The words you are searching are inside this book. To get more targeted content, please make full-text search by clicking here.

Third edition JeffCo Living magazine

Discover the best professional documents and content resources in AnyFlip Document Base.
Search
Published by lookoutmountain180, 2017-01-31 15:52:46

Third edition

Third edition JeffCo Living magazine

Keywords: Colorado,JeffCo,magazine

JeffCo LivingTM©

Art, Entertainment & Lifestyle

Summer - 2016

Shopping & Dining in Sensational

Jefferson County JeffCo
Hot Spots
“Gateway to the
Rocky Mountains” • Art
• Food
... and so much more! • Music
• Hiking & Biking
• Museums
• Photography

Many Great Places
to Visit!

The Legend Lives

The 67 Year History of El Rancho Lives on
as an Exciting New Brewery
and Dining Experience.

Coffee • Breakfast • Lunch • Dinner • Craft Beer

Off Interstate 70 at the corner of US Hwy 40 and Hwy 74
www.elranchobrewing.com

2 JeffCo Living • Summer 2016 • www.JeffCoLiving.com

JeffCoLivingTM©

SUMMERArt, Entertainment & Lifestyle

GreatHot Spots for Fun

Lookout Mountain - Genesee - 23 20
Mount Vernon Adventures 6
Heading West I Gold Ali Rose I Extraordinary
Explore Lakewood 10

South JeffCo & 11
Surrounding Areas

Greater Morrison Area 12

Historic Golden 13 25

Greater Evergreen 15 Upcycling I Rewarding

Unincorporated Conifer 17 18 16Treasure Hunt I World’s Largest
& 285 Corridor

Drink and Dine at some 21 a Borgata I Art & Soul 24
unique & historic places
19Tea or Tisane I Your Choice
Greater Arvada, North JeffCo -
Westminster 28 Bec’s Tea I Supporting Needs

Wheat Ridge 29

JeffCo Open Space Trails 30 21

Book Review I Heavenly Business Beer I Craft Brewer

The entire founding JeffCo Living magazine team is not only excited to bring this publication to the community,
but also look forward to being a part of your information and entertainment resources network.

Additional Resources and Content: www.JeffCoLiving.com

Advertising Sponsors

a Borgata 18 JM Colton Communications Ka-Gina Beads 31
Avenue Gifts 14 4 Kellee Colton - REMAX Alliance 4
Bluegrass Coffee & Bourbon 27 Dinosaur Ridge 12 Lakeside Amusment Park 32
Buffalo Bill Museum 6 El Rancho Brewing Company 2 - 23 Light Rail Gallery 27
Buffalo Bill’s Pahaska Tepee 7 Genesse Candyland 8 Lukes - A Steak Place 31
City of Golden 14 Genesee Mountain Fitness 9 Pace Setters 11
Clear Water Pools 31 Go Paint 15 Rolling Sands 26
Cliff House Lodge 13 Homegrown Tap & Dough 26 Travel the Horizon 17
Village Roaster 10
Colorado Furniture Consignments 22 Jim Smith - Golden Real Estate 5

www.JeffCoLiving.com • Summer 2016 • JeffCo Living 3

Kellee Colton - CMAS JeffCo LivingTM©
(Certified Mountain Area Specialist)
Art, Entertainment & Lifestyle
Broker Associate - RE/MAX Alliance Evergreen
30480 Stagecoach Blvd., Evergreen, CO 80439 Summer Edition - 2016

Cell/Text: 303-709-1431
Office: 303-670-6382

Email: [email protected]

Jo Ann M. Colton Sensational
Phone 303-670-1028 JeffCo
Hot Spots
Business Writer/Consultant Shopping & Dining in
Marketing Consultant Jefferson County • Art
• Food
Certified Human Resources “Gateway to the • Music
Management Professional Rocky Mountains” • Hiking & Biking
• Museums
Experienced H.R. Professional & ... and so much more! • Photography
RESUME WRITER
Many Great Places
Cell: 303-993-9211 to Visit!

Saying it your way… JeffCo Living magazine is a free news and lifestyle
by using my “way with words!” publication that delivers passionate and creative
coverage of the diverse communities of Jefferson
www.jmcoltoncommunications.com • [email protected] County and JeffCo neighbors. JeffCo Living
captures the unique spirit of its readers through
in-depth features, community stories, history, arts,
music, events, and spotlights on charitable causes.

JeSfhfinCe o Grow Publisher
David Robison
Living
Art, Creative & Graphic Design
Advertise Here • 720.507.4311 David Robison
Photography

Thom Langley • David Robison

Copy Editor
Jo Ann Colton

Assistant Editor
Lisa Langley
Contributors
Missy Belle • Jo Ann Colton
Hanna Hayes • Carroll Jans
Lisa Langley • Diane Levien
Wade Roberts • Jim Smith

Sales & Marketing
David Robison
Thom Langley

JeffCo Living

P.O. Box 745026
Arvada, CO 80006

720-507-4311
[email protected]

www.JeffCoLiving.com

The entire contents of Issue #3 in Print & Online
(Summer 2016) are copyright ©2016.

All rights are reserved by JeffCo Living magazine
unless otherwise specified.

JeffCo Living is not responsible for advertiser representations.
JeffCo Living magazine is published quarterly.

4 JeffCo Living • Summer 2016 • www.JeffCoLiving.com

www.JeffCoLiving.com • Summer 2016 • JeffCo Living 5

Lookout Mountain-Genesee-Mount Vernon Adventures

Lariat Trail Scenic Historic Drive

To this day engineers from around the world continue to visit this legendary
scenic drive of 56 curves, including seven hair-pins, built by hand and
horse from 1911 to 1914. The four-mile drive rises 1800 altitude feet from
19th Street in Golden to Buffalo Bill’s Grave on Lookout Mountain.

Lookout Mountain Nature Center and Preserve

After a meager beginning in the garage of the historic Boettcher Mansion
in 1975, JeffCo Open Space funded a permanent 5,000 square feet Nature
Center in 1997. The building is constructed of sustainable, earth-friendly
and recycled, locally quarried
rock and timber. Interactive
exhibits are some of the very
best! This site offers gentle
hiking trails past ponderosa
pines and through meadows,
affording panoramic views
of the Denver Metro area.
Black bears, mountain lions,
bobcats, mule deer, elk and
Abert’s squirrels, live within the 134 acres of natural habitat the preserve
offers. The 1.4 miles of trails are open to hikers, snowshoers and cross
country skiers, but are closed to bicyclists, equestrians and those hiking
with a dog. Adjacent Windy Saddle Park allows all of these uses.
• 910 Colorow Rd. • 720-497-7600
• www.jeffco.us/open-space/parks/lookout-mountain-nature-center

Buffalo Bill Museum & Grave
on Lookout Mountain

Consistently ranked by True West magazine as one of the
top ten Western museums, the Buffalo Bill Museum
offers a glimpse into the Old West. Permanent exhibits,
temporary displays and hands-on experiences make
Buffalo Bill’s life and times come alive. Also enjoy
unequaled views of the greater Denver area to the east
and the snow-capped Rockies to the west.
Museum Winter hours: Tuesday – Sunday, 9 am to 5 pm.
Closed Mondays, Thanksgiving and Christmas.
For more information visit: www.buffalobill.org
or call: 303-526-0744

6 JeffCo Living • Summer 2016 • www.JeffCoLiving.com

Buffalo Bill Museum, Grave & Pahaska Tepee

The Buffalo Bill Museum and Grave is currently ranked as one of the top ten tourist
attractions in the Denver metro area and proclaimed to have the best views of the
area. With over 500,000 visitors annually, it’s a delight for people of all ages.
William Cody died in February 1917 and was buried on Lookout Mountain,
which he believed was the most wonderful site in the world. The Pahaska
Tepee was built next to his grave in 1922 and a museum was built next
door in 1972 on Denver’s 66-acre Lookout Mountain Park.

The Buffalo Bill Museum has a number of permanent exhibits about
Buffalo Bill’s life and times and also features a special temporary
exhibit every year. The Pahaska Gift Shop has a wide variety
of gifts, books, and unique souvenirs for all. You will find
elegant treasures related to the art, history and culture of the
American West.
The Pahaska has a large coffee shop that serves a variety of
buffalo dishes.
• 987 Lookout Mountain Rd. • 303-526-0747
• www.BuffaloBill.org

Buffalo Bill’s Pahaska Café & Gift Shop

Discover the largest museum gift shop in Colorado, located next to the Buffalo Bill Museum
and Grave—the Pahaska Tepee built in 1921 in Denver’s Lookout Mountain Park!

Enjoy the snack bar and browse unique souvenirs from Colorado’s Rockies and the West.

Open every day of the year from 9:00 a.m. until dusk
987 Lookout Mountain Road, Golden 80401 (I-70 exit 256)

303-526-9367 • www.BuffaloBill.org

www.JeffCoLiving.com • Summer 2016 • JeffCo Living 7

Genesee Buffalo Herd

Denver preserved the beginnings of Genesee Park in 1914 and initially
enclosed 160 acres for seven bison and 23 wild elk transported by rail
from Yellowstone. Today’s bison pasture is about 1,000 of Genesee
Park’s 2,413 acres located on both sides of I-70 from exits 254 to 253.
• www.MountainParksHistory.org

Chief Hosa Lodge and Campground, Boettcher Mansion
Genesee Park
Entrepreneur Charles Boettcher built an elegant hunting and vacation
Architect Jacques Benedict designed this lodge of native stone and timber lodge of “American Arts & Crafts” style with native stone and timber
for Denver’s Mountain Park System in 1918. It was initially a restaurant on Lookout Mountain in 1917. The 110 acres of “Lorraine Lodge” were
and rest stop along Hwy. 40 dirt road and a popular “tent colony” for donated to JeffCo in 1970. It is a unique place for weddings and
camping. It is leased for events or camping. • 27661 Genesee Drive corporate meetings. Bring a picnic and hike on the 110-acre preserve.
• 720-913-0766 • 900 Colorow Road • 720-497-7630 • www.jeffco.us/boettcher

Visit Us At Golden Farmers Market

303-526-9751

• Over 30 Flavors of Fudge
• Nostalgic Candy Favorites and Surprising New Ones
• Fudge Dipped Bacon, Oreos, Twinkies, and More!
• Hand Made Chocolates
• Fudge or Cookie Platters

Off I-70 at exit 254 - above The Chart House Restaurant

8 JeffCo Living • Summer 2016 • www.JeffCoLiving.com

Highway 40 in 1950 Mother Cabrini Shrine

People of all faiths appreciate this wonderful national treasure on 800
acres. Extraordinary views from Lookout Mountain inspired Mother Francis
Cabrini to establish a summer camp for orphans there from 1904 to 1912.
She discovered a spring, which was later converted to a grotto modeled
after the Great Shrine of Lourdes in 1929. Visitors climb 373 steps to a
22-foot statue of Jesus Christ installed in 1954. • 20189 Cabrini Blvd.
(off Hwy. 40 between I-70 exits 259 and 256) • 303-526-0758
• www.MotherCabriniShrine.org

Highway 40 (Interstate 70) 2016

Jillian Michaels’ Visit and receive a
Free Orientation and
BODY SHRED™ Weight Training Session
(Super Fat Burn Class) with a nationally certified
Real Results Real Fast!
exercise specialist.
Pilates can help your pain!
We offer mat classes and Tami Poortman Lisa Holland Tami Poortman, B.S., is a nationally accredited
reformer. (Free 30 min. demo) post rehab specialist, ACSM, (American College of
Sports Medicine). If pain is inhibiting you from your
10% Off All Pilates Group Classes, training program, skiing, golfing, etc., we can help you
with corrective exercises for range of motion, shoulder,
on the reformer. neck, hip and back pain.

