Conifer peace park seeks to spark unity

Dedication ceremony

BY MAYA DAWSON SPECIAL TO COLORADO COMMUNITY MEDIA

Behind Conifer’s Aspen Park Community Center is a clearing nestled between aspen trees and carpeted with soft grass.

Over the past year, the Rotary Club of Conifer’s Peacebuilding Committee, the Conifer Peacebuilding Club and the Aspen Park Community Center have collaborated to transform this space into the Rotary of Conifer Peace Park, which hosted its grand opening June 11. e space is open to the public, and intended to spark connection and peace among those who use it.

During the grand-opening ceremony, about 70 attendees heard a traditional Lakota blessing; poetry from West Je erson Middle School student Abby Leidel and from David Steele with the Rocky Mountain Compassionate Communications Network; and music including “Imagine” by John Lennon, “What’s Going On” by Marvin Gaye and “Teach Your Children” by Crosby, Stills, Nash and Young. O cials from other Rotary clubs and the Rotary District 5450 also participated.

“When most people think about

Preparing homes for wildfire

EFR hosts forum on hardening structures

BY DEB HURLEY BROBST DBROBST@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM

Homeowners need to prepare their homes in case of wild re, and that means using some common sense.

According to Jess Moore, Evergreen Fire/Rescue’s wildland project coordinator, homes are the least likely to catch re from direct ames in the event of a wild re. ey are more likely to catch re from embers ying ahead of the re or from radiant heat, which is why hardening the home and creating defensible space around the home is important. Moore presented home-hardening tips at a packed informational meeting on June 3 at the Evergreen Fire/ Rescue Administration Building. “How do we build out our home environment to withstand the onslaught (of wild re)?” she asked.

“It’s our responsibility to protect our