Lone Tree Voice 072723

Douglas County short-term rental rules make for patchwork map

BY ELLIS ARNOLD EARNOLD@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM

Douglas County o cials heard opposition to short-term rentals in recent months, and some area residents may feel concerned about the county’s decision to explicitly allow the rentals in certain parts of Douglas.

But a close look at the county’s policy shows that there are large stretches of the county where short-term rentals — short stays at a property booked through sites like Airbnb or Vrbo — aren’t allowed.

Police department open house aims to build community connection

BY TAYLER SHAW TSHAW@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM

Fostering connections and building trust were goals for law enforcement representatives and community members alike at the Lone Tree Police Department Open House.

Held at the Lone Tree Arts Center July 22, the open house featured a variety of booths and attractions for families to enjoy, such as a Ninja Nation obstacle course and tours of a police mobile command vehicle.

As Lone Tree resident Amy Dodds stood in line for face painting with her four children, she re ected on why she thinks law enforcement open houses are important.

“Having kids, I just think they’re important so that they get to talk to them and know that they’re there to keep them safe. ey’re not scary,” Dodds said. “I want them all to feel safe going to them if they ever need anything.”

A variety of agencies who serve the Lone Tree community were at the event, including members of

the Lone Tree Police Department, South Metro Fire Rescue and the Douglas County Sheri ’s O ce.  Lucero Cuevas, a volunteer with the Lone Tree Police Department, stood at one of the many booths attendees could visit. For her, the highlight of the day was connecting with kids, getting to see their curiosity and hear their laughter.

“I think it’s just a good way to connect with the community,” she said about the open house.

e county’s new ordinance, approved at the July 11 county commissioners meeting, requires property owners to apply for licenses to operate homes as short-term rental properties.

e ordinance de nes a short-term rental as lasting less than 30 consecutive days. It applies to unincorporated parts of Douglas County — areas outside of municipalities.

Under the new law, the moderately populated unincorporated areas where short-term rentals are allowed include Franktown, Louviers, Sedalia, areas west of Larkspur, areas generally east of Parker and some others, aside from areas known as planned developments.

Short-term rentals are also allowed in other small residential pockets of the county, such as Westcreek in far southwest Douglas County.

It all adds up to a patchwork of areas where the rentals can operate, especially with municipalities taken into account. Cities and towns in Douglas County have their own di ering rules.

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Community members got the chance to meet law enforcement o cers who serve the Lone Tree community during the July 22 open house.

PHOTO BY TAYLER SHAW

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POLICE

Cuevas, who lived in Lone Tree for about 21 years before moving to Parker, said she became a volunteer with the police department about four years ago because she wants to go into law enforcement

“Growing up, I’ve always just wanted to help out and give back to the community,” she said. “Making that impact in someone’s life, especially when they’re most needed.”

Residents interested in learning more about the Lone Tree Police Department can nd information at bit.ly/ltpd. Community members can also contact the department’s Community Partnership Unit by calling (303) 805-3342 or emailing cpu@cityo onetree.com.  Applications are currently open for the Lone Tree Police Department Citizens Police Academy, which is an educational program that gives participants a behind-the-scenes look into police work, per the city’s website. To learn more and apply for the academy, which runs from September through November, visit bit.ly/ ltpdapp.

A Ninja Nation obstacle course was one of the main attractions at the Lone Tree Police Department Open House on July 22.

PHOTOS BY TAYLER SHAW

Community members and first responders gathered at the Lone Tree Arts Center on July 22 for the Lone Tree Police Department Open House.

Lone Tree resident Amy Dodds brought her four children — Molly, Ellie, Lucy and Jimmy — to the Lone Tree Arts Center on July 22 for the Lone Tree Police Department Open House.

Lucero Cuevas, a volunteer with the Lone Tree Police Department, smiles while at the July 22 Lone Tree Police Department Open House.

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Lone Tree to pay for school resource o cers ahead of new school

BY TAYLER SHAW TSHAW@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM

With the upcoming opening of a new school campus in Lone Tree, the city has agreed to help pay for school resource o cers.

e Douglas County School District Legacy Campus is set to open this school year at 10035 S. Peoria St. e campus will o er career and technical education programming — such as architectural engineering, advanced robotics, aviation and nursing — to high school juniors and seniors across the school district, according to the Douglas County School District.

e school district requested that Lone Tree provide a full-time school resource o cer for the Legacy Campus, according to a city sta report.  e district also reportedly asked that the city have another full-time school resource o cer who will provide services for the other three schools in the city — Eagle Ridge Elementary, Lone Tree Elementary and the alternative high school Eagle Academy.

e Lone Tree Police Department traditionally provided a part-time “school marshal” for the two elementary schools in the city for about two hours a day in each school, per the report. ese duties were shared between multiple Lone Tree Police

Department Community Partnership Unit o cers.

Lone Tree City Council members unanimously agreed July 18 to the new arrangement, which includes splitting the salary cost for two school resource o cers with the school district, amounting to the city paying $136,500.

e agreement called for the city to provide two full-time police ofcers to function as school resource o cers, with one o cer stationed at the Legacy Campus and the other o cer alternating between the other schools, according to the sta report.

However, Lone Tree Chief of Police

Kirk Wilson said the police department will have to sort out how it will cover the elementary schools and the alternative high school, given that Eagle Academy starts its classes in the afternoon rather than in the morning.

“ ere’s gonna be multiple people, probably, involved in trying to cover Eagle Ridge and Eagle Academy,” he said, explaining that several o cers may work to ful ll the role of the second school resource o cer position.

According to the presentation Wilson gave to the council, O cer Mark Pane will be assigned to the Legacy Campus, making him the Lone Tree

Police Department’s rst full-time school resource o cer.

Mayor Jackie Millet took a moment to thank Wilson for his work on the agreement with the school district.

“I know this was a long negotiation and I very much appreciate you sticking with it and making sure that we got … adequate coverage for all of the schools,” Millet said. “ ank you for advocating.”

Residents who are interested in learning more about the Legacy Campus can attend an open house on Aug. 8 between 1-3 p.m. at 10035 S. Peoria St. as well as visit legacycampus.org.

DIVERSIFY RETIREMENT STRATEGIES

The Douglas County School District will move forward with the equity policy.

Castle Rock man facing terrorism charge

18-year-old allegedly tried to join ISIS

BY MCKENNA HARFORD MHARFORD@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM

e FBI arrested a Castle Rock man at Denver International Airport on July 14 for allegedly attempting to join the Islamic State group, also known as ISIS, an Islamic militant organization.

Davin Daniel Meyer, 18, is charged with attempting to provide material support to a designated foreign terrorist organization, according to the US Attorney’s O ce for the District of Colorado. He appeared in federal court on July 17.

e U.S. Attorney’s O ce said Meyer pledged an oath of allegiance to the Islamic State group and planned to travel to Iraq to ght for them.

Law enforcement began investigating Meyer when a person who knows him reported him to the Douglas County Sheri ’s O ce in June 2022 over concerns with Meyer’s extremism and interest in violence.

According to Meyer’s a davit, the individual told police that Meyer had previously followed white supremacist ideology but began practicing Islam in October 2020. Meyer allegedly told the individual that he planned to go to Syria and become a martyr.

Meyer also allegedly threatened to build a bomb and kill people in America. Meyer’s a davit says he is diagnosed with multiple mental health conditions and had received residential treatment, but did not

take medication because of his religious beliefs.

Sta at the residential treatment center reported Meyer said bigoted things about people of color, women and Jews.

Meyer reportedly did not go to his local mosque because it wasn’t radical enough and allowed women to attend.

In November 2022, FBI agents posed as Islamic State facilitators and began communicating online with Meyer. Meyer told the agents that he planned to save money to travel to Iraq and become a ghter for the Islamic State. He also sent them a video of him swearing an oath of allegiance to the Islamic State’s leader.

Meyer met with an undercover FBI agent in person three times between November 2022 and June 2023 and discussed his plan each time.

In June, Meyer had gotten a passport and bought plane tickets to y from Denver to Munich, Germany and then to Ankara, Turkey, where he believed he would meet up with members of the Islamic State and travel with them to Iraq.

On July 14, Meyer arrived at the Denver International Airport for his ight to Munich and was arrested by FBI agents on the jet bridge before boarding the plane.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Melissa Hindman of the District of Colorado is prosecuting on behalf of the government with the assistance of Jennifer Levy of the Department of Justice National Security Division’s Counterterrorism Section.

e case is being investigated by the FBI Denver Field O ce with assistance provided by the Douglas County Sheri ’s O ce.

Is yard work on your to-do list?

After all the rain, warmer weather is here, and you can drop off any tree limbs, shrubs or brush that you need to dispose of for free every Saturday through October at Douglas County’s Slash-Mulch site. For more information, visit douglas.co.us and search for Slash Mulch.

Older Adults: Tell us what you need

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

CSU Extension is helping Douglas County residents learn to grow vegetable gardens while planting extra to share with local food banks and community members in need. Longtime gardeners or first-time planters can get

The FBI arrested Davin Daniel Meyer, 18, at Denver International Airport on July 14 for allegedly attempting to join the Islamic State group, also known as ISIS, an Islamic militant organization. COURTESY OF US ATTORNEY’S OFFICE FOR THE DISTRICT OF COLORADO

Multiple vehicles stolen in Lone Tree, two juveniles arrested

BY TAYLER SHAW TSHAW@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM

Due to a series of thefts in Lone Tree, police are urging residents to remember to remove valuables from their vehicles and to lock their vehicles, garages and homes.

Four vehicles were stolen in Lone Tree from July 19 through July 21, and police believe the same group of suspects is involved in each of these thefts, the city announced Friday.

