The 19th annual Día de los Muertos celebration in Carbondale went off without a hitch! Every year this event recognizes someone who serves the Latino community. This year, that award went to Dr. Maria Judith Alvarez of the Safe and Abundant Nutrition Alliance (SANA) and La Clínica del Pueblo. Alvarez is a licensed doctor in Mexico and has taken her knowledge and community organizing skills to better the lives of immigrants in the Valley. La Clinica del Pueblo started over five years ago in conjunction with Dr. Greg Feinsinger’s nonprofit, Center for Prevention and Treatment of Disease Through Nutrition. Together they focus on good health through education and information, along with seeing over 350 patients a year. Alvarez is the director of SANA which works with Food Bank of the Rockies on food distribution and promotes healthy food practices. Other projects Alvarez has helped spearhead or is involved in are The Latino Folk Art Garden along the Rio Grande Trail and the annual Día de los Muertos celebration. Turn to page 14 for additional photos from this year’s event. Photo by Klaus Kocher