Garden plots
The Good Seed “Buena Semilla” community garden in Carbondale, next to The Orchard Church, still has plots available for folks who wish to grow their own organic food. Discover the joys of gardening, learn new techniques and connect with fellow gardening enthusiasts by joining this vibrant, supportive garden community. For more information, visit www.theorchardlife.com/community-garden, call 970-379-4956 or email garden@theorchardlife.com
Valley Artists Booth
Applications are due by May 12 for local artists wishing to display their work in a cooperative, inexpensive way at Mountain Fair. Booth space is limited and artwork will be juried. For details, visit www.bit.ly/MFVAB2025
Marble museum move
Volunteers are needed on May 17 from 9am to 3pm to help move items from the Marble Historical Society’s museum to a temporary home across the street so renovations can be done in the old school building. People who help out will be treated to Slow Groovin BBQ. Email srichingsgermain@gunnisonschools.net for details.
Rotary grant
Coal Ridge High School graduate Caleb Thompson was living in Turkey in 2023 as a youth exchange student sponsored by the Glenwood Springs Rotary Club when his host country was struck by a 7.8 magnitude earthquake. Thompson and the Glenwood Springs Rotary Club subsequently raised funds to purchase a new intra-aortic balloon device to replace one destroyed by the earthquake at the Balcali Hospital in Adana, Turkey. It’s expected to save over 100 lives per year.
Osmia love
An Advance Funds Network poll of 3,014 people, asking which small businesses in Colorado they would be willing to drive more than an hour to reach, turned up Carbondale’s Osmia Skincare as number two, just after Samadhi Yoga Sangha in Denver.
CPW strategy
Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) is developing a new strategic plan to guide its work from 2026 to 2036. The public is encouraged to share their thoughts at www.engagecpw.org through May 26. The new strategic plan will serve as a roadmap for CPW to address current and future challenges and opportunities, enhance service to the public and strengthen the agency’s commitment to stewardship in balance with recreation.
CDOT updates
The Colorado Department of Transportation reported that traffic related fatalities are down by 21% so far this year. In mid-April last year, 164 fatalities occurred, compared to 130 as of April 25 this year. Last month, however, law enforcement issued 1,108 citations to drivers for not buckling up. As of Jan. 1, people can be pulled over if an officer observes that a passenger who appears to be under 18 years old is not wearing a seatbelt — up from 16. Drivers can be cited for a seatbelt violation as a secondary offense, after being pulled over for an initial violation, if an adult is unfastened. According to new laws, children up to 9 years old must be in a booster seat and children under 2 and less than 40 pounds are required to be in a rear-facing car seat — a change from under the age of 1 and below 20 pounds.
Polis veto
Governor Jared Polis vetoed a bill on April 23 that sought to require social media platforms to cooperate more readily with law enforcement and remove accounts engaging in illegal activity, like selling drugs and firearms, sex trafficking and exploiting minors. SB25-086 saw bipartisan majority support in both the Senate (29 yes, 6 no) and House (46 yes, 18 no, 1 excused). According to Colorado Newsline, “Polis said he looks forward to working with lawmakers to achieve the bill’s goal,” but “the approach set forth in SB25-086 risks undermining efforts to protect the right of free speech and dissent,” Polis remarked, “and empowers social media companies with police-like powers to make or break someone’s lives and livelihood in a time when free expression is absolutely critical.”
Colorado v. Trump
On Tuesday, April 29, the State of Colorado filed a lawsuit against the Trump administration for cutting funding and services to AmeriCorps. Federal funds make up 41% of AmeriCorps’ 2025 revenue. The cuts were made without Congressional approval and without statutory authority, according to a press release. Some 300 AmeriCorps members — working in education, mental health and wildfire mitigation — at close to 200 sites in Colorado will lose their positions as a result.
They say it’s your birthday!
Folks celebrating another trip around the sun this week include: Pixie Byrne, Melanie Gianinetti Cardiff, Devika Gurung, Jeff Leahy, Ginny Parker and James and William Steindler (May 1); Sherry Caloia and Patrick Wilson (May 2); Kathy Goudy, Maura Masters and Mary Matchael (May 3); Matte Curry, Mackie Keller, Zoe Kimberly and Aaron Laemmel (May 4); Stan Bell, Frank Betts, Jeremy Heiman, Claudia Prado Zepeda and Sandy Kaplan (May 5); Joe Burleigh, Susan Caddoo Hannisian, Kat Hardy, Soozie Lindbloom, Stephen Olson and Maggie Suma (May 6); Amanda Leahy (May 7).