303-526-5997 Lisa Holland NAHF (National Academy for Health
and Fitness), is a weight loss specialist. Having trouble
www.GeneseeMountainFitness.com with those last 10 pounds or more? We know how to
avoid your plateau. Visit and find out what everybody is
Seconds off I-70 at the talking about. Take a tour and meet the professionals.
Genesee Town Center Exit 254
Always Open — 24 Hour Access
One Week

Free Membership with this ad,

includes group exercise classes.

www.JeffCoLiving.com • Summer 2016 • JeffCo Living 9

Explore Lakewood Lakewood Symphony

Lakewood Heritage Center Originally formed in 1977, the musicians come from all walks of life, to
perform classical, modern and Pops at the Lakewood Cultural Center.
The Visitor Center at Lakewood’s Heritage Center is home to the Radius • www.LakewoodSymphony.org
Gallery, which hosts historic and touring exhibitions, a permanent “Spirit
of Lakewood” exhibit, a gift shop, and meeting space in Belmar Park. Edge Theatre Company
Many Twentieth Century buildings have been moved to a street south of
the Visitor Center. Visitors tour a school building, Peterson House, 1930s Performing arts at 1560 Teller St. • 303-232-0363
farmhouse, barns and farm implements, White Way Grill, beauty salon, • www.theedgeproject.org
variety store, and a motel. There is also a festival area and an outdoor
amphitheater. • 801 S. Yarrow St. • 303-987-7850 • www.Lakewood.org Lakewood Visual Arts

Lakewood Cultural Center, City Hall, Heritage Center and the renovated
schoolhouse at the Washington Heights Arts Center.
• 6375 West First Avenue • 303-987-5436 • www.Lakewood.org

Lakewood Cider Days

On October 1 & 2 apple lovers will gather at Lakewood’s Heritage Center
in Belmar Park to celebrate making cider! There are tractor pulls and
hayrides, an apple bake-off, children’s barrel train rides, games with
apples, live entertainment, and art & craft booths. Historic demonstrations
as well as a unique variety of exhibitors and vendors.
• 801 S. Yarrow St. • www.lakewood.org

Lakewood’s Parks

The City of Lakewood has preserved 25% of its land for 98 parks totaling
7,191 acres of open space. The 2,400 acres of William Frederick Hayden
Park on Green Mountain is the most popular for hiking.

Bear Creek Lake Park

Lakewood began leasing this 2,600-acre park from the Army Corps of
Engineers in 1982. Visitors can fish, hike, bike, ride horses, swim, picnic,
camp, practice archery, wind surf, water ski, boat, and watch wildlife all
in one park! It offers three lakes, 15 miles of dirt trails, picnic tables, and
campsites with electricity hookups. There are yurts and horses to rent,
a swimming beach at Soda Lake, volleyball courts, and a visitor center
with nature displays. Bear Creek Reservoir is stocked with rainbow trout,
saugeye, small mouth bass, yellow perch, and an occasional tiger muskie
or walleye • Morrison Rd., east of C-470 • 303-697-6159
• www.Lakewood.org

Bear Creek Greenbelt Trail

This nature trail was built in 1980 from Bear Creek Lake Park to
Wadsworth, continuing into Denver where it joins a regional trail system.
An equestrian trail runs parallel to the paved trail. The greenbelt contains
341 acres of park and open space. Parking is available in Bear Creek Lake
Park, the historic Stone House built in 1854 at Estes and Yale.
• www.Lakewood.org

10 JeffCo Living • Summer 2016 • www.JeffCoLiving.com

South JeffCo & Pace Setters‑Full Service Salon
Surrounding Areas

Summerset Festival

This 32nd Annual free festival, September 16-18,
supports the Foothills Foundation at Clement
Park. Enjoy live music, art and craft booths,
excellent food, fireworks, pancake breakfast,
fishing derby, and Sunday’s fun day for dogs.
• www.Summersetfest.com

Chatfield State Park Hair Design • Facial Care • Massage • Waxing
Skin Care • Nails • BOTOX • Pedicure • Manicure
Hike, boat, water ski, swim, fish, cycle, ride
horses, picnic, camp. There are 300 resident Hair Care Products: Lanza, TRI, Hempz, SEVEN
and migrant bird species, whitetail & mule deer,
coyote, fox, raccoon, mice, and rabbits to watch. Professional Skin Care: Lira & Image • Makeup: Jane Iredale
Audubon Society offers classes and tours to
watch wildlife and identify native plants. There BoAotvhaiRlaebnlteal 615 Garrison, Lakewood
are 197 campsites to enjoy.
• 10500 No. Roxborough Park Rd., Littleton Easy access off 6th Avenue, northwest of Garrison exit
(C-470 & Wadsworth) • 303-791-7275
• cpw.state.co.us/placestogo/parks/Chatfield www.PaceSettersSalon.com

303-232-2190

Pike National Forest

An estimated 18% of Jefferson County’s 777
square miles are within Pike National Forest.
Visitors enjoy hiking, biking, fishing, kayaking,
camping, cross country skiing, firearm target
practice. • www.fs.usda.gov

www.JeffCoLiving.com • Summer 2016 • JeffCo Living 11

Tiny Town, Colorado 1925

Children of all ages have enjoyed the oldest kid-sized village and
railroad in the U.S. since 1915! The miniature mountain town has
over 100 buildings for kids to explore inside and out. There is a
picnic area, playground, gift shop and snack bar • South of Hwy.
285 at 6249 South Turkey Creek Rd. • 303-697-6829
• www.TinyTownRailroad.com

Bear Creek Scenic Drive

Since 1914, nearly every acre along Bear Creek from Morrison to
Evergreen has been preserved by Denver and Jefferson County.
By 1923, an estimated 303,882 motor vehicles brought 750,000
visitors through Bear Creek Canyon to hike, fish, picnic, and
camp. Villages developed over the years were Starbuck (now
“Idledale”), Kittredge, and Indian Hills. Denver Mountain Parks
are Little, Corwina, O’Fallon, and Pence. JeffCo Open Space
parks along the way are Lair o’ the Bear and Mt. Falcon.

Greater Morrison Area Morrison Natural History Museum

Historic “Downtown” Morrison This hands-on, family-friendly museum was initially established by
volunteers who convinced the city council to support it in the early 1990s.
Canadian stonemason George Morrison acquired 320 acres south of Red Dinosaur skeletons (including a life-size baby Stegosaurus), fossils, and
Rocks and founded a mill for grinding gypsum in 1865. Downtown is part of live reptiles and amphibians delight the entire family • 501 Colorado Hwy. 8
a historic district of about 70 intact sites and buildings. Hikers and cyclists • 303-697-1873 • www.MNHM.org
enjoy the Bear Creek Trail, which runs through the town. Next to Red
Rocks Park and Bandimere Speedway • www.town.morrison.co.us

Bandimere Speedway

Bandimere Speedway, also known in the NHRA as Thunder Mountain,
is a quarter-mile dragstrip located just outside Morrison, Colorado and
Lakewood, Colorado. It opened in 1958 and hosts the NHRA’s Mopar
Mile-High Nationals. Seating is 23,500 for races through the summer.
• www.Bandimere.com

Dinosaur Ridge Red Rocks Park, Amphitheatre
& Visitor Center
Tracks of dinosaurs from 145
million years ago were first Native Americans considered this a holy site. Pioneers called it “Garden of the
discovered at the hogback Angels.” John Brisben Walker was the first landowner to entertain visitors there.
near Morrison in 1877 by Denver acquired the 632-acre site in 1927 and built the Trading Post in 1931. The
Arthur Lakes. An ancient federal Civilian Conservation Corps built the Amphitheatre from 1935 to 1941.
“Dinosaur Freeway” was In 2001, Denver built an extraordinary visitor center below the amphitheatre.
discovered when the federal • 303-607-6047 • www.RedRocksOnline.com
WPA built Alameda Pkwy.
to Red Rocks Park in the
1930s. The National Park Service designated the Morrison Fossil Area
as a National Natural Landmark in 1973. Friends of Dinosaur Ridge have
managed the site and visitor center since 1989 to protect the resources
and provide education for an estimated 200,000 visitors annually. Access is
west at C-470 Alameda Parkway exit. • 303-697-3466 • www.DinoRidge.org

12 JeffCo Living • Summer 2016 • www.JeffCoLiving.com

Private enclave of themed guest cottages, each Daniel & Angela
with private hot tub. Original mansion was built Bernhardt,
in 1873 by town’s founder, George Morrison. Innkeepers

Walk to Red Rocks Park, hiking-biking trails,
restaurants, shopping and much more! A relaxed

friendly establishment for adults only, 18+.

