Highlands Ranch Herald 030923

Candidates crowd field for metro district, Centennial Water

Water and Sanitation District boards of directors for the upcoming May 2 election.

Eight people have announced they

represent the north central, northeast and southwest director regions, while the water district seats are elected at large.

face Homar Alvarado and Bradford Wann. Representing the southwest region, Renee Anderson is running unopposed.

e candidates for the water district board are Andrea Anzur, Matthew Burcham, Martin Claus,

open seats on the Highlands Ranch Metro District and the Centennial

Hansen calls boost in teacher pay a ‘Band-Aid’

More funding needed

BY MCKENNA HARFORD MHARFORD@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM

In the hopes of gaining a slight advantage this hiring season, the Douglas County School District

board approved salary increases for sta earlier than in the past, bumping starting pay from $43,680 to $45,209.

Currently, Douglas County School District has one of the lowest starting pays in the Denver metro area and Superintendent Erin Kane said the district has struggled to attract

and retain sta in recent years.

During the Feb. 28 meeting, the Board of Education unanimously approved a proposed 3.5% base increase for all licensed sta , such as teachers, as well as a 2-2.5% step increase, a 6% increase for classi ed

SEE ELECTION, P2

Bill to expand commission to 5 fails quickly Marshall stands by proposal

BY ELLIS ARNOLD EARNOLD@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM

A proposal to put a larger number of elected leaders at the helm of large counties in Colorado — and to require at least some of those leaders to represent speci c areas of their counties — met defeat in the State Legislature.

Supported by state Rep. Bob Marshall, a Highlands Ranch Democrat, the bill sought to expand the number of members on a county’s board of commissioners to ve. e bill would have a ected several Front Range counties with large enough populations, including Douglas County, where the board has become known for its bitter con icts and 2-1 votes.

“All I know is we’ve got two people running the whole county,” Marshall said.

In his view, contentious 2-1 splits

SEE COMMISSION, P7

Cherokee Trail Elementary School teacher Leighanne Brown uses new literacy curriculum to teach her students the science of reading. The Douglas County School District is in the process of implementing three science-based reading programs at all elementary schools this year.

COURTESY OF DOUGLAS COUNTY SCHOOL DISTRICT

Littleton High School parents reflect on lockdown

Communication, strategy discussed

BY NINA JOSS NJOSS@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM

When Littleton High School ninth grader Osso Siddall heard lockdown alarms begin during his lunch period, he did the safest thing he could think of — he ran.

“The lockdown alert sounded, and then everybody was just screaming and confused,” he said. “And then I heard someone, I think it was like a staff member, said something about somebody was in the building… So I got out of there as fast as I could.”

Three blocks and a couple hundred rapid heartbeats later, he arrived at his home. His mother, Mary Siddall, knew something was wrong right away when her son opened the door, out of breath.

“I’m like, ‘What’s going on?’” she said. “And he’s like, ‘Well there was a lockdown.’ And I was like, ‘Why are you here?’ And he said, ‘Well, because I left. Why would I be in the building if there is a shooter?’”

Littleton High School was one of more than a dozen Colorado schools that were targeted by hoax threat calls, known as “swatting” calls, on Feb. 22. The incident threw parents, students, school staff, law enforcement officials and district officials into immedi-

ate response mode as they tried to figure out what was happening and how to communicate during the incident.

Communication

Melissa Yongue found out about the lockdown when her ninthgrade daughter texted her from inside the school. Yongue was aware of the swatting calls happening at other schools. Her daughter said she heard no gunfire in the building.

“I would say within probably 10, 20 minutes, I think… my husband and her and I all felt pretty confident that it was just part of the hoax calls coming in because she wasn’t hearing anything,” Yongue said. “So it was kind of a shortlived panic, but it was definitely a panic. I mean, it’s not something that any parent wants to get from a text message from their child in 2023.”

While the lockdown was happening, Yongue said she continuously refreshed the Littleton Police Department Twitter page to see updates on the situation. On the police department’s Tweets, comments from some parents expressed frustration that Littleton Public Schools was not communicating more during the lockdown.

One comment at 2:31 p.m. thanked the department for its updates, saying that the district had “communicated nothing” at that point. Another comment posted the next morning said, “And there

was also no communication with the parents until 2 hours and it was over! Not cool.”

The lockdown started at 1:47 p.m., according to the district. The district sent a text message and email to parents about the lockdown at approximately 3:27 p.m., just a few minutes before the school’s regular dismissal time and about 17 minutes before the lockdown lifted. Later in the evening, the district sent messages from Littleton High School Principal Cathy Benton and Superintendent Brian Ewert.

Yongue recognized there could be many reasons the information didn’t come faster from the district, but said it was still frustrating that the information came out as late as it did.

“I understand it’s a sticky situation, but I think lack of information is what causes people to speculate,” she said. “And it takes one student or one person to misinterpret something or mishear something or mistake something and that information spreads like wildfire… I would like to have more information coming from them but like I said, we had the information coming from (the police department) and that is what I think kept a lot of parents as calm as you can be in a situation like that.”

Police spokesperson Sheera Poelman said her goal with police communications is to get information out quickly when it relates to public safety. The district, she said, is a different entity with different communication processes.

“Both the school system and the police department realized that we need to get our communication teams together,” she said. “So that way, if something like this happens in the future, we’re ready.”

Littleton Public Schools spokesperson Diane Leiker said the district was working to get information out as fast as they could while also juggling many other concerns during the incident, especially because it happened near dismissal time. They were coordinating with law enforcement, figuring out delayed dismissals, adjusting bus plans and also managing situations at the district’s three other schools that were on secure perimeter at the same time as the lockdown, she said.

“It’s important to note that

ELECTION

FROM PAGE 1

Ora J DeMarrow, Al Duff, Tony Fabian, Juli Faller, Andrea Gee, Shohini Ghosh, Michael Guilfoyle, Nickie Holder, Frank Johns, Sara Jo Light, Bobbie Jean Lloyd, John Mackowiak, Terry Nolan, Scott Poulson and Greg Woodward.

Kari Larese, communications manager for Centennial Water and Sanitation District, said the district is really pleased to see the number of candidates participating in the election.

“To have 18 director candidates is exciting and I think demonstrates how important water is for

(the school district’s) first priority anytime that there’s an incident is to ensure the safety of our students and staff,” she said. “We always want to communicate with our parents and our staff and our community as quickly as possible. We’re not always in a position to do that, though, because the information isn’t available to us or it’s changing so rapidly.”

She said the district learned from the experience and has made changes for the future.

“We wish that we could have communicated in a much more timely manner,” she said. “Every incident we have, we learn, and we certainly learned from that one. And so it is our goal and our mission to do better.”

Leiker said the district implemented an enhanced communication strategy on March 1 when more swatting incidents happened in Boulder, Brighton and Aspen. Although Littleton schools were not targeted, the district sent out texts and emails and posted on their website to keep families informed.

“I appreciated them acknowledging the situation quickly,” Yongue said about the March 1 communications. “It was very soon after news reports of the other calls being made again that we received the message from (the district).”

Other parents said they were pleased by how the district handled communications during the lockdown and did not see a need for change.

“It’s difficult because as a parent, I really would like to know what’s going on right away, right?” Siddall said. “But I have learned with all the issues we have been having at all different schools that it takes a lot of time to put the communication out… You have to trust our principal, you have to trust our resource officer and the police — even when, yes, of course, we want to know what’s going on.”

Impact on students

When asked if he was afraid when the lockdown began, Osso said he was more confused than anything.

“For the most part, I was just confused about like, what’s happening?” he said. “I’ve lived my

SEE LOCKDOWN, P3

our future,” Larese said in an email.

“We need to ensure we are good stewards of this precious resource and it’s going to take a dedicated board of directors to do so. “

Voters who would like to vote by mail can request absentee ballots by going to centennialwater. org/vote and highlandsranch.org/ government/board-of-directors/ elections. Absentee ballots must be requested by April 26. The water and metro district elections are two separate elections, so people wanting to vote by mail must submit an absentee ballot request form for each election.

Voters can also vote in person from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. May 2 at the Hendrick Office Building, 62 Plaza Drive, Highlands Ranch.

Bridging the gap between local shopping and online Student

creates app

BY HALEY LENA HLENA@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM

When local businesses started to close down due to the pandemic, University of Denver student JohnPaul Evans wanted to help. ree years later, Evans, who grew up in Parker, launched Harvester, a website that connects shoppers to their local businesses.

While talking with an owner of a running shoe store, Evans learned that many business closures were in uenced by the pandemic, but the problem started years before COVID-19.

“ e issue kind of started back around 2012, 2013 when online shopping kind of took o and especially online shopping with large retailers,” said Evans.

As Evans saw that online shopping made shopping too convenient of an option compared to shopping at local businesses, he began to think of a way to make it more convenient to shop locally online and make it an easy process.

For over a year, Evans tried to make di erent apps and played around with websites. rough Harvester, he made a marketplace that allows shoppers to search and browse products directly from local shops.

Harvester launched in February and already has 70,000 stores on the site for shoppers across the U.S.  “All the stores that are currently listed on Harvester are ones that already have kind of an online presence with a website and they

LOCKDOWN

whole life in Littleton, and nothing really happens that’s too big. So I was just confused about what could happen.”

Laura Mehew, a Littleton High School mother, said she is concerned about the impact of swatting on students, especially considering how many are being victimized by these incidents.

“These kids have been exposed to so much, they’re almost becoming desensitized to it a little bit, which is, in my opinion, a defense mechanism,” she said. “It’s in the hundreds, I would say the thousands of students who are being impacted by (swatting)… It causes trauma.”

Littleton High School alone has approximately 1,300 students, so thousands of Colorado students have been victims of swatting in recent weeks.

Mehew is particularly concerned because her family was involved in an active shooter situation a few years ago. The suspect in that situation ended up being unarmed, making her familiar with the trauma that threat situations can cause, even if they do not end up causing physical harm.

Yongue said swatting is “frustrat-

have their inventories up already,” said Evans. “I found a way to nd a bunch of local businesses across the U.S. that had websites with all their products and consolidate them all to one site so they can shop directly from that store on.”

With Harvester, online shoppers can freely shop trending local businesses by entering their zip code. ey can also search for an item they are looking for and use the lter to sort by distance, price or relevance.

Shoppers can create an online account with Harvester and follow their favorite businesses.

e name Harvester was inspired by a machine that takes place in the process of deforestation, as seen in the Amazon rainforest. e machine is called a harvester.

“ at’s kind of where I got the idea,” said Evans. “Because a lot of local businesses were losing a lot of their businesses to huge online retailers like Amazon. And so I thought, it’s kind of like a tongue in cheek.”

As Harvester includes local businesses with online stores, Evans said he would like for his website to expand to a point where stores that do not have an online presence will join Harvester.

Evans hopes to grow the number of users so he can adjust the app as necessary to make it fun for the users to come back.

“I hope to kind of put the fondness of local shopping in the digital form, kind of make the digital mainstreet of sorts,” said Evans. “I want to make it so any day of the week, you can browse your local stores and shop directly from your phone.”

ing” and “disgusting.”

“(Kids) have this true threat that they deal with, and we as parents deal with every day that we send our kids to school,” she said. “To have somebody exploit that is — I don’t understand how you get to a state of mind where you think, ‘This is what I’m going to do today.’ And it’s even more frustrating to know that they will most likely never be caught.”

According to the Federal Bureau of Investigation, those who post or send false threats can receive up to five years in federal prison, or they can face state or local charges. In Colorado, false reporting of an emergency is a class 1 misdemeanor, but can be raised to a felony if injury occurs.

The Littleton Police Department said they are working with local partners and the FBI as investigations into the incident move forward.

Mehew said she is grateful for those who work to keep students safe when situations like this occur.

“Our school people are put on the frontlines of so many issues that kids are facing right now,” she said. “Education and trying to educate them is just one part of it. They’re having to help these kids through so much more. So I’m very appreciative of the school and of the Littleton Police Department.”

Interested in becoming a foster parent?

