Canyon Courier August 15, 2024

Morrison annexes Bandimere Speedway property

Town

BY JANE REUTER

e Morrison town board narrowly approved the 125-acre annexation of the former Bandimere Speedway site at its Aug. 6 meeting. e deal also calls for the new land owner to transfer 16 acres zoned for mixed-use to the town, giving Morrison control over future retail or commercial development at its front door. Trustee Sean Forey described the acreage near C470 and Morrison Road as “prime real estate.” at decision, paired with a second vote to rezone the land to planned development, clears the way for global auto company Copart to move ahead with plans for a vehicle auction center on the remaining property at C470 and Morrison Road. Copart is under contract with John Bandimere, Jr. to buy the land.

This is notice that Comfort Dental Evergreen will be destroying old records of former patients that were last seen in the years 2015 and 2016.

In compliance with state regulations, if you are a former patient that was last seen in those years, you will have until September 20, 2024 to request a copy of these records.

Comfort Dental Evergreen may be reached at 303-674-6070 or via email at evergreen@comfortdental.biz

Dam Ducky Derby goes o with a hitch

New, weighted ducks make dramatic debut at annual event

BY JANE REUTER JREUTER@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM

Evergreen hosted its most suspenseful Dam Ducky Derby to date on Aug. 3, when only about half the ducks dropped from a net into the water below.

e crowd uttered a collective gasp as thousands of the yellow contestants stayed tucked inside the net above them, while the already freed ducks bobbed serenely in still water at the dam’s base.

Each year, Evergreen re ghters load the netted ducks into a bucket attached to an aerial ladder, which a re engine raises high into the air above Evergreen Lake. From there, the net is cut, and the ducks historically tumble en masse into the water to start the race down Bear Creek.

But event sponsor Downtown Evergreen upgraded this year’s ock

from light plastic to weighted rubber racing ducks. And that contributed to a temporary logjam, as some of the ducks found an uncut pocket within the net.

“ e release normally goes smoothly because the ducks used to be lightweight,” said Larae Evans, a Downtown Evergreen member who owns Marmalade Artisan Jewelry. “But the new ducks weigh ten times as much as the previous ducks. ey released just from one side. It caused some extra drama.”

Evergreen resident John Baldwin, who each year releases the ducks from the net, quickly got to the other side of the bucket and cut the net to free the dawdling ducks.

Once all the ducks were in the water, members of Evergreen Fire/ Rescue’s Swift Water Rescue Team shepherded them into the creek’s current to start the race, which nishes downstream at Highland Haven Creekside Inn.

“It was a shaky start, but the new ducks looked awesome oating upright all the way down the creek,” Evans said.

Evans said Downtown Evergreen

will work to ne-tune the drop with the weighted ducks, but she doesn’t want to switch tactics. While many communities hold an annual duck race, she feels Evergreen’s start makes it unique.

“We’re the only one I know of that drops from a bucket,” she said. “I think we have one of the most dramatic drops. We’ll work on a better way to release them so they all go at the same time — whether that’s two re trucks or devising another way to release that net in a better method. is year was a learning curve.”

“But all in all, everyone seemed thrilled. Spectators came out in full force to see the inaugural race with these new ducks.”

Funds raised during the annual event support Downtown Evergreen’s Holiday Walk, a popular holiday tradition of lights, music and shopping that will mark its 32nd year in 2024.

Downtown Evergreen, more formally known as the Evergreen Downtown Business Association, is a nonpro t with about 60 members whose dues support marketing the community’s core business area.

New Dam Ducky Derby ducks bob in still water at the base of the spillway before the Aug. 3 annual race begins.

From left, derby event coordinator Kristin Heidbreder, event emcee Jim Sherwood, event mascot and Larae Evans share a moment after the race.

A member of Evergreen Fire/Rescue’s Swift Water Rescue Team helps shepherd wayward ducks down Bear Creek during the Aug. 3 Dam Ducky Derby. PHOTOS COURTESY OF RAVEN’S NEST PHOTOGRAPHY

Downtown Evergreen’s new weighted ducks fall from the net Aug. 3, signaling the start of the annual Dam Ducky Derby.

with doesn’t many duck start that “I drabetter at two to method. seemed full with annual Everpopular and year forEvergreen is members the

Less Than 3% of Homeowners Took Advantage of Clean Energy Tax Credits in 2023

The Biden Administration’s Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) included generous incentives to homeowners who invest in clean energy (such as solar panels) or in energy improvements (such as improved insulation, windows or doors).

Only 3.4 million households took advantage of those tax credits nationwide on their 2023 tax returns. That was just under 2.5% of filed tax returns. In Colorado, the number was 65,810 households, or 2.9% of tax returns filed. The states with the largest participation were California, Florida and Texas, but only Florida saw over 3% of tax returns that included the tax credit (3.26%), and the other two states had rates lower than Colorado’s.

seems to be the case since 15 percent of the 3.4 million nationwide returns which took advantage of the tax credit had Adjusted Gross Incomes under $50,000. Just under half of the returns had AGIs under $100,000. The largest bracket was AGIs of $100-200,000 that numbered 1.2 million returns or 35% of all filed returns.

the installation of geothermal heat pump systems. The average tax credit taken for those systems was $12,078.

A total of $8.4 billion in tax credits was taken by taxpayers. The program is still active, and any taxpayer who wants to reduce his/her home’s operating costs should seriously consider taking advantage of the tax credits, which remain in place through 2032. I have posted a link for its provisions at http:// RealEstateToday.substack.com

One of the smallest amounts, $55.4 million in tax credits, were claimed by 36,820 households nationwide for my favorite investment, energy audits.

The average tax credit for home energy improvement such as solar panels, solar water heating and home battery installations was $5,084. The average credit for improvement in energy efficiency, such as better windows, air sealing and heat pumps, was $882.

Questions to Ask When Buying a Solar-Powered Home

I have always said that the most affordable way to “go solar” is to buy a home that’s already solar-powered. The reason is that the price differential on a solar-powered home versus a home that is not solar-powered is minimal. (Don’t invest in solar if you’re not keeping your home at least 5-10 years, because you won’t recover the cost of your investment when you sell your home.)

So, let’s say you’re buying a solar-

powered home. Most of what you need to know should be on the MLS. Is the system owned or leased, or is it owned by a 3rd party which sells the electricity to the home owner under a Power Purchase Agreement (PPA)? The MLS says when it was installed and how big it is (in kilowatts), but you’ll need to find out if it still performs efficiently. You might want to hire an agent like me to represent you in your purchase.

The intention of the program is to benefit working families and small businesses to lower their utility expenses by improving their homes and offices. That

Your Best Deal on an EV Is a Used One From a Dealer

I learned the hard way that you can’t get a good deal on a used EV unless you buy it from a dealer. The reason is that there’s a 30% Clean Vehicle tax credit up to $4,000 on used EVs, but only if they are under $25,000 and purchased from a dealer. I have posted on http://RealEstateToday.substack.com a link to the IRS web page with the details on qualifying for the tax credit.

I tried selling my 2015 Model S, but no one wanted it at a reasonable price, so I ended up selling it to CarMax.

Google “Used EVs Under $25,000” and you’ll see there are lots to choose from.

Although the credits vary from one improvement to another, it is generally a 30% on the cost of the improvement, including labor. The most popular improvement is solar photovoltaic installations, claimed by 752,300 households nationwide. The second most popular improvement was insulation, followed by exterior windows and skylights and central air conditioners.

Heat pump HVAC systems and heat pump water heaters were also a popular improvement, claimed by 267,780 and 104,180 households respectively.

Just under $1 billion in tax credits were claimed by 80,730 taxpayers for

Archive of Past Columns Is Online

Over the past two decades, this column has appeared in local weeklies and the Denver Post, and during that time I’ve written about every conceivable topic related to real estate. You can find and search that archive online at www.JimSmithColumns.com

Today’s the Day—Buyer Commissions Off the MLS

August 15th is the day which Denver’s MLS, REcolorado, set for removing buyer agent compensation from all MLS listings in compliance with the March 15th settlement between the National Association of Realtors (NAR) and a class of home sellers in Missouri. NAR had set the deadline for Aug. 17th. August 15th is also the date that new state-approved contracts consistent with the NAR settlement become mandatory in Colorado. I wrote about that on Aug. 1st. (see www.JimSmithColumns.com.)

Theoretically, home buyers will start paying the brokers who represent them in the purchase of real estate, but I will be surprised if a single home buyer pays anything at all for professional representation. That’s because most sellers will agree to offer compensation, leaving any seller who does not offer compensa-

tion in an untenable position — no buyer will want to make an offer on homes that require them to pay their agent. Keep in mind that most buyers are already heavily burdened in the transaction to buy a home, especially when they are having to finance their purchase with a mortgage at 6% or higher interest rates. They have to pay for inspection, for appraisal, for loan origination, first-year’s home insurance premium, and for escrow deposits to cover next year’s property taxes and insurance renewal. Only cash buyers are spared those heavy upfront costs.

If sellers wants to attract buyers, they will need to offer compensation. It’s just that they can’t advertise it on the MLS. They’ll still let buyers know, either on a home-specific website (like we provide), on a sign rider, or in a brochure.

We Need to Level-Up Sustainability & Recycling

Have you heard of toilet paper made from bamboo? I hadn’t either, but when I read the pitch for it, I was sold. Regular toilet paper is made, like other paper, from trees. But trees grow back slowly, whereas bamboo is famous for growing quickly. It would be a lot better for the planet if everyone switched to bamboo toilet paper. Rita and I received our first order last week, and we are sold on it. It’s the only toilet paper we’ll buy now, online from both Amazon and Costco.com.

