Conifer thrift store to change hands
Former MRC Resale Store will become volunteer-run Community Nest
BY JANE REUTER JREUTER@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM
Conifer’s MRC Resale Store will change its name and expand its community services under new management.
A new nonpro t called Community Nest, led by Conifer resident Sharla Wright, will take over the lease July 1, re-opening the doors to the Conifer Marketplace thrift store on July 16. Community Nest is overseen by an 11-member board of local residents who are also store volunteers.
“We’ll still accept and sell gently used goods,” Wright said. “ e thing I hope we’ll elevate is to have people look at it not just as a resale store, but a community staple, someplace where you can go sit and have a cup of co ee. If you just need a hug or somebody to listen to, our volunteers would love to sit down and chat. I like to say we’re certi ed in love.” e Mountain Resource Center, which has run the store, said earlier this year that the cost to continue doing so was too high. MRC is a community-based organization that provides free services for individuals and families that need support.
When MRC said the store may have to close, store volunteers started
with Oracle Health, was one of those volunteers. She submitted paperwork for the new nonpro t and negotiated a new lease with the property manager.
“ ey (other volunteers) had the vision; they just needed somebody to execute on the main elements,” she said. “Everything has fallen into place quite nicely, and I believe we’ll be able to create an amazing community atmosphere.”
MRC representatives are happy the store will remain open.
“I think it’s a win-win,” said MRC board member Marilyn Saltzman. “We’ll leave them with the inventory.
“We’re glad somebody stepped up to the plate.”
Wright and her new board plan more changes at Community Nest down the road, including o ering classes to the community and giving back.
“We’re 100% volunteer run, so with our proceeds, we’d like to pick one or two nonpro ts in our community to give back to,” Wright said.
Wright and her young family moved to Conifer from Denver three years ago and discovered MRC after making a donation there.
“I grew up in a very small farm community in Kansas, and always
2024 High Altitude Gar den Tour
A new nonprofit called Community Nest, led by Conifer resident Sharla Wright, will take over the lease July 1.
knew how important it was to be involved,” she said. “MRC and the volunteers who work there felt like home to me, so I started volunteering.”
Community Nest will be open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesdays through Saturdays. Items that are not sold there will be donated to Mutual Aid Monday, Soles4Souls, Reservation Outreach and arc rift.
Community Nest’s board members include President Wright, Vice President Jennifer Heath, Secretary Bryn Brown, Treasurer Lynn Ziegler and at-large members Susie Stegemeier, Stephanie Hitterman, Jan Hauer, Amy Friel, Claudia Bonser, Ti any Ransel and Corinne Playfair.
New England’s MLS Goes Its Own Way, Challenging DOJ Regarding NAR Settlement
On June 20, MLS Property Information Network (MLS PIN) informed its 44,600 New England subscribers that, effective immediately, they could submit listings with no offer of buyer agent compensation. That MLS field isn’t being removed, but will now designate the seller’s offer of compensation, not the broker’s.
The article about this development in Inman news service got me thinking about the rationale behind the litigation against co-op commissions and the 1st Amendment implications of prohibiting the display of a seller’s offer of an incentive for other agents to bring a buyer for their listing.
buyer’s agent to compensate. This is our policy at Golden Real Estate — a win/ win policy, under which we earn more for handling both sides of the transaction, and the seller pays less overall.
for them.
But let’s rethink that concept. Now, the listing commission in the above scenario would be 2.8%, not 5.6%, and the listing agreement would specify that the seller offers 2.8% to the buyer’s agent who represents the buyer for his home. The MLS would then have a field for displaying the seller’s offer of compensation, not the listing broker’s offer. This is where freedom of speech comes into play.
Let’s remember who has the resources to pay agents representing buyers. Unless buyers are paying cash, they’re already hard pressed to come up with the down payment and the fees charged by their loan officers. Those fees, except for the appraisal, are simply added to the principal amount of the mortgage loan, so they’re not out of pocket for buyers, but you better believe that a 4- or 5-figure agent compensation amount will be hard felt by buyers.
The many class action lawsuits regarding co-op commissions have echoed the same assertion, alleging that the sharing of commissions between listing and buyer brokers inflates seller costs and is a conspiracy in restraint of trade, a violation of the Sherman Antitrust Act. The change suggested in this column would, I believe, invalidate that claim.
MLS PIN made the following points in its June 20th email to subscribers:
The practice has, until now, been for the seller to agree to a listing commission which was high enough for the listing broker to share it with the agent who produced the buyer. For example, a listing commission might be 5.6%, specifying that 2.8% would be offered to a cooperating buyer’s agent.
Many, but not all, listing agents would insert in the contract a provision that the listing commission would be reduced by, say, 1%, if there was no
Price Reduced on My Model S
It still runs like new, although it has 103,000 miles on the odometer. I’m letting it go for $17,500. Call me at 303-5251851 for a test drive. You’ll love this car.
It would be stated in the listing agreement that sellers are free to offer zero compensation to brokers who produce the buyer for their home. Because offers of compensation by sellers would be published for buyers and their agents to see when searching for listings, sellers would be incentivized to offer such compensation. It’s okay for the seller to offer zero compensation, but if that results in few showings and no offers, the seller might change his mind later on. Listings suffer when the “days on market” number grows. I suspect most sellers will agree to offer something in order to increase showings and offers. It has always made sense to me that agents for buyers be compensated by the sellers. The builders of new homes will continue to offer compensation to buyer agents, with or without that offer being displayed on the MLS, knowing that failure to do so would only drive buyers to their competitors. The failure of any home seller to do the same would have the same effect.
Builders must already be excited by the conventional wisdom that buyers will have to pay the brokers who represent them, knowing the great advantage that such a belief will increase business
Coming Soon: Townhome in North Golden
$695,000
On the other hand, any compensation paid to a buyer’s agent by the seller is not paid upfront, but is taken from the seller’s proceeds, which makes it much less painful. But it needs to be a conscious decision of the seller to make that offer, just like any other incentive — for example, providing money to buy down the buyer’s interest rate. The shock of seeing the buyer’s agent’s commission on the seller’s settlement statement instead of the single commission payment to the listing agent is no doubt what triggered that class action lawsuits from sellers complaining, “Why am I paying my buyer’s broker?” With the decision to incentivize buyer agents being more conscious for sellers, that shock will not be as great.
“Offers of compensation, if any, will be made by the seller. Listing brokers and cooperating brokers will no longer split commissions.
“Listing agreements must disclose that the seller is neither required to offer compensation nor required to accede to any cooperating broker’s request for compensation. The listing broker must disclose this to the seller before the seller signs the listing agreement.
“If a seller elects to offer compensation, the listing agreement must also say that the cooperating broker will be an intended thirdparty beneficiary of the agreement with the right to enforce the same.
“Before posting a listing, the listing broker must certify, in a checkbox designated for this purpose in Pinergy [the MLS app], that the listing broker has notified the seller of the seller’s rights not to offer compensation and not to accede to a cooperating broker’s request for compensation.”
Just Listed: 4-BR Home in North Arvada
$695,000
This 1967 brick ranch at 10840 W. 71st Pl. has a fully finished walk-out basement. Both the front and back yards are fenced and sprinklered. There are two bedrooms and one full bathroom and one 3/4 bathroom on the main floor and two more bedrooms sharing a 3/4 bath in the basement. With its own entrance and kitchenette, the basement could serve as a mother-in-law apartment. Both levels have wood-burning fireplaces. There’s a large covered deck on the main level and a sunroom which the seller uses as her dining room. With its ramped entrance, the main floor of this home is handicapped accessible. The kitchen was recently renovated. The location is a quiet subdivision that is nevertheless convenient to Old Towne Arvada, parks and bike paths, and the Apex Rec Center on 72nd Avenue. You can view a narrated video walk-through at www.GRElistings.com, then call Jim Smith at 303525-1851 to request a private showing.
Sitting at the end of a cul-de-sac in the small and quiet Canyon Point Villas subdivision, this home at 533 High Point Drive has a commanding view of the City of Golden, the table mountains and the foothills, including the famous "M" on Mt. Zion from its recently refinished full-width wood deck. You'll appreciate the interior too, including the recently refinished hardwood floors and new carpeting, and the updated kitchen with slab granite countertops. Even the two-car garage has been painted and includes wall cabinets and other storage. You will be able to view a narrated video tour next week at www.NorthGoldenHome.com, then come to our open house on Saturday, July 13th, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Or call Jim Smith at 303-525-1851 for a private showing.
Jim Smith
Jim@GoldenRealEstate.com 1214 Washington Ave., Golden 80401 Broker Associates: JIM SWANSON, 303-929-2727 CHUCK BROWN, 303-885-7855
DAVID DLUGASCH, 303-908-4835
GREG KRAFT, 720-353-1922
AUSTIN POTTORFF, 970-281-9071
KATHY JONKE, 303-990-7428
In-house Lender
“Concentrate on giving and the getting will take care of itself.” —Anonymous
Conifer Radio founder works to bond foothills residents through radio
BY JANE REUTER JREUTER@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM
Mark Spiro believed the 285 corridor was magical from the moment he and his wife Denise found a home there in 2003. It wasn’t until he retired and launched Conifer Radio that he discovered its people are, too.
“I never knew you all existed,” he said. “I have a feeling there are many other commuters going down the hill in the same mode.”
e Montana native worked as a human resources director for 40 years, commuting for the last 20 of those years from Conifer to Denver.
“What I loved was coming back to Conifer,” he said. “It was my Shangrila from the crazy things in the city.”
When he retired, Spiro decided to tie his passion for the foothills with his love of radio, a talent he discovered in college. He believed the Conifer area merited its own station.
“My vocation as an HR director ended in 2019,” he said. “My avocation as a community radio entrepreneur began.”
Spiro ’s goal was to give the community a positive, nonpolitical voice, o ering exposure for local businesses and providing information speci c to the area.
“Everybody’s from somewhere else around here,” he said. “We bond through a community radio station.”
Spiro researched internet radio stations, which use the internet to broadcast audio instead of radio waves and opted to go that route.
he said. “I’ve done this 4.5 years in July. I haven’t made a nickel on it.”
In those early days, with much of the country in lockdown, Spiro focused on bolstering local nonpro ts.
“We started operations and began actively supporting over two dozen nonpro ts in the community with public service announcements and weekly podcast featurettes,” he said. “ is was important as most of them were nancially (during the pandemic), not being able to hold public events and fundraisers.”
residents talking about community events, local sports, home repair tips and local issues. Spiro also does live broadcasts at local events.
While he doesn’t shy away from covering controversial topics, Spiro does set standards of conduct for his guests and himself.
