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July 22, 2021

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An edition of the Littleton Independent A publication of

VOLUME 20 | ISSUE 35

State COVID powers unchanged despite ‘lifting’ A photo taken by firefighters on the scene of the Cameron Peak Fire near Fort Collins in 2020.

COURTESY OF ARVADA FIRE

Colorado wildfires are year-round danger Hotter, drier climate influences how and when fires ignite BY THELMA GRIMES TGRIMES@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM

State climate experts and local fire officials along the Front Range say wildfire season no longer has

an end as heat, low moisture and other factors have created a yearround problem. Russ Schumacher, the Colorado state climatologist and director of the Colorado Climate Center, said 2020 was the worst year on record for wildfires, rewriting record books on what kind of fires can happen and when. In the past, wildfire season was generally contained to the hottest part of summer in July and into

August. Now, Inter-Canyon Fire Protection District Chief Daniel Hatlestad said, wildfires are a 12-month priority. The Inter-Canyon Fire District covers 52 square miles in Jefferson County. “We are seeing these fires spread, and spread quickly every month of the year,” Hatlestad said. “The fuel load across the Front Range has created more intense, frequent SEE FIRES, P24

Teen found guilty in killing of Cherokee Trail student Demarea Mitchell is last of 4 suspects in murder of Lloyd Chavez IV BY ELLIS ARNOLD EARNOLD@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM

The trial of a teen suspected of fatally shooting a Cherokee Trail High School student in Centennial began with the prosecution displaying social media messages that appear to show him admitting involvement. Things “didn’t go as planned and

it was the only choice. I’m sorry,” Demarea Deshawn Mitchell allegedly wrote to a person who may have been his girlfriend an hour after Lloyd Alvin Chavez IV, 18, was shot during an attempted robbery of vaping products that Chavez sold. The morning after the shooting that occurred May 8, 2019, Mitchell sent someone a video that shows him holding a gun, in an attempt to transfer the weapon to another person, according to the prosecution in the trial that took place this July. On Snapchat — the social media SEE TRIAL, P16

INSIDE: VOICES: PAGE 12 | LIFE: PAGE 14 | CALENDAR: PAGE 17 | SPORTS: PAGE 20

Lloyd Chavez IV in an undated COURTESY PHOTO photo.

Disaster emergency order still in effect but refocused; state health department powers remain BY ELLIS ARNOLD EARNOLD@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM

In early July, Gov. Jared Polis’ office issued a news release that said: “Governor Polis Ends COVID-19 Health Emergency Order.” Following that statement, Colorado state Senate Republicans heralded that “the public health emergency would come to an end today,” the Senate GOP said in a release. “This is something we’ve been advocating for on behalf of our constituents for some time now,” state Sen. Paul Lundeen, a Republican of Monument, said in the release. “Every meeting we’ve had with the governor has been punctuated with an inquiry as to when he would finally lift the order and declare this pandemic over in the State of Colorado. We’re glad to see he finally has agreed to turn this dark page in our history.” The reality is more complicated than Polis and the Senate GOP described — and the state generally continues to have the same powers regarding COVID-19 response as it did before Polis’ new policy. Polis’ office told Colorado Community Media that the governor “ended the health emergency in Colorado” but wouldn’t point specifically to what executive order constituted a “COVID-19 health emergency order” SEE STATE, P22

ON AN UPSWING

Pickleball is still popular among seniors, but now younger generations are discovering the sport

P14

2 Centennial Citizen

July 22, 2021

Bill Cosby accuser now wants spotlight on needed changes ‘We need to talk about where we go from here’ BY THELMA GRIMES TGRIMES@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM

Heidi Thomas, of Castle Rock, was the first alleged victim to testify in the 2018 Bill PHOTOS BY THELMA GRIMES Cosby trial.

Find Out More Reasons Why Back Pain Lasts Longer Than It Should… - ATTENTION ACTIVE DENVER ADULTS! -

Help is coming your way if you are experiencing back pain. Since summer is opening up again, many people have been experiencing more back pain recently due to a less active last year. Therefore, Dr. Brooke Olsen, PT, DPT is planning a FREE, one-hour, online educational event called “How to Put An End to Back Pain” right from the comfort of your own home to help get you back to being active again without slowing down. It will help people who: • Suffer with back or leg pain when they stand or walk. • Experience pain, numbness or tingling in their buttock or leg. • Have pain when they sit for long periods of time. • Experience their low back “giving out” or “acting up” frequently. • Are afraid their pain will get worse if they wait any longer… Dr. Brooke said, “Back pain is one of the biggest problems that can completely ruin people’s life. It can have people needing to lean on the benches when they are walking through the park. It can stop you from feeling comfortable when getting on & off the floor to play with your kids or force you to question if you can get out bed without aches or pains.

It can simply drain your freedom and independence if not addressed.” But help doesn’t have to involve pills, injections, or surgery as being the only option out there. The virtual webinar video will highlight the biggest mistakes which keep people from getting out of back pain successfully, the 3 most common causes of back pain, the best treatment options and how to pick the right one. To secure 1 of the 10 spots available, contact Dr. Brooke’s assistant, Cody at (720)-772-1133. You can tell him where to send the information & have access to it right away. If you consider yourself an active person over 50 years old with back aches or pain that just won’t go away, this back pain training is for you! Dr. Brooke will personally teach you how to help ease your pain naturally WITHOUT resorting to medications, surgeries or injections. This is a FREE online, virtual educational event. There is no cost to attend - To keep it valuable, interactive, and fun, we’ve capped it to only 10 spots available. ►Contact Cody at (720)-772-1133 or email him personally at Cody@ ThePhysioRevolution.Com ►Dr. Brooke Olsen (DPT) is the author of the #1 Best Selling book, Aging Happily Without Pain. Ask how to get a copy when you call today.

Despite a court ruling that freed Bill Cosby years after his sexualassault conviction, a Douglas County resident says progress is being made to help victims come forward and find justice in cases of rape and sexual assault, but more needs to be done. Heidi Thomas, who has testified in court that Cosby sexually assaulted her in the 1980s, said that when she read a news story announcing he would be released from prison, it was a “punch in the gut.” “I had no idea this was coming,” said the Castle Rock resident and Littleton native. “It just came out of the blue.” Cosby was released on July 1 after the Pennsylvania Supreme Court overturned his 2018 conviction. The actor and comedian had been sentenced to serve three to 10 years in prison after being convicted of sexually assaulting Andrea Constand. On the date of his release, Cosby had served three years. Before, during and after the trial, Cosby has vehemently denied allegations that he used drugs to sexually assault dozens of women. In a 6-1 ruling, the Pennsylvania high court ruled that Cosby should not have faced charges after an agreement with a former prosecutor was made in 2005. In 2015, charges were filed by District Attorney Kevin Steele, charging Cosby with the sexual assault. During the trial, Steele used statements made by Cosby in a civil deposition the actor made under the assumption he was immune from criminal charges. Thomas said that in her opinion, Steele was trying to “right a wrong” made by former prosecutors not taking any action. Now, she fears what she sees as the precedent the ruling could set in future cases involving people accused of rape and sexual assault. According to court records, during the 2018 trial, Thomas was the first to testify against Cosby. With more than 50 women accusing the actor of sexual assault and misconduct, five women were allowed to testify during his trial as “prior bad acts witnesses.” In her trial testimony, Thomas accused Cosby of assaulting her in 1984 at his ranch when she was 24 years old and an aspriring actress. Thomas testified that she had gone to Cosby’s Pennsylvania home for acting lessons. She testified that after taking a drink of wine, she blacked out and only remembered the next four days in “snapshots,” suspecting the actor drugged her. Now, Thomas said she does not want to focus on the incident, or on Cosby. Rather, she said it is time to change laws to make sure victims do not face what she, Constand and dozens of others have dealt with in what she called the

Evidence of how Heidi Thomas has used music to heal can be seen throughout her music room at her Castle Rock home.

Cosby “fiasco.” “I feel strongly that the storyline should no longer be about Mr. C,” she said. “He has been given this spotlight and we need to shut it down. We need to talk about where we go from here.” Thomas said Colorado makes her proud as changes continue to be made to help victims of sexual assault and rape. Thomas, who describes herself as a victims’ advocate, said police departments are getting more training to be more sensitive in taking statements from women and men when they first come to report a sex crime. “The big battle right now is getting victims to summon up the courage to come forward and report it,” Thomas said. “It takes a lot just to come forward. Law enforcement is getting the training to handle these cases better than they have before.” Thomas, 61, said she did not come forward when the alleged incident with Cosby happened to her. She said coming forward 30 years later was only to stand behind Constand. Thomas said she has never filed a civil suit against the actor once known as “America’s Dad,” adding that coming forward and testifying has never been about his money. “It was an honor to testify,” Thomas said. “It was the most empowering thing ever. It was about 15 minutes into my testimony before the reality of (Cosby) sitting there hit me. He was not saying anything because it was my turn.” At the state level, Thomas calls herself a “quiet advocate” as she works with Colorado lawmakers to remove barriers created by statute of limitations laws. Thomas said change takes time, but bills passing through the Colorado legislature have been a step in the right direction. Bipartisan Senate Bill 73, recently signed into law by Gov. Jared Polis, allows survivors of sexual assault to bring a lawsuit against their abuser at any time. The bill is aimed at child-sex victims. Before Polis signed SB 73, victims only had six years after they turned 18 to file a civil suit. “Sexual crimes create a level of PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder),” Thomas said. “With that kind of trauma, no one can pick an arbitrary amount of time SEE THOMAS, P7

Centennial Citizen 3

July 22, 2021

Man who shot at deputies sentenced to 48 years Sheriff’s office says he was stealing from cars and mailboxes beforehand STAFF REPORT

A man who shot at Douglas County sheriff’s deputies from a stolen car as they were trying to pull it over was sentenced to 48 years in prison, according to a news release from the 18th Judicial District Attorney’s Office. Douglas County District Court Judge Theresa Slade sentenced Peirce Langewisch, 22, to the maximum prison Peirce time allowed under Langewisch the plea agreement. “You don’t get to shoot at law enforcement officers and get a slap on the wrist,” said District Attorney John Kellner, according to the release. “He was committing crimes, and when the deputies moved to intercept the car he was in, he escalated the situation and put passersby as well as deputies in danger. For that, he will be incarcerated for a lengthy time.” On Nov. 27, 2018, Douglas County sheriff’s deputies spotted a possible stolen vehicle that ran a red light about 3 a.m. on South Broadway. When they followed the car, it began weaving and accelerated, reaching speeds of between 100 mph and 120 mph on C-470, according to the release. Other deputies assisted in trying to stop the car. Near Park Meadows mall, Langewisch, the rear-seat passenger, fired a gun at deputies, who returned fire, the release said. The car attempted to elude deputies by racing through residential neighborhoods — with shots coming out of the back window — until it crashed on Dry Creek Road near I-25. According to the release, as deputies tried to take the car’s occupants into custody, the suspects did not obey commands and deputies shot at the car. The driver, Nicholas Ryan, 19, was killed. The front seat passenger, Jason Sutton, 21, was injured. Langewisch was not injured and was taken into custody.

