e Morrison town board approved a separation agreement with its 12-year town manager during its Feb. 20 meeting.
e motion came two weeks after Town Manager Kara Winters walked out after a contentious board discussion about proposed employee compensation increases, citing concerns about the treatment of town employees. Town o cials say she has not reported to work since.
Town Clerk Ariana Neverdahl has since assumed Winters’ duties, and the board unanimously agreed to increase her compensation while she is taking on the extra work.
Board members unanimously
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agreed on the separation agreement, a motion that also included putting Winters on paid leave until the board takes further action. e motion was made quickly with no discussion.
“We had to do a separation,” Morrison Mayor Chris Wolfe said after the meeting. “She’s been wonderful to work with, and we wish her the best.”
e board has been discussing increasing employee compensation for months. It hired Graves Consulting to do a compensation study, presented to the board in January. Using comparisons from several Denver metro area communities, the consultants recommended pay increases for many general government employees, and a compensation step plan for police based on experience.
Before it approved that recommendation, the board asked for comparisons from smaller municipalities — with populations similar to Morrison.
Board members had a lengthy dis-
cussion about the ndings during their Feb. 6 meeting, ultimately tabling the issue.
Winters said the market analysis showed wages were generally higher in other areas than in Morrison.
BY JREUTER@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM“ e town’s employees are its most important asset,” she said during the Feb. 6 meeting. “I think they should get paid the market value for their position.”
Trustee John Leonard disagreed, saying many of the positions cited in other communities require degrees that some Morrison employees don’t have.
“I don’t agree with their ndings or averages,” he said. I just don’t think I personally have enough information to say you guys aren’t equitably paid. We’re a unique town; there are a lot of bene ts to the size of the town and number of employees. We’ve got to do what we think is correct as duciaries for the town.”
Trustee Paul Sutton agreed, noting the initial compensation study compared Morrison to large municipalities.
“I believe it was a awed study,” he said. “ e town manager in Aurora or Arvada has di erent responsibilities than the town manager in Morrison. It’s not comparable.”
Morrison has less than 400 residents, and about 30 town employees, including police.
Evergreen hosts an all-day celebration of winter during its second annual Chill Out Winterfest on March 2.
e event, created by the Evergreen Chamber of Commerce, includes an ice shing contest, sledding races, “Amazing Race” style foot and mobile scavenger hunts, ice skating and a family game evening. While the races will take people into various parts of the area, other events are on Evergreen Lake.
Chamber president Nancy Judge said Chill Out is designed to help people shake the winter blues and revel in the season.
“We have so much going on in this
community in the summertime, but there isn’t a lot going on in winter,” she said. “We thought we’d try to bring a little fun and goo ness to Evergreen.”
e chamber drew inspiration from Durango, which recently hosted its 45th annual Snowdown winter festival. Snowdown is now a 10-day, 200-event celebration designed to ght cabin fever.
Evergreen hosted its rst Chill Out in 2023 to great success.
“We had so much fun,” Judge said. “It was a beautiful day and there was so much laughter for those that participated. at’s why we’re bringing it back and expanding it.”
All Chill Out events require registration. While it’s hosted in Evergreen, participation is open to all.
“You do not need to be a local to participate,” Judge said. “One of our teams last year was a mom and her three boys visiting from Indiana.”
e day kicks o with an ice shing tournament and ice shing clinic.
e popular Mushies Cup will run
from 10 a.m. to noon. is familyfriendly competition involves teams of 2 or 4 pulling their teammates around an obstacle course on a chamber-provided in atable.
Outbound Mountain Gear will host a touring ski race at noon. Participants can bring their own split or AT ski’s or rent them Outbound Mountain Gear.
While last year’s event included one “Amazing Race,” this year, there will be three — two on foot and one designed as a driving event. In each race, teams will get clues that lead them to the next destination and clue. Pre-registration is required for all three races.
Judge said races were added to meet demand.
“We had 16 teams last year, and had a 17th team walk up as we were starting to kick it o ,” she said. “We had to turn them away.”
e Teen Skate, sponsored by Evergreen Park and Recreation District and open to all, is set from 4 to 8 p.m. and includes games on the ice, re
pits, refreshments and music.
Family game night in the Lake House rounds out the day’s events.
Ice conditions will determine if the skating event goes forward, said EPRD outdoor specialist Claire Funderburgh, but all other events will happen “no matter what.”
Warm, sunny days can deteriorate ice conditions such that skating may not be safe, she said. But the other events don’t hinge on those conditions.
“We really try to hold a high level of quality for ice skating,” she said. “If the sun makes it too mushy on top, we can’t get our grooming equipment out there to maintain it at that level.”
e ice on Evergreen Lake is currently about 22 inches deep, Funderburgh said. Colorado Parks and Wildlife says four inches of ice is generally considered safe for ice shing, skating or walking.
For more information and to register, visit evergreenrecreation.com or evergreenchamber.org.
Event focused on mental health featured speakers, practitioners and fun for all ages
BY JANE REUTER JREUTER@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COMConifer Rotary’s rst MindFest mental health fair drew hundreds of people to Our Lady of Pines Church Feb. 17 to listen to speakers, learn about mental health resources and play games.
“It completely exceeded my expectations — the numbers, the energy and the overwhelmingly positive comments,” said Yvonne Lipson, club secretary and one of the event organizers. “I talked to several people who said they needed this. at made me feel so good. We will denitely have it again.”
e event included representa-
More than once have I reminded readers that only members of the National Association of Realtors can call themselves “Realtors,” and only Realtors are bound by the Realtor Code of Ethics. Violation of the Code can subject a Realtor to discipline up to and including termination of their Realtor membership.
There are several ways that we Realtors might violate the Code without even realizing it, and since ethics complaints can be filed by clients, not just fellow Realtors, let me share with you some of the practices that constitute violations. If your agent is not a Realtor — and only half of all licensed agents are Realtors — he or she isn’t subject to the Code, but they might still be violating state or federal housing laws. See whether one or more of the following scenarios sounds like something you experienced.
ly loved my listing and needed to close because they’d be homeless once their current home closes next month/whenever. That’s a violation which I’m free to exploit by telling my seller to play hardball because of what I know.
As a listing agent, it’s a violation for me to say my seller will take less than the asking price — unless I was specifically authorized to do so. The typical authorization is that I can say my seller is “motivated.” Buyers’ agents know what that means.
Not explaining fully any document presented to a client is a big no-no and a violation of Article 9. It’s so easy with today’s electronic documents to send them by email and say, “call if you have any questions,” but we are expected to be more pro-active than that.
person who calls us or visits our open house if they are working with an agent before offering to work with them. Failing to do so could lead to “sign crossing.”
Misleading a seller on the true value of their home in order to get a listing is a violation of Article 1. The Colorado Real Estate Commission can also discipline you for this. The agent is obligated to advise the seller of the home’s value based on his or her professional expertise, and to advise the pitfalls of overpricing it.
Not presenting all offers received prior to closing is another Article 1 violation. A truly low-ball offer from a house flipper can be demoralizing, but you still have to present it unless you get in writing (as I’ve done once) from the seller that you’re relieved from presenting any offers below a certain price.
