Elbert County News 0604

MEETING MASK DEMAND Site helps extend supply of protective gear P4

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June 4, 2020

ELBERT COUNTY, COLORADO

A publication of

County, state move forward on variance

BY TABATHA STEWART SPECIAL TO COLORADO COMMUNITY MEDIA

they incurred as a result of the failed recall effort.

The recall was fueled by residents angered over the town’s proposed comprehensive plan and over fears of future growth in the town.

A group called “We are Not Parker” led the recall effort, with some residents living in areas surrounding Elizabeth expressing fear that the

After Elbert County commissioners acted unilaterally to allow school graduations to move forward and houses of worship to resume services without an attendance cap, state officials responded over Memorial Day weekend, requesting more information from the county regarding a potential variance from state COVID-19 restrictions.

In doing so, the state made no mention of the school ceremonies or churches in its letter.

And six days later, on May 29, the state approved the county’s request to let gyms open, allow more people at gatherings, and loosen dine-in services for small restaurants.

The Board of County Commissioners first submitted a request for

SEE PAYBACKS, P15

SEE VARIANCE, P14

Elizabeth Town Hall.

PHOTO BY TABATHA STEWART

Elizabeth charities to get recall paybacks Mayor, trustee will donate payments to organization, food banks in town

BY TABATHA STEWART SPECIAL TO COLORADO COMMUNITY MEDIA

Elizabeth food banks and the Elizabeth Firefighters Community

Organization will be the recipients of $3,244 in donations, courtesy of Mayor Megan Vasquez and Trustee Tammy Payne.

The money comes from reimbursements the two will receive after a recall election in December resulted in Vasquez and Payne remaining in their positions.

By law, Vasquez and Payne received reimbursement from the Town of Elizabeth for the expenses

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Colorado’s restaurant industry accounts for more than 294,000 jobs, or roughly 10% of statewide employment.

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VOICES: PAGE 8 | LIFE: PAGE 10 | SPORTS: PAGE 12

ElbertCountyNews.net

VOLUME 125 | ISSUE 18

2 Elbert County News

June 4, 2020J

Colorado may consider small-business relief fund Restaurants now allowed to reopen across the state

RULES FOR REOPENING RESTAURANTS

BY ELLIS ARNOLD EARNOLD@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM

Eateries across Colorado are now allowed to resume sit-down service, but Gov. Jared Polis acknowledged “the pain our restaurants have been through” during the state’s closure of dine-in service.

“And that means everybody,” Polis said at a May 26 news conference. “It means, of course, restaurant owners, but it also means chefs, sous chefs, bussers, wait staff, greeters” and other workers associated with restaurants.

The day before, Polis announced that restaurants could reopen for limited in-person dining as of May 27.

In response to a Colorado Community Media reporter’s question during the May 26 news conference, Polis didn’t say the state could provide immediate financial assistance to help restaurants survive. But he expressed desire to work with the state Legislature on a small-business relief fund and hopes the federal government can offer more help.

“Many restaurants are participating in the (federal) Paycheck Protection Program, but as originally constructed, it didn’t work perfectly for them because they didn’t have a

Sierra restaurant in Lone Tree has reopened its dining room. It typically employs 100 people but during the pandemic kept 10 to 15 people working in staggered shifts. On May 18, masked workers cooked up takeout and delivery orders.

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they were closed,” Polis said.

He added: “We hope there’s a piece in the next federal legislation that applies specifically to tourism businesses (and) to restaurants.”

Colorado’s restaurant industry accounts for more than 294,000 jobs, or roughly 10% of statewide employment, according to Polis’ presentation.

In authorizing restaurants to resume dine-in operations, Polis said in a May 25 statement that the state is “still a long way from returning to normal, but these updates are a step in the right direction because Coloradans are doing a good job so far limiting our social interactions.”

He added: “If we can continue staying at home as much as possible, wearing face coverings and washing our hands when leaving the house, then we will be able to slow the spread of the virus while reigniting our economy.”

But he warned: “If not, it will cost lives, and the economic pain will also be worse.”

Colorado on March 16 ordered bars and restaurants to stop dine-in service for 30 days — still allowing delivery, take-out and drive-through service — in a bid to slow the spread of COVID-19.

But extensions of the shutdown have kept restaurants and bars closed — except in counties with waivers from state requirements — until now.

Restaurants are now able to open with limited seating, with different parties spaced at least 6 feet apart, and the state is encouraging local officials to allow expanded outdoor seating options. Polis has suggested cities and counties should consider

State guidance for restaurants opening dine-in service, from the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment, was released May 25. The state health department still encourages restaurants to continue pick-up and delivery service, including for alcohol.

For those that re-open indoor dine-in service, the following requirements apply: • Patrons can be served at 50% of the posted occupancy code limit and a maximum of 50 patrons.

• Patrons in different groups must be a minimum of 6 feet apart. Spacing of tables may need to be 6 feet or more to ensure proper physical distancing between parties.

• All employees must wear face coverings.

• “Ensure maximum ventilation” by opening windows and minimizing air conditioning to the extent possible.

• Deep clean and disinfect all shared surfaces between groups — at each turnover.

• Do not allow parties to mingle with each other, and limit party size to eight people or fewer.

• Encouraging, and preferably requiring, reservations. Waiting parties must not congregate in entrance areas and should wait in cars or outside until seating is available.

• Provide contactless payment or prepayment options whenever possible.

• Discontinue use of tablecloths, move to single-use or remove and replace laundered tablecloths between patrons.

• Use disposable single-use menus or menu boards, or create online menus for guests to review.

• Provide single-use or single-serving condiments.

• Disinfect restrooms every hour and provide hand sanitizer at check-in area and throughout venue.

The state encourages outdoor dine-in service, for which the following requirements must be met: • Patrons in different groups must be a minimum of 6 feet apart. Spacing of tables may need to be 6 feet or more to ensure proper distancing between different parties.

• All employees must wear face coverings.

• Staff must disinfect and deep-clean all shared surfaces between seatings.

See more of the guidance at tinyurl.com/ RestaurantGuidanceCDPHE. According to the guidance, restaurants also should implement symptom monitoring protocols for employees, including temperature monitoring and symptom screening questions, where possible. They should encourage sick employees to use the CDPHE Symptom Tracker at tinyurl. com/SymptomTrackerColorado.

seating on sidewalks, parking lots and even streets. Municipal parking areas could also be an option, he said.

“That’s really the only way, with the spacing, that we’re going to have a thriving restaurant” industry, Polis said at a May 18 news conference.

He added: Restaurants “simply can’t stay in business with a quarter or half capacity.”

SEE RELIEF, P13

Elbert County News 3

June 4, 2020

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4 Elbert County News

June 4, 2020J

Reuse program aims to meet demand for N95 masks Site helps extend nation’s inventory of medical equipment

BY SCOTT TAYLOR STAYLOR@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM

As it turns out, smeared makeup and lip balm might be the only things standing in the way of a 20-fold increase in the country’s supply of N95 masks.

Bartosz Koszowski is the site manager at the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s decontamination operation located inside the Adams County Fairgrounds’ Exhibit Hall.

The operation is designed to clean used mask from health-care providers and get them back into service quickly.

Soiling and contamination of the masks is the main thing that will keep them from being reused. And while the contamination can be from dirt or bodily fluids, that’s not the most common.

