Canyon Courier 112422

Blossoming painters

BY DEB HURLEY BROBST DBROBST@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM

The Evergreen dam garden is now blooming year-round.

A mural has been painted on two sides of the building behind the dam garden with flowers, insects and

El Rancho restaurant to reopen

Denver restaurateurs to operate the historic eatery

BY DEB HURLEY BROBST DBROBST@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM

El Rancho restaurant is reopening.

Denver restaurateurs Frank and Jacqueline Bonanno, who own restaurants in the Denver area, will operate the historic restaurant that closed abruptly last summer. The couple, who own Bonanno Concepts, are excited to open as soon as they can hire a staff, Frank Bonanno said on Nov. 15, hopefully in the next few weeks.

“I’m confident we can bring new life to El Rancho while preserving the nostalgia,” he said. “We’ve been in there, and there’s so much potential to recapture the spirit of a place that’s been part of so many memories and stories over the years.”

Bonanno intends Colorado-style fare on the menu, happy hours, brunch and the return of live music. He is leaning toward serving meals such as burritos, tacos, smoked brisket and smoked pork plus a salad bar. He wants to hire a brewmaster, so the site will return to brewing beer in a few months.

Bonanno said the first priority was to focus on the food and the service for the main-floor restaurant,

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Excited about their creation, members of the Evergreen High School Mural Club, from left, Bohdan Yalynnyi, Carter Smith, Bethany Reimers, Madison Hillman and Oakley Fellows pose for photos.

PHOTOS BY DEB HURLEY BROBST

EHS art teacher Sarah Grundemann, Evergreen Legacy Fund board member Gail Riley and mural artist Bobby MaGee Lopez cut a ribbon for the grand opening of the mural called “Evergreen Blooms at the Dam.”

Evergreen High School club adds beauty near the dam by creating a blooming mural

MURAL

FROM PAGE 1

everything else that a blooming garden contains. That’s why it’s called “Evergreen Blooms at the Dam.”

The mural is a collaboration among the Evergreen Legacy Fund, the Evergreen High School Mural Club, the Evergreen Metro District, Evergreen Garden Club and professional muralist Bobby MaGee Lopez.

Gail Riley, owner of Highland Haven Creekside Inn and a member of the ELF board, wanted to bring the groups together to create a mural

on the building. Evergreen Metro District agreed to allow its building to be used as the mural canvas, and the Evergreen Garden Club, which oversees the public dam garden, agreed to spruce up the area close to the building.

The Evergreen Legacy Fund funded the project, and the EHS Mural Club under the direction of art teacher Sarah Grundemann helped design the mural and provided the labor. Grundemann went to college with professional muralist Bobby MaGee Lopez, who agreed to help the club with creating the design and painting the artwork.

The resulting mural was lauded by family members, friends and

community leaders at a ribbon cutting on Nov. 12. The mural is beautiful during daylight hours, but it’s even more stunning at night with lights, provided by EMD, shining on it.

“It’s in a spot where drivers will see it,” Riley said. “I’m so proud of its beauty.”

The EHS Mural Club has already painted three murals at the school, and this was its first foray into more public art.

Student Bethany Reimers was proud of her work, and her dad Philip took pictures of her near the parts of the mural she painted.

Bethany said she joined the Mural Club because it sounded like

fun.

“It’s cool,” she said of the dam mural. “I can come back and see it when I’m older, and say, ‘I did that.’”

EHS principal Skyler Artes said she loved that the mural was a collaboration, allowing the students to connect with members of the community. She lauded Grundemann for building partnerships outside of the school walls, a testament to her abilities as an educator.

John Ellis, a member of the metro district board, was proud to have the best artwork on EMD building.

“On behalf of the (EMD) board, thanks for such beautiful artwork,” he said at the ribbon cutting.

Bohdan Yalynnyi uses a brush to touch up the painting. Most of the work on the mural was done with spray paint.

Gail Riley with the Evergreen Legacy Fund listens to mural artist Bobby MaGee Lopez, who worked with the Mural Club on the project, talk about the project at a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Nov. 12.

PHOTOS BY DEB HURLEY BROBST

Zamboni ready for ice

Winter in the foothills usually is heralded in by the first snowfall, Evergreen’s Holiday Walk and the Conifer Christmas Parade.

This year, there’s a new sign of winter: the Zamboni parade of sorts from Buchanan Park to Evergreen Lake.

Heart Cameron, the Evergreen Park & Recreation District’s parks operations manager, recently drove the Zamboni — it doesn’t go more than 5 mph — along the back roads to get to the Lake House, ready to groom the ice for ice skating season on the lake.

The Zamboni usually is housed in a garage at the lake, but the garage was needed for boat storage over the summer, so Cameron drove the Zamboni to the district’s administration offices in March. He’s hard to miss as he drives down the road with his dog Sir Harmon Pickles on his lap.

Historic warming hut to be used

As EPRD waits for ice to thicken at Evergreen Lake, it is announcing that things are changing for ice skaters.

The Evergreen Lake House will no longer be used for ice skating. Instead, skate rental and sharpening, plus a warming area will be in the former warming hut south of the lake that now is used for the Evergreen Nature Center in warmer months.

Instead of going into the Lake House, skaters with their own ice

skates will check in at a shack to pay to skate, so they can get on the ice faster.

Executive Director Cory Vander Veen said the district has been working with the city of Denver, which owns the warming-hut building, to use it for skating activities. A food vendor will be available, and fire pits will be outside to help skaters warm up without losing much skate time.

“We’re bringing history back to the warming hut,” he said. “We’ll be having different options and switching it up.”

North trail project out for bid

Plans to build the Evergreen Lake North Trail are moving forward despite a hiccup over the summer when the Evergreen Park & Recreation District only received one bid

for the $4.5 million project.

The district has requested bids from contractor that are due on Dec. 9. Fourteen vendors attended the first pre-bid meeting, Executive Director Cory Vander Veen told the EPRD board on Nov. 15, which is a good sign.

WSP, the consultant EPRD hired to shepherd the project, attended the pre-bid meeting with several suggestions to make the process smoother, Liz Cohen, the district’s grants and development coordinator, said. District officials know residents are interested in the project, how long it will take and the detours associated with it. Vander Veen said the best way for people to stay up to date on the project is to visit evergreenrecreation.com.

Once a contractor is selected, the district will have a webpage that

will be updated regularly with information, and it will send fliers to district residents directing them to the webpage.

“We want to drive people to one website page for maps, updates, road closures and contact information,” Vander Veen said. “People will be able to sign up for alerts, so they are informed about the project.”

The project will put a trail along Evergreen Parkway and one along the lakeshore. It will take about eight months to complete with a detour on Evergreen Parkway in place for about four months.

