Highlands Ranch Herald 090723

County to get FEMA funds for tornado damage

BY HALEY LENA HLENA@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM

County o cials will be meeting with state and Federal Emergency Management Agency o cials to go through all the expenses that were incurred related to the severe storms that took place across the state between June 8 and June 23.

President Joe Biden issued a disaster declaration for the State of Colorado on Aug. 25 to provide funding to several counties for their e orts to make repairs in their communities.

Douglas, Elbert, Cheyenne, El Paso, Kit Carson and Lincoln counties — which saw ooding, severe storms and tornadoes — are receiving federal assistance.

Colorado was approved for FEMA’s Public Assistance Grant Program.

After an event like a tornado, earthquake, wild re or ooding, the assistance program provides supplemental grants to state, tribal, territorial and local governments.

Following the declaration, FEMA o cials and public assistance experts will work with the state and

counties to formally go through expenses from the damage assessment.

“We write out everything,” said Micki Trost, a state communications director for the Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Management, when it comes to damage and recovery. “And then that’s approved by FEMA.”

e funding is aimed at “qualifying expenses” for public infrastructure and does not include assistance to individuals, according to an email

Thomas sues fellow commissioners

BY ELLIS ARNOLD EARNOLD@COMMUNITYMEDIA.COM

In the latest twist in an ongoing drama involving Douglas County governance, Commissioner Lora omas has led a lawsuit against her colleagues. e suit seeks to recover the attorney fees omas incurred as she defended herself amid allegations that she created a hostile work environment and wrongfully distributed a government document.

e suit names omas’ fellow commissioners, George Teal and Abe Laydon. It centers on their allegations of malfeasance and the subsquent investigation launched by Laydon and Teal last year. e investigation, by outside legal counsel, found that while omas had distributed an anonymous letter that criticized speci c Douglas County Sheri ’s O ce employees, doing so did not create a hostile work environment.

“While Laydon and Teal directed multiple legal actions against me using county-funded lawyers, they

forced me to personally shoulder my own legal expenses to defend against their ridiculous and outrageous allegations,” omas wrote in a news release in coordination with the ling of the suit on Aug. 29.

omas in the past had asked Laydon and Teal to “personally repay the taxpayers” of the county for her related legal expenses.

“I have — not once, but twice over the past seven months — formally requested to be reimbursed for my attorney fees resulting from my defense,” omas wrote, saying Laydon and Teal rejected her requests. omas’ legal counsel during the investigation cost her about $5,700, according to the lawsuit complaint in Douglas County District Court. e lawsuit comes came a day after Laydon and Teal voted to remove omas from outside boards that oversee organizations in the community and a week after the two voted to censure — or formally disapprove — of omas in another matter. And it comes amid a string of 2-1 con icts on the three commissioner board.

Legal arguments

omas’ lawsuit asserts her legal fees must be reimbursed based on two di erent arguments.

“Acting County Attorney Christopher K. Pratt, Esq., advised the Commissioners in (a) public session that the Colorado Governmental Immunity Act (‘CGIA’) required them to pay Commissioner omas’ legal fees for defending against the investigations unless … Commissioner omas’ conduct was not only illegal, but willfully and wantonly illegal,” the legal complaint said.

e complaint also references the Colorado Supreme Court’s decision in a case called Wadlow v. Kanaly. e Colorado Supreme Court recently rea rmed the Wadlow decision in a case called Adams County Commissioners v. Adams County Treasurer, the complaint said.

“[W]hen the question of the respective powers of two governmental bodies is at issue, it would be inequitable to require one o cial, acting in [her] o cial capacity, to personally bear the burden of attorneys’ fees and costs generated in the suit,” the complaint said.

e complaint argues that the Wadlow case applies because Laydon, Teal and omas are engaged in a dispute regarding the powers of their o ces with respect to omas’ powers as an individual commissioner.

Laydon and Teal have used the county attorney, or an outside law rm hired by the county attorney, to represent them “at no personal expense — while forcing omas to ‘personally bear the burden of attorneys’ fees and costs generated’ by their actions,” the complaint said.

e investigation of omas by outside legal counsel cost about $24,000 in total. e cost was previously reported as $17,000.

“When the request for the total cost was made in the summer of 2022, the nal invoice for $6750 had not yet been paid … With the addition of the nal invoice of $6750, the nal total cost is now $23,746.46,” an email from county sta said.

In a statement, Laydon said that “ omas expecting the people of this county to pay her for her own malfeasance, which has already cost this community too much, is a continued re ection of her habitual poor judgment.”

“To be clear, Lora omas has never been cleared by the board for civil wrongdoing and multiple blatant violations of the board policy manual, which she approved and agreed to uphold,” Laydon said in the Aug. 30 statement.

Teal in a statement said: “Commissioner omas is suing the people of Douglas County.”

“No matter how this lawsuit goes, it is the people of Douglas County who will pay for Commissioner omas’s petulant and childish lawsuit,” Teal said.

Douglas County commissioners George Teal, left, Chairman Abe Laydon and Lora Thomas.

FILE PHOTO

New temporary outdoor art installation at Lone Tree Arts Center

BY TAYLER SHAW TSHAW@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM

People passing by the Lone Tree Arts Center may nd themselves covered in a colorful re ection of light and hearing the sound of bells thanks to a new interactive, outdoor art installation built in the center’s front plaza.

Lone Tree leaders and community members gathered the evening of Aug. 30 to celebrate the creation of the temporary art exhibition, which city spokesperson Nate Jones said will be around for about 60 days.

e art exhibition is made up of three large wooden structures with a variety of colorful shapes, allowing light to escape through

and decorate the surrounding area with color.

In the center of the structures are large bells, making sounds due to the wind and people pushing the pendulums.

“I want to thank the City of Lone Tree and the art center, here, and everyone here that made this possible,” said artist Graham Carraway. “ is was a really incredible thing to get to make.”

Carraway said the initial idea was to create a stained glass art piece with a sound element of some sort, which ended up being the bells.

He said he wanted the bells to be large so that people can hear them from a distance, acting like a giant wind chime.

“Somebody came down this morning while I was nishing up a few pieces … and they said they could hear it and they enjoyed listening to it already,” he said.

Carraway moved to Colorado from Mississippi about eight months ago, and he said this project was his rst Colorado commission with any city.

“I will forever have a place for Lone Tree for this, so thank you guys so much,” he said.

Michelle Béchamps, the vice chair of the Lone Tree Arts Commission, said the commission hopes this interactive art project will bring joy to the community.

She highlighted how the art piece evokes di erent senses, from the sight of the colors to the

sound of the bells.

“Also, what was great about it was it brought together nature as well,” she said. “ e sounds and the sunlight and the wind all creating this magical experience that hopefully everyone in our community will be enjoying.”

Lone Tree City Councilmember Marissa Harmon said she thinks the art exhibition is the perfect addition to the arts center.

“My hope and my dream when I came on council is (that) we are placing art in spaces that will bring community together, of all ages and abilities,” Harmon said. “I hope that they will come here to enjoy the space and really gather and be able to meet di erent members of their community.”

Senior Center celebrates Healthy Aging and Senior Center Month

BY HALEY LENA HLENA@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM

roughout September, the Highlands Ranch Senior Center will be celebrating Healthy Aging and National Senior Center Month by expanding their fall programs.

All month, the senior center will be hosting a variety of activities, classes and socializing events to help older residents get a sneak peek of what the senior center will have to o er when fully open next year.

Beginning in August, the senior center started o ering inaugural memberships, which will be available up until the center o cially opens.

“We’re close to 300 people who have signed up within the rst month,” said Jill Hall, senior activities manager for the senior center.

However, while people have joined as members, Hall said they are struggling to get those individuals to enroll in classes.

Classes and activities are available at Mountainview Community Christian Church, located at 40 E Highlands Ranch Pkwy, the Highlands Ranch library located at 9292 S Ridgeline Blvd and other locations around the community.

Fall registration is open for some of the new fall programs as classes start Sept. 11.

“We surveyed them and these are all the programs that they said they wanted to participate in,” said Hall.  In the past, programs used to be education-focused and now they are shifting to tness and art. Other classes include a rhythm and dance class, various art classes and a gardening class.