C A L E N D A R
THURSDAY, MAY 1
VALLEY VIEW
Valley View invites the community to attend a virtual town hall from noon to 1pm. During the call, Valley View leaders will talk about recent work and investments as well as a new Community Health Needs Assessment. Participants are invited to ask questions and share perspectives. Register at VVH.org/TownHall
PROTEST
Mountain Action Indivisible organizes a May Day sign-waving event in Sayre Park from 4 to 6pm to demonstrate solidarity with immigrants and labor unions.
PORTFOLIO NIGHT
Colorado Mountain College students of photography, digital media, graphic design and integrated media show off their work at the Spring Valley Campus from 4:30 to 7pm.
MUSIC AT THE LIBRARY
Local vocalist Josefina Mendez and Denver-based bassist Gonzalo Teppa introduce their new project, “Gonzalo Teppa Band: Origins,” to listeners at the Basalt Library from 5:30 to 6:45pm.
SOLAR FARMLAND
Garfield Clean Energy presents a seminar for local farmers, landowners, policymakers and community members called “Solar on Farmland” at the Morgridge Commons in Glenwood Springs from 5:30 to 7:30pm.
CRYSTAL THEATRE
The Crystal Theatre screens “The Ballad of Wallis Island” (with captions) at 7pm tonight. Then, catch “Warfare,” screening tomorrow, Saturday and Thursday at 7pm; the Sunday showing is at 5pm.
MEN’S GROUP
The Common Roots men’s group reflects on this month’s theme, authenticity, at HeadQuarters in Basalt from 6 to 7:30pm. Register at www.headq.org
JUNE STAR
June Star, from Baltimore, Maryland, performs at Steve’s Guitars at 8pm.
FRIDAY, MAY 2
TREE PLANTING
The Carbondale Tree Board invites folks to help plant a couple of trees on Hendrick Drive, between Greystone Drive and Rock Court, at 10am. Town Arborist Carl Meinecke will be onsite to answer all tree-care queries.
SUBJECT/MATR/MOTHER
Join a free virtual panel discussion with the seven featured artist-mothers from Carbondale Arts’ current exhibit, “subject/matr/mother,” at 10am. Details at www.carbondalearts.com/upcoming-events
NATURE JOURNALING
Adults wishing to explore, observe and creatively document nature are invited to join other sketchbook artists at the Carbondale Library from 1 to 2:30pm.
FAMILY BLOCK PARTY
Carbondale Arts celebrates First Friday with the annual Family Block Party at Chacos Park and the 4th Street Plaza beginning at 4pm. Main Street will be closed from 5 to 9pm from Weant Boulevard to Snowmass Avenue with the Rotary Club’s Fireball Drop outside the Smithy at 5pm sharp. Carbondale’s annual Pride parade will take place in June this year in alignment with larger, nationwide Pride celebrations.
OPEN BOOK SOCIETY
The Basalt Library hosts a virtual teen book club, “The Open Book Society,” where young people exchange book recommendations and discuss their favorites, from 4 to 5pm. Register at www.basaltlibrary.org/events-calendar
SCIENCE IN SPANISH
The Aspen Science Center invites Spanish-speaking parents and their children to cultivate scientific interests together at the Basalt Library from 4 to 6pm.
CINCO DE MAYO
Hispanics in Local Leadership and the Colorado River Valley Chamber of Commerce host a Cinco de Mayo celebration, to include performances by Aspen Santa Fe Ballet Folklorico, a jalapeño eating contest and much more, from 5:30 to 8:30pm at the Garfield County Fairgrounds in Rifle.
CIRQUE D’SOPRIS
Cirque d’Sopris presents “Unicorn: Celebrating What Makes Us Special” tonight and tomorrow at the Roaring Fork High School Auditeria at 6pm. Tickets at www.bit.ly/2025CIRQUE
YOUTHZONE GALA
YouthZone hosts its second annual Spring Gala from 6 to 9pm at the Hotel Colorado. Tickets at youthzone.ejoinme.org/gala
‘THESE SHINING LIVES’
Thunder River Theatre Company presents “These Shining Lives” opening tonight at 7:30pm. Shows continue through May 18 at 7:30pm Thursday-Saturday and 2pm on Sundays. Tickets at www.thunderrivertheatre.com
BELLY UP
River Spell opens for the Banshee Tree at the Belly Up at 8:30pm. Tickets at www.riverspellmusic.com/tour
JEREMY DION
Steve’s Guitars presents Jeremy Dion performing at 8pm. Tickets at www.stevesguitars.net
SATURDAY, MAY 3
RFOV
Roaring Fork Outdoor Volunteers kicks off its summer season with a work day at the Silt River Preserve from 9am to 3pm. Burning Mountain Pizza & Subs will feed volunteers at the day’s end and the Little Explorers program will care for children ages 4-8 while their parents volunteer. To sign up, visit www.rfov.org
GARDEN DAY
Bee Friendly Carbondale invites you to help with spring cleanup at Sopris Bridge Garden (at Sopris Park) from 10am to 2pm. Snacks, refreshments and tools will be provided; volunteers are asked to bring gloves.