“At this point, we believe that it’s the same group behind all of those thefts here in Lone Tree,” said Lone Tree Public Information O cer Nate Jones. “We do believe there may be more suspects out there. At this point, we’ve … arrested two, and both are juveniles.”

e Lone Tree Police Department said in a July 21 news release that a group of suspects “targeted unlocked vehicles and garages, committing o enses ranging from vehicle theft to credit card fraud and other unlawful activities.”

Jones said he does not know how many people are believed to be in the group.

According to the news release, one of the key incidents was on July 19, when suspects allegedly stole a 2021 Toyota RAV4 from a residential garage in Lone Tree.

e following day, July 20, the “same suspects returned” and allegedly stole a 2017 Honda Accord, per the release.

Jones said he did not have information on whether the Honda Accord was stolen from the same garage as the Toyota RAV4 or from another location.

“Later, they visited a local convenience store with both stolen vehicles and stole various items, primarily vape products,” the police department said in the release.

“ e next night, o cers spotted the

vehicle in the area but managed to evade law enforcement at high speeds.”

Jones said Lone Tree o cers tried to pursue the suspects but were not able to get to the vehicle.

e police department said the Toyota RAV4 resurfaced in Lone Tree on July 21. It was found abandoned in Lone Tree after reportedly “being involved in a motor vehicle crash,” per the release. Further details on the crash were not included in the statement.

According to the release, suspects stole two additional vehicles — a 2022 Mercedes Benz GLE and a 2020 BMW X5. e news release did not include speci c details about how these vehicles were stolen.

“ e stolen Mercedes Benz was located in Denver, thanks to the efforts of detectives from the Douglas County Regional IMPACT Team,”

police said in the release.

e IMPACT team is a regional team made up of detectives from Douglas County, Lone Tree, Castle Rock and Parker, according to the Douglas County Sheri ’s O ce.

e police department said in the news release that the owners of the stolen BMW tracked the vehicle using a phone and provided information to Lone Tree o cers.

“ is led to the safe apprehension of two male juvenile suspects by the Denver Police Department and Colorado State Patrol,” said the release, adding that no further identifying information about the suspects would be released at this time.

A loaded handgun was allegedly recovered from the vehicle.

“I don’t believe, at this time, we have recovered the Honda Accord,” Jones said.

Jones said the police depart-

ment is asking residents to be more vigilant in locking up their front doors and the access points to their homes as well as making sure their vehicles are locked and secure.

“ e thing that we did note in that string (of crimes) was that people were able to access unlocked vehicles, grab garage door openers and access homes that way,” Jones said.

e Lone Tree Police Department said it will continue investigating these crimes with the assistance of other local law enforcement partners, adding that this group of suspects is allegedly linked to crimes across the metro Denver area.

If residents have any information regarding these incidents, the Lone Tree Police Department asked that they contact Detective Cpl. Je Roepke at 720-509-1143 or via email at Je ery.Roepke@cityo onetree.com.

SHUTTERSTOCK IMAGE

‘The thing that we did note in that string (of crimes) was that people were able to access unlocked vehicles, grab garage door openers and access homes that way.’

Nate Jones, Lone Tree public information o cer

Casey Devol was arrested last year on charges of killing two people.

Casey Devol pleads guilty in Franktown double murder

BY ELLIS ARNOLD EARNOLD@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM

After initially pleading not guilty to killing his sister and her boyfriend in rural Douglas County, Casey Devol reversed course and pleaded guilty weeks before his trial was set to begin.

Devol had pleaded not guilty in September and was set to see trial starting Aug. 7, according to the state judicial branch website.

He pleaded guilty to two charges of second-degree murder on July 19, according to online court records.

As a result, his two charges of rstdegree murder were dismissed.

Devol also pleaded guilty to a charge related to cruelty to animals.

Authorities say Devol also killed a dog in the incident.

He’s set for a sentencing hearing Aug. 7.

A recording captured audio of the incident where Devol allegedly committed the murders, according to prosecutors.

“What we have are recorded statements of the murder itself which were made by one of the victims,” Andrew Steers, a chief deputy district attorney, has said.

e existence of the recorder was not known, Steers said, until the autopsy in the case that left Jessica Mitchell, 32, and Bryan Todd Gray, 34, dead in the Franktown area. ey were discovered in February 2022 in a garage adjacent to a house they lived in on Russellville Road. Mitchell was Devol’s sister.

Authorities don’t know why some-

one chose to record the interaction, Steers said during a March 22 hearing in Douglas County District Court.

e recording captured the events leading up to the killings: ree people appeared to be having a dinner and at one point talked about a birthday gift, Steers said. At some point, the man authorities say is Devol leaves and returns and kills the other two people and a dog.

Mitchell was found with a “digital recorder device,” according to her autopsy report.

A coworker of Gray’s discovered him and Mitchell in the Russellville Road garage about 1:30 p.m. Feb. 8, 2022.

Devol was found and arrested at a hotel in Salina, Kansas, on Feb. 9, 2022. He complied when o cers attempted to place him in custody, according to testimony at the hearing.

Autopsy results show the victims had bruising and shallow injuries and had been shot by two di erent rearms.

e report, released by the Douglas County Coroner’s O ce, shows both victims also had meth, alcohol and marijuana in their systems. In addition to the toxicology reports, notes were made in both autopsies that each had a history of methamphetamine use.

Deputies discovered security footage for the home that showed someone entering the garage carrying “multiple handguns and a long gun.” After a tip from a friend of the family, investigators alleged that Devol is the person in the video.

phone keys wallet bag

FILE PHOTO

BY ELISABETH SLAY ESLAY@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM

When patrons cross the threshold of the Colorado Renaissance Festival castle gate they are transported to a world where knights ght to the death, royalty glide down the village streets, fairies utter about and witches eat children.

Kristy Ekiss, operations manager and Queen Anne of the festival, said the 16th-century medieval amusement park is about to complete its 46th season of operation. Patrons can visit the park for the last times this year on July 29-30 and Aug. 6-7.

Ekiss said this season has been wonderful and, like previous years, has had a great response from people.

With around 100 cast members, the Colorado Renaissance Festival is unique in that it’s very interactive with visitors, Ekiss said.

“We try very hard to achieve a fully immersive experience where everywhere you look, you’re being pulled into the scene and you’re being made part of the village rather than just walking through and experiencing it,” she said. “I think we try very hard to make

RENAISSANCE

everyone a part of the show.”

She said there is something for everyone in the permanent village structure that sits on 80-plus acres of land.

“We have over 10 stages of nonstop entertainment. ere is always a show going on at every single one of those stages and we have over 180 artisans that we hand select from all around the country that create everything from blacksmithing to swords to elaborate court costumes to anything you can think of,” Ekiss said.

Ekiss said the same family has owned the park since its opening in 1977.

Ekiss, who lives in Colorado Springs and grew up going to Renaissance fairs, has been on sta and in the cast for 17 years. For her, the best aspect of being a part of the festival is performing for children.

Eric Mindykowski, who performs as eodore Wenglewick, the Duke of Larkspur, acts as the casting director and has been a part of the theme park since 2002, feels the same way.

“Seeing that wonder in kids’ eyes,

that’s one of my favorite things,” he said.

Mindykowski said he feels the Colorado Renaissance Festival is di erent from others because everyone from the cast to the crew is extremely kind to patrons.

“Everybody says our festival is the friendliest and I really pride ourselves as management that we instill that in everybody,” he said.

e duke said while the festival can cause tra c in Larkspur, it’s bene cial to the town’s economy and brings new people to the community every year.

David Seeley, who originally worked for a merchant, has worked at the festival since 2001 and took on the role of King George six years ago.

“ is one of the few places where

people come just to have a good time. My favorite aspect of this season is just the renewal of the cast,” he said. “People visit from all over the country, and they commonly comment about it’s so di erent here because we’re just a big family and it’s just a big heart that we have.”

Colorado natives, high school sweethearts and married couple John and Pinkie Stepp, also known as omas and Elizabeth Howard, the Duke and Duchess of Norford, rst came to the fair in 1979, became consistent patrons in 1996 and joined the cast 15 years ago.

Based on real people in history, John and Pinkie love bringing the 16th century alive for people through their characters.

“One of the things I love most is, as we walk around and entertain, people ask questions and I can share historical things like how we’re dressed and what’s important,” Pinkie said.

For John, there is nowhere greater to be than the Colorado Renaissance Festival.

“With all due respect I think Mr. Disney was wrong. is is in fact the happiest place on Earth,” John said.

For more information, visit coloradorenaissance.com

Waldo Emerson

Knights joust at the Colorado Renaissance Festival.

PHOTO BY ELISABETH SLAY

Opposing views

At the July 11 meeting, the Happy Canyon Homeowners Association was among those opposing shortterm rentals, arguing they could a ect the housing market.

A board member of the Happy Canyon group came to the meeting and expressed concern about the impact of short-term rentals on the supply of a ordable housing, fearing that investors would take housing units out of the long-term rental market.

Research published in Harvard Business Review in 2019 suggested that Airbnb listings may have a relatively small amount of e ect on housing prices.

But how any e ect could play out in rural areas of Douglas County is unclear.

“Folks, we’re not a tourist mecca,” Commissioner George Teal said at the meeting.

e county also heard some concerns that short-term rentals would increase crime.

In comments to the county before the new law passed, the Douglas County Sheri ’s O ce didn’t spe-

ci cally argue that the rentals would drive up crime.

“Douglas County Sheri ’s Ofce (DCSO) is supportive of the proposed ordinance as long as enforcement action taken by the DCSO remains at the discretion of the DCSO,” a county sta summary reads.

A sheri ’s o cial sent a letter to the county that said: “On a side note, based on my experiences where I live, short-term rentals are di cult to monitor and enforcement is poor.” at comment came from David Walcher, the county’s undersheri .

One member of the public, speaking at the July meeting, argued that short-term rentals should be allowed based on “the principle, simply, of private property rights.” Teal, who supported the policy, said he heard from a household that lives on a xed income who wanted to take advantage of the opportunity to o er a short-term rental.

ey want to “augment an already limited income as they go into their twilight years,” Teal said at the meeting.

