Life Above 7000 February 2025 by Colorado Community Media

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From the Publisher

Living above 7000 ft in wintertime harkens cozy times in front of the fire, hearty meals, and getting outdoors to enjoy the snow. Our winter issue of Life Above 7000 (LA7K) enlightens you on hut trips and local snow activities. People who “ain’t from around here” often think we just don’t get out because it’s cold. But we know it’s all about the right attitude and the right clothes!

Speaking of outdoor clothes and sports, read about the Boone family in this issue. We also update you on the real

IN THIS ISSUE

estate market, and since spring is around the corner, we give you some insight on selecting a listing agent if you are thinking of selling. And please see our information on Page 9 about our annual Sparkle for Special Needs contest, raising money for the INSPIRE program. Donate before Valentine’s Day and take a chance on winning a diamond necklace!

Your friends at PandoraJohnProperties… John, Pandora, Patrick, and Jenna

DEEP TRACKS ... the story behind the sale!

Serendipitous occurrences when buying a home can lead to unexpected perks...

Most transactions get to the closing table without too many issues. But sometimes real estate is a total dumpster ﬁre...

Photo by Tom Schreiner

CREATING ELEVATED HOMES

TIMELESS & ELEGANT DESIGN

PROVIDING RESIDENTIAL INTERIOR DESIGN AND PROJECT MANAGEMENT SERVICES AND OFFERING TIMELESS FINISHES, FURNISHINGS, AND DÉCOR TAILORED TO EACH CLIENT.

WE COLLABORATE WITH ARCHITECTS AND BUILDERS TO CRAFT BEAUTIFULLY DETAILED AND FUNCTIONAL SPACES.

UPCOMING 2025 EVENTS

Cooking Up Restaurant Success in the Foothills

We delight in our local foothills restaurants….cheering them on when they open and eagerly supporting them. But too often we are in mourning, as many of them just don’t make it. What separates the successful eating establishments from those that fail? We took to the streets to find out, interviewing five of our local restaurateurs.

The restaurant business is not easy in any location, but up here it’s even harder. With a small population the focus on the most important things is key. “It’s a combination of product, price, atmosphere and service,” according to Rick Egloff, owner of Tuscany Tavern for 24 years. And you can’t get complacent about any of it he adds. “People who live here are not uneducated diners.” says Tiffani Packer, who along

with husband and chef Rand Packer, are owners of Evoke 1923 and Murphy’s among others. They tell their staff that when the doors are unlocked, “the curtain is about to open.” Everyone must be on! She adds that you cannot put out a bad product or have poor service. Staff must be continually trained, and it’s hard work keeping good staff. Staffing was a challenge mentioned by all, as the foothills doesn’t have a deep pool of workers due to the high cost of living up here. Not to mention that the restaurant business is demanding work. Nonetheless, all are proud of their staff retention rate and view that as crucial to their success. Megan and Gary Mitchell, owners of Cactus Jacks for 23 years, kept their entire staff of 15-20 employees all the way through Covid.

They are still paying back Covid-era loans, but are grateful. Megan says their consistent hours, continual training, and being open to learning new ways has contributed to their long-term success.

Terry Varyu of Blackbird Café has seen her restaurant thrive since purchasing it 8 years ago. She says success comes down to a lot of physical labor. She works side by side everyday with her staff and is constantly re-evaluating all things from food to service to systems. It was quite a learning curve she adds, and laughingly recounts a few doozies in the early days. But like the other restauranteurs, constantly training staff and creating a positive family-like atmosphere is paramount to providing the service customers expect.

And the food? Yes, that’s also of great importance. Tiffani Packer says that one always has to keep in mind that someone worked an hour or more to pay for their meal. Offering value while providing the best product you can is always a balance, especially with rising costs.

Rick at Tuscany says “It can be a challenge to turn a profit and also have customers feel good about the value.” Small restaurants are not high profit businesses. JR Iannaccone, owner of Bistro Del Lago agrees, and adds, you must stick to the model that works for your restaurant. “Consistency is everything.” says JR, and for him, a smaller menu allows him to provide the high-quality food he is passionate about, coupled with good service.

When asked about marketing, all these

restauranteurs promote their businesses, many in print and especially on social media. But it’s also about being involved in the community. Giving back through sponsorships are what most do with their advertising dollars. JR says part of being successful is that “you have to care about this community organically.”

So, what is the bottom line for restaurant success in the foothills? It’s evident that creating a welcoming atmosphere and providing a skilled service team is key to every restaurant’s success. It also involves a lot of hard work, vision and passion for the business, care for employees, expert management, quality food & value, a focus on people, and giving back to the community. We are fortunate to have so many hands-on, hardworking and caring restaurant owners. You can’t take anything for granted said both Megan Mitchell and Rick Egloff, each with over two decades in the business, “We still have to earn it.” And they all certainly are!