MAYFAIRE
The Waldorf School on the Roaring Fork hosts its 33rd annual Mayfaire spring celebration from 10am to 2pm. More details at www.waldorfschoolrf.com/calendar/mayfaire-2
CLOTHING SWAP
Spring Pilates, 1131 Main Street in Carbondale, hosts a clothing swap from 10am to noon. Folks can bring their gently used athleisure wear — leggings, tops, jackets, sets — to trade or sell. More details at www.pilatescarbondale.com/schedule
COMICS FEST
Celebrate Free Comic Book Day with the 4th annual Comics Festival at the Glenwood Springs Library from 11am to 4pm. There will be games, crafts, tech, cosplay and more. Local fantasy author Cianan Puckett will discuss his novel, “Never Without Hope,” at 1:30pm.The event is free and open to all. More details at www.gcpld.org/comics-festival
KENTUCKY DERBY
Join WindWalkers for an extravagant Kentucky Derby watch-party fundraiser at Spring Creeks Ranch from 2 to 6pm. Tickets at www.windwalkers.org/events
JILL SOBULE
Singer-songwriter Jill Sobule performs at TACAW at 8pm with local performer Toddy Walters opening. Tickets at www.tacaw.org
SUNDAY, MAY 4
FIRST SUNDAY MEDITATION
The Carbondale Meditation Circle of Self Realization Fellowship meets the first Sunday of every month from 9 to 10:30am in the meditation room at True Nature.
PHYSICS & SPIRITUALITY
Larry Gottlieb speaks to how physics and spirituality inform one another from 10 to 11:30am in room 31 of the Third Street Center.
MOTHER’S DAY MARKET
TACAW hosts local businesses for a Mother’s Day Market from 11am to 4pm. Botany Houseplant Shop will offer two terrarium-building workshops (sign up at www.botanyhouseplantshop.com).
‘BREATHE, BISON’
The True Nature Healing Arts Foundation presents “Breathe, Bison,” a storytime offering for children and their caretakers with music and meditation from 3 to 4:30pm. Tickets at www.truenaturehealingarts.com/events
ART OF CONVERSATIONS
Dive into meaningful conversations with strangers every first Sunday at the Carbondale Library from 6 to 7:30pm.
MONDAY, MAY 5
CINCO DE SMITHY
The Village Smithy celebrates its 50th anniversary with food, drinks, music, games and prizes beginning at 5:30pm.
TUESDAY, MAY 6
BIRDING CLUB
Basalt Library invites middle school students to discover the wonders of the avian world from 3:45 to 5pm.
YARN GROUP
The Basalt Library yarn group meets at 5pm to discuss projects and techniques.
TAI CHI
Martin Finkelstein teaches the basics of Tai Chi and the Carbondale Library on Tuesdays in May from 5:30 to 6:30pm.
‘TOASTMASTERS’
Coventure hosts “Toastmasters,” a gathering of people practicing public speaking in a supportive environment, from 5:30 to 6:30pm. Learn more at www.coventure.io
INTERGENERATIONAL TALK
From Gen Z to the Greatest Generation, Basalt Library welcomes all to participate in a conversation aimed at fostering connection and understanding across age groups. Questions? Contact edewetter@basaltlibrary.org or 970-927-4311 ext. 1000.
‘COLLECTIVE HEART’
The Land of Peace Project, which connects Carbondale with the Land of Peace Art Village in Ghana, invites the community to a screening of “Collective Heart,” which delves into that connection, at the Crystal Theatre at 6pm. Tickets at www.tinyurl.com/LandofPeaceProject
DRAWING CLUB
The Roaring Fork Drawing Club meets at El Dorado in Carbondale at 6:30pm.
WEDNESDAY, MAY 7
HEAT PUMPS
Garfield Clean Energy hosts “Ducted Heat Pump Retrofits: Modern Solutions for Existing Homes” at the Morgridge Commons, above the Glenwood Springs Library, from 8am to 12:30pm. www.tinyurl.com/HeatPumpsRetrofit
NONFICTION BOOK CLUB
The Carbondale Library invites you to read a nonfiction book pertaining to travel (this month’s topic) to discuss with others today from 2 to 3:30pm. For more info, call 970-963-2889.
KID ZONE
Basalt Library welcomes kids 5 to 11 to enjoy activities from 2:30 to 3:30pm.
