Trek Trails in Idaho Springs change entrance
East is new way to trail head as West entrance closed
BY CHRISTOPHER KOEBERL
Mountain bikers will now approach from the east to access the trailhead for Trek Trails at Virginia Canyon Mountain.
e extremely popular trails adjacent to the Argo Mill and Tunnel in Idaho Springs recently reopened
14 miles of existing hike and bike trails and shifted access to the east from the Gilson pedestrian bridge, according to the Colorado Mountain Bike Association (COMBA).
“We’re switching to a new eastside ramp that was provided by the Argo Mill, COMBA did the tread work on that should be the access to the trailhead for the rest of
the year. e western access will be 100% closed,” COMBA Executive Director Gary Moore said.
e park covers 400 acres and is located just north of Idaho Springs, above the iconic Argo Mill. Its terrain is steep and rugged, providing great opportunities for challenging rides and hikes, according to COMBA’s website.
Not your average trail
Several members of the 55Club Meetup out of Denver
just reached the trailhead prepared for their ride on June 26 when the Courant caught up with them.
“It’s super having such a great place that’s so close to the Front Range, it’s been professionally developed, I mean it feels like when you’re riding here, you’re riding at Winter Park, except you don’t have to pay,” Ed Pfromer from Boulder said.
Moore con rmed the Trek Trails are 100% free to all en-
Polis signs mu er requirement into law
Clear Creek residents fought for new state law to reduce truck noise
BY CORINNE WESTEMAN CORINNE@COTLN.ORG
Exactly two years from now, the highways around Golden and all over Colorado should be much quieter, improving residents’ quality of life.
e Colorado legislature passed and Gov. Jared Polis recently signed into law a bill that gives law enforcement o cers new methods to ensure all commercial vehicles have mu ers, as already required by law.
e law, which was introduced as HB25-1039, will take e ect July 1, 2027.
Organizers said they’ve been working on the bill for two years and were excited to see it become law, adding how it wouldn’t have been possible without all the partners’ collaboration. During its time in the legislature, HB25-1039 had bipartisan and bicameral support. It was also backed by the Colorado Motor Carriers Association, the Golden City Council, and residents in Je erson and Clear Creek counties, among others.
Rep. Brianna Titone, who represents the Golden area and was one of the bill’s sponsors, said she knows many people around Golden and across Colorado whose lives are impacted by continual truck noise. She’d hoped to bring them relief sooner, but she said the two-year wait period was a necessary compromise due to budgetary reasons.
Under HB25-1039, the Colorado Department of Revenue’s computer systems would have to be upgraded to keep records of all mu er violations, she and former Golden City Councilor Casey Brown explained.
e DOR’s systems were already set to be upgraded by 2027. us, proponents could make the bill little to no cost by “piggybacking” on those scheduled upgrades, Brown said, which was advantageous in the legislature’s “tight budget environment.”
Brown, who has been championing HB251039 on behalf of the Golden City Council,
Bikers leave the trail head for Trek Trails at Virginia Canyon Mountain in Idaho Springs June 26.
CHRIS KOEBERL
SEE TRAILHEAD, P5
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Runners of every age, style and home state take part in beloved run
BY CHRISTOPHER KOEBERL CHRIS@COTLN.ORG
e annual Slacker four-mile and half-marathon from Loveland Ski Area to downtown Georgetown brought at least 2,200 runners, walkers and enthusiasts to the mountain town from Colorado and across the country.
is year’s event posed several challenges for a group of ve organizers who, at the last minute, had to step up to make it happen. Jenn Jordan-Truesdale, the original person responsible for putting together the race, was “let go” by CCMRD just four weeks before the runners were at the starting line, according to Evan
Bullock.
“We all came together because the race organizer was let go, we had to do it for the 2,000 people who signed up six months in advance,” Bullock said.
Advertising for the Slacker started months before the event, promising participants could “Seize the chance to earn your bragging rights as a true Slacker! Embark on this exhilarating journey starting at the base of Loveland Ski Area, perched at an
Slacker Race draws thousand to Georgetown
impressive elevation of 10,880 ft. Brace yourself for an unforgettable descent to 8,400ft,” the ads on Facebook promised.
Another perk to the race was promoted as post-race entertainment and a community gathering.
“Post-race festivities in charming historic Georgetown,” the advertisement read. ”Picture an abundance of freebies, locally crafted beer, post-race pampering, and entertainment to celebrate your achievement.”
Overcoming some setbacks
Race day on June 28, competitors, spectators, family and friends of runners didn’t seem to notice the last-minute preparations. Medals for nishers needed to be put in place, tee-shirts for volunteers needed to be prepared and lots of vendors needed to be guided into place. Despite a few setbacks, it seemed like a seamless event for all in attendance.
Trevor Walters from Grand Junction had plenty of support when he crossed the nish line, where his wife, Johanna and 20-month-old son Tatum were waiting with hugs.
Walters said, despite running at least 30 miles a week for recreation, this is the rst race he’s signed up for and completed. e experience was worth it, he said.
“People are all up and down the road cheering you on, no matter who you are, so it’s really friendly,” Walters said.
Lisa Atencio from Arvada also ran the race, but said she was glad she and her friend picked the shorter course this year.
“It was nice, a little warm, so I’m glad I only did the four-mile,” Antencio said. “It’s great business in Georgetown and the community members seem to love it because they come out and support it.”
Several of the racers had arrived near Georgetown days before the Slacker from out-of-state in preparation to participate in this one-of-a-kind race down the mountain.
Andy Smith from Dallas ew in the ursday before with 15 friends and family. ey do it every year, he said.
is year’s run was especially challenging for Smith, who was ve weeks out from knee surgery. at certainly wasn’t going to stop him, he said.
“I’ve done the race several years and I knew I couldn’t do the (halfmarathon) so my goal was to walk four miles and I made it, barely,” Smith said, smiling. He relied on his medical walker to navigate the crowd following his nish.
Elsewhere in the crowd, a large group of young runners celebrated their teammates’ apparent rst-place victory in the Women’s four-mile category.
High school Senior Charlotte Hardy took the title with the support of nearly a dozen of longtime teammates from the Shawnee
Mission East Varsity Cross Country Team in Overland Park, Kan. “ e altitude is hard to run in, but when we come out here, we stop feeling the e ects pretty quickly, so we can still get a good race out of it,” SME runner Chloe Swan said.
Altitude aside, there is one thing all of the varsity squad agreed on instantly as an advantage to running in the mountains.
When the Courant asked about the di erence in humidity, they all answered simultaneously: “ ere’s none of it,” “It’s fantastic,” “Yeah, I think it’s 100% right now back home,” the team laughed. e community event relies on dozens of volunteers who give their time and energy to make the intricate festival come together.
Otto and his son Eric Vangeet from York Gulch in Idaho Springs were two of those volunteers giving up their Saturday for the community and friends. It was the father/son’s rst year volunteering but, as a friend of one of the organizers, they willingly gave their time handing out nisher medals.
“It’s a cool event, everybody’s having fun, it’s beautiful weather and there’s a whole bunch of happy people that feel accomplished for nishing whatever race they did, so a lot of smiles,” Vangeet said.
Organizers said, hopefully with a little more prep time, the iconic Slacker race will be back, even better, next year.
Shawnee Mission East Varsity Cross Country Team in Overland Park, Kan. at Slacker in Georgetown June 28.
The annual Slacker four-mile and half-marathon from Loveland Ski Area to downtown Georgetown brought at least 2,200 runners, walkers and
Slacker four-mile and half-marathon from Loveland Ski Area to downtown Georgetown brought at least 2,200 runners, walkers and enthusiasts to the mountain town from Colorado and across the country June 28.
Andy Smith from Dallas flew in with friends to walk the Slacker in Georgetown June 28.
Otto and his son Eric Vangeet from York Gulch in Idaho Springs were two of those volunteers giving up their Saturday for the Slacker in Georgetown June 28.
National Association of Realtors Boasts About Getting Its Top Priorities Into the Senate’s Tax Bill
The bill as passed by the Senate included NAR’s five key priorities:
A permanent extension of lower individual tax rates
An enhanced and permanent qualified business income deduction (Section 199A)
A temporary (five-year) quadrupling of the state and local tax (SALT) deduction cap, beginning for 2025
Protection for business SALT deductions and 1031 like-kind exchanges
A permanent extension of the mortgage interest deduction
Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC): Key provisions from the LIHTC Improvement Act are included on a permanent basis to support affordable housing development.
No Changes to Carried Interest Rules
“These provisions form the backbone of the real estate economy—from supporting first-time and first-generation buyers to strengthening investment in housing supply and protecting existing homeowners,” according to a NAR spokesperson. “Real estate makes up nearly one-fifth of the entire U.S. economy, and we made sure policymakers understood that homeownership is the essential component to building wealth and a strong, prosperous middle class.”
Several other provisions in the bill championed by NAR add to its positive impact on the real estate sector:
Child Tax Credit Increased to $2,200: Permanently raises the credit, with inflation indexing. This provision could ease housing affordability for families.
Permanent Estate and Gift Tax Threshold Set at $15 Million (Inflation-Adjusted): Prevents a sharp drop in exemption levels and supports generational wealth transfer.
No Increase to the Top Individual Tax Rate: The proposed 39.6% rate was removed from the bill.
Restoration of Key Business Provisions:
Full expensing of research and development
Bonus depreciation
Fixes to the interest expense deduction limit
Immediate Expensing for Certain Industrial Structures: Applies to facilities used in manufacturing, refining, agriculture and related industries.
