Elbert County News May 2, 2024

Sun Country Farmer’s Market launches

Cold and snow didn’t stop inaugural event in northern Elbert County

BY NICKY QUINBY SPECIAL TO COLORADO COMMUNITY MEDIA

e rst Sun Country Farmer’ Market was held on April 20 at the Son Country Community Church in northern Elbert County. Despite cold temperatures and lingering snow, 18 out of 21 scheduled vendors showed up and the church parking lot was full of visitors.

Gwendolyn Arguello-Ross, the organizer of the market, said people came to sell everything from cottage bakery items to plant starters, from chicks, seeds and produce to beef shares. Artists sold glasswork, metalcraft, knit crafts and crochet. People also came to sell handmade beauty products and even candy.

Arguello-Ross and her family have lived in Sun Country Meadows since 2021. Arguello-Ross was born and raised in Puerto Rico and moved to Colorado in 2013. Her family created e Ross Family Farmstead to shar their farm and garden surplus w the community. Bringing a farmer’ market to Sun Country Meado grew out of this idea.

Cottage baker Lynn Stahler cheerfully bundled up with a blanket against the biting wind. She sold delicious cookies and cupcakes.

PHOTO BY NICKY QUINBY

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through the state legislature would put Douglas County School District’s nancial future in jeopardy by limiting state monies to the district.

So says district Superintendent Erin Kane, who joined other public school administrators to testify at the Capitol against House Bill 24-1448.

Introduced by Democratic Speaker of the House Rep. Julie McCluskie, the nance formula legislation seeks to provide more funding for special education, English-language learners, students in poverty and rural schools. But it limits funding based on cost of living and size of the district, two factors that currently benet Douglas County. e formula has no e ect on local funding from mill levy overrides and bonds, but Kane said it would hurt the district.

“ e bill overall would essentially freeze our funding for the next ve years at a minimum,” Kane told lawmakers earlier this month. “It would have a devastating impact on our district.”

e formula would impact districts in the 2025-26 school year, with a sixyear roll out, which will cost around

McCluskie said the goal of the formula is to direct resources to stu-

“We have still not addressed the call for equity in this state, the need to make sure we’re driving more resources to those students who are at most risk of falling behind,” she said. ough the formula would increase funding for a majority of school districts in the state, there are some outliers, including large metro districts like Je Co School District and Cherry Creek School District, as well as small districts like Elbert School District and Cheyenne Mountain School District, which would not receive a funding increase.  Kane said more money is needed in general for education.

“ e issue is without additional funding, you can’t change the existing formula without creating winners and losers because you’re taking (funding) away from some districts to direct it to others,” Kane said.

Superintendents from 10 districts signed onto a letter Kane sent to McCluskie voicing concerns with the proposed formula.

Douglas County Superintendent Erin Kane speaks at a school board meeting. Last month, Kane raised concerns about a newly introduced school finance bill that could limit the district’s future funding.

PHOTO BY MCKENNA HARFORD

Want to Break Away From Common Exterior Products? Check Out These Winners

elevated it to the top of a competitive category.”

I’m always on the lookout for new products that might interest my readers, and Pro Builder magazine is great at finding and promoting them, including with their annual “Most Valuable Product (MVP) Awards. Their February-March 2024 issue featured the top 3 winners (gold, silver and bronze, of course) in 16 categories from “Connected Home” to “Weatherization.”

In this week’s column, I’d like to feature their winners in the “Exterior” category. I think you’ll agree that each provides a fresh look and a welcome break from what we are seeing, especially in the tract homes from the major builders.

The “Gold” winner was Tantimber’s decking product they call Thermowood Here is a picture and description of their wood decking:

“Thermowood is a sustainable alternative to endangered South American hardwoods and various environmentally damaging petroleum-based wood imitations and hybrid products. It is dimensionally stable, extremely durable, and will not warp in extreme temperatures and environments, the company says, while still being workable. The practical and environmental benefits of the product, as well as its pleasing aesthetics,

Tantimber is a Turkish company, and their website describes their commitment to sustainable production of natural wood products. Today’s composite decking materials are petroleum-based, but Tantimber’s products are made from thermally processed natural wood. Their website is www.Tantimber.com

The “Silver” winner was Nakamoto Forestry’s siding product Gendai. Here is the picture and description of this product:

“Gendai is sustainably sourced and ethically produced shou sugi ban siding — an exterior cladding made exclusively from Japanese cypress that is charred as a preservative heat treatment. The product is black in color with a waterbased finish. Traditionally called ‘arai’ meaning ‘washed,’ Gendai is brushed once to remove the textured charred surface, leaving behind a smooth appearance and dark hue. The burnt fiber crevasse shadows are subtle and create a silky color with charred grain details throughout.”

Archive of Past Columns Is Online

Over the past two decades, this column has appeared in local weeklies and the Denver Post, and during that time I’ve written about every conceivable topic related to real estate. You can find and search that archive online at www.JimSmithColumns.com

Nakamoto is a family-owned business in western Japan, which owns its own forests and mills near Hiroshima. They are the biggest manufacturer of yakisugi (the more common name for shou sugi ban wood) in the world, and have been doing it for 50 years. Their website is www.NakamotoForestry.com.

The “Bronze” winner for exterior products is Fiberon’s Wildwood Cladding. At right is the picture, and here is the paragraph describing the product:

“Free of toxic chemicals and made with 94% pre- and post-consumer recycled content, Wildwood composite cladding is a highly sustainable alternative to traditional wood cladding. It has several performance characteristics that make it an ideal solution for rainscreen applications, such as being hydrophobic and resistant to rotting, cracking, insects, and decay. The product features an open-joint profile and is available in a variety of board lengths and widths, combining the beauty and warmth of

wood with the durability of highperformance, low-maintenance materials.”

The company operates out of Idaho and North Carolina. Its claim regarding sustainability is that its cladding features 94% pre– and post-consumer recycled content, is free of toxic chemicals and is manufactured using sustainable practices. They have been recognized as an “Eco-leader” by Green Builder magazine. The web address is too long for here. You will find a link for it at http:// RealEstateToday.substack.com

Circling the Globe Was Fun & Educational, But We’re Glad to Be Home!

This bi-level home at 11296 W. Kentucky Dr. has been well maintained by the seller. It was painted and walkways replaced in 2006, and a new roof & siding were installed in 2017. The house is white with blue shutters and gutters, and a blue & white garage door was new in 2009. The seller put in a new, energy efficient furnace in 2014 and new acrylic shower and shower doors in 2007. The backyard is mostly flat now (due to the seller rocking the sloping landscape) and completely fenced. There are lilacs on two sides of the house, and an ornamental plum and two purple ash trees are in the backyard. Briarwood Hills is a very quiet, friendly neighborhood. Most of the surrounding homeowners care about their yards, as does this seller. You will find magazine-quality photos and a narrated video tour at www.LakewoodHome.info. Call listing agent Jim Swanson at 303-929-2727 to request a showing.

$569,000

As you read this on May 2nd, Rita and I are just four days from our flight home to Denver, having circled the globe, mostly by ship. (There’s no port in Denver…) At right is a night-time picture of our ship, the Viking Sky, which I took in Tahiti back on Jan. 22nd. Our 122-day world cruise ends next Monday. Over 300 readers and friends have been following my daily “travel-blog” at http:// WhereAreJimandRita.substack.com. It will allow us to relive our adventures.

