Here’s What Being a “Full-Service” Real Estate Agent Means to Us
To me — and, I believe, to my broker associates at Golden Real Estate — being a “full-service” real estate agent means more than providing the minimum “uniform duties” set forth by the Colorado Real Estate Commission, with my comments in brackets:
“Broker shall exercise reasonable skill and care for seller, including, but not limited to the following:
Performing the terms of any written or oral agreement with seller;
Presenting all offers to and from seller in a timely manner, regardless of whether the property is subject to a contract for sale;
Those are the minimum duties spelled out by the Real Estate Commission for an agent representing a seller. The Commission spells out similar duties for a broker representing a buyer, tenant or landlord.
Disclosing to seller adverse material facts [about the buyer] actually known by broker;
Advising seller to obtain expert advice as to material matters about which broker knows but the specifics of which are beyond the expertise of broker;
Accounting in a timely manner for all money and property received; and
Keeping seller fully informed [throughout] the transaction.
Those are the minimum duties, whether the agent is functioning as a transaction broker or an agent. A transaction broker, which we don’t recommend, is a broker who owes no fidelity to either party, but merely facilitates the transaction. If the broker is an agent, broker has the following additional duties:
“Promoting the interests of seller with the utmost good faith, loyalty and fidelity [above those of the buyer or him/herself].
Seeking a price and terms that are acceptable to seller [or better].
Counseling seller as to any material benefits or risks of a transaction that are actually known by broker.”
At Golden Real Estate, my broker associates and I are always seeking to “go the extra mile” when serving our clients. For sellers, that could include such things as providing a free professional staging consultation before the home goes on the market, so that it shows its best.
Sometimes the staging consultant recommends moving furniture, and, of course, we help there. And sometimes repairs are required, for which we provide our in-house handyman at the client-only rate of $30 per hour. He can handle light plumbing and light electrical matters such as replacing a vanity, toilet or chandelier, and he’s also good at doing drywall repair, including texturing.
A seller who is downsizing may need to sell or give away unwanted furniture. In many instances, we’ve been able to get the winning buyer in a bidding war to agree to purchase all the unwanted furniture — even if they didn’t want it. If there’s enough good quality furniture, we have an estate sales vendor who will run a sale and then donate the unsold furniture (using his own truck) to the International Rescue Committee, which donates that furniture to refugees from other countries for whom the IRC has found housing.
(When Rita and I sold our Golden home in 2022, we had a bidding war, and the buyer paid us $10,000 for the furniture we didn’t want in our 55+ apartment, and, best of all, I wrote into the contract that we could leave anything else that we didn’t want. That included our garage full of tools and “stuff”!)
Before our box truck died, we provided it
Here Are Some Reviews From Our Past Clients:
Golden Real Estate is the best residential real estate agency i have ever worked with. And I have bought more than 20 houses. What I like most is that they are not afraid to express their frank opinions about any piece of real estate. And I love the house they found for us on South Golden Road. — Don Parker
Dave Dlugasch did a phenomenal job working with us! We were not easy buyers because of an extensive “wish list” and he did his homework on each property we looked at until we found the right one. He gave us great advice and was very supportive of all our questions throughout the entire process.
— M. Madigan
Based on Jim Smith's knowledge, experience, and expertise in the real estate arena, we decided to work with him when it came time to downsize. We used Jim and his real estate firm to both purchase the new home and sell our existing property. All communication with Jim has been top notch. He also provided all packing materials and labor to make our move. It was a great experience from start to finish.
— R. Trujillo
We were beyond impressed with Kathy Jonke! She went above and beyond for us. She accommodated all of our needs. She was insightful and extremely helpful throughout the entire process! I can’t recommend her more! — Eve
Wilson
Not only did Jim Smith do a superb job in the marketing and sale of our home, he provided his company's moving truck and long time handyman Mark to move our belongings to our new home in Broomfield. When a problem occurred, he hired an outside moving company to help complete the move in one day instead of two! We are so pleased that Jim helped us through the process of selling our home and moving us into our new home.
— Reese & Sally Ganster Chuck Brown is a superb Realtor. He is very knowledgeable regarding the market, very
proactive and highly professional. Chuck was great at identifying potential properties that met our criteria, he moved very quickly to show us potential properties and his analysis of property values was on point and very thorough. Chuck was extremely proactive and responsive in his communications with us. Chuck went above and beyond our expectations. My wife and I have done six real estate transactions and we think Chuck is the best Realtor ever. We would highly recommend Chuck to other home buyers. — S. Diamond I was helping my mom and her husband sell the house. David Dlugasch was very accommodating to this dynamic. He arranged for all the paperwork to be done at the nursing home for the ease of my mom. David and I worked together to get the very full and dated house ready to go on the market. He went above and beyond by going to the paint store and hardware store etc. He was always available via text for any question I had along the way. He had a lot of resources. The best one was Mark, the handyman. I could always count on Mark. Mark was very meticulous and could do anything. What a great team! I could not have taken on this monumental task without them!!
