Spruce it up!
The Sopris Sun invites youngsters to submit illustrations for its annual Spruce Up The Sun contest. The winning image(s) will be featured on the cover of our Dec. 19 holiday issue. Contestants, or their parents, can submit scanned submissions to news@soprissun.com or place a hard copy in the submission box outside The Launchpad in Carbondale (76 4th Street). Preschoolers through high schoolers are welcome to participate. This year’s theme: Dreams. Entries are due by Dec. 15!
Vanishing cabin
A historic log cabin located on Main Street in Carbondale has up and disappeared. According to the Garfield County Assessor, the original building was constructed in 1899. The property sold for $1.91 million to an LLC named after the address and registered in Pennsylvania in 2022, then again for $2.45 million to another LLC registered locally with a very similar name, 888 Main St. LLC, this past May. Have any leads? Let us know at news@soprissun.com
WE-cycle closure
The upper and mid-valley WE-cycle bike share systems are now in hibernation until spring. Carbondale, however, will continue to have service through the winter.
Willits housing
The Town of Basalt has launched a new initiative, Willits Housing and Community Space. The proposed project would be located on a 2.3-acre parcel south of TACAW and address affordable housing needs while also establishing a dedicated community center in Willits. The public is invited to weigh in on the conceptual plans with an online survey that opens on Dec. 6 in conjunction with a live event from 4 to 6pm at Triangle Park during the Willits tree lighting event. Learn more and stay engaged at letstalk.basalt.net
Snowpack
Roaring Fork Conservancy transitioned from its river report to its snowpack report last week, jubilantly reporting 166% of average snowpack in the Roaring Fork Watershed for this time of year. The data is measured in snow water equivalent rather than depth and collected at SNOTEL sites administered by the Natural Resources Conservation Service throughout the watershed.
Tree/firewood permits
The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is now offering $6-$10 permits to cut Christmas trees on specified Colorado public lands until Dec. 24. Permits are available at most BLM offices and online at www.bit.ly/BLMtrees
Wolf reintroduction
Garfield County is hosting a community meeting on Tuesday, Dec. 17 with Colorado Parks and Wildlife regarding wolf reintroduction in Garfield, Eagle and Pitkin counties. The public is encouraged to attend and provide comments during the meeting, which will take place at New Hope Church in New Castle from 6 to 8pm. The reintroduction measure, Proposition 114, was opposed in Garfield County 63% to 37%.
Born to Be Wild
Colorado Parks and Wildlife will provide up to $50,000 in funding for initiatives that raise awareness and promote the Born to Be Wild special license plate which dedicates funds toward non-lethal means of mitigating conflict with gray wolves. Applications must be submitted by Dec. 15 at www.bit.ly/BTBWCO
Farm jobs
Interested in growing food, empowering youth and building community? Highwater Farm, a small-scale vegetable farm in Silt, is hiring for 2025 seasonal positions. Last year, Highwater grew over 30,000 pounds of produce on three acres using regenerative practices, routing 15% of that yield to local food pantries. They also provide paid internship opportunities to high school students, make CSA memberships accessible with a 50% SNAP discount as well as fully sponsor shares in partnership with Garfield County. For more information, visit www.highwaterfarm.org
Ollella
Ellie Barber, formerly of the local band Pearl & Wood, is releasing the first single from her sophomore Ollella album on streaming services this Friday, Dec. 6.
They say it’s your birthday!
Folks celebrating another trip around the sun this week include: Dakotah Grett, Mark Stover, John Stroud and Kashana Tonozzi (Dec. 5); Carol Craven, Amy Kimberly, Cathleen McCourt, Colette Meagher, Frank McSwain, Collette Spears and Judy Whitmore (Dec. 6); David Dabney, Holly Richardson and Lisa Speaker (Dec. 7); Jennifer Lamont (Dec. 8); Jennifer Johnson (Dec. 9); Bob Johnson, Bill Laemmel, Krista Paradise, Scott Skinner and Vicki Yarbrough (Dec. 10); Marc Bruell, Gerald DeLisser, Leslie Johnson and Lea Linse (Dec. 11).