“The job of a law enforcement officer has become increasingly more dangerous, especially with individuals like this who blatantly, for no apparent reason, just shoot at the police. He needs to understand the ramifications of his actions,” said Douglas County Sheriff Tony Spurlock, according to the release. “We welcome the sentence in this case and are extremely grateful to all those who worked so hard the last few years to bring the defendants to justice.” The investigation revealed the three were in the stolen vehicle and stealing from mailboxes and cars before they were spotted by a deputy, the release said. Ryan gave Langewisch the gun during the incident, and Langewisch admitted to detectives that he shot at the deputies as Ryan tried to elude them, according to the release. The 18th Judicial District Attorney’s Office determined the deputies’ use of lethal force was justified. Sutton pleaded guilty Oct. 11, 2019, to one count of vehicular eluding, a Class 5 felony; and one count of first-degree trespassing of a vehicle, a Class 5 felony. Other counts were dismissed as part of the plea agreement. He was sentenced to three years in the Colorado Department of Corrections. Langewisch pleaded guilty on March 1 to two counts of attempted first-degree murder of a peace officer, a Class 2 felony; and one count of possession of a weapon by a previous offender, a Class 6 felony. Other counts were dismissed as part of the plea agreement. Chief Deputy District Attorney Gary Dawson prosecuted the cases with Deputy District Attorney Joel Zink. During the sentencing hearing on July 9, Zink noted Langewisch’s previous criminal history, as well as numerous incidents since he had been in the Douglas County jail. “This defendant has made his intentions clear: As soon as he is released, he plans to go out and do the exact same kinds of things that put him behind bars,” Zink said, according to the release. “There is no remorse, contrition or any interest in rehabilitation on his part. The maximum sentence allowed is appropriate.”

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4 Centennial Citizen

July 22, 2021

Venardos Circus thrills crowd with dazzling acrobatics Old-school traveling circus plays before packed house at Aspen Grove BY DAVID GILBERT DGILBERT@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM

Venardos Circus performer Lady Beast stands atop a pair of bottles on a stack of chairs under the big top.

A year and a half since its big top tent was last unfurled, Venardos Circus resumed its breathtaking act before adoring crowds in Littleton. The Florida-based traveling circus, founded in 2014 by former Ringling Bros. ringmaster Kevin Venardos, is hitting the road again for the first time since the pandemic upended life, starting with a series of (nearly) sold-out shows at the Aspen Grove shopping center in Littleton. On opening night July 14, ringmaster Venardos took the stage to introduce his plucky troupe of acrobats and performers. “Dreams have a way of bringing good people together,” Venardos said. Performers included aerialists and acrobats Lexi Powell, Eric Allen, Lady Beast, and husband-andwife team Duo Acosta, performing a dizzying array of stunts, culminating in a Houdini-esque straitjacket escape. The old-school circus performs beneath a classic red-and-white striped tent, and the whole shebang carries PHOTOS BY DAVID GILBERT

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Centennial Citizen 5

July 22, 2021

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6 Centennial Citizen

July 22, 2021

Kent Thiry, DaVita indicted by federal grand jury Prosecutors allege conspiracy among competitors to avoid hiring away certain employees BY JESSE PAUL THE COLORADO SUN

Denver-based DaVita Inc. and the dialysis giant’s former CEO Kent Thiry have been indicted by a federal grand jury on charges that they conspired with competing employers not to try to hire certain workers. DaVita and Thiry are specifically accused of two counts of violating the Sherman Act, which deals with antitrust law, and are due in court July 20 for their initial appearance. “Those who conspire to deprive workers of free-market opportunities and mobility are committing serious crimes that we will prosecute to the full extent of the law,” Acting Assistant Attorney General Richard A. Powers of the Justice Department’s Antitrust Division said in a written statement on July 15. “We are grateful for our partnership with the FBI and our shared commitment to rooting out illegal collusion targeting labor markets.” If convicted, DaVita faces a maximum penalty of a $100 million fine per count. Thiry faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison and a $1 million fine per count, according

to federal prosecutors. Thiry, through a spokeswoman, strongly denied the accusations and alleged that federal prosecutors had manufactured a legal theory through which to pursue charges in the case. “These allegations are false and rely on a radical legal theory about senior executive recruitment without precedent in U.S. history,” said Karen Crummy, a spokeswoman for Thiry. “The government took steps to ignore — and even hide — key evidence. The facts bear it out decisively: No antitrust violations occurred, these companies hired DaVita executives for years, and the companies are not competitors.” Thiry’s team said the situation was more akin to a human resources dispute than a violation of federal antitrust law. “Kent Thiry has worked for decades to provide affordable, lifesaving health care to millions of Americans,” Crummy said. “He has dedicated the last 10 years to making Colorado a better place for everyone, and he has done it the right way: ethically, lawfully and with integrity.” Federal prosecutors allege that DaVita and Thiry participated in two separate conspiracies to suppress competition around the hiring of certain employees. The first count alleges DaVita and Thiry conspired with Surgical Care Affiliates LLC — also known as SCA — to agree not to solicit each other’s senior-level employees from as early as Febru-

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Kent Thiry, former CEO of the dialysis giant DaVita.

ary 2012 to as recently as July 2017. The second count alleges DaVita and Thiry conspired with another, unnamed health care company from April 2017 through June 2019 to not solicit DaVita’s employees. The 10-page indictment includes emails between Thiry and people at the other companies. “Someone called me to suggest they reach out to your senior biz dev guy for our corresponding spot,” Thiry emailed the CEO of SCA in October 2014, according to the indictment. “I explained I do not do proactive recruiting into your ranks.” The CEO of the unnamed health care company wrote to Thiry: “I’m going to make sure everyone on my team knows to steer clear of anyone at DVA.” DVA is DaVita’s stock symbol. Prosecutors claim Thiry and DaVita’s actions “substantially affected interstate trade and commerce.” SCA was indicted in January on similar charges. Thiry announced he was stepping down as DaVita’s CEO in April 2019, but would continue serving as executive chairman of the company’s board. He stepped down from that executive chairman role in 2020. Thiry has become a political force

PHOTO BY RACHEL WOOLF FOR KAISER HEALTH NEWS

in Colorado in recent years, giving at least $5.9 million to support ballot measures, including Amendments Y and Z in 2018, which reshaped the state’s legislative and congressional redistricting processes. t The unaffiliated voter also spent b heavily last year to ensure passage last year of a ballot question over- a turning the Gallagher Amendment, 1 a complicated law that drove down l property taxes but in the process t starved local governments of fund- r ing. y The multimillionaire has also been rumored to be interested in t running for public office. Thiry and DaVita have been embroiled in controversy before. The company was sued over kickback allegations, paying the federal government and several states about $400 million in 2014 to settle the case. The Justice Department says federal prosecutors and the FBI are continuing to investigate the case.

This story is from The Colorado Sun, a journalist-owned news outlet based in Denver and covering the state. For more, and to support The Colorado Sun, visit coloradosun.com. The Colorado Sun is a partner in the Colorado News Conservancy, owner of Colorado Community Media.

Centennial Citizen 7

July 22, 2021

SATURDAY, JULY 31 • 3:00-10:30 PM

Heidi Thomas said she overcame the trauma that she testified she experienced in her PHOTO BY THELMA GRIMES 20s through music.

THOMAS FROM PAGE 2

to say that’s when someone should be over it.” In 2016, Thomas said she played a key role in getting House Bill 1072 signed into Colorado law. The law changed the statute of limitations for people to be charged with rape or sexual assault from 10 years to 20. Thomas said she will continue to be an advocate for eliminating

a statute of limitations on all sex crimes completely. In her personal time, Thomas said, she works to help others through music. She says music got her and other victims through her dark days. Now, as a music teacher, she works to help others use music to heal. Thomas said she is currently working on a book, developing a podcast and participated in the documentary, “Erased,” focusing on how drugs are being used to get away with sex crimes in America.

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8 Centennial Citizen

July 22, 2021

Tobacco-tax boost generates millions Proposition EE was passed by Colorado voters last November BY JESSE PAUL THE COLORADO SUN

A new nicotine tax and an increased tax on cigarettes and other tobacco products in Colorado generated more than $34 million in their first five months, according to a data analysis by The Colorado Sun. Proposition EE, which was passed by voters in November, went into effect in January, raising the taxes on a pack of cigarettes to $1.94 from 84 cents. The ballot measure will continue to increase nicotine, tobacco and cigarette taxes in Colorado through 2027, when they level out. By comparison, Colorado collected about $187 million in cigarette and tobacco taxes in the 2019-20 fiscal year. It appears Colorado won’t meet the $87.4 million that nonpartisan legislative analysts estimated Proposition EE would collect in its first six months. One reason may be that some consumers stocked up on cigarettes before the new taxes went

into effect. Colorado cigarette sales soared in December, according to data from the Colorado Department of Revenue. The state collected nearly $28 million in cigarette taxes under Amendment 35 that month, compared with November and in October, when it collected $12 million each month. “It’s possible that this increase in December 2020 revenue is causing the cigarette revenue in the first few months of 2021 to be lower than expected,” said Daniel Carr, a spokesman for the revenue department. Tax-collection data for June won’t be available until later in July. Proposition EE was pitched as a way to fund preschool slots in Colorado, but money from the ballot initiative won’t start going to that cause until the 2023-24 fiscal year. In the first three fiscal years, the revenue from the new and increased taxes will be split between the state’s K-12 education fund, rural schools and housing assistance. Health advocates see the ballot measure as a way to reduce tobacco and nicotine use, citing studies that show how higher prices can reduce consumption.

The cigarette and vaping display at a convenience store in Denver’s Capitol Hill neighborhood in 2019. PHOTO BY ERIC LUBBERS/THE COLORADO SUN

The next tax increase under Proposition EE will come in January, when taxes on the manufacturer’s list price for nicotine products rise to 35% from 30%. Before the ballot measure, Colorado had no tax on nicotine products, like vaping fuel and e-cigarettes. Proposition EE also enacts a so-called minimum-price provision mandating that a pack of cigarettes be sold for no less than $7 and a carton for no less than $70. The discount cigarette com-

pany Liggett Vector Brands Inc. filed lawsuits in federal and state court challenging the ballot measure, claiming the minimum-price provision violates competitiveness laws. The legal actions are still pending. The Colorado Sun obtained emails showing that Gov. Jared Polis’ office was asked to meet several conditions insisted upon by Altria in exchange for the tobacco giant, which owns Marlboro, agreeing not to fight legisla-

tion that put Proposition EE on the November 2020 ballot. Altria and Liggett Vector Brands are competitors. This story is from The Colorado Sun, a journalistowned news outlet based in Denver and covering the state. For more, and to support The Colorado Sun, visit coloradosun.com. The Colorado Sun is a partner in the Colorado News Conservancy, owner of Colorado Community Media.

July 22, 2021

Centennial Citizen 9

10 Centennial Citizen

July 22, 2021

CIRCUS FROM PAGE 4

a vintage vaudeville flair. In an age with plenty of ways to be entertained, Venardos Circus commanded a captivated and giddy audience, who at the end of the show leaped to their feet for a standing ovation. “It was just the perfect welcome back to living life again,” said Karin Leonard, who brought her mom and a friend for one of their first outings in ages. “What a circus. When I retire I’m running away to join them.” Venardos told the crowd that the magic of the circus is a chance to remember the joy of connection. “The way the last year has gone, it felt like we’ve been looking away from each other,” he said. “But when you look at the faces of these performers, they’re of people who are different sizes and shapes and colors working together to make something we hope you find beautiful. We hope it reminds you of yourselves, your families, your community. You can make something special too.” Venardos Circus will host numerous performances in Littleton through July 24, though tickets are quickly growing scarce. From there the show will move on to Longmont and Colorado Springs.

Manuel Acosta attaches a harness to Lady Beast as she prepares for a daring straitjacket escape.

PHOTOS BY DAVID GILBERT

Venardos Circus founder and ringmaster Kevin Venardos warms up the crowd.