Information nights are open to anyone interested in learning about foster care. Information nights are free and via Zoom on March 11 from 9-10:30 a.m. and March 20 from 6-7:30 p.m. For information, call 303.636.1KID or register online at collaborativefostercare.com and select Information Night.

Business Personal Property Tax Declarations due by April 15

Business Personal Property Tax Declarations may be filed online at DouglasFilesOnline.org Business owners who own or lease business personal property with a total market value of greater than $52,000 must report the property to the County Assessor. For more information, visit douglas.co.us/assessor

Do you have old electronics around the house collecting dust?

Douglas County residents may dispose of unwanted electronics free of charge at Techno Rescue, 3251 Lewiston St. in Aurora. Drop off weekdays from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., and occasional Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Proof of residency is required. For a list of acceptable items, Saturday drop-off dates and more, visit douglas.co.us and search for Electronics Recycling.

Need help with rising heat costs?

Rising heating costs may be hard to budget for this year, but help is available to Douglas County residents who are struggling. If you or someone you know needs assistance, apply now through April 30, 2023, for energy assistance through the State of Colorado’s LowIncome Energy Assistance Program (LEAP). For more information, visit douglas.co.us and search LEAP or email LEAPHELP@discovermygoodwill.org

Do you have...

Mysterious insects? Trees in trouble? A need for gardening advice?

CSU Extension is here for you. We provide answers and education. For more information call 720-733-6930 or visit https://douglas.extension.colostate.edu

Airport gets funding for tra c control tower

$4M grant approved

BY TAYLER SHAW TSHAW@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM

e Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is awarding $4 million to Centennial Airport to design a new airport tra c control tower, the administration announced.

e Centennial Airport, located at 7565 S. Peoria St., is a general aviation airport. According to the FAA, it is one of the 25 busiest airports in the U.S. and averages 1,000 takeo s and landings per day.

e tower is the building that the air tra c controllers sit in to direct tra c in, out and around the airport’s airspace, said Chris ompson, Centennial Airport’s manager of communications, via email. It is controlled by the FAA but the airport assists in general maintenance and upkeep, he said.

Centennial Airport owns the current tower, which opened in 1985, and the FAA leases it from the airport, ompson said. e new tower will replace the current tower and will increase operational capacity and enhance air eld safety, the FAA said in the release.

“ e current tower is approaching 40 years old and there are some aspects of the building that need updating to continue safe and proper operation in the future and, much like a vehicle or other item, sometimes it is more cost-e ective to replace than update,” ompson wrote. “ ere are

also some other operational advantages to a new tower depending on what site is selected.”

e $4 million will be set aside for site selection and the engineering and design of a new tower, ompson said. It will be a multi-year

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project and the actual construction timeline will be determined at a later date once the design work is done, he explained.

“It’s exciting and attering to receive the grant,” ompson wrote. “Centennial Airport has played a big

role in the economic growth of both Arapahoe and Douglas counties and it is a good feeling to know that the FAA nationally recognizes our importance and is willing to give us a share

The airport tra c control tower, which opened in 1985, at Centennial Airport.

COURTESY OF CENTENNIAL AIRPORT

sta and a 5% increase for administration for the 2023-24 school year.

e increases will cost the district $22.5 million next year, which is likely be covered by the in ationary increase in funding from Colorado’s School Finance Act, Kane said.

e state legislature has not yet approved next year’s school funding.

Kane acknowledged the district approving raises before knowing how much funding the state will provide is a calculated risk, but one she believes is worth it to provide certainty for sta .

“We know there is some risk, but we feel really con dent that the School Finance Act will increase, certainly su cient to cover the increases we’re proposing,” she said. “By proposing these increases now, we’re making a huge di erence in terms of retention because we’re providing assurance and stability for our employees, so they will know what next year looks like.”

e compensation increases being approved so early in the year may

AIRPORT

of the pie so to say.”

e $4 million funding comes from the Airport Terminals Program, which is one of three aviation programs created by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, according to the

also help give the district an edge when recruiting new teachers, Kane said, since other districts have not nalized salary schedules yet.

However, all school districts are expecting in ationary increases in state funding, which means Douglas County will probably not be the only district to raise pay.

“Every school district will receive in ationary funding from the state and every school district will do what we’re doing,” Kane said. “We’re just going to do it faster. It’s all we’ve got …It will not alleviate the need for (a mill levy override). It will not close the gap with other school districts, but it will be a great message to our teachers and to our sta .”

In the Denver metro area, Cherry Creek has already increased teacher pay for next year to $57,000 to start. Westiminster approved paying teachers a starting salary of $61,000.

Kane said the disparity comes from the di erences in local mill levy overrides. Douglas County’s mill levy amounts to around $1,150 per student, while surrounding districts, including Denver, Littleton and Cherry Creek, get more than twice as much per student from their mill levies.

“It is not because our district

release. is law provides $1 billion annually for ve years for airport terminal grants.

“Today’s funding doesn’t just improve Centennial Airport’s terminal. It creates opportunities in the community for good-paying jobs and a chance to be part of our country’s thriving aviation sector,” FAA Deputy Administrator A. Bradley Mims said in the release.

chooses not to pay our teachers competitively,” Kane said. “It is purely a funding challenge.”

Board member Elizabeth Hanson described the decision to give raises while still planning to ask voters for a mill levy override in November like “walking on a sword.”

“We need our teachers to hear that we’re doing everything we can to take care of them and we need our community to hear that we need funding,” Hanson said. “ is is a band-aid.”

In addition to salary increases, the district is also planning to o er employees free lunch next year, discounted childcare and improving sta workspaces, on top of shortterm retention strategies approved in January.

Kane said the plan focused on ways to keep existing sta .

“We absolutely need to recruit, but our priority is retaining who we have, so instead of piling all of our resources into making our starting pay $50,000 … we chose to put our resources into the people that we have,” she said.

Multiple teachers spoke at the meeting in favor of the plan and thanked the board for their e orts in

Centennial Airport is one of three airports in Colorado that received funding. Denver International Airport was awarded $22 million to fund a portion of the baggage handling system replacement that the airport is planning. e Colorado Springs Airport received $6 million to help fund the remodel of its terminal concourse.

“Americans deserve the best air-

supporting sta .

Lucy Squire, teacher and president of the Douglas County Federation, a local teachers union, said the plan shows the district values its sta and is working to be more competitive.

“It’s starting to feel like we’re being paid what we’re worth,” “ ank you again for working with us and for hearing our ideas. We’re moving in the right direction and I’m full of optimism and gratitude.”

Another teacher, Ann Fisher, said her school’s culture, values and sense of belonging keep her working in the district and she doesn’t want to leave, but nancial hurdles make it di cult to stay.

“While thinking of starting a family with my partner in the next year or two, I’m able to breathe a sigh of relief knowing that our district is prioritizing our teachers, sta and communities with compensation increases,” Fisher said. “I’m hopeful that I will not have to make the incredibly hard decision between starting a family and staying at a school that I consider a second home.”

e entire board supported the salary increases and praised Kane and sta for their work on the proposal.

ports in the world, and with demand for air travel surging back, this funding to improve the passenger experience couldn’t come at a more urgent time,” U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg said in the release. “ ese grants will make it faster and easier to check your bags, get through security, and nd your gate, all while creating jobs and supporting local economies.”

Home prices see biggest sustained dip in more than a decade

Will pattern hold?

BY ELLIS ARNOLD EARNOLD@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM

It’s a statistic that, not long ago, homebuyers could have only dreamed of: e median price of a single-family home in the Denver area dropped by more than $90,000.

e drop from $660,000 in April to $569,800 this January represented the steepest, longest sustained decline in median sales price for single-family homes in the Denver metro area since the start of 2010.

at’s according to the Colorado Association of Realtors, whose data goes back to that year.

Statewide, the decline in the median price of a single-family home from April to January also represented the steepest, longest sustained decline in that same period.

While that warrants some celebration, that downslide only erased 2022’s price increases — the steep hikes of 2020 and 2021 haven’t been wiped away, and housing a ordability remains dismal in the metro area and around Colorado.

Cooper ayer, a young Realtor in Douglas County, knows people his age can struggle to a ord homes even with the right tools on their side.

“Last year, when I graduated college, I make a slightly-above-median income for my age, but I wouldn’t be able to a ord a home in the next ve years without external help,” said

ayer, 21, who was born and raised in Castle Rock.

Entry-level housing “just isn’t there” in the Denver metro area, especially in Douglas County, ayer said.

“I think the lesson there is that even with good nancial planning and budgeting and nancial literacy, I’m just constrained by the high housing prices and the lack of inventory on the entry-level segment in Douglas County,” ayer said.

What’s ahead

After Colorado’s already-expensive housing market saw prices increase

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even more steeply during the economic trends of the coronavirus pandemic, the Federal Reserve’s raising of interest rates to battle in ation has pushed prices back down.

e Fed’s raising of rates is a signi cant — if not the primary — factor driving home prices lower, ayer said.

Interest rates are the amount a lender charges a borrower for a loan, and when they change, it can a ect mortgage rates but also car loans and credit card debt, which can dampen people’s ability to a ord housing, ayer noted.

If the Fed lowers interest rates later this year, it’s di cult to say whether home prices will shoot back up, erasing recent gains in a ordability, ayer said.

“Real estate can vary greatly quarter over quarter. I like to think of it more of a year-over-year trend,” ayer said.

For example, if rates were to return to the level seen in December 2021, home prices in Douglas County in spring 2024 could come back to the highs of spring 2022, ayer said.

A caveat, though, is the broader economic conditions that may arrive. If interest rates go down in response to an overall economic downturn, people might not be spending as much as they did in spring 2022, ayer said.

“But we have such a constrained supply, (including) here in Douglas County,” that prices are also propped up by a lack of available homes, ayer noted.

After a decade, some relief

Although the Denver area and Colorado as a whole have recently seen a big price drop, much of the downslide occurred during the fall and winter, when prices tend to drop each year as homebuying typically slows down after the usual price increases of summer or fall.

Comparing this January to last January, the drop in median price of a single-family home in metro Denver is more modest: a 1.4% decrease. Statewide, the median price was at, a 0% change.

Still, even a slight decrease or attening can come as a relief to Coloradans who have watched prices on a seemingly never-ending climb.

is year saw the rst January-toJanuary, year-over-year decrease in

median sales price in the Denver metro area since 2010 to 2011, when price stayed relatively at, according to the Realtor association.

Even amid the recent trends, ayer says a big downward reset in housing prices isn’t for sure.

“On a scale compared to something like 2008? Probably not, because of the place the Denver metro area is in right now,” ayer said. “It is certainly one of the most desirable places to live in the country … so the e ects of a nationwide or global economic downturn are going to be lessened here because of that inherent supply constraint and that inherent (desire) to be here.”

Some type of downturn is likely imminent because the economy is cyclical, ayer said. But he doesn’t foresee a drop in prices of 20% or more in the next 10 years in the Denver metro area relative to the rest of the world.

“I think a 10% drop over the next decade would be more feasible,” said ayer, noting that even that is not necessarily likely.

What’s more, “it wouldn’t be permanent; it would be cyclical,” he noted.

A ordability an issue in Douglas Douglas County’s housing a ordability is low even compared to the rest of the region, with median housing prices around $100,000 higher than the average in the rest of the metro area, ayer said.

“And while we do have higher income, the problem is for those service jobs and all those support roles,” ayer said. He added: “ ere isn’t housing for entry-level jobs or younger people in the service workforce and in those kind of lower- to middle-income careers.”

He sees a “middle ground” in government policy that would incentivize entry-level housing, such as condos, townhomes and duplexes, so local residents can have a place to live where they work. He thinks that will take shape on the city and county level rather than statewide or nationally.

“As a Realtor, we certainly believe in homeownership in the U.S.,” ayer said, “so providing homeownership opportunity not just to high-income households but also to the low- and medium-income households so they can build wealth.”

The view of Lone Tree homes from Blu s Regional Park and Trail on Oct. 21, 2022.

