Spruce it up!
It’s that time of year again! The Sopris Sun invites youngsters to submit illustrations for its annual Spruce Up The Sun contest. The winning image(s) will be featured on the cover of our Dec. 21 holiday issue. Contestants, or their parents, can submit scanned submissions to news@soprissun.com or place a hard copy in the submission box outside The Launchpad in Carbondale (76 South Fourth Street). Preschoolers through high school seniors are welcome to participate. This year’s theme: World Peace. Entries should reflect the theme.
Songwriting contest
Jazz Aspen Snowmass’ fourth annual “Share Your Voice” songwriting competition is now accepting entries from middle and high school students. Original songs in any music genre are welcome and entries must be received by Feb. 1, including an audio or video recording, lyric sheet and student information. Up to two songs can be submitted per student to jazzaspensnowmass@jazzaspensnowmass.org and the top high school and middle school entries will receive a cash prize and opportunity to perform live at a JAS Café event.
Cottonwood Pass
Cottonwood Pass, connecting Gypsum to the Roaring Fork Valley, is now closed for the remainder of the winter season. The road will reopen in April 2024 or when conditions allow.
Ranger Fazzi
Garfield County native Joe Fazzi was hired as the new Rifle District Ranger for the White River National Forest (WRNF), covering 300,000 acres from the Colorado River Valley north to the Flat Tops Wilderness and south to the Grand Mesa. Fazzi had been acting Rifle District Ranger since June and previously worked as WRNF’s land program manager and as a realty specialist for the Bureau of Land Management.
Opera house gallery
Aspen City Council has approved a contract with Daniel Joseph (DJ) Watkins to operate the “Aspen Collective” in the Wheeler Opera House gallery tenant space, which Valley Fine Art occupied for nearly 17 years. Watkins’ proposal prioritizes exhibiting local artists from the Roaring Fork Valley and hosting community events.
Satisfied?
Pitkin County’s public satisfaction survey is now open to residents not included in the initial outreach. The “broader public” is welcome to provide feedback, including those who work or spend time in Pitkin County but are not residents. Find details at www.bit.ly/Pitkinsurvey
Mount Champion
The Wilderness Land Trust proudly announced that 275 acres on the west face of Mount Champion, near Independence Pass, were generously donated for protection by Amy Margerum Berg in honor of her late husband, Chuck McLean. The popular North Fork Lake Creek Trail runs through the base of the donated property and will remain open to the public.
Water law
Colorado lawmakers are expected to consider legislation next session aimed to protect wetlands left vulnerable after a U.S. Supreme Court decision in May, reported Aspen Journalism late last week. The decision found that the definition of “Water of the United States” protected under the Environmental Protection Agency’s Clean Water Act is limited to wetlands with a direct surface water connection to a stream or permanent body of water. As reported by Aspen Journalism, “experts say the decision removed federal protections from at least half of Colorado’s wetlands” potentially including fens. Read the full article at www.aspenjournalism.org
Labor of Love
KDNK’s Labor of Love fundraiser auction continues online through Friday, Dec. 8 at 9pm. Browse items and place your bid in support of community radio at www.kdnk.org
Fresh web
The Sopris Sun and Sol del Valle are sporting a fine new website powered by Newspack thanks to funding assistance from COLab and donor support. It will be a process as we roll out new features and dial in the tools. If you have any suggestions, feel free to send a note to news@soprissun.com with “website” in the subject line.
They say it’s your birthday!
Folks celebrating another trip around the sun this week include: David Dabney, Holly Richardson and Lisa Speaker (Dec. 7); Jennifer Lamont (Dec. 8); Jennifer Johnson (Dec. 9); Bob Johnson, Bill Laemmel, Krista Paradise, Scott Skinner and Vicki Yarbrough (Dec. 10); Marc Bruell, Gerald DeLisser, Leslie Johnson and Lea Linse (Dec. 11); Olivia Emmer, Beth Mohsenin and Laurel Janeen Smith (Dec. 12); Jon Araujo, Amy Broadhurst and Claire Markoya (Dec. 13).
~ CALENDAR ~
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 7
CERAMICS SALE
CMC Aspen’s Ceramic Club hosts a holiday pottery sale at 255 Sage Way, Aspen today from 4 to 7pm, tomorrow from 10am to 7pm (with a festive reception beginning at 4pm) and Sunday from noon to 4pm.
TEEN LIBRARY COUNCIL
Basalt Regional Library welcomes 6th-12th grade students to voice their opinion on the new Teen Library Council, meeting today at 4pm.
BRIDGE
Bridge players of all levels are invited to sharpen their skills with lessons by Courney Keller at the Basalt Library from 4 to 6pm.