“One of the main reasons for us to discard them is from soiling from makeup,” Koszowski said. “We actually work with the hospitals to encourage their workers to not wear makeup.

People need to feel comfortable wearing the masks, even if they are decontaminated, and soiling makes that difficult. So we have to care not only that they are clean but also about how they look.”

Ramping up The Adams County operation, one of 45 that FEMA has set up around the country with national logistics consultants Battelle, is just getting started, Koszowski said. The site has been open and in operation since May 4.

It’s a free service for hospitals, medical centers, doctors’ offices and first responders that meet the company’s criteria and fill out the form on the company’s website, battelle.org.

“Right now, the system is still ramping up,” he said. “The health-care providers, they need a little more time to get their procedures in place. But Battelle is working with them to make the process easier.”

Staff members at Battelle’s N95 decontamination site in the Adams County Fairgrounds Exhibit Hall take delivery of two boxes of used N95 masks. The boxes will be taken into a decontamination chamber before they are opened and then treated to make them reusable. The service is available to all hospitals, medical centers, doctors’ offices and first responders as a way to make the nation’s supply of protective equipment last.

SCOTT TAYLOR The Exhibit Hall contains four of the decontamination chambers, and Koszowski said his crew works in 12-hour shifts, keeping the location open and operating all day, seven days a week. They can process up to 80,000 used N95 masks a day, converting discarded personal protective gear into reusable safety equipment.

That’s a crucial task, according it Lee dePalo, the regional administrator for FEMA. “Being able to reuse what we have is incredibly important, because we are trying to increase production of the N95 mask,” dePalo said.

Supplies of the medically critical N95 masks remain tight during the COVID-19 pandemic, and FEMA had to withdraw a contract for $55 million worth of respirator masks May 14 when the Virginia company failed to

deliver.

Reusing the equipment is a good alternative, he said.

“It’s a good system, and it’s good to see what we can do to help America fight this COVID,” dePalo said.

DePalo’s Region 8, covers Colorado, Utah, Wyoming, Montana and the Dakotas and he said it’s home to four of the decontamination sites: Adams County, a second Colorado site in Montrose, and one apiece in North Dakota and Montana.

The Adams County site is meant to bring in masks that have been used up and down the Front Range, especially from hospitals and medical centers in the Denver metro area.

It’s been a quick turnaround for the federal agency and the logistics company. Their process for decontaminating the masks got Food and Drug

Administration approval on March 29.

The company signed a $1,465-per-day contract with the county to use the Exhibit Hall on April 18 and began moving in their equipment five days later.

Hydrogen peroxide vapor The decontamination chambers are heavily modified shipping containers enclosing racks, sealed doors and a ventilation system covered by multiple HEPA filters. Each can hold 10,000 masks, Koszowski said.

Once the mask are in and the doors closed, the chamber is pumped full of vaporized hydrogen peroxide, which is meant to kill any germs still on the masks. The masks sit in the chamber for four hours, at which point the SEE MASKS, P11

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Elbert County News 5

June 4, 2020

Virus outbreak slams monetary well-being Half of Americans’ financial security worse since pandemic began STAFF REPORT

With COVID-19 shuttering businesses and driving millions to file for unemployment, finances are being hit harder than many Americans have seen in their lives.

According to a survey by Country Financial, 49% of Americans say their level of financial security is worse since the pandemic began, and 33% say they were not financially prepared for a pandemic, says a news release.

While the pandemic has set many Americans back, it also presents an opportunity to regroup and get on the right financial track, the news release says.

“If you haven’t developed a financial plan, now is the time to kick planning into high gear and assess what your short-term and longterm goals are,” Troy Frerichs, vice president of investment services at Country Financial, said in the release. “If you have developed a plan but haven’t been good about keeping to your goals, now is the time to re-commit and work on developing better personal financial habits.”

Many Americans are prioritizing day-to-day survival over long-term financial goals, the release said. The survey found that 45% of Americans say their top financial goal since the pandemic hit is to pay day-today expenses, followed by saving for an emergency fund 27%, saving for retirement 16% and investing in the stock market 5%, the release said.

Americans’ plans for their stimulus checks also reflect these changing priorities, with 38% of those who were expecting a check saying they would spend it on everyday expenses, while 15% planned to put the funds toward a mortgage or rent payment, the release said. Only 22% planned to save or invest their stimulus check, the release said.

“This is an incredibly difficult time for so many Americans because we have never experienced a pandemic like this before,” Frerichs said in the release. “At a time when we feel like so much is out of our control, we have to focus on what is in our power, which is how much we spend and what we save. Cut spending where you can and concentrate on paying bills on time to avoid a buildup of debt and fees that will have to be paid later.”

While so much remains uncertain, Americans still have the power to take the following steps to improve their finances during this time: • Develop a budget: The pandemic is forcing many Americans to make

hard choices — particularly cutting expenses — so it’s more important than ever to use this time of uncertainty to establish a budget and commit to living within your means.

• Create an emergency fund: Many Americans struggled to build an emergency fund even before the pandemic, but an emergency fund is now more important than ever. If this financial situation gets worse before it gets better, Americans need to have money set aside that they can lean back on in a last resort. If you don’t have an emergency fund, try to set aside as much as you can every month and aim to build enough to cover between three to six months of living expenses.

• Explore opportunities to lower interest rates: The pandemic has led to lower interest rates, which may provide a great opportunity for some to get closer to their financial goals, such as paying off debt or lowering a mortgage payment. Connect with a financial representative and lenders to explore options; just be sure to read the fine print and take any associated costs into consideration before making any decisions.

• Evaluate your long-term goals: While many are thinking about how to get by right now, it’s important to look beyond the pandemic as well.

Look at where you stand with your long-term goals and review your strategy for achieving them.

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6 Elbert County News

June 4, 2020J

Decorative rocks spread joy to neighbors Parker residents connect through painted messages

BY NICK PUCKETT NPUCKETT@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM

The Parker “Rocks” Facebook group began in 2017 with the purpose to connect the community and spread joy in small doses to their neighbors.

“The group was created simply to spread the love and so people could post rocks they hide/find,” said Jennifer DeJesus, one of two admins of the page. “The kids and adults love to do this. And it brings smiles to the faces of those that hide the rocks and those that find them. Just spreading love and kindness when there’s so much hate in this world.”

The long stay-at-home stretch has given new life to the movement.

Kids — and adults — from the South Pinery to Bradbury Hills and Cottonwood neighborhoods are leaving their own decorative rocks along local trails.

The rocks vary in size. Some say “Stay Smilin,’” “You Are Beautiful” and other positive messages. Others have more artful designs and a few camofluage like a flower, hidden in plain sight at first glance.

The rocks are on trails and in driveways, perched on mailboxes and signs, nuzzled under a tree. They are

A rock that reads “You Are Beautiful” rests along the East-West Trail in Bradbury Ranch.

PHOTOS BY NICK PUCKETT well-known to the neighbors. On a walk along the East-West Trail in the Bradbury Hills neighborhood May 16, every single one of the dozen or so people out on the trail could trace sightings in all corners of the neighborhood.

“What started out as a fun way for my boys and I to bring smiles to friends and neighbors while also social distancing, this group has

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A rock found near Lincoln Avenue and Chambers Road in Parker reads “Inhale Courage, Exhale Fear.” Shared by Jan on the Living in Parker, CO Facebook page.

