Runners rejoice!
Our very own Independence Run & Hike has been named one of 65 top running stores in the country for 2025 by The Running Event — North America’s premier run and outdoor specialty retail conference and trade show. “After 20 years of hard work, I’m absolutely over the moon to see Independence Run & Hike recognized as one of the best running stores in America,” wrote owner Brion After in a press release. “I Couldn’t be more grateful to our amazing employees — past and present — and to this incredible community that’s supported us every step of the way.” The 2025 program received 7,967 nominations across 45 states, representing nearly 270 unique stores.
Fire restrictions
All lands managed by the White River National Forest and Bureau of Land Management Upper Colorado River District are joining Garfield County in enacting stage 2 fire restrictions beginning Friday, Aug. 8. This means no campfires or charcoal are allowed anywhere on these public lands, including in developed campgrounds and picnic areas.
Trailer parks success
“The current owners of Mountain Valley Mobile Home Park and Aspen-Basalt Mobile Home Park on Monday, July 28, accepted an offer from the residents of those parks to purchase the communities for $42 million,” The Aspen Times reported on Friday, Aug. 1. These two communities are working toward becoming resident-owned with assistance from Thistle, a Boulder-based nonprofit, and the West Mountain Regional Housing Coalition. “Between various local governments in the Roaring Fork Valley, private businesses and fundraisers, the communities are still about $6 million short of the $20 million dollar goal for the purchase,” the article stated. Meeting this goal will help residents keep their rents stable, however this will not affect their ability to purchase the parks thanks to additional assistance from ROC USA in the form of a $22 million loan.
Regional resource directory
The West Mountain Regional Health Alliance is maintaining an online resource directory for Pitkin, Garfield and Eagle counties, compiling free, low-income and reduced cost resources encompassing food, education, health, financial assistance, volunteering and more. The guide (https://westmountainhealthalliance.org/resources) is also accessible in Spanish.
Rivers running low
The Roaring Fork Conservancy’s July 31 River Report revealed that the Crystal River is flowing at 6% of normal for this time of year at the Fish Hatchery. “While we are in monsoon season, it has not yet produced much rain for the Roaring Fork Watershed,” the report stated. Rain gauge totals for July were much lower than average. Valley residents are urged to conserve water, indoors and out.
Carbondale ditches
The Town of Carbondale has adjusted its ditch operations in response to declining river flow rates. “These adjustments allow us to balance irrigation needs with the limited water resources currently available in the river,” a press release stated. To maintain a balanced approach, ditch users may need to adjust the timing of when they water. The recent Crystal River Restoration Project is attributed for more stable diversions at the Weaver Ditch headgate, compared with past years.
Now hiring
Two local conservation nonprofits are looking for qualified folks to join their teams. Aspen Valley Land Trust is seeking “a passionate and experienced stewardship director to lead the care and long-term protection of conserved lands throughout the Roaring Fork and Colorado River valleys” (www.avlt.org/join-our-team for more). Wilderness Workshop, meanwhile, welcomes “a passionate, committed and dynamic communications manager to join our highly talented team working to protect the wilderness, water and wildlife of western Colorado’s public lands” (www.wildernessworkshop.org/careers).
Beaver conservation input sought
Colorado Parks and Wildlife is launching the development of a formal Beaver Conservation and Management Strategy and invites the public to weigh in through Aug. 31. Beavers are a keystone species which can boost biodiversity, improve water storage and support climate resilience. However, conflicts can occur when beaver habitat overlaps with human infrastructure. Learn more at www.EngageCPW.org
Adventure of All
Ascendigo has launched its Adventure for All fundraising campaign to expand access to its life-changing outdoor adventure programs for youth and adults on the autism spectrum. To help the campaign reach its $100,000 goal, the Allen family pledged a $20,000 matching gift. Learn more about Ascendigo and the Adventure for All initiative at www.ascendigo.org/adventure-for-all
Carbondale Homeless Assistance
Steve’s Guitars hosts a fundraiser for Carbondale Homeless Assistance this Friday, Aug. 8, beginning at 7pm. Performers will include Aggie Flores, Mugsy Fay and Olivia the Bard. All proceeds will go toward helping local people experiencing homelessness to meet their basic needs and get back on their feet. Find tickets at www.stevesguitars.net
They say it’s your birthday!
Folks celebrating another trip around the sun this week include: Ed Engelki, Charlotte Graham and Marcelo Lott (Aug. 7); Amber Sparkles, Chris Peterson and Jasmin Ramirez Ramos (Aug. 8); Dru Handy and Sarah-Jane Johnson (Aug. 9); Jeanne Souldern and Louise Holgate (Aug. 10); Tripp Adams, Morgan Hill, Bill Hofto and Sean Keery (Aug. 11); Caitlin Evans, Brian Gaddis and Alyson Romanus (Aug. 12); Briana Boland, John Ginn, Larry Gottlieb and Sarah Overbeck (Aug. 13).
~ C A L E N D A R ~
Courtesy photo
THURSDAY, AUGUST 7
BANNED BOOK CLUB
The Banned Book Club discusses “Lawn Boy” by Jonathan Evison at the Basalt Library from 4 to 5pm.