I made another discovery recently. Those plastic jars you buy for everything from yogurt to milk and milk substitutes are wrapped in plastic that must be removed in order to recycle the bottle. At left is a picture of two quart bottles, plus a third in the middle with its label removed. The back of the milk bottle contains the notice shown at right:

It’s common practice in our home now to cut those plastic wrappers off and trash them before putting the bottles in the recycling bin. Some bottles, such as Activia’s Probiotic Dailies, have a marked “zipper” on them, making it easy. Others don’t even tell you that the wrapper must be removed, and you need a pointed knife to remove the wrap.

When we were in New Zealand in February, I saw a bicycle in the window of a Nespresso storefront. Looking closer, there was a sign on it saying that the bike’s aluminum frame was made of recycled Nespresso pods. We have one of Nespresso’s coffee makers, and now we keep one of their free postage paid recycling bags under the counter in our kitchen. Call Nespresso at 855-325-5781, and they’ll mail you some. K-cups can be recycled curbside after you remove the lid and contents. Do you want to help reduce the amount of single-use plastic? It’s becoming popular for restaurant-goers to bring Tupperware containers with them for leftovers. Rita does that. Also, there’s increasing popularity of “refill shops” where you buy bulk dry and liquid groceries to refill your own bottles or containers. Here’s a map from Googling it.

The game show that turns awkward parenting talks into winning connections

BANDIMERE

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As part of the deal, Copart will take down the grandstands, stadium lights and signs, then fence and revegetate much of the speedway site. Developers describe the planned future operation as a “passive use” that will be quiet, and preserve views of the hogback.

Because of that, several residents and trustees said it ts with Morrison’s motto of “Keep Morrison Morrison,’” a slogan built around the idea of maintaining the community’s small-town feel and history.

“Morrison’s not going to get a better deal,” Forney said as he cast his vote for the annexation. “It’s the lowest (impact) use possible. It would be a real problem if Morrison didn’t take advantage of this time to control this property. I’m voting with the majority of the residents in the town to keep Morison Morrison.”

BY

Longtime speedway owner John Bandimere Jr. and his wife Lorraine both shed tears during the public hearing. Bandimere said it’s been his family’s “home away from home” for 65 years, but said changes in the racing industry and encroaching development are making the site unsuitable for the speedway. Bandimere plans to move the business to a larger site near the metro area.

“Do we want to leave? No,” Bandimere said, pausing with his head down for a long moment as emotion overtook him. “ is property is sacred ground to me and my family, as well as the community and especially our racers who we’ve seen grow up. It’s probably one of the hardest things we’ve ever had to do.

“But we do know things in life change,” he continued. “Copart has the same principles we built our business on. We feel it’s important to leave our land in the hands of someone who wants to be an integral part

Longtime Bandimere Speedway owners Lorraine and John Bandimere Jr. pose in the Morrison Town Hall after the town board voted to annex the former speedway site and rezone it for a vehicle salvage center.

PHOTO

JANE REUTER

FROM

BANDIMERE

of the community and will make it better.”

Copart corporate counsel Jon Lawson said the company will hire about 20 employees at the site, which will be open weekdays. e center will include about 66 acres of outdoor vehicle storage, o ce and administrative building and employee and visitor parking.

“We try to be a good neighbor,” he said. “ ere will be no live auctions. We don’t part these (vehicles) out. We won’t crush them. We won’t stack them. We make money when these vehicles leave the site, not when they stay on site.”

e agreement also limits Copart to three water taps and puts a cap on water usage.

Copart consultant Marcus Pachner said the developer was generous in agreeing to give the town 16 acres on the south end of the property nearest the town, a request town trustees made during negotiations.

“We had an average of ve commercial brokers a week calling us about those properties,” he said. “It is very valuable, a remarkable asset. is annexation deal has been so smartly crafted to limit town costs. It is a very good scal deal.

“It will have less intensity and less scale than what is there today. It also honors the automotive legacy on this site.”

e board was unanimous on a separate vote to rezone the property

but split four to three on the annexation.

Trustee Paul Sutton said he felt the deal was rushed.

“Copart is one thousand times bigger than the town of Morrison nancially, so I think we’re inviting a gorilla to our little town,” he said. “Any disputes we may have after (this), we will lose. I think Copart can make Je Bradley look like a bit player in town.”

Bradley, whose family has lived in the area since the Civil War, owns several Morrison properties, including the Café Prague and Morrison Joe buildings, and a parking lot on Bear Creek Avenue.

“I would prefer to see a more sophisticated party like Je erson County be the ones to negotiate what happens on this land,” he said.

“I felt overwhelmed by the sheer volume of material I should presumably be up to speed on this issue.I feel like this is a rushed marriage between the little town of Morrison and the big company of Copart, and I’m concerned it might not work out so well.”

Trustee Katie Gill agreed, pointing to the 500 pages of information developers presented to the board just days before the hearing. Regardless, she said she sees many potential bene ts to Copart’s plans and the deal the two have crafted.

“In the beginning, I was opposed to this proposal,” she said, before casting a ‘no’ vote. “But I now believe the view will be better than it is now; people are not going to be gazing at a junkyard as the original concern was. ere is also not a development

on the planet that would use less water on 124 acres.

“I think this is probably a good deal for the town,” Gill continued. “But I think I am personally not in a place where I should be voting for something I haven’t fully understood.”

Trustee David Wirtz also voted against the annexation.

Town residents who spoke at the hearing spoke for the annexation and Copart — even as some lamented the loss of the speedway.

“Bandimere had the sound of summer; I always welcomed that noise,” said Morrison planning commissioner Maya Stefansdottir. “I like the idea (that the) town of Morrison will get about 16 acres. I’m thinking if we don’t take them, someone else will and we might not like what they put in.”

Longtime resident Gus Chambers agreed.

“ is use of that land I think is a dream come true for the town,” he said. “It’s zoned for high-impact commercial. You can’t nd anything more low impact, or low light (than Copart). e town really ought to step in and grab this. Only if it’s annexed can the town control what goes on there.”

John Bandimere Sr., now 86, bought the 150-acre property on Morrison Road in 1957 — decades before C470 was built — and opened the speedway a year later. Also known as under Mountain, the dragstrip hosted 28,500 spectators at more than 130 events a year. Bandimere Speedway closed at the end of the 2023 season.

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Fire mitigation in Je co parks sparks controversy

County says fuel breaks can stop wildfire spread and save homes, others say the work is a profit-driven logging operation that makes forests hotter

BY JANE REUTER JREUTER@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM

When Arizona’s Wallow Fire crested the ridge above the tiny mountain town of Alpine in 2011, re ghters and residents expected the worst. It was the sixth day of what would become the largest re in the state’s history. e re was crowning — jumping from treetop to treetop — and winds were high, according to a U.S. Forest Service report written about the re.

Instead, when the re hit a one-halfmile open strip cleared as a fuel break in 2004, the ames dropped from the trees to the ground — low enough for re ghters to attack them.

“When the re came over the ridge toward Alpine, it sounded like a freight train,” said Jim Aylor, then a re district manager in the Alpine Fire District. “Without the fuel treatment e ects of reducing ame lengths and defensible space around most houses, we would have had to pull back our re ghters.

Many of the houses would have caught re and burned to the ground.”

Alpine lost one structure in the blaze. Similarly, the Colorado State Forest Service says fuel breaks “without a doubt” saved a Grand Lake subdivision during the 2018 Golf Course Fire. e CSFS points to multiple other res in Colorado’s recent history in which it says fuel breaks stopped or slowed the re’s progress.

But not everyone agrees these measures work, or are even necessary.

“ ey’re saying this protects communities, but studies show the opposite,” said JoshSchlossberg, a Colorado spokesperson for the grassroots environmental group Eco-Integrity Alliance. “ ey show it makes the forests hotter and drier, and opens it up to wind spread. “What protects communities is hardening homes and enforcing re regulations.”

And some believe that what the county calls forest management is at its heart a logging operation from which many are pro ting — a theory county o cials and contractors say has no merit.

Fuel breaks, strips of land that have been cleared of trees and other vegetation, are designed to slow a re and give re ghters a safe space to ght a re. While experts agree they can’t stop a wind-driven re, which carries embers that can spark spot res miles ahead, many agencies see them as an e ective tool.

In the foothills of Je erson County, the county, re districts and some resi-

dents are taking steps to head o a future wild re, building fuel breaks and clearing forest debris in county parks and on other land.

County’s work prompts questions, criticism e county’s work has raised lots of questions, particularly in county parks like Conifer’s Flying J Ranch and Evergreen’s Alderfer/ ree Sisters, where sections of once-shady and forested trails are now devoid of trees. Similar work is now underway at Elk Meadow near Evergreen.

“For people who use these parks, I understand the response,” said John White, a supervisory forester at Colorado State Forest Service. “It can be heartbreaking to see that dramatic change. But overall, we’re improving forest conditions. We’re trying to restore these forests to their natural condition so when a re does come, we won’t lose all our trees.”

Je erson County identi ed areas at “severe risk for catastrophic re” through a Forest Health Plan it developed and adopted in 2022, said Je co Parks and Open Space Director Tom Hoby. e plan was created by a team of experts, he said, who applied “a signi cant amount of science.”

Hoby said the county’s mitigation e orts are designed to protect the forest’s long-term health, as well as homes and property. He points to Colorado’s

Evergreen resident Theresa Fox points to woody debris left behind after forest mitigation work in Flying J Ranch Park.

PHOTO BY JANE REUTER

New play areas coming to Evergreen’s Buchanan Park pool and Wulf Park

Pool will close for several weeks while crews install new water features and resurface pool

BY JANE REUTER

Two of the Evergreen Park & Recreation District’s most popular kids’ play areas are getting makeovers.

