LIFEST Y LES AN ADVERTISING SECTION OF EVERGREEN NEWSPAPERS | VOL. 13 ISSUE 10 • OCTOBER 2021
21st Annual
Shop once. Gift twice. Come shop for fabulous handmade crafts, jewelry, textiles, and other gift items offered by over 30 non-profit organizations!
Saturday, November 13th | 9am-4pm Sunday, November 14th | 9am-3pm Evergreen Lutheran Church
5980 Highway 73, Evergreen, CO 80439 Please bring cash or checks as some vendors cannot accept credit cards. Please bring a mask.
www.GiftTwice.org Participating non-profits receive 100% of the proceeds from their sales! Thank you to our sponsoring congregations: Christ the King Catholic Church, Church of the Hills Presbyterian USA, Congregation Beth Evergreen, Episcopal Church of the Transfiguration, Evergreen Lutheran Church, and United Methodist Church of Evergreen.
LIFEST Y LES | O C TOBER 2021
PAGE 2
A E N
The 21st annual Alternative Gift Fair Once again, the mountain community is poised and ready for the Alternative Gift Fair (AGF) that takes place this November at Evergreen Lutheran Church. Due to Covid, last year was a virtual event, but this year promises to deliver as in the past 20 years. Indeed, the celebration encircles the 21st anniversary, and brings with it 30 vendors. Make no mistake, these efforts are a product of six faith communities in the Evergreen area and stand as an absolute blessing. Both money and volunteers spring from these faith communities and therefore, serve as the backbone of the happening. Although the same faith com-
FEATURE
OF THE MONTH munities are on board: Evergreen Lutheran Church, United Methodist of Evergreen, Church of the Transfiguration, Congregation Beth Evergreen, Church of the Hills Presbyterian and Christ the King Catholic Church, there will be changes this year. For one, there will be fewer vendors. In the past the fair has had as many as 50 vendors, which raised over $100,000. Also, a central cashier will no longer be accessed, with each booth responsible for their own intake of money. The AGF paid the credit
card fees in the past when we provided cashiers for all purchases at the Fair. This year, each vendor will receive its own payment for sales at its table. Because of this, fewer volunteers will be working this year. Nonetheless, volunteers are greatly needed at present. The booths are occupied by non-profit organizations that operate around the world. The purpose of the event is to connect people in our community with folks nearby and from afar, get to know their organizations
and assist in their endeavors to raise money for their own circle of people. The charities receive 100% of the funds earned from their sales. With their booths manned by volunteers, charities that attend are dependent on these people and their outstanding efforts. In past years the AGF enjoyed a bake sale by volunteers that helped to pay for the fair. This year there will be baked goods, but packaged and sold as take-away. Historically speaking, the youth of the congregations have always been greatly involved. In fact, these kids always provided a Youth
Please see GIFT FAIR, Page 7
21st Annual
Alternative Gift Fair Shop once. Gift Twice.
Come shop for fabulous handmade crafts, jewelry, textiles, and other gift items offered by over 30 non-profit organizations!
Saturday, November 13th | 9am-4pm Sunday, November 14th | 9am-3pm
Evergreen Lutheran Church 5980 Highway 73, Evergreen, CO 80439 Please bring cash or checks as some vendors cannot accept credit cards. Please bring a mask.
www.GiftTwice.org
Participating non-profits receive 100% of the proceeds from their sales! Thank you to our sponsoring congregations: Christ the King Catholic Church, Church of the Hills Presbyterian USA, Congregation Beth Evergreen, Episcopal Church of the Transfiguration, Evergreen Lutheran Church, and United Methodist Church of Evergreen.
A E N
LIFEST Y LES | O C TOBER 2021
WHAT’S THE OLD SAYING... TEAMWORK MAKES THE DREAM WORK? IT’S SO TRUE. COME MEET OUR AMAZING DESIGN TEAMS ♥
PS WINTER IS COMING... MOUNTAIN HOME WILL BE FULL TO THE RAFTERS WITH HOLIDAY DÉCOR BEFORE YOU KNOW IT!
