LIFEST Y LES AN ADVERTISING SECTION OF EVERGREEN NEWSPAPERS | VOL. 14 ISSUE 2 • FEBRUARY 2022
Rise from the Ashes
The Evergreen Chamber Orchestra 2021-2022 Season By Kristin Witt Special to Lifestyles
When COVID effectively shut the world down in 2020 one of the industries most affected was that of live music performance, and none more than the Evergreen Chamber Orchestra. Now in their 40th Season, the Evergreen Chamber Orchestra (ECO) has filled concert venues and open air arenas with the compelling masterworks of centuries, without interruption until their 2020 season, when everything came to a halt. Forced to confine performances to remote events they spent a year in solitude, which proved to be difficult and productive at the same time. Missing regular rehearsals and performances with their musical cohorts was a hardship for the orchestra members, but they were determined to make the best of the situation. They did what they could to make the music available to their many devoted followers through online concerts and musical discussions led by Orchestra Director, Bill Hill. Bill Hill, who found his work with the Colorado
FEATURE
OF THE MONTH Symphony Orchestra also curtailed said it felt a little like being in prison, cut off from his extended family, however, there was a glimmer of a silver lining. Bill says that he wrote more music and produced more musical recordings with his own family than he ever has before, making the time in confinement, though not ideal, also not without merit. Determined to find a way to gather again, the ECO Board of Directors, put into practice the most stringent of safety restrictions, requiring proof of vaccination and masks at every rehearsal and performance, and limiting the number of attendees at concerts by about half. In July of 2021 the orchestra met for two impromptu sessions, finding their way together through unrehearsed music, relishing the joy of rediscovered melodies and that indefinable nuance that rises from the efforts of talented musicians, shoulder to shoulder in one beauti-
fully defined space. “Those rehearsals were a lot of fun,” Bill Hill explains, “and there was something healing about making the music, just being together and doing what we love best.” In the fall of 2021, the orchestra opened their doors to live performance again to sold-out limited audiences and it has been somewhat of a homecoming for all of them. “Music of this caliber is meant to be enjoyed live,” Bill says, “where the audience becomes a part of the presentation. It is a great feeling to do what we are meant to do.” The early spring concert, scheduled for April 2nd and 3rd in Denver and Evergreen respectively, will feature a composition by professional composer Cindi Hsu, entitled Prayer for the Living, an Expression of Hope after COVID. Also performing in this concert will be Jocelynn King, winner of the Student Solo Competition for 2020. She will play the enthralling Camille SaintSaëns Piano Concerto No. 2, Op. 22 in G Minor. The Orchestra is thrilled to highlight this gifted, young
Please see ORCHESTRA, Page 2
LIFEST YLES | FEBRUARY 2022
PAGE 2
ORCHESTRA From Page 1 musician who has waited more than a year to be recognized. The late spring concert and the Season Finale, slated for May 21st in Denver, and May 22nd in Evergreen will open with the exquisite Three Tangos, composed by ECO Director, Bill Hill. This concert will also feature the illustrious pianist, Katie Mahan, performing Gershwin’s Rapsody in Blue, followed by Beethoven’s Symphony No. 5 – Op. 67 in C Minor, arguably his most famous symphony and certainly one his best loved works. Please visit www.evergreenchamberorch.org for details and to purchase tickets. Both of the spring concerts were originally planned for the spring of 2020 but were never performed. With this spring’s presentations the work comes full
