APR stands tall
Aspen Public Radio (APR) has joined Colorado Public Radio and KSUT to file a lawsuit with National Public Radio (NPR) against the Trump administration’s executive order which seeks to end federal funding for NPR and PBS. The lawsuit claims the action violated the Constitution and First Amendment protections. “Free press is not optional in a democracy — it is foundational,” a joint press release published by APR states. “When the government tries to limit press freedom or control the flow of information, we have not only the right, but the obligation, to speak out and defend our rights that make independent journalism possible.”
Redstone General Store
After a few-month hiatus for building repairs and renovations, the Redstone General Store is again open daily from 7am to 7pm.
Independence Pass
Seasonal closure gates on both sides of Independence Pass are open for motorists as of May 22, following precautionary avalanche mitigation and road maintenance. This is the earliest Independence Pass has opened in the past five years. Commercial and recreational vehicles 35 feet or longer are prohibited from taking the pass due to tight curves, steep inclines and narrow lanes.
Disc golf
Riverview School has opened a new nine-hole disc golf course designed by 7th and 8th grade students. The course winds through wooded trails, sagebrush and open fields and is open to the public after school hours, on weekends and during the summer. Jack Wheeler and The Home Group Inc. provided labor and materials and received support from district staff, Timberline Excavations, River Bend Equipment and the Orozco family. “Mrs. Waaler and her 7th and 8th grade Peak class have gone above and beyond,” remarked Principal Adam Volek. “This was a true example of experiential learning where students had to submit plans, garner approval from district leaders, seek resources and work together as a team.”
Summer drought
At 27% to 42% of normal, “Rivers across the Roaring Fork Watershed are flowing well below average for this time of year,” reported the Roaring Fork Conservancy (RFV) on May 22. The watershed is already experiencing moderate to severe drought according to the U.S. Drought Monitor. “Now is the time to start thinking about water conservation,” RFV asserted. Find resources at www.roaringfork.org/drought
ICE activity
There have been multiple claims from locals that Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has been active in the Valley. A May 21 post on the Carbondale Facebook page generated more than 200 comments, including that ICE had been at Garcia’s Market that morning. The Post Independent reported that ICE had detained someone with an outstanding warrant just outside of Carbondale proper the same day, but did not specify where. The Carbondale Police Department was aware of the arrest, but was not involved. Chief Kirk Wilson later told The Sopris Sun that his understanding was that the arrest was made under the Highway 133 bridge. The New Castle Police Department told The Post it was aware of ICE being present there, but didn’t know any details. Other local law enforcement agencies claimed to have no knowledge of ICE in the area. Perhaps worth noting, and as reported in Scuttlebutt on May 7, the Department of Homeland Security’s Enforcement and Removal Operations division did assist the Garfield County-based SPEAR team in conducting a warrant for a drug bust in Glenwood Springs on April 29.
Immigrant protections
On May 23, Governor Jared Polis signed a bill sponsored by Representative Elizabeth Velasco with the moniker “Protect Civil Rights Immigration Status.” The bill repeals affidavit requirements for people applying for in-state tuition and identification documents. The bill also prohibits a jail custodian from delaying a defendant’s release for the purpose of immigration enforcement and extends a person’s ability to petition a court to vacate a guilty plea to misdemeanors and petty offenses. Find a complete summary at www.leg.colorado.gov/bills/sb25-276
No cents
“It doesn’t make sense to make cents,” Governor Jared Polis stated in response to the Treasury Department’s decision to stop printing the penny. “It costs more money to make a penny than it is worth, and this move will save Americans millions of dollars every year while reducing the negative impacts on our environment from zinc and copper mining,” he said.
They say it’s your birthday!
Folks celebrating another trip around the sun this week include: Clark Cretti (May 29); Rianna Briggs (May 30); Chip Munday, Shea Nieslanik, Debbie Romanus and Carolyn Sackariason (June 1); Li McBrayer, Easton O’Flannery and Tracy Trulove (June 2); Emily Elizabeth, Cheryl Frymire, Trary Maddalone LaMee and Anna Ramirez (June 3); Francie Jacober and Rachel Kelmanson (June 4).
