Spring Valley Ranch
A long-awaited Garfield County Planning Commission hearing about the proposed amendment to the Spring Valley Ranch Planned Unit Development, scheduled for April 9, was cancelled last week. In an April 4 letter to Glenn Hartmann, director of the county community development department, and county attorney Kelly Cave, Bart Johnson, attorney for Storied Development LLC, said the developers felt “ambushed” by what they say are generalized concerns about the development and a “180-degree change in position” by the county Road and Bridge Department (CBR) less than two weeks before the scheduled hearing. In January 2024, according to the letter, the CRB did not want County Road 115 (Red Canyon Road) to be improved or serve as a means of access for the development. Now, according to county documents, the county recommends “making the canyon section of the road one-way downhill along with other safety improvements.” No future date for a hearing has been set. All county documents and the April 4 letter are available at www.garfieldcountyco.gov/community-development
Launchpad gallery
Carbondale Arts is seeking proposals for gallery exhibitions for the 2026 calendar year. The gallery strives to provide a platform for local artists while also cultivating connections with regional and national artists to enrich our community. Proposals are due by May 1 at www.bit.ly/CAgallery2026
Clean nuclear
Governor Jared Polis recently signed into law House Bill 1040, classifying nuclear energy as “clean energy.” According to Joel Johnston, a partner at the law firm Hall Estill who specializes in environmental and regulatory issues, passage of the bill will increase funding opportunities for nuclear projects in Colorado and may reduce available incentives for wind and solar. “The fact remains that long-term radioactive waste management is a huge ongoing issue for the nuclear power industry, which this bill does nothing to address,” he stated.
Freedom to marry
On April 7, Governor Jared Polis signed into law a bill protecting the freedom to marry in Colorado by repealing language in the state constitution that bans same-sex marriage. “Colorado is for everyone, no matter who you are or who you love,” Polis declared. Amendment J, approved by voters in November, paved the way to remove language added to the constitution in 2006 which stated: “Only a union of one man and one woman shall be valid or recognized as a marriage in this state.”
TABOR
In a late-night vote this week, the state House Finance Committee narrowly passed a resolution bringing a lawsuit against the Taxpayers Bill of Rights (TABOR), a constitutional amendment approved by voters in 1992 with significant effects on government spending. The lawsuit will use taxpayer dollars on both sides, attacking and defending TABOR.
Humanitarian awards
The Garfield County Human Services Commission and the Board of County Commissioners presented their 35th annual humanitarian awards to members of our community on April 7 at the Hotel Colorado. Carbondale’s Rita Marsh, co-founder and director of The Center for Human Flourishing, earned the Wellness Visionary award; Patricia Horwitz was honored with the Lifetime Service award; Dee Warwick took home Heart & Soul; and Quinn McSwain was recognized with the Taking Flight award. Congratulations to these community all-stars who make Garfield County a more vibrant, supportive and safe place to be.
Glenwood cleanup
Glenwood residents, get out your calendars! In welcoming spring, the City of Glenwood Springs is providing its residents with landfill vouchers, available upon request through April 30; is accepting brush and yard waste at its drop-off site at the old rodeo grounds every other saturday (as of April 5); and is hosting a hazardous waste drop-off and compost pickup day on April 19, from 9am to 2pm at the Community Center. For more information, visit www.cogs.us/696/Spring-Cleanup-Events
CMC to master’s
Colorado Mountain College (CMC) and Colorado State University (CSU) Global, a 100% online campus, have partnered to offer CMC graduates a direct path to a master’s degree within select programs. CMC bachelor graduates with a 2.3 GPA or higher are guaranteed admission to CSU Global for master’s programs in business, leadership and education. Applicants with less than a 2.3 average can still apply through a provisional admission process. Accepted CMC graduates will also receive discounted tuition rates at CSU Global. “Through this partnership… CMC students will be able to access affordable and high-quality graduate programs that may have otherwise seemed out of reach for residents of rural mountain towns,” said CMC President Matt Gianneschi. For more information, visit www.csuglobal.edu
Sculpting Basalt
The Town of Basalt invites sculptors to apply for a piece of their art to be displayed along the new Midland Streetscape for two years as part of Basalt’s first art consignment program for temporary outdoor public art installations. The program will expand to Willits in 2026. After two years, the Town has the option to extend a display or purchase the sculpture for its permanent collection. The deadline to apply is May 1, and local, regional and Colorado-based artists will be given priority. Learn more and apply at www.basalt.net/bpac
They say it’s your birthday!
