Mountain Fair 2025
The 54th annual Carbondale Mountain Fair poster design contest is now underway! This year’s theme is: “Let’s Dance! ¡Bailemos!” Artists are encouraged to submit a well-developed concept (vertical or square preferred over horizontal) along with three work samples to brian@carbondalearts.com by April 1. The jury-selected winner will receive $1,000 and five shirts!
GWS detox to close
After opening its doors in June of last year, the Glenwood Springs Withdrawal Management Facility, managed by Mind Springs Health, will admit its last walk-in patients on Monday, March 10. In an email to The Sopris Sun, Mind Springs cited financial challenges and “upcoming regulatory changes in the behavioral healthcare industry” as reasons for the upcoming closure. “The 3.7 Medically Monitored Withdrawal Management program in Glenwood Springs will close with the intention of evaluating community needs and repurposing the facility,” the email continued. The Sopris Sun will follow up with Mind Springs for more detailed information.
Teacher of the Year
The Colorado Department of Education is inviting community members to recognize exceptional teachers by nominating an educator for the 2026 Colorado Teacher of the Year. The nomination window closes March 17 and the application closes April 23. For more information, visit cdeinfo.org/toy
Chris Klug nominations
The Chris Klug Foundation is soliciting nominations for its awards honoring three people within the organ transplant and donation community. The Hero Award recognizes a donor, the Bounce Back Give Back Award honors someone who has received a transplant and does something to pay it forward and the Community Champion is someone within a caregiving or community advocacy role. The winners will be honored guests at the foundation’s annual Wine & Dine gala on Aug. 22, with all expenses paid. Nominations close on April 1. Visit www.chrisklugfoundation.org/ckf-awards for more information and to nominate a hero.
Eagle County land use
The Eagle County government is revising its existing land use regulations and the public is invited to weigh in. “Encouraging high-quality development is one of the goals of this project,” said Eagle County Commissioner Matt Scherr. “Equally important is considering development impacts in the context of our strategic goal of protecting our mountain ecosystem.” Find the first module at www.bit.ly/EagleCodes and comment by emailing ECLURproject@eaglecounty.us
Three Meadows Ranch
On Wednesday, Feb. 19, Eagle County, Pitkin County Open Space & Trails and Aspen Valley Land Trust (AVLT) completed the purchase of Three Meadows Ranch, 4,251 acres of wildlife habitat along Cottonwood Pass in Missouri Heights. This single acquisition has increased the land protected by AVLT in the Roaring Fork and Colorado River valleys by nearly 10%. The Eagle County Open Space fund contributed $12.5 million, Pitkin County gave $7.7 million and the Wexner family (via AVLT) made a $7.5 million donation toward the final purchase price of $27.7 million.
Big-game licenses
Hunters hoping to draw a big-game license in 2025 are urged to review the changes in licenses, seasons and fees prior to the March 1 opening of the primary draw application period (closing April 1 at 8pm). Find all the relevant information at cpw.state.co.us/hunting/big-game
Conservation over oil
Colorado College released findings from its 15th annual State of the Rockies Project Conservation in the West Poll, which showed that many Coloradans prefer conservation over oil and gas development. “The poll, which surveyed the views of voters in Colorado and seven other Mountain West states … found Coloradans prefer public land conservation over oil and gas development at the highest margins measured in the poll’s 15 year history,” stated a press release. According to the poll, 76% of Coloradans wish for policy makers to prioritize clean water, air quality and wildlife habitat, while 22% would like to see expanded energy development. For a detailed breakdown of the poll, visit www.tinyurl.com/CCconservationpoll
They say it’s your birthday!
Folks celebrating another trip around the sun this week include: Jeremy Dwiggins, Gaby Mata Serafin and Sara Tymczyszyn (Feb. 27); Junior Ortega (Feb. 28); Cole Buerger, Emma Duke, Pusa Vhrin and Robert Weinhold (March 1); Sean Jeffries (March 2); Barbe Chambliss, Bella Frisbie and Judey Kess (March 3); Kurt Trede, Jr. (March 4); Kelly Field, Amy Hadden Marsh and Meg Plumb (March 5).