These Past ‘Real Estate Today’ Columns May Interest You
Clickable links for each column can be found at www.JimSmithColumns.com
May 29, 2025 — Divorcing Couples With a Home Need a Realtor With Specialized Training
May 22, 2025 — Home Sharing Helps Single Seniors Deal With Finance and Loneliness, Allowing Them to Age in Place
April 24, 2025 — Lennar to Build 1,500 Geothermal Homes; My Review of the Mustang Mach E
April 17, 2025 — Redfin Report Highlights the Increasing Cost of Buying versus Renting a Home
April 10, 2025 — The Typical Wood-Frame, SiteBuilt Home So Common Since the ’90s May Soon Be a Thing of the Past
Mar. 27, 2025 — Here’s How Money Is Handled at a Real Estate Closing
Mar. 20, 2025 — Thinking of Using a Reverse Mortgage to Purchase a Home? Here’s Some Information
Mar. 13, 2025 — Will Colorado Be Able to Sustain Its ‘Green Agenda’ Under Pressure From Washington?
Mar. 6, 2025 — 62% of Americans Think a 20% Down Payment Is Required, But It’s the #1 Myth
Feb. 27, 2025 — As Society Deals With Homelessness and Affordability, Expect a Greater Focus on Manufactured Homes
Feb. 20, 2025 — We Have a Tool to Help You Find the ‘Perfect’ Home That’s Not on the MLS
Dec. 26, 2024 — As Pro-Tenant Laws Expand, Some Small Landlords Are Considering Cashing Out
Dec. 19, 2024 — What Are the Costs of Buying or Selling a Home in Colorado?
Nov. 7, 2024 — We Need to Take Seriously the Pollutants Emitted When Cooking With Gas
Oct. 31, 2024 — Cooperative Living Presents an Attractive Alternative for Downsizing Seniors
Sept. 26, 2024 — Some Thoughts on Keeping Your Death From Becoming an Undue Burden on Your Heirs
Sept. 5, 2024 — What Knowledge and Skills Should You Expect Your Real Estate Agent to Have?
Aug. 8, 2024 — Seniors Over 70 Might Consider Downsizing Into a Rental, Not a Smaller Home
July 25, 2024 — Many Homeowners Don’t Understand Title Issues, Which Could Lead to Big Problems Later On
June 6, 2024 — Here Are Some Simple Steps to Take to Avoid Unpleasant Surprises After Closing
Mar. 21, 2024 — What’s Behind the Buzz About ‘Indoor Air Quality’ and ‘Sick Building Syndrome’?
Feb. 22, 2024 — Most Sellers Don’t Know How to Interview a Listing Agent. Here’s Some Guidance.
Dec. 21, 2023 — D.R. Horton Inks Deal to Build Homes With OSB Made From Grass Instead of Wood
Nov. 23, 2023 — Scamming Has Become An Industry, and We’re All Prospective Victims
Sept. 28, 2023 — Insurance Companies Are Pulling Out of California. Is That in Our Future?
Aug. 10, 2023 — What Are Some Common Mistakes That Homeowners Make When Selling?
June 15, 2023 — Don’t Let Capital Gains Tax Deter You From Cashing Out on an Investment Property
May 11, 2023 — Do Agents Inflate the Cost of Buying or Selling Your Home with ‘Junk Fees’?
Apr. 20, 2023 — What Are Some Affordable Ways to Make Your Home More Attractive to Buyers?
Mar. 16, 2023 — Here Are Some Ways to Make Your Home More Accommodating to Seniors
Feb. 9, 2023 — Understanding Indoor Air Quality and How It’s Managed in Super-Insulated Homes
Oct. 27, 2022 — Sales Taxes May Be Lower, But Property Taxes Are Higher in Unincorporated Areas
Strengthened Opportunity Zones: Renewed with revised incentives to promote targeted investment, including in rural areas. NAR polling found that 80% of voters support such tax incentives to drive economic development in underserved communities.
The deadline for this ad was last Friday, before the House of Representatives took the Senate bill up for approval. NAR is hopeful the provisions detailed above will remain in the final version of the bill.
This article was adapted from an email newsletter article I received from NAR. I made only minor edits to it.
Some Useful Charts That Explain the June Market
The following charts were provided by Samanth Glenn of Land Title, along with this summary of the market for June 2025:
The Greater Metro Denver housing market saw active listings continue to grow in June — a 33% increase when compared to last year at this time. New listings declined when compared to last month (-19%) but were up 3% when compared to last year. Pending sales (demand) increased 6% when compared to last year, but did see a slight decline when viewed month-over-month.
The average days on market remained high at 35 days, an increase of 30% year over year. More highlights are below.
In June, active listings were down 0.2% month-over-month but remained elevated when compared to June 2024, which saw 9,866 active listings.
June saw 5,582 new listings enter the market. This data point decreased 18.7% when compared to last month, which saw 6,869 new listings. Last year at this time we saw 5,446 new listings.
Pending sales decreased by 3% when compared to last month. Last year at this time we saw 3,777 pending sales.
Look at how the months of inventory (unsold lis ngs) compare to prior years:
The ra o of closed price to lis ng price (99.1%) was the lowest of the past ve years:
June saw the average days on market at 35. Last month saw 33 days and last year at this time saw 27 days, on average.
The number of showings per listing for June was at 4.6. This was a decrease of 6.1% compared to last month. Last year at this time we saw 5.2 showings per listing, on average:
More readable versions of these charts are at http:RealEstateToday.substack.com
Clear Creek youth baseball is in full swing for summer
BY CHRISTOPHER KOEBERL CHRIS@COTLN.ORG
Summertime means baseball. Youth leagues bring families to ballparks nationwide in the warm months to bond over America’s Pastime with cheers between hot dog bites.
In Clear Creek, the Metropolitan Recreation District pits co-ed teams against other counties for electric showdowns between mountain communities. On June 28, Clear Creek’s team, the Unicorns, fell 9-4 to Gilpin County in Idaho Springs.
A pitch lands a little inside during a CCMRD-sponsored game between Gilpin and Clear Creek counties on June 28 in Idaho Springs. PHOTOS BY CHRIS KOEBERL
Gilpin County’s Eowyn Peterson gets a base hit early in the game in Idaho Springs on June 29. Gilpin County won 9-4.
TRAILHEAD
thusiasts at nearly any skill level.
“It’s all hand-built and addresses all the skills I want to work on,” Devora Peterson said. “It’s got all the switchbacks, built-in rocks and some steepness and it’s just for mountain bikers and it’s directional, which I really like.”
e bike trails are rated by di culty and rider experience, starting with Blue (easiest) to Black and Double Black (experienced).
MUFFLERS
However, in constructing the one-of-a-kind bike trails, VCM
COMBA took it a step further, opening the rst “Pro-line trail” built on the Front Range, according to Moore.
“It’s a way of designating something as more di cult than double-black, ‘Red Double-Diamond’ is proline. We’re just trying to make it really clear to people that this is not your average front-range trail,” Moore said.
Several pro-biker de nitions refer to a Red Double-Diamond as indicating an extremely challenging trail, likely featuring very steep gradients, large technical features such as jumps, drops,
hoped the Colorado Department of Transportation and Colorado State Patrol would start education e orts in the coming months. Not only would it help truck drivers learn about the new law before it takes e ect, but it might also help reduce truck noise in the intervening 24 months, he said.
Titone also expected some kind of education campaign for truck drivers, whether by state o cials, industry associations or both.
She also clari ed how this new law will only apply to commercial vehicles of a certain weight, not passenger vehicles. Farm vehicles and electric vehicles are also exempted.
“We just want to make sure people aren’t caught o -guard; we don’t want to
rock gardens, roots and high exposure and risk. ey also note that the terrain o ers minimal or no ride-arounds for obstacles that require advanced bike handling skills and tness
Taking the run at VCM requires experienced riders who know how to ride but also research trials before they turn a tire, according to COMBA. ”Look before you leap, preride, re-ride, free-ride is what we stress over and over,” Moore said.
e ultimate explanation and distinction of riding a challenge Pro-line trial is a “Higher penalty for failure,” Moore explained.
ne anybody for any of this,” Titone said. “ … We want to make sure those living near the highway aren’t paying the price for the vanity of having a loud truck.”
While it won’t take e ect for two years, Brown hoped this new law would not only bene t Colorado but other states as well. He believed they could use HB25-1039 as a template to address the truck noise impacting their residents’ quality of life.
“It took a while, but I’m just really happy,” Brown said of getting HB25-1039 written and passed. “I know it takes a while to implement, but I hope we will see some real relief and see a lot more compliance (when it goes into e ect).”
‘Do the right thing’
According to Colorado Motor Carriers Association President Greg Fulton, although commercial vehicles are required by law to have a mu er, some truck drivers have intentionally removed their mufers.
noises when they drive.
If these drivers are contacted by law enforcement regarding their mu er, or lack thereof, Fulton said they can skirt around the requirement by claiming their mufer is the kind that is inside the truck’s exhaust stack.
ese kinds of mu ers are real but rare, he explained, but it’s di cult to prove whether a truck really has one.
Under HB25-1039, though, all commercial vehicles will be required to either have a visible mu er or documentation proving the mu er is inside the exhaust stack. is will close the loophole that a very small but loud minority of drivers have been exploiting for years, he continued.
