Potato Days
Well folks, it’s no secret, Carbondale’s 115th Annual Potato Day kicks off this Thursday, Oct. 3, with a viewing of “Red Stallion in the Rockies” — filmed locally 75 years ago — at the Carbondale Library at 7pm. Carbondale Parks and Rec put together a fabulous brochure with event details, volunteer opportunities (including potato wrapping at Thompson Park preceding the movie screening on Thursday) and general information. Check it out at www.tinyurl.com/PotatoDaysBrochure and have a spudtacular weekend!
Land for lease
Pitkin County Open Space and Trails is accepting proposals to lease a three-acre tract of irrigated land at Glassier Open Space for $25 per acre annually. Applicants have the option to request one to three acres to lease. A mandatory pre-proposal meeting and site visit for prospective bidders will take place Oct. 18 at 10am. For details, visit www.bit.ly/Glassier
WinterWise
Garfield Clean Energy and local utilities are offering to help residents winterize their homes and lower their energy bills via free coaching and discounted home-energy audits this October ($50 — or free if income qualifications are met). “On top of that, having the audit done makes you eligible for rebates that will help pay for the recommended improvements, which in turn will lower your monthly bills for years to come,” stated Zuleika Pevec with Clean Energy Economy for the Region. A $500 Lowe’s gift card prize drawing sweetens the deal. Any Garfield County resident can sign up at www.GarfieldCleanEnergy.org
Five-star hospital
Valley View celebrated receiving a five-star rating for overall hospital quality from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services on Oct. 3. The 2024 ratings are based on hospital performance across 46 quality measures and Valley View is one of 17 hospitals in Colorado to receive the designation.
Dubious distinction
Forbes magazine published an article last week listing the U.S. cities where home values have grown the most over the past 20 years, from 2004 to 2024. Based on data from Zillow’s home value index, Carbondale was ranked number one with the median home value jumping from $256,998 in 2004 to $1,440,404 today — a 460.5% increase. Rifle also made the list at number 13, with home values climbing from $109,019 to $479,433, and Glenwood Springs sits at 19, from $211,576 to $916,937. Boone was the only other Colorado city in the top 20.
Frontier to Eagle
Beginning this December, Frontier Airlines will fly to the Eagle County Regional Airport with nonstop service to Denver, Dallas and San Francisco. “Frontier is thrilled to connect consumers in Colorado, Texas, California and beyond with the incredible beauty, world-class skiing and endless recreational opportunities this area of Colorado is famous for,” stated Jennifer de la Cruz, senior director of corporate communications with Frontier Airlines.
RMI reclamation bond
The Colorado Division of Reclamation, Mining and Safety (DRMS) proposed a nearly nine-time increase to the reclamation bond for Rocky Mountain Industrials’ (RMI) limestone quarry outside of Glenwood Springs. Since 2019, RMI’s bond has been $366,179, but the proposed increase, as is, would jack that up to $3,251,767. A rockslide at the quarry in January 2023 prompted the increase. The purpose of the bond is to ensure that the state and feds, should RMI abandon the mine, would have sufficient funds to stabilize the slope. Should it come to that, rock bolting is likely the most effective means to stabilize two layers of limestone above the quarry. DRMS invited RMI to obtain three additional rock bolting estimates by Oct. 25 to potentially offset the cost. Once the bond amount is set, DRMS will give RMI 60 days to increase its financial warranty to cover the new bond.
After school tutoring
Summit54’s after school tutoring program is back in action! Elementary school students who test below their grade level are eligible for this free one-hour tutoring opportunity conducted at Roaring Fork School District elementary school classrooms every Monday, Tuesday and Thursday immediately after school. The schedule mimics the district’s academic calendar, so no tutoring will be offered during winter or spring breaks. Stepping into its fifth year, Summit54 has benefited more than 10,000 in the Valley since its inception. For more info, visit www.summit54.org
They say it’s your birthday!
Folks celebrating another trip around the sun this week include: Matt Koenigsknecht, Jill Rubin and Mac Scott (Oct. 4); Lisa Girardot, Morgan Neely, Jessi Rochel and Tami Stroud (Oct. 5); Bill Anschuetz, Christi Couch and Matthew Roeser (Oct. 6); Bob Burns, Iliana Rentería and Camille Vogt (Oct. 7); Jody Ensign, Lani Kitching and Bo Persiko (Oct. 8); Sarah Graf, Sarah Morehouse and Melissa Nelson (Oct. 9); Charlotte Vanderhurst (Oct. 10).
