CPD on immigration
Following Garfield County Sheriff Lou Vallario’s statement regarding his agency’s commitment to work with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) within the parameters of Colorado law, Carbondale Police (CPD) Chief Kirk Wilson outlined his department’s commitment to uphold the Town’s 2017 Resolution 10. “CPD is here to serve and protect all members of our community, no matter their background. We enforce state laws fairly and without bias, and we do not ask about immigration status when responding to calls for help, speaking with witnesses or interacting with the public,” Wilson stated. He stated that CPD does not honor ICE detainers or hold people in custody based on immigration status. “On rare occasions, we may support federal agencies in locating and apprehending individuals with active warrants who pose a serious threat to our community,” he noted. “No one should ever be afraid to report a crime or come forward as a victim or witness because of their immigration status.”
Lift-Up updates
On Feb. 14, Lift-Up announced programming adjustments to align with its 2025 operational budget “while maintaining fiscal responsibility.” A press release stated that programs being phased out were initially offered during the pandemic to help maintain social distancing. Beginning March 1, there will no longer be drive-thru food distribution services; the 72-Hour Food Bags, Senior Boxes and the Wee Cycle Diaper Program will only be available for pick-up at pantry locations and families will be limited to one pantry visit each week. For a list of Pantry of Choice locations and hours, refer to Lift-Up’s monthly calendar: www.liftup.org/calendar
Mind Springs
In a unanimous decision, the Mind Springs board of directors decided not to move forward with a proposed mental healthcare contract with Immigration and Customs Enforcement. “West Springs Hospital, the only psychiatric hospital between Denver and Salt Lake City, had been in discussions with the Immigration Healthcare Service Corp to offer acute, inpatient mental healthcare to migrants,” stated a press release. The board concluded that this contract would compromise community trust.
Denver schools sue Trump
“Denver Public Schools is taking the Trump administration to court in an effort to keep immigration enforcement away from schools locally and across the country,” reported Chalkbeat Colorado. The lawsuit, believed to be the first such lawsuit by a school district, seeks to reinstate the “sensitive locations” policy that blocked most immigration enforcement near schools, hospitals and churches.
Interior department firings
The Interior department announced on Feb. 14 it was firing 2,300 probationary employees. Aaron Weiss, deputy director for the Center for Western Priorities, a conservation advocacy organization, stated, “Firing the next generation of America’s park rangers, scientists and land managers is a recipe for literal disaster. I don’t know whether we’ll see overflowing latrines, polluted streams or deadly wildfires first, but Doug Burgum is already leaving a path of destruction across America’s parks and public lands.”
Colorado Extreme
The Colorado Extreme 12U hockey team has been on the ice at the Quebec International Pee-Wee Hockey Tournament this week. After a tough first match against England on Feb. 15, resulting in a 9-1 defeat, the Carbondale-based team went on to defeat the Beauce-Appalaches Vikings, 4-2, on Feb. 17. With the win, Colorado Extreme held its place in the tournament and faced off with the Gouverneurs de Noroit on Wednesday, Feb. 19 — those results were not available by press time. For final results, visit www.tinyurl.com/COXtremeinQuebec
Wolf depredation
Following a reported depredation in Jackson County on Feb. 5, Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) confirmed on Feb. 15 that the cow in question was indeed killed by a wolf. The wolf, however, is suspected not to be collared as there was no data reflected in the area. All reintroduced wolves are collared and CPW can monitor their approximate locations. The origin of the wolf is unknown at this time, according to a CPW press release. For a list of confirmed wolf depredations, visit www.tinyurl.com/COwolfdepredations
Cocaine seizure
On Feb. 11, Garfield County’s Special Problem Enforcement and Response (SPEAR) task force conducted a traffic stop that resulted in the discovery of more than eight pounds of suspected cocaine and the arrest of the vehicle’s three occupants, each with California home addresses.
Artist opportunity
WindWalkers is seeking a fresh logo! Advanced art students and local graphic designers are encouraged to submit an entry by April 18 to Liza@WindWalkers.org for the chance to win $1,000 and two tickets to the Kentucky Derby Watch Party on May 3. There are also prizes for second and third place. A winning logo will capture the following essence: “a magical place where horses and caring professionals offer a variety of equine-assisted therapies to aid in the development and growth of those with challenges, be they physical, neurological, emotional, behavioral or psychological.”