Strategic plan moves forward

The Evergreen Park & Recreation District board has hired Barry Dunn to help it with a strategic plan.

The district will pay up to $100,000 to the consultant to help design, implement and analyze a survey of district residents about their priorities, plus the company can help with the projected costs of new projects. The board wants to have the strategic plan completed by next summer so it can decide if it wants to ask district voters for a property tax increase in November.

Liz Cohen, the district’s grants and development coordinator, is laying out a timeline for work to be completed, including community engagement.

The board plans to meet on Dec. 6 to talk about the strategic plan with the consultants.

Board members want to be heavily involved in writing questions for the community survey to make sure they get solid information about district residents’ priorities.

International Firefighters Day May 4

National Law Enforcement Appreciation Day January 9

St. Michael St. Florian

Heart Cameron, the Evergreen Park & Recreation District’s parks operations manager, holding his dog Sir Harmon Pickles drives the Zamboni from its winter storage in Buchanan Park to the Evergreen Lake House on Nov. 9.

PHOTO BY DEB HURLEY BROBST

285 Corridor road projects move forward

BY DEB HURLEY BROBST DBROBST@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM

The Colorado Department of Transportation is continuing to plan improvements to U.S. 285 between at Kings Valley and in Bailey to improve safety, especially considering the number of accidents, some of them fatal, at the two locations. CDOT officials say they realize how important improvements are at Kings Valley and Crow Hill, but funding is always an issue. The Kings Valley intersection is the site of many accidents, especially as drivers turn north from Kings Valley Drive onto U.S. 285. The curve at the bottom of Crow Hill is dangerous, and there was a fatal crash there in August. Residents complain that people drive too fast in the area, so they are unable to negotiate the curve.

In addition, U.S. 285 will be resurfaced from Foxton Road to Pine Junction as early as spring 2024. More immediately, Jefferson County will fix a failing storm sewer on Highway 73 at Pleasant Park Road in the next few weeks, and traffic will be limited to one lane, which will cause delays.

Kings Valley

Redesigning the intersection at U.S. 285 and Kings Valley Drive has begun and should be completed by early 2024, according to CDOT spokeswoman Presley Fowler. Because of a historic building on the south side of U.S. 285, the road

will be reconfigured so U.S. 285 goes over Kings Valley Drive, somewhat similar to the interchange at U.S. 285 and Shaffer’s Crossing.

Based on the conceptual design, Fowler said, the estimated cost to construct the interchange is $35 million.

Crow Hill

In Bailey, CDOT has decided not

to remove the traffic light at U.S. 285 and Highway 43A, listening to area residents who asked that the light remain to help slow traffic. Keeping the light will allow the $1.3 million earmarked for that intersection to be used for improvements at the bottom of Crow Hill, according to CDOT spokeswoman Michelle Peulen.

Peulen said CDOT would add

concrete and cable rail barriers on the curve, which has been the site of many accidents over the years, plus signs at the top of the hill warning drivers of how steep and curvy the road is.

“At this point, we don’t have a timeframe laid out yet, but the design and information-gathering portion of the project is already underway,” she said.

Tra c moves along at U.S. 285 and Kings Valley Road on Nov. 15. CDOT is in the design phase to reconfigure the intersection.

PHOTO BY DEB HURLEY BROBST

Broadcasting the news

BY DEB HURLEY BROBST DBROBST@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM

Broadcast journalists-in-training have been hard at work at Bergen Valley Elementary School, creating the Bergen Broadcast to inform the school community about school news.

The students meet weekly during lunch to create the monthly broadcast, discussing story ideas, interviewing students and staff, editing the interviews and preparing the stories for broadcast. Once videos are done, the crew members personalize them, pick music and finetune them so the stories look just right.

The Bergen Broadcast is created by the Cyber Crew, fifth graders who want to be involved in more technology, according to club adviser Kirstin Pulioff, who is The Bergens’ digital teacher-librarian. The show has different segments: things important to the school, interviews with new teachers and staff, jokes, facts, trivia and more. The November broadcast, for example, also had a list of 10 things people are thankful for.

“They have a lot of fun working together and building that collaboration,” Pulioff said. “They take ownership of what they are working on, and they are building confidence.”

In early November, Abbi Laursen

and Isabel Lott prepared to interview Janel Glines, a third grade teacher who is new to The Bergens this year. Isabel did the interviewing while Abbi operated the camera — a Chromebook on a stand — and held the cue cards.

They asked her about her favorite food (tacos and milk chocolate) and animal (cat), and what is her favorite subject to teach (language arts).

Glines enjoyed being interviewed, noting that being highlighted on the Bergen Broadcast made her feel like what she had to say was important.

“I love to see (the students) taking ownership of their work,” Glines added.

Isabel, who is new to The Bergens, said being part of the Bergen Broadcast helps her get to know more staff and students in the school, and it’s a fun, new experience.

Abbi explained that she gets to interact with more people through the broadcast, working with fifth graders in other classes.

Another group of students prepared to interview teacher Stephanie Buchanan for a “would you rather” segment. Fifth grader Annie Matheny said working on the broadcast was fun because she liked to create content, and it was fun to

create questions.

Her partner, fifth grader Ivy Hayes, likes the technical aspects of the show, noting that she watched the broadcast last year and wanted to get involved. She also liked being part of something at school that was outside of the classroom.

“It’s really cool when girls and boys from younger grades say, ‘I saw you on TV,’” Annie added.

Come enjoy Downtown Evergreen as a car-free walking mall for our 30th Annual Holiday Walk. Santa, live music, shopping and yummy eats. Santa & Mrs. Claus will light the holiday tree at 5:30PM at theEvergreen Lake House followed by holiday festivities Downtown Evergreen. Main Street closed 5-9PM

ADDITITIONAL SPONSORS: ACE HARDWARE, ESCO CONSTRUCTION CO, EVERGREEN ART SCHOOL, HIGHLAND HAVEN, EVERGREEN NATIONAL BANK, SISTERS & CO, SLIFES DEVIL DOGS, THE EVERGREEN GALLERY, ROSS-LEWIS TRUST

Third grade teacher Janel Glines is interviewed by fifth grader Isabel Lott for a getto-know-our-teachers segment for the Bergen Broadcast. Fifth grader Abbi Laursen operates the camera and holds cue cards.

PHOTOS BY DEB HURLEY BROBST

Carson Schimmels interviews principal’s secretary Linda Weidner for the November Bergen Broadcast. Carson’s teammates Gavin Martelli and Henry DeCoster operate the camera and let Carson know when to begin the interview with Weidner.

