Canyon Courier July 10, 2025

Elevation Celebration back with 20 bands, 100 vendors

Conifer’s biggest event of the year just keeps getting bigger

nesses during the free, twoday outdoor festival.

Conifer’s biggest event of the year — the 12th annual Elevation Celebration — is back July 26 and 27, this year with 20 bands and 100 vendors. All are gathering to support Conifer’s local busi-

Last year, about 4,000 people attended, and event coordinator Melissa Baker expects a similar turnout for the 2025 event. She attributes the turnout to highquality music and lots of family fun events.

“We try to be very eclectic with the music so there’s something for everybody,” she said. “And we have a bunch of things for families — a kid’s zone, sports zone and a family zone.”

What started as a Conifer Area Chamber of Commerce event has gotten so large, it’s now its own entity. Today’s weekend fest was originally two separate events.

“We took the former Co-

nifair Festival and merged it with the Conifer Mountain Music Festival,” she said. “We tried to make it the best of those two events and put it where the businesses are so we could help support the businesses and keep it free.”

A dozen years of festivals prove that plan was a success.

“It was a much, much

Polis signs mu er requirement into law

Clear Creek residents fought for new state law to reduce truck noise

BY CORINNE WESTEMAN CORINNE@COTLN.ORG

Exactly two years from now, the highways around Golden and all over Colorado should be much quieter, improving residents’ quality of life. e Colorado legislature passed and Gov. Jared Polis recently signed into law a bill that gives law enforcement o cers new methods to ensure all commercial vehicles have mu ers, as already required by law.

e law, which was introduced as HB25-1039, will take e ect July 1, 2027.

Organizers said they’ve been working on the bill for two years and were excited to see it become law, adding how it wouldn’t have been possible without all the partners’ collaboration.

During its time in the legislature, HB25-1039 had bipartisan and bicameral support. It was also backed by the Colorado Motor Carriers Association, the Golden City Council, and residents in Je erson and Clear Creek counties, among others.

Rep. Brianna Titone, who represents the Golden area and was one of the bill’s sponsors, said she knows many people around Golden and across Colorado whose lives are impacted by continual truck noise. She’d hoped to bring them relief sooner, but she said the two-year wait period was a necessary compromise due to budgetary reasons.

Under HB25-1039, the Colorado Department of Revenue’s computer systems would have to be upgraded to keep records of all mu er violations, she and former Golden City Councilor Casey Brown explained.

e DOR’s systems were already set to be upgraded by 2027. us, proponents could make the bill little to no cost by “piggybacking” on those scheduled upgrades, Brown said, which was advantageous in the legislature’s “tight budget environment.”

Brown, who has been championing HB251039 on behalf of the Golden City Council, hoped the Colorado Department of

Smiling and laughing as they play, the Buzz Drivers have fun performing at a previous Elevation Celebration.

PHOTO BY SARA HERTWIG

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Evergreen seniors’ group has a new place to call home

Group dedicates Bristlecone Lounge as its new gathering place

BY JANE REUTER JANE@COTLN.ORG

In a room over owing with Evergreen-area seniors and park board sta , Seniors4Wellness ofcially dedicated its new home June 26 at the Buchanan Recreation Center.

Surrounded by those who helped bring the Bristlecone Lounge to life, Seniors4Wellness

President Mary Tribby cut a red ribbon signifying its o cial opening to applause and cheers.

Area seniors have been without an o cial home for ve years, since the former Seniors Resource Center at e Yellow House on Highway 73 closed. In its absence, local senior Vince Ventimiglia founded the nonpro t Seniors4Wellness in 2021, and he, Tribby and others negotiated with Evergreen Park & Recreation District to open a room in Buchanan.

“We’re so thankful they gave us this space,” Tribby said. “Since e Yellow House closed, there really has been no gathering space for seniors.

“Even if we don’t have an event scheduled here, it’s a place for them to gather as friends.”

Even without a dedicated space, Seniors4Wellness has stayed relevant for area seniors, hosting multiple events each month in various community spaces.

Aging population e new space will serve far more than the area’s existing seniors, said Seniors4Wellness founder and executive director Vince Ventimiglia. Evergreen has a median age of 46.3, higher than the 37.5 median age of the metro area. Statistics gathered by the county showed that by the year 2040, about 25% of its population will be over 65 — with almost 10% of those over 80 years.

“It’s the largest growing age segment within the community,”

Ventimiglia said. “We’re all aging, each one of us every day. So we’re hopeful we can continue to build a robust Seniors4Wellness that will eventually bene t all of us, helping us grow healthier vs just getting older.”

Calming space

Like Tribby, he expressed grati-

CELEBRATION

tude to EPRD and others who helped Seniors4Wellness.

“I am so thankful we’ve been able to accomplish as much as we have through the e ort and energy of other organizations who recognize the need for paying more attention to a very important segment of our community,” he said.

Seniors who came for the grand opening said they plan to use the space regularly.

“I think it’s beautiful,” said Marilyn Brown, who lives in nearby Rocky Mountain Village Estates. “We can walk down here if we want to, which makes it that much nicer.”

Evergreen artist Chris Krieg painted a mural that stretches across an entire wall of the room, depicting a bristlecone pine, a snow-topped mountain and evergreens at sunset.

“I wanted to help create a calming space,” he said. “I didn’t want to make it too complicated.”

Seniors4Wellness provides not just social connection for area seniors, but also resources and transportation.

event on. We also charge vendor fees, and make money from day-of-event beer sales.”

CORRECTIONS

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Email scott@cotln.org if you notice a possible error you would like us to take a look at.

smaller event the first year than it is now, but it was successful immediately,” she said.

“Every year we’ve grown the event based on the people who want to participate.”

And every year, there are more who want to be part of Elevation Celebration. That keeps the event free for all who attend, one of the organizers’ primary goals.

“We have a lot of sponsors,” Baker said.

“It’s almost like a who-who in Conifer of businesses. They donate money to put the

The festival kicks off with a 5K and 10K fun run coordinated by the Conifer Lobos Unified Boosters and the Conifer Area Council Trails. Money from the fundraiser goes to Conifer High School and to expand area trails.

Live music starts at 10 a.m. both days on two separate stages.

“I’m excited to highlight a band called Pretend Friends,” Baker said, pointing out a band set to play at 4:40 on the east stage on Sunday, July 27. “They’re a little bluegrassy. Myself and some of the other people on the committee have been following this

band for a couple years at Snowpack Underground. They’re closing us out this year and are just a lot of fun.”

Los Cheesies, a Colorado band that describes itself as “an insanely wild, high-energy band of both gringos and Latinos,” closes out the event on Saturday, July 26.

Their description fits the committee’s daily musical goal.

“We try to close out each day with a party band,” Baker said.

Elevation Celebration runs from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. July 26 and 10 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. July 27 on Sutton Road in Aspen Park, between the Conifer post office and the Aspen Park Community Center.

Seniors4Wellness president Mary Tribby cuts the ribbon at the new Bristlecone Lounge, a room for seniors to gather at the Buchanan Recreation Center.

PHOTOS BY JANE REUTER

Cory Vander Veen, executive director of Evergreen Park & Recreation District, thanks the team who helped make the Bristlecone Lounge happen.

National Association of Realtors Boasts About Getting Its Top Priorities Into the Senate’s Tax Bill

The bill as passed by the Senate included NAR’s five key priorities:

A permanent extension of lower individual tax rates

An enhanced and permanent qualified business income deduction (Section 199A)

A temporary (five-year) quadrupling of the state and local tax (SALT) deduction cap, beginning for 2025

Protection for business SALT deductions and 1031 like-kind exchanges

A permanent extension of the mortgage interest deduction

Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC): Key provisions from the LIHTC Improvement Act are included on a permanent basis to support affordable housing development.

No Changes to Carried Interest Rules

“These provisions form the backbone of the real estate economy—from supporting first-time and first-generation buyers to strengthening investment in housing supply and protecting existing homeowners,” according to a NAR spokesperson. “Real estate makes up nearly one-fifth of the entire U.S. economy, and we made sure policymakers understood that homeownership is the essential component to building wealth and a strong, prosperous middle class.”

Several other provisions in the bill championed by NAR add to its positive impact on the real estate sector:

Child Tax Credit Increased to $2,200: Permanently raises the credit, with inflation indexing. This provision could ease housing affordability for families.

Permanent Estate and Gift Tax Threshold Set at $15 Million (Inflation-Adjusted): Prevents a sharp drop in exemption levels and supports generational wealth transfer.

No Increase to the Top Individual Tax Rate: The proposed 39.6% rate was removed from the bill.

Restoration of Key Business Provisions:

Full expensing of research and development

Bonus depreciation

Fixes to the interest expense deduction limit

Immediate Expensing for Certain Industrial Structures: Applies to facilities used in manufacturing, refining, agriculture and related industries.

These Past ‘Real Estate Today’ Columns May Interest You

Clickable links for each column can be found at www.JimSmithColumns.com

May 29, 2025 — Divorcing Couples With a Home Need a Realtor With Specialized Training

May 22, 2025 — Home Sharing Helps Single Seniors Deal With Finance and Loneliness, Allowing Them to Age in Place

April 24, 2025 — Lennar to Build 1,500 Geothermal Homes; My Review of the Mustang Mach E

April 17, 2025 — Redfin Report Highlights the Increasing Cost of Buying versus Renting a Home

April 10, 2025 — The Typical Wood-Frame, SiteBuilt Home So Common Since the ’90s May Soon Be a Thing of the Past

Mar. 27, 2025 — Here’s How Money Is Handled at a Real Estate Closing

Mar. 20, 2025 — Thinking of Using a Reverse Mortgage to Purchase a Home? Here’s Some Information

Mar. 13, 2025 — Will Colorado Be Able to Sustain Its ‘Green Agenda’ Under Pressure From Washington?

Mar. 6, 2025 — 62% of Americans Think a 20% Down Payment Is Required, But It’s the #1 Myth

Feb. 27, 2025 — As Society Deals With Homelessness and Affordability, Expect a Greater Focus on Manufactured Homes

Feb. 20, 2025 — We Have a Tool to Help You Find the ‘Perfect’ Home That’s Not on the MLS

Dec. 26, 2024 — As Pro-Tenant Laws Expand, Some Small Landlords Are Considering Cashing Out

Dec. 19, 2024 — What Are the Costs of Buying or Selling a Home in Colorado?

Nov. 7, 2024 — We Need to Take Seriously the Pollutants Emitted When Cooking With Gas

Oct. 31, 2024 — Cooperative Living Presents an Attractive Alternative for Downsizing Seniors

Sept. 26, 2024 — Some Thoughts on Keeping Your Death From Becoming an Undue Burden on Your Heirs

Sept. 5, 2024 — What Knowledge and Skills Should You Expect Your Real Estate Agent to Have?

Aug. 8, 2024 — Seniors Over 70 Might Consider Downsizing Into a Rental, Not a Smaller Home

July 25, 2024 — Many Homeowners Don’t Understand Title Issues, Which Could Lead to Big Problems Later On

June 6, 2024 — Here Are Some Simple Steps to Take to Avoid Unpleasant Surprises After Closing

Mar. 21, 2024 — What’s Behind the Buzz About ‘Indoor Air Quality’ and ‘Sick Building Syndrome’?

Feb. 22, 2024 — Most Sellers Don’t Know How to Interview a Listing Agent. Here’s Some Guidance.

Dec. 21, 2023 — D.R. Horton Inks Deal to Build Homes With OSB Made From Grass Instead of Wood

Nov. 23, 2023 — Scamming Has Become An Industry, and We’re All Prospective Victims

Sept. 28, 2023 — Insurance Companies Are Pulling Out of California. Is That in Our Future?

Aug. 10, 2023 — What Are Some Common Mistakes That Homeowners Make When Selling?

June 15, 2023 — Don’t Let Capital Gains Tax Deter You From Cashing Out on an Investment Property

May 11, 2023 — Do Agents Inflate the Cost of Buying or Selling Your Home with ‘Junk Fees’?

Apr. 20, 2023 — What Are Some Affordable Ways to Make Your Home More Attractive to Buyers?

Mar. 16, 2023 — Here Are Some Ways to Make Your Home More Accommodating to Seniors

Feb. 9, 2023 — Understanding Indoor Air Quality and How It’s Managed in Super-Insulated Homes

Oct. 27, 2022 — Sales Taxes May Be Lower, But Property Taxes Are Higher in Unincorporated Areas

Strengthened Opportunity Zones: Renewed with revised incentives to promote targeted investment, including in rural areas. NAR polling found that 80% of voters support such tax incentives to drive economic development in underserved communities.

The deadline for this ad was last Friday, before the House of Representatives took the Senate bill up for approval. NAR is hopeful the provisions detailed above will remain in the final version of the bill.

This article was adapted from an email newsletter article I received from NAR. I made only minor edits to it.

Some Useful Charts That Explain the June Market

The following charts were provided by Samanth Glenn of Land Title, along with this summary of the market for June 2025:

The Greater Metro Denver housing market saw active listings continue to grow in June — a 33% increase when compared to last year at this time. New listings declined when compared to last month (-19%) but were up 3% when compared to last year. Pending sales (demand) increased 6% when compared to last year, but did see a slight decline when viewed month-over-month.

The average days on market remained high at 35 days, an increase of 30% year over year. More highlights are below.

In June, active listings were down 0.2% month-over-month but remained elevated when compared to June 2024, which saw 9,866 active listings.

June saw 5,582 new listings enter the market. This data point decreased 18.7% when compared to last month, which saw 6,869 new listings. Last year at this time we saw 5,446 new listings.

Pending sales decreased by 3% when compared to last month. Last year at this time we saw 3,777 pending sales.