Folks celebrating another trip around the sun this week include: Suzanne Lavin, Herschel Ross and Marty Treadway (April 10); Krys Greenwood and Iris Nott (April 11); Brandon McDuffey and Susan Shirley (April 12); Diane Kenney, Nicole Levesque, Brad Moore, Jane Munsell, Vicki Peterson and Bill Shepherd (April 13); James Armstrong, Ed Brown, Dino Baldizan, Mark Giesecke and Roberta McGowan (April 14); Aisha Weinhold, Deloras Pulver and KDNK (April 15); Rachel Connor, Ylice Golden and Emma Rose (April 16).
~ C A L E N D A R ~
THURSDAY, APRIL 10
NONFICTION BOOK CLUB
The Nonfiction Book Club discusses various biographies and autobiographies at the Carbondale Library from 2 to 3pm.
BANNED BOOK CLUB
The Banned Book Club discusses “The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time” by Mark Haddon from 4 to 5pm at the Basalt Library. There is also a virtual attendance option. More details at www.basaltlibrary.org/events-calendar
BOOK LAUNCH
Celebrate Raina Telgemeier’s newest graphic novel, “The Cartoonists Club,” with a launch party at the Carbondale Library at 4pm where free copies will be given away (with registration) as well as cupcakes. To register, call 970-963-2889.
NUTRITION ENERGETICS
Madeline Kent teaches “Energetics of Nutrition” at True Nature from 5 to 6:30pm. Tickets at www.truenaturehealingarts.com
GROWING DAHLIAS
Vanessa Gilbert Meredith from Modern West Floral Company teaches about growing Dahlia flowers from tubers at Botany Houseplant Shop in Carbondale from 5:30 to 7pm. Sign up at www.botanyhouseplantshop.com
PRACTICAL FUELING
Carbondale’s Kylee Van Horn presents her new book, “Practical Fueling for Endurance Athletes,” following the group run hosted by Independence Run & Hike at 6:30pm.
GLENWOOD HISTORY
Local historian extraordinaire Christi Couch presents her explorations and discoveries of the area’s history — with a side of trivia — at the Glenwood Springs Library at 6:30pm. This event is presented in partnership with the Glenwood Springs Historical Society.
CRYSTAL THEATRE
Don’t miss your chance to see “The Penguin Lessons” at the Crystal Theatre tonight at 7pm. “The Friend” opens tomorrow and continues Saturday and next Thursday at 7pm. Sunday’s show is at 5pm.
IMMIGRANT VOICES
English in Action presents “Immigrant Voices,” a storytelling event, at TACAW at 7:30pm. Tickets at www.tacaw.org
LENA MARIE SCHIFFER
Steve’s Guitars presents Lena Marie Schiffer of Laney Lou and The Bird Dogs at 8pm. Tickets at www.stevesguitars.net
FRIDAY, APRIL 11
ART OPENING
Carbondale Arts hosts an opening reception for “subject/matr/mother,” an exhibit curated by Shawna Miller featuring works by women artists Mya Cluff, Courtney Dudley, Darla Jackson, LUCIA, Erin Morrison and Maria Teicher, from 5 to 7pm. The exhibit will be up through May 15.
DJ EXTRAVAGANZA
Enjoy 30-minute DJ sets from KDNK staff members at Mountain Heart Brewing in Carbondale (1841 Dolores Way) as part of KDNK’s spring membership drive from 6 to 9pm.
BINGO FOR BOOKS
The Carbondale Library invites everyone for bingo, books and pizza from 6 to 7pm.
MOUNTAIN PERSPECTIVES
Political analyst Ken Rudin kicks off a new speaker series by The Sopris Sun in partnership with TACAW at 7pm. Breeze Richardson will interview Rudin about his career and the changing landscape of American politics. Tickets at www.tacaw.org
‘FOOTLOOSE’
Basalt Middle and High schools present “Footloose” — the musical youth edition — at the Basalt Middle School Theatre tonight and tomorrow at 7pm. Sunday’s show is at 1pm. Tickets at www.tinyurl.com/BasaltFootloose
‘BRIGHT STAR’
Sopris Theatre Company at Colorado Mountain College’s Spring Valley Campus presents “Bright Star” tonight at 7pm. The show continues this and next weekend, with Friday and Saturday performances at 7pm and Sunday matinees at 2pm. For tickets, call the box office at 970-947-8177 or visit www.tinyurl.com/CMCBrightStar
HST MUSICAL
Tony Award Nominee Joe Iconis and cast members of his incendiary new musical, “The Unauthorized Untitled Hunter S. Thompson,” present a sneak peek of songs and stories at the Wheeler Opera House from 7:30 to 9pm. Tickets at www.aspenshowtix.com
BRADMAN
Bradman, aka Brad Manosevitz, debuts new original music at Steve’s Guitars at 8pm. Tickets at www.stevesguitars.net
EASY JIM
Easy Jim, a six-piece band, performs Grateful Dead music at the Belly Up at 8pm.