Bergen Valley fifth graders tell stories, build confidence

Lighthart named Manager of the Year

2022 Manager of the Year. Light hart, who has spent 38 years with the district, has worked his way up the ranks before becoming general manager in 2014.

BY DEB HURLEY BROBST DBROBST@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM

Lighthart, the manager of the Evergreen Metro District, says he’s not much for awards.

he was a little reticent when he learned he was named the Special District Association of Colorado’s

Because of the way they are set up, Lighthart is also the general manager of the West Jefferson County Metro District and the Kittredge Sanitation and Water District, and the staff works for all three districts.

“He’s the best,” said Mark David son, president of the Evergreen Metro District board. “Dave is as knowledgeable and competent as anybody we could have in that posi tion. He’s a great combination of

technical knowledge and manage ment know-how. I think that’s what makes him so good. We’re in a tech nical business, but we’ve got to have somebody who can lead the team on a day-in and day-out business.”

Davidson said the nomination came from the Evergreen Metro Dis trict staff, a testament to how highly the staff regards him.

“I don’t think there’s a higher form of flattery for somebody than to win an award from a nomination by your staff,” Davidson said. “Dave is a pleasure to work with, and he is very good at knowing the answer or he’s going to find the answer. I think we’re awfully lucky to have him and have had him for as long as we have. I think the district is as strong as it can be, and a huge measure of that is because of Dave Lighthart.”

Lighthart gives credit to the rest of the team for its hard work.

“I don’t know that I really de serve (the award),” Lighthart said, “though it’s nice to be acknowledged by my peers. Certainly, it’s reflective of the entire team, not just me.”

Lighthart considers one of his ma jor achievements getting everyone on the staff to work as one team.

“It took a lot of effort on the part of myself and all the managers to get that feeling of family and one team to stick,” Lighthart said.

On the challenging side are state and federal regulations for water and wastewater treatment systems, changes to the watershed due to cli

SEE LIGHTHART, P10

Mount Evans means healing

Evergreen Metro District manager lauded for management skills, technical expertise

Bonanno Concepts charges a 22% service fee on checks rather than customers tipping, so workers throughout the restaurant make a living wage, according to the Bonanno Concepts website. The company also has a full-time psychologist on staff because employees’ mental wellness is important, Bonanno said.

They have put restaurants in other historic buildings, saying they love Colorado history and preserving it.

The Bonannos also operate restaurants down the hill including Mizuna, Luca, Osteria Marco, Green Russell, Russell’s Smokehouse, Salt & Grinder, Vesper Lounge, French 75, Lou’s Food Bar and Denver Milk Market. Learn more about the company at www.bonannoconcepts.com. Bonanno was on the Food Network TV show “Beat Bobby Flay,” season 29, episode 2. He beat the fellow chef but lost to Flay.

“We look forward to doing what we do and bringing it up (to Evergreen),” he said. “We hope folks will like it.”

History

The El Rancho restaurant opened in a log cabin in 1947. In 1953, a banquet room and gift shop were added, plus it became designated as a post office. When Interstate 70 was being built in the mid-1960s, the owners convinced the Colorado highway department to name the exit “El Rancho.”

According to Golden History Park

and Museum, El Rancho is said to have the most photographed view of the Continental Divide in America.

El Rancho has had several owners over the last few decades, and the owners who bought the property in 2015 abruptly closed the restaurant this past summer after a nasty battle over the restaurant’s management.

Last week, Jack and Sherry Buchanan of Evergreen with North-

star Ventures and Travis McAfoos bought the El Rancho property for $2.7 million, and they signed a lease and operating agreement with Bonanno Concepts.

Northstar Ventures will not be involved in the restaurant’s operation. Instead, it will focus on working to develop the parcel across the street from El Rancho.

“letting people see who we are.”

COURTESY PHOTO

VOICES

It’s never too late to save a river

An old river-running motto says, “Old boaters never die, they just get a little dinghy.” And some never lose their passion for keeping rivers wild.

Consider California’s Stanislaus River. In the 1970s, people of all ages and abilities reveled in running its 13 miles of rapids bearing scary names like Widowmaker and Devil’s Staircase. Not far from Sacramento and San Francisco, the limestone canyon offered renewal and adventure to people nearly year-round.

But back in 1944, the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation authorized 625-foothigh New Melones Dam for the Stan, though filling it would drown the beloved canyon. Dam construction began in 1966, and spirited opposition grew, giving rise to the grassroots organization Friends of the River. Advocates argued that a smaller, existing dam could meet flood control and energy production needs, without drowning the wild stretch of river.

Despite actions ranging from citizen’s initiatives to lawsuits and even a favorable Supreme Court ruling, New Melones Dam was built.

As water in the reservoir rose in 1979, Friends of the River co-founder Mark Dubois chained himself to bedrock below the high-water line to force dam operators to stop

Becca Lawton

filling. Fifteenyear-old Sue Knaup also went to work, “rescuing wildlife day and night for two months from flooded trees and islands.” But she could not save them all, and Dubois could not hold back the reservoir.

The river canyon and priceless prehistoric and historic cultural sites were inundated.

Now, with New Melones logging its fourth decade of broken promises in water delivery, flood control and energy production, hundreds of river advocates from the old campaign hope to reclaim the Stan. In their teens and twenties back then, and today in their sixties and seventies, they believe the timing has never been better.

“It’s now a matter of ‘well, of course,’” says Dubois, vice-president of the new nonprofit Restoring the Stanislaus River. “National momentum is growing for dam removal and expanding economically and ecologically wise floodplains.”

Knaup, president and chief instigator of the new group, has moved her activism into filmmaking.

“When Mark wanted the Stanislaus story to be told as it should be —

in pictures — I offered to create a movie about the 1970s fight.”

Beginning work on the film reawakened their long-held dream of reclaiming the river, so now, members are proposing a full-watershed approach: revegetating reaches of the upper river, removing sections of New Melones to maintain lower reservoir levels and working with downstream farmers to protect floodplains.

Promoting the deconstruction of large dams attracts plenty of media attention. Think of the Klamath River in California and Oregon, and the Snake and Columbia rivers in Washington. Taking down smaller dams receives less fanfare, though some 1,100 small dams have come down in the past 20 years in the United States alone.

As California becomes ever drier, many people agree that the New Melones Dam should go. Only 26 percent full today, the reservoir has been near capacity only five times since first filling. Power-production capabilities, based on 40 years of inflow data, have never been achieved. Even Interior Department engineers admit they underestimated the river’s drought and demand cycles “by a significant amount.”

Roy Tennant, a former Stanislaus River guide and now secretary for Restoring the Stanislaus River,

acknowledges that successful fullwatershed restoration will “take a ton of work and money … but we have to begin while we’re alive and have the passion to do it.”

