Life Above 7000 September 2024 by Colorado Community Media

Summertime is waning…always too short,

But fall days are around the corner and life above 7000 is glorious in autumn! We at PandoraJohnProperties get outside in September, savoring those last days of warm weather, but then our nesting instinct kicks in. Cooking fall foods, building a wood burning ﬁre, and donning our pu y jackets to go for that aspen leaf hike - it’s all good!

This issue of LA7K brings you table setting for pros ideas, reminisces about summer vacation, and also provides useful info about the real estate market, interest rates, ﬁreplace maintenance and more.

On another note, it’s the time of year that PJP creates our annual calendar, featuring gorgeous Colorado photos of nature, but we do consider pets and people too. If you have a photo you’d like for us to consider, and/ or would like to have our 2025 calendar, please contact one of us at PJP.

Autumn is wonderful in the foothills and mountains, we hope we’ve inspired you to get out and enjoy it!

All our best,

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

DEEP TRACKS ... the

Major life changes are often the catalyst for selling, and the task seems overwhelming ... how do we get from here to closing?

We were both thrilled and devastated about this one. Our dear friends have moved on to their next wild adventure.

Local Realtors share stories from their most interesting and unexpected showings

We all know that real estate on television looks super glamorous, but if you ask a Realtor what the craziest thing they’ve ever seen is, they’ll likely have to sort through all kinds of trauma to tell you their actual craziest story. In real estate, “crazy” is a relative term. These are their stories…

• Buyers and I walked in on a seller—naked—sleeping.

• A house I was flipping got broken into the night before inspection. The inspector found the aftermath of the side door being kicked in. They were trying to steal staging items. I followed footprints in the snow and found out where they lived and called 911. Denver CSI came and took fingerprints of thehouse.

• I was showing myself a hoarder house as a flip, but a bear broke in sometime before my showing. The bear tore up all the personal items in the house and pooped everywhere. It smelled horrible.

• I was selling a house in Denver; I got a call from the Buyer’s agent at their final walk-through that a homeless guy broke in and was eating a jar of peanut butter in the kitchen

• My buddy bought a house from an auction that had squatters in it. We called the Adams County sheriff department and watched them raid the house.

Table Setting for Pros…

Ever go to a friend’s house and wonder how they learned to set the perfect table that is both cozy and elegant? Maybe they talked to our friend, Alexa, who never fails to deliver on all things home. We asked her for a tutorial, and she delivered yet again!

At Mountain Home, we all look forward to the holidays so much that we thought we’d share some of our favorite table setting tips ahead of season this year!

1.Start with a clean slate and a fun/favorite runner or tablecloth to set the base.

2.Then add some centerpieces that include your color/s of choice, but at differing heights (this is where you shouldn’t be afraid to add texture!)

• I had a house I was selling and found out that some random lady’s ashes were buried at the end of the driveway from a couple of years prior that my seller had placed there. No, the seller did not know her. It’s a long story how she came to possess the ashes, but what we can say is that the house finally sold after the remains were removed.

• While scouting vacant land before a listing appointment, I noticed a neighbor pointing a rifle at me from her balcony. “Please don’t shoot the Realtor” became my new motto that day. And yes, I got the listing!

3.We love that is both cozy and neutral, which is perfect for fall in the foothills!

4.Then add the number of plates/ china you need to use per course (plus colorful napkins).

5.You can never tweak it enough

6.Remember to slow down and enjoy your dinner with the best part… the people!

ElevatedCREATING HOMES!

Nestled in the heart of Evergreen, two unique businesses are paving the way for home furnishings and design. Mountain Home & Alexa Interiors are not just local businesses; they’re where Elevated Mountain Living comes to life!

TIMELESS & ELEGANT DESIGN

*check our website for details and sign up links

Boots & Botox August August 22nd

Ladies Night - Fall Fashion Show September 19th

Fall Tablescape Class October 17th

Holiday Open House November 8th - 10th

Wreath Workshop December (TBD)

Alexa Interiors offers full residential interior design services, as well as project management - all tailored to meet the individual needs of each client and perfectly enhance each space.

We focus on timeless and elegant finishes, furnishings and décor as well as interior detailing, renovations and new construction. We work seamlessly with architects, builders, trades and craftspeople. Each project is approached with a keen eye for the details that create beautiful, highly-functional... yet personal interiors.

Doing It Right in Real Estate

There has been a lot going on in the real estate world, including some changes to the MLS (Multiple Listing Service) per the recent settlement involving NAR (National Association of Realtors). The most significant aspect of the settlement is that the compensation for the buyer’s agent will no longer listed in the MLS. Sellers can still determine what they want to offer the buyer’s agent, but now it is negotiated outside of the MLS.

As always, and especially with these changes, it’s important the buyers understand how (or if) you have representation. The listing agent works solely on behalf of the seller “to promote the interests of the seller with the utmost good faith, loyalty, and fidelity”. Many folks falsely believe that if they call the agent on the sign, that they “have an agent”. This is not the case as the Listing Agent works on behalf of the seller’s interest, and you are considered a “Customer”, meaning the seller’s agent has no obligation to you. If the buyer and the listing agent choose to do so, and with the seller’s approval, the listing agent can become a Transaction Broker.

