Elbert County News 1224

December 24, 2015 VOLUME 120 | ISSUE 47 | 75¢

ElbertCountyNews.net E L B E R T C O U N T Y, C O L O R A D O

A publication of

Rowland won’t seek re-election Commissioner’s lengthy email blasts political foes

By Rick Gustafson Special to Colorado Community Media

Retired firefighter John Ognie stacks bicycles. Photos by Rick Gustafson

Firefighters, donors make holiday bright Walmart is site of yearly distribution of presents

By Rick Gustafson Special to Colorado Community Media

Firefighter/paramedic Frank Fields helps set up toys.

‘When it got to be over 100 kids, it was really tough to do at the station, so we changed our system.’

Kara Gerczynski, Elizabeth Fire Marshal

After spending the evening clearing nearly two feet of snow from the Walmart garden center, volunteers from the Elizabeth Fire Department and their families were back at work just after sunrise on Dec. 16. Bundled up against single-digit temperatures, they unloaded bicycles and unpacked bags filled with donated toys for the Elizabeth Firefighters Community Foundation’s Christmas for Kids Program.

“We have partnered with Walmart, and we take over the garden center,” said Fire Marshal Kara Gerczynski, “and the parents are allowed to get two or three toys per child.”

What began in the mid-1990s with a couple of firefighters buying presents for the children of a few Elizabeth families has grown into an annual tradition. This year, the Christmas for Kids program is anticipating putting toys under the trees of around 150 children in 40 Elbert County families.

“It is what started our foundation, which is really what runs it,” Gerczynski said.

Originally, firefighters shopped for each child individually, sorted the toys and delivered them; but with the growing popularity of the program, that became impractical, so off-duty firefighters staffed the garden center at Walmart from 8 a.m. through 7 p.m. on Dec. 16, keeping the distributions open late so

that parents working days were able to pick up gifts.

“When it got to be over 100 kids, it was really tough to do at the station, so we changed our system,” Gerczynski said.

Over the years, the Christmas for Kids program has grown beyond simply filling stockings and putting toys under the tree. The initiative has evolved into a partnership among the Elizabeth Firefighters Community Foundation, the EC Riders Motorcycle Club, and the American Legion in Elizabeth to provide food and clothes for the families.

Since the middle of October, the American Legion Post 82 has been collecting food to fill three-box packages capable of feeding a family for several days. Additionally, each qualifying family received a frozen turkey on Dec. 16 along with everything they needed to prepare a full Christmas dinner.

In addition, cash donations to the foundation help ease the burden on families for clothes.

“They come inside, and depending on how many kids are in our budget, they usually get somewhere between $25 and $35 to spend on clothing for the kids,” Gerczynski said. “That’s where the monetary donations at the Chili Dinner help us.”

In addition, Gerczynski praised the help the program receives from the EC Riders Motorcycle Club.

“The boxes up at Walmart, EC Riders puts those up there and orchestrates all that. We just go up and pick up the toys, so without them we would be lacking toys,” she said.

Drive continues on Page 7

In an email to county staff and officials, District 1 Commissioner Robert Rowland announced his decision not to seek a second term on the Elbert County Board of County Commissioners.

“I am at peace with my decision knowing that the political landscape can and has Rowland changed, and that when the majority of the decision-making board has different visions, different ideologies, then the majority of that board mandates the new direction,” Rowland wrote Dec. 14.

“I am sad that so much of what we have accomplished is now, in my opinion, at risk with the new majority, but that is how the system works.”

Rowland said that he is proud of the team the county has put together during his three years as commissioner and that he is committed to working hard during his remaining tenure in office.

“I will vigorously defend against anyone, including my fellow Commissioners, who reject or diminish the important role these employees have played in turning this county around and who are critically important to keeping us moving forward,” he wrote.

In his two-page email, Rowland also promised to remain outspoken on the issues important to him, including water, infrastructure and planning. He also took the opportunity to double down on his position against his political opponents.

“I will continue to speak against that small, radical and loud group whose mission seems to be only to disrupt and damage the county in ways that are dishonest and that simply do not make sense. And, I will do my best to oppose and expose anyone who collaborates with these destructive persons, including my fellow Commissioners,” he wrote.

Rowland said that he would eventually endorse and support candidates for the election of commissioners in Districts 1 and 3 in the November 2016 elecRowland continues on Page 7

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2 Elbert County News

December 24, 2015

Hear the bell? It’s the sound of goodwill The sound of the tinkling bell drifts across the parking lot, growing louder the closer you get to the King Soopers entrance.

There it is, a red bell so tiny it nestles neatly into Nathan Gray’s hand.

“Happy holidays,” he says, as a customer walks by.

“Merry Christmas, guys. Have a good day.”

A hand drops a dollar bill into the red kettle.

“Thank you,” he says, with a wide smile that seeps into Ann Macari his eyes. “Have a Healey blessed day.”

Gray, 33, a floppy Santa hat on his head, is a bell ringer for the Salvation Army. Just about every day, from the week before Black Friday until Christmas Day, he rings his bell at the front of a King Soopers, enticing contributions from those who cross its threshold with a grin, a greeting, a compliment, a blessing.

He’s one of about 700 bell ringers in the Salvation Army Intermountain Division, which covers Colorado, Utah, Wyoming and eastern Montana. They’re crucial to the organization’s bottom line — the holiday kettle drive is the year’s largest donation generator.

“This is by far the most effective way to raise money,” spokesperson Tahreem Pasha-Glenn says. “It’s the most recognized fundraiser in the country.”

This holiday season, in an ironic twist, an improving economy has created a shortage of bell ringers, which means a number of locations have no kettles.

The empty spots are worrisome, PashaGlenn says, because when it comes to providing services needed by families and individuals struggling simply to survive, every dollar matters.

“Every single dollar that goes into the kettle,” she says, “stays in the community.”

That’s why a good bell ringer is a gift.

DO YOU WANT TO BE A BELL RINGER? To volunteer as a bell ringer for the Salvation Army, go to volunteer. usawest.org and enter your ZIP code or imsalvationarmy.org and click on volunteer.

Nathan Gray, a bell ringer for the Salvation Army, loves the stories he hears as people give to the kettle. Courtesy photo The ones who return year after year, seasoned by experience, well, “they’re fantastic,” Pasha-Glenn says. “We see a difference in the amount of donations they bring in. We so appreciate our bell ringers.”

The bell ringers are comprised of mostly volunteers, but also include some — such as Gray — for whom it’s seasonal work.

And for Gray, the job is a joy.

The father of two, who lives in Aurora, stumbled into it three seasons ago when he was looking for work through a temp agency. He had such a good time he’s made it a regular capstone to his working year, which generally consists of jobs as a garbage collector and landscape worker.

This year, he’s also a driver, picking up and dropping off other bell ringers in his area. The pay isn’t much — about $9 an hour, he says — but the work is about much more than the money.

There’s the challenge — to persuade everyone who walks by to give, whether it’s a quarter or $20 or $150.

He makes it a point to greet people twice, once as they walk in the store, once as they walk out. His friendly demeanor,

ever-present grin and happy spirit make it difficult not to acknowledge him.

“I didn’t forget you,” says a woman on her way out, pulling money from her purse.

“Thank you so much,” Gray says with a smile. “We appreciate your donation. Have a blessed day.”

His smile widens: “I planted the seed when they came in. I watered it and it grew.”

There are the stories — about one in 30 people, he estimates, has a story to tell about how the Salvation Army made a difference in their lives.

“This older guy,” Gray says, “his wife tells him to put money in the kettle any time he walks by one,” because the Salvation Army helped him when he was young and poor.

“The pregnant lady,” he remembers.

“She was pregnant and didn’t have any money and they bought her a car.”

Vietnam vets tell him how the Salvation Army gave them long johns.

On this afternoon, Diana Johnson, 84, stops her shopping cart to look through her purse, then places money into the kettle.

“My husband is a World War II vet,” she says. “He said they were the best at taking care of the GIs.” Right behind her is Tanya Kukral, 59, who donates every time she passes a kettle.

“My grandfather was on the front lines in World War I,” she says. “He said the Salvation Army was the only one who helped the infantrymen on the front lines. He said, ‘When you give, you give to the Salvation Army ...’ My grandpa’s been dead for a long time, but his words stuck with me.”

You see, Gray says. So many stories.

And then there’s the steady interaction

Family Owned, Family Run

with people Gray may never see again — it moves him to make sure these chance encounters are positive and sincere.

“It’s really small, but I could be the only person to tell that person Merry Christmas,” he says. “I might be the only one who asks ‘How are you?’ or says ‘Have a good day’ . . . It’s a really small thing, but it could go a long way with a certain person.”

And sometimes, the small thing happens to Gray.

“Seems like I see you here every day,” says John Beall, 72, as he walks toward Gray. “Can I get you something to drink at Starbucks?”