Private Hot Tub Cottages

• •121 Stone St., Morrison, CO 80465 • 303-697-9732 • CliffHouseLodge.net

Historic Golden Foothills Art Center

Experience Golden After sponsoring sidewalk shows and internal exhibits at the historic
Presbyterian Church (built in 1892) on “Historic Courthouse Hill,” a small
The Provisional Territorial Capital of Colorado in 1859 and first Capital group of artists and art lovers purchased the church in 1970 for Foothills
in 1861 until Denver took it in 1867. It became a city in 1870, before Art Center. They also raised funds to acquire the historic Unger House next
statehood in 1876. It’s a walkable town with unique shops, restaurants and door in 1983. World-class exhibitions and creative art classes .
a wonderful creekside trail. • 303-279-3113 • www.GoldenCoChamber.org • 809 15th St. • 303-279-3922 • www.FoothillsArtCenter.org

Astor House Museum American Mountaineering Center

This was a hotel built in 1867 for Colorado’s first territorial legislators, then Preservation of Golden High School built in the 1920s is now home for the
a boarding house. Today you can imagine legislators discussing statehood, Bradford Washburn American Mountaineering Museum, Colorado Mountain
miners seeking fortune, and immigrants adapting to a new life. • 822 12th St. Club, American Alpine Club, Outward Bound, and a one-of-a-kind library
• 303-278-3557 • www.GoldenHistoryMuseums.org with more than 100,000 books, oral histories, and engravings dating back to
1541. The 3,500 sq. ft. museum is a partnership between CMC, AAC, and
Clear Creek History Park, Golden the National Geographic Society. • 710 Tenth St. • www.CMC.org
• www.AmericanAlpineClub.org • www.OutwardboundWilderness.org
Golden created Clear Creek History Park for visitors to explore how
pioneers settled here. Volunteers and JeffCo Open Space grants moved Rocky Mountain Quilt Museum
and restored historic structures from Coal Creek and Golden Gate
Canyons to 3.5 city-owned acres. It offers 1870s homestead cabins, The museum began in 1990 with the donation of Eugenia Mitchell’s 100
one-room schoolhouse, replicated blacksmith shop, root cellar, outhouse, quilts. The Golden museum’s permanent collection is now 450+ from the
heirloom gardens, and real live chickens. • 1020 11th St. early 1800s to modern art designs • 1213 Washington Ave.
• www.goldenhistory.org • 303-277-0377 • www.RMQM.org

Golden History Museum Miner’s Alley Playhouse and Acoustic Alley

Founded in 1939 to preserve artifacts and after many moves, it landed in Excellent live theater and music performances. Arrive early and enjoy the
the old library next to city hall. • 923 10th Street • 303-278-7151 wine bar. • 1224 Washington St. (2nd floor from the alley).
• www.goldenhistory.org • 303-935-3044 • www.MinersAlley.com • www.AcousticAlley.org

Colorado School of Mines Geology Museum Jefferson Symphony Orchestra

Home to one of the state’s two Goodwill moon rocks collected during the The Jefferson Symphony Orchestra is a full-size symphony orchestra based
Apollo 17 mission. Started in 1874, the museum displays mineral, fossil, in Golden, Colorado. Featuring fine musicians from many walks of life, the
gemstone, meteorite and historic mining artifact exhibits on two floors. orchestra, under the brilliant direction of Maestro William Morse, continues
• 1310 Maple St. • 303-273-3823 to perform the most challenging of repertoire - to a standard rarely seen in
• www.mines.edu/Geology_Museum volunteer orchestras. • 303-278-4237
• www.JeffersonSymphonyOrchestra.org

www.JeffCoLiving.com • Summer 2016 • JeffCo Living 13

• Colorado & Coors® Souvenirs Buffalo Bill Days
• Willow Tree® Angels
• Greeting Cards & Gifts This event, dating back to the 1940s, is now expanded
• Toys & Stuffed Animals and has become one of the largest community
• Wedding Gifts festivals in Colorado, held this year July 29-31. This
• Colorado Food Items year’s activities include Cody’s Wild West, the “Best
• Free Gift Wrap w/purchase of the West” Parade, Muttin’ Bustin’, live music, an
orphan car and a classic car show, a golf tournament,
Mon.-Sat. 10am-6pm food and merchandise vendors and much more. It all
Sun. 10am-5pm begins Thursday, July 28 with the golf tournament at
1212 Washington Avenue • Golden Applewood Golf Course. • www.BuffaloBillDays.com
303-279-0200
Fine Arts
Old Fashioned Festival
Service is Our
Gift to You The 26th Annual
Festival on August
20 & 21 is a juried
outdoor event
featuring over 130
artists from 20
states. Includes food
vendors, live music, locally brewed beer, and free art activities for children.
• 11th St. between Maple and Arapahoe • www.goldenfineartsfestival.org

Beautiful Public Art in Golden

The Golden Public Art Partnership (GPAP) was
established in July of 1999 with the mission of
ensuring the distribution, in public areas, of visible
outdoor art that historically celebrates our com-
munity’s heritage and environment. The GPAP is
a branch of the Golden Civic Foundation, but also
receives funding from the City of Golden, as well
as private contributions.

14 JeffCo Living • Summer 2016 • www.JeffCoLiving.com

Greater Evergreen Center for the Arts Evergreen

Heart of Adventure The Evergreen Arts Council was founded in 1974. Lots of great events for
this summer. Visit the web for details: www.EvergreenArts.org
A most valuable sense of place within the 120 square miles of this
unincorporated area is “downtown Main Street” Evergreen. From the Evergreen Players
1880s until the 1950s, this historic resort’s population grew from 40 in 1875
to 483 in 1949 to 9,000 today. Residents enjoy a laid back attitude, with The Evergreen Players began in 1950 with a group of friends reading plays.
volunteers elected to operate water and fire districts. JeffCo manages land It has grown to six award-winning productions a year. The Players host
use and road maintenance. • 303-674-3412 • www.EvergreenChamber.org an excellent summer Youth Drama Camp to provide aspiring artists the
opportunity to develop skills at historic Center Stage in Evergreen.
Photo: Sally Pearce, CDOT • 27608 Fireweed Dr. • 303-674-4934 • www.EvergreenPlayers.org

Evergreen Lake Evergreen Chorale and Children’s Chorale

The “crown jewel” of Evergreen. When the Troutdale summer resort was Evergreen Chorale began in 1972 and has grown to perform both chorale
developing (1914-20), Denver acquired 420-acre Dedisse Ranch in 1919 concerts and musical theatrical productions. In 1990, the Chorale acquired
for its Mountain Park system. Denver completed the dam to form the lake the historic Center Stage and invited the Evergreen Players and others to
in 1928 for fishing, boating and to create electricity. Enjoyed year round for perform there • 303-674-4002 • www.EvergreenChorale.org
boating, fishing, ice skating and relaxing with nature.
Evergreen Children’s Chorale was founded in 1990. • 27608 Fireweed Dr.
Brook Forest Inn • 303-674-9004 • www.EvergreenChildrensChorale.com

A Swiss couple renovated an old cabin, built additional structures, planted Evergreen Chamber Orchestra
crops and opened the Brook Forest Inn in 1919 when Evergreen tourism
was popular. It was one of the first to offer running water, hot baths, ECO has performed continuously in Jefferson County for the past 33
and electricity for diners, catered parties, and weddings. The high end years and currently plays at Church of the Hills in Evergreen and Genesis
restaurant with guest rooms are popular for weddings and family reunions. Presbyterian Church in Littleton. • 303-670-6558
• 8135 S. Brook Forest Rd. • 303-679-1521 • www.EvergreenChamberOrch.org
• www.theBrookForestInn.com
Hiwan Homestead Museum

Preserved by Jefferson County Open Space in 1974, the 17-room log
lodge, built from the 1890s to the 1920s, is a popular history museum
managed by the county and Jefferson County Historical Society volunteers.
In addition to conducting tours of a historic home, staff and volunteers
maintain active craft and interpretive school programs as well as changing
exhibitions. • 4208 S. Timbervale Drive (off Meadow Drive)
• 720-497-7650 • www.jchscolorado.org/museum.html

Humphrey Memorial Park & Museum

Hazel Lou Humphrey grew up in this historic homestead from January 17,
1917 until she died January 17, 1995. She donated the 35-acre ranch to
nonprofit organizations. • 620 Soda Creek Rd. (west of Bergen Pkwy. &
Evergreen Pkwy. intersection) • 303-674-5429 • www.hmpm.org

Evergreen Jazz Festival

The July festival (July 29-31) at various locations around Evergreen
offers traditional jazz roots of ragtime, blues, Dixieland, swing, and
boogie-woogie. • www.EvergreenJazz.org

Now featuring
the unique, whimsical &

Wonderful world of

Easy & Breezy * No Appointment Necessary Pottery * Mosaics * Fairy Gardens & so much more...

Historic downtown Evergreen on Bear Creek, behind Baskin Robbins

w w w.gopai n t f un .c om

4602 Plettner Ln., Suite 2B - 2D
Evergreen, CO 80439 * 303-679-3089

www.JeffCoLiving.com • Summer 2016 • JeffCo Living 15

The World’s Largest Treasure Hunt

What comes to mind when you hear the word Geocache We quickly opened it
(pronounced Gee-oh-cash)? Not familiar? It wasn’t to me either up and found a delightful
until a few weeks ago but now I’m absolutely hooked on this trove of cheap trinkets. We
cool activity. signed the log inside the box
and Kenna decided to take
According to Geocaching.com, Geocaching is an outdoor ad- a small bird tile and left
venture where players use a free mobile app or GPS device to find behind a plastic water gun.
cleverly hidden containers around the world. There are 2.5 million We placed it back exactly as
geocaches waiting to be found in over 180 countries and more than we found it, logged our find
10 million registered users, 800,000 of whom are in the U.S. on the Geocache app and
received a smiley face for
The reason geocaching even exists is that on May 2, 2000, at our trouble.
approximately midnight, E.S.T, the U.S. Government turned off
“selective availability” to twenty-four satellites around the globe. Standing in the direc-
Instantly, GPS accuracy improved tenfold and became accessible to tion we wanted to head, I
civilians. The very next day, Dave Ulmer of Beavercreek, Oregon tapped on the green dot showing us the general proximity of the
decided to bury a cache and post the coordinates on a Usenet news- next geocache along the trail. That cache was called a “micro” and
group. According to Ulmer’s message, the cache was a partially was found by Kenna hanging in a tree at eye level. Micro geocaches
buried black plastic bucket that contained software, videos, books, are very small containers that only have enough room for a tiny log
food, money, and a slingshot. book.

Within a day, the cache had been found and within a month, new We ended up finding one more geocache for a total of four but
caches were being buried around the world, which began a new decided we should get on with our hike in order to finish before
global sensation. In fact, when I checked for caches near me, the sunset.
app located over 300 in just a 5-mile radius of my home!
All along the trail we kept talking about how much fun we were
The basics are this: A geocacher hides a container that includes, at having with our new hobby. My husband was so glad I had
minimum, a logbook. They list it on Geocaching.com and challenge suggested it since it seemed to energize our daughter and make
others to find it. The container is hidden but never buried and if the her look forward to our next hike.
geocacher is playing by the rules, the cache should not contain food,
ammunition, alcohol or illicit items. Most geocaches contain small Since our first outing, I have become more familiar with the
trinkets and if you choose to take something, you should leave Geocaching app. Each geocache has a clever name given by its
something of equal or greater value. Once you’ve traded trinkets owner and most have a short description often telling users about
and signed the log, put the cache back exactly where you found it. the container itself, hints and other fun facts. Since geocaches can
And that’s it! be found virtually anywhere, the app will let you know on a scale
of 1-5 (1 being easiest, 5 being most difficult) how challenging the
A few weeks ago, my husband Thom, daughter Kenna and I location, how difficult the terrain you’re likely to encounter and the
decided to take advantage of the glorious spring weather and go size of the geocache itself, which makes it easy to design the outing
for a hike. I had recently read an article about geocaching and was best for you. Under the “Activity” tab, you can read users’
intrigued. After installing the free Geocaching app on my iPhone, comments. These proved helpful when we weren’t sure we were
I helped Kenna gather some plastic trinkets and off we went for in the right location. If you come across a cache that is not located
White Ranch Park in Golden. where its posted coordinates say it is, you can leave a comment for
the owner and let them know it’s been “muggled” – geocache speak
As soon as we pulled into the parking space, a frantic woman for missing or stolen. You can also leave suggestions to let the
told us that she had lost her Beagle named Snickers after the dog community know you had a hard time finding it or a funny story
took off after a scent on the hiking trail. We told her that we too had
a Beagle and promised to look for him during about how you came across it.
our hike.
This is what I like best about my new hobby
We headed up Belcher Hill Trail and I - the community. It’s such a great feeling
tapped the app on my phone. As soon as I to know that in a world full of divisiveness
did, several geocaches popped up on the and discord that millions of really cool and
screen. Although you could use the app adventurous people all over the world are
free of charge, I decided to upgrade to the interested in the same thing – getting outside
premium membership which revealed more and exploring their environment, finding a
details and even hints for finding the nearby treasure or two along the way and then
treasures. taking the time to share and help others have
the same fun experience.
We chose our first geocache and gleefully
hiked up the hill. Using the compass within I’m already looking forward to our next
the app, we were able to come within 30 feet geocaching adventure. I just checked my app
before we had to use our own wits to find and there are five just in my neighborhood!
it. After about five minutes climbing over a Gotta go!
giant rock pile, we found it – our first geocache! The container was a
metal ammunition box, which I later found out is popular due to its Interested in Geocaching? Check out Geocaching.com for more
durability and waterproof properties. information.
— Lisa Langley

16 JeffCo Living • Summer 2016 • www.JeffCoLiving.com

Unincorporated Conifer & 285 Corridor

The 285 Corridor is a peaceful area where the residents appreciate living
with wildlife and the vast undeveloped land.

