Conifer’s proposed Shadow Mountain Bike Park is nally ready for public review by county o cials. Both proponents and opponents of the controversial land use say they’re ready.
During a pair of hearings scheduled for September, county planning and board commissioners will vote on approval of a special use application to allow development of a liftserved bike park.
Two hearings are set:
• e Je erson County Planning Commission will consider the rezoning during a 6:15 p.m. Sept. 11 meeting.
• e issue will then be heard by the board of county commissioners at 9 a.m. Sept. 24.
Both meetings will be held at the Je erson County administration building, 100 Je erson County Parkway, in Golden.
For park developers, approval is
PHOTO BY JANE REUTER
BIKE PARK
critical. While they would need to also submit a more detailed site development plan to the county, they can’t do that without a green light on the special use application.
If that happens, developers Phil Bouchard and Jason Evans believe they could open the park in 2025.
“I think it will be about a two-year process to get it fully built,” Bouchard said. “We might be able to open in some capacity next year, but maybe the visitor center wouldn’t be yet built.”
Bouchard and Evans propose the downhill mountain bike park on 230 acres owned by the State Land Board on Shadow Mountain Drive, an idea that’s faced extensive backlash from neighbors for years. e two men wrote their initial business plan in August 2020.
e lift-served day-use bike park they envision would be the only one of its kind in Colorado. e plans call for a reservation system, 300-car parking lot, 16 miles of trails and a lodge. Weather permitting, it would be open from April to October.
Bouchard and Evans believe the park would ll a void in the fastgrowing Colorado mountain bike community, and they’re ready to move forward.
“In terms of hurdles, I don’t know if I see any, to be honest,” Bouchard said. “I can’t say what questions commissioners will have for us. Our application is so dense and long, they could come at it from a lot of di erent angles.We’re pretty well aware of the concerns, and ready to respond. We’re excited for those who support it.”
Meanwhile, opponents say there are plenty of hurdles for developers to overcome — issues they’ve investigated extensively.
“We’re ready; we want to ght our
war,” said John Lewis, a member of the Stop the Bike Park group. “We’re as passionate about opposing it as they are building it.We’ve been preparing for the public hearing, and we’ve got a lot of people that want to testify.”
Opponents list multiple environmental and community safety issues, including increased tra c on Shadow Mountain Drive, a potential uptick in emergency response call volume and concerns about wild re evacuation planning. Above all that, they feel the park will damage the community’s character, what Lewis and others call “a sense of place.”
“We all live here because we want to, not because we have to,” Lewis said. “We came up here to live in harmony with not only each other, but the environment itself. is facility will totally destroy that.”
Bouchard disagreed, noting that people expressed similar concerns about Staunton State Park, which opened in 2013 and draws many
more visitors than they predict the bike park will.
“ e idea that people can’t live in relatively close proximity to a recreational asset and still have peace and quiet and a sense of place is just not borne out by other examples in the community,” he said. “And this idea that mountain bikers are a disruptive user group is not true. People who are spending between $5,000 and $15,000 on a bicycle are generally not smoking cigarettes and whooping it up in a parking lot.Jason and I are not the kind of people who are trying to come into an area and destroy it. We’re coming in with a vision we think is going to make a positive impact on the community.”
High on the list of longtime residents’ concerns is the impact of increased tra c on narrow, windy Shadow Mountain Drive. e road has seven bus stops, they noted, and a “high number of crashes,” accord-
REVERSE MORTGAGES MADE
Here Are the Work-Arounds That Will Keep Sellers Paying Buyer Agents’ Commission
The biggest work-around is Section 29 of the state-approved (and mandated) Contract to Buy & Sell, shown at right.
As shown below in this week’s (and last week’s) featured new listing, many ads, brochures and websites for listings will now contain the notice that “Seller offers __% compensation to buyer brokers.”
Absent that offer, however, the buyer can use Sec. 29.1 of their purchase contract to specify the compensation paid by the seller to their agent. This is where the offered compensation, such as for the listing below, is to be inserted — or, if none is offered, the buyer’s demand for compensation is inserted.
amendment to their buyer agency agreement setting the commission rate at 2% and writing that amount in Sec. 29.1 of the purchase contract. Or, they could decide to write 2.5% in Sec. 29.1 anyway and see if the seller will sign it. If the seller counters the offer, changing it to 2.0%, if the seller wants to accept the counterproposal, they can still amend the buyer agency agreement before signing the counterproposal.
Of course, the buyer might like his broker so much, that he or she will offer to pay the extra 0.5%, although that would be unusual. As I wrote last week, I’ll be surprised if many (or any) buyers end up paying anything to their broker.
The opposite scenario could be true.
wants to sell her or his home is going to deny any compensation to buyer brokers and that you can defer the conversation about adjusting the buyer compensation until the buyer is ready to make an offer of a house they want.
One complication of this strategy is that the buyer will have already signed a buyer agency agreement with his or her broker, stating the commission amount, if any, that the buyer is willing to pay, and if the seller falls short of that percentage or dollar amount, the buyer must make up the difference.
But, not to worry — there’s a simple workaround for that. At any time during the term of the buyer agent agreement (called the “Exclusive Right-to-Buy Listing Contract”), it can be amended by mutual agreement of the buyer and his or her broker.
Let’s say, for example, that the buyer has signed a buyer agency agreement with 2.5% as the promised compensation to their broker. A seller has offered 2.0%. In discussion prior to writing the offer, the buyer might negotiate an
3-BR
$695,000
The buyer may have signed a buyer agency agreement in which the rate is 2.5%, but the seller has advertised that they will pay 2.8%. The rule is that the buyer’s broker can’t accept more than is specified in their signed agreement with their buyer. No problem — amend the buyer agency agreement to 2.8% before writing the offer. However, if there’s a bidding war, the buyer and broker might decide to write 2.5% into their offer, hoping that competing offers will include 2.8% for their buyers’ brokers.
Buyers will likely say upfront that they don’t want to pay a dime (or more than a nominal amount) to the broker representing them in their home search.
The smart broker (which, of course, includes all Golden Real Estate brokers) will point out Sec. 29.1 and quote this article saying that it has become a “buyer’s market” and that no seller who
in Lone Tree Golf Community
Meanwhile, a broker wanting to represent a buyer needs to be confident enough of the value he or she provides to the buyer to say that they won’t work with that buyer unless they agree to some minimum compensation for that value. For me personally, I would put that minimum at a minimum of 2.0%, given the value every buyer gets from
me — knowledgeable, experienced representation and negotiating skill, use of our free moving truck, free moving boxes and packing materials, and team members at their disposal from our inhouse handyman, cleaning personnel, loan officers, inspectors and more. All of us at Golden Real Estate are aware of the value we provide to our clients, both buyers and sellers, and we look forward to serving both with the skill that we know we have. If you want proof, click on the “Testimonials” tab at www.GoldenRealEstate.com. We look forward to earning your good review!
Broker Associate Austin Pottorff Specializes in Land
Personally, I prefer to work one-onone with buyers and sellers, as do most of my broker associates. But Austin Pottorff is different. He loves to find owners of larger parcels of land and help them sell to one of his many buyers, some of whom are developers looking for sites to build multi-family neighborhoods.
Earlier this year, with a little help from me, Austin sold a commercial property in Golden (Mountain Muffler, at 2200 Ford Street) to a developer. He currently has three land parcels under contract, one in Pleasant View, and two in Arvada, and he has three
active listings, including a veterinary hospital on three acres at 9251 N. Wadsworth Ave. for $2,490,000, an 8acre parcel on the I-70 south frontage road in Wheat Ridge for $6,000,000, and another land parcel elsewhere in Jefferson County.
If you have land you’d like to sell or are looking to buy land, give Austin a call at 970-281-9071, or email him at Austin@GoldenRealEstate.com. Austin’s fellow associates and I are impressed at the quality of his work identifying such land opportunities and even creating aerial videos of them as part of his marketing strategy.
This Column Is Now Published on Substack
Everything you read in this ad each week is published in blog form (with extra content and active hyperlinks) at http://RealEstateToday.Substack.com and comes to you by email automatically each Wednesday.
I’m also publishing a political column you might like. Find it, too, in blog form at http://TalkingTurkey.Substack.com
Rita and I are on a transatlantic cruise during August and September. Read my continuing travelogue at http://WhereAreJimandRita.Substack.com.
I have free cell and email throughout, so feel free to reach out to me anytime.
Enjoy maintenance-free living in the quiet community called Masters Park. This townhome at 9444 Southern Hills Circle is being sold by its original owners, who purchased the home 25 years ago. You’ll like the updated kitchen and primary suite with its updated 5-piece bathroom and its spacious deck overlooking the green space behind. As you will see on its website, this home has been tastefully decorated including, for example, the walls of the powder room painted by a local artist in a bamboo theme! It’s a friendly community too, with get-togethers Monday evenings in the gazebo next to this home. The golf course is behind the homes across the street! Some furniture is available for purchase outside of closing. Look for the list with prices on the coffee table. Visit www.LoneTreeHome.info for interior and exterior photos, floor plans, a narrated video walk-through and an aerial video. Greg Kraft will be holding it open on Saturday, Aug. 31st, 11 to 1, or call 720-353-1922 to request a showing. Note: Seller offers 2.8% commission to buyer’s broker.
Jim
Smith
Broker/Owner, 303-525-1851
Jim@GoldenRealEstate.com 1214 Washington Ave.,
Patio Home
Morrison speed camera staying put despite di ering opinions about location
Trustee says some think site near town limits is ‘sneaky’; police chief disagrees
BY JANE REUTER JREUTER@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM
ough some residents allege its location is “sneaky,” Morrison police say there are no immediate plans to move its speed camera from just inside the town’s eastern limits.
Its location across from an ice cream shop is key for families bound for a sweet treat, and the highly visible site helps keep the camera safe from would-be vandals, said Police Chief Bill Vinelli. It’s also doing what town leaders hoped, he said — slowing drivers down.
Morrison Trustee Adam Way asked about the speed camera’s location
during the board’s Aug. 20 meeting. e automated camera, which began generating citations May 8, is on a trailer parked on Bear Creek Avenue. It’s set to monitor the speed of drivers leaving town at its eastern edge, as they head toward Colorado 470, and issue citations to those driving 10 mph over Morrison’s posted 25 mph speed limit. e speed limit increases from 25 to 40 mph outside the town boundaries.
In its rst 13 days, the camera clocked nearly 9,000 speeders — a rate of nearly 1.36 tickets per minute. Each veri ed citation comes with a $40 ne.
