Canyon Courier March 7, 2024

Elk Creek Fire board member requests more transparency

BY JANE REUTER JREUTER@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM

At the request of an Elk Creek Fire board member, the district will provide easier access to its nances. Board vice president Dominique Devaney cited public concern and a recent in ux of open records requests from fellow board member Chuck Newby as reasons to make the change. Devaney said most of the information Newby requested should be readily available to the public.

e subject arose during the board’s Feb. 22 meeting.

Newby, who said he agrees with Devaney, has submitted 26 open records requests to Elk Creek Fire this

year. All are aimed at determining the cost to taxpayers of the failed Elk Creek, Inter-Canyon and North Fork re consolidation e ort, said Newby, who campaigned against the fall 2023 merger proposal.

Devaney said the requests have cost the district $3,000 “of unnecessary expense.”

“Most of it is nonrecoverable, which I don’t feel is a spectacular use of taxpayer money,” she said.

“Twenty-four of the 26 requests made could have been resolved with the presentation of a bills-for-payment register, just listing the checks written and who they were to.”

Devaney is an administrative and

human resources manager at the Evergreen Metro District, which she said provides that information in its board packets.

“I have requested that the Elk Creek Fire Department present information similarly to alleviate these concerns,” she said. “I will continue to make that request until it’s done.”

Elk Creek Fire Chief Jacob Ware said he’ll ensure the change is made.

“Of course we can do that,” he said. “Fiscal transparency is apparent.

“Director Devaney has a tremendous amount of experience in special districts. I really value her expertise and opinion on it.”

Newby, who has also made pub-

lic records requests with the InterCanyon and North Fork re districts, said he’s in favor of such a change.

“I think publishing the check register is an excellent idea,” he said. “I believe we as a district haven’t been as transparent as we could be and should be. We’ve spent taxpayer money wisely, and I don’t think there’s any nancial mismanagement at all. But when you’re not transparent up front, you leave the taxpayers wondering. I want them to have the facts.”

Devaney said the district has nonancial secrets.

“ ere is a faction that has concerns over nances; I do not have concerns,” she said. “Every year we’re required to undergo an audit, and we have passed it. We also came in under budget last year.

“I believe in being in front of things, and I think a lot of the concern can be resolved simply with the way that information is provided,” she continued. “My opinion is we have nothing to hide, so just get it out there.”

As for his open records requests, Newby said he tried to avoid submitting them.

“I’ve asked for that information and been refused time and time again,” he said. “ e reason for the batches of CORAs (Colorado Open Records Act) to this district and the two other districts Is it’s the only way I can get the information. I’m just trying to understand how much was spent on consolidation, the direct costs between 2021 and 2023.

“You’re asked to narrowly tailor what you’re asking for in the form. at’s why there are so many,” he continued.

Newby believes the information is important for Elk Creek residents.

“I’ve had questions speci cally from taxpayers within the district on these things,” he said. “ is is not an e ort to catch some misdeeds or misspending. I see this as a service to my constituents, by getting them information that rightfully belongs to them. It’s in the public interest.”

He said he is not trying to discourage another consolidation e ort.

“I have no knowledge anybody plans to seek consolidation again,” he said. “I would re-evaluate a new proposal on its own merits. at’s my duty — to be a duciary for all the people of the Elk Creek district.”

Elk

Evergreen Lake ice skating season ends

Feb. 19 closure is two weeks earlier than in 2023

BY JANE REUTER JREUTER@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM

Evergreen Lake closed to ice skating Feb. 19, citing a spate of warm weather that made the ice’s surface rough and unsafe for skating. e closure is about two weeks earlier than in 2023 when skating ended in early March.

In addition to ending the season early, the closure nixed plans for the Teen Skate during Evergreen’s March 2 Chill Out Winterfest.

e issue isn’t the ice depth, but its condition. e ice on Evergreen Lake is currently about 20 inches deep, according to Lake House manager Krista Emrich. Colorado Parks and Wildlife says four inches of ice is generally considered safe for skating, ice shing or walking.

“Ice skating is tricky,” Emrich said. “If you get a few days of warm temperatures and then snow on top, it insulates that softer ice underneath, and it makes it hard for us to get the grooming equipment back out there. A series of events can deteriorate the ice to where you can’t get it back.”

e fact that skating continued through Feb. 19 was no accident, Emrich said, citing the herculean e orts of Evergreen Park and Recreation District sta .

“I’d love the community to know how hard those guys worked to get the ice back for Presidents’ Day weekend,” she said. “ ey were out there with hoses watering from midnight to 3 a.m. to smooth the ice and create a positive skating experience. No one sees them out there at that hour, but they did the best they could to give us as much time as possible on the ice.” is season was in stark contrast to the winter of 2022-23, which was “one of the best we’ve had from an ice perspective,” said

EPRD Executive Director Cory Vander Veen.

Evergreen Lake is owned by the city and county of Denver and managed by EPRD.

“We’ve had some good winters,” he said. “Last year we opened early and had consistent cold weather at night. is winter’s been kind of mediocre.”

Emrich said the early closure is also a nancial hit, but one the district prepares for.

“Not to be open through February stings,” she said. “We budget conservatively because the ice is so unpredictable. No one is more disappointed than we are.”

EPRD charges $15 for admission to skate at Evergreen Lake and offers skate rental, punch passes and an annual ice skating pass. e district states it cannot guarantee open days, times or ice quality.

In addition to public ice skating, EPRD hosts evening pond hockey and broomball pick-up games, ice skating classes, and ice hockey clinics on Evergreen Lake.

EPRD sta er Luke Weaver sprays water on Evergreen Lake in the wee hours of the morning to help prolong ice skating season.

PHOTO COURTESY EPRD

Rising costs spell uncertain future for Conifer’s MRC Resale Store

Nonprofit is negotiating with property owners and seeking other sites

BY JANE REUTER JREUTER@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM

Conifer’s Mountain Resource Center Resale Store is facing an uncertain future. e center’s lease on its Conifer Marketplace site expires this summer, and a representative of the nonpro t said the current costs are too high.

e MRC board has until the end of March to give written notice on the lease renewal. While the agency’s rst choice is to keep the shop in its current site, board members are looking at other options.

“We’re hoping to negotiate a lower rate,” said MRC board member Marilyn Saltzman. “We understand (the property owners) have expenses as well. So if they can’t, we are developing a timeline and looking at other sites. So far nothing has arisen that

ping experience where customers nd a ordable items in a welcoming environment,” according to the center’s website. Resale Store sale proceeds help fund MRC’s programs and services.

e store is currently operating at a signi cant de cit, losing $51,000 at the end of the 2023 scal year. is year, it’s projected to lose $70,410.

ple in the community,” said Caroline Kim, property manager with Conifer Hyon. “It would have to work for them nancially. We are still in the midst of negotiations.”

Bill Downes, a real estate agent with Evergreen Commercial Group, is helping MRC negotiate with Conifer Hyon and look for potential new sites.

PHOTO COURTESY MOUNTAIN RESOURCE CENTER

would be more economically feasible.

“We’re trying to leave no stone unturned,” Saltzman continued. “But at some point, we’ll have to make the decision: Do we stay where we are, do we move or do we close?”

e Mountain Resource Center is a community-based organization that provides free services for individuals and families that need support.

ose services include the Resale Store, which “o ers a digni ed shop-

e loss is because of increasing costs to rent the space. Since the pandemic, utility costs have doubled and the common area maintenance fee for the space has increased 65 percent, Saltzman said.

e MRC board said it’s not scally responsible to keep spending its limited donor dollars to subsidize the store. ose contributions, along with the grants MRC receives, are needed to fund programs that directly bene t those in need, the board agreed.

ose somber nancial facts aside, everyone wants the store to remain in Conifer Marketplace. at includes the property manager.

“We de nitely would like them to stay because we know they’re a sta-

“I’m trying to help because I believe in their mission,” he said. “I’m still hopeful we can come to an agreement. It’s not easy given the constraints of the owners and MRC. But I’ve been down this path before. If we can’t make it work there, we’ll nd another home for them. I’m committed.”

Regardless of the store’s future, Saltzman said MRC will continue.

“We’re very viable,” she said. “We are working to start a universal pre-k program in the fall. We have a food pantry. We help veterans. We have a lot of good programs.

It’s just that the Resale Store is draining income rather than contributing. We don’t feel we can justify that to our owners.”

The Mountain Resource Center’s Resale Store in Conifer Marketplace may be priced out of its current home.

State Legislation Promoting Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) Passes Its First Hurdle

An oft-mentioned priority of Gov. Polis and others has been to increase the housing supply throughout Colorado. One of the most successful programs has been the promotion of “Transit Oriented Development,” which has manifested itself in the construction of medium-rise and high-rise apartment buildings near light-rail stations.

Another strategy has been to promote and facilitate the construction of Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) in areas zoned for single-family homes.

and Sen. Tony Exum (D-El Paso County).

The title of the bill is “Concerning increasing the number of accessory dwelling units.” A link to the full text of the bill is at RealEstateToday.substack.com

The ADU movement has met some resistance in certain circles, and would be impractical in many subdivisions with small lot sizes and no alleys. Because most local jurisdictions have required ADUs to have separate access and one designated parking space, it hasn’t been a viable option for most single-family homes in newer subdivisions — if the HOA would allow it.

Now there’s a bill (HB24-1152) that just passed the House Committee on Transportation, Housing and Local Government, which would require HOAs (and developers of new subdivisions) to allow ADUs without undue restrictions. The bi-partisan vote was 9-2, and the bill is now going to the House Appropriations Committee for approval before going to the floor of the House and then the Senate.

The prime sponsors in the House are Rep. Ron Weinberg (R-Larimer County) and Judy Amabile (D-Boulder, et al.). The prime sponsors in the Senate are Sen. Kyle Mullica (D-Adams County),

The bill specifically applies to Colorado’s metro areas, specifically to areas with a minimum 1,000 population served by a “Metropolitan Planning Organization.” There are only five MPOs in Colorado. The one serving the Denver metro counties (plus Clear Clerk and Gilpin) is the Denver Regional Council of Governments, or DRCOG.

Section 1 of the bill, as introduced, requires subject jurisdictions to allow one ADU, where practical, for any home zoned single-family detached, and it prohibits a jurisdiction from enacting or enforcing laws that restrict the construction or conversion of ADUs.

My home city of Golden allows ADUs, and I have seen them permitted above detached garages (a great application of the concept), and in walk-out basements. The required parking space could be a separate driveway or one

Today Is ‘Slam the Scam’ Day

March 7th is being promoted by the Social Security Administration as a day to recognize and fight scams which can deplete the resources of senior citizens. At http://RealEstateToday.substack.com I have posted a link to their “Scam Alert” fact sheet and another link for reporting a scam to Social Security.

space in a multi-car garage. It would be hard to create an ADU in a single family home on a small lot without a walk-out basement or room for a separate structure.

Every jurisdiction subject to the law, if passed, would be required to report to the Division of Local Government that it has met the law’s requirements and developed one or more strategies to “encourage and facilitate” the construction of ADUs.

The bill also establishes a grant program within the Division to help local jurisdictions create their plans and strategies, reduce permitting fees, and provide technical assistance to builders and owners.

It also empowers the Colorado Economic Development Commission to expend $8 million on a contract with the Colorado Housing and Finance Authority (CHFA) to provide affordable loans, interest rate buy-downs, and down payment assistance plus direct loans related to the construction and conversion of ADUs.

Accessory dwelling units facilitated by the proposed law won’t make a huge dent in the housing crisis, but they have

other benefits. For starters, it will help homeowners create a revenue stream that could help them keep their home.

