Snow on Sopris
Will Grandbois, previous editor of The Sopris Sun and an all-around Carbondalian, thinks we will wake up to snow on Mt. Sopris as early as Aug. 26. Care to counter his guesstimate? Tell us when you think the first snow will appear on Sopris by emailing news@soprissun.com The winner will get a shout-out in their local newspaper!
Valley Journal archives
Thanks to the Carbondale Library, digitization of the Valley Journal is now complete for years 1975-1982. The library intends to complete the project eventually, but may lean on fundraising to help pay the expenses. In the meantime, those archives are available to peruse online at www.bit.ly/ValleyJournalArchives
Nicky News goes to Chicago
Longtime local journalist Nick Isenberg traveled to the Democratic National Convention via Amtrak as a delegate from Colorado’s Congressional District 3. Isenberg is legally blind and partially deaf. He hosts “The Tactile Traveler” on KDNK, a monthly public affairs show which seeks to “empower blind and low-vision people to explore the world and help our sighted friends see the world in a new way.” Catch an interview with Isenberg on Everything Under The Sun on KDNK next week, Aug. 29 at 4pm.
Good Deeds
The West Mountain Regional Housing Coalition (WMRHC) is rolling out its first affordable housing program, Good Deeds — a buy-down model based on an existing program in Eagle County. WMRHC will pay 30% of the purchase price for a home and in exchange the new homeowners must agree to setting a permanent price-capped deed restriction on the property. Anyone working full-time for an employer based in Pitkin, Eagle or Garfield counties may be eligible. The coalition’s goal is to bring 30 homes into the program by 2026, which it estimates will cost upwards of $13.5 million. So far, roughly $1.5 million has been raised with funding from the City of Glenwood Springs, Town of Snowmass Village, Town of Carbondale and Pitkin County. To learn more, visit www.wmrhousing.org/gooddeeds
Cattle Creek fire
A structure fire on County Road 113 (Cattle Creek) caused a scare on Thursday afternoon, Aug. 15. Carbondale & Rural Fire Protection District encountered a single-family structure “with smoke and flames coming from all four sides of the building,” described a press release. “There was also a significant amount of ammunition in the residence that was exploding.” The flames spread to nearby trees and, fortunately, 30 personnel were able to extinguish the fire before it climbed further up the slope. No injuries were reported though the structure was deemed a total loss.
Pulse results
The Colorado Health Foundation released findings from its fifth annual Pulse Poll last week. The poll was conducted via telephone and online from May 20 to June 24, 2025 and represents a random sample of 2,404 adults living in Colorado. Among the highlights, 40% of Coloradans identify their political beliefs as a dominant factor that prevents them from feeling as sense of belonging in their community; 70% are worried they may not be able to afford to live in Colorado in the future, with 90% of those with children worried their children won’t be able to afford to live here; 89% of respondents rated the issue of housing affordability as an extreme or very serious problem; other issues respondents declared extremely or very serious included drug overdoses (65%), crime (59%), mental health (59%), jobs and the economy (57%), immigration (53%, a dramatic rise from last year) and wildfires and other natural disasters (53%). Learn more at www.copulsepoll.org
Day of Service
High Country Volunteers is partnering with AmeriCorps to host a community-wide 9/11 Day of Service. Four-hundred volunteers are needed in Glenwood Springs to package 150,000 Meals of Hope to be distributed by Food Bank of the Rockies and 200 volunteers will assemble 1,200 activity kits for pediatric patients. A slew of local nonprofits will also be hosting service projects on Sept. 11. To register as a volunteer, visit www.highcountryvolunteers.org
Giving Network
The Giving Network, a donor-led Aspen Community Foundation initiative, awarded $575,250 to 15 local nonprofits this year. “This is the first year Giving Network members handled the grant cycle and it was incredibly rewarding,” noted Ramona Bruland, chair of the Giving Network. Since 2016, the Giving Network has invested over $3.1 million into the community. Applications for the next grant cycle open in January and close mid-february. Learn more at www.giving-network.org
West Nile
Mosquitos in a Battlement Mesa trap tested positive for the West Nile virus. As of July 31, Colorado has recorded seven human cases of the virus, with no deaths but four hospitalizations. “We have mosquito traps throughout the county and will continue to monitor these locations, but now we know the virus is circulating in our region,” said Jannette Whitcomb, Garfield County environmental health manager. “This is a reminder to take personal precautions because it only takes one bite to contract the virus.” The county recommends draining standing water, limiting time outside at dusk and dawn (or dressing in long sleeves and pants) and applying mosquito repellent. Most people experience minor illness, but older adults and immunocompromised individuals are at a higher risk. More information can be found at www.tinyurl.com/GarCoWestNile
They say it’s your birthday!