—Heidi Warner
Greg Kraft was knowledgeable and professional. He was very easy to work with and was super proactive in searching the listings. That was a key in us managing to buy the townhome in a very competitive market. He was also very responsive and communicated really well with us and the listing agents. We would recommend him without reservation.
— J. Knight
Jim Swanson was kind and patient while listening to my questions. He helped me to translate the real estate language and manage the sale process. He connected the dots, allowing me to make good decisions, maintain my personal integrity and profit from the sale when a great offer came to the forefront. Jim, Thank you for putting communication and community first. — Name Withheld
for only the cost of gas used by buyers and sellers, and we still have a storage shed full of previously used moving boxes of all sizes, packing paper and bubble wrap, which we provide free to clients. Many times I have delivered those boxes and packing materials to a client so they don’t have to pick them up. (We’re running low on small moving boxes, if you have some you’d like to give us.)
Sometimes a seller will need to move furniture or other belongings into a storage unit so their home shows better, and we have been able a couple times to procure a free first month’s rent, with no contract beyond that.
Our personal “cleaning lady” isn’t taking on new accounts but is always available for one-time move-out cleanings of our listings. I just found out that she pulls out the range and refrigerator and cleans behind them, which I wouldn’t have expected, but which makes sense, because the buyer is likely to replace one of those appliances and would be disgusted at how dirty it was there! Thanks, Cybil!
Golden Real Estate is still one of the only brokerages which shoots a narrated video tour for every listing and posts it on YouTube, with links to the MLS, which in turns gets it onto the public and broker websites which get their listings from the MLS. We’ve been doing that for two decades, yet other brokers have been slow to realize its value. It has resulted in some out-of-state buyers (including one last fall) going under contract without seeing the listing in person until they fly in for the home inspection.
We also have switched to a photographic vendor owned by Zillow for shooting the magazine-quality still photos and Matterport interactive photos for our listings. They also
” will be on this page every other week, so the next time you’ll
create accurate floor plans of every listing and shoot a drone video and aerial photos. Because the vendor is owned by Zillow, our listings garner priority display on that important website.
I’m also a member agent on Homes.com, the nation’s new #1 listing website, which garners each of our listings many times more views than otherwise. Here’s a recent statistical report sent to one of my sellers:
I love rolling up my own sleeves and getting dirty for my clients. Once I used a logging chain and my truck to pull juniper bushes out of the front yard of a listing to improve its curb appeal. I look forward to the opportunity to surprise and delight you with what we consider being a “full service” Realtor!
These Past “Real Estate Today” Columns May Interest You
Clickable links for each column can be found at www.JimSmithColumns.com
Feb. 20, 2025 — We Have a Tool to Help You Find the ‘Perfect’ Home That’s Not on the MLS
Dec. 26, 2024 — As Pro-Tenant Laws Expand, Some Small Landlords Are Considering Cashing Out
Dec. 19, 2024 — What Are the Costs of Buying or Selling a Home in Colorado?
Nov. 7, 2024 — We Need to Take Seriously the Pollutants Emitted When Cooking With Gas
Oct. 31, 2024 — Cooperative Living Presents an Attractive Alternative for Downsizing Seniors
Sept. 26, 2024 — Some Thoughts on Keeping Your Death From Becoming an Undue Burden on Your Heirs
Sept. 5, 2024 — What Knowledge and Skills Should You Expect Your Real Estate Agent to Have?
Aug. 8, 2024 — Seniors Over 70 Might Consider Downsizing Into a Rental, Not a Smaller Home
July 25, 2024 — Many Homeowners Don’t Understand Title Issues, Which Could Lead to Big Problems Later On
June 6, 2024 — Here Are Some Simple Steps to Take to Avoid Unpleasant Surprises After Closing
Mar. 21, 2024 — What’s Behind the Buzz About ‘Indoor Air Quality’ and ‘Sick Building Syndrome’?
Feb. 22, 2024 — Most Sellers Don’t Know How to Interview a Listing Agent. Here’s Some Guidance.
Dec. 21, 2023 — D.R. Horton Inks Deal to Build Homes With OSB Made From Grass Instead of Wood
Nov. 23, 2023 — Scamming Has Become Its Own Industry, and We’re All Prospective Victims
Sept. 28, 2023 — Insurance Companies Are Pulling Out of California. Is That in Our Future?
