Meadowood teacher housing project breaks ground

By Jeanne Souldern Sopris Sun Correspondent

On July 24, with the hot sun beaming down, about 20 people attended the groundbreaking ceremony at the site of what has become informally known as the Meadowood teacher housing project.

The 50-unit staff housing initiative is between North Face Park on Meadowood Drive and Roaring Fork High School. It adds to the district’s current inventory of 66 Basalt and Carbondale units occupied by Roaring Fork Schools teachers and staff.

The project’s timeline dates back to 2015 when Roaring Fork School District (RFSD) voters approved a bond issue for initiating a staff rental housing program.

Kendall Reiley has been there since the beginning, serving as a district housing committee member since its inception in 2016. At the groundbreaking ceremony, Reiley, also Crystal River Elementary assistant principal, said, “This has been some of the most complicated and messy work that I've done in my career so far, being a part of this housing committee and working on the guidelines about who was going to get to live in the units [through the district’s housing lottery], but it's also been some of the most rewarding work that I've done.”

Before the groundbreaking ceremony, RFSD Superintendent Dr. Jesús Rodríguez acknowledged the project's lengthy history. “As many of you know, this has been a labor of love for a long time … so I want to say thank you to all of the taxpayers for investing in this work and believing in this vision. It's critical that we figure out housing for all of our staff.”

In his remarks, Rodríguez also recognized former Chief Operating Officer (COO) Jeff Gatlin, who left the district in May for the same position in the Jefferson County School District, and the new COO, Ben Bohmfalk, for their efforts in advancing the project.

While the Meadowood housing will alleviate some of the current housing woes for RFSD staff, Rodríguez shared, “I believe that our approach to housing has to be multifaceted, that we have to continue to explore and expand on the rental units that we have available to our staff, but we also have to explore other opportunities like pathways to homeownership.”

Aaron Ladner, lead architect on the project working under principal architects at Boulder-based Jv DeSousa Architecture and Design, said the firm’s primary focus is affordable housing projects. They also designed the 20unit district housing project adjacent to the Third Street Center, which opened for occupancy in August 2018.

Ladner said, “One of the main concerns the school district had with this project was making sure that while this housing stays affordable, it stays livable and is a place where people will be happy and comfortable to come home to. We've prioritized natural light, views of Mt. Sopris, outdoor spaces, and then lifestyle, with bulk storage and bike racks to ensure storage space for gear for all the various outdoor activities around here.”

The Meadowood project will include eight studios and 10 one-bedroom, 16 two-bedroom and 16 three-bedroom units. It is an all-electric project, meaning there is no natural gas line. While that was not required by the Town code, RFSD decided to make the investment to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The housing project will also have on-site parking with electric vehicle (EV) charging stations and the potential for more EV stations in the future. The targeted completion date is August 2024.

Carbondale Town Manager Lauren Gister, who attended the ceremony, said, “The more we can do to keep people in this valley and to allow them to make Carbondale their home — a real home, not just someplace they have to go to work — the better off we are.”

Programs Coming Soon at Basalt Regional Library

Scholastic Book Fair at the Library

July 24-31, during library hours

Shop the Scholastic Book Fair with cash, card, or your hard earned book bucks!

Music at the Library: Aspen Music Festival and School Student Chamber Music Concerts

Thursdays through Aug. 17, 5:15-6:15PM

Hear the inspiring freshness and joy of tomorrow’s stars perform.

The full schedule of events can be found at basaltlibrary.org/events-calendar

Paintings by local artist Denise Henley will be displayed for sale at Thunder River Theatre this weekend, from 5 to 8pm on Friday, 10am to 5pm on Saturday and 10am to 2pm on Sunday. “I want to get my work back out there,” Denise said, “but I also want to get rid of it all so I can be unburdened and paint all the new things my heart desires.” Courtesy image

THURSDAY, JULY 27

EAGLE COMMISSIONERS

Eagle County Commissioner Kathy Chandler-Henry will be at the Basalt Library for this month’s office hours, from 11am to 1pm.

FREE NARCAN�TEST STRIPS

High Rockies Harm Reduction distributes Narcan, fentanyl test strips and more (no questions asked) at The Meeting Place, 981 Cowen Drive in Carbondale, from 4 to 6pm.

ART OF ARCHITECTURE

As part of its Climate Action Series, the Community Office for Resource Efficiency hosts “State of the Art Architecture,” where visionaries in the industry will showcase various designs and advancements at the Aspen Art Museum at 4pm. Learn more and register at www.AspenCORE.org/events

MICHAEL WISNER

Learn about ceramic artist Michael Wisner’s journey and process at the Ann Korologos Gallery from 5 to 7pm.

CHAMBER MUSIC

Hear Aspen Music and Festival School students perform at Basalt Library at 5:15pm.

RODEO

The Carbondale Wild West Rodeo kicks off at 5:30pm every Thursday through Aug. 17 at the Gus Darien Riding Arena (County Road 100). Tickets can be purchased in advance at the Roaring Fork Valley Coop. A free shuttle runs from 6 to 10pm between the rodeo and The Orchard (110 Snowmass Drive). Limited on-site parking is now $10 per vehicle.