Divulging confidential information, especially if it could disadvantage your client, also violates Article 1. I once had a buyer’s agent tell me that their buyer real-
Not disclosing that I have an unrepresented buyer for my listing, if asked, is a violation. If I have a variable commission (meaning that the commission paid by the seller is lower if I don’t have to pay a buyer’s agent), I must disclose that differential. I do not have to disclose the price of each offer in hand, but I get permission from my sellers to do that when there are multiple buyers.
Not following showing instructions or showing up at a time other than what was set with the showing service is a violation.
Showing your listing on a day that your MLS listing says showings are not allowed is a violation of Article 3.
Not disclosing the status of a listing, for example if the home is under contract, is also a violation of Article 3. I’ve had listing agents tell me they weren’t going to change their listing to “Pending” on the MLS until the earnest money was received or inspection objection passed. The MLS will also discipline an agent for that.
Not getting verbal agreements in writing is a violation of Article 9. I always request at least an email instruction from my client, and I create amend/extend documents when appropriate.
Article 12 of the Code is about “truth in marketing.” Misrepresenting one’s level of success is a violation of this article. There’s a bus shelter ad I have seen for years by an agent saying he’s the top agent in our county, but I did the research, and it’s not true. That’s a violation not only of Article 12 but of real estate commission rules (as are most Code violations).
I once complained to the commission about bus benches on which an agent claimed he sells a home every 4 days. It wasn’t true, and he had to change them.
Knowingly giving inaccurate information about one’s listing is another violation of Article 12.
Inducing a client to terminate if you change brokerages is a violation of Article 16, as is soliciting a listing that is currently subject to an exclusive agreement with another broker. Another broker’s unhappy client can call you, but you can’t call them. Also, we must always ask a
When a listing expires without selling, the homeowner can expect to be deluged by phone calls, texts, letters, postcards and even door knocking by agents whose business model involves soliciting expired listings. When one of my listings expires, I tell the seller to be prepared for that deluge. A common error by such agents is to fail to check whether that listing is already active on the MLS with another agent or brokerage. Another error is to mistake the “withdrawn” status for the “expired” status. “Withdrawn” indicates that while the listing may be withdrawn from active status, it is still subject to a valid listing agreement. When you get such a solicitation, get the name of the agent and share it with your listing agent so he or she can at least contact that agent and tell him/her of the violation.
As I mentioned above, non-Realtors don’t have to abide by the Realtor Code of Ethics, but, as I also said, many violations of the Code are also violations of law and/ or real estate commission rules. They depend on you and me to report violations.
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High-end improvements and Hyatt Lake membership make this home special. At the end of a cul-de-sac, a gate on the back fence draws you to Hyatt Lake for swimming and non-gas-power boating, paddleboarding, and fishing. The seller-owned rooftop solar panels, not visible from the street, meet most or all of this home's electric needs. Although it’s a 2-story home, the primary suite is on the main floor with its own access to the 16’x16’ covered deck. Two guest bedrooms with a shared bathroom are on the top floor, and a 4th bedroom is in the walkout basement. The seller is a woodworker, and his work and attention to detailed improvements is visible throughout, such as the hanging shelves in the great room. His workshop (not included) takes up one space of the 3car garage which is heated and cooled by a mini-split unit. A Tesla charging station in the garage is included. The kitchen has special touches, too, like the quartz countertops, undercabinet lighting, Schuler brand ultra-high-end cabinets, Bosch superquiet dishwasher, LG refrigerator with a cold-saver door. The upgrades are so extensive that I urge you to look at the room-by-room details spelled out on the MLS and at JeffcoSolarHomes.com. There are also two narrated video tours for the same reason — one for the interior and one taking you on a roundtrip walk to Hyatt Lake through open space to which this home backs. Call Kathy Jonke, 303-990-7428, to see it.
An article on CustomBuilderOnline.com argues that propane is the ultimate uninterruptible energy source, and it actually makes some sense and will appeal to people worried about natural disasters disrupting the power grid. The article makes the point that having a tank of propane on your property plus a propane powered electric generator can keep you warm or cool and able to cook even if you have an all-electric home. Because propane does not degrade and can last forever in a tank (and can supply gas at even the lowest temperature), it’s the best way to make sure life goes on for you, no matter what happens with other energy sources.
An article on ProBuilder.com reports on three certified passive-house homes built in Boston MA by Brucewood Homes. Architect Mike DelleFave says they achieve PHI-certified status by adhering to three passive house principles: air-tight construction, highperformance windows, super insulation of the building envelope, thermal bridge-free
framing, and heat recovery ventilation. All three 2500-SF homes were sold for about $1.4 million each before they were completed, proving the demand for such homes.
A Denver Post article last week told of a non-profit which helps seniors living alone in a big house to find roommates, not just for companionship, shared expenses and mutual caregiving, but as a way to “age in place” instead of selling and finding a smaller resident or apartment.
This reminds me of how I, a bachelor at the time, justified my first Denver home purchase in 1997. I asked a male friend, Dave Garton, if he would be interested in sharing a home if I bought it. He said yes, and I bought a home with a walk-out basement. We shared the kitchen, but we each had our privacy. When I met Rita, Dave bought his own home and Rita and I bought a new house.
Links to all three of the above articles are at http://RealEstateToday.substack.com. I welcome your topic suggestions!
KATHY JONKE, 303-990-7428
tives from 30 organizations o ering traditional and nontraditional mental health therapies and eight speakers addressing subjects ranging from cyberbullying to anxiety, along with games, ra es, food and swag bags.
Kittredge resident Melissa Duley said the fair was informative and positive.
“It seems like they have resources for people from all over the map, from seniors to kids,” she said.
“We loved it,” said Conifer resident Kristen Goodrich. “It was a great experience and good for kids.”
Conifer Rotary member and volunteer Sandy Lipina said the club chose mental health as its cause, and turnout for MindFest shows it’s a subject
that resonates with many.
“ is was a wonderful way to bring awareness to mental health, help break down those stigmas and let people learn about all the resources there are,” she said. “ e Conifer Rotary is committed to this topic. It touches everybody. And when it affects someone you love, it a ects the extended community as well.”
Lipson said surveys of both participants and vendors showed strong support for continuing MindFest as an annual event.
And while the Conifer Rotary plans to bring it back next year, Lipson hopes other towns will springboard o their idea.
“Part of me says let’s go bigger,” she said. “But what I’d really like to see is other communities picking up the idea and creating a MindFest-type event of their own. at would be ideal.”
Amanda McCoy, a family ambassador with Family Connects.
McCoy said the program connected her and her partner with resources that they all needed but never knew existed. Kate Follett, Public Health Nurse Supervisor with Je co Public Health and
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their immigration (and documentation) status is.
“We are mandatory reporters for child abuse and neglect,” Follett said. “But that is not the focus of the program. We are mindful in those extreme cases and
there to help.
