Canyon Courier 111722

Bergen Meadow to close, combine with sister school

Je co school board votes to close 16 schools districtwide

BY DEB HURLEY BROBST DBROBST@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM

Sixteen schools in Jefferson County — including Bergen Meadow Elementary School — will be closing.

Hundreds ‘gift twice’ at annual fair

BY DEB HURLEY BROBST DBROBST@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM

Sisters Debbie Kampman and Wendy Allan were looking forward to shopping at the Alternative Gift Fair on Nov. 12.

In fact, they were the first shoppers in the parking lot at 8:35 a.m.,

When Bergen Meadow closes after the 2023-24 school year, those students will move into their sister school Bergen Valley Elementary School starting in fall 2024. In the meantime, the district will build an addition to Bergen Valley to accommodate preschool through fifth graders.

Parents and teachers at The Bergens generally have been in favor of the consolidation, though parents were concerned about traffic on Sugarbush Drive both during the school day and in case an evacuation is needed. They also wanted to make sure students in all grades feel included in the new larger school.

At the Nov. 10 school board meeting attended by about 1,000 people, with more than 900 online, the 16 speakers — none of them from the foothills — implored the board not

Sisters Debbie Kampman and Wendy Allan were the first to arrive at the Alternative Gift Fair on Nov. 12, wanting to buy the large baskets from Love with Actions before filling them with other items from the fair.

PHOTOS BY DEB HURLEY BROBST

Holiday knickknacks were available at the Ladies Sewing Circle table at the Alternative Gift Fair at Evergreen Lutheran Church.

CLOSURE

FROM PAGE 1

to close schools until a districtwide long-range plan could be created that included parent input. They asked the district to collaborate with parents on solutions before closing schools.

Speakers said they felt betrayed by the district and blindsided by the school-closure proposal, saying they could have been included in discussions long before the proposal was made public in August. Others were concerned that closures were not taking racial equality and marginalized students into account.

Board members, who explained their positions at the board meeting before unanimously voting to close the schools, said while they understood parents’ concerns, they believed the positives outweighed the negatives, and closing schools would begin to meet the large fiscal deficit the district is facing.

ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS TO BE CONSOLIDATED

Sixteen elementary schools will be consolidated into others not more than 3.5 miles away.

Bergen Meadow Campbell Elementary Colorow Elementary Emory Elementary Glennon Heights Elementary Green Mountain Elementary Kullerstrand Elementary Molholm Elementary New Classical Academy at Vivian Parr Elementary Peck Elementary Pei er Elementary Sheridan Green Elementary Thomson Elementary Wilmore Davis Elementary Witt Elementary

Bergen Meadow

At prior meetings at Bergen Meadow about the consolidation, teachers lauded the benefits of educating

students when Bergen Meadow and Bergen Valley consolidate. They said being in one building would allow teachers to collaborate more, older students to mentor younger students and more. Families would feel more integrated into the school.

The expanded Bergen Valley will have room for up to four classes of each grade level plus room for a preschool. Parents and staff members will have input into designing the addition.

In the combined school, class sizes will continue to be 18 to 24 students in kindergarten through third grade and 22 to 30 students in fourth and fifth grade, which are school district guidelines.

Principal Kristen Hyde has said when combined in fall 2024, the school is projected to have about 500 students with a capacity for 640 students. Since the schools are consolidating, only a few staff positions would be eliminated to reduce redundancies.

At a public hearing before the school board on Oct. 28, a parent

suggested that Bergen Meadow be closed, and a new school be put there instead because of better access. Another parent didn’t believe the district’s enrollment numbers and asked that Bergen Meadow remain open.

Bergen Meadow on Hiwan Drive was built in 1970. It was known as Bergen Elementary School, and it housed all elementary school grades.

Bergen Valley on Sugarbush Drive about 1.7 miles away was constructed in 1997 to provide more space for the then-overcrowded Bergen Elementary. Since 1997, Bergen Meadow houses students in preschool through second grade, and Bergen Valley houses students in third through fifth grade.

Bergen Meadow and Bergen Valley — known together as The Bergens — share a principal; buses; a PTA; a digital teacher librarian; art, music and physical education teachers; mental health professionals and more.

Bergen Meadow Elementary School will close in summer 2024 and combine with its sister school, Bergen Valley.

PHOTO BY DEB HURLEY BROBST

25 minutes before the gift fair that showcases the wares of nonprofits opened at Evergreen Lutheran Church. Allan of Lakewood called the fair the best craft show she attends because there are so many different items available, and it’s for a good cause.

The 30 vendors at the fair, in its 22nd year, are nonprofits, so the items purchased help the nonprofits further their causes. That’s why the fair’s slogan is “Shop once. Gift twice.”

This was Allan’s fifth time at the fair and Kampman’s first. As a newcomer, Kampman, who lives in Arvada, was looking forward to seeing different items for sale. The sisters made a beeline for the Love with Actions table that sells large baskets with proceeds benefiting Rwandan families who have children with disabilities.

The sisters, thrilled with their first purchases, looked forward to filling their baskets as they bought items from other vendors.

Many of the volunteers who make the fair happen come from the sponsoring churches: Evergreen Lutheran, United Methodist Church of Evergreen, Church of the Hills, Congregation Beth Evergreen, Church of the Transfiguration and Christ the King.

Volunteer Deb Ryon noted that the big change, which was piloted last year, was that attendees purchase items directly from the ven-

dors rather than waiting to check out at the end. The volunteers are always looking for new nonprofits to bring to the fair. In fact, Ryon noted, Purple Door Coffee, which had been at an Evergreen farmers market, was invited to participate at the gift fair.

Purple Door Coffee had a table near the main door, selling coffee with proceeds benefiting programs offered by Dry Bones Denver, according to Tami Bonner, director of social enterprise for Dry Bones. The organization helps unhoused teens and young adults learn job-training skills.

As part of the program, the young people also help bag the coffee and prepare it for shipping, and Purple Door Coffee is opening a coffee shop next year in the Capital Hill area in downtown Denver.

For Elizabeth Engkjer with Foundation I Love You, selling alpaca wool blankets and other items along with knickknacks was important to benefit the medical clinic and water purification system the nonprofit helps operate in Ecuador.

The Warm Hearts Warm Babies table sold everything for babies, all made by volunteers.

Karen Nelson explained that the organization with 200 volunteers creates layettes that are delivered to hospitals and birthing centers throughout Colorado to be given to low-income families and parents with babies born prematurely.

Nelson noted that the nonprofit likes being at the Alternative Gift Fair because shoppers are happy to help nonprofits, and the non-

profit is successful at the fair.

Nancy York of Evergreen purchased a necklace from Ginny Sycura, founder of the nonprofit EPICA.earth, which stands for Educational Programs with Indigenous Communities, Amazon.

York said she’s been part of the Alternative Gift Fair organizing committee for 15 years, noting that the nonprofits at the fair are small organizations that have a huge impact by helping others, adding: “(The Alternative Gift Fair) has my heart.”

Volunteer Livi Hart works at the bake sale at the Alternative Gift Fair.

Nancy York, left, buys a necklace from Ginny Sycura, founder of the nonprofit EPICA.earth, which stands for Educational Programs with Indigenous Communities, Amazon.

PHOTOS BY DEB HURLEY BROBST

Evergreen swim team seeks 5th title

BY STEVE SMITH SSMITH@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM

Evergreen is seeking its fifth straight swim team title.

One of the reasons is junior Finley Anderson. She was part of the state-title winning foursome in the 200-yard medley relay. She won the 100butterfly and the 100- backstroke. She helped the Cougars’ 400- freestyle relay team to a fifth-place finish.

“We have had a huge team and a lot of depth the last two years. And we have a bunch of freshmen,” she said during the Colorado High School Activities Association’s media day for winter sport athletes Nov. 8 at Empower Field. “It’s important for me to build on these events. I’m excited to be doing it again this year.”

The Cougars open up the season at Littleton High School at 4:30 p.m. Nov. 29.

“We’re going for No. 5,” she said. “As long as we stick to what we’re going and stick together as a team, we’re going to do great.”

Finley Anderson, Evergreen High School

PHOTO BY STEVE SMITH

Award winners ‘sparkle’ at annual gala

Evergreen chamber honors businesses, winners at Sparkle & Shine

BY DEB HURLEY BROBST DBROBST@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM

At what could be called a starstudded gala on Nov. 5, Evergreen business leaders joined together for camaraderie and to honor businesses and volunteers at the Evergreen Lake House.

Winners of the two biggest awards were Clayton Huffman, who was named Leader of the Year, and ASanchez Landscaping, which was named Business of the Year. The Evergreen Area Chamber of Commerce sponsors the event.

Leader of the Year

Leader of the Year is presented by Leadership Evergreen, and Betsy Hays, who won the award in 2020, said the nominees do what they do because it’s the right thing to do, not for personal gain.

Huffman, she said, an Air Force veteran who served in Vietnam, has been involved in the Evergreen Elks Lodge and was named this year’s Elk of the Year for Colorado.

According to his letter of nomination from the Evergreen Elks Lodge: “He is an ever-present supporter of the Evergreen community through the Elks Lodge. He helps with the planning and execution of

many Evergreen traditions, such as the Jazz Festival, Evergreen Rodeo and the annual Easter egg hunt and free breakfast.”

Huffman is involved with Wreaths Across America to honor veterans buried at Evergreen Memorial Park, and veterans’ salutes on Memorial Day.

Huffman told the crowd he was honored to just be nominated for the award.

Pandora and John Erlandson also were nominated for their philanthropic work through the Boogies concerts and other events to help nonprofits and other causes.

Business awards

Taking the 2022 Business of the Year honor was ASanchez Landscaping. Henry and Edith Sanchez, who accepted the award for the business, called the honor unexpected.

“We pride ourselves on taking care of our customers,” Edith said. “We help with whatever they need.”

Sweet Hayden, owned by Rachael Tapper, was named New Business of the Year. Tapper’s shop in downtown Evergreen sells vintage clothing, consignments and new clothing, though only by small designers and women-owned businesses.

Tapper said she was honored to get the award and is humbled by the way Evergreen has embraced her shop, adding that she loves dressing women here.