By Pandora Erlandson

Getting Outdoors

Foothills Winter Sports

Sometimes I feel like living in Evergreen is like living in a ski resort town, just without the big resort! We’re a world away from Denver, but really only a half hour... and going up to the resorts we’re always fighting ski traffic. So, let’s talk about some ways to celebrate winter in our own back yard.

Of course, we have all the great restaurants, lake concerts, small town get togethers, 300 days of sunshine and 90 inches of snow every year, which makes the perfect environment to live, work and play. But let’s say you want to get a few runs in on your skis or snowboard. Echo Mountain is only 20 minutes up Highway 103, offering intermediate terrain with individual day lift tickets, season passes, night skiing, rental equipment and so much more. Their newest attraction is their tubing hill – fun for the whole family of all ability levels, day or night! The word seems to be out that Echo Mountain is a great place to be, so check their website for reservations before you head up.

Speaking of tubing, have you seen all the great places to sled in Evergreen? We have any number of great steeps, probably in walking distance in most neighborhoods. On the north side of town, we have

With so many winter sports options right here in our backyards, it’s a wonder we ever leave!

the 15th fairway at Hiwan, where you can usually see some high schoolers learning how to build mid run kickers. And at the Evergreen Golf Course you are likely to see families taking runs across the 18th and 9th fairways. The “S” turns between Cub Creek and Bell Parks on Hwy 73 heading toward Marshdale is a great place to set up with tons of parking on the side of 73. And don’t forget about our Indian Hills gem on Parmalee Gulch next to Pence Park where there is definitely a little hiking involved to get that first ride in, but totally worth it!

For those who like a little more peace and quiet, one of my favorite places to snowshoe (or cross-country ski) is the Beaver Brook Watershed trail. With multiple trailheads along Hwy 103, you are sure to find that solitude you may have been craving, and you can go back in the woods as far as you dare!

And if you can’t find your mittens or just need a new jacket or base layer, Boone Mountain Sports has been outfitting locals nearly 40 years now. They also offer rentals for all shapes, sizes, ages

and abilities – and don’t miss the sandwiches and brews upstairs.

With so many winter sports options right here in our backyards, it’s a wonder we ever leave!

By Patrick McMenaman

How Do You Find a Good (Fabulous) Listing Agent?

Choosing a good listing agent for your home is of utmost importance. Your chosen agent is handling a large financial transaction for you. Your agent should be an expert at writing contracts and resolutions, handling negotiations to your benefit, coordinating and managing expectations of multiple parties in the transaction, adhering to deadlines, implementing effective marketing, and providing frequent, open & honest communication. Whew!

All to say, take choosing an agent very seriously. When seeking an agent, start your research on the internet for the agents you are considering. Look at their website, reviews, and their past listings. (Some agents have their entire brokerage listings on their website - check the the agent’s actual listings. A good place for this is Zillow.) When viewing their listings, note how well they are presented. Are there professional photos, in a commonsense order for the viewer, and labeled where needed? It’s not expensive to include a 3D walk through and floor plans too. Do they include all the necessary information and is

the description well written? These types of details reflect the care and professionalism of the agent. Online presentation is key, and we agents have OMG moments when we view cell phone photos being used! In addition to their listings, check out agent’s reviews on Zillow and Google. They will likely all be positive, but it’s good to see what traits stand out in these reviews, and how they match up with what’s important to you.

Productivity and experience matter too. While it might be nice to help someone new to the real estate business, be sure they have expert guidance, and they are a foothills agent familiar with all the intricacies of handling mountain properties. We often find ourselves coaching “down the hill” agents so that they don’t completely mishandle the transaction. The reality is every transaction has its own challenges. Usually, the more sales an agent has completed, the more nimbly and expertly one can handle the bumps in the road. An experienced and full-time agent with a strong track record knows how to market, how to

handle challenges, and has a keen understanding of the current real estate dynamics.

A few other questions to ask of agents are how much of the process do they handle, what are their marketing strategies, and what are the commissions and fees. Be sure they have given you a realistic and honest market analysis on your home, not just pricing to get the listing.

Lastly, during the interview process,

how well do you connect with the agent? Do you anticipate a strong communicative relationship? This is a person who will be your advisor, your negotiator, and the one who will guide you through perhaps your most important financial transaction.

We are fortunate to have a lot of good agents in the foothills, and (shameless plug) none better than the agents at Madison & Co. Whomever you choose, take the time to choose well!