REPUBLICAN CHEER
The Pitkin County Republicans host “Holiday Cheer to Wrap Up the Year” at the Hotel Jerome at 5pm. RSVP at www.bit.ly/RepublicanCheer
MENORAH LIGHTING
The Aspen Jewish Congregation hosts its annual Menorah lighting at Triangle Park in Willits at 5:30pm.
SOL THEATRE
SoL Theatre presents “A Christmas Story” at Thunder River Theatre tonight, tomorrow and Saturday at 6pm. Catch the matinee on Sunday, Dec. 10 at 2pm. Tickets at www.soltheatrecompany.org
MEN’S GROUP
HeadQuarters in Basalt hosts Common Roots, a monthly open gathering for anyone 18 and up who identifies by he/him pronouns, at 6pm. Register at www.headq.org
AVALANCHE V. GRIZZLIES
Grizzly Youth Hockey hosts Colorado Avalanche alumni, Glenwood Demon and Aspen Junior Hockey 19U Girls players at the Glenwood Community Center rink for a game where the youth get to play alongside the pros at 6pm. Following the game, there will be an Après Ice party at the Hotel Colorado. More info at www.grizzlyhockey.com
THINK POSITIVE
Join Heyday Revolution for a donations-based workshop at the Aspen Chapel from 6 to 7:30pm, “You Are What You Think and Say.” Learn more and register at www.heydayrevolution.com
CLIMBING FILMS
TACAW presents the fourth season of the Climbing Film Tour, which includes a selection of short films celebrating the global climbing community, at 7:30pm. Tickets at www.tacaw.org
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 8
TOY SWAP/BABY GYM
Basalt Library hosts a toy swap from 10:30am to noon for up to five items age-appropriate for children 5 and under. Meanwhile, indoor baby gym allows ages 3 and under to get some wiggles out with tunnels, ball pits and more.
HOLIDAYS ART
The Art Base hosts its Holiday Open House at 4pm.
COOKIE CONTEST
CMC’s Lappala Center in Carbondale (690 Colorado Ave) invites bakers to bring by two dozen homemade cookies from 4 to 6pm for the chance to win a prize. Register by stopping by, calling 970-963-2172 or online at www.coloradomtn.edu/community-education using “cookie” in the keyword search.
BASALT CHRISTMAS
A Band Called Alexis takes the stage at the Basalt River Park performing twists of favorite holiday songs, along with a light show. There will be a petting zoo and visits with Santa and Mrs. Claus to boot. It all starts at 4pm.
CRYSTAL THEATRE
The Crystal Theatre screens “Killers of the Flower Moon” tonight and tomorrow night at 5pm, and Sunday at 5pm with captions.
CUP AUCTION
The Carbondale Clay Center hosts its 25th Annual Cup Auction fundraiser at 6pm at the Third Street Center. More info at www.carbondaleclay.org
HANDEL’S ‘MESSIAH’
The Aspen Choral Society presents its 47th Annual Presentation of “Messiah” tonight at the historic Wheeler Opera House, tomorrow at TACAW and Sunday, Dec. 10 at St. Stephen Catholic Church in Glenwood Springs. Each show is at 7pm. Tickets and more info at www.aspenchoralsociety.org
‘THE NUTCRACKER’
Aspen Santa Fe Ballet presents “The Nutcracker” at the Aspen District Theater tonight and tomorrow at 7:30pm, tomorrow at 2pm and Sunday, Dec. 10 at 1pm. Tickets at www.aspensantafeballet.com
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 9
SOUND IMMERSION
Ildi Ingraham hosts a sound immersion with singing bowls, a gong and chimes at the Carbondale Library at 4pm. The event is free and open to all, call 970-963-2889 for more info.
NHL EXTREME
Former National Hockey League players hit the Colorado Extreme rink on Catherine Store Road for likely the first pro-level hockey game the Valley has ever hosted. The NHL alumni will do some drills with Colorado Extreme’s youth hockey participants at 5pm, and the game begins at 6:30pm. More info at www.coloradoextreme.org
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 10
BREAKFAST WITH SANTA
Santa will be at the Hotel Colorado during breakfast time. Kiddos can share their holiday wish list and get a photo. Call 970-928-3785 to make a reservation. Mr. Claus will be back for breakfast on Dec. 17.
‘THE POLAR EXPRESS’
Aspen Film presents a free screening of “The Polar Express,” with a special performance beforehand by the Roaring Fork Youth Orchestra at the Wheeler Opera House at 4pm. Reservations at www.aspenshowtix.com
RANDOM CONVERSATIONS
The Lost Art of Random Conversations continues at the Carbondale Library tonight from 6 to 7:30pm. No need to register, just show up!
MONDAY, DECEMBER 11
MAGIC
Basalt Library invites teens to play Magic the Gathering from 4 to 5:30pm.