“You will never hear the ‘f’ word (or others) on Conifer Radio as long as I’m alive,” he said. “And if something controversial comes up, both sides are represented. Whether they like it or not, we’re all connected.”
“It still costs me a lot of money to run this but not nearly what it would have to launch an FM tower, which would require a series of transmitters to keep the signal,” he said. “Internet radio uses cell towers. I look at the cell tower to replace the FM tower.”
Spiro launched the station just months before the pandemic, calling it Conifer Radio. It’s the one decision he regrets.
“I didn’t know what to call it; the mistake I made was calling it Conifer Radio,” he said. “My vision is to feature what’s going on in the magical corridor, from Indian Hills to Kenosha Park on U.S. 285.” e impetus has never been about making money, he said.
“We don’t advertise; we recognize,”
Wild West Show
He worked closely then and today with Sharon Trilk at My Mountain Town, whose mountain community website shares the same goal of strengthening ties between neighbors and sharing information. e pandemic-era program gave featured nonpro ts a podcast on the station and free advertising on My Mountain Town.
“Everybody loved it and it’s just gone from there,” she said. “He and I are totally on the same page in our goals for the community of getting information out, and letting people know all the amazing things going on. He does it through radio and I do it online.”
While Spiro initially broadcast from his home, he now has a small studio at the Conifer Historical Society’s annex.
More than four years after it launched, Sprio ’’s maintained Conifer Radio’s strong focus on community support, with a broadcast mix that includes mountain classic rock and other music along with area
In 2023, he recruited 25 businesses and nonpro ts to support Conifer Radio, which he calls the “25 for 285.” ose businesses are regularly recognized on the station.
Spiro ’s current goal is to nd eight community podcasters to produce informational programs about Evergreen, Bailey, Pine and the area’s other mountain communities, who will also learn how the station operates. With those podcasters on board, whom Spiro calls “the Eight who Elevate,” he’s hopeful Conifer Radio could transition to a nonpro t organization.
While Spiro hopes to nd those eight people by the end of 2024, Conifer Radio will go on regardless. For Spiro , it’s not just a second career — it’s a calling.
“I’ve moved from helping people in the work environment be healthier and rewarded to helping my mountain area community have a voice,” he said. “ at, I hope, will be our legacy.”
Listen live at coniferradio.com.
Mark Spiro broadcasts from Conifer Radio’s studios at the Conifer Historical Society and Museum annex. PHOTO BY JANE REUTER
Evergreen Garden Club tour returns July 20
Self-guided fundraiser includes five new flower and vegetable gardens, artists, musicians and food trucks
BY JANE REUTER
e Evergreen Garden Club tour is back, with ve new ower and vegetable gardens available to tour on July 20. e day also includes a plant sale, food trucks, local artists and musicians and an online silent auction. Gardens on the self-guided tour open at 10 a.m. and close at 3 p.m.
e event is the garden club’s
only fundraiser, and proceeds support the maintenance of nine public gardens in the Evergreen area. e tour is not only an opportunity to see beautiful vegetation, but inspire new and seasoned gardeners in their own pursuits.
Evergreen’s elevation starts at 7,200 feet, which makes gardening a unique — but worthwhile — challenge, said Louise Heern, the club’s president-elect.
e tour gardens demonstrate the splendor of nature amid the area’s short growing season, dry climate, hostile soil, tful winds, and insatiable wildlife, according to a press release about the upcoming event.
“ e Garden Tour is a unique chance to chat with people who have recovered from the disappointment of seeds that never germinated, blooms that disappeared overnight amidst a trail of deer
and elk hoofprints, or veggies that brought joy to a family of bunnies,” it says. “ e gardens on the Evergreen Garden Tour have withstood the challenges of high-altitude gardening and you can do it too.”
Heern, who moved to Evergreen from suburban Chicago, experienced those challenges rsthand, along with the added frustration of wildlife eating the fruits of her labor.
“When I came from Illinois, I was planting things I had in my garden there, and nothing was working,” she said. “I took the Colorado State University Master Gardener class to help me overcome those challenges. Most people join the club to try to gure out what to plant, and it’s our mission to help them.”
e Garden Club tour is selfguided, and participants can spend as much time at each of the ve
stops as they’d like. Each garden will have a docent on hand to answer questions, as well as an artist and a musician.
Tickets are $25, and free for children 12 and under. ey can be purchased online at the Evergreen Garden Club 2024 tour, or during the 9 a.m. July 20 check-in at EFR, 1802 Bergen Parkway.
Public gardens that bene t from the tour and are maintained by the club are located at the Evergreen Metro Water District, the Hiwan Homestead Museum, the Bergen Park tra c circle, Evergreen Fire/ Rescue’s training center on Bergen Parkway, Evergreen Post O ce, Evergreen Library and Evergreen Metro District.
e Evergreen Garden Club also donates and holds a food drive each year that bene ts Evergreen Christian Outreach.
Registration Fees: $40 for the first child in the family and $20 for each additional child. More information and registration link can be found at evergreenlutheran.org July 15-19.
Hours: 9am-12pm for Preschool, 9am-2pm for all other ages Monday through Thursday. Friday all ages are 9am-12pm.
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Conifer woman named Ms. Senior Colorado
Andrea Kehmeier plans to promote the pageant’s message and her own philosophy on the value of seniors
BY JANE REUTER JREUTER@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM
Conifer resident Andrea Kehmeier
lled out an application for Ms. Colorado Senior America on a lark. She was not only shocked, but unprepared when she was named the pageant winner April 27.
“When they announced me, my rst thought was, there’s some mistake,” said Kehmeier, 71.
e rehearsal at Denver’s Mizel Arts & Cultural Center had included every step until that moment, with no instructions provided for the winner.
“ ey place about 60 pounds of owers in your arms and a crown on your head, and hand you a big trophy,” she said. “I have short hair and the crown kept falling down on my nose, and they’re telling me to walk across the stage.
“I was absolutely dumbfounded,” she continued. “But I’m sort of growing into it now.”
As the shock wears o , Kehmeier sees clearly that her role is not just to appear in parades and shake hands. She intends to use her title to help others, particularly fellow senior women.
“ e whole idea of this pageant is to emphasize those good things that happen as we age, and maybe inspire women to do some things they’ve never done before,” she said. “I’m not a person who ever dreamed of being a pageant girl. But it’s been a fabulous experience so far.”
Kehmeier is well-practiced at unique life experiences. e Pennsylvania native was born into a military family and moved many times as a child. She graduated as salutatorian from Southern Seminary Junior College in Virginia, where she also won a voice award as a singer. She earned a liberal arts degree at Penn State University and worked on her master’s degree at Temple University.
During her career, she worked in both the corporate world and the arts. e constant in her life has been the-
“I had visited friends out here and thought it would be a lovely place to settle,” she said. “I didn’t have that opportunity until I met Richard. I never made a better decision in my life to marry Richard and move out here with him.”
She retired about two years ago from her job as a technical writer at AECOM Engineering.
“After I retired, I thought, ‘Now what?” she said, adding the pageant caught her eye. “You’re supposed to stay social as you’re aging, and I thought I could meet some new people. ey emphasized contestants had a lot of fun, and it sounded like a good cause. Before I knew it, I was signing on the dotted line.”
e Ms. Senior America contest is a search for the woman who best exempli es the dignity, maturity and inner beauty of senior Americans, according to its website. e pageant’s philosophy is that seniors are the foundation of America, and that their knowledge, experience and resources are vital to ensuring the younger generation builds a better society.
During the Colorado competition, contestants each had a private interview with the judges, and participated
in an evening gown and talent competition; Kehmeier sang. She also had to write and recite her philosophy of life.
“My philosophy of life has morphed some,” she said. “I’ve had to accept the absolute impermanence of everything. Since nothing lasts forever, make the most of what you have today. In the dance of life, change is my partner and wisdom is our song.”
As Ms. Colorado Senior, Kehmeier has participated in Denver’s Juneteenth parade and visited several nursing homes and retirement villages. She will represent Colorado in the national pageant, held in October in Atlantic City, New Jersey.
Meanwhile, she said, “I’ll be attending a lot of festivals, and also promoting the idea that seniors have a lot to o er.”
She’s seen within her own circle of acquaintances that that message is a needed one.
“I know a lot of women my whose husbands are gone, their kids are out of the house and they’re absolutely at a loss, not knowing what to do or thinking they have a lot to o er,” Kehmeier said. “We have to change those perceptions. ey have experience and wisdom that just isn’t gained if you’ve lived a few years.
“I’m hoping I’ll be able to do some good in the world,” she continued. “If I can have just a small role in changing those perceptions and helping even a handful of people feel good about their lives and where they are right now, I would like to do that.”
Conifer’s Andrea Kehmeier is Ms. Senior Colorado. She appeared in Denver’s Juneteenth parade on June 15. COURTESY OF MS. SENIOR COLORADO
Unopposed Je erson County Commissioner candidates advance through primaries
Democrats, Republicans from Districts 1 and 2 will face o in November
Few watching the Je erson County Commissioner primaries had to hold their breath, as Democrat and Republican candidates in Districts 1 and 2 advanced by virtue of having no challenger in the primary. Election day in November will be a di erent story, as Democrat Rachel Zenzinger will face Republican Charlie Johnson in District 1, while Democrat Andy Kerr will face Republican Charlie Sturdivant in Dis-
A voter drops o their primary ballot June 25 at the Je erson County Government Center’s main ballot drop box. Je co o cials expected a relatively low turnout, as most races on both Republican and Democrat ballots were uncontested.
trict 2. Primaries were held on June 25, while election day is set for Nov. 5.
Zenzinger and Johnson are vying to ll Tracy Kraft- arpe’s seat in District 1, while Kerr — who was originally elected in 2020 — Is hoping to earn a second term.
Prior to this race, Zenzinger was the Colorado State Senator for District 19, a role she is now term-limited from. Johnson is a longtime Je co resident and a former law enforcement o cer who is seeking his rst o ce as an elected o cial.
Kerr’s political career has seen him represent District 26 in the Colorado House of Representatives and District 22 in the Colorado State Senate prior to his term on the county commission. Sturdivant is seeking his rst elected o ce.
PHOTO BY CORINNE WESTEMAN
Ever since most of us were young, we’ve been exposed to stories that include poisoning of some kind — think about classics like Snow White and Greek mythology. And poisoning still features in murder mysteries and true crime sagas that enthrall adults.
e Denver Museum of Nature & Science’s newest exhibit, “ e Power of Poison,” explores the natural history of poisons, how and why they were developed by plants and animals, and the role poison has played in human society for centuries.