PHOTO BY TAYLER SHAW

are “not just a problem for Douglas County — it’s a latent problem for all the large counties,” Marshall said.

Commissioners serve as a county’s elected leaders, somewhat similar to city councils. ey make policy decisions that largely a ect parts of the county that are “unincorporated” — areas that sit outside of municipalities.

In Douglas County, which includes Highlands Ranch and many other areas, such as Franktown and Roxborough.

Locally, the idea to add two more commissioners in Douglas County came up in discussion in a county meeting in August. Commissioner Abe Laydon has remained opposed.

“ e last thing counties need are more politicians,” Laydon said in a February statement about the state legislature’s bill. “Whether you have three or 30 commissioners, there will still be a majority and a minority vote unless it’s unanimous.”

e counties that would have been a ected by the bill include Je erson, Larimer, Douglas, Boulder, Pueblo and Mesa, all of which have three commissioners.

Five commissioners govern Adams County, but Adams would have been a ected by the bill’s requirement for commissioners to be elected by district, Marshall noted. All ve commissioner seats in Adams are voted on by residents throughout the county — in an “at large” system — rather than voters only casting ballots for the candidates who live in their area.

Ensuring that commissioners are accountable to the people in speci c areas of their county was a key part of the proposal, Marshall said.

“Everyone was saying, ‘Marshall is just trying to get a Democratic commissioner’” elected in Douglas County, Marshall said. But his proposal “doesn’t mean a Republican couldn’t represent Highlands Ranch well.”

He noted there are conservative areas of Boulder County that may feel “locked out” of decisions without a Republican commissioner.

“It’s just to help political minorities regardless of who they are,” Marshall said.

Representation is an issue particularly in Douglas County because Highlands Ranch makes up roughly 28% of the county’s population, Marshall said.

“When the commissioners are all elected at large, then (Highlands Ranch) really does not have a voice in the county government, which is particularly troublesome” because Highlands Ranch is not a municipality, Marshall said, and relies on the county for many government services.

e Highlands Ranch Metro District provides a limited array of government functions, but many responsibilities fall to the county. Bill could return

e proposal, state House Bill 231180, was “postponed inde nitely” by a 7-3 vote on March 2 in the House’s State, Civic, Military, and Veterans A airs Committee, stopping the bill from coming to a full vote.

“I think it’s clear that people who had a vested interested in the outcome were more likely to vote against it than people who could (see it) neutrally,” Marshall said. Among lawmakers on the committee who represented counties that would have been a ected, the bill garnered some support but also saw opposition, according to the vote count.

Marshall said in general that GOP lawmakers “have a very strong ideological view of not letting the state tell local jurisdictions what to do, regardless of what the issue is.”

He noted he’ll likely bring the proposal back in the legislature next year.

“I’m not going to give up,” Marshall said. “I’ll have to just see what the lay of the land looks like in December or January, but yeah, all things being equal, I’ll try again.”

Other counties already have five Some Colorado counties already operate with ve commissioners. Under current rules, once a county has more than 70,000 residents, a citizen’s group or the county commissioners can put a question on the ballot asking residents if they wish to add two more.

Of the 12 counties who are eligible through their population size, several have moved to ve commissioners, including Adams, El Paso and Arapahoe counties. Weld County and Pitkin County have moved to ve commissioners as part of their home-rule charters — essentially the counties’ own constitutions.

Denver and Broom eld have city council structures with about a dozen members each.

e bill would have required that all counties with a population of 70,000 or more have ve commissioners, with at least three commissioners elected only by voters who reside in the district from which each commissioner runs for election.

e bill would have allowed counties to choose between three election alternatives:

• ree commissioners from three districts elected by residents in those districts and two commissioners elected at large.

• Four commissioners from four districts elected by residents in those districts and one commissioner elected at large.

• Five commissioners from ve districts elected only by residents in those districts.

PRE SENTS

TWO A-LIST COMEDIANS FOR ONE LOW PRICE

Chosen for Fest" at Detroit Laugh Fest

NBC's Last Comic Standing and voted "Best in , eclectic mid-westerner

AJ Finney’s personal stream-of-consciousness-storytelling will remind you of the joy of growing up, family, friends, and the beauty of the strange world we live in.

FEATURE MITCH JONES

Podcaster, aspiring voice actor and avid pop culture enthusiast Mitch Jones has been doing comedy since 2010 but he's been clowning since day one!

The Colorado Capitol in Denver. SHUTTERSTOCK IMAGE

How area governments are spending Broncos sale funds

$41M distributed

BY TATIANA FLOWERS THE COLORADO SUN

e Denver metro governments that received checks — for hundreds of dollars or millions — after paying into a tax fund to help build Mile High Stadium are formalizing plans to spend the money on youth activities within their communities.

e city of Aurora’s housing and community services department announced last week the “Dream Big for Aurora Youth Campaign,” which encourages youths, people who work with kids and caregivers, including parents or guardians, to suggest how the city should spend its one-time $3.8 million award on youth-related activities and programs. e campaign webpage, which includes an idea board and short survey, will be open until March 31.

“We are looking to generate ideas around meaningful youth activities in Aurora,” said Jessica Prosser, director of the city’s housing and community services department. “We really want to make sure the youth voice is heard through this process.”

Funding for the e ort comes from the $4.65 billion sale of the Denver Broncos to the Walton-Penner Group in 2022, which resulted in a $41 million refund to the seven counties and 40 municipalities in the Metro Stadium District that helped fund the stadium for more than a decade. e checks range from $12.5 million for Denver to $112 for Castle Pines.

e money comes from a provision of a 1998 lease and management agreement between the district, PDB Sports and Stadium Management Company that required 2% of the net proceeds of the sale of the team to be paid to the district to be used for youth activity programs.

Communities can interpret how

they want to use the money for young people. Matt Sugar, director of Stadium A airs for the Metropolitan Football Stadium District, has said he hopes community leaders will invest in after-school programs, mentoring, music and art programs, sports, and mental health resources.

ough Sugar said there is not a timeline for when the money should be spent, when community leaders received their checks, they also got a letter advising them that he would ask for an accounting of how the funds were spent. He plans to ask community leaders for those accounting statements in September, a year after checks were cut.

e rebate checks were a pleasant surprise for community leaders, especially those that received the largest sums of money.

e district cut checks proportional to the amount each county and municipality collected in the one-tenth of 1 percent sales tax that helped fund the stadium, which is owned by the district and now called Empower Field at Mile High. Taxpayers funded 75% of stadium construction through the tax, in e ect from 2001 to 2011.

e purchase of the Broncos team by the investor group led by Walmart heir Rob Walton, his daughter, Carrie Walton Penner, and her husband, Greg Penner, was approved by the NFL team owners group in August. With the new funds in hand, the city of Aurora’s community engagement division will be conducting outreach by partnering with school districts and youth-serving organizations, hosting focus groups and offering tabling events on local streets to encourage community members to give their opinions on how the funds should be spent.

e online survey will be the main way Aurora people can engage.

city libraries starting March 1.

Forty-one municipalities got funding from the $41 million sale of the Denver Broncos. SHUTTERSTOCK IMAGE

Summer Camps & Programs 2023

COUNTY AND COMMUNITY PROGRAMS

Arapahoe County Libraries

Locations: Multiple locations in Arapahoe County

Website: arapahoelibraries.org

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

Jefferson County Library

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

Website: https://jeffcolibrary.org/

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

Douglas County Libraries

Locations: See website

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

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

Englewood – 2023 KidConnections

Summer Camp

Locations: See website

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

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

City of Golden

Locations: See website

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

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

Evergreen Park & Recreation District

Locations: Variety of locations

Website: www.evergreenrecreation. com/201/Camps

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

City of Thornton – 2023 summer camps

Locations: Varies by camp

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

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

City of Northglenn summer programs

Locations: See website

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

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

Wheat Ridge Parks & Recreation

Location: 4355 Field St., Wheat Ridge

Website: www.rootedinfun.com/191

/Sun-Camp

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

Arvada summer camps program

Location: 6901 Wadsworth Blvd., Arvada

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

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

Highlands Ranch Community Association

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

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

Town of Castle Rock Summer Camp Program

Locations: Vary based on camp Website: https://www.crgov.com/3270/

Summer-Camps

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

Commerce City Parks & Recreation

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

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

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

Town of Parker/Parker Fieldhouse

Location: 18700 Plaza Drive, Parker Website:  https://parkerrec.com/2029/ Summer-Day-Camp

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

Foothills Parks & Recreation District

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

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

SEE SUMMER CAMPS, NEXTPAGE

SUMMER CAMP PAGES

THE GREAT OUTDOORS

The Giggling Life Care Farm

Location: 14583 Cherry St., Thornton

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

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

Highlands Ranch — Camp Backcountry

Location:  6005 Ron King Trail, Littleton

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

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

the camps are for ages 5-17.

Great Outdoors Summer Camp

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

Website: www.crgov.com/3270/SummerCamps

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

Chatfield Stables Horse Camps

Location: 11500 N. Roxborough Park Road, Littleton

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

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

Community Sailing of Colorado

Locations: 4800 S. Dayton St., Greenwood

Village

Website: www.communitysailing.org

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

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

YMCA SUMMER PROGRAMS

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

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

• Arvada

• Aurora

• Broomfield

• Centennial

• Commerce City

• Denver

• Golden

• Lakewood

• Littleton

• Thornton

• Wheat Ridge

MAD SCIENTISTS

Kookalooz Space Playground: STEM

Summer Camp

Locations: 6805 W. 88th Ave., Westminster

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

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

Colorado Adventure Point

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

Website: https://coloradoadventurepoint. org/

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

Butterfly Pavilion

Location: 6252 W. 104th Ave., Westminster

Website: https://butterflies.org/

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

Mad Science

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

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

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

Air & Space Camp

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

Website: wingsmuseum.org/education/ camp/

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

EMERGING ARTISTS

Center for the Arts: Summer in Color

Location: 31880 Rocky Village Dr., Evergreen

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

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

Denver Art Museum

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

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

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

Craftsman & Apprentice

Location: 1335 E 22nd Ave., Denver

Website: craftsmanandapprentice.com/ pages/summer-2023

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

ON THE STAGE

The Apollo Center Summer Camps

Location: 2655 Industrial Lane, Broomfield

Website: www.theapollocenter.com/ campdescriptions

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

five-week sessions for ages 3–18.

LET’S GET PHYSICAL

SUMMER CAMP PAGES

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

Front Range Theatre Company Triple Threat Summer Camp

Locations: 15035 Performing Arts School, Parker

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

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

Audience of One Youth Theatre Camp

Location: Highlands Ranch

Website: www.AO1Theater.org

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

The Arvada Center

Location: 6901 Wadsworth Blvd. Arvada

Website: https://arvadacenter.org/

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

Kent Denver Performing Arts Camps

Location: 4000 E. Quincy Ave., Englewood

Website: www.KentDenver.org

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

St. Lukes Performing Arts Camps

Location:  8817 S. Broadway, Highlands Ranch

Website: www.StLukesPAA.org

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

Castle Rock Dance Academy

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

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

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

Bowlero

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

Website: www.bowlero.com

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

Golden Goal Sports Complex

Location: 2650 Alkire St., Golden

Website: www.goldengoalsc.com/summersoccer-camps

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

Camp Urbie at Urban Air Adventure Park

Location: 15400 E. Briarwood Circle, Aurora

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

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

Gold Medal Athletic Camp

Location: Castle Rock Recreation Center

Website: https://www.crgov.com

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

Tigar Gymnastics Camps

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

Website: www.TigarGymnastics.com

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

RMF Soccer Camp

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

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

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

Aerial Cirque Over Denver

Location: 4605 Quebec St., Denver.

