Summer at Evergreen Lake

Summer in Evergreen is filled with art festivals, music, and farmers' markets and the serenity of walking around Evergreen Lake on a Sunday afternoon.

Da Kind Soup's Birthday

 Da Kind Soups celebrated its birthday by giving away free soup to Evergreen. Dustin and Ariane Speck created a little eatery on the philosophy of providing consistently delicious, unique, and healthy food and excellent, conscientious customer service. Located off Highway 74 at 27883N Meadow Drive there was a continual flow of people lining up for a bowl of soup. If you have ever had their soup you know it's worth standing in line for. Da Kind Soup's website has a complete list of their daily soups. They also serve sandwiches. http://www.dakindsoups.com/

"Our specially packaged Boil-In-Bags are always sold fresh and ready to use. Because they are professionally vacuum sealed, they will keep for a week in your refrigerator, or you may also freeze them for several months. To heat the bags up, simply place them in gently boiling water for 10-15 minutes and serve!"

 



Love - Brook Forest Inn style.

The Brook Forest Inn was built out of the dreams and love of Edwin and Reggie Welz. They met in Europe and fell in love and later fell in love with a piece of the Rocky Mountains. They built their Swiss-style Inn from quartz, the stone of love. For almost ten decades The Brook Forest Inn has been the site of first dates, proposals, weddings, honeymoons, anniversaries, and Valentine's Days.
Valentine's Day at The Brook Forest began with a wedding. The couple had heard endearing childhood stories from their parents about special family outings to the Inn. When they discovered The Brook Forest Inn it was love at first sight, and they knew this would be the location of their wedding.

Valentine's evening the fireplaces were glowing, the lights were low and the music soft. The Brook Forest Inn was filled with love. The owners, Jon and Melissa Barton, are incurable romantics. They gave Brent and Rachel the night off, and Brent and Rachel spent their first Valentine's Day together at their favorite restaurant - The Brook Forest Inn.
Susie and David Knight are newly weds and moved to the Brook Forest area about a year ago. Susie played Mrs. Claus at the Inn over Christmas and fell in love with it. They have since become regular Sunday brunch guests.
Terry and Coleen Neiman's love affair with The Brook Forest Inn dates back to 1968. They came to dinner at The Brook Forest Inn on prom night. They graduated from Lincoln High School in Denver. They recently moved to the Evergreen area and were delighted to discover The Brook Forest Inn was as beautiful and romantic as they remembered.
The Brook Forest Inn's old world charm, gourmet dining, impeccable service, and Rocky Mountain hospitality brings out the romantic in everyone. http://www.thebrookforestinn.com/



The Notorious History of Bunko.

First Thursday of every month at The Stagecoach Sports Grill

Acording to the World Bunco Assoication (also known as Bunko) the game has a notoriouos past.
Bunco dates back to the late 1800's and was played by groups of women, school children, and couples. The old fashioned game is becoming ever more popular at parties, social events, and new groups are popping up across the country

This progressive dice game, under it's original name of 8 - Dice Cloth was played in England during the 18th century. It was unknown in the United States until 1855, when it was introduced into San Francisco during the Gold Rush by a crooked gambler. This shady character, traveling from the East to West coast had made many stops in route to the California gold fields. He also made various changes to the gambling game he called Banco. After a few years the game and activity was re-christened Bunco or Bunko. During this same period, a Spanish card game, Banca, and it's Mexican derivative, Monte, were also introduced to the population of San Francisco. Bunco Dice and Bunco Cards were combined to form a more efficient method of separating the hard working citizens from their money at numerous gambling locations. These locations were known as Bunco parlors. Hence, the word Bunco came to be a general term that applied to all scams, swindling and confidence games. After the civil war and into the turn of the century, Bunco flourished as the population grew and the economy recovered. Between 1870 & 1880 in virtually every large city in the country, Bunco- Banco games were in operation. Some Bunco locations were furnished elaborately while others resembled professional offices.
During the 1880's and into the mid 1890's, Bunco was played in Texas abd Oklahoma, through Kansas and Missouri, in towns and cities along the Ohio and Mississippi rivers , and from New York to the Great Lake states. Through the Victorian era and prior to WWI, Bunco had achieved permanent placement as a traditional family or parlor game, promoting social interaction. During this period Bunco groups consisting of 8-12 people and as many as 20 people enjoyed an evening of food, drink, conversation, and friendly competition. During prohibition and the roaring 20's, the infamous Bunco gambling parlors resurfaced in various regions of the US The most notorious speak-easies and Bunco dice parlors were located in and around Chicago, Illinois. The term "Bunco Squad" referred to the detectives who raided these establishments!

