thank you,” responded Powers. “Thank you. You lit the fire under my butt,” concluded Mayor Richardson.

HAPPY

Holidays “Let yourself be silently drawn by the strange pull of what you really love. It will not lead you astray.” ― Rumi

Wishing you peace, love and joy, throughout the season and all year long.

Sarah Murray Broker Associate 970.618.0109 sarah@masonmorse.com C B M A S O N M O R S E .CO M

THE SOPRIS SUN • Your weekly community connector • Dec. 23-29, 2021 • 9

COMMUNITY CALENDAR

Visit soprissun.com to submit events.

The 2021-22 season is underway at Sunlight Mountain Resort. The ski hill opened a little later than expected, on Wednesday, Dec. 15, due to the lack of snowfall. Thankfully, the snow came right before opening day, welcoming those who hit the slopes. Sopris Sun Youth Correspondent Jaris Elliott scored this shot which shows there was plenty of space for making turns.

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 23

JEFF ANDREWS

Join Sopris Sun correspondents and guests for Everything Under The Sun, airing every Thursday on KDNK at 4 p.m.

PIÑATA POPPERS

UNDER THE SUN

HOLIDAY HAPPY HOURS

True Nature welcomes you to sip and shop with live music every Thursday in December from 6 to 8 p.m.

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 24 NEAR NEW

The Near New Thrift Store, operated by Seven Stars Rebekah Lodge, will be closed through Jan. 4. When it opens again, the hours will be from noon to 4 p.m., Wednesday through Saturday.

`

REGISTER NOW!

`WELLNESS Zen and the Art of Dying ............... Tuesdays, 1/18-3/8..................10a-12p * * The Roots of Mindfulness .............. Tuesdays, 3/29-5/3 ................10a-12p

`HUMANITIES Local Geology ................................. Wednesdays, 3/2-3/23 ........ 1p-2:30p * * Creative Writing ............................ Wednesdays, 1/19-2/16 ............6p-8p * Multi-Cultural Literature ................ Mondays, 1/24-2/28 ...... 6:30p-8:30p * Poetry Exploration .......................... Wednesdays, 3/2-3/23 .............6p-8p

* Students may choose to attend the above classes in-person at the Carbondale campus, or remotely via livestream.

`ART Find Your Creative Spark .................. Mondays, 1/31-3/7......... 6:30p-9:30p

Beginner Watercolor Painting ........... Tuesdays, 2/8-3/15 ........ 8:30a-11:30a Beginner Oil Painting ......................... Tuesdays, 2/8-3/15 ..................12p-3p Beginner Photo Encaustic .................. Fridays, 3/11-4/1 ...................9:30a-1p Monotype Printing ............................. Mondays, 3/21-5/2 ...................6p-9p Beginner Sculpture ............................ Thursdays, 3/24-4/28... 9:30a-12:30p Photo Editing on a Mac LiveStream . MWF, 2/7-2/18 .................... 6p-7:30p Family and Street Photography......... MWFS, 5/2-5/9 ........................ varies

`COMPUTERS Microsoft Excel series........................ Tuesdays, 2/8-3/8 .................... 4p-7p

`CROSS-COUNTRY SKI LESSONS AT SPRING GULCH Beginner to Intermediate lessons in Classic and Skate styles in January. See our bulletin, or search and register online for dates and times.

FOR MORE INFO AND TO REGISTER...

coloradomtn.edu/community-education Carbondale Lappala Center • 690 Colorado Ave • 963-2172 10 • THE SOPRIS SUN • soprissun.com • Dec. 23-29, 2021

LIBRARIES CLOSED

Garfield County libraries will be closed Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and New Year’s Day. STEVE’S GUITARS

Steve’s Guitars brings Bradman on stage along with a musical entourage for a Christmas Eve show beginning at 8:30 p.m. The show can also be streamed at www.grassrootstv.org/stevesguitars DANCE PARTY

The Black Nugget hosts a Christmas Eve dance party with DJ Grim Nymph will play holiday classics. The party starts at 9 p.m. and goes till closing.

MONDAY, DECEMBER 27 CRYSTAL THEATRE

Crystal Theatre presents “The Rescue” at 7:30 p.m.

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 28

The Jeff Andrews Band plays at Heather’s Savory Pies in Basalt beginning at 6:30 p.m. Create your very own mini piñata popper at the Basalt Library to help bring in the new year. The workshop lasts from 8 to 9 p.m. More info at www.basaltlibrary.org

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 30 INDIGENOUS WISDOM

The Center for Human Flourishing streams a panel discussion about indigenous wisdom beginning at 6:30 p.m. More info at www.davinikent.com OUTLOOK

Those looking to enhance their Microsoft Outlook skills can participate in this training from 8:30 to 9:30 p.m. More info at www.basaltlibrary.org

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 31 NYE AT THE THEATRE

Ring in the new year at Thunder River Theatre, where a list of special guests will entertain. The celebration begins at 5:30 p.m. Tickets and info at www.thunderrivertheatre.com CRAFT CARBONDALE

Craft Coffee House at 689 Main Street hosts a New Year's Eve celebration beginning at 7 p.m. WEST SIDE STORY

The Crystal Theatre screens Steven Spielberg's 2021 rendition of “West Side Story” at 7:30 p.m. CHAMPAGNE TASTING

The Redstone Inn hosts a New Year’s Eve Champagne Tasting event from 8 to 10 p.m. To make a reservation, call 970-963-2526.