Hunter Slife with Slife’s Devil

Dogs and Sweet Freeze Shave Ice was named the 2022 Young Professional of the Year. He called the success of his business a dream come true. Slife’s food truck is in downtown Evergreen, and it also is at several venues including school events.

“Evergreen has been by our side,” he said.

Wildflower Café received the People’s Choice award. Emily Langan, Wildflower’s manager, accepted the award.

Other honorees

Cindy Lempke was named Ambassador of the Year for the Evergreen chamber for her work

with the chamber’s ambassadors, participating in ribbon cuttings, mentoring new members and more.

Other nominees were Bruce Anderson and Janice Holmes.

Lisa Keeler, a volunteer with Evergreen Christian Outreach, was named Volunteer of the Year. Other nominees were Tiffany Lockwood and Cheri Rubin.

JOY International, a Bailey-based organization that works to stop child sex trafficking, was named Nonprofit of the Year and may be best known for its Barefoot Mile fundraising walks. Tonya Sweater, JOY’s events and development coordinator, accepted the award.

ASanchez Landscaping was named the 2022 Business of the Year by the Evergreen Area Chamber of Commerce. Henry and Edith Sanchez, middle, were flanked by chamber President Nancy Judge and emcee Bryan Caldwell.

PHOTO BY DEB HURLEY BROBST

Honoring veterans with backpacks

Volunteers fill 500 bags to help homeless vets

BY DEB HURLEY BROBST DBROBST@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM

The banquet room at The Wild Game looked like Halloween Street on Nov. 11 with people moving down a line holding open bags to be filled with goodies.

Rather than candy, the blue backpacks were filled with shaving cream and razors, soap, toothbrushes and toothpaste, socks, hand sanitizer and more — all to make the lives of homeless veterans a little easier and to remind them they are not forgotten.

Doing something to help soldiers and veterans is near and dear to the heart of Gail Sharp, owner of TallGrass Spa & Salon. This is the 11th year that volunteers have gathered on Veterans Day to remember the military in a meaningful way. For nine years, they filled boxes to be delivered to soldiers serving overseas. Now they fill backpacks for homeless vets. Last year, the group hoped to fill 100 backpacks but they wound up with 412. This year the goal was 500 bags, and most backpacks have letters from

adults and children that thank veterans for their service.

The bags are sent to the Volunteers of America Bill Daniels Veteran Service Center and are distributed to homeless veterans both in Denver and around the state, Sharp said.

“We feel we can help by providing toiletries,” Sharp said, “and we can show the veterans the care and love we still feel for them. That is the big message we want to send.”

Lynn McCarthy and her daughter Kasey enjoyed walking down the line to fill the bags.

“Volunteering is very important,” Lynn McCarthy said. “This is something we can do together to help veterans.”

Veteran Don Trickel, a member of American Legion Post 2001, said he’s helped fill bags several times, noting how important it is to support homeless veterans.

Julie Petty and her son William Petty-Thomas went through the line several times to fill backpacks. Julie explained that it was important to give back, especially to those who serve others.

“We want to acknowledge (veterans’) service and let them know people care about them,” she said.

Estate Planning for the Holidays!

It’s that time of year where most of us will wind down by spending time with loved ones, sipping hot cocoa, and overeating until the point of exhaustion. All of this before we ring in the New Year! The average American will travel on average 214 miles for Thanksgiving, and 275 miles for Christmas. With the holidays quickly approaching, make sure your affairs are in order!

All that long distance travels means that the risk of any accident or injury go up tremendously. That’s why we at Davis Schilken P.C., want you to be sure that your family is taken care of in the event of tragedy.

Its important to remember that our Estate Plans will ALWAYS change. With that in mind, there is almost no better time to make sure your changes are made than before the holidays. Things you might consider are:

• Changes in Distribution Patterns

• Changes to your Will

• Changes to your Trust

• Updated Powers of Attorney

• Accurate HIPAA Authorizations

• Airtight Living Wills

•

Proper Asset Funding

It’s never too early to review your plans, please don’t wait until it’s too late. Whatever your goals are, let the Davis Schilken, PC team help you achieve them! It’s important to remember that setting up an effective Estate Plan is one of the only ways to ensure that you and your loved ones are taken care of were something to happen to you or your family.

With a properly established and funded Estate Plan, we can ensure that you have the ability to give what you want, to whom you want, when you want, the way you want. During that process we can help you save money on every court cost, legal fee, professional fee, and tax fee legally possible.

Estate planning is never about how much you have, but how much you care about what you have. Contact the Davis Schilken, PC team with any of your Estate Planning needs (303)6709855. We offer no obligation in person or virtual meetings. We make estate planning simple!

Visit our comprehensive website for more tools www.dslawcolorado.com

Davis Schilken, PC – Let our deep experience meet your heartfelt goals!

About 40 volunteers posed with the 500 bags of toiletries they packed in about an hour on Veterans Day that will be distributed to homeless veterans around the state. COURTESY PHOTO

BY DEB HURLEY BROBST DBROBST@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM

Morrison officials hope they can make some changes to a Safer Main Street Initiative grant the town received so it will cost less for the town and get the downtown area appropriate improvements.

At a Board of Trustees meeting on Nov. 1, trustees said they would like to shorten the list of projects the grant will pay for, but rules from CDOT, which awarded the grant, require the town to hire a consultant to design all of the projects first before community input and decisions on what projects will ultimately move forward.

Town officials are concerned the town may pay more than it wants to get improvements. One of the improvements most of the trustees agreed wasn’t good for downtown Morrison was a raised median down Bear Creek Avenue.

Since they haven’t spent any of the grant money yet, they wondered if they could reject the grant and if there would be negative implications for future grants if they turned down the money. Town officials said they would look into the town’s options.

Town Attorney Gerry Dahl said preliminarily, he believes the town can turn down the grant since it hasn’t spent any of the money.

“It seems to me what would be key

Morrison o cials are considering whether they should accept a CDOT grant to make improvements to downtown.

PHOTO BY DEB HURLEY BROBST

SEE MORRISON, P23

VOICES

What parents should know about RSV

As RSV cases continue to spike across parts of the U.S. — with some areas nearing seasonal peak levels — those typical “bugs” your child brings home may have you feeling on edge. With so much swirling around these days, it can be difficult to know what’s behind a constant cough, especially if your child is very young.

RSV, or respiratory syncytial virus, can include symptoms similar to a common cold. However, the virus can develop into something more serious. RSV can infect people of all ages but is most severe for older adults and young children.

Usually almost every child under the age of 2 has been exposed to RSV, but due to all the pandemic response over the last few years, kids have not been exposed as much to RSV. That is one of the reasons why we are seeing such a spike this year, as well as RSV in children older than 2.

Symptoms

RSV symptoms may vary and typically begin four to six days after infection. The most common symptoms might include:

Runny nose

Low appetite Coughing

Sneezing Fever

JIM ROHRER

Columnist

DR. MATTHEW HUSA

Wheezing

For young infants with RSV, they might be irritable, sluggish or find it harder to breathe.

Your pediatrician will be able to figure out whether it’s a common cold, COVID-19 or RSV, if you have concerns about symptoms your child is showing. They might perform tests, like chest X-rays, to see if pneumonia has developed.

When should you call a doctor?

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) notes an increase in RSV-associated emergency room visits. However, most cases will go away on its own in a week or two. Symptoms are typically at their worst on days three to five of infection. Only 3% of children with RSV will require a hospital stay.

If symptoms become severe, contact your pediatrician right away. This may include:

Symptoms of bronchiolitis

Symptoms of dehydration (only one wet diaper in 8 hours or more)

Difficulty breathing

Gray or blue lips, tongue or skin

A significant decrease in activity

or alertness

Even though RSV is common, and it might seem difficult to figure out how severe it will become, there are some risk factors parents should be aware of.

Children who are born premature or are 6 months old or younger are most at-risk for RSV complications. Children with chronic heart or lung disease, or a weaker immune system, can also be susceptible to RSV.

Treatment

There’s currently no vaccine to prevent RSV and no specific treatment for the infection. As stated, most cases will resolve on their own. However, there are a few things you can do to help relieve the symptoms:

Manage pain and fever with overthe-counter medications (consult your pediatrician for guidance and never give aspirin to children)

Drink plenty of fluids

Nasal saline to help with breathing

Cool-mist humidifier to help break up mucus

Talk to your health care provider before you give any over-the-counter cold medicine to your child.

How it spreads

RSV is typically spread through coughs and sneezes, but can spread when someone touches a

surface that has the virus on it and then touches their face, before washing their hands.

The following tips may help reduce your family’s risk:

Cover your coughs and sneezes with a tissue or your arm, not your hands.

Avoid close contact with others, especially those who are sick.

Wash your hands frequently.

Don’t touch your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands.

Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces at home.

If you’re sick, stay home.

The best way to avoid transmission of RSV is what we have been doing very well over the last few years: Scrupulous hand hygiene with washing our hands frequently with soap and water, and cleaning the surfaces small hands get to, like doorknobs and handles. Also, wear a mask if you have any respiratory symptoms.

With the knowledge of what RSV may look like — and how it is different from other viruses — you’ll be able to take steps to keep your child as healthy as possible all year round.

For more information, visit the CDC website.

Dr. Matthew Husa is the chief medical officer of UnitedHealthcare of Colorado & Wyoming.

The midterm results and what they tell us

The results of the midterm must be seen as a butt kicking for Republicans. The outcome of the election is out of line with the historical trends for midterm elections. The results are especially embarrassing since there are issues which Republicans have laid at the feet of Democrats. (40 year high inflation, unsuccessful border policy, rising crime and a president with low ratings).

State-wide in Colorado, our Congressional delegation will likely go from three Rs/three Ds to five Ds/two Rs. Every single State election went to democrats. Locally, the County Commissioner and Sheriff went blue. The state legislation

will be bluer than before the election.

Such a one-sided result would tell us that the Republican brand is damaged. Voters see Trump and the party as one. By now even the most Trump-loyalist must see that Trump has become a loser for the party. He is still denying that he lost in 2020 and he chooses and endorses candidates based on loyalty rather than ability. His own words include that he should receive credit for election wins, but no blame for losses. He continues to fundraise at his never ending MAGA rallies, but he needs it to pay legal bills and he fails to share his booty with the party. He has become a drag on the party both financially

and in terms of growth of the party. If the broken system of nomination is allowed to work as it did in 2016, Trump will be nominated again.