Kevin Wolf, former river-guide organizer for the 1970s campaign and current treasurer of Restoring the Stanislaus River, says billiondollar ballot measures might be what it takes to change the state’s water infrastructure, but “big ideas like taking dams down start with small groups of wild-eyed activists moving ideas forward.”

Dubois, whose civil action in the 1970s inspired many river protection efforts, adds that it’s time “to repair the good intentions of the outmoded dam-building era — to restore the wild rich abundance that rivers have always been.”

As for Knaup, she says “healing has already begun as both the film and the push to restore the Stanislaus River have come alive.” And the river? “I have total faith that it will know what to do.”

Becca Lawton is a contributor to Writers on the Range, writersontherange.org, an independent nonprofit dedicated to spurring lively conversation about the West. A former Grand Canyon River guide and ranger, she began as a Stanislaus River guide and advocate.

For the past few weeks, dozens of turkey vultures have been circling on thermals over my house in Oregon, preparing to soar away south into California. Not long ago, I saw a late monarch butterfly passing high overhead, its orange wings incandescent against the blue sky.

These are examples of the great migratory movements that enliven the West every spring and fall.

The long-distance migrations of seemingly fragile monarch butterflies are among nature’s most incredible phenomena, with eastern populations wintering in vast numbers in a tiny refuge in Mexico, and western populations at a few sheltered spots along the California coast.

Migration is central to the lives of many wild animals of great public interest and huge economic importance, from salmon to waterfowl to large mammals like pronghorn and elk. Just about everybody attuned to the natural world looks forward

to some migratory milestone, whether it’s the arrival of the first robin of spring or the beginning of duck hunting season.

Thanks to advances in technology and data collection, this is a golden age for research on migration. Radar allows documentation of the magnitude of animals on the move: On a recent night, for example, it was estimated that 5.4 million birds were in the skies over Oregon.

The citizen science database eBird, combined with advances enabling the detection of signals from lightweight tags attached to migrating animals, have provided migration maps of stunning specificity. For an example with turkey vultures, go to https://tinyurl.com/ mtndawtm.

At the same time, we are also com-

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ing to understand the many threats to migration. The drastic declines of Pacific salmon are known all too well. Elk and pronghorn face everincreasing obstacles posed by highways, roads to access and extract fossil fuels and other developments on the landscape.

But what’s happening to migratory birds really tells the story. Based on many lines of evidence, scientists have concluded that 2.9 billion — yes, billion — breeding adult birds have been lost in the United States since the 1970s. That is one-third of the total bird population of the United States.

Of that 2.9 billion, 86%, 2.5 billion, are migratory species. Although declines of birds in the western part of the country are less severe overall than in the East, many of our familiar migrants are showing dramatic reductions, including rufous hummingbird, down 60%, common nighthawk, 58%, band-tailed pigeon, 57%, Lewis’s woodpecker, 67%, and evening grosbeak, 92%.

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Why is this happening? The loss of habitat is the main problem for many species, especially grassland birds. For example, between 2018–19 alone, 2.6 million acres of grassland in the Great Plains were converted to row-crop agriculture. That’s an area larger than Yellowstone National Park. Loss of winter habitat in Mexico and Central America also threatens many species.

Human constructions from power lines to wind turbines to oil pits increase the dangers of migration for birds. The greatest hazard may seem mundane, but it’s ubiquitous: windows. Collisions with windows are estimated to kill a staggering billion birds in this country each year. Brightly lit skyscrapers are also a menace to songbirds, most migrating at night.

Climate change adds to the threats for migratory species. In addition to broad effects like widespread drought in the West and melting

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

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

Not-so-happy hour

CONIFER – There was a moderate crowd at the saloon on the afternoon of Oct. 24, but the atmosphere leaned toward extreme. After hurling verbal jabs at each other over the heads of peace-loving patrons for a while, Willie and Phil resolved to settle each other’s respective hash outside so as not to “disturb the other customers.” Expecting drunken violence to ensue, a concerned employee followed, stepping between the feud-some twosome and persuading Willie and Phil to come back inside and play nice. Then she called JCSO, asking only that deputies remain on hand until one or the other combative client went home. Officers determined that the beef du jour was a professional disagreement of semi-ancient vintage, and that nobody actually got smacked. As soon as Phil hit the bricks, the deputies closed the case.

Lost cause

SOUTH TURKEY CREEK – It was minutes after sunup on Oct. 29, and the complainant watched in wonder as the man in the gray hoodie walked up his driveway, picked up the gas can sitting next to his log splitter, and walked away down the road with it. Complainant notified JCSO deputies, who located Gray Hoodie standing next to a gray Chevy Impala parked on the shoulder of Goddard Ranch Road. Gray Hoodie told deputies he’d been driving from “Denver to Aurora” the evening before, but “made a wrong turn,” ran out of gas, and had “spent most of the night” marooned in Turkey Creek Canyon. Gray Hoodie assured officers that he’d been “given” the gas can by “a man just down the road.” Officers assured Gray Hoodie that the man just down the road didn’t remember it that way. Deputies returned the gas can to the complainant, who declined to pursue theft charges against the stranded wretch.

What…no crackers?

CONIFER – Headed home, Hannah Hapless pulled into the busy parking lot and was surprised and delighted to find the first space in Row 6 unoccupied. No sooner did she slide her modest gray Camry into that unexpected convenience than Buck Young roared up in his spotless white Charger and gave her what-for. “That’s my parking spot!”

TRAIL

FROM PAGE 8

permafrost in the Arctic, climate change can scramble the relationship between migration timing and the availability of food resources.

Hungry migrants may arrive in spring to find that the peak of insect abundance has already passed.

Fortunately, there are many things each of us can do to help migrating birds. First, advocate for the preservation of bird habitats – and provide your own by planting native fruiting and flowering plants on your land.

Second, take steps to reduce bird collisions with your windows. Many solutions are available, including “Zen wind curtains”: light cords hanging in front of the glass. For

he howled. Not seeing a “Reserved For” sign on the space, Hannah decided not to dignify Buck’s objection with a response and proceeded into the store. When she emerged a few minutes later, however, she found the spotless white Charger parked in the No. 2 spot of Row 6 and Buck leaning over her modest gray Camry, clearly hard at work. “Hey!” hollered Hannah, causing Buck to bolt. Approaching her car, Hannah discovered an empty Hormel chili can on the ground and her vehicle painstakingly smeared a zesty bean stew suitable for lunch, dinner, or just snackin’. She gave Buck’s license plate number to a JCSO deputy, who dropped by Buck’s house and asked after his recent activities. Exactly why Buck felt so territorial about space No. 1, Row 6, was not made entirely clear, but he adamantly maintained that it was he who’d been wronged. “She was in my parking spot!” he insisted. The deputy advised Buck that the TajMahal parking lot fills up quick, so if he wants a good spot he should come for his hearing early.