circle and will be enjoyed by orchestra members and concert goers with a sense, not just of survival, but of victory. It is said that the best way to appreciate what we have is to lose if for a time, and that is certainly true in the case of the Evergreen Chamber Orchestra. When live concert performances were stopped the silence became a thunderous roar that grew so loud it threatened to drown out the promise of a musical future … but it didn’t succeed. The bows are poised, and the cymbals polished, the concert master ready to tune, because the orchestra is back, and the show will go on. Perhaps these words are not as much about what COVID has done, but rather what it hasn’t been able to do. Despite the quarantines and the sheltering and the inflicted isolation the music simply could not be quieted. It continued to play, to Please see ORCHESTRA, Page 7
A E N
A E N
LIFEST YLES | FEBRUARY 2022
PAGE 3
We’re Just What The Doctor Ordered
Mountain area specialists in Wildfire mitigation for Residential and commercial properties Bryan Nash Certified Wildfire Mitigation Specialist Fully Insured 720-629-7033 www.arborrxfamily.com
LIFEST YLES | FEBRUARY 2022
PAGE 4
A E N
Call or email to learn more: 303 679-8777 Lisa.Carter@cassialife.org
a ministry of
31383 Frost Way, Evergreen ElkRunAssistedLiving.com
Elk Run Assisted Living offers: Apartments Physical Therapy Occupational Therapy Respite Speech Therapy Rehab Suites Independent living with services
Newly Remodeled Apartments
The location you love. The lifestyle you’re looking for
Elk Run Assisted Living: Water, Water Everywhere … Update By Jo Ann M. Colton Special to Lifestyles
The happenings of December 18, 2021 are not just “water-under-the-bridge” memories for the seniors and staff of Elk Run Assisted Living, 31383 Frost Way, in Evergreen but ones they all recall with clarity. “Almost 2 months later, it still feels like yesterday,” said Lisa Carter, Director of Admissions/Marketing, who was the manager on duty. “At mid-morning water began pouring from the third-floor sprinkler system on the building’s east end and flooded its way into the first-floor dining room where the water measured mid-calf deep. Suddenly the alarm went off… Without forewarning we had to evacuate and relocate every resident for
two days until we could get things back to normal. Everyone remained calm, nobody got hurt, and families came to take their loved ones home; two families even took other residents with them for a ‘sleepover.’” The updates are that Elk Run staff/ residents, cheerfully banding together, are back in the building and working toward final closure in this matter. The Activities Room and Library now house the community’s dining tables thereby maintaining congregate dining for all; the Club Room is being used for daily activities. Residents of damaged/uninhabitable apartments are residing onsite in other units. “The apartment of Richard Wales was completely destroyed yet Richard has been such a gentleman about it with a
great attitude,” said Lisa Carter. “Richard says, ‘you can complain, but that’s not going to work.’ He has been a real sport.” “Everybody has been very cooperative and helpful in every manner they can here at Elk Run,” said Richard Wales. “Hopefully I will be back in my normal lifestyle in the next few weeks. I’m looking forward to it.” Reconstruction is underway. Tradesmen are working expediently to replace drywall in some areas and rebuild/restore/repair damaged stairwells, apartments, and other portions of the building; but there is still much to be done. The project will also result in a newly remodeled, beautiful dining room, which is truly the heart of this community. Although Elk Run has insurance, some damage was so extensive that insurance
won’t cover all of the repair costs. If you would like to help out the Elk Run community by making a donation, please visit: http://weblink.donorperfect.com/ RestoreElkRun. For more information about Elk Run’s services, programs, and living options, contact Lisa Carter at 303-679-8777. The Elk Run Assisted Living community knows it cannot spell the word support, without the “u” and thus in its recent time of crisis it extends gratitude for the help it has received from: Evergreen Fire/Rescue, Jeffco Sheriff’s deputies, Jeffco Public Schools, Life Care Center of Evergreen, Comfort Suites, Mount Evans Hospice, families of Elk Run residents, Elk Run staff, and the people of Evergreen and the surrounding foothills communities.