The Democrats are hoping for this as they lack a strong alternative but know they can defeat Trump. There are several would-be Republican candidates, so if the nomination process includes party caucuses and closed primaries, Trump will easily be nominated. States would probably not have sufficient time to change their primary rules, so the only way a nominee other than Trump can emerge is for Republicans to do as the Democrats did in 2020. They must limit the field to one candidate, and they must

rally around that alternative candidate. The question is, will the party finally stand up to Trump absorbing his poisonous insults. Republicans have two alternatives…. dump Trump or get used to losing. Every recovered alcoholic knows that the first step to recovery is acknowledging the problem.

Jim Rohrer of Evergreen is a business consultant and author of the books “Improve Your Bottom Line … Develop MVPs Today” and “Never Lose Your Job … Become a More Valuable Player.” Jim’s belief is that common sense is becoming less common. More about Jim at www. theloyaltypartners.com.

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Columnists & Guest Commentaries

Columnist opinions are not necessarily those of the Courier.

We welcome letters to the editor. Please include your full name, address and the best number to reach you by telephone.

Email letters to kfiore@coloradocommunitymedia.com

Deadline Wed. for the following week’s paper.

Canyon Courier (USPS 88940)

A legal newspaper of general circulation in Evergreen, Colorado, Canyon Courier is published weekly on Thursday by Colorado Community Media, 27972 Meadow Dr., Ste. 320, Evergreen CO 80439. .

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KRISTEN

Columnist

Processing election results

When voters created the landslide that resulted in Democrats winning all statewide electoral offices, a 4-3 congressional delegation and legislative majorities in both chambers of the state legislature in 2018, it seemed that things probably couldn’t get much better for Democrats in Colorado. Then came 2022.

Gov. Jared Polis, Attorney General Phil Weiser, Secretary of State Jena Griswold and Treasurer Dave Young were all reelected by very comfortable margins. U.S. Sen. Michael Bennet coasted to victory with a larger percentage than even the most Democratic leaning polls could have suggested. Now with eight members of Colorado, there will be at least five, and possibly six, Democratic members of Congress. And Democrats majorities in the General Assembly will likely be larger than anytime in state history.

While it was obvious that Polis and Weiser would cruise to victory, Griswold and Young appeared to be facing more difficult challenges from Pam Anderson and Lang Sias but final results saw all four incumbents winning very comfortably. Bennet’s easy victory over Joe O’Dea suggests that his reelection was never really in doubt. Democrat Yadira Caraveo won a close battle over Barb Kirkmeyer in the new 8th Congressional District.

As expected, Democrats easily held congressional districts 1, 2, 6 and 7 and Republicans handily retained districts 4 and 5. But in the biggest surprise, former Aspen City Councilman Adam Frisch is giving Republican Lauren Boebert the fight of her life in an election for the 3rd District that seems likely to be decided by a recount. After just two years in office and regardless of the outcome, voters in the heavily Republican district seem to be telling Boebert they’d like her to stop

OBITUARIES

GREG ROMBERG

being a leader in the lack of decorum and civility movement. Most observers expected Democrats to stay in control of the legislature, but for the size of their majorities to decrease. While final vote counts could adjust the final numbers, it now appears that the House of Representatives will have a 46-19 split with the Senate majority increasing to 23-12. Democrats appear to have won House seats in previously safe Republican districts in El Paso, Douglas and Weld Counties.

Colorado’s new process of drawing legislative and congressional district lines by independent commissions was expected to level the playing field for minority Republicans compared to a more partisan process, but it’s hard to imagine even the most partisan maps drawn by Democrats could have resulted in better results for them.

++++++

It looks like a million dollars didn’t buy much for Tim Walsh. Walsh, who lost overwhelmingly to Lisa Cutter for State Senate District 20, spent over a million dollars of his own money to pursue the seat. He ran earlier television ads than had been seen previously for a state senate race. His misleading attacks against Cutter’s record as a member of the House of Representative seemed to have little impact on voters.

Greg Romberg had a long career in state and local government and in government relations. He represented corporate, government and trade association clients before federal, state and local governments. He lives in Evergreen with his wife, Laurie.

Friendship: We’re killing it

One of the great ironies of this interconnected age when we are wired as never before, when communication with another is merely an email, text, Zoom call, or app away, and when we have a plethora of groups to join and participate in and the time to be involved in them, more and more are finding themselves friendless or their friendships tentative and tenuous. It’s more than a philosophical or psychological condition. It’s a symptom of what ails American culture specifically and our hightech, quick-paced culture writ large.

Statistically, being friendless or a minimalist when it comes to interpersonal relationships is more true for men than women, but both genders are finding themselves more and more without when it comes to close friends. In a May 2021 American Perspectives Surveypoll, 15% of men and 10% of women said they have no close friends. In 1990, at the nascent stage of the internet, that figure for men was about 3%; for

Delta May Flader (McManus) May 2, 1924 - October 31, 2022

Delta was born to Clarence and Gladys McManus of Jump River Wisconsin.

After completing Nursing School, she entered the US Army Cadet Nursing Corp and was stationed at Fort Custer MI until 1945. In 1948 she married omas Flader (deceased 2006) and they lived in these cities: Genesee, Englewood, Evergreen and Grand Junction, all in Colorado. In 1972 the family moved to Vancouver Washington where Delta lived

until passing on. She volunteered at the local Senior Center and the American Legion, sang in numerous choirs, vigorously tap danced into her eighties and was active in her church. She is survived by her children Michael, Patrick, Je ery, and Katherine, three grandchildren Gabriel, Michael and Anna. A memorial service will be held on Wednesday 11-16-22 at the American Legion Post 14, 4607 NE St James Road, Vancouver, WA at 2:00pm.

JERRY FABYANIC

Columnist

women, 2%. That’s a five-fold increase for both. And only about 50% of the entire population said they have four or more close friends. A hard truth is that there is a strong correlation between the size of one’s circle of close friends (three or less) and their experiences of loneliness and depression.

Perplexing to say the least. So, why is that happening especially in context of this age when the opportunity to connect with others is literally at the fingertips of most?

As the poll suggests, the tenability of friendships isn’t just a guy thing. A friend told me about a feature of many women’s friendships that I, being a guy without kids, had no clue about. She talked about “seasons of friendships” and how friends move in and out of their lives due to their

FLADER

Columnist

Life absorber?

PINE – It can be presumed that Rob and his former boss, Alan, parted on less than cordial terms. On Oct. 16, Rob called JCSO to complain that Alan sent him threatening emails and may mean him physical harm. “Hey,” read one of Alan’s malicious messages, “I (have been intimate with your former spouse) and she said you (are underdeveloped in an important area), you unoriginal life absorber.” Deputies deemed the comments cruel, but not criminal. “Come over and fight like a man,” read another. “I’ll fight you and you won’t win.” Again, deputies found Alan’s e-mail insufficiently specific for legal action.

Van-dalized

NORTH TURKEY CREEK – A daycare employee parked the company tot-mobile behind the facility on the afternoon of Oct. 10. Fired up again on the morning of Oct. 12, the vehicle made the telltale racket of a very expensive repair bill. In a story ripped from the headlines, its catalytic converter had been ripped from the exhaust train. There are no suspects in the theft,

FABYANIC

FROM PAGE 9

roles as mothers. While their kids are growing, they form friendships with the mothers of their children’s friends via school, sports and other circumstances. But when the kids are grown and gone, oftentimes those friendships evaporate.

“I have lost many friends along the way only to realize that all we really had in common was that our children were the same age, at the same school or in the same sport,” she said.

Nevertheless, life goes only this time they find themselves navigating the friend scene not as young 20-somethings but as older women.

She spoke about how her career played a major role in developing her friendship circle.

no clues to follow, and no child pickup service until further notice.

Camera shy

INDIAN HILLS – Harry and Larry don’t get along. They don’t get along so good their feudin’s been featured in the civil courts. On the morning of Oct. 20, Harry and Larry found an exciting new way to not get along. Harry installed numerous surveillance cameras on Casa Harry, and Larry objected to the fact that many of them seemed to be surveilling Casa Larry. Deputies contacted for advice told Larry that Harry’s cameras appeared to be within the law. Larry told deputies that all he really wants is for Harry to be “neighborly” and “get along.” Deputies wished Larry luck with that and got along.

Account’s deceivable

EVERGREEN – The diligent banker called JCSO on Oct. 19 with suspicions of fraud. A certain depositor, he explained, had withdrawn an “exorbitant” amount of money in just a week’s time, and during the same interval had made multiple “suspicious shipments” totaling “several hundred dollars.”

Banker feared Depositor had been induced to send “gift cards” to “scammers,” but she refused to entertain his concerns and Banker hoped she would be more receptive to official inquiry. Contacted by deputies, Depositor remained tight-lipped about her mysterious mailings, but assured them that she was fully in control of her finances and the victim of no crime. Officers encouraged her to call them direct should her capital-rich correspondence end up in the dead letter office.

Fungus among us

EVERGREEN – While “cleaning my propane tank” on the morning of Oct. 17, the fastidious homeowner was surprised to discover several “neatly stacked” piles of “dried mushrooms” hidden beneath the tank’s protective hood. Apprehending that the hoard might be hallucinogenic, and his propane tank situated just 10 feet from the road, he thought it possible it was hidden there for ease of access. Deputies snagged the stash and advised the homeowner to call again if he noticed anybody poking around his propane.

Punch line

EVERGREEN – Mike and Mac have never agreed on the precise boundary between their respective homesteads. Not long ago, Mike decided to settle the question for good and always by drawing the line to his liking and building a fence on it. Mac thought Mike’s line was way out of line, and on Oct. 19 he marched down to the fence with a map in his mitt. Not interested in cartography, Mike “slapped the map” out of Mac’s hand and, following a few minutes of spirited debate, “threw a righthanded overhead punch” at Mac’s head. Although Mike stopped short of actually thumping Mac’s melon, the fearsome feint made Mac “feel afraid” and he called JCSO, telling deputies he wanted the incident documented in case his rotten relationship with Mike takes a turn for the worse.