One of the rules for allowing ADUs in Golden and elsewhere is that the owner of the property must live on the premises — either in the main house or in the ADU. In other words, an owner or investor couldn’t add an ADU and have two rentals units. HB24-1152 disallows that requirement.

My thanks to reader John Phillips, who alerted me to this bill and attended the committee hearing at which it was debated and approved. John’s business builds ADUs under the name Verdant Living. You can reach him at 303-7171962. He is happy to answer any questions you might have about ADUs.

His website is www.VerdantLiving.us.

Follow-up on Propane Article

Last week I had a link to an article promoting the use of propane as a backup, even for an all-electric home. Reader Phil Cox pointed out to me that it wouldn’t work in Denver (and possible other cities) because its building code prohibits the installation of a propane tank anywhere that is within 300 feet of a natural gas (methane) supply line. Thanks, Phil!

2-BR Arvada Condo Just Listed by Kathy Jonke

$345,000

This 4-bedroom home at 14997 W. 32nd Place backs to the largest of the Coors ponds, which is a birder's dream hosting many rare specious of migratory fowl! There are numerous hiking and biking trails less than a mile away on South Table Mountain, and Rolling Hills Country Club and Applewood Golf Course are each a few blocks aways. Vibrant downtown Golden is 3 miles to the west, and I70 is 2 miles to the east. The front door opens to a 1900-sq.-ft. main level overlooking the Coors pond. The primary suite has high ceilings and also overlooks the pond. A guest bedroom is at the front of the home with an ensuite bathroom. The lower-level walkout basement features 2 more bedrooms, a kitchenette, and a large rec room with built-in bar. The lower level could function as a space to house a caregiver. Enjoy the large main-level deck with it great views of the pond and mountains. It has plenty of room for a table, chairs and grill. The attached garage holds two cars with room to park more in the driveway. The owner says the HOA is well run, and the $360 monthly dues pay for front/back yard maintenance, irrigation maintenance and fences, snow removal up to the porch and garage, trash and recycling collection, street maintenance and common area maintenance. It has been four years since a home was listed for sale in this neighborhood, which tell you how much people like living here. View a narrated video walk-through plus drone video at ApplewoodHome.online, then call Chuck Brown at 303-885-7855 to request a showing. Or come to the open house Saturday, 11 to 1.

This is a rare opportunity to own a spacious 2-bedroom, 2-bathroom, garden-level condo at 7700 Depew Street #1501 in the well-maintained Wood Creek community that includes a pool and ample parking for you and your guests. Step inside to an open living room with a wood-burning fireplace and built-in shelves, dining area with patio doors and an all-white kitchen with tile floors. There is a bar-height counter between the living room and kitchen, providing an additional seating option. The living and dining rooms are carpeted and freshly painted in a soft neutral color. The two bedrooms are at opposite ends of the condo, separated by the living area. Both bedrooms have extensive closet space. The primary bedroom has two bi-fold doors accessing one closet plus a linen closet. Your private covered patio off of the dining room has a secure storage closet with plenty of room for bikes and additional items on the built in shelves. There is also a full-size laundry room in the unit with three overhead cabinets and a hanging rod. The washer and dryer are included. Wood Creek is located within minutes of the Denver-Boulder Turnpike. Little Dry Creek trail is right outside your door. Walk to parks, shops, restaurants and transit. View a narrated video tour plus magazine-quality still photos at www.ArvadaCondo.online, then call listing agent Kathy Jonke at 303-990-7428 to request a showing. If you prefer, you can come to the open house she will be holding this Saturday, Mar. 9th, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

303-908-4835

GREG KRAFT, 720-353-1922

AUSTIN POTTORFF, 970-281-9071

KATHY JONKE, 303-990-7428

“Concentrate on giving and the getting will take care of itself.” —Anonymous

EPRD looks to future of Buchanan Park

Urban planner and civil engineer on board to help flesh out plans for park’s redevelopment

BY JANE REUTER JREUTER@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM

Redevelopment plans for Buchanan Park aren’t even etched in pencil yet, but the Evergreen Park and Recreation District board spent two hours discussing possibilities for the property during a Feb. 27 work session. An accessible adventure playground with water features, a dual-sided pavilion, a skate park, restrooms, added trails and a covered multi-use area that can host everything from farmers markets and baseball games in the summer to ice skating in the winter are among the ideas on the table.

A civil engineer and urban planner contracted by EPRD helped the board sift through the ideas and will develop a conceptual plan.

e 42-acre park adjacent to the Buchanan Park Recreation Center is now home to baseball elds, a multipurpose eld, a playground, stocked trout ponds, trails and several buildings. But the community wants more and has approved money to make that a reality.

In November 2023, voters passed a property tax extension that will generate an additional $1.3 million a year for the district. e district has pieced park property together for the

last three decades and now wants to create a well-designed space for the Evergreen community.

“ ere’s been a lot of planning

for Buchanan Park over the years, and not as much action,” said urban planner Brent Kaslon, whose company Valerian has contracted with

it has been and really start to

EPRD. “ e idea is to take it further than

The Evergreen Park and Recreation District is just beginning work to redevelop Buchanan Park.

PHOTO COURTESY EPRD

SEE BUCHANAN, P7

BUCHANAN

gure out how we can make the park an asset.”

Kaslon is also an Evergreen resident and clearly sees the need for such a park.

“We have so much open space in and around Evergreen, but we don’t have a lot of active-use parks or community gathering space,” he said. “ is park is the largest park EPRD has, and it’s highly used.

“But it feels like it’s not necessarily been a cohesive design,” he continued. “ ere are a lot of separate uses. How can we connect them all, and make it a cohesive park? e other thing we’re looking at is the ADA capabilities of the area. ere are spots that are inaccessible. Making those accessible is denitely a goal.”

All of that will be done while ensuring the park maintains its mountain character.

While the plan is still vague, the community has weighed in on what they want to see. Among those items is a permanent structure with a multi-use stage, full-service bathrooms and the preservation and enhancement of trees and other vegetation.

During the Feb. 27 discussion, board

members, sta and planners emphasized the idea of exible space — structures and elds with uses that change with the time of day and the seasons.

ose outdoor elds could also potentially serve as temporary parking areas during big events.

“We have an incredible amount of space that isn’t used very e ciently,” Welch said. “ e idea is to create great spaces that are really e cient and well used.”

e playground that currently exists will likely be replaced with an accessible playground, one more in keeping with the 2008 master plan for the park.

“ e playground that is there today looks nothing like the one from the master plan,” said Brian Welch, a civil engineer with EV Studio, which is also working with EPRD. “It really was supposed to be a destination playground.”

“I think it should have some water features,” said board member Don Rosenthal. “ at’s a magnet for a playground.”

EPRD board president Peter Eggers said he’s most intrigued by the pavilions.

“What about for us lazy adult users that don’t like to run around as much anymore, those who aren’t sports-oriented?” he said. “ is community gathering space and pavilions is the kind of thing I’m attracted to — a place to go to an outdoor concert, a lecture series, a movie.”

“I think that’s the most important thing on the list,” Rosenthal agreed. Board members and sta brie y discussed the idea of a dual-sided pavilion, with space for concerts on one side and more intimate gatherings on the other.

e discussion repeatedly centered on incorporating nature into the designs and preserving trees. Welch said an arborist will be “a huge part of this process,” with a focus on preserving stands of trees. Elements like skate parks, once traditionally concrete, can be uniquely designed to include trees and other existing vegetation.

“A lot of the skate parks they’re designing now are integrated into the natural topography of the land,” Welch said. “It provides a nice aesthetic, and it’s a draw for people.”

e public will have multiple opportunities to weigh in as the plans develop, including late this month. e board plans another presentation and discussion of the park during its 5:30 p.m. March 27 meeting at the Buchanan Park Recreation Center.

Initial construction on some of the projects could begin in 2025, said EPRD executive director Cory Vander Veen.

In 2024, Vander Veen said EPRD will begin cleaning up the park and working with Je erson County to de ne zoning, water, transportation and other elements critical to the park’s development.

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Who are Colorado’s wildlife o cers?

We are known by many names in Colorado: district wildlife managers, game wardens and wildlife o cers, among others. As a Wildlife O cer in Colorado, every day brings the opportunity for adventures and challenges while managing the state’s sh, wildlife and habitat resources.

From high country to high plains, forests to foothills, rivers to reservoirs and everywhere in between, we are lucky to call Colorado’s outdoors our o ce. For over 125 years, it is in these landscapes and communities that we have furthered the mission of Colorado Parks & Wildlife to perpetuate the wildlife resources of the state, provide a quality state parks system, and provide enjoyable and sustainable outdoor recreation opportunities that educate and inspire current and future generations to serve as active stewards of Colorado’s natural resources.

Our role as wildlife o cers is multi-faceted and rarely does one day look the same as the last. As state-commissioned peace o cers, enforcing Colorado’s wildlife laws and regulations is one of the primary aspects of our duties – but it’s not just about catching poachers. It’s about ensuring the responsible management of species that are

Back in college I knew a guy who had the most raging political ambition imaginable. It controlled just about every facet of his life. Once I went to his dorm room to give him some money and in that room, he had a life-sized picture of Nixon. It was the 80s and I did a double take and wondered why he had that. I thought he was channeling Alex P. Keaton, perhaps. He sensed my discomfort and immediately said in an attempt to explain that he had a life-sized picture of Nixon because he could not nd one of Goldwater who of course was a better conser-

FROM THE WILDLIFE OFFICER’S DESK Jacob Sonberg,

Scott Murdoch, Philip Sorensen, Mark Lamb, Matt Martinez & Kara VanHoose

integral to Colorado’s landscapes and natural heritage. Whether it’s making criminal cases against those who illegally take wildlife or educating the public on the importance of refraining from feeding wildlife, every enforcement action we take is aimed at changing future behavior and protecting Colorado’s natural resources.

For wildlife o cers, patrolling Colorado’s diverse landscapes isn’t just law enforcement, it’s about being an active steward of the land for the bene t of the wildlife and for the public. Habitat management and wildlife biology are crucial aspects of our role – in Colorado, Wildlife O cers are also biologists, which is what makes this profession so enjoyable. We are constantly involved in boots-on-the-ground habitat work including timber management, invasive plant control, and land use commentary, as well as hands-on biological work including population surveys, trapping and ear tagging/collaring projects, sh spawning operations, and wildlife disease monitoring. By utilizing

proven conservation strategies such as these, CPW is able to make science-based decisions to e ectively manage wildlife populations and habitat, ensuring that future generations can enjoy the state’s natural resources in perpetuity.

Perhaps the most rewarding part of the job as a wildlife o cer is the opportunity to educate the public about the importance of Colorado’s wildlife resources. Whether we’re speaking about deer and elk biology at the local elementary school, hosting a hunter education class, or chatting with a landowner about mitigating bear con ict, we constantly strive to encourage the public to take an active role in understanding and managing Colorado’s natural resources. By fostering a deeper understanding of the critters that Coloradans enjoy hunting and shing for, viewing, and living alongside, we work to instill a sense of stewardship and responsibility that will endure for future generations.

As Colorado continues to grow in popularity as a place to live and recreate, the state’s natural resources continue to experience increasing pressure and new challenges. In the face of these challenges, Colorado’s wildlife o cers will continue to adapt and nd solutions to responsibly manage the state’s wildlife re-

sources. However, it’s not just up to wildlife o cers – it is critical for the public to remain involved in the stewardship of these landscapes for the bene t of wildlife and wildlife habitat. Colorado’s wildlife o cers work closely within their communities and are happy to hear from and work cooperatively with the public.