They say it’s your birthday!
Folks celebrating another trip around the sun this week include: Tom Paxton and Jess Pedersen (Feb 20); Pati Edquist, Wyatt Farris, Max Herriott-Frank, Mike Lemmer and Collin Stewart (Feb. 21); Libertad Lee Rico Bustillos, Lucas Leone and Yesenia Silva-Estrada (Feb. 22); David Ackerman, Sophia Clark and Rachael Schultz (Feb. 23); Quentin Farris, Toni Gross, Nuria Moya, Steve Skinner and Kyle Watts (Feb. 24); Barb Bush, Dottie Daniels, Dorsey Moore and Marty Rynearson (Feb. 26).
~ C A L E N D A R ~
Rehearsal photo by Klaus Kocher
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 20
SNOTEL
Roaring Fork Conservancy invites you to learn about winter snowpack by touring a SNOTEL site on McClure Pass from 9:30am to 12:30pm. Register at www.roaringfork.org/events
ART FOR SENIORS
Aspen Art Museum invites seniors to create and socialize, while simultaneously enhancing their dexterity and boosting their memory, today at the Aspen Art Museum from 1:30 to 3:30pm and Thursday, Feb. 27 from 1 to 3pm at Pitkin County Senior Services. Register at www.aspenartmuseum.org
BOOK CLUB
Carbondale Library’s Third Thursday Book Club discusses “The Lost Girls of Willowbrook” by Ellen Marie Wiseman from 2 to 3:30pm.
PET SAFETY
Journey Home Animal Care Center presents on pet safety education at Saddleback RV Park in Battlement Mesa from 2 to 4pm.
BLACK HISTORY LIVE
Colorado Mountain College and Colorado Humanities present “Black History Live: Louis ‘Satchmo’ Armstrong” at the New Space Theatre (CMC Spring Valley) and via livestream (colomtn.me/bhlive25) at 3pm. Scholar/performer Marvin Jefferson will recount Satchmo’s story with a first-person monologue.
PAPER WEAVING
The Basalt Library offers a workshop for children ages 5 to 10 designing Kente cloth, inspired by the Ashanti people of Ghana, from 4 to 5pm.
ARTIST LECTURE
Anderson Ranch in Snowmass Village hosts a lecture with visiting artist Nacho Carbonell at 4:30pm.
SOPRIS SUN FUNDRAISER
Tonight’s the night! Join our Cabin Fever Winetasting/16th Birthday Celebration at the Thompson Barn from 5 to 8pm. Tickets at www.soprissun.com
HEALTHY JOURNEY
Aspen Valley Hospital Foundation presents an educational evening at the Aspen Meadows Campus (845 Meadows Road) with speakers, including Dr. Rick Klausner delivering the keynote address on the science of aging. It begins with a cocktail reception at 5pm. Tickets at www.tinyurl.com/HealthyJourneyAVH
RIVER FILM
The Roaring Fork Kayak Club and American Whitewater present a screening of several river films, including “River of Sorrows,” at the Glenwood Vaudeville Revue at 5:30pm. Your ticket purchase supports efforts to ensure legal river access in Colorado. Catch an exclusive interview with The Sopris Sun on KDNK today at 4pm.
HEIDI GANAHL
The Pitkin County Republicans welcome 2022 candidate for Colorado governor Heidi Ganahl at Jus Snowmass (45 Wood Road, Snowmass Village) speaking about “rebuilding conservative influence in Colorado” at 5:30pm. To RSVP, visit www.bit.ly/Ganahl
NATURALIST NIGHTS
Catch Dr. Chris Monz’ presentation on the impacts of outdoor recreation on ecology at the Pitkin Library at 6pm.
CRYSTAL THEATRE
Tonight at 7pm is your last chance to catch “I’m Still Here” at the Crystal Theatre. “The Brutalist” opens tomorrow and continues Saturday and Feb. 27 at 6:30pm. Sunday’s show is at 5pm.
