SCUTTLEBUTT
Montessori preschool
After 11 months of strategic planning, prioritizing and getting licensed, Ross Montessori School has opened a preschool for up to 10 students! Director Monica Wright has been at Ross since 2014 and is an American Montessori Society accredited teacher with a large-center preschool state license. Said Head of School/CEO Dr. Sonya Hemmen, “Monica is always focused on children and what they need. She is going to do great things with this Montessori preschool.”
Carbondale Community School
Compass for Lifelong Discovery, an educational nonprofit founded in 1970, is raising funds to support a $1.65 million capital improvement project at the Carbondale Community School (CCS). Updates to the building include upgrades to the fire suppression system, new security measures and a new roof. A state grant will provide a 41% match for the total project cost contingent upon securing donations to support the remaining 59% of the cost. With just $60,000 to get across the finish line, CCS is asking for support from families of alumni and current students as well as the broader community. To make a contribution, visit www.bit.ly/CCSdonations
FAFSA delay
For a second year, the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) will be delayed, Chalkbeat Colorado reported last week. Students and families won’t have access on Oct. 1, when the application is traditionally released, but federal officials promise to have a fully-functional form on or before the beginning of December. A new system that rolled out last year had ongoing technical glitches causing widespread frustrations.
Startup Colorado
Virginia Frischkorn of Basalt is one of six finalists for the Startup Colorado Pitch Competition at West Slope Startup Week. Frischkorn’s company, Partytrick, offers an end-to-end software platform that powers repeatable events at scale while capturing data to optimize operations. More than 70 innovative founders from across rural Colorado submitted applications representing diverse industries. A winner will be announced on Aug. 21 with the chance to receive over $280,000 in investments.
Tractor Supply snafu
In July, staff for the City of Glenwood Springs were made aware that Tractor Supply, in the old West Glenwood Mall, was erroneously charging customers with a public improvement fee (PIF). Tractor Supply is outside the PIF district. According to the City’s website, the 1.5% PIF is collected at businesses within Glenwood Meadows and is used to finance certain public improvements there, specifically. The city has placed the onus on Tractor Supply to resolve the issue and “encourages Tractor Supply to make genuine efforts to contact and refund affected customers who can email CustomerSolutions@TractorSupply.com or call 877-718-6750.
Wildfire app
Colorado Parks and Wildlife is advising outdoor recreationists to download the Colorado Trail Explorer, or COTREX, app and check for fire alerts before embarking on an adventure. During fire season, COTREX is increasing its wildfire updates from once a day to once every hour. More than 36 agencies use the COTREX app to post real-time advisories, including wildfire closures, safety hazards and other trail related alerts. To download the app, visit www.trails.colorado.gov/#activity=hiking
Cell towers
The U.S. Forest Service is seeking public comment regarding an Aspen Skiing Company (ASC) proposal to install 11 communication sites on Forest Service land managed by ASC at four ski resorts to improve cellular coverage for tourists and nearby communities. Six sites (seven cell towers) are proposed at Snowmass, two sites at Aspen Highlands, two sites at Buttermilk and one site with National Forest associated utilities at Aspen Mountain, according to a press release. If approved, towers would start going up in 2025. For more information or to comment by Sept. 8, visit www.fs.usda.gov/project/whiteriver/?project=66398
Pesticide recall
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) issued a rare emergency order to immediately stop the use of the herbicide Dacthal, a pesticide registered to control weeds. The sale, use, trade or transport of the herbicide has been banned nationwide due to significant risks to unborn children. “The immediate cancellation of all distribution and all end uses reflects the seriousness of their findings in this emergency order,” said John Scott, Colorado Department of Agriculture’s pesticides program section chief. For any questions, email the Colorado Pesticide Program at PesticidesProgram@state.co.us or by calling 303-869-9050.
They say it’s your birthday!
Folks celebrating another trip around the sun this week include: Anna Broome, Jill Knaus, Cara Nieslanik, Maggie Seldeen and John Williams (Aug. 16); James Leonard and Jake and Heather Marine (Aug. 17); Rebecca Binion, Emily Good, Lindsay Gurley and Jonathan Shamis (Aug. 18); Kyle Bruna and Lance Norton (Aug. 19); Emily Bohmfalk, Kirsten Keenan, Eric Skalac, Sid Smock, Sarah Tory, Torrey Udall, Dan Whitney and Katherine Whitney (Aug. 20); Jan Edwards, Rick Norman and Kevin Schorzman (Aug. 21).