~ C A L E N D A R ~
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 27
MENOPAUSE EXPLAINED
As part of its Women’s Health Series, Valley View presents “Menopause Explained,” a webinar with Elizabeth Cruse, MD, at noon. Register at www.vvh.org/WomensHealthSeries
BLACK INVENTORS
Basalt Library’s Teen Innovators Lab celebrates Black inventors throughout history from 4 to 5:30pm. Registration is recommended at www.basaltlibrary.org/events-calendar
RINCÓN LITERARIO
Basalt Library’s Spanish book club, Rincón Literario, discusses “Solito,” an autobiography by Javier Zamora, at 6pm. Free copies are available at the circulation desk while supplies last.
WOMEN’S GROUP
HeadQuarters in Basalt hosts Common Roots Women’s Group from 6 to 7:30pm. This month’s topic: “Not enough-ness.” Register at www.headq.org
ECSTATIC DANCE
Dustin Eli offers a new moon ecstatic dance experience at 13 Moons from 6 to 8pm.
CRYSTAL THEATRE
Catch “The Brutalist” at the Crystal Theatre tonight only at 6:30pm. “Nickel Boys” will open tomorrow and continue Saturday and next Thursday at 7pm. The Sunday matinee is at 2pm.
KNOW YOUR RIGHTS
YouthZone presents immigration lawyer Jennifer Smith for an informational session about the intersection between court involvement and immigration status from 6:30 to 7:30pm at 136 East 12th Street in Rifle. Dinner will be provided, as well as transportation and childcare by contacting squintana@youthzone.com or 970-945-9300.
‘TINY BEAUTIFUL THINGS’
It’s your last chance to catch Thunder River Theatre Company’s production of “Tiny Beautiful Things” tonight, tomorrow and Saturday at 7:30pm. Sunday’s show is at 2pm. Tickets at www.thunderrivertheatre.com
FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 28
ECONOMIC BLACKOUT
Activists around the country will protest the current administration by refusing to spend money (except on local businesses) for 24 hours. Participants are also encouraged to abstain from social media.
COZY HOUR
Young adults and teens (ages 14 to 35) are invited to enjoy “a cozy hour” at the Basalt Library after hours, with board games, a craft and more, from 5 to 6pm.
GONG BATH
Dr. Zachary and Krista Chasin offer a sound journey in True Nature’s Kiva at 6:30pm. Tickets at www.truenaturehealingarts.com
CONNOR GARVEY
Catch Connor Garvey at Steve’s Guitars tonight at 8pm. Tickets at www.stevesguitars.net
CONSENSUAL IMPROV
Consensual Improv performs at TACAW at 8pm. Tickets at www.tacaw.org
ROOFTOP KARAOKE
The Aspen Art Museum hosts “Rooftop Karaoke” marking the closing of its current exhibit, “Shuang Li: I’m Not” on display through March 2, from 8 to 10pm. Register at www.aspenartmuseum.com
SATURDAY, MARCH 1
SHARE YOUR LIGHT
Meghan Gilroy offers a daylong retreat for following your soul’s yearnings from 10am to 4pm. Tickets at www.truenaturehealingarts.com
TYPICAL GHOST
Typical Ghost, a local band, plans to bring down the house at Steve’s Guitars at 8pm. More info and tickets at www.typicalghost.com
POKEY LAFARGE
Cicada Rhythm opens for Pokey LaFarge at TACAW at 8pm. Tickets at www.tacaw.org
SUNDAY, MARCH 2
MONTHLY MEDITATION
The Carbondale Meditation Circle of Self Realization Fellowship meets on the first Sunday of every month from 9 to 10:30am in the meditation room at True Nature.