Folks celebrating another trip around the sun this week include: Raine Beau, Chris Hassig, Ryan Honey, Kathy McCann and Jeannie Perry (Aug. 22); Susan Brady, Brett Haynes, Chrissy Leonard and Sarah Mac (Aug. 23); Dalton Handy, Sarah Meyer and Andrea Porter (Aug. 24); Lauren Gister, John Hoffmann, Alli O’Neal and Danielle Rozga (Aug. 25); Larry Day, Linda Froning, Julie Goldstein and Julia Tallmadge (Aug. 26); Mason Frisbie, Joanne Howard and Tommy Sands (Aug. 27); JoEllen Maynard and Phil Maynard (Aug. 28).
Community Calendar
THURSDAY, AUGUST 22
THEATRE ASPEN
Theatre Aspen invites you to the closing weekend of “Come From Away” at the Hurst Theatre at 4 and 8pm today, tomorrow at 7:30pm and Saturday at 4 and 8pm. Visit www.theatreaspen.org for tickets.
CMC OFFICE HOURS
Basalt Library hosts open office hours with Colorado Mountain College from 4:30 to 5:30pm. Academic advisors will share GED, ESL and digital literacy resources and more.
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 the Basalt River Park 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.
JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR
SoL Theatre’s production of “Jesus Chris Superstar” concludes this weekend. The “pay what you can” admission show is tonight, Friday and Saturday at 7:30pm. Tickets at www.soltheatrecompany.org
FRIDAY, AUGUST 23
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.
MUSIC AT WILLITS
Sweet Jessup and the Dirty Buckets perform at Triangle Park in Willits at 5:30pm.
CRYSTAL THEATRE
“Thelma” returns to the Crystal Theatre for showings at 7:30 tonight, tomorrow and Thursday, Aug. 29. The Sunday show is at 5pm.
SATURDAY, AUGUST 24
BOTANY HOUSEPLANT
The Botany Houseplant Shop in Carbondale celebrates its second anniversary with giveaways, storewide sales and cupcakes from 10am to 5pm. New shop additions include textiles, puzzles, candles and bags.
CLIMATE FILM
Catch the first in a series of six climate-themed documentaries presented by 350 Roaring Fork at the Carbondale Library from 4:30 to 6:30pm.
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
MONDAY, AUGUST 26
IN STITCHES
The In Stitches Knitting Club meets at the Carbondale Library at 1:30pm.
SWOON SOCIETY
High school students who love to read love stories are invited to join Basalt Library’s new Swoon Society book club. To start off, the group discusses “To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before” by Jenny Han, today at 4pm. Visit www.basaltlibrary.org for more info.
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. Children’s classes are offered on Mondays and Wednesdays at 4pm. Learn more at www.crystalriveraikikai.com
MEDITATION
Roaring Fork Insight hosts a meditation group followed by a dharma talk at 13 Moons Ranch beginning at 7pm. Visit www.roaringforkinsight.org/events for more info.
TUESDAY, AUGUST 27
GIRLS WHO CODE
Students of all genders learn the basics of coding at the Basalt Library from 3:45 to 4:45pm. Visit www.basaltlibrary.org for more info.
DRAWING CLUB
The Roaring Fork Drawing Club meets at Skyline Ranch in Carbondale at 6:30pm. All are welcome to hang around and casually draw, paint, sketch, doodle, etc.