~ C A L E N D A R ~
Photo of Roaring Fork Valley corridor by James Steindler
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 3
INTRO TO PASTELS
Doug Graybeal leads a four-part introduction to pastels course today and each Thursday through Oct. 24 from 1 to 3pm at The Art Base. Register at www.theartbase.org
POTATO WRAPPING
Want to be a part of the magic that pulls off this year’s Potato Day feast? Come help wrap potatoes and corn at the old Thompson House (301 Lewies Lane in Carbondale) from 4 to 6:30pm. Come by any time!
BRIDGES AT ANDERSON
Anderson Ranch in Snowmass Village presents artwork and poetry from Bridges High School students with an opening reception from 5:30 to 6:30pm. The show will remain on display through Oct. 25.
‘MOON OVER HUMBOLDT’
Journalist and recovering addict Jim Hight will perform dramatic readings, and discuss the themes of recovery and reconciliation, from his new novel, “Moon Over Humboldt,” at The Meeting Place (981 Cowen) at 5pm.
SIP AND PAINT
Amy Fulstone guides participants in painting their own zebras at El Dorado from 6 to 8pm. Tickets include a cocktail and all painting supplies and proceeds benefit WindWalkers Equine Assisted Learning and Therapy Center. Purchase yours at www.windwalkers.org/events
COMMUNITY CONVERSATIONS
Queer community leaders guide a Queer VOICES Community Conversation series where participants unpack a new topic each Thursday, today through Oct. 17, from 6 to 8pm in Basalt. All are invited to participate. Registration and more info at www.voicesrfv.org/community-conversations The location will be disclosed upon registration.
COMMON ROOTS
HeadQuarters in Basalt invites male-identifying folks over the age of 18 to gather sincerely with other men from 6 to 7:30pm. For details, visit www.headq.org/support/events
‘RECONNECT RETREAT’
Deva Shantay and Elena Brower guide a weekend-long “Reconnect Retreat” at True Nature. It starts tonight with an opening ceremony at 6pm and continues through the weekend. More info and registration at www.truenaturehealingarts.com
MUSIC AT HEATHER’S
Heather’s Savory Pies in Basalt presents Rodrigo Arreguín performing guitar at 6:30pm.
MOVIE NIGHT
Pregame the Potato Days weekend with some historical cinema! Catch “Red Stallion in the Rockies” — a 1949 Western filmed locally — screening at the Carbondale Library at 7pm. It’s free and open to all!
CRYSTAL THEATRE
The Crystal Theatre shows “Beetlejuice Beetlejuice” tonight at 7:30pm. “My Old Ass” screens Oct. 4, 5, 9 and 10 at 7:30pm and Sunday, Oct. 6 at 5pm.
DEREK FRANK
Steve’s Guitars welcomes Derek Frank’s “70s-inspired funk instrumental jams” with a five-piece group performing at 8pm. Tickets at www.stevesguitars.net
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 4
‘DARKNESS TO LIGHT’
The Buddy Program, in partnership with Riverbridge Regional Center, Aspen Youth Center, YouthZone and Aspen Family Connections, hosts a bilingual “Darkness to Light” training at the Third Street Center focused on the prevention of child sexual abuse on Oct. 17 from 5:30 to 8pm. Today is the deadline to RSVP at www.riverbridgerc.org/events
NATURE JOURNALING
Adults who wish to explore, observe and creatively document nature are invited to join a group of novice and experienced sketchbook artists every first Friday from 1 to 2:30pm at the Carbondale Library. Bring your own supplies. For more info, call 970-963-2889.
VOICES TINY STAGE
The VOICES ARTery Tiny Stage First Friday series continues with presentations by Lana Greengrass, Bineke Kieren and Travis Wilson at the Painted Pig in Carbondale from 5 to 6pm. More info at www.voicesrfv.org/the-artery
ART OPENING
The Carbondale Arts gallery hosts a First Friday opening for “Women (Im)Print” by Katie Browne and Bailey Haines and “Community Service Print Projects” by student artists of The Project Shop from 5 to 7pm.
BARN DANCE
Enjoy an early start to Potato Day with a community contra dance at the Carbondale Rec Center from 6 to 8pm followed by a funk concert by The Confluents from 9 until 11pm. All proceeds benefit the Carbondale Historical Society.
THE LOW END
Jeff Rice and Katie Houchin,The Low End, perform at Heather’s in Basalt at 6:30pm.
