WEEK OF APRIL 10, 2025
VOLUME 130 | ISSUE 6
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One of the finished products at the Paint & Bliss Event on March 30 at the Kiowa Creek Community Church. The theme this year was Kinship: Connecting and Healing. The finished paintings are displayed around the community during Victims’ PHOTO BY NICKY QUINBY Rights Week.
‘Paint & Bliss’ puts focus on victim’s rights BY NICKY QUINBY SPECIAL TO COLORADO COMMUNITY MEDIA
The 1897 Independent Order of Odd Fellows Building at 122 Main St. in Elizabeth. The new owners, Brandon and Aleta Jeffress, now call the iconic building 86 PHOTO BY NICKY QUINBY and Main.
Historic structure getting new life helping the commuThe Jeffresses were inspired by The 1897 Odd Fellows’ building in Elizabeth is now friendship, nity and encouraging goodwill. the prominent building anchore Jeffresses’ ambitions for the ing the end of Main Street and in hands of go-getter couple with ambitious plans Th building going forward mirror are only the second owners of BY NICKY QUINBY SPECIAL TO COLORADO COMMUNITY MEDIA
The large white building at 122 Main St. in Elizabeth, on the corner of Highway 86, held some surprises for new owners Brandon and Aleta Jeffress. Built in 1897, it was previously owned by the Independent Order of Odd Fellows fraternal lodge and, in addition to historical documents and antiques, they left
behind some unique IOOF trappings — a couple of caskets. IOOF initiation involved coming face-to-face with a skeleton in a casket to remind members of their own mortality and symbolized the idea that wealth and stature don’t count for much after death. Members of the IOOF believed their time on Earth should be spent in the service of others, doing what really matters. They focused on promoting
VOICES: 12 | LIFE: 16 | CALENDAR: 19 | PUZZLES: 22
these altruistic goals. The Jeffresses moved to the Elizabeth area in 2021 and wasted no time getting involved in the community. Brandon is on the Town of Elizabeth Main Street Board and Aleta serves on the Elizabeth Parks and Recreation Board. They’ve been part of the tech scene, Brandon said, but grew up in the country, which helps explain why the Elizabeth area reminds them of home.
— as they have started calling it — 86 and Main. Even though the IOOF had become largely inactive in Elizabeth, the organization had maintained ownership since it was built. The Jeffresses’ approached IOOF with their vision for the space, with an eye toward respecting the building’s past. The IOOF ended up selling the property to the Jeffresses asis, with everything inside. SEE IOOF, P14
The Elbert County Sheriff ’s Office Victim Assistance Unit recently held its 6th Annual Paint & Bliss Outreach Event at Kiowa Creek Community Church in Kiowa. The March 30 event was held in the leadup to Victims’ Rights Week from April 6-12. Janet Maloney, the victim assistance coordinator for the Elbert County Sheriff ’s Office, said this year’s theme is “Kinship, Connecting & Healing.” “It is a week dedicated to learning about victimization, the effect victimization has on individuals, families, friends, and the community. This week also assists in promoting laws, policies, and programs to help SEE PAINT, P14
2025
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