LIFESTYLES
AN
ADVERTISING
SECTION OF COLORADO COMMUNITY MEDIA | VOL. 16 ISSUE 11 • NOVEMBER 2024
ELF works to improve safety from one end of Evergreen to the other
By Anne Vickstrom Special to Lifestyles
A lot of folks in Evergreen don’t know about the Evergreen Legacy Fund – ELF – but certainly benefit from its hard work. ELF is making Evergreen a safer place to live.
In a nutshell, because Evergreen is unincorporated, it is considered rural; therefore, Jefferson County is not required to fund infrastructure such as crosswalks, sidewalks, or shoulders. That’s where ELF steps in and works with Jeffco, CDOT, Evergreen Parks and Recreation (EPRD), and other governmental agencies to see projects completed — much like the role of a Town Manager in an Incorporated town.
ELF raises funds from voluntary contributions from customers of participating ELF member businesses, based on 1% of sales — an idea borrowed from Crested Butte where 1%
FEATURE OF THE MONTH
is collected to protect open space. Of course, individuals and businesses can also make donations and bequests. When ELF requests projects be addresssed, it comes with funds to back them, resulting in governmental entities becoming enthusiastic partners.
In 2012 Evergreen downtown business owners and community leaders, Dean Dalvit, Gail Riley, Richard Touissant, Bob Cardwell, Kathleen Davis, and Rachel Emmer formed what eventually became the Evergreen Legacy Fund, to improve the historic area of Evergreen. Over the years, the scope of the organization expanded to include all five activity centers across Evergreen. In 2020, Jeffco County Commissioners endorsed
formation of the Evergreen Local Improvement District (ELID), enabling Jefferson County to make important public safety improvements on county roadways across Evergreen, funded by ELF funds. ELF seeks grants providing seed money, leveraging every contributed dollar tenfold.
During a two-year process of intensive community engagement, 45 priority projects were selectively reduced to 17 improvements in Jeffco rights-of-way to increase safety in our community.
Projects like the crosswalks and sidewalks near Wilmot Elementary School have taken five or more years to come to fruition. ELF has learned to be patient. Project timing and scope is at the discretion of Jeffco. Delays can occur through the bid process, and occasionally projects may be scaled-down to keep costs down.
ELF board members view the shoulder area along Meadow Drive that will soon have a sidewalk extending to the Hiwan History Museum.
Photo by Ellen Nelson
Under the professional leadership of Dean Dalvit, ELF has developed a strong working relationship with Jeffco and other partners. “Maintaining relationships with government partners and our elected officials is hard work,” Dean explains, “because they change so frequently. We have to be relentless in keeping in close contact with new people and educating them on the history of ELF or else we can quickly lose all of the momentum and credibility we’ve created over the years.”
ELF’s funds have kick-started several projects that would have been delayed or never addressed. For instance, this past summer, the crosswalk across Buffalo Park Road from Greenwood to Hatch Drive was relocated with signalized light and curbs to slow traffic and
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
CURRENT BUSINESS
Alexa Interiors*
Alpen Way Chalet*
Anderson Insurance Company
Kelli Anderson / Berkshire Hathaway
Bear Essence Salon & Boutique*
Bear Paw Stanbro Property Management
Bistro Del Lago*
Blackbird Kitchen & Bath*
Cactus Jack’s Saloon & Grill
Campfire Evergreen*
Coaty and Woods, PC
Colorado Serenity
Creating Space Colorado
Jennifer Davenport / LIV Sotheby’s
Melody Ellis / Berkshire Hathaway
Tamara Drozda / Madison & Co. Essence*
EV Studio
Evergreen Area Chamber of Commerce
Evergreen Clothing and Mercantile
Evergreen Crafters*
Evergreen Discount Liquors
Evergreen Massage*
Evergreen Living
Evergreen Rodeo Association
Evergreen Wash Co. – Ponderosa & Hilltop*
Evoke 1923*
FirstBank Flicker & Finch Salon
Diane Florscheutz / Wildflower Realty
Kevin Freadhoff / Berkshire Hathaway
Stephanie Freadhoff / Berkshire Hathaway
Wendy Grillo / RE/MAX Alliance
Mary Haling / LIV Sotheby’s
Highland Haven Creekside Inn* Lakepoint Chiropractic
Marie Lynch / Madison & Company
Alison Maltese / LIV Sotheby’s
Manning Financial Advisors
Marmalade
Medical Aesthetics LLC*
Nick Melzer / Compass Realty
Mountain Daisy*
Mountain Home Furnishings*
Murphy’s Mountain Grill*
Neighborhood Welcome
PandoraJohnProperties
Pixie Hair Studio*
Julia Purrington / Berkshire Hathaway
Yvette S. Putt / LIV Sotheby’s
Rising Graphics & Printing
Nicole Reyes / LIV Sotheby’s
Shadow Mountain Gallery*
Deborah Simon / LIV Sotheby’s
Sisters & Company*
Stems Flower Shop*
Lark Stewart / LIV Sotheby’s
Stillwater Partners LLLP TallGrass*
Tupper’s Team—Madison & Co.