She said the program has reduced the reports to child welfare for families with new babies. e aid that the nurses provide actually alleviates some
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According to the Pew Research Center, in 1960 nearly 80% of Americans trusted the government. By 2023, that number was just 16%. Most of that loss occurred in the 1970s and can probably be attributed to the Vietnam War, Watergate and lingering economic struggles. Public trust jumped up after the 9/11 terrorist attacks but declined quickly thereafter. Since 2007, those who say they trust the government always or most of the time have stayed below 30%. Democrats’ trust level is 25% while Republicans’ is just 8%. I decided to do some research concerning our Colorado election process to gauge it’s safety and security. I focused on four areas that might fail to safeguard our votes. First, the security of the 31 drop boxes around Colorado. I deposited my ballot in the drop box at Buchanan Rec. Center. As I expected, it was secure. Indeed, the box was made of sturdy metal, mounted securely and
Watch and learn
LPINE – Tenant wanted to pay month by month so he could decamp any time he wanted. Landlord wanted him on a lease so he couldn’t. Landlord sought to settle the question on Jan. 10, paying a decidedly un-social call on Tenant with a hand-crafted and reasonably o cial-looking “eviction notice” in his hand. According to Landlord’s statement to JCSO, Tenant was at rst unimpressed with the document, and then aggressive toward its author. “I’m gonna kill you!” Tenant may or may not have roared. “I’ll bury you!” Landlord refused to be intimidated. “Be out by Sunday!” he commanded. “You can’t do that to people!” Tenant objected. “Watch me!” barked Landlord, “throwing” the notice at Tenant. Pretty sure Landlord was operating outside the letter of the law, Tenant called JCSO. Deputies advised Landlord as to proper eviction procedures, and advised both parties to con ne their direct interactions to a civil
under camera surveillance. Contents are picked up daily, placed in secure bags, sealed and logged establishing a chain of custody as they are transported by two individuals, one from each party. e bi-partisan team transports them to the election center in Golden.
Once at the election center, ballots are weighed and organized. Nonballots are removed from the bags, and bipartisan teams prepare them for signature veri cation and sorting into trays. All ballots go through state-of-the-art ballot sorters twice where a picture of each voter’s signature is taken. Each voter’s signature is compared to the signature on le by signature software or a trained election judge. Ballots that pass the
courtroom.
Forecasters fall out
CONIFER – Dispatch warned deputies to be on the lookout for a man standing outside a car arguing with a woman sitting inside a car. Based on that information, o cers quickly identi ed Snuggle-Bear and Honey-Mu n, carrying on pretty much as dispatch had described and keeping half the neighborhood awake. Deputies asked SnuggleBear to explain the source of their disagreement. “Stupid stu ,” pouted Snuggle-Bear. Deputies asked Honey-Mu n to explain it better. “Finances,” she sni ed. “And the weather.” If loud and acrimonious, the argument hadn’t been violent, but it was increasingly clear to deputies that Honey-Mu n wouldn’t be bunking in Snuggle-Bear’s love nest as originally planned. ey advised the star-crossed sweethearts that a little absence might be just the thing to make quarreling hearts grow fonder. Snuggle-Bear retrieved Honey-Mu n’s bags from his apartment, and Honey-Mu n beat a chaste retreat to her home in
match are opened and counted by the sorter. ose that need a second look will be separated unopened until they are veri ed. Voters whose signature match does not occur will be contacted and will have until 8 days after the election to cure their ballot. e votes are counted by scanning machines which are never attached to the Internet. Ballots are stored for post-election auditing.
Ballots from military members serving outside of Colorado must arrive eight days or less after the election day. A statistically signicant number of ballots are selected for a post-election examination by bi-partisan teams to ensure that the voting machine number and the manual review are identical. Certi cation is done by a bi-partisan canvas board. is group reviews the numbers of votes cast with the number of registered voters, ballots received, and ballots counted.
e last area of concern is the Colorado process of vote-by-mail
Highlands Ranch.
Brother against brothers
TURKEY CREEK – Greg and Bobby live in their parents’ cabin. eir brother, Peter, does not. In fact, Peter isn’t even allowed inside the cabin without express permission from either Greg or Bobby. On the night of Jan. 13, Peter decided to assert what he may believe is his territorial birthright by letting himself into the cabin without leave, and then he wouldn’t leave. e ensuing argument ended with Peter kicking in an interior door and then stalking away to his RV parked in the driveway. Greg and Bobby called JCSO, asking o cers to formally eighty-six Peter from the cabin and his RV from the property. Peter was thusly instructed.
A house divided
EVERGREEN – Although his mom divorced Stepfather months ago, Stepson found life in Stepfather’s house very much to his liking and was pleased to remain there. Stepfather was not pleased, nding Stepson lazy and disrespectful.
which is utilized by 90% of Colorado voters. e list of eligible voters is scrubbed and updated with reported deaths, Colorado moveouts as well as incarceration and prison release records. As new voters register, registration requests are checked for age requirements and citizenship.
Given the number and quality of safeguards built into the process here in Colorado, I feel pretty certain our system is secure. As I was writing this piece, I received an email from the state of Colorado that my vote had been received, veri ed and counted.
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. Contact Jim at jim.rohrer2@ gmail.com.
Stepfather told Stepson he’d need to start “helping out around the house” and “paying rent if you want to stay here.” Stepson thought maybe he could negotiate a better deal. “Go (fulminate) yourself!” countered Stepson. Stepson came home on the evening of Jan. 9 to nd Stepfather’s doors locked against him. According to Stepson’s subsequent complaint to JCSO, when he knocked on the door Stepfather opened it and “kicked me in the stomach.” Stepfather told deputies that he did not kick Stepson in the stomach, but that he did want the snotty layabout to go sponge o of somebody else. Deputies advised Stepfather regarding county eviction procedures and closed the case.
our an vice to port Top feel day obvious we tually for but ing your to things for and that stressful partnership. checked we has ter and up ing. ents yourself you oritize there to our and ning, ing ever whatever all
Sheri ’s Calls is intended as a humorous take on some of the incident call records of the Je erson County Sheri ’s O ce for the mountain communities. Names and identifying details have been changed, including the writer’s name, which is a pseudonym. All individuals are innocent until proven guilty.
Life is busy. ere aren’t enough hours in the day, yet we feel the need to do it all. But do we have to?
In the three years since we found our small business, TULA – which is an app-based personal assistant service – we’ve learned why people need to ask for help and how we can support our amazing clients.
is list is by no means everyone’s Top 10, but we would guess it might feel pretty relatable to many.
1. ere just isn’t enough time in the day to do it all. We’re starting with the obvious here. But beyond that, what if we reframed it to realize we don’t actually have to do it all, and that asking for help is OK.
2. TO-DO lists are long for everyone, but especially for families and working parents. Don’t compare what’s on your list, or how much you get done, to others. Instead, focus on crossing things o that serve you the most, look for opportunities to outsource others and eliminate or cross o the things that don’t serve you.
3. Dividing up TO-DOs can be stressful and overwhelming in a partnership. If you haven’t already checked out Eve Rodsky’s “Fair Play,” we highly recommend you do so. She has created tools and systems to foster communication, active partnering and mental load management.
4. Doing it all with no partner levels up the stress and can be overwhelming. We’re looking at you, single parents and primary caregivers. Give yourself grace, take inventory of what you can actually accomplish, prioritize what matters most, and focus there rst.
5. Sometimes we just do not want to spend time doing the things on our TO-DO list that are a real drag, and that is OK. Laundry, meal planning, scheduling appointments, nding a handyman, etc. Do these things ever really get checked o ? Outsource whatever you can and move on.
6. If we do manage to nd ways to do all of the things on our list, it can come
BOWEN
Else (Grinde) Bowen
April 3, 1943 - February 11, 2024
with a signi cant risk of burnout, resentment and mental overload that is simply not sustainable. Pay attention to those feelings creeping in and take note.