2-BR Lakewood Condo Listed by Jim Swanson

$300,000

This clean two-bedroom condo with both a detached garage and assigned parking is at 5725 Atlantic Place #100 in the Sunpointe condos of southeast Lakewood. This garden level unit has new flooring throughout. It has two good sized bedrooms and a nice living space with a woodburning fireplace. There’s a small outdoor patio, with storage. The subdivision is west of Sheridan Blvd. and just south of Jewell. All furniture in the unit is included if the Buyer wants it, otherwise it will be removed. The garage space is #112, and assigned parking space is #118. The building got a new roof thanks to a hail storm, and the seller will have paid his share of the deductible before closing. Find more pictures and a narrated video tour at www.LakewoodCondo.online. Call Jim Swanson at 303-929-2727 to see it.

Kane said she supports additional funding for the students the bill seeks to help, but worries McCluskie’s bill will do more harm than good. Kane noted that Douglas County has more than 10,000 students in poverty who would not bene t from the proposal.

“In order to direct funding to our 10,000 students in poverty, which is the really good intention of this bill, I would have to make over $30 million in cuts across the school district,” she said. “My educators would not be able to get increases that are anywhere near competitive with our neighbors, which has a direct impact on my students in poverty and my students with special needs.”

Another concern is that the funding is not sustainable because it doesn’t identify additional revenue. Without sustainable revenue, Kane said the formula sets schools up to fail.

“In the long-run, without a sustainable funding source, every district will fall o a scal cli ,” Kane said.

Defending the bill during the April 18 hearing, McCluskie said she beyear roll out and the ability to draw from the general fund as well as the

this proposal over a long runway to make sure that as we elevate and lift up and bring more money to those students, we’re doing so without putting state funding at risk.”

e bill can also be paused in an economic recession or pandemic, McCluskie said.

Despite Douglas County’s pushback, the proposal has broad support from other district o cials and educational organizations, many of whom testi ed at the hours-long hearing on the bill.

Elizabeth School District Superintendent Dan Snowberger spoke in favor of the bill, arguing the formula corrects past underfunding of rural schools and directs funding where it’s needed.

“For far too long we have prioritized the cost of living in front of the formula, causing the wrong things to drive funding to school districts, major inequities in funding and failing to prioritize the needs of students across Colorado,” Snowberger said.

“We should be concerned about ever bringing back the budget stabilization factor. We’re implementing

e House Education Committee passed the bill out of its rst hearing 8-3, sending it to the House Appropriations Committee. Reps. Eliza Hamrick (D-Centennial), Anthony Hartsook (R-Parker) and Tammy Story (D-Conifer), who represent Douglas County and Je Co school district, voted against the bill.

Elizabeth School District Superintendent Dan Snowberger, shown here when he was first introduced to the community in March 2023, spoke in favor of House Bill 24-1448, arguing the formula corrects past underfunding of rural schools and directs funding where it’s needed.

PHOTO BY THELMA GRIMES

Douglas County schools add several resource o cers

BY MCKENNA HARFORD

Douglas County School District has added several school resource o cers and security personnel, paid for by funds voters approved in an initiative last year.

Superintendent Erin Kane said the district hired seven additional school resource o cers with more in the hiring process, as well as multiple campus security specialists, who help patrol schools for safety risks. e mill levy override that voters approved in 2023 to help fund raises for teachers also dedicated $6 million to school security.

“ is $6 million is being spent exactly as promised,” Kane said.  e district partners with law

enforcement agencies in Douglas County to provide school resource o cers at middle and high schools, with additional o cers who travel to elementary schools.

e seven new o cers will help expand coverage in elementaries and high schools.

“ ese departments are not selecting o cers who just don’t want to do patrol, they’re selecting the best who really want to be there,” Director of Safety and Security Jonny Grusing said.

Similarly, while the district already had a campus security specialist for every middle and high school, the mill levy override funds bring specialists to elementary schools. Kane said about half of the elementary schools in the district

have hired a specialist as of April.

Specialists work on exterior security, monitoring students and visitors, acting as a role model and watching for potential threats or disturbances, among other things.

“One of our primary goals is around proactive, prevention based measures and our campus security specialists are a kudos to that,” Deputy Superintendent Danelle Hiatt said.

Principals from Pine Lane, Iron Horse and Castle Rock elementaries told the board that having specialists in their schools made a huge di erence.

Chris Stairs, principal at Pine Lane, said the two security specialists at the school are highly visible, provide an extra layer of protection

and engage with students.

“It’s not just engagement from the campus security specialists with our students, but they allow our teachers or (educational assistants) when they are out at recess to just engage with kids … rather than be scanning for what else is going on,” Stairs said.

e district has also added a security manager for the specialists and a patrol o cer, as well as upgraded systems and equipment. Hiatt said hiring is ongoing.

Kane said the support from local law enforcement agencies is crucial.

“We’re so grateful for the partnership we have with law enforcement and our safety and security team,” she said.

Locals: Safety big concern amid University Blvd. construction

BY HALEY LENA HLENA@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM

With over 1,000 concerned residents, Douglas County held a town hall ursday night to address concerns about the reconstruction on a major intersection on South University Boulevard.

Aimed to improve tra c ow, better accommodate bicyclists and increase safety and mobility, the $13 million project began in August 2023. It is at the junction of South University Boulevard/Lincoln Avenue and Quebec Street.

In early April, the county made the decision to compress the schedule for the project, looking to complete it in late summer, before school starts, instead of in the fall. To do that, lanes were reduced down to one in each direction and, as construction progresses, additional lanes will open. But that has created some frustration for many drivers, who came to the town hall at Southridge Recreation Center in Highlands Ranch or participated online, to voice their concerns.

e biggest concern of the night is the large stream of cars that are cutting through nearby neighborhoods to avoid construction delays, many of them speeding. Another concern was the safety of drivers going through the intersection during construction.

An average of 32,000 cars go through the intersection each day and there have been 11 vehicle crashes in the area since the beginning of the year, said Douglas County Sheri ’s O ce Capt. Dan McMillan.

e sheri ’s o ce has set up speed trailers that produce data, such as peak tra c times, but residents wondered what the Sheri ’s O ce is doing with that data.

County Tra c Division Manager Zeke Lynch said access signs were placed in neighborhoods to decrease the amount of tra c cutting through and speed signs were put up to give people an indication of how fast they were going.

However, the problem persists. Residents asked for interventions like temporary rubber stops or speed bumps saying current safety e orts are not working, some pointing to a

lack of consequences.

“I understand you can’t stop them from coming through and the volume, I get that,” a member of the public said. “But the speed has got to be addressed.”

Lynch is also balancing the time it takes drivers to get through the intersection during construction. e trafc lights are on a three-minute cycle.

“Which is quite a bit longer,” said Lynch. “ e idea behind doing that is to reduce the amount of lost time.”

Another factor is work time, which was expanded. Work starts at 7 a.m. and crews are given until 7 p.m., or 9 p.m. when necessary

Contractor, Villalobos Concrete, Inc. originally worked from 8: 30 a.m.-3:30 p.m., as the county’s commissioners thought it would be ben-

e cial for drivers.