NICK PUCKETT brought so much joy when there’s so much negativity out there,” wrote Summer Crosbie, of Parker, on Facebook. “Seeing what designs people are into at the moment or what cool rocks others are finding is just so fun.

It’s a cheap and easy craft that the entire family can be part of !”

Amy Dougherty, of Parker, commented that she looks for rocks every time she’s on a walk.

“When I’m running alone and find a rock I get so excited, even as a grown woman,” Dougherty said. “Recently, I was having a pretty rough day at home with the kiddos, took myself out for a solo run and found at least three painted rocks. They brought me so much joy and completely turned my day around. It’s amazing what these small tokens of kindness can do.”

The idea is to let the rocks “hitchhike” with walkers who need company and to leave them behind for the next person. Those who leave behind their rocks include a location on the community’s Facebook page, Parker “Rocks.” The group is open to anybody who lives in or near Parker.

One woman walking by May 16 said she let a rock tag along with her to Korea and other parts of the United States because she wanted to spread the good will as far as she could.

Elizabeth Higgins posted on March 31, saying they began a scavenger hunt with different painted rocks for their kids to pass the time during stay-at-home orders.

“My kiddo has loved going on a new hunt every day and it helps her feel like she is playing with her friends on some level,” she wrote.

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Elbert County News 7

June 4, 2020

Professors building app to predict odds of catching COVID-19 Another is studying how stay-at-home orders have impacted streams

BY PAUL ALBANI-BURGIO PALBANIBURGIO@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM

Colorado School of Mines professors have received two National Science Foundation grants for projects related to COVID-19, including one effort to produce a mobile app that could be used to predict how likely someone is to suffer dangerous complications if they get the disease.

Judith Klein-Seetharaman, the director of bioscience and bioengineering at Mines, and Hua Wang, an associate professor of computer science at the school, are teaming up on the effort to develop the computational model Kleinthat will provide the Seetharaman foundation for the app, which will synthesize patient data to create a model to predict future COVID-19 outcomes.

“We are going to use existing COVID19-related patient data and proteomics Wang data and develop a computational model that will take all of the different types of risk factors into account such as comorbidities, lifestyle factors, symptoms and behavioral information,” said Klein-Seetheraman. “And we will develop a model from this and then an individual or a physician will be able to enter this information to give a score for that person.”

That score will then indicate the person’s probability of getting COVID-19 or, if they already have the disease, their likelihood of developing complications. A high score would mean someone should call a doctor because they are likely to be infected or develop complications, Klein-Seetharaman said.

The pair said they are hoping to have a first version of the app, which will be called iCOVID and made available for free on the iTunes app store and Google play, up and running in five or six weeks. However, they said the grant funding they have received lasts for one year, which will allow the pair to improve the model and app interface while incorporating user feedback.

So far, one of the pair’s main challenges has been the difficulty accessing patient data, which hospitals usually do not make available

for privacy reasons. To get around those concerns, the team has used anonymized data from medical databases, which still presents an obstacle since it can take awhile for COVID-19-related patient data to become available.

Klein-Seetharaman said she contacted Wang, who she worked with on other projects, about bringing his expertise to the project when she realized how many factors seem to be involved in COVID-19 risk.

Wang’s research focuses on machine learning, which is the study of computer algorithms that improve automatically through experience and can be used to synthesize complex data.

“So, when we work together we can use the machine learning knowledge from my side as well as the experience and knowledge from Judy’s side to collectively build some more useful tools,” said Wang.

But while the app will be able to help someone who gets a cough determine the likelihood that they have COVID-19, Klein-Seetharaman said the app could also be utilized for planning by hospitals and even governments.

“Hospitals need to be able to predict how many beds they need and how many respirators they need and so on and our app could potentially help with that by helping to predict what is the chance that you are going to have n number of patients with complications,” she said. “And then it can also be used by local and even global governments to evaluate what the risk is and what we need to plan for.”

John McCray, a professor of civil and environmental engineering, also received a NSF grant for a project that will study the impact of Colorado’s stay-at-home orders on the quality of urban streams in metro Denver.

“The COVID-19 pandemic could potentially accelerate future McCray sustainable living practices into typical living scenarios,” McCray wrote in a section of his proposal included in an article on the Mines website. “Research is underway looking at air pollution but little has been done to understand the impacts on water quality.

Cleaner, fishable and swimmable urban rivers would be another justification for sustainable living that includes working from home and much less driving. The information will also be useful to urban planners regarding types of green infrastructure for cleaning urban water, and to public health officials and legislators for urban water quality management.”

Primary Election June 30, 2020 Douglas County is Election Ready - Are You? The week of June 8, affiliated and unaffiliated voters in Douglas County will receive their primary ballots by mail. Safe and secure ballot drop boxes will be open across the County to Vote Early. Near You. Always visit DouglasVotes.com for up-to-date election information where you can: •

Register to vote or check your status/affiliation

•

Update your mailing address

•

Find a ballot drop box near you

•

Get information about in-person voter services Learn more at DouglasVotes.com or 303.660.7444.

County Government Services Update Residents and businesses have access to remote services, 61 online services and some in-person services that require a visit to the County’s Human Services and Philip S. Miller County Administration buildings open for public access from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday – Friday.

Paperwork drop boxes are also available at Motor Vehicle offices in Lone Tree, Highlands Ranch, and Castle Rock. The drop boxes serve Motor Vehicle, Recording, Veterans Affairs and the Assessor’s Office.

Visit douglas.co.us/covid19/ or DoItOnlineDouglas.com for more details.

Have gardening questions?

With people spending more time at home, gardening has become a popular activity. Douglas County Master Gardeners are working and happy to answer your yard and garden questions. Contact them at dcmgardenr@ gmail.com or learn more at douglas.extension. colostate.edu/horticulture/master-gardener/

Need flood zone information?

If you live in unincorporated Douglas County, Flood Insurance Rate Maps and zone information are available by request. For more information visit douglas. co.us/water/flood-plain-insuranceinformation/. A form may also be requested by calling 303-660-7490.

What’s happening with your County government?

Our commitment to open and transparent government includes online posting of information about public meetings at which the business of government is conducted. To view various public meeting agendas please visit douglas.co.us and search for Meetings and Agendas.

DoItOnlineDouglas.com douglas.co.us

8 Elbert County News

F

LOCAL

VOICES

Money is in the cards, and some will stay there

our million Americans will find a prepaid debit card in their mailbox soon, if not already.

I found mine. How about you?

The Economic Impact Payment Cards are going to certain people who filed a tax return QUIET but don’t have bank information on file.

DESPERATION At first I thought it was a scam. No: It simply turned out to be a pain in the neck.

To activate the card, I had to call an 800 number.

I guess they’re kind of busy. At least that’s what I was told Craig Marshall over and over and over. It was mindSmith numbing. I thought it might be a tactic. One of many.

Eventually, I spoke with a customer service representative. She asked me everything except my birth weight.

Then came a series of questions.

H

June 4, 2020J

She wanted to know what state someone I have never heard of lived in.

And who “Micah” was.

I correctly answered the question about the make, model and year of my car, but it wasn’t good enough and I was denied activation.

However, something else was activated: my aggravation.

I thought it was pretty clever to issue cards rather than a paper check, which could have been deposited directly.

Maybe you already know this: according to cnbc.com, “Half of Americans currently own unredeemed gift cards or store credits and that adds up to tens of billions in unused money.

More than one-third with unused cards won’t use up all of the funds.”

