LIFEST Y LES AN ADVERTISING SECTION OF EVERGREEN NEWSPAPERS | VOL. 13 ISSUE 4 • APRIL 2021
Taking Center Stage
My Fair Lady - 2016 The weekend has arrived in Evergreen, the heart of Colorado’s foothills. After a lovely meal, you arrive at Center Stage ready to relax and enjoy a great show. From the deck of the historic theater overlooking Bear Creek, you enjoy a drink or dessert with friends. Read on to find out more about the theater nestled in pines and Ovation West Performing Arts, the organization making award-winning magic happen, right in your hometown of Evergreen. From its modest beginnings in 1972 the Evergreen Chorale grew to become one of Colorado’s leading non-profit performing arts organizations and rebranded in July 2018 as Ovation West Performing Arts, an umbrella for choral music, musical theatre, music education, a concert series, and the charming Center Stage Theater, overlooking downtown Evergreen – right next to the Lariat Lodge. The organization produces a broad range of programming from traditional choral/orchestral
FEATURE
OF THE MONTH repertoire to jazz, ethnic, eclectic, and pop concert music and large-scale, traditional as well as brand new musical theatre productions. Ovation West features talented lay and professional adult performers from the Foothills community as well as the wider Denver area, while also developing the next generation of musical talent through their programs. One of the central elements of Ovation West is one of Colorado’s premier large adult community choirs, the Evergreen Chorale with 85 voices, and its smaller sister, Altezza Chamber Choir, featuring 24 select voices. The two choirs are under the musical direction of Ovation West Artistic and Principal Musical Director,
Christine Gaudreau, and a team of brilliant musical professionals. Both choirs often collaborate with other Colorado-based performing arts organizations, including our local Evergreen Chamber Orchestra and the Jefferson Symphony Orchestra. These auditioned choirs are open to adults and high school students of all ages with a love for and experience in choral or vocal music. Ovation West Musical Theatre continues the Chorale’s critically acclaimed tradition of excellence with two large-scale semi-professional productions every year at Center Stage. These shows have been nominated for/ won numerous local theatre awards. In recent years, the organization was thrilled to present several regional premieres of new shows, such as The Hunchback of Notre Dame and Lend Me a Tenor – The Musical. The
Please see OVATION WEST, Page 2
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OVATION WEST From Page 1 performances take place at the beloved historic Center Stage, Evergreen’s own intimate performing arts center, at the end of Fireweed Drive. This hub of creativity, entertainment, and learning has been owned and managed by Ovation West since 1990 serving Evergreen, the surrounding foothills, and the Denver area. In addition to Ovation West, Evergreen Players, Evergreen Children’s Chorale, Evergreen School of Ballet and Mountain Youth Musicals call Center Stage their performance home. The newly renovated lobby and Rotary Gallery is a satellite gallery for the artists of Center for the Arts Evergreen. Ovation West’s Shining Stars Concert Series brings renowned guest musicians in a wide range of musical styles quarterly to the theater. This beautiful space,
overlooking Bear Creek is also available for rent for performances, meetings, and private events. Ovation West has a long-standing tradition of musical and theatre education for children and teens. The organization includes talented high school interns in their choral and musical theatre productions and every summer, Center Stage is home to the popular Summer Music Camp program. During the two rigorous and immensely fun weeks, a staff of experienced performing arts instructors teaches musical theatre skills to kids and teens K-12 cumulating in a final performance for each age group. Ovation West Performing Arts strives for excellence in all they do and has been awarded GuideStar’s, Platinum Seal of Transparency, their highest level of recognition. COVID-19 has had a profound impact on Ovation West Performing Arts. After a successful run of Lend Me a Tenor – The
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Evergreen Chorale Musical, operations came to an abrupt halt as the health crisis hit Colorado. The Evergreen Chorale had to stop final rehearsals for a collaboration of Faure’s Requiem with Evergreen Chamber Orchestra. Center Stage closed its doors to all activities leaving the Staff and
Board of Ovation West wondering how to navigate through this turbulent time. Throughout the Denver area, performing arts organizations were shut down and faced an unknown future. Sadly, some have not survived. Thanks to the leadership
Please see OVATION WEST, Page 7
OVATIO N WE S T PE R FO R MI N G A RTS
New exciting events as we round out 49 great years and head into our
50th SEASON!
