El Jebel improvement
Midvalley residents are invited to a stakeholder meeting to review and discuss reconstruction of the south side of the El Jebel Road and Highway 82 intersection. The meeting will take place on Tuesday, Feb. 18, from 3 to 7pm at the Eagle County Building, 0020 Eagle County Drive, in El Jebel. Any questions concerning the meeting can be directed to Rickie Davies at richard.davies@eaglecounty.us or 970-328-3567.
River otters
An Aspen Valley Land Trust newsletter reported that a family of river otters (excellent indicators of healthy ecosystems) was spotted on wildlife cameras at Coffman Ranch. “Otters rely on intact riparian vegetation, complex river systems with dynamic riverbanks, and healthy fish populations,” the news release explained.
Sisu
Despite the big melt, Ski for Sisu, Mount Sopris Nordic Council’s annual Spring Gulch fundraiser, went off without a hitch! More than 100 skiers of all ages and levels gathered at the Marion Lot to ski as many kilometers as possible. Olympian Hailey Swirbul (who took her first-ever cross-country ski at Spring Gulch) was among at least four skiers who surpassed 50 kilometers on that beautiful Sunday morning. Together, everyone raised over $25,000 to help maintain the trails.
Youth in Nature
Roaring Fork Outdoor Volunteers is accepting applications for its Youth in Nature paid high school internship program until April 4. This year-long program provides $1,500 and supplies, gear and transportation to 10 to 12 students from Parachute to Aspen to learn hands-on about trail restoration, avalanche safety, connecting with nature and more. The program begins with orientation in June followed by a four-day hut trip in July. Find more info at www.rfov.org/yin
Garfield County immigration
A news release from the Garfield County Sheriff’s Office detailed the county’s sanctuary policies, explaining that the commissioners declared Garfield a non-sanctuary county in March of 2024 partially “to address a national organization that wrongfully lists on their website Garfield County, and specifically the Sheriff’s Office, as sanctuary organizations.” According to Sheriff Lou Vallario, “I work with all law enforcement agencies, from local to international, to the degree I legally can.” He goes on to say that “the Colorado Legislature has enacted several laws limiting my ability to work with ICE [Immigration and Customs Enforcement].” Because immigration falls under civil law, rather than criminal law, “I do not, nor do any Colorado state and local law enforcement officers, have federal immigration authority,” Vallario said. However, if ICE agents review the county’s public jail logs and express interest in detaining someone, Garfield County will notify them when that person is to be released. “Regardless, I cannot unnecessarily delay anyone’s release and must comply with the six hour rule” requiring an inmate not being held on criminal charges to be released within six hours. Moreover, a civil arrest can’t be enforced while a subject is in or around a courthouse for a court proceeding, Vallario explained. Lastly, “I will support any other law enforcement agency when requested, as an ‘agency assist’ for the best interest of public safety,” Vallario said. “There are no laws preventing me from supporting another law enforcement agency and I will always do so when asked.”
Hickenlooper responds
In response to reports of ICE arrests and activity across Denver and Aurora, Senator John Hickenlooper stated, “Reports that ICE was blocking school buses picking up kids and preventing families from leaving their homes are deeply troubling.” He continued, “We want criminals off of our streets. Securing our border doesn’t require targeting children and families who have committed no crimes.”
Safe Streets Survey
The City of Glenwood Springs’ 2024 Safe Streets Survey is soliciting responses through March 7 at www.GWSsafetysurvey.com — this is part of a greater Community Safety Action Plan process with pop-up events on Feb. 13 at the 27th Street Park and Ride from 3:30 to 5:30pm and Glenwood Springs High School from 6:30 to 8:30pm. Community meetings are also scheduled at the Glenwood Springs Middle School for West Glenwood on Feb. 24 from 6 to 8pm and downtown neighborhoods on March 4 from 5 to 7pm. A Midland corridor meeting will take place at the Community Center on March 5 from 4 to 6pm.
Beginner pilates
Alexandra Jerkunica is now offering “Beginner Mat Pilates” at The Launchpad on Thursdays from 8 to 9am for six weeks beginning Feb. 13. RSVP required at 970-379-2187 or movefromyourcenter@gmail.com
Shortlisted
Sopris Sun cartoonist Larry Day was shortlisted for the 2025 Communication Arts annual illustration competition for his July 4 artwork depicting the U.S. Supreme Court disassembling an American flag. Check it out on Day’s personal/professional Instagram account: @larry.day56
They say it’s your birthday!