MUSIC AT THE LIBRARY
Aspen Music Festival and School students perform chamber music at the Basalt Library at 5:15pm.
SECRET LIFE OF THE BRAIN
Aspen Institute’s Murdock Mind, Body, Spirit Series presents renowned psychologist, neuroscientist and best-selling author Dr. Lisa Feldman Barrett and “How Emotions Are Made: The Secret Life of the Brain” at the Paepcke Auditorium at 6pm. The event is at capacity and there will be an in-person waitlist at the venue beginning one hour prior.
CRYSTAL THEATRE
The Crystal Theatre shows “Naked Gun” at 7pm tonight, tomorrow, Saturday and next Thursday. Sunday’s show is at 5pm. “The Life of Chuck” also shows this Saturday at 4:30pm.
FRIDAY, AUGUST 8
MUSHROOM FESTIVAL
The Eagle Mushroom & Wild Food Festival kicks off with an opening ceremony by Gabrielle Cerberville at 5pm followed by live music by Sweet Jessup and the Dirty Buckets. Find details at www.eaglemushroomfest.com
DANCE OF LOVE
Ann O’Brien guides a workshop applying the principles of Aikido to various relationships at True Nature from 6 to 8pm. Tickets at www.annobrienliving.com/services/events
MARBLEFEST
MarbleFest returns with a kick-off party at Slow Groovin tonight! David Walker Good opens at 5pm, followed by Josh & Wendy at 5:30pm and Tommy the Animal at 6:30pm. The music continues tomorrow and Sunday from noon onward. Find details on Facebook.
HOMELESS ASSISTANCE
Steve’s Guitars hosts a fundraiser for Carbondale Homeless Assistance beginning at 7pm. Performers will include Aggie Flores, Mugsy Fay and Olivia the Bard. Tickets at www.stevesguitars.net
SATURDAY, AUGUST 9
VOLLEYBALL TOURNAMENT
The Maroon Belles Volleyball Club and Town of Carbondale host a youth outdoor volleyball tournament at Miners Park. The format is doubles, with grass and sand courts. Age groups are 18U, 16U and 14U for both girls and boys. To register, visit www.bit.ly/cdalevball
TRUCK N’ ROLL
The Carbondale Library invites kids to check out some big trucks and working vehicles from 9 to 11am. The second hour will involve sirens and lights.
CAVERN SPRINGS
Cavern Springs mobile home park residents (5387 County Road 154, Glenwood Springs) host a yard sale to raise funds to purchase the land for sale beneath their homes and become a resident-owned community, from 9am to 3pm. For more information, call 970-379-6602 or email soprismountaincollective@gmail.com
BIODYNAMICS
Learn the basics of the biodynamic calendar and how to apply its wisdom at True Nature from 10am to noon. Learn more at www.truenaturehealingarts.com
ICE CREAM SOCIAL
The Aspen Historical Society hosts its annual ice cream social at the Wheeler/Stallard Museum from 2 to 4pm. Expect “A Briefly Complete History of Aspen” and boozy milkshakes for a small fee.
GLENWOODSTOCK
The annual glenWOODSTOCK arts festival highlighting talented local teens returns from 4 to 8pm at the Glenwood Springs Community Center.
MEETING THE MOON
True Nature Healing Arts offers a full moon circle for teens led by Lena Maude from 5 to 7pm. Learn more at www.truenaturehealingarts.com
STEVE’S GUITARS
David Singley performs at Steve’s Guitars at 8pm. Tickets at www.stevesguitars.net
ANNA TIVEL
Portland-based songwriter Anna Tivel performs with Luke Henry at the Wheeler Opera House at 8pm. Tickets at www.wheeleroperahouse.com
SUNDAY, AUGUST 10
FAMILY YOGA
Kerrie Martin leads a donations-based yoga class for all ages at True Nature from 10 to 11am.
MAGIC CARPET RIDE
A Spiritual Center welcomes Marti Barbour sharing her magic ride of discovering new perspectives through imagination from 10 to 11:30am at the Third Street Center.
SOPRIS SUNDAY CONCERT
The Taylor Scott Band opens for Peach Street Revival in Carbondale’s Sopris Park at 4pm.
BOOKCLIFFS CONCERT
Tim and Melissa, a husband-wife songwriting duo, perform at The Bookcliffs Arts Center in Rifle at 6pm. This will be the final Hilltop Summer Concert Series event of the season.
