Holding a small American ag and wearing a red, white and blue bib that reads, “My First Fourth,” baby Lishan Sharath ashed a wide smile
July 4 as a crowd of people traveled down the sidewalk near Lone Tree
e Independence Day festivities in the City of Lone Tree had begun, starting with the city’s “4th of July Family Fun Ride & Stroll” event where families gathered at the school to decorate their bikes, scooters, wagons and strollers before heading on a roughly 1-mile journey
It was the rst year Lone Tree resident Mallika B. R. attended the event, decorating the stroller with
“He’s having fun,” she said about her son, before then breaking into a
e family was among an estimated 400 people who attended the event, which featured complimentary decoration bags and a chance to meet a mounted police o cer.
After learning about the event through Facebook, Courtney Viet, a Parker resident, decided to attend with her children, 5-year-old Samuel and 7-year-old Amelia, for the rst time this year.
“I think this is wonderful, that they’re doing this,” Viet said, saying she most looked forward to the family bonding time. “I just love community.”
Once the decorating had ended and families lined up to make the trek to Prairie Sky Park, Mayor Jackie Millet took a moment to thank people for attending and recognize the meaning of Independence Day.
“It’s about barbecues and fun and picnics and reworks, but it’s also about the men and women who fought and sacri ced to make America this fabulous country that we all get to live in today,” Millet
said. “We’re so excited to see you here. We are so excited to celebrate this country and our independence.”
e morning celebration was just the start of Lone Tree’s festivities.
e city also hosted a “Family Fun Park” event at Prairie Sky Park that featured in atables and games for families to enjoy. An estimated 2,500 people attended the event, which went from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., Communications Director Nate Jones said via email July 5.
Celebrations resumed in the evening with the “Party in the Park at Prairie Sky” event featuring live music and a reworks show. Jones said the city “very likely succeeded last year’s attendance” of roughly 7,000 people.
Preparing for the ‘party of the year’
Lone Tree Arts Center Executive Director Leigh Chandler described the city’s Independence Day celebration as “the biggest city event that we put on.”
“It’s been going on for such a long time that people really have come to expect it, look forward to it — it’s, like, the party of the year,” Chandler said.
Choosing a favorite event of the day is di cult because “the whole day is just amazing,” Chandler said.
“I do love the family fun park (event) because I think that that’s something that not a lot of other cities do,” she said. “And people really love it, and it’s so much fun to see kids having such a great time.”
Jones said he loves the family ride and stroll event because it “essentially aligns with the vision of the city” as having a multimodal transportation network.
“People do get to ride their bikes from Lone Tree Elementary all the way to Prairie Sky Park, and there’s trails to support that,” he said.
Not long after July 4, city sta
Rodeos, carnival rides, live music, barbecue and more are in store for families this summer as two jam-packed fairs approach in the south metro region.
Arapahoe County Fair
e Arapahoe County Fair is returning for its 117th year, boasting a schedule of many long-time favorite events.
“It’s fun for the whole family,” said county spokesperson Anders Nelson. “Whatever you can imagine, the fair has this year.”
e event will run from July 27 to July 30 at the Arapahoe County Fairgrounds, located at 25690 E. Quincy Ave. in Aurora.
Tickets, which cost $25 per day, include unlimited carnival rides, stunt dog shows, live music on the main stage, reworks, rodeos, tractor pulls, a petting farm, 4-H shows, art exhibitions and more.
Admission is free for children under three feet tall.
In addition to the shows and rides, there will be
hands-on activities and demonstrations about western history at “Heritage Hall.” Families can learn about bee keeping, meet alpacas, weave baskets and more. ere will also be contests, including a “longest potato peel” and jigsaw puzzle competitions.
New to the fair this year, a ying acrobatics show called Cirque Adventure will have performances throughout the weekend, Nelson said.
e mutton busting event, in which children ride sheep, is free to watch and costs $15 to participate in.
On ursday, the Arapahoe County Commissioners will kick o the weekend with a Western dinner full of food, music and networking, called “Boots Not Suits.” Tickets will be $50 per person and include general fair admission for ursday.
On Friday, adults can enjoy craft beer samples at the Pours on the Plains event from 6:30 p.m. until 9:30 p.m., which will also include axe throwing, lawn games and live music. is event is not included in fair admission.
Saturday and Sunday will
feature Colorado Pro Rodeo Association events, which will be included in general admission.
Tickets include free parking. e fair will happen rain or shine and tickets are nonrefundable.
Douglas County Fair & Rodeo
Further south, the Douglas County Fair & Rodeo will start just a day after its neighboring fair begins, with events running from July 28 until Aug. 6. e series of events will take place at the Douglas County Fairgrounds, located at 500 Fairgrounds Drive in Castle Rock.
Ticket prices vary based on speci c events, with general fair admissions at $16 on Aug. 4 and 5, the days with the most events.
During other days, admissions to the grounds are free and hours and events vary. A full schedule is available at https://www. douglascountyfairandrodeo. com/p/schedule/schedule1.
Highlights include rodeo events from the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association on Aug. 4, 5, and 6, as well
as a free hometown rodeo with local contestants of all ages on July 29.
e 2023 county fair and rodeo royalty will also be crowned at the hometown rodeo event.
Llamas, dogs, horses, pigs and poultry will show o their skills and beauty at various livestock and other animal shows over the course of the fair.
Other competitions will also take place, including quilting, baking, agriculture and oriculture, 4-H and more.
On July 28, Randy Houser and Chase Bryant will perform at the outdoor arena, with general admission tickets costing $25.
On July 30, the Farm to Table event will o er a lunch bu et with locally and organically sourced ingredients and the opportunity to meet the chef and local farmers. e event is ticketed separately and will cost $70 for general tickets and $35 for kids ages two to 10.
ere will also be a carnival, petting zoo, a car show, mutton busting and a parade.
Looking for unique food options, star-studded country music and vintage cars all in the same place this summer? Visit the Douglas County Fair & Rodeo from July 28 to Aug. 6. To purchase tickets and view the schedule, visit FairandRodeoFun.com
Resource & Service Fair Tuesday, July 25 from 4 to 6 p.m. at Cherry Hills Community Church, 3900 Grace Blvd. in Highlands Ranch, CO
Douglas County families who are struggling financially can receive backto-school items for the kids, a hot meal and access resources from more than 20 different organizations. Attendees in need of school supplies must preregister at https://tinyurl.com/4jafend For more information, visit douglas.co.us and search for Strive to Thrive
Douglas County is one of the safest places in the state, but a nightmare scenario that could have you scrambling to fix your car, cancel bank cards and chase down lost identification is possible no matter where you live. For more information, visit douglas.co.us and search One Simple Mistake
Living among wildlife means sometimes you’ll find one that’s dead or injured. Your Douglas County Health Department wants to make sure you know what to do:
• If you find a dead rodent or bird, don’t touch it. If it must be moved, use gloves and a long-handled shovel.
• If you find an injured animal, don’t approach it. Call Colorado Parks and Wildlife at 303-297-1192
For more information and an online reporting form, visit douglas.co.us and search for dead animal and disease.
It was a shot heard ‘round the world — ‘round the La Liga world, at least.
e shot also happened around the world, o the northeast coast of Spain, every bit of 5,000 miles away from the cozy suburbs of Denver.
On Oct. 2, 2021, in the 17th minute of a match between the Alaves and Barcelona women’s soccer clubs at Johan Cruy Stadium, Alaves’ Nerea Nevado dropped a corner kick into a cluster of players camped outside Barcelona’s goal. e set piece was headed into the upper left corner of the cage, past a diving Barcelona goalkeeper, for a 1-0 Alaves lead.
is was no small thing. Consider: Barcelona hadn’t conceded a single goal up to that point in the season, dismantling its four previous opponents by a combined score of 26-0.
Also consider: Barcelona didn’t lose a single game that season, stomping to a 30-0 record and outscoring the opposition 159-11 on its way to a third consecutive La Liga crown (Barcelona went on to win the La Liga title the following year as well).
Needless to say, scoring against Barcelona, an eight-time La Liga and nine-time Copas de la Reina cham-
pion, is a big deal.
You could easily call a moment like that “surreal” or “unbelievable” or one of life’s “top moments.” at’s what the one who put the ball in the net called it, which was certainly warranted in and of itself but especially after everything she’d been through.
Her name: Jordan Clark, a Littleton resident and underRidge’s assistant boys tennis coach.
“To have that moment nally come through and be the rst one to score against them, it was just total elation bursting out all in one second,” Clark said. “ e most unreal moment I could’ve imagined in my soccer career thus far, for sure.”
Listen closely. “ us far,” the soonto-be 34-year-old said. at’s right, the sun hasn’t set on Clark’s soccer career just yet.
Signed with Swedish club
Clark recently inked a contract to play for Sweden soccer club Vetlanda for the 2023-24 season. She’s set to leave for the Nordic country on Aug. 5.
“I keep having to come to these potential crossroads where I have to almost `face my mortality’ as a professional soccer player,” Clark said. “I believe in it. I know I can still play. It’s just a matter of whether an opportunity’s still going to be there.
“If I just keep my head down and keep working hard and trying and hoping and believing that something’s there, so far, it’s worked out.”
Hard work, hope, belief, a neversurrender mentality — those are what have fueled Clark her whole life.
She started as a true freshman at the University of Akron in Ohio. Despite tearing her ACL the following year and redshirting, she went on to become a two-year team captain as an upperclassman.
In 2012, a month before she graduated from Akron, the U.S.’s top-level professional women’s soccer league folded, forcing Clark to look elsewhere for an opportunity to continue playing the beautiful game.
at opportunity came from across the Atlantic, in Karlsruhe, Germany, home to second-tier club Karlsruher FC. Clark was the team’s leading scorer in 2013-14. Impressive, yes. Even more impressive: She played the whole season on a broken ankle.
“ at might not have been the wisest decision,” Clark said, chuckling.
After returning to the states, Clark participated in numerous tryouts for the new National Women’s Soccer League, but the answer was always the same: “I got told I did really well, but there was always some reason why I wasn’t going to get signed on and picked up.”
A few years later, Sola Abolaji,
Clark’s connections-rich trainer, said there was a potential opportunity for his pupil in Austria. Clark boarded the rst plane she could get on. She landed in Vienna on her 32nd birthday.
Same story, though. “I played for several days. I played against Bayern Munich in a scrimmage. e coach said he wanted me, but the club had di erent reasons — nances, paperwork, whatever it was — for not being able to take me on.”
Clark stayed in Austria for a week with “nothing on the horizon,” she said. at is, nothing but hope, belief and a never-surrender mentality.
Close calls
One evening, Clark’s phone rang. It was Abolaji back in the U.S. e news wasn’t great.
“I think I’ve exhausted all my options. We’re running out of time in the transfer window. It just seems like there’s nothing out there. We’ll have to have you come back home and try again for the next window,” Clark recalled Abolaji saying.
Just as the two were getting ready to hang up with each other, Abolaji paused. “Hold on, I’m getting a call. Let me get right back to you,” he told Clark.
On the other line was Ella Masar, who played on the U.S. women’s national soccer team in the late 2000s. ere was an opportunity in Spain.
After participating in a trial for Madrid CFF but not being o ered a
spot on the team, one more opportunity materialized. It was a threehour train ride away from Madrid, in the bustling city of Vitoria-Gasteiz.
e team’s name was Alaves, a club newly promoted to La Liga.
