Stage 2 Fire Restrictions
With fires blazing near and far and hot-dry conditions persisting, Garfield County implemented Stage 2 Fire Restrictions on Thursday, July 17. The use of fireworks is prohibited. Burn permits will not be issued and previously-issued permits are cancelled. Recreational fires are not allowed. Cooking devices must be clean and in working order. Smoking is allowed only in developed areas, vehicles and buildings. Welding and other hot work are allowed in developed areas and for industrial use with special precautions. Operation of chainsaws and other internal combustion engine-powered equipment requires a spark arresting device and Class A fire extinguishing capabilities ,as well as a round-point shovel. Tractors and mowers should be used with extreme caution. Use of any and all explosives is not permitted.
Accessibility
Age-Friendly Carbondale will host an open conversation for folks to discuss mobility and access challenges within Carbondale and at home. Aging residents, people living with a disability, caretakers and advocates will discuss topics such as accessing public spaces, availability of accessible housing and more at the Carbondale Library on July 30 from 6:30 to 8:30pm. To RSVP or to request a Zoom link, email segzislis@gmail.com and know walk-ins will also be welcome.
RFSD board elections
Two board seats for the Roaring Fork School District will be on the November ballot: District A (currently held by Kenny Teitler) and District E (currently held by Kathryn Kuhlenberg). Board President Jasmin Ramírez and Vice President Betsy After will host an information session for potential candidates on Thursday, July 24 at 6pm at the school district’s Carbondale office. More information is available on the district election webpage: www.tinyurl.com/RFSDelections
Zebra mussels spreading
“The Colorado River is now officially ‘positive’ for invasive zebra mussels,” reported The Colorado Sun on July 9. A large number of adult zebra mussels was confirmed in a private body of water in western Eagle County and larvae tests turned up positive at Highline Lake and Mack Mesa Lake. Three new positive larvae samples came from the Colorado River between Glenwood Springs and Silt. Colorado Parks and Wildlife officials are considering options for eliminating the adults while increasing sampling. Boaters are asked to comply with inspections and cleanouts to prevent the spread of this non-native species which can outcompete local wildlife and clog and erode river and lake infrastructure.
Common Reader
The 2025 Colorado Mountain College (CMC) Common Reader is “Bicycling with Butterflies,” an award-winning, non-fiction book by biologist and educator Sara Dykman recounting a 10,201-mile journey by bicycle following the migration of monarch butterflies from Mexico through the U.S. to Canada and back. The community can snag a free copy of this book at libraries and CMC locations ahead of Dykman’s visit to CMC Aspen and Spring Valley on Oct. 27. Learn more at www.coloradomtn.edu/common-reader
FAB grants
The City of Glenwood Springs Financial Advisory Board (FAB) has designated $265,000 in grants to 42 nonprofit and community organizations. FAB grants are funded by sales tax revenues relating to acquisition and improvement and tourism funds. They aim to protect and preserve quality of life, ensure public safety, provide efficient and responsive government and generate sustainable economic development. The City also allocated $58,000 for three annual community events: Strawberry Days, the Market on 7th and Summer of Music.
Political unease
The Pulse Poll, an annual survey conducted by the Colorado Health Foundation for the past six years, found that political dysfunction tops the list of Coloradans’ concerns. Among the 2,333 respondents, 32% cited “government/politics” as their top concern, followed by “cost of living” at 13% and “housing affordability” at 10%. The 2025 response is nearly triple the number of people who cited “government/politics” as their top concern in 2024. “Many are feeling very uncertain and the concerns that respondents have been expressing over the past several years have not gone away,” said Lori Weigel, Republican pollster for the Pulse Poll. “We just added a layer of uncertainty about the direction of the country on top of these underlying concerns.”