PAUL REISER
Comedian, actor, writer, musician Paul Reiser performs at the Wheeler Opera House at 7pm. Tickets at www.aspenshowtix.com
‘TINY BEAUTIFUL THINGS’
Thunder River Theatre’s run of “Tiny Beautiful Things” continues this weekend and next, with Thursday, Friday and Saturday performances at 7:30pm and Sunday matinees at 2pm. Tickets at www.thunderrivertheatre.com
COMEDY NIGHT
Steve’s Guitars hosts another comedy night, this time with Beth Brandon, Jordan Lowe, Layla Goldberg, Diego Gonzales and Miller Ford, at 8pm. Tickets at www.stevesguitars.net
FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 21
COLIN CLOUD
The Wheeler Opera House presents world-renowned mentalist Colin Cloud and his critically-acclaimed show “Mastermind” at 7pm. Find tickets at www.aspenshowtix.com
THE BARD
Olivia Pevec, “The Bard,” performs at Steve’s Guitars at 8pm. Tickets at www.stevesguitars.net
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 22
SEED SAVING
Growing Empowerment hosts a community seed-saving workshop from 10 am-12 pm at Eagle Crest Nursery in El Jebel. Additional workshops will be held in March up and down the Valley. For more info and workshop dates, call 970-704-9535.
ADOPTION EVENT
Journey Home Animal Care Center teams up with PetCo in Glenwood Springs for an adoption event from noon to 3pm.
KDNK CHILI COOK-OFF
KDNK hosts its annual Chili Cook-Off at the station from 4 to 6pm. Enter your chili to win, or just head on over for a taste. Competitors eat for free! Email chris@kdnk.org for more info.
THE LONE BELLOW
TACAW presents The Lone Bellow at 8pm. Tickets at www.tacaw.org
SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 23
VIBRATIONAL SOUND HEALING
Eileen Day McKusick introduces her Biofield Tuning Institute with a Zoom presentation and conversation at A Spiritual Center (Room 31 at the Third Street Center) from 10 to 11:30am.
STORYTELLING
Jessica Barnum leads a four-part storytelling and journaling workshop at the Basalt Library starting today at 3:30pm. The workshop is geared toward adults, but all ages are welcome.
PUZZLE & PIE NIGHT
The Carbondale Recreation Center’s epic puzzle competition takes place from 4 to 7pm with pizza and prizes. Register a team at www.carbondalerec.com
TINY TERRARIUM
In partnership with Thunder River Theatre Company, Botany Houseplant Shop invites you to build your own “Tiny Beautiful Terrarium” at 4:15pm, following a performance of “Tiny Beautiful Things.” Register at www.thunderrivertheatre.com
CUBA ORCHESTRA
The Wheeler Opera House presents Adonis Puentes & The Voice of Cuba Orchestra at 7:30pm. To encourage dancing, the Wheeler will open up the floor facing the orchestra. Tickets at www.aspenshowtix.com
MONDAY, FEBRUARY 24
YOGA IS MEDICINE
Basalt Library’s free Ayurvedic yoga class continues from 10:15 to 11:15am.
BOARD GAME BONANZA
Basalt Library welcomes kids 5 and older to play games and make friends while enjoying tasty snacks from 4 to 5pm.
ACES SOUND BATH
Megan DiSabatino guides a “Winter Sound Bath and Forest Bathing” session at Hallam Lake from 5:15 to 6:30pm. Register at www.aspennature.org
TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 25
FROSTBITE FRIGHTS
Basalt Library invites you in from the cold to enjoy a PG horror movie with popcorn and warm beverages at 4:30pm.
TALKING MENTAL HEALTH
Garfield County Libraries and Garfield County Public Health present “Let’s Chat Mental Health,” a series taking place every last Tuesday of the month through May. The in-person events will alternate between the Rifle and Glenwood Springs libraries, with the first (tonight) being held in Rifle. Each session will have a Zoom option, and starts at 5pm. Call 970-665-6370 for more info.