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Centennial Citizen 11

July 22, 2021

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12 Centennial Citizen

LOCAL

July 22, 2021

VOICES

When life gives you clichés, make clichéade

t’s eleven o’clock. Do you know where your cliché is? For Pete’s sake, clichés drive me up the wall. They rattle my cage. At the end of the day, clichés push my buttons. QUIET Lately I have been feeling comDESPERATION fortable in my own skin. I think it’s because whatever doesn’t kill me makes me stronger. I hear that every week at my AA meeting. Wayne Gretzky: “You miss one Craig Marshall hundred percent of the shots you never Smith take.” When one door opens, another one closes. Or maybe it’s the other way around. The way I see it, there’s a light at the end of the tunnel. Life is too short to get all bent out of shape. Harry agrees. His bark is bigger

than his bite. Like he always says, “Rome wasn’t built in a day.” After all: time heels all hounds. Harry and I take it one game at a time. He’s one in a million. You know what? We’re not laughing with you, we’re laughing at you. Like Harry always says, “Time flies when you’re having fun.” Steven Wright: “A fool and his money are soon partying.” Eddie Murphy: “I wish people would stop making fun of fat people. They have enough on their plates.” Lightning doesn’t knock twice. People who live in stone houses shouldn’t throw glasses. There’s no “i” in ego. “Yesterday is history, tomorrow a mystery and today is a gift. That’s why we call it the present.” “Cut twice, measure once.” When I was doing my homework last night, I was so hungry I could have eaten a course. We often rely on clichés for two reasons. Either because we’re lazy

minded or we’re lazy minded. You know who uses a lot of them? Motivational speakers. They will tell you, “Insanity is doing the same thing over and over and expecting different results.” (So is listening to Aaron Copland.) Keep your sunny side up. Tomorrow is another day. The early bird get the worm. The second mouse gets the cheese. Harry is as complicated as an onion. You have to appeal to him one layer at a time. If we are all in this together, I hope you don’t snore. If we are all in this together, I hope you won’t expect me to go to “Hamilton” with you. You’re never fully dressed without a simile. As Chef Boyardee said in divorce court, “You can’t judge a cook by his lover.” The best time to plant a tree was ten years ago. Sometimes the best thing to do is nothing.

When it rains, it pours. The rest is history. Have a nice day. Have a nice night. Hang by your thumbs and write if you get work. The apple doesn’t fall far from the tree. Life is a bowl of cherries. “Beulah, peel me a grape.” Jack Handey: “Before you criticize someone, you should walk a mile in their shoes. That way when you criticize them, you will be a mile away and have their shoes.” William Lyon Phelps, “If at first you don’t succeed find out if the loser gets anything.” Steven Wright: “If at first you don’t succeed, destroy all evidence that you tried.” Marcelene Cox: “If at first you don’t succeed, blame your parents.” Charles de Gaulle: “He who laughs last didn’t get the joke.” Craig Marshall Smith is an artist, educator and Highlands Ranch resident. He can be reached at craigmarshallsmith@comcast.net.

What I wouldn’t give for just 5 more minutes

ow many times have we thought, “If I could only do that over again?” Whatever that is, there is always at least one thing, maybe several things we wish we could take another WINNING shot at. There are WORDS conversations where we wish we could have said something differently or take back the words we spoke in haste or in an unprepared moment. Oftentimes the Michael Norton do-over we want has more to do with our desire to do something better while seeking another attempt at fixing any mistake or regretful moment where we may have erred. We seek improvement so that the next time we are faced with the same opportunity or conversation, we handle it better. Second chances are awesome, third chances are terrific, and fourth chances are tremendously amazing. And for a guy who has

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had way too many do-overs in life, I am grateful for those multiple chances to get it right. As life goes on and people come and go in our lives, personally and professionally, and as we lose those we have loved, if we are not careful we may find ourselves saying something like, “What I wouldn’t give for one more day or even to have just five more minutes with that person.” Those are always tough moments as we wish that we would have made more of an effort to see them, spent a few extra minutes each week on the phone with them, or invested the time to listen and learn from them. There may still be opportunities to reconnect with those who have moved away, regardless of how far. Technology allows us to reconnect virtually and maybe even pick up right where had left off. The heartache of missing someone who has passed away is difficult. And there are moments where we really do wish we could have just five more minutes with them. But here is the question, are there people in our life, should they suddenly be

removed from our lives for whatever reason, whom we would wish that we could have spoken to them one more time? We all have someone or maybe a few people who would be missed dearly. The good news is that they are still with us, they are a walk, drive, email, call or text away. So instead of realizing one day that we wish we had one more chance to be with or talk to someone, how about we do something about it today to make sure we are not looking back with regret and instead enjoying each moment we have to create beautiful memories today. Here’s my plan to make sure I am making contact with those who are important to me. Please feel free to use some or all of this plan so you stay connected too. 1. Each day make one extra call to a friend, family member or loved one. 2. Each week, send a handwritten letter, card or note to someone expressing my gratitude. 3. Three times a day, morning, noon and night, send an email to a colleague, coach, or mentor. 4. Each morning send a text to

my children letting them know how much I love them and say something special to them. 5. I walk my neighborhood each day as I walk my dog or walk into town. And I intentionally try hard to find one of my neighbors or someone in the community to say hi to and to ask them how they are doing. 6. Spend time in prayer, remembering those whom I have loved and lost. Are there one or more people that you really want to stay connected to? Are there things you could do and should do to stay more connected? Are there people you miss, and just wish you could have had just five more minutes of time with? I would love to hear your story at mnorton@tramazing.com and when we can find a way to have more time with those we love and cherish, it really will be a better than good year.

Michael Norton is the grateful CEO of Tramazing.com, a personal and professional coach, and a consultant, trainer, encourager and motivator to businesses of all sizes.

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Centennial Citizen 13

July 22, 2021

Anyone else slow about moving on to freedom?

ave you been feeling a bit anxious lately? You’d think as the pandemic starts to wane (in our area) and restrictions begin to be lifted, that I’d be feeling great about the potential of reentering the world as we used to know it. Maybe I could walk into a GUEST building without COLUMN a mask, or get on an airplane and attend my brother’s surprise birthday party, or … But, how come I feel so nervous to do any of that? Yes, I’m fully vaccinated, and I still Linda Newell wear a mask when I go anywhere inside. And still, only vaccinated or masked people are allowed into my home. Yes, I know the latest statistics about the slim possibility that I’ll end up dying, in the hospital, or contract-

ing COVID-19 at all. But I also don’t know who’s around me who has NOT been vaccinated or what possible variant is taking over today. I do know people who are still getting it, and even dying from it, as late as last week ... who were vaccinated! And even if I were safe enough not to be hospitalized, who wants to lose their taste, smell, or become a COVID long-hauler at all? Not me. I also need to remember that I’m not the only one to be worried about. In my family, we have a young kiddo who can’t be vaccinated yet, and I sure don’t want to be the one who gives him the COVID crud. But it turns out not just for me, but for others as well, that it’s not only about getting COVID-19. We’re still seeing violent crime rates rise and road rage incidents almost every week in our state. And what about those bizarre incidents of people biting and spitting on

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others in airplanes? One woman recently had to be duct-taped to her seat to prevent others from being hurt! No wonder the airlines have stopped serving alcohol. So even if I wasn’t afraid of getting COVID, who wants to reenter a society with that level of dysfunction? What’s going on with the continued anxiety and downright anger with some people, still? Although it’s sad to admit, we all need to recognize that our mental health needs are potentially at the highest level we’ve seen in our generation. All of us would feel and do better if we participated in mental wellness counseling. Thankfully, our state’s efforts to get more mental health help to folks has increased significantly over the last decade. We still have some therapist shortages, but people need to reach out as well. As for me, I greatly benefit from my periodic counseling sessions. I look at it as the same as going

to my physician; preventive and responsive appointments as necessary. So for now, call me fearful or ridiculous, but I’m still happy living with some precautions till we fully figure out this pandemic thing long-term. As for the fear and rage that are within each of us, but sometimes explode in harmful ways, please do us all a favor and see a therapist. Thank you. It’s hard for all of us, no matter your beliefs and experience. The least we can do is practice good self-care and kindness with each other. Former Colorado state senator, now with a master’s in Social Justice and Ethics from Iliff School of Theology, Linda Newell is a writer, speaker, facilitator, and conflict/DEI consultant. Senlindanewell@gmail. com, www.lindanewell.org, www. senlindanewell.com, @sennewell on Twitter, Senator Linda Newell or @ TheLastBill on Facebook.

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14 Centennial Citizen

LOCAL

July 22, 2021

LIFE

PICKLEBALL’S ON AN

UPSWING

Brett Peterson, 19, shows that pickleball is not just a sport for seniors anymore. PHOTOS BY THELMA GRIMES

Participation spiked during pandemic year BY THELMA GRIMES TGRIMES@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM

hen pickleball started becoming popular, it was a sport that helped aging adults get some exercise by combining aspects of tennis, badminton and table tennis onto one court. Today, the sport remains popular among seniors, but the secret is out about how much fun the game is, and younger generations want a taste. According to the Sport and Fitness Industry Association, pickleball is the fastest-growing sport in the nation, with participation increasing a little over 21% in 2020 as Americans searched for ways to stay active during the pandemic. In 2019, participation in the sport grew by 7%. Evidence of the growing popularity of pickleball is not hard to find throughout the Denver metro area. A new court is being installed on the east side of Centennial in Piney Creek. In Castle Rock, the new Cobblestone Park project will include six additional pickleball courts. Luke Ruter, recreation coordinator for the Highlands Ranch Metro District, said one of the biggest challenges as pickleball grows in popularity is keeping up with demand. “It really is a great sport for all ages,” he said. “It is also such a social sport where friendships grow and connections are made.” In Highlands Ranch, on any given

Heidi Haze, 19, makes the most of one of her first lessons in pickleball.

Will Harris shows pickleball takes speed and skill.

day, the distinct popping sound of paddle hitting ball can be heard as players of all ages battle it out. While taking a break during one of the hottest days of summer, 19-year-old Heidi Haze said she is considered a newbie to pickleball. “I started playing with a friend,” she said. “It looked cool and definitely has a lot more college kids playing. I have to say, the seniors have a lot to teach us. They are way better. It is like golf. It is easy to play, but hard to get good at.” Will Harris of Littleton said he saw people playing at local courts and became interested. Now, he is a regular who is open to learning the tricks of the trade from older players. Harris said he has learned a lot from Joe Billera, whom he calls his “pickleball grandpa.” “I love the community connection I have gained by playing up here,” Harris said. “It is because of pickleball that I got a job. I would say I am

a decent player, but there is always room for improvement. I just try to hold my own against the longtime players.” Billera said he plays every day because he enjoys the game, comparing the necessary skill set to playing chess with a lot of motion. The Apex Sports and Recreation Centers have worked over the years to help meet the demand of the growing sport. Headquartered in Arvada, the Apex Park and Recreation District has 24 courts throughout the area. Katie Groke, marketing and communications director for Apex, said the courts are full and there is a “growing appetite” for the sport. “Arvada has kind of become a pickleball hub because we have so many courts and draw residents from all over the region,” Groke said. “It has really become a wildly popular sport for all ages.” Brad Stafford, athletics manager

for South Suburban Parks and Recreation, said as younger players take up the sport, they are adding more tournaments and classes. The classes are always at maximum capacity, he said, while noting that the problem is getting qualified instructors. “This is such a specialized sport with certain rules that it is hard to find people to teach it,” he said. In 2019, Stafford said, classes had about 80 participants. After last year, classes and programs have more than 200. “The secret is out on this sport,” Stafford said. “It’s a sport you can easily play, find your skill level and always have plenty of players to compete against. No matter what age, it is a sport you pick up quickly, get exercise and it’s a lot of fun.” Phyllis Tumey, a retired resident SEE PICKLEBALL, P15

Centennial Citizen 15

July 22, 2021

‘Kaleidoscope’ exhibit online through end of year

he annual “Kaleidoscope” exhibit at Arapahoe Community College is virtual this year, according to gallery director Trish Sangelo, running from July 12 to December 30 with ceramics, drawings, mixed media, SONYA’S painting, photogra- SAMPLER phy. Also showing: ACC Multimedia Graphic Design and Commercial Photography. Find the exhibits at arapahoe.edu/campus-community/ art-galleries.