VOICES
DMNS Explores ’The Power of Poison’
COMING ATTRACTIONS
“ is is the second time we’ve hosted this exhibit. e rst was in 2015 and we heard from audiences that they loved it so much, we decided to bring it back,” said Jenna Chervin, program coordinator for DMNS. “What’s really cool about the exhibit is there’s so much to it, we couldn’t t it all last time. So, this time around, we’re able to include some new features.”
“ e Power of Poison,” organized by the American Museum of Natural History, will be on display at the museum, 2001 Colorado Blvd. in Denver, through January 5. Access to the exhibit is part of a general admission ticket to DMNS.
e exhibition takes a multi-faceted and multi-media approach to poison, beginning with which kinds of plants and animals developed toxicity and how they use it for protection. Guests will walk through the Colombian jungle as they learn
During our study of American Romantic and Transcendental literature, I would challenge my juniors to choose between two high-risk ventures: Either walk alone late at night down a dark alley in a rough part of town or through the wilds of Alaska, the home of grizzlies and wolves. at led to some raucous exchanges as they debated among themselves. During the followup, large-group debrie ng discussion,
about the poisonous creatures that inhabit the environment.
teers and experience a show, there’s so much to learn and so many ways to learn it.”
More information is available at www.dmns.org/visit/exhibitions/ the-power-of-poison/.
Hyland Hills Park Hosts Country Concert Under the Stars
Clarke Reader
From there, “ e Power of Poison” delves into mankind’s history with poisons, including stories from Greece and Shakespeare’s “Macbeth.” is portion also features real people who were connected to poison (like Egypt’s Cleopatra) and whether the stories about them are based in fact.
ere is even a performance hosted every half hour that involves the true story of a dairy farmer and his family who died under mysterious circumstances in the 1830s.
e nal piece of the exhibit is focused on the bene ts of poison and the way science is harnessing these substances to make medicines and cure diseases. According to provided information, it uncovers how “scientists are studying poison’s effects on human cells to protect, repair and heal our own bodies and improve our health.”
ere’s always been a sense of mystery and danger around poisons, but this fascinating exhibit peels back the layers to let visitors see how important these toxic substances are.
“ e exhibit is visually stunning. is one really is for everyone,” Chervin said. “Whether you want to read every panel or talk to volun-
For those looking for a more intimate outdoor musical performance, head out to Clear Creek Valley Park, 3700 W. 58th Place in Arvada, for Hyland Hills Parks & Recreation’s free Summer Concert Series. According to provided information, each concert features food trucks, beer and non-alcoholic beverages for sale, and face painting and balloon art for children.
e show at 7 p.m. on ursday, July 11 will see Ryan Chrys & e Rough Cuts take to the stage. e group is four-piece touring band that shares male and female leads in a mix of old school country and rock and roll.
Find details at www.hylandhills. org.
Take an Artistic Walk Down South Pearl Street
South Pearl Street, stretching from Buchtel to Jewell Avenues in Denver, is one of the city’s most delightful gems, and this summer it’s getting more fun with First Friday Art Walks, which will run through November.
e walk on Friday, July 5, goes from 5 to 8 p.m. and will feature about 50 local artists o ering live
Feeling awe-full
demos on the sidewalks, as well as live music for visitors to enjoy. Many merchants will also be participating with extended hours and special events, like tarot card readings. ose looking for a bite or drink can participate in wine tastings and special menus at the street’s restaurants.
More information is available at https://www.southpearlstreet. com/ rst-friday/.
Clarke’s Concert of the Week — The Summer Camp with Trucks Tour at Fiddler’s Green
You might not believe me if you weren’t around at the time, but Hootie & e Blow sh had heaters, man. e South Carolina group became a punchline for a while, but that’s what happens when you make songs like “Only Wanna Be With You,” “Time” and “Let Her Cry,” all of which are undeniable. e group took a long time o , but they’re back with the Summer Camp with Trucks Tour, which is stopping at Fiddler’s Green Amphitheatre, 6350 Greenwood Plaza Blvd. in Englewood, at 7:30 p.m. on Wednesday, July 10. ey’ll be joined by Collective Soul(another timeless favorite for yours truly) and Edwin McCain, making the event a true 90’s night of the highest order. It’ll be a blast.
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.
two outcomes struck me as particularly telling. e rst was how many spoke about going back and forth as they deciphered what their choice said about them. e second was the number that opted for which scenario.
Since then, I posed that challenge to numerous adults. Most landed where my sixteen- and seventeenyear-old students did: the dark alley.
Having a strong nature boy archetype, initially I found that surprising. But upon re ection, I realized there was a lesson to be learned from it: People, by and large, have a fear of nature.
As foreboding and forbidding a dark alley might be, it, nevertheless,
symbolizes civilization, and within civilization — “where the peoples is,” as Del Jue de nes it in “Jeremiah Johnson” — lies safety. But therein lies the root of our national angst. Since we Homo sapiens enclosed — barricaded — ourselves behind protective walls, we’ve become riskaverse in its pure sense. For many today, risk-taking involves nancial investments, high-stakes gambling,
JERRY FABYANIC
HAPPENINGS
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 newspaper. Items will appear in print on a space-available basis.
THURSDAY
Indian Hills 4th of July celebration: 7 a.m. to 1 p.m., Indian Hills.
FABYANIC
and rush-hour tra c.
Other than occasional strolls through a park, rides along a bike path, or weekend jaunts out to the countryside, ofttimes clutching their wireless umbilical cord, Americans rarely if ever venture into their natural home. And when they do, they do it in a relatively risk-free manner. ough those outings can be benecial and even crucial for one’s physical, mental and emotional health, they rarely put people in a place where they can experience something soul-ful lling. In a word, awe. Because it is in nature where a person experiences awe authentically. Where one becomes awe lled.
ink of a time when you experienced an awe- lled moment, one that made you gasp in wonder because of its power, magni cence, or grandeur. Describe it. Was it in or of a manmade structure or an interaction you had or witnessed? Or was it something beyond human creation? I often think of the time when a friend and I were descending Wilson Peak in the San Juans and a erce storm rolled in. We were at about 13,000 feet when lightning started dancing not only above us but also below. Safety protocol called for me to crouch low to avoid being a target, but some soulful power kept me hiking down the trail. As I did, John Denver’s line in “Rocky Mountain High” about raining re in the sky sang in my mind. Far from freaking out, I was so captivated by what I was more than witnessing. I became, as Ralph Waldo Emerson put it, part and parcel of it.
“Awful” is a strange word in that it seems to contradict itself. Rather than meaning full of awe, it means “not good” or “crappy,” or when used as an adverb, it can denote some-
Fun run, pancake breakfast, helicopter y-in, parade.
42nd annual Freedom Run: 8 a.m. July 4, Evergreen Middle School, 2059 S Hiwan Dr, Evergreen. All proceeds bene t Mount Evans Home Health Care & Hospice. 303-674-6400 or info@mtevans.org
SEE HAPPENINGS, P12
thing positive as in, “She’s awfully good at soccer.” We also bandy “awe “around lightly when we say we’re in awe of something mundane. When used in those contexts, we trivialize the depth and power of the word. To remind ourselves of the true meaning of “awe,” it’s helpful to consider the word’s etymology.
Awe is a derivative of “ahe,” an Old English word, which was taken from the Old Norse “agi” that meant terror as well as deep reverence. at might seem like a double usage or meaning, but it’s not. Terror, in this case, is not the kind of terror we generally think of, like an act of terrorism. Rather, it means being completely overwhelmed by an event, presence, or force so beyond human comprehension it causes a shift in consciousness. We’re moved beyond being super impressed into a higher dimension of awareness and profundity.
In the end, an authentic sense of awe is a spiritual experience. Of course, it’s not within most peoples’ ability or means to climb a mountain or sidestep behind a roaring waterfall. But transcendent moments can happen simply by re ecting on a rainbow, sitting on your porch during a hellacious thunderstorm, or, if brazen enough, chasing or getting chased by a tornado.
To become whole, it’s essential to encounter and touch the sublime from time to time. It not only reminds you of your fragility and vulnerability in the face of the power and mystery of nature and universe, its e ects can help you put the strife and tension of human a airs into perspective. Because feeling awefull reminds us that relative to nature we’re not invincible and as tough as we often delude ourselves into believing.
Jerry Fabyanic is the author of “Sisyphus Wins” and “Food for ought: Essays on Mind and Spirit.” He lives in Georgetown.
JOHNSON
OBITUARIES
Jean (Jean Staples) Johnson
March 14, 1922 - June 6, 2024
Jean S. Johnson, age 102, of Evergreen, CO, passed away June 6, 2024. She is survived by her brother Alan Staples (Joan), son Eric Johnson (Kim); grandsons Kevin Johnson (Erin) and Lukas Johnson, and two great grandchildren Julian and Maya. She was preceded in death by her parents Charles and Louise Staples, husband Robert Johnson, brother Warren Staples, and daughter Rondi Johnson. She was a freelance illustrator, and brought joy to others through her many paintings. Jean’s work was seen in children’s books, magazines, record albums, and newspaper advertisements.
Her paintings were shown in exhibits from Maine to Florida and Colorado. e last article on Jean can be found at Colorado Serenity Magazine, February, 2022, pg. 28. She was loved by many and will be dearly missed. Memorial service will be held Saturday, August 3 at 10:30 am at the Rocky Mtn. Village Estates (Genesee Building), 31719 Rocky Village Drive, Evergreen, CO. In lieu of owers donations are suggested to the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts, 118-128 North Broad Street, Philadelphia, PA 19102.
WIDDOWFIELD-HATHCOCK
Devyn Leah Widdowfield-Hathcock
December 7, 2010 - October 6, 2023
Devyn lost her battle for life on October 6, 2023 after battling Acute Meyloid Leukemia for almost 3 years. She met her leukemia head on and fought with all her might, teaching us all what it meant to ght with a true heart. She is survived by her mother, Jennifer Widdow eld, father, Jon Hathcock, brother, Conall Widdow eld-Hathcock, grandparents, Murph and Verna Widdow eld and Edmund Hathcock,
several aunts, uncles and many cousins. Preceded in death by her sister Tegwyn Leah Widdow eld and grandmother Joan Hathcock.
A Celebration of Life for Devyn will be held on the afternoon of August 24, 2024 at Elm-Green Park on Floyd Hill. Time and more information will be posted on her Go Fund Me page as all details are nalized.
Link - https://gofund.me/4a454165
BY MCKENA HARFORD MHARFORD@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM
With one simple swish of his bug net, University of Colorado entomologist Adrian Carper deftly caught three di erent species of bees that had been buzzing around the Denver Botanic Gardens.
