Support Cavern Springs
As faith leaders, we ask your support for Cavern Springs mobile home park’s effort to become resident-owned and save their homes from a corporate buyout.
For decades, hundreds of residents have called Cavern Springs home. These workers make the Roaring Fork Valley tick. Their park, 98 units adjacent to Glenwood Springs, is for sale for $23M. Without matching this offer by June 13, 2026, and closing by October, they risk losing their homes to outside investors with a record of doubling rents and displacing residents.
Local businesses say the loss to them of this number of workers would be incalculable. Schools would face a worsening enrollment decline. What distinguishes this challenge? Cavern Springs residents are fighting back. They’ve organized their own cooperative, the Sopris Mountain Collective. They’ve been tenacious, securing $5.7M in pledges: $5.5M from local governments (Glenwood Springs, Carbondale, Aspen, Snowmass Village and Pitkin County — only Garfield County declined). The Collective is working with seasoned lenders (ROC USA and Impact Development Fund) to finance $16M in loans.
The gap: $2.3M needed from philanthropic donations to reach their $24M goal and ensure they jointly own their park and make essential improvements to decades-old infrastructure.
This is not a handout. It’s an investment in local businesses that depend on these workers; in families seeking economic stability; in schools that need stable enrollment; and in strengthening our community against economic forces eroding it.
As Archbishop Tutu said, “Do your little bit of good where you are; it’s those little bits of good, put together, that overwhelm the world.”
To donate online, visit mountainvoicesproject.org/cavern_springs
Donate by check at Aspen Community Foundation, 455 Gold Rivers Court, Basalt, CO 81621.
Attention: Sopris Mountain Collective.
Thank you for helping to sustain affordable housing in the valley,
Father Bert Chilson, Father Salvador Sanchez, Reverend Jeff Carlson, Reverend E. Wendy Huber, Reverend Bruce McBurney, Lauren Martin, Reverend Kimberly Law, Rob Benedetti, Reverend Emma Bridgeman and Reverend Andrew Bridgeman

Thank you RE-1
To the RE-1 Community,
We would like to thank the RE-1 School District for the beautiful retirement celebration honoring employees who have dedicated their lives to the children and families of this community.
The evening was heartfelt and deeply moving, filled with stories that reminded all of us what makes a school district truly special. From transportation, custodial and maintenance staff, paraprofessionals, teachers, principals, administration and support staff, each retiree represented years of dedication, compassion and service. Together, they represented more than 453 years of combined service to our children and community. It was especially meaningful to hear that the transportation department alone represented more than 100 years of combined service, a remarkable reflection of loyalty, commitment and care for generations of students.
The presentation honoring each retiree was especially meaningful. Every individual’s story and contribution was recognized with warmth, dignity and genuine appreciation. It was clear how much care went into making the evening memorable.
A special thank you to Aimee Brockman, Chief of Human Resources and Talent, whose leadership and compassion shined throughout the celebration.
As Gene retires after nearly five decades of safely transporting children to and from school, we were reminded that the true impact of these employees can never fully be measured in years alone. Their kindness, reliability and quiet dedication helped shape generations of students.
To all RE-1 employees, past and present, thank you for the difference you make every day.
Sincerely,
Gene and Stephanie Schilling
Carbondale

Contrary to public interest
Am here at Redstone, Colorado on vacation with wife, daughter and grandkids. Picked up a copy of Sol del Valle and among other stories within, I read about the unsolved hit-and-run death of Ramon Chacon. At a dangerous pedestrian crossing.
Then farther along I see reported that the victim’s autopsy revealed a 0.242% ethanol concentration. That’s three times the legal limits had Chacon been the driver. One site said that at that level one may reach stupor from alcohol poisoning!
My point? The Chacon family must have grieved yet again to have this information revealed. Chacon could have been spared the public revealing of his femoral blood exam, as it may appear that the victim could have been staggering around that dangerous location. Who knows?
It’s one thing to hold back certain information. As Rifle Police is quoted in the article, it is “contrary to public interest to release investigation details which could jeopardize the investigation.” But the autopsy results? The victim was victimized yet again.
Burt Smiley
Lynchburg, Virginia