The agent is then no longer an advocate for either party, and just simply assists with the transaction at the direction of the buyer and seller.

When represented by a Buyer’s Agent, you have someone who understands the market and values of homes, the legal ramifications of the contracts, knows how to strategize to your benefit when writing an offer, has the experience and ability to negotiate offer price and inspection concerns to your benefit, and the skills to coordinate the moving parts with lenders, title company, inspectors, vendors, contractors and appraisers. A good buyer’s agent will build positive relationships with them to your advantage. And, any mountain agent worth his or her salt will have the CMAS designation (Certified Mountain Area Specialist) - offering extra expertise in all things septic, well, survey and more. Lastly, you need a Buyer’s Agent that has the people skills to manage bumps in the road and the stress and emotion involved in such an important transaction. When committing to one of the most important monetary transaction in your life, be sure you do it right!

Home Maintenance

Fall is ﬁreplace maintenance season

Living above 7,000 feet means cool nights can hit anytime, which is why we love our fireplaces! This year has been particularly weird where we found we were running our fireplace even in July! But going into fall is a good time to get caught up on that routine maintenance. Here are a few tips to get you ready to enjoy the open flames for the colder seasons ahead:

First off, clean out those ashes and any blockages. The better the airflow, the better the flames! Inspect the fireplace and chimney for any signs of wear or damage. Look for cracks, loose bricks/ stone, or creosote buildup, which can lead to chimney fires. Check the chimney for any obstructions such as nests or pine needles that could pose a fire hazard. You could even hire a professional chimney sweep like Mountain Hearth and Patio if significant cleaning or repairs are needed.

Stock up on seasoned firewood, which burns cleaner and more efficiently. Store it in a dry place to prevent mold and ensure it’s ready to use. Consider installing a chimney cap to keep out debris and animals while allowing smoke to escape.

Also, be sure to test your carbon monoxide alarms as safety should always be the number one priority when enjoying a fire indoors.

By following these steps, you can enjoy all the efficiency and ambiance of your fireplace so it’s ready to go when needed!

Better times ahead for mortgage rates as the labor market softens?

After a long stretch of higher mortgage interest rates, we may finally see some positive change in the coming months: here are the market indicators in play.

Jobs: The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reported 114,000 jobs created in July, 2024, well below estimates of 185,000. There are also significant revisions to the same report for the last 2 months, and the largest gain this month came from Healthcare and Education, areas that are not as sensitive to the economy.

Inﬂation: inflation has been moderating, and as of the last FED meeting Chairman Powell says he is gaining more confidence in reaching the FED’s 2% inflation goal, but they just want to see more of it. Depending on the index and datapoints included, inflation is between 1.5% and 3.0%, and the primary difference is “shelter.” This is the cost of the owner’s equivalent housing cost and rents paid by tenants. Since shelter costs move slowly (leases

by Robin McGlone Regional Manager,

renewed every 12 months) and the data is collected every six months, this is considered a “lagging indicator”, moving slower than the rest of the inflation data. Some experts think the FED is making the same mistake they made in 2021, only in reverse: waiting too long to lower the FED rate now, relying too heavily on inflation numbers that include problematic shelter costs.

If we are on the cusp of two FED rate cuts, this will reduce short-term interest rates, but will also have more farreaching benefits for long term mortgage rates. If investors believe the Fed may cut rates and inflation is decelerating, mortgage rates will typically trend down. We’ve already seen 30-year fixed mortgage rates fall over half a point in the last three weeks. Let’s hope this is a sign of things to come. The other benefit will be for Adjustable Rate Mortgages. These have been practically useless for the last three years, but rates on these products will likely fall quickly when they do.

The biggest question: will the FED cut rates quickly enough to avoid a recession? With the job market data above, it appears time is of the essence.

Tanglewood Trail oﬀers stunning views

If hiking to the blissful sounds of rushing water is something you love, then this hike is for you. Indian Creek tumbles along much of this lovely trail to Pegmatite Points, which are mounds of igneous rock with large interlocking crystals.

Located out of Bailey, the trail follows first Rosalie Trail and then Tanglewood Trail to the high saddle between Mt. Rosalie and Pegmatite Points. Along the way you will be in shady Douglas fir forest, but with plenty of light and an occasional meadow area.

Most will take their time as the cascading water and wildflowers beckon numerous picture-taking stops! After about 1.2 miles you turn on to the Tanglewood Trail with Tanglewood Creek at your side. The trail starts out fairly mellow, but then does get a little more challenging as you climb, with the last bit up the ridge the most strenuous. You will have gained about 2,500 feet over 4.5 miles to the ridgea very good workout!

From the ridge you can see Mt. Rosalie, the Pegmatite Points and look over the lower reaches of Mt. Blue Sky toward Evergreen, and to the south you look over a lovely flowerfilled meadow with views of Mt. Logan and the Hwy 285 corridor. You can extend your hike by climbing Mt. Rosalie, or meander along the ridge toward the Pegmatite Points.

Trailhead: Deer Creek Trailhead, Rosalie Trail (FS603) on CR 43

Distance: 9 miles out and back

Our dear Maria lost her battle with cancer in early July. While she may be gone, she will forever be a part of the PandoraJohnProperties team and in our hearts.