COMMUNITY CALENDAR
THURSDAY, AUGUST 15
ASPEN ARTS
The Red Brick Center for the Arts and the Aspen Chamber Resort Association host a Summer Arts and Culture Celebration at the Red Brick Center from 4 to 6pm. More info at www.redbrickaspen.com
THEATRE ASPEN
Performances of “Come From Away” continue almost daily at the Hurst Theatre in Aspen through Aug. 24. Thursdays include two opportunities to see it, 4pm and 7:30pm. For tickets, visit www.theatreaspen.org
BREAD BAKE
The Carbondale Community Oven, located behind the Third Street Center, hosts a bread bake and potluck at 5:30pm. Bring ready-to-bake dough, a potluck dish and your own beverage. For more info, search Carbondale Community Oven on Facebook.
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.
LOUNGE SESSION
Join HeadQuarters for journaling and discussion related to “The Body Keeps the Score” by Bessel van der Kolk at 6pm.
CRYSTAL THEATRE
The Crystal Theatre shows “Twisters” tonight at 7:30pm.
FRIDAY, AUGUST 16
COMMUNITY CLEANUP
Basalt Library invites you to build community and learn about environmental responsibility by stopping by to help pick up trash around the neighborhood from 10 to 11am.
STORYTIME
The Carbondale Library offers “Storytime” for young children and their accompanying adults from 10:30 to 11am. Basalt Library offers storytime with movement at the same time, intended for ages 3 and under.
LAUNCHPAD OPENING
Carbondale Arts hosts a double feature art opening at 5pm for “A Love Letter to Indian Creek” by local Clarissa Fortier and “Patterns of Consumption” by Denver-based artist Kalliopi Monoyios.
LIQUID GOLD
El Dorado celebrates its one-year anniversary with a dance party featuring DJ Romina from 7 to 10pm. The costume theme is “gold.”
‘MOMENTUM’
Dance Aspen premiers “Momentum” at the District Theatre in Aspen at 7:30pm. Tickets at www.aspenshowtix.com
JOHN LENSING
Steve’s Guitars welcomes John Lensing for a show at 8pm. Tickets at www.stevesguitars.net
SATURDAY, AUGUST 17
RFOV
Roaring Fork Outdoor Volunteers invites folks to help remove fencing at Snowmass Falls Ranch, recently acquired by Pitkin County Open Space and Trails, from 8am to 3pm. Registration and more info at www.rfov.org
DOG DAY 5K
The annual Dog Day 5K, a Colorado Animal Rescue fundraiser, starts and ends at Two Rivers Park in Glenwood Springs from 9am to noon. Snacks will be provided to racers and dogs alike. Learn more at www.coloradoanimalrescue.org/event-directory
UPLIFT
HeadQuarters partners with Roaring Fork CrossFit for a free workout incorporating mental fitness at 9am. To register, visit www.headq.org/support/events
WOODYSTOCK
Folks are invited to enjoy live music and family games at the Woody Creek Open Space Park from noon to 6pm.
REDSTONE MUSIC
Redstone’s Magical Moments concert series concludes with Delta Sonics playing at 6pm.
MUSIC ON THE MOUNTAIN
Louie and the Lizards perform alongside Valley Legends for the Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park Music on the Mountain series. The fun begins at 6pm and proceeds benefit Ascendigo Autism Services.
DIRTY TURKEYS
The Dirty Turkeys perform at Steve’s Guitars at 8pm. Tickets at www.stevesguitars.net
BIG RICHARD
The all-women bluegrass band, Big Richard, performs at TACAW at 8pm. Tickets at www.tacaw.org
SUNDAY, AUGUST 18
SUNDAY MARKET
The Basalt Sunday Market runs from 10am to 2pm through Sept. 29 at 101 Midland Avenue.
MONEY JUICE
Megan Janssen from “Money Juice” shares financing strategies at the Glenwood Springs Library at 3pm today, and at the Carbondale Library on Wednesday, Aug. 21 at 6pm. Visit www.gcpld.org for more info.
SUNDAY SESSION
KDNK DJ Stu Huck spins classic and Brazilian jazz at El Dorado from 4 to 7pm with a portion of drink proceeds benefiting KDNK.
BIKE BASH
Coal Basin Ranch hosts a Back to School Bike Bash, complete with a barbecue and live music by Hand Turkey, from 4-6pm. For more info, search Coal Basin Ranch Community Trail System on Facebook.
SOPRIS MOUNTAIN BOYZ
The Handlebar in RVR presents the Sopris Mountain Boyz, a local bluegrass/folk band, performing from 5 to 7pm.
ECSTATIC DANCE
Alya Howe guides an ecstatic dance, along with musical guest DJ Lydia Bain, from 6 to 8pm at 13 Moons Ranch. For more info, email alyahowe@me.com or call 970-309 -2582.