Sonya Ellingboe Miners Alley Golden’s Miners Alley Playhouse presents “The Treasurer” July 16 to Aug. 7, at 1224 Washington St., Golden. Call 303935-3044 or try minersalley.com. It was an off-Broadway show in 2017. Denver Center See denvercenter.org for information on the upcoming season, which will start in January. Tickets are on sale now. Look for program announcements. All Colorado Curtis Center for the Arts, 2349 E. Orchard Road, Greenwood Village presents its 38th annual “All Colorado Art Show” through Aug. 28. Juror Mike McClung will speak at 2 p.m. on July 24. Hours: 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday to Friday; 10

a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday. Admission is free. 303-797-1779. Vintage Vintage Theatre, 1468 Dayton St., Aurora, starts its new season with performances of “Five Guys Named Moe” in the Nickelson Auditorium July 23-Aug. 22. Linda Suttle of Littleton will direct “Young Frankenstein” in September. 303-856-7830, vintagetheatre. com. Western Welcome Week Artists: remember Littleton’s Western Welcome Week Art Show is coming in August ... and shoppers also need to put it on the calendar — many folks start the holiday gift shopping at this August event! Lone Tree Arts Center Lone Tree Arts Center has announced its season of theatre and tickets are available at the box office, starting with Jonathan Butler’s Sept. 8 program and Sept. 24: “Saved By the Band.” There are holiday programs, including the “Doo Wop Project Christmas” and much more ... 720-509-1000, lonetreeartscenter.org. Town Hall Arts Center “Disorder in the Court” will be theatre training Aug. 10-Oct. 12, 4 to 6 p.m. on Tuesdays for ages 13 and up at Town Hall Arts Center, 2450 W. Main St., Littleton. Instructor is Lizzie Jones. Tuition is $200.

“Tumult of Yellow” by Nancy Myer is shown in the “Kaleidoscope” virtual exhibit from COURTESY PHOTO Arapahoe Community College.

Registration now at Town Hall box office. 303-794-2787, ext. 5, townhallartscenter.org. Free concerts Englewood’s SunSET Concerts

PICKLEBALL FROM PAGE 14

Michael Beisheim returns a serve at a Front Range pickleball court.

PHOTO BY THELMA GRIMES

of Castle Rock, said she first learned about the sport from a friend who had played at a retirement community in Arizona. After learning how to play, Tumey said, she immediately loved it. In 2012, Tumey said, there were not a lot of courts in Castle Rock, but a growing number of seniors wanted to play. Tumey said she and another resident worked with the town to turn more tennis courts and in-line skating rinks into pickleball courts. Tumey said fellow player Jim

start tonight, July 22, at City Center Amphitheatre, 1000 Englewood Parkway. Free now and on the three following Thursdays, including Hazel Miller and the Collective on July 29. Johnson took the lead on making pickleball a regular attraction in Castle Rock. Now, the town has seven permanent pickleball courts with others under construction. “At first I couldn’t believe it was such a fast-growing sport,” Tumey said. “It is easy for seniors to get outside and get some exercise. You can play a game in 30 minutes, and it does not require a lot of equipment. Really, it is supposed to be a non-contact sport, but we’ve had some run-ins with it becoming so competitive.” As pickleball’s popularity has grown, it is now featured in televised tournaments, and there are efforts to make it an official Olympic sport.

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16 Centennial Citizen

Physical struggle The defense argued that once Chavez and Mitchell engaged in a physical struggle, Mitchell had a right to self-defense that the jury should consider in weighing the charges. “I do think that there are circumstances (during) an attempted robbery that the right to self-defense arises,” defense attorney Cassandra MacKenzie said, arguing that the point occurred when Chavez “swings Mitchell to the ground.” A possible struggle over the gun “was not in the course or in furtherance of and not in immediate flight” from Mitchell’s alleged crimes, McGarvey said. But the prosecution argued that Mitchell can’t rely on a self-defense claim because he was allegedly the initial aggressor. He “confronts someone, points a gun,” Sandrock said, dismissing “this vague idea that maybe, maybe this was just a tragic death that was in a magical second that was not in the commission or the furtherance of this robbery.” The prosecution pointed to DNA

evidence that corroborates where every person was sitting in the car according to Stager’s and Serrano’s accounts. Trial testimony also highlighted fresh abrasions on Chavez’s left knee, suggesting Serrano was correct that Chavez was on his hands and knees above Mitchell and that there was a fight, Sandrock said. The scrapes occurred on the day of Chavez’s death, though it was unclear exactly when, according to testimony. The prosecution also pointed out that Mitchell does not say Gallegos was the shooter in the Snapchat messages. Two vape pen boxes were found in the front yard of the house where Chavez was shot, said Cheyanne Stjernquist, an Arapahoe County Sheriff’s Office crime scene investigator.

‘Complex trauma’ In court hearings to determine whether Mitchell would have the chance at a more lenient sentence, like Serrano and Stager, or remain treated as an adult, a psychologist who had analyzed Mitchell described him as suffering from “complex trauma.” Mitchell had experienced homelessness, endured the deaths of male role models around him and lived with a mother who suffered in abusive relationships, his defenders said. The psychologist expressed concerns about placing Mitchell in the state Department of Corrections — rather than the state Division of Youth Services — where he could be susceptible to negative influences, and she worried he wouldn’t have access to needed therapy. “I think there’s kind of a crossroads here, where Demarea could go one way or the other,” Jessica Bartels, the psychologist, said in court in July 2020. With treatment and the proper incarceration environment, Mitchell could live a more conscientious life, she said. But with the wrong influences, Mitchell also has potential “to become a more sophisticated criminal,” said Bartels, whose analysis assumed that Mitchell was guilty of involvement in the crime. Judge Ben Leutwyler was not swayed at the time and denied the request to transfer the case to juvenile court.

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‘Entire lives ahead of them’ On the night of the incident in May 2019 in east Centennial, the four suspects pulled up to Chavez’s home, where Chavez walked up to a window of the car and may have received cash from Serrano, according to court testimony. Chavez walked away without giving them the vaping product, or he was standing near the car, according to her court testimony. Mitchell got out of the car and confronted Chavez, Serrano said according to an arrest document. Chavez threw Mitchell onto the lawn, according to Serrano’s account, and that’s when Chavez was shot, the arrest document says. Chavez was a few inches taller than Mitchell and a bit heavier, according to court testimony in February 2020. Chavez was an accomplished rugby player. The four suspects were in shock

platform Mitchell used to send the messages — Mitchell also appeared to name who was with him during the incident: “Kenny, Dom, (and) Julie” — or Kenneth Gallegos, now 19; Dominic Jarrod Stager, now 19; and Juliana Alexis Serrano, now also 19. An Arapahoe County District Court jury found Mitchell, now also 19, guilty of first-degree felony murder, attempted aggravated robbery and conspiracy to commit aggravated robbery. The four-day trial concluded July 16. Mitchell is set to be sentenced Sept. 22 and faces life in prison with the possibility of parole after 40 years.

Sandrock, a deputy district attorney for the 18th Judicial District, at the trial. But ultimately, it didn’t matter who pulled the trigger, the prosecution argued. That’s because a count of first-degree felony murder can be charged against anyone in a group that is allegedly involved in a serious crime in which a death occurs. The charge applies even if a particular member of the group is not believed to have directly caused the death. “There’s no sliding scale, no apportionment of blame,” Sandrock said, adding that although Gallegos planned the attempted robbery and Stager brought the gun, they don’t get 50% and 25% of the consequences. “That is not the law.” An Arapahoe County jury on April 9 also found Gallegos guilty of firstdegree felony murder, aggravated robbery and conspiracy to commit aggravated robbery. Under Colorado law, the mandatory penalty for a juvenile convicted of a first-class felony is life in prison with the possibility of parole after 40 years, according to a news release from the 18th Judicial District Attorney’s Office. That’s the sentence Gallegos received on June 2.

FROM PAGE 1

because they didn’t intend to shoot Chavez but, rather, threaten him with the gun if he didn’t give them the vaping product, according to what Serrano had told law enforcement. Defense attorneys at the trial seized on Serrano for giving “seven different versions” of what happened — five to police, another account during the recent trial of Gallegos and then a seventh during Mitchell’s trial. “These were kids. They were 17 years old — their entire lives were ahead of them,” said defense attorney Dan McGarvey. He added: “They were going to say or do anything (necessary) to save themselves.” Stager and Serrano were both offered plea deals to testify against Mitchell and Gallegos, and in return, they were treated as juveniles in court rather than adults. Had they been prosecuted as adults like Mitchell and Gallegos, they would have faced 40 years to life in prison; instead, they received two-year sentences in juvenile settings, according to trial testimony. Stager brought the gun, which he said he had stolen. Before Chavez died during surgery at a hospital, he told a sheriff’s deputy that “Kenny” — Gallegos — shot him and that the shooter was a junior at Cherokee Trail, according to court testimony. Serrano said it was Mitchell who shot Chavez. Serrano and Stager were students at Cherokee Trail, and Gallegos was a Grandview High School student who had recently transferred from Cherokee Trail. Mitchell was identified in photos provided by a Cherokee Trail school resource officer. The shooting occurred in a dark culde-sac, and the car’s back windows were tinted, “so it makes sense that (Chavez) said Kenny,” said Gwenn

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18 Centennial Citizen

July 22, 2021

Sheriff’s sergeant won’t be charged in shooting Kiowa Industrial Park incident led to discharge of duty weapon BY CHANCY J. GATLIN-ANDERSON SPECIAL TO COLORADO COMMUNITY MEDIA

Sgt. Mike Skalisky of the Elbert County Sheriff’s Office will not face criminal charges for shooting an unarmed man on March 18 in an apparent accidental discharge of his duty weapon, prosecutors say. The incident — as described in an official letter from the 18th Judicial District Attorney’s Office announcing the decision not to file charges — occurred at the Kiowa Industrial Park on Highway 86 after Deputy Eli Jarrett attempted to stop the driver for speeding. The man was driving a white Ford F350 without license plates and was clocked driving 67 mph in a 50 mph zone, the DA’s office said. The driver immediately turned in at the Kiowa Industrial Park and fled on foot. Deputies began searching multiple nearby structures, including shipping containers, freight boxes, sheds and portable toilets around the businesses in the industrial park, prosecutors said. Skalisky responded to a call for assistance. While searching for the man, Skalisky looked under a tarp in a dog-kennel-sized dem-

onstration model of a truck box, a space that appeared to be too small to conceal a person, and was startled to find the driver there curled into the fetal position, the DA’s office said. Skalisky told investigators that the surprise of a sudden movement upon finding the driver in the small space caused him to jump back, at which time his duty weapon discharged. A single round from Skalisky’s 9mm Glock 34 passed through the hiding man’s abdomen and then entered his thigh, causing what a physician described as a noncritical flesh wound because it hit no vital organs, the DA’s office said. The man underwent exploratory surgery at Parker Adventist Hospital and was released the next day. The letter from the district attorney’s office described Skalinsky’s explanation of the incident by saying that “he did not intend to shoot Mr. H, and he explained the discharge as an involuntary or ‘sympathetic discharge’ resulting from simultaneously clenching and pulling the tarp with his left hand while holding his duty weapon in his right hand.” “The question here is not so much the appropriate voluntary use of force but the criminal ramifications of an unintended, accidental discharge of a firearm,” the DA’s letter said. “In light of the insufficient evidence for a likelihood of conviction beyond a

The demo truck box where the unarmed man was found. COURTESY OF 18TH JUDICIAL DISTRICT ATTORNEY’S OFFICE

reasonable doubt, and the inability to prove that this shooting was the product a conscious voluntary act or even to establish the least culpable of mental states, charges are not warranted based on the

evidence.” The DA’s office therefore determined: “There is not a reasonable likelihood of success at trial and, therefore, no criminal charges are recommended.”

