Scuttlebutt
Satank update
The same day The Sopris Sun sent “Late-night incidents cause of concern for Satank neighbors” to press (Wednesday, Dec. 11), Joseph Moron was suspected of returning to the same Satank residence he allegedly attempted to enter three nights in a row in November. This time, he was apparently found lingering outside the residence in the afternoon. The Garfield County Sheriff’s Office responded and informed the reporting resident that Moron is on parole and not supposed to be outside of Grand Junction, unless for work.
Float Your Boat
Do you recall a story when Sarah Johnson of Wild Rose Education collaborated with the Carbondale Library to have community members decorate hand-sized boats to go out to sea from the Arctic? Well, one of those boats was discovered on the coast of Iceland on Nov. 15. The purpose of the international Float Your Boat project is to teach — and show — people how the Arctic Ocean circulates and the changes it is enduring due to climate change. The wooden boat was cut and sanded by Carbondale local Russ Criswell, decorated by Jake and Krista Lasko’s family and deployed from the Arctic Circle on Aug. 17, 2023. For more on Float Your Boat, visit www.floatboat.org
Sunsense slide
In case folks have been wondering where Sunsense Solar moved to, after nearly two decades off of Dolores Way the local business has settled at 818 Industry Place — past the Roaring Fork COOP and at the end of the road. While the crew started the move in mid-July, they weren’t completely finished until the end of October. “There was a lot of solar and energy storage inventory to move and reorganize, as well as 18 years worth of history and memories,” said Sunsense President Scott Ely. The solar company is planning an official ribbon-cutting in the spring of 2025.
USFS closure
A recent press release from the White River National Forest Service stated that the supervisor’s office in Glenwood Springs will be closed until further notice due to a staffing shortage. Fuelwood, mushroom, post/pole and transplant permits must still be obtained in-person at a ranger district office. For those permits, people can visit the Rifle Ranger District (94 County Road 244 ) or the Eagle-Holy Cross Ranger District (24747 US Highway 24 in Minturn). The Carbondale-based office is expected to open in the summer of 2025. Christmas tree and camping permits can still be purchased online at www.recreation.gov
Gondola Giving
Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park raised $7,325, between cash and gift cards, during this year’s annual Gondola Giving campaign — surpassing its record of $6,825, according to the business’ website. The proceeds will benefit LIFT-UP.
Glenwood utilities
The City of Glenwood Springs is changing its water rate structure from a flat service fee to a fee based on water meter size, starting in January. Therefore, customers will pay based on how much water they use and their overall impact on the system. “Individually metered residential customers will generally see their water and wastewater rates go down, while master-metered residential, nonresidential and irrigation water users will see rates increase,” a flyer issued by the City detailed. Meanwhile, the City’s Pay As You Throw pricing will also be adjusted due to increases in operational costs, resulting in projected monthly bill boosts between 60 cents and $5.34. For more information, visit www.cogs.us/299/Utilities
CMC trustees
After years of consideration, The Colorado Mountain College Board of Trustees opted to increase its number of seats from seven to nine members. The board appointed Beth Helmke, a Chaffee County deputy county administrator, and Magda King, the general manager of Antlers in Vail, to the new at-large positions. Their terms will expire in November 2025, when they can run for reelection.
Fishing grants
Colorado Parks and Wildlife is rolling out its 2025 Fishing is Fun Grant Program, and will award $700,000 towards projects that increase access to angling across the state. Recent projects have included ADA fishing pier installations, habitat improvements, river restorations and dredging projects. Apply by Jan. 31 at www.cpw.state.co.us/fishing-fun-grants
They say it’s your birthday!
Folks celebrating another trip around the sun this week include: Shirley Bowen and Frances Lewis (Dec. 19); Don Butterfield, Linnea Fong, Terry Glasenapp, Kenzie Hill, Beatriz Soto, John Taufer, Tyler Thompson, Prema Trettin and Travis Wilson (Dec. 20); Paula Fothergill, Tommy Sweeney and Robin Waters (Dec. 21); Jessica Hardin, Carolyn Hardin and Jackson Hardin (Dec. 22); Daniel Giese, Hanah Jundt and Greg Mohl (Dec. 25).