“Is it going to stay in that spot?” Way asked. “I’ve had a lot of people talk about the location in terms of … where the 40 mph limit is. at location seems a little sneaky as people are coming out of town. People are keeping up with tra c, starting to speed up.’ I’m getting a lot of feed-
Would you like to study abroad or host an exchange student this coming year?
WOULD YOU LIKE TO STUDY ABROAD?
Rotary Youth Exchange builds peace one young person at a time. Rotary Youth Exchange provides young people with the opportunity to experience a cultural exchange and to develop as leaders who promote peace and justice around the world.
The Rotary Youth Exchange is a study-abroad opportunity for young people who spend anywhere from a few weeks to a full year as an international student hosted by the Rotary Club of Evergreen. Our yearlong programs send students overseas and we also host students here in Evergreen. Our summer programs include Family to Family exchanges for two like-minded students to stay in each other’s homes for a few weeks in each location. Both programs are life changing for the students and the families who host them.
WOULD YOU LIKE TO HOST AN EXCHANGE STUDENT?
If you would be interested in hosting a student for three months over the next school year in your home, please volunteer to become a Host Family. Host Families do not need to be members of Rotary, they do not need to have children, and they can even be a single person who is interested in learning about another person’s culture. Lifelong friendships are almost always developed!
If you are interested, check out our website at www.RMRYE.org or contact Scott@denvermachine.com for more information.
Our club has more than 100 members from all walks of life. We like to have fun and we organize social functions throughout the year.
• We meet once a week on Fridays at 7:00 a.m. for breakfast. There is no meeting commitment – attend as many or as few as you like.
• Our meetings, events, location details and speaker schedules can be found at EvergreenRotary.org, along with details about our local and international committees and projects.
• Our membership is open to all people of all ages and all backgrounds. More info at EvergreenRotary.org
As an independent fee-only registered investment advisor, we are held to the highest standard of responsibility to our clients by law, and select and recommend investments based soley on your best interest. We are here to act as long-term stewards of your assets through comprehensive financial planning, wealth management and strategic legacy planning.
Kris Fisher,
From left to right: Harald Hensgen, Emma, Stephanie, Mathew, and Mark Roberts. Harald was our exchange student from Denmark last year, and the family was one of his three host families.
Columnist opinions are not necessarily those of the Courier. We welcome letters to the editor. Please include your full name, address and the best number to reach you by telephone.
Email letters to kfiore@coloradocommunitymedia.com
Deadline Tues. for the following week’s paper.
Canyon Courier (USPS 88940)
A legal newspaper of general circulation in Evergreen, Colorado, Canyon Courier is published weekly on Thursday by Colorado Community Media, 3540 Evergreen Parkway, Evergreen, CO 80439.
PERIODICAL POSTAGE PAID AT Evergreen and additional mailing o ces.
POSTMASTER: Send address change to: Canyon Courier, 750 W. Hampden Ave., Suite 225, Englewood, CO 80110
Evergreen’s CenturyLink building now a symbol of hope for mental health
Community leaders gather to dedicate ‘Flight of our Lives’ mural
BY JANE REUTER JREUTER@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM
A once unremarkable orange brick building in downtown Evergreen that several locals described as “ugly” has transformed into a multi-hued mural designed to increase awareness of mental health issues.
About 60 people gathered in a rainstorm at the CenturyLink building on Bear Creek Avenue Aug. 15 to dedicate “ e Flight of Our Lives,” a project created by the Leadership Evergreen Class of 2022.
Evergreen artist Chris Krieg and his son Will, who run Altitude Murals, painted the 160x20-foot mural. Evergreen High School graduate David Russell, who now lives in California, helped design the piece, which depicts butter ies and magpies ying past multiple doorways.
e doorways represent opportunities and learning experiences, the magpie resilience and leadership, and the butter ies the cycle of life, transformation and hope.
e idea for the mural came together quickly for the 13 members of Leadership Evergreen’s 2022 class. Bringing it to life took two years of coordination and fundraising.
Leadership Evergreen is a nonpro t that instructs a new group of local students each year about how the unincorporated community operates. Its goal is to create new community leaders. Each classcreates and fundraises for a service project.
“ e Class of 2022 had a very strong passion for doing something in the mental health realm,” said Evergreen Chamber President Nancy Judge, a member of the Class of 2022. “ ere was also a strong passion for doing something that would beautiful our community. We were able to marry those two passions into a mural that has mental health themes.”
at concept garnered even more support after classmates met with leaders of Resilience 1220, an Evergreen nonpro t that provides free counseling to local youth.
“ rough that visit, we really had our eyes opened,” said Class of 2022 member Cindy Lempke. “ is is an issue that a ects all of us. ere’s a particular challenge for young people who sometimes feel very isolated, and the pandemic did nothing to help that situation. ere’s also still a stigma that is attached to someone who’s dealing with mental health issues as opposed to other health issues.”
e class also raised $50,000 for their project, the largest dollar amount for any Leadership Evergreen project, Judge said.
Waiting for both Mother Nature and repairs to CenturyLink’s hail-damaged
roof also played into the project’s start, which the Kriegs completed in May 2024.
Resilience 1220 executive director Annie Cooley said she was deeply touched by the project.
“Your ability to make such a meaningful connection between art and mental health is astounding, and it continues to break down the stigma of asking for help,” she said.
Despite heavy rain at times, the dozens of people at the dedication toasted the moment with smiles and wine, many balanced glasses with umbrella handles.
“It was a proud moment for everyone in our class,” Judge said. “We hope it is a blessing to the community.”
For Chris Krieg, the dedication represented the completion of a decades-long wish.
“I’ve been driving by this wall for 34 years, thinking it would be a great place for a mural,” Chris Krieg said. “People encouraged me to paint it because it just didn’t t in with the motif of Evergreen — it was just this wide abyss when you drove through town. And then Leadership Evergreen asked me to do it.
“Now people can nd something new in this mural every time they drive by,” Krieg continued.
Project donors included the Evergreen Downtown Business Association, the Evergreen Area Chamber of Commerce, Xcel Energy, Evergreen Rotary, the Evergreen Legacy Fund, Lakewood’s Green Mountain Brewing Company, individuals and others.
Cindy Lempke and Nancy Judge, both members of the Leadership Evergreen Class of 2022, celebrate the dedication of the class mural.
PHOTOS BY JANE REUTER
Muralist Chris Krieg, right, speaks with his son Will.
BIKE PARK
ing to Jefferson County crash analysis studies.
“If they really really had a sense of caring about this community, all they had to do was look at the amount of crashes and fatalities on this road,” said Barbara Moss Murphy, co-chair of Stop the Bike Park. “They would have known right away it’s not safe.”
Paul Olson, a civil engineer and member of Stop the Bike Park, says the developers’ traffic studies are flawed.
“The visitation they have guessed at could be totally wrong,” he said. “It could be twice that or a quarter of that, with big impacts either way. Traffic volume dictates how many bathrooms, and how much water you need; that’s the foundation.”
Bouchard said the parking lot they’ve planned can accommodate less than 300 cars, which will all require day pass reservations.
“In general, the projected traffic is well within what Jefferson County has outlined for Shadow Moun-
tain Drive,” he said. “The park does not make the road inherently less safe.”
Opponents said each car could have up to four passengers, for a total of 1,200 visitors daily. And they believe the proponents’ estimate of vehicle trips per day is low, failing to account for drop-offs and special events among other factors. Their calculations show the bike park will add 1,000 daily trips to Shadow Mountain Drive.
“And that’s a conservative estimate,” Lewis said. “The county shows there’s already 2,500 vehicle trips a day on that road. Let’s just add 1,000 more trips to what’s already one of the most dangerous roads in Colorado.”
Bouchard thinks such numbers are unlikely, and antithetical to the type of park they envision.
“We expect on average a couple hundred visitors a day,” he said. “We want people to have the best experience they’ve ever had on a mountain bike, and that includes feeling like they have space to ride.”
Those who oppose the plan say the development will irreparably harm wetland and wildlife habitat, displacing not only creatures
that live on the land but migrate through it.
“All the runoff they’re going to create by carving 100 acres out of that hillside will go into the wetlands,” Lewis said.
Bouchard acknowledged development of a previously undeveloped site will have some impacts, which he said they will manage. But he maintains the proposed use is in line with the state board’s vision for its properties, which earn money for Colorado public schools through leases.
“I think there’s a perception this is like other public land, where we all have a say in how it gets used,” he said. “That’s not how the Colorado State Land Trust operates. They try to find uses that blend stewardship with revenue generation. I think the State Land Trust thinks this is a relatively low-impact use.”
Stop the Bike Park members say it will tax the already overburdened fire district. A medical study of a similar bike park recorded 75 ambulance transports in one season, according to the Stop the Bike Park website.
Furthermore, because the property is owned by the Colorado
State Land Board, it’s not subject to property taxes that would support the Elk Creek Fire Protection District.
Developers counter this on their website, stating they’ll have onsite first aid personnel and an EMS center to respond to park incidents. They point to statistics that say very few visitors to managed bike parks require medical transport.
Both sides say they have ample support. Stop the Bike Park has more than 5,000 signatures on a petition to prove it.
“If the county commissioners listen to the constituents, they have the power to make this right; they can stop this,” Murphy said. “And that’s what we’re counting on.”
The special use application will move on to the Board of County Commissioners regardless of the planning commission’s vote, though commissioners will take their recommendation into account. The planning commission could also continue the request. If both commissions approve the use, Shadow Mountain Bike Park could apply for a site development plan, which would include finite construction details and permits.
Isuppose it’s the human thing on a hiking trail to acknowledge one another when passing. But on a well-used trail, the same comments come up time and time again.
“Good Morning.” As an introvert I don’t understand why I have to say “Good Morning” to every member of a 30-person group. Nor does “Good Afternoon” roll o the tongue as nicely. Too many plosives and fricatives. Yesterday I got yelled at for not saying a cheery enough “Good Morning” to a passing hiker. I did not realize I was at a Downton Abbey garden party.
en there’s the consoling “You’re Almost ere” hello. For one thing, I am almost never almost there when assured that I am. Volunteers at 10Ks or marathons are warned to never, ever, tell someone they are almost there. Almost there is when you can see the parking lot.
An annoying question is “Everything OK?” Why are they asking this? Admittedly I have more gray hair than brown, but do I look so decrepit that they are concerned about my well being? What would they do if I
The story of the “Discovering Teen Rex” exhibit at the Denver Museum of Nature and Science is in many ways a dream come true for many young dinosaur fans all over the world. ree such young fans — eightyear-old Liam and 11-year-old Jessin, and their 10-year-old cousin Kaiden Madsen — were fossil-hunting in the Badlands near Marmarth, North Dakota, when they found some large bones in a sedimentary rock formation, according to provided information. ey then reached out to their father’s highschool classmate, DMNS paleontologist Dr. Tyler Lyson, who had grown up in the same area.