Her husband Kyle Wilson said it best...

On the way back, be sure to take a rest in the shade by the creek, cool your feet in the water and savor this classic Colorado experience!

Andrew Sams, Founder and Owner of Alpine Building Performance

Q&A with the inspector

Andrew Sams is the Founder and Owner of Alpine Building Performance, a home inspection provider servicing the foothills since 2016. He’s seen the best and the worst of our homes and is willing to talk about it. He lives with his wife and family above 7K, and when not working can be found mountain biking, hiking or camping with his growing family in the Colorado mountains.

Question: Andrew, you’ve done hundreds, if not thousands of inspections at this point. What are the top three things you most often see on an inspection report?

Answer: The top three items that we consistently see on an inspection report are some of the most simple and easy to fix items such as missing or inadequate smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, missing GFCI receptacles and gutter downspouts draining close to the foundation. Although easy to remedy, these items can have health, safety and structural consequences if not addressed.Aside from these items, the other most common inspection finding is old HVAC and water heating equipment. Often serviceable at the time of inspection, the need to replace these more expensive items in the short to near future is always a concern for prospective buyers.

Q: Sounds like easy things to remedy. What things do you see people regularly ignore on an inspection that they should take more seriously?

A: I’m going to answer this question by emphasizing that homebuyers should pay closer attention to all of the recommendations in a home inspection report. Not to say that you should be alarmed or concerned by every item in the report, but you should at the very least carve out the time to read through all of the inspectors’ findings. From time to time, we have clients reach back out to say that we overlooked something on the inspection, only to find out that we had actually called it out in the report. Our software allows us to see

when agents and clients view the report and, in more cases than you would expect, the buyer never even views the report.

Q: Okay so step 1 is to order the report, step 2 is read the report. How about step 3... When is it the right time to freak out?

A: Although homebuyers have various thresholds for freaking out, I would generally say that the right time to freak out is when major structural or moisture damage issues are discovered. Everything is fixable with the proper resources, and it’s up to the buyer and their agent to determine what their level of comfort is with the scope of needed repairs. I strongly encourage our clients to seek estimates for the repair work needed to bring the property up to their desired condition so that they can understand the magnitude of both the scope and cost. Home repair costs certainly have not been exempt from recent inflation, and repair costs often exceed expectations. I would also generally advise you to manage your expectations when looking at fix and flips or major remodels. There are certainly exceptions, but fix and flips are often some of the most problematic homes presenting a myriad of issues that can be costly and complicated to repair.

In addition to Andrew’s recommendations, remember to talk to your realtor® about how to get the largest return on your investment. This conversation might include topics like which issues to take care of before listing your house, permits, septic inspections etc. And remember, the PJP Team is always here to help!

Andrew can be found at Alpine Building Performance 720-612-1469 AlpineBuildingPerformance.com

by Patrick McMenaman

Fraud Alert!

Fraud…. As disheartening as it is, it’s a reality these days. According to the FTC, people reported losing $10 billion to scams in 2023. That’s $1 billion more than 2022 and the highest ever in losses reported to the FTC. And the fraudsters are getting more and more sophisticated fooling even the savviest of folks.

In the real estate world, fraud can happen in a number of ways. Vacant land fraud is the fastest growing type in the United States. Fraudsters search public records to find land, and sometimes rental properties, which is owned outright. Posing as the landowner, he or she contacts a real estate agent and says they want to list the land. We have had these very same calls, and initially thought they were legitimate, but found out quickly they weren’t when we asked detailed questions. However, many have been fooled. Typically, communication is by email and text only, they want to list low, and rush closing. The scammer has their own notary and falsifies documents in order to close.

Another unsettling fraud in a real estate transaction is when there is discussion via email over wiring funds. Cyber criminals manage to hack emails, change just one letter of an email address, and impersonate the realtor or title person. After several very real-sounding emails they then say there’s been a “change” and to wire the funds to a different address. I’ve read some of these emails and they are incredibly convincing! We warn clients over and over again to never discuss wire transfers over email. We had one client in a slightly different situation where a cyber-criminal impersonated a contractor who had performed work on his home and asked for payment. The client sent the money as requested and unfortunately it was impossible to reclaim.

What can you do? Be on the lookout for unsolicited calls, emails, or texts to sell your property, especially if the solicitor asks if you reside at the property. Be suspicious! Never discuss wiring information of any kind via email. And don’t be embarrassed to reach out to any professional to get a second opinion on whether something is legit. The most savvy of people have been duped!

the latest scams: At StopFraudColorado.gov

Heading into a balanced market...

Number of New Listings: e number of homes in the foothills that have come on the market this year is 17% higher than last year. is re ects the metro Denver market as well which had more homes on the market in July than any July since 2014. All of this means supply is up and demand down a bit, not untypical for mid-summer. Higher inventory is good news for buyers but means more competition for sellers.

Homes Sold: e YTD homes sold still lags behind last year, despite higher inventory. is re ects the general retraction in the market that we have seen the last few months. September typically brings an uptick in buyer activity and the potential for an interest rate drop should see home sales increase.