ACT auditions
This fall, Aspen Community Theatre (ACT) will invite audiences to its first non-musical production in 25 years with “Rumors,” a comedy by Neil Simon, with performances at the Ute Theater in Rifle and the Wheeler Opera House in Aspen. Auditions are coming up on Saturday, Aug. 2 at Aspen High School’s Black Box Theatre and Saturday, Aug. 9 at the Thunder River Theatre (TRTC). Callbacks take place at TRTC on Sunday, Aug. 10. Learn more at www.aspencommunitytheatre.org/auditions ACT is also looking for volunteers for set-building, costuming and hair and makeup. People interested in volunteering can email info@aspencommunitytheatre.org
Aspen Mountain chairlift
The White River National Forest is seeking public comments on Aspen Skiing Company’s proposal to replace the Little Nell and Bell Mountain chairlifts on Aspen Mountain, both of which are considered to be at the end of their operational lifespan. To comment as part of the environmental review process, visit www.fs.usda.gov/r02/whiteriver/projects/68277
Fire engine donation
The Aspen Wildfire Foundation, working year-round to fund and implement strategies that protect people and ecosystems, has donated a new wildland fire engine to the Aspen Fire Protection District. This is the foundation’s largest gift to date and the first milestone in its wildfire preparedness fundraising campaign for 2025. The JP Conte Family Foundation is specifically thanked for making the purchase possible. Tickets for the Aspen Wildfire Foundation’s “Evening of Embers and Elegance” fundraiser on July 18 can be purchased at www.givebutter.com/4onfFV
COTREX
As wildfire season blazes, Colorado Parks and Wildlife reminds the Colorado outdoor community that its Colorado Trail Explorer (COTREX) mobile app displays active fire alerts, including wildfires and prescribed burns in covered areas. This free, user-friendly app also provides trail information across local, state and federal agencies. Check it out at trails.colorado.gov
Mysterious death follow-up
The Sopris Sun reported in Scuttlebutt (June 19 issue) that 38-year-old Matthew Cox, a Glenwood Springs resident, was discovered deceased on the side of Highway 82 between Carbondale and Glenwood Springs on June 15 without obvious injuries. A toxicology report from the Garfield County Coroner’s Office confirmed acute alcohol poisoning as the cause of death. Our condolences to Cox’s friends and family.
They say it’s your birthday!
Folks celebrating another trip around the sun this week include: Eric Brendlinger, JoAnn Glassier, Merrill Johnson, Luke Spaulding, Kim Stacey and Jason Steinberg (July 17); Kenna Crampton, Heidi Paul, Dawn Rains and Jacque Whitsitt (July 18); Tony Comer, Edgar Reyna and Annie Van Druten (July 19); Ed Anderson, Amy Burdick, Dave Dixon, Pat Morrissy and Heather Henry, (July 20); Jordan Ebel, Ernie Kollar, Colleen Weinfurter, Brian Wexler and Bonnie Williams (July 21); Louie Girardot, Jessica Kollar and Elley McBrayer (July 22); Mary Boucher, Rick Burrows, Shelle DeBeque, Ruth Frey, Allan Ingram, Maria Sabljak and Jeff Wadley (July 23).
~ C A L E N D A R ~
Courtesy photo
THURSDAY, JULY 17
COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS
Adults are invited to mingle and chat outside the Glenwood Springs Library from 10 to 11:30am today and Thursday, July 31. Spanish-speaking adults are invited to the Rifle Library from 12:30 to 1:30pm for the same opportunity. For more details, call 970-945-5958.
GOOD TROUBLE
Protestors gather at Centennial Park in Glenwood Springs at 4:30pm to stand up for democracy in honor of the late Rep. John Lewis. This is part of a national action.
MUSIC AT THE LIBRARY
Students from Aspen Musical Festival and School perform chamber music at the Basalt Library from 5:15 to 6:30pm.
CEREMONIAL BREATHWORK
Davis Cowles guides a breathwork ceremony in True Nature’s Kiva from 6 to 8pm. Registration at www.truenaturehealingarts.com
SPANISH CONVERSATIONS
Beginner and intermediate Spanish speakers are invited to practice at the Carbondale Library every first and third Thursday from 6:30 to 8pm. For more details, call 970-963-2889.
HIROYA TSUKAMOTO
Japanese guitarist Hiroya Tsukamoto performs at the Third Street Center at 7pm. Tickets at www.bit.ly/Tsukamoto
‘CABARET’
Stage of Life Theatre Company presents “Cabaret” at the Thunder River Theatre tonight, tomorrow and Saturday at 7:30pm and Sunday at 2pm. Showtimes repeat next week. Find tickets at www.soltheatrecompany.org
MOVIE UNDER THE BRIDGE
The City of Glenwood Springs screens “Transformers One” in Bethel Plaza, under the Grand Avenue Bridge, at 8pm.
FRIDAY, JULY 18
HOMELAND SECURITY
The Aspen Institute presents “Homeland Security in a Changing World: Immigration, Threats and the Future of U.S. Policy,” with former Secretary of Homeland Security and General Counsel for the Department of Defense Jeh Johnson, at the Greenwald Pavilion in Aspen from 4 to 5pm. Register at www.aspeninstitute.org/events/jehjohnson
ROBIN WALL KIMMERER
Indigenous scientist and author Robin Wall Kimmerer speaks at the Paepcke Auditorium at 5pm as part of the William A. Nitze Community Lecture series. Join the waitlist at www.aspennature.org
CRYSTAL THEATRE
Catch “The Life of Chuck” opening at the Crystal Theatre tonight at 7pm. Sunday’s show is at 5pm and the film continues July 23-24 at 7pm.
