Calvary Chapel of Evergreen, “where the Word is taught,” is a non-denominational church celebrating its first year of ministry in the Evergreen area.

“I always wanted to start a church in the mountains,” said Otto Quinones, pastor of Calvary Chapel.

After spending several years in youth and prison ministry in his hometown of Grand Junction, Otto and his wife, Alisa, moved their family to Evergreen to fulfill Otto’s dream. Through continued faith and determination, Calvary Chapel is an up-and-coming young church with “enthusiasm and passion for teaching the Word of God.”

At Calvary Chapel the Bible is taught word by word, verse by verse and chapter by chapter. This unique approach to studying scripture is extremely helpful for new believers and those who wish to learn more about the Bible. This method of teaching also “reduces topical studies and focuses on understanding how God utilizes words to train in righteousness.”

“Christianity is about God having a relationship with his creation,” Otto said. “By studying the Bible word by word, one can develop a deeper understanding of God, His character and what He desires of His church.” At Calvary Chapel the Word of God is simply taught; using each word, each verse and each chapter to develop scriptural discernment.

“My desire is that people come to know Him for who He really is,” said Otto, who, after a life of various tribulations, visited a Calvary Chapel and became a Christian at the age of 20. “Knowing that God wanted to have a relationship with me is the very thing that brought me to Christianity.”

T.A. McMahon, president and executive director of The Berean Call ministry, wrote in one of his monthly newsletters, “No doubt He selected words because they are best suited to convey precisely what He wants mankind to know and to do. Words have definite meanings and can be interpreted objectively. Only words, spoken or written, can come close to accurately communicating attributes of our transcendent God and His divine nature.”

Cavalry Chapel believes every word in the Bible is “God-breathed and able to paint a picture, which when studied in depth reflects His true character.”

Calvary Chapel of Evergreen is currently reading through the Book of Philippians and intends to continue through Revelation.

Calvary Chapel meets at 9 am in the Evergreen Martial Arts building at 28677 Buffalo Park Road for regular Sunday services. For more information, call 303-670-9895

Some surprising things can happen when you introduce natural light into your home. The colors of furniture and artwork suddenly become “true to life.” Plant life dramatically flourishes—and so does your mood. In fact, studies consistently show that people perform better in environments infused with natural lighting. Sleep is easier to come by, too, since bright lighting helps regulate the body’s internal clock.

With over 300 days of brilliant sunshine out of the year, this may explain why Coloradans are generally so cheerful—and also why skylights are such a popular feature in our architecture. If you’ve seen a particularly interesting skylight around town, chances are Evergreen’s own Design Skylights & Solar Hot Water installed it.

Supplying mountain area residences and commercial structures with unique skylights since 1989, Design Skylights & Solar Hot Water is one of the few authorized Velux™ skylight and solar hot water dealers in the Rocky Mountains region. The company also installs custom work, like the gorgeous skylight in downtown Evergreen’s Icehouse building. Intricate designs such as segmented, round and hip-ridge pyramid skylights are a particular specialty.

Solar hot water systems installed on the roof are a recent addition to the company’s line of products. Design Skylights & Solar Hot Water sells and installs Velux systems, which look just like skylights and are easily retrofitted in clusters similar to solar panels. Best of all, the hot water portion of your utility bills is significantly reduced.

If you’re not quite ready to install a complete solar hot water system, Design Skylights & Solar Hot Water also offers sun pipe lighting, a product that can help you “get off the grid” in smaller increments. Also known as tubular lights, these fixtures replace a room’s mechanical lighting with sunny, natural light. Often costing less than $500 including installation, sun pipes are an easy and affordable way to introduce solar energy into your home.

Understandably, some people are concerned a skylight could also introduce leaks into their homes. A bad installation, rather than the actual skylight, is usually the culprit. It’s reassuring to know that Design Skylights & Solar Hot Water has installed thousands of skylights—an amount of business largely attributed to enthusiastic word of mouth about the company’s expertise.

There’s no better time than now to bring Colorado’s sunshine into your own home or business. You can peruse Design Skylight & Solar Hot Water’s portfolio of natural lighting and solar products at www.design-skylights.com, or schedule a free consultation about a design idea of your own. Call 303-674-7147 or email designskylights@msn.com.

As the school year comes to a close, parents across our mountain community are receiving their children’s year-end grades and CSAP scores. On occasion, parents may receive a discouraging report or simply feel a remote sense of uncertainty that things are not as they should be in their child’s academic life.

To address these unsettling parental concerns, a new organization has opened an office in Evergreen. Distinctive Learning and Therapy Solutions is a group of highly degreed and experienced educators dedicated to providing the highest quality of evaluation and treatment for individuals with communication and learning needs. Located in the Buffalo Park Plaza, their office is convenient to students of all ages—from kindergartners to high school seniors.

