Aspen Center for Environmental Studies (ACES) announced in late November that its wilderness retreat facility in the Castle Creek Valley, the Catto Center at Toklat, was reopening to the public after a major renovation of the historic structure. In a conversation with The Sopris Sun, ACES CEO Chris Lane said that the nearly three-year project, […]
Education
Posted inSports
Experiential Education: Mountain Rescue Aspen imparts backcountry safety know-how
When people think of search and rescue, the first thought may be of a call they hope they never have to make. Yet many of these response teams do more than emergency backcountry recovery. Mountain Rescue Aspen (MRA), one of the oldest rescue teams in Colorado, is approaching four decades of offering safety skills workshops […]
Posted inEducation
RFSD proceeds with cautious optimism and determination after autumn insurance pivot
In late September, news broke that the Roaring Fork School District (RFSD) was making an unexpected shift from a self-insurance health plan back to a managed health care plan, at significant cost to the district. While a shock to the public, the decision was the result of months of review on the first year of […]
Posted inSports
Basalt’s bid for state football title falls short
Despite a resilient performance in front of the home fans that had the Basalt High School football team within striking distance of the school’s first-ever trip to a championship game, the Longhorns ultimately bowed out with a 41-28 loss to The Classical Academy (TCA) on Saturday, Nov. 23. Coming into the game with identical 11-0 […]
Posted inArts & Entertainment
New Powers Art Center exhibit offers intimate glimpse into friendships and art history
The Powers Art Center’s upcoming exhibit, “In the Living Room with John and Kimiko,” promises a one-of-a-kind journey into the lives of two visionary art collectors who helped shape the pop art movement. Opening Dec. 3, the exhibit provides an intimate look at the world-renowned collection of John and Kimiko Powers, featuring iconic works by […]
Posted inEducation
Tiny homes, big experience: Local students gain job-readiness skills
On any given day, the sound of whirring power tools and jovial voices can be heard outside Bridges High School. A short walk around the back and you might find a lively group of high schoolers constructing a tiny home with Ben Kite, their construction instructor from Youthentity. “Make sure the boards are flush,” Kite […]
Posted inEnvironment
Washington range rider talks about ‘co-thriving’ with wolves
Daniel Curry named his organization, Project GRIPH, after his horse. “Griph is the first horse I rescued from slaughter,” said Curry. “He would have been dog food in 2009. Now he’s started this business with me and he’s been there with me the whole time.” GRIPH also stands for Guarding the Respective Interests of Predators […]
Posted inEducation
A conversation with author, activist Marianne Williamson
Marianne Williamson has done many different kinds of work over the years, including authoring 15 books since 1992 on facets of faith and spirituality — selling more than three million copies. In recent years, she has twice run as a Democratic presidential candidate, championing progressive positions with an emphasis on centering love within political action.Williamson […]
Posted inEducation
Waterman chronicles arctic climate change in new book
Jon Waterman — National Geographic photographer, rugged adventurer, award-winning author — is publishing a new book, “Into the Thaw: Witnessing Wonder Amid the Arctic Climate Crisis,” a firsthand account of climate change in the Arctic Circle.Waterman had the first winter ascent of Mt. Denali’s Cassin Ridge in 1982; he’s kayaked North America’s Northwest Passage; boated […]
Posted inEducation
Experiential Education: CMC backs outdoor skill development for adults
This summer and autumn, I explored the history of U.S. and Roaring Fork Valley experiential education and shared about some of the many programs available for local youth through school and private organizations. In this winter feature the series turns to outdoor education opportunities for adults of all ages. For this iteration I spoke to […]