Look at how the months of inventory (unsold lis ngs) compare to prior years:

The ra o of closed price to lis ng price (99.1%) was the lowest of the past ve years:

June saw the average days on market at 35. Last month saw 33 days and last year at this time saw 27 days, on average.

The number of showings per listing for June was at 4.6. This was a decrease of 6.1% compared to last month. Last year at this time we saw 5.2 showings per listing, on average:

More readable versions of these charts are at http:RealEstateToday.substack.com

Snowpack Taproom plans move to Conifer Town Center

Owner of popular community gathering spot plans to expand space, retain welcoming feeling

BY JANE REUTER JANE@COTLN.ORG

One of Conifer’s most popular eateries and night spots is moving to a larger, more central location.

Snowpack Taproom, which owner Mike ompson opened in Green Valley Ranch in early 2017, will move to the Conifer Town Center later this year.

e two-story, 9,700-square-foot space is almost twice the size of the current Taproom. Even better, ompson will no longer be a tenant as he is at the Green Valley Center location. He bought the new building.

“We’ve way outgrown that space,” ompson said. “ is place is almost three times the size. It’s a great building, and a big upgrade for us. We have a lot of big plans.”

e building, most recently home to Mountain Spas, has historically been a restaurant and still has bars upstairs and downstairs. It served as the original home of Brook’s Place Tavern, and later as Lucille’s of Jersey, Up the Mountain Steakhouse and Sushi Hai.   Still, it requires repairs, a redesign and some construction to accommodate ompson’s vision.

“Snowpack has always been Conifer’s meeting place, and we want that to continue here,” he said. “When I started Snowpack, it was a craft beer bar, and we evolved into food. I don’t look at it as a restaurant. I don’t like the idea of people feeling like we’re just turning tables over as quickly as possible.

“We want it to remain a taproom where people can stay as long as they want, where they feel like they can spend hours with their friends.”

Opening in phases

With that in mind, the move to the

new site isn’t happening overnight. ompson aims to open a pizzeria and a 16-tap bar on the building’s lower level in August, and open the upper level of the building by late fall or early winter. e upper oor will include another set of 16 taps and a separate menu. Together, that’s double the taps of the current Snowpack.

Both levels have outdoor patio space, and ompson plans to level a grassy area outside for a band shell. Live music has also been a key part of the Taproom’s identity with the Snowpack Underground. at will also continue at the town center site, along with comedy nights, trivia, music bingo and Snowpack’s other popular events.

His business’s success is something ompson couldn’t have imagined when he left IT several years ago. e Florida native moved to the Conifer area in 2008, answering a personal call to live in the mountains. While he lived where he wanted — even working from his mountain home — the career wasn’t what he wanted.

A visit to the Northwest, well known for its craft beer scene, inspired him to change course.

“I got super burnt out with IT,” he said. “I went to the Paci c Northwest with some friends and thought, ‘I can do this better than most places’. I had no experience in restaurants. I just knew I liked beer, and there was a need up here.

“ at’s always been our thing — trying to bring in the highest quality craft beer you can nd in Colorado.”

ompson is known not only for the Snowpack but as a dedicated community volunteer. He served on the Conifer Area Chamber of Commerce board for three years, and works closely with them on the annual Elevation Celebration. He helps several organizations in town with IT work.

“It’s a phenomenal community,” he said. “Everybody supports the local businesses up here. It’s a great place to call home.

“I’m extremely excited about this change. We have solidi ed our roots in this town.”

Snowpack Taproom owner Mike Thompson stands in the upper bar area of the Conifer building he recently bought. The Snowpack will move from its Green Valley Ranch site to the much larger space later this year.

COURTESY SNOWPACK TAPROOM

New rules for free and reduced-price school meals

Colorado updates rules for eligibility before the 2025-26 year begins

BY SUZIE GLASSMAN SUZIE@COTLN.ORG

Starting July 1, families in Je erson, Adams and Weld counties can apply for free and reduced-price school meals for the upcoming 2025–26 school year.

While many schools in the area now offer free meals through Colorado’s Healthy School Meals for All program, the state still requires all families to complete the household income form.

And it’s not just about meals.

e household income form helps determine how much state and federal funding a school district receives for programs that support low-income students, including Title I services, fee waivers and grant eligibility.

State education o cials encourage all families to complete the application, regardless of whether their child attends a school that o ers universal free meals.

“When families ll out this application, they help unlock essential funding that supports students and schools across Colorado,” said Education Commissioner Susana Córdova. “Strong participation from families makes a real di erence.”

Families should apply if they have experienced a recent drop in income, receive SNAP, TANF or Medicaid, have children in foster care or Head Start or face housing instability.

Submitting the form can have a signi -

cant impact, even in schools that provide meals to all students.

How to apply

Families can nd applications online – at www.cde.state.co.us./nutrition/determine-program-eligibility – or through their local school. Families only need to complete one application per household.

e state says the form is con dential and doesn’t ask about immigration or

citizenship status. It typically requires household income information, the last four digits of a Social Security number (or a note if none is available) and a signature.

Household size and income determine eligibility. For example, a family of four earning $41,795 or less quali es for free meals, while those earning up to $59,478 qualify for reduced-price meals.

e Colorado Department of Educa-

REVERSE MORTGAGES

tion, as well as district nutrition services departments, provide a comprehensive eligibility chart.

Beyond meals, qualifying families may also receive discounts on internet, testing fees and other student services. Foster children automatically qualify for free meals and students experiencing homelessness or enrolled in Head Start may also qualify.

Families can submit applications at any time during the school year, especially if a household’s situation changes, such as a job loss or a change in family size. ose who receive public assistance can include a case number to expedite the automatic eligibility process.

State o cials note that families who receive a letter from their district stating that a child quali es may not need to apply unless the notice omits the child’s name.

Eligibility lasts through the school year and extends 30 days into the next. O cials warn that some families may end up paying full price for meals if their school does not participate in the universal free meals program and if eligibility expires.

e Healthy School Meals for All program currently has funding through December 2025. State o cials say voters may be asked to approve additional funding through a ballot measure later this year to continue the program beyond that date.

More information is available through district nutrition services pages or on the Colorado Department of Education’s website, at www.cde.state.co.us./nutrition/determine-program-eligibility online.

Colorado’s Healthy School Meals for All program would face cuts if voters don’t approve proposed referendums expected to be on November’s ballot.

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On June 28, groups of tubers and other trail users pass the City of Golden ambassadors’ station along the north Clear Creek Trail near the RV park. Clear Creek moved to yellow-flag restrictions on June 24, which allows for all uses with caution.

Creek users navigate rocky conditions, icy waters as Golden’s tubing season begins

BY CORINNE WESTEMAN CORINNE@COTLN.ORG

With temperatures hitting 90 degrees and with the creek open to tubing and swimming, it’s no wonder that everyone and their dog ocked to Golden’s section of Clear Creek for the June 28-29 weekend.

After a two-week closure, city and county o cials reopened Clear Creek to tubing and swimming on June 24, as water levels and speeds dropped. is e ectively kicked o Golden’s tubing season,

On June 28, a tuber bounces along Golden’s section of Clear Creek near the U.S. Highway 6 bridge. Both Golden and Je erson County moved to yellowflag restrictions on June 24, uno cially kicking o Golden’s tubing season.

On June 28, a group of rafters pass a tuber on Golden’s section of Clear Creek near the RV park. All types of water recreationalists were on Clear Creek throughout the day, as the creek was under yellow-flag restrictions.

On June 28, a City of Golden flagger stops motor vehicle tra c to allow tubers to cross Ford Street near the Golden Mill. Hundreds of tubers and other Clear Creek visitors used the crossing to go from Vanover Park back up the creek corridor.

It’s Tubin’ Time: Clear Creek opens for summer

as the corridor sees thousands of tubers throughout the summer.

Many took advantage of it on June 28, as tubers, kayakers, riverboarders, rafters, swimmers and others enjoyed a hot afternoon on the creek.

City of Golden ambassadors remarked how, while June 28 was certainly busy, the corridor sees much bigger crowds later in the summer. ey attributed the smaller crowds to the yellow- ag conditions, which caution against children recreating in the water.

Yellow- ag conditions also can be hazardous, and adults are recommended to wear helmets and life jackets and to proceed with caution, they said. ere have been a few rescues and other dangerous situations since the creek reopened to tubing on June 24, they explained.

Along the Clear Creek Trail between U.S. Highway 6 and Vanover Park, there were dozens of people oating along the creek. Many were wearing protective equipment; others were not. Some ipped out of their tubes as they were going down a rapid but managed to regroup. Most of them seemed to be enjoying themselves.

At Vanover Park, though, there were still plenty of smiles and laughs, but others were processing and recovering from their experiences.

One rafter said he got tossed out and smacked into a rock, and describing how his adrenaline kicked in during the experience and was just starting to wear o .

Among the tubers, Brad Meyer said he’d lost feeling in his toes because the water was so cold, and couple Brandi Scarboro and Scott Kerner were also recovering from the extra-cold water by basking in the sun. en, Geneva Espinoza and Shannon Lawrence had scrapes on their

shins and cuts on their toes from where they ran into rocks.

Overall, the tubers said they had fun but recommended caution.

Espinoza and Lawrence speci cally encouraged people to rent life jackets, as they did, even though they brought their own innertube. ey also wished they could’ve rented a paddle to better steer themselves away from the rocks and other hazards.

Espinoza said she probably wouldn’t go tubing on Clear Creek again, but Lawrence was more open to it. ey both described how “if it wasn’t for the rocks, it would’ve been ne.”

‘A fun, free thing to do’

Meyer, who was visiting from Texas, and Jay Sheridan from Virginia were rst-time tubers on Clear Creek. e two said they were in town for the Metallica concert and were looking for things to do. Sheridan’s cousin who lives in Longmont said they could go tubing, and recommended Golden over Boulder.

Sheridan and Meyer rented tubes at Adventure West and took the shuttle up to Clear Creek Canyon Park, and then rode their tubes down to Vanover one time.

Sheridan said he’d be willing to do a second trip, but Meyer said he wanted to get feeling back in his toes rst.

Despite the cold water, they felt the experience was “smooth” and “well-organized.” ey said they felt safe and wellinformed before their tubing adventure.

Meanwhile, Scarboro and Kerner were veteran tubers who have been visiting Clear Creek for four and two seasons, respectively. ey typically go tubing four or ve times a season, taking roughly three trips down the creek for each visit.

ey said they recently bought their own tube to use in Golden and other tubing destinations.

ey’d been checking the ag restrictions on Clear Creek and, when they saw tubing was allowed, they were excited to kick o their tubing season.

“It’s a fun, free thing to do,” Scarboro said, “and there aren’t many of those around.”

Scarboro and Kerner remarked how, while Clear Creek is usually quite cold because it’s snowmelt, the water seemed “super-cold” on June 28. e two normally like getting ipped out of their tube while going down the rapids, but the water temperature dampened the experience this time.

ey also recommended life jackets, especially if people aren’t experienced with colder water, and said the ambassador information stands are also a good resource for newcomers.

For Lakewood’s Ben Cohen, considering it was the rst summer weekend when tubing and swimming were allowed, he said, “It’s nice to see such a big turnout.” While he and his friends oated down Clear Creek in in atable rafts, he noted how there were dozens of people along the creek cheering on and supporting the tubers.

Overall, he felt like Golden was very friendly to tubers and water sports in general.

Cohen anticipated he and his friends would return to Golden in the coming weeks, saying they’d be monitoring the water speeds and conditions to identify the best time to go rafting.

“Any time it’s over 400 (cubic feet per second), that’s a good time to come out,” he said.

Quadra-Fire Discovery Series Wood Stove

Groups

tubers, swimmers

others gather at Golden’s Clear Creek Whitewater Park on June 28. The temperatures hit 90 degrees that afternoon, so many sought relief in Clear Creek’s icy-cold waters.

Heart Association gives Evergreen EMS top marks

For third year running, group earns Gold award for exceptional treatment

BY JANE REUTER JANE@COTLN.ORG

Evergreen residents are in good hands with their local emergency medical services team. For the third year in a row, Evergreen Fire/Rescue was awarded the Mission Lifeline EMS Gold award from the American Heart Association.

“ is is a fantastic emergency service award which is not easily met with the logistics and size of our district,” Assistant Chief Stacee Martin said. “We definitely are proud, and our community is very lucky to have such a skilled medical team.”

For residents, the award means EFR’s medical team provides “exceptional and timely care” to those su ering a heart attack, responses that can make the di erence between life and death, said EMS Chief Dave Montesi.

“For someone that’s having a heart attack, you know you’re getting the most e ective and timely treatment and transport to the hospital,” he said. “We have the best team anyone could ever have the opportunity to work with are proud of all they do.”

e Mission Lifeline Gold award recognizes agencies that provide swift, accurate assessment and consistent, high-quality care for cardiac patients throughout the year. at includes recognizing when someone is having a heart attack, provid-

ing appropriate care, notifying the hospital in advance and getting them to the hospital quickly.

Timing matters

Notifying the hospital in advance that a heart attack patient is en route lets hospital sta prepare to treat the individual immediately.

“ ere are teams of people ready to go when we walk through the door with that heart attack,” Montesi said.

EFR has participated in Mission Lifeline annually since 2014, earning the Gold award four times. He credits the team’s

recent three-year streak to its knowledge.

“I attribute it to training and very experienced paramedics,” Montesi said. “Our paramedics on average, have more than 20 years of experience. So beyond training, it’s that exceptional level of care our paramedics provide.”

Montesi said well-trained hospital sta are also key to winning the award.

