Matthew Eames quickly got hooked on pottery after he saw a teacher doing a demo of throwing clay on the wheel. 

“I felt obligated to rise to the occasion,” he said. “It’s such a magical and malleable material.”

Eames added, “I was curious, but also I was hilariously being a teenager and it seemed like a good way to make friends and meet a girlfriend. It didn’t work out though.”

Eames has been doing pottery for 25 years and is a teacher at CCC. He’s a ceramics artist.

He is set to join fellow potters at Carbondale Clay Center’s annual fundraiser, Settings: The Potter’s Table. The event, at 135 Main St., is slated for 4-8 p.m. Saturday.

“We’ve been collecting pots throughout the years from various individuals. The collection is several hundred pieces and less than 10% is going to be auctioned off. It’s a way to give back to the community and also fundraise for the Clay Center,” Eames said about the upcoming CCC event.  

Eames isn’t attached to the objects that are going to be auctioned, saying, “I’m excited to see them find a new beautiful home in the valley.”

“The community itself has made the Center what it is. Being able to engage in all those different moments is a very warm and inviting experience,” Eames said about what his life would be like without the CCC. “Having a facility that can give these experiences to the community is lovely.”

Eames said his inspiration for pottery is hard to narrow to a single thing. 

“But it comes back to the curiosity I had when I first started,” he said. “Every person perceives material differently. They create what they want to create, which keeps my curiosity flowing as well.”

Molly Altman also has great experiences with the Carbondale Clay Center. 

“I started doing pottery when I was about 13 at a summer arts camp, and not long after that experience I started taking classes in high school,” she said. “I have no idea what made me want to do it so badly, but for some reason when I saw it was an option I instinctively knew, I want to do that.”

Altman said the possibilities in clay never end, and people have been building on the knowledge and traditions of it since the beginning of human history. She feels honored in being linked to the practice. 

“Without the Clay Center I wouldn’t be in Carbondale at all. The Clay Center has brought so many other young artists like me to this town,” she said in an email. “Who knows where I would be if I weren’t an artist-in-residence here. I’m so grateful for the opportunity that the Clay Center has given me and grateful to be a part of this incredible community.”

Altman said the material itself is always the driving inspiration for her work.

“Forms and moods and ideas come and go, but the properties of clay always stay exciting and inspiring,” she said. “Nature and the environment are the main themes of my work.”

The theme for Carbondale Clay Center’s fundraiser highlights the incredible potters who are its heart and soul, according to a press release. 

There will be chef-prepared food, beverages, live music from local musician Shanti Mae Gruber and a silent auction featuring pieces from CCC’s private collection. Also, the handmade plate and cup chosen by each guest is theirs to take home at the end of the evening, the press release states.

Tickets are available to purchase online at CCC’s website, https://www.carbondaleclay.org/settings-2023. 

If anyone or a business wishes to sponsor this event or a ticket for one of the makers, contact by email at info@carbondaleclay.org or visit the event page on the website. 

The Glenwood Springs Police Department has announced James Cary as its new Traffic Enforcement Officer, a news release states.

Cary has been selected for this specialized position because of previous experience and training of a similar function from another agency. He starts in October, the release states.

The GSPD is aware of concerns from residents of perilous driving and traffic related issues, specifically collisions, behaviors and violations that contribute to injuries. 

Selecting Cary for TEO is an intent to create a safer environment for motorists and pedestrians while traveling through Glenwood Springs, the release states 

The function of the TEO will be a highly visible presence to modify dangerous driving. This position will also encompass public outreach, like presentations and youth safety programs, traffic grant management, collisions involving injuries and DUI enforcement. 

It’s important that the position does not solve collective traffic issues, the release states. 

After a reasonable period of time, the program will be evaluated to determine the need for extra resources. The TEO’s hours will vary based on need, traffic patterns and seasons of the year. 

There will be a dedicated phone line and link on the GSPD’s website to submit traffic complaints soon, the release states. 

The GSPD believes this serves as another example of our ongoing efforts to support our vision statement: “Create a safe and enjoyable community in which to live and visit,” the release states.

Colorado Mountain College has hired a new campus leader for its Spring Valley and Glenwood Springs campus locations. After more than a year working as a civil rights investigator at the University of Nebraska at Omaha, Kelly Humphrey will transition into a new role as the dean and vice president of the two college locations.

A graduate of both the University of Northern Colorado and the University of Wyoming with degrees in higher education and student affairs leadership, a master of science in family and consumer sciences and a bachelor of science in social science, Humphrey will find herself closer to her hometown of Grand Junction.

