FREE LIBRARY

“We wanted to create a space for people to pause and enjoy the green belt that we’re on and the bike path is on,” she said. “Especially through covid, it was a way that I felt like we could put wellness out in the world with something as healthy as reading that creates a mindful, peaceful experience, but also gets them outside and active.”

Monson said the library quickly became self-sustaining once it opened and has since become a xture in the community.

“People often comment to thank us or leave notes,” she said. “It’s like an identity of our family, which we love.”

On top of being a way to build community, little free libraries improve access to literature. Unite for Literacy, a publishing company that tracks book deserts, estimates only a third of Colorado homes have more than 100 books.

Amber DeBerry, Director of Community Engagement for Douglas County Libraries, said improving access to reading materials, whether that’s books, magazines, journals or comics, is important because reading bene ts everyone.

“If you have access to books prior to the age of ve, your success rates in school drastically increase,” DeBerry said. “For people who don’t have the opportunity or ability to purchase books, libraries are an incredible community asset.”

In Dianne Shantz’s neighborhood in Adams County, she noticed there weren’t nearly as many little free libraries as more a uent areas of Denver, so Shantz built one in 2021.

Shantz used a thrifted co ee table and an old kitchen counter with a repurposed replace door to create a weatherproof library and food pantry near her community’s shared mailbox, which provides steady foot tra c.

“I’m proud to say (the library) is self-sustaining because it shows that there was a need there, and that’s true of the pantry too,” she said.

Shantz said she enjoys having opportunities to share her love of reading and tries to stock the library with books she knows her visitors will read.

“Being new to the neighborhood, it’s given me a chance to meet my neighbors,” she said. “A lot of Hispanic people live in the area, so I try to include Spanish books. One lady likes Danielle Steel, so I put those in when I can.”

For Kate Garland, a graduate of Castle View High School in Castle Rock, building a little free library was a way to memorialize her friend and fellow student Brooke Adams, who died in April.

Garland met Adams through the school book club she started and they bonded over reading.

“Brooke and I both loved the ‘ e Summer I Turned Pretty’ series by Jenny Han and somebody donated the entire set so we made sure that those were in there,” Garland said. “Some of Brooke’s other friends also picked booked they thought she would like.” be used with tax-extension funds. “We need to have highly visible improvements in addition to getting behind-the-scenes work done.”

When Adams died, Garland worked with Adams’ family, school o cials, the school’s Technology Students Association and book club members to build the library and host a book drive to ll it. Materials for the library were donated by the local Ace Hardware and community members donated more than 1,000 books during the drive.

“ e community support around it and the continuing book donations have been really rewarding for me and the book club and the TSA members who helped,” she said.

As Garland heads to Arapahoe Community College, the stewardship of the library will pass on to other students in the book club.

“We wanted to make sure it would keep going, even after I’m gone,” she said.

To nd these little free libraries and more, go to littlefreelibrary.org.

Evergreen Parks and Recreation have really raised the level of their o erings with new sta at the helm. Have you enjoyed the free concerts at both the lake house and Buchanan ball elds? How about the new sand volleyball court? Or the free disc golf course? If you are not paying attention, let me point out that there is a lot happening with the programming from Evergreen Parks and Recreation. There are new classes inside the two recreation centers as well as outdoors at the lake house. They have also added events and programs speci c to the senior citizens in our community to try to ll the gap left when the Seniors Resource Center pulled out. Don’t miss the family movie nights in the park with two of those combined with the opportunity to camp out in the park with your family.

If you have not yet checked out all that they have going on, I recommend you visit their website.

No decisions have been made on what projects would be included if the district asks voters for a property-tax extension, though board members agreed that making any improvements should go to both indoor and outdoor areas to bene t everyone in the district.

Considering priorities

As board members looked at what it called Step 1 priorities — those that could be paid for in the next ve to 10 years with the property-tax extension — they discussed making sure that deferred maintenance at parks and buildings would take place, which was a top priority among residents in a survey the rec district conducted.

An amenity that board members believe could be paid from the property-tax extension is what has been called the Buchanan “beach,” adding in atables to the lower Buchanan pond, and creating a trail around the upper pond, adding a dock and other shing amenities.

ey said they would consider property acquisition in the Step 1 priorities if the right property became available at a fair price.

Community survey results said the community wanted the rec district to consider buying property for an o -leash dog park or additional hiking areas.

ey also discussed whether it would make sense to make some improvements to Wulf Recreation Center. For example, the conference rooms on the rst oor behind the registration area could be recon gured and used for other purposes.

Step 2 priorities would be large projects such as adding an aquatics center to the Buchanan Recreation Center or fully remodeling the Wulf Recreation Center. ose types of projects would need to come from money in an additional property-tax request.

e board’s discussion for Step 1 and Step 2 priorities will be provided to BerryDunn, the consulting rm helping the district with its strategic plan. e board hopes to get a draft of the plan in August.

Executive Director Cory Vander Veen suggested that the board also consider cost savings with improvements. For example, if the district built a permanent stage at Buchanan Fields, it would save money that it now spends to hire a company to erect and tear down the stage.

