GarCo Report
The Garfield County Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) met on May 19 to discuss human services, public health, Aspen Glen bald eagle monitoring, water rights and more. During the general public comments section, about 16 members of Mountain Action Indivisible asked the BOCC to endorse a resolution asking Congress to not cut Medicaid funding. The U.S. House of Representatives is considering what the Congressional Budget Office estimates will amount to $650 billion over 10 years, leading to a decrease in Medicaid enrollment by 10 million people nationally. In Garfield County, 14,000 residents depend on Health First Colorado, the state’s Medicaid program. “The bill hasn’t been passed, we don’t know what it is, it’s really tough for us to do a resolution on the local level on something we’re just not up to speed at,” responded Board Chair Tom Jankovsky. “You’re telling us to look at something that’s not our purview.” Commissioner Mike Samson offered to invite Congressman Jeff Hurd to visit Garfield County to provide insight.
Carbondale Historical Society
The Carbondale Historical Society is trying out some new summer hours with opportunities to tour both its museums! Stop by the Dinkel Mercantile Museum (499 Weant Boulevard) from 6 to 7:30pm Friday evenings beginning in June, followed by a first-floor tour of the Thompson House. Email info@carbondalehistory.org for more information.
Basalt parking
The Town of Basalt is encouraging more parking turnover downtown and the use of alternative transportation by instituting a two-hour parking enforcement in select areas of Midland Avenue and Two Rivers Road. Two-hour parking will be enforced Monday through Friday from 9am to 5pm, including holidays. Town Council also updated the code to change 72-hour parking to 24-hour parking, which will be enforced all year. Find details at www.parkbasalt.com
Rifle Creek body recovery
The Rifle Police Department is investigating the appearance of a deceased adult body found in Rifle Creek at Centennial Park on Sunday, May 18. Investigation into the circumstances surrounding the death is ongoing. “At this time, there is no threat to the community,” a press release stated. “The Garfield County Coroner’s Office will release the identity of the deceased at an appropriate time, pending notification of next of kin.” Anyone with information that may assist with the investigation is encouraged to contact 970-625-8095 or visit www.rifleco.org/1044/Submit-an-Anonymous-Tip
South Canyon
Crews will perform wildfire mitigation work at South Canyon due to an ongoing underground coal mine fire there. Surface areas at two hot spots have reached temperatures between 600 and 900 degrees and are near enough vegetation to warrant the work. The City of Glenwood Springs will temporarily close the upper portion of the Tramway and Lightning Bug trails during work hours (7am to 5pm, Monday through Friday) from May 19 through May 23; intermittent closures will pick up again from June 8 through July 1. For more details, visit www.glenwoodrec.com/320/Trail-Dates-and-Closures
Gray wolf death
On May 15, Colorado Parks and Wildlife received a mortality alert for a female gray wolf in Northwest Colorado, one of the wolves relocated from British Columbia, Canada earlier this year. No details regarding the manner of death were released, but because wolves are protected under the Endangered Species Act, an investigation is underway.
Streets of Glenwood
West 6th Street in Glenwood Springs is completely closed to vehicle traffic from Maple Street to Pine Street. The closure will extend west to the roundabout starting May 27. The road is scheduled to reopen on June 13. A detour will route vehicles to 5th Street to circumvent construction. All 6th Street businesses will remain open and foot traffic will be permitted throughout the project. Phase 2 of the Blake Avenue project commenced on May 19. No street parking will be permitted on 23rd Street or on the west side of Blake Avenue from 21st to 23rd Street. No through traffic will be allowed on 23rd Street from Blake to Bennett Avenue for a one to two week period. For more information, visit www.cogs.us/civicalerts.aspx?AID=939
Snowpack report
On May 15, Roaring Fork Conservancy (RFC) announced that snowpack in the Roaring Fork watershed is 38% of normal for this time of year — down 16% from the week prior. Due to only three of nine SNOTEL sites having adequate SWE (snow’s water equivalent) levels for testing, this snowpack report was the final one of the season before RFC transitions to delivering regular water reports. While rivers are rising due to rapid snowmelt — including the Crystal River where the flow has doubled at the Fish Hatchery — levels are still below average (61-76% of normal).
Wellness Award
The County Sheriffs of Colorado recognized Dr. Adam Ward, Garfield County Sheriff’s Office (GCSO) Peer Support Team commander and Victim Response Team leader, as the recipient of the 2025 Prestigious Wellness Award. Through these roles, Ford assists both responding officers and victims of violent crimes or tragedies on their paths towards recovery and wellness. Ford is also the leader of the statewide Law Enforcement Wellness Ambassadors Group. “We are proud to have Dr. Adam Ford as a part of our team at the GCSO,” read a press release. “We join in celebrating his outstanding leadership and unwavering commitment to the health and well-being of law enforcement professionals across the state.”
They say it’s your birthday!