Tricia Wales / Coldwell Banker
Valentine Seevers & Associates
Valerian Landscape Architecture
Andy Wann / Berkshire Hathaway
Wild Aware
Kevin Wilson / Keller Williams Foothills
*1% pass-thru members
INDIVIDUAL SUPPORTERS
Carolyn Baldwin
Amy Bergevin
Tupper and Karla Briggs
Jeanne Canny
Charles and Bette Carcano
Anne Chew
Liz Cohen—donated in honor of the tireless ELF board
Alexa Cowley—donated in honor of
Liz Cohen and Linda Kirkpatrick
Brenda Cumming
Greg Dobbs
Peter and Peggy Eggers
Shelleen Ellington
Miriam Epple
Anna Murray Garner and Kevin Garner
Eric Gill
Gayle Gordon
Mary Houlihan
Peter Jacobson
Luann and Hank Kaanta —donated in honor of Linda Kirkpatrick
Linda Kirkpatrick
Janice and Stephen Kaup
Jim and Anita Kreider
Todd Landrum
Cindy Lempke
Meg and Mike Leonard
Peter and Pam Lindquist
Trish Maggio
Jani and Bryan McCarty
Joan Mickelson
Lynn and Dan Moyle
Dave and Carolyn Nelson
Dan Pike
Jim Pisula and Nadja Pisula-Litoff
Martha Pofit
Charles Rhodes
Gail Riley and Tom Statzell
Brian Roberts
Jay Roberts
Mark Schnoll
Jim and Aleta Smith
Denise Stoner
Richard and Susan Toussaint
Saraben Turner
Marty and Don Unger
Michele Vanags
Laura Veckerelli
Anne and Mark Vickstrom
Nancy Williams and Jim Casebolt
Dean Dalvit, EV Studio
Bob Cardwell, Stillwater Partnership
Alexa Cowley, Mountain Home Furnishings and Alexa Interiors
Brenda Cumming, Medical Aesthetics
Eric Gill, Bear Paw Stanbro Property Management
Brent Kaslon, Valerian, LLC
Cindy Lempke, Resilience1220
Anne Vickstrom, freelance writer
Sharon Wood, Generational Family Wealth
Linda Kirkpatrick, Executive Director
A 501(C)(3) NONPROFIT FOUNDATION
Please see ELF, Page 4 Crosswalks and ADA-accessible 4-way stops in Bergen Park.
Photo by Linda Kirkpatrick
Mortgage Loan Officer
Grant Brewster Represents
YOU... the Customer
Grant Brewster
Mortgage Loan Of cer
720-668-4183
NMLS# 737321
Serving the foothils for 30+ years www.grantbrewster.com
By Jo Ann M. Colton Special to Lifestyles
Mortgage Loan Broker Grant Brewster of Edge Home Finance Corporation is committed to helping salaried and/or self-employed individuals obtain the best loan for their needs. Mortgage broker vs. bank…what’s the difference? A mortgage broker is not a bank employee/affiliate; the products they can offer you are not limited. Grant Brewster represent YOU—not the lender. Mortgage brokers, knowledgeable on current trends, only specialize in mortgages and they rely on your referrals/repeat business.
With a wide assortment of loan options currently available to homebuyers/homeowners (Conventional/VA/FHA/USDA; Fixed Rate, ARMs), choosing the wrong mortgage can be costly. Let Grant’s 30 years’ experience and expertise identify the best lending package tailored to your particular situation, whether it’s with a national wholesale lender, second mortgage/HELOC lender, or private funds. The average consumer savings with a wholesale broker over the life of the loan can be $10,000plus.
