Lift-Up shutters thrift stores
Lift-Up, a local food assistance nonprofit, is closing thrift stores in Parachute and Rifle to focus on its food assistance services. The Glenwood Springs thrift store closed earlier this year. Lift-Up has been serving those in need since the oil shale bust in 1982 and added thrift stores in Rifle and Parachute in the ‘90s. The Parachute store closed during the COVID-19 pandemic, reopened less than a year ago and closed for good last weekend. The Rifle store remains open through Aug. 30. Lift-Up is also selling the Parachute and Rifle properties.
Pot shop seized
A sign posted on the window of Verde Natural in Carbondale (previously home to Miser’s Mercantile) announces “this property has been seized for nonpayment of taxes and is now in the possession of the State of Colorado.” The Colorado Department of Revenue declares that $149,354.35 is owed by Consciously Crafted LLC “for delinquent and unpaid taxes” and all personal property, furniture, fixtures, equipment and inventory at locations in Denver, Silt, Cedaredge, De Beque, Carbondale, Snowmass Village and Boulder shall be auctioned off to satisfy the claim. Another notice accuses Consciously Crafted LLC of owing the landlord at 303 Main Street a total of $11,584 for June and July rent and utilities plus late fees.
Wolf pause proposed
A bipartisan group of state legislators from the Western Slope, including Senators Dylan Roberts (D-SD8) and Marc Catlin (R-SD5) and Rep. Elizabeth Velasco (D-HD57), plans to introduce a bill during a special session Thursday, Aug. 21 that would move more than $260,000 from the state’s general fund for wolf reintroduction to bolster Colorado health insurance affordability that took a hit after the passage of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act on July 4. According to the bill’s text, Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) would not be able to use that money to bring more wolves into the state during fiscal year 2025-26. CPW would still be able to use appropriated funds “to assist livestock producers in preventing and resolving conflicts between gray wolves and livestock” and to pay for wolf predation claims.
Paper prices
The Sopris Sun is facing another increase in printing costs — between 4% and 7% beginning Sept. 1. The paper’s printing costs have increased by about 28% since 2021. Readers can help offset this financial pressure by donating at www.soprissun.com/donate
Shoshone pressure
On Aug. 6, Colorado State Senator Marc Catlin (R-SD5), along with five other General Assembly members, sent a letter to the Department of Interior requesting the release of $40 million in federal funding that was previously awarded to the Shoshone Water Rights Preservation Project for the purchase of the $99 million Shoshone water rights. Over $57 million has been raised between the state, local governments and other regional organizations, and the federal funding would bring the total to $97 million — just shy of the goal.
Chipped and sealed
The Colorado Department of Transportation, in partnership with United Companies, recently completed the Highway 133 chip seal project, improving about 24 miles of roadway from Roaring Fork High School to McClure Pass. The project commenced in early June. The highway will now remain closed through August and into September in downtown Carbondale for the installation of a new pedestrian crossing.
Crystal fishing
On Friday, Aug. 15, CPW implemented a full-day voluntary fishing closure on the Crystal River — from mile marker 64 to the confluence with the Roaring Fork River — until further notice. “CPW takes implementing fishing closures very seriously,” said Northwest Region Senior Aquatic Biologist Ben Felt. “Closures, voluntary or mandatory, are implemented once river conditions meet a threshold where fish health is impacted. Typically, these closures are implemented when water temperatures are high and stream or river flows are low.” For more information, visit www.tinyurl.com/CrystalClosure
Crystal Caucus election
This November, the Crystal River Caucus will hold board elections, including an opening for a new board member. Board members elected in November will be expected to serve a two-year term beginning in January. Interested candidates can email crcaucus@gmail.com
Armory Hall redevelopment
On Aug. 12, Aspen City Council approved the redevelopment of Armory Hall and Conner Memorial Park, following years of public engagement, according to a press release. The historic grounds will become a community hub with a food hall, indoor and outdoor gathering spaces and a visitor center. The project was reviewed by the Historic Preservation Commission ahead of the council’s decision. The City will begin a search for a master lease operator and formalize construction proposals so it can submit a building permit application. Construction is expected to begin in the fall of 2026. For more information, visit www.aspencommunityvoice.com/aspen-armory-hall
The Sopris Sun took home a record 20 awards at Colorado Press Association’s annual conference last weekend. For work published in 2024 (statewide, within our division), we earned 14 first-place awards, plus six second-place ones to boot! Congratulations to all the talented folks who comprise this very special newspaper. We couldn’t do it without you!
