Re: GarCo Report
It is easy for folks to criticize elected officials as they conduct the business of local government, but it is uncommon that we recognize our local leaders for doing the right thing.
Therefore, I am writing to thank the Garfield County Commissioners for working to protect the Shoshone water rights by urging the Department of the Interior to finalize its $40 million funding in support of the Colorado River District’s planned purchase. These senior Colorado River rights are vital to Western Slope agriculture, recreation, wildlife and our future. Front Range interests are eager to get this water for continued growth and expansion. The loss of the Shoshone water right would be disastrous to Western Colorado.
Also, thank you for opposing Utah Congressman Mike Lee’s absurd proposal in the federal budget bill to liquidate our public lands. Public spaces in the West are part of our heritage, vital for recreation, wildlife, open space, natural resources and have countless other benefits. You commissioners were joined by many other elected officials, outdoor organizations and the public, all of whom expressed their solid support to keep public lands in public hands. It is likely we will see future attempts to seize our public lands, so a unified voice from the residents and elected officials to keep these assets in public hands is an important message to any ill-advised elected official to keep their hands off.
Davis Farrar
Carbondale
Strange times
In the span of a single week, KDNK Community Radio has gone from experiencing one of our greatest highs, celebrating the 100th birthday of our Art Ackerman, the world’s oldest DJ, to the devastating low of losing all of the station’s federal funding. This amounts to a $174,000 shortfall, or 27% of KDNK’s annual budget. This is a funding challenge unlike any other in the station’s 42-year history.
KDNK has long been a model of the best of what community radio can be. With 98 regular DJs and program hosts free of station restrictions on their content and self-expression, award-winning local reporting, 22 volunteer public affairs shows, a powerhouse youth radio partnership with the Andy Zanca Youth Empowerment Program, a remarkable culture of music discovery, a strong commitment to emergency preparedness and regional resilience, and an authentic local spirit that springs from a cross-section of our community, we know that KDNK holds a special place in the hearts of so many. That is why, now, in our hour of need, we turn to you.
If you believe in a free and truthful press, a place for art and expression outside the confines of commercialism, a right to information and emergency alerts for residents of our remote areas, and a democratic institution truly by and for the people, now is your moment. Please visit www.KDNK.org or call 970-963-0139 to make a donation and find out the different ways that you can stand with KDNK.
With solidarity and profound gratitude,
The KDNK Staff and Board of Directors
In retrospect…
History will not look back kindly on these years, when the richest and most powerful country turned its back on civility, science and honesty, and embraced cruelty and greed. I am dismayed at how quickly Trump has dismantled everything great about our country, but I’m even more appalled that he has done it with the blessing of Republicans and about 40% of the public. Anyone not seeing the parallels between Nazi Germany and the Trump regime is not looking. The same tactics of sowing fear and always having someone else to blame while destroying education and democratic institutions lies at the heart of both regimes.
Trump is either so unhinged or so secure in his power that he feels empowered to attack his own supporters over their fascination with the Epstein files. I hate the fact he is a likely pedophile, but would add to that a list: serial liar, traitor, felon, misogynist, racist, bully, narcissist, criminal. I am baffled that anyone who considers themselves a Christian or educated can support this man. May the light of truth shine upon these times.
Peter Westcott
Missouri Heights
Access for all
Do you have trouble getting around your house due to an injury, a disability or physical changes from aging? Do you find it challenging to get around Carbondale without a car or to access community buildings or events? Is it difficult to have family or friends with mobility challenges visit your home? Do you want to “age in place?”
Most of us will experience “mobility challenges” at points in our life. Injuries from skiing, mountain biking, cycling, hiking, stand-up paddle boarding, etc. are common in our active valley. Hopefully, the injuries are temporary, but sometimes they are permanent. Parents can be mobility challenged simply by trying to manage their young children. Some people are born with or develop disabilities that challenge their mobility for their lifetime, and all of us face changes that will likely challenge our mobility as we age.
