Justice Dinner
The Roaring Fork United Methodists Justice Ministries Team is hosting a Justice Dinner and panel discussion at 6pm on Friday, Jan. 17, in the Glenwood Springs Library Community Room (second floor). Invited panelists include representatives from Voces Unidas, Cook Inclusive, Planned Parenthood, PFLAG, Gay For Good and the Garfield County Public Libraries District, addressing looming challenges to the populations they serve and how allies can support those who are impacted. Food will be served at 6pm, and the discussion will begin at 6:30pm.
History leads?
In preparation for an upcoming local history column, Sue Gray is soliciting insight from the community regarding the book “Stranger in Angel Town” by Nancy Lester. Anyone who attended Carbondale Union High School, where Lester taught, or knew Lester is encouraged to reach out to Gray to share their knowledge regarding “Angel Town,” aka Carbondale in the ‘50s. Anyone who owns a copy of the book can donate it to the Carbondale Library or Carbondale Historical Society for preservation and public use, as each of those entities have a single copy. Reach out to Gray at g.suzanne@rocketmail.com or by calling 970-618-1849.
MLK coat drive
To commemorate the life of Martin Luther King Jr., Colorado Mountain College’s Aspen and Carbondale campuses are collecting food and clothing to donate to Lift-Up and Food Bank of the Rockies for people in need. From Jan. 13 to 31, people can donate non-perishable food items and gently worn coats, boots and warm winter wear at the two locations, where boxes to receive goods are positioned in the alcoves. Call 970-236-0412 with questions.
Latino Dems
The Colorado Democratic Latino Caucus met with Governor Jared Polis on Monday to discuss the upcoming legislative session and elevate community concerns. Their four policy pillars for the year are: 1. Protecting air, land and water, 2. Safer jobs and higher wages, 3. Addressing the cost of living, and 4. Defending our communities. Additionally, the caucus raised concern regarding the conflation between criminality and immigration, stating “there is no statistical evidence to show that recent arrivals are committing crimes at higher rates than other groups” and “overall immigrants commit crimes at much lower rates than U.S. citizens.”
Food tax refund
Aspen residents who lived within city limits for the entirety of 2024 and have been registered to vote since Jan. 1, 2024 or before are eligible to apply for a $132 food tax refund. The City of Aspen created this refund to encourage voters to support a sales tax referendum. It is intended to reimburse voters for the approximate amount of sales tax they would pay annually on groceries due to the tax. Learn more and apply by April 15 at www.aspen.gov/382/Food-Sales-Tax-Refunds
Valley Visual
Carbondale Arts presents the 46th Annual Valley Visual Art Show (VVAS) with an opening reception this Friday, Jan. 17, from 5 to 7pm at The Launchpad. Since 1980, VVAS has provided an opportunity for local artists (anyone living within an 816 zip code prefix) to showcase their artwork. This year’s show features two and three-dimensional pieces of various mediums by 60 artists and the exhibit will remain on display through Feb. 20. Gallery visitors are encouraged to vote for their favorite piece for the People’s Choice award.
BLM fees
As part of its Business Plan for Upper Colorado River Special Recreation Management Areas, the Bureau of Land Management announced new fees for sites managed by the Colorado River Valley and Kremmling Field Offices. Fees include $5 for day-use sights for individuals ($10 per vehicle and $20 for high-capacity vehicles), $25 for single campsites, $75 for group campsites and $5 per night at 36 designated float-in campsites. The fees will take effect on July 7 this year. For more information, visit www.tinyurl.com/BLMfees
Notice something different?
After careful deliberation, The Sopris Sun board of directors elected on Jan. 9 to transition from high-bright paper to standard newsprint with our faithful press, Colorado Mountain News Media in Gypsum. This will equate to an average savings of $300 per week, or $15,600 for the year, and represents our commitment to substance over surface.
Guns and drugs
Special Problem Enforcement and Response (SPEAR), assisted by the Garfield County Sheriff’s Department and Rifle Police Department, conducted a high-risk traffic stop outside of Rifle on Jan. 8 resulting in the arrest of two men with outstanding warrants. Law enforcement also discovered four firearms, one of which was confirmed as stolen, a bullet-proof vest and a small amount of suspected methamphetamine and fentanyl pills.
They say it’s your birthday!