“But once we got started and heard the complaints and lived through it frankly, we decided we just needed to rip that bandaid o and get this project done,” said County Commissioner Lora omas.

The engineering of it all

As Highlands Ranch began building in the early 1980’s, engineering for roads was di erent. Steel and rebar were not used, as they are now.

“What we’re seeing in Highlands Ranch is, we’re just now reaching the point where roads need to be rebuilt,” Dan Roberts, assistant director of public works operations, said.  By the end of the project, there will

Douglas County’s Zeke Lynch, tra c division manager and Dan Roberts, assistant director of public works operations, listen to Highlands Ranch residents and address questions at a live town hall at Southridge Recreation Center. PHOTO BY HALEY LENA

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MARKET

Sun Country Meadows is about 20 minutes from Elizabeth and Parker, stretching east from the intersection of Elbert County Road 29 and Sun Country Drive. “We only have a gas station, church and a re station nearby,” Arguello-Ross said. Because of this relative isolation, she saw an opportunity for an event like the farmer’s market to be successful in the church lot at 7114 Sun Country Drive.

“We wanted to create an event that would bring our community together around what we can raise (livestock), grow (produce) and create (crafts, etc.),” she explained. e Sun Country Meadows HOA, the Son Country Community Church and the area re station have all been involved and helped make the market a reality.

Not only did residents of Sun Country Meadows participate as vendors, but other businesses from Aurora,

candy, homemade soaps, and shared information about their farm and tours.

Parker, Kiowa and other communities in Elbert County joined as well.

“ ere’s a need for events like this,” Arguello-Ross said. “People want to shop local and support small farmers and vendors. We are just making it easier for everyone to gather, meet and exchange goods.”

Arguello-Ross is hopeful the event will encourage people to become more involved in their own communities, inspire others to grow their own food and encourage them to become more self-su cient.

e Ross family is also part of the Elbert County Self Reliance Network and part of the committee that organized the Self Reliance Market Expo that took place earlier in April. “We see how the world is changing, how there are so many uncertainties and believe a strong community is essential during these times,” she said.

As part of the self-reliance network, the Ross family is collaborating with other farms to o er farm tours, community supported agriculture programs and possibly a food co-op. ey

hope that initiatives like this will help make supporting local businesses easier for Elbert County residents.

“We have to go back to helping one another, back to our connection with nature and appreciation for life,” Arguello-Ross said.

e market is completely free for vendors and the public and runs through the summer. Future dates will be:

• May 18

• June 15

• July 27

• Aug. 24

• Sept. 21

Find the Sun Country Farmer’s Market on Facebook by searching “SCM Farmer’s Market”.

e Ross Family Farmstead o ers tours to neighbors interested in starting their own homesteads and might not know where to start. Visit rossfamilyfarmstead.com for more information.

For more information about the Elbert County Self Reliance Network, visit elbertcountyselfreliance.com/ expo.

Gwendolyn Arguello-Ross alongside her son Alex at their Ross Farmstead table. They sold freeze-dried

Laura

shows o a rocking chair she rebuilt and reupholstered. She showcased the brand mark on the hide on the back of the chair.

and leather goods. Potential customers can reach Laura at

Bread baker Jenna Goddard, from Kiowa, believes in baking with organic, freshly milled wheat. She says eating this type of wheat comes with unique health benefits.

PHOTOS BY NICKY QUINBY

Northwest biz chamber unveils new name, focus after merger

BY HALEY LENA HLENA@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM

During an annual awards breakfast, Northwest Douglas County Chamber and Economic Development Corp. o cials announced a merger and rebrand. e new entity is called the Douglas County Economic Development Corp.

“ is exciting rebrand signi es a uni ed approach to economic development in Douglas County,” said the EDC’s CEO Ellie Reynolds. “We are committed to providing you all with the best possible resources for economic development and growth.” e move comes after a merger with the Douglas County Economic Development Collaborative. e newly-dubbed EDC partners with the private and public sectors to shape and provide business policies for municipalities within the county.

One of the reasons behind the restructuring, said Reynolds, was to help propel the county in its aim to become a preferred site for nance, health care and other industries. Economic development partners will have access to ongoing programming that includes conferences, marketing and a robust incentive package.

“We hope to o er a county incentive package to attract and retain our primary employers here in Douglas County,” said Reynolds.

County Commissioner Abe Laydon added that the initiative package will include an integrated planning process that will help potential businesses get a sense of why they should do

business in Douglas County.

Along with Laydon, the event included speakers Fred Marvel of Brannan Companies, U.S. Rep. Lauren Boebert and fellow commissioners Lora omas and George Teal. e commissioners spoke about projects and initiatives throughout the county such as the HEART program, a newly-formed water commission, approaches to the immigration and more.

Like others, Teal believes the merger will allow the county to contribute to the economic development of the region. While speaking about U.S. Highway 85 roadway construction and future water and wastewater projects along the corridor, Teal said

the goal is to give the infrastructure a backbone. e highway corridor, he said, will be home for economic development in the county. He added the county will also continue to focus on Parker and Castle Rock.

“ e merger adds to Douglas County’s reputation for intentional and strategic commitments to e ective partnership with the business community,” Teal, who is also a board chairman of the EDC, said.

omas referenced the launch of a 23rd Judicial District starting in 2025, which will include Douglas, Elbert and Lincoln counties. Arapahoe County will remain in the 18th Judicial District.

“One of the important things com-

THROWING MONEY DOWN ABSTAIN FROM THE DRAIN.

missioners need to do is make sure that the tax dollars the people pay are well spent and we were subsidizing the prosecution of crime in Aurora,” said omas. “ at’s not our job at Douglas County.”

She added that there is potential for speciality courts with the new judicial district that would focus on mental health.

Raymond H. Gonzales, president of Metro Denver Economic Development Corporation said in a statement that the Douglas County EDC forties the economic development ecosystem.

“ is development is a signi cant

Members of the Northwest Douglas County Chamber and Economic Development Corporation and the Douglas County Economic Development Collaborative merged to form the Douglas County Economic Development Corporation.

COURTESY OF KATRINA RIGGS / DOUGLAS COUNTY EDC DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS AND EVENT

MERGER

stride ahead and should enhance all business attraction and expansion efforts while increasing opportunities in the amazing community that make up Douglas County,” said Gonzales.

At the breakfast, State Demographer Elizabeth Garner encouraged the attendees to look at how to balance housing development with economic development.

“Colorado attracts young adults, 20 to 40 years old,” said Garner, adding that there is going to be a shortage of young adults in the future, making competition for them as workers greater.

Garner asked: “What kinds of jobs are you going to be growing here? What are their wage rates? And what else will they want to do?”

Age is going to be the biggest challenge this decade for the county as it

is the biggest impact, said Garner, as births are down, deaths are up and migration is slowing, and when migration is lower than deaths, there is a total decline in the adult population.

Peak Millennials, ages 29 to 31, are going to be growing and pushing demand as they age, said Garner. is group is entering prime childbearing and homebuying years.