Aug. 10, 2023 — What Are Some Common Mistakes That Homeowners Make When Selling?
June 15, 2023 — Don’t Let Capital Gains Tax Deter You From Cashing Out on an Investment Property
May 11, 2023 — Do Agents Inflate the Cost of Buying or Selling Your Home with ‘Junk Fees’?
Apr. 20, 2023 — What Are Some Affordable Ways to Make Your Home More Attractive to Buyers?
Mar. 16, 2023 — Here Are Some Ways to Make Your Home More Accommodating to Seniors
Feb. 9, 2023 — Understanding Indoor Air Quality and How It’s Managed in Super-Insulated Homes
Oct. 27, 2022 — Sales Taxes May Be Lower, But Property Taxes Are Higher in Unincorporated Areas
Oct. 6, 2022 — How to Make Sure That the House You Buy Will Not Be a ‘Money Pit’
Sept. 22, 2022 — What Steps Can You Take to Make Your Home More Energy Efficient?
July 28, 2022 — Aging in Place vs. Moving to a 55+ Community: Here Are Some Considerations
May 26, 2022 — Reflections on Selling Our Home and Moving Into a 55+ Rental Community
Jan. 6, 2022 — Marshall Fire Is a Wake-up Call for Building More Fire-Resistant Homes
Dec. 2, 2021 — My Favorite Home Improvements When Purchasing a New-to-Me Home
Oct. 14, 2021 — Court Rules That Sending an Email Can Bind You, Even Without Signing It Oct. 7, 2021 — What Are the Most Common Foundation Issues You Might Encounter in a Home?
since joining the board.
Board members Christy Williams, Tim Moore and Becky Myers did not respond to requests for an interview.
What the community didn’t see
To many in Highlands Ranch, the closures felt sudden, even merciless. But Geiger, Meek, ompson and Winegar lived a di erent version of the story — one lled with challenging questions, emotional meetings and di cult truths about a changing district.
ey had walked the hallways. ey read every angry, tearful email. ey pressed district leaders for answers to the questions they heard parents asking in community forums, even as frustration and mistrust grew.
District o cials warned that declining enrollment was hitting Douglas County hard. Some Highlands Ranch elementary schools were operating at less than 60% of their designed capacity, a threshold the district identi es as a tipping point for sustainability.
In public meetings and board work sessions, administrators detailed how shrinking enrollment strained budgets, limited sta ng, reduced access to specialists and, ultimately, eroded the very programs that kept students engaged and supported.
Geiger acknowledged that board members initially did not attend enough of the early community engagement sessions.
“If I had to do it again, I would have gone to every one of those,” he said. “I would have been more visible early.”
Once the school closure recommendations were announced, the fear of loss became palpable.
“ ey have this rational fear they’re going to lose something that works and trade it for something unknown,” ompson said.
So when families asked about class sizes, transportation and access to mental health support, Geiger, Meek and ompson said they were happy to see the district made real-time adjustments.
e district added new bus stops, arranged individual meetings with families who need special education and brought in principals to help answer parents questions directly. Still, many families left feeling unheard.
“No amount of listening can erase the pain of losing a school,” Geiger said. “But we tried to be as present and responsive as we could.”
Behind closed doors, they debated not just dollars but dignity, how to communicate compassion without raising false
hope and how to make an impossible decision feel slightly less devastating.
The real stakes
School closures don’t just shift enrollment numbers. ey shutter traditions.
ey erase years of school plays, science fairs and PTA pancake breakfasts. ey ask a child who knows every creaky hallway tile to suddenly learn a new map.
Meek said she felt the emotional toll most acutely during her visits to schools, where she witnessed the uncertainty and grief the sta and families were experiencing.
“Transitions can be great, but they can also be hard,” Meek said. “Our job now is to support students every step of the way.”
ompson also knew the emotional cost was real. She saw it in parents’ faces, and heard it in their voices. But she also saw something else: a glimmer of resilience.
“Our parents’ advocacy was not without impact,” she said. “It showed the strength of an engaged and solutions-oriented
community.”
Winegar, too, emphasized that the closures were not meant to diminish any community’s worth but to give all students the kind of rich academic and extracurricular experiences that larger, more stable schools could provide.
“I want all kids in our district to get the same opportunities that my daughter has,” Winegar said.
Looking ahead with caution and hope
None of the board members interviewed mistook the vote for a solution. It was, at best, a necessary injury — one they hoped could heal with careful stewardship.