“ e hospital has a bit of a role in this also,” he said. “ e patient has to go into the cath lab within a certain period of time, after the time the patient goes through their doors.”

e cath lab, or catheterization laboratory, is an examination room with diagnostic imaging equipment to visualize the arteries and chambers of the heart.

In total, to qualify for the Gold award, no more than 90 minutes can elapse from the time 911 gets the call until the patient is in the cath lab.

EFR sees between 10 and 15 heart attacks annually, with most patients transported to St. Anthony’s Hospital.

While many of EFR’s paramedics don’t live in the foothills, Montesi believes EFR attracts high-quality sta because of its location and work environment.

“Evergreen is an amazing place to live and work,” he said. “We provide a good environment and good, challenging calls. When you live this far from the hospital, it gives the paramedic the opportunity to treat their patients and see those e ects on your patient.

“It’s a completely di erent set of challenges when you’re with your patient for half an hour or 45 minutes instead of 10 (as in the metro area).”

Evergreen Fire/Rescue’s emergency medical services team, with EMS Chief Dave Montesi far right, recently won a Lifeline EMS Gold award from the American Heart Association in recognition of their work saving lives in the Evergreen area. PHOTOS COURTESY EVERGREEN FIRE AND RESCUE

The Gold award recognizes agencies for excellence in heart attack and stroke care.

HAPPENINGS

We’d like to know about events or activities of interest to the community. Visitwww.canyoncourier.com/calendar/ and post your event online for free. Email jreuter@coloradocommunitymedia.com to get items in the newspaper. Items will appear in print on a space-available basis.

UPCOMING

ConiferFest: 11 a.m. July 12. Our Lady of the Pines open space, 9444 Eagle Cli Road, Conifer. Live Music from e Midday Sons, Izzy and the Icebreakers, e Ritual Blus League and Iron Roots. Vendors, food trucks, beer, wine and margaritas. $5 entry, children under 12 free. Leashed dogs welcome, free parking. rotaryconifer.org

Andy Smith Sr. INSPIRE Golf Tournament: 7 a.m. July 14, Hiwan Golf Club, 30671 Clubhouse Lane, Evergreen. Fundraiser for the Evergreen Park and Recreation District’s INSPIRE program, Crutches 4 Africa, Resilience1220, and the Mountain Foothills Rotary Foundation.evergreenrecreation.com

Evergreen Audubon “Evergreen Explorers”: 9 a.m. July 15 with EPRD at Evergreen Lake. Geared to children 5 and under with an adult. 27640 CO-74, Evergreen. More info and registration: evergreenaudubon.org

Movies in the Park “Harry Potter & the Sorcerer’s Stone”: 4 p.m. July 16, Buchanan Park eld, 32003 Ellingwood Lane, Evergreen. In atables, food truck, ice cream, yard games. evergreenrecreation.com

Evergreen Players drama camp: One week July 17 & 24. With camps for ages 5-16. Costs vary. Details: evergreenplayers.org

“Good Trouble Lives On” protest: 2:30-6:30 p.m. June 17, Genesee overpass. goodtroubleliveson.org.

Evergreen Audubon Living in a Watershed: 5:30 p.m. July 16, Evergreen Nature Center. Workshop and Field Training (#3 in a series of 6) Hands-on experience caring for our watershed. Sign up for one or for all. Free, registration required. evergreenaudubon.org

Evergreen Audubon Birding Walk: 7:30 a.m. July 18, with MALT at Sacramento Creek Ranch, 2234 Busch Run, Fairplay. For children 5 years and under with an adult. 80440. Free, registration required. evergreenaudubon.org

Seniors4Wellness Friday Cafe: 11:30 a.m. July 18, Christ the King Catholic Church, 4291 Evergreen Parkway. 720835-8776

45th Annual Summerfest: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. July 19 & 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. July 20, Buchanan Field, 32003 Ellingwood Trail, Evergreen. $5 at the door, kids 10 and under free Hosted by the Center for the Arts Evergreen with proceeds supporting year-round arts programs. evergreenarts.org..

EPRD Summer Concert series: 4 p.m. July 23, Buchanan Park eld, 32003 Ellingwood Trail, Evergreen. e Wrecklunds. Free. evergreenrecreation.com.

live music, local artists and vendors, 5K. mountainwomeninbusiness.com

Movies in the Park & Family Campout with “Shrek”: 4 p.m. Aug. 1, Buchanan Park eld, 32003 Ellingwood Lane, Evergreen. In atables, food truck, ice cream, yard games. evergreenrecreation.com

31st annual Community Grove Sale: 7:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Aug. 2, Evergreen Lutheran Church, 5980 Hwy 73, Evergreen. Donations of gently used items accepted 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. July 28 - July 30. Questions: 920-840-8158

EPRD Summer Concert series: 4 p.m. Aug. 6, Evergreen Lake House, 29612 Upper Bear Creek Road. Steve Knight. Free. evergreenrecreation.com

Elevation Celebration: 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. July 27 and 28, Conifer. Street fair,

Mountain Music Fest: Noon to 9 p.m. Aug. 16.Buchanan Park, 32003 Ellingwood Trail, Evergreen. Music and community event to support the mountain community school system. Featuring Sam Grisman Project with e Leslies, Flobots, and Christie Hu , YAN YEZ, Hand Turkey Band, and Non-Prophet. mountainmusicfest.org.

CAE’s Back Porch Concert Series featuring Crystal Visions: 7 p.m. Aug 22. Outdoor seating starts at 6 p.m. General admission $20, kids 10 and under free. 31880 Rocky Village Drive, Evergreen. evergreenarts.org.

CAE’s Back Porch Concert Series featuring e 3eatles: 7 p.m. Sept 12. Outdoor seating starts at 6 p.m. General admission $20, kids 10 and under free. 31880 Rocky Village Drive, Evergreen.

evergreenarts.org.

ONGOING

Evergreen Park & Recreation District camps: Now through Aug. 8. For youth starting age 3. Includes preschool, summer adventure, outdoor climbing, gymnastics, science and technology, sports, INSPIRE (Special Needs), Lake House, chess, and Challenger soccer. evergreenrecreation.com.

Evergreen Farmer’s Market: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. every Tuesday through Sept. 23, Center for the Arts Evergreen, 31880 Rocky Village Drive, Evergreen.

Evergreen Cars & Co ee: 9 a.m. to noon rst Saturdays through Sept. 6. 29340 Industrial Way, Evergreen.

Alzheimer’s Memory Cafe: 10:30 a.m. every rst Friday. No Memory Cafe on July 4, Evergreen Library, 5000 County Hwy 73, Evergreen. Program providing a gathering place and planned activities for adults with dementia and their caregivers. Info: 303.235.5275

Mountain Women Alcoholics Anonymous (AA): 9 a.m. every Saturday in person and on Zoom, Evergreen Lutheran Church, 5980 CR-73, Evergreen. Mountain Women also meet via Zoom on Wednesdays at noon. evergreenaa. com/

Wild Aware is actively recruiting volunteers for their Last Friday Co ee. e monthly event is at 9 a.m., the last Friday morning of every month. Evergreen Bread and Cocktail Lounge, 1260 Bergen Parkway, Evergreen.

New dress code rankles Je co library sta

JCPL workers say new policy proposal silences support for marginalized

BY SUZIE GLASSMAN SUZIE@COTLN.ORG

Je erson County Public Library workers say a proposed dress code policy under negotiation would bar them from wearing Pride pins, DEI-themed shirts or other visible signs of support for marginalized communities, despite the library’s public celebration of diversity.

e proposed change comes as sta are negotiating their rst-ever union contract. In March 2024, JCPL employees voted to unionize, forming the Je erson County Library Workers Union under Colorado’s new collective bargaining law. Contract talks have been underway since the vote.

At issue is the library’s current dress code, which allows sta to wear business casual attire and include limited adornments on lanyards, such as pronoun buttons and two additional pieces.

e policy also states apparel should be “free of slogans/wording other than JCPL or County-sponsored items.”

Union members say they had hoped to clarify and expand this policy to explicitly allow supportive t-shirts and buttons tied to library events, such as Pride Month, Black History Month or Banned Books Week.

Instead, management has proposed further tightening restrictions, eliminating all visual messaging, including buttons and other visual elements.

Williams said management has cited safety concerns, arguing that visible political messaging could lead to verbal altercations. For instance, a patron might yell at a sta member for wearing a Pride button.

Williams said she’s unaware of any prior incidents involving apparel, and noted the library’s public-facing code of conduct already addresses verbal harassment.

“ ey’re saying it will make library workers safer,” Williams said. “But what keeps us safe is enforcing the code of con-

MUFFLERS

Transportation and Colorado State Patrol would start education e orts in the coming months. Not only would it help truck drivers learn about the new law before it takes e ect, but it might also help reduce truck noise in the intervening 24 months, he said.

Titone also expected some kind of education campaign for truck drivers, whether by state o cials, industry associations or both.

She also clari ed how this new law will only apply to commercial vehicles of a certain weight, not passenger vehicles. Farm vehicles and electric vehicles are also exempted.

“We just want to make sure people aren’t caught o -guard; we don’t want to ne anybody for any of this,” Titone said. “ … We want to make sure those living near the highway aren’t paying the price for the vanity of having a loud truck.”

While it won’t take e ect for two years, Brown hoped this new law would not only bene t Colorado but other states as well.

sue goes beyond a few slogans.

librarian Katherine Williams, a member of the union’s bargaining team. “ is is the canary in the coal mine.”

speci c questions, citing the ongoing collective bargaining process.

phasized the library’s public-facing commitment to equity.

“JCPL remains unwavering in its commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion, and we will not restrict or diminish our support for these e orts,” Walker said.

JCPL also highlighted its continued support for LGBTQ+ communities with a robust lineup of Pride Month programming

“ is proposed policy is not neutral,” sta member Anna Sparlin told the board. “It’s going to be a nightmare to enforce, and it throws our most vulnerable sta and patrons under the bus.”

agement seeks to ban symbolic support for marginalized groups, the library has declined to implement a county statute that would prohibit the open carry of re-

“If management views signs of support for marginalized communities as ‘o ensive’ or a safety concern while simultaneously refusing to implement a county statute that would prohibit open carry of rearms in libraries, we are forced to ask:

While the dress code issue hasn’t derailed broader negotiations, sta said it re ects larger concerns about creeping restrictions on library programming and materials.

He believed they could use HB25-1039 as a template to address the truck noise impacting their residents’ quality of life.

“It took a while, but I’m just really happy,” Brown said of getting HB25-1039 written and passed. “I know it takes a while to implement, but I hope we will see some

Williams also pointed to what she described as a double standard. While man-

real relief and see a lot more compliance (when it goes into e ect).”

‘Do the right thing’

According to Colorado Motor Carriers Association President Greg Fulton, although commercial vehicles are required

“Public libraries exist to serve everyone,” Williams said. “But that only works when sta are empowered to re ect the values of equity, safety and inclusion that our communities need and deserve.”

by law to have a mu er, some truck drivers have intentionally removed their mufers.

Fulton previously described how some “renegade” drivers like the “clean look” of a truck without a mu er, along with the attention they get by generating loud noises when they drive.

If these drivers are contacted by law enforcement regarding their mu er, or lack thereof, Fulton said they can skirt around the requirement by claiming their mu er is the kind that is inside the truck’s exhaust stack.

ese kinds of mu ers are real but rare, he explained, but it’s di cult to prove whether a truck really has one.

Under HB25-1039, though, all commercial vehicles will be required to either have a visible mu er or documentation proving the mu er is inside the exhaust stack. is will close the loophole that a very small but loud minority of drivers have been exploiting for years, he continued. Even before the bill was signed into law, Fulton was con dent that word would get out and those drivers without mu ers would come into compliance.

“We want to incentivize people to do the right thing,” he said.

Colorado Gov. Jared Polis, seated, signs a bill into law on May 15 that will help enforce a mu er requirement on all commercial vehicles. The bill was sponsored by legislators representing Je erson and Clear Creek counties, among others.

PHOTO BY CORINNE WESTEMAN

Edgewater Library’s Pride display celebrates inclusion. But sta say a proposed dress code would ban them from wearing Pride pins or DEI shirts raising questions about what support really looks like.

PHOTO COURTESY JEFFERSON COUNTY PUBLIC LIBRARIES

Think outside of the box

This week, I learned about the Finnish word “sisu.” ere is no good English translation of the word, so I spent some time seeing what I could nd out about it.

I discovered that it is a word that has been around for more than 500 years, and that Finnish people see it as integral to their designation by the United Nations as the happiest people in the world.

WORDS OF ENCOURAGEMENT

Not having any background in the Finnish language, I had to rely on di erent sources to nd the meaning of the word. As I dug, I found that sisu means courage, stamina, and perseverance combined with exibility and cleverness to create an ingenuity that allows individuals to overcome obstacles.

As the meaning of sisu became clear, I was struck by how important this idea is for overcoming struggles.

To truly face di culty in life takes great courage. I saw this with my friend Shane as he navigated a four-year battle with cancer. I know from my own experience with MS, the courage it takes to get up each morning, to do the things that I must do to be able to move around smoothly.

Along with courage, it takes stamina to navigate an issue. Courage and stamina go hand in hand; you can’t have one without the other when you are traversing di cult times. Our lives do not come with message boards that tell us, “In 127 days, the issues you are navigating will be resolved and you will have 300 days of smooth sailing.” We must move forward without a clear understanding of what the future holds. To navigate those issues daily, without the bene t of a clear endpoint, takes courage and the stamina to put one foot in front of the other.

But sisu goes further. It declares that courage, stamina, and perseverance are not enough, and explains that to overcome our struggles, we must think di erently, be exible in our mindset, and be open to di erent ways of doing things. When we combine grit with exibility, we nd true genius — we nd new ways.

