Re: Re: Cookie incident
I’m writing in response to Krista Lasko’s letter last week regarding the incident with a THC cookie at the Community Pantry outside of the library. I was surprised and sorry to read that Krista was disappointed with the library’s response to the incident. We’ve since spoken, and I’ve filled her in on some of the things the library has been doing since we were made aware of the incident. I believe we’re on the same page now, and I’d like to share my thoughts here as well.
First, I’m so relieved that Krista’s son made it through this ordeal without any lasting damage. It must have been so scary for them all, and I’m so sorry that this happened.
As the editor’s note stated, the library did submit a press release on Jan. 6, the same day we learned of the incident, intending to make the community aware of what happened. I was told that the school district would also send a notice out to parents. Library staff are now checking the pantry twice a day, removing items that are unsealed, homemade or otherwise suspect. We’re also planning to install a camera on that side of the building.
We established the pantry outside the library because we saw a major unfilled need in our community. We had a Lift-Up donation box in our lobby for a while, and our community was so generous in donating to it, but the items almost never made it to the food bank because people in need would take food directly from the box. Lift-Up is a wonderful resource, but their hours are extremely limited, making access difficult for working people. The Community Pantry is open 24/7 and doesn’t require a person to show ID or prove need. People who have a little extra can leave it for their neighbors, and those who could use a little help can take what they need. And it’s been heavily used since we installed it last fall.
I was so upset to learn that someone in our community might have put a THC cookie into the pantry, not knowing who might take it. Not only was it reckless and dangerous, but it cast a dark shadow over this valuable community resource and potentially jeopardized its future.
We support Krista’s message that parents talk to their kids about what they eat, and I hope that with our community’s combined efforts, nothing like this will happen again.
Tracy Kallassy
Carbondale Library Branch Manager
A fond farewell
A number of years ago, after graduating from college in Upstate New York, friends left a note at my residence inviting me to move to Colorado with them. I’m showing my age. This was before the advent of cell phones. Back then you’d use a camera to take photographs and ensure you’d have pocket change to use to make calls from a phone booth.
After spending a couple of months in Aurora — “Gateway to the Rockies” — I moved to Estes Park. This was my introduction to the majesty of the Rocky Mountains. It was love at first sight! After six months in Estes Park I rode my bicycle with a friend cross-country to return to New York and resume college. While in Estes Park, I came to the realization that eventually I’d return to the mountains of Colorado.
After spending six years on the East Coast, in 1985, I moved to the Roaring Fork Valley thinking this would always be Home — emphasis on the capital “H.” As you know, “life happens.” I took a few detours across the country before returning to the Roaring Fork Valley, an area I’ve always considered Home, 10 years ago. I enjoyed being born and raised on Long Island. Yet, I consider myself a “semi-native” of Colorado.
For a total of 19 years I’ve absolutely loved living in the Roaring Fork Valley for a multitude of reasons. I tell friends about the unique combination of benefits provided by living in a semi-rural area with the amenities of a big city. Earlier this year, I left my beloved community of Carbondale with many fond memories that I’ll always cherish to return to Long Island to be near my beloved mother.
I’m fortunate to have lived in such a sacred area that provided me with a unique combination of spiritual, intellectual, emotional, physical, and social fulfillment. I’m sincerely appreciative of the friendships I’ve developed over the years. I’m sending a heartfelt farewell to my beloved community of Carbondale and the Roaring Fork Valley.
Jim Coddington III
Saint James, New York
Grateful for Nuche
I am grateful to the Indigenous people of this continent. They husband the lands and waters and traded among tribes —- from the “Land of Fires” to Point Barrow, Alaska — for 15,000+ years. And now they nurture our society with good will, feeding us, caring for us, building and maintaining our infrastructure. We owe them. Please don’t let our prevaricating president cloud the truth so he can treat them as sub-humans, sending them away and tearing apart families, while creating a pall of fear over communities of kind folk that have only helped us to be strong and deserve our support and gratitude. Let love cast out fear.
John Hoffmann
Carbondale
Save our nation
Roaring Fork Valley locals — it’s time to stand up and stand together to save our nation. And, quite frankly, to offer hope as we watch our precious democracy endangered, dismantled policy by policy, action by action by Donald Trump.
We need to be heard — but even more, we need to find ways that we can be effective in facing our nation’s problems.
