‘Ghost, Goblins, & Ghouls’
Sage pianist Clay Boland Jr. has pulled together a new Halloween-themed album called “Ghosts, Goblins, & Ghouls: A Halloween Introduction to the Instruments of the Orchestra” featuring the works of Bach, Scarlatti, Grieg, Chopin, Shostakovich and MacDowell. Louis Girardot spiced it up with digital editing and some special effects. The project is available to stream on Spotify.
Día de los Muertos
Two Rivers Unitarian Universalist invites the community to a Día de los Muertos potluck and altar celebration at the Third Street Center at 5:30pm this Saturday, Nov. 1. Monica Muñiz will offer a cultural reflection on the deeper meaning of the holiday and participants are encouraged (but not required) to bring a favorite dish (especially one honoring someone who has passed) and a framed photo or memento of a deceased one to place on the communal ofrenda (altar). All are welcome, no RSVP required.
McClure River Ranch
Garfield County approved a preliminary plan and minor modification to a planned unit development for McClure River Ranch near Carbondale, paving the way for residential dwellings and potential affordable housing units on the property, which is home to polo and equestrian events. The development, owned by Aspen Polo Partners LLC, is located between the Waldorf school and Blue Creek Ranch. Formerly the area was designated for high density residential, allowing for 89 dwelling units. The developer proposed a maximum of 38 units, including 12 lots each with an accessory dwelling unit option and apartments in cabins and existing horse barns, with a shared space for events and a community garden.
Red Kettle Kick Off
The Salvation Army kicks off its bell-ringing season with an event at New Hope Church in New Castle this Saturday, Nov. 1, from 1 to 3pm. The organization serves people in need from Parachute to Aspen, providing emergency financial assistance for rent, utilities, transportation, prescriptions and shelter; also helping people experiencing homelessness with essentials like tents, sleeping bags, winter clothing, grooming kits and food. Volunteer bell ringers are needed at locations throughout the Valley. To sign up, visit www.registertoring.com
Cultural Vibrancy Fellowship
The City of Aspen is calling for youth and adult applications for its Cultural Vibrancy Fellowship program. The Red Brick Center for the Arts and the Wheeler Opera House have partnered to design and host this program, intended to recognize, showcase and support local artists with funding opportunities. A total of 12 adults will receive up to $5,000 each and 10 youth participants will receive up to $750. The deadline to apply is Nov. 21. Learn more at www.aspen.gov
Vehicle trespasses
Garfield County deputies arrested a juvenile female and adult male in connection with multiple vehicle trespasses and thefts that occurred outside Glenwood Springs in the Canyon Creek and Fourmile Creek areas, as well as outside Carbondale, earlier this month. Several stolen items and evidence from the thefts were recovered with a warrant to search one suspect’s residence.
Oil and gas drilling
An analysis by the Center for Western Priorities found that in the first three weeks of the government shutdown, the Bureau of Land Management approved 308 applications for permits to drill on national lands. This remains consistent with the rate of permitting before the shutdown. The Center for Western Priorities also highlights that changes in the “Big Beautiful Bill” reduced the royalty rate companies pay on oil and gas extracted from federal land from 16.67% to 12.5%. Find the “Trump Drilling Dashboard” at www.bit.ly/TrumpDrilling
Private money
OpenSecrets — nonpartisan, independent nonprofit focused on tracking money in American politics — highlighted last week that the Trump administration’s “decision to spend private, undisclosed money on government operations raises serious concerns about private influence on public services.” The report highlighted the White House ballroom addition with a projected cost of between $200 million and $300 million. Identified donors include tech companies like Amazon, Apple, Google, Meta and Microsoft. Additionally, billionaire Timothy Mellon anonymously donated $130 million to pay military salaries amid the government shutdown. “These scenarios show directly how private money is entering spaces that are inherently public, raising real risk of pay-for-play, undue influence, and weakened democratic infrastructure that can be controlled by the whims of wealthy interests,” remarked Hilary Braseth, executive director of OpenSecrets.
They say it’s your birthday!
Folks celebrating another trip around the sun this week include: Lowry Camp, Brendan Cochran, Andrea Harris, Gracyn Overstreet, Claudia Pawl and Trent Reeds (Oct. 30); Julia Lee, Jill Steindler, Marty Voller and Kaleigh Wisroth (Oct. 31); Angel Cruz, Justin Marshall, Don Parkison, Vanessa Porras and Jay Riley (Nov. 1); Marge Palmer and Dave Weimer (Nov. 2); Suzie Brady, Zack Jones, Kay Hagman Knickerbocker and AJ Waski (Nov. 3); Jeff Achey, Debra Burleigh and David Cappa (Nov. 4); Niki Burns and Trina Ortega (Nov. 5).