Days on Market: It’s taking an average of 42 days on the market to get a home under contract, a result of the higher inventory. is statistic re ects every price point but properties that are in good condition and priced well are selling more quickly.

Seller Price Changes: e average percent that sellers reduced their price on their own before going under contract is about the same as last year, however we are seeing a greater volume of price reductions.

Seller/Buyer Negotiations: Sellers are realizing that the market is more balanced right now and more willing to negotiate the o er price. Sellers are also more inclined of o er a concession and to consider contingent o ers to get their home sold.

Total Seller Discount: is is the total discount including average price reductions combined with the price reduction from seller/buyer negotiations. We have a total discount o original asking price of 2.9%, a slight increase (setback) of 0.4% from last year.

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.

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 for speciﬁc information. Chart prepared by Tupper Briggs.

Average Selling Price: Average selling price in the foothills is up 9% since this time last year. Real estate is still a great investment!

Why doesn’t Evergreen have a city government?

by Linda Kirkpatrick LindaKirkpatrick@comcast.net

Evergreen is a geographic area of approximately 125 square miles best defined by a ZIP code, most of which falls in Jefferson County. There are no legal boundaries. It is unincorporated and considered rural, governed by three County Commissioners.

Deemed a “Census Designated Place” Evergreen has 9,307 residents in approximately 11.6 square miles, using boundaries drawn around the countymanaged Evergreen Community Plan encompassing the 6 main activity areas. The numbers extrapolate to about 30,000 within the 80439 ZIP code.

The county is responsible for maintaining roads and bridges and roadways not controlled by the State; but it is not required to provide certain amenities such as sidewalks, crosswalks, curbs, and gutters. It provides services such as planning and zoning to determine how land can be used; a system for issuing building permits and conducting inspections; a public works department to oversee road maintenance (and snow plowing) and new construction as well as engineering and traffic flow; a court system; and a means for conducting elections.

Growth causes residents to think about city status

Residents have seriously considered incorporation on several occasions, the first of which occurred in 1968 when the year-round population within the 80439 ZIP code was about 2,700.

City boundaries are usually drawn tightly around sources of revenue that fund the operations and responsibilities of a city. At that time, almost all businesses were confined to a few square miles referred to as “downtown Evergreen.”

The study concluded that incorporation would be economically feasible with a 2 percent sales tax, but no action was taken at that time.

The main reason to consider incorporation was to have greater control over growth.

Public meetings in the mid-1970s were held to formalize the investigation of local control options. In 1981 Dames & Moore was hired to conduct a study, which noted most people would be opposed if their taxes were noticeably increased. This was a time of tremendous growth with about 30,000 new residents arriving by 2000.

Because the motivation for wanting to be incorporated as a city was to control what happened outside the proposed city limits, the numbers just didn’t add up when drawing boundaries.

Noble Meadow was slated for 238 homes before volunteers with the Mountain Area Land Trust mounted a community effort to protect it from development in 1994.

limit development of ranches known now as Elk Meadow Park and Alderfer Three Sisters Park, and others.

The start of the Mountain Area Land Trust in 1992 created a way for landowners to earn tax incentives to put conservation easements on their property in lieu of development; this would protect more than 400 acres known as Noble Meadow and 5,000+ acres known as the Beaver Brook Watershed off Hwy 103 in the first 15 years.

The main reason to consider incorporation was to have greater control over growth.

Special districts such as Parks and Recreation, Fire, Libraries, and Water have their own boundaries, and operate by collecting their own taxes. At the time, ambulance service was provided by volunteers who served independently of the fire department.

Only large cities offer amenities such as hospitals, cultural programs, and public transit.

The study made it clear that Evergreen could not have its own street department without “unacceptably high taxes.”

The study considered three scenarios, all centering around downtown Evergreen, as Bergen Park and El Rancho had not yet been developed commercially or even residentially:

1. Baby Bear — 1.7 square miles excluding parklands, deemed infeasible economically as it was too small to gain any control over undeveloped land.

2. Mama Bear — 36.1 square miles excluding parklands but including much of the land likely to be developed by the millennium and assumed a population of about 18,000-28,000.

3. Papa Bear — 53.1 square miles excluding parklands. It assumed a population of about 22,000-35,000 within the boundaries that would have made Evergreen the second largest city in Colorado by land mass.

When incorporating, owners of parcels with 40 or more acres can choose to be excluded, significantly weakening the effort by locals to restrict growth.

Revenues to support a city would come from sales and use taxes; franchise taxes; state highway users’ taxes; taxes on tobacco products, federal revenuesharing monies; the rates the city sets on various revenue generators such as real property, business, fines, city services, etc.; taxing non-city residents to the maximum reasonable extent; levying taxes that increase with inflation; and property taxes to balance the budget.

The study projected the potential for high taxes in Evergreen; if a 3-percent city sales tax were enacted, two-thirds of the cost of incorporating would be paid by local residents. The other third would come from nonresidents (when Conifer and other nearby communities still relied on Evergreen for groceries and other supplies). No action took place.