Historical Society & Area Council

Meyer Ranch house, built in 1889 along what became Hwy. 285, is one of
the most treasured landmarks. Another is the Pleasant Park School built
in 1894, which has served as home for the Pleasant Park Grange since
1946. • www.ConiferAreaCouncil.org

Conifer Community Park at Beaver Ranch Staunton State Park in Southwest JeffCo

The Ute Trail was used for centuries by Native Americans until Mormons Staunton is Colorado’s newest state park and is in both Park and Jefferson
settled 2,000 acres in the mid 1800s with a post office, barn, school, Counties. The 3,828 acres north of Hwy. 285 and Shaffers Crossing
general store, ranch house, and outbuildings. In the 1930s, some of the opened to the public in May 2013. ​From high grassy meadows at 8,100
land was donated to Denver Mountain Parks to be preserved. JeffCo Open feet to soaring granite cliffs over 10,000 feet, Staunton State Park’s varied
Space acquired the historic Newton YMCA Camp of 446 acres in 2001 to geology, soils, water features, and climate support rare and unexpected
prevent development and provide a “hybrid” for the Conifer community to plant communities and a rich diversity of wildlife and provide a myriad
manage. Many events are held at this park, which offers 5 miles of hiking of outdoor recreation opportunities. The rock formations appeal to
trails, rental cabins, campsite, event center, outdoor chapel, and a disk golf climbers. Elk Creek Falls drop nearly 100 feet. Hiking trails offer stunning
course • Off Hwy. 285, 11369 South Foxton Rd., Aspen Park views. Staunton State Park is the legacy of Frances H. Staunton. As her
• 303-838-3705 • www.ConiferCommunityPark.org beneficiaries, present and future generations are entrusted with this land--
to enjoy, protect and treasure as she did. • 303-816-0912
StageDoor of Conifer • www.cpw.state.co.us/placestogo/parks/staunton

Since 1990, this group has produced more than 120 stage productions and
provided an outlet for local citizens who are theatrically, musically and/or
(dance) inclined. They also have a Summer Music/Drama Camp • 25797
Conifer Rd., Conifer • 303-838-0809 • www.StageDoorTheatre.org

How to Research a
Prospective Listing Agent

Is the agent a Realtor— a member of the National Association
of Realtors (NAR)? Not all agents are Realtors. It’s our trade
association with a Code of Ethics that non-Realtors don’t swear
to, but it also lobbies at the state and federal level to protect your
property rights and preserve the home mortgage interest deduction.
But another reason it’s important is that you want an agent who can
afford to spend money promoting your listing! Go to www.realtor.
com and click on “Find Realtors.” If he or she is there, click on
their profile.

Is this agent a member of the Denver MLS, and how success-
ful is he/she? A new feature of our MLS is that consumers, not just
MLS members, can find members at www.REcolorado.com and see
how many active, under contract and sold listings he or she has.
If he’s not a member of the Denver MLS, your home’s exposure to
potential buyers is severely reduced. Click on “Find Agent” and
type in the name of any agent. (Remember that the first name might
be a nickname.) If you find the agent, click on “View My Listings.”
Click the address of any listing and you’ll also be able to evaluate
the quality of the photos, video (if any), description and extent of
details provided. Keep in mind that the best predictor of how well
an agent will market your listing is how well they have marketed
previous listings.

Google the agent’s name + “Realtor.” You’ll find links with bios
and reviews. Also look for him/her on www.RatedAgent.com, the
only rating website which limits published reviews to those by
actual past clients.

— Jim Smith, Realtor ®

www.JeffCoLiving.com • Summer 2016 • JeffCo Living 17

a Borgata An “Art and Soul” Community Experience

When former Corporate America manager shades from nationwide glass bottle donations. As for the power of
Pennie Gaudi experienced an epiphany of “prayer”…Gavin is doing well.
sorts, she acted upon it bringing artists and
their creative talents together under one roof Another vendor, Hearts ‘n’ Hands (www.heartsnhandsco.org),
without the “standard” costly fees usually sells handmade leather and beaded bracelets and all-natural pet
required. treats, which help empower adults with learning disabilities.
“The organization’s founder has two developmentally disabled
“a Borgata is an Italian term for ‘village’, daughters,” said Pennie. “Limited county/state services prompted
near areas around Palermo,” said Pennie, “so her to start the Golden nonprofit.”
I thought, why not create a Borgata, a local
village—a family of artists?” Nationwide, Colorado ranks 48th for providing adequate services
In May 2013 Gaudi opened her Italian-influenced 1800 square-foot and long-term supervised residential options to people (children/
marketplace in Morrison. Within a year she relocated to its current adults) with disabilities. Further, employment, social, and rec-
11,000 square-foot space. Located at 27182 Main Street in Conifer’s reational opportunities are significantly limited for adults with
Safeway Center (303-653-6422), it features eclectic offerings: jewelry, special needs.
paintings, ceramics, primitives, Native American pieces... Unique
collectibles and handcrafted furniture are featured three doors “I partner with Hearts ‘n’ Hands to train some of its community
down from its main store. Custom orders are always welcome. members at my store for retail sales work,” said Gaudi, acknowl-
In August 2015 Pennie Gaudi purchased a second location, the edging that without such opportunities disabled adults often face a
former Connexions Store, in Lakewood’s Colorado Mills Mall at bleak future of isolation, boredom, and depression.
14500 W. Colfax, Suite 515
(303-590-1474). Likewise, a Borgata vendor Life Is Good donates 10% of its net
Not only does Gaudi offer her profits to needy kids in America. Michelle Jansick, author of
artisans (200-plus in Conifer; 100- Chipper’s Friends (a story about a dropout therapy dog) and its
plus in Lakewood) opportunities sequel, Chipper Unleased, also donates a portion of her books’ sales
to sell their works, but also she and to organizations helping animals and/or children live better lives.
some store vendors pay it forward
to benefit the community. For in- With help from two friends who firmly believe in her vision to
stance, vendor Gavin’s Ray of Hope achieve her next level of business success, on August 5, Pennie
Bottle Lights (www.bottlelightson- Gaudi will open her third a Borgata location in Canon City. Check
line.com/bottle-lights.html) started out the company on Facebook (www.facebook.com/A.Borgata1) and
out as a grandmother’s exercise visit all three a Borgata stores. Likewise, Pennie Gaudi invites other
in “prayer” for grandson, Gavin, artists and craftsmen to contact her for information about exhibiting
born in 2006 with half a heart their artistic works in any of a Borgata’s three store locations.
(HLHS). Gavin’s mom and grand-
mother professionally make lamps/ With a keen business sense and bold stroke of ingenuity, Gaudi’s
“village of artists” touts incredible art, great prices, and old-
fashioned customer service not often found these days.

­— Jo Ann M. Colton

Conifer Location Two great locations to serve you... Colorado Mills Mall Location
and the
27182 Main St Suite 125 Conifer, CO 80433 14500 W. Colfax Ave Lakewood, Co 80401
303-653-6422 GRAND OPENING Suite 515 Neighborhood 5 • 303-590-1474

Mon.– Sat. 11:00 am - 5:30 pm of our third location on August 5 Mon. – Thur. 11:00 am - 5:30 pm
Sun. 11:00 am - 4:00 pm 731 Main Street, Canon City, CO Fri.– Sat. 11:00 am - 6:00 pm
Sun. 12:00 pm - 5:00 pm
www.aborgata.com

18 JeffCo Living • Summer 2016 • www.JeffCoLiving.com

Tea or “Tisane” … the choice is yours

Statistics indicate that, “tea is the second Yet, while, tea is a broad, all-encompassing term,
most consumed beverage in the world, next “herbal teas” produced from a wide range of plant
to water.” A startling revelation to be sure! and herb leaves, floral infusions, seeds, and/or roots,
all offering enticing tastes and aromas, are actually referred to as
Routinely, I love starting my mornings “tisanes” (pronounced in French as: tee-zan and in the U.S. as: ti-
with a good cup or two of coffee (usually zan, or ti-zahn). Consequently, many tea drinkers, just like me, are
a flavored brew), but I also like drinking tea throughout the day. more hooked on the other “T,” rather than tea itself. Who knew?
Some of my friends say I have to stay true to one beverage or the In drinking a well-steeped, generally caffeine-free, cup of herbal
other, but with both coffee and tea containing various antioxidants, tea, we get not only a satisfying beverage, but also that specific
I see no reason why I can’t enjoy them both! plant’s health benefits. With many varieties of herbal teas, there is
sure to be one or more that will tantalize your taste buds (Apple,
Antioxidants are phytochemicals, chemicals found in plant foods, Orange Cinnamon and blended combinations of them all), boost
and they protect our bodies from oxidants/free-radicals consisting overall health (Rosehip and Rooibos teas), ease your stomach
of an atom, or group of atoms, having one unpaired electron, which, and digestion problems (Peppermint and Mint), calm your nerves
because of instability and high reactiveness, can damage cells and (Chamomile), and boost your spirits and your mind (Lemon
cause disease. Balm, Sage, Rosemary), while even helping writers like me break
nonproductive bouts of writer’s block and improve our overall
Technically, tea leaves, all of which contain a group of mental acuity.
antioxidants called flavonoids, come from only one evergreen Tea, nearly 5,000 years old, originated in China as a medicinal
plant called Camellia sinensis. But what determines whether the drink. In the 1600s, tea became highly popular throughout Europe
leaves become green, white, black or oolong teas depends on the and the American colonies. Further, the U.S. played an important
processing methods, which changes the leaves’ character, chemical role in the history of tea, inventing the tea bag and iced tea, both in
composition and appearance. 1904. And, according to Wikipedia, “In the United States, iced tea
makes up about 85% of all tea consumed and is very popular as an
According to tea aficionado Becky Corbett, owner of Bec’s Tea alternative to carbonated soft drinks…”
in Evergreen, Colorado, White tea refers to new growth buds and “The U.S. is the third largest importer of tea in the world, after
the youngest leaves that are plucked before they are fully opened. Russia and Pakistan, and the only western country to grow in tea
Green tea is one of the least processed teas and involves plucking imports and consumption... In 2015, Americans consumed well over
the leaves once they have fully opened. Oolong teas as a group, is 80 billion servings of tea, or more than 3.6 billion gallons… About
categorized as “semi-oxidized,” which means the tea leaves have 85% of all tea consumed was Black Tea, 14% was Green Tea, and the
been left to wither, a process which produces a chemical change in small remaining amount was Oolong, White and Dark Tea.” (Visit:
the leaf known as oxidation. www.teausa.com/14655/tea-fact-sheet for more tea facts.)
So with all the benefits of tea and herbal teas, why not swap out
“Black tea is probably the most well known in Western culture one cup of coffee per day for a cup of tea? You might just learn to
(Europe and North America),” said Becky, who explained that black enjoy the varied tastes of this versatile “hot or cold” beverage and
tea leaves are actually fully oxidized when plucked. all the health benefits it has to offer. And, whether you actually like
tea or “tisane”—ah, the choice is yours. So relax, fill your cup or
Bec’s Tea (www.becstea.com / 720-456-5014) purchases the finest glass and just enjoy!
quality loose-leaf teas from reputable/conscientious suppliers and
custom-packages and hand-wraps/labels them to order with an — Jo Ann M. Colton
artisan’s flair, then distributes them to restaurants, stores and other
tea and gift establishments.