The three principal professionals of Distinctive Learning and Therapy Solutions are specialized in their respective fields.

Melissa Young has dual master’s degrees in gifted/talented education and special education. With 25 years of classroom teaching experience, she offers herself as a resource to parents seeking additional education beyond their child’s classroom.

Through tutoring services she educates children in all school subjects as well as organizational and study skills. From ACT/SAT test preparation to basic spelling, Melissa and her colleagues help children achieve their highest academic potential.

Carolyn Hoff and Lara Dunn hold master’s degrees and are state and nationally licensed speech-language pathologists. With over 19 years combined experience, both are qualified to evaluate speech and language development needs stemming from a variety of causes.

Using research-based methodologies, their therapy confidentially integrates with school staff and physicians to provide the best well-rounded care and attention for the individual child. From voice disorders to autism spectrum disorders, Carolyn and Lara have the experience to pinpoint a child’s communication needs and develop a solid course of treatment.

Don’t worry all summer. Often learning difficulties are a direct result of language needs. Get help that will address both.

Upon an initial consultation, the friendly staff can ease your mind with a concrete plan or act as a referral source to other therapeutic venues.

Flexible appointments are available in the Evergreen office and a wide range of insurance plans are accepted for appropriate services. Call Distinctive Learning and Therapy Solutions at 720-240-6077 or check out www.DistinctiveLTS.com.

Heineman Custom Finish Inc., located in the heart of the Front Range, is a full-service construction and remodel company constructing projects and building relationships.

Troy Heineman, a Colorado native, started Heineman Custom Finish in 1996 after learning and building his trade with his dad. Troy worked in his father’s business for seven years, worked as a project manager for a small commercial construction company in Evergreen and then went into business for himself as a finish carpentry contractor.

With almost 20 years experience in finish carpentry, remodel and general contracting, Troy has a successful business based on references and recommendations from previous patrons and clients. “The influence of word of mouth is the means by which our business was built,” Troy said.

Bob Conway, a customer from Denver, said of Heineman Custom Finish: “They work diligently and have very high quality standards. One gets the sense they are working on their own home. I would highly recommend HCF for any construction projects large or small. I have gladly shown my house to their prospective clients as an example of their craftsmanship.”

Over the last 10 years, Heineman Custom Finish has developed wonderful relationships with clientele from Denver to Breckenridge, with work in exclusive neighborhoods in and around the suburbs. Heineman Custom Finish was among some of the region’s finest custom homecrafters, finish carpenters, architects, and interior designers to participate in the Parade of Homes.

“Finish carpentry requires an eye for detail because the interior trim work is what everyone sees,” Troy said, “so we concentrate on adding attention to detail and delivering high-end finish work.”

In addition to finish carpentry, Heineman Custom Finish also specializes in remodels and additions, new home construction, custom decks and patio covers, ceilings, mantles and staircases.

As a Bailey resident of 10 years, Troy is excited to expand his business and bring his craft to the greater Evergreen/Conifer area. “My family and I enjoy living in Bailey and being a part of this community,” said Troy, who is an auxiliary deputy with the Park County Sheriff’s Office.

Troy holds his general contractors license for the City and County of Denver, Park County, Summit County and the Town of Breckenridge. He is also a member of the Platte Canyon Chamber of Commerce. Call Troy Heineman at 303-618-5927, email hcf_inc@msn.com or visit his website at www.heinemancustom.com.

Imagine how positive an experience it could be to downsize a lifetime worth of belongings if, after it’s all done: You still possess your dearest treasures. What you decide to give away is donated to worthy causes. And items you prefer to sell help cover the cost of downsizing, including the services of two kind women with extraordinary organizational skills.

Meet Betty White and Jeanine Plumhoff.

Their expert organizing, packing and moving skills give much needed peace of mind to seniors who are changing their living arrangements.

Betty and Jeanine believe such services should be offered with sensitivity and understanding, an ideal that led to their becoming locally licensed operators of the national company Smooth Transitions, “Moving for Seniors.”

Many of Betty’s and Jeanine’s clients face the daunting task of deciding what they should take with them to their new homes, often assisted living facilities, and what to do with the items they don’t take. Some seniors want to downsize without plans to move. It can be difficult to envision these projects as constructive—until Smooth Transitions arrives.

Chaos is soon shaped into order with an efficiency that assures nothing is lost or misplaced. The process can even unearth treasures owners are delighted to rediscover. Smooth Transitions can arrange for cleaning and trash hauling, and set up the new home into a comfortingly familiar environment.