SPRING ‘21 RABKIN D B O R W O N E IN L N O
Kindergarten through high school seniors. Limited spaces available. Register now!
IN CONCERT
APRIL 30, MAY 2 & 8 - GODSPELL
The famous 2012 revival version performed by ten amazing Denver actors!
JUNE 5 - A SPIRITUALS CHOR
AL WORKSHOP
Rehearsals April - June (virtual and live) This inspirational workshop for choral singers, high school through adults, features conductor Roger Holland, Director of Denver’s Spirituals Project.
MAY 14-JUNE 14 - AN EV
Celebrate with us in August!
SAVE THE DATE! Evergreen Chorale 2021 Fall Season
Sing with us as we prepare for a concert of Handel's Messiah. Registration and rehearsals in August
ENING OF DANCE
Available online! Eclectic new dance designs by the brilliant Thomas Dance Project, including excerpts from Romeo and Juliet, Blue Rondo a la Turk & more!
www.OvationWest.org
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LIFEST Y LES | APRIL 2021
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Elk Run Assisted Living: Weathering the Month of April with Faith and Positivity By Jo Ann M. Colton Special to Lifestyles
Everyone has heard that “April showers bring May flowers…” However, residents of Evergreen’s Elk Run Assisted Living are adamant that neither COVID-19 nor the weather is going to rain on their parade as they continue to travel the road back to normal. With Elk Run’s vaccine clinics completed, the recent resumption of small indoor family group visits, and the reopening of its professional beauty salon/barber shop, the seniors assisted living and respite care community located at 31383 Frost Way, has faith that each subsequent month will bring them closer to regaining their pre-COVID normal. “Vaccines have given our community hope for the future and the opportunity to reunite with loved ones during indoor
visits has energized our residents,” said Admissions/Marketing Director Lisa Carter, who stated that the latest news in indoor visitation is that negative COVID tests are no longer required! Nonetheless, Elk Run’s COVID-19 safety measures/practices remain in place, personnel continue to undergo daily pre-work shift health-screenings, and residents get twice-daily vital checks. Before move-in, new occupants must undergo a thorough health assessment. Thereafter, residents receive daily vital checks. “Elk Run residents continue to enjoy indoor activities, including Bingo, in groups of 10 or less,” said Activities Director Sarah Bogdan who remarked that warmer weather will likewise allow residents to participate in outdoor activities. “Also, Christ the King Catholic Church is now offering communion at
Elk Run every Thursday. We are thankful to Dale Tolan and the Church for reaching out in support of our community.” Elk Run’s well-trained staff members (including an onsite nurse) are committed to providing 24/7 compassionate care. When required, Elk Run partners with Life Care Center of Evergreen and Mount Evans Home Health Care & Hospice. Elk Run Assisted Living touts many amenities, including a well-appointed dining room. Basic rentals of one-bedroom apartments and/or various size studio units include: kitchenette/private bath, personal call system/mobility-assistance features, weekly laundry/housekeeping, unlimited snacks, and three daily gourmet meals inspired by the creative food perspectives of Culinary Director Austin Thompson and his two
New Resources for Remote Music Learners (StatePoint) With many schools continuing to meet remotely, students nationwide have lacked access to on-campus music facilities and in-person instruction. Fortunately, there are some new avenues and resources that are making music education at home a viable prospect. • At Home Skill-Building: The growing library of online musical education classes provided by The Lincoln Center offers students everywhere with supplemental learning material they can revisit again and again. From body percussion to music composition, a wide range of educational content touching on a vast range of skills and genres is available for learners of all ages.