The experience was so aggravating I thought about throwing the card away.

I counted to 10 and called the 800 number again.

For some reason, I was guided through a different menu and was able to activate the card without listening to the outgoing messages or talking

with anyone.

Who knows?

Maybe your experience was or will be better than mine. In any case, read the letter that comes with the card, and take a look at the May 19 Forbes article that answers frequently asked questions about the cards.

Momma said.

Momma said, “Don’t look a gift horse in the mouth,” meaning don’t question the value of a gift.

Checking a horse’s teeth is one way to determine its age.

You’ve heard another expression, namely that someone is “long in the tooth.”

As a horse ages, its gums recede, making the teeth look longer.

As I held my Economic Payment Card, I heard my mother telling me what not to do.

She’s been dead these 12 years but I am still governed at times by her guidance.

Coincidentally, as essayed two months ago, I was scheduled for gum surgery with Dr. Kim. It is now com-

pleted.

The procedures were costly. My Economic Impact Card is spoken for.

I am, in short, an aging horse, and if I had my choice it would be Seabiscuit: a plucky, unlikely-looking, top money-winning racehorse.

I recommend Laura Hillenbrand’s book, “Seabiscuit: An American Legend,” but not the film based on the book, or the 1949 Shirley Temple film “The Story of Seabiscuit.”

Watch it for actual footage of some of Seabiscuit’s races and skip the parts where Temple swoons over the jockey.

The debit cards, as an alternative to easily deposited checks, were a shrewd idea. The obstacles to activate them and the fact many will never be used partially or fully saves someone money.

Seven pounds, six ounces.

Craig Marshall Smith is an artist, educator and Highlands Ranch resident.

He can be reached at craigmarshallsmith@comcast.net.

We win when we expect more from ourselves

ave you ever wondered why sometimes we can get so frustrated and even angry at other people because they aren’t serving us fast enough, meeting our needs and demands, or just behaving in a way that we don’t agree WINNING with?

WORDS Maybe it’s our neighbor, our family, or a company representative who isn’t helping us fast enough. It could be a coworker, a customer, or even our boss.

Maybe it’s the confusion and neediness of our pets and their Michael Norton inconvenient timing during our virtual meetings as they jump into the picture or bark or meow in the background. And maybe, it’s someone who is or isn’t social distancing the way that we are.

Here’s the harder question: When was the last time we held ourselves to that same standard? That standard that we hold everyone else on

the planet accountable to comply with. For many of us, that look in the mirror is exactly what we need right now as we try and work through all the challenges we are facing today.

Whether it’s within our homes, working from our homes, talking to friends and neighbors, or being a part of the community in any way, we should encourage one another to expect more from ourselves and maybe set the example for others.

Service will be slower, let’s expect that to happen. Confusion about the products we ordered and didn’t receive or when we received the wrong size or color can be controlled as we put ourselves in the headset of the customer service person on the other end of the phone or in your chat window.

And as we walk together through the days, weeks, and months ahead, we will confront many moments where we will have a disagreement or a difference of opinion. And that’s OK, because as we begin to expect the best from ourselves, and make expecting the best from ourselves a habit, we really will not care how others choose to react, we only know how we will respond.

JERRY HEALEY President

A publication of

750 W. Hampden Ave., Suite 225 Englewood, CO 80110 Phone: 303-566-4100 Web: ElbertCountyNews.net To subscribe call 303-566-4100

Success and winning are never measured in how we stack up against other people, success and winning are only defined by what we did relative to what we are capable of doing and what we expect from ourselves each day, in all that we do, and in all that we say. Success and winning have a magical moment when we can look in the mirror and know the good that we did and also identified what we still need to work on in ourselves.

A good friend and mentor of mine, Dr. Denis Waitley, created a program called The Psychology of Winning.

And in his program, Denis talks about positive self-expectancy. Here is what he says: “Positive self-expectancy is the first, most outwardly identifiable quality of a top achieving, winning human being. Positive self-expectancy is pure and simple optimism: real enthusiasm for everything you do. And optimism is expecting the most favorable result from your own actions.”

The inspiration for today’s column came from Jon, a member of our community who caught himself mirroring the bad behavior and harsh language of someone he was interacting with

DAVID L. THOMPSON Marketing Consultant

during a recent disagreement. Jon said that he got caught up in the moment and felt like he reacted poorly.

To quote Jon, he said, “It wasn’t until I got home and saw myself in the mirror, and I knew that I was better than that.”

I know Jon is not alone because I have found myself in the same situation. Have you? Here’s the thing, the best part is that when we start focusing our efforts on expecting more from ourselves and live daily with positive self-expectancy, we will minimize reacting poorly and maximize how we respond favorably.

How about you? Do you expect more from yourself ? Do you hold others to a different standard than you hold yourself ? I would love to hear all about your positive self-expectancy story at mnorton@tramazing.com and when we expect more from ourselves it really will be a better than good week.

Michael Norton is the grateful CEO of Tramazing.com, a personal and professional coach, and a consultant, trainer, encourager and motivator to businesses of all sizes.

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Email letters to letters@coloradocommunitymedia.com Deadline Wed. for the following week’s paper.

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Elbert County News 9

June 4, 2020

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR Mail voting should be right A recent story from 9News hails Colorado as a leader in mail-in ballot voting (April 9). The law went into effect in 2013 and allows all voters to get a ballot in the mail.

In the last presidential election in 2016, nearly three-out-of-four voters returned their mail-in ballots in Colorado, the story noted.

President Trump has opposed mail-in balloting, calling it corrupt. He recently took to Twitter to oppose what he said was Michigan’s recent mailing of absentee ballots to the state’s voters. “This was done illegally and without authorization by a rogue Secretary of State. I will ask to hold up funding to Michigan if they want to go down this Voter Fraud path!” the president tweeted. Trump has threatened Nevada in a similar way.

Americans in every state should be allowed to vote by mail if they choose to, especially in the middle of a pandemic and if they are worried about their health. Mail-in voting does not create measurable voter fraud, which is still rare in our system. It is a powerful moment in history right now and it is important that we stand up to him to ensure that everyone can access mail-in ballots if they choose.

Trump is worried about his reelection prospects, which is why he is

ABOUT LETTERS TO THE EDITOR eager to attack mail-in voting. We need a new administration that allows every American to use their voice to vote either in person or mail-in. Please vote for a change in November!

Lauren Rombach Littleton Follow safe health guidelines Since the owners of C&C Coffee and Kitchen (in Castle Rock) are not afraid of the COVID-19 virus and its related laws, I must doubt their adherence to hygiene and health codes in general. If they do not understand how masks and distancing prevent the airborne spread of contagion, how could anyone have confidence that they keep their plates and utensils sanitized, practice safe food prep and storage, or even check that their servers wash their hands after they use the restroom? They’re not bothered by bacteria, germs, virusus, or legal compliance for the greater good, so why should you be?

Seriously, folks, data proves that masks and distancing WORK in keeping COVID-19 from spreading, so just do it. I have struggled to pay my rent. I have also watched someone struggle to breathe as they died. Guess which is worse?

Tamara Carlin Castle Rock

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PARKER AND ELIZABETH FUNERAL HOMES

& CREMATORY

Parker Funeral Home was honored to be entrusted with the care of these loved ones.