Five new water features will be installed at the Buchanan Park Recreation Center pool, and a new, largely accessible set of playground equipment is planned at Wulf Park.   EPRD has budgeted about $600,000 for the combined projects.

While the new water features are installed, the district will also resurface the bottom of the Buchanan

Park pool and hot tub. at requires closing the pool from Aug. 19 to early November.

It’s work that’s long overdue, said EPRD Executive Director Cory Vander Veen.

“ e current water features are past their lifespan,” he said. “ ey’re not unsafe, but we can’t get parts for them, some are rusted and none of the valves work. e safety of the oor is a big one. e nish is well past its life. Resurfacing will reduce trips and slips, scu ed knees and toes. Both will be a big improvement.”

e new water features are also designed to appeal to a broader range of kids, with pieces designed for babies and toddlers, as well as older children, Vander Veen said.

Wulf Park soon will have new swings with accessible seats, an accessible slide, upgraded sand play area, interactive play panels and a

e rubberized surface will replace the current wood bers — a substantial upgrade for park users.

“We have to have material that can both support and give to help prevent injuries,” Vander Veen said. “ is will be ADA-compliant and crash-resistant, a much nicer material that will be easier for people in wheelchairs. It will be an amazing

e EPRD board approved a budget of up to $200,000 for the Wulf Park work at its July 30 meeting, though Vander Veen expects the total to come in well under that.

“It likely will be $36,000 less because we’re doing some of the demo work ourselves,” he said. e board OK’d up to $383,000 for the Buchanan Park pool work.

rubber surface. e new set and surfacing are expected to arrive in early October and will take about a month to install.

While the Buchanan Park pool is closed, swim lessons and Aquamoves classes will be held at the Wulf Recreation Center pool.

This illustration depicts new water features that will soon be installed at the Buchanan Park pool.

COURTESY OF EVERGREEN PARK & RECREATION DISTRICT

Most people don’t spend much time thinking about the dining room table unless it’s a holiday or special event. But for many women who were enslaved throughout the US, the dining room table of their enslavers was the focus of their day.

Artist and historian Chloé Duplessis was introduced to ve of these women during a tour of e Whitney Institute, a plantation museum in her home state of Louisiana. eir names are Lucy Clark, Francoise, Julienne, Sally and Marie and they were enslaved at the plantation in the late 1800’s.

VOICES

12 Tablecloths Art Installation Honors Women

COMING ATTRACTIONS

eir stories and living conditions inspired Duplessis to think about the many tablecloths these women had to clean every day, and how she could reclaim the tablecloths in a way that honored them.

“ e average meal required 12 tablecloths. e people in the main house had three meals a day and those meals had to be served on crisp, white linen,” she said. “I had to face the fact that these women’s whole existence was minimized and regulated to present a measure of quality of life to the people in the main house, at the expense of their own.”

As Duplessis started working on the installation that would become 12 Tablecloths, which is on display at the Center for Colorado Women’s History Museum at the Byers-Evans House, 1310 Bannock St. in Denver, through Monday, Sept. 30, she heard the story of another woman, named Myrtle Grant, who worked at the house in the 1940s and 1950s.

TAnd she knew the installation needed a sixth table setting.

“Myrtle did the only job a woman of color could do at that house, and it was a source of pride at the time to be a laundress there,” Duplessis said. “ ere’s a tendency with people who were servants to only focus on their service, but these were people who had lives and experiences of their own, so I wanted to make sure I included Mrytle’s life outside of her work in the piece.”

e resulting installation is set up in the house’s dining room and includes original art pieces by Duplessis and noted visual artist and ceramicist Katie McWeeney, narrative panels and an online audio tour.

e table settings carve out a place of rest and welcome for these six women, and honor their service and sacri ce, Duplessis explained. Burlap is used to represent people of color through the fabric’s resiliency and versatility. e handcrafted plates around the table feature ebony ecks representative of the African Diaspora, and are made from clay from North Carolina, a hub of the Transatlantic Slave Trade.

Everyone will come away from the exhibit with their own meaning, but the intention was to invite contemplation of the luxuries so many take for granted and to celebrate the labor of women from every generation.

e exhibit pairs beautifully with a tribute to underrated musical keystone Sister Rosetta arpe that Duplessis has on display at the BlairCaldwell African American Research Library, 2401 Welton St. at exhibit runs until Saturday, Aug. 31, and there will be a special public closing ceremony from 2 to 4 p.m. that day.

“I want the feminine to be honored and exalted in both installations,” Duplessis said. “I hope visitors will come away with a deeper understanding of what women have had to endure throughout history.”

For more information on 12 Tablecloths, visit www.historycolorado. org/exhibit/12-tablecloths.

Summer Scream Honors Winona Ryder

Denver Film’s annual Summer Scream event at Lakeside Amusement Park is one of the best seasonal traditions. e event is held from 6 to 11 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 22, at the park, 4601 Sheridan Blvd. and this year’s theme is Winona Forever, in celebration of actress Winona Ryder. e fundraiser will feature Ryder cosplay, art, trivia and games, and even a scavenger hunt. Rocky Mountain Pro Wrestling will also be on hand, in addition to unlimited rides and nightlong open bars.

Grab your tickets at www.denverlm.org.

Northglenn Invites People to Put on Their Boogie Shoes

ese warm summer evenings are the perfect occasion for some dancing under the stars and the City of Northglenn has people covered with

its Dancing rough the Decades party, held from 7 to 10 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 16 at the Festival Lawn at 1 E. Memorial Parkway.

As a way to add a fun spin to the proceedings, each hour will focus on a speci c decade — beginning with the 50s, moving through the 60s and ending in the 70s. e free event will also o er dance demos, giveaways, booths and more. Attendees are encouraged to wear costumes, and there will also be food and beverages available for purchase.

Get all the details at www.northglenn.org/backintime.

Clarke’s Concert of the Week — The Hold Steady at the Bluebird Theater

If you like rock music, you’re going to enjoy a e Hold Steady show. ere’s really no two ways about it. Since the band’s formation in 2003 they’ve cemented a reputation as one of the best live shows around and that designation is well-earned. e blend of singer/songwriter Craig Finn’s sharply drawn stories and the band’s rocking music is irresistible. e Hold Steady is stopping by Denver as part of their Constructive Summer tour, and are playing at the Bluebird eater, 3317 E. Colfax Ave., at 8 p.m. on ursday, Aug. 22, Friday, Aug. 23, and Saturday, Aug. 24. Everyone should experience this band live at least once, so 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.

Preparing for the school year: Yes, it’s time!

he countdown is on for both parents and kiddos. e new school year means a return to routines, perhaps slightly less chaos, earlier bedtimes and a break from constant snack and entertainment requests. It means excitement about new teachers, making new friends and seeing old friends. Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you and your family gear up for a successful and low-stress start to the school year.

1. Organize your supplies

It starts with the school supply list and honestly, as a Type A oldest child, I loved school supply shopping and I still get excited about getting my daughter’s supply lists. Shopping early can help avoid the last-minute rush and ensure you get everything on your list. Consider buying in bulk for items that will be used throughout the year. And don’t forget to label belongings to prevent lost items. ere are many cool

options for stickers and stamps to make this even easier.

2. Update the wardrobe Planning that rst-day out t is a backto-school fave. But rst, be sure to take inventory of your child’s current clothes to identify what they truly need, what needs to be replaced and what they’ve outgrown.

Clarke Reader

BALANCED

As you gather clothes for donation, consider organizations that accept clothing and other back-to-school supplies to support kids. Take advantage of back-to-school sales to purchase new clothes, shoes and accessories, and don’t forget about hand-me-downs as well. If your school has a uniform policy, be sure you have enough sets to last through the week to prevent midweek laundry stress.

3. Set up a study space

Creating a dedicated study space at home is a great way to help motivate your child to do homework. Get your kids involved in preparing the space, from choosing decorations to picking out fun pens, a cool lamp, a comfy chair, anything that will help them look forward to using the space. Having a designated homework zone establishes a routine and signals to your child that it’s time to focus and get work done.

4. Establish a routine

A consistent routine is key. Start adjusting your child’s sleep schedule at least a week before school starts to ensure they are well-rested and ready to learn. Establish a morning routine that includes enough time for breakfast, hygiene, getting dressed, organizing their backpack and getting out the door with minimal stress. Similarly, create an after-school routine that incorporates time for homework, play and relaxation. Pro tip: Many morning routine items can be handled the night before to make mornings even smoother (packing lunches, organizing backpacks, laying out clothes, etc.).

5. Health and nutrition

It’s that time of year for wellness checks, which can bring anxiety if vaccinations are involved. Creating a fun tradition around checkups can be a great way to mark the upcoming school year. My family likes to make a trip to our favorite local bookstore, e Bookies, to pick out a book after our appointment. And ice cream, always ice cream. Since everything is about balance, this can also be a great time to brainstorm a list of nutritious meals and snacks your kids would like to eat.

Don’t forget to emphasize the importance of staying hydrated and packing a water bottle.

6. So many big feelings e start of a new school year can bring a mix of emotions. Be sure to create opportunities for your child to share their feelings by asking questions about concerns or anxieties they may have. Encourage positive energy by focusing on the exciting prospects of the new school year, such as extracurricular activities, new subjects and seeing friends. I’ve also found it helpful to share the worries I had at their age or embarrassing stories (there are plenty) to nd common ground and humor in worries that are totally normal.

7. Get involved is doesn’t mean being at school every day, but being engaged to show your child you are supportive of their experience is important. Attend orientation sessions, meet teachers and familiarize yourself with the school’s policies and expectations. Establish a communication line with your child’s teachers to stay informed about their progress and any areas that may need attention. Volunteering at school can also provide insights into your child’s school life and help build a supportive community.

