Twin Acres denied
Eagle County commissioners Tuesday unanimously denied an application for a special use permit for Twin Acres Riding and Boarding Stables in Missouri Heights. The unanimous decision was based on the size and density of the proposed commercial operation, which would have included a new 7,860-square-foot boarding stable and a 20,000-square-foot covered riding arena using the footprint of an existing building. Indoor and outdoor stables were planned to house up to 45 horses. Some neighbors and eventually the Eagle County Commissioners said that the operation was too big for 20 acres.
Daniel’s Hill parking
The White River National Forest Service is seeking public comments regarding a proposed parking area at Daniel’s Hill. As proposed, the lot would accommodate up to 15 vehicles and provide enough space for vehicles with trailers to turn around. “This proposal will help address residents’ concerns about congestion, safety and environmental damage from people parking illegally along the road,” said Jennifer Schuller, Aspen-Sopris deputy district ranger. “This is one of the recommendations from the stakeholder group formed by the Town of Marble, Gunnison County and the White River National Forest to look at management of the Lead King Loop and surrounding area.” The Forest Service will host a public open house at the Marble Fire Station on Aug. 13 from 5 to 7pm. Comments are due Aug. 21 and can be made at www.fs.usda.gov/project/whiteriver/?project=65794
5 Point grant
The second $20,000 Wading for Change BIPOC Filmmakers grant — offered in collaboration between 5 Point Film Festival, Fat Tire and Mountains of Color Film Festival — was split between two recipients: David Yousling, a first time filmmaker, for his project — “Beyond The Saddles” — and Mallory Duncan, a 5 Point Flagship Festival alumni, for his second film — “Night Writers.” The Wading for Change grant came into being last year after a group of BIPOC filmmakers collectively made their first film together, which happened to have the same title, “Wading for Change.”
Air quality funding
The State of Colorado was awarded a $129 million grant from the Environmental Protection Agency to further the state’s efforts to improve air quality and cut down on greenhouse gas emissions. The funds will be used to expand methane monitoring, invest in methane capture initiatives, provide incentives for large commercial buildings to decarbonize and for the new Local Government Climate Action Accelerator program meant to support local governments in adopting and implementing climate friendly policies.
Zebra mussels
Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) released a statement on July 16 noting the discovery and confirmation of zebra mussel veligers, the microscopic precursor to the invasive species, from two samples taken from the Colorado River upstream of the Grand Valley Water Users Canal diversion. No adult zebra mussels have been discovered. The presence of zebra mussels can negatively impact native fish populations and water infrastructure. Female zebra mussels can produce up to 1,000,000 eggs and grown offspring attach themselves to surfaces and are very difficult to remove. “CPW strongly encourages anyone boating, floating, paddling or fishing in the Colorado River to clean, drain and dry their vessels and equipment,” the press release concluded.
Teaching incentive
For its third year, the Colorado Department of Education invites aspiring educators to apply for up to $10,000 in financial assistance for educator preparation program fees. “The Educator Recruitment and Retention program provides direct support for qualified individuals interested in teaching in a shortage area and who can commit to working in that area for three years,” the press release explained. High shortage areas include: special education, math, science, early childhood education and schools in rural areas. Successful applicants must commit to serve in a relevant capacity for three years. For eligibility requirements and to apply, visit www.tinyurl.com/5n785bh7
Harris endorsed
The Colorado Democratic Party “overwhelmingly voted to endorse Vice President Kamala Harris for president, winning over 95% of the State Central Committee’s voting members’ support for her candidacy,” a July 23 press release stated. Other members of the Democratic Party, including Senators John Hickenlooper and Michael Bennet, Governor Jared Polis and Third Congressional District candidate Adam Frisch, applauded President Joe Biden’s decision to withdraw from the race. “For more than 50 years in public service, President Biden has always put the country before any personal concern or ambitions,” Hickenlooper stated. “His presidency — and career — will be remembered alongside Roosevelt’s and Johnson’s for its scale, magnitude and lasting impact on American society.”
They say it’s your birthday!
Folks celebrating another trip around the sun this week include: Adrienne Ackerman, Robert Moore and Frank Norwood (July 25); Meredith Ogilby, Alison Osius, Fran Page and Jesse Steindler (July 26); Franz Alderfer and Vince Savage (July 27); Tom Baker and Brent Moss (July 28); Owen O’Farrell, A.O. Forbes, Randi Garcia, Sarah Kemme, Liz Phillips, Jake Spaulding, Greg Tonozzi and Jess Worley (July 29); Nancy Barnett, Debbie Bruell and Cheryl Loggins (July 31).
