Ralston Elementary School families enjoy frightening fall fundraiser
Once a year, Genesee’s ghouls and goblins take over Ralston Elementary School for a few hours, collecting candy
and snatching up toys wherever they can and then reluctantly returning home with their parents.
On Oct. 12, the school’s PTA hosted its annual Fall Fest, drawing hundreds of students and their families to a trunk-ortreat-style event with games, in atable obstacle courses, a dance oor and more.
Each class hosted a trunk-or-treat station with themes ranging from “Ghostbusters” to “Bad to the Bone” with games like skeleton Plinko and pumpkin bowling.
Six-year-old Lilyanne Meinhardt, who wore a matching “Where’s Waldo?” costume with her mom, said her favorite part was the toys she won, along with the snow cones.
Seven-year-old Finley Herlihy, who was dressed as a ninja, also liked the candy and toys she collected and was proud of her class’s haunted sunken pirate shipthemed station. e event’s silent auction is the PTA’s
SEE HALLOWEEN, P4
Evergreen Fire/ Rescue welcomes its
and four former volunteers
BY JANE REUTER JREUTER@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM
Evergreen Fire/Rescue welcomed its rst paid re ghters this month. e six men, including four former EFR volunteer re ghters and two career re ghters hired from the Chicago area, met the EFR board during its Oct. 15 meeting. ey started training Oct. 7 and will take their rst shifts Oct. 27.
“It’s an honor and a privilege to present these six career re ghters,” said EFR Chief of Operations Kristian Kazian. “ ey all come with experience. It’s an amazing blend, exactly what we need to kick this o .” EFR decided earlier this year to add paid re ghters, moving away from the allvolunteer neighborhood response model used since 1948. A master plan adopted in early 2024 recommended shifting toward a combination of paid and volunteer reghters. e six additional sta will support
Six-year-old Mila Bouchez, who’s dressed as Pennywise from “It,” swats at bubbles with her Halloween bag during Ralston Elementary School’s Fall Fest on Oct. 12. Hundreds of students and their families attended the annual fundraiser, which goes toward some of the teachers and aides’ salaries.
PHOTO BY CORINNE WESTEMAN
A race profile for House District 28, which covers southeast Je erson County, was mistakenly left out of the election guide that appeared in your Oct. 10 paper. The candidate profiles for Democrat incumbent Sheila Lieder and her Republican opponent, Peter Boddie, can be found on this page.
For the full Je erson County election guide, visit coloradocommunitymedia.com/2024/10/04/ je erson-county-2024-election-guide/. — Kristen Fiore, West Metro Editor
Colorado House District 28 candidate profiles
Peter Boddie
Profession: After brief stints with the US Forest Service in various mountain locations and as a water commissioner for the Colorado Division of Water Resources, Peter spent the last 40 years as a hydrologist and consultant headquartered in Je erson County. e focus of his work has been water rights, water supply, and environmental projects throughout Colorado and in neighboring states. Peter retired in summer 2024.
About me: Peter was born, and grew up, in Redding, Connecticut. He came to Colorado at age 17 to attend Colorado State University and pursued a degree in Watershed Science. Peter married a sweet, fourth-generation Colorado girl, Caryn, his wife of 42 years. Together they raised a daughter and son, who grew up hiking and exploring much of Colorado. Both graduated from Je co Public Schools and are working in their chosen professions on the East Coast. Peter and Caryn have two beautiful grandchildren. Peter is a person of faith, and he has volunteered in his community over the years in numerous ways, including in Je co Public Schools, at church, as a tutor, and as leader of the CROP Hunger Walk.
For more information: BoddieforColorado.com, (@Boddie4Colo) on X
If elected, what must you accomplish in order for you to consider your term a success?
e Legislature passed 525 bills in the 2024 Regular Session. Too many. Mistakes were made. My term will be a success if I can reduce the number of bills passed and repair some of the damage caused by Democrats, including the ‘Big Back ow Blunder’ (see website) caused by my opponent.
My motto is “Make Colorado Colorado Again.” It encapsulates my desire to restore and protect what we have always enjoyed in Colorado: freedom, a ordable living, security, opportunity, and the outdoor life. I want government to be limited,
How would you support the foothills communities e orts at wildland re
First of all, I studied re behavior at CSU, and I fought some wildland res for the USFS during and just out of college. I understand the problem. I have the expertise to evaluate solutions and work with other legislators on the best ones. What suggestions would you have for supporting an aging population in the foothills’ communities, where people are often far from services but also often can’t a ord to move closer to them?
To begin with, we need to reduce the damage to our economy caused by Democrats nationally and locally to make life easier for those on a xed income. In terms of foothills communities, I will work to come up with policies, and enact legislation, that gives exibility, so that communities can prioritize services, which can be di erent between rural and urban areas. Caregiving by family should be supported whether a senior is at home or in a facility. Transportation, provision of good meals, and opportunities for social engagement are important everywhere.
Do you think the state should do anything to make healthcare and mental healthcare more a ordable?
We can always improve our health care and mental health care. ere needs to be transparency in costs, so that people can make good decisions. Informed consumers and competition between providers can reduce costs. e State can encourage that, as well as provide exibility and choices. Government intervention, however, usually increases costs and reduces services, so it should be limited. What will you do to alleviate the high costs of living?
Much of the increase in the cost of living is due to Democrat policies nationally and in Colorado. I am running to get one Democrat out and replace her with a sensible Republican. I would reduce government regulation, restore our energy sector, and reduce crime and illegal immigration – end sanctuary policies - all of which add to our cost of living.
ty communications Worker for working Coloradans. I’ve worked hard my whole life to put food on my family’s table while helping others do the same. I’ve been an active advocate at the state Capitol for years, working on behalf of my fellow telecom workers and seniors. I’m also a longtime volunteer with the Colorado Alliance for Retirees and was a member of the TriCounty Workforce Development Board for over a decade. I’m a lifetime member of the Jeffco Democratic Latino Initiative and served on my HOA as vice president and president for almost two decades.
For more information: www.liederforcolorado.com, X: Lieder4CO, Facebook: SheilaForColorado
If elected, what must you accomplish in order for you to consider your term a success?
I have a lot of plans for my second term, but I am particularly focused on making the Homestead Act permanent, as my 2024 bill was given a two-year sunset clause and ensuring all public schools have access to grants to acquire HVAC units. Additionally, I will consider my term a success if I have done all I can to make healthcare more affordable and accessible, safeguard public education, protect our workers and their rights, fund first responders, and lower taxes on the middle class, seniors, military, and Gold Star families.
How would you support the foothills communities efforts at wildland fire mitigation and protection?
I have fought hard to protect funding for our firefighters, both in Jeffco and across the state. During the 2024 Special Legislative Session, I stood up against proposed budget cuts for our first responders. If reelected, I will continue working to ensure our emergency personnel have the resources to
stay prepared and equipped to battle our wildfires. Wildfires are an issue that will continue to impact the foothills, and we must be proactive when it
What suggestions would you have for supporting an aging population in the foothills’ communities, where people are often far from services but also often can’t afford to move closer to them?
Ensuring access to telehealth services may be one of the biggest parts in narrowing the gap of care between rural and urban areas for aging Coloradans. Additionally, we need to provide support to rural hospitals and medical centers to prevent closures. I also see transportation services, as well as mobile health clinics, as a vital component to improving access to medical care in rural communities. I believe that all seniors should be able to age in place and with dignity.
Do you think the state should do anything to make healthcare and mental healthcare more affordable?
The answer to this question will always be yes. Healthcare costs in Colorado are major expenses for our young, middle-aged, and older residents. Medical care shouldn’t leave Coloradans in crippling debt, and we need to stand up to major insurance corporations that prey on Coloradans. In addition, more needs to be done to ensure people know that they must reapply in order to receive their medicaid benefits.
What will you do to alleviate the high costs of living?
In my first term, I passed legislation that provided tax relief for older Coloradans and supported legislation that expanded the Earned Income Tax Credit and lowered the cost of key medications, such as insulin. If reelected, I plan to refile my bill to make the Homestead Act permanent, and I will work to pass additional policies that give hard-working Coloradans and their families a break.
Boddie
Lieder HENRY STANDARD
A Sign of the Times: Zillow Shows Climate Risk Data for All Active Listings
I was as shocked as anyone to hear that Asheville, North Carolina, had been devastated by flooding from Hurricane Helene. It is over 300 miles inland from the Atlantic coast and on the western slope of the Appalachian mountain range. It is 2,100 feet above sea level.
To those of us who comfort ourselves that we are in a haven from climate change, this should be a wake-up call.
Zillow heard that wake-up call and recently introduced a “Climate Risk” assessment for all active listings on its website. At right are charts you’ll find if you search on Zillow for my listing at 48 Lang Street in Twin Lakes, Colorado, at the eastern foot of Independence Pass. I’m only showing the Flood risk map, but there are comparable maps for Fire, Wind, Air Quality and Heat risks by clicking on the buttons you see at the top left of the map.
younger home shoppers, who are driving the market. The median age of today's home buyer is 39, and first-time buyers make up 50% of all buyers. Millennial and Gen Z shoppers who comprise 54% of all home buyers are most likely to consider a climate risk when determining where to shop for a home. Across generations, a majority of shoppers reported taking into account at least one climate risk when looking for their next home.”
Although 86% of Millennials are likely to consider climate risks when searching for a home, the average for all groups is 83%, with Baby Boomers the lowest at 70%. Bottom line: it’s a big concern for everyone, and we need to take notice.
“Climate risks are now a critical factor in home-buying decisions,” said Skylar Olsen, chief economist at Zillow.
It was a year ago last month that Zillow released a report stating that “A clear majority of prospective buyers in each region of the United States consider at least one climate risk when shopping for a home.” In the Midwest the percentage was 77% and in the West it was 90%.
Such risks were of least concern, surprisingly, to prospective buyers in the South, including Florida, but I suspect that may change after recent hurricanes.
The Sept. 2023 report continued: “Climate risks are a major concern for
The data source for Zillow is First Street, which provides climate risk data across multiple industries, including government, banking, and insurance.
First Street’s analysis of the destruction caused by August’s Cat-1 hurricane Debby found that 78% of flooded properties were outside FEMA’s flood zones.
According to Zillow, “First Street is the standard for climate risk financial modeling (CRFM) working to connect climate change to financial risk. First Street uses transparent, peer-reviewed methodologies to calculate the past, present, and future climate risk for properties globally, and makes it available for citizens, industry and government.”
Don’t expect to find climate risk data for your home on Zillow, unless it is cur-
Price Reduced on 2-Bedroom Winter Park Condo
rently for sale. However, you could look for a nearby home that is for sale and find your home on the maps such as the one above.
