Fire restrictions
Last week, Garfield and Pitkin counties, along with the White River National Forest and Bureau of Land Management Upper Colorado River District, reduced fire restrictions from stage 2 to stage 1. The Town of Carbondale followed suit. Campfires and smoking are only allowed within designated areas; explosives and fireworks remain prohibited.
Space Command
Governor Jared Polis expressed dismay with President Donald Trump’s decision last week to move the U.S. Space Command from Colorado to Alabama, undoing a Biden-era decision. According to Polis, “Uprooting Space Command will weaken national security and readiness, waste taxpayer dollars and inconvenience military families.” Trump said Colorado allowing voting by mail was a factor in the decision.
Gray wolf mortality
On May 31, Colorado Parks and Wildlife received notice that a male gray wolf died in northwest Colorado. Because this is a federally listed species under the Endangered Species Act, an investigation ensued. The findings, published Sept. 9, attribute the cause of death to “blunt force trauma sustained during a suspected vehicle collision.” Additionally, a final report of lethal removal efforts in Rio Blanco County was published at www.bit.ly/CPW-report
Carter Condominiums
The Carter Condominiums project in Glenwood Springs is accepting applications on a first-come, first-served basis. This unique homeownership opportunity, made possible thanks to Habitat for Humanity Roaring Fork Valley, sets unit prices according to income beginning as low as $320,000. Closings have begun, with open houses this Friday and Saturday, Sept. 12-13. For more information, visit thecarter.aspenvalleyrei.com
Orphaned wells
The State of Colorado currently has 45,800 active oil and gas wells (approximately). As of June 30, 2025, there were 948 orphaned wells — beyond their productive life and with no owner/operator willing to plug them. To prevent the release of hydrocarbons and other fluids into the environment, Colorado’s Orphaned Well Program plugged 95 orphaned wells in fiscal year 2025 (ending June 30), with additional work at 258 sites and 113 facilities. Expenditures totalled $15 million, funded primarily by operator fees and grants. Learn more at ecmc.colorado.gov
Hunting season
The 2025 hunting season kicked off on Sept. 2 with bear and archery season; both wrap on Sept. 30. Muzzleloader season begins Sept. 13 and ends Sept. 21. General rifle seasons are: Oct. 15-19, Oct. 25 to Nov. 2, Nov. 8-16 and Nov. 19-23. Outdoor recreators are encouraged to wear fluorescent orange or pink colors; big-game hunters are required to do so. Due to wildfire danger, hunters are asked to secure chains on campers and trailers, check tire pressure, avoid driving over dry grass, use established campfire rings where permitted and never leave fires unattended. For more information, visit www.cpw.state.co.us/hunting
Hay Directory
Recently, the Colorado Department of Agriculture published the 2025 Colorado Hay Directory. Organized by region, the directory is meant to connect producers and buyers. “In the world of agriculture, efficiency and strong networks are key, and that’s precisely what the Colorado Hay Directory offers,” said Danielle Trotta, senior marketing specialist for the Colorado Department of Agriculture. “We are not only facilitating transactions but also strengthening the vital relationships that underpin Colorado’s agricultural economy.” Find the directory online at www.ag.colorado.gov/markets or call 303-869-9175 to request a printed copy.
Wilderness Workshop
Local conservation advocacy nonprofit Wilderness Workshop announced Sept. 4 they are hiring a marketing and philanthropy manager to support fundraising, membership programs and community engagement work. Find details about the job at www.wildernessworkshop.org/careers
‘War of the Worlds’
Stage of Life Theatre Company recently announced its Halloween collaboration with Sopris Soarers: a live radio production of “War of the Worlds” adapted by Howard E. Koch from the H.G. Wells story. The age range for this play is 8 to 12 and aspiring actors are asked to try out at the Thunder River Theatre on Saturday, Sept. 20, from 9am to noon. Find details and registration at www.soltheatrecompany.org
They say it’s your birthday!