COMEDY OPEN MIC
Local and visiting comedians perform at an open mic at the Collective in Snowmass at 7:30pm. To sign up for stage time or RSVP for priority seating, visit www.thecollectivesnowmass.com
JOHN JOHN BROWN
Steve’s Guitars welcomes a performance by John John Brown at 8pm. For tickets, visit www.stevesguitars.net
HAPPY PLACE
Adam Cayton-Holland presents “Happy Place,” a one-man show, at TACAW at 8pm.
SATURDAY, JULY 19
FENCE PULL
Roaring Fork Outdoor Volunteers and Wilderness Workshop team up for a fence pull at Snowmass Falls Ranch — recently-acquired by Pitkin County Open Space and Trails — from 8am to 4pm. To sign up, visit www.rfov.org/calendar
40 YEARS AT THE CRYSTAL
The Crystal Theatre marks its 40th Anniversary under the stewardship of Bob and Kathy Ezra with a fundraiser for the Crystal Theatre Alliance featuring contests, door prizes and two throwback films from the theater’s opening era: Kathy’s pick, “True Stories,” shows at 5pm and Bob’s pick, “Pee-wee’s Big Adventure,” at 8pm. Learn more about the Crystal Theatre Alliance at www.crystaltheatrecarbondale.com/nonprofit
CACAO CEREMONY
Nicole Lindstrom guides a cacao ceremony in True Nature’s Peace Garden from 6 to 8pm. Registration at www.truenaturehealingarts.com
REDSTONE MUSIC
David Brown of Rising Appalachia performs at Coal Basin Ranch for Redstone’s Magical Moments concert series from 6 to 7:30pm.
CAROLYN SHULMAN
Carolyn Shulman performs music at Steve’s Guitars at 8pm. Tickets at www.stevesguitars.net
SUNDAY, JULY 20
CONSCIOUS LOVE
A Spiritual Center (Room 31 at the Third Street Center) presents “From Pattern to Possibility: Clearing the Path to Conscious Love” with award-winning author and TedX speaker Christian de la Huerta from 10 to 11:30am.
BREATHING IN RECOVERY
True Nature hosts a mini-retreat to explore addiction “not as a flaw to be fixed, but as a signal from the body — a call to deeper connection” from 2:30 to 5:30pm. Registration at www.truenaturehealingarts.com
POETS & WRITERS
The Carbondale Library hosts a poets and writers group every third Sunday through December from 3 to 5pm. For details, call 970-963-2889.
SOPRIS PARK MUSIC
Queen Bees opens for Birds of Play in Sopris Park for a free concert from 4 to 7:30pm.
MONDAY, JULY 21
DROUGHT RESILIENCE
Help inform updates to the Town of Carbondale’s drought resiliency planning at the Third Street Center at 6pm.
HERBAL MEDICINE
Brian Katz instructs “Introduction to Natural Herbal Medicine Making” at Colorado Mountain College’s Basalt Morgridge Commons (22860 Two Rivers Road, Unit 202), from 6 to 9pm. Register at www.tinyurl.com/CMCherbalmedicine
‘FIELD OF DREAMS’
Aspen Film and The Little Nell invite you to Cinema Under the Stars featuring “Field of Dreams” around 8:45pm (after sunset) at the base of Aspen Mountain.
TUESDAY, JULY 22
FOREST RECOVERY
The Aspen Center for Environmental Studies presents “Stories Told by Trees,” a walk through the Lake Christine Fire burn area from 9am to 1pm. Register for free at www.bit.ly/ACEStrees
SONGWRITING COMPETITION
Steve’s Guitars hosts Round 1 of the annual Mountain Fair songwriting competition at 6pm. Five winners will progress in their quest to perform their song on the main stage in Sopris Park.
MOCKTAIL WORKSHOP
A Way Out presents a mocktail-making workshop at the Basalt Library from 6 to 7:30pm, blending fruit juices, herbs and natural ingredients to create colorful, alcohol-free drinks.
DRAWING CLUB
The Roaring Fork Drawing Club gathers at the Carbondale Clay Center at 6:30pm.
WEDNESDAY, JULY 23
SEWING AND DESIGN
Sheri Tingey, co-founder of Alpacka Raft, leads a seminar and sewing and design workshops at Colorado Mountain College’s Aspen campus. The free presentation begins at 1pm and will be followed by hands-on workshops at 3 and 6:30pm. Participants must preregister by calling 970-925-7740.
BASALT MUSIC
Bella Rayne performs a free concert at the Basalt River Park with Paonia’s Mama Lingua opening at 5:30pm.
