Centennial Citizen 042822

Week of April 28, 2022

$1.00

An edition of the Littleton Independent A publication of

VOLUME 21 | ISSUE 23

Unauthorized camping occurs in spots across Centennial Policies vary throughout south metro area

BY ELLIS ARNOLD EARNOLD@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM

In Centennial, cases of unauthorized camping — a visible sign of regional homelessness — have

occurred along the High Line Canal Trail in the city’s west end. They’ve also popped up along the Arapahoe Road corridor, off Interstate 25, and in or near park areas.

The Arapahoe County Sheriff’s Office has made about 245 contacts with people based on Centennial’s camping ban since June 2020, according to the sheriff’s office.

Those contacts have stretched

across the city, reaching out east to Smoky Hill Road even though Centennial sits far away from most major resources for unhoused people in the Denver metro area.

“I think it is safe to say that the majority of the contacts are telling people to move on,” said Deputy John Bartmann, a spokesperson for the sheriff’s office.

The vast majority of contacts

Community celebrates Earth Day with cleanup of park in Englewood

BY ROBERT TANN RTANN@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM

SEE CLEANUP, P10

SEE CAMPING, P6

Creek students stage walkouts Protests focus on sex assault claims at Grandview

South Platte Renew sponsors annual event In observance of Earth Day, community members from Englewood, Littleton and beyond joined together April 23 to clean up trash and debris in Centennial Park and its lake.

The event, sponsored by South Platte Renew, Colorado’s thirdlargest water treatment plant, saw over 100 people register, according to South Platte Renew spokesperson Erin Bartlet.

The treatment plant, located in Englewood and run by the cities of Englewood and Littleton, set a goal of filling 250 bags worth of trash.

“Our public space, and the South Platte River especially, is a really important natural resource for the community,” said Ben Wise, an environmental scientist with South Platte Renew. “It’s really important to come out here and pick up some trash and help preserve that re-

law enforcement officers make at encampments in Centennial don’t result in tickets, according to data provided by Bartmann, which runs through March 11 of this year.

“There have been two tickets and one warning issued,” Bartmann said. “This information comes from our records from when Centennial

BY ELLIS ARNOLD EARNOLD@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM

Annie Santos picks up trash around Centennial Lake in celebration of Earth Day. The cleanup was sponsored by South Platte Renew, a wastewater treatment plant owned PHOTOS BY ROBERT TANN

by Littleton and Englewood.

Students walked out at some Cherry Creek School District high schools and middle schools “to raise awareness of sexual assault,” according to letters the school district sent families.

One alleged case appears to be at the center of the concerns.

Five months ago, a female student made an allegation of sexual assault at Grandview High School against a male classmate, and there has been no clear resolution of the incident, Colorado Public Radio reported.

The walkouts occurred April 20, roughly a week after a KDVR story called attention to how the investigation of the case has unfolded.

A parent of the Grandview girl expressed frustration with how the school district has handled the SEE ASSAULT, P5

INSIDE: VOICES: PAGE 12 | LIFE: PAGE 14 | CALENDAR: PAGE 17 | SPORTS: PAGE 22

FAR FROM DELICATE

Orchids are not so fussy after all

P14

2 Centennial Citizen

April 28, 2022

Prosecutor’s office honors victim advocates 18th Judicial District hosts ceremony

BY THELMA GRIMES TGRIMES@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM

In Parker on April 19, prosecutors, law enforcement and politicians were all in agreement. That rare feat was accomplished because of what they were all there to do — honor the people who work every day to protect the rights of victims of crime.

As part of National Crime Victims’ Rights Week, the 18th Judicial District Attorney’s Office hosted a special awards ceremony to honor those who have gone above and beyond to help victims of crime in Arapahoe, Douglas, Elbert and Lincoln counties.

Along with the honorees for the evening, council members and commissioners from Centennial, Parker and Douglas and Arapahoe counties were in attendance.

In his opening statements, District Attorney John Kellner said he is proud of the way treating victims has evolved over the years. When a victim of a crime is dealing with their worst day, Kellner said, dedicated professionals in the 18th Judicial District are there to see them through it.

“When I think about the importance of this week, and what it means to me as a prosecutor, I think it is a time to reflect on the people behind the numbers. It is a time to think about the communities that we serve as prosecutors and law enforcement. It makes me think about how far we have come.”

Early in his career as a prosecutor in the Marine Corps, Kellner said there was not a lot of thought about how victims were treated, saying at one time they were more of an “afterthought.”

While that brings a sense of shame in thinking about it, Kellner said, the hard work of many has brought about “tremendous change.”

Kellner said there is more advocating at the state level to change laws, there are more community groups with the sole purpose of helping victims, and there are lots of changes in how communities go about policing and helping people experiencing the “worst days of their lives.”

Kellner said the theme in honoring Victims’ Rights Week this year is “Rights, Access, Equity for all

Amanda Hollander accepts the award for Outstanding Law Enforcement Advocate from Parker Detective Shannon Brukbacher at an April 19 ceremony.

All of the night’s honorees come together to celebrate their work in helping victims of PHOTOS BY THELMA GRIMES crime at a ceremony marking National Crime Victims’ Rights Week.

Victims.”

In the 18th Judicial District over the last year, Kellner said, they recovered more than $43,000 in restitution for victims. In 2021, the 18th Judicial District sent out 11,000 communications to victims to let them know they were available to help them. In 2021, the Victims’ Compensation Program collected more than $1 million, Kellner said.

As presenters entered the stage to give awards, many of the stories shared throughout the evening were heartbreaking but had the happiest ending possible — the guilty behind bars.

In presenting the Career Investigator Award, 18th Judicial District Chief Investigator Mike Dickson said the honoree, Scott Stephens, has gone

above and beyond for victims, especially children. In reviving one case, Dickson said, Stephens conducted a new round of interviews, found more victims and was able to secure a conviction in a case involving children.

In announcing the winner for the Outstanding Law Enforcement Advocate Award, Parker Detective Shannon Brukbacher said she could not think of anyone more deserving than Amanda Hollander, who works with the Parker Police Department.

While her contributions in advocating for victims are endless, Brukbacher focused on Hollander’s work in a stalker case where a man was relentless in pursuing his female victim.

Brukbacher said Hollander worked to keep the victim updated and educated on her rights.

Brukbacher said even after the man was let out of prison, he returned to keep stalking his victim. However, because of all the prep work to prepare the victim on what to do in case he reappeared, the victim was ready, and the suspect has again been arrested.

Hollander, who has been with the department for four years, has worked to improve response and services to victims of crime, Brukbacher said.

“Amanda embodies everything you think a victim advocate should have,” Brukbacher said. “She is an excellent communicator, is 100% trustworthy and she understands the types of trauma and works tirelessly to build trust with victims and help them regain control of their lives.”

Others honored during the special banquet include: • Outstanding Non-Profit – Arc of Aurora • Outstanding Victim Service – Lorna Leader a forensic nurse program manager in Parker, Porter and Littleton Adventist Hospitals • Outstanding Law Enforcement Officer – Kathy Lynn of the Arapahoe County Sheriff’s Office • Career District Attorney Support Staff – Arleen Sandberg • Career Prosecutor – Danielle Jaramillo • Career District Attorney Victim Specialist – Lynne Gallion of the Douglas County DA’s office • Recognition of Service Award – Pella, a retired K-9 that has helped in calming victims. She was escorted by handler, Amber Urban.

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Centennial Citizen 3

April 28, 2022

Extremely dry conditions are cause for concern

ARAPAHOE COUNTY

In May, our Conversations with a Commissioner events return to in-person gatherings! Learn more about our latest efforts to address homelessness and provide feedback to your district commissioner about all County business. Featuring special guest Kathy Smith, director of Arapahoe County Community Resources. All events are from 6:30 p.m.–7:30 p.m., and refreshments will be provided.

A plane drops fire retardant on the Chatridge 2 wildfire in Douglas County in 2020.

PHOTO BY TIM TONGE

Fire bans are issued across Arapahoe County

BY ELLIS ARNOLD EARNOLD@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM

Concerning weather in Colorado has pushed local authorities in the Denver metro area to issue fire restrictions, including in Englewood, Centennial and much of the rest of Arapahoe County.

The county cited the “extremely dry conditions in unincorporated Arapahoe County, Centennial, Foxfield, and Deer Trail” in an April 21 news release.

A Stage 2 open burning ban is in place for Centennial, Foxfield, Deer Trail and unincorporated areas of Arapahoe County, an April 21 announcement said.

“Unincorporated” means an area is not within a city or town. Unincorporated areas generally are overseen by a county government.

Some Arapahoe County areas There are three stages of burn ban statuses: no ban, Stage 1 and Stage 2, according to Arapahoe County’s website.

Stage 2, the most restrictive ban, means no fireworks or any other outdoor fires are permitted, according to the county.

The ban applies to fires including, but not limited to, the following types: • Campfires; • Fires in constructed, permanent fire pits or fire grates within developed camp and picnic grounds and recreation sites; • Charcoal-fueled fires, warming fires, fires in outdoor wood-burning stoves; • And the prescribed burning of fence lines, fence rows, fields, farmlands, range lands, wild lands, trash and debris.

Exemptions to the ban include the following: • Fires contained within liquidfueled or gas stoves, fireplaces and “wood burning stoves/fireplaces” within habitable buildings;

• “Propane/LP/natural gas” fueled barbecue grills used for cooking or warming food, which do not produce or emit sparks or embers when used; • Charcoal-fueled grills and pits used for cooking or warming food, which do not produce or emit sparks or embers when used; • “Propane/LP/natural gas” fueled fire pits that do not produce or emit sparks or embers when used; • Fire set by any federal, state, or local officer or member of a fire protection district in the performance of an official duty; • Public fireworks displays supervised by appropriate firefighting or public safety personnel and supported by adequate equipment assigned to be on the scene.

Englewood The City of Englewood also issued a Stage 2 Fire Ban, the city said in an April 21 news release.

The ban prohibits fireworks or any other outdoor fires including, but not limited to, the following types: • Campfires; • Fires in constructed, permanent fire pits or fire grates within developed camp and picnic grounds and recreation sites; • Charcoal-fueled fires, warming fires, fires in outdoor wood-burning stoves; • And the prescribed burning of fence lines, fence rows, fields, farmlands, range lands, wild lands, trash and debris.

The authority to implement an open burning ban is provided by Title 6 of the Englewood Municipal Code, the city’s laws, according to the news release.

“The City of Englewood’s Open Burn Ban shall be enforced as a City Ordinance violation that, upon conviction, could result in fines up to $1,000,” the release said. “Residents should be aware that it is illegal to possess, store, sell, use, or shoot fireworks within the City of Englewood.”

For more information in Englewood, the public can contact City of Englewood Fire Marshal Mike Smith at mjsmith@englewoodco.gov.

Visit arapahoegov.com/townhall for full details.

• Thursday, May 5, Carrie Warren-Gully (District 1), Malley Rec Center, Englewood • Wednesday, May 11, Jeff Baker (District 3), Byers American Legion Hall • Thursday, May 12, Bill Holen (District 5), Aurora Public Library, Central branch • Thursday, May 19, Nancy Sharpe (District 2), Greenwood Village City Hall • Thursday, May 26, Nancy Jackson (District 4), Mission Viejo Library, Aurora Arapahoe County is always hiring!

A full listing of open positions are available on arapahoegov.com/ jobs or scan the QR code with your smartphone.

Open House-Water Bugs!

Join us on Saturday May 14 at 17 Mile House Farm Park and learn about water critters living in Cherry Creek from City & County of Denver Environmental Educator Donny Roush. Identify macroinvertebrates living in the creek to help determine stream health.

Sign up now at arapahoegov.com/ 17milehouse Arapahoe County property tax deadline For taxpayers who chose to pay their taxes in one full payment, rather than in two half-payments, the full payment due date is Monday, May 2. For more information, visit arapahoegov.com/treasurer.

Help a neighbor in need The Shoppers for Seniors program began due to COVID-19 but is now a staple in our community. Volunteer to be paired with an older adult who lives close by. Help them with weekly/bi-weekly grocery and/or prescription pickup. This support helps meet theireveryday needs and brings them connections that they may not otherwise have without family close by or the ability to get out as much as they’d like.Learn more and sign up today at arapahoegov.com/ volunteer.

arapahoegov.com

4 Centennial Citizen

April 28, 2022

Man gets life in prison for 2020 fatal shooting in Centennial Samuel Birch was convicted of killing Mauricio Omar Perez

and that he showed her the cash.

BY ELLIS ARNOLD EARNOLD@COLORADODCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM

A man convicted of fatally shooting a convenience-store clerk after the clerk complied with his demands for cigarettes and money during a Centennial robbery was sentenced to life in prison without parole.

During the 2020 incident, the clerk placed the items in a bag and handed it to the man, who said “thank you” right before shooting the clerk in the abdomen.

An Arapahoe County jury decided the shooter was Samuel Birch, finding him guilty on March 10 of several charges related to the murder and another robbery committed the same day at another convenience store.

The suspect’s statements to the clerk were recorded on surveillance footage.

Birch was accused of the shooting and robbery at the Circle K convenience store at Quebec Street and County Line Road, just north of Highlands Ranch, on the night of Nov. 26, 2020.

In a four-day trial in March, the jury in Arapahoe County District Court found Birch guilty of first-degree murder, first-degree felony murder, two counts of aggravated robbery and tampering with physical evidence.

The clerk, Mauricio Omar Perez, 24, died of the gunshot wound.

Birch was sentenced amid an emotional crowd on April 22 in the courtroom, where about a dozen of Perez’s loved ones gathered.

Words of Birch, ex-girlfriend played role in trial Because the suspect’s face was covered on the security-camera footage, much of the trial focused on whether jurors could be sure Birch was the man in the videos.

The prosecution pointed to

Samuel Birch was found guilty on March 10 of first-degree murder, first-degree felony SHUTTERSTOCK murder, two counts of aggravated robbery, and tampering with evidence.

DNA from yellow gloves found in Birch’s Ford Fiesta car that matched Birch’s DNA, arguing the gloves appear to be the same ones the suspect wore while committing robbery.

The prosecution attorneys also argued that Birch spoke as though he knew he were guilty of a serious crime on separate footage from the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office.

Birch was arrested for a separate incident on Dec. 7, 2020, after Douglas County sheriff’s deputies pursued him in a hitand-run crash, according to court testimony. In body-worn camera footage from the Douglas County scene, Birch repeatedly asks deputies for a cigarette.

“Would you light one of those for me, though? I’m about to go to jail for a very long time,” Birch says to a deputy, adding, “I’m about to be in there for years, bro.”

When Douglas County sheriff’s personnel ask what his name is, according to the prosecution, Birch says: “You know (what) it is; you’ll find out eventually.”

Birch thought deputies were going to connect him to the Centennial robbery and shooting, argued Lisa Gramer, one of the prosecuting attorneys.

One of Birch’s gloves tested positive for gunshot residue, Gramer said during trial.

The trial, in part, centered around the statements of Birch’s ex-girlfriend, who came forth and identified Birch as the shooter in the weeks after the incident.

Birch is in his early 30s and, at the time of the shooting, was living in an apartment with his ex-girlfriend, Jennifer Olson, in west Centennial.

Olson, 28, testified at the trial that she was lying in bed when Birch told her about the robbery

Drug motivation for robberies alleged Birch was also accused of robbing another gas station on the same day as the other robbery, at Arapahoe Road near Havana Street in central Centennial at about 4:30 p.m.

The suspect in that robbery entered the Conoco gas station and pointed a handgun at the clerk, according to information previously released by the Arapahoe sheriff’s office. The clerk gave the suspect the cash drawer, and then the suspect fired a single round into the ceiling. (That clerk was not injured.)

The prosecution also argued that Birch’s “desperate” need for drugs fueled the robberies.

Text messages from Birch show that he was looking for some type of pills, the prosecution argued.

“And we know that in the Conoco robbery, he’s much more agitated,” Gramer said during the trial.