VOICES
Grumpy talk on the trail
WRITERS ON THE RANGE
said, “It would really be OK if you took my pack!”
“How you doing?” Do they really want to know that my trick hip is acting up, and my pack irritates that weird spot on my scapula? Probably not.
“Good Luck.” Again, why? Is the only thing that will assure my success a whim of fate?
I used to answer, “In the words of the immortal solo climber of Mount Everest, Reinhold Messner, ‘I do not believe in luck.’” at usually gets me a blank look.
“Where did you start and how long did it take you?” People usually ask me this while hiking in Grand Canyon. But why ask a random stranger how they did? I’m not racing. One woman asked me this at Bryce Canyon National Park because she and her boyfriend were attempting a loop. She thought they were on the wrong trail, but her boyfriend thought she was wrong. Turned out
‘Discovering
he was the one who was wrong, and he wasn’t happy about nding that out.
“Is it really harder hiking uphill?” Is this a trick question?
“Where are you going?” at seems a deep philosophical question to pose to a complete stranger.
“How was it?” I guess I could answer on a scale of one to ten…
“Was it worth it?” I’m always tempted to reply, “No, turn around now.”
“Does this trail go anywhere?” “No,” I want to say, “it just kind of sits there.”
“If I hike down this trail, is there another way out?” Not really: Walk in, walk out, is usually the case.
Sometimes a joker will ask, “Are we there yet?” I sometimes answer, “Buddha would say, ‘We are always there.’ at gets me a laugh now and then.”
Several times I have been asked where the next shuttle bus stop is. If this is asked while on a trail in the Grand Canyon, the answer is “A mile back and a thousand feet up the way you came.” Poleaxed stare. “ e bus doesn’t come down here?” “No,” I
want to say, “they tend to stick to the paved road.”
One young man told me, “I hope I can do this.” I said, “It looks as though you are.” “No, I mean when I am as old as you.” I guess I can take that as a compliment. en there is the compliment: “I hope I’m as t as you when I’m your age.” I want to reply: “I might be as t as your age!” A friend who let her hair go gray during COVID told me that she gets a lot more positive comments than she used to: “Young hikers used to mutter under their breath when I passed them. Now they tend to do a thumbs up and say, ‘Good for you.’” I was hiking one day with a group of women who have hiked the West on trails for years, when a man stepped to the side to let us pass. He beamed at us as he said, “You ladies look radiant.” Now that is the kind of trail talk I like.
Marjorie “Slim” Woodru is a contributor to Writers on the Range, writersontherange.org, an independent nonpro t dedicated to spurring lively conversation about the West. She is an educator at the bottom of Grand Canyon.
Teen Rex’ shows power of exploration
COMING ATTRACTIONS
Lyson and a team from the museum came out in the summer of 2023 and discovered the bones were from a juvenile Tyrannosaurs Rex.
After a long and careful excavation process, the bones were removed from the rock and brought to the museum at 2001 Colorado Blvd., and became the focus of the “Discovering Teen Rex” exhibit, which runs through Jan. 31, 2025.
“ e museum has collected a handful of miscellaneous T. rex fossils over the years, but this will be the most complete fossil in the collection,” said Natalie Toth, chief fossil preparator at DMNS and part of the excavation team. “It’s so special that these almost teenaged boys found this teenage rex.”
e story was captured on lm and featured in the new 40-minute documentary “T. REX,” showing on the Museum’s giant-screen In nity eater.
For the exhibit, visitors will get a look at the fossil prep lab, where they can watch as a team of paleontologists clean, preserve and study the T. rex fossil. ey’ll see discoveries being made as more and more of the remains are unearthed and studied.
“I love paleontology so much, so to be able to share it with kids and see it through their eyes is just great,” Toth said. “ at enthusiasm the kids have is shared with everyone on our team as we work on this. Any time we can pull back the curtain and show how we work on fossils is a great opportunity.”
In addition to the fossil prep lab,
the exhibit features a wide array of dinosaur fossils, including Triceratops and Edmontosaurus, from the Museum’s collection that add some context to the work going on and to the animal the paleontologists are studying.
What makes the nd particularly exciting is that so few adolescent T. rex fossils have ever been discovered. By studying the young T. Rex, scientists have the opportunity to learn how the animals grew and developed.
While there’s still a lot of learning ahead, the aim of “Discovering Teen Rex” is to get people of all ages, but especially children, interested in exploring the landscape around them. You never know what you might stumble upon.
Marjorie Woodru
Clarke Reader
“We hope it inspires kids to put down cell phones and dig around,” Toth said. “Denver and the American West provide access to such amazing landscapes that are worth exploring.”
For more information, visit https:// www.dmns.org/visit/exhibitions/ discovering-teen-rex/.
Children dive deep with ‘The Little Mermaid’
With all the great adult theater offered in the Denver area, it’s easy to forget that children also have a bevy of options where they can learn a love of the stage. One of the best places to go is Golden’s Miners Alley Playhouse, 1100 Miners Alley, which is currently showing “ e Little Mermaid.”
Running through Saturday, Sept. 14, with performances at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. on Saturdays, the show is written and directed by Rory Pierce. It’s an original adaptation of Hans Christian Andersen’s classic tale and was created to delight children of all ages.
Buy tickets for the production at www.minersalley.com.
Get your brain working at TEDxCherryCreekHS event
Over the years, millions of people been encouraged to embrace new ways of thinking by TED Talks on YouTube. Now, people can get inspired in person by new and exciting
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ideas at TEDxCherryCreekHS’ second annual TEDx event, “ e Digital Age.”
Held at e Schoolhouse, 19650 E. Mainstreet in Parker, from 1:30 to 4:30 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 31, the TED-like experience features 10 original thinkers, including high school students, authors and engineers.
e event is an exciting opportunity to be challenged and energized. Details and tickets are available at www.parkerarts.org.
Clarke’s Concert of the Week — Hozier at Fiddler’s Green Ireland’s Hozier is a rare thing in the modern pop landscape—a singer/songwriter who connects with audiences because of his simplicity. Ever since his breakthrough single, “Take Me to Church,” he’s placed a premium on songwriting and connecting with listeners, rather than reworks and spectacle. Recently, he’s had another huge moment with 2023’s, “Unreal Unearth,” and the new single “Too Sweet.”
In support of the album, Hozier will be performing at Fiddler’s Green Amphitheatre, 6350 Greenwood Plaza Blvd. in Englewood, at 8 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 30. He’ll be joined by Allison Russell, a fantastic musician in her own right, who blends folk, blues and spirituals to stunning e ect.
Get tickets for what should be a great show at www.axs.com.
Clarke Reader’s column on culture appears on a weekly basis. He can be reached at Clarke.Reader@hotmail. com.
PETERSON
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Gerry Peterson
March 31, 1943 - August 10, 2024
Gerry Peterson passed away August 10 surrounded by loving family. He is survived by his wife, Cindy Peterson, daughters, Wendy, Debbie, Becky, their husbands along with four grandchildren and siblings, Jan, Gene, Joel, and Jolene. He worked as a civil
SAMPSON
engineer for CDOT for 35 years and as a contractor for another 20+ years. He was well respected by all who came in contact with him and was an Evergreen resident for 47 years. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend.
Charles “Buzz” Sampson
August 28, 1947 - August 5, 2024
On Monday, August 5, 2024, Charles Sampson, known by all as Buzz, passed away at the age of seventy-six. Born in Evanston, IL, to Grace and Charles H. Sampson, Buzz was raised in Northbrook, IL, by Grace and Robert “Bob” Peters alongside his sisters, Cathy Delap, Linda Klein, and Barbara Grefe. In 1965, he moved to Colorado to attend Regis College, where he earned his bachelor’s degree in Business. Shortly after that, while working at Your Father’s Mustache bar in Larimer Square, Buzz met Laura, his future wife. ey were married on August 14, 1971 – nearly 53 years. e couple moved to Evergreen in 1977 and eventually divided their time between Colorado and Lake of the Ozarks, Missouri.
the Pepsi Center, where he and Laura attended most Avalanche games. Buzz’s grandkids cherished attending hockey games with him, especially during playo season when he frequently sported a painted Avs logo on his head and a bright white playo goatee.
Buzz was also a dedicated volunteer, contributing his time to Rocky Mountain PBS in Denver and various Evergreen community groups, including Evergreen High School’s After Prom parties. At RMPBS, he and Laura participated in the Channel 6 Auctions, Membership drives, and the Station’s Archives project. In 2008, Buzz was honored with the “From the Heart” award for his nearly 50 years of service at RMPBS.
Buzz was a beloved gure in the Evergreen community, known for his kindness and readiness to assist anyone in need. In 1977, he opened Evergreen Entertainment Extravaganza, a stereo and audio store in the Canyon Commons Center in Evergreen. He later managed Evergreen’s main sporting goods store, the Sports Mine, and in 1987, he acquired e Snow Leopard, a locals’ favorite ski & snowboard shop in the octagonal barn of Bergen Park. Buzz provided many Evergreen high school students with their rst jobs at e Snow Leopard and was a generous contributor to local Evergreen causes. He continued to run the shop with his son, Matt, until his retirement in 2002.
A passionate sports fan, Buzz spent many Sundays with Laura and their sons, Matt, Adam, and John, watching Bronco games at Mile High Stadium. In the 80s, he was a founding member of the SUDS softball team in Evergreen and was well-known at
Buzz enjoyed traveling with Laura, skiing with his sons, spending time at his Lake of the Ozarks home, watching ANY hockey game, shing with his best friend, and being an active community member. Above all, he cherished time with his family. Nothing was more important to Buzz than time with his wife, Laura, his sons, his grandkids, and his dogs.
Buzz is survived by his wife, Laura; their three sons, Matt, Adam, and John; their daughters-in-law, Erin, Karen, and Emily; their grandchildren, Ben, Jacob, Abby, Mattias, and Isabelle; and their dogs, Max and Denali.
Family and friends of the Sampson family are invited to celebrate Buzz’s life at e Barn (Evergreen Memorial Park) on Monday, October 21, at 11:30 am. In lieu of owers, the family requests donations to Rocky Mountain PBS or Mount Evans Home Health Care & Hospice in honor of Buzz.