PAGE 3
LIFEST Y LES | O C TOBER 2021
PAGE 4
A E N
The location you love. The lifestyle you’re looking for Elk Run Assisted Living offers: Apartments Physical Therapy Occupational Therapy Respite Speech Therapy Rehab Suites Independent living with services
Newly Remodeled Apartments
Call or email to learn more: 303 679-8777 Lisa.Carter@cassialife.org 31383 Frost Way, Evergreen ElkRunAssistedLiving.com
a ministry of
Elk Run Assisted Living:
Where Welcoming New Residents Is a Concerted Community Effort By Jo Ann M. Colton Special to Lifestyles
It is a fact that October might be best-noted for masquerades and tomfoolery on Halloween. But in October, or any other month, there are no such “trick-or-treat” antics at Evergreen’s Elk Run Assisted Living when it comes to welcoming new residents and helping them assimilate into its community. “If you or your loved ones are thinking about making a residence move, rest assured that your transition into our supportive and close-knit community will be a smooth and enjoyable experience,” said Elk Run Admissions/ Marketing Director Lisa Carter. Elk Run Assisted Living, located at 31383 Frost Way, provides comprehensive assisted living services/options (medical, respite, personalized care
services, and hospice) for seniors. The community also offers independent living for robust, active people 65 and older who want to enjoy an enhanced carefree lifestyle, and have more funfilled leisure time with less home-related responsibilities. Basic one-bedroom apartment and/or studio unit rentals, recently remodeled with a fresh, updated vibe, include: kitchenette/private bath, personal call system/mobility-assistance features, and unlimited snacks. Elk Run features an elegant dining room serving three culinary team-inspired gourmet meals daily, a professional low-cost beauty/barber salon, a Great Room with fireplace, and a library with internet service. Amidst relaxed protocols, Elk Run requires new occupant health assessments before move-in and maintains staff/res-
ident COVID-19 safety measures. With more residents than ever before in its history the community’s well-trained 24/7 personnel now includes a second nurse and an additional maintenance worker. “I, along with Activities Director Sarah Bogdan, spend lots of time in ‘getting-to-know you’ sessions with prospective residents and their families to learn of their life history/experiences, likes/dislikes, hobbies, and passions/ skills they can share and/or teach others,” said Lisa Carter. “Then, upon move-in, residents receive a copy of our community handbook filled with Elk Run resources, contact numbers, and other pertinent information.” Carter stated that new-resident orientations are a communitywide effort. When introducing “newbies” to residents, she encourages social interaction
by connecting them with others who share similar personalities and interests. “Initiating ‘meet-and-greet’ activities in the first few days and sometimes even having resident volunteers escort newcomers to dinner or group activities is our way of getting them to feel “at home’ as rapidly as possible.” Carter also mentioned that with just about a 50/50 split of men and women within the community one never knows the far-reaching effect of this incidental match-making process. At Elk Run, it is no “trick” that you can make new friendships and pursue your own personal passions. And, the “treat” to savor is that you can be settled in your new home just in time for the upcoming winter season! For more information about Elk Run’s services, programs, and living options, contact Lisa Carter at 303-679-8777.
Tips to Ensure a Safe, Seamless Shopping Experience this Holiday Season (StatePoint) Despite the recent resurgence of COVID-19, many consumers are more comfortable shopping at brick-andmortar stores compared to last year, and experts are predicting substantial retail traffic this holiday season. “While COVID-19 is still making headlines as we head into the holidays, vaccine availability and retailers’ health and safety measures have put us in a different place than this time last year,” says Bjoern Petersen, president at Sensormatic Solutions, a leading retail solutions provider and part of Johnson Controls. As part of its mission to solve complex retail challenges related to consumer confidence, health and safety, Sensormatic Solutions is sharing a few insights into this holiday shopping season, as well as strategies consumers can use to help
ensure safe and comfortable shopping experiences: • On average, the top 10 busiest shopping days in the United States account for approximately 40% of all holiday retail traffic. Sensormatic Solutions predicts that this year, the three busiest days of the season will be Black Friday on Nov. 26, “Super Saturday,” on Dec. 18, and the Thursday before Christmas on Dec. 23. “Our predicted busiest days mark the peaks of in-store traffic, but we expect that like last year, consumers will start their shopping earlier to offset inventory limitations, shipping delays and ongoing concerns about social distancing,” says Brian Field, senior director, Sensormatic Solutions, Global Retail Consulting Practice. By being aware of these days and care-
BEAT THE RUSH!
