Seed swap
Bring some saved seeds to Bee Friendly Carbondale’s booth at Dandelion Day to share and exchange with others, this Saturday (May 10) from 10am to 4pm.
Mountain Valley greenhouse
Mountain Valley Developmental Services has launched a $15,000 capital campaign to perform needed maintenance on a greenhouse which provides annual and perennial plants to homes and gardens while supplying jobs for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. On May 17, the local nonprofit will host an open house and picnic with games and prizes from 11am to 1pm at 700 Mt. Sopris Drive, Glenwood Springs. An on-site plant sale will begin at 9am. Learn more at www.coloradogives.org/story/Jaunsf
Holy Cross election
Local rural electric cooperative Holy Cross Energy has five candidates running for two seats on its board of directors. Members of the cooperative are encouraged to take an active role by voting by mail or online by June 3 or in person at the annual meeting at Buttermilk Mountain Lodge on June 5 from 5 to 6pm. Find a biography for each candidate at www.holycross.com/election
Rockfall mitigation
The Colorado Department of Transportation was set to begin rockfall mitigation on Highway 82 at Red Hill this week. The work is likely to continue through September and will result in periodic 20-minute traffic delays, single-lane closures, a speed reduction to 45mph and 14-feet width restrictions.
River photography
The Colorado Water Trust invites photographers to enter up to 10 photos in its 2025 Water Trust Photo Contest. Each submitted photo must be of a river in Colorado and entries are due by June 1. For submission details, visit www.tinyurl.com/2025RiverPhotos
Water woes
On May 1, Roaring Fork Conservancy reported that snowpack is quite below average for this time of year, at 57% of normal. Snowpack telemetry (SNOTEL) sites at the headwaters of the Crystal and Fryingpan rivers are already unable to measure significant snowpack, two to three weeks earlier than usual. “According to the U.S. Drought Monitor, drought conditions worsened throughout the watershed this week, including in the Crystal River headwaters which are now partly in the severe drought category,” the Conservancy’s press release stated.
Property taxes
The Garfield County Assessor’s Office has mailed out 2025 notices of valuation to property owners that reflect updated market values as of June 30 of last year. These valuations will determine property taxes due in January 2026 and January 2027. Counties are required by the State to do these reappraisals every other year. Garfield County property values increased about 15% on average, though the range varies and some properties may see little increase while others see a 25% jump. Property owners who believe their new valuation is inaccurate can file an appeal by June 9 online at www.garfieldcountyco.gov/assessor, by mail (using a protest form included with the notice) or in-person at the assessor’s office in Glenwood Springs. The State of Colorado launched a new pilot Colorado Property Tax Map to help residents understand taxing jurisdictions and boundaries, historical taxing and parcel and levy information. Check it out at dpt.colorado.gov/property-tax-map
Drug bust
At the end of April, two Glenwood Springs residents, Sindy Vazquez Martinez and Osbaldo Ramirez-Andrade, were arrested following a more than two-year investigation conducted by the Drug Enforcement Agency and the Garfield County-based Special Problems Enforcement and Response team for distribution of illicit drugs, including fentanyl, methamphetamine and cocaine. The two individuals are accused of operating from a residence about 185 yards from the front door of the Glenwood Springs Middle School. Five others were arrested in relation to the investigation and are alleged to have participated in a drug circuit that spanned from Frisco to Rifle. The Department of Homeland Security’s Enforcement and Removal Operations division also assisted in the execution of search warrants in Glenwood Springs and Rifle.
Outside influence
A new report by OpenSecrets — a nonpartisan nonprofit that tracks and publishes data on campaign finance and lobbying — revealed that campaign fundraising in federal elections in 2024 was more nationalized than ever. “Candidates for both the House and Senate continued a decades-long trend of relying less on donations from the voters they represent and more on contributions from donors across the country,” a newsletter summarized. “The nationalization of campaign contributions, once a concern among elections experts, is now a defining feature of congressional campaigns.”
They say it’s your birthday!
Folks celebrating another trip around the sun this week include: Judy Milne, Ricky Ross and Karen Tafejian (May 8); Cheyenne Booher, Jillian Livingston and Karen Crownhart-Nieslanik (May 9); Kay Bell, Bianca Godina, Chris Perry and Damian Sequichie (May 10); Mark Chain (May 11); Dylan Rose Emmer (May 12); Camy Britt, Jimmy Byrne, Megan Cook, Bill Jochems, Pat Noel, Renee Prince and Dave Taylor (May 13); Debbi Fadli, Paige Gibbons, Doc Philip and Steve Standiford (May 14).
~ C A L E N D A R ~
THURSDAY, MAY 8
GARDEN CLUB
The Glenwood Springs Garden Club meets at U.S. Bank, 1901 Grand Avenue, 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
COLLAGE NIGHT
The Cattle Creek Thrift Store (62 Highway 133) hosts a free collage night activity from 5:30 to 8pm.