SATURDAY, APRIL 12
YOUTH ART EXPO
For its third year, Aspen Art Museum’s Youth Art Expo engaged 1,750 students from 13 schools across the wider Roaring Fork Valley who created art pieces based on this year’s theme: “Architecture & Imagination.” Their works will be displayed at the Aspen Art Museum today through May 11.
DANCE CONTACT
Tal Shibi teaches contact improvisation and expressive dance at The Launchpad from 10:30am to 2:30pm. Learn more at www.talshibi.com/carbondale
HAIKU CONTEST
In celebration of National Poetry Month, the Glenwood Springs Library offers a haiku writing workshop from 2 to 3:30pm. Anyone can also submit up to three haikus for a chance to win the library’s haiku poetry contest. Submissions are due April 16 and may be sent to tlamee@gcpld.org For more details, call 970-945-5958.
‘SOUNDS OF SPRING’
Jennifer Gary, flute, and Karen Tafejian, piano, perform “Sounds of Spring,” featuring the music of Debussy, at the Carbondale Library at 7pm. Admission is free.
RISING APPALACHIA
TACAW presents Rising Appalachia at 8pm. Tickets are sold out!
SUNDAY, APRIL 13
SOUND MEDITATION
The Launchpad hosts a sound meditation from 9:30 to 10:30am. Participants are encouraged to bring a yoga mat, water bottle, a blanket and pillow. To RSVP, contact Lindsay at 720-394-8671.
RAM DASS ON DYING
A Spiritual Center presents “Do You Identify With That Which Dies or Your Essence?” — a recording by Ram Dass — from 10 to 11:30am at the Third Street Center, Room 31.
COEXISTENCE
The Sierra Club and Colorado Wild bring Hillary Zaranek, a rancher in Southwest Montana’s Tom Miner Basin just outside Yellowstone National Park, to speak at the Glenwood Springs Library about nonlethal coexistence methods for ranchers to succeed in the presence of wolves and other predators. The talk takes place from 4 to 6pm.
ECSTATIC DANCE
Gabriela Mejia provides music for the monthly Ecstatic Dance at 13 Moons Ranch (6334 Highway 133) from 6 to 8pm.
MONDAY, APRIL 14
NARCAN TRAINING
High Rockies Harm Reduction offers a free training for using Narcan to reverse opioid overdoses at The Meeting Place in Carbondale at 5pm. For more info, contact info@meetingplacecarbondale.org
TUESDAY, APRIL 15
EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS
Sopris Lodge hosts the American Red Cross and Carbondale & Rural Fire Protection District to teach about making a “go-bag” with essential supplies and how to keep your household safe in case of an emergency from 3 to 5pm. To RSVP, call 970-456-8764 or visit www.soprislodge.com/events
PAWS TO READ
Heeling Partners of the Roaring Fork Valley brings a four-legged friend to read with children at the Carbondale Library every first and third Tuesday of the month at 3:30pm. To register, call 970-963-2889.
CHOCOLATE SOCIETY
The Chocolate Society Club discusses cacao and art at the Cocoa Club. For more details, email mark@pollinatorchocolate.com
TEEN GAME NIGHT
Basalt Library invites teens to a monthly tabletop and board game night from 5 to 6pm. Registration is recommended but not required at www.basaltlibrary.org/events-calendar
‘CONCENTRIC RECOVERY’
Davis Cowles guides a “Concentric Recovery” monthly meeting at True Nature from 5:30 to 6:45pm, when participants combine physical practice with prompt-based discussion and connection around the central questions of addiction and recovery with a focus on its social and spiritual dimensions. Register at www.truenaturehealingarts.com
DRAWING CLUB
The Roaring Fork Drawing Club meets at Studio 10 (off the Round Room at the Third Street Center) at 6:30pm for art-making with friends.
STEVE’S GUITARS
Love, DEAN with Carolyn Kendrick performs at Steve’s Guitars tonight at 8pm. Tickets at www.stevesguitars.net
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 16
STEM
The Basalt Library welcomes kids, ages 5 to 11, and their families to enjoy hands-on STEM activities with the Aspen Science Center from 2:30 to 3:30pm.
EASTER COOKIES
Kids, ages 8 to 16, are invited to decorate Easter cookies at Colorado Mountain College’s Carbondale campus from 3 to 4pm. The teacher is bilingual and parents are welcome.
COMPUTER CLEANING
Learn how to spring clean your computer at the Basalt Library from 5 to 6pm, including preparing devices to safely sell, donate or recycle.
BINGO
Bingo at Carbondale Beer Works benefits the Chris Klug Foundation beginning at 6:30pm.
THURSDAY, APRIL 17
BOOK CLUB
The Carbondale Library’s Third Thursday Book Club discusses “Wandering Stars” by Tommy Orange at 2pm.
RESUME BUILDING
The Basalt Library offers a bilingual resume workshop from 3:30 to 5pm.