Fulton previously described how some “renegade” drivers like the “clean look” of a truck without a mu er, along with the attention they get by generating loud
Even before the bill was signed into law, Fulton was con dent that word would get out and those drivers without mu ers would come into compliance.
“We want to incentivize people to do the right thing,” he said.
Colorado Gov. Jared Polis, seated, signs a bill into law on May 15 that will help enforce a muffler requirement on all commercial vehicles. The bill was sponsored by legislators representing Je erson and Clear Creek counties, among others.
PHOTO BY CORINNE WESTEMAN
COMBA Executive Director Gary Moore directing bikers at trail head for Trek Trails at Virginia Canyon Mountain in Idaho Springs June 26. CHRIS KOEBERL
Groups of tubers, swimmers and others gather at Golden’s Clear Creek Whitewater Park on June 28. The temperatures hit 90 degrees that afternoon, so many sought relief in Clear Creek’s icy-cold waters.
On June 28, groups of tubers and other trail users pass the City of Golden ambassadors’ station along the north Clear Creek Trail near the RV park. Clear Creek moved to yellow-flag restrictions on June 24, which allows for all uses with caution.
It’s
Creek users navigate rocky conditions, icy waters as Golden’s tubing season begins
BY CORINNE WESTEMAN CORINNE@COTLN.ORG
With temperatures hitting 90 degrees and with the creek open to tubing and swimming, it’s no wonder that everyone and their dog ocked to Golden’s section of Clear Creek for the June 28-29 weekend.
After a two-week closure, city and county o cials reopened Clear Creek to tubing and swimming on June 24, as water levels and speeds dropped. is e ectively kicked o Golden’s tubing season, as the corridor sees thousands of tubers throughout the summer. Many took advantage of it on June 28, as tubers, kayakers, riverboarders, rafters, swimmers and others enjoyed a hot afternoon on the creek.
On June 28, a tuber bounces along Golden’s section of Clear Creek near the U.S. Highway 6 bridge. Both Golden and Je erson County moved to yellowflag restrictions on June 24, uno cially kicking o Golden’s tubing season.
On June 28, a group of rafters pass a tuber on Golden’s section of Clear Creek near the RV park. All types of water recreationalists were on Clear Creek throughout the day, as the creek was under yellow-flag restrictions.
On June 28, a City of Golden flagger stops motor vehicle tra c to allow tubers to cross Ford Street near the Golden Mill. Hundreds of tubers and other Clear Creek visitors used the crossing to go from Vanover Park back up the creek corridor.
Tubin’ Time: Clear Creek opens for summer
City of Golden ambassadors remarked how, while June 28 was certainly busy, the corridor sees much bigger crowds later in the summer. ey attributed the smaller crowds to the yellow- ag conditions, which caution against children recreating in the water.
Yellow- ag conditions also can be hazardous, and adults are recommended to wear helmets and life jackets and to proceed with caution, they said. ere have been a few rescues and other dangerous situations since the creek reopened to tubing on June 24, they explained.
Along the Clear Creek Trail between U.S. Highway 6 and Vanover Park, there were dozens of people oating along the creek. Many were wearing protective equipment; others were not. Some ipped out of their tubes as they were going down a rapid but managed to regroup. Most of them seemed to be enjoying themselves.
At Vanover Park, though, there were still plenty of smiles and laughs, but others were processing and recovering from
their experiences.
One rafter said he got tossed out and smacked into a rock, and describing how his adrenaline kicked in during the experience and was just starting to wear o .
Among the tubers, Brad Meyer said he’d lost feeling in his toes because the water was so cold, and couple Brandi Scarboro and Scott Kerner were also recovering from the extra-cold water by basking in the sun. en, Geneva Espinoza and Shannon Lawrence had scrapes on their shins and cuts on their toes from where they ran into rocks.
Overall, the tubers said they had fun but recommended caution.
Espinoza and Lawrence speci cally encouraged people to rent life jackets, as they did, even though they brought their own innertube. ey also wished they could’ve rented a paddle to better steer themselves away from the rocks and other hazards.
Espinoza said she probably wouldn’t go tubing on Clear Creek again, but Lawrence was more open to it. ey both described how “if it wasn’t for the rocks, it would’ve been ne.”
‘A fun, free thing to do’
Meyer, who was visiting from Texas, and Jay Sheridan from Virginia were rst-time tubers on Clear Creek. e two said they were in town for the Metallica concert and were looking for things to do. Sheridan’s cousin who lives in Longmont said they could go tubing, and recommended Golden over Boulder.
Sheridan and Meyer rented tubes at Adventure West and took the shuttle up to Clear Creek Canyon Park, and then rode their tubes down to Vanover one time. Sheridan said he’d be willing to do a second trip, but Meyer said he wanted to get feeling back in his toes rst.
Despite the cold water, they felt the experience was “smooth” and “well-organized.” ey said they felt safe and wellinformed before their tubing adventure.
Meanwhile, Scarboro and Kerner were veteran tubers who have been visiting Clear Creek for four and two seasons, respectively. ey typically go tubing four or ve times a season, taking roughly three trips down the creek for each visit. ey said they recently bought their own tube to use in Golden and other tubing destinations.
ey’d been checking the ag restrictions on Clear Creek and, when they saw tubing was allowed, they were excited to kick o their tubing season.
“It’s a fun, free thing to do,” Scarboro said, “and there aren’t many of those around.”
Scarboro and Kerner remarked how, while Clear Creek is usually quite cold because it’s snowmelt, the water seemed “super-cold” on June 28. e two normally like getting ipped out of their tube while going down the rapids, but the water temperature dampened the experience this time.
ey also recommended life jackets, especially if people aren’t experienced with colder water, and said the ambassador information stands are also a good resource for newcomers.
For Lakewood’s Ben Cohen, considering it was the rst summer weekend when tubing and swimming were allowed, he said, “It’s nice to see such a big turnout.” While he and his friends oated down Clear Creek in in atable rafts, he noted how there were dozens of people along the creek cheering on and supporting the tubers.
Overall, he felt like Golden was very friendly to tubers and water sports in general.
Cohen anticipated he and his friends would return to Golden in the coming weeks, saying they’d be monitoring the water speeds and conditions to identify the best time to go rafting.
“Any time it’s over 400 (cubic feet per second), that’s a good time to come out,” he said.
Quadra-Fire Discovery Series Wood Stove
Skilled campers detail Colorado’s best summer spots
BY JOHN RENFROW JOHN@COTLN.ORG
Summertime is in full bloom in Colorado, meaning perfect temperatures and picturesque backdrops for some hiking, camping and stargazing along the Front Range and beyond.
But in such a saturated state for adoring nature, plus those weekend crowds on I-70, how do you know where to start? Just like trying to pin down a hike on AllTrails, it can feel like spotting a needle in a haystack.
You don’t want somewhere too crowded, too far away or all booked up with reservations. Plus, where you pitch a tent for the night may determine the extent of supplies you’ll need.
e Colorado Trust for Local News asked experienced locals where to start when looking for ideal camping nights in the Centennial State. Take notes from the testimonials below.
Important note: Always check campground rules and regulations before hitting the road and settling down for the night. Camping in the wrong areas is illegal and could result in nes or criminal charges.
Dispersed camping
“ ere are a couple of places south of Buena Vista. ere’s a road out there that I like going to. It’s a little bit more traveled, but I found camping there last weekend ... it’s really close to town near Browns Creek Trailhead. And this is dispersed camping (I camp with a camper. I’m not a tent camper, I’m a camper camper). It gets real close to town, and it’s quiet back in here, and there’s a trailhead right there where I like to camp.”
-Joe Lopez, Arvada
Awesome spaces in Deckers
“Down just o US 285, just south of it, that whole region is called the South Platte. In the northern portion of the South Platte, the Deckers area as a whole, there’s a lot of open space land and BLM (Bureau of Land Management) land. In that, you can nd a lot of awesome spaces there. Potentially, some of them are free to just go camp. You just pull your car right to the spot. ere’s no one around,
Horse Shoe Campground in Golden Gate State Park, which is a backpack-in-andout situation, really nice and not a crazy hike, but very beautiful. en Wolford Reservoir is great for next-to-water camping and large groups. For a camper-accessible option, the River Campsite near Estes Park would be a good option.”
-Lori Abbey, Arvada
Riverside camping
“Poudre Canyon is probably my No. 1. It’s easily accessible and the drive out is beautiful. Along the canyon is the Poudre River that has accessible beaches for chilling, shing and tubing. ere’s also guided white water rafting before my favorite spot, a restaurant/venue called Mishawaka Amphitheater, which is always a good stop for a beer and lunch by the water. e great part about the canyon is that there’s camping by the water and up on the mountain. Some spots are paid, but others are BLM.
I also really enjoy the Black Canyon of Gunnison National Park. ere’s a load of free camping nearby and it’s a jaw-dropping experience, from the drop o to the
views. I remember getting in late for my rst visit and setting up camp, excited for the canyon. Waking up, I expected nothing, but walked out and felt like I was shot back to prehistoric times. Absolute beauty.”
-Jimmy Garcia, Northglenn
Secluded and private “I love Guanella Pass because it’s just easily accessible, provides beautiful water and valley views and feels secluded and private.”