If you would like to get in touch with your local wildlife o cer regarding wildlife violations, habitat projects, educational program opportunities, or other wildlife concerns and incidents, please contact CPW’s Northeast Region Service Center during normal business hours at 303-291-7227.

If you would like to report a wildlife incident and it is outside of normal business hours, please contact Colorado State Patrol’s Non-Emergency Dispatch at 303-239-4501 or *CSP (*277), and a wildlife o cer will be in touch.

If you would like to report a wildlife violation, on record or anonymously, please contact Colorado Operation Game ief at 1-877-COLO-OGT (1-877-265-6648).

Contributors to this column included Wildlife O cers Jacob Sonberg, Scott Murdoch and Philip Sorensen; Area Wildlife Managers Mark Lamb and Matt Martinez; and CPW NE Region PIO Kara VanHoose.

Being able to walk away from politics

JOE WEBB Columnist

vative. I said “Uh huh” and got out of there. Later on, some football players stole the picture and sent him a ransom note, “We have your Dick” it said. Ouch.

He detailed his plans for elected o ce to me as a career politician in great detail. Had his plans from 1988 materialized, he would have been elected Governor of a midwestern state back in 2016.

at never happened, although he was elected to statewide o ce in that midwestern state. He ultimately had to resign his o ce because of severe ethical lapses that resulted in a criminal prosecution. He had his law license suspended for two years and I have no idea what became of him after his sad fate. In some ways, I feel bad for him that he made the choices he did.

When you cut corners and make politics your whole life and your raison d’etre, it is a recipe for personal as well as political disaster. It is not healthy to focus on all of the nonsensical stu that politics entails to

the exclusion of other parts of your life.

I know several who walked away from political o ce. Like Cincinnatus returning to his plow after his service as Consul, they are honorable people who did more than their fair share. I also know others who are staying in the political game as best they can for any number of di erent reasons. Hopefully, that accomplishes something for the greater good.

Walking away from politics and having a life outside of it is the hall-

BY STAVROS KORONEOS

Jive talk

EVERGREEN – When somebody claiming to be from Western Union’s “fraud department” called about a wire transaction her employee recently made, the boss was dubious. For one thing, her employee never wires money through Western Union. For another, Dubious Boss has in the past received virtually identical calls from the “fraud departments” of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Federal Trade Commission and the United States Department of Justice. Still, the supposed Western Union representative seemed to know entirely too much about both her employee and herself, prompting Dubious Boss to call JCSO for advice. e caller had yet to ask for money, she told deputies, for the moment wanting merely “to talk”, and he’d helpfully provided contact information for “federal attorney Sarah Miller,” who seems to have a voice mail account that she never checks. Deputies smelled the same rat that Dubious Boss did, advising her to provide no personal or sensitive information, and certainly no cash.

He didn’t hate it

viciously poking her side with the business end of a pool cue. Tumbling to trouble, the bartender told Blondie and Brunella to begone before he called the cops. e B-girls stalked out to the parking lot and stationed themselves next to Kitty’s car for the better part of an hour before wandering o into the darkness. e coast nally clear, Magnet and Kitty leapt into Kitty’s car and made a break for it, but didn’t get far before Blondie, obviously laying in wait, jumped into the street, forcing Kitty to a screeching stop.

en Blondie climbed up on the vehicle and started “jumping on the hood” and screaming obscenities until she grew exhausted, giving Kitty the window she needed to e ect a clean escape. After reviewing abundant eyewitness testimony and several minutes of highly credible surveillance tape, deputies tracked Blondie to her South Cole Court digs and asked if she remembered striking Kitty in the ribs with a pool cue. “I didn’t strike her with it,” Blondie objected. “I jabbed her with it.” anking her for that clarication, o cers cited Blondie for third-degree assault and told her she wasn’t welcome at the watering hole anymore.

Motorist mislabeled

SOUTH JEFFCO – It’s tough being Chick Magnet. His Friday night just warming up, Magnet was chatting up Kitty at the local watering hole when Blondie and Brunella approached the table and started making sweet with him. Since Blondie and Brunella were clearly half lit, and since he already had his hands full with Kitty, and since he’s not entirely an unprincipled hound, Magnet told Blondie and Brunella to take a hike. “Go home,” he said, dismissively. Feeling a touch scorned, but still hoping to close the deal with Magnet, Blondie unleashed Hell’s fury on Kitten, scorching her with cruel insults and

WEBB

FROM

mark of real conservatism. In an ideal world if you run for o ce you should go into it with the notion that you wish to accomplish something tangible like lowering taxes or advocating for charter schools. en you leave. You should not use an o ce

EVERGREEN – It was the morning of Jan. 22 and, all but invisible behind darkly tinted windows, the driver of the white Ford Explorer cruising slowly through the neighborhood may have been looking for something. An alert citizen watching the Explorer’s stealthy progress feared he may have found it when the vehicle came to rest in front of a neighbor’s mailbox. Suspecting a theft in progress, the anxious observer called JCSO, and deputies quickly located the Ford parked beside the road a short distance away. O cers found no stolen mail in

SEE SHERIFF’S CALLS, P14

whether elected or a party o ce as a springboard for some higher o ce. It should be OK to walk away either permanently or just temporarily. Unchecked ambition can blind or destroy those who might have begun with the best of intentions. Philosophers often say the only people who should be trusted with power are those who do not seek it.

EAGLIN Cheryl Rasmussen Eaglin

November 26, 1944 - February 25, 2024

Cheryl Rasmussen Eaglin, a lifelong outdoorswoman, died peacefully at the age of 79 on February 25th, 2024 in Bozeman, MT. She was surrounded by her two children, Heather and Justin, and her brother Richard.

Cheryl was quick to smile, with a spunky and adventurous nature that de ned her life. She was always open to new places, friends, and activities. As a young girl growing up in Wisconsin, she learned to hunt and sh with her father and ride horses. It’s hard to nd a picture from Cheryl’s youth where she’s not sitting on a horse or holding a dead pheasant. She loved the great outdoors, whether she was sitting in a cold marsh in the Midwest or looking at a majestic landscape. She always dreamed of living in the West, although it took her decades to achieve her dream.

Cheryl was born in 1944 in Fond du Lac, Wisconsin and learned about horses early on, spending days at a local community park that o ered pony rides. Her father Charles worked as an auto body mechanic and played drums in a local band, despite having lost an arm in an accident as a teenager.

Cheryl graduated early from Oshkosh High School in 1961 and later took night classes at Northwestern University in Chicago.

In her early twenties, Cheryl embarked on a cross-country road trip that brought her joy and laughter throughout her life. In 1964, she and a girlfriend traveled on Route 66 from Chicago to Taos, New Mexico, in a yellow Volkswagen Beetle to work for Ernie Blake, the founder of Taos Ski Valley, who emigrated from Germany in 1938 to assist U.S. military intelligence during World War II.

Cheryl then went to work on Capitol Hill in 1966 as an aide to Illinois Senate Minority Leader Everett Dirksen. While oating in an inner tube, she met her rst husband Peter Nauert who noticed her smile as his sailboat passed. e couple married in Washington in 1968 and returned to his hometown Rockford, Ill., to start a family. Cheryl joined Junior League and was active in the arts community. She opened an art gallery, Art A air, and became an amateur photographer while taking classes at Rockford College.

In 1988, at age 43, she moved to Montana with her then-husband Larry Eaglin. Bozeman was the perfect t. She enjoyed y shing and riding horses, including leading

her moody teenagers on snowy pack trips through the Crazy Mountains. It was at her Bridger Canyon property, the Diamond E Ranch, where she found her passion- raising and training Missouri Fox Trotter horses and serving as a certi ed show judge. As a trainer, she brought out the best qualities in gaited horses and was known as a “matchmaker,” of horses and people, helping riders, including the actor Robert Redford, nd the right horse. She was a protegee of the late Ray Hunt, whose “horse whisperer” style promoted kindness and discipline.

Cheryl was particularly proud of her Missouri Fox Trotter, Frisco Cappuccino, recognized as the World Grand Champion Model Horse in 1999 and often rode him in local parades. roughout her horse career, she was a believer in the comfort and disposition of Fox Trotters and often joked that male students who experienced a gaited horse would never ride another breed.

For a time, Cheryl lived in Colorado, but returned to Bozeman to spend more time with her son, daughter and two grandsons. ey shared a love of horses, local rodeos, and generous scoops of ice cream at Kagy Corner. She was curious, kind, and generous in spirit, spending many years helping others in Al Anon as a participant and sponsor.

Cheryl was preceded in death by her parents Natalie and Charles Rasmussen. She leaves behind her son Peter Justin Nauert of Bozeman, daughter Heather Nauert of New York, two grandchildren, their father Scott Norby, and her brother Richard “Dick” Rasmussen (Ann) of Trinidad, Co. She was a member of the Missouri Fox Trotter Association and of e Daughters of the American Revolution.

A Celebration of Cheryl’s Life will be held on Saturday, March 2nd at 10:00 A.M. at Dokken-Nelson Funeral Service.

In lieu of owers, donations can be made in memory of Cheryl to Eagle Mount, a program that enables people with disabilities to participate in outdoor activities, including horseback riding. Please specify your donation is in memory of Cheryl, www. eaglemount.org.

Arrangements are in the care of DokkenNelson Funeral Service. www.dokkennelson. com

More Obits P14

Ice fishing creates and continues bonds between friends and families in Colorado

BY CHRIS KOEBERL CKOEBERL@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM

e Colorado Department of Parks and Wildlife estimates shing in Colorado generates $2.4 billion in economic output each year, and ice shing is quickly becoming a major source of that revenue, according to CPW.

If you don’t know how or are intimidated by trekking out on the ice for the rst time, CPW has everything you need.

“We provide the gear, we provide the demonstrations, and those that are our experts just love to o er up their opinions and their services to show o the fun things that you get to do outside of work and getting into Colorado,” Staunton Park Manager Zach Taylor said.

CPW constantly updates where and when shing clinics are held across the state, including one held recently at Staunton Park in Pine.

Promoting ice shing serves several roles.

“We as a community and a culture don’t talk much as a community anymore when we can get people outside, maybe outside their comfort zone, but (we want to) show them how easy it is and how fun it can be,” Taylor said.

Volunteers are a critical part of CPW’s goal and mission to get people outdoors in Colorado around the year and their contributions and considerable.

Each year 4,000-6,000 volunteers engage with CPW — some who connect for one day, and some who engage daily. Volunteers contribute over 320,000 hours per year with an annual economic impact of $9.4 million, according to CPW.

REELING

“I was brought up in a culture with my mom and dad that man is put on this earth to serve other men, and so how we make other people better is how we relate with them,”

Longtime CPW volunteer Michael Hedgpeth from Elizabeth said. “ is gives me the opportunity to relate to people every time I come out here.”

Hedgpeth said he’d been coming out to Staunton Park for so long CPW asked if he would want to volunteer and share his knowledge of ice shing with others. He quickly accepted the unpaid position.

“I feel like I’m honestly serving a greater purpose from helping to give back to mankind to help us be better people, better at what we do,” Hedgpeth said as he reeled in a nice trout from his small hole in the ice during the Staunton Park clinic.

Strong friendship bonds solidified on the ice

Al Jaramillo and Archie Garcia consider themselves brothers, not by birth, but from more than 40 years of friendship.

e pair shed through several feet of ice at Georgetown Lake in early February.