Carper identi ed them to his tour group as an American bumblebee, a sweat bee and a leafcutter bee — just a few of the more than 1,000 species of bees native to the state.
“ ere are so many things that sometimes we don’t see at rst glance but are there,” he said.
As part of the Denver Botanic Gardens’ Big Day of Bugs, Carper and others shared their expertise on pollinators with hundreds of
visitors, celebrating the important role the bugs and birds play.
Colorado’s colorful biodiversity is in large part thanks to the thousands of species of pollinators, including bees, butter ies, hummingbirds, beetles and moths, that call it home. Worldwide, more than 80% of owering plants rely on pollinators and pollination is crucial for producing fruit and other foods.
Pollinators play such a crucial role in the environment that Colorado named June as pollinator month in an e ort to educate about them and raise awareness of the issues leading to population decline, including habitat loss, climate change and pesticides.
June also kicked o the prime time for pollinators, according to John Murgel, a horticulture and natural resources specialist for the Douglas County Colorado State University Extension O ce.
“If you were going to pick one time to look for pollinators and see a diversity, this is it,” Murgel said.
For those interested in helping build up pollinator populations, there are a number of ways to help.
Murgel said anyone with an outdoor space can help combat habitat loss by planting owers, shrubs or trees that have pollen or nectar, particularly native wild owers like the aptly named beebalm.
“One thing folks can consider do-
ing is build habitat back into their landscapes,” he said. “It’s an ‘if you build it, they will come’ model for pollinators. If you have oral resources, you’re going to see pollinators.”
Murgel said it’s ideal to try and plant a variety of owers and shrubs that ower throughout the year. He added that local CSU extension o ces can recommend speci c plants depending on the area and resources available.
Another local resource is the People and Pollinators Action Network, which also o ers grants to support building new habitats.
Colorado is home to more than 1,000 species of bees, as well as thousands of other pollinators, like butterflies, beetles, moths and hummingbirds.
PHOTO BY MCKENNA HARFORD
POLLINATORS
In addition to owers, Murgel said an ideal pollinator habitat has access to soil, nesting sites, like rocks, mulch or sticks, and a water source. He also encouraged people to avoid weed fabric.
“ e more diverse habitat you can build, the more pollinators you stand to see and to help,” Murgel said.
Another big way to combat pollinator declines is to stop using pesticides, Murgel said.
In order to keep track of pollina-
tor populations, there are also volunteer networks that survey areas for di erent species. CSU extension o ces have the native bee watch program, which trains volunteers to identify species and then submit reports.
“You can do it in your yard or your local park, any place there are owers,” Murgel said. “ en you submit your observations so we can track how many native bees we’re seeing in habitat fragments.”
Similarly, the Butter y Pavillion, an invertebrate museum in Westminster, o ers the Colorado Butter-
y Monitoring Network to train volunteers to track butter y species.
A number of educational events also focus on pollinators, including the Big Day of Bugs and the Butter y Pavillion’s Pollinator Palooza. ornton residents Hailey, Shannon and Melissa Castillo, who took one of Carper’s bug tours, said they would be implementing several things they learned about at the Big Day of Bug in their new garden to support bees and hummingbirds.
“Now we know it’s not just about the owers, but also the environment,” Hailey Castillo said.
Hannah Craft, associate director of learning engagement and inter-
pretation with the Denver Botanic Gardens, said awareness and education is a key rst step to helping pollinators. She said surveys found that some visitors reduced their water consumption, planted di erent species or talked to a friend about conservation after learning about plants and pollinators.
“I think it’s exciting to move the needle on that and get people thinking,” Craft said. “ ings like climate change can seem really overwhelming but facilitating these conversations is a great place to start.”
Murgel agreed.
“For tiny creatures, tiny actions can be a really big deal,” he said.
Butterflies and moths fly freely inside the Butterfly Pavilion in Westminster. PHOTO BY KRISTEN FIORE
BOTTOM LEFT: Thornton residents Melissa Castillo, Shannon Castillo and Hailey Castillo examine a bumblebee caught in a tube. The Castillos are
HAPPENINGS
Foothills 4th: Noon to 8 p.m., July 4, Buchanan ball elds, 32003 Ellingwood Trail, Evergreen. Games, live music, food trucks. evergreenchamber.org.
TUESDAY
Evergreen Farmers Market: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. every Tuesday, Hiwan Heritage Park, 28473 Meadow Dr, Evergreen.
WEDNESDAY
EPRD summer concert series: 4:30 to 8 p.m. July 10, Buchanan Park Field, 32003 Ellingwood Trail, Evergreen.4:30 p.m. AWAKE Yoga, 5 p.m.
“Porch Moment.” 6:30 p.m. “Drew Dvorchak Band.”
UPCOMING
CAE Summer Concert Series
“Mark Morris with Friends from Rapidgrass”: 7 p.m. July 11, Center for the Arts Evergreen, 31880 Rocky Village Drive, Evergreen. $25. evergreenarts.org
Downtown Evergreen Second Saturdays: 4 to 7 p.m. July 13. Galleries and shops serving sips and bites.
Andy Smith Senior (formerly Special Needs) Golf Tournament: 7:30 a.m. July 15, Hiwan Golf Club, 30671 Clubhouse Ln, Evergreen. Fundraiser for Evergreen Park & Recreation District’s INSPIRE program.
Seniors4Wellness Wellness Class: 12:30 p.m. July 17, Bergen Park Church, 31919 Rocky Village Dr, Evergreen. EFR presenting wild re safety information.
Raining Cats & Dogs Fundraiser: 4 p.m. July 18, Cactus Jack’s Saloon, 4651 County Road 73, Evergreen. Bu ett, silent auction. Tickets $25. Bene tting Evergreen Animal Protective League. eapl.com
Seniors4Wellness Friday Cafe, 11:30 a.m., July 19, Christ the King Church, 4291 Evergreen Pkwy, Evergreen.
or play, go to resilience1220.org.
Evergreen Lutheran Church Grove Sale: 7:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Aug. 3, 5980 County Hwy 73, Evergreen. Donate gently used items & shop for inexpensive household goods, clothing, books, furniture, crafts, & more. Donations can be dropped o 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. July 29 through July 31 at Evergreen Lutheran Church. No large appliances, tube televisions, computers, tires, mattresses or entertainment centers .For more information or to volunteer call 303674-4654.
Dam Ducky Derby: 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Aug. 3, downtown Evergreen. downtownevergreen.com
Evergreen Garden Tour: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. July 20, Evergreen Fire/Rescue Training Center, 1802 Bergen Parkway, Evergreen. Including silent auction and plant sale. Tickets at EvergreenGardenClub.org.
CAE’s 44th annual Summerfest: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. July 20 & 21, Buchanan Park, 32003 Ellingwood Trail, Evergreen. Live music, artists booths, food trucks and spirits vendors, children’s activities. $5 at the door, 10 and under free. Hosted by the Center for the Arts Evergreen. evergreenarts.org.
Seniors4Wellness Bingo & Games: 12:30 p.m. July 24, Bergen Park Church, 31919 Rocky Village Dr, Evergreen.
EPRD summer concert series: 4:45 to 8 p.m. July 24, Evergreen Lake, 29612 Upper Bear Creek Road, Evergreen.
Evergreen Jazz Festival: July 26, 27 & 28. Five venues with free shuttle between them. Tickets and information at evergreenjazz.org
Elevation Celebration: 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., July 27 & 28, 25997 Conifer Rd., Conifer. Live music, craft fair, food and drink, kids activities. elevationcelebration.goconifer.com
12th Annual Conifer Elevation Run/ Walk: 7 a.m. July 27. Featuring a 10K, USATF 5K, and 2 Mile Fun Run. 10K at 7:30 a.m., West Je erson Elementary, 26501 Barkley Rd, Conifer.
Pickleball tournament fundraiser for Resilience 1220: 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. July 27, Marshdale Park, 6979 S Ocelot Trail, Evergreen. To sponsor
Mountain Music Fest: Noon to 9 p.m. Aug. 3, Buchanan Park, 32003 Ellingwood Trail, Evergreen. Tickets at mountainmusicfest.org
EPRD summer concert series: 4-8 p.m. Aug. 7, Buchanan Park, 32003 Ellingwood Trail, Evergreen.
Downtown Evergreen mural dedication: 5 p.m. August 14, Century Link building, east end of Evergreen’s main street (Hwy 74).
58th annual Evergreen Fine Arts Festival: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Aug. 24 & 25. Buchanan Fields 32003 Ellingwood Trail, Evergreen. evergreenneartsfestival.com
Buchanan Park Family Movie Night “Barbie”: 6 to 11 p.m. Aug. 30, Buchanan Park Field, 32003 Ellingwood Trail, Evergreen.
ONGOING
Evergreen Farmers Market: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. every Tuesday, Hiwan Heritage Park, 28473 Meadow Dr, Evergreen.
Evergreen Cars & Co ee: 9 a.m. to noon every Saturday through Aug. 31, 3639 Evergreen Parkway, Evergreen.
Wild Aware volunteer watch program at Evergreen Lake:Fridays 4 pm, to dusk, Saturdays & Sundays 9 am to dusk. Volunteers guide visitors during elk calving season to give protective cows space to avoid negative interactions. wildaware.org.
Evergreen Audubon Weekly Preschool Adventures Program: 9 to
Je erson Center opens youth recovery facility
BY JO DAVIS JDAVIS@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM
e Je erson Center recently opened the doors of its Youth Residential Recovery Program. e center is a self-contained center located within one of the Je erson Center’s inpatient facilities and is only available by referral to a limited number of patients.
e program is the rst in Colorado to o er both mental health and substance abuse care to youth in a residential capacity, according to Andrea Turk, director of recovery services at the Je erson Center and program manager for the Youth Residential Recovery Program.
Turk worked for the state probation o ce before taking on the role of pulling together the new youth program.
“ ere is currently, across the state, not another facility like us that serves youth,” Turk said. Before this program, Turk said nonpro t agencies and children’s homes served youth who needed substance use care.
probation like 20 years ago …we had other agencies where they served adolescents who struggled with substance use, and those agencies no
longer provided that level of care
Turk said the reason for the decrease in services for youth substance use care included the in-
creased cost of housing and treating the youth. “It’s an incredibly expensive type of treatment. Any type of residential treatment facility actually can have a fairly high cost. It’s also an extremely challenging population to engage in treatment.”
She explained that although the need is very high, the cost and needs of the population were higher.
According to Turk, the state recently came in December 2023 with “Medically Monitored Inpatient Withdrawal Management (ASAM Level 3.7-WM) Services” legislation. Turk said the legislation started the process for building the youth residential recovery program.
“It began with legislation, as the state allocated funds for the expensive facility,” Turk recalled. e bill led to the program.