On the other hand, with over 50% of the county’s growth in the 65+ group, there are a lot of people in the labor force that have fallen in love with the county and will retire and age in place.

“You’re creating demand for new jobs, creating demand for retirement, plus demand for remote workers, where are they all going to live?” asked Garner.

e event also recognized its 2023’s business award recipients, Minuteman Press Parker, Gelato&Company, Cranelli’s Italian Restaurant, Help and Hope Center, Douglas County, Zoomin Groomin and Sarah Hubbard of Vertex Financial Group.

State Demographer Elizabeth Garner speaks to business owners and elected o cials at the annual Northwest Douglas County Chamber and Economic Development Corporation (EDC) breakfast and business awards. Northwest Douglas County Chamber and EDC announced their rebranding as the Douglas County Economic Development Corporation.

PHOTO BY HALEY LENA

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Pet parade in Castle Rock aims to benefit mental health

BY JANE REUTER JREUTER@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM

Competitions for the best-dressed pet, best pet trick, u est pet and wiggliest butt will mark the rst-ever Paws for Prevention fundraiser. e lighthearted event, which will include a pet parade, is in support of a serious cause.

It’s a fundraiser, set for 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, May 4 at Burly Brewing, 680 Atchison Way, in Castle Rock, sponsored by the Colorado chapter of the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention.

event for people. It’s geared toward fundraising, but it’s purely about making connections with other people in the community.

If the event is successful, the organization hope to expand the event to other locations.

Paws for Prevention is a free event. If an attendee donates or raises $35 or more, they’ll receive an AFSP pet bandanna.

May 1st – 20th

Voting begins:

May 21st – 31st

Winner announced in the June 6th publications.

sponsored by:

“Finding support for suicide loss or suicide in general can be challenging and awkward; and we wanted to do something a little di erent,” said Vanessa Lopez, a member of the AFSP Colorado volunteer coordination team. “Most of us board members are pet owners or animal lovers. Our idea was to create a cheerful

Pets play a signi cant role in mental health, studies show. Eighty-four percent of pet owners surveyed say that their pets have a mostly positive impact on their mental health, according to a 2024 American Psychiatric Association poll. And, pet owners are more physically active than non-owners, according to the National Library of Medicine.   “I have my own personal struggles and have lost someone; animals have been a big part of staying on track for me,” Lopez said.

be updated tra c signals and raised pedestrian safety islands, an additional westbound lane on Lincoln Avenue and University Boulevard, an additional eastbound lane on University Boulevard and Lincoln Avenue and an additional right-turn only lane on south Quebec Street to westbound University Avenue.

While some residents mentioned there has been construction in and around this intersection before, Roberts said they have made patches in the past and have been working on the current project for about three years.

e goal is to build an intersection that will last 40 or 50 years, Roberts added. e contractor is using reinforced concrete and that the new pavement is about 50% thicker than the original.

e county has been authorized to use a certain concrete for the middle of the intersection so that it can be driven on the next day. Roberts said drivers can expect the tra c movements to change almost daily.

“Generally what’s gonna happen is he’ll (the contractor) do like one lane, like a checkerboard, of one lane,” said Roberts.

e county encourages people to sign up for text updates by texting “QLUnews” to 21000. A text message will be sent every time there is a change.

When questioned about their strategy, Roberts said they looked at several di erent alternatives, including working at night, but there were safety and noise concerns.

e entire intersection couldn’t be closed down all at once as it’s important to keep some of it open to allow for emergency vehicles to pass through, said Roberts. He also explained that working on each side of the intersection once at a time would have taken years and cost more due to construction in ation.

“It’s better to just get it done, go through the di cult period, and then have the improvement afterwards,” said County Commissioner George Teal.

With most of southbound Quebec to be open in the next couple of weeks, the majority of the main pavement will be in place by July 4.

“We just ask for your patience as we wrap this project up,” said Lynch.

Presented by Aponte & Busam

There are many things about SeriesFest, the annual event that celebrates emerging and underserved voices in episodic storytelling, that make it truly unique. But what really stands out as the event reaches its 10th season is how it charts a decade’s worth of change in television – both in programming and how people access shows.

VOICES

SeriesFest celebrates a decade of television greatness

“When I think back to that rst year, we didn’t know what to expect and weren’t sure if anybody was going to come,” said Randi Kleiner, co-founder and CEO of SeriesFest. “Now looking back, we’ve had so many success stories of shows that launched here, like ‘Mr. Robot’ and ‘Yellowstone,’ that people watch and love.”

Season 10 of SeriesFest kicked o on Wednesday, May 1, and runs through Sunday, May 5. e bulk of the festival will be held at the Sie FilmCenter, 2510 E. Colfax Ave. in Denver, but some special events will be held at other locations.

Fittingly for a milestone year like this, the event is bigger than ever, with more great programming to watch, panels to attend and unique events to take part in.

“My recommendation for attendees, especially new ones, is to choose an independent pilot block, a network screening and a panel and from there, you can see what you gravitate towards,” Kleiner said. “What you’ll nd is the festival is all about community — anyone who comes through the Sie FilmCenter doors will feel that.”

is year’s pilots lineup is more

LETTER TO THE EDITOR

Fingers crossed on AI plan

While I applaud Douglas County Schools for piloting an AI program next school year, I do hope that students will receive more monitoring beyond that of “visibility.”

wide-ranging than ever, with 45 independently produced pilots available to see. is includes international pilots, which is a rarity at these types of events. Attendees can select from shorts, dramas, comedies and more.

Some of the panels that are worth checking out include “It’s In the Details: Costume Design for Television,” which features costumers for shows like “Outlander,” “Queen Charlotte” and “Yellowstone,” and a screening and discussion of the hilarious SYFY show “Resident Alien.” Creator, executive producer and writer Chris Sheridan and actor Sara Tomko will both be in attendance.

For special events, the SeriesFest Soiree Fundraiser Gala is the biggest event of the whole festival. e organization will be honoring Minnie Driver, Mark Duplass, SAG-AFTRA, Shondaland and Betsy Beers, as well as celebrating 20 years of “Grey’s Anatomy,” with cast and creatives in-person. “Grey’s” is getting its own special legacy celebration, featuring showrunner Meg Marinis and actors James Pickens Jr, Kevin McKidd, Camilla Luddington, Caterina Scorsone and Kim Raver. And as always, the festival wraps up at Red Rocks, this year with a dance party celebrating Beyoncé’s new album, “Cowboy Carter,” featuring Young Guru and special guests from the

album.

“ ere is so much programming this year, and so much talent taking part, that I hope people come check it out as I know they will get hooked,” Kleiner said. “We’re always trying to expand our audience and I hope people embrace the festival and have the insightful conversations that really move the needle forward in the industry.”

For the full schedule, passes and more, visit https://seriesfest.com/.

Lone Tree Arts Center Blends Music and Movement

It’s been a long time since classical music carried the stodgy reputation it once used to have. From pairing orchestras with popular acts to performing lm scores live, there is so much room for experimentation and fun. e Lone Tree Arts Center, 10075 Commons St., is taking this to a thrilling new level with Cirque de la Symphonie and the Boulder Phil.

e event will be held at the center at 7 p.m. on Sunday, May 5, and will delight audiences with a unique pairing of music and acrobatics. e Boulder Philharmonic Orchestra is one of the region’s best orchestral groups and Cirque de la Symphonie is well-known for its unique and enrapturing approach to movement synchronized to music.