These issues and others are the topic of Age-Friendly Carbondale’s Community Conversation on July 30 from 6:30 to 8:30pm in the large meeting room at the Carbondale Library. Please join us to talk about experiences, concerns and ideas. RSVP to segzislis@gmail.com is appreciated and Zoom attendance is available.
Hope to see you there!
Candace Goodwin
Sue Zislis
Age-Friendly Carbondale
New pool values
As members of the Carbondale Parks and Recreation Commission, we’re proud to support the construction of a new Aquatics Center, one that doesn’t just replace our aging pool, but reflects the values that make Carbondale a leader in equity and sustainability.
This new facility will serve everyone in our community. Access to swimming shouldn’t depend on income or zip code. Whether you’re a child taking your first swim lesson, a teen looking to hang out with friends on a hot day or a senior seeking low-impact exercise, this center is for you.
It’s also where many young people secure their first job as lifeguards or swim instructors. These roles teach responsibility, leadership and teamwork, lifelong skills that begin right here at the pool.
The design prioritizes inclusivity, accessibility, community connection and environmental leadership.
It also positions Carbondale as a sustainability trailblazer. This will be the first all-electric municipal pool in Colorado, and one of only a handful across the country, powered by high-efficiency electric air source heat pumps and solar photovoltaic systems that will handle heating, filtration and lighting. These innovative systems help move us toward a future net-zero operation.
We’re proving that small towns can lead on climate action. We hope this sets an example for municipalities across the state.
What’s more, 100% of our commission members have personally donated to the campaign, emphasizing our belief in the vision and long-term impact of this project.
Construction is underway, but there’s still time to make a donation and be part of a successful project. Gifts of $1,000 or more will be recognized on a permanent donor wall at the pool’s entrance, and gifts of all amounts are welcome. Learn more and donate today at www.carbondaleconnect.org/pool
Let’s build a future that’s inclusive, forward-thinking, and uniquely Carbondale.
Amalia Sparhawk
Ashley Hejtmanek
Drew Sorenson
Hollis Sutherland
Leslie Keery
Nick Nardecchia
Rachel Bachman Perkins
Rose Rossello
Susan Rhea
Clay Center thanks
It is such a joy to reflect on the incredible success of our recent annual fundraising event, Clay & Moonlight! I am still moved by the unwavering support of our community. We celebrated another sold-out event that brought together friends, families and Clay Center supporters who share our vision.
To our generous sponsors — thank you. Your support was instrumental in making this event possible. Your commitment not only enhances our programs but also demonstrates the strength of our community partnerships. We are incredibly grateful for your trust and investment in our mission.
A special shout-out to the Special Events Committee, led by our board member Susan Muenchen, whose leadership elevated our standard of events and has brought us into a new era! The team’s hard work, creativity and passion were evident in every detail, creating an unforgettable experience and a beautiful evening for all of us.
To our amazing volunteers — we quite literally could not do this without you. We are and will always be a grassroots organization. Your time and commitment to CCC makes us stronger, closer and even more dedicated to our mission.
A special thanks to the cup makers — thank you for crafting the beautiful vessels that defined our event. They are more than functional objects, they’re symbols of our shared community and creativity.
Genuine thanks to Doug Casebeer for flying in just for the event and inspiring the crowd before the paddle raise! I am thankful for your ongoing support and inspiration!
To Mark Hardin — the food was absolutely outstanding! Your team also packed up a meal to go for one of our guests who had to leave early. That is exactly the kind of community we are proud to be a part of. Thank you, Mark and Field 2 Fork, you are the BEST!
To the board and staff at CCC — I hold such deep gratitude for all of you, for all the hours and phone calls, emails and meetings it took to pull it all off. This is not an easy time in our organization’s history, but it is a special time and each of you is a part of it. Thank you for happily contributing to the success of Clay & Moonlight; it was our collective efforts that made it a special night.
Together, we have demonstrated what can be achieved when we come together as a community. Can’t wait to do it again next year!
Angela Bruno, Executive Director
Carbondale Clay Center
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