GRIEF AND LOSS
Lisa Dancing-Light and Deanna Jenné, “River of Life Guides,” lead a workshop on embracing elderhood and wisdom, teaching strategies to navigate grief and loss, from 6 to 8:30pm.
SCIENCE ON SCREEN
Aspen Film hosts the final event in its Science on Screen series, featuring guest speaker Andrew Travers of the Aspen Institute, full-length film “The House of Tomorrow” and short film “Chilly & Milly” at 6:30pm at the AF Isis Theatre. Tickets at www.aspenfilm.org
THURSDAY, MAY 8
GARDEN CLUB
The Glenwood Springs Garden Club meets at U.S. Bank, 1901 Grand Ave, from 1 to 3pm. Horticulturist John Cretti will share “The Dirt on Soil.”
INTRO TO SEWING
Learn to use a sewing machine and make a stylish zipper pouch with an introductory-level class at the Basalt Library from 5:30 to 7pm. Registration is required at www.basaltlibrary.org/events-calendar
LOCAL HISTORY
Ashton Durrett shares his family’s story of immigrating from Italy to the Valley at the Glenwood Springs Library at 6:30pm.
CRYSTAL CAUCUS
The Crystal River Caucus convenes for its regular meeting at the Church at Redstone at 7pm.
FRIDAY, MAY 9
CARING FOR CAREGIVERS
Smiling Goat Ranch and CASA of the Ninth, together with Lead with Love, host a special event for parents, therapists, educators and other caregivers from 9am to 3pm with workshops, activities and a catered lunch. Sign up at www.smilinggoatranch.com/events
AVLT BBQ
Aspen Valley Land Trust celebrates conservation with a barbecue at Colorado Drifters & Down Valley Brewing in New Castle from 5 to 8pm with live music by Whiskey Stomp. For tickets, visit www.avlt.org/events
TEENS AT TACAW
Teens are invited to TACAW for an evening intended just for them featuring performances by local teen bands Fotostatic and Soliloquy and musician Tristan Trincado. Doors open at 6pm. RSVP at www.tacaw.org
GOING WEST
Symphony in the Valley presents “The Symphony Goes West,” featuring The Good, The Bad and The Ugly, Once Upon a Time in the West and others, at 7pm at the Ute Theater in Rifle and tomorrow at Rifle Middle School, also at 7pm. Tickets at www.sitv.org/wp/upcoming-events
SATURDAY, MAY 10
SPRING PURGE
From 8am to 2pm, the Town of Carbondale hosts a spring cleanup and recycling event where town residents can drop off large items, such as mattresses and refrigerators, electronics, hazardous waste, tires and more for free or at discounted prices. Locations for various materials will be divided between the parking lots behind Town Hall, across 4th Street from Town Hall and next to Thunder River Theatre, entering from 6th Street. For a list of designated locations and acceptable and unacceptable items, visit www.tinyurl.com/CarbondaleCleanup Yard waste will not be accepted at this event.
DANDELION DAY
Carbondale celebrates its annual Dandelion Day Festival at Sopris Park from 10:30am to 5pm, following the Parade of Species at 10am on Main Street. Folks who would like to participate in the parade, should arrive at 2nd and Main at 9:45am. To sign up to volunteer, visit www.tinyurl.com/DandyDayVolunteer
THE BLACK NUGGET
River Spell band featuring local drummer Zack Ritchie performs at The Black Nugget in Carbondale at 9pm. More info at www.riverspellmusic.com
SEUN KUTI
Nigerian musician, singer and songwriter Seun Kuti of Egypt 80 performs at TACAW at 8pm. Tickets at www.tacaw.org
MAY 11
CHAMBER MUSIC
The Colorado Plateau Chamber Music Society, a new organization, visits Carbondale with a program of piano quartets featuring Camille Backman on violin, Charles Hebenstreit on viola, Sarah Graf on cello and Tamara Goldstein on piano at the Third Street Center from 4 to 5:30pm.
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
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.
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. A Wednesday session takes place at St. Peters of the Valley in Basalt from 11:30 to 1pm with a Zoom option.
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.
PILATES
Coredination offers weekly pilates mat classes for all levels at The Launchpad in Carbondale. Tuesdays from noon to 1pm intermediate/advanced students are welcome. Beginners are encouraged to attend on Thursdays from 8 to 9am. For more info, call 970-379-2187.
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.
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.
FARM DAYS
Wild Mountain Seeds invites you to volunteer at Sunfire Ranch every Thursday from 12:30 to 4pm. Bring a water bottle and gloves and leave as early as you need to.
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.
SOBER QUEER CLUB
The Meeting Place hosts an LGBTQIA+ specific recovery meeting every first and third Saturday at 5:30pm. For more details, visit www.meetingplacecarbondale.org
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