-Shelby Andress, Denver
Falls and dunes
“We really enjoy camping at the Great Sand Dunes, for obvious reasons. Zapata Falls is only about seven miles south of the sand dunes. It’s a really wonderful spot to go visit, and right now it’s actually glacial,
so you need crampons to get up in there, but it’s beautiful. We camp a lot at Carter Lake just because it’s so convenient. It’s relatively inexpensive, it’s a good place to go sh and go exploring.
We have a 30-foot camper, travel trailer, so we have to rent a space like six months in advance. But there are tent sides all over the place. e cool thing about that, too, is you can go from dome tent campsites to the walk-in, double-room ones. It’s all really at. On the south campground, there’s a boathouse so you can rent whatever you need. If you go to the marina, you can actually rent a boat and kick around. We like to take our paddle boards into a couple coves ... gosh, just lay on your back, stare at the sky and fall asleep for a while, let the water just take you where you go.”
-Keith Hancock, ornton
The sun sets on a perfect summer camping night at the Great Sand Dunes in Colorado.
PHOTO COURTESY OF KEITH HANCOCK
A view of Poudre Canyon from atop a mountain paints the perfect picture for a summertime camping spot in Colorado.
PHOTO COURTESY OF JIMMY GARCIA
Think outside of the box
This week, I learned about the Finnish word “sisu.” ere is no good English translation of the word, so I spent some time seeing what I could nd out about it.
I discovered that it is a word that has been around for more than 500 years, and that Finnish people see it as integral to their designation by the United Nations as the happiest people in the world.
WORDS OF ENCOURAGEMENT
Not having any background in the Finnish language, I had to rely on di erent sources to nd the meaning of the word. As I dug, I found that sisu means courage, stamina, and perseverance combined with exibility and cleverness to create an ingenuity that allows individuals to overcome obstacles.
As the meaning of sisu became clear, I was struck by how important this idea is for overcoming struggles.
To truly face di culty in life takes great courage. I saw this with my friend Shane as he navigated a four-year battle with cancer. I know from my own experience with MS, the courage it takes to get up each morning, to do the things that I must do to be able to move around smoothly.
Along with courage, it takes stamina to navigate an issue. Courage and stamina go hand in hand; you can’t have one without the other when you are traversing di cult times. Our lives do not come with message boards that tell us, “In 127 days, the issues you are navigating will be resolved and you will have 300 days of smooth sailing.” We must move forward without a clear understanding of what the future holds. To navigate those issues daily, without the bene t of a clear endpoint, takes courage and the stamina to put one foot in front of the other.
But sisu goes further. It declares that courage, stamina, and perseverance are not enough, and explains that to overcome our struggles, we must think di erently, be exible in our mindset, and be open to di erent ways of doing things. When we combine grit with exibility, we nd true genius — we nd new ways.
I guess you could write it as a cookbook recipe: add one cup each of courage, stamina, and perseverance to a struggle. Mix in healthy amounts of exibility and openness to new ways of doing things. Bake in the oven of experience, and what will emerge is an ingenuity that will allow an individual to overcome their obstacle.
I think it is exceptionally easy to get stuck in the idea that working harder will lead to victory over a struggle. Sisu opens us up to the idea that it takes more than our internal drive to get over our most di cult hurdles. It takes a di erent mindset.
If you have not thought outside the box in your struggle, maybe it is time.
You have got this!
When the lights are the brightest, the stakes are the highest, and all eyes are watching, those who rise to the moment are rarely surprised by it. Why? Because they’ve been there before. Not necessarily in the stadium, on the eld, or in front of the big client, but in the quiet, gritty, and repetitive hours of practice. ey’ve made the move a hundred times before it ever mattered.
Elite athletes, masterful gamers, accomplished performers, these people don’t just show up and “ gure it out.” ey prepare. ey sweat. ey fail. ey adjust. And they do it when no one’s watching, precisely so they can deliver when everyone is.
The practice behind performance
Golfers don’t wait for the tournament to learn how to hit out of a bunker or adjust their swing for a downhill lie. ey put themselves through every scenario imaginable before they ever step onto the rst tee. Likewise, tennis pros hit forehands, backhands, and serves over and over again, against lefties, righties, net rushers, and baseliners, so that nothing rattles them during a match. Quarterbacks study defenses and prepare audibles not so they might use
VOICES
Early flowers again this year. That’s good, right?
Spring came early this year on the mountain slopes near Crested Butte. David Inouye has monitored the blooming of wild owers there during the last 55 years. is was not a record year, he reported in May, but it was remarkably di erent from just a few decades ago.
“ irty years ago, owering didn’t start until the rst week of June,” reported Inouye, who studies the timing of periodic biological events in plants and animals, a discipline called phenology. By late April this year, seven species of wildowers had blooms on the slopes of the Rocky Mountain Biological Laboratory.
More wild owers earlier in spring. What’s not to like about that?
In Paonia this year, where Inouye lives, Apricot trees owered in mid-March. Later frosts killed this year’s crop. at, he says, is one harm to earlier spring.
Early springs produced by rising temperatures also have long-term consequences. In 2005, when I rst started writing about climate change, I traveled to the outdoor laboratory at Gothic to see an experiment then underway.
John Harte, a scientist from Berkeley, had mounted electric heaters over plots to approximate future temperature increases. How would this change vegetation over time?
Would sagebrush eventually replace the wild owers?
e answer is complex but comes down to one word: yes. We can expect more sagebrush and fewer wild owers on south-facing hillsides at 9,500 feet in elevation. is, Inouye pointed out, will take time.
“Almost all the wild owers here are long-lived perennials, so change doesn’t happen rapidly. Even if they stop making seeds, some of those individual plants will still live for decades,” said Inouye, who lives in Paonia but remains on the faculty of the University of Maryland.
“It takes long-term study to document changes to the high-altitude environment,” he added. “To some degree that longevity provides a buffer to the ongoing climate changes, especially if we can succeed in reversing them in the foreseeable future.”
An early spring was observed far beyond Colorado’s mountain slopes. A U.S. Geological Survey website on June 6 showed a spring leaf index two and three weeks early across broad bands of the United States, including
Colorado.
Once again, so what? In most places, people prefer summer to winter. Besides, isn’t this story about earlier spring getting old? I have been writing about it for 20 years. One scientist I queried said yet another story about early springs would induce yawns unless I had a new angle, like a spike in electricity demand for air conditioning during April.
Brad Udall delivered a strong rejoinder at a recent Colorado River conference. “Hold on to your seats,” he told his audience at the University of Colorado’s Getches-Wilkinson Center, “because I’m going to make you uncomfortable.” e world, explained Udall, a water and climate research scientist at the Colorado Water Institute, is on track for warming of 9 degrees Fahrenheit by 2100. “ is far exceeds anything agreed to by the 2015 Paris Climate Accords. And frankly, it terri es scientists.” Over land, the temperature increase will be even greater than the global average. “ at’s a world unlike anything we currently know, and it’s going to challenge us all on every front.”
Nearly all scientists agree that heat-trapping greenhouse gases are responsible for our predicament. Emis-
when the storm hits? Or are you hoping you’ll just “ gure it out” in the moment?
You’ve got the next move
them, but because they know they will have to. MLB pitchers memorize hitters’ weaknesses and develop sequences of pitches for each batter, each count, and each game condition. ey don’t leave anything to chance.
Even a recreational skier knows better than to assume every trail is the same. Shifting snow, moguls, icy patches, and tree lines all require anticipation, balance, and muscle memory.
What’s your game plan?
Now let’s bring that down from the slopes, o the eld, and into your life. Because here’s the truth: Life is coming for you. And it’s not always friendly.
We live in a world of distraction, disruption, and division, the “3 D’s.” at’s your opponent. And it’s relentless. Curveballs will be thrown. People will lie to you, some subtly, some blatantly. Situations will knock you o balance, surprise you, and frustrate you.
So the question is: Are you ready? Have you practiced how you’ll respond
Salespeople who thrive don’t wing it. ey role-play objections before they hear them. ey rehearse how to respond to pricing pushback, to questions about the competition, to ghosting, and to negotiation traps. at preparation, done behind the scenes, becomes uidity in the real game.
Building a values-based foundation
You need a life playbook, too. And it starts with knowing who you are, your values, beliefs, and anchors in the storm. When division shows up, is unity your move? When adversity knocks, do you respond with resilience? When o ense is hurled your way, do you o er grace?
If the world throws chaos, confusion, and cruelty at you, what are your practiced responses? Are kindness, humility, forgiveness, and compassion just ideas you agree with, or are they moves you’ve practiced until they’re second nature?
Make no mistake: Life will challenge you. It will confront you with opponents in the form of circumstances, people, and inner voices that test your core. If you haven’t prepared, you’ll default to panic, anger, or paralysis.
So today, right now, it’s your move. Not in some hypothetical, far-o , big-moment kind of way. But in this moment. You get to decide what you’re practicing. Because what you practice in private is what you’ll perform in public.
What conversations are you rehearsing? What mindset are you building? What virtues are you strengthening so they’re not just concepts, but quick-draw responses?
Don’t wait for the game to start to prepare. Because, ready or not, it already has, and the next move is yours. How about you? Are you more likely to take things as they come and deal with it all in the moment? Or are you someone who prefers to be prepared, like the U.S. Coast Guard, Semper Paratus, always prepared? Either way, I always love hearing your stories at gotonorton@gmail. com and when we take the time to plan to win and prepare to win, it really will be a better-than-good life.
Michael Norton is an author, a personal and professional coach, consultant, trainer, encourager and motivator of individuals and businesses, working with organizations and associations across multiple industries.