• Instrumentation: Committed to the educational and academic community, Casio Musical Instruments has been working in partnership with local dealers to provide high-quality keyboards, digital pianos and workstations to students unable to use on-campus resources. The joy of playing an instrument is dependent Kristin Witt, Publisher
LIFEST Y LES
Advertising Department Ruth Daniels, 303.350.1036 Kayte Walker, 303.350.1046
on an instrument’s sound and feel, and Casio instruments are backed by 40 years of music expertise and are built to inspire students, educators and performers. Designed with learning in mind, Casio’s Education Keyboards are affordable, portable and durable, and have innovative features, including class-compliant USB ports that require no drivers or installation to connect to any Mac, PC, iOS or Android device. This opens up a world of possibilities with MIDI software, as well as Chordana Play apps. • New Funding: The recently passed COVID-19 Stimulus Package includes over $120 billion for K-12 education, some of which will be earmarked for music Creative Department allgraphics@evergreenco.com Production Manager: Tom Fildey
highly-skilled chefs (Rachel Yerby and Sam Thomas). Highly-affordable living plans can be customized. “Because of COVID-19 we really miss our volunteers,” said Lisa Carter. “We don’t know when the State will again allow volunteers to support us onsite with residents, but we can use volunteer assistance now to help with outdoor grounds clean-up and maintenance. Contact Elk Run Activities Director Sarah Bogdan at 303-679-8777 regarding current or future volunteer opportunities.” If you or your loved ones are thinking about making a residence change this year, consider Elk Run Assisted Living. For residency information, and/or to request Elk Run’s gift-bagged “Toolkit for Challenging Conversations,” complete with a talking stick, contact Lisa Carter (lisa.carter@ cassialife.org or 303-679-8777).
education. Music educators can put these funds toward equipment and connectivity that makes virtual learning possible for all families now, and paves the way for a safe return to classroom learning in the future. • Knowledge Dive: Students can take a free deep music theory dive at musictheory.net. The site features lessons -- starting with the basics up through advanced theory, learning tools to help make the material stick, as well as exercises to test one’s knowledge. While music is not necessarily the easiest subject to learn or teach remotely, a wave of recently-introduced resources can help students and teachers continue to meet their educational objectives.
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Burning Wood is 2021’s Hottest Fireplace Trend!
What makes wood burning the newest fireplace craze? Is it the sensational experience of throwing a log on a crackling fire, or the energy independence and environmental sustainability of wood? Certainly! But this year, there’s another incentive! Thanks to a new tax credit, you can save 26% on your entire project cost for a qualifying appliance! Our customers upgrade their wood burning appliance for the added beauty and ambiance; in addition to the increased efficiency and heat output of a new wood burning fireplace, stove, or insert. Now is the perfect time to add warmth, beauty, safety, and energy independence to your home. This 2021 tax credit is calculated from your complete project cost, including the appliance, installation, chimney system and finishing materials! It’s a common misconception that new wood burning fireplaces aren’t allowed anymore. But that’s simply not true! Not only are they allowed when they meet the EPA requirements, but now, they’re encouraged with this huge tax credit! The EPA has regulated the sale of wood burning appliances in Colorado since 1990 by measuring and limiting their particulate matter emissions. As the emissions standards have become more stringent, the technology has improved creating ultra-efficient and low emissions wood burning appliances. Some of newest, most efficient wood burning hearth appliances reach 80% efficiency, compared to 20-30% of open-face traditional fireplaces. This is not just a win for air quality, it also creates the most
fireplace becomes an investment in your home, saving you money on heating fuel in two ways! New wood burning hearth appliances are also safer for your home. They are installed as a complete UL listed system that is designed and tested to be safe at the high temperatures put out by a wood-fueled fire. Additionally, if you have an older fireplace system, the years of use or improper care can be degrading the safety of the unit itself and putting you at risk of a chimney fire. With the high efficiency of newer wood burning fireplaces comes a cleaner burn. This means less creosote is accumulating in your chimney, which is what burns in a hostile chimney fire. Now that you know why it is such a hot trend to get a new wood burning fireplace, let’s talk about how it can be done in your home! Getting a new wood burning fireplace is much simpler than it sounds. As mentioned, these fireplaces are installed as a complete system, so there’s no need to figure out mixing and matching of components. Demolition of an old fireplace, venting and outdated façade makes way for a new unit and chimney system. Don’t forget the mantel for the coveted TV-overthe-fireplace look! We have mantels to match any home, from rustic handmade wooden beam mantels to sleek steel or cementitious mantels that are non-combustible. Add some new finishing material, and you have just transformed the look of your living room! It is also possible to add a wood burning fireplace or stove where there wasn’t one