5th Annual Sparkle for Special Needs!

e PandoraJohnProperties real estate team at Madison & Company is excited to present the 5th annual drawing to bene t EPRD's INSPIRE (special needs) program which helps local people with disabilities have fun activities. Just in time for Valentine’s Day, you have the chance to own this beautiful diamond necklace valued at $1,500, and support a worthy cause –a win-win combo!

e PJP team has purchased this gorgeous necklace, and all you do is enter to win. Visit our website to register with a suggested $20 donation. 100% of your donation goes to INSPIRE.

e idea was the brainchild of our friend and client Suzanne Cannon, longtime jeweler and expert. Since its inception, over $24,000 has been raised to bene t the EPRD INSPIRE special needs program. We are incredibly grateful for the participation and community support.

e drawing will be held Tuesday, February 11th, just in time for Valentine’s Day. Be sure to enter by Feb. 10th for the chance to win this fabulous diamond necklace. It’s almost Valentine’s Day, and what a way to express love and support, not only for those you hold dear, but for those in our community who need our help.

Winter Hut Trip!

Upon moving to Colorado, this little hiker was keen to do a winter trip to one of the famed 10th Mountain Division backcountry huts. With telemark skis, climbing skins and heavy packs, our eager group of friends ventured to our first hut in 1990. Thirty-four years of hut trips and now in our sixties, the desire hasn’t waned! What’s so special about a hut trip? It’s rewarding, fun, magical, beautiful and filled with camaraderie. Imagine a warm and comforting log hut, sitting around the fire with good friends, peering out onto the quiet and snowy landscape and looking forward to a grand meal together after a day’s ski. All far from the hectic world. Hut trips create deep bonds as there is something about the shared toil of the day getting to the hut, preparing meals together, playing fireside card games and just living simply. It’s magical to be in nature’s glittering snowscape, to feel the wind on a high snowy ridge, to see the dark skies and abundance of stars…to slow down and recharge.

Can anyone do a hut trip? Yes and no. Many huts are doable even for novices or those not in robust shape. Some are very short to get to, just 2-3 miles, and one can snowshoe instead of ski. Having said that, participants must be in reasonable shape and able to carry a backpack. Probably most important, one must welcome a little challenge, and have the mental ability to handle the occasional

uncomfortable - a little tired, a little cold, or sometimes hot and sweaty! Whiners are not a good thing on hut trips. But we look out for each other. In all the years of hut trips, we have never had a disaster, but have shared carrying someone’s pack who was too spent, fixed each other’s broken equipment (long live duct tape!), given out extra clothes and dry gloves…and any misery is forgotten when we reach the hut! The physical challenge is part of the appeal, and the reward, of a hut trip.

We are immensely fortunate to have many huts in Colorado - 38 of them are handled by the 10th Mountain Hut Division. The huts are varied, but all at minimum have bunks, wood, water (melted snow), outhouses or composting toilets, and propane stoves. Folks bring food, sleeping bags and clothes, etc. There is hut etiquette, safety considerations and many more hut planning details, all of which can be found at www.huts.org.

If you love the outdoors, hut trips are diamonds in a life experience and hard to replicate in any other way. Let’s do it! 10th Mountain Hut Division: www.huts.org

Other Winter Overnight Opportunities: Yurts: https://www.yonder-yurts.com/ Tennessee Pass Cookhouse & Yurts: https://www.tennesseepass.com/

2024 Recap

This data covers the entire foothills area, from I-70 on the north to Bailey on Hwy 285 on the south. What’s happening in your particular neighborhood and price point will vary from these overall ﬁgures, which is why it is important to contact your Madison broker for speciﬁc information. Chart prepared by Tupper Briggs.

CONSTANCE BIERKAN

When Lexie Saunders learns she is adopted and was handpicked from a line-up of baby cribs, her life is forever changed. Instead of feeling special, which is her adoptive Mother’s loving intention, Lexie becomes haunted by the birth mother who gave her up.

“In this self-assured rst novel, Bierkan is a powerfully evocative writer, and the way she depicts the bond between mother and unborn child is uncanny. A masterful adoption tale: heart-rending and life-af rming in equal measure… this is a deeply affecting story that may prove a source of comfort to those with similar adoption experiences.” - Kirkus Reviews

Set in the early 20th century, teenager Ryder Tibbs grapples with his tyrannical father on a sheep ranch in far- ung Wyoming. A poignant coming-of-age tale, Ryder suffers from his father’s violent rages and refusal to allow his son a college education. Not until Montana enters his life does Ryder’s life begin to turn around.

“Bierkan is an adept storyteller… con dent in her craft… the characters, even Ryder’s much-younger siblings (and, delightfully, his dogs), are fully eshed-out creations. Bierkan accentuates the tale’s pacing with frequent and beautiful evocations of the bucolic setting, such as, ‘the scented cold before a snowfall.’” - Kirkus Reviews

A gripping read from the very rst page, this historical ction work is set during post World war II in northern France. The lives of two women, one French and the other American will cross paths in a very unexpected and dramatic fashion.