Mark your calendars for March 8, 3:30 to 4:30pm, Paepcke Park, Aspen, for a Protest offering some hope and alternatives… a different kind of protest, but a protest, nonetheless.
We will have speakers who are experts in their fields who will outline problems and offer solutions we can pursue right here, right now!
We will address the local environment, freedom of the press, immigrant rights, youth voices, rule of law and defending the Constitution.
We are still confirming the agenda, but speakers will address all the above, five minutes each, outlining the problems and proposing solutions.
This local protest is organized by Linda Lafferty and Blanca O’Leary, VERY concerned citizens of the Valley.
We welcome your support, mostly by organizing friends and neighbors to participate. March 8. Aprés Ski?
Linda Lafferty and Blanca O’Leary
Carbondale
The Hague Group
Nine small countries just gathered together at the Hague to form “The Hague Group.” They intend to help the Palestinians form their own state. They will work to enforce the rulings of the U.N. and the International Court of Justice against Israel, the U.S. and other countries.
There is a growing opinion worldwide that the U.S. is in decline, both economically and in stature. U.S. support of the destruction and genocide in Gaza exemplifies the problem. The ongoing war in Ukraine is another example of ineffective foreign policy. The U.S. broke a promise to Russia that we would not expand NATO closer to them. Russia responded by twice invading Ukraine. Trump is right about one thing, there really is a “deep state” in the capital. These are long-term warmongers that are committed to the “American Empire” and to the Military Industrial State.
The level of inequity in the U.S. exceeds that of most comparable countries. Thanks to war-waging expenses, the U.S. continues to raise its national debt, a large piece of which is ironically held by China. We are paying interest to China which they are investing in their country on things like solar and wind turbines.
The wealth of billionaires increased by 70% during the pandemic. It is said that 50% of American families can not come up with $500 for emergencies. So the praise that is given to the current economic picture really only applies to the wealthiest people. Russia had a larger increase in GDP last year than the U.S.
The U.S. has not been well served by either of our major political parties. Trump offered another choice.
Patrick Hunter
Carbondale
Buddy Program
I am writing to express my heartfelt gratitude and admiration for the Buddy Program, which has profoundly impacted my family and so many others in our tight-knit community. My journey with the Buddy Program began 15 years ago, when my son Max, then 5, was paired with a remarkable Big Buddy who guided him through countless milestones. Watching my son flourish under the support and friendship of his mentor inspired me, years later, to become a Big Buddy myself.
Since becoming a Big Buddy, I have experienced some of the most rewarding moments of my life. Volunteering in this way has allowed me to connect with an incredible young person, offering them encouragement and a trusted confidant. It has also expanded my appreciation for the profound difference one person can make in a child’s life.
I have witnessed firsthand how this organization fosters meaningful connections, promotes positive self-esteem, and provides invaluable mentorship opportunities. It truly strengthens the fabric of our community.
I am also proud to serve on the Buddy Program’s Board of Directors and recently became its president.
To the dedicated staff, volunteers, and participants who bring this mission to life daily, please accept my deep appreciation. You exemplify the power of compassion, generosity, and hope. I encourage everyone in the Roaring Fork Valley to learn more about the Buddy Program, and consider how you, too, can make a lasting difference in a child’s life.
Katie Goldsmith
Roaring Fork Valley
Best Buddies
I would like to take a moment to recognise the incredible impact Best Buddies is having at Basalt High School. As a special education teacher in the school district, I have seen firsthand how this organisation is creating meaningful friendships and opportunities for students with disabilities. I see it firsthand at my school of employment, Basalt High School, which has a dedicated senior leadership group who have helped establish this organisation within our walls.
On Feb. 1, Basalt High School hosted Best Buddies staff and chapter leaders from Glenwood to Aspen. The training focused on ways Best Buddies could impact more students at every level. Our chapter will be working with other Basalt High School clubs to integrate students into the extracurricular community.
Basalt High School has embraced the program with enthusiasm, demonstrating that our community is eager to create spaces where everyone belongs. I attribute the growth of our club to the leadership group mentioned above, and to my amazing special education department at Basalt High School. Without the help of Leticia Ingram, Brendan Gross, and our paraprofessionals, we would not have the club that we do, and I am grateful for their assistance in making our school safe and inclusive for everyone. We will be attending the Best Buddies Citizen Night at Basalt Library on Feb. 11 from 6 to 8pm. Hope to see you there!
Lucas Snuffin
Glenwood Springs
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