5 Affordable Hobbies to Take Up Today (StatePoint) Have you ever been reluctant to try a new hobby because you were worried you would spend a lot of money on gear, supplies and other start-up costs only to lose interest? Here are five great ways to explore hobbies more affordably: 1. Language exchange: Rather than purchase pricey software or attend in-person classes, consider finding a language exchange partner. Take turns conversing in each other’s native tongue and pick up important communication skills -- and maybe a friend -- along the way. 2. Built-in music lessons: Music lessons and instruments can be expensive. However, you don’t need a full-sized grand piano or multiple sessions with a private teacher to master the instrument. Today, digital keyboards can offer a high-quality piano sound at a price that’s within reach, along with features specifically designed for building the skills of novices. For example, Casio keyboards are affordable and some models are
outfitted with Casio’s Step-up Lesson System, which can help you learn built-in songs at your own pace. Additionally, the LCD display teaches both music notation and correct hand positioning, while an innovative scoring system allows you to track your progress. By connecting to the free Chordana Play iOS/Android app, you can learn to play your favorite songs from downloaded MIDI files, taking your music further. 3. Pick-up games: While organized sports leagues are an opportunity to make friends and get some exercise, you may not have the time to commit to weekly games or the inclination to spend money on team equipment and uniforms. Whether you call up your best pals to play in the backyard, or try your luck at the local court or field, all the benefits of team sports (e.g. fresh air and camaraderie) can be experienced participating in a casual pick-up game. 4. Wellness: To participate in online yoga classes, all you need is a mat and
comfy clothes. Online classes can deliver high-quality instruction for free on a schedule that works for you. The important thing is to find a teacher whose cues you understand and who practices a style that aligns with your needs and goals. Safety tip: if you are unsure how a certain pose or flow is performed, watch the video first before attempting it on your own. 5. Return-on-investment crafting: Crafting can be expensive, particularly if you work with high-quality materials. The good news is that once you master a particular skill, be it knitting, sewing
or mosaics, there are opportunities to sell your work at craft fairs and on sites like Etsy. And of course, crafts can make amazing gifts for friends and family. While hobbies can enrich the mind, body and soul, they don’t need to cost a fortune. With a little creativity, you can learn new skills and try different activities without breaking the bank.
LIFEST YLES | FEBRUARY 2022
A E N
PAGE 5
Give Your Home Some Love! Do you have a dirty, drafty outdated fireplace? A fireplace insert will change your life! Inserts are hearth appliances designed to fit into the opening of your traditional fireplace. A new insert will look better, heat better, and increase the value of your home. Plus, a new insert gives you the opportunity to choose your fuel, and have the efficient, easy-to-burn hearth appliance you’ve always wanted! Whether you want a wood or gas insert, there are many advantages to making that upgrade. An insert is a sealed system with venting specially designed to run through your existing chimney. That means a new insert will stop cold drafts coming down your flue and help you save money on heating your home! In addition to saving money by preventing heat loss, inserts are designed to be highly efficient. The technology in inserts has improved dramatically over the last few years. The use of ceramic glass and upgraded burners help transfer the most heat from the firebox into your home. Both wood and gas fuels are very efficient for home heating. Most people don’t realize that you can have a woodburning insert that looks good and meets today’s EPA standards too. Modern woodstove inserts are so efficient that they use less wood to heat your home more effectively than previous generations. If you want the upmost efficient in woodburning technology, look for woodstove inserts that qualify for the new Federal Biomass 26% Tax Credit! We have several
models on display and either in-stock or incoming that meet the 75%+ efficiency qualification for the tax credit. If woodburning isn’t for you, you can have a gas insert that is also highly efficient and convenient to use! With a remote controlled thermostat, you can maintain a comfortable temperature at the push of a button. Adding to the benefits, gas inserts utilize Direct-Vent technology, meaning combustion air and combustion byproducts never mix with the air in your house, a much safer solution than your outdated fireplace. You can change the look of your entire home by adding an insert, without any of the messy demolition. Most gas inserts have a variety of design options you can choose from when picking out the logs, glass, and metal finish on the front. You can choose a look to match your existing décor or you can design your fireplace to be the centerpiece of your home. Are you tired of looking at your old brass doors? Would you like an updated look such as a new copper or silver front? We offer inserts with a nearly infinite combination of customizable options. From front sizes, faux doors, metal finishes, and firebox panels to log sets and accent lighting, you’ll have options to make your new insert your own. Additionally, inserts come in a handful of standard sizes. We have the perfect insert to update your old fireplace. If you have the original fireplace of