EMBRACING ELDERHOOD
Deanna Jenné and Lisa Dancing-Light present an introductory talk on embracing elderhood, embracing wisdom and living strategies to navigate aging at the Third Street Center (Room 31) at 10am. A six-week series for men and women of all ages will begin on March 12. RSVP at www.lisadancinglight.com
RANDOM CONVERSATIONS
The Art of Random Conversations series continues at the Carbondale Library tonight from 6 to 7:30pm. “Push your comfort zone and follow thought-provoking questions that allow you to connect deeply with whomever is sitting next to you.”
BREATHWORK
Pathfinders offers a free breathwork meditation journey led by Allison Alexander at True Nature from 6 to 7:30pm. Registration is required at www.truenaturehealingarts.com
COSMIC COUNTRY
TACAW presents Daniel Donato’s Cosmic Country at 8pm. Tickets at www.tacaw.org
MONDAY, MARCH 3
BASALT ELEMENTARY
Basalt Elementary School hosts an in-person registration day from 7:30am to 4pm. Guardians should bring copies of their child’s birth certificate, immunization records and proof of address. More info at www.bes.rfsd.k12.co.us
MOVE WITH ME
Eighteen-month to 3 year olds and their guardians are invited to move to the groove of music at the Basalt Library from 10:30 to 11:30am.
GOLDEN LIGHT MEDITATION
Lisa Mckenzie leads a golden light meditation at The Meeting Place (981 Cowen Drive) from 5 to 6pm. Donations appreciated.
MYCOLOGY CLUB
The Western Colorado Mycological Association presents Dr. Sophia Ben-Hamoo on “Exploring the Clinical Landscape of Psychedelic-Assisted Therapy” at the Carbondale Community School (1505 Satank Road) from 6 to 8pm. This talk is free and open to all.
‘BLUE VELVET’
Aspen Film celebrates David Lynch with Monday screenings in March. “Blue Velvet” kicks it off at the AF Isis Theatre tonight at 7pm. Tickets at www.aspenfilm.org
TUESDAY, MARCH 4
BIRDING CLUB
Middle schoolers interested in the avian world are invited to the Basalt Library today and next Tuesday, March 11, from 3:45 to 5pm, for the final Middle School Birding Club gatherings in this series.
TAMARA DE LEMPICKA
Aspen Film and the Aspen Art Museum present a screening of the documentary “The True Story of Tamara de Lempicka & The Art of Survival” at the AF Isis Theatre at 5pm followed by a Q&A with the filmmaker, Julie Ruibio, and Marisa de Lempicka. Tickets at www.aspenfilm.org
SUNNYSIDE BURN
The Roaring Fork Wildfire Collaborative hosts a community meeting to discuss the 900-acre Sunnyside Prescribed Fire this spring near Aspen. The hour-long meeting will take place at Aspen’s downtown fire station at 5:30pm and it will be recorded and posted online in English and Spanish.
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 5
INDIE SHOWCASE
Aspen Film’s Indie Showcase presents “Liza: A Truly Terrific Absolutely True Story” at the AF Isis Theatre at 7:30pm. Tickets at www.aspenfilm.org
UTE HISTORY & CULTURE
Skyler Lomahaftewa, a Northern Ute Tribal Member, integrates music, history and dance in an interactive presentation about Ute ancestors and contemporaries at the Basalt Library from 2:30 to 3:30pm. The presentation is ideal for elementary and middle school students.
FLY TYING CLUB
Roaring Fork Conservancy guides the Teen Fly Tying Club at the Basalt Library every Wednesday at 3pm through March 19.
DEATH CAFÉ
Sopris Lodge offers a safe, relaxed space to explore topics around death and dying with meaningful conversation led by End-of-Life Consultant Akaljeet Khalsa from 3:30 to 5pm. To RSVP, call 970-456-8764.