EVERGREEN AREA Chamber Of Commerce
Block Advisor
Jazzmine Hal
29713 Troutdale Scenic Drive, Suite A-1Evergreen, CO 80439
EnviroWorks, Inc
Brian Zarnoch 9054 US Hwy 285 Morrison, CO 80465 www.enviroworksinc.com
Matrix Group Inc.
Lauren Quiram 1805 S. Bellaire St, Suite 400 Denver, CO 80222 matrixgroupinc.com
Richmond Hill Farms, LLC
dba The Wicked Whisk
Diane Simon 26367 Conifer Road, Suite E Conifer, CO 80433
Time for a Taste…
Taste of Evergreen is rapidly approaching on Tuesday, September 17 at the Evergreen Lake House. Have you been in the past and afraid it will be the same? Not possible! New vendors this year include: Astro Co ee Van, Ripple Soft Ice Cream, Evermore Wine Bar & Café, Rocky Mountain Wraps, Dandelions, Evergreen Cooking School & Market, Suz Cookie Jar Rescue, The Colorado Creamery, and Evoke 1923. These new vendors will bring an exciting new are to the event that will blend perfectly with our returning vendors. Many of the vendors will be o ering more than one item to taste and sip. Your belly will be full when you leave! The competition is going to be erce so help us crown the Best of the Best while enjoying live music from John Erlandson and his friends. Early bird tickets are available at evergreenchamber.org until August 31.
Nancy Judge, President/CEO, Evergreen
Fairmount cemetery to hold ‘Fur-Ever Pet Fest’
BY HALEY LENA HLENA@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM
Losing a family pet can be dicult, which is why Fairmount Funeral Home is holding its annual “Fur-Ever Pet Fest” for a second year in a row as a way to help families grieve and honor their beloved dogs, cats and other pets.
“ e loss of an animal companion and pet family member is a very emotional time,” said Karna O’Neil, manager of Fairmount Family Pet Loss Care.
e free three-hour event – starting at 9 a.m. on Sept. 8 – will include food, dog boutiques, crafts and a pet blessing.
ere will be double the amount of vendors at the pet fest compared with last year. e 30 vendors will have everything from treats to custom bow ties on display.
O’Neil said the event is a way to bring the community together as well as businesses that support the animal community.
Along with a non-denominational blessing for pets, the event will also include a craft tent.
“We’ll be doing paw prints on the dogs that come and even cats that come,” said O’Neil.
Although Shelby, the Denver police’s rst therapy dog can’t
be at the event due to her training, stu ed animals of her will be available.
“She’s a support animal for kids and they wanted to give the kids something to go home with,” said O’Neil.
Since Fairmount Funeral Home, Cemetery and Crematory opened a pet loss care service last year, the funeral home has added several community partners such as PAWsitive Recovery, Pooch Cafe and Buddy Scrub Pet. Another partner is Chewy’s Bonetique, a small local business that provides a variety of food products and toys. e funeral home also holds monthly pet walks where a pet can get a treat and take a walk with their owner around the cemetery.
Fairmount provides pet cremation, personalized memorialization, pet loss grief support and memorial ceremony options for pets ranging from ferrets to dogs.
“We’re excited to be able to provide the service for the community and be able to now serve the entire family,” said O’Neil. “We’ll be able to help you with your fur-baby.”
More: e event will be held at 430 S. Quebec St., Denver. For more information, call 303-3990032 or email at petlosscare@fairmountcemetery.net.
Pet owners can bring their friendly dogs and cats to Fairmount Funeral Home, Cemetery and Crematory in Denver on Sept. 8 for its second annual “Fur-Ever Pet Fest.” COURTESY OF KARNA O’NEIL
BY CHRIS KOEBERL CKOEBERL@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM
Colorado’s mountains are nature’s playgrounds. Tourists from all over the world and Colorado residents alike escape to the extreme terrain for skiing, hiking, climbing, biking and more — but what happens when something goes wrong?
Several specialized and highly trained mountain emergency response teams — many of them volunteers — constantly work and train together to be ready to perform a mountain rescue.
Alpine Rescue, Central City Fire, Clear Creek EMS, Clear Creek Fire Authority, Flight for Life and Evergreen Fire/Rescue are a few of the agencies that respond when the worst happens in the unforgiving terrain west of Denver.
As a group they must be ready for anything, anywhere, anytime. And they are, according to Field Director for the Alpine Rescue Team Herb Dorn.
Georgetown, Idaho Springs, Silver Plume and the unincorporated lands of Clear Creek County.
“We love what we do. It’s crazy. Almost half our members are probably tenured for over 20 years. So there’s a deep love for what we do and the mission that we try to accomplish and we’re all volunteers,” Dorn said during a recent multi-jurisdictional exercise in Idaho Springs.
Based in Evergreen, Alpine Rescue has been providing search and rescue to Gilpin, Je erson and Clear Creek County since 1959.
“Search and rescue” is a very simpli ed term for what Alpine’s 50-70 highly trained mountain rescuer volunteers are capable of accomplishing, according to its mission statement.
In a vehicle crash, re or rollover, CCFA members are rst responders and assist EMS with preserving and saving lives.
It has been providing swift water rescue for 51 years and was one of the rst of its kind in Colorado, according to Jones.
“Life safety is our rst priority; victim life safety and your own,” Clear Creek Training Captain Don Koogle told a training crew in Dumont recently.
CCFA covers the municipalities of Empire, Georgetown, Idaho Springs, and Silver Plume and the unincorporated lands of Clear Creek County.
Helicopters play crucial role
According to the national Mountain Rescue Association, Alpine is one of 13 state agencies accredited in several rescue types including technical rock, avalanche, technical rope, helicopter and wilderness search.
“We do everything; we do avalanches, we do ski … 14ers, we help with swift water, search and rescue, a little bit of everything,” 15-year veteran/volunteer Dawn Wilson said after assisting in pulling a crash cart and live “victim” from a 500-foot ravine o Center City Parkway during training in Idaho Springs.
At Wilson’s side were several members of the Clear Creek Fire Authority and EMS who routinely train with Alpine and other agencies to draw on each other’s specialties, capabilities and equipment. In the moment, a cohesive response saves seconds and lives, according to CCFA assistant chief Jeremy Jones.
“We gure out what works and what doesn’t in training so we can x it so we don’t experience those hiccups or delays when it’s time critical,” Jones said.
On average, CCFA responds to more than 1,400 emergency calls from eight re stations throughout 347.5 square miles of Clear Creek County every year with 55 volunteers,16 full-time re ghters and at least four seasonal wildland re ghters, according to department statistics.
It serves the municipalities of Empire,
Bright orange and yellow Flight for Life helicopters are often seen at some of the most critical scenes where the helicopter, its onboard paramedic and ight nurse can bring life-saving equipment and supplies to the backcountry or at altitude to e ect rapid extrication, according to parent company Air Methods.
e air crews often work and train side-byside with other mountain rescue teams like CCFA and Alpine, according to Flight Nurse Libby Brewster.
“We participate in the trajectory of care in a di erent way. EMS or Alpine makes contact with the person initially, they call us, we participate in the transport, then they get to the hospital,” Brewster said during a recent training exercise in Clear Creek County.
“We bring critical care to the patient. ere’s a lot of stu we can do that maybe the ambulance can’t, and we’re also able to y in a bunch of stu (equipment) so these guys don’t have to hike in as much stu , I mean they’re still going to because they like it,” Flight for Life Paramedic Jace Mullen said, laughing.
Mullen and Brewster were standing sideby-side with at least four other rescue crews during a recent training exercise. No matter the agency, no matter the speci c skill sets, everyone has a common goal to protect life, Brewster said.
A gurney waits as rescuers pull a “victim” in a crash cart up the side of a mountain during multi-jurisdictional training in Idaho Springs.
PHOTO BY CHRIS KOEBERL
RESCUE
“When we have really, really sick patients and we’re all able to take really great care of them and bring them an advanced level of care to the scene and start doing the things a hospital would do in the rst two minutes and the patient has a really good outcome, it’s impactful,” Brewster said.
Relatively new to the “combined e ort approach to recovery/rescue,” the Clear Creek Sheri ’s Department said new agreements with other agencies will change the way the department trains and it expects to be working closely with Alpine Rescue.
“Recently we’ve rewritten our policies and agreements with Alpine, EMS and the re authority. Before they didn’t really work all that well together and weren’t on the same agreement, but now EMS has trained backcountry personnel that they can send in and so we’re all working a lot more cohesive than we did prior,” Special Services Commander Seth Marquardt said.
e sheri ’s department is in charge of overseeing all backcountry rescue operations, including avalanche, search and rescue or injured hikers in the county, according to Seth Marquardt.
“ e sooner we can get on scene and get a team into the eld the better because these rescues can last hours. Time is of the
essence when they’re in the backcountry whether it’s an avalanche or an injured hiker whatever the case is,” Marquardt said.
e changes in attitude toward multi-jurisdictional assistance and cooperation between agencies started when incoming Clear Creek County Sheri Matt Harris took ofce in January, according to Marquardt.
Volunteers are the critical key to success
Nearly every area emergency service relies heavily on trained volunteers, as most are manned with signi cantly more volunteers than paid sta , and Evergreen Fire/Rescue is no exception, according to Evergreen Risk Reduction Coordinator Einar Jensen.
“Our volunteer re ghters live in Evergreen,” Einar said.
Evergreen Fire/Rescue covers both Je erson and Clear Creek counties and currently has only 75 of the 100 volunteers needed to run operations e ciently, according to Einar.
“When we talk about wanting more volunteer re ghters we also need to make sure the people that are applying know that they will be trained and equipped at a professional level, they just won’t be getting paid for it. at’s the di erence,” Einar said.
Volunteers in Evergreen receive 10 months of training and classroom work, largely on Mondays and Saturdays. After the successful end of training and state testing, the volunteer candidate will be certi ed as a
Level 1 re ghter in Colorado.
“We’re asking you to put yourself at some risk to serve your community, and if that appeals to you, it’s probably one of the most rewarding activities that you’ll ever encounter,” Einar said.
“We are always ready,” Wilson said about volunteering, and “after a while it becomes like a family, you just depend on each other.”
It’s a di cult job to do and see. Rescuers say they see the worst of bad, but at times some good can make it worthwhile.
“It becomes taxing sometimes, (but) the worst of the worst which is o set a little bit by seeing the good things in life,” Jones said.
Relying on and communicating with teammates or other rescue crews who experience and witness the same tragedies is critical for your own mental health, Jones said.
“ ere is a lot of e ort on the part of responders to properly manage those images and experiences to avoid long-term PTSD issues,” Jones said.