DAVID SINGLEY
David Singley performs at Steve’s Guitars at 8pm. Tickets at www.stevesguitars.net
WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 28
KIDS ZONE
Five to 11 year olds are invited to the Basalt Library children’s section for a variety of after school activities from 2:30 to 3:30pm.
BOOK TALK
This month, Basalt Library’s Book Talk group discusses James McBride’s “The Heaven and Earth Grocery Store” at 5:30pm. Pick up a free copy at the library while supplies last.
BASALT MUSIC
Elk Range opens for Dragondeer at 5:30pm, closing out the summer music series at Basalt River Park.
NARCAN TRAINING
High Rockies Harm Reduction teaches how to recognize and respond to an overdose using Narcan at the Carbondale Library from 6 to 7pm.
FOOD TALK
TACAW presents “The Election and the Future of Food on Your Table” in partnership with the Aspen Center for Environmental Studies at 6pm.
THURSDAY, AUGUST 29
SUPREME COURT 101
Liz Siegel teaches the basics of state and federal court structures and discusses a slew of relevant Supreme Court cases at the Basalt Library at 5:30pm. Visit www.basaltlibrary.org for more info.
SOMATIC EXPLORATION
True Nature hosts “Somatic Exploration: The Wisdom of Your Body” with Kat Taylor from 6 to 8pm. Register online at www.truenaturehealingarts.com
DIABLOS TEJANOS
Steve’s Guitars presents Anthony Garcia & Los Diablos Tejanos at 8pm. Tickets at www.stevesguitars.net
VICTORIA PENNOCK
Local musician Victoria Pennock performs originals and covers at the Hoffmann Hotel (30 Kodiak Drive) in Basalt from 5 to 8pm.
FRIDAY, AUGUST 30
PEACE GARDEN TOUR
Laura Kirk and Megan Miller lead a botanical tour of the Peace Garden at True Nature at 8am. Register online at www.truenaturehealingarts.com
REDSTONE ART SHOW
The 28th annual Redstone Art Show returns this Labor Day weekend with over 35 artists selling their work, live demonstrations, workshops and more. The opening reception is tonight at 6pm and the show is open tomorrow and Sunday from 10am to 5pm. Dogs are not permitted inside the tents.
ELI MOSLEY
Eli Mosley plays at Steve’s Guitars at 8pm. Tickets at www.stevesguitars.net
SATURDAY, AUGUST 31
ALZHEIMER’S EVENT
The Aspen Chapel (77 Meadowood Drive) welcomes Rebecca Chopp, Chancellor Emerita of the University of Denver, to share about her Alzheimer’s diagnosis and new book, “Still Me,” from 10am to noon. The event will also be live streamed. Tickets are at www.aspenchapel.org
COTTAGE TOUR
The Redstone Historical Society offers a peek into an original and virtually unaltered Osgood-era cottage at the corner of Firehouse Road and Redstone Boulevard from 11am to 2pm. The historic walking tours continue every Saturday through Sept. 28 departing from the Redstone Inn at 10am.
CURRYS ON THE MOUNTAIN
Husband and wife bluegrass duo Lorraine and Craig Curry, also known as the “Colorado Currys,” perform at the Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park from 5 to 8pm. They will be back on the mountain on Sept. 1 at the same time.
LABOR DAY PARTY
Bay-area folk-pop duo Lonely Parrots perform at El Dorado’s Labor Day weekend party from 7 to 10pm.
BLACK FEATHERS
Steve’s Guitars presents The Black Feathers at 8pm. Tickets at www.stevesguitars.net
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 1
SUNDAY MEDITATION
The Carbondale Meditation Circle of Self Realization Fellowship, based on the teachings of Paramahansa Yogananda, meets the first Sunday of every month from 9 to 10:30am at True Nature. Email rachelfdayton@gmail.com for more info.
RANDOM CONVERSATIONS
Push your comfort zone and take part in a meaningful conversation with a stranger at the Carbondale Library from 6 to 7:30pm.
CORKEY SIEGAL
Corkey Siegal returns to Steve’s Guitars for shows tonight and tomorrow at 8pm. Tickets at www.stevesguitars.net
MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 2
HAPPY LABOR DAY!