Alternatives for slowing growth surface

The advent of the Jefferson County Open Space program, funded by a halfpercent sales tax, was not even mentioned in the 1981 study because it was too new to have had any impact on the area. It would, before long, dramatically

Volunteers with the Evergreen Land Community Coalition worked with Evergreen Parks and Recreation to create other recreational areas such as Buchanan Park and Stagecoach Park to ward off impending commercial development.

Revisiting the idea in the early 1990s

The notion of incorporation re-surfaced in about 1993, and the Evergreen Chamber of Commerce held a forum on the subject. In preparation for the forum, the county commissioners stated:

• If Evergreen incorporated, 95% of existing taxes paid to the county would continue; almost none would be diverted to a city government; expenses of a city would be covered by all new taxes.

• Evergreen would likely need to contract with the county (and pay for) services such as road construction, maintenance, and snow plowing.

• They would love to see Evergreen incorporate because it would generate new money for the County.

The Mayor of Parker, one of the speakers, said they couldn’t afford to plow the streets in their 6-square-mile city unless they had 10 inches of snow or more!

Confirmation decades later

In 2015 Commissioner Don Rosier confirmed the above and added that a city or town government would:

• need to cover additional expenses such as administration, human resources, budgeting, election costs, city attorney, clerk and recorder, information technology, a municipal court, public works, finance and planning, a city manager and staff. Buildings to house city employees would be extras, as would be benefits, vehicles and equipment.

• assume all infrastructure “as is,” meaning bad roads and bridges.

• assume all road maintenance and snow plowing.

• be responsible for any natural disaster.

• decide whether to have its own police department or to continue using the Sheriff’s Dept. for a fee.

In the absence of a very large retail base to generate sales taxes, residents of a city could expect a huge property tax assessment to cover operations.

In summary:

Considering why residents wanted to incorporate, at this point in time zoning is such that nothing remains within the likely boundaries to be restricted from being developed. Owners of large parcels of 40 or more acres that might still produce development could opt out of incorporation. It would appear incorporation made a lot of sense in 1968 before development and zoning, but not now.

PHOTO BY LINDA KIRKPATRICK

Blue Spruce Habitat for Humanity – Changing Lives in Our Community Since 1990!

Habitat’s Vision

Creating a world in which everyone has a decent, affordable place to live.

•Habitat builds simple, decent and affordable homes with grants, donations and volunteers.

•Homes are not given away; they are sold to low-income families who qualify.

•Monthly payments are based on the family’s income to create affordable payments.

Where do Habitat Homeowners work?

1. Healthcare Providers

2. Education/Teachers

1. Healthcare Providers

2. Education/Teachers

3. Administrative Support

4. Transportation/Warehousing

3. Administrative Support

5. Retail/Grocery Stores

4. Transportation/Warehousing

5. Retail/Grocery Stores

Our NEIGHBORS need a “helping hand”!

How can you get involved?

•Applicants must:

•Monthly payments are based on the family’s income to create affordable payments.

•Applicants must:

- Live or work in our community.

- Demonstrate income and a reasonable credit history within HFH guidelines.

- Contribute 250 hours of “Sweat Equity”.

- Demonstrate income and a reasonable credit history within HFH guidelines.

- Contribute 250 hours of “Sweat Equity”.

•Volunteer on a build site.

How can you get involved?

•Volunteer on a build site.

•Shop, volunteer or donate at Habitat ReStore.

•Serve on the Homeowner Services or Fundraising teams.

•Shop, volunteer or donate at Habitat ReStore.

•Attend the “Hard Hats & High Heels” event.

•Serve on the Homeowner Services or Fundraising teams.

•Attend the “Hard Hats & High Heels” event.

•Learn more @ bluesprucehabitat.org.

Fall Fun on Tap

As we start to feel a chill in the air and the leaves begin their fiery transformation, there’s no denying autumn’s magic in the foothills. Time to swap flip-flops for flannels and bring on the fall fun!

Brews and Fall Views

Colorado’s craft brewery scene thrives year-round, but there’s something special about enjoying a locally brewed beer with a backdrop of fall foliage. Many breweries boast patios with mountain views, allowing you to sip your favorite beverage while taking in the stunning scenery. Grab a pint at one of our local breweries like Lariat Lodge, Evergreen Brewery & Snowpack Taproom!

Take a Hike

Hike through the golden aspens and majestic pines on local trails in Staunton State Park, Evergreen Mountain or Golden Gate Canyon State Park. Breathe in the fresh scent of pine and aspens while basking in the autumn sun as you wander beneath a canopy of blazing gold. There is just something special about aspens in autumn! https:// www.americanforests.org/fall-foliage-map/

Down on the Farm

Pumpkins are synonymous with fall, and you can score

a big one at the Anderson Farms in Erie! They offer private campfire rentals, corn maze, pumpkin patch, fresh vegetables, farm animals and more! JP Total also has a pumpkin patch right here in Evergreen. Cider Days in Lakewood is another great fall event running the first weekend in October. www.Andersonfarms.com

Embrace the Festival Spirit

Fall brings a festive spirit to the foothills and there are still plenty of events happening! From the Big Chili Cookoff, Oktober Fest, and Family Movie Nights, all at Buchanan Field to CAE’s Last Friday Market and the Chamber’s Taste of Evergreen. Soak in the community spirit and celebrate the season. www.WhatsgoinonEvergreen.com