STORYTIME

TACAW NEW YEAR

MORE MOVIES…

SATURDAY, JANUARY 1

Young ones and their parents are invited to storytime at the Glenwood Springs Library on Tuesdays at 10:30 a.m. More information is at www.gcpld.org The Crystal Theatre presents “Belfast” at 7:30 p.m.

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 29 SCIENCE AFTERNOON

Every first and third Wednesday, The Aspen Science Center invites pre-kindergarten through twelfth grade students to participate in science activities and experiments at the Carbondale Library. Visit www. gcpld.org for more information. ASK A LAWYER

Alpine Legal Services offers a hotline clinic on Wednesdays from 5 to 7 p.m. Call 970-368-2246 and visit alpinelegalservices.org for the schedule of dates organized by legal topic.

The Contemporary in Willits presents performances by Mile High Soul Club and Homestead Circus starting at 8:30 p.m. Tickets and info at www.tacaw.org AA MEETING

The Meeting Place in Carbondale (981 Cowen Drive) hosts a New Year’s Day AA meeting at 5 p.m. More info at www.meetingplacecarbondale.org ECSTATIC DANCE

Start the new year with free-form movement at 13 Moons Ranch at 5 p.m. Bring a journal and something to write with. RSVPs are requested at alyahowe@me.com

TUESDAY, JANUARY 4 DRAWING CLASS

Nicolette Toussaint will begin teaching a four-part basic drawing class from 3 to 4:30 p.m. at the Basalt Library. More info at www. basaltlibrary.org

Sol del el

Conectando comunidades

Valle

A este su agrpadec nu e o y o e m o vo p par s ro y a ecto .

Volumen 1, Número 43 | 23-29 de diciembre de 2021

COVID de larga duración y su tratamiento Por Ken Pletcher Traducción por Dolores Duarte

Una de las características más distintivas — y preocupantes — del COVID-19 es la persistencia de los síntomas después de que las personas se han recuperado de la infección inicial por coronavirus. Denominadas formalmente secuelas posts-agudas del SARS CoV-2, la afección se ha convertido en algo más conocido como "COVID de larga duración" o "COVID persistente"; a las personas que la padecen se les suele llamar "paciente con COVID persistente". Los centros para enfermedad y prevención utilizan el término "afecciones post-COVID", que se refiere a una variedad de "problemas de salud nuevos, que regresan o que están en curso" (incluyendo algunos como el síndrome inflamatorio multisistémico en los niños, que no se discute en este artículo) que duran cuatro o más semanas después de la aparición de COVID-19. Independientemente del nombre que se use, las personas con COVID de larga duración pueden experimentar una gran variedad de síntomas. Se han identificado al menos 20. Algunos de los más comunes son la falta de aire, el dolor en el pecho, la elevación del ritmo cardíaco (palpitaciones), fatiga y pérdida continua del olfato y la "niebla cerebral" (es decir, confusión y problemas de concentración y memoria). Otros van desde dolores de cabeza y de oído (incluida la pérdida auditiva) hasta sarpullidos y pérdida de cabello. Además de los daños pulmonares, otros órganos (por ejemplo, el corazón y los riñones) pueden verse afectados por COVID-19 y COVID de larga duración. Todavía no se sabe qué causa el COVID de larga duración, pero las teorías actuales incluyen el daño residual a los órganos por parte del sistema inmunitario del cuerpo, la persistencia de parte del virus en el cuerpo y una respuesta exagerada del sistema inmunitario del cuerpo al virus. El diagnóstico del COVID de larga duración se basa en gran medida en la experiencia del paciente con COVID-19 (es decir, los síntomas que experimentó mientras estuvo enfermo), en las pruebas físicas y psicológicas que permiten identificar los síntomas conocidos de COVID de larga duración y, si es necesario, en las pruebas de diagnóstico (por ejemplo, radiografías y electrocardiogramas).

Arte de Sarah Meyer

Identificar que los pacientes parecían tener síntomas persistentes después de que se creía que habían superado la infección inicial se dio poco después de que se notificaran los primeros casos de COVID-19 a finales de 2019. Sin embargo, debido a la novedad del COVID de larga duración, aún no hay un pronóstico sobre la duración o la gravedad de los síntomas. Algunos casos de COVID de larga duración se recuperan en

semanas, mientras que para otros sus afecciones duran meses. Al entrar ahora en el tercer año de la pandemia, los investigadores y el personal sanitario podrán reunir más información sobre el COVID de larga duración y su persistencia. Jenny Queen, asistente médico del centro pulmonar del Hospital Valley View, dijo a The Sopris Sun que los enfermos graves de COVID — en el hospital y a menudo con respiradores — requieren "muchas

semanas para recuperarse, y a menudo tienen daños pulmonares permanentes". Sin embargo, ella y los otros miembros del centro pulmonar, el neumólogo Dr. Suresh M. Khilhnani y los asistentes médicos Eleanor Haring y Jaime Ball, estaban viendo que aquellos con casos de COVID de leves a moderados (que generalmente no necesitan hospitalización, si es que la tienen) también estaban experimentando