Turk credited Gov. Jared Polis and his o ce, Signal, Colorado Behavioral Health Administration and others. According to Turk, Signal oversees the nancials for the program and more.
The Youth Residential Recovery Program was made possible through legislation passed by the state. That legislation was created after the death of 17-year-old Andy Campos-Padilla in February 2022.
COURTESY THE JEFFERSON CENTER
‘Don’t
get bit’: Je co Public Health warns against West Nile Virus and Rabies after rabid bat found in Lakewood
BY JO DAVIS JDAVIS@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM
A bat recently found in Lakewood tested positive for rabies, according to Je erson County Public Health.
Rachel Reichardt, a JCPH environmental health specialist, said West Nile Virus is also a concern. She reminds country residents that the best way to prevent both conditions is, “don’t get bit.”
“One of the most important things we can do to prevent the spread of disease is to not touch and keep distance from wildlife,” she said. “If you’ve been bitten by a stray or wild animal, it’s better to be safe than sorry. Contact your healthcare provider or local animal control right away.”
Fortunately, this bite is highly preventable, according to Reichardt. She also added that rabies is also extremely rare.
“Only a small percent of bats carry it,” Reichardt said. She explained that rabies is rare in the U.S. due to domestic animal vaccines.
After humans are bitten, it takes the virus a little time to reach the brain and spinal cord. It is then fatal, and there is no cure.
“Rabies is extremely rare in the U.S., but it is deadly so we must take it seriously,” Reichardt said.
Reichardt said there hasn’t been a human rabies death in Je co, and that’s because of the post-bite vaccination series and other precautions. She added that preventing rabies also means preventing human bites in the following ways:
• Leash pets when out on trails, in open spaces and at parks where the pets can come in contact with wildlife.
• Stay away from wild animals. Injured and abandoned animals can carry rabies.
• Vaccinate pets.
• Call animal control to handle any wild animals, including bats, in the home.
Reichardt said that the recently documented rabies case was from a bat found in a Kendrick Lake Neighborhood home. A family’s cat caught and killed the bat. e bat later test-
Je erson County Public Health says it is time to talk about rabies and West Nile Virus. Rachel Reichardt, an environmental health specialist for Je co Public Health says the best way to stay safe is simple. “Just don’t get bit,” Reichardt said.
ed positive for rabies.
“Before we got the tests back, the pet was given a rabies booster,” Reichardt said. “ e family had done a good job of keeping up with the pet’s vaccinations.”
She went on to say that the family was also immediately put on a medication series of pre-exposure rabies prophylaxis as well.
ese measures are taken each time a potential rabies case is suspected, Reichardt said. By the time the results of the infected animal’s tests are back, humans and pets are already being treated.
Killing bats is not a valid solution, according to Reichardt.
“Bats are mosquito mitigation in Je co,” she said.
Reichardt explained that when people see a bat ying toward their head, it’s going after the mosquitoes, not the humans.
Colorado needs the bats. In 2023, the state had the highest number of West Nile Virus cases in the country at 386 hospitalizations and 51 deaths, according to Reichardt. She said Je co saw 64 hospitalizations and four deaths in 2023.
“About 80% of West Nile Cases
have no symptoms,” Reichardt said. “ ere is no way to know if it will cause symptoms or not.”
For this reason, she said everyone needs to avoid getting bit by mosquitoes. She suggested “the four D’s” for prevention:
1. Defense with a mosquito repellant. Reichardt said DEET is the most e ective but is not the only prevention method available. She also recommended lemon eucalyptus products and brands like Skin So Soft.
2. Dusk and dawn are the times when mosquitoes are most prevalent, Reichardt said. She recommended avoiding the outdoors at these times of the day.
3. Dress is loose clothing that covers the skin, Reichart said. “Mosquitos can bite through tight clothes, so we recommend loose- tting clothing,” she explained.
4. Drain any standing water around the home or treat it. Reichardt said ponds, rain barrels, lawn fountains and other areas of standing water can be treated with Bacillus thuringiensis israelensis. “Bti is for mosquito prevention. It is effective on mosquitos, fungus gnats and black ies. It can be found as a solid, often called Mosquito Dunks,” Reichardt said. is prevention method and more resources are on the Je erson County Public Health webpage.
COURTESY JEFFCO PUBLIC HEALTH / NOELLA RIOS
SPORTS
22nd annual Slacker Half-Marathon in Clear Creek County draws more than 2,500 runners
The Slacker Half-Marathon from Loveland Ski Area to downtown Georgetown is the highest-elevation halfmarathon start in the U.S.
BY CHRIS KOEBERL
e 22nd annual Slacker HalfMarathon drew more than 2,500 runners to the start line at Loveland Ski Area at 10,630 feet in elevation. Participants nished the race at City Park in Georgetown at 8,400 feet in elevation.
It’s no surprise organizers call it the Slacker Half-Marathon, because the entire run across dirt and paved roads is downhill.
“Runners can take as long as they
want to nish… we’ll stay here until the ultimate Slackers, as we call them, come through,” Clear Creek Metropolitan Recreation District Special Events Director Jenn JordanTruesdale said.
City Park in Georgetown was packed with hundreds of runners and supporters on June 22. It’s the rst time in race history that the Slacker Half-Marathon ended at City Park instead of downtown, according to organizers.
Sam Laird and his mother Carmen traveled from Colorado Springs to Loveland for the race. Carmen said Sam had been training for the run for weeks with the goal of getting stronger and healthier.
“He’s very independent and… just wants to do things, he wants to keep busy, he wants to keep active and this was just a fun summer activity for him to do,” Laird said.
Sam described the run as “hard work but an awesome opportunity.”
Race sponsors CCRMD, Tommyknocker Brewery & Pub, Loveland Ski Area, Mighty Argo and Beau Jo’s, among many more, lled the park with food and drink for all.
Race volunteer Mark Reynolds was busy with his crew throughout the morning cooking and serving more than 1,500 free Nathan’s hotdogs and buns to a hungry crowd.
Clear Creek County emergency medical teams were also prevalent in the crowd, treating minor injuries.
“Minor orthopedic injuries, twisted ankles, sprains, cramping things of that nature, sometimes we’ll run into dehydration,” Clear Creek EMS Capitan Paul MacFarland said, listing some of the common medical needs at the Slacker Half-Marathon. “So we have a full complement of medical equipment here and then the ambulance right there in case we require a transport out of here.”
In addition to treating simple injuries, the county EMS was also teach-
ing anyone who would listen about the latest in CPR and chest compression techniques, which MacFarland said have changed over time but can continue life until EMS arrives.
When asked when and if an individual should start chest compressions on a person suspected to be in cardiac arrest, MacFarland answered simply, “Start the hand compressions to the chest. If they look at you and say, ‘Stop,’ you stop.”
Finisher Kayla Cooley of Arvada said she loved the race, especially the slacker part.
“It’s all downhill which is really nice,” Cooley said. “It’s better than a 5k for sure, you just let the momentum carry you, it’s really nice.”
Cooley said she plans on returning to this very unique run in the mountains.
“ e scenery, hearing the trains, it’s just all such a beautiful race and the people are so nice,” she said. “Overall just a great race.”
Slacker finisher Kayla Cooley of Arvada said she loved the race, especially the slacker part in Georgetown June 22.
PHOTOS BY CHRIS KOEBERL
Sam Laird and his mother Carmen traveled from Colorado Springs to Loveland for the Slacker Run June 22.
Tips to help keep your pets safe during Fourth of July celebrations
Plan ahead to create a calm space for pets as fireworks begin across Colorado
BY HALEY LENA HLENA@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM
While there’s a lot of Fourth of July food and festivities to be enjoyed, the day can be stressful, or even scary, for our furry friends. e sounds of reworks exploding, summer heat and hazardous materials are among concerns and why local veterinarians agree that it’s a good time to keep your pets safe at home. e Fourth of July is one of the most dangerous days for pets, especially dogs. Shelters and veterinary clinics across the Denver area, including VRCC Veterinary Speciality and Emergency Hospital in Englewood, tend to take in more animals than usual during the week of the holiday.
“We do get a lot of toxicity ingestion,” said Lexy Santos, veterinarian technician. “Heat exhaustion, that’s a really big one.”
Extreme heat and hazardous materials
Although it’s fun and entertaining to have your pet join the celebrations, veterinarians encourage owners to watch their pets breathing and never leave them unattended in a car.
“Animals feel twice, if not three times the amount of heat that we do,” said Santos. “So, if we’re hot, they’re de nitely exhausted from the heat.”
Dogs that have thick coats, such as Saint Bernards and Chow Chows are even more susceptible to hot weather, as are dogs with shorter snouts like Boston Terriers, Bulldogs and Pugs, to name a few.
Whether it’s a dog sneaking around and picking up food scraps or deciding to give them a fun treat, festive foods can be hazardous.
It’s well known to experienced dog owners that chocolate, particularly dark chocolate, is one of the most toxic foods for dogs to ingest as it attacks their hearts and nervous systems. Other foods that might be at Fourth of July picnics that are harmful are raisins, grapes, macadamia nuts, walnuts and fatty foods such as french fries.
While it is okay for dogs to eat some plain, cooked meat, the seasoning and marinating of onions, garlic and mushrooms are toxic for them, leading to possible anemia and damage to their nervous systems. It’s also important to not leave alcoholic beverages, ca eine, soft drinks and milk unattended.
If owners have more questions about what their pets can eat and cannot eat, the ASPCA, a national animal rescue and protection organization, has a list of foods that are toxic to pets. It can be found at tinyurl.com/yee46bjn.
Veterinarians encourage pet owners to create a safe space for their pets on the Fourth of July to help keep them safe and calm during fireworks.
PHOTO BY MCKENNA HARFORD
Dogs are naturally curious, which means they aren’t just putting food in their mouths. Loose or used reworks should be closely monitored so pets don’t accidentally ingest the reworks or hurt themselves or others with them.
If you think your pet ingested a potential toxic food or plant, call the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at 888-426-4435 or take them to the nearest vet.
Keeping your pets calm amid fireworks
As loud sounds can trigger pets to run away from home or wiggle out of their collars, there’s a danger of them getting lost or run into tra c. at’s why the Missing Mutt Detectives, a volunteer group in Parker, say microchipping their pets increases the chance of reuniting with owners.
Additionally, the American Veterinary Medical Association encourages owners to take current photos of their pets and ensure that they have identi cation tags with up to date information in the instance they do
run away.
e loud noises can also cause both dogs and cats to have anxiety, however, cats tend to hide better when frightened. is is why it’s important to keep them in an interior room, preferably with no windows, to give them a space where they can feel comfortable.