Where short-term rentals are allowed Douglas County hasn’t had a general prohibition on short-term rentals for at least the past 20 years, but there were only a few small areas

where they were explicitly allowed, according to county sta .

Before the county’s new ordinance, the areas where short-term rentals were explicitly allowed in unincorporated Douglas County were typically associated with some private country clubs to accommodate outof-town users of a club’s golf course, according to county sta .

Now, under the new law, there are large stretches of the county where the rentals are speci cally prohibited.

at includes highly populated spots such as Highlands Ranch and the Pinery area south of Parker.

e text of the law says a home within a “planned development” shall not be licensed as a shortterm rental property “unless such (planned development) speci cally allows such use.”

“Planned development” means land in a special type of zoning that applies to certain areas.

All the communities on the following list, according to county sta , are planned developments that do not allow short-term rentals: Bell Mountain Ranch, Canyons South (Macanta), Chat eld Farms, Cielo, Fox Hill, Highlands Ranch, Intravest 320 (Wildcat Ridge), Keene Ranch, Lincoln Creek Village, Meridian (includes Stepping Stone), Pinery, Piney Lake Trails, Plum Creek PD (Solstice), Province Center, River Canyon (Ravenna), Roxborough Park, Roxborough Village, Sierra Ridge, Sterling Ranch, Stone Creek Ranch, Stonegate and Trails.

“ e (rentals) will not be allowed in their neighborhoods unless there is a zoning change,” Commissioner Lora omas said at the meeting.

Plus, homeowners associations are able to prohibit short-term rentals under the ordinance, according to county sta .

e new law passed on a 2-1 vote with omas opposed and Teal and Commissioner Abe Laydon voting in favor.

For a look at the county’s new regulations, see Colorado Community Media’s previous story at tinyurl. com/STRDouglasRegulation.

City, town rules

e cities and towns in Douglas County vary on whether they allow short-term rentals.

“ e Town of Castle Rock doesn’t regulate short-term rentals such as Airbnb or Vrbo. However, all businesses must obtain a town business license and collect and remit ap-

plicable lodging and sales tax,” said Melissa Hoelting, a spokesperson for Castle Rock.

In Castle Pines, rentals of less than 28 consecutive days were banned in 2018 via Ordinance 18-07, and that law is still in e ect, said Tobi Du ey, Castle Pines city clerk.

e Town of Larkspur’s policies don’t address short-term rentals except that they are subject to a 4% sales tax and a 6% lodging tax, said Heather Yanda, Larkspur’s town clerk.

Parker, which o cially refers to short-term rentals as “tourist homes,” does not allow the rentals.

“Prior to 2019, the town’s land development ordinance (LDO) already did not permit ‘tourist homes’ in Parker, but there was not a de nition for such a dwelling included in the LDO,” said a statement from Andy Anderson, a Parker spokesperson.

“ e ordinance approved by town council on Oct. 21, 2019, clari ed the de nition of a tourist home as ‘any dwelling, dwelling unit or portion of any dwelling unit rented or leased for valuable consideration to a particular person or persons for periods of time less than thirty (30) days.’”

After “substantial community engagement,” in February this year, Lone Tree City Council approved two ordinances to prohibit the creation of new short-term rentals and regulate existing ones, the city’s website says.

Short-term rentals that were established before March 8 of this year are allowed to continue as long as they operate with a city business license, had paid taxes for the past three years of operation and obtained a permit by May 7 this year.

“A business license and short-term rental license are required to operate a short-term rental,” said Nate Jones, spokesperson for Lone Tree.

Short-term rentals that existed before March 8 are only allowed to still operate today if they had a Lone Tree business license before March 8, according to Jones.

And “the ordinance allowed shortterm rentals to become current in payment of sales and lodging taxes if they had not been remitting such taxes prior to March 8,” Jones said.

Grace period

Just because short-term rentals generally weren’t regulated in unincorporated Douglas County

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Inspiration house built in Castle Pines

Shea Homes takes lead in 2023

BY HALEY LENA HLENA@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM

A father of ve and former basketball coach found himself getting slower and noticed it was becoming harder to move around as his muscles were deteriorating.

In early 2021, Frank Cawley was diagnosed with a rare in ammatory disease called Inclusion Body Myositis.

“I can’t really walk,” said Cawley. “My lower extremities, my legs have become incredibly weak, my arms and my ngers are starting to get the same way. It’s just a ecting everything that I do.”

Cawley had contacted the Home Builders Foundation following his diagnosis to help renovate his home for a wheelchair.

When renovations looked to be too expensive, he and his family found a wheelchair accessible house in Castle Rock where the foundation had helped make modi cations for the previous homeowner.

Cawley  realized that additional modi cations were needed to accommodate his wheelchair.

e foundation upgraded Cawley’s ramp to make it more stable and installed an automatic door.  “ ose might not seem

like gigantic things but just to have the con dence that I’m not going to fall,” said Cawley. “ ey need to know that they helped me because they gave me kind of a renewed purpose to help others.”

Cawley  is one of many who have received lifechanging assistance from the Home Builders Foundation.

e Home Builders Foundation is a Denver metro nonpro t organization that works with the homebuilding industry to modify homes for people living with long-term physical disabilities.

“We coordinate e orts to make the modi cations for the clients living with disabilities by soliciting in-kind donations, dollar donations and skilled labor to do the

work for those clients,” said Beth Forbes, Home Builders Foundation executive director.

e foundation supports projects related to access.

ese projects include widening door frames, inserting showers for more accessible wheelchair access, adding lifts to help navigate staircases or access one level to another and ramps.

“ inking about access in and out of the home, not just for safety and security, in case of an emergency but also so that the individuals living in their homes can get out and access their community,” said Forbes.

e 2023 Inspiration House is a collaboration between Shea Homes and trade partners that bene t the Home Builders Foundation.

e contributions from the trade partners in addition to a portion of the proceeds from the sale of the home will be donated to the foundation.

“We take that donation and turn it around to help many clients in the Denver metro area that need our help modifying their homes,” said Forbes.

e house is being built in

e Canyons, a neighborhood in Castle Pines, east of I-25 for anyone to purchase.

e home is part of Shea’s Reserve Collection, featuring three bedrooms, three and a half bathrooms, a study room, nished basement with a wet bar and covered deck.

e 3,200 square foot walkout home sits on a corner homesite with views of open space and mountains.

“We go out to our trades and we ask for donations in time and material,” said Scott Czarnek, Shea Homes’ construction manager and Home Builders Foundation board member. “We have 32 trade partners that have committed donating time and material and we valued that at about $170,000.”

e home is expected to be nished by the end of the year.

In addition, the Home Builders Foundation is celebrating their 30th anniversary.

e foundation has helped more than 2,000 individuals with modi cations. And as the foundation’s work extends beyond the client but to their family, friends, neighbors and caregivers, the foundation estimates they have helped between 8,000 to 10,000 people, said Forbes.

According to Forbes, not only has the foundation seen a signi cant rise in applications over the last year requesting services, but costs of doing projects has also increased due to supply chain and labor shortage issues.

Donations can be made to the ninth Inspiration House at https://hbfdenver.org/inspiration/inspiration-house2023-donation/.

“ e funds that they’re raising through the groundbreaking are going to help just countless, countless numbers of disabled individuals across the state,” said Cawley.

Frank Cawley, far right, joins Chetter Latcham, president of Shea Homes Colorado, Home Builders Foundation Executive Director Beth Forbes and supporters of the 2023 Inspiration House during the groundbreaking ceremony. COURTESY OF MICHELLE MENDOZA

Commissioners OK up to $200,000 to nonprofit

BY ELLIS ARNOLD EARNOLD@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM

When disaster strikes, relief money that comes from the state and federal government can take a long time to arrive. But a private nonpro t can work faster.

at’s according to Mike Waid, director of the Douglas County Community Foundation, a nonpro t that is building up a “community emergency relief fund” that can help take care of people when their lives get turned upside down.

“I always say the community foundation is the Red Cross” of the Douglas County community, said Abe Laydon, one of the county’s elected leaders.

His comments came at a July 18 meeting between the foundation and county o cials, where Laydon and one other county commissioner voted to give the foundation up to $200,000 toward its emergency fund.

And “100% of the county’s match goes directly into that fund — no fees, no overhead,” Waid told Colorado Community Media.

e money the county authorized will be “matched” with up to $200,000 of funding the nonpro t raises through an upcoming event.

‘Quarterback’ an emergency

e donation’s approval comes against the backdrop of damage dealt by a tornado that tore through neighborhoods on June 22 in Highlands Ranch, leaving downed trees, branches and other debris strewn about.

Since the tornado did not become a “displacement event” — meaning houses weren’t torn away — the foundation’s response was not as intensive as it could be in a di erent disaster situation, according

to Waid. But the foundation still stepped in to provide water, snacks and Gatorade to volunteers while they cleaned up debris, Waid said.

In a di erent emergency — such as a mass shooting, a re or another natural disaster — the foundation can work with other nonpro ts in Douglas County to assist the public in other ways.

For example, if the immediate problem in a disaster is food insecurity, “we’re able to activate those nonpro t partners — basically quarterback the (emergency) on their behalf,” Waid said.

A search-and-rescue event or transportation issues are other needs the foundation can step in to help with in dire times.

And “we would be able to fund the mental health needs right out of the gate for those rst responders that are dealing with those tragedies,” Waid said.

County backs gala fundraising

e foundation will support rst responders in a di erent way at an event in September that it calls its inaugural “Heroes Gala.”

“It’s going to be an opportunity for us to showcase and honor rst responders and active military,” Waid said, adding: “Not only are we going to be honoring those rst responders (that night), but we are speci cally raising money for our community relief fund.”

e foundation intends for the county’s matching funds to drive donations from other sources.