Sheriff’s Calls is intended as a humorous take on some of the incident call records of the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office for the mountain communities. Names and identifying details have been changed. All individuals are innocent until proven guilty.

“I think especially for women, the current roles you play impact the friendships you are able to sustain and nurture,” she said. “I have been in the same job for 32 years, so my co-workers are much more than friends. I recently added a low pay evening retail job where I have made new, young, poor friends who remind me of my former self.”

There is a fundamental difference between women and men when it comes to sharing personal stuff: Women talk; men get tight-lipped. Which points to a larger problem: Men have just as much need to talk about their stuff as women. But we rarely do. We’re taught from early toddlerhood that we need to put it away, toughen up, and for heaven’s sake, never, ever cry. Which gets at something both telling and ironic about the10-to-15%: The degree that attitude plays a role in why so many find themselves friendless, and they

are often the ones most in need of close friends.

Certainly, other factors lie at the root of increased friendlessness. The pandemic, for example. But even though the pandemic seemed like an eon to get through, it was relatively short-lived. The increasing rate of those without friends has been a long-term trend, not a spike. A vogue idiomatic expression is “killing it.” It’s a juxtaposition of kill in that it doesn’t suggest violence but, instead, means doing something great. I’d like to say in that context that when it comes to friendships we’re killing it. But we’re not. Rather, we’re literally killing them. That is especially true for Gen Z’ers who are, according to the data, the loneliest among us. Twenty-eight percent of men 30 and under, for example, reported they have no close social connections. But that’s a separate topic

that would entail discussion about helicopter parents and the wireless umbilical cord that aids and abets their keeping their children symbolically and sometimes literally nested in their roost.

Want to do something small but monumental to stem the deterioration and fragmentation of American society? Break out of your bubble— religious, political, or whatever— and befriend another. And then another. And then… You might not change the world overnight, but you just make another feel wanted and valued. And you just might find yourself with a new friend, even a close one that causes you to wonder how in the heck you got through life without them.

Jerry Fabyanic is the author of “Sisyphus Wins” and “Food for Thought: Essays on Mind and Spirit.” He lives in Georgetown.

BY CORINNE WESTEMAN CWESTEMAN@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM

COVID-19 is still in play, local health officials warn, but Colorado hasn’t seen as big of a spike in cases as it has the past two falls.

Jody Erwin, deputy director of Jeffco Public Health, explained COVID-19 case counts and positivity rates have gone up slightly around Colorado amid cold and flu season.

During a Nov. 1 update with the Jeffco commissioners, Erwin stated Jeffco’s trends have been similar, with slight increases in positivity rates and hospitalizations. Omicron has been a prevalent strain, but there are others going around as well, Erwin described.

While these trends are something to watch, Erwin said he was optimistic overall.

“We don’t see the sharp increase that we have at this time over the past two years,” he continued.

With the winter holidays approaching, Erwin hoped Jeffco residents would get their booster COVID-19 vaccinations if they haven’t already, and take other precautions ahead of any travel and/or holiday gatherings.

“(Getting vaccinated) is about productivity for me at this point,” Erwin said. “I have plans for the holidays, and I want to protect those higher-risk people around me.”

Commissioner Andy Kerr commented how he recently received his booster at one of the Jeffco Public Health sites, and said the staff was

very efficient. Now, he said, he felt ready to celebrate the holidays safely.

Erwin said walk-in appointments are available at multiple locations around the county, including Jeffco Public Health sites, pharmacies and other retailers.

For more information, visit Jeffco. us/public-health or call 303-232-6301.

COVID-19 protocols

Those who’ve been exposed to someone who’s had COVID-19 should wear a mask for 10 full days

after exposure, according to state health officials. Free COVID-19 tests are available at several Jeffco Public Library branches.

For those who are experiencing symptoms and/or test positive for COVID-19, the state’s website explains that most people need to isolate for five days, followed by five days of precautions.

After five full days of isolation, those impacted should wear masks for five more days or until they test negative twice two days apart.

Anyone who still has a fever on

the sixth day of isolation or if symptoms haven’t improved should continue isolating until they’ve had no fever for at least 24 hours without fever-reducing medicine or until symptoms improve.

For anyone who didn’t have symptoms when they tested positive but started feeling them in the days after the test, the five days of isolation should reset from when the symptoms started.

More information is available at covid19.colorado.gov.

Health o cials recommend Colorado residents receive the latest COVID-19 booster vaccine ahead of the 2022 winter holiday season.

FILE PHOTO BY ANDY COLWELL

BY MCKENNA HARFORD MHARFORD@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM

Traditionally, playing with food has a bad reputation, but the rising popularity of charcuterie boards is changing that by encouraging diners to get creative with endless mix-and-match options.

Part art project, part meal prep, charcuterie is typically a combination of cheeses, meats and crackers or bread, arranged on a shared plate, Chad Halbrook, general manager for Postino Winecafe on Broadway in Denver, said.

However, the growing love for charcuterie has also led to an expanded take on the term, with all sorts of spins offering a variety of finger foods and pairings, he noted.

Halbrook said charcuterie gained a lot of fans during the pandemic when restaurants were reduced to take-out and more people were cooking at home because it’s an option that’s quick, versatile and requires few kitchen skills.

“People wanted to spice up what they were snacking on at home, make it look good and not necessarily spend a lot of time cooking,” Halbrook said.

He said that charcuterie’s popularity also spikes during the holiday season for those same reasons.

“When we dine with friends, it’s a communal experience and there’s something that brings people together in conversation over a charcuterie board as opposed to individual entrees,” he said.

The demand for charcuterie resulted in the option popping up on restaurant menus all over the area, including several at Postino’s, as well as spawning classes on building boards and whole businesses dedicated to selling premade charcuterie for those not inclined to make their own.

Postino Winecafe, which has four locations in Denver and Highlands Ranch, o ers a variety of board appetizers that can be ordered for take out. Chad Halbrook, assistant manager for the Postino on Broadway, said the communal nature of charcuterie makes it a common choice for groups and parties.

COURTESY OF POSTINO WINECAFE

Charcuterie is a popular choice for holiday events because it can be a quick and versatile option for any size group, whether as an appetizer or meal, Melissa Clement said.

COURTESY OF MELISSA CLEMENT

In Castle Rock, one such business is Farmgirl Foods, a market that features local products, including charcuterie, and offers DIY classes. Owner Melissa Clement said she thinks the charcuterie boards and classes are so popular because it’s a fun and social activity, whether you’re making a spread or just eating it.

“People will get so excited when they learn how to make a prosciutto rose or taste something, whether it’s a combination of flavors or one particular product, that opens up their palate,” she said.

When Clement is putting together her charcuterie, she typically starts with opposing textures and flavors, like a savory creamy brie and candied walnuts. She likes to include a hard cheese, a soft cheese and a crumbly cheese alongside some dried or smoked meats, like salami, prosciutto or chorizo, as well as crackers, bread and toppings.

Toppings can range from fruits, veggies, nuts or chocolate to spreads like honey, jam, hummus or mustard, she said.

“You want all the flavors to play with each other,” Clement said. “I always like to do something smoky or spicy together with something sweet.”

Halbrook also noted that swapping out meat for more cheese or adding more alternative options

makes charcuterie easy to alter for a variety of diets and allergies. Similarly, Halbrook suggested making seasonal changes, such as adding in herbs, cranberries and oranges for winter spreads.

“It doesn’t always have to be meat and cheese,” he said. “You can do all sorts of things to please every person attending your holiday event or party. You can do veggie board for your vegan friends,

which allows you to really splash more color on the board.”

Both Halbrook and Clement recommend splurging on the cheese, since it’s the star of the spread, but noted charcuterie doesn’t have to be pricey. Clement suggests cutting down on the accouterments or using what’s already on hand.

For proportions, Clement said she plans around two ounces of each cheese and meat per person if serving as an appetizer, or up to 6 ounces of each food per person if it’s the main meal.

Halbrook added there’s no harm in starting with smaller amounts.

“There’s no shame in refilling or having a backup item,” he said.

As for styling the charcuterie in an Instagram-worthy way, Clement said she will start by laying out the bigger items so that she can design around them. One of her favorite tips is to top the board by sprinkling dried fruit or edible flowers on top.

Ultimately though, she said there are no set rules, and that’s what makes it fun.

“A lot of times I won’t do a flat board, I’ll do a tiered tray,” Clement said of the possibilities. “The No. 1 thing to remember is you can’t do it wrong, you really can’t.”

Still, for those that don’t want to spend the time to prep and build charcuterie, there are several businesses in the Denver metro area that offer pre-made charcuterie, including both Farmgirl Foods and Postino, which also has locations in Highlands Ranch, LoHi and at 9th and Colorado.

PARMALEE ELEMENTARY Kindergarten

Melissa Clement, owner of Farmgirl Foods, a market in Castle Rock that o ers charcuterie boards and classes, said the finger food has been gaining fans thanks to the mix of creativity and socialization involved in eating or building one. At its basic level, charcuterie is a variety of cheeses, cured meats, bread or crackers and toppings.

COURTESY OF MELISSA CLEMENT

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Dahlkemper reelected Je erson County commissioner

is first in the state for wildfire risk, and she’ll continue focusing on it

Other priorities include address-

District 3 Jefferson County commissioner race.

In the final count on Nov. 9, Dahlkemper had 58% of the votes with 166,973.

Rosier, a South Jeffco resident who served as Jeffco commissioner from 2011 to 2017, had 42% with 120,145 votes.

The Jeffco Clerk & Recorder’s Office Tweeted at 8:30 p.m. Nov. 9 that it had finished counting all the ballots in its possession. It expected a final update with any remaining military and overseas ballots on Nov. 17. Election results will be certified in the coming weeks.

Dahlkemper thanked all the voters who put their trust in her since she first ran in 2018, saying, “I’m happy to have so much support in this community.”

Dahlkemper, a resident of unincorporated South Jeffco, was elected in 2018. In her first term, Dahlkemper described how she’s collaborated with other stakeholders to address economic development, early childhood education, resources for mental health and opioid prevention, and other issues.

“In Jeffco, we’re about collaboration and partnership,” she continued.

Wildfire risk reduction was a major issue for Dahlkemper during her first term. She created and chaired the Jeffco Wildfire Risk Reduction Task Force — now the Wildfire Commission — to increase mitigation, community education and funding.

