Lifestyles 120822

Why Sculpture in Evergreen?

By Kristin Witt

Special to Lifestyles

In the grand scheme of things, most of us have a list of what we need to get by. A roof over our head, food on the table, reliable transportation, and trusted healthcare are essential to our well-being. Beyond this, needs become more varied and are determined on an individual basis depending on lifestyle and interests.

The arts tend to fall into a luxury category—enjoyable and worth pursuing, but not essential—until we take a deeper look. Art, specifically public art purposefully placed for the enrichment of the community, there to engage all comers regardless of position or prosperity, has proven to be more than a delight for the eyes. Th is belief underlies the genesis and success of Sculpture Evergreen.

FEATURE OF THE MONTH

Incorporated in 1994 as Art for the Mountain Community (AMC) and renamed Sculpture Evergreen (SE) in 2014, this non-profit, all-volunteer organization determined to place art in the public forum, marking Evergreen and the surrounding area as an art center, a Mecca for artists and art lovers.

“Art for the Mountain Community’s mission was simple,” says Peter Eggers, 1997-1998 Board President, “to install art in public places. Logically it took the form of sculpture. Art in public places became a passion for that Board and all the ones that came after, and I believe served to put Evergreen on the ‘sculpture’ map, complementing efforts by Center for the Arts Evergreen, Center

Stage, and the Evergreen Artists Association to build the image of Evergreen as a home for the arts.”

Barbara Sternberg, a founding member of AMC, had a vision for public art in Evergreen starting with a commissioned piece for the Evergreen Lake Park entitled Spirits of the Land by Madeline Wiener. It still stands as a favorite of the community, and it all started with just $5,000 and a sponsor. The next permanent piece was The Foreman by Laura Mehmert, installed in Heritage Grove Park. These pieces, now joined by more than 40 other permanent pieces, have become a part of the landscape in Evergreen and a monument to the commitment of a community to offer more than commerce and convenience. It is a commitment to bring beauty into the lives of residents and visitors, beauty that enhances and

Light Hearted Drummer by Jodie Bliss

Omni by Charlotte and Ben Zink

SCULPTURE

harmonizes with our already breathtak ing surroundings.

Bill Slaughter, SE Board of Directors president from 2017-2019, believes that sculpture in our midst goes beyond a nod to artists and art lovers, reaching children in a profound way. “After nine years on our Board,” Bill says, “I have found viewing high-quality outdoor art is a very important cultural activity for so many of our community’s residents, but particu larly children. Many school-age children can name and locate most of our sculp tures, more so than adults – for instance, they call the soccer field ‘Dinosaur Park’. Also,” Bill continues, “we are unique in that our organized large collection is not just in one place, but at sites so many like to visit throughout Evergreen – i.e., our

schools, downtown, our lakes and EPRD parks, and Center for the Arts Evergreen.”

Eric Maule served as president of the SE Board in 2010 and 2012, driving signif icant expansion of Sculpture Evergreen’s influence in the Evergreen area.

“My emphasis,” Eric explains, “was to create and implement a ‘Sculpture in the Park’ plan for Buchanan Park (within the Evergreen Parks and Recreation District master plan area) and Bergen Park in the adjacent Denver Mountain Park. Ultimately, this past year, through the efforts of the current Board, led by Tricia Rosenthal, this initiative is now being realized. It is this multi-governmental and community cooperation to promote the arts in the Evergreen Community that has been the most significant accomplish ment of Sculpture Evergreen throughout recent years.”

Please see SCULPTURE, Page 7

Above: Sun Shadow Moon Light by Sean Yarbrough. Below (in ad): New Moon Dancing by Reven Marie Swanson.

ountain Home has a great selection of cozy sofas, comfy swivel chairs, big ottomans and coffee tables for family board game nights, dining tables and chairs, plus all sorts of table settings for your holiday dinner gatherings… all available off the floor ~ in plenty of time for the holidays!

So swing by Mountain Home for a little hit of the holidays! Open seven days a week 10 am to 5 pm.