“People need to see, ‘Hey, the county is committed to this’” and decide to contribute too, a person with the foundation’s team said during the July 18 meeting.

County funding source

e county commissioners ap -

5.00%

proved the county’s donation to come from funding related to the federal American Rescue Plan Act, often called ARPA.

( e American Rescue Plan Act is a $1.9 trillion economic stimulus bill signed into law in March 2021 with a goal to support the economic and public health recovery from the coronavirus pandemic.)

Commissioner Lora omas, who was not present at the July 18 discussion and vote, had expressed concerns with the move to spend money. (Laydon and Commissioner George Teal approved the spending.)

omas’ newsletter days before the vote implied that supporting the foundation’s request for funding would not be “ scally conservative.”

e county commissioners began a partnership with Douglas County Community Foundation in 2018 to help people in need in the county, according to omas’ newsletter.

“For several years now, our county has given DCCF over $380,000 for DCCF to organize and get about its stated purpose of helping those in need,” the newsletter said.

e newsletter expressed the opinion that “the Douglas County Community Foundation needs to wean itself o county dollars.”

Laydon said during the meeting, regarding the foundation, that “the hope and the dream is independence and autonomy and the ability to generate revenue independent of the county.”

e foundation’s team emphasized funds from the county would be “seed money” intended to drive private donations.

‘100% of the dollars’ Waid, the foundation’s director, said the cost of putting on the gala

is covered by selling sponsorships. So in terms of the county’s matching funds, “100% of that match goes into our emergency fund,” Waid said. “It does not go to putting on the event at all.”

He also said: “We don’t charge a fee or anything like that for the management of this fund. So 100% of the dollars that are donated into our community relief fund … are used in the fund.” e money does not go to overhead or sta salaries, he added.

e foundation created its community emergency relief fund in late 2021. Soon after came the Boulder res, underscoring the need for a community to have a relief fund, Waid said.

Waid’s nonpro t plays a broader role than just emergency response. e foundation “represents, in essence, the over 320 nonpro ts that exist or have operations in Douglas County,” Waid said.

One of the foundation’s other activities is to “raise money organically as well” and provide quarterly grants to other nonpro ts, Waid said.

It also manages Colorado Gives Day for Douglas County. Last year, the foundation’s nonpro t partners raised over $1.3 million on Colorado Gives Day, according to Waid. Waid, who began serving as the foundation’s executive director in August 2021, was mayor of Parker from 2012 to 2020.

Since December 2021, the foundation has given out 118 grants totaling just under $400,000. at gure doesn’t have to do with the foundation’s emergency fund but, rather, the foundation’s support for the nonpro t community in Douglas County, Waid said.

e foundation received its 501(c) (3) designation in 2006, Waid said.

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VOICES

Something must give Handling the turbulence of life

Ihave debated writing this column for some time. I understand the subject is controversial, but I feel in my heart that sometimes we must write something tough because it is the right thing to do. In this space that I have the privilege to ll each week, I try so hard to be in the middle on most controversies. I may lean right on some subjects, but I do try to understand and give both sides a chance.

However, like many, I am growing tired of the controversies and what feels like contrived battles over the LGBTQ community.

We are nearly a year removed from the unfortunate event at PrideFest in Castle Rock that has been dubbed a “wardrobe malfunction.” Let’s just say it — a drag queen’s breast plate was exposed.

It feels like those angered by this incident have taken the ght to councils, the county and more. It just hasn’t stopped.

I continue to be saddened by the local and national rhetoric targeting the LGBTQ community. I am saddened that people are vulnerable because of the increase in violent incidents and hate.

Two of my dearest friends in the world are a gay couple living in Palm Springs. eir friendship means so much to me. When I hear the hate being spewed out there — I often think of them and know they are such amazing people that I can’t in good conscience just keep standing by watching.

Regarding the drag queen show drama — to those protesting — you are often the same people saying we need less government in our lives. I often agree. I agree on this issue too.

Hear me out. What right do we have to say that an age restriction should be placed on a show like this in Highlands Ranch, Castle Rock, or Arapahoe County? Shouldn’t that be up to the parents? Shouldn’t it be completely up to the adults buying tickets?

In all honesty, I don’t think my

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children are mature enough for a drag show, but I get to be the one to decide. I do not want some town council, county, state or federal government telling me yea or nay.

e books some are ghting in the library — I ask why. Just don’t let your children read them.

To those boycotting Bud Light — I understand the argument. If you want to protest through your pocketbook — whether I agree or disagree with your reasoning — I say go for it as long as you do not have some law passed to force it on me.

e louder the opponents have gotten — the more the other side has been pushing back.

As someone trying to skate the slippery slope known as the middle, and others like me, I am tired of it all. I am tired of the petty back and forth ghting.

I am absolutely no fan whatsoever of casting a large net of hate on an entire group. Why be so angry and hateful? And, before we talk about the idiot in Canada who said, “they are coming for your children” during a parade, please remember that is not a re ection of everyone.

I have gotten to know someone who transitioned from a man to a woman over the last few years. She is a beautiful soul whom I believe is a courageous human being. She has more courage than I could ever have. She is someone who has carried herself with great dignity in the face of a very critical society.

I do not believe she is someone who will hurt or negatively a ect my children. In fact, I have explained to my own children what she did. Because I did not make it a big deal, but just let them know to respect someone else’s choice — they treat her like everyone else and I am proud of that.

We may not agree or understand but somehow, some way — we must get back to a much more accepting place in our world. We need to be civil because this all comes down to human beings who are hurt by what’s happening every day. Another’s choices and decisions cannot become about making laws to stop them.

LINDA SHAPLEY Publisher

lshapley@coloradocommunitymedia.com

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

THELMA GRIMES South Metro Editor tgrimes@coloradocommunitymedia.com

TAYLER SHAW Community Editor tshaw@coloradocommunitymedia.com

With over 2 million miles own, I have experienced a lot of turbulence during those ights. Last month my wife and I were on a ight and for the most part it was a fairly smooth ight. However, during our descent the plane was violently rocked and had we not had our seatbelts on, we would have been tossed from our seats. In all my years of ying that was de nitely the toughest turbulence that I had ever experienced.

Over the years I have had the opportunity to sit next to many captains and pilots. As we would y through the turbulence, they would provide calming assurances that the planes are built to handle the turbulence and the pilots are trained to y us through safely. at has given me such great comfort over the years, a comfort that I tried passing along to some of the nervous yers I have had sitting next to me.

On one such ight as we were ying from Denver to Albuquerque, the turbulence was bad the entire ight as the pilot couldn’t nd an altitude where the air was smooth.

e woman sitting next to me literally squeezed my forearm the entire ight, and I had never met her before. I didn’t mind and tried to assure her of the safety by sharing the stories pilots have shared with me, but she still held on for dear life.

Just last week I was ying on a Dreamliner, a massive airplane and super comfortable. e ight was full, and as we went through our ascent, the plane hit a pocket of turbulence and gave us a fairly good bounce up and down. ere were a few quick screams and gasps, but there was another sound I heard, children laughing. e plane went through a little more bumpiness before nding smoother air and with each bump and drop of the plane, the children continued to squeal as if they were on an amusement park ride. I believe their laughter and relaxed attitude served to calm the nerves of others who didn’t nd the turbulence so

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amusing.

Life is full of turbulence, isn’t it? It just seems that every single day we are at odds with one another over something. e turbulence of politics, of cancel culture, of societal pressures, and just overall discontent and disagreements brewing everywhere. Sometimes the turbulence is frightening as it escalates and becomes erce. And sometimes the turbulence is slight, but still enough to cause us some fear, worry, and doubt.

It has been said that our character isn’t de ned by what happens to us, it is de ned by how we handle what happens to us. e turbulence happening in the world doesn’t de ne who we are, how we respond to the turbulence is a much better barometer of who we are. Sometimes we have to just buckle up, fastening our seatbelts and riding out the turbulence as it will eventually smooth out. Other times we may need to hold onto one another, supporting and encouraging each other as we ght our way through the turbulence. And then maybe we can look at the silliest things that feel like turbulence and like the children on the airplane, laugh our way through it.

ere are plenty of real-world problems that we face as a society, and we should pay attention to those and become as informed as possible, focusing on the facts instead of opinions and rants of others. It just seems like there is much more noise and turbulence around the silliest and smallest things that get us so worked up. For me, in these situations, my go-to response is laughter, as it really keeps me focused on the more important things in life.

How do you handle the turbulence? Do you buckle up and ride it out? Do you hold on to others? Or do you decide that the best response is to smile and laugh it o ? I would love to hear your story at gotonorton@gmail.com, and when we can decide to respond instead of react to all that the world has to throw at us, 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.

Columnists & Guest Commentaries

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

Email letters to letters@coloradocommunitymedia.com

Deadline Wed. for the following week’s paper.

To opt in or out of delivery please email us at circulation@ coloradocommunitymedia.com

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

Thelma Grimes

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Bradley’s pseudo-Christian values

I support Chad in his ascertaining that state Rep. Brandi Bradley is conducting a hate campaign against other Americans who do not line up with her pseudo-Christian values. She parrots the hate spewed by people who espouse their faith in a nonproductive way. She is claiming that gays are grooming children to be exploited.

ere is no basis for these charges except that is resonates with some of her likeminded constituents.

Maybe she should take aim at the Roman Catholic Church and the Southern Baptist Church. ere is actual proof of both churches turning a blind eye to the pedophiles in their ranks. Christian doctrine according to the Bible is based on two simple concepts. One, “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul, and with all your mind. is is the rst and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: Love your neighbor as yourself. All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.”