Winegar expressed optimism, praising the leadership teams already working to create new traditions and new cultures.
“I am looking forward to hearing the progress and ideas and new developments that these new school communities come up with,” Winegar said.
Geiger was more cautious. He knew trust would have to be earned all over
again.
“ e real work begins now,” he said.
“Keeping the promises we made.”
As part of the transition, families from the closing schools and their new partner campuses will work together to choose a new school name, colors and mascot — a small but meaningful way to build a shared identity.
After the vote, the April 22 meeting ended quietly. Board members packed up their papers and sta and parents led out of the building, carrying with them the weight of loss and the rst bit of fragile hope that something new might eventually take root.
e vote is over, but the real work of rebuilding trust, reshaping communities and supporting students through the change is just beginning.
ese board members said they understand the hurt won’t disappear overnight. What remains is the frail, un nished business of loss and hope intertwined, and a future still being written – one student and one school day at a time.
Outside the Douglas County School District building in Castle Rock. The school board voted to close three elementary schools in Highlands Ranch, despite the outcry from parents of students who attend them.
PHOTO BY ARIA MARIZZA
Economic Factors, Policy Landscape Lead to Budget Shortfall
Fire and medical emergency response services are at
risk
The Challenge
There’s been a 20% increase in calls for service since 2019.
This includes structure, vehicle, and wildland fires; explosions and hazmat incidents; water rescues; vehicle crashes; public or police assistance; and medical emergencies.
Emergency medical calls now account for 65% of all response – this is expected to increase with an aging population.
Costs have increased dramatically in six years; for example:
The cost for a fire engine has gone from $725,000 to $1.3 million (79% increase).
The cost for protective bunker gear has gone from $4,321 to $6,047 (40% increase).
To continue providing quality fire and emergency response, South Metro needs an additional $34 million annually.
State legislation that passed during a special session in 2024 reduces property tax revenue South Metro collects by $16 million in 2026 and $270 million over 10 years.
South Metro Fire Rescue is facing an immediate budget shortfall due to years of rising costs, consistent increases in demand, and new state legislation. Without new revenue, the organization will not be able to maintain the high level of service for fire and emergency response that residents and businesses deserve, and have come to expect.
Did You Know?
South Metro is a full-service department Here are a few key facts:
stations across 30 square miles 287
personnel across 800 divisions 8
residents, which will serving 571,500 in grow to 595,0004 years municipalities and 12 counties 3
Including:
Centennial Airport, Lockheed Martin, Highlands Ranch, 4 Square Mile, and The Pinery
The Bottom Line
With $34 million needed to address increased demand for services and rising costs, plus the $16 million shortfall, South Metro needs to identify how it will generate $50 million in additional funding annually.
State’s fight against ozone turns to long term
Colorado asks EPA to downgrade status to ‘severe’
BY MICHAEL BOOTH THE COLORADO SUN
Colorado is giving up on meeting mandates for controlling toxic ozone in the next few years, while doubling down on plans that recently passed rules will start to make an impact by 2032.
Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment o cials say they are asking the federal EPA to preemptively downgrade the Front Range ozone nonattainment zone to “severe” from the current “serious” violation standard, when judged by the 2015 ozone cap of 70 parts per billion.
Recent updated computer modeling of Front Range air shows continuing violations closer to 80 parts per billion, according to Regional Air Quality Council Executive Director Mike Silverstein. e RAQC is an advisory board and not a policy-making agency, but was briefed by the state about the downgrade request. at means Colorado isn’t projected to meet even the more lax 2008 standard of 75 parts per billion before 2027, Silverstein added.
Yes, it’s confusing: e nine northern counties included in the nonattainment area are on parallel but di erent schedules to cut lung-damaging ozone, one schedule whose clock started with the 2008 regulations and another schedule launched with the tighter 2015 standards. e bottom line is Colorado is failing on both tracks.
For the 2008 track, Colorado has submitted to the EPA for approval an improvement plan aimed at getting closer to the 75 ppb standard by 2027. On that 2008 track, Colorado has already been downgraded to “severe” violations. e rst year of monitoring actual
ozone for that plan was 2024, “and we didn’t start o well in our rst year,” Silverstein said.
mertime air quality these next two years,” he added.
Is that likely?