síntomas persistentes. "Esto fue a finales del invierno, después del alza en los casos". A principios de este año, Queen y sus colegas crearon una clínica de COVID de larga duración en el centro pulmonar, que, según Queen, sería "interdisciplinaria con médicos de atención primaria y especialistas para intentar coordinar el tratamiento" de los pacientes con COVID prolongado. Continuó diciendo: "Pensamos que sería útil para los pacientes tener un lugar seguro para la atención de lo que podemos tratar", aunque admitiendo que "no hay muchas opciones de tratamiento". El centro opera la clínica una vez al mes, pero, señaló Queen, "si un paciente se pone en contacto con la oficina, intentaremos que nos vea". En cuanto al tratamiento, "intentamos utilizar esteroides para disminuir los síntomas, pero una vez que los pulmones están dañados, no hay mucho que podamos hacer". La clínica también ofrece un programa de rehabilitación pulmonar en el centro pulmonar que incluye ejercicios físicos (por ejemplo, entrenamiento de fuerza y resistencia) y técnicas de respiración (como la respiración de yoga). Queen advirtió que "la recuperación es muy, muy lenta... no hay una píldora". Pero, añadió, "el tiempo es un buen sanador, y la mayoría de los pacientes suelen sentirse mejor después de unos seis meses". No es de extrañar que "ahora mismo estamos un poco agobiados. Tuvimos un 2021 muy ajetreado", y anticipó que el 2022 también lo sería. Continuó diciendo: "Tenemos suerte de tener este nivel de experiencia en este valle", señalando que el Dr. Khilhnani es el único neumólogo de la región. Y, de hecho, la tenemos, desde la atención primaria para los pacientes de COVID en Valley View hasta los programas de rehabilitación tras la enfermedad, como los que ofrece el centro pulmonar. Sin embargo, reiteró — como hace la gran mayoría de los trabajadores de la salud — "quiero decir que la mejor manera de prevenir el COVID es vacunándose". En julio de 2021, el Departamento de Salud y Servicios Humanos de EE. UU. designó el COVID de larga duración como una discapacidad bajo la ley de estadounidenses con discapacidades.

OPINIÓN

OTRA PERSPECTIVA Por Crystal Mariscal El presupuesto promedio gastado por una persona durante estas épocas es 110%. Diez por ciento más de lo que tiene o de lo que gana. Probablemente sea por todos los regalos que compramos estas fechas, sobre todo si eres Latino, ya que los hijos de tus compadres o amistades cercanas son como tus sobrinos, y luego compañeros de trabajo, vecinos y hasta a los maestros de nuestros hijos les terminamos regalando algo. Algunos culpamos al espíritu navideño y ese amor que se nos desborda. La letra de una de las canciones que me gustaba dice así: "me quito la camisa por un buen amigo, hoy vivo millonario, mañana mendigo, mi dicha y mi dolor a nadie se lo digo

¿Regalando por regalar? por eso nadie sabe cuándo estoy gozando, cuándo estoy herido". No nos vamos a llevar nada a la tumba, ese pensamiento o frase tan culturalmente popular me hizo hacer énfasis en la estrofa de la canción en estas fiestas decembrinas. Cuántas veces al pasar Navidad nos damos cuenta de que gastamos más de lo que deberíamos? Y no solo eso ¡todo lo que nos endrogamos! Con tantas ofertas y promociones en tarjetas de crédito es tan fácil caer en la tentación. Sobre todo cuando él 18 meses sin intereses es la frase con la que te enganchan. Terminas emocionado aplicando para varias tarjetas. En un par de meses ya veremos cómo pagar, por ahora solo hay que celebrar. ¡Las agencias de carros es cuando más ventas tienen! Y es que ¿a quién no le gustaría comenzar el año con una troca nuevesita? No estoy en contra de las ventas o de las compras, quiero enfocarme en los gastos innecesarios. Mi hija recién regresó de Washington, solo por dos semanas, y el poder ver su carita y abrazarla es para mi el regalo más grande y con mayor valor que pueda existir. Suena muy "ficticio" pero lo digo con toda sinceridad. Algo que haremos en mi familia será el juego del "white elephant" un intercambio de regalos que

se enfoca en diversión y no en lo exuberante del regalo. Lo explico brevemente; cada participante lleva un regalo envuelto, tiene que ser bajo el rango del precio acordado y los participantes pueden robar el regalo. Hay varias formas de jugarlo y cada quien pone sus reglas. Al final, en vez de gastar en regalar a todos, cada quien se queda con un regalo y las risas son extra ganancia. Una amiga me contaba que ella regalara solo a sus sobrinos, y serán pases para eventos o sitios locales, como cavernas o a las albercas. Otra conocida me contaba que en su casa decidieron solo regalarse tarjetas escritas a mano. También la idea de ir sobre nuestro armario y la ropa que todavía tiene la etiqueta y que solo tenemos guardada, regalarla a alguien que pueda tener ese mismo gusto, así habrá más espacio en el closet y no se necesita gastar ni un solo dólar. Todas estas ideas me parecieron tan importantes para compartir, y así invitar a otras familias a unirse a festejar con un bajo presupuesto. Regresando a la estrofa de la canción, la Navidad puede ser una fiesta de dolor, y melancolía. Y solo de pensar que alguien esté sufriendo en silencio sin animarse a pedir ayuda, hace que me duela el alma. Entonces ¿dónde queda la Noche de "paz"?

12 • el Sol del Valle • soprissun.com/espanol/ • 23-29 de diciembre de 2021

Algunas personas no saben o no tienen donde pasar Navidad, ya que sus familias están en sus países de origen. Eso sí, donde comen dos comen tres, y en fiesta de Latinos la comida siempre abunda, ¿por qué no invitar a alguien que se encuentra solo a festejar con usted y su familia? No todos son afortunados y bendecidos esta temporada, ¿por qué no ser de bendición para alguien más? Estoy segura que en su closet tiene más de una chamarra y una de esas ya no la usara, ¿por que no la dona a una organización para alguien que la pueda utilizar? Si en su caso usted es de los que está en necesidad, me tomo la libertad de hacerle una invitación. La mayoría de las Iglesias (de cualquier denominación) tendrá un festejo Navideño, por lo regular es GRATIS y abierto a todo el público, así que si hay alguna iglesia cerca de usted, le animo a que pregunte por su celebración de Navidad, y así unirse. ¿Cuál es el propósito de la Navidad? Si cree en el nacimiento de Jesús ¿cree que El vino solo para tener otra fiesta? O¿para en verdad enfocarnos en lo que realmente vale la pena? Sea cual sea su creencia, de parte de mi familia y yo, queremos desearle una noche llena de paz y abundancia en amor y calidad de tiempo.