Website: https://aerialcirqueoverdenver.com/

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

LET’S GET MUSICAL

Maestro Music Institute

Location: 6478 Ward Road, Arvada

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

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

Kidzrock Rock Band Camp

Location: 2842 S. Broadway, Englewood

Website: www.musicallifedenver.com/ summercamp

Cost: $319

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

OVERNIGHT CAMPS

Avid 4 Adventure

Locations: Various spots

Website: https://avid4.com/summercamps

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

Cheley Colorado Camps

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

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

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

Camp Granite Lake

Locations: 11902 Camp Eden Road, Golden

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

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

Call

In a word

FROM

THE EDITOR

It seems like when anyone says a ordable housing is being planned for an area of the Denver metro area — It must mean ghetto because residents speak out against it and ght to stop it.

t seems that over the last two years, maybe more, the words “a ordability” and “equity” are trigger words for some.When I hear about an a ordable housing or apartment project, I am usually in favor of it, especially in areas of Arapahoe and Douglas counties. I do not think this housing is going to attract criminals and bad people. Let’s face it, the idea of “a ordable” right now doesn’t mean the neighborhood is going to become trash.

For many of those calling these plan a recipe for turning neighborhoods into the ghetto, another term I can’t say I am fond of, they should look at the price tag.

In all reality, the word “a ordable” likely means starter housing for young couples growing their income status year by year. It is likely meant for teachers how are struggling to live and work in the same communities.

ese are not bad people. ese are people I would happily be neighbors with.

Unfortunately, somewhere along the way, the word “a ordable” gained an unfair stigma that will continue to prevent progress.

As homes stay out of reach for the common, hardworking families — the Denver metro area will su er. It will su er because those hard-working, fundamental families that make an economy and community run — will leave.

ey will go somewhere a ordable, turn that community into a thriving area and we will lose here in our hometown.

To those who cringe when they hear about a project that is aimed at “a ordable housing” — I say do not get hung up on the word. Instead, read the plans, go with an open mind and look at what rent and sale prices will be and ask yourself if it will attract the bad neighbors that some seem to be afraid of.

Now, on to the second word that has gained a lot of attention in recent years — “equity.” Now, I get it. e media has certainly made that a true talking point and whatever side of the debate you are on — the word “equity” is coming up a lot.

e bottom line is, equity policies in schools, government and business are nothing new. ey have been around for as long as I have been alive. ey do have value in our society.

I just hate that any time an organization is looking at equity policies, we are starting to see the word as something bad, something that will change our way of lives.

Just like an a ordable housing, I encourage all to not stop at the word, but consider the policy or discussion being had. Don’t listen to the noise and nonsense generated on social media. Read them, form an opinion and have a true, useful debate and discussion.

After reading, it may very well be the language is too much and you want to have more discussion to tone it down. at is OK.

However, after looking past the word “equity” and giving a true, fair read to any proposal — try to nd common ground.

Know before saying ‘no’

Many times these are associated with salespeople who stopped short of asking their prospect for the order or fail to ask for critical information or an immediate next step. However, these sayings hold true for all of us.

For some, asking comes very naturally. We understand the consequences of not asking so we are always bold enough to speak up, knowing that fortune favors the bold. en there are others of us who have a deeply rooted fear of rejection so asking for something, anything requires us to summon our courage before breaking out into a cold sweat while meekly and nervously uttering out our question. ere is also something else at play here when it comes to hearing the word “no,” or being refused a request. Some people are so tired and burnt out that the word “no” has become their rst response to everything. Even the simplest of asks or tasks is met with resistance. e smallest requests are seen as monumental hills to climb. e thinking is that the person making such a request clearly has no idea just how much work this is going to require or how di cult it will be.

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

Here’s the thing, sometimes we get so

9233 Park Meadows Dr.,

LINDA SHAPLEY Publisher lshapley@coloradocommunitymedia.com

MICHAEL DE YOANNA Editor-in-Chief michael@coloradocommunitymedia.com

THELMA GRIMES South Metro Editor tgrimes@coloradocommunitymedia.com

MCKENNA HARFORD Community Editor mharford@coloradocommunitymedia.com

ERIN ADDENBROOKE Marketing Consultant eaddenbrooke@coloradocommunitymedia.com

AUDREY BROOKS Business Manager abrooks@coloradocommunitymedia.com

ERIN FRANKS Production Manager efranks@coloradocommunitymedia.com

WINNING

here is an old saying, “If you don’t ask, you don’t get” or, “If you don’t ask, the answer will always be no.”conditioned to saying “no” that it really has become our rst response instead of rst taking the time to learn more, so we know what it is that we are really saying “no” to or refusing to do. I do believe in saying “no” to more of the things we shouldn’t be doing so that we can say “yes” to more of the things we should or could be doing. However, not at the expense of missing an opportunity to get done what needs to get

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

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

Columnists & Guest Commentaries

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Email letters to letters@coloradocommunitymedia.com

Deadline Wed. for the following week’s paper. To opt in or out of delivery please email us at circulation@ coloradocommunitymedia.com

Highlands Ranch Herald A legal newspaper of general circulation in Highlands Ranch, Colorado, the Herald is published weekly on Thursday by Colorado Community Media, 9233 Park Meadows Dr., Lone Tree, CO 80124. Send address change to: Highlands Ranch Herald, 750 W. Hampden Ave., Suite 225, Englewood, CO 80110

T

Grocery, convenience stores uncork wine sales

BY ELLIOTT WENZLER THE COLORADO SUN

As of March 1, it’s wine-o-clock.

As Coloradans browse the aisles of their local grocery and convenience stores in March, looking for the right loaf of bread or reasonably priced eggs, they will soon have a new option for soothing their in ationsqueezed shopping experience: wine.

at’s because voters in November approved a ballot initiative allowing wine to be sold in grocery and convenience stores. Proposition 125 narrowly passed with 50.6% of voters in favor.

Both grocery and convenience stores with a license to sell beer can begin selling wine March 1. at’s approximately 1,900 licensees as of this month, according to the Department of Revenue. ey’ll also be able to o er beer and wine tastings.

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Fight woke ideology

I was very disappointed in the defeat of the bill that would require athletes to only compete with those who had same sex at birth. Douglas County Rep. Bob Marshall called the bill a solution looking for a problem. Who voted for him? Here is a representative that implies proactive action is not necessary since no case in Colorado could be cited. I know if I’m an employer I’m all in for someone who doesn’t see the value of proactively addressing issues — not. is country is being run by a woke ideology that makes the United States the butt of many international jokes. at is especially evident whenever we witness the “Reader in Chief” bumble through his written statements.

No longer is it necessary to check boxes such as knowledge, skills and abilities, but other boxes to meet some condition to appease the woke mob. We the taxpayers are the victims. e most recent glaring example is “Mayor Pete” and the incompetency he has shown with the rail strike, supply chain bottlenecks with cargo ships, and the most recent derailment in Ohio. But he did check an important box for the woke mob. I don’t care if he checked that box, but please be able to do your job, which he has not demonstrated.

NORTON

He would say “no” if the request wasn’t supported with the “why.” Or Frank would say “no” if the person asking didn’t really understand everything involved in what they were asking for.

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

e Colorado Licensed Beverage Association, which represents small liquor retailers, opposed the measure and warns that its members could be crushed by the change.

“While many liquor stores will adapt and outsell grocery stores because of their selection, we foresee approximately a third of the 1,600 independent liquor stores across the state are in danger of losing their business,” said Chris Fine, executive director of the organization.

e measure also didn’t change any other existing alcohol-sales rules, such as the prohibition of sales between midnight and 8 a.m., and no alcohol sales to anyone under 21.

Stores that plan to immediately add wine at all of their Colorado locations include Trader Joe’s, King Soopers and Safeway.

While Safeway con rmed they are preparing their shelves now, grocery stores aren’t allowed to stock their

e schools are not doing a good job, so many major cities have students progressing through the system without the ability to read or do math at pro cient levels. I truly believe that education should be privatized and if you want to attend a school promoting woke, and trans male athletes competing against girls, have at it.

I am so glad Vivek Ramaswamy is running for president. Not because I think he is the best of the eld, but because he promises to bring a light to woke idiocy.

John Salanitro Highlands Ranch

Housing needs attention

I commend you on your in-depth look at the housing crisis with your series, “ e Long Way Home.” Your reporting shined a big light on the complexity of the situation: local government land use policies; citizen opposition; inequities of all kinds; economics and more.

As a board member of Littleton’s public housing authority, South Metro Housing Options, I know rsthand the challenges providing housing for people of all incomes, ages and abilities. High costs and lack of land are tremendous obstacles. We are fortunate that elected leaders, nonpro ts, housing au-

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

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

stores with wine until March 1, a spokesperson said.

Two other alcohol-related ballot measures, Propositions 124 and 126, failed on the November ballot.

is story is from e Colorado Sun,

thorities and housing advocates are joining forces to work on increasing the housing supply. As you highlight, it took us several years to get in

a journalist-owned news outlet based in Denver and covering the state. For more, and to support e Colorado Sun, visit coloradosun.com.

e Colorado Sun is a partner in the Colorado News Conservancy, owner of Colorado Community Media.

this mess; it will take a long time to get out of it.

Patricia Cronenberger Littleton

OBITUARIES

Verle Eugene Guthrie, of Highlands Ranch, CO, age 79, died on February 22, 2023. He was a graduate of East High School (Lee Township Against the World!) in Des Moines, IA. He also earned a BA in history from Simpson College in Indianola, IA.

Verle served four years in the Air Force at Davis Monthan Air Force Base in Tucson, AZ, achieving the rank of Sergeant E4. He followed Air Force service with a 30-year career in telecommunications beginning with Northwestern Bell in Des Moines, IA until 1994, and then with U.S. West and Qwest in Denver, CO. After retiring in 2000 from Qwest, Verle worked for two companies supporting the telephone industry and retired in 2006.

He married Helen (Larkin) Guthrie in Des Moines in 1974. ey have one daughter, Patti Kula (Jim) of Hopkinton, Iowa.

Verle treasured his family, friends, and neighbors and they treasured him. He had a great sense of humor, liked to have fun, and was a kind-hearted and true friend. Little kids called him Uncle Verle or Grandpa Verle, related or not. Verle was an avid reader and especially liked history, science ction, and westerns. He enjoyed taking part in the annual Long’s Peak Scottish-Irish Highland Festival celebrating Celtic heritage. Verle and Helen spent many Christmas and summer vacations at their condominium in Estes Park. ey also shared a love of travel, especially motorcycle trips with a group of dear friends from the phone company days. ey loved their cruises to Alaska and the Bahamas, and their visits to Cabo San Lucas, Mexico and various other destinations “warm, with water.”

In addition to his wife and daughter, Verle is survived by his brother Air Force Master

Sergeant Retired LaVerne Arthur Guthrie, Jr. (Celia) of West Des Moines, IA; nephew Paul Guthrie and his children, West Des Moines, IA; and niece Amy Guthrie Cox (Daron) and their children, Minneapolis, MN. He is survived by his cousins Mike Adams (Colleen), West Des Moines, IA; Chrissy Marquis, Bremerton, WA; Janet Ginther, ornton, CO, and Frank Norris (Lena), She eld, IA.

Verle is also survived by his sister-in-law Elaine Rockwell Logan (Brent), Dubuque, IA; brothers-in-law Michael Larkin (Janice), Hanahan, SC; John Larkin (Sherry) and daughters, Aurora, CO; Tom Larkin and son, Lubbock, TX; and Brian Larkin (Sara) and children, Robins, IA. Verle is also survived by nieces and nephews: Command Sergeant Major Timothy Larkin (Janet), Charleston, SC; Miranda Larkin and Elthia Larkin, Aurora, CO and Sarah Knight, Pittsburgh, PA; John Skeels (Adrienne), Roanoke, TX; Abigail Morales and sons, Monroe, WI; Rachael Schmitt (Matthew) and sons, Rosemount, MN; Katie Aller (Tyler) and son, Martensdale, IA; and John T. Larkin, Robins, IA. He is preceded in death by his parents LaVerne Arthur Guthrie, Sr. and Opal F. (Murphy) Guthrie of Des Moines, IA. He is also preceded in death by father- and motherin-law Clement and Ramona Larkin, Waukon, IA; nephew Michael Larkin and niece Mary Ellen Larkin, Goose Creek, SC.