Dahlkemper stressed how Jeffco

“our aging infrastructure and (finding) sustainable funding for that effort,” she explained.

Overall, she was pleased with Jeffco’s historic Election Day turnout, saying it reinforces how important midterm elections are in the community and “how hard we worked to reach the voters.”

She described the effortless work by her campaign volunteers — writing thousands of postcards and driving around Jeffco to put up signs — saying her 59% win is a testament to their enthusiasm.

Dahlkemper, who’s been balancing a yearlong campaign with her day-to-day work as commissioner, also thanked her family for their support.

She described how her daughter, who’s in college, surprised her on election night. So, Dahlkemper was immensely grateful to share the victory with her, her husband, and other family members and friends.

“Campaigns can be hard on families. They sacrifice a lot too,” she continued. “ … It means so much to have the support of family when you work on a campaign of this size. That support means everything.”

While Jeffco has plenty of issues to tackle, Dahlkemper believed collaborating with stakeholders throughout the county and state will yield the best possible results. She said those partnerships have been and will continue to be the cornerstone of her work as an elected official.

“We really do go farther together,” she said.

Lesley Dahlkemper

Marinelli elected Je erson County Sheri

BY ANDREW FRAIELI AFRAIELI@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM

As of Nov. 10 with 99% of ballots counted, unoffical results points to Democrat Regina Marinelli, current lieutenant of the support services division at the Jefferson County Sheriff’s office, being elected Jeffco Sheriff over Republican Ed Brady, current Arvada Police Department deputy chief.

“I actually went to work today, and we started the transition at 1 o’clock today,” Marinielli told Colorado Community Media on Nov. 9. Sheriff Shrader had contacted her in the morning to start her training, informing her of meetings she’d be attending the next few months before being sworn in on January 10.

“The transition has already begun,” she said. “It’s a little overwhelming for 24 hours.”

Jeffco Sheriff Jeff Shrader congratulated her on her election the morning of Nov. 9 through a Facebook post.

“On behalf of the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office, I want to congratulate Lt. Regina ‘Reggie’ Marinelli for being elected as Jefferson County’s next sheriff,” said Shrader.

“We look forward to working with Sheriff-elect Marinelli over the next two months to ensure a smooth transition for the new administration and to continue the efforts of our staff in making Jefferson County a safe place for all people to live, learn, work, and play.”

When asked how long it will take for her to start up after being sworn in, she said, with her years of work-

ing in the Sheriff’s Office, “I don’t think it’s going to take me very long at all.”

“January 11 we will starting pointing all of my strategies into place, my organization chart and moving forward,” she said.

Her first actions as Sheriff, besides swearing in the staff under her name, will be working on a wellness center for her staff. She always

wants to start certifing staff in therupies that will be used in the jail as soon as possible.

Previously, she’s pointing to staff retention as a major challenge for the Sheriff’s Office.

“Community engagement and support significantly impact the retention of staff. The county is losing the expert knowledge that comes from having a seasoned work force. I will change that,” she said at the Sheriff debate hosted by the Golden Transcript in September.

Being Sheriff also means being the countywide fire marshal, and Marinielli called fire preparedness an important priority at the same debate.

“We need to get the policies to where they should be rather than everybody working on their own script when it comes to wildfire,” Marinelli said. “I plan to cooperate with everybody.”

Marinelli also suggested the county should look for more federal grants to pay for more wildfire preparedness.

Final election results will continue to be updated as necessary, on Nov. 9 or later. Check back for the latest results.

Regina Marinelli

Kersgaard leads Szabo in Je erson County assessor race

BY DEB HURLEY BROBST DBROBST@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM

With 99% of Jefferson County ballots tabulated, it appears Scot Kersgaard will retain his position as Jefferson County assessor, beating challenger Libby Szabo in the Nov. 8 election.

The Jeffco Clerk & Recorder’s office says it has tallied all of the votes in its possession. Final vote totals will be available on Nov. 17.

Kersgaard said he was thrilled to retain the assessor position.

“It’s a hard job, and it’s a hard job to do in four years,” Kersgaard said. “Sometimes you need to make improvements and changes to culture. Government moves slowly sometimes. If I’m limited to four years, I can’t get everything done that I want to get done.”

He noted that being the county assessor is not a partisan position.

“It’s just get the property values right,” he said. “That’s our job, and we do the job. It’s not about partisanship.”

Kersgaard said in candidate

statements that in his tenure in the position, the office has improved the assessor website, so it is among the best in the state.

He noted that before his election in 2018, 5% of Jeffco property owners appealed their values each year, the highest percentage of all major metro counties. Today, about 3% appeal, a sign that the office is doing a better job and that people have more confidence in the office’s work.

Szabo said she was running for assessor to bring a balance to county government, noting that the concerns of average citizens have been ignored. She called her greatest strength being familiar with county and state government, having previously served for six years as a Jeffco commissioner and five years in the state Senate.

Her background is in the mortgage lending and financial services industry.

Cannon leads Archuleta in Je erson County coroner race

BY RYLEE DUNN RDUNN@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM

Voting returns have Democrat Annette Cannon leading Republican Matt Archuleta in the Jefferson County coroner race, according to the fourth round of unofficial results, which were released around 4 p.m. on Nov. 9.

As of 4 p.m. on Nov. 9, 93% of ballots were counted. As of 4 p.m. on Nov. 9, Cannon had received 150,931 votes, while Archuleta had received 112,440. Local election officials have said that a final count isn’t expected until Nov. 9 or later.

Cannon said she’s “Feeling good” about the results so far, but maintained that she would not declare victory until “That last vote’s in.”

“I think that the voters really paid attention and I think they could see how dedicated I’ve been to this job over the last four years and I think they can see the good that I’ve done for the office and for the citizens.”

Cannon added that her goals for her second term are to complete the office’s accredidation, provide more education for the community and look at innovative technology.

Archuleta could not be reached for comment on Election Night.

Cannon is running for re-election after first being elected to the office in 2018. During her term, she has overseen the office’s response to

the I-70 disaster and the COVID-19 pandemic.

She is a registered nurse who has experience as a death investigator through the American Board of Medicolegal Death Investigators and the Colorado Coroners Association.

Cannon said her priorities are retaining staff, hiring diverse candidates and continuing to provide statistics and communication to other agencies and offices.

Archuleta is an Aurora native and has served with the Arvada Police Department for 33 years. Since 2010, he has served as a crime scene investigator for the department.

If elected, his priorities are to seek national accreditation for the office, take stock of inventory and see if anything needs to be replaced or upgraded and provide education for the community.

Scot Kersgaard

Annette Cannon

DiTullio declares victory in Je erson County treasurer

BY RYLEE DUNN RDUNN@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM

Voting returns have democrat candidate Jerry DiTullio leading republican candidate Faye Griffin in the Jefferson County treasurer race, according to the fourth round of unofficial results, which were released around 4 p.m. on Nov. 9. DiTullio declared victory over Griffin at 9:20 p.m. on Nov. 8.

As of 4 p.m., 93% of ballots have been counted. DiTullio had received 149,091 votes, while Griffin had received 118,072 votes. Local election officials have said that a final count isn’t expected until Nov. 9 or later.

“I feel awesome about the results,” DiTullio said. “I’m pleased Jefferson County voters decided to hire me for four more years. I think they’re pleased with my accesiblity, engagement and transparency with their tax dollars.”

DiTullio said his three priorities for his second term are to expand a property tax exemption for disabled veterans, make that property tax exemption carry over for seniors who downsize, and create a floating assessed value to qualify for property tax exemption.

Griffin could not be reached for comment.

DiTullio is seeking a second term as treasurer after being elected to the office in 2018. A Denver native, DiTullio and his family have lived in Wheat Ridge for 30 years.

city council in 1995, where he served

office until 2013 and then was again elected to city council to a two-year term before being elected City Treasurer in 2015. He served in that office until he was elected County

Treasurer in 2018.

He has pledged to serve the full four-year term if re-elected.

DiTullio oversaw the distribution of CARES Act funding and other COVID relief grants to businesses impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. He supported House Bill 20-1421 and Senate Bill 21-279, which offered flexibility on property tax payments amid the pandemic.

Griffin is a Golden native and a graduate of Golden High School. Prior to her political career, she served in the Jefferson County Clerk’s office for 24 years.

She was elected Jefferson County Clerk and Recorder in 1998 and served in that office from 1999 to 2007. She was then elected county treasurer and served in that capacity from 2007 to 2009.

Griffin was elected District 1 Jefferson County Commissioner in 2008 and served two terms in that office from 2009 to 2015. She was then elected to a second term as County Clerk and Recorder and served in that office again from 2015 to 2018.

She said that if elected, her priorities are to revise the treasurer’s office hours to be more accessible to the public.

Jerry DiTullio

Foothills Fire voters turn down bond and mill levy increase

BY DEB HURLEY BROBST DBROBST@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM

Voters in the Foothills Fire Protection District have turned down the district’s request for a bond and a mill levy increase to purchase property and build a fire station to help decrease response times to emergencies.

With 99% of the vote tabulated, the bond measure known as ballot issue 6B is losing with 1,849 or 74.41% of voters in the fire district voting against the measure and 636 or 25.59% voting in favor. A 1-mill levy ask called 6C also is losing with 1,668 or 67.23% of no votes compared with 813 or 32.77% of yes votes.

The Jeffco Clerk & Recorder’s office says it has tallied all of the votes in its possession. Final vote totals will be available on Nov. 17.

This was the first time the department asked voters for a property tax increase since Foothills was formed in 1997. The department had asked for nearly $13 million total and if approved, homeowners would have paid about $54 per $100,000 of assessed valuation. The owner of a $500,000 home would have paid an

additional $270 in property taxes each year.

“Foothills Fire is disappointed to see the results of ballot issues 6B and 6C,” Fire Chief Alan Anderson said. “However, with four of the five largest wildfires in Colorado history occurring in the last three years, we must continue to find ways to sustain our aging infrastructure and improve our fire department for the community we serve.”

The department wanted to acquire property in Paradise Hills in the middle of the district for a new station, paid for by the bond, and it would become the department’s headquarters. It was asking for a 1 mill increase to pay for department operations including maintenance of the new station.