7. Allowing our lists to drive our priorities means we will often miss out on doing the things we love, need and want to do. Kiddo activities, family time, and the one we often sacri ce the most: self-care. Exercise, meditation, creative outlets, passion projects, rest – all these things support us as we support others. It is so important to keep those things on the list.
8. Your time is worth the most, and that’s simple math, really. If what you’d pay to outsource something on your list outweighs the value of your time – in both dollars and relief – you should outsource.
9. Because you can! And you shouldn’t feel guilty. It doesn’t mean you have to pay for help either. Ask a friend, swap time – swap doing the things you like better and vice versa.
10. Shifting your mindset to realize that doing less actually means doing more – more of what matters, more of what lights you up, more of what serves the life you aim to have. Realizing this is an absolute game changer and that realization is both empowering and freeing.
Asking for help is the ultimate life hack – a ex of your con dence to know what you can and can’t do, self-care while you care for so many others. So, start shifting your mindset away from that feeling of having to do it all, say goodbye to the guilt and lean into what matters most.
Megan Trask and Cody Galloway are Denver residents and co-founders of TULA Life Balanced. Learn more about their business at tulabalanced. com.
Else Bowen, mother to Rune Andreas Tofte passed away on February 11, 2024 after a long battle with colon cancer. Her nal moments were spent peacefully in Evergreen, Colorado, her home of more than 30 years. Known for her caring and sweet nature, Else will be dearly missed by all those who knew her. Family asks that she be remembered for the joy she brought others in life, not the sadness of her passing. She is survived by her son, Rune Andreas Tofte and his wife Sandra Tofte, a sister Torri Armstrong, stepchildren, Nicholas Bowen, Gordy Bowen, Gail Bowen, numerous nieces and nephews as well as friends and family in
Norway and her beloved foxes and magpies, who visited her daily, putting a smile on her face. Else was born in Haugesund, Norway and immigrated to the United States in 1965, where she lived in both California and Colorado. She was preceded in death by her husband, Robert Bowen, her father, Olav H. Grinde, her mother, Gunborg Grinde, two brothers, Kore Grinde and Carl Grinde and her stepdaughter, Karen Griewing. Her ashes, along with her mother’s, with be scattered in Norway. Donations in her memory may be made to the American Cancer Society.
MADRID Marylee Madrid
February 18, 2024
MaryLee Madrid was a longtime Evergreen resident moving to Lakewood, Colorado in recent years. She loved her husband, children, grandchildren, great-grandchild, family relatives, and good friends. She is survived by her children, Tammy, Kurt, Elena, and Keedran, Ten Grandchildren, and One Great-Grandchild.
Loving, and living life to the fullest,
her greatest joys were the love of her life, Arthur, her children, her grandchildren, and her greatgrandchild.
Service: Friday, March 8, 2024 at 10:00am Holy Name Catholic Church, 3290 W. Milan Ave., Sheridan, CO 80110
Reception: Friday, March 8, 2024 from 11:00am to 2:00 pm VFW Post 9644, 2680 W. Hampden Ave., Englewood, CO 80110
Conifer nonprofit helps veterans, service people and civiliansBY JANE REUTER JREUTER@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM
Former Lakewood police ocer Erick Perez’s life changed forever in December 2021 when a mass shooter killed ve people, injured his partner and shot at him. But with the help of Conifer nonpro t Faithfully K9 and his dog Chispa, the change marked an unexpected evolution in his life of service — not the end of it.
Chispa, originally adopted as a family pet, is now a service dog. And Perez is a trainer with Faithfully K9 who’s also pursuing a master’s degree in clinical mental health counseling.
“It’s been amazing,” Perez said. “Because I went through that therapeutic healing myself, I fell in love with it.
“We’ve been conditioned to be hard and suck it up,” he continued. “But much like we go see a doctor when something hurts in our body,
I think it’s also important to look at our mental health. And a service dog, with its unconditional love and the bond you have, makes a di erence. It’s amazing what a dog can do in your life.”
Conifer resident Cathy Kowalski founded Faithfully K9 in 2018 to help those with disabilities or su ering the e ects of trauma. Unlike service dog organizations that match people with a puppy — requiring years of training — Faithfully K9 works with an individual to train their own dog or puppy as a service dog. Training typically takes 7 to 12 months.
“I saw a void,” said Kowalski, formerly a trainer with Englewoodbased Freedom Service Dogs. “Many times, people had a great dog at home they already had a relationship with, but had to add an already trained dog to their household.
“We also feel these dogs save lives because their owners don’t have to wait 3 to 5 years to get a dog,” she continued. “We work with a lot of veterans who have PTSD. If you have PTSD, you don’t have years to wait.”
Regardless of breed, she said, the canine’s character traits make it uniquely quali ed to be a service animal.
“Dogs don’t judge you,” Kowalski
said. “ ey love you no matter what. ey just want to please you and be there for you — and they bring a smile to your face.”
In 2023, with the help of three trainers, Faithfully K9 graduated 30 dogs from its program. At least 50% of the dogs it trains were adopted as rescues, and training is provided at no cost to veterans or active duty military. Civilians pay a signi cantly discounted rate.
Not every dog makes it through the program, or quali es to participate. Kowalski and her fellow trainers pull on ears, pick up paws and do a variety of other physical tests on each candidate dog. While many service dog programs use speci c breeds, Kowalski said any dog has the capacity to serve.
“A dog must be comfortable with a stranger handling it, not afraid of loud noises, or a tug on the tail,” she said. “If a dog’s growling at me, we’re done. e few dogs that don’t make it usually fail because of problems with people.”
Faithfully K9 trainers work for about a year with each owner/dog pair, typically training in the client’s home and community. eir clients’ range extends from Broomeld south to Castle Rock, and Aurora west to Conifer. Clients from
outside those areas also travel to train with the team.
Saved by a dog
Fort Lupton resident Gabriel Griego is among those clients who felt he had run out of time. e former Marine was medically discharged from the service after suffering an injury. He said he was diagnosed with PTSD stemming in part from childhood and sexual trauma, and struggled with substance abuse. Griego tried multiple medications, but could not shake his dark thoughts and feelings.
“I always joked I took every pill imaginable,” he said. “Half of them made me more suicidal. A lot of it just didn’t work for me and continued to make me feel worse. After my last suicide attempt in 2022, my wife said, ‘We need to gure something out.’”
Griego learned about Faithfully K9 through WarriorNOW, a nonpro t aimed at helping veterans with mental health and other challenges. Kowalski helped him nd Nala, a lab/masti mix who is now a year-and-a-half old. e two began training together when Nala was a puppy.
e change in Griego’s quality of life has been dramatic. With Nala at his side, his previous struggles with loud noise, crowds and people approaching him from behind have eased. Depression still haunts him, but when it descends, Nala is a warm and soothing presence.
“A year and a month into the training, there are days where it’s still difcult,” he said. “Nala is the one who pulls me out of those days. And the di erent training we do connects me back to myself and to Nala, and calms me down.
“She also helps my wife because Nala realizes when I’m going through a funk,” he said. “She’ll lay on me and just stare at my wife, like she’s saying ‘It’s OK, I got him.’ I’ve put my wife through so much with all the mental health stu ; I’m so grateful that now she can take that breather.”
Griego has also been substance free for two years, which he credits in large part to the help Faithfully K9 has provided.