Donaciones por correo o en línea P.O. Box 399 Carbondale, CO 81623 970-510-3003 www.soprissun.com Executive Director Todd Chamberlin • 970-510-0246 adsales@soprissun.com Editor Raleigh Burleigh • 970-510-3003 news@soprissun.com Traductoras: Jacquelinne Castro y Dolores Duarte Distribucion: Frederic Stevie Miembros de la Mesa Directiva Klaus Kocher • Kay Clarke Lee Beck • Megan Tackett Gayle Wells • Donna Dayton Terri Ritchie • Vanessa Porras Eric Smith • Larry Day The Sopris Sun, Inc. Es un miembro orgulloso del Distrito Creativo de Carbondale The Sopris Sun, Inc. es una 501(c) (3) organización benéfica sin fines de lucro. Contribuciones financieras son deducibles de impuestos. ¡ESCRÍBENOS! Para contribuir ideas y contenido al Sol del Valle, escribiéndonos a: sol@soprissun.com Para comprar espacio publicitario en español, inglés, o ambos, mándanos un correo electrónico a:

adsales@soprissun.com También se puede contactarnos llamando a 970-510-3003.

CHISME DE PUEBLO Tiempo fuera

Peligro de avalanchas

El sitio web de The Sopris Sun estuvo fuera de servicio temporalmente la semana pasada. Le agradecemos a todos los que llamaron, enviaron correos electrónicos y enviaron mensajes de texto para dejarnos saber. Muchas gracias a Titan Digital por trasladar nuestros archivos a un nuevo servidor, y ahora estamos de regreso en línea… aunque algunos errores persisten. Si te encuentras con algún problema relacionado con esto, por favor déjanos saber enviando una nota a news@soprissun.com

Con nieve esperada, el centro de información de avalanchas quiere acordar a recreacionistas que sean conscientes del peligro aumentado para avalanchas durante el fin de semana de Dec. 25. Según su información, tras el otoño seco, el manto de nieve está bastante débil. Más información en www.colorado.gov/avalanche

Colaboración comunitaria Carbondale Arts ha iniciado una encuesta bilingüe en línea prometiendo “¡es rápido!” y lo mejor de todo es que tus respuestas ayudarán a guiar al personal de la organización sin fines de lucro y sus esfuerzos y programación para los años que vienen. Échale un vistazo en www.bit.ly/CAencuesta

Placas El estado de Colorado está implementando una nueva ley para reemplazar placas de vehículos viejas por unas nuevas que son más fáciles de leer en situaciones de poca iluminación. Ahora, cuando los residentes de Colorado vendan o se deshagan de algún vehículo viejo, no podrán transferir sus placas viejas a su vehículo nuevo. Esto también incluye el restablecimiento de un estilo retirado de matrículas con los números blancos en el fondo de las montañas verdes, si lo prefieren, con un costo adicional de $25.

Prestamos de educador Los educadores calificados son elegibles para un pago anual de $5,000 hacia sus préstamos estudiantiles. Este programa del Departamento de Educación Superior de Colorado ha sido financiado por cinco años. Para inscribirse antes del 15 de abril, los maestros, los administradores y los proveedores de servicios especiales deben completar una encuesta en línea en ww.bit.ly/ COforgiveness

STEM unidos En el 2020, alumna de Colorado Mountain College, Madison Muxworthy, recibió el prestigioso y competitivo programa de internado de Scripps Institution of Oceanography en el Center for Western Weather and Water Extremes. Muxworthy comenzó una tendencia — en el 2021, dos estudiantes más de CMC, Ranchel Satni y Rachael Jones, fueron aceptados en el mismo programa de internado.

Salud pública Servicio cívico Las peticiones de nominación para la junta directiva de Carbondale estarán disponibles comenzando el 4 de enero. El puesto de alcalde y otros tres puestos, cada uno por un periodo de cuatro años, estarán en la papeleta de votación del 5 de abril. Peticiones de nominaciones estarán disponibles para recoger en el ayuntamiento durante tres semanas durante las horas de trabajo. Los candidatos interesados deben ser al menos 18 años de edad, ciudadanos de los Estados Unidos y deben haber vivido en Carbondale por al menos un año consecutivo antes de la fecha de votación.

Ilumina la noche Light the Night with Love regresará para el fin de semana del día de San Valentin del 2022. Esta colaboración entre Carbondale Creative District y KDNK creará una caminata interactiva “HeART Walk” a lo largo del Río Grande. Por el momento se están buscando instalaciones de arte y artistas intérpretes, con becas disponibles a los artistas y grupos. Los proyectos deben ser apropiados para el clima y auto-iluminado. Las organizaciones sin fines de lucro que quieran participar tambien pueden contactar a WeLightTheNightWithLove@gmail.com Retail Marijuana| 21 +

@rockymountainhighq

El condado de Eagle extendió su orden de salud pública, lo cual requiere cubre bocas en las escuelas y en entornos de cuidados de niños hasta el 17 de enero. La orden aplica al personal, los estudiantes y los visitantes mientras estén dentro de centros escolares o cuidados de niños.