FIRST PLACE AWARDS
Best Advertising Campaign – “Two Papers, One Community” – Larry Day, Terri Ritchie, Todd Chamberlin
Best Advertising Special Section – Mountain Fair program – Todd Chamberlin, Emily Blong-Machavariani
Best House Ad Promotion – Fall mailing ‘24 – Terri Ritchie, Larry Day
Best Print Ad – “Have You Herd?” – Jane Bachrach, Emily Blong-Machavariani
Best Editorial Collaboration – Domestic abuse resources are here, but need community support – Jeanne Souldern, Myki Jones, Sofie Koski
Best Headline Writing – James Steindler
Best Humorous Column Writing – Ps&Qs: Meditating with my fairy godmother – Jeannie Perry
Best News Story – Uinta Basin Railway: When is a railroad not a railroad? – Amy Hadden Marsh
Best Social Justice or Equity Reporting – Sudden spike in unhoused population exposes regional gaps – Raleigh Burleigh
Best Sports Event Story – A celebration of women, freedom and winter sports at Sunlight – Jeanne Souldern
Best Event Promotion – Jon Waterman event – Raleigh Burleigh, Todd Chamberlin, Emily Blong-Machavariani
Best Cover Design – Sept. 12, 2024 – Terri Ritchie, Myki Jones, Rebecca Young
Best Page Design – William Morrow reflects on his legacy in art- Terri Ritchie, Myki Jones, Rebecca Young
Best Photography Portfolio – Will Sardinsky
SECOND PLACE AWARDS
Best House Ad Promotion – Tattoo dude – Larry Day
Best Business News – Cacao price surge, a bitter taste for chocolatiers – Will Buzzerd, Larry Day
Best Crime & Public Safety Reporting – Carbondale settles with Francisco for $350,000 – James Steindler
Best Editorial Collaboration – Dream Well – Natalia Snider, Larry Day
Best Politics Reporting – SB 24-189 expands protections for transgender community – London Lyle, Larry Day
Best Social Justice or Equity Reporting – Local human rights attorney advocates for Afghanistan family – Myki Jones
They say it’s your birthday!
Folks celebrating another trip around the sun this week include: Jan Edwards, Rick Norman and Kevin Schorzman (Aug. 21); Raine Beau, Chris Hassig, Ryan Honey, Kathy McCann and Jeannie Perry (Aug. 22); Susan Brady, Brett Haynes, Chrissy Leonard and Sarah Mac (Aug. 23); Dalton Handy, Sarah Meyer and Andrea Porter (Aug. 24); Lauren Gister, John Hoffmann, Alli O’Neal and Danielle Rozga (Aug. 25); Larry Day, Linda Froning, Julie Goldstein and Julia Tallmadge (Aug. 26); Mason Frisbie, Joanne Howard and Tommy Sands (Aug. 27).
~ C A L E N D A R ~
Photo by Landan Berlof
THURSDAY, AUGUST 21
RAIZADO 2025
The Raizado Festival returns to Aspen for its fourth year, celebrating Latino culture, culinary excellence, transformative leadership and more, today through Sunday. Visit www.raizadofest.org for a list of events and locations.
FINAL RODEO
The Carbondale Wild West Rodeo season at the Gus Darien Riding Arena wraps up tonight with finals and awards! Gates open at 5pm, slack starts at 5:45pm and grand entry is at 7:30pm.
FUTURE OF PUBLIC LANDS
Wilderness Workshop partners with The Wilderness Society to welcome two former Bureau of Land Management employees on the topic of public lands and the threats they face at the Third Street Center from 5:30 to 7pm.