“Bierkan appears to have done an impressive amount of research… matching historical details with a bubbling plot involving a mission to recover a collection of Hitler’s Nazi propaganda art. The author manages to evoke both the brutality of life in post-war Germany and the heedless indolence of some Americans during wartime with dramatic effectiveness” - Kirkus Reviews

A womanizing U.S. president. Gin-drinking, poker-playing, skirt-chasing Cabinet members. And a diabolical plot from the inside to usurp control of the Navy’s oil reserves… Wild and juicy stuff this. And all of it a true chapter of American history. As much as it is a historical deep dive it is also a sweet love story irresistible to book clubs and history buffs alike.

“Bierkan has certainly done her research, and she admirably endeavors to weave references to the times into the narrative. Readers will undoubtedly sit back and enjoy the drama.” - Kirkus Reviews

Beetle Kill, Beetle Kill, Beetle Kill

Bryan Nash is a Certified Wildfire Mitigation Specialist and the owner/ operator of Arbor Rx Family Tree based in Evergreen, Colorado. With his wife and two sons, they provide tree mitigation services, wildfire mitigation plans, home hardening plans, and education on all things trees and vegetation to residents carving their way in the Wildland Urban Interface today. We had a chance to sit down with Bryan to talk about some of the issues surrounding our Foothills communities and what we can be doing to help.

You’ve probably noticed it: more and more pockets of one to four dead or dying trees popping up in your neighborhood. We’re seeing it as well, and Bryan says it is time to pay attention. He calls the pine beetle kill a “compounding problem,” that we need to understand.

So what is going on here? It all starts with a vulnerable tree in the yard, weakened by drought, lightening, too much vegetation around it (crowding), mechanical damage, etc. The mountain pine beetles smell out the weakness and start to tag the tree. It fights back by pushing the pine beetles back out (pitch tubes), but since it is already weak the beetles eventually win. They plant their larvae in the core of the tree, then the larvae eat and tunnel their way through the cambium towards the bark, leaving behind that blue effect which is caused by fungi that the beetles introduce. These tunnels and fungi prevent moisture being drawn up the tree and the tree starts to die from the top down. The larvae hatch and are then on their way to the next four trees. That’s right, four. “It goes from one to four to twenty in the matter of a few seasons” says Bryan. Those little pockets that we are seeing are about to get a lot bigger, if we don’t act.

Although we may be under attack, there are things we can do. When we as the untrained homeowners see a dead tree, Bryan says it’s probably been a problem for a while. Since these problems compound, if we’re not mitigating and home hardening, more and more growth is happening, which means more fuel. All those little clusters of trees in the yard that are so nice for privacy, when they catch on fire the flames will be 3-5 times higher getting into the canopy. These are called ladder fuels and can

be problematic for keeping fire on the ground. The beetle kill trees are nice and dried out, ready to catch like a matchstick. It’s these types of issues that make the fire season year-round now. “So, you must have a plan and then stay adaptable.” Bryan recommends, because seasons, conditions, pests, they are always changing. Whether it’s a simple plan of removing the beetle kill and then injecting the other green trees around with pesticides that can keep the pine beetles away for a year at a time, or if it’s something more involved with a full 40 page assessment citing building materials to use for home hardening, wire mesh for the trellises, fire proof roofing materials, mineral wool for the eaves, etc, there are always things you can do. He was very

clear on this point though, the best time to fire mitigate is “RIGHT NOW.” And the goal of mitigation is to make it look like the big fire already came through, where all the ladder fuels, invasive species, and crowded clusters are gone, and all that remains are the healthy trees with 10’ between canopies and access to enough resources to stay healthy. Because that is the type of forest that repels the pine beetles and withstands the ground fire that passes by.

“It’s no longer about defensible space, it’s about survivable space. There are not enough firefighters to save your house, it needs to be able to stand on its own through a combination of home hardening and mitigation.”

Logan Boone, a pacesetter

Born and raised in Evergreen, Logan Boone’s connection to community started right out of the womb. That same year (1985), his parents – Jennifer and Casey Boone – opened Paragon Sports, a well respected sporting goods store on Main Street. It marked the start of a 40-year history in providing top-quality name brands when it comes to sportswear, skis, bikes, and more.

Casey and Jennifer had each graduated from high school in Evergreen, and both had a strong sense that small business was the backbone of the community.

Jennifer’s parents, Barbara and Eugene Sternberg, were the ones to write the book on Evergreen – the history book, that is – the one entitled Evergreen, our mountain community. Eugene, originally from Eastern Europe, had been a noted architect in Denver before retiring; and Barbara, who’d been born and raised in England, was a sociologist and author. They also founded Art for the Mountain Community, later named Sculpture Evergreen –the group responsible for the wide array of public art on display outdoors from Bergen Park to the lake and down Main Street.

Logan’s lineage can be traced back to Daniel Boone’s brother, Samuel, registering family on North American soil since the 1400s and in Colorado for four generations.