Gray smiles. “I’ll take a small Chai.”

When Beall returns, he shakes Gray’s hand. “Thank you,” he says.

Gray’s smile spreads wider.

One day, he hopes, his kettle will be the lucky recipient of an unexpectedly generous donation.

Like one of the gold coins worth thousands of dollars that have sporadically appeared in kettles across the country.

“I’ve been hoping for that this year,” Gray says.

Or like the $500,000 check an anonymous donor dropped in a kettle in Minnesota in late November.

“That’s got to be a world record,” he says.

But, until then, he’ll settle happily for the $150 check someone slipped into the kettle the day before. And, actually, any donation will do just fine.

His face glows: “I just got $20 in there.”

Nathan Gray flips the red bell back and forth. The tinkling drifts across the parking lot.

Everybody who hears it knows what it means.

Time to give the gift of the season: Goodwill to all.

Ann Macari Healey’s award-winning column about people, places and issues of everyday life appears every other week.

She can be reached at ahealey@colorado communitymedia.com or 303-566-4109.

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Elbert County News 3

December 24, 2015

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4 Elbert County News

December 24, 2015

Cyclocross race rolls into Castle Rock January bike race will be part of Winterfest celebration

The Cold War Classic cyclocross race will be Jan. 2. Courtesy photo

by Multicopter Warehouse

By Shanna Fortier sfortier@coloradocommunitymedia.com RaceCO.org will partner with the town of Castle Rock to host the newly created Cold War Classic cyclocross race to complement the downtown celebrations of Winterfest on Jan. 2.

Utilizing the multitude of open spaces and natural terrain running along the Plum Creek Trail, the race will start at Castle View High School. Participants will experience multiple obstacles as they ultimately twist and turn their way down to Festival Park.

Upon finishing, participants will be able to take part in all festivities and merriment provided at Winterfest in downtown Castle Rock.

“Bryan and I worked for the past six weeks on this race, which would normally take six months to a year,” said Kyle Sipes, who co-founded RaceCO.org with Bryan Derstine.

Cyclocross is a form of cross-country bicycle racing usually done in autumn and winter.

Bringing the race to Winterfest is about

making an impact, Sipes said.

“They’re just trying to give back to the community and say, ‘We’re Castle Rock and we’re a little bit better than everyone else’ — and we believe in that as well,” he added.

RaceCO.org started just over a year ago with races on Wednesday nights. Going into year two, the duo aims to create a family-based atmosphere with races available for every skill set.

“It’s a great way to kick off the new year,” Sipes said.

Castle Rock Mayor Paul Donahue will be participating in the fat bike race.

“We thought it was a great idea for him to be a leader — the grand marshal,” Sipes said. “Getting somebody who’s that big of a figure in the community to participate in our event — we’re psyched about it.”

Winterfest will also feature a Resolution Run, a 5K presented by StrideMob; ice

carving; and other outdoor activities. Live entertainment, food, vendors, a petting zoo and adult beverages will also be available.

“This is the first year that we’ve stepped up our events between Starlighting and New Year’s,” Donahue said. “We think it’s going to be a great addition to what we’ve started doing this year. We hope to see events like this not only during the winter, but throughout the year as well.”

in need of food assistance or know someone who is, we may be able to qualify you for one of these programs. Call the food pantry for more information at 303-621-2376, or come by from 8:30 a.m. to noon Tuesdays; we are located in the Fellowship Hall at 231 Cheyenne Street, Kiowa.

Drop off new and used shoes through Christmas at the Re/Max Alliance office of agent Cathy Howrey, 18551 E. Mainstreet, Suite 2A, Parker. Soles4Souls is a global nonprofit organization dedicated to fighting poverty through the distribution of shoes.

Go to www.soles4souls.org/get-involved/

Commitment Day 5K Fun Run/Walk

Christmas Tree Lot

Community Blood Drives

Get the perfect Christmas tree at Boy Scout Troop 780’s tree lot, open from 5-9 p.m. weekdays; 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Saturdays, and 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Sundays, at the south corner of Meadows Boulevard and Ambrosia Street, Castle Rock. The Scouts will sell fresh-cut trees, wreaths and garland.

A number of community blood drives are planned in the area. For information or to schedule an appointment, contact the Bonfils Appointment Center at 303-363-2300, unless otherwise noted.

Go to www.bonfils.org. Upcoming blood drives are: Sunday, Dec. 27, 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., New Hope Presbyterian Church, 3737 New Hope Way, Castle Rock.

CALENDAR Editor’s note: Calendar submissions must be received by noon Wednesday for publication the following week. Send listings to calendar@coloradocommunitymedia.com. No attachments, please.

Listings are free and run on a space-available basis.

Events Food Pantry Kiowa Creek Food Pantry is a distribution site for the State of Colorado TEFAP food program. Food is distributed monthly to low income individuals/ families that qualify. We also distribute low income senior food boxes for the state; those 60 and older may qualify for a monthly supplement. If you are

Soles4Souls Collection

Life Time Fitness in Parker kicks off the New Year with a part run/walk, part festival that includes an expo with numerous vendors on race morning.

Run starts at 10 a.m. Friday, Jan. 1 at Life Time Fitness, 9250 Crown Crest Blvd., Parker. Event is open to runners and walkers of all levels and abilities. Members and nonmembers welcome.

Children 12 and younger may register for free with a registered adult. Go to www.commitmentday. com/colorado/parker-aurora. Group training available at www.lifetimerun.com/group-run-training/ co-commitment-day-5k-2016-parker. Contact Heather Crosby at hcrosby@lifetimefitness.com for additional information.

Elbert County News 5

December 24, 2015

Longtime Parker resident leaves lasting legacy Nancy Gripman: 1926-2015

By Chris Michlewicz cmichlewicz@colorado communitymedia.com

Imagine a person who leaves a lasting impression on everyone she meets. That was Nancy Gripman.

Gripman even impacted people she’d never met through tireless volunteering that spanned decades. And even though the world lost Gripman Dec. 1 at the age of 86, her legacy and fruits of her labor are firmly intact, carried on by the many people Gripman rallied for whatever e cause she was working on. g “She would call after she knew me and would say, ‘I have a favor to ask,’” said Genese Sweeney, a close friend of Gripman’s since 1997. “I knew immediately it was going to be something for someone somewhere, and she wanted me to be involved.”

That’s how most people knew Nancy Gripman — as a sweet, yet spunky woman with a heart

Nancy Gripman teaches a young boy how to read in 2012. File photos

Nancy Gripman speaks to a crowd last year during a groundbreaking ceremony for the new Parker Task Force headquarters.

for anyone who needed help. She was affectionately referred to as “the Energizer Bunny,” Sweeney said.

Gripman helped start the Parker Task Force food bank, was instrumental in historic-preservation projects, helped local children learn to read, and sent school supplies to the other side of the world through the Rotary Club of Parker. She also helped

as a child.

“We never went to theme parks,” Pletcher said. “We would go to a national park. We were always tromping through the woods. It was a wonderful way to grow up.”

When Gripman was in failing health beginning last summer, Sweeney was one of two close friends at her bedside. A plan to give Gripman a tour of the

start a Douglas County chapter for Women Infants and Children, which assists with food and nutrition, and “endlessly collected” eyeglasses for the less-fortunate on behalf of the Lions Club.

Outside of donating her time to a cause, Gripman was boundlessly adventurous. Suzanne Pletcher, Gripman’s daughter, remembers zipping off to random locales across the country

new, spacious Parker Task Force headquarters in August was postponed because Gripman wasn’t feeling well. A month later, however, her friends and family members made it happen. What happened next was a moment that warmed the hearts of those who bore witness, Sweeney said.

“The minute we got her in there in the wheelchair, it was just like magic,” said Sweeney, who was inspired to volunteer for the task force in 1997 after Gripman asked for help from members of her church. “She was her old self. She was so thrilled to see that, what it had become and how many more (people) it was serving every day.”

Sweeney is among those who will speak at Gripman’s memorial service at 10:30 a.m. Jan. 9 at Parker United Methodist Church, 11805 S. Pine Drive.

The memorial service is “open to anybody who knows her,” Pletcher said.

Gripman is survived by her husband, Bill, four children and numerous grandchildren.

Tipster praised for helping prevent threat Douglas County school was alleged target of two girls

Douglas County School District Superintendent Elizabeth Fagen spoke about the alleged Mountain Vista threat on Dec. 16. “Generally, students are really good people,” she said, “and do good things.” Behind Fagen is Rich Payne, the district’s director of school safety and security.

Photo by Alex DeWind

By Alex DeWind adewind@colorado communitymedia.com After the news of two classmates accused of plotting to kill students and staff at Mountain Vista High School in Highlands Ranch, senior Katie Pickrell said students are coming together to raise awareness about Text-A-Tip, a reporting system that she said “essentially saved people’s lives.”