SOUND JOURNEY
True Nature offers a “cosmic sound journey” with Danielle Klein from 6 to 7:15pm. Tickets at www.truenaturehealingarts.com
LOCAL HISTORY
Ashton Durrett shares his family’s story of emigrating from Italy 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.
CRYSTAL THEATRE
Catch “Warfare” at the Crystal Theatre tonight at 7pm. “Sinners” opens tomorrow and continues Saturday and May 14 at 7pm. Sunday’s show is at 5pm.
TRTC
“These Shining Lives” continues this weekend and next at the Thunder River Theatre with 7:30pm shows Thursday to Saturday and Sunday shows at 2pm. Find tickets at www.thunderrivertheatre.com
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” at the Ute Theater in Rifle at 7pm and tomorrow at Rifle Middle School 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 clean-up 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 items, visit www.tinyurl.com/CarbondaleCleanup
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 by 9:45am. To sign up to volunteer, visit www.tinyurl.com/DandyDayVolunteer
SEUN KUTI
Nigerian musician, singer and songwriter Seun Kuti of Egypt 80 performs at TACAW at 8pm. Tickets at www.tacaw.org
SYMPHONY IN THE VALLEY
Symphony in the Valley, a nonprofit 40-member orchestra, performs at the Carbondale Middle School at 7pm. Learn more at www.sitv.org
THE BLACK NUGGET
River Spell, a band featuring local drummer Zack Ritchie, performs at The Black Nugget in Carbondale at 9pm. More info at www.riverspellmusic.com
SUNDAY, MAY 11
SPIRITUAL CENTER
Golden Sha delivers a special Mother’s Day message at A Spiritual Center’s Sunday service, from 10:30 to 11am at the Third Street Center (Room 31).
MORNING ALTARS
Honor mothers and nature with an altar-building exercise led by Amy Fairbanks at True Nature from 3 to 4:30pm. Tickets at www.truenaturehealingarts.com
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.
MONDAY, MAY 12
ONE-NIGHT JAM
Join Consensual Improv for a one-night improv comedy workshop/jam at 6:30pm (previous experience is recommended). Tickets at www.tacaw.org
TUESDAY, MAY 13
GOOGLE TIPS
Learn tools to help narrow your Google searches, track packages, set timers and more with a tutorial at the Basalt Library from 2:30 to 3:30pm.
CAREGIVER CAMARADERIE
In collaboration with the Alzheimer’s Association, Sopris Lodge hosts a monthly caregiver support group for family members and caregivers of people living with dementia every second Thursday from 3 to 4pm. More info at www.soprislodge.com/events
LITTLE RIDERS, BIG FUN
Roaring Fork Cycling invites 4 to 7 years olds to learn the basics of BMX biking, with a focus on coordination and building confidence, at Crown Mountain Park Tuesdays and Thursdays through May 27 from 3:30 to 5pm. Bikes and equipment are available to borrow. More info and sign up at www.roaringforkcycling.org/bmx
SACRED BROTHERHOOD
Kyle Leitzke leads a “Sacred Brotherhood” conversation at True Nature from 6 to 7:30pm. Register at www.truenaturehealingarts.com
DRAWING CLUB
The Roaring Fork Drawing Club meets at The Launchpad in Carbondale at 6:30pm.
FIRST DRAFT
Mitzi Rapkin interviews Kristin Koval, author of “Penitence,” for a live recording of the podcast “First Draft: A Dialogue on Writing” at TACAW at 6:30pm. Tickets at www.tacaw.org
WEDNESDAY, MAY 14
CA FELLOWS
Meet Carbondale Arts’ 2024 fellowship recipients, Dustin Eli, Erik Hesselman, Jan Schubert and Mellie Test, presenting on their projects at The Launchpad from 6 to 8pm.
ZOЁ KEATING
Zoё Keating returns to TACAW for a musical performance in honor of Missie Thorne at 8pm. Tickets at www.tacaw.org
THURSDAY, MAY 15
CAREGIVER SELF-CARE
A free caregiver self-care event takes place at the Garfield County Administrative Building in Rifle (195 West 14th Street) in the Grand Valley Room (210) from 10am to noon with a keynote by mental health specialist Meghan Backofen, followed by lunch and pampering.
BOOK CLUB
The Third Thursday Book Club discusses “Black Cake” by Charmaine Wilkerson at the Carbondale Library from 2 to 3:30pm.
CARE FOR CAREGIVERS
True Nature continues its Care for Caregivers monthly support series from 5 to 6:30pm. Find details and registration at www.truenaturehealingarts.com
POSTCARD PROJECT
Middle and high school students create multi-media postcards for Heritage Senior Living residents, connecting often disconnected generations, at the Basalat Library from 4 to 5:30pm. More details at www.basaltlibrary.org
MOVIE NIGHT
KDNK screens “The Commitments” at the Crystal Theatre at 7pm. “Featuring a triple-platinum soundtrack, the classic cult comedy-drama of a ragtag soul band in ‘80s Dublin comes back to the big screen!”