Texts vex

EVERGREEN – With a phone-full of truculent texts in hand, on Oct. 27 the man and his wife asked deputies to charge a former friend with harassment. “This is my town,” read one of Former Friend’s texts. “Watch your back.” A bit hostile, officers agreed, but too vague to meet the legal definition of harassment. “You’re too cowardly to come talk face to face,” sneered another. Again, hurtful, but not harassment. “If you see me in public you best call me sir.” Arrogant, yes.Harassment, no. Since the couple had never actually told Former Friend to stop texting them, deputies advised that they do so at once, and then let JCSO know if the malicious messagingcontinues. For good measure, the officers suggested to Former Friend that he was about two texts away from trouble. “I don’t want to contact them anymore,” said Former Friend, getting the message.

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.

DIY instructions, and much other information, go to: https://tinyurl. com/2hf558nj. And keep your cats inside, as free-ranging cats take a staggering toll on birds.

Finally, support organizations that advocate for birds and their habitats or promote research on migratory birds, such as the National Audubon Society, the American Bird Conservancy, and the Cornell Laboratory of Ornithology.

Together, we can save the lives of millions of birds, and help ensure that their incredible migratory journeys never end.

Pepper Trail is a contributor to Writers on the Range, writersontherange.org, an independent nonprofit dedicated to spurring lively conversation about the West. He is a naturalist and writer in Oregon.

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Opportunities to See Our School

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• Monday, December 5, 2022,

• Thursday, December 15, 2022,

January 11, 2023,

LIGHTHART

FROM

mate change and the challenges of more development in Evergreen.

Lighthart leads by example, frequently visiting job sites and facilities to ensure that the crews have what they need to make safety a priority while keeping projects on schedule.

Kevin Johnson, who has worked for Lighthart since starting in the district in 1993, said Lighthart was one of the best bosses he’s ever had.

“He is always willing to get his hands dirty and work alongside you,” Johnson said. “He’s fair, rea-

sonable and very knowledgeable about this industry.”

Kelly Garrod, president of the West Jefferson County Metro District board, said Lighthart is a technical guy who likes to be involved in projects.

“He’s been out there flagging when the crews are doing excavations,” Garrod said.

Employees, he said, are treated well and feel respected.

“He’s a really good person,” Garrod said. “I can’t say enough good things about him. I’ve seen him through good times and bad, persevering, charging ahead, doing what’s best for the district, for the customers and trying to be responsive to what customers are asking for.”

Dave Lighthart, Evergreen Metro District general manager, was named 2022 Manager of the Year by the Special District Association of Colorado.

PHOTO BY DEB HURLEY BROBST

a sensational musical celebration of the season and the promises it holds.

BY ANDREW FRAIELI AFRAIELI@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM

In 1928, two Black dancers in a dance marathon in Harlem — George Snowden and Mattie Purnell — broke away from each other to throw in some solo freestyling. With that, they started the process of creating one of the most popular swing dances ever: Lindy Hop. It obviously spread from Harlem, and today exists across the country, including in Denver. The dance — along with swing music itself — has ebbed and flowed in popularity over the last few decades, but the fast-paced swing-outs and stomping beats have held onto Denver, developing a small community that’s easy for

beginners to start in and experts to explore.

“I think there’s a lot of room for growth to provide many opportunities for people that want to dance,” said Kenny Nelson, founder of Swingin’ Denver — a swing school and local dance party hoster.

Nelson himself has experience teaching around the world, but the last eight years he’s been teaching Lindy Hop across Denver and hosting social dances from the Mercury Cafe to the Savoy.

The current big three places for Lindy Hop in Denver, according to Nelson, have been the

Mercury Cafe, the Savoy and the Turnverein as they are what have survived the ebb and flow.

“The Mercury Cafe got its start in the ‘90s when neo-swing was happening, and they’re the one place that remained when everyone else was gone…it kind of all fizzled out,” Nelson explained. “I mean, it went with the ebb and flow of popular music. The pop bands tried to grab that sound and it lasted for a bit, but it didn’t last.”

The Mercury Cafe now hosts the teaching and party-hosting group Swing Nights twice a week, every Tuesday and Sunday evening, with Ceth Stifel teaching many of the classes from beginner to intermediate. “The Merc,” as it’s also called, has a live band almost every Sunday as well.

The Turnverein, a 5,280 square foot ballroom, hosts a broader range of dance classes from many different teachers like argentine tango and general ballroom, but also a free Lindy Hop class at 7 p.m. every Friday and a dance right after.

Nelson himself found a home at the Savoy near Five Points in the city, where he teaches beginner and intermediate classes and hosts a live band and dance on the first Wednesday of every month.

Music is, of course, a central aspect. The right variation in tempo, a swinging sound that will convince dancers onto the floor, mixing songs from well-known to gems — all harder than it may seem.

“Swing dancing is inevitably tied to the music, having some music that is really good and swinging, and DJs that are paying attention to the dance floor is very crucial for having creative dancing,” Nelson said.

He describes a talent loss around 2008 and 2012 though, in DJing, dancing, and teaching, but has seen it start improving since 2013.

“I really feel like, in certain areas, live music has stepped up, and it’s great, whereas DJing definitely hasn’t come back,” Nelson said. He references some of the bands that he’s hosted before like La Pomp,

that play “swingin tin-pan standards” and “soulful originals” according to their Instagram, putting them in a category “of the new current bands, with younger members, who are really talented and really

In terms of the stability of the scene now, it’s hard to tell.

“It’s kind of hard to get the complete pulse post-pandemic on the scene here. It certainly feels like it’s getting more stable,” Nelson said, pointing to venues having live music again as a promising step.

The dance’s history as a Black dance is a focus Nelson tries to give

“There’s been a lot of international conversations around the role of teaching, how we ought to be teaching, and how we can best respect the fact that we are teaching a Black dance — how can we best provide solid representation and appreciation for the dance,” he said. “I still think there’s lots of room for improvement there too.”

Specifically, the idea that the dance had a “revival” is what is pushed back on. As Nelson puts it, it “presents a whitewashing of the current popularity of swing dancing - i.e. it paints a picture of an activity ‘saved’ from extinction by white people, rather than a living art form still practiced within

Within Denver though, it is far from extinction or needing to be saved. Tuesday nights at “The Merc,” Friday nights at the Turnverin, and Sunday nights back to “The Merc” again, Lindy Hop is going strong in the city and welcomes beginners, experts and intermediates all alike.