“It was a really brave thing to do,” Pickrell said.

Students are using the hashtag “tellsomeone” following the arrests of two 16-year-old female students.

Both teens were detained Dec. 12. One of the girls appeared in court the morning of Dec. 17, but no formal charges have been filed against her or the other teen.

The girl who appeared in court is being held without bond, and a judge has ordered a mental-health evaluation and ordered her not to have contact with the other defendant. Her next court date is Jan. 5.

No information was available on when the other teen was scheduled to appear in court.

A possible charge against the girls includes conspiracy to commit first-degree murder, the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office said in a news release. The two are being held in “secured facilities.”

The students’ names have not been released because they are juveniles. If they are charged as adults, more information will be released to the public.

Sgt. Lori Bronner, spokeswoman for the sheriff’s office, was unable to release details of the threat.

But the sheriff’s office called it “credible” and acted immediately, according to the news release.

At a news conference Dec. 16 at the Douglas County School District administration building in

Castle Rock, Superintendent Elizabeth Fagen assured the community that safety is the district’s top priority. “… we know the gravity of what has happened in the past and we are committed to doing everything we can do to make sure our staff and students are safe in this district,” she told a room crowded with members of the media.

Citing the ongoing investigation, Fagen said she couldn’t release details of the incident. But, she said, “a credible threat in my view is a serious threat.”

Earlier, Bronner said the girls had made a “blanket threat” against the school and everyone in it.

The threat was reported to the sheriff’s office through Text-A-Tip on Dec. 12. The girls’ intent was to harm students and staff at Mountain Vista during the week of Dec. 14, Fagen said.

Text-A-Tip is a reporting system that allows high school students to convey concerns about safety, drugs and other issues anonymously.

Fagen emphasized the importance of the district’s partnership with law enforcement and families as to why the threat was successfully disrupted.

“No one safety strategy is guaranteed,” she said, “and the district has layers and scaffolding of security measures to ensure safety.”

Fagen also highlighted the courage it took for the anonymous teen to inform authorities.

“They took what would feel like a risk as a teenager of sharing some very important information with adults,” she said.

Highlands Ranch residents also expressed their gratitude on social media to the anonymous tipster.

“To the child who alerted authorities of the two girls who have recently been arrested at Mountain Vista High School, you have my sincerest gratitude,” Monique LaPlante Janowiak wrote on Facebook. “You may not realize it now, but you are a true hero.”

“So to the child who did the most courageous thing you could,” Anne Marie Tarjan Robbins also wrote on Facebook, “I applaud you, praise your amazing strength and self-esteem.”

Mountain Vista Principal Mike Weaver alerted parents about the incident in an email Dec. 15.

The school district released a statement Dec. 17 from Weaver, whom they said was not available for interviews.

“In valuing a true inclusive school community where relationships and an accepting culture and climate are core philosophies, we can never forget the incredible good that takes place at Mountain Vista each and every day,” Weaver wrote. “The unfortunate events of this past week have spotlighted a community that cares deeply about their families, their school and each other. I could not be more proud of Mountain Vista.”

Weaver said the staff and security team have done a strong job of keeping the school “safe and secure.”

And senior Tyler Felske said he does feel safe. Mostly, he said, students are shocked.

“I think everyone’s taking it seriously,” he said. “We just don’t know how to react.”

Colorado Attorney General Cynthia H. Coffman

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6 Elbert County News

December 24, 2015

VOICES

LOCAL

Skipping ‘Star Wars’ no big deal I have no plans to see “The Force Awakens.”

Maybe if I lost a bet.

I would rather watch a “This Old House” trilogy.

Obviously I don’t get it.

Movies that are held together by special effects are of no interest to me. None.

I prefer down-to-earth human conundrums.

I have no desire to escape — except from films like this.

The following is huge, and “The Force Awakens” will make a ton of money.

We all make choices, and almost anything can be defended.

Bruce Willis, Ben Stiller and Adam Sandler sell tickets. To whom and why? It’s inexplicable to me.

I know that I am an exception. I have not been in a movie house this century.

My preferences are documentaries. And well-written scripts. Not space monkeys.

I suppose if you were hooked on these films when you were a kid, you could take the kid that was still in you to watch the latest installment.

I never got hooked. Thankfully.

Please save your emails.

This isn’t an indictment. It’s simply a reminder that not everyone is on board.

When I read about related theme parties my skin crawls.

But maybe they are fun.

One of my therapists asked me what I did for fun.

I said, “I don’t have fun.”

But of course I do.

I enjoy this — writing — as much as anything in my life. One word after another, chosen out of a lifetime of caring about one word after another.

Do you have a Craig Marshall Smith writer in the family?

Encourage them.

QUIET minutes DESPERATION ago,Fifteen I didn’t have an idea for a column, until I spotted an article about “The Force Awakens.”

It was ranked in the Top Five films of 2015, and it hadn’t been released yet.

“Star Wars,” “Star Trek” and those pirate movies are distant to me.

And, man, am I glad.

Of course, I am not exempt from guilty pleasures.

College football for one.

I was in Michigan Stadium when Michigan played Northwestern in 2015.

My father attended Michigan.

He worked at the Men’s League, in the cafeteria.

He told me that on game days, they let everyone go in time to see the kickoff.

That was in the late 1930s.

So college football is in my DNA.

You cannot deny your DNA for very long.

I saw some of the Flash Gordon serials when I was a kid, and I was entertained by the primitive special effects.

Rocket ships were kind of like marionettes. I could see the strings.

Acting was over the top.

Dramas were contrived.

I may have been hot for Flash’s girlfriend, Dale Arden.

Flash was played by Buster Crabbe. What a great name. Say it out loud: “Bust her crab.”

Crabbe had been an Olympics gold medal winner in the 400-meter freestyle swimming event.

He was very handsome and looked like someone who would be named “Flash.”

For some reason, there was no carry-over for me from Flash Gordon to “Star Wars.”

I was a film minor in college. We were only shown one outer space film, and that was George Mélies’ 1902 “A Trip to the Moon,” which is exquisite and recommended to all of you who will queue to see “The Force Awakens.”

In the infancy of cinema, Mélies was ingenious. The special effects are stunning.

Like I said, I would rather watch Bob Vila spackle a crack.

But have a good time, and try to stay awake.

Craig Marshall Smith is an artist, educator and Highlands Ranch resident. He can be reached at craigmarshallsmith@comcast.net.

Best thing to do: Think of the best

Michael Norton

WINNING WORDS

I am sure that you have seen the lists too, you know the kind I am talking about, right? Those lists that provide us with “The Best States to Live In,” “The Best Doctors,” “The Best Diets,” “The Best Restaurants” and the “Best” anything and everything.

These are very helpful lists when we really need or want that kind of information. And I am sure a lot of research goes into each list before it is published, and I also believe that opinion plays are a large role in who and what makes those lists. Unfortunately I also know that marketing dollars sometimes influence or persuade the publisher to include certain items, companies or people on those lists.

The majority of us do not play a part in publishing those “Best of” lists; most times we are simply consumers of the information. Other times we have participated in a survey and actually contributed to the results as we share our thoughts and opinions to help generate or influence the outcome.

Now what if we were to create our own “Best of” list? What if we were to think of all the “Best” things we can say or do to make a positive difference in our lives or the lives of others?

We might have a Top 10 List of actions

and attitudes that can brighten our day or influence the outcome of those around us in a better way.

What would a few of those lists look like? Here are some thoughts to help you get started.

“The Best Words to Include in My Daily Vocabulary:” love, kindness, excellence, forgiveness, family, purity, humbleness, success, achievement, winner, beautiful, compassion, hope, encouragement and faith.

“The Best People I Know:” my mother, my father, my husband, my wife, my daughter, my son, my best friend, my boss, my employees, my associates, my coach, my partner, my grandparents, my teacher, my students, my trainer and my bartender.

“The Best Things I Can Do Today:” give someone a hug, smile, laugh, love, pray, exercise, volunteer, listen, be patient, be kind, be compassionate, learn, read, stay positive, stay focused, be proactive, meet someone new and try something new.

I am sure you can come up with your own “Best of the Best” list all on your own. The challenge is that we typically just wait for someone else to provide us with a list or publish a list that tells us what the “Best of the Best” is. When it comes to our personal

preferences and opinions, we already know what would be on our list, don’t we? We just don’t take enough time to create those lists and understand their importance and relationship in our day-to-day lives.

Try it with me, either get some paper and write them down or create your “Best of the Best” lists on your computer, phone or tablet. You will be amazed at how good it feels to capture your thoughts and feelings about who and what makes your “Best of” lists.