Individuals with Silver Sneakers and Renew Active memberships may receive discounts on tness classes.

roughout September, the

senior center will be o ering free programs like trail walks and lunch, Nia Aerobic Dance, Intro to Pickleball and Bocce Ball in addition to educational classes such as Medicare 101 and e Longevity Diet.

Details for the free programs can be found under the Healthy Aging Month section on the registration page. All descriptions of the classes, including the time and place can also be found on the registration page.

“We’ve got programs ongoing,” said Jodie McCann, health and resource coordinator. “I think just [they] aren’t aware that these new programs are out there.”

Hall said the senior center hopes to expand their programs in January to o er a chair yoga class and a wine and chocolate class, among others.

Sherry Eppers, community relations manager for the Highlands Ranch Metro District said this is an exciting time for people 55 years and older in the community.

“Being able to meet others at the same stage in life and with potentially similar interests is a great bene t of these programs as well,” said Eppers.

In addition, Nov. 4 is the community’s annual Older Adult Health and Resource Fair, a free event where residents can talk to services providers, get screened and receive immunizations shots from 9 a.m. to noon at Eastridge Recreation Center.

Registration is required for all programs and can be done at highlandsranch.org/signmeup and clicking on the senior center box.

If you are having trouble registering, call 303-791-2416.

Located on the south side of Highlands Ranch Parkway and east of Broadway, the center is anticipated to open in March 2024, according to the metro district website.

Suicide Prevention Awareness Month

Raise awareness for suicide prevention and treatment, know the risks and warning signs for suicide and what to do in a crisis. If you or someone you know is in crisis, contact the Colorado Crisis Center at 844-493-TALK (8255) If this is an emergency, call 911.

National Preparedness Month

Fires, floods, and severe weather. Are you ready if a local emergency occurs? Make a plan today. For more information visit ready.gov

What’s happening with your County government?

Our commitment to open and transparent government includes online posting of information about public meetings at which the business of government is conducted. To view public meeting agendas, participate in-person or remotely, or watch select meetings, visit douglas.co.us and search for Business Meetings.

County budget not at risk if Prop. HH passes

BY ELLIS ARNOLD EARNOLD@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM

Since the unveiling of Proposition HH this spring, the plan from Colorado Democrats in response to an impending wave of property tax bill increases has become a political ash point in Douglas County, with claims ying and public o cials openly opposing the proposal.

But one thing appears clear: Prop HH would not put Douglas County’s budget in danger of large cuts.

Among other things, the Democrats’ plan, according to the governor’s o ce, would cap the growth in local governments’ property tax

revenue, excluding school districts, based on in ation.

“ ere is a paragraph in this (plan) that caps county revenue at the in ation rate of 2022, which was 8%,” County Commissioner Lora omas said during a Douglas County town hall on June 28.

Local governments stand to take in large amounts more property tax revenue for next year than they did for 2023 because Colorado’s expensive real-estate market has driven up home values.

e issue for Douglas County’s nances is that state Senate Bill 23-303 requires county revenue to start where it last left o , according to

county o cials.

Because Douglas County approved a $10 million property tax discount — or mill levy credit — for taxpayers for 2023, Douglas County revenue in 2024 would start at a lower baseline level if voters were to approve Prop HH, omas has said. (Prop HH was proposed by the state legislature’s passing of SB23-303.)

If the county doesn’t see enough revenue come in, it would have to “lay people o ,” omas initially said at a June 13 speaking event in Highlands Ranch.

omas later clari ed to Colorado Community Media that “there are di erent ways that we can reduce our costs without laying o people.”

But Prop HH wouldn’t impose a budget crisis on the county. If Colorado voters pass Prop HH in November, Douglas County could go above that revenue cap if it posts a public meeting date and allows for the public to comment before the county commissioners vote to exceed the cap.

omas has acknowledged that the county’s leaders could vote to opt out of the cap.

But “I would not vote to support that,” omas told CCM in August. “ is board’s overspending should not be passed on to taxpayers.”

Here’s a look at why homeowners’ property tax bills may be so high next year, how Prop HH ts into the issue and why concerns have arisen about the county’s budget.

Why property taxes are at issue

Driven by a costly real-estate market, home values — as calculated for property tax purposes — have spiked since the last time homeowners received notices of value two years ago. In Douglas County, residential properties saw increases in value between 30% and 60%, with a median of 47%.   Colorado law requires county assessors to value properties every two years, according to Douglas County’s website. e property valuation that homeowners recently received is based on data as of June 2022, near the recent peak in the real-estate market.

Even though home prices have

declined since then, property values re ect last year’s exceptional highs. And when property values increase, the tax bills property owners pay also go up — even if the tax rates themselves don’t change.

Democrats say they rolled out Prop HH to blunt the impact of high property values on Coloradans’ property tax payments.

What Coloradans pay in property taxes depends in part on property values — such as the value of a home — and the tax rates set by local government entities like counties and school districts. (Property tax rates are o cially called “mill levies.”) Property taxes partly fund county

governments, but they also fund re districts, library districts and other local entities.

An HH possibility

If voters pass Prop HH and the county commissioners decide not to opt out of the revenue cap, Douglas County’s nances could take a relatively small hit.

e “planned 2024 budget forecasted property tax revenues to increase by $17.5 million,” said Martha Marshall, the county’s budget director. “Preliminary HH property tax forecast is $10.5 million.”

Marshall’s comment referred to the county’s general fund, one of the buckets of county money. As the county’s “main operating fund,” the general fund accounts for county services such as public safety, parks and recreation, elections, and fair-

grounds, among others, according to the county budget document.

For context, Douglas County’s 2023 appropriation for the general fund totaled $183 million, according to the budget document.

Overall, Douglas County’s expenditures in its 2023 budget totaled $580 million, according to the document.

Looking at budget

If Prop HH passes and the county commissioners let the revenue cap stand, the county could reduce costs without laying people o , county ofcials have told CCM.[cqmedia omas said in the past, the county has put together “packages” so people can take early retirement.

At the June 28 event, omas said the county could look at “some spending programs, some early retirement programs” to address the issue.

If the county has a vacancy in its building department, it could put that position “in the freezer,” county sta provided as an example.

Aside from any potential e ects of Prop HH, the county has experienced increased costs due to in ation. And some county revenues are either at or declining, setting the stage for some concerns about the budget in general.

Douglas County’s property tax revenues from 2022 to 2023 are at, Marshall said. e county’s sales and use tax may be close to at in 2023 compared to 2022 as well.

“ e 2023 budget anticipated a 2% increase over the 2022 forecast. Given the uncertainty of this revenue stream, we have not made a projection of what our year-end sales and

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from Trost.

“ e public assistance grant is intended to address emergency and permanent work for government infrastructure and certain nonpro t organizations,” said Shane Pynes, Elbert County’s director of emergency management. “Currently, it is not intended for private businesses or property owners.”

In late June, an EF1 tornado caused damage to trees, buildings and homes in Highlands Ranch. (EF1 tornadoes bring winds at 86 to 110 mph.)

At the end of June and early July, FEMA o cials came to Douglas County to survey the damage.  rough the damage assessment, they were able to verify that there was enough damage to include the county in the disaster declaration and to assist with reimbursing the county for up to 75% of eligible projects.

According to FEMA’s website, cost is the funding tied directly to eligible work which must be documented, authorized and reasonable. Eligible costs include materials, labor equipment, contract work and direct and indirect administrative costs.

Counties must provide documentation to FEMA and the state that money has been spent and the repairs have been made before reimbursement is

made.

“After that is submitted and approved by FEMA, then they will begin the reimbursement of those costs up to 75%,” said Trost. “It’s to support the country so they can get back some of those disaster expenses.”

ere is no set amount of cap for the amount of funding a county will receive.

When o cials do the damage assessment, they get a good idea of how much is eligible for reimbursement, said Trost. en with county o cials, they will ll out what they call a project worksheet which provides recipes for expenses.

e reimbursement only covers noninsured losses.

Insured costs, such as damage to Douglas County schools, are not eligible for reimbursement because they have already been paid by an insurance company.

“What happens is FEMA allocates money in that amount based on those written and agreed upon project worksheets,” said Trost.

Certain types of private nonpro t organizations that quickly responded to the emergency and have quali ed expenses can go through the same process with FEMA.