“Although our business is focused mainly on the wholesale
market, we do work with individuals to personalize, package
and custom-label tea for their special occasions: bridal showers,
retirement parties, corporate events, and the like,” said Corbett.

l

Bec’s Tea steeped in supporting the Special Needs Community

Bec’s Tea (www.becstea.com) owner nurture the relational, educational and vo- working on my filter packages to help me
Becky Corbett also believes in “paying it cational aspirations of people with develop- fulfill my orders for a large trading com-
forward,” and giving back to the commu- mental disabilities.” pany with over 125 locations and a growing
nity. She is partnering with the Highpointe online presence. I intend to continue to
Centers in Centennial, Colorado, “a non- “Highpointe is launching programs for grow with Highpointe Centers and support
profit organization that provides quality its clients to learn work skills and some its mission.”
programs and services that support and will even intern for me,” explained Corbett.
“These wonderful people are currently — Jo Ann M. Colton

www.JeffCoLiving.com • Summer 2016 • JeffCo Living 19

Ali Rose—Extraordinary!

Photo: A.J. Curtin

Most JeffCo High School seniors spend their senior year busily The road to stardom isn’t easy, and Ali and her family know
writing college application essays, filling out endless forms, and it’s a long haul—a marathon of sorts with no shortcuts. Ali, along
touring college campuses in anticipation of entering college—but with her two sisters, is the daughter of a minister and school social
not Ali Rose. For the last year, the warm and friendly 2015 graduate worker. Her parents have sacrificed, cashed in retirement accounts,
of Dakota Ridge High School has found herself in a whirlwind and driven across Denver on a daily basis over the past six years for
of song writing, voice and acting classes, auditions, flights back Ali’s training, among other activities. Ali and her mother reminisce
and forth to LA, music videos, competitions in Las Vegas, and that growing up, her parents took her to as many local live music
performances at local gigs. performances as they possibly could. She has studied formally since
the age of 12 at the Academy of the Arts in Denver (in addition to
Ali has recorded three music videos, and she was featured regular classes and homework), learning songwriting, performing,
last spring in a JeffCo Schools video on JPS-TV by Jack Maher and acting. Ali credits the Academy for giving her confidence in
showcasing her balancing act of academics and performing, performing.
“The Amazing Ride of Ali Rose”: www.youtube.com/
watch?v=9gliJatnOCI Her second video, “Extraordinary,” was shot She studied guitar with renowned Boulder musician, Wendy
at Dakota Ridge High School and at Red Rocks. She performed at Woo, and is produced by Grammy-award winning producer Marc
Patterson Elementary in Lakewood for the school’s Day Without Williams, of Indasoul Entertainment in Los Angeles. Further,
Hate assembly, and performed “Extraordinary” and “Let It Go” Ali recently travelled to Austin to work on song writing skills
to emphasize anti-bullying and to encourage kids to ignore and with Susan Gibson, who penned “Wide Open Spaces” for the
overcome taunting and bullying tactics. Ali also performed at the Dixie Chicks, among other tunes. Ali’s talent scout, Tami Smith,
JeffCo Values Awards in April 2015 at the Arvada Center, honoring is relentless—pushing Ali to her absolute best to make her most
exemplary JeffCo teachers and staff. In addition, her final tribute to competitive in a cutthroat industry. Ali was chosen by Tami, of
the district of her entire academic career was a surprise “Beach Boys Nova Talent International, at a leadership development program at
vibe” video with the JeffCo schools Superintendent and a year-end the Academy of the Arts. Tami continually pushes Ali to maintain
message for all students—wishing them a safe summer. daily perfection: hair, manicure, bleached teeth, clear skin, model-
perfect body—and dance lessons. Such demands are not for the
For those in the local community observing her growing up, her uncommitted!
early success and drive are no surprise, whether remembering her
singing karaoke in elementary school class parties and talent shows It was a unique challenge to be a high school student with a
or performing “Silent Night” in Christmas Eve services with her very public career, and Ali says it’s been “hard to find a place”
guitar. We knew she had it, and so did she. She knew she wanted as she struggles to maintain friendships. She doesn’t recall being
to perform “since I was 5,” and she credits a childhood Hillary bullied but winces at some hurtful remarks by boys in younger
Duff concert as “the” spark way back then. Ali cites her sixth grade years, as well as mean girl tactics she endured. This resulted in a
teacher for especially supporting and encouraging her, as others song she wrote, called “You Don’t Define Me.” While some teens
have along the way. choose to experiment with alcohol and drugs, Ali knows that a

20 JeffCo Living • Summer 2016 • www.JeffCoLiving.com

dalliance like that could destroy her career Book Review
aspirations and avoids any situation which
might compromise her future. She spends Heavenly Business
weekends with her family and her dogs
when not in the spotlight. Her mother by Jo Ann M. Colton
manages her career at this point, and her
father plays in her band, as does and her Just when avid readers resolve them-
oldest sister, Anna. selves to the fact that many books out
nowadays plot just ho-hum story lines
Ali Rose loves to perform and describes reminiscent of others we’ve already read,
her music as fun and light “country pop” Evergreen resident and newspaper/
but hopes to move into harder, alternative magazine article writer Jo Ann M. Colton
tunes in the near future. Ali’s first video has delivered a fresh and outlandishly
was “You and I” about (you guessed it!) witty fiction book with magical realism.
a relationship with a boy whom she still Heavenly Business provides a delightfully
counts among friends, though she’s not sure unusual and unconventional point-of-
he knows the song is about him. The song view of earthly life, love, and day-to-day
took “about a month to write.” Her second living, while offering its readers Colton’s
video, “Extraordinary,” shows a more lighthearted perspective of “afterlife” in
polished and performance-savvy Ali Rose the heavenly sphere—and also the “world
and includes her former school, her sister, down under.”
some of her talented classmates, and family Heavenly Business is a well-written novel with an unusual story line that from the begin-
friends. It’s also part of a documentary by ning sets the pace for all of its out-of-this-world antics and clever twists and turns designed
KLEWS production team from Pittsburgh, to steer the story to its captivating and engaging conclusion.
who included it in a showcase of videos I was hooked from the very beginning at the book’s unusual premise:
made in each of our 50 states, with the “When it appears to the Almighty that His Heavenly World is going to ‘hell in a hand basket’
inspirational message “If You Don’t Love because newly-departed souls are finding their way to Lucifer’s domain rather than His Kingdom, He
it, Change it.” This song came more easily believes it is time for a change.”
to her, and she’s happy that it’s become a “Realizing He and the devil are both vying for the same pool of dearly departed souls, He decides to
part of a local message about acceptance reengineer His Heavenly ‘business processes’ using, of all things, a county government infrastructure
and tolerance and that she’s been asked to as His new model!”
share that message personally. She recounts Heavenly Business, Colton’s sixth published work, leads its readers on a good-versus-evil
that this song took about three weeks to romp through heaven and earth as Heaven charts its new direction into the 21st century
complete. The melody usually comes first, and the dastardly doings of Satan himself soon threaten His new Plan. Her characters,
and then she works on the “hook” or the including the devil, truly come to life as they engage in cut-above-the-rest dialogue and
chorus before moving into the balance of the good-humored exchanges about life, love, death, and more.
lyrics. She “juggles a bunch” by waitressing, Identifiably realistic, and often humanly poignant, the funny, quick-witted verbal humor
and she plays locally about once a week of Heavenly Business makes for an entertaining read that also showcases two tales of love
while continuing to hone her skills and that evolve, and come to light, in a most extraordinary way.
performances. “Cupid, I think the last time we saw each other was July 1981 in England for that Royal wedding.”
“Darling, has it been that long? Even though I have certainly had a hand in other ill-fated love
Ali and her band hope to play much matches, that unfortunate situation is one I shall never forget. It finally brought me to realize that
more this year, since she’s completed public even when I hit my mark it doesn’t always mean that love will last forever.”
school to gain experience and exposure Consequently, whether or not you can identify with the working worlds of Corporate
and, hopefully, the attention of a potential America or county government, just about everyone can relate to this story line from the
backer. She’d like to go on tour, opening for perspective of the trials and tribulations of living our daily earthly lives. If you enjoyed the
a bigger band and to get onto college radio Oh, God movies from the late 1970s (starring George Burns and also featuring John Denver),
stations. There’s always “a different door,” not only will you love Heavenly Business, but also because “laughter is the best medicine,”
and some don’t open. She and her mother Heavenly Business is sure to lift your spirits to the “heavens!”
know that she has to have a platform, and
she’s active on Twitter, Facebook, and — Missy Belle (Denver, CO)
Instagram--but there’s still so much more to “Past member of Corporate America, current Government worker—
do to get to the next step. Recently, Ali Rose
was ranked first in Denver on ReverbNation and longstanding member of the earthly world”
and sixteenth nationally, so things are Heavenly Business can be purchased from www.authorhouse.com, Barnes & Noble,
moving in the right direction! Amazon.com and/or fine bookstores everywhere.