How about you? What are some of the “Best” places, companies, restaurants, hospitals, schools that would make your list? Who are some of the “Best” people you know, love and respect? Who are some of the “Best” doctors, lawyers, teachers, police officers, nurses, respiratory therapists, friends and relatives that you know? I would love to hear all about it at gotonorton@gmail.com. And when we create and publish our own “Best of the Best” lists, it really will be a better than good week.

Michael Norton is a resident of Castle Rock, the former president of the Zig Ziglar Corporation, a strategic consultant and a business and personal coach.

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Grief, sorrow can have role in holiday

Dan Hettinger

FAITH MATTERS

Is Christmas celebration appropriate when we have troubles and sorrow? Is it possible?

This is the most wonderful time of the year. The lights, the music, and hustle and bustle of shopping warm our hearts and brighten our spirits during this time of year when the nights are longest and the coldest days of the year are still ahead.

We dream of a white Christmas and promise that we will be home for Christmas. The mere imagination of being together with family, going to church, singing the carols and lighting a candle helps to change our mood and causes the worst Grinch to bring cheer with extravagant expressions of generosity.

But this most wonderful time of year has severe challenges too. There are suicides and increases in addictive behavior. Loneliness feels worse. When things go wrong, like fatal accidents, terrorist attacks, illnesses that don’t get better, births that come early and present profound

complications, then the celebration is interrupted by emotionally numbing shock and pain. Instead of celebrating, we wonder how we can go on, since life will be never be the same again. Those who are absent because of death or crisis are dearly missed.

Stress increases too. The traffic, travel and spending turn up the anxiety levels. When money does not go far enough or if there is an end-of-year layoff, car problem or broken relationship, a sense of well-being or ability to enjoy pleasure can be stolen from us.

I’ve been journeying with grieving people and others going through painful life changing circumstances. Together we search for a way to celebrate so a small glimmer of hope, joy, peace and love will shine in our dark places, the way that the light of a candle simply and warmly shines at a Christmas Eve service.

Hettinger continues on Page 7

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It’s the paper: Biodegradable, renewable, recycled, reusable.

It’s the ink: Soy based inks are used, reused then recycled.

It’s the plate: Process-free plates eliminate VOC’s and reduce water usage.

It’s the press: Using cold-set presses reduces the amount of VOC’s put into the air.

It’s the location: Printed locally reducing shipping and postage costs, while saving gas, emissions and time.

December 24, 2015

Elbert County News 7

AREA CLUBS

Ongoing Douglas-Elbert County Music Teachers’ Association meets at 9 a.m. every first Thursday at Parker Bible Church, between Jordan and Chambers on Main Street. All area music teachers are welcome. Call Lucie Washburn, 303-814-3479.

The Elbert County Sheriff’s Posse is a nonprofit volunteer organization that is part of the Elbert County Sheriff’s Office.

As volunteers we support the Elbert County Sheriff’s Office, all law enforcement in our county, and the community at large.

For more information or a membership application, go to www.elbertcountysheriff. com/posse.html, or contact Dave Peontek at 303-646-5456.

Elizabeth American Legion Post 82, a 96-year veterans association supporting veterans, their families, their survivors and the community, meets at 6:30 p.m. the first Tuesday of each month at the Legion Post Hall at South Banner Street and Elm Street in Elizabeth. All veterans are invited to attend these meetings to learn of their eligibility for membership in the National American Legion Organization.

The Elizabeth Food Bank, 381 S. Banner in Elizabeth (next door to Elizabeth Presbyterian Church) needs to let the public know that we are available to help anyone who needs food. The hours are Friday 12:30-3 p.m. and Saturdays from 9-11:30 a.m. Other times by appointment.

Finding Our Way Together, a brand new group for anyone who is alone, left out, picked on or overwhelmed by life. Since it is just forming, the group will evolve to fit the needs of the participants. Group will meet at 10 a.m. Saturdays at 34061 Forest Park Drive, in the lower level of Elizabeth Family Health. Leaders are Mary, 720-6389770, and Karen, 303-243-3658, and both welcome phone calls. Group participation is free, and building is accessible.

Kiowa Creek Food Pantry is a distribu-

tion site for the State of Colorado TEFAP food program. Food is distributed monthly to low income individuals/families that qualify. We also distribute low income senior food boxes for the state; those 60 and older may qualify for a monthly supplement. If you are in need of food assistance or know someone who is, we may be able to qualify you for one of these programs.

Call the food pantry for more information at 303-621-2376, or come by from 8:30 a.m. to noon Tuesdays; we are located in the Fellowship Hall at 231 Cheyenne Street, Kiowa.

Lawyers at the Library, a free legal clinic for parties who have no attorney, will be offered from 6-9 p.m. the second Tuesday of every month at the Elizabeth Library, 651 W. Beverly St. Volunteer attorneys will answer questions, help fill out forms and explain the process and procedure for the areas of family law, civil litigation, criminal defense, property law, probate law, collections, appeals, landlord-tenant law and civil protection orders. Walk-ins are welcome. Everyone will be helped on a first-come, first-served basis.

Mystery Book Club meets at 9:30 a.m. the first Saturday of each month at the Simla Public Library. The group enjoys talking about a variety of mystery authors and titles. We also periodically host a Colorado author during our meetings.

Everyone may join us, and registration is not required. Visit the Simla Branch of the Elbert County Library District at 504 Washington Avenue, call 719-541-2573, or email farabe@elbertcountylibrary.org.

The Outback Express is a public transit service provided through the East Central Council of Local Governments is open and available to all residents of Cheyenne, Elbert, Kit Carson and Lincoln counties and provides an economical and efficient means of travel for the four-county region.

Call Kay Campbell, Kiowa, at 719- 5414275. You may also call the ECCOG office

Rowland

at 1-800-825-0208 to make reservations for any of the trips. You may also visit www. outbackexpress.tripod.com. To ensure that a seat is available, 24-hour advance reservations are appreciated.

Overeaters Anonymous meets from 10-11 a.m. and from 7-8 p.m. Wednesdays in the Sedalia Room at New Hope Presbyterian Church, 2100 Meadows Parkway, Castle Rock.

Seniors meet in Elizabeth every Monday at 11 a.m. for food, fun and fellowship at Elizabeth Senior Center, 823 S. Banner St. Bring a dish for potluck on the first Monday of each month. Other Mondays, bring a sack lunch. Bingo, games and socializing. New leadership. Call Agnes at 303-883-7881 or Carol at 303-646-3425 for information.

Therapeutic riding. Promise Ranch Therapeutic Riding in Parker offers free therapeutic riding for developmentally disabled adults and children. Scholarship money is available for Douglas County residents to provide 10 therapeutic riding lessons. Call 303-841-5007 or visit www. promiseranchtherapeuticriding.com.

tion, but stopped short of endorsing fellow Republicans Scott Wills and Chris Richardson, who announced their candidacies in November and December, respectively.

He did, however, say, “This will include my endorsement of someone other than the current Commissioner in District 3, Larry Ross” — who is also a Republican.

It had been rumored that Rowland might be interested in a run for the state House of Representatives, but he said on Dec. 14 that he has no immediate political ambitions and no intentions to run in 2016 for the District 64 state House seat held by Republican Rep. Tim Dore, of Elizabeth.

In closing, Rowland wrote that being a county commissioner in Elbert County has been the greatest honor of his professional life and advised his fellow citizens to remain vigilant.

“I will forever be grateful, and I will be there to assist in any way I can in a non-elected role,” he said.

Drive Continued from Page 1

Sky Cliff Adult Day Center Support Groups: Stoke Victors meets from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. the second and last Wednesday of each month. Lunch is provided. Contact Sue Parson, 303-8142863. Evening Stroke Victors meets from 6-7:30 p.m. the second Tuesday of each month. Cookies and coffee provided.

Contact Sue Parson, 303-814-2863.

Caregivers Support Group meets from 10-11:30 a.m. Tuesdays. All groups meet at Sky Cliff Adult Day Center in Castle Rock.

Contact Sky Cliff at 303-814-2863. Visit www.skycliff.org.

VFW Post 10649 meets monthly at 8:30 a.m. the first Saturday of every month at 24325 Main St., Elbert. Go to www. vfwpost10649.org. Contact Alan Beebe at 303-435-2560 for questions.

Continued from Page 1

Families signed up for the programs at the Elizabeth Fire Department through Dec. 11, but it was hardly an absolute deadline.

“We keep some spares here in case we have some stragglers come in,” Gerczynski said. “Usually the people who come in this week are the ones who are very reluctant and realize, ‘I’m going to be in trouble this year,’ so we hate to turn those people away.”

The program has some repeat customers, but Gerczynski said that they have new people who need help each year.

“Even though we do have some regulars, the newer people who come in who really need the help make it all worthwhile. This is not a program that is supposed to sustain them through their Christmas every year.”

The Elizabeth Firefighters Community Foundation relies solely on donations, and no taxpayer money is used to fund its programs.