Arcilloso La 23o subasta anual de Carbondale Clay Center recaudó $12,559 en ofertas por 254 tazas con 236 licitadores. Las tazas se vendieron por cantidades más pequeñas de $15 y la oferta más alta por una taza de latte por $195 hecho de arcilla oscura, glaseado en sal amarilla, fue hecho por la ceramista local Kendall Lucy.

Pitkin en la zona roja A partir del 17 de diciembre, el condado de Pitkin se movió a la zona “alta” o “roja” en la escala de riesgo de la CDC del COVID-19. Recientemente, la salud pública del condado de Pitkin reportó que la tasa de incidencia del condado fue de 73/100,000 a 135/100,000, por lo cual se movió a la zona roja. Esto no altera las órdenes actuales de salud pública para el condado de Pitkin. Mientras tanto, el condado de Garfield permanece en la zona “naranja” antes de las festividades.

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el Sol del Valle • Conector de comunidad • 23-29 de diciembre de 2021 • 13

La línea de ayuda pro-bono busca abogados Por Amy Hadden Marsh Traducción por Dolores Duarte

Los abogados de Colorado no están obligados a participar en trabajo pro-bono — servicios legales gratuitos — para mantener sus licencias. De hecho, es así en los 50 estados. La regla 6.1 del modelo de conducta profesional de la asociación americana de abogados establece: "Todo abogado tiene la responsabilidad profesional de prestar servicios jurídicos a quienes no pueden pagar. Un abogado debe aspirar a prestar al menos 50 horas de servicios jurídicos públicos probono por año". Esto es válido para el colegio de abogados de Colorado. La palabra clave aquí es "aspirar". El trabajo pro-bono no es obligatorio; simplemente se fomenta. Tal vez por eso la oficina de ayuda legal Alpine Legal Services (ALS), con sede en Glenwood Springs, tiene problemas al atraer abogados para su línea de ayuda semanal, los miércoles por la noche, Ask a Lawyer (AAL) — Pregunta a Un Abogado. La línea de ayuda comenzó hace décadas como "Thursday Night Bar" pero Jenny Wherry, directora de ALS, dijo que el nombre se cambió porque la gente pensaba que los abogados se reunían en un bar. La línea de ayuda, que sirve a los condados de Garfield, Pitkin y Eagle, existe para que aquellos que no tienen fondos para contratar a un abogado puedan llamar y hablar sobre inmigración, derecho familiar o en general asuntos de litigio civil durante 15 minutos de forma gratuita. "Cualquiera puede llamar", dijo Claire

Noone, abogada de Noone Law Firm en Glenwood Springs y Paonia. "Estas conversaciones permiten que las personas que sienten que hacen preguntas absurdas o no saben si tienen derechos o no tienen el dinero [para un abogado] tengan el acceso, el tiempo y la atención de un abogado". Noone maneja la línea de habla hispana cada miércoles por la noche de 5 a 7 p.m. Ella dijo a The Sopris Sun que a veces una persona que llama necesita sólo 15 minutos para compartir su historia. "Sólo eso les da la confianza y la claridad para representarse a sí mismos y seguir adelante", dijo. Noone explicó que los malentendidos dentro del sistema legal civil llevan a la gente a pensar que deben contratar a un abogado y gastar mucho dinero. Dijo que la mayoría de los mecanismos, como pequeñas demandas y divorcios, están diseñados para que la gente pueda representarse a sí misma. "Es empoderar a las personas para que sepan que tienen la información, guiarlas a través del proceso judicial y que sean capaces de representarse a sí mismas". Antes del COVID-19, los abogados de AAL se reunían con la gente en persona en las bibliotecas locales, rotando cada semana por el condado de Pitkin, Basalt y todas las bibliotecas del condado de Garfield. "No había llamadas, ni teléfono, ni línea directa, ni opción de Zoom", explicó Wherry. "Era así: te presentabas físicamente, personalmente, y hablarías con un abogado". Noone añadió que los servicios en persona significaban que la gente tenía que salir de sus casas, conseguir niñeras y encontrar transporte para llegar a la biblioteca, lo que no

siempre era fácil. "También requería más compromiso por parte de los abogados", dijo. Con el inicio de la pandemia, las bibliotecas cerraron. Wherry dijo que tuvieron que actuar con rapidez. "En abril de 2020, con la ayuda de un voluntario de Americorps, cambiamos a los teléfonos". Todo eso puede parecer una receta para el éxito. Incluso Noone cree que COVID abrió el acceso a la asistencia jurídica. "Alguien puede llamar durante un descanso en el trabajo o cuando los niños están durmiendo. No es necesario tener un coche para llegar al lugar". Y, los abogados pueden ser voluntarios desde casa. "Más abogados pueden hacer esto sin que sea un gran sacrificio", dijo Pero este año, sólo nueve abogados locales (además de Noone) se han ofrecido como voluntarios para la línea en inglés de AAL. Un abogado fue voluntario en 10 ocasiones, dos atendieron llamadas durante cuatro noches, dos durante tres noches y el resto se ofreció una vez, según los registros de AAL. Wherry dijo que Noone atiende llamadas todas las semanas, a veces trabajando tanto en los teléfonos de habla hispana como en los de habla inglesa. Wherry interviene si las personas que llaman esperan más de 15 minutos. En lo que va de año se han recibido un total de 382 llamadas. Wherry se pregunta si la línea de ayuda tiene los días contados, o si ALS tendrá que pagar a abogados para que atiendan los teléfonos. También quiere reforzar el proceso de contratación. "Podría hacer un mejor trabajo [escuchando] razones por las que es tan difícil comprometerse