Years ago, I learned couple important things about flood insurance. First, for water damage to be covered by regular homeowners insurance, the water can’t hit the ground before entering your house. If the water hits the ground first, it is considered flooding and is only covered by flood insurance.
However, even flood insurance does not cover a finished basement. It will cover anything in your basement, such as a furnace and water heater, that serves the above-grade floors, but it will not cover below-grade walls, floors or furnishings.
Climate risk information is currently available on Zillow’s iPhone app and on the Zillow website, with Android availability expected early next year.
Take Pictures of Your Home Before the Snow Falls
Even if you don’t expect to put your home on the market this winter, it’s a good idea to have exterior pictures of your home and yard which the grass is green and the leaves are on the trees. If you have trees which blossom in the spring, make a note to take a picture then too.
“Life happens,” and it’s good to be prepared to show your home at its best.
NAR: ‘Make Your Listings Shine Online’
With ski season just around the corner, don’t miss your chance to make this fabulous condo at 693 Wapiti Drive your home in the mountains. Full of natural light, you'll delight in the open concept living and dining area with windows that showcase the beautiful views. The kitchen features hickory cabinets, an island and granite countertops. There is also a pantry/laundry room on the main floor. Additional features of this unit include a gorgeous moss rock fireplace, a skylight and a private balcony with stunning views of Byers Peak. All bathrooms have granite countertops with hickory cabinets, and the two full bathrooms, including the primary ensuite, have tiled floors and bath. Both bedrooms have double closets. There is an oversize garage with a large locked room for plenty of storage. No more scraping snow off your car! This condo is tastefully furnished and has reasonable HOA dues. Experience the great outdoors just outside your door with a walk down to the beautiful Fraser River for a hike or bike along the river trail that takes you up to the Winter Park Resort or take your rod for a little fly fishing! You'll also be just a short walk from downtown Fraser, which is bustling with shops, restaurants and bars. In addition, just steps away is the free Lift bus line which will take you to concerts in Hideaway Park, skiing & summer activities at Winter Park Resort and all of the events, restaurants & entertainment Winter Park offers. Take a narrated video tour at www.GRElistings.com, then call David at 303-908-4835 to see it.
Golden Real Estate’s Broker Associates
Last week, the National Association of Realtors (NAR) had a newsletter item that caught my attention.
Covid had, of course, increased the importance of making listings more attractive to potential buyers who might not be able to visit the home in person.
The newsletter article pointed out that, just like work-at-home, buying without seeing a home in person is still a thing.
It quoted a 2022 survey of 1,000 homeowners by Lending Tree which showed that 47% of them bought without an in-person tour of the property.
We already know that the vast majority well over 90% of buyers begin their home search online and only call an agent when they want to see a home. During Covid, that meant in some cases a FaceTime tour of the home by a showing agent. (We were “essential workers.”)
Americans got so used to Zoom meetings and working virtually during Covid that many of them still prefer Zoom meetings, and that translates into wanting to see a home virtually before making an offer.
What the article failed to mention was
that most of those buyers probably did attend the professional inspection of the home after going under contract, but the fact remains that a good online presence is what got that home under contract.
The article mentioned some of the technological tools, in addition to FaceTime, which have allowed listing agents to dramatically improve the online presentation of their listings, thereby allowing buyers to feel comfortable with submitting an offer prior to seeing the listing in person.
Matterport’s interactive still photos linked to a floor plan was one of those technologies. It allows a person, with their computer mouse, to rotate each still photo 360 degrees and even look at the ceiling and floor.
What wasn’t mentioned, and shocked me by its absence, was the mention of narrated video tours, which my broker associates and I create for every residential listing! What could be more useful than being able to walk through a home with the listing agent describing all its features basically simulating an inperson showing?
HALLOWEEN
biggest fundraiser of the year. In previous years, it has raised almost $20,000 annually for new technology, maintaining full-time arts, music and physical education teachers; hiring paraprofessionals and aides; and anything else the school might need, organizers have said.
Carly Dziubla, a PTA member who’s volunteered at Fall Fest three years now, said it’s a great time to see all the students and their families — parents, siblings and grandparents. It’s subsequently her favorite event of the school year, tied with the May’s Sleep-In fundraiser where students stay at Ralston overnight.
While many in the Lookout Mountain and Genesee areas still do traditional trick-or-treating, she said the Fall Fest
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is a good way to start the spooky season earlier.
“Fall is such a fun time in the mountains,” Dziubla said. “Because the community is more (geographically) spread out, this is a great time for all of us to come together.”
Finley’s mom, Wendy Herlihy, felt likewise.
“It’s a great way to draw out the holiday, so (Halloween) isn’t just one day,” she said.
Amanda Meinhardt, Lilyanne’s mom, said her family’s been to Fall Fest four times between two children at Ralston. e Meinhardts enjoy returning every year for the games and other activities, she said, because it’s a “fun Saturday at the school.”
Contrastingly, this year’s Fall Fest was a rst for the Klinker family, who recently moved to the area.
Dad Luke Klinker said Halloween is his children’s favorite holiday, and they have a bunch of costumes they choose from every year like Buzz Lightyear, Spider-Man, a dancer and a bear.
Klinker said he appreciated the opportunity to support the school and enjoy the festival, saying of the organizers and volunteers, “ ey go all out.”
Wearing a ninja costume, 7-year-old Finley Herlihy plays skeleton Plinko during the Oct. 12 Fall Fest at Ralston Elementary School. Each class hosted a trunk-or-treat station with candy, games and other activities. PHOTOS BY CORINNE WESTEMAN
Young Fall Fest attendees bowl with pumpkins Oct. 12 at Ralston Elementary School. Each class hosted a trunk-or-treat station with candy, games and other activities.
Brian Roche and Axel, 2, dress as Peter Pan and Captain Hook, respectively, during the Oct. 12 Fall Fest at Ralston Elementary School. Most attendees donned costumes for the trunk-or-treat-style event.
Young Fall Fest attendees inspect Halloween decorations as fog and bubble machines operate in the background Oct. 12 at Ralston Elementary School. The event serves as a fundraiser to support some of the school’s teachers and aides’ salaries.
EFR’s current volunteer force, They will work in three teams of two, with each captain and firefighter team taking a 48hour shift.
Each spoke briefly during the meeting.
Captain Joe Rimkus retired from 26 years with the Chicago Fire Department and then worked as a flight nurse for AirLife Denver.
“I realized I miss the fire department,” he said. “This opportunity came up. I walked in here and knew this was where I was supposed to be.”
“Excitement isn’t a big enough word,” former EFR volunteer Nate Perdue told the board.
Captain Harrison Leahy joined EFR’s cadet program in 2015, and more recently served five years with a wildland fire hotshot crew in Craig.
“I’m super excited to be part of this department again,” he said.
Firefighter Sean Ender joined EFR as a volunteer two years ago.
“I am humbled by the opportunity to be here in this capacity,” he said. “I never had intentions of going career, but I absolutely fell in love with the job.”
Like Rimkus, Captain David Hughes worked for the Chicago Fire Department, logging more than 30 years there.
“I’m deeply excited for the opportuni-
ty to come here and challenge myself in this very, very different environment,” he said.
Firefighter Joe Galindo was an EFR volunteer for seven years.
“I’m very excited about this,” he said. “It’s not lost on me what we’re doing here. I’d like to thank you for that.”
EFR has nearly 70 volunteers. Previously, its only paid firefighters were Chief Mike Weege and Kazian.
The paid firefighters will be based at Station 2 on Bergen Parkway, where EFR’s administration, training and maintenance dispatch center are located. That station will soon undergo a $3.75 million renovation to accommodate the added sleeping quarters and other facilities needed for the paid teams.
Station 2 is in the midst of the district’s densest population and generates the highest call volume of EFR’s eight stations. With firefighters on site, a crew can quickly jump into fire trucks and get to calls, eliminating the response delay of volunteers who typically report from their homes, Weege said.
EFR will pay the initial cost to bring on the paid staff with $806,000 in property tax reimbursements from the state. That will cover salaries through late 2024 and 2025, after which EFR will use grants and other funding sources it sees coming from various sources. The board did not rule out the idea of eventually asking taxpayers for support but said that isn’t on the table at this point.
Joe Rimkus, Nate Perdue, Harrison Leahy, Sean Ender, David Hughes and Joe Galindo.
Special district says recent Red Rocks Ranch water issue was ‘a hiccup’
Attorney and town working together to quickly resolve development’s shortand long-term needs
BY JANE REUTER JREUTER@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM
e special district supporting the unincorporated Red Rocks Ranch development characterized the recent water taps issue that left 39 homebuyers in limbo as “a hiccup,” and said it and the Town of Morrison are working together to ensure the project’s future water needs.
“I don’t think we’re in water crisis,” said David O’Leary, an attorney for the Mount Carbon Metropolitan District. “ e existing systems are su cient to provide all the taps that are in play. We have everybody’s attention that needs to pay attention. We’re not ghting with the town. We’re working toward resolution of all these issues.”
Red Rocks Ranch is an upscale, mixed-use development rising quickly at the corner of C470 and Morrison Road. e district is charged with providing water and sewer to the unincorporated development, utilities supplied via nearby Morrison’s facilities.
Earlier this month, the town denied a district request for 39 additional taps, citing an incomplete agreement between the two entities and needed system upgrades. at decision temporarily kept dozens of homebuyers from closing on their new units. Morrison’s board approved a new agreement Oct. 8 for the added taps, but said much work remains to be done and warned future requests may be met with a “no.”
Lennar Homes, the primary builder at the project, did not return calls from the Canyon Courier about future development at Red Rocks Ranch. Lennar has been building units there at a furious pace.
“Lennar has built homes very quickly, and the houses are ahead of the water infrastructure at this point,” Trustee Paul Sutton said. “ ey sold homes to people that didn’t have water. And you can see they’re still building.”
Sutton noted Mount Carbon’s most recent request included not only for the 39 taps but 50 others, which the town granted. Morrison has now given the development’s special district 444 residential water taps.
“We are losing slack in our system, and the 39 taps we just approved eats up our slack,” Sutton said. “You want your system to be resilient, and we are experiencing less resilience as we deliver more water to Red Rocks Ranch.”
e town isn’t obligated to pro-
vide more water to Red Rocks Ranch until a 16-year-old intergovernmental agreement between Morrison and the district is rewritten — an e ort that’s been underway for years, and a plan is cemented for promised infrastructure improvements to protect the town’s long-term water supply.
O’Leary said all that work is in process and moving quickly. He expects to have the updated IGA to the town board in November.
A new Morrison water treatment plant, paid for by Mount Carbon, is nearing completion.
“Once it’s functional, they can start pulling on the 50 (new) taps,”
O’Leary said. “ ose 50 taps will tide us over until we can get the IGA done. Our goal is to get it done before end of the year.”