THEATER MASTERS
TACAW hosts the Theater Masters Aspiring Playwrights Festival, a showcase of short plays written by Roaring Fork Valley high school students, at 6pm. Register for free at www.tacaw.org
‘NATURE OF HOPE’
As part of its Jessica Catto Dialogue Series, Aspen Center for Environment Studies presents “Nature of Hope with Ami Vitale” at 6pm at the Wheeler Opera House. Vitale is an award-winning National Geographic photographer and filmmaker who will highlight her coverage of conservation efforts around the world. Tickets at www.aspenshowtix.com
DRAWING CLUB
Roaring Fork Drawing Club sketches and socializes at the Powers Art Center at 6:30pm.
WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 26
BLACK HISTORY
Basalt Library welcomes acclaimed columnist and political commentator Michael Harriot to discuss “Black AF History: The Un-Whitewashed Story of America” at 5:30pm. Free copies of the book are available at the circulation desk while supplies last.
YOUTH ORCHESTRA
Roaring Fork Youth Orchestra presents a winter concert featuring budding musicians from local schools at TACAW at 6:30pm. Register for free at www.tacaw.org
RADICAL WEDNESDAYS
Aspen Film’s Radical Wednesdays film series continues with “Blades of Glory” hosted by Clay Dahlman at the AF Isis Theatre at 6:30pm. Tickets at www.aspenfilm.org
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 27
BLACK INVENTORS
Basalt Library’s Teen Innovator’s Lab celebrates Black inventors throughout history from 4 to 5:30pm. Registration is recommended at www.basaltlibrary.org/events-calendar
RINCÓN LITERARIO
Basalt Library’s Spanish book club, Rincón Literario, discusses “Solito,” an autobiography by Javier Zamora, at 6pm. Free copies are available at the circulation desk while supplies last.
FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 28
COZY HOUR
Young adults and teens (ages 14 to 35) are invited to enjoy “a cozy hour” at the Basalt Library after hours, with board games, a craft and more, from 5 to 6pm.
ART OPENING
“Cosmic Compost” by Rachel Becker and “Where the Wild Things Live” by Kirstie Steiner open at The Launchpad’s R2 Gallery with a reception from 5 to 7pm and an artist talk at 5:30pm. Both exhibits will remain on display through April 4.
CONNOR GARVEY
Catch Connor Garvey at Steve’s Guitars tonight at 8pm. Tickets at www.stevesguitars.net
CONSENSUAL IMPROV
Consensual Improv performs at TACAW at 8pm. Tickets at www.tacaw.org
ROOFTOP KARAOKE
The Aspen Art Center hosts “Rooftop Karaoke” marking the closing of its current exhibit, “Shuang Li: I’m Not” on display through March 2, from 8 to 10pm. Register at www.aspenartmuseum.com
SATURDAY, MARCH 1
POKEY LAFARGE
Cicada Rhythm opens for Pokey LaFarge at TACAW at 8pm. Tickets at www.tacaw.org
SUNDAY, MARCH 2
MONTHLY MEDITATION
The Carbondale Meditation Circle of Self Realization Fellowship meets on the first Sunday of every month from 9 to 10:30am in the meditation room at True Nature.
RANDOM CONVERSATIONS
The Art of Random Conversations series continues at the Carbondale Library tonight from 6 to 7:30pm. “Push your comfort zone and follow thought-provoking questions that allow you to connect deeply with whomever is sitting next to you.”
COSMIC COUNTRY
TACAW presents Daniel Donato’s Cosmic Country at 8pm. Tickets at www.tacaw.org
ONGOING
ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS
The Meeting Place in Carbondale (981 Cowen Drive) offers “Hole in the Donut AA,” Monday through Saturday at 6:45am, plus “Daily Reprieve” at noon on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. Find a full schedule at www.meetingplacecarbondale.org
IN STITCHES
The In Stitches Knitting Club meets at the Carbondale Library every Monday at 1:30pm.
BOARD GAMES
Kids (5 and up) play board games in the Treehouse Room at the Basalt Library Mondays at 4pm. Snacks provided.