Bonnie Sue Shaw, 79, of Aurora, CO passed away at home on May 6, 2020. She was born in Guymon, OK to John and Lillian (Saunders) Hart on May 4, 1941. She had just enjoyed her birthday! No service is planned for now, however, a later date may be reserved for a Celebration of Life for Bonnie. There are many people who know her for her delicious baking of breads and cinnamon rolls!! Please visit www.pfh-co.com to leave condolences for the family.

Stephen Eli Lents, 77, of Parker, CO passed away on May 8, 2020. He was born in Decatur, IL on August 7, 1942 to Norman and Frances (Taylor) Lents. As there are no services planned at this time, please visit www.pfh-co. com to leave condolences for the family.

Dora Virginia Simmons, 83, of Parker, CO passed away on May 9, 2020. Her parents Wlliiam and Juanita (Buchanan) McLain welcomed her into this world on March 5, 1937 in Oklahoma City, OK. Dora was the widow of the late Lanny E. Simmons, and was a homemaker in her own home.

Kenneth Grover Wetterow, 70, of Parker, CO passed away on May 10, 2020. He was at home with his loving wife, Susan. He was born in Buchanan, Michigan to Grover P. and Gretna (Stevenson) Wetterow on August 16, 1949. Ken served proudly in the Marines. No service is planned at this time, however, please visit

www.pfh-co.com to leave condolences for the family.

Steven Emery Lucas, 65, of Centennial, CO passed away on May 11, 2020. Walter and Debris (Norton) Lucas welcomed him into this world on April 23, 1955 in Rockford, Illinois.

Steven was self-employed for 40 years as a manufacturer’s representative in the electric motor business. No service is planned as of now, however you may visit www.pfh-co.com to leave condolences for the family.

Nancy Carol Stretch, 67, of Parker, CO passed away on May 14, 2020. he was born in Chicago, IL on June 5, 1952 to Edwin and Alice (Klein) Wisniewski. Parker Funeral Home is honored to walk alongside this family. A service was held on May 26, 2020 at Parker Funeral Home to honor Nancy. She will be greatly missed by her daughter Jennifer, and grandson, Seth.

Mary Katherine Held, 71, of Parker, CO passed away on May 15, 2020. She was born to John and Mary (Small) Dalton on October 23, 1948 in Nebraska. She resided at Pine Grove Crossing in Parker, CO. There was a small celebration of Life for her at Parker Funeral Home. Please visit www.pfh-co.com to see the full obituary and to leave condolences for the family.

Please visit us online at www.pfh-co.com for full obituaries and more.

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Funeral Homes Visit: www.memoriams.com

10 Elbert County News

LOCAL

June 4, 2020J

LIFE

Local author’s sci-fi books eye extraterrestrial intelligence

A

fter a career in journalism, local author Rich Bangs has spent the past 10 years creating a sci-fi trilogy exploring extraterrestrial intelligence: “Forgiven,” “Forgotten” and “Forsaken,” which are available from our local Tattered Cover, as well as online and from the author. “I had the desire to write a novel and science fiction seemed the most desirable setting.”

Bangs looked at the lengths some might go to explore the subject, he SONYA’S writes.

SAMPLER

Bookaholics rejoice!

Our beloved libraries in Littleton, Douglas County and Englewood have stayed in touch, as good communicators should. Curbside service is available and we still await Sonya Ellingboe announcements of actual openings of the facilities’ doors as health departments wrestle with the responsibility of keeping us physically safe. Englewood, Littleton and Douglas County have announced curbside pickup at specific times. Call or communicate online with requests: And, note available stories and more online ...  Douglas County will have curbside pickup June 1-15 at Castle Rock, Castle Pines, Highlands Ranch, Lone Tree, Parker and Roxborough branches, including, as at other systems, Summer Reading Program titles.

“Look for the purple quill,” they advise. Times: Monday and Friday, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.; Tuesday and Thursday, 4 to 6 p.m.; Saturday, noon to 4 p.m.; Sunday, 1 to 3 p.m. See website: dcl. org.  Littleton’s Bemis Public Library will bag available books requested and place on a table outside, marked with the first four letters of your name, on Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. See website: bemis.marmot.org.  Englewood Public Library says

of the Revolution’s website, and he has co-coordinated the Denver Metro Area Artist Relief Fund which has raised almost $15,000 to support artists who have lost work. More is needed ... “Creativity is my roadmap to mental and emotional health and spiritual wealth,” he said ... “Artists need to provide the blueprint for getting through this ... we need to push the social imagination for what comes next ...” See denverartmuseum.org.  Note: We hope readers can support a favorite organization — large or small — with a bit extra.

the Civic Center opened May 11, but the Library doesn’t yet have a date.

See website for curbside instructions: englewood.marmot.org.

More book news See the Colorado Humanities website for a broadcast of the Colorado Book Awards from the historic Evans School in Denver. This annual event recognizes Colorado authors in many categories, ranging from fiction and history to poetry and children’s books. You may find a treasure you’ve missed to date. See coloradohumanities.org.

Summer camps?

Check your recreation district or other location — it appears many summer camps are on, but details are still being developed by presenting agencies. Facilities are a moving target — again check online often ... Parks and trails? Mostly open but check your target before setting out.

Athletic contests “await state orders,” according to South Suburban Parks and Recreation District.

Updates from Denver Art Museum Interesting copy from Denver Art Museum on 18th- and 19th-century pandemics and their effects on the Great Plains Indian tribes. For example, between 1714 and 1919, there were 36 major epidemics recorded in art pieces, such as pictorial calendars in the museum’s collection. The Mandans were almost wiped out entirely, which means not so much pictorial material exists to speak to us about tribal history today. Also, because some tribes moved a lot and some combined forces, attribution of items is sometimes difficult. Conservators become storytellers.  DAM plans on opening its new building and renovated North Building in June — dates and appropriate celebration TBA. We are excited! In the meantime, enjoy virtual touring, especially of the “Natural Forces: Winslow Homer and Frederic Remington” exhibit. Spend as long as you like contemplating a single painting

“Forgotten” is from a science fiction trilogy recently published by local author/ journalist Rich Bangs.

COURTESY OF RICH BANGS by one of these significant American artists, without that tall guy in the big hat moving in front of you! See the new “Museum from Home” section of the website. Also, visit “Untitled: Creative Fusions at Home” with focus on local creative folks; Nicole Anona Banowetz, Ryan Foo and Molina Speaks ... It speaks to the role of artists in these difficult times: Banowetz who found most of her trademark inflatable projects (seen at Museum of Outdoor Arts in the past), has made more-than-usually interesting masks; Foo, with Steven Sampson, “created WeAreDenver. org to build a platform for the local community of makers and creators”; Molina Speaks worked with a dozen artists to create a digital gift basket, which is found on the Warm Cookies

Arvada Center Before or collective lights dimmed, the Arvada Center Theatre announced its 2020-2021 program, “Attracting Opposites.” The musical “Kinky Boots,” about a factory owner/entertainer who creates dazzling high-heeled boots, is listed as the opener in mid-September. We’ll happily anticipate this upbeat piece and hope it can proceed ... followed by Black Box Theatre works and other programs. Nice to see, given all the cancellations that have come our way of late!

Juneteenth The annual Juneteenth Music Festival, “DREAMBIG” will be virtual on June 18. JuneteenthMusicFestival. com.