At 5:07 p.m. that day, Birch says he has money and wants to buy the substance via a text message, the prosecution said. Shortly after, in response, he’s told to “come over,” Gramer said during the trial.

“And then the robbery at the Circle K takes place at (around 6:30),” Gramer said. “And you can see he’s much more relaxed in this robbery.”

Birch also later sent Olson a text that said, “I spent that money from last night on drugs,” according to a text message shown in court during the trial.

A key piece of evidence was a sweatshirt covered in paint, which prosecutors argued was the same sweatshirt that surveillance footage caught the shooter wearing that read, “No pain, no Jane.”

Olson said during the trial that Birch asked her to paint over the sweatshirt and that it bore that phrase.

Previously, Birch has pleaded guilty to burglary of a building in 2013, to assault in 2013 and to criminal mischief in 2015, according to online court records.

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Centennial Citizen 5

April 28, 2022

ASSAULT FROM PAGE 1

investigation into his daughter’s allegation that the male student touched her inappropriately, the April 12 KDVR story reported.

The school district acknowledged the protests in two letters to families in late April.

“Today, some students walked out of the building to raise awareness of sexual assault.

As an organization, we respect students’ rights to peacefully gather,” the school district wrote in a letter dated April 20. “To ensure the safety of our students, we supervised and monitored the activity.”

A letter to families from Cherry Creek Superintendent Christopher Smith described the student walkouts as having taken place at multiple high schools and middle schools.

“I want to say that I stand in solidarity with victims of sexual assault and harassment,” Smith’s letter said. “I also applaud the courage and commitment of our young people who gathered peacefully yesterday and used their voices to call attention to critical issues.”

He added: “I also recognize that some students who participated in the walkout yesterday were focused on a specific allegation that is the subject of a Title IX investigation. We cannot release information about investigations involving students as we have a

Cherry Creek Schools held virtual meetings in mid-February after a bomb threat.

legal obligation to protect their privacy and provide due process for all students involved. The district has followed both Title IX and CCSD (school) Board policies in its handling of this matter.”

Title IX is a federal civil rights law that protects people from discrimination based on sex in education programs or activities that receive federal financial assistance, the letter said.

“Let me be clear – CCSD takes ALL allegations of sexual assault, discrimination and harassment seriously,” Smith’s

letter said. “We strictly follow all federal laws and regulations, including Title IX, as well as Cherry Creek School District Board policies, to address allegations.”

If families believe their child has been the victim of sexual assault, harassment or discrimination, they should “please call law enforcement,” the district’s April 20 letter said.

“If you or your child have information about something that could be potentially dangerous or harmful, you can anonymously report it through Safe2Tell,”

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FILE PHOTO

the letter said.

The letter added: “If your student needs support at school or feels they are being harassed, bullied, or discriminated against, please report this information to a school administrator. Parents can also report allegations of discrimination or harassment to the equity compliance officer by sending an email to equitycompliance@cherrycreekschools.org.”

Smith listed the following organizations, which the letter said offer resources “that may also be helpful”: • Colorado Coalition Against Sexual Assault at ccasa.org/forsurvivors. “If you need or want help finding your local resource, contact info@ccasa.org *Please note, we cannot guarantee the confidentiality of emails sent to CCASA,” Smith’s letter said.

• The Blue Bench (formerly RAAP) at thebluebench.org.

The Blue Bench’s mission “is to eliminate sexual assault and diminish the impact it has on individuals, their loved ones and our community through comprehensive issue advocacy, prevention and care,” the letter said.

• Project PAVE at projectpave. org. The organization’s mission “is to end violence by empowering youth to build healthy relationships,” the letter said.

• Sungate Kids at sungatekids. org. Sungate Kids is an organization “committed to creating a community where children can be safe and free from abuse,” the letter said.

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6 Centennial Citizen

April 28, 2022

CAMPING FROM PAGE 1

enacted the camping ban.”

Centennial City Council approved the city’s urban camping ban unanimously in 2019.

Numbers in the most recent annual report by the Metro Denver Homeless Initiative have painted a picture of increasing homelessness in the Denver metro area — a trend that predates the coronavirus pandemic but was likely worsened by it.

Asked whether Centennial has seen an increase in homeless encampments since July 2019, Bartmann said: “Yes, we have seen an increase in homelessness.”

The laws and policies that prohibit camping vary across different cities in the metro area — and they’re also different within Centennial’s own boundaries depending on where a person is.

Tents and other materials sit in an open field March 1 near the Aurora-Centennial border.

Where camping is illegal in Centennial Centennial’s law bans camping on city-owned roads, sidewalks, trails, parks and city buildings or other city property.

The ban also applies to property overseen by the Southeast Metro Stormwater Authority — often called SEMSWA — which generally manages waterways in Centennial. That includes creeks, streams and other drainage areas.

Centennial’s municipal code, or

city law, defines camping as using public property for “living accommodation,” including, but not limited to, the following activities and circumstances: • Sleeping or making preparations to sleep, including the lying down of bedding.

• Occupying a shelter out of doors. In the city’s law, “shelter” means any cover or protection from the elements other than clothing, such as a tent, shack, sleeping bag, blankets or other material.

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• The presence or use of a campfire, camp stove, or other heating source or cooking device.

• Keeping or storing personal property.

Many park and open space areas in Centennial aren’t city property and still operate under their own rules.

Parks, trails and recreation in the Centennial area are mostly overseen by South Suburban Parks and Recreation in the city’s west and central parts, by Arapahoe Park and Recreation District generally east of Parker Road, and by Arapahoe County Open Spaces. The city owns Centennial Center Park and a small number of other spaces.

South Suburban Parks and Recreation’s rules and regulations prohibit camping in all park, trail and open space areas, except when it is approved through a permitting process, according to spokesperson Becky Grubb.

South Suburban also enforces a park curfew from 11 p.m. to 6 a.m., Grubb said. And waterways on South Suburban property, specifically in Centennial, are managed by SEMSWA, according to Grubb.

Park hours are from 5 a.m. to 10 p.m. in the Arapahoe Park and Recreation District, whose waterways are also overseen by SEMSWA. Other than the rule about hours, “APRD does not have rules against sleeping in the park during the day (or) evening, whether with a tent (or) cover or not,” said Delos Searle, the park district’s interim executive director.

Searle added: “I would like to note that APRD has not had an issue with the camping (or) sleeping issue in our parks except for a rare occasion. When an issue does arise, it has been quickly resolved with a courteous conversation.”

Despite its name, the Arapahoe Park and Recreation District is not a part of the Arapahoe County government.

For open spaces managed by Arapahoe County, a resolution approved in 1996 by the county

PHOTO BY ELLIS ARNOLD

commissioners says it is unlawful to camp or park a trailer or camper for camping purposes in areas that are not specifically designated for camping.

The circumstances back then were different — the measure wasn’t put forth as an explicit camping ban targeted at people experiencing homelessness, said Luc Hatlestad, a county spokesperson.

“People who aren’t experiencing homelessness also go camping, and I want to stress that this is but … a single line in a long and comprehensive resolution designed to clarify everything that was permitted and prohibited in our then-nascent open space areas,” Hatlestad added.

Data shows pockets of camping Spots along Panama Drive, which winds along the High Line Canal east of Broadway, account for 11 instances of the sheriff’s office checking on camping activity, according to the data. Most of those locations sit within several blocks of Broadway, near the west edge of Centennial.

Several other data entries list the High Line Canal Trail as the spot of a camping check. And eight other camping-check entries mark one address on Broadway right next to the High Line Canal.

About 20 entries list locations along Arapahoe Road — including some for the Arapahoe Road Trailhead at Cherry Creek, not far from Parker Road.

In the southwest part of Centennial, 13 entries sit near Otero Avenue and Newport Court, near what the county’s online map labels as an open space area.

About 30 entries are close to the Dry Creek Road and I-25 interchange.

Asked whether deputies always recommend resources to homeless individuals when making contact under Centennial’s camping ban, Bartmann said the sheriff’s office doesn’t track that in its data.

SEE CAMPING, P6

Centennial Citizen 7

April 28, 2022

CAMPING FROM PAGE 6

“They will generally ask the individuals if they need help, and if they say yes,” then deputies will provide information about services, Bartmann said. “We have several brochures we give.”

Although Centennial City Council approved the city’s camping ban in 2019, the “Camp Check” encoding that officials use to specifically track the contacts law enforcement makes regarding camping was started in 2020, so the sheriff’s office has no way of finding information prior to that, Bartmann said. The data begins in June 2020.

Camping policies vary across cities Other cities in the south metro

area enforce varying policies that may affect people experiencing homelessness outdoors.

An ordinance banning camping in the City of Sheridan was passed in 2012, according to Arlene Sagee, Sheridan city clerk.

The City of Englewood doesn’t have a camping ban for public property in general, but the city’s parks and open space rules say overnight camping is prohibited in all parks and areas that are designated for park usage. That includes parking vehicles, trailers or campers used for overnight parking. Parks are closed between 11 p.m. and 6 a.m.

“City council has not recently considered a specific camping ban ordinance, and there is not one currently under consideration,” said a statement from Christopher Harguth, Englewood spokesperson. “Whether city

council will specifically consider a camping ban ordinance at some point in the future is unknown.”

Littleton has no specific “nocamping code,” but that city enforces certain codes — meaning laws or regulations — to the same effect on public property, city spokesperson Kelli Narde said in a statement.

According to the statement, that includes the following codes: • 6-9-1 (D) pertains to the city’s authority to regulate public property regarding “necessary sanitation, health and safety measures,” according to the statement.

• 7-1-11 (B) makes it unlawful for any person “to dump, place, dispose of or allow to accumulate any refuse or garbage on privately owned property, occupied or vacant, or on public property within the City without written

permission of the City administration,” the statement said.

• 4-1-5 (I) says, in part, that “Temporary Housing” is prohibited. “Any vehicle, mobile, or other structure used for human shelter which is designed to be transportable and which is not attached to any utilities system … may not be occupied or used for living purposes on public or private property within the city limits,” the statement said.

All Littleton parks close at night, Narde said.

“Almost all parks close at 11 p.m., with a few exceptions like Bega Park, which closes at 8 p.m.,” Narde added.

This year, the Aurora City Council recently passed a camping ban ordinance that was set to SEE CAMPING, P24

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8 Centennial Citizen

April 28, 2022

Annual fundraiser for scholarships held in Castle Pines Rachel Lee honored as Alumni of the Year

BY THELMA GRIMES TGRIMES@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM

The Arapahoe Community College Foundation enjoyed “A Night In Monte Carlo” during the annual fundraising event held at the Cielo at Castle Pines.

In welcoming guests to the event, it was stressed that the foundation works to help students pay tuition and relieve economic stress.

Putting it simply, Foundation Chair John Trujillo said, “We are here for scholarships, and that is important.”

With the 2022 theme of “Climb Together,” Trujillo said it is always enjoyable to watch students thrive, interact and climb together.

Outgoing Chair Rhonda Lord also addressed the audience, relaying the importance of donating to a foundation that works every year to help students pay for college.

Support for the foundation means paying a student’s way to become an “economic force” in the region, Lord said.

“We are so honored to have you here to invest in students — helping to not only climb mountains but to move mountains,” she said.

A single award was given during the event, which was to honor

Courtney Loehfelm, executive director of the Arapahoe Community College Foundation, presents the Alumni of the Year award to Rachel Lee. As part of the Arapahoe Community College Foundation annual fundraising event, “A Night In Monte Carlo,” guests were treated to casino night at Cielo at Castle Pines.

PHOTOS BY THELMA GRIMES

the Arapahoe Community College Alumni of the Year.

In presenting the award, ACC Foundation Executive Director Courtney Loehfelm said Rachel Lee is an ACC graduate and successful member of the community.

Lee said her acceptance speech was inspired by her daughter.

“I am humbled to be awarded

this great honor from the college I attended,” she said. “I am a proud graduate of ACC. I am proud to put it on my resume.”

Funds were raised through a silent auction of a variety of donated goods and through a live cash auction where guests gave between $100 and $2,000 to support student scholarships.

Chips were aligned, and bets were cast at the annual ACC Foundation funraiser.

Celebrating 30 years of

IMAGINATION, IMPACT AND INVESTMENT for LPS Students!

Thanks to our amazing community, we raised more than $300,000 through the Spirit Celebration on April 8th.

We are so grateful that our community rallies to support the amazing educators and students in Littleton Public Schools.

From all of us at the LPS Foundation, THANK YOU! It is an honor to serve this school district and community!

Centennial Citizen 9

April 28, 2022

Sheridan forum shares struggles, solutions of homelessness Network of schools, police, nonprofits discuss challenges

BY ROBERT TANN RTANN@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM

Alida Romero didn’t know what benefits exist for those experiencing homelessness when she fled her home country of Venezuela and came to the U.S. as a refugee.

Romero, who had taught at a university in her home country, was struggling to find housing and only qualified for low-paying cleaning jobs.

“To come with the trauma of persecution, I felt terrorized,” she said.

“The door was shut on me.”

Romero spoke about her lived experience with homelessness during an April 20 forum at the Sheridan Municipal Center, which featured a line-up of speakers who shared the struggles, and solutions, to the unhoused crisis in the area.

The event was sponsored by a network of nonprofits, including Change the Trend and the South Metro Community Foundation, which put on similar forums in Englewood and Littleton last year.

Mike Sandgren, who leads Change the Trend and has been active with the Tri-Cities Homelessness Policy Group, made up of leaders in the cities of Englewood, Littleton and Sheridan, said rising homelessness in the region is no longer debatable.

“The question has really evolved into ‘what are we doing about this?’”

Sandgren said.

Speakers used the question to explore their own role in addressing homelessness, which can be people living on a street corner or families doubled up with friends.

Jorge Sholz, who works for the Sheridan Schools District on behalf of the federal McKinney-Vento anti-homelessness program, said there are about 300 families who are homeless within the district.

“Our families have to make a choice, and their choice is ‘we either have to eat, or we pay rent,’” Sholz said.

Sholz said many of these families couch surf, staying with other family or friends for temporary

Speakers listen to Jorge Should discuss family homelessness in the Sheridan School PHOTO BY ROBERT TANN District.

periods of time before moving onto the next accommodation. Some, he said, don’t even consider themselves homeless.

“A family of four living in one bedroom, sometimes they may not see it as a big deal,” Sholz said.

Between January and March, Sholz said the McKinney-Vento program has been able to provide rent assistance to 15 families and 32 children, helping them escape housing insecurity.

Sholz said the results for some children have been higher school attendance and improved grades. But much remains to be done.

“It is a big task,” Sholz said. “And hopefully our numbers will be a lot better next quarter and on and on and on.”

Sandra Blythe-Perry, who runs the nonprofit Integrated Family Community Services, said before the COVID-19 pandemic, her team was helping about 600 people per month. Now it’s about 6,000, with the nonprofit aiding in food insecurity through its food bank as well as with rental assistance.

But with demand so high and federal assistance dollars beginning to dry up, “agencies just like us run out of money so quickly,” BlythePerry said.

Sometimes the task for helping the unhoused falls to a community center, such as at Sheridan’s Recreation Center, which provides vouchers for showers, among other resources.

“We will not turn anybody away,” said Eddie Kanoza, the recreation center’s director, who urged com-

munity members to show empathy for those who are homeless. “You need to step back … everybody’s a person.”

Empathy has become a guiding principle for the co-responder program between the Sheridan Police Department and AllHealth Network, a nonprofit mental health resource offering counseling and crisis services.

When responding to possible mental health-related situations, which often can involve someone who is homeless, Sheridan police are accompanied by a licensed AllHealth clinician.

The partnership has made a “huge difference” said Police Chief Jeffrey Martinez.

“We get training as law enforcement officers on how to deal with these issues, but by no means are we the experts,” Martinez said.

Andrea Martin is one of those clinicians who will join Martinez’s officers when needed to help deescalate situations and better respond to someone in crisis.

“I’m able to build a rapport with people in a way that’s maybe not as threatening as having a gun on my belt,” Martin said, adding the relationship between mental health and homelessness can be complex, with one issue sometimes excavating the other.

