Brighton Standard Blade 030923

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Check out SUMMER CAMP LISTINGS In this week’s paper!

RTD looking to lower fares, attract more riders

BY LUKE ZARZECKI LZARZECKI@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM

RTD is in the process of lowering and simplifying costs, with new, lower fares a possibility by the rst quarter of 2024 and if approved by the board.

It came out of their Fare Study and Equity Analysis the RTD Board reviewed and released to the public on Feb. 14

“...customers expressed a strong preference for simplifying the existing fare structure. e design was also modi ed to include lower Local fares in response to customer feedback and to align with equity goals,” a news release from RTD reads.

Brighton considering public safety tax

Councilors could pick sales or property tax increase, refer to voters

BY SCOTT TAYLOR STAYLOR@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM

Brighton Police Chief Matt Domenico laid out his request for a dedicated $1.9 million in new taxes devoted to public safety Feb. 28.

“We have had a pretty signi cant increase in population size in the

last ten years, about a 20% increase,” Domenico told City Councilors during their Feb. 28 study session. “During that time, demands on law enforcement have consistently gone up.”

City Councilors are considering putting the matter before voters in November. If voters agree, the city would create a new tax — either a 0.15% sales tax or a 2.5 mill rate property tax. Either would generate about $1.9 million that would be dedicated to public safety for hiring new o cers and support sta to respond to the growing needs of

Brighton. If voters approve on the Nov. 2023 ballot, one version of the tax would begin in 2024.

Domenico said new technology, like body-worn cameras, have increased sta time. Videos from the cameras need to be reviewed, cataloged and archived while calls for service to a wider area demand more o cers’ time. e department has a need for new o cers, but also support sta to help.

“One of the benchmarks that is

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According to Brandon Figliolino, a spokesperson for RTD, the Board of Directors is looking at a plan to combine local and regional fares, and lower the airport fare. A threehour pass would cost $2.75, a day pass $5.50 a monthly pass $88 and the airport fare would be $10, under a modi ed version of that plan.

“In April, RTD sta will ask the Board to release the draft recommended fare structure, policies and programs and draft fare equity analysis to the public. roughout the month of May, members of the public will be able to attend fare study information sessions and provide comments on the proposal,” Figliolino wrote in an email.

It may be one way to get more riders. RTD saw an increase in ridership during its Zero Fare for Better Air period in August 2022, when services were free. According to a nal report on the program, overall

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Riverdale Ridge’s Macayla Start heads down the sideline against the defense of D’Evelyn’s Macy Scheer during an elite 8 round game in the state 4A girls basketball tournament March 3 in Denver. D’Evelyn held on to win the game 54-47. See more in Sports.

PHOTO BY STEVE SMITH

Trash hauler opinions sought

City to survey residents about moving to single trash collection company

BY SCOTT TAYLOR STAYLOR@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM

Brighton will pitch the idea of converting to a single trash hauler at a series of public meetings this summer, councilors agreed.

Brighton Sustainability Coordinator Traci McLean outlined the process to determine how residents feel about the idea.

“We found it’s best to do inperson surveying,” McLean said.

“ at’s because we can answer questions people have ahead of time and make sure everyone has

access to the materials they need. Typically, when you do in-person surveying, you get much more accurate results and a more representative sample of the community.”

e idea stems from the council discussion earlier in the year. Multiple trash haulers serve the city, they o er di erent services. Some of the haulers serving Brighton o er regular recycling collections while others don’t. Some will collect yard waste, grass clippings and leaves while others do not.

Hiring a single trash hauler would o er consistent services, according to city memos, and cut down on the number of trash trucks traveling on neighborhood streets.

McLean said the city would host at least four events this spring, one in each ward. Sta would make a short presentation, o er informa-

tion about the services and ask residents to take a survey. Results from that survey would guide council decisions later this year.

“If we don’t have the turnout we want at these events — we are going to be wrapping those up by May, so it should give us enough time to also do some additional outreach at Brighton Summer Fest and the City BBQ just to get that sample up.”

e survey would collect demographics, their experience with their current trash hauler and what they think of changing to a single trash hauler.

“We really want to be sure we are collecting data that captures that tells use the experience they’ve had with their current provider, their perceptions about single haulers and what kind of options they’d liked to see in a contract,” McLean

said. “We really want to understand what the community wants so we can tie that back to any recommendations we make once we get to that phase.”

Councilor Peter Padilla he has talked to some Brighton homeowners associations and thinks they might be interested in a citywide trash service, as long as they could end their contracts with their current haulers.

He favors the idea of surveying residents.

“I’m de nitely excited to see what peoples’ opinions are, how people want to engage and if people are satis ed with what they have and they don’t want to switch or if they look at the options,” Padilla said. “And how they feel like having one truck on their streets versus four each day.”

Brighton o ering garden kits helps converse water

BY BELEN WARD BWARD@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM

Brighton residents can pick from 11 di erent planting box varieties this spring, all designed to reduce the need for water while beautifying their gardens.

e City of Brighton utility department joined the conservation nonpro t Resource Central to o er

residents Garden In A Box, each o ering low-water perennials or pollinator’s vegetable garden and ideas for the not-so-experienced and experienced gardeners alike.

“ e Garden In A Box program started 20 years ago as Colorado was facing a signi cant drought,” said Neal Lurie, President of Resource Central. “We noticed that half of a typical family’s annual

E AGLE VIEW A DULT C ENTER

1150 Prairie Center Parkway • Brighton, CO 80601 • 303-655-2075 • www.brightonco.gov

Eagle View Adult Center Update

–Mar 8 - 15, 2023

Eagle View Adult Center is open Monday – Friday, 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. Call 303-655-2075 for more information. e March and April Newsletter is available.

Cards, Games and Pool

If you like to play games like bridge, pinochle, dominos, scrabble and pool… Eagle View is the place to get connected. Check out the newsletter for playing times.

VOA Lunch

Due to VOA moving to a new kitchen facility, there will be no VOA lunches at Eagle View Adult Center March 6-April 14. Meals will begin again April 17. Call Eleanor at 303-655-2271 on Mondays and ursdays.

Power of Attorney Clinic

Metro Volunteer Lawyers will be here to answer questions about advance directives. Learn how to legally give someone authority to make medical and nancial decisions for you in case you are unable to do so. 1:00 p.m., urs. Mar 9, Deadline: Tues. Mar 7

Bunco ursdays

Bunco is an easy and fun game of dice. Enjoy an a ernoon of fun, laughter, and prizes. 1:15 p.m., urs. Mar 9, $4 each day, Deadline: Wed. before

Greeting Cards

We will be making a variety of cards for any occasion (Easter, birthday, sympathy, etc). All supplies and envelopes included in fee. Linda Addison is a certi ed “Stampin’ Up” card instructor. 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 noon, Fri. Mar 10, $15, Deadline: Wed. Mar 8

Spaghetti Luncheon – it’s back!

Bring your family and friends for spaghetti, salad, bread, and dessert. Advance ticket purchase encouraged but tickets will be for sale at the door as well. Take out available. 11:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m., Sat. Mar 18, $7 adults - $5 children 12 & under.

water use is for outdoor irrigation, primarily watering the lawn. We think there’s a better way,”

“Our nonpro t started the Garden In A Box program to make it easy for people to have a beautiful waterwise yard. ey are professionally designed, water-wise garden kits that are tailor-made for Colorado yards,” Lurie said.

Residents can choose from 11

Garden In-A-Box kits designed with 6 to 50 starter Colorado native plants.

Lurie said they provide the plants and plant-by-number maps, seasonal maintenance suggestions, and watering recommendations to make it easy to get that professional look. ey only need about half the water

SEE WATER, P3

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frequently used by law enforcement across the nation is ‘o cers per thousand,’“ Domenico said. “And generally, what you are looking for is about two, 2.5 o cers per thousand (residents). Based on our current population estimate, we are at about 1.8 o cers per thousand, well below the national average and well below the Denver metro average as well.”

City Manager Michael Martinez said he tasked sta to come up with ideas to help pay for police. Finance Director Catrina Asher said they came up with two options for councilors to review.

If councilors agree to move forward, the city would look for volunteers to serve on an outreach committee that would begin discussing the idea with residents over the summer. Councilors would need to settle on a tax and ballot language by September to get it on the 2023 ballot.

Councilors at the Feb. 28 study session were resigned to the idea.

“It’s obvious we are going to have to do something,” Councilor Mary Ellen Pollack said. “We are growing, crime is growing. And no thanks to the legislature, crime is just going to get worse. We have to keep up with the messes they make - sorry, that’s just how I

WATER

of a traditional grassy yard, and they look beautiful year after year. “ e garden kits help reduce the water bill saving about 7,300 gal-

feel. Nobody wants to have their taxes raised, but public safety is a priority.”

Sales or property tax

But councilors could not agree on which tax they preferred. Both have their positives, Asher said.

“ ere are a lot of similarities, but some key di erences,” she said. “Any increase in taxes would require voter approval, so there is a process for both that is very similar.”

Sales taxes fall on people who live in the city but also on people who

lons of water over the lifetime of a garden compared to lawns,” Lurie said.

Brighton utility customers receive a $25 discount when purchasing a garden kit. e garden kits can be reserved online starting March 1 and can picked up in May and fall. Gift certi cates are also available.

Tap into the benefits that CDs bring

shop in Brighton, buy gas or pay for services here. Property taxes largely fall on property owners.

Asher said city sta favors the property tax. A $2.50 mill rate increase would push Brighton’s property tax rate to $9.15 mills for every $1,000 of assessed property value. at’s still lower than most of the city’s neighbors, she said, including ornton, Northglenn, Dacono and Fort Lupton. It would increase property taxes on a $539,000 home by about $90 per year.

Lurie said the kit helps community members conserve water. e nonpro t partners with dozens of cities throughout the Denver metro region, and the City of Brighton o ers a $25 discount to encourage participation.

“ e program is incredibly popular and normally sells out by April.

“In terms of resiliency, property taxes are a nice steady option,” she said.

“Property taxes are tied to the value of our properties and those typically do not go down. ey are typically very stead and very predictable.”

Councilor Peter Padilla said he favored the 0.15% sales tax, which — along with county and state sales taxes — would push Brighton’s sales tax rate up to 8.65% and would increase costs by 15 cents for every $100 spent.

“While I’m supportive of either path, my argument for sales taxes would be that the sales are where the growth is coming from and that’s what is bringing the public safety issues to the community,” Padilla said. “And, the people that are coming to the community are bene ting from the increased public safety.”

Councilor Jan Pawlowski agreed that a sales tax increase makes more sense.

“You know, property values may increase but that doesn’t mean that the people have more money, substantially,” she said. “We’ve encouraged economic development along 120th and there hopefully will be more businesses coming in. I just think Iean more towards a sales tax than a property tax.”

Councilors would need to approve moving forward, creating the outreach committee and paying for the November election.

With so much attention on drought conditions in the news lately we expect to distribute more than 10,000 Garden In A Box kits this year,” Lurie said.

For more information, visit brightonco.gov/gardeninabox, email gardeninfo@resourcecentral.org, or call 303-999-3820 ext. 222.

Brighton’s Police and Court Center on East Bromley Lane. Voters could see a measure Novembers ballot creating a tax -- either a sales tax or property tax increase -- to help pay for Brighton’s Police and public safety.

SCOTT TAYLOR

New take on boosting food security in Brighton

With new Executive Director, Share the Harvest returns

BY BELEN WARD BWARD@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM

Andrew Sword stepped in to take on the executive director role for Brighton Shares the Harvest on February 1, resurrecting an e ort that was due to be closed this spring.

“Our Board had decided last fall to shut down Brighton Shares e Harvest this spring, as we were ready for some space to try other things,” said Linda Young, the founder and executive director for the last 12 years. “But Andrew came to me with some amazing ideas and energy regarding food security in the Brighton community, and it felt like a perfect match.”

Brighton Shares the Harvest is an all-volunteer non-pro t that works with local Gardners to eliminate waste and donate extra produce to local food banks, seniors, and lowincome families.

e non-pro t also donates seedlings so families can learn to grow their own produce and works with local retail farms on discounts and cost-sharing to provide produce for local families. e non-pro t also works with several other local nonpro t groups that donate produce to their programs.

Sword is a young farmer with a dream to grow with the community.