~ C A L E N D A R ~
THURSDAY, JULY 25
GLOWING ART
Basalt Library invites middle and high school students to use glow-in-the-dark paint while rocking out to fun tunes from 1 to 2:30pm. Registration is required at www.basaltlibrary.org
‘LEGALLY BLONDE’
Theatre Aspen presents “Legally Blonde” at the Hurst Theatre at 4pm and 8pm. This is the final weekend to catch this show. Find tickets at www.theatreaspen.org
GUITAR MUSIC
Rodrigo Arreguin performs at The Homestead in River Valley Ranch from 5 to 7pm.
POTTERY DEMO
Ceramicist Michael Wisner explains his process of selecting, digging and creating clay from the land, forming hand-coiled pots, low-temperature firings and developing fine finishes without glaze at the Ann Korologos Gallery in Basalt from 5 to 7pm.
CHAMBER MUSIC
Aspen Music Festival and School students perform at the Basalt Library at 5:30pm.
WILD WEST RODEO
The Carbondale Wild West Rodeo continues every Thursday through Aug. 22 with a free shuttle to the Gus Darien Riding Arena from both The Orchard and 4th and Colorado (across from Town Hall) between 6 and 10pm. Gates open at 5pm, slack is at 5:45pm and grand entry at 7:30pm. This week’s rodeo includes a benefit for WindWalkers.
MOUNTAIN JOY
Danielle Klein guides “Mountain Joy: A Summer Sound Journey” at 6pm at True Nature. Register at www.truenaturehealingarts.com
GROUP RUN
Independence Run & Hike leads a weekly group run on Thursdays departing from the store’s location, next to the Carbondale City Market, at 6:30pm.
‘XANADU’
Theatre Aspen Education presents “Xanadu,” the story of Kira, a Greek muse, who descends from Mount Olympus to Venice Beach in 1980 to inspire a struggling artist to start the first roller disco. The show is at the Aspen District Theater at 7pm. For tickets, visit www.theatreaspen.org
‘NOTHING’S FOR FREE’
TACAW screens “Nothing’s For Free: The History of Freeride Mountain Biking” at 7:30pm. Tickets at www.tacaw.org
CRYSTAL THEATRE
The Crystal Theatre screens “Thelma” at 7:30 tonight, July 31 and Aug. 1. “Twisters” will open on Aug. 2.
FRIDAY, JULY 26
STORYTIME
Carbondale Library hosts storytime for young children and their accompanying adults from 10:30 to 11am.
BLOOD DRIVE
The Vitalant Bloodmobile stops by Sopris Lodge in Carbondale for a blood drive from 10:30 to 2pm. To register, visit www.bit.ly/July26blood
TGIF!
The Carbondale Library offers “TGIF! Tween Time” from 2 to 4pm. Ages 8 to 13 are welcome to stop by. This week’s theme is trivia and pizza!
MOUNTAIN FAIR
Carbondale’s 53rd Annual Mountain Fair takes over Sopris Park all weekend with live music, artist booths and fun competitions. The event welcomes all ages and is free. The annual drum circle kicks it off at 4pm. For the music schedule and other details check out the official program inside this week’s paper.
WHISKEY STOMP
Whiskey Stomp plays a free concert at Triangle Park in Willits at 5:30pm.
FRESH APPLES
Steve’s Guitars presents Fresh Apples at 8pm. Tickets at www.stevesguitars.net
SATURDAY, JULY 27
FOR THE BIRDS
Aspen Summer of Birds hosts events up and down the Valley today through tomorrow, from bird walks to educational talks and live musical performances. It begins at Coffman Ranch with birding at 7am. Visit www.audubon.org/events/aspen-summer-birds-2024 for a list of events.
FIDDLE TUNE
Doc Rolland teaches a fiddle tune workshop at Steve’s Guitars from 1 to 3pm. Register online at www.stevesguitars.net
TRIPTIDES
Triptides perform at El Dorado for a Mountain Fair after-party beginning at 10pm.
MONDAY, JULY 29
BOOK FAIR
The Basalt Library hosts an end-of-summer Scholastic Book Fair where summer reading challenge book bucks can be traded for more books! Cash and cards will also be accepted.
STORYTIME
Theatre Aspen Education presents “Storytime!” at the Hurst Theatre from 10:30 to 11:30am.
IN STITCHES
The In Stitches Knitting Club meets at the Carbondale Library at 1:30pm.
EL PLACER DE LEER
Angélica Breña guides a Spanish-language literature club for people learning the language at the Basalt Library from 5 to 6:30pm.
