In this 1978 interview we get to meet two of Aspen's most influential thought leaders whose ideas and actions still reverberate in the community today. Elizabeth Paepcke was the Athena of contemporary Aspen. Everyone today pronounces her name PEP-KEY, although "Pussy" (as her grandmother called her - and it stuck) pronounced it PEP-kah. She was always correct in her speech. While she demurely lowers her head and gives her husband Walter all the credit for their vision of the new Aspen "The Athens of the West", Elizabeth actually lived the synthesis between the hard work required to live and play in the freedom of the Western landscape and the classical, University of Chicago search for leisure time to develop self realization. She was an Edwardian aristocrat who cleaned stables with the hired hands. Stacey Standley was a 28 year old bartender when he surprisingly beat a crowded field of better known candidates to become Mayor of Aspen in 1973. John Denver was the first contributor to his campaign. Along with other "Freak" officials and supporters, many of whom played important roles in the early days of GrassRoots, for the next six years Standley fought to "Tame the Growth Gorilla" helping to save the natural environment within, and surrounding, the booming Aspen of the 1970's. Both of their legacies continue to be foundational to today's Aspen community and politics. Here Mayor Standley entices Elizabeth to touch on many thoughts and actions that continue to reverberate in Aspen today: The restoration of an impoverished, dilapidated mountain town; the Chicago connection; pedestrian malls ( a huge issue in 1978); nobles oblige (the duty of the privileged to improve society); the decrepit Hotel Jerome, where snow fell from a hole in the roof onto the staircase between the 2nd and 3rd floors. It was a metaphor for the entire town in 1939, when she would skin up the backside of Aspen Mountain from the Midnight Mine with a couple of friends for a run down the Corkscrew. Then Aspen changed, and a conflicted Paepcke reflects on whether the wealth and improvements were progress. She's at once the yin and yang of Aspen. GrassRoots TV programming is funded in part by grants from the Pitkin County Healthy Community Fund, the City of Aspen Community Non-Profit Grant Program, The Town of Snowmass Village and The Aspen Thrift Shop. Founded by citizens of Aspen, Colorado in 1972, GrassRoots TV is the nation’s first and oldest entirely community operated and programmed open source media center and television station. https://bit.ly/GRTVContribute to contribute! Don't forget to SUBSCRIBE, HIT LIKE and leave a COMMENT to let us know if you enjoyed this video, it is important to us and the community for you to become part of the conversation. Thanks for tuning in! Subscribe for more videos: https://bit.ly/2Ycpi4P Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GrassRootsCommunityNetwork/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/grassrootstv Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/grassroots-comm-network Web: http://www.grassrootstv.org/

Join hosts from the Aspen Writers Foundation—Jamie Kravitz, Courtney Hollis, Betty Schou, and Sara Halterman—for an engaging, spoiler-filled book club discussion of Jennifer Egan's Pulitzer Prize-winning novel A Visit from the Goon Squad. Dive into this innovative masterpiece: a collection of 13 interconnected stories (including a PowerPoint chapter!) that jump across time, perspectives, and voices, exploring themes of time, aging, music industry evolution, technology's impact, redemption, self-destruction, and the power of connections. The panel shares honest reactions—from initial confusion and challenges tracking characters to deeper appreciation on re-reads, favorite moments (like Lou, Jocelyn, and the futuristic concert chapter), character debates (Sasha vs. Bennie as protagonist?), influences like Pulp Fiction and The Sopranos, and why Egan's bold structure earned the Pulitzer. Perfect for book lovers, Jennifer Egan fans, Pulitzer winners enthusiasts, or anyone curious about nonlinear storytelling and how music transports us through life’s “goon squad” of time. Know Aspen. Watch GrassRoots. GrassRoots programming is made possible by the producers' creativity itself, direct contributions from viewers, members of the Roaring Fork Valley community, and through grants from the Pitkin County Healthy Community Fund, The Town of Snowmass Village, the City of Aspen Community Non-Profit Grant Program, and The Aspen Thrift Shop. Founded by citizens of Aspen, Colorado in 1972, GrassRoots TV is the first and oldest community operated and programmed open-source media center and television station in the United States. Virtually all of the programming is created by local residents, occasionally with world renown guests. In partnership with the American Archive of Public Media and the Library of Congress, GrassRoots is currently cataloguing, restoring and digitally archiving 700 of the most at-risk original video programs out of its 45,000 title Community Video Archive. Help sustain this community treasure by donating now! Go to: https://bit.ly/GRTVContribute Don't forget to SUBSCRIBE, HIT LIKE and leave a COMMENT to let us know if you enjoyed this video, it is important to us and the community for you to become part of the conversation. Thanks for tuning in! Download the GrassRoots Community Network iOS and Android apps Subscribe for more videos: https://bit.ly/2Ycpi4P Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GrassRootsCommunityNetwork/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/grassrootstv Web: http://www.grassrootstv.org/