“With a whole heart, I wish to thank our outgoing Director Linda Young for her dedication to the Brighton community and for the honor of allowing me to serve our community under the Brighton Shares the Harvest banner,” Sword said.

Sword was a Marine Corps veteran from 2012 until January 2016.

“In the Marines, I was in leadership

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positions—often in spaces that tested my ability, with the acute reminder that I was the youngest in the room,” he said.

After he served with the Marines, he and his wife traveled to Washington State for a time to nish school. But he abandoned that work, realizing he didn’t need a degree to do what he wanted to do. ey came out to Colorado in about 2018.

“When I left the military in 2016,

I distilled my experience into the framework that would guide me to today’s community and stewardship,” Sword said.

“Brighton Shares the Harvest is committed to lowering the barrier of access to healthy local produce for the people of Brighton. More produce, more tables, one harvest at a time.”

From veteran to farmer

“My interest in working with Brighton Shares the Harvest is very serendipitous,” Sword said. After leaving the military, he joined an agricultural program called “Veterans to Farmers”.

“ e program has a lot networking capabilities and a lot of incubator programs but what they didn’t have was something that was very close to me, geographically,” he said.

He learned from other farmers and from the program’s executive directors that the most pressing thing throughout the season is going out every day to check on your plants.

“It takes 30 minutes, so the closer you can be to that place at any stage is going to be bene cial for you to make something,” Sword said.

Sword said he heard about Brighton Shares in the newsletter he receives and learned that the program was shutting down.

“I wanted to start something very close to farming, and looking back on it now, it was very ambitious,” Sword said. “I wanted to be a hub

King Soopers and Home Depot at Brighton Prairie Center, donated baskets of free seeds for Brighton area gardeners last season.

BRIGHTON SHARES THE HARVEST FACEBOOK.

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Successful mill levy means new safety director in 27J

BY STEVE SMITH SSMITH@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM

27J Schools made good on its promise to begin a school safety program.

Late last month, the district made its rst step in that direction by hiring its rst director of safety and security. He is Sam Ortega.

Before the November election, a press statement said the district community focused on improving school safety, including a safety/ security department, more safety o cers in schools and more training for safety sta .

Ortega has been the district’s emergency response and crisis coordinator, one of two members of the district safety sta serving the 23,000-student school district.

Ortega’s tasks include planning and putting into place a safety and security department, plus developing and executing short- and longrange plans/.

“Sam brings a unique blend of school administration and school safety systems experience to the new position,” the statement read.

“He has rst-hand knowledge of the safety focus school leaders have, and he has strong relationships with local law enforcement, including the Brighton, Commerce City, and ornton Police Departments, as well as the Adams County Sheri ’s Department. He’s trained with police o cers in school safety drills, planning and problem-solving situations involving all of the district’s 24 district-managed schools”

Our Family Helping Your Family

“When it comes to school safety, we know our community and sta are con dent they can count on Sam to be the kind of leader we need to keep our students and sta as safe as possible,” Superintendent Chris Fiedler said in the statement. “Sam has built strong relationships and partnerships to support our work to expand our safety and security system in 27J Schools.”

Chief Operating O cer Terry Lucero, who has worked alongside Ortega the past ve years, said it’s a

real bene t to have a highly qualied safety professional for this role with relevant school administration experience.

“We have a vast mix of students and families in 27J Schools,” Ortega said in the statement. “Every single student deserves to come to school and feel safe. ey need to have con dence in the safety of their school so they can focus completely on learning.”

Ortega was an assistant principal at Vikan Middle School and was the

principal of summer school in 27J Schools. He also served in Adams 14 School District as a middle-school dean of students and athletic director in Commerce City.

He earned his bachelor’s degree with a double major in criminal justice and political science from New Mexico Highlands University and his masters in educational administration from Grand Canyon University. Ortega began his new job earlier this month.

Jack Berger Jr. passed away in the early morning hours of February 28th, 2023 as the sun was rising on his beloved family farm. He was able to ful ll his wishes of coming home and being surrounded by family and friends that loved him in the days prior to his death. e Circle of Life is now complete as he was greeted in heaven by his loving Dad, Mom, two brothers and sister.

Jack was born on January 26, 1943 to Jack and Barbara (Hochnadel) Berger. He was the youngest of four children and lived on the family farm his entire life.

On November 6, 1965, he married the love of his life, Sandy Goetz. ey recently celebrated their 57th wedding anniversary. He would say the secret to a long and happy marriage was to be able to say with conviction “Yes, Dear” and “Your right, Dear”. He would say “Happy wife, Happy life”. And we were happy.

Jack attended Fort Lupton schools, graduating in 1961. He was active in school as Head Boy in his senior year and participated in choir, band, plays, football, basketball, baseball and other school clubs. He was chosen to play on the Colorado All Star Football team while in high school. He was awarded a Football scholarship to UNC. After nishing one year of schooling there, he came home to help on the family farm. He continued farming there until

his death.

In 1965, Jack joined the Air National Guard and was active for six years before being Honorably Discharged. One of his fondest memories was going to Antigua and building radio and satellite towers.

Jack was also involved in church and community. He was a life long member of St. William Catholic Church and served as Lector, Usher, Choir Member and helped with the Fall Festival. He was a ird Degree Knight’s of Columbus member and belonged to this Catholic Men’s organization for over 55 years. roughout his children’s school years, he proudly served on the Fort Lupton school board and was very involved with their school activities. He also served as a member on the Brantner Ditch Board for many years.

Farming was always one of his rst loves. During his years in farming, Jack received many awards, some being from growing sugar beets for Great Western Sugar and barley for Coors Brewing. He also grew corn and alfalfa and wheat. Another great accomplishment was when he and his Dad started raising Black Angus cattle. For Jack, Faith, Family, Friends and FARMING were his life.

When he had free time, he enjoyed playing cards, eating out and going for drives with his family. He loved the holidays - especially Christmas. But what he really enjoyed was a drive to his “home away from home”, Blackhawk.

Jack is survived by his loving wife, Sandy, his son Michael (Marilyn), his daughter Melissa (Bob) Torbet, Grandchildren Jack Torbet (Little Jack), Madison Casados (Angel Garcia) and Great Grandchildren, Armando and Giovanni.

Left to lovingly remember all the good times spent with their Uncle are his nieces and nephews, Barb, Pat, Lori, Susan, Scott, Mark, David, Bob, Cathy, Tricia, Je , Lisa, Jessica, Jacob, Alivia and Steven and their families. He will be remembered fondly by his brothers-inlaws Tom and Steven (Tracy) and sisters-in-laws Sharon and Jody (Eduardo).

He was preceded in death by his parents, Jack and Barbara, his brother, John, his brother and sister-in-law, Leo and Ruby, his sister and brother-in-law, Ann and Jack Markley, nephew, Jim Berger, Father-in-law and Mother-in-law, Ed and Agnes Goetz, brother-in-law, Dennis, brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Gerald (Butch) and Phyllis, and nephew, Rodney.

Jack lived a good and honorable life - he was loved and he will be missed.

Sam Ortega

A tale of Colorado’s biggest and smallest

Colorado’s largest and smallest coal mines both have Elk in their names and are reached by winding, mountain roads amid smile-inducing scenery. New Elk and West Elk, the two mines, also bucked the long-term decline of coal last year. ey actually increased production. How long will they tilt against this industry trend?

Production in Colorado since 2003 has paralleled the downhill contour of a black-diamond ski slope, sliding from 39.9 million tons to 12.3 million tons.

Tonnage will almost certainly fall further. Nearly all of this coal clawed from the mines is burned to heat water and hence generate electricity. at era is passing. A coal-burning unit at Pueblo went dark in December, and Colorado’s remaining nine units will close by the time a fth-grade student graduates from high school, maybe sooner.

Wyoming’s Powder River Basin has supplied some of these coal plants. A major operator there, Arch Coal, has changed its name to Arch Resources. It plans to leave Western coal in coming years, including its lone operation in Colorado, the West Elk Mine, located near Paonia. For now, though, it’s riding the wave of higher coal prices and investing just enough to keep going.

In 2022, West Elk production rose nearly 25% to nearly 4.4 million tons.

On my late-night walks, I believe I have seen some of that coal rolling down the railroad line from the Mo at Tunnel through metropolitan Denver. I doubt these coal trains will be permanent.

e last “coalpowered power plant in the United States was built 10 years ago. And the average age is creeping up to 47-48 years,” said Paul Lang, the chief executive of Arch, during a 2022 call with investors. “I think we’ll see slowdown and retirements over the next two or three years. is thing is heading toward a pretty fast decline rate.”

West Elk as of 2021 had proven reserves of almost 47 million tons, according to a U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission ling. at coal has high energy, superior to that of the Powder River Basin.

Clark Williams-Derry, an energy nancial analyst with the nonpro t Energy Institute for Economics and Financial Analysis, told me he can see West Elk bumping along with the production of 2.5 to 4.5 million tons per year, depending upon market prices. Or ramping down production to 1 to 3

million tons, delaying the outlay necessary for cleanup. Or, conceivably, nding somebody else to buy the mine.

Keep in mind, the reserves are limited. It can continue for 10 to 12 years at current rates of production. Arch has laid plans to expand the mine. e Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment has been slow to process an air pollution permit application. Environmental groups have been nipping at the Polis administration’s heels. ey want a chance to kill expansion plans and avoid the disturbance of a roadless area. “We think this mine has outlived its usefulness,” says Jeremy Nichols, the climate and energy program director for the Denver o ce of WildEarth Guardians.

Arch does see a future in metallurgical coal, which is used to produce steel from iron ore. e company has several such mines in West Virginia. ey deliver 10% of the company’s coal volume but 52% of its revenues.

Metallurgical coal was the premise for New Elk, a mine that had mostly been closed since the 1980s. It was reopened in 2021 by Australian owners with the declared intention to supply Asian steel-makers.

It’s in a beautiful location, about 30 miles west of Trinidad, with a backdrop of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains that holds your eyes hard. Coal from the mine was originally hauled by railroad

Know before saying ‘no’

There is an old saying, “If you don’t ask, you don’t get” or, “If you don’t ask, the answer will always be no.” Many times these are associated with salespeople who stopped short of asking their prospect for the order or fail to ask for critical information or an immediate next step. However, these sayings hold true for all of us.

For some, asking comes very naturally. We understand the consequences of not asking so we are always bold enough to speak up, knowing that fortune favors the bold. en there are others of us who have a deeply rooted fear of rejection so asking for something, anything requires us to summon our courage before breaking out into a cold sweat while meekly and nervously uttering out our question.

ere is also something else at play here when it comes to hearing the word “no,” or being refused a request. Some people are so tired and burnt out that the word “no” has become their rst response to everything. Even the simplest of asks or tasks is met with resistance. e smallest requests are

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seen as monumental hills to climb. e thinking is that the person making such a request clearly has no idea just how much work this is going to require or how di cult

Saying “no” for some folks has become an art form, they can say “no” and still have the person who asked walk away feeling good. Others may subscribe to the philosophy of saying “no” to everything as fast as possible so others will stop asking them for anything. e rst word out of their mouth is literally always “no.”

Here’s the thing, sometimes we get so conditioned to saying “no” that it really has become our rst response instead of rst taking the time to learn more, so we know what it is that we are really saying “no” to or refusing to do. I do believe in saying “no” to more of the things we shouldn’t be doing so that we can say “yes” to more of the

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things we should or could be doing. However, not at the expense of missing an opportunity to get done what needs to get done.

If you are leading a team, you probably wouldn’t want them to stop coming to you with questions. If you are a part of a team, you also wouldn’t want to be left out of opportunities to collaborate and problem solve. And any parent certainly wouldn’t want their child to stop coming to them with questions or requests, instead, just taking actions into their own hands and dealing with the consequences later. When the “no” monster inside of us is unleashed, we invite contempt and disharmony in any relationship.