O’Leary said the IGA will address plans for a water diversion on Bear Creek and other system
enhancements needed for longterm water supply and storage.
“We’re talking years before we need all the (additional) water,” he said. “We have our agreements in place, and there are multiple water sources. ere’s a milliongallon storage tank that’s getting dedicated as well.”
Sutton, however, said the engineering and permitting required to build the diversion and other system upgrades may take more time than Mount Carbon anticipates.
“ e water treatment plant we’re just about to bring online will boost our capacity for delivery somewhat,” he said. “But we need a raw water intake pump (and other improvements) that haven’t been cited, designed or built to have the infrastructure capacity. Estimates are that could take years. It’s going to be Mount Carbon’s money — not ours — to
speed up that process.”
O’Leary said the timing will work out. Original plans for Red Rocks Ranch anticipated far more homes than are now expected, he said, and water supply was calculated accordingly.
“ ey have enough to serve the whole development,” he said. “We don’t need the diversion yet. We’ll need it before we get to 1,200 units. is is a very long-term development. We’re not going to be fully built out for 10 years. e IGA will address how and when, what it will cost, what we need to do.”
Red Rocks Ranch is set to eventually have more than 1,300 single-family homes, townhomes and condos, plus 70 acres of trails, parks and open space, and 40 acres of commercial property.
Home prices in Red Rocks Ranch range from $750,000 to $1.25 million.
A Lennar flag waves over the company’s sales o ces at Red Rocks Ranch.
PHOTO BY JANE REUTER
BY JANE REUTER JREUTER@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM
Morrison’s Cafe Prague closes
Golden resident Matt Tedeschi tucked into his last plate of Café Prague sauerbraten Oct. 13 with a mix of satisfaction and sorrow. Tedeschi didn’t know it would be his last meal at the Morrison restaurant until he walked in that night and learned it was closing. He’s among several regulars shocked and saddened by the 20-year restaurant’s unexpected ending.
“It’s a tough loss,” said Tedeschi, who became an immediate fan after discovering the restaurant a few years ago. “I came 12 times in the rst month. I just went down the menu and each entree was excellent. I bring friends in here all the time, they ask what’s good and I say, ‘Literally everything.’ Nothing can replace this.”
Every table and seat at Café Prague was full the evening of Oct. 13, with some waiting outside in the chilly fall air for a late table and a last chance to dine there. e upscale restaurant, which several of Sunday’s patrons described as not only the best in Morrison but for many miles around, served Czech food created by Czechoslovakian-trained chef Ales Zabilansky. It was reputed not only for its hearty comfort foods but cozy ambience.
Restaurant owner Dennis Cionetti declined to comment on Café Prague’s closing, but two patrons said the decision stemmed from a rent increase. Building owner Je Bradley said the lease expired and Cionetti did not want to renew.
“I hate to see it go,” said Ed Kautz, who lives in unincorporated Morrison and dined at Café Prague weekly. “We like ne dining and we don’t want to go too far. I like the food, the atmosphere, the sta , everything. When the kids came to visit, we’d have a big dinner in the back here. I’m not sure what we’re going to do to replace it.”
Bartender Logan Brayer poured wine and shook cocktails at a fast pace, but it wasn’t enough to distract him from the reality of the restaurant’s closure. Brayer, a Green Mountain High School graduate, started at the restaurant as a 16-year-old busboy and worked his way up to bartending. He doesn’t think he’ll nd the same experience working at any other restaurant.
“I feel melancholy,” he said, as closing time approached. “It’s such an awesome place. e clientele is unmatched. I have genuine friendships in the people I’ve met here.”
Adam Starr, a resident of the nearby Solterra neighborhood, said Café Prague was also his go-to choice for dining out. “Embarrassingly, we’ve come at least
once a week for the last seven years,” he said. “We’d put this place up against any restaurant in Denver. I’m really disappointed we won’t get to spend another Christmas season here. We’re very sad to see such a good restaurant go.”
Bradley, who also owns the now-vacant, former Morrison Carworks building and the vacant building that once housed the town’s old post o ce, said he, too, is disappointed by Café Prague’s closing.
“It’s been a nice run; they’ve done a nice job for 20 years,” he said. “We’re trying to get another high-quality restaurant in there.”
Cafe Prague opened in Georgetown in 1999, moving to Morrison in 2004. Original proprietor Tomas Stribal sold it to his childhood friend and Prague native Cionetti in 2016.
e 1876 stone structure that housed the restaurant was once owned by Morrison pioneer and Bradley’s great-grandfather John Ross. Bradley and his family undertook a two-year reconstruction of the building in 2001.
Bartender Logan Brayer pours a drink as Cafe Prague regular Adam Starr cheerfully photo bombs the moment.
PHOTOS BY JANE REUTER
Cafe Prague was full Oct. 13 with some people waiting outside for one last chance to eat there.
BY STAVROS KORONEOS
Party pooper
SOUTH JEFFCO – Alerted by alarmed neighbors in the wee hours of the morning, deputies quickly collared the drunk and disorderly lad who’d been blundering up and down the street screaming bloody murder, pounding on doors and bleeding from the nose. e public nuisance refused to say who’d popped him in the proboscis, but o cers were able to follow his trail of crimson clues to a nearby residence where two other lads met them at the door. e boys said they actually lived elsewhere and were merely attending a party at that address. Deputies asked to speak to somebody who did actually live there, to which the lads replied that the girl they wanted to speak with wasn’t at all keen to speak with them. It seems the hostess had failed to obtain necessary parental permissions for the party and was, in fact, “hiding inside” lest o cial notice of the event should lead to a personal loss of privileges up to and including grounding. Deputies persisted, and the lass nally broke cover to explain how a certain over-imbibed guest had become belligerent, how he’d started a ght that he instantly lost, how he began roaring around the yard in an ear-splitting rage, how she’d tried to quiet him only to get a st in her own face, and how he’d at last gone howling o into the night only to bring police and personal ruin back with him. Deputies issued Drunk and Disorderly a summons for being drunk and disorderly, and left the hapless hostess
alone to face the judgment of civilian authorities.
Sign of the times
EL RANCHO – Adelard and his chums idled beside the intersection on the morning of Aug. 26, reclined behind a sign reading “Puppies for Sale.” When Beauregard and his girlfriend, Genevieve, pulled up to the intersection, Beauregard immediately identi ed the sign as his own handiwork and leapt from the SUV. Adelard mistakenly thought Beauregard intended to give him some money and started to thank him. Beauregard cut him o mid-gratitude with threats and insults, saying he was merely re-possessing his sign. Temperatures rose and, clearly outnumbered, Beauregard retreated to the vehicle, followed closely by Adelard, who wasn’t done expressing his displeasure at Beauregard’s contentious comportment. A few minutes later, Adelard called JCSO, telling deputies that Beauregard “spit in my face.” Contacted by phone, Beauregard hotly denied expectorating upon Adelard, counter-accusing his accuser of kicking Genevieve’s SUV. Since neither party was prepared to pursue charges, deputies left the case idling beside the intersection.
They’re both right
EVERGREEN – Green Maverick called JCSO on the afternoon of Aug. 29 to report an attempted vehicular assault. Maverick told o cers that Black BMW “tried to run me o the road.” Maverick said BMW is a terrible driver and public menace. Pulled over on Evergreen Parkway, BMW said it was Maverick who’d “cut
me o ” and “ ipped me o ,” and that Maverick is a terrible driver and public menace. Without corroborating testimony, o cers could only advise both drivers to straighten up and y right.
Sure as shootin’
EVERGREEN – Returning home on the night of Aug. 29, Boyfriend and Girlfriend were just pulling into their driveway when they heard a “crackling” sound. Boyfriend was puzzled until he saw his neighbor’s porch light suddenly go dark, which suggested to his mind that the hated neighbor with whom he shares the driveway had just peppered his car with a pellet gun and then slunk inside. Boyfriend summoned JCSO deputies, directing their attention to a small hole in his rear driver-side window and an identical one in the location on Girlfriend’s parked vehicle. While he’d never actually seen Neighbor shooting at them, Boyfriend told o cers that they’d had issues in the past and he knew Neighbor was handy with a pellet gun. Crime scene technicians con rmed that both vehicles were likely pellet-pocked, but Neighbor denied everything and the case remains cold pending fresh evidentiary ammunition.
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.
Bram Stoker’s “Dracula” is easily one of the most well-known stories in the world, one that brought the idea of vampires to the masses. And culture has never been the same since.
Over the centuries, there have been numerous ri s on this classic tale, but not many have the sharpness — both in wit and societal commentary — that Kate Hamill’s “Dracula: A Feminist Revenge Fantasy, Really,” carries. And now that show is swooping into the Arvada Center, just in time for spooky season.
VOICES
‘Dracula’ gets a feminist revision at Arvada Center
COMING ATTRACTIONS
PACE Center visually highlights Día de los Muertos
“ e show is very much rooted in Stoker’s book, but audiences will get really cool twists on who end up being the protagonists in the play,” said Lance Rasmussen, who plays Jonathan Harker. “In the play, this historically terrible monster of a person is met by strong-willed and determined women who work to stop him.”
Directed by Carolyn Howarth, “Dracula: A Feminist Revenge Fantasy, Really,” runs at the Arvada Center’s Black Box eatre, 6901 Wadsworth Blvd., through Sunday, Nov. 3. Performances are at 7:30 p.m. on Wednesday through Saturday, 1 p.m. on Wednesday, and 2 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday.
e show is an over-the-top (in the best way), gory and hilarious retelling of the Dracula story, one that takes the Victorian tropes of women’s role in society and turns them on their head.
“We decided to really lean into the
Denver-based sound artist died in September
BY KATHRYN CHARLES
TO COLORADO COMMUNITY MEDIA
Jim Green was a towering gure in the art world, known mostly for his public art sound sculptures in airports, city sidewalks, and museums.
On Sept. 11, Jim slipped away from Earth in the same manner he approached his art: subtly catching us all by surprise through his positive a rmations, greetings and unexpected sounds that brought joy to passersby.
Jim Green, a CU graduate with a masters in ne arts, was the “Mr. Rogers” of the art world.
Green was probably the rst to record creative messages for public transportation, including the greetings on the train at Denver International Airport, on rapid transit in Salt Lake City, and in Fort Collins.
Jim instructed us to “HOLD ON, the train is departing,” using the voices of Alan Roach, Reynelda Muse, Peyton Manning and Lindsay Vonn. His chimes between messages were homemade from various plumbing pipes and early synthesizers.
Green’s notable “Singing Sinks” at the Denver Art Museum revolutionized the public’s experience of hand washing when they unexpectedly triggered a trio of three sinks singing “Row, Row, Row Your Boat.”