“We are happy to welcome Kelly back to Colorado, because we know she’s going to be a great fit for our students and our college community,” CMC President Carrie Besnette Hauser said in a news release. “This is a critical role for CMC that leads daily operations and student affairs at two locations in Glenwood Springs — one fully residential and another that serves many non-traditional students and supports community partnerships. We welcome Kelly and her family to CMC and to the Roaring Fork Valley.” 

Humphrey has also held student affairs leadership roles at Laramie County Community College, Colorado State University and the University of Northern Colorado during the course of her 16 years working in higher education roles.

Replacing current Dean and Vice President Heather Exby, who will be retiring after serving the college for more than 17 years in three different positions, Humphrey is excited for the opportunity to get to work at both the Grand Valley and Glenwood Springs campus locations.

“I’m so excited to join the college and continue the important work of empowering our students, faculty, and staff to realize their goals,” Humphrey said in the release. “I’ve spent my career focused on advocating for college students, and I look forward to immersing myself in CMC’s diverse and expansive community.”   

Humphrey is set to step into her new role following the end of the 2022-23 academic year.

The Western Slope Veterans Coalition is stepping up to support the Glenwood Springs High School Junior ROTC program with a benefit screening of the award-winning documentary film, “Oildale,” on Sunday.

The film will be shown at Glenwood Springs High School at 2 p.m. on Sunday. Tickets are $15 for adults and $10 for children age 16 and younger. Admission for veterans is free.

All proceeds from the showing will benefit Glenwood Springs High School Air Force JROTC and local veterans programs provided by the Elks Lodge of Glenwood Springs, a news release states..

“Oildale” follows three veterans from around the world as they struggle for balance when they return home. They find family when they rent rooms from an 18-year-old girl struggling to support her 13-year-old brother while following her dream to become a singer.

In addition to the movie, the Western Slope Veterans Coalition and Elks Lodge will be displaying the Colorado Memorial Wall honoring all of Colorado’s fallen veterans, the release says.

Tickets can be purchased by calling the Elks Lodge at 970-945-2286 or from any member of the Elks Lodge. Tickets are also available from the Western Slope Veterans Coalition by calling 970 233-8735 and can also be purchased online at glenwoodspringshighschool.ticketspice.com/jrotc-elks-lodge-movie-night-oildale.

Although we’re in that weird time of year when you have to wear a full jacket one day and shorts the next, spring has sprung. 

Even though planting into the ground in Colorado should wait until Mother’s Day, the rest of the yard duties and spring cleaning can be handled sooner. 

The city of Glenwood Springs is announcing “Celebrate Spring” events going on until the end of April. 

Glenwood Springs is hosting a series of events including a household hazardous waste drop-off, yard waste drop-off, landfill vouchers, a water webinar about the city’s tree and parks program and an Arbor Day planting event.

• April 20, noon via Zoom – Water Webinar: City Trees and Water Keys
• April 21 and 22 at the former rodeo grounds – Brush and yard waste drop-off
• April 22, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Community Center – Household Hazardous Waste Drop-off and Free Compost Pick-up
• April 28, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at various parks – Arbor Day Celebration Tree Planting

Household Hazardous Waste Drop-off and Free Compost Pick-up

The household hazardous waste drop-off event  will be from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. April 22 at the Glenwood Springs Community Center, 100 Wulfsohn Rd.

According to a city news release, the free drop-off will allow Glenwood Springs residents to responsibly drop off hazardous waste and also have free compost pick-up. 

The hazardous waste drop-off is available to private parties only; not commercial business waste.

No containers larger than five gallons will be accepted. All water-based paints, stains and clear finishes will be recycled. Other types of waste will be disposed of according to state and federal regulations. They will not accept waste oil or tires.

There are no appointments needed, but participants must provide a driver’s license or identification card upon entry. 

People who live outside of Glenwood Springs city limits will be charged $2 per gallon, liquids or solids and will need to pay with check or cash only. 

For a full list of accepted and not accepted waste, visit cogs.us/696 or contact Liz Mauro, manager of the South Canyon Landfill at 970-945-5375.

Brush and Yard Waste Drop-Off

Yard waste and brush can be taken to the old rodeo fairgrounds, adjacent to the Glenwood Springs Municipal Airport, on April 21 and 22. 

Brush includes leaves and branches with a diameter of three inches or less, according to the release. Drop-off is free for residents only. The collection site is not available for commercial operators.

When dropping off, remove the waste from the bag, and ensure objects like stones, little branches and other random debris are removed from the leaves. This will prevent employees from being injured, along with preventing equipment damage, the release states. 