Hettinger Continued from Page 6

One of my most valued colleagues in the field of care and grief ministry, Karen Schoenhals, writes: “To successfully grieve, not sinking into bitterness and despair, is to allow room in our hearts for both joy and sorrow to exist, to be experienced simultaneously, and to be openly acknowledged together. And the beauty of Christmas is Emmanuel, God with us, who lost everything when He came into this dark world to save us — to walk with us through our dark path of grief and give us joy.”

If our celebration is merely a commercial event full of decorations, spending, entertainment and gatherings, as nice as they may be, it is does not reach the deepest parts of our soul where joy and sorrow mingle.

But when our celebration comes from a deeply spiritual experience, born in us by the humble birth of the Christ child into a world of darkness, conflict and

confusion, then we realize the source of all this celebration came specifically to meet us in our dark times.

This awakening in me has enriched my Christmas celebration. Planning a Blue Christmas service (email me for more information) made it clear that even when we have trouble and sorrow, our activities might be more subdued and tears may be present, but by making room for the Christ child in the deepest, loneliest and most painful place in our souls, celebrating at Christmas is possible and then it is the most appropriate.

Dan Hettinger is the congregational care pastor at Mountainview Christian Church in Highlands Ranch and author of “Welcome to the Big Leagues — Every Man’s Journey to Significance.” Dan also represents The Denver Hospice to the faith community throughout Denver. You can email him at dan@mtnvw.org.

In Loving Memory Place an Obituary for Your Loved One. Private 303-566-4100 Obituaries@ColoradoCommunityMedia.com

Funeral Homes Visit: www.memoriams.com “Thus to earth slips heaven’s flame”

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Christmas Eve Candlelight Worship - 4 & 6 p.m.

724 E. Kiowa Ave., Elizabeth www.elizabethunitedmethodists (303) 646-1870

8 Elbert County News

December 24, 2015

GOING BACKSTAGE Competitive dancers from Castle Rock academy performed on Dec. 12 Last-minute makeup touch-ups, costume changes and dancers scrambling to hit their spots for their next dance were just a few of the scenes at Castle View High School on Dec. 12. Competitive company dancers from Boutique Dance Academy in Castle Rock held the second annual Winter Snowcase to not only show off their skills, but also raise money for their upcoming competition season. The dancers hoped to build support and raise awareness for competitive dance.

PHOTOS BY SHANNA FORTIER Dancers at the Boutique Dance Academy range in age from 3 to 18 years old. At the showcase, they perform competitive dances in ballet, jazz, lyrical, contemporary, hip-hop and tap.

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Alli Burgess stretches backstage before she dances. Burgess is a member of the senior dance company.

Leah Lamb puts the finishing touches on her makeup before the show. Lamb is a member of the teen company competitive dance team.

Boutique Dance Academy dancers wait in the wings for the show to begin. The performance/fundraiser was put on by the booster club to raise funds for the upcoming competition season.

Elbert County News 9

December 24, 2015

Museum is great family getaway over holidays The Littleton Museum boasts a collection of about 60,000 objects related to Littleton’s history — used or worn by a particular person, used in a business or in the home, used by government or individuals. From that collection, the curator has selected 125 items, ranging from clothing and toys to a parlor organ, an old Phillips radio, a washing machine, a wedding dress and the Littleton Independent editor’s typewriter, as Littleton celebrates its 125 years. Don’t miss the carefully written booklet, available at the museum entrance, that tells a little story about each item. Recommended for visiting family, antsy children and anyone from 4 to 80. On a warm day, the living farms are also wonderful. The Littleton Museum is located at 6028 S. Gallup St., Littleton. 303-795-3950.

Hours: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesdays through Fridays; 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturdays; 1 to 5 p.m. Sundays. Holidays excepted. Admission is free.

Also, while at the museum, see the annual “Own an Original” art exhibit in the

adjoining gallery, which displays interesting work by Colorado artists.

Authors’ submissions sought The Colorado Authors’ League, established in 1931, is accepting subSonya Ellingboe missions for its annual book awards, SONYA’S to be announced at SAMPLER the group’s yearly awards banquet in the spring. The deadline is Jan. 31, 2016. Open for members with works published in 2015 in 14 categories, from books in print to ebooks, fiction to nonfiction, poetry, feature writing and blog entries. Details are found at coloradoauthors.org/awards/cal-writingawards-submission-form.

Historical lectures The Tesoro Foundation/Tesoro Cultural Center, based at Morrison’s Fort Restaurant, offers a series of historic lectures through fall and winter. Some are only at the Fort (6 p.m.), while many are given first, on the same Sunday, at the Denver Central Public Library at 1:30 p.m. for free.

The sessions at the Fort are accompanied by a special dinner and cost $60 for Tesoro members and $68 for nonmembers. Next will be on Jan. 10: “Micacious Clay Pottery” (with a cooking demonstration) by Debbie Carillo (Fort only). Following that, Steven Frissen of the Buffalo Bill Museum will speak about “Okate Wicasa — the American Indians who performed with Buffalo Bill’s Wild West Shows.” He will lecture at both places. Information/reservations: 303-839-1671, TesoroCulturalCenter.org.

Reminder to artists Deadline for entries to the Littleton Fine Arts Board’s 2016 Eye of the Cam-

era photography competition is Jan. 8, through CaFE, CallforEntry.org. The juror is Gary Huibregtse and the exhibit dates are Feb. 19 to March 27, 2016. Information: 303-795-3950.

Taos painters Newly opened at the Denver Art Museum: “A Place in the Sun: Southwest Paintings of Walter Ufer and Martin Hennings,” who both found an artistic home in Taos, New Mexico. The exhibit will be the topic for the annual Western American Art Symposium, held at the DAM in connection with the National Western Stock Show from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Jan. 6. There will also be a related four-part course: “Examining Art of the Southwest,” from 1 to 2:30 p.m. on Sundays Jan. 10, 17, 24, 31.

Register at denverartmuseum.org. Parking is on 13th Avenue just west of Broadway in downtown Denver.

Bird counts take flight as holiday tradition Roxborough, Denver among areas checked for Audubon

By Sonya Ellingboe sellingboe@coloradocommunitymedia.com More than a century ago, Frank M. Chapman, an early Audubon member, started the first Christmas Bird Count in 1900 as an alternative to the traditional Christmas “Side Hunt,” in which hunters competed to see who could kill the greatest number of birds and mammals in a day. Now the CBC events have international participation as “citizen scientists” attempt to track migratory birds as well as those that stay in one place year-round.

The count has gone international.

In 1901, 16 state-level Audubon Societ-

ies joined together in a loose national organization and by 1903 established the first national wildlife refuge in the U.S. — Pelican Island in Florida.

In 1998, Audubon held its first Great Backyard Bird Count and 14,000 participated. There is local participation each year in the suburban area.

In December 2015, local birdwatchers, whether beginner, intermediate or advanced, are invited to join in one or more local bird counts, providing data that “allows researchers and conservation biologists to study the long-term health and status of bird populations,” according to the society’s “Warbler” newsletter.

The October issue of Audubon Magazine, in its “State of the Birds” report, predicts that based on decades of this data, by 2080, 314 species will be threatened or

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possibly extinct, due to loss of habitat and climate change. The article made frequent reference to the valuable CBC data that is processed through the Cornell University Department of Ornithology.

There are three different dates planned in the metro area, although the Jan. 2 Douglas County Christmas Bird Count at Roxborough State Park is the most locally oriented, with many different degrees of difficulty to the walks, beginning at 7:30 a.m. Register by Dec. 30, 303-973-3959. A chili supper will be held at the end with the compilation at the Visitor Center. (A $2 contribution is requested.) State park entry fee required.

On Jan. 1, the Denver Urban Christmas

Count will cover numerous locations, a 15-mile-diameter circle, with varying degrees of difficulty. The best way to access a schedule, and information on which leader to follow, is to visit denveraudubon. org and look at the most recent edition of the “Warbler,” where there is a single-page chart that ranges along the South Platte and Cherry Creek, the Botanic Gardens, the University of Denver, Wash Park, Rocky Mountain Arsenal. One is instructed to call leader Hugh Kingery, 303-814-2723, to hook into this major effort.

To get involved with the Denver Audubon Society and its Nature Center at the south edge of Chatfield State Park, visit the group’s website, Denveraudubon.org.

DISNEY’S MARY POPPINS

The Broadway Musical Jan. 15 - 31

Don’t miss this fantastical family favorite.

BIG BUBBLE CIRCUS

At The Schoolhouse January 16 10:00 a.m.

Join us for giant soap bubbles and family-friendly silliness.

CELTIC NIGHTS Spirit of Freedom

February 5 and 6 7:30 p.m.

Celtic Nights features some of Ireland’s finest international dancers and Celtic musicians.

COMEDY AND COCKTAILS At The Schoolhouse February 13 8:00 p.m.