Time was running out. is was certainly Clark’s last chance.
After practicing in front of Alaves coaches and playing in a scrimmage against Osasuna, Clark heard four of the most beautiful words: “Yeah, we’ll take her.”
She signed to play for Alaves hours before the transfer window closed for the season.
“It was very, very satisfying to have nally broken through, because I always had this inner belief that I had that possibility and that I was good enough and just needed that one little door to open and someone to take a chance,” Clark said. “It was a true testament to belief and hard work and just sticking to it and not accepting failure as a deterrent but just as another opportunity to learn and try again.”
It wasn’t all sunshine and rainbows after that magical season in Spain, though.
Club in ghting led to Clark’s Alaves contract not being renewed for the following season.
And before she landed with Vetlanda, she actually signed on the dotted line to play for a club in Greece, but because of a strange rule stipulating that only three foreign players could be on the team, her contract was voided.
“It’s crazy being in the midst of this world,” Clark said. “You have no idea that any of these factors and variables could even be a possibility until they just walk right into you.”
Clark said she ultimately wants to start her own sports academy and teach athletes young and old about important sports concepts like decision-making, reaction time, vision, recovery and pain management (Clark studied nursing as an undergraduate student and sports science and coaching as a graduate student at Akron).
She’s also refusing to completely let go of her long-held dream of playing for the U.S. women’s national team, which might sound crazy to some given that she’s closing in on her mid-30s.
But Clark has turned crazy into reality many times before. She’s overcome broken bones and torn ligaments. She’s silenced a lot of naysayers. And, remember, she’s scored against and wounded the Barcelona machine when most others have only dreamed of doing so. It’d be foolish to count her out at this point.
“Where I’m at now age-wise and experience-wise, it’s very, very unlikely,” Clark said of playing for the national team. “But I’m not taking it o the table completely, just because I’ve already done some impossible things. I can’t not believe in the impossible a little bit.”
Former fighter pilot who served in the once-segregated U.S. military talks missions, a missing trophy and which ‘Top Gun’ movie he prefers
BY DEBORAH GRIGSBY DGRIGSBY@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM
James Harvey remembers when there were two Air Forces.
“One comprised us, and the other was for the whites,” explained the soonto-be centenarian from his home in Lakewood, Colorado.
Harvey knows this as fact because he’s one of just a handful of remaining Tuskegee Airmen, a group of Black military pilots and airmen who fought not only against enemy aircraft but against overt racism in the same Air Force they pledged to serve.
Born July 13, 1923, in Montclair, New Jersey, James H. Harvey III was the oldest of four children born to James and Cornelia Harvey. He attended high school in Pennsylvania, where he was an outstanding student, the captain of the basketball team, class president, and graduated as valedictorian.
Harvey said he never encountered much racism until he raised his right hand, swore an oath to serve and protect his country — and entered the segregated U.S. Army.
Drafted in 1943, he was soon reassigned to the Army Air Corps, the predecessor of today’s modern U.S. Air Force.
Harvey will tell you in great detail that things in the military were di erent back then.
Very di erent — especially if you were a Black man.
“You just go with the ow,” said Harvey of how he coped. “You just go with the ow or something happens — something mysteriously happens. So, I just went with the ow.”
When asked why he did, he replied, “Because I wanted to live.”
Harvey settled into military service, classi ed as an engineer. As the war in the Paci c raged, engineers were needed to build and maintain the many makeshift jungle runways used by American forces. But Harvey was more interested in ying planes than building places for them to land. So, he applied to the Aviation Cadet Training Program in hopes of being accepted into the Tuskegee Flight Training Program in Alabama, a separate school designated for Black pilots.
In 1925 the U.S. Army War College released called “ e Use of Negro Manpower in War.” Many say this report “set the overall tone” for how the military viewed Black men.
e report stated they “lacked intelligence and were cowardly under combat conditions” and lacked the “ability
to operate complex machinery.”
To prove this, the U.S. Army set up an “experiment” in 1941 to prove the ndings of the War College Report.
Tuskegee was an experiment that was designed to fail — to prove that Black men didn’t have the capacity to y.
But instead, the program produced some of the nation’s most pro cient ghter pilots.
“I applied. I was accepted,” said Harvey. “However, I had to take an examination rst, and there were 10 of us that reported to Bolling Field to take this test — nine whites and myself.”
Both Black and white candidates took the same preliminary tests to get into the Aviation Cadet Program. Black pilots, however, would be trained at a segregated eld in Alabama.
Testing for this program was known among servicemembers to be notoriously rigorous and particularly unforgiving.
“Well, we took the examination, did everything they wanted us to do, and when the dust cleared, there were only two of us standing — this white guy and myself,” Harvey said.
Long were the hours and challenging were the tasks for Harvey, a selfdescribed perfectionist.
“If everything is perfect, there’s no challenge after that,” he said. “I never dreamed or thought about washing out in ying school. I knew I was gonna make it because I did everything right.” Because, as a Black man, he had to.
“You only had so many hours or days to learn something and if you didn’t, you were out. It’s that simple,” Harvey said. “You only had a certain amount of time to learn something and if you exceeded that time, you were gone.”
When asked if he’s still a perfectionist, he grins.
“Well, I’m back at it,” he laughs. “I got married, so that was kind of the end of the perfectionism, but my wife passed, so I’m back at it again.”
Perfectionism.
“I’ve always been that way,” Harvey said. “Like Disney, when I was growing up… the Disney characters, I’d sit down and draw them — they were better than what Disney put out!”
His favorite?
“Mickey Mouse, of course… I don’t think Minnie was on the scene yet.”
So, what should we call you?
Harvey earned his wings at Tuskegee Army Air Field on Oct. 16, 1944, near the end of the war. A graduate of Class
44-4, he was commissioned as a second lieutenant and began his career as a ghter pilot.
While many Tuskegee Airmen were already ying in Europe, protecting heavy bomber aircraft on their way to strategic targets, Harvey did not get that opportunity.
“ at’s because Hitler knew I was coming and he gave up the following month,” he joked. “I was supposed to ship in April 1945. And I had my bags packed, ready to catch the train, and I got a message the war was over and they expected the wind-up of the whole European theater.”
On July 26, 1948, President Harry S. Truman signed Executive Order 9981, creating the President’s Committee on Equality of Treatment and Opportunity in the Armed Services and banning segregation in the Armed Forces.
Harvey says the order was a step in the right direction, but it also meant his unit would be disbanded and its personnel integrated into other units that would “have” them.
Harvey explains how that became complicated for Black pilots.
Prior to his departure, he, and another Tuskegee Airman, Eddie Drummond, were to be transferred from Lockbourne Air Force Base in Ohio to a base in Japan. However, before they arrived, their personnel les — which included their o cial photos — were forwarded to the gaining military unit.
“So, you see, the wing commander had our picture,” Harvey said. “So, Eddie and I report to Misawa, Japan, and before we got there, he had all the pilots report to the base theater and he told them, ‘We have these two Negro pilots coming in and they will be assigned to one of the squadrons.’ e pilots said, ‘No way are we going to y with them. No way.’”
Harvey said he and Drummond were told about the meeting by the pilots themselves.
Regardless of the sentiment, Harvey and Drummond were there to stay and were assigned to a unit ying the Lockheed F-80 Shooting Star.
As they wrapped up their initial meeting, Harvey said the man who would be their new wing commander casually asked, “So, what do you want us to call you?”
An uncomfortable moment of silence ensued.
“I said, ‘Well, I’m a rst lieutenant and Eddie Drummond is a second lieutenant… how about lieutenants Harvey and Drummond?’”
In January 1949, the newly-recognized Air Force, thanks to the National Security Act of 1947, issued a directive to all ghter squadrons about an intramural weapons competition.
Each unit was to select its top three pilots to represent their ghter group at the rst-ever aerial gunnery meet
to be held at Las Vegas Air Force Base, Nevada.
It was o cially called the United States Continental Gunnery Meet, which would later evolve into the USAF William Tell Competition. Other derivatives would include Gunsmoke and Red Flag.
Harvey’s unit, the 332nd Fighter Group, selected 1st Lt. Harvey III, 1st Lt. Harry Stewart Jr., and Capt. Alva Temple. ey were all Black pilots, including the alternate pilot, 1st Lt. Halbert Alexander.
“We met with Col. Davis (Col. Benjamin O. Davis, Jr.), prior to leaving for the competition,” Harvey said. “We chit-chatted, and his nal remark was, ‘If you don’t win, don’t come back.’ And with those words of encouragement, o we went.”
It was May 1949.
e competition for “Top Gun” would prove formidable in the conventional piston category, ying the North American P-51 Mustang and the North American F-82 Twin Mustang.
ese were some of the best pilots and aircraft maintenance teams in the country ying some of the most advanced aircraft in inventory.
“And we’re ying the obsolete P-47 underbolt,” Harvey said “It was big, clumsy — and heavy.”
e lineup consisted of two missions of aerial gunnery at 12,000 feet, two missions of aerial gunnery at 20,000 feet, two dive-bombing missions, three skip-bombing missions, and a panel-stra ng mission.
“Well, we won the meet,” said Harvey. “Our closest competitor was the P-51 out t… they were only 515,000 points behind us.”
They were the winners, but…
Each year, the Air Force Association publishes an almanac citing overall force strength, statistics and such — including all winners of the weapons meet from 1949 through the present day.
“But, each year when that almanac came out, the winner of the 1949 weapons meet was mysteriously listed as ‘unknown,’” Harvey points out. “We didn’t nd out, we, meaning us, the Tuskegee Airmen, didn’t nd out about this magazine until 1995.”
It was only by chance Harvey’s group commander stumbled across an almanac and noticed the winner of the 1949 U.S. Air Force Weapons Meet was “unknown.”
e almanac was corrected in April 1995 to show the 332nd Fighter Group as the o cial winners of the 1949 weapons meet.
ough the records were xed, one more mystery would remain.
‘That trophy will never be on display’
As winners of the rst Air Force
“Top Gun” competition in the pistonengine division, Harvey and his team were brought into a hotel ballroom where the almost 3-foot-tall stainless steel victory cup sat on a table. at was in 1949.
ey had a photo made with the trophy and it was the last day any of
them would see it until more than half a century later.
In 1999, Zellie Rainey-Orr got involved with the Tuskegee Airmen as the result of a Tuskegee Airman pilot from her Mississippi hometown who died in combat — 1st Lt. Quitman Walker.
Rainey-Orr confesses, until that day, she never knew much about the Tuskegee Airmen.
She was about to get a rsthand lesson from the men who were there.
“I thought I was just gonna go and put a ower on the grave of Quitman Walker,” she said. “I assumed he was buried here in Indianola, Mississippi and that’s when I would learn that no one knew where he was buried.”
Rainey-Orr reached out to the Walker family in an attempt to help locate the airman’s remains. rough her quest to help, she would eventually meet Alva Temple, the captain of the 1949 “Top Gun” team at a 2004 event to award Walker’s medals posthumously, at Columbus Air Force Base, Mississippi.
It was there that she learned of the missing trophy.
“I just felt a connection,” Rainey-Orr said.
Unable to resist, she began a quest to locate it.
Not knowing what the trophy looked like, and with Temple, at that time, in failing health, she reached out to the family in hopes of nding more details.
