Strawberry Shortcut a success 

When I took over as the race director of the Strawberry Shortcut, I knew it would be no small task. No matter how much effort you expend, the one thing you can’t control is the weather — especially in Colorado. A day before the race, while setting up the water stations in 40-degree weather in the pouring rain and wind, I thought, “Well, this is going to be an epic fail.”   

In the end, although participation was ultimately down, the athletes who competed showed great enthusiasm. What’s more, over 30 local Special Olympians partook in the event. As I watched them cross the finish line one by one, cheering each other on, I needed no other measure of success. This is what this race is all about: community, inclusion and volunteerism.  

I want to thank all of the volunteers and sponsors for their support of this event as it could not have happened without them: Bank of Colorado, SGM, Garfield & Hecht, Bay Equity, the Chavez Family, Barsness Law Firm, Gran Farnum Printing, Zhengs, Land Title, Vicki Lee Green, D.M. Neuman Construction, Roaring Fork Spice Co, and Intermountain Distributing. A special thanks to Bank of Colorado and Bill Deter for trusting me to carry the torch for this tremendous event. Further, I would like to shout out to the city of Glenwood Springs and the Glenwood Police Department for their work to make the Shortcut happen.   

Looking forward, we hope to continue to build the Strawberry Shortcut so it can continue to be a fun, worthwhile, community tradition. Please check-in on our Facebook page, and feel free to email us with any ideas, questions or comments:  strawberryshortcut20@gmail.com.  

I am looking forward to a sunny 2020 Strawberry Shortcut Event. 

Mike Kishimoto 

Strawberry Shortcut Race Director

Embrace The Chase Challenge was a fun experience

My family and I would like to give a huge shoutout to The Advocate Safehouse and their Embrace The Chase Challenge.

The race was over Strawberry Days weekend, and we had family in town. The race gave us an opportunity to run around the community asking a lot of funny questions to strangers and taking hilarious videos of us doing crazy things.

It took some persistence, but we walked away with second place and $750.

I hope the Advocate Safehouse made a lot of money on this fundraiser, and I hope the community will continue to support such a great cause.

Cathy Spence

Glenwood Springs

From the families of Dotti Pretti

We want to thank everyone for the cards, flowers, donations, thoughts and prayers and for celebrating our mother’s life.

We appreciate the love and support that we received.

Lee, Jack and Steve Pretti

Celebrating 25 years of Symphony in the Valley

This year marked the 25th anniversary of our beloved symphony, culminating in a final concert on Mother’s Day at Glenwood Springs High School.

The symphony would like to thank the community for its support throughout the past quarter century. We had so many individuals and businesses that gave above and beyond to provide our region with live music. These include The New Ute Theater Society, Bank of Colorado, the Hessel Family, Jacquelyn Edelman, Glenwood Springs Ford, Holy Cross Energy, The Post Independent, Rebecca Talbot and Rebecca Aronoff.

There are so many more to list, but there isn’t enough space here. Please know that we appreciate all of you.

We would also like to thank all of the volunteer musicians, singers, stage crew and board members who made this all possible.

Our final concert included the Aspen Choral Society and High Country Sinfonia. The collaboration was one of the largest in our valley.

As we move into the next 25 years, we look forward to seeing new audience members and are always here to welcome new musicians of all abilities and backgrounds. Volunteer music organizations are becoming very rare in this day and age. We are grateful to have several in our area. Let’s keep the music live and vibrant in our communities.

We will see you on the 3rd and 4th of July for our next concerts.

Gratefully,

Jonathan Gorst

manager, Symphony in the Valley

Shortcut helps Special Olympics

Here’s to the 42nd annual Strawberry Shortcut. With cooler temperatures and lots of young runners, it was a wonderful Sunday morning. Presented by the Bank of Colorado, the Shortcut has allowed the community to come together to sponsor, volunteer and participate in the Strawberry Shortcut 10K, 5K and Family Fun Run.

Special Olympics is very proud to be the recipient of the race proceeds. The Bank of Colorado and their staff throughout the valley have taken the time to sponsor this wonderful event that coincides with Strawberry Days. We are very grateful for their continued sponsorship.

We also appreciate the businesses that offer their continued support: the Rick Chavez Family, Barsness Law Firm, Bay Equity, D.M. Neuman Construction Co. & Design Group, Garfield & Hecht P.C., Glenwood Chiropractic Center, Gran Farnum Printing, Innermountain Distributing, Land Title, SGM, Vicki Lee Green Realtors, and Zheng Asian Bistro. Thank you all for supporting the Strawberry Shortcut and Special Olympics.