your home, it is nowhere near as efficient as today’s new fireplaces. Even if your old fireplace has been “converted to gas”, that doesn’t mean it is one of the modern, efficient units we know as inserts today. In our Foothills communities, many houses from the last 40 years were commonly built with factory-built fireplaces as the standard. These fireplaces were designed to burn solid fuel but have been retrofitted with gas log sets. A gas log set consists of a burner, an artificial log set, and a set of black doors with brass accents. Sound familiar? Additionally, gas log sets require a permanently open damper, so you cannot completely close off your home to the weather outside. If this is the type of system you have, you should know that you are losing money heating your home against the draft that is coming through your outdated fireplace. Another benefit to adding an insert in your home is that they do not require electricity to start up. When your power is out, and you’re wondering how you’re going to heat your home, your new insert will save the day! Some features in an insert will not operate in a power outage, like a convection fan; but as far as igniting the pilot and burner, your gas insert will fire up to heat your home even if you don’t have power! Inserts are a great way to increase efficiency in your home, update the look of your fireplace, and ensure safety of your hearth system. They can sometimes also give you an option to switch fuel. Inserts
are the best and only way to improve your masonry fireplace. However, if you have an outdated factory-built fireplace and you also want to update the surround material, whether it is a single course of tile in a square around your fireplace, or an outdated stone facade; you should replace your whole fireplace! A new fireplace gives you a wider array of design options, the glass viewing area will be larger, heat output can be greater, and you can finish it off with your choice of material. On top of that, a new fireplace is not restricted by size of the old firebox like an insert would be. Are you ready to upgrade your fireplace this winter? We have good news! We’ve pre-ordered many inserts and fireplaces with a variety of sizes, heat outputs, in both wood and gas fuel types. We have several models in-stock and ready to be installed in your home! We also have a couple displays we are selling at a promotional price. You’re invited to see the variety of beautiful and efficient inserts, both woodburning and gas, in our showroom at 7001 Highway 73 in Marshdale. We also have a large assortment of new fireplaces in an array of sizes and styles for your home! Come visit us from 9am-5pm Monday through Friday, and 8am-4pm Saturdays. You can also see our products and portfolio of work on our website at www.MtnHP.com or reach us by phone at 303-679-1601, and email at Office@ MtnHP.com.
Give Your Home Some Love with a New Fireplace Insert!
With just one phone call, you can turn your outdated and inefficient fireplace into a cozy centerpiece of your home! Putting a gas or woodstove insert into an existing fireplace is our most-popular project for a reason. Visit our website or our showroom to see the high-efficiency inserts we have in stock right now! Mendota FV33i Gas Insert - In Stock! Regency i1500 Woodstove Insert Qualifies for the tax credit!
Kozy Heat Chaska Gas Insert - In Stock!
Jotul New Harbor Gas Insert - In Stock! American Hearth Renegade Gas Insert Display Model Closeout!
Installations by Mountain Hearth & Patio www.MtnHP.com/overstock (303) 679-1601 7001 Highway 73 Evergreen
LIFEST YLES | FEBRUARY 2022
PAGE 6
A E N
The Current Reality on Replacement Values
Thoughtful Tips for Protecting What Matters Most “Protecting What Matters Most” is not just something catchy we like to say – it’s our key internal driver and we take it personally. Working hard for you to ensure you’re covered properly is what gets us up every morning! But one of the things that keeps us up at night is rising costs for…everything! The pandemic caused a shock to the world economy, disrupting supply chains and contributing to major delays in shipping. Labor shortages and rising consumer demand exacerbated this problem as inflation reached the highest level since 1982. According to local contractors in the Foothills area, building costs have risen 30% since 2019 – some shared it’s now $300-$600 per square foot. In 2020, the primary building issue was lumber – a simple 2x4 that used to cost $2.25 went up to $25. In 2021, lumber costs came down, but steel increased as did everything else that goes into a home. Add in labor shortages, and (re)building a home has become much more expensive. Beyond the pandemic and closer to home, 2021 ended in a catastrophic loss of 1,084 buildings and one life in