Someone in Temple’s family mentioned that there was a newspaper story covering the event, dated May 12, 1949, on a bedroom dresser. at clipping provided Rainey-Orr with enough information to start contacting military bases and museums.
Within a week, she received a response from the National Museum of the United States Air Force, in Dayton, Ohio.
“ ey said they had the trophy and attached a photo,” she said.
Rainey-Orr called Temple’s family on Sunday, Aug. 29 to share the good news, but was told Temple had passed the day before.
“It was almost like his spirit guided me,” she said. “I didn’t know the story or the impact. I was just looking for a trophy.”
Oddly, while it took Rainey-Orr less than a week to locate a trophy that had been missing for more than 50 years, it would take her much longer to get the U.S. Air Force to agree to bring it out of mothballs.
“I was talking to the historian at the Air Force Museum, the one who sent the photo, and I said I’d love to come see it,” she recalled. “And he (the historian) said, ‘It’s not on display — and it will never be on display.’”
Rainey-Orr was confused.
She thought that this was an important piece of Air Force history, it was the rst nationwide gunnery competition since the end of the war and it was the rst time that Black pilots had participated. Why wouldn’t they want the trophy displayed?
After a lot of back-and-forth negotiations, the Air Force agreed to let the trophy be shown.
In December of the same year, Air Force Museum representatives took the trophy out of storage and delivered it to Detroit, Michigan, the home of another Tuskegee Top Gun, Harry Stewart, for its rst unveiling at the National Museum of the Tuskegee Airmen’s annual banquet.
After the banquet, the trophy was returned to the museum where it went on permanent display in early 2006.
Harvey was unable to attend the 2004 banquet in Detroit, but RaineyOrr, who is now an author and Tuskegee Airman historian, prompted him to make the journey to Ohio in 2006.
When asked how he felt upon seeing the trophy on display, Harvey smiled and said, “Feels good. Feels very good — very, very good. Mission accomplished.”
About that 100th birthday
Harvey plans to celebrate his 100th birthday with true ghter pilot air.
He says close to 270 friends, family and guests from around the country, many of them “military brass,” will join him for a private gala celebration in Centennial, Colorado. ere will be three birthday cakes, one fashioned into the shape of a Corvair F-102 Delta Dagger — “made of gluten-free marble and cappuccino,” of course.
What does one hope for after blowing out all of those candles?
“Continued good health,” he said. “Continued excellent health.”
And what does 100 years feel like? Harvey will tell you.
“It doesn’t feel any di erent than the rst year,” he joked. “ Actually, I don’t remember the rst year, but I do remember the second — that’s when I got measles.”
His secret to longevity?
“I try to be a nice person to everybody — until they prove otherwise,” he said. “Just be nice to people. My motto has always been, ‘Do unto others as you have them do unto you.’ I live by that one and it works.”
Rainey-Orr agrees, and describes Harvey, whom she rst met in 2005 as “caring and compassionate.”
“I just like to say he is a real example of what we sow, we get to reap,” she said. “He is a rst in many areas, including becoming the rst Black pilot to y jets in Korea — and often unless he told the stories, they were forgotten.”
While saddened that she’ll miss Harvey’s birthday bash, Rainey-Orr is happy for her friend.
“I’m just so happy he got to live long enough to see the day, and to understand that people really do appreciate his sacri ces in the service of our country,” she said, “because he had comrades who did not. ey survived the war, but didn’t get to see the respect.”
But the big question is, what does the rst “Top Gun” think of the new “Top Gun: Maverick” movie?
“I liked the rst one better,” Harvey said.
As emotions continue to swirl around the ability of audiences of all ages to watch drag performances at the Douglas County fairgrounds, the county’s elected leaders have decided to hold a town hall discussion on July 26.
“Few things are as buzzy and relevant statewide and nationally than this particular conversation,” Commission Chair Abe Laydon said at a July 3 meeting with county o cials. “And for us to be a largely conservative county, wrestling with issues of pride and drag queens, we’re actually right at the epicenter of it.”
Some area residents have expressed concern with last August’s drag show event at the annual Douglas County PrideFest. During that event at the county fairgrounds in Castle Rock, a performer’s breast plate and false nipple were temporarily exposed. Videos of the performance had circulated on social media, where some commenters expressed frustration with the exposure at an event not designated for adults only. Organizers had sent out an apology, saying it was not a planned part of the performance.
But the backlash continues even months later, ahead of this year’s planned PrideFest event.
e board of county commissioners decided they will hold a town hall discussion about the issue before PrideFest takes place, hoping to clarify for the public what regulations apply to the fairgrounds.
During the meeting to schedule that town hall, Laydon said there are drag performers that are “family friendly.”
“Who would have thought?” Laydon said. “I think there is a segment of our community that has no idea that that even exists.”
‘Healthy conversation’
While discussing whether to hold a town hall, Commissioner Lora omas questioned whether Douglas
County is the “right convener” for a conversation surrounding the type of activities that occur at PrideFest.
“I don’t want Douglas County to host something that was similar to what I saw at the Castle Rock Town Council,” omas said, referring to a recent meeting of the town’s leaders. She added: “It was just a lot of people on both sides venting.”
Castle Rock Councilmember Tim Dietz had revived conversations about pushing to restrict Douglas County PrideFest to people 18 or older in a contentious meeting on June 6 that drew a crowd.
Dietz motioned to send a letter on behalf of the town to the Douglas County commissioners — who control the fairgrounds where PrideFest takes place — asking them to place age restrictions at PrideFest.
e motion at Castle Rock’s council meeting failed 5-2, with Dietz and Councilmember Laura Cavey voting in favor of the letter. Dietz then motioned to continue the discussion about age restrictions on June 20, a request that failed 4-3, with Dietz, Cavey and Councilmember Max Brooks voting in favor.
At the July 3 meeting of county ofcials, Wendy Holmes, the county’s communications director, wondered whether a county-hosted conversation about PrideFest would be constructive.
“We have what’s going on with the libraries, what’s going on with the schools, what’s going on at Castle Rock,” Holmes said.
e Douglas County school board recently passed changes to what’s known as the school district’s parent engagement policy, which will now allow misgendering of trans or nonbinary students and sta . “Misgendering” is when a person addresses another individual using the pronouns that do not re ect their identity, such as not using they/them when a person asks for those pronouns speci cally.
And some area residents have pushed for restricting access to
If you are approaching retirement age, living in retirement or know and care about an aging adult in Douglas County, we want to hear from you.
Join your Board of Douglas County Commissioners at several listening sessions in July and August to help inform services and policies for older adults in Douglas County.
For Dates, Times and Locations: Visit douglas.co.us and search "Older Adult Initiative"
certain LGBTQ books during Douglas County Libraries district board meetings in recent months, Colorado Newsline reported.
“I’ve not seen our community have a healthy conversation about this. And I think conversations are important, but is this tool the one to do it?” Holmes said during July 3 meeting. Her thoughts came, she said, “as I think about the county’s reputation and what this community may or may not be ready for.”
Laydon agreed that reputation is important to the county, adding: “I think if we are not very careful and thoughtful about this, it can completely go o the rails. What happened in Castle Rock should not happen here.”
Laydon hoped the county can organize a panel that is “really healthy, and where it’s not healthy, we can manage for that,” he said.
He added he wants to hear from people about “the issues on all sides.”
Commissioner George Teal pushed back on the opinion that the discussion at the Castle Rock meeting was objectionable.
“I would correct my colleagues: Nothing happened in Castle Rock,” Teal said. “Castle Rock had a community discussion like they do often. Believe me — I was there.”
County changed fairgrounds policy
Teal spoke further in favor of the county hosting a discussion, arguing that the conversation is happening in the community already.
“We can have it here, or we can just let it keep going on out there, and it will get here eventually,” Teal said.
He added: “And there is education to occur in terms of what is and what is not viable and feasible. ere is still a great deal of confusion about our regulations for the fairgrounds despite our attempt to communicate them far and wide.”
County sta had recently proposed changes to the county’s fairgrounds facilities policies, including an updated mission statement to state that all events are to be “family friendly.”
Another proposed change outlined that event holders agree “not to operate anything similar to a sexually oriented business” as de ned in the county’s zoning regulations, according to the document of fairgrounds policies.
e commissioners voted 3-0 to approve the fairgrounds policy updates on May 9.
At that meeting, Art Kerkezian, cochair with the Douglas County PrideFest, said the event last summer doesn’t represent the values of the Castle Rock Pride group and the PrideFest.
“We have put in safeguards,” Kerkezian said, adding that the group has a clause in its policies that prevents nudity at PrideFest.
omas has noted that PrideFest is not part of the county fair.
Castle Rock Pride is a nonpro t “building a supportive community in the Castle Rock and greater Douglas County areas for LGBTQ+ residents,” the organization’s website says.
e nonpro t o ers community events and resources including monthly support groups, family meetups, educational opportunities and the annual PrideFest, its website says.
Set for Aug. 26 at the county fairgrounds, the Douglas County PrideFest includes local LGBTQIA+ supporting exhibitors, food and beverage vendors, and live performances, according to the website.
Laydon envisions having members of the faith-based community on the county’s town hall panel, along with potentially inviting members of Castle Rock Town Council.
“I also don’t mind members of the LGBTQ community and those that are involved in free speech and performances to be there,” Laydon said, referring to drag performers.
“A representative of a G-rated performance, which would be the opposite of what we had to go through last year,” Laydon said.
The wet weather this season means nature lovers should be on the lookout for ticks as they enjoy Colorado’s mountains, woods, parks and trails.
“There does seem to be a lot more ticks this year,” said Chris Roundy, a medical entomologist at the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment. “They do like wet weather, so our wet spring has certainly created ideal environments for them.”
Types of ticks and diseases
The two most common ticks in Colorado are the Rocky Mountain wood tick and the American dog tick, which can both carry diseases, Roundy said.
The likeliness of getting a disease from a tick bite in Colorado, however, is relatively low.
“Though we are seeing an increase in ticks, that doesn’t necessarily mean an increase in tickborne diseases,” Roundy said. “If you are bitten by a tick, there’s still a very slim chance that they will
transmit anything.”
Luckily, ticks in Colorado do not carry Lyme disease, a sometimes serious and long-lasting disease carried by ticks in other parts of the country, according to the Colorado State University Extension office.
They can instead carry Colorado tick fever, Rocky Mountain spotted fever or tularemia, depending on the type of tick.
The seriousness of these diseases can range from having flu-like symptoms to life-threatening conditions, Roundy said, but the latter is very rare.
If a person is bitten by a tick in Colorado, Roundy said they should watch for a headache, fever or rash and seek medical attention if they develop any of these symptoms.
Several of the diseases can be treated with antibiotics, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Prevention and tick collection
To prevent ticks, Roundy said people should wear long pants tucked into socks, use insect repel -
lent with DEET and consider treating their clothes with an insecticide called Permethrin if they will be outside for days at a time.
“If you’ve been spending significant time outside — always a good idea to check for ticks,” he added. “They like to hang out in areas where they’ve got something helping them hold on. This might be in our armpits, waistband, back of the knee, in your hair.”
If someone finds a tick on themselves, a pet or outside, they can double-bag it and send it to the state health department to contribute to the Colorado Citizen Science Tick Surveillance Program.
In this program, Roundy determines the species of all submitted ticks and uses the data to better understand what types of ticks are found in Colorado and where they live.