“We’re ice shing today and it’s going to be a nice day,” Jaramillo said. “You know, you can’t beat it with the sun shining down on us, the sh are biting… it beats going to work every day.”

ese guys have the modern technology and tools of the sport, including a power auger to dig through the ice and several sonar “ sh- nders.”

e sport can be as basic or as high-tech as you want to make it, the two men said. It also means you can spend as little or as much as you want to get into the sport.

“It depends how you want to out t yourself, but you can spend a lot of money,” Garcia said. “ ese are $100 boots, a $75 jacket $75, the sleds are another $50, the reels are $100, the sh nders are around $300. It’s not a cheap sport, but you could come out here with a stick with a string tied to it and might get lucky.”

eir drill-powered auger was equipped with a frisbee near the drill, “If augur falls into the hole it won’t sink oating on top of the hole,” Garcia said. So, even with their high-tech gear, simple solutions can be the best.

Pop-up tents with propane heaters are also popular to stay warm and out of the wind. According to one angler on the ice at Georgetown Lake, you’re also looking at between $400 and $1000 to buy the comfortable set-up. However, it still doesn’t guarantee more sh.

“It’s a little luck and a little skill,” Drew from Longmont said.

On the opposite end of the lake, two ice shers cut through the solid frozen lake with a hand-operated auger.

Rik Ramunno from Lakewood and his good friend Kyle, of Denver, twisted their way into the ice an inch at a time.

Ramunno, who grew up in Eagle, has been ice shing his entire life, but this was the rst outing for Kyle.

“You can’t learn how to do something new unless you do it. I think ice shing is something that people look at and say ‘that’s kind of cool’ but I have no idea how to go about it,” Ramunno said. “Doing it with Kyle, now he can do this whenever he wants.”

e pair also enjoyed the connection between ice shing and history, when the “sport” was a necessity.

“You know a man used to have to come to the ice to get food, I think it’s important to remember where we come from,” Kyle said.

Guided ice fishing tours: leave the work to the pros

Sport Fish Colorado based in Lake City is one of dozens of guide services across the state that o ers to “take care of everything,” according to coowner Aimee Withrow.

A mix of shing areas in Antero Reservoir, Tarryall Reservoir, Blue Mesa Reservoir and Taylor Reservoir draw clients from Denver and Colorado Springs for ice shing, Withrow said.

If you’re 16 or older, all you need is a state shing license, warm clothes and a desire for the experience.

“ e guides would have all the gear they would set everything up for you.

ey know the spots they like to sh so generally they’re getting on sh right away,” Withrow said.

Sport Fish Colorado o ers three and six-hour guided experiences at any of the lakes they cover.

e cost for a three-hour excursion for two is about $400, Withrow said.

e guides will do as much or as little as the customer wants, including taking the sh o the hook or cleaning, appropriate sh, to take home for dinner, Withrow added.

Rik Ramunno from Lakewood and his good friend Kyle, of Denver, twisted their way into the ice an inch at a time at Georgetown Lake. PHOTOS BY CHRIS KOEBERL

Longtime Colorado Parks and Wildlife volunteer Michael Hedgpeth from Elizabeth lands a trout while showing others the basics of ice fishing in Stanunton Park in Pine.

Colorado Parks and Wildlife held an ice fishing introduction session at Staunton Park in Pine in February.

Je co parents try to keep school in their community

BY YESENIA ROBLES CHALKBEAT COLORADO

Writing grant requests, requesting donations from local businesses, and even starting a GoFundMe page.

at’s how some Je co parents are scrambling to raise more than half a million dollars to help open a charter school in a remote mountain canyon after Je co Public Schools announced it would close the K-8 school in Coal Creek Canyon.

e Je co school board voted this fall to close Coal Creek Canyon K-8 citing low enrollment and an unsustainable cost. But Je erson Academy, the charter network that was

supposed to take over the building, is now facing the same issues and may not be able to open a school there after all.

Unlike when the district closed about 20 other schools in the past couple of years and reassigned students to nearby schools, district leaders acknowledged that closing Coal Creek Canyon K-8, located near the border with the Boulder district, would be di erent because of the school’s remote location. So the district opened a process o ering the building to a charter that might be better prepared to run such a small school.

Je erson Academy, an existing

charter school network in Je co, was approved to open a prekindergarten through eighth grade school in the Coal Creek Canyon building.

But now that the school may not open after all, parents are unsure of the options their children will have this fall.

Parent Ashley Allen said that the next closest district school, ree Creeks K-8, is about a 19-minute drive away in good weather.

Allen’s son has diabetes and she often has been called to come to school because her son’s blood sugar drops or his insulin pump is failing.

In those worst-case scenarios, the

drive “can make for a very nervous parent,” she said.

Tim Matlick, executive director of Je erson Academy, said the charter school had been counting on having at least 87 students, and an additional 20 for its homeschool program. When submitting the charter application, Je erson Academy had received 95 interest forms for potential students.

So far, the school has just 60 enrollments, and seven homeschool students signed up.

Parents from the canyon went to the charter school’s board meeting

SEE SCHOOLS, P13

SCHOOLS

last week and asked for more time to raise the money themselves.

e charter school board gave them just until its next meeting, March 12, to help raise the $550,000. Without the funds, the charter board will decide whether to scrap the plans to open.

e charter leaders are also trying to raise money. Matlick said they now have preliminary approval for a startup grant from the state department of education for about $107,000. ey’re also looking at a possible grant of about $75,000 from the Denver-based Daniels Fund.

When the charter was approved by the Je co school board, one condition was that the Je erson Academy network set aside $250,000 to help support the new charter in the canyon.

Matlick said there is discussion about whether that money should be used to close the $550,000 funding gap or if it should be held in reserves for other potential problems once the charter opens.

Matlick said the district has been generous. e agreement to lease the

building would only cost the charter $196,000 per year, to cover districtprovided maintenance including custodial sta , snow removal, and trash pickups.

All the furniture and technology in the building would be donated to the charter.

But, he said, the community’s help is going to be critical.

“We’ve got a big group working to make this happen,” said Allen, whose son is a second grader at Coal Creek Canyon K-8. She started the GoFundMe page, and set it up so that money will be refunded to donors if the school doesn’t open.

As of Monday afternoon, the GoFundMe page had just over $5,000.

“Our 4 children all went to this school. It is a vital part of the Coal Creek community. Please keep this school available to the community for their children,” one donor wrote.

If grants and donations can help in the rst year or two, Allen said, parents and charter leaders believe that young children in the canyon community will help enrollment grow in future years to make the school sustainable.

Allen said parents are working on proposals to ask the local Coal Creek Canyon businesses including a coffee shop, the local garage, and some

restaurants to pitch in. ey also plan to ask bigger businesses like Denver Water, which has trucks passing through the canyon regularly.

Still, she is worried. ree Creeks is such a large school that it would be a big change for her son. If there is no school in the canyon, Allen said, she and her husband are considering moving.

“I will say the stress feels like it’s been nonstop for two years,” Allen said.

In a letter Je erson Academy sent to families, charter leaders said that if they do not open the school, Je co district leaders will meet with families the day after the charter’s board meeting to speak “about their plans for next year and what one-year

programming options could be possible.”

Before getting a charter school approved to open, the district had contingency plans to keep the elementary portion of the school open for one additional year. Middle school students would have either gone to ree Creeks, or chosen remote learning facilitated within the Coal Creek building.

Je co district leaders declined to speak about alternative plans. Lisa Relou, chief of sta for the district, said “we are doing everything we can to support” the charter in opening.

Chalkbeat is a nonpro t news site covering educational change in public schools.

Coal Creek is one of two Je co Public Schools the school board voted to close this year.

IMAGE COURTESY OF JEFFCO PUBLIC SCHOOLS

NAGLER

OBITUARIES

Richard “Rich” Nagler

July 22, 1932 - February 12, 2024

Rich Nagler died at home with hospice on 2-12-24. He had dementia over the last 8 years and moved with wife, Marilyn to Durango, Co. in 2017. He was an avid climber, skier and runner. He climbed all 50 Colorado peaks and won the Bolder Boulder for his age group 24 times. He built our log house south of the

KRAUSS

H.S. and we loved it! He also ran the map company with Bill Reefe and generated local maps of Evergreen and Conifer. He has left behind his wife and many children and grandchildren. We were so glad that he was not sick very long.

Mary Starr Krauss

It is with heavy hearts and loving memories that we announce the passing of Starr Krauss, our beloved Mother, Sister, Aunt and dearest friend. Starr left this world peacefully on February 9, 2024 surrounded by her loving family.

1942 - 2024

Mary Starr Krauss of Evergreen, CO was born in 1942 to Dewey and Gladys Sisk in White Plains, NC. Starr married Gary Andrews Krauss of Chicago, IL. ey were married just shy of 60 years. Starr is survived by her husband Gary, sons Justin and Geo rey and her brother omas.

Starr was a retired biology teacher and real estate agent. Starr enjoyed the beauty of the foothills to the Rocky Mountains and called Evergreen home for 49 years. She loved all living things; animals, plants, owers, broadway musicals and her incredible friendships. She devoured books and was

FALL

always nding new ways to improve her knowledge. She treasured her family and was most at peace when those around her were comfortable, safe and happy. She was as tough as they come, a very good athlete and absolutely never complained.

A memorial service to celebrate Starr’s remarkable life will be held on June 21, 2024 at the Evergreen Memorial Park when the grass is growing and the owers are in bloom.

May she rest in peace and her soul be a guide for us to follow. e memories of her sweet disposition, smile, sel essness and happiness bring comfort to all of those who will mourn her passing. Starr will be deeply missed and remembered forever by so many. ose who were lucky enough to share in her life were lucky enough……she will be everlasting!

Conifer team earns award at High School Mock Trial competition

BY JANE REUTER JREUTER@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM

teers scored the students and provided feedback to them.

Raymond Michael “Ray” Fall

May 13, 1947 - February 17, 2024

Raymond “Ray of All Trades” Fall passed away on Feb. 17. He is survived by Anne, his wife of 43 years; daughters Sara, Rose and Emma; brothers Charlie and Tim; grandchildren Reegan, Marcus, Annabel, Jacob and Iziah; and loving extended family.

He was preceded in death by his brother Bill. Ray was an avid sherman, a former cab driver, painter, artist, builder, shopkeeper and custodian. He was a friend of Bill W, a poet, tinkerer and a mentor to many. He is dearly missed by friends and family.

A Conifer High School team earned a Professionalism Award during the First Judicial District’s annual High School Mock Trial, held at the Je erson County Courthouse on Feb. 23 and 24.  ey were among 14 Je erson County high school teams participating in the event, which involves months of preparation.

Hundreds of students gathered at the courthouse to play witnesses and attorneys, arguing their case before volunteer professional attorneys, judges and employees of the county judicial system. e volun-

SHERIFF’S CALLS

FROM PAGE 9

the vehicle, but they did an expired temporary plate registered to a red Saturn displayed in its window. e driver said he was in the process of buying the Explorer and was able to provide proper documentation for it. After trying unsuccessfully to con-

“It was amazing to see Je co students show such professionalism, intelligence, adaptability, and maturity under such pressure in actual courtrooms before actual judges,” said team coach Robyn Ramsey.

It was Conifer High School’s rst appearance at the event. In addition to taking home the Professionalism Award, CHS team member Ari Wageman — who participated as a mock witness — was ranked 7th among more than 80 witnesses.

e Colorado Bar Association has sponsored the Colorado High School Mock Trial Program since 1985.

tact the presumed seller, deputies con scated the bogus temporary and closed the case.