I guess you could write it as a cookbook recipe: add one cup each of courage, stamina, and perseverance to a struggle. Mix in healthy amounts of exibility and openness to new ways of doing things. Bake in the oven of experience, and what will emerge is an ingenuity that will allow an individual to overcome their obstacle.

I think it is exceptionally easy to get stuck in the idea that working harder will lead to victory over a struggle. Sisu opens us up to the idea that it takes more than our internal drive to get over our most di cult hurdles. It takes a di erent mindset.

If you have not thought outside the box in your struggle, maybe it is time.

You have got this!

When the lights are the brightest, the stakes are the highest, and all eyes are watching, those who rise to the moment are rarely surprised by it. Why? Because they’ve been there before. Not necessarily in the stadium, on the eld, or in front of the big client, but in the quiet, gritty, and repetitive hours of practice. ey’ve made the move a hundred times before it ever mattered.

Elite athletes, masterful gamers, accomplished performers, these people don’t just show up and “ gure it out.” ey prepare. ey sweat. ey fail. ey adjust. And they do it when no one’s watching, precisely so they can deliver when everyone is.

The practice behind performance

Golfers don’t wait for the tournament to learn how to hit out of a bunker or adjust their swing for a downhill lie. ey put themselves through every scenario imaginable before they ever step onto the rst tee. Likewise, tennis pros hit forehands, backhands, and serves over and over again, against lefties, righties, net rushers, and baseliners, so that nothing rattles them during a match. Quarterbacks study defenses and prepare audibles not so they might use

VOICES

Early flowers again this year. That’s good, right?

Spring came early this year on the mountain slopes near Crested Butte. David Inouye has monitored the blooming of wild owers there during the last 55 years. is was not a record year, he reported in May, but it was remarkably di erent from just a few decades ago.

“ irty years ago, owering didn’t start until the rst week of June,” reported Inouye, who studies the timing of periodic biological events in plants and animals, a discipline called phenology. By late April this year, seven species of wildowers had blooms on the slopes of the Rocky Mountain Biological Laboratory.

More wild owers earlier in spring. What’s not to like about that?

In Paonia this year, where Inouye lives, Apricot trees owered in mid-March. Later frosts killed this year’s crop. at, he says, is one harm to earlier spring.

Early springs produced by rising temperatures also have long-term consequences. In 2005, when I rst started writing about climate change, I traveled to the outdoor laboratory at Gothic to see an experiment then underway.

John Harte, a scientist from Berkeley, had mounted electric heaters over plots to approximate future temperature increases. How would this change vegetation over time?

Would sagebrush eventually replace the wild owers?

e answer is complex but comes down to one word: yes. We can expect more sagebrush and fewer wild owers on south-facing hillsides at 9,500 feet in elevation. is, Inouye pointed out, will take time.

“Almost all the wild owers here are long-lived perennials, so change doesn’t happen rapidly. Even if they stop making seeds, some of those individual plants will still live for decades,” said Inouye, who lives in Paonia but remains on the faculty of the University of Maryland.

“It takes long-term study to document changes to the high-altitude environment,” he added. “To some degree that longevity provides a buffer to the ongoing climate changes, especially if we can succeed in reversing them in the foreseeable future.”

An early spring was observed far beyond Colorado’s mountain slopes. A U.S. Geological Survey website on June 6 showed a spring leaf index two and three weeks early across broad bands of the United States, including

Colorado.

Once again, so what? In most places, people prefer summer to winter. Besides, isn’t this story about earlier spring getting old? I have been writing about it for 20 years. One scientist I queried said yet another story about early springs would induce yawns unless I had a new angle, like a spike in electricity demand for air conditioning during April.

Brad Udall delivered a strong rejoinder at a recent Colorado River conference. “Hold on to your seats,” he told his audience at the University of Colorado’s Getches-Wilkinson Center, “because I’m going to make you uncomfortable.” e world, explained Udall, a water and climate research scientist at the Colorado Water Institute, is on track for warming of 9 degrees Fahrenheit by 2100. “ is far exceeds anything agreed to by the 2015 Paris Climate Accords. And frankly, it terri es scientists.” Over land, the temperature increase will be even greater than the global average. “ at’s a world unlike anything we currently know, and it’s going to challenge us all on every front.”

Nearly all scientists agree that heat-trapping greenhouse gases are responsible for our predicament. Emis-

when the storm hits? Or are you hoping you’ll just “ gure it out” in the moment?

You’ve got the next move

them, but because they know they will have to. MLB pitchers memorize hitters’ weaknesses and develop sequences of pitches for each batter, each count, and each game condition. ey don’t leave anything to chance.

Even a recreational skier knows better than to assume every trail is the same. Shifting snow, moguls, icy patches, and tree lines all require anticipation, balance, and muscle memory.

What’s your game plan?

Now let’s bring that down from the slopes, o the eld, and into your life. Because here’s the truth: Life is coming for you. And it’s not always friendly.

We live in a world of distraction, disruption, and division, the “3 D’s.” at’s your opponent. And it’s relentless. Curveballs will be thrown. People will lie to you, some subtly, some blatantly. Situations will knock you o balance, surprise you, and frustrate you.

So the question is: Are you ready?

Have you practiced how you’ll respond

Salespeople who thrive don’t wing it. ey role-play objections before they hear them. ey rehearse how to respond to pricing pushback, to questions about the competition, to ghosting, and to negotiation traps. at preparation, done behind the scenes, becomes uidity in the real game.

Building a values-based foundation

You need a life playbook, too. And it starts with knowing who you are, your values, beliefs, and anchors in the storm. When division shows up, is unity your move? When adversity knocks, do you respond with resilience? When o ense is hurled your way, do you o er grace?

If the world throws chaos, confusion, and cruelty at you, what are your practiced responses? Are kindness, humility, forgiveness, and compassion just ideas you agree with, or are they moves you’ve practiced until they’re second nature?

Make no mistake: Life will challenge you. It will confront you with opponents in the form of circumstances, people, and inner voices that test your core. If you haven’t prepared, you’ll default to panic, anger, or paralysis.

So today, right now, it’s your move. Not in some hypothetical, far-o , big-moment kind of way. But in this moment. You get to decide what you’re practicing. Because what you practice in private is what you’ll perform in public. What conversations are you rehearsing? What mindset are you building? What virtues are you strengthening so they’re not just concepts, but quick-draw responses?

Don’t wait for the game to start to prepare. Because, ready or not, it already has, and the next move is yours. How about you? Are you more likely to take things as they come and deal with it all in the moment? Or are you someone who prefers to be prepared, like the U.S. Coast Guard, Semper Paratus, always prepared? Either way, I always love hearing your stories at gotonorton@gmail. com and when we take the time to plan to win and prepare to win, it really will be a better-than-good life.

Michael Norton is an author, a personal and professional coach, consultant, trainer, encourager and motivator of individuals and businesses, working with organizations and associations across multiple industries.

Jim Roome

It’s your move

BIG PIVOTS WINNING WORDS

Michael Norton

DUI enforcement a hallmark of Fourth of July

Last July, troopers investigated 12 impaired driving fatal crashes

BY MONTE WHALEY MONTE@COTLN.ORG

Welcome to July, the month that racks up the most impaired driving crashes in Colorado. e Fourth of July, meanwhile, remains the most signi cant holiday for those violent crashes, the Colorado State Patrol says. Over four years, from 2021 through 2024, Colorado State Patrol troopers have investigated over 2,450 fatal and injury crashes determined to be caused by impaired drivers. Year after year, the number of impairment-related crashes expands during the warmer months, with the peak month for impaired crashes being July, according to the CSP.

“Last July, troopers investigated 12 impaired driving fatal crashes that resulted in the loss of 13 people. An additional 32 people were left with serious injuries during this month from impaired drivers,” said Colorado State Patrol Chief Matthew C. Packard, in a news release. “We are imploring peo-

OBITUARIES

November

Jean Marie Truax was born in Waterloo, Iowa, to Ross and Olga Truax. She grew up a tomboy alongside her two older brothers, Bob and Ross James. Jean attended the University of Iowa, where she met the love of her life, Donald “Bud” McBride.

sions have risen 60% during the last 35 years. “What we’re witnessing is a monumental failure of both capitalism and governance,” he said.

Why sound the climate change siren at a Colorado River conference? Because water availability in the Colorado River Basin is inextricably linked to rising temperatures. Drought can ease. Aridi cation, the result of rising temperatures, will not.

e seven states who share the river now struggle over how to share this shrinking river. e 1922 compact assumed 20 million acre-feet. Flows this century have averaged about 20% less. “I’m now convinced that we need to plan for the worst possible climate future, and that’s somewhere around 10

ple who have risked taking substances and driving in the past to change their behavior,” said Packard, noting driving while impaired has long-term consequences beyond just getting a citation.

“Driving intoxicated is literally rolling the dice with your license, your freedom and your life,” Packard said.

In 2024, Independence Day tied with New Year’s for the most common holiday that Colorado State Troopers responded to investigate a crash (property, injury or fatal) involving an impaired driver, according to the news release. Both holidays had 22 instances. Halloween was next with 17 and Labor Day and Christmas each had 16 accidents involving impaired drivers.

“You have the freedom to choose your sober driver,” said Packard.

“When you fail to do your part, and your driving behavior concerns an ofcer to pull you over, the consequences will be life-changing. A DUI conviction leads to a criminal record and is generally not eligible to be expunged.”

In addition, DUIs become a matter of public record, meaning information is accessible to the public. A DUI conviction also impacts your driving record. erefore, DUI convictions can impact many aspects of your life when a background check or driving record is required, the news release states.

million acre-feet runo ,” said Udall. “But what it also means is taking a hard look at every existing agreement in the river. It either breaks them or substantially modi es them.”

A hopeless situation? Udall warned against despair. “ ere’s a term called the pessimism aversion trap. It’s the tendency look the other way when confronted with dark realities,” he explained. Don’t go there, he said. “We still control our destiny, even if the solutions seem daunting.”

And nally, his plea: “I plead with you to get serious about guring out how to reduce the emissions of your organization and even your own personal emissions. I agree that individual actions aren’t going to solve this, but they send a really strong signal to everyone around us.”

Allen Best is a Colorado-based journalist who publishes an e-magazine called Big Pivots.

1934 - June 22, 2025

After marrying in Iowa, the young couple decided to head west to Colorado, where Jean began her teaching career in Arvada. e couple eventually discovered Evergreen, Colorado, and fell in love with its natural beauty. ere, they raised their three boys and made countless lifelong friendships.

Jean dedicated two decades to the Adaptive Ski Program at Winter Park Ski Resort, where her commitment to helping others truly shined. She was also a founding board member of the Shining Stars Foundation, where she volunteered for 25 years, bringing hope and courage to children and

families facing cancer. Her compassion, energy, and dedication left a lasting impact on everyone she served.

Jean was preceded in death by her husband, Donald, in 2018. Her sons survive her: Mike (Heide) and their children, Taz and Tai; Cris (Sheila) and their daughters, Isabella and Wylie; Kent (Penny) and their son, Kaichiro.

Jean loved her family, cherished her friendships, and had a special gift for giving and making everyone feel like a friend. Her warmth and adventurous spirit will be deeply missed.

A celebration of Jean’s life will take place on Friday, July 11th, from 3-6 pm at Hiwan Golf Club. In remembrance of Jean, in lieu of gifts or owers, charitable donations can be made to e Shining Stars Foundation (note: Jean McBride) www.shiningstarsfoundation.org/donate.

Jean Marie Truax McBride

24,

Colorado State Patrol warns about 4th of July impaired driving.

SHUTTERSTOCK

Art Through the Distortions of History

The creative process is ever-changing and often requires taking a look back to locate the way forward. e Arvada Center’s three summer exhibitions celebrate this fact by using the past as a guide to nding a way to and through modern times.

“I hope people come away from the galleries with a new understanding of what they can perceive,” said Olive Witwer-Jarvis, exhibitions manager and associate curator at the Center. “ e personal stories and struggles on display provide a new look at what’s important.”

Melissa Furness — Embedded: A MidCareer Survey, Haley Hasler — Origin Stories and Past is Present is Past is Present are all on display at the Center, 6901 Wadsworth Blvd., through Aug. 24.

Set up in the Main Gallery, Embeddedi s an engrossing look at the career of an artist who is constantly nding new ways to explore themselves and the world around them. Broken up into subsections like In Ruins and Gathering Moss, Furness’ shows that she’s a conceptual artist of the highest order. Guests will see work that was created in places as disparate as Ireland and China, each with unique subjects and mediums worked into beautiful paintings.

History and its impact on our current times is a subject Furness — a professor at the University of Colorado Denver — returns to in fascinating ways, from making surreal recreations of wellknown works to displaying discarded bricks from China.

“My work explores human nature and

COMING ATTRACTIONS

relationship with the past and provide a window into the things that matter most.

day, July 11 through Sunday, Aug. 3.

struggle as it manifests itself in relation to contemporary society and the remains of the past,” Furness said in a provided statement. “I am interested in what one culture upholds as signi cant — objects and ideals that we revere versus those that we discard or discount as unimportant. What does what we throw away say about us as a people versus what we place on a pedestal or seek to preserve?”

e Upper Gallery is home to Origin Stories, where Fort Collins artist Haley Hasler paints portraits that take her friends and family and put them in elaborately staged settings. e end results are transporting, at once familiar and slightly foreign.

“ is show includes work from the past as well as my newest body of work,” Hasler said in a provided statement. “ e beloved, everyday people around me are transformed in my paintings into gods and goddesses of the everyday realm.”