Elk Run Assisted Living: Where Seniors Create a Colorful Patchwork Quilt of Community

By Jo Ann M. Colton Special to Lifestyles

For seniors living alone, long winter periods of confi nement/segregation from others can be traumatic; effects of isolation can cause anxiety, and even depression… But at Evergreen’s Elk Run senior community winter is an exciting time of sights, sounds, and merriment that celebrates not only the holidays but also Elk Run’s residents and staff, along with the joys of senior living.

Elk Run Assisted Living, 31383 Frost Way, offers seniors 65-and-over comprehensive assisted living services/options (medical, respite, personalized care services, and hospice, as well as independent living for active people seeking more

leisure/fun time and less home-related responsibilities. Th is congenial community is home to people from all walks of life. Most residents have held many different societal jobs/positions before moving here and they all have a multitude of hobbies they enjoy and skills/interests they can share with each other during this winter holiday season—and all year round.

Residents are bound to each other by what they all have in common as well as the things that are unique to each of them. Stitching the fabric of their lives together they collectively create a colorful “patchwork quilt of community” that promotes good living and motivates them to live their best life—everyday!

Being able to thrive and live your best life means having a conscious awareness of things that affect your life and

maintaining the proper state-of-mind to effectively navigate through them. Life changes are never easy; but at Elk Run life is better together.

Elk Run has welcomed new members throughout the 2022 year. Residents have the freedom to make their own daily choices/decisions. “New kids on the block” are encouraged to seek new friends, take part in varied monthly activities, and fi nd their own level of comfort as they assimilate into the community.

Remodeled basic one-bedroom apartment and/or studio rentals showcase kitchenette/private bath, personal call system/mobility-assistance features, and snack/beverage bar availability. Community amenities highlight a beauty/barber salon, great room with

fi replace, a library, and wireless internet service free to everyone throughout the building.

“New people bring with them new energy, a lifetime of experiences they can share, and endless opportunities to enrich each other’s lives,” said Kristen Fite, Elk Run’s Executive Director.

Happy Holidays from Elk Run Assisted Living where its “patchwork quilt of community” grows bigger every year. If you are contemplating a residence change, now might be just the right time to consider a move to Elk Run. Become part of the ties that bind and enjoy peace of mind, good living, and the opportunity to live YOUR best life—everyday! Contact Monica Carruth at 303-679-8777 for information about Elk Run’s services, programs, and living options.

Festive Ways to Thank Your Holiday Host

(StatePoint) As you make your way to holiday gatherings this season, be sure to show your hosts gratitude for opening their homes to you.

There are many thoughtful ways to thank a holiday host, but the best gestures are those that include personalized touches to leave an impression on the recipient. For example, don’t just bring a bottle of wine with you to the party. Share on the label why you selected that particular variety for your host. Sending thanks the next day? Go above and beyond a regular message with something unforgettable, like a video greeting from SmashUps by American Greetings, which features celebrities and fun characters and can be personalized.

While gifts for hosts don’t need to be grand gestures, showing your appreciation for holiday hospitality is a great way to leave an impression and score an invitation to next year’s party.

Advertising Department

Donna Reardon, 303-566-4114 dreardon@coloradocommunitymedia.com Ruth Daniels, 303-566-4113 rdaniels@coloradocommunitymedia.com

Production Department

Tom Fildey, 303-566-4142 tfildey@coloradocommunitymedia.com

Kick Procrastination to the Curb this Holiday Season: Review, Regroup, and Redirect Your Life For a Better New Year

By Jo Ann M. Colton  Special to Lifestyles

Feeling Holiday OVERWHELM?

No matter what winter celebrations/ traditions your families observe, there always seems to be too much to do and so little time to coordinate, execute, and/ or enjoy festive activities with family and friends. Consequently, many people find the holiday season stressful and often procrastinate over the many demands placed upon them.

“Procrastination is the act or habit of delaying thoughts or actions, especially when they connect to attention-driven deep emotions,” said Christine Kahane, nationally Board-Certified Executive Coach and Health & Wellness Coach and owner of Kahane Coaching, 30792 Southview Drive/Suite 206 in Evergreen.

“Avoiding tasks only makes you think about them all the more, and also causes constant worry over how you will accom plish them within specified timeframes.”

emotional/physical/practical trauma, with such negative effects as: increased stress/worry, fear, anxiety, low self-es teem, and poor impulse control,” said Christine.