Reminder We have mentioned the Colorado Mask Design Challenge, but will repeat for school-aged children: All Colorado schoolchildren are invited to create a design representing the masks they want to see at their school, neighborhood or home ... Program guidelines and entry submission forms can be found at: coloradocreativeindustries.org/masks.

Sounds like a good summer art project to us ... some will be featured on Colorado Creative Industries’ Facebook and a select few will be printed on a real mask by Colorado companies ...

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Elbert County News 11

June 4, 2020

MASKS FROM PAGE 4

vapor is pumped out and then the masks sit drying for another four hours.

Each mask, assuming it is free of soiling and other contaminants, can be run through Battelle’s process 20 times before it must be thrown away.

“When we inspect them, we are looking for soiling but also tears and other problems,” Koszowski said.

Once a hospital is registered with Battelle, it’s given an identification number. Hospital personnel mark each mask with that number after it’s been used and then put them inside a special bag. Once full, that bag is boxed up and shipped to the Adams County site. Shipping is free via FedEx or UPS, or the hospital can use its own courier service.

Each treated mask goes back to the hospital that sent it in, complete with a report detailing when it was treated and how many times it’s been treated.

“Our computer system is very important because the health-care providers are all pre-qualified,” he said.

“Each provider has a code, and we can track each mask and each box as they go through the system.”

The boxes are only opened, unpacked and sorted once they are in the decontamination chamber. Battelle workers inspect each mask and then place them on a metal shelf for the hydrogen peroxide treatment. Koszowski said the Battelle process uses a 35% hydrogen peroxide solution, about

Two workers at the Battelle site in the Adams County Fairgrounds Exhibit Hall prepare to unpack two boxes of used N95 masks, sort them and prepare them to be decontaminated May 14.

PHOTOS BY SCOTT TAYLOR seven to 10 times stronger than the solution you can purchase at the store.

“Compared on what you use on cuts, it’s a much higher percentage,” Koszowski said. “It’s pretty unstable, but the only byproducts for this are water and oxygen. That’s what hydrogen peroxide decomposes to. It’s considered a green chemical, so nothing nasty is going to get into the environment.”

The workers wear pressurized cleanroom suits when they are loading the masks in the chambers and are

sprayed with isopropyl alcohol as soon as they step out to kill any viruses trying to hitch a ride. And once they have changed out of the clean-room suit, they go to a shower trailer to clean up and put on a fresh set of clothes.

The entire operation is modular and portable, made up of the shower trailer and eight shipping containers — four containing the decontamination equipment and four others for storage, office work, supplies and equipment.

The team at Battelle’s N95 decontamination site in the Adams County Fairgrounds Exhibit Hall prepares to take two boxes of used N95 masks into their decontamination chamber. The masks will be put on a shelf in the chamber, which is filled with hydrogen peroxide vapor to kill any germs or virus. After four hours of treatment, the masks will be returned to the hospital that sent them in.

The operation is meant to be in place indefinitely, but Adams County’s contract renting the space lasts through Oct. 20.

FEMA has been given the authorization to set up 60 of the sites across the country and has launched 45 so far, dePalo said, and is also looking at what other types of medical equipment can be decontaminated with Battelle’s process.

“Right now, it’s only approved for N95 masks, but there is an effort to look at a new emergency use authorization through the FDA for other equipment,” he said.

12 Elbert County News

LOCAL

June 4, 2020J

SPORTS Soccer coach stayed busy during shutdown

Rock Canyon’s Carpenter made videos, trained athletes from other schools

BY JIM BENTON JBENTON@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM

Aaron Carpenter, boys soccer coach at Rock Canyon High School in Highlands Ranch, had mixed feelings while filling time during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Colorado High School Activities Association issued a moratorium against in-person contact for coaches and players, plus all spring sports activities were canceled.

So Carpenter conducted private training sessions, made videos for his class and did some fishing and hiking.

“I was hanging in there, doing a couple private training sessions,” said Carpenter. “I just did one player or two at a time. I couldn’t train them on campus. I had to do it off campus and they couldn’t be my guys. The guys I’m training now are from Mountain Vista, our rivals, so I’m making them better.

“I’ve done all the online teaching. I got pretty rehearsed on iMovie, making videos for my class each week. So that was interesting, trying to keep

formulate a better understanding of them engaged. The other part has been what they are going for by June 9. They nice. I live in the (Colorado) Springs so are going to come up with several opI have quite a commute. It was nice to tions, plan A, B, C and D. So we are just kind of hang out in the Springs. I love kind of waiting in the wings and hopthe trails and I fish a lot. I got a lot of ing I don’t lose a season with the guys. fishing in during the spring.”

“I hope they all collaborate and go Carpenter doesn’t know yet what over the different might be in store for ideas. Obviously school or fall sports liability is a big facevents. tor and safety is the The CHSAA lifted biggest factor. A lot its moratorium on of forward thinking June 1 with strict has to go into all guidelines. After this. It’s a challenge June 1, decisions for everyone.” regarding athletCarpenter’s chalics and activities lenge is trying to through the summer forget the past and months will be made at the local school Aaron Carpenter, focus on what hopes will be an upcoming level. The CHSAA Rock Canyon High School season. suggested recom“I’m still upset,” mendations, which boys soccer coach said Carpenter. “I referred to national, started four years state and health ago with the class guidelines to assist of 2020. They started with me and I with resuming activities and athletics was real close to those guys. I had 13 while prioritizing safety standards of them. We called them the Baker’s and protocols.

Dozen. They didn’t get their rite of “You are hearing the same stories passage to walk out of school and hug we’re hearing as a teacher and coach,” their coaches and teachers. I normally continued Carpenter. “It pretty much take them out to dinner to celebrate. each week we get updates and it’s a lot That was sad. of unknown at this point. I think the “But you have to have a positive board is getting together and trying to

‘You are hearing the same stories we’re hearing as a teacher and coach.’

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Counseling. Connection. Compassion.

attitude and I’m making videos for my returning players. They check in with me a few times a week. It’s a good lesson for them about self-motivation and self-drive. I’m always motivated and it is sort of a challenge and embrace it.

How can we have an advantage over our rivals?”

Rock Canyon was 10-4-3 during the 2019 season.

“I’ve got another great group of guys that are hungry to make their mark,” said Carpenter. “We had a lot of young guys that moved up to varsity last year and they are going to be upperclassmen this year. I hope for their sake we can get the season in and always try to win the conference.

Our conference was really strong last year, with three teams making the Sweet 16 including us.

“You have to be positive. I was even giving the guys challenges all spring.

On Fridays, we would have competitions, and when they come back I said I would buy them lunch if they won a challenge. There was everything from juggling on video to making your family dinner. One week during a snow storm, who could build the biggest snowman. I put all that on social media. They had fun and followed it.

We had a good time with it. We like to keep things entertaining. I think I have about 10 lunches that I have to buy.”

Elbert County News 13

June 4, 2020

FROM PAGE 2

Polis also hopes restaurants would expand on their own property outdoors and on adjacent or non-adjacent private plots nearby, as long as they have permission of the landowner.

Bars, however, don’t all have the green light to open for dine-in service. The state will evaluate in June whether establishments that do not serve food can open, according to a fact sheet from the governor’s office on the new guidelines.

“The intent of this guidance is to open establishments in which people traditionally associate only with those in their party,” the fact sheet says.

Whether a business can open as a restaurant depends on whether it is set up to host patrons for meals, the fact sheet continues.