Years ago, I had a coworker named Frank. Frank would say “no” to everything at rst. But not for the reasons mentioned above or that you might be thinking. He taught me one of the greatest lessons of my life when it came to decision-making relative to both the person asking for something and the person being asked. He would say “no” if the request wasn’t supported with the “why.” Or Frank would

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to the steel mill in Pueblo. When the Pueblo mill began using electric-arc furnaces, the coal was sold for thermal purposes. e mine closed in the 1980s and the railroad tracks were yanked. e Australian owners said they intended to reinstall the railroad tracks, but that has been postponed. Meanwhile, the Trinidad Chronicle-News reports setbacks. One was the di culty in attracting experienced coal miners. Trinidad, if lacking Front Range prosperity, still has insu cient housing. Go gure. New Elk also shifted sales from overseas markets to domestic coal plants. Also, the day before writing this column, Allegiance Coal USA, the owner of the New Elk Mine, led for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection.

In Boulder, a new company is trying to create a chemical process for making steel that will bypass the need for metallurgical coal. Maybe this company will succeed, maybe not. As for the Pueblo steel mill, it sits amid a sea of solar panels. Electricity has enough heat to repurpose recycled steel.

Coal will be with us for decades yet, particularly in Asian countries. Here, we’re moving past the fuel that made our lives so much easier. We have cheaper fuels — and yes, they pose less risk of pollution to our atmosphere.

For a deeper dive on this story by Allen Best, see BigPivots.com

say “no” if the person asking didn’t really understand everything involved in what they were asking for.

What Frank taught me and I hope to pass along to you is this: Before saying “no,” take the time to ask more questions and get as much detail as possible before making your decision. And before you ask for anything, know the “why” behind your request, and what it is you are really asking the other person or team to do for you.

Are you saying “no” simply out of habit? Is the “no” monster hurting your relationships at home or at work? Do you understand the concept of including your “why” behind your request? I would love to hear your story at gotonorton@gmail.com, and when we can take the time to know before we say “no,” it really will be a better than good life.

Michael Norton is an author, a personal and professional coach, consultant, trainer, encourager and motivator of individuals and businesses, working with organizations and associations across multiple industries.

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for the farming community of the Front Range, something that farmers can connect to and share resources. While I know that those things exist, I think something needs to be re ned.”

Sword met Young to get an idea of her experience with the Brighton community.

“I wanted to get the boots on the ground on what she saw in the community and why she started the program what led up to her wanting to dissolve the Harvest,” Sword said. “We spoke through email for a while.”

Young said that she had yet to make the closure o cial or made an o cial ling, so she o ered Sword a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity as Executive Director. Sword said he thought it over and said yes to taking the job.

“From my point of view, this is something with the community behind it, with so much love and support, and someone who was willing to ght for these values of food equity, and not to give up,” Sword said.

Future for Brighton Shares

Swords said he plans to expand the program. In the past, Harvest coordinated places where local gardeners could donate and o ered classes and giveaways. e group also worked to organize distributions and donations from around the area.

“We are still willing to distribute produce to the community and seeds as well. Also having classes is some-

thing that will be evolving, hopefully, we can partner with a few from the CSU Extension master gardeners in Adams County,” Sword said.

He hopes to expand its work in other ways, too.

“I plan on using my resources, my connections from Veterans to Farmers, and be able to bring people to farms or bring to farmers to Brighton,” he said. “It would be fun for both parties to see what happens on a working farm and the challenges it takes to make a resilient local food community.

Brighton Shares the Harvest will continue its education program, will continue donating seedlings to teach people how to grow their vegetable gardens and will teach them about Brighton’s soil, weed identi cation, proper watering, and pests.

“We are pushing this idea of biodiversity and the importance of giving back as a person who is growing things,” Sword said.

With Sword taking the new role and transitioning with the Harvest within the next few weeks, he is meeting with his Board of Directors to discuss his plans for the future and have a vote on the direction they are going.

“I couldn’t be more pleased about the future of Brighton Shares the Harvest, and I know Andrew will fully support our mission of putting more fresh produce on more tables in Brighton,” Young said.

Meanwhile, if you have any questions on the Brighton Shares transition updates, email Andrew Sword at andsword42@gmail.com, call 623806-6727 or visit the website https:// www.brightonsharestheharvest.org.

Cheryl Watson grew a tomato plant and donated it to Brighton Shares the harvest last spring. BRIGHTON SHARES THE HARVEST FACEBOOK.

Make-A-Wish Colorado alumni, volunteers celebrate its 40th anniversary

BY CORINNE WESTEMAN CWESTEMAN@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM

2023 has already been a big year for Make-A-Wish.

Wish Week fundraisers have been in full swing at local schools this winter, and basketball legend Michael Jordan donated $10 million — the largest individual donation ever — to the national organization last month. And spring 2023 could be even bigger.

Make-A-Wish Colorado celebrates its 40th anniversary this year and is hosting an anniversary celebration and fundraiser in April in Denver. Since it started, Make-A-Wish Colorado has granted more than 6,000 wishes for children with critical illnesses as a way of giving them hope and something to look forward to during their treatment.

Golden’s Ben Bontrager, 10, went to Hawaii for his wish last spring. He was diagnosed in early 2020 with Burkitt’s lymphoma and was sick for almost a year, with his mom Sarah saying, “We almost lost him a couple times.”

Ben, who’s now in remission, said going to Hawaii was “the rst thing idea that popped in my head,” because he wanted to get out and do something fun.

“I was sick of being home,” he continued.

Now, Ben and his family are becoming Make-A-Wish ambassadors so that they can help other families through the same process.

Dad Je Bontrager said Ben’s wish was a “bright spot” to think about during those long days at the hospital, adding, “ e thought that (MakeA-Wish) has done it over and over for people, it’s really pretty amazing.”

For Jennifer

Joan Mazak has been the proverbial fairy godmother for thousands of Colorado children after she founded the organization in 1983. She started it in honor of her daughter, Jennifer, who died at 7 years old of a liver disease.

Mazak recalled how, about a week before Jennifer’s death, she was granted an uno cial wish to meet local radio mascot KIMN Chicken. He stopped by the family’s house, walking around the entire property hand-in-hand with Jennifer. Many of the neighborhood children stopped by to see KIMN Chicken, but he was focused on making Jennifer feel special.

“It was great for her to be able to have that,” Mazak said.

After Jennifer’s death, Mazak used funds that people had raised for a liver donation to start Make-A-Wish

Colorado. ere were only three other chapters in the country and no national organization yet, she said. e local chapter was all volunteers working out of their homes, helping to create memories for children who needed them. Mazak said the very rst wish was to catch a sh, so they set up a shing trip at Dillon Reservoir.

Longtime volunteer Gary Aboussie recalled wishes to meet the pope and the Broncos. One of his favorite stories was sending a guitar to Bruce Springsteen to sign, him keeping that one, and sending back his own guitar instead with a special message. Mazak said of wishes: “ ey come in all shapes and sizes. ere are so many logistics to putting together a single wish. It’s di erent for every single family.”

Ben Bontrager of Golden had his wish to visit Hawaii granted in spring 2022. Ben, now 10, was diagnosed with Burkitt’s lymphoma in early 2020 but is now in remission.

Jack Rodell of Castle Rock had his wish to be a Colorado Avalanche player granted in November 2022. Jack, now 8, was diagnosed with leukemia but has been in remission for two years. COURTESY PHOTOS

WISHES

About 20 years ago, Make-A-Wish Colorado started partnering with local schools for Wish Week fundraisers. Mazak said it’s been a winwin situation, as it helps instill philanthropy in the students and raises money for their sick peers. Plus, she always loves seeing schools’ creative fundraising methods, like shaving teachers’ heads or taping their principals to the wall.

While nancial contributions are needed, so are volunteers.

Aboussie described how meeting Make-A-Wish children and their families “touches your mind and heart.” So, he works to help however he can — whether that’s serving on the board of directors or speaking at events.

“(Volunteering) shows you how much more there is to do,” he said. “… We can’t stop the problems, but we can ease the e orts and give the

child something to dream about when they’re going through the possibly the most di cult time of their life.”

Both Aboussie and Mazak stressed how much these children and their families need “a sense that there will be a better tomorrow,” as Aboussie described it. ey said these children also need to feel normal after feeling di erent during their formative years.

Hope and normalcy

Castle Rock’s Jack Rodell, 8, might be a little shy, except when it comes to talking about the best day of his life.

On Nov. 14, Jack was the guest of honor at a Colorado Avalanche game. He described the entire day in detail, saying he met the players, got his own jersey and more. Jack, who wants to be a professional hockey player when he grows up, was diagnosed with leukemia but has been in remission for two years. His wish was delayed because of COVID-19.

Over the past few years, he’s represented Make-A-Wish Colorado at fundraising events, and he and his family are now becoming wish ambassadors, like the Bontragers.

“When your kid is diagnosed with cancer, and you just live appointment to appointment, it’s very lonely,” his mom Krystalyn said. “… In his head, he just feels di erent. … It’s nice to see other people celebrate him, and it’s something he’ll remember for the rest of his life.”

at’s something Denver’s Austen Swinton can con rm.

Swinton, who’s graduating from the University of Colorado-Boulder this spring, was diagnosed with end-stage renal failure as a child and eventually received a kidney transplant. For her wish, she met singer and actress Demi Lovato at a July 2009 concert.

After the two met backstage, Lovato pulled Swinton on stage and asked her to sing “ is Is Me” for the crowd. Swinton said she didn’t have stage fright at all, and Lovato sang with her.

e two reunited last year when Swinton spoke at World Wish Day in California where Lovato was being honored for helping Make-AWish.

Swinton, now 23, said her experiences with Make-A-Wish helped brighten her life when she needed it most.

“Looking back at how much I was going through at that age — I was only 10 or 11 when I was on dialysis — I was missing out on some of those peak childhood moments,” she continued. “ … Everyone says how much a wish impacts a child. You don’t truly know until you’re living that experience.”

Having a wish granted is the best day in a child’s life, Jack described, and now he’s hoping he can help other children as an ambassador, paying forward all the kindness he received.

“People really helped me, and I want to help other people so they feel the same way,” Jack said. “I felt special. I felt really happy. … I want other kids to feel happy.”

Austen Swinton of Denver, left, reunites with singer Demi Lovato at World Wish Day in spring 2022. Swinton had end-stage renal failure as a child and had her wish to meet Lovato granted in 2009.

Make-A-Wish Colorado founder Joan Mazak started the organization 40 years ago, and it has now granted more than 6,000 wishes for children with critical illnesses. Mazak said the wishes over the years have ranged from catching a fish to visiting Disneyland. COURTESY PHOTOS

MAKE-A-WISH COLORADO’S 40TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION

“Whiskey, Wine & Wishes” presented by PDC Energy 6 p.m. Thursday, April 20 Denver’s Mission Ballroom at 4242 Wynkoop St.

A party with a purpose. Guests will enjoy great food, drinks, and country music, while raising crucial funds to grant wishes for Colorado children with critical ill-

nesses. Peyton Manning will be honored as a Wish Hero for his longtime support of the organization. For more information, visit wishes2023.givesmart.com.

D’Evelyn outlasts Riverdale Ridge in elite 8

BY STEVE SMITH SSMITH@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM

DENVER – Riverdale Ridge’s girls basketball team would love to have a do-over of a three-minute stretch of the fourth quarter against D’Evelyn Junior-Senior High School.

The Jaguars scored 11 straight points, kept the Ravens from scoring, broke open a close game and went on to a 54-47 win in the round of 8 in the state 4A girls basketball tournament March 3 at the Denver Coliseum.

“Our immaturity showed a little bit,” said RRHS coach Tim Jones. “We had a couple of lapses that you would expect from the experience we have.”

The two teams played the game within a 12-point window. RRHS’ biggest lead was seven points. The two teams traded baskets for much of the second half until the Jaguars started their game-winning run.

Freshman Brihanna Crittendon, who spent much of the game facing off against several Jaguars’ defenders, led RRHS with 28 points and eight rebounds. Gabby Herr was next with six points. The Jaguars’ Peyton Marvel scored a career-high and school best-ever high of 36 points. Macy Sheer added seven.

RRHS defense held the Jaguars in

check through much of the contest. D’Evelyn managed a pair of 3-point shots. One of those came during the winning spurt in the fourth quarter.

“It’s been multiple games that we haven’t been shooting our 3s very well,” Marvel said. “We know we can win just doing our 2s. The 3s were a big help in the end. It’s hard to not shoot 3s and only shoot 2s. But we figured it out.”

The win moves D’Evelyn into a semifinal round match against either Eaton or University, The loss ends RRHS’ season. The Ravens posted a mark of 22-4. RRHS made its second appearance in the state tournament in as many years.