Folks celebrating another trip around the sun this week include: Debbie Crawford, Aaron Garland and Alexa Webster (Sept. 11); Teddy Benge, Anna Jasmine, Paramroop Khalsa, Julie Paxton, Taryn Pearce and Kendall Reiley (Sept. 12); Andy Bohmfalk, Adam Carballeira, Allyn Harvey, Dominique Jackson and Chrissie Leonard (Sept. 13); Matt Lang, Megan Miller, Joan Sundeen, Cassidy Willey and Rebecca Young (Sept. 14); Kathryn Camp and Nina Pedersen (Sept. 15); Al Draina, Riley Marshall and Eaden Shantay (Sept. 16); Vanessa Anthes, Smith Blanchard, Eric Gross, Dani Grace Kopf, Lori Meraz, Ken Olson and Bob Stein (Sept. 17).
~ C A L E N D A R ~
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 11
INDEPENDENCE RUN & HIKE
Beginning today and for one week only, Independence Run & Hike hosts an anniversary and end of summer sale.
MEET AND BLEAT
Goats on the Go offers a “Meet and Bleat” at the Gus Darien Arena from 10am to noon, celebrating 10 years of working with RFTA to manage weeds on the Rio Grande Trail.
NONFICTION BOOK CLUB
The Nonfiction Book Club discusses books about sports and athletes at the Carbondale Library from 2 to 3pm. For details, call 970-963-2889.
BANNED BOOK CLUB
Basalt Library’s Banned Book Club discusses “I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings” by Maya Angelou at 4pm.
CMC AT THE LIBRARY
A bilingual Colorado Mountain College rep shares English as a second language and high school equivalency resources and the Basalt Library from 4:30 to 5:30pm. For details, call 970-236-0451.
SPANISH CLASS
Colorado Mountain College begins a multiweek storytelling and conversational Spanish class at the Carbondale campus on Fridays from 5 to 7pm through Nov. 13. More details at www.coloradomtn.edu/community-education
CMC HISTORY
Learn all about the 60-year history of Colorado Mountain College with Kristin Heath Colon, CEO of the Colorado Mountain College Foundation, at the Glenwood Springs Library at 6:30pm.
BACK TO SCHOOL
Parents are invited to FocusedKids’ virtual workshop, “From Chaos to Calm: Back to School Routines that Actually Work,” from 7 to 8pm. Register at www.focusedkids.org
‘TRUE WEST’
Thunder River Theatre Company’s production of “True West” continues tonight, tomorrow and Saturday at 7:30pm. Sunday’s performance is at 2pm. Tickets at www.thunderrivertheatre.com
CHAPARELLE
Chaparelle — “a harmonious union” of singer-songwriters Zella Day and Jesse Woods — performs with Harley Ellis at TACAW at 8pm. Tickets at www.tacaw.org
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 12
GREEN EXPO
The Community Office for Resource Efficiency presents a free green expo at the Limelight Hotel in Aspen with demos and speakers from 1 to 5pm and cocktails and climate conversation from 5 to 6pm. Find details at www.aspencore.org
MUSIC UNDER THE BRIDGE
Local Celtic band Oran Mor performs at Bethel Plaza, under the Grand Avenue Bridge in Glenwood Springs, from 4:30 to 7:30pm.
LIT ON THE LAWN
Listen to music and hang out with fellow book lovers on the lawn of the Basalt Library from 5 to 7pm. Bring whatever you’re reading!
FUTURE TRIPPING
Connie Baxter Marlow and Andrew Cameron Bailey — filmmakers, photographers, authors and more — present “Tripping into the Future” at the Third Street Center at 7pm, featuring excerpts from their new film.
CRYSTAL THEATRE
The Crystal Theatre Alliance officially takes over Crystal Theatre operations with “The Roses” screening tonight, tomorrow and next Thursday at 7pm. Sunday’s show at 5pm is captioned (as well as next Thursday’s show).
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 13
‘FRONTIERS OF KNOWLEDGE’
Aspen Public Radio presents “Frontiers of Knowledge,” — “a gathering of world-renowned scientists, philosophers and visionaries” — at the Wheeler Opera House from 9am to 5pm. For details, visit www.frontiersofknowledge.org
MOVE WITH ME
Little ones, 18 months to 3 years, move to the groove, gaining an early appreciation for dancing, at the Basalt Library every Saturday at 10:30am.
LATINO CONSERVATION
In recognition of Latino Conservation Week, Roaring Fork Outdoor Volunteers hosts a restoration project at Veltus Park in Glenwood Springs from 9am to 3pm. Register at www.rfov.org
ART, HEALING & HOPE
Sheri Gaynor, in partnership with the HeadQuarters, guides an art class meant to be healing and fun at The Art Base from 9:30 to 11:30am. Register at www.theartbase.org
TAI CHI FOR KIDS
Author Cari Shurman introduces her new book, “Tai Chi for Kids,” and guides a movement session for elementary students and their adults at the Carbondale Library at 4pm. For details, call the library at 970-963-2889.