Green recorded all the sounds connected to the Martin Luther King Memorial in
camp aspect of the show, especially because we found some of the darker moments hit harder when they’re paired with the camp style,” Rasmussen said.
Clarke Reader
“I think this is the kind of show people aren’t used to seeing in the theater. It’s a lot more cinematic, and the humor and styling are much more of a pop horror approach.”
While staging the show, there were the typical challenges, but “Dracula” is unique in all the special e ects puzzles that needed solving, including how the sprays of blood would work. All the gore and humor are not simply present for entertainment’s sake, but to help underscore the play’s key point, which is the way societal systems can be harmful to everybody.
“It’s not men against women, but instead is everybody against these problematic systems that exploit everyone,” Rasmussen said. “We want people to be thinking by the play’s end and maybe wonder what they can do to change the systems they’re involved in.”
More information and tickets are available at https://arvadacenter.org/events/ dracula-a-feminist-revenge-fantasy-really.
e Parker Arts, Culture & Events Center is hosting a Día de los Muertos art exhibit through Saturday, Nov. 30, which delves into the holiday’s special signicance for people all over the world. According to provided information, the curated exhibit features the rich cultural traditions and artistic expressions of Día de los Muertos, allowing visitors to explore many sides of the holiday. And from 5 to 8 p.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 5, there will be a reception and celebration, hosted in collaboration with Global Village Academy. Attendees will be able to participate in interactive activities, see an ofrenda (altar) created by Academy students and more.
All the pertinents can be found at https://parkerarts.org/event/art-galleryexhibit-dia-de-los-muertos/.
Osi Sladek shares story of Holocaust survival at the Arvada Center
As time goes on, we’re losing more and more eye-witness survivors of the Holocaust, which means it’s crucially important to amplify their voices while they’re still willing to share their stories. In that spirit, the Arvada Center is partnering with Chabad of NW Metro Denver to present An Evening Remembering the Holocaust featuring Osi Sladek. e event will be held at the center, 6901 Wadsworth Blvd., at 7 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 27. Attendees will experience
Sladek’s story of survival and hope on screen, followed by a live Q&A with the man himself. He’ll also be signing copies of his memoir, “Escape to the Tatras,” from 6 to 6:50 p.m. ere will also be a special presentation of music from the Holocaust by the Red Rock String Quartet musical ensemble.
More information and tickets are available at https://arvadacenter.org/events/ an-evening-remembering-the-holocaust.
Clarke’s Concert of the Week — Samara Joy at the Paramount Theatre
We don’t really get jazz singers making a big splash the way they used to these days, which is a shame, because a really great jazz singer can absolutely rock you back if you let them. New York City’s Samara Joy is a great jazz singer, one who is helping to lead the way for a new generation of young jazz vocalists. In 2023, she won the Grammy for Best New Artist, and she’s just released her lovely third album, “Portrait.”
In support of the record, Joy will be stopping by the Paramount eatre, 1621 Glenarm Place in Denver, at 7:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 30. If you’ve listened to any of Joy’s music, you know that a venue like the Paramount is perfect for her. Get tickets at www.ticketmaster.com.
Clarke Reader’s column on culture appears on a weekly basis. He can be reached at Clarke.Reader@hotmail.com.
A remembrance of Jim Green, who helped millions ‘hoooold on’ at DIA
Denver’s City Park, where people gather annually on King’s birthday for the annual MLK ‘Marade’ down Colfax to Civic Center Park.
Jim loved working with the sound of water, and his “Talking Drinking Fountains” in Seattle’s Airport continues to amuse thirsty travelers. “Sound Walk” along Curtis Street next
to Denver’s Federal Reserve building transported pedestrians from their heady thoughts through recordings of subway trains, yodeling, and cow mooing mysteriously seeping out of sidewalk grates.
Visitors attending a multitude of Colorado Convention Center gatherings enjoyed the sound of laughter on a usually boring escalator ride up to the second
oor.
e “Talking Trash Cans” in front of the Arvada Center welcomed visitors with greetings of positive a rmations including “I like your shoes,” or “You look great today!”
Perhaps one of the most complicated projects was Green’s “Talking Parking Meters” placed in the market place at Denver’s Central Park. Coins went toward Hickenlooper’s Road Home Project bene ting unhoused people.
“Unplugged,” installed in Denver’s Museum of Contemporary Art, consisted of pneumatic compressors activating the rich, various noises of Whoopie Cushions pressed automatically under plexiglass, again triggered by motion. It is one of the museum’s most successful long-running exhibitions.
“ e Red Phone” installed at Redline made a direct connection with Green, who was willing to talk to his audience one at a time, live.
Jim Green was listening.
Jim Green was a keen observer of human nature peculiarity. His early recordings and research led him to travel the country one summer to document the sounds of amusement parks and state fairs. He amassed a catalogue of people working at sideshows, recording their shticks and their stories.
Green’s positive spin on a dark world brought a little more humanity to our lives. His message to the world was clear, concise, positive and playful. He reminded us to be present, listen to the world around us, and most of all, not take ourselves too seriously.
Jim Green, who created sound designs in public spaces around the Denver metro area, died Sept. 11.
COURTESY OF KATHRYN CHARLES
HAPPENINGS
We’d like to know about events or activities of interest to the community. Visit www.canyoncourier.com/calendar/ and post your event online for free. Email jreuter@coloradocommunitymedia.com to get items in the newspaper. Items will appear in print on a space-available basis.
UPCOMING
Evergreen Halloween events, all on Oct. 31: Trick Or Treat at Bergen Village Shopping Center, 3-5 p.m.; Downtown Evergreen Trick-or-Treat: 4-6 p.m.; Trick or Treat Trail at Evergreen Elks Lodge, 4-7 p.m.
Evergreen Park & Recreation District senior excursion, Edgewater Public Market: 4 p.m. Nov. 7. Register at evergreenrecreation.com
Wild Aware’s Living in Harmony: Peaceful Co-existence with Wildlife: 6:30 p.m. Nov. 7, Evergreen Fire/Rescue Auditorium, 1802 Bergen Parkway, Evergreen. Free. wildaware.org
Laughs on the Lake - Comedy Night: 7 p.m. Nov. 15, Evergreen Lake House, 29612 Upper Bear Creek Road, Evergreen. Tickets: evergreenrecreation.com
Wreath Sale: Oct. 1-28. New this year, LED light kits for your wreath. Order online and pickup at the Evergreen Nature Center in late November. Order at: evergreenaudubon.org.
“Spirit Level,” comedy by the Evergreen Players: Weekends through Nov. 10. 7 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays, 2 p.m. Sundays, Center Stage eatre, 27608 Fireweed Drive, Evergreen. Adult $30, senior $25, student $20. evergreenplayers.org.
Conifer Chamber of Commerce member meeting: 7:15 a.m. second Friday each month, Our Lady of Pines Catholic Church, 9444 Eagle Cli Road, Conifer. $12 members, $18 nonmembers.
Evergreen High School’s “ e Curious Savage” theater production: 6 p.m. Nov. 7, 8 & 9, 1 p.m. Nov. 9. Heartwarming comedy and fundraiser for Resilience1220. Tickets: evergreenhstheatre.ticketleap.com
Evergreen Chorale Celestial Works: 7:30 p.m. Nov. 15, Rockland Community Church, 17 S. Mt. Vernon Country Club Road, Golden; 4:30 p.m. Nov. 17, Wellshire Presbyterian Church, 2999 S. Colorado Blvd. Featuring space photography by Ross Campbell. Tickets: $22-$32 at ovationwest.org or the door.
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
Frostival: 2-6 p.m. Dec. 1, Buchanan Park ball elds, 32003 Ellingwood Trail, Evergreen. Local merchants, petting zoo, face painting, photos with Santa, tree lighting ceremony. evergreenrecreation.com
Christmas in Conifer: 10:30 to 4:30 p.m. Dec. 2. Live music, Christmas parade, ‘80s costume contest. goconifer. com
Evergreen Chamber’s Santa Breakfast: Nov. 30, Dec. 7, 14 & 21. Breakfast, meeting and photos with Santa at various locations. Tickets on sale Nov. 1 at evergreenchamber.org.
Evergreen Nature Center monthly family program: 11 a.m. every last Saturday. Free & no registration required. Monthly topics could include native wild owers and seed bombs, dissecting owl pellets, live animal encounters, and more! Evergreen Nature Center, 27640 Hwy 74. More info: evergreenaudubon.org.
Evergreen Camera Club: Meets every second Wednesday at 7 p.m. at Evergreen Fire/Rescue auditorium, 1802 Bergen Parkway, Evergreen. Club is for people who share a passion for all photography, from beginners to professionals. Attend in person or via ZOOM.
Pet Pictures with Santa: Noon-2 p.m. Dec. 14 at Aspen Park Vet Hospital, 25871 Duran Ave, Conifer, & 12-3 p.m. Dec. 15, Saturday, 12-2pm at e ResqRanch, 25871 Duran Ave, Conifer. RSVP 303-838-3771 or Help@AspenParkVet.com
Evergreen Area Republican Club: e Evergreen Area Republican Club meets at 6 p.m. the rst Wednesday of the month at the Evergreen Fire/ Rescue Administration Building, 1802 Bergen Parkway. Information at evergreenarearepublicanclub.org
Mountain Area Democrats: Mountain Area Democrats meet at 9 a.m. the fourth Saturday of the month January through April at the United Methodist Church of Evergreen, 3757 Ponderosa Drive, Evergreen. For more information, e-mail MountainAreaDems@ gmail.com.
Evergreen Sustainability Alliance is looking for post-holiday volunteers:To help with our holiday tree and block styrofoam recycling event Jan. 4 and Jan 11. Collecting trees and block styrofoam to keep them out of the land ll and support ESA. Contact Wendy at 720-536-0069 or email info@sustainevergreen.org.
Evergreen Sustainability Alliance’s “Let’s Embrace Zero Food Waste” program needs volunteers: Pro-
Sunday, October 27th, 2024
Buchanan Ball Park Fields
32003 Ellingwood Trail Evergreen, CO
Get out your zombie rags, witch’s hat, Dracula’s cape, ghostly sheets, and clown makeup! Do you like flesh-eating, skin-crawling bugs, bats, spiders, and cats, OH MY! They will all be there, so BEWARE! Join us IF YOU DARE... run or walk your decayed feet, and trick-or-treat along the way.
$30 per individual $15 children 12 & under $100 4-pack
$40 per individual on race day
Sign up online NOW at EAPL.com Entry forms available starting Sep. 2 at Chow Down Pet Supplies & EAPL Thrift Store
gram in local schools and food banks. Volunteers needed for a couple hours. Call 720-536-0069 or email info@sustainevergreen.org for more information.