“We’re a tough team. We’re tough as nails. We’re young, and we’re scrappy,” Jones said. “We only lose one kid. Our mentality changes. That (the loss down the stretch) just encourages us and inspires the girls. The girls are excited to get back to work.”

“We knew Brihanna would score every time down,:” Marvel said. “It was amazing to have that 10-point lead (at the end).”

Survive and advance for Eagle Ridge

free throws at the end of the game. We just played as a team, and that’s always going to help us win.”

BY STEVE SMITH SSMITH@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM

DENVER – Some words came to the mind of Eagle Ridge Academy players and coaches on the oor of the Denver Coliseum March 3.

Words like “ragged,” “rugged” and “ugly.”

e other words that came to mind were the most important .. a win, regardless of what it looked like.

Eagle Ridge moved into the seminals of the state 4A boys basketball tournament by beating Pueblo Central 63-57. e win sets up a contest against 17th-seeed Holy Family at 12:45 p.m. ursday, March 9, at the Coliseum.

“ e rst half, we had 14 turnovers.

e second half, we had ve,” ERA coach Jay Powell said. “We knew at the beginning they were going to play at a pace that was going to speed us up. We needed to calm down.”

“It was a fast-paced game,” said Peyton Torres, who scored nine points.

“We needed to slow down a little bit. We got them out of their zone. We were able to throw good passes across the court, not lob passes. We had to throw hard. ey were extremely fast. We broke the press the correct way.”

quarter. It was ugly, yeah,” said Christian Seifert, who nished with 13 points. “We have to keep shooting. We have to defend. We have to do the little things. e shots never started to fall, but we kept ourselves in it.”

e Wildcats made the semi nal round of the state tournament last year. eir top scorer was Xavier Davis, who poured in 26 points. Ozzy Vigil

Eagle Ridge advanced to the elite 8 of the state 3A tournament last year. is is the Warriors’ rst year in class 4A.

eir top scorer was Hunter Hill. He scored 26 points despite missing some time in the fourth quarter because of a tailbone injury.

“I’m ne,” Hill said after the game. “ e win makes it feel amazing. We got to the basket. We knocked down our

Another thing that helped the Warriors’ cause was converting those free throws. As Pueblo Central committed foul after foul to extend the game, the Wildcats were making 3-pointers –one from Ozzy Vigi and two from Xavier Davis. e rally cut a 10-point Warriors’ lead to four points in the span of a minute. ERA made ve of eight from the free-throw line in the last minutes, and Peyton Torres sealed the outcome with a layup o a turnover.

“We knocked down free throws in crucial minutes,” Powell said. “We had high IQ plays at the end. Isaiah (sophomore Isaiah Garcia, who scored a key basket early in the fourth quarter) came in and helped us out.

All the boys played strong, especially in the second half. We just had to settle down.”

Even though the win wasn’t aesthetically pleasing, Powell said it will help for the match against Holy Family.

“It helps show the boys they have to dig deep,” Powell said. “ ey have to ght. ey have to go out there and take it.”

“As long as we got the win, that’s all that matters,” Hill said.

“Our defense was really good,” Seifert said. “We’ve got some long guys, some athletic guys. If we lock in on defense, there’s no team that should be able to beat us.”

Riverdale Ridge’s Brihanna Crittendon draws the foul from D’Evelyn’s Rebecca Taylor during the second half of an elite 8 round game in the state girls 4A basketball tour-

PHOTOS BY STEVE SMITH

Eagle Ridge teammates crowd around Hunter Hill March 3 and join in the celebration of a final four berth in the state 4A boys basketball tournament.

PHOTO BY STEVE SMITH

ERA moves to final four in state 4A tournament

Thu 3/09

Wonderful Waterfowl

@ 9am / Free

Bird Conservancy's Environmental Learn‐ing Center, 14500 Lark Bunting Lane, Brighton. 303-659-4348 ext. 53

Sat 3/11

Family Fun Friday- Bingo

@ 1am

Mar 11th - Mar 10th

Bison Ridge Recreation Center, 13905 E. 112th Avenue, Commerce City. 303-2893760

Sun 3/12

Fiddler On The Roof @ 7:30pm

CHSAA 4A/5A Basketball Final 4 2023

@ 11am

Denver Coliseum, 4600 Humboldt Street, Denver

Colorado Avalanche vs. Los Angeles Kings @ 7pm / $45-$999

Ball Arena, 1000 Chopper Circle, Denver

SOAR Social @ 11:30pm

Bison Ridge Recreation Center, 13905 E. 112th Avenue, Commerce City. 303-2893760

Fri 3/10

Erin Go Bragh 7.77k @ 9:30am / $33

10600 Westminster Blvd, Prome‐nade Terrace, Westminster

Grape Pruning Workshop @ 10am 9490 Co Rd 25, Fort Lupton, CO 80621, USA, Brighton

Jurassic Quest 3/10 @ 12pm Colorado Convention Center, 700 14th Street, Denver Crafty Corner (3/10) @ 5pm Eagle Pointe Recreation Center, 6060 E. Parkway Dr., Commerce City. 303-2893760

Harlem Globetrotters @ 2pm 1STBANK Center, 11450 Broom‐�eld Lane, Broom�eld

Cooking with a Cop @ 4pm Bison Ridge Recreation Center, 13905 E. 112th Avenue, Commerce City. 303-2893760

Colorado Avalanche vs. Arizona Coyotes @ 4pm / $84-$999 Ball Arena, 1000 Chopper Circle, Denver

Colorado Mammoth vs. Calgary Roughnecks @ 7pm / $20-$999

Ball Arena, 1000 Chopper Circle, Denver

The Lumber Baron Afternoon Tea (3/10) @ 7:15pm

Eagle Pointe Recreation Center, 6060 E. Parkway Dr., Commerce City. 303-2893760

WarCrown @ 7:30pm

Trailside Saloon, 10360 Colorado Blvd, Thornton

Teague Starbuck @ 9pm Elevate Grill & Bar, 2831 W 120th Ave #200, Westminster

Denver Nuggets vs. Brooklyn Nets

@ 1:30pm / $45-$3970

Ball Arena, 1000 Chopper Circle, Denver

Mon 3/13

Cooking Cultures- Mar @ 4pm Mar 13th - Mar 27th

Bison Ridge Recreation Center, 13905 E. 112th Avenue, Commerce City. 303-2893760

100 Things to Do Before You're 12 @ 4pm Bison Ridge Recreation Center, 13905 E. 112th Avenue, Commerce City. 303-2893760

Tue 3/14

Century Casino @ 2:15pm Fort Lupton Recreation & Parks De‐partment, 203 S Harrison, Fort Lupton. 303-857-4200

Fiske Planetarium/Laser Elton John @ 3:45pm

Fort Lupton Recreation & Parks De‐partment, 203 S Harrison, Fort Lupton. 303-857-4200

St. Patrick's Day Celebration

Luncheon (3/14) @ 6pm Eagle Pointe Recreation Center, 6060 E. Parkway Dr., Commerce City. 303-2893760

Face Vocal Band @ 7:30pm

Nissi's Entertainment Venue & Event Cen‐ter, 1455 Coal Creek Dr unit t, Lafayette

Wed 3/15

Buell Theatre, 1031 13th St., Den‐ver Medicare 101 Class (3/15) @ 3pm Eagle Pointe Recreation Center, 6060 E. Parkway Dr., Commerce City. 303-2893760

Coffee with Youth & Teen Services (3/15) @ 3pm Eagle Pointe Recreation Center, 6060 E. Parkway Dr., Commerce City. 303-2893760

DJ school with DJ Spexx @ 3:45pm Anythink York Street, 8990 York Street, Thornton. jseelig@anythin klibraries.org, 303-405-3234

Boost Your Mood With Food and Fitness (3/15) @ 5pm Eagle Pointe Recreation Center, 6060 E. Parkway Dr., Commerce City. 303-2893760

Jane Goodall @ 7pm Bellco Theatre, 1100 Stout Street, Denver

Maker Space- March @ 11pm Eagle Pointe Recreation Center, 6060 E. Parkway Dr., Commerce City. 303-2893760

Slight detour for Brighton’s Muniz on way to pro MMA stop

BY STEVE SMITH SSMITH@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM

Brighton’s Danthony Muniz still wants to be a professional mixedmartial arts ghter.

But until that comes to pass, he’s going to try something new.

Submission grappling.

His rst venture is Saturday, April 29, when he and his team head to New York.

Muniz said this new turn involves trying to score a submission victory, either through a choke or through what he called “a joint lock,” a technique that maneuvers an opponent’s joints beyond their maximum range of motion.

“Yes there is a di erence between grappling and wrestling,” Muniz said. “In wrestling, you are looking to score a take down to a pin. Within grappling, you’re looking to take your opponent down and score a submission over them.”

Mixed martial arts doesn’t carry over to Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. But BJJ does transfer over to mixed-martial arts. Muniz said training in either BJJ or grappling gives the competitor an advantage on the oor during an MMA bout.

“I believe I am at the absolute top of my game at the moment,” Muniz said. “I’ve been preparing for moments like this for years. e biggest change in my training has been I’ve moved my focus over from boxing, kickboxing, wrestling and jiu-jitsu

over to strictly only jiu-jitsu. is gives me the chance to focus on technique that will be needed in order to nish some of the best guys in the world.

“I also believe I am doing everything I need to be doing in order to be where I need to be,” he added.

“I’m a ‘both-feet-in-the-water’ type of person.”

Even with the switch in focus, there’s been no switch in Muniz’ routine. It’s extensive .. a ve-mile run and weight lifting in the morning, a training session late in the morning, then more training late in

the afternoon. All told, it amounts to four to ve training sessions per day.

Muniz still has his eyes on mixed martial arts on down the road.

“ is is an incredible opportunity for me. So, at the moment, my focus will be completely on being prepared to face the best black belts in

the world at 135 pounds,” he said. “ is new step has given me an opportunity to get out to somewhere I’ve never been before and also to be able to compete on a very high level. I believe a ton of big things will come from the publicity I’ll be receiving from Emerald City Invitational and FloGrappling.”

TOP SWIMMER

Brighton’s Danthony Muniz works on his grappling technique with his coach, Eric Gutierrez, during a recent training session in Westminster. PHOTOS BY STEVE SMITH

Danthony Muniz, top, and Robert Martinez practice randori, a Japanese martial art term for freestyle practice, or sparring, at the 303 Training Center in Westminster.

Brighton High School Athletic Director David Smith, left, salutes BHS swimmer Emily Aten on her recognition as the Front Range League’s swimmer of the year. PROVIDED

Summer Camps & Programs 2023

COUNTY AND COMMUNITY PROGRAMS

Arapahoe County Libraries

Locations: Multiple locations in Arapahoe County

Website: arapahoelibraries.org

Details: Each year, Arapahoe libraries hosts a variety of reading events and gatherings to help fill the summer hours.

Jefferson County Library

Locations: Events in Lakewood, Arvada, Golden, Evergreen, Edgewater, Wheat Ridge and more

Website: https://jeffcolibrary.org/

Details: With summer coming, the Jefferson County Library system is already holding information sessions and planning events, such as the Cosmic Conversations: Telescope Highlights of the Midnight Sky in June.

Douglas County Libraries

Locations: See website

Website: www.dcl.org/camp-dcl/

Details: Choose from weeklong half-day camps at six DCL locations or full-day camps at select locations from June 5 through Aug. 4. Camps are facilitated by subject matter experts and supported by trained staff and volunteers. Camp themes include science, robotics, creative arts, LEGOs, cooking and baking, with each camp geared to a specific age range.

Englewood – 2023 KidConnections

Summer Camp

Locations: See website

Website: https://bit.ly/3YRWCcC

Details: The program is a fully licensed day care by the State of Colorado, Department of Human Services for children 5 years old (and completed kindergarten) through 14 years old. There is a registration fee of $10 per child.

City of Golden

Locations: See website

Website: https://bit.ly/3Sm6Y1X

Details: Summer camp registration opens Feb. 28 for residents and March 2 for nonresidents. Golden addresses are not all within city limits; some are actually part of unincorporated Jefferson County. Check if your Golden address is within city limits at addresslookup.jeffco.us.