Kick holiday procrastination to the curb by planning ahead and avoiding over-committing to events, sharing the experience and enlisting others to help you with plans, making a budget and sticking to it, respecting different view points of family/friends while focusing on your similarities, and taking stressbreaks by walking, reading, watching a funny movie…laughing relaxes the whole body, and can relieve physical tension/ stress.

NBC-HWC, MCWC www.kahanecoaching.com christine@kahanecoaching.com 303.589.5456 Nationally Board Certified Health and Wellness Coach

(State Point) The holiday shopping season is here. What do you give a loved one to show them just how much you care? It’s time to think outside the box. Here are four presents you can give to special young people in your life now that they may not appreciate in the moment but will thank you for later.

1. Savings bonds. This is the gift that keeps adding in value. Savings bonds can be purchased for as little as $25 and their value grows over time with interest and as the bond matures. Considered one of the most reliable ways to grow wealth over time, you’ll be guaranteeing recipients are able to help fund the important things they want later in life, such as that new car, their college education, first house, wedding or honeymoon.

2. Life insurance. This is probably the last thing on a young person’s list of wishes but buying a life insurance policy now when they’re young and healthy will ensure coverage later in life when they may not be insurable. Having a life

insurance policy through Erie Insurance with a Guaranteed Insurability Option rider (GIO) can bring peace of mind that kids, or grandkids, are covered should they develop a life threatening condition. A policy is an affordable way to protect loved ones and help them pay off debts, living expenses and even medical bills. To learn more about life insurance, contact your agent or visit erieinsurance.com/ life-insurance.

3. 529 plan. Anyone who wants to save for a child’s education can open or gift money to an existing 529 plan account. The best part is the contributions grow tax free and can be used for K-12 tuition, college expenses and even student loan repayments.

4. T-shirt quilt. For more of a sentimental gift, gather all your kids’ old sports or other event t-shirts and turn them into a quilt. They may not love it today as much as they would the hottest gadget, but they’ll treasure the memories as time goes on.

Procrastination is a learned behavior that can be “unlearned” once you dis cover/understand/acknowledge the type of procrastinator you are (dreamer, wor rier, crisis-maker, over-performer…). Especially now, during these “holly-jolly” times, over-performers are likelier to feel compelled to make up for time lost during the 2020 Corona-virus pandemic by attempting to over-achieve. Often, having unrealistic expectations of their goals/ob jectives, they find it difficult to prioritize tasks and usually fall short of successful accomplishment.

“Procrastination may relieve pressure in the moment, but it can cause you deep

If this holiday season finds you overwhelmed, procrastinating, and puzzled to figure out how to stop this negative behavior, Christine Kahane can help you cope with procrastination, stress, and burnout. As your coach, rather than give advice, she listens intently to what YOU have to say. Christine uses various techniques that integrate your communication styles, behavior patterns, and preferences to help you discover your best answers to your most perplexing questions.

Christine Kahane builds working re lationships standing alongside her clients on a one-on-one basis or in small groups. Kahane Coaching (303-589-5456/www. kahanecoaching.com) offers a 30-minute complimentary coaching introduction in-person, by telephone, or on Zoom. Stop procrastinating…Review, regroup, and redirect your life for a better New Year by contacting Christine today.

don’t

long-term benefits,” said Louis Colaizzo, senior vice president and division officer of Erie Family Life, Erie Insurance. “Life insurance, along with savings bonds and

529 plans, can put your kids on the path to financial security.”

Avoid the holiday crowds at the stores this year and channel your money into a gift your loved ones will truly appreciate for years to come.

Christine Kahane

“As you look for that perfect gift,

overlook presents that have

SCULPTURE

From Page 2

In September of this year, it was an nounced that Sculpture Evergreen will be coming under the umbrella of Center for the Arts Evergreen beginning in January of 2023. This has been a long-time goal of both organizations and there is palpable excitement at the prospect of the two non-profits joining forces going forward.

“For me,” Peter Eggers says, “SE’s join ing with CAE has a dual purpose. First, the most essential part of SE’s mission (placing art in public places) now has a guarantee of continuity and success.”

Further, “education is a shared goal with CAE, and I can only believe that will get stronger and find a foundation of its own in the future.”