Also, thanks to our new race director, Mike Kishimoto. Thank you for your time and energy.

Again, thanks to the dedicated volunteers and racers that helped make the day a special one.

Julie Fite

Western Regional Manager — Special Olympics Colorado

Wood graduates basic training

U.S. Air Force Airman Jayden A. Wood graduated from basic military training at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, San Antonio.

The airman completed an intensive, eight-week program that included training in military discipline and studies, Air Force core values, physical fitness, and basic warfare principles and skills.

Airmen who complete basic training also earn four credits toward an associate in applied science degree through the Community College of the Air Force.

Wood is the son of Chrystal R. Wood, Jacquard A. Wood and Shaun A. Wood and brother of Jenaveve A. Wood and Jacorey A. Wood, all of Parachute.

He is a 2019 graduate of Grand Valley High School.

Wednesday, July 3

Rifle

Rifle hosts its annual Independence Day celebration the evening before the big day, including a variety of entertainment at Centennial Park and a fireworks display at dusk.

The Centennial Park water spray pad will operate for extended hours until 8:30 p.m. Beginning around 6 p.m., Jammin’ Jim the Juggler will provide entertainment and there will be face painting, vendors and other activities.

Symphony in the Valley will present a patriotic concert beginning at 7:30 p.m. at the park amphitheater. Bring a lawn chair. Fireworks will commence just after dark.

The celebration is weather and fire danger dependent, and may be canceled if adverse conditions exist. Updated information on the City of Rifle Facebook and Twitter pages, the city website or the Parks and Recreation Facebook page.

Thursday, July 4

Carbondale

Carbondale celebrates July 4^th with the 40^th annual Kids Parade down Main Street at 10:30 a.m. Children of all ages are welcome to come in costume, ride decorated bikes, play an instrument, perform a routine — and generally, express themselves.

The town will also host a community pool party at the municipal pool located at the northwest corner of Sopris Park, with $5 swimming admission. There will also be free watermelon and ice cream, live music, contests and more in the park.

Redstone

Redstone celebrates July 4th starting at 10 a.m. with a pie sale, an Air Force flyover and, at noon, a parade up (and usually back down) Redstone Boulevard.

Starting at 1 p.m., there will be water games for kids hosted by the Carbondale & Rural Fire District, followed by the Ducky Derby where rubber ducks race down the Crystal River at 2:30.

Glenwood Springs

Glenwood Springs’ July 4th celebration will take place in Two Rivers Park, 740 Devereux Road, beginning at 5 p.m. Thursday. 

Celebrating 25 years of live music, Symphony in the Valley brings together musicians of all walks of life from Garfield, Eagle, Pitkin, Rio Blanco and Mesa Counties. They will perform classical music beginning at 6 p.m. 

Afterward, Denver’s own Hazel Miller and her backing band will play original jazz, blues, R&B and top 40 hits. 

The free, family friendly event will also include kids activities, games, crafts, face painting, fire trucks, giveaways and food and beverage vendors. 

Beginning at 5 p.m. the city encourages patrons to utilize the complimentary shuttle service that will run from Glenwood Springs High School to Two Rivers Park. No smoking of any kind, glass containers, pets, outside charcoal or propane grills, slacklining in the main event area or soliciting at the park during the event.   

For the second year in a row, the evening will conclude with a laser performance above the softball field around 9:45 p.m.

“The laser show brings Red Mountain alive with waves of color choreographed to classic rock, country, classical and pop hits from today,” according to a press release from the city of Glenwood Springs, which sponsors the event. 

Apple Tree Park/New Castle

Apple Tree Park, located at 5175 Garfield County Road 335 (south of the Colorado River from New Castle), presents the 43rd annual 4th of July Freedom Celebration, beginning at noon with games and activities — $5 wristbands, and children 2 and under are free.

There will be food vendors, and music in the park beginning at 5:30 p.m. with Y Puro Norte. Headliner Lever Action! takes the stage at 7:30 p.m..

Fireworks at 9:30 p.m.

Beattie graduates basic training

U.S. Air Force National Guard Airman 1st Class Heather K. Beattie graduated from basic military training at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, San Antonio.

The airman completed an intensive, eight-week program that included training in military discipline and studies, Air Force core values, physical fitness, and basic warfare principles and skills.

Airmen who complete basic training also earn four credits toward an associate in applied science degree through the Community College of the Air Force.