In Past is Present is Past is Present, located in the eatre Gallery, visitors can see how Colorado artists use their ancestry, religious and cultural iconography, and mythology to shed a light on contemporary concerns, like our tumultuous political climate and missing Native women and children. e works are fascinating examinations of the artists’

“ ese exhibitions question what’s important and why,” Witwer-Jarvis said. “What makes something like the Mona Lisa so important, when there is so much happening in people’s day-to-day life?”

For more information, visit https:// arvadacenter.org/galleries/current-exhibitions.

Go for a Moonlit Ride in Castle Rock Castle Rock’s Pedal the Moon bike ride goes from 6:30 to 10 p.m. on Saturday, July 12 and departs fromCastle View High School, 5254 N. Meadows Drive, at 7 p.m. As dusk starts, riders will follow the East Plum Creek Trail for about 6 miles to Festival Park.

According to provided information, the terrain is suitable for all riders and participants are encouraged to decorate their bikes with lights and other items. ere will be a decorating station for those who want some glow-in-the-dark decorations. At Festival Park, riders can relax and enjoy some music while participating in some giveaways.

Full details and registration information is available at https://www.crgov. com/3184/Pedal-the-Moon.

Feel the Artistic Power of ‘Mutual Terrain’ RedLine Contemporary Art Center is celebrating Denver Month of Photography withMutual Terrain, curated by Adán De La Garza and Jenna Maurice. e show is on display at the Center, 2350 Arapahoe St. in Denver, from Fri-

According to a provided statement from the curators, “Mutual Terrain’brings together six artists whose works reveal the land as a living presence — one that remembers, resists, and responds. is exhibition invites viewers to reconsider their relationship to the natural world, not as separate from it, but as deeply entangled within it.” e show encourages and rewards patience, so be ready to take your time. Find more information at https://www. redlineart.org/mutual-terrain-denvermonth-of-video-mov.

Clarke’s Concert of the Week — Car Seat Headrest at Mission Ballroom

Virginia’s Car Seat Headrest are one of the most ambitious bands in the indie rock world. Over the course of their career, they’ve experimented with all kinds of stylistic approaches, from kindof rock operas to just straight up ripping rock albums. You never quite know what you’re going to get, but the lyrics are always extremely literate and the music is top-notch.

In support this their latest release, e Scholars, the band is coming to the Mission Ballroom, 4242 Wynkoop St. at 8 p.m. on Saturday, July 12. ey’ll be joined by openers Slow Fiction for what’s sure to be an evening of great, adventurous live music. Get tickets at www.axs.com.

Clarke Reader’s column on culture appears on a weekly basis. He can be reached at Clarke.Reader@hotmail.com.

Clarke Reader

LIFESTYLES

AN ADVERTISING SECTION OF COLORADO COMMUNITY

A Journey with EChO: 35 Years of Championing Evergreen’s Community

by Dale Flanders Executive Director of Evergreen Christian Outreach

As the Executive Director of Evergreen Christian Outreach (EChO), I’ve had the honor of witnessing the heart and soul of our mountain community. is year, we mark EChO’s 35th anniversary as a 501(c)(3) nonpro t, and I nd myself re ecting on a story that began long before I stepped into this role—a story of compassion, resilience, and hope that took root in 1987 through two people who found themselves at a crossroad. It’s a story I am honored to carry forward.

A Seed Planted in Hardship

In 1987, Jim and Carol Benson lost everything when their business partner disappeared with their assets. It’s hard to imagine the fear and instability they must have felt. But instead of turning inward, they looked outward. ey saw neighbors struggling and felt called to act.

FEATURE OF THE MONTH

Jim, along with his friend Gordon Wyant together with the leadership of Church of the Trans guration, transformed an unused building on the church campus into a modest but meaningful outreach center. ey added heat, lighting, shelves—and a vision. ey reached out to every church in Evergreen, inviting them to join in. Most said yes and still do.

Initially, Jim and Gordon ran the operation themselves, welcoming those in need with open arms. Soon a er, a generous gi enabled them to hire EChO’s rst sta member—an important step toward sustainability. When I visited Carol at our ReSale Store recently, she re ected on those early days with warmth and pride: “It was born out of loss,” she told me. “But we had faith, vision, and heart to

give.” at same spirit drives EChO today.

Growing a Legacy

In the decades since, EChO has grown beyond anything Jim and Carol could have imagined—but always in the spirit of neighbors helping neighbors. Last year that was 1200 of our neighbor families—including 22% of Evergreen's households.

In 1999, Dorinne Reid and Liz Begalla envisioned a ReSale Store that would keep donated goods in the community. At the time, over ow donations were going to a thri store in Idaho Springs. ey saw an opportunity and convinced our Board to rent a small space in Evergreen for $500 a month. Opening-day sales paid for that rst month’s rent.

Today, that store provides a ordable, high-quality goods to the public and vital home essentials to our

EChO on Meadow Dr.

11

clients. It’s a place of dignity, connection, and second chances. And Dorinne is still there—volunteering and inspiring.

en there’s the Turkey Trot. What was sparked by longtime volunteer and former Board President Liz Hawkins has grown into a joyful anksgiving tradition for hundreds. is November will mark 15 years of families and neighbors running— and walking—to support our mission.

Serving with Heart

EChO’s programs today grew out of decades of listening, adapting, and responding to real needs:

• EChO Food Pantry serves 350 families weekly and distributes over 600,000 pounds of food each year, including fresh produce, meat, dairy, and Crock-

Pot meal kits—equivalent to more than 500,000 meals.

• e Kids Summer Lunch Program feeds 200 children during the summer months, thanks to partners like the Evergreen Elks Lodge and Blue Spruce Kiwanis Club.

• Our 15 volunteer lumberjacks cut and process over 100 cords of rewood each year for families who rely on wood-burning heat to survive mountain winters. EChO Shelter operates nightly from October through April. More than just a safe place to sleep, each night our shelter provides homemade meals, clothing, laundry, showers, fellowship, and case management support to help guests journey to stable housing. Our shelter has become a model for care evidenced by our new partnership with Je erson County. rough our Complex Case

Client Services

Our services have no time limits. Whether it is short-term guidance or lifelong support—especially for seniors on fixed incomes or those facing persistent financial barriers—we’re here for the long haul.

FOOD PANTRY

EChO’s client-choice food pantry provides nutritious grocery assistance to individuals and families in need, promoting health and dignity.

Weekly Shopping: Households can access the pantry weekly, as needed. Crock-Pot Meal Package: All the ingredients to prepare a healthy meal once a month.

Summer Lunch Program

Nutritious food choices including fresh produce, dairy and protein.

Sourcing & Distribution: 50% of our food is donated, and 50% is purchased to ensure nutritional quality.

I NEED HELP

Advocacy & Resource Navigation: We connect clients to medical and behavioral health care, substance use recovery, housing applications, legal aid, and benefits like SNAP, Medicaid, and Social Security.

Housing & Stability Solutions: From securing housing vouchers to mediating with landlords, we provide hands-on support to combat housing insecurity. Additional assistance includes transportation, financial literacy, and community resources. Crisis Response: Our team responds swiftly to urgent needs, whether it’s supporting someone transitioning from homelessness to housing or addressing afterhours emergencies.

FIREWOOD

support—especially long

We offer split firewood at no cost, to our clients who heat their homes with wood. This service is available year-round based on available inventory.

Together, we’re helping our community stay safe and warm!

ECHO SHELTER

Open October - April More than just a safe place to sleep.

Guests are provided home cooked dinner, breakfast, and a sack lunch to-go, as well as clothing, showers, and laundry. EChO case management services go beyond just obtaining housing, and include furniture, housewares, utility and rental assistance, and on-going support for stability and growth.

Mortgage Loan O cer Grant Brewster Explains Mortgage Financing Process to His Clients…

By Jo Ann M. Colton Special to Lifestyles

Colorado Foothills native Grant Brewster with Edge Home Finance Corporation, is a pro-active mortgage broker professional and intermediary, not a bank employee or a liate. He frequently has access to a wider range of lenders/ loan products than might otherwise be available to individual borrowers through banks. Likewise, he can o en leverage his longstanding business relationships with multiple lenders to secure optimum rates potentially leading to better deals for his clients.

With thirty-plus years proven industry experience, Grant Brewster thoroughly explains to his clients, not only the entire loan process but also the types of loans (Conventional/FHA/VA/USDA/Second/ Equity) and terms available so they can make the right decisions to suit their

particular needs.

When it comes to xed-rate mortgages, a 30-year mortgage o ers more a ordable monthly payments, but you will pay more in interest. A een-year mortgage has a lower interest rate but demands larger monthly payments. Over time, a 30-year xed mortgage is substantially more expensive than a 15-year loan, but most

borrowers choose the 30-year xed-rate loan because it gives borrowers three decades to pay o the loan.

Wondering the best lender/options for you? Contac t Grant Brewster for all your home nancing needs at Flow eory Coworks, 3540 Evergreen Parkway (720-668-4183/ grant.brewster@edgehome nance.com/www. grantbrewster.com). \

Take on New Hobbies in Retirement

(StatePoint) Retirement should be relaxing, not boring. In fact, taking on new hobbies can keep your mind sharp and body vital as you age. Here are ve ways to stay active in your golden years:

1. Join a gym: Joining a gym is one of the easiest ways to ensure you perform a mix of strength training and cardiovascular exercise. Doing both will help keep your bones and muscles strong and your heart and lungs fully functional. Don’t forget to add in yoga and stretching to promote balance and agility. If a gym is out of reach, see what other nearby opportunities are available for working up a sweat. Many towns and cities o er free and budget-friendly, community-based exercise programming.

2. Play music: ere are numerous cognitive and emotional bene ts associated with playing music. Whether you’re a beginner just looking to pick up the basics or a seasoned musician with the hopes of performing in public, you can equip yourself to sound amazing with a high-quality instrument like the CT-S1-76 keyboard from Casio. Its 76 full-size keys and upgraded 13-watt bass-re ex stereo speaker system with surround e ect lend it incredible sound quality and a dynamic playing experience, while its sleek, portable design makes it a joy to play anytime, anywhere. In addition to remotely controlling the CT-S1-76, you can also use the Casio Music Space app to learn to play your favorite songs with downloadable MIDI les, interact with PDF scores, and much more.

3. Start a book club: It’s always more fun to read books when you can discuss them with friends. From tackling the classics, to diving into non- ction works that will challenge your perspective, to enjoying some easy, breezy beach reads, it’s important that the other members of the group have the same reading goals as you. So do a little leg work in advance to ensure everyone is on the same page.

4. Number crunch: You don’t have to be in school to take up math as a hobby. ere are plenty of recreational mathematicians of all ages who enjoy crunching numbers to work puzzles, compete in games, and uncover patterns in the real world. To get into your mathematical groove and to support your hobby, use a graphing calculator such as the fx-9750GIII from Casio. Its over 2,900 functions, including random number generation, metric conversion and object measurement, make it a great tool for any mathematical project.

5. Learn a language: Learning a new language not only creates new neural pathways in the brain, it can be just the motivational ticket you need to nally visit that bucket list destination you’ve been dreaming of. While formal lessons are great, you can help ensure your skills truly progress through conversation. Lean on services like Tandem to connect with a language partner.

By taking on new hobbies and expanding your interests, you can carve out a retirement that is active, adventurous and good for your body, mind and soul.

How a Fireplace Adds Value to Your Home

Wood or gas replaces and freestanding stoves are in high demand in Evergreen. ey’re part of the mountain lifestyle, sources of heat, architectural focal points, and natural gathering spots. Rooms with replaces automatically feel cozier. No other feature says “gather around and make memories!” But how much value do replaces add? Sticks and stones can make a house but a replace makes it home!

Buyers consider several factors: reliable heat during a power outage, ongoing operating costs, and aesthetics. Modern wood- and gas-burning replaces and stoves are great options for our area. ey are incredibly e cient, environmentally friendly and beautiful, with styles that cater to every taste.

How Much Value Will a Fireplace Add?

e exact ROI from adding a replace can range between 6-12% of the home’s value. It’s hard to say if the cost of a new replace and installation will yield a high enough ROI to cancel out the initial investment. New energy-ecient replaces are on the higher end of the spectrum since buyers are o en willing to pay more for a home with an attractive, modern replace.

Some things can’t be assigned dollar signs. How much value do you place on comfort? How about elegance, cozi-

ness, rustic charm, a sleek modern vibe or other aesthetic you’re looking for? How about peace of mind knowing you can stay warm no matter what?

Which Type of Fireplace Adds the Most Value? is IS a trick question. ere is no one best or most valuable type. You may love your gas replace but the next homeowner may not want a push-button replace. But remember, any replace can be replaced with a di erent fuel type, so don’t sweat it! Do what makes sense for you. Our sales team can help you choose!

Location is important too. A replace or freestanding stove that’s located where people spend most of their time adds more value than a replace in a formal living or dining room that only sees a few holiday gatherings. A replace or stove in the kitchen? YES. In the family room? YES. In the basement rec room? YES. Put a replace where people live for the most value!

If your budget doesn’t allow for a new replace, transform an existing replace with a new insert to boost its aesthetic appeal, functionality, and value.

A less expensive option is refacing your replace doors if you like the location and function of the replace but not its dated looks. Both wood- and gas-burning replace doors can be refaced for a fresh new look without the

expense of a major renovation.

What A ects Value?

No matter which option you choose, what a ects the value of this improvement?

1. Quality: Fireplaces, stoves, inserts, and doors from premium manufacturers that use the best materials will stand the test of time.

2. Energy-e cient features: Heat-circulating blowers, thermostatic controls, and smart remotes lower heating costs and boost e ciency. Even old-school methods can increase e ciency, like soapstone that continues to radiate heat a er the re is out.

