33rd annual Progressive Dinner – tickets on sale now

On Wednesday evening, December 4th, the community is invited to participate in the Friends of the Grand County Library’s 33rd annual Progressive Dinner fundraiser. Participants will enjoy a four-course meal and wine on two unique tours. Walking route diners meet at Cooper Creek Square by the outdoor fire pit by 5:10 pm, and Bus route diners meet on Lion’s Gate Drive behind Winter Park Town Hall (check in 5 pm; bus leaves 5:10 pm). For more information and to buy tickets, visit friendsofgrandcountylibrary.org.

Moffat Road Railroad Museum is open!

Granby’s Moffat Road Railroad Museum is now open Fridays and Saturdays, from 10 am – 5 pm, and Sundays from noon – 4 pm. After Thanksgiving, the museum’s popular Christmas Train exhibit will be open five days a week through January 5th. To learn more about this local treasure, visit moffatroadrailroadmuseum.org.

The Lift Transit now operating on winter schedule

Winter weekday transit service began Monday, November 11. That means all winter routes are now in service to get you around town and up to the Resort. Don’t forget to download the Lift Rider app to find your bus in real-time. 

The Lift has made a number of improvements to their website this fall. The new site has more rider information and easy-to-read route schedules to help you plan your trip. theliftwp.com

Celebrate the wonder of the holiday season

Rocky Mountain Repertory Theatre presents ‘Home for the Holidays’ on Saturday, December 14th, at 7:30 pm and Sunday, December 15th, at 2 pm. This wonderful holiday tribute features a medley of festive songs with an amazing group of alumni returning to help us celebrate: Danny Adams, Jack Bartholet, Suzanna Champion, Kristin O’Connell, and Maya Rowe, with Kevin Disch on piano.

Staged and directed each year by Michael Querio and Jeff Duke, this show will surely be one of the highlights of the holiday season. 

In addition, all are invited to the free Community Night, Friday, December 14th. Doors open at 6:30 pm. There will be caroling, a visit from Santa with photo opportunities, refreshments, and a holiday movie starting at 7 pm.

Then, celebrate New Year’s Eve as RMRT alumna Sarah Bockel returns to Grand Lake for a one-night-only performance. Enjoy dinner and then come to RMRT for Sarah’s performance and a champagne toast, then bundle up and go watch the Town of Grand Lake fireworks. Doors open at 8 pm, performance begins at 9 pm.

Tickets are still available!! Stop in to the administrative office in Grand Lake, call (970) 627-3421, or buy tickets online at RockyMountainRep.com

We need more snow!

According to the latest report from the Colorado Avalanche Information Center (CAIC), Things are pretty quiet across Colorado for the time being and the avalanche danger is LOW (1 of 5). Most slopes are safe from avalanches; however, observers report isolated wind-drifted slabs with notable cracking and collapsing on easterly-facing slopes at higher-elevations. These slabs are only a few inches thick, so are generally harmless unless they knock off your feet and drag you through rocks or other obstacles. Current conditions are likely to remain unchanged until we receive more snow. Check colorado.gov/avalanche for current information.

Mountain Family Center Impact Study

MFC still needs participants for their Impact Study to help evaluate programs and services! Can you help? If you are a parent or caregiver to a child under 18, you may qualify! PLUS, all participants receive gift cards in exchange for their time!!! Email julie@mountainfanimycenter.org if you’re interested!

Fraser Valley Hockey Association needs volunteers

FVHA is in need of parent volunteers for the 2019/2020 Hockey season. The program can’t work without a critical piece: YOU! To find out more about ways you can help, talk with the coaches, or email fraserhockeyvolunteers@gmail.com.

Winter Park Citizen Survey

The Town of Winter Park is seeking feedback on quality of life, aspects of our community and satisfaction with Town services. Your answers will be used to help determine priorities for 2020 and beyond. To take the survey, visit wpgov.com.

Mountain Lion kills family pet

A family in Granby Ranch is mourning the loss of their 11 year old shepard mix. The dog had been let out Wednesday night and a mountain lion carried the dog away, reportedly killing it and stashing the body about 1.5 miles from the home. Upsetting reminder of the dangers of a mountain lifestyle. If you see a mountain lion, report the sighting to to CPW at (970) 725-6200.

Grand County Blues Society News

Blue Star Connection continues to provide instruments to Blue Stars and Music Therapy programs across the country. In October, donations were sent to: Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, Music That Reclaims in St. Louis, Riley Hospital for Children in Indianapolis, and 2 separate individuals in Grand County.

Blue Star Connection received the following comment from a therapist working with a Blue Star they sent a keyboard to who was paralyzed in a football incident. “Oh my goodness, yes! He loved it! He was playing all the time and learned so much. His fine motor skills (ability to use his hands/fingers) are returning amazingly!” Thanks to the many donors that help make these special moments possible. 

Jimmy Hall & My Blue Sky raised $5,300 at their 6th annual Blue Star Connection benefit show October 11th at the Buffalo Rose in Golden. The large crowd of supporters and music fans were treated to 3 hours of music and a silent auction, all benefiting Blue Star Connection. Thanks to everyone that was involved in making it a great success.

Want to hold a fundraiser for Blue Star Connection? Email david.brandt@grandblues.org.

Colorado Gives Day is December 10th

The Grand County Blues Society, in partnership Grand County Gives, with will once again participate in Colorado Gives Day on Tuesday, December 10th. Sponsored by the Community First Foundation, all donations received through this program go directly to Blue Star Connection. Donors can schedule a donation right now to be processed on December 10. 

Blue Star Connection will also participate in the Grand County Gives rallies across the county on Tuesday, December 3rd.

Snow Mountain Ranch Nordic opens Saturday

The Snow Mountain Ranch Nordic Center will open for the 2019-2020 season on Saturday, November 16! 

Snowshoeing in RMNP

Ever thought how fun it would be to hike in the winter, but there’s all that snow? Consider snowshoeing! It’s as easy as strapping snowshoes on your boots and grabbing a couple of poles. No training is necessary and if you can hike, you can snowshoe. Most park trails can be explored with snowshoes. A few pieces of equipment are essential: you will need a pair of snowshoes and waterproof boots. Poles are helpful for maintaining balance, but optional. Waterproof pants or gaiters help keep you warm and dry. Check the park’s website for snowshoe opportunities with a ranger at nps.gov/romo.