No. New modeling run by the state “doesn’t predict we’re going to make it to 75” in 2025 or 2026, Silverstein said. “Our emission trends are at,” he said.
e state asking for a “severe” reset on the 2015 track buys time and moves the deadline for achieving 70 ppb to August 2032.
e state’s action, detailed in a letter to the advisory Regional Air Quality Council in late March, also helps Colorado avoid some of the additional EPA sanctions that would have come from leaving nonattainment in the “serious” category and then o cially exceeding those caps. By moving to “severe,” Colorado avoids having to submit a new improvement plan on the 2015 standards during 2025, and skirts these new sanctions:
• A requirement that proposed pollut-
that could hold back money for important Colorado transportation projects. Colorado’s request does involve, though, adding some new territory into the nonattainment area. Far northern Weld County will now be included, along with the remainder of Weld, part of Larimer, and all of Boulder, Je erson, Denver, Broom eld, Adams, Douglas and Arapahoe counties. e change means new oil and gas developments in northern Weld will be subject to more state scrutiny in permitting. Does Colorado have any chance of making big improvements in those outlying years, even with the bonus time from seeking the second “severe” downgrade? Colorado and RAQC o cials cite these recent laws or policies as examples of potentially e ective ozone-cutting practices that could start changing the results on monitors by 2030 to 2032:
• Ongoing state subsidies for pur-
chasing clean electric or plug-in hybrid electric vehicles, attacking ozone in the stubborn area of transportation.
• A series of new rules meant to cut ozone and greenhouse gas-causing emissions from the oil and gas industry, including “midstream” controls at oil and gas gathering and pipeline operations, and sharp cuts to allowed nitrogen oxide produced in upstream oil and gas.
• Rebates to buy clean lawn and garden equipment and restrictions on when large institutional users of gas-powered equipment can use the highly polluting engines in high ozone summer months.
• Advanced clean trucks rules requiring makers of heavy-duty commercial vehicles to start selling an increasing percentage of electric or otherwise clean-fuel models beginning in the 2027 model year. Colorado’s request for a downgrade, said RAQC spokesman David Sabados, “in no way reduces our sense of urgency.” is story was printed through a news sharing agreement with e Colorado Sun, a journalist-owned nonpro t based in Denver that covers the state.
Dougco transparency lawsuit has first day in court
Judge wants to see proposals over claim that commissioners broke law
BY HALEY LENA
During a lengthy, and at times tense, court proceeding in late April, Douglas County District Court Judge Robert Lung heard from both parties in the Concerned Citizens of Douglas County v. Board of County Commissioners for Douglas County lawsuit.
The hearing came about a week after state Rep. Bob Marshall, D-Highlands Ranch, along with former Douglas
County Commissioner Lora Thomas and Lone Tree resident Julie Gooden, filed a lawsuit against the current county commissioners for allegedly violating Colorado’s Open Meetings Law through a series of non-public meetings since December 2024.
The lawsuit claims that the board discussed public matters, such as home rule, behind closed doors and without public notice.
The main focus of the April 29 hearing was to determine if the plaintiffs could demonstrate that the Board of County Commissioners violated the Colorado Open Meetings Law. However, it came to a short halt when the defense’s counsel was unable to cite the exact statute concerning Colorado’s Open Meetings Law.
Colorado Revised Statutes Title 24, Article 6, Part 4 outlines the requirements for public meetings of state and local bodies. It states that all meetings — which are described as any gathering convened to discuss public business in person, by phone, electronically or other means of communication — of a quorum or three or more members of a body in which any public business is discussed, must be open to the public.
Open Meetings Law does not apply to chance meetings or executive sessions, according to the state statute. It further
states that executive sessions can only be called during a regular or special meeting, the topic for discussion must be announced during an open meeting, and an electronic record of the detailed discussion must be made. However, elements that constitute privileged attorney-client communications are not required to be recorded.
Additionally, a meeting is part of the policy-making process if it is being held to discuss rules, regulations, ordinances or actions, according to the Colorado Department of Local Affairs.
The April 29 hearing consisted of hearing testimony from five witnesses, including Douglas County Attorney Jeff Garcia, Douglas County Assessor Toby Damisch and Douglas County Commissioner George Teal.
Testimony primarily centered around the different types of meetings that the Board of County Commissioners engaged in, as well as the timeline of when the topic of home rule became a talking point in the county and has been discussed.
After four hours of counsel arguments and witness questioning, Lung made no ruling and asked both parties to provide him with written proposals by May 9. These proposals are to include the citation of testimony, evidence and exhibits for their arguments, the judge said.
Downtown Denver under hazy air seen on Thursday, April 21, 2022.
PHOTO BY HUGH CAREY/THE COLORADO SUN
State preschool enrollment high but quality guardrails lag
BY ANN SCHIMKE CHALKBEAT COLORADO
Colorado’s popular universal preschool program has dramatically increased the number of 4-year-olds who get statefunded preschool, but it’s unfolded largely without guardrails to ensure quality.