C A L E N D A R
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
HOME ON THE RANGE
Volunteers from Friends of the Mustangs and the Piceance-East Douglas Herd 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
CRYSTAL THEATRE
“Mission Impossible: The Final Reckoning” continues at the Crystal Theatre tonight, tomorrow, Friday, Saturday and Monday at 7pm. Sunday’s show is at 5pm.
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
‘THE SERVICEBERRY’
Claudia Cunningham facilitates a conversation around “The Serviceberry,” a book by Robin Wall Kimmerer, at the Catto Center at Toklat at 10am. More details at www.aspennature.org
BLUEGRASS AND ROOTS
The Palisade Bluegrass and Roots Festival kicks off at 11am today and continues through Sunday. For the schedule and tickets, visit www.palisademusic.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
OTIS TAYLOR
Otis Taylor headlines the free concert at Big B’s in Hotchkiss at 7:30pm.
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
ASPEN FILM
Aspen Film live-screens “Met Opera 2025: Il Barbiere Di Silviglia” at the AF Isis Theatre at 11am.
SUMMER READING
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.
HOTEL COLORADO
The Hotel Colorado presents an event showcase featuring a real wedding ceremony. There will be displays, vendors, giveaways, entertainment, dancing and cake, all beginning at 2pm.
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.
FAIRIE PATH
A Spiritual Center presents Jory Barnes sharing knowledge about “A Journey into the Other” and “an ancient path to Faerie” at the Third Street Center (Room 31) from 10 to 11:30am.
THOMPSON BARN MARKET
Shop local with more than 30 vendors at the Old Thompson Barn (333 River Valley Ranch Road) from 2 to 6pm.
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.
MONDAY, JUNE 2
EL PLACER DE LEER
Basalt Library welcomes you to enjoy Spanish-language literature with Angélica Breña from 5 to 6:30pm.
TUESDAY, JUNE 3
VENTRILOQUIST
Catch Joshua the Ventriloquist performing at the Basalt Library at 10:30am.
LIBRARY SPLASH PARTIES
The Garfield County Libraries host Summer-Reading Sign-Up Splash Parties at the Glenwood Library at 1pm and the Carbondale Library at 4pm. For a list of Splash Parties at other libraries and more details on the Summer Reading Challenge, visit www.gcpld.org/summer-reading
DRAWING CLUB
The Roaring Fork Drawing Club tours the Roaring Forge, Carbondale’s blacksmith collective at 618 Buggy Circle, at 6:30pm for sketching and socializing.
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 4
CAVESIM
Stop by the Basalt Library from 10am to 7pm to explore the depths of caves with CaveSim, an interactive educational experience for kids of all ages. The program will be offered in English and Spanish.
COLOR YOUR WORLD
The Basalt Library has coloring kits available for teens to pick up from 10am to 7pm, while supplies last.
BOOK CLUB
Join the Basalt Library’s first-Wednesday book club to discuss new releases and books in the news from noon to 2pm.
PRINCESS WARRIOR
True Nature’s middle school summer camp for teenage girls kicks off today at 3pm and continues every Wednesday in June. Find registration information at www.connectionisthemedicine.com/initiatives
DEATH CAFE
Akaljeet Khalsa opens a thoughtful conversation about death and dying at Sopris Lodge from 3:30 to 5pm.