REFINING MANIFESTATION
HeadQuarters offers a free workshop at The Collective Snowmass, “Refining Manifestation: From Vision to Action” from 5:30 to 7:30pm. Register for free at www.bit.ly/HQ-manifest
TRANSFORMATION
Colorado Mountain College offers a single session community education course, “How to Lead a Transformative Life,” at the Basalt Morgridge Commons (22860 Two Rivers Road, Unit 202) from 6 to 8:30pm. Register at www.tinyurl.com/CMCtransformation
GARY SPRINGFIELD
The Center for Human Flourishing hosts Gary Springfield, a spiritual teacher, sharing teachings from his book, “Source Dialogues,” at the Third Street Center at 6:30pm followed by a guided meditation.
THURSDAY, JULY 24
ARTS AND CULTURE
The Aspen Chamber Resort Association and the City of Aspen present a Summer Arts and Culture Celebration at the Red Brick Center for the Arts from 4 to 6pm with live music, performances, art activations and more.
‘GOOD GRIEF’
Join 350 Roaring Fork for a free screening of “Good Grief: The 10 Steps,” a documentary about how people are dealing with despair over climate change, from 5 to 7pm at the Carbondale Library.
HOMETOWN SCIENCE
The Aspen Science Center presents Noah Davis, founder and director of Solar Rollers, and “Educating our Future Energy Stewards” at the Cocoa Club at 5:30pm.
SOUND JOURNEY
Dr. Zachary and Krista Cashin lead a sound journey in True Nature’s Kiva from 6:30 to 8pm. To sign up, visit www.truenaturehealingarts.com
VISITING SHAMAN
The Center for Human Flourishing welcomes Woo Du-An, an elder shaman, sharing practices for peace and self-acceptance at the Third Street Center at 7pm. Register in advance for a discount at www.tcfhf.org
FRIDAY, JULY 25
MOUNTAIN FAIR
Already? Wow! Catch the opening blessing at 3:50pm followed by the drum circle at 4pm and live music beginning at 5:15pm. Sopris Park will be filled with artisan booths and live entertainment will emanate from two stages all weekend. You can catch a live broadcast on KDNK. Find all the details at www.carbondalearts.com/mountain-fair
THE DELTAZ
Enjoy a Mountain Fair after party at Steve’s Guitars with The Deltaz performing at 8pm. Tickets at www.stevesguitars.net
SATURDAY, JULY 26
CLIMATE LEADERSHIP
350 Roaring Fork invites you to a climate leadership workshop at the Glenwood Hot Resort from 12:30 to 4:30pm. To register, email steve@350colorado.org
SUNDAY, JULY 27
‘A STREETCAR NAMED DESIRE’
The Streetcar Project brings Tennessee Williams’ masterpiece, “A Streetcar Named Desire,” to the Vault at the Wheeler for four nights in a row at 7:30pm. Tickets at www.wheeleroperahouse.com
SAGE CHRISTIE
Steve’s Guitars presents Sage Christie performing at 8pm. Tickets at www.stevesguitars.net
ONGOING
LIFE AFTER 70
Folks past 70 are invited to “connect, learn and grow with others who truly understand the journey” every second Saturday at the Carbondale Library from 10:30am to noon.
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
ROARING FORK ZEN
A new Zen meditation community based in Carbondale gathers at True Nature to sit from 8 to 9am on Mondays weekly.
MOVE WITH ME
Little ones, 18 months to 3 years, move to the groove 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.
CRYSTAL RIVER AIKIKAI
Crystal River Aikikai offers aikido classes for kids from 4:45 to 5:45pm and teens and adults from 6 to 7pm on Mondays at 13 Moons Ranch, south of Carbondale.
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.
ROARING FORK ZEN
Roaring Fork Zen, a new meditation community, offers Zen meditation sessions every Monday, from 8 to 9am, at True Nature. Visit www.roaringforkzen.org for more info.
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 11:30am 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.
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
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.
FARMERS’ MARKET
The Carbondale Farmers’ Market season is underway, every Wednesday from 10am to 3pm at 4th and Main.
COMMUNITY ACUPUNCTURE
Colorado Community Acupuncture offers community acupuncture sessions on the third Wednesday of each month with sliding scale payment options. To schedule an appointment, text or call 970-963-2150 or visit www.cocommunityacupuncture.com for more offerings.
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.
SUSTAINABLE SETTINGS
Sustainable Settings welcomes volunteers every Wednesday from 2 to 4pm — just email rose@sustainablesettings.org to RSVP.
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 La Raza 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.
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 2:15pm. 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.
RODEO TIME
It’s Carbondale WIld West Rodeo season at the Gus Darien Riding Arena. Every Thursday, gates open at 5pm, slack starts at 5:45pm and grand entry is at 7:30pm. Free shuttles run from The Orchard and 4th and Colorado between 6 and 10pm. Find the list of special events at www.carbondalerodeo.com
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
SUNDAY MARKET
Basalt’s Sunday continues every Sunday through Sept. 28 along the Midland Spur from 10am to 2pm.
COSMIC WHOLENESS
Micha Schoepe 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