Bill Slaughter makes this point. “For SE, its collection has now grown yearly to over 40+ pieces and has become increas ingly valuable. Having the collection managed by the art professionals at CAE, along with the community volunteers, assures Evergreen residents that the collection will continue to grow and be well-maintained and managed for many years to come.”

Eric Maule says this about the union between CAE and SE. “This continuing presence of sculpture in the community

will be promoted and nurtured on into the future. I am grateful to all that have made this association possible.”

“Sculpture Evergreen has brought together energetic and committed supporters of the arts for nearly 30 years,” says Tricia Rosenthal, current SE President since January 2020, “to focus attention on accessible outdoor art that all can enjoy. The development of a collection more than 40 permanent pieces funded solely by local donors and local grants is not easy to achieve. SE has relied on vol unteers and a generous group of donors to make this happen.” In reference to the union of the two non-profit organizations, Tricia goes on to say, “This new chapter

is exciting for both SE and CAE and acknowledges and enhances the value of both organizations. It is gratifying to know that sculpture will continue to be an important part of art in Evergreen for many years to come.”

Tricia explains the value of the union in perfect context. “For many years there has been talk of combining Sculpture Evergreen and Center for the Arts, and with the Center’s new focus on sculpture, the time is right. SE has been fortunate to have such solid community support for many years, and I am confident it will continue once the organizations are merged. I welcome the change and the many new opportunities it creates.”

The Two of Us by Yenny Cocq

Russ Colburn and Dog by Tom Ware

Must-Have Tools for Entertaining With Ease This Holiday Season

(StatePoint) ‘Tis the season for gatherings galore. Whether you’re an all-star entertainer or a fi rst-time host, having the right tools will set you up for success— meaning you can spend less time in the kitchen and more time with loved ones. Here are a few must-haves to add to your holiday shopping list:

Classy and Creative Cocktails

Create memorable cocktails or mocktails that everyone will be talking about with uniquely shaped craft ice. Tovolo offers a variety of craft ice molds to fit every occasion—from spheres and sports balls to novelty and holiday ornament shapes. The easy-to-use, durable, stackable molds are dishwasher safe for easy clean-up. Plus, the slow-melting shapes keep drinks cool for longer. So, drop them in for fun and festive drinks at your next gathering.

Pops in a Pinch

Popsicles aren’t just for summertime. In fact, they’re a great option for a holiday crowd since you can prep them well in advance, and they make for a light dessert after a night of feasting. With Tovolo Stackable Pop Molds, simply puree some fruit – strawberries, kiwis, etc. – pour the mixture into the molds, stack them in the freezer, and voilà, you’ve got a delightful treat that basically made itself. Better yet, guests can add the fruity pops to a glass of champagne or cocktail of choice to add flavor and keep drinks cool.

Table-Worthy Tools

When hosting a dinner party, dishes will inevitably pile up in the sink. One way to cut down on dirty dishes is to use a set of kitchen utensils that is both stylish and attractive, so you can go from the stovetop to the dining table without needing to dirty any additional tools. Another tip is to make the meal family style, which allows your guests to choose what they want and reduces the need to portion out individual servings, ultimately giving you more time to enjoy the party.

Spatulas That Make You Smile

From cookie batters to mashed potatoes, everyone needs a quality spatula to whip up their favorite holiday dishes. And now you can add both fun and function to your feast with Spatulart Spatulas featuring double-sided holiday designs and puns. With a nylon core,

these high-quality spatulas provide strength for the heaviest mixing jobs and silicone edges that remain flexible for easy scraping. Plus their FSC-certified wood handle makes them an environmentally-conscious way to add a touch of whimsy to the kitchen roster.

Functional and Fashionable Bowls

Despite the name, mixing bowls can be one of the most versatile kitchen tools, used for mixing, prep, storage, and if you choose a stylish design like stainless steel,

even serving! Why dirty multiple dishes when you can opt for one-bowl recipes? When it comes to entertaining, it’s best to work smarter, not harder.

Having the right tools makes all the difference when you’re preparing to be the host with the most. Be sure to equip yourself right for a season of easy and festive holiday prep, and don’t forget that when it comes to hosting, versatility is the name of the game.