Claire Noone, abogada de Noone Law Firm en Glenwood Springs y Paonia, maneja la línea de ayuda de habla hispana cada miércoles de 5 a 7 p.m. Foto de cortesía con el servicio pro-bono", dijo. Mientras tanto, Claire Noone no dejará de atender llamadas los miércoles por la noche, aunque tenga que hacerlo sola. " Aquellas que pagan un alquiler, que tienen varios trabajos, las que se desplazan largas distancias o no tienen dinero para resolver asuntos tienen una experiencia diferente en este valle", explicó. "Siempre que tenemos una disparidad, cuando un grupo tiene acceso a todas las mentes y recursos legales, eso perpetúa la desigualdad y la división, y abre aún más una brecha en nuestra sociedad". Alpine Legal Services ofrece la línea de ayuda Pregunta a Un Abogado en español e inglés los miércoles por la noche de 5 a 7 p.m. al teléfono 970-368-2246.

Please remember Wilderness Workshop in your year-end giving Each day, our growing team uses the best tools available – whether they be policy, legal, communications, or community organizing – to ensure community voices are heard and laws are followed. Thank you for joining us in our commitment to protect public lands and waters at the critical time.

visit wildernessworkshop.org/donate

Painting: “The Space Between”, Emily Chaplin

14 • el Sol del Valle • soprissun.com/espanol/ • 23-29 de diciembre de 2021

Alpine Legal Services’ pro bono help line needs attorneys By Amy Hadden Marsh Sopris Sun Correspondent

Colorado attorneys are not required to engage in pro bono work — free legal services — to maintain their licenses. In fact, that's true of all 50 states. Rule 6.1 of the American Bar Association’s Model Rules of Professional Conduct states: “Every lawyer has a professional responsibility to provide legal services to those unable to pay. A lawyer should aspire to render at least 50 hours of pro bono public legal services per year.” That holds true for the Colorado Bar Association. The operative word here is “aspire.” Pro bono work is not mandated; it's simply encouraged. Perhaps that's why Glenwood Springs-based legal aid office Alpine Legal Services (ALS) is having trouble engaging lawyers for its weekly, Wednesday night Ask a Lawyer (AAL) help line. The help line began decades ago as Thursday Night Bar. But, Jenny Wherry, director of ALS, said the name was changed because people thought lawyers were meeting at a bar. The help line, serving Garfield, Pitkin and Eagle counties, exists so those without the funds to hire a lawyer can call and talk about immigration, family law, or general civil litigation issues for 15 minutes for free.

“Anyone can call,” said Claire Noone, an attorney with Noone Law Firm in Glenwood Springs and Paonia. “These conversations allow people who feel silly asking questions or don't know if they have rights or don't have the money [for a lawyer] to have the access, time and attention of an attorney.” Noone handles the Spanishspeaking line every Wednesday night from 5 to 7 p.m. She told The Sopris Sun that sometimes a caller just needs 15 minutes to share their story. “That alone gives them the confidence and clarity to represent themselves and go forward,” she said. Noone explained that misunderstandings within the civil legal system lead people to think they must hire an attorney and spend a lot of money. She said that most systems like small claims and divorce are designed so that people can represent themselves. “It's empowering to let people know that they have the facts, walk them through the process of court, and that they are capable of representing themselves.” Before COVID-19, AAL attorneys would meet people inperson at local libraries, rotating every week through Pitkin County, Basalt and all Garfield County libraries. “There was no calling, no phone, no hotline, no Zoom option,” explained Wherry. “It was: you show up physically, in-person, and you will

"And what if I refuse?" Art by Larry Day talk to a lawyer.” Noone added that in-person services meant people had to leave their homes, get babysitters and find transportation to get to the library, which wasn’t always easy. “It also required more commitment from attorneys,” she said. With the onset of the pandemic, libraries closed down. Wherry said they had to act fast. “In April, 2020, with the help of an Americorps volunteer, we switched to the phones.” And, ALS narrowed the scope of legal issues. All of that may sound like a recipe for success. Even Noone believes that COVID opened up access to legal aid. “Someone can call in during a break at work or when the kids are sleeping. You don’t have to have a car to get to the

place.” And, lawyers can volunteer from home. “More attorneys can do this without it being a big sacrifice,” she said. But, only nine local attorneys (besides Noone) have volunteered for the English-speaking AAL line this year. One lawyer volunteered 10 times, two took calls on four nights, two on three nights, and the rest volunteered once, according to ALS records. Wherry said Noone takes calls every week, sometimes working both the Spanish- and English-speaking phones. Wherry will jump in if callers wait more than 15 minutes. A total of 382 calls have come in so far this year. Alexi Freeman, an associate dean and professor at the University of Denver Sturm College of Law, pointed to circumstances that

could prohibit pro bono work — lack of confidence in the subject matter, no support for the work from firms and not enough time for non-billable hours. “Pro bono work can also be emotionally and mentally challenging, because you’re often supporting individuals, groups, or causes that are in real crisis,” she wrote in an email. Jenny Wherry wonders if the help line’s days are numbered, or if ALS will have to pay attorneys to handle the phones. She also wants to beef up the recruiting process. “I could do a better job [listening] to reasons why it’s so hard to commit to pro bono service,” she said. Meanwhile, Claire Noone won’t stop taking calls on Wednesday nights, even if she has to do it alone. “Those who rent, work multiple jobs, commute long distances or don’t have money to resolve issues have a different experience in this valley,” she explained. “Whenever we have a disparity, when one group has access to all legal minds and resources, that perpetuates inequality and division, and further drives a wedge in our society.” Alpine Legal Services offers the Ask a Lawyer helpline in Spanish and English on Wednesday nights from 5 to 7 p.m. at 970-368-2246.