Discover the Soul, Culture, and DNA of Aspen in this heartfelt conversation on "The Sarpa Show" episode with longtime residents and community pillars John & Jan Sarpa. Join hosts Mike Stranahan and Joani Klar with their special guests John Sarpa (renowned Aspen developer behind the St. Regis, W Aspen, and key preservation efforts at the Aspen Meadows/Institute) and Jan Sarpa (accomplished psychotherapist with decades helping valley families) as they share their inspiring 45+ year love story, from Fort Wayne, Indiana, to Washington D.C. adventures—including John's pivotal role in Middle East peace efforts alongside President Carter—to their transformative arrival in Aspen in the 1980s. Hear exclusive stories about: Saving Aspen's cultural heart by preserving the Aspen Institute, Music Festival, and Physics Center lands (a remarkable deal involving a Saudi investor and nonprofits). Meeting iconic figures like Elizabeth Paepcke (who shaped the "Aspen Idea" of mind, body, spirit renewal), Albert Schweitzer's legacy, and more. John's leadership turning around Aspen Valley Hospital and raising millions for a world-class facility. Jan's journey building a thriving therapy practice while embracing Aspen's beauty and community. This episode celebrates Aspen's unique blend of history, intellect, compassion, development, and enduring spirit—beyond the slopes. Perfect for locals, visitors, Aspen enthusiasts, history buffs, and anyone drawn to mountain town legacies, cultural preservation, nonprofit impact, and authentic Colorado stories. If you love Aspen’s soul—watch now and feel the magic that makes this valley extraordinary! Aspen. Watch GrassRoots. GrassRoots programming is made possible by the producers' creativity itself, direct contributions from viewers, members of the Roaring Fork Valley community, and through grants from the Pitkin County Healthy Community Fund, The Town of Snowmass Village, the City of Aspen Community Non-Profit Grant Program, and The Aspen Thrift Shop. Founded by citizens of Aspen, Colorado in 1972, GrassRoots TV is the first and oldest community operated and programmed open-source media center and television station in the United States. Virtually all of the programming is created by local residents, occasionally with world renown guests. In partnership with the American Archive of Public Media and the Library of Congress, GrassRoots is currently cataloguing, restoring and digitally archiving 700 of the most at-risk original video programs out of its 45,000 title Community Video Archive. Help sustain this community treasure by donating now! Go to: https://bit.ly/GRTVContribute Don't forget to SUBSCRIBE, HIT LIKE and leave a COMMENT to let us know if you enjoyed this video, it is important to us and the community for you to become part of the conversation. Thanks for tuning in! Download the GrassRoots Community Network iOS and Android apps Subscribe for more videos: https://bit.ly/2Ycpi4P Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GrassRootsCommunityNetwork/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/grassrootstv Web: http://www.grassrootstv.org/

Discover the inspiring life story of Captain John Litchfield, a legendary 10th Mountain Division veteran of World War II, in this heartfelt oral history interview from the Roaring Fork Veterans' History Project (in collaboration with the Aspen Historical Society and the Library of Congress Veterans History Project). At 91 years old during the recording, Captain Litchfield shares vivid memories of his remarkable journey: from his early days on the Dartmouth College ski team and competing internationally (including the 1937 Pan-American Championships and 1940 U.S. Winter Olympics team), to pre-war ski instructing at Sun Valley, his enlistment after Pearl Harbor, officer training, and service with the elite 10th Mountain Division—training at Camp Hale (Colorado), Camp Swift (Texas), and fighting in the grueling Italian campaign where he earned a Bronze Star. Hear firsthand accounts of mountain warfare challenges, the famous night climb and capture of Riva Ridge, liaison duties under General Hays, the rapid advance across the Po Valley, Lake Garda operations, post-VE Day celebrations (including the infamous champagne windfall), and the Division's legacy. Litchfield also reflects on the unbreakable bonds formed through rigorous training and how 10th Mountain veterans like himself, Friedl Pfeifer, and Percy Rideout helped pioneer and build Aspen's world-class ski industry after the war—co-founding the Aspen Ski School and shaping modern skiing in Colorado. This Part 1 captures his pre-war skiing roots, entry into the 10th Mountain Division, intense training, and combat experiences in Italy—perfect for history buffs, WWII enthusiasts, 10th Mountain Division followers, veterans' stories fans, skiing history lovers, and anyone interested in how America's ski troops transformed both war and postwar outdoor recreation. A powerful tribute to courage, camaraderie, and the enduring impact of the "Mountaineers" who reached the top in war and peace. Know Aspen. Watch GrassRoots. GrassRoots programming is made possible by the producers' creativity itself, direct contributions from viewers, members of the Roaring Fork Valley community, and through grants from the Pitkin County Healthy Community Fund, The Town of Snowmass Village, the City of Aspen Community Non-Profit Grant Program, and The Aspen Thrift Shop. Founded by citizens of Aspen, Colorado in 1972, GrassRoots TV is the first and oldest community operated and programmed open-source media center and television station in the United States. Virtually all of the programming is created by local residents, occasionally with world renown guests. In partnership with the American Archive of Public Media and the Library of Congress, GrassRoots is currently cataloguing, restoring and digitally archiving 700 of the most at-risk original video programs out of its 45,000 title Community Video Archive. Help sustain this community treasure by donating now! Go to: https://bit.ly/GRTVContribute Don't forget to SUBSCRIBE, HIT LIKE and leave a COMMENT to let us know if you enjoyed this video, it is important to us and the community for you to become part of the conversation. Thanks for tuning in! Download the GrassRoots Community Network iOS and Android apps Subscribe for more videos: https://bit.ly/2Ycpi4P Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GrassRootsCommunityNetwork/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/grassrootstv Web: http://www.grassrootstv.org/