Take a hop, skip and a jump into the city and see what you can do to the tune of “swingin tin-pan standards.”

Ceth Stifel and Dani Botello, teachers from Swing Nights, performing at the Mercury Cafe. COURTESY OF MARA ELAINE

Conifer Christmas Parade

Join us on Saturday, December 3rd, for the 39th Annual Conifer Christmas Parade sponsored by Lifetime Windows and Siding featuring Heroes on Parade. Don’t miss holiday trolleys, warm spirits, live entertainment, Christmas shopping, Santa Land, and the best small-town Christmas Parade! This year’s event starts at 10:30 am on Sutton Road in Aspen Park. Public parking is available at West Je erson Elementary, Aspen Park RTD Lot, and Conifer Community Church. A free shuttle is available. Interested in joining in the festivities or need more information? For more information, please visit https:// christmasparade.goconifer. com

The celebration boasts amenities, including a Corn Maze and Monster Truck. Parade veterans won’t be disappointed with signature classics, including the Holiday Trolley sponsored by FirstBank and warm spirits at the Christmas Spirits Tents sponsored by 1st Colorado Roofing and ReMax Alliance June McKenzie. Be prepared to shop at the Christmas Market featuring over thirty local crafters and vendors. Delicious food and drinks will tempt the parade goers’ palettes and o er a wide selection of festive treats from Slife’s Devil Dogs, Pink Tank and The Dawg Haus Food Trucks. Elk Creek Fire Protection District will also be onsite all day to o er their annual Santa Land

boasting warm fires, pictures with Santa, yummy treats, and fun games. Santa visits 10:30 am - 1:30 pm. There will be warm spirits and a fantastic musical line-up featuring CHS Jazz Ensemble, Who’s Thomas, Maybe Fern, Jax Jordening, and Mars Caliche.

The parade starts o at 2:00 pm and features floats, marching bands, fire trucks, and animals. This year the parade will end at Davis Drive just short of King Soopers, with post-parade parking along the South side of Sutton Road. Parade Awards will occur immediately following the parade. This year’s Best of Parade will win $500 for their organization, so stay and find out who will take the trophy!

Take advantage of the many opportunities and business services the Chamber o ers. If you have any membership questions, or would like to find out more about becoming a member, do not hesitate to contact the o ce at (303) 838-5711

director@goconifer.com

www.goconifer.com

Thank you for your continued support and thank you for shopping local!

Tamm Masoner, Executive Director

EVERGREEN AREA Chamber Of Commerce

Small Business Saturday

The Saturday after Thanksgiving is known across the country as “Small Business Saturday”, but I would highly recommend you consider any day the perfect opportunity to shop small.

While we are a smaller town, we are fortunate to have multiple shopping districts throughout our community. If you have not strolled along the shops, galleries, and eateries in downtown Evergreen in a while, plan to join for the Holiday Walk on Friday, December 2nd. The road will be closed to vehicular tra c and there will be holiday spirit all over the town. If you cannot join that evening, plan to come back throughout the season as the parking lot is open to all. The end of Meadow Drive o ers shops and eateries to extend your walk through downtown. Bergen Village provides many shops that all o er one-of-a-kind nds. The plazas that are home to the box stores, have hidden gems of small businesses around them. Don’t forget that most of our stores, restaurants, and service providers all have online presences and o er gift certi cates for their services.

What I am trying to say is that you can give your computer browser a break, get out into our awesome town and nd pretty much everything you need!

Nancy Judge, President/CEO, Evergreen Chamber of Commerce

Bobcats, Pikas, Turkeys & More

BY CORINNE WESTEMAN CWESTEMAN@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM

In honor of Colorado Parks & Wildlife’s 125th anniversary this year, the Clear Creek Courant and the Canyon Courier will have a monthly photo page celebrating the state’s amazing wildlife and parks. Each page will celebrate a different local animal or group of animals, including fun facts provided by CPW. For November, the mountain newspapers are celebrating bobcats, pikas and any Colorado wildlife that hasn’t been previously featured.

ANIMAL FUN FACTS:

• Bison, unfortunately, are no longer naturally occurring wildlife in Colorado, as all current populations are captive and considered livestock. Bison once lived nearly statewide, but were most abundant on the plains, in the mountain parks and western basins. They also visited forests and above timberline, as they were migratory and moved in huge herds around the state. Colorado’s last wild bison were killed in South Park in 1897.

• Bobcats are well-known but secretive and seldom seen in Colorado. They’re most abundant in the foothills, canyons, mesas and plateaus, where brush and woodland provide suitable habitat. Bobcats tend to avoid open prairies, tundra, heavy sub-alpine timber and wetlands. They mainly eat rabbits, hunting by stealth rather than engaging in long chases. When rabbits are scarce, they will eat mice, voles and birds.

• Coyotes are about the size and shape of a small shepherd dog, and weigh 30-40 pounds. They can live up to 20 years, but 10 is the average. They live throughout Colorado, where they thrive despite attempts to control or eradicate them. Coyotes eat plants and meat, foraging for birds, eggs, rabbits, carrion, insects, fruit, and items found in garbage cans and dumpsters. They’re active any time of day or night, but mostly at dawn and dusk.

• Black-footed ferrets have probably never been abundant in Colorado. However, the animal widely considered to be the most endangered mammal in North America is making a comeback. It was rescued from the brink of extinct in the 1980s, and local wildlife officials have done controlled releases in northwest and eastern Colorado. For more information on these efforts, visit cpw.state.co.us.

• Pikas, despite their similarities to members of the squirrel family, are actually close relatives of rabbits and hares. Thanks to their rock-gray color, they’re seldom seen until their shrill call reveals their presence. They’re about the size and shape of a guinea pig, and live in rockpiles near and above timberline.

• Pumas or mountain lions have many names: cougars, catamounts, panthers and lions. They have the largest geographic range of any native mammal (other than humans), ranging from western Canada to Argentina. They also once inhabited the entire continental United States, but their eastern populations are

extinct or endangered. Colorado’s population is most abundant in the foothills, canyons and mesa country. Pumas are more at home in brushy areas and woodlands than in forests or open prairies.

• Turkeys have 5,000-6,000 feathers when they’re adults. Wild turkeys are able to fly and sometimes sleep in trees. They see three times better than humans, as they can distinguish colors and have 270-degree vision. Benjamin Franklin preferred turkeys to bald eagles as

the National Bird, describing the turkey as “a bird of courage.”

GOT PARKS PHOTOS?