Community Calendar
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 19
WOLF MEETING(S)
In preparation for the next round of gray wolf releases, Colorado Parks and Wildlife is hosting a series of community meetings. Today, a meeting will take place in Aspen from 10am to 2pm. Contact Dustin at Shiflett@state.co.us or 720-902-1222 for more info.
CLAY CREATIONS
Middle and high schoolers sculpt air-dry clay to make ornamental and functional pieces at the Basalt Library from 4 to 5:30pm. More info at www.basaltlibrary.org
COMMON ROOTS
Common Roots Women’s Group meets at HeadQuarters in Basalt at 6pm to reflect on this month’s topic: intimacy. Register at www.headq.org
LOUNGE SESSION
HeadQuarters in Basalt invites you to discuss and journal about “The Garden Within” by Dr. Anita Phillips from 6 to 7:30pm. Learn more at www.headq.org
SMOKIN’ & ROCKIN’
Smokin’ Joe and Rockin’ Randall perform music at Heather’s in Basalt from 6:30 to 9:30pm.
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 20
FIRE TRUCK-MAS
Santa hitches a ride with Carbondale Fire to visit children in neighborhoods off of County Road 109 this evening and within Carbondale tomorrow evening. The firetruck departs the station at 5pm and parents can track Santa’s whereabouts in real-time the night of (a link will be posted shortly before the truck leaves the station). Visit www.carbondalefire.org for route maps and more info.
MOUNTAIN MUSIC
Mountain Heart hosts the 4 Corners Ramblers for live music from 5 to 7pm.
SOLSTICE CELEBRATION
Basalt Library hosts a community gathering with hot beverages, food, crafts and storytelling outdoors from 5:30 to 7pm. People are requested to bring lawn chairs and bundle up!
SOLSTICE FLOW
Cari Eisenson and DJ Bhakti Styler team up to offer a Winter Solstice Flow yoga and music session at Kula Yoga on Main from 5:30 to 6:45pm. Register at www.kulayogaonmain.com
SOLSTICE SOUNDS
Katie Smith guides a “Winter Solstice Shamanic Sound Healing Journey” in the Third Street Center’s Round Room at 6:30pm. More info at www.thecenterforhumanflourishing.org
LOCAL FILMS
Catch a celebration of local filmmakers at TACAW presented by 5 Point and Aspen Snowmass beginning at 7pm. Tickets at www.tacaw.org
CRYSTAL THEATRE
“Gladiator II” shows at 7pm Friday and Saturday and 5pm Sunday. “A Complete Unknown” will start Dec. 26. The box office opens 15 minutes before showtime; cash or check preferred.
BIRDS OF PLAY
Enjoy Colorado bluegrass with Birds of Play performing at Steve’s Guitars at 8pm. Find tickets at www.stevesguitars.net
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 21
WINTER BONANZA
Introducing the inaugural Bonedale Winter Bonanza, a new all-day Carbondale Creative District event spanning the town. Participate in shopping, dancing and crafting. For the full schedule, visit www.bit.ly/BonedaleBonanza
UPLIFT
HeadQuarters and Roaring Fork CrossFit offer a physical-mental fitness class from 9 to 10:15am in Willits. To sign up, visit www.headq.org
POP-UP FARMERS MARKET
Carbondale Arts hosts its Pop-up Farmers Market at the Launchpad today from 10am to 4pm and tomorrow from 11am to 3pm.
AUTHENTIC RESONANCE
A Spiritual Center welcomes Kat Hardy speaking about sensory integration and the nature of consciousness in Room 31 of the Third Street Center at 10am.
TOKLAT
The Catto Center at Toklat celebrates the Winter Solstice and its long-anticipated reopening from 2 to 6pm, followed by a 10-day open house from noon to 5pm daily. RSVP at www.aspennature.org
IGNITE YOUR LIGHT
Join Jen Campbell and Gabriela Mejia for a magical afternoon celebration of the Winter Solstice through yoga, melodies and honoring of your inner light at True Nature from 1 to 2:30pm. Register at www.truenaturehealingarts.org
SOLSTICE BONFIRE
The Mount Sopris Nordic Council offers cocoa, s’mores and company from 4 to 6pm at the Spring Gulch Marion Lot — a chance to warm up post ski or fuel up before a tour under the stars!