Evergreen Park & Recreation District

Locations: Variety of locations

Website: www.evergreenrecreation. com/201/Camps

Details: The annual programs provide options for kids starting at 3 years old.

City of Thornton – 2023 summer camps

Locations: Varies by camp

Website: www.thorntonco.gov/recreation/ Pages/registration-information.aspx

Details: The annual summer program is already underway with registration for residents beginning on Feb. 1. Nonresidents joined on Feb. 2. From physical activities and sports camps to arts and more — the annual program will continue to register participants.

City of Northglenn summer programs

Locations: See website

Website: www.northglenn.org/rec_and_ events/childrens_programs.php

Details: Participants will enjoy their time at the Northglenn Recreation Center swimming two times a week, playing games/ activities in the beautiful gym, going on fi eld trips, having in-house experiences, riding pedal boats at Webster Lake, playing daily at E.B Rains Jr. Memorial Park, plus much more.

Wheat Ridge Parks & Recreation

Location: 4355 Field St., Wheat Ridge

Website: www.rootedinfun.com/191

/Sun-Camp

Details: Wheat Ridge Sun Camp is a state-licensed day camp for children ages 6 to 13; offered during Jefferson County Public Schools’ spring, summer and winter breaks.

Arvada summer camps program

Location: 6901 Wadsworth Blvd., Arvada

Website: https://arvadacenter.org/education/summer-camps

Details: This summer, the Arvada center is offering a variety of half day camps and full-day camps — including prescheduled Awesome Art Packs. Awesome Art Packs are combinations of our most popular summer camps that provide full day activities for students. These camp packages are a creative and convenient way to give your child a multi-disciplinary arts experience this summer.

Highlands Ranch Community Association

Locations: Recreation centers throughout the community Website: https://hrcaonline.org/classescamps-activities/camps

Details: Every year, the Highlands Ranch Community Association works to provide something for everyone in its summer camp program. For children into sports, there are plenty of athletic camps available. For those looking to improve in art, arts and education programs are plentiful.

Town of Castle Rock Summer Camp Program

Locations: Vary based on camp

Website: https://www.crgov.com/3270/

Summer-Camps

Details: From sports camps to jedi training and science and arts — the Town of Castle Rock prevents a full slate of summer camp programs in 2023. Visit the town’s website to learn more about ages, prices and details.

Commerce City Parks & Recreation

Locations: Eagle Pointe Recreation Center, 6060 E. Parkway Drive, Commerce City

Website: https://recreation.c3gov.com/ classes-programs/camps

Details: Youth Camp Venture is a traditional camp for children ages 6 to 10 and offers arts and crafts, STEM, active play, swimming and field trips. Camp takes place primarily outside at Eagle Pointe Rec Center. Adventure Trek is an outdoor adventure program that provides a new experience every day. Those ages 11 to 15 travel offsite for hiking, survival skills training, water activities and nature-based programming.

Town of Parker/Parker Fieldhouse

Location: 18700 Plaza Drive, Parker

Website:  https://parkerrec.com/2029/ Summer-Day-Camp

Details: Ages 5 to 13 can join this camp for themed games, activities, crafts and a ton of fun at the Parker Fieldhouse. Campers will be separated into age groups 5 to 6 years, 7 to 9 years, and 10 to 13 years. Expect swimming days and field trips too.

Foothills Parks & Recreation District

Location: 6612 S. Ward St., Littleton Website: www.ifoothills.org/school-carecamps/#camps

Details: Details will be posted online for the 2023 summer program in March.

SEE SUMMER CAMPS, NEXTPAGE

SUMMER CAMP PAGES

CONTINUED

THE GREAT OUTDOORS

The Giggling Life Care Farm

Location: 14583 Cherry St., Thornton

Website: www.thegigglinglife.com/summer-farm-fun

Details: If your kids love animals you need to check out The Giggling Life Care Farm in Thornton for summer activities. The Giggling Life Care Farm is special for a lot of reasons, but the most important one is Kristi — the owner. She has a BS in psychology and a master’s in education, has studied life coaching for the last eight years, and is certified in Equine Assisted Coaching and Pet Therapy.

Highlands Ranch — Camp Backcountry

Location:  6005 Ron King Trail, Littleton

Website: hrcaonline.org/classes-campsactivities/camps/camp-backcountry

Details: Nestled into 8,200 acres of wildlife conservation property just south of C-470 on Santa Fe Drive, Camp Backcountry is the spot for a build-a-fort, hikejust-to-explore, and don’t-forget-yourbinoculars kind of summer for your kids. The Backcountry believes that children learn, grow, and thrive best when outdoors and immersed in nature. Our week-long, full-day outdoor camps support the needs of children by using a whole-child, experiential learning approach. From minicamps to leaders-in-training programs,

the camps are for ages 5-17.

Great Outdoors Summer Camp

Location: Miller Activity Complex — 1375 W. Plum Creek Pkwy, Castle Rock

Website: www.crgov.com/3270/SummerCamps

Details: This regional park includes the Miller Activity Complex (MAC), Millhouse, Amphitheater, Challenge Hill, ziplines, Adventure Tower, Sky Trek, and adventure playground area as well as over ten miles of hiking and biking trails.  For ages 10-15.

Chatfield Stables Horse Camps

Location: 11500 N. Roxborough Park Road, Littleton

Website: www.chatfieldstables.com/ horse-camps.html

Details: Chatfield Stables is the longestrunning horse camp in the area. Every child has their own horse for the entire week. Kids get to lead, feed, water and work with their horses every day. Campers learn horse care, including grooming and bridling. They water and feed their horses, learn to groom them, and take care of them at the end of the day. We ride daily, whether in the arena or on the trail.

Community Sailing of Colorado

Locations: 4800 S. Dayton St., Greenwood

Village

Website: www.communitysailing.org

Details: Community Sailing of Colorado provides premier sailing programs (summer camps, adult classes, adaptive sailing,

and community partnership events) at Cherry Creek and Boulder reservoirs. The weeklong summer camps range from beginner through advanced sailing for youth ages 5-17. It’s a perfect fit for any adventurous spirit who loves the outdoors.

YMCA SUMMER PROGRAMS

At the YMCA of Metro Denver, our youth development philosophy is grounded in 150 years of lifting up kids and helping them reach their full potential. It’s a philosophy centered on two critical factors: creating a unique sense of belonging and always incorporating the pure fun and joy of childhood.

Camps include adventure camps, sports programs, art that focuses on ceramics, painting, drawing, digital media and more. To find camps in local communities, visit the website at https://bit.ly/3Kg6GYM. Summer camp programs are available in the following Denver metro cities:

• Arvada

• Aurora

• Broomfield

• Centennial

• Commerce City

• Denver

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• Thornton

• Wheat Ridge

MAD SCIENTISTS

Kookalooz Space Playground: STEM

Summer Camp

Locations: 6805 W. 88th Ave., Westminster

Website: www.kookalooz.com/westminster-co/summer-camps/

Details: 5 different camps from the basics of space to engineering. Each camp is one week long. For ages 5-10.

Colorado Adventure Point

Location: 10455 W. 6th Ave., Suite 150, Lakewood

Website: https://coloradoadventurepoint. org/

Details: CAP’s STEM Camp isn’t your typical science camp. Our campers get to experiment with chemistry, physics and engineering through a variety of materials, experiments and challenges to meet their curiosities and skill level in our challenge by choice model. In addition to building engineering models and friendships, the campers get to enjoy our climbing wall, archery range and more — and learn the science behind these fun activities. Camps are available for ages 6-12.

Butterfly Pavilion

Location: 6252 W. 104th Ave., Westminster

Website: https://butterflies.org/

Details: Starting June 5 and running through Aug. 11, the Butterfly Pavilion hosts all the creepy crawlies and your children at camp. There are five themes, which repeat once and include spider week, junior zookeeper and survival stories, where kids can learn about how insects adapt to survive.

Mad Science

Locations: Multiple locations in the Denver metro area, including the Littleton area, Denver and Broomfield

Website: https://colorado.madscience.org/

Details: These camps are designed for ages 6 to 12, though sessions such as Red-Hot Robots and Advanced Robotics camps are more appropriate for ages 8 to 12. Instructors are mostly college students pursuing degrees in education or science and teachers off for the summer. Themes include chemistry, space science, forensics, engineering and more. Each camp is weeklong, though times can vary.

Air & Space Camp

Location: Wings Over the Rockies at 7711 E. Academy Blvd., Denver

Website: wingsmuseum.org/education/ camp/

Details: Ready for an aerospace adventure? At Wings Over the Rockies that’s exactly what kids ages 8 to 14 can expect in these week-long camps. The fun starts June 5 and goes on until Aug. 11, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. daily.

EMERGING ARTISTS

Center for the Arts: Summer in Color

Location: 31880 Rocky Village Dr., Evergreen

Website: https://evergreenarts.org/summercamp/

Details: Camps explore various media, from clay sculpting and wheel throwing, to pop art and mural painting, to the art of different cultures and the art of the masters. Several of our camps also incorporate outdoor components, including hikes, yoga, and opportunities for photography and eco-art projects. Let kids explore their creative side with imaginative and inspiring camps at CAE this summer. For ages 5-17.

Denver Art Museum

Location: 100 W. 14th Ave. Pkwy., Denver

Website: www.denverartmuseum.org/en/ summer-camps

Details: The camps at the Denver Art Museum get broken into three age groups: 5 to 6, 7 to 8, and 9 to 11. Overall, the themes remain the same — there are camps about art in nature, how to draw, learning about color and sculpture. Each camp runs from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. and includes plenty of time in the museum to garner inspiration.

Craftsman & Apprentice

Location: 1335 E 22nd Ave., Denver

Website: craftsmanandapprentice.com/ pages/summer-2023

Details: Ages 5 to 11 can spend the summer creating worlds out of cardboard, paint, hot glue, ribbons, corks, buttons and more at this Denver kids’ crafting studio. Themes include toys, crafty critters, fiber arts and more.

ON THE STAGE

The Apollo Center Summer Camps

Location: 2655 Industrial Lane, Broomfield

Website: www.theapollocenter.com/ campdescriptions

Details: The Apollo Center offers a variety of skill-based camps for kids and adults alike. Aerial Performance Camps for kids

five-week sessions for ages 3–18.

LET’S GET PHYSICAL

SUMMER CAMP PAGES

CONTINUED FROM PREVIOUS PAGE

ages 5-17 years focus on learning aerial technique and choreography throughout the week which will culminate with a camp performance based on the camp theme.

Front Range Theatre Company Triple Threat Summer Camp

Locations: 15035 Performing Arts School, Parker

Website: www.frontrangetheatre.org/triplethreat-summer-camp.html

Details: Working with professional instructors with years of experience, your child will learn the three major elements of any stage performer: Voice, Dance and Acting. The camps are designed to challenge performers in the entire range of life in the theatre, including a live performance in a mainstage venue!

Audience of One Youth Theatre Camp

Location: Highlands Ranch

Website: www.AO1Theater.org

Details: Whether a student is looking to try out theater for the first time, polish skills or have fun with friends, the AO1 has one-totwo-week camps can work in the summer schedule. AO1’s summer programming includes kids’ productions for ages 5-12, workshops for ages 8-18, and a two-week intensive program for teenagers.

The Arvada Center

Location: 6901 Wadsworth Blvd. Arvada

Website: https://arvadacenter.org/

Details: If your kid is 5 to 12 and loves a bit of drama and/or art, the Arvada Center has a slew of full- and half-day camps available. The best and most economic way to sign up for camp is to do it in three- or four-week blocks, and the venue offers combinations of visual art, musical theater, drama and music.

Kent Denver Performing Arts Camps

Location: 4000 E. Quincy Ave., Englewood

Website: www.KentDenver.org

Details: Summer at Kent Denver School offers all children ages 4–18 the opportunity to experience innovative, creative, handson learning in the arts, athletics, our Tiny Farm Day Camp, academics, innovation and technology.

St. Lukes Performing Arts Camps

Location:  8817 S. Broadway, Highlands Ranch

Website: www.StLukesPAA.org

Details: From preschool age to high school students there are a large variety of summer camp shows planned in Highlands Ranch and Castle Rock areas. Registration is now open.