Jim Roome
It’s your move
BIG PIVOTS WINNING WORDS
Michael Norton
We’d like to know about events or activities of interest to the community. Visit www.clearcreekcourant.com/ calendar/ and post your event online for free. Email ckoeberl@coloradocommunitymedia.com
UPCOMING
GTIS Half Marathon: 7 a.m. start Aug. 9. Georgetown to Idaho Springs half marathon. Race starts at Georgetown Lake and nishes near the Idaho Springs Sports & Events Complex101 East Idaho Springs Road.
Rapidgrass Bluegrass Fest 2025: 4:30 p.m. Fri. Aug 15-16 Shelly/Quinn Fields, 101 East Idaho Springs Road, Idaho Springs, CO 80452
Empire Adopt-a-Highway Cleanup: 8 a.m. Sat. Sept 13 Help us tidy up 2 miles of Hwy 40 through Empire, CO. Meet at the Empire Visitors Center 30 Park Ave, Idaho Springs.
ONGOING
Idaho Springs Lions Club meetings: 7:30 a.m. every rst and third ursday of the month at Marions of the Rockies, 2805 Colorado Blvd., Idaho Springs. Come join us and help to serve our community. For information – www.islions.org, email info@ isLions.org or call 720-608-1140.
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.
Resilience1220 counseling: Young people 12 to 20 can get free counseling through an Evergreen-based organization called Resilience1220. Composed of licensed therapists, Resilience1220 serves individuals and groups in the foothills including Clear Creek County. ey also facilitate school and community groups to build life skills in wellness and resilience among youth. For more information or to schedule a counseling session, visit R1220.org, email Resilience1220@gmail.com or call 720282-1164.
Dental clinics: Cleanings, X-rays, dentures, tooth extractions and more. Most insurances are accepted including Medicaid. Sliding scale/low-cost options are also available. No appointment necessary. is is a mobile dentist that comes once a month. Call program manager Lauralee at 720205-4449 for questions.
CASA of the Continental Divide seeks volunteers: CASACD promotes and protects the best interests of abused and neglected children involved in court proceedings through the advocacy e orts of trained CASA volunteers. Be the di erence and advocate for the youth in our community. e o ce can be reached at 970513-9390.
Clear Creek EMS/Evergreen Fire Rescue Launch Mugs for Rugs Campaign: Bring an old throw rug and you’ll leave with a bright green mug! You can bring them to Station 1A in Dumont, 3400 Stanley Road, or you can email captains@clearcreekems. com and CCEMS will come to you to make the trade. Clear Creek EMS also o ers fall-risk assessments by bringing someone from the re department to make sure smoke and carbon monoxide detectors are working properly. To request a visit, ll out the form at clearcreekcounty.us/1388/ Community-Outreach.
Clear Creek Rotary 2000 meetings: Clear Creek Rotary 2000 meets at 7:30 a.m. Wednesdays at Marion’s of the Rockies. 2805 Colorado Blvd., Idaho Springs. For more information, email loe er806@comcast.net.
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 ofce. 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. and is o ered via Zoom or in person at the Resilience1220 o ce. Register at resilience1220.org/groups.
million acre-feet runo ,” said Udall. “But what it also means is taking a hard look at every existing agreement in the river. It either breaks them or substantially modi es them.”
sions have risen 60% during the last 35 years. “What we’re witnessing is a monumental failure of both capitalism and governance,” he said.
Why sound the climate change siren at a Colorado River conference? Because water availability in the Colorado River Basin is inextricably linked to rising temperatures. Drought can ease. Aridi cation, the result of rising temperatures, will not.
e seven states who share the river now struggle over how to share this shrinking river. e 1922 compact assumed 20 million acre-feet. Flows this century have averaged about 20% less. “I’m now convinced that we need to plan for the worst possible climate future, and that’s somewhere around 10
A hopeless situation? Udall warned against despair. “ ere’s a term called the pessimism aversion trap. It’s the tendency look the other way when confronted with dark realities,” he explained. Don’t go there, he said. “We still control our destiny, even if the solutions seem daunting.”
And nally, his plea: “I plead with you to get serious about guring out how to reduce the emissions of your organization and even your own personal emissions. I agree that individual actions aren’t going to solve this, but they send a really strong signal to everyone around us.”
Allen Best is a Colorado-based journalist who publishes
Art Through the Distortions of History
The creative process is ever-changing and often requires taking a look back to locate the way forward. e Arvada Center’s three summer exhibitions celebrate this fact by using the past as a guide to nding a way to and through modern times.
“I hope people come away from the galleries with a new understanding of what they can perceive,” said Olive Witwer-Jarvis, exhibitions manager and associate curator at the Center. “ e personal stories and struggles on display provide a new look at what’s important.”
Melissa Furness — Embedded: A MidCareer Survey, Haley Hasler — Origin Stories and Past is Present is Past is Present are all on display at the Center, 6901 Wadsworth Blvd., through Aug. 24.
Set up in the Main Gallery, Embeddedi s an engrossing look at the career of an artist who is constantly nding new ways to explore themselves and the world around them. Broken up into subsections like In Ruins and Gathering Moss, Furness’ shows that she’s a conceptual artist of the highest order. Guests will see work that was created in places as disparate as Ireland and China, each with unique subjects and mediums worked into beautiful paintings.
History and its impact on our current times is a subject Furness — a professor at the University of Colorado Denver — returns to in fascinating ways, from making surreal recreations of wellknown works to displaying discarded bricks from China.
“My work explores human nature and
COMING ATTRACTIONS
relationship with the past and provide a window into the things that matter most.
day, July 11 through Sunday, Aug. 3.
struggle as it manifests itself in relation to contemporary society and the remains of the past,” Furness said in a provided statement. “I am interested in what one culture upholds as signi cant — objects and ideals that we revere versus those that we discard or discount as unimportant. What does what we throw away say about us as a people versus what we place on a pedestal or seek to preserve?”
e Upper Gallery is home to Origin Stories, where Fort Collins artist Haley Hasler paints portraits that take her friends and family and put them in elaborately staged settings. e end results are transporting, at once familiar and slightly foreign.
“ is show includes work from the past as well as my newest body of work,” Hasler said in a provided statement. “ e beloved, everyday people around me are transformed in my paintings into gods and goddesses of the everyday realm.”
In Past is Present is Past is Present, located in the eatre Gallery, visitors can see how Colorado artists use their ancestry, religious and cultural iconography, and mythology to shed a light on contemporary concerns, like our tumultuous political climate and missing Native women and children. e works are fascinating examinations of the artists’
“ ese exhibitions question what’s important and why,” Witwer-Jarvis said. “What makes something like the Mona Lisa so important, when there is so much happening in people’s day-to-day life?”
For more information, visit https:// arvadacenter.org/galleries/current-exhibitions.
Go for a Moonlit Ride in Castle Rock
Castle Rock’s Pedal the Moon bike ride goes from 6:30 to 10 p.m. on Saturday, July 12 and departs fromCastle View High School, 5254 N. Meadows Drive, at 7 p.m. As dusk starts, riders will follow the East Plum Creek Trail for about 6 miles to Festival Park.
According to provided information, the terrain is suitable for all riders and participants are encouraged to decorate their bikes with lights and other items.
ere will be a decorating station for those who want some glow-in-the-dark decorations. At Festival Park, riders can relax and enjoy some music while participating in some giveaways.
Full details and registration information is available at https://www.crgov. com/3184/Pedal-the-Moon.
Feel the Artistic Power of ‘Mutual Terrain’ RedLine Contemporary Art Center is celebrating Denver Month of Photography withMutual Terrain, curated by Adán De La Garza and Jenna Maurice. e show is on display at the Center, 2350 Arapahoe St. in Denver, from Fri-
According to a provided statement from the curators, “Mutual Terrain’brings together six artists whose works reveal the land as a living presence — one that remembers, resists, and responds. is exhibition invites viewers to reconsider their relationship to the natural world, not as separate from it, but as deeply entangled within it.” e show encourages and rewards patience, so be ready to take your time. Find more information at https://www. redlineart.org/mutual-terrain-denvermonth-of-video-mov.
Clarke’s Concert of the Week — Car Seat Headrest at Mission Ballroom
Virginia’s Car Seat Headrest are one of the most ambitious bands in the indie rock world. Over the course of their career, they’ve experimented with all kinds of stylistic approaches, from kindof rock operas to just straight up ripping rock albums. You never quite know what you’re going to get, but the lyrics are always extremely literate and the music is top-notch.
In support this their latest release, e Scholars, the band is coming to the Mission Ballroom, 4242 Wynkoop St. at 8 p.m. on Saturday, July 12. ey’ll be joined by openers Slow Fiction for what’s sure to be an evening of great, adventurous live music. Get tickets at www.axs.com.
Clarke Reader’s column on culture appears on a weekly basis. He can be reached at Clarke.Reader@hotmail.com.
Clarke Reader
LIFESTYLES
AN ADVERTISING SECTION OF COLORADO COMMUNITY
A Journey with EChO:
35 Years of Championing Evergreen’s Community
by Dale Flanders
Executive Director of Evergreen Christian Outreach
As the Executive Director of Evergreen Christian Outreach (EChO), I’ve had the honor of witnessing the heart and soul of our mountain community. is year, we mark EChO’s 35th anniversary as a 501(c)(3) nonpro t, and I nd myself re ecting on a story that began long before I stepped into this role—a story of compassion, resilience, and hope that took root in 1987 through two people who found themselves at a crossroad. It’s a story I am honored to carry forward.