SPEAKEASY
Lynn Aliya leads a public speaking workshop, incorporating her Speakeasy Method and complete with cocktails (and mocktail options) provided by Marble Distillery, at the Basalt Library from 5:30 to 7pm. Bring an ID if you plan to imbibe. More details at www.basaltlibrary.org
FRIDAY, MAY 16
ALL-AGES DANCE PARTY
Kids, parents, grandparents — one and all — are invited to an intergenerational dance party at the Basalt Library from 4 to 5pm.
TEACHER APPRECIATION
Local teachers are invited to sip wine and spin clay with Matt Johnson and the Carbondale Clay Center from 5 to 7:30pm. This event is free for teachers on a first-come, first-served basis. Registration: www.bit.ly/May16CCC
SNIFFING THREATS
Roaring Fork Conservancy presents “Dogs Are ‘Sniffing Out’ Threats to Rivers,” sharing how dogs are being trained to protect aquatic ecosystems, at 22800 Two Rivers Road from 5 to 6:30pm. Register for free at www.roaringfork.org/events
TRAIL RUNNING FILMS
Independence Run & Hike hosts the Trail Running Film Festival as part of its family-friendly Mt. Sopris Run-Off weekend. Doors open at 6pm and the show starts at 7pm.
ROARING FORK RISING
The Wheeler Opera House’s Roaring Fork Rising series, highlighting local talent, kicks off with Emery Major and David Uhlfelder at 7pm. Find tickets at www.aspenshowtix.com
EDIE CAREY
Steve’s Guitars presents Edie Carey performing at 8pm. Tickets at www.stevesguitars.net
NATALIE SPEARS
Catch a performance of “Hymn of Wild Things” by Natalie Spears, backed by a string quintet, at TACAW at 8pm. Tickets at www.tacaw.org
SATURDAY, MAY 17
OPEN GREENHOUSE
Mountain Valley Developmental Services welcomes the community to tour its greenhouse with a picnic party from 11am to 1pm at 700 Mt. Sopris Drive, Glenwood Springs. An on-site plant sale will begin at 9am.
MARBLE MUSEUM
Help move items from the Marble Historical Society’s museum to a temporary home across the street from 9am to 3pm. Email srichingsgermain@gunnisonschools.net to learn more.
PEN & THE PETAL
True Nature offers a creative garden design workshop with Laura Kirk and Megan Miller from 10am to 4pm. Registration is at www.truenaturehealingarts.com
STEPPING STONES
Calling all pickleball enthusiasts! Stepping Stones is hosting a spirited tournament at the Young-Calaway Alpine Bank Courts in Carbondale beginning at 11am. Find all the details and register a team at www.bit.ly/SSpickleball
BACKCOUNTRY SYMPOSIUM
TACAW hosts a free backcountry symposium in partnership with Aspen Public Radio from 11am to 5pm, including a resource fair, panel discussions and more. Register online at www.tacaw.org
ASPEN POLYNESIA
Celebrate Asian American Pacific Islander Month with Dance Initiative and Aspen Polynesia offering a free Tahitian dance class at The Launchpad from 5:30 to 6:30pm followed by a performance at 7pm. Registration is at www.danceinitiative.org
SOPRIS SISTERS
The Sopris Sisters perform folk music at the Wheeler Opera House with Rai Omri opening at 7pm. Tickets at www.aspenshowtix.com
5 POINT ENCORE
Relive 5 Point with an encore screening of this year’s favorite films at TACAW at 7:30pm, complete with special guests and a gear giveaway. Tickets at www.tacaw.org
ANGEL CORSI
Angel Corsi performs at Steve’s Guitars with special guest Mugsy Fay at 8pm. Tickets at www.stevesguitars.net
SUNDAY, MAY 18
SOPRIS RUN-OFF
Independence Run & Hike’s Mt. Sopris Run-Off 25k and 10-miler races begin at Flying Dog Ranch at 8am and conclude with a party at Rock Bottom Ranch. Find registration details www.mtsoprisrunoff.com
MOTHERHOOD SHIFT
Lindsay Gurley guides a workshop for working mothers to rediscover their identities from 9:30am to 1pm. Registration is at www.truenaturehealingarts.com
GIRLS ON BIKES
Roaring Fork Cycling invites middle school girls to experience the joy of mountain biking at Crown Mountain Park from 3 to 5pm. This is the first of four opportunities offered over the summer. Bikes are available to borrow and the cost is free with registration at www.roaringforkcycling.org/girls-on-bikes
BIKE-IN MOVIE
Celebrate the kick-off to Bonedale Bike Week with a screening of “Building Off the Grid” featuring local legends Aaron Humphrey, Darin Binion, Steve Novy and the Stomparillaz at the Third Street Center from 4 to 9pm. Drink sales will benefit the Carbondale Bike Project.
ECSTATIC DANCE
Join Alya Howe for a guided ecstatic dance at 13 Moons Ranch (6334 Highway 133) from 6 to 8pm.
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, Tuesdays, 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