Castle Rock Dance Academy

Locations: 140 S. Wilcox St. Suite A, Castle Rock

Website: http://www.castlerockdanceacademy.com/

Details: At Castle Rock Dance Academy (CRDA), best friends are made, etiquette and self-discipline are taught, and students learn skills they can carry with them through life. The program offers weekly dance classes in

Bowlero

Locations: Multiple locations in Cherry Creek, Littleton and Lone Tree

Website: www.bowlero.com

Details: Fun for all skill levels, Bowlero’s modern spin on bowling is the perfect way to spend quality time with the kids. Celebrate every strike, spare and yes, even gutter balls, with the most famous lanes in the game and a delicious menu of classic American eats.

Golden Goal Sports Complex

Location: 2650 Alkire St., Golden

Website: www.goldengoalsc.com/summersoccer-camps

Details: Golden Goal offers spring break camps and summer camps for all ages from under 5 to high school.

Camp Urbie at Urban Air Adventure Park

Location: 15400 E. Briarwood Circle, Aurora

Website: https://bit.ly/3IuCQOO

Details: Let ‘em Fly for a whole week of play, in-park activities, snacks and more. Camp Urbie’s Adventure Camp is the best way to beat the summer heat and play in the best indoor playground in town. The weeklong camp is open to kids 7 years and up.

Gold Medal Athletic Camp

Location: Castle Rock Recreation Center

Website: https://www.crgov.com

Details: Athletes will participate in small- and large-group instruction, drills and games or scrimmages. We welcome beginner athletes to learn how to use proper mechanics and fundamentals of the sport and intermediate or advanced athletes who want to continue to grow their motor skills and skill in the sport. For ages 7-12.

Tigar Gymnastics Camps

Location: 4860 Van Gordon St. Unit B, Wheat Ridge

Website: www.TigarGymnastics.com

Details: A variety of programs at a variety of ages is available at the gymnastics center, including ninja classes and programs for older ages.

RMF Soccer Camp

Location: Aurora Sports Park at 19300 E. Colfax Ave., Aurora

Website: https://rmfsoccercampsusa. com/soccer-camp-denver/

Details: From July 17 to July 21, this prorun soccer camp will come to Colorado. It’s run by experienced Spanish UEFA coaches, and goes from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. each day. Kids from 6 to 16 can sign up.

Aerial Cirque Over Denver

Location: 4605 Quebec St., Denver.

Website: https://aerialcirqueoverdenver.com/

Details: If your child is thinking of joining the circus, or just wants to bend, twist and soar through the air, this is the camp for them. Dates run from May 29 through August 14, and include morning and afternoon camps (9:30 a.m. to noon and 12:30 to 3 p.m.) for ages 6 to 16.

LET’S GET MUSICAL

Maestro Music Institute

Location: 6478 Ward Road, Arvada

Website: maestromusicinstitute. com/2023-instrumental-summer-camp

Details: Instrumental Summer Camp is back this year covering a myriad of ensemble opportunities. We will be offering Rock Band, Orchestra, Choir/Theater, Piano ensemble and composition. Summer campers will have the opportunity to learn new instruments in addition to honing their skills on their primary instrument. Students will work in large and small ensemble groups and perform a variety of music at the end of the week.

Kidzrock Rock Band Camp

Location: 2842 S. Broadway, Englewood

Website: www.musicallifedenver.com/ summercamp

Cost: $319

Details: Rock Band Summer Camp teaches children ages 4 to 7 how to play in a rock band. Campers learn to play drums, electric guitar, keyboard and sing. On the final day, campers perform a short (adorable) concert for parents and family. In addition to rock band time, students get to make music-related arts and crafts, create a fantasy band identity, and play outdoor games at the park next to the school. No prior musical experience is required. No investment in gear is required.

OVERNIGHT CAMPS

Avid 4 Adventure

Locations: Various spots

Website: https://avid4.com/summercamps

Details: For two weeks kids get to bask in nature, away from their parent, at either Camp Windy Peak near Bailey, or Camp Blue Sky near Evergreen. The kids sleep in cabins and build their skill sets in nature and with outdoor sport activities.

Cheley Colorado Camps

Location: Cheley Colorado Camps at 3960 Fish Creek Road, Estes Park.

Website: https://www.cheley.com/

Details: If your kid is 9 to 17, send them off to a 27-day overnight camp in Estes Park. Full term is June 13 to August 6, or chose a half term from June 13 to July 9, or July 11 to Aug. 6. Activities include horseback riding, water sports, art and plenty of outdoor adventure.

Camp Granite Lake

Locations: 11902 Camp Eden Road, Golden

Website: https://www.campgranitelake.com/

Details: Located in the mountains about an hour from Denver, the camp covers 135 acres including a private lake. It’s a co-ed camp for grades second to ninth. Choose from two sessions, either June 19 through July 8, or July 10 through July 29. There are also minicamp options for grades 1st through 4th, covering the week of July 31 or Aug. 7.

United Power plans meetings with director candidates

United Power will host four Meet the Candidate forums throughout its Colorado service territory so members can learn more about the candidates vying to serve on the board of directors.

United Power will host events in Brighton, Golden, Longmont and Fort Lupton in March to introduce the candidates.

Nine candidates are running for election to the United Power Board of Directors in 2023 with four positions on the board up for election.

e director candidates are Tamra “Tami” Waltemath in the Mountain District; Jamie Klein, Ken Kreutzer, Katherine “Kathy” Mills, and James Vigesaa in the South District; Virginia A. “Ginny” Buczek and omas “Tom” Hogan in the West District; and Steven “Steve” Douglas and Robert “Rob” Masden in the East District.

Balloting opens on March 13. Members may vote electronically through their online account, or via mail ballots, sent to all members in mid-March.

Directors represent all members and are therefore elected on an “at-large” basis. is means members may vote for a director in each district and not just their own. United Power encourages all members to vote online or return their mail ballots prior to the April 11 deadline.

e rst event is scheduled for

6:30 p.m. March 13 at the Waymire Dome at the Adams County Riverdale Regional Park at 9755 Henderson Rd. in Brighton. is event will also be livestreamed at www.unitedpower.com.

e next day, the utility is hosting a morning meeting, at 7:30 a.m. March 14 at Coal Creek Canyon Community Center, 3158 Highway 72 in Golden.

A third forum is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. March 16 at United Power Carbon Valley Service Center, 9586 E. I-25 Frontage Rd. in Longmont.

e nal forum is scheduled for 7:30 a.m. March 17 in the Fort Lupton Recreation Center, 203 S. Harrison Ave. in Fort Lupton

e events are free to members and do not require RSVPs.

Candidate pro les will be published in the cooperative’s newsletter, the United Newsline delivered in March, and on its website at www.unitedpower.com/annual-meeting.

Results of the director election will be announced at the 2023 Annual Meeting, which will be held on April 12 at the Riverdale Regional Park & Fairgrounds and live-streamed on United Power’s website. Registration opens at 4:30 p.m. and balloting closes at the beginning of the o cial business meeting at 6:30 p.m.

All members are invited to attend and engage with cooperative leadership and connect with fellow members.

Sex assault suspect in custody after 9 years on the lam

STAFF REPORT

An Adams County man accused in the sexual assault of a child in 2014 and allegedly on the lam in Morocco was extradited back to Colorado Feb. 11, according to the District Attorney’s o ce.

A trial for Patrick McKenner, 52, was set to begin in 2014. Defendent McKenner failed to appear for the Motions Hearing in May of that year. McKenner was eventually located in Morocco.

e District Attorney’s O ce worked with the Department of Justice, the FBI, and Denver Rocky Mountain Safe Streets Task Force to track the defendant’s whereabouts and complete an extradition. McKenner was eventually detained in Morocco.

McKenner’s charges include Sex

Assault of a Child--Position of Trust, Sex Assault on a Child--Pattern of Abuse, Sexual Exploitation of a Child, Sex Assault on a Child and Tampering with Physical Evidence. He appeared in court on Feb. 17.

Last week, the FBI Denver Extradition Team, comprised of one FBI Agent and two FBI Task Force O cers, traveled to Morocco and completed the extradition. On Saturday, February 11, 2023, the Adams County Sheri ’s O ce met the FBI Denver Extradition Team at Denver International Airport and completed the transfer of custody. McKenner was booked into the Adams County Jail. e defendant is being held with no bond.

U.S. law enforcement acknowledged the e orts of the Moroccan authorities who helped to make this possible.

Police capture sex-assault suspect

STAFF REPORT

e Commerce City and Brighton police departments’ sexual assault task force arrested 47-year-old Jason Mickel Brigham March 2.

Authorities located Brigham in Denver. After learning the type and model of the car Brigham was in, the task force shared the location the Denver police. He was processed at the Brighton Police Department before being taken to the Adams

County Detention Facility.

Brigham is awaiting trial for 13 counts of sexual assault on a child. Brigham was the subject of a nationwide extradition warrant -- $1 million cash bond -- for not appearing on those 13 charges.

Authorities took a picture of a car belonging to Brigham when didn’t show up at the county justice center Feb. 22. He had removed his GPS monitor, which turned up later at a nearby bus stop.

CROWSSUPDRO ELZZ

TRIVIA

1. FOOD & DRINK: Which U.S. city is known for its square pizzas with crunchy corners?

2. TELEVISION: Which character became a fugitive in the nal season of “ e O ce”?

3. GEOGRAPHY: Which of the Great Lakes lies entirely within the United States?

4. LITERATURE: Which famous novelist wrote his last book in crayon due to poor eyesight?

5. GAMES: What are the two most valuable letters in Scrabble?

6. MOVIES: Which movie series features a character named Ellen Ripley?

7. LANGUAGE: What is a “schwa”?

8. GENERAL KNOWLEDGE: Which nation is credited for being the top beer-drinking country in the world?

Solution

9. ANATOMY: What is a common name for the axilla?

10. ANIMAL KINGDOM: What do you call an ant’s home?

Answers

1. Detroit.

2. Creed Bratton.

3. Lake Michigan.

4. James Joyce.

5. Q and Z (10 points each).

6. “Alien.”

7. Unstressed vowel represented by an upside-down “e.”

8. Czech Republic.

9. Armpit.

10. A nest or formicary.

(c) 2023 King Features Synd., Inc.

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Public Notices call

Legals

CAUSE NO. 407

DOCKET NO. 230100018

TYPE: POOLING

NOTICE OF HEARING

PDC Energy, Inc. (Operator No. 69175) (“Applicant”) filed an Application with the Commission for an order to pool all oil and gas (“mineral”) interests in lands identified below. This Notice was sent to you because the Applicant believes you may own mineral interests that will be pooled if the Commission approves the Application. Pooling is the consolidation and combining of mineral interests so that all mineral interest owners receive payment for their just and equitable share of produced oil and gas. For more information about the Commission’s pooling process, please see a brochure on the Commission’s website here: https://drive.google.com/file/d/14QaK0JG6G35g vqwq5pp5t1psF0fDil0M/view

APPLICATION LANDS

Township 1 South, Range 68 West, 6th P.M.

Section 2: E½

Section 11: E½

DATE, TIME, AND LOCATION OF HEARING (Subject to change)

The assigned Hearing Officer will hold a hearing only on the above referenced docket number at the following date, time, and location:

Date: April 26, 2023

Time: 9:00 a.m.

Place: Colorado Oil and Gas Conservation Commission

The Chancery Building 1120 Lincoln Street, Suite 801 Denver, CO 80203

PETITIONS

DEADLINE FOR PETITIONS BY AFFECTED

PERSONS: March 27, 2023

Any interested party who wishes to participate formally must file a written petition with the Commission no later than the deadline provided above.

Please see Commission Rule 507 at https:// cogcc.state.co.us, under “Regulation,” then select “Rules.” Please note that, under Commission Rule 510.l, the deadline for petitions may only be continued for good cause, even if the hearing is continued beyond the date that is stated above.

Pursuant to Commission Rule 507, if you do not file a proper petition, the Hearing Officer will not know that you wish to formally participate in this matter and the date and time of the hearing may change without additional notice to you. Parties wishing to file a petition must register online at https://oitco. hylandcloud.com/DNRCOGExternalAccess/Account/Login.aspx and select “Request Access to Site.” Please refer to our “eFiling Users Guidance Book” at https://cogcc.state.co.us/documents/reg/ Hearings/External_Efiling_System_Handbook_ December_2021_Final.pdf for more information.