Enjoy a drink and have a laugh in this hilarious new series featuring Jordan Doll.

WONDERBOUND “Rock Ballet” with Chimney Choir & Ian Cooke Band February 14 2:00 p.m.

10941 S. Parker Rd. | 303-868-8922 In the Safeway Shopping Center

Garrett Ammon’s celebrated ballets set to the music of David Bowie and Queen are hitting the stage once more.

BUY TICKETS AT www.ParkerArts.org ParkerArts OR CALL 303.805.6800

10 Elbert County News

December 24, 2015

SPORTS

LOCAL

Heisman runner-up sets pace for brothers four McCaffrey brothers play. “These days, people kind of know where people are going to vote. I heard it said best, ‘Christian probably should have won, but Derrick Henry was who people voted for.’”

Brian Bonn is now a photography teacher at Valor, but he used to have Christian McCaffrey in his Valor Sports Network class.

“To have this many people out to support Christian in his Heisman run is a blessing,” he said. “To watch Christian up on stage, he hasn’t changed a bit. He’s every bit as humble as he used to be, and he’s every bit as loving as he used to be.

Just to see him up there is such a blessing for us as a school.

“It’s the fact they had question marks around Christian. They wondered if he would be as dynamic as he was when he was in high school. He proved to the entire state that he is that good.”

Valor Athletic Director Jamie Heiner believes that Christian McCaffrey, Colorado’s high school career all-purpose record holder, has brought attention to Valor and Colorado.

“I actually felt like we were at the Heisman presentation,” he said. “It was awesome, but it was a bummer to see him not take it home and not win the Heisman.

But just to be able to celebrate him as a young man and who he is as a person is spectacular, and to see the support he has gotten from faculty, staff, students and coaches is tremendous.

“It does a lot for our school to highlight the talent, but really as a state it does shine a light on Colorado because there are a lot of great football players that play in Colorado and we don’t get the recognition that other states do.”

Christian not only had support at Valor Dec. 12, but also in New York City. Valor coach Rod Sherman was on hand at the awards ceremony along with Christian’s parents, Ed and Lisa, and his brothers.

Max is a senior wide receiver at Duke and was a state champion at Valor state champion. Dylan led the Eagles to the state championship on Dec. 5. Luke is a Valor freshman who was a quarterback for the junior varsity team and played some defensive back on the varsity. And,

Valor Christian grad McCaffrey has record-breaking season at Stanford University

By Jim Benton jbenton@coloradocommunitymedia.com Valor Christian junior quarterback Dylan McCaffrey recalls when he and his brothers would sneak onto the Country Club at Castle Pines golf course to play football.

Dylan, older brothers Max and Christian, and younger sibling Luke each had their own dreams while running on the manicured grass near their home.

“We used to play together all the time,” Dylan said. “We lived on a golf course, and when we were growing up we’d all go out on the golf course in a big grass area and play. The maintenance people never liked it. We’d always get kicked off, but we were out there almost every day playing football.”

Christian’s dream almost became reality last weekend. The Stanford sophomore running back and former Valor Christian standout was a Heisman Trophy finalist.

He spent time in New York City, and did myriad interviews, but was the runner-up when Alabama running back Derrick Henry was announced as the Heisman winner on Dec. 12.

McCaffrey, who broke Barry Sanders’ NCAA record this season with 3,496 allpurpose yards, garnered 290 first-place votes (32.4 percent) and 1,528 overall.

Henry won with 1,832 points and 378 (42.2 percent) first-place votes. Clemson sophomore quarterback Deshaun Watson was third with 1,165 votes.

Henry gained 1,986 yards in the same number of games but had just 139 more yards rushing than McCaffrey, the Pac 12 Offensive Player of the Year, and didn’t come close to matching McCaffrey’s allpurpose yardage.

There was a Heisman watch party at the Valor Center Performance Hall in Highlands Ranch, with 180 supporters in attendance to view the awards program.

“All the predictions I heard were pretty much carried out,” said Jon Kozan, who has been Valor’s football statistician since the school opened and has watched all

Christian McCaffrey, shown here two years ago while a senior at Valor Christian, had quite a run at Stanford this season, finishing as the runner-up for the Heisman Trophy.

File photo

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McCaffrey continues on Page 12

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Elbert County News 11

December 24, 2015

Salomess Stars Salome FOR RELEASE WEEK OF DEC. 21, 2015 ARIES (March 21 to April 19) Although taking advice isn’t always easy for the headstrong Sheep, you might want to consider what someone you respect says about an upcoming decision.

TAURUS (April 20 to May 20) A new offer is tempting, but don’t be bullied into a quick decision. Rely on your keen Bovine business sense to alert you to anything that might be questionable.

GEMINI (May 21 to June 20) Your Gemini Twin nature rallies to help you deal with this week’s hectic schedules, both in your personal and professional lives. One caution: Watch your diet.

CANCER (June 21 to July 22) Avoid rushing to make up for time lost on a stalled workplace operation. Best to set up a schedule and pace yourself. Welcome the help of colleagues.

LEO (July 23 to August 22) Despite those glittering holiday distractions you love so well, be sure to keep your feline senses set on high to alert you to anything that might require fast action.

VIRGO (August 23 to September 22) Making an effort to restore fraying relationships proves to be more successful than you dared hope.

The holidays also bring new friends into your life.

LIBRA (September 23 to October 22) Private and professional matters compete for your attention. Be honest in your assessment of which should get more of it, and for how long.

SCORPIO (October 23 to November 21) A seemingly endless list of must-do tasks is best handled by tackling them one by one, and taking energy-restoring timeouts between each job.

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SAGITTARIUS (November 22 to December 21) A vexing relationship seems destined to deteriorate no matter what each side tries to do.

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CAPRICORN (December 22 to January 19) Reach out to ease any tensions caused by home or workplace pressures before they threaten the relationship-building progress you’ve made.

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Public Notices PUBLIC NOTICE

NOTICE TO CREDITORS Estate of Dale L. Balenseifen, aka Dale Balenseifen, and Dale Lee Balenseifen, Deceased Case Number: 2015 PR 030036

Notice To Creditors PUBLIC NOTICE NOTICE TO CREDITORS Estate of Rick L. Hunt, Deceased Case Number: 15PR30029 All persons having claims against the above-named estate are required to present them to the Personal Representative or to the District Court of Elbert County, Colorado on or before April 25, 2016, or the claims may be forever barred.

MidFirst Trust a/k/a MidFirst Bank Personal Representative Attn: Jeffrey B. Kadavy and Jennifer Sherman 101 Cook Street Denver, Colorado 80206 Legal Notice No.: 23310 First Publication: December 24, 2015 Last Publication: January 7, 2016 Publisher: The Elbert County News PUBLIC NOTICE NOTICE TO CREDITORS Estate of Dale L. Balenseifen, aka Dale Balenseifen, and Dale Lee Balenseifen, Deceased Case Number: 2015 PR 030036 All persons having claims against the above-named estate are required to present them to the Personal Representative or to the District Court of Elbert County, Colorado on or before April 11, 2016 or the claims may be forever barred.

Suzanne B. Balenseifen Personal Representative 4810 North Mesa Drive Castle Rock, Colorado 80108

Government Legals

Legal Notice No: 23290 First Publication: December 10, 2015 Last Publication: December 24, 2015 Public Notice Publisher: Elbert County News NOTICE OF FINAL PAYMENT

NOTICE is hereby given that Spring Valley Metropolitan District No. 1 of Elbert County, Colorado, will make final payment at Special District Management Services, Inc., 141 Union Boulevard, Suite 150, Lakewood, Colorado 80228, on January 11, 2016, at the hour of 4:00 p.m. to Fischer Construction, Inc. for all work done by said Contractor(s) in construction or work on the Wastewater Treatment Plant Improvement Project.

Any person, co-partnership, association of persons, company or corporation that has furnished labor, materials, team hire, sustenance, provisions, provender, or other supplies used or consumed by such

All persons having claims against the above-named estate are required to present them to the Personal Representative or to the District Court of Elbert County, Colorado on or before April 11, 2016 or the claims may be forever barred.

Notice To Creditors

Suzanne B. Balenseifen Personal Representative 4810 North Mesa Drive Castle Rock, Colorado 80108

Legal Notice No: 23290 First Publication: December 10, 2015 Last Publication: December 24, 2015 Publisher: Elbert County News

Government Legals PUBLIC NOTICE NOTICE OF PURCHASE OF REAL ESTATE AT TAX LIEN SALE AND OF APPLICATION FOR ISSUANCE OF TREASURER’S DEED TSC# 2012-01588 To Every Person in Actual Possession or Occupancy of the hereinafter Described Land, Lot or Premises, and to the Person in Whose Name the Same was Taxed or Specially Assessed, and to all Persons having an Interest or Title of Record in or to the said Premises and To Whom It may Concern, and more especially to: SQ VENTURE LLC You and each of you are hereby notified that on the 20th day of Public Notice November A.D. 2012 the then County Treasurer of the County of Elbert, in the NOTICE OF FINAL PAYMENT State of Colorado, sold at public tax lien sale to PAMELA L MOSER following NOTICE is hereby given thatthe Spring Valdescribed real estate situate ley Metropolitan District No.in 1the ofCounty Elbert of Elbert, State of Colorado, to wit: County, Colorado, will make final payment at Special District Management SerLegal vices, Description: Inc., 141 Union Boulevard, Suite Section: 20 Township: 8 Range: 150, Lakewood, Colorado 80228, on 63Subdivision: PARp.m.

