BLACK HAWK - Over the last couple of years I have been working hard to find a solid work-life balance. Some of the things I do to try to make this a reality include taking my vacation time seriously. And also working a regular schedule, not working weekends (as much as possible) and making sure my work time is scheduled between both our offices and my home office. So that everyone that needs some of my time has access to me. I believe I am closer than ever to having this be my reality.
After working in every position at the paper (often simultaneously), I have been blessed to hire an incredible TEAM that takes on so much of the work I used to do. It leaves me handling a lot more of the little things, spending more time working to grow programs that have not had the attention they needed to thrive, and focusing on my eventual retirement from the industry.
Don't worry—I am not going anywhere, anytime soon. I am committed to hitting my personal 20 year anniversary at The Mountain-Ear, October 31, 2026. As well as leading the newspaper into its 50th year as a print newspaper. We will begin our 50th year in October of 2026 as well! Want to find out everything The Mountain-Ear is up to?
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One program I plan to work on for the rest of this year, and into 2026, includes expanding our intern program. This program is for high school students. Students can be freshman to senior. Senior students are eligible to apply for the Barbara Lawlor Memorial Scholarship, a scholarship from The Mountain-Ear for students who work with us their senior year.
We are seeking high school interns from Gilpin High School, Nederland High School and Chinook West High School. Each student interns with the paper as a journalist (print, podcast, video, social media, and more). We share our knowledge with you AND YOU GET PAID! We pay $20 hourly or $40 to $50 per story. Send an email to us at info@themountainear.com if you'd like to set up an interview.
Another program I would like to expand next year is our Peak to Peak Studio Tour. This is an annual event that showcases area artists and galleries. The event happens in September each year, this year September 20 and 21. The Studio Tour information is included in our Peak to Peak Visitor's Guide, which is located here: https://www.themtnear.com/stories/visitors-guide-2025,50786?
As well, you can be a participant by filling out this form here, by August 7 (we know some didn't get info in before the Visitor's Guide printed). A map is being created for the tour and will hit stands about a month before the tour. Interested in being on the map? Fill out this form: https://forms.gle/PyQjFhuUiRiDTiki9
As well as potential expansion of our Body Mind Spirit Guide. The guide includes stories of health and wellness, lists of local businesses that provide these services, a list of hot springs in Colorado, and more. Intrigued? The guide is located here: https://www.themtnear.com/stories/body-mind-spirit-2025,36678?
Beside work, I also have a few boards I am on. I am on the Gilpin Advertising Panel (GAP). From the 2024 post about GAP: "Applicants must be Gilpin County residents with a background in tourism or marketing. Priority will be given to those residing in the unincorporated portions of the county.
“The GAP is responsible for administering a portion of the lodging tax revenue fund for advertising and marketing tourism in Gilpin County. The appointed individual will serve a term of three (3) years."
I served for one year, to start (terms were staggered the first year). Then I reapplied a year ago and I am in my second year serving on the board, the first year of my three-year term. A public notice will be posted around October looking for another member to begin next year (of course that current member can also reapply). For more info, contact Melanie at mbleyler@gilpincounty.org
I have recently rejoined the Peak to Peak Chamber of Commerce. I was one of the original founders of the Chamber in 2023. I left at the end of my term in 2024. We focused our first year on organization, obtaining our 501(c)(6) designation and creation of Moe's Map, featuring businesses within the area.
Since then the organization has worked to figure out how to serve the Peak to Peak region. There were several fundraisers, many networking events and some group talks from business members. If you are interested in the future of the Peak to Peak Chamber of Commerce, or even just want to share your opinion, please fill out our survey here: https://forms.gle/F9BswmcnDFKdkKzz8
I am also on the High Country Auxiliary board. This board is relatively new to me and I provided food for firefighter training. I have not had a chance to dig in farther, but have known what the board does to support Timberline Fire, for a very long time. I hope to be able to dig in a bit more this winter. Want more information about HCA? Check out their website here: https://www.highcountryauxiliary.com/
One last board I have been on and off for decades is the Peak to Peak Healthy Communities Project board. Right now that board is kinda quiet, hosting only a few nonprofits under our umbrella, including the Lovin' Cup Community Kitchen and the Shelby Allen Memorial Scholarship. I'd LOVE to see some renewed interest in this board and welcome thoughts and ideas for future projects. Email me at my personal email for information at publisher1977@gmail.com
And, as most of you know, my husband and I also own Brightwood Music in Nederland. Our store is preparing for a move soon. We will be moving into The Vault (used to be the bank) in Nederland.
The space is significantly smaller, but we are preparing for that. The reduction in rent will offset the drop in business we have seen over the last couple of years, and specifically the loss of business since February.
Don't worry, we're also not going anywhere. Just making the business plan work better so we can still serve the greater Peak to Peak communities.
Find out more about us on our Facebook page here: https://www.facebook.com/BrightwoodMusic.
Beyond that, I am excited to visit some of my family in Wyoming and Washington state in August. And look forward to several upcoming fundraisers in the community.
I enjoyed attending every opening night for Central City Opera (CCO) this year and at the last event I heard their subscription and ticket sales are way up this year. I hope we helped make that happen.
Want to find out more about CCO? Follow the link here: https://centralcityopera.org/
Contact me anytime by email at info@themountainear.com, call our office cell phone anytime at 303-810-5409 or call our ad sales TEAM at 720-960-2900. As always, The Mountain-Ear is YOUR community source for news, covering the entire Peak to Peak region from Allenspark to Central City, with all of the communities and canyons in between!