For over thirty years, Colorado Foothills native and Mortgage Loan Officer Grant Brewster of Edge Home Finance Corporation has been providing his customers with mortgage services that exceed their expectations. His Evergreen office is conveniently located at FlowTheory Coworks, 3540 Evergreen Parkway. Contact Mortgage Officer Grant Brewster today for all your home financing needs (720-6684183/grant.brewster@edgehomefinance.com/ www.grantbrewster.com).
Any Lab Test Now® Offers
LEARN MORE
For more information about ELF scan our QR code.
By Jo Ann M. Colton Special to Lifestyles
Whether you are taking active steps to manage a chronic condition, monitor dosages for a new medication, or engage in a diagnostic process, Any Lab Test Now® of Lakewood offers you a variety of clinical tests/test options.
With over 230 franchised facilities throughout the United States, and eight locations within the State of Colorado, the Lakewood business is conveniently located at 7650 West Virginia Avenue, Suite C. Offering a complete and extensive range of clinical lab tests, the facility serves its clients Monday-Friday / 7:00 am to 06:00 pm, and Saturday / 9:00 am to 02:00 pm. (closed Sunday).
“We offer thousands of tests, including: STD/DNA/TB/Celiac/Chron’s/IBS, A1C, and Single or Bundle Nutritional B12 Injections, to uninsured and self-pay individuals, and we’re sure to have the test for your specific situation,” said Drew Scarbrough, the Lakewood franchise owner who moved to Colorado from Florida where he worked as a Veterinary Doctor. “We provide the doctor’s order; no insurance needed or ever accepted.”
Most tests take less than 15 minutes, and many results are ready within 24-72 hours. Choose a test. Choose your time. Get your answer. For fees/testing information and appointments, contact Any Lab Test Now® of Lakewood (720-543-2280 / https//www.anylabtestnow/lakewood-80226). (720) 543-2280
From Page 2
keep drivers in their lanes, along with an added sidewalk along Hatch to Wilmot with ADA ramps for students to safely arrive at school.
When erosion under the Evergreen North Lake Trail caused it to be closed, the ELF board encouraged EPRD to take the lead on a multi-jurisdictional project, donated renderings as well as $50,000 to the extensive undertaking.
The organization provided $30,000 in matching funds and assisted with project coordination for creation of the 200-ft. pedestrian bridge connecting the lake trial to Downtown.
ELF Funds supported the Bear Creek Children’s Mural under the bridge from the lake to downtown, creating a legacy through the art project. ELF contributed $5,000 to the Leadership Evergreen mural on the CenturyLink building downtown, which turned an eye-sore into an admired work of art by local artists Chris and Will Krieg. In 2022 Evergreen High School students designed and delivered on the murals on two sides of Evergreen Metro Building, making this once utilitarian structure add beauty to our community. When EHS was in need of support, ELF kicked in $5,000 for the acquisition of new bleachers.
ELF participated in installation of water fountain in downtown and contributed to the downtown flood relief in 2013, acquired two defibrillators for downtown businesses to use in emergencies, and worked with CDOT to have curb-to-curb paving of Main Street, including parking spaces.
Installation of the signalized crosswalk from RTD lot allows folks to have access to the shops at Bergen Marketplace, and Center for the Arts Evergreen. ADA-accessible 4-way stops at the Marketplace at Bergen Park allow not only wheelchairs but strollers to pass safely between the two shopping and residential areas. The crosswalk across Hwy. 74 at Christ the King Church allows neighbors to safely cross from the Meadow Drive community to the walkway leading to Evergreen Lake and north toward Elk Meadow.
At the end of downtown, ELF created the Riverwalk, added signage and striping making Independence Trail one-way and created a pedestrian shoulder, increasing convenience and safety, and adding six additional free parking spaces.
Board Member Eric Gill says, “It’s exciting to have accomplished so much in such a short time. With each completed project, our enthusiasm only grows, knowing we can look forward to accomplishing remaining projects as well.”
Within the next few years ELF looks
A Rude Awakening!
Well, it is suddenly wintertime! How is your fireplace doing? Does your fireplace live up to your expectations? You don’t have to live with an ugly, outdated, dirty, drafty fireplace! Whether you want to burn wood or gas, there are so many attractive AND efficient fireplace options available. We are your expert resource in high efficiency and high-quality appliances that will keep you warm for many winters to come!
