When events that shake us to our core transpire, we have an innate need to connect with others. When the pandemic first hit and we all retreated to our homes, we set up Zoom calls to stay connected to our loved ones. As soon as it was announced we could be outside with others, neighbors came over and we sat out on the porch to visit. When travel opened, we quickly scheduled a visit with family members. On Thursday, September 11, the day after the tragedy at the high school, we had a beautiful event at Buchanan Fields. There was music, there were prayers, there were mental health resources, there were physical health resources, there were elected officials, free food, and a comforting presence from law enforcement. The number of local businesses who helped by providing all the food, drink and services needed for that night was both overwhelming and awe-inspiring. There were many tears that night and the looks I saw on faces of parents were of abject horror and fear. But they all came out to be together. There were community members who do not have school-aged kids who were there because of our need to be with one another. 

Fast-forward to Monday the 15th, when we hosted a gathering just for the high school students. Therapy animals, including goats, bunnies, puppies and Icelandic horses, were available for the kids to love on. Parents brought a volleyball net, corn hole boards and a large-sized Jenga game. There were art projects to work on, and of course there was food and beverages supplied by local restaurants. Someone told me that there were between 400-500 students at the lake house. It was so awesome to see them together, laughing and playing. Center for the Arts quickly pivoted their Day of the Arts to a Day of Healing and hundreds came through the Center to heal through painting and to be together.

The Chamber is proud to be a force in our community for bringing people together: business owners and residents alike.

Join us for the opportunity to connect and honor women in our community who not only run businesses, but those businesses and individuals work tirelessly to support our nonprofit community at our annual Women in Business Luncheon. This year, we will honor Barb Scripps of Scripps, Taylor & Associates as our inductee into the Mountain Area Women in Business Hall of Fame, Tiffani Packer of Packer Ohana Holdings as our Woman on the Rise, and Betsy Hoke as the Nonprofit Leader of the Year. This luncheon is open to all, but advance purchase of a ticket is required.

Upcoming Events:

Thursday, Oct. 23, 11:15 am-2 pm

Women in Business Luncheon

Location: Mount Vernon Canyon Club 

Tickets must be purchased in advance.

Wednesday, Nov. 5, 7:30-9 am

Monthly Breakfast

Location: Hiwan Golf Club 

TOPIC: Community Projects Update

Tuesday, Nov. 11, 4:30-5:30 pm

Cocktails & Connections

Location: Beau Jo’s Colorado Style Pizza

Join us for a cocktail and some quick networking.

Thursday, Nov. 13, 5-7 pm

Mountain Mixer @5 

Location: Chillax Om Anti-Aging Acupuncture and Natural Skin Care at their new location 

in downtown Evergreen