Smooth Transitions also works with out-of-town family members, estate managers and trust officers when a loved one unexpectedly passes away. The company provides a reliable, physical presence that professionally handles what could otherwise be anxiety-inducing responsibilities.

Most importantly, Betty and Jeanine offer these services from a genuinely empathetic perspective. “Our clients discover we are a trusted resource who can guide them through what is often a bewildering time,” Betty said. “They know we have everything covered, down to the smallest detail. If there’s a service we don’t handle directly, we find a reputable contractor who can.”

Jeanine said that the rewards of working with seniors make her career choice a fulfilling one every day. “Seniors have such a wealth of memories. One of my favorite aspects of a move is going through pictures and other mementos with the client, who often has interesting stories to share about them.”

Advance planning can take the stress out of moving, so Betty and Jeanice recommend Smooth Transitions’ “Moving for Seniors: A Step-By-Step Workbook.” Call 303-674-0250 or visit www.movingforseniors.com to get your own copy or to schedule a move.

For many pet owners, taking the beloved family dog or cat to the vet’s office can prove to be quite the challenging event. It can cause anxiety and stress to both the animal and the owner. From large dogs that barely fit in your vehicle, to cats screaming their discontent from the moment they are squeezed into their carrier; there is now an alternative.

Imagine never again having to take your pet to the vet. Instead, the vet comes to visit your pet in its home.

Dr. Lisa Warren of Evergreen owns and operates Mountain Vet to Pet, a mobile veterinary practice offering at-home veterinary services from the first puppy visit to complex geriatric care.

Her goal: be there for pet owners when their animal companions need veterinary care by providing stress-free, compassionate services while utilizing all that modern veterinary medicine and surgery has to offer.

Dr. Warren offers veterinary care to the Evergreen and surrounding communities.

For at-home routine calls, Dr. Warren performs examinations, vaccinations and blood testing. In addition to at-home visits, Dr. Warren’s newly opened surgical facility in the Evergreen North Center on Evergreen Parkway complements her philosophy of practice for when her patients are in need of surgical and dental procedures. To accommodate the subtle and not so subtle special needs of the elderly and/or anxious pet, the environment at the facility includes a limited amount of fellow patients, extra comfy beds, plush toys, soothing music and plenty of TLC from familiar faces. Surgical procedures such as spays, neuters, mass (tumor) removals are performed without the hustle and bustle that comes at a more traditional veterinary facility. Transportation of the pet to and from the facility in the event a pet owner is elderly or home-bound can also be arranged.

Another important service Dr. Warren provides is at-home euthanasia for terminally ill pets.

“Quality-of-life and end-of-life decisions are never easy ones to make,” said Dr. Warren. “The emotional stress on the owner and pet to drive to a veterinary office for this end-of-life procedure can be emotionally devastating for all involved.” By providing the option of euthanasia at home, Dr. Warren facilitates the pet’s peaceful parting in a familiar environment surrounded by those he or she loves.

“I strive to complement the strong human-animal bond with high quality veterinary care and services,” she said. “I can’t think of any other job that could bring more joy than having a dog look at you with loving eyes and give you puppy kisses.”

For information about Mountain Vet to Pet and the services provided, visit www.mountainvet2pet.com or call Dr. Warren at 303-564-0647.

Creating recognition for the arts in Colorado’s mountain communities is becoming more of a reality and less of a dream for Danielle Heller, owner of Peak Academy of Dance in Conifer.

Through cultivating the love of dance, the voice of Peak Academy in the community is becoming louder, resonating to new heights and reflecting the sophistication of dance.

Peak Academy values the importance of expression and growth through dance and self-discovery through movement, which, when combined with the love of dance, creates a high-level of professionalism.

“My goal is to make life-long lovers of dance,” said Danielle, whose enthusiasm for teaching is manifest in every class at Peak Academy.

Over the last five years, Peak Academy has taken a “Tour of the World” to educate students in the “roots” of dance. The tour began in the United States, continued on to the British Isles and Latin America, and this year is visiting the Far East. The Tour of the World incorporates knowledge of the region, background of tradition, study of the movement and the wearing of time-honored costumes.

In a tribute to the Far East, Peak Academy invites you to a production of the musical “The King and I” on May 17 and May 18 at 2 pm and 6 pm at Peak’s performance space. Tickets are $8 for adults, $5 for students 5 to 18, and children under 5 are free.

“The mountains are becoming another hub for the arts,” said Danielle. “It is not always necessary to go to the city!”

