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

Now Appearing BRINGS PLENTY BAND at The Morrison Town Hall - Sunday, Dec. 12

Join us as Collage proudly presents The Brings Plenty Band in concert at the Morrison Town Hall, 106 Stone St. (next to Collage) Morrison, Colorado, Sunday, December 12th, 7:00 pm to 8:30 pm.
Moses Brings Plenty is of the Lakota Nation born and raised on the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation in South Dakota. He is a gifted musician, actor, model and devoted spokesperson who travels the nation advocating for the rights of his Indian community.

As a musician, he is a traditional drummer, percussionist, and vocalist. He is a former member of the award‐winning musical group Brule’ and has contributed his traditional musical acumen and Lakota language to several of Brule’s songs. “Start Again” presents acoustic performance with story telling and traditional song.

As an actor, he has worked in television, film and theatre. Film credits include his most notable role to date as a principal actor in the upcoming DreamWorks film Cowboys & Aliens starring Harrison Ford, directed by Jon Favreau (Iron Man I and II) due to be release world wide in July 2011. Other films include Rez Bomb, Hidalgo and Pirates of the Caribbean. He has played several traditional roles in The History Channel’s movie Comanche Warrior where he played the role of “Quanah Parker”. Also he played the role of “Crazy Horse” in their investigating history documentary, Who Killed Crazy Horse. On television, he was most recently seen portraying the “Comanche Hero” in the Spike Television series Deadliest Warrior. He will also be seen in the next season of Deadliest Warrior in a principal lead/host role where the focus will be on Crazy Horse.

 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U7bbVrlFh3M for additional information on Moses.

Treat yourself, family and friends for the holidays at a live concert with the world renown Moses Brings Plenty. If you enjoyed the Robert Mirabal Concert, you'll love this concert!

Pre-registration is suggested because seating is limited. Please register online at http://www.collageinmorrison.com/  through PayPal or by calling Collage at 303-697-7707. Tickets are $25.00

Stoneheart Gallery: Hand Painted Ornaments and Wine Glasses

Give an extra-ordinary gift this year. Give the gift of art - Hand painted wine glasses and tree ornaments at Stoneheart Gallery in Historic Downtown Evergreen. Shipping available. View their website at
http://www.stoneheartgallery.com/

Simple and Elegant Holiday Recipes

GRILLED MUSHROOMS: clean and remove stems from three Portobello Mushrooms, place caps on plate with gills up.
 In a small bowl combine 1/4 cup of canola, 3 tablespoons chopped onion, 4 cloves garlic (minced), 4 tablespoons balsamic vinegar. Pour evenly over the mushroom caps and let stand for 1 hour.
Grill over hot grill for 10 minutes. Serve immediately with 2008 Sequana Sarmento Santa Lucia Highlands Pinot Noir

PORK TENDERLOIN IN A CHERRY AND CRANBERRY SAUCE: In a small bowl combine 1 tablespoon cornstarch, 1 1/2 cups cranberry juice and 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard until smooth.

Sprinkle 1 1/2 pound pork tenderloin, thinly sliced, with 2 teaspoons lemon-pepper seasoning.
In a large skillet cook port in 3 tablespoons of butter for 4-5 minutes on each side. Remove.

Stir in cornstarch mixture and add to the skillet - bring to a boil add 1 cup dried cherries and 3 tablespoons cherry preserves cook and stir until thickened.

Return Pork Loin to pan and cook for until heated through.
Serve with 2008 Sequana Dutton Range Pinot Noir

Wine Pairings for Your Holiday Parties

Both the 2008 Sequana Santa Lucia Highlandes Pinot Noir and the 2008 Dutton Range Pinot Noir have received 91 points from Wine Enthusiast. They show fine acidity and a dusting of tannins that provide structural integrity. Both are nice wines to indulge in now and will develop over the next four to six years.

The Santa Lucia is described as exploding in raspberries and cherries with a complex earth and berry scent. It is full-bodied offering hints of spice and cedar with a smoky oak touch of aftertaste.
The Dutton Range is firm, intense, concentrated and complex, with ripe plum and cherry fruit that is full-bodied. It is a bit raw and grainy, but concentrated, ending with tight tannins.  Both wines are on sale at Evergreen Discount Liquors and are very versatile food wines. Pinot Noir goes great with poultry, salmon, lamb, pork loin, veal and even vegetable dishes.  

Happy Holidays from Michelle & Brent & Bella Vita.



Denise Stoner, Michelle and Brent at the Evergreen Chamber of Commerce Mixer

Happy Holidays to all our clients and friends - Celebrate Life - Live with Passion and Joy! Bella Vita!

Gift Shopping at Bella Vita

Bella Vita carries beautiful earth-friendly goods and gifts for your bath, bed and home, beautiful bedding, luxurious towels, hand crafted soaps, lotions and unique gifts. This charming shop is located in Kittredge, just 2 miles east of downtown Evergreen on scenic Highway 74.

Celebrate Living Your Good Life!

Whether you need a gift for a birthday, dinner party, or special occasion, Bella Vita has many unique and beautiful gifts that will fit the occasion. Choose from beautifully wrapped soaps, yummy lotions, delightfully scented candles, inspiring books, journals, and more. We also have a beautiful selection of gift wrap, gift bags, and cards to complete your gift purchasing! http://www.livebellavita.com/

We can also create customized gift ensembles to make gift giving easier for you. Whether it is a new home or other special occasion, we can work with you to customize a gift that is unique to the recipient and that fits your budget. If you are interested in this service, please contact us by e-mail or phone. 303-674-1151