In 1990, the Boones bought the Sports Mine near the US Bank Building and relocated Paragon Sports there, renaming it Boone Mountain Sports, giving locals easy access to Colorado lifestyle clothing, skis, technical service, and ski rentals. Casey’s background in fitting

The notion of getting involved with community came at an early age

boots, equipment research and development, and as a mountain guide, along with having grown up skiing, made him a natural for interacting with others who shared his love for the Colorado mountains. Logan and his brother, Riley, now manage the retail establishment, “but many family members are still involved,” Logan points out.

The notion of getting involved with community came at an early age for Logan, first with serving on the board of directors for Art for the Mountain Community by the time he was in his late twenties. With nonprofits always eager to have younger people involved to carry on, Logan would soon also occupy a seat on the board of Mount Evans Hospice and Home Health Care becoming the youngest board member in the history of the organization.

Logan’s more recent involvement in a leadership role has been with the Evergreen Music Festival. For three decades the group had brought classical music to Evergreen in outdoor settings, starting with several National Repertory Orchestra concerts and a Fourth of July event, all held under a tent. Logan’s influence brought change to the type of music, thus attracting a younger crowd. The Evergreen Music Festival was more recently renamed Hops & Drops, incorporating beer tasting, and shifted to Buchanan Park. Logan has headed the group since 2020.

To accommodate the frequent summertime concerts

as well as Hops & Drops, Logan took on pressing for a permanent stage at Buchanan Park. The $600,000 project has been formally approved by the recreation district, which has committed to 50% of the funding if the Music Festival folks can raise a like amount. The 40’ x 40’ structure will have modular walls, movable to accommodate different size groups. Construction could start as early as April. “It’s been bumped to the #1 project for EPRD,” Logan says with a big grin.

In conjunction with added improvements to Buchanan

Park, Logan has been a driving force in getting approval for a skateboard park. “It’ll be a place for 15to 18-year-olds to hang out,” he notes.

With the growing number of young families and an infusion of younger entrepreneurs in Evergreen, hats off to Logan for setting an example.

by Linda Kirkpatrick LindaKirkpatrick@comcast.net

WHAT’S GOIN’ ON

Music, Events & Arts Calendar

PandoraJohnProperties ... For the Arts!

2/1 Chill Out Winterfest, 9 am – 7 pm www.evergreenrecreation.com/ 2025-02-01-chill-out-winterfest

2/5 Free Days at the Buffalo Bill Museum Free Admission Every First Wednesday

2/6- “Lore” Annual Teen Exhibition 3/8 Center for the Arts, Evergreen

2/6 Sounds of Silents presented by Ovation West Center Stage, Evergreen 6:30 pm

2/7 Wine Glass Painting Class | Aspen Peak Cellars Bailey, 6 pm For tickets and details www.aspenpeakcellars.square.site

2/8 Tom’s Elton Tribute | Center Stage Evergreen 7 pm

2/8 HomeSlice | The Little Bear Evergreen, 8 - 11 pm

2/8- Colorado Garden & Home Show

2/16 Colorado Convention Center

2/13 Gallery Series Concert - Air Acoustica Center for the Arts, Evergreen, 7-9 pm

2/14- EPIC Valentine’s presented by Epic Improv 2/16 Center Stage, Evergreen

2/18 Broadway & Beers by Ovation West Cactus Jack’s, Evergreen, 5 pm

2/19 Art Bar: Hokusai’s Great Wave Center for the Arts, Evergreen, 6 - 8 pm

, 2/27 Midwinter Mashup Artisan Market Center for the Arts, Evergreen

2/28 Mt Evans Hospice Beneﬁt Gala Mt Vernon Canyon Club 5:30 pm

3/1 Evergreen Chamber Orchestra Recital Rockland Community Church,3 - 6 pm

3/8 Icelantics Winter on the Rocks Red Rocks Amphitheater, Morrison

3/13- LEGO Pop-Up Exhibition 3/24 Center for the Arts, Evergreen

3/14- Fiddler on the Roof | Lakewood Cultural Center 3/30 Performance Now Company, Lakewood

3/15 St. Patrick’s Day Parade | Downtown Denver Starts at Wynkoop Street at 19th Avenue, 9:30 am

3/17- Spring Break for all Jefferson County Schools 3/21 Grades K - 12

3/27- Blue Silo Exhibition 4/26 Center for the Arts, Evergreen

4/4 Evergreen Chamber “An Evening with the Stars” (formerly Sparkle & Shine) Business Awards & Gala Evergreen Lake House, 6 - 9:30 pm

4/10 Evergreen Town Hall, Emceed by Alan Gionet Hosted by Leadership Evergreen Evergreen High School 5:30 - 7:30 pm

4/17 Bourbon & Bacon Artistic Pairings Center for the Arts, Evergreen

5/10 Bubbles & Blinis Artistic Pairings, Center for the Arts Evergreen

5/10 Mother’s Day Artisan Market Center for the Arts, Evergreen

5/10 Small Electronics/Paper Shredding Event Women of Evergreen Business Angel Fund Evergreen High School, 8 - 11 am