8. Technology and tools

Technology plays a signi cant role in education, which can make life both easier and harder at the same time. Make sure your child has access to the necessary devices and learning tools, such as a computer or tablet, internet access and any required software or apps. Set up parental controls and discuss responsible use of technology, emphasizing the importance of balancing screen time with other activities.

Preparing for the school year involves more than just shopping for supplies and clothes. It’s about setting the stage for a successful and enjoyable year, for everyone. So cheers to getting back into a routine, nding calm in the chaos and enjoying all the moments with your littles during these years. Megan Trask and Cody Galloway are Denver residents and co-founders of TULA Life Balanced. Learn more about their business at tulabalanced.com.

BIXTER

Pamela Ann Bixter

March 21, 1948 - August 4, 2024

Pam Bixter died peacefully at her home after a long illness. Originally from the Chicago area, she has lived in Evergreen for 20 years. She is a graduate of Arizona State University and earned her MBA from Loyola University in Chicago. She was an active fund raiser for EAPL (Evergreen Animal Protection League) and volunteered at their cat

adoption center in Bergen Park. She loved animals, travel, the arts, especially live music, theater and spending time with her friends, who were dear to her. She is survived by her husband of 24 years and a large extended family. Donations can be made in her name to EAPL, Evergreen or the Mt. Evans Hospice.

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.

UPCOMING

Evergreen Fire wild re presentation “Evacuation planning workshop”: 6 p.m., Sept 5, 1802 Bergen Parkway, Evergreen.

Big Chili Cook-O : 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sept. 7, Buchanan Park, 32003 Ellingwood Trail, Evergreen. Fundraiser for mountain-area re ghters. Music, games, chili tastings, awards. bigchili.org.

Evergreen Fire wild re presentation “Community Wild re Protection Plan”: 6 p.m., Sept 12, 1802 Bergen Parkway, Evergreen.

Wildlife Watch volunteers needed for elk rut season. New volunteer training at 5 p.m. Sept. 13 at Evergreen Lake. Return volunteer training via Zoom 6:30 p.m Sept. 12..To volunteer, email info@ wildaware.org.) Volunteers will cover weekends at Evergreen Lake from Sept. 20 – Oct. 27.

6 p.m. Sept. 18, Evergreen Lake House, 29612 Upper Bear Creek Rd, Evergreen. Blue Spruce Habitat for Humanity fundraiser. bluesprucehabitat.org.

Evergreen’s 24th annual Alternative Gift Fair: Applications due Sept. 1 for the Nov. 9-10 event at Evergreen Lutheran Church. Motto is “Buy Once, Gift Twice” with all proceeds returned to vendor charities selling products at event.

Interested vendors seeking a booth to sell wares that support their non-pro ts must have 501(c)3 status and need to provide IRSqualifying information. Email: alternativegiftfair2021@gmail.com for an application packet or to volunteer for the fair.

Taste of Evergreen: 5 p.m.Sept. 17, Evergreen Lake House, 29612 Upper Bear Creek Rd, Evergreen. Food, drinks, music. Tickets: evergreenchamber.org

“Hard Hats & High Heels:”

Morrison Ciderfest: 10 a.m. to dark, Sept. 28,150 Summer Street, Morrison. Live music, beer, hard cider, kids events, silent auction. morrisonciderfest.org.

Walk For Alopecia: 8:30 a.m. Sept. 28, Evergreen Lake House, 29612 Upper Bear Creek Rd, Evergreen. Register ahead online and/ or donate at https://support.naaf. org/team/586016.

Evergreen Newcomers and Neighbors annual open house: 10 a.m. Oct. 5 from 10 a.m.m Buchanan Park Rec Center, 32003 Ellingwood Trail, Evergreen. evergreennewcomers.com

ONGOING

wan Heritage Park, 28473 Meadow Dr, Evergreen.

El Rancho Farmers Market: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. every Tuesday, El Rancho, 29260 US 40, Evergreen.

Growing Out West Farmers Market: 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. ursdays through Labor Day. Cactus Jack’s, 4651 County Hwy 73, Evergreen.

Evergreen Cars & Co ee: 9 a.m. to noon every Saturday through Aug. 31, 3639 Evergreen Parkway, Evergreen.

Evergreen Audubon Weekly Preschool Adventures Program: 9 to 10 a.m. every ursday starting May 16, 27640 Hwy 74, Evergreen. Free & no registration required. Bring your child aged 2-5 years 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 Farmers Market: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. every Tuesday, Hi-

greenpost2001@gmail.com

Evergreen Camera Club: Meets every second Wednesday at 7 p.m. at Evergreen Fire/Rescue auditorium, 1802 Bergen Pkwy, Evergreen. Club is for people who share a passion for all photography, from beginners to professionals. Attend in person or via ZOOM.

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. Information at evergreenarearepublicanclub.org

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, email MountainAreaDems@gmail. com.

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 ever-

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

to local area music playing in our taverns before you head-out, 4 days each week at: 7:30 am and at 5:30 pm Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday on Mountain Drive Live

A LETTER TO OUR READERS

To our loyal supporters,

ere’s a saying in journalism that newspaper production is a daily or a weekly miracle. A er the last few weeks, we’ve performed a few such miracles to make sure you can continue to receive your local newspaper.

I’m writing to update you about some short-term (potential) delivery delays, to provide information about the reasons, and to thank you for your continued support of your community newspaper.

As you may know, Colorado Community Media’s parent company, the National Trust for Local News, has been busy building a new, local commercial printing facility to serve Front Range newspapers. is move sets up our newspapers for more economic sustainability and the potential for future editorial investments – in other words, a stronger, more vibrant community news source.

Along the way, we’ve learned that launching a printing press from scratch is not for the faint of heart. During the initial project work, we discovered that the electrical capacity needed to run all of our equipment required additional (and unexpected) enhancements to our facility. We’re making great progress and are working with our partners to complete the nal electrical services. We hope to begin printing Colorado Community Media’s newspapers there in early September.

Given the unexpected closure of the Berthoud press facility this month, we have been scrambling to nd alternatives to print our mailed newspapers during the 3-4 week timeframe expected before our own press launches. Fortunately, we’ve found a temporary out-of-state alternative that will allow us to continue providing you the print newspaper you’ve come to expect from us while we work to get our own press operational. What that means, however, is that you could experience delays of one to four days in receiving your printed paper.

Know this: We’re dedicated to ensuring you get your newspaper throughout this interim period. If you have questions, please feel free to reach out to hello@coloradocommunitymedia.com, or visit our website, which is always up-to-date with the latest news and information in your community.

We’re hopeful the disruptions to our readers and customers will be minimal and deeply appreciate your support of local journalism.

Linda Shapley Publisher

Colorado Community Media

BY AUDREY BRICE AND LOURDES CAMARILLO

On a hospital bed, surrounded by sterile equipment and isolated, the anxious await a surgery that will alter their lives. In pursuit of motherhood, many women have turned to In-Vitro-Fertilization (IVF).

Samantha Bronson, a children’s youth minister at a church in Littleton, has dealt with negative thoughts and emotions regarding her infertility.

“A lot of questions came to me about my spirituality as well,” Bronson said. “Like, ‘Is this God saying something to me?’ And, in my darkest moments, ‘Is God punishing me?’ I don’t believe that’s how God works at all, but those were the feelings that were coming up for me.”

Samantha Sullivan of Fort Collins wanted a child, and her mom had called a center to talk about taking steps toward fertility treatment.

“She knew that my dream has always been to have kids, and so I was grateful,” Sullivan said. “But I also didn’t really know what I was getting myself into.”

Emily Heizer-Kochmna, from Sacramento, California, is on her ninth round of IVF.

“ e whole thing’s been brutal. e emotional ups and downs are just exhausting, and any time there’s a sliver of hope, it just seems like it’s a trick,” Heizer-Kochman said. “Something worse happens when you’re expecting the good news.”

For Tanya Knepp of Florence, the costs “impacted us in a lot of ways emotionally, mentally.” Knepp and her husband paid for IVF without the help of insurance. While Colorado law mandates IVF coverage, Knepp’s insurance skipped around this law because her company’s insurance is selffunded.

“It was 100% out of pocket,” said Knepp.

e World Health Organization says one in six women globally experience infertility.

A single IVF cycle can cost $15,000 to $30,000, creating another challenge for many.

Bronson, Sullivan, Heizer-Kochman and Knepp shared their experiences with the University of Colorado’s News Corps in hopes that their stories

would help other women and their partners as they navigate the di cult path of IVF in hopes of having a baby.

Samantha Bronson, God and science

In 2020, Bronson and her husband, Luke, decided to start trying to conceive. By the end of 2021, the couple still wasn’t expecting, so Samantha went to her OBGYN for answers.

Bronson, of Aurora, was diagnosed with unexplained infertility, meaning that despite appearing capable of conceiving, she has been unable to do so. e only test Samantha could not undergo was an egg health test, which requires

an egg retrieval.

“I wanted there to be a reason,” said Bronson. Bronson started trying to conceive through intrauterine insemination (IUI), a type of articial insemination where a long tube is used to put the semen directly into the uterus. Bronson tried this method of conception four times.

“We were paying out of pocket for those each month, which was racking up a lot. So our fertility doctor recommended we switch over to IVF,” said Bronson.

e switch would cost around $30,000.

SEE THE SILENCE, P13

Emily Heizer-Kochman cries tears of joy while her husband, Ben Kochman, rests his head on her shoulder, sighing with relief from their hopeful fertility test results.