Folks celebrating another trip around the sun this week include: Johann Aberger, Kimberlie Chenowith and Drew Walters (Jan. 16); Brenda Buchanan, Katrina Byars, Ron Kokish, Roy Rickus and Tanner Rollyson (Jan. 17); Patrick Anderson, Joe Flores, Tarie Lahet, Katie Woltjer and Shannon Pelland (Jan. 19); Bryan Alvarez-Terrazas, Brooke Bockelman, Olivia Emery and Lewis Cooper (Jan. 20); Maisa Metcalf (Jan. 21); Joshua Adamson, Melissa Missy Elzey, Peter Green, Taylor Wagner and Abriah Wofford (Jan. 22).
~ C A L E N D A R ~
Courtesy photo
THURSDAY, JANUARY 16
MYSTERY CRAFT
Basalt Library presents “a combination of mystery, intrigue, art and challenge” for ages 6-12, available to pick up at the front desk while supplies last.
WOMEN’S HEALTH
Valley View University presents a women’s health Zoom webinar series on Thursdays this month and next from noon to 1pm. Today’s topic is weight loss, and next week’s is bladder issues and treatment. Learn more at VVH.org/womenshealthseries
BANNED BOOKS CLUB
The Banned Books Club discusses “Maus: A Survivor’s Tale” by Art Spiegelman at the Basalt Library from 4 to 5pm.
YOUTHZONE
Have a drink on YouthZone at Phat Tai from 5 to 7pm and meet its team.
CRYSTAL THEATRE
Catch “A Complete Unknown” at the Crystal Theatre today, Saturday and Jan. 22-23 at 7pm. This Sunday’s show at 5pm is captioned. “Sing Sing” will open on Jan. 24.
LOUNGE SESSION
HeadQuarters invites you to journal in a social setting inspired by literature selected by the group from 6 to 7:30pm at 23400 Two Rivers Road.
WINTER FISHING
Swing by The Tipsy Trout for an informal gathering of anglers talking about winter fishing from 6 to 7:30pm.
COMEDY NIGHT
Steve’s Guitars presents “Comedy Night” with Beth Brandon, Miller Ford, Don Chaney and Landon Bates at 8pm. Tickets at www.stevesguitars.net
GREAT DECISIONS
The Aspen Institute kicks off an eight-week series inviting participants to engage in meaningful discussions regarding foreign policy every Thursday through March 6 from 6 to 8pm at the Aspen Institute. More info at www.aspeninstitute.org/series/great-decisions-series
SMOKIN’ & ROCKIN’
Smokin’ Joe Kelly and Rockin’ Randall perform at Heather’s in Basalt at 6:30pm.
VERY DELTA
AspenOut and Aspen Gay Ski Week present “Very Delta Live: With Mariam T and Friends” at the Wheeler Opera House at 9pm. This show is 21 and up. Tickets at www.wheeleroperahouse.com
FRIDAY, JANUARY 17
UPHILL SOCIAL
The Aspen Center for Environmental Studies invites uphill skiers to its Buttermilk Uphill Social starting at 8am followed by breakfast at the Cliffhouse. Participants must have an uphill pass. Register at www.aspennature.org
VALLEY VISUAL
Carbondale Arts hosts an opening reception for the 46th Annual Valley Visual Art Show, featuring dozens of works by local artists, at the Launchpad from 5 to 7pm. The exhibit will remain on display through Feb. 20.
SOUND JOURNEY
Danielle Klein guides a sound journey at True Nature at 6pm. Register at www.truenaturehealingarts.com
‘RILEY’
Aspen Film partners with Aspen Gay Ski Week to present “Riley” at 6:30pm at the AF Isis Theatre.
STAR POWER
Patrick Keleher, a Carbondale local, will present his premier in the television series “The Rookie” at the Crystal Theatre tonight at 7pm. The party will then mosey over to Bonfire for a Q&A and cocktails.
‘OCEAN SOUL’
The 2025 Changemaker Speaker Series kicks off with “Brian Skerry: Ocean Soul” at the Wheeler Opera House at 7:30pm. Skerry is an award winning photographer who has explored the earth’s oceans for four decades. Tickets at www.wheeleroperahouse.com
LATE NIGHT RADIO
TACAW invites you to dance, dance, dance with Late Night Radio at 8pm. Dale Birch and pheel. will perform the warm-up acts.