Folks celebrating another trip around the sun this week include: Amy Rota (Feb. 13); Camille Backman, Winnie Crampton-Steindler, Deatra Glock, Gabriela Mejia and Andrea Stewart (Feb. 14); Richard Allen, Jesse Hill, Jennifer Moss, Scott Levine, Dave Plumb and Megan Tackett (Feb. 15); Cody Lee, Luby Lubrant, Tristan Mead, Jen Moss, Jessie Murillo and Dale Will (Feb. 16); Emma Scher and Jade Wimberley (Feb. 17); Sarah Emily Murray (Feb. 18).
~ C A L E N D A R ~
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 13
NONFICTION BOOK CLUB
The Carbondale Library hosts a monthly nonfiction book club based around a theme rather than a specific book. This month’s theme is “the arts” and the group meets from 2 to 3:30pm.
BANNED BOOK CLUB
Basalt Library’s Banned Book Club chats about “Looking for Alaska” by John Green from 4 to 5pm.
UNDERSTANDING LONELINESS
The Aspen Chapel Gallery presents J.W. Freiberg, author of “The Loneliness Trilogy,” on the impacts of loneliness in our valley at 5:30pm. Find tickets for the live stream or in-person talk at www.aspenchapel.org
BREATHWORK & BUBBLY
Kula Yoga on Main invites guests for some musically-accompanied breathwork, followed by champagne and bon-bons from 6 to 7:30pm. More info at www.kulayogaonmain.com
CRYSTAL THEATRE
Catch “Sing Sing” at the Crystal Theatre tonight at 7pm. “I’m Still Here” opens tomorrow and continues Saturday, Wednesday and Thursday at 7pm. Sunday’s show is at 5pm.
CRASH TEST DUMMIES
Canadian alternative rock band Crash Test Dummies perform at TACAW at 8pm. Come early for Supper Club, catered by Epicure Catering, at 6pm. Tickets at www.tacaw.org
GWS HISTORY
Angela Parkison, author of “Hope and Hot Water: Glenwood Springs from 1878 to 1891,” discusses the town’s early days in the Community Room of the Glenwood Library at 6:30pm.
FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 14
NATIONAL DONOR DAY
The Chris Klug Foundation celebrates National Donor Day with its second annual Sip N Save Campaign where coffee shops around the country will engage in education about the importance of organ, eye and tissue donations. Find the list of participating locations at www.chrisklugfoundation.org/national-donor-day
BIKE TO WORK
The City of Aspen celebrates Winter Bike to Work Day, aiming to encourage cycling and walking as alternative modes of transportation, with free food and drinks and prizes for helmet-clad cyclists at Paepcke Park from 7:30 to 9:30am.
VALENTINES
Basalt Library invites children to stop by and make some Valentines for friends and family from 4 to 5pm. This bilingual workshop will teach loving phrases in Spanish and English.
VALENTINE BREATHWORK
Davis Cowles leads a Valentines Day breathwork session, “Heart Spark,” from 5 to 7pm at True Nature. Register at www.truenaturehealingarts.com
VOICES RADIO HOUR
This month’s episode of VOICES Radio Hour, “Love Overcomes,” airs on KDNK Community Access Radio at 6pm.
THE RIVER I LOVE
Write a love poem or song for that special river in your life and learn from a “Rights of Nature” lawyer at Aspen Shakti (535 E Hyman Ave #105, Aspen) from 7 to 9pm. RSVP for free at www.givebutter.com/RiverLove
‘BLOOMSDAY’
Sopris Theatre Company performs “Bloomsday” at the New Space Theatre (CMC Spring Valley) tonight and tomorrow at 7pm and Sunday at 2pm.