efficient, clean burning wood-fueled units in history. Today’s new wood burning fireplaces, stoves, and inserts are more than just extraordinary heaters, they’re stylish too! New wood burning fireplaces are available in a variety of sizes, accommodating log lengths from 18 inches to over 30 inches. New wood burners are available with design options to complement the style of your home, from contemporary to traditional. All have one thing in common: a large glass viewing area that showcases the flames burning inside. The large glass built into the door isn’t your ordinary tempered glass either, it’s a special ceramic glass that is designed to radiate heat into your home. Because of this feature, your fireplace can heat your home even when the power is out! The doors on new wood burning fireplaces aren’t just for admiring the fire, they’re the secret to the high efficiency and low emissions of these units. Outdated open-face fireplaces allow a large volume of air from the living environment to over-feed the fire and escape right up your chimney. This is problematic because then the fireplace is burning through more wood than is necessary, and surrounding rooms become cold as the air from outside leaches in. Today’s wood burning appliances regulate the airflow into the firebox, conserving fuel and more effectively warming your home. Additionally, most of the newer wood burning appliances come with an outside air kit, that draws combustion air from outside of the home, keeping the air pressure in your home more equalized. A new wood burning
before. We can even build an enclosure for the fireplace on the exterior of your home so you don’t have to give up any of your living space. No more chilly addition or den in your home! If you already have a fireplace in your home that you love, now is a great time for your annual service! Sweeping away the accumulated creosote and soot every year is necessary for the optimal performance and safety of your solid fuel appliance. Our annual service appointments also include an inspection, which evaluates the firebox, damper, and chimney system; we also get on your roof to clean and inspect your cap, and we evaluate the exterior portions of your chimney. At the end of the service, we write everything up so you have documentation of safety, or if there’s something we recommend repairs on. Gas units need annual service too! For this service we clean the unit, refresh the burner media, clean the glass and evaluate to make sure all the components are functioning properly. Call today to have our certified technicians complete your annual service or repair a nonfunctioning unit.
You’re invited to see our variety of wood burning appliances in our showroom at 7001 Highway 73 in Marshdale. We have a large assortment of sizes, shapes, and styles for your home! Come visit us from 9am-5pm Monday through Friday, and 8am-4pm Saturdays. You can also see our products and portfolio of work on our website at www. MtnHP.com or reach us by phone at 303-6791601, and email at Office@MtnHP.com.
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The Devastating Impact of Cyberattacks on Small Business The disturbing truth is that cyberattacks are on the arise at alarming levels. Businesses in our community and across the globe are suffering significant financial impacts, lost productivity, and reputational damage as the result of cybercrime. Could your business survive a cyberattack? The encouraging news is that there are proactive steps you can take to minimize your risk. Is Your Business an Easy Target? 43% of cyberattacks are aimed at small businesses While data breaches at large corporations and institutions often grab the headlines, small businesses are still easy targets for hackers, and the impact of a cyber attack on a small operation can be devastating. According to Accenture, 43% of cyberattacks are aimed at small businesses, but only 14% of those businesses are prepared to defend themselves. The average financial impact to small businesses that have been victimized by cybercrimes is $200,000. For many operating on the margin, this could easily lead them to fold within a year. Even more alarming is the fact that organizations with up to 500 employees can spend
an average of $7.68 million per insider threat-related incident, according to 2020 IBM report! Does your business have a cyber security plan? 60% of small business owners make the mistake of thinking they are immune from an attack – they are not! According to a recent Bullguard survey, small business owners are slow to realize the importance of creating a cyber defense plan, leaving their operations extremely vulnerable to hackers. Taking proactive steps such as enhancing password security
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protocols and using multi-factor authentication, keeping software programs updated, regularly backing up or duplicating data that can be retrieved in the event of a ransomware attack or system compromise, and training employees are some of the critical steps you can take to better secure your data. While human error remains one of the greatest threats to data breaches, only three out of 10 small business employees receive annual cyber security training. “It is crucial for your business to adopt clear policies for securing data, especially if your business handles sensitive client information,” says RPM Owner Michele Robbins. “Your employees are often your best defense. Ensuring that they are trained on security protocols and aware of the signs of potential hacking schemes can strengthen the integrity