AIKIDO
Crystal River Aikikai offers aikido training at 13 Moons Ranch for adults and teens on Mondays from 5:30 to 6:30pm and Wednesdays from 6:30 to 7:30pm. Kids classes are on Mondays from 4 to 5pm and Wednesdays from 4 to 5pm. Get your first class for free with an RSVP at www.crystalriveraikikai.com
ENGLISH IN ACTION
Volunteer English tutors and developing learners meet for informal conversational practice at the Carbondale Library every Monday at 6:30pm. Interested in becoming a tutor? Email angela@englishinaction.org or call 970-963-9200.
MONDAY MEDITATION
Roaring Fork Insight guides a weekly meditation group meeting at the Third Street Center (Room 31) from 7 to 8:30pm.
BABY STORYTIME
The Carbondale Library hosts baby storytime at 9:30am on Tuesdays.
RAISING A READER
Basalt Library hosts an hour of storytime, activities and snacks Tuesdays at 10:30am.
PAWS TO READ
Kindergarten through fifth graders can sign up for 15 minutes of reading with a therapy dog starting at 3:30pm every first and third Tuesday. Call 970-963-2889 to register.
CRIBBAGE
Whether you’ve played for years or are looking to learn, stop by the Carbondale Rec Center from 4 to 5pm Tuesday nights. Bring snacks or non-alcoholic drinks to share! Visit www.carbondalerec.com for more info.
YARN GROUP
Basalt Library hosts a weekly yarn group on Tuesdays at 5pm. All are welcome.
BIKE PROJECT
The Carbondale Bike Project Shop helps people repair their bicycles on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 2 to 6pm and Sundays from noon to 6pm on the east side of Third Street Center.
SENIOR LUNCH
Every Wednesday at noon, Garfield County Senior Programs provides a nutritious meal for seniors at The Orchard. To reserve a place at the table, call 970-665-0041.
SPARK
The Carbondale Library invites kids to “build, create, explore, concoct and invent together” on the 2nd, 3rd, 4th and 5th Wednesday of each month at 2pm.
COSECHA TEXTILES
Textile enthusiasts are invited to a monthly workshop at Cosecha Textiles (95 Red Dog Road) every first Wednesday from 4 to 9pm. Register at www.cosechatextiles.com
SPANISH CLUB
Practice Spanish and enjoy specials at Bodegón in Carbondale every Wednesday from 5 to 7pm.
LINE DANCING
Learn to line dance at the Carbondale Community School from 5:30 to 6:30 every Wednesday.
ASK A LAWYER
Alpine Legal Services offers a hotline clinic on Wednesdays from 5 to 7pm. Call 970-368-2246 and visit alpinelegalservices.org for the schedule of dates by legal topic.
‘SOURCE DIALOGUES’
Gary Springfield, author of “Source Dialogues: The Miracle Mechanism of Manifestation,” discusses the tenants of his book via a livestream at the Third Street Center every second and fourth Wednesday at 6:30pm.
CANCER CARE
The Calaway-Young Cancer Center at Valley View Hospital offers yoga for cancer patients, survivors and caregivers at 9:15am on Thursdays. Then, the Walk and Talk cancer support group meets at 11am at the chapel in the cancer center.
WIGGLES OUT
Toddlers and preschoolers get their wiggles out at the Carbondale Library on Thursdays from 10:30 to 11:30am.
GERI-FIT
The Carbondale Library hosts an older-adult fitness class every Thursday through Feb. 27 at 12:15pm. Call 970-625-5282 ext. 3084 to register.
UNDER THE SUN
Join Sopris Sun correspondents and guests for “Everything Under The Sun,” airing every Thursday on KDNK at 4pm.
GROUP RUN
Independence Run & Hike leads a weekly group run on Thursdays departing from the store’s location, next to the Carbondale City Market, at 6:30pm.
COFFEE WITH THE MAYOR
Carbondale Mayor Ben Bohmfalk posts up at Bonfire every Friday from 8 to 9am, and everyone is welcome to stop by to chat.
STORYTIME
Carbondale Library hosts storytime for youngsters and their accompanied adults every Friday at 10:30am.
STORYTIME & PLAY
The Basalt Library hosts its storytime/play group every Friday from 10:30 to 11am.