Under Commission Rule 508, if no petition is filed, the Application may be approved administratively without a formal hearing.

Any Affected Person who files a petition must be able to participate in a prehearing conference during the week of March 27, 2023, if a prehearing conference is requested by the Applicant or by any person who has filed a petition.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

For more information, you may review the Application, which was sent to you with this Notice.

You may also contact the Applicant at the phone number or email address listed below.

In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, if any party requires special accommodations as a result of a disability for this hearing, please contact Margaret Humecki at Cogcc. Hearings_Unit@state.co.us, prior to the hearing and arrangements will be made.

OIL AND GAS CONSERVATION COMMISSION OF THE STATE OF COLORADO

By Mimi Larsen, Commission Secretary

303-566-4123

(720) 446-5620 Jjost@jostenergylaw.com Kwasylenky@jostenergylaw.com

NOTICE OF CANCELLATION and CERTIFIED STATEMENT OF RESULTS

§1-13.5-513(6), 32-1-104,1-11-103(3) C.R.S.

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN by the Platte River Ranch South Metropolitan District, Adams County, Colorado, that at the close of business on the sixty-third day before the election, there were not more candidates for director than offices to be filled, including candidates filing affidavits of intent to be write-in candidates; therefore, the election to be held on May 02, 2023 is hereby canceled pursuant to section 1-13.5-513(6) C.R.S.

The following candidates are hereby declared elected:

Robert Wiggins

Term: Two (2) Years

Term Expiration: May 2025

Barry Zatkalik

Term: Four (4) Years

Term Expiration: May 2027

Barbara Licona

Term: Four (4) Years

Term Expiration: May 2027

Travis Marque

Term: Four (4) Years

Term Expiration: May 2027

PLATTE RIVER RANCH SOUTH

METROPOLITAN DISTRICT

By: /s/ Charles Wolfersberger

Designated Election Official

8354 Northfield Blvd Building G, Suite 3700 Denver, CO 80238 www.prrsmd.org

Legal Notice No. BSB2215

First Publication: March 9, 2023

Last Publication: March 9, 2023

Publisher: Brighton Standard Blade Public Notice

NOTICE OF CANCELLATION OF REGULAR

The Brighton Housing Authority (BHA) is preparing its annual submission of the Moving to Work (MTW) Supplement and is seeking public comment and feedback. The draft plan will be available for review on BHA’s website at www. brightonhousing.org with a 45-day comment period beginning on February 20, 2023 and ending on April 7, 2023. A copy of the draft plan will also be available for public inspection at BHA offices at 22 S. 4th Avenue, Suite 202, Brighton, CO 80601. Comments regarding the supplement may be emailed to info@brightonhousing.org or mailed to 22 S. 4th Avenue, Suite 202, Brighton, CO 80601

Attn: Andrew Dall, Deputy Director.

The public hearing will take place at BHA offices located at 22 S. 4th Avenue, Brighton, CO 80601, at 3:00 P.M. Immediately following the public hearing for the Moving to Work activities, there will be a public hearing to review the 2023 MTW Supplement.

If you are a person with disabilities and are in need of a reasonable accommodation to access this information or public hearing, please call BHA offices at 303-655-2160.

If you have limited English proficiency and are seeking language assistance to access this public hearing, please call the office at 303-655-2160.

Legal Notice No. BSB2174

First Publication: February 16, 2023

Last Publication: March 30, 2023

Publisher: Brighton Standard Blade

Metropolitan Districts

Public Notice

NOTICE OF CANCELLATION OF REGULAR ELECTION BY THE DESIGNATED ELECTION OFFICIAL FOR THE BLUE LAKE METROPOLITAN DISTRICT NO. 5

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN by the Blue Lake Metropolitan District No. 5, Weld County, Colorado, that at the close of business on the sixty-third (63rd) day before the election or thereafter there were not more candidates for Director than offices to be filled, including candidates filing affidavits of intent to be write-in candidates; therefore, the election to be held on May 2, 2023, is hereby cancelled.

The following candidates are declared elected:

Timothy P. Craft

Four-year term to 2027

Charles D. Foster

Four-year term to 2027

BLUE LAKE METROPOLITAN DISTRICT NO. 5

By: /s/ Micki L. Mills

Designated Election Official

Legal Notice No. BSB2209 First

ELECTION BY THE DESIGNATED ELECTION OFFICIAL FOR THE BLUE LAKE METROPOLITAN DISTRICT NO. 1

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN by the Blue Lake Metropolitan District No. 1, Weld County, Colorado, that at the close of business on the sixty-third (63rd) day before the election or thereafter there were not more candidates for Director than offices to be filled, including candidates filing affidavits of intent to be write-in candidates; therefore, the election to be held on May 2, 2023, is hereby cancelled.

The following candidates are declared elected:

Mark W. Bush

Four-year term to 2027

John Fair

Four-year term to 2027

Charles D. Foster

Four-year term to 2027

BLUE LAKE METROPOLITAN DISTRICT NO. 1

By: /s/ Micki L. Mills

Designated Election Official

Legal Notice No. BSB2206

First Publication: March 9, 2023

Last Publication: March 9, 2023

Publisher: Brighton Standard Blade Public Notice

NOTICE OF CANCELLATION OF REGULAR ELECTION BY THE DESIGNATED ELECTION OFFICIAL FOR THE BLUE LAKE METROPOLITAN DISTRICT NO. 6

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN by the Blue Lake Metropolitan District No. 6, Weld County, Colorado, that at the close of business on the sixty-third (63rd) day before the election or thereafter there were not more candidates for Director than offices to be filled, including candidates filing affidavits of intent to be write-in candidates; therefore, the election to be held on May 2, 2023, is hereby cancelled.

The following candidates are declared elected:

Timothy P. Craft Four-year term to 2027

Charles D. Foster Four-year term to 2027

BLUE LAKE METROPOLITAN DISTRICT NO. 6

By: /s/ Micki L. Mills

Designated Election Official

Legal Notice No. BSB2210

First Publication: March 9, 2023

Last Publication: March 9, 2023

Publisher: Brighton Standard Blade

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN by the HAZELTINE HEIGHTS WATER AND SANITATION District, ADAMS County, Colorado, that at the close of business on the sixty-third day before the election, there were not more candidates for director than offices to be filled, including candidates filing affidavits of intent to be write-in candidates; therefore, the election to be held on May 2, 2023 is hereby canceled pursuant to section 1-13.5-513(6) C.R.S.

The following candidates are hereby declared elected:

KEITH SABIN 4 years until May, 2027

PARKER HOYT 4 years until May, 2027

Shirley Sabin SHIRLEY SABIN

Contact Person for the District: SHIRLEY SABIN

Telephone Number of the District: 303-916-3800 Address of the District: PO BOX 38, HENDERSON 80640

District Email: hhw_sd@comcast.net

Legal Notice No. BSB2214

First Publication: March 9, 2023

Last Publication: March 9, 2023

Publisher: Brighton Standard Blade Public Notice

NOTICE OF CANCELLATION OF REGULAR

ELECTION BY THE DESIGNATED ELECTION

OFFICIAL FOR THE BLUE LAKE METROPOLITAN DISTRICT NO. 2

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN by the Blue Lake Metropolitan District No. 2, Weld County, Colorado, that at the close of business on the sixty-third (63rd) day before the election or thereafter there were not more candidates for Director than offices to be filled, including candidates filing affidavits of intent to be write-in candidates; therefore, the election to be held on May 2, 2023, is hereby cancelled.

The following candidates are declared elected:

Mark W. Bush

Four-year term to 2027

John Fair

Four-year term to 2027

Charles D. Foster

Four-year term to 2027

BLUE LAKE METROPOLITAN DISTRICT NO. 2

By: /s/ Micki L. Mills

Designated Election Official

Legal Notice No. BSB2207

First Publication: March 9, 2023

Last Publication: March 9, 2023

Publisher: Brighton Standard Blade

Public Notice

NOTICE OF CANCELLATION OF REGULAR ELECTION BY THE DESIGNATED ELECTION OFFICIAL FOR THE BLUE LAKE METROPOLITAN DISTRICT NO. 4

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN by the Blue Lake Metropolitan District No. 4, Weld County, Colorado, that at the close of business on the sixty-third (63rd) day before the election or thereafter there were not more candidates for Director than offices to be filled, including candidates filing affidavits of intent to be write-in candidates; therefore, the election to be held on May 2, 2023, is hereby cancelled.

The following candidates are declared elected:

Timothy P. Craft

Four-year term to 2027

Charles D. Foster

Four-year term to 2027

BLUE LAKE METROPOLITAN DISTRICT NO. 4

By: /s/ Micki L. Mills

Designated Election Official

Legal Notice No. BSB2208

First Publication: March 9, 2023

Last Publication: March 9, 2023

Publisher: Brighton Standard Blade Public Notice

INVITATION TO BID

The Lakes Metropolitan District No. 4 (Owner) is requesting Bids for the construction of the following Project: 144th Avenue & Offsite Chambers Trail Bids for the construction of the Project will be received by Matt Collitt via email at matt@groundworksdevelopment.com until Thursday, March 30, 2023 at 3:00 p.m. local time. At that time the Bids received will be opened and publicly read. The bid opening will be held via Zoom teleconference at the link below:

https://us06web.zoom.us/j/82213652102?pwd= QVJ0WVhmcEh2Vll4Z1VSSFZIMzZsUT09

Meeting ID: 822 1365 2102

Passcode: 456458

One tap mobile: 1(720)707-2699

The Project includes the following Work:

Public Improvements to include, Sanitary, Water, Storm, Concrete Curb/Gutter/Walk/Alleys and Asphalt.

The Project is generally located on 144th Avenue from Chambers Road for approximately 2,700’ East to Future S. 19th Avenue, Brighton, CO; Offsite Chambers Trail is located west of Chambers Road north from 144th Avenue, Brighton, CO. Information and Bidding Documents for the Project can be found at the following designated website: https://www.dropbox.com/sh/tnlsonztpl5e17a/ AACrC0X-wYlde4cI6vgpgqLga?dl=0

Bidding Documents may be downloaded from the designated website. Prospective Bidders are urged to register with the designated website as a plan holder, even if Bidding Documents are obtained from a plan room or source other than the designated website in either electronic or paper format. The designated website will be updated periodically with addenda, lists of registered plan holders, reports, and other information relevant to submitting a Bid for the Project. All official notifications, addenda, and other Bidding Documents will be offered only through the designated website. Neither Owner, Construction Administrator, will be responsible for Bidding Documents, including addenda, if any, obtained from sources other than the designated website.

Information and Bidding Documents for the Project will be available electronically on Thursday, March 9, 2023. Send request for bid documents to Matt Collitt via email at matt@groundworksdevelopment.com. Include company name, contact name and contact information in the request.

Partial sets of Bidding Documents will not be available from the Issuing Office. Neither Owner, Construction Administrator will be responsible for full or partial sets of Bidding Documents, including addenda, if any, obtained from sources other than the Issuing Office.

For all further requirements regarding bid submittal, qualifications, procedures, and contract award, refer to the Instructions to Bidders that are included in the Bidding Documents.

Bidders are hereby advised the Owner reserves the right to not award a Contract until sixty (60) days from the date of the opening of Bids, and Bidders expressly agree to keep their Bids open for the sixty (60) day time period. Owner reserves the right to reject any and all Bids, to waive any informality, technicality or irregularity in any Bid, to disregard all non-conforming, non-responsive, conditional or alternate Bids, to negotiate contract terms with the Successful Bidder, to require statements or evidence of Bidders’ qualifications, including financial statements, and to accept the proposal that is, in the opinion of the Owner, in its best interest. Owner also reserves the right to extend the Bidding period by Addendum if it appears in its interest to do so.

Any questions concerning this bid shall be submitted no later than 5:00 p.m. on Thursday, March 23, 2023, and must be directed in writing to: Matt Collitt at matt@groundworksdevelopment.com.