Additionally, most disasters in Colorado take ve to 10 years for projects to be completed and for all the reimbursements to take place, said Trost.

“It isn’t something that’s going to be over really quick,” said Trost. “I think

Douglas County might go a little faster because a lot of the work has been done.”

However, there are still repairs throughout the county that need to be completed.

Trost said there will be a better idea on the actual allocations around the end of September for Douglas County.

In June, an Elbert County news release said “assessment of several bridges that may have been impacted by owing debris and scouring of streambeds” was underway.

“During this ooding event, segments of 16 roads were closed,” the Elbert release said.

Low-interest federal disaster loans are also available to certain private nonpro ts in Colorado following Biden’s federal disaster declaration, according to the U.S. Small Business Administration.

Private nonpro ts should contact Trost by calling 303-472-4087 or by emailing micki.trost@state.co.us or visiting dhsem.colorado.gov, the SBA’s news release said.

FEMA will determine whether the private nonpro t provides an “essential governmental service” and is a “critical facility” as de ned by law, the release said.

“If so, FEMA may provide the private nonpro t with a Public Assistance grant for their eligible costs,” the release said. “If not, FEMA may refer the private nonpro t to SBA for disaster loan assistance.”

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

Thu 9/14

Neil Z @ Earls Kitchen @ 6pm

Earls Kitchen + Bar, 8335 Park Meadows Center Dr, Lone Tree

Crazy Dave, Bass Guitarist: Fleatwood Mac Tribute | Herman's Hideaway @ 6pm

Herman's Hideaway, 1578 S Broadway, Denver

Fri 9/15

The King Stan Band live in Paradise @ 6pm Paradise Tavern, 9239 Park Mead‐ows Dr, Lone Tree

Sat 9/16

Eric Golden @ 1pm Wide Open Saloon, 5607 US-85, Sedalia

Giant Zero at 105 West Brewing @ 5pm 105 West Brewing Company, 1043 Park St, Castle Rock

7th Annual BackCountry 5KCowboy Up for Ellen! @ 7:30am / $30 Solstice Park - 10610 Sundial Rim Road, BackCountry, Highlands Ranch

Dear Marsha,: DM and her Freaky Band @ 6pm

Toley’s on the Creek, 16728 E Smoky Hill Rd Suite 11C, Centen‐nial

The Barlow @ 2:30pm

Breckenridge Brewery, 2920 Brewery Ln, Littleton

Ministry @ 5pm Fiddler's Green Amphitheatre, 6350 Greenwood Plaza Blvd, Greenwood Vil‐lage

Saint Motel: The Awards Show

Tour @ 6pm Gothic Theatre, 3263 S Broadway, Englewood

Sun 9/17

Soundularity: Yoga Event w Vibe

Yoga+Wellness @ 10am

Cherokee Ranch & Castle, 6113 N Daniels Park Rd, Sedalia

Flyin' Lion 5K @ 8am / $15-$30 199 E. Littleton Blvd., Littleton

Thu 9/21

Adam Ezra Group: The Schoolhouse - Uncharted Music Series (Adam Solo) @ 6:30pm

The Schoolhouse at Mainstreet, 19650 Mainstreet, Parker

Hard work, hard facts

This month, we observe Labor Day. e day when the hard workers of this country are honored for their social and economic impacts on America.

I am a fan of inspirational quotes and sayings. I love it when they pass through my Facebook scrolling, often sharing them. Recently, one that caught my attention focused on how we were not put on this planet to work ourselves to death to pay for the lives we can’t even a ord these days.

In Denver, in ation is high. Rent isn’t cheap and mortgages are at a 21-year high.

Unfortunately, our jobs are the only thing that keeps us going. If we want extras — many of us work harder or just go without.

A friend recently posted about getting her paycheck and after paying bills — wasn’t sure she would have much left for food or amenities that month.

e growing issue of food insecurity in this country worries me for many reasons. When I talk to high school administrators and college o cials they often mention the fact that they need food pantries with supplies because how can you learn anything when your bellies are empty?

ose students are coming from homes where more families are hungry but maybe without a pantry to get food. e number of hungry citizens is growing.

In America, minimum wage and even those being paid above it — are not making ends meet. ere is a disconnect in this country and while there is a lot of talk of equality and diversity — I would argue that the growing separation of the classes is the major problem that needs to be addressed.

According to the website Living Wage, an analysis (as calculated in December 2022 and re ecting a compensation being o ered to an individual in 2023) compiling geographically speci c expenditure data for food, childcare, health care, housing, transportation, and other necessities, nds that the

FROM THE EDITOR

living wage in the United States is $25.02 per hour, or $104,077.70 per year in 2022, before taxes for a family of four (two working adults, two children), compared to $24.16, or $100,498.60 in 2021.

Last year, Colorado Community Media did an extensive series on housing and how we are a ected by the volatile market across the Denver metro area. In that, an interesting conversation we had in the newsroom centered around the cliché of the “American Dream.”

I was once that American Dreamer. I got married. We were at low levels in our jobs, living in a one-bedroom apartment where the neighborhood was not so great.

My husband and I worked hard. We advanced in our careers. Years went on — we bought our rst home. We had children. We moved. We bought our second home. All along the way, following that sales pitch that achieving the American Dream means success in our country.

Along the way — Americans and I have started questioning that dream.

Young adults are no longer thinking about marriage, families, and buying that house. Instead, they are in survival mode. ey are also starting to set more boundaries at work. ey are starting to question the feasibility of owning a home where the mortgage rates are unaffordable, and an HOA appears to have way too many rights.

With Labor Day this month — let’s not think just about working hard. Let’s also think about why we work and it is not supposed to be just about getting by.

LETTER TO THE EDITOR

Gratitude, sorrow over Pride

I have deep gratitude and profound sorrow regarding the recent Castle Rock Pride Festival in Douglas County, an event meant to celebrate love, inclusivity, and the LGBTQ+ community. I am incredibly grateful that my young adult children went early and had the opportunity to be themselves and enjoy space they usually avoid due to their prevailing experiences of hatefulness in Douglas County overall.

Distressingly, the festival was disrupted by intruders wearing identical shirts. e religious militia group, Able Shepherd, succeeded to intimidate and terrorize children and attendees in Jesus’ name. To add insult to injury, the white supremacy group Patriot Front showed up, and several friends heard homophobic slurs like “groomers” “pedophiles” and “you don’t deserve to live.”

ese acts of hatred and intimidation are antithetical to the values that the Pride Festival represents and anyone who believes in Jesus. Every human deserves to be treated respectfully.

e Douglas County Sheri ’s Ofce has released a video of someone spray painting “Groomers” on a Douglas County Fairgrounds building and a few cars. Far right extremists have been making these unfounded “groomer” accusations for years. But in fact, overwhelming

evidence shows that heterosexual men commit the highest percentage of sexual predatory acts against children.

Despite warnings from CR Pride organizers about potential dangers there was a lack of police action to protect attendees. Children could be heard crying and the intended psychological harm was done. Why weren’t more police o cers called to protect the citizens who were lawfully there to enjoy themselves? Is it because Able Shepherd and DCSO train together? Why were these grown “Christian” men allowed to stay and make children cry in fear at a peaceful and love- lled event? ese questions demand answers. e inactions of our elected o cials and silence from DCSO are deeply disappointing and suggest a bias that warrants thorough independent investigations.

It is essential that we, as a community, stand united against all hatred and bigotry. Religious freedoms do not supersede constitutional rights. e Pride Festival is a symbol of the progress we have made as a society. e point of Pride is to create a safe place for people to be themselves. Let us learn from this incident and work together to create a more inclusive and protected environment for everyone in Castle Rock and beyond.

Jennifer Iversen Castle Pines

elma Grimes is the south metro editor of Colorado Community Media.

Thelma Grimes

A better than good life

If you are a regular reader of my column, you have probably noticed that in my nal paragraph, I end by saying that if we apply the concepts that I share, “It really will be a better than good life.” Many years ago, when I rst started writing this column, my ending was targeted week-to-week, so my nal statement read, “It really will be a better than good week.” After a few years, I expanded it and ended the column with, “It really will be a better than good year.” And then nally settled on “Better than good life.”

Many have asked about this, so here is the inspiration behind being better than good for a day, week, month, year, or lifetime.