A celebration of life and reception will be held at 10:00 a.m. ursday, April 13, 2023 at Horan & McConaty, 5303 E. County Line Road, Centennial, CO. Military honors follow at Fort Logan National Cemetery.

Donations may be made to Parkinson Association of the Rockies, 1325 S Colorado Blvd #204B, Denver, CO 80222.

GUTHRIE

Verle Eugene Guthrie April 9, 1943 - February 22, 2023

Wine started being sold in grocery stores on March 1. SHUTTERSTOCK IMAGE

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

BY CORINNE WESTEMAN CWESTEMAN@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

For Jennifer

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

WISHES

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

While nancial contributions are needed, so are volunteers.

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

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

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

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

Hope and normalcy

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

On Nov. 14, Jack was the guest of honor at a Colorado Avalanche game. He described the entire day in detail, saying he met the players, got his own jersey and more.

Jack, who wants to be a professional hockey player when he grows up, was diagnosed with leukemia but has been in remission for two years. His wish was delayed because of COVID-19.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Make-A-Wish Colorado founder

Music is all around in local venues

Concerts bring wide range to area audiences

BY SONYA ELLINGBOE SELLINGBOE@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM

A beautiful concert, “Shakespeare in Love,” conducted by Rene Knetsch, presented by the Parker Symphony Orchestra at the PACE Center on Feb. 24, led me to thinking about how rich we are with music in this south Denver suburban area ... Parker has events scheduled on many weekends, including Jimmy Bu ett’s “Escape to Margaritaville” June 23 to July 16.

As a longtime Littleton resident, I can remember a smaller start-up by cellist Jurgen de Lemos of the Littleton Symphony Orchestra which once tted onto Town Hall Arts Center’s modest stage and soon needed more space ... It now performs at the welldesigned Littleton United Methodist Church, 5894 S. Datura St., and has a concert called “Out Like A Lion” scheduled at 7:30 p.m. March 22, featuring Dvorak Symphony #8 in G major, op 88. Also on the program: Hansen Jazz Violin Concerto, performed by Claude Sim, associate concertmaster of the Colorado Symphony. e Littleton orchestra’s new conductor, Catherine Sailer, will lead into the 39th season.

“Appalachian Spring” will follow on May 19 ...

A few years after the launch of

Englewood and Littleton over the years and had a somewhat rocky time recently, but has managed some special programming for children as well as general public and holiday concerts. “Tamiko and the Magic Violin” is scheduled at 11 a.m. April 14 at Hope United Methodist Church, 5101 S. Dayton St. And, looking forward: on July 3, “Stars and Stripes Forever” at 8 p.m. at Breckenridge Brewery — with reworks! I think this one involves picnics on the green. Watch for more information as the weather warms up. Sounds particularly nice with the present

We will inquire soon. South Suburban Parks and Recreation District will oversee Hudson Gardens’ operations following the retirement of the director there.

Organizations around the metro area are showing more signs of life after the di cult stretch for all involved with events that involve gatherings ... My computer reports new bits of info here and there — now and then ... I was alarmed to see information about another possible epidemic hovering ... Parker, Lone Tree and Castle Rock will probably all host Independence

Day events as well. We’ll watch for world coming back to life after a long

(I see that some organizations are requiring masks and it will probably be a good idea to carry one with you, I’d imagine — or at least several in the car.)

Also ahead at PACE on March 18: “John Tesh: Big Band Live!” and March 24 “Friday Night Jazz with the CJRO: Ladies of Jazz.” Colorado Brass and Colorado Wind Ensemble will team up for a concert and the McTeggart Irish Step Dancers will perform at Bemis Library in Littleton at 2:45 on March 19.

Enjoy!

A number of orchestras are active in the south metro Denver area, bringing classical music to appreciative audiences. SHUTTERSTOCK IMAGE

Thu 3/16

Teague Starbuck @ 5pm

The Pint Room, 2620 W Belleview Ave, Lit‐tleton

Mon 3/20

Crestone Peak Ages 13-14 - 2023

League Session #2 @ 3:30pm / $300

Mar 20th - Apr 29th

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

Torreys Peak Ages 8-11 - 2023

League Session #2 @ 3:30pm / $300

Mar 20th - Apr 29th

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

Modern Swing Mondays @ 5pm / $10

Stampede, 2430 South Havana, Aurora

The Reverend Peyton's Big Damn Band @ 7pm Swallow Hill, 71 E Yale Ave, Den‐ver

Fri 3/17

Vagabon @ 7pm Gothic Theatre, 3263 S Broadway, Englewood

Vamonos Pest/Mobro: Mobro at Brewability Lab @ 5pm Brewability Lab, 3445 S Broadway, Englewood

Tue 3/21

Zoology Comparative Anatomy Dissections @ 7am / $75

Mar 21st - Mar 23rd

Valor Christian High School - Academic Building, 3775 Grace Blvd., Highlands Ranch. 303-471-3000

The Greatest Game Ever Played (AM Session) @ 8am / Free

Mar 21st - Mar 22nd

Valor Athletic Building, 3775 Grace Blvd, Highlands Ranch. 303-471-3000

Black Market Translation @ 6pm D3 Arts, 3614 Morrison Rd, Denver

Weyes Blood @ 7pm Gothic Theatre, 3263 S Broadway, Englewood

Sat 3/18

Justin Willman: Pace Center @ 3pm Pace Center, Pikes Peak Avenue, Parker

Dear Marsha,: St Paddy's with DM and her Freaky Band @ 7pm Toley’s on the Creek, 16728 E Smoky Hill Rd Suite 11C, Centen‐nial

5th Annual ฀ShamROCK

Stampede for PTSD ฀ @ 9am / Free-$35 500 Fairgrounds Road, Castle Rock

6 Million Dollar Band @ 6pm Pindustry, 7939 E Arapahoe Rd, Centen‐nial

Jay_Martin @ 6:30pm Rocker Spirits, 5587 S Hill St, Littleton

Jill Tasei: Comedy Show @ 5:30pm BS Comedy Club, 207 E Wolfens‐berger Rd, Castle Rock

Tei Shi @ 7pm

Gothic Theatre, 3263 S Broadway, Engle‐wood

EL FANTASMA - GERARDO DIAZ @ 7:30pm / $70

Stampede, 2430 South Havana, Aurora

Sun 3/19

The Church @ 7pm

Gothic Theatre, 3263 S Broadway, Englewood

Wed 3/22

Ladies Night @ 5pm / $10

Stampede, 2430 South Havana, Aurora

Rayland Baxter @ 6pm Gothic Theatre, 3263 S Broadway, Engle‐wood

DJ Rockstar Aaron: Forbidden Bingo at 'Bout Time Pub & Grub @ 7pm Bout Time Pub & Grub, 3580 S Platte River Dr A, Sheridan

Charles Ellsworth @ Englewood Tavern @ 6pm

The Englewood Tavern, 4386 S Broadway, Englewood

Thu 3/23

Pinback @ 7pm Gothic Theatre, 3263 S Broadway, Engle‐wood

powered by

Paul Taylor Dance coming to Denver

The Newman Center at the University of Denver o ers a season of innovative arts performances including a visit by the Paul Taylor Dance Company on at 7:30 p.m. on March 27. e New York-based Taylor company is headed by Michael Novak, Taylor’s chosen successor, since Taylor’s death in 1984. e company was originally formed in 1954. Dancers associated: Merce Cunningham, Martha Graham, George Balanchine. e audience will see Taylor’s signature work, “Esplanade,” as well as Larry Keigwin’s “Rush Hour.” Tickets at the Newnan Center Box O ce: 303-871-7720 or newmancenterpresents.com.

Voices West

“Starry, Starry Night” is the title for the upcoming Voices West concerts in Littleton at 7:30 p.m. on March 18 at Littleton United Methodist Church, 5894 S. Datura St., Littleton, and 2 p.m. on March 19 at St. Timothy Episcopal Church, 1401 E. Dry Creek Road, Centennial. Tickets at the door. is is the 45th season for the choral group that started as e Littleton Chorale, with a group from Littleton’s Friends of the Library/Museum.

PACE Center

“Friday Night Jazz with the CJRO: Ladies of Jazz” at 7:30 on March 24 at the PACE Center, 20000 Pikes Peak Ave., Parker. 303-805-6800, parkerarts.org.

Colorado history

Columbine Genealogical and Historical Society will meet at 1 p.m. on March 14 to hear Colorado author Randi Samuelson-Brown talk about “ e Bad Old Days of Colorado.” e program will be at e Good Shepherd Episcopal

Church, 8545 E. Dry Creek Road, Centennial. Guests and new members welcomed. Also available on Zoom. e talk will be on the establishment of Denver, discovery of gold, Colorado during the Civil War, the Confederate Gold eld Plot and other dubious happenings. Presenter is Dina Carson, author and lecturer. All are welcome. Free.

“Blind Visionaries” showcases a musical performance with original jazz by the Daniel Kelly Trio and New York’s Seeing With Photography Collective, a group of visually impaired and sighted photographers, who create colorful, thoughtprovoking visual art through “Light Painting.” It will be held at 7:30 p.m. on April 21 at Lakewood Cultural Center, 470 S. Allison Parkway, Lakewood. Tickets start at $25 and are available online: Lakewood.org/ Exhibitions.

Lone Tree

Lone Tree Arts Center, 10075 Commons St., Lone Tree, has “Tunes on the Terrace” tickets available for four performances. Tickets cost $45 for reserved seating, $40 for lawn seating and $80 for Pink Martini Premium Seats; $70 for Standard seating Front Row seating is $50. See lonetreeartscenter.org.

Art in Littleton

“Romance is in the Air” is the current Littleton Fine Arts Guild ex-

hibit at Town Hall Arts Center, 2450 W. Main St., Littleton. Winners are: Allen Voss, Judith Bennett, Peggy Dietz, Bob Ellert, Carl Paulson and Karen Shaw. See townhallartscenter.org.

On stage Town Hall Arts Center: “La Cage Aux Folles” plays April 7-30 at Town Hall Arts Center, 2450 W. Main St., Littleton. See townhallartscenter. org.

Garden club

e next Littleton Garden Club meeting will be the rst Wednesday in April, April 5, at 6 p.m. at the Littleton Public Schools Education Services Center, 5776 S. Crocker St., Littleton. New members and guests are welcome. ere will probably be a speaker. Leo Ortiz is the new president. Members learned of the death of longtime member Barbara Boardman. Donations in her name can be made to the Barbara Hyde Boardman Endowment for the Master Gardener Program at Colorado State University Cooperative Extension Service.

Ballet Ariel

Ballet Ariel will perform “Firebird” at 2 and 7:30 p.m. on April 8 at Elaine Wolf eatre at the JCC, 350 S. Dahlia St.; and 7:30 p.m. April 29 and 2 p.m. April 3 at Lakewood Cultural Center, 470 S. Allison Parkway, Lakewood. Tickets: $20-$30. 303-282-9828, balletariel.org.

SONYA’S SAMPLER

Larry Keigwin’s “Rush Hour” will be performed by the Paul Taylor Dance Company on March 27 at the University of Denver’s Newman Center. PHOTO BY WHITNEY BROWNE

Denver Jewish Film Festival adds new voices

There’s nothing wrong with taking a new approach to a beloved event — that’s how new perspectives and stories get added to familiar ones. In his second year as general manager of the JCC Mizel Arts and Culture Center, Rich Cowden decided to do just that in preparation 27th annual Denver Jewish Film

“I used the rst year as a listening tour and one of the things that came up during the process was that we could add some new elements to the festival without throwing away the things that worked so well,” he explained. “We wanted some space for more diversity in the line-up and started looking at how we select lms every year.”

To inject new viewpoints into the festival, Cowden changed how lms were selected, bringing in younger people to share the stories that connected with them and made it easier for members of the pre-screening and lm selection committees to work through the more than 300 submissions the festival receives every year.