A report released by the National Institute for Early Education Research at Rutgers University highlights these twin realities and provides a more detailed look at where Colorado stands compared to other states.
Overall, the report suggests Colorado has prioritized quantity over quality as it moved from a small tuition-free preschool program for children with certain risk factors to one that’s open to all 4-year-olds. e state’s universal preschool enrollment numbers are impressive, with 70% of eligible children enrolled last year. at number helped Colorado leapfrog from its previous ranking of 27 to third in this year’s “State of Preschool” report. Only Washington, D.C. and Vermont had a larger share of 4-year-olds enrolled in public preschool programs last year.
Leaders at the research institute noted that California added more 4-year-olds to state-funded preschool than Colorado last year — 35,000 compared with 30,000 — but Colorado made far bigger gains than California when it comes to the percentage of children served.
“ e progress Colorado made in terms of enrollment and expanding access was pretty remarkable,” said Allison Friedman-Krauss, an associate research professor at the institute.
But Colorado’s showing deteriorated in the quality standards department. In
which describe state policies that promote high-quality classrooms, touch on factors such as teacher training, curriculum, and class size.
Colorado o cials plan to put new rules governing universal preschool quality in place, but plan to postpone the start date by a year to July 2026. It’s the third time the rules have been delayed.
“ ey kicked the can down the road one more time,” said W. Steven Barnett, senior co-director of the institute.
Dawn Odean, the state’s universal preschool program director, acknowledged
forts related to quality for a long time and continues to do so.
She described the state’s approach as “going slow to go fast.”
Colorado leaders repeatedly pledged that universal preschool would provide high-quality classes, starting when they pitched the program to voters, who approved a nicotine tax in 2020 to help fund it.
But currently, the “universal preschool” label doesn’t indicate anything about the caliber of classroom a child will join. Rather, it simply indicates the state is pay-
REVERSE MORTGAGES
ing for 10 to 30 hours of class time. Of about 2,000 preschools participating in the program, some are excellent and have high state ratings, some are weak and meet only basic health and safety standards, and some are in between.
Experts say high-quality preschool can produce short- and long-term bene ts for kids.
In the report, Colorado got credit for meeting two quality benchmarks: having a set of early learning and development standards and providing guidance to preschools on curriculum. While the state has not yet released a list of curriculum
A new report from the National Institute for Early Education Research at Rutgers University ranks Colorado high for preschool access, but not for quality standards.
PHOTO BY JIMENA PECK / CHALKBEAT
PRESCHOOL
approved for use in universal preschool classrooms, that is slated to happen sometime this year.
Texas, Wisconsin, and Indiana are the only other states to hit only two of the institute’s preschool quality benchmarks. More than a dozen states and Washington D.C. meet 9 or 10 of the benchmarks. ey include two of Colorado’s neighbors: New Mexico and Oklahoma.
Colorado didn’t meet benchmarks requiring class size caps of 20 and stastudent ratios of 1 to 10. Both limits have prompted heated debate over the last two years. Some private providers have argued they’ll lose money if they have to reduce class sizes below the state’s cur-
rent cap of 24 and ratios below the current limit of one sta member for every 12 4-year-olds. By the 2027-28 school year, state ocials do plan to require the class size and ratio caps recommended by the research institute for universal preschool. ere’s one big exception though: Preschools that have one of the top two state ratings will be allowed to stick with the current caps.
Colorado also didn’t meet benchmarks related to the types of credentials teachers or assistant teachers should have or annual training and coaching for sta .
Lisa Roy, executive director of the Colorado Department of Early Childhood, which administers the universal preschool program, said when Colorado’s rules on preschool quality are fully implemented over the next few years, she anticipates the state will meet at least half of
the institute’s benchmarks.
Odean noted that the institute’s 10 benchmarks look at “outputs,” but that Colorado is focused on child outcomes.
“What families tell us consistently, and educators too, is that those outcomes are what’s a priority, and that’s not contemplated in the NIEER ratings,” she said, referring to the institute’s acronym.
e institute’s report describes its benchmarks as “a set of minimum criteria, established by state policy, needed to ensure e ectiveness of preschool education programs.”
Barnett said Colorado parents should think carefully before moving their children away from a high-quality program that’s not part of the state’s universal program to a lower-quality provider that is.
“When people did that in Quebec in response to [$10-a-day] child care … kids’ development su ered for a decade,” he said.
Barnett was referring to an e ort begun in the 1990s that o ered highly discounted child care to Quebec families. While the e ort allowed more women to join the workforce, many children were put in low-quality centers. Subsequent studies found negative impacts on children, including increased anxiety and aggression. A 2019 study that revealed additional negative outcomes as the children became teens and young adults, concluded, “Our ndings provide strong support for the argument that the early childhood development environment is a crucial determinant of the long-term success of children.”