But tension is still felt when crimes are committed by someone experiencing homelessness, especially in the business community.

Nick Ventrella, who helps maintain stock for the Target in Sheridan,

said shoplifting is not always black and white and that incidents need to be handled on a case-by-case basis.

He said since being in his line of work long enough, he’s tried to avoid involving police, especially when someone may be stealing equipment to sleep in or food.

“It doesn’t feel good to put a person in that situation,” Ventrella said.

The Sheridan store now has a policy to buy food and drink for someone who may be homeless and Ventrella said it is also working with Change the Trend to provide Target gift cards for newly-housed people to buy furniture and essentials for their home.

As these smaller solutions were presented, Sheridan City Manager Devin Granbery, who was not a speaker but listening in on the conversation, spoke up.

“What homelessness boils down to is housing,” Granbery said. “We’ve got to house people better than we do.”

He said many who are homeless can’t take full advantage of the resources and services that exist until they are housed. He said in neighboring cities like Englewood and Littleton, housing can be a “touchy political subject.”

“And we’ve got to get over it,” Granbery said.

Granbery’s comments echoed earlier sentiments from Martin, who said while mental health can be a factor for why someone falls into homelessness, the economic crush many feel can’t be understated.

“And I don’t think we talk about that enough,” she said.

Data shows that, at least for the tri-cities area, this is true.

A University of Denver study conducted in 2019 and into 2020 found that the top five reasons why individuals reported being homeless were all economic. Loss of a job, inability to pay rent and housing price increases were among some of the leading causes.

For Romero, who is now housed in an apartment, homelessness won’t be solved unless all aspects of a community are willing to put in the work.

“I want to be part of the solution, not part of the problem,” she said. “I think we’re all one, and we need to help each other.”

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Friday, May 6 11 am-2 pm Buck Recreation Center 2004 W. Powers Ave, Littleton, CO 80120 FREE admission and open to the public. No registration required.

Event sponsored by:

10 Centennial Citizen

CLEANUP FROM PAGE 1

source.”

Since South Platte Renew began sponsoring clean-ups four

April 28, 2022

years ago, Wise said community members have become more educated and aware of litter in public spaces and waterways.

“We did a river cleanup just with plant staff closer to where we discharge into the South Platte River and as we were

walking along a lot of us commented on how much cleaner it was this year compared to others,” he said. “It’s definitely getting cleaner.”

And being such a precious natural resource in Colorado, water is vital to preserve and

Annie Santos discards trash from Centennial Lake in Englewood April 23.

PHOTOS BY ROBERT TANN

maintain, Wise said. “(Water’s) so finite that we need to make it as clean as possible,” Wise said. “If people can be on the water and enjoy it then they gain a better appreciation for that natural resource.”

Community members scour the grassy bank of Centennial Lake in Englewood for trash. More than 100 people signed up for the cleanup event, according to South Platte Renew spokesperson Erin Bartlett.

Sam Koy reaches for trash in Centennial Lake. “I love to come to parks, and to be able to clean it up is such a good thing,” Koy said.

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Sarah Ripley joins in with other community members to help South Platte Renew reach its goal of collecting 250 bags worth of trash.

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12 Centennial Citizen

LOCAL

April 28, 2022

VOICES

A bit spoiled

O

n April 20, the afternoon became rough as reality set in on just how much we are tied to our phones. The reality hit on a particular day where it was not convenient either.

Around 1:30 p.m., I picked up the phone and tried to call my husband while driving to an eye doctor appointment. I wanted to talk about dinner and see what the doctor said about our son.

FROM THE I tried dialing only to get a EDITOR strange message about the call failing. I thought it was just a glitch and tried again. I soon got a text telling me my husband could see that I was calling but could not answer it.

Then, we did the usual — restart the phone, reset network settings and, strangely, turn it to airplane mode and back off again. None of those tricks worked.

Thelma Grimes Most afternoons the inability to make an actual phone call would be fine. But it was on this afternoon on April 20 that I started to question how reliant we as a society are on these traveling companions.

While I was at the eye doctor, my husband wrote to say the place where our son’s antibiotic was called into did not have any supplies. They said they were too understaffed to call another Walgreens for us.

Well, that led to a back-and-forth about calling the doctor — oh, wait, we can’t. Then, the quick advice to just call another Walgreens — oh, wait, we can’t.

With the husband doing work meetings, I was sitting at the eye doctor thinking they need to hurry so I can drive to either the doctor’s office to get a written script or drive to another Walgreens to see if they had supplies.

I soon realized I too had a work call coming up.

Had to quickly send out an email to say it couldn’t happen.

Driving to Walgreens, I realized that once mobile devices are down, at least in my home, there is no alternative. We let the landline at our house go a long time ago. None of our devices were working to call out.

I made it to the Walgreens and had them look up my son’s information. She soon said she will give me a call when it is complete. I had to say no. I can’t get calls right now. I asked for a text or email.

This may have been a few hours in one afternoon that just had a few out-of-the-ordinary obstacles, but still, I have to say I was taken back with how much it bothered me that I could not call out. That I could not take any calls.

In the end, all worked out, I just had to do a little more work to get things done. Maybe, that is a good thing that I did not have the luxury of the phone to take care of everything.

I can say this – it is a pain to do without the phone. Maybe it is a wake-up call on how spoiled we are. How good we have it sometimes and how we take some many our luxuries for granted because most days they are just there.

Change the action and change the outcome

J

Thelma Grimes is the south metro editor for Colorado Community Media

I N D E P E N D E N T An edition of the Littleton Independent A publication of

A publication of

Mailing Address: 750 W. Hampden Ave., Suite 225 Englewood, CO 80110 Phone: 303-566-4100 Web: CentennialCitizen.net To subscribe call 303-566-4100

ust like many of you, sometimes I get so overloaded with work that I fall behind a little and need to play catch up. This happened to me earlier this week. With a big writing project due, as well as several other initiatives, I was starting to feel a little stressed out. And as I thought about all the writing I had to do, it was overwhelming and probably the last thing that I wanted to begin doing.

Although I didn’t feel like doing it in that moment, I grabbed my second cup of coffee and headed to my desk surrounded by research material and started writing.

Did I feel like writing at first? No, I didn’t.

But once I took the action to get started, my attitude improved, so my thinking improved, and within two days I completed the project.

In last week’s column I shared how changing our thoughts could change our outcomes. Staying with that same theme, I wanted to share how changing our actions will also change our outcomes. There are always times where we don’t feel like doing something, especially something hard, or taking on a task that sucks the energy from us. When that happens it’s easy to give in and walk away. But if we start doing the work or the task, we usually wind up working ourselves into a better mood.

There has always been a healthy debate about this topic. Does attitude drive the behavior, or does the behavior drive the

LINDA SHAPLEY Publisher

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eaddenbrooke@coloradocommunitymedia.com

LISA SCHLICHTMAN Editor-in-Chief

AUDREY BROOKS Business Manager

attitude? There are people who believe that applying a positive mindset can help them overcome the barriers and they can start doing the work. They change their action by first changing their attitude. This works well for those people who have this capability, but it doesn’t work for everyone.

There are others who Michael Norton believe that by jumping in and starting the work regardless of how they feel, they will tell you that after taking step one and starting, steps two, three, four and more propel them into doing the task with a much better attitude. These are also the people who will usually look for the hardest or biggest project or task that needs to get done and do that one first. If there is a difficult or challenging conversation that needs to take place, it’s going to be their first call.

For those of us who work out there are those mornings or days where we just don’t feel like it. Some give in and crawl back under the covers. And some know that all they must do is get up, get to the gym, begin a run, or jump on a bike and within just a few minutes of acting, they are happy and motivated as they work

WINNING WORDS

Columnists & Guest Commentaries

SEE NORTON, P13

Littleton Independent (USPS 315-780) A legal newspaper of general circulation in Littleton, Colorado, the Littleton Independent is published weekly on Thursday by Colorado Community Media, 750 W. Hampden Ave., Suite 225, Englewood, CO 80110

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Columnist opinions are not necessarily those of the Citizen. We welcome letters to the editor. Please include your full name, address and the best number to reach you by telephone.

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Centennial Citizen 13

April 28, 2022

The perfect parents

W

hen Ryan and I were thinking of starting our family, we were determined to be the “perfect parents.” It was so hard to watch other parents struggle with their children, knowing that if they just knew what we knew, their kids wouldn’t behave like such terrors.

At the church we attended at the time, there was a family that let their daughter run up and down the pews during the entire service. They would even allow her to walk around on the stand.

Only when she started tugging on the clothes of the person speaking did the parents finally go up to get her. One Sunday, I got so fed up, I gently scooped her in my arms as she passed by my seat and took her out in the hall. If anyone asked, my cover story was that I assumed the mom needed a break so I was watching her child so she could enjoy the service.

But who was I kidding? Annoyed at the brazen irresponsibility of the parents, I was trying to do the rest of the congregation a favor. And my body language showed it.

The continued incompetency of parents astounded us everywhere we went. If parents would just take their kids to the car every time they threw

NORTON FROM PAGE 12

toward their health goals.

When it comes to prospecting most salespeople will own up to the fact that they dislike cold calling or making phone calls to find their prospects.

It’s really their least favorite thing to do. But again, once they take that first step, take the action of making that first call, they will generally get fired up as they set appointments and make some sales.

They change their attitude by changing the action, and by doing both they create a solid sales funnel and enjoy the commissions that they earn.

It doesn’t have to be an “either or” situation. I prefer the word “And” over “Or” any day.

When I can combine a healthy

a fit at the store, they’d eventually learn to behave.

If you treat your kids with respect, they’ll treat you with respect. Give them a candy bar when they tell the truth, and they’ll always tell the truth. Kids yell and hit because Stacy Carruth their parents yell and hit. It’s simple logic, people.

Our children would sit quietly in church and listen attentively. They would be honest, kind and respectful. They would never hit. We wouldn’t allow them in the store unless they were well behaved. We would make sure of it.

Fast forward 5 years and I was a mom of 3 kids: Diana (4), Steve (2) and Peter (2 months).

We were standing in the grocery line.

Steve was crying because he dropped his special bear somewhere else in the store and yelling at and hitting me to go get it.

Diana was whining for a treat over and over and Peter was screaming because he was desperately hungry. I was exhausted from feeding him during the night. We had just enough formula to make it until the morning (because my milk

MOTHER MUSINGS

positive attitude while also taking the actions necessary to achieve my goals, I find that approach always works better for me personally.

What do you think, do you rely on your state of mind to determine the actions you will take? Do you trust in your actions and that they will lead to a better attitude on your way to getting things done or achieving your goal?

I would love to hear your story at mnorton@xinnix.com and when we can change our actions and our thoughts to change our outcomes, it really will be a better than good year.

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

TURN TO THE COLORADO SUN FOR NEWS ACROSS THE STATE The Colorado Sun is a journalistowned, award-winning news outlet that strives to cover all of Colorado so that our state — our community — can better understand itself.

In this way, The Sun contributes to a more vibrant, informed and whole Colorado.

The Sun, launched in 2018, is committed to fact-based, in-depth and non-partisan journalism. It covers

everything from politics and culture to the outdoor industry and education.

Now, The Colorado Sun co-owns this and other Colorado Community Media newspapers as a partner in the Colorado News Conservancy. The Sun is CCM’s partner for statewide news.

For Colorado Sun stories, opinions and more, and to support The Sun’s misssion as a member or subscriber, visit coloradosun.com.

didn’t last past a month) and I couldn’t buy more before then because we were waiting for our next paycheck to be able to pay for it. I couldn’t leave the grocery store because he was hungry and the only thing that would calm him down was to wait in that darn line, with screaming kids behind a man who decided that that day was a great day to pay with a check.

Yes, I was that mom. In that moment, I was the exact replica of all the parents I had harshly judged for so many years.

And that was the day (on top of so many others) that I gave up being a perfect mom. That was the day that I decided to give myself, and everyone around me, a break.

Now, I just focus on dealing with the hand I was dealt, no matter how unfair or impossible it may be.

And that is exactly what makes me the best mom for my kids- by showing up every morning in the mess. I deal with my own trauma, baggage,

insecurities, marriage issues and budget constraints while also trying desperately hard to keep these (now) four humans alive and not screw them up (but just in case, we do have a trust fund set aside for therapy in the future).

I stopped labeling myself as a good or bad mom. In every situation of parenting, I am simply doing the best with what I have: the energy I have, the knowledge I have, the patience I have and the support I have.

Yes, educate yourself, go to therapy, self-reflect but at the end of the day, you can only be a little bit better than you were the day before. You simply cannot start from anywhere else than where you are- Today.

And I’m still telling myself this as my 5-year-old loudly broadcasts to the entire house, “Yo the wuhst stinky butt Mommy in the hoe wide uh-ff!” (because he can’t say “world”).

Stacey Carruth is a parent with four children in Arapahoe County.

Memory In Loving

Place an Obituary for Your Loved One. 303-566-4100 obituaries@coloradocommunitymedia.com Self placement available online at CentennialCitizen.net

14 Centennial Citizen

LOCAL

April 28, 2022

LIFE

Despite fussy reputation, orchids are far from delicate

BY DEBORAH GRIGSBY DGRIGSBY@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM

O

rchids have been around for millions of years and thrive on every continent except Antarctica.

But with such a hearty ancestry, how do you keep from killing them once you bring them home from the grocery store?

Whether you’ve purchased one for yourself or received one as a gift, you may be among those that find orchids intimidating. Although growing in popularity, expert growers say these exotic beauties are, perhaps, among the most misunderstood of all houseplants.

A brief history of orchids Opinions on when and where orchids first appeared on earth are as varied as the plant itself. However, research points to sometime between 60 and 190 million years ago.

The Chinese philosopher and statesman Confusious often wrote about orchids, immortalizing their beauty and fragrance in his poetry.

Other formalized references to orchids appear in print between 350 B.C. and 287 B.C. in Theophrastus’s “Enquiry Into Plants,” an early manual that described and classified plants.

In early Greece, orchids were revered as symbols of fertility, as the Greek word óchis translates as testicle, inspired by the shape of its root. In some stories, women would ingest large amounts of orchis roots if they wanted to have a son and less if they wanted a girl.

Orchids eventually made their way to the wealthy in England through financed collecting expeditions. Many publications cite instances of “orchidelirium” or orchid madness during Victorian times.

Voracious appetites for cultivating, selling, and trading the unusual flowers among the upper class gave rise to organized groups of collectors and early orchid publications and societies.

Many rare species died en route from their native habitat or at the hands of inexperienced handlers, driving up the price exponentially.

Some orchids were so soughtafter by anxious collectors that entire species were destroyed.

A recent article by The Guardian’s reporter Patrick Greenfield tells of modern-day orchid smugglers in England have warranted increased security around the Kew Royal Botanic Gardens to prevent theft of rare and unusual spe cies.

About that grocery store orchid Today, orchids can be found almost anywhere, including your local supermarket florist and the garden section at hardware stores.

According to Althea McKinney, an orchid expert and greenhouse

Orchids often bloom in the winter, which can be very gratifying, while other outdoor plants are dormant. The 10,000 square-foot Fantasy Orchids greenhouse in Louisville, Colorado, is home to 30,000 to 50,000 orchids at any given time.

Orchids are the largest group of flowering plants on earth. Unfortunately, they are also among the most misunderstood.

Their exotic blooms and aerial roots often give the impression of being demanding and challenging when it comes to care.

However, orchid experts say they are one of the most resilient and longest blooming houseplants available to plant lovers of all skill levels.

Aerial roots from orchids are not uncommon.

They help the plant absorb moisture and micronutrients from the air. Excessive aerial roots may indicate the orchid needs repotting. PHOTOS BY DEBORAH GRIGSBY

attendant at Fantasy Orchids in Louisville, Colorado, home to the

most extensive collection of orchids in the Rocky Mountain region, most

grocery store orchids are of the Phalaenopsis variety, more commonly known as moth orchids. They are monopodial, meaning they typically grow from a single stem.

But buying an orchid is the easy part, right?

Well, yes.