QUINLAN VALDEZ
Steve’s Guitars welcomes Quinlan Valdez for a performance at 8pm. Tickets at www.stevesguitars.net
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 14
RFOV AT FILOHA
Help control invasive plants, for the sake of native stream orchids, at Filoha Meadows with Roaring Fork Outdoor Volunteers from 8:30am to 3pm. Register at www.rfov.org
RUNES TALK
Jory Barnes reveals the mysteries of runes — ancient symbols unlocking wisdom and spiritual discovery — at A Spiritual Center (Room #31 at the Third Street Center) from 10 to 11:30am.
BASALT MARKET & MUSIC
Typical Ghost performs during the Basalt Farmers Market from 10am to 2pm.
FIESTA AMERICAS
Celebrate Latin American culture with live music, dance, food and activities for all ages at the Lundgren Amphitheater in Gypsum from 2 to 6pm.
ZEN 101
Zen Buddhist and certified meditation teacher Billy Wynne guides an immersive exploration of the Zen tradition at True Nature from 6:30 to 8:30pm. Register at www.truenaturehealingarts.com
MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 15
POETRY
The Wheeler Opera House presents “Soundings: A Reading and Workshop with David Gonzales,” an afternoon of poetry and creative exploration workshop from 4 to 5pm, designed for ages 18 and up. Register for free at www.aspenshowtix.com
TEACHER WORKSHOP
FocusedKids offers an online workshop for teachers who’ll “discover how FocusedKids’ brain-based social emotional learning method can foster focus, reduce disruptions and create a calm, engaged learning environment” from 4:30 to 5:30pm. Register at www.focusedkids.org
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 16
YOGA AT THE LIBRARY
Devika Gurung leads movement and mindfulness at the Carbondale Library from 7:30 to 8:30am every Tuesday this September.
MAMA MULCAHY
Sandy Mulcahy, known globally as “Mama Sandy,” speaks at the Pitkin County Library today at 2pm and Basalt Library at 5pm as a recipient of Pitkin County’s Good Samaritan award.
GRIEF SUPPORT SERIES
Sopris Lodge and HomeCare & Hospice of the Valley offers a six-part grief support series for people navigating the loss of a loved one at 3:30pm every third Tuesday through February at the Carbondale Library.
CONCENTRIC RECOVERY
A multi-dimensional recovery community for people struggling with various forms of addiction — from drugs to screentime — convenes at True Nature from 5:30 to 6:45pm. Register at www.truenaturehealingarts.com
DRAWING CLUB
The Roaring Fork Drawing Club meets at the Redstone Art Gallery at 6:30pm for informal creative time among fellow artists.
ASPEN FILMFEST
Aspen Film hosts the 46th edition of its flagship festival through Tuesday, Sept. 16, beginning with a screening of Paolo Sorrentino’s “La Grazia” at the AF Isis Theatre tonight at 7pm. For a schedule of events and screenings, visit www.aspenfilm.org
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 17
BUSINESS CONFLUENCE
The Carbondale Chamber hosts its Business Confluence, featuring a panel discussion with industry leaders and updates from Carbondale Mayor Ben Bohmfalk, Town Manager Ryan Hyland, Garfield County Manager Fred Jarman, Colorado Department of Labor & Employment rep Carolyn Tucker and Colorado Mountain College president, and keynote speaker, Dr. Matt Gianneschi, at the Third Street Center from 8 to 11am. Then, from 4 to 6pm, Homestead Bar and Grill hosts a networking opportunity. Tickets at www.carbondale.com
STEM AT THE LIBRARY
Aspen Science Center dives into a STEM project with 5-11 year olds at the Basalt Library every third Wednesday from 2:30 to 3:30pm.
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 18
SENIOR FALL FEST
Pitkin County Senior Services invites everyone “60 and better” to a fall festival at noon with seasonal flavors, music and connection. To RSVP, call 970-429-6161.