‘A TOAST TO TRAILS’
Roaring Fork Outdoor Volunteers hosts its 30th anniversary celebration, “A Toast to Trails,” at Spring Creeks Ranch from 5 to 9pm. Tickets and more details at www.rfov.org
TRAIL STEWARDSHIP
Carbondale Arts invites you to help keep the Rio Grande ARTway beautiful by volunteering today and next Wednesday from 5 to 7pm. RSVP at www.carbondalearts.com/the-artway-1
COMEDY TOUR
The Unteachables Comedy Tour stops at the Wheeler Opera House for a show at 7pm. Tickets at www.aspenshowtix.com
ASPEN FILM
“Jane Austen Wrecked My Life” screens at the AF Isis Theatre at 7:30pm. Tickets at www.aspenfilm.org
THURSDAY, JUNE 5
ZINE WORKSHOP
Basalt Library invites you to create a mini magazine exploring collage, drawing and typography techniques from 5 to 7pm. Registration is required at www.basaltlibrary.org/events-calendar.html
ART AROUND TOWN
Tour Carondale’s new public art on loan! The caravan will depart from Town Hall at 5:30pm and conclude with an artist reception at Marble Distilling.
CEASEFIRE FILM
Ceasefire Now RFV presents “No Other Land,” a documentary co-directed by Palestinian journalist Basel Adra and Israeli journalist Yuval Abraham, at the Glenwood Springs Library at 7pm.
TYLLER GUMMERSALL
Steve’s Guitars presents Tyller Gummersall performing at 8pm. Tickets at www.stevesguitars.net
FRIDAY, JUNE 6
NATURE JOURNALING
Adults who wish to explore, observe and creatively document nature are invited to join other sketchbook artists and writers at the Carbondale Library from 1 to 2:30pm.
YOUTH ARTS
The Carbondale Arts gallery presents its “Youth Arts Showcase” with a reception from 5 to 7pm and artist talk at 5:30pm.
RIVER SPELL
Catch a live performance by River Spell at Chacos Park from 5:30 to 8:30pm.
PRIDE FRIDAY
Carbondale’s First Friday celebration includes a Pride parade tonight at 6:15pm. LGBTQ+ folx and allies are welcome to join the lineup at 2nd and Main at 5:45pm.
CLAY CENTER
The Carbondale Clay Center hosts a closing reception for its “Pairings” exhibit from 6 to 8pm. All purchases can be redeemed for a complimentary beverage to enjoy in your new vessel.
ASPENDANCE
TACAW presents “In Progress,” a new series offering the opportunity to witness the creative processes behind some of the Valley’s arts organizations. DanceAspen will kick it off tonight at 7pm. Find tickets at www.tacaw.org
BIG B’S
Big B’s in Hotchkiss presents Glitterfox at 7:30pm.
EMILY HICKS
Emily Hicks performs at Steve’s Guitars at 8pm. Tickets at www.stevesguitars.net
SPANISH MENTALIST
The Wheeler Opera House welcomes Santiago Michel, a renowned mentalist, for a magic performance in Spanish at 8pm. Tickets at www.aspenshowtix.com
ROOFTOP SCREENING
Aspen Film and the Aspen Art Museum present a screening of Douglas Sirk’s film, “Imitation of Life,” on the rooftop of the museum at 8:30pm. Tickets at www.aspenfilm.org
SATURDAY, JUNE 7
AZYEP BIRTHDAY BASH
Andy Zanca Youth Empowerment Program, Carbondale’s beloved youth radio nonprofit, celebrates 25 years of getting kids on the airwaves with a youth block party and music festival in front of KDNK Community Access Radio (76 South Second Street) from noon to 4pm.
MAGICAL MOMENTS
Redstone’s Magical Moments summer concert series kicks off with opener River Spell, a Colorado-based jam band with Carbondalian Zach Ritchie on drums, at Coal Basin Ranch from 4 to 5:30pm. The event is held in conjunction with Roaring Fork Outdoor Volunteers’ 30th anniversary restoration project.
RIVERFEST
North Fork Valley groups host Riverfest at Paonia River Park from 4 to 5:30pm, with music, food and activities in celebration of the North Fork of the Gunnison River.
TAYLOR RAE
Taylor Rae performs at Steve’s Guitars at 8pm. Tickets at www.stevesguitars.net
SUNDAY, JUNE 8
MARC DOUGLAS BERARDO
Steve’s Guitars presents singer-songwriter Marc Douglas Berardo at 8pm. Tickets at www.stevesguitars.net
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