PHOTO BY LOURDES CAMARILLO / CU NEWS CORPS

THE SILENCE

Bronson felt like they wouldn’t be able to pursue that path at anytime soon, and after going through multiple rounds of IUI, she needed a break.

However, this changed when Luke switched careers, as his new job’s insurance would be able to cover the cost of IVF.

“We were ready to be parents,” said Bronson. “And because of (Luke’s) job and the fact that (his) insurance does cover it, that’s when we were able to pull the trigger on (IVF) without having to stress about going into more debt.”

roughout her struggle with infertility, Bronson has felt a strain on some of her relationships. She has had friends hesitant to tell her they are expecting because they don’t want to upset her, along with people just saying the wrong things.

“A lot of people don’t really know how to talk about infertility, so they’ll say some really stupid things. I am in a Christian community, and sometimes people will ask me if I’ve prayed about it,” said Bronson.

Bronson has chosen to keep her infertility journey largely private. While she believes she may share her experience once she has dealt with it, she exercises caution, particularly within her congregation, mindful of her position and the potential impact.

“As pastors, we’re taught to share vulnerably with people, and at the same time, the people that we are serving and helping, we don’t want them to feel bad for us,” said Bronson. “So, I

don’t want it to be that somebody who is expecting gets worried or weird about sharing that with me because they are worried I would feel upset about it. Whereas this is my job and calling to walk through that with people.”

Leading up to her rst egg retrieval, Bronson was feeling a variety of emotions.

“I feel excited and nervous and worried and happy, and quite literally what feels like every emotion I could feel,” said Bronson. “ ere’s still grief in there, too. is isn’t what I planned, I wish it would have been di erent.”

On April 2, Bronson underwent her egg retrieval, and 17 eggs were retrieved, but no answers about her unexplained infertility diagnosis were discovered.

e couple would get nine embryos, but upon further genetic testing for abnormalities only seven were viable for transfer.

“I had a lot of feelings. One of those feelings was that I did not want nine or seven children.

at’s a lot,” said Bronson. “I was also excited about how successful it was and that this means that theoretically, I will never have to do an egg retrieval again.”

Bronson was ordained as a minister in June and her embryo transfer was set for mid July.

Samantha Sullivan, cancer survivor

When Sullivan’s journey with IVF began, her mind was far from fertility preservation, as she waited to nd out if she had breast cancer.

“I didn’t even think about that prior because I was so focused on: am I getting diagnosed with breast cancer?” said Sullivan.

She was devastated. She was unable to think about the trajectory of her life, but her mother’s

call to a fertility treatment center put her on track. It was on Valentine’s Day of 2020 that Sullivan received her diagnosis: stage two, grade three, triple-negative breast cancer.

e nancial burden of IVF also quickly revealed itself.

“I remember we had to pay in full up-front, and I think it was something like $15,000 or $20,000 and I was like, ‘Well, I don’t have that so I can’t do this,’ and my mom was like, ‘We’ll talk about it. We’re doing it. Let’s go,’” Sullivan said.

“I didn’t know if I was going to survive, I didn’t know if my husband was going to become my husband,” said Sullivan. “We were engaged at the time. I gave him an out, and he stayed with me.”  Sullivan and Patrick would later marry on the rst anniversary of Sullivan being cancer-free on Oct. 9, 2021.

Before chemotherapy, Sullivan underwent two egg retrievals which gave them eight embryos viable for transfer. Only three were free of the BRCA 1 gene, which can increase a person’s chance of developing breast cancer.

Two years after her double mastectomy, Sullivan was able to undergo her rst embryo transfer. She went through three embryo transfers. One ended in a miscarriage and two didn’t implant.

Sullivan would have to come to terms with her only remaining embryos having the BRCA 1 gene.

After all those losses, Sullivan decided to take some time away from trying to become pregnant and also decided to switch from her previous clinic to the Conceptions Reproductive Associates of Colorado.

Tanya and Leslie Knepp walk in their neighborhood in Florence. “IVF was the only thing remaining for us to try,” Tanya Knepp said.

Samantha Bronson sits on her porch in Aurora. She and her husband, Luke Bronson, tapped their savings, paying just under $25,000 in fertility treatments.

Samantha Sullivan looks outside of her bedroom window in Fort Collins. “IVF changes you,” she said.

PHOTOS BY LOURDES CAMARILLO / CU NEWS CORPS

THE SILENCE

Instead of spending a couple thousand dollars to transport the embryos there, Sullivan rented a tank and transferred them herself.

“My mom and I drove down, dropped the tank o at CCRM in Lone Tree. ey loaded the embryos up and I bucked them into the car and drove them over,” said Sullivan.

At this new clinic, Sullivan went through her fourth embryo transfer, which ended in a miscarriage.

“Every single failed transfer has been absolutely devastating, and of course, every pregnancy I have lost a child. So, it’s been very di cult,” said Sullivan. Later on, Sullivan went in for a fth embryo transfer.

e procedure itself went well, but a home pregnancy test she took came back negative. e clinic con rmed the result.

e couple still has two embryos that their current clinic could transfer. However, they have begun looking into using an egg donor to make an embryo.

“I don’t know if I can keep going through loss,” said Sullivan.

Sullivan works as a postpartum nurse, a di cult position to have while going through infertility.

“It is really hard to take care of patients that don’t want the baby, or are upset that they’re pregnant, or are abusing their bodies – intentionally or unintentionally – which then a ects the baby, when I’m trying to do everything that I can and everything right to have a child,” Sullivan said.

Tanya Knepp, one little chance

Knepp and her husband, Leslie, have been trying to conceive for ve years, and recently started their rst round of IVF.

“We were very con dent that – aside from something miraculous and out of the ordinary – we weren’t just gonna get pregnant with less invasive means, and our doctors are pretty con dent of that too,” said Knepp.

e couple had to make a lot of sacri ces – living in a less-than-desirable neighborhood and driving older cars – to a ord IVF. And, after selling their last house, they were able to a ord their rst cycle of IVF.

When Knepp started, she got the news that she had low ovarian reserve. is diagnosis means a woman has fewer eggs in her ovaries compared to others her age, making conceiving more di cult.

During her egg retrieval, Knepp’s emotions were mixed, partly due to the cost of the procedure.

“I was de nitely feeling hopeful, but at the same time, just scared,” said Knepp, adding that part of her fear came from the nancial aspect because they were spending $5,000 for one cycle of IVF with no guaranteed success.

e retrieval returned seven eggs, but only one ended up being viable for transfer.

“We have one embryo. We’ve got one little chance waiting for us,” said Knepp. “So that’s how I feel about that embryo now, just glad we had that chance.”

As the couple wants more than one child, they have decided that with Knepp’s diagnosis of low ovarian reserve, they should attempt another egg retrieval now before attempting an embryo transfer.

“You’re not crazy for wanting to do this. e hope of bringing a child into this world is so valid,” said Knepp.

Emily Heizer-Kochman, the ninth try

“I had worries that we would have trouble conceiving another baby – or that we were on a short timeline – just because of my age,” said Heizer-Kochman.

Unfortunately, Heizer-Kochman was right to worry, as she would begin struggling with secondary infertility, a condition in which someone is unable to conceive or carry to term after already giving birth to a child without any fertility treatments.

Heizer-Kochman had ve miscarriages.

“I don’t know that you ever forget that pain. I don’t know,” said Heizer-Kochman. “You gure out how to live with it. I didn’t really do anything to deal with it, I just tried to move on.”

e couple ended up going to CNY, a fertility clinic in Colorado Springs. e cheapest option they could nd in the United States, which costed roughly $3,700 per cycle.

Out of eight rounds of IVF, none of the three embryos retrieved were deemed viable due to chromosomal abnormalities.

On Feb. 16, Heizer-Kochman went in for an egg retrieval for her ninth and nal round of IVF.

e procedure only returned a single egg.

e couple wanted to try one last time to ensure they had done all they could, but Heizer-Kochman wasn’t putting much hope into their single egg.

ree weeks later, the couple received the results that their latest embryo would not be viable.

ey continue to work towards having another child with the help of a friend who has agreed to be their egg donor.

“We got nothing out of it, other than the courage to move on,” said Heizer-Kochman. “If we hadn’t done IVF and spent that much and tried all those times, I don’t know that we would be emotionally ready to move on.”

e couple has spent around $50,000 on medical expenses.

“My biggest takeaway is that it doesn’t always work,” said Heizer-Kochman. “It’s not necessarily a faster track to a baby. ere are some people who do one cycle and get everything they need. at’s not everybody.”

A threat to IVF

Navigating IVF is already challenging, but the recent Alabama ruling has added another layer of di culty. It’s evident that many people lack understanding of the complexities involved with IVF. Although none of the women interviewed were from Alabama, some still express concerns about the misconceptions regarding IVF highlighted by the ruling.

is story was created by students at the University of Colorado-Boulder’s News Corps. Colorado Community Media participated in the process that helped bring this story to light.

HAPPENINGS

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 720-6734369 or email mary@evergreenchristianoutreach.org.

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

ESA EverGREEN Re ll Station: EverGREEN Re ll Station (re ll your laundry detergent, lotions, soaps and more. We have many sustainable products available). e Re ll Station is open Wednesdays and Fridays from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. and the second Saturday of each month from 1-4 p.m. in the Habitat Restore, 1232 Bergen Parkway.

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

Caregiver support group: Mount Evans Home Health Care & Hospice o ers a monthly group to provide emotional support services for caregivers helping ill, disabled or elderly loved ones. An in-person support group meets Wednesdays from noon to 1:30 p.m. at 3081 Bergen Peak Road, Evergreen. For more information, visit mtevans.org/services/emotional-support/.