GHOST WALK
The Glenwood Springs Historical Society hosts its 24th Annual Ghost Walk series every Friday and Saturday evening through Oct. 19 at the Linwood Cemetery. Actors portray real people from the past buried in the cemetery. Tours depart every 30 minutes, between 6:30 and 8:30pm. This year’s series will culminate in an indoors event at the Vaudeville Revue on Oct. 30 at 7pm. Tickets and more info at www.glenwoodhistory.com/ghost-walk
CONSENSUAL IMPROV
The Consensual Improv troupe performs at TACAW at 8pm. Tickets at www.tacaw.org
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 5
POTATO DAY
Carbondale’s longest-running festival continues with a Carbondale Rotary Club pancake breakfast at Chacos Park from 8:30 to 10:30am, the Ross Montessori Tater Trot race at 9am, a farmers’ market in Sopris Park all day, the parade down Main Street at 10:30am, a spike ball tournament from 11am to 2pm, the traditional community lunch from 11:15am ‘til 1:30pm, live music, a largest potato contest and more. For a full list of this weekend’s events, visit www.tinyurl.com/115PotatoDays
AVSC SPORTS SWAP
Aspen Valley Ski and Snowboard Club hosts a gear swap at Willits Town Center from 9am to 1pm. More info at www.teamavsc.org/sports-swap
THROWING CLAY
Molly Altman hosts “Fall Throwing Bootcamp” at the Carbondale Clay Center from 10am to noon. Register at www.carbondaleclay.org
BACKCOUNTRY SYMPOSIUM
Aspen Public Radio hosts the Valley’s inaugural Backcountry Symposium, which includes information about staying safe while recreating out of bounds, at TACAW from 11am to 5pm.
SOUND IMMERSION
Ildi Ingraham hosts a free sound immersion at the Carbondale Library from 4 to 5pm. “Experience deep peace and bliss as you listen to the healing sounds of crystal and metal singing bowls, gong and chimes.” Attendees should bring what they need to be comfortable, including pillows, a mat and blanket.
‘COEXISTENCE WORKS’
Suzanne Asha Stone and J. Dallas Gudgell of the International Wildlife Coexistence Network present “COEXISTENCE WORKS: Protecting livestock and wolves with nonlethal coexistence methods” at the Glenwood Springs Library at 6pm.
JOHN MICHEL
John Michel from the John Oates Band and Brother’s Keeper plays at Heather’s in Basalt at 6:30pm.
‘CROSSINGS’
Roaring Fork Safe Passages brings Ben Goldfarb, author of “Crossings: How Road Ecology Is Shaping The Future of Our Planet,” to Explore Booksellers in Aspen for a live interview conducted by local conservationist Tom Cardamone at 7pm.
‘BEYOND THE FANTASY’
Teton Gravity Research presents “Beyond the Fantasy,” its 29th annual ski and snowboard film, at TACAW at 7pm, preceded by a Tincup whiskey tasting in the lobby. The film shows again tomorrow at 3pm and 7pm. Tickets at www.tacaw.org
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 6
HELPING BEAVERS
Roaring Fork Outdoor Volunteers partners with Wilderness Workshop to improve the vitality of riparian habitat benefitting beavers near Rifle from 8:30am to 3:30pm. Find details at www.rfov.org
MONTHLY MEDITATION
The Carbondale Meditation Circle of Self Realization Fellowship, based on the teachings of Paramahansa Yogananda, meets at True Nature’s meditation room from 9 to 10:30am. For more info, email rachelfdayton@gmail.com
HEART LISTENING
Rev. Florence Caplow presents “Listening with the Heart” at the Two Rivers Unitarian Universalist service at the Third Street Center from 10am to noon.
YOUTH GYMKHANA
A youth rodeo (with popsicles) takes place at the Gus Darien Riding Arena on Country Road 100 from 10am to 2pm.
PASTURE PARTY
Close out Potato Days in style! Aspen Valley Land Trust’s Party in the Pasture at Coffman Ranch is from 11am to 2pm with food and drinks for purchase. Sweet Jessup & the Dirty Buckets will perform, as well as Aspen Santa Fe Ballet Folklorico.
HEATHER’S
Tim Veazy and Helen Highwater perform music at Heather’s in Basalt at 6:30pm.
MONDAY, OCTOBER 7
GRIEF WALK
Cath Adams guides a Grief Walking Group for people navigating the path of loss every Monday at 9am, departing from the Glenwood Springs Recreation Center. More info and registration at www.tinyurl.com/GriefWalkGWS
THEM APPLES
Young children and their caregivers are invited to learn about apple seeds and cider at the Glenwood Springs Library at 10am.
