Counterman

Counterman: Okay, lady; how about a fried-egg sandwich?

Lickety Split Slimbolala 2005

Casual conversation turned serious when Counterman began talking about some financial and medical problems that had been mounting for many years, to the point that he had to mortgage his house.

Glenwood Springs Post Independent - Top Stories John Stroud Post Independent Staff Glenwood Spring 2010

Counterman, 62, said he almost had his house paid off at one point several years ago, when a series of financial strains began to build related to caring for loved ones who had become ill, including his mother, as well as a variety of medical problems of his own.

Glenwood Springs Post Independent - Top Stories John Stroud Post Independent Staff Glenwood Spring 2010

He thanked Blank, as well as neighbor Beth Cockrell who checks in on Counterman and brings him food on occasion, for lending a hand.

Glenwood Springs Post Independent - Top Stories John Stroud Post Independent Staff Glenwood Spring 2010

Counterman, 62, said he almost had his house paid off at one point several years ago, when a series of financial strains began to build related to caring for loved ones who had become ill, including his mother, as well as a variety of medical problems of his own.

Glenwood Springs Post Independent - Top Stories John Stroud Post Independent Staff Glenwood Spring 2010

"I'd seen him around, but I didn't know him," Blank said of Counterman, who has called his modest, late 19th century miner's house at the corner of Garfield Avenue and Second Street home for the past 30 years.

Glenwood Springs Post Independent - Top Stories John Stroud Post Independent Staff Glenwood Spring 2010

Blank worked for four months to try to make something happen for Counterman, before the Jan. 6 foreclosure deadline came.

Glenwood Springs Post Independent - Top Stories John Stroud Post Independent Staff Glenwood Spring 2010

Blank was able to help Counterman work out a loan modification deal to avoid foreclosure on a smaller $65,000 loan, using the federal HOPE for Homeowners program.

Glenwood Springs Post Independent - Top Stories John Stroud Post Independent Staff Glenwood Spring 2010

Blank worked for four months to try to make something happen for Counterman, before the Jan. 6 foreclosure deadline came.

Glenwood Springs Post Independent - Top Stories John Stroud Post Independent Staff Glenwood Spring 2010

Casual conversation turned serious when Counterman began talking about some financial and medical problems that had been mounting for many years, to the point that he had to mortgage his house.

Glenwood Springs Post Independent - Top Stories John Stroud Post Independent Staff Glenwood Spring 2010