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Pro Challenge ‘flawlessly executed’

Dear Editor:

Thank you to Shawn, Jim, Nancy and Lance. Thank you to these key people (and many others) who put together the single greatest event in the history of Aspen.



To Shawn Hunter, the owners’ representative; to Jim Birrell, the owner of Medalist; to Nancy Lesley and her team, who do so much for our town; and most importantly to Lance, who a few years ago had the idea and made it happen.

To these people, a huge thank-you from the millions of fans worldwide, in more than 200 countries, who experienced our special town and enjoyed a flawlessly executed the USA Pro Challenge.




John Olson

Snowmass

Franti, bandmate spearhead special event for Aspen Center for Environmental Studies

Dear Editor:

On Tuesday, Aug. 20, the Aspen Center for Environmental Studies hosted Michael Franti and his Spearhead bandmate Jay Bowman for a fundraiser to benefit ACES’ Children’s Education Fund, which supports environmental science education for 42 schools in the Roaring Fork Valley — and now three full-time, in-school environmental-science programs in Aspen, Basalt and Carbondale.

Michael and Jay entertained a small group of children and their parents with a special sing-along and reading of his new book, “Where in the World is Away?” a story about the importance of recycling, reducing waste and reusing what we can.

The event was a huge success for our Children’s Education Fund and will benefit students throughout the Roaring Fork Valley directly. We would like to sincerely thank Michael, Jay and their team for their generosity, time and efforts in making this fundraiser a success. Michael is a great friend to the Aspen community and a role model in the music industry. We thank you for helping ACES build a community of knowledgeable, capable and motivated environmental stewards and look forward to your next visit to the Roaring Fork Valley!

Special thanks also goes to ACES trustee Gina Murdock for facilitating this fund-raising event.

Chris R. Lane

CEO, Aspen Center for Environmental Studies

Many thanks from Science Center

Dear Editor:

On Aug. 11, the Aspen Science Center hosted its second annual family Science Street Fair. We write to thank all those who worked with us to make this event a success.

Financial support from the Nick DeWolf Foundation, the city of Aspen and the Thrift Shop of Aspen, along with individual donors, was critical.

We’re also grateful for in-kind support from the Aspen Center for Physics; Kris and Hunt Rettig, of Suitable for Framing; and the Grateful Deli.

With two science-based, on-stage performances, plus 25 exhibitor booths displaying a wide range of hands-on science, the limited staff of the Aspen Science Center needed and received extensive help, especially from Mark Bridges, Ryan Dew, of the Aspen Parks Department, Carmen Dowley, Peter and Caroline Hanson, Alene Pinsky, Margaret Simmons, our fantastic science interns Ben Belinski, Seamus Crowley, Mary Landis and Troy Fantini and many other local volunteers.

In addition to professional science exhibits from institutions such as Caltech, the Crow Canyon Archeology Center, the Family Science and Engineering Foundation and Colorado State University, the event was enhanced by excellent exhibits from many locals who showed that there’s plenty of science in the Roaring Fork Valley. These included Doug Houggy and the Buddy Program; Bob Harris and Frank Nadell, from the Three Rivers Astronomy Club; Lucy Emerson-Bell and the Community Office for Research Efficiency; Carla Wheeler, from Mountain Rescue Aspen; Erika Liechti and Mike Smith, with the Clean Energy Collective; Noah Davis and Solar in the Schools (with fantastic solar race cars constructed by local students); students Troy Fantini, with his prize-winning robot, and Tanner Oates, with his impressive fusion reactors; science educators Michael Stranahan and Bruce Gabow; Shae Singer, with Aspen Electric Cars; Caroline Hanson and the Aspen School District robotics program; Liz Munn and the Roaring Fork Conservancy; and Greg Roark and the Aspen School District Aeronautics Program.

Thanks to all who helped (and to whoever kept it from raining!)

Jackie Francis, Steve Pinsky and Mike Simmons

Aspen Science Center

Another wonderful summer, thanks to Cache Cache

Dear Editor:

The restaurant business in Aspen is challenging. Maintaining a quality staff through offseasons and tolerating crowds of demanding patrons and adjusting to mountain weather when offering patio seating are somewhat like performing an intricate dance while juggling fireballs. I want to thank Cache Cache restaurant for another successful summer of culinary enjoyment, cheerful professionalism and wonderful evenings. Whether celebrating a special occasion, taking my children out for dinner or just bellying up to the bar menu, it always has been an excellent experience. Thank you for a job well done and continuing your tradition of sophisticated, fun dining!

Margaret Wilson Reckling

Aspen