Dive into Part 2 of this captivating oral history interview with Captain John Litchfield, a WWII veteran of the legendary 10th Mountain Division. Recorded in 2008 by the Roaring Fork Veterans' History Project in collaboration with the Aspen Historical Society, Litchfield shares his remarkable postwar journey to Aspen, Colorado. Hear firsthand stories of moving to Aspen in 1945 right after his honorable discharge, co-founding the Aspen Ski School with fellow 10th Mountain veterans Friedl Pfeifer and Percy Rideout, cutting trails by hand, hiking up the mountain before lifts existed, and transforming the historic Red Onion saloon (originally Kelleher's Place) into Aspen's iconic après-ski hub in 1946–47—complete with its famous name origin from local Italian gardeners, vintage boxer photos, Snuffy O'Neal caricatures, and bullet-hole lore. Litchfield reflects on Aspen's early "run-down" yet welcoming community spirit, the excitement of the first chairlift in 1946–47, the challenges of building a ski resort from scratch, and his lasting legacy—including helping establish the 10th Mountain Division Hut System. Perfect for fans of WWII history, 10th Mountain Division veterans, Aspen skiing origins, Colorado mountain town history, and authentic après-ski culture. Don't miss this rare glimpse into the soldiers who helped turn Aspen into a world-class destination! Know Aspen. Watch GrassRoots. GrassRoots programming is made possible by the producers' creativity itself, direct contributions from viewers, members of the Roaring Fork Valley community, and through grants from the Pitkin County Healthy Community Fund, The Town of Snowmass Village, the City of Aspen Community Non-Profit Grant Program, and The Aspen Thrift Shop. Founded by citizens of Aspen, Colorado in 1972, GrassRoots TV is the first and oldest community operated and programmed open-source media center and television station in the United States. Virtually all of the programming is created by local residents, occasionally with world renown guests. In partnership with the American Archive of Public Media and the Library of Congress, GrassRoots is currently cataloguing, restoring and digitally archiving 700 of the most at-risk original video programs out of its 45,000 title Community Video Archive. Help sustain this community treasure by donating now! Go to: https://bit.ly/GRTVContribute Don't forget to SUBSCRIBE, HIT LIKE and leave a COMMENT to let us know if you enjoyed this video, it is important to us and the community for you to become part of the conversation. Thanks for tuning in! Download the GrassRoots Community Network iOS and Android apps Subscribe for more videos: https://bit.ly/2Ycpi4P Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GrassRootsCommunityNetwork/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/grassrootstv Web: http://www.grassrootstv.org/