Sheri ’s Calls is intended as a humorous take on some of the incident call records of the Je erson County Sheri ’s O ce for the mountain communities. Names and identifying details have been changed, including the writer’s name, which is a pseudonym. All individuals are innocent until proven guilty.

From the back left to right: The Conifer High School mock trial team includes JC Norvell, Micah Kipp, Tom Pulio , Nate Florence, Romey Haydon, Zach Brennan, Gabie Bartlett, Kara Wright, Kayla Boyes and Annikah Ramsey. Not pictured are team members Ari Wageman and Sawyer Mannino. COURTESY PHOTO

stuprofessionalism, maactual judges,” rst addition ProfessionalAri as 7th Association High since

We’d like to know about events or activities of interest to the community. Visit www.canyoncourier. com/calendar/ and post your event online for free. Email jreuter@coloradocommunitymedia.com to get items in the print version of the paper. Items will appear in print on a space-available basis.

THURSDAY

Evergreen High School musical “ e Addams Family”: EHS and Conifer High School will combine their talents in a musical production of “ e Addams Family” March 7-9. Shows are at 7 p.m. March 7, 8 and 9, with a matinee performance at 2 p.m. March 9.

A $2 discount is available for Canyon Courier readers with the code CANYON.

Tickets may be purchased at evergreenhstheatre.ticketleap.com.

Clear Creek Republicans Precinct Caucus Meeting: 7 p.m.

March 7

Precincts 1,2, and 3 (Georgetown, Empire, Dumont) will meet at the Easter Seals Camp. 2644 CR 306.Precincts 4,5 and 6 (Fall River, Chicago Creek, Idaho Springs) will meet at First Baptist Church of Idaho Springs, 100 Colorado Blvd. Precincts 7,8, and 9, Eastern side, will meet at Bergen Meadows Elementary 1928 Hiwan Drive, Evergreen.

FRIDAY

UPCOMING

Ovation West eatre Company presents “ e Wizard of Oz”: March 15 through April 7 at Center Stage, 27608 Fireweed Drive, Evergreen. Shows are at 7:30 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, 2:30 p.m. Sundays. No show Easter Sunday. Tickets are $32 for adults, $28 for seniors and $16 for students.ovationwest.org.

Mountain Area Young Writers Conference: K-5 students and their families are invited to the Mountain Area Young Writers Conference from 6:30-8:30 p.m. March 28 at Marshdale Elementary, 26663 N. Turkey Creek Rd., Evergreen. e evening includes featured author Jennifer Goebel, sharing of children’s writing, learning workshops for parents, and a book fair. Register starting Feb. 2 at 2024 Young Writers Conference.

Evergreen Chorale Concert: 7:30 p.m. March 8, Evergreen Lutheran Church, 5980 County Hwy 73, Evergreen. e Evergreen Chorale collaborates with e Denver Children’s Chorale’s Summit Singers in a concert called “I Dream A World: Song of Unity and Hope.” Tickets are $28 for adults, $24 for seniors, $12 for students.ovationwest.org.

SATURDAY

Evergreen Audubon chapter meeting presentation: 6:30 p.m. March 9, Church of the Trans guration, 27640 CO-74, Evergreen. Master bird bander Steve Bouricius presents “Colorado Hummingbirds.” Bouricius, who has 25 years of experience banding hummingbirds and dippers, will talk about species he and his partner Debbie have documented in Colorado and adjacent states. Social time is at 6 pm, with talk at 6:30pm. EvergreenAudubon.org

Easter Egg Hunt: Crow Hill Bible Church, 4-H Hamburger Helpers and Friends of the Bailey Library are sponsoring an outdoor Easter Egg hunt from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. March 30 at the Bailey Library, 350 Bulldogger Rd.

ere will be three hunts divided by age. Children ages 6 months to 4 years are at 11 a.m.; 5 to 8 years at 11:30 a.m. and 9 to 12 years at noon. For more information, call 303-8385539

Evergreen’s Got Talent: Audition to be an opening act at the Evergreen Lake/Buchanan Concerts Summer 2024. Auditions from 6-9 p.m. April 13 at Center Stage, 27608 Fireweed Drive in Evergreen. Deadline March 15. For more information, email evergreensgottalent@gmail.com

Mountain Area Democrats meet the fourth Saturday of the month at 9 a.m. January through April at the United Methodist Church of Evergreen, 3757 Ponderosa Drive, Evergreen. No meetings in November and December 2023. For more information, e-mail MountainAreaDems@gmail.com.

Evergreen Sustainability Alliance is looking for volunteers: Evergreen Sustainability Alliance’s “Let’s Embrace Zero Food Waste” program in local schools and food banks need volunteers. Volunteers are needed for a couple hours. Call 720-536-0069 or email info@sustainevergreen.org for more information.

Evergreen Nature Center: e new Evergreen Nature Center is open from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays next to Church of the Trans guration. Admission is free. For more information, visit www. EvergreenAudubon.org.

Blue Spruce Habitat volunteers needed: Blue Spruce Habitat for Humanity is looking for volunteers. A variety of opportunities and exible schedules are available on new construction sites as well as for exterior minor home repairs. No previous construction experience needed. Contact volunteer@bluesprucehabitat.org for information.

and Fridays from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. and the second Saturday of each month from 1-4 p.m. in the Habitat Restore in Bergen Park, 1232 Bergen Parkway.

Support After Suicide Loss: A safe place to share and learn after losing a loved one to suicide. is group meets every fourth Wednesday of the month from 5:30-7:30 p.m. via zoom or in person at the Resilience1220 o ce. For ages 14 and up. Suggested donation for this group is $15. Register at resilience1220.org/groups.

Sensitive Collection: Resilience1220 strives to inform and support highly sensitive people to live healthy and empowered lives. It meets the third Wednesday of each month from 6-7 p.m. via Zoom. Register at resilience1220.org/groups.

Caregiver support group: Mount Evans Home Health Care & Hospice o ers a monthly group to provide emotional support services for caregivers helping ill, disabled or elderly loved ones. An in-person support group meets every third Monday from 4-6 p.m. at 3081 Bergen Peak Road, Evergreen. For more information, visit mtevans.org/services/ emotional-support/.

Conifer’s Got Talent: Audition to be an opening act at the Evergreen Lake/Buchanan Concerts Summer 2024. Auditions from 6-9 p.m. April 19 at Conifer High School, 10441 County Hwy 73 in Conifer. Deadline March 15. For more information, email conifersgottalent@gmail.com

ONGOING

Evergreen Area Republican Club: e Evergreen Area Republican Club meets at 6 p.m. the rst Wednesday of the month at the Evergreen Fire/Rescue Administration Building, 1802 Bergen Parkway.

Mountain Area Democrats:

EChO needs volunteers: e Evergreen Christian Outreach ReSale Store and food pantry need volunteers. Proceeds from the EChO ReSale Store support the food pantry and programs and services provided by EChO. ere are many volunteer options from which to choose. For more information, call Mary at 720-673-4369 or email mary@evergreenchristianoutreach.org.

LGBTQ+ teen book club: Resilience1220 is o ering a LGBTQ+ teen book club that meets from 4-6 p.m. the fourth Monday at the Resilience1220 o ce next to the Buchanan Park Recreation Center. For more information and to register, visit R1220.org.

ESA EverGREEN Re ll Station: EverGREEN Re ll Station (re ll your laundry detergent, lotions, soaps and more. We have many sustainable products available). e Re ll Station is open Wednesdays

Parkinson’s disease support group: A Parkinson’s disease support group meets the rst Friday of the month from 1-3 p.m. at Evergreen Christian Church, 27772 Iris Drive, Evergreen. For more information, email esears@parkinsonrockies.org.

Mountain Foothills Rotary meetings: Mountain Foothills Rotary meets at 6 p.m. Wednesdays both in person at Mount Vernon Canyon Club at 24933 Club House Circle, Genesee, and via Zoom. Join the Zoom meeting at https://us02web. zoom.us/j/81389224272, meeting ID 813 8922 4272, phone 346-2487799.

Beyond the Rainbow: Resilience1220 o ers Beyond the Rainbow, which is two support groups that meet the second Tuesday of the month. One is a safe group for those 12-20 and the other is a group for parents and caregivers wanting support for raising an LGBTQ+ child. For group location and to RSVP, email heather@resilience1220.org.

Colorado’s public defenders say they need 230 more attorneys

BY BRIAN EASON THE COLORADO SUN

Colorado needs three times the number of public defenders it employs today to meet new workload standards for criminal defense, according to a national study backed by the American Bar Association.

For next budget year, which starts July 1, Colorado’s O ce of the State Public Defender is asking for 70 more attorneys and 58 new support sta , including paralegals and investigators, at a total cost of $14.7 million.

at’s still far less than 230 new attorneys the o ce says it needs — let alone the 700-plus hires it would take to triple current sta ng levels to meet the study’s recommendations.

But even the partial request was

enough to shock members of Colorado’s Joint Budget Committee.

“It’s breathtaking,” said Rep. Shannon Bird, a Westminster Democrat who chairs the JBC.

e biggest factor driving the need for attorneys is a massive increase in the volume of evidence they must scrutinize in the digital age, a list that includes police dashboard and body camera footage as well as text messages and other electronic media.

All told, attorneys now have 45 times more discovery material to review than they did in 2016, said Megan Ring, the state public defender. at’s left public defense attorneys regularly working 60 to 80 hours a week.

O cials fear the rising workload could raise concerns about whether the state is consistently meeting its constitutional obligations to provide

PRECISE REPAIR, GENUINE CARE

e ective legal representation to defendants at trial.

“We are getting overwhelmed with work,” Ring told the JBC in a December hearing. “ is is an absolute, absolute need.”

During last year’s legislative session, lawmakers approved pay raises for public defenders that agency leaders say has helped make the job more attractive. But raises alone aren’t enough, Ring said.

e national ndings, released in September 2023 by the national bar and the RAND Corporation, underscore the dire state of public defense in Colorado at a time when the state’s Democratic majority is pushing to reduce mass incarceration.

“Excessive caseloads violate ethics rules and inevitably cause harm,” concluded the study.

Not only do attorneys have to re-

view more evidence than they used to, they also have to sta new courtrooms that have opened in recent years.

Additionally, they work closely with those deemed incompetent to stand trial. But while lawmakers and the Polis administration have pushed to increase funding for psychiatric beds to help the state work through its competency waitlist, public defenders say their role in the process has not received enough attention.

“ e state of a airs is that our clients’ constitutional rights are being consistently violated,” said Lucienne Ohanian, Colorado’s chief deputy public defender.

e sheer size of the request may be too much for lawmakers to swal-

SEE PUBLIC DEFENDERS, P21

The Dinosaurs are coming to Denver, here’s what you need to know

BY JO DAVIS JDAVIS@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM

Jurassic Quest, a traveling dinosaur experience, is coming to the Colorado Convention Center March 8-10. It’s more than just a walk past a pile of dinosaur bones. According to one of the “dino trainers” Martin Ho man, who goes by Park Ranger Marty during the Quest, the experience is one you have to see for yourself.

“We have 160 million years’ worth of dinosaurs that move and make dinosaur sounds,” Ho man said. “We even have a 50-foot-long Spinosaurus, which is something you denitely want to see in person.”

According to the Jurassic Quest announcement, the event includes exhibits, activities, displays and more.

In addition to life-like dinosaurs, Jurassic Quest’s classic experiences for the whole family include:

• some of the largest rideable dinosaurs in North America,

• live dinosaur shows,

• interactive science and art activities

• a fossil dig with real fossils like TRex teeth,

• a triceratops horn and life-size dino skull,

• a “Triceratots” soft play area for kids,

• bounce houses and in atable at-

tractions,

• photo opportunities and more.