Having been a student of Zig Ziglar for many years prior to eventually working with him, I would listen to his recordings, attend his seminars and trainings, and try and catch every little nugget he would share. While waiting in line to meet Zig and get my book signed one day after a seminar, I listened as he greeted everyone who approached the table. He would mix his greeting up as so many of us came through the line. e one that really caught my attention is when he would ask someone how they were doing and they would respond with, “Good.” Zig would immediately respond with, “Are you doing good or are you better than good?” People would look, smile, and say, “Better than good Zig, and thank you for the reminder.”

If you were to do an honest assessment right now, answering the same question, “Are you doing good or are you better than good?” How would you respond? Of course, we have seasons of life and situations where we might honestly reply with, “Just good, or OK, or actually feeling really low.” But those are just moments in time. What I ask you to consider is the majority of the days of our lives.

Zig Ziglar eventually did write a book titled “Better an Good.” It is an amazing book with tons of realworld applications of how we can all make an intentional e ort to live a better than good life. And here are six quick points that Zig makes in this book:

Wait to worry — most of us have been conditioned to jump right to the worry stage before we know all

of the details and facts.

Stay in the game — people fall down but winners get up.

Insist on integrity — doing the right thing and expect others to do the right thing even when no one is watching.

Stay out of debt — with the persistent temptation to keep up with those around us, it is easy to quickly amass a mountain of debt.

Fear not — the fears that lurk inside of us all can keep us from achieving our goals and dreams. Have the rst laugh — laughter is a great stress reducer. Next to love, laughter has been described as the second most powerful emotion we can express.

Each week I try and write something motivational, inspiring, educational, or something positive, encouraging, and maybe something that will bring others hope. And I am so grateful for having had such a tremendous mentor, boss, and leader and whose message I try to keep alive through some of my writings and talks.

As I share this with you all, I have had plenty of critics along the way, and that’s OK. When they engage and say this motivational stu doesn’t work, I simply challenge them to suspend disbelief for just a little bit, and at least try applying some of the concepts I am sharing, and then if it doesn’t start to lead to a better than good life, write me back and together we will work on a new, but still intentional path, to living a better than good life.

Is it time for you to be intentional about how you want your days, weeks, months, and years to play out? I would love to hear your story at gotonorton@gmail.com, and when we can respond with, “Better than good, and thanks for the reminder,” 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.

Why we need friends

In an increasingly lonely society, friends are important for our health

BY LUKE ZARZECKI LZARZECKI@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM

At the Littleton branch of Meals on Wheels, delivering food is only one part of the mission.

e organization’s job is to deliver meals to seniors who need them. Volunteers help pack up the food made by the chef and then drive them to various homes in the South Metro area.

While addressing food insecurity, volunteers are also helping seniors feel less isolat-

ed. Gayle Melges, their director of operations, said drivers are encouraged to stay a while to talk with the client.

“ at makes a huge di erence,” she said.  Volunteers not only spend time chatting, but also remember birthdays. e organization will send seniors a birthday cake for the holiday, and for some, it’s the only thing they receive, Melges said.

“ at little bit of being remembered and being a part of the community I think is huge,” Melges said.

Melges has seen isolation increase due to

the pandemic. She noted a loss of community after guidance to stay indoors to not spread the virus. Some of that sense of community is still being rebuilt.

“COVID-19 created a lot of need, especially as everybody was encouraged to not go anywhere and do anything,” Melges said.

Isolation among adults has been a prevalent issue. e Surgeon General released an advisory earlier this year calling attention to the issue. Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic,

SEE

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FRIENDS

over half of U.S. adults reported experiencing some sense of loneliness, with the pandemic only making that worse.

Loneliness comes with health e ects, too. According to the Surgeon General, poor or insu cient connection results in a 29% increased risk of heart disease, 32% increased risk of stroke and 50% increased risk of developing dementia for older adults.

ere’s plenty of evidence pointing to how bene cial friendship is, as well as the adverse outcomes of loneliness and social isolation, according to Randi Smith, a professor of psychological sciences at Metropolitan State University.

“We know that people who are lonely and feel socially disconnected have a lot harder time with stress,” Smith said. “ ey’re more

inclined to depressive symptoms, anxiety, more likely to have suicidal ideation or be at greater risk of suicide.”

She provided the example of having a stressful situation to navigate. Having a friend to work through the problem helps, as opposed to being alone.

“We humans are better at being kind and supportive to other people often than we are to ourselves,” she said.

Friendship also increases emotional intimacy.

Smith explained that some of the need comes from evolution. As a social species, humans couldn’t survive without a group. As an example, she pointed to babies developing re exes like grasping to nd an adult.

“Relatedness is a hardwired need that human beings have,” she said.

Physical touch also comes into play. Not just sexual contact, but simple things like a hand on the shoulder or a hug can activate positive physiological responses, Smith said. With people isolating during the pandemic, physical touch sometimes fell by the wayside.

What is a friend?

To each person, a friend means something di erent. And there isn’t a universal standard.

“A friend is best de ned as a self-perception, not as some objective measure,” Smith said.

It’s not the number of friends someone has, but rather one’s own perceived social support. Someone may need one person who is always there for them, or six. It also comes down to reciprocity.

“It’s not just being on the receiving end of social support that we need. It’s also being on the giving end of it,” she said.

Humans feel like helping others because it helps develop a sense of belonging.

Making friends

As people age, it becomes increasingly difcult to make friends.

At di erent life stages, like when children are in school or young adults are in college, it groups many people in the same place going through similar circumstances.  ose settings aren’t as common as people age, but it’s still possible.

Smith said people can use a new app called Bumble BFF, or join in on community events.

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SONYA’S SAMPLER

‘Naughty Bits’ back at Buntport

Buntport eater, 717 Lipan St. in Denver, will do a repeat of its “Naughty Bits” featuring a Greek statue of Hercules, which is missing its “naughty bit.” Oct. 6 to 22. Friday, Saturday: 7:30 p.m.; Sunday, 2 p.m. Name your own ticket price. 720-946-1388, buntport. com.

Larkspur festival

e annual Larkspur Autumn Arts and Crafts Festival is back on Sept. 16 and 17, after missing last year. It will run from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. in the Larkspur Community Park, close to the highway. Works by 50 artists and, entertainment for kids. Live music, food trucks, visits from medical helicopters during both days.

HOOTenanny

e 12th Annual HOOTenanny Owl and Music Festival at the Audubon Kingery Nature Center, 9308 S. Wadsworth Blvd., Littleton, on Sept. 30. Live nature demos. Music by Nearly ere Band at 11-12; 12:30 to 1:30. Woodsy Owl with the U.S. Forest Service will appear. Snacks and beverages at the gift shop. Owl hats, pillows and more.

Colorado Gallery of the Arts

“ is is Colorado” exhibit at Colorado Gallery of the Arts at Arapahoe Community College, through Sept. 21. Sponsored by Heritage Fine Arts Guild of Littleton. Juror: Lee Waslick. Open 9-5, Monday to Friday, 5900 S. Santa Fe Drive, Littleton.

Newman Center

Newman Center’s “Newman Center Presents” Series presents Martha Graham Dance Company on Sept. 22, 23. See newmancenterpresents. com.

Mizel eater, is named executive producer at the Aurora Fox Arts Center. Programming there will be announced soon.

Performance Now

Performance Now eatre Company will present a catered dinner and show on Sept. 9 and 16 at the Lakewood Cultural Center. e company will just present “Seussical” on other weekend dates, directed by Kelly Van Oosbrey. See performancenow.org.

Stories on Stage

Stories on Stage begins its season with “Random Acts of Kindness” featuring Jessica Roblee, Sam Gregory and Martha Harmon Pardee at 2

ver. Milk and cookies served afterwards. Tickets cost $26. See storiesonstage.org or call 303-4940523.

Vintage Theatre

“Cabaret” by Kander and Ebb starts out Vintage eatre’s season at 1468 Dayton St., Aurora. Performances: Sept. 15 to Oct. 22. Performances: 7:30 p.m. Fri./Sat.: Sept. 15 to Oct. 22. Sundays at 2:30 p.m. Tickets: $20-$38. See vintagetheatre.org.

Curious Theatre

“ e Minutes” by Tracy Letts plays at Curious eatre, 1080 Acoma St., Denver, in a regional premiere, opening Sept. 9. See curioustheatre. org.