Her dream? Ali Rose dreams of returning www.JeffCoLiving.com • Summer 2016 • JeffCo Living 21
to Red Rocks, headlining her own music
event. Extraordinary!For Ali Rose’ schedule
of performances: www.reverbnation.com/
alirose6

— Carroll Jans
Photo: A.J. Curtin

Drink and Dine at some unique & historic places

Bucksnort Saloon Little Bear Saloon

This unique rustic mountain bar has dollar bills, business cards and graffiti Little Bear saloon and restaurant is a living piece of Rocky Mountain history and
plastered on walls and ceiling which adds to the flavor of this place. Live is as authentic as it gets. It’s been in the Colorado mountains for nearly 40
entertainment on weekends is worth the drive through rock formations east years. Just about every “local” under the age of 80 has seen legendary
of Pine, south of Shaffer’s Crossing at Hwy. 285. Great place if you’re musicians perform amidst hundreds of “donated” female underwear
seeking an authentic, fun-loving Colorado experience. • 15921 Elk Creek hanging from the ceiling and initials carved in the bar. • 27895 Hwy. 74,
Road, Sphinx Park, CO • 303-838-0284 • www.thebucksnortsaloon.com Evergreen • 303-674-9991 • www.LittleBearSaloon.com

Cactus Jack’s Saloon & Grill El Rancho Brewing Company

Just below the Evergreen dam overlooking Bear Creek. It is also popular Historic El Rancho Restaurant has undergone an extensive remodel
for good food and the most “green” business in town! Enjoy local talent emerging as El Rancho Brewing Company, with a new 10-barrel brewing
and national acts without a cover charge. • 4651 Hwy. 73 • 303-674-1574 system. Their west deck is a great place to relax with its great view of the
• www.evergreenlivemusic.com Continental Divide. The most photographed view of the Continental Divide
since 1948. El Rancho offers banquet and wedding reception facilities and
Davies’ Chuck Wagon Diner is always popular with locals and tourists. • 29260 U.S. Hwy. 40 (Evergreen
I-70 exit) • 303-526-0661 • www.elranchobrewing.com
This prefab diner arrived on West Colfax from New Jersey in 1957. It
became a designated “historical site” and remains as it was in 1957. Casa Bonita
• 9495 West Colfax Ave., Lakewood. • 303-237-5252
Since 1974, Casa Bonita has offered Mexican food in a 19th Century,
Arriving daily; tropical paradise setting with entertainment. • 6715 West Colfax Ave.,
- Brand new furniture at below retail pricing Lakewood • 303-232-5115 • www.CasaBonitaDenver.com
- Quality, gently used consignment
- Unique finds from around the world The Fort
- Local artisan creations
In 1962, Sam Arnold built The Fort modeled after historic Bent’s Fort where
1193 Bergen Parkway, Suite N/O/P, (King Soopers Shopping Center) Indians and “Mountain Men” traders met in the 19th century. The Fort
Evergreen, Colorado 80439 serves 50,000 buffalo dinners annually. Tesoro Foundation was
established in 1999 as a nonprofit organization to sponsor art exhibits,
Monday - Saturday 9-6, Sunday - 11-5 music performances, and historical reenactments. • 19192 Hwy. 8,
Morrison • 303-697-4771 • www.TheFort.com
303.679.8000
White Fence Farm
coloradoconsignments.com
Since 1973, this Colonial mini-farm setting, with gift and specialty shops and
Have items to consign? E-mail your photos to animals to pet, have served family-style dinners. • 6263 West Jewell, Lakewood
[email protected] • 303-935-5945 • www.WhiteFenceFarm.com

Rheinlander Bakery & Deli

Jacob Dimmer opened Home Bakery in 1963 and lived above the storefront
with his family. His son Ed and Ed’s wife Maro took over in 1986 and have
operated the store ever since. They offer extraordinary baked goods with
sugar and wheat as well as gluten-free and sugarless alternatives.
• 5721 Olde Wadsworth Blvd., Arvada • 303-467-1810
• www.RheinlanderBakery.com • www.SweetDeliverance.com

Village Roaster

Since 1979 the Village Roaster has been offering some of the best coffee,
tea, and gift selections, chosen from around the world. Importing fine
coffees from different continents is just the beginning of their magic. They
fresh roast the coffee beans to perfection, a process that is as much art as
science. They take great pride in their roasting – in fact, they are a founding
member of the Specialty Coffee Association of America.
• 9255 West Alameda, Lakewood • 303-238-8718
• www.VillageRoaster.com

22 JeffCo Living • Summer 2016 • www.JeffCoLiving.com

Heading WEST?
Look for the GOLD dust!

After 20 years in the making JeffCo residents The girls and I rode the West Line Transit information is now on iPhone’s
are moving ahead with a trend that is grow- to Union Station. We journeyed map program. It says the trip to DIA
ing nationwide—public transportation. during off-peak hours and it was will take two hours and 47 minutes from
FasTracks is poised to change congestion totally fun. We waited for our downtown Evergreen. There are vending
and pollution in our beautiful county. It tickets to be collected but for some machines for tickets at all the Light Rail
reduces fuel consumption and saves money, reason that never happened. There stations.
especially if you can downsize to one car, are ticket takers to be sure, and a
which will greatly reduce carbon emissions. warning and then a fine are given if you are RTD offers exactly the kind of infrastruc-
caught riding without a ticket. ture projects that are fueling the job market
You can already ride the West Line and and improving quality of life for local
we can continue to anticipate a fall opening It certainly seems time to brave our local residents. Public transportation is revital-
of the Gold Line. You’ll soon be able to offerings, especially now that they even izing Colorado as we have seen in business
take an energy-saving, shopping excursion travel to Denver International Airport. A growth and an increase in home values. So
through north Denver, southwest Adams trip to the airport has the right price tag but get out and enjoy JeffCo! Park your car and
County and Wheat Ridge with a visit to involves a bit of effort. Although we have hop on board. It’s projected that 30,000 of us
Olde Town Arvada. Park-N-Ride lots dotted around JeffCo, they will be doing so by 2025.
offer limited service: buses, sports rides and
Light Rail, FasTracks, RTD…as a non- Call-N-Ride, so first there’s getting to the —Hannah Hayes
commuting, car-driving mountain dweller, Federal Center Station at Union and 2nd
these brands tend to make me glaze over. Place. Be aware that day trips won’t incur
I want to be eco-aware but moving into a parking fee but any additional days you
public transportation is definitely un- leave your car there are $2/day. Your fare to
nerving for a first time rider—even one the airport is $9 (seniors pay half) and the
who’s used the New York Subway system, trip includes a change at Union Station.
Loop in Chicago, and the Tube in London.

El Rancho was built in 1948 by the Jahnke family as a trading post. They sold the building in 29260 US Hwy 40
1953 to Mildred and Ray Zipprich, Milwaukee Wisconsin pie distributors. Their daughter Donna Evergreen, CO 80439
and son-in-law Paul McEncroe joined them in 1958 and operated it, with their children, until 1988.
After the McEncroes sold El Rancho in 1988 it was owned and operated by various families. In (303) 670-BREW
May 2015 the Vincent families purchased El Rancho. Through their efforts El Rancho has been
restored to its glory days’ condition as El Rancho Brewing Company! Mon-Thurs 11:00 am - 10:00 pm
Fri 11:00 am - 11:00 pm
Today El Rancho can serve 332 guests on the main floor dining room and bar, 27 in the private Sat 8:00 am - 11:00 pm
dining room and up to 135 guests in the garden level banquet room. El Rancho is 7,686 feet Sun 8:00 am - 10:00 pm
above sea level. Featuring six fireplaces and serving dinner 364 days a year.
(Christmas is closed so the staff can spend quality time with their families.) Breakfast
Sat/Sun 8:00 am - 11:30 am
Don’t just “eat and run.” Weather permitting, relax on the western facing deck which boasts having
“one of the most photographed views in Colorado”…some go further and make that “in America!” Sandwiches and Dinners
Mon - Fri 11:00 am - 8:30 pm
Visit El Rancho, where we are family friendly and the history continues. Sat/Sun 11:30 am - 9:00 pm

www.elranchobrewing.com

www.JeffCoLiving.com • Summer 2016 • JeffCo Living 23

Local Craft Homebrewer, photographer, writer and food lover My review system is as follows:
Brewers who retired after a 33-year run in the beer industry 1 - A Taster
(23 years on a descriptive sensory panel and eight Means the beer is interesting and
years in global new product development). I will deserves to at least be sampled.
attempt to visit every brewery in Jefferson County to
introduce you to what I am certain are a proud and 2 - A Full Pint
capable lot of beer makers of every stripe and back- Means the beer is worthy of a full glass.
ground and their liquid creations. Because every-
one’s palate is different, and my perception of tastes 3 - Two Pints
and aromas will vary from yours, my aim is to Means the beer is worthy of an encore.
describe the beers in such a way that it will entice
you to embark on your own journey of exploration 4 - A Growler
within this wonderfully rich and varied craft beer Means the beer is so very interesting that
culture located in our own backyard. it should be bought in larger quantity for
I will always pay my own way so that my reviews sharing with friends.
will be trustworthy and unbiased.
Read on and enjoy. Cheers!
Thom Langley

Overlooking Bear Creek at the eastern end of old either directly from the bright tanks or from kegs Tasting Notes:
town Evergreen above Highway 74, sits a historical filled on site. Packaged beer is not yet available, but
building from the 1920s that, after some extensive you can take away a freshly filled growler. # 1 - Irish Red Ale on Nitro
renovations, now houses the Lariat Lodge Brewing 6.3% ABV | 22 IBU
Company. As I approached the intersection of Iris A New York native, Eric began brewing, as so
and Fireweed Drives, I slowed to a gentle roll so many do, at home in 1994. His passion for the Appearance - Rich coppery red color. Good
as not to disturb the feeding pair of Wapiti on the avocation was converted into his vocation in clarity with a creamy ivory head. A waterfall of
corner just a block away from the brewery. Open 1995 at Colorado’s terrifically successful and tiny bubbles due to the nitro pour with very good
since Halloween 2015, Lariat Lodge Brewing employee-owned New Belgium Brewery in Fort head retention and good lacing.
Company focuses on fresh, small batch and Collins. This was followed by a stint at CB & Potts Aroma - Alluring sweetness combined with a
handmade in both the beer and the food. and then a 17-year run at the multi award-winning roasted sweet bread malt aroma.
Once inside the 250 seat venue, which features Tommyknocker Brewery in Idaho Springs where
a space configurable for different sizes of private Eric eventually became the Head Brewer. Still, Mouthfeel - Soft and smooth with silkiness
events, I couldn’t help but notice the bar top surface with aspirations for the full creative control over imparted from the nitro.
which I learned had been fashioned from the R&D and process that ownership allows, Eric
reclaimed original support beam of the building - a availed himself of an opportunity to engage with Taste - Toasted sweetness with nice caramel
nice touch. a group of five other partners to form the Lariat notes and just enough hop bitterness for balance
Lodge Brewing Company in 2015. The Evergreen without interfering with the lovely caramel malt.
There I met and talked with Eric Bode, the community has since been very supportive and the The mildly elevated alcohol content helps provide
Brewmaster/Owner and for the time being, the business is off to a running start according to Eric, a clean finish and good warmth.
sole brewer. From raw material procurement and who is already looking to expand his fermenting
inventory management, grain milling to spent grain cellar capacity with the addition of a double batch Comments: I have a weakness for this style of
disposal, mashing, brewing, cellaring and yeast sized 10 bbl fermenter later this year. Eric keeps ale when well executed and this is a very solid
propagation, it’s all done by Eric’s two hands, on offering new brews across the twelve faucets, but representation of the classic style. Roasted
site. His small but neatly organized space houses keeps a couple of house favorites on tap constantly, caramel sweetness from the malt and its inherent
a five bbl, stainless steel, direct fired brew kettle, a namely the Bear Creek Blonde Ale and the Angry tinge of bittering character carry the day for
hot liquor tank, a mash tun, and four glycol-jacketed Elk Amber Ale. The latter aptly named after a cow this beer. Putting it under nitro smooths the
fermenters. There is a refrigerated cellar of five elk that birthed her calf under the back deck of sometimes edgy and gaseous mouth-feel of
bright tanks consisting of five bbls each. From this, the Lodge building, and could get a mite angry if exclusively carbon-dioxide pressurization.
twelve tap faucets are provided with fresh beer approached too closely. Now THAT’s Colorado!
Thom’s rating: 2 Pints
In addition to the two “always on” house favorites,
on offer the day of my visit were six other ales. # 2 - Munich Style Dark Lager -
Two IPAs, one each Porter and Stout, the Irish Red 5.9% ABV | 20 IBU
and Belgian Strong ales both reviewed below. Also
offered was a Munich-style dark lager, the first lager Appearance – Very nice dark tan to mahogany
for Lariat Lodge. color. Good clarity with well-developed head
showing adequate retention and good lacing.
Asking Eric to set me up a tasting flight of his
choosing, I settled in and happily sampled the Aroma - Freshly baked whole grain bread crust
following: with sweet, muted floral notes from the hops.