3. Safety is built-in to all new replaces and stoves. Our NFI-Certi ed professional installers make sure everything is to code. Your replace will be a centerpiece that should look great and function awlessly.

4. Aesthetics: Our sales team will help you choose door styles, nishes, handles, and other details that will look great in your space.

Ready to add value to your home? Call our friendly sales team today at 303-679-1601, stop by the showroom at 7001 Hwy 73 in Marshdale, or visit our website at www. mtnhp.com.

From Page 14

Management, we guide clients through challenging systems—navigating Medicaid, Medicare, Social Security, Veterans and Disability bene ts, and more. We also support job seekers, provide referrals, and help coordinate care across health, legal, and social service systems. Our team helps people nd housing, secure vouchers, mediate with landlords, access transportation, and build nancial literacy.

In the last ve years, we’ve helped more than 80 individuals move from homelessness into permanent housing—a milestone that changes everything. at’s not just a number—it’s 80 lives stabilized, 80 new beginnings. One client called us “miracle workers.” at sticks with me. A home isn’t just a roof; it’s the foundation for emotional stability, social connection, and a digni ed life.

Real People, Real Stories

e people we serve are the heartbeat of EChO. Our mission is to champion people on their unique path from survival to success. ese are not statistics—they’re our neighbors.

ere’s Robert (Names changed for privacy), who has spent decades living outdoors and is now just steps away from stable housing. His case manager is his anchor through delays and setbacks. ere’s Laura, a survivor of domestic violence and identity the , piecing her life back together. And Anna, raising her grandson, stretching

e Turkey Trot has become an Evergreen anksgiving Day tradition

every resource to provide him a better life. eir grit, grace, and resilience inspire me daily.

EChO’s Own Path to Stability

In many ways, EChO’s organizational journey mirrors that of our clients. In 2020, COVID-19 brought both uncertainty and clarity. We realized just how urgently

we needed a permanent space—one large enough to meet growing demand and resilient enough to withstand future crises.

NOMINATED FOR THE COLORADO INDEPENDENT PUBLISHERS ASSOCIATION EVVY AWARD

Page 18

at’s when we experienced our “miracle!” Under the leadership of Board President Ray Dowdle, the relentless determination of Jan Stadler, and the tireless work of our Board, we were able to purchase our current location. anks to a creative and generous partnership with the building’s previous owners—true champions of EChO—we entered into favorable agreement and consolidated our operations under one roof. at stability has been transformational. Like our clients, having a permanent home means we can plan for the future, strengthen our programs, and ensure the wellbeing of our sta and volunteers.

Listening and Learning

One of the most meaningful parts of my role is facilitating our quarterly Client Advisory Committee meetings. ese gatherings ground our work in lived experience.

Clients share stories of heartbreak, creativity, perseverance, gratitude, and deep generosity. An artist in recovery, homeless but making beauty every day. A single mom entrepreneur working hard to build a life for her son—and give back to her community. People are determined to not be de ned by their circumstance.

We don’t see our clients as problems to be solved. We see them as people with gi s to share and dreams to realize. Our job is to help clear the path.

Championing Tomorrow—Together

At EChO, “champion” isn’t just a noun—it’s a verb. It means to upli , advocate, and believe in people’s potential. It’s what Jim and Carol did in 1987. It’s what every volunteer, donor, employee, and partner continues to do today.

As we look ahead, we remain committed to walking alongside people on their journey—whether they come to us for food, housing, clothing, stability, or simply hope.

crises.

Whether you’ve generously supported us nancially, volunteered, shopped at ReSale, run the Turkey Trot, cut rewood, or simply shared a kind word—you are part of this legacy. ank you for being our champion. Together, we can build hope, health and security. Here's to the next 35 years.

Above: e EChO ReSale shop. Far Le : EChO founders Jim Benson and Gordon Wyant Le : A clipping from the Sept. 17, 2003 edition of the Canyon Courier about the opening of the EChO ReSale Shop

Skilled campers detail Colorado’s best summer spots

BY JOHN RENFROW JOHN@COTLN.ORG

Summertime is in full bloom in Colorado, meaning perfect temperatures and picturesque backdrops for some hiking, camping and stargazing along the Front Range and beyond.

But in such a saturated state for adoring nature, plus those weekend crowds on I-70, how do you know where to start? Just like trying to pin down a hike on AllTrails, it can feel like spotting a needle in a haystack.

You don’t want somewhere too crowded, too far away or all booked up with reservations. Plus, where you pitch a tent for the night may determine the extent of supplies you’ll need.

e Colorado Trust for Local News asked experienced locals where to start when looking for ideal camping nights in the Centennial State. Take notes from the testimonials below.

Important note: Always check campground rules and regulations before hitting the road and settling down for the night. Camping in the wrong areas is illegal and could result in nes or criminal charges.

Dispersed camping

“ ere are a couple of places south of Buena Vista. ere’s a road out there that I like going to. It’s a little bit more traveled, but I found camping there last weekend ... it’s really close to town near Browns Creek Trailhead. And this is dispersed

camping (I camp with a camper. I’m not a tent camper, I’m a camper camper). It gets real close to town, and it’s quiet back in here, and there’s a trailhead right there where I like to camp.”

-Joe Lopez, Arvada

Awesome spaces in Deckers

“Down just o US 285, just south of it, that whole region is called the South Platte. In the northern portion of the South Platte, the Deckers area as a whole, there’s a lot of open space land and BLM (Bureau of Land Management) land. In that, you can nd a lot of awesome spaces there. Potentially, some of them are free to just go camp. You just pull your car right to the spot. ere’s no one around, usually, and you just pitch your tent or park your RV and you’re camping.”

-Angus Applegarth, Evergreen Fire Protection District

Options for campers or for backpackers

“ ere is one trail that leads you to Horse Shoe Campground in Golden Gate State Park, which is a backpack-in-andout situation, really nice and not a crazy hike, but very beautiful. en Wolford Reservoir is great for next-to-water camping and large groups. For a camper-accessible option, the River Campsite near Estes Park would be a good option.”

-Lori Abbey, Arvada

Riverside camping

“Poudre Canyon is probably my No. 1. It’s easily accessible and the drive out is

beautiful. Along the canyon is the Poudre River that has accessible beaches for chilling, shing and tubing. ere’s also guided white water rafting before my favorite spot, a restaurant/venue called Mishawaka Amphitheater, which is always a good stop for a beer and lunch by the water. e great part about the canyon is that there’s camping by the water and up on the mountain. Some spots are paid, but others are BLM.

I also really enjoy the Black Canyon of Gunnison National Park. ere’s a load of free camping nearby and it’s a jaw-dropping experience, from the drop o to the views. I remember getting in late for my rst visit and setting up camp, excited for the canyon. Waking up, I expected nothing, but walked out and felt like I was shot back to prehistoric times. Absolute beauty.”

-Jimmy Garcia, Northglenn

Secluded and private

“I love Guanella Pass because it’s just easily accessible, provides beautiful water and valley views and feels secluded and private.”

-Shelby Andress, Denver

Falls and dunes

“We really enjoy camping at the Great Sand Dunes, for obvious reasons. Zapata Falls is only about seven miles south of the sand dunes. It’s a really wonderful spot to go visit, and right now it’s actually glacial,

Youth boys lacrosse players pose for a photo at a previous camp held by Evergreen High School’s lacrosse program. The Cougars announced another camp this July 30, 31 and Aug. 1 at the high school. COURTESY PHOTO

Evergreen boys lacrosse hosts youth summer camp

BY JOHN RENFROW JOHN@COTLN.ORG

Coming o a semi nal appearance in the 4A state tournament this spring, Evergreen’s boys lacrosse team is cutting summer vacation short to get back on the eld to host a youth camp in July.

e Cougars — who nished 15-3 overall and 4-1 in the 4A Foothills League this spring— announced a lacrosse camp for boys ages kindergarten through eighth grade on July 30, 31 and Aug. 1 at the high school elds. Sessions run from 9 a.m. to noon each camp day. All skill levels are welcome.

According to a release, players will get “hands-on instruction through engaging drills, scrimmages and character challenges” led by team players and coaches.

“We’re proud to bring together young athletes from across the com-

munity to celebrate the fastest game on two feet,” said Head Coach Mark Stapor. “It’s about building skills, con dence and friendships — and of course, having a ton of fun.”

e camp registry costs $150 per player. Each camper will receive a certi cate to redeem for a custom Tshirt or water bottle from the event.

All proceeds from the camp go directly back into the lacrosse program, helping with organizational costs like game transportation and equipment.

Evergreen lost to eventual threetime champion Dakota Ridge in the semi nal round, snapping an eight-game winning streak for the Cougars. e program has enjoyed three consecutive double-digit winning seasons.

Space is limited, so families are encouraged to register early to reserve a spot by registering online at www.cougsmlax.com.

Lake just because it’s so convenient. It’s relatively inexpensive, it’s a good place to go sh and go exploring.

We have a 30-foot camper, travel trailer, so we have to rent a space like six months in advance. But there are tent sides all over the place. e cool thing about that, too, is you can go from dome tent campsites to the walk-in, double-room ones. It’s all really at. On the south campground, there’s a boathouse so you can rent whatever you need. If you go to the marina, you can actually rent a boat and kick around. We like to take our paddle boards into a couple coves ... gosh, just lay on your back, stare at the sky and fall asleep for a while, let the water just take

-Keith Hancock, ornton

Colorado Alpenglow player Jade McLaughlin screams triumphantly after snagging a disc out of the air for a catch.

Colorado Alpenglow players named WUL All-Stars

Pro ultimate frisbee players to represent the best in Wisconsin

BY JOHN RENFROW JOHN@COTLN.ORG

For the rst time, an AllStar showdown is set between the Western Ultimate League and the Premier Ultimate League during the 2025 United Frisbee Association Championship weekend.

ree Colorado Alpenglow players are making the trip to Madison, Wisconsin, on Aug. 23 to represent the WUL.

e Alpenglow is an ultimate frisbee team of women

and nonbinary players that plays at the Pinnacle Athletic Complex in ornton.

Founded in 2022, the Alpenglow has seen quick success, and the team is the reigning 2024 WUL Champions.

Colorado’s Allysha Dixon, Jade McLaughlin and Abby orpe are joining 17 other WUL All-Stars from the seven teams in the league and will take on 20 players representing the PUL. Surprisingly, WUL O ensive Player of the Year Ari Nelson, also on the Alpenglow, didn’t make the All-Star team.

e rosters were determined by fan voting and team nominations.

According to the WUL’s website, “these players represent the best of what both

leagues have to o er — elite skills, unmatched athleticism and leadership on and o the eld. More than just a showcase of talent, this event is a celebration of the community, the progress, and the players pushing professional women’s and nonbinary ultimate forward.”

e Alpenglow nished 6-0 in the 2025 season before falling short in the playo s. Coaches omas Echols, Lena Goren and Madison Oleson won Coaching Sta of the Year.

e WUL versus PUL AllStar Game begins at 5:00 p.m. E.T. on Aug. 23. Tickets are available at watchufa. com/league/champweekend, and the event will be live and free on YouTube.

The sun sets on a perfect summer camping night at the Great Sand Dunes in Colorado. PHOTO COURTESY OF KEITH HANCOCK

PHOTO COURTESY OF THE COLORADO ALPENGLOW

Slacker Race draws thousand to Georgetown

Runners of every age, style and home state take part in beloved run

BY CHRISTOPHER KOEBERL CHRIS@COTLN.ORG

e annual Slacker four-mile and halfmarathon from Loveland Ski Area to downtown Georgetown brought at least 2,200 runners, walkers and enthusiasts to the mountain town from Colorado and across the country.

is year’s event posed several challenges for a group of ve organizers who, at the last minute, had to step up to make it happen. Jenn Jordan-Truesdale, the original person responsible for putting together the race, was “let go” by CCMRD just four weeks before the runners were at the starting line, according to Evan Bullock.

“We all came together because the race organizer was let go, we had to do it for the 2,000 people who signed up six months in advance,” Bullock said.

Advertising for the Slacker started months before the event, promising participants could “Seize the chance to earn your bragging rights as a true Slacker! Embark on this exhilarating journey starting at the base of Loveland Ski Area, perched at an impressive elevation of 10,880 ft. Brace yourself for an unforgettable descent to 8,400ft,” the ads on Facebook promised.

Another perk to the race was promoted as post-race entertainment and a community gathering.

and

from

“Post-race festivities in charming historic Georgetown,” the advertisement read.

”Picture an abundance of freebies, locally crafted beer, post-race pampering, and entertainment to celebrate your achievement.”

Overcoming some setbacks

Race day on June 28, competitors, spectators, family and friends of runners didn’t seem to notice the last-minute preparations. Medals for nishers needed to be put in place, tee-shirts for volunteers needed to be prepared and lots of vendors needed to be guided into place. Despite a few setbacks, it seemed like a seamless event for all in attendance.

Trevor Walters from Grand Junction had

plenty of support when he crossed the nish line, where his wife, Johanna and 20-month-old son Tatum were waiting with hugs.

Walters said, despite running at least 30 miles a week for recreation, this is the rst race he’s signed up for and completed.

e experience was worth it, he said.

“People are all up and down the road cheering you on, no matter who you are, so it’s really friendly,” Walters said.

Lisa Atencio from Arvada also ran the race, but said she was glad she and her friend picked the shorter course this year.

“It was nice, a little warm, so I’m glad I only did the four-mile,” Antencio said.

“It’s great business in Georgetown and the community members seem to love it because they come out and support it.”

Several of the racers had arrived near Georgetown days before the Slacker from out-of-state in preparation to participate in this one-of-a-kind race down the mountain.