“I was shocked by everything they do for veterans and rst responders — something so truly life saving at absolutely no cost to us,” he said. “Every veteran I know, we don’t stop ghting. e reason so many of us succumb to suicide is we just want the pain to end.
“ ere are so many people like me that have gone down these dark paths who I hope can stop trying to end their pain in a di erent way,” he continued. “Instead, hang out with a four-legged best friend all day. ings will be a little bit more ok.”
Griego is now working with Suicide Prevention Coaliton of Colorado, where he is focused on helping veterans. And in imitation of her owner, Nala is also extending her reach to help others.
“I take Nala into some of my meetings,” he said. “She’s awesome at picking up on the needs of other people. You see her tail wagging because she’s so excited to help anyone she can.”
Kowalski and her team train dogs
in the owner’s homes, and in public. e dogs must learn to ignore distractions — like food, crowds, other dogs and enthusiastic children — and keep the focus on their owner. at makes shopping centers like the Castle Rock Factory Outlets ideal.
Kowalski recently met there with Colorado Springs client Levi Francis, and his six-month goldendoodle Finn. Francis su ered both mental and physical trauma while serving in the military and in childhood. Due to an injury, he also has screws in his feet that make it tough for him to balance.
Francis had been searching for a support dog since 2021 with no success. Other agencies turned down his request for a variety of reasons. Because Francis and his wife foster a variety of animals with disabilities, one said the environment would be too chaotic for training a service dog.
Faithfully K9 saw it di erently. Kowalski said “yes” to Francis’ request, and a nonpro t for which Francis volunteers led him to Finn.
At six months, Finn is tall and broad, and uncharacteristically calm for his age. His copper curls and teddy-bear features draw the attention of children and adults alike, but Finn is nearly unwavering in his focus — which is Francis.
“He’s a giant, dopey, lovable dude,” Francis said. “Our ferrets sleep next to him. He ts in perfectly with our family. We’re training really fast. Overall, he’s pretty amazing. O leash, he acts like a puppy. In training, he’s always listening.”
Like Nala, Finn has learned to sit or stand between Francis’ legs on command, a posture that allows Francis to physically connect with the dog, diverting his focus from any fears or anxiety-inducing distractions. Because of his size, Finn also helps his owner with balance issues resulting from the screws in his feet.
work with.”
He’s an ideal helpmate for Francis, whose hypervigilance and triggers are slowly easing.
“I’ve been able to go out a lot more,” he said. “I’m being less watchful just because he distracts me. My wife was surprised the other day because I o ered to go to the movies. He’s a fantastic partner to
Faithfully K9 has a thick book of similar success stories. It also has far more demand for services than resources to meet it.
“We have over 60 clients we’re working with, and I have more people calling me every day,” Kowalski said. “We have dogs working with therapists and psychiatrists in schools. We do skilled companions for rst responders. We work with a
lot of re ghters and police o cers. We are always struggling to nd donations.”
Despite those ongoing struggles, Kowalski is tireless in her mission. For her, it is a calling.
“I do this to help people,” she said. “I believe that’s why we’re here on this planet. Just making a di erence in one person’s life is worth it.”
For more information or to donate, visit faithfullyk9.com.
Sutton also said the bulk of the proposed raises appeared to be designated for only a few employees, while others were not in line for an increase. He suggested the money be distributed di erently, giving all employees a base raise with some funds reserved for merit-based increases.
“I think all of our employees are deserving of a raise, particularly in light of recent in ation,” he said. “Prices don’t go back down once in ation goes down. I don’t like a bunch of people getting zero.”
Sutton said he felt the town’s police o cers merit the largest raises.
“I believe they have the most challenging jobs,” he said. “Although I
do believe Morrison is di erent, this also seems to be the biggest gap with respect to the market.”
Wolfe said he agreed with the recommended increases.
“I feel we need to put this in place and maybe even add something more for the ones that didn’t get an increase,” he said. “I don’t want our employees to leave.”
Trustee Adam Way said pay should be based on performance, not degrees.
“Sometimes I think credentials are over-rated,” he said. “We’re di erent from everyone else. For us to say other places have people with master’s degrees … I don’t agree with any of that. If they do a god job, that should be our pay scale.”
Police o cers also spoke during the Feb. 6 compensation discussion, sharing their fondness for Morrison along with their nancial challenges.
“I love my job because of who I work for,” said Police Chief Bill Vinelli. “I’ve got nine full-time cops and seven part-time cops that can’t buy a house here. ey’re doing everything Lakewood, Arvada and Wheatridge does, for a smaller amount.”
Winters walked out of the meeting room after the discussion had ended Feb. 6, saying she could no longer maintain her composure.
“It’s about how you’re treating the employees that work in this town every day,” she said as she left the town hall.
e board agreed to table the discussion and had planned to take action during its Feb. 20 meeting. But with the town manager absent, that didn’t happen.
Trustee Katie Gill regrets the issue remains unresolved.
“ e employee compensation discussion we’ve been having has
gone on too long,” she said. “I fully expected we would approve a package of pay increases tonight. Unfortunately, due to intervening circumstances, that didn’t happen.
“I value our employees. I think everyone on the board values our employees. I recognize that words are not enough. I’m asking for a little more patience from sta , and committing to resolving this issue quickly.”
Once compensation is approved, raises will be retroactive to Jan. 1, 2024, the board agreed.
Winters joined the town in 2005 as a court clerk, becoming town manager in 2012.
Colorado Community Media has submitted an open records request with the Town of Morrison for employee salaries and recommended increases.
of the factors that could lead to Child Protective Services involvement.
McCoy agrees. She utilized the NICU to Home part of the program.
“ ere is a stigma and fear about letting someone into your home during that time (after bringing a new baby home),” McCoy said. “Welcome them (Family Connects nurses) in because it will help beyond what you can imagine.”
McCoy said the nurses helped her and the father of her twins in so many ways.
“Amanda, my nurse, helped me while I cried a few times,” McCoy
said. e nurse helps with the mental health care of the entire family. is includes directing the family to resources when needed.
Follett explained that the resources are an important part of the program as well.
“ e nurses keep a nger on the resources,” she said. e families are screened, with consent, according to Follett. From that the nurse determines what additional aid is needed.
McCoy said her nurse connected her family with a therapist, a course on secure attachment for when her babies came home from the NICU. at course was Circle of Security and it was something that McCoy says she wouldn’t have known about without the Family Connects nurse.
McCoy said her nurse also got her diapers, high chairs, car seats and more.
Follett said the resources come from partnerships with organizations all over Je co and the Denver Metro area.
WeeCycle, 20 S Havana St., Ste 210 in Aurora is a resource for diapers, wipes, clothing, furniture and other baby needs.Je co Public Library hosts a monthly support group for moms and gives each new family a free book.
Follett said the nurses are there to help families with whatever they need. According to the Family Connects website, 95% of parentssaid they needed support after their families were born, but could not nd it. Family Connects aims to help ll
that gap.
“Our commitment lies in assisting all families with a newborn by ensuring that they have access to in-home healthcare support upon returning home from the hospital,” said Chuck Ault, Community Health Manager for Intermountain Health. “ is program is entirely voluntary and o ers an opportunity for all families to achieve equitable health outcomes for their newborn and families.”
“ ey say it takes a village to raise a child, this is your village,” McCoy said about Family Connects. “ is is your link to all the resources.”
