Bridging Bionics birthday
On Oct. 15, the Bridging Bionics Foundation celebrated 10 years of helping people walk again who’d lost the ability due to neurological impairments. Within that decade, according to The Aspen Times, the organization has gifted more than 23,300 physical therapy sessions and continues to offer 300 monthly. It serves an average of 77 clients each month, 64% of which face financial hardship and receive scholarships. Happy birthday, Bridging Bionics!
Lacrosse tryouts
A new local sports club, Bells Lacrosse, will hold tryouts for its 2026 season on Sunday, Nov. 2 at Iselin Field at the Aspen Recreation Center. Tryouts are open to players expecting to graduate high school in the years 2030-2034 with a target of 18 athletes per roster. All participants must be properly equipped according to USA Lacrosse standard. Learn more at www.bellslacrosseclub.com
Drought improvement
A recent storm system dropped over three inches of rain on McClure and Schofield passes, causing flows on the lower Crystal River to increase by a factor of seven. The U.S. Drought Monitor reports that precipitation caused drought improvement in the Crystal and lower Roaring Fork River watersheds. As reported by the Roaring Fork Conservancy, “the wetter conditions are heading into winter, the less snowmelt soils will absorb next spring during runoff.” A voluntary fishing closure on the Crystal River was lifted by Colorado Parks and Wildlife on Oct. 16 due to the increased flow conditions. The voluntary closure was put in place on Aug. 13.
Zero-interest loans
Farms and food businesses in the Roaring Fork, Upper Colorado and North Fork river basins are eligible for a 0% loan through the 2Forks Club. Applications are due by Oct. 28 at 5pm. To learn more or join the club with a $250 membership (discounted to $150 for farmers, ranchers, teachers and students) visit www.farmco.org or email liz@farmco.org
Gingerbread Glenwood
The Glenwood Springs Historical Society is registering participants for its annual gingerbread house building competition hosted at the Hotel Colorado during its lighting event on Nov. 28. There are three laymen categories: non-professional cooks (18 and up), teens (13-17) and children (12 and under). The non-professional adults must base their entries on a structure in Glenwood Springs. Each entry fee is $10 and all proceeds benefit the historical society. Registration for individuals or teams of two must be completed before Nov. 17. Applications can be found at www.GlenwoodHistory.org There is also a professional chef category for individuals or teams of two, but is by invitation only. To request an invite, email director@glenwoodhistory.org
Carbondale U-Haul
U-Haul has a new Carbondale location. Martin Family Automotive (644 Merrill Avenue) now offers essential services like truck and trailer rentals, towing equipment and moving supplies, from 8am to 2pm, Monday through Friday. Because no financial investment is required to be a dealer, these local affiliates are not U-Haul franchises. They are simply small businesses that have committed time and space. Learn more about the dealer program at www.uhaul.com/dealer
Tangled wildlife
Antlered ungulates are inherently curious and with Halloween decorations popping up and yard pieces left in place are more susceptible to getting tangled up and stuck without food or water or the ability to move. Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) asks people to consider decorating without materials that animals can get caught in and to winterize yard spaces by putting away items that pose a risk, such as temporary fencing or hammocks. If someone comes across an entangled animal, they can contact the local CPW office or State Patrol if outside of business hours. For more about living with wildlife, visit www.cpw.state.co.us/living-wildlife
Career and education survey
The State of Colorado released a survey asking residents to weigh in on career experiences to help drive improved connections between education and training so more Coloradans can develop the skills necessary for good-paying jobs, while ensuring businesses have the talent they need. The survey is open through Nov. 7 at www.bit.ly/COcareers-survey
Gambling dough
The Colorado Division of Gaming released data on Oct. 21 showing a sharp, triple-digit spike in tax revenue from casinos. The August limited gaming report shows a 109.1% increase from July. For the fiscal year-to-date through August, total taxes have reached nearly $20 million, an 8% increase over the same period in fiscal year 2024. “These tax revenues play a vital role in supporting various state programs and services throughout the state,” stated Christopher Schroder, director of the Division of Gaming. “As we celebrate this growth, we also want to emphasize the importance of responsible gaming. We encourage all players to set limits and play responsibly and visit www.betsmart.colorado.gov for additional resources.”
They say it’s your birthday!
Folks celebrating another trip around the sun this week include: JoAnna Caldwell, Tamara Haynes-Norton (Oct. 23); Jeremy Cerise, Dave Kodama, Mary Kenyon, Olivia Savard, Ron Speaker and Alicia Zeringue (Oct. 24); Liesl Bellack, Crystal Beltz, Bill Dunn and Jocelyn Murray (Oct. 25); John Runne (Oct. 26); Chip Brotzman, Julie Lang, Katrina Nelson, Annette Roberts-Gray, Kay Schaefer and Ellen Stapenhorst (Oct. 27); Kaden Kirk and Gina Murdoch (Oct. 28); Zachary Cashin, Chase Fenton, Katee Peach, Daniela Rivera, Lisa Ruoff, Trinity Stebleton and Nicole Zugschwerdt (Oct. 29).