Andy Smith from Dallas ew in the ursday before with 15 friends and family. ey do it every year, he said. is year’s run was especially challenging for Smith, who was ve weeks out from knee surgery. at certainly wasn’t

Shawnee Mission East Varsity Cross Country Team in Overland Park, Kan. at Slacker in Georgetown June 28. PHOTOS BY CHRIS KOEBERL

Slacker four-mile

half-marathon

Loveland Ski Area to downtown Georgetown brought at least 2,200 runners, walkers and enthusiasts to the mountain town from Colorado and across the country June 28.

Lawmakers seek answsers on wolf reintroduction

Program costs have far exceeded initial estimate presented to voters

BY SARA WILSON NEWSLINE COLORADO

e head of Colorado Parks and Wildlife told lawmakers on Monday that it is the department’s “preference” to release more wolves into the state next year, despite calls to pause the reintroduction program.

“I don’t have the right answer to whether or not a pause is the right thing to do, or get the last 15 (wolves) out and move on to the management piece,” CPW Director Je Davis said. “Every time we release more animals, it’s more emotional and di cult for us to pull o that operation, and it’s also challenging for the (livestock) producers at the same time.”

Davis appeared in front of the Colorado Legislature’s Water Resources and Agriculture Review Committee to give an update on the state’s wolf reintroduction plan, which voters approved in 2020. Wildlife o cials have released 25 wolves in the state since December 2023 from Oregon and Canada.

e original goal was to release 10 to 15 per year for three to ve years, beginning in 2023, to get to a stable population of at least 50 wolves in the state.

Davis said the department’s preference is to sign a new agreement with British Columbia to relocate more wolves from Canada.

But the program is highly controversial, especially among rural Colorado farmers and ranchers who decry wolves killing their livestock. Between April 2024 and

April 2025, wolves killed at least 25 cattle and sheep, according to the recently released annual report on the reintroduction e ort.

e Copper Creek pack was responsible for many livestock deaths in Grand County in 2023, prompting to CPW to capture the six wolves last September and release them alongside the Canadian wolves earlier this year in a di erent part of the state. at decision, producers said Monday, led to an erosion of trust in CPW.

“A depredating pack was known to have depredated in Oregon before they put them in Middle Park. ey had a serious impact there. ey packaged them up, put them away for a while and then they put them back out right in my backyard,” said Tom Harrington, a cattle producer in Roaring Fork Valley and previous president of the Colorado Cattlemen’s Association.

of longtime teammates from the Shawnee Mission East Varsity Cross Country Team in Overland Park, Kan.

going to stop him, he said.

“I’ve done the race several years and I knew I couldn’t do the (half-marathon) so my goal was to walk four miles and I made it, barely,” Smith said, smiling. He relied on his medical walker to navigate the crowd following his nish.

Elsewhere in the crowd, a large group of young runners celebrated their teammates’ apparent rst-place victory in the Women’s four-mile category.

High school Senior Charlotte Hardy took the title with the support of nearly a dozen

“ e altitude is hard to run in, but when we come out here, we stop feeling the effects pretty quickly, so we can still get a good race out of it,” SME runner Chloe Swan said.

Altitude aside, there is one thing all of the varsity squad agreed on instantly as an advantage to running in the mountains.

When the Courant asked about the difference in humidity, they all answered simultaneously: “ ere’s none of it,” “It’s fantastic,” “Yeah, I think it’s 100% right now back home,” the team laughed. e community event relies on dozens of volunteers who give their time and en-

A September 2024 petition led by a coalition of livestock associations and other agricultural interest groups requested a pause in CPW’s planned reintroductions until the department could implement strategies to prevent depredations.

CPW’s commissionrejected the petitionin January.

“I believe that we need no more new releases until plans are in place and the basics are working,” Harrington said Monday. “We need metrics to measure the success of what this program is. I believe we can — and here comes that word that I really don’t like — coexist with the wolves that choose to not prey on our livestock.”

CPW has worked through some of the seven points of the petition, including de ning “chronic depredation” as three or more depredations by the same wolf or wolves within 30 days. e division has also outlined a lethal removal approach that starts by killing one or two wolves,

ergy to make the intricate festival come together.

Otto and his son Eric Vangeet from York Gulch in Idaho Springs were two of those volunteers giving up their Saturday for the community and friends. It was the father/son’s rst year volunteering but, as a friend of one of the organizers, they willingly gave their time handing out nisher medals.

“It’s a cool event, everybody’s having fun, it’s beautiful weather and there’s a whole bunch of happy people that feel accomplished for nishing whatever race they did, so a lot of smiles,” Vangeet said.

Organizers said, hopefully with a little more prep time, the iconic Slacker race will be back, even better, next year.

evaluating the pack’s behavior and its e ect on depredation, then considering additional lethal removals. CPW also started a range rider program to deploy riders in areas with high wolf con ict to “proactively haze predators using nonlethal techniques,” according to the annual report.

CPW killed a wolf for the rst time in May in Pitkin County.

“ e idea of a pause continues to make sense to me, if it creates more time for more robust implementation and completion of those seven items, and maybe now beyond those seven,” House Speaker Julie McCluskie, a Dillon Democrat, said.

“But I think the entire reintroduction and restoration is at risk if we can’t get our legs underneath us and be in a position to do this the way we need to.”

Representatives from CPW also told lawmakers Monday that the cost of the reintroduction has reached about $3 million. In 2020, voters were given an estimate of about $800,000 for the program.

“I understand a lot of this money is going to ranchers and producers to help to compensate them,” Sen. Dylan Roberts, a Frisco Democrat, said. “ at’s money hopefully being well spent, but that’s also money in the state of Colorado right now — in the budget situation we’re in — that is not going to xing potholes in roads. It’s not going to classrooms across the state. It’s not going to people who are losing their health care and many who are about to lose their health care. is seems out of control.”

Davis said there are a lot of factors that go into realizing the reintroduction plan that were not considered in the ballot cost estimate, such as the state’s decision to compensate for livestock weight loss and fewer pregnancies due to wolf presence and the high cost of beef.

Colorado Parks and Wildlife placed GPS collars on two wolves in North Park on Feb. 2, 2023. Male wolf 2101 has a gray coat and is in the foreground on the right. Male wolf 2301, believed to be the o spring of the gray colored wolf, has a black coat and is in the background on the left.

COURTESY COLORADO PARKS AND WILDLIFE

Drop-in child care at the Denver airport due in 2026

BY ANN SCHIMKE CHALKBEAT

Denver airport o cials plan to open a small drop-in child care center in 2026 and are studying the possibility of opening another child care center that would serve more employees in the future.

e drop-in center will have room for 20 children and be located on the fourth level of the airport’s hotel and transit center, within a new training facility called the Center of Equity and Excellence in Aviation. e child care center is meant to provide occasional care and will primarily serve the children of airport employees or community members who are participating in training center activities.

While the planned center would serve only a tiny fraction of the airport’s more than 40,000 employees, it represents a rst step toward boosting the number of child care seats in an area with limited supply. O cials at the airport, which is the nation’s third busiest, beganstudying the possibility of a child care centerat or near the airport’s far northeast Denver campus earlier this year.

at area of the city has so few statelicensed child care slots, it’s considered a child care desert.

e Denver airport will soon join a few other U.S. airports with on- or near-site child care facilities. ey include Los Angeles International Airport, which operates a center for the children of employees a few blocks from the airport campus, and Pittsburgh International Airport, which runs a center in a converted terminal. Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport is slated to open a center on its campus this year. e three centers are

bigger than what’s planned at Denver’s airport.

Denver’s drop-in center will have two classrooms — one for babies and toddlers and one for preschoolers — and a separate play area. It will be open 10 to 12 hours a day Monday through Friday year-round, including on holidays, according to the airport’srecent request for proposals,which seeks an operator to run the child care center.

Parents participating in activities at the airport training center will pay nothing for care. Some airport employees not participating in training activities also will be allowed to use the child care center for back-up care, but will have to pay a fee.

Ashley Forest, an airport spokesperson, said by email that she couldn’t provide information on which employees will be eligible for back-up care at the center or whether they will pay a discounted fee. She also couldn’t provide details on whether families will be limited to a certain number of weekly or monthly hours of care at the center.

Forest said plans for the drop-in center came out of the second phase of the airport’s three-phase child care feasibility study. e third phase will look at the possibility of “an airportwide child care solution,” which could be a second child care center on or near the airport campus. Earlier this spring, airport o cials es-

timated that 19,000 of more than 40,000 airport employees fall into the 20- to 39-year-old age range, but said they still needed more information about how many of those employees have young children and need child care. e airport is working with a businessoriented group, Executives Partnering to Invest in Children, on the child care feasibility study. Forest said she expects a recommendation to come out of phase three later this year.

Reprinted with permission from Chalkbeat, a nonpro t news site covering educational change in public schools. Sign up for their newsletters at ckbe.at/newsletters.

WORSHIP DIRECTORY

BERGEN PARK CHURCH

Bergen Park Church is a group of regular people who strive to improve ourselves and our community by studying the Bible and sharing our lives with each other. On Sunday mornings you can expect contemporary live music, Children’s Ministry that seeks to love and care for your kids, teaching from the Bible, and a community of real people who are imperfect, but seek to honor God in their lives. We hope to welcome you soon to either our 9:00AM or 10:30AM Sunday service. Search Bergen Park Church on YouTube for Livestream service at 9:00am 31919 Rocky Village Dr. 303-674-5484 info@bergenparkchurch.org / www.BergenParkChurch.org

CHRISTIAN SCIENCE CHURCH SERVICES

28244 Harebell Lane

Sunday Service & Sunday School: 10 a.m.

Wednesday evening: 7p.m: (Zoom only Nov.1st-Mar. 31st.) Visit: www.christianscienceevergreen.com for more information and ZOOM link

Reading Room: 4602 Plettner Lane 303-674-5296 OPEN: TUES-SAT 12 p.m.-3 p.m.

CHURCH OF THE HILLS PRESBYTERIAN (USA) Serving the mountain community from the heart of Evergreen Worship 10:00 a.m.

Reverend Richard Aylor

O ce Hours: Tu-Thur 9:00 - 4:00; Fri 9:00 - noon Bu alo Park Road and Hwy 73 www.churchofthehills.com

CHURCH OF THE TRANSFIGURATION EPISCOPAL

In-Church: Sunday Communion Quiet Service 8:00 am & with Music 10:15 am 10:15 am only Zoom: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86017266569

In-Meadow: 2nd Sunday of the month at 9:30 a.m. --June through September— 27640 Highway 74 – ¼ mile east of downtown Evergreen at the Historic Bell Tower www.transfigurationevergreen.org

CONGREGATION BETH EVERGREEN (SYNAGOGUE)

Reconstructionist Synagogue

Rabbi Jamie Arnold www.BethEvergreen.org / (303) 670-4294 2981 Bergen Peak Drive (behind Life Care)

DEER PARK UNITED METHODIST CHURCH

Reverend Dr. Knut Heim, pastor, Sunday Worship 10 AM

Located one mile west of Pine Junction just o Rt. 285 966 Rim Rock Road, Bailey (303) 838-6759 deerparkumc.org

All are welcome to our open/inclusive congregation!

EVERGREEN LUTHERAN CHURCH 5980 Highway 73 + 303-674-4654

Rev. Terry Schjang

Join us for worship in person or on our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/c/EvergreenLutheranChurch Sunday Worship held at 9am. www.evergreenlutheran.org + All Are Welcome!

LOOKOUT MOUNTAIN COMMUNITY CHURCH – EPC 1036 El Rancho Rd, Evergreen – (303) 526-9287 www.lomcc.org – o ce@lomcc.org Sunday Worship 10:00 a.m., with communion every Sunday “Real Church In An UnReal World”

A community empowered by the Holy Spirit which seeks authentic relationships with God and others to share the good news of Jesus with Evergreen, the Front Range and the world. Come as you are, all are welcome!

PLATTE CANYON COMMUNITY CHURCH

Located: 4954 County Road 64 in Bailey. O ce hours MWF 8am-1pm 303-838-4409, Worship & Children’s Church at 10am

Small group studies for all ages at 9am

Transitional Pastor: Mark Chadwick

Youth Pastor: Jay Vonesh

Other activities: Youth groups, Men’s/Women’s ministries, Bible studies, VBS, MOPS, Cub/Boy Scouts.

ROCKLAND COMMUNITY CHURCH

“Connecting all generations to Jesus”

Please check our website, www.Rockland.church, for updated service times ¼ mile north of I-70 at exit 254 17 S Mt. Vernon Country Club Rd., Golden, CO 80401 303-526-0668

SHEPHERD OF THE ROCKIES LUTHERAN CHURCH Missouri Synod. 106 Rosalie Road, Bailey, CO 303-838-2161 Pastor John Graham Sunday Worship Service; 9 a.m., Fellowship Time; 10:15 a.m., Sunday School & Bible Class; 10:45 a.m. www.shepherdoftherockies.org

UNITED METHODIST CHURCH OF EVERGREEN Rev. Sarah Clark • 303.674.4810

Denver International Airport plans to open a drop-in childcare service in 2026. FILE PHOTO

A “Lost Boy of Sudan” returns to north Denver

Arok Garang said cuts to USAID immediately hurt supplies to the refugees

BY MONTE WHALEY MONTE@COTLN.ORG

Cuts to a key international aid program by the Trump administration hit the Seeds of South Sudan education effort quickly and hard, said founder Arok uch Garang.

e cuts were immediately felt in the Kakuma Refugee Camp in Kenya, where orphans rescued by Seeds of South Sudan subsist and struggle for a better life, said Garang, one of the original Lost Boys of Sudan.

e USAID organization provided basic needs such as food and medical supplies for the 250,000 who crowded into Kakuma, said Garang, a former Westminster Schools employee.