“We also opened a second space at the center for lm screenings, so we can show more lms,” he said. “What people will nd this year is we’re making inroads into a more diverse portfolio of lms.”

is year’s festival, which is presented by e Chotin Foundation and runs from March 11 through March 19 at the JCC Mizel Arts and Culture Center, 350 S. Dahlia St. in Denver, re ects those e orts to expand the framethere are 39 Israeli and Jewish lms, including nine shorts and one television mini-series, hailing from 14 countries. For those who can’t attend in person, lms will be streaming on-demand from March 20 through March 29. With so many entries, there are truly options for all to enjoy, but one that Cowden particularly cited is the closing

night feature, “ e Man in the Basement,” a psychological thriller based on a true story, about a French couple whose cellar is rented out to an antiSemitic conspiracy theorist.

As an organization that never shies away from fostering conversation, the festival will also screen “Blue Box,” a documentary about e orts to secure land in Palestine. It is just one of the lms that will have an audience discussion afterwards, so viewers can share their thoughts and get more information on the topics the lm delves into.

“I want people who may think a festival like this is not for them to take a chance and have conversations around the lms, the themes and ideas they present, and build a conversation around Jewish culture that is healthy, tolerant and lled with compassion,” Cowden said. “I really believe in the power of art to build bridges where everyone is trying to build walls. ese lms then become a conduit for connection between people, and that’s ultimately why we do this.”

To learn more about the lms and purchase tickets, visit https://dj .eventive.org/welcome.

Clarke’s Concert of the Week — The Lagoons at the Bluebird Theater

Sometimes you just need something smooth to get you through the day. e music multi-instrumentalist brothers Ryan and Joey Selan make as e Lagoons ful ll the brief beautifully. Over their three EPs and two albums (including last year’s “Daybreak”), the duo has ne-tuned a vibey electronic take on yacht and surf rock that can just carry you away to somewhere warmer if you let it.

In support of the record, e Lagoons will be stopping by the Bluebird eater, 3317 E. Colfax Ave. in Denver, at 8 p.m. on Wednesday, March 15. ey’ll be joined by opener Jelly Ellington. Get tickets at www.bluebirdtheater.net.

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

heartbreak to healing, from injustice to empowerment, from anxiety to confidence, American/Pop singer-songwriter Meaghan Farrell shares it all through her music.

Clarke Reader

How an unexpected friendship inspired a children’s book

BY NINA JOSS NJOSS@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM

Littleton neighbors on their daily walks look forward to passing the corner of South Pierce Street and West Walker Avenue on Wednesdays. In the house on this corner, a small friendly face smiles through a kitchen picture window and waves.

“Our mail lady comes and waves to him,” said Elizabeth Albright, who lives in the house. “ e snowplow driver this morning could see him in the window and they were waving back and forth to each other… e school bus and the kids, I mean everybody waves — they all know that Andre’s in the window.”

Albright started babysitting 2-yearold Andre last August, when her neighbor posted on NextDoor asking for someone to watch her son on Wednesdays.

Six months later, Albright visited Andre’s preschool to read “Andre’s Window,” a children’s book she wrote about the child and his relationship with the world.

“I’ve kept journals my whole life, but I’ve never written about anybody else or anything else,” Albright said.

“If you could see this little boy look out this window, you would know that it’s the cutest thing you’ve ever seen, so you just kind of want to share it with other people.”

e book focuses on the people and things Andre sees on the street, with an emphasis on colors.

“It got to be where I’d sit in my rocking chair and he’d look out the window and we’d talk about colors and bunnies and puppies being walked and the trucks and the school bus,” Albright said. “I just thought,

‘You know what, I’m going to write a book about this little boy looking out

this window and make it a book about colors for kids.’”

Each spread of the book focuses on a di erent color, represented in the objects and people passing by. ere is a yellow school bus, a green bicycle, a red truck and more.

e book also includes cameos from Albright’s grandchildren and another child from the neighborhood.

Nikki DeLaTorre, Andre’s mother, said she was honored when Albright asked to write a book about her son.

“ at’s so amazing that somebody would want to write a book about your child,” she said. “I love the book… it’s like, very simple in its writing, but it’s bold with pictures, you know, so I think it would catch a child pretty well.”

Even more than the book, DeLaTorre said she’s grateful for Albright and her husband for letting Andre into their lives.

“(It’s) such an honor, such a blessing that this family who never even knew this kid just took him in like their own,” she said. “ ey take such good care of him -- we’re so blessed, like I have no idea how I got so blessed.”

“Andre’s Window” can be purchased on Amazon for $9.99. Albright hopes for the book to be in elementary schools and hospitals across the world, especially in infant intensive care units. She said all pro ts made from the book sales will go towards the purchase of books to be donated to hospitals, daycares and schools.

For Albright, Andre is the reason behind it all.

“I think I just want him to grow up and remember how special he is,” she said. “I really did it for him. He is just a special, special little boy. And I want him to know how incredible we think he is.”

An innovative DCSD public school, grades 9-12, opening Fall 2023 preparing students for postsecondary pathways and empowering them to be competitive in our dynamic global economy

The last page of Andre’s Window, when Andre says goodbye to Elizabeth and Martin Albright, whom he calls “Nana” and “Papa.”

Front cover of “Andre’s Window,” written by Elizabeth Albright and illustrated by Kayla Hargrove. COURTESY IMAGES

Meth remediation professionals could face more accountability with new Senate bill

A new measure aims to address illegal drug laboratories

BY OLIVIA JEWELL LOVE OLOVE@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM

In light of public libraries across the state nding drug contamination in communal spaces, a woman from Evergreen wants people to know contamination could be lurking anywhere — even in homes — and that’s why she’s teaming up with State Sen. Lisa Cutter to introduce a bill that would hold remediators accountable.

In 2018, Kathi McCarty’s worst nightmare came true when she found the tenant she had been renting her beautiful mountain cabin to had been using it as a lab to cook methamphetamine. e following years of McCarty’s life would include legal and nancial struggles that would ultimately end in her selling the home, fully disclosed, for a low price.

Soon after selling, McCarty would watch the new owners go on to encapsulate the contamination inside the home after failing to remediate to state standard. en they would sell it at an exorbitant price, undisclosed to the new buyer. McCarty went on to found Meth Toxins

how can I take a really jacked up situation in my own life that literally cost me over half a million dollars

— let’s not sugarcoat that part of it —

ing education opportunities, support and work towards governmental change.

Some of that change is happen-

ing in the form of a bill that will be introduced to the Senate on March 9 to protect homeowners and renters from the potential history of illegal drug laboratories in their homes.

e bill, presented by Colorado State Sen. Lisa Cutter, will add to current laws about remediation. Currently, the department of public health and environment certi es people who assess, decontaminate or sample properties that once were sites of illegal drug laboratories.

e bill will add a requirement that the department will inspect the work of each certi ed person once every three years. If errors are found, remedial education or decerti cation will ensue for the responsible party.

e bill also will require the department to create a public database of buildings that have been used as illegal drug laboratories. A building can be removed from the database ve years after the property has been decontaminated.

“We’re trying to look to improve what’s there, not take away what’s there, but improve, just enhance what’s already there,” McCarty said  Sen. Cutter explained why work like this is important to her.

“I’m really interested in addressing toxins in our environment to the degree that we can,” she said.

e bill will be heard by the local government and housing committee on March 9.

Kathi McCarty during remediation e orts of her Evergreen home.

COURTESY PHOTO

Valor girls, RC boys stall short of Final Four

Arapahoe, Regis Jesuit prevail over ranked foes

BY JIM BENTON SPECIAL TO COLORADO COMMUNITY MEDIA

Being one of the top seeds in the Great 8 doesn’t necessarily assure a passage into the Final Four.

Take the Valor Christian girls team and the boys squad from Rock Canyon for example.

Arapahoe, remembering an early season loss to Valor, upset the topseeded Eagles, 64-52, during a daylong Great 8 Class 6A session at the Denver Coliseum on March 4.

Rock Canyon, seeded second in the Class 6A boys bracket, was ousted by Regis Jesuit, 47-46, as the Raiders’ Tarea Fulcher completed a 3-point play with 3.2 seconds remaining in the game.

Mountain Vista, the top-seeded boys team, was sparked by the play of Radek Homer and toppled Valor Christian, 75-66. Cherry Creek’s second-seeded girls team struggled but pulled out a 48-35 win over Doherty.

In girls Final Four games on March 10 at the Coliseum, Cherry Creek (22-4) will play Grandview (17-9) at 11 a.m. and Arapahoe (20-6) will face Monarch (25-1) at 2:15 p.m.

Grandview’s 6-3 sophomore Sienna Betts was hard to stop with 23 points and 15 rebounds as the Wolves defeated Highlands Ranch, 57-53. Monarch avenged an earlier loss to Regis Jesuit with a 62-44 win over the Raiders.

e boys 6A Final Four schedule on March 10 has Mountain Vista (24-2) going against Denver East (24-2) at 4 p.m. and Regis (20-6)

meeting Fossil Ridge (24-2) in a 12:45 p.m. contest.

Arapahoe’s girls made eight of 10 free throws in the nal 68 seconds to get revenge from a 57-44 loss to Valor on Dec. 9. e Eagles also defeated the Warriors in last season’s Final Four.

“Getting beat earlier made us want this game more,” said Warriors sophomore Gianna Smith, who had

24 points and sank four straight free throws in the closing minute. “It feels amazing to be in the Final Four. is team just works together.”

Senior Sydney White had 16 points for the Warriors and Emerson Stark nished with 10 markers. Valor’s senior Macey Huard had 32 points and scored all the Eagles’ 13 fourth-quarter points.

Homer, Mountain Vista’s 6-foot-2 senior guard, broke his nose in the second quarter and missed the nal four minutes of the quarter. He changed jerseys to No. 20 and played in the second half. He wound up with 23 points including 14 in the fourth quarter.

“We bumped heads and he didn’t mean to do it,” Homer said of the collision which sent him to the sidelines. “My nose is broken. It was painful when it rst happened. It feels amazing to win. It was great to be a part of it. We played really hard.”

Sophomore Braelynn Barnett had a double double in Cherry Creek’s win with 16 points and 11 rebounds while A’Neya Chambers added 13 points for the Bruins, who will now meet Centennial League foe Grandview for the third time this season. e teams split the rst two games. Rock Canyon’s Gavin Hershberger took game scoring honors in the game against Regis with 22 points.

Ranch girls’ season ends in Great 8

Betts leads Grandview

BY ALEX K.W. SCHULTZ SPECIAL TO COLORADO COMMUNITY MEDIA

When the Highlands Ranch and Grandview girls basketball teams got together for a nonleague game back in early January, Sienna Betts could only watch from the sideline in a walking boot as Ranch cruised to a 28-point victory.

When the two teams met again on March 4 in the Great 8 round of the Class 6A state playo s at the Denver Coliseum, Betts was back in the lineup for Grandview — all 6-foot-3 of her. And what a di erence-maker she was.

e sophomore was an absolute force for the Wolves. Betts scored a game-high 23 points as her teammates fed her inside early and often, powering 11th-seeded and defending 5A state champion Grandview to a 57-53 win over the No. 3 Falcons.

Ranch, a seven-time state champion, will have to wait until next season to begin another quest for the program’s rst state crown since 2011.

“I’m proud of the kids. I feel like they overachieved all season long,” longtime coach Caryn Jarocki said of her Falcons, winners of this year’s 6A/5A Continental League title after going undefeated (10-0) in league play. “ ey played their hearts out and worked really hard, so you can’t

fault them at all for [coming up short against Grandview].”

Indeed, the Falcons gave it everything they had, but there was only so much they could do against the long and strong Betts, who stood well above the three players charged with guarding her all afternoon: Maddie Groth (6 feet), Ezra Simonich (5-10) and Tori Baker (5-7).

Nearly all of Betts’ points came on catch-and-turn plays in the paint. She was a modest 5-for-12 from the eld in

the rst two quarters but really found her stroke in the second half, connecting on ve of six shots.

Not only did Betts get the job done in the scoring column, but she also did a lot of damage on the glass, pulling down 15 rebounds (six o ensive, nine defensive) to give herself a doubledouble. As a team, Ranch had 23 rebounds.