Turning on soft music and giving them a chew toy to help them keep busy is also recommended.
ere are anti-anxiety medications available, however, it’s important to speak with your pets primary veterinarian about the possibility of medications. If medication is not available or a possibility, another way to help keep your pets calm are antianxiety vests and shirts. ese can be purchased at places like PetSmart and Amazon.
“ ey feel like that secure hug makes them feel a little bit more comfortable,” said Santos.
Other safety concerns to consider
• If putting sunscreen on your dog, there are pet friendly sunscreen options as well as insect repellent. Do not apply ordinary sunscreen or insect repellent on your pets as they contain harmful chemicals.
• When cooking – inside or outside – keep the matches and lighter uid out of reach. ese could cause physical injury but also lead to respiratory issues.
• Citronella candles and insect coils should also be kept out of reach.
• Avoid putting glow sticks on pets.
HAPPENINGS
10 a.m. every ursday starting May 16, 27640 Hwy 74, Evergreen. Free & no registration required. Bring your 2-5 year-old to the Nature Center each week for nature exploration. All children must have an adult in attendance. Dress to explore the outdoors. More info at evergreenaudubon.org.
Evergreen Nature Center
Monthly Family Program: 11 a.m. to noon, every last Saturday, 27640 Hwy 74, Evergreen. Monthly topics could include native wild owers and seed bombs, dissecting owl pellets, live animal encounters, and more. evergreenaudubon.org
e American Legion Evergreen Post 2001: Meets every fourth Tuesday at 7 p.m., Evergreen Church of the Trans guration, 27640 Highway 74, Evergreen. Serving all military veterans in the foothills communities. Email evergreenpost2001@ gmail.com
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:
Mountain Area Democrats meet at 9 a.m. the fourth Saturday of the month January through April at the United Methodist Church of Evergreen, 3757 Ponderosa Drive, Evergreen. 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 needs volunteers. Volunteers are needed for a couple hours. Call 720-536-0069 or email info@sustainevergreen.org for more information.
Evergreen Nature Center: e 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.
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.
COREV Charge
COREV Connect Community Charge
Three options to choose from whether charging at home or on the go.
Local Scouts help clean up Conifer
For the 11th year running, members of Boy Scouts Troop 737 cleaned up a busy sidewalk for their annual community service project on June 22. e troop includes members from Evergreen, Conifer, Morrison, Idaho Springs and Bergen Park.
Scouts and Scout leaders, led by Matthew Hansen, picked up trash and cleaned up the sidewalk that connects Conifer Road and Meyer Parkway, including the Hwy 285 underpass in Conifer. is sidewalk gives pedestrians access to the Conifer Loop trail, which connects the town center to neighborhoods.
Colorado Community Media to Hold its First 5K Run
BY JO ANN M. COLTON
There is no better way to appreciate the beauty of Colorado than by witnessing all the sights and sounds of the great outdoors.
from walking and/or running along our state’s many wonderful paths and scenic nature trails.
Join Colorado Community Media as we host our first-ever 5K run on Saturday, Aug. 24, at Clement Park, 7306 W. Bowles Ave. in Littleton.
And, before the run, we want you to submit your own “Trail Tales,” including photos, to your local newspaper (events@coloradocommunitymedia. com). Tell us where you most enjoy going for a walk or a run in your commuor elsewhere in Colorado.
In turn, we will share many of those adventurous tales with the readers of our two dozen community newspapers in the weeks ahead of the run. About the 5k: It is scheduled to loop around Johnston Reservoir from 9:30 a.m. to noon. It will start and end on the bike path near Shelter P. The event is different from most 5k runs in many ways. For starters, the sole purpose of this event is to simply provide an opportunity for people across Colorado to come together, interact, and share their personal experiences gained
There are no prizes associated with the event and participants will not receive a “standard” T-shirt. Instead, registered participants will receive a pair of custom running socks. The Share Your Trail Tales 5k Run is open to people of all ages. Participants have the option of making it a fun-filled day for the entire family. Registration fees are $35 for adults (ages 17 & up), $15 (ages 5 to 16), and free for children (ages 4 and under ). Parking for run participants and event attendees is available in the west parking lot, which can be reached as you enter Clement Park through the Library entrance on W. Bowles Avenue.
Park is currently being firmed up to feature other activities throughout the day including food and beverage purchase options offered by local food trucks, vendor booths, and live music entertainment.
“Your support of this event as a race participant and/or as an attendee is paramount to the success of our first Share Your Trail Tales 5k Run and it will help us sustain our ability to support local news,” Scott said. “We encourage the engagement of our readers and future readers to be part of this and future events at Colorado Community Media.”
Colorado Community Media publications span eight counties along Colorado’s majestic Front Range — Weld, Adams, Jeffco, Clear Creek, Douglas, Elbert, Arapahoe and Denver. As a nonprofit organization, community is important to us and we are eager to reach out and meet members of the communities our news organization serves.
Carlie Scott, Colorado Community Media’s events director, stated that the program for the Aug. 24 run in Clement
Colorado Community Media could not put on events like this 5k run without the help of its dedicated supporters and sponsors. Sponsorship provides an ideal marketing prospect for your business and positive brand recognition. The organization offers many levels of sponsorship and opportunities for involvement. As a sponsor, you can be part of a fun community event that promotes health and wellness.
To register for the Share Your Trail Tales 5k please visit our website www.coloradocommunitymedia.com and click on EVENTS/CONTEST tab.
Boy Scout Alex Fleet helps sweep the sidewalk June 22.
COURTESY PHOTO
Je co departments working to update county’s major plans
Together Je co is a twoyear plan that will end with a fresh take on zoning, wildfire management and coordination, transportation and land use
BY JANE REUTER
Je erson County is planning for the future in a big way, updating ve plans at once in a process called Together Je co. e two-year project, which kicked o in October 2023, aims to re ect changing needs and population shifts and simplify some county processes.
“Circumstances change over time, especially with land use,” said county planning supervisor Heather Gutherless. “Our population is growing; we get new developments in new places that may change the character of an area. With these new developments, we may need to look at our road network, but not just our road network, also bicycle, pedestrian and transit networks as well.
“We also have a changing demo-
graphics and an aging population. For that population, are there different housing types we need to be looking at? And we need to address issues like the lack of a ordable housing in the county.”
Je erson County revamps its plans about every 10 years, and all of them were due for an update, Gutherless said. On top of that, the county was awarded American Rescue Plan
Act funding to update its community wild re protection plan. It made sense to use that as a springboard for updating the others — including the comprehensive plan, transportation & mobility plan, and uni ed land use code, Gutherless said. It’s also creating the Comprehensive Emergency Management Plan Evacuation Annex, which will be added to the comp plan.
at’s a lot of plans! What do they all mean? Here’s a snapshot:
Community Wild re Protection Plan: Strategies for how to mitigate wild re and educational opportunities Comprehensive Plan: In uences land uses and densities Transportation & Mobility Plan: Evaluates all types of connections between residential neighborhoods, commercial areas, employment and parks. Uni ed Land Use Code: Zoning – housing, commercial, downtowns Comprehensive Emergency
Management Plan Evacuation Annex: Outlines emergency procedures/coordination of key agencies
While the comp, transportation and land use plan apply only to unincorporated Je erson County, the wild re protection and evacuation plans are countywide.
e wild re protection plan, for example, is expanding its focus with this update to include large, open grasslands areas near housing developments. Having a plan for that kind of land is critical because re can spread quickly from grasslands to homes, a scenario that occurred during the 2021 Marshall Fire.
“In the last 10 years, 40% of wildres in Je erson County were in the plains areas,” Gutherless said. “We feel we need to address those.”
While all the plans may have crossover, each addresses a speci c need. e evacuation annex isn’t speci c to wild re, but any hazard that could occur, including ooding or a hazardous material spill.
“For this, they’re looking at bigpicture coordination,” she said. “How do all the agencies coordinate, how do we determine when to evacuate people, how to notify people. Meanwhile, our community wild re protection plan will identify roadways we need to prioritize for wildre mitigation work. If there needs to
be thinning along those roadways to make them safer in a wild re situation.”
County Commissioner Lesley Dahlkemper said the process includes several recommendations from the Je erson County Wild re Risk Reduction Task Force, which has evolved into the Je co Wild re Commission. at includes rede ning the wildland urban interface.
“Updating the county’s wild re protection plan is a huge need, and that too came out of the task force,” she said. “And it’s so important that plan doesn’t work in isolation, that we have similar de nitions across those plans.”
e work will also greatly simplify land use planning.
“Because the county is so diverse in geography and character, we have eight area plans,” Gutherless said, divided into speci c documents to cover Evergreen, the Conifer/285 corridor, the Central Mountains, South Plains and others. “We’re going to keep those area plans, but we want to make the land use recommendations consistent across the county.”
Right now, the county has 144 unique land use categories. Working with a consultant hired for Together
SEE PLANS, P23
PLANS
Je co, that’s been narrowed to 20, including categories like urban residential, light industrial, mountain rural, large lot suburban and open space. e end result won’t entail major land use changes.
“We’re just putting them into categories that are consistent across the county,” Gutherless said.
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
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
Je erson County isn’t doing this alone but with the help of hired consultants and attorneys that specialize in land use, transportation, regulations, engineering and infrastructure.
“It’s a big project and an incredible opportunity for the county to be doing all these plans at the same time,” Gutherless said. “We are getting people involved in plans they may not have been involved with before, and we’ll be able to make sure our policies are more consistent be-
tween the plans.”
Based on an initial round of community meetings, the county is drafting plans. Gutherless anticipates setting another round of meetings for draft feedback from late August to mid-September. e goal is to adopt all ve plans in December.
While community involvement has been strong so far, Dahlkemper urges more people to get involved in upcoming meetings.
“People might ask, what does this plan mean for me as an Evergreen
WORSHIP DIRECTORY
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)
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!
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.
or Conifer resident?” she said. “It means the Je erson County Commissioners are making land use decisions based on issues confronted by those foothills communities, like wild re risk, water availability, wildlife migration and more. We’re being thoughtful about land use in high wild re risk areas and nimble in reacting to the impact of climate change.”
To get a peek at the drafts and register for project updates, visit Together Je co at togetherje co.com.