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learn more about the Baha’i Faith or find a gathering, please contact us.

Castle Rock

“Naughty Bits,” featuring a Greek statue of Hercules that has lost what’s referenced in the title, is coming back to Buntport Theater at 717 Lipan St. in Denver. IMAGE COURTESY OF BUNTPORT THEATER

(BPT) - Did you know you can start protecting your baby against u while you are still pregnant? For pregnant people, getting a u shot is the rst and most important action you can take to protect both yourself and your baby from u and its potentially serious complications.

You may have heard that pregnant people are at higher risk of getting very sick and being hospitalized with u. is may be because of changes in the immune system, heart and lungs during pregnancy. Flu also may be harmful to a pregnant person’s developing baby. A common u symptom, fever, has been associated in some studies with adverse outcomes for a developing baby. Additionally, babies younger than 6 months are at higher risk of getting very sick from u, but they are too young to be vaccinated themselves.

FLU SHOT BENEFITS FOR YOU AND YOUR BABY

But there is some great news about u shots for pregnant people and their babies. Studies show a u shot during pregnancy protects pregnant people from u during and after pregnancy. Vaccination during pregnancy also protects the infant during the rst few months after birth when they are too young to get vaccinated themselves. One study showed fewer cases of infants with in uenza in mothers who received the vaccine compared to those mothers who were not vaccinated, displaying a high degree of vaccine e ectiveness. is is because, as a pregnant parent, you pass your antibodies on to your developing baby during your pregnancy.

WHEN TO PROTECT YOU AND YOUR BABY

A u shot can be given during any trimester of pregnancy. For most pregnant people, September and October are generally good times to be vaccinated. For pregnant people in their third trimester, however, vaccination during July or August can be considered to provide optimal protection against u for the baby after birth, when they are too young to get vaccinated. is information is outlined in the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) guidance for the prevention of u through vaccination for the 2023-2024 season, which was adopted by CDC’s director as CDC policy on June 28, 2023.

GET YOUR FLU SHOT TODAY!

ere are many di erent options for you to get a u shot, including at a health care provider’s o ce, at work, a pharmacy, some stores or even supermarkets. Speak to your health care provider today to learn more about how a u shot can protect you and your baby, and to access information about the importance of all maternal vaccinations including Tdap, COVID-19 and HepB vaccines. You can learn more about u and pregnancy at cdc.gov/ u/ highrisk/pregnant.htm.

Are you pregnant?

Here’s how to protect yourself and your baby against flu

Winter months bring the trifecta of illness Will 2023 have high numbers of flu, RSV, and COVID?

By elma Grimes

With colder months just around the corner, that means it’s time to start thinking about and preparing for the trifecta of illnesses that comes with winter. In 2022, the trifecta was a word used to describe the unseasonably high number of cases of COVID, in uenza and, on the rise in recent years, RSV, also known as a respiratory syncytial virus.

Not only has the increased number of RSV cases caused worries for health o cials across the Front Range, but the early onset of when they start seeing patients ll hospital rooms is a concern.

In 2021, from Sky Ridge Medical Center in Lone Tree to Children’s Hospital Colorado campuses across the metro area, doctors said they were seeing RSV cases in August and September, which is uncommon for a respiratory virus that is more common during what is considered u season.

Flu season generally runs between October and February, with the height of cases popping up between December and February.

RSV, usually a respiratory issue that a ects children, is also being seen in more adults over the last few years.

Dr. Ben Usatch, UCHealth emergency-room director at Highlands Ranch Hospital, said there is an RSV vaccine available this year. While noting it is not new, Usatch said attention to the vaccine has increased as more adults, especially senior citizens, are coming down with RSV.

Symptoms of RSV include runny nose, decreased appetite, coughing, sneezing, fever, and wheezing. More severe cases require hospitalization, especially for infants and toddlers.

According to the Colorado Department of Health and Wellness, since October 2022 there have been 2,597 RSV hospital admissions in

Douglas, Je erson, Arapahoe and Adams counties.

ere have been 4,174 COVID hospital admissions in the four-county stretch along the Front Range. In u cases, the state health department has tracked 1,502 admissions.

Usatch said that while he does not have any real studies to back it up, he believes when schools and society shut down during the pandemic, immune systems were weakened

Usatch said once the masks came o , immune systems were put back to work, and that could be the reason for more cases of u, COVID-19 and RSV in 2021 and 2022.

Agreeing with Usatch, Dr. Matt Mendenhall, chief medical o cer at AdventHealth Littleton, said unmasking invited cold seasons to return. During the stretch of the

pandemic when nearly everyone wore masks, colds, RSV and the u were almost nonexistent.

“Last year was a bit overwhelming since it all returned and caught like wild re,” Mendenhall said. “I have never seen an RSV season like last year. e worry this year is if RSV will overwhelm our healthcare systems again.”

Still, Mendenhall said he is optimistic about RSV in 2023, given there have been approved vaccinations for older adults, while the FDA approved Beyfortus for infants.

Beyfortus, a monoclonal antibody, is approved for infants and toddlers 24 months and younger, who are the most vulnerable to RSV.

In the upcoming season, Usatch said he believes things could be better than the last two years because disease resistance has increased as

people have returned to ordinary living.

Usatch said the increase in tracking cases is also because doctors learned a lot more during the pandemic, meaning they are more vigilant in checking for everything. Doctors now check for COVID, u and RSV.

“Our box has become much bigger for what we are looking for,” he said.

Usatch said while the general public has seemingly moved on from COVID, cases exist and the virus still spreads quicker than other illnesses.

“With COVID continually mutating, we have to watch out,” he said.

“We have to see what other health issues come with it. Is the (new mu-

tation) more spreadable? Is it more contagious?”

COVID continues to create issues for health o cials worldwide, as the omicron variant was more prevalent in 2022.

In March, the World Health Organization, or WHO, said the omicron viruses account for over 98% of COVID cases since February 2022. ere are now two new COVID variants worrying health o cials, with the EG.5 variant being the most dominant strain in the U.S. In August, the Centers for Disease Control estimated that the EG.5 strain makes up about 20.6% of all new COVID infections.

On Aug. 9, WHO reported that the EG.5 variant poses a low public health risk, saying it is similar to past variants.

However, EG.5 is just as contagious as past variants. Globally, WHO reported that there have been over 1 million new COVID-19 cases and more than 3,100 deaths reported since July.

Since 2020, WHO reported that there have been 768 million conrmed COVID cases and 6.9 million deaths.

When it comes to u season, Mendenhall said he is less optimistic. Each year, U.S. health o cials try to gauge u season during the summer months when it’s wintertime in Australia.

In July, Australian health o cials said this year’s u season is worse than pre-pandemic numbers in 2019 and one of the worst on record.

Mendenhall said like the U.S., Australian vaccination numbers have decreased since the pandemic, with fewer residents getting the u shot.

e controversy surrounding COVID has hurt vaccinations in other areas, Mendenhall said, stressing that politics in healthcare has created some hardships since 2020.

Usatch said the u vaccination is vital to decreasing hospital admissions during winter months. While the vaccine is not 100% e ective, it does decrease a person’s chances of catching u or risking complications from it.

“It’s not about being a good or bad vaccine,” Usatch said. “( ose making the vaccine) consider recent

strains and work to make the best guess for the new vaccine and hope that it covers a lot of strains. Vaccines are just great tools for people to take advantage of.”

Mendenhall said it’s important for residents to listen to their physicians and follow the science when it comes to preparing for the upcoming season.

“ e science is clear — vaccines protect from illness,” he said.

Both COVID and u vaccinations are expected in September this year.

Mendenhall said for COVID vaccinations this year, it’s important to remember that the government is no longer paying for shots. is year, residents will have to rely on insurance or themselves to pay for them.

Usatch said vaccinations are the best option to decrease cases in the upcoming season.

“You really got to start vaxing up in September and October,” Usatch said. “ ere is a new COVID vaccination this year, there is more access to RSV vaccinations, and for those who qualify, there is a pneumococcal vaccine.”

e pneumococcal vaccine is usually available to vulnerable citizens aged 65 and older. e vaccine prevents pneumococcal pneumonia. According to the American Lung Association website, pneumococcal pneumonia is the most common type of bacterial pneumonia, with the risk increasing with a person’s age and certain chronic conditions.