The final photo page in December will celebrate Colorado’s state parks. To contribute to the Dec. 29 page, email photos to cwesteman@ coloradocommunitymedia.com before Dec. 19. Include the photographer’s name, and the date and location the photo was taken. The photo can be of any state park in Colorado and doesn’t have to be recent.

A pair of wild turkeys accost a motorist along Two Brothers Road above Idaho Springs

A mountain lion shows his teeth after he was captured just west of Idaho Springs in January 2015. FILE PHOTO BY FORREST CZARNECKI

A pika gathers food on Aug. 18, 2022 atop Mount Evans. COURTESY OF ANN ZIMMERMAN

Denver-area residents can see bison at the Bu alo Overlook along Interstate 70 and at the Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge. FILE PHOTO

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

Please join us for Sunday worship at 28253 Meadow Drive, Evergreen or visit www.churchotc.com

8:30am Traditional Service 10:30am Contemporary Service

Communion is served every Sunday at both services. All are welcome! Visit our website at www.churchotc.com for info on church activities. 28253 Meadow Drive, Evergreen • 303-674-4130 • o ce@churchotc.com

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 CHRISTIAN CHURCH (DISCIPLES OF CHRIST) 27772 Iris Drive, Evergreen - 303-674-3413 www.EvergreenChristianChurch.org - eccdoc01@gmail.com

Sunday Worship 10:00 a.m., with communion every Sunday We are an inclusive faith community and welcome you to join us in our new ministry journey.

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

(Additional parking at the Park & Ride next to Big O Tires) 720-770-0380 Call, Text, or Just Drop In www.mountainrevival.org

PLATTE CANYON COMMUNITY CHURCH

Located: 4954 County Road 64 in Bailey. O ce hours MWF 8am-1pm 303-838-4409, Worship & Children’s Church at 10am Small group studies for all ages at 9am

Transitional Pastor: Mark Chadwick Youth Pastor: Jay Vonesh Other activities: Youth groups, Men’s/Women’s ministries, Bible studies, VBS, MOPS, Cub/Boy Scouts.

ROCKLAND COMMUNITY CHURCH

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

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. We find our discussions to be lively, thought provoking, and meaningful. We are an all-inclusive community and welcome all perspectives. 28577 Bu alo Park Road, Suite #120 • Evergreen, Colorado • 80439 Email: unityofthefoothills@gmail.com

TRIVIA

TELEVISION: At which popular restaurant does Penny work in “The Big Bang Theory”?

ASTRONOMY: Which one of Jupiter’s moons has active volcanos?

GEOGRAPHY: The Tiber River flows through which famous capital city?

LITERATURE: Who wrote the novel “The Martian Chronicles”?

U.S. STATES: Which river forms the eastern border of Iowa?

U.S. PRESIDENTS: Who was the first president to give a televised address from the White House?

GENERAL KNOWLEDGE: What image on Canada’s flag is a recognizable symbol of the country?

MEASUREMENTS: Which ancient civilization used palms, digits and cubits to measure length?

MOVIES: Who voices the character Princess Anna in “Frozen”?

ANIMAL KINGDOM: An elephant has the most muscles in which part of its body? Answers

Cheesecake Factory.

Bradbury. 5. Mississippi.

Harry Truman.

A maple leaf

Careers

Help Wanted

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

Conifer Business is seeking a Part time or a Full time Accountant and Part time clerical/office help. Please call 303.838.7719

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

Now Hiring

LAM Tree Service Apply www.lamtree.com 303-674-8733

Now hiring Local Sales and Sponsorship Position

Colorado Community Media is hiring an events – sponsorship- digitalnative sales professional seeking to build their career with the largest local media company in Colorado. We continue to invest in innovation and people, developing new businesses and state-of-the art tools that support new products that produce superior ROIs for clients. We believe that a creative, learning environment staffed with talented people who want to grow and utilize the newest and best tools will result in a dynamic and successful culture that has a positive impact on our clients business and our community. Our brand is one of the most trusted in our community. We’ve built this reputation by providing award-winning news coverage and by being engaged in our community at all levels. As a true marketer, we want you to bring your experience and expertise to develop the best advertising and audience programs for local advertisers needing to engage with the community to grow their business. We value teamwork. We embrace opinions, perspectives, cultures and backgrounds that energizes the company and fuels our passion to do what’s right for our readers, our advertisers and our employees. If you’ve got the drive and the passion, together we can take your career farther than you’ve ever imagined. We are building a sales team that will be the face of the changing media landscape. We are looking for people who are excited to represent our emerging brands and our trusted, traditional ones too. Join our team, working a mix in our Englewood, Evergreen or Brighton offices and remote. If you’re as passionate as we are about our mission to grow and engage our community, please apply. CCM offers competitive pay and a comprehensive benefit package that includes medical, dental, vision and paid holiday, vacation, sick and personal time. As an added bonus, you’ll office less than 90 minutes from the best Colorado has to offer in outdoor recreation.

Please apply by sending your letter of interest and resume to Erin Addenbrooke eaddenbrooke@coloradocommunitymedia.com

Arts & Crafts

Craft Fair

Join us for Holiday Gift Shopping Gardens on Quail - Senior Retirement 6447 Quail Street Arvada 80004 303.456.1500

Saturday, December 3rd, 2022 9:00-4:00

Door Prizes

Variety of Vendors Holiday Fun 29th Annual

Holiday Arts and Crafts Fair

Bear Creek High School, 9800 W. Dartmouth Place, Lakewood Sat. Dec. 3rd, 9am - 4pm, Admission

Miscellaneous

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

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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

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Prepare for power outages today with a GENERAC home standby generator $0 Down + Low Monthly Pmt Request a free Quote. Call before the next power outage: 1-855-948-6176

Miscellaneous

Free high speed internet if qualified. Govt. pgm for recipients of select pgms incl. Medicaid, SNAP, Housing Assistance, WIC, Veterans Pension, Survivor Benefits, Lifeline, Tribal. 15 GB internet. Android tablet free w/one-time $20 copay. Free shipping. Call Maxsip Telecom! 1-833-758-3892

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Colorado Statewide Network

SAFE STEP - WALK-IN TUB

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Miscellaneous

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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

Wanted to Buy

Lisa B. 720-838-4549

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

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.

testimonies of gratitude. Child care will be available.

FRIDAY-SUNDAY

Christmas tree cutting: Singing Springs Ranch is hosting its annual Christmas tree-cutting opportunity Nov. 25-27. A limited number of permits will be sold for guided entry into the privately managed forest midway between Evergreen and Conifer. Bring your own handsaw to cut trees and rope to tie to your vehicle. For reservations, e-mail ChristinaSeldomridge@comcast.net or call/text 717-575-8561.