The proposal received opposition from some residents, some of whom picketed at Highway 40 near Paradise Hills, saying the ask was too large and wouldn’t help emergency response times for most of the district.

The department’s stations are old — one of them is 70 years old — and don’t have up-to-date safety measures for firefighters, Anderson

has said. In addition, he said a new station would include a place for a volunteer firefighter to live, so the firefighter could be faster leaving for emergency calls.

The Foothills volunteer department has roots that go back decades. It was formed in 1997 when Mount Vernon, Idledale and Lookout Mountain fire departments combined to create a larger district that encompasses 25 square miles. It currently

has four fire stations: El Rancho, Lookout Mountain, Idledale and Grapevine, which is near I-70 and exit 256.

The department had a fifth station that it closed last year when it lost the lease for the building. The fire department headquarters in El Rancho is actually a double-wide trailer.

All three Je erson County ballot measures fail

BY ANDREW FRAIELI AFRAIELI@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM

Marijuana growth and sale in unincorporated Je co, along with a possible sales tax on it, have failed

Voters are decided against approving Ballot measure 1A and 1B, the sale and production of marijuana in unincorporated Jeffco and sales tax on it, according to unofficial election results as Nov. 11.

Unincorporated areas like Evergreen and Conifer were included, as well as south Jeffco, but large areas within and around Lakewood would have been included as well, such as almost the entire area surrounded by US 285 and C-470.

Ballot measure 1B would have been a sales tax resolution of three to six percent on the marijuana products. The resolution estimated an added $600,000 in taxes would have gone to Jeffco within the first fiscal year with the three to six per-

cent tax on marijuana sales continuing after.

Je co TABOR will not change

The Taxpayer’s Bill of Rights for Jeffco will remain unchanged as Ballot measure 1C fails, according to unoffical election results as of Nov. 11. It would have limited only property taxes, removing the ceiling for other taxes, allowing the county to keep more revenue.

The resolution pointed to lower tax income to the county during the pandemic as a cause for reduced County operations and services, and this change to TABOR limits would have helped those budgets rebound.

TABOR works by putting a ceiling on county income, be it tax revenues, grants or money from the state. Passing that ceiling would require the county to send checks to residents for the surpassing amount — about $17.6 million in excess funds are being refunded for 2022.

The Foothills Fire Rescue did not get money it requested from voters to build a new fire station that is centrally located in the district. The new station would have become the district’s headquarters rather than the station in El Rancho, shown here.

PHOTO BY DEB HURLEY BROBST

SHUTTERSTOCK

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

THURSDAY

Conifer, Platte Canyon chambers’ member mixer: The Conifer and Platte Canyon chambers of commerce will host a joint member mixer from 5-7 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 17, at Tomahawk Ranch in Bailey. Register at goconifer.com.

THURSDAY-FRIDAY

“Honk!”: Mountain Youth Musicals will perform the musical “Honk!” at 6:30 p.m. Nov. 17 and 18 at Center Stage, and tickets costing $15 can be purchased at www.mymusicals.org/3rd-5th-musical.

FRIDAY

Thanksgiving luncheon for seniors: Seniors4Wellness will host a Thanksgiving lunch from 11:30 a.m.-2 p.m. Friday, Nov. 18, in the Christ the King Catholic Church St. Francis Hall. Entertainment will be provided by Snap, Crackle & Pop.

SATURDAY-SUNDAY

Evergreen Chorale and Kutandara concert: The Evergreen Chorale in concert with Zimbabweainspired marimba band Kutandara presents music inspired by the traditions and rhythms of the African continent along with some music for the holidays, including the popular “Betelehemu”. Performances will be at 7:30 p.m. Nov. 19 at Evergreen Christian Church, 27772 Iris Drive, and at 4:30 p.m. Nov. 20 at Wellshire Presbyterian Church, 2999 S. Colorado Blvd, Denver.

UPCOMING

Thanksgiving service: Christian Science Church in Evergreen is hosting a Thanksgiving Day service at 10 a.m. Nov. 24. There will be Bible-based readings, hymns of praise and testimonies of gratitude. Child care will be available.

Evergreen near Java Groove.

Free legal clinic: A free legal clinic for people with no attorney will be from 2 to 5 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 1. By telephone or video, volunteer attorneys will answer questions, help fill out forms, and explain the process and procedure for all areas of civil litigation. Pre-registration for individual 15-minute appointments is available by calling 303-235-5275 or visiting jeffcolibrary.bibliocommons.com/ events/search/q=free%20legal%20 clinic or call 303-235-5275.

ENN food drive: Evergreen Newcomers and Neighbors will host a food drive for Evergreen Christian Outreach from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Dec. 3 at Church of the Cross, 28253 Meadow Drive, Evergreen. Of special need are canned meats/ fish, hearty soups and chilis, gluten free and vegetarian items, cooking oil, coffee/tea, sugar, baking mixes and supplies, healthy snacks, laundry and dish soap, and hygiene items.

Winterfest: Center for the Arts Evergreen will host the Winterfest artisan gift market from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 3, at the gallery, 31880 Rocky Village Drive. Santa will be available to talk with children from 11:30 a.m.-2 p.m. There will be a holiday craft station, food trucks and a hot cocoa bar, and live holiday music throughout the day. This is an indoor and outdoor event. For more information, visit evergreenarts.org.

Pet pictures with Santa: ResqRanch will host pet pictures with Santa from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Dec. 3 and 17 at Aspen Park Vet Hospital, 25871 Duran Ave. in Aspen Park. Donations will go to the nonprofit ResqRanch. For more information, email info@resqranch.org.

David Arkenstone and Friends concert: “A Winter’s Eve with David Arkenstone and Friends” at 7 p.m. Dec. 8 at Center Stage in Evergreen. General-admission tickets are $35, and VIP tickets that include a postshow meet-and-greet and a CD are $55. Tickets are available at davidarkenstone.com/events-bandsintown.

Santa breakfasts: The Evergreen Area Chamber of Commerce will be from 9:30-11 a.m. for four Saturdays: Nov. 26 at Troutdale Tavern, Dec. 3 at Lariat Lodge, Dec. 10 at Woodcellar Bar and Grill and Dec. 17 at The Wild Game. For more information and to sign up, visit evergreenchamber.org.

Two shows at Shadow Mountain Gallery: Shadow Mountain Gallery will host both its Holiday Treasures and Winter Poetry shows in November and December. Holiday Treasures will showcase paintings, photography, ceramics, glass art, jewelry and more gifts. Winter Poetry will showcase snow-covered peaks, winter wildlife and home décor. The gallery, which is open from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. daily, is in downtown

Conifer Christmas concert: The seventh annual Conifer Christmas will be at 5 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 10, at the Venue Theatre in Conifer. There will be Christmas songs from ancient to the 1800s and stories that go back in time with a look at Christmas traditions in the old West and the early years of Conifer. Percussionist Dennis Paige and multi-instrumentalist Norman Hughes will join Rex Rideout. Proceeds benefit the Venue Theatre, the Conifer Historical Society and the Mountain Resource Center along with a non-perishable food drive for the MRC. Tickets are available at www. thevenuetheatre.com.

Christmas Bird Count: Evergreen Audubon’s annual Christmas Bird Count will be Sunday, Dec. 18. Sign up to join a team, count from your own home or to attend the

dinator. Contact Wendy Neuman at info@sustainevergreen.org for more information. The Refill Station is open Tuesdays from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. and Wednesdays from 1 p.m.-4 p.m.

Tally Rally at the end of the day, where we enjoy a potluck supper and summarize the findings. More information can be found at www. EvergreenAudubon.org.

ONGOING

Evergreen Audubon wreath sale: Order your beautiful, fresh holiday wreath today from Evergreen Audubon. Proceeds benefit the Evergreen Nature Center. For more information about how to order, including descriptions, photos and prices, visit www.EvergreenAudubon.org or contact Marilyn Rhodes at 303-674-9895.

ESA EverGREEN Refill Station: EverGREEN Refill Station is currently hiring its new store coor-

Hiwan Museum winter hours: Hiwan Museum will have shortened winter hours for tours beginning Nov. 1, open Thursday and Friday from noon to 4 p.m. and weekends from noon to 4:30 p.m. Private tours of large groups may be accommodated when the museum is closed by calling Erica Duvic at Hiwan Museum at 720-497-7653.

Community Bible Study: Several community Bible study groups are available — women (in person and online), co-ed young adults, school age, preschool & babies. This year’s study covers six books of the Bible: Philemon 1, 2, 3, John, Jude and Revelation. In-person classes are Thursday morning at Rockland Community Church in Genesee, Tuesday night at Bergan Park Church in Evergreen and Wednesday morning at Conifer Community Church in Conifer. More informa-

tion is available at cbsclass.org/ evergreengolden.

Support After Suicide Loss: Heartbeat and Resilience1220 offer Support After Suicide Loss from 5:30-7 p.m. the fourth Thursday of the month for ages 14 and older. Join in-person or online. Suggest donation is $15. For location, email heather@resilience1220.org or call 720-480-6672.

History Happy Hour: The Evergreen Mountain Area Historical Society will host a History Happy Hour from 4:30-6:30 p.m. the second Friday of each month at Hiwan Museum. Join us in a round table discussion on any and all aspects of history with topics driven by the attendees.

Sensitive Collection: Resilience1220 offers a monthly workshop for highly sensitive people to help them live healthy and empowered lives from 3:30-4:30 p.m. the third Wednesday of the month via Zoom. Visit r1220.org for more information.

Parkinson’s disease support group: A Parkinson’s disease support group meets the first Friday of the month from 1-3 p.m. at Evergreen Christian Church, 27772 Iris Drive, Evergreen. For more information, email esears@parkinsonrockies.org.

Mountain Foothills Rotary meetings: Mountain Foothills Rotary meets at 6:30 p.m. Wednesdays both in person at Mount Vernon Canyon Club at 24933 Club House Circle, Genesee, and via Zoom. Join the Zoom meeting at https:// us02web.zoom.us/j/81389224272, meeting ID 813 8922 4272, phone 346248-7799.