Evergreen Nature Center: 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.
e Bear Creek Cemetery Association board of directors volunteers needed: Members needed to help with operations of the local cemetery on Highway 74, Evergreen. Contact board president, evergreenbearcreekcemetery@gmail.com
Blue Spruce Habitat volunteers needed: Blue Spruce Habitat for Humanity is looking for volunteers. A variety of opportunities and exible schedules are available on new construction sites as well as for exterior minor home repairs. No previous construction experience needed. Contact volunteer@bluesprucehabitat. org for information.
EChO needs volunteers: e Evergreen Christian Outreach ReSale Store and food pantry need volunteers. Proceeds from the EChO ReSale Store support the food pantry and programs and services provided by EChO. Many volunteer options available. 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 ofce 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 avail-
Information and details at EAPL.com Questions? EAPLevergreen@eapl.com
Registration opens 8:30am. Hot Cocoa and Bake Sale before! Do you want to volunteer? Sign up at EAPL.com
able). 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 inperson 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. Information at 346-248-7799.
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.
Feeling the election stress? Here’s how to stay calm amid political tensions
As anxiety rises before Nov. 5, a local expert shares tips to maintain your well-being
BY SUZIE GLASSMAN SGLASSMAN@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM
If you’re feeling stressed about the upcoming election, you’re not alone. Mental health professionals are seeing a spike in election-related stress, with concerns ranging from political divisions to uncertainty about the future.
“I’m hearing and seeing people who are anxious and stressed about what’s going to happen,” said Randi Smith a psychology professor at Metropolitan State University of Denver. “ ere is a general sense of uncertainty and fear among some that things are going to fall apart to such a degree that they are questioning if they can even make plans in November.”
All that election-related distress is negatively impacting the country’s mental health. Results of three national surveys found that close to half of U.S. adults say politics is a signi cant source of stress, citing problems such as lost sleep, shortened tempers and obsessive thoughts.
While political anxiety may be unavoidable, especially if you’re surrounded by family, friends or neighbors with opposing views, the good news is that there are practical steps you can take to keep your sanity leading up to and after Nov. 5.
Take screen breaks
Smith said it’s essential to recognize that our social media feeds and the news we tune into tend to reinforce our belief systems.
“ ese belief systems have become increasingly polarized over the last eight or 10 years to the point where we don’t all necessarily live in the same reality, and there tends to be a lot of demonizing people who don’t share the belief system,” she said.
To avoid catastrophizing about the worst-case scenario if the “other side” wins, Smith recommends setting boundaries around screen time and recognizing when one’s thoughts begin to spiral.
“If you do go online, aim for dispassionate observations rather than heated, front-line engagement,” Smith said.
“Most of all, remember this: Although social platforms give prominence to the most extreme views, most vehement arguments and most radical takedowns, that’s only because they are controversy aggregators and outrage is their business model.
“Such outlooks are not necessarily rep-
resentative of most people’s actual beliefs,” Smith continued.
Cultivate perspective
While it may feel safer to avoid those who disagree with you or express opposing views, Smith said having conversations with others helps us see we have more in common than we think and that exaggerated hyperbolic rhetoric doesn’t re ect the views of most Americans across the aisle.
Also, give yourself the freedom to step away from political discussions and remember what connected you in the rst place. Spending time with family or friends while leaving politics o the table cultivates connection, which is important for our mental health.
“We need to recognize that just because somebody might vote di erently, it doesn’t mean that they’re bad people,” she said.
Connect with your support system
“We should never underestimate the value and importance of social support. If you’re feeling stressed about the political process, nding others with similar viewpoints could be a real comfort,” Smith said.
Yet, be careful not to spend too much time in groups that reinforce our sense of angst.
“We de nitely need the support of other people who are like-minded, especially when the world feels threatening,” Smith said. “But when we nd ourselves in conversations stuck on the threat of what could happen, it heightens our fear and uncertainty.”
Instead, she says to focus on ways to make a di erence in your home or community and nd ways to create a sense of agency in a world that can seem out of control. at could be nding a cause to support, building relationships with people who are both like and unlike you
or taking action within your community. Find sources of comfort and focus on what
Smith said the rst step in stopping the cycle of catastrophizing is to recognize that you’re doing it and that going down that rabbit hole will be awful and then to
“For some, it might be spiritual or faithbased. For other people, it might be more cognitive, like mindfulness-based meditation. Certainly, social relationships for almost everybody are really good,” she
Smith also recommends nding sources of distraction, like reading a book, going for a hike or watching a movie. While physical activity is great for relieving anxiety and depression, she said it won’t have the same e ect if you’re on the treadmill with headphones on watching MSNB or
It’s also not healthy to spend all of our time focused on the results of an election
Instead, Smith said, “We have to step away from the macro level of the election and think about your values and how you can contribute to sustaining them and improving the things that are important
SHUTTERSTOCK IMAGE
BY ELLIS ARNOLD EARNOLD@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM
Some might say that what’s important is the journey, not the destination — and if you travel in Colorado, you might encounter roads that are considered “destinations unto themselves.”
ose include a couple of Colorado’s more than two dozen designated byways: signi cant roads that are, for many Coloradans, o the beaten path. Around the state, those roads are marked as byways because they hold archeological, cultural, historic, natural, recreational or scenic qualities.
“We protect those intrinsic qualities,” said Lenore Bates, who manages Colorado’s byways program.
e routes drive economic activity, too. e roads attract travelers, said Bates, adding that they can be “like a bucket list” item.
“Just like the national parks,” Bates said. People “will arrive just to do that byway.” e routes mark the map around Colorado, with some falling close to Denver and others sitting a longer drive away. Here’s a look at the state’s byways system and information about the roads.
Decades of byways
Colorado’s Scenic and Historic Byways program works to protect and promote the byways, Bates said.
Nationally, in the 1960s, “there was a lot of interest in outdoor recreation, and then in the 70s, it got put on the back burner,” Bates said.
Colorado’s byways program started in 1989, Bates said.
At the federal level, the National Scenic Byways program was created in 1991. It’s an e ort to help recognize, preserve and enhance selected roads around the country, according to a federal news release.
ere are 13 of Colorado’s 26 byways designated at the federal level as America’s Byways, which gives Colorado more national designations than any other state, according to the state program’s webpage.
‘Grassroots’ involvement
Each of Colorado’s byways has its own local organization that helps take care of and oversee the roads.
ose groups can fall under other entities, such as a county, a national park or national heritage area, or they could be a nonpro t, Bates said.
“So they’re very grassroots,” Bates said, adding: “A lot of them are, of course, volunteers who have full-time jobs.”
Byway groups might be involved in making updates to outdated resources, a visitor center or a rest area, for example.
“We’re trying to get everything ADA accessible or accessible for people who need visual resources,” Bates said, referring to the Americans with Disabilities Act.
One challenge the byways community faces is updating the kiosks — boards with historical information that people can pull over and read, Bates said.
“Unfortunately, a lot of those stories are outdated, and the language is not always up to current view,” Bates said. “And they might be missing somebody’s story on that storyline — it might be one-sided. So we’re trying to get those stories updated slowly. It’s a huge endeavor.”
“We need to get tribal input and other organizations to give those stories,” she added.
Overall, Colorado’s byways program is managed by a governor-appointed commission of up to 15 members, including representatives from a variety of government bodies, Bates said.
Money for taking care of Colorado’s byways comes from a mix of federal and state government sources, as well as local fundraising, Bates said.
‘All-American’ travel
Some byways get a special designation as an “All-American Road.”
To be highlighted with that title, a byway must meet criteria for at least two of the “intrinsic” qualities that are nationally signi cant and have one-of-a-kind features that do not exist elsewhere, according to the federal byways webpage.
“ e road or highway must also be considered a ‘destination unto itself,’” the webpage says. “ at is, the road must provide an exceptional traveling experience so recognized by travelers that they would make a drive along the (road) a primary reason for their trip.”
Colorado has two All-American Roads: Trail Ridge Road, running between Estes Park and Grand Lake, and San Juan Skyway, which runs in the Durango and Telluride areas.
In general, the last time Colorado designated a new byway was in 2014, when Tracks Across Borders Byway was designated between Durango and Chama, New Mexico, Bates said.
Colorado’s byways include paved and unpaved roads. All of them have access to local recreation, such as trailheads, state parks or national parks, Bates said.
“Some of them have parallel paths on a portion of the corridor — for example, along the West Elk Loop is the Crystal Valley Trail” in the Carbondale area, Bates said.
Some of the byways host cycling events, such as Ride the Rockies, Bates added.
Colorado’s byways o er views, history
How many byways have you been on?
Here’s a list of Colorado’s byways, their length according to CDOT, and their location, starting with some near Denver.
Lariat Loop: Runs 40 miles through the Morrison, Golden, Bergen Park and Evergreen areas
Peak to Peak: Runs 55 miles between the Estes Park and Black Hawk areas. e route “provides matchless views of the Continental Divide and its timbered approaches,” CDOT’s webpage for the byway says
Mount Blue Sky (formerly Mount Evans): Runs 49 miles, winding from the Idaho Springs area to the Bergen Park area. Reservations are required for vehicle entry at Mount Blue Sky. See recreation.gov. e road to Mount Blue Sky is currently closed and is not expected to reopen until mid-2026.