fully planning around them, consumers can check all the items off their shopping list while ensuring a seamless in-store shopping experience. • Christmas Day falls on a Saturday for the first time since 2010, meaning there will be a limited number of viable weekends to shop in the month of December. Consumers are advised to get ahead of their holiday shopping, starting early, like many did last year. For consumers who have a flexible remote work situation, shopping during weekdays, if their schedule allows, can help them avoid large crowds associated with the weekends leading up to Christmas. • Consumers can also take some comfort in the knowledge that many retailers are leveraging innovative technologies that help keep shelves stocked,
making shopping a seamless experience. Additionally, new tools are being employed to keep customers safe, including occupancy monitoring, which assists with social distancing efforts. • Innovations in retail have expanded shopping options for customers during the pandemic, including buy-online-pickup in store and buy-online-pick-up-atcurbside. Relying on these alternatives to the traditional shopping experience can help consumers limit their contact with crowds. For more holiday shopping tips and insights, visit sensormatic.com. As we head into the second holiday season of the COVID-19 pandemic, planning carefully can eliminate some of the stresses and concerns associated with in-person shopping.
Place Your Classified Ad Early!
A E N
LIFEST Y LES | O C TOBER 2021
PAGE 5
Fight off chills with a new fireplace! Are you afraid to light your fireplace? Do you feel a chill creeping through your house in the evenings? If so, then it’s time for you to consider replacing your fireplace, stove, or insert with something that makes you feel safe and warm. Modern fireplaces are a great source of heat to fight off the chill and bring beauty into your home. Mountain Hearth & Patio has installed fireplaces in Denver and the Foothills communities for over two decades. Our CSIA & NFI-Certified staff are experienced experts who will create the perfect fireplace installation to bring added heat into your home. Our high-end, efficient fireplace options are great for looks as well, with tons of design options to choose from that will make your fireplace and surround uniquely your own. Before you select a fireplace, you’ll need to choose what fuel to burn. The two most popular fuel options for modern fireplaces, stoves, and inserts are wood and gas. Current wood and gas burning fireplaces are efficient and effective heaters that can even save you money on your fall and winter heating bills. Which fuel you burn comes down to your own aesthetic and heating preferences. The hearth industry divides gas burning appliances into three different categories: fireplaces, stoves, and inserts. Fireplaces are framed into the wall. They are perfect for installation where there was never a fireplace before or where there was previously a factory built fireplace that has been removed. Inserts—also known as “fireplace inserts”—are designed for installation in a pre-existing masonry or factory built
fireplace as an upgrade to an outdated or inefficient appliance. They are an excellent way to bring heat to a chilly room. Gas stoves are freestanding appliances that sit right on the floor in your space. Gas hearth appliances tend to be highly customizable—especially fireplaces and inserts. The come with a variety of design options from traditional to contemporary. Whether you want a sleek linear design with driftwood and glass burner media or something more traditional full-view with oak logs and a hand-hammered front, there’s a fireplace option to match your home. Gas stoves are made of either steel or cast iron, selected for their heating properties and also have various design options such as colorful enamel finish and even interchangeable castings on some models. Our gas burning fireplaces are designed to transform your home heating. These efficient appliances bring powerful heat to your space and can save you money on your heating costs through the winter months. Our NFI-Certified sales staff can understand your heating needs and help you select the perfect appliance for your space. Whether you’re looking for a powerful source of heat or a beautiful aesthetic centerpiece for your home or some combination of the two, we can help. Like gas appliances, wood burners come in fireplaces, stoves, and inserts as well. Contrary to popular belief, you can install a new wood burner in the Denver Metro area as long as it meets the EPA standard of 2.5 g/hr. particulate emissions. All of our wood burning appliances meet or exceed this