Folks celebrating another trip around the sun this week include: Arn Menconi, Steve Beckley, Charlie Chacos, Mila Fomina, Frank Markoya and Bonnie Pletcher (May 22); Tai Jacober (May 23); Patti Hall, Hannah Horn, Steve Kuhl, Tom Mercer and Diego Rubio Ureña (May 24); Sean Connors, Charlie Cook and Paul Dankers (May 25); Dena Barnes, Amber Frisbie and Sue Hopper (May 26); Lacy Dunlavy, Richard Glasier, Jennifer Johnson and Myki Jones (May 27); Joan Lamont, Louis Meyer, Alex Salvidrez and Amanda Seubert (May 28).
~ C A L E N D A R ~
THURSDAY, MAY 22
END-OF-LIFE DISCUSSION
Sopris Lodge hosts a thoughtful and interactive discussion on aging and end-of-life care at the Carbondale Library with a panel of experts from 3:30 to 5pm.
REDSTONE ART TALK
Acclaimed local painter Linda Loeschen speaks to her process and more at the Redstone Gallery (173 Redstone Boulevard) from 4 to 6pm. Details at www.redstoneartfoundation.org
SCAVENGER HUNT
Bonedale Bikeweek concludes with a scavenger hunt beginning at Aloha Mountain Cyclery at 5:45pm, followed by music, pizza, fizzy waters and beer while the vibes last.
CEREMONIAL BREATHWORK
Davis Cowles leads a ceremonial breathwork session to move stuck energy in our bodies and lives from 6:30 to 8:30pm at True Nature. Register at www.truenaturehealingarts.com
FRIDAY, MAY 23
WOMEN’S RETREAT
Jamie Butemeyer and Alyssa Troob lead a three-day women’s retreat, “Liberate,” at True Nature where participants will move through the trinity of transformation and master the art of embodied expression. Register at www.truenaturehealingarts.com
YOUTH ARTS SHOWCASE
Carbondale Arts presents “Youth Arts Showcase” at The Launchpad on display through June 26 featuring works produced from the Carbondale Arts Creative Apprentice Program and Stepping Stones Artist Residency Program. An opening reception is planned for First Friday, June 6, from 5 to 7pm.
ASPEN POW WOW
The Shining Mountains Pow Wow returns to Aspen with traditional drumming and dancing and native vendors from noon to 5pm and 6 to 9pm today and 11am to 4pm tomorrow at Aspen High School.
BRIDGES GRADUATION
Bridges High School celebrates its graduates with a ceremony at The Orchard at 5pm.
SAGE VOICES
Youth performers act out the stories of local sage elders at Thunder River Theatre tonight and tomorrow at 7pm and Sunday at 2pm. Tickets at www.voicesrfv.org/sage-voices
CRYSTAL THEATRE
“Mission Impossible: The Final Reckoning” opens at the Crystal Theatre tonight and continues tomorrow, Wednesday and Thursday at 7pm. Sunday’s show is at 5pm.
DAN SHERIDAN
Valley Roses opens for Dan Sheridan at the Wheeler Opera House at 7pm. Tickets at www.aspenshowtix.com
SATURDAY, MAY 24
GRADUATIONS
Glenwood Springs High School celebrates its graduates at 9am, Basalt High School at 10am and Roaring Fork High School at the Carbondale Middle School Auditorium at 10:15am.
ART + INSIGHT
Mellie Test guides “Art + Insight,” a soulful, hands-on workshop where folks explore their intuitive gifts through the joyful, meditative practice of creating their own tarot or oracle-style cards, from 1 to 3pm at True Nature. Register at www.truenaturehealingarts.com
SALMON DAZE
Feeding Giants opens for Salmon Daze at the Wheeler Opera House at 7pm. Tickets at www.aspenshowtix.com
FLAMINGOSIS
Get your dance funk on! Flamingosis performs with Diastrata and Quervo at TACAW at 8pm. Tickets at www.tacaw.org
SUNDAY, MAY 25
A SPIRITUAL CENTER
A Spiritual Center hosts Shayla Paradeis presenting “The Response Ability of a Storyteller” at the Third Street Center, Room 31, at 10am.
STORYTELLING
Storytellers, writers, journalers, listeners … all are welcome to a workshop at the Basalt Library led by Jessica Barnum designed for adults to share their stories from 3:30 to 5pm.
THE CLOSE
Steve’s Guitars presents “An Evening with THE CLOSE” beginning at 8pm. Tickets at www.stevesguitars.net
MONDAY, MAY 26
MEMORIAL DAY
Most government offices will be closed today in observance of Memorial Day.
TUESDAY, MAY 27
ANIME CLUB
Middle and high school students are invited to join the new Anime Club from 4 to 5:30pm at the Basalt Library. Register at www.basaltlibrary.org/calendar
DRAWING CLUB
The Roaring Fork Drawing Club meets up at Bonedale Tattoo, 818 Industry Place, at 6:30pm.
SONG AND STORY
Shayla Paradeis will perform songs with Mateo Sandate and read passages from her book, “Footprint of a Heart,” before setting out for another Appalachian Trail thru-hike this Summer. Meet at the Third Street Center’s Round Room at 7pm.