KIDS NIGHT OUT
Parents can drop their kids, 5-11, off at the Glenwood Springs Community Center for holiday movies, pizza, rock climbing and more, so they can have their own fun night out. Kiddos will rule the roost from 4:30pm to 9pm. More info at www.tinyurl.com/KidsNightOutGWS
PAM AND DAN
Pam and Dan perform at Mountain Heart from 5 to 7pm.
JINGLE BELL SKATE
Glenwood Springs Parks and Rec hosts its second annual Jingle Bell Skate event from 6 to 7:30pm. Tickets and more info at www.tinyurl.com/JingleBellSkate
JOHN MICHEL
Catch John Michel performing at Heather’s in Basalt from 6:30 to 9:30pm.
HONORING THE DARKNESS
The Two River Unitarian Universalist congregation welcomes you to gather in celebration of the longest night of the year with candlelight, stories, music, a bonfire, warm cider and treats from 7 to 9pm. The event will continue with a service on Dec. 22 at 10am to welcome back the light.
‘THE BRUTALIST’
Aspen Film screens Academy Award hopeful, “The Brutalist,” at its AF Isis Theatre at 7pm. Tickets at www.aspenfilm.org
MEGAN BURTT
Megan Burtt performs holiday music at TACAW beginning at 8pm. Tickets at www.tacaw.org
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 22
JINGLE BELLS RUN
Independence Run & Hike hosts the Jingle Bells Run 5k and ugly sweater contest at 10am. Dogs and strollers are welcome and proceeds benefit local school athletics. Register now at www.bit.ly/jinglebells5k
THE JEWISH EXPERIENCE
A Spiritual Center welcomes Larry Gottlieb speaking about leaving history aside to find joy in the Jewish experience in Room 31 of the Third Street Center at 10am.
MONDAY, DECEMBER 23
MEMOIR WRITING
Everyone has a story. Taught by Jessica Amber Barnum, this free workshop for older adults offers discussions, reading, prompts and skills from 1 to 3pm at the Basalt Regional Library. Visit www.basaltlibrary.org for more info.
POTLUCK & FILM
Join The Center for Human Flourishing for a whole-foods, plant-based meal followed by a screening of “Food, Inc 2” from 6:30 to 8pm at the Third Street Center. Donations appreciated; email info at www.tcfhf.org with questions.
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 24
STAR-STUDDED SERVICES
Tony and Grammy Nominee Beth Malone will lead the 4, 6 and 8pm services at the Aspen Chapel this Christmas Eve. She will be joined by Bob Finney, Tom Paxton and Jessica Vesey, while Nicholas Vesey will be the minister at the events. All are welcome.
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 25
EARLY PRESS DAY
Because of the holiday, The Sopris Sun will be available a day early. Merry Christmas and happy first evening of Hanukkah!
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 26
CODING CLUB
The Aspen Science Center hosts Coding Club for 7th to 10th graders at the Carbondale Library from 3:45 to 4:45pm.
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 27
SOL FUNDRAISER
SoL Theatre shares songs from its upcoming summer season along with cocktails, mocktails, treats and a special surprise from 6 to 9pm at the Thunder River Theatre. Tickets at www.soltheatrecompany.org
SAX & GUITAR
Chris Bank and Hap Harriman take to the stage from 6:30 to 9:30pm at Heather’s in Basalt.
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 28
LATIN & INSTRUMENTAL
Heather’s in Basalt hosts Rodrigo Arreguín from 6:30 to 9:30pm.
80S DANCE PARTY
Moonwalk into 2025 with a live DJ, costume contest, photo opps and a champagne countdown from 7:30pm to midnight at Thunder River Theatre. Visit www.thunderrivertheatre.com for tickets and more info.
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 31
NY BASH AT TACAW
The Parrisian Live Band, along with aeralist Sammy Altenau, performs at TACAW for its New Year’s Eve Bash. Doors open at 8pm. Tickets at www.tacaw.org
WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 1
EARLY PRESS DAY
Due to the New Year’s holiday, The Sopris Sun will be available a day early. Happy New Year!
THURSDAY, JANUARY 2
COMMON ROOTS
HeadQuarters provides a space for men to gather sincerely with other men from 6 to 7:30pm. This month’s theme: Envisioning. More info at www.headq.org JOHN MICHEL
John Michel performs at Heather’s in Basalt at 6:30pm.