Secure your tickets at www.lonetreeartscenter.org.

Ain’t No Party Like the Denver Derby Party

No party in Denver gets quite the hullabaloo that e Original Den-

ver Derby Party does, and deservedly so. Every year it’s a total blast of fun and tradition, all going to a good cause (100 percent of all proceeds bene t the Sean Ranch Lough Foundation).

Held on Saturday, May 4, the party has found a perfect venue in McGregor Square, 1901 Wazee St. in Denver. McGregor has more than 17,000 square feet of outdoor gathering space, the Milepost Zero food hall, three levels of indoor space and balconies, and features a 66-foot by 20-foot LED screen, according to provided information.

Make sure your derby drip is on point and get information and tickets at https://denverderby.com/.

Clarke’s Concert of the Week — Blondshell at the Larimer Lounge

Sabrina Teitelbaum, the 25-yearold who records under the name Blondshell, is one of last year’s great new indie rock discoveries — her self-titled album from 2023 made a bunch of best of lists and brims with great guitar licks and smart and insightful lyricism.

In support of the album, Blondshell will be stopping by the Larimer Lounge, 2721 Larimer St. Denver, at 8 p.m. on Wednesday, May 8. An intimate venue like this is the perfect place for Teitelbaum’s classic-rockinspired ri s to achieve full e ect. Get tickets at www.larimerlounge. com.

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

So much of AI is an amalgamation of ideas and philosophies. A friend introduced me to AI tools

to compose a legal-sounding letter, and while it gave me ideas, none of the versions rolled out well. Like Wikipedia, AI’s veracity ultimately depends upon the human input.

When I taught writing and researching skills in Iowa, I spent much student preparation time

on rewording practice so as to avoid plagiarism. I also required multiple sources that I randomly checked, and while students could look at Wikipedia, I would not allow them to list it as a research source. Of course, I didn’t have the option of using AI before I retired. AI may prove to be

an even more nebulous fusion of ideas. I just hope that students refer to speci c information that can be traced to multiple, veriable sources.

We wait to see how AI usage unfolds. Let’s hope it’s both educational and ethical.

Linda Mazunik, Lone Tree

Clarke Reader

The power of genuine relationships

This week’s column was inspired by many of you, the people in my life who remind me through your check-ins and impromptu reach outs, that I have been blessed by so many of you personally, professionally, and spiritually in my life. I am a big fan of LinkedIn and use it daily as most of you know, and I also have a much greater appreciation for the many real and thoughtful people that I get to interact with as we go through this life together.

In today’s digitally driven world, it’s easy to equate the strength of our professional networks with the number of connections we have on platforms like LinkedIn. While online networking certainly has its merits, the true power of relationships extends far beyond virtual connections. From the close-knit circles of friends and family to the broader spheres of in uence, genuine connections have the potential to open doors, create opportunities, and foster meaningful collaborations that transcend the con nes of cyberspace.

WINNING

In the realm of business, these connections can prove invaluable in unlocking new markets, forging strategic partnerships and securing lucrative opportunities. A recommendation from a trusted colleague or a referral from a respected industry contact carries more weight than a cold email or a generic LinkedIn connection request.

And beyond the realm of professional endeavors, the power of genuine connections extends to acts of kindness, support and altruism that enrich our lives and uplift our communities. Whether it’s lending a helping hand to a neighbor in need, volunteering for a charitable cause, or simply o ering a listening ear to a friend in distress, these acts of compassion and empathy strengthen the fabric of our society and reinforce the bonds that unite us as human beings.

CPL. DAVID MICHAEL SONKA,

Multi -Pur pose Canine Handler 11/28/89 -05/04/13

KIA-Farah, Afghanistan Canine: FLEX

Dave, We love you and ntiss you every day. God has you in His ke eping, We have you in our hearts.

Death leaves a heartache no one can heal, Love leaves a nte01ory no one can steal.

Mother and Stepfather: Glenn & Donna Francis Beine Sonka Nancy Francis.

At the heart of it all are the deepseated relationships we cultivate over the years, both in our personal and professional lives. Whether it’s the unwavering support of family during times of adversity or the camaraderie of lifelong friends who celebrate our successes, these close connections enrich our lives in ways that extend far beyond business transactions or networking opportunities.

Within our professional circles, the bonds forged through shared experiences, collaborative e orts and mutual respect are equally invaluable. ese trusted allies o er more than just career advice or industry insights; they provide a sense of solidarity and camaraderie that bolsters our con dence and resilience in the face of adversity.

Beyond our immediate circles is a vast network of acquaintances, colleagues and acquaintances of acquaintances whose paths intersect with ours in unexpected ways. While we may not share the same level of intimacy with these individuals, there is still a foundation of trust and connection that can be leveraged to mutual advantage.

In essence, while online networking platforms like LinkedIn provide a valuable avenue for expanding our professional networks and connecting with like-minded individuals, the true power of relationships lies in the depth of human connection that transcends virtual interactions.

As we navigate the complexities of the digital age, let us not lose sight of the profound value of genuine relationships and the transformative power of human connection. I would love to hear your personal and professional connection story at gotonorton@gmail.com and if we remember that by nurturing and cultivating these connections, both online and o ine, we can create a more interconnected, compassionate and prosperous world for ourselves and future generations. And that really will make it a better than good life.

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

Local organizations provide comprehensive services for people in need

“comprehensive legal, emotional and critical supportive services for survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, child abuse, abuse of at-risk individuals, elder abuse, and human tra cking.”

Brandon Bowles, developmental manager for PorchLight, said the navigators are the PorchLight team members who help guide each person through the center. e organization partners with several government and nonpro t agencies to provide services to people and families in need.

lieve that tackling all of a person’s needs is the best way to help them.

Pos Ryant, founder and director of the Apprentice of Peace Youth Organization of Denver believes that forming relationships is at the heart of what makes the holistic approach work.

BY JO DAVIS JDAVIS@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA

Healthcare, a ordable housing, food insecurity, homelessness, violence and in ation are among the top issues facing Americans and Coloradans, according to a study by Pew Research Center.

While the state and the country struggle to resolve these issues through legislation, nonpro ts in the Denver metro area are attacking the issues using a holistic approach.

e Merriam-Webster Dictionary de nes “holistic” as a focus on the whole system, not a single part. A holistic approach to helping people means also helping with shelter, food, mental health, medical checks, employment, wellness and more in addition to the problem that brought the person in for help.

Several local organizations practice using a holistic approach to helping people. One model of this approach is the PorchLight Family Justice Center in Lakewood.

e organization’s work is described on its website as providing

According to Bowles, these services can range from health checks at the in-house clinic, legal services, remote court appearances, therapy, housing, clothing and even childcare, among other things.

e center has several services provided by partner agencies right there on location, so there is no need to leave the building for most things, Bowles added.

“We have 20 cubicles here for partners to use,” Bowles said. “So oftentimes we use the analogy that PorchLight is kind of like the mall.

e stores in the mall are our partners and the services that are provided.”