Any room in your home can become cozier and warmer. Imagine getting ready for the day on a chilly morning, but you’re perfectly comfortable because you have a beautiful and efficient gas fireplace burning in your bedroom or bathroom. When it’s time to go, you can easily turn it off with the press of a button or set the fireplace to thermostat-mode to keep your room consistently warm.
You can even add a fireplace to a blank wall! We can help you put in a fireplace almost anywhere in your
home. Your new zero-clearance gas or woodburning fireplace can be installed into framing that creates a bump-in structure into any room, like the picture below. Adding a vertical design element for the fireplace within a room can create a focal point for a television, built-in bookshelves, or even the classic look of floor-to-ceiling stone. You can complement the existing style of your home with other design elements around your new fireplace such as a hearth extension, mantle, stonework, or sleek modern tile.
Today’s fireplaces have revolutionized what we expect out of our hearth appliances. There are so many sizes, shapes, and styles to fit in any home. There are many new trends in fireplaces too, such as the new landscape shape which is not quite a traditional square, nor a modern linear. Some new gas fireplaces even have burners integrated into the logs, for the most ultra-realistic flame appearance to
date. There is also a huge increase in the popularity of fireplaces where you may not expect, such as your kitchen or bedroom. Your home doesn’t have to be brand new or custom-built to have a fireplace anywhere you want one.
Gas fireplaces are the most popular choice because they are easy to operate with a thermostatic remote control and can integrate into any room. For gas fireplaces and stoves, the venting can even be as simple as straight out through the wall, minimizing disturbance to your home while safely exhausting outside.
Did you know you can get a new woodburning fireplace? EPA-Certified woodburning fireplaces, stoves, and inserts are not only allowed, but encouraged with a new tax credit that is up to $2000 back! All of our woodburning appliances are EPA-Certified, and most qualify for this tax credit. We consider high-efficiency woodburning another one of our specialties.
If you already have a fireplace in your home, we can improve it. It’s not as complicated as it may seem to remove an old, inefficient factory-built fireplace and replace it with a new, beautiful and powerful heater; such as our project in the picture below. If you wish to update your old masonry fireplace, there are many design options for putting an insert into the old firebox that will take your fireplace from outdated and ugly to efficient and elegant.
Visit our website at www.MtnHP. com to see our products and portfolio of work. Or, come see them in person! We have a huge variety of beautiful and efficient fireplaces in our showroom at 7001 Highway 73 in Marshdale. Come visit us from 9am-5pm Monday through Friday, and 8am-4pm Saturdays. You can also reach us by phone at 303-679-1601, or email at Office@MtnHP.com.
ELF
From Page 4
forward to completing projects including the widening of Highway 73 with paved shoulders, beginning in May, making it safer for pedestrians and bicyclists. A small number of additional parking spaces will also be added.
In 2026, the widening of Meadow Drive will allow for an asphalt pathway so that residents can travel safely along the roadway. At the same time, paving of shoulders on Iris from Elks Lodge to Evergreen Christian Church and Fireweed to Center/Stage for pedestrian safety in shared parking lots for church, choir, and theater activities.
Replacing the Little Cub Creek Road bridge with a turn lane will improve sight distance and pedestrian/ bike safety. A sidewalk from Highway 73 at Buffalo Park Road to Highway 74 downtown currently planned with federal funding. Sidewalks on Buffalo Park Road at Highway 73 to S. Hatch Road and between Buffalo Park Road to Camel Heights Rd. along Highway 73 will allow pedestrians to travel safely from Wilmot Elementary and Evergreen High School to the Library, and with other projects, into downtown.
The Forest Hill Bridge will be replaced with a guardrail and pedestrian handrail.
There will be a Buffalo Park crossing at EHS so sprinting will no longer be a requirement of students. And finally, a sidewalk along S. Olive Road by EHS can help neighbors and students get to the Wulf Recreation Center and the High School.
Long-time supporter (and a founding board member of ELF) Gail Riley says, “I know the power and the value for Evergreen with the funds we contribute. We have made an impact most certainly in lieu of being incorporated.”
Riley has been instrumental in the beautification projects such as the mural by elementary school students under the connector bridge downtown and the murals on two sides of the Evergreen Metro Building at the foot of the dam as well as the addition of a natural stone park bench below one of the murals and another along Bear Creek.