CARE FOR CAREGIVERS
True Nature’s monthly Care for Caregivers support series takes place from 5:30 to 7pm, featuring light movement, meditation and breathing exercises. Sign up at www.truenaturehealingarts.com
SPANISH CONVERSATIONS
Learn practical vocabulary and practice speaking Spanish with a conversation club at the Carbondale Library meeting from 6:30 to 8pm.
‘THE SOUND OF MUSIC’
Stage of Life Theatre Company presents “The Sound of Music” at Roaring Fork High School at 7pm tonight, tomorrow and Saturday, with a 2pm matinee on Sunday. Tickets at soltheatrecompany.simpletix.com
CRYSTAL THEATRE
Back by popular demand — “The Life of Chuck” shows at the Crystal Theatre tonight at 7pm and Saturday at 4:30pm. “Bad Shabbos” opens tomorrow and continues Saturday and next Thursday at 7pm. The Sunday show is at 5pm. On Tuesday, Aug. 26, the Crystal Theatre Alliance will show the 1986 Jim Henson-David Bowie classic “Labyrinth” at the Crystal Theatre at 7pm as a fundraiser.
FRIDAY, AUGUST 22
GLENWOOD MUSIC
Enjoy live music by Feeding Giants under the Grand Avenue Bridge from 4:30 to 7:30pm.
WINE & DINE
The Chris Klug Foundation raises awareness and funds with a decadent dinner and live music at the Snowmass Club from 5 to 10pm. Tickets at www.chrisklugfoundation.org/wine-and-dine
CARY MORIN DUO
Cary Morin and Celeste Di Iorlio perform at Steve’s Guitars at 8pm. Tickets at www.stevesguitars.net
SATURDAY, AUGUST 23
CMC TRAILS
Roaring Fork Outdoor Volunteers helps maintain trails at Colorado Mountain College’s Spring Valley campus from 9am to 3pm. Sign up to volunteer at www.rfov.org
TENSION/TRAUMA RELEASE
Jacy Sundlie guides tension and trauma release workshops from 9am to 4:30pm at the Third Street Center. Register at www.tcfhf.org
LIQUID LOVE
Nicole Lindstrom leads a cacao ritual at True Nature from 11:30am to 1:30pm. Tickets at www.truenaturehealingarts.com
GARDEN PAR-TEA
Sopris Lodge, Roaring Fork Home Care, Botany Houseplant Shop and Colorado Animal Rescue host an outdoor garden party from 2 to 4pm honoring family caregivers and their loved ones with tea sandwiches, spritzers and garden-inspired treats, plus live music. The first 75 guests will receive a complimentary potted plant. RSVP for free by calling 970-678-0057 or visiting www.soprislodge.com/events
‘BLUES AND NEWS’
Aspen Daily News rings in one year of its community-supported journalism program with a “Blues and News” fundraiser featuring Americana blues musician George Kilby Jr. at TACAW. Doors open at 5:30pm and the show starts at 7pm.
REDSTONE CONCERT
Don’t miss the final performance in Redstone’s Magical Moments summer concert series. Hand Turkey takes the stage at Coal Basin Ranch at 6pm. Details at www.redstonemagicalmoments.com
ECSTATIC DANCE
DJ Gabriela Mejia provides the tunes at this month’s Ecstatic Dance hosted on a Saturday at the Old Thompson Ban in River Valley Ranch from 6 to 8pm. For details, email alyahowe@icloud.com
SUNDAY, AUGUST 24
POWER OF THE SEED
A Spiritual Center welcomes Jan Garrett “whose words and songs will inspire us to find that deep magic beneath the present turmoil” at the Third Street Center (Room 31) from 10 to 11:30am.
‘DOG DAYS OF SUMMER’
The Carbondale Library hosts a day for dogs, starting with puppy-inspired storytime at 10:30am, then a lawn party in the back from 11am to 12:30pm. Folks can bring their dogs for some games, and a basic first-aid class with Mountain Paws Vet at 1pm (registration is required for the class). For more details and to register, call 970-963-2889.