“I have received upwards of 250 ticks so far this season in our surveillance program, which is great,” he said. “The more submissions we get, the better understanding we have of the ticks in Colorado.”
Tick submissions have roughly
mulitiplied by five since last year, but Roundy said it’s difficult to accurately compare these numbers of because of the state health department’s increased messaging about the program this year. Roundy contributes the increase in tick submissions to both the expanded awareness of the program and the wet weather.
If a person finds a tick outside, Roundy said he does not recommend trying to capture it if it will put the person at risk of being bitten.
The Centers for Disease Control also warns people not to squeeze or remove a tick with their fingers. Instead, the CDC offers the following tips:
1. Use clean, fine-tipped tweezers to grasp the tick as close to the skin’s surface as possible.
2. Pull upward with steady, even pressure. ...
3. After removing the tick, thoroughly clean the bite area and your hands with rubbing alcohol or soap and water.
4. Never crush a tick with your fingers.
It’s common knowledge that some reworks are illegal, but even legal reworks can pose a danger. Over the last few weeks, ahead of and after the Fourth of July holiday, authorties have elded hundreds of related calls.
Two homes were destroyed by a re caused by legal reworks on July 4 in Parker, according to the local re rescue agency.
At one home in Arapahoe County, reworks caused minor damage to a garage.
South Metro Fire Rescue also responded to two medical aid calls related to reworks.
at’s a look at the consequences reworks caused between June 26 and July 4 this year, according to South Metro Fire.
But the impact of reworks goes beyond damage. Calls to authorities about reworks also expand the workload for law enforcement around the Fourth of July. From June 30 through July 4, Douglas County Sheri ’s O ce received more than 500 calls for service related to reworks.
e sheri ’s o ce didn’t issue any citations, but it has one open case related to the use of reworks on July 2 that involves juveniles, a sheri ’s o ce spokesperson said on July 7.
It’s worth taking a look at what kinds of reworks are legal — and how to stay safe
if you choose to use them.
What fireworks are legal?
Fireworks that leave the ground and explode — typically bought out of state — are not legal, according to Deputy Cocha Heyden, spokesperson for the Douglas County Sheri ’s O ce.
According to state law, Heyden said, the types of reworks permissible in Colorado include:
• Fountains
• Ground spinners
• Illuminating torches
• Dipped sticks and sparklers
• Toy propellants
• Trick noise makers
• And tube devices.
Fireworks that are always illegal to use in Colorado, except for public and professional displays, according to the sheri ’s o ce, include:
• Firecrackers
• Rockets, including bottle rockets
• And Roman candles, cherry bombs, mortars and similar items, such as M-80s.
Permissible reworks may
not contain more than 50 milligrams of explosive composition, according to the sheri ’s o ce.
Some municipalities may put further restrictions on rework use. For example, Castle Rock’s website says: “Only reworks purchased at stands in Castle Rock are legal, and only on July 4 between 8 a.m and 10 p.m.” e legality of reworks can change if a local re ban is in e ect. You can check local government websites to determine when such bans are issued.
Charges for illegal use
e use of illegal reworks in Douglas County is a misdemeanor and is punishable with nes from $50 to a maximum of $750 and/or up to six months imprisonment, according to the sheri ’s o ce.
And if a person accidentally starts a re due to illegal — or legal — rework use, they could be charged with a crime.
“A person could be charged
with fourth-degree arson … if they are setting them o and property sets on re,” Heyden said. “ ere could also be reckless endangerment. It honestly just depends on the circumstances.”
From June 30 through July 4, the Douglas County Sheri ’s O ce received 520 “actual” calls for service regarding reworks, 14 calls for service for tra c hazards due to roads being blocked for reworks, and 10 calls for service for noise complaints due to loud parties with reworks, according to the sheri ’s o ce.
About 340 reworks calls came on the Fourth of July itself, according to the o ce.
“Every year our dispatch center is inundated with calls from citizens reporting that they hear reworks going o somewhere in their neighborhood,” the sheri ’s o ce said in a news release. “ is severely impacts our call system and could a ect our response to other calls for service.”
People should only call the sheri ’s o ce about reworks if they see someone use illegal reworks or they see re or there is injury, Heyden said.
“We cannot do anything about the calls where people ‘hear’ them,” Heyden said. “ at does us no good — we need locations.”
Fireworks can cause tragedy e two homes that
became uninhabitable due to a re caused by legal reworks on July 4 were located in Parker’s Clarke Farms neighborhood, according to South Metro Fire Rescue.
In the incident, one reghter was transported to the hospital with a minor burn injury.
Fire ghters prevented the re from spreading to three neighboring homes, according to a tweet from South Metro Fire.
“Fire investigators determined that improper disposal of legal reworks in a plastic bin outside the garage caused this re,” the agency tweeted. “Both homes were destroyed and the families are displaced.” is year’s July 4 saw heavy rain, but in years when the weather is dry on Independence Day, the risk of re is higher.
“Weather can play a factor,” said Lauren Ono, a spokesperson for South Metro Fire. “Especially when we have warmer temperatures, low humidity and high winds, res can start easier and grow much faster.”
e best way to mitigate the risk of reworks starting a re at your home or in your neighborhood is to not use any of them at all, Heyden said.
“We always suggest going to see a professional show instead,” Heyden added.
BY MCKENNA HARFORD MHARFORD@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM
The family of a man injured in a zipline collision in Castle Rock started a GoFundMe account to help cover expenses while he is healing.
Jonathan Schiller, 21, was working at The EDGE Ziplines and Adventures on June 25 at Phillip S Miller Park when the collision occurred. According to Schiller’s GoFundMe, a child was stuck on the zipline and Schiller was in the process of responding when a second child came down the zipline. The three, including Schiller and two children, collided.
Adam White, manager for The EDGE, said a miscommunication between employees over walkietalkies led to the crash.
The Castle Rock Fire Department transported Schiller, a 10-year-old boy, and an 8-year-old boy to Sky Ridge Medical Center with blunt-
force trauma injuries. Schiller’s GoFundMe says he suffered a concussion, as well as injuries to his limbs. While healing, Schiller is unable to work. Through the GoFundMe account, the community has donated more than $3,000, nearing the $5,000 goal. White said this collision was the first since The EDGE facility opened in 2015. He said they worked with the state’s Division of Oil and Public Safety, which oversees amusement parks and rides, to investigate what went wrong and how to prevent future collisions.
“There were no recommended changes besides retraining all of our guides so there’s no ambiguity about our communications system,” he said, adding the park was cleared to operate. “Hopefully, we’ll never see another (collision).”
White said the Fourth of July holiday was busy and without incident.
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BY HALEY LENA HLENA@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM
From being part of the rst Navy SEALs in World War II to starring in “ e Grapes of Wrath” with Henry Fonda, behind the doors of Vi Living residences across the nation are incredible stories of people’s lives, including a resident in Highlands Ranch.
“I hear these things and I don’t want them, the stories to go away,” said Darrell Baltimore, vice president of operations at Vi, based in Chicago.
Baltimore joined the organization in 2007 as an executive director, which gave him the opportunity to engage and develop relationships with the residents. After hearing their stories, he knew he couldn’t be the only one to hear them.
Inspired by StoryCorps, Baltimore, along with the Associate Vice President of Living Well at Vi Tony Galvan, decided to start a podcast to share residents’ stories called “Vi Living Resident Archives”.
“I feel honored to be able to develop relationships with our residents where they share memorable stories of special times in their past and stories of what they’re doing now,” said Baltimore.
Wanting the stories to be small
sound bites, Baltimore and Galvan decided to make each episode no longer than three minutes.
Baltimore asked Vi Living team members across the country if any of the residents had neat stories or are active in the community and would be interested in sharing. e two travel to di erent Vi locations to record the podcasts.
“It’s an opportunity for residents in our di erent communities to hear what the other residents are doing,” said Baltimore. “It kind of motivates people to say ‘hey, I’ve got a good story to tell’.”
One of those stories came from Highlands Ranch resident Deb Zelkowitz, who was featured on episode nine, titled “ e Beauty of Birding”.
Zelkowitz rst fell in love with bird watching when she lived in Virginia and after moving to Colorado nearly 12 years ago, Zelkowitz began seeing more birds that she hadn’t seen before.
Her interest in birds led her to volunteer at South Platte Park where she found a group of bird watchers. Every weekend, a woman would lead the group on a bird walk and when the woman could no longer do the walk, Zelkowitz and a friend took over.
After coming to Vi in Highlands Ranch in August of 2022, Zelkowitz
was asked to lead its bird club.
“And I found from doing the bird club stu that there’s a fair number of people who can’t get out and hike for bird watching and everything, but they’re very interested in the presentations that I do,” said Zelkowitz.
e rst season of the podcast will be coming to an end in July but Baltimore and Galvan are looking
forward to traveling to hear more stories.
“I hope that it is a way of keeping those residents’ voices out there in the mainstream for forever because when they pass away, their stories pass away and we don’t get to hear them,” said Baltimore. “So that’s why I’m hoping that this really outlives me and continues to share their stories with the world.”
Since the Colorado General Assembly wrapped up the 2023 session with a bang, I’m still feeling uninformed.
By bang, I am referring to the Democrats passing the bill that will put Proposition HH on the ballot for us to decide in November.
For one — the majority party released this important piece of legislation seemingly at the last minute. OK, it was literally. It takes three days to pass a bill — they did it just in the nick of time. Hard to believe they did not have it planned until three days before.
Nonetheless, what’s done is done. Now, it’s up to voters to decide on whether to pass this proposition that we are being told will help homeowners deal with the major property tax increases.
Before getting too deep into the measure — I will agree that Colorado does have some of the lower property taxes in the nation. However, given the cost of living and struggles families are going through — we did not deserve to play catch-up on the national level all in one year.
Instead, we are seeing 30%, 40%, and, in some areas, 60% increases. While I have not yet seen the numbers, this is just a guess, but I doubt that many of the tens of thousands of property valuation appeals are going to make a big di erence.
So, that leaves us with Proposition HH, where we are being told to approve it and we will get some property tax relief. However, in reading multiple stories about the measure and trying to understand it — I, as a property owner, am just not seeing how this is going to help me and my family.
I do, however, see how it is going to help the state get more
money. After all, lawmakers have been trying to nd a way around TABOR for quite some time.
Again, not making the connection on how I am going to see a true bene t by voting yes.
I wouldn’t say I am against the measure completely. I’d just like to really understand why I should vote yes.
Several articles recently came out about how families could get higher TABOR refunds this year. at sounds good, since I am about to be paying a lot more in property taxes.
Tell me now — if I say go ahead and keep those TABOR funds — how do I come out ahead? e math is not adding up here.
As information trickles in about what happens with the proposition, especially if the Colorado Supreme Court rejects current challenges, there is still no answer.
In one article, I read that if voters do indeed vote on the measure in November, property owners will not have an idea of what they will pay in property taxes until long after the election. Given the state is asking me to vote yes on the measure — I’d like a rm answer before I vote.
To complicate the issue further, local government and taxing districts that rely on property taxes are also playing a guessing game for what it means to them. Will sta cuts be needed?
Commissioner Lora omas in Douglas County says it’s a possibility.
Larimer County imposed a hiring freeze due to the unknown.