Beyond the Rainbow: Resilience1220 offers Beyond the Rainbow, which is two support groups that meet from 7-8:30 p.m. the second Wednesday of the month. One is a safe group for those 12-20 and the other is group for parents and caregivers wanting support for raising an LGBTQ child. To RSVP, contact Lior Alon at lior@wisetreewellness. com.

Voters approve free school meals program

BY ERICA BREUNLIN THE COLORADO SUN

Colorado public school students will have access to free school meals after voters approved Proposition FF on Nov. 8, slashing tax breaks for households that earn more than $300,000 in federal adjusted gross income starting in tax year 2023 to help pay for a new school meals program.

The measure passed with more than 55% of voters approving it.

The success of the measure means that all kids in public schools, no matter their family’s income, will be able to eat free school breakfasts and lunches, reflecting the critical role schools play in helping students facing food insecurity. The state’s new school meals program — the Healthy School Meals for All program — will take the place of a federal initiative that provided free meals to all kids through the first two years of the pandemic.

“This is a win for our fight against childhood hunger,” said Ashley Wheeland, director of public policy for Hunger Free Colorado, a nonprofit that helps people struggling with hunger. “Many more children that need food will now have access to it with their learning, and this is something that we’ve needed for a long time.”

The demand for food assistance swelled during the pandemic, with 68,000 more Colorado kids participating in school lunch programs supported by federal funds, said Wheeland, whose organization has supported the ballot measure since it was first referred by Democrats in the Colorado legislature this year through the passage of House Bill 1414. This school year, with the federal initiative no longer in place, school meals are reaching fewer students, she said.

Proposition FF will limit the amount that households earning more than $300,000 can claim in

state income tax deductions to cover many of the costs of the new school meals program. It will also require school meal providers to take advantage of federal reimbursements to help ease program costs for the state.

The restriction will impact a taxpayer’s standard deduction or itemized deductions, which include charitable contributions, state and local taxes and mortgage interest.

Taxpayers who make more than $300,000 will be able to deduct no more than $12,000 for single filers and no more than $16,000 for joint filers. Currently, taxpayers who earn more than $400,000 can claim

a maximum of $60,000 in state income tax deductions for a joint filer and a maximum of $30,000 for a single filer, caps that were passed under House Bill 1311. Taxpayers whose income is between $300,000 and $400,000 are not limited in how much they can deduct from their state taxable income.

Proposition FF will increase income tax revenue in the state by an estimated $100.7 million during the first full year of the tax change, fiscal year 2023-24, which begins on July 1, 2023.

School meal providers will be reimbursed for providing meals to all kids, and any school meal provider

can benefit, whether they serve one or more school districts or charter schools. Currently, 183 school meal providers serve kids throughout the state and cover the costs of providing free and reduced-price lunches with state and federal funds and by charging families whose income exceeds federal poverty levels.

Students might qualify for free or reduced-price meals, depending on their household income, but Colorado students who are eligible for reduced-price meals get free meals instead because the state funds their portion of the meal cost.

Denver resident Noah Hayden, 25, voted in favor of Proposition FF so that all students have enough to eat while trying to learn.

Hayden, an unaffiliated voter, teaches social studies at a charter school in Broomfield, and while most of his students come from families who can afford meals, he knows not all kids have the same resources.

“I just think it’s better that every kid is always ensured a lunch throughout the day,” Hayden said after voting at ReelWorks Denver Tuesday evening.

Joey Chester, 30, an unaffiliated voter from Westminster, came to the polls with at least one thing in mind: school lunches.

Chester, who grew up in Aurora, voted “yes” on Proposition FF. He said he sees hope in the proposition.

“When I grew up, my mom gave us 40 bucks a month for school lunches, and I got lazy and would just burn it out and then have to make my own lunch finally for the rest of the year. I knew kids that didn’t always get meals, and I know things have gotten worse,” Chester said.

He added: “I hope it’s going to pass and the people that it’s going to tax are not going to be whiny about it.”

This story is from The Colorado Sun, a journalist-owned news outlet based in Denver and covering the state. For more, and to support The Colorado Sun, visit coloradosun.com. The Colorado Sun is a partner in the Colorado News Conservancy, owner of Colorado Community Media.

Students could choose from pears, apples, carrots and tomatoes for their hot lunches.

PHOTO BY DEB HURLEY BROBST

SHUTTERSTOCK

Plan will reduce tax breaks for wealthy

is to determine whether the scope can be reduced,” he said. “We need to communicate to CDOT that we don’t want to go through the whole exercise when we know there are things we don’t want.”

Five speakers at the meeting were unhappy about some of the plans for downtown improvements, saying they would change downtown’s character.

“The last thing I want Morrison to look like is a strip mall parking lot,” former trustee Deb Jerome told the board. “I understand we want to keep streets safe, but I don’t think it’s a good idea.”

“This seems very odd to me,” said Maja Stefandottir, who serves on the Morrison Planning Commission. “What is so unsafe about the downtown that this needs to be done?”

Others noted that the town could use the money in other ways to benefit the town.

Background

Town Planner Carrie McCool said the goal of the grant was to slow traffic on highways — in Morrison’s case, Highway 74 — so people feel comfortable stopping and visiting stores and restaurants. The concept plan included in the grant application was to give CDOT an indication of what could be done, she added.

In June 2021, the town learned it was getting a $426,000 grant from CODT, and the town must put in about $106,000.

Contractor Toole Design has estimated designing the five projects will cost $103,000, which trustees believe is too expensive. They would like to narrow the scope to be closer to a $40,000 design price tag. Originally, the grant was to pay for five projects:

• Eastern crosswalk upgrade: Design and upgrade the crossing on Highway 8 between Mount Vernon Road and Market Street, including adding curb bumpouts, a pedestrian crossing, pedestrian-activated flashing warnings and a raised median with planter boxes.

• Highway 8 and Stone Street

intersection upgrade: Intersection upgrades and traffic-calming elements on both roads in conjunction with CDOT plans to reconstruct the intersection. In addition, there will be pedestrian crossings, landscaped curb bump-outs and a pedestrian refuge island.

• Mount Vernon Creek bridgecrossing upgrade: An upgraded crossing of the Mount Vernon Creek bridge including a ramp to make it ADA accessible with curb bump-outs on the north side.

• South Park Avenue crossing upgrade: An upgraded crossing of Highway 8 including a raised, planted median with an upgraded pedestrian crossing between South Park Avenue and the Highway 8/Maple Street intersection. The traffic light at South Park Avenue is expected to be removed.

• Analyze and design the removal and reinstallation of parallel parking and bicycle markings.

More discussion

McCool explained that the scope of work could change

based on a community engagement component required by the grant.

“Do we want raised medians?” Town Manager Kara Winters asked. “That is what we will receive input on. Nothing is set in stone that we will have raised medians.”

McCool said criteria for the improvements will be whether the community wants them, and do they slow traffic, are pedestrian friendly and ADA compliant.

CDOT also will look at traffic statistics including crash data, and businesses will be surveyed about how they use Bear Creek Avenue.

“I’m inclined to consider whether we want to let this grant go or scale it down so what we get is what we want and something we can afford,” Trustee Katie Gill said. “I think it’s a shame to pay for all of the designing for the medians when it’s most likely that most of us don’t want them. Before we applied for this grant until now, they redid the entire Stone Street intersection. That changes the nature and scope of what we need to have done.”

WORSHIP DIRECTORY

ASCENT CHURCH

“Real people pursuing a real God”

All are Welcome Sundays at 10am In-person or Online www.ascentchurch.co 29823 Troutdale Scenic Drive, Evergreen

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 9:30AM or 11:00AM Sunday service.

Search Bergen Park Church on YouTube for Livestream service at 9:30am 31919 Rocky Village Dr. 303-674-5484 info@bergenparkchurch.org / www.BergenParkChurch.org

CHRISTIAN SCIENCE CHURCH SERVICES

28244 Harebell Lane

Sunday Service & Sunday School 10am

Wednesday Evening ZOOM Meeting 7:30pm

Contact: clerk@christianscienceevergreen.com for ZOOM link

Reading Room 4602 Pletner Lane, Unit 2E, Evergreen OPEN TUE-SAT 12PM - 3PM

CHURCH OF THE CROSS

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)

CONIFER

CHURCH OF CHRIST

“Doing Bible Things in Bible Ways” 11825 U.S. Hwy. 285, Conifer, CO 80433

Sun: 9:00a.m. Bible Study-10:00a.m. Worship; Wed: Bible Study 7:00p.m.

EVERGREEN LUTHERAN CHURCH

5980 Highway 73 + 303-674-4654

Rev Sara Wirth, Interim Pastor

Join us for Virtual Worship on our YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/c/EvergreenLutheranChurch Sunday Worship uploaded by 10am. 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!

MOUNT HOPE LUTHERAN CHURCH-LCMS

30571 Chestnut Drive ~ (303)670-1387 Sunday Worship 9:00am • Education for All 10:30am Rev. Carl Frank, Pastor www.mounthopelutheranlcms.org

MOUNTAIN REVIVAL CHURCH

“Baptizing the Mountains in Jesus Name” Sundays 11:00 am & Wednesdays 7:00 pm Location: Aspen Park Community Center 26215 Sutton Road, Conifer, CO 80433

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

TIMBER RIDGE CHURCH

Location: The Village at Aspen Park 25587 Conifer Rd. Unit 5A201 (2nd floor - above the UPS Store) Sunday Worship 10:00 am www.timberridgechurchconifer.org • 303-834-3577

UNITED METHODIST CHURCH OF EVERGREEN

Rev. Sarah Clark • 303.674.4810 • www.evergreenumc.org 3757 Ponderosa Dr. across Hwy 74 from Safeway in Evergreen Join us in person every Sunday at 10:00am for worship “Open Hearts, Open Doors, Open Minds”

UNITY OF THE FOOTHILLS

Transforming lives through the power of Love

Join us on Sundays from 10:00 to 11:30 a.m., in person or on Zoom, for a unique, member-led service. Each week a member volunteer presents a spiritual topic of their choice along with discussion questions. Attendees are encouraged, not required, to share their experiences and views on the chosen topic.

SITE MANAGER Storage Facility, P/T position, flex schedule, Computer work and some exterior maintenance. Start at $15.00/hr. Apply Evergreen Self Storage; 303674-9911 or 303-888-0699

Clear Creek County is hiring with new higher pay rates! Apply at: 403 Argentine Street in Georgetown.