Je co parents can nd more information and schedule their family for services at FamilyConnectsColorado.org.
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 jreuter@coloradocommunitymedia.com to get items in the print version of the paper. Items will appear in print on a space-available basis.
FRIDAY
Kids Month & Open House at Shadow Mountain Gallery: Evergreen’s Shadow Mountain Gallery will host Kids Month throughout March. Come to Shadow Mountain Gallery to see some student
artwork from six local elementary schools! Participating schools include Wilmont, Marshdale, KingMurphy, Bergen Meadow, Bergen Valley and Parmlee.
Open house from 5-8 p.m. March
1, 5-8 pm and 2-5 p.m. March 3 at Shadow Mountain Gallery, 28186 CO-74, Evergreen.
SATURDAY
Chill Out: Evergreen Chamber presents a day of winter community fun on March 2. Events run all day, with most at the Evergreen Lakehouse. ey include an ice shing contest, kids ice shing clinic, the
mushies cup, split skis or board race, the Evergreen Amazing Race, EPRD teen skate and a family game night. Visit evergreenchamber.org for details.
Evergreen Ice Fishing Clinics: Evergreen Park and Recreation District is hosting an ice shing clinic from 9-11 a.m. March 2. All equipment included. Ages 4 and up are welcome. All participants 16 and older must have a valid Colorado shing license to participate. $20/ person. Visit evergreenrecreation. com for details and registration.
TUESDAY
Together Je co Community Outreach: 6:30-8:30 p.m. March 5 at Evergreen High School, 29300
Bu alo Park Rd, Evergreen. Together Je co is a community-wide e ort to revise the county’s wildlife protection, comprehensive, transportation and other plans. Project consultants will present draft documents compiled with community feedback. Visit www.TogetherJeffco.com to learn more.
UPCOMING
Evergreen High School musical, “ e Addams Family”: EHS and Conifer High School will combine their talents in a musical production of “ e Addams Family” March 7-9. Shows are at 7 p.m. March 7, 8 and 9, with a matinee performance at 2 p.m. March 9.
SEE HAPPENINGS, P16
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Every dollar counts, and together, we’re keeping local news strong.
Linda Shapley, publisher • lshapley@coloradocommunitymedia.com
Allen Vellone Wolf Helfrich & Factor P.C
Averil Andrews
1600 Stout Street, Suite 1900 Denver, CO 80202
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Alpine Fuel Nutrition
Lindsay Christensen
5655 S Yosemite St, Suite 350 Greenwood Village, CO 80111
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Aslan Home Lending Corporation
Stephanie Riggi 1777 S. Harrison St, Suite 1000 Denver, CO 80210
http://www.aslanhlc.com
Astro Co ee Van LLC
Lisa Huron 11699 W Pleasant Ave Golden, CO 80401
Colorado Mountain Homes & Land
Pam Finn
8715 Doubleheader Ranch Road Morrison, CO 80465
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Freadho Home Group/ Berkshire Hathaway
Stepanie Freadho
29029 Upper Bear Creek Rd. Evergreen, CO 80439
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Get Moving Chiropractic
Katy Mooberry
30772 Southview Dr., Ste 140 Evergreen, CO 80439
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Icon Roo ng LLC
Dane Wobbema
157 Evergreen Dr. Evergreen, CO 80439 http://www.iconroo ngco.com
Liv Sotheby’s International Realty
Clare Day 101 Main St. Breckenridge, CO 80424 http://www.clareday.com
Moun10 Partners
Bryce Denton 30669 Kings Valley Drive Conifer, CO 80433 http://www.moun10partners.com
Widespread Well Being
Lauri Glenn
1262 Bergen Parkway, Ste. E-18 Evergreen, CO 80439 http://www.widespreadwellbeing.com
The warm days have been sneaking in and my mind turns to Spring! While I know there is still much winter to happen, that does not mean we cannot get outside and enjoy our community. Chill Out! A day of winter fun and whimsy on Saturday, March 2nd includes:
• Ice shing contest
• Ice shing clinic for kids age 4+
• Mushies Cup (think fun in atables being pulled in a race on the ice)
• Split Ski or Board Race
• The Evergreen Amazing Race (3 course options this year!)
• Glow Skate or games on the ice (geared toward teens)
• Family Game Night inside the lake house There is fun for everyone. Visit evergreenchamber.org for all the details and registrations.
A $2 discount is available for Canyon Courier readers with the code CANYON.
Tickets may be purchased at evergreenhstheatre.ticketleap.com.
Clear Creek Republicans Precinct Caucus Meeting: 7 p.m. March 7 Precincts 1,2, and 3 (Georgetown, Empire, Dumont) will meet at the Easter Seals Camp. 2644 CR 306.Precincts 4,5 and 6 (Fall River, Chicago Creek, Idaho Springs) will meet at First Baptist Church of Idaho Springs, 100 Colorado Blvd. Precincts 7,8, and 9, Eastern side, will meet at Bergen Meadows Elementary 1928 Hiwan Drive, Evergreen.
Evergreen Chorale Concert: 7:30 p.m. March 8, Evergreen Lutheran Church, 5980 County Hwy 73, Evergreen.The Evergreen Chorale collaborates with The Denver Children’s Chorale’s Summit Singers in a concert called “ I Dream A World: Song of Unity and Hope.” Tickets are $28 for adults, $24 for seniors, $12 for students. ovationwest.org.
Evergreen Audubon chapter meeting presentation: 6:30 p.m. March 9, Church of the Transfigu -
ration, 27640 CO-74, Evergreen. Master bird bander Steve Bouricius presents “Colorado Hummingbirds.” Bouricius, who has 25 years of experience banding hummingbirds and dippers, will talk about species he and his partner Debbie have documented in Colorado and adjacent states. Social time is at 6 pm, with talk at 6:30pm. EvergreenAudubon.org
Ovation West Theatre Company presents “The Wizard of Oz”: March 15 through April 7 at Center Stage, 27608 Fireweed Drive, Evergreen. Shows are at 7:30 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, 2:30 p.m. Sundays. No show Easter Sunday. Tickets are $32 for adults, $28 for seniors and $16 for students. ovationwest.org.
Mountain Area Young Writers Conference: K-5 students and their families are invited to the Mountain Area Young Writers Conference from 6:30-8:30 p.m. March 28 at Marshdale Elementary, 26663 N. Turkey Creek Rd., Evergreen. The evening includes featured author Jennifer Goebel, sharing of children’s writing, learning workshops for parents, and a book fair. Register starting Feb. 2 at 2024 Young Writers Conference.
Evergreen’s Got Talent: Audition to be an opening act at the
ergreen Lake/Buchanan Concerts Summer 2024. Auditions from 6-9 p.m. April 13 at Center Stage, 27608 Fireweed Drive in Evergreen. Deadline March 15. For more information, email evergreensgottalent@gmail.com
Conifer’s Got Talent: Audition to be an opening act at the Evergreen Lake/Buchanan Concerts Summer 2024. Auditions from 6-9 p.m. April 19 at Conifer High School, 10441 County Hwy 73 in Conifer. Deadline March 15. For more information, email conifersgottalent@ gmail.com
ONGOING
The Evergreen Sustainability Refill Station features “Share Your Love With Refill”: Through February, bring in a friend that is new to Refill, spend $25 or more (separate transactions) and each person will receive $10 off on that purchase.