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THE SOPRIS SUN • Your weekly community connector • Dec. 23-29, 2021 • 17

Polarity persists amid wolf reintroduction plans A rancher’s reservations

By James Steindler Contributing Editor

These days, reaching the proverbial “middle ground” can seem unattainable, and Colorado’s wolf management plan is no exception. Many preservationists applaud the return of gray wolves to Colorado, and ranchers wait in anticipation to see how the restored predators will affect their livestock. To many, this has been a long time coming. Delia Malone has advocated reintroducing wolves since the early ‘90s. In recent years, she has advocated on behalf of the Colorado chapter of the Sierra Club, where she is chair of the wildlife team and the Roaring Fork chapter. By 2015, “A number of groups finally came together under the banner of the Rocky Mountain Wolf Project,” including the Sierra Club, explained Malone. The coalition began outreach “all around Colorado, from east to west, north to south, old, young, ranchers, wolf hunters; basically everyone we could think of, to try and encourage understanding and bust the myths that surround the wolf controversy.” Malone continued, “Even within the environmental community there are a lot of differences and we all agreed finally that wolf reintroduction was important — ecologically important and ethically important.” The coalition started collecting signatures to get a referendum on the Colorado ballot and — voilá — Proposition 114 passed in 2020, affirming voter support for the reintroduction of gray wolves, albeit by a slim margin. Since the late 1800s, ranchers have been permitted to graze their cattle on public

A rancher pushes a herd of cattle through an Aspen grove. Photo courtesy of Ginny Harrington lands. While for ranchers this is a way of life, preservationists argue that it was the nail in the coffin for wild predators. There are ranchers in the Valley that support wolf reintroduction, stated Malone, but she believes that “peer pressure” prevents them from speaking out. “They’re not going to jump up and say, ‘I support wolf reintroduction,’ because they are a part of this broader ranching community,” she surmised. Still, Malone estimates that the majority of ranchers oppose reintroduction. When it comes to ranchers using lethal force against wolves to protect livestock, Malone says, “On public land, wolves should never be persecuted” and that is the viewpoint of the Sierra Club as well, she included. Referring to case studies in the Northern Rockies, Malone claims that, when conflict mitigation strategies are implemented, livestock losses can reach zero.

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Two significant strategies include maintaining human presence and instilling the herding instinct. Malone stated that the best wolf deterrent is humans, and suggested that ranchers should regularly check their cattle, even while they’re grazing on public lands. She added that continually moving livestock simultaneously addresses the ecological degradation caused by overgrazing. Cattle, “unlike native ungulate herds, are very vulnerable to predators — particularly the calves,” Malone declared. “Reinstilling the herding instinct is just mimicking what wild ungulates already do. If you look at wild ungulates, when a predator comes around they herd up, put their calves behind them.” “Where does all of this information come from?” Malone rhetorically asked. “It comes from the experience in the Northern Rockies on ranches that are very successful. We don’t have to reinvent the wheel here.”

Ginny Harrington is the acting membership chair for the Holy Cross Cattlemen’s Association (HCCA). She lives on a ranch outside Carbondale where her husband is responsible for a herd of cattle. HCCA is made up of several private ranching operations and is one of several similar associations. The Colorado Cattlemen’s Association is the statewide umbrella organization. The HCCA will convene for a meeting in January to address the looming reintroduction. Harrington explained that sending cattle to graze on public lands for the summer is part of the ranching way of life. This way, private lands are freed up for ranchers to cultivate hay during the growing season. To Malone’s point, Harrington argued that ranchers already check their herds on a regular basis. While herds are on public land, either a “pool” rider (someone hired by a cattlemen’s association) or the ranchers themselves will check and move the cattle regularly. Harrington said that ranchers are curious about the number of wolves that will be introduced at a time and where. She fears that if too many wolves are introduced, Colorado will end up in a position like Idaho, which recently legalized unlimited hunting of gray wolves there. She also hopes that reintroduction locations will have adequate wild prey to sustain the wolves. Proposition 114 requires Colorado Parks and Wildlife to begin restoration of gray wolves in Colorado on lands west of the Continental Divide by Dec. 31, 2023. At this time, with federal protections being reviewed, information about specific reintroduction locations is not available.

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20 • THE SOPRIS SUN • soprissun.com • Dec. 23-29, 2021

Slug it

by Dyana Furmansky A house in our neighborhood is for sale. It has been advertised in one of the Aspen newspapers and attracted attention from a newspaper headquartered 5,000 miles away — with 1.1 million online and print global subscribers. “Rocky Mountain high prices: homebuyers priced out of Aspen head to Basalt,” read the article’s front-page headline. The story included a buyer’s guide and map showing the proximity to Aspen of lesser-known locales besides Basalt; Carbondale, Missouri Heights, Willits (though not El Jebel) got big play as places for bargain hunters to find first, second, or third homes starting at $3 million. The house in our subdivision,