‘TINY BEAUTIFUL THINGS’
Thunder River Theatre Company’s production of “Tiny Beautiful Things” opens tonight at 7:30pm. The show runs through March 2. Find tickets at www.thunderrivertheatre.com
SONGWRITERS AT TACAW
Singer-songwriters John Craigie and Glen Phillips perform at TACAW at 8pm. Tickets at www.tacaw.org
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 15
‘HEAVEN’
Aspen Art Museum and Aspen One present “Heaven,” a ski-in, ski-out exhibit by LA-based artist Alex Israel, hosted at Ruthie’s cabin on Aspen Mountain today through Feb. 23, and returning March 7 to 16. For more, visit www.aspensnowmass.com/visit/events
UPLIFT
HeadQuarters partners with Roaring Fork CrossFit for a free monthly training that benefits the mind and body from 9 to 10:15am. Register online at www.headq.org/support/events
NATURE’S VOICE
The Aspen Chapel welcomes Earth Law Center for a presentation about law and spiritual ecology from 9:30 to 11am. This will include the 1,000-year-old eco-fable: “The Animals’ Lawsuit Against Humanity,” a story that spans numerous religious traditions.
SEED SAVING
Join Growing Empowerment for a community seed-saving workshop at Eagle Crest Nursery in El Jebel from 10am to noon. Participants will learn about the fermentation and screening methods before moving to a greenhouse for hands-on experience screening and packaging seeds for Lift-Up clients.
HEARTS & HANDS
True Nature offers a workshop teaching partner massage for health and connection from 4 to 6pm. Tickets at www.truenaturehealingarts.com
ASCENDIGO BLUE
Ascendigo Autism Services hosts its signature fundraising gala, Ascendigo Blue Aspen, featuring keynote speaker Temple Grandin, from 6 to 11pm. Tickets and more info at www.ascendigo.org/blue
EMBER GLOW
DanceAspen presents “Ember Glow,” an evening of transformative dance, at the Wheeler Opera House tonight and tomorrow at 7:30pm. Tickets at www.aspenshowtix.com
STARLIGHT AND PINE
Steve’s Guitars presents Starlight and Pine performing at 8pm. Tickets at www.stevesguitars.net
PARTYGRASS
Pixie and the Partygrass Boys perform at TACAW at 8pm. Tickets at www.tacaw.org
SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 16
SENIOR SKI DAY
Aspen One and Pitkin County Senior Services invite seniors for a day on the slopes, including breakfast, scenic gondola rides, skiing and a raffle giveaway. Basecamp is at the Sundeck on Aspen Mountain. For more info, email ljohns@aspen.com
COMPASSION & CHAOS
A Spiritual Center presents Carmen Iacino on how to use compassion to deal with the chaos in Room 31 at the Third Street Center from 10 to 11:30am.
POETS & WRITERS
Do you love to write? Enjoy the company of other wordsmiths at the Carbondale Library from 3:30 to 5pm on the third Sunday of each month through May.
SCHOOLED
The Carbondale Historical Society presents a panel of current and former educators at the Third Street Center at 6:30pm.
MONDAY, FEBRUARY 17
PRESIDENTS’ DAY
Many government offices and banks will be closed today in honor of Presidents’ Day.
LIBRARIES CLOSURE
All six Garfield County Libraries will be closed today as staff “complete large tasks and training within the buildings.”
GOLDEN MEDITATION
Lisa McKenzie leads “Golden Light Meditation” at the Third Street Center from 6:30 to 8pm. Register at www.thecenterforhumanflourishing.org
MOJOHAND AND FAY
Mugsy Fay performs with Mojohand at Steve’s Guitars at 8pm. Tickets at www.stevesguitars.net
TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 18
WHITE RIVER PERMITS
Set an alarm! Permits for popular areas of the White River National Forest, including overnight permits for Conundrum Hot Springs, the Four Pass Loop and Capitol Lake, will open at 8am at www.recreation.gov
TABLETOP GAMES
Basalt Library invites teens to play tabletop games from 4 to 6pm.
DRAWING CLUB
Join the Roaring Fork Drawing Club for a session at Aspenglow Books in Glenwood Springs beginning at 6:30pm.