HISTORIC OPEN HOUSE
The Aspen Historical Society hosts a Holiday Open House at the Wheeler Stallard Museum from 4 to 6pm. More info at www.aspenhistory.org
TOY MAKEOVER
Grown ups have their turn to give used toys a makeover for the holidays. Repurpose and upcycle old toys to create something new at the Community Art Center in Glenwood Springs from 5:30 to 8pm tonight and tomorrow night. Register at www.bit.ly/glenwoodrec-arts
MEET THE AUTHOR
James Mitchell, author of “Musical Chairs,” will present his humor-filled quest to learn every instrument in the orchestra (beginning at the age of 76) at the Carbondale Library at 6pm. Books will be sold following the event.
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 12
DATA BACK-UP
Learn to back up your most important computer files at the Basalt Library from 1:30 to 2:30pm.
ALZHEIMER’S SUPPORT
The Sopris Lodge in Carbondale hosts a support group for family, friends and providers of people living with Alzheimer’s at 3pm. To RSVP, call 970-251-1635.
GINGERBREAD ARCHITECTS
Basalt Library hosts its annual Gingerbread House Extravaganza for middle and high school students from 4 to 6pm. Hot cocoa will be served and the best gingerbread house architect will receive a prize.
DRAWING CLUB
The Roaring Fork Drawing Club returns to Coffman Ranch for live drawing in the company of others beginning at 6:30pm.
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 13
SO FLY
Teens in 5th to 12th grade are invited to join the Teen Fly Tying Club at Basalt Library, in preparation for the Iron Fly Competition in February. The club meets today from 3:30 to 5pm and snacks and materials will be provided!
BUSINESS AFTER HOURS
The Carbondale Chamber hosts Business After Hours at Alpine Bank at 4pm. Register at www.chamber.carbondale.com
OLAF AT HALLAM LAKE
Olaf the winter elf visits Hallam Lake from 4-5:30pm. Registration and more info at www.aspennature.org
SCRAPBOOKING
Angela Shetzer guides the second part of a scrapbook workshop at the Carbondale Library. This time, discover ways to make “Mommy & Me” keepsakes. The class is for parents and children at 5pm.
HOLIDAY GLOW FLOW
Cari Eisenson guides a yoga session and DJ Bhakti Styler provides the beats at Kula Yoga on Main at 6pm. Register at www.kulayogaonmain.com
STRIKE A POSE
Dance Initiative hosts “Strike a Pose,” a dance party and fundraiser for the organization, at TACAW at 6pm. Tickets at www.danceinitiative.org
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 14
EAGLE COMMISSIONERS
Have a question for Eagle County? Commissioners will hold office hours at Basalt Library from noon to 2pm.
LEGAL CLINIC
Volunteer attorneys are available to assist with legal matters on a one-on-one basis for 15 minute sessions from 2 to 5pm taking place via Zoom at the Basalt Library. Sign up in advance by calling 970-927-4311 or by emailing info@basaltlibrary.org
CONSENSUAL CHRISTMAS
The Valley’s famous Consensual Improv troupe performs tonight and tomorrow night at TACAW at 8pm. Tickets at www.tacaw.org
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 15
BOOK FAIR
Free books for babies, kids, teens and adults will be given away at the Carbondale Library from noon to 5pm, along with school supplies, holiday cheer and hot cocoa.
PHOTOS WITH SANTA
The Carbondale Police Department hosts Santa at the Launchpad. Kids are invited to take a photo with Mr. Claus and enjoy cookies and hot chocolate. Proceeds will benefit the Shop with a Cop program. Call 970-963-2662 for more info.
KIDS HOLIDAY SALE
Kiddos on a piggy-bank budget are invited to shop for price-appropriate gifts at the Carbondale Clay Center from 3:30-5:30pm.
DARK NIGHT
The 15th Annual Dark Night Solstice Show, a magical evening of storytelling, art, music and more, featuring author Craig Childs and guests Greg Istock (musician) and Uche Ogbuji (poet), takes place tonight and tomorrow night at the Paradise Theatre in Paonia at 7:30pm. Tickets at www.paradiseofpaonia.com
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 16
SNOWSHOE SHUFFLE
Sunlight Mountain Resort’s Snowshoe Shuffle is a 6-8k race through Babbish Gulch on snowshoes benefitting Colorado Animal Rescue. Registration begins at 9am and the race starts at 10am. For more info, visit www.bit.ly/snowshoes2023
FARMERS’ MARKET
The Launchpad hosts a pop-up holiday farmers’ market at 10am to 4pm today and 11am to 3pm tomorrow.
SAWLIDAY
The Studio for Arts + Works (SAW) hosts its annual SAWliday Open House, when the community is invited to browse and purchase artwork from more than 25 different local artists, from 11am to 5pm.