Finally, the Constitution gives rights to the people of the United States of America. is includes everyone, not just the white elites. People like Brandi like to ght for their rights, but they turn a blind eye when others are denied their rights under the Constitution. e Constitution starts with “We the People of the United States.” is means that the rights granted by the Constitution apply to everyone. When we reach that point, we will have a true democracy.

to those of us who live in this century, not in the second century. Her morality is no better than believers in other gods, followers of other religions, or the non-religious.

It’s hard not to notice a continued bias on her part against the LGBT+ community and a bias toward electing others who share her religious worldview — this is the opposite of what our Constitution demands from our elected leaders.

Craig Mason Highlands Ranch Vice president, Freedom From Religion Foundation, Denver Area Chapter

PrideFest possibilities

For Ellis Arnold to declare in his July 13 article “County to hold town hall on PrideFest, fairgrounds policy” that “some area residents have expressed concern with last August’s drag show” is such an understatement that he should be given some time o to reassess the world, which is not as woke as he thinks. He might start by speaking with our commissioners who are trying to survive this storm of public reaction.

Yes, the Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) is hosting a town hall on July 26 to clarify fairground regulations. In addition to discussion, what they should also include are actions to take when PrideFest once again violates the regulations.

Definitions are muddied e Cox v. Bradley boxing match is not really the issue. e problem is that our entire culture is mucking about in a morass of mud. We’ve muddied de nitions and concepts and entire institutions so that we no longer have commonalities.

We no longer have common de nitions of man, woman, gender, or marriage. Everything is uid and changeable and an unknowable mystery. Even pronouns can no longer be assumed or applied in any former manner.

We no longer have a common language. We are constantly changing words. Is “pedophile” now a “minorattracted person”? Or should we avoid “breastfeeding” and now use the term “chest-feeding” so we can pump former males with drugs to induce nipple discharges?

We no longer have common causes; equality of opportunity has been usurped by equity of outcome. With the ax of trans sports we’ve essentially

murdered the entire feminist movement that began with voting rights. It’s somehow verboten to recognize bodily di erences — unless we’re talking about immutable skin color. But even then we need to be super cautious so as to avoid a racist label.

We no longer agree on the meaning of common symbols. Has the rainbow been hijacked from a promise to a picture of “inclusion”? Is the American ag a scorned and tattered symbol of dangerous white supremacy? Or is it a kumbaya rallying pole of patriotism? But shhhh. Patriotism is synonymous with Nazism. So is child tra cking and even physical tness — at least according to some liberal loons.

We no longer have any bumpers to rein in our ridiculousness. Instead, we furiously ram each other with our self-righteous bumper cars, believing WE are the ultimate authorities of

Ed

Moore Highlands Ranch

Bradley gets history haywire

In her letter to the editor, Republican Brandi Bradley asserts that her values “are in alignment with the JudeoChristian values that our country was founded on as stated in the Declaration of Independence.” is assertion is false.

e United States was founded by Enlightenment-inspired thinkers who valued reason and skepticism. If the Framers had wanted to establish the United States based on religious principles, they would have said so in the Constitution, the founding document of our nation. Instead, they did the opposite, adopting the rst written constitution in history that is godless and did not claim to be inspired by a divinity, and whose only references to religion are exclusionary. at is why they drafted a Constitution and a First Amendment that e ectively builds “a wall of separation between church and state.”

Ms. Bradley constantly quotes scripture in her duties as an elected o cial, which is a clear violation of the separation of church and state envisioned by our Founding Fathers — who were largely Deists, not specically Christian. If she is unable to serve the interests of all of her constituents, a large portion of which are atheists, agnostics, humanists, freethinkers, and skeptics — without favoritism of her own superstitious beliefs — she should resign. Her constant appeals to supernatural writings are concerning

To determine what we can expect from the BOCC let’s honestly look at commissioner motives. Lora was previously a police o cer who enjoys the pleasure of de ning and enforcing rules and being on the right side against those of us who are wrong. In the July 13 article she wonders out loud whether the county is the “right convener” for the conversation, a conversation she can’t win. Lora’s argument against the majority is that the county will be sued over her decision to put an end to PrideFest by doing the responsible and right thing. Abe on the other hand is leaning toward having a panel decide, but this however is a public issue and the BOCC is elected to represent us, not pigeonhole the issue out of sight. Abe is an attorney who enjoys negotiating more than resolving issues and he’s bathing in the heat from PrideFest. But Abe, you can’t have it both ways, on one hand hearing from people about “the issues on all sides” and on the other delegating the issue to a panel. Commissioner Teals motives for a solution are clear. He wants the public discussion to continue where he identi es the current problem as education about what’s viable and feasible.

Both Laura and Abe keep the issue from being resolved by hiding behind the First Amendment. Who doesn’t support the freedom of speech but the BOCC can decide when there are options such as restricting PrideFest to people 18 years or changing the policy for all events to be family friendly. What hasn’t been discussed is putting the fairground policy on the ballot where the answer is obvious.

Smith Young Parker

SEE LETTERS, P24

selection. ese moments never fail to make her smile.

“It brings me just a ton of joy to see people enjoying it and enjoying the space,” Monson said. “I think it’s also enriched my kids’ love and appreciation for literature because they get so excited about nishing a book and passing it on.”

Monson built her library in 2017 and registered it with Little Free Library, a Minnesota-based nonpro t that aims to increase access to literature by providing blueprints and guides to build community libraries, as well as mapping registered libraries across the country.

Hundreds of little free libraries have popped up across the Denver metro area as their popularity proliferates. Monson said she was inspired to build her library after visiting others with her 11-year-old twins Tommy and Luci, who are avid readers.

“I really believe in the importance of building community and connection for wellness, so I thought it was a great way to build community shortly after we moved to Golden,” she said. “So it was their love of reading and my want to build community that made it happen.”

Since the library is on a bike and walking path, it’s not accessible by car, so Monson took advantage of the unique environment by adding a bench, a slide and fairy gardens around the library to make it an inviting spot for visitors.

BUILDING BOOKISH COMMUNITIES

BY MCKENNA HARFORD MHARFORD@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM

One of the more recent little free libraries in the metro area is the one at Castle View High School, which was built as a memorial to student Brooke Adams, who died in April. Adams loved to read, so her school book club worked with others to build the library in her honor.

Golden resident Sam Monson poses with her little free library on the Tucker Gulch Trail. Monson said the library has brought joy to her and those who visit.

COURTESY SAM MONSON

SEE FREE LIBRARY, P17

FROM TOP PHOTO:

FREE LIBRARY

“We wanted to create a space for people to pause and enjoy the green belt that we’re on and the bike path is on,” she said. “Especially through covid, it was a way that I felt like we could put wellness out in the world with something as healthy as reading that creates a mindful, peaceful experience, but also gets them outside and active.”

Monson said the library quickly became self-sustaining once it opened and has since become a xture in the community.

“People often comment to thank us or leave notes,” she said. “It’s like an identity of our family, which we love.”

On top of being a way to build community, little free libraries improve access to literature. Unite for Literacy, a publishing company that tracks book deserts, estimates only a third of Colorado homes have more than 100 books.

Amber DeBerry, Director of Community Engagement for Douglas County Libraries, said improving access to reading materials, whether that’s books, magazines, journals or comics, is important because reading bene ts everyone.

“If you have access to books prior to the age of ve, your success rates in school drastically increase,” DeBerry said. “For people who don’t have the opportunity or ability to purchase books, libraries are an incredible community asset.”

In Dianne Shantz’s neighborhood in Adams County, she noticed there weren’t nearly as many little free libraries as more a uent areas of Denver, so Shantz built one in 2021.

Shantz used a thrifted co ee table and an old kitchen counter with a repurposed replace door to create a weatherproof library and food pantry near her community’s shared mailbox, which provides steady foot tra c.

“I’m proud to say (the library) is self-sustaining because it shows that there was a need there, and that’s true of the pantry too,” she said.

Shantz said she enjoys having opportunities to share her love of reading and tries to stock the library with books she knows her visitors will read.

“Being new to the neighborhood, it’s given me a chance to meet my neighbors,” she said. “A lot of Hispanic people live in the area, so I try to include Spanish books. One lady likes Danielle Steel, so I put those in when I can.”

For Kate Garland, a graduate of Castle View High School in Castle Rock, building a little free library was a way to memorialize her friend and fellow student Brooke Adams, who died in April.

Garland met Adams through the school book club she started and they bonded over reading.

“Brooke and I both loved the ‘ e Summer I Turned Pretty’ series by Jenny Han and somebody donated the entire set so we made sure that those were in there,” Garland said. “Some of Brooke’s other friends also picked booked they thought she would like.”

When Adams died, Garland worked with Adams’ family, school o cials, the school’s Technology Students Association and book club members to build the library and host a book drive to ll it. Materials for the library were donated by the local Ace Hardware and community members donated more than 1,000 books during the drive.

“ e community support around it and the continuing book donations have been really rewarding for me and the book club and the TSA members who helped,” she said.

As Garland heads to Arapahoe Community College, the stewardship of the library will pass on to other students in the book club.

“We wanted to make sure it would keep going, even after I’m gone,” she said.

To nd these little free libraries and more, go to littlefreelibrary.org.

At Dianne Schantz’s library in Adams County, she added a free pantry to help serve her community’s needs. Schantz said both the library and pantry are self-sustaining. COURTESY DIANNE SCHANTZ

‘Being Human’ exhibit on display

Local painter

Valorie Snyder is juror for Depot show

BY SONYA ELLINGBOE SELLINGBOE@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM

Littleton Fine Arts Guild members called on skilled local painter Valorie Snyder to be juror for the new exhibit, “Being Human,” which is open through Aug. 5 at the Depot Art Gallery, 2069 W. Powers Ave. in downtown Littleton.