Board members said if the tax extension passed in November, the district could look at its budget and improvement projects di erently since they would know the money was coming, so work could start sooner.

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

Mad Hatters fundraiser: Evergreen Animal Protective League’s Mad Hatters fundraiser will be from 4-9 p.m. July 27 at Cactus Jack’s. For more information, visit eapl.org.

THURSDAY - SATURDAY

“Footloose the Musical”: Stagedoor eater will perform “Footloose the Musical” directed by Jo Gerlick July 28-Aug. 6 at the theater, 25797 Conifer Road, Conifer. Performances are at 7 p.m. July 28-29 and Aug. 4-6, and at 2 p.m. July 30 and Aug. 6. Tickets are $25 for adults and $20 for seniors, educators and students. For more information and tickets, visit stagedoortheatre.org.

FRIDAY-SUNDAY

Evergreen Jazz Festival: e Evergreen Jazz Festival will be July 28-30 at several venues in Evergreen with bands from around the country playing swing, blues, Dixieland and more. For information on bands, performances and tickets, visit EvergreenJazz.org.

SATURDAY

Cars and Co ee: Cars and Coffee, a show for car enthusiasts, will be from 9 a.m.-noon Saturdays until Aug. 26 in front of Olde’s Garage on Evergreen Parkway. ere’s no registration fee. Bring your classic car or stop in to check out the vehicles. Free co ee and doughnuts. Donations bene t Mount Evans Hospice.

SATURDAY-SUNDAY

Summerfest: Center for the Arts

Evergreen’s 43rd annual Summerfest will be from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. July 29-30 at the Buchanan Park elds. Admission is $5, payable at the door. Visit artist and artisan booths, while listening to live music and visiting food trucks. For more information, visit evergreenarts.org.

Elevation Celebration: Conifer’s Elevation Celebration will be from 10 a.m.-8 p.m. July 29-30 along Sutton Road. Music, vendors, family activities and more highlight this street fair. For more information, visit elevationcelebration.goconifer. com.

WEDNESDAY e Evergreen Area Republican

Club: e Evergreen Area Republican Club will meet at 6 p.m. Aug. 2 at the Evergreen Fire/Rescue Administration Building, 1802 Bergen Parkway. e speaker will be Antonette Smith, deputy state director of Americans for Prosperity. Visit evergreenarearepublicanclub.org for more information.

UPCOMING

Classic movie night: Center Stage is hosting monthly classic movie nights with acclaimed lms from the silent era to the golden age of cinema. It will show “A Dog’s Life” (1918) starring Charlie Chaplin and “Sherlock, Jr.” (1924) starring Buster Keaton at 6:30 p.m. ursday, Aug. 3, at the theater, 27608 Fireweed Drive, Evergreen. Single tickets are $15 for adults, $12 for seniors and $10 for students. For more information and tickets, visit ovationwest.org.

Free legal clinic: A free legal clinic for people with no attorney will be from 2 to 5 p.m. ursday, Aug. 3. Volunteer attorneys will answer questions, help ll out forms, and explain the process and procedure for all areas of civil litigation. Preregistration for individual 15-minute appointments is available by calling 303-235-5275.

Dam Ducky Derby: Downtown Evergreen’s Dam Ducky Derby will be from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 5, with the duck drop at 1 p.m. First place duck gets $1,500, second place $1,000 and third place $500. Purchase ducks at downtown businesses and get more information or purchase ducks online at downtownevergreen.com/events/damducky-derby.

285 TechConnect Radio Club: e 285 TechConnect Radio Club for ham radio enthusiasts interested in its technical aspects, will hold its monthly meeting from 10 a.m. - noon Saturday, Aug. 5, at e Bridge Church at Bear Creek, 3101 S. Kipling St. in Lakewood. For more information, visit https://na0tc.org/.

Evergreen Town Race: e Evergreen Town Race will be Aug. 6 in downtown Evergreen. Register for the 5K at Big R and register for the 10K near the Xcel building on Evergreen Parkway. e race is a fundraiser for the Alpine Rescue Team. Both the 5K and 10K courses wind gradually down Upper Bear Creek, with a nish near Evergreen Lake. For more information and to register, visit www.evergreentownrace. org/.

EPRD summer concert series: e Evergreen Park & Recreation district has one concert remaining starting at 4:30 p.m. Aug. 9: Cass Clayton Band at Buchanan Park elds.

“Spirited Flight”: Shadow Mountain Gallery in downtown Evergreen next to Java Groove will host “Spirited Flight” with ight-related art until Aug. 12. e show features birds, insects and other ying creatures. e gallery is open daily from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. For more information, visit www.shadowmountaingallery. com.

Grass on the Gulch: Grass on the Gulch Bluegrass Music Festival will be Aug. 11-13 at 28625 Kennedy Gulch Road in Conifer. For more information, visit grassonthegulch. com.

Moonlight Soiree: e Moonlight Soiree sponsored by Mount Evans Home Health Care and Hospice will start at 5:30 p.m. ursday, Aug. 17, at the Evergreen Lake House. Black tie is optional. Tickets are $350 or $4,000 for a patron table seating eight. For more information and tickets, visit mtevans.org/supportmount-evans/moonlightsoiree.