Pneumococcal pneumonia can develop after a person has been infected with a viral cold or u.

Besides getting vaccinated, Usatch said the best way to combat the trifecta of viruses that can spread in and beyond the metro area is to be vigilant.

“Pay attention to your environment,” he said. “Pay attention to yourself. If you are sick, you need to respect your coworkers and stay home. We have tools and tests to do surveillance and understand what’s out there, but most importantly, you need to keep yourself protected. Keep yourself healthy.”

Mendenhall also advised parents to be cautious with children going to school. School-aged children showing symptoms of RSV, u, COVID or a cold should be kept home.

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CDC Shares Community Drug Overdose Prevention Successes in New Resources

(BPT) - Drug overdoses are preventable, yet more than one million people died from a drug overdose between 1999 and 2021. Every day, almost 300 people lose their lives due to drug overdose. Public health professionals, policymakers and communities all play a role in preventing overdose deaths. Overdose Data to Action (OD2A) is a CDC-funded program that helps state and local health departments, and the communities they serve, to get high-quality, timelier data on nonfatal and fatal drug overdoses and use those data to inform prevention and response e orts. CDC supports OD2A-funded communities in their ability to address drug overdoses by providing access to subject matter experts and tailored technical assistance, and overdose prevention resources. “ e impact of this crisis is far-reaching, touching the lives of our families, friends and neighbors in deeply personal and profound ways. By prioritizing successful prevention and response e orts and providing tailored tools and resources, we can help ensure everyone has access to the care and support they need to live healthy, ful lling lives - building stronger, more resilient communities,” says Christopher M. Jones, PharmD, DrPH, MPH (CAPT U.S. Public Health Service), Director of CDC’s National Center for Injury Prevention and Control.

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Sharing state and local overdose prevention and response strategies

CDC developed the OD2A Case Studies to capture in-depth information from funded jurisdictions about current and emerging practices related to overdose prevention and response. Designed for public health practitioners, these case studies share examples that can be adapted at the state and local levels. Partners on the ground asked for more relevant and applicable strategies, so CDC identi ed six key topic areas for interviews, analysis and write-ups in these case studies.

• Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) are preventable, potentially traumatic events that occur in childhood (0-17 years).

• Harm reduction is a public health approach that focuses on reducing the harmful consequences of drug use.

• Linkage to care is the process of connecting people at risk of overdose to evidence-based treatment, services and support.

• Public safety-led post-overdose outreach can help identify people at higher risk of overdose by linking them to care and other overdose prevention and harm reduction e orts.

• State and local health departments are uniquely positioned to respond to the drug over-

dose crisis, with the authority to enact policies, deploy resources and coordinate various partners.

• Reducing stigma at multiple levels and creating a culture of change is important to helping people at risk of overdose.

Helping communities put effective practices to work When people’s lives are on the line, integrated data and e ective programs help communities take action to protect people from drug overdose and related harms. e overdose crisis requires prevention, treatment, recovery and harm reduction e orts that are tailored to promote optimal health for all.

Communities are demonstrating innovation in reducing overdose and are sharing compelling examples of collaboration and teamwork. CDC is showcasing these so that communities can learn from each other. Beyond promoting the critical work that continues nationwide, tools and resources like the OD2A Case Studies encourage applying solutions that work to help communities that need it most.

For additional OD2A resources or to learn more about how CDC is working to prevent overdoses and substance use-related harms visit: https:// www.cdc.gov/drugoverdose/od2a/index.html/.

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Lowrider art on display

‘Pride in the Ride’ at Denver Art Museum

BY SONYA ELLINGBOE SELLINGBOE@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM

Just inside the front entrance of Denver Art Museum’s Hamilton Building is a sleek white vehicle, rebuilt by a woman who challenges the idea that lowriders are just a hobby for men.

Readers who have lived in the West for some time have probably encountered the cars cruising on Federal Boulevard on a Sunday. ey are a particularly Western quirk: lowriders — meticulously polished and restored by owners who may be Latinx or live on the reservations ... Taos has a dandy display on Sundays, as do several other towns to the south of Denver, such as Espanola — or the customized rides are also popular in Los Angeles.

“Pride in the Ride” is a colorful exhibit organized by the Phoenix Art Museum with a collection of polished paint jobs, immaculate upholstery, gleaming metal on the wheels ... and more.

And also included are “rez runners,” found on the reservations to the south of Denver. ese may be waiting around for a part or two, but are also

highly polished and admired in the community on Sundays.

is exhibit has a large wall lled with colorful skateboards that t into

the scene and are popular with Native Americans on the reservations and in the cities...

(A photograph of skaters in the

exhibit is called: “You are Skating on

Several of these vehicles are owned — and customized — by women who put forward the idea that these rolling works of art are just as appropriate for female owners ... e cover of the recent museum magazine features a sleek black limousine, with huge pastel roses, painted by Nanibah Chacon: “What Dreams Are Made Of.”

In addition to the nifty wheels, the Denver Art Museum has a number of items from the huge collection on display that we hadn’t seen for some time — both in the Hamilton and Martin buildings. Museum curators have been busy throughout the institution and it was truly a pleasure to just spend some leisurely hours strolling and really looking hard at treasures — enjoying details in an Asian embroidered piece, for example. e Denver Art Museum at 14th and Broadway in downtown Denver is open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily and there is free general admission daily.

Talks and classes are planned

e Ponti Restaurant is open for lunch, 4-7 p.m. Happy Hour and Tuesday evenings for dinner. Tuesdays feature a 2:30 p.m. member’s architecture tour, as well. A reservation is probably in order ... ere is a large parking structure, entered from 12th Avenue.

A lowrider hood by Ruben Ortiz is part of the “Pride in the Ride” exhibit at Denver Art Museum.

PHOTO BY BRUCE ELLINGBOE

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FROM PAGE 7

use tax forecast will be,” Marshall said. Other revenues — what the county calls its “top 54” revenues — were expected to decline amid mortgage costs going up and new construction going down.

“ e 2023 budget anticipated a 7% decrease, (and recently) top 54 revenues had decreased by 9%,” Marshall said. “We won’t know the real number until closer to year end.”

County gave discounts

e county commissioners recently acted to give discounts to taxpayers, essentially cutting county funding in favor of reducing residents’ tax bills.

e county leaders did that through what’s called a “temporary mill levy credit.” e county has authorized such credits in 2017, 2020, 2021, 2022 and 2023, e ectively lowering county revenue by $30 million.

If the county’s property tax revenue were forecast to increase by a large amount, omas has said she would vote for another temporary credit to lower the property tax revenue increase by some amount.

Asked how much of a property tax revenue increase she would support compared to last year, omas said she couldn’t answer that without talking to county sta .

Conversations about the county’s budget take place against the backdrop of the fact that the county has no debt. Douglas County is “completely debt free,” the county announced in an

October news release.

But if the county wanted to lean on debt, one of the main ways governments can do that is via what’s called “general obligation” debt, where a government has to get voter approval, according to county sta .

Prop HH impact to homeowners

What would Prop HH mean for individual homeowners? If the proposal passes, Douglas County residents would see a small decrease in their tax bills.

e math involves a number called the “assessment rate,” another factor that helps determine how much in property taxes a person owes. e assessment rate is di erent from the property tax rate itself, or the “mill levy.”

(Without Colorado’s Gallagher Amendment — a former part of the

state constitution that voters recently repealed — the state legislature sets the assessment rate.)

Without Prop HH, the residential assessment rate has already recently decreased from 6.95 to 6.765, and a “homestead exemption” of $15,000 is being applied to all residential property, according to Toby Damisch, who heads Douglas County’s property valuation o ce.

As a result, unless local government entities choose to reduce their property tax rates, the estimated tax increase for a typical property in Douglas County whose value increased by 47% would be around 42%, said Damisch, the county assessor.

“If HH passes, and no authorities reduce their (tax rate), that 47% increase becomes a 37%-40% increase in tax,” Damisch said.

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At Five Star Residences of Dayton Place, our focus is on people and compassion. We are in the process of renovating our interior spaces where residents can come together to experience all our community has to o er and to celebrate life. We have a variety of living options, from one to two-bedroom independent living apartments, to assisted living, and memory care. Our goal is to provide an easy living environment that respects and dignifies our residents.