~ C A L E N D A R ~
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 5
BIRDING CLUB
Basalt Library hosts the Middle School Birding Club from 3:45 to 5:45pm.
POWERS ART CENTER
The Powers Art Center hosts an opening for its latest exhibit, “In the Living Room with John and Kimiko,” from 4 to 6pm. The exhibit will be up through Nov. 1, 2025.
WATER CONSERVATION
Roaring Fork Conservancy presents hydrologist Seth Mason for “Grappling with Barriers to Agricultural Water Conservation on Colorado’s West Slope” at the Basalt Library from 5 to 6:30pm. Registration is required at www.roaringfork.org/events
WINTERFAIRE PREVIEW
Waldorf School on the Roaring Fork invites “adults only” for a soft opening of its annual Winterfaire Store from 5 to 8pm.
COMMON ROOTS
HeadQuarters provides a space for men to gather sincerely with other men from 6 to 7:30pm.
HEATHER’S MUSIC
Smokin’ Joe Kelly and Rockin’ Randall perform at Heather’s Savory Pies in Basalt from 6:30 to 9:30pm.
CRYSTAL THEATRE
Catch “Moana 2” at the Crystal Theatre tonight, tomorrow, Saturday and next Thursday at 7pm. Sunday’s show is at 5pm.
COMEDY AT STEVE’S
Catch a night of stand-up comedy at Steve’s Guitars beginning at 8pm. Tickets at www.stevesguitars.net
‘UN-SILENT NIGHT’
TACAW hosts “Un-Silent Night: An Epic Holiday Sing-along” at 8pm. Tickets at www.tacaw.org
FIRST FRIDAY, DECEMBER 6
CELTIC TUNES
As part of Garfield County Libraries’ Holiday Concert Series, Oran Mor, a local Celtic band, performs at the Glenwood Springs Library at 6pm and at the Carbondale Library tomorrow at 2pm.
BOOK SALE
Local authors Nikki Beinstein, Lisa Dancing-Light and Shayla Paradeis will read excerpts from their books and sell signed copies at Bonfire from 4 to 7pm.
CUP AUCTION
Carbondale Clay Center’s annual cup auction takes place at Marble Distilling with a member’s preview from 5 to 6:30pm followed by public bidding ‘til 9pm.
LABOR OF LOVE
KDNK’s Labor of Love auction will be at the Thunder River Theatre from 5 to 8pm, followed by dancing.
LIGHT UP CARBONDALE
Join Santa at Weant and Main to watch the Christmas tree lighting at the Forest Service building at 5:30pm. Festivities continue with hot cocoa and sugar cookies provided by Stepping Stones and Alpine Bank. Sleigh rides will be offered from 5:45 to 7:45pm from 4th and Main, and The Launchpad will remain open for Deck the Walls Holiday Market shopping until 7pm with live performances by Roaring Fork Youth Orchestra.
URBANE COYOTE
Heather’s in Basalt presents live music with Urbane Coyote from 6:30 to 9:30pm.
RUCKUS ON THE RANCH
The Aspen Professional Ski Patrol Association hosts its first community event, Ruckus on the Ranch, at T-Lazy-7 Ranch at 8pm. Tickets and more info at www.apspa.us
JAZZMONAUTS
Steve’s Guitars presents “Date Night with The Jazzmonauts,” inviting concertgoers to enjoy a meal at Bodegón before crossing the street for some vibrant jazz music starting at 8pm. Find tickets to dinner and the show, or just the show, at www.stevesguitars.net
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 7
HOLIDAY BAZAAR
The Glenwood Springs Community Center hosts its fourth annual Holiday Bazaar from 9am to 5pm.