WAKE THE VOICE
Vocal coach Liat Arochas teaches “Wake the Voice: Through the Elements” at True Nature from 11am to 1pm. Tickets at www.truenaturehealingarts.com
BREATHWORK
Pathfinders presents a free community breathwork session led by Allison Alexander at True Nature from 6 to 7:30pm. Tickets at www.truenaturehealingarts.com
JAMES BARRS
Steve’s Guitars presents a James Barrs album release with Camille Backman at 7pm. Tickets at www.stevesguitars.net
MONDAY, AUGUST 25
JANE AUSTEN CLASS
Colorado Mountain College offers a six-week community education course, “The Literature of Jane Austen and Women’s Issues,” starting today and meeting every Monday through Oct. 6 at the Basalt Morgridge Commons, from 6 to 8pm, with the exception of Sept. 1. Register at www.tinyurl.com/CMCcommunity
‘LESS TRAFFIC, MORE COMMUNITY’
Culdesac CEO Ryan Johnson, the creator of a car-free neighborhood in Tempe, Arizona, and John Zimmer, co-founder of Lyft, highlight transportation shifts “empowering whole communities to live well without needing a car” at TACAW at 7pm. RSVP at www.tacaw.org
TUESDAY, AUGUST 26
RFOV
Roaring Fork Outdoor Volunteers joins the Independence Pass Foundation to remove old rebar, metal cable and aluminum panels left behind from a failed 1960s snow fence project from 10am to 2pm. Sign up to help out at www.rfov.org
SENIOR PICNIC
Pitkin County Senior Services hosts a picnic on Aspen Mountain’s wedding deck for people 60 or older. To reserve a spot, call 970-920-5432. Check-in is from 11:30am to noon.
ANIME CLUB
Middle and high schoolers are invited to Basalt Library’s Anime Club from 4 to 5:30pm. Call the library at 970-927-4311 to register.
‘OCEAN’ SCREENING
Catch a screening of “Ocean with David Attenborough” presented by Aspen Film and Global Choices at the AF Isis Theatre at 5pm, preceded by an in-person conversation between Sally Ann Ranney, co-founder of Global Choices, and National Geographic Society Explorer Dr. Sylvia Earle. Tickets at www.aspenfilm.org
SOUND BATH & HEALING
Nicole Korinek of Divine Moon guides a sound bath and energy healing session at the Basalt Library from 5:30 to 6:30pm. Bring water and a yoga mat, if you have one.
AIKIDO CLASS
Colorado Mountain College offers a seven-week aikido class, held on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 6 to 7:30pm at the Carbondale campus, with the caveats that students can choose to participate in just one class a week and try the first week for free. Register at coloradomtn.augusoft.net
DRAWING CLUB
The Roaring Fork Drawing Club cruises up to the Aspen Art Museum for a free-form sketching session (and a tour of current exhibits) at 6:30pm.
CRYSTAL THEATRE ALLIANCE
The Crystal Theatre Alliance screens the 1986 Jim Henson-David Bowie classic “Labyrinth” at the Crystal Theatre at 7pm as a fundraiser. Tickets at tinyurl.com/CTAlabyrinth
WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 27
NONPROFIT VOLUNTEER FAIR
Aspen Public Radio hosts a free nonprofit volunteer fair at the Glenwood Springs Library from 2 to 6pm. This annual event will feature a live radio broadcast from 3 to 4pm, a variety of food trucks and 30 participating nonprofits showcasing their programming and volunteer opportunities.
TEEN CAFE
With the start of classes, middle and high school students are invited to the Teen Cafe at the Basalt Library to play Switch, work on homework or just enjoy one another’s company on Wednesdays from 2:30 to 3:30pm.
TEEN WRITING CLUB
The Basalt Library hosts its “Creative Writing Club for Teens” from 3:45 to 4:45pm.
BASALT MUSIC
The final summer concert of the Basalt River Park series takes place tonight beginning at 5:30pm. Sopris Sisters will open for Big Richard and KDNK will live broadcast the show.