Reprinted with permission from Chalkbeat, a nonpro t news site covering educational change in public schools. Sign up for their newsletters at ckbe.at/newsletters.
Shopping H FOOD H EXHIBITS H MUSIC H RIDES H FAMILY FUN
TURF PROS SOLUTION EAST MUSIC Stage Music All Day — Highlights
Friday, June 13 presented by 6:00 pm: Blinker Fluid Band • 8:15 pm: Hillbilly Demons
Saturday, June 14 presented by 5:30 pm: Chris Daniels & The Kings 8:15 pm: The Walker Williams Band
Sunday, June 15 presented by 3:30 pm: The Threadbarons • 6:00 pm: Jewel & The Rough
THURSDAY, JUNE 12
1 pm – 10:30 pm: Carnival Only FRIDAY, JUNE 13 Fri 1 pm – 10:30 pm: Carnival Fri 4 pm – 10:30 pm: Festival
SATURDAY, JUNE 14 Sat 10 am – 10:30 pm
SUNDAY, JUNE 15 Sun 10 am – 8:30 pm
RIDES & GAMES: presented by MAIN STAGE – Music All Day — Highlights
Friday, June 13 presented by 6:30 pm: TEN YEARS GONE • 8:30 pm: PATRICK & THE LVB
Saturday, June 14 presented by 6:00 pm: GLITTER IN THE AIR • 8:30 pm: LAST MEN ON EARTH
Sunday, June 15 presented by 4:00 pm: DUEY & UNBROKEN • 6:30 pm: THOSE CRAZY NIGHTS
Food, Beverage & Ride Tickets may be purchased at Festival Ticket Booths. THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS:
PURCHASE DURING THE FESTIVAL
Single-Day Unlimited Carnival Rides: $45 each
TICKETS FOR INDIVIDUAL RIDES
SUPERHEROS
e Douglas County Regional SWAT team is a multi-agency regional tactical team commanded by the Douglas County Sheri ’s O ce. With nearly 40 people from law enforcement agencies across the county, the team includes operations and tactical commanders, entry operators, K-9s, snipers, crisis negotiators, paramedics and team leaders.
In addition to putting smiles on the faces of everyone in the hospital, it was also a good training day for the team.
“It was great to be able to repel … and we got to see a bunch of smiling faces,” said Mo tt. “It’s a little bit more fun than
our usual training.”
Patients inside the hospital gave highves and st bumps through the windows to the ying superheroes. Families watching them from the ground had a chance to speak with — and get their photos taken with — their favorite superheroes.
For one 6 year old, Wesley Smith, his tough morning became brighter and exciting when he got a high- ve from Iron Man.
“Sometimes this is everything to a kiddo,” said Bolinger. “(If) they’re not able to get out of their room for other di erent reasons, it’ll just bring that smile to their face, to bring that hope, to bring the joy to their day. And just to see their favorite superhero come to life right in front of their eyes is amazing.”
A member of the Douglas County Regional SWAT Team, dressed as Spider-Man, rappels down the side of Children’s Hospital Colorado South Campus in Highlands Ranch.
Dressed as Spider-Man, a member of the Douglas County Regional SWAT Team gives a fist bump to a patient standing inside of the Children’s Hospital Colorado South Campus.
A member of the Douglas County Regional SWAT Team, dressed as the superhero Iron Man, waves to children and their families as he rapppels down the side of Children’s Hospital Colorado South Campus in Highlands Ranch.
FROM PAGE 1
Dan Mo tt, who has been with the Douglas County Regional SWAT team for about 10 years, dressed as Marvel’s Captain America to give patients at the South Campus of Colorado’s Children’s Hospital high-fives through the window.
PHOTOS BY HALEY LENA
Colorado Rockies first baseman visits patients at UCHealth Highlands Ranch
Michael Toglia speaks with and signs baseballs for patients
BY HALEY LENA HLENA@COLORADOCOMMUNITY
Whether it’s recovering from an injury or surgery, or treating an illness, a stay at the hospital can become draining and often repetitive. But it’s the moments that patients have with visitors that brings smiles to their faces and uplifts their spirits.
For Paul Nelson, who is a frequent patient at UCHealth Highlands Ranch Hospital, having a visitor always brightens his day.
“It gets pretty boring sitting here in the hospital,” Nelson said.
However, a mid-April hospital visitor is one that Nelson is going to remember — and for a good reason. He was one of many patients to sit down and chat with Michael Toglia, a rst baseman for the Colorado Rockies.