Evergreen Area Republican Club: The Evergreen Area Republican Club meets at 6 p.m. the first Wednesday of the month at the Evergreen Fire/Rescue Administration Building, 1802 Bergen Parkway.
Mountain Area Democrats: Mountain Area Democrats meet the fourth Saturday of the month at 9 a.m. January thru April at the United Methodist Church of Ever-
green, 3757 Ponderosa Drive, Evergreen. No meetings in November and December 2023. For more information, e-mail MountainAreaDems@gmail.com.
Evergreen Sustainability Alliance is looking for volunteers: Evergreen Sustainability Alliance’s “Let’s Embrace Zero Food Waste” program in local schools and food banks need volunteers. Volunteers are needed for a couple hours. Call 720-536-0069 or email info@sustainevergreen.org for more information.
Evergreen Nature Center: The new Evergreen Nature Center is open from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays next to Church of the Transfiguration. Admission is free. For more information, visit
www.EvergreenAudubon.org .
Blue Spruce Habitat volunteers needed: Blue Spruce Habitat for Humanity is looking for volunteers. A variety of opportunities and flexible 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: The 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. There are many volun -
Play
Evergreen High School hosted the 9th annual Special Olympics uni ed basketball game Feb. 16. It ended with team Barbeque narrowly defeating team Cougar Cats by a score of 57-54.
e uni ed games bring players with and without disabilities together on the same team. e idea of uni ed sports was inspired by a simple principle: training together and playing together is a quick path to friendship and understanding.
at concept proved itself true again during the EHS game, which joined EPRD Special Olympians and EHS boys and girls varsity basketball players. Each team consisted of
“It was awesome,” said Marin Schreiber, Evergreen Park and Recreation District special populations coordinator. “It was a good inclusive event. ere was a lot of cheering and camaraderie.
“ ere’s still a fear of people who have di erences, and I think having this showcase allows people like the varsity kids — who have never played with Special Olympians before — to see that these athletes are just really good basketball players,” she continued. “And whatever you might have been afraid of, you don’t really need to be afraid of anymore. It’s a win-win situation, and a teachable moment for everyone.”
Schreiber leads EPRD’s INSPIRE programs, which stands for Incorporating opportunities for Social, Physical and Inclusive Recreation Experiences for individuals with disabilities. Participants come from the
metro area and mountain communities to participate in basketball, bowling, track, swimming, golf, camps and other activities.
During the Feb. 16 game, she honored community members Jim Rohrer and Tom Coco for their support of INSPIRE programs.
She described Rohrer, a member of Mountain Foothills Rotary Club, as “a strong advocate for INSPIRE (who is) smart, clever and makes a di erence.”
Coco volunteers with EPRD’s Inspire Special Olympics bowling and golf teams, but he went above and beyond when a participant ran away from home recently.
“Police found the participant and were going to take him to the psychiatric hospital because he didn’t
want to go home,” Schreiber said. “Tom o ered to have this young man stay at his house with permission from the cops and mom. Crisis adverted.”
Volunteers like those, and the program participants, are what have kept Schreiber in her role for the last 30 years.
She rst participated in a Special Olympics event in college, helping with a track meet.
“I didn’t really want to go that day because it was the one morning I could sleep in,” she said. “But then I saw them running and people cheering them on. And when they got their medals, they had the biggest grins on their faces. It made me fall in love with the population.
“I love the challenge of it,” she continued. “Every day is di erent. And it’s awesome to see someone do something for the rst time, to know you helped them achieve that goal.”
At least 300 teams of six players competed on 24 individual rinks over three daysBY CHRIS KOEBERL CKOEBERL@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM
e annual Colorado Pond Hockey Tournament was held on the ice of Georgetown Lake for the rst time, but it wasn’t supposed to be there.
It was scheduled to take place on Dillon Reservoir.
However, two weeks before the tournament started, Feb. 16 organizers say heavy equipment started falling through the thin ice and into the reservoir.
“Dillon’s ice is way too thin; they unfortunately lost two skid steers in the water,” event coordinator and Georgetown public information ofcer Jess Jones said.
Georgetown residents and town employees worked together feverishly to set up the two dozen individual hockey rinks and found parking and vendors to welcome the more than 1,800 players, their families and spectators, according to Jones.
Jones said it took “a lot of group e ort.”
“It’s a community event,” Jones said. “Everybody wants to help out one way or another.”
ey pulled it o and teams took to the ice over three days to compete for the championship on Sunday, Feb. 18.
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 9:00AM or 10:30AM Sunday service.
Search Bergen Park Church on YouTube for Livestream service at 9:00am
31919 Rocky Village Dr. 303-674-5484 info@bergenparkchurch.org / www.BergenParkChurch.org
CHRISTIAN SCIENCE CHURCH SERVICES
28244 Harebell Lane
Sunday Service & Sunday School 10am
Wednesday Evening 7:00pm, Zoom options available
Contact: clerk@christianscienceevergreen.com for ZOOM link Reading Room 4602 Pletner Lane, Unit 2E, Evergreen OPEN TUE-SAT 12PM - 3PM
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)
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.
DEER PARK UNITED METHODIST CHURCH
Pastor Joyce Snapp, Sunday Worship 10 AM
Located one mile west of Pine Junction just o Rt. 285 966 Rim Rock Road, Bailey (303) 838-6759
All are welcome to our open/inclusive congregation!
EVERGREEN LUTHERAN CHURCH
5980 Highway 73 + 303-674-4654
Rev. Terry Schjang
Join us for worship in person or on our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/c/EvergreenLutheranChurch
Sunday Worship held at 9am. www.evergreenlutheran.org + All Are Welcome!
LOOKOUT MOUNTAIN COMMUNITY CHURCH – EPC 1036 El Rancho Rd, Evergreen – (303) 526-9287 www.lomcc.org – o ce@lomcc.org
Sunday Worship 10:00 a.m., with communion every Sunday “Real Church In An UnReal World” A community empowered by the Holy Spirit which seeks authentic relationships with God and others to share the good news of Jesus with Evergreen, the Front Range and the world. Come as you are, all are welcome!
PLATTE CANYON COMMUNITY CHURCH
Located: 4954 County Road 64 in Bailey. O ce hours MWF 8am-1pm 303-838-4409, Worship & Children’s Church at 10am
Small group studies for all ages at 9am
Transitional Pastor: Mark Chadwick Youth Pastor: Jay Vonesh Other activities: Youth groups, Men’s/Women’s ministries, Bible studies, VBS, MOPS, Cub/Boy Scouts.
ROCKLAND COMMUNITY CHURCH
“Connecting all generations to Jesus” Please check our website, www.Rockland.church, for updated service times ¼ mile north of I-70 at exit 254 17 S Mt. Vernon Country Club Rd., Golden, CO 80401 303-526-0668
SHEPHERD OF THE ROCKIES LUTHERAN CHURCH
Missouri Synod. 106 Rosalie Road, Bailey, CO 303-838-2161 Pastor Pete Scheele Sunday Worship Service; 9 a.m., Fellowship Time; 10:15 a.m., Sunday School & Bible Class; 10:45 a.m. www.shepherdoftherockies.org
UNITED METHODIST CHURCH OF EVERGREEN Rev. Sarah Clark • 303.674.4810 • 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”
303-982-6747
theQRcodeto apply!