SOUND TRIGGERS
Explore various sounds that trigger powerful memories, both uplifting and difficult, at HeadQuarters in Basalt from 5:30 to 7:30pm. Register at www.headq.org
OLIVIA THE BARD
Alice the Mag presents “an incantation for love, mutual aid, and the divine mother power of the universe” featuring Olivia the Bard for dinner and a show at Flying Dog Ranch beginning at 6pm.
THEATRE ASPEN
Catch a local production of “What the Constitution Means to Me” by Heidi Schreck at the Hurst Theatre tonight at 7pm and tomorrow at 4 and 7pm. Tickets at www.theatreaspen.org/constitution
DANCE PERFORMANCE
DanceAspen presents “Shifting Forms,” a world premier by choreographer Garrett Smith inspired by the music of Nils Frahm, tonight and tomorrow at the Wheeler Opera House at 7pm.
CIRCLES AROUND THE SUN
Circles around the Sun and Mikaela Davis perform at TACAW at 8pm.
THURSDAY, AUGUST 28
SENIOR PROM!
The Sopris Lodge, in collaboration with KDNK and The Sopris Sun, hosts its Senior Prom, free for all adults 55 and up, featuring live music by a KDNK DJ, light bites and a best-dressed contest, from 3 to 4:30pm. RSVP by calling 970-678-0057 or visiting www.soprislodge.com/events
POKÉMON TRAINING
Middle schoolers are invited to the Basalt Library’s “Pokémon Battle Training Camp” from 4 to 5:30pm. Register by calling 970-927-4311.
TREE MEDICINE
Explore the healing properties of tree species in the Valley at Colorado Mountain College’s Carbondale campus from 5 to 7pm. For more details, call 970-963-2172. To register visit coloradomtn.augusoft.net
REGENERATION BALL
The Farm Collaborative hosts its Regeneration Ball fundraiser at the Hotel Jerome featuring celebrity chefs and a keynote by Dr. Zach Bush, plus “a goat-assisted raffle” — all beginning at 5pm. Proceeds support the new learning center at Cozy Point Ranch. Find tickets at www.thefarmcollaborative.org
SUPREME COURT REVIEW
Learn about the structure of state and federal courts and review a handful of current Supreme Court cases at the Basalt Library from 5:30 to 7pm.
WOMEN’S GROUP
The Common Roots Women’s Group explores this month’s theme, “triggers,” at HeadQuarters in Basalt from 6 to 7:30pm. Anyone who identifies as female is welcome. Register at www.headq.org
‘BOOKS IN BARS’
Local librarians and the general public discuss “The Rachel Incident” by Caroline O’Donoghue at the Brass Anvil in Carbondale at 7pm. Call the Carbondale Library, 970-963-2889, for more details.
GARY CULLEY
Gary Culley performs a show at Steve’s Guitars at 8pm. Tickets at www.stevesguitars.net
FRIDAY, AUGUST 29
GLENWOOD MUSIC
Enjoy live music with Party Party under the Grand Avenue Bridge from 4:30 to 7:30pm.
GARDEN MORNINGS
True Nature invites you to tour the Peace Garden with Laura Kirk from 8 to 9am. RSVP at www.truenaturehealingarts.com
‘TRUE WEST’
Thunder River Theatre Company kicks off its season with “True West” by Sam Shepard, directed by Missy Moore, opening tonight at 7:30pm and continuing this, next and the following weekend. For showtimes and tickets, visit www.thunderrivertheatre.com/events
SATURDAY, AUGUST 30
SUMMER RETREAT
True Nature celebrates the end of summer with a day of nourishment beginning at 8am. Find the itinerary and tickets at www.truenaturehealingarts.com
SUNDAY, AUGUST 31
OVERDOSE AWARENESS DAY
Join a host of local organizations in Glenwood Springs’ Sayre Park from 10am to 4pm for music, speakers, activities, food, information, resources and more — all to spread awareness and break the stigma around substance use and addiction.
MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 1
C’DALE PROTEST
Mountain Action Indivisible declares “workers over billionaires” this Labor Day with a protest in Carbondale at the roundabout from 10am to noon.