Ladies' Bunko at the Stagecoach Sports Grill

30790 Stagecoach Blvd (and Hwy 74)

303-674-4633

Bunko is the first Thursday of every month  from 6:00 to 8:00

R.S.V.P to Katherine at 713-899-9989

DIY from Marc's toolbox:

 

Marc’s Mountain Maintenance shows you how to fix: The Hole Behind the Door

We've all seen them. We’ve all had them. So how do you fix The Hole Behind the Door?

Before you set out to fix anything, get a proper door stop, and position it on the baseboard molding behind the door, ensuring that the stop will hit within the bottom inch of the door (where the door is reinforced). Be sure to leave at least one inch clearance space between the wall and the door knob when the door is fully opened.

Step 1:
Square the hole by using a small ruler or square and drawing a box around the hole. Cut out carefully with a utility knife.

Step 2:

Insert a piece of scrap wood or molding at least 1/2 inch thick into the hole being sure not to let the piece drop down inside the wall. This will provide support for the next step.


Using 1-1/4 to 1-5/8 sheetrock screws, attach the wallboard to the scrap wood at least 2 inches from the edge of your squared hole. Use one screw on each side and tighten until the screw head is just slightly below the surface of the wallboard.

Steps 3, 4 & 5:
Cut a piece of sheetrock to fit inside the squared hole and screw into place with sheetrock screws.

Cut adhesive-backed Fibertape to fit, and place adhesive side down covering the seams around the hole.

Step 6:
Using joint compound, and a 6” joint knife, apply a smooth coat of compound over the hole, covering all seams, the hole itself and all screw holes. Let dry and apply two additional coats spreading out your working area with each additional coat to achieve a smooth, feathered patch.

Step 7:
Sand and paint.

Email Marc Jones of Marc’s Mountain Maintenance at marcgjones@aol.com with any question or phone Marc at 720-261-7569.

I would like to thank Marc for the DIY instructions. Marc is a true craftsman and artisan. He did all the illustrations for this post. (you should see what he can do with tile).

Chrome and Montagne in the business of style!

Chrome and Montagne are two very different businesses with many similarities. Both are women owned and operated, both are in the style business and both are in businesses where image is important. Chrome is a hair salon at 32156 Castle Ct. and Montagne Interiors is an interior design firm at 1153 Bergen Parkway. Chrome and Montagne interpret their clients personal style to produce works of art, beauty and functionality.Both businesses are driven to keep informed on the current trends, products, and techniques.

 Dawn, the owner, of Chrome, works with Shana Schubert of Montagn's hair, to create a natural, professional look. And, Shana works with Dawn on the design and image of Chrome. Chrome's reflects the personality of  Dawn and her staff.

  It is fresh, innovative, and contemporary. There is an edgy elegance, complimented by the friendly, casual and comfortable atmosphere that is Evergreen. The staff was hand picked by Dawn for their expertise and experience. All aspects of the salon is designed to offer Evergreen high quality, professional hair care. Chrome was one of the five businesses that hosted the January Chamber Mixer. Their commitment to the community extends beyond their front door.
Stop by for a consultation or call:       303-670-5661

Diane Giebner and Shana Schubert of Montagne Interiors are available for interior design consultations at 303-670-3610. Montagne has one of the best designed websites I've seen. I recommend checking it out, it represents their business image and expertise, their projects, and is visually pleasing and easy to use.

http://www.MontagneInteriors.com/

Evergreen, Colorado. The Famous and the Notorious.



Evergreen has always attracted unique, creative individualists and more than a few eccentrics. These mountains are home to writers, artists, musicians, gourmet home chefs, rodeo cowboys, and local characters.
Here's a partial list of some of the more famous.

• South Park co-creator Trey Parker graduated from Evergreen High School in 1988. Much of the early show is based on Parker's experiences living in nearby Conifer and going to school in Evergreen.


• Space shuttle astronaut Jeffrey Ashby graduated from Evergreen High School in 1972.

• Country star Willie Nelson owned a ranch in Evergreen for several years.

• MLB player Kevin Kouzmanoff grew up in Evergreen and graduated from Evergreen High School in 1999.

• Diane Mott Davidson, Anthony award-winning and New York Times best-selling author

• Joanne Greenberg, author of I Never Promised You a Rose Garden, currently resides in Evergreen.

• Jasmine Cresswell, Noted romance novelist summers in Evergreen.

• Levi Brackman, author, rabbi and noted Jewish writer and thinker leads a Jewish community in Evergreen.

Fuller / Sotheby's Mixing it up at the Evergreen Chamber Mixer.