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Centennial Citizen 19

20 Centennial Citizen

LOCAL

July 22, 2021

SPORTS

Three-sport athlete prepares for cross country Aidyn Woodall says soccer is her favorite BY JIM BENTON JBENTON@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM

Aidyn Woodall has high hopes for the upcoming girls cross country season. Woodall is a three-sport senior athlete at Douglas County High School in Castle Rock and participates in cross country, basketball and soccer. And soccer, she says, would be her pick if she were forced to choose among the three sports. “Honestly, soccer is my favorite sport and cross country is definitely a very close second,” Woodall said. “I am currently looking at both for college, soccer as my main and cross country as a backup. I’m hoping to continue both in college and see where that leads me. “I’m an outside winger (in soccer), which is a running position, so the sports are sort of intertwined. I love going out and scoring goals, more than just running. It has a bigger purpose.” That’s in the future, but for now she is working hard to get ready for the cross country season. Woodall is a three-time regional

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champion, made the All-State team all three seasons and was 13th in last season’s state meet. “I ran track last season, which ran late into June,” she explained. “So I was doing that in June, so that was a little bit of cross country training but not what we really need. So I just started back doing morning training, like four to five miles a day. We will start doing sprints in a couple weeks, that’s part of base training like every other day. I will do some track workouts like 800s and repeats. “Once I get those couple miles done, it just feels so nice. That’s what I enjoy cross country for. I just got done with an hour and half practice for soccer so sometimes I wonder if it is a little much, but it usually isn’t a problem. Overtraining hasn’t really been an issue.” Woodall had some of her best cross country times during her freshman and sophomore seasons. “I’ve made state every year since my freshman year so that’s always the goal,” said Woodall. “As far as time, I would like to keep sub 19 the whole season and just work closer to than lower 18 number. I would say my freshman year I was a lot faster and had faster times.” This season Woodall wants to improve on more than just the physical part of cross country running. “I just have to improve the mentality about it all and get in a better mindset before races because I know what I’m capable of and I just need

Senior Aidyn Woodall, who is a three-sport athlete at Douglas County High School. COURTESY PHOTO

to get that in my head more before races,” she said. “During races it is always a battle to keep going. “Cross county is a team sport but

its more individual. It’s different than the other sports I do and it is harder to get in the mindset and really focus on running a race.”

Standout offensive tackle goes college shopping Jake Maikkula still has senior year of high school ahead BY JIM BENTON JBENTON@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM

Valor Christian’s Jake Maikkula is a highly regarded football player who was all over the United States in June. Maikkula, a 6-foot-6, 270-pound senior offensive tackle, has been working hard in team workouts and in the weight room but he had to do that between official and unofficial visits to eight colleges during June. He’s stopped to look at schools such as California, Colorado, Duke, Nebraska, Missouri and Virginia among his recruiting visits, and he’s received offers from 29 different college football programs. “I would just like to improve my game throughout this season and get myself in great shape to go off to college,” said Maikkula, a rising senior at Valor. “I’m still working on figuring it out where to go but I

Jake Maikkula

COURTESY OF VALOR CHRISTIAN HIGH SCHOOL

should be committing by the end of the month. I’m really excited about that.” Maikkula is versatile and athletic enough to play any position on the offensive line, except he has not

played much as a center. “I’ll play anywhere as long as I can get out onto the field,” he added. In the meantime he’s been preparing for the upcoming season and hopes some type of normality returns to the game after the COVID concerns last fall. “I’m excited to play in the outof-state games we have planned this season,” Maikkula said. “We couldn’t do that last year because of COVID.” Valor, with star running back Gavin Sawchuk, Maikkula and linebacker Jordan Norwood among the standouts who will be returning for another season, should be one of the state’s best Class 5A teams. “I think we have the best team in the state without a doubt,” said Maikkula. “We have incredible talent and an incredible hard-working team. We have a great group to be around and I just enjoy showing up every day and working with the guys. I’m excited for it to pan out this year. “We’ll play our game and we’ll be all set. We’ve got everything lined up and we just have to go out and work hard.”

Centennial Citizen 21

July 22, 2021

Plan aims to ease path to early childhood teaching CU-Denver gets grant as part of project to make degree programs more accessible BY ANN SCHIMKE CHALKBEAT COLORADO

The University of Colorado-Denver is launching a statewide effort to make it easier for new and existing early childhood teachers to earn college degrees. The university won a $2.3 million grant from a funders group called the Early Educator Investment Collaborative to bring together a coalition of university, community college, and state leaders over the next 2 1/2 years. The kickoff meeting was held at the beginning of July. The effort unfolds at a pivotal time in Colorado, with planning for a new early childhood agency and a statefunded universal preschool program underway. It also comes amid a pandemic that spotlighted the importance of early childhood teachers, but also the low pay and long hours that can put college classes out of reach for many of them. Kristie Kauerz, the director of CU Denver’s National P-3 Center, said research increasingly indicates that a college degree, especially one focused on early childhood, boosts education quality for young children. College degrees also bolster

the early childhood workforce’s argument for higher wages, she said. The grant project aims to make Colorado’s degree programs more accessible to early childhood teachers, ensure that the curriculum offered is high quality and culturally relevant, and institute policy reforms to help sustain improvements long-term. In Colorado, there are a variety of ways to become an early childhood teacher, ranging from earning a two-year or four-year degree to taking various non-college training courses. But Kauerz said noncollege trainings often must be repeated every few years and don’t earn teachers college credit. “It’s just this hamster wheel of taking professional learning but it never actually builds to a degree,” she said. Still, Kauerz said it’s often inconvenient and difficult for early childhood teachers to earn a degree. “You’re in a classroom (teaching) for 10 hours a day and then you’re supposed to go to class on a campus?” With this grant, she said, “Higher ed is saying we’re willing to change how we make degrees available to teachers.” Besides CU-Denver, higher education participants in the project include Metropolitan State University of Denver, the University of Northern Colorado, the University of Colorado-Colorado Springs, and the state’s community college system. Representatives from the state’s education department, higher edu-

The University of Colorado Denver is seen in the foreground against the city skyline. COURTESY OF CU DENVER

cation department, office of early childhood, Early Childhood Leadership Commission, and governor’s office will also participate. The grant will pay for a new position at the Colorado Department of Higher Education: the director of early childhood education workforce policy. Sondra Ranum, who previously worked at Teach for America Colorado and the Colorado Department of Education, started in that role July 6. Kauerz said the grant will also pay for “success coaches” who will advise students seeking early childhood degrees at participating colleges and universities.

CU-Denver was among six recipients nationwide to receive a grant from the Early Educator Investment Collaborative to improve early childhood teacher preparation systems. The collaborative consists of eight foundations, including the Bezos Family Foundation and the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. (Both foundations are funders of Chalkbeat.) This story is from Chalkbeat Colorado, a nonprofit news site covering educational change in public schools. Used by permission. For more, and to support Chalkbeat, visit co.chalkbeat.org.

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22 Centennial Citizen

July 22, 2021

STATE FROM PAGE 1

that was being lifted. The closest action to such a comprehensive “health emergency order” appears to be Executive Order D 2020 003, issued in the early days of the pandemic in Colorado, dated March 11, 2020. That order declared a state of disaster emergency due to the coronavirus and authorized state agencies to take actions to respond to the crisis. “The original order, D 003, was very broad because the governor had to address the health crisis, economic impacts and more. The current order is narrowed to focus on the economic recovery and powering the Colorado comeback,” said Conor Cahill, a spokesperson for the governor. Emergency powers During a declared emergency, the governor’s powers greatly expand. During any type of disaster emergency, among other powers, the governor may: • Control the right to enter and exit a disaster area, along with the movement of people within the area. The governor can also quarantine persons and property. • Commandeer or use any private property if necessary to cope with the disaster emergency. • Suspend a statute — or state law — that lays out the procedures for conducting state business or the rules of any state agency, if strict compliance with the statute or rule would prevent or delay necessary action in coping with the disaster

Delta variant is ‘quite scary,’ says agency head Douglas BY ELLIS ARNOLD EARNOLD@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM

Several Denver metro counties are now operating in what they call “level clear” in local dial policies, generally with no local coronavirus restrictions — and that’s likely to continue unless things take a turn for the worse, officials say. Colorado’s color-coded COVID-19 dial was the set of restrictions counties had to follow based on the local spread of the virus. The system affected capacity at businesses, events and other settings. Colorado originally implemented the dial last Sept. 15. This spring, when state officials stepped back and let local health agencies take the wheel on most coronavirus restrictions, health agencies in the Denver metro area extended the “dial” system locally as a rise in virus cases and the continued spread of COVID-19 variemergency. That’s according to a fact sheet on the governor’s powers during a declared emergency written by the Office of Legislative Legal Services, a staff agency of the Colorado legislature.

ants kept health officials worried. In Adams, Arapahoe and Jefferson counties, for example, level clear will continue unless hospitalizations rise high enough to trigger a “snapback provision,” where restrictions would return. John Douglas, head of Tri-County Health Department, said the coronavirus Delta variant has “come out of nowhere, and it’s quite scary,” and that Tri-County Health ofDouglas ficials will be discussing what happens to the Adams and Arapahoe localdial public health order after Aug. 15. “I think if (trends are) similar to now, we would probably not continue the public health order. We won’t want to use that kind of procedure unless there’s a current risk or a likely imminent risk,” Douglas said in an interview. Tri-County Health’s order runs through Aug. 16, and the agency was not considering a cancellation as of July 16, said Tri-County official Mellissa Sager. Douglas thinks it’s not likely, Perhaps the most visible form of power the governor has exercised in Coloradans’ everyday lives was the state’s mask order, issued by executive order and renewed many times. The governor’s mask order expired June 1, according to the governor’s office, but some of its requirements have generally lived on through an updated public health order from the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment. What’s more, that department’s power to issue public health orders — including those regarding capacity restrictions on businesses, quarantine guidance or masks — have not changed as a result of Polis’ new policy. “Public health orders do not rely on a disaster emergency declaration and can be issued at any time to control the spread of disease and protect public health,” said a statement from the Colorado State Joint Information Center, which takes questions for the state public-health department. In other words, Colorado’s public health orders can still require

but not impossible, that Tri-County’s area could see hospitalizations increase in coming months. Public health officials aren’t sure how long immunity from vaccination lasts and whether the public needs booster shots, Douglas added. “Cooler fall weather, interacting more indoors … many people are concerned about a fall-winter wave of infection,” Douglas said. Douglas noted that a pandemic, “just to be strictly definitional, is a global epidemic, and so we still have a global epidemic,” while trends have improved in the U.S. and Colorado specifically. Colorado still has a “risk of cases, hospitalizations and deaths bouncing back potentially quickly in this state,” Douglas said. Douglas added: “If you have been thinking about getting the vaccine yourself or thinking about someone in your family or friendship group getting it, now is the perfect time to do it, as Delta is making unvaccinated people sick across the country. Let tomorrow be the first day of your vaccinated life, as I think that does remain our main strategy.” quarantine policies, restrictions on businesses and other measures in response to the coronavirus. The statewide stay-at-home order in spring 2020 and the safer-at-home order that came after it were issued via public health orders. The COVID-19 “dial” policies — which outlined restrictions on businesses and other settings based on local virus spread — also arrived via public health order. Some provisions restated What Polis’ July 8 action did was rescind many executive orders the governor issued in response to the pandemic, but it also restated some provisions, including to continue the state’s disaster declaration. “My verbal order of March 10, 2020, declaring a disaster emergency … is hereby memorialized by this executive order and shall have the full force and effect of law as if it were contained within this executive order,” the July 8 executive order says. SEE STATE, P30