of your systems.” Cyber Insurance – Peace of Mind for Your Business Cyber insurance is designed to cover your company’s liability if data breaches occur that release sensitive information such as customers’ Social Security numbers, health records, driver’s license information or credit card numbers. Here are a few common questions regarding cyber coverage: • Doesn’t liability insurance cover these situations? Cyber coverage is often excluded in a general liability insurance policy. The general policy typically covers property damage and bodily injuries resulting from a company’s operations or services, not issues that arise from cybercrimes. • I use Square. Shouldn’t I be protected from a breach since it’s Square’s Software and responsibility? It’s a common misconception that just because you use a third-party to process your credit card transactions, you’re protected. Unfortunately, you’re still responsible for informing the public and your customers that there has been a breach. And lawsuits tend to name every possible party. Your company still needs protection. • What does cyber insurance cover? Legal fees: Even a small data breach
can generate significant legal expenses. From lawsuits filed against the company to those the company needs to file, cyber insurance covers the many expenses involved. Notifications: If a data breach occurs, the business must notify its customers. This could take the form of snail mailings, phone calls, emails, or other forms of communication. Cyber insurance covers the expenses incurred with these notifications. Restoration: A cybercrime might result in one affected customer or thousands. The company might be responsible for restoring personal identities for each of these customers. Specific cyber insurance policies will ensure coverage for the cost of customer restoration. Recovery: Data that has been compromised needs to be recovered. Whether the attack was via ransomware, stolen files, or viruses, the company under attack must expend resources to get the affected data back under its control. Repairs: Cyberattacks often damage computer systems. Cyber insurance offers coverage for the cost to make these repairs. The benefits of cyber insurance are becoming clearer with the proliferation of cyberattacks. In 2019, the number of small- and medium-sized businesses reporting data breaches increased to 63%. According to the computer anti-virus provider McAfee, there are nearly 500 new high-tech threats being introduced every minute. “This is an astonishing escalation of malicious online activity that puts all of us business owners at risk,” says Robbins. “Having cyber insurance coverage is an important weapon in our arsenal, and we highly recommend this protection to our clients.” RPM Insurance Agency can help you evaluate how much cyber insurance makes sense for your business depending on the size, complexity, and risk level of your operations. As with any type of insurance, there is not a “one size fits all” solution. RPM’s customized approach to working with clients identifies the types and levels of coverage in alignment with your unique needs and your budget. For more information, call RPM agency to find out when the next Cyber Educational Seminar or Webinar is taking place. 720-683-0010. In addition to cyber insurance, RPM can help you make the best choices when it comes to your Business Owner Policy, Workers Compensation, Employee Practice Liability and Commercial Auto coverages. Learn more at www.rpmagency.com.
A n a dv e rt i si ng produc t of Ev e rgr e e n Ne wspa pe r s
OVATION WEST From Page 2 of Ovation West Board President Shelley Krane, the members of the Board of Directors, the Managing Director Christine Emery, the hardworking staff, and our amazing supporters, the organization not only has survived but also revitalized during an unprecedented season. Beginning in September Ovation West began its Kaleidoscope 2020/21 Season, a colorful mix of small, but brilliant, virtual musical and theatre performances. You can view or gift three of these shows this spring right from your living room: Singer/Songwriter Rob Drabkin at Center Stage
Godspell – the Musical
The Thomas Dance Project at Center Stage
Chicago - 2015
LIFEST Y LES | APRIL 2021 Rounding out the 2020/21 Season is an in-person Summer Music Camp for ages Kindergarten through 12th grade, June 7-18 at Center Stage. Space is limited so register early at ovationwest. org. Ovation West has much to celebrate going into its 50th Anniversary Season! Nearly 80 local and Denver actors are currently auditioning for a role in the iconic Fiddler on the Roof opening in September at Center Stage. Yes, you, too, can be part of the excitement by emailing production@ ovationwest.org to sign up for a choral or theater audition. Attend or participate in one of the following productions: A Spirituals Workshop in June with the acclaimed Roger Holland, Fiddler on the Roof, Handel’s Messiah in December, production of Honeymoon in Vegas, A Celtic Celebration Concert and much more. Tickets and information at www.ovationwest.org. Ovation West Performing Arts is a local gem. The resilience the organization has shown in the past year is simply remarkable, as is the unprecedented support it has received from the Evergreen and wider Denver community. Board, staff, actors, crew, and musicians look forward to welcoming everyone back to Center Stage soon. Join your friends and neighbors at this treasured theater in the pines for brilliant performing arts, right in the heart of Evergreen!
The Center Stage theatre
The Hunchback of Notre Dame - 2017
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