Autism awareness
Ascendigo Autism Services invites businesses and individuals to display their commitment as advocates of neurodivergent inclusivity with a sign for their home or storefront, or a sticker for their car or water bottle. Bonfire Coffee and Dos Gringos are sending every cup of to-go coffee out the door with a custom “Inclusion Advocate” java jacket and Beer Works is setting pints on the like bio-friendly, wildflower-seeded coasters for the month of April: Autism Awareness Month. Businesses can also choose to donate a portion of their proceeds this month to Ascendigo to benefit its Building Momentum Capital Campaign, supporting the ongoing build-out of its new facility at 695 Buggy Circle in Carbondale. Businesses can sign up for a team training through Ascendigo to help create a more inclusive workspace. To get your sign or sticker, visit www.ascendigo.org/inclusion-advocates or for more on Building Momentum, visit www.ascendigo.org/building-momentum
Midland award
On April 3, the Town of Basalt received the 2025 Downtown Colorado Excellence Award for Best Place Small Community for its Midland Streetscape project. For 22 years, Downtown Colorado, Inc. has presented awards recognizing various community projects. “It’s an honor to be recognized with this statewide award,” said Michelle Bonfils Thibeault, Basalt’s planning director. “Our team delivered a thoughtful project that was the result of an engaged community. It’s a joy to see vibrancy and accessibility downtown and have confidence in updated infrastructure in historic Basalt.” Basalt was one of 12 communities to win awards at the reception in Greeley on April 12.
Watershed cleanup
Roaring Fork Conservancy is holding its 27th annual Watershed Cleanup, previously known as the “Fryingpan & Beyond River Cleanup,” from April 25 to 29. Volunteers will pick up trash within watersheds from Aspen, Ruedi Reservoir and McClure Pass to Glenwood Springs. Registration is required by April 19. For details, visit www.roaringfork.org/events
Bennet joins governor race
It was announced April 11 that U.S. Senator Michael Bennet will run for governor of Colorado in 2026, potentially leaving his seat in Washington, D.C. up for appointment by Democrats. “The answers to our economic challenges will not come from Washington’s chaos,” Bennet announced. “They will come from us — and that’s why I am running for governor.” Attorney General Phil Weiser, also running for governor, criticized the move, stating: “Two years ago, the voters sent Senator Bennet back to D.C. because we believed he would be there for us no matter what — especially in historically dangerous moments like the one we currently face.”
Airport incident
The Aspen/Pitkin County Airport was temporarily closed on April 13 due to a “false positive in a checked bag” (aka, a modified hairdryer, as reported by Aspen Daily News) that led to passengers and employees being evacuated from the building while general aviation operations continued. For further information, visit www.aspenairport.com
Scholarships
Local students Annabelle Applegate (Glenwood Springs High School) and Collin Luu (Aspen High School) are two of eight winners of the Michael E. McGoldrick scholarship, representing $100,000 each over their four-year college journey. SGM, a multi-disciplinary engineering, consulting and surveying firm based in Glenwood Springs, awarded its Steve Westhoff scholarship to five high school students this year, including two locals — Jane Taylor (Roaring Fork High School) and Zealand Lane (Basalt High School); each will receive up to $2,000. Congratulations, graduates!
Internship opportunity
Pitkin County is offering a high school internship program for local students this summer, June 16 to July 11. Interns will have the opportunity to explore various career paths while developing valuable skills. For details, visit www.pitkingcounty.com/jobs
Pitkin County manager
It was announced last week that Basalt Town Manager Ryan Mahoney will join Pitkin County as the new deputy county manager, working alongside Jon Peacock. “We are thrilled to welcome Ryan to the organization,” stated Peacock. “From major infrastructure to climate action and housing, Ryan’s experience and leadership will be a strong asset to our team and the community.”
Nonprofit support
Aspen City Council approved the distribution of $2,149,823 to 117 local nonprofits on April 8. Organizations, including The Sopris Sun, received grants to continue supporting mental and physical health, protecting the environment and creating community connections.
Humanities cut
Colorado Humanities, a statewide nonprofit that provides public education and programming, released a statement that it is facing imminent closure following the federal government’s termination of National Endowment for the Humanities funding. On April 2, the Department of Government Efficiency notified all 56 state and jurisdictional humanities councils nationwide that federal funding would be eliminated, effective immediately. “This decision is not just a funding cut—it’s an existential threat to cultural life in Colorado,” said Maggie Coval, Colorado Humanities’ executive director. “It endangers a vital public institution that has served Coloradans of all ages, in all regions, for over 50 years.” For more information, visit www.coloradohumanities.org
They say it’s your birthday!