But McKinney says caring for your orchid can also be easy.

She said that what gets most newly-minted orchid lovers in trouble is the care tag that comes with the orchid.

McKinney said some tags instruct the owner to toss the plant in the garbage after it blooms.

Other tags will say water the plant with ice cubes.

“It’s really just a marketing thing,” she said. “They want to provide a cheap plant and then get you to buy another. I can tell you that watering an orchid with ice cubes will damage the root structure over time.”

So what’s the secret to not killing them?

McKinney says it’s simple.

Orchids, by design, thrive on benign neglect.

They need only water, fertilizer and sunlight.

No classical music is required.

To be fair, orchids are a little different than other household plants.

“They grow in the same jungle as your typical snake plants, spider plants and monsteras, but those plants all grow on the jungle floor. Orchids grow up in the trees,” McKinney said.

And that means watering them beckons a whole new school of thought.

“If you think about it, the orchid’s roots are pretty exposed in their natural environment, so water rushes over them,” she said. “And then they dry out pretty quickly, compared to a typical houseplant that grows in soil.”

But the main thing to remember is that orchids never sit in water for prolonged periods.

McKinney recommends watering your new orchid by plunging it, still in its slotted plastic container, into lukewarm water. The idea is to quickly saturate everything in the pot and then let it dry out between waterings.

Overwatering is among the most frequent causes of orchid deaths.

“I usually suggest soaking your orchid for no more than five minutes, or just or just running water through the pot for 30 seconds,” she said. “That’s all there is to it.”

And while you’re watering, think about light and fertilizer.

“We fertilize every single time we water,” McKinney said. “A lot of people will come in with a plant, and I can tell that has been 10 feet away from a window, they have not fertilized it the entire they’ve had it—and get frustrated because they can’t get

SEE ORCHIDS, P15

Centennial Citizen 15

April 28, 2022

Greenhouse attendant Althea McKinney stands among thousands of orchids at Fantasy Orchids in Louisville, one of the largest retail and wholesale orchids suppliers to the state. She said growing orchids in Colorado is not as difficult as many believe—there are approximately 20 species of orchids that are native to the Centennial State.

PHOTOS BY DEBORAH GRIGSBY

ORCHIDS FROM PAGE 14

it to rebloom. Light, nutrients and proper watering is the key.”

She said just follow the instructions that come with the bag of fertilizer, but don’t go crazy.

Over-fertilizing can burn your orchid’s root system.

Yes, but can they survive in Colorado?

Orchids belong to the most prominent plant families in the world and come in many forms, shapes, sizes and colors.

They have learned to thrive in various locations, including marshy bogs and mountain tops.

McKinney said there are close to 20 species of orchids native to Colorado.

Experts at the Denver Botanic Gardens say that number is closer to 25, albeit orchids native to Colorado are dormant most of the year and are far more diminutive than their glamorous tropical cousins.

These orchids are found in moist

Like fine dust, orchid seeds float away from a seed pod. They are among the smallest seeds in the world. While it is possible to grow orchids directly from seed, it can take more than two years before any leaf growth is visible.

shaded ravines and at altitudes between 8,000 and 11,000 feet.

Peak bloom times range between late May and early September.

Unfortunately, McKinney says Colorado’s cool, dry climate is not the biggest challenge to growing healthy orchids in the Centennial State.

The biggest threat is the internet.

“There’s a lot of misinformation floating around on the internet;

much of it comes from YouTubers who don’t grow orchids in an environment like ours,” she said.

“People try to mimic what people are doing on the other side of the world, which is a death sentence for these plants, which are very easy to care for.”

Plants grown at Fantasy Orchids are already climatized to Colorado’s low-humidity environment.

To learn more, visit Fantasy Or-

‘If you think about it, the orchid’s roots are pretty exposed in their natural environment, so water rushes over them. And then they dry out pretty quickly, compared to a typical houseplant that grows in soil.’

Althea McKinney

chids at www.fantasyorchids.com or visit their 10,000 square-foot orchid greenhouse at 830 W. Cherry St., Louisville, CO.

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16 Centennial Citizen

April 28, 2022

Play goes wrong — on purpose

T

he One-Act Play That Goes Wrong,” with missed lines and falling props, plays through May 22 at Vintage Theatre, 1468 Dayton St., Aurora. It runs 75 minutes with no intermission. Tickets: $20 to $68.

303-856-7830, vintagetheatre.org.

SONYA’S SAMPLER

Sonya Ellingboe

Pop-up gallery Aspen Grove Shopping Center, at 7301 S. Santa Fe Drive in Littleton, presents a pop-up gallery in Suite 222 featuring the Arapahoe Community College Art and Design Student exhibition through May 10, noon to 7 p.m. daily.

Happy thoughts of summer nights Summer concerts on the Littleton Museum lawn are listed, starting with Ryan Shupe on June 15, Juice O’ the Barley on June 22. Hudson Gardens’ website says they are still working on the list of bands.

Miners Alley “Blue Ridge” by Abby Rosenbrock plays through June 5 at Miners Alley Playhouse in Golden. Thursday, Friday, Saturday at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday at 2 p.m. minersalley.com, 303-935-3044.

Littleton Symphony Saint Saens’ Piano Concerto, with

“The One-Act Play That Goes Wrong” is running at Vintage Theatre through May 22.

guest conductor Catherine Sailer and pianist David Korevaar, will be performed May 18 and 20 at Littleton United Methodist Church, 5894 S. Datura St., Littleton. 303-933-6824, littletonsymphony.org.

Cherry Creek Chorale The Cherry Creek Chorale will sing at 7:30 p.m. on May 6 and 7 at Bethany Lu-

theran Church, 4500 E. Hampden Ave., Cherry Creek Village. Randall Thompson’s complete “Frostiana” is included in the program. Joined by the Elizabeth High School Choir, under Kaia Monson.

Photographers The Focus Camera Club of Lone Tree will hold an exhibit by 15 photographers at St. Andrew UMC, 9203 S. Uni-

PHOTO BY MATTHEW GALE PHOTOGRAPHY

versity Blvd., Highlands Ranch, from May 14 to June 21, with a reception May 15 from 10 a.m. to noon. FocusColorado. com.

Buck Center Active Adult Healthy Living Expo will be May 6 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Buck Recreational Center, 2004 W. Powers Ave., Littleton.

Paint Box Guild keeps art scene busy Multiple exhibits share works with community BYSONYAELLINGBOE SELLINGBOE@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM

In Littleton, the Bemis Library exhibit juried by Chris Stevens from Curtis Center for the Arts ends April 29, so readers will have to hurry to see it, but next will be a new exhibit by Paint Box Guild of Littleton at Denver Community Credit Union, 101 W. Mineral Ave. (at Broadway), May 6 through July and an exhibit at Centennial’s Koelbel Library, to be hung on Sept. 12, running through October, as well as an exhibit at Littleton’s Buck Center in October, according to a current newsletter sent to the Guild’s 40 members. (Each notice says how many pieces can fit in the allotted space.) An exhibit is also at Elsewear Collectives in downtown Littleton, to come down in May. “Steer’s Lookin’ at You” won Best of Show in the Bemis exhibit and the artist, Sue Williams, also took first place for her angular “Attic Lights.” Second place was awarded to Richard Simpson for “Parry’s Primrose” while third place went to active member Merrie Wicks for “Moonlight Express.”

Membership in this busy organization, established in 1973 by Lucille Grisham, includes monthly meetings during the school year at Littleton First Presbyterian Church, 1609 W. Littleton Blvd. Annual dues are $35. An instructor appears once a month September through May to teach new techniques ($10 fee) and, of course, members continually learn from each other through

the years. On April 20, Richard Simmons instructed artists about acrylic painting methods.

Guild members paint together each Wednesday at the church from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. and for the three summer months, they move outside for plein air sessions, individually or with others as arranged. This activity level leads to lots of artwork that can be enjoyed by the community around Littleton.

(Here’s a spot to remind readers that original art is a wonderful, truly special gift for a newlywed pair, a person in a first apartment away from home, a recent graduate or perhaps a friend with a birthday.)

There is an annual PBG Fall painting trip as well — last September it involved three nights in Trinidad, where the new Fisher’s Peak State Park opened last year (the Bemis exhibit included a handsome watercolor of the peak by Shirley Conrad).

The summer trip included nocturnal painting in Trinidad, according to member Shainne De Tamble, who generously spent some time with me last week for an update. The Paint Box Guild has 40 active members at present.

For information, see paintboxguildlittleton.org. This website includes examples of member work and a schedule for the next year, which is still a work in progress.

Other active art groups in the south area include Littleton Fine Arts Guild and Heritage Fine Arts Guild. Instruction is available through these groups as well as at Arapahoe Community College, Curtis Center for the Arts and with some individual instructors in the area. It’s a really nice way to add a new dimension to one’s life …

“Steer’s Looking At You,” a watercolor by Paint Box Guild member Sue Williams, took COURTESY PHOTO Best of Show in a Bemis Library exhibition.

Centennial Citizen 17

April 28, 2022

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18 Centennial Citizen

April 28, 2022

You will find connection at the Benchmark Theatre

I

f we’ve learned anything from the last two years, it’s that all of us, at one point or another, will get sick. It’s not an enjoyable truth to ruminate on, but one that was repeatedly proven in the midst of a global pandemic.

And while playwright Noah Diaz wrote “You Will Get Sick” before COVID-19, the show’s themes have rarely been as pertinent as they are in modern times.

“There’s just something about the humanity of the play,” said Christy Montour-Larson, resident guest director at Lakewood’s Benchmark Theatre. “The show has a great sense of humor and also asks the right questions about your rights when you get sick, how you get through difficult times and how social/economic status makes things difficult.”

The world premiere workshop production of “You Will Get Sick” runs at The Bench at 40West, 1560 Teller St. in Lakewood, through Saturday, May 14. Performances are at 8 p.m. on Thursday through Saturday and 2 p.m. on Sunday. The cast features Peter Trinh, Edith Weiss, Sonsharae Tull, Brian Kusic and Josue Miranda.

A part of Benchmark’s “Aftermath”-themed 2021/2022 season, the show is told in the second person and explores how someone learns to live with a body that is consumed by sickness. As MontourLarson explains, the show follows a man who receives a heartbreaking

diagnosis but can’t bring himself to admit it out loud.

Instead, he hires a woman to tell the people in his life that he’s sick.

“The play is funny at times, heartwarming at other times and very thoughtprovoking,” she said.

Clarke Reader “It’s always exciting to work on new plays, because playwrights are the backbone of the American theater and we need to support new and exciting talents.”

Diaz contributed to bringing the production to life and the theater made some bold storytelling choices, like staging it in the round. And the hope is audiences – the final but most important ingredient of powerful storytelling – will be moved by the story.

“It’s quite an honor to share this work for the first time with the Colorado community, especially because when you go see a brand-new play, you get to be part of shaping its future,” Montour-Larson said. “I hope it stirs people’s emotions and leaves them thinking a few days later.

I think we’ve all developed a kind of community hunger for that energy when a group of people are all in a room together.”

Information and tickets can be found at www.benchmarktheatre. com.

COMING ATTRACTIONS

A midsummer’s parking lot theatrical production Shakespeare’s words sound great almost anywhere. It’s a kind of magic trick that few others have figured out. And if you want to hear the proof, the Denver Center for the Performing Arts (DCPA) is bringing back its Shakespeare in the Parking Lot education program.

And it’ll be stopping by the Thornton Arts & Culture Center, 9209 Dorothy Blvd., at noon on Saturday, April 30. The performance will feature an abridged production of Shakespeare’s “A Midsummer Night’s Dream,” centered around a pickup truck set in the parking lot.

According to provided information, the cast members are local actors and DCPA teaching artists, including Shannon Altner, Ryan Omar Stack Grant Bowman and Chloe McLeod.

For tickets and other stops along the tour, visit denvercenter.org.

‘Foreigners’ take audiences to Argentina There are numerous ways for a theatrical experience to be more than something that is simply observed. In Maru Garcia’s production of “Foreigners,” she uses appointed “tour guides” to take audiences through a period of turmoil in 1970s Argentina.

Running at Colorado Free University, 7653 E. 1st Place in Denver, through Sunday, June 12 at 6 p.m. on Sundays, Wheat Ridge Theatre Company’s “Foreigners” (written by Griselda Gambaro and translated by Marguerite Feitlowitz) lets people

bear witness to a time when authority spun out of control in the quest for total power. The cast includes Jim Hayes, Mellisa Taylor, Gisselle Gonzale and Suzie Duarte, Information and tickets can be found at https://wheatridgetheatre. com/.

Clarke’s Concert of the Week — Freddie Gibbs at the Fox Theatre and Cervantes’ Masterpiece Ballroom If you’re going to talk about the best rapper alive (I know what you’re like), then Freddie Gibbs has to be in the conversation. The Gary, Indiana, MC has been releasing top notch records for nearly 20 years, but he didn’t really hit his stride until the mid-2010s, when he collaborated with Madlib on the album, “Pinata.”

While Gibbs astounds every time he’s on the mic, he still doesn’t have the wide acclaim he deserves. But the positive aspect of this is you can still see him a great, intimate venues.

And you’ll have two options this time around: you can see him at the Fox Theatre, 1135 13th St. in Boulder at 9 p.m. on Friday, April 29 and Cervantes’ Masterpiece Ballroom, 2637 Welton St. in Denver, at 8 p.m. on Saturday, April 30.

Tickets for the Fox show can be purchased at axs.com and Cervantes’ at ticketmaster.com.

Clarke Reader’s column on culture appears on a weekly basis. He can be reached at Clarke.Reader@hotmail. com.

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Centennial Citizen 19

April 28, 2022

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20 Centennial Citizen

April 28, 2022

Douglas County car thefts keep law enforcement busy Castle Rock is outlier in state trends

BY MCKENNA HARFORD MHARFORD@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM

Stolen cars have recently become one of Douglas County law enforcement’s top priorities as thefts increase across the entire metro area with Castle Rock serving as the single exception.

Data from the Colorado Auto Theft Prevention Authority Metropolitan Auto Theft Task Force (C-MATT) shows car thefts up 20% in Douglas County between 2021 and 2020, while the metro area saw a 39% increase as a whole.

Though Douglas County represents only 623 stolen cars out of the 27,409 metro area thefts, local law enforcement is reporting car theft is the top crime officers investigate.

Of the 29 reporting agencies in C-MATT’s annual report, Castle Rock was the only municipality or county to see a decrease in the number of thefts in 2021 compared to 2020 at a rate of 25%.

Cmr. Jason Lyons, of the Castle Rock Police Department, credited the difference to three main tactics, including installing a new license plate reading system, called FLOCK, at various places throughout the town.

Like license plate readers installed on police cars, the FLOCK system scans license plates that pass the

stationary reader, compares it to a national database and alerts officers when a plate is reported stolen or connected to a crime, warrant or missing person. ] Lyons estimated officers receive several alerts on a daily basis they follow up on.

“Our officers will respond to the general area (of the specific license plate camera) and be on the lookout for that vehicle,” he explained. “We’re getting suspects arrested and vehicles recovered because we’re able to respond to an area in real time after being notified of a stolen car.”

With the real-time data, Lyons said officers are having more success arresting a person in connection with the theft as opposed to only recovering the stolen car. C-MATT data shows Castle Rock police recovered 79% of stolen cars within 30 days, which aligns with other Douglas County law enforcement recovery rates.

The C-MATT report doesn’t break down arrests by jurisdiction, but reports a total of 246 arrests in 2021 from the 29 agencies included in the report.

“Many of those bad guys, we’re catching - we’ve recovered 1,000 grams of drugs, eight weapons, we’ve arrested people on 85 warrants, so it’s hugely successful,” Lyons said. “If someone is not actively apprehended while in possession of that motor vehicle and it gets dumped and then recovered later, it’s really hard to tie a person to that vehicle.”

Currently, Castle Rock is the only department in Douglas County to

be using the FLOCK system, which was first installed in May 2021. Lyons said he expects the department will formally review the success of FLOCK after the one-year mark.