the Marshall fire in Boulder County. Since that fateful day, we’ve been getting a lot of calls from our customers wondering if their homes were adequately covered in case of a loss. The problem today is that because of the rapid rise in costs of building materials, the replacement value of your home has likely skyrocketed. Far too many of those who lost their homes in the fire realized after the fact that they were not adequately covered. Homeowners have a couple of options when it comes to protecting what matters most, and those options have also been impacted by these recent events. Check with your insurance agent to see what options are available, and if you should change coverages. The two most common types of coverage are actual cash value (ACV) and replacement cost value (RCV). Standard homeowners’ insurance policies cover the replacement cost of your home’s physical structure. ACV coverage is the least expensive – and least common – since depreciation is considered, and the claim payments are generally lower. Replacement value coverage will cover you for full replace-
ment up to the dwelling amount listed on your policy. RCV is more expensive but clearly the preferred option between these two. Another option is guaranteed or extended replacement cost coverage. The extended replacement option can add an additional 10% to 100% coverage to your dwelling amount. And guaranteed replacement cost coverage is the best option if/when it’s available from your insurance carrier. This coverage quite simply “guarantees” your home to be rebuilt exactly as it was before a peril — even if the cost exceeds the estimated value of the home. Unlike mere RCV coverage, these options provide additional protection against sudden increases in materials or construction costs, which can occur when a disaster strikes many homes in one area. These are excellent coverages in any circumstance, but most especially in high fire-prone areas. RPM agency typically advises raising the dwelling amount of your policy and adding 50% “extended dwelling” coverage. But during this current reality, we highly recommend 100% or guaranteed replacement cost coverage if you can
get it. So how do I protect one of my biggest assets – my home – when the future is still unclear? That’s a very good question. I expect at some point the supply-chain issues will be resolved, but it will take time for the back end to catch up and for costs to come back down. Start by calling your insurance agent so they can help you figure out where your home reconstruction costs fall in this current reality. It’s a new year, and we’ve all been given a reality check to plan for protecting what matters most. Remember, the RPM Agency is here to help you decide what works best for you. We have the expertise to help you evaluate your current situation and we know how to adjust your coverage that allows you to easily change when costs go back down again. Curious if you have enough coverage for your home and personal property? If you decide it’s time to shop for new homeowners’ insurance, call RPM Agency at 720-683-0010 for a full insurance evaluation. We’d love to hear from you!
RPM Partners with Multiple Carriers to Get the Best Coverage for Clients
Do you have enough coverage to rebuild your home or will you get cut short? We are your mountain home insurance specialist.
Client Advocate
• Customized coverage comparisons • Individualized quotes no automated templates • 24/7 customer service
Broker Advantage
• Meeting client needs not sales quotas Michele Robbins • Partnerships with multiple carriers means Owner/Agent better value for clients
Home Business Auto Life
Call today for your custom evaluation! info@rpmagency.com 720-683-0010 www.rpmagency.com
A E N
ORCHESTRA From Page 2 rise from living rooms and back porches, finding its way into the collective conscious of the community. Music in truth is an expression of what is in our hearts, and COVID, though powerful, could not kill hope, and thus could not silence the music that has lived through difficulties worse than a pandemic. When the Evergreen Chamber Orchestra takes the stage this spring there
LIFEST YLES | FEBRUARY 2022
will be music; pages of soul drenching harmonies, powerful enough to awaken the spirit, but there will be more than that. There will be the affirming conviction that the gift of music is bigger than our fears, more important than our disappointments and stronger than the circumstances that threaten - but fail - to overwhelm our way of life. The Evergreen Chamber Orchestra invites you to celebrate the new future of live musical performance with them. They are convinced of great days ahead and are honored to share the joy with all of you.
PAGE 7
LIFEST YLES | FEBRUARY 2022
PAGE 8
A E N
Reverse Mortgages: Getting to the Heart of the Matter with Michael Abbondanza Local Mountain Lender
Use your home to stay in your home
Home Equity Conversion Mortgages/Reverse Conventional, FHA, USDA Mortgage Loans
Information is Power
• No Application Fees • No Obligation •No Soliciting
Michael Abbondanza
Mike.Abbondanza@MortgageRight.com 303-260-8540 ColoradoFairLending.com* 1360 South Wadsworth Blvd, Suite # 207, Lakewood, Colorado 80232 * Nonaffiliated informational web site. Company Disclosure: TJC Mortgage, Inc. dba MortgageRight (NMLS# 2239) is an approved lending institution. Interest rate, program terms, and conditions are subject to change based on borrower eligibility and market conditions. Certain restrictions and conditions will apply and not all applicants will qualify. Mortgage to be refinanced must be insured. Refinance Disclosure: Even though a lower interest rate can have a profound effect on monthly payments and potentially save you thousands of dollars per year, the results of such refinancing may result in higher total finance charges over the life of the loan.NMLS info: NMLS ID # 366111 | Branch NMLS ID # 2157601 | Corp NMLS ID # 2239 | nmlsconsumeraccess.org