5/12 Mother’s Day Party & 20% Off Sale Chillax Om Anti-Aging Acupuncture Clinic Evergreen (across from Lake) 4 - 7 pm

Reverence in Every Stitch

From the early days, when she was just knee-high to a Pinto pony, Cheri Cappello was known endearingly as “Little Indian” due to her persistence in searching for arrowheads and artifacts on the family ranch. Native to Colorado and raised just outside of Kremmling, Cheri grew to love the land and Native American culture and was compelled to learn more and go deeper. She researched every facet, melding this knowledge with her artistic talent and some new-found beading and leather-working skills to create something that just had to be noticed and respected. Soon she would present her art to the world, ﬁrst with Evergreen Fine Art, then receiving her big break when displaying at prestigious Peppertree Art. Her work is now sought-after by collectors worldwide who recognize the excellence and value of what she has created.

Cheri has a broad range of artistic ability but specializes in the unique medium of crafting Native American ceremonial war shirts. Each piece speaks of authenticity and has a museum-like quality. Her beaded bags and pouches are exceptional and must be noted as well. She has done it right, and one can feel the connection, respect, and reverence she has for Native Americans and their culture.

Cheri’s art can be found in collections across the United States, in Europe, Africa and Australia. We are lucky to have her amongst us right here in Evergreen. Google her, read more about her, travel to where you can see her work on display, buy a piece, and be amazed at what she has accomplished! – John E

One-Stop Shop for Sustainable Swaps

By now, New Year’s resolutions have all been made, but if you have room for one more, I hope you will join me in mine! I am committing to reduce my personal waste by utilizing the Evergreen Refill Station. We have this wonderful resource right here in Bergen Park through the amazing Evergreen Sustainability Alliance. Created in 2019, the zero waste store became permanently housed in the Habitat for Humanity Restore building in March 2021. Offerings include many household products such as cleaning supplies, shampoo, laundry detergent and hand soap. Additionally, you’ll find other sustainable goods such

as dryer balls, beeswax wraps, vegetable bags and more. It’s a convenient and ecofriendly alternative to singleuse plastics. Just bring in your own reusable containers, and refill them with your favorite products. By far, their most popular refill item is laundry detergent, however, I recently tried their dusting product and love it. Kinda made me excited to clean my house!

Besides reducing our landfills, the Evergreen Refill Station uses ecofriendly products which are much better for us and the environment. Look at ingredients on your products at home, can you identify them or even pronounce

all of them? ESA carefully studies the ingredient list of all their products, they only source and provide the best available. Retailers primarily carry the popular brand products that are often filled with unnecessary chemicals which are detrimental for us as well as the environment. Consider all those chemicals seeping into our ground from household wastewater, especially if you are on a well.

The environmental benefits of refill stations are significant. Single-use plastics end up in landfills or waterways, contributing to global pollution

and harming wildlife. The Evergreen Refill Station offers a simple yet powerful way to reduce waste, conserve resources, stay healthier and support a more sustainable future. By choosing to refill, you can make a positive impact on the environment, our beloved community and even your health. As awareness of Evergreen Refill Station continues to grow, we hope that it will become an essential part of Evergreen’s consumerism. Visit www. evergreenrefillstation.square. site for hours, order forms and product information. Let’s start a refill revolution!

by Kris Hoffman kris@pandorajohnproperties.com

What

We’ve been hearing this question and here is a quick teaser of an answer.

A Private Exclusive Listing is an option available to all real estate agents. Unlike a regular listing, a Private Exclusive is withheld from the MLS and does not get syndicated out to the public. It is only marketed within a single brokerage and possibly select agents outside of the brokerage. It is a tool created for sellers to maintain a level of privacy.

The flipside of that coin is that it only exposes a home to a finite population of potential buyers in the market who are working within that brokerage already. For example, in Denver there are approximately 11,000 agents, but instead of marketing a listing to all of those 11,000 agents, their expanded networks and their buyers, a seller may find they are only marketing to the limited scope within one single brokerage. In a few cases, that may be appealing, but in the overwhelming majority of homeowners listing, it could be seen that one is limiting their buyer pool, and potentially costing themselves a lot of money.

So, is it in a seller’s best interest to limit exposure to the market? There can be reasons for doing this, but in most cases, it would be argued that true market exposure benefits both buyer and seller. The buyer gets to see all homes on the market. Conversely, the seller typically fetches a higher sales price when exposed to the full market.

Give us a call, and we will be happy to discuss further the pros and cons of a Private Exclusive Listing.

by Jenna McMenaman jenna@madisonprops.com

Projections and Ruminations on Interest Rates and the Housing Market

Well.. here we are.. 2025! What’s expected in the new year for interest rates and the housing market? Let’s take a look.