“Connections,” a mixed media painting by S. Williams, was Snyder’s choice for Best of Show. “ e painting is a winner on several levels: the use of light, contrast, the illusion of depth and perspective.

e use of subtle colors in the background support, but don’t compete with, the people in the foreground.

e red and white notes in the foreground lead your eye through the seemingly random clusters of people … on the bus ... one solitary gure in black. Is everyone (wearing masks?) I can’t quite tell … is painting is masterfully done, weaving a story as the viewer is drawn in.”

Fine Arts Guild members meet and plan a yearlong list of exhibits for the Depot and for the Stanton Gallery at Town Hall Arts Center. ey also exhibit works at several local venues, with a particular member overseeing each location and others helping with hanging each show. Next at the Depot will be the Best of Colorado, opening on Aug. 8 and running through Sept. 10. It is open to non-members and is an annual Western Welcome Week event. Also featured this summer will be

with many members setting up tents and exhibiting art outside under the green trees. (A most pleasant way for art lovers to spend a day!)

“Well Aged” by Brian Ser is Snyder’s choice for second place in the “Being Human” exhibit. She noted that “watercolor is a particularly di cult medium for portraiture. e clothing is loosely rendered with soft colors that set o the details in this man’s face and dress ... Where is he from? What is the story of his life? We are given clues, but left to wonder ...”

ird place was awarded to “ e Spell,” in soft pastels by Stacy

sitional tool that drew me into this piece,” Snyder said. “Primarily a complementary color scheme, this painting is a colorful mix of blues and oranges, with added colors to keep it interesting ...”

Best use of the theme, “Being Human: e Human Condition” is created of leather, berglass and metal by Pam Schmidt. Snyder advises the viewer to “look closely to read the text that is written around the gure. is sculpture summarizes the theme of the show.”

Honorable Mentions were awarded to four artists: “Little Stinker” by Teresa Malone is “an engaging

classic portrait in oils”; “Faith and Hope,” glass by Sally Vander Camp; “Being of One Mind,” photograph by Carl Paulson; and “Meditation,” a digital print by Jacqueline Shuler. e bright red Depot Art Gallery is open from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesdays through Sundays , with lots of free parking, free admission and more art in an old caboose placed next to it. Volunteer Fine Arts Guild members operate this charming gallery and are happy to talk about the artwork on display-and to help with sales!

What could be better than an original work of art for a recent graduate or a soon to be married friend?

One wall at Depot Art Gallery, with the “Being Human” exhibit.

PHOTO BY PEGGY DIETZ

Thu 8/03

Featured

Sat 8/05

Denver Broncos @ 9am

Centura Health Training Center, 13655 E. Broncos Pkwy., Englewood

Featured

Lions on the Links Golf Tournament (LHS Athletics Fundraiser Event) @ 1pm / $175

Arrowhead Golf Course, 10850 Sundown Trail, Littleton. mtoner@ lps.k12.co.us

Cooking with Elle @ 3pm

Aug 3rd - Aug 31st

Heather Gardens Clubhouse, 2888 S. Heather Gardens Way, Aurora

Madeline Hawthorne Music: Bands in the Beer Garden @ Breckenridge Brewery

Tunisia: The Canyons Concert @ 5:30pm

The Canyons (Info Center), 1415 Westbridge Dr, Castle Pines

Sun 8/06

Korey Foss: Rock Candy Sunday Funday @ 12pm Wide Open Saloon, 5607 US-85, Sedalia

Douglas County Bulls, Broncs and Bares - Rough Stock PRCA Rodeo @ 6pm / $5-$30

Douglas County Fairgrounds, 500 Fairgrounds Dr, Castle Rock

Fri 8/04

Featured Featured

The King Stan Band in Paradise

@ 6pm Paradise Tavern, 9239 Park Mead‐ows Dr, Lone Tree

Littleton @ 3pm

Breckenridge Brewery, 2920 Brewery Ln, Littleton

Featured Featured

Featured

Vamonos Pest/Mobro: Vamonos Pest plays Brewabil‐ity to celebrate Englewood

H.S. Class of 1983 Reunion @ 4:30pm

Brewability Lab, 3445 S Broadway, Englewood

Visible Planets @ 6pm

Herman's Hideaway, 1578 S Broadway, Denver

6 Million Dollar Band: Private Event @ 6:30pm

Cherry Hills Village Community Develop‐ment, 2450 E Quincy Ave, Englewood

Sean Kelly Of The Samples: TBA @ 7pm TBA, Parker

Deb Seymour Music: House Concert- Littleton, CO @ 1pm

House Concert - Littleton, CO, Lit‐tleton

DJ Rockstar Aaron: Forbidden

Bingo - Tailgate Tavern & Grill @ 7pm

Tailgate Tavern & Grill, 19552 Mainstreet, Parker

Mon 8/07

Advanced Double-Handed Sailing Camp | Week 10 @ 8am / $467

Aug 7th - Aug 11th

Cherry Creek Reservoir, 4800 S Dayton St, Greenwood Village. 303-757-7718

ZZ Top @ 5:30pm

Fiddler's Green Amphitheatre, 6350 Greenwood Plaza Blvd, Greenwood Village

Uncle Kracker @ 5:30pm

Fiddler's Green Amphitheatre, 6350 Greenwood Plaza Blvd, Greenwood Village

Wed 8/09

Anne Luna: The Hard Road Trio in Highlands Ranch @ 3pm House Concert, Highlands Ranch

Ladies Night @ 5pm / $10 Stampede, 2430 South Havana, Aurora

Thu 8/10

Featured Featured Featured

Chris Janson with special guest Shane Pro�tt @ 6pm / $50-$70

The Amphitheater at Philip S. Miller Park, 1375 W Plum Creek Pkwy, Castle Rock

Talk will highlight rural summer theater

The talk “Life Upon the Wicked Stage” will entertain the Highlands Ranch Historical Society on Aug. 21, when Veda Rogers will talk about her 16 seasons with a summer theater in a rural Kansas country barn: the Vassar Playhouse in Osage County, Kansas. A $3 donation at the door is suggested. e program will be presented from 7-8:30 p.m. at Southridge Recreation Center, 4800 McArthur Ranch Road, Highlands Ranch. To register: thehrhs.org/ event/program-life-upon-the-wicked-stage. Guests are welcome, as are new members.

Art in the library

Littleton Fine Arts Guild members will exhibit artwork created with various mediums at Bemis Public Library, 6014 S. Datura St., Littleton, from Aug. 1 to 31. Open during library hours.

Andy Marquez photos

Littleton area photographer Andy Marquez, who once ran a Littleton

Main Street gallery, has published a new book, “Sacred Seasons,” that collects images from his earlier works throughout the Southwest. It is soft cover and costs $24.95. ($10 shipping.) 303-594-9452. andymarquez.com.

Lone Tree exhibition e Lone Tree Arts Commissioners’ Choice Exhibition brings together two art forms: “Women Artists and Poets: A Collaboration.” Curated by Colorado artist Carlene Frances, names of artists and poets were paired through drawing of names. e poet was given an opportunity

PIPE BANDS

HIGHLAND & IRISH DANCING ATHLETICS

WHISKY TASTINGS

CLANS/GENEALOGY

CELTIC MUSIC BEER TENT HISTORIC RE-ENACTMENTS

VENDORS

BRITISH DOGS

POLO MATCH (SAT.)

BRITISH CARS (SUN.)

The Vassar Playhouse, housed in a barn in Osage County, Kansas, is where Veda Rogers spent 16 seasons in summer theater. She will present “Life Upon the Wicked Stage” to Highlands Ranch Historical Society members on Aug. 21.

to visit the artist’s studio and learn about the creative process. Finally, the poet selects a painting the artist plans to display and creates a related poem, which is shown next to the painting. Exhibit dates: July 19 to Oct. 1, with an opening reception planned for July 22, 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Poetry reading begins at 6:30 p.m. e event will be at Lone Tree Arts Center, 10075 Commons St., lonetreeartscenter.org, 720-509-1000.

‘Colorado Women to Watch’

e CVA, Center for Visual Arts, the gallery of the Metropolitan State University Art Department, will present “Colorado Women to Watch” from Aug. 18 to Oct. 21. Artists included: Kim Dickey, ceramic sculpture; Ana Marie Hernando, textiles; Maia Ruth Lee works with cast-o bits of metal pulling from her three di erent cultures: South Korea, Nepali, North American; Suchitra Mattai, Guyana, South America; Senga Negundi, b. Chicago — performing art. More on this when open — mark your calendar. msudenver.edu/cva.

Aurora Fox

“It’s Good to be Bad” will be presented by Adriane Leigh and Marco Robinson in Aurora Fox’s Studio Theater, featuring the best villain songs in musical theater and Disney film history. Tickets: $25. Family-friendly. July 29, 7:30 p.m. and July 30, 2 p.m. 9900 E. Colfax Ave., Aurora; 303-739-1970, aurorafoxartscenter.org.

Yarn items on display

Items made from yarn, that are donated for use in the community, will be exhibited at St. Andrew Methodist Church, 9203 S. University Blvd., Highlands Ranch from July 28 through Sept. 6, from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Reception on July 30 from 10 a.m. to noon to meet the artists.

Colorado Ballet

Tickets for Colorado Ballet’s new season are available singly now. “Swan Lake” will run Oct. 6 to 15. “The Nutcracker will run Nov. 25 to Dec. 24; Caniparoli’s “Jekyll and Hyde” runs Feb. 2-11 2024; “Coppelia” runs March 8-17; “Ballet Masterworks” runs April 12-21. Ticket prices range from $40 to $175. 303-339-1637, coloradoballet.org.

Douglas Land Conservancy

Douglas Land Conservancy invites you to the 15th Annual JA Ranch Sunset BBQ from 4-8 p.m. on Aug. 19 in Larkspur. Tickets on sale Aug. 24$150 per person. douglaslandconservancy.org.

Theater season

Performance Now eatre Company announces its 2023/24 season of productions at the Lakewood Cultural Center: “Seussical,” “Newsies,” “ e Music Man,” “Pirates of Penzance.” performancenow.org.