STORY CIRCLE
VOICES RFV and Garfield County Libraries invite youth (ages 10 to 16) and sage (age 75 and up) community members to exchange stories at the Glenwood Springs Library from 4 to 6pm today and again on May 15. For more details, call 970-945-5958.
WISH CARDS
Learn to create Wish Cards with living seeds from recycled paper at the Basalt Library from 4 to 5pm. This hands-on workshop is designed for children ages 6 to 10.
‘CARE FOR CAREGIVERS’
True Nature hosts its monthly “Care for Caregivers” session to include light movement, meditation, breathing and sharing from 5 to 6:30pm. Register at www.truenaturehealingarts.com
CRAFTIVISM
The Basalt Library screens a documentary about the life and impact of the late Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg while encouraging participants to create an original activism zine from 5 to 7:30pm. This program is for teens and young adults, ages 14 to 35.
BENFENG
BenFeng Music Productions presents “Haydn: Seven Last Words of Christ” at the Old Thompson Barn tonight and tomorrow at 7pm. The performance will weave together music by Franz Joseph Haydn performed by a local string quartet and thoughtful reflections from local spiritual leaders. Find tickets at www.benfengmusicproductions.org/haydn
FLY FISHING FILMS
TACAW presents the 19th annual Fly Fishing Film Tour at 7:30pm, followed by a Roaring Fork Fishing Guide Alliance panel discussion. Tickets at www.tacaw.org
FRIDAY, APRIL 18
SUSTAINABILITY CONFERENCE
Colorado Mountain College’s annual Sustainability Studies and Ecosystem Science Conference, featuring guest speaker Gemara Gifford, MS presenting on “Rematriating the Rockies,” takes place virtually from 9am to noon. Register at www.tinyurl.com/RematriatingtheRockies
‘FOREVER YOUNG’
Aspen Country Day School presents “Forever Young,” an original play written by eighth graders about a group of students writing a play when a prank gone awry threatens their friendships and the success of the production. The play takes place at the Wheeler Opera House tonight and tomorrow at 5:30pm. Tickets at www.aspenshowtix.com
BASS MUSIC
Big B’s Delicious Orchards in Hotchkiss hosts the third annual CYMATIKA psychedelic bass music festival today beginning at 7pm and all day tomorrow. Find details at www.bigbs.com
COSMIC SOUND JOURNEY
Danielle Klein guides a “Cosmic Sound Journey” at True Nature from 6 to 7:15pm. Register at www.truenaturehealingarts.com
SOUND HEALING ON THIRD
Zachary and Krista Cashin take attendees on a vibrational sound healing journey grounding them in present-moment awareness at the Third Street Center from 7 to 8:45pm. Register at www.thecenterforhumanflourishing.org
POLTZ & RODRIGUEZ
Singer-songwriter Steve Poltz performs at TACAW with Daniel Rodriguez of Elephant Revival opening at 8pm. Tickets at www.tacaw.org
SATURDAY, APRIL 19
WHERE MY PEEPS AT?
Carbondale’s annual Where My Peeps At? scavenger hunt takes place with check-in for teams of two to six people at the Rec Center at 9am. Pre-registration is required at www.carbondalerec.com
HOMEBUYER WORKSHOP
The Rifle Library hosts a NEWSED homebuyer workshop from 9am to 3pm. For more details, call 970-625-3471.
UPLIFT
HeadQuarters and Roaring Fork CrossFit team up for a monthly workout session engaging the body and mind from 9 to 10:15am in Willits. Register at www.headq.org/support/events
SUNDAY, APRIL 20
THE FULFILLED MAN
Kyle Jason Leitzke leads an immersive one-day men’s retreat where participants step away from the noise and pressures to perform so they can reconnect with themselves through a powerful framework built on “The Fulfillment Code” — Leitzke’s framework for living a successful, balanced and fulfilling life — at True Nature from 9am to 4pm. Register at www.truenaturehealingarts.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
MOMMY MEET-UP
The Glenwood Springs Library hosts a “mommy meet-up” on Mondays from 11am to 12:30pm for mothers and their babies ages 0 to 3. There will be play items provided for the little ones and coffee and conversation for the moms.
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
Heeling Partners of the Roaring Fork Valley brings a four-legged friend to read with children at the Carbondale Library every first and third Tuesday of the month at 3:30pm. To register, call 970-963-2889.
CRIBBAGE
Whether you’ve played for years or are looking to learn, stop by the Carbondale Rec Center from 4 to 5pm Tuesdays. 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.
COSMIC WHOLENESS
Micha Shoepe leads Cosmic Wholeness, an embodied movement and meditation offering that explores patterns found in nature, the cosmos and our inner lives, at The Third Street Center every Sunday from 2:45 to 3:45pm. More details at www.michaelschoepe.com/cosmic-wholeness