EAGLES TRIBUTE

The Boys of Summer, an Eagles tribute band, performs at the Glenwood Vaudeville Revue at 6pm. Tickets are sold-out, but there is a waitlist. Details at www.gvrshow.com

FRIDAY, JULY 28

BASALT HIP�HOP

MOON HOOCH

Following their performance at Mountain Fair, Moon Hooch will rock out at Steve’s Guitars. The show is sold-out, but dancing in the streets is likely, along with music at other Carbondale venues like Beer Works and The Black Nugget.

SULLIVAN FORTNER

TACAW presents jazz pianist Sullivan Fortner at 8pm. A buffetstyle Supper Club meal will be served at 6pm for ticket-holders. Get the details at www.tacaw.org

BARE AS YOU DARE

All bodies are welcome in the fourth annual clothingoptional bicycle ride departing from Thunder River Theatre around 9:45pm.

SATURDAY, JULY 29

FUN RUN

Independence Run & Hike hosts a family-friendly, four-mile race from Prince Creek Road to Mountain Fair. The shuttle from Sopris Park departs at 9am. Sign up in person at Independence Run & Hike, or online at www.bit.ly/MtnFairRace

MARBLE CHORUS

The Bogan Flats Choral Symposium

Singers performs a free concert at the Marble Community Church at 4pm. This ensemble of 15 voices consists of Sonoran Desert Chorale members that gather annually to camp in the Bogan Flats Campground.

RAMS REUNION

The Roaring Fork Rams Class of 2013 celebrates its 10 year reunion, but all RFHS alumni and their partners are invited, at 689 Main Street in Carbondale from 5 to 9pm. This is a private BYOB event.

POTTERS THROWDOWN

The Town of Basalt presents

Summer Concert Series BASALT

Neil McIntyre, an award-winning hip-hop musician and educator, presents at the Basalt Library at 2pm. Rumor is he’ll be at the Mountain Fair drum circle at 4pm.

MOUNTAIN FAIR

Carbondale’s annual, three-day festival begins with the drum circle at 4pm followed by The Confluents performing at 5:15pm and Moon Hooch at 7:45pm. The fun continues all weekend, and volunteers are still being sought. Check out the program in this week’s edition of The Sopris Sun, for all the details.

EAGLE COUNTY SONG

The public is invited to hear the debut of Al Maul’s “Eagle County” song commissioned in honor of the county’s 140th anniversary at Riverwalk Backyard in Edwards at 6pm.

Carbondale Clay Center’s Potters Throwdown Clay Relay returns under the Mountain Fair Judging Canopy at 6pm. Teams of four can sign up at www.carbondaleclay.org

MUSIC ON THE MOUNTAIN

Titonic, an eight-piece funk/ soulR&B band from Fort Collins, performs at the Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park from 6 to 9pm. Gondola proceeds benefit Roaring Fork Outdoor Volunteers.

SUNDAY, JULY 30

BIKE RACE

Aloha Mountain Cyclery and Stomparillaz Creative Cycling Collective present the Porcupine Group Bike Race, with obstacles and mandatory costumes, meeting on Weant Boulevard at 7:45am. Get details at the Mountain Fair Information Booth.

INTERSECT ASPEN

Art collectors and lovers converge at Intersect Aspen, based at the Aspen Ice Garden, for a week of artist talks and events, today through Saturday, Aug. 5. Visit www. intersectaspen.com for more info.

MONDAY, JULY 31

GRAVEL CAMP

Steve Denny and Aspen Expedition Gravel Bike guides host several days of high-altitude riding, fine dining and rest and recovery at Beyul Retreat. Find details at www.beyulretreat.com

CRITICAL DIALOGUE

Anderson Ranch in Snowmass Village presents “Critical Dialogue - Art and the Environment: Considering Climate Change” with artists Alan Michelson and Mary Mattingly in conversation with Climate Museum director Miranda Massie from 10am to 12:30pm. Tickets at www.andersonranch.org

COGNITIVE THERAPY

Dr. Terry Bordan will provide an overview of the principles behind cognitive behavioral therapy at 10am at the Sopris Lodge. Visit www.soprislodge.com/events for more info and to register.

CRYSTAL THEATRE

After taking Mountain Fair weekend off, the Crystal Theatre picks up with “Barbie” showing tonight through Thursday at 7:30pm.

TUESDAY, AUGUST 1

YARN GROUP

Basalt Library’s yarn group meets from 5 to 7pm.

ASPEN ARTWEEK

Aspen ArtWeek kicks off with a welcome party at the Aspen Art Museum at 5pm and wraps up Friday, Aug. 4 with the ArtCrush Gala at Buttermilk at 6pm. Visit www.aspenartmuseum.org/ calendar for additional events taking place through the week.

NANCY’S PATH

Roaring Fork Outdoor Volunteers invites you to help connect Nancy's Path to Glassier Open Space's existing equestrian trail this evening at 4pm, and again on Aug. 8, also at 4pm. Visit www.rfov.org for more info.