ELF is grateful to the numerous local businesses and individuals who have stepped up to support their goal of raising funds for future projects. Recently, Frank Compagnino, owner of Ponderosa Carwash suggested he place a banner, and stickers at the pay stations, to bring focus on ELF. He generously is donating 1% each month rather than adding on 1%. Asked why he is so enthusiastically supporting ELF he replied, “It’s a great idea –why not?! With all the supporting information and documentation, and seeing what has happened, it makes it legitimate.”
Extensive improvements to safety afforded by sidewalks and crosswalks near Wilmot Elementary. Photo by Linda Kirkpatrick
The new and improved Evergreen Lake North Trail.
Photo by Linda Kirkpatrick
Gail Riley shows off stone bench along Bear Creek made possible by ELF.
Photo by Tom Statzell
Frank Compagnino, owner of the carwashes at Ponderosa and Hilltop, not only donates 1% of his earnings but also publicizes ELF with banners and stickers.
Photo by Linda Kirkpatrick
Five-Time Grammy® Award Nominee David Arkenstone
Returns to Colorado with His ‘Winter’s Eve’ Holiday Tour
By Jo Ann M. Colton Special to Lifestyles
Get set to welcome the 2024 winter season with sounds of music and merriment when David Arkenstone, musician/composer/ performer and five-time Grammy® Award nominee (2022, 2020, 2004, 2000, and 1992) returns to Colorado in December with his enthralling holiday concert tour “A Winter’s Eve with David Arkenstone & Friends.”
His highly regarded Winter’s Eve tour, which celebrates its third year in our Rocky Mountain state, begins scheduled performances in Golden, Colorado at Buffalo Rose (12/1), Fort Collins (12/3), Colorado Springs (12/4), Salida (12/5), Evergreen (12/6 at Center Stage), and Palmer Lake (12/7), and continues into New Mexico and Arizona. Check the website (davidarkenstone.com) for all tour schedule updates.
Arkenstone, a multi-talented musician who has worked with many musical genres, including progressive rock, has released 70-plus
albums. He has composed music soundtracks for films/film trailers, NBC Sports themes (The Kentucky Derby, U.S. Figure Skating, Premier League Soccer…), History and Discovery Channels’ historical reenactment dramas, video game scores (among them Heavy Metal), and epic orchestral soundtracks for Emperor: Battle for Dune and the World of Warcraft).
David Arkenstone was one of a select group of composers honored September 27-29, 2024 in Lausanne, Switzerland at four concerts (showcasing a 90-piece orchestra and 120 vocalists) for their musical contributions to World of Warcraft, a massively multiplayer online role-playing game (MMORPG) released in 2004 by Blizzard Entertainment.
His epic new album “Quest For The Runestone,” premiered July of this year. A powerful journey of music, story, and emotion based upon his love of Celtic/Nordic and cinematic movie traditions, his inspiration was a short story written by his son Dashiell Han Arkenstone.
“Quest For The Runestone” is available on
all major global streaming platforms. The CD Digibook is available with a 48-page booklet containing the original short story. The recording was mixed and mastered in Dolby Atmos at Evergroove Studio in Evergreen, Colorado.
David will also be releasing the fourth album in his Fairy-themed Series in the month of November.
Arkenstone, who plays a variety of musical instruments, will mainly play guitar and keyboard at his tour performances. He will be joined on stage by four other musicians playing cello, violin, flute, and percussion.
“I’ve done lots of holiday records throughout my career, and I took the best of what I thought would work live, and put them into the show,” said David. “There are a lot of holiday favorites that people know and some of what I call my original winter music. It’s actually a whole lot of fun!”
David Arkenstone, whose music is primarily instrumental, has established himself as one of the best contemporary instrumentalists of our time. He has clearly found his niche in
new age and neo-classical compositions that have been described as “soundtracks for the imagination.”
Categorized by melodic harmonies, improvisation, and sounds reproduced from the natural world, his listeners often feel a peaceful sense of calm that carries them on magical journeys within their minds. His music moves people. When asked why, he stated, “I think it starts with me wanting to go on my own little adventure. Then I make this sort of ‘sound painting’ in my mind that takes me there. I try to keep it interesting, and I am fortunate that people like to go on these adventures with me…they like where I take them.”
Visit David’s website (davidarkenstone.com) for venues/concert dates, and ticket information. Music lovers and Arkenfans…treat yourselves to a memorable musical night with David Arkenstone at any, or all, of his Colorado concert engagements, including his December 6 appearance at Center Stage, 27608 Fireweed Drive, Evergreen, Colorado.