SATURDAY

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.

THURSDAY

EChO Turkey Trot: Evergreen

Christian Outreach’s 12th annual Turkey Trot will be on Thanksgiving Day, Nov. 24, starting at Church of the Transfiguration on the east end of downtown Evergreen. Registration opens at 8 a.m., and the race starts after a dedication at 8:45 a.m. Participants will go through downtown Evergreen, around Evergreen Lake and back to the church. For more information, visit evergreenchristianoutreach.org.

Thanksgiving service: Christian Science Church in Evergreen is hosting a Thanksgiving Day service at 10 a.m. Nov. 24. There will be Biblebased readings, hymns of praise and

Legals

Metro Districts Budget Hearings

Public Notice

The Jefferson Conservation District Board of Supervisors will hold a hearing to consider the District’s 2023 budget on Thursday December 8, 2022 at 4:30 pm. The proposed budget is avail able for review by contacting the District at jcd@ jeffersoncd.com. An elector of the District may file an objection to the proposed budget at any time prior to adoption of the budget. The hearing will be held via video conference. Please email jcd@ jeffersoncd.com to attend.

Legal Notice No. CC1052

First Publication: November 24, 2022

Last Publication: November 24, 2022

Publisher: Canyon Courier

UPCOMING

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 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%20 legal%20clinic or call 303-235-5275.

Holiday Walk: Downtown Evergreen’s annual Holiday Walk will begin at 5:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 2, with a tree lighting at the Evergreen Lake House. Santa will ride in a carriage to downtown Evergreen, and the road will be closed for attendees to shop, listen to live music, meet with Santa and enjoy the evening’s festivities. For more information and to reserve a time to meet with Santa, visit downtownevergreen.com.

Conifer Christmas Parade: The Conifer Christmas Parade starts at 2 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 3, down Sutton Road in Aspen Park. The event includes libations, live music, a craft fair and more. For more information, visit goconifer.com.

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.

CLERK, WEST JEFFERSON COUNTY MET ROPOLITAN DISTRICT at 30920 Stagecoach Boulevard, Evergreen, CO 80439, on or before 5:00 p.m. of the final settlement date above.

/s/ David Lighthart, General Manager, West Jefferson County Metropolitan District Legal Notice No. CC1048

First Publication: November 17, 2022

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.

PROJECT NAME: West Jefferson County Metropolitan District WWTF Improvement Project SRF PROJECT NO: #W21F446

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 project.

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

Last Publication: November 24, 2022 Publisher: Canyon Courier

Public Notice

FINAL SETTLEMENT #021 F040

NOTICE OF

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

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.

/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

By Jason Harris of Foothills Kitchen & Bath

During the holidays, our customers are so involved with planning next year’s makeover, they often forget about the stocking stuffers. I always think hubby should go big and earn a decade of hall passes by giving his lovely bride the kitchen she’s always dreamed about, but we all know men don’t know how to wrap presents, so I think most men just rely on their natural romanticism instead.

There is one gift, however, that tucks nicely under the tree and would be worth at least a week of taking out the garbage; just be prepared for constant decla rations of, “No, I swear it’s not a toy — it’s a tool!”

Sonos.

You know you’ve hit the big time when one word says it all. Sonos was founded in 2002 with the sole purpose of creating a family of crystal clear speakers that utilize WiFi to access a virtually limitless musi cal library. Twenty years later, in the world of wireless speakers there is Sonos and then there is everyone else. A recent survey of custom integrators — professionals who design and install automation systems — found they use Sonos in 76% of their wireless audio installations, more than four times as often as the next closest brand.

Were you among those who once saw their Super Bowl commercial and thought, “I don’t get it. You walk from room to room and the lights change colors??” Close. You walk from room to room and the music changes.

And it couldn’t be any simpler. Unpack a speaker and plug in its power cord. Download the Sonos Control ler for your tablet or smartphone. Press a couple of buttons and, voila!, the speaker is now part of the

Sonos ecosystem. After a few minutes placing speak ers in more rooms, take out your iPhone or Android, and within seconds you could be listening to any song on your phone. Or maybe you’ll want to play internet radio, or local stations, or your LP collec tion, or Pandora or SiriusXM or Apple Music or….

Okay, let’s see who was paying attention. What did I forget to say during all that fine print? That’s right, I never mentioned the words “speaker wire,” because you don’t need any with Sonos; all you need is access to an electrical outlet and WiFi.

I had a friend who spent a full weekend working on what he called ‘wire hygiene’ for his Corvette. After that, I was scared straight and knew I couldn’t get away with tucking wires under a rug, so I hoisted myself into my 100º attic to try to atone for my sins. Maybe it was the contact high, because after twenty minutes of breathing spray foam insulation, I found myself hoping my wife knew where the life insurance paperwork was. But all that effort is so passé wen it comes to Sonos, because it can accomplish the wireless feat right out of the box!

Not all wireless is created equally, though, because Sonos is the super highway of wireless. You’re proba bly aware of Bluetooth. It’s particularly useful in the car, because once you hop in, your phone automati cally connects to your stereo, allowing you to hear calls via your car’s speakers.

The same thing happens in your home. Walk into the house and the song on your phone echoes through your bookshelf units. The problem is Bluetooth is limited by distance and the number of connections a device can make, so if you were to continue walking, you’d quickly be out of range and the music would

stop. Or maybe you drop the needle on your 500th bootleg of the Dead just as the phone rings. With Bluetooth, the music would go away, so you have to pay attention to your mother’s complaint that your father left all the wrapping for her to do; with Sonos, you can still absorb the essence of Jerry’s solos, while pretending to be listening to Mom.

What Sonos does is use your router to create its own SonosNet, which offers many benefits. The more speakers there are on this mesh network, the stron ger the signal becomes. WiFi sends between 10 to 75 times as many bits of data as Bluetooth, leading to a more robust sound. Most importantly, the Sonos network allows 32 hookups versus just one at a time.

Are you with me so far that Sonos allows you to play any song from any source in any room at any volume? Well, better yet, it can play multiple songs from multiple sources in multiple rooms at multiple volumes....at the same time!

Uh oh, I just ran out of room. We might have to survive this cliffhanger until we get back together in two weeks....

Imagine walking into a store where you’ll find every product for your remodeling project….and….people who actually know what they’re talking about. Now imagine no more!

One trip to our beautiful showroom and you’ll see why we’re unlike any other store. From cabinets to flooring, windows or more, you’ll find hundreds of samples to match your colors in one place. Even better, our prices are affordable — apples to apples, we’re usually less than the Big Boxes on higher qualities — and you’ll always be greeted by the same friendly experts.