KDNK gives thanks
To our beloved members, listeners, DJs, volunteers, underwriting partners, friends and neighbors, KDNK wants to say the most heartfelt THANK YOU for making our fall membership drive a success!
This summer, the passing of the Rescissions Act resulted in an immediate loss of 27% of KDNK’s annual budget. KDNK provides emergency alerts, critical for rural communities; up-to-date news on local politics, events, businesses and cultural happenings; and algorithm- free music brought to you by KDNK volunteer DJs and the incredible Andy Zanca Youth Empowerment Program.
All of this is made possible by our members, who donate both dollars and countless hours of volunteerism which allows KDNK to host events like bingo, its lip-sync battle and the Labor of Love silent auction. Our staff braves the elements to air live broadcasts of Basalt and Carbondale’s summer music series, plus Mountain Fair, and literally climbed a mountain to restore our service in Leadville in the middle of membership drive!
This fall, we asked our community to dig deep and had the highest membership drive goal in KDNK’s history. And, without fail, our community heeded the call. After two weeks of fundraising, we officially made our goal of $120,000. It’s been a hard year for community radio and we cannot thank our community and members enough for showing support through these trying times. Together, we will continue to bring local news, music and events to our rural communities.
From the bottom of our hearts, THANK YOU!!!
KDNK Board of Directors
Re: Promoting division
Anna Green, thank you for sharing your perspective so thoughtfully. It’s clear that you care deeply about the integrity of our community’s dialogue and the role local journalism can play in fostering understanding rather than division. Uncertainly, I’m not sure if you are asking The Sopris Sun to squelch Brian Colley’s voice or asking Brian to change his point of view to more fairly reflect yours. Boy howdy, either way, it sounds quite like an affront on the First Amendment freedoms of the press and, importantly, freedoms of speech.
In these dark and overwhelming times, many of us are burdened by the daily onslaught of devastating news and upheaval in our world view. During such moments, I find my load lightened by the courage, creativity, critical thinking and, yes, satire that Brian Colley holds and carries each week in the creation of the “Unparalleled Universe.” His work, rooted in kindness and a quirky sense of humor, is not aimed at creating division but at encouraging us to notice and reflect on the world we are living in.
Art and voices like Brian’s are essential to this crazy world — offering light, insight and, whether through humor or critique, creating space for conversation and understanding. His work provides a safe and thoughtful way for many of us to process the chaos, to see beyond our fears and to find a spark of hope amid the darkness.
Satire can be a powerful tool to shed light on important issues; aimed not to demean but to challenge us to think critically, empathetically and with kindness about our country’s and community’s complexities. Our shared goal should be to promote open conversations that include all voices, especially those that may feel unheard or misunderstood.
We are all trying to navigate these difficult times, often feeling uncertain or divided. To me, it seems to be in our collective interest to foster an environment of respect, understanding and patience with each other. I truly believe that by embracing our differences and listening with open hearts, sprinkled with a bit of irony and satire, art and humor, we can continue to build a more compassionate and cohesive society, rather than one of silenced voices, lifestyles and opinions.
I hope we can all continue to work towards a future where everyone feels valued and heard.
Peace.
Staci Dickerson
Carbondale
Thank you, Rebekahs
“The flavor of bread shared has no equal.” This quotation, etched on the steel door of Carbondale’s Community Oven, extends to every organization that shares its resources with all. This week, it was the Near New and the Rebekahs who decided to gift the oven with a generous grant. Thank you, Rebekahs, Near New and everyone who shops at their wonderful store on 3rd and Main Street. You are the best.
Carbondale Community Oven Team
Support local theater
Thank you to Thunder River Theatre Company for providing our community with high-quality and thought-provoking theatrical productions about important topics. Their current production of “The Secretary” is impressive, and deals with the controversial and heavy themes of gun violence and domestic violence. While addressing various aspects of these issues, they also incorporate bits of humor and encourage the audience to engage in meaningful conversation with others about these topics. Do yourself a favor and go see the show and support local theater.
Alana Hanks
Silt
TRUU gratitude
The sacredness, and recently the scarcity, of water was discussed at the Two Rivers Unitarian Universalists’ water communion Sunday before last. We appreciated how water means life, and wanted to thank the organizations in our valley who work to protect it: The Roaring Fork Conservancy and the Crystal Valley Environmental Protection Association, among others. As water becomes increasingly scarce in the West we want to thank the organizations addressing climate change and climate denial: 350.org and Mountain Action Indivisible, among others.
We pray that humans learn to live sustainably, that our federal government can move to once again embrace renewable energy and that climate change can be discussed in a logical and scientific manner. Our current toxic political environment needs to change so we can begin to address real, rather than politically driven, problems.
Peter Westcott
TRUU Social Justice Committee
Liberal whining
Our democracy is not in peril, nor are our freedoms under threat. Despite the constant chorus of whining liberals, to whom the mainstream media chooses to give a platform, President Trump is not a racist or Hitler.
He has kept the promises he made to voters. Trump is just enforcing our immigration laws, bringing safety and justice to our crime-ridden, Democrat-run cities and rescuing our economy from Biden’s inept leadership.
I’m looking forward to the next “No Kings” debacle on Oct. 18 in Glenwood Springs. I will be there voicing my conservative freedom of speech, with bells on.
Bruno Kirchenwitz
Rifle
RFSD elections
As we approach the upcoming school board elections in November, I want to encourage the Roaring Fork schools community to stay informed and engaged. Whether you are casting a vote, meeting with a candidate or considering running for a seat in the future, your participation matters for the future of our students, schools and district. The Board of Directors play a pivotal role in serving the Roaring Fork schools, from managing budgets and evaluating the superintendent to ensuring compliance and setting district priorities. The Board of Education serves as the voice of all stakeholders, including students, staff, parents and the broader Glenwood to Basalt community.
In recent years, the board has focused on strengthening internal systems, participating in professional development and increasing transparency through new finance and policy committees. The board consists of five elected representatives who bring their personal experiences to represent the five individual districts, 14 schools plus their staff, as well as over 5,600 students and their families. They strive to make well-informed decisions for the future of students, staff and the district as a whole.
As we move into October, please take a moment to review candidate statements, ask questions of our candidates, attend or listen to a forum and make time to read relevant candidate articles. If you reside within the district boundaries, you can vote for a candidate in each contested district. And if you ever want to discuss what board service entails, please don’t hesitate to reach out to a board member. We are always happy to share.
Jasmin Ramirez
RFSD Board President
Vote for Kathryn
Kathryn Kuhlenberg is running for reelection to the RFSD Board of Education and as parents of two children in the district we are delighted to support her campaign. She is a passionate advocate for all children and brings a collaborative and inclusionary problem-solving approach to the board. Please join us in supporting Kathryn for reelection and vote by Nov. 4.
Chris Kiley and Krystal England
Carbondale
RFSD endorsements
Please support Tammy Nimmo and Kathryn Kuhlenberg in the upcoming Roaring Fork School District Board of Directors election. As a long-time teacher in the valley, I have worked closely with many boards and I know I can depend on Tammy and Kathryn to work hard for our students, our schools and our staff. We need reasonable human beings on our school board. We need board members who are knowledgeable about how school boards work, who will continue to guide and support our district’s mission to reach the needs of all of our learners and who will work to attract and retain the high-quality staff we depend on to do the important work of educating the Valley’s children. As parents of students currently in our district, they understand our needs and have a vested interest in our schools. Tammy and Kathryn are common-sense, reflective of the values of our community and have a proven track record of working in and with our schools and staff. Vote Nimmo and Kuhlenberg on Nov. 4!
Megan Talbott
Glenwood Springs
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