Guanella Pass: Runs 22 miles between the Georgetown and Grant areas. Guanella Pass Road is seasonally closed on or about Nov. 26
Trail Ridge Road at Rocky Mountain National Park: Runs 48 miles between the Estes Park and Grand Lake areas. For up-to-date information on the status of Trail Ridge Road, call 970-586-1222
Alpine Loop: Runs 63 miles, generally between the Lake City, Silverton and Ouray areas
Cache la Poudre – North Park: Runs 101 miles between the Fort Collins and Walden areas
Collegiate Peaks: Runs 57 miles (one way), generally between the Granite and Salida areas
Colorado River Headwaters: Runs 80 miles. “ e route begins at Grand Lake, an old resort town on the shores of Colorado’s largest natural lake, and ends on a gravel road through spectacular Upper Gore Canyon,” CDOT’s website says
Dinosaur Diamond: Runs 134 miles or about 500 miles total in Colorado and Utah, according to CDOT. In Colorado, it goes between the Dinosaur and Fruita areas
Flat Tops Trail: Runs 82 miles between the Yampa and Meeker areas
Frontier Pathways: Runs 103 miles, generally between the Pueblo, Silver Cli and Rye areas
Gold Belt Tour: Runs 131 miles and includes multiple roads between the Florissant and Canon City areas
Grand Mesa: Runs 63 miles, generally winding between the Mesa and Cedaredge areas
Highway of Legends: Runs 82 miles, generally in three legs running from the Walsenburg, Aguilar and Trinidad areas and through the Monument Park area
Los Caminos Antiguos: Runs 129 miles, according to CDOT, generally in the Alamosa, San Luis and Conejos areas
Pawnee Pioneer Trails: Runs 128 miles, generally between the Sterling, Fort Morgan and Ault areas
San Juan Skyway: Runs 236 miles in a loop, generally between the Durango, Cortez and Ridgway areas. e roads go “snaking through the woods in the shadow of impressive 14,000-foot peaks,” CDOT’s webpage says
Santa Fe Trail: Runs 188 miles or about 565 miles total for Colorado and New Mexico, according to CDOT. In Colorado, it runs roughly from the Lamar area to the Trinidad area
Silver read: Runs 117 miles, roughly from the Gunnison area to the South Fork area
South Platte River Trail: Runs 19 miles in a loop roughly between the Julesburg and Ovid areas
Top of the Rockies: Runs 115 miles, generally between the Aspen and Vail areas
Tracks Across Borders: Runs 89 miles or about 125 miles total for Colorado and New Mexico, according to CDOT. In Colorado, it goes roughly from the Durango area past the Arboles area
Trail of the Ancients: Runs 116 miles or about 480 miles total for Colorado and Utah, according to CDOT. In Colorado, it goes roughly from the Four Corners Monument through the Cortez area and past the Yellow Jacket area
Unaweep Tabeguache: Runs 133 miles, generally between the Norwood area and the Whitewater area near Grand Junction
West Elk Loop: Runs 205 miles, generally between the Carbondale and Gunnison areas.
For more details about each byway, see the program’s page on the Colorado Department of Transportation website at codot.gov/travel/colorado-byways.
Fall leaves show various colors in the Guanella Pass byway area on Oct. 12 in the Georgetown area.
PHOTOS BY ELLIS ARNOLD
Colorado’s byways o Interstate 70.
Je erson, Arapahoe county churches, governments scramble for solutions after closure of Severe Weather Shelter Network
A warm place to sleep is a matter of life and death, supporters say
BY RYLEE DUNN RDUNN@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM
Local governments and nonpro ts are piecing together a plan to shelter unhoused people this winter after the nonpro t Severe Weather Shelter Network shut down permanently over the summer. e faith-based network, which coordinated emergency overnight shelter in churches during blizzards and cold snaps in Arapahoe and Je erson counties, told supporters in an August email the organization no longer has “the nancial means, and church involvement, to keep the shelters open.”
“All SWSN sta are being released and the Board is in the process of ful lling all outstanding obligations and shutting down responsibly,” the email read.
Local governments and homelessness outreach agencies say shelter during severe winter weather is a matter of life and death for those living on the streets.
In response to the void left by SWSN closing, Je erson County and Arapahoe County are working on forming severe weather committees to coordinate sheltering services.
e Tri-Cities Homeless Initiative, which serves Englewood, Littleton and Sheridan, has formed a severe weather subcommittee to review data from previous years and determine best practices for this year, City of Englewood Communications Director Chris Harguth said. at organization will be responsible for
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deciding temperature regulations for the area’s daytime shelters, which currently stand at 32 degrees with moist weather or 20 degrees with dry weather, but will be nalized by a Nov. 14 vote and acted on in “good faith” until then, Harguth said. Two nonpro ts will be in charge of coordinating overnight shelters.
In the Tri-Cities, Englewood-based Homelessness Awareness and Action Task Force will be the primary overnight shelter provider, and Movement 5280, also in Englewood, will serve as an overow shelter.
Je co is working on creating a Severe and Extreme Weather Action Plan, Je co Human Services Spokesperson Mallory Albi said.
at plan will be reliant on support from local organizations willing to use their space to shelter unhoused people. One venue that has stepped up is Mission Arvada, the homeless ministry located in e Rising Church in Olde Town Arvada.
e nonpro t’s Executive Director Karen Cowling said the church — which has provided “over ow” shelter in the past when the SWSN was full — has been scrambling to ensure it can house 40 people when the temperatures plunge below 20 degrees and/or there is at least six inches of snow. She added that if they don’t, people’s lives will be in danger.
“ is is lifesaving sheltering for unhoused individuals,” Cowling said. “We had somebody die across the street ve years ago. He was a veteran in his 30s. Since that happened, we have said we will do whatever it takes to keep people safe from the weather.”
In the south metro area (Englewood, Arapahoe County)
Englewood City Manager Shawn Lewis spoke to the severity of what SWSN closing means for unhoused people at an Aug. 12 city council meeting where Englewood approved $5,000 in “seed money” to Homelessness Awareness and Action Task Force; an organization based in the
south metro Denver area that will use a motel voucher model to provide severe weather shelter to unhoused individuals this winter.
“( e SWSN) have undoubtedly saved lots of lives by keeping people from freezing on the streets, which has happened in Englewood, but has not (happened) since we changed our city code to allow severe weather sheltering to use some of our churches,” Lewis said.
“HAAT Force does sheltering using a motel voucher program and was approached by SWSN and asked to take their client list,” Lewis continued.
HAAT Force will activate its overnight shelter system from Oct. 1 to April 30 when temperatures fall below 32 degrees with rain or snow or 20 degrees without rain or snow for three or more hours during the overnight period of 6 p.m. to 6 a.m.
HAAT Force will make the decision to open between 8 a.m. and 9 a.m., seven days a week. at decision can be made for a maximum of three days at a time.
When the shelter is open, people who are pre-registered can make reservations between 10 a.m. and noon, or until full by calling the hotline at 720-483-7864. After that window, any open spots can be claimed by non-pre-registered clients. HAAT Force can serve 20 individuals and 20 families when activated.
e City of Littleton also gave HAAT Force $5,000 in funding, while Arapahoe County Commissioners approved $112,000 in funding that was left over from a 2021 federal grant the county received to be allocated to the nonpro t.
Lewis said that Movement 5280, another homeless nonpro t based in Englewood, had also reached out about providing severe weather sheltering. Harguth con rmed that Movement 5280 will serve as an over ow shelter when HAAT Force’s capacity is reached.
e HAAT Force hotline number will be transferred to Movement 5280 be-
Sta members of Mission Arvada, the homeless ministry located at the Rising Church in Olde Town Arvada, are working to iron out the details of using the church as a severe weather shelter this winter. From left: Vera Ananda, volunteer coordinator; Karen Cowling, executive director; Christine Thurston, church based shelter coordinator.
PHOTO BY RYLEE DUNN
tween 2 and 5 p.m. when there is a need for over ow sheltering. Movement 5280’s shelter will be open at 6 p.m. and doors will close for the night at 9 p.m.
Movement 5280 is able to serve 30 clients a night when activated, Harguth said, which, combined with HAAT Force’s capacity, “is greater than the demand we’ve seen in previous years,” Harguth said.
“(We) are con dent we will be able to serve clients that need services,” Harguth continued.
In the west metro area (Je erson County, Broomfield and Adams County)
Across the region, a number of organizations with di erent standards to activate shelters will seek to ll in this winter.
In Je erson County, RecoveryWorks in Lakewood will be activated for sheltering when temperatures reach 32 degrees with precipitation or 20 degrees and no precipitation; e MAC in Westminster will be activated when temperatures reach zero degrees; the EChO Shelter in Evergreen will be open every night from mid-October to April; and e Rising/ Mission Arvada will be open when temperatures fall below 20 degrees and/or six inches of snow falls from November to the end of March.
Broom eld and Adams counties will continue to utilize the Severe Weather Activation Program, a hotel voucher system run by Brighton-based nonpro t Almost Home for people who have documented ties to either of the two counties. ose vouchers are available when temperatures reach 32 degrees and wet, or 20 degrees and dry.
An email from HAAT Force Executive
Director Sienna McGrath to community organizations also said that Mean Street Ministry in Lakewood has “served alongside SWSN and will continue to serve.”
A spokesperson for the City of Arvada
“has paused plans” to use the recently purchased Early College of Arvada building as a severe weather shelter. e use of the building has been the source of public outcry since plans to use it as a homeless navigation center were publicized.
Albi said that Je erson County Public Health will be in charge of activating the Severe and Extreme Weather Action Plan due to “their expertise on safety and wellbeing in extreme temperatures.”
Many churches that were formerly part of SWSN refused to reopen their doors after the coordinating nonpro t shuttered, according to Cowling — though she added that some local churches, including Storyline Church, Arvada Vineyard and Spirit of Christ Catholic Church have agreed to aid with volunteering during nights where e Rising is activated for sheltering.
“If we open our building as a host site this season, we need them (other churches) to provide food donations and volunteers,” Cowling said.
“ e faith community of Arvada has been really supportive,” Mission Arvada Volunteer Coordinator Christine urston said. “ ey’re coming together to coordinate a weekly volunteer calendar for the months that we are open.”
urston also said that Je erson County approved the funding for two mobile cold weather warming stations that will be deployed in di erent cities when needed but added that the county wasn’t sure if they would be ready to deploy this winter.
A spokesperson for the county did not respond to multiple requests to con rm this information by press time.
Colorado brewers collect 38 medals at Great American Beer Festival
e Colorado Brewers Guild has announced the 34 Colorado breweries that collected a total of 38 medals among 102 beer styles at the Great American Beer festival competition, which took place Oct. 10-12 in Denver.
e competition drew 8,970 entries from 1,773 breweries across the United States.
Produced by the Brewers Association, GABF is the nation’s largest professional beer competition. Its medals are globally acknowledged as an emblem of brewing excellence and among the most sought after accolades within the brewing community.
e Colorado Brewers Guild is a nonpro t trade association with the mission to promote, protect and propel independent craft breweries through advocacy, community, education and public awareness.
For the full list of 2024 GABF medalists, including the 38 medal winners from Colorado, visit GreatAmericanBeerFestival.com.
GoWest Credit Union Association announces 2024 awards
Credit unions have a long history of community value and impact, and there are two Colorado winners who are good examples of that.
Fitzsimmons Credit Union Colorado won the Community Impact award. is award goes to a credit union that has demonstrated the value of its unique structure through a comprehensive approach to community impact. Fitzsimmons strengthens its community through a commitment to serving and empowering Hispanic and immigrant consumers.
e Young Professional of the Year award was won by Scott Sager from Colorado Credit Union. He was instrumental in establishing his local Young Credit Union Professionals group. Sager also helped found the Wyoming Young Credit Union Professionals group.
To view the list of all the winners, visit gowestassociation.org/2024/10/17/ gowest-announces-2024-award-winners.