stringent standard and are highly efficient heaters. Now is the best time to upgrade your wood-burning appliance because there is a federal tax credit offering 26% back on qualifying appliances! Wood burners are also customizable. Fireplaces and inserts come with a variety of doors and fronts so you can choose the perfect look for your house, from modern and elegant to traditional and cozy. Wood burning stoves are constructed of different materials chosen for their heating characteristics. Steel stoves heat up and cool off quickly, cast iron stoves retain a little more heat and warm a little slower, soapstone stoves retain and radiate heat for a long period; however, they also take the longest to warm up. Many cast iron stoves are available in a variety of colorful enamels to create a unique look that will stand out in your home. Mountain Hearth & Patio excels at fireplace, stove, and insert installations. For us, the typical fireplace installation takes a day or less—a day to transform your home and your heating. Our NFI-Certified experts know their way around the challenges and requirements for successful fireplace installations. From clearance-to-combustible materials to venting and chimney requirements, they’ll be able to create the perfect fireplace installation for your home. Once we install your fireplace, there are plenty of finish options to perfect the look of your new centerpiece. In fact, when it comes to finishing, you’re limited only by your imagination and the need to meet proper clearances. Whether you want the popular
Is Your Fireplace a Trick or a Treat?
ledgestone look or contemporary tile, you can finish your fireplace project however you wish. A new fireplace should be a centerpiece and we can help you make yours stunning. If you’re happy with your current fireplace, it’s important to have it serviced and inspected annually. Annual service from a certified fireplace professional will keep your fireplace running safely and efficiently for years to come. If you burn wood, you’ll need a chimney sweeping to remove hazardous creosote buildup from your chimney to reduce the risk of a hostile chimney fire. For gas, you need the inside of the firebox cleaned, the media refreshed, and the components of the fireplace tested and inspected to ensure proper function of the fireplace.
At Mountain Man Fireplace & Chimney and Mountain Hearth & Patio we’ve been selling, installing, and maintaining fireplaces in the Denver Metro and the Foothills for over twenty years. Whether you want to transform your home heating and create a beautiful centerpiece for your home or you just need annual fireplace service, we can help. Our fireplace experts know how to keep your system running safely and efficiently. Give us a call at (303) 679-1601, visit our website at MtnHP.com, or come by our showroom at 7001 Highway 73 in Evergreen to learn more. We’ll solve your fireplace problems and help you bring safe, efficient, and beautiful heat to your home.
Is your fireplace a trick or a treat?
Your decorations may be spooky, but your fireplace shouldn’t be. If you’re feeling a chill creeping into your living space, it’s time for an upgrade. Mountain Hearth & Patio will transform your home heating and turn your fireplace into a stunning centerpiece. Call us and we’ll help you fight off the chills!
Mendota FV46 installed by:
Mountain Hearth & Patio www.MtnHP.com (303) 679-1601 7001 Highway 73 Evergreen
LIFEST Y LES | O C TOBER 2021
PAGE 6
A E N
Winter is Coming – Are You Prepared? Cold Weather Tips for Protecting What Matters Most In our humble opinion, Colorado is the most beautiful state of all. Like you, the RPM Agency lives, works and plays in the mountains where we have year-round opportunities to enjoy it’s beauty. We are proud to help our clients more fully enjoy living here as well, and that’s what matters most to us! Enjoying our time outdoors ranges from physical activities to more relaxed endeavors. Even “staycations” at home are filled with beautiful surroundings and abundant wildlife viewed right outside a window. And our dry, cool climate is perfect for sitting outside on the deck with a cup of coffee or a glass of wine – bug free. With all the good things come some watchouts, too. Coloradans – especially those living in our mountain community – deal with specific seasonal differences and risks. For example, those who enjoy motorcycles and bicycles may look forward to warmer weather to get out on the open road, but they must also be aware of the sand left behind from snow removal operations which can cause them to fall unexpectedly in a corner. Mountain homeowners have a few things to keep in mind as well. Winter can be both beautiful and
harsh, so here are a few winter home maintenance tips to protect what matters most to you. Home Winterizing Tips Avoid costly repairs on your own home and make sure that you’re ready for the winter by preparing now, when it’s not so cold yet. Check your gutters and drainage. Gutters are designed to keep heavy moisture away from the foundation or pilings which can crack and shift as the ground freezes and thaws. Well maintained gutters can also reduce the chance of roof damage.