Fuller Sotheby's International Realty was one of five businesses hosting the January Evergreen Area Chamber Mixer in the Castle Court Center. The Castle Court Center is located off Bergen Parkway across from the fire station. It is one of the premiere retail locations in Evergreen.

Evergreen spreads out over 130 square miles of mountain beauty. The businesses and homes are surrounded by Aspens and Evergreens (and Elk). The best word to describe this community is "quality," quality lifestyle, quality people, quality schools, and quality businesses. One of the first homesteaders was a rancher, named Thomas Bergen. The north part of Evergreen was named after him. Dwight P. Wilmot is credited with naming Evergreen. It was the an obvious name. In the 1880's Evergreen had grown to 200 full time resident. Today the population is approximately 41,000.

The homes are tucked away in the mountain canyons offering privacy and amazing views. Fuller Sotheby's has a great website with complete listing information and slideshows of the homes. The website has agent profiles and contact information.
http://www.fullersothebysrealty.com/
 You may also stop in and view the Egallery, a wall of current listings, at 32156 Castle Court, Suite 201.

Wine Pairing Dinner Feb. 3rd

The sparkle and festive mood of the holidays are packed away in boxes. It's back to routine and cold winter evenings. The Historic Brook Forest Inn is offering a Wine Pairing Dinner that will turn a boring Thursday into an evening of fine wine and gourmet dining. Chef Larry will explain the subtle blends of herbs and spices in each dish of the four course meal. Alexis with Grand Vin will expand on the nuances of the wines and the elements that gave each its flavor and body.

Enjoy the warmth and casual mountain elegance of The Brook Forest Inn. Begin with French Onion Soup topped with toast and Gruyere cheese, paired with Silverdo Vineyards Carneros Chardonnay 2009.

image downloaded from Google images

The Carneros Chardonay 2009 is traditionally fermented in both 60 gallon French oak and 75 gallon stainless steel barrels. This vintage 48% of the blend was fermented in stainless steel barrels and the balance was fermented in French oak barrels. Alexis will explain the complexities of this wine which makes it a perfect compliment to the French Onion Soup.

The Warm Spring Mix Salad with goat cheese and a honey-cranberry vinaigrette is served with St. Clement Napa Valley Sauvignon Blanc 2009. The grapes were handpicked and whole cluster pressed to preserve the wonderful exotic fruit flavors and aromas.

The Duck Prosciutto is made in-house and served with sweet melon, extra virgin olive oil and balsamic reduction. It is complimented with Queen of Hearts, Santa Barbara Pinot Noir 2008.
This lovely Pinot was fermented in small batches, aged in oak barrels, carefully blended and bottled at the peak of quality. This vintage has aromas of ripe blackberry, black cherry, and cola with smooth fruit driven flavors of plum, strawberry and warm spices.

The entree is Grilled New York Strip topped with a red wine and wild mushroom sauce over new potatoes and vegetables. The wine is Roth Estate Alexander Cabernet Sauvignon 2007.

Google Image

Roth Cabernet Sauvignon is an expression of its Alexander Valley origins. The 2007 vintage has the deep fruit and firm tannins characteristic of this AVA's southern expanses - blackberry, red cherry, plum and cassis, accented by hints of white pepper.


Seating begins at 6:30 and Reservations are recommended.
$55.00 per person (excluding taxes taxes and gratuity)

303-679-1521

http://www.thebrookforestinn.com/   info@thebrookforestinn.com

A Letter From Valynne to Evergreen.

Dear Evergreen,

Here it is, 1-11-11...how cool is that? Paul and I rang in the new year here on Signal Mountain in Tennessee with our new roommate, Shadow the Cat. We are enjoying our nomadic lifestyle as Caretaking Couple immensely, but that doesn’t mean we’ve forgotten our friends out west! Fortunately we can keep in touch via various social media outlets these days. However, we all know that a good old-fashioned visit is always best. This sit goes until May, so you can expect to see us sometime after that.

Anyhoo, Linda and I keep in touch with each other on facebook and she was kind enough invite me over to My Evergreen Biz to talk about my new facebook page “Coach Valynne”, which will chronicle my quest for health and wellness the good old-fashioned way - through fitness and nutrition and a network of supportive friends

I know some of you may be snickering...after all, a fair percentage of you know me from the bar (where I spent many a night on either side) or the farmers markets (where I spent and bartered away my profits on more food and drink). Not to mention the Brit, who is famous in certain (all?) circles as Evergreen’s most enthusiastic consumer of beer (I even created a Newcastle beer soap and named it Paul’s Pint in his honor).

