After swinging open the door to the Near New, a shopper’s eyes dance to a kaleidoscope of items, from housewares to sporty outfits. A volunteer is there to greet them, but their time is precious and there’s much to do. Donations are down and so are sales, according to MaryAnn Sands, volunteer manager. On average, […]
Nonprofits
Posted inSports
Chris Klug Foundation’s Jessi Rochel puts rubber to pavement
Jessi Rochel is a runner with a cause. For nearly four years, the Carbondale local and executive director of the Chris Klug Foundation (CKF) has been quietly chipping away at the elusive Six Star Medal presented by Abbott World Marathon Majors all while raising critical funds and awareness for organ, eye and tissue donation. “Running […]
Posted inArts & Entertainment
No Script, No Exit: ‘The Long Conversation’ comes to Carbondale
On Sunday, May 3, two people will walk onto the stage at the Crystal Theatre with no moderator, no set topic, and only one instruction: pick up where the last conversation left off. Then they’ll talk for 30 minutes, step off, and hand it to the next pair. Over 12 hours, that relay will repeat […]
Posted inNews
Claims circulate that accredited rep. misrepresented himself as attorney
Following some accusations that Gypsum-based accredited representative Hector Gonzalez has misrepresented himself as an attorney, he told The Sopris Sun that he is not a lawyer and has never told anyone otherwise. A recent article in the Vail Daily covered a specific claim that Gonzalez misrepresented himself as an attorney. The newspaper had previously identified […]
Posted inNonprofits
Stepping Stones posits intentional growth for greater impact
Rooted in its vision to create a community where youth and their families are empowered, connected and thriving, the nonprofit Stepping Stones is sprouting new growth — and serving more youth — having recently opened its latest drop-in center in Glenwood Springs. Located at 1630 Grand Avenue, the new center opened in October 2025 and […]
Posted inNonprofits
HeadQuarters closes after a decade of service
The Basalt-based mental health nonprofit HeadQuarters is currently winding down operations after announcing in early February that it would close its services. The organization was founded in 2016 with a focus on connecting people with preventive mental health services, resources, peer groups and workshops. HeadQuarters also raised money to directly help clients access professional services. […]
Posted inNonprofits
The Buddy Program: Hitting marks and other fortunate events
Rafael, 11, tipped his head, stared at a spot on a massive elk target, its rack curving skyward, in a stand of trees. He drew his bow, intent, and released an arrow. Thwack. “That was a perfect shot,” Mike said. My husband, Mike Benge, and his friend Franz Froelicher were walking courses with Rafael Gonzalez, […]
Posted inNews
‘Newspaper isn’t dying yet, not as long as I’m around!’
A look inside the newspaper printing process Last Thursday, Jan. 5, after sending Sol del Valle to print, the Sol del Valle and Sopris Sun teams traveled through the Glenwood Canyon to the printing press where both newspapers, along with many other local publications, come to life on paper. The Colorado Mountain News Media (CMNM) […]
Posted inArts & Entertainment
Sharing awws and laughs at the Crystal Theatre
The Crystal Theatre Alliance has been busy rolling films for audiences in Carbondale ever since taking over from the esteemed Ezra family last year and converting the beloved single-screen cinema to a nonprofit. The theater isn’t just inviting movie-goers, however, but is hosting various forms of live entertainment. Two such chances are on deck: the […]
Posted inEnvironment
Glenwood group working to preserve historic greenhouse, establish botanical gardens
A Glenwood Springs citizen group is in the process of trying to rescue, relocate and repurpose a unique piece of the region’s history — the ornate early 20th century greenhouse that once adorned the front lawn at the Redstone Castle. The nearly 122-year-old greenhouse for the past eight decades has resided in West Glenwood where […]