MOVE FROM YOUR CENTER
Alexandra Jerkunica teaches a free pilates class, coordinating mind, body and spirit, at the Carbondale Library from 4 to 5pm.
SHOMAN AND COOLE
Steve’s Guitars welcomes John Showman and Chris Coole of the Lonesome Ace String Band for a show at 8pm. Tickets at www.stevesguitars.net
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 8
LIBRARIES CLOSED
All Garfield County libraries will be closed today for staff training.
GIRLS WHO CODE
Basalt Regional Library welcomes students of all genders to learn about coding and computer sciences from 3:45 to 4:45pm.
PROTESTING GENOCIDE
Ceasefire Now RFV gathers protestors at Centennial Park in Glenwood Springs from 6 to 8pm, “to mark one year of Israel’s genocide in Gaza, and now invasion of Lebanon.” After holding banners and signs facing Grand Avenue, there will be a community grief circle from 7 to 8pm. For more information, contact ceasefirenowrfv@gmail.com or visit @ceasefirenowrfv on Instagram.
GLENWOOD CONCERT
The Glenwood Springs Community Concerts Association (GSCCA) brings pianist Jared Freiburg and the Vagabonds to Glenwood Springs High School’s theater at 7pm. GSCCA season tickets and more info at www.gsconcertassn.org
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 9
SPARK
The Carbondale Library invites kids to “spark” their imagination among peers with building, creating, exploring, concocting and inventing from 2 to 4pm.
FLOWERSCAPES
Using oils on canvas, Tania Dibbs guides participants in responding to the variety of shapes, colors, lines and textures of flowers to create beautiful images. It takes place at The Art Base from 6 to 8pm today and Wednesday, Oct. 16. Register at www.theartbase.org
MARY LOUISE KELLY
Aspen Words brings novelist and the host of NPR’s “All Things Considered,” Mary Louise Kelly, to the TACAW stage for a conversation moderated by Aspen Public Radio Executive Director Breeze Richardson at 6pm. Register for this free event at www.tinyurl.com/MaryLouiseTACAW
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 10
STATE OF THE ARTS
The Carbondale Creative District hosts its Second Annual Roaring Fork Valley State of the Arts Symposium at TACAW on Thursday, Oct. 10 starting at 9:30am. Lunch and refreshments are included with tickets, available at www.tacaw.org
NONFICTION CLUB
The Nonfiction Book Club discusses any nonfiction literature pertaining to nature at the Carbondale Library at 2 to 3pm. Questions? Call 970-963-2889.
CODING CLUB
The Aspen Science Center offers coding lessons for local teens at the Carbondale Library at 3:45pm.
MEDICARE PITFALLS
George Bohmfalk, a retired neurosurgeon, presents “The Pitfalls of Medicare Advantage: What your agent and Joe Namath won’t tell you” at the Third Street Center from 6:30 to 7:30pm. This event is free.
FREE MUSIC
Smokin’ Joe and Rockin’ Randall perform at Heather’s in Basalt at 6:30pm.
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 11
URBANE COYOTE
Catch Urbane Coyote, aka Zachary Averill, playing at Heather’s in Basalt at 6:30pm.
MORGAN JAMES
Soul-singer Morgan James performs at Steve’s Guitars at 8pm. Tickets at www.stevesguitars.net
CHRIS SMITHER
Singer-songwriter Chris Smither performs at TACAW at 8pm. Tickets at www.tacaw.org
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 12
ART, HEALING & HOPE
Sheri Gaynor imparts how visual journaling empowers one’s life and soul at The Art Base from 9:30 to 11:30am. Register at www.theartbase.org
HARMONIC HEALING
Dominick Antonelli leads a guided meditation with music at True Nature from 5 to 7pm. Tickets at www.truenaturehealingarts.com
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 15
DITCHES OFF
Carbondale’s ditch system will be turned off for the winter at 8am. Be sure to shut down and winterize your system in advance.
PAWS TO READ
Young students (from kindergarten through fifth grade) are invited to practice reading with a therapy dog from Heeling Partners of the Roaring Fork Valley at the Carbondale Library at 3:30pm. To register for a 15-minute slot, call 970-963-2889.
CHOCOLATE MEETING
The Colorado Chocolate Appreciation Society meets at the Cocoa Club to taste and discuss chocolate from 5 to 7pm. RSVP by emailing mark@pollinatorchocolate.com
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 16
ANNA MARIE MURPHY
Contralto Anna Marie Murphy sings songs through the ages, starting with Anita O’Day’s “Georgia on My Mind” and ending with Miley Cyrus’ “Flowers,” at the Carbondale Library at 6pm.