ConiferFest: ConiferFest music festival will be from 11 a.m.-7:30 p.m. Aug. 12 in the open space adjacent to Our Lady of the Pines Catholic Church in Conifer. Tickets are $10 at the gate, and food from food trucks, and beer, wine and margaritas are an additional cost. Parking is free. For more information, visit coniferfest.com.

Corn Hole Tournament: e third annual Toss for a Cause Corn Hole Tournament will be from 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 12, at the Buchanan ball elds. Up to 64 teams can be entered in the tournament. Proceeds bene t area kids’ programs.

Kids Triathlon: e Kids Triathlon for children 5- to 10-years old starts at 9 a.m. Aug. 13 at the Buchanan Park Recreation Center. Children swim in the Buchanan Park pool, ride their bike and run around the Buchanan ponds. Cost is $35. For more information and to register,

Indian Hills Centennial Celebration: e Indian Hills Centennial Celebration will be Aug. 18-20. On Friday, starting at 6 p.m., there will be a movie and live music at Arrowhead Park with food for sale. From noon-4 p.m. Saturday will be the community center open house with local history speakers, a building plaque dedication and a time capsule sealing. From 2-6 p.m. Sunday, will be a barbecue at the community center.

Barbed wire removal: Wild Aware is sponsoring volunteer barbed wire removal days at DeDisse Park from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Aug. 19. For more information, visit wildaware.org.

Boogie at the Ranch: Boogie at the Ranch will be from 11 a.m.-7 p.m. Aug. 19 at the Nelson ranch. Proceeds bene t the Mountain Resource Center. For more information and tickets, visit boogieatthebarn. com.

ESA fundraiser: Evergreen Sustainability Alliance is hosting a fundraiser from 4 p.m. until close Aug. 24 at the Evergreen Bread and Cocktail Lounge. Ten percent of proceeds from that evening will be donated to support programs run by ESA. For more information, call 720-5360069.

Evergreen Fine Arts Festival: e Evergreen Fine Arts Festival will be from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Aug. 25-26 at the Buchanan Fields. is juried ne art show also has children’s activities, live music, food and drink, and free shuttle service.

Mountain Community Barefoot Mile: e Mountain Community Barefoot Mile will be Aug. 26 at the Marshdale elds. Registration opens at 9 a.m., with the walk starting at 10 a.m. Proceeds raised go to JOY options from which to choose. For more information, call Mary at 720673-4369 or email mary@evergreenchristianoutreach.org. 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.

International, which helps rescue children from child slavery. For more information, www.joy.org/ barefoot-mile-events.

LGBTQ+ teen book club: Resilience1220 is o ering a LGBTQ+ teen book club that meets from 4-6 p.m. the fourth Monday at the Resilience1220 o ce next to the Buchanan Park Recreation Center. e group’s rst book is “Hell Followed With Us.” For more information and to register, visit R1220.org.

ONGOING

Adult grief support group: Mount Evans Home Health Care & Hospice is o ering a seven-week in-person adult grief support group. e next group starts June 1 and runs every ursday through July 20, with no session on July 6. e group will meet from 2-3 p.m. at the Mount Evans o ce, 3081 Bergen Peak Road, Evergreen. Reservations are required. Call 303-674-6400 to sign up.

Blue Spruce Habitat volunteers needed: Blue Spruce Habitat for Humanity is looking for volunteers. A variety of opportunities and exible schedules are available on new construction sites as well as for exterior minor home repairs. No previous construction experience needed. Contact volunteer@bluesprucehabitat.org for information.

EChO needs volunteers: e Evergreen Christian Outreach ReSale Store and food pantry need volunteers. Proceeds from the EChO ReSale Store support the food pantry and programs and services provided by EChO. ere are many volunteer

Hiwan Museum summer hours: Hiwan Museum is open for tours from noon-4 p.m. Tuesday through Friday and from noon-4:30 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Outdoor self-guided tours are available at any time. Large groups are encouraged to call 720-497-7653 to make arrangements.

ESA EverGREEN Re ll Station: EverGREEN Re ll Station (re ll your laundry detergent, lotions, soaps and more. We have many sustainable products available). e Re ll Station is open Wednesdays from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. and the second Saturday of each month in the Habitat Restore in Bergen Park, 1232 Bergen Parkway.

Support After Suicide Loss: Heartbeat and Resilience1220 o er Support After Suicide Loss from 5:30-7 p.m. the fourth ursday of the month for ages 14 and older. Join in-person or online. Suggest donation is $15. For location, visit R1220. org.

Sensitive Collection: Resilience1220 o ers a monthly workshop for highly sensitive people to

Caregiver support group: Mount Evans Home Health Care & Hospice o ers a monthly group to provide emotional support services for caregivers helping ill, disabled or elderly loved ones. An in-person support group meets every third Monday from 4-6 p.m. at 3081 Bergen Peak Road, Evergreen. For more information, visit mtevans.org/services/ emotional-support/.

Parkinson’s disease support group: A Parkinson’s disease support group meets the rst 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 346-248-7799.

Beyond the Rainbow: Resilience1220 o ers 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.