PLANT PRUNING
Colorado Mountain College hosts Basalt arborist Chris Beiser for a lecture and practical demonstration highlighting the “natural” style of pruning trees from 4 to 8pm at the new Morgridge Commons classroom in Basalt, 22860 Two River Road.
MEDITATION
Roaring Fork Insight offers Monday Night Meditation at 13 Moons Ranch from 7 to 8:30pm.
CRUZ CONTRERAS
Cruz Contreras of The Black Lillies performs an intimate show at Steve’s Guitars at 8pm. Tickets at www.stevesguitars.net
TUESDAY, JULY 30
GIRLS WHO CODE
Basalt Library partners with Girls Who Code to teach students of all genders the basics of coding from 3:45 to 4:45pm.
AI FOR NATURE
The Aspen Global Change Institute and Aspen Center for Environmental Studies present “AI for Nature: From Science to Impact” at Hallam Lake and online at 6pm.For details, visit www.bit.ly/Ai-for-biodiversity
WEDNESDAY, JULY 31
BASALT MUSIC
Sitting on Strings opens for Futurebirds at Basalt River Park beginning at 5:30pm
GLENWOOD MUSIC
Bell Creek Band and Johnny & The Mongrels perform “swamp funk” in Two Rivers Park in Glenwood Springs beginning at 6:30pm.
TEEN LOCK-IN
Ever wanted to spend a night at the library? Basalt Library concludes its Summer Reading Program with a first-ever Library Lock-In for teens with video games, movies, snacks, laser tag and more. The fun begins at 6:30pm and the event will cap at 15 students. Learn more at twww.basaltlibrary.org/events-calendar
THURSDAY, AUGUST 1
BILINGUAL PUPPET SHOW
Basalt Library presents Livier Cruz Guerrero with a puppet show about environmental issues facing our world today from 10:30 to 11:30am.
CMC OFFICE HOURS
Colorado Mountain College offers open office hours with an advisor on GED, ESL and digital literacy resources from 4:20 to 5:30pm at the Basalt Library. For more info, call 970-236-0451.
GUITAR ENSEMBLE
Young local musicians taught by Mateo Sandate perform at Carbondale Library from 5 to 6pm.
LIBRARY RESOURCES
Basalt Library teaches about how to access all its resources in Spanish and English at 5pm.
MEN’S GROUP
HeadQuarters provides a space for men to “gather sincerely with other men, to express the fullness of their experience and to witness other men doing the same” from 6 to 7:30pm. This offering is free and open to all male-identifying persons 18 and older.
FRIDAY, AUGUST 2
NATURE JOURNALING
The Carbondale Library invites naturalists to practice journaling with words and drawings every First Friday from 1 to 2:30pm.
WINE & DINE
The Chris Klug Foundation (CKF) hosts Wine & Dine at the Snowmass Club from 5 to 10pm. This fundraiser will help CKF continue to educate and inspire individuals to register as organ, eye and tissue donors. TKF award winners will be celebrated, a three-course meal served with an open bar and champagne toast and it all ends with a dance party. Tickets at www.chrisklugfoundation.org
JAZZ
Chris Bank plays jazz at Triangle Park in Willits at 5:30pm.
JERRY PLUGER
Join family and friends of Jerry Pluger for a celebration of life at the Third Street Center from 6 to 8pm.
‘COME FROM AWAY’
Theatre Aspen’s “Come From Away” opens tonight at 7:30pm and continues through Aug. 24. The story celebrates Gander, Newfoundland, a town that received 38 diverted planes and 7,000 stranded passengers on Sept. 11, 2001. Tickets at www.theatreaspen.org
THE DEAD ROOTS
Celebrate First Friday with The Dead Roots performing at Steve’s Guitars at 8pm. Tickets at www.stevesguitars.net
TRACE BUNDY
TACAW presents intentionally-acclaimed guitar virtuoso Trace Bundy at 8pm. Tickets at www.tacaw.org
ARTCRUSH
DJ Alexandra Richards performs the Aspen Art Museum ArtCrush after-party at the base of Buttermilk from 9:30pm to midnight. Tickets at www.bit.ly/ArtCrushParty
SATURDAY, AUGUST 3
RIVERFEST
Help clean the Colorado and Roaring Fork river corridors through Glenwood Springs from 9am to 3pm. After a float or walk along the banks picking up trash, participants will be treated to a picnic in Two Rivers Park. Find details at www.bit.ly/RiverFEST2024
STEVE’S GUITARS
Lauren Podjun plays at Steve’s at 8pm. Tickets at www.stevesguitars.net
EL DORADO
The Milemarkers perform classic rock at El Dorado from 8 to 10pm.