SATURDAY, JANUARY 18
UPLIFT
Join HeadQuarters and Roaring Fork CrossFit for a morning of mental and physical fitness from 9 to 10:15am. Register for free at headq.org/support/events
REVOLUTIONARY 2025
True Nature hosts a half-day immersion designed for creative female leaders, artists and entrepreneurs who want to map out a transformative 2025 from 1 to 5pm. Register at www.truenaturehealingarts.com
PEOPLE’S MARCH
Pitkin County Democrats organize a People’s March in Aspen with the slogan “we won’t go back.” Demonstrators will gather at Durant and Hunter at noon then march to Paepcke Park for a Women’s Speaker Event at 1pm. This local event is part of a national feminist-led action. For more information, visit www.peoplesmarch.com
TEEN NIGHT
Teen Night, a series of arts and culture events exclusively for ages 13-18, premieres at TACAW with live music performed by local teens: Fotostatic, Lana Greengrass, Tristan Trincado and Jazz Aspen Streethorns. Doors open at 6pm and the show starts at 7pm. Tickets at www.tacaw.org
SUNDAY, JANUARY 19
SELF CARE
A Spiritual Center welcomes Akaljeet Khalsa, an end-of-life doula, for an inspiring talk about self care and personal healing from 10 to 11:30am at the Third Street Center, Room #31.
ASTRAL PROJECTION
Two Rivers Unitarian Universalist presents “Astral Projection and Interdimensional Travel for the Resolutely Earthbound,” building on the idea that we can work with the stories that bind us in order to experience more freedom and possibility in our daily lives, at the Third Street Center from 10am to noon.
‘GODDESS EMPOWERMENT’
Explore the wisdom, creativity and energy of the feminine with Mindy Arbuckle at True Nature from 10am to 1pm. Register at www.truenaturehealingarts.com
‘BLISS YOUR HIPS’
Cari Eisenson guides a “Bliss Your Hips” yoga session at Kula Yoga on Main from 5:30 to 7pm. More info at www.kulayogaonmain.com
BREATHWORK
True Nature Healing Arts, in partnership with Pathfinders, invites folks to an evening of guided breathwork led by Allison Alexander at 6pm. Register at www.truenaturehealingarts.com
ECSTATIC DANCE
Thirteen Moons Ranch hosts an ecstatic dance session, guided by Alya Howe and DJ ChaiBaba, from 6 to 8pm. Email alyahowe@me.com with inquiries.
VALLEY JOURNAL
The Carbondale Historical Society presents “Pages of the Past,” featuring a handful of former Valley Journal (Carbondale’s longest-standing newspaper) employees who will fill the audience in on the untold stories of those storytellers. It starts at 6:30pm in the Calaway Room at the Third Street Center.
MONDAY, JANUARY 20
AYURVEDIC YOGA
Basalt Library presents “Yoga is Medicine,” a free community class by Laura Post from 10:15 to 11:15am.
MLK DAY
Colorado Mountain College presents “A Legacy of Courage,” a virtual event honoring Martin Luther King Jr. with esteemed Judge Gary M. Jackson, from 11am to 12:30pm. Register for free at coloradomtn.edu/event/mlk-day-2025
NEW YEAR, NEW HOBBY
Basalt Library welcomes middle and high schoolers to explore a new hobby each week this January. Today’s session is all about terrarium building from 4 to 5pm. Registration is required at www.basaltlibrary.org/events-calendar
TUESDAY, JANUARY 21
PAWS TO READ
The Carbondale Library welcomes children to practice reading with a therapy dog in 15-minute intervals beginning at 3:30pm. To RSVP, call 970-963-2889.
GAME NIGHT
Basalt Library presents Tabletop Game Night for Teens from 4 to 6pm.
MOVIE NIGHT
The Glenwood Springs Library screens movies suitable for children 10-15 from 5 to 8pm. Children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult. For more info, call 970-945-5958.
MIDDLE SCHOOL BRIDGE
Waldorf School on the Roaring Fork offers a window into their middle school programs and curriculum for prospective students and their families from 6:15 to 7pm.
DRAWING CLUB
After a brief holidays hiatus, the Roaring Fork Drawing Club is back, gathering the “sketchiest” peeps around for informal art-making time at rotating locations throughout the Valley. This week, Drawing Club meets at Botany Houseplant Shop in Carbondale beginning at 6:30pm.
WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 22
ART OPENING
Basalt Library hosts an opening reception for landscape painter Michael Kinsley from 5 to 7pm. Kinsley’s art will remain on display at the library through the winter.
BOOK TALK
Mary Fox facilitates a discussion of “Restless” by William Boyd at the Basalt Library from 5:30 to 6:30pm. Copies of the book are available at the circulation desk while supplies last.
NATURALIST NIGHT
The Naturalist Nights series continues with “Beavers are for Birds” by Delia Malone, detailing what beavers do to help declining bird populations, at the Third Street Center at 6pm. Register at www.wildernessworkshop.org/events
‘HOW MONEY WORKS’
Shawn Stevenson from Primerica Financial Services teaches a “How Money Works” seminar at the Carbondale Library at 6pm. For more info, call 970-963-2889.