Let’s just say that I’ve had an epiphany of sorts; that a scale and a pair of too small size 12 jeans (stretched to the max) were involved. I will spare the general public the details (if you want the details, you can find them on my facebook and/or Beachbody page) aside from the fact that when I decided that enough was enough and committed to a healthier lifestyle, I began to see major results.

How did I go about this, you ask? I did it by enlisting the help of two of the healthiest, happiest people we know. Their names are Bill and Lisa and they just happen to live in Evergreen. Both of them are Beachbody Coaches, so I decided to imitate them. I got my ChaLEAN Extreme videos back out and started exercising for real, plus I ordered Shakeology for both Paul and I. I even became a Beachbody Coach myself. Yes, I am simplifying things a bit here, but I wanted to keep this short and sweet (I try to reserve the major ramblings for my own blog posts).

Now, you know where to find us in between visits to our "home base". I am making this the year of health and happiness and would love for you to be a part of it. And while you are here, why don't you leave a quick comment on Linda's awesome blog? Thank you, Linda! And thank you, readers of My Evergreen Biz! Can't wait to see you all again. XO

Valynne

The Many Faces of Susie Knight

 One of the first blog posts I did was about Susie and Dave Knight. I snapped a pic of Susie and Dave Knight at the Conifer Mountain Music Festival. They were dancing in the summer sun, smiling and laughing, doing the country swing to a Rock n' Roll band. They were newly weds, and he was her "knight in shining armour." The next time I met Susie was at the Big Chili Cook Off in Evergreen. She was Watoosie the Clown. I recognized her immediately, her smile and happiness is contagious and unmistakable. When I got home I "googled" her. Susie is also Yee-Ha! The Cowpoke Clown. Her clown characters also do a Magical Clown Show, balloon creations and face painting.

 Then our paths cross again at Open Mic Night at the Ice House (Thursday nights) Susie was one of the performers, she writes and performs Western songs. So I googled her again. Susan Knight has a CD out called A Real Cowgirl. Susie is also Lasso the Cowgirl, story teller. Her stage show includes animated stories and music, cowboy poetry (she is a poet), create-a-cowpoke, lasso spinning and a tribute to Roy Rogers.                                                                    

Susie also has a holiday stage show that is delightful. She incorporates the audience and leads them in Christmas music played on tiny plungers with bells. And, at Christmas time Susie transforms into Mrs. Claus with stories for the children and treats for the reindeer's.

Susie and Dave Knight will be taking part in the Cowboy Reinactment at the National Western Stock Show. Susie will be one of the award winning cowboy poets and musicians performing at the Colorado Cowboy Gathering January 21 & 22. For complete line up and ticket locations go to http://www.coloradocowboygathering.com/  or call 1-866-464-2626. Tickets are available at any King Soopers.

To book anyone of Susie's amazing characters and talents for your party or event go to http://www.cowpokesandclowns.com/  Email Susie at lassothecowgirl@yahoo.com or call 303-495-4868

Steve Crenshaw Band, Dec 17th at The Brook Forest Inn

ROCK N' ROLL IS BACK AT THE BROOK FOREST INN

Friday December 17th    9:00 pm - 1:00pm

Steve Crenshaw Band

Steve Crenshaw is a guitar virtuoso with a powerful voice and enigmatic presence. Having played guitar since age 5, Steve has performed for crowds as large as 75,000. Crenshaw is a founding member of 103.5 The Fox radio's Lewis and Floorwax and the Groovehawgs. Most recently, Steve has shared the stage with Foreigner, Great White, Delbert Mclinton, and engineered a scorching set to a sold out Red Rocks crowd, opening for comedian, Carlos Mencia. Steve is an endorsed guitarist and clinician for G&L Guitars and Vegas Guitars. In late 2009, the first Steve Crenshaw model guitar was hand-built and put on the retail market by Vegas Guitars in Las Vegas, Nevada. The Steve Crenshaw Band is comprised of fellow world-class musicians, Kim Stone on bass and Jeff Weidert on drums. Kim Stone spent 4 years and made 5 albums with Spyro Gyra. He also spent 18 years playing bass for the Rippingtons. Jeff Weidert has played the local circuit of Denver and toured extensively with world-renowned fiddeler, Doug Kershaw

The Spirit of Evergreen - The People - John Ellis

The spirit of Evergreen is the people, they are eclectic, eccentric, movers and shakers, and happy. The people that make up Evergreen make positive things happen.
John Ellis’ history of volunteerism and support of our community and its businesses spans decades. John was born and raised in Evergreen. His passion for Evergreen and for people was reflected in his position with the Courier and now with the Evergreen National Bank, as Director of Community Relations. John takes the time to listen and to connect people with the right business and the nonprofit that best suits their skills and interest (or their needs). There is no way to determine the number of people he has brought into the various organizations and the positive results that has had on the quality of life in Evergreen. John brings commitment, consistency and integrity of purpose to everything he volunteers for and with his words and actions in representing the spirit and heart of Evergreen.
• Forty years of active involvement with the Evergreen Area Chamber of Commerce: Broad of Directors from 1996-2001, current Broad member. Ambassador since 2003. Ambassador of the Year 2007. Past nomination for Volunteer of the Year.