“We didn’t execute our game plan very well on her,” Jarocki said of Betts. “We were trying to double-team her,

keep her out of the paint, box her out and limit her touches. She’s very good.”

Said Baker of trying to guard Betts, who was hobbled with a right ankle injury when the two teams met in Ranch’s gym a couple months ago:

“She’s so good. She’s very versatile on both sides. My main goal was to try to annoy her and see if I could take her o her game. She’s just a great player overall. She did really well.”

Despite Betts’ big day, Ranch was very much in the game late.

After a Grandview turnover, the Falcons raced down the court and found Baker, who pulled up at the left wing, took aim, red and swished a 3-pointer to cut the Wolves’ lead to 50-49 with less than 4 minutes to go.

Grandview coach Josh Ulitzky quickly called a timeout, sensing a momentum swing.

After breaking the huddle, the Wolves had trouble advancing the ball much past the halfcourt line because of the pressure the Falcons were applying, forcing Ulitzky to burn yet another timeout. at prompted the Ranch bench and fans to get even louder.

Out of the timeout, Betts — who else — scored inside to quiet the Falcons. e two teams went back and forth at the free-throw line the rest of the way, but Ranch was never able to catch the Wolves.

“Unfortunately, we just couldn’t

Arapahoe players celebrate the victory over #1 ranked Valor Christian 62-54 in Great 8 Action on March 4th at the Denver Coliseum.

PHOTO BY PAUL DISALVO

Isabella Shumpert of Highlands Ranch starts up the floor against Grandview’s Sienna Betts during an elite 8 contest in the state 6A girls basketball tournament March 4 at the Denver Coliseum.

PHOTO BY STEVE SMITH

Lutheran wins in OT to advance to Final Four

Lions survive thanks to Speckman’s big shots late

BY ALEX K.W. SCHULTZ SPECIAL TO COLORADO COMMUNITY MEDIA

With time running out on the Lutheran boys basketball team’s season, Kade Speckman corralled the ball, spun and banked it home — twice — to keep the Lions’ year and state-championship hopes alive.

e two clutch shots by the freshman came on back-to-back possessions in the closing moments of regulation to force overtime against Alamosa in the Great 8 round of the Class 4A state playo s March 3 at the Denver Coliseum.

en, in the extra period, Braydon Jacob splashed a momentum-seizing 3-pointer and the Lions came up with some big stops down the stretch to win 65-56 over the Mean Moose.

Lutheran, the No. 6 seed in the 32-team bracket, will now face second-seeded Resurrection Christian in a Final Four game March 9 at the Coliseum. Resurrection toppled e Classical Academy 68-44 in another of the Great 8 games to advance.

“It happened to be our day,” said Lutheran coach Bill Brandsma, who shepherded the Lions to the Class 3A state crown in 2021 and a state runnerup nish in 2018. “Every run I’ve been a part of has been comprised of a bit of luck, needing to execute and a whole lot of adversity. And so far, we’re making it work.”

Against No. 3 Alamosa, adversity struck for the Lions late in the fourth quarter, when their three-point lead midway through the period turned into a four-point de cit with 55 seconds left.

Out of a timeout, the Lions got the ball to the 6-foot-8 Speckman, who whirled and kissed it o the glass and in to narrow Alamosa’s lead to 50-48 with 45 ticks remaining.

GREAT 8

pull it out,” said Baker, who scored a team-high 17 points and had four rebounds and six assists.

e turning point in the game came in the third quarter. After leading the

On Alamosa’s ensuing possession and with the Mean Moose in the bonus, Luke Christensen was fouled on a non-shooting sequence but missed his attempt from the charity stripe. e Lions vacuumed in the rebound and Brandsma called another timeout with 28 seconds showing on the clock.

After an inbounds pass from Brendan Koolenga to Lalo Gonzalez, the Lions worked the ball around the arc before nding Speckman down low once again. And, just like he had done moments before, the freshman swiveled, jumped and, with defenders’ arms in his face, laid it in, knotting the score at 50-50 with 8 seconds to go.

Alamosa had a chance to end it in regulation, but Kade Jones’ runner from the elbow at the buzzer missed left.

“Every day in practice, we work on post moves and those types of shots,” Speckman said of the two catchand-turn shots he hit late. “Working on those situations in practice really helped us to be prepared for that in-

whole rst half, Ranch (22-4 overall) watched as the Wolves (17-9) went on a 9-0 run to take a 41-34 lead in the closing moments of the quarter.

Baker’s pull-up jumper from the left elbow at the buzzer stopped the bleeding, but Yi answered with a triple to begin the fourth quarter and give Grandview its largest lead of the game at 44-36.

game situation.”

Said Brandsma of the closing moments of regulation: “[ e day before the game], we worked in practice on being down by four points with 1:15 left. So, what was going through my mind was, ‘ e boys have been here before. ey understand how much time is left. We don’t have to have a 3 right here. We can come down, we need to execute and then we need to get a stop.’ And they did.”

In overtime, with nearly half of the extra period gone and the game tied at 52-52, Jacob buried a 3-pointer from the right wing — a huge shot in a huge moment. e game never felt the same and the Mean Moose never looked the same from that point on.

Lutheran outscored Alamosa 10-4 the rest of the way and induced three turnovers out of the Mean Moose in the nal 1:05 to seal the win.

“I had con dence. I knew that was going to be in,” Jacobs said of his overtime triple, one of four 3-pointers — a game-high — on the afternoon for the

“We got a little stagnant on o ense and missed a few shots and [Betts] went to work in the paint,” Jarocki said of the last few minutes of the third quarter.

Groth scored 14 points for Ranch and hauled in eight rebounds. e Falcons’ other scorers were Isabella Shumpert (nine), Simonich (six), Kniyah Dumas (four) and Bailey Wil-

junior. “I like that right wing.”

Of Jacobs’ big trey in overtime, Brandsma said: “He’s a very special player. I wouldn’t want the ball being launched from the 3-point line by anybody else. For him to do it in that moment was huge.”

Alamosa (21-4 overall), content to play at a slower pace early on, outshot the Lions 48% (12-for-25) to 39% (10for-26) in the rst two quarters to take a 31-28 halftime lead.

Over a 6:35 span that covered a small chunk of the rst quarter and more than half of the second period, the Mean Moose outscored Lutheran 20-5 to take a 29-20 lead — the largest lead of the game by either team.

e game took a turn in the second half, however, when Brandsma decided to dial up the pressure on Alamosa using a halfcourt trap press. e Lions (18-8) forced Alamosa into 10 secondhalf turnovers and scored eight points o those turnovers.

“ ey were getting really comfortable and getting clean looks,” Brandsma said of the Mean Moose in the rst half. “We worked on [the pressure we applied in the second half] throughout the week. roughout the year, we’ve tried to change up the tempo on teams. It’s always a little bit of a gamble, but it happened to work.”

Jacob scored a game-high 19 points for the Lions. Gonzalez (12) and Tucker Monroe (10) also scored in double gures. Speckman (eight), Koolenga (seven), Hunter Caldwell (six) and MJ Rottinghaus (three) rounded out the scoring for the Lions.

Lutheran will now turn its attention to Resurrection, which beat the Lions 61-55 on Jan. 14 in a nonleague game. Brandsma knows it’ll be a sti test but believes his squad is up to the challenge.

“Resurrection was preseason No. 1. I had them preseason No. 1,” he said. “ ey’re a dang good team. ey’re incredibly well-coached. It’s going to be fun.”

liamson (three).

e Falcons could very well make a run in next year’s state tournament as only two players on this year’s roster will be lost to graduation.

“I’m excited for next year,” said Baker, only a sophomore. “Hopefully we come back and go even further in the tournament, but this year was great. I’m so glad we made it to the Elite 8.”

Kade Speckman, #32, hoists the winner’s plaque after the Lutheran boys basketball team beat Alamosa 65-56 in overtime in the Great 8 round of the Class 4A state playo s March 3 at the Denver Coliseum.

PHOTO BY ALEX K.W. SCHULTZ

BRONCOS

People who take the survey are asked if the money should be spent on art, mentorship, STEM, reading or youth violence programs — or on facilities such as skate park, courts and inclusive parks, library improvements or sports programming.

Rachel Whipple, a community engagement coordinator who will be encouraging involvement from Aurora people at events this week, said once her team collects input from residents, the decision on what youth programs to fund sits with the city council.

“I de nitely think it’s a great opportunity for our youth,” she said. “Our youth are de nitely a very important part of our community, so it’s a very exciting opportunity, one way or the other, to be able to have some funding for them.”

She started looking at survey results as they came in Wednesday morning, less than a day after the platform launched.

“We’re hoping to get quite a bit of community feedback,” she said. “We think that there’s going to be some creative ideas, or ideas we’ve

never thought of before as a city, and so we’re excited to get out there and meet people and just hear what they have to say.”

Douglas County leaders said they’re also asking their constituents to decide how to spend the more than $939,000 it received for youth programs, said Wendy Holmes, the county’s director of communications and public a airs. e county intends to host a live communitywide town hall early in the second quarter of this year to engage stakeholders to discuss ideas. e event will include a live polling portion to help tally opinions, and will be accessible in-person, by phone and online, she said.

“We’ve been talking about it now for the last couple of months,” Holmes said. “It will probably be in April but there is no date yet set. We will market it heavily, and welcome all, and all ideas.”

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

TURN TO THE COLORADO SUN FOR NEWS ACROSS THE STATE

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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 nonpartisan 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.

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NOTICE Highlands Ranch NOTICE OF SALE Public Trustee Sale No. 2023-0006

To Whom It May Concern: On 1/5/2023 1:28:00 PM the undersigned Public Trustee caused the Notice of Election and Demand relating to the Deed of Trust described below to be recorded in Douglas County.

Original Grantor: Steve Busheff

Original Beneficiary: Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems, Inc. ("MERS") as nominee for M&T Bank, A Corporation, Its Successors and Assigns

Current Holder of Evidence of Debt: Wells Fargo Bank, N.A.

Date of Deed of Trust (DOT): 11/30/2018

Recording Date of DOT: 12/3/2018

Reception No. of DOT: 2018072375

DOT Recorded in Douglas County.

Original Principal Amount of Evidence of Debt: $304,000.00

Outstanding Principal Amount as of the date hereof: $290,401.17

Pursuant to C.R.S. §38-38-101 (4) (i), you are hereby notified that the covenants of the deed of trust have been violated as follows: the failure to make timely payments required under said Deed of Trust and the Evidence of Debt secured thereby.

THE LIEN FORECLOSED MAY NOT BE A FIRST LIEN.

The property described herein is all of the property encumbered by the lien of the deed of trust.

Legal Description of Real Property:

LOT 288, HIGHLANDS RANCH

FILING NO. 122-R, COUNTY OF DOUGLAS, STATE OF COLORADO

Which has the address of:

10664 Evondale Street, Highlands Ranch, CO 80126

NOTICE OF SALE

The current holder of the Evidence of Debt secured by the Deed of Trust described herein, has filed written election and demand for sale as provided by law and in said Deed of Trust.

THEREFORE, Notice Is Hereby Given that on the first possible sale date (unless the sale is continued*) at 10:00 a.m. Wednesday, April 26, 2023, at the Public Trustee’s office, Philip S Miller Building Hearing Room, 100 Third Street, Castle Rock, Colorado, I will sell at public auction to the highest and best bidder for cash, the said real property and all interest of 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 deliver to the purchaser a Certificate of Purchase, all as provided by law. 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.

First Publication: 3/2/2023

Last Publication: 3/30/2023

Publisher: Douglas County News Press

Dated: 1/5/2023

DAVID GILL

DOUGLAS COUNTY Public Trustee

The name, address and telephone numbers of the attorney(s) representing the legal holder of the indebtedness is:

ILENE DELL'ACQUA

Colorado Registration #: 31755

7700 E. ARAPAHOE ROAD, SUITE 230 , CENTENNIAL, COLORADO 80112

Phone #: (877) 369-6122

Fax #:

Attorney File #: CO-22-950840-LL

*YOU MAY TRACK FORECLOSURE SALE

DATES on the Public Trustee website: https:// www.douglas.co.us/public-trustee/

INC. AS NOMINEE FOR FIRST OPTION LENDING, LLC, ITS SUCCESSORS AND ASSIGNS

The property described herein is all of the property encumbered by the lien of the deed of trust.