IN January 11, 2016, WAMBOLDT at the hour of 4:00 SE4 DESC Construction, B648 P599 84.807 A all Schedto Fischer Inc. for work ule APN#8320418003 done#R117574 by said Contractor(s) in construction or work on the Wastewater Treatment and said County Treasurer issued a certiPlant Improvement Project. ficate of purchase therefore to PAMELA L MOSER. said tax lien sale was Any person,That co-partnership, association of made to company satisfy theordelinquent aspersons, corporationtaxes that has sessed against real estate forhire, the furnished labor,said materials, team year 2011; provisions, provender, or othsustenance, er supplies used or consumed by such That said real estate was taxed or in specontractors or their subcontractors, or cially the assessed in the of name(s) SQ about performance the workofconVENTURE year 2011. tracted to beLLC doneforor said that supplies rental machinery, tools, or equipment to the exThat a Treasurer’s Deed will be for tent used in the prosecution of issued the work, said real estate to therefor the said has Elbert County and whose claim not been at 3:00 P.M., on or thetheir 31stsubconday of paid by o’clock the contractors March, 2016, has tractors,A.D. at any timeunless up to the andsame including been redeemed. the time of final settlement for the work contracted to be done, is required to file a Said property may be redeemed verified statement of the amountfrom due said and sale at any prior to the actualclaim execuunpaid, andtime an account of such to tion said Treasurer’s Deed. Witness my LisaofJohnson, District Manager, c/o Spehand this 2nd day of December, cial District Management Services,2015 Inc., A.D. 141 Union Boulevard, Suite 150, Lake-

Government Legals

SQ VENTURE LLC You and each of you are hereby notified that on the 20th day of November A.D. 2012 the then County Treasurer of the County of Elbert, in the State of Colorado, sold at public tax lien sale to PAMELA L MOSER the following described real estate situate in the County of Elbert, State of Colorado, to wit:

Government Legals

Legal Description: Section: 20 Township: 8 Range: 63Subdivision: WAMBOLDT PAR IN SE4 DESC B648 P599 84.807 A Schedule #R117574 APN#8320418003 and said County Treasurer issued a certificate of purchase therefore to PAMELA L MOSER. That said tax lien sale was made to satisfy the delinquent taxes assessed against said real estate for the year 2011; That said real estate was taxed or specially assessed in the name(s) of SQ VENTURE LLC for said year 2011.

Public Notice That a Treasurer’s Deed will be issued for NOTICE PAYMENT said real estateOF toFINAL the said Elbert County at 3:00 o’clock P.M., on the 31st day of NOTICEA.D. is hereby that March, 2016, given unless theSpring same Valhas ley Metropolitan been redeemed. District No. 1 of Elbert County, Colorado, will make final payment property at Special District Management Said may be redeemed from Sersaid vices, 141 prior Union Suite sale at Inc., any time to Boulevard, the actual execu150,ofLakewood, Colorado 80228, my on tion said Treasurer’s Deed. Witness January 11,2nd 2016, theDecember, hour of 4:002015 p.m. hand this dayat of to Fischer Construction, Inc. for all work A.D. done by said Contractor(s) in construction or work Pettitt on the Wastewater Treatment Richard Plant CountyImprovement Treasurer Project. of Elbert County Any person, co-partnership, association of persons, company or corporation that has Legal Notice No.: 23293 furnished labor,December materials, First Publication: 17,team 2015 hire, sustenance, provisions, provender, Last Publication: December 31, 2015or other supplies used or County consumed Publisher: The Elbert Newsby such contractors or their subcontractors, in or about the performance of the work conPublic Notice tracted to be done or that supplies rental machinery, or equipment the exNOTICE tools, OF PURCHASE OF to REAL tentESTATE used in AT the TAX prosecution of the work, LIEN SALE AND andOF whose claim therefor has not been APPLICATION FOR ISSUANCE paid by OF theTREASURER'S contractors or DEED their subcontractors, at any time up to and including the time of TSC# final settlement 2012-01580for the work contracted to be done, is required to file a verified the amount due and To Everystatement Person inofActual Possession or unpaid, and of anthe account of such claim to Occupancy hereinafter Described Lisa District Manager, SpeLand,Johnson, Lot or Premises, and to thec/o Person cial District Management Inc., in Whose Name the SameServices, was Taxed or 141 UnionAssessed, Boulevard,and Suite 150, LakeSpecially to all Persons wood, Colorado 80228 on behalf of having an Interest or Title of Record inthe or Spring Valley Metropolitan No. 1, to the said Premises and ToDistrict Whom It may on or before the date and time Concern, and more especially to: hereinabove shown for final payment. Failure on the of any LLC claimant fileeach suchofveriSQ part VENTURE You to and you fied statement of claim prior such final are hereby notified that on theto20th day of settlement will release Valley MetNovember A.D. 2012 Spring the then County ropolitan No. 1, its directors, ofTreasurerDistrict of the County of Elbert, in the ficers,ofagents, andsold employees, of and State Colorado, at public tax lien from to any and all A. liability for suchthe claim. sale ROBERT PETERSON following described real estate situate in the

BY ORDER OF THE BOARD County of Elbert, State of Colorado, to wit: OF DIRECTORS SPRING VALLEY METROPOLITAN Legal Description: DISTRICT 1 Section: 20NO. Township: 8 Range: 63Subdivision: WAMBOLDT PAR IN SE4 By: /s/ Secretary DESC B648 P599 SCHEDULE #R117575 APN:8320418002 Legal Notice No.: 23311

Government Legals

SQ VENTURE LLC You and each of you are hereby notified that on the 20th day feel of isn’t being handled quite the way it should be.

November A.D. 2012 the then County Treasurer of the County of Elbert, in the BORN THIS WEEK: YourNOTICE personal warmth PUBLIC State of Colorado, sold at public tax lien sale to ROBERT A. PETERSON the folhelps you make friendships, and your sense of NOTICE OF PURCHASE OF lowing described real estate situate in the fair play helpsREAL you keep them.AT TAX LIEN ESTATE County of Elbert, State of Colorado, to wit: SALE AND OF APPLICATION FOR ISSUANCE OF TREASURER’S DEED Legal Description: © 2015 King Features Synd., Inc. Section: 20 Township: 8 Range: 63SubTSC# 2011-01434 division: WAMBOLDT PAR IN SE4 DESC B648 P599 SCHEDULE #R117575 To Every Person in Actual Possession or APN:8320418002 Occupancy of the hereinafter Described Land, Lot or Premises, and to the Person and said County Treasurer issued a certiin Whose Name the Same was Taxed or ficate of purchase therefore to ROBERT Specially Assessed, and to all Persons A. PETERSON. That said tax lien sale having an Interest or Title of Record in or was made to satisfy the delinquent taxes to the said Premises and To Whom It may assessed against said real estate for the Concern, and more especially to: year 2011;

Notices

Public Notice

Government Legals

NOTICE OF PURCHASE Public Notice OF REAL ESTATE AT TAX LIEN SALE AND OFNOTICE APPLICATION FOR ISSUANCE OF FINAL PAYMENT OF TREASURER'S DEED NOTICE is hereby given that Spring ValTSC# District 2012-01580 ley Metropolitan No. 1 of Elbert County, Colorado, will make final payTo Every Person in Actual Possession or ment at Special District Management SerOccupancy of the hereinafter Described vices, Inc., 141 Union Boulevard, Suite Land, Lot or Premises, and to the Person 150, Lakewood, Colorado 80228, on in Whose11, Name was or January 2016,the at Same the hour of Taxed 4:00 p.m.

Specially andInc. to all to FischerAssessed, Construction, for Persons all work having an Interest or Title of Record in or done by said Contractor(s) in construction to said and To Whom It may or the work onPremises the Wastewater Treatment Concern, and more especially to: Plant Improvement Project.