To conclude — the question remains — how is giving you my TABOR refund going to result in a property tax break for me? How will this bene t our school district and our counties where this is the primary source of revenue?
elma Grimes is the south metro editor for Colorado Community Media.
LINDA SHAPLEY Publisher
lshapley@coloradocommunitymedia.com
When I relocated from New Jersey to Colorado, I had made the drive ahead of the moving truck. Crossing through Kansas and into the eastern plains of Colorado on Highway 70, I still couldn’t quite make out the mountains in the distance. However, the further into Colorado I drove, the purple mountains’ majesties began to appear in the distance. And even though it was July, I could still make out the snow-capped peaks standing tall against the sunset.
At the time I wasn’t familiar with Longs Peak, Mount Evans or Pikes Peak, just a few of the 14ers in the beautiful state of Colorful Colorado, but I still could see these massive mountain structures in the distance. ey were awe-inspiring for sure, but from a distance seemed much too di cult to think about trying to hike or climb them. And as my family and I settled into the foothills, the views of the mountains in the distance at both sunrise and sunset amazed us, as coming from New Jersey we were familiar with the oceans and hills of the east coast, but nothing compared to the grandeur of what now stood before us.
As newbies to Colorado at the time, we were anxious and nervous yet so excited to get into the mountains and
ERIN ADDENBROOKE Marketing Consultant eaddenbrooke@coloradocommunitymedia.com
do some exploring. Driving west on 70 those mountaintops didn’t disappoint — there are times along the road where their beauty is only exceeded by their ominous features. I remember my family thinking that maybe we should turn back. And we are all glad we did not turn back, we kept going and nally stopped in Beaver Creek. After leaving the exit, and making our way toward the mountain, we could still not quite see the top, and again from far away it looked like that day’s hike might be more di cult than we had anticipated.
Beaver Creek isn’t even a 14er (a mountain that is at least 14,000 feet in elevation), yet it seemed gigantic to us, almost unmanageable for rookies to the area. But as we got closer, we realized we could no longer see the top, as a matter of fact the closer we got to that mountain, the smaller it became. And when we looked at the trail map and out at the winding trail ahead of us, we realized that what was right in front of us was more than manageable for sure, so we readied ourselves and took o up the mountain.
What mountain are you looking at right now? Does it look ominous and frightening from where you are currently standing? Maybe it’s a new cancer diagnosis, a personal battle with addiction, or a family member or friend ghting addiction. Perhaps it’s a relationship challenge at home. You may be facing a
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members will begin planning for next year’s celebration, Chandler said.
“One of the things that we always want to do is talk immediately after about what went well, what do we want to keep, what things do we maybe want to think about changing for the following year,” she said. Jones said the sta members at the Lone Tree Arts Center do a fantastic job and are constantly looking for ways to improve the experience for residents.
“I think that’s why we have such a great celebration now, because it’s always been their modus operandi, right, is they always want to make sure that the event is the best it can be for, not just for residents, but even people that are visiting Lone Tree,” he said.
nancial burden that seems to be getting bigger by the day. Your mountain could be a problem with your business or your team. If you are in sales and you are now halfway through the year and your numbers are way o , the chasm between your quota and where you currently are regarding your year-to-date sales seem like a much higher climb than you can conceivably make up in the next six months.
Whatever your mountain is, get closer to it. Stop looking at it from miles away. Find a guide, a coach, a family member, or a friend who you trust to help you build your trail map. Get to the base of the mountain, identify the trailhead and execute your plan. e mountain isn’t going
Don’t miss the big news
e Colorado Sun and other media are missing the big good news story out of Dougan County. Ready? Ta da!
ey have solved the homeless problem in Douglas County! And, as their spokespeople will continually remind you, it is with choice and compassion.
So, how is this accomplished? First, you should know that their citizens do not like seeing homeless encampment. is is something I’m sure all other county commissioners and mayors did not know.
Second, the homeless should be told this new information, so a social worker is sent to meet them compassionately accompanied by an armed sheri ’s deputy. e social worker informs the homeless about addiction services, mental health care, and homeless shelters. All those choices! Soon they will also be compassionately given the choice of paying a $1,000 ne
How the event has changed Independence Day celebrations in Lone Tree have evolved over the years, Chandler said.
Initially, the celebrations were held in Sweetwater Park, she said.
e turnout grew so much over the years that eventually the city had to give out wristbands to attendees to ensure the park did not go above its capacity limit of 10,000 people.
Before the COVID-19 pandemic, the city had planned to move the celebrations to Prairie Sky Park, Chandler said.
However, then the pandemic hit and the 2020 celebration had to be canceled. e city held a scaledback event in 2021.
“Last year was truly the rst year that we were able to realize what we had envisioned for Prairie Sky Park,” Chandler said.
e Independence Day festivities used to be held in one event that would start around 3 p.m. and last until 10 p.m., she said. Now, the cel-
to climb itself, nor is it going to fall into the ocean and go away. You have more courage than you think, there is grit deep inside of you that needs to be surfaced to start the climb, and never underestimate your endurance to see it all through.
Is it time for you to get closer to the base of the mountain instead of imaging how di cult the climb might be from afar? I would love to hear your story at gotonorton@gmail.com, and when we can realize that what seems completely unmanageable from a distance can seem completely manageable the closer we get, 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.
if they choose incorrectly.
So, the homeless will then, oh so kindly, be given a ride free of charge to take advantage of those wonderful services. e only teeny tiny glitch might be that those services will be many miles away.
Why is that, you may ask? Obviously, you have not been paying attention.
e goal and e ect is to reduce homelessness IN DOUGLAS COUNTY.
Dougco is not only one of the richest counties in Colorado, it’s one of the richest in the world, but they won’t actually pay to house or help in their county. ey will only pay to compassionately dump the problem on someone else’s doorstep.
See, they’ve made a choice, and unless you live and are safely housed there, screw you, but compassionately.
Roger Brisnehan Westminsterebration is separated into a series of events held throughout the day.
“ e separation has been really great because parents get a break during the day,” she said. “ ey can go home, take a nap, have a barbecue if they want to do that — do whatever they need to and then come back in the evening for the party in the park.’”
Although Lone Tree’s Fourth of July celebration has evolved over the years, Chandler said the budget has not changed all that much.
“It’s about $95,000, which doesn’t include sta time,” Chandler said.
Chandler estimated that around 2018 or 2019, it cost roughly $8,000 to $9,000 less, explaining the budget has gone up due to increasing costs.
“It wasn’t that much less because we have really great relationships with our partners. We’ve been doing this for so long that we’re able to contain costs,” Chandler said. “We
are very responsible with how we spend the city’s money. It’s something that we really pride ourselves on.”
Jones said that in the city’s o ces, Fourth of July is known as “the biggest day of the year for the City of Lone Tree.”
“I think, from the residents’ perspective, the expectation for the Fourth of July has continued to be that it is a premier event,” Jones said. “And so, I think, when you talk about the expenditures, it’s because we’re delivering on a promise that we’ve made to our residents.”
Most of all, Chandler said she wanted people who attended any of the events to have fun with their family, friends and neighbors.
“One of the hallmarks of Lone Tree is community, and bringing people together as a community is incredibly important. It’s why people live here. It’s why people want to work here,” Chandler said. “ is is a way to bring everybody together.”
Several years ago, someone walking into Barbara Pontarelli’s home for the rst time may have gotten the feeling that they’d become a giant.
Hanging on the walls of her kitchen, small scenes exhibited the culinary décor of di erent eras. In one display box, tiny countertops of a retro 1950s kitchen popped with color. In another, little stainless steel appliances lled the space.
Miniature tables and chairs were laid out in parlor scenes in the house’s living room, and Pontarelli’s bathrooms were dentist-themed. Since her husband was a dentist, she honored his career with small recliners and minuscule toothbrushes on display.
“When I didn’t have enough space to display stu , I would empty closets,” said the Wheat Ridge resident, who now lives part-time in California.
Of the countless miniature scenes on display in her home, Pontarelli collected about a quarter of them.
e rest, she made herself.
“It’s, you know, how I express my artistic side,” she said. “I can’t explain the draw, but it’s de nitely a passion … I just nd this so satisfying — to produce something small to be as close as it can be to its full-size counterpart.”
Pontarelli is part of a passionate community of miniaturists, or people who enjoy the art, hobby or collection of miniature objects.
In the metro Denver area, it doesn’t take a magnifying glass to see that the miniaturist community is thriving — from meetup groups to classes, to a museum, the love of tiny things is big in the hearts of many.
A
Pontarelli is a board member at the institution at the epicenter of the Denver metro miniaturist community: the Denver Museum of Miniatures, Dolls and Toys. In addition to its miniature collection, the museum displays and teaches visitors about antique toys and special dolls from over the decades.
e museum recently moved to 830 Kipling St. in Lakewood after spending almost 40 years in Denver’s City Park West neighborhood.
In its new location, Executive Director Wendy Littlepage said the museum welcomes about 5,000 visitors per year,
“( e museum) is so many di erent things to di erent people,” she said. “We have people that come in that love just the exactitude of the small scale, and then we have people that love the
whimsy of the small scale. We have a lot of people that come for nostalgia … And then I think some people just like that it’s a bit of a mental break.”
One of her favorite things about miniatures is that they are for everyone. Some people come into the museum thinking that the collection, which includes several intricate dollhouses and other cases of miniature objects and artwork, is mainly for kids.
But the houses are full of detailed — and sometimes even functional — replicas of what one would see in a normal house, including cupboards, dressers, paintings, beds, sinks, animals and food.
Considering the familiarity and intricacies of the pieces, Littlepage said some of the collection’s biggest fans tend to be craftsmen.
“We had a nish carpenter come through, and he just said over and over, ‘ is is all insane! How did they get that nish?’” she said. “ ere’s one house where the plumbing is really exposed – and it’s not functional plumbing – but we had a plumber come through and he was just like, ‘ at’s what every house needs.’”
In one display case, tiny handmade food is almost microscopically detailed — including an orange that can be peeled to show the segments underneath and an onion with all of its layers. Other displays show miniature artwork by Indigenous artists that represent Indigenous homes.
For many miniature items, artists use the materials that the regular-sized objects would be made of, like wood and fabric. Paintings are painted, embroidered things are embroidered and knit clothing is knit with small thread.
But for other mini details, artists get more creative, using paper to make owers and polymer clay to construct food items.
While many miniatures are created by hobbyists and artisan creators, others are mass-produced. Just like with real furniture, Wendy said, collectors will determine which types to buy based on their speci c needs.
High-end artisan miniature pieces can sell for thousands of dollars, Littlepage said. e miniature art gallery in the museum was appraised at $18,000 about 15 years ago, so it’s likely worth even more now, she added.
Crafting classes
For those who like to make miniatures, there are clubs and classes to teach di erent skills. For a long time, Pontarelli was the president of one of these clubs, called Wee Wonders of Arvada.
e longstanding miniature group meets monthly at the museum to work on projects together or teach and learn new skills from each other, like how to make stained glass windows or create stucco.
“We have people at every level,” Pontarelli said. “I love getting together with these people and hearing what they’ve gured out and what they’re doing and always learning something new.”
In addition to crafting by hand, miniaturists also use new tools and technologies to create their artwork.
“I’ve noticed a change in the level of expertise over the years,” Pontarelli said. “Before, we used mini scroll saws and mini table saws and Dremel tools — we still use the Dremel quite a bit — but now that we can get laser-cut wood or 3D-printed items, it’s sort of changing the face of the miniature world.”
e museum also hosts classes for kids.