Client Advocate
• Customized coverage comparisons • Individualized quotes no automated templates • 24/7 customer service
Broker Advantage
• Meeting client needs not sales quotas • Partnerships with multiple carriers means Michele Robbins better value for clients Owner/Agent
Home Business Auto Life
Let’s Get Started for You! info@rpmagency.com 720-683-0010 www.rpmagency.com
Shutterstock
Avoid ice dams, which can form at the edge of your roof in freezing conditions and prevent melting snow from draining properly. The water can leak into your roof and cause damage to ceilings, insulation, and walls. Check your window wells, which allow natural light into your basement, provide ventilation, and help keep soil away from the window fixtures. But if they are not maintained well, they can put your basement at risk. Seal leaky doors and windows. If you have old windows, you can add new weatherstripping. Do the same with your doors — and check for air leaks. Caulk any gaps with exterior latex caulk. Check the condition of the door threshold gasket and, if worn, replace it with a weather-resistant exterior door sweep. Weatherproof any exterior pipes. Frozen pipes can crack, and once they thaw, they can release hundreds of gallons of water in a single day, leading to serious structural damage. Turn off your external pipes at the mains, and make sure they’re fully drained. Call RPM Agency on how to cost effectively and easily prevent any water damage to your home. Check your basement for water damage stains and your attic for mildew, which indicate that your drainage system isn’t taking the water far enough away from your house. And test your sump pump, which acts as the last line of defense against floods and water from drains, not to mention water tank failures
or frozen pipes. Clean your dryer vents, which can be a fire hazard. Make sure to remove built-up lint from the dryer which will reduce the fire risk and improve your household energy efficiency. Check your electrical system. Schedule an electrical maintenance tune-up with a reputable electrician. This isn’t something you should do yourself, but in older homes, it should be done consistently. If you have a water baseboard heating system, make sure you bleed it to ensure it runs at full capacity and efficiency. Turn off the heating system, place a drain pan under the valve to catch any water released, and open the bleed valve. Once all the air is out, close the valve and repeat this process for all the other baseboard units. Prepare for winter storms, which can include many inches (even feet) of snow, and blizzards. If you have a generator, make sure it’s working. Keep a stash of batteries for lanterns and flashlights in case of power outages, and keep a solar-powered or battery-operated radio to stay up-to-date on conditions. Verify the location and check the condition of your snow shovels, gloves, and window scrapers. Store any heavy snow supplies near a door where you can get quick access to them. Finally, a buildup of heavy snow on a tree limb can increase the risk of them breaking off. Trim the trees closest to your home several feet up (for fire mitigation), and cut the largest limbs back, especially those above your roof. C And knock snow off tree limbs after each s big snowfall. t Winter is coming. While the heaviest o snowfall usually comes in the early c spring, fall and early winter storms f shouldn’t surprise us, so be prepared. v And remember, the RPM Agency lives here too, so call us with any questions or H concerns you have – we are here to help m t you protect what matters most. For a full insurance evaluation, call n RPM Agency at 720-683-0010. We’d love m F to hear from you!
