Sopris Mountain Photo Credit: Tricia Pionzio

This week's featured photo captures a lively moment at a backyard hummingbird feeder, where several of these tiny, fast-flying visitors gather for a feast. Thank you to Bruce Warren for sharing this snapshot!

Photo Credit: Tricia Pionzio

Demolition for the Ranch House renovation began right on schedule on September 2. We’re excited to share that the lap lanes and hot tubs were reopened ahead of schedule, and are once again available for everyone to enjoy.

In addition, work has now begun around the kiddie pool, as well as in the east wing of the building where demolition and early foundation work are underway. Everything is progressing smoothly, and we’ll continue to keep you posted as the project moves forward.

Renovation Updates - Hot Tub & Lap Pool Closure

Looking ahead, we anticipate a temporary closure of the lap lanes and hot tubs again in mid-November while roofing work is underway. This closure will be necessary to ensure a safe environment for all guests. The exact timing and duration are still being finalized, and we will provide updates as soon as more information becomes available. This differs from our previously released estimated timeline. We appreciate your patience and understanding—we continue to prioritize keeping those areas open as much as is possible.

Click here to learn more about renovation updates (newly added information provided in blue).

It’s that time of year again! The Ranch House fall leaf dumpster will be available soon for community use. As always, we’re keeping an eye on the changing seasons to help determine the best timing for installation. We are coordinating with the Ranch House renovation project to ensure smooth parking and construction logistics. We’ll share details as soon as the dates are set.

Homeowners may install deer fencing after October first. 

Deer season is upon us! To help protect your landscaping, trees, shrubs, and flowers, homeowners may begin installing deer fencing starting Wednesday, Oct. 1. This is a two-week head start from the typical October 15 date outlined in the Fourth Amendment.

To read more about deer feencinng standards in the community, see section 6.58.1 of the Design Guidelines (Fourth Amendment).

Please be aware of the presence of coyotes in RVR and be very careful when you have small pets or children outside. A large coyote has been spotted on the fairway in RVR between 7 & 8 a.m. for the last few weeks.

Visit Colorado Parks and Wildlife to read more about living with coyotes.

Millions of birds are migrating through Colorado now through Sept. 24. Nighttime lights can confuse them, leading to deadly collisions. By turning off or shielding outdoor lights in the evenings, we can all help give our feathered friends a safer journey!

Click here to read more in the Aspen Times.

Do you have a passion, talent, or area of expertise you’d love to share? Whether you’ve written a book, developed a unique skill, or have knowledge that could inspire or educate others — we want you for our Ranch House Community Presentation Series! This is your chance to present to your neighbors, showcase your craft, lead a demo, or dive into a topic you love. It’s all about connecting, learning, and celebrating the incredible talent within our RVR community.

Interested in presenting? Please send an email to Sarah Gager at sarah.gager@rvrma.org.

Longtime RVR resident Bob Kuramoto passed away on Monday, Sept. 8. Those who knew him will remember him as a quiet, generous man who deeply loved his wife, Jan, and his dog, Ivy.

Jan Kuramoto invites those who knew Bob to gather at the River Valley Ranch Barn to remember this wonderful member of our community. You will have the opportunity to share memories with one another and condolences with his family.

This will be a casual drop-in. A light lunch from Hickory House will be provided.

Bob’s family is grateful for all the ways the RVR community was special to Bob and all the ways they have already supported the family during this time.

 Wednesday, Sept. 17 | 5:30 - 7 p.m.

RSVP Here.

Email Sarah.Gager@rvrma.org to RSVP your vendor spot.

For a Firewise approach to your landscaping, homeowners may avoid using combustible mulch, such as shredded bark or wood chips right next to your home. These materials can easily ignite from embers during a wildfire, putting your house at greater risk.

Instead, choose non-combustible or low-combustible alternatives like gravel, stone, or well-maintained, irrigated plants in the first 5 feet around your home. This “non-combustible zone” acts as a buffer, helping stop fire from reaching your walls, decks, or siding.

Keeping this immediate area clear of flammable mulch is one of the simplest and most effective steps you can take to improve your home’s defensible space.

Don't forget to check out the Firewise Home Design page on our website, where you’ll find expert guidance on everything from fire-resistant building materials to smart landscaping strategies!

We have noticed an increased number of phishing and spoofing emails come to us in recent months. We urge community members to be aware of these cyber attacks and think before you click!

Often hackers will visit the websites of an organization and impersonate employees. You may see an email that uses the name of someone at RVRMA, but when you click to reply, the email address may not look familiar. Remember, just because the heading displays a trusted name, it does not mean that the email address belongs to that person. If it seems Phishy, it’s probably Phishing!

Another form of phishing will use fake hyperlinks to lure you into sharing personal information. Spoofing happens when someone impersonates a trusted contact or brand to access your personal information. We urge the community to stay sharp and remember you can always call to confirm the email is legitimate.

If you want more information about how to recognize, avoid and report phishing scams, please visit, Federal Trade Commission Consumer Advice - How to recognize and Avoid Phishing.

We’ve received reports of dogs chasing foxes in the community, and in the past, pets have also been seen chasing deer. We kindly remind all homeowners to keep their pets from disturbing local wildlife, and please remember — Carbondale’s leash laws are in effect throughout RVR.

You can read more about the topic from Colorado Parks and Wildlife here.

The Naughty Knitters meet weekly at the Ranch House on Tuesdays at 3 p.m. Whether you knit, stitch, or are just curious to give it a try, you’re invited to join in the fun, everyone is welcome!

Interested in staying in the loop? Email Sarah Murr at sarahmurr100@gmail.com to be added to the Neighbors’ Knit & Stitch email list. 

Stay Connected with RVR4Good

RVR4Good is a network of engaged RVR homeowners working to support the broader community. The group connects people and shares volunteer opportunities with local nonprofits across a wide range of causes including education, food insecurity, the arts, health and human services, and more.

Visit the RVR4Good website here.

Visit the RVR4Good Facebook page here.

Click here to view the Town of Carbondale meeting calendar.

Want to stay in the know? Sign up for Carbondale Tourism emails here to get updates on local events and activities.

For official Town of Carbondale communications, including newsletters, press releases, and important announcements, you can join the Town’s mailing list here.

The RVR Farmer's table has returned! RVR residents can now find the Farmer's Table set up at the Ranch House. Members are welcome to share excess veggies or flowers from your garden with the community.

Residents are also welcome to take home any of the veggies on the table. Stay Healthy! 

Donations inside the Ranch House in the blue tub by the entrance

The Board reviewed a proposed Investment Policy Amendment at the August meeting which was initially posted to the RVR website on Friday, Aug. 22 and released within the board packet on Saturday, Aug. 23.

We invite the community to preview the policy here: Investment Policy Amendment

Strength & Stretch in the Park

Join Christi Small for Stretch and Strength in the Park Wednesdays from 8:30 - 9:15 a.m. at Orchard Park in RVR. No registration required.

As weather starts to change and becomes cooler, the last class will be on Wednesday, Sept. 17.

970.963.6300  •  www.rvrma.org