A jack-o’-lantern candy bucket is an essential when it comes to trick-or-treating. And through the years, the di erent colored candy buckets have taken on speci c meanings with a goal to bring awareness to various medical conditions. However, some of the movements have gained criticism.
e idea of inclusion was the premise of the Blue Bucket for Autism , which stems from 2018 after a parent posted on Facebook that her autistic son would be trickor-treating with a blue bucket. It ignited a national movement.
Movements aimed at bringing awareness are wonderful, said Keri Sawyer, a child therapist and owner of Bloom Child erapists in Parker. But, parents shouldn’t feel like they have to take part, she added.
“I don’t think that at any point a child or their parents should feel like they need to have a speci c color bucket or disclose any speci c information about their child in order to receive empathy and acceptance,” said Sawyer.
While the movement was created to promote awareness for trick-or-treaters with autism and those who are nonspeaking, some say that children shouldn’t have to “advertise” their medical diagnosis just
to be included fairly.
“If our children could thrive on good intentions, then the blue ‘autism’ Halloween buckets would be a wild success,” said Brittany Yarbrough, a Littleton mom. “Unfortunately, that’s just not how it works.”
Yarbrough understands the challenges as her son has motor planning di culties and hypotonia, a condition that causes decreased muscle tone.
Autism is a bio-neurological developmental disability and impacts one’s social interaction, communication skills and cognitive function. It a ects one in 36 children, according to the National
Association. While autism varies person to person, about 40% of children with autism do not speak.
Elizabeth Bennet, a psychologist at Children’s Hospital Colorado, said Halloween can be di cult for a lot of people for various reasons, including it being a change of routine or it creating social anxiety.
While she believes the idea of the colored buckets movement can be helpful to raise awareness for certain medical conditions or disabilities, she doesn’t think that trick-or-treaters should have to carry some sort of marker that identi es their diagnosis in order to have the same access that every other child does on Hal-
loween.
“In my imaginary ideal world, everybody has awareness that we don’t know each other’s whole story, and that people can behave di erently for a lot of di erent reasons, and that we don’t get to set expectations for other people,” said Bennet.
“We don’t live in that ideal world yet.”
Jessica Vestal, whose son is nonverbal and has trouble performing tasks, has watched as adults have told her son, “no candy until you say trick-or-treat!”
“Whether they are unable to say trickor-treat, have to use an AAC device, have no way to say it at all or are carrying a specially-colored pumpkin, each kid deserves to participate in something fun,” said Vestal.
Both Vestal and Yarbrough believe the movement was created with good intentions, but wonder why there needs to be a color-coded system to be accepting and inclusive of all abilities. Yarbrough added that displaying a child’s diagnosis has the potential to increase the risk that the child will be mistreated or bullied.
“I love when people choose to sit at the end of their driveway to hand out treats, since narrow walkways and steps to the front door are di cult to manage for those in wheelchairs or (those who have) mobility issues,” said Yarbrough.
Having worked with neurodivergent children, Sawyer has had parents ask her about the di erent colored buckets. She said it should be more about“if they would like to, not that they should have to — and let the child lead on that decision.
Similar to Bennet, Sawyer hopes that
Autism
BUCKETS
people answering doors will answer with empathy and a willingness to be accepting of all individuals and use Halloween as a time to show kindness to neighbors.
For three consecutive years, Sawyer participated in the Town of Parker’s Trunk or Treat event because she enjoys the opportunity to allow families to have a little more control of the environment. She appreciates the inclusivity that the rst hour of the event is sensory-friendly because it creates a safer and more accessible environment.
Whether a family chooses to carry a blue bucket to raise awareness of autism or if they feel uncomfortable with it, Sawyer encourages letting the child lead on how they want to do Halloween.
“ ere’s no wrong way of doing it,” said Sawyer. “So having a good time within your child’s capacity is really important.”
Other color meanings
Children may carry a di erent colored bucket because it’s their favorite color. But, these colors have taken on meanings. For example, pink for breast cancer awareness and red for driving under the in uence.
In 2012, after facing challenges due to having epilepsy, a young boy in Connecticut wanted to raise awareness for the medical condition. He decided to paint a pumpkin purple and his family shared it on Facebook. With more than 3.4 million people living with epilepsy in the country, the initiative soon gained national recognition and the Epilepsy Foundation launched the Purple Pumpkin Project. Colored pumpkins can also be seen on people’s front porches to indicate to trickor-treaters and their families that it is an
inclusive home. Besides the traditional orange pumpkins, another common color to see is teal.
e Teal Pumpkin Project was created to promote food safety and inclusion of those who have food allergies.
According to the Centers for Disease
Control and Prevention, one in 13 children have a food allergy. erefore, having options other than candy helps children feel included. Non-edible treat ideas include Halloween erasers, novelty toys, vampire fangs, spider rings and bouncy balls.
e Food Allergy Research and Education nonpro t organization provides a map of houses that have non-food treats as well as free printable signs, ideas for non-food treats and facts about di erent types of candy. ese can be found at tinyurl.com/5eac8f4c.
Blue Halloween candy buckets available at stores across the metro area. The Blue Bucket for Autism movement was started in 2018 and has gained national attention; however, some criticize it.
PHOTO BY HALEY LENA
Evergreen boys soccer enjoys first 10-win season in years
Cougars eye playo s after dominant 2024 run
e Evergreen boys soccer team is gearing up for its rst playo appearance since 2018. e Cougars have had up-and-down seasons in the win column and a tough Je co League for a few years. But in 2024, Evergreen looks as dominant as any boys soccer team in the metro area.
e Cougars are 10-3 overall and 8-1 in the 4A/3A Je co League, with their only league loss suffered to the 11-0-1 Wheat Ridge Farmers. Wheat Ridge remained undefeated in league play after an electric rollercoaster win over Evergreen on Oct. 15. In just 90 seconds, three goals were exchanged between the teams with Wheat Ridge winning 2-1 in a nailbiter.
“We haven’t made playo s in a few years. We are taking that personally,” Evergreen senior captain Isaac Arnold told Dennis Pleuss after the Cougars’ 4-1 victory over Bear Creek in September. “We want to win league and make a
showing in playo s.”
ough playo s are on the horizon, the Cougars could have clinched the league with a win over the Farmers. It would have been the program’s rst league championship since 2015.
If Wheat Ridge wins out, they win the league. But it’s still up in the air for Evergreen, Wheat Ridge and Golden depending on how the nal week of the regular season plays out.
Until the narrow loss to Wheat Ridge, the Cougars enjoyed an eight-game win streak against all Je co League opponents. During the steak, the Cougars outscored their opponents 35-3. e other two losses for Evergreen were back in Week 3 against Air Academy (a 2-0 loss) and Week 4 against Columbine (3-1).
e 2024 season has been a lightning rod for the Cougars who have had relatively mediocre seasons in recent years. Last season Evergreen nished 6-6-1. In years prior, the Cougars had middling seasons:
• 5-8-2 in 2022-23
• 7-6-2 in 2021-22
• 6-3-1 in 2020-21
• 5-9 in 2019-20
• 7-9 in 2018-19
• 6-9 in 2017-18
e Cougars’s 2024 start is the rst 10-win season since the 201617 team when Evergreen nished 10-6-2. It was the year following the dominant 17-2-1 season when the Cougars won the league and clinched the 4A state championship, the program’s second alltime and rst since 1989.
e team is led by seven seniors eager to return to postseason play.
Senior Nico Seaman leads Evergreen with 13 goals on the season, followed by Arnold (nine) and junior Will Rapp (eight). Junior Callum Mo at and Arnold lead the team with eight assists, and senior goalie Liam Kelly has 79 saves.
Evergreen’s nal two games of the season are at rival Conifer on Oct. 22 and at Battle Mountain on Oct. 24. en, all eyes shift to the playo s and making the most of a promising year.
Editor’s note: is story went to press before the Cougars’ nal two regular-season games. View updated stats and more at MaxPreps. com.
Evergreen junior Callum Mo att (11) goes after the ball during the Cougars’ Class 4A Je co League game against Wheat Ridge on Tuesday, Oct. 15, at the North Area Athletic Complex.
PHOTOS BY DENNIS PLEUSS/JEFFCO PUBLIC SCHOOLS
Evergreen junior Isaac Arnold (8) goes up for a header Tuesday, Oct. 15, at the North Area Athletic Complex.
Millions of aging Americans are facing dementia by themselves
BY JUDITH GRAHAM KFF HEALTH NEWS
Sociologist Elena Portacolone was taken aback. Many of the older adults in San Francisco she visited at home for a research project were confused when she came to the door. ey’d forgotten the appointment or couldn’t remember speaking to her.
It seemed clear they had some type of cognitive impairment. Yet they were living alone.
Portacolone, an associate professor at the University of California-San Francisco, wondered how common this was. Had anyone examined this group? How were they managing?
When she reviewed the research literature more than a decade ago, there was little there. “I realized this is a largely invisible population,” she said.
Portacolone got to work and now leads the Living Alone With Cognitive Impairment Project at UCSF. e project estimates that that at least 4.3 million people 55 or older who have cognitive impairment or dementia live alone in the United States.
About half have trouble with daily activities such as bathing, eating, cooking, shopping, taking medications, and managing money, according to their research. But only 1 in 3 received help with at least one such activity.
Compared with other older adults who live by themselves, people living alone with cognitive impairment are older, more likely to be women, and disproportionately Black or Latino, with lower lev-
Denise Baker, a former CIA analyst, lives alone in a 100-year-old house in Asheville, North Carolina. She has cognitive problems related to a stroke 28 years ago, Alzheimer’s disease, and serious vision impairment. With help from a few artist friends, she throws ceramic pots about six days a week. “I’m a very independent person and I find that I want to do everything I possibly can for myself,” Baker says. “It makes me feel better about myself.”
DEMENTIA
els of education, wealth, and homeownership. Yet only 21% qualify for publicly funded programs such as Medicaid that pay for aides to provide services in the home.
In a health care system that assumes older adults have family caregivers to help them, “we realized this population is destined to fall through the cracks,” Portacolone said.
Imagine what this means. As memory and thinking problems accelerate, these seniors can lose track of bills, have their electricity shut o , or be threatened with eviction. ey might stop shopping (it’s too overwhelming) or cooking (it’s too hard to follow recipes). Or they might be unable to communicate clearly or navigate automated phone systems.
A variety of other problems can ensue, including social isolation, malnutrition, self-neglect, and susceptibility to scams. Without someone to watch over them, older adults on their own may experience worsening health without anyone noticing or struggle with dementia without ever being diagnosed.
Should vulnerable seniors live this way?
For years, Portacolone and her collaborators nationwide have followed nearly 100 older adults with cognitive impairment who live alone. She listed some concerns people told researchers they worried most about: “Who do I trust? When is the next time I’m going to forget? If I think I need more help, where do I nd it? How do I hide my forgetfulness?”