Most rescuers said there’s an important reason to do this taxing, dangerous and sometimes ugly job. ey are there to help the injured, the same way they hope someone will be there for the people they love.
“Everybody goes into this eld to help people you’ve never met in your entire life and may never see again because we always hope if it’s someone we love who is in danger or at risk, somebody will come help them,” Jones concluded.
Alpine Rescue’s Dawn Wilson assists in a rescue training exercise in Clear Creek County.
PHOTO BY CHRIS KOEBERL
FROM PAGE 12
SPEED CAM
back from people that maybe we could move it somewhere else.
“I feel like when people come to Morrison they’re looking to have a good time,” he continued. “Getting a parking ticket, then going home and getting (another) ticket, they might say ‘I don’t want to go to Morrison anymore.’”
Vinelli said the camera will stay where it is for now, for a couple reasons. e trailer is across Bear Creek Avenue from Willy’s Wings and Ozzi’s ice cream shop, both of which draw pedestrian tra c.
“ e radar isn’t on the back side of the 40 mph sign,” he said. “It’s at Willy’s and Ozzi’s; that’s a very dangerous spot to be speeding up when people are darting across the street to get ice cream.”
e current site also works to protect the town’s investment. Morrison paid Tra c Logix $30,000 each for two of the cameras; the second camera has not yet been placed or activated.
“My hesitation in moving it up to Red Rocks or higher up on Highway 8 is it won’t be observed as frequently,” he said. “I don’t want somebody hooking their pick-up to it with a chain, driving it six miles up the canyon and throwing it over a cli . Down here, if somebody messes with it, we’re going to get a call.”
Town manager Mallory Nassau said the town will likely choose a new site down the road.
“I think there will be more to report,” she said. “We are looking at some di erent options and col-
PHOTO BY JANE REUTER
lecting some data. I would expect a change in location at some point.”
Public criticism aside, Vinelli said the camera is doing exactly what town leaders hoped.
Morrison’s Bear Creek Avenue doubles as a state highway and the town’s main street, drawing an estimated 12,000 to 15,000 visitors each day on summer weekends. Pedestrian safety has long been a concern for the town.
“Our whole goal was to increase public safety, and it’s doing that,” Vinelli said.
Mayor Chris Wolfe said he recently noticed a string of cars traveling at 22 mph near the camera.
“It was nice to see,” he said. “...I think people are becoming aware of it and it’s starting to slow people down.”
e pace at which the camera tags speeding drivers has dropped considerably, along with drivers’ speed. In July, it agged 12,637 drivers for speeding. All told, the camera has so far resulted in more than 35,000 citations.
Not all agged drivers get tickets. Many citations are spoiled for a variety of reasons, including those that are emergency vehicles or have no or obscured license plates.
e camera is generating signicant revenue for Morrison, though town leaders say it’s too early to give an accurate dollar gure. Morison keeps $28 of each $40 ticket. e remainder goes to pay administrative fees, including payments to Emergent Enforcement Solutions, the third-party vendor that processes the citations.
Morrison also has a managed paid parking system that generates revenue for the town.
Morrison’s speed camera flashes red to let a driver know they’re over the speed limit. The camera is on a trailer on the town’s east side, clocking drivers as they leave Morrison.
Je erson County Public Health o ers tips and resources to combat misinformation about school vaccines
STAFF REPORT
Back-to-school is a busy time of year at the Je erson County Health Department Clinics. Parents across the county use JCPH clinics to ensure their school-aged kids are updated on their immunizations. It’s also a busy time for vaccine misinformation. Dana Schaumberg, Je erson County Public Health nurse supervisor, wants to arm parents with resources and tips to help navigate the misinformation ooding social media.
According to Schaumberg, social media is not a trustworthy place for vaccine information. Parents should know ve things as they navigate misinformation.
1. Turn to evidence-based sources.
Schaumberg urged parents looking online to seek factual information backed by science and o cial channels.
“My recommendation is to turn to sources that are really evidence-based, whether that’s your child’s pediatrician, Immunize Colorado,immunize.org,CDPHE (Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment), or us at JCPH,” Schaumberg said. Other websites include:
• JCPH Immunizations: je co. us/2104/Immunizations
• JCPH Clinic Services: je co. us/2100/Clinic-Services
Schaumberg welcomed parents and anyone seeking information to visit a JCPH clinic for questions about immunizations.
“ at’s something that our immunization nurses are very familiar with,” Schaumberg said. “ ey know the CDC schedules and also the ACIP recommended schedules backward and forward. e JCPH nurses are very well versed in screening those records.”
According to Schaumberg, the nurses are there to perform immunizations and educate the public about them. is includes answering public questions in the clinic and over the phone.
3. Seek out sources familiar with the law.
Schaumberg said vaccine requirements vary by state, so parents must seek information from sources familiar with Colorado’s immunization requirements.
“I think drawing from those sources that are really aware of the Colorado law around school-required vaccines and the recommendations is really important,” Schaumberg said.
4. Ask the school nurse.
used to be a school nurse. She said it’s a part of the job to answer parent questions about everything, including immunizations.
ties, is just being aware of what’s required for school and making sure that kids are up to date in order to attend school,” Schaumberg said.
5. Check out the “parent-friendly” immunization schedules.
Schaumberg said plenty of resources are available for parents
“JCPH has some information on what we recommend, what’s required, along with schedules and Colorado law,” Schaumberg said. She said parents who decline immunizations can visit the CDPHE page “School Required Vaccine Exemptions.” e JCPH nurse supervisor also urged parents to check out the CDC’s parent-friendly vaccination schedules.
Go to the “Immunizations” page at Je co.us for more accurate information and credible resources on immunization.
Parents across the county use JCPH clinics to ensure their school-aged kids are updated on their immunizations.
BY STAVROS KORONEOS
Bickering for bucks
EVERGREEN – Girlfriend called the cops bright and early on July 20, telling the dispatcher that Boyfriend “is screaming at me.” e dispatcher said deputies would be dispatched at once. Perhaps only interested in a sympathetic ear, Girlfriend “refused” o cial assistance. It doesn’t work that way, though, and o cers were shortly knocking on the door. Boyfriend told deputies that he and Girlfriend had been “arguing for the last two days.” It seems he’d asked Girlfriend for money to buy “gas and new brake pads.” Girlfriend wouldn’t cough up the cash, though, plainly believing that Boyfriend meant to waste her wad on beer and debauchery. Deputies suggested they separate for a while to give their lungs a rest. Boyfriend said he’d make himself scarce until tempers tempered.
PR problem
EL RANCHO – A while back, the big box worker felt compelled to quit because a fellow employee “made a racist comment” to her.
And even though he’d made it in the presence of the store manager, Worker believed the “close relationship” that existed between Commenter and Manager would preclude any meaningful disciplinary action, which is why she turned in her apron and pricing gun. ing is, Worker told deputies on July 20, she’d recently got a job at another big box, and Commenter has “shown up there four times” telling anybody who’ll listen that “(Worker) is crazy” and they should “watch your backs around (Worker).” Starting to feel picked on, Worker told deputies that Commenter has access to her personnel information and she fears lest he should start picking on her at home. While not unsympathetic, o cers informed Worker that neither visiting a big box store nor trash talking a former coworker is against the law in Je erson County.
Cinema verite
SOUTH JEFFCO – Pleased to spend an uplifting afternoon in the green bosom of the mountains, Prius drove up to a popular reservoir on the afternoon of July 14, wedged himself into an uno -
cial parking space in the crowded lot, and set his wee lapdog loose upon all of Nature. Pleased to be o -leash in the grand and glorious Colorado wilderness, Wee Lapdog immediately relieved himself upon belongings the Family Denali was preparing to stow in their vehicle prior to leaving. Mr. Denali reminded Prius of prevailing leash laws and suggested he “take control of your dog.” Taking umbrage at Mr. Denali’s umbrage, Prius produced a cell phone and began lming the Denalis at close, almost microscopic, range, all the while berating them as insensitive clods. e way Mr. Denali remembers it, after repeatedly asking Prius to get his phone out of his face, he’d snatched it from Prius’s hand, at which point Prius “shoved me in the chest,” at which point Mr. Denali put Prius in a headlock and asked him if he was “done yet?” e way Prius remembers it, Mr. Denali savagely and without provocation “choked me out.” Either way, Prius was done for the moment, and Mr. Denali returned his phone and departed with his family. His manhood insulted and Wee Lapdog’s honor besmirched, Prius suddenly realized he wouldn’t re-
ally be done until Mr. Denali stood in the dock facing assault charges, so he chased the Denalis for miles down the twisting mountain road, maneuvered in front of them, and screeched to a stop cross-wise in the roadway, e ectively blocking all tra c until the law arrived to deal with Mr. Denali. Arriving law told Prius to move his car. Prius triumphantly showed deputies his cell phone footage. What deputies saw on the screen was a man persistently and unpleasantly persecuting a family that clearly wanted nothing more than to pack up and go. Unable to determine exactly who rst laid hands on whom, ofcers advised Prius that it looked to them like he was guilty of harassment. e Denalis advised ofcers that weren’t looking to prolong the ordeal by ling charges, they just wanted Prius to “leave us alone.”
Sheri ’s Calls is intended as a humorous take on some of the incident call records of the Je erson County Sheri ’s O ce for the mountain communities. Names and identifying details have been changed, including the writer’s name, which is a pseudonym. All individuals are innocent until proven guilty.
IF YOU GO
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 “Community Wild re Protection Plan”: 6 p.m., Sept. 12, 1802 Bergen Parkway, Evergreen.
Evergreen EverCLEAN @ Arrowhead Park: 1 p.m. Sept. 13, Parmalee Gulch Road and Isoleta Road in Indian Hills, Morrison. Volunteers needed, supplies will
be provided. evergreenrecreation. com
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.
Center for the Arts Evergreen 130 for $150 fundraiser: 5 p.m.Sept. 13, 31880 Rocky Village Dr, Evergreen, Annual fundraiser featuring donated works from local artists and collectors. evergreenarts.org
AWAKE Yoga + Wellness Festival: Sept. 13-15, Buchanan Park, 32003 Ellingwood Trail, Evergreen. Yoga and holistic health workshops, nature hikes, live music, kirtan, conscious dance, camping, food. Passes for one class or full weekend available at awakefest. love
TEE o for Taste: 11:30 a.m. Sept. 17, Evergreen Public Golf Course, 29614 Upper Bear Creek Rd., Evergreen. Winning team will be invited to be on the judging panel that evening at Taste of Evergreen. evergreenchamber.org.
