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Community Briefs

New ReEnergize program offers rebates and grants

Garfield Clean Energy has announced a new source of funding to help county residents and business owners save money through energy efficiency.

GCE’s new ReEnergize program will offer $150 rebates on home energy audits and grants of up to $1,500 to businesses making efficiency upgrades.



The home energy audit rebates are available to Xcel residential all-electric and gas-plus-electric customers. These households, which are located mainly in western Garfield County, aren’t currently eligible for discounts available in the rest of the county.

A home energy audit identifies the energy efficiency upgrades that will save the most money, and it qualifies the household for valuable additional rebates on many projects.



The commercial grants are designed to support restaurants, retailers, lodges and other businesses that don’t qualify for other utility incentives. By lowering the up-front cost of installing more efficient lighting or other equipment, the grants enable businesses to reduce their operating costs over the long term.

To apply for ReEnergize funding, go to garfieldcleanenergy.org/reenergize.

Medicare Open Enrollment

The annual Medicare Open Enrollment period for 2021 prescription drug plans continues until Dec. 7 for a Jan. 1 effective date. High Country RSVP (Retired Senior Volunteer Program) volunteers can help select the best plan to meet individual needs. Additionally, for those currently enrolled in a Rocky Mountain Health cost plan, be aware that these will be discontinued as of Dec. 31. Volunteers can help select a new coverage plan.

This year, due to COVID-19, volunteers will be counseling clients over the phone, through Zoom, and will have a limited number of in-person appointments in the Glenwood Springs office. To schedule an appointment call 384-8744 or email Mary at mpmoon@coloradomtn.edu.

Handmade Holidays Adult Winter Craft Series

The Garfield County Libraries now offer grab-and-go craft kits. Each simple kit includes bilingual instructions and everything needed to make the craft. The kits will be available Thursdays from Nov. 5 to Dec. 17 (except Thanksgiving) and are free on a first come, first served basis. For more information visit http://www.gcpld.org.

Leaf drop-off available at Glenwood rodeo grounds

Glenwood Springs residents can drop off their raked-up leaves at the old rodeo grounds, adjacent to the airport, through Nov. 15.

The service is free but is open only to residents of Glenwood Springs. The collection site is not available for use by commercial operators. Leaves can be dropped off at any time of day.

When dropping off leaves, remove them from plastic bags and make sure there are no stones, litter, branches or other debris to prevent equipment damage and worker injuries.

The city is encouraging residents to remove leaves from their yards, as they can clog storm drain inlets and piping, causing street flooding. Once collected, the material will be hauled from the rodeo grounds to the composting facility at the South Canyon landfill. Leaves can also be dropped off any time of year at the South Canyon Landfill for a minimal fee. 

To get to the collection site, head south on Midland Avenue to Airport Road. There will be signs on Airport Road explaining where to drop the leaves.

For information about the leaf collection site, contact Jake Velasquez at 970-384-6379 or jake.velasquez@cogs.us.

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UNDATED ANNOUNCEMENTS

COVID-19 Help Team

Mountain View Church has formed a COVID-19 Help Team. If you live in the Glenwood Springs area, are over 65 years or older and need a hand, the church is offering to help out during these difficult days. They can pick up and deliver groceries, run errands, shovel snow, etc. Their goal is to help minimize at-risk residents’ exposure to COVID-19. The team knows to practice social distancing and to volunteer only when healthy. Email office@mvcglenwood.org and the MVC office administrator, Mary Jean, will coordinate getting help requested, as volunteers are available. To know more about the organization sponsoring the help team go to: mvcglenwood.org.

LIFT-UP volunteer sign up required

To volunteer at one of LIFT-UP’s drive-thru pantries, anyone interested must call 970-456-2804 to register prior to going to the site. If the desired site is full, your name and contact information will be placed on a list. It is important for everyone to continue to maintain social distancing practices, so LIFT-UP can allow only the required number of volunteers. Arrive to the shift by 1:30 p.m. and check in with the site manager. Those who have not pre-registered will not be able to volunteer and will ultimately slow down the food distribution process, so they will not be able to stay during distribution. Visit the website http://www.liftup.org or the LIFT-UP Facebook page for ongoing updates. Financial donations are needed and can be made on the website as well.

High Country RSVP seeks volunteers

High Country RSVP (Retired Senior Volunteer Program) is looking for volunteers age 55 and older to serve with one of 45 different nonprofit organizations in Garfield County. The mission of RSVP is to enrich the lives of individuals age 55 and older through meaningful volunteer opportunities that use their skills, abilities and life experiences in service to their communities. RSVP is a national Senior Corps organization and has been sponsored by Colorado Mountain College, serving Garfield County, for more than 40 years. Each year, volunteers collectively serve over 20,000 hours with local organizations and impact and enrich the lives of Garfield County residents. For more information, contact Mary Moon at 970-947-8462 or mpmoon@coloradomtn.edu.

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. 


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.

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.


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