RPM Partners with Multiple Carriers to Get the Best Coverage for Clients
A E N
GIFT FAIR From Page 2 Café that offered breakfast, lunch and snack options. Unfortunately, this, too, will not be part of the fair because of health precautions. Bill Graf, event co-chair said this year planning has focused on safety for those selling, volunteering or shopping. Our Hospitality Room provided refreshments to vendors and volunteers in the past, but like the Youth Café, we needed to eliminate it. We will seek a medical volunteer to be present at the Fair, but we are early in the quest for volunteers. Per Evergreen Lutheran Church, masks will be required for all. This ever-dear occasion that began 21 years ago is all too remarkable. Mary Richards has been involved since the beginning. She reports that it has always been a mission of faith and volunteers. In the beginning the faith communities were notified and Mary says, “It just happened.” The word of mouth spread like a fire and before long, hundreds were involved. Multiple faith congregations grabbed the commitment from the get-go. Beneath the endeavors rested a spirit of fun and all participants seemingly
LIFEST Y LES | O C TOBER 2021
caught on. Mary says that the first time the doors were open there were hundreds of people standing in line. In the beginning the fair was held at Church of the Hills. It wasn’t long before the location was changed to the Evergreen Lutheran Church to accommodate the ever-increasing attendance. Once the project found its way volunteers have been abundant. Somehow this became a huge community effort of peace and fun. Hours have been filled by all. Today a committee meets every two weeks to make sure the fair will be a success. Too, additional faith communities will participate, making the event one of the most attended occasions all year. Non-profit vendor relations are a product of Jean Wells and her assistant, Deb Ryon. While Deb does most of the ground work, Jean is responsible for signing up vendors. Jean says her job isn’t that difficult, for vendors come to her with great enthusiasm, ready to take on the fair. Returnees are part of the fun. Jean enjoys seeing some of the same vendors each and every year as well as meeting so many caring people. Local organizations such as EChO and Mount Evans Hospice will be on hand, along with many other businesses from the area. This year, as in the past, Colorado
Nepal Alliance will participate. They will be selling tree toppers and table decorations for the season. In addition, wool and silk silver scarves will be sold along with Nepal throws and various animals made of felt. Their products have always been a huge hit said Jean and she can’t wait to greet them. Africa will be represented as well. Aid Tanzania will be selling beaded animals and Christmas decorations. Kenya Kids will be represented, as will Outreach Uganda with their various crafts such as purses, jewelry, aprons, travel bags and much more. Seeds to Sew comes from New Jersey every year, bringing their popular cloth products to sell. Friendship Bridge will be on hand with their textiles from Guatemala along with women’s sweaters that were made here in Evergreen. Kayla Wolins will attend, just as in years past, and will exhibit her Cards for Caring. This young lady who attends college out of state has been involved since she was a small child. Her wildlife photos are a favorite and she donates all her earned money to wildlife conservation organizations. Warm Hearts Warm Babies will be around, and Silks of Laos will be offering intricate silk table runners as well as hand-crafted silver jewelry
PAGE 7
from Laos and India. Obviously, the list of vendors is ongoing and their commitment to the fair stands strong just as in years gone by. Carol Zimmerman, who is in charge of media and public relations informs that all involved are ready to work and ready to sell. Jodye Whitesell has provided the fair with an informative website that can be viewed at www.gifttwice.org. Please visit the site for more information, including a sign-up genius for volunteering. “Give Twice” is the central theme of the fair, as you give to the vendors and then pass the present on. Working with Bill Graf is co-chair Riley Hanback and the fair’s financial coordinator, DJ Riedel. The efforts of all these folks are endless. Everyone has already gathered and the road ahead looks extremely successful. Fair hours are 9 to 4 on Saturday, November 13th and 9 to 3 on Sunday the 14th. As said, the event takes place at the Evergreen Lutheran Church. The fact that all profits will go to each organization and the people they represent is a true blessing for our mountain area. Indeed, we are fortunate to live in such a community and no doubt generous sentiments will flood the fair just as in years past. See you there!
LIFEST Y LES | O C TOBER 2021
PAGE 8
A E N
DESIGN • BUILD • REMODEL IMPECCABLE MANAGEMENT | INCOMPARABLE QUALITY | UNPARALLELED RESULTS
We have expanded & relocated Come see our new showroom!
BUILDING DREAM HOMES WITH ARCHITECTS, DESIGNERS & HOMEOWNERS FOR OVER 18 YEARS
303.997.6628 | BearCreekDesignGroup.com 3045 WHITMAN DRIVE, EVERGREEN, CO 80439 Design & Architectural Services Entries & Basements Stairs & Railing
Services
Engineering & Construction Fireplaces, Decks & Patios Flooring
Kitchens & Bathrooms Siding & Stucco Doors, Baseboard & Window Casings