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
CAREERS
CAREERS
Help Wanted
Full-time, year-round position. Required quali cations: Colorado P.O.S.T. certi cation, valid driver’s license, ability to pass extensive background check, psychological assessment, and interview. Patrol experience is preferred. The successful candidate must reside within 50 miles of Georgetown. The salary range is $55,000 - $75,000 depending on quali cations. Excellent bene ts including fully paid medical insurance, vision, dental, disability and retirement for employee. Full job description and application form are available at Town Hall, 404 6th Street, Georgetown and online at www.town.georgetown.co.us/employment.htm. For more information call 303-569-2555 x3. Email Cover Letter, Resume, and completed Application to townadmin@ townofgeorgetown.us. Application deadline is 5:00 p.m. July 19, 2024. Serious applicants are encouraged to apply immediately, and interviews may begin when quali ed applicants are reviewed.
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Medical
Attention oxygen therapy users! Discover oxygen therapy that moves with you with Inogen Portable Oxygen Concentrators. Free information kit. 1-866-4779045
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Bath & shower updates in as little as 1 day! Affordable pricesNo payments for 18 months! Lifetime warranty & professional installs. Senior & military discounts available. 1-877-543-9189
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Replace your roof w/the best looking & longest lasting material steel from Erie Metal Roofs! 3 styles & multiple colors available. Guaranteed to last a lifetime! Limited Time Offer up to 50% off install + Additional 10% off install (military, health & 1st responders.) 1-833-370-1234
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CO Chemical Supplies2,883.20
INSIGHT PUBLIC SECTOR INCSoftware as a Services (SaaS) 546.72 Jesse Floria Clothing Supplies 144.90
JORDANS BUILDING CENTERTrails Maintenance 437.36
KRISTINA N DUFF Mileage 43.95
KRISTINA N DUFF Travel 378.43
LEGALSHIELD Employee Legal Services 165.48
NORTH TABLE MOUNTAIN WATER Water, Irrigation, & SANITATION & Sanitation Services 22.97
REPUBLIC SERVICES INC Trash Removal Services1,549.50
ROCKY MOUNTAIN APPAREL Clothing Supplies1,013.37
ROXANE Cara GARCIA Telephone Services 234.00
RPS PLAN ADMINISTRATORS INCFlex Child Care 83.33
RPS PLAN ADMINISTRATORS INCFlex Medical Insurance1,871.04
SQUAREI TECNOLOGIES INC Software as a Services (SaaS) 14,400.00
THOMAS J HOBY Travel 103.50
TIM REDMOND Mileage 203.68
UNION PACIFIC RAILROAD COMPANYLand Lease 500.00
XCEL ENERGY
SUPERIOR
Public Notices
Legals
City and County
Public Notice
Bob Cook Memorial Blue Sky Hill Climb
July 20, 2024
Hwy 5 road closure: July 19 at 9pm-July 20 at 2pm
Inquiries to Kim Nordquist Kimnordquist@msn.com, bicyclerace.com
Produced by Team Evergreen Cycling
Legal Notice No. CAN 1602
First Publication: July 4, 2024
Last Publication: July 4, 2024
Publisher: Canyon Courier
Public Notice
The Triple Bypass - Evergreen to Avon July 13, 5am- 8:00pm (full course)
Roads and Trails through Clear Creek County will be used.
Temporary road closures:
Westbound-only Hwy 103 from Evergreen, 5am-10am,
Both directions Alvarado Rd. east of Georgetown between Whitewater Park and CR 308, 6am-12pm
Westbound-Alvarado Rd. from CR308, 7am12pm
Inquiries to Josh Kravetz josh@adventurefit.com; www.triplebypass.org
Produced by Team Evergreen Cycling
Legal Notice No. CAN 1601
First Publication: July 4, 2024
Last Publication: July 4, 2024
Publisher: Canyon Courier
Public Notice
TOWN OF MORRISON
NOTICE OF A PUBLIC HEARING CONCERNING THE ELIGIBILITY OF CERTAIN PROPERTY FOR ANNEXATION OF FIVE PARCELS OF LAND LOCATED IN UNINCORPORATED JEFFERSON COUNTY
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN, pursuant to C.R.S. § 31-12-108(2), that the Board of Trustees of the Town of Morrison will hold a public hearing on Tuesday, August 6, 2024, at 6:00 P.M. to determine whether property located at 3051 S. Rooney Road, Morrison, Colorado (the “Subject Property”) and described in Resolution No. 202406 meets the applicable requirements of Section 30 of Article II of the Colorado Constitution and C.R.S. § 31-12-104 and C.R.S. §31-12-105, and is eligible for annexation to the Town of Morrison. A copy of the Petition for Annexation concerning the Subject Property and the Annexation Maps are on file at the Town Clerk’s office, 321 Highway 8, Morrison, CO 80465. All interested persons will be given an opportunity to be heard at the
Public Hearing. The Public Hearing will be held at the Morrison Town Hall, 110 Stone Street, at the above date and time.
By:Ariana Neverdahl, Town Clerk
Published: Canyon Courier
June 13, 2024
June 20, 2024
June 27, 2024
July 4, 2024
July 11, 2024
RESOLUTION FINDING SUBSTANTIAL COMPLIANCE OF AN ANNEXATION PETITION AND SETTING A PUBLIC HEARING TO DETERMINE IF THE PROPOSED ANNEXATION COMPLIES WITH STATUTE REQUIREMENTS FOR SUCH ANNEXATION
RESOLUTION NO. 2024-06
WHEREAS, pursuant to the laws of the State of Colorado, there was presented to and filed with the Board of Trustees of the Town of Morrison, Colorado, a written petition for annexation to and by the town of Morrison, Colorado, of the hereinafter described contiguous unincorporated territory situated, lying and being the County of Jefferson, State of Colorado; and
WHEREAS, the Board of Trustees of the Town of Morrison, Colorado, has reviewed the petition for annexation to the Town of Morrison of the contiguous, unincorporated territory hereinafter described as Exhibit A (the “Petition”), which land is more particularly described in the Petition;
COPART ANNEXATION 1:
BEING A PORTION OF PARCEL A, EXEMPTION
SURVEY SECTIONS 26 AND 35, TOWNSHIP 4 SOUTH, RANGE 70 WEST, E-1-1-89, RECORDED AT RECEPTION NO. 89042648, LOCATED IN THE EAST HALF OF SECTION 35 AND THE SOUTH HALF OF THE SOUTHEAST QUARTER OF SECTION 26, ALL IN, TOWNSHIP 4 SOUTH, RANGE 70 WEST OF THE 6TH PRINCIPAL MERIDIAN, TO THE TOWN OF MORRISON, COUNTY OF JEFFERSON, STATE OF COLORADO.
EXCEPTING THEREFROM THOSE PORTIONS OF SAID PARCEL A CONVEYED TO THE COUNTY OF JEFFERSON BY DEED RECORDED AT RECEPTION NO. 94004343.
AND ANY PORTIONS OF SAID PARCEL A LYING WITHIN ROONEY ROAD.
BEING MORE SPECIFICALLY DESCRIBED AS:
BASIS OF BEARINGS: BEING THE EAST LINE OF THE NORTHEAST QUARTER OF SAID SECTION 35, AS MONUMENTED BY A 3-1/4 INCH ALUMINUM CAP FLUSH IN CONCRETE STAMPED PLS 22109 AT THE NORTHEAST CORNER OF SAID SECTION 35 AND A 2-7/8 INCH PIPE WITH A 3-1/4 INCH ALUMINUM CAP STAMPED PLS 10586 AT THE EAST QUARTER CORNER OF SAID SECTION 35 IS ASSUMED TO BEAR SOUTH 01°03'06" EAST, BEING A GRID BEARING OF THE COLORADO STATE PLANE COORDINATE SYSTEM, CENTRAL ZONE, NORTH AMERICAN DATUM 1983/2007, A DISTANCE OF 2642.45 FEET WITH ALL BEARINGS CONTAINED HEREIN RELATIVE THERETO.
COMMENCING AT THE NORTHEAST CORNER OF SAID SECTION 35:
Jefferson County Warrants
THENCE NORTH 89°52'39" WEST ON THE NORTH LINE OF THE NORTHEAST QUARTER OF SAID SECTION 35 A DISTANCE OF 765.78 FEET TO THE POINT OF BEGINNING; THENCE SOUTH 14°42'16" EAST A DISTANCE OF 583.22 FEET; THENCE SOUTH 17°06'23" EAST A DISTANCE OF 319.52 FEET; THENCE SOUTH 13°36'21"
Public Notices
THENCE SOUTH 28°04'32"
EAST A DISTANCE OF 19.14 FEET;
THENCE NORTH 67°00'45"
EAST A DISTANCE OF 68.90 FEET;
THENCE SOUTH 31°01'20"
EAST A DISTANCE OF 96.13
FEET TO A POINT OF CURVATURE;
THENCE ON THE ARC OF A NON-TANGENT CURVE TO THE LEFT 138.64 FEET, SAID
CURVE HAVING A RADIUS OF 190.99 FEET, A DELTA OF 41°35'27" AND BEING SUBTENDED BY A CHORD BEARING SOUTH 07°22'02"
WEST A DISTANCE OF 135.62 FEET TO A POINT OF TANGENCY;
THENCE SOUTH 10°35'26" EAST A DISTANCE OF 13.85 FEET;
THENCE SOUTH 10°02'06"
EAST A DISTANCE OF 331.92 FEET;
THENCE SOUTH 05°14'15"
EAST A DISTANCE OF 68.62 FEET;
THENCE SOUTH 10°58'00" EAST A DISTANCE OF 210.51 FEET TO A POINT ON THE EAST LINE OF THE SOUTHEAST QUARTER OF SAID SECTION 35 AND THE EXISTING BOUNDARY OF THE TOWN OF MORRISON;
THENCE ON THE EXISTING BOUNDARY OF THE TOWN OF MORRISON THE FOLLOWING TWO (2) COURSES:
1. SOUTH 01°02'11"
EAST A DISTANCE OF 1108.11 FEET;
2. SOUTH 89°19'33" WEST A DISTANCE OF 1049.37 FEET;
THENCE NORTH 07°10'43"
WEST A DISTANCE OF 400.22 FEET;
THENCE NORTH 15°22'26" WEST A DISTANCE OF 333.43 FEET;
THENCE NORTH 10°40'17" WEST A DISTANCE OF 504.96 FEET;
THENCE NORTH 08°25'41" WEST A DISTANCE OF 100.45 FEET;
THENCE NORTH 08°13'23" WEST A DISTANCE OF 295.78 FEET;
THENCE NORTH 02°23'08" WEST A DISTANCE OF 411.41 FEET;
THENCE NORTH 25°42'30" WEST A DISTANCE OF 96.64 FEET;
THENCE NORTH 03°41'21" WEST A DISTANCE OF 1008.70 FEET;
THENCE NORTH 15°07'47" WEST A DISTANCE OF 497.80 FEET;
THENCE NORTH 13°28'56" WEST A DISTANCE OF 195.74 FEET;
THENCE NORTH 27°00'34" WEST A DISTANCE OF 219.01 FEET TO A POINT ON THE NORTH LINE OF THE NORTHEAST QUARTER OF SAID SECTION 35;
THENCE ON SAID NORTH LINE THE FOLLOWING TWO (2) COURSES:
1. SOUTH 89°53'19" EAST A DISTANCE OF 369.31 FEET;
2. SOUTH 89°52'39" EAST A DISTANCE OF 50.00 FEET;
THENCE NORTH 00°22'23" WEST A DISTANCE OF 1300.43 FEET TO A POINT ON THE NORTH LINE OF SAID PARCEL A;
THENCE SOUTH 13°08'53" EAST A DISTANCE OF 1336.06 FEET TO A POINT ON THE NORTH LINE OF THE NORTHEAST QUARTER OF SAID SECTION 35, SAID POINT ALSO BEING THE NORTHWEST CORNER OF PARCEL C OF SAID EXEMPTION SURVEY;
THENCE ON PARCEL C THE FOLLOWING THREE (3) COURSES:
1. SOUTH 01°03'18" EAST A DISTANCE OF 125.00 FEET;
2. SOUTH 89°52'39" EAST A DISTANCE OF 100.00 FEET;
3. NORTH 01°03'18" WEST A DISTANCE OF 125.00 FEET TO THE NORTH LINE OF THE NORTHEAST QUARTER OF SAID SECTION 35;
THENCE SOUTH 89°52'39" EAST ON SAID NORTH LINE A DISTANCE OF 84.32 FEET TO THE POINT OF BEGINNING;
COUNTY OF JEFFERSON, STATE OF COLORADO
SAID PARCEL CONTAINING 4,350,302 SQUARE FEET OR 99.87 ACRES MORE OR LESS.