LATINO ADVISORY BOARD
The Town of Carbondale seeks to amplify the voices of its Latino residents. An informational session with dinner provided will be hosted at the Third Street Center from 6:30 to 8pm.
ALICE DI MICELE
Steve’s Guitars presents Alice Di Micele at 8pm. Tickets at www.stevesguitars.net
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 17
BOOK CLUB
The Third Thursday Book Club discusses “Lessons in Chemistry” by Bonnie Garmus at the Carbondale Library from 2 to 3pm.
‘DARKNESS TO LIGHT’
The Buddy Program, in partnership with Riverbridge Regional Center, Aspen Youth Center, Youth Zone and Aspen Family Connections, hosts a bilingual “Darkness to Light” training focusing on the prevention of child sexual abuse at the Third Street Center from 5:30 to 8pm. Dinner and childcare will be provided. RSVP by Oct. 4 at www.riverbridgerc.org/events
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 18
QUEER VOICES
VOICES presents “Authentically versus…,” A Queer VOICES Theater Project, tonight and tomorrow night at 7:30pm; or catch a 2pm matinee on Sunday, Oct. 20. Tickets at www.voicesrfv.org/queer-voices
ONGOING
MEDICAL CONSULTATIONS
“Health is not just about pills and procedures.” La Clínica del Pueblo offers free medical consultations. For details, call Dr. Feinsinger at 970-379-5718.
ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS
The Meeting Place in Carbondale (981 Cowen Drive) offers “Hole in the Donut AA,” Monday through Saturday, at 6:45am, plus “Daily Reprieve” at noon on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. Find a full schedule at www.meetingplacecarbondale.org
IN STITCHES
The In Stitches Knitting Club meets at the Carbondale Library every Monday at 1:30pm.
MONDAY MEDITATION
Roaring Fork Insight guides a weekly meditation group meeting at the Third Street Center (Room 31) from 7 to 8:30pm.
WOMEN’S HEALTH
Every first and third Tuesday, the Mobile Health Clinic will be parked on Gisella Way in Basalt from 10am to 2pm, providing free ultrasounds, STI testing and more. More info is at www.pregnancycolorado.org
YARN GROUP
Basalt Library hosts a weekly yarn group on Tuesdays at 5pm. All are welcome.
BIKE PROJECT
The Carbondale Bike Project Shop helps people repair their bicycles on Tuesdays from 2 to 6pm and Thursdays and Sundays from noon to 6pm at the Third Street Center.
SENIOR LUNCH
Every Wednesday at noon, Garfield County Senior Programs provides a nutritious meal for seniors at The Orchard. To reserve a place at the table, call 970-665-0041.
ASK A LAWYER
Alpine Legal Services offers a hotline clinic on Wednesdays from 5 to 7pm. Call 970-368-2246 and visit alpinelegalservices.org for the schedule of dates by legal topic.
SENIOR SOCIAL
Seniors are invited to the Glenwood Springs Library on the second and fourth Thursdays of each month at 1pm to socialize and make new friends.
UNDER THE SUN
Join Sopris Sun correspondents and guests for “Everything Under The Sun,” airing every Thursday on KDNK at 4pm. Then, stay tuned for “El Sol Habla, noticias en español.”
WRITING WORKSHOP
Local writers are invited to a workshop with designated writing time and a forum for discussion every second and fourth Thursday at the Glenwood Springs Library from 5 to 7pm.
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.
COFFEE WITH THE MAYOR
Carbondale Mayor Ben Bohmfalk posts up at Bonfire every Friday from 8 to 9am, and everyone is welcome to stop by to chat.
STORYTIME
Young children and their accompanying adults are invited to storytime at the Carbondale Library at 10:30am on Fridays.
RECOVERY YOGA
The Meeting Place hosts free yoga sessions for people in recovery on Fridays at 6pm and Tuesdays at 8am.AIKIDO
Crystal River Aikikai has expanded its schedule. Adults and teens are now welcome to train at 13 Moons Ranch on Wednesdays from 6:30 to 7:30pm in addition to Mondays from 5:30 to 6:30pm. Kids can train from 4 to 5pm on Wednesdays and Mondays and all dojo members ages 10 and up are invited to informal open mat time from 5 to 6:30pm on Wednesdays. Find more information at https://www.crystalriveraikikai.com