“ ere wasn’t anything or anybody not a ected by cuts,” he said. “Now there is a daily scramble, a daily competition for rations.”

Yet, the young orphans still yearn for an education, which Seeds works to provide through donations, mostly from Americans, Garang said. “We try and help them as much as we can. ey (the orphans) want a bright future.”’

Kakuma orphans are selected to attend boarding schools in Kenya for their education. e students received three meals a day, medical care and an education, Garang said. Since the founding of Seeds of South Sudan in 2009, sponsors in the United States have helped educate

We

187 orphans, Garang said.

82 have graduated from high school and 24 are in college in Kenya, said Peggy Gonder, a spokeswoman for Seeds of South Sudan. Five have earned scholarships to universities in Canada.

Fleeing across Africa

Garang’s journey is one of harrowing survival. He said his family herded cattle peacefully in South Sudan until 1989 when oil was discovered on the land, and the Arab Muslim militia from Khartoum declared jihad against southern Christians and traditional believers. e militia set re to his village, and he ed Sudan at age seven. He said he

survived with the aid of a 10-year-old cousin as they traveled 1,000 miles to Ethiopia. ey had to ee Ethiopia 18 months later due to war and many died swimming across a crocodile- lled river.

It took him and his cousin a year to walk to the Kakuma refugee camp in Kenya, “a brutally hot and dangerous place,” Garang said on the Seeds of South Sudan website.

Garang said he spent nearly 10 years in the Kakuma refugee camp before coming to Denver in 2001 with the help of the United Nations. He then earned a degree in economics at the University of Colorado-Denver.

He eventually returned to South Sudan

to help his people answer God’s calling, he said.

“ roughout the years, I’ve heard God calling me to rebuild my village by educating, equipping, and empowering the South Sudanese children who survived the genocide,” Garang has said. is week, Garang disclosed the meaning behind the Seeds of South Sudan name.

“A village elder told me I will return to my home to plant the seeds of a new life. at’s where my organization is going and why we are trying to help.”

Spreading the word

Garang began speaking to several local non-pro ts in May in hopes of raising awareness of Seeds of South Sudan’s e ort to educate the South Sudan orphans.

His talk,  “Inspiring Hope - Transforming Lives,”describes Garang’s journey of survival to  Kenya and then the US, where he founded  Seeds of South Sudan, and he’s made his presentation at churches in Denver and in the northern suburbs, as well as in Nebraska.

Garang spoke at the Secular Hub, 254 Knox Court in Denver on June 28 and at Denver’s Montview Presbyterian Church in Westminster’s Covenant Living on June 29.

His Denver Metro tour continues at 9 and 10:30 a.m. July 13 at Northglenn Christian Church, 1800 E. 105th Place in Northglenn. Check the website: https:// seedsofsouthsudan.org  for updates and more information.

To schedule Arok Garang to speak to your group, email info@seedsofsouthsudan.org or leave a message at 720-6446662 by July 8.

You

We’ll resolve your debt as quickly as possible so you can finally start living the life you want.

Arok Thuch Garang speaks at several churches and non-profits about Sudanese orphans MONTE WHALEY

CROWSSUPDRO ELZZ

1. ANIMAL KINGDOM: What is a female goat called?

2. TELEVISION: What is the name of the town in “Gilmore Girls”?

3. GEOGRAPHY: How many states does the Appalachian Trail cross?

4. MOVIES: Which actress voices the character Jessie in “Toy Story 2”?

5. U.S. PRESIDENTS: What is believed to have caused President Zachary Taylor’s death?

6. ANATOMY: What is the most abundant protein in the human body?

7. GEOMETRY: How many sides does a hexagon have?

8. LITERATURE: Serial killer Hannibal Lecter rst appears in which novel?

9. ASTRONOMY: What are planets outside our solar system called?

10. MUSIC: Who was the rst women inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of

TrIVIa

Fame?

Answers

1. A doe or nanny.

2. Stars Hollow.

3. 14.

4. Joan Cusack.

5. Acute gastroenteritis.

6. Collagen.

7. Six.

8. “Red Dragon” by omas Harris.

9. Exoplanets.

10. Aretha Franklin.

(c) 2025 King Features Synd., Inc.

Crossword

BY DELILAH BRUMMER

Many Colorado lawmakers and medical experts were already concerned about how the Trump administration could shake up vaccine recommendations and access in the state. en Robert F. Kennedy Jr., secretary of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services,dismissed all 17 expertson the federal Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices, replacing them with eight new members, many of whom are seen as vaccine skeptics.

But months before the changes at ACIP, state lawmakers approved a bill meant to insulate Colorado from vaccine policies that are inconsistent with

VACCINE SKEPTICISM

scienti c evidence. House Bill 25-1027 allows the state Board of Health to go beyond exclusively following ACIP for school vaccine requirements and consider recommendations from doctors’ groups, including the American Academy of Pediatrics and the American College of Physicians. It was signed into law in April.

State Sen. Lindsey Daugherty, an Arvada Democrat, was one of the bill’s sponsors. She said the provision that gives the state Board of Health more exibility came from “discussions of what could be the worst thing that could happen (with ACIP), and how do we protect Colorado, future-looking?”

“Unfortunately, we’ve had to play on the defensive a lot in Colorado, and

PUBLIC NOTICES Legals

at the hour of 9:00 a.m., at 30920 Stagecoach Boulevard, Evergreen, Colorado, as the date, time and place of an open meeting at which such Petitions shall be heard.

The names and addresses of the Petitioners and description of the properties to be included are:

1.PROPERTY OWNERS’ NAMES AND ADDRESS: Michel E. Ross Timothy E. Ross P.O. Box 55 Evergreen, Colorado 80437

PROPERTY DESCRIPTION:

Parcel A: A tract of land located in the SE¼SW¼, Section 4, Township 5 South, Range 71 West of the 6th P.M., Jefferson County, Colorado, as more fully described in the Petition for Inclusion filed with the Board of Directors of the District.

Parcel B: A tract of land located in the SW¼SE¼, Section 4, Township 5 South, Range 71 West of the 6th P.M., Jefferson County, Colorado, as more fully described in the Petition for Inclusion filed with the Board of Directors of the District.

Parcel C: The northeasterly part of that certain tract of land as originally surveyed and as described in Deed recorded October 5, 1927 in Book 302 at Page 69 of the Jefferson County Clerk and Recorder records, being in the NW¼ of Section 9, Township 5 South, Range 71 West of the 6th P.M., Jefferson County, Colorado, as more fully described in the Petition for Inclusion filed with the Board of Directors of the District.

Also known as Jefferson County Schedule No. 300040335, and 30120 Troutdale Scenic Drive, Evergreen, Colorado 80439.

2.PROPERTY OWNERS’ NAMES AND ADDRESS: Cheryl D. Keough

DPD Revocable Trust dated December 4, 2023 33607 Valley View Drive Evergreen, Colorado 80437

PROPERTY DESCRIPTION: Lot 19, Rosedale Acres, Jefferson County, Colorado; also known as Schedule No. 300040299 and 33607 Valley View Drive, Evergreen, Colorado 80439. All interested parties may appear at such hearing to show cause in writing why such Petition should not be granted.

BY ORDER OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF THE EVERGREEN METROPOLITAN DISTRICT. EVERGREEN METROPOLITAN DISTRICT

By:/s/ Mark Davidson, Chair

that’s something we take really seriously, because now, at least in Colorado, folks can look to science-based recommendations for vaccines for kids, instead of the politically stacked ACIP,” Daugherty said.

e federal advisory committee, which is part of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, is now chaired by Martin Kulldor , a doctor and former Harvard Medical School professor who was red in 2024 after declining the COVID-19 vaccine.

e committee met for the rst time with its new members on Wednesday and ursday, and voted to ban thimerosal, a harmless preservative used in a small portion of u vaccines. e committee also announced it will reexam-

ine current recommendations around childhood vaccination schedules and hepatitis B immunizations.

“Some media outlets have been very harsh on the new members of this committee, issuing false accusations and making concerted e orts to put scientists in either a pro- or anti-vaccine box,” Kulldor said during the commission meeting. “Such labels undermine critical scienti c inquiry, and it further feeds the ame of vaccine hesitancy. To thoroughly scrutinize and assure the safety and e cacy of vaccines is a pro-vaccine position.”

is story is from Colorado Newsline. Used by permission. For more, and to support the news organization, visit coloradonewsline.com.

Legal Notice No. CAN 2006

First Publication: July 10, 2025 Last Publication: July 10, 2025 Publisher: Canyon Courier

NOTICE TO AMEND 2024 BUDGET FOR ROXBOROUGH WATER AND SANITATION DISTRICT

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that an amended budget was submitted to the ROXBOROUGH WATER AND SANITATION DISTRICT for the year 2024. A copy of the amended budget has been filed in the office of the District at 6222 North Roxborough Park Road, in Littleton, Colorado, where same is open for public inspection. Such amended budget will be considered at a public hearing at a regular meeting of the Board of Directors of the ROXBOROUGH WATER AND SANITATION

DISTRICT to be held on Wednesday, July 16, 2025 at 8:00 a.m. at 6222 North Roxborough Park Road, Littleton, Colorado and virtually via visiting the District’s website at https:// www.roxwaterco.gov/board-meetings for the meeting link. Any interested electors of the ROXBOROUGH WATER AND SANITATION DISTRICT may inspect the amended budget and file or register any objections at any time prior to final adoption of the budget.

BY ORDER OF THE BOARD OF DIREC-

TORS: ROXBOROUGH WATER AND SANITATION

DISTRICT

By: /s/ ICENOGLE SEAVER POGUE, P.C.

Legal Notice No. CAN 2008

First Publication: July 10, 2025

Last Publication: July 10, 2025

Publisher: Canyon Courier

Bids and Settlements

day of July 2025 final settlement will be made by the County of Jefferson, State of Colorado to:

C R CONTRACTING LLC

64435 STRICKLER AVE. SUITE 100 LONGMONT, CO 80501

hereinafter called the “Contractor”, for and on account of the contract for the Fog seal of Runway 12R-30L and connecting taxiways project in Jefferson County,

1. Any person, co-partnership, association or corporation who has an unpaid claim against the said project, for or on account of the furnishing of labor, materials, team hire, sustenance, provisions, provender or other supplies used or consumed by such Contractor or any of said work, may at any time up to and including said time of such final settlement, file a verified statement of the amount due and unpaid on account of such claim.

2.All such claims shall be filed with Heather Frizzell, Director of Finance Jefferson County Colorado, 100 Jefferson County Parkway, Golden CO 80419-4560.

3.Failure on the part of a creditor to file such statement prior to such final settlement will relieve the County of Jefferson, State of Colorado, from any and all liability for such claim.

County of Jefferson, State of Colorado

Andy Kerr, Chairman Board of County Commissioners

Legal Notice No. CAN 2004

First Publication: July 3, 2025

Last Publication: July 10, 2025

Publisher: Canyon Courier

Public Notice

INVITATION TO BID

Sealed bid proposals will be received by the Lakehurst Water and Sanitation District for the “2025 Sewer Rehabilitation” project at the office of Kennedy/Jenks Consultants, 215 Union Boulevard, Suite 500, Lakewood, Colorado 80228, until 10:00 A.M. on Tuesday, August 12, 2025. Email submissions will also be accepted at LisaSchwien@KennedyJenks. com. Bids will not be read aloud.

This project is located in the Lakehurst Water and Sanitation District, Jefferson County, Colorado. Refer to the design plans for exact locations. The project includes cured in place pipe lining (CIPP) of approximately 5,390 linear feet of 8-inch and 10-inch sewer main. The project also includes rehabilitation of 2 manholes (32 VF of lining).

Contract Documents, complete with plans and specifications, may be obtained by sending an email to LisaSchwien@KennedyJenks.com.

A 10 percent bid bond or certified check

payable to Lakehurst Water and Sanitation District shall be submitted with each bid.

The Bidder to whom a contract is awarded will be required to furnish “Performance and Payment” bonds to the District in the amount of 100 percent of the contract, in conformity with the requirements of the Contract Documents.

The District reserves the right to reject any and all proposals, or to accept that proposal or combination of proposals, if any, which in its sole and absolute judgment, will under all circumstances best serve the District’s interest. No proposal will be accepted from any firm, person, or corporation, who is a defaulter as to surety or otherwise, or is deemed incompetent, irresponsible, or unreliable by the District Board of Directors.

No bids will be considered which are received after the time mentioned, and any bids so received after the scheduled closing time shall be returned to the bidder unopened.

Lakehurst Water and Sanitation District

Legal Notice No. CAN 2011

First Publication: July 10, 2025

Last Publication: July 17, 2025

Publisher: Canyon Courier

Public Notice

NOTICE OF FINAL SETTLEMENT

JEFFERSON COUNTY, STATE OF COLORADO

Pursuant to C.R.S. Section 38-26-107, notice is hereby given that on the 22nd day of July 2025 final settlement will be made by the County of Jefferson, State of Colorado to:

AVOCET COMMUNICATIONS COMPANY 425 MAIN STREET LONGMONT, CO 80501

hereinafter called the “Contractor”, for and on account of the contract for the Develop a social media and mainstream media platform to attract prospective employees project in Jefferson County,

1. Any person, co-partnership, association or corporation who has an unpaid claim against the said project, for or on account of the furnishing of labor, materials, team hire, sustenance, provisions, provender or other supplies used or consumed by such Contractor or any of said work, may at any time up to and including said time of such final settlement,