Ho man said kids under age 10 can actually ride on some of the dinosaurs, but only in designated areas of the Quest.

“ e very large rideable dinosaurs, they kind of rock back and forth,” Ho man said.

He said that the rideable dinosaurs are clearly indicated. Some trainers walk around with smaller anima-

tronic dinos that kids can ride on as well.

Ho man wants readers to know that Jurassic Quest is in no way afliated with Jurassic Park or Jurassic World movie franchises. “Jurassic” is just the coolest of the era names.

Ho man suggests that families order advance tickets now, as the shows sell out quickly. As of press time, there were still tickets left. Jurassic Quest runs:

• noon to 8 p.m. on Friday, March 8

• 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Saturday, March 9

• 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Sunday, March

Tickets are available at JurassicQuest.com. General admission includes live shows, arts and crafts activities, and dinosaur exhibits. Tickets for individual activities are available on-site. Entry is free for children under age 2.

Ho man wants to warn parents about the show’s subject matter.

“One of the things that I always like to mention is the fact that dinosaurs are a gateway science,” he said. “So if your kids are into dinosaurs, all of a sudden, you’ll nd out that they’re learning about biology, they’re learning about geology, they’re learning about astronomy, all of these di erent things. It’s just because they think dinosaurs are cool.”

Expect to see trainers roaming the Colorado Convention Center with baby dinos that kids can touch.

PHOTO COURTESY OF JURASSIC QUEST

What’s the go-to skiing and snowboarding destination in Colorado? Locals testify

Colorado Community Media polls residents from all over the metro area

BY JOHN RENFROW JRENFROW@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM

e search for good powder brings Coloradans looking to beat I-70 trafc and conquer mountain passes from all over the Centennial State. But the question is, in an area often dubbed the country’s best winter playground, how do you decide where to go?

Several factors might decide — or limit — your choice for your weekend winter pilgrimages.

Local skiers and snowboarders in the Denver metro area were asked about their favorite spots. We’ve compiled their top choices for shredding, learning, easy accessibility and more below.

Winter Park

“I love Winter Park for many reasons. First, I love getting o I-70 before the Eisenhower Tunnel. Second, a great mix of terrain: Parson’s Bowl, the Glades on Mary Jane, some learners’ terrain on the Winter Park side and even a decent-sized park. ird, the village at has lots of activities and options for non-skiers/snowboarders. But ultimately, it’s the vibes. Winter Park has some of the friendliest employees and patrons I’ve found in all my time skiing.” - Alex Greene, Lakewood

“I’m a snowboarder who lives near downtown Littleton and I’ve got the Ikon Pass. My favorite mountain to go to is Winter Park. It’s a big resort with a ton to do. I have heard a lot of snowboarders say they don’t like it as much because it has a lot of at areas. at’s de nitely true but gets better once you know your way

“Loveland has long been my favorite ski destination in Colorado for a handful of reasons. Compared to spots like Vail or Aspen, Loveland is far less crowded and truly

feels like more of a ‘locals mountain.’ With cheaper lift tickets and shorter lines than some of the bigger mountains, it’s easier to be exible with your plans-- not to mention the shorter drive up I-70 to avoid some of that dreaded ski tra c. Loveland also has a nice diversity of runs so both beginners and pros will feel at

- Zachary Lundgren, Cap Hill

“Loveland is de nitely one of my favorites and an underrated resort overall. It could likely stay that way. It’s unsexy: right o the highway, pretty small and spread out but it

has terrain for everyone and even has some gnarly steeps and trees peppered throughout.” - Benjamin Bertsch, Cap Hill

Copper Mountain

“I prefer skiing Copper on days where the tunnel tra c is less of a concern. Copper has some of the best bowl skiing of any mountains along I-70 and seems to get less tourist tra c than Breckenridge or Vail. e Copper Bowl has great chutes and cli s, and it’s not as skied o as the back bowls at Vail. e restaurants are good and don’t feel as busy as Breck or Vail.” - Josh Lindsey, Arvada

“Boring answer, but really, my goto has been Copper Mountain this season. is is mostly due to the fact that I don’t have a great car for driving in the mountains and Copper Mountain is just o a big highway so the roads typically aren’t too snowy getting there!” - Bryan Earl, Arvada

Keystone

“I’m a little biased because I used to teach there, but Keystone is my favorite mountain. It’s conveniently close, you can do Loveland pass instead of the tunnel, and there are great tree runs if you know where to nd them. Lastly, there is nothing better than relaxing on the beach chairs outside LaBonte’s Smokehouse on a sunny day.” - Chris Mapley, Denver

“I will say Keystone has my heart for night skiing and boarding, which is rare among many of the resorts.”Dave Bulgarella, Denver

“ is is my rst year with an Epic pass so I haven’t gotten to try a lot of di erent resorts, but I nd myself at Keystone or Breckenridge most often. I like Keystone’s runs. ey

Above, Josh Lindsey of Arvada shreds the Copper Bowl at Copper Mountain. COURTESY PHOTO

SKI SPOTS

seem to be a lot longer and more enjoyable compared to Breckenridge. I also feel like you don’t have to get on a lift as often at Keystone versus Breck.” - Mitchell Osborn, RiNo

Vail

“I mean, I’m still pretty green to Colorado snow mountains. For the past two years, I’ve only ever had an Epic pass so I have not even got to check out any of the non-Epic mountains. Of those, I like Vail. ere are just so many slopes to hit and the views are usually amazing. But Vail is usually more crowded.”Dave Bulgarella, Denver

“If you have the chance and the money, go to Vail on a Tuesday after a dump. On days like that, it’s arguably the best resort in Colorado.” -

Benjamin Bertsch, Cap Hill

Breckenridge

“I do like Breckenridge, though. eir downtown area is fun and easy to explore. If we have a group of friends who may not want to ski, I generally think Breck is better for hosting versus Keystone better for the runs.” - Mitchell Osborn, RiNo

“Breck is a favorite because it’s not as crowded usually and for me still learning to improve my boarding game, that means less concern with running into people down the mountain.” - Dave Bulgarella, Denver

Arapahoe Basin

“I like going to A-Basin most around this time of year because the snow is great in the spring and it’s not super crowded with families like some of the other resorts.”  - London Lyle, Westminster

“I also love the dog-friendly aspects of Arapahoe Basin and Winter Park. I frequent those the most due to the avoidance of tunnel tra c, and I’m able to play fetch with my dog in the Early Riser lot (A-Basin) and the Mary Jane lot (Winter Park) before the lifts start. Being able to bring my dog and eat lunch outside with the dog is why I dropped the Epic Pass and moved to Ikon.” - Josh Lindsey, Arvada

“A-Basin has always been my favorite for similar reasons (to Loveland). e main di erence is that A-Basin is known for having some of the best steeps in America. Pallavacini is perhaps my favorite lift anywhere.” - Benjamin Bertsch, Cap Hill

Did we leave your favorite o the list? Email me at jrenfrow@coloradocommunitymedia.com and let me know your go-to skiing or snowboarding spot.

Chris Mapley from Denver poses for a photo at Keystone Resort. COURTESY PHOTO

Dragon Boat Film Festival Taps into Cultural Connection

There are film festivals with something for everyone, and then there’s the annual Colorado Dragon Boat Film Festival, which not only provides film lovers with plenty to dig into but culinary devotees and explorative shoppers as well.

“This year’s theme, ‘Connecting Through Cultures,’ is really meant to showcase all of the amazing contributions and accomplishments coming from the Asian American and Native Hawaiian/ Pacific Islander communities, and the Black, Indigenous and People of Color communities, as well,” wrote Sara Moore, Colorado Dragon Boat executive director, in an email interview. “We all have something to learn through the art of storytelling through cinema. And, of course, culture comes from everywhere. Which is why we have more than just films at our festival.”

Hosted by Denver Film and Colorado Dragon Boat, the 9th Annual Colorado Dragon Boat Film Festival opens on Thursday, March 14, and runs through Sunday, March 17, at the Sie FilmCenter, 2510 E. Colfax Ave.

This year’s event features eight feature films and two showcases, highlighting films from Japan, Chi-

na, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Thailand, Philippines, India and more.

Some of the film highlights include the opening night feature “Happy Sandwich,” and “Moon Man,” a Chinese boxoffice smash hit that will be closing the festival. Moore also highlighted “One With the Whale,” a documentary about an indigenous tribe in Alaska and how it interacts with the modern world.

A new film feature this year is the Golden Dragon Award, which will be presented to an individual or group in the cinematic world who uplifts and celebrates the AANHPI community. The inaugural award will be presented to actress Ji-young Yoo, a performer in the festival entry “Smoking Tigers.” The Korean-American actress was born in Denver and attended Colorado Academy before moving on to the University of Southern California to study.

For those looking to engage or be delighted beyond films, the festival includes two community

conversations with local panelists and moderators who will discuss “Connecting Through Cultures with Asian American Adoptees” on the 16th, and “Connecting Through Cultures with Food & Foodways” on the 17th.

And speaking of food, the festival’s culinary event will be back from 11 a.m. to noon on the 17th. The popular showcase will feature offerings from six different Asian food vendors.

“Food is life! Food is culture! Food brings everyone together! I have rarely met someone who, especially in the Asian community, does not have a connection through food,” Moore wrote. “With food being such an important part of the family makeup for our community, it would be a disservice not to share our cuisine with everyone at every event we host.”

Finally, there’s the Asian Marketplace, featuring gifts, artwork, crafts and novelties from local AANHPI-owned businesses, located in the Sie lobby from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on the 16th.

As the festival nears its decade milestone, Moore says the community’s embrace of the event is what has kept it growing year after year.

“I believe its success is due to a

huge thirst that Coloradans have to be immersed and surrounded by culture,” she wrote. “Not only do we see a huge population of AANHPI and BIPOC community members at our event, we also see a lot of the general public coming to support as allies. This is so heartwarming to see year after year.”

For all the information and ticket options, visit denverfilm.org.

Arvada Center Celebrates 528.0 as Part of Month of Printmaking

The Arvada Center is celebrating Denver’s Month of Printmaking with an exhibition that pays tribute to one of our most important numbers. The 528.0 exhibit runs at the center, 6901 Wadsworth Blvd., through Sunday, March 24. There will also be a Print Jam special event from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, March 16.

For the show, the center put out a juried call for artwork that was open to artists living in a 528-mile radius of Denver. Creatives submitted 553 entries in all forms of printmaking and jurors selected 83 works to celebrate the expansive diversity of contemporary printmaking in the region.

Clarke Reader

READER

FROM PAGE 20

More information can be found at https://arvadacenter.org/events/ 5280-regional-juried-printmaking-exhibition.

Jurassic Quest Lumbers to Denver

I live by a pretty simple rule — if you have the opportunity to see dinosaurs, you should go see the dinosaurs. This means you can’t miss Jurassic Quest, which stops by the Colorado Convention Center, 700 14th St. in Denver, from Friday, March 8 through Sunday, March 10.

The popular interactive exhibit takes visitors through 165 million years of dinosaur history. According to the provided information, in addition to the show’s life-like dinosaurs, the traveling exhibition also includes some of the largest rideable dinosaurs in North America, live dinosaur shows, in -

PUBLIC DEFENDERS

low — particularly without an updated state-level study to back up the national recommendations. e budget committee this month put o a decision until after the state’s next revenue forecasts in March, amid misgivings from some budget writers.

“I’m very hesitant to take action on this until we know how much money we have,” Bird said at the meeting.

JBC’s nonpartisan sta has recommended approving the new hires, but spreading them over the next two years.