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

MITIGATION

2002 Hayman, which burned so hot it sterilized the soil, leaving behind a landscape that has still not recovered. A re of such intensity can have an equally disastrous impact on communities.

“In the built environment, it would be something like we saw in Paradise, California,” he said, referring to a 2018 re that almost entirely destroyed a town. “ at’s catastrophic.

“Wild re is going to happen. Even Mother Nature can start wild res — not to mention humanity,” he continued. “So what we look at in the modeling when we do these prescriptions for forest health is how we can avoid crown res. ey spread very rapidly, and really don’t give re ghters much of a chance.”

Spacing between trees and other vegetation is key to helping prevent such res, Hoby said.

Opposing research and concerns

Opponents cite other research that comes to the opposite conclusion.

“Reduced canopy bulk density can lead to increased surface wind speed and fuel heating, which allows for increased rates of re spread in thinned forests,” writes Susan J. Prichard, a University of Washington research scientist who specializes in wild re ecology. “Mechanical treatments may increase the risk of re by increasing sunlight exposure to the forest oor, drying surface fuels, promoting understory growth, and increasing wind speeds that leave residual trees vulnerable to wind

throw.”

Prichard’s is one of several reports that point to the same issue.

And there are other concerns, including the impact of clearing trees to wildlife habitats and potential new re threats some say the work has created.

e companies Je erson County has contracted with left behind layers of dead wood, said Evergreen resident eresa Fox, which are themselves a re hazard.

“I’m ne with thinning trees,” she said. “ at produces a healthier forest with fewer dying and decaying trees. Wiping out an entire hillside is not ne, and leaving the slash on the ground is what I’m most upset about.

“ ey’re masticating what they cut

down, and they leave a thick layer of it on the ground which is ammable,” she continued. “If I did that in my yard, my insurance company would cancel me immediately. We’re also not moist enough here for things to decay and go back into the earth. at mastication is going to stay and keep it from ever becoming a beautiful meadow with wild owers.”

Fox, who said she moved to the area for its natural beauty, no longer hikes at Flying J because of “how sick it makes me feel.”

“Huge numbers of my friends will no longer walk in Flying J or Elk Meadow because of this,” she said.

JoAnn Hackos, conservation chair for Evergreen Audubon, has a different concern. She said the county-

contracted work is taking a toll on native birds, particularly those that nest on the ground and in cavities.

“Not only is their ground cover destroyed, when the big trees are cut down we get so much more sun that it dries out the ground cover and native plants,” she said, adding that loss clears the way for noxious weeds to take over.

As evidence of the impact, Hackos points to a bluebird box trail at Alderfer/ ree Sisters that she and her husband have monitored for two decades. is year — for the rst time in those twenty years — no bluebirds have nested in the boxes. e loss of large trees has also impacted woodpeckers.

While she has only done an informal count, Hackos believes bird numbers in the area are down.

“We’ve just got a pile-up of things that are being disturbed by the kinds of projects that are being done in the parks,” she said. “We think it’s really signi cant. When I pull into the parking lot at Flying J and see the destruction, it’s just heartbreaking. I listen for birds and then I leave because it’s too sad.”

Cutting trees is ‘the starting point’ Je erson County o cials are aware of the issues both Fox and Hackos have cited, and said their work in the foothills parks is far from done.

“Our sta at Je co Open Space monitors all these projects annually, and often more than once a year,” said Steve Murdock, a natural resources team lead with Je co Open Space. “We’re looking at recovery of vegetation to make sure it’s on track.

Uprooted trees border a meadow in Flying J Ranch cleared a few years ago during a wildfire mitigation project.

PHOTO BY JANE REUTER

MITIGATION

If we see areas that are not recovering as fast as others, that’s a trigger point.”

In that case, Murdock said the county might rake some the wood material so the soil beneath can get sunlight, or seed the area to jumpstart its recovery.

“People sometimes think we’re coming in, cutting the trees down and walking away,” he said. “ at’s really the starting point.”

Murdock said the county monitors the recovery of native vegetation, watches for invasive species and monitors wildlife’s response to the changes.

“It’s a constant process of planning, implementation and reassessment to make sure we get the desired outcome we want,” he said.

Yet Schlossberg, Fox and Hackos are among many who believe the county projects are not being done solely in the name of re mitigation or forest health. Evergreen resident CB Erwin said “ re prevention” is a benign-sounding euphemism for logging.

“Trees can serve as a wind and moisture barrier, but the logging/ land management community will ‘tin foil hat’ you and say that they are preventing a ‘crown re,’” she said. “Make no mistake, this is not selective tree thinning but a full-on, well-coordinated logging operation coupled with billions of dollars of federal kickback money.”

at aside, Schlossberg said 700 area residents have signed a petition asking for a moratorium on the work until the county can consider more information.

“We need to have participatory democracy and scienti c evidence before moving forward with this,” he said. “ ey’re using forest service agency-funded studies that say this protects communities. We want them to incorporate the whole body of scienti c studies to determine whether this is bene cial.

“We’re not saying not to ever do it,” he continued. “We’re saying can we have public engagement?”

State and county o cials maintain they’ve relied on extensive research in their projects. And while they’ve applied for and received federal funding, they say calling their operations logging is fallacious.

“All of our projects cost money; we have to pay to get this work done,”

White said. “We don’t pro t o of it. None of us have any incentive to mark large trees to get someone more money. Our role is to make sure we have our community’s best interests at heart, not a private business.”

Additionally, Hoby said nding ways to get rid of the trees and other vegetation is di cult and far from lucrative.

“One of the more challenging things when you’re doing re mitigation work is what do you do with all the biomass?” he said. “It’s quite costly to dispose of or recycle. It’s not by any means something someone would pro t from.”

e work ongoing at Elk Meadow is being paid for through grants from the Colorado Strategic Wild re Action Program and a community project fund grant from Congressman Joe Neguse.

Je erson County added about $450,000 in matching funds. e

Alderfer/ ree Sisters project was funded by grants from the Colorado State Forest Service — which receives federal funding — and matching county funds. e work at Flying J, where crews worked from 2018 to 2020, was a joint project through Denver Mountain Parks and Jefferson County that also used state funds.

In all three cases, agencies contracted with Colorado businesses to remove the trees and vegetation. At Elk Meadows, the county is working with Dove Creek Forestry, a familyowned business in Elizabeth with less than 10 employees.

“ ere’s not very much money in this industry,” said Cassie Kindel, who co-owns Dove Creek Forestry with her husband Brian Curry. “ is is like an agricultural operation. e pro t margin is really small. One of the reasons the state and county is willing to help pay for these operations is because they know we’re not making money o the wood.”

Unlike the Paci c Northwest — where hardwoods abound — Kindel said Colorado’s timber is not considered high quality or desirable.

“ ere are only a few places to go with it,” she said. “We try to nd local people who might be selling it as rewood. ere are a few small sawmills, but they can’t handle the amount of volume foresters are asking contractors to remove from these project sites. Sometimes it gets stored in a log yard until there’s an opening.”

A portion of all proceeds will be donated to volunteer

Let’s come together to celebrate the beauty that our local communities have to o er.

SHARE YOUR TRAIL TALES 5K

is a new event that celebrates Colorado’s walking/running trails within our local communities.

SATURDAY, AUGUST 24

Clement Park–Littleton

Our 5K Run/Walk will mark the culmination of members sharing their stories about the great places they go for a run or a walk.

REGISTER NOW!

Lace up your shoes, and after you hit the path, share your story with Colorado Community Media. We will be publishing your fan letters in our local papers.

Silverdale Trailhead

Three Sisters Trail

MITIGATION

ose challenges aside, Kindel said she and her husband enjoy the work.

“We kind of fell into it and just liked it,” she said. “You’re trying to do something good, to make a healthier forest that’s more resistant to re.

“Generally, you’re around a good group of people, who are humble and concerned with the environment. Also, it’s challenging work.”

Dove Creek is contracted at Elk Meadow through Dec. 31.

State forester White said Je erson County’s parks may not soon look the same, but they will see new life. Some already are.

At Flying J, where work ended in 2020, countless bright green pine seedlings now dot a large swath of land that was clear-cut.

“Grasses are coming back in some of those areas, and that produces food for wildlife,” he said. “Because we have thin, rocky soils, you see the impact of these re mitigation treatments here for a long time. On the ip side, if you want it to look like it

cal policies that suppressed wild re for decades as factors leading to to-

quite counterintuitive for a lot of people,” he said. “ ey think a dense

forest is natural and healthy. In reality, it’s unrepresentative of historical conditions and unhealthy.”

BY JANE REUTER JREUTER@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM

Evergreen re ghters have worked hard in the last couple of years to gather undergrowth and other woody debris into slash piles — a re management tool that gives re less fuel to feed on.

ousands of the piles, which resemble a series of small tipis, dot the Evergreen area. And sometime in the upcoming winter, Evergreen Fire/ Rescue will begin carefully burning its piles, located on State Highway 103 across from Pence Park. EFR will also assist other area agencies as they burn their piles.

Burning is a deliberate, carefully timed process that involves considerable training, said EFR’s risk reduction coordinator Einar Jensen.

State

Alderfer/Three

Dedisse

North

Fillius

Legault

Cub

Berrian

“It’s not just a matter of dousing a pile with kerosene,” he said. “Permits are required, and conditions must be right.” at means there must be at least four inches of snow on the ground and enough wind to disperse smoke up into the sky — but not create dan-

gerous re conditions.

EFR must also obtain a permit from the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment, which requires submitting a 60- to 70-page prescribed burn plan.

Additionally, two of EFR’s wildland division re ghters are undergoing additional training to manage the burns. Once done, they’ll be certi ed as burn bosses and trained to plan, organize and execute prescribed res. Creating the piles is also not a random process.