First, let’s talk about the supply of homes for sale. According to Redfin, inventory levels (homes for sale) are up 12.1% in November, year over year. While inventory is higher, perspective is important: comparing the current level of inventory to pre-pandemic levels, we still have 32% fewer active listings nationwide. Redfin interviewed Realtors in this article, who made some good points: according to the Redfin article, homes sitting on the market longer than 60 days are either “not in good shape or overpriced, or both.” They also said, “homes priced correctly and in good shape are going under contract in 30 days or less.” As we move

into 2025, tight housing inventory will be good news for home appreciation, especially if interest rates drop. Current projections for home appreciation across the US is 4.2%-4.8% for 2025.

Fed Funds rate: According to Forbes, most pundits expect the FOMC to cut interest rates in 2025. The question remains… How fast. Fixed income market futures project that FED funds rate could fall to as low as 3% in 2025. The FOMC policy makers project that the FED Funds rate will be 3.5%-3.75% by July, 2025. That would be three rate cuts in 2025. The FOMC may be moving from a “restrictive” policy to a more “neutral” policy in 2025 if inflation gets closer to the 2.0% goal the FOMC wants. This will bode well for both short term rates and mortgage interest rates in 2025.

2025 Economy: Projects for 2025 are stable: JP Morgan and other financial market makers only give a 15% chance of an economic recession in 2025. Most estimates have 2024 GDP growth ending up in the range of 2.7 percent. The unemployment rate is at 4.2 percent, near most estimates of its natural rate.

Twelve-month headline PCE inflation is down to 2.4 percent, near the FOMC 2 percent target. Will the new U.S. President and his administration levy tariffs on foreign goods? Historically, tariffs cause inflation concerns in the U.S and could cause course changes

on a 30-year fixed conventional mortgage, we are projected to be at 5.99%-6.125% by year end 2025, with further decline into 2026.

Home buyers: Sales of existing homes in 2025 will grow moderately as buyers become more accustomed to higher projects and mortgage rates. But home sales could surge if interest rates decline more than expected in 2025. If rates drop to 5.5% or lower, there are approx. 1M homebuyers on the sidelines nationally who would change things significantly.

mortgage interest rates will fall slowly in 2025. Current mortgage rates are approximately 6.6%

by Robin McGlone Regional Manager, Select Lending Services, LLC

4th, 2025 - Conifer ries Finale Concert

Perspective and Preparation

Many of us, having entertained family or friends during the past few months’ festivities, now discuss the bigger picture, including changing the way we use our homes, prompting a word as visceral as it can be magical; remodeling.

The usual suspects discussed prior to big changes? Feasibility, functionality, design, and scope of work, price, timing on your part and a contractor’s availability, all the way up to and including resale value.

All worth noting. However, we don’t know what we don’t know.

The question asked most often by clients I work with concerns remaining in the home during construction. The thought of leaving your most prized possession is difficult. It’s your home, for one and, temporary housing is costly, even for the briefest of stays. Kids? Most often

they enjoy the vacation no matter the length of time away. Everyone adapts; mostly.

On the other hand, facing the daily onslaught of loud demolition, drywall dust in your breakfast yogurt, and washing dishes in your laundry or ensuite bathroom are eye openers for starters. For years

a substantial cost savings tool, it turns out the benefits of being absent during work are justifiably legitimate. Vacating your home allows for workers to begin earlier and stay later, resulting in a project completion earlier than previously thought. The lack of privacy wears on even the heartiest of nerves

with workpeople and suppliers in and out, along with generators coming on and shutting off require a patience I have seen wear down the stoutest of constitutions. And with work being conducted at home these days, shutdowns of power or plumbing won’t work for long.

The benefits of customizing your home for functionality, updating for update’s sake or resale cannot be overstated and neither can involving a professional sooner who possess foresight of the process.

On balance, the pure logistics of the process and their earlier considerations before a permit is filed or demolition takes place is as paramount as the quality of the work. Or the price you pay.

by Joel Jay Oatten CR, CAPS Design Build & Co.

I’m gonna get vulnerable here, so let’s talk about my biggest anxiety...

Now, I adore all of my humans, but I’m relatively certain that the big humans aren’t acknowledging the elephant in the room, which is the death caravan the small humans call “sledding.” I mean, I’ll admit that I have dabbled in the fun of running around in the cold snow – frolicked, even. But when the human puppies wake up and start with the chaos of the boots, gloves, and all of the insulating layers, I start to feel that familiar sense of dread.