COPART ANNEXATION 2:
BEING UNPLATTED PARCELS, RECORDED UNDER RECEPTION NUMBERS 2008112143, 2019016813, 2008112144 AND 2008097130, AND A PORTION OF PARCEL A, EXEMPTION SURVEY SECTIONS 26 AND 35, TOWNSHIP 4
SOUTH, RANGE 70 WEST, E-1-1-89, RECORDED AT RECEPTION NO. 89042648 LOCATED IN THE SOUTH HALF OF THE SOUTHEAST QUARTER OF SECTION 26, TOWNSHIP 4 SOUTH, RANGE 70 WEST OF THE 6TH PRINCIPAL MERIDIAN, TO THE TOWN OF MORRISON, COUNTY OF JEFFERSON, STATE OF COLORADO.
BEING MORE SPECIFICALLY DESCRIBED AS:
BASIS OF BEARINGS: BEING THE EAST LINE OF THE NORTHEAST QUARTER OF SAID SECTION 35, AS MONUMENTED BY A 3-1/4 INCH ALUMINUM CAP FLUSH IN CONCRETE STAMPED PLS 22109 AT THE NORTHEAST CORNER OF SAID SECTION 35 AND A 2-7/8 INCH PIPE WITH A 3-1/4 INCH ALUMINUM CAP STAMPED PLS 10586 AT THE EAST QUARTER CORNER OF SAID SECTION 35 IS ASSUMED TO BEAR SOUTH 01°03'06" EAST, BEING A GRID BEARING OF THE COLORADO STATE PLANE COORDINATE SYSTEM, CENTRAL ZONE, NORTH AMERICAN DATUM 1983/2007, A DISTANCE OF 2642.45 FEET WITH ALL BEARINGS CONTAINED HEREIN RELATIVE THERETO.
COMMENCING AT THE NORTHEAST CORNER OF SAID SECTION 35:
THENCE NORTH 89°52'39" WEST ON THE NORTH LINE OF THE NORTHEAST QUARTER OF SAID SECTION 35 A DISTANCE OF 765.78 FEET TO THE POINT OF BEGINNING;
THENCE NORTH 89°52'39" WEST ON SAID NORTH LINE A DISTANCE OF 184.33' TO THE NORTHWEST CORNER OF PARCEL C, EXEMPTION SURVEY SECTIONS 26 AND 35, TOWNSHIP 4 SOUTH, RANGE 70 WEST, E-1-1-89;
THENCE NORTH 13°08'53" WEST A DISTANCE OF 1336.06 FEET TO A POINT ON THE NORTH LINE OF SAID PARCEL A;
THENCE SOUTH 00°22'23" EAST A DISTANCE OF 1300.43 TO A POINT ON THE NORTH LINE OF THE NORTHEAST QUARTER OF SAID SECTION 35;
THENCE NORTH 89°52'39" WEST ON SAID NORTH LINE A DISTANCE OF 50.00 FEET;
THENCE NORTH 00°22'23" WEST A DISTANCE OF 1300.00 FEET;
THENCE NORTH 00°22'23" WEST A DISTANCE OF 19.13 FEET;
THENCE NORTH 89°58'17" WEST A DISTANCE OF 370.80 FEET;
THENCE NORTH 02°16'23" WEST A DISTANCE OF 245.93 FEET;
THENCE NORTH 01°19'09" WEST A DISTANCE OF 244.88 FEET;
THENCE NORTH 02°25'31" EAST A DISTANCE OF 241.26 FEET;
THENCE NORTH 01°04'11" WEST A DISTANCE OF 245.10 FEET;
THENCE NORTH 02°29'20" WEST A DISTANCE OF 341.77 FEET;
THENCE NORTH 89°59'14" EAST A DISTANCE OF 387.14 FEET;
THENCE SOUTH 18°13'10" EAST A DISTANCE OF 497.69 FEET;
THENCE SOUTH 11°11'04"
EAST A DISTANCE OF 1548.15 FEET;
THENCE NORTH 89°53'43" WEST A DISTANCE OF 22.82 FEET;
THENCE SOUTH 08°31'14"
EAST A DISTANCE OF 73.10 FEET;
THENCE SOUTH 01°00'19" WEST A DISTANCE OF 266.05 FEET;
THENCE SOUTH 16°05'48"
EAST A DISTANCE OF 164.37 FEET;
THENCE SOUTH 22°16'18" EAST A DISTANCE OF 163.07 FEET TO THE POINT OF BEGINNING;
COUNTY OF JEFFERSON, STATE OF COLORADO
SAID PARCEL CONTAINING 1,084,460 SQUARE FEET OR 24.90 ACRES MORE OR LESS.
WHEREAS, the Board of Trustees, at its regular meeting on May 21, 2024, reviewed the Petition and various documents submitted in support of the Petition.
NO W, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Board of Trustees of the Town of Morrison, Colorado, that:
1. The Petition is hereby accepted and found to be in substantial compliance with the Municipal Annexation Act of 1965, C.R.S. § 31-12-101, et seq.
2. A public hearing is scheduled for August 6, 2024, at 6:00 pm, at Morrison Town Hall, 110 Stone St, Morrison, CO 80465 to determine if the proposed annexation complies with the Municipal Annexation Act of 1965, C.R.S. § 31-12-101, et seq., and Article II, § 30 of the Colorado Constitution, as amended.
3. Any person living within the area proposed to be annexed, any landowner of lands thereof, any resident of the Town, any municipality located within one mile of the proposed annexation, or the Board of County Commissioners of Jefferson County may appear at such hearing and present evidence upon any matter to be determined by the Board of Trustees.
4. Upon completion of the hearing, the Board of Trustees of the Town of Morrison shall set forth, by resolution, its findings of fact, and its conclusion based thereon with reference to the eligibility of the proposed annexation, whether the statutory requirements of the proposed annexation have been met, and whether an election for the annexation is required.
5. If the Board of Trustees concludes, by resolution, that all statutory requirements have been met and that the proposed annexation is eligible and legal under the laws of the State of Colorado, the Board of Trustees shall consider passage of an ordinance making the proposed annexation effective.
RESOLVED AND PASSED THIS 21ST DAY OF May 2024.
TOWN OF MORRISON: Chris Wolfe, Mayor
ATTEST: Ariana Neverdahl, Town Clerk
Legal Notice No. CAN 1577 First Publication: June 13, 2024 Last Publication: July 11, 2024 Publisher: Canyon Courier Public Notice
NOTICE TO MORTGAGEES
Suncreek Condominiums, Evergreen, Colorado 80439
The Sun Creek Condominium Homeowners Association and its owners have voted by the required amount to amend the Association’s Declarations by a Second Amendment thereto.
You can obtain a copy of the proposed amend-
ments by contacting Foothills Legal Solutions, LLC. via mail at 18475 W. Colfax Ave., Suite 132-210, Golden, CO 80401; via e-mail at anita@ foothillslegalsolutions.com; or via telephone to make other arrangements at (720) 608-0073.
The Declarations require consent and agreement of first mortgagees. A response must be received by Foothills Legal Solutions, LLC no later than sixty (60) days from the date of this Notice to Mortgagees. Per the Association’s Declarations and the Colorado Common Interest Ownership Act (CCIOA) if a response is not received by 8/19/24, the proposed Amendments shall be deemed approved.
Legal Notice No. CAN 1596
First Publication: June 27, 2024
Last Publication: July 4, 2024 Publisher: Canyon Courier
Bids and Settlements
Public Notice
NOTICE OF FINAL PAYMENT
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Roxborough Water and Sanitation District of Douglas and Jefferson County, Colorado, will make final payment at the offices of Roxborough Water and Sanitation District, 6222 N. Roxborough Road, Littleton, CO 80125, on or after 12:00 p.m., Wednesday, July 17, 2024, to Studio 7 North, Inc. for all work done by said Contractor on the Valley View Christian Church Waterline contract, all of said construction located near the address of 11004 Wildfield Lane and Tract B of Chatfield East in the community of Chatfield East in Douglas County, State of Colorado.
Any person, co-partnership, association of persons, company or corporation that has furnished labor, materials, provisions, or other supplies used or consumed by such Contractor or his subcontractors in or about the performance of the work contracted to be done and whose claim therefore has not been paid by the Contractor or his Subcontractor, at any time up to and including the time of final settlement for the work contracted to be done, is required to file a verified statement of the amount due and unpaid on account of such claim to the Roxborough Water and Sanitation District, 6222 N. Roxborough Road, Littleton, CO 80125, at or before the time and date herein above shown. Failure on the part of any claimant to file such verified statement will release said Roxborough Water and Sanitation District, its Board of Directors, officers, agents, and employees, of and from any and all liability for such claim.
ROXBOROUGH WATER AND SANITATION DISTRICT
By: Mike Marcum, General Manager
Legal Notice No. CAN 1603
First Publication: July 4, 2024
Last Publication: July 11, 2024 Publisher: Canyon Courier
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