Folks celebrating another trip around the sun this week include: Monica Groom, HP Hansen and Doug Stewart (April 17); Stephanie Schilling and Hadley Hentschel (April 18); Francisco Nevarez-Burgueno, Deborah Colley, Karen Dixon, Leslie Emerson, Jill and Alleghany Meadows, Louie Neil and James Surls (April 19); Julie Bomersback, Jack Bergstrom, Jared Carlson, April Clark and Molly Ogilby Jacober (April 20); Renae Gustine and Shannon Muse (April 21); Sage Dawson, Fred Malo, Kameron Miranda and Mendo Will (April 22); Rosemary Dewers and Nova Vhrin (April 23).
~ C A L E N D A R ~
THURSDAY, APRIL 17
BOOK CLUB
The Carbondale Library’s Third Thursday Book Club discusses “Wandering Stars” by Tommy Orange at 2pm.
BLOOM
HeadQuarters hosts Bloom, an aprés event with a silent auction “where you can mingle like it’s 1999,” at the Gravity Haus in Aspen beginning at 4pm. Find tickets at www.headq.org
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.
CLIMATE FILM
Join 350 Roaring Fork for a free screening of “Single-Use Planet,” a film about petroleum-based plastic pollution, at the Carbondale Library at 5:30pm.
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
CRYSTAL THEATRE
Catch “The Friend” at the Crystal Theatre tonight at 7pm. “The Ballad of Wallis Island” opens tomorrow and continues Saturday and next Thursday at 7pm; Sunday’s 5pm showing is captioned.
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
RESUME BUILDING
The Basalt Library offers a bilingual resume workshop from 3:30 to 5pm.
‘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
‘BRIGHT STAR’
Sopris Theatre Company at Colorado Mountain College’s Spring Valley Campus presents “Bright Star” tonight at 7pm. The show continues tomorrow at 7pm and Sunday at 2pm. For tickets, call the box office at 970-947-8177 or visit www.tinyurl.com/CMCBrightStar
SOUND HEALING
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
BRANCHING OUT
The City of Glenwood Springs hosts a community forestry tree giveaway from 11am to noon at Two Rivers Park. Registration is required at www.bit.ly/GWStreegiveaway — restrictions apply.
SUNDAY, APRIL 20
COLLECTIVE WISDOM
Golden Sha will facilitate a stimulating conversation originating from the wisdom of those attending A Spiritual Center (Room 31 of the Third Street Center) from 10 to 11:30am.
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
TUESDAY, APRIL 22
OUR PLANET OUR POWER
Celebrate Earth Day at the Basalt River Park from 2 to 6pm. Clean Energy Economy for the Region will showcase electric vehicles, complete with test drives, and present “The Road to EVs” at the RMI Innovation Center (22830 Two Rivers Road) from 6 to 7pm with food provided.
ANIME CLUB
The Basalt Library invites middle and high school students to launch its new Anime Club from 4 to 6pm. Registration is required. Register at www.basaltlibrary.org/events-calendar
MORTALITY
Akaljeet Khalsa leads a discussion on mortality at True Nature from 4 to 5:30pm.
EARTH DAY
Habitat for Humanity celebrates Earth Day at the ReStore with food trucks, discounts and more from 5 to 8pm.
DRAWING CLUB
The Roaring Fork Drawing Club gathers this week at DHM Design in Carbondale beginning at 6:30pm.
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 23
KIDS ZONE
Kids aged 5-11 are invited to explore the children’s side of the Basalt Library along with their peers most Wednesdays, the exception being every third Wednesday, through the end of May from 2:30 to 3:30pm.
BOOK TALK
Folks discuss Barbara Kingsolvers’s book, “The Poisonwood Bible,” at the Basalt Library from 5:30 to 6:30pm. Pick up a free copy at the circulation desk while supplies last.
MARIA BAMFORD
TACAW welcomes comedian Maria Bamford for a performance at 8pm. Tickets at www.tacaw.org
THURSDAY, APRIL 24
5 POINT
The 18th annual 5 Point Film Festival kicks off with a reception at the Carbondale Rec Center at 5pm. Tickets at www.5pointfilm.org
JAZZ DAY
The Glenwood Springs Center for the Arts celebrates International Jazz Day at the Glenwood Vaudeville Revue with The Smooth Players and Dave Poulsen with Element Jazz. The fun begins at 5:30pm. Tickets at www.gvrshow.com
LEE ASHER
Animal rescuer extraordinaire Lee Asher shares the highs and lows of his journey to create one of the largest animal sanctuaries in the U.S. at the Wheeler Opera House from 6:30 to 8pm. Tickets at www.aspenshowtix.com
ORCHID 101
Botany Houseplant Shop teaches all about replanting and caring for orchids from 6 to 7:30pm. To sign up, visit www.botanyhouseplantshop.com
EL DORADO
El Dorado hosts an opening night party for 5 Point beginning at 10pm.