“It’s certainly not the only piece of the puzzle, but it is timely the fact that we deployed this technology and are seeing double-digit reductions in crime,” he said.

The Douglas County Sheriff’s Office, Lone Tree Police Department and Parker Police Department all use license plate readers in patrol cars, though each department said it was evaluating whether to invest in the FLOCK system.

Lone Tree currently has two patrol cars equipped with license plate readers, while Parker police just doubled their equipped patrol cars from two to four because of the uptick in thefts, said Josh Hans, the public information officer for the Parker Police Department.

“We wanted to be able to increase the coverage and be able to have one out on the road at all times,” Hans said.

With the added help of the license plate reading technology, every department noted that sharing information and partnering with other agencies is another crucial piece to successfully investigating car thefts.

Douglas County Sheriff Tony Spurlock said a majority of stolen cars are used to commit other crimes, oftentimes in other communities. Hans said cars recovered in Parker frequently have illegal drugs in them.

The sheriff’s office estimates about

half of the recovered cars are stolen from outside their jurisdiction and cars taken from Douglas County are equally likely to be found elsewhere.

“What we see is people steal cars from the Denver metro area and bring them down here to use the car in a crime and then steal a car from here to go back up to the Denevr area,” he said.

Castle Rock, Lone Tree and Parker likewise see thefts as a regional problem.

Sharing stolen car information among agencies not only increases the number of eyes on the lookout, Spurlock said, but also helps police identify and saturate areas of concern.

In Parker, Hans said those areas tend to be in large retail parking lots and fitness centers.

“We are increasing our patrols in those lots so we’re able to find the vehicles when the person is in them or in the store and we can get them when they come out,” he said.

The last key law enforcement cited in solving thefts is community help. As Castle Rock has seen by the implementation of FLOCK , the sooner officers are made aware of a car being stolen or a suspicious incident, the more likely they are to recover the car or make an arrest.

“The community acts as a force multiplier, our eyes and ears when we aren’t there,” Lyons, said.

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Centennial Citizen 21

April 28, 2022

Therapy dog joins force at Littleton Public Schools Zeke is sworn in

by Arapahoe sheriff

BY ROBERT TANN RTANN@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM

Zeke, a 5-month-old black Labrador, will be joining Littleton Public Schools as a therapy dog after being sworn in by Arapahoe County Sheriff Tyler Brown April 19.

Zeke joins his older brother, Rex, who has been a therapy dog for the district since he was sworn in May of last year.

Zeke will be accompanied by his handler, Deputy Travis Jones, a school resource officer at Newton Middle School in Centennial, as part of a program that Brown said will “make sure that we are supporting students and community members in the best way possible.”

“And this again is just another resource that we have,” Brown said.

Zeke will undergo months of onthe-job training with Jones, including a class through the American Kennel Club, before he is officially certified as a therapy dog. But from the moment he steps on school grounds, he’ll serve as an active resource for schoolchildren.

Jones said he was inspired to become a handler after seeing how Rex made students feel calmer, especially in moments of mental crisis.

“If we can do something to make school easier for students, then by all means,” Jones said.

Jones said having a therapy dog by an officer’s side can improve interactions between law enforcement

BUSY FROM PAGE 20

report stolen cars right away with the license plate number so information can be spread to police.

Similarly, Lone Tree Police Department Cmr. David Brown said reports of abandoned vehicles and people

Zeke, a 5-month-old Labrador retriever, is officially made a part of the force after being sworn in by Sheriff Tyler Brown.

and students.

“The communication opens up with us and the kids, for those kids to see us as ‘oh just because law enforcement’s here doesn’t mean something bad happened,’” Jones said.

Jones named his Lab after his dad’s German shepherd, which he called his “buddy and my protector” when he was a child.

Jones’ father, Dan, served with the Aurora Police Department from 1973 to 1996. For much of the early and mid-1980s, Dan’s right hand was his German shepherd, Zeke, a narcotics

dog.

Now, decades later, Dan looks to his son and a new Zeke as the next generation.

“It’s like coming full circle,” he said. “I couldn’t be prouder of him.

And it’s great that we now have therapy dogs available for kids or people in distress. We all know you get a dog in the room and everybody lights up a bit.”

Mark Edson, assistant director of security and emergency planning at Littleton Public Schools, said the dog therapy program has been an important opportunity to “bridge

the gap between police officers” and schools.

Before coming to LPS, Edson worked for the Arapahoe County Sheriff’s Office as a school resource officer for the district and, in 2019, helped pilot the dog therapy program.

“It allowed interactions between the school resource officer and students that I had never experienced,” Edson said. “It just brightened their day.”

He said it also gives schools an added tool for aiding in students’ mental health struggles.

“If a student’s having a bad day in a classroom and is not engaging any mental health professionals, I can bring in a therapy canine to lick him on the ear and it immediately changes their attitude and their direction,” Edson said. “It is just such a positive tool that these officers have.”

checking car doors have helped his department’s investigations.

“To be successful at solving any crime, you have to have strong partnerships with your community members and business partners,” Brown said.

A large majority of stolen cars are crimes of opportunity, Spurlock explained, citing unlocked doors, people leaving keys in the car and leaving the car running as common factors in

thefts.

“We’ve seen people walk right past a car that they try to open up and it’s locked, they move on to the next one,” he said.

Spurlock, Brown and Lyons pointed to lower accountability for property crimes, which allows for repeat offenders, as one factor that may be contributing to the recent rise in car thefts.

Parker’s Hans also noted the pan-

demic and concurrent economic downturn seemed to also be a factor, though Spurlock disagreed.

“Our legislature has put Colorado in harm’s way and they have reduced the accountability and responsibility for criminals,” he said.

Regardless of the causes though, all of the law enforcement agencies encouraged people to remember to lock their cars and protect their valuables.

Arapahoe County Sheriff Tyler Brown, left, and school resource officer Travis Jones durPHOTOS BY ROBERT TANN ing Zeke’s swearing in ceremony.

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22 Centennial Citizen

LOCAL

April 28, 2022

SPORTS Rock Canyon takes down ThunderRidge Rossner scores important goal, injures ankle

BY JIM BENTON JBENTON@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM

Katie Beaudry (18) of Rock Canyon heads the ball in front of Angela Dietrich (21) of ThunderRidge during the April 21 PHOTOS BY JIM BENTON match which the Jaguars won, 2-0.

Grace Rossner (7) of Rock Canyon attempts to kick the ball around Reese Clem (8) of ThunderRidge.

Rock Canyon’s Clara Geuzaine (10) is surrounded by players during the April 21 game against ThunderRidge.

Geuzaine scored a goal in the Jaguars’ 2-0 win.

It was not a spectacular highlight reel tally but Grace Rossner’s goal on a sunny, windy April 21 afternoon at Halftime Help Stadium was important.

Rossner scored in the 29th minute of the first half as Rock Canyon went on the get a 2-0 girls soccer victory over ThunderRidge in a match between Continental League leaders.

Her goal was an insurance tally and then the Jaguars’ defense held on in the second half for the key victory.

Rock Canyon, the seventh ranked team in Colorado, improved its record to 9-1 overall and 6-1 in the league. ThunderRidge slipped to 6-2-2 overall and 4-2-1 in the Continental League.

An apparent goal by ThunderRidge’s Kera Nguyen appeared to stake the Grizzlies a 1-0 lead but the score didn’t count because of an offsides call.

Sophomore Clara Geuzaine of Rock Canyon came back less that four minutes after the non-goal and pushed the Jaguars ahead 1-0.

That’s when Rossner, a sophomore, became the big player in front of the net as Rock Canyon grabbed a two-goal advantage.

“The ball bounced off the goalie and I just happened to be there,” said Rossner. “It was just a follow up. It was a pretty easy tap in.”

Rossner aggravated an ankle injury in the second half. She limped off the field but had her ankle taped and returned to the game.

“I sprained it two weeks ago in a game,” she explained. “I went up for a header, got pushed down and kindof rolled it again. It feels pretty good now and hopefully it will heal fast.”

Rossner also had an assist on the first Rock Canyon goal and wound up with three points.

Cate Sheahan, the overall points leader in the league, had an assist during the game.

“I’m really blessed to have a team full of talent,” said Jaguars’ Coach Mat Henbest.

“Grace is good and makes it look easier than it is at times. But there are a lot of good players on the team.

“We were able to create some chances in the second half but it is not easy to control the ball when you have that wind at your back. We keep getting a little better each week. We had a lot of opportunities and we could have finished a little bit more. We’ll finish those by the end of the season.”

It was Rock Canyon’s fourth straight victory over ThunderRidge and the Jaguars now hold a 7-5-1 advantage in the series between the schools.

“It’s a rivalry,” said Henbest. “They always play us really tough and they are a quality opponent. When you get the win, that’s doubly good.”

ThunderRidge Coach Mike Parsons felt it took until the second half for his youthful team with 14 underclass players to get comfortable.

“It was tough not getting that first goal and grabbing an early lead,” Parsons said. “I do think my player was offside but only by a bit.

“Rock Canyon is always a very solid opponent. The youth of my team showed in the first half as we were unable to match their physical play. We turned things around in the second half because we changed formations and came out with a better sense of urgency.”

Centennial Citizen 23

April 28, 2022

Urbani pitches 4-hit shutout in victory Mountain Vista improves to 14-1

BY JIM BENTON JBENTON@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM

Mountain Vista senior righthander Anthony Urbani was in command the entire game and didn’t let a few base runners bother him.

Urbani pitched a four-hit shutout as Vista defeated Douglas County, 4-0, in a Continental League baseball game on April 20 at Douglas County.

“I had a good outing,” said Urbani. “I had really good defense behind me and the best catcher in the state (Tucker Moore). That really helped me out.”

Urbani pitched all seven innings and limited the Huskies to two hits until the seventh when they got two more and left the bases loaded.

Urbani stuck out nine batters and walked two.

Douglas County had runners on second and third in the second inning but Urbani fanned two hitters to silence the threat. In the seventh, the Huskies collected two singles and a walk to load the bases with two outs but Urbani ended the game and preserved the shutout by inducing a ground ball out.

“I just tried to make some good pitches and let them put it in play and it ended up working out for me,” said Urbani. “Fast balls away and my curve ball were on. I was getting a little tired in the seventh.

“We’re a great team and we play as a team. Hopefully we can go far this year. We’ve had three big games in a row against Valor, Heritage and Douglas County. We’ll move on to the next and hopefully come out on top.”

Vista coach Ron Quintana praised Urbani.

“He was on fire,” he said. “He had all three pitches working and worked out of a couple jams as well.

We were in the huddle and never got too excited or down. Everybody did their jobs.”

Tyler Mejia and Blake Young each went 2-for-3 for Vista. Zeke Borel and Noah Baker had runs batted in. Vistahad six stolen bases with Mejia and David Helfant each getting two.

Vista, ranked third in the state in the Class 5A CHSAANow.com poll, improved to 14-1 overall with the win over the Huskies and are 1-0 in the league.

Fourth-ranked Douglas County fell to 10-2 overall and 0-1 in the league.

The Huskies threw two wild pitch-

Mountain Vista senior pitcher Anthony Urbani defeated Douglas County on April 20 with a four-hit shutout.

es, walked eight batters and committed three errors which helped Vista. Douglas County pitchers Max Stanley and Hunter Gotschall combined to strike out 16 batters.

“Mountain Vista is too good of a team to make mistakes,” said Huskies coach Craig Gienger. “We struck out 16 of their guys. If you had told me that we struck out 16 of their guys and lost, I would have said no way.

“They did a good job of running the bases and did a good job of taking advantage of mistakes.

That was the difference. I was a little disappointed with our at-bats especially throughout the middle innings and late in the game. Credit to them and the guy on the mound.

We had a chance in the seventh with the bases loaded but credit goes to them. They played a great game.”

Gotschall, Eli Athanas, Tyler Stonebraker and Hayden Osborn had the Douglas County hits.

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Mountain Vista’s Tyler Mejia slides into second with a stolen base as Douglas County’s Colin Adams (29) tags him during the April 20 game. Vista won, 4-0.

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006131

24 Centennial Citizen

April 28, 2022

C R O S S W O R D CAMPING P U Z Z L E FROM PAGE 7

take effect April 28.

Aurora’s camping ban will apply to unauthorized camping on public property, but it doesn’t mean the city can remove any camp it wants at all times.

The ban also requires the city to have shelter available for people who are staying at camps that would be removed.

According to a city spokesperson, the new camping ordinance outlines that police can write tickets or arrest people if they’re camping on public property and the following criteria are met: • The city has a shelter option available for the person; • The person has been offered placement in the shelter space; • And the person has been given a verbal or written order to move and to take their property with them but they refuse to stop camping.

People who experience homelessness sometimes have concerns that lead them to avoid shelters, including worries about safety or being separated from a companion.

Jennifer Stone, a communica-

tions manager for the Colorado Municipal League, said the municipal league does not have a list of municipalities that ban camping. But several local governments along the Front Range have such a policy.

Colorado Springs and Boulder also prohibit camping on public property, according to a Centennial city staff report. Parker approved a camping ban in June 2018. Overnight camping on public property is not allowed in the City of Lone Tree, according to the city’s website.

Critics of such policies say camping bans push the unhoused to other places or surrounding cities but don’t address underlying issues regarding homelessness.

Denver in 2012 banned staying in an outdoor place with a tent, sleeping bag or other shelter, a policy that advocates for the homeless have said may be pushing more homeless individuals into the suburbs. In a 2013 survey of 512 homeless people in central Denver by the advocacy group Denver Homeless Out Loud, 20% of respondents said that after the ban they more often sleep in outlying neighborhoods or surrounding cities, according to the survey document.

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Centennial Citizen 25

April 28, 2022

COLORADO COMMUNIT Y MEDIA

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Help Wanted Teacher of the Visually Impaired/ Orientation and Mobility Specialist East Central BOCES is seeking a Part-Time (3.5 days/wk) Teacher of the Visually Impaired/Orientation and Mobility Specialist for the 202223 school year. This position requires working with multiple administrative units including East Central BOCES, Ft. Morgan, Santa Fe Trails BOCES, South East BOCES, North East BOCES and Sterling. Option to work 1 day a week for East Central BOCES only, if preferred. Requires Colorado Teaching License with an endorsement in Visual Impairment and Orientation and Mobility Specialist. Responsibilities include completing assessments, providing direct and indirect service & attending IEP meetings as needed.

Opportunity for some services to be provided remotely. Salary: 3.5 days/wk-$31,018-$38,505, 1 day/wk $8,120-$10,080. Excellent Benefits including mileage reimbursement or use of a car. May be eligible for loan forgiveness and sign on bonus.

To apply please complete a Certified Application, located on our website at ecboces.org under “Jobs” at the bottom of the page. Once completed, application can be sent to Tracy at tracyg@ecboces.org,.

Questions contact Tracy at (719) 775-2342, ext.

101. EOE

Empower Retirement seeks the following positions in Greenwood Village, CO (may work remotely from anywhere in the US): Principal Software Engineer design, implement, deploy and support new web-based applications and web services using server technologies stacks that include Java, MySQL and AWS services.

Req a Master’s degree* (or foreign equiv) in Comp Sci, Comp Eng, or a rltd field. 2 yrs of exp as a Java Developer or rltd. *Will accept a Bachelor’s + 5 yrs’ exp in lieu of a Master’s degree + 2 yrs’ exp. Req #1046 \ Software Engineer - responsible for designing, implementing, deploying, and supporting new web-based app and web services using server technologies stacks. Req a Master’s degree (or foreign equiv) in Comp Sci, Comp Eng, Elec Eng or rltd. 2 yrs of exp as a Software Eng or rltd. *Will accept a Bachelor’s + 5 yrs’ exp in lieu of a Master’s degree + 2 yrs’ exp. Req #2008 To apply, email resume ref appropriate req to Personal Capital ATTN: Recruiting, hrrecruiting@ personalcapital.com

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Help Wanted

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Colorado Community Media is hiring a detail-oriented administrative specialist to assist in posting receivables and to schedule legal notices. The job would be full time in our business office reporting to the Business Manager.