WEDNESDAY, MAY 28
CLIMATE
In partnership with Wilderness Workshop, The Aspen Chapel Gallery presents “CLIMATE,” a special photography exhibit, with an opening reception from 4 to 7pm. There will also be a conversation with the artists and Will Roush, Wilderness Workshop executive director, moderated by Andrew Travers on June 11 at 6pm. The exhibit runs through July 6 and 10% of sales and 20% of sponsorships benefit Wilderness Workshop.
LAND+SHELTER
Land+Shelter celebrates 20 years of refined architectural design at Colorado Mountain College’s teaching kitchen at the Aspen campus, 255 Sage Way, from 5:30 to 7pm. RSVP to info@landandshelter.com
THURSDAY, MAY 29
CMC AT THE LIBRARY
Colorado Mountain College hosts open office hours at the Basalt Library informing people about ESL, high school equivalency and other resources from 4:30 to 5:30pm.
CU AT THE LIBRARY
Simultaneously, the CU Department of Psychiatry will be at the Carbondale Library at 4:30pm with an introduction to behavioral health services and a presentation on psychedelics and cannabis in Colorado. RSVP for free at www.bit.ly/CUCDALE
RANGE TO HOME
Volunteers from Friends of the Mustangs and the Piceance-East Douglas Heard Management Area present “Wild Mustangs of Colorado: From Range to Home,” an informative event about wild horses that are removed from the range and placed in an Bureau of Land Management adoption program, at the Glenwood Springs Library from 6 to 7:30pm. More details at www.gcpld.org
A VENEZUELAN CELEBRATION
BenFeng Music Productions presents a concert featuring Venezuelan musicians playing Venezuelan music at the Old Thompson Barn in River Valley Ranch at 7pm tonight and tomorrow. Tickets at www.benfengmusicproductions.org
MARTY STUART
TACAW presents Marty Stuart & His Fabulous Superlatives at 8pm. Find tickets at www.tacaw.com
FRIDAY, MAY 30
PEACE GARDEN
Laura Kirk leads a botanical tour of True Nature’s Peace Garden from 8 to 9am. RSVP at www.truenaturehealingarts.com
BARD AT THE WHEELER
Olivia “The Bard” Pevec performs with John Hatanaka at the Wheeler Opera House at 7pm. Tickets at www.wheeleroperahouse.com
MICHAEL LILLE
Steve’s Guitars presents Michael Lille performing at 8pm. Tickets at www.stevesguitars.net
THE CLEVERLYS
Enjoy some bluegrass and comedy with The Cleverlys at TACAW at 8pm. Tickets at www.tacaw.org
SATURDAY, MAY 31
RIVER FLOAT
Roaring Fork Conservancy invites river rats to join its educational 2025 River Float from Basalt to Carbondale starting at 8am. After the float, participants will be shuttled back to the River Center in Basalt for a provided lunch. Tickets and more details at www.roaringfork.org
SPRING GULCH WEEDING
The Mount Sopris Nordic Council invites you to help pull weeds at Spring Gulch from 8 to 11am beginning at the Marion Lot. “Please bring a hat, work gloves, sunscreen, sturdy shoes and a water bottle. If you have a heavy-duty garden spade or weed fork, please label it with your name and bring it along!”
QIGONG WELLNESS
The Red Thread Institute offers medical Qigong healing sessions at True Nature from 10am today through 5pm tomorrow. Donations are recommended but no one will be turned away. Book a 90-minute session at www.redthreadinstitute.org/medical-qigong-treatments
SUMMER READING KICKOFF
The Basalt Library hosts a Summer Reading Kickoff Party, replete with an inflatable water slide, obstacle course, face painting and more, from noon to 3pm.
THUNDER BALL
Thunder River Theatre hosts its “Thunder Ball” gala, to include yard games, such as “Thunderput,” food trucks, a “Drunken Shakespeare” halftime show, a best sports gear costume contest, a dance party and more, all beginning at 5pm. Tickets at www.thunderrivertheatre.com
PATIO NIGHT LIVE
Local comedians Beth Brandon, Miller Ford, Garrett Hall, Michael Coyle and Zoë Rom perform at the Wheeler Opera House at 7pm. Tickets at www.aspenshowtix.com
BRIDGING BIONICS
Bridging Bionics hosts a sold-out fundraiser at Steve’s Guitars at 8pm featuring Dusty, “a troubadour of the six-string, weaving tales of love, life and the occasional misadventure with a wink and a smile.” There may be a few standing room tickets sold on show night.
SUNDAY, JUNE 1
MONTHLY MEDITATION
The Carbondale Meditation Circle of Self Realization Fellowship, based on the teachings of Paramahansa Yogananda, meets the first Sunday of every month from 9 to 10:30am in the meditation room at True Nature.
OPEN CHANNEL
Medium Janutsa Falco opens a channel allowing participants to receive helpful guidance and inspiring messages from spirit helpers in the unseen realms at True Nature from 3 to 4:30pm. Register at www.truenaturehealingarts.com
ART OF CONVERSATION
Pick up a conversation with a complete stranger at the Carbondale Library every first Sunday of the month from 6 to 7pm.
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.
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
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
Both the Carbondale and Basalt libraries host storytime for youngsters and their caregivers every Friday at 10:30am.
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