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1. TELEVISION: Which animated series stars a precocious toddler named Stewie Gri n?

2. GEOGRAPHY: Where are the Diomede Islands located?

3. U.S. PRESIDENTS: Former President Jimmy Carter served in which branch of the military?

4. LITERATURE: Which 20th-century novel featured a character named Boo Radley?

5. U.S. STATES: What animal is featured on California’s state ag?

6. HISTORY: Which U.S. state was the last to remove a ban on interracial marriage?

7. ANIMAL KINGDOM: What is a group of sharks called?

8. AD SLOGANS: Which products were advertised with a slogan that called them

Solution

TRIVIA

“indescribably delicious”?

9. GENERAL KNOWLEDGE: What shape has been used in U.S. stop signs since the 1920s?

10. PSYCHOLOGY: What irrational fear is represented by the condition called alektorophobia?

Answers

1. “Family Guy”

2. e Bering Strait, between Alaska and Siberia

3. Navy

4. “To Kill a Mockingbird”

5. A bear

6. Alabama in 2000

7. A shiver

8. Mounds and Almond Joy candy bars

9. Octagon

10. A fear of chickens

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PUBLIC NOTICES

Public Notices call Sheree 303.566.4088

Legals

Public Trustees

PUBLIC NOTICE

Highlands Ranch NOTICE OF SALE

Public Trustee Sale No. 2023-0126

To Whom It May Concern: On 7/5/2023 10:24:00

AM 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: TIMOTHY S EMERY

Original Beneficiary: MORTGAGE ELECTRONIC REGISTRATION SYSTEMS, INC. ACTING SOLELY AS NOMINEE FOR MIDWEST LOAN SOLUTIONS, INC.

Current Holder of Evidence of Debt: U.S. Bank Trust National Association, not individually or personally but solely in its capacity as Trustee on behalf of the ICW MAT Trust

Date of Deed of Trust (DOT): 1/29/2020

Recording Date of DOT: 1/30/2020 Reception No. of DOT: 2020006683

DOT Recorded in Douglas County.

Original Principal Amount of Evidence of Debt: $422,211.00

Outstanding Principal Amount as of the date hereof: $363,374.37

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: Failure to pay principal and interest when due together with all other payments provided for in the Evidence of Debt secured by the Deed of Trust and other violations of the terms thereof.

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 189, HIGHLANDS RANCH FILING NO. 122-R, ACCORDING TO THE RECORDED PLAT THEREOF. COUNTY OF DOUGLAS, STATE OF COLORADO.

Which has the address of: 10672 Braselton St, 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, October 25, 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: 8/31/2023

Last Publication: 9/28/2023

Publisher: Douglas County News Press

Dated: 7/5/2023

DAVID GILL

DOUGLAS COUNTY Public Trustee

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

DAVID W. DRAKE

Colorado Registration #: 43315 1391 Speer Boulevard, Suite 700, DENVER, COLORADO 80204

Phone #: (303) 350-3711

Fax #:

Attorney File #: 00000009663444

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

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: 8/31/2023

Last Publication: 9/28/2023

Publisher: Douglas County News Press

Dated: 7/5/2023

DAVID GILL

DOUGLAS COUNTY Public Trustee

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

ALISON L. BERRY

Colorado Registration #: 34531 9540 MAROON CIRCLE SUITE 320, ENGLEWOOD, COLORADO 80112 Phone #: (303) 706-9990

Fax #: (303) 706-9994

Attorney File #: 23-029688

*YOU MAY TRACK FORECLOSURE SALE

OF DOUGLAS, STATE OF COLORADO.

Which has the address of: 9828 Fairwood Street, 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, October 11, 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: 8/17/2023

Last Publication: 9/14/2023

hereby notified that the covenants of the deed of trust have been violated as follows: Failure to pay installments of principal and interest, together with other payments provided for in the evidence of debt secured by the Deed of Trust and other violations of the terms thereof.

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 712, ROXBOROUGH VILLAGE FILING NO. 16-A, COUNTY OF DOUGLAS, STATE OF COLORADO.

Which has the address of: 7432 Elk Trail Pl, 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.

AM the

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: SHARON T. MCNALLY

Original Beneficiary: WASHINGTON MUTUAL BANK, FA Current Holder of Evidence of Debt: JPMORGAN CHASE BANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION

Date of Deed of Trust (DOT): 10/20/2004 Recording Date of DOT: 11/5/2004 Reception No. of DOT: 2004113964 DOT Recorded in Douglas County.

Original Principal Amount of Evidence of Debt: $247,000.00 Outstanding Principal Amount as of the date hereof: $246,869.14

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: 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 37, HIGHLANDS RANCH FILING NO. 88A, 1ST AMENDMENT, COUNTY OF DOUGLAS, STATE OF COLORADO.

Which has the address of: 6694 Dutch Creek St, Highlands Ranch, CO 80130

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, October 25, 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

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

Legal Notice No. 2023-0127

First Publication: 8/31/2023

Last Publication: 9/28/2023

Publisher: Douglas County News Press

PUBLIC NOTICE

Littleton NOTICE OF SALE

Public Trustee Sale No. 2023-0117

To Whom It May Concern: On 6/20/2023 12:22:00 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: Daniel Lee Moffett Jr. and Wendi Renee Moffett

Original Beneficiary: Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems, Inc. ("MERS") as nominee for American Financing Corporation, Its Successors and Assigns

Current Holder of Evidence of Debt: NewRez LLC, F/K/A New Penn Financial, LLC, D/B/A Shellpoint Mortgage Servicing Date of Deed of Trust (DOT): 1/19/2017

Recording Date of DOT: 1/26/2017

Reception No. of DOT: 2017006173

DOT Recorded in Douglas County.

Original Principal Amount of Evidence of Debt:

$169,200.00

Outstanding Principal Amount as of the date hereof: $158,406.13

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 16, BLOCK 3, PULTE HOMES AT ROXBOROUGH VILLAGE FILING NO. 1, COUNTY

Publisher: Douglas County News Press

Dated: 6/20/2023

DAVID GILL

DOUGLAS COUNTY Public Trustee

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

HOLLY SHILLIDAY

Colorado Registration #: 24423 7700 E. ARAPAHOE ROAD, SUITE 230 , CENTENNIAL, COLORADO 80112

Phone #: (877) 369-6122

Fax #:

Attorney File #: CO-23-957025-LL

*YOU MAY TRACK FORECLOSURE SALE

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

Legal Notice No. 2023-0117

First Publication: 8/17/2023

Last Publication: 9/14/2023

Publisher: Douglas County News Press

PUBLIC NOTICE

Littleton NOTICE OF SALE Public Trustee Sale No. 2023-0130

To Whom It May Concern: On 7/12/2023 1:40:00

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: HEATHER KREBS AND KRISTOFFER WEST

AKA KRISTOFFER C WEST

Original Beneficiary:

FIRST NATIONAL BANK OF OMAHA

Current Holder of Evidence of Debt:

FIRST NATIONAL BANK OF OMAHA

Date of Deed of Trust (DOT): 9/30/2021

Recording Date of DOT: 10/1/2021

Reception No. of DOT: 2021113088

DOT Recorded in Douglas County.

Original Principal Amount of Evidence of Debt:

$596,850.00

Outstanding Principal Amount as of the date hereof: $582,275.63

Pursuant to C.R.S. §38-38-101 (4) (i), you are

THEREFORE, Notice Is Hereby Given that on the first possible sale date (unless the sale is continued*) at 10:00 a.m. Wednesday, November 1, 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: 9/7/2023

Last Publication: 10/5/2023

Publisher: Douglas County News Press

Dated: 7/12/2023

DAVID GILL

DOUGLAS COUNTY Public Trustee

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

NEAL K DUNNING

Colorado Registration #: 10181 7995 E. Prentice Avenue, Suite 101E, GREENWOOD VILLAGE, COLORADO 80111 Phone #: (303) 329-3363 Fax #: Attorney File #: 3554-040

*YOU MAY TRACK FORECLOSURE SALE

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

Legal Notice No. 2023-0130

First Publication: 9/7/2023

Last Publication: 10/5/2023

Publisher: Douglas County News Press

PUBLIC NOTICE

Highlands Ranch

NOTICE OF SALE Public Trustee Sale No. 2023-0124

To Whom It May Concern: On 6/30/2023 9:35:00 AM 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.