The Clear Creek Courant, which has covered “history as it happens” in Georgetown, Empire, Idaho Springs and surrounding areas, is seeking an experienced reporter to help continue a tradition of excellence by covering government, breaking news, events, features and more. The Courant is a staple of these mountain communities and aims to capture the charm of smalltown mountain living.

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The right candidate must also be able to shoot and edit images and post content to social media platforms. Video skills are a plus.

Accounting Assistant and Legal Advertising Specialist

Job responsibilities include: • Post payments in our ad management software (will train in Account Scout).

Create and maintain daily files.

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•Take in orders for legal notices to publish in our weekly publications. Format and schedule orders properly for production and record-keeping purposes using ad management software.

•Flow ad files onto pages for insertion into weekly publications using design software (will train in InDesign) •Proof pages to ensure accuracy •Act as customer service representative for both AR and legal notice publishing process Preferred skills: •Experience in accounts receivable preferable •Superior attention to detail •Ability to build and maintain solid customer relationships with professionalism and speed •Proficiency in Microsoft Office programs Once the candidate is fully trained this job can be performed part in-office (in Englewood) and part remote. Starting pay $14.50-$16.50/hour.

Applicants please send your resume to Audrey Brooks at abrooks@coloradocommunitymedia.com

Clear Creek Courant Reporter

Responsibilities include: • Generating six stories a week.

• Demonstrating effective use of social media tools to source stories and drive traffic to website and print products.

• Ensuring accuracy, objectivity, fairness and correct spelling in all reporting.

• Meeting deadlines without exception.

• Working collaboratively with other reporters on shared editorial projects.

• Keeping the Clear Creek Courant website and social media updated.

Qualifications: • A degree in journalism or communications • Two years of experience in reporting • Must be available to work some nights and weekends • Digital photography experience • Must have a current driver’s license or the ability to get one

Details: • Full time with benefits, salary range $16-18/hour

Interested? Email West Region Editor Kristen Fiore: kfiore(at)coloradocommunitymedia.com with a cover letter, links to previously published work and three references.

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School Psychologist or Intern East Central BOCES is seeking a Full-Time School Psychologist or Intern to join our dynamic, multidisciplinary team of professionals for the 2022-23 school year.

Educational Specialist (Ed.S.), Colorado certified. Provide PreK-12 intervention including assessment, development of IEP’s & consultation services. Competitive salaries: ED.S $51,450-60,900 & Intern $47,600$52,400, both commensurate upon experience. excellent benefits including dental, vision, and medical insurance. May be eligible for Sign On Bonus! May also be eligible for loan forgiveness. Flexible schedule. Use of a car or mileage reimbursement. 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

Special Education Paraprofessionals Full & Part-Time Special Education Paraprofessionals needed for our West Area Center-based Learning Program located in Strasburg.

Competitive pay and benefits including individual health insurance . $13-$17 per hour depending on experience. May be eligible for Sign On Bonus! To apply for this position, please complete the Classified Application for Employment available for download on the ecboces.org website under “Jobs” or contact Tracy at (719) 775-2342, ext. 101.

Please fax completed application to 719-771-4001 or email it to tracyg@ ecboces.org Equal Opportunity Employer

Special Education Teacher for a significant needs program located at the Strasburg Elementary School. Current Colorado Special Education Teacher license required.

BA salary range $34,650-$40,950 & MA salary range $39,900$46,200, based on experience.

May be eligible for Sign On Bonus!

Excellent benefits. Collaborative work environment with lots of free continuing education opportunities available. May be eligible for Student Loan Forgiveness.

Questions contact Tracy at (719) 775-2342, ext. 101 or tracyg@ecboces. org. Please complete a Certified application located at the bottom of the “Jobs” page on ecboces.org or email tracyg@ecboces.org. Equal Opportunity Employer.

Computing Architect 3 Boeing Digital Solutions, Inc. (d/b/a Jeppesen), Englewood, CO. Define requirements to design and verify routine architecture, data, and information management systems and components. Any suitable combination of education, training, or experience is acceptable.

For complete job description, list of requirements, and to apply, visit jobs.boeing.com and search Job ID 00000309517

Night Time Inspection Tech / Part-Time Position inspects all exterior lighting for retail and commercial properties documenting all outages.

• Drive Company vehicle to specific locations and indicate all outages on provided site map •This position is part-time - (3) nights per week averaging 25-30 hours •Night Shift Flexible Schedule - Great second job •Must have clean driving record and must pass drug screening test.

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Need to get the word out?

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26 Centennial Citizen

COLORADO COMMUNIT Y MEDIA

Help Wanted

Registered Occupational Therapist Full-Time and part-time 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.

Full Time Salary range for OTD: $49,350-$60,550. Part-Time Salary prorated based on the number of days employed. Excellent benefits.

Access to a company vehicle or mileage reimbursement. May be eligible for a loan forgiveness program and signing bonus. 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 Questions contact Tracy at (719) 775-2342, ext. 101 or email tracyg@ ecboces.org

Senior Software Engineer in Highlands Ranch, CO. Min reqmnt: Bach. deg in Elec. & Comp Engr, Software Engr, or rel. Mail resume to Humax USA, Inc., Attn: Sally Yeo, 15621 Red Hill Ave., #120, Tustin, CA 92780.

Executive Assistant Centennial Colorado Pay: Based on experience between $20 and $22 per hour • Hours Monday through Thursday 10:00am to 4:00pm • Hours Friday 10:00am to 3:00pm • 2+ years of administrative experience (investments//financial services industry preferred) Contact info: Colin McCoy 303-2203223 colin.mccoy@tfgroup.com

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

Speech-Language Pathologist or SLPA Positions Full-Time & Part-Time Open to School Internships. Able to provide supervision for CFY hours. Join our dynamic, multidisciplinary team of professionals for the 2022-23 school year. Administer assessments, provide direct, indirect & consultation services for students PreK-12th grades.

Competitive salaries: SLP - $44,100-$56,000 & SLPA- $36,050- $44,450, both commensurate upon experience.

May be eligible for a Sign On Bonus! May also be eligible for loan forgiveness. Excellent benefits, including full health benefits & mileage reimbursement. Flexible schedule. Questions contact Tracy at (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

April 28, 2022

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Full-Time Early Childhood Special Education Teacher and Child Find Coordinator For East Central BOCES for the 2022-2023 school year. Complete assessment & provide direct and indirect services with preschool children in rural school settings.

Requires a Master’s Degree in Early Childhood Special Education. Can be hired with a Bachelor’s Degree in a Related Field if willing to enter into a Master’s degree program in Early Childhood Special Education upon hire. Salary Range BA-$34,650 to $42,350 and MA $39,900-$47,600 dependent on experience. Excellent benefits, including full health benefits, and use of a car or mileage reimbursement. May be eligible for loan forgiveness. Financial support may be available through grants if required to enroll in a Master’s degree program. 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 ecboces. org under “Jobs”.

CAREGIVER NEEDED Seeking an experienced and passionate caregiver for an elderly 85yr old male. We are looking for someone who is responsible, compassionate, has patience, someone else’s loved one like they were your own, or how you would want your loved one to be taken care of.

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Wildlife Property Seasonal Colorado Parks and Wildlife is hiring a temporary employee to work at Mt. Evans State Wildlife Area. The position will start June 1 and remain through September. Job duties include property management such as weed spraying, fence building and repair, planting food plots, timber management, and trail maintenance; equipment maintenance; building maintenance, including cleaning restrooms weekly. Applicants must be able to apply herbicide, perform physical labor, and have a valid driver’s license. Experience with the job duties and with agricultural type equipment is beneficial but not required. The work week is somewhat flexible and offers 32-40 hours per week.

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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

Doodle Puppies

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Lost and Found

HughesNet – Finally, super-fast internet no matter where you live. 25 Mbps just $59.99/mo! Unlimited Data is Here. Stream Video. Bundle TV & Internet. Free Installation. Call 866-499-0141

Put on your TV Ears & hear TV w/ unmatched clarity. TV Ears Original - originally $129.95 - now w/this special offer only $59.95 w/code MCB59! 1-833-530-1955 AT&T Internet. Starting at $40/ month w/12-mo agreement. 1 TB of data/month. Ask how to bundle & SAVE! Geo & service restrictions apply. 1-888-796-8850

Missing since 4/11/22, Shane, a large chocolate male Labrador Retriever, 80 pounds, one year old. Wearing a denim frayed collar. Is very friendly. Missing from the County road 150 and Buffalo Trail area, Elbert county.

Reward offered.

Please call 303-995-5159

CLASSIFIEDS

Centennial Citizen 27

April 28, 2022

COLORADO COMMUNIT Y MEDIA

Concrete/Paving

On The Level • Elder Care/Home Health Care/Personal Assistant • Housecleaning /Organizing /Meal Prep • Errands/Shopping /Downsizing /Companion Work • Pet/House Sitting /Childcare • Gardening

I Care About All Your Family’s Needs Call For An Estimate • No Job Too Big or Too Small

303-875-7271 • allisonfultoncares@yahoo.com Bathrooms

Concrete All types of Concrete Work

·

Driveways

·

Patios

·

Foundations

·

Walkways

SERVICE DIRECTORY CLASSIFIED AD SALES

DEADLINES CLASSIFIED LINE ADS: MONDAY, 5 P.M. SERVICE DIRECTORY: THURSDAY, 5 P.M. LEGALS: THURSDAY, 3 P.M.

303-566-4100 classifieds@coloradocommunitymedia.com

SERVICE DIRECTORY ADS

Contact Erin, 303-566-4074 eaddenbrooke@coloradocommunitymedia.com Cleaning

PROMAID CLEANING Since 1997 - Lincensed - Insured - Bonded Weekly, Bi-Weekly, 3Weeks, Monthly, Move-In, Move-Out

FREE ESTIMATES Call Today: 720-225-7176 Visa-M/C • Paypal • Venmo Buildings, Metal

Daniel Ordonez 720.363.6004 DanielOrdonezOTL@gmail.com Colorado, USA

METALBUILDING OUTLET CORP.

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Carpet/Flooring

All of Flat Work by by AllPhases Phases of Flat Work

Cleaning

Spring Cleaning Special 20% off Residential/Commercial

Carpet Solutions

• CARPET REPAIRS •RE-STRETCHING • PET DAMAGE

n:

Call Ke

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A BROOM AND A BUCKET Quality Clean at Unmatched Value

Your favorite house cleaners are now also your carpet cleaners

Riley 720.382.0932 Riley@arrowheadwindowcleaning.com

Concrete/Paving

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

CALL FOR AN ESTIMATE

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T.M. T.M.CONCRETE CONCRETE

Driveways, Sidewalks, Patios Driveways, Sidewalks, Patios Tear-outs, stamped & colored Tear-outs, stamped & colored concrete.

Quality work, Lic./Ins. concrete. Quality Reasonable rates work, Lic./Ins. "Small Jobs OK!" Reasonable rates 303-514-7364 "Small Jobs OK!" tmconcrete.net 303-514-7364

Heating/Air Conditioning

Furnace Serving theand FrontBoiler Range Specials since 1955

Serving the Front Range sinceHeaters 1955 Furnaces • Boilers • Water Rooftop HVAC • Mobile Furnaces Water Heaters • Rooftop HVAC • Commercial Commercial Residential • Install •• Residential Repair • Replace Install • Repair • Replace Free Furnace Inspections & A/C Startups

tmconcrete.net

TLLC Concrete Ty Barrett

Free Estimates Estimates ••720-327-9214 Free 720-327-9214

303-646-2355 Specialize in barn floors, Driveways, Remove and replacement

Heating/Air Conditioning Was Just Told She Would Have to Wait 10 DAYS Before the A/C and Furnace Company Could Get Her New System Installed!

Any job over 400 SF give us a call!

TEN DAYS.

Deck/Patio

WE’LL GET IT DONE IN 48 HOURS.

(Most Times Even Faster!) Pending availability of equipment.

Call L & L for a FREE ESTIMATE!

303-501-3264

$1000 OFF WHOLE HOME

WE DO ALL DECK & FENCE REPAIRS CALL US FOR A FREE ESTIMATE

Air Conditioner and Furnace Combo Purchase With qualifying equipment.

Not valid with any other offers Expires 5/27/22

www.coloradodeckandfence.com codeckandfencepro@gmail.com

Full System Evaluation

SAND/WASH/STAIN 15% OFF!

FURNACE

$59.95 With coupon only.

Expires 5/27/22

L

&

L

Heating & Air Conditioning

“You Will Be Comfortable With Us!”

L&L will match any legitimate competitive quote for a like system.

Driveways Tear Outs & Replace

BEST PRICES

CALL US TODAY!

• patios • sidewalks • garage floors • • porches • stamped/colored • exposed agregate • lic.& ins. free estimates

30+ years experience Clem: 303-973-6991

303-667-3536

www.delsolconcrete.com

FREE ESTIMATES

abroomandabucket.com abroomandbucket@gmail.com

303.948.2038

METALBUILDINGOUTLET.COM

720-218-8849

Financing Available W.A.C. Licensed • Insured

CALL TODAY FOR A

FREE ESTIMATE

on qualifying equipment

www.BestDenverHVAC.com

720-851-1691

TO ADVERTISE CALL 303-566-4100

CLASSIFIEDS

28 Centennial Citizen

April 28, 2022

COLORADO COMMUNIT Y MEDIA

Lawn/Garden Services

Landscaping/Nurseries

CONTINENTAL INC. Commercial and Residential

Lawn Maintenance Mow – Edge - Trim Call for a Aeration & Fertilization Sprinkler Repair FREE quote

720-283-2155 Continental8270@yahoo.com

Deck/Patio

UTDOOR

Handyman

“Specializing in Composite Redwood and Cedar Construction for Over 30 Years”

• Decks • Fences • Stairs • Overhangs •

303-471-2323 Drywall

TM

HOME REPAIRS & REMODELING

• Drywall • Painting • Tile • Trim • Doors • Painting • Decks • Bath Remodel • Kitchen Remodels • Basements & Much More!

We Never Mark Up Materials Saving you 25%-35% All Work Guaranteed • A+ BBB Rated

Call Today for a FREE ESTIMATE 303-427-2955

A PATCH TO MATCH Drywall Repair Specialist

• Home Renovation and Remodel • 30 years Experience • Insured • Satisfaction Guaranteed Highly rated & screened contractor by Home Advisor & Angies list

Call Ed 720-328-5039 Fence Services

!

INSURED

JIM 303.818.6319

“HONEY-DO’S DONE… THAT YOUR HONEY DON’T DO.” — SMALL JOBS INSIDE AND OUT —

Hauling Service

Cut Rate Hauling Cowboy Fencing is a full service fence & gate company installing fences in Colorado for 23 6 years.

Residential/Commercial/ Farm & Ranch Fencing Low rates, Free estimates

Scott, Owner - 720-364-5270 Handyman

’s DeSpain HOME SOLUTIONS

Solving All your Remodeling & Repair Problems – Just Ask!

DEPENDABLE, RELIABLE SERVICE Over 30 Years Experience Licensed & Insured

Eric DeSpain 303-840-1874

Trash / Rubbish / Debris and Junk Removal Professional and Reliable Year Round Service Rubin (720)434-8042 Kerwin (720) 519-5559 Health and Well-Being

A Better You at Any Age!

Greska’s Carbon-60

Health Energy Vitality www.C-60.com 720-600-6040 Oral & Topical Supplement

CLASSIFIED AD SALES

303-566-4100 classifieds@coloradocommunitymedia.com

SERVICE DIRECTORY ADS

Contact Erin, 303-566-4074 eaddenbrooke@coloradocommunitymedia.com

Landscaping • Yard Cleanup • Sod Concrete • Sprinklers • Fertilization Tree Trimming/Cutting • Planting Retaining Walls • Flagstone Fencing • Gutter Cleaning Power Raking • Aerating

Machine Shop

Commercial/Residential Services:

Roger’s Hobby Machine Shop

CHRIS YOAKAM 303-745-7676

•Hardscaping- Flagstone/Pavers: patios, walkways, porches, pool decks. Structural retaining walls, Xeriscaping, flower bed walls, outdoor living and entertainment areas, pergolas etc •Concrete- driveways, sidewalks and patios, decorative concrete, concrete demolition & disposal.