A Seed Planted in Hardship
In 1987, Jim and Carol Benson lost everything when their business partner disappeared with their assets. It’s hard to imagine the fear and instability they must have felt. But instead of turning inward, they looked outward. ey saw neighbors struggling and felt called to act.
FEATURE OF THE MONTH
Jim, along with his friend Gordon Wyant together with the leadership of Church of the Trans guration, transformed an unused building on the church campus into a modest but meaningful outreach center. ey added heat, lighting, shelves—and a vision. ey reached out to every church in Evergreen, inviting them to join in. Most said yes and still do.
Initially, Jim and Gordon ran the operation themselves, welcoming those in need with open arms. Soon a er, a generous gi enabled them to hire EChO’s rst sta member—an important step toward sustainability. When I visited Carol at our ReSale Store recently, she re ected on those early days with warmth and pride: “It was born out of loss,” she told me. “But we had faith, vision, and heart to
give.” at same spirit drives EChO today.
Growing a Legacy
In the decades since, EChO has grown beyond anything Jim and Carol could have imagined—but always in the spirit of neighbors helping neighbors. Last year that was 1200 of our neighbor families—including 22% of Evergreen's households.
In 1999, Dorinne Reid and Liz Begalla envisioned a ReSale Store that would keep donated goods in the community. At the time, over ow donations were going to a thri store in Idaho Springs. ey saw an opportunity and convinced our Board to rent a small space in Evergreen for $500 a month. Opening-day sales paid for that rst month’s rent.
Today, that store provides a ordable, high-quality goods to the public and vital home essentials to our
EChO on Meadow Dr.
11
clients. It’s a place of dignity, connection, and second chances. And Dorinne is still there—volunteering and inspiring.
en there’s the Turkey Trot. What was sparked by longtime volunteer and former Board President Liz Hawkins has grown into a joyful anksgiving tradition for hundreds. is November will mark 15 years of families and neighbors running— and walking—to support our mission.
Serving with Heart
EChO’s programs today grew out of decades of listening, adapting, and responding to real needs:
• EChO Food Pantry serves 350 families weekly and distributes over 600,000 pounds of food each year, including fresh produce, meat, dairy, and Crock-
Pot meal kits—equivalent to more than 500,000 meals.
• e Kids Summer Lunch Program feeds 200 children during the summer months, thanks to partners like the Evergreen Elks Lodge and Blue Spruce Kiwanis Club.
• Our 15 volunteer lumberjacks cut and process over 100 cords of rewood each year for families who rely on wood-burning heat to survive mountain winters. EChO Shelter operates nightly from October through April. More than just a safe place to sleep, each night our shelter provides homemade meals, clothing, laundry, showers, fellowship, and case management support to help guests journey to stable housing. Our shelter has become a model for care evidenced by our new partnership with Je erson County. rough our Complex Case
Client Services
Our services have no time limits. Whether it is short-term guidance or lifelong support—especially for seniors on fixed incomes or those facing persistent financial barriers—we’re here for the long haul.
FOOD PANTRY
EChO’s client-choice food pantry provides nutritious grocery assistance to individuals and families in need, promoting health and dignity.
Weekly Shopping: Households can access the pantry weekly, as needed. Crock-Pot Meal Package: All the ingredients to prepare a healthy meal once a month.
Summer Lunch Program
Nutritious food choices including fresh produce, dairy and protein.
Sourcing & Distribution: 50% of our food is donated, and 50% is purchased to ensure nutritional quality.
I NEED HELP
Advocacy & Resource Navigation: We connect clients to medical and behavioral health care, substance use recovery, housing applications, legal aid, and benefits like SNAP, Medicaid, and Social Security.
Housing & Stability Solutions: From securing housing vouchers to mediating with landlords, we provide hands-on support to combat housing insecurity. Additional assistance includes transportation, financial literacy, and community resources. Crisis Response: Our team responds swiftly to urgent needs, whether it’s supporting someone transitioning from homelessness to housing or addressing afterhours emergencies.
rt-term support—especially long
FIREWOOD
We offer split firewood at no cost, to our clients who heat their homes with wood. This service is available year-round based on available inventory.
Together, we’re helping our community stay safe and warm!
ECHO SHELTER
Open October - April More than just a safe place to sleep.
Guests are provided home cooked dinner, breakfast, and a sack lunch to-go, as well as clothing, showers, and laundry. EChO case management services go beyond just obtaining housing, and include furniture, housewares, utility and rental assistance, and on-going support for stability and growth.
see ECHO, Page 16
Mortgage Loan O cer Grant Brewster Explains Mortgage Financing Process to His Clients…
By Jo Ann M. Colton Special to Lifestyles
Colorado Foothills native Grant Brewster with Edge Home Finance Corporation, is a pro-active mortgage broker professional and intermediary, not a bank employee or a liate. He frequently has access to a wider range of lenders/ loan products than might otherwise be available to individual borrowers through banks. Likewise, he can o en leverage his longstanding business relationships with multiple lenders to secure optimum rates potentially leading to better deals for his clients.
With thirty-plus years proven industry experience, Grant Brewster thoroughly explains to his clients, not only the entire loan process but also the types of loans (Conventional/FHA/VA/USDA/Second/ Equity) and terms available so they can make the right decisions to suit their
particular needs.
When it comes to xed-rate mortgages, a 30-year mortgage o ers more a ordable monthly payments, but you will pay more in interest. A een-year mortgage has a lower interest rate but demands larger monthly payments. Over time, a 30-year xed mortgage is substantially more expensive than a 15-year loan, but most
borrowers choose the 30-year xed-rate loan because it gives borrowers three decades to pay o the loan.
Wondering the best lender/options for you? Contac t Grant Brewster for all your home nancing needs at Flow eory Coworks, 3540 Evergreen Parkway (720-668-4183/ grant.brewster@edgehome nance.com/www. grantbrewster.com). \
Take on New Hobbies in Retirement
(StatePoint) Retirement should be relaxing, not boring. In fact, taking on new hobbies can keep your mind sharp and body vital as you age. Here are ve ways to stay active in your golden years:
1. Join a gym: Joining a gym is one of the easiest ways to ensure you perform a mix of strength training and cardiovascular exercise. Doing both will help keep your bones and muscles strong and your heart and lungs fully functional. Don’t forget to add in yoga and stretching to promote balance and agility. If a gym is out of reach, see what other nearby opportunities are available for working up a sweat. Many towns and cities o er free and budget-friendly, community-based exercise programming.
2. Play music: ere are numerous cognitive and emotional bene ts associated with playing music. Whether you’re a beginner just looking to pick up the basics or a seasoned musician with the hopes of performing in public, you can equip yourself to sound amazing with a high-quality instrument like the CT-S1-76 keyboard from Casio. Its 76 full-size keys and upgraded 13-watt bass-re ex stereo speaker system with surround e ect lend it incredible sound quality and a dynamic playing experience, while its sleek, portable design makes it a joy to play anytime, anywhere. In addition to remotely controlling the CT-S1-76, you can also use the Casio Music Space app to learn to play your favorite songs with downloadable MIDI les, interact with PDF scores, and much more.
3. Start a book club: It’s always more fun to read books when you can discuss them with friends. From tackling the classics, to diving into non- ction works that will challenge your perspective, to enjoying some easy, breezy beach reads, it’s important that the other members of the group have the same reading goals as you. So do a little leg work in advance to ensure everyone is on the same page.
4. Number crunch: You don’t have to be in school to take up math as a hobby. ere are plenty of recreational mathematicians of all ages who enjoy crunching numbers to work puzzles, compete in games, and uncover patterns in the real world. To get into your mathematical groove and to support your hobby, use a graphing calculator such as the fx-9750GIII from Casio. Its over 2,900 functions, including random number generation, metric conversion and object measurement, make it a great tool for any mathematical project.
5. Learn a language: Learning a new language not only creates new neural pathways in the brain, it can be just the motivational ticket you need to nally visit that bucket list destination you’ve been dreaming of. While formal lessons are great, you can help ensure your skills truly progress through conversation. Lean on services like Tandem to connect with a language partner.
By taking on new hobbies and expanding your interests, you can carve out a retirement that is active, adventurous and good for your body, mind and soul.
How a Fireplace Adds Value to Your Home
Wood or gas replaces and freestanding stoves are in high demand in Evergreen. ey’re part of the mountain lifestyle, sources of heat, architectural focal points, and natural gathering spots. Rooms with replaces automatically feel cozier. No other feature says “gather around and make memories!” But how much value do replaces add? Sticks and stones can make a house but a replace makes it home!
Buyers consider several factors: reliable heat during a power outage, ongoing operating costs, and aesthetics. Modern wood- and gas-burning replaces and stoves are great options for our area. ey are incredibly e cient, environmentally friendly and beautiful, with styles that cater to every taste.
How Much Value Will a Fireplace Add?
e exact ROI from adding a replace can range between 6-12% of the home’s value. It’s hard to say if the cost of a new replace and installation will yield a high enough ROI to cancel out the initial investment. New energy-ecient replaces are on the higher end of the spectrum since buyers are o en willing to pay more for a home with an attractive, modern replace.
Some things can’t be assigned dollar signs. How much value do you place on comfort? How about elegance, cozi-
ness, rustic charm, a sleek modern vibe or other aesthetic you’re looking for? How about peace of mind knowing you can stay warm no matter what?