SONYA’S SAMPLER

Seniors’ Council to host educational event

The S eniors’ Council of Douglas County, in collaboration with Aging Resources of Douglas County and Douglas County government, is cohosting a daylong educational event entitled Vintage & Vibrant 2023: Exploring the Latest Trends in Living Well & Aging Well. Our signature event will be held on ursday, Sept. 28 from 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at the Parker Arts, Culture and Events (PACE) Center, 20000 Pikes Peak Ave in Parker.

Vintage & Vibrant 2023 is specically designed to entertain, inform and intrigue an older adult audience. Our program will include two engaging keynote speakers, multiple informative breakout sessions, three interactive activities, numerous event partners, morning refreshments, lunch, guest bags and door prizes.

Your $10 registration fee covers it all, with scholarships available if needed.

We begin the day with a continental breakfast and our morning keynote speaker Jeanne Nott, 2022 Ms. Colorado Senior America. Jeanne’s philosophy of life is “… have a sense of humor and enthusiasm! It will add years to your life and life to your years.” Her positivity will energize us and set the stage for the rest of the

day. During lunch our keynote speaker is Dr. Carson Bruns, associate professor at the University of Colorado in Boulder. He will share his fascinating research on converging nanotechnology and biomedical engineering on the skin to create a new wave of “tattoos” that strive to keep us healthier. You’ll de nitely be intrigued!

Vintage & Vibrant 2023 would not be possible without the support of our cohosting organizations Ag-

ing Resources of Douglas County (ARDC), a local nonpro t organization providing a wide variety of services to our older population, and Douglas County government, currently conducting a comprehensive Older Adult Initiative, as well as our event partners.

And now meet our Platinum event partners: Visiting Angels - Littleton, Seven Stones Botanical Garden Cemetery, Centura Health, the Denver Regional Council of Governments (DRCOG) and Bridgewater

Castle Rock. Each of these partners focuses on enhancing the lives of older adults in their own special way. Be sure to visit their tables at the event to learn more about their fabulous organizations.

To review our complete Vintage & Vibrant program, meet the rest of our event partners and register to attend, please visit www.douglas.co.us and search for Vintage & Vibrant. Online attendee registration begins Aug. 1, but seating is limited so register soon!

Our regular general meeting on Thursday, Sept. 7 from 10-11:30 am will feature Jayla Sanchez-Warren, director of the Area Agency on Aging. She will speak about the results from the Community Assessment Survey for Older Adults. Learn how the survey results might impact the services and opportunities available for older adults. The meeting site is the Douglas County Miller Building, Conference Rooms A and B, 100 Third St. in Castle Rock. The meeting is free and open to the public.

Seniors’ Council of Douglas County aims to educate and engage older adults. For up-to-date information about Seniors’ Council visit Facebook and our website at www.douglas. co.us and look for Seniors’ Council.

Jeanne Nott

Dr. Carson Bruns

Remembering Andrew Graham

BY ELLIS ARNOLD EARNOLD@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM

He was the kind of person you don’t often meet.

At 8 years old, Andrew Gelston Graham earned a black belt in taekwondo. During a tournament, he received a rst-place medal. But instead of keeping it, he turned around and gave it to his opponent, whom Andrew felt was the true winner because he had sharper skills and Andrew had won on a technicality.

When he was 6, his younger sister hurt herself, and in the emergency room, Andrew would not leave his sister’s side. Medical personnel had to allow him to sit outside the curtain until they nished caring for her.

In his college years, Andrew would buy sandwiches and give them to homeless people as he passed through Union Station in Denver.

at’s what Andrew likely did the night he was later murdered in 2009, according to his mother.

She never knew about his generosity to the unhoused — she only later heard about it from police and his friends.

“But that was part of his charm. He didn’t boast,” Cyndi Gelston Graham said. “He didn’t self-aggrandize. ere was none of that. He just did kind things and didn’t expect any recognition.”

Andrew, a 23-year-old University of Colorado Boulder graduate who had plans for grad school, was found shot to death about 5:30 a.m. on Nov. 6, 2009, in the front yard of a home in the Willow Creek neighborhood of Centennial near County Line Road and Yosemite Street. After nearly 14 years, the nal person accused in Andrew’s killing was

acquitted in a trial ending in June.

ough Andrew wasn’t one to seek praise, his death spurred an outpouring of words of respect and admiration from friends and academics.

“Sometimes people are praised in death for a character greater than they possessed but not in Andrew’s case,” one of his friends wrote in a tribute to Andrew. “He truly was one of the most caring, humble, intelligent people. His gentle in uence on his peers made those around him better people. His absence is a loss to society.”

Standing out

Now 68, his mother fondly remembers how Andrew’s character shone through even as a small child.

When his young sister broke eggs on the oor at home, Andrew looked at his mother’s face, took his sister by the hand and hid her upstairs until their mom was no longer upset.

And as a young man, Andrew — who played ultimate Frisbee at CU Boulder and earned the nickname “Stitches” — had the respect of the

young women around him.

“ e girls would watch the Frisbee team. ey would play a game, ‘marry, date or dump.’ Someone would pick out three men and everyone would have to answer who they would marry, date or dump. It became a tradition that we never even put Stitches into the game because he was an ‘automatic marry,’” a friend wrote, according to Andrew’s mother.

‘It was always about others’ Andrew was born in Mississippi after his mother met his father in nurses’ ight school for the Air Force.

After lots of moves, the family settled in Colorado in 1998, and Andrew got involved in math club and played the trumpet. A student in the Cherry Creek School District, Andrew played lacrosse, ran on the track team and excelled in school.

“But he was always rather quiet and shy,” his mother said. “It wasn’t until he got into college that he really blossomed in terms of his personality.”

His intellect led him to pursue engineering, a path where he made a name for himself in CU Boulder’s civil, environmental and architectural engineering department.

“Andrew was an outstanding student,” CU said in a 2013 news release, adding: “He was one of the rst students to follow the department’s rigorous Engineering Science track curriculum. He did independent research on water quality as an undergraduate.”

In his honor, the department renamed a funding program: e Andrew Gelston Graham Graduate Fellowship provides support to outstanding students in the department, including tuition and sti-

pends. Andrew was planning to start graduate school in civil engineering at CU Boulder at the time of his death.

He had lived in Alaska for eight months after nishing undergraduate school, working in the oil elds.

“And they worked 16-hour days six days a week, three weeks at a time, and then they’d get (some time) o ,” his mother said. “But it was brutal.

“And the thing was, he was really good, and they wanted to promote him out of the eld and into the o ce, and he didn’t want any part of a suit,” she laughed. “ at’s why he decided to come home and go to grad school.”

Never ashy, Andrew wanted to “ nd someone nice and settle down and start a family and nd a job — all the normal things,” his mother said. “He was very quiet. He didn’t talk about himself a lot to anybody. It was always about others.”

“He just was a good egg, he really was. And just so fun. And I just, I totally trusted him and knew that in my old age, he’d be there,” his mother said.

Keeping a legacy alive

Years later, his mother remembers the little things: how he liked Carlos Santana and the Eagles. How he’d strum on the guitar and wake his sister up. How he’d “just give her one of his lopsided smiles.”

ough the suspects arrested in his killing received varying outcomes in court, Andrew’s mother felt that for her family, “all of us have received life sentences” in losing Andrew.

e relationships he wove brought unlikely support into his mother’s life. CU Boulder’s men’s club ultimate Frisbee team, called Mamabird, has

been “at my side through this entire thing,” his mother said.

Team members keep in touch by email and send her Mother’s Day wishes. She gets a call from a couple of them on Nov. 6 every year to catch up.

“ ey’re kind of like my adopted sons,” she said.

Although faces on the team have come and gone through the years, the members of Mamabird wear Andrew’s uniform number, 55, on the sleeves of their uniforms in his memory. At the Centex ultimate Frisbee tournament in Texas each year, the CU team members wear mustaches because Andrew started the team’s tradition of sporting the facial hair to that event, his mother said.

His mother set up a GoFundMe fundraising page online to help support the scholarship that CU named in his honor and the ultimate Frisbee team on which he played.

She hopes the page will help others and “keep Andrew’s legacy alive” — though she doesn’t think he would have given thought to what his legacy would be.

“He would (probably) be very embarrassed by all the accolades,” she said, adding: “But he’s the kind of person you don’t forget just because of how he was … he had a presence.”

One person who wrote a tribute to Andrew — one of the many written statements his mother has kept — recounted how Andrew carried himself through the challenges of his sport:

“He had his own style. It wasn’t that he didn’t care, he just didn’t seem to be a ected. And I admired that about him. He was an individual. He was unique.”

Andrew Graham COURTESY PHOTO

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RENTALS

FROM PAGE 10

before doesn’t mean they weren’t happening. Airbnb’s website on June 18 showed a handful of listings that appeared to be in unincorporated Douglas County. (Some listings don’t show an exact location on the website’s map.)

e text of the county’s ordinance regulating short-term rentals says: “Short-Term Rental license applications that comply with the license

LETTERS

FROM PAGE 15

truth. Oh, wait. ere’s no such thing as objective truth any longer. We skirt that boundary by declaring OUR truth, and no one can challenge us to think or believe di erently than what our own stubborn brains embrace.

Yell who is more loving or more hateful. Keep ramming each other in the bumper car pit. Or slog out of the mud pit and take a shower. Pick whichever pit metaphor you wish ….