We wanted to do a Sun Valley show, and knew that when Klaus Obermeyer was but a junger Bursche, he taught skiing there for a moment before Friedl invited him down to Aspen. Klaus was still a strapping young man when we invited him to guest on Ski Bum, barely 90 years old. We'd see him skiing every day we made it on the hill, swimming laps in his office pool at Sport Obermeyer (in the Heart of the Rockies), and tooling around Aspen in his convertible Mercedes coupe, often with a jungfrau riding shotgun. Even so, don't go calling him no "Bum"! Know Aspen. Watch GrassRoots. GrassRoots TV programming is entirely funded by direct contributions from members of the Roaring Fork Valley community, and through grants from the City of Aspen Community Non-Profit Grant Program, Pitkin County Healthy Community Fund, The Town of Snowmass Village and The Aspen Thrift Shop. Founded by citizens of Aspen, Colorado in 1972, GrassRoots TV is the first and oldest community operated and programmed open-source media center and television station in the United States. Virtually all of the programming is created by local residents, occasionally with world renown guests. In partnership with the American Archive of Public Media and the Library of Congress, GrassRoots is currently cataloguing, restoring and digitally archiving 700 of the most at-risk original video programs out of its 45,000 title Community Video Archive. Help sustain this community treasure by donating now! Go to: https://bit.ly/GRTVContribute Don't forget to SUBSCRIBE, HIT LIKE and leave a COMMENT to let us know if you enjoyed this video, it is important to us and the community for you to become part of the conversation. Thanks for tuning in! Download the GrassRoots Community Network iOS and Android apps Subscribe for more videos: https://bit.ly/2Ycpi4P Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GrassRootsCommunityNetwork/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/grassrootstv Web: http://www.grassrootstv.org/

The Aspen Art Museum Artist Fellowship provides a mentored professional development opportunity for six artists (from emerging to established) working in Parachute, Rifle, Silt, New Castle, Glenwood Springs, Gypsum, Eagle, Edwards, Avon, Vail, Marble, Redstone, Carbondale, El Jebel, Basalt, Old Snowmass, Snowmass Village, and Aspen. Providing recognition and support for artists interested in expanding their practice through exchange and mentorship, the nine-month Artist Fellowship group meets for conversations with visiting artists and curators, presentations by AAM staff, and facilitated studio visits with their cohort. Over the course of the fellowship, participating artists develop a creative project with the input of museum staff, culminating in the opportunity to present their work and share their creative process and experiences with the public at the end of the program through an artist talk, performance, demonstration, or other format. This program is those presentations. GrassRoots TV programming is entirely funded by individual members of the Roaring Fork Valley community, and also by grants from the Pitkin County Healthy Community Fund, the City of Aspen Community Non-Profit Grant Program, The Town of Snowmass Village and The Aspen Thrift Shop. Founded by citizens of Aspen, Colorado in 1972, GrassRoots TV is the first and oldest entirely community operated and programmed open source media center and television station in the United States. Help sustain this community treasure by donating now! Go to: https://www.paypal.com/donate?token=26b4QExKAU0ju2CNwav6kg6-T8tlmGp5pDAiUI8-13Mzmw5z-1oMnehO-8sTlK-lhlv_RZVNY64NLZKl Don't forget to SUBSCRIBE, HIT LIKE and leave a COMMENT to let us know if you enjoyed this video, it is important to us and the community for you to become part of the conversation. Thanks for tuning in! Download the GrassRoots Community Network iOS and Android apps Subscribe for more videos: https://bit.ly/2Ycpi4P Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GrassRootsCommunityNetwork/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/grassrootstv Web: http://www.grassrootstv.org/

Join host Steve Nemerovski on "Come to Think of It" As he dives into a discussion of how disinformation is sabotaging America with Professor Barbara McQuade, author of "Attack from Within", on combating disinformation and misinformation threatening democracy. Expect solutions-focused insights on social media algorithms, Section 230, and media literacy. Perfect for those interested in politics, democracy, and fighting fake news. Nemo finishes up with a powerful letter to Elon Musk about launching a third political party to fix America's polarized system, inspired by his novels. Know Aspen. Watch GrassRoots. GrassRoots programming is made possible by the producers' creativity itself, direct contributions from viewers, members of the Roaring Fork Valley community, and through grants from the Pitkin County Healthy Community Fund, The Town of Snowmass Village, the City of Aspen Community Non-Profit Grant Program, and The Aspen Thrift Shop. Founded by citizens of Aspen, Colorado in 1972, GrassRoots TV is the first and oldest community operated and programmed open-source media center and television station in the United States. Virtually all of the programming is created by local residents, occasionally with world renown guests. In partnership with the American Archive of Public Media and the Library of Congress, GrassRoots is currently cataloguing, restoring and digitally archiving 700 of the most at-risk original video programs out of its 45,000 title Community Video Archive. Help sustain this community treasure by donating now! Go to: https://bit.ly/GRTVContribute Don't forget to SUBSCRIBE, HIT LIKE and leave a COMMENT to let us know if you enjoyed this video, it is important to us and the community for you to become part of the conversation. Thanks for tuning in! Download the GrassRoots Community Network iOS and Android apps Subscribe for more videos: https://bit.ly/2Ycpi4P Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GrassRootsCommunityNetwork/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/grassrootstv Web: http://www.grassrootstv.org/