Beattie is the daughter of Kirk H. Beattie of Grand Junction; sister of Jonathan J. Beattie of Littleton; niece of Virginia Harpold of Tucson, Arizona, and Courtney S. Simons of Tucson, Arizona; and wife of Evan Morganstein of Glenwood Springs.

She is a 1996 graduate of Stevens Point Area Senior High School, Stevens Point, Wisconsin. She earned a bachelor’s degree in 2001 from the University of Colorado–Boulder.

Above and beyond at Krow’s celebration

We would like to thank all of you that went “above and beyond” to make David “Krow” Keithley’s Funeral and Celebration of Life such a wonderful day.

The amount of love, respect and support that you all showed was amazing and so appreciated.

Krow was a wonderful, warm person, and I know he is honored by your awesome show of affection.

With much love from

The Keithley family

Superhero for Wellness 5K Fun Run a success

Two Rivers Community School would like to thank all of the sponsors and volunteers that helped make our TRCS Superhero for Wellness 5K Fun Run a huge success. Over 300 students participated, and all of them finished the race.

Prizes were awarded for best costume, best Two Rivers spirit, and fast finishers. A special thank-you goes out to SGM and U.S. Bank for sponsoring water bottles for every finisher; to Footsteps Marketing for bringing a huge group of volunteers that helped the finish line run smoothly; and to Glenwood Springs Fire Department for cooling off runners at the halfway point. You are all superheroes in our book.

Amy Spradlin

Glenwood Springs

Updated cash-back rebates for energy improvements from CORE

The Community Office for Resource Efficiency is offering new and updated cash-back rebates to incentivize energy efficiency improvements in 2019 to help the Roaring Fork Valley save energy and cut carbon. The annual program includes 19 rebates offering up to $500-2,500 each for energy projects in: electricity, renewables, hot water, heating and cooling, and home envelope. New this year, homeowners and renters can tap into $2,500 for fuel-switching, while businesses can increase their EV charging capacity. Residents from Aspen to Glenwood Springs can access CORE rebates all year long for their home or business. More information, a downloadable rebate brochure and free technical advising are available at www.aspencore.org and 970-925-9775.

Out-of-this-world folding book art

At 2 p.m. Saturday, July 20, the New Castle Library will host a class featuring space-themed patterns to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the moon landing. With two simple folds create an infinite number of patterns by repeating the folds on the pages of a book. A book and supplies will be provided to each participant. Registration is required for this free event designed for ages 16 and over. To register, or for more information call the library at 970-984-2346.

Benefit garden tour

On Saturday, July 20, nine delightful gardens in River Valley Ranch and Redstone will be open for viewing between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. Tickets are available that day at the corner of RVR Drive and Northbridge Drive or at Redstone Art Gallery, 173 Redstone Blvd. Admission is $10, and all proceeds benefit Stepping Stones of the Roaring Fork Valley, a mentoring program for youth ages 10-21.

Rosybelle Mobile Maker Bus

The Rifle Library presents two classes that will explore art and digital music with the Rosybelle Mobile Maker Bus. The first class will feature fun art projects at 11 a.m. Monday, July 22. The second class will feature a class on digital music at 11 a.m. Friday, Aug. 2. Space is limited for these free children’s classes, so registration is required. For more information, or to register, call the library at 970-625-3471.

Early literacy storytimes

Family, friend and neighbor caregivers are invited to share fresh ideas in incorporating early literacy into child care. Gain connections with others who can provide support — all while enjoying food, new ideas and special storytimes. This is a four-part series; remaining events are on the Mondays of July 22 and Aug. 19. These events all begin at 10:30 a.m. at the Carbondale Library. They are part of the Growing Readers Together initiative, and a storytime, snack and craft activity will be provided for the children in attendance. As the library will be closed when the events start, use the after-hours entrance to the Calaway Room, located by the parking lot. For more information call the library at 970-963-2889.

Out of This World Crafts: Night Sky in a Jar

Teens are invited to make a constellation jar to fill their room at night with lovely stars. This free event begins at 1 p.m. Tuesday, July 23, at the Rifle Library. All materials will be provided. Spaces are limited so reserve a spot by calling the library at 970-625-3471.