THIRD THURSDAY BOOK CLUB
The Third Thursday Book Club discusses “Sandwich” by Catherine Newman at the Carbondale Library from 2 to 3:30pm. Questions? Call the library at 970-963-2889.
AEROSPACE MAKERS
The Basalt High School Aerospace Club helps elementary and middle schoolers design and launch model rockets at the Basalt Library from 4 to 5:30pm. Register at www.basaltlibrary.org
MUSIC AT THE LIBRARY
Javier de los Santos serenades a small audience with his classical guitar at the Basalt Library at 5:30pm.
SPANISH CONVERSATION CLUB
Beginning and intermediate Spanish speakers practice conversational skills with one another at the Carbondale Library from 6:30 to 8pm.
HARRY & FRIENDS
Harry Tuft swaps songs and stories with Roaring Fork legend Dan Sadowsky (aka Pastor Mustard) at the Swallow Hill Music – Tuft Theatre (71 East Yale Ave, Denver) at 7pm.
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 19
MATINEE AT THE LIBRARY
The Basalt Library screens Frederick Wiseman’s documentary film, “Ex Libris – The New York Public Library,” at 2pm.
STUDENT ARTIST SALE
The Carbondale Clay Center hosts a sale of student works today from noon to 8pm, tomorrow from 11am to 6pm and Sunday from 11am to 2pm.
MUSIC UNDER THE BRIDGE
The Queen Bees play at Bethel Plaza, under the Grand Avenue Bridge in Glenwood Springs, from 4:30 to 7:30pm.
STEPPING UP FOR YOUTH
Stepping Stones hosts a fundraiser with food, performances, community connection and more from 5 to 8pm at 1010 Garfield Ave, Carbondale.
FLORENCE WILLIAMS
Roaring Fork Outdoor Volunteers welcomes Florence Williams, author of “The Nature Fix,” for a meet and greet at 5:30pm followed by a community talk and book signing. RSVP at www.rfov.org
COMEDY SHOW
Comedian Orlando Leyba performs stand-up at TACAW at 8pm. Tickets at www.tacaw.org
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 20
RFOV AT GRIZZLY CREEK
Roaring Fork Outdoor Volunteers repairs the Grizzly Creek Trail from 8am to 4pm. Register to lend a hand at www.rfov.org
YARD WASTE DROP-OFF
Carbondale invites residents to drop off yard waste from 9am to noon at the dirt lot across from Town Hall. Proof of residency is required!
PLEIN AIR WORKSHOP
Discover the art of plein air under the expert guidance of Nicole Gogolak at the Soldner Center in Aspen from 10am to 5pm. Register at www.soldnercenter.com/plein-air-painting — all levels are welcome!
OKTOBERFEST
The Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park celebrates Oktoberfest for four Saturdays in a row — Sept. 19 to Oct. 11 — from 10am to 6pm with German inspired food, seasonal craft beers, live music and plenty to keep the kiddos occupied. For details, visit www.glenwoodcaverns.com
HARVEST PARTY
The Roaring Fork Valley Horse Council hosts Rumble Ridge, an autumn harvest party and horse tack sale at 1844 Upper Cattle Creek Road from 2 to 6pm. Participants are encouraged to bring a dish, beverage and saddles and bridles in good condition to sell.
JAM COUNTRY
TACAW presents Extra Gold’s Dead and Country performing at 8pm.
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 21
WHOLE FOOD RESET
Shannon Bison, founder of Nourished by Nature, offers a five-day online reset to “refresh eating habits and feel lighter, clearer and more energized” beginning today. Register at www.getnourishedbynature.com/reset
WOMEN’S RETREAT
HeadQuarters presents “an empowering indoor-outdoor women’s retreat blending movement, reflection and connection” at 4Winds Farm in Glenwood Springs from 9am to 3pm. Scholarships are available. Learn more at headq.org/event
GRIEF RITUAL
True Nature offers a free community gathering around honoring and healing grief from 9am to 4pm. The day will include guided breathwork and meditation, journaling and reflection exercises, small group discussions, music performances and nourishing refreshments from local restaurants.
SUN DAY
Join 350 Roaring Fork and Third Act for an international Sun Day celebration at Chacos Park in Carbondale at 11am, celebrating the Roaring Fork Valley’s solar energy accomplishments while making plans for the future. POETS & WRITERS
The Carbondale Library hosts a poets and writers group every third Sunday from 3 to 5pm.