•Demolition- buildings, sheds, driveways, junk, existing landscape etc.

•Drainage solutions- French drains, runoff water from different elevation solutions , gutter water runoff solutions, French drain replacement etc.

•Tree & shrub services- tree and shrub trimming, removal, planting new vegetation etc •Annual landscape maintenanceinstallation of river rock, mulch, or any other desired ground cover. We can remove & replace your old steel edging with new, rust proof, edging!

•Sod/New Lawn Install-New lawn creation; Replacement of grass damaged by drought, neglect or irrigation systems needing sprinkler repair.

•We offer spring and fall cleanups which would include preparing the entire landscape for the upcoming season.

(Sprinklers, trimming vegetation, leaf removal, shrub/tree trimming etc) •Sprinkler system/irrigation- new installations, replacements, sprinkler repair, coverage issues etc. Our first priority is always water conservation, we use smart technology to save you water!

Landscape & Garden

Check out our reviews on google!

We guarantee satisfaction. Call Today!

Family owned & operated!

720-436-6158 Lawn/Garden Services

SIZE OF YARD MOW & TRIM MULCH & TRIM AERATION POWER RAKING

SMALL $25 $25 $30 $75

MEDIUM $30-$35 $30-$35 $35-$40 $90-$105

LARGE $40$40$45$120-

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

Sod, Rock, Mulch, Retaining Walls, Sprinklers, Sprinkler Repair, Flagstone, Fence Repair, Power Rake, Fertilize, Aeration, Yard Clean-Ups, Shrub Trimming/Removal, Rock Removal, Weed Control, Trash Hauling and Much More!

Senior Discounts Year Round!

720-982-9155 lawnservice9155@q.com

PROFESSIONAL OUTDOOR SERVICES TREES/ SHRUBS TRIMMED Planted, Trimmed & Removal • Sod Work • Rock & Block Walls • Sprinklers • Aeration • Stumps Ground • Mulch

Licensed / Insured

DICK 303-783-9000 Alpine Landscape Management Weekly Mowing, Aerate, Fertilize, Spring Clean-up, Trim Bushes & Small Trees, Senior Discounts

720-329-9732

Colorado Lawn Care SPRING/SUMMER:

Landscaping - Tree/Hedge Trimming Shrub Removal - Aeration - Sod Edging - River Rock - Mulch Weekly Mowing - Power Washing – Deck/Fence Install/Repair scottcindy4242@gmail.com Commercial – Residential 720-202-9975 Licensed/Insured

DEADLINES CLASSIFIED LINE ADS: MONDAY, 5 P.M. SERVICE DIRECTORY: THURSDAY, 5 P.M. LEGALS: THURSDAY, 3 P.M.

Lawn/Garden Services

Landscape & Concrete

LAWN SERVICES C.Y.  FREE ESTIMATES 

ESIGNS, INC

SERVICE DIRECTORY

303-248-6024

To advertise h business here, call us at 303-566-4100

Trae Francque

720-653-8379

ttpropertymain@gmail.com • Reasonable rates, Reliable service • Customer satisfaction Guaranteed

RON’S LANDSCAPING Yard Clean-up, Raking, Weeding, Flower Bed Maintenance, Shrubbery Trimming Soil Prep - Sod Work Trees & Shrub Replacement also Small Tree & Bush Removal Bark, Rock Walls & Flagstone Work FREE Estimates Family owned business with over 35 yrs. exp.

Call or email Ron 303-758-5473

vandergang@comcast.net

Looking for new customers?

Handyman MR.FIX-IT Call us at

303.566.4100

Advertise with us to promote your local, small business!

Centennial Citizen 29

April 28, 2022 Painting

Painting

Roofing/Gutters

Have a Hail Damaged Roof?

Residential Experts

• Benjamin Moore Paints • Labor and Materials Warranty • Free Estimates • Color Consultation Included • Kind/Highly Communicative Staff

Residential Experts We paint over 800 Homes Per Year No Deposit Ever Satisfaction Guaranteed 5 year, 7 year and 9 year Exterior Warranties 2 Yr. Interior Warranty Licensed & Insured up to $2 Million Locally Owned and Operated In business for 29 years Free Color Consulting & Samples

Helpful Ace Hardware Pro Painters is a residential painting company which specializes in exterior and interior painting. Our core values are honesty, integrity, service, quality and beauty and our focus is on delivering an outstanding customer experience. We currently include a full color consult, test pints and a detailed walkthrough with all of our paint jobs.

All Int. & Ext.

Painting

35% Off

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www.innovativepaintingllc.com

L.S. PAINTING, Inc.

helpfulacehardwarepropainters.com

PEREZ PAINTING LLC Interior / Exterior Paint Specialist Front Door Refinishing Specialist FULLY INSURED

720-298-3496

303-948-9287

Roofing

Roofing Done Right

Roofing Done Right Locally Owned & Operated Since 1998 Since 1998 Locally Owned & Operated

Licensed & Insured Licensed & Insured

Specializing in Residential Roofing in Specializing in Residential Roofing The Greater Denver Area in The Greater Denver Area FREE ESTIMATES FREE ESTIMATES www.gbsroofing.com www.gbsroofing.com

Painting

A+

Rating BBB

303-660-9394 303-660-9394 Roofing

$300 OFF

Painting Complete Interior Painting, Drywall Repair Popcorn Ceiling  CUSTOM INTERIOR & EXTERIOR PAINTING Texture Removal, Plumbing Wallpaper Removal Complete  CABINET REFINISHING/PAINTING Exterior Painting.

(303) 909-3349 Ceiling  POPCORN CEILING TEXTUREPopcorn REMOVAL tsppaintingservices.com  DRYWALL REPAIR AND DRYWALL TEXTURE ANCHOR Removal  TRIM CARPENTRY BASEBOARDS/CASINGS PLUMBING HG References LS@LSPaintinginc.com www.lspaintinginc.com

Residential: Hot Water Heat • Forced Air Water Heaters • Kitchens • Baths Service Repair • Sprinkler Repair

- Call Dave Vaughn 720-427-7422 - davegoldenspikeroofing@gmail.com

Give us a call to set up a free estimate! (720) 432-6125

Littleton Based & Family Owned

• Stain and Renew Custom Handrails • Custom Interior & Exterior • Residential & Commercial Painting • Paint Kitchen Cabinets • Free Estimates - Insured • 30 Years Serving Metro Denver • Satisfaction Guaranteed

- Call Golden Spike Roofing - We are 100% Local & Have Great References - Roofing • Siding • Paint • Windows • Gutters

(303) 909-3349  tsppaintingservices.com “We’re Always In The Neighborhood.”

M4 ROOFING

We live in the neighborhood!

A+ Accredited rating with the BBB 18th year in business Great Google reviews

303-797-8600 www.M4Roofing.com

Pets

(303) 961-3485

Roofing

Licenced & Insured

DIRTY JOBS Done Dirt Cheap

Drain Cleaning Specialist Camera & Sewer Repairs Plumbing Repairs 24/7 - 35 yrs experience No extra charge for weekends

Call for a free phone quote

720-308-6696

Plumb-Crazy, LLC.

“We’re Crazy About Plumbing” CUSTOM HOMES • REMODEL FINISHED BASEMENTS SERVICE AND REPAIR Licensed • Insured ALAN ATTWOOD, Master Plumber

PH: 303-472-8217 FX: 303-688-8821

The #1 Cat Sitting App Reserve a 5-star in-home cat sitter who is vetted and insured.

Visit us at Meowtel.com and select Jay Fluent Roofing/Gutters DEPENDABLE ROOF AND GUTTER REPAIR Repairs are all I do!

Wind Damage & Fix Leaks Gutter repair/cleaning 40 years experience FREE Estimates

(720)209-4589

Tile

ANYTHING TILE

● Marble ● Repairs ● Granite Counter Tops Remodeling is my specialty!

Call now for free estimate PLUMBING & SPRINKLERS

Free Instant Phone Quote Repair or Replace: Faucets, Sprinklers, Toilets, Sinks, Disposals, Water Heaters, Gas Lines, Broken Pipes, Spigots/ Hosebibs, Water Pressure Regulator, Ice Maker, Drain Cleaning, Dishwasher Instl., for coupons go to vertecservices.com CALL Vertec 303-371-3828

Hail & Storm Damage Repairs & Replacements Insurance Claims Roof Financing Options Tile

Thomas Flooring & Tile • All Types of Tile • • Granite-Ceramic • • Porcelain • • Natural Stone •Vinyl • •Bathroom Remodel•

32 Years Experience • Work Warranty

303-781-4919 FREE Estimates

303-425-7531 Tree Service

ABE’S TREE & SHRUB CARE Abraham Spilsbury Owner/Operator

• Pruning • Removals • Shrub Maintenance • FreeEstimates Certified Arborist,Insured, Littleton Resident 720.283.8226 • C:720.979.3888 aspilsbury@msn.com

(303) 646-0140

TO ADVERTISE CALL 303-566-4100

Tree Service

A-1 Stump Removal Stump grinding specialist

Most stumps $75.00 and up $55 Minimum.

Free estimates. Call or Licensed & Insured. Text 41 years experience.

10% off when coupon presented A father and son team!

Terry 303-424-7357 Corey 720-949-8373

30 Centennial Citizen

April 28, 2022

www.ColoradoCommunityMedia.com/Notices

PUBLIC NOTICES

Public Notices call Sheree 303.566.4088 Legals

COMBINED NOTICE - PUBLICATION CRS §38-38-103 FORECLOSURE SALE NO. 0030-2022

Public Trustees

To Whom It May Concern: This Notice is given with regard to the following described Deed of Trust:

COMBINED NOTICE - PUBLICATION CRS §38-38-103 FORECLOSURE SALE NO. 0020-2022

On February 11, 2022, 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.

To Whom It May Concern: This Notice is given with regard to the following described Deed of Trust: On February 1, 2022, 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) SUNIL STEPHEN AND KRISHNA PRIYADARSHINI SUNIL Original Beneficiary(ies) MORTGAGE ELECTRONIC REGISTRATION SYSTEMS, INC. AS NOMINEE FOR SUN WEST MORTGAGE COMPANY, INC. Current Holder of Evidence of Debt LAKEVIEW LOAN SERVICING LLC Date of Deed of Trust July 30, 2012 County of Recording Arapahoe Recording Date of Deed of Trust August 09, 2012 Recording Information (Reception No. and/or Book/Page No.) D2087946 Original Principal Amount $326,335.00 Outstanding Principal Balance $270,831.73 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.

THE LIEN FORECLOSED MAY NOT BE A FIRST LIEN. LOT 10, BLOCK 1, WILLOW CREEK FILING NO. 5, COUNTY OF ARAPAHOE, STATE OF COLORADO Also known by street and number as: 7855 SOUTH TRENTON ST, CENTENNIAL, CO 80112-3318.

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, 06/01/2022, 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: 4/7/2022 Last Publication: 5/5/2022 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: 02/01/2022 Susan Sandstrom, Public Trustee in and for the County of Arapahoe, State of Colorado By: Susan Sandstrom, Public Trustee The name, address, business telephone number and bar registration number of the attorney(s) representing the legal holder of the indebtedness is: Anna Johnston #51978 Ryan Bourgeois #51088 Joseph D. DeGiorgio #45557 Randall Chin #31149 Barrett, Frappier & Weisserman, LLP 1391 Speer Boulevard, Suite 700, Denver, CO 80204 (303) 350-3711 Attorney File # 00000009390543 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. 0020-2022 First Publication: 4/7/2022 Last Publication: 5/5/2022 Name of Publication: Littleton Independent

Original Grantor(s) James A Lillie Original Beneficiary(ies) MORTGAGE ELECTRONIC REGISTRATION SYSTEMS, INC. AS NOMINEE FOR NATIONWIDE EQUITIES CORP., ITS SUCCESSORS AND ASSIGNS Current Holder of Evidence of Debt REVERSE MORTGAGE FUNDING LLC Date of Deed of Trust July 23, 2020 County of Recording Arapahoe Recording Date of Deed of Trust August 12, 2020 Recording Information (Reception No. and/or Book/Page No.) E0103293 Original Principal Amount $609,000.00 Outstanding Principal Balance $251,765.14 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.

THE LIEN FORECLOSED MAY NOT BE A FIRST LIEN. ALL THE FOLLOWING DESCRIBED LOT OR PARCEL OF LAND, SITUATE, LYING AND BEING IN THE COUNTY OF ARAPAHOE AND STATE OF COLORADO, TO WIT: LOT 2, BLOCK 19, NOB HILL-SECOND FILING PURSUANT TO AFFIDAVIT OF SCRIVENER'S ERROR RECORDED ON 08/14/2020 AT RECEPTION NO. E0104548 TO CORRECT LEGAL DESCRIPTION. Also known by street and number as: 6912 S Dexter Street, Centennial, CO 80122.

THE PROPERTY DESCRIBED HEREIN IS ALL OF THE PROPERTY CURRENTLY ENCUMBERED BY THE LIEN OF THE DEED OF TRUST. If applicable, a description of any changes to the deed of trust described in the notice of election and demand pursuant to affidavit as allowed by statutes: C.R.S.§ 38-35-109(5) LEGAL DESCRIPTION HAS BEEN CORRECTED

BY SCRIVENER'S AFFIDAVIT RECORDED ON 08/14/2020 AT RECEPTION NO. E0104548 IN THE RECORDS OF ARAPAHOE COUNTY. 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, 06/15/2022, 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: 4/21/2022 Last Publication: 5/19/2022 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: 02/11/2022 Susan Sandstrom, Public Trustee in and for the County of Arapahoe, State of Colorado By: Susan Sandstrom, Public Trustee The name, address, business telephone number and bar registration number of the attorney(s) representing the legal holder of the indebtedness is: Alison L Berry #34531 Nicholas H. Santarelli #46592 David R. Doughty #40042 Lynn M. Janeway #15592 Janeway Law Firm, P.C. 9800 S. Meridian Blvd., Suite 400, Englewood, CO 80112 (303) 706-9990 Attorney File # 22-026265 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.

legals@coloradocommunitymedia.com

©Public Trustees' Association of Colorado Revised 1/2015 Legal Notice NO. 0030-2022 First Publication: 4/21/2022 Last Publication: 5/19/2022 Name of Publication: Littleton Independent COMBINED NOTICE - PUBLICATION CRS §38-38-103 FORECLOSURE SALE NO. 0036-2022 To Whom It May Concern: This Notice is given with regard to the following described Deed of Trust: On February 18, 2022, 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) DOUGLAS S. WIDLUND AND KATHERINE S. WIDLUND Original Beneficiary(ies) JEFFCO SCHOOLS CREDIT UNION Current Holder of Evidence of Debt WESTERRA CREDIT UNION Date of Deed of Trust June 15, 2004 County of Recording Arapahoe Recording Date of Deed of Trust June 18, 2004 Recording Information (Reception No. and/or Book/Page No.) B4110276 Original Principal Amount $161,000.00 Outstanding Principal Balance $59,702.61 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.

THE LIEN FORECLOSED MAY NOT BE A FIRST LIEN. LOT 6, BLOCK 11, HERITAGE GREENS, 7TH FILING COUNTY OF ARAPAHOE, STATE OF COLORADO Also known by street and number as: 5256 E. MINERAL CIRCLE, CENTENNIAL, CO 80122.