EDDIE 9VOLT
Eddie 9Volt returns to Steve’s Guitars for a show at 8pm. Tickets at www.stevesguitars.net
MONDAY, AUGUST 19
AIKIDO
Crystal River Aikikai hosts aikido classes at 13 Moons Ranch on Mondays from 5:30 to 6:30pm and Wednesdays from 9:30 to 10:30am. Learn more at www.crystalriveraikikai.com
CPR TRAINING
Michael Hutton, a Roaring Fork Outdoor Volunteers founder, offers First Aid and CPR Training sessions at the Third Street Center on Aug. 19 (6-8pm) and 20 (either 4-6pm, or 6-8pm). There’s no time to waste as those interested must register in advance. To register, visit www.rfov.org
MEDITATION
Roaring Fork Insight hosts a meditation group with a dharma talk at 13 Moons Ranch beginning at 7pm.
JON LAWTON
Steve’s Guitars presents Jon Lawton performing at 8pm. Tickets at www.stevesguitars.net
FULL MOON CRUISE
Grab your bike and meet on the west side of Sopris Park for a 9pm jaunt around town!
TUESDAY, AUGUST 20
RFOV
Join Roaring Fork Outdoor Volunteers for a Red Hill work day from 8:30am to 12:30pm. Volunteers will pull remaining tumbleweeds and other invasive plants. To register, visit www.rfov.org
BUDGET AND SAVE
The Savings Collaborative teaches a two-part bilingual workshop on budgeting and savings at the Glenwood Springs Library on Aug, 20 and 27 at 6pm.
WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 21
FARMERS’ MARKET
The Carbondale Farmers’ Market runs from 10am to 3pm through Sept. 27 at 4th and Main.
STEM
The Basalt Library partners with the Aspen Science Center to offer after-school STEM activities with kids ages 5-11 from 2:30 to 3:30pm.
(RE)UNION OPENING
(RE)UNION, a mixed media exhibition, opens at the Aspen Chapel Gallery with a reception from 4 to 7pm. The exhibit will be up through Sept. 25. More info at www.aspenchapelgallery.org
BASALT MUSIC
Spanish rapper Jon Rubio opens for Lost Mocochetes at the Basalt River Park at 5:30pm.
BROTHERHOOD CIRCLE
Kyle Jason Leitzke guides this month’s Sacred Brotherhood Circle, themed “Leadership,” at True Nature at 6pm. More info at www.truenaturehealingarts.com
THURSDAY, AUGUST 22
CLIMATE SOLUTIONS
Clean Energy Economy for the Region and partner organizations present “Energizing Climate Solutions,” a day filled with keynote speakers, expert panels and afternoon work sessions focusing on climate friendly infrastructure and energy advancement, at the Doerr-Hosier building at Aspen Meadows from 8am to 5pm. Registration and more info at www.cleanenergyeconomy.net
POWER OF PERSPECTIVE
Basalt Library hosts a writing and discussion workshop exploring how simple word shifts can alter our perception. The workshop will be led by a certified peer support specialist from 5 to 6:45pm.
RVR MUSIC
The Handlebar at The Homestead RVR hosts Rodrigo Arreguin for live music from 5 to 7pm.
RIVERSIDE YOGA
Shianne Wright guides a yoga session at Riverside Park in Basalt from 7 to 8pm. This is a donation based event with 15% of proceeds benefiting Roaring Fork Outdoor Volunteers.
FINAL RODEO
The Carbondale Wild West Rodeo concludes its summer season today. A free shuttle to the Gus Darien Riding Arena passes by The Orchard and 4th and Colorado (across from Town Hall) regularly between 6 and 10pm. Gates open at 5pm, slack is at 5:45pm and grand entry at 7:30pm.
FRIDAY, AUGUST 23
MUSIC AT WILLITS
Sweet Jessup and the Dirty Buckets perform at Triangle Park in Willits at 5:30pm.
SATURDAY, AUGUST 24
HANNAH ROTHSTEIN
An art opening for renowned millennial artist Hannah Rothstein’s exhibit at the Aspen Collective starts at 6pm. More info at www.aspencollective.com
MUSIC ON THE MOUNTAIN
The Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park welcomes Mitt Spicy and the Blues Bandits for a concert from 6 to 9pm with proceeds benefiting Garfield County Search and Rescue.
SALSA AT TACAW
Mezcla Socials hosts Salsa Night at TACAW featuring Conjunto Colores. A salsa tutorial starts at 8pm followed by the social at 9pm. Tickets and more info at www.tacaw.org
SUNDAY, AUGUST 25
BUDDHIST BLESSING
Tibetan Buddhist Monks of the Gaden Shartse Monastery offer a community blessing at True Nature from 10:30am to noon. The event is free, but a $25 donation is suggested. Registration and more info at www.truenaturehealingarts.com
SUNDAY SESSIONS
KDNK DJ Modern Marty spins psych-folk and blues-roots-rock tunes at El Dorado from 4 to 7pm. A portion of drink sales will benefit KDNK.
QUINLAN VALDEZ
Quinlan Valdez performs at Steve’s Guitars at 8pm. Tickets at www.stevesguitars.net