“ ere’s a whole in ux of young people into the hobby and for those of us who are in it, that’s kind of exciting, because, you know, we don’t want to
see it disappear,” Pontarelli said.
For her, miniatures are a great way for kids to explore their creativity.
“We’re just trying to nd any avenue to trigger their creativity, that’s really what it’s all about,” she said. “In this tech world, we need to foster any outside creativity activities that we can, because it’s really important that these kids exercise that part of their brain.”
To learn and wonder e dedication and ambition within the community of miniaturists is special, Littlepage said.
“My favorite thing about the miniature community is they’re such learners,” she said. “Like I have one of my volunteers who has been retired for a while … and she bought a laser cutter and has taught herself to program it.”
She said that problem-solving attitude, plus the childlike wonder of enjoying cute things, make miniaturists special.
Littlepage encouraged people to take a break from their busy lives to check out the museum, where tickets for adults are $5 and children and seniors are $4.
“It’s a great space because you have to slow down,” she said. “You come in fast, you miss a lot. So being able to come in, take a few breaths and just sort of nd the most ridiculous tiny thing you can nd.”
For those who have their interest piqued in the world of miniatures, Pontarelli said it’s never too late to start. Creating and collecting can be for anyone at any time and any age, she said.
And for those who don’t know where to begin, just remember — it’s OK to start small.
More than 2,000 lavender plants will perfume the air at Chat eld Farms’ Lavender Festival on July 15 and 16. is Littleton-area portion of the Denver Botanic Gardens is located at 8500 West Deer Creek Canyon Road. Admission is free for members and $10/$7 for nonmembers. Open 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., it also displays a large number of native plants. No pets allowed at this 700- acre native plant refuge. Children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult. botanicgardens.org, 720-865-3500.
Bemis family history
Maya Bemis DeBus, granddaughter of Ed Bemis, who was the Littleton Independent publisher and an active Littleton citizen, will make her annual visit to Littleton in August and will speak at Bemis Library, 6014 S. Datura St., in Littleton, at 3 p.m. on Aug. 3. Her subject: What about the Bemis women? Who were they and what did they do? She is the granddaughter of Katherine Prescott Bemis and great granddaughter of Lizbeth Granger Bemis. She will share family lore and artifacts. She has recently uncovered more information about her family’s history.
Vintage Theatre
Vintage eatre is staging “In the Heights” by Lin Manuel Miranda and Quiara Alegria Hudes through July
30. Vintage is at 1468 Dayton St., in Aurora. Directed by Jonathan Andujar. See vintagetheatre.org, 303-856-7830.
Curious Theatre
Curious eatre, 1080 Acoma St., Denver, announces its next season, with single tickets on sale after July 1. Jada Suzanne Dixon is now artistic director and Jeannene Bragg is managing director. “ e Minutes” by Tracy Letts will start the season on Sept. 9-Oct. 14. It’s described as “a hilarious Broadway hit featuring 11 Curious Artistic Company members.” Five more plays will follow under this new management. See curioustheatre.org, 303-623-0524.
Music and ice cream
e Highlands Ranch Concert Band and Swing Shift will perform at the
Highlands Ranch Ice Cream Social at 6 p.m. on Aug. 2 at Civic Green Park, 9370 Ridgeline Blvd. (Cash only.) Pre-packaged ice cream treats will be available for $2. Proceeds will bene t a local nonpro t. 303-791-0430.
Englewood Public Library
Englewood Public Library, in the Englewood Civic Center, 1000 Englewood Parkway, has a busy summer schedule planned: Legos on Friday afternoons at 2 p.m.; Monday movies in the children’s area; programs at 2 p.m. in the community room on level two: July 17, “Peanuts”; July 24, “Big Hero Six”; July 31, “Trolls.” ere is also a series of Stories in the Park — at di erent parks — see tinyurl.com/ englewoodlib.
Thu 7/20
Grays Peak Ages 12-13 - 2022
League Session #4 @ 3:30pm / $300
Jul 20th - Sep 1st
Elevation Volleyball Club, 12987 E Adam Aircraft Drive, Englewood. 720-524-4136
Blanca Peak Ages 14+ -2022
League Session #4 @ 3:30pm / $300
Jul 20th - Sep 1st
Elevation Volleyball Club, 12987 E Adam Aircraft Drive, Englewood. 720-524-4136
Olivia Harms: Wide Open Saloon @ 6pm Wide Open Saloon, 5607 US-85, Sedalia
Mark Masters Comedy: Comedy Night at Raccoon Creek Golf Club @ 5pm
Raccoon Creek Golf Course, 7301 W Bowles Ave, Littleton
Cory Michael @ 12pm Wide Open Saloon, 5607 US-85, Sedalia
Thu 7/27
Eric Golden @ 6pm
Discovery Park, 20115 Mainstreet, Parker
Fri 7/21
Little Feat @ 6pm Fiddlers Green Amphitheatre, 6350 Greenwood Plaza Blvd., En‐glewood
Sat 7/22
Alkaline Trio @ 12pm Fiddler's Green Amphitheatre, 6350 Greenwood Plaza Blvd, Greenwood Village
Rotating Tap Comedy @ Fiction Beer Company @ 7pm
Fiction Beer Company, 19523 Hess Rd. #103, Parker
Sun 7/23
Summer Salt @ 6pm Gothic Theatre, 3263 S Broadway, Englewood
Tony Goffredi: Tony G @ Exchange Coffee House @ 4pm
The Exchange Coffee House™, 1415 Westbridge Dr, Castle Pines
CHADZILLA MUSIC: Deborah Solo
Trio at the Belleview Beer Gargen @ 5pm
Belleview Beer Garden (BVBG), 6751 E Chenango Ave, Denver
The Inablers at The Alley @ 7pm The Alley, 2420 W Main St, Littleton
Buddy Mondlock @ 6pm
Pyne Backyard House Concerts, Centennial
Sean BE: Speaking Event @ 8am Praise Center Church, 3105 W Florida Ave, Denver
The Mike G Band @ 11am Takoda Tavern, 12311 Pine Bluffs Way # A, Parker
Addison Grace @ 7pm Gothic Theatre, 3263 S Broadway, Englewood
Mark your calendars — and check the Western Welcome Week Facebook and Instagram pages for late additions to the schedule as Littleton’s longstanding celebration of community returns for its 2023 run.
A crowd will gather at Sterne Park in Littleton on the evening of Aug. 11 for a concert and a new laser show from 5:30 to 10 p.m. Picnics are in order.
A new art show, “Home on the Range,” will be open at Town Hall’s Stanton Gallery from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Monday through Friday and on Parade Day, August 19. Art will be presented by the Littleton Fine Arts Guild, which will also present the annual “Best of Colorado” exhibit at the Depot Art Gallery, 2069 W. Powers Ave., Littleton.
On Aug. 12 the day will start with the 26th Gold Panning on the South Platte River, an event held at 9:30 a.m. at the Carson Nature Center at South Platte Park. e Littleton Elks will hold the Children’s Fishing Derby and in the evening from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m., Sterne Park will be the site for Little Jam- e Petty Nicks Experience. Again, picnics are a nice addition
for music lovers ...
On Aug. 13, the Annual Pancake Stampede 5K Fun Run and Walk starts at 8 a.m. at Hudson Gardens, 6115 S. Santa Fe Drive, Littleton. From 8 to 11 a.m., the 45th Pancake Breakfast will be held on the Geneva Lodge Lawn at the Littleton Center, which will also be near the location for the WWW Kids “Games of Old at Geneva Park” and the 27th Bruce Wolf Stick Horse Stampede at Geneva Park.
e Littleton Elks Lodge will be the site for the 14th Littleton Elks Car Show from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Aug. 12, while Mother Nature is in charge of a Perseids Meteor
Shower from 8 to 11:59 p.m., which can be viewed from Carson Nature Center’s Star Party on August 12. (It could run later — hard to be precise, but it should be beautiful!
On Aug. 15, from 6 to 7 p.m., Carson Nature Center in South Platte Park will be the place to enjoy HawkQuest’s 26th Family Night Out, with live hawks for an up-close and personal visit and some conversation about them by experts. A really special experience for budding nature lovers, as well as their parents! At RiverPointe Senior Living on the 15th, the 27th RiverPointe Swing Dance
will be held from 6 to 8:30 p.m. with Zing, the Great Big Band.
On Aug. 16, also at RiverPointe, Cycling Without Age Littleton-Rock and Roll Roundup will run from 4 to 8:30 p.m.
Aug. 17 will bring one of Historic Littleton Inc.’s Downtown Historic District Walking Tours at 5 to 6 p.m. (Meet at the old courthouse on Littleton Boulevard.)
August 18 is the opening of the Annual Quilt Show and used book sale at First Presbyterian Church of Littleton as well as the Elks Hometown Pig Roast and Dance at the Elks Lodge. Which brings us to Aug.
19, and the 94th Western Welcome Week Grand Parade from 10 to 11:30 a.m. and the 63rd Craft and Home Improvement Fair on Downtown Littleton’s Main Street and adjoining streets. A Day at the Elks Lodge is also included from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. and from noon to 4 p.m., e Honor Bell, a resounding tribute for Colorado’s heroes will be held downtown.
Sunday, Aug. 20, from noon to 2:30, will nd families cheering on rubber duckies along Little’s Creek, starting at the War Memorial Rose Garden (which is a mass of color and looking beautiful right now!).
Brandi Bradley spawns hatred
State Rep. Brandi Bradley chose to post a meme depicting the American flag stating, “This is my pride flag.” In her Facebook post she states, “Our veterans and our military DESERVE a month of celebration, not naked grown men grooming our children.” Also, accompanied is a link to IG video of Matthewdarkshow. Posted on the 3rd. She states that she treats all with respect.
I take opposition to the post by a state representative for a day of celebration when the country should be coming together and not be further divided. I also do not find this to be respectful to anyone. I am a married father of five who formerly served in the Naval branch of our military and I happen to be gay. Why can’t I be proud of all aspects of my life without being labeled a “groomer” let alone visualized by others as a “naked grown man”?
Am I not a welcomed member in her society? Am I not welcomed because of the branch I served in, the family I am raising, or the man that I love and have spent the last 22 years with and have married?
I can’t look at her “pride flag” without feeling hated. Should our government officials not be held to a higher standard of conduct and trying to build our community as opposed to dividing it?
What is the goal of Republican Rep. Brandi Bradley? She states in addressing as comment, that she was elected to protect and fight for her religious beliefs and that being
gay is sin.
Response to column
Chad Cox Castle Rock
I am an avid reader of your editorial pieces and this one caused me pause. I can imagine if you have a safe, loving home in which your child is free to be who they are and discover themselves without judgment, I can understand the “keeping parents in the loop”. For many of our youth, home isn’t a safe space. We know the data on suicide amongst our LGBTQ+ youth and how they are some of the most at risk of ending their lives. Is this forced “outing”; 1. Necessary and 2. Best for our youth? Sometimes we look at policies through our own lens and forget that there are other lenses out there and protecting our most marginalized students is the best way forward.
