There are many good reasons for neighbors to come together for a larger community purpose in the next few weeks. Some of the best are to support student scholarships, enjoy a top-quality music festival without going down the hill, contributing to a local, mega garage sale to support worthy causes, or attending a gathering to welcome newcomers to our community.
Wine Tasting to Support Student Scholarships July 24
Bootstraps Inc. is hosting its next Sips for Scholarships event on July 24 at Aspen Peak Cellars in Bailey from 6-9 pm. The evening will feature fine wine, delicious food, and the common goal of making education available to mountain area students.
Over the last 80 years, Bootstraps has supported students from Clear Creek, Conifer, Evergreen, and Platte Canyon High schools by offering scholarships and interest-free loans. The nonprofit’s goal is to empower students to pursue their educational dreams, either by attending a four-year college, a community college, or engaging in career training through vocational, trades or certification programs. For more information about Bootstraps and to buy tickets for Sips for Scholarships, go to bootstrapsinc.org.
Evergreen Jazz Festival Offers Top-Notch Music in Intimate Settings, July 25-27
For more than two decades, the Evergreen Jazz Festival (EJF) has been bringing first-class talent to perform their jazz interpretations in our community’s intimate venues. The Evergreen Lake House, The Evergreen Elks Lodge, Evergreen Christian Church, and Center Stage promote the opportunity for rapport between musicians and audience members.
Nationally known for its lineup of top bands, the festival will offer more than 80 hours of live, traditional jazz ranging from Dixieland and ragtime to blues and swing. Returning favorites include the Carl Sonny Leyland Trio from California, Denver’s own After Midnight, the Holland-Coots Jazz Quintet from Nashville, and Colorado greats the Queen City Jazz Band with vocal star Wende Harston, Your Father’s Mustache Band, and Espresso!
Education for future jazz performers is a longstanding goal of EJF. This year there are instructional clinics and performance opportunities for student musicians on Friday and Saturday. Aspiring performers will have the chance to learn from many of the professional musicians at the festival, and students will receive free passes to see their instructors on stage. Throughout the school year, EJF provides free programs to area school students including small group introductions to instruments, and school jazz band performances with dancing.
The festival continues throughout the weekend until 6 pm on Sunday. Patrons are welcome to move among the venues as they choose, and a free shuttle is available to connect sites not within walking distance of each other. Food and beverages are available at most venues, and parking is free. The complete weekend schedule is available at evergreenjazz.org/schedule. Festival tickets can be purchased through the website or by calling 303.697.5467.
Evergreen Lutheran Church Readies for August 2 Grove Sale
The annual community grove sale organized by the Evergreen Lutheran Church will take place on August 2 from 7:30 am – 3 pm on the church grounds: 5980 County Hwy 73. The church is collecting gently used donations on July 28 and July 30 from 9 am until 6 pm.
All proceeds from the August 2 sale are distributed to local nonprofits outside of the church. The church has given more than $500,000 back to community organizations in Conifer, Evergreen, Bailey, and Idaho Springs. In addition to donations, the church is seeking volunteers to help run the sale. Go to evergreenlutheran.org for more information, or call Sandy Lupin at 920.840.8158.
Connect With Neighbors at the ENN Open House, August 30
The Evergreen Newcomers and Neighbors group continues to foster community among longtime and new residents in our area. ENN is hosting its annual Open House on Saturday, August 30 from 1–3 pm at Buchanan Recreation Center, 32003 Ellingwood Trail in Evergreen. The organization offers many activity groups to match a multitude of interests including outdoor sports, crafts and hobbies, card games, wine tasting, book clubs, social events and community service opportunities. Activity leaders will be at the Open House to answer questions. To learn more, visit evergreennewcomers.com.