FRIDAY, APRIL 25
WATERSHED CLEANUP
Roaring Fork Conservancy organizes a watershed cleanup today through the 29, including a kick off party this evening from 4 to 6pm. Register by April 19. Learn more at www.roaringfork.org
FREE YOGA
As part of the 5 Point Film Festival, Eliza Demarest leads a free yoga and sound healing session at True Nature, welcoming all levels from 8 to 9am. Reserve your spot at www.5pointfilm.org
CHANGING PLANET
Catch a free conversation between filmmakers at True Nature exploring “Stories for a Changing Planet” at 11am. This event is free and open to the public.
CHILD SAFETY FAIR
The Garfield County Child Safety Fair returns to the Rifle Middle School from 11am to 2pm, providing parents and children with entertainment and information on keepings kids safe, along with free food, giveaways, music and more.
BACKBONE POV
The public is invited to learn from industry leaders on the forefront of adventure filmmaking from Backbone Media at 1:30pm at Bodegón.
LIBRARY PARTY
The Basalt Library hosts a party for library lovers and first-time visitors alike from 6 to 8pm. All are welcome.
SATURDAY, APRIL 26
RIVER CLEANUP
The City of Glenwood Springs hosts a springtime river cleanup from 8 to 11am at Two Rivers Park. Learn more at www.gwsco.info/RiverCleanup
HIGHWAY CLEANUP
The Rotary Club hosts a Highway 82 cleanup, from the entrance of Carbondale to the entrance of Aspen Glen, from 9am to 2pm. Register with a text or a call to 970-948-1369. Register by Wednesday, April 23. Lunch will be provided!
5 POINT 5K
Independence Run & Hike sponsors the annual 5 Point 5K departing from the store at 8am. Register online at www.bit.ly/5point5k2025
STRUT FOR MUTTS
Journey Home Animal Care Center hosts a dog-friendly 5K race beginning at 9am at Deerfield Park in Rifle. To sign up, visit www.bit.ly/riflemuttstrut
JEDIDIAH JENKINS
Author Jedidiah Jenkins speaks at True Nature at 1pm about his time writing a new book in Marble and the power of unplugging. This event is free and open to the public.
DIRTY BUCKETS
The public is invited to celebrate 5 Point with a free concert by Sweet Jessup and the Dirty Buckets at the Rec Center at 4:30pm — plus, an adventure obstacle course with 5 Point sponsors and food trucks.
NOCHE DE LOTERĺA
The Buddy Program hosts a free, family-friendly Noche de Lotería event at the Glenwood Springs Community Center at 6pm, complete with a taco bar, light refreshments and prizes.
BARN DANCE
Kate’s Ranch (5459 East Sopris Creek Road, Old Snowmass) hosts line dancing from 6 to 6:30pm, a partner dancing lesson from 6:30 to 7pm and open dancing from 7 to 10pm. For more info, email billypat4@gmail.com
AFTERPARTY
El Dorado hosts the official 5 Point afterparty with live music by The Charities at Thunder River Theatre at 10pm. Tickets at www.5pointfilm.org
SUNDAY, APRIL 27
FAMILY-FRIENDLY FILMS
The 5 Point weekend concludes with a family-friendly film program at the Rec Center at 11am, followed by an ice cream social at 12:30pm.
STORYTELLING
Storytellers of all forms and listeners convene at the Basalt Library to share works, begin new ones and support one another today and the last Sunday of May from 3:30 to 5pm.
BREATHWORK
True Nature invites the community to a free breathwork opportunity offered in partnership with Pathfinders and facilitated by Allison Alexander from 6 to 7:30pm. RSVP at www.truenaturehealingarts.com
LAUNCHPAD SOUNDS
Community members gather for a sound bath at the Launchpad. Bring a yoga mat, water bottle and whatever else needed to be comfortable. Register by calling 720-394-8671.
YOGA & BEATS
Brittany Geis leads a 90-minute yoga class at Kula on Main incorporating a full-body myofascial release and deep lofi beats from 7 to 8:30pm. Registration at www.kulayogaonmain.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.
MOVE WITH ME
Little ones, 18 months to 3 years, move to the grove and gain an early appreciation for dancing at the Basalt Library every Monday 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.
GERI-FIT
The Carbondale Library hosts an older-adult fitness class every Thursday from 12:15 to 1:15pm. Call 970-625-5282 ext. 3084 to register.
YOUNG AT heART
The Art Base invites senior artists, of any level, to its “Young at heART” class hosted at the Eagle County Community Center in El Jebel (20 Eagle County Drive) every Thursday from 12:45 to 215pm. More details at www.theartbase.org/education/adult-workshops
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