He gave an example. “Our medical services are provided through St. Anthony’s forensic nursing programs,” Bowles explained. “Our navigators are kind of like personal shoppers. So, they’re the ones that know what is on sale at all the stores, what’s on discount. If you want to nd a pair of orange shoes, they’re going to tell you which store to go to. So that’s kind of an easy way to think about it.”

Organizations like PorchLight be-

“I think we’re more focused on the relationship with clients and really providing opportunities for the community to build their resilience,” Ryant said. “To nd their support system, to create awareness around various wellness tools and/or programs that are out there. And not only the ones we o er but that are out there for people who may be struggling, who just need a friend.”

Ryant went on to say that helping his target demographic — the youth of the Denver Metro area — requires providing services and a space for their families as well.

AOPYO is not the only organization that provides services for the entire family. Gigi’s Playhouse of Denver in Lakewood provides a space and services for kids and adults with Down syndrome. ese services include education, tness, wellness, occupational skills, support groups and more. However, there is also programming that the family can use.

“ e value that we’re giving to these families is astronomical,” said Leslie Klane, executive director of Gigi’s Denver. “It’s not just in the fact that the services are free, but it’s in helping the families (and the person with Down syndrome) move on that path towards a future of independence and a good quality of life of enjoying life.”

ese organizations and others believe the bene ts of the holistic approach is yielding results.

For example, Gigi’s Playhouse Denver volunteers have developed a cutting-edge tness program GigiFit, for kids with Down Syndrome. According to Klane, the program is being used around the world.

“We have two physicians locally, in Wheat Ridge. ey co-designed GigiFit,” Klane explained. “It’s about mobility, dexterity, exibility and its movement.”

Klane said the doctors designed the program to help Denver families at rst.

“But then it became national, then international,” Klane said. She said GigiFit classes are virtual, with participants from all over the world.   AOPYO’s best success stories come from the people who came back to help work at the company once their time with the program nished.

An example is Lex Cacciatori, the AOPYO communications support specialist. Cacciatori said she entered the program at a volatile time in her adolescence. e organization’s approach helped steer her to a better life.

“It’s not just supportiveness, energy and the community, but the people of AOPYO,” Cacciatore said. “ ey’ve really supported me through a lot of things personally, academically and in every aspect of my life.”

She said Ryant even checked in with her throughout college to provide the much-needed support and encouragement.

HOLISTIC

Dr. G.C. Di Laura, language specialist at AOPYO, said the center and Ryant helped her whole family. Di Laura said that she rst came to the program years ago to seek support for her daughter.

“ e atmosphere that they create, the openness, a safe it’s so hard to nd these places, especially for the youth,” Di Laura said. “As a parent, my daughter also went through the program. And Pos (Ryant) was amazing for her. We had very hard personal di culties at that time.”

Di Laura said Ryant and the organization helped her whole family with wellness, mental health, academic support and providing a community.

Some other local organizations that provide holistic help include:

• Marisol Homes of Denver is a women’s shelter that runs a holistic program for clients. e program includes services and support in employment, housing, health care, mental health awareness wellness and more.

• Hope House of Colorado in Arvada calls its holistic approach “selfsu ciency programming” used to help teen mothers in the Denver Metro area. e organization provides wellness, education, career, social support and more for teen mothers.

• e Arc of Colorado has locations all across the state and the U.S. It provides services and support for adults and kids with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families. Additionally, Arc provides mental, career, education and wellness services for their clients.

• Avi at Old Towne in Arvada holds 30 apartments for former foster kids who have “aged out” of the system and are no longer eligible for services. CASA of Je erson and Gilpin Counties partners with Foothills Regional Housing to create housing for 30 of the teens. e program also provides services in mentorship, wellness, and support with career and education.

To nd more organizations that o er a holistic approach to helping people, go to ColoradoGives.org and search the nonpro t organizations listed.

Pos Ryant, right, and Ronnie Qi stand in the Apprentice of Peace Youth Organization’s new headquarters. The organization o ers wellness classes, support groups, Self Care Saturday events, tutoring and more to help Denver Metro teens.

PHOTOS BY JO DAVIS

Lex Cacciatore was once a teen in the Apprentice of Peace Youth Organization. The holistic program helped her to get accepted to and graduate college. Cacciatore now works for AOPYO, helping other teens.

Thu 5/02

Whitney Peyton @ 6pm

Herman's Hideaway, 1578 S Broadway, Denver

Jamie Lissow @ 6:30pm

Comedy Works South, 5345 Land‐mark Pl, Greenwood Village

Fri 5/03

Jamie Lissow @ 6:15am

Comedy Works South, 5345 Landmark Pl, Greenwood Village

Start Making Sense: Talking Heads

Tribute @ 7pm

Gothic Theatre, 3263 S Broadway, Engle‐wood

Sat 5/04

Jamie Lissow @ 6:15am

Comedy Works South, 5345 Landmark Pl, Greenwood Village

Jamie Lissow @ 8:45am

Comedy Works South, 5345 Landmark Pl, Greenwood Village

L.A. WITCH @ 5pm

Levitt Pavilion Denver, 1380 W Florida Ave, Denver

Breakfast Fly-In @ 8am

Exploration of Flight (Centennial Airport), 13005 Wings Way, Engle‐wood. info@wingsmuseum.org

The Mike G Band @ 6:30pm Takoda Tavern, 12311 Pine Bluffs Way # A, Parker

Pick & Howl @ 7pm

Mon 5/06

Modern Swing Mondays 2024 @ 6pm / $10 Stampede, Aurora

Tue 5/07

Jump Serving @ 4pm / $50

Elevation Volleyball Club, 12987 E Adam Aircraft Drive, Englewood. 720-524-4136

Alan Doyle @ 5:30pm

Parker Arts, Culture & Events Center, 20000 Pikes Peak Avenue, Parker

Teague Starbuck @ 5pm

Swans @ 6pm

Gothic Theatre, 3263 S Broadway, Englewood

Sam Bush @ 7pm

Gothic Theatre, 3263 S Broadway, Engle‐wood

Sun 5/05

Sarah and the Safe Word @ 7pm Hi-Dive - Denver, Denver

Alex Ubago @ 8pm Stampede, 2430 S Havana St, Aurora

Gothic Theatre, 3263 S Broadway, Englewood

Swans @ 7pm

Gothic Theatre, Englewood

13U Open Gym @ 11pm / Free May 7th - Jun 12th

Elevation Volleyball Club, 12987 E Adam Aircraft Drive, Englewood. 720-524-4136

Wed 5/08

Alternate Guitar Tunings Workshop w/Pierce Pettis at Swallow Hill @ 6:30pm Swallow Hill Music Association, 71 E Yale Ave, Denver

The Pint Room, 2620 W Belleview Ave, Littleton

Thu 5/09

Attacking @ 4pm / $50

Elevation Volleyball Club, 12987 E Adam Aircraft Drive, Englewood. 720-524-4136

ZeeCeeKeely: "Road Through Tico Time"

@ 6pm

Herman's Hideaway, 1578 S Broadway, Denver

Ty Segall @ 6pm Gothic Theatre, 3263 S Broadway, Engle‐wood

Steve Azar: Mockingbird Hitmaker's Series Denver @ 6:30pm

Herman's Hideaway, 1578 S Broadway, Denver

Pierce Pettis back at Swallow Hill Music!