• Lifetime Board Member of Blue Spruce Kiwanis. Served two years as President of Blue Spruce Kiwanis.

• President of the Big Chili Cook Off for three years. Has served on the Board of Directors for four years.

• Leadership Evergreen Executive board member. John is a frequent speaker, offering information and insight into the workings of our community.

• Evergreen Metro Water District Executive board member.

• TENIS (Evergreen Naturalist Audubon Society) past president and board member.

• 2009 Evergreen Trout Unlimited Person of the Year. John has been with ETU since 1985, a past president and lifetime board member.

• Camp Comfort, bereavement camp for children) volunteer

John Ellis has organized, facilitated or volunteered for the following:

• Outdoor labs, fly fishing and fly tying classes.

• Scholarship Committee for ETU

• Mt Evans outdoor lab

• Kiwanis Bike Rodeo for Drive Smart

• Cowboy Breakfast for Kindergartners

• Make a Difference Day, with high school kids, working on service projects within the community focusing on Seniors.

• Youth Education Program, sponsored by Trout Unlimited to teach Children about caring for the environment and open space.

• 4th of July Fish Clinic at the Lake

• Fish Camp at Buchanan Ponds.

• Malt

• The Seniors’ Resource Center

• Mt. Evans Hospice

• The Hospitality Center at Skate the Lake

• Big Chili Cook Off

• The Rodeo Pancake Breakfast

• The Holiday and Halloween Walks

• The Nature Center Bird Box Sale

• O’Fallon Park Stream Improvement

New Arrivals at V's Village Casuals

 Hand painted leather bags available at V's Village Casuals
in the Heart of Evergreen, 28076 Highway 74, Evergreen, Colorado
80439
303-674-8633

WE SHIP!

Kent Huff, one of the many making Evergreen a great community - Kent Huff Insurance

Evergreen is a small town with a big sense of community. We know our neighbors, they are also the local business people, that own the businesses we shop in. They provide the services that give us a sense of security and comfort, like insurance. We all know Kent Huff's business and the services he provides, but do you know about his community service and his love of Evergreen.
Kent Huff has been a resident of Evergreen, Colorado since 1972. He attended Western State College in Gunnison, Colorado and in 1978 he received a degree in Business Administration with a minor in Marketing. Kent and his wife, Stuart, have been married for over 20 years and have a daughter that is a recent college graduate.

Kent started his working career as a Petroleum Landman in 1978 and stayed in that career for 11 years. In 1989, he joined The New York Life Insurance Company and became a licensed life and health insurance agent and a registered representative for investments.

Kent has earned his Chartered Life Underwriter (CLU) designation. This program is a comprehensive study of personal and business financial planning, estate planning, income taxation, wealth accumulation, and investments. Kent is also an Investment Advisor Representative which enables him to provide more comprehensive services and analysis for his customers. In addition, he has been a recipient of the National Quality Award and the National Sales Achievement Award.

Kent is also involved in many Community and Civic Organizations. He is a current member and Past President of The Blue Spruce Kiwanis Club, a Board Member of Evergreen Scholarship/Bootstraps, a current member and past board representative of the Evergreen Area Chamber of Commerce, and current Chairman of the Evergreen Salvation Army which has included the coordination of the local Bell Ringing Campaign for many years which has raised over $250,000 under his leadership. Through these organizations he participates in many fundraising activities and community service projects to assist those in need and to improve the quality of life in the mountain area.

 We provide insurance for the Mountain and Denver communities. We are an independent agency offering a wide variety of products from several highly rated companies. We provide our clients with excellent service and have built a strong business relationship with them. As a result, approximately 85% of our new business comes from client referrals. In addition, we are a 17 year member of the Evergreen Area Chamber of Commerce which connects us to the mountain business community.

http://www.huffinsuranceservices.com/.

Evergreen Forum Building
3560 Evergreen Parkway
Suite 210                                                  
Evergreen, CO 80439
Phone: (303) 674-5144
Toll free: (877) 459-6567
Fax: (303) 679-2675