Moving Through Space

For the final Summer Reading event for children at the Garfield County Libraries, Aspen Dance Connection presents Engagement Movement Arts in a fun and humorous look at choreography and what it takes to create a dance. Dancers will perform, and then the audience will be encouraged to try movements focusing on space, time and energy. The first events in the series will be held Tuesday, July 23, at 11:30 a.m. at the Carbondale Library and then at 2:30 p.m. at the Glenwood Springs Library. The second day of events will be Wednesday, July 24, at 11:30 a.m. at the Silt Branch Library and then at 2:30 p.m. at the New Castle Library. The third and final day of events will be on Thursday, July 25, and begin at 11:30 a.m. at the Rifle Library and at 2:30 p.m. at the Parachute Library. All events are free and open to the public. Visit www.gcpld.org/summer-reading for more information.

Astronomy from Story to Science

Teens are invited to enjoy a full planetarium experience without having to travel hundreds or thousands of miles. The Garfield County Libraries are partnering with Mountain BOCES to bring a StarLab inflatable planetarium to the libraries. During each event, Maya Hunt from the Aspen Science Center will tell stories used to explain the world in the past, illustrate how astronomy pushed the human knowledge base forward through science, and pose the biggest questions scientists are still working to answer. The events will be held at 2 p.m. on Tuesday, July 23, at the Silt Library, at 3 p.m. on Thursday, July 25, at the New Castle Library, at 3 p.m. on Monday, July 29, at the Glenwood Springs Library, and finally at 2 p.m. on Wednesday, July 31, at the Carbondale Library. All events are free and open to all teens, but space is limited and registration is required. All events are part of the Summer Reading event series for teens. To register, or for more information visit your local library.

Book Discussion Series

The Rifle Library will lead a discussion of two book “Brave New World” by Aldous Huxley at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, July 24. Copies are available at the library. For more information call 970-625-3471.

Drums & Space

Join Jessie Lehmann and friends for an exploration of drums, space and African rhythm at 6 p.m. Thursday, July 25, at the Carbondale Library as part of the Summer Reading Program. There will be music, the opportunity to learn and join the rhythm, and a community percussion jam to finish the night. Free and open to all ages. Limited rhythm instruments will be provided for audience participation so attendees are strongly encouraged to bring their own drum. For more information call the library at 970-963-2889.

Astronomy for Kids

The Glenwood Springs Library will have an inflatable planetarium at 1 p.m. Monday, July 29. Kids age 5-11 will hear stories used to explain the world in the past, learn how astronomy pushed human knowledge forward, and learn about the biggest questions scientists are still working to answer. Maya Hunt with the Aspen Science Center will lead the discussion inside the planetarium. Space is limited, and registration is required. For more information or to register, call 970-945-5958 or visit the library.

Parachute Landing Party

The Parachute Library presents a special storytime party as it comes in for a landing from A Universe of Stories at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, July 31. All ages are welcome for food and fun. For more information call the library at 970-285-9870.

New Castle Landing Party

The New Castle Library invites patrons to celebrate the end of Summer Reading at 6 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 7. It’s a chance to tell the library how this year’s program went while enjoying snacks and live music from Burning Mountain Ukuleles. Free and open to all ages. For more information call the library at 970-984-2346.

Glenwood Springs Landing Party

The Glenwood Springs Library invites patrons to celebrate the end of Summer Reading at 5 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 7. It’s a chance to tell the library how this year’s program went while enjoying snacks and live music from Let Them Roar. Those interested can even try their hand at kid, teen, or adult-level space trivia for the chance to win a gift certificate to a local business. Free and open to all. For more information call the library at 970-945-5958.

Let Them Roar in Concert

Carbondale’s Let Them Roar conjures the universe of stories that unite all through song. Let Them Roar weaves a tapestry of progressive-folk from threads of tradition into a musical story that reflects their home nestled deep in the heart of the Elk Mountains. The Carbondale Library presents a special series of concerts titled “I See My Light: the light and power of the stars shines within us all.” The final show starts at 5 p.m. on Wednesday, Aug. 7, at the Glenwood Springs Library. The concerts are free to attend as part of the Summer Reading event series for adults. Visit www.gcpld.org/summer-reading for more information.

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UNDATED ANNOUNCEMENTS

Autism Support Group

This group is for all parents of children with autism or “on the spectrum” kids. Participants meet at the Silt Library and discuss issues that arise, share funny stories, and help with questions the doctors just can’t answer. Call or stop by the library to learn about upcoming dates or schedule a special session. For more information call the library at 970-876-5500.