SQ VENTURE LLC You andassociation each of you Any person, co-partnership, of are hereby notified or that on the 20th dayhas of persons, company corporation that November A.D. 2012 the then County furnished labor, materials, team hire, Treasurer ofprovisions, the Countyprovender, of Elbert, or in oththe sustenance, State of Colorado, at publicby taxsuch lien er supplies used orsold consumed sale to ROBERT A. subcontractors, PETERSON theinfolcontractors or their or lowing described real estate situate in the about the performance of the work conCounty of Elbert, State of Colorado, to wit: tracted to be done or that supplies rental machinery, tools, or equipment to the exLegal Description: tent used in the prosecution of the work, Section: 20 claim Township: 8 Range: 63Suband whose therefor has not been division: IN SE4 paid by theWAMBOLDT contractors or PAR their subconDESC B648 P599 SCHEDULE tractors, at any time up to and#R117575 including APN:8320418002 the time of final settlement for the work contracted to be done, is required to file a and saidstatement County Treasurer issueddue a certiverified of the amount and ficate of and purchase therefore to ROBERT unpaid, an account of such claim to A. PETERSON. That said tax lien sale Lisa Johnson, District Manager, c/o Spewas District made toManagement satisfy the delinquent cial Services,taxes Inc., assessed said real estate the 141 Unionagainst Boulevard, Suite 150, for Lakeyear 2011; wood, Colorado 80228 on behalf of the Spring Valley Metropolitan District No. 1, That realthe estate speon orsaid before datewas andtaxed time or hereincially in the name(s) of Son Q above assessed shown for final payment.

Failure VENTURE LLC for said year 2011. the part of any claimant to file such verified statement of claim prior to such final That a Treasurer's Deed will beValley issued for settlement will release Spring Metsaid real estate the 1, said County ropolitan DistricttoNo. its Elbert directors, ofat 3:00 o'clock P.M., on the 31st day of ficers, agents, and employees, of and March, A.D.2016, unlessfor thesuch same has from any and all liability claim. been redeemed.

BY ORDER OF THE BOARD SaidDIRECTORS property may be redeemed from said OF sale at any time prior to the actual execuSPRING VALLEY METROPOLITAN tion of said NO. Treasurer's Deed. Witness my DISTRICT 1 hand this 2nd day of December, 2015 A.D. By: /s/ Secretary

Government Legals

Richard Pettitt Legal Notice No.: 23311 County Treasurer of Elbert24, County First Publication: December 2015 Last Publication: December 31, 2015 Legal Notice No.: 23294 Publisher: The Elbert County News First Publication: December 17, 2015 Last Publication: December 31, 2015 Publisher: The Elbert County News

Toestate advertise your publicBARBARA notices call 303-566-4100 JOYCE TAYLOR You and That said real was taxed or speeach of you are hereby notified that on the cially assessed in the name(s) of SQ 8th day of November A.D.2011 the then VENTURE LLC for said year 2011.

County Treasurer of the County of Elbert, in the State of Colorado, sold at public tax That a Treasurer's Deed will be issued for lien sale to TESS INVESTMENTS the folsaid real estate to the said Elbert County lowing described real estate situate in the at 3:00 o'clock P.M., on the 31st day of County of Elbert, State of Colorado, to wit: March, A.D.2016, unless the same has been redeemed.

Legal Description: Section: 35 Township: 10 Range: 60 Said property may be redeemed from said (TOTAL 0.344 A) Subdivision: SIMLA sale at any time prior to the actual execuHEIGHTS Block: 1 Lot: 15 AND:-Lot: tion of said Treasurer's Deed. Witness my 1615000 SQ FT hand this 2nd day of December, 2015 A.D. and said County Treasurer issued a certificate of purchase therefore to TESS INRichard Pettitt VESTMENTS. That said tax lien sale was County Treasurer of Elbert County made to satisfy the delinquent taxes assessed against said real estate for the Legal Notice No.: 23294 year 2010; First Publication: December 17, 2015 Last Publication: December 31, 2015 That said real estate was taxed or spePublisher: The Elbert County News cially assessed in the name(s) of BARBARA JOYCE TAYLOR for said year PUBLIC NOTICE 2010.

NOTICE OF PURCHASE OF That a Treasurer’s Deed will be issued for REAL ESTATE AT TAX LIEN said real estate to the said Elbert County SALE AND OF APPLICATION FOR at 3:00 o’clock P.M., on the 7th day of ISSUANCE OF TREASURER’S DEED APRIL, A.D.2016, unless the same has been redeemed.

TSC# 2011-01434

Government Legals

Government Legals

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

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 10th day of December, 2015 A. D.

BARBARA JOYCE TAYLOR You and each of you are hereby notified that on the 8th day of November A.D.2011 the then County Treasurer of the County of Elbert, in the State of Colorado, sold at public tax lien sale to TESS INVESTMENTS the following described real estate situate in the County of Elbert, State of Colorado, to wit:

Legal Notice No.: 23298 First Publication: December 24, 2015 Last Publication: January 7, 2016 Publisher: Elbert County News

Richard Pettitt County Treasurer of Elbert County

BE Informed!

Legal Description: Section: 35 Township: 10 Range: 60 (TOTAL 0.344 A) Subdivision: SIMLA HEIGHTS Block: 1 Lot: 15 AND:-Lot: 1615000 SQ FT and said County Treasurer issued a certificate of purchase therefore to TESS INVESTMENTS. That said tax lien sale was made to satisfy the delinquent taxes assessed against said real estate for the year 2010;

That said real estate was taxed or specially assessed in the name(s) of BARBARA JOYCE TAYLOR for said year 2010.

That a Treasurer’s Deed will be issued for said real estate to the said Elbert County at 3:00 o’clock P.M., on the 7th day of APRIL, A.D.2016, unless the same has been redeemed.

Read the Legal Notices!

Said property may be redeemed from said sale at any time prior to the actual execu-

Elbert * 1

12 Elbert County News

December 24, 2015

SPORTS ROUNDUP ELIZABETH CARDINALS GIRLS BASKETBALL Elizabeth 49, Frederick 42 Elizabeth outscored Frederick in the Oct. 12 tournament game.

Key performers: Tegan Ross and Rachel Rucker each scored 13 points. Jordan Speicher had seven rebounds and four steals. Olivia Whitworth had five steals.

Elizabeth 44, Steamboat Springs 28 Sophomore Rachel Rucker scored nine points in the Dec. 11 tournament game.

Key performers: Tegan Ross had six rebounds, two assists and one

KIOWA INDIANS

steal. Jordan Speicher had four steals.

BOYS BASKETBALL Northridge 72, Elizabeth 51 Senior Jake Boss scored 11 points in the Dec. 12 tournament game.

Key performers: Jordan Minch scored nine points and Cameron Moon had seven rebounds.

Eagle Valley 76, Elizabeth 53 Senior Jordan Minch scored 21 points in the Dec. 11 tournament game.

Key performers: Garett Hawkins had eight rebounds.

SIMLA CUBS

GIRLS BASKETBALL Genoa-Hugo 53, Kiowa 50 Kiowa was outscored in the Dec. 12 nonconference game.

Key performers: Julie Smith scored 19 points and Helen Janes scored 12. Ashlea Carothers had 10 rebounds and three assists.

GIRLS BASKETBALL Simla 47, Florence 44 The Cubs won a road nonconference game Dec. 12 against the Huskies.

Key performers: Sophomore Jerraldawn Rector scored 18 points and six rebounds and sophomore Chloe Duffy had 14 rebounds and three steals. Junior Ashley Robinson had 13 points and nine rebounds.

BOYS BASKETBALL Kiowa 52, Genoa-Hugo/Karval 42 Junior Skeet Ericson scored 14 points in the Dec. 12 nonconference game.

Key performers: Logan Link had 13 rebounds and Jacob Gabriel had four steals.

BOYS BASKETBALL Simla 45, Florence 44 The Cubs narrowly edged the Huskies during a nonconference road game Dec. 12.

Key performers: Senior Jason George scored 16 points and senior Matt Thieman had 11 points and seven rebounds.

McCaffrey

The finalists for the Heisman Trophy, from left, Christian McCaffrey, Derrick Henry and Deshaun Watson, are shown to the audience at Valor Christian during the TV broadcast Dec. 12.

Photo by Jim Benton

Continued from Page 10

of course, Ed McCaffrey was a standout wide receiver for the Denver Broncos.

Christian, 19, was trying to become the youngest Heisman winner, but instead became the third player raised in Colorado to finish second. The University of Colorado’s Byron “Whizzer” White was second in 1937.

Terry Miller (Oklahoma State) was the 1977 runner-up. “(Christian’s) success helps all the brothers,” said Dylan. “It motivates us to work harder. We’re all so proud of him. He is always making sure we have our heads on straight. He’s been such a good role model. He makes sure we do the right things and work hard. He never forces us to play football or anything. He just says, if you like it, do it.”

Luke has to follow in the footsteps of three successful brothers.

“It can be overwhelming at times,” Luke said. “All three of them have done a good job of watching over me. Christian’s success helps to show us what we need to accomplish to reach the same goals as he has.”

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