Market Place

Garage and Estate Sales

Garage Sales

ANTIQUE SALE!

Annual antique, home decor & holiday gift sale! In a heated 2 story barn Thurs. - Sun., Nov. 17Nov. 20; 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. at 1401 Woodside Dr., follow signs from Pine Junction.

Merchandise

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Medical

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Inogen One G4 is capable of full 24/7 oxygen delivery. Only 2.8 pounds. Free info kit. Call 877-929-9587

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BATH & SHOWER UPDATES in as little as ONE DAY! Affordable prices - No payments for 18 months! Lifetime warranty & professional installs. Senior & Military Discounts available. Call: 855-761-1725

HughesNet– Finally, super-fast internet no matter where you live. 25 Mbps just $59.99/mo! Unlimited Data is Here. Stream Video. Bundle TV & Internet. Free Installation. Call 866-499-0141

Personal & Business Loans. Up to $500,000 unsecured. Personal, Emergency, Auto, Business Startup, Debt Consolidation, Home Improvement, etc. Visit: EasyLoanNetwork.com

Eliminate gutter cleaning forever! LeafFilter, the most advanced debrisblocking gutter protection. Schedule free LeafFilter estimate today. 15% off Entire Purchase. 10% Senior & Military Discounts. Call 1-833-6101936

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Vivint Smart security Professionally installed. 1 connected system for total peace of mind. Free professional installation! 4 free months of monitoring! Call to customize your system. 1-833-8410737

Become a published author. We want to read your book! Dorrance Publishing trusted since 1920. Consultation, production, promotion & distribution. Call for free author`s guide 1-877-729-4998 or visit dorranceinfo.com/ads

Put on your TV Ears & hear TV w/ unmatched clarity. TV Ears Original - originally $129.95 - now w/this special offer only $59.95 w/code MCB59! 1-888-805-0840

Safe Step. North America’s #1 Walk-in tub. Comprehensive lifetime warranty. Top-of-the-line installation and service.

Now featuring our free shower package & $1600 off - limited time! Financing available. 1-855-4171306

Attention Homeowners! If you have water damage and need cleanup services, call us! We’ll get in & work with your insurance agency to get your home repaired and your life back to normal ASAP! 855-7677031

Protect your home from pests safely and affordably. Pest, rodent, termite and mosquito control. Call for a quote or inspection today 844394-9278

The Generac PWRcell solar plus battery storage system. Save money, reduce reliance on grid, prepare for outages & power your home. Full installation services. $0 down financing option. Request free no obligation quote. 1-877-539-0299

DISH TV $64.99 190 Channels + $14.95 High Speed Internet. Free Installation, Smart HD DVR included, Free Voice remote. Some Restrictions apply. Promo Expires 1/21/23. 1-866-479-1516.

Donate Your Car to Veterans Today! Help and Support our Veterans. Fast - FREE pick up. 100% tax deductible. Call 1-800245-0398

1970’s and older. If you are purging I am buying. Happy to dig in closets, sheds, basements Call or text Lisa B. 720-838-4549

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Safe Step. North Americas #1 Walk-In Tub. Comprehensive Lifetime warranty. Top-of-theline installation and service. Now featuring our FREE shower package and $1,600 off for a limited time! Call Today! Financing available! Call Safe Step: 1-877-596-2899

CO PRESS ASSOCIATION NETWORK

Colorado Statewide Classified Advertising Network. To place a 25-word COSCAN Network ad in 91 Colorado newspapers for only $300, contact your local newspaper or email Colorado Press Association Network at rtoledo@colopress.net

Colorado is second state to legalize ‘magic mushrooms’

BY JENNIFER BROWN THE COLORADO SUN

Ten years after legalizing the use and sale of marijuana, Colorado became only the second state in the U.S. to legalize the use of psilocybin mushrooms.

The ballot measure, Proposition 122, squeaked across the finish line as ballots were tallied the day after Election Day, receiving 51% of the vote.

Proponents called it a “truly historic moment.”

“Colorado voters saw the benefit of regulated access to natural medicines, including psilocybin, so people with PTSD, terminal illness, depression, anxiety and other mental health issues can heal,” co-proponents, Kevin Matthews and Veronica Lightening Horse Perez said in emailed statement Wednesday evening.

Natural Medicine Colorado, which got Proposition 122 on the ballot, spent nearly $4.5 million to promote the measure. In contrast, the primary opposition, Protect Colorado’s Kids, raised about $51,000.

The measure will allow people 21 and older to grow and share psychedelic mushrooms, as well as create state-regulated centers where people could make appointments to consume psilocybin, the hallucinationinducing compound derived from psychedelic mushrooms. It calls for licensed “healing centers” to give clients mushrooms in a supervised setting, but — unlike marijuana — does not include an option for retail sales.

Once again, Colorado passed a drug measure that’s illegal under federal law. Psychedelic mushrooms became illegal in the U.S. in 1970 under the Controlled Substances Act. Even with Proposition 122’s passage, psilocybin remains federally classified as a Schedule 1 controlled substance, like heroin, for which there is no current medical use.

Colorado became the first to legalize marijuana a decade ago, and is second only to Oregon in legalizing psilocybin.

Luke Niforatos, chairman of Protect Colorado’s Kids, said he was concerned as a parent and for Colo-

rado’s public health.

“We now need to have a very frank and public conversation about who is in charge of medicine,” he said.

“This is now the second time our state has rejected the FDA process.”

Niforatos, who is also executive vice president of the Foundation for Drug Policy Solutions, said Colorado has allowed “billionaires, startups and entrepreneurs” to take control of medicine in this state instead of “scientists, medical doctors and the FDA.”

Niforatos said that if opponents of the measure had been able to raise enough money to educate the public about the dangers of allowing the use of drugs with no regulated dosage amounts or prescriptions, Proposition 122 would have failed.

“We can’t compete with $4 million from out of state,” he said, adding that proponents of the measure and the psilocybin industry will benefit from its passage while his side had no payoff to entice big-money donors.

He’s also concerned that the opening of psychedelic healing centers

Public Notices

Claims containing a verified statement of the amounts due and unpaid must be in the form of a written affidavit and must be received by the CLERK, EVERGREEN METROPOLITAN DISTRICT at 30920 Stagecoach Boulevard, Evergreen, CO 80439, on or before 5:00 p.m. of the final settlement date above.

and advertising of the drugs in cities across Colorado will normalize drug use among young people, leading to more teens using psilocybin. There is no opt-out provision in Prop 122 for cities and counties that do not want psychedelic healing centers, although cities and counties could enact rules about where the centers could open and their hours of operation.

Proposition 122 also will allow facilities to expand to three plantbased psychedelics in 2026. Those are ibogaine, from the root bark of an iboga tree; mescaline, which is from cacti; and dimethyltryptamine, or DMT, a natural compound found in plants and animals. Mental health centers and substance abuse treatment clinics also could seek licenses to offer psychedelic treatment.

The natural medicines, used to treat anxiety and depression, are obtained now through friends who grow them or from underground “trip guides” who sit with clients during a psychedelic experience, then help them process afterward.

Three years ago, Denver residents voted to decriminalize psychedelic mushrooms, making possession a low priority for law enforcement. With the passage of Proposition 122, Gov. Jared Polis has until Jan. 31 to appoint 15 members to the National Medicine Advisory Board, which will report to the Colorado Department of Regulatory Agencies.

The board’s first recommendations are due by Sept. 30, and regulated access to psilocybin would become available in late 2024. Then by June 2026, the state Department of Regulatory Agencies could expand access to the three other plant-based psychedelics.

This story is from The Colorado Sun, a journalist-owned news outlet based in Denver and covering the state. For more, and to support The Colorado Sun, visit coloradosun.com. The Colorado Sun is a partner in the Colorado News Conservancy, owner of Colorado Community Media.

PROJECT NAME: Evergreen Metropolitan District WTF Improvement Project

SRF PROJECT NO: #D21F040

In accordance with the notice provisions contained in 38-26-107 C.R.S. 1973 as amended, the EVERGREEN METROPOLITAN DISTRICT has established November 30, 2022, the date of final settlement with STANEK CONSTRUCTORS, INC. The Work of this Contract consists of all necessary labor, supervision, equipment, tools, and materials for construction of the Evergreen Metropolitan District WTF Improvement Project, as detailed in the plans and specifications for this project, including all associated site work and surface improvements related to the project.

/s/David Lighthart, General Manager, Evergreen Metropolitan District

Legal Notice No. CC1049

First Publication: November 17, 2022

Last Publication: November 24, 2022 Publisher: Canyon Courier

PROJECT NAME: West Jefferson County Met-

ropolitan District WWTF Improvement Project SRF

In accordance with the notice provisions contained in 38-26-107 C.R.S. 1973 as amended, the WEST JEFFERSON COUNTY METROPOLI TAN DISTRICT has established November 30, 2022, the date of final settlement with FISCHER CONSTRUCTION, INC. The Work of this Contract consists of all necessary labor, supervision, equipment, tools, and materials for construction of the West Jefferson County Metropolitan District WWTF Improvement Project, as detailed in the plans and specifications for this project, including all associated site work and surface improvements related to the

By a thin margin, Colorado voters to make the state only the second in the nation to legalize use of psychedelic mushrooms.

SHUTTERSTOCK IMAGE

Measure passed by thin margin

Did you know that any child living in our mountain area from birth to age 5 has access to FREE BOOKS?

Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library program is a “Gift of Early Literacy’’ for any child in our Front Range Mountain Area. This gift of early literacy is accomplished through the Imagination Library’s “book gifting” program which mails books to children from birth to age ve in our participating communities. Every month each child receives their special book which encourages families to spend time together reading.

The program is sponsored by our local Mountain Area Rotary Clubs.

Our club has more than 100 members from all walks of life. We like to have fun and we organize social functions throughout the year.

• We meet once a week at Evergreen Country Day school; Fridays at 7.00 a.m. for breakfast. There is no meeting commitment – attend as many or as few as you like.

• Our meetings, events and speaker schedules can be found at EvergreenRotary.org, along with details about our local and international committees and projects.

• Dues are $38 monthly.

Questions? Email us at info@EvergreenRotary. org and we’ll get back to you.

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