High Country RSVP Seeks Volunteers for American Red Cross

In light of this summer’s increased wildfire activity, organizations like the American Red Cross of Colorado need additional volunteers in order to serve the community with disaster preparedness and response services. This will ensure that if ever there is an emergency, there will always be trained individuals nearby, ready to use their Red Cross skills to save lives.

High Country RSVP (Retired Senior Volunteer Program) is looking for volunteers age 55 and older to serve with the American Red Cross of Colorado in Garfield County. There are numerous ways to volunteer with the organization, and training will be provided. For more information, contact Mary Moon, RSVP volunteer manager, at 970-947-8462 or mpmoon@coloradomtn.edu.

LIFT-UP needs volunteers

Both English-speaking and bilingual volunteers are needed for a variety of LIFT-UP programs. Volunteer opportunities include:

Extended table: If you are part of a group interesting in serving and helping others or like to cook, this program is for you. LIFT-UP is looking for groups to pick a day to plan, prepare and serve the meal at Extended Table in Glenwood Springs.

Meal monkey: Be a part of the team that provides lunches to school kids on Fridays. Students, 18 and under, are served sack lunches on Fridays (since there is no school in the Re-2 school district on Fridays). Donations of snacks, funding and time are all needed.

Volunteer for veggies: Help UpRoot Colorado reduce food loss and food insecurity by helping harvest and redistribute fresh fruits and vegetables to our local pantries.

For more information, contact Renee Horton at (970) 625-4496 or email officemanager@liftup.org. 


Parents of Addicted Loved Ones

Parents of Addicted Loved Ones (PAL) is a support group of parents helping parents that meets from 6-7:30 p.m. every Thursday at River Center, 126 N. Fourth St. in New Castle, to offer education and support, at no charge, for parents who are dealing with a son or daughter suffering from addiction. PAL can also help spouses who feel they have to parent their addicted partner. PAL is open to all sober family members and friends who are 18 years and older.

For more information visit www.palgroup.org or call Diane Pfaff at 970-379-5299.

Frontier Museum seeks volunteers

Volunteers make it possible to keep the doors of the Frontier Museum open. Anyone interested in volunteering and learning about Glenwood Spring’s history can pick up a free history book. Those who like to talk with people make wonderful volunteers. For information call 970-945-4448 or email history@rof.net.

High Country RSVP

Want to have more meaning in your life? Do you want to do something that is satisfying and of great service to your community? Would you like to meet new people? Are you 55 or older? High Country RSVP (Retired Senior Volunteer Program) needs you. RSVP’s mission is to enrich the lives of men and women, age 55 and older, through meaningful volunteer opportunities that use their skills, abilities, and life experiences in service to their communities. High Country RSVP is a national Senior Corps organization under the Corporation for National and Community Service and was started here in Glenwood Springs in 1973.

Our objectives are to meet the critical needs in our communities through volunteer recruitment and management and meet the needs of the growing base of seniors in our communities, enabling them to continue to live independently (age in place).

As our new year begins please consider contacting RSVP’s professional volunteer manager Elisabeth Worrell, 970-947-8460, who will help you determine where your skills, abilities, and interests are and make a connection with one of the 36 volunteer stations we partner with.

Symphony in the Valley

Symphony in the Valley, a volunteer organization comprising local musicians making music for the communities here in the valley, is looking for musicians of all ages who play an orchestra instrument. High school students are welcome with a teacher’s recommendation. Contact Symphony in the Valley via the Contact Us page at sitv.org.

Glenwood Springs’ officials continue to ask residents and visitors to use caution particularly around river access points within the city’s numerous parks.

Following Sunday’s press release, which warned the public “to be safe around high water” and to not utilize the Roaring Fork River for “casual swimming,” the city has placed barriers and warning signage in place where necessary.

“Yesterday we put out that public service announcement and just looked at water levels today, the average discharge over a 50 year period is about 4,000 cubic feet per second (CFS) and right now we are at about 7,000 CFS,” City Engineer Terri Partch said in an interview Monday of the Roaring Fork River, which continues to run at a rate between 3,000 and 4,000 CFS higher than normal. “Until that comes back down to being much closer to normal and the water velocity slows down we will keep all of those [warning] signs out there.”

One particular area of concern for city staff was that of Veltus Park.

Located at the corner of Midland Avenue and Eighth Street along the Roaring Fork River, city staff has put in place barricades and warning signage near the popular park’s river access points.

“We really want our residents and visitors to not go around barricades and to pay attention to signage for their safety,” added Glenwood Springs City Manager Debra Figueroa.

mabennett@postindependent.com