PILATES
Alexandra Jerkunica teaches a free pilates class at the Carbondale Library on Wednesdays from 5 to 6pm through April 2.
DRAWING CLUB
The Roaring Fork Drawing Club meets at the Carbondale Rec Center for a sneak peek of the Carbondale Arts Fashion Show at 6:30pm. BYO art supplies!
MICHAEL FEINSTEIN
Michael Feinstein performs “Because of You,” a tribute to his friend Tony Bennett, at the Wheeler Opera House at 7pm. Tickets at www.aspenshowtix.com
ADVENTURE FILMS
TACAW hosts the Women’s Adventure Film Tour beginning at 7:30pm. Tickets at www.tacaw.org
THURSDAY, MARCH 6
WRITERS FESTIVAL
Ordinary Fellow Winery in Palisade (202 Peach Ave) hosts “Warblers, Howlers & Minstrels,” a four-day festival for writers with performances, workshops, discussions and more. Find the lineup and tickets at www.bit.ly/PalisadeWriters
GRAPHIC NOVEL CLUB
Carbondale Library hosts a graphic novel club for ages 9 to 12 discussing “The Great Chicago Fire: Rising from the Ashes” by Kate Hannigan at 3:30pm. Call 970-963-2889 to sign up and claim your copy of the book. Peppino’s pizza will be served.
MEN’S GROUP
HeadQuarters hosts the Common Roots Men’s Group focusing on this month’s theme, “Inflammation,” from 6 to 7:30pm. Register at www.headq.org
STEVE’S GUITARS
Dan Rodriguez performs at Steve’s Guitars at 8pm. Tickets at www.stevesguitars.net
FIRST FRIDAY, MARCH 7
‘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 March 16. For more, visit www.aspenartmuseum.org
GUSS UP!
Whether you scored tickets to the Carbondale Arts Fashion Show or not, this month’s First Friday theme is “Get Gussied Up!” A Community Glam Cam will be stationed at Chacos Park (4th & Main) as well as several food trucks.
SILVER PROM
The Glenwood Springs Community Center hosts The Emerald City Silver Prom for older adults, complete with dinner, professional photos, sweet treats and a live DJ, from 6 to 8:30pm. Tomorrow night, the whole family is invited for more dinner and dancing from 5:30 to 8pm.
MICHAEL MARCAGI
TACAW presents Michael Marcagi with Ashley Kutcher opening at 8pm. Tickets at www.tacaw.org
SATURDAY, MARCH 8
FIRE MITIGATION TRAINING
Roaring Fork Outdoor Volunteers offers free fire mitigation training at the Third Street Center from 8am to 4pm. Sign up at www.rfov.org/calendar
CARE FOR CAREGIVERS
In honor of International Women’s Day, Care for Caregivers offers a daylong retreat at True Nature from 9:30am to 3:30pm designed to replenish those who care for others with a focus on professionals working with neglected and abused children. Learn more at www.truenaturehealingarts.com
MUSIC AT THE LIBRARY
Cellist and pianist duo, Francisco Villa and Mandy Gessler, respectively, perform classical music at the Basalt Library from 5:30 to 6:45pm.
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.
BASALT BOOK CLUB
The Basalt Library hosts its Regional Book Club discussing favorite new releases and more every first Wednesday at noon.
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.
UNDER THE SUN
Join Sopris Sun correspondents and guests for “Everything Under The Sun,” airing every Thursday on KDNK at 4pm.
TEEN LIBRARY COUNCIL
The Teen Library Council convenes every first Thursday at the Basalt Library 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.
NATURE JOURNALING
Anyone interested in creatively documenting nature is invited to a Nature Journaling workshop at the Carbondale Library every first Friday from 1 to 2:30pm.
NONVIOLENT COMMUNICATION
Talia Starwood is offering Nonviolent Communication in Action on the last Wednesday of each month from 6:30 to 8pm. To RSVP, text 970-309-1120. Donations will be gratefully accepted.