Centennial Citizen 23

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24 Centennial Citizen

July 22, 2021

FIRES FROM PAGE 1

and longer-burning fires. There is no longer a change of approach to prepare for wildfire season because there is no season.” Schumacher said it is not just Colorado, Western states have had year-round fire problems since 2002 as average temperatures have crept up and annual precipitation levels have decreased. Schumacher said the increased temperatures are here to stay and the impact on the atmosphere is real. “In the mountains and western Colorado, the increasing temperatures puts more stress on vegetation and soil,” he said. “When the air is hotter, it is thirstier for water. The atmosphere then wants to pull the moisture out of the soils and crops. Even if you have a normal amount of precipitation, it does not go as far.” Along the Front Range, Schumacher said, 2021 has been a good year for snowfall and precipitation, but the effects of 2020 carry over. In years like 2020, Schumacher said, the exceedingly hot temperatures with a lower-than-average level of snow and rainfall become the perfect setting for wildfires. In 2020, an estimated 700,000 acres burned in the state as the Cameron Peak Fire, East Troublesome Fire and the Pine Gulch Fire blazed through Colorado lands. So far in 2021, the incident information system, InciWeb, estimates more than 25,000 acres have burned in seven different wildfires reported throughout the state. Daniel Beveridge, a wildfire mitigation specialist for the Colorado State Forest Service (CSFS), said climate change has created a new reality as officials manage state forest lands. “With it being warmer and drier, it only intensifies fires, allowing

Crews of firefighters from around the country stand with their equipment for a group photo in 2020 during their time fighting the Pine Gulch Fire, which was burning north of Grand Junction. Thornton Fire Lt. Perry Otero led the team for two weeks in August. COURTESY OF PERRY OTERO

Smoke billows from the Elephant Butte Fire the evening it started on July 13, 2020. The FILE PHOTO BY SHELLY BROBST fire forced a portion of the Evergreen community to evacuate.

them to burn faster,” he said. “The most important thing for people using public lands is to follow guidelines set by local jurisdictions. These warnings are not just created on a whim. They are not taken lightly, and they are important.” According to the U.S. Department of the Interior, about 90% of wildfires are human caused, with the other 10% coming from nature such

as lightning strikes. It is important that people take responsibility and realize that an overheated car parked in dry weeds can spark a major fire, Beveridge said. Evergreen Fire Rescue Chief Mike Weege said covering more than 120 square miles of land in parts of Jefferson, Park and Clear Creek counties presents a lot of challenges.

Thornton Fire Lt. Perry Otero makes notes during his time deployed to Grand Junction to help fight the Pine Gulch Fire COURTESY OF PERRY OTERO in 2020.

Besides climate issues, Weege said the current state of some of the state’s forest lands provides added fuel that allows a wildfire to get big fast. Dead, dry trees covering the forest floor have been a factor over the last few years, he said. “We have continued to see this unhealthy overgrowth in forests,” SEE FIRES, P25

South Metro fire crews head to California Wildland firefighters to help as Western states battle worsening blazes STAFF REPORT

South Metro Fire Rescue crews have gone to California as part of a united effort in fighting wildfires in the Western states. According to the national Interagency Fire Center (IFC), more than 12,000 firefighters have been deployed throughout the country to fire nearly 60 large fires burning, including the Beckwourth Complex in California, which has burned more than 100,000 acres. Connor Christian, communications specialist for South Metro Fire Rescue, said the wildland team sent to California is based out of Station 20, a newly built fire station in Highlands Ranch. “We always have firefighters on a deployment ready list in case wildfires start in the state of Colorado

or in states around the country,” Christian said. “When our department receives an order for wildland resources, we will send a variety of options.” South Metro serves a large expanse of south Arapahoe and north Douglas counties. In a Twitter post, firefighters Wes Polk, Travis McConnell, Todd Bramer and John Peterson bid farewell to home, heading to California for 14 days. Christian said when this crew returns, if more help is still needed, South Metro will send out another crew. Christian said in some cases, crews only get a few hours’ notice to deploy because a fire is growing out of control. In this case, Christian said the four-man crew got notice overnight that they would be shipping out by morning on July 13. Christian said a wildland deployment can consist of multiple fire operations responsibilities, including providing structure protection, digging fire lines, or serving as a look out for changes in the fire’s behavior as it reacts to the weather.

South Metro Fire District firefighters, Wes Polk, left, Travis McConnell, Todd Bramer and John Peterson left for a 14-day stint in California. Crews regularly help neighborCOURTESY PHOTO ing states fighting major wildfires throughout the year.

Centennial Citizen 25

July 22, 2021

FIRES FROM PAGE 24

he said. “Add that to the increased heat we are dealing with, and you have more fires.” Last year, Weege said, fire crews fought the Elephant Butte Fire in the middle of a populated area. While the fire was contained after 54 acres, Weege said it could have been a lot worse. Einar Jensen, South Metro Fire Rescue risk reduction specialist, said the “wildfire season” label is creating a false sense of security. South Metro Fire provides fire protection for 300 square miles in parts of Jefferson, Arapahoe and Douglas counties. “It does not matter if it is in the hotter, drier part of the summer or in the winter, if the fuel for the fire is ready to go, it’s ready to go,” Jensen said. In Castle Rock, Fire Chief Norris Croom said preparedness is not about time of year, but about being ready all the time. That includes coordinating with other fire departments to create a regional approach for the moment smoke is sighted. In 2020, the Chatridge 2 Fire burned more than 460 acres near Highlands Ranch. Croom said if it were not for the coordinated effort between Castle Rock and South Metro Fire Rescue, more land and

homes would have been destroyed. In total, Castle Rock Fire and Rescue covers more than 66 square miles of land, including 34 square miles of the incorporated town, and 32 square miles of unincorporated land surrounding the town. Hatlestad said when a report of smoke or fire sightings comes in, all departments along then entire Front Range are on edge. “Fire sees no political boundaries,” he said. “A wildfire crosses town and county boundaries in minutes. All fires start small, but in today’s climate, they can become massive quickly.” In 2020, the wind, heat and dry air created the perfect environment for the East Toublesome Fire to cover 100,000 acres in less than 24 hours, Hatlestad said. Weege said Evergreen relies heavily on state assistance if a fire breaks out in the forest areas. Once a fire gets into the trees, Weege said it not only spreads quickly, but requires the state’s air assistance to fight it from above. In the more suburban communities, Thornton Fire Lt. Perry Otero said the department does not have a lot of calls for wildfires, but they believe in a coordinated, cooperative approach for the good of the Front Range. Otero said Thornton fire crews are trained to handle wildland fires and are able to send help to other counties and districts as needed.

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Training Career Training ToCareer Advertise call Karen 303.566.4091 TRAIN ONLINE TO DO MEDICAL BILLING! Become a Medical Ofﬁce Professional online at CTI! Get Trained, Certiﬁed & ready to work in months! Call 888-572-6790. (M-F 8am-6pm ET)

Help Wanted Registered Occupational Therapist 4 Day Per Week Registered Occupational Therapist. OTR must have, or be eligible for appropriate Colorado licensure. Provide Pre-12 intervention, assessment, direct & indirect services just east of Denver on I-70, Bennett, Strasburg Byers & Kiowa areas. Support from an experienced COTA is available. Salary range for PhD: $47,000$60,300. Excellent beneﬁts. Access to company vehicle or mileage reimbursement. To apply for this position, please complete the Certiﬁed Application for Employment available on the East Central BOCES website www.ecboces.org under “Jobs” on our website ecboces.org. EOE Questions contact Tracy at (719) 775-2342, ext. 101 or email tracyg@ecboces.org Maintenance Technician I

Arapahoe County Public Airport Authority Airport is currently accepting applications for a dependable full-time Maintenance Technician I to perform a variety unskilled and semi-skilled general labor tasks associated with the maintenance and operation of the Airport’s property and light to heavy equipment. Must be fluent in written and spoken English and be able to communicate via radio transmissions; flexibility to be on-call during inclement weather and to work alternate shifts including weekends for snow removal, mowing and other special projects that may arise. Typical work schedule: 7 am – 3:30 pm, Monday – Friday. A valid Colorado Driver’s license and HS diploma or GED required. Experience in building or construction maintenance including heavy equipment operation a plus. Hourly hiring range is $21.00 - $23.00. Excellent benefits after 60 days. Apply in person to the Airport Authority at 7565 S. Peoria St., D-9,

Maintenance Worker Maintenance person for Mitchell White Residences in Idaho Springs. Part time doing repairs, minor plumbing, minor electrical, gardeing, snow removal etc. Hourly rate depending on experience. Robin 303-567-4285

Visa Technology & Operations LLC, a Visa Inc. company, currently has openings in our Highlands Ranch, CO location for: Cybersecurity Engineers (Job# REF35351O): to design, deploy, & support solutions to monitor & protect Visa’s systems & data. Implement cross-organizational Data Loss Prevention (DLP), managing, building, testing, tuning, & deploying the policy management solutions. Staff SW Engineers (REF34753B) Build, operate, and maintain the IT systems and infrastructure necessary to enable a highly connected and collaborative workforce to power Visa’s business. Develop, test, and debug new and existing functionality that meets speciﬁc requirements. Some travel, up to 5%, may be required to work on projects at various, unanticipated sites throughout the United States and internationally. Staff Database Engineers (REF33470R) To manage, support, and maintain Oracle, Couch base, and Postgres database technologies and infrastructure while adhering to architectural guidelines and policies. Administer the database for off-the-shelf and internally developed applications while ensuring continuous operation and availability in support of mission critical business applications. Some travel may be required, less than 20 percent of the time, to work on projects at various, unanticipated sites throughout the United States. To apply, please reference Job#s above when mailing resume to: LJ, Visa Inc., MS: M1-12 SW, 900 Metro Center Blvd., Foster City, CA 94404. EOE

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Public Works Operator The Town of Elizabeth Public Works Department is seeking an individual who is organized and self-motivated for an entry-level full-time position. The preferred applicant should have at least one (1) year of experience in, but not limited to: assisting in park mowing, trimming, building maintenance, light and heavy equipment operation, equipment maintenance and repair, water meter reading, sewer and water mainline repairs, minor water and wastewater plant repair and maintenance, minor landscape type equipment repairs, and general labor for the department. Preferred applicant to be considered is to be within 30 minutes of the Town of Elizabeth, CDL Class B (or able to obtain a CDL Class B within 1 year of accepted hire/training provided by the Town) and to be available if needed to work during weekends and Holidays along with any needed overtime. A background check and references will determine final eligibility. Please inquire with the Public Works Director for more detailed information at 303913-6453. Valid Driver’s license required. Hourly salary starting at $19.23 per hour DOQ and includes current Town benefits EOE/M/FV. Applications will be accepted until the job is filled. Send resume and completed town application to Town of Elizabeth/Public Works Director Mike DeVol. Town of Elizabeth PO Box 159/151 Banner St. Elizabeth, CO 80107, Fax to 303-646-9434 or Email to mdevol@townofelizabeth. org

Maintenance Technician II - Fleet

Arapahoe County Public Airport Authority Airport is currently accepting applications for a dependable full-time Maintenance Technician II for Fleet Maintenance to perform a variety of skilled and semi-skilled labor duties associated with operating and maintaining Airport vehicles, equipment, and property. Must be fluent in both written and spoken English and be able to communicate via radio transmissions; have the flexibility to be on-call during inclement weather and to work alternate shifts including weekends for snow removal, mowing and other special projects that may arise. Typical work schedule: 7 am – 3:30 pm, Monday – Friday. A valid Colorado Driver’s license and HS diploma or GED required plus 6 months vocational training in automotive or diesel repair plus one-year vehicle maintenance experience including heavy equipment operation or equivalent combination of experience and training. Hourly hiring range is $25.00 to $27.00 depending on experience level. Excellent benefits after 60 days. Apply in person to the Airport Authority at 7565 S. Peoria St., D-9, Englewood, CO 80112 or obtain an application at www.centennialairport.com. EOE