WEDNESDAY,

LOST LANDS

August 2

Check out artist Chris Erickson’s installation, part of Kairos Futura’s ongoing series highlighting local issues, at the entrance of the Intersect Aspen event (held at the Aspen Ice Garden), on display today through Saturday, Aug. 5. Visit www.kairosfutura.org for more info.

TOWN CENTER

Join Carbondale Town Center project planners for an ice cream social at Fourth and Main from 10am to 3pm, or 5 to 7pm. Jeffreezz will provide the treats while you learn about the project and how to get involved. For more info, visit www.artspace.org/towncenter

BOOK CLUB

The Basalt Library book club gets together from noon to 2pm.

A BAND CALLED ALEXIS

Taylor Shae opens for A Band

Called Alexis at the Basalt River Park at 5:30pm.

NIA DANCING

Join Steve Alldredge for Nia dancing at the Basalt Library from 5:30 to 6:30pm.

HAND HEALTH

Michael Potter, MD, orthopedic hand surgeon, presents “Common Hand and Wrist Conditions and Treatment Options,” a virtual discussion at 6pm. Visit www.bit.ly/ HandHealth101 for the Zoom link.

KALETA & SUPER YAMBA

In case you missed Kaleta & Super Yamba Band at Mountain Fair (Sunday at 4pm), know they’ll play at Two Rivers Park in Glenwood Springs tonight at 6:30pm.

THURSDAY, AUGUST 3

STORYTIME IN SPANISH

Children up to 6 years old and their guardians are welcome to storytime in Spanish at the Basalt Library at 10am.

APRENDO A

Basalt Library invites the community to a bilingual review of library resources from 5 to 6pm.

FX MAKE�UP

FX artist Brian Weller is teaching a make-up class for teens to learn how to create monsters, ghouls, zombies and fantasy characters, Aug. 3, 4, 10 and 11 from 5:30 to 8:30pm at the Glenwood Springs Community Art Center. Sign up at www.bit.ly/glenwoodrec-arts

BEE FRIENDLY

Join the Carbondale Bee Friendly Initiative for a garden workshop at Sopris Park at 6pm.

FIRST FRIDAY, AUGUST 4

BABY GYM

Children 3 and younger and their guardians are invited to get the wiggles out at the Basalt Library from 10:30 to 11:30am.

NATURE JOURNALING

Adults interested in exploring and documenting nature are invited to join a group of novice and experienced sketch book writers and artists meeting every first Friday from 1 to 2:30pm at the Carbondale Library.

BRIDGE

Bridge players of all experience levels are invited to meet at the Basalt Library from 4 to 6pm.

CANDID CONVERSATION

Dance Initiative and Mezcla Socials co present a candid conversation about racism in Colorado led by MANAUS’ Bryan Alvarez-Terrazas at 5:30pm. The evening will conclude with dancing and drinks. Tickets at www.danceinitiative.org

WE�CYCLE

Celebrate the debut of Carbondale’s new bike-share service with a party at KDNK (76 South Second Street) beginning at 6pm.

DOUG CASEBEER

Carbondale Clay Center welcomes Doug Casebeer for an exhibit of new works called “Sense of Place” on display through Aug. 12. There will be a reception tonight from 6 to 8pm.

SOUND BATH

Danielle Klein leads a Cosmic Energy Sound Bath in True Nature’s Kiva at 6pm. Tickets at www. truenaturehealingarts.com

RENT

Theatre Aspen presents “Rent” on weekday evenings this month at 7:30pm with several matinees sprinkled throughout. Find tickets at www.theatreaspen.org

LVDY

Steve’s Guitars presents a Coloradobased duo composed of Kathleen Hooper and Aubrey Mable, performing with special guest Carly King, at 8pm. Tickets at www.stevesguitars.net

BUSINESS & COMPUTERS

Fundraising Fundamentals

Quickbooks Pro

ART

Sculpture

Monotype Printing

Drawing

Oil Painting

Watercolor Painting

Drawing with Soft Pastels

Mixed Water Media

Intuitive Painting

Open Painting Studio

Paint the RF Valley in Watercolor

Perspective Drawing I & II

Sketchbook Workshop

Cell Phone Photography

Botanical Printing Workshop

Felted Bag Workshop

Sewing

Hand Woven Baskets

WINE TASTING

Burgundy

Champagne

Northern Rhone

Rioja and Ribera del Duero

HUMANITIES

Fiction Writing Workshop

Memoir Writing Workshop

Film Studies

Apocalypse 101 Surviving a Long Emergency

Fire Cider and Tinctures

Local Berry and Acorn Walk

Seed Saving

Vegetable Gardening 101 FITNESS AND DANCE

Swing Dance

Adult Ballet

Qigong

Pilates Matwork

Intro to Reformer Pilates Blend

Toddler and Me Yogalates u Fall classes start as early as 8/21 and registration is open now. Watch for the printed class schedules from Aspen/Carbondale and Glenwood Springs Campuses in your mailbox.

Wed, August 2 10am-3pm