“In many cases, this is straightforward when an establishment already functions as a conventional restaurant and has a full-service kitchen,” the fact sheet says. “There may be some establishments, like breweries with large indoor and outdoor spaces, that want to change their business model to re-open and operate like a restaurant. In these cases, food must be provided by a licensed retail food establishment.”

A business could partner with neighboring restaurants to provide food or partner with food trucks, according to the fact sheet. Light snacks, such as bar nuts, or things that are commercially prepared somewhere else and heated up in a microwave don’t count as food service. Allowing patrons to bring their own takeout or order food from an app does not count either, the fact sheet says.

Any establishment that can adhere to the state’s guidelines and ensure access to food for on-premise consumption can open, the guidance from the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment says.

With dire spread, restrictions could return The governor’s office’s fact sheet

Some camps open; skiing able to open Meanwhile, children’s day camps and youth sports camps were allowed to open June 1, according to the governor’s office’s news release.

Residential overnight camps remain closed, and decisions for July and August overnight camps will be made in mid-June. Children’s residential camps that choose to operate as day camps must work with the Colorado Department of Human Services and their local public health agency for approval.

Day camps, including mobile, youth sports camps and outdoor camps, must operate with restrictions as specified in the state’s guidance at tinyurl.com/ColoradoCampGuidance.

Effective May 25, private campsites could open, according to the release.

If a host county would like to keep campsites closed, county commissioners should consult with their local public health agency and then notify the Colorado Department of Natural Resources and the state health department in writing, the release said.

Campgrounds in the state park system are already open.

The state’s Executive Order D 2020049, which extended the closure of ski resorts, has expired, the release said. Ski resorts may work to secure approval from their local authorities in order to open.

Arapahoe Basin re-opened for spring skiing May 27.

Answers

Solution © 2016 King Features Synd., Inc.

RELIEF

addresses the question: What if COVID-19 cases spike up after opening up more businesses?

“The governor won’t hesitate to take the necessary steps to protect the health and safety of Coloradans, including going back to the stay-at-home level” of restrictions or issuing other rules, the fact sheet says.

Under the state’s safer-at-home order — Colorado’s current set of social distancing standards — “we must continue staying home as much as possible, and take the necessary steps like washing hands and wearing a mask when leaving the house,” the fact sheet says.

THANKS for

PLAYING!

14 Elbert County News

June 4, 2020J

Pines & Plains Libraries launch curbside service STAFF REPORT

Pines & Plains Libraries, serving Elbert County, began curbside service on June 3.

This service will be available

VARIANCE FROM PAGE 1

a partial variance from state rules to the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment on May 6, asking for more local control as county businesses began to reopen under Gov. Jared Polis’ “Safer at Home” order.

The CDPHE responded with a request for a letter backing the request from a local hospital, which the BOCC returned May 12.

With no response in the form of a denial or approval from the CDPHE, the BOCC took matters into its own hands May 20, when the three commissioners, acting in their role as the Elbert County Board of Health, approved high school graduation ceremonies and in-person services at houses of worship, with recommendations of social distancing guidelines and increased sanitation measures.

The CDPHE responded to the BOCC’s weeks-old partial variance request after 8 p.m. on May 23 — the

Monday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., until at least June 24, library officials said. Items can be reserved through the online catalog at pplibraries.org or by phone, and users will be notified when those items are

ready for pickup.

“Give us a ring from your vehicle once you’re outside the library and we’ll bring them out to you in a tied plastic bag,” a library announcement said.

“We thought we had submitted a Saturday night of the Memorial Day good request, and patterned it off of weekend — stating “In Public Health other counties that had already sucOrder 20-28, counties that choose to cessfully received submit a variance waivers,” said application are Commissioner directed to submit Chris Richardson. a (disease) sup“We’re happy that pression plan for we’re getting some approval or denial guidance and the

by CDPHE.” conversation is The BOCC’s open with the CDinitial request PHE, and although included eight their recent letter key elements of was vague in suppression, along regards to areas with 13 pages of of concern, we how they would drafted an amendbe addressed as ment and sent that retail businesses, back to them May field services, 26.” personal services, The revision office-based busiincluded specific nesses and limited Chris Richardson, businesses/restrichealthcare settings Elbert County commissioner tions for which the began opening. Accounty was seekcording to CDPHE, ing a variance and the guidelines set which were largely forth in the BOCC granted on May 29, including size of variance request were not specific gatherings, operation of gyms, and enough to grant approval.

‘We have an obligation to our citizens, and we want to make sure we can give them guidance and resources that help keep them safe.’

For more information, visit the PPL website at pplibraries.org, or call for more information at the Elizabeth Library 303-646-3416, Kiowa Library 303-621-2111, Simla Library 719-5412573, or Elbert Library 303-648-3533. the dining capacity of restaurants.

The BOCC requested that gathering sizes be increased from 10 to 25 in the county, or up to 50 in regions of the county with no recorded COVID-19 cases, such as traditional outdoor agricultural events. Allowing guided exercise classes of up to 10 persons and allowing the Elbert County Health Department to determine the dine-in restrictions were also on the list of requests.

According to the Electronic Disease Reporting System (CEDRS), Elbert County, at the time of filing for the variance, had a total of 52 cases of COVID-19, with two deaths. There have been no cases in the county jail or two group/resident nursing homes in the county.

Richardson said he hoped the round of revisions submitted May 26 would satisfy the CDPHE’s guidelines, and that the BOCC can be the leaders their community members need during the COVID-19 crisis.

“We have an obligation to our citizens, and we want to make sure we can give them guidance and resources that help keep them safe,” he said.

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ColoradoCommunityMedia.com

Elbert County News 15

June 4, 2020

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Colorado artists plan virtual art festival June 5-7 STAFF REPORT

Six Colorado artists have felt the impact that the cancellation or postponement of art festivals has had on their art careers, according to a news release, and have planned a virtual art fair.

Using Facebook Events, artists Liz Covert, Lauri Dunn, Victoria Eubanks, Amelia Furman, Katie Hoffman and Rita Valis have found a way to connect with their audiences.

Artists will offer behind-the-scenes views of their studios and artistic process, and some will set up displays. Viewers can ask questions about their work, purchase artwork and have it delivered to their home, the release said.

“Art fairs are such a special way to connect with your audience. Not only can patrons see a variety of work in one place, but they really offer an opportunity for a relationship to develop between artist and buyer. I’ve created the event to mimic that special aspect of art fairs,” event creator Lauri Dunn said in the release.

The Colorado Artists Virtual Art Fair features a range in artistic styles and mediums: • Liz Covert offers hand forged jewelry, art and accessories; vist www. covertmetals.com • Lauri Dunn transforms her photographs of insect wings into kaleidoscopic images and threedimensional photo sculptures; www.

FROM PAGE 1

laurirosephotography.com • Katie Hoffman is inspired by magic, mythology, and folklore. She uses layers of oil paint, impasto media, powdered pigment, and beeswax to create her dreamlike paintings; www.katiehoffman.com • Amelia Furman works in paper collage and oil paint to create narrative landscapes. Her infusion of collage elements whisper to the viewer of past and present stories that make up the character and personality of a place and invite the viewer to connect to the subject matter on a deeper level; www.ameliafurman.com • Victoria Eubanks creates for the sheer joy of saying “Look what I made today.” She first applies layer after layer of encaustic paint, using heat to fuse the layers. Then scraping, sometimes outright gouging, exposes new patterns and textures. It is a very physical process that lets the piece tell the story; www.victoriaeubanksart. com • Rita Valis creates pottery combining fresh modern form and graphic patterns. She is inspired by landscape, textiles, botany and the microscopic world; www.ritavali.com The June 5-7 event can be accessed at https://www.facebook. com/events/3048063495254081, or by searching for Colorado Artists Virtual Art Fair on Facebook.