Taste of Evergreen: 5 p.m.Sept. 17, Evergreen Lake House, 29612 Upper Bear Creek Road, Evergreen. Food, drinks, music. Tickets: evergreenchamber.org
“Hard Hats & High Heels”: 6 p.m. Sept. 18, Evergreen Lake House, 29612 Upper Bear Creek Road, Evergreen. Blue Spruce Habitat for Humanity fundraiser. bluesprucehabitat.org.
Beginner Tai Chi Chuan Classes: 11:45 a.m. Sept. 10-Nov. 19. Register: online at evergreenrecreation.com or call 720-880-1100 or in person at Buchanan Park Rec Center.
Buchanan Park Family Movie Night with “Blue Beetle”: 6 p.m. Sept. 27, Buchanan Park, 32003 Ellingwood Trail, Evergreen. evergreenrecreation.com
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 IRS-qualifying information. Email: alternativegiftfair2021@gmail. com for an application packet or to volunteer for the fair.
Tesoro Cultural Center’s annual Rendezvous at e Fort: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Sept. 21-22. Demonstration of 1840s skills, American Indian history, ceremonial song and dance demonstrations, kids’
scavenger hunt, storytelling, music, art. Tickets and information: tesoroculturalcenter.org
Evergreen Oktoberfest: 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sept. 21, Buchanan Park, 32003 Ellingwood Trail, Evergreen. Fundraiser for Mount Evans Home Health Care & Hospice. evergreenoktoberfest.org.
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 Fire/Rescue Health & Safety Day: 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sept. 28, 1802 Bergen Parkway, Evergreen.Free pancake breakfast, educational booths, touch-a-truck, re ghter skills demonstrations, and lessons in both hands-only CPR and Stop-the-Bleed.
Evergreen Newcomers and Neighbors annual open house: 10 a.m. Oct. 5 from 10 a.m. Buchanan Park Rec Center, 32003 Ellingwood Trail, Evergreen. evergreennewcomers.com
ONGOING
Evergreen Farmers Market: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. every Tuesday, Hiwan 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.
HAPPENINGS
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 Nature Center Monthly Family Program: 11 a.m. to noon, every last Saturday, 27640 Hwy 74, Evergreen. Monthly topics could include native wild owers and seed bombs, dissecting owl pellets, live animal encounters, and more. evergreenaudubon.org
e American Legion Evergreen Post 2001: Meets every fourth Tuesday at 7 p.m., Evergreen Church of the Trans guration, 27640 Highway 74, Evergreen. Serving all military veterans in the foothills communities. Email evergreenpost2001@ gmail.com
Evergreen 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. In-
formation 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, e-mail MountainAreaDems@gmail.com.
Evergreen Sustainability Alliance is looking for volunteers: Evergreen Sustainability Alliance’s “Let’s Embrace Zero Food Waste” program in local schools and food banks needs volunteers. Volunteers are needed for a couple hours. Call 720-536-0069 or email info@sustainevergreen.org for more information.
Evergreen Nature Center: e Evergreen Nature Center is open from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays next to Church of the Trans guration. Admission is free. For more information, visit www. EvergreenAudubon.org.
Blue Spruce Habitat volunteers needed: Blue Spruce Habitat for Humanity is looking for volunteers. A variety of opportunities and exible schedules are available on new construction sites as well as for exterior minor home repairs. No previous construction experience needed. Contact volunteer@bluesprucehabitat.org for information.
EChO needs volunteers: e Evergreen Christian Outreach ReSale Store and food pantry need volun-
teers. Proceeds from the EChO ReSale Store support the food pantry and programs and services provided by EChO. ere are many volunteer options from which to choose. For more information, call Mary at 720-673-4369 or email mary@evergreenchristianoutreach.org.
LGBTQ+ teen book club: Resilience1220 is o ering 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.
Sensitive Collection: Resilience1220 strives to inform and support highly sensitive people to live healthy and empowered lives. It meets the third Wednesday of each
month from 6-7 p.m. via Zoom. Register at resilience1220.org/groups.
Caregiver support group: Mount Evans Home Health Care & Hospice o ers a monthly group to provide emotional support services for caregivers helping ill, disabled or elderly loved ones. An in-person support group meets 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.
Mountain Foothills Rotary meetings: Mountain Foothills Rotary meets at 6 p.m. Wednesdays both in person at Mount Vernon Canyon Club, 24933 Club House Circle, Genesee, and via Zoom. Join the Zoom meeting at https://us02web. zoom.us/j/81389224272, meeting ID 813 8922 4272, phone 346-2487799.
Beyond the Rainbow: Resilience1220 o ers Beyond the Rainbow, which is two support groups that meet the second Tuesday of the month. One is a safe group for those 12-20 and the other is a group for parents and caregivers wanting support for raising an LGBTQ+ child. For group location and to RSVP, email heather@resilience1220.org.
BY DENNIS PLEUSS
JEFFCO PUBLIC SCHOOLS
ler Long has a chance to make history this boys golf season.
commit can become the rst boys golfer to win four straight Je co League individual medalist titles.
this year since I know it is a possibility,” Long said of having the chance to make history as Je co’s rst 4-time league medalist cham-
sitting at 1-over-par through four holes, but the senior reeled o seven straight birdies on his way to a 4-under-par, 66.
guys hit the ball. I’m lucky to be apart of it.”
Evergreen can win its fth straight Je co League title, along with at-
tempting to win another state team title. e Cougars captured the school’s rst boys golf team title last
e fact that Evergreen returns all ve of its varsity players which are all seniors — Long, Liam Houlihan, Lincoln MacKay, Luke Sabina and Jackson Garrett — the Cougars would likely be a heavy favorite to
“I feel like there is somewhat of an expectation of it, but it is still the
Evergreen senior Liam Houlihan eyes his drive on the second hole Tuesday, Aug. 20, at Lake Arbor Golf Course in Arvada. The Cougars return all varsity players from last year’s Class 4A state championship team. Houlihan and teammate Tyler Long finished tied for second at the 4A state tournament a year ago.
PHOTO BY DENNIS PLEUSS/JEFFCO PUBLIC SCHOOLS
Throwing away the stigma of hoarding
Understanding the di erent levels of hoarding disorder can help those who su er
BY HALEY LENA HLENA@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM
For those who struggle with hoarding disorder, there tends to be a sense of shame and embarrassment. at’s partly because society and mainstream media have stigmatized the complex mental condition.
Dr. Trisha Hudson Matthews, chair of the Department of Human Services and Counseling at Metropolitan State University of Denver, said people shouldn’t have to feel ashamed if they have the disorder. She said they shouldn’t internalize what others say about them. She says hoarding is a community health issue.
“ e rst thing that tends to pop up for most people is when we see hoarding, on any level, is that, ‘ ey’re just lazy,’” said Matthews. “Once you start applying that to people and saying that, ‘You’re lazy,’ then they start to self-blame.”
Multiple studies indicate that hoarding disorder is on the rise in the United States. It is estimated that 2%-6% of the population suffers from the disorder, according to the International OCD Foundation, and symptoms often appear about three times more in adults aged 55 and older.
As a society, the terms “hoarding” and “OCD” are used freely and many don’t fully understand the impact behind them, said Matthews.
What is hoarding disorder?
Although similar, hoarding disorder is di erent from collecting. Collectors gravitate towards collecting possessions in an intentional and organized manner.
Hoarding disorder however is a mental health disorder in which people have di culty discarding or parting with possessions that are no longer useful to them or have value, according to the American Psychiatric Association.
“It’s the inability to give up anything because everything carries signi cant meaning,” said Matthews. e disorder also has similarities
A room filled with clothes, shoes, books and other items. Hoarding items in a home can be seen on a spectrum with di erent levels of clutter. SHUTTERSTOCK
to obsessive compulsive disorder — which is a diagnosis that’s been around longer. Severe hoarding disorder was only added to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders in 2013.
Hoarding disorder can cause a home to become cluttered. In more extreme cases, it often interferes with daily tasks and can increase safety hazards. Having worked with clients with the disorder, Matthews says there is a wide spectrum.
She says the disorder can result in severe e ects on mental and physical health, social life, nances and, when left untreated for a long time, it can lead to legal issues such as a house being condemned.
While the causes of hoarding disorder are unknown, about 75% of people with hoarding disorder have co-occurring mental health conditions like anxiety disorders, major depressive disorder, and OCD, according to the International OCD Foundation.
It often stems from trauma, said Matthews. It can come from childhood trauma or commonly after losing someone signi cant in their life.
“It really depends on how we cope with the external things that happen in life,” said Matthews. “Typically when you’re hoarding, for whatever reason, they cannot release it and they won’t come for help because of the shame and embarrassment.”
The impact from society and media
When seeing someone with hoarding disorder, many may think they’re lazy, dirty and ask why they can’t just clean up their house.
But people with the disorder are often su ering, said Matthews. ey are people who have lost connection with their family. Neighbors won’t talk to them. ere’s physical health issues.
“We desensitize ourselves by putting it on TV for entertainment versus actually helping them,” said Matthews. “ ey start shutting down from the outside world because people start judging them. It becomes hard to step out of those stigmas that would actually help reverse the issue.”
Reality shows that focus on hoarding may perpetuate a stigma that the disorder disappears simply by cleaning up a house when in fact, the situation is far more complex.
Matt and Krista Gregg, owners of Bio-One of Colorado, a hoarding cleaning service in the south metro, agree that TV shows may not accurately portray hoarding disorder.
“When you see it on TV, it’s the most extreme scenarios,” said Krista. “ at’s the only real exposure people have had and there’s a lot of shame that’s portrayed. ere’s a lot of sadness that’s portrayed.”
By talking about the di erent levels of hoarding, the Greggs hope to eliminate the shame associated with the disorder.
“ ere are xes that can be done,” said Krista. “ ere are people out there to help.”
Ways to help
With busy work schedules and families to take care of, it’s easy for any home to become cluttered. However, there comes a point when
all the stu can have physical and mental e ects on the residents. BioOne of Colorado is just one of many companies that give strategies to help with decluttering and cleaning.
Detailed on the Institute for Challenging Disorganization, there are ve levels of hoarding.
A home is considered a level one when there are items not being put away for some time, like things piling up in the kitchen or laundry spread across the house, but there is no concern for safety.
When the home starts to become overwhelming for the resident, that’s considered level two, while level three shows extreme disorganization and is considered the turning point between manageable disorganization and a more serious issue like key living areas being blocked.
A home becomes a level four when multiple rooms are cluttered to the point they are not being used for its intended purposes. Level ve is when the living space becomes unusable due to structural damage, sanitation and risk for health issues.