Career Training

Speech Language Pathologist Full Time & Part Time Speech Language Pathologist or SLPA Positions. CCC’s preferred but open to School Internships. Able to provide supervision for CFY hours. Join our dynamic, multi-disciplinary team of professionals for the 2021-22 school year. Administer assessments, provide direct, indirect & consultation services for students PreK-12th grades. Competitive salaries: SLP $42,000-$53,900 & SLPA- $33,000$44, 200, both commensurate upon experience. Excellent benefits, including full health benefits & mileage reimbursement or use of a car. Questions contact Tracy (719) 775-2342, ext. 101. To apply for this position, please complete the Certified Application for Employment available on the East Central BOCES website www.ecboces.org under “Jobs”. EOE

Sr. Software Engineers Visa U.S.A. Inc, a Visa Inc. company, currently has openings in our Highlands Ranch, CO location for: Sr Software Engineers (Job# REF35099C) to design, build or maintain HP NonStop servers, using TAL (Transaction Application Language). Code to design speciﬁcation. Identify problems uncovered by testing or customer feedback and correct problems. To apply, please reference Job#s above when mailing resume to: LJ, Visa Inc., MS: M1-12 SW, 900 Metro Center Blvd., Foster City, CA 94404. EOE LEGITIMATE WORK AT HOME No Sales, no Investment, No Risk, Free training, Free website. Contact Susan at 303-646-4171 or ﬁll out form at www.wisechoice4u.com

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Misc. Notices

BUSINESS CLOSING SALE - Everything Must Go Tools & Shop Supplies Shop & Fabrication Equipment Wall-Mounted Shelving & Countertops Worktables & Rolling Tables Industrial Shelving Upcycling & Art Materials Shop & Art Supplies Very Unique Furniture & Décor Items Sculpture & Burnished Metal Pieces Special Gifts & Artwork - Everything on Sale Open: M-F 7:30am - 3:30pm Liquid Metal Coatings 7015 West 16th Avenue Lakewood, CO 80214 303-202-2042 Sale End: August 6th @ 9:00pm with the 40 West 1st Friday Art Crawl WIDOWED MEN AND WOMEN OF AMERICA. A social club offering many exciting activities and life long friendships. Social hours for all areas of Metro Denver. Reopening Activities May 1st, 2021 Visit Widowedamerica.org for details In your area!

Garage Sales Save the Date! Gigantic Garage Sale in the Pradera Golf Community Subdivision Fri & Sat, July 23rd and 24th 8am-4pm Numerous homeowners in the Pradera community will be participating in this event Major cross streets into Pradera are Bayou Gulch and Parker Road, Parker 80134 Call Dotson Skaggs, Kentwood Company, 303-909-9350 for more information. GARAGE SALE July 30 and July 31 9am - 3pm 7768 Barkway Court, Lone Tree Dining room table and hutch, trendle bed, clothes, shoes, exercise bike, new tv and more!

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Firewood

To place a 25-word COSCAN Network ad in 91 Colorado newspapers for only $300, contact your local newspaper or email Colorado Press Association Network at rtoledo@colopress.net GENERAC PWRCELL

DISH NETWORK

The Generac PWRcell, a solar plus battery storage system. SAVE Money, reduce your reliance on the grid, prepare for power outages and power your home. FULL installation services available. $0 Down Financing Option. Request a FREE, NO obligation, quote today. Call 1-844-938-0804

Dish Network $59.99 for 190 channels! Blazing Fast Internet, $19.99/mo (where available) Switch & get a FREE $100 Visa Gift Card FREE Voice Remote FREE HD DVR, FREE Streaming in ALL DEVICES! CALL TODAY! 1-833-955-3264 HELP WANTED

INOGEN PORTABLE OXYGEN

Split & Delivered $300 a cord Stacking available extra $50 Call 303-647-2475 or 720-323-2173

Health & Beauty VIAGRA and CIALIS USERS! 50 Generic Pills SPECIAL $99.00 FREE Shipping! 100% guaranteed. 24/7 CALL NOW! 888-445-5928 Hablamos Espanol

Medical Attention oxygen therapy users! Inogen One G4 is capable of full 24/7 oxygen delivery. Only 2.8 pounds. Free info kit. Call 877-929-9587

Miscellaneous DENTAL INSURANCE - Physicians Mutual Insurance Company. Covers for 350 procedures. Real insurance - not a discount plan. Get your free dental info kit! 1-888-623-3036 www.dental50plus.com/58 #6258.

GENERAC Standby Generators provide backup power during power outages, so your home & family stay safe & comfortable. Prepare now. Free 7-yr extended warranty $695 value! Request a free quote today! Call for terms & conditions. 1-844334-8353 Personal Garden Service. Yard & garden maintenance, preparation, cleanup (weeding, bush trimming, etc). Year-round service. Joe Marino 303-961-1495. Mornings Home Number 303-621-1121. Attention Active Duty & Military Veterans! Begin a new career & earn a Degree at CTI! Online Computer & Medical training available for Veterans & Families! To learn more, call 888-449-1713 Never pay for covered home repairs again! Complete Care Home Warranty covers all major systems & appliances. 30-day risk free. $200.00 off + 2 free months! 1-866-395-2490

Portable Oxygen Concetrator May be Covered by Medicare! Reclaim independence and mobility with the compact design and long-lasting battery of Inogen One. Free information Kit! Call 855-955-4723 UNITED TAX FIX

¿Luchando con la deuda fiscal? ¡Resuelve su factura de impuestos ahora! Detener las acciones de colección negativas. Negociar pagos mensuales asequibles. Llame a United Tax Fix 1-844-939-3297

School Sates - Flexible Schedule. Local Sales Representative needed to call on libraries in this area. Commission plus bonus! For Complete information Call Chuck at 303-257-2320 AMERIGLIDE ACCESSIBILITY SOLUTIONS

Don't let the stairs limit your mobility! Discover the ideal solution for anyone who struggles on the stairs, is concerned about a fall or wants to regain access to their entire home. Call AmeriGlide Today! 1-844-341-2349

Doodle Puppies

Golden Doodles and Bernedoodles Home-Raised Heath Tested and Guaranteed Standard and Mini Size available Schedule a visit today! (970)215-6860

Boats and Water Sports

Miscellaneous

Eliminate gutter cleaning forever! LeafFilter, the most advanced debris-blocking protection. Schedule free estimate today. 15% off entire Purchase. 10% Senior & Military Discounts. Call 1-855-995-2490

Long distance moving: White-glove service from America’s top movers. Fully insured and bonded. Let us take the stress out of your out of state move. Free quotes! Call: 855606-2752

BATH & SHOWER UPDATES in as little as ONE DAY! Affordable prices - No payments for 18 months! Lifetime warranty & professional installs. Senior & Military Discounts available. Call: 855-761-1725

ATTENTION DIABETICS! Save money on diabetic supplies! Convenient home shipping for monitors, test strips, insulin pumps, catheters & more! To learn more, call now! 877-810-0063

Update your home with beautiful new blinds & shades. Free in-home estimates make it convenient to shop from home. Professional installation. Top quality - Made in the USA. Free consultation: 877-212-7578. Ask about our specials!

!!OLD GUITARS WANTED!! GIBSON, FENDER, MARTIN, Etc. 1930’s to 1980’s. TOP DOLLAR PAID. CALL TOLL FREE 1-866433-8277

1982 Bayliner Sierra Sun Bridge 24’ 225hp, 5.0 Chevy Engine, Volvo Stern Drive, 280 1982 Trailer, tandem axle. Good condition. Original shape. Sleep 3. Upholstery is exc. $2,500. Call 303-805-1801

Classic/Antique Cars

1929 Model A Roadster Completely restored. New top, new brakes, castiron drums, steering rebuilt, new tubes and car cover. $25,000. Call Leo 303-471-4598

Wanted

Donate Your Car to Veterans Today! Help and Support our Veterans. Fast - FREE pick up. 100% tax deductible. Call 1-800245-0398

Tools

Scrap Metal, Batteries, Appliances, Wiring, Scrap Plumbing/Heating, Cars/Parts, Clean out Garages/Yards, Rake, Yard work done w/chainsaw, Certiﬁed Auto Mechanical / Body Work & paint available Also can do inside or outside cleaning 303-647-2475 / 720-323-2173

The Generac PWRcell solar plus battery storage system. Save money, reduce reliance on grid, prepare for outages & power your home. Full installation services. $0 down ﬁnancing option. Request free no obligation quote. 1-855-270-3785

Dogs

Cash for all Vehicles! Cars, Trucks, Vans, SUV’s Any condition • Running or not No title OK • Free towing

(303)741-0762

Miller Goldstar 300-AC_DC Heliarc Welder (Tig Machine with Foot Feed) Has portable cart, long leads and torch. It was used at Rocky Flats in the 1980’s. The cart holds 3 bottles. Gas and hoses are included. I have a receipt for the Argon Bottle. $500 or Best Offer or would consider a trade of Value

HOME BREAK-INS take less than 60 SECONDS. Don’t wait! Protect your family, your home, your assets NOW for as little as 70¢ a day! Call 866-409-0308

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Home for Sale

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Apartments

1 bed / 1 bath $1,200 month Upstairs apt in private home Historic downtown Castle Rock Private 2nd floor entrance Carport off alley Util. inc./no smoking/no pets Call for showing 303-552-7226

Homes

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over 500k

up to 500k

If Buying a home in Denver Metro & I’m Agent

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1%*

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30,000 square feet in 3 out-buildings that are fully finished

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To Advertise call Karen 303.566.4091 kearhart@coloradocommunitymedia.com TO ADVERTISE CALL 303-566-4100 Drywall

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We do driveways, garage floors, walkways, front porches, steps, back patios, and always provide free estimates. Fully insured, local and perform quality work.

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ESIGNS, INC

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Scott, Owner - 720-364-5270 Handyman

Master Handyman and Craftsman Licensed and Insured / 40+ years experience: Design, Carpentry, Woodwork repairs, Cabinet restoration, Drywall, Plumbing, Electrical, Furniture repairs and much much more. I will return your phone call. Randy 303 646 3461 / www.rmdesignconst.com

Drywall

All types of Concrete Work

Electricians

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Cleaning

Call DJ 720-339-4722

Over 25 years experience

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All phases to include

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Bathrooms

Sanders Drywall Inc.

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Colorado, USA

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’s DeSpain HOME SOLUTIONS

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To Advertise call Karen 303.566.4091 kearhart@coloradocommunitymedia.com TO ADVERTISE CALL 303-566-4100 Landscaping

Lawn/Garden Services

Painting

CONTINENTAL INC. Commercial and Residential

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Hauling Service

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I don’t take the grass or leaves away, but I do supply my own bags.

RAKING LEAVES  FERTILIZING I have all my own equipment. In business since 1991. Serving Highlands Ranch, Lone Tree, Parker and Centennial

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Maintenance

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Licensed / Insured

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Brick, Block & Rock Work 44 years experience Brick repair. Brick BBQs. Fireplaces and Pavers.

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CALL 303-550-5766 Brad Christiansen madsenmasonry@gmail.com Insured

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Home/Business maintenance, repair and remodel. Small to large Jobs, handyman work or remodel work. Knowledgeable in all aspects of maintenance, repair & new construction. 20+ years of Experience. What do you need done? Burt 720-532-2685 burtagent@gmail.com

Plumbing

ANCHOR PLUMBING

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30 Centennial Citizen

July 22, 2021

STATE FROM PAGE 22

What that means is that Polis’ emergency powers appear to remain unchanged, but the governor appears to be focusing his powers only in certain ways. “Over seventy percent of adults have now received at least one dose of the lifesaving COVID-19 vaccine, and we are beginning to see life return to a new normal. I am therefore rescinding all previous executive orders issued due to COVID-19 and amending and restating this executive order to focus only on those measures related to the state’s recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic emergency,” the July executive order says. Spanning 12 pages, the executive order still issues numerous dense directives, such as for administering the COVID-19 vaccine and ensuring that health care facilities have sufficient resources to treat COVID-19 patients, improving Colorado’s economic recovery, and maintaining access to additional federal funding, the order’s text says. Some language that the order says it rescinds is nevertheless reinstated elsewhere in the order.