Mouthfeel - Slippery smooth. Very clean with no
clinging to the palette. Carbonation level is spot
on.

Taste - Toasted bread with a well-balanced mix
of roasted and crystal malt flavors which is not at
all bitter. Excellent balance from the right touch of
hops provides for a hint of floral crispness behind
the sweet malt flavor..

Comments: Ahhh,…Lagers! This is a strong first
entry into the category for LLBC. So drinkable
due to a well-balanced bill of both pale and
roasted malt types combined with a good bottom

24 JeffCo Living • Summer 2016 • www.JeffCoLiving.com

fermenting yeast which demonstrates good The Rewards of Upcycling
attenuation for respectable ABV levels. A timely
diacetyl rest and secondary fermentation esters Upcycling is the act of altering something Any design style can be achieved through
from lengthy lagering negates the need for vintage or even just plain worn out to make upcycling. We are used to seeing recycled
excessive bittering from hops. This allows the it usable again. Sometimes that involves country style and old-world furniture and
hop’s floral character to bring background flavors fixing and beautifying a thing in its whole accessories. These styles of furnishings
to the properly converted malts. state or taking something apart and using were easily available for so long in estate
the best elements of it to make something sales and at second-hand stores. Now there
Thom’s rating: Growler new. This can certainly be done with are a lot of things coming into the second-
furniture, clothing, jewelry, artwork and hand market from the seventies and eighties
# 3 - Troublesome Gulch Double India household items. A furniture project can as well as mid-century modern from
Pale Ale 8.8% ABV | 95 IBU be merely “refreshed” with an innovative the fifties and sixties. The same is true of
paint job, or completely repaired, stripped clothing and jewelry. Your upcycled style
It is worth noting that there are five varieties of kettle of its old finish, re-stained and refinished. can be anything you want, a unified style
hops and four types of dry hops added to this beer. or an eclectic collection. One style currently
Likewise, vintage clothing can be entirely trending is “urban rustic,” a mingled com-
Appearance - Rich golden color. Good restored, altered or made into something bination of modern and rustic; another that
carbonation activity and clarity with a bright white new by adding new fabric/elements. creates an easy casual look is “Boho”
and well-retained head and lacing. (Bohemian and hippy). Any look can be
Aroma - Tropical fruit, freshly cut grass, pine Upcycling offers so many options. Many achieved depending on how you choose to
resin and eucalyptus. artists collect time-worn artifacts, coins, bits restore an item. You can paint, stain, dye,
Mouthfeel - Thick, rich and resinous on the front, reassemble or cut and sew your way to a
with a surprisingly clean finish provided by the of metal/gears, bones, cast-off jewelry or stylish and beautiful home and wardrobe.
alcohol that brings both crispness and warmth at textiles/fabrics. Multimedia artists strategi-
the end. Resinous residual lingers.. cally add these odds-and-ends to paintings, We now build things to be thrown away
pottery and sculpture to create unique more than in any other time in history.
Taste - Classic crystal and pale malt flavor artwork with a sense of history and time- Modern merchandise, affordable and high-
backbone carries a very complex and aggressive lessness. Fabric artists create art quilts, end goods, are often made of particle board
bitterness profile. The alcohol cleans and clarifies tapestries, artistic clothing, soft sculpture, with thin veneer, cheap and flimsy metals
the palette toward the end while the strength and many other objects using vintage and/or poorly made fabrics. Upcycling is a
of the hop resins linger and the warmth of the fabrics/lace and artifacts. Jewelers make craft you can do yourself, or you can find
alcohol slides down the gullet. original jewelry from disassembled old specialized artisans who can create beauti-
jewelry, watches, gears and coins. When ful objects for you. The creative nature of
Comments: This is a well-planned and executed artistic supplies are “collected” instead restoring second-hand items is exciting and
representative of the Pale Ale style that will of ordered from a catalogue, everything it can also be good for people—and the
have a strong appeal to the enthusiastic hop- becomes a one-of-kind article because each planet. Why build a mountain of trash when
head crowd. Due to the late boil and multiple artist has a unique vision and a different we can save treasures, teach frugality and
dry hop additions, this beer pays homage to the collection of materials for every project. encourage a love of quality over quantity?
true heritage of the American Pale Ale style by
offering loads of aroma in addition to hop flavor Today’s vintage treasures were often
and bitterness. It should be swirled and sniffed made of rich-
often, and allowed to warm slightly in order to grained hard-
enjoy the depth of hop character contained in this woods with
complex double strong pale ale. quality veneers,
real brass, copper
Thom’s rating: 1 pint and silver; linens
from hand-crafted
# 4 - Dark Side of the Lodge Belgian fabrics/laces and
Strong Ale 8.3% ABV | 22 IBU the like. These
pieces, however
Appearance - Purplish black and opaque with a worn, have sur-
brownish to tan head composed of lots of larger vived because they
bubbles with strong retention. were built to last
from the begin-
Aroma - Multitudes of dried dark fruits including ning. Now…is the
plums, cherries, raisins, dates and figs, alongside time to discover
a muted molasses. the rewards of
upcycling.
Mouthfeel - Thick, rich and silky smooth with an —Diane Levien
espresso-like layer.

Taste - Caramels and coffee with dried fruits. A
hint of the phenols from the unusual strain of
yeast which provides a bitterness similar to raw
tree nut shells. Low to no hop characteristics are
present, but the beer remains balanced without
the aid of them.

Comments: A rich, yummy and fruity glass of
deliciousness. Large and well-rounded malt
flavors surrounded by fruity characteristics from
the Belgian style yeast. Hints of molasses and
an ABV level fitting of the “Strong” label comes
from the addition of candy sugar for robust
yeast conversion. There are layers and layers of
marvelous complex flavors.

Thom’s rating: 2 pints – savored slowly with good
food from Mike’s kitchen, (and water in between).

www.JeffCoLiving.com • Summer 2016 • JeffCo Living 25

Visit Olde Town Arvada

Delicious hand-made pizzas,
house-made pastas,
gourmet burgers and more!

5601 Olde Wadsworth Blvd, Arvada, CO 80002 • 303-284-6087

Sun. - Sat.: 11am - 10pm Tapanddough.com
Thur. - Sat.: Bar closes at 12am

Mention this ad for
one FREE Park Session beer!

Limit one per customer,
one time, must be 21+

5709 Olde Wadsworth Blvd. Colorado’s largest store for yoga, At Rolling Sands in Olde Town Arvada
www.rollingsands.com meditation, core fitness and muscle you will find an assortment of personal
303-422-1452 massage tools. Affordable everyday and home décor items aimed to reduce
yoga lifestyle clothing. Great USA & stress and bring calm into your life.
Colorado-made gifts, from jewelry to With a knowledgeable and trained
home décor accessories. staff you will be assisted in finding that
perfect yoga mat, meditation cushion
Mention this ad and receive a Free Gift. or self-massage tool for your needs. A
private try-out room is available for you
No purchase necessary, while supplies last. to compare the different brands and
styles so when you leave, you’ll know you have bought the right item.
Or come for the bath salts, wind chimes, inspirational art and thoughtful
gifts…either way, Rolling Sands helps you to find your inner peace.

tone 667 26 JeffCo Living • Summer 2016 • www.JeffCoLiving.com
2, M-49, Y-0, K-14
15 G-115 B-169

#7373a9

Just for the FUN of it!

THE BLUEGRASS COFFEE & BOURBON LOUNGE

7415 Grandview Ave. • Arvada, CO 80002 • 720-476-3950 During the day, we are a coffee house that focuses
www.thebluegrasslounge.com on espresso-based drinks while proudly serving

M - TH 7am - 10pm • Fri - Sat 7am - 12am • Sun 7am - 10pm an array of breakfast sandwiches, pastries,
muffins, scones and cakes.