Bad ads, real estate: selling ourselves out listed at more than twice the price of the last one that sold here 18 months ago, is one of these. The global newspaper article does note that home ownership is unaffordable for fulltime Roaring Fork Valley residents like teachers, police, firefighters, plumbers, grocery store employees, journalists, childcare and health workers, and quotes a few of those affected. It leaves out facts about long commutes, increased traffic accidents and pollution that are calculable byproducts of driving great distances to work for businesses and homeowners, many of us citing our environmental bona fides for moving here. Yet, the attitude conveyed by this article is like that of a newspaper story focused on the pleasures of smoking cigarettes — with, for journalistic balance, a casual aside about cancer — that spotlights where to buy them more cheaply. Responsible publications don’t run stories like that. Nor do they run cigarette ads without health warnings anymore. In mountain communities it’s time for social warnings to be included in real estate ads for properties priced out of reach of the local workforce. Real estate infomercials that pose as news stories like the one mentioned here, as well as

dislocations that trickle down — l a i c no, pour down — from homes o s r priced in the mega millions. It’s time fo be o Advertising has worked for t warnings Swift, which on Dec. 31 will cease real journalism operations, having sold included in r its media properties to a much o f s d a larger newspaper corporation for estate an undisclosed amount. Swift will d e ric p s e i t r become Questor Corporation e p pro e and enter the commercial real h t f o h c a e r f o estate sector. Real estate ads t ou . e c that market palaces with r fo pristine views of public lands, and local work

newspapers that rely on hefty real estate ad revenues, are not responsible for the shortage of affordable housing that is a problem all over the world. There are many causes, requiring layered solutions befitting a community’s unique situation. In the Roaring Fork Valley, the priced-out trend “has been going on for many years,” says Basalt Mayor Bill Kane. “I believe that our housing and land use regulatory strategies are the correct steps to mitigate the impact,” he wrote in an email to me, saying that Basalt officials will be discussing the possible effects of this recent article with its international marketing outreach. There are steps that news organizations and real estate firms that wield too much financial power over them, can also take. Here’s another headline, this one from The Aspen Times: “Sales of ultra high-end homes shape Aspen real estate market; another $3 billion year in sight.” Three billion dollars generates a lot of real estate commissions and ad revenues. While the amount of high-end real estate advertising in newspapers might raise questions about undue

"

"

influence over editorial matters, real estate firms and their top agents need not bother. Their message comes across in their outsized presence in newsprint, on television and in digital displays at the Aspen Airport. There are only so many times $30 million homes can be advertised before the ones for $3 million, 25 miles downvalley, look like a steal. “Advertising Works,” crows the blurb that Colorado Mountain News Media (CMNM) runs in mountain resort newspapers owned by parent company Swift Communications. Advertising works, but for whom? For real estate agents and their firms. Advertising works for newspapers selling real estate ads that make no mention in the ads themselves of massive economic

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newspapers that run these full-page fairytale visions, can take some responsibility. Just as developers are required to include a percentage of rent-capped and deed-restricted housing in their free market projects, a similar requirement ought to be attached to real estate sales commissions, and ad revenues. People can still smoke, but every pack informs smokers of the health hazards, as do their ads. A percentage of newspaper ad revenues and real estate commissions could go into a private sector fund that contributes to affordable housing. Identifying social hazards in the newspaper ads targeting the world’s big real estate spenders opens a new conversation about housing equity. Because advertising works.

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www.springgulch.org THE SOPRIS SUN • Your weekly community connector • Dec. 23-29, 2021 • 21

LETTERS

Continued from page 2

Cost of care We are still in the midst of a COVID pandemic in the U.S., in large part because of the failure of millions of our citizens to get vaccinated, preventing herd immunity and allowing new mutations such as Omicron to develop. Thousands of Americans are still dying, and the lives of tens of thousands more have been ruined due to long COVID. COVID vaccines are extremely safe and are very effective at preventing serious COVID illness and death. Recent data indicates that approximately 85% of patients hospitalized with COVID are unvaccinated. These preventable illnesses and deaths are costing us all money, by increasing the cost of health care. While we can’t force people to get vaccinated, one thing is clear: those of us who did the right thing and got vaccinated shouldn’t have to pay for expensive care required by unvaccinated risk-takers who get

COVID and end up in the hospital. Medicare, Medicaid and private insurance should increase the premiums for the unvaccinated to cover their potential care. Greg Feinsinger, M.D. Steve Hessl, M.D. Carbondale

Kudos Just a quick belated note re: "It's the darndest thing" by Geneviève Villamizar. What a lovely piece of writing. I am sorry that her brain has become untrustworthy — I can't imagine. Her writing was clearly not affected and reads like a long, cool drink of water on a hot day. While I am sure the frustrations pile up and not every day is graced with sun dogs and chicken-induced euphoria, her overriding joie-de-vivre will surely carry her through. Many thanks for such a touching piece. Maureen Gaffney Carbondale

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22 • THE SOPRIS SUN • soprissun.com • Dec. 23-29, 2021

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PARTING SHOTS

LEGALS NOTICE TO CREDITORS BY PUBLICATION PURSUANT TO § 15-12-801, C.R.S.

estate are required to present them to the personal representative or to District Court of Garfield County, Colorado on or before April 2, 2022, or claims may be forever barred.

Notice to Creditors John A. Ciucci 629 Saddleback Road Carbondale Colorado 81623,

Estate of Rebecca Lee Ciucci Passed on 9/27/2021 Case Number: 21PR34 All persons having claims against the above named

Published in The Sopris Sun on December 2, 9, 16, and 23, 2021

SERVICE DIRECTORY Practicing minimal contact check-in.

WINDSHIE REPAIR 289 MAIN STREET | (970) 963-2826 | CARBONDALEAH@GMAIL.COM AUTO GLA REPLACEM WINDSHIELD REPAIR & AUTO GLASS REPLACEMENTMo

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The Two Rivers Unitarian Universalist congregation celebrated the solstice with a delightful mix of song, ritual, and dance on Dec. 19. Photos by Sue Rollyson

THE SOPRIS SUN • Your weekly community connector • Dec. 23-29, 2021 • 23

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Un periódico semanal en español

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