REDSTONE MARKET
Check out the Redstone Holiday Market up and down the boulevard from 10am to 3pm. This European-style outdoor market will feature unique gifts and holiday decorations and Tom and Julie Paxton will perform holiday music from 12:30 to 2:30pm.
AVALANCHE SAFETY
West Elk Mountain Rescue hosts an informational session on backcountry skiing at Marble Fire Station from 10am to 1pm. Bring a lunch.
WINTERFAIRE
Waldorf School on the Roaring Fork hosts its 33rd annual Winterfaire family celebration fundraiser from 11am to 3pm. All are welcome to enjoy crafts, shopping, cozy treats, a puppet play, music and more.
ART ON TAP
Carbondale Beer Works hosts “Art on Tap,” an artisan market, from 11am to 4pm.
PAPERBOY AMBITIONS
The Glenwood Springs Arts Council presents Terry Glasenapp’s “Paperboy Ambitions,” a multimedia group exhibit at the Glenwood Springs Arts Council Gallery (216 6th Street) through Dec. 29. An artist reception will take place from 2 to 5pm today.
APRES SKI SHOPPING
Aspen Chapel Gallery hosts a special Apres Ski Shopping experience, featuring over 300 pieces of local art, from 3 to 7pm tonight and Saturday, Dec. 14. More info at www.aspenchapelgallery.org
SUMMIT FOR LIFE
The Chris Klug Foundation’s Summit for Life race takes off up Aspen Mountain at 5:30pm. Find all details at www.summitforlife.org
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 8
EMPOWERING IMAGINATION
“You get to hell through mind; you get out through imagination.” A Spiritual Center hosts Carmen Iacino at Room 31 in the Third Street Center at 10am.
STRENGTH V. FORCE
Two Rivers Unitarian Universalist invites you to learn about the difference between strength and force at the Third Street Center from 10am to noon.
DIY ORNAMENTS
WindWalkers hosts a DIY ornament-making party from 1 to 3pm with hot chocolate, apple cider and treats for you (and your horse). To RSVP email Liza@WindWalkers.org
MUSIC AT THE LIBRARY
Roaring Fork Youth Orchestra performs at the Basalt Library from 3 to 4pm.
FASHION SHOW AUDITIONS
Carbondale Arts hosts model auditions for the Green is the New Black Fashion Show at The Launchpad from 6 to 9pm tonight and from 6:30 to 9:30pm tomorrow. Find details at www.carbondalearts.com/fashion-show
MYOFASCIAL RELEASE
Britt Geis guides myofascial release exercises from 6:45 to 8:45pm at Kula Yoga on Main in Carbondale. Register at www.kulayogaonmain.com
MONDAY, DECEMBER 9
FIRESIDE CHAT
The Redstone Historical Society presents Larry Meredith, author of “This Cursed Valley,” speaking at the Redstone Inn with his daughter, Suzy Meredith-Orr, about the Crystal River Valley’s original inhabitants at 5:30pm.
ORNAMENT MAKING
The Glenwood Springs Art Center offers a clay ornament-making workshop, along with hot cocoa, from 6:30 to 9pm. For more info, visit www.glenwoodrec.com
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 10
TECH LESSON
Whether you are new to using an iPad or just need a refresher, Basalt Library has you covered from 2:30 to 3:30pm.
PAWS TO READ
First through third graders are welcome to practice reading with a service dog from 3:30 to 4pm at the Basalt Library. Register for a 15-minute session at www.bit.ly/BasaltLib
DRAWING CLUB
Studio10, located at the Third Street Center, hosts the final Drawing Club of 2024 at 6:30pm. All are welcome to hang around and sketch, doodle and draw. There will also be a used art supplies white elephant gift exchange and a potluck. Drawing Club will return on Jan. 14, location tbd.