Ditch the ordinary and try something new. Create unforgettable memories filled with crisp mountain air, breathtaking scenery, and cozy moments that make up the splendor of Autumn.

by Kris Ho man kris@pandorajohnproperties.com

WHAT’S GOIN’ ON

Music, Events & Arts Calendar

9/5 Mountain Resource Center -Bowls After Dark The Woodlands, Morrison 5:30 - 8:30 pm

9/6 CAE Summer Concert - Crystal Visions | Center for the Arts, Evergreen, 7 - 9 pm

9/7 EFRBig Chili Cook-off | Buchanan Field Evergreen, 10 am - 5 pm

9/13- 4th Annual Awake Festival | Yoga, Camping, Music, 9/15 Workshops & Vendors | Buchanan Fields

9/14 Rotary Recycle Day | Evergreen Country Day School Evergreen, 9 am – 2 pm

9/17 Chamber Taste of Evergreen | Evergreen Lake House 4:30 - 7:30 pm

9/18 Blue Spruce Habitat - Hard Hats & High Heels Evergreen Lake House, 6 - 8:30 pm

9/19- Exhibition Rocky Mountain National Watermedia 10/26 Show |Center for the Arts Evergreen

9/21 2nd Annual OktoberFest | Buchanan Fields Evergreen, 11 am – 5 pm

9/27 Family Movie night “Blue Beetle” | Buchanan Field Evergreen, 6 - 11 pm

9/28 CiderFest Family Fun | Bear Creek Care & Rehab Grounds | Morrison, 10 am - Dark

10/4- Rocky Horror Show

10/27 Stagedoor Theatre | Conifer

10/5- Cider Days Festival | Heritage Lakewood 10/6 Belmar Park | 10 am – 5 pm

10/11- Pumpkin Festival | Chatﬁeld Farms Botanic Gardens 10/13 Littleton 9 am - 4 pm

10/12 Rocky Mountain Literary Festival | Mt. Vernon CC Evergreen 8:30 am - 3 pm

10/17 CAE Concert - High Lonesome | Evergreen 7 - 9 pm

10/18- Spirit Level - Evergreen Players | Center Stage 11/10 Evergreen, Show Runs through Nov. 10th

10/19 Family Movie night “Haunted Mansion” | Buchanan Field | Evergreen, 6 - 11 pm

10/19 Haunted Trail Adventure | Bear Creek Lake Park Morrison 4 - 7 pm (Must register for Event)

10/25 Halloween Boogie w/Wash Park & Costume Contest The Wild Game | Evergreen, 5:30 – 9:30 pm

10/30- EXHIBITION POP! Chris Krieg & Friends | CAE 11/30 Center for the Arts Evergreen, Reception 4 - 7 pm

10/31 Halloween Block Party (kids) | Main Street Downtown Evergreen, 4 - 7 pm

11/8- Alice in Wonderland Jr Production | Stagedoor Theatre 11/17 Conifer, Show Runs through Nov. 17th

11/9- Alternative Christmas Fair | Evergreen Lutheran Church 11/10 Evergreen9 am - 4 pm

11/20- Blossoms of Light | Denver Botanical 01/12 Gardens, times vary

11/28 EChO Turkey Trot 5K | Downtown Evergreen 8 am

11/30 Breakfast with Santa Location TBD | Evergreen 9:30 – 11 am

12/5- EXHIBITION CAE Members Show | Through Jan 5 01/5 Center for the Arts Evergreen Reception 4 - 7 pm

12/6 Holiday Walk & Santa Visit | Downtown Evergreen, 5 – 9 pm

12/7 Christmas in Conifer | Sutton Road 10:30 am – 4:30 pm, Conifer

12/14 CAE’sWinterFest Artisan Gift Market Center for the Arts Evergreen, 10 am - 4 pm

12/21 Evergreen Chamber Orchestra | Holiday Concert Evergreen Lutheran Church, 3 pm & 6 pm

12/31 EPRD Annual New Year’s Eve Skate the Lake Evergreen Lake, 10 am - 8 pm

He wants to remain anonymous but is far too visible and engaged in the Evergreen scene for that. You have seen and heard him playing drums, cajon and all things percussive everywhere with anyone who asks. This habit of his began when he picked up the sticks at the age of 11. Soon after, he joined his first rock band at 16 and over the years played clubs in Pittsburg, PA and the tri-state area. He learned his craft well, and over the past six years in Evergreen, he has found himself behind the kit with the likes of Subject 2 Change (S2C), BandKamp, The Midday Sons, Jon Lundberg & The Locals and various iterations of mountain-area performers. The guy just doesn’t know how to say no.

In addition, if you show up early to nearly any gig, you will find Jack unloading and setting up sound gear, as well as sound-checking bands as they arrive. When the show is over, he is the first to break things down and is the last to leave. He is a consummate giver, a happy tireless worker who is ever-learning, ever-producing and envisioning bigger and better things. He covers a lot of ground, and we are lucky to have him. He also serves in a big way on the Boogie Brain Trust board, managing the website, monitoring ticket sales, meeting up with venue heads, and running sound for the Boogies. His contribution is invaluable.