@ 7pm

Swallow Hill Music, 71 E Yale Ave, Denver

Ty Segall @ 7pm

Gothic Theatre, 3263 S Broadway, Engle‐wood

Calendar information is provided by event organiz‐ers. All events are subject to change or cancella‐tion. This publication is not responsible for the ac‐curacy of the information contained in this calendar.

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Elbert County event o ers path to fair royalty

Young women aim for titles promoting Western way of life

BY NICKY QUINBY

COLORADO COMMUNITY MEDIA

e Elbert County Fair Royalty recently hosted a Queen’s Clinic for young women interested in pursuing a royalty title — particularly for those interested in an Elbert County Fair title.

Twenty young ladies between the ages of 8 and 18 attended this year’s clinic on April 20 at the Elbert County Fairgrounds. e exhibit hall at the fairgrounds was bustling with participants and their families. e event included lunch and a Western clothing sale.

As Zanna Fewer, president of the Elbert County Fair Royalty Foundation, explained: “Fair Royalty benets the community through community education about agriculture and the Western way of life, volunteerism and creating a sense of community around the Elbert County Fair and the members of FFA and 4-H and community members that participate in the Elbert County Fair.”

e competition for royalty titles will take place on June 1 at the Elbert County Fairgrounds. Judges score entrants based on a personal interview, a speech, modeling, impromptu questions and a written test, all of which were covered in the Queen’s

Paige Petrocco introduces herself at the Elbert County Fair Royalty Queen’s Clinic. Petrocco came to help young women develop their public speaking skills and learn how to answer impromptu questions professionally.

PHOTO BY NICKY QUINBY

ROYALTY

Clinic.

“ ese are all crucial skills to representing the Elbert County Fair in public settings,” Fewer said, “such as rodeos, National Western Stock Show, community events, i.e. parades and Christmas tree lightings, the Chamber of Commerce Gala, etc.”

Josie Oliver, one young participant in the clinic, said she was surprised by all the requirements to become royalty. “You have to give an interview, wear a certain type of hat and boots and be willing to give a speech,” she said. Oliver said it did sound fun to award ribbons at the county fair.

e clinic was led by three women with royalty backgrounds: Paige Petrocco, Cassidy Esposito and Victoria Hazen.

Petrocco, a 22-year-old from Loveland, came to teach about public speaking and interview skills. She was the 2019 and 2020 Larimer County Fair and Rodeo Queen and was a nalist at the 2024 Miss Rodeo Colorado Pageant. She is currently the Colorado Media Ambassador for e Foundation for Western Professionals and also works full-time as a dude wrangler.

Cowbells. Hazen’s bio for the clinic notes that she “loves supporting other women in the Western and ag industries and helping to promote the involvement of women in that space.”

Title winners bene t from self-development workshops, public speaking engagements and opportunities for networking. ey are also awarded scholarships and have the chance to partner with sponsors for products or services related to the royalty program and fair.

Fewer said she has “seen young women emerge from their year of royalty as more con dent, well-spoken and with experience in planning events, budgeting, job skills and so much more. We know that these young women will move on to other leadership roles within royalty or other organizations.”

Ashley Baller, once a part of the Elbert County Fair Royalty program, went on to become Ms. Rodeo Colorado and made the top ve runners-up for Ms. Rodeo America. “She is just one example of all that our young women can accomplish,” Fewer added.

Esposito is a 23-year-old from Parker who helped participants develop their interview skills. Esposito serves as the vice chair of sponsor-

ship for the Elizabeth Stampede Rodeo and has served in multiple rodeo queen roles, including the 2016 Douglas County Fair and Rodeo Princess and the Elizabeth Stampede Rodeo Queen and Attendant in 2017 and 2018.

Hazen, an Elbert County native, has more than over 15 years of experience in skin care and makeup artistry and came to teach about glamor and personal appearance. Hazen is the co-owner of Bijou Buckers Mini Bulls and a member of Elbert County

e Elbert County Fair and Royalty is a tradition that has been a part of this community since 1957. Information about current Elbert County Fair Royalty can be found at elbertcountyfair.com/royalty.html.

e 2024 Elbert County Fair, with information available at elbertcountyfair.com, will take place from July 27 through Aug. 4.

Cassidy Esposito speaks to the attendees at the Elbert County Fair Royalty Queen’s Clinic. Esposito helped the group learn to give impressive interviews and provided modeling tips.

PHOTO BY NICKY QUINBY

Community

Saturday Sep. 21st at DCSD Legacy Campus

Saturday Oct. 5th at The Arvada Center

VAS E THEDATES

DEADLINES: CLASSIFIED LINE ADS: FRIDAY, 12 P.M.

CAREERS

Help Wanted

Director Professional Services

For Enverus Inc. in Centennial, CO, to help our customers benefit from our business automation products. Requires: Bachelor's in bus. admin., operations research, comp. info. systems or rel. field (accepts foreign edu. equiv.) + 2 years in designing and implementing business processes & designing & delivering training programs. Position requires 10% domestic travel. Partial telecommute but must reside within commuting distance of Centennial, CO. Submit resume to aimee.lane@enverus.com.

Reference Position #129.

Salary: $115,000.00$140,000.00.

Eng 3, Bknd Eng

Comcast Cable Comm, LLC, Englewood, CO. Dsgn & dev new sw and web apps. Reqs: Bach or forgn equiv in CS, Engin or rltd & 2 yrs exp dev sw use Java & Spring Boot; deploy apps in AWS; 1 yr use Jenkins, Concourse, or any other CI/CD tool to deploy apps; use Datadog or any other app metric anlys tool to anlyz app metrics; & debug apps w/ ELK, Splunk, or any other app debug tool. Salary: $87,443 to $135k/yr. Benefits: https://jobs.comcast.com/lifeat-comcast/benefits. Apply to: Job_Candidates@comcast.co m Ref Job ID# 1127. App window: 30 days (+/- depend on # of applicnts).

SERVICE DIRECTORY: WEDNESDAY, 5 P.M.

Help Wanted

Speech-Language Pathologist

Remote or in person FT or part time SpeechLanguage Pathologist or SLPA Positions Available for the 2024-2025 school year. Open to School Internships. No Contract Agencies. Able to provide supervision for CFY hours. Join our dynamic, multi-disciplinary team of professionals for the 202425 school year. Complete assessments, attend IEP meetings, provide direct services and indirect services for students in PreK-12th grades. Competitive salaries: SLP - $50,450-$56,050 & SLPA- BA $41,000- $46,600 based on 186 day contract. Salaries given are based on a full-year contract. Salary commensurate upon experience. May also be eligible for loan forgiveness! Excellent benefits, including full health benefits & mileage reimbursement. For in person providers there is flexible scheduling with the opportunity to complete some work at home.

Questions contact Tracy at (719) 775-2342, ext. 101. To apply for this position, please visit our website ecboces.org and click on the “Jobs” page, click on the job you are interested in & then click on the green button “Apply Online”, located at the bottom of the job listing. EOE

LEGALS: TUESDAY 5 P.M.

