Recently, I had the privilege of listening to remarks from two Evergreen High School seniors—Tyler Guyton and Adeline Barbour—peer leaders for Resilience1220, and students who, with their classmates, are navigating a new normal at EHS. Tyler challenged his audience to consider how our community will define itself when looking back on the shooting, which took place within six minutes on September 10. He urged Evergreeners to reflect upon the empathy, love and connection expressed in the immediate aftermath, and to realize it is those qualities that make us strong. Adeline shared her vision of how each small act of kindness toward each other (each “pebble”) can together form “boulders” which build a movement of positive change.

I am inspired by these students and their perspective of moving through our devastating circumstances with love, grace and kindness. Fostering community and connection will help all of us heal. Let’s continue to gather in support of each other, and the larger needs of our mountain town. We will be reminded of how truly fortunate we are to be Evergreen Strong.

Special Needs Group to Benefit From October 25 Halloween BOOgie

The INSPIRE program is the designated beneficiary of proceeds raised at the Boogie Benefits Halloween BOOgie, taking place on October 25 at The Wild Game. Back by popular demand is the award-winning band, Wash Park, which lights up the stage and gets the crowd dancing from its first tune.

Doors open at 6 pm with Wash Park keeping the dance party going from 7:30-10 pm.

BOOgie organizers encourage attendees to participate in a costume contest, where prizes will be awarded in the categories of “Best Overall,” “Scariest” and “Best Couple” costumes. Tickets are available in advance for $30 at boogieatthebarn.com

INSPIRE believes that everyone, regardless of ability, deserves choices for health, leisure, recreation, education, advocacy, and wellness to enhance the quality of their lives. Go to evergreenrecreation.com to learn more about the program.

Hiwan Halloween Events Slated for the Afternoon of October 25

Families will embrace the spirit of Halloween during an afternoon of spooky storytelling, games, prizes, crafts, sweet treats, and a 2:30 pm costume parade all happening at the Hiwan Heritage Park & Museum, 28473 Meadow Drive.

Help Raise Money for Student Scholarships, Nov. 6 at Evoke 1923

Bootstraps, Inc. invites you to Sips for Scholarships on Nov. 6 at Evoke 1923, 27376 Spruce Lane. The evening will feature wine and small bites to raise scholarship money for students pursuing educational opportunities after high school. Tickets are $85 and may be purchased at bootstrapsinc.org/events

Nov. 19 World Affairs Council Meeting Focuses on the U.S. Space Program

Madison Walker, acting director of the Eisenhower Center for Space and Defense Studies, is the featured speaker for the Colorado Foothills World Affairs Council meeting on November 19 at 7 pm at Mount Vernon Canyon Club.

Walker brings a uniquely relevant and practical perspective to the crucial intersection of space and national security. She will address future exploration, resources and priorities for the space program. Attendees will gain valuable insights from Walker’s extensive research, which highlights innovative solutions for some of the most critical challenges facing space exploration. There will be a Q&A session for participants. The presentation is free and open to the public.

EChO Hosts the 15th Annual Turkey Trot on November 27

Begin your Thanksgiving holiday with a heartwarming activity that gives back to our community. The 15th Annual EChO Turkey Trot 5K Run & Walk is a fun, family- and dog-friendly event that brings people together to support the EChO Food Pantry and ensure local families have access to food and essential resources during the holidays and beyond.

The trot will start from the EChO office at 27888 Meadow Drive. Here’s the schedule for morning:

8 am – Registration Opens

8:45 am – Opening Ceremony

9 am – Turkey Trot Starts

11 am – Finish, Award Ceremony

The 5K (3-mile) route will begin and end in the EChO parking lot. Trotters will run/walk through downtown Evergreen on Hwy 74, around Evergreen Lake and down the south staircase, returning through downtown and back to EChO. “YakTrax” or other footwear with good traction are recommended for snowy or icy conditions.

Free parking is available in the lot of the former Campfire restaurant, the Evergreen Design Center spaces, the Rising Graphics lot, the parking area shared by Magpie

and Stems, and in the parking area next

to Lariat Lodge.

Holiday pie prizes will be given to the winners of age brackets for male and female. Those are: 5-12, 13-20, 21-30, 31-40, 41-50, 51-60, 61-70 and 71+. A pie will be given to the Best Human Costume and to the Best Dog Costume.

The registration deadline to receive an official Trot t-shirt is October 24, after which there will be limited quantities available. Go to evergreenchristianoutreach.org/turkey-trot to register for the Turkey Trot or learn about virtual participation.