Business

To help local businesses make vital connections, the Evergreen Area Chamber of Commerce has formed leads groups. Representatives from non-competing businesses network and become acquainted with each other during weekly meetings, which are held at various locations in Evergreen.

To create additional opportunities for those who would like participate, a new leads group has begun meeting on Friday mornings at HearthFire Books and Treats in Bergen Park.

Evergreen resident Eileen Sloan never dreamed she would invent a product that helps youngsters learn to tie their shoes.

The teacher-turned-entrepreneur has created EZLeaps, a plastic device and a seven-step process to help alleviate the frustration of shoe-tying for youngsters. Nordstrom stores are selling the product and teaching Sloan’s process during shoe-tying classes in its stores nationwide, and the devices are available at Twigs in downtown Evergreen and HearthFire Books and Treats in Bergen Park.

Waiting in line to take their first leap into icy waters at the Evergreen Lake Plunge on New Year’s Day, three friends were wondering what to expect.

“Horrible!” proclaimed 11-year-old Dylan Barker while making his way toward the warmth of the changing room with buddies Hunter Fildey and Cody Boscoe, who dived with him.

The three boys were in good company, with more than 250 people jumping into lake during the event, which benefited Drive Smart and the Evergreen Park and Recreation District’s special-needs program.

Christmas came five days early for Megan and Gary Mitchell when they reopened Cactus Jack’s Saloon on Friday.

Customers began pouring into the iconic bar and eatery at Highway 73/74 that was extensively damaged during the September flooding, and business has been steady ever since.

“It’s a Christmas miracle,” Megan said Sunday afternoon amid a large crowd during the Broncos game. “The response has been awesome. Everybody’s been smiling.”