By Jo Ann M. Colton Special to Lifestyles
The month of February is often associated with thoughts of the heart… So, if you are a homeowner 62 years or older and your “heart” is set on streamlining your life and enjoying less mortgage debt, this month might be the right time for a heart-to-heart talk about home equity conversion mortgages. Evergreen resident Michael Abbondanza has been in the mortgage business for 35 years and holds federal and Colorado state licenses. He is affiliated with MortgageRight, a nationwide company that cuts out the middle man and ensures a fast, worry-free process by lending directly to homebuyers. While Michael is able to give all borrowers access to a broad selection of loan types, the home equity conversion (reverse) mortgage, is especially worthy of review as a financial tool for those aged 62-plus. “Your home’s equity is based on your home’s fair market value, less any mortgages,” said Mortgage Lender Michael Abbondanza who admits that lots of misinformation exists regarding reverse mortgages. “Consequently, homeowners, with or without a mortgage, owe it to themselves to find out more about home equity conversion mortgages and determine whether it is the right loan option for them.” This loan enables borrowers to access their home’s equity, or even access cash,
and removes the burden of monthly out-ofpocket mortgage payments. The increased monthly cash flow can supplement your income in retirement allowing you to stay in your home while aging in place. A credit line, to access your home’s equity, is another potential benefit of a reverse mortgage. Unlike a Home Equity Line of Credit (HELOC) where the bank loans money and you pay monthly payments to cover the debt, the credit line that can potentially come with the reverse mortgage is different… There is no requirement to make a monthly payment if you access your credit line and the credit line cannot be cut off if home values drop. However, you do have the option to pay down the credit line, thereby making more funds available to use again. Another aspect of the credit line is that the unused portion has a growth rate similar to the interest rate of the loan itself. Over time, this allows you to access more equity in your home. “In order to work up actual facts and figures for potential clients, I just need three things from them when we speak on the phone…their age, how much they owe, and their address,” said Michael Abbondanza. “Thereafter, we can set up an in-person or telephone appointment to discuss their specific mortgage needs.” Michael Abbondanza (303-260-8540 or michael.abbondanza@mortgageright. com), who personally answers and maintains his own phone and business files, is ready to have a heart-to-heart talk about reverse mortgages with you.
Great Outdoor Winter Gear to Keep You on the Move (StatePoint) “There’s no such thing as bad weather, only unsuitable clothing.” So wrote trail enthusiast, Alfred Wainwright in his walking guidebook of chilly, wet Northern England, Truer words have never been spoken of cold-weather adventures. Your gear needs to not only keep you warm, safe and dry, but also provide traction for uneven surfaces, especially in the snow. Here is a selection of the best outdoor winter gear that does just that: Warm Footwear With the agility of light hiking boots and the cozy feel of a puff y coat, Keen footwear’s Revel IV Polar Boots for men and women are all about warmth and traction without the bulk. Featuring KEEN.POLAR TRACTION technology to dig into frigid terrain and help you maintain exceptional grip on snow and ice, even on an incline, these boots have been rigorously tested to meet the slip-resistant standards of Toronto’s KITE Research Institute’s WinterLab, earning them the prestigious Snowflake Rating.
With 200 grams of insulation, three layers of heat-trapping materials underfoot, and a waterproof, breathable membrane to keep out water without making your feet overheat, your toes will also stay toasty, dry and comfortable, wherever your adventures take you. These boots are also crafted with the environment in mind, using recycled materials and environmentally preferred leathers. To learn more, visit keenfootwear.com. Lightweight Outerwear Outerwear that keeps you warm when temperatures plummet doesn’t need to be unwieldy or limit your range of motion in your upper body. Enter The Fuego, made by Cotopaxi, a lightweight, versatile jacket featuring a water-resistant, down insulation layer. Its streamlined fit, built-in scuba hood and elastic binding throughout further seals out the cold, and its assortment of stash pockets offer space for all your essentials. Alpine Ambidexterity Keep your hands and fingers nimble and dexterous even in frigid outdoor
temperatures with the right pair of gloves. Offering extreme warmth, Mountain Made’s Waterproof Winter Gloves for men and women feature a tightening strap and cuff pull for a great fit, along with a top hand zipper pocket that can be used to store a hand warmer. Good grip in the palms and fingers, along with a rubber
piece on the pointer figure that can be used to squeegee glasses or snow goggles, means you can take your pair out on all kinds of outdoor adventures. With the right clothing and gear, you will have the warmth and agility to truly revel in the outdoors, all winter long.