Which Type of Fireplace Adds the Most Value? is IS a trick question. ere is no one best or most valuable type. You may love your gas replace but the next homeowner may not want a push-button replace. But remember, any replace can be replaced with a di erent fuel type, so don’t sweat it! Do what makes sense for you. Our sales team can help you choose!
Location is important too. A replace or freestanding stove that’s located where people spend most of their time adds more value than a replace in a formal living or dining room that only sees a few holiday gatherings. A replace or stove in the kitchen? YES. In the family room? YES. In the basement rec room? YES. Put a replace where people live for the most value!
If your budget doesn’t allow for a new replace, transform an existing replace with a new insert to boost its aesthetic appeal, functionality, and value.
A less expensive option is refacing your replace doors if you like the location and function of the replace but not its dated looks. Both wood- and gas-burning replace doors can be refaced for a fresh new look without the
expense of a major renovation.
What A ects Value?
No matter which option you choose, what a ects the value of this improvement?
1. Quality: Fireplaces, stoves, inserts, and doors from premium manufacturers that use the best materials will stand the test of time.
2. Energy-e cient features: Heat-circulating blowers, thermostatic controls, and smart remotes lower heating costs and boost e ciency. Even old-school methods can increase e ciency, like soapstone that continues to radiate heat a er the re is out.
3. Safety is built-in to all new replaces and stoves. Our NFI-Certi ed professional installers make sure everything is to code. Your replace will be a centerpiece that should look great and function awlessly.
4. Aesthetics: Our sales team will help you choose door styles, nishes, handles, and other details that will look great in your space.
Ready to add value to your home? Call our friendly sales team today at 303-679-1601, stop by the showroom at 7001 Hwy 73 in Marshdale, or visit our website at www. mtnhp.com.
From Page 12
Management, we guide clients through challenging systems—navigating Medicaid, Medicare, Social Security, Veterans and Disability bene ts, and more. We also support job seekers, provide referrals, and help coordinate care across health, legal, and social service systems. Our team helps people nd housing, secure vouchers, mediate with landlords, access transportation, and build nancial literacy.
In the last ve years, we’ve helped more than 80 individuals move from homelessness into permanent housing—a milestone that changes everything. at’s not just a number—it’s 80 lives stabilized, 80 new beginnings. One client called us “miracle workers.” at sticks with me. A home isn’t just a roof; it’s the foundation for emotional stability, social connection, and a digni ed life.
Real People, Real Stories
e people we serve are the heartbeat of EChO. Our mission is to champion people on their unique path from survival to success. ese are not statistics—they’re our neighbors.
ere’s Robert (Names changed for privacy), who has spent decades living outdoors and is now just steps away from stable housing. His case manager is his anchor through delays and setbacks. ere’s Laura, a survivor of domestic violence and identity the , piecing her life back together. And Anna, raising her grandson, stretching
e Turkey Trot has become an Evergreen anksgiving Day tradition
every resource to provide him a better life. eir grit, grace, and resilience inspire me daily.
EChO’s Own Path to Stability
In many ways, EChO’s organizational journey mirrors that of our clients. In 2020, COVID-19 brought both uncertainty and clarity. We realized just how urgently
we needed a permanent space—one large enough to meet growing demand and resilient enough to withstand future crises.
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Page 16
at’s when we experienced our “miracle!” Under the leadership of Board President Ray Dowdle, the relentless determination of Jan Stadler, and the tireless work of our Board, we were able to purchase our current location. anks to a creative and generous partnership with the building’s previous owners—true champions of EChO—we entered into favorable agreement and consolidated our operations under one roof. at stability has been transformational. Like our clients, having a permanent home means we can plan for the future, strengthen our programs, and ensure the wellbeing of our sta and volunteers.
Listening and Learning
One of the most meaningful parts of my role is facilitating our quarterly Client Advisory Committee meetings. ese gatherings ground our work in lived experience.
Clients share stories of heartbreak, creativity, perseverance, gratitude, and deep generosity. An artist in recovery, homeless but making beauty every day. A single mom entrepreneur working hard to build a life for her son—and give back to her community. People are determined to not be de ned by their circumstance.
We don’t see our clients as problems to be solved. We see them as people with gi s to share and dreams to realize. Our job is to help clear the path.
Championing Tomorrow—Together
At EChO, “champion” isn’t just a noun—it’s a verb. It means to upli , advocate, and believe in people’s potential. It’s what Jim and Carol did in 1987. It’s what every volunteer, donor, employee, and partner continues to do today.
As we look ahead, we remain committed to walking alongside people on their journey—whether they come to us for food, housing, clothing, stability, or simply hope.
crises.
Whether you’ve generously supported us nancially, volunteered, shopped at ReSale, run the Turkey Trot, cut rewood, or simply shared a kind word—you are part of this legacy. ank you for being our champion. Together, we can build hope, health and security. Here's to the next 35 years.
Above: e EChO ReSale shop.
Far Le : EChO founders Jim Benson and Gordon Wyant Le : A clipping from the Sept. 17, 2003 edition of the Canyon Courier about the opening of the EChO ReSale Shop
Clear Creek County Library, check it out
Clear Creek County Library District Programs and events
e Clear Creek County Library District empowers our community through literacy, human connection, and equal access to resources. Connect. Discover. Empower.
Library programs are always free!
Clear Creek Library District’s Summer Reading Program 2025
Brighten your palette with stories, crafts, challenges, and excursions – register now for Color Our World, our 2025Summer Reading program. We have fun for learners of all ages! Join a creative guild, and read your way to exciting prizes.
To learn more and register, visit www. cccld.org or scan the code below, or head to your Clear Creek County Library to register with a friendly librarian.
Color Our World Activity Schedule - July Pippinhoot And Featherfayre Guilds (early learners through 5th grade)
Join us for special storytimes, followed by craft workshops. e fun lasts between 45 minutes to one hour. Children under the age of eight need an adult with them in the Libraries.
Idaho Springs Public Library 10 a.m. on Tuesday 7/15
John Tomay Memorial Library 10 a.m. on ursdays 7/10, 7/17 Emberclaw Guild (6th - 12th grade)
Animation Lab: Learn about stopmotion animation and create your own short video! Please email holly@cccld. org for more information about this workshop.
John Tomay Memorial Library Wednesday, July 16 @ 2 p.m.
Special Programs
Mountain Jams Summer Concert Series
Enjoy live music on Saturday afternoons this summer! Just head over to Library Park Stage, located in downtown Georgetown on the southwest corner of Sixth Street and Rose Street (next to the John Tomay Memorial Library). Most performances run from 2 - 3:30 pm.
Adult Programs
Book Groups
Connect with other local readers at our monthly book groups—email libby@ cccld.org for information.
Idaho Springs Book Group: Monday, July 14 @ 4 p.m.: By Any Other Name by Jodi Picoult
Georgetown Book Group Friday, July 18 @ 10 a.m.: Someone Else’s Shoes by JoJo Moyes
Monthly Foot Care Clinic
Health professionals will soak your feet and trim your toenails at this free, monthly clinic. Senior resources from the Library District, Rec Center, and Mount Evans Home Health will be available. Registration is required. To learn more, please contact Heather at 303-567-2020. Wednesday, July 30 @ 1 - 3 p.m.: Clear Creek Metropolitan Recreation District, 98 12th Avenue, Idaho Springs
Connect With Us
Idaho Springs Public Library: 303-5672020
John Tomay Memorial Library (Georgetown): 303-569-2620
Email us at hello@cccld.org
Visit us at www.cccld.org
Your feedback helps us to continually improve library services. Share your thoughts with us for the opportunity to win a $25 gift card! Just scan the code below to link to our online survey.
Library Services
Collection
Call or visit us to learn more and request items. You can explore our book and movie collection at www.cccld.org, or view our Library of ings at cccld. org/library-of-things.
Download the Libby App to your smart device to access thousands of ebooks and e-audiobooks.
Do you have the Libby App? Download the Libby App by Overdrive to your smart device to access thousands of e-books and audiobooks, available for checkout with your library card. Visit cccld.org/ library-resources and click on the Overdrive/Libby icon to get started.
Library Service Spotlight
Check this spot each month to learn about a valuable resource included for FREE with your library card!
Oculus Quest: Our Library of ings includes many nontraditional library resources, including an Oculus Quest virtual reality system! Explore virtual worlds from the comfort of your home. Patrons must be 12 years or older to check out this equipment.
Visiting And Curbside Pickup Hours
Idaho Springs Public Library
Monday 9 am - 5 pm
Tuesday 9 am - 5 pm
Wednesday 9 am - 6 pm
ursday 9 am - 5 pm
Friday 9 am - 5 pm
Saturday 9 am - 2 pm
Sunday CLOSED
John Tomay Memorial Library
Monday 9 am - 5 pm
Tuesday 9 am - 5 pm
Wednesday 9 am - 5 pm
ursday 9 am - 6 pm
Friday 9 am - 5 pm
Saturday 9 am - 2 pm
Sunday CLOSED
Local History Archives — visitors are welcome with an appointment. Curbside pickup services — available by appointment; please contact us to schedule your pickup.
Technical Assistance
Our library sta can assist you with a variety of tasks — using a tablet or smartphone, navigating the internet, setting up an email account, and more. Call us or email heather@cccld.org for more information.
Prints, Copies, Faxes
Email printcccld@gmail.com or call your Clear Creek County Library branch to request prints, copies, and faxes — or just come in and use our equipment during our hours of operation!