Help Wanted

School Psychologist or Intern

Full-Time School Psychologist or Intern to join our dynamic, multi-disciplinary team of professionals for the 202324 school year - School Districts East of Limon Area Requirements: Educational Specialist (Ed.S.), Colorado certified. Provide PreK12 intervention including assessment, development of IEP’s & consultation services. Competitive salaries: ED.S $57,800$66,200 & Intern $53,590$59,550, both commensurate upon experience. Excellent benefits including dental, vision, and medical insurance. Flexible scheduling with the opportunity to complete some work at home. 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 visit our website ecboces. org and click on the “Jobs” page, click on the job you are interested in & then click on the green button “Apply Online”, located at the bottom of the job listing. EOE

SERVICE DIRECTORY ADS AND CLASSIFIED LINE ADS

Help Wanted

Special Education Teacher

For a significant needs program located at the Strasburg School District for 2024-25 School Year. Current Colorado Special Education Teacher license required. BA salary range $41,000$47,300 & MA salary range $46,250-$52,550, based on experience. Excellent benefits. including full health benefits! Collaborative work environment with lots of free continuing education opportunities available. May be eligible for Student Loan Forgiveness. Questions contact Tracy at (719) 7752342, ext. 101 or tracyg@ ecboces.org. To apply for this position, please visit our website ecboces.org and click on the “Jobs” page, click on the job you are interested in & then click on the green button “Apply Online” at the bottom of the job listing. EOE

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

Help Wanted

Teacher of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing

East Central BOCES is seeking a Part-Time 3 day a week Teacher of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing for the 2024-2025 school year.

Salary Range- $27,750$32,790 for 112 days dependent on experiences and education. Hold or be able to attain a Colorado Teaching License with an endorsement as a Special Education Specialist- Deaf/ Hard of Hearing required. Complete assessments, attend IEP meetings, provide direct and indirect special education services. Excellent benefits including access to a company vehicle or mileage reimbursement and fully paid health insurance, including vision and dental. May be eligible for loan forgiveness program. Flexible scheduling with the opportunity to complete some work from home. To apply for this position, please visit our website ecboces.org and click on the “Jobs” page, click on the job you are interested in & then click on the green button “Apply Online”, located at the bottom of the job listing. Questions contact Tracy at (719) 775-2342, ext. 101. EOE

Misc. Notices

WIDOWED MEN AND WOMEN OF AMERICA.

A social club offering many exciting activities and life long friendships. Social hours for all areas of Metro Denver. Visit Widowedamerica.org for details In your area!

Garage and Estate Sales

Garage Sales

Red Hawk Golf Course

Community Wide

Garage Sale

30+ Homes

Friday & Saturday, May 3 & May 4

from 8am-3pm

Castle Rock, Wolfenserger Road @ Red Hawk Drive

Maps will be available at all participating homes.

100+ HOMES

CHERRY KNOLLS, THE KNOLLS & TIFFANY

NEIGHBORHOODS

Fri. & Sat. May 3 & 4

S. Colorado Blvd. & E. Dry Creek Rd 80122

Maps Available

Merchandise

Firewood

Health & Beauty

VIAGRA and CIALIS USERS!

50 Generic Pills SPECIAL

$99.00

100% guaranteed. 24/7 CALL NOW! 888-445-5928

Hablamos Espanol

Dental insurance from Physicians Mutual Insurance Company. Coverage for 400+ procedures. Real dental insurance - not just a discount plan. Get your free Information Kit with details! 1-855-526-1060 www.dental50plus.com/ads #6258

Medical

Attention oxygen therapy users! Discover oxygen therapy that moves with you with Inogen Portable Oxygen Concentrators. Free information kit. 1-866-4779045

Miscellaneous

Aging Roof? New Homeowner?

Got Storm Damage?

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Girls flag football sanctioned by CHSAA

Colorado becomes 11th state to legitimize the sport

BY JOHN RENFROW JRENFROW@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM

A recent vote by the Colorado High School Activities Association sanctioned girls ag football as an o cial sport.

Passing by a vote of 57-9 with ve abstentions, there will be two classi cations this fall for girls ag football. It is CHSAA’s 27th sanctioned sport. After a highly successful pilot program in the past two years, CHSAA set the sport in stone.  Colorado joins Tennessee, New

York, Florida, Arizona, Nevada, Georgia, Illinois, California, Alaska and Alabama as states to sanction girls ag football.

Several area schools have developed ag football pilot programs, including Valor Christian, Arvada West, Cherry Creek, Legend, Mountain Vista, Elizabeth and more.

Last October, Arvada West defeated Cherry Creek 34-14 in the nal of the 16-team state championship tournament. e Wildcats nished the season with a perfect 25-0 record.

Area coaches are big advocates for the sport.

“It’s fun for the girls to make some new friends, play a game that they’ve always just had to watch,” said Darren Pitzner, the coach for the Legend High School girls’ team.

highlights.”

e sport received funding from the Denver Broncos during the pilot period.

“In addition to providing an amazing platform for empowerment, inclusion and teamwork, girls ag creates a powerful sense of belonging and community for our next generation of leaders,” Broncos Owner Carrie Walton Penner said in a statement.

FILE PHOTO

Arvada West junior Sara Walker makes some downfield moves after matching a catch during the girls flag football state championship game against Cherry Creek in October 2023. CHSSA has agreed to sanction the sport.

“For me growing up, I was always drawing up plays in the dirt and developed a love for the game that way. e girls have made a lot of friends, a ton of smiles and a ton of

ough last year’s postseason was held at the Pat Bowlen Fieldhouse at the Denver Broncos’ Center Health Training Center, future postseason details for 5A and 4A will need to be determined.

A girls ag football committee will also be formed soon by CHSAA.  is story will be updated as more details are released.

CHSAA adopts shot clock for varsity teams

Teams will be on the clock starting in 2026

BY STEVE SMITH SPECIAL TO COLORADO COMMUNITY MEDIA

After several months of debate, the Colorado High School Activities Association formally adopted the use of a 35-second shot clock in prep basketball. e decision came during the association’s legislative council meeting on April 23.

e change takes e ect in the 20262027 school year for varsity boys and girls teams. e association’s legislative council approved it by a margin of almost 3-to-2.

e agenda said those in favor cited a need to prepare players for col-

lege basketball’s shot clock, an improved pace of play and the chance to reward good defense.

ose opposed pointed to initial set-up costs (perhaps between $3,000 and $10,000, depending on the electrical structure of the gym, according to the agenda), the potential increased cost for game workers and for training a shot clock operator.

ere was no discussion during the council’s meeting.

ere were two other shot-clock proposals on the agenda. Supporters withdrew one agenda item after the council approved the shot-clock item. e second, which would have applied to class 6A schools only, failed.

e council also turned down a bid to increase the size of the state

basketball tournament from 32 to 40 teams. Fifty-seven percent voted no.

e proposal called for the top 24 teams to receive a rst-round bye.

Chaparral Athletic Director Rob Johnson said players and coaches want to be able to play in one last

tournament game.

“Scheduling really helps,” he said.

“Many of these programs want a competitive, rst-round game. It’s a chance for (seeds) 25 to 40 to have a competitive, fun playo experience.” No one spoke in opposition.