For more information contact Lauri Dunn, laurirosedunn@gmail. com or 720-882-3762.

town was planning to annex outlying land, despite the town’s assertions that the fears were misplaced.

The recall election took place Dec. 17, despite the fact that the town government was guaranteed to have major turnover in any case, with five of the six trustees terming out the following April.

Now Vasquez and Payne remain in office through April 2022. The December election cost the town more than $10,000 in election costs, attorney fees and staff pay.

“The recall was a very contentious thing going on in our community,” said Vasquez. “There was a lot of negativity, and now, with the COVID crisis, I thought it would be a good chance to take that negativity and turn it into a positive.”

Vasquez and Payne requested the reimbursements from the board of trustees, then recused themselves from the meeting in which the board approved the payments.

Colorado Revised Statute 31-4-504.5 states: “If at any recall election the incumbent whose recall is sought is not recalled, or in the event of a protest, the hearing officer determines that the petitions are not sufficient based upon the conduct on the part of petition circulators, the municipality may repay the incumbent for money actually expended as expenses of such election when such expenses are authorized by this section.”

Expenses incurred by Vasquez and Payne were for marketing materials during the recall election, includ-

ing banners, post cards and signs.

Vasquez spent $2,080.32 and Payne spent $1,163.74.

“Honestly, I wasn’t planning on being reimbursed initially,” said Vasquez. “But after COVID hit I thought it would be a good way to give back to the community.”

Vasquez and Payne could have received their expense checks and made donations themselves, but they opted to get approval from the board of trustees at the May 26 meeting, where the board unanimously approved ordinance 20-04, which legally binds both of them to use their reimbursement as a donation.

“We needed to get approval from the board to divert the donations,” said Vasquez. “The town attorney drafted an agreement for reimbursing the funds, stating they are reimbursing me and that the money will go to the food banks and organizations. The town will write me a check and I am bound by law to write a check to each organization.”

Trustee Payne said she also hadn’t considered taking a reimbursement, but after being approached

by Vasquez, and working with local food banks during the COVID crisis, she decided it would be a good way to help struggling community members.

“I have been working with the food banks, and I heard that about $1,100 in donations could bring in close to 1,000 pounds of goods that could go on the shelves here in our community,” said Payne. “It seemed to me like that was a positive thing that came out of a situation that had been really acrimonious for too many months.”

The funds will be available for donation 30 days after the ordinance is published and put into effect.

www.ColoradoCommunityMedia.com/Notices

PUBLIC NOTICES

Public Notices call Sheree 303.566.4088 Legals City and County Public Notice CHILD FIND Elizabeth School District would like to locate all 0 through 21 year olds, who may have a disability.

The Colorado Department of Education maintains a comprehensive child identification system consistent with Part B of IDEA and ensures that each Local Education Agency (LEA), in collaboration with a variety of community resources, assumes the leadership role in establishing and maintaining a process in their community for the purpose of locating, identifying and evaluating all children, birth to 21 years, who may have a disability and may be eligible for services and supports under Part C or special education services under Part B of IDEA. Ages 0 through 5 year-old concerns should be directed to Amber Graham, Early Childhood Coordinator at 303-646-6716.

All 5 through 21 year-old concerns should be directed to Kim Morrison, Special Education Director at 303-646-1844 Services for infants and toddlers are voluntary.

References: IDEA, Part C, Section 303.320-323 IDEA, Part B, Section 300.125 ECEA CCR 301-8 2220-R-4.01-4.04(4) Legal Notice No.: 244378 First Publication: May 28, 2020 Last Publication: June 4, 2020 Publisher: The Elbert County News Public Notice Records Destruction: Policies and Procedures (Recommended by the Colorado Department of Education) Due to the increasing volume of special education records, school districts spend a significant amount of time and money maintaining those records. Consequently, a systematic procedure for the retention and disposition of inactive special education student records is necessary.

The Family Education Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) is a federal privacy protection act that protects student education records. FERPA defines education records as all records that school or educational agencies maintain about a student. FERPA applies to public schools and state or local education agencies that receive federal education funds.

It is the policy of Elizabeth School District that the contents of special education files shall be kept for a minimum of five years after all special education and related services for a student have ended.

legals@coloradocommunitymedia.com

Upon exiting from special education services, the student and parent/guardian shall be informed that records will be destroyed after five consecutive years of in-active status. Prior to the destruction of in-active records, efforts to notify the parent/guardian or student 18 years old or older shall be made and through public notice in a local newspaper and on the district website. Absent a request, the records shall be destroyed in conformance with C.R.S. §24-80-101, et seq., and federal law. No record shall be destroyed as long as it pertains to any pending legal case, claim, action or audit.

Legal Notice No.: 244377 First Publication: May 28, 2020 Last Publication: June 11, 2020 Publisher: The Elbert County News

Misc. Private Legals PUBLIC NOTICE NOTICE OF NONDISCRIMINATION East Central BOCES , along with our 20 member school districts; Agate, Arickaree, Arriba/Flagler, Bennett, Bethune, Burlington, Byers, Cheyenne Wells, Deer Trail, Genoa/Hugo, Hi-Plains, Idalia, Karval, Kiowa, Kit Carson, Liberty, Limon, Strasburg, Stratton, and Woodlin does not discriminate

on the basis of race, color, national origin, gender, age, or disability in admission to its program, services, or activities, in access to them, in treatment of individuals, or in any aspect of their operations.

The East Central BOCES including its member districts does not discriminate in its hiring or employment practices.

This notice is provided as required by Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, the Age Discrimination Act of 1975, and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990. Questions, complaints, or requests for additional information regarding these laws may be forwarded to the designated compliance coordinator.

East Central BOCES Jason Westfall, Executive Director 820 2nd Street Limon, Colorado 80828 (719) 775-2342 Legal Notice No.: 244379 First Publication: June 4, 2020 Last Publication: June 4, 2020 Publisher: The Elbert County News Public Notice ESTRAY: #1256. One bay paint mare, 1/2 bald face and chin, right and left hind socks, no brand.

Livestock must be claimed by legal owner within 10 days or will be sold by Colorado Brand Board. For information call 303-503-1848 or 303-869-9160.

Legal Notice No.: 244380 First Publication: June 4, 2020 Last Publication: June 4, 2020 Publisher: The Elbert County News Notice to Creditors Public Notice NOTICE TO CREDITORS Estate of AMANDA MARIE RING, a/k/a AMANDA M. RING, a/k/a AMANDA RING, Deceased Case No.: 2020PR30010

All persons having claims against the abovenamed estate are required to present them to the undersigned or to the District Court of Elbert County, Colorado on or before October 2, 2020 or said claims may be forever barred.

Barbara A. Ring Personal Representative P.O. Box 1000, Elbert, CO 80106 (303) 648-3135 Legal Notice No.: 244373 First Publication: May 28, 2020 Last Publication: June 11, 2020 Publisher: The Elbert County News

Elbert County Legals 6.4.20 * 1

16 Elbert County News

June 4, 2020J

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