SCIENCE ON SCREEN
Aspen Film shows 2022 Shortfest favorite, “The Diamond,” paired with 1963 classic “The Pink Panther” as part of its Science on Screen series at the AF Isis Theatre at 6:30pm. The evening will include a presentation by Alex Tarika, education manager at the Aspen Science Center.
MENDEZ & JOHNSON
Catch Josefina Mendez and Mark Johnson performing at Heather’s in Basalt from 6:30 to 9:30pm.
THURSDAY, JANUARY 23
WOMEN’S HEALTH
Jamie Lowe, MD, a urologist at Valley View’s Rocky Mountain Urology Center, presents “Taking Control: Bladder Issues & Treatment for Women 101” as part of Valley View’s Women’s Health Series, on Zoom at noon. Register at www.tinyurl.com/VVWomensHealth
DIGITAL SAT
Basalt Library offers an intro to the SAT and resources for Spanish speakers from 4 to 5pm.
ESCAPE ROOM
Basalt Library invites all ages to take the Sherlock Holmes Escape Room challenge. Participants can sign up at the front desk in advance for a 30-minute time slot from 4 to 7pm.
LINCOLN CREEK 2.0
Last summer two graduate students from the University of Colorado Boulder conducted a comprehensive study of Lincoln Creek to evaluate the presence of rare earth elements and trace metals, and assess their implications for the creek’s ecological health. Athena Bolin and Adam Odorisio will present their findings at the Basalt Library at 5pm. Register at www.roaringfork.org/events
X GAMES
The 24th X Games Aspen will return to Buttermilk Mountain beginning tonight from 5 to 10pm and continuing through the weekend. Find all the details at www.xgames.com
STEVE’S GUITARS
David Lawrence performs a solo show at Steve’s Guitars at 8pm. For tickets, visit www.stevesguitars.net
FRIDAY, JANUARY 24
‘PINK TO BLACK’
Thunder River Theatre and El Dorado present the first installment of “Pink to Black,” a new immersive concert series, featuring the Triptides. DJ Pinto opens the show at 7pm at Thunder River Theatre. Tickets at www.thunderrivertheatre.com
BANK & HARRIMAN
Chris Bank and Hap Harriman perform at Heather’s from 6:30 to 9:30pm.
TACAWMEDY
Comedian Rory Scovel performs at TACAW at 8pm. Tickets at www.tacaw.org
SATURDAY, JANUARY 25
APRÉS AT TACAW
In partnership with Aspen Historical Society, TACAW presents family-friendly vintage ski films and an ‘80s-themed dance party. This event is free and open to the public. Doors open at 4pm and the films begin at 5pm.
NORTHERN LIGHT
BenFeng Music Productions presents “Northern Light: An Intimate Evening of Nordic Music” at the Old Thompson Barn in River Valley Ranch at 7pm, featuring violinists Sandra Wong (also playing the nyckelharpa) and MinTze Wu, storyteller Camille Moore and special guest Sarah Graf, basso continuo. Tickets are free for youth under 18; find more at www.benfengmusicproductions.org
‘THUNDERCHAT’
Thunder River Theatre presents its first “Thunderchat,” featuring keynote speaker Mandy Moore, at 7:30pm. Tickets at www.thunderrivertheatre.com
SUNDAY, JANUARY 26
NORDIC DEMO DAY
Independence Run & Hike invites folks to demo nordic skiing equipment at Spring Gulch from 8:30am to 1pm. Call 970-704-0909 for more info and to reserve gear in advance.
— —
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.
AIKIDO
Crystal River Aikikai offers aikido training at 13 Moons Ranch for adults and teens on Mondays from 5:30 to 6:30pm and Wednesdays from 6:30 to 7:30pm. Kids classes are on Mondays from 4 to 5pm and Wednesdays from 4 to 5pm. Get your first class for free with an RSVP at www.crystalriveraikikai.com
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.org 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.
CRIBBAGE
Whether you’ve played for years or are looking to learn, stop by the Carbondale Rec Center from 4 to 5pm Tuesday nights. Bring snacks or non-alcoholic drinks to share! Visit www.carbondalerec.com for more info.
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 and Thursdays from 2 to 6pm and Sundays from noon to 6pm on the east side of 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.
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.
GERI-FIT
The Carbondale Library hosts an older-adult fitness class every Thursday through Feb. 27 at 12:15pm. Call 970-625-5282 ext. 3084 to register.
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.