Legal Notice No. BSB2216

First Publication: March 9, 2023

Last Publication: March 9, 2023

Publisher: Brighton Standard Blade Bids and Settlements

Public Notice STATE OF COLORADO IN THE DISTRICT COURT COUNTY OF ADAMS Division D No. 21JV247

THE PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF COLORADO IN THE INTEREST OF:

Dakota James Roby A Child, and Concerning

Aeriel Roby, Sam Covington, John Doe Respondents S U M M

To the parents, guardian, or other respondents named above, GREETINGS: Sam Covington

You are hereby notified that a verified petition has been filed in the above named Court in which it is represented to the Court that said child are alleged to be dependent and neglected; for the reasons set forth more fully in said petition, a copy of which is attached hereto and incorporated herein by reference for greater certainty.

You are further notified that the parent-child legal relationship may be terminated by this action, if prayed for in the petition.

You are further notified that the Court has set said petition for hearing on the 16th day of March, 2023 at the hour of 10:30 a.m. You are hereby notified to be and appear, at said time, before this

ridership increased by 22% compared from July 2022 to August 2022, and average weekday daily ridership increased by 19.9% in August compared to July.

e report also acknowledges the increase can’t only be attributed to the free rides.

“...transit trends and data are in uenced by seasonal factors, such as vacations and the resumption of the school year, in addition to persisting pandemic impacts and large scheduled events.” the report reads.

State Representatives Jennifer Bacon and Stephanie Vigil and State Senator Faith Winter introduced a bill this year that will allow that same grant to be used for any month that a transit agency designates as its “ozone season.”

Additionally, even with higher costs of driving, data provided by RTD shows that gas prices do not change ridership.

Laurie Hu , a spokesperson for RTD, wrote in an email that many factors a ect ridership, such as seasonality, weather, service levels and the opening of new lines.

She noted an increase in ridership in 2008 coincided with higher gas prices. However, ridership remained the same in 2014 when gas prices fell.

“RTD has been unable to attribute a direct correlation between gas prices and ridership (but) has seen just the opposite in some cases. On a longer-term basis, gas prices have risen but overall ridership for transit agencies has trended downward,” she wrote.

One strong correlation they found is employment rates: as unemployment rises, ridership goes down, and vice versa.

Getting more riders, and money

If people live near transit and it’s accessible, they’re more likely to take it. According to Brian Welch, RTD’s acting assistant general manager of planning, the pandemic disproportionately impacted the use of public transportation.

“If you look at air travel, vehicle miles traveled, freight, even I think ocean cruises, almost everybody has gotten back to where they were before the global pandemic. Public transportation remains one of the outliers, so we’re still feeling the effects of this disruption,” he said.

One of those reasons is due to teleworking. Not as many people are taking long trips to work. Even before the pandemic, increases in ridership weren’t proportional to increases in population.

“If we have all these people moving into the Denver Metro area, ostensibly we’ve got people moving in who don’t want to drive,” he said.

“We don’t seem to be attracting those people as frequently as we’d like to.”

For public transportation to be attractive, people need incentives to take it.

Welch said expensive parking charges, congestion, safety and competitive travel times up the value. Even so, there are people who won’t do it — they love their car, Welch said.

“In North America, in the places where we have for 50, 75 years made it really attractive to drive, that makes transit tougher, to provide a value proposition and a good alternative for people,” he said.

To make transit an attractive option, it needs to be there and needs to be of quality, safe and frequent.

e price of transit is inelastic regarding incremental increases.

“Doesn’t matter if it’s free, because it still doesn’t help them (if it’s not of value),” he said.

However, for those on the margin, high fares play a role.

“If you could get to the airport cheaper by driving and parking than you could by taking one of our airport services, then yeah, the price is an issue,” Welch said.

Connecting the suburbs

Welch said that circumferential transit – public transportation options that circle a downtown area, connecting the outlying areas –has not worked well in the United States. Hub and spoke-type networks, from the suburbs to downtown, attract people from concentration to concentration in the U.S.

“It generally takes you too long to get all the way to where you need to go,” he said.

He said it’s a real challenge for those living in suburbs trying to get to other suburbs, such as Westminster to Brighton or ornton to Lone Tree.

Most success for RTD has come from connecting Denver, the tech center and Boulder. Each contain

services that attract people and virtually guarantee ridership: colleges, hospitals, o ce buildings and commercial centers.

ose inter-suburban connections may grow naturally if the suburbs continue to grow, b e ectively becoming hubs themselves, he said. But that does not answer the ageold question: how do we get people to ride transit?

RTD’s largest limitation is hiring employees, Welch said, and another will be funds. Welch said right now, RTD is in a good position with recent money coming from the federal government, such as the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act.) In the future, it won’t be so smooth.  at’s because 20% of RTD’s operating budget comes from fares, which is typical for a transportation agency. What’s not typical is the rest comes mostly from the federal government and sales tax – with no revenue coming from the state government.

In 2021, RTD’s total revenue and grants and contributions were $1.17 billion. Of that, about 7% came from operating revenues, about 64% from sales tax and about 26% from grant operating assistance.

RTD’s operating revenues also were cut in half from 2019 to 2021. In 2019, operating revenues came in at $160.9 million but were slashed to $82.5 million in 2020 and reduced again to $83.1 million in 2021.

State Senator Winter said RTD needs a more reliable source of funding moving into the future to continue the boost it received from 2022’s Zero Fare for Better Air days promotion.

“We need to build on that success, continue that success, and make that success permanent,” Winter said.

To receive funding from municipalities and the state, Welch said RTD is working on showing people it’s worth it, with a lot of focus on safety and security.

“How can we be ready for them so that they instantly come back on transit and don’t start driving again?” Welch said.

the County of Adams, Adams County Justice Center, 1100 Judicial Center Drive, Brighton, Colorado, on the 13th day of April 2023, at the hour of 9:30am, at which time the Petitioner must prove by clear and convincing evidence 1) It is in the best interests of the child, that the parent-child legal relationship which exists between you and the child be terminated and severed; 2) That the child was adjudicated dependent or neglected; 3) That an appropriate treatment plan has not reasonably been complied with by the parent or has not been successful; 4) That the parents are unfit; 5) That the conduct or condition of the parent or parents is unlikely to change within a reasonable time; OR 1) That the child have been abandoned by their parent or parents in that the parent or parents have surrendered physical custody for a period of six months and during this period have not manifested to the child, the court or to the person having physical custody a firm intention to assume or obtain physical custody or to make permanent legal arrangements for the care of the child and 2) That it is in the best interests of the child that the parent-child legal relationship which exists between the child and the respondents be terminated and severed.

The Court, before it can terminate the parent-child legal relationship, must find that a continuation of the relationship is likely to result in grave risk of death or serious injury to the child or that your conduct or condition as a parent renders you unable or unwilling to give the child reasonable parental care.

YOU ARE FURTHER ADVISED that you have the right to have legal counsel represent you in all matters connected with the Motion to Terminate

the Parent-Child Legal Relationship. If you cannot afford to pay the fees of legal counsel, you are advised that the Court will appoint legal counsel to represent you at no cost to you upon your request and upon your showing of an inability to pay.

YOU ARE FURTHER ADVISED that a grandparent, aunt, uncle, brother or sister of the child must file a request for guardianship and legal custody of the child within twenty days of the filing of the motion to terminate parent/child legal relationship.

If you have any questions concerning the foregoing advisement, you should immediately contact either your legal counsel or the Court.

Done and signed this 27th day of February, 2023.

BY THE COURT: District Court Judge/Magistrate

Legal Notice No. BSB2203

First Publication: March 9, 2023

Last Publication: March 9, 2023

Veronica Gamboa-Velazquez, John Doe Respondents

S U M M O N S

To the parents, guardian, or other respondents named above, GREETINGS: John Doe

You are hereby notified that a verified petition has been filed in the above named

Withoutpublicnotices, thegovernmentwouldn’t havetosayanythingelse.

Publicnoticesare acommunity’swindow intothegovernment.Fromzoning regulations tolocalbudgets,governments haveusedlocalnewspaperstoinform citizensofitsactionsasanessentialpart ofyourrighttoknow.Youknowwhereto look,whentolookandwhattolookforto beinvolvedas acitizen.Localnewspapers provideyouwiththeinformationyou needtogetinvolved.

An RTD Light Rail transit driver waves as the train pulls into a station. RTD is looking to increase ridership. SHUTTERSTOCK

After capping insulin copays, states sets sights on EpiPens

Cap at $60

BY HELEN SANTORO KAISER HEALTH NEWS

Almost four years after becoming the rst state to cap insulin copayments, Colorado may limit what consumers pay for epinephrine autoinjectors, also known as EpiPens, which treat serious allergic reactions.

A proposed state law would cap out-of-pocket copays at $60 for a two-pack of epinephrine autoinjectors. In 2007, the wholesale price of a single EpiPen was about $47. Today, two brand-name autoinjectors cost just under $636 at a Walgreens in Denver, according to GoodRx. At some pharmacies a generic pen sells for $100 to $200, which is still expensive for many people.

e bill is the latest example in a nationwide push by states to address the soaring prices of lifesaving drugs. New Hampshire passed a law in 2020 requiring insurance to cover the autoinjectors, and Rhode Island lawmakers are considering a similar measure this year. No state has capped what consumers pay for EpiPens, though the New Jersey Senate passed a bill in June to do so; that measure is pending in the legislature’s lower house.

e average launch prices of drugs in the United States increased nearly 11% every year from 2008 to

2021, according to a study published last year. Price increases can skyrocket even higher for items such as epinephrine autoinjectors, a market dominated by EpiPen maker Viatris, a global pharmaceutical company.

“If you have very little competition in the market, the way the U.S. drug pricing system works is that the manufacturers get to set the price at which they want to sell the drug, and they can increase it whenever they so choose,” said Erin Taylor, a senior health care policy researcher at Rand Corp., a global policy think tank. “One way to shift costs back to health plans and manufacturers, and to help patients pay less for their drugs, is to apply these caps.”

e Colorado legislation would cap EpiPen copays for both insured and uninsured people starting in 2024. Almost 566,000 Coloradans have life-threatening food allergies, according to the bill. People can also have severe reactions to insect bites, medications, and latex.

“ e need for EpiPens doesn’t discriminate based on who you are,” said state Rep. Iman Jodeh, a Democrat who is sponsoring the bill. “ is unfortunate trend we were seeing of lifesaving medication being completely unattainable or out of reach for people is something that we are really trying to put an end to.”

Colorado was the rst to limit

copays for insulin

In 2019, Colorado became the rst state to enact a law that set a $100 limit on monthly copays for insulin, a hormone that regulates the blood sugar of people with diabetes.

Since then, 21 other states, plus Washington, D.C., have implemented laws limiting insulin costs. Congress imposed a $35 insulin copay cap for seniors on Medicare, and, in his recent State of the Union address, President Joe Biden called for expanding this cap to every American.

“Insulin has been the poster child of copay caps,” said Geo rey Joyce, director of health policy at the University of Southern California Schae er Center for Health Policy & Economics.

However, the caps are an imperfect solution to high prescription costs. Decreasing the price of a drug for some insurance members means increasing premiums for others, said Taylor. “A cap doesn’t lower the list price of the drug, so somebody else has to pick up the di erence,” she said. Caps also don’t address why drugs are so expensive in the rst place.

Drug manufacturers and pharmacy bene t managers, or PBMs — the go-between companies that negotiate with drugmakers on how much insurance plans and consumers will pay for drugs — both play a signi cant role in drug pricing, Joyce said. Besides pricing their

products high enough to ensure a hefty pro t, manufacturers often give PBMs a rebate in exchange for having their product included in the PBM’s list of preferred drugs, which in uences what consumers buy. Rising rebates demanded by PBMs are associated with increasing prices for prescription drugs, according to a white paper by USC Schae er.

“Everybody has their hand in the trough,” said Joyce. In response to broader concerns about the drug pricing system, diabetes activists have been pushing for caps on insulin prices, not just copays.

It’s hard to say whether more states will follow Colorado’s lead and cap out-of-pocket costs for drugs like EpiPens, but there does seem to be a political appetite for controlling specialty drug costs, said Taylor.

“It bothers people fundamentally and ethically that these lifesaving drugs are inaccessible for people,” said Joyce. “People need access to these drugs.”

KHN (Kaiser Health News) is a national newsroom that produces in-depth journalism about health issues. Together with Policy Analysis and Polling, KHN is one of the three major operating programs at KFF (Kaiser Family Foundation). KFF is an endowed nonpro t organization providing information on health issues to the nation.

to turn it around.