EFR, Denver Mountain Parks, Jeffco Open Space and the Juniper Valley State Wildland Inmate Fire Team helped clear the forest oor of ammable material in critical areas at multiple sites in Je erson County. at work includes removing, raking and piling dead and low branches, shrubs, dead and downed vegetation, and grasses.

Once they’re created, the piles then need to dry, generally for two years.

Jensen described the work as landscape-scale mitigation. Like the work Je erson County is doing in area parks, it’s designed to reduce the supply of re fuel, keep ame lengths low and create open spaces from which re ghters can safely attack a re.

“It’s risk reduction/mitigation, not re prevention, and it will be going on now and in the future,” he said, adding the piles will be burned in several areas over the next few years. “We have 25,000 people living in a wild re -prone area just in Evergreen. If we don’t do this sort of management, we can’t protect homes and lives.”

Private landowners can also take a three-day class called the Colorado Certi ed Burner Program to learn how to burn on their own properties.

Event looks to build friendships centered around trails

BY NINA JOSS NJOSS@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM

Community members will gather to run, walk and raise money to support local re ghting e orts at an upcoming 5-kilometer race in Robert F. Clement Park.

e “Share Your Trail Tales 5K” event and related storytelling initiative will be hosted by Colorado Community Media, the nonpro t that owns the Littleton Independent and two dozen other local newspapers around the metro area.

Events Director Carlie Scott said the event aims “to bring our communities together through our shared love for the great outdoors and to showcase all the beauty Colorado has to o er.”

Colorado Community Media 5K to support firefighters

custom running socks, according to the event’s webpage.

It will also bene t the rst responders to the Quarry re, which erupted in early August in the Deer Creek Canyon area, many who are volunteers from local re departments and the American Red Cross.

“ is event is not only about enjoying nature, but also about giving back,” Scott said. “It’s an opportunity for our community to support our local volunteer re ghters, whose extraordinary e orts have saved countless homes and protected vast areas of wildlife and open space.”

e run takes place at 9:30 a.m. on Aug. 24 at Robert F. Clement Park, located at 7306 W. Bowles Ave. in unincorporated Je erson County, just west of Littleton. e course will include two laps on the bike path around the lake, according to the event’s webpage.

Scott said a local competitive dance group will perform after the race, and other local businesses and vendors will be on site.

Leading up to the event, community members can share stories about and photos of their favorite Colorado parks and trails at https://tinyurl. com/h2s562d5.

Registration costs $35 for individuals ages 17 and above, and $15 for youth between the ages of ve and 16. Children ages four and under can join the race for free. Runners who register early will receive a pair of

Race-day registration is also available for an additional $10 from 7:15 to 8:15 a.m. on Aug. 24 at Clement Park Shelter Q. Race packets may be picked up that morning at Shelter P.

Scott said events like the 5K are important because they create opportunities for community members to connect with each other.

“In today’s fast-paced world, it’s easy to feel isolated and disconnected,” she said. “ ese events provide a chance to slow down, enjoy the beauty around us and share meaningful experiences with our neighbors.”

More: Participants can register for the event at https://coloradocommunitymedia.com/2024/05/04/ share-your-trail-tales-5k/. Scott encourages community members to share photos and stories about their favorite trails at https://tinyurl. com/h2s562d5.

As part of the “Share Your Trail Tales” 5K storytelling initiative, one community member submitted this photo of the Bear Creek Greenbelt Trail in Lakewood.

PHOTOS COURTESY OF COLORADO COMMUNITY MEDIA

One person uploaded this photo of their dog at the Genesee Mountain Trail for the “Share Your Trail Tales” 5K storytelling initiative.

Flag football and more metro-area prep sports news

BY JOHN RENFROW JRENFROW@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM

A day after boys golf teams o cially were allowed to practice, marking the start of the 2024 fall sports season, dozens of high school athletes from around the state descended on Empower Field in Denver for the Colorado High School Activities Association’s fall sports Media Day.  Headlining fall sports this season is ag football, which will be introduced with two classi cations in 2024-25. Previously, there was a twoyear pilot program with Colorado high schools. But in April, Colorado became the 11th state to sanction the sport. It is the inaugural season for the sport in Colorado.

Girls ag football becomes the 14th fall activity and 21st activity for girls recognized by CHSAA. Defending champions Arvada West and Chateld, Cherry Creek, Mountain View, Valor Christian and Vista Ridge high schools sent teams to speak to the media.

“Flag football is the fastest-growing sport nationally, especially for girls,” said CHSAA Commissioner Mike Krueger. “So, we’re excited to be part of that with a number of states that have now sanctioned it. To say we’re excited would be an understatement. It was a lot of work to get through that pilot program, but credit to Je erson County, Cherry Creek and Denver Public Schools along with the Broncos in getting that done. We’re super excited for our girls.”

Flag football

Arvada West defeated Cherry Creek 34-14 in the nal of the 16team state championship tournament last October. e Wildcats n-

SPORTS

Fall sports: Key takeaways from CHSAA Media Day in Denver

record. ey were the rst team to speak. e team addressed several changes coming to the sport in its inaugural season as a fully sanctioned sport. What was a noncontact sport the past two pilot years now brings more physical changes, including punting, screen blocking, a one-yard rush line for defenses and a major change in eld size.

Instead of a 60-by-30-yard eld, it’ll now be 80-by-40 yards. e game will be more physical this upcoming season as blocking will be a big emphasis on o ense.

“Luckily a bunch of our players were able to play summer ball with those new rules,” Chat eld coach Alexis Rosholt said. “I think the two main di erences are going to be the one-yard rush, the unlimited rushers as well as blocking. Your quarterback is going to basically have a second to get the ball o . Our receivers are going to have to do some blocking before getting into routes.”  at means team depth is going

ery team’s coach said there’s been a spike in interest this past o season and it’s nice to see the sport continue to grow.

“Depth is going to be a huge role this year,” said Arvada West Head Coach Mario Lopez. “We’re going to have pass rushers … in the trenches, we’ll have blockers. So, it’s going to be a di erent style of football. ere are going to be girls sacri cing their bodies on plays as opposed to last year where the girls had noncontact. It’s going to be a lot more similar to tackle football (this season).

Arvada West quarterback Saylor Swanson said she’s excited to have blockers in front of her so she can move around in the pocket and make plays.

e Wildcats know the target will be on their backs this season.

“Being state champs, feel like we have to push ourselves a little bit harder,” Molly Schellpeper said. “Everyone, knowing that, will push themselves harder too.”

Chat eld won the championship

in the rst year of the pilot program and nished in the nal four last year.

But now the Chargers are hungry.

“ ey don’t lose well,” Rosholt said of her team. “ ey’ll be ghting from day one. ey’re ready. Yes, we lost quite a few seniors last year that were big playmakers for us, but we gained so many underclassmen that were on our varsity team last year that were competitors.”

Valor Christian, another team determined to make their mark on the inaugural ag football season, is ready to build a legacy for the program. It starts now, they said.

“Especially at Valor, competition is so high,” said Savannah Khan. “Coming in last year, having the opportunity to start completely over and learn something new, and continue to grow on that and create a foundation … being able to just make that mark at Valor is something super important and something that is really inspiring, especially to young little

Reigning flag football state champions Arvada West spoke to the media first. The Wildcats enjoyed a perfect season capped with a trophy in 2023. PHOTO BY JOHN RENFROW

SPORTS

girls.”

Valor hosted its rst ag football camp over the summer. e turnout was tremendous, with over 50 girls showing up to learn from the high school players.

“Having little girls having someone they can look up to is already starting to create a legacy,” Khan said.

Cherry Creek’s ag football team lost to Arvada West in the nal last season. Since that loss, they’ve been anxious to get back on the eld and pursue another championship run.

“I think we’re coming back stronger than ever,” said Cherry Creek’s Addy Beck. “We’ve worked together with all the new rules and we’re so excited to come back.”

Football

Broom eld, Columbine, Delta, Erie, Haxtun, Holy Family, Limon, Ralston Valley and Stratton high schools sent representatives from their football teams to speak with the media.

continue to focus on one game at a time, one week at a time. We don’t overlook any of our opponents.”  e Mustangs will have to replace former quarterback Logan Madden, who is now a freshman player at Washburn University in Topeka, Kansas. Yannacito said he can’t replace Madden other than having his team come together to make up for his production.

Last year, Columbine dethroned Cherry Creek as the 5A champion. It was the Rebels’ sixth 5A state championship since 1999 and the rst since 2011. All six of the Rebels’ state football titles have been coached by Andy Lowry, who wasn’t in attendance.

But his players showed up as champs and are ready to repeat if they can.

“Every senior group at Columbine steps up,” said Brennan Goodwin, the starting quarterback at Columbine. “We’re excited to do that.”

Other sports

Other fall sports teams were in attendance also ready to kick o the 2024 season.

allinanintimatesetting.

For Ralston Valley, the team is tired of seeing teams that beat them in the championship game.

“Really, the past two years, both teams that we lost to went to the state championship,” Ralston Valley Head Coach Jared Yannacito said. “So, you just continue to be consistent. You continue to show up. You

Field hockey, gymnastics, boys golf, uni ed bowling, softball, girls volleyball, cross country, spirit and student leadership representatives all spoke to the media.

Evergreen golf’s Liam Houlihan is excited to have everybody back this fall to try and win another team title.

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

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.