The big humans have tried to keep me inside, but then I just lose my mind until they let me out anyway. So, the three human pups go outside screaming and thundering their way to danger; they mount their sleds and no matter how I try to stop them, they push off and all I can do is run, bark, and try to bite the sleds in a feeble

CANINE COLUMNIST

attempt to save lives. Often, I will pounce on the pups and push them off their sleds midrun before they hurt themselves. They yell, “Ow!,” but at least they’re alive to complain about it. There’s only one of me to do all of this because Carni is worthless out there and even rides along with them with her tongue dangling out of her ridiculous face. The only peace that I get on those days is when the big humans give me treats after my hard work when we do finally come inside. After that, I curl up on the warm floor in front of the fireplace, knowing I saved lives all day and then I sleep a dreamless sleep knowing my tiny humans are safe yet again.

Leadership Evergreen is hosting a Town Hall, Emceed by Alan Gionet. Save the date for this forum to discuss important issues affecting our Community! Visit their website for details. www.evergreentownhall.mystrikingly.com

Leadership ... Just Say Yes!

Last November, Leadership Evergreen’s alumni & 2024 class members gathered at Center for the Arts Evergreen for the ‘Class of ‘24’ graduation. Peter Eggers delivered an 8-minute inspirational talk on leadership and community service that just has to be shared.

Peter has street cred, having served on the Evergreen Park & Rec board from 1992-2012 and now again from 2023-present. Almost all of what we enjoy today is due to the vision and continuous involvement of Peter working with the likes of Linda Kirkpatrick, former EPRD’s E.D. Dick Wulf, Hank Alderfer & EPRD Board members, and now with E.D. Cory Vander Veen. Peter was also a member of LE’s first graduating ‘Class of ’96, whose class project was the construction and placement of the ‘Welcome to Evergreen’ sign on Evergreen Parkway, whose subtitle, “Evergreen, OUR mountain community” serves as a metaphor that projects a sense of community versus isolation. Let’s pick up Peter’s address following his opening remarks:

PETE’S POINTERS ON LEADERSHIP

#1 WE ARE ALL CITIZEN LEADERS. No one is in this for the fame or the money. There is no mayor or town council micromanaging our future. What Leadership Evergreen demonstrates to us is that those we have met, from wildlife to the water district, from the County Commissioners to the Fire District, are in it for the same reasons we are –to continually make this a better place to live. We are all servant leaders. We are peers, and we will find our place to serve. There is no need to be singled out as a winner when we all win.

#2 RAISE YOUR HAND You can’t be a leader if you don’t join in and find a place to be relevant. I remember my very first Rec Board meeting where two-dozen soccer moms and dads were clamoring for grass instead of gravel soccer fields in Evergreen. There was one grass soccer field. I raised my hand and offered to form a committee of interested and qualified parents to meet, discuss, design and develop a plan for future grass fields. The fields we have today have roots in those meetings. Pun? So whatever the cause, step up and step in.

#3 THE SIX “L’S.” LIKE, LEARN, LOVE, LEAD, LAST, LEAVE. This community is famous for a diversity of volunteer opportunities, as you have learned in the modules. Find something you may like, learn about it, and if you love it, leadership is no longer a noun but a verb. It grows organically and provides a place for you to make a difference. Also, you must persevere. To succeed you must last. Volunteer wheels move slowly, and it can take a while for it to be rewarding. Stick with it. And the final final “L” word is leave. Making room for others insures long term success. Be a mentor to those new leaders who are also stepping in.

#4 HUMILITY. You are probably not the smartest person in the room. The servant leader listens and learns and lets other people speak. No single person has a lock on all the best ideas. Shared opinions lead to shared solutions which leads to consensus. When people connect like this, the wheel turns on its own without the need for some ‘charismatic leader’ to push it.

#5 JUST SAY YES. You are also not the dumbest person in the room, so recognize a good idea when you hear one. As a board member at the Rec District we said yes to some groundbreaking initiatives. We said yes to Barbara and Eugene Sternberg to help them get Art for the Mountain Community (now Sculpture Evergreen) off the ground. Now we have over 40

permanent sculptures adorning Evergreen to show for it. We said YES to director Lorene Joos to create their first permanent home for Center for the Arts Evergreen at the Miller house in 2002, and… look around! We said yes to Bob Cardwell, Allan Casey and our own Linda Kirkpatrick when they presented the idea of buying the “Lutheran Property” to fill out Buchanan Park. We said yes to many things, but I think most importantly, we said YES to the newly formed Mountain Area Land Trust to help preserve Noble Meadow. It was a seminal moment in our history, where the citizens of Evergreen took control of their future. In 1994, we voted by a margin of 96% to 4% to tax ourselves, to preserve the land around us, then continue the process by buying the land that is now Buchanan Park, and finally building the Rec Center. WE did this… WE as citizen leaders, just like yourselves. And the future is bright because of YOUR continuing commitments to this community.

I close with a quote I happened across the other day that describes my leadership style and perhaps yours too.

“One of the paradoxes of leadership is that the better you are at it, the less people tend to notice you. When leaders remain calm and consistent, and unite people over a sensible course of action, observers may be less likely to recognize their influence or give them proper credit.”

Thank you. -Peter Eggers