Stuff by Roberta McGowan

  • Locations: News Published

    Emergency vets save lives

    Registered vet tech Jen Bailey draws blood from her dog Gunner. As a blood donor, Gunner is required to have his blood work run annually. Photo by Laurel Smith. Registered vet tech Jen Bailey draws blood from her dog Gunner. As a blood donor, Gunner is required to have his blood work run annually. Photo by Laurel Smith.

    It’s 2 a.m. and your cat is staggering and having seizures. What can you do?
    It may be time to immediately contact the closest emergency vet clinic. Fortunately for residents of the Roaring Fork Valley, Basalt’s Valley Emergency Pet Care (VEPC) treats small animals like household pets.… read more →

  • Locations: News Published

    Vaccines roll out

    Carbondale firefighter Ryan Allison receives his first in a series of two COVID-19 vaccinations. Photo by Roberta McGowan. Carbondale firefighter Ryan Allison receives his first in a series of two COVID-19 vaccinations. Photo by Roberta McGowan.

    The Garfield County COVID-19 vaccination program is moving ahead and picking up speed. Two potentially life-saving vaccines are here and, according to Carrie Godes, Garfield County public health specialist, “We are getting more vials of the medication every several weeks with a mix of both the Pfizer and… read more →

  • Locations: News Published

    People in the Crystal Valley walk the talk

    A tagging war ensues in Marble, Colo. Photo provided by Nancy Fenton. A tagging war ensues in Marble, Colo. Photo provided by Nancy Fenton.

    By Roberta McGowan
    Sopris Sun Staff

    It may seem like ages ago, but it was only at the end of May 2020 when the Minneapolis police killing of George Floyd sparked a wave of protests all across the country. This murder became the final straw for Black, brown… read more →

  • Locations: News Published

    Perhaps,  the dark global pandemic cloud may soon be lifting

    The long awaited COVID-19 vaccine arrived at Valley View Hospital with frontline healthcare workers and residents at long term facilities the first group to be inoculated. Courtesy photo The long awaited COVID-19 vaccine arrived at Valley View Hospital with frontline healthcare workers and residents at long term facilities the first group to be inoculated. Courtesy photo

    It’s here. After months of fear, worry and anticipation, the highly touted vaccine from Pfizer Inc. has arrived in the valley.

    Both Valley View (VVH) and Aspen Valley (AVH) hospitals have reported receiving allocated shipments and have just started vaccinating frontline healthcare staff. 

    Garfield County Health Specialist Carrie Godes said… read more →

  • Locations: News Published

    Basalt honors its own

    Basalt Mayor Bill Kane (left) presents a plaque for Outstanding Community Service to Lt. Col Richard Merritt. Photo by Roberta McGowan Basalt Mayor Bill Kane (left) presents a plaque for Outstanding Community Service to Lt. Col Richard Merritt. Photo by Roberta McGowan

    By Roberta McGowan
    Sopris Sun Staff

    Some people move mountains, others like Lieutenant Colonel Richard Merritt, move people to the mountains for healing.
    For this and other accomplishments, Merritt at a recent town council meeting received the Basalt Outstanding Community Service Award.
    As noted by Basalt Mayor… read more →

  • Locations: News Published

    Celebrations

    Adee Briggs, 3, learns about Chanukah and lights the Menorah candles for the first time. Photo by Sue Rollyson Adee Briggs, 3, learns about Chanukah and lights the Menorah candles for the first time. Photo by Sue Rollyson

    By Roberta McGowan
    Sopris Sun Staff

    Whether you deck the halls, light the candles, celebrate the New Year or meditate at the end of 2020 and are just glad it’s gone, the holiday season remains a very special time in the Roaring Fork Valley.
    Throughout the area, spiritual… read more →

  • Locations: News Published

    Todd Chamberlin named executive director

    Newly-named Executive Director Todd Chamberlin works on new projects to expand the advertising and reach throughout the valley. Photo by Roberta McGowan Newly-named Executive Director Todd Chamberlin works on new projects to expand the advertising and reach throughout the valley. Photo by Roberta McGowan

    The Roaring Fork Valley community’s only 501C3 nonprofit newspaper is modifying its organizational structure to help position the paper to grow and expand its mission.

    Todd Chamberlin, Sopris Sun advertising director, was appointed to the top spot and will be heading up business development, fundraising, distribution and sales for the… read more →

  • Locations: News Published

    Art Base takes root

    Art Base Executive Director Skye Skinner shows how the large first floor gallery space will be located to attract the interest of people strolling by on Midland Avenue. Photo by Roberta McGowan Art Base Executive Director Skye Skinner shows how the large first floor gallery space will be located to attract the interest of people strolling by on Midland Avenue. Photo by Roberta McGowan

    A downtown Basalt fixture has taken a giant leap forward to finally find its forever home with the $1.5 purchase of the entire building at 174 Midland Ave.

    Skye Skinner — appointed Art Base executive director appointed in 2020 after two years in the interim position… read more →

  • Locations: News Published

    Our Town - An educator to the core

    Nikki Beinstein takes a short break from her busy schedule. Photo by Roberta McGowan Nikki Beinstein takes a short break from her busy schedule. Photo by Roberta McGowan

    Educator and author Nikki Beinstein, well known for teaching at the Marble Charter School just launched a new nonprofit venture to help advanced students share and discuss their creative accomplishments. As a Valley resident of 17 years, Nikki has raised her two children Ruby, 14, and Moses, 11… read more →

  • Locations: News Published

    Basalt forges ahead on Arbaney Pool project

    Basalt forges ahead on Arbaney Pool project thumbnail

    In a unanimous vote, Basalt Town Council approved the contract with Rudd Construction for the Arbaney pool improvements with the contingency for Town Attorney Jeff Conklin and Town Manager Ryan Mahoney to review the potential need for a site plan review or exemption.

    Before the vote,… read more →