As hoarding disorder is a complex mental health issue, there is healing involved, Matthews said, adding it’s talking about what holding onto that item means to you and what would you be giving up if you let go. erapy is a useful tool to help distinguish between hoarding and being messy.
Whether it’s through decor trends such as minimalism, or simple spring cleaning, there are many ways to declutter. Some cleaning methods are even trending such as the KonMari Method which includes parting with items that don’t bring you joy anymore and thanking them before discarding or donating them.
Another method is Swedish Death Cleaning, inspired by Margareta Magnusson’s book, “ e Gentle Art of Swedish Death Cleaning.” is method is used to help family members and friends not have to go through all your belongings once you pass. Magnusson writes in her book that life becomes more pleasant and comfortable when we get rid of “some of the abundance.”
More: Don’t know where to start? Just need some simple cleaning up? Contact Bio-One at 720-679-8945. Other cleaners/organizers in the area include: Molly Maid, Chloe’s Cleaning Company and Organized Chaos. Home.
OLSON
Laurie Beth (Johanson) Olson
March 16, 1948 - August 3, 2024
Laurie Beth Johanson Olson was born March 16, 1948, in Fort Dodge, Iowa, the second child of Maurice and Inez Fevold Johanson. Although she wore many hats in life—teacher, entrepreneur, coach, volunteer, friend—Laurie’s most cherished role was that of mother, grandmother and wife.
Laurie was the co-founder and owner of Whimsical Wicks and worked as a sales rep at Chinook Sales Associates. She served as president of Drive Smart Evergreen/Conifer, coached the Evergreen High School pom squad, and produced two inspirational booklets: “Jump Starts” and Angel Starts.”
After a nearly eight-year battle with progressive supranuclear palsy, she died on August 3, 2024, at Elk Run Assisted Living in Evergreen, Colorado. She was 76.
Laurie grew up in Badger, Iowa. She graduated from Fort Dodge High School in 1966 and attended Iowa State University, where she earned an elementary education degree in 1970. ere, she met Howard “Skip” Olson II, and they were married on March 6, 1970, at Badger Lutheran Church.
Skip joined the U.S. Air Force in September 1970 and was stationed at Fort Lee, Virginia, until his discharge in May 1974. In Virginia, Laurie taught rst grade. ey had three children: Ian (1974), Christopher (1977) and Eric (1980). e family moved between Iowa and Texas before settling in Evergreen, Colorado in 1994.
Laurie was predeceased by her parents and in-laws, Howard and Virginia Olson, brother-in-law Eric Olson, and nephew Brent Danielson. She is survived by her children Ian (wife Lesley Kennedy), Christopher (wife Kimberley) and Eric (wife Sara); seven grandchildren (Grace, Anna, Brooke, Whitney, Charlotte, Troy and Virginia); sister, Anne Johanson Danielson (husband Vern); brother, Steve Johanson (wife Kathy); sister-in-law, Karen Olson Hux (husband Alan); six nieces and nephews, 13 great-nieces and nephews, and one greatgreat niece.
A celebration of life will be held September 7 at 2 p.m. at Church of the Cross, Evergreen, Colorado. In memory of Laurie, donations may be made to Mount Evans Home Health Care & Hospice.
Stephen W. Bossart August 12, 1951 - August 8, 2024
Stephen W. Bossart, age 72, of Evergreen, CO, passed away after a short illness on August 8th, 2024. He grew up in Hamden, CT, attended Holderness Academy, graduated from Syracuse University in 1974, and attended the Harvard AMDP. His professional experience includes Construction Coordinator for WAT&G’s award winning Grand Hyatt Resort Kauai, Regional Development Manager
GUTIERREZ
for Regent Assisted Living, and Asset Management for the City of Aspen, CO. More recently he was a Ski Instructor in Vail and Copper Mountain Ski Areas.
Stephen is survived by a daughter and an older sister and nieces and nephews.
Please sign the guest book at Legacy.com. A Zoom Memorial will be planned for a future date.
Arturo Alfonso “Art” Gutierrez
January 16, 1953 - August 17, 2024
Arturo “Art” Gutierrez, 71, of Evergreen, Colorado, died August 17, 2024.
Born in Mexicali, Mexico, Art was raised in Los Angeles and graduated from Gar eld High School in 1971. He served for 26 years in the United States Air Force and spent his career with AT&T in long-distance signaling.
fty years of marriage to his wife, Barbara; earning a bachelor’s degree as a working adult; the time he almost ran away with the circus; and his four kids, who he bragged about any chance he had.
Service was a cornerstone of Art’s life, with over 60 years of membership in the Boy Scouts of America. He was a member of American Legion Post 2001, Blue Spruce Kiwanis, Knights of Columbus John P. McManamen Council #6905, Wilmot Elementary School WatchDOGS, and the Rotary Club of Conifer. Art was also often found volunteering at events in our mountain area.
His greatest accomplishments include
Art is survived by his wife Barbara; children Amy (Branden) Baker of Morrison, Melissa and David (Haley) of Evergreen, and Sarah (Drew) orstenson of Fort Collins; grandchildren Eli Crawford, Austin Baker, Maria Baker, Cayden Gutierrez, and Charlee Gutierrez; his father Arthur Gutierrez of Los Angeles; and many nieces and nephews.
A funeral Mass will be held at 4:30 PM Friday, September 13 at Christ the King Catholic Church, 4291 Evergreen Parkway, followed by a reception in the parish hall. Online guestbook at All Veterans Funeral & Cremation. Private interment.
1
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
Reverend Dr. Knut Heim, pastor, Sunday Worship 10 AM
Located one mile west of Pine Junction just o Rt. 285 966 Rim Rock Road, Bailey (303) 838-6759 deerparkumc.org
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
“Connecting all generations to Jesus” Please check our website, www.Rockland.church, for updated service times ¼ mile north of I-70 at exit 254 17 S Mt. Vernon Country Club Rd., Golden, CO 80401 303-526-0668
SHEPHERD OF THE ROCKIES LUTHERAN CHURCH Missouri Synod. 106 Rosalie Road, Bailey, CO 303-838-2161 Pastor Pete Scheele Sunday Worship Service; 9 a.m., Fellowship Time; 10:15 a.m., Sunday School & Bible Class; 10:45 a.m. www.shepherdoftherockies.org
UNITED METHODIST CHURCH OF EVERGREEN Rev. Sarah Clark • 303.674.4810 • www.evergreenumc.org 3757 Ponderosa Dr. across Hwy 74 from Safeway in Evergreen Join us in person every Sunday at 10:00am for worship “Open Hearts, Open Doors, Open Minds”
Full-time, year-round position. Required quali cations: Colorado P.O.S.T. certi cation, valid driver’s license, ability to pass extensive background check, psychological assessment, and interview. Patrol experience is preferred. The successful candidate must reside within 50 miles of Georgetown. The salary range is $55,000 - $72,500 depending on quali cations. Excellent bene ts including fully paid medical insurance, vision, dental, disability and retirement for employee. Full job description and application form are available at Town Hall, 404 6th Street, Georgetown and online at www.town.georgetown.co.us/employment.htm. For more information call 303-569-2555 x3. Email Cover Letter, Resume, and completed Application to townadmin@townofgeorgetown.us. Posting will remain open until 5:00 p.m. December 31, 2024, or until lled. Serious applicants are encouraged to apply immediately, and interviews may begin when quali ed applicants are reviewed.
MARKETPLACE CAREERS
Work Wanted
CITY OF CENTRAL
Senior Water Treatment Plant Operator.
City of Central FTE Hourly range from $25.03 - $29.41 per hour DOQ/E
Requirements: An equivalent combination of education, certi cations, and experience equivalent to graduation from High School/GED equivalent, and one year of experience in water treatment utilities operations. Must possess a valid Colorado driver’s license with safe driving record. Possession of a valid Class “C” Water Treatment License is required and a valid Class “2” Distribution License is required. Under direct supervision of the Water Department Supervisor, this position performs technical duties related to water treatment and distribution. is position is responsible for water sampling and analysis; pump station operation, maintenance scheduling, reservoir operation, and valve vault inspection; water quality monitoring and reporting and providing customer service. Such a position is also responsible for assisting the Water Department Supervisor with billing issues, water rights accounting, and operation of intake diversions. Position performs duties in a manner consistent with the stated values of the organization. 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.
Water Treatment Plant Operator. City of Central FTE Hourly range from $21.59 - $25.36 per hour DOQ/E Requirements: An equivalent combination of education, certi cations, and experience equivalent to graduation from High School/GED equivalent, and one year of experience in water treatment utilities operations. Must possess a valid Colorado driver’s license with safe driving record. Possession of valid Class “D” Water Operator License and a valid Class “1” Distribution License are preferred. Under direct supervision of the Water Department Supervisor, this position performs technical duties related to water treatment and distribution. is position is responsible for water sampling and analysis; pump station, reservoir, and valve vault inspection; water quality monitoring, and providing customer service. Such a position performs duties in a manner consistent with the stated values of the organization. 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 https://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 9/1/2024. EOE.
Garage and Estate Sales
Garage Sales
The famed MOUNTAIN CLUB Labor Day Weekend Flea Market returns Sat 8/31 and Sun 9/1, 9-5. Be there for the fun and "hidden treasures", 12795 US Highway 285, Conifer. 720-326-8037
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T M SERVICE COMPANY INC Miscellaneous Contract Services5,088.95
T MOBILE Telephone Services 191.52
T MOBILE LAW ENFORCEMENTInvestigation Expense 495.00
Blue Spruce Habitat for Humanity (Applicant) will submit an application to the Colorado Division of Housing (DOH). The purpose of this application is to request $100,000 to develop 8 of homes for purchase at 29592 Spruce Road, Evergreen, CO and 2 homes for purchase at 1602,1604 Virginia Street, Idaho Springs, CO.
The request of funding from DOH is to benefit persons with low and moderate incomes by increasing the availability of affordable housing in Evergreen, and Idaho Springs. It is not the intent to cause displacement from any existing housing; however, if persons are displaced from their existing residences reasonable housing alternatives shall be offered.
All interested persons are encouraged to contact the applicant for further information. Written comments should be sent to: Blue Spruce Habitat for Humanity, PO Box 2366, Evergreen, CO 80437 and will be forwarded to DOH for consideration during the application process.
Members of the public may request a public
meeting and should arrange a request with the Applicant. Please let applicant know which project you are requesting a public meeting for. Applicant shall post notice of meeting (Date, Time, and Location) to ensure other members of the public are aware of meeting. If reasonable accommodations are needed for persons attending the public meeting, please contact the Applicant.