‘COUNTERPOINT’
Pianist Conrad Tao and dancer Caleb Teicher perform at the Wheeler Opera House at 7pm. Tickets at www.aspenshowtix.com
WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 19
NATURALIST NIGHT
The third Naturalist Night of the season explores “Wildland Recreation and Ecological Disturbance: Recreation and Public Land Management Implications for Western Colorado,” presented by Utah University professor Christopher Monz at the Third Street Center from 6 to 7pm. Register at www.wildernessworkshop.org
RADICAL WEDNESDAYS
Aspen Film presents “Fistful of Moguls” at the AF Isis Theatre at 6:30pm. Learn more at www.aspenfilm.org
‘SHE SINGS’
The Wheeler Opera House presents “She Sings: A Soaring Musical” at 7:30pm. Tickets at www.aspenshowtix.com
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 20
SNOTEL
Roaring Fork Conservancy invites you to learn about winter snowpack by touring a SNOTEL site on McClure Pass from 9:30am to 12:30pm. Register at www.roaringfork.org/events
BOOK CLUB
Carbondale Library’s Third Thursday Book Club discusses “The Lost Girls of Willowbrook” by Ellen Marie Wiseman from 2 to 3:30pm.
PET SAFETY
Journey Home Animal Care Center presents on pet safety education at Saddleback RV Park in Battlement Mesa from 2 to 4pm.
PAPER WEAVING
The Basalt Library offers a workshop for children ages 5 to 10 designing Kente cloth, inspired by the Ashanti people of Ghana, from 4 to 5pm.
ANDERSON RANCH
Anderson Ranch in Snowmass Village hosts a lecture with visiting artist Nacho Carbonell at 4:30pm.
HEALTHY JOURNEY
Aspen Valley Hospital Foundation presents an educational evening at the Aspen Meadows Campus (845 Meadows Road) with speakers including Dr. Rick Klausner delivering the keynote address on the science of aging. It begins with a cocktail reception at 5pm. Tickets at www.tinyurl.com/HealthyJourneyAVH
PAUL REISER
Comedian, actor, writer, musician, Paul Reiser performs at the Wheeler Opera House at 7pm. Tickets at www.aspenshowtix.com
COMEDY NIGHT
Steve’s Guitars hosts another comedy night, this time with Beth Brandon, Jordan Lowe, Layla Goldberg, Diego Gonzales and Miller Ford, at 8pm. Tickets at www.stevesguitars.net
FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 21
COLIN CLOUD
The Wheeler Opera House presents world-renowned mentalist Colin Cloud and his critically-acclaimed show “Mastermind” at 7pm. Find tickets at www.aspenshowtix.com
‘ANASTASIA’
Glenwood Springs High School hosts opening night of “Anastasia: The Musical” at 7pm. The show continues tomorrow and next Friday and Saturday. Tickets at www.showtix4u.com or at the door.
THE BARD
Olivia Pevec, “The Bard,” performs at Steve’s Guitars at 8pm. Tickets at www.stevesguitars.net
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 22
ADOPTION EVENT
Journey Home Animal Care Center teams up with PetCo in Glenwood Springs for an adoption event from noon to 3pm.
THE LONE BELLOW
TACAW presents The Lone Bellow at 8pm. Tickets at www.tacaw.org
SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 23
STORYTELLING & JOURNALING
Jessica Barnum leads a four-part storytelling and journaling workshop at the Basalt Library starting today at 3:30pm. The workshop is geared toward adults, but all ages are welcome.
TINY TERRARIUM
In partnership with Thunder River Theatre Company, Botany Houseplant Shop invites you to build your own “Tiny Beautiful Terrarium” at 4:15pm, following a performance of “Tiny Beautiful Things.” Register at www.thunderrivertheatre.com
— —
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.
BOARD GAMES
Kids (5 and up) play board games in the Treehouse Room at the Basalt Library Mondays at 4pm. Snacks provided.
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.
PAWS TO READ
Kindergarten through fifth graders can sign up for 15 minutes of reading with a therapy dog starting at 3:30pm every first and third Tuesday. Call 970-963-2889 to register.
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.
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.
SPARK
The Carbondale Library invites kids to “build, create, explore, concoct and invent together” on the 2nd, 3rd, 4th and 5th Wednesday of each month at 2pm.
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
SPANISH CLUB
Practice Spanish and enjoy specials at Bodegón in Carbondale every Wednesday from 5 to 7pm.
LINE DANCING
Learn to line dance at the Carbondale Community School from 5:30 to 6:30 every Wednesday.
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.