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

Help Wanted

CITY OF CENTRAL

Accounting & HR Clerk/ Administrative Assistant

City of Central FTE Salary range from $43,798 - $51,463 DOQ/E

is position is responsible for providing support and assistance to the Finance/HR Department. Performs a variety of working level, para-professional duties as needed to expedite various day-to-day functions of the Finance/HR Department, including customer service, handling correspondence, cash receipting, accounts payable, utility billing, and xed asset tracking. Maintains the Finance/HR Department’s records in accordance with the City’s records retention policy. Requirements: Any combination of experience and training equivalent to graduation from High School and two years of progressively responsible work experience in accounting, human resources or le management is desirable. A bachelor’s degree in accounting, business administration, nance, or related eld is preferred. e City provides a comprehensive bene t package that includes medical, dental and vision insurance coverage. 100% of the employee’s premiums are paid by the City and approximately 98% of dependent premiums are paid by the City. Paid vacation and sick leave, 401(a) and 457b employer retirement contributions; een paid holidays annually. City paid Long Term Disability and Life Insurance.

Apply now: A detailed job description can be found on the City’s website centralcity.colorado.gov

Quali ed applicants should submit a resume and cover letter to the Finance/Human Resources Director at arobbins@cityofcentral.co or mail to P.O. Box 249 Central City, CO 80427. e position is open until 8/18/2024. EOE.

Help Wanted

On Line Bookstore

ChesslerBooks.com is an Evergreen based, 40 year old on-line bookstore offering books related to mountaineering. We are looking for an intelligent, well read, computer literate associate who can wrap and box the books and take them to the Evergreen Post Office. The job may also entail listing books on our website on our computer. Must be able to carry 40 lbs. Over age 50 is okay. Flexible hours 8 to 24 hours a week, depending on how busy we are. Salary competitive. Phone 720 560-4963 or email info@ chesslerbooks.com.

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Garage and Estate Sales

Garage Sales

The MOUNTAIN CLUB is gratefully accepting donations beginning Sat. 5/11 for their Memorial Day Weekend Flea Market held on Sat 5/25 and Sun. 5/26, 8-5. Please no TV’s, monitors, computers, printers, mattresses, or tires. 12795 US Highway 285, Conifer. 720-326-8307

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Farm and Agriculture

Feed, Seed & Hay

HAY FOR SALE...$9.50/ bale, 65 lbs., irrigated mountain grass, Shawnee area, you pick and carry, 303-838-2923.

Pets

Dogs

Transportation

Boats and Water Sports

Inflatable boat, 10x4ft, 3 air chambers, DC pump. 303 696 8603.

www.puppylovedoodles.com

Wanted

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BROCK G MESSNER Telephone Services 60.00

Carly Brooke Gelatt Telephone Services 60.00

CENTURYLINK Telephone Services 128.03

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CONCRETE EXPRESS INC Trail Improvements1,766,980.82

CONSOLIDATED MUTUAL Water, Irrigation, WATER COMPANY & Sanitation Services 148.70

CORE ELECTRIC COOPERATIVEHeat & Power 42.01

D & K PRINTING INC Printing Services1,290.88

Daniel Contreras Telephone Services 40.00

DAWN L ROY Telephone Services 60.00

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DYLAN S WATERS Telephone Services 60.00

Ed Perkins Telephone Services 60.00

Elijah Carr-Garcia Telephone Services 60.00

Elizabeth Ricci Travel 15.00

ELIZABETH STONER Telephone Services 60.00

EMILY A CAMP Telephone Services 60.00

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Emma Brokl Telephone Services 60.00

Erickson Smith Telephone Services 60.00

EVERGREEN METRO DISTRICTWater, Irrigation, & Sanitation Services

Jefferson County Warrants

MARIBEL ARREDONDO Programs 4,750.00

MEAGAN E PARRY Food Supplies 62.51

MIDWEST TAPE Library Books & Materials -DVD 7,626.79 MIDWEST TAPE Library Books & Materials -Audio Book 1,746.64

MOBILE MINI INC Equipment Rental 28.23

MR REPAIR INC Special Events Supplies 368.00

OVERDRIVE INC Library Books & Materials-Digital16,737.84

PADMA POLEPEDDI Mileage 190.28

R & Y HAMMOND LLLP Building Rent 2,816.21

REUBEN HOLLENBECK Programs 1,400.00

ROBERT LABENBERG JR Programs 1,000.00

Rocio Vasquez Flores Mileage 104.86

RPS PLAN ADMINISTRATORS INCFlex Child Care 409.17

RPS

Maintenance 2,096.00

SCHOOL SPECIALTY LLC Special Events Supplies 40.89

SCOTT MCCRAY Programs 1,500.00

T MOBILE Library Computer Service Materials5,233.04

Terri Faulkner Mileage 26.80

TUXEDO RANCH Promotional Supplies 517.68

VICTORIA F SANDOVAL Mileage 414.06

WAXIE SANITARY SUPPLY Janitorial Supplies1,508.61

XCEL ENERGY Heat & Power 38,181.41

Library Fund Total 562,331.23

BAKER & TAYLOR COMPANY INCLibrary Books & Materials-Print1,205.06

Library Fund TABOR Revenue Grants Total 1,205.06

KAISER PERMANENTE Kaiser Medical Premiums 1,211,142.39

LEGALSHIELD Employee Legal Services 7.88

LEGALSHIELD Employee Legal Services 15.76 LOGAN SIMPSON DESIGN INCConsultant Services70,242.76

MARTIN MARIETTA MATERIALS INCPavement Management Contracts 1,537,350.57 RPS PLAN ADMINISTRATORS INCFlex

Teams, coaches, parents and media from all over the state descended on Empower Field in Denver for the Colorado High School Activities Association fall sports Media Day on Aug. 6. Flag football was the main attraction. PHOTOS BY JOHN RENFROW

SPORTS

Houlihan and his teammate Tyler Long nished tied for second in 4A individual nishes last season.

“It’s a lot of fun having the same guys return each year,” Houlihan said. “I don’t quite know if we’re going to be the favorite — we just moved down to 3A, so that’s a new kind of team dynamic there — but we’ll see what happens and it should be fun.”

Valor Christian volleyball has

Legals

City and County

Public Notice

TOWN OF MORRISON, COLORADO BOARD OF TRUSTEES

ORDINANCE NO. 548

AN ORDINANCE OF THE TOWN OF MORRISON ANNEXING TO THE TOWN REAL PROPERTY LOCATED IN JEFFERSON COUNTY CONTAINING

APPROXIMATELY 124.76 ACRES

The foregoing Ordinance was, on the 6th day of August, 2024, ordered to be published by title only and penalty provision, if any, and to be posted in full within the Town and on the Town’s website by the Board of Trustees of the Town of Morrison, Colorado. This Ordinance shall take effect on August 30, 2024.

The full text of this of this Ordinance is available in electronic form on the Town’s website, www. town.morrison.co.us; copies of this Ordinance are also available in printed form from the Office of the Town Clerk at 321 Colorado Highway 8, Morrison, Colorado 80465.

gone

Evergreen’s

58-0 in the past two seasons and won back-to-back 5A titles in Colorado.

But the Eagles know competition gets stronger each year and they aren’t ready to overlook anyone.

“I would say every time out there is going to be our competition. We just need to get in the gym and work,” Chloe Elarton, a senior and University of Georgia commit said.

“I just to savor every moment, every win, every loss, every practice.

It’s going to be a really special season for us seniors and I just want to cherish that.”

Lutheran has won three straight

Public Notices

Ariana Neverdahl, Town Clerk

Legal Notice No. CAN 1630

First Publication: August 15, 2024

Last Publication: August 15, 2024

Publisher: Canyon Courier

Public Notice

TOWN OF MORRISON, COLORADO BOARD OF TRUSTEES

ORDINANCE NO. 549

AN ORDINANCE OF THE TOWN OF MORRISON ZONING REAL PROPERTY KNOWN AS NORTH ROONEY ROAD TO PLANNED DEVELOPMENT

The foregoing Ordinance was, on the 6th day of August, 2024, ordered to be published by title only and penalty provision, if any, and to be posted in full within the Town and on the Town’s website by the Board of Trustees of the Town of Morrison, Colorado. This Ordinance shall take effect on August 30, 2024.

The full text of this of this Ordinance is available in electronic form on the Town’s website, www. town.morrison.co.us; copies of this Ordinance are also available in printed form from the Office of the Town Clerk at 321 Colorado Highway 8, Morrison, Colorado 80465.

Ariana Neverdahl, Town Clerk

Legal Notice No. CAN 1631

4A softball titles in Colorado. Meredith Barnhart said this year, preparation is more emotional this year.

“We need to make up a lot of that momentum and success that we’re used to,” Barnhart said. Rallying as a team will be huge. ere’s always the hitting in the cages and taking ground balls, so we’ll get that going here pretty soon and hopefully hit the road quick.”

Kinley Wolfe of Cherry Creek cross country just wants to improve.

“I’m just hoping to do the best I can and try to be better than I did last season,” Wolfe said. “I’m just trying to be a strong competitor this

First Publication: August 15, 2024

Last Publication: August 15, 2024

Publisher: Canyon Courier

Bids and Settlements

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, August 21, 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

year that people are looking at.”

But no matter the sport, the athletes said they’re all inspired by the recent uptick in the popularity of women’s sports.

“I think, for me, sports have allowed me to nd who I am,” said Colorado Academy eld hockey player Addie Chandler. “So, having these big stars like Caitlin Clark, Simone Biles, having these really cool role models to look after has been really cool.”

For more from CHSAA’s fall sports Media Day, visit www.chsaanow. com.

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

Liam Houlihan is one of the returning leaders for the Cougars’ golf team. He represented the school at CHSAA’s Media Day on Aug. 6 at Empower Field in Denver.

Columbine football’s Peyton Burcar and James Basinger, two leaders for the returning championship team, field questions from the media.