FUN JACK FACTS

• Raised in an Italian family of 11 kids • Graduated college and became an electrical engineer in the aviation industry

• Founder, owner & CEO of an aviation maintenance software company in Austin, TX, 1996. Sold the company

• Jumped into the amazing Austin music scene, performing & doing studio session work until retiring and moving to Evergreen

• Opened a recording studio on the west coast • Created a sound & lighting system used for shows & charity music festivals locally

FAIR Plan Designed as Insurance Safety Net

As the risk of wildfires increases, many Colorado residents have struggled to find or renew homeowner’s insurance, especially in the Foothills communities west of the Denver Metro area. Insurance companies have tightened their underwriting rules due to high-risk factors such as the property’s location or vulnerability to wildfires. In response to this critical situation, state lawmakers passed legislation, signed by Governor Polis in May 2023 to establish the Colorado Fair Access to Insurance Requirements (FAIR) Plan.

The FAIR Plan will provide up to $750,000 in residential property insurance coverage and up to $5 million in commercial property insurance coverage to eligible individuals and businesses across the state. A Board has been appointed and is working on a Plan of Operations to be submitted to the state Division of Insurance.

The objectives of the FAIR Plan are to:

1. Ensure that homeowners and businesses have access to essential property insurance coverage, even in highrisk areas.

2. Provide policyholders with financial protection against property damage or loss caused by covered perils such as wildfires.

3. Serve as a safety net to ensure Coloradans are not left without essential insurance, giving them stability and peace of mind.

The FAIR Plan operates on a fair and equitable basis, spreading its costs among member insurance companies to prevent an undue burden on any individual insurer or policyholder. Similar plans are in effect in 17 other states, with California having a fair plan since 1968.

The procedures for implementing the plan, including eligibility requirements, are being worked on by the Board. Consumers will be able to access the plan in 2025.

“The FAIR Plan is definitely a safety net for homeowners and business owners in high-risk areas who have been denied coverage, and for prospective homeowners who’ve been unable to secure a mortgage without insurance,” says Ashten Strange, Anderson Insurance Agency. “Our Farmers agency has a broader appetite than most companies for helping homeowners whose policies have been nonrenewed. We are doing whatever we can to find a way to write home and commercial properties even in higher-risk locations.”

To learn more about the FAIR Plan, go to https://doi. colorado.gov/insurance-products/homeowners/rentersinsurance/fair-access-to-insurance-requirements-fair-plan

by Bruce Anderson banderson2@farmersagent.com

Ann and Mike Moore

You’re almost as likely to have seen their names in the Smithsonian Institution or the Metropolitan Museum of Art as in the Canyon Courier or Colorado Serenity Ann and Mike Moore have traveled the world, humbly making names for themselves far beyond Evergreen. Two decades ago Ann was named by The Wall Street Journal as one of the most influential inventors in the United States, having developed the Snugli backpack for carrying babies and later the Weego carrier. And more recently, the Metropolitan Museum of Art featured the Snugli in their exhibit on the best American-made products. The baby carrier was featured in an exhibit on African Art at the Smithsonian in 1999.

The Moores met early in the Peace Corps years. Ann prides herself as Number 33 of those who applied for the volunteer program during the Kennedy era. Mike, an instructor for the program as well as a Colorado native and Yale graduate, charmed her playing the guitar for the group during their training at Howard University in 1961. Their twoyear stint with the Peace Corps would take them both to Togo, West Africa – the inspiration for the Snugli, patterned after the way African women carried babies on their backs.

Two decades ago Ann was named by The Wall Street Journal as one of the most inﬂuential inventors in the United States.

Ann, a pediatric nurse, had a keen eye for observing the absence of anxiety in the babies they saw in Togo – little to no crying and thumb-sucking – and concluded the bodily touch of breast feeding and always being carried by someone made a difference. When home from the Peace Corps and faced with her own first-born, she designed the Snugli. At the time, babies were carried in plastic carriers without the human touch that had inspired her in Togo.

Interest by others who saw her shopping and cycling with her daughter strapped to her back caused the Moores to develop a cottage industry, utilizing 200 farm women from Southern Ohio where Ann had grown up as a Dunkard (similar to the Amish culture). “My folks were ‘plain clothes’ people who wore bonnets and black, broad-rimmed hats…. They were excommunicated when I was in third grade for having a radio. Daddy listened to the farm reports to know when to sell the corn.…”

Mike, who had returned to Denver to head up Denver Opportunity, the action agency for the War on Poverty, quit his job to run Snugli.

The couple settled in Evergreen in 1966 and have been instrumental in many facets of the community ever since. Mike was a co-founder of the Jefferson County Open Living School, an alternative public high school open to anyone within the county. The school, which started in the late 1960s, was housed in Evergreen until 1989 when it relocated to Lakewood.

Experienced as a Yale Wiffenpoof, Mike found a niche for his rich, bass voice as a member of the Evergreen Chorale in 1974, holding numerous leadership positions on the board of directors. He often played leading roles such as King Arthur in Camelot, Daddy Warbucks in Annie, Mikado in Mikado, and Emile DeBeque in South Paciﬁc – not just in Evergreen but also throughout the metropolitan area.

