Non-Profit in the Spotlight

Bob Murray, a founding member of the Wheeler Associates, discusses the history of the non-profit and the early projects the Associates worked on with the Wheeler Opera House. On December 21, 2013, the historic Wheeler Opera House will re-open after undergoing renovations to the balcony and an upgraded digital film projector. Murray shares his memories of the opening night in 1984 after a similar type of renovation to the opera house. 

Visit the Wheeler Associates website to learn more. 

Whether you have lived in the Valley for months or years, chances are, you know the Wheeler Opera House. The iconic performance space opened in 1889. After surviving Aspen's quiet years, a damaging fire and several restorations, the stage of the opera house continues to serve up musical and theatrical performances. The opera house is now owned and operated by the City of Aspen, but members of the non-profit Wheeler Associates, work to keep the opera house a community resources. The associates bring a variety of entertainment at affordable prices to benefit the community. This week, board-member Josh Berhman discusses past and future productions and shows brought in by the Wheeler Associates.

Mountain Valley Developmental Services sets itself apart from similar organizations with their two major projects: Art on 8th and their greenhouse. Art on 8th is a gallery on 8th street in Glenwood Springs that sells woven goods made by weavers with developmental disabilities (who also receive services from Mountain Valley) and proceeds go back into Mountain Valley programs. The greenhouse project is a collaborative effort with neighboring Sopris Elementary School, where students and adults with developmental disabilities work together in the greenhouse; growing fresh food and learning sustainable horticultural techniques. Bruce Christensen, Executive Director, and Dana Peterson, Director of Human Resources, of Mountain Valley, discuss these two projects. 

Mountain Valley Developmental Services provides aid and programs to over 450 developmentally disabled individuals in the Roaring Fork Valley and beyond. Adult programs are a large part of the organization; they provice several housing options, assist in employment opportunities, offer medical care and have a variety of enrichment services, which consist of recreational activities and volunteering for other local groups. This week, Bruce Christensen, Executive Director, and Dana Peterson, Director of Human Resources, discuss Mountain Valley's housing programs and share memorable stories of finding employment for their clients.

Mountain Valley Developmental Services is a non-profit who provides services and support to over 450 individuals with developmental disabilities in Eagle, Lake, Garfield and Pitkin county. The most common issue Mountain Valley works with is children prone to developmental disabilities. Executive Director Bruce Christensen and Human Resources director Dana Peterson, discuss Mountain Valley's children and family programs.