Around Aspen: New neighbors

New neighbors across East Bleeker Street from us are Gigi and Randy Whitman with their son, Riley, and daughter, Katie, and bulldogs Petunia and Elvis. They bought the former William Brumder house, which had been totally gutted and the small Victorian-style rooms replaced with soaring spaces and high ceilings. A full basement and a wing on the back of the house were also added. The Whitmans, who are from Miami and formerly owned the Harold Ross homestead (also on Bleeker Street), held a house-warming party in the new-old house and the yard in July that included friends as well as neighbors.

Did you notice all those crazily dressed bicyclists in town on Saturday? They were participating in the 22nd annual Aspen Tour De Rump, a bicycle ride with refreshments and fun questions at several stops with a post party at the Koch Lumber Park. Hosts for the event were Lise and Ed Abraham, Julie and Dick Bulkeley, Susan and Bob Donatelli, Anne Foster and Kurt Duldner, Judi and Bob Francis, Meredith and George Gracis, Joanne Stern and Terry Hale, Deborah and Bill Johnson, Trixie Elting and George Johnson, Ron Karjian, Joan and Lee Leavenworth, Lynda and Bill Meier, Bernard Phillips, Gail and Ron Soderling, Tom van Straaten and Mert Wallen.

Katherine Eason of Basalt has received a Ruter Scholarship to attend Southwestern University in Georgetown, Texas. Ruter Scholarships are merit scholarships of between $5,000 and $10,000 a year. Katherine is the daughter of William and Alison Eason of Basalt and she is a 2010 graduate of Basalt High School.

Les Dames d’Aspen will hold their annual Gala dinner dance on Wednesday, Aug. 18, starting at 6:30 p.m. at the Hotel Jerome. Cost of the Gala is $125 for trustees and special advisors and $175 for non-trustees (who are welcome to attend). Jean-Philippe Malaty will be auctioneer for the live auction and there will also be a silent auction. DJ for the dancing will be DJ Dillon. Les Dames is a local organization that raises funds for the arts. Funds are raised by membership dues and the members enjoy events every month including hikes, luncheons, wine tastings, bicycle trips, and swimming parties. To attend the Gala or to learn more about Les Dames, call Christine Aubale Gerschel at 970-925-9028.

Inspired by the hot, saturated colors of India and her signature sparkle and glamour, jewelry designer Karen Mitchell took her annual foray into the world of event decorating, doing a smashing job for the Aspen Music Festival and School Summer Gala. The dinner was held for the first time on the stage of the Music Tent.

Undercurrent…pansies that look like deep purple velvet.