Jane Lowers, an assistant professor at the Emory University School of Medicine, has been studying “kinless” adults in the
BERGEN PARK CHURCH
early stages of dementia — those without a live-in partner or children nearby. eir top priority, she told me, is “remaining independent for as long as possible.”
Seeking to learn more about these seniors’ experiences, I contacted the National Council of Dementia Minds. e organization last year started a biweekly online group for people living alone with dementia. Its sta ers arranged a Zoom conversation with ve people, all with early-to-moderate dementia.
One was Kathleen Healy, 60, who has signi cant memory problems and lives alone in Fresno, California.
“One of the biggest challenges is that people don’t really see what’s going on with you,” she said. “Let’s say my house is a mess or I’m sick or I’m losing track of my bills. If I can get myself together, I can walk out the door and nobody knows what’s going on.”
An administrator with the city of Fresno for 28 years, Healy said she had to retire in 2019 “because my brain stopped working.” With her pension, she’s able to cover her expenses, but she doesn’t have signicant savings or assets.
Healy said she can’t rely on family members who have troubles of their own.
(Her 83-year-old mother has dementia and lives with Healy’s sister.) e person who checks on her most frequently is an ex-boyfriend.
“I don’t really have anybody,” she said, choking up.
David West, 62, is a divorced former social worker with Lewy body dementia, which can impair thinking and concentration and cause hallucinations. He lives alone in an apartment in downtown Fort Worth, Texas.
“I will not survive this in the end — I know that — but I’m going to meet this with resilience,” he said when I spoke with
him by phone in June.
Since his diagnosis nearly three years ago, West has lled his life with exercise and joined three dementia support groups. He spends up to 20 hours a week volunteering, at a restaurant, a food bank, a museum, and Dementia Friendly Fort Worth.
Still, West knows that his illness will progress and that this period of relative independence is limited. What will he do then? Although he has three adult children, he said, he can’t expect them to take him in and become dementia caregivers — an extraordinarily stressful, time-intensive, nancially draining commitment.
“I don’t know how it’s going to work out,” he said.
Denise Baker, 80, a former CIA analyst, lives in a 100-year-old house in Asheville, North Carolina, with her dog, Yolo. She has cognitive problems related to a stroke 28 years ago, Alzheimer’s disease, and serious vision impairment that prevents her from driving. Her adult daughters live in Massachusetts and Colorado.
“I’m a very independent person, and I nd that I want to do everything I possibly can for myself,” Baker told me, months before Asheville was ravaged by severe ooding. “It makes me feel better about myself.”
She was lucky in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene: Baker lives on a hill in West Asheville that was untouched by oodwaters. In the week immediately after the storm, she lled water jugs every day at an old well near her house and brought them back in a wheelbarrow. ough her power was out, she had plenty of food and neighbors looked in on her.
“I’m absolutely ne,” she told me on the phone in early October after a member of Dementia Friendly Western North Carolina drove to Baker’s house to check in
on her, upon my request. Baker is on the steering committee of that organization. Baker once found it hard to ask for assistance, but these days she relies routinely on friends and hired help. A few examples: Elaine takes her grocery shopping every Monday. Roberta comes once a month to help with her mail and nances. Jack mows her lawn. Helen o ers care management advice. Tom, a cab driver she connected with through Buncombe County’s transportation program for seniors, is her go-to guy for errands. Her daughter Karen in Boston has the authority to make legal and health care decisions when Baker can no longer do so. When that day comes — and Baker knows it will — she expects her long-term care insurance policy to pay for home aides or memory care. Until then, “I plan to do as much as I can in the state I’m in,” she said.
Much can be done to better assist older adults with dementia who are on their own, said Elizabeth Gould, co-director of the National Alzheimer’s and Dementia Resource Center at RTI International, a nonpro t research institute. “If health care providers would just ask ‘Who do you live with?’” she said, “that could open the door to identifying who might need more help.”
We’re eager to hear from readers about questions you’d like answered, problems you’ve been having with your care, and advice you need in dealing with the health care system. Visit k healthnews. org/columnists to submit your requests or tips.
KFF Health News is a national newsroom that produces in-depth journalism about health issues and is one of the core operating programs at KFF — an independent source of health policy research, polling, and journalism.
WORSHIP DIRECTORY
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: 10 a.m.
Wednesday evening: 7p.m: (Zoom only Nov.1st-Mar. 31st.)
Visit: www.christianscienceevergreen.com for more information and ZOOM link
Serving the mountain community from the heart of Evergreen Worship 10:00 a.m.
Reverend Richard Aylor
O ce Hours: Tu-Thur 9:00 - 4:00; Fri 9:00 - noon Bu alo Park Road and Hwy 73 www.churchofthehills.com
CHURCH OF THE TRANSFIGURATION EPISCOPAL
In-Church: Sunday Communion Quiet Service 8:00 am & with Music 10:15 am 10:15 am only Zoom: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86017266569
In-Meadow: 2nd Sunday of the month at 9:30 a.m. --June through September— 27640 Highway 74 – ¼ mile east of downtown Evergreen at the Historic Bell Tower www.transfigurationevergreen.org
CONGREGATION BETH EVERGREEN (SYNAGOGUE)
Reconstructionist Synagogue
Rabbi Jamie Arnold www.BethEvergreen.org / (303) 670-4294 2981 Bergen Peak Drive (behind Life Care)
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
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”
CAREERS
Help 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 and 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 and 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 11/03/2024. EOE.
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24, 2024
Last Publication: October 24, 2024 Publisher: Canyon Courier
Public Notice
NOTICE AS TO PROPOSED 2025 BUDGET AND HEARING BELLEVIEW VILLAGE METROPOLITAN DISTRICT
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that a proposed budget has been submitted to the BELLEVIEW VILLAGE METROPOLITAN DISTRICT (the “District”) for the ensuing year of 2025. A copy of such proposed budget has been filed in the office of CliftonLarsonAllen LLP, 8390 East Crescent Parkway, Suite 300, Greenwood Village, Colorado, where the same is open for public inspection. Such proposed budget will be considered at a hearing at the meeting of the District to be held at 11:00 A.M., on Monday, November 18, 2024.
The location and additional information regarding the meeting will be available on the meeting notice posted on the District’s website at https://www.belleviewvillagemd.com/ at least 24-hours in advance of the meeting.
Any interested elector within the District may inspect the proposed budget and file or register any objections at any time prior to the final adoption of the 2025 budget.
BY ORDER OF THE
BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF THE DISTRICT:
By: /s/ ICENOGLE | SEAVER | POGUE
A Professional Corporation
Legal Notice No. CAN 1689
First Publication: October 24, 2024
Last Publication: October 24, 2024
Publisher: Canyon Courier
Public Notice
NOTICE AS TO PROPOSED 2025 BUDGET AND AMENDMENT OF 2024 BUDGET
DAKOTA RIDGE METROPOLITAN DISTRICT
JEFFERSON COUNTY, COLORADO
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN, pursuant to Sections 29-1-108 and 109, C.R.S., that a proposed budget has been submitted to the Board of Directors of the Dakota Ridge Metropolitan District (the “District”) for the ensuing year of 2025. The necessity may also arise for the amendment of the 2024 budget of the District. Copies of the proposed 2025 budget and 2024 amended budget (if appropriate) are on file in the office of the District’s Accountant, CliftonLarsonAllen LLP, 8390 E. Crescent Parkway, Suite 300, Greenwood Village, Colorado 80111, where same are available for public inspection. Such proposed 2025 budget and 2024 amended budget will be considered at a regular meeting to be held on November 6, 2024 at 6:00 p.m. via video and teleconfer-
ence. The meeting will be open to the public. You can attend the meeting in any of the following ways:
To attend via video conference, enter the following link: https://teams.microsoft.com/l/meetup-join/19%3ameeting_MzRiNjVlMTYtNjM3Yy00NGI4LWExMGUtYTE1NWI3N2NjZmE5%40thread.v2/0?context=%7b%22Tid%22%3a%224aaa468e-93ba4ee3-ab9f-6a247aa3ade0%22%2c%22Oid %22%3a%225b9f6fa2-e9dd-42cc-bfd8-f7dd2ed196a6%22%7d
To attend via telephone conference, dial 1-720-547-5281 and when prompted, enter the following information:
Phone Conference ID: 381 352 7#
Any interested elector within the District may, at any time prior to the final adoption of the 2025 budget or the 2024 amended budget, inspect the 2025 budget and the 2024 amended budget and file or register any objections thereto.
DAKOTA RIDGE METROPOLITAN DISTRICT
/s/ Denise Denslow Manager for the District Legal Notice No. CAN 1688 First
Public Notice
NOTICE OF BUDGET
Notice is hereby given that a proposed budget has been submitted to the Board of Directors of the MOUNTAIN VIEW FIRE PROTECTION DISTRICT for the 2025 budget year. A copy of the proposed budget is located in the administration office at 3561 N. Stagecoach Road, Longmont, Colorado, and is available for public inspection.
Tuesday, November 5, 2024 between the hours of 7:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m. said election will be conducted as a mail ballot election.
At said election, the registered electors of the Town of Morrison will vote on the following Town trustee candidates and ballot question:
CANDIDATES FOR TRUSTEES: Three (3) Trustee Positions
Sean Forey Krista Paul Nash
QUESTION 2F: Shall Section 2.7 of the Town of Morrison Charter be amended to read as follows: SECTION 2.7. VACANCIES
The Board of Trustees has the power, by appointment, to fill all vacancies on the Board, including Mayor, or any other office, and the person so appointed shall hold office until the next regular election and until a successor is elected and takes the oath of office. The Board may also order has the power to fill a vacancy on the Board, including Mayor, by ordering an a special election to fill the vacancy until a successor has been elected following the next reg-
ular election. A special election may not be ordered to fill a vacancy if the vacancy occurs ninety 120 days or less before a regular election. If a vacancy on the Board, including Mayor, is not filled by appointment within sixty days of the date of the vacancy, and no regular election is scheduled within ninety days of the date the vacancy occurs, then a special election must be called as soon as practicable to fill the vacancy until the next regular election and until a successor has been elected and qualified.
Ballots will be mailed to registered voters beginning October 11, 2024. The last day to request a ballot to be mailed is October 28, 2024. Ballots may be returned to a Ballot Drop-off location, a Voter Service and Polling Center, or you may return your voted ballot by mail. Ballots must be received by 7:00 PM on Election Day, November 5, 2024
A 24-hour ballot drop box: Jefferson County Administration Building 100 Jefferson County Parkway Golden, Colorado 80419
Columbine Library 7706 W Bowles, Littleton, CO 80123
Ballots may be deposited in the ballot drop box until 7:00 p.m. on Election Day, November 5, 2024.