Landfill Vouchers

The city of Glenwood Springs is also offering vouchers for the South Canyon Landfill, 1205 County Road 134.

Vouchers were sent by mail in late March and are valid for up to one personal-sized pickup-truck load of non-hazardous materials and are limited to one per household. The vouchers were only mailed to residents within the city limits. 

Furniture, mattresses, metal, pallets, leaves, brush and yard waste are all acceptable materials. 

The voucher expires July 31, and requires proof of address and identification. Vouchers are not redeemable for cash.

For questions on materials accepted, contact Mauro at 970-945-5375. For questions about the landfill vouchers, contact Public Information Officer Bryana Starbuck at 970-384-6441 or bryana.starbuck@cogs.us. 

Water Webinar: City Trees and Water Keys

At noon on April 20 the city of Glenwood Springs River Commission will be hosting a water webinar. 

Staff will be teaching about the city’s tree program and upcoming projects such as tree care assistance funding. 

They will also be giving a sneak peek into the plans for the Xeric Demonstration Garden going in at Eighth Street and Midland Avenue with insights into the city’s water conservation program. 

There will be questions and answers after the presentation, and will be available via Zoom, streamed to the city’s Facebook page and uploaded to the city’s YouTube video library.

Urban Ecology & Public Spaces Supervisor Heather Listermann and Parks Supervisor Matt Urmson will be the presenters. 

Submit any accessibility accommodation or interpretation requests by April 20 via email at pio@cogs.us or call 970-384-6441.

Past webinars are available online on the River Commission’s webpage at cogs.us/206.

Arbor Day Planting

The city is asking residents to plant a tree with them at one of the city’s parks, or at home in your own backyard. To sign up to volunteer for planting trees at one of our parks, visit bit.ly/ArborDayCOGS.

If you choose to plant one at home, contact the city so they can add it to our tree map and check out the city’s Low Water Use Tree and Plant List.

Nominations are currently being taken to replace Ninth Judicial District Judge James Boyd, who is retiring from the bench effective July 1.

The Judicial District Nominating Commission is scheduled to meet at the Garfield County Courthouse on June 5 to interview and select nominees for appointment to be decided by the Governor’s Office.

According to a news release, to be eligible, the applicant must be a qualified elector of the Ninth Judicial District at the time of investiture and must have been admitted to the practice of law in Colorado for five years. The current salary for this position is $183,816. The initial term of office of a district judge is a provisional term of two years; thereafter, the incumbent district judge, if approved by the voters, has a term of six years.

Application forms are available from the office of the ex officio chair of the nominating commission, Justice Carlos A. Samour Jr., 2 E. 14^th Ave., Denver, CO 80203; and the office of the court executive, Lynn Reed, 109 Eighth St., Glenwood Springs, CO 81601. Applications also are available on the court’s home page at http://www.courts.state.co.us/Careers/Judge.cfm

The completed application must be e-mailed to the address indicated in the instructions no later than 4 p.m. on May 5. Late applications will not be considered.

Any person wishing to suggest a candidate to fill the vacancy may do so by letter to be submitted to any member of the nominating commission, with a copy to the ex officio chair, no later than 4 p.m. on April 28, the release also states.

The members of the nominating commission for the Ninth Judicial District are: Laura Maytin and Blanca O’Leary of Aspen; Angela Strode of Rifle; Rachel Gates of Meeker; and Sheryl Barto, Chris McDowell, and Samuel Crary, all of Carbondale.

Following its inaugural event last month, the Western Slope Veterans Coalition is offering a second Writers Workshop on Wednesday for veterans and their families.

The workshop takes place from 6 – 7:30 p.m. at the Western Slope Veterans Coalition Resource Center, 801 Colorado Ave., Glenwood Springs.

The workshops, led by experienced authors and journalists provide an encouraging and creative space for vets and their families to share written work of any kind, including memoir, poetry, fiction, essays and non-fiction, according to a news release from the Veterans Coalition. Writers can present their works and receive helpful input from other vets and writing professionals.

Longtime local journalist for the Dallas Morning News and The Glenwood Post Bernie Grauer is the moderator.

“The first workshop drew a solid attendance with spirited discussion about a member’s written account of a roadside ambush in Vietnam,” Grauer said. “More veterans have now come forward to bring in their own short works for discussion at the next workshop. It’s this kind of participation that makes my job of facilitating so much easier.”

The workshops are part of the Western Slope Veterans Coalition’s continued community outreach for Veteran’s and their families from the Western Slope, the release states.

