Candidate forum tonight
Political candidates will state their positions today during the Aspen Young Professionals Association and the Aspen Democracy Initiative’s election forum held at the St. Regis hotel from 5:30-7:30 p.m.
 
The forum will include:
 
• University of Colorado Regents for 3rd Congressional District candidates: Jessica Garrow and Glenn Gallegos.
 
• Pitkin County commissioner candidates: Steve Child and John Young.
 
• District Attorney for 9th Judicial District candidates: Martin Beeson and Sherry Caloia.
 
• U.S. House of Representatives for 3rd Congressional District candidates: Scott Tipton (by proxy, Bob Jenkins) and Sal Pace (by proxy, Bill Stirling).
 
The participants will each have five minutes to explain their most important campaign information, and then there will be a 30-minute moderated debate with Carolyne Heldman of Aspen Public Radio, with Dan Gibbs representing President Barack Obama and Melanie Sturm representing Mitt Romney.
 
There will be time to talk with representatives and candidates after the debate. A cash bar and light appetizers will be available.
 
The event is free.
 
Classic Pass on sale at a discount
The Aspen/Snowmass Classic Pass went on sale in various locations across the Front Range and Western Slope this past weekend. Sales will take place throughout October and November. 
 
The seven-day pass costs $339; the four-day pass is $209. Children and youth (ages 7-17), and college students  24 or younger (presenting a student ID from an accredited four-year college) can purchase a four-day pass for $169 and a seven-day pass for $259. This early season pricing applies to passes purchased through Oct. 14.
 
Extension days are available at a discounted price, which will vary throughout the 2012-2013 season.
 
Classic passes are picture passes, and all new ones must be purchased in person. Classic passes will only be available at select sales throughout the Front Range, Grand Junction and in the Roaring Fork and Eagle valleys. Visit www.aspensnowmass.com/classicpass [1], call the hotline 800-525-6200, ext. 4475, or ask at any ticket office for sale dates and locations.
 
Last season’s passholders can renew their pass online or by phone through Nov. 11, but the price will increase after Oct. 14. One Classic pass is allowed per person. Passes are nontransferable and nonrefundable. Children 6 and under ski/ride free.

Aspen Valley Hospital to hold health fairs in upcoming weeks
Aspen Valley Hospital will hold two health fairs in the next month — one will serve the midvalley community and one is designed for seniors.
 
On Saturday, Oct. 13, Midvalley Health Day takes place from 8:30-11:30 a.m. at the El Jebel Community Center/Eagle County government building. Presented in partnership with Aspen Medical Care, Locke Family Medicine, Aspen Orthopaedic Associates, Aspen Vision Source and TLC Laboratory care, a variety of free and low-cost screenings will be offered.
 
Free screenings include blood pressure, eye pressure, vision, height, weight, body mass index, pulse oximetry and knee exams (wear shorts).
 
Flu shots will be available for adults for $25. Laboratory tests include the standard health fair profile with glucose, kidney and liver function, lipids, thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) and complete blood count (CBC). This test requires fasting for at least 12 hours (with the exception of water) and it costs $48. 
 
A prostate specific antigen (PSA) blood test for men costs $28. Participants are strongly encouraged to schedule an appointment for their blood draw. This can be done via the hospital website, www.avhaspen.org [2]. Those with appointments will be given first priority.
 
The El Jebel Community Center/Eagle County government building is located adjacent to the main stop light in El Jebel on the City Market side of Highway 82.
 
The Senior Health Fair — for those age 60 and older — will take place on Friday, Nov. 2 at Aspen Valley Hospital.  Sponsored by the hospital, Pitkin County Senior Services and Community Health Services, this fair takes place from 8:30-10:30 a.m.
 
The same lab tests will be offered as at Midvalley Health Day, and prices also are the same. In addition, a cardio-CRP blood test and colorectal cancer kits will be offered for $35 and $25, respectively. Appointments will not be scheduled for the Senior Fair.
 
Flu and pneumonia shots will be available at no cost for those with a Medicare card. Otherwise, they are $20 (flu) and $45 (pneumonia). Free screenings include blood pressure, oral, vision, eye pressure, height, weight, body mass index, peak flows, pulse oximetry and knee exams.
 
Participants should plan to pay by cash or check at both health fairs.