‘FIRST DRAFT’
Mitzi Rapkin, host of the podcast “First Draft: A Dialogue on Writing,” speaks with Rosemerry Wahtola Trommer, author of “The Unfolding,” at TACAW at 6:30pm. Register at www.tacaw.org
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 11
RFOV
Roaring Fork Outdoor Volunteers hosts a tool cleaning workshop to prepare for the 2025 season. There are two shifts to choose from: 2 to 5pm, or 5 to 8pm. Register at www.rfov.org
GINGERBREAD HOUSING
The Basalt Library welcomes one and all to decorate a gingerbread house from 2:30 to 3:30pm.
LOU DAWSON
The Carbondale Library presents local author Lou Dawson in conversation with Cindy Hirschfeld, editor of Cross Country Skier, at 6pm. Copies of Dawson’s new memoir will be sold at the event.
HOMETOWN SCIENCE
Aspen Science Center brings Amanda Petersen, a clinical mental health counselor, to El Dorado in Carbondale to discuss three key parts of the brain from 7 to 8pm.
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 12
CODING CLUB
Teens interested in coding are invited to learn Python with the Aspen Science Center at the Carbondale Library at 3:45pm.
BANNED BOOK CLUB
Basalt Library’s Banned Book Club discusses “Pet” by Akwaeke Emezi at 4pm.
ANDERSON RANCH
Anderson Ranch Arts Center hosts a holiday open house from 4:30 to 6:30pm with open studios and festive treats. Meanwhile, “Last Eagle / Last Gun: Modern Recordings of Ancient Blackfoot Symbolisms,” a new exhibit by father and son artists Terrance Guardipee and Terran Last Gun, will have an opening reception.
‘IT’S A WONDERFUL LIFE’
A SoL Theatre youth troupe performs Joe Landry’s “It’s a Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play” at Thunder River Theater at 6pm tonight, tomorrow and Saturday. Catch a matinee at 2pm on Sunday. Tickets and more info at www.soltheatrecompany.org
CHAUTAUQUA
Aspen Journalism and Community Builders present “Chautauqua: In Search of Community,” a community-engagement opportunity stemming from a 10-part series turned book by journalist Paul Anderson intended to “broaden the notion of community” along the 80-mile corridor from Aspen to Parachute. It starts at 6pm at Morgridge Commons in Glenwood Springs.
HOLIDAY GLOW FLOW
Cari Eisenson guides an all-levels flow session with beats by DJ Bhakti Styler at Kula Yoga on Main at 6pm. Plosky’s will provide the eats. Register at www.kulayogaonmain.com
RODRIGO ARREGUÍN
Rodrigo Arreguín performs at Heather’s in Basalt from 6:30 to 9:30pm.
‘ASPEN EXTREME’
Aspen Film shows “Aspen Extreme” for free at the AF Isis Theatre at 7:30pm — retro ski attire recommended.
BELLY UP
River Spell opens for the O’Connor Brothers Band at the Belly Up at 8pm. Tickets at www.riverspellmusic.com/tour
TOMMY THE ANIMAL
Enjoy an acoustic rendition of Tommy The Animal’s repertoire, highlighting a new album, at Steve’s Guitars at 8pm. Tickets at www.stevesguitars.net
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 13
FREE BOOKS
The second annual Free-For-All Book Fair takes place at the Glenwood Springs Community Center from noon to 6pm. Thousands of books for all ages in English and Spanish have been gathered to distribute, including new titles.
PHOTOS WITH SANTA
The Carbondale Police Department brings Santa to The Orchard (110 Snowmass Drive in Carbondale). St. Nick will be granting Christmas wishes from 3 to 9pm.
POTTERY SALE
The Carbondale Clay Center hosts a holiday pottery sale specifically for kids “on a piggy-bank budget” from 4 to 6pm.
BANK & HARRIMAN
Chris Bank and Hap Harriman serenade at Heather’s in Basalt from 6:30 to 9:30pm.