Colorado’s public defender staing levels may fall short of the resources criminal prosecutors bring to trial, JBC documents suggest. While district attorneys’ o ces

teractive science and art activities and more.

Get information and tickets at www.jurassicquest.com.

Clarke’s Concert of the Week — Donavon Frankenreiter at the Bluebird Theater

Donavon Frankenreiter is a singer/songwriter in the vein of laidback songsmiths like Jack Johnson. Born in southern California, he was a professional surfer before finding his way to the music scene. But when he finds the right group, he can really rock out. Which apparently he has found in the band Goodnight Texas. So much that he’s taking them out on the road for a rare full band tour.

Frankenreiter and Goodnight Texas will be stopping by the Bluebird Theater, 3317 E. Colfax Ave. in Denver, at 8 p.m. on Friday, March 8. Get tickets at www.axs.com.

Clarke Reader’s column on culture appears on a weekly basis. He can be reached at Clarke.Reader@ hotmail.com.

along the Front Range employ more than 580 lawyers, the state had just 380 public defenders working in the region as of November 2022. e public defender’s o ce has around 65% as many attorneys as Colorado prosecutor o ces, even as they defend 70% of all criminal cases and upward of 80% of serious crimes.

On the other hand, some budget writers pointed out, prosecutors also have to meet a higher burden of proof — beyond a reasonable doubt — to secure a conviction.

District attorney o ces in Colorado are funded by a mix of state and local tax dollars, while public defenders are funded entirely by the state government.

is story was printed through a news sharing agreement with e Colorado Sun, a journalist-owned nonpro t based in Denver that covers the state.

Advertising support makes it possible for us to deliver the news to you...

Colorado Environmental Film Festival expands and entertains for 18th year

BY JO DAVIS JDAVIS@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM

e 18th annual Colorado Film Festival opened Feb. 22 at the Colorado School of Mines Green Center for the very rst time. is was more than a venue change, according to Dave Steinke, cofounder of the CEFF. e move to the School of Mines was the best way to expand the show.

Festival director Nicole Bickford said the change to the School of Mines location really upgraded the festival.

e larger halls and auditoriums were great for showing the lms and hosting events like the silent auction to raise funds for the 2025 festival.

Kirk Glienke and his quartet, the Renewable Trio, were the sounds of the weekend. e band includes Will Mulligan on the ugelhorn and Scott Grove on the keyboard. Glienke’s associate Daria Joanna played cello on opening night.

Bickford said the festival wasn’t as fancy when it started with CEFF 18 years ago. Steinke agreed.

Steinke met co-founder Shawna Crocker while he was promoting a lm “ e Greatest Good.” Steinke

worked for the U.S. Forest in Public A airs and Crocker was a teacher.

ey met at DC Environmental Film Festival, one of two festivals centering on environmental lms in the U.S. e second one was in California. Crocker and Steinke realized that there needed to be a festival in the middle.

“In between the two festivals was a big giant wasteland,” Steinke said. “We wanted to make a lm festival in between for everyone else.”

at rst year, Steinke said there were 30-40 people in attendance.

“Going from that to the Colorado School of Mines was a quantum leap,” he said.

CEFF Board President Rocky

ompson said the transition from the old location to the School of Mines actually began in 2019. en the COVID-19 pandemic forced the festival to go virtual for three years.

ompson agreed with Steinke that the show was bigger and better after the move.

“We have the bigger space, now I would love to see it lled for 2025,” he said.

Today, the festival boasts over 66 lms, many of which are screening

in the Green Center’s Bunker Hall with seating for up to 1,100 people. Steinke said the festival received 270 entries for the 2024 festival. “ e hardest part is having to say ‘no’ to 250 plus people.”

ompson said the youngest lmmaker to enter a lm in the history of the fest was six.

“He stood in front of his parents’ camera and talked about how we screwed up the environment,” ompson said.  is year, the youngest lmmakers were the ai brothers Prin, 13 and Paran, 11 Uthaisangchai. Prin’s lm “ e Story of the Leatherbacks” and Paran’s lm “In Search of Dugong” were both about animal species that have become endangered due to climate change.

e oldest lmmaker was Jan Haaken who directed “Atomic Bamboozle: e False Promise of a Nuclear Renaissance.”

Here are the award winners for the Colorado Environmental Film Festival:

Best Feature Film is “Covenant of the Salmon People.” e lm follows the Nex Perce Tribe as they struggle to save the wild salmon. e lm

o ers a moving education on the cultural climate activism that indigenous people have undertaken and how climate change has compromised their work and their culture.

Best Short Length Film under 40 minutes is “Groundwork — A Family Journey into Regenerative Cotton.” is lm follows the struggle a family of farmers undertook to understand why their health, the health of the soil and the crops was declining. e problem was their pest extermination methods and insecticides. e lm’s message is that a healthy farm means harmony with all the living things, including some pests.

Best Youth Film is “Venus Ascending: Gender Equality and Water.” e lm traces the link between the struggle to nd clean water and the unequal burden that women take on in this struggle. e lm discusses the labor hours women in some African nations lose to providing drinking water to their families.

e CEFF Spirit of Activism Film Award went to “Fracking the System: Colorado’s Oil and Gas Wars,” a

Arapahoe County Libraries

Jefferson County Library

Website: www.jeffcolibrary.org

Summer Camp

Locations: See website

City of Golden

Locations: See website

Website: https://bit.ly/3Sm6Y1X

Locations: Variety of locations

Locations: Multiple locations around Arapahoe County

Website: www.arapahoelibraries.org

Locations: Events in Lakewood, Arvada, Golden, Evergreen, Edgewater, Wheat Ridge and more

Englewood – 2024 KidConnections

Website: www.englewoodco.gov/ parks-recreation-library-golf/playenglewood-recreation/programs/youth/ kidconnections-summer-camp

Evergreen Park & Recreation District

Website: www.evergreenrecreation. com/201/Camps

Details: Evergreen Park & Recreation District offers Summer Camps for youth ages 3 to 16.

Wheat Ridge Parks & Recreation

Location: 4355 Field St, Wheat Ridge

Details: Each year, Arapahoe Libraries hosts a variety of reading events and gatherings to help fill the summer hours.

Details: Registration is open from Feb. 12th for residents and Feb. 13th for nonresidents through Aug. 9th.

COUNTY AND COMMUNITY PROGRAMS

Details: With summer coming, the Jefferson County Library system is already holding information sessions and planning events, such as the Cosmic Conversations: Telescope Highlights of the Midnight Sky in June.

Details: The program is a fully licensed day care by the State of Colorado, Department of Human Services for children 5 years old (and completed kindergarten) through 14 years old. There is a registration fee of $10 per child.

Website: www.rootedinfun.com/191/SunCamp

Foothills Parks & Recreation District

Location: 6612 S. Ward St., Littleton

THE GREAT OUTDOORS

Chatfield Stables Horse Camps

Details: Wheat Ridge Sun Camp is a state-licensed day camp for children ages 6 to 13; offered during Jefferson County Public Schools’ spring, summer and winter breaks.

Website: www.ifoothills.org/school-carecamps/#camps

Details: A variety of licensed camps for kids aged 5 through entering Grade 9 are offered. Camps are open 7 a.m. – 6 p.m.

Location: 11500 N. Roxborough Park Rd., Littleton

Website: www.chatfieldstables.com/horsecamps.html

Details: Our camps are ideal for first-time participants or previous campers who would like to do it again. Upper-level camps available-Call for more information.

Summer Camp & Activity Listings

Every camper is assigned their “own” horse for the week. During this week, they learn what it is like to care for the animal. Feeding, watering, brushing, saddling, bridling, and (of course) RIDING. Once we are winding down our camp day, they also help us do their end of day grooming. We ride daily, whether it be in the arena, or out on trails!!

Colorado Adventure Point

Location: 10455 W. 6th Ave., Suite 150, Lakewood

Website: www.community-programs/ summer-camp/

Details: CAP’s STEM Camp isn’t your typical science camp. Our campers get to experiment with chemistry, physics and engineering through a variety of materials, experiments and challenges to meet their curiosities and skill level in our challenge by choice model. In addition to building engineering models and friendships, the campers get to enjoy our climbing wall, archery range and more- and learn the science behind these fun activities!

EMERGING ARTISTS

Center for the Arts: Summer in Color

Location: 31880 Rocky Village Dr., Evergreen

Website: www.evergreenarts.org/ summercamp/

Details: Our camps explore various media, from clay sculpting and drawing techniques, to pop art and mural painting, to the art of different cultures and the art of the masters. Several of our camps also incorporate outdoor components, including hikes, plein air painting, and opportunities for photography and eco-art projects. Let your kids explore their creative side with imaginative and inspiring camps at CAE this summer! For ages 5-17.

ON THE STAGE

Kent Denver Performing Arts Camps

Location: 4000 E. Quincy Ave., Englewood

Website: www.KentDenver.org

Details: Summer at Kent Denver School offers all children ages 4–18 the opportunity to experience innovative, creative, hands-on learning in the arts, athletics, our Tiny Farm Day Camp, academics, innovation and technology.

LET’S GET PHYSICAL

Golden Goal Sports Complex

Location: 2650 Alkire St., Golden

Website: www.goldengoalsc.com/summersoccer-camps

Details: Golden Goal offers spring break camps and summer camps for all ages from under 5 to high school.

Tiger Gymnastics Camps

Location: 4860 Van Gordon St. Unit B, Wheat Ridge

Website: www.tigargym.com

Details: We are offering both Gymnastics and Parkour Ninja Camps from June 1st - July 31st. We have half and full day options for beginners to advanced ages 5-13.

Former Japanese internment camp joins national park system

BY EMMA VANDENEINDE KUNC

Amache, a former Japanese internment camp in far southeastern Colorado, is now officially part of the national park system.

The site was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1994, and later named a National Historic Landmark in 2006. President Joe Biden signed the Amache National Historic Site Act in 2022, pushing the site even further to national park status.

But the land still had to be transferred by the town of Granada before it could be official. Without that piece, no federal funding could be put into the site.

“As a nation, we must face the wrongs of our past in order to build a more just and equitable future,” said Deb Haaland, the Secretary of the Interior, in a press release. “Today’s establishment of the Amache National Historic Site will help preserve and honor this important

ASCENT CHURCH

“Real people pursuing a real God”

All are Welcome Sundays at 10am In-person or Online www.ascentchurch.co

29823 Troutdale Scenic Drive, Evergreen

BERGEN PARK CHURCH

Bergen Park Church is a group of regular people who strive to improve ourselves and our community by studying the Bible and sharing our lives with each other. On Sunday mornings you can expect contemporary live music, Children’s Ministry that seeks to love and care for your kids, teaching from the Bible, and a community of real people who are imperfect, but seek to honor God in their lives. We hope to welcome you soon to either our 9:00AM or 10:30AM Sunday service.

Search Bergen Park Church on YouTube for Livestream service at 9:00am

31919 Rocky Village Dr. 303-674-5484 info@bergenparkchurch.org / www.BergenParkChurch.org

CHRISTIAN SCIENCE CHURCH SERVICES

28244 Harebell Lane

Sunday Service & Sunday School 10am

Wednesday Evening 7:00pm, Zoom options available

Contact: clerk@christianscienceevergreen.com for ZOOM link Reading Room 4602 Pletner Lane, Unit 2E, Evergreen OPEN TUE-SAT 12PM - 3PM

and painful chapter in our nation’s story for future generations.”

Before becoming part of the National Park system, a local history teacher—John Hopper—recruited some of his high school students to create a museum for the site and collect heirlooms from survivors to display.