MONDAY, AUGUST 11
BLOOD DRIVE
The Vitalant Bloodmobile will be outside the Basalt Library from 11am to 3pm. Sign up to donate blood and save lives at wwww.donors.vitalant.org/dwp/portal/dwa
PSYCHEDELICS & ECOLOGY
Lindsay Branham, an environmental psychologist, filmmaker and psychedelic facilitator presents at True Nature from 5:30 to 7:30pm. Sign up at www.truenaturehealingarts.com
POTTERY WHEEL 101
Carbondale Clay Center offers single-session intro classes teaching the basics of throwing pottery on the wheel from 6 to 8:30pm every Monday through Sept. 15. Single-session intro to glazing classes, also held on Mondays from 6 to 8:30pm, will be offered from Sept. 22 to Oct. 6. These classes are meant for people 15 and up. Register at www.carbondaleclay.org/classes2
TUESDAY, AUGUST 12
ENGLISH GARDEN PARTY
The Aspen Chapel invites the community to its annual English Garden Party, to include a best hat contest, wine tasting, music from the Aspen Music Festival and School, face painting and more, from 3 to 6pm. Tickets at www.aspenchapel.org
CODING CLUB
The Aspen Science Center teaches coding to teens at the Carbondale Library from 3:45 to 4:45pm today and on Aug. 26.
SACRED BROTHERHOOD
Kyle Jason Leitzke guides a donations-based men’s group at True Nature from 6 to 7:30pm. More info at www.truenaturehealingarts.com
DRAWING CLUB
The Roaring Fork Drawing Club visits artist James Surls’ Missouri Heights studio at 6:30pm. Find details on Instagram @rfdrawingclub
STARS ABOVE ASPEN
The Aspen Center for Environmental Studies invites all ages to explore the cosmos at the Aspen Mountain sundeck from 6 to 10:30pm. For more info, visit www.aspennature.org/activities
WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 13
LUNCH-PREP WORKSHOP
Kids and their parents learn to prep nutritious and affordable lunches together at the Basalt Library from 3:30 to 4:30pm. Register at www.basaltlibrary.org/events/full-calendar
BASALT CONCERT SERIES
The Confluents opens for Graham Good and the Painters at Basalt River Park at 5:30pm. The headliner starts at 7pm and KDNK will live broadcast the concert.
GLENWOOD MUSIC
The Glenwood Springs Summer of Music series wraps with Valle Musico opening for Selasee & The Fafa Family at 6:30pm.
GARY SPRINGFIELD
The Center for Human Flourishing welcomes Gary Springfield via Zoom exploring energy healing and manifestation with Lisa McKenzie from 6:30 to 8pm at the Third Street Center.
MIGRATION WONDERS
The Aspen Center for Environmental Studies teaches about migrating birds at Toklat from 6 to 8pm. For more info, visit www.aspennature.org/activities
‘NOBU’
Aspen Film shows “Nobu,” for one night only, at the AF Isis Theatre at 7:30pm. Tickets at www.aspenfilm.org
THURSDAY, AUGUST 14
BIRD SONG AND BEHAVIOR
The Aspen Center for Environmental Studies teaches about the songs of birds and “birding by ear” at Toklat from 8am to 2pm. For more info, visit www.aspennature.org/activities
WILD WORDS WHISPER
Jess Barnum leads a garden writing ritual at True Nature from 10am to noon. To sign up visit www.truenaturehealingarts.com
COSMIC SOUND JOURNEY
Danielle Klein leads a healing sound journey at True Nature from 6 to 7:15pm. Tickets at www.truenaturehealingarts.com
HOT BUTTERED RUM
Sweet Jessup and the Dirty Buckets opens for Hot Buttered Rum at TACAW at 8pm. Tickets at www.tacaw.org
FRIDAY, AUGUST 15
THE KEARNS FAMILY
Catch The Kearns Family, a husband-wife duo, performing for their first time at Steve’s Guitars at 8pm.
CEREMONIAL BREATHWORK
Join Davis Cowles for a ceremonial breathwork session at True Nature from 6:30 to 8:30pm. Tickets at www.truenaturehealingarts.com
TAUK
TAUK, a Mountain Fair favorite from 2024, performs at TACAW at 8pm. Tickets at www.tacaw.org
SATURDAY, AUGUST 16
COMMUNITY YOGA
Ellen Bradley leads a free, all-levels yoga class at True Nature from 11am to 12:35pm. Later, from 5 to 6:30pm, she will guide a workshop about motherhood from 4 to 6:30pm. Learn more at www.truenaturehealingarts.com
DANCE OPEN HOUSE
New and returning dancers and families are invited to tour Legacy Dance Company in Glenwood Springs and register for fall classes which begin on Aug. 18, from 2 to 4pm. More details at www.legacydancegws.com/openhouse
BALLET PERFORMANCE
The Crystal River Youth Ballet Company performs an adaptation of Shakespeare’s “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” at the Launchpad tonight and tomorrow at 7pm.
REDSTONE CONCERT
The Magical Moments Summer Concert Series presents Shawn Mayer performing at Redstone Park at 6pm.
SUNDAY, AUGUST 17
EQUINE EXPERIENCE
WindWalkers welcomes horseman Josh Aikens for a free clinic on the art of connection, trust and understanding between horses and humans at 1030 County Road 102 from 1 to 3pm — no RSVP needed.
FOOD FOREST WALK
Sheehan Meagher guides a walk through Basalt’s Food Forest teaching participants about ethnobotanical uses of various edible and medicinal plants from 5 to 6:30pm. Register for this Colorado Mountain College community education course at coloradomtn.augusoft.net