What I believe would be a better approach is for our school mental health professionals to be working with these youth in telling their parents if it’s safe to do so. We have professionals in the building that could help facilitate these conversations between parents and students so that the best outcomes for our students are put first. There are experts in this field to lean on, best practices for safe adults to be helpful without “outing”.
Especially in middle and high school, our children are working on being independent and handling the consequences of their decisions, and as adults, it sure would be nice if we could embrace their choices and help facilitate positive adult and family interactions versus creating a power struggle between everyone. With two kids through high school and one in high school, nothing matters to
me more than their safety, so if I don’t know something until a later date, but my not knowing kept my child safe, I welcome it. Mental health struggles in our youth are real and I think most parents underestimate its toll. I do trust the adults in my child’s school, but I also work my tail off to stay involved in their school so that I can then extend my trust.
Julie Gooden Douglas County School DistrictOverlooking students without a supportive environment
I wanted to reach out regarding your “From the Editor; Staying in the Loop.” Although I believe your words come from a place of love and concern, I also believe that you are overlooking those students who do not have a supportive and loving environment at home.
For those students, school may be their only safe space as they try to navigate what must be confusing, especially when there is so much negative noise directed at the LGBTQ+ community. Imagine if you were a child in a very conservative family, or a family whose religion doesn’t acknowledge same-sex relationships, let alone the fact that there are some people who don’t feel comfortable in their own skin and yearn to physically become a gender other than the one they were assigned at birth. You’re told it’s unnatural, a sin, or that there is something wrong with you.
With this new policy, those kids will not be able to find refuge or support while at school. That is heartbreaking to me.
Juli Watkins Castle Rock resident and parent
Museum of Outdoor Arts
e Museum of Outdoor Arts, which has moved to Marjorie Park and Fiddler’s Green, has a group of new murals to show o . Free entry to Marjorie Park on the ird Monday of the month, through October. MOA members are admitted free and tickets for non-mem-
bers cost $10; $5 for ages 5 to 20. SCFD free days will not take place if there is a Fiddler’s Green concert scheduled. Marjorie Park is at 6331 S. Fiddler’s Green Circle in Greenwood Village.
Parade of Homes
e Denver 2023 Parade of Homes, presented by Aurora Highlands Aug. 10-27, will showcase two communities, more than 50 homes throughout metro Denver on ursdays to Sundays. More information soon.
Rock, Mulch, Retaining Walls, Sprinklers, Sprinkler Repair, Flagstone, Fence Repair, Power Rake, Fertilize, Aeration, Yard Clean-Ups, Shrub
Software Application Developer
Product 4, The Boeing Company, Englewood, CO: Research, design, and develop computer and network software or specialized utility programs. Telecommuting permitted up to 50%. International travel required up to 10%; Domestic travel required up to 10%. Salary $140,000.00 per year. For complete job description, list of requirements, and to apply online, visit jobs. boeing.com and search Job ID # 00000382285.
Educational Audiologist
East Central BOCES is looking for a part-time Educational Audiologist for the 2023-24 school year
• CDE Special Services and Colorado Audiologist licensure required; CCC’s or AAA certificate; knowledge of current technologies in Audiology including HAT systems and cochlear implants preferred.
• Experience with children 0-21 preferred.
• Complete evaluations, provide direct services, and consultation services, manage hearing equipment and oversee hearing screening program.
• Benefits include: a signing bonus, mileage reimbursement
• Flexible scheduling with some opportunity to work from home.
• May be eligible for a loan forgiveness program.
• Ph.D. Salary $51,450-$60,550.
• For Questions, please contact Tracy at tracyg@ecboces.org or 719-775-2342 ext. 101.
• To apply for this position, please visit our website ecboces.org and click on the “Jobs” page, click on the job you are interested in & then click on the grey button “Apply Online”, located at the bottom of the job listing. EOE
Early Childhood Special Education Teacher
Early Childhood Special Education Teacher Opening for Maternity Leave Coverage -
Full/Part-Time opening located in the Limon and surrounding schools.
Starting August 7th and ending November 10th. The salary range
$13,530 to $16,302 for 62 days of work dependent on experience. Itinerant position working in the preschool setting providing direct and indirect services to students.
CDE Licensed ECSE preferred but may accept CDE substitute license. Mileage is reimbursed. Questions contact Tracy at (719) 775-2342, ext. 101 or email tracyg@ecboces.org.
To apply for this position, please visit our website ecboces.org and click on the “Jobs” page, click on the job you are interested in & then click on the grey button “Apply Online”, located at the bottom of the job listing. EOE
Speech Language Aide and/or Occupational Therapy Aides
East Central BOCES is seeking a Speech Language Aide and/or Occupational Therapy Aides for the 2023-24 School Year!
Duties include picking up students from class, monitoring students during virtual instruction, and returning them to class. Training will be provided. The salary range is $15 - $18 per hour, depending on experience. 32 hours per week. Mileage reimbursed for travel between schools. Location of schools TBA. Questions, please contact Tracy at 719-775-2342 ext. 101 or tracyg@ecboces.org. To apply for this position, please visit our website ecboces.org and click on the “Jobs” page, click on the job you are interested in & then click on the grey button “Apply Online”, located at the bottom of the job listing. EOE LEGITIMATE
Market Place
Misc. Notices
WIDOWED MEN AND WOMEN OF AMERICA.
A social club offering many exciting activities and life long friendships. Social hours for all areas of Metro Denver. Visit Widowedamerica.org for details In your area!
Garage and Estate Sales
Garage Sales
50+ HOMES
SOUTHGLENN & SOUTHWIND NEIGHBORHOODS
Fri & Sat, July 14 & 15
E Arapahoe Rd & S Clarkson St
Maps Available!
Merchandise
Antiques & Collectibles
Free Stuff
FREE 38 x 38” mesh top (rain can drip thru), gray metal umbrella table. Will include slightly faded terra cotta colored umbrella and two chairs. If interested please call 303-979-9534
Health & Beauty
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Miscellaneous
Prepare for power outages today with a GENERAC home standby generator $0 Down + Low Monthly Pmt Request a free Quote. Call before the next power outage: 1-855-948-6176
Old Crows Antiques featuring The Root Beer Bar
An Antique destination in Littleton Colorado
Join us on Memory Lane.
Something for everyone.
Visit us for store info Instagram: @oldcrowsantiques www.facebook.com/ oldcrowsantiques www.oldcrows antiques.com 303-973-8648
Firewood
Split & Delivered $450 a cord Stacking $50 Call 303-647-2475 or 720-323-2173
Diagnosed with lung cancer & 65+?
You may qualify for a substantial cash award. No obligation! We’ve recovered millions. Let us help! Call 24/7 1-877-707-5707
!!OLD GUITARS WANTED!!
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Miscellaneous
Scrap Metal, Batteries, Appliances, Wiring, Scrap Plumbing/Heating, Cars/Parts, Clean out Garages/Yards, Rake, Yard work done w/chainsaw, Certified Auto Mechanical / Body Work & paint available Also can do inside or outside cleaning 303-647-2475 / 720-323-2173
Donate Your Car to Veterans Today! Help and Support our Veterans. Fast - FREE pick up. 100% tax deductible. Call 1-800245-0398
BATH & SHOWER UPDATES in as little as ONE DAY! Affordable prices - No payments for 18 months!
Lifetime warranty & professional installs. Senior & Military Discounts available. Call: 855-761-1725
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Cell:
To Whom It May Concern: On 4/25/2023 7:29:00
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: Jason Stobart
Original Beneficiary: FirstBank
Current Holder of Evidence of Debt: FirstBank
Date of Deed of Trust (DOT): 8/22/2019
Recording Date of DOT: 8/29/2019
Reception No. of DOT: 2019054324
DOT Recorded in Douglas County.
Original Principal Amount of Evidence of Debt: $35,000.00
Outstanding Principal Amount as of the date hereof: $34,989.30
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 by the Deed of Trust and related loan documents
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 51, Block 3, Highlands Ranch Filing No. 14, County of Douglas, State of Colorado.
Which has the address of: 1077 Appleblossom Dr, Highlands Ranch, CO 80126
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, August 16, 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: 6/22/2023
Last Publication: 7/20/2023
Publisher: Douglas County News Press
Dated: 4/25/2023
DAVID GILL
DOUGLAS COUNTY Public Trustee
The name, address and telephone numbers of the attorney(s) representing the legal holder of the indebtedness is:
TREVOR G. BARTEL
Colorado Registration #: 40449 1601 19TH STREET, SUITE 1000, DENVER, COLORADO 80202
Phone #: (303) 623-9000
Fax #: Attorney File #: 307913-00049
*YOU MAY TRACK FORECLOSURE SALE
DATES on the Public Trustee website: https:// www.douglas.co.us/public-trustee/
Legal Notice No. 2023-0076
First Publication: 6/22/2023
Last Publication: 7/20/2023
Douglas County News Press
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 332, HIGHLANDS RANCH, FILING 122-G, COUNTY OF DOUGLAS, STATE OF COLORADO.
Which has the address of: 10394 Ravenswood Lane, 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, August 9, 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: 6/15/2023
Last Publication: 7/13/2023
Publisher: Douglas County News Press
Dated: 4/19/2023
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-23-955681-LL
*YOU MAY TRACK FORECLOSURE SALE DATES on the Public Trustee website: https:// www.douglas.co.us/public-trustee/
Original Grantor: Brian C. Reseigh and Rebecca M. Reseigh
Original Beneficiary: Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems, Inc., as Beneficiary, as nominee for Paramount Residential Mortgage Group, Inc., its successors and assigns
Current Holder of Evidence of Debt: Bell Bank
Date of Deed of Trust (DOT): 12/2/2020
Recording Date of DOT: 12/7/2020
Reception No. of DOT: 2020119935
DOT Recorded in Douglas County.
Original Principal Amount of Evidence of Debt:
$417,000.00
Outstanding Principal Amount as of the date hereof: $377,290.19
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.
ORDINANCE
Legal Description of Real Property:
LOT 165, HIGHLANDS RANCH FILING NO. 120-C, COUNTY OF DOUGLAS, STATE OF COLORADO.