“I think without them, there would not be Amache as a national park,” Carlene Tinker, an Amache survivor, said. “I really feel that way.”

Many survivors like Tinker have fought for greater recognition of the site for their whole lives. She was three years old when she was forced to live at the camp.

“My first reaction was finally, okay, finally,” she said. “It’s a very proud moment. I’m thinking about all the people who endured the incarceration experience, and that finally their story is being told.

At its peak, Amache — also known as the Granada Relocation Center — housed more than

7,000 Japanese-Americans during the 1940s. They were forced to live behind barbed wire in poorly-insulated rooms. This was one of ten other Japanese internment camps that existed during World War II, with some being located in the Mountain West.

Mitch Homma’s grandparents and their kids were also imprisoned at the camp. He wishes more of his relatives were alive to see this historical moment.

“My dad’s older sister just passed away,” he said. “She was hoping she was gonna be around and see it come to fruition and stuff. But, you know, we got it done.”

The camp served meals that were different than what they were used to — eggs, potatoes and hot dogs, to name a few. Homma’s dad died at the camp after not eating the food. He reflected on what his dad would have said about the news.

“I think he would have been totally surprised,” he said. “The one statement he said back then was,

WORSHIP DIRECTORY

CHURCH OF THE HILLS PRESBYTERIAN (USA)

Serving the mountain community from the heart of Evergreen Worship 10:00 a.m.

Reverend Richard Aylor

O ce Hours: Tu-Thur 9:00 - 4:00; Fri 9:00 - noon Bu alo Park Road and Hwy 73 www.churchofthehills.com

CHURCH OF THE TRANSFIGURATION EPISCOPAL

In-Church: Sunday Communion Quiet Service 8:00 am & with Music 10:15 am 10:15 am only Zoom: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86017266569

In-Meadow: 2nd Sunday of the month at 9:30 a.m. --June through September—

27640 Highway 74 – ¼ mile east of downtown Evergreen at the Historic Bell Tower www.transfigurationevergreen.org

CONGREGATION BETH EVERGREEN (SYNAGOGUE)

Reconstructionist Synagogue

Rabbi Jamie Arnold

www.BethEvergreen.org / (303) 670-4294

2981 Bergen Peak Drive (behind Life Care)

EVERGREEN CHRISTIAN CHURCH (DISCIPLES OF CHRIST)

27772 Iris Drive, Evergreen - 303-674-3413

www.EvergreenChristianChurch.org - eccdoc01@gmail.com

Sunday Worship 10:00 a.m., with communion every Sunday We are an inclusive faith community and welcome you to join us in our new ministry journey.

DEER PARK UNITED METHODIST CHURCH

Pastor Joyce Snapp, Sunday Worship 10 AM

Located one mile west of Pine Junction just o Rt. 285 966 Rim Rock Road, Bailey (303) 838-6759

All are welcome to our open/inclusive congregation!

EVERGREEN LUTHERAN CHURCH

5980 Highway 73 + 303-674-4654

Rev. Terry Schjang

Join us for worship in person or on our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/c/EvergreenLutheranChurch Sunday Worship held at 9am. www.evergreenlutheran.org + All Are Welcome!

LOOKOUT MOUNTAIN COMMUNITY CHURCH – EPC 1036 El Rancho Rd, Evergreen – (303) 526-9287 www.lomcc.org – o ce@lomcc.org

Sunday Worship 10:00 a.m., with communion every Sunday “Real Church In An UnReal World”

A community empowered by the Holy Spirit which seeks authentic relationships with God and others to share the good news of Jesus with Evergreen, the Front Range and the world. Come as you are, all are welcome!

‘They didn’t care about us in 1942, and I don’t think enough people care about us now,” he said, getting emotional. “And now it’s happening and, you know, it’s pretty special.”

Some survivors, like Gary Ono, are happy that younger people are taking an interest in the park before he and many others pass away.

“I just turned 84 last week, so I know that I feel my mortality,” he said. “As we all pass on, we just hope that our history will continue. So just having Amache as a National Park Service site will help to preserve and keep telling the story.”

Amache is open to the public now, and will start to undergo some improvements of transforming the signage and working on the roads. There will be an official ribbon cutting ceremony on May 17th.

This story runs via The Associated Press’ Storyshare, of which Colorado Community Media is a member.

PLATTE CANYON COMMUNITY CHURCH

Located: 4954 County Road 64 in Bailey. O ce hours MWF 8am-1pm 303-838-4409, Worship & Children’s Church at 10am Small group studies for all ages at 9am

Transitional Pastor: Mark Chadwick Youth Pastor: Jay Vonesh

Other activities: Youth groups, Men’s/Women’s ministries, Bible studies, VBS, MOPS, Cub/Boy Scouts.

ROCKLAND COMMUNITY CHURCH

“Connecting all generations to Jesus”

Please check our website, www.Rockland.church, for updated service times

¼ mile north of I-70 at exit 254 17 S Mt. Vernon Country Club Rd., Golden, CO 80401 303-526-0668

SHEPHERD OF THE ROCKIES LUTHERAN CHURCH

Missouri Synod. 106 Rosalie Road, Bailey, CO

303-838-2161 Pastor Pete Scheele

Sunday Worship Service; 9 a.m., Fellowship Time; 10:15 a.m., Sunday School & Bible Class; 10:45 a.m. www.shepherdoftherockies.org

UNITED METHODIST CHURCH OF EVERGREEN

Rev. Sarah Clark • 303.674.4810 • www.evergreenumc.org

3757 Ponderosa Dr. across Hwy 74 from Safeway in Evergreen Join us in person every Sunday at 10:00am for worship “Open Hearts, Open Doors, Open Minds”

you seeking more than a paycheck on your new adventure?

If

Do

Home for Sale

We have a rare property with a fully permitted

Additional Dwelling Unit (ADU) near the west highlands (one of Denver's best places to live). The property is 90% completed to allow for customization.

The property is 1,531 square feet with a 560 sq. foot ADU with 2 car garage and space for RV parking--the unit has solar.

The property is best as an investment property with the main unit renting out as a Short Term Rental for around $5000/month. The ADU will rent out $4000/month for a total of $9K/month.

There are so many individuals and families that want to come to Colorado for an adventure and see Red Rocks Parks, Garden of the Gods, The Air Force Academy and of course check out our great skiing and beer. We will list the property on Air BNB and or VRBO for no charge and run the rental for 90 days at no charge and hand over to you turnkey.

The property has an amazing open space kitchen with a large master bed room, large walk in closet and wow en-suite.

bathroom. The property is superb for entertaining with a large deck and breakfast nook.

The 2nd buyer is a young couple that would live in one unit and rent out the other to cover their payment. We are offering a 2-1 buydown for a full price offer. The interest rate will be around 5% in year one and 6% in year 2.

The 3rd buyer is a family care situation where one will support the other but do not want to be too close.

The last buyer would be a mid to older age couple who would like to have additional space for guest and for them to have private space. The home is all on one level.

Any buyer who does not take the 2-1 buydown and does give a full price offer will get a custom package for $20,000.00. The upgrades could include and of these: Private garden, custom front porch, hottub, man cave in the garage or custom tile and paint throughout the home, RV parking or off street parking for the ADU.

Please call Alan Davis at 303-378-7537 or alandavis@levelengineering.com

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FILM FEST

lm that looks at Colorado activists’ ght to ban fracking facilities that are too close to schools. e lm covers fracking facilities all over the state

Legals

City and County

Public Notice

REQUEST FOR APPLICATIONS

CLEAR CREEK COUNTY BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS

Planning Commission

Clear Creek County advisory boards and commissions offer an opportunity for citizen participation in local government. Service on boards is voluntary and appointments are made by the County Commissioners.

Letters of Application for vacancies on the board listed below should be submitted to the Board of County Commissioners, P.O. Box 2000, Georgetown, CO 80444, OR Fax: 303-679-2440. OR

Email: bluther@clearcreekcounty.us. Deadline for applications is: opened until filled.

PLANNING COMMISSION: Seven members,

while also highlighting the struggle that activists undertake when ghting the oil and gas industry. e Best of the Fest Film was “Flyways: e Untold Journey of Migratory Shorebirds,” which follows four teams of scientists across the globe as they attempt to track shorebirds’ movements. e lm utilizes sev-

eral elements of good storytelling to draw the audience into the lives of these birds. It’s a riveting look at the lives of birds who are harbingers of the hazards of climate change to the planet.

Steinke hopes that audiences are inspired and activated by the lm selections. He said that the passion

of the lmmakers shines through their lms. Steinke wants people to see that environmental lms are not just gloom and doom. ey are good stories that educate, entertain, and provide hope while also activating the audience.

tion.

three-year terms. Advises the Board of County Commissioners on zoning, subdivision and other land use planning issues. Studies and prepares master plan documents. Meets once per month on the third Wednesday in Idaho Springs, with additional meetings and site visits as necessary. There are vacancies for two Full Members on the Planning Commission for 2024.

Legal Notice No. CAN1502

First Publication: February 29, 2024

Last Publication: March 7, 2024

Publisher: Canyon Courier

Summons and Sheriff Sale

Public Notice

DISTRICT COURT, JEFFERSON COUNTY, COLORADO 100 Jefferson County Pkwy Golden, CO 80401

Plaintiffs: BECKY JEAN HASSELL AND JOEL GERARD HASSELL

v. Defendants: CITY OF ARVADA, Colorado, a municipal corporation, the OBERON WATER

COMPANY, a Colorado Corporation, and ALL UNKNOWN PARTIES WHO MAY CLAIM AN INTEREST IN THE SUBJECT MATTER OF THIS ACTION

Attorney for Defendant City of Arvada: CITY OF ARVADA OFFICE OF THE CITY ATTORNEY Kylie T. Justus, #49862 8101 Ralston Road Arvada, CO 80002 720-898-7180 kjustus@arvada.org

Case No. 2024CV30001

DISTRICT COURT CIVIL SUMMONS [BY PUBLICATION]

TO THE ABOVE NAMED DEFENDANT: THE PEOPLE OF COLORADO

YOU ARE HEREBY SUMMONED and required to file with the Clerk of this Court an answer or other response to the Counterclaim filed in this action. You are required to file your answer or other response within 35 days after such service of this summons is made upon you. Service of this summons shall be complete on the date of the last publication. A copy of the Counterclaim and Complaint may be obtained from the clerk

of the court.

If you fail to file your answer or other response to the Counterclaim in writing within the 35 days after the date of the last publication, the Court may enter judgment by default against you for the relief demanded in the Counterclaim without further notice.

This is an action to quiet the title of the Plaintiff and Defendants in and to the real property situated in Jefferson County, Colorado, more particularly described on Exhibit A, attached hereto and by this reference made a part hereof.

Exhibit A

All that portion of the Northeast One-Quarter of the Southwest One-Quarter of said Section 3 lying north and west of Hubbel’s Range View subdivision, as recorded in Plat Book 62, page 56, AND lying north and east of the Union Pacific Railroad right-of-way, EXCEPTING therefrom any portion lying with West 68th Avenue right of way.

Dated this 31st day of January, 2024.

Legal Notice No. CC 1488

First Publication: February 15, 2024

Last Publication: March 14, 2024 Published in the Canyon Courier

Notice to Creditors

Public Notice

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

Estate of John Books, Deceased Case Number: 2024PR30244

All persons having claims against the abovenamed estate are required to present them to the personal representative or to the District Court of Jefferson County, Colorado, on or before Monday, July 8, 2024, or the claims may be forever barred.

Kirstin Seale, Personal