Legal Notice No. CAN 1637
First Publication: August 29, 2024
Last Publication: August 29, 2024
Publisher: Canyon Courier
Bids and Settlements
Public Notice
TOWN OF MORRISON, COLORADO BOARD OF TRUSTEES ORDINANCE NO. 550
AN ORDINANCE AMENDING SECTION 6-5-1 OF THE MORRISON MUNICIPAL CODE REVISING THE DEFINITION OF AUTOMATED VEHICLE IDENTIFICATION SYSTEM
The foregoing Ordinance was, on the 20th day of
Jefferson County Warrants
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 September 13, 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,
same as last year,” said Houlihan, who tied for second with Long at state in the 4A individual standings a year ago. “You still have to go out there and play really good golf and compete at a pretty high level to win the state title.”
e addition of the 2A classi cation did move Evergreen down to 3A for the postseason this year. It was a bit surprising that Evergreen wasn’t in the top-10 in the CHSAANow.com 3A boys golf preseason rankings released Aug. 12.
It was more likely an oversight by at the 3A coaches who weren’t aware Evergreen will compete at 3A for regionals and state.
“We’ll see,” Houlihan said of Evergreen being left out of the 3A boys golf CHSAANow.com coaches preseason top-10 rankings. “ ey have their opinions. We’ll see what happens.”
League team title.
“ ese ve guys have been together and are a really tight,” Garrett said. “ ere is some great chemistry there.”
e talented depth of the Cougars is clearly driving the squad to more success this season.
“You have to play really well all season,” Houlihan said of just competing to hold your spot on Evergreen deep squad. “We are a competitive team within each other. We compete all year-round to keep our spots. We help each other to get better.”
While there are plenty of individual and team goals for Evergreen, the Cougars aren’t getting ahead of themselves.
“I honestly don’t even what to hear back-to-back,” Garrett said of the Cougars with the chance to win another team state title. “We’ll think about that at the end of the season. If we are out there at state and it is possible we’ll think about it, but until then we are just focused on the next Je co event in front of us.”
Coach Garrett was quick to say that he doesn’t look or worry about any kind of rankings.
“All these guys are excited for the season,” Coach Garrett said of his talented group loaded with seniors. “We literally take just one shot at a time. We completely respect the teams in 3A.”
Long had a bit of a laugh when he was told Evergreen was left out of the preseason rankings.
“You just have to worry about yourself and control what you can control,” Long said of facing 3A
Public Notices
Bids are requested for the following Contract: PW 24-05 Contract for Construction of a Small Project
Obtaining the Bidding Documents Information and Bidding Documents for the Project can be found at the following designated website:
no later than Thursday, September 19, 2024 at 2:00 PM local time:
• Electronically, via email to pw@clearcreekcounty.us
• Courier service, delivered to the Clear Creek County Road & Bridge Department located at: 3549 Stanley Road (CR 312), Dumont, Colorado 80436
• U.S.P.S. at P.O. Box 362, Dumont CO 80436
At that time the Bids received will be publicly opened and read.
The Project includes the following Work: The 2024 Guardrail Project includes repair of existing, damaged guardrail sections on various roads throughout the county.
Bidding Documents may be downloaded from the designated website. Prospective Bidders are urged to register with the designated website as a plan holder, even if Bidding Documents are obtained from a plan room or source other than the designated website in either electronic or paper format. The designated website will be updated periodically with addenda, lists of registered plan holders, reports, and other information relevant to submitting a Bid for the Project. All official notifications, addenda, and other Bidding Documents will be offered only through the designated website. Neither Owner nor Engineer will be responsible for Bidding Documents, including addenda, if any, obtained from sources other than the designated website.
Instructions to Bidders.
For all further requirements regarding bid submittal, qualifications, procedures, and contract award, refer to the Instructions to Bidders that are included in the Bidding Documents.
This Advertisement is issued by: George Marlin, Chair Board of County Commissioners
Legal Notice No. CAN 1639
competition in the postseason this year.
Evergreen combined for a team score of 284 at Lake Arbor to take an early 25-stroke lead over rival Conifer in the race for the 3A Je co
First Publication: August 29, 2024
Last Publication: September 5, 2024
Publisher: Canyon Courier
PUBLIC NOTICE
REQUEST FOR BIDS CLEAR CREEK COUNTY CLEAR CREEK COUNTY, COLORADO
RC 24-03
STEEP SLOPE IMPROVEMENTS FOR FALL RIVER ROAD
General Notice
Clear Creek County (Owner) is requesting Bids for the construction of the following Project:
Steep Slope Improvements for Fall River Road RC 24-03
All bids must be received as follows no later than Wednesday, September 19, 2024 at 3:00 PM local time:
•Register as a Prospective Bidder via: Email: sstreepey@clearcreekcounty.us, Subject line: RFB RC 24-03
• Upload an electronic copy to an online submittal folder assigned to each Prospective Bidder that registers with the County;
The Project includes the following Work: Rockfall scaling of approximately 500 LF by 30-foot-high steep slope along the north side of Fall River Road between Rainbow Road and Cumberland Gulch Road.
e next Je co League tournament will be ursday, Aug. 29, at Applewood Golf Course.
Dennis Pleuss is the sports information director for Je co Public Schools. For more Je co coverage, go to ColoradoPreps.com and CHSAANow.com.
Obtaining the Bidding Documents Information and Bidding Documents for the Project can be found at the following designated website: https://www.clearcreekcounty.us/bids.aspx
The RFB may be downloaded from the designated website. The designated website will be updated periodically with addenda and other information relevant to submitting a Bid for the Project. Plans and specifications will be made available to Prospective Bidders who register as described above.
Instructions to Bidders.
For all further requirements regarding bid submittal, qualifications, procedures, and contract award, refer to the Instructions to Bidders that are included in the Bidding Documents.
This Advertisement is issued by: George Marlin, Chair Board of County Commissioners
Legal Notice No. CAN 1640
First Publication: August 29, 2024
Last Publication: September 12, 2024
Publisher: Canyon Courier
Public Notice
NOTICE OF FINAL SETTLEMENT JEFFERSON COUNTY, STATE OF COLORADO
Pursuant to C.R.S. Section 38-26-107, notice is hereby given that on the 17th day of September 2024 final settlement will be made by the County of Jefferson, State of Colorado to: Straight Stripe Painting INC.
W
ST George UT 84770 hereinafter called the “Contractor”, for and on account of the contract for the Pavement water base paint striping for in-house asphalt overlay project in Jefferson County, CO.
1. Any person, co-partnership, association or corporation who has an unpaid claim against the said project, for or on account of the furnishing of labor, materials, team hire, sustenance, provisions, provender or other supplies used or consumed by such Contractor or any of said
2.
3.Failure on the
of
County
Legal Notice No. CAN 1636
Evergreen senior Tyler Long blasts his way out of a bunker during his 4-under-par, 66 at the Je co League tournament opener Tuesday, Aug. 20, at Lake Arbor Golf Course. Long had seven straight birdies during the round. The University of Colorado golf commit has a shot at history if he can capture a fourth straight Je co League medalist title.
Dear Colorado State Land Board, Je erson County and Our Community,
Wetheundersignedwildlife,scientific,conservation,andpreservationorganizationsrepresentingthousandsof membersacrossJeffersonCountyandColoradostronglysupporttheConservation,Preservation,andProtectionof the250-acreColoradoStateLandpropertyWestofConiferonShadowMountainDriveandSouthWarhawkRoad, see themapbelow.(ThisisaproposedsiteforaChair-liftoperatedBikePark ifapprovedbytheJeffersonCounty PlanningCommission,JeffersonCountyCommissioners,andtheStateLandBoard).Thisareaservesasahabitat refuge,migrationcorridor,andundevelopedopenspacelocatedbetweenhigher-elevationfederalandstatelands tothewestandlower-elevationcityandcountylandtotheeastincludingneighboringconservationeasements.
Wetheundersignedwildlife,scientific,conservation,andpreservationorganizationsrepresentingthousandsof membersacrossJeffersonCountyandColoradostronglysupporttheConservation,Preservation,andProtectionof the250-acreColoradoStateLandpropertyWestofConiferonShadowMountainDriveandSouthWarhawkRoad, see themapbelow.(ThisisaproposedsiteforaChair-liftoperatedBikePark ifapprovedbytheJeffersonCounty PlanningCommission,JeffersonCountyCommissioners,andtheStateLandBoard).Thisareaservesasahabitat refuge,migrationcorridor,andundevelopedopenspacelocatedbetweenhigher-elevationfederalandstatelands tothewestandlower-elevationcityandcountylandtotheeastincludingneighboringconservationeasements.
We the undersigned wildlife, scienti c, conservation, and preservation organizations representing thousands of members across Je erson County and Colorado strongly support the Conservation, Preservation, and Protection of the 250-acre Colorado State Land property West of Conifer on Shadow Mountain Drive and South Warhawk Road. (This is a proposed site for a Chairlift operated Bike Park if approved by the Je erson County Planning Commission, Je erson County Commissioners, and the State Land Board). This area serves as a habitat refuge, migration corridor, and undeveloped open space located between higher-elevation federal and state lands to the west and lower-elevation city and county land to the east including neighboring conservation easements.
This property is a riparian wetland habitat along North Turkey Creek and provides critical ecological resources to wildlife: sh, birds, mammals, and reptiles along with biologically diverse plant life, aspen groves, forest, and other organisms. Expert studies and research support that this ecosystem is a geographic area where plants, animals, birds and sh, and other organisms, as well as weather and landscapes, work together to form an area known for its refuge assets. Colorado Parks and Wildlife District Managers recognize there is great wildlife value in maintaining this parcel of undeveloped land, protected from development and regular use by human recreation. As human populations have grown people have overtaken many ecosystems. With an estimated 5000 people a week, or a maximum of 1200 people a day on this 250-acre State Land property (if the Bike Park is approved) the wildlife and sensitive ecosystem will be destroyed, taking the wildlife with it. It is impossible to mitigate the impact of 5000 people a week, riding thousands of automobiles and trucks, and depositing themselves in a 300 -space parking lot occupied by a commercial downhill biking enterprise. For these reasons, we ask that the Colorado State Land on Shadow Mountain be conserved, preserved, and protected.
No other similar commercial and intensive recreational land uses are located in the upper North Turkey Creek watershed. As scientists and professionals devoted to the land and wildlife, and the systems that combine to keep nature healthy and ourishing, we ask that this parcel, too, remain free from commercial and intensive recreational land use and be conserved and protected for the greater good.