The Town of Carbondale officially wrapped up its first-ever capital campaign on Dec. 31, securing the funding needed to complete the new Aquatic Center. Nearly $2.1 million was raised from more than 500 individual donors, families, foundations, civic organizations and county and state grants, complemented by $2.3 million from the Town’s reserve funds and over $9 million in bonds and interest. “We had a mountain to climb, and we did it,” commented Parks and Rec Director Eric Brendlinger. At $13.4 million total, this will be the first all-electric aquatics facility in Colorado. The Carbondale Aquatic Center is poised to open this spring. Courtesy photo

Sopris Sun requests
The Sopris Sun is seeking local restaurants and catering companies interested in participating with our 17th anniversary wine tasting fundraiser at the Thompson Barn in River Valley Ranch on Feb. 17. In exchange for appetizers, The Sopris Sun and Sol del Valle will offer $600 in advertising credit. For details, contact Elizabeth Phillips at gravity@sopris.net 

Basalt elections
The Town of Basalt is seeking qualified individuals to run for Town Council to serve a four-year term. There are three open seats on the ballot for the April 7 municipal election. Nomination petitions are available from the Town Clerk and must be returned, with 25 valid signatures, no later than 5pm on Jan. 26. 

Gallery proposals
Do you have an idea for an art exhibition? Carbondale Arts is accepting 2027 gallery proposals featuring local and regional artists through May 4. Find the details at www.carbondalearts.com/exhibitions/2027-proposals and don’t miss the 47th annual Valley Visual Art Show opening at The Launchpad this Friday, Jan. 23, with a reception from 5 to 7pm. The show will remain on display through Feb. 23. 

NOCTURNES
Local pianist extraordinaire Clay Boland Jr. has released two new albums on Apple Music, Spotify and YouTube: “NOCTURNES VOL. I PART I” and “NOCTURNES VOL. I PART II.” Together, the albums have nighttime improvisations in all 24 keys. 

Wapiti Commons
Habitat for Humanity of the Roaring Fork Valley (Habitat RFV) celebrated the completion of Wapiti Commons on Jan. 16. This new 20-unit affordable condominium development in Rifle is the largest building Habitat RFV has constructed. Throughout the process homeowners completed financial education, navigated the complexities of securing a mortgage and contributed 250 hours of sweat equity to the project. 

Glenwood fatality
Jennifer Parker, 47, and her dog were struck and killed by a semi-truck trailer towing a utility-enclosed semi-box trailer on I-70 west of Glenwood Springs on Wednesday, Jan. 14, around 7:19pm. The driver reportedly fled the scene after initially stopping and has since been identified. Witnesses are asked to call 970-249-4392 and reference case number VC260017. Our condolences to family and friends of Parker.

Home Waters expansion
Home Water Real Estate Group announced last week the hire of two prominent Roaring Fork Valley professionals: Colorado native and internationally recognized fly-fishing guide Steven Brown, and former Carbondale mayor and property management expert Dan Richardson. “We’re thrilled to welcome Steve and Dan to the Home Waters family,” stated Mike Shook, founding owner and managing broker. “Both embody our philosophy of connection, stewardship and honest service. Together, they strengthen our ability to help clients find exceptional properties that reflect their lifestyle and legacy.”

Disaster appeal
Governor Jared Polis submitted an appeal to the Trump administration to reconsider its decision to deny two major disaster declaration requests for the 2025 Elk and Lee fires and flooding in Archuleta County. According to a press release, the Elk and Lee fires caused $27,491,064 in damages, which was verified through FEMA’s Joint Preliminary Damage Assessment. “We are submitting these appeals to help ensure that the Colorado communities impacted can get the support they deserve to recover more quickly,” said Polis. 

Free tax help
High Country Volunteers offers free tax preparation assistance to individuals earning less than $67,000, as well as seniors, veterans and individuals living with a disability, Feb. 3 through April 15. The Tax Assistance Program offers support for simple filings only. Assistance sites are located throughout Garfield and Pitkin counties, and appointments can be made by calling 970-896-6210. For more information, visit www.highcountryvolunteers.org/ourprograms 

Youth In Nature
Roaring Fork Outdoor Volunteers is accepting applications for its 2026-2027 Youth In Nature high school internship program. Participants receive a $1,500 educational award over the course of the year, meet once a month for stewardship projects and outdoor recreation, including a backcountry hut trip, and discover volunteer opportunities and associative job prospects. Applications are due April 4. For more information, visit www.rfov.org/youth-in-nature 

After more than 34 years in operation, Movieland 7 in El Jebel is set to shutter on Thursday, Jan. 22. Movieland first opened in 1991 thanks to Charles Moss, a real estate and entertainment entrepreneur who built the Orchard Plaza commercial condominiums and retail center. Bow Tie Partners, a family business, once operated 40 movie theaters, but that number has declined since the COVID-19 pandemic, The Aspen Times reported. After Jan. 22, there will be a single Bow Tie theater left, located in Virginia. “The Addams Family,””” — the first movie screened at Movieland — will return to the big screen for one last hoorah with showings at 2:20 and 5:20pm. Photo by Tristan Mead

They say it’s your birthday!
Folks celebrating another trip around the sun this week include: Joshua Adamson, Melissa Missy Elzey, Peter Green, Taylor Wagner and Abriah Wofford (Jan. 22); Josie Cruz, Jack Green, Bear Matthews, Becca Rogers, Christine Hill Smith and Hone Williams (Jan. 23); Linda Lafferty and Marty Silverstein (Jan. 24); Felina Cruz (Jan. 25); Kitty Bearden, Brian Colley, Alli Powell, Kat Taylor and Arick Zeigel (Jan. 26); Kaleb Cook, Laura McCormick Grobler and Elizabeth Ritchie (Jan. 27); Greg Albrecht, Sheila Duke and Carly Rosenthal (Jan. 28).