During the regular season, Peak Academy offers a wide range of dance curriculum from tap, jazz and ballet to pom, hip hop and break dancing. Peak also offers a Core Program for dancers who want to focus on particular forms of dance. All of the classes at Peak Academy are designed to develop the skills of each student motivating and fun environment.

With the summer season fast approaching, Peak Academy has the following summer camps available for boys and girls:

• Playing in Pink & Blue
• Princess Mania
• High School Musical
• Boys, Boys, Boys

The camps will run June 9 through July 25 with classes in the mornings and afternoons. No experience is needed, snacks are provided and there is an informal demonstration on the last day of camp.

For more information and camp schedules, call 303-838-5556 or stop by the studio at 26437 Conifer Road in Aspen Park. Also check out www.peakdance.com.

None of us want to think about having our home or business destroyed by wildfire or other disasters, but if it happens…are you prepared?

Conifer resident Connie Schenck, former owner of Taking Care of Business in Aspen Park, wants to help. Her new business, Room-By-Room Home Inventory Services, specializes in creating detailed inventories so people are prepared in the event of loss.

“People who’ve lost their homes often have another storm to weather since they now must negotiate with their insurance adjuster, a process that can take several months or even years,” said Connie. “By having an organized list of everything owned before disaster strikes, property owners can simplify and shorten the drawn-out process of proving what they had and how much it was worth.”

“Creating an inventory can be a very time-consuming process. Everyone knows they should have one, but few have the time or patience to perform one themselves,” Connie said. “While it’s not going to alleviate the pain and trauma experienced after a disaster, having an inventory will be a big help in maximizing your insurance settlement.”

Along with her husband, Mick, Connie videotapes the home inside and out. Next, digital pictures are taken of individual items and a computerized description of each item in the home or business is created. It includes information like brand, size, make/model and purchase price. Once all information is gathered, Connie generates a comprehensive report for the customer. A CD with the digital pictures and a DVD of the video is also provided. A program CD allows homeowners to view their data reports on their home computer. It also allows them to update information when future home improvements are made.

Besides being useful after a disaster, Connie said this type of report lets property owners know if they have sufficient insurance and can also help in estate planning. In the event of relocation, having proper documentation proves what possessions were picked up by the moving company and the condition of the items when they left the property.

Connie believes everyone should have an inventory, and she is offering her services free to individuals moving into a Habitat for Humanity home, along with free or discounted pricing to local nonprofit organizations.

For a free home or business estimate, contact Connie at 303-838-2205.

Skintique & Sweetwater Boutique is a combination mountain skin retreat and lady and baby boutique located in the Heart of Evergreen. A haven of harmony and pampering, Skintique & Sweetwater Boutique offers facials, waxes, massage therapy, body treatments and everything from scarves and jewelry to belts and boots.

This is a “mountain chic” boutique that can help you enhance your natural beauty with skin and hair products specially made for the Colorado environment, including Kiss My Face and Enjoy. Many accessories, clothing and skincare lines are made by local artists and physicians and are reasonably priced and organic.

The boutique combines seven talented and beautiful women who refer to themselves as the Ya-Ya Sisterhood of Evergreen.

Mary Davis, voted “Best Massage Therapist 2007” by the readers of the Mountain Connection, specializes in “La Stone” (hot stone massage), deep tissue, injury and prenatal massage.

Judy Murdock, better known as the store’s modern cowgirl, lives on a ranch in Evergreen and carries a romantic line of cowgirl clothing and Twisted X cowgirl boots.

Jill Slager, in charge of the baby boutique, carries organic baby clothing, hand-knit baby hats and blankets and the Noodle & Boo line of products.

Candice Klecak, owner and international makeup artist for the stars, is a clinical esthetician with 28 years of experience. She specializes in corrective skin care including anti-aging, environmentally damaged and sensitive skin issues.

Cheryl Gilbert, “Girl Friday,” takes pride in her outstanding customer service as well as putting outfits together, layering and window-dressing.

Suzan Cook, specializing in home décor and accessories, carries a unique line of flameless candles, photo frames, clocks and exceptional treasures for your home.

Jane Kelso, a longtime resident of Evergreen, has been in retail for many years. She enjoys creating and selling her jewelry at Sweetwater.

Skintique and Sweetwater Boutique hosts Ladies Night Out on the last Friday of every month in conjunction with the Art Gallery Walk in downtown Evergreen. Join these fine women for an evening of special guests, sale items, delightful conversation, sparkling champagne, appetizers and chocolate.

Or, if you prefer, Ladies Night In allows you to bring the boutique home by way of an in-home party complete with clothes, shoes, handbags, jewelry and all sorts of home accessories.

Located in downtown Evergreen along the creek, stop by, visit www.skintiqueevergreen.com or call 303-670-1180.