Which has the address of: 10004 Heywood 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, September 6, 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: 7/13/2023
Last Publication: 8/10/2023
Publisher: Douglas County News Press
Dated: 5/15/2023 DAVID GILL DOUGLAS COUNTY Public Trustee
The name, address and telephone numbers of the attorney(s) representing the legal holder of the indebtedness is:
AMANDA FERGUSON Colorado Registration #: 44893 355 UNION BLVD SUITE 250, LAKEWOOD, COLORADO 80228 Phone #: (303) 274-0155
Fax #: Attorney File #: CO21661
*YOU MAY TRACK FORECLOSURE SALE
DATES on the Public Trustee website: https:// www.douglas.co.us/public-trustee/
Legal Notice No. 2023-0089
First Publication: 7/13/2023
Last Publication: 8/10/2023
Publisher: Douglas County News Press PUBLIC NOTICE
Littleton NOTICE OF SALE Public Trustee Sale No. 2023-0088
To Whom It May Concern: On 5/12/2023 9:49:00
AM the undersigned
Original Principal Amount of Evidence of Debt:
$652,500.00
Outstanding Principal Amount as of the date hereof: $616,487.12
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 378, STERLING RANCH FILING NO. 1, County of Douglas, State of Colorado. Which has the address of: 8200 Superior Cir, 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, September 6, 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: 7/13/2023
Last Publication: 8/10/2023
Publisher: Douglas County News Press
Dated: 5/12/2023
DAVID GILL
DOUGLAS COUNTY Public Trustee
The name, address and telephone numbers of the attorney(s) representing the legal holder of the indebtedness is:
AMANDA FERGUSON
Colorado Registration #: 44893 355 UNION BLVD SUITE 250, LAKEWOOD, COLORADO 80228 Phone #: (303) 274-0155
Fax #: Attorney File #: CO21704
*YOU MAY TRACK FORECLOSURE SALE
DATES on the Public Trustee website: https:// www.douglas.co.us/public-trustee/
Legal Notice No. 2023-0088
First Publication: 7/13/2023
Last Publication: 8/10/2023
Publisher: Douglas County News Press
PUBLIC NOTICE
Littleton NOTICE OF SALE Public Trustee Sale No. 2023-0067
To Whom It May Concern: On 4/10/2023 11:32:00
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: RONALD LEE DOOLEY
AND JULIA DIANNE DOOLEY
Original Beneficiary: MORTGAGE ELECTRONIC REGISTRATION SYSTEMS, INC. AS NOMINEE FOR HOMEAMERICAN MORTGAGE CORPORATION, ITS SUCCESSORS AND ASSIGNS
Current Holder of Evidence of Debt: CARRINGTON MORTGAGE SERVICES, LLC
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 70, STERLING RANCH FILING NO. 4A, COUNTY OF DOUGLAS, STATE OF COLORADO, ACCORDING TO THE PLAT RECORDED OCTOBER 24, 2018 UNDER RECEPTION NO. 2018064726
Which has the address of: 8041 Adams Fork Avenue, Littleton, CO 80125
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, August 9, 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: 6/15/2023
Last Publication: 7/13/2023
Publisher: Douglas County News Press
Dated: 4/10/2023
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 #: (303) 706-9990
Fax #: (303) 706-9994
Attorney File #: 23-029580
*YOU MAY TRACK FORECLOSURE SALE DATES on the Public Trustee website: https:// www.douglas.co.us/public-trustee/
Legal Notice No. 2023-0067
First Publication: 6/15/2023
Last Publication: 7/13/2023
Publisher: Douglas County News Press City and County
PUBLIC NOTICE
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the following ordinance was adopted on the second and final reading at a regular public hearing of the Board of County Commissioners of the County of Douglas on June 27, 2023:
ORDINANCE NO. O-023-002
THE BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS OF THE COUNTY OF DOUGLAS, COLORADO
AN ORDINANCE FOR SAFE USE OF PUBLIC PROPERTY TO LIMIT PUBLIC CAMPING AND PROHIBIT TEMPORARY STRUCTURES ON PUBLIC PROPERTY WITHIN THE UNINCORPORATED PORTIONS OF DOUGLAS COUNTY, COLORADO
/s/ Roberta Nelson
Roberta Nelson, Deputy Clerk and Recorder
Legal Notice No. 945680
First Publication: July 13, 2023
Last Publication: July 13, 2023
Publisher: Douglas County News-Press
But if you do use reworks, here are some safety tips from the sheri ’s o ce and South Metro Fire:
• Never allow children to play with or ignite reworks.
• Always check with your city and/
or county to ensure what types of reworks are permitted and when and where they can be used.
• Never use reworks under or near any combustible materials such as trees, fences and dry grasses. Make sure they’re directed away from homes and anything potentially ammable.
• Make sure to use reworks on a at, stable surface on the ground to avoid them tipping over when lit.
Public Notice
PUBLIC INVITATION TO BID
Separate sealed bids for 2023 Gravel Road Chip Seal Pilot Project, Douglas County Project Number CI 2023-020, will be received by the Owner, Douglas County Government, Department of Public Works Engineering, Philip S. Miller Building, 100 Third Street, Suite 220, Castle Rock, CO 80104, until Tuesday, August 8, 2023, at 3:00 p.m. This project consists of the placement of approximately 74,688 square yards of double chip seal over existing gravel roads within the Black Forest Estates and Ponderosa East subdivisions of northeastern Douglas County. This process will create a hard travel surface that will assist with dust suppression and minimize road maintenance activities prior to the implementation of a future planned asphalt overlay project.
The Contract Documents will be available after 10:00 a.m. on Monday, July 17, 2023, through Rocky Mountain E-Purchasing System Website (www.rockymountainbidsystem.com) or they may be obtained at the above address. Electronic versions of the Plans obtained by any other means than as described above may not be complete or accurate, and it is the Bidder’s responsibility to obtain a complete set of the Project Plans and Specifications. Douglas County will not be held responsible for misinformation received from private plan rooms.
A PRE-BID CONFERENCE will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday, July 25, 2023, at the Department of Public Works Engineering, Philip S. Miller Building, 100 Third Street, Suite 220, Castle Rock, CO 80104. All questions are due to Brian Schultz, Project Manager by 12:00 p.m. on Tuesday, August 1, 2023. The Bid Opening will be conducted at 3:00 p.m. on Tuesday, August 8, 2023, at the same address.
The Project includes the following major items and approximate quantities:
• 74,688 square yards of cover coat material (3/4” chip seal)
74,688 square yards of cover coat material (3/8” chip seal)
• 80,667 gallons of emulsified asphalt (chip seal)
• 11,318 gallons of emulsified asphalt (fog seal)
Prior to submitting a Bid Proposal, Bidders shall have received prequalification status (active status) with the Colorado Department of Transportation to bid on individual projects of the size and kind of work as set forth herein.
Any questions on the bidding process shall be directed to Brian Schultz, Project Manager at
• Always keep a hose and a re extinguisher nearby, and never try to relight or pick up a rework if it doesn’t light the rst time.
• Light reworks one at a time, then move back fast.
• Do not point or throw reworks at anyone.
Here are some tips on how to safely dispose of reworks:
• Soak them in a non-combustible container full of water overnight.
Place the container of water and used reworks on a cement or rock surface away from anything that can burn.
• Once the reworks have been submerged overnight and are fully soaked, dump all the contents into “double trash bags” for disposal in the garbage.
South Metro Fire Rescue covers many cities, towns and unincorporated portions of Arapahoe, Je erson, and Douglas counties.
303.660.7490.
Plan holder information, can be found on the Rocky Mountain E-Purchasing System Website.
Legal Notice No. 945671
First Publication: July 13, 2023
Second Publication: July 13, 2023
Publisher: Douglas County News Press
Account Number: 2734
Public Notice
REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL (RFP) #026-23
MULTI-FUNCTIONAL COPIERS and COPIER MAINTENANCE
The Purchasing Division in cooperation with all Departments and Offices of Douglas County Government, hereinafter referred to as the County, respectfully requests proposals from responsible authorized distributors with highly-qualified, factory-trained service technicians and equipment trainers for a lease plus cost-per-copy (one amount for all black & white copies and a second amount for all color copies) for approximately onehundred and ten (110) multi-functional devices (MFD) to replace the machines that are currently in place. The number of MFD’s may increase or decrease based upon final selections.
The award of this RFP will be implemented in two phases. Phase I is for approximately eight-seven (87) multi-functional devices located in a variety of county-wide buildings; the current lease agreement for these machines will expire on 12/31/23. Phase II is for approximately twenty-three (23) multi-functional devices that are located at several Sheriff’s Office locations; the current lease agreement for these machines will expire on 5/31/24.
The RFP documents may be reviewed and/or printed from the Rocky Mountain E-Purchasing System website at www.rockymountainbidsystem.com.
RFP documents are not available for purchase from Douglas County Government and can only be accessed from the above-mentioned website. While the RFP documents are available electronically, Douglas County cannot accept electronic proposal responses.
RFP responses will be received until 3:00 p.m. on Monday, August 7, 2023 by Douglas County Government, Finance Department, Purchasing Division, 100 Third Street, Suite 130, Castle Rock, Colorado 80104. Two (2) copies of your proposal response must be submitted in a sealed envelope, plainly marked “Request for Proposal (RFP) #02623, Copiers and Copier Maintenance”. Proposal responses will not be considered which are received after the time stated and any proposals so received will be returned unopened.
Douglas County Government reserves the right to reject any and all proposals, to waive formalities, informalities, or irregularities contained in a said proposal 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 vendor.
Please direct any questions concerning this RFP to Carolyn Riggs, Purchasing Supervisor, 303-660-7434, criggs@douglas.co.us, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, excluding holidays.
Legal Notice No. 945691
First Publication: July 13, 2023
Last Publication: July 13, 2023
Publisher: Douglas County News-Press
Public Notice
REQUEST FOR QUALIFICATIONS (RFQ) #029-23
HUMAN SERVICES CLIENT and STAFF
GOODS and SERVICES
The Department of Human Services of Douglas County Government, hereinafter referred to as the County, respectfully requests responses from responsible and highly-qualified individuals/ companies for various goods and services for Human Services clients and staff.
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 #029-23, Human Services Client and Staff Goods and Services” 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 Friday, August 11, 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. 945695
First Publication: July 13, 2023
Last Publication: July 13, 2023
Publisher: Douglas County News-Press
Public Notice
REQUEST FOR QUALIFICATIONS (RFQ)
#027-23
OPEN SPACE and NATURAL RESOURCES FOREST MANAGEMENT and WILDFIRE MITIGATION
The Department of Open Space and Natural Resources of Douglas County Government, hereinafter referred to as the County, respectfully requests qualifications and pricing from responsible and highly-qualified contractors for the provision of Forest Management and Wildfire Mitigation, as specified.
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 #027-23, Forest Management and Wildfire Mitigation” 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 Monday, July 31, 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. 945693
First Publication: July 13, 2023
Last Publication: July 13, 2023
Publisher: Douglas County News-Press
Douglas County, Colorado (“County”) is seeking responses from responsible and highly-qualified companies/organizations (“Respondent”) that have an interest in partnering with the County to provide the clinical services for the county’s co-responder program called the Community Response Team (CRT) program. Douglas County’s leadership is strongly supportive of collaborating with a private provider to assure the smooth transition of the CRT program. There are nine CRT teams covering all the law enforcement jurisdictions in Douglas County. Two of the teams are Youth-CRTs responding to schools in Douglas County. The remaining teams are community based providing seven day a week coverage. The private provider would provide nine (9) clinicians, seven (7) resource specialists (case managers), one (1) Resource Specialist Supervisor, and two (2) working clinical supervisors that also serve on CRT teams or one clinical supervisor. Administrative and operational support and clinical oversight are also a part of the CRT program structure. The RFEI document may be reviewed and/or printed from the Rocky Mountain E-Purchasing System website at www.rockymountainbidsystem.com. While the RFEI document is available electronically, Douglas County cannot accept electronic RFEI responses.
Please submit two (2) original paper copies (no less than 11-point font) and one (1) identical version of the paper copies on a new flash drive (not password protected) of your RFEI response in a sealed envelope that is clearly marked with the information described above. Electronic and/or faxed responses will not be accepted. RFEI responses will be received until 4:00pm on Thursday, August 10, 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, and any responses so received will be returned unopened.
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.
Please direct any questions concerning this RFEI to Carolyn Riggs, Purchasing Supervisor, 303-660-7434, criggs@douglas.co.us, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, excluding holidays.
Legal Notice No. 945694
First Publication: July 13, 2023
Last Publication: July 13, 2023
Publisher: Douglas County News-Press
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