At night, we transform into a Bourbon bar where
people feel "at home", dishing out

salads, pizzas and all types of Bourbons
for every taste and price point.

www.JeffCoLiving.com • Summer 2016 • JeffCo Living 27

Greater Arvada, North JeffCo, Westminster

Olde Town Arvada Adventure Two Ponds National
Wildlife Refuge
The town of 600 incorporated in 1904 has grown
to a population of over 112,000, and the heart This unique 72-acre sanctuary
of the city, Olde Town Arvada is a National in northwest urban Arvada is
Historical District. Unique shops and restaurants maintained by the U.S. Fish &
are an “Original Shopping District.” Visitor Center Wildlife Service. It is a nesting and
is at 7307 Grandview Ave. resting place for 113 migrating bird
• 303-424-0313 • www.HistoricArvada.org species and an excellent habitat
• www.ArvadaChamber.org for wildlife education. Bikes and
dogs are not allowed. • 80th Avenue
Olde Town McIlvoy House between Wadsworth Blvd. and
& Flour Mill Kipling. • 303-289-0867
• www.FWS.gov/TwoPonds
Arvada first grade teacher Lois Lindstrom
and many others established the Arvada Historical Society in 1972 and Westminster
convinced city council to build the Arvada Center, which voters approved
for funding in 1974. AHS volunteers have continued to help manage the The City of Westminster has preserved more than 2,700 acres for open
Center ever since. McIlvoy House, 7307 Grandview Avenue, was gifted space. Includes an interconnected trail system that winds through 74
to AHS by the city and is now home for history archives. AHS volunteers miles of off-road and 9 miles of on-street trails. The system includes 40
also provide tours of the Arvada Flour Mill Museum, built in 1925 at 5590 pedestrian/bike underpasses for safety and quality of experience.
Wadsworth. • 303-431-1261 • www.ArvadaHistory.org • 303-425-1097 • www.ci.westminster.co.us

Arvada Center for Arts and Humanities Standley Lake Regional Park

The center offers a production schedule throughout the year, with world- This 2,327-acre park
class touring and local musicals and theater productions. Art exhibits is at 100th Avenue and
change quarterly and a full schedule of classes, camps, seminars, and Simms. Rights to the
conferences are especially popular. It is also a popular meeting and 42,000 acre feet of water
convention center. 6901 Wadsworth Blvd. • 720-898-7200 are owned by Farmers
• www.ArvadaCenter.org Reservoir and Irrigation
Company (FRICO)
Majestic View Nature Center serving Westminster,
Northglenn and Thornton.
This Center has hands-on displays, wildlife exhibits, a kid’s activity area, Surface recreation rights
classrooms and meeting spaces. Majestic View Community Park is over
80 acres and includes lake and wetland areas, a beautiful demonstration are leased to Westminster for recreation. A comfort station includes rest
garden, interpretive trails, prairie grasses, beautiful views and many rooms, drinking fountain, outside rinsing showers, and a fish-cleaning
wildlife species. • 7030 Garrison St. • 720-898-7405 • www.Arvada.org station; campsites with picnic tables and fire pits, a four-lane boat ramp,
horseshoe pits and volleyball courts; small amphitheater and pavilions
Apex Park for family functions, special events; trails for running, riding or hiking; and
& Recreation District viewing blind for bald eagles! • 303-425-1097
• www.ci.westminster.co.us/ParksRec/Parks/StandleyLakeRegionalPark
This Colorado Special District offers
extensive opportunities for fitness, Westminster Faire
ice & roller skating, swimming, rock
climbing, Indian Tree Golf Course, Westminster Faire is on August 13 this year and includes entertainment,
fitness center, tennis, racquetball, and arts & crafts, great food, and
a variety of fun activities for the entire family.
community meetings. Facilities include • Westminster City Park, 10455 Sheridan Blvd.
Apex Center, Apex Simms Center, • www.ci.westminster.co.us/ParksRec/WestyFest
Racquetball & Fitness Center, Tennis
Center, Lake Arbor Center, Stenger Soccer Complex, Secrest Youth &
Teen Center and more. • 13150 W. 72nd Ave.
• 303-424-2739 • www.Apexprd.org

Arvada City Parks and Recreation

Arvada has 140 parks and 125 miles of trails that link a variety of natural
landscapes and recreation areas. One of the most popular is Ralston
Creek Trail running upstream from the Clear Creek Trail over the mast
bridge near I-70 and Sheridan west through 13 parks and West Woods
Golf Course. It then moves through Tucker Lake Park and the Arvada
Reservoir. Trail users are bikers, hikers, joggers, walkers, rollerbladers,
skate boarders and strollers of all ages. The trail moves through a natural
streamside habitat, past irrigation ponds, through open space parks, near
playgrounds, tennis and play fields in a continuum of trees and past a wide
variety of activities.

28 JeffCo Living • Summer 2016 • www.JeffCoLiving.com

Wheat Ridge It’s just a ride...

& Lakeside Amusement Park ~ Bill Hicks

Lakeside was considered the “Coney Island
of the West” when it opened in 1908 with a
merry-go-round, gambling casino, railway,
roller coaster, movie theatre, dance hall, and
indoor swimming pool. In 2016, Lakeside has
retained the laid-back charm and character
of the original turn-of-the-century attraction.
The shade of the trees and the ability to bring
your own picnic makes Lakeside a welcomed
destination for families looking for a fun day.
• 4601 Sheridan Blvd., Lakeside • 303-477-1621
• www.LakesideAmusementPark.com

Wheat Ridge History Park Wheat Ridge Park Locations

Preservation of this delightful park is the result of diligent members of the Anderson Park - 44th Ave. and Field St.
Wheat Ridge Historical Society who saved the first Post Office in 1994. The Apel-Bacher Park - 45th and Vance
“soddy” house was originally built in 1864 and was lived in continuously Bonnie’s Park - 37th and Upham
until 1973. The White family cottage was built in 1910. The toolshed holds Boyd’s Crossing - 45th and Everett
farm implements that come alive during annual festivities. The James H. Creekside Park - 49th and Marshall
Bough house at the corner of 44th and Robb was built in 1859. Discovery Park - 38th Ave. and Kipling St.
• 44th & Robb • www.WheatRidgeHistoricalSociety.org Founders’ Park - 37th and Jay
Fruitdale Park - 47th Ave. and Miller
Wheat Ridge Recreation Center Happiness Gardens - 4226 Ammons
Hayward Park - 29th Ave. and Wadsworth;
This center offers an active drop-in group fitness schedule including Johnson Park - 49th Ave. and Wadsworth
cycling, yoga and pilates, as well as a drop-in gym schedule for basketball, Lewis Meadows - 33rd Ave. and Union
volleyball and pickleball. All drop-in classes and activities including aqua Louise Turner Park - 38th Ave. and Parfet
aerobics are included with daily admission or your pass. They also offer Panorama Park - 35th Ave. and Fenton
personal training to help you achieve your fitness goals. Paramount Park - 29th Ave. and Kipling
• 4005 Kipling St., 80033 • 303-231-1300 Prospect Park - 44th Ave. and Robb
• www.ci.wheatridge.co.us/1265/Recreation-Center Randall Park - 43rd Ave. and Gray
Richards-Hart Estate - 28th Ave. and Benton St.
History Sod House & Museum - 46th Ave. and Robb
Stites Park - 29th Ave. and Newland
Town Center Park - 4084 Wadsworth Boulevard

Off Leash Dog Park

The 2-acre Fruitdale Park at 4700 Miller St. (west of Kipling and north of
44th Ave.), has restrooms and a water source available on the north end
of the park.

The City of Wheat Ridge maintains 300 acres of open space. The most Wheat Ridge Carnation Festival
popular community Park is Anderson at 4355 Field Street. The most
universally appreciated is the 6.5 mile Wheat Ridge Greenbelt portion of This festival on August 12-14 of this year celebrates the heritage of the
the Clear Creek Trail. It gained National Recreation Trail status in 2007 as largest grower of carnations in the world before Wheat Ridge became a
it continues from Youngfield to Harlan conserving 250 acres of native plants city in 1969! There’s the Zoppe’ Circus, parade, carnival, fireworks, live
and wildlife, wetlands and lakes, while cyclists and walkers pass by. music, beer garden, food court and more. Anderson Park.
• www.ci.wheatridge.co.us • 4355 Field St. • www.thecarnationfestival.com

www.JeffCoLiving.com • Summer 2016 • JeffCo Living 29

JeffCo Open Space Trails Center, and Hiwan Homestead. Some people enjoy the challenge of
hiking all 167 trail miles in one summer!
Since 1972, when Jefferson County voters approved a half-cent Details are available at: www.OpenSpace.JeffCo.us
sales tax to fund open space, more than 53,000 acres have been
preserved as 22 parks! Open Space location maps and brochures Evergreen Area
are available at public libraries, the Lookout Mountain Nature
Alderfer/Three Sisters Park: 15.5 miles of trails on 1,128 acres
North JeffCo Elk Meadow Park: 11.7 miles of trails on 1,650.5 acres
Hiwan Homestead Museum: .25 miles on 2 acres
Centennial Cone: 16 miles of trails on 3,262 acres Pioneer Trail: 3 miles from Bergen Park to Evergreen Lake
Clear Creek Canyon: building 12 miles of trails on 3,265 acres
Mount Galbraith Park: 4.7 miles of trails on 871 acres South JeffCo Foothills
Van Bibber Park: 3.8 miles of trails on 133 acres
White Ranch Park: 19.1 miles of trails on 4,391 acres Flying J Ranch Park: 4.3 miles of trails on 416 acres
Pine Valley Ranch Park: 5.2 miles of trails on 884 acres
Central JeffCo Plains Meyer Ranch Park: 4.3 miles of trails on 525 acres

Crown Hill Park: 10.5 miles of trails on 242 acres South JeffCo Plains
South Table Mountain Park: 3.3 miles on 840 acres
Welchester Tree Grant Park: .2 mile trail on 20 acres Deer Creek Canyon Park: 12.8 miles of trails on 1,722 acres
Reynolds Park: 5.9 miles of trails on 1,544 acres
Central JeffCo Foothills South Valley Park: 6.9 miles of trails on 995 acres

Apex Park: 8.4 miles of trails on 697 acres
Lair o’ the Bear Park: 3.3 miles of trails on 392 acres
Lookout Mountain Nature Center & Preserve: 1.4 miles of
trails on 110 acres
Matthews/Winters Park: 8.5 miles of trails on 2,221 acres
Mount Falcon Park: 11.1 miles of trails on 2,220 acres
Windy Saddle Park: 6 miles of trails on 892 acres

Jefferson County Open Space

30 JeffCo Living • Summer 2016 • www.JeffCoLiving.com

1,000s of Beads to choose from...
Ask about our Daily Specials!

www.ka-ginabeads.com

7705 Wadsworth Blvd. Suite J
Arvada, CO 80003 • 303-423-1720

CLEAR WATER POOLS, LLC
Commercial • Residential
Complete Service & Repair
Pumps & Filters
Autocovers Dan Walto
Spas 303-467-0395

casual dining with an exquisite taste

Steaks • Seafood • Lamb
Brunch • Wine • Cocktails

4990 Kipling Street
Wheat Ridge, CO 80033

303-422-3300
www.lukesasteakplace.com

Free Bottle of
House Wine with
Dinner for Two

Mon-Thurs ONLY

or Brunch!
Buy One Entrée Get One Free

of Equal or Lesser Value

Brunch offer valid Saturday ONLY
Not Valid on Holidays or w/Any Other Offer • Expires 8/31/16

www.JeffCoLiving.com • Summer 2016 • JeffCo Living 31

2 FOR 1! 2 FOR 1!

2 GATE ADMISSION/UNLIMITED RIDE 2 GATE ADMISSION/UNLIMITED RIDE
TICKETS FOR THE PRICE OF ONE! TICKETS FOR THE PRICE OF ONE!

Present this coupon MONDAY THRU THURSDAY Present this coupon MONDAY THRU THURSDAY
and $16.00 at any Park Entrance and receive and $16.00 at any Park Entrance and receive
2 gate admissions and 2 unlimited ride tickets. 2 gate admissions and 2 unlimited ride tickets.

Good thru August 11, 2016 Good thru August 11, 2016


Click to View FlipBook Version