His repertoire included Broadway revues, jazz, gospel, yodeling, barbershop jazz, spirituals, light opera, and folk songs. At times he appeared with the Colorado Symphony Chorus, the Aspen Music

Festival Chorus as well as in the Boulder Bach Festival. But he’s proudest of having sung “Everybody Loves a Saturday Night” in dozens of foreign languages (including Farsi) throughout his travels with the Yale Alumni Chorus. “People love to sing along, and it’s a song everyone knows,” he says fondly, recounting many of their performances.

As a family – Mike, Ann, and their three daughters – entertained as The Moore Family Singers and later as Baroque Folke primarily at Christmastime.

Learning to ski at age 8, Mike loved to mimic the Swiss and Austrian skiers who yodeled as they rode the chair lifts at Aspen. The well-honed skill has entertained many an audience here in Evergreen.

In 1976 he was a founding member of what is now Center for the Arts Evergreen.

He worked with the Evergreen Chorale to create Center Stage from the Evergreen Conference Meeting House. “I remember when theatre-goers wore heavy winter clothing to keep warm during the performances before the installation of a furnace,” Mike recalls, “and before restrooms and proper seating … folding chairs were set up on plywood risers.” Both Mike and Ann sang with the Chorale.

Mike helped to found Culture Jeffco in 1988, an organization which promoted the formation of the Scientific and Cultural Facilities District (SCFD). He was later appointed the founding Chairman of the Jefferson County Cultural Council, the governing board responsible for distributing Tier III funds for the purpose of art, music, theater, dance, zoology, botany, natural history, and cultural history in Jeffco. Funding for SCFD comes from a 1/10 of a cent sales tax throughout the seven counties that comprise Metro Denver, enabling about $80 million to be distributed annually.

Mike was a founding member and Chairman of Plan Jeffco in 1972, which promoted the referendum creating the Jefferson County Open Space program designed to preserve open space lands, natural and cultural resources, and to provide for quality park and recreational experiences. Our own Elk Meadow Open Space, Alderfer Three Sisters Park, and the Hiwan Heritage Park were made possible by this program, which has preserved about 57,000 acres with more than 200 miles of trails throughout the county. It is funded by a one-half of one percent sales tax.

“I’m a farm girl at heart,” says Ann, a master gardener. Now past 90, she refers to herself as “the groundskeeper” at their home on Kerr Gulch with its chickens, peacock and guinea hens, water features and gardens galore.

The house – considered a “net zero energy” home – had the fourth lowest Home Energy Rating System (HERS) rating in the country at a -3 in 2009 when it was built.

Distinctively down-home people … the Moores have significantly impacted the quality of life in Jefferson County and in other ways the lives of many around the world, and we’re darned proud to call them neighbors!

by Linda Kirkpatrick LindaKirkpatrick@comcast.net

Real Housepets of LA7K - Hit the Road

CANINE COLUMNIST Bindi

First, let me start by saying I don’t do well in the car. That was made abundantly evident by the first hour of a 5,000-mile road trip when I tossed my kibbles all over my puppy sister before getting out of Denver Metro.

From there, my humans, who aren’t new to this fact, were a lot more aware of when to feed and water me. Carni and I spent the remainder of this trip from Evergreen to the Tetons, to Yellowstone, to Coeur d’Alene, to Rainier National Park, down the coast of Washington, then Oregon, down to Redwoods in CA, across wine country, to Las Vegas and then home via Glenwood Springs--snuggling and napping wherever we fit in the truck and camper.

I sound like I’m complaining, but we got to go on more walks and got more sniffs than most pups would ever dream. The temperature in the Tetons was a chilly (and delightful) 27 degrees, and then outside of Las Vegas it got all the way up to 115 degrees.

We saw the tallest trees and investigated some of the tallest mountains with our humans! There were waterfalls, lakes and oceans, wilderness and giant cities. For two pups keeping our watchful eyes on our young human siblings, there was no restful moment until we got back to our den on wheels, where we snuggled and played games.

By any definition, this was the trip of a lifetime, but for us, we were just happy to be trapped in close quarters with our favorite people for over a month where we did nothing but soak up all of the best of each other and the amazing places we got to see and sniff. Here are some fun tips for traveling with your best buddies:

• A lot of national parks don’t like us on trails and such. Plan ahead and find out where we’re allowed. Yellowstone wouldn’t let us on their paths, but for good reason! Drinking from a geyser sounds like more fun than it actually would be.

• Redwoods National Park is amazing and there are lots of places to explore, but if you’re going on a canopy tour, plan on finding a nice campsite for us to chill out while you go get your sniffs in.

• Keep us on a leash so you don’t get a ticket

and we don’t run off to become part of a wolfpack…

• We loved snuggling in the beds of our humans during the cold nights and loved sleeping on the cool floor on the hot nights. A cooling bed would’ve been a plus. It’s on the list for the next one.

• Las Vegas is super cool… except that it is so hot on our little paws! Doggy shoes are super helpful there and your humans will only laugh while you walk funny until you get used to them

• One more tip for now is that doggy lifejackets are great for on the lake and in the ocean. We can swim our wiggle bums off, but the lifejackets really allow us more time to play without hindering our doggy paddling.