Notary Services
Notary services are FREE! Please contact your Clear Creek County Library branch to book your appointment. Little Free Libraries
Help yourself to free, gently-loved books from our Little Free Libraries at numerous Clear Creek locations. Visit our website to learn more.
Lawmakers seek answsers on wolf reintroduction
Program costs have far exceeded initial estimate presented to voters
BY SARA WILSON NEWSLINE COLORADO
e head of Colorado Parks and Wildlife told lawmakers on Monday that it is the department’s “preference” to release more wolves into the state next year, despite calls to pause the reintroduction program.
“I don’t have the right answer to whether or not a pause is the right thing to do, or get the last 15 (wolves) out and move on to the management piece,” CPW Director Je Davis said. “Every time we release more animals, it’s more emotional and di cult for us to pull o that operation, and it’s also challenging for the (livestock) producers at the same time.”
Davis appeared in front of the Colorado Legislature’s Water Resources and Agriculture Review Committee to give an update on the state’s wolf reintroduction plan, which voters approved in 2020. Wildlife o cials have released 25 wolves in the state since December 2023 from Oregon and Canada.
e original goal was to release 10 to 15 per year for three to ve years, beginning in 2023, to get to a stable population of at least 50 wolves in the state.
Davis said the department’s preference is to sign a new agreement with British Columbia to relocate more wolves from Canada.
But the program is highly controversial,
especially among rural Colorado farmers and ranchers who decry wolves killing their livestock. Between April 2024 and April 2025, wolves killed at least 25 cattle and sheep, according to the recently released annual report on the reintroduction e ort.
e Copper Creek pack was responsible for many livestock deaths in Grand County in 2023, prompting to CPW to capture the six wolves last September and release them alongside the Canadian wolves earlier this year in a di erent part of the state. at decision, producers said Monday, led to an erosion of trust in CPW.
“A depredating pack was known to have depredated in Oregon before they put them in Middle Park. ey had a serious impact there. ey packaged them up, put them away for a while and then they put them back out right in my backyard,” said Tom Harrington, a cattle producer in Roaring Fork Valley and previous president of the Colorado Cattlemen’s Association.
Colorado Parks and Wildlife placed GPS collars on two wolves in North Park on Feb. 2, 2023. Male wolf 2101 has a gray coat and is in the foreground on the right. Male wolf 2301, believed to be the o spring of the gray colored wolf, has a black coat and is in the background on the left.
A September 2024 petition led by a coalition of livestock associations and other agricultural interest groups requested a pause in CPW’s planned reintroductions until the department could implement strategies to prevent depredations. CPW’s commissionrejected the petitionin January.
“I believe that we need no more new releases until plans are in place and the basics are working,” Harrington said Monday. “We need metrics to measure the success of what this program is. I believe we can — and here comes that word that I really don’t like — coexist with the wolves that choose to not prey on our livestock.”
CPW has worked through some of the seven points of the petition, including de ning “chronic depredation” as three or more depredations by the same wolf or wolves within 30 days. e division has also outlined a lethal removal approach that starts by killing one or two wolves, evaluating the pack’s behavior and its e ect on depredation, then considering additional lethal removals. CPW also
started a range rider program to deploy riders in areas with high wolf con ict to “proactively haze predators using nonlethal techniques,” according to the annual report.
CPW killed a wolf for the rst time in May in Pitkin County.
“ e idea of a pause continues to make sense to me, if it creates more time for more robust implementation and completion of those seven items, and maybe now beyond those seven,” House Speaker Julie McCluskie, a Dillon Democrat, said. “But I think the entire reintroduction and restoration is at risk if we can’t get our legs underneath us and be in a position to do this the way we need to.”
Representatives from CPW also told lawmakers Monday that the cost of the reintroduction has reached about $3 million. In 2020, voters were given an estimate of about $800,000 for the program.
“I understand a lot of this money is going to ranchers and producers to help to compensate them,” Sen. Dylan Roberts, a Frisco Democrat, said. “ at’s money hopefully being well spent, but that’s also money in the state of Colorado right now — in the budget situation we’re in — that is not going to xing potholes in roads. It’s not going to classrooms across the state. It’s not going to people who are losing their health care and many who are about to lose their health care. is seems out of control.”
Davis said there are a lot of factors that go into realizing the reintroduction plan that were not considered in the ballot cost estimate, such as the state’s decision to compensate for livestock weight loss and fewer pregnancies due to wolf presence and the high cost of beef.
COURTESY COLORADO PARKS AND WILDLIFE
DUI enforcement a hallmark of Fourth of July
Last July, troopers investigated 12 impaired driving fatal crashes
BY MONTE WHALEY MONTE@COTLN.ORG
Welcome to July, the month that racks up the most impaired driving crashes in Colorado. e Fourth of July, meanwhile, remains the most signi cant holiday for those violent crashes, the Colorado State Patrol says.
Over four years, from 2021 through 2024, Colorado State Patrol troopers have investigated over 2,450 fatal and injury crashes determined to be caused by impaired drivers. Year after year, the number of impairment-related crashes expands during the warmer months, with the peak month for impaired crashes being July, according to the CSP.
“Last July, troopers investigated 12 impaired driving fatal crashes that resulted in the loss of 13 people. An additional 32 people were left with serious injuries during this month from impaired drivers,” said Colorado State Patrol Chief Matthew C. Packard, in a news release. “We are imploring people who have risked taking substances and
driving in the past to change their behavior,” said Packard, noting driving while impaired has longterm consequences beyond just getting a citation.
“Driving intoxicated is literally rolling the dice with your license, your freedom and your life,” Packard said.
In 2024, Independence Day tied with New Year’s for the most common holiday that Colorado State Troopers responded to investigate a crash (property, injury or fatal) involving an impaired driver, according to the news release. Both holidays had 22 instances. Halloween was next with 17 and Labor Day and Christmas each had 16 accidents involving impaired drivers.
“You have the freedom to choose your sober driver,” said Packard. “When you fail to do your part, and your driving behavior concerns an ofcer to pull you over, the consequences will be life-changing. A DUI conviction leads to a criminal record and is generally not eligible to be expunged.”
In addition, DUIs become a matter of public record, meaning information is accessible to the public. A DUI conviction also impacts your driving record. erefore, DUI convictions can impact many aspects of your life when a background check or driving record is required, the
State leaders work to circumvent vaccine skepticism
Federal guidance is changing, but Colorado ready to push back
BY DELILAH BRUMMER NEWSLINE COLORADO
Many Colorado lawmakers and medical experts were already concerned about how the Trump administration could shake up vaccine recommendations and access in the state. en Robert F. Kennedy Jr., secretary of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services,dismissed all 17 expertson the federal Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices, replacing them with eight new members, many of whom are seen as vaccine skeptics.
But months before the changes at ACIP, state lawmakers approved a bill meant to insulate Colorado from vaccine policies that are inconsistent with scienti c evidence. House Bill 25-1027 allows the state Board of Health to go beyond exclusively following ACIP for school vaccine requirements and consider recommendations from doctors’ groups, including the American Academy of Pediatrics and the American College of Physicians. It was signed into law in April.
State Sen. Lindsey Daugherty, an Arvada Democrat, was one of the bill’s sponsors. She said the provision that gives the
“Unfortunately, we’ve had to play on the defensive a lot in Colorado, and that’s something we take really seriously, because now, at least in Colorado, folks can look to science-based recommendations for vaccines for kids, instead of the politically stacked ACIP,” Daugherty said.
e federal advisory committee, which is part of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, is now chaired by Martin
with its new members on Wednesday and ursday, and voted to ban thimerosal, a harmless preservative used in a small portion of u vaccines. e committee also announced it will reexamine current recommendations around childhood vaccination schedules and hepatitis B immunizations.
“Some media outlets have been very harsh on the new members of this com-
mittee, issuing false accusations and making concerted e orts to put scientists in either a pro- or anti-vaccine box,” Kulldor said during the commission meeting. “Such labels undermine critical scienti c inquiry, and it further feeds the ame of vaccine hesitancy. To thoroughly scrutinize and assure the safety and efcacy of vaccines is a pro-vaccine position.”
is story is from Colorado Newsline. Used by permission. For more, and to support the news organization, visit coloradonewsline.com.
Vials of RSV, COVID-19 and the flu virus vaccines. FILE PHOTO
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CROWSSUPDRO ELZZ
1. ANIMAL KINGDOM: What is a female goat called?
2. TELEVISION: What is the name of the town in “Gilmore Girls”?
3. GEOGRAPHY: How many states does the Appalachian Trail cross?
4. MOVIES: Which actress voices the character Jessie in “Toy Story 2”?
5. U.S. PRESIDENTS: What is believed to have caused President Zachary Taylor’s death?
6. ANATOMY: What is the most abundant protein in the human body?
7. GEOMETRY: How many sides does a hexagon have?
8. LITERATURE: Serial killer Hannibal Lecter rst appears in which novel?
9. ASTRONOMY: What are planets outside our solar system called?
10. MUSIC: Who was the rst women inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of
TrIVIa
Fame?
Answers
1. A doe or nanny.
2. Stars Hollow.
3. 14.
4. Joan Cusack.
5. Acute gastroenteritis.
6. Collagen.
7. Six.
8. “Red Dragon” by omas Harris.
9. Exoplanets.
10. Aretha Franklin.
(c) 2025 King Features Synd., Inc.