The ‘Smash Sisters’ lead ThunderRidge past Valor

BY JIM BENTON SPECIAL TO COLORADO COMMUNITY MEDIA

To borrow a phrase from underRidge head coach Kevin McAllister, the Grizzlies’ smash sisters showed up against Valor Christian in an Aug. 20 showdown.

underRidge hit ve home runs and four doubles in a 13-5 victory that saw the Grizzlies score nine runs in the sixth inning to come storming from behind to get the win.

“ e smash sisters showed up,” said McAllister. “We woke those bats up. It was pretty amazing. e sixth inning was just one of those things that kind of happens sometimes for us becase we have so many strong bats. It can be electric anytime.”

underRidge improved its early season record to 5-1 while Valor slipped to 4-3.

e matchup was a game of hit and miss as there were a combined 29 strikeouts and the teams belted seven homers.

Public

Original Grantor: David Siu

Original Beneficiary:

underRidge junior catcher Allie Horsford cracked a solo homer in the second inning and belted a three-run HR in the sixth inning outburst to nish with four runs batted in,

“We have a great hitting team, we always focus on hitting and it showed up,” said Horsford. “I just wanted to get up there and hit the ball and have con dence.

“It felt great to hit the home runs. To see the ball go over the fence is a great feeling.”

underRidge trailed 5-4 heading into the sixth inning and send 12 batters to the plate and hit three homers in the inning.

Cadyn Ennen and Samantha Oliver each had two-run HRs during the inning in addition to Horsford’s threerun shot. It gave underRidge ve homers for the game when you count Rhys Melsheimer’s round tripper to lead o the fourth inning.

Valor replaced starting pitcher Olivia Schmidt with rst baseman Dillon Watson to open the sixth. Watson

Notices

Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems, Inc., as Beneficiary, as nominee for Ideal Home Loans LLC, its successors and assigns

Current Holder of Evidence of Debt: Citizens Bank, N.A.

Date of Deed of Trust (DOT): 1/20/2022

Recording Date of DOT: 1/25/2022

Reception No. of DOT: 2022005598

DOT Recorded in Douglas County.

Original Principal Amount of Evidence of Debt: $515,262.00

Outstanding Principal Amount as of the date hereof: $503,511.16

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: 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 111, HIGHLANDS RANCH FILING NO. 122-S, 1ST AMENDMENT, COUNTY OF DOUGLAS, STATE OF COLORADO.

Which has the address of: 3158 Woodbriar 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, October 25, 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: 8/31/2023

Last Publication: 9/28/2023

Publisher: Douglas County News Press

Dated: 6/30/2023

DAVID GILL

DOUGLAS COUNTY Public Trustee

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

HEATHER DEERE

Colorado Registration #: 28597

355 UNION BLVD SUITE 250, LAKEWOOD, COLORADO 80228

Phone #: (303) 274-0155

Fax #:

Attorney File #: CO21977

*YOU MAY TRACK FORECLOSURE SALE

ThunderRidge’s junior catcher Allie Horsford hit two home runs against Valor Christian on Aug. 29 in a 13-5 victory for the Grizzlies who scored nine runs in the sixth inning and finished the game with five home runs.

faced four batters and gave up two homers before Schmidt was called back to pitch. Sheallowed a homer and two doubles before the third Golden Eagles pitcher of the inning came into the game.

Schmidt fanned 12 batters in ve innings while underRidge starting pitcher Riley Bowman allowed a pair

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

Legal Notice No. 2023-0124

First Publication: 8/31/2023

Last Publication: 9/28/2023

Publisher: Douglas County News Press

Bids and Settlements

PUBLIC NOTICE

NOTICE OF CONTRACTORS SETTLEMENT COUNTY OF DOUGLAS STATE OF COLORADO

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN, pursuant to Section 38-26-107, C.R.S., as amended, that on September 30, 2023, final settlement will be made by the County of Douglas, State of Colorado, for and on account of a contract between Douglas County and Chato’s Concrete, LLC for the Business Center Drive Reconstruction Project, Douglas County Project Number CI 2020-032 in Douglas County; and that any person, copartnership, association or corporation that has an unpaid claim against said Chato’s Concrete, LLC for or on account of the furnishing of labor, materials, team hire, sustenance, provisions, provender or other supplies used or consumed by such contractor or any of his subcontractors in or about the performance of said work, or that supplied rental machinery, tools, or equipment to the extent used in the prosecution of said work, may at any time up to and including said time of such final settlement on said 09/30/2023, file a verified statement of the amount due and unpaid on account of such claim with the Board of County Commissioners, c/o Director of Public Works Engineering, with a copy to the Project Engineer, Daniel R. Roberts, P.E., Department

of honers but struck out 14 batters. Ella Zoss came on in the seventh to wrap up the Grizzles’ victory.

“Riley did a great job,” said Horsford, “She really settled in. We just talked about which pitches work and which don’t and what to pitch to each batter. Her screwball was working great and towards the end it kind of went downhill but then her curve ball was good.”

Kaylie Whidden and Kendall Ferguson hit the homers for Valor and the pair combined for ve RBI.

Libby Noeth

“We’ll bounce back,” said Valor head coach Libby Noeth. “ at’s the thingabout our team we’re able to bounce back. It was just one game, it was really just one inning of one game. at’s the goal is to every day get better, continue to get better throughout the season.

“ e girls will do that and if they continue to work, continue to be hungry, continue to get better, we’ll be in a good spot. e goal is to be at our best in October.”

of Public Works Engineering Division, Philip S. Miller Building, 100 Third Street, Suite 220, Castle Rock, CO 80104.

Failure on the part of the claimant to file such statement before such final settlement will relieve said County of Douglas from all and any liability for such claimant's claim.

The Board of Douglas County Commissioners of the County of Douglas, Colorado, By: Janet Herman, P.E., Director of Public Works.

Legal Notice No. 945926

First Publication: August 31, 2023

Second Publication: September 7, 2023

Publisher: Douglas County News Press

Account Number: 2734

Misc. Private Legals

Public Notice NOTICE OF PURCHASE OF REAL ESTATE AT TAX LIEN SALE AND OF APPLICATION FOR ISSUANCE OF TREASURER’S DEED

To Every Person in Actual Possession or Occupancy of the hereinafter Described Land, Lot or Premises, and to the Person in Whose Name the Same was Taxed or Specially Assessed, and to all Persons having an Interest or Title of Record in or to the said Premises and To Whom It May Concern, and more especially to:

OCCUPANT - BRAD L KIRCHER AKA

BRAD LAWRENCE KIRCHER - DOUGLAS

E CARLILE JR. - BRAD L KIRCHER AKA

BRAD LAWRENCE KIRCHER & BRENDA M

KIRCHER AKA

- RICHARD F CURREY AKA RICHARD FRANK CURREY - RICHARD F CURREY

You and each of you are hereby notified that on the 7th day of November 2019 the then County Treasurer of the County of Douglas, in the State of Colorado, sold at public tax lien sale to DOUGLAS E CARLILE JR. the following described real estate situate in the County of Douglas, State of Colorado, to wit:

LOT 11 WOODMOOR MOUNTAIN 1 3.98 AM/L

and said County Treasurer issued a certificate of purchase therefore to DOUGLAS E CARLILE JR.. That said tax lien sale was made to satisfy the delinquent* taxes assessed against said real estate for the year 2018. That said real estate was taxed or specially assessed in the name(s) of BRAD L KIRCHER for said year 2018

That said DOUGLAS E CARLILE JR. on the 16th day of September 2022 the present holder of said certificate, has made request upon the Treasurer of said County for a deed to said real estate; That a Treasurer’s Deed will be issued for said real estate to the said at 1:00 o’clock P.M., on the 21st day of December 2023 unless the same has been redeemed. Said property may be redeemed from said sale at any time prior to the actual execution of said Treasurer’s Deed.

Witness my hand this 7th day of September 2023

/s/ David Gill County Treasurer of Douglas County

Legal Notice No. 945952

First Publication: September 7, 2023

Last Publication: September 21, 2023

Publisher: Douglas County News-Press

###

PHOTO BY JIM BENTON