Bennet should stay in the Senate
I was pleased to see that Senator Michael Bennet is working to preserve public lands, as indeed he should. Not so pleased that this was a veiled campaign promotion rather than simply doing his job. I would like him to finish his term, finish the job.
I support Phil Weiser as our next governor. He has done more for the people of Colorado than most members of Congress. He has been an exemplary state attorney general and will be an even better governor. Did I mention he clerked for Ruth Bader Ginsburg, served as an Obama White House advisor and was Dean of University of Colorado Law School? Beyond all this, he is first a listener — reaching out to grassroots Colorado — then tirelessly goes to work for us.
Kay Clarke
Carbondale

Rams Run fundraiser
I am writing on behalf of Crystal River Elementary School, with gratitude for our community and the support received year after year at the annual Rams Run fundraiser. On May 1, students from preschool through fourth grade ran for 30 minutes straight on a 1/8-mile track to raise money for the physical education program, the other specials programs at the school, and the Parent Teacher Organization. The money raised this year achieved a new record: $41,260.86!
Twenty-two businesses throughout the valley sponsored the 13th annual event, contributing at least $350, often even more. Contracting business TE Builders served as our title sponsor, donating $1,000!
We would like to publicly thank each of these companies by name: Alpine Bank, Artisan Fine Finishing, Blue Sky Carpet and Upholstery Cleaning, Carly Passchier Real Estate, Comfort Dental, Cruz Construction, Imperio Mexican Restaurant, Isberian Rugs, JRO, JVAM Law Firm, Katie J Photography, Level Build Co., Pony Pardners, Rib City Grill Rifle, Ridge Runner Construction Inc., Rocky Mountain Ranch Services, Taplinea, TE Builders, Valley Orthopedics, Villas Window Cleaning, Vista Bank, and Xen Technology.
In addition to the incredible generosity offered by these businesses, the families, friends, and community members who pledged flat donations, or by-lap dollar amounts to the individual students who ran in the event, made such a difference to what these children have the opportunity to experience.
Marty Madsen, famed Physical Education teacher at CRES and founder of the Rams Run, plans to use some of the funds this year for new baseball and lacrosse equipment. In the past, money earned from this event has made it possible for Mr. Madsen to bring activities and equipment such as ice-skating, cross-country skiing, tumbling mats, and new soccer goals to our students.
Without the indelible support from parent volunteers, joyful contributions, and local business backing, this expansion of experience and excellence would not be possible. Thank you so much for showing up for our school community! And next time you’re out and about, see if you can spot local kids sporting their official Rams Run t-shirt!
Sincerely,
Autumn Evans-Lough,
Jess Klumb and Marty Madsen

Dan Loya for sheriff
Because my family has lived in this valley for over 50 years, I am concerned about it and its future; therefore, I am supporting Dan Loya for Garfield County Sheriff. My son attended high school with Dan, and I have recently become reacquainted with him. I have grown to greatly respect him as an honest, hard-working man who loves his family, Garfield County and the United States.
Dan amazes me with the knowledge and expertise he has acquired in his 30 years of law enforcement leadership. He is very serious about protecting the citizens of this county through law and order. He has been extremely successful in battling drug problems in our valley and fighting against human trafficking.
Because he is bilingual, he can communicate with and relate to the diverse population of Garfield County. This ability is an asset that will serve him well in relating to more communities and more citizens of the county.
Dan is a team player, and he sees the value of working with other agencies in nearby counties, including fire and police departments. He understands the importance of being professional in the way he presents himself and the way he represents the sheriff’s department.
Please join me in casting your ballot for Dan in the primary later this month; your vote will help ensure professional protection that is required to the highest level.
Lynee Kerst
Glenwood Springs