Linda Mazunik

Lone

Tree

Critique of writing

Wow! at Brandi Bradley person is a regular ashpoint for excited comments from defenders of the LGBTQIA community. I am referencing the letter by Margaret Furlow “Bradley seeks to divide”). e letters started with “Bradley tra cs in vicious slurs” by Eric Brody who defended members of the LGBTQ community. Next was the smug “We deserve better than Bradley” by Megan Burch, who used LGBTQ+. And “Bradley’s brew of confusion” by Lloyd Guthrie, who used anti-LGBTQ. I was overwhelmed by all the vivid and thrill-

application provisions herein for existing Short-Term Rental Properties shall be submitted to the County no later than ninety (90) days from the e ective date of this Ordinance.”

at provision is in place to provide a grace period for short-term rentals that were in operation prior to the ordinance’s adoption, according to county sta .

New licenses may still be requested after the 90-day period.

e ordinance took e ect upon the county commissioners’ approval of it on July 11.

ing adjectives bandied about. Eric used decent and sensible three times to prove his point. What was his point again? Did he want those decent people to accept and celebrate LGBTQ people? Actually, he claimed that no one demanded anyone else do anything. “Apart from refraining from slurring whole communities.” Does that include Christian and Muslim communities? ose who may not want to make the LBGTQ+ communities their religion, too? And could we even agree on what they want to be called? Too many letters for me to keep them straight. Talk about a brew of confusion.

Lloyd used Hate, Religion and Freedom, truth and triggers all in the same sentence. Intentional misdirection and disengenuity is used in one paragraph and ideological misdirection and disengenuity in another. Because the goal is to keep us divided and o center with disingenuity in the third paragraph. Reinforcing this false construct. Is he trying to say that Brandi is a liar?

Big words, spewing vitriol. Is this any way to achieve the peace and unity that they claim they want? Are they sharing a thesaurus? Do they sound like word salad?

Mary Ann McCoy Lone Tree

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Intec Billing Inc. d/b/a CSG has an opening for Software Development Engineer II in Englewood, CO. Job duties include: Develop, maintain and enhance software required for customer critical infrastructure systems support. Position allows full remote work and reports to company headquarters in Englewood, CO (Arapahoe County). Position requires a Bachelor’s in Computer Science, Information Systems, or related. Requires two years experience in any computer engineering, telecom, business consultant, development consultant, or related occupation. $93,658.95 to $149,854.32 per year, including standard company benefits. To apply, send resume to USIRecruitment@ csgi.com. Must reference job 21890.58.3

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d/b/a CSG has an opening for Software Development Engineer

Lead in Englewood, CO. Job duties include: Design, develop and create automation tests for software solutions. Position is fully remote and reports to headquarters at Englewood, CO. Requires Master’s or Bachelor’s in Computer Science or related field. Experience in a Software Engineer, Software Development Engineer, or related occupation is required (1 year with Master’s degree or 3 years with Bachelor’s degree). $102,482.00 to 181,322.59 per year, including standard company benefits. To apply, send resume to USIRecruitment@ csgi.com. Must reference job 21890.92.3.

CSG Systems Inc. d/b/a CSG has an opening for Sr. Technical Consultant in Englewood, CO. Job duties include: Develop, create, and modify general computer applications. Position is fully remote and reports to company headquarters at Englewood, CO. Requires a Master’s or Bachelor’s in Computer Science or related field. Requires progressive postbachelor’s experience in a Software Engineer, Developer, or related occupation (three years with Master’s or five years with Bachelor’s).

$139,984.00 to $156,990.24 per year, including standard company benefits. To apply, send resume to USIRecruitment@ csgi.com. Must reference job 21890.90.3.

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CSG Systems Inc. d/b/a CSG has an opening for Test Automation Engineer Senior in Englewood, CO. Job duties include: Develop end-to-end software test plans, manage plan activities, and ensure test objectives are met. Position is fully remote, and reports to headquarters at Englewood, CO. Requires a Bachelor’s in Computer Science, technology degree (including Biotechnology), or related. Requires five years progressive post Bachelor’s experience in any Software Engineering, Test Engineering, or related occupation. $116,563.00 to $123,256.80 per year, including standard company benefits. To apply, send resume to USIRecruitment@ csgi.com. Must reference job 21890.85.3.

Test Engineer NagraStar, LLC has opening for Test Engineer in Englewood, CO. Develop, maintain, & execute automated test suites focusing on Conditional Access Systems. $82,971 to $101,041 per year. Send resume to hr@nagrastar.com. Must reference job 80.

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Market Place

Misc. Notices

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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 Sales

Garage/Moving Sale

July 28th, 29th & 30th 8am-5pm 11791 Barrentine Loop Parker, CO 80138

Household items, tools, kitchen, holiday decorations and much more!

Merchandise

Antiques & Collectibles

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

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Medical

Attention oxygen therapy users!

Inogen One G4 is capable of full 24/7 oxygen delivery. Only 2.8 pounds. Free info kit. Call 877-929-9587

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

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

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Scrap Metal, Batteries, Appliances, Wiring, Scrap Plumbing/Heating, Cars/Parts, Clean out

Garages/Yards, Rake, Yard work done w/chainsaw, Certified Auto Mechanical / Body Work & paint available Also can do inside or outside cleaning 303-647-2475 / 720-323-2173

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Legals

Original Grantor: Brian Leben Original Beneficiary: Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems, Inc., as Beneficiary, as nominee for United Wholesale Mortgage, its successors and assigns

Reception No. of DOT: 2019011761

DOT Recorded in Douglas County. 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:

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.

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

Legal Description of Real Property: LOT 440, HIGHLANDS RANCH FILING NO. 111-B, COUNTY OF DOUGLAS, STATE OF COLORADO.

Which has the address of: 9626 Whitecliff Place, Highlands Ranch, CO 80129

NOTICE OF SALE

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

County News Press PUBLIC NOTICE Highlands Ranch NOTICE OF SALE Public Trustee Sale No. 2023-0089

To Whom It May Concern: On 5/12/2023 2:31:00 PM the undersigned Public Trustee caused the Notice of Election and Demand relating to the Deed of Trust described below to be recorded in Douglas County.

Original Grantor: 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

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

Highlands Ranch NOTICE OF SALE Public Trustee Sale No. 2023-0098

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 13, 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: 7/20/2023

Last Publication: 8/17/2023

Publisher: Douglas County News Press

Dated: 5/26/2023

DAVID GILL

DOUGLAS COUNTY Public Trustee

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

ALISON L. BERRY

- BELL MOUNTAIN METROPOLITAN DISTRICTS - CONSOLIDATED BELL MOUNTAIN RANCH METROPOLITAN DISTRICT C/O CLIFTONLARSONALLEN LLP - SILVER PEAKS METROPOLITAN DISTRICT NO 1 C/O SPENCER FANE LLP - THE DISTRICT AND THE TOWN OF LOCHBUIE - LANDAMERICAN LAWYERS TITLE INSURANCE - CASTLE ROCK INVESTMENT PROPERTIES LLC ATTN: MARK G CUCAROLA MANAGER - BROMLEY DISTRICT WATER PROVIDERS LLC ATTN: ROBERT A LEMBKE MANAGER - JOHN M SPILLANE - THE AMERICAN TELEPHONE AND TELEGRAPH COMPANY AKA AT&T - MOUNTAIN STATES TELEPHONE AND TELEGRAPH COMPANY - OCCUPANT

You and each of you are hereby notified that on the 1st day of November 2018 the then County Treasurer of the County of Douglas, in the State of Colorado, sold at public tax lien sale to HIGH ROCKIES LAND MANAGEMENT, LIMITED the following described real estate situate in the County of Douglas, State of Colorado, to wit:

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 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

To Whom It May Concern: On 5/26/2023 12:08:00 PM the undersigned Public Trustee caused the Notice of Election and Demand relating to the Deed of Trust described below to be recorded in Douglas County.

Original Grantor: WILLIAM ARVIDSSON AND ANN MARIE ARVIDSSON

Original Beneficiary: MORTGAGE ELECTRONIC REGISTRATION SYSTEMS, INC. AS NOMINEE FOR BROKER SOLUTIONS, INC.DBA NEW AMERICAN FUNDING, ITS SUCCESSORS AND ASSIGNS

Current Holder of Evidence of Debt:

MIDFIRST BANK

Date of Deed of Trust (DOT): 10/22/2019

Recording Date of DOT: 11/19/2019

Reception No. of DOT: 2019078925

DOT Recorded in Douglas County.

Original Principal Amount of Evidence of Debt: $259,239.00

Outstanding Principal Amount as of the date hereof: $250,473.32

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.

Colorado Registration #: 34531 9540 MAROON CIRCLE SUITE 320, ENGLEWOOD, COLORADO 80112

Phone #: (303) 706-9990

Fax #: (303) 706-9994

Attorney File #: 23-030075

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

Legal Notice No. 2023-0098

First Publication: 7/20/2023

Last Publication: 8/17/2023

Publisher: Douglas County News Press

Misc. Private Legals

Public Notice

NOTICE OF PURCHASE OF REAL ESTATE AT TAX

TRACT B BELL MOUNTAIN RANCH #1B 0.730 AM/L (FUTURE WELL SITE) and said County Treasurer issued a certificate of purchase therefore to HIGH ROCKIES LAND MANAGEMENT, LIMITED. That said tax lien sale was made to satisfy the delinquent* taxes assessed against said real estate for the year 2017. That said real estate was taxed or specially assessed in the name(s) of CASTLE ROCK INVESTMENT PROPERTIES LLC for said year 2017

That said HIGH ROCKIES LAND MANAGEMENT, LIMITED on the 17th day of August 2022 the present holder of said certificate, has made request upon the Treasurer of said County for a deed to said real estate; That a Treasurer’s Deed will be issued for said real estate to the said at 1:00 o’clock P.M., on the 9th day of November 2023 unless the same has been redeemed. Said property may be redeemed from said sale at any time prior to the actual execution of said Treasurer’s Deed. Witness my hand this 27th day of July 2023

/s/ David Gill County Treasurer of Douglas County Legal Notice No. 945733

First Publication: July 27, 2023

Last Publication: August 10, 2023

Publisher: Douglas County News-Press ###

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