‘MESSIAH’
Aspen Choral Society presents Handel’s “Messiah” for the 48th consecutive year, tonight at Harris Concert Hall in Aspen, tomorrow at TACAW and Sunday at St. Stephen Catholic Church in Glenwood Springs. All performances begin at 7pm. Find tickets at www.aspenchoralsociety.org
‘GOLDEN VALLEY’
Aspen Film continues its Wintersköl screenings with “Champions of the Golden Valley” at 7pm at its Isis Theatre. Tickets at www.aspenfilm.org
SPICY FLORES
Mitt Spicy and Aggie Flores perform at Steve’s Guitars at 8pm. Tickets at www.stevesguitars.net
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 14
VISUAL JOURNALING
Expressive Arts Therapist Sheri Gaynor guides a visual journaling workshop at the Art Base from 9:30 to 11:30am. Register at www.theartbase.org
SAW-LIDAY
Studio for Arts and Works (SAW) hosts its 18th annual SAWliday sale, featuring works from 25 local artists, from 2 to 6pm.
CONTRA DANCE
The Carbondale Community School hosts an all-ages contra dance with live music from 8 to 10pm (lessons at 7:30pm).
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 15
BASALT MARKET
TACAW hosts the first annual Basalt Holiday Market from noon to 5pm.
TEEN JAM SESSION
Teen musicians of all levels get together for a jam session at the BlueBird Cafe in Glenwood Springs from 5 to 7pm. Extra instruments will be available. More info at www.tinyurl.com/LENSjamsesssion
‘LITTLE FEET’
Aspen Film Isis Theatre shows “Little Feet” at 7pm for free, wrapping up its Wintersköl screenings. RSVP at www.aspenfilm.org
QUEEN BEES
The Queen Bees perform at Steve’s Guitars at 8pm. Tickets at www.stevesguitars.net
— —
ONGOING
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.
ENGLISH IN ACTION
Volunteer English tutors and developing learners meet for informal conversational practice at the Carbondale Library every Monday at 6:30pm. Interested in becoming a tutor? Email angela@englishinaction.orgn or call 970-963-9200.
MONDAY MEDITATION
Roaring Fork Insight guides a weekly meditation group meeting at the Third Street Center (Room 31) from 7 to 8:30pm.
BABY STORYTIME
The Carbondale Library hosts baby storytime at 9:30am on Tuesdays.
RAISING A READER
Basalt Library hosts an hour of storytime, activities and snacks Tuesdays at 10:30am.
YARN GROUP
Basalt Library hosts a weekly yarn group on Tuesdays at 5pm. All are welcome.
TAI CHI
Garfield County Human Services is offering Tai Chi for Arthritis at the Carbondale Library, Tuesdays from 1 to 2pm and Thursdays from noon to 1pm. For more info, call 970-963-2889.
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.
COSECHA TEXTILES
Textile enthusiasts are invited to a monthly workshop at Cosecha Textiles (95 Red Dog Road) every first Wednesday from 4 to 9pm. Register at www.cosechatextiles.com
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.
‘SOURCE DIALOGUES’
Gary Springfield, author of “Source Dialogues: The Miracle Mechanism of Manifestation,” discusses the tenants of his book via a livestream at the Third Street Center every second and fourth Wednesday at 6:30pm.
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 www.crystalriveraikikai.com
CANCER CARE
The Calaway-Young Cancer Center at Valley View Hospital offers yoga for cancer patients, survivors and caregivers at 9:15am on Thursdays. Then, the Walk and Talk cancer support group meets at 11am at the chapel in the cancer center.
WIGGLES OUT
Toddlers and preschoolers get their wiggles out at the Carbondale Library on Thursdays from 10:30 to 11:30am.
UNDER THE SUN
Join Sopris Sun correspondents and guests for “Everything Under The Sun,” airing every Thursday on KDNK at 4pm.
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
Carbondale Library hosts storytime for youngsters and their accompanied adults every Friday at 10:30am.
STORYTIME & PLAY
The Basalt Library hosts its storytime/play group every Friday from 10:30 to 11am.