Legal Description of Real Property:

C.R.S. §38-38-101 (4) (i), you are hereby notified that the covenants of the deed of trust have been violated as follows: Borrower's failure to make timely payments as required under the Evidence of Debt and Deed of Trust.

THE LIEN FORECLOSED MAY NOT BE A FIRST LIEN.

The property described herein is all of the property encumbered by the lien of the deed of trust.

Legal Description of Real Property:

LOT 43, BLOCK 2, IMPERIAL HOMES AT ROXBOROUGH VILLAGE FILING NO. 1, COUNTY OF DOUGLAS, STATE OF COLORADO.

Which has the address of: 7867 Kyle Way, Littleton, CO 80125

NOTICE OF SALE

The current holder of the Evidence of Debt secured by the Deed of Trust described herein, has filed written election and demand for sale as provided by law and in said Deed of Trust.

THEREFORE, Notice Is Hereby Given that on the first possible sale date (unless the sale is continued*) at 10:00 a.m. Wednesday, April 26, 2023, at the Public Trustee’s office, Philip S Miller Building Hearing Room, 100 Third Street, Castle Rock, Colorado, I will sell at public auction to the highest and best bidder for cash, the said real property and all interest of 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 deliver to the purchaser a Certificate of Purchase, all as provided by law. 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.

First Publication: 3/2/2023

Last Publication: 3/30/2023

Publisher: Douglas County News Press Dated: 1/5/2023 DAVID GILL DOUGLAS COUNTY Public Trustee

The name, address and telephone numbers of the attorney(s) representing the legal holder of the indebtedness is:

N. APRIL WINECKI Colorado Registration #: 34861 9800 S. MERIDIAN BLVD. SUITE 400, ENGLEWOOD, COLORADO 80112 Phone

CONDOMINIUM UNIT 17D, SUGARMILL CONDOMINIUMS, PHASE 3, IN ACCORDANCE WITH AND SUBJECT TO THE SUBASSOCIATION DECLARATION FOR SUGARMILL CONDOMINIUM ASSOCIATION, INC. OF HIGHLANDS RANCH COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION, INC. RECORDED ON AUGUST 1, 1984 IN BOOK 532 AT PAGE 354 AND SUPPLEMENTAL RECORDED JUNE 17, 1985 IN BOOK 579 AT PAGE 642, AND THE CONDOMINIUM MAP RECORDED ON JUNE 17, 1985 AT RECEPTION NO. 355445, COUNTY OF DOUGLAS, STATE OF COLORADO

Which has the address of:

908 Summer Dr, Highlands Ranch, CO 80126

NOTICE OF SALE

The current holder of the Evidence of Debt secured by the Deed of Trust described herein, has filed written election and demand for sale as provided by law and in said Deed of Trust.

THEREFORE, Notice Is Hereby Given that on the first possible sale date (unless the sale is continued*) at 10:00 a.m. Wednesday, April 12, 2023, at the Public Trustee’s office, Philip S Miller Building Hearing Room, 100 Third Street, Castle Rock, Colorado, I will sell at public auction to the highest and best bidder for cash, the said real property and all interest of 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 deliver to the purchaser a Certificate of Purchase, all as provided by law. 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.

NOTICE OF SALE

The current holder of the Evidence of Debt secured by the Deed of Trust described herein, has filed written election and demand for sale as provided by law and in said Deed of Trust.

THEREFORE, Notice Is Hereby Given that on the first possible sale date (unless the sale is continued*) at 10:00 a.m. Wednesday, May 3, 2023, at the Public Trustee’s office, Philip S Miller Building Hearing Room, 100 Third Street, Castle Rock, Colorado, I will sell at public auction to the highest and best bidder for cash, the said real property and all interest of 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 deliver to the purchaser a Certificate of Purchase, all as provided by law. 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.

First Publication: 3/9/2023

Last Publication: 4/6/2023

Publisher: Douglas County News Press

Dated: 1/11/2023

DAVID GILL

DOUGLAS COUNTY Public Trustee

The name, address and telephone numbers of the attorney(s) representing the legal holder of the indebtedness is:

DAVID R DOUGHTY Colorado Registration #: 40042

9800 S. MERIDIAN BLVD. SUITE 400, ENGLEWOOD, COLORADO 80112

Phone #: (303) 706-9990

Fax #: (303) 706-9994

Attorney File #: 22-028513

*YOU MAY TRACK FORECLOSURE SALE

DATES on the Public Trustee website: https:// www.douglas.co.us/public-trustee/

Legal Notice No. 2023-0013

First Publication: 3/9/2023

Last Publication: 4/6/2023

Publisher: Douglas County News Press

Bids and Settlements

The name, address and telephone numbers of the attorney(s) representing the legal holder of the indebtedness is:

N. APRIL WINECKI Colorado Registration #: 34861 9800 S. MERIDIAN BLVD. SUITE 400, ENGLEWOOD, COLORADO 80112 Phone #: (303) 706-9990 Fax #: (303) 706-9994 Attorney File #: 22-029049

*YOU MAY TRACK FORECLOSURE SALE DATES on the Public Trustee website: https:// www.douglas.co.us/public-trustee/

Public Notice

REQUEST FOR QUALIFICATIONS (RFQ) #006-23 ON-CALL COMMERCIAL PLUMBING SERVICES for DOUGLAS COUNTY FACILITIES

The Department of Facilities, Fleet, and Emergency Support Services of Douglas County, Colorado, hereinafter referred to as the County, respectfully requests responses from responsible and highly-qualified companies to provide on-call commercial plumbing services at various Douglas County facilities.

The RFQ documents may be reviewed and/or printed from the Rocky Mountain E-Purchasing System website at www.rockymountainbidsystem.com.

RFQ responses shall be submitted in a sealed envelope plainly marked “RFQ #006-23, On-Call Commercial Plumbing Services for Douglas County Facilities” prior to the due date and time. Electronic and/or faxed responses will not be accepted. RFQ responses will be received until 3:00 p.m., on Tuesday, March 28, 2023 by the Douglas County Finance Department, Purchasing Division, 100 Third Street, Suite 130, Castle Rock, Colorado 80104. Responses will not be considered which are received after the time stated.

Douglas County Government reserves the right to reject any and all responses, to waive formalities, informalities, or irregularities contained in a said response and furthermore, to award a contract for items herein, either in whole or in part, if it is deemed to be in the best interest of the County to do so. Additionally, we reserve the right to negotiate optional items and/or services with the successful company.

Please direct any questions concerning this RFQ to Carolyn Riggs, Purchasing Supervisor at 303660-7434 or criggs@douglas.co.us, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, excluding holidays.

Legal Notice No. 945071

First Publication: March 9, 2023

Last Publication: March 9, 2023

Publisher: Douglas County News-Press

Public Notice

The Department of Open Space and Natural Resources (OSNR) of Douglas County Government, hereinafter referred to as the County, respectfully requests bids from responsible and qualified companies for the provision of Open Space Trail & Trailhead Maintenance, as specified.

The IFB documents may be reviewed and/or

printed from the Rocky Mountain E-Purchasing System website at www.rockymountainbidsystem.com.

IFB documents are not available for purchase from Douglas County Government and can only be accessed from the above-mentioned website. While the IFB documents are available electronically, Douglas County cannot accept electronic bid responses.

Bid responses shall be submitted in a sealed envelope plainly marked “IFB No. 012-23, Open Space Trail & Trailhead Maintenance” and mailed or hand-carried to the address shown below prior to the due date and time. Electronic and/or faxed bid responses will not be accepted. Bids will be received until 3:00pm on Monday, March 27, 2023 by the Douglas County Finance Department, Purchasing Division, 100 Third Street, Suite 130, Castle Rock, Colorado 80104. Bids will not be considered which are received after the time stated, and any bids so received will be returned unopened.

Douglas County Government reserves the right to reject any and all bids, to waive formalities, informalities, or irregularities contained in a said bid and furthermore, to award a contract for items herein, either in whole or in part, if it is deemed to be in the best interest of the County to do so.

Additionally, we reserve the right to negotiate optional items/services with the successful bidder.

Please direct any questions concerning this IFB to Carolyn Riggs, Purchasing Supervisor, 303-6607434, criggs@douglas.co.us, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, excluding holidays.

Legal Notice No. 945070

First Publication: March 9, 2023

Last Publication: March 9, 2023

Publisher: Douglas County News-Press Public Notice

REQUEST FOR QUALIFICATIONS (RFQ) #009-23 FUEL DISTRIBUTION SYSTEMS REPAIR & MAINTENANCE

The Douglas County Department of Facilities, Fleet and Emergency Support Services is requesting qualifications from local fuel site equipment and service providers. Qualified companies will perform system upgrades, general maintenance, and provide systems and compliance support for all County owned and operated fuel sites throughout Douglas County.

The RFQ documents may be reviewed and/or printed from the Rocky Mountain E-Purchasing System website at www.rockymountainbidsystem.com.

RFQ responses shall be submitted in a sealed envelope plainly marked “RFQ #009-23, Fuel Distribution Systems Repair & Maintenance” prior to the due date and time. Electronic and/or faxed responses will not be accepted. RFQ responses will be received until 3:00 p.m., on Wednesday, March 29, 2023 by the Douglas County Finance Department, Purchasing Division, 100 Third Street, Suite 130, Castle Rock, Colorado 80104. Responses will not be considered which are received after the time stated. Douglas County Government reserves the right to reject any and all responses, to waive formalities, informalities, or irregularities contained in a said response and furthermore, to award a contract for items herein, either in whole or in part, if it is deemed to be in the best interest of the County to do so. Additionally, we reserve the right to negotiate optional items and/or services with the successful company.

Please direct any questions concerning this RFQ to Carolyn Riggs, Purchasing Supervisor at 303660-7434 or criggs@douglas.co.us, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, excluding holidays.

Legal Notice No. 945072

First Publication: March 9, 2023

Last Publication: March 9, 2023

Publisher: Douglas County News-Press

Children Services

(Adoption/Guardian/Other)

Public Notice

DOUGLAS COUNTY DISTRICT COURT, STATE OF COLORADO 4000 Justice Way Castle Rock, CO Douglas County, CO 80109

THE PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF COLORADO

In the Interest of:

TREVOR D. CARLSON, D.O.B.: 08/02/2013 Child,

And concerning: CRISTI CARLSON, a/k/a CRISTI LONG, D.O.B.: 10/20/1985, Mother; NICHOLAS SCHEETZ, D.O.B.: 06/11/1981, Possible Father; Respondents, And KURT DANIEL CARLSON, D.O.B.:

After capping insulin copays, states sets sights on EpiPens

Cap at $60

BY HELEN SANTORO KAISER HEALTH NEWS

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

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

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

e average launch prices of drugs in the United States increased nearly 11% every year from 2008 to 2021, according to a study published last year. Price increases can skyrocket even higher for items such as epinephrine autoinjectors, a market dominated by EpiPen maker Viatris, a global pharmaceutical company.

“If you have very little competition in the market, the way the U.S. drug pricing system works is that the manufacturers get to set the price at which they want to sell the drug, and they can increase it whenever they so choose,” said Erin Taylor, a senior health care policy researcher

at Rand Corp., a global policy think tank. “One way to shift costs back to health plans and manufacturers, and to help patients pay less for their drugs, is to apply these caps.”

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

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

Colorado was the rst to limit copays for insulin

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

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

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

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

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

“Everybody has their hand in the trough,” said Joyce. In response to broader concerns about the drug pricing system, diabetes activists have been pushing for caps on insu-

It’s hard to say whether more states

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

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

Public Notices

As the state took charge of insulin costs in 2022, this year, focus is on Epipen costs. SHUTTERSTOCK IMAGE