Search:"FOOD"
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Parent/CommunityMemberVolunteersandStudentWorkersalsoaccepted!
Thisinstitutionisanequalopportunityprovider.
If you’re responsible, able to work independently, anxious to learn while making a positive contribution then Georgetown is currently hiring. This position will provide you the opportunity to work for a town that thrives on working collaboratively and overcoming challenges.
If you’re a solid professional that has skills and knowledge in road grading, equipment operation and maintenance, road and bridge maintenance, road plowing, building maintenance and general supervisory skills, then Georgetown would be interested in you joining their team.
See both job descriptions along with application forms at Georgetown Town Hall, 404 6th Street, Georgetown, CO 80444, and online at www.townofgeorgetown.us For more information call 303-569-2555 extension 3. Position open until lled.
This position is an excellent opportunity for candidates looking to acquire a trade skill, and who are looking to establish themselves with a family-owned and operated company that places value in fostering an individual’s career growth.
A Successful Candidate will be:
• Desiring Full Time/Long Term Employment and Industry Development.
• Reliable and a Self Starter.
• Ethical and Displaying a Consistent Work History.
• Attentive to Detail and Customer Focused.
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• Well Pump or Water Treatment Experience Preferred but not required.
• Proof of a valid driver’s license, in good standing, is required.
GeoWater Services, LCC, an established, successful, Well Pump Service and Water Treatment Company, is offering competitive salary and fringe benefits, including a 401k, profit sharing, medical, dental, paid holidays and vacation/sick time for a Water Treatment Service Technician. Extensive on the job training provided.
If interested, please send cover letter and resume to: cs@geowaterusa.com
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Any buyer who does not take the 2-1 buydown and does give a full price offer will get a custom package for $20,000.00. The upgrades could include and of these: Private garden, custom front porch, hottub, man cave in the garage or custom tile and paint throughout the home, RV
Please call Alan Davis at 303-378-7537 or alandavis@levelengineering.com
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Jacuzzi Bath Remodel can install a new, custom bath or shower in as little as one day. For a limited time, we’re cutting installation costs in half and offering a FREE safety upgrade! Additional terms apply. Subject to change and vary by dealer. Offer ends 3/31/24 Call 1-844-501-3208
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City and County
Public Notice
REQUEST FOR APPLICATIONS
CLEAR CREEK COUNTY BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS
Planning Commission
Clear Creek County advisory boards and commissions offer an opportunity for citizen participation in local government. Service on boards is voluntary and appointments are made by the County Commissioners.
Letters of Application for vacancies on the board
listed below should be submitted to the Board of County Commissioners, P.O. Box 2000, Georgetown, CO 80444, OR Fax: 303-679-2440. OR
Email: bluther@clearcreekcounty.us. Deadline for applications is: opened until filled.
PLANNING COMMISSION: Seven members, three-year terms. Advises the Board of County Commissioners on zoning, subdivision and other land use planning issues. Studies and prepares master plan documents. Meets once per month on the third Wednesday in Idaho Springs, with additional meetings and site visits as necessary. There are vacancies for two Full Members on the Planning Commission for 2024.
Legal Notice No. CAN1502
First Publication: February 29, 2024
Last Publication: March 7, 2024
Publisher: Canyon Courier Public Notice
TOWN OF MORRISON, COLORADO
BOARD OF TRUSTEES
ORDINANCE NO. 541
AN ORDINANCE APPROVING A CABLE FRANCHISE AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE TOWN OF MORRISON AND COMCAST OF COLORADO IX, LLC
The foregoing Ordinance was, on the 20th day of February, 2024, ordered to be published by title only and penalty provision, if any, and to be posted in full within the Town and on the Town’s website by the Board of Trustees of the Town of Morrison, Colorado. This Ordinance shall take effect on March 15, 2024.
The full text of this of this Ordinance is available in electronic form on the Town’s website, www. town.morrison.co.us; copies of this Ordinance are also available in printed form from the Office of the Town Clerk at 321 Colorado Highway 8, Morrison, Colorado 80465.
Ariana Neverdahl, Town Clerk
Legal Notice No. CAN 1506
First Publication: February 29, 2024
Last Publication: February 29, 2024
Publisher: Canyon Courier
Summons and Sheriff Sale
Public Notice
DISTRICT COURT, JEFFERSON COUNTY, COLORADO
100 Jefferson County Pkwy Golden, CO 80401
Plaintiffs: BECKY JEAN HASSELL AND JOEL GERARD HASSELL
v.
Defendants: CITY OF ARVADA, Colorado, a municipal corporation, the OBERON WATER
teer options from which to choose. For more information, call Mary at 720-673-4369 or email mary@evergreenchristianoutreach.org.
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. For more information and to register, visit R1220.org.
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 and Fridays from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. and the second Saturday of each month from 1-4 p.m. in the Habitat Restore in Bergen Park, 1232 Bergen Parkway.
Support After Suicide Loss: A safe place to share and learn after losing a loved one to suicide. is group meets every fourth Wednesday of the month from 5:30-7:30 p.m. via zoom or in person at the Resilience1220 o ce. For ages 14 and up. Suggested donation for this group is $15. Register at resilience1220.org/groups.
Sensitive Collection: Resilience1220 strives to inform and support highly sensitive people to live healthy and empowered lives. It
meets the third Wednesday of each month from 6-7 p.m. via Zoom. Register at resilience1220.org/groups.
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@parkinson-
rockies.org.
Mountain Foothills Rotary meetings: Mountain Foothills Rotary meets at 6 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 the second Tuesday of the month. One is a safe group for those 12-20 and the other is a group for parents and caregivers wanting support for raising an LGBTQ+ child. For group location and to RSVP, email heather@resilience1220.org.
e players came from across the country, and for some of them, the annual tournament is a family tradition.
Ben Anderson and his 22-year-old son traveled to Georgetown from Austin, Texas to compete together with the Anonymous Hockey Club.
“It’s a parent’s dream to be able to participate in any kind of event or project with your kiddos and see them enjoy it,” Anderson said. “ at’s worth everything right there.”
e 30-minute games included a 10-minute break at halftime and every rink was lled with players competing.
ere were a few ghts and minor brawls, according to tournament volunteer Jen Lofton, but overall she said it was a friendly and family
atmosphere.
During breaks between games, even the kids got some time on the ice, preparing to one day compete in the tournament themselves. at included ve-year-old Jake Murphy from Colorado Springs. His dad Jez
was competing as his mom Alexa watched while caring for the family’s three year old, Summer.
“Well, we were making him skate on the path and he was mad because it wasn’t the real skating rink, he was also looking for sh under
there,” Alexa Murphy said, smiling. e last minute change gave Georgetown time to shine in the sunny weekend of hockey, Jones said. It also lled hotel rooms and home rentals across the region. For competitors and their families, a trip to the mountains was a welcome change.
“It’s beautiful,” Anderson said. “We don’t get a lot of snow in Texas, so this is phenomenal.”
Georgetown, Anderson added, was a surprise, but it’s a town he’ll bring his family to again.
“It’s an incredible experience and it’s a beautiful, beautiful city here in Georgetown and you couldn’t ask for better conditions,” he said.
Organizers said it was a challenge putting it all together in two weeks, but it was a great chance to showcase the town and welcome guests.
“You’re a part of it. You don’t have to put yourself out there or try too hard — everyone just welcomes you as you are,” Jones said.