The next two workshops are scheduled for Feb. 15 and March 1, with future dates to be announced. Vets are invited to bring a sample of their work up to five pages long to read at the meetings. There is no charge to attend.

For more information, visit westernslopeveterans.org, or call 970 233-8735.

Colorado Mountain College is honoring Martin Luther King, Jr. Day with a food and coat drive through Monday.

“Your generous donation to our food and coat drive will help sustain the services that LiftUp, and the Food Bank of The Rockies provide to hundreds of families in the Roaring Fork Valley,” a CMC news release states.

Items can be placed in the boxes at the entryways of CMC’s Carbondale and Aspen locations.

“On Martin Luther King Day let’s remember that one of his dreams was ending hunger and poverty,” the release states. “The basic right of food is essential for all people.”

Dr. King proclaimed in his Nobel Peace Prize speech, “I have the audacity to believe that peoples everywhere can have three meals a day for their bodies, education and culture for their minds, and dignity, equality and freedom for their spirits.”

Glenwood Springs city offices closed

City of Glenwood Springs administrative offices and non-emergency services, including City Hall, will be closed on Monday in observance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day. The Community Center, South Canyon Landfill, Community Art Center, and Ride Glenwood will remain open with normal hours.

Emergency services are available by calling 911. For non-emergencies, call Garfield County Dispatch at 970-625-8095.

Some local government offices remain open for the holiday, including Garfield County administrative offices. The Board of County Commissioners is slated to meet on its normal Monday schedule, beginning at 8 a.m.

City of Glenwood Springs

In observance of the holidays, several city of Glenwood Springs facility schedules and closures are planned, a city news release states. 

City administrative offices and non-emergency services at City Hall (including Police Records and Municipal Court) will be closed to the public Monday, Dec. 26. City Hall remains closed on Fridays.

Holiday closures

• City Hall (closed Fridays-Sundays)
  • Closed Dec. 23-26 and Dec. 30-Jan. 2
• Community Art Center
  • Closed Dec 23-26 and Dec. 31-Jan. 2
• Community Center (closed Sundays)
  • Closed Dec. 24-25 and Dec. 30-Jan. 2
  • Modified hours Dec. 31, 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.
  • Aquatic Center closed all day Dec. 28
• Recycle Center (closed Sundays-Tuesdays)
  • Open Dec. 23 with regular hours, 8 a.m.- 5 p.m.
  • Closed Dec. 24 and Dec. 31
• South Canyon Landfill (closed Sundays)
  • Open December 23 and 26 with regular hours, 8 a.m.-4:15 p.m.
  • Closed December 24 and December 31
  • Open January 2 with regular hours, 8 a.m.-4:15 p.m.

For questions about the Community Center, contact the front desk at 970-384-6301. For questions about the Landfill or the Recycling Center, contact Landfill Manager Liz Mauro at 970-384-5375 or elizabeth.mauro@cogs.us.

Garfield County holiday closures

All Garfield County offices of elected officials and county administrative departments are closed Friday and Monday, Dec. 23 and 26, and again on Monday, Jan. 2, 2023, for the winter holidays. Staff functions that serve the community in emergency or 24-hour capacities remain in operation, as needed, and administrative offices of such departments are closed, according to a county news release.

The Rifle Garfield County Airport is open for general aviation, weather permitting, although the airport’s administrative offices are closed. Anyone needing assistance at this time can call 970-230-1685.

The Garfield County Landfill near Rifle is open on Friday, Dec. 23, and closed on Saturday and Monday, Dec. 24 and 26, and on Monday, Jan. 2, 2023.

Be aware that other local, state and federal government offices may be closed or have reduced hours during the holidays.

All Garfield County and city of Glenwood Springs offices are closed Thursday and Friday for the Thanksgiving holiday, except for emergency or 24-hour functions, a county news release states.

The Rifle Garfield County Airport remains open for general aviation, weather permitting, although the airport’s administrative offices are closed. More information at 970-230-1685. The Garfield County Landfill near Rifle is closed on Thursday and Friday, Nov. 24-25. 

City of Glenwood Springs administrative offices and non-emergency services, including City Hall (including Police Records and Municipal Court), Community Center, Community Art Center, and Recycling Center will be closed to the public Thursday and Friday, a separate city news release states.

The Community Center will also be closed Saturday, and the South Canyon Landfill is closed Thursday but open with regular hours on Friday and Saturday. Each facility will resume regular business hours on Monday.

Government offices in Carbondale, New Castle, Silt, Rifle and Parachute will also be closed for the holiday, as will the Garfield County Public Libraries.