For example, the order says the governor rescinds Executive Order D 2021 088, which provides some protection for tenants at risk of eviction amid the pandemic. But part of order D 2021 088’s language is inserted verbatim back into the new executive order on page 8. John Douglas, director of TriCounty Health Department, said on July 15 that he wasn’t aware of the “seeming contradiction” about the disaster declaration continuing. “I assumed we were not (under emergency order),” said Douglas, whose department is the local health agency for Adams, Arapahoe and Douglas counties. County and district public health agencies have independent authority to issue local public health orders, for which a statewide disaster declaration is not required, according to Mellissa Sager, policy and public affairs officer for Tri-County Health. Douglas wondered whether the crowd at the Major League Baseball All-Star Game happening five days after the governor’s new executive order acts as a “double barrel” mechanism for making people less cautious. So far, he hasn’t seen evidence of that, he said.

Gov. Jared Polis sits at his desk June 7 in the state Capitol to sign a bill aimed at adPHOTO BY ELLIS ARNOLD dressing bullying policy among school districts in the state.

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Centennial Citizen 31

July 22, 2021

Wedding host excited about backyard event Businesswoman tries not to inconvenience neighbors BY THELMA GRIMES TGRIMES@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM

Going from teaching students to cook, craft and sew to hosting parties and weddings in her own backyard, Rene Smith-Tomczak is one busy Highlands Ranch resident. Smith-Tomczak said it all started a few years ago when she put together her daughter’s wedding in her backyard. More than 120 people were present, everyone enjoyed the experience and Smith-Tomczak said the rest is history. Fast-forward to 2020 when the pandemic hit, creating restrictions for events and weddings, Smith-Tomczak said her backyard once again became the spotlight. Smith-Tomczak transformed her backyard to accommodate a large wedding on July 10. In touring the yard ahead of the event, a shed painted like a little red barn sits in the back corner. In this backyard, however, it is a bar. Trees are decorated

with lights, and the deck was recently under construction to allow for a larger walkway and stage. For Smith-Tomczak it is clear the pressure of event planning is taken with ease as she proudly bounces from spot to spot to assure everything is in place and ready to go. This includes a trip to the basement to work on the floral arrangements, which she also gladly took over. Smith-Tomczak has been teaching culinary arts and sewing at Cresthill Middle School for the last 11 years. She speaks with passion about the opportunity to continue teaching a program that in many school districts has become a lost art. Carrying her teachings and expertise into the private industry, SmithTomczak said she has not just hosted weddings. Her backyard has been a happening spot for themed parties from a casino night to Mardi Gras. “I am a creative person. God has given me a talent,” Smith-Tomczak said. “I wanted to be a singer, but my talent is creativity. For me, beauty is everywhere and can be transformed at any time. Give me things,

give me a project and I will turn them in to something pretty.” In 2020, Smith-Tomczak said the pandemic pushed a lot of people to think differently about how to host an event. They have realized they do not need a big venue to host a nice wedding, she said. Smith-Tomczak said the couple about to say “I do” had already made memories in her backyard attending other parties and gatherings. When they asked if they could host a wedding there, she said she was honored. “A backyard wedding has magic,” she said. “Cost and finances became an issue for many. And really, COVID forced us all to think outside the box and find ways to create these precious moments without breaking the bank or being unsafe. I am not doing this as a business. It is really a passion of mine.” Given that her home is in a neighborhood, SmithTomczak said she works hard to include her Highlands Ranch neighbors, making sure they are not inconvenienced by any special party or wedding. As portable bathrooms are parked on the street, and traffic comes through,

Rene Smith-Tomczak does it all, including growing her own vegCOURTESY PHOTO etables for weddings and parties.

Smith-Tomczak said she is blessed to have the supportive, accepting neighbors she has. To mitigate the traffic flow, Smith-Tomczak said she hires local teenagers to shuttle people to the home from a designated area. Parties and weddings are

also concluded no later than 11 p.m., Smith-Tomczak said, to show respect to neighbors. For now, Smith-Tomczak said she loves all the work that goes into preparing for a special occasion, and once it is over, “I will sit back and just enjoy.”

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PUBLIC NOTICES

Public Notices call Sheree 303.566.4088 Legals Public Trustees COMBINED NOTICE - PUBLICATION CRS §38-38-103 FORECLOSURE SALE NO. 0025-2021 To Whom It May Concern: This Notice is given with regard to the following described Deed of Trust: On May 7, 2021, the undersigned Public Trustee caused the Notice of Election and Demand relating to the Deed of Trust described below to be recorded in the County of Arapahoe records. Original Grantor(s) Matthew T. Machetta Original Beneficiary(ies) Credit Union of Denver Current Holder of Evidence of Debt Michael P. Spahn Date of Deed of Trust August 08, 2014 County of Recording Arapahoe Recording Date of Deed of Trust August 18, 2014 Recording Information (Reception No. and/or Book/Page No.) D4075573 Original Principal Amount $17,500.00 Outstanding Principal Balance $24,575.98 Pursuant to CRS §38-38-101(4)(i), you are hereby notified that the covenants of the deed of trust have been violated as follows: Failure to pay principal and interest when due together with all other payments provided for in the evidence of debt secured by the deed of trust and other violations thereof.

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THE LIEN FORECLOSED MAY NOT BE A FIRST LIEN.

County of Arapahoe, State of Colorado By: Susan Sandstrom, Public Trustee

LOT 14 AND THE NORTH 1/2 OF LOT 15, BLOCK 8, PREMIER ADDITION TO ENGLEWOOD, COUNTY OF ARAPAHOE, STATE OF COLORADO

The name, address, business telephone number and bar registration number of the attorney(s) representing the legal holder of the indebtedness is:

Also known by street and number as: 3450 S. GRANT ST., ENGLEWOOD, CO 80113. THE PROPERTY DESCRIBED HEREIN IS ALL OF THE PROPERTY CURRENTLY ENCUMBERED BY THE LIEN OF THE DEED OF TRUST. NOTICE OF SALE The current holder of the Evidence of Debt secured by the Deed of Trust, described herein, has filed Notice of Election and Demand for sale as provided by law and in said Deed of Trust. THEREFORE, Notice Is Hereby Given that I will at public auction, at 10:00 A.M. on Wednesday, 09/08/2021, at The East Hearing Room, County Administration Building, 5334 South Prince Street, Littleton, Colorado, 80120, sell to the highest and best bidder for cash, the said real property and all interest of the said Grantor(s), Grantor(s)' heirs and assigns therein, for the purpose of paying the indebtedness provided in said Evidence of Debt secured by the Deed of Trust, plus attorneys' fees, the expenses of sale and other items allowed by law, and will issue to the purchaser a Certificate of Purchase, all as provided by law. First Publication: 7/15/2021 Last Publication: 8/12/2021 Name of Publication: Littleton Independent IF THE SALE DATE IS CONTINUED TO A LATER DATE, THE DEADLINE TO FILE A NOTICE OF INTENT TO CURE BY THOSE PARTIES ENTITLED TO CURE MAY ALSO BE EXTENDED; DATE: 05/07/2021 Susan Sandstrom, Public Trustee in and for the

Earl Staelin #30283 Earl H. Staelin, Attorney at Law 1801 E. Girard Pl., No. 211, Englewood, CO 80113 (303) 229-2834 Attorney File # 3450 S GRANT ST The Attorney above is acting as a debt collector and is attempting to collect a debt. Any information provided may be used for that purpose. ©Public Trustees' Association of Colorado Revised 1/2015 Legal Notice NO. 0025-2021 First Publication: 7/15/2021 Last Publication: 8/12/2021 Name of Publication: Littleton Independent

City and County PUBLIC NOTICE CITY OF CENTENNIAL NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that on Monday, July 19, 2021, the Centennial City Council approved the following ordinance on second and final reading: ORDINANCE NO. 2021-O-11 AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CENTENNIAL, COLORADO APPROVING A VACATION OF PORTIONS OF RIGHT-OF-WAY DIRECTLY EAST AND WEST OF EAST NOBLES ROAD SOUTH OF EAST ARAPAHOE ROAD ADJACENT TO LOTS 1, 2, AND 7, BLOCK 4, CHERRY KNOLLS AND LOTS 1, 2, AND 3, BLOCK 14, CHERRY KNOLLS 2ND FILING, CASE NO. VACP-20-00001

The full text of the ordinance is available for public inspection in the office of the City Clerk and is also available on the City’s web site, www.centennialcolorado.com. The ordinance may be obtained by contacting the City Clerk, 303-754-3324. by a vote of 8 in favor and 0 against.

Publisher: Littleton Independent and the Centennial Citizen PUBLIC NOTICE CITY OF CENTENNIAL NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that on Monday, July 19, 2021, the Centennial City Council approved the following ordinance on second and final reading:

(First published July 8, 2021) By: Barbara Setterlind, MMC, City Clerk Legal Notice No. 526391-61099 First Publication: July 22, 2021 Last Publication: July 22, 2021 Publisher: Littleton Independent and the Centennial Citizen

ORDINANCE NO. 2021-O-07

PUBLIC NOTICE CITY OF CENTENNIAL NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that on Monday, July 19, 2021 the Centennial City Council passed on first reading: ORDINANCE NO. 2021-O-12 AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CENTENNIAL, COLORADO REZONING CERTAIN PROPERTY LOCATED SOUTH OF EAST ARAPAHOE ROAD, WEST OF SOUTH BLACKHAWK STREET, AND NORTH OF EAST BRIARWOOD AVENUE FROM GENERAL COMMERCIAL (CG) TO BUSINESS PARK (BP75) UNDER THE LAND DEVELOPMENT CODE, AND AMENDING THE OFFICIAL ZONING MAP The full text of the ordinance is available for public inspection in the office of the City Clerk. The ordinance may be obtained by contacting the City Clerk, 303-754-3324. The full text of the ordinance is also available on the City’s web site, www.centennialcolorado.com.

AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CENTENNIAL, COLORADO AMENDING CHAPTER 12 OF THE MUNICIPAL CODE LAND DEVELOPMENT CODE CONCERNING MIXED USE, NONRESIDENTIAL DESIGN STANDARDS, AND RESTAURANTS WITH DRIVE-THROUGH. The full text of the ordinance is available for public inspection in the office of the City Clerk and is also available on the City’s web site, www.centennialcolorado.com. The ordinance may be obtained by contacting the City Clerk, 303-754-3324. by a vote of 8 in favor and 1 against. (First published July 8, 2021) By: Barbara Setterlind, MMC, City Clerk Legal Notice No. 526393-61101 First Publication: July 22, 2021 Last Publication: July 22, 2021 Publisher: Littleton Independent and the Centennial Citizen

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By: Barbara Setterlind, MMC, City Clerk Legal Notice No. 526392-61100 First Publication: July 22, 2021 Last Publication: July 22, 2021

Centennial Legals 7.22.21 * 1

32 Centennial Citizen

FREE ADMISSION!! Holiday Craft Show & Mini-Market

July 22, 2021

Third Annual

Saturday Dec. 11 8am - 4pm

Sunday Dec. 12

8am - 2pm

Hourly will be raffles held! Sign u

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Douglas County Fairgrounds 500 Fairgrounds Dv. Castle Rock, CO.

Come shop for unique gifts and special items during the annual Colorado Community Media Holiday Craft Show and MiniMarket; With more than 100 exhibitors filling the Douglas County Fairgrounds, this is the best place to find that special, personal gift for friends and family. The show will feature handmade crafts in all areas from metal and leather, to flowers, baskets, ceramics, and so much more.

Vendor applications being accepted now. Apply Today Contact Event Producer Thelma Grimes at tgrimes@coloradocommunitymedia.com All applications must be approved to participate