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, 06/22/2022, 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: 4/28/2022 Last Publication: 5/26/2022 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: 02/18/2022 Susan Sandstrom, Public Trustee in and for the County of Arapahoe, State of Colorado By: Susan Sandstrom, Public Trustee The name, address, business telephone number and bar registration number of the attorney(s) representing the legal holder of the indebtedness is: Douglas W Brown #10429 Rachel H Connor #50831 Drew P. Fein #48950 Neal K. Dunning #10181 Brown Dunning Walker Fein PC 2000 S. Colorado Blvd., Tower Two, Suite 700, Denver, CO 80222 (303) 329-3363 Attorney File # 3085-157 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. 0036-2022 First Publication: 4/28/2022 Last Publication: 5/26/2022 Name of Publication: Littleton Independent COMBINED NOTICE - PUBLICATION CRS §38-38-103

FORECLOSURE SALE NO. 0038-2022 To Whom It May Concern: This Notice is given with regard to the following described Deed of Trust: On February 18, 2022, 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) Brian D. Lenda AND Nancy J. Lenda Original Beneficiary(ies) MORTGAGE ELECTRONIC REGISTRATION SYSTEMS, INC. AS NOMINEE FOR AMERICAN ADVISORS GROUP, ITS SUCCESSORS AND ASSIGNS Current Holder of Evidence of Debt REVERSE MORTGAGE FUNDING LLC Date of Deed of Trust June 13, 2018 County of Recording Arapahoe Recording Date of Deed of Trust June 22, 2018 Recording Information (Reception No. and/or Book/Page No.) D8060736 Original Principal Amount $630,000.00 Outstanding Principal Balance $103,205.77 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.

THE LIEN FORECLOSED MAY NOT BE A FIRST LIEN. LOT 5, HALLCRAFT'S WALNUT HILLS - FILING NO. 1, COUNTY OF ARAPAHOE, STATE OF COLORADO. APN NUMBER: 2075-28-3-10-032 Also known by street and number as: 7185 S SYRACUSE CT., CENTENNIAL, CO 80112.

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) JANE M. ROGERS Original Beneficiary(ies) FINANCIAL FREEDOM SENIOR FUNDING CORPORATION, A SUBSIDIARY OF INDYMAC BANK, F.S.B. Current Holder of Evidence of Debt BANK OF NEW YORK MELLON TRUST COMPANY, N.A. AS TRUSTEE FOR MORTGAGE ASSETS MANAGEMENT SERIES I TRUST Date of Deed of Trust March 17, 2005 County of Recording Arapahoe Recording Date of Deed of Trust March 28, 2005 Recording Information (Reception No. and/or Book/Page No.) B5043431 Original Principal Amount $252,000.00 Outstanding Principal Balance $170,966.73 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.

THE LIEN FORECLOSED MAY NOT BE A FIRST LIEN. LOT 40, BLOCK 2, WOLHURST LANDING, COUNTY OF ARAPAHOE, STATE OF COLORADO. Also known by street and number as: 7141 S. BRYANT STREET, LITTLETON, CO 80120.

THE PROPERTY DESCRIBED HEREIN IS ALL OF THE PROPERTY CURRENTLY ENCUMBERED BY THE LIEN OF THE DEED OF TRUST. NOTICE OF SALE

THE PROPERTY DESCRIBED HEREIN IS ALL OF THE PROPERTY CURRENTLY ENCUMBERED BY THE LIEN OF THE DEED OF TRUST.

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.

NOTICE OF SALE

THEREFORE, Notice Is Hereby Given that I will at public auction, at 10:00 A.M. on Wednesday, 06/15/2022, 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.

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, 06/22/2022, 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: 4/28/2022 Last Publication: 5/26/2022 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: 02/18/2022 Susan Sandstrom, Public Trustee in and for the County of Arapahoe, State of Colorado By: Susan Sandstrom, Public Trustee The name, address, business telephone number and bar registration number of the attorney(s) representing the legal holder of the indebtedness is: Alison L Berry #34531 Nicholas H. Santarelli #46592 David R. Doughty #40042 Lynn M. Janeway #15592 Janeway Law Firm, P.C. 9800 S. Meridian Blvd., Suite 400, Englewood, CO 80112 (303) 706-9990 Attorney File # 22-026208

First Publication: 4/21/2022 Last Publication: 5/19/2022 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: 02/11/2022 Susan Sandstrom, Public Trustee in and for the County of Arapahoe, State of Colorado By: Susan Sandstrom, Public Trustee The name, address, business telephone number and bar registration number of the attorney(s) representing the legal holder of the indebtedness is: Erin Croke #46557 Steven Bellanti #48306 Holly Shilliday #24423 Ilene Dell'Acqua #31755 McCarthy & Holthus LLP 7700 E Arapahoe Road, Suite 230, Centennial, CO 80112 (877) 369-6122 Attorney File # CO-21-896138-LL 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

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. 0033-2022 First Publication: 4/21/2022 Last Publication: 5/19/2022 Name of Publication: Littleton Independent

City and County

Legal Notice NO. 0038-2022 First Publication: 4/28/2022 Last Publication: 5/26/2022 Name of Publication: Littleton Independent

Public Notice

COMBINED NOTICE - PUBLICATION CRS §38-38-103 FORECLOSURE SALE NO. 0033-2022 To Whom It May Concern: This Notice is given with regard to the following described Deed of Trust: On February 11, 2022, the undersigned Public

ARAPAHOE COUNTY NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING CASE NO LDC22-002, LAND DEVELOPMENT CODE AMENDMENT TO ALLOW 24/7 HOURS OF OPERATION FOR COMMERCIAL INJECTION FACILTIIES PROPOSAL: The applicant, Arapahoe County, is proposing changes to the Land Development

Centennial Legals 4.28.22 * 1

Centennial Citizen 31

April 28, 2022

Community leader, business owner honored Erika Zierke named Citizen of the Year

BY ROBERT TANN RTANN@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM

For Erika Zierke, being a resident of Englewood is about “taking care of each other.”

The owner of the popular bar Englewood Grand, now a de facto community space, Zierke has made that statement a core mission of her life in Englewood for the past 13 years. She’s led community events, served on city boards and was a business leader during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Now she’s been honored as Englewood’s Citizen of the Year after city council members named her during an April 18 meeting.

“I am deeply honored and a little bit in shock, I just never expected a recognition like this,” Zierke said.

Before becoming a business leader, Zierke worked as a political consultant and built out the outreach office for the Colorado Senate majority. She also worked as an advocacy coordinator for Children’s Hospital.

After moving to Englewood in 2009, Zierke opened the Englewood Grand, a neighborhood bar on Broadway, in 2015. It quickly morphed into a beloved community hub, hosting everything from birthdays and engagement parties to weddings and memorials. Along the way, the bar has also partnered with the city on neighborhood trash cleanups and school fundraisers.

“All of the key moments in life that people want to celebrate, we’ve been able to participate in that,” Zierke said.

When the COVID-19 pandemic hit, Zierke and her bar emerged as a community-leader. She said the bar shuttered its doors even before the state-wide stay-athome order in an effort to get ahead of the virus’ spread and

Erika Zierke, owner of the popular bar Englewood Grand, has been active in community COURTESY OF CITY OF ENGLEWOOD and civic life for years.

protect people’s health.

The bar closely followed COVID protocols, Zierke said, and sold tshirts with the word “Love” to remind patrons that its closed doors were for the care of the commu-

nity. When the warmer weather rolled in and outdoor activities became safer, Zierke helped lead the charge to establish opencontainer areas within the city as well as helped businesses secure

more outdoor spaces for dining.

At the state level, Zierke advocated for lawmakers to extend to-go cocktails, a pandemic-era policy that kept many bars and restaurants afloat.

Englewood, being an open and caring community, Zierke said, never gave her the angered resistance other parts of the metro area and the country faced over COVID policies.

“I love this city so much,” Zierke said.

Along with her leadership through Grand, Zierke helped launch the inaugural Englewood Block Party in 2017 as a way to showcase the city’s vibrant business community and bring in local tourism.

And the event “gets better every single year,” said Zierke, who also served as the board president for the Greater Englewood Chamber of Commerce and currently serves on the Englewood Downtown Development Authority Board of Directors Zierke was nominated for Citizen of the year by former Englewood mayor Linda Olson who called Zierke a “a role model that can make us proud as a community to say she’s one of us.”

“Erika has not only given of her time, money and goods to improve our community, she has shared a listening ear to ensure diverse points of view are included,” Olson said. “Her service and active concern for the common good of Englewood is a benchmark that I hope inspires us all.”

But Zierke said nothing she has done has been “all on my own” and that all her work has been a collective investment from members of the community.

Zierke said she is optimistic for the future of Englewood as it continues to grow and become a more vibrant, energetic place to live.

“It’s a small town next to a big city, we have this sense of pride and love in Englewood,” she said.

“It has everything that you need.”

Public Notices Code that would allow 24 hours/7 days a week operation of commercial injection well facilities operating in the unincorporated areas of Arapahoe County. Such facilities would be prohibited from receiving or accepting trucks transporting produced water, flowback water or any other exploration and production materials for disposal by injection except during the hours of 7:00 am to 7:00 pm.

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that on May 17, 2022 at 6:30 p.m., or as soon thereafter as the calendar of the Arapahoe County Planning Commissioners permits, a public hearing will be held; at which, all interested persons will be given an opportunity to be heard concerning the abovedescribed LDC22-002, Land Development Code amendment to allow 24/7 hours of operation of commercial injection facilities. The public hearing is scheduled for 6954 S Lima St., Arapahoe Room, Centennial, CO, 80112. The agenda will typically be posted by the Friday afternoon preceding the hearing and can be viewed on our website at https://arapahoe. legistar.com/Calendar. You can also listen to, or speak at, the meeting by calling 1-855-436-3656.

To join the speaking queue, press *3 on the telephone keypad.

More information about this proposal is available at the offices of the Arapahoe County Public Works and Development Department, Planning Division, 6924 S Lima St., Centennial, CO 80112 (by appointment only), by calling 720-874-6650 or by emailing

planning@arapahoegov.com during regular business hours (8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday).

Water District, 6930 South Holly Circle, Centennial, CO, 80112. Proposals and bids must be clearly marked “2022 Service Line Replacement Project” on the outside of the envelope and received at our office no later than 1:00 p.m., local time, on May 13, 2022. Proposals and Bids must include Bid Price Proposal. This contract requires a performance Bond.

any proposal which, in its opinion may be in the best interest of the District. Willows Water District also reserves the right to negotiate further with the submitter for changes in the overall work plan.

Bids and Settlements

Bid price shall include total cost to remove and replace approximately 81 Service Lines, and price per square foot for concrete and asphalt restoration. Any other assumptions, accommodations, or pricing schemes must be clearly stated.

Legal Notice No. 301404-600404 First Publication: April 28, 2022 Last Publication: April 28, 2022 Publisher: Englewood Herald and the Centennial Citizen

Public Notice

The winning bidder must be able to perform and complete all tasks by July 1, 2022.

Joan Lopez, Clerk to the Board Legal Notice No. Arap 1059 First Publication: April 28, 2022 Last Publication: April 28, 2022 Publisher: Englewood Herald Littleton Independent Centennial Citizen

REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL AND BID WILLOWS WATER DISTRICT 6930 South Holly Circle Centennial, CO, 80112 SERVICE LINE REPLACEMENT PROGRAM

Willows Water District will provide the winning bidder with City of Centennial Pave schedule, District SLRP Schedule, and maps. Contractor is responsible for initiating locates.

The estimated device counts in our Service area are as follows:

Willows Water District is requesting Proposals and Bids for the annual Capital Improvement Project Service Line Replacement Project as part of the District’s Capital Plan. Bids are DUE NO LATER THAN 1 PM May 13, 2022.

ASSET Saddle Saddle Service Lines

Sealed proposals and bids must be submitted by mail or hand delivery, no fax or email, to Willows

Willows Water District reserves the right to reject any and/or all proposals and bids, and to accept

SIZE 6” 8” ¾”

COUNT 54-AC 27-AC 81

Contact Randy Mitchell, District Manager, at 303.770.8625 with any questions you may have regarding this proposal and bid submittal.

Misc. Private Legals Public Notice DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY FEDERAL EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AGENCY Proposed Flood Hazard Determinations for the City of Centennial, Arapahoe County, Colorado, Case No. 22-08-0055P. The Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) solicits technical information or comments on proposed flood hazard determinations for the Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM), and where applicable, the Flood

Insurance Study (FIS) report for your community.

These flood hazard determinations may include the addition or modification of Base Flood Elevations, base flood depths, Special Flood Hazard Area boundaries or zone designations, or the regulatory floodway. The FIRM and, if applicable, the FIS report have been revised to reflect these flood hazard determinations through issuance of a Letter of Map Revision (LOMR), in accordance with Title 44, Part 65 of the Code of Federal Regulations. These determinations are the basis for the floodplain management measures that your community is required to adopt or show evidence of having in effect to qualify or remain qualified for participation in the National Flood Insurance Program. For more information on the proposed flood hazard determinations and information on the statutory 90-day period provided for appeals, please visit FEMA’s website at https://www.floodmaps.fema.gov/fhm/BFE_Status/bfe_main.asp , or call the FEMA Mapping and Insurance eXchange (FMIX) toll free at 1-877FEMA MAP (1-877-336-2627).

Legal Notice No. 530264-60264 First Publication: April 28, 2022 Last Publication: May 5, 2022 Publisher: Littleton Independent and the Centennial Citizen

###

Centennial Legals 4.28.22 * 2

32 Centennial Citizen

April 28, 2022

How state youths use free mental health service

BY DANA KNOWLES, BRIAN WILLIE ROCKY MOUNTAIN PBS

Anaisa Lua does her best to create a welcoming and safe space for her clients. A quote framed and hanging on her office wall sums it up: “Vulnerability is the courage to show up and be seen.”

“Therapy allows a space for people to feel accepted and understood. I feel that it’s a space for them to truly be their genuine selves. Sometimes they share about walking in the world and having to hide,” said Lua. Lua is a therapist working with I Matter Colorado, a program that provides funding for six free therapy sessions for all young people in Colorado under the age of 18 (under 21 for those receiving special education services). Often times, therapy can cost anywhere from $100 to $150 per hour and Lua says I Matter Colorado helps eliminate that financial barrier.

“Especially if you have multiple children and you’d like all of them to get services, you might feel like you need to prioritize one versus the other,” said Lua. I Matter is the state’s response to a growing mental health crisis facing so many young people who are trying to navigate life during a pandemic. According to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, mental health emergency room visits increased from 2019 to 2020 by

16-year-old Aarav Varma utilized a Colorado program that provides six free therapy sesCOURTESY OF ROCKY MOUNTAIN PBS sions to youth.

25% for young people aged 5-11 and 31% for adolescents aged 1217. The leading cause of death for people aged 10 to 24 in Colorado is suicide.

Aarav Varma is a 16-year-old sophomore in high school. He said the isolation he experienced during school lockdowns was almost unbearable, “COVID shaped me as a person and it tore me apart being online — it hurt so much I was feeling down every day.”

Varma found out about I Matter Colorado through school. “I had to use I Matter because I was feeling a little bit sad being online

over the last year, it really took part of me away being on Zoom calls eight hours a day,” Varma said.

The program is the first of its kind in the country. Governor Jared Polis signed a bipartisan bill this past July that provided $9 million to the Colorado Department of Human Services, Office of Behavioral Health to facilitate I Matter. So far 1,923 youth have utilized one session, 1,221 have had two sessions, and 753 have had three or more sessions. 141 therapists are available.

Lua said one of the best parts of the program is that the kids

get to choose their own therapists, giving them a sense of autonomy.

“They are able to log on themselves and they are able to read through the profiles of the clinicians and they decide who they feel connected to and who they want to see,” she explained.

For Varma, the I Matter sessions helped him feel less isolated.

“We do have a ray of hope, there’s a ray of light that we can see finally. We are not alone in this. I Matter is the true thing that can help kids feel like they are not alone. No one is ever alone,” he said.

Now that Varma is going to school in person, he can get back to exploring some of the things he loves like graphic design, chemistry and creating things.

He says he might go into the psychiatric field when he grows up to help other people with their mental health struggles.

Currently, a bill is making its way through the state legislature that would extend the program two extra years if it passes.

This story is from Rocky Mountain PBS, a nonprofit public broadcaster providing community stories across Colorado over the air and online. Used by permission. For more, and to support Rocky Mountain PBS, visit rmpbs. org.

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