Baseball is a generational love in Nelson’s family. Not only did he take part in creating the random “booms” and “crash” sound e ects used at baseball games across the country, his grandson, who plays for Mountain Vista High School, is a baseball fanatic.
Nelson quickly grabbed his phone to capture the moment that Toglia, sitting about a foot away, signed a baseball for him.
“I like baseball — it’s America’s pastime,” said Nelson. “My grandson is very
excited.”
Oftentimes, patients at the UCHealth Anschutz campus in Aurora have the opportunity to meet their favorite athletes, but this spring, some of that same love got shared with the patients at the UCHealth Highlands Ranch hospital.
Toglia was drafted by the Colorado Rockies in 2019 and made his debut with the team in 2022 as a switch-hitter. is was not his rst time visiting with patients since he made his Major League Baseball debut. Last year, Toglia and his ancee, Jenna, took time to be with patients at the Infusion Center at UCHealth Anschutz campus.
“ ere’s no reason not to (come back),”
said Toglia. “ ey couldn’t wait to share stu about their grandchildren and their baseball interests, and so it was really easy to talk with them.”
As he went room to room, Toglia and the patients shared all kinds of stories with one another — one being why Toglia has the number four on his Colorado Rockies jersey.
Toglia told a patient that his father is a New York Yankees fan and that one favorite player’s was number seven, Mickey Mantle. at number was already taken, so he went with another of his father’s favorites, Lou Gehrig, number four.
Toglia and another patient began talking about some of the original Colorado
Rockies players when the patient mentioned that he was at the rst game played on Coors Field in the spring of 1995.
One of the most memorable patients was 99-year-old Mary Bushman. e two spoke about hockey, history, Japanese culture and dogs. Bushman was taken aback when Toglia signed a baseball for her.
“I’ll show everybody,” Bushman said about her signed baseball.
It was a surreal day for Mark Gill, a patient and avid Colorado Rockies fan, who was able to shake hands with the athlete he has been watching on the eld and screen for years.
“I’ve been following him ever since he came into the majors,” said Gill. “Being a left-handed rst baseman is what you look for as a professional and so he’s got the talent.”
Gill has been playing baseball since high school and has played in a few of the Colorado Rockies fantasy camps. Together, they talked about the team’s slow start to the season, game play, player statistics and about some of the prospects.
“It’s always uplifting when somebody like that comes in and meets you and wants to talk to you,” said Gill. “(It) gets people in a good mood.”
While the patients had an unforgettable day, Toglia said that it was a refreshing experience to meet one-on-one with some of his fans and hear about their life stories.
“It’s easy to get kind of trapped in this narrow tunnel vision that’s just baseball,” said Toglia. “ en you come to a place like this and you realize that there’s just so many people out there with di erent life experiences and interests — that it’s not just about baseball.”
Michael Toglia hands a signed baseball to 99-year-old Mary Bushman.
PHOTO BY HALEY LENA
Firm but fair is common sense but not always common
“Firm but fair.” It’s one of those classic phrases that has circulated through every management seminar, leadership book, and HR handbook for decades. It feels obvious, practically baked into our collective understanding of what good leadership should look like. Yet, despite its wide acceptance as common sense, it remains glaringly absent in far too many workplaces, households, communities, and yes, even comment threads on social media.
Here’s the truth: being rm but fair isn’t just a leadership competency. It’s a life competency. It should be at the heart of every interaction we have with colleagues, friends, family, neighbors, and strangers. But too often, we confuse rmness with control and fairness with softness. We dig in on our personal convictions so deeply that we forget to leave space for empathy. We mistake being “right” for being righteous. And in the process, we alienate the very people we claim to want to understand.
WINNING
into the local community, posted a friendly message on a Facebook group asking for suggestions on things to do and places to explore. Simple, harmless, open-hearted. Within minutes, someone replied, not with a welcome or a restaurant recommendation, but with hostility. e responder attacked the state the woman had moved from, implied she was part of some political problem, and warned her not to bring “those values” into this state. No questions asked. No attempt to understand who she was or what she believed. Just a fast, angry judgment based on an assumption and a zip code. at’s not rm. at’s unfair.
comes vague, enabling, and chaotic. It’s only when the two are in balance that trust is built.
Leadership, whether at home, at work, or online is about holding the line without drawing swords. It’s about communicating standards while listening to perspectives. And it’s about recognizing that someone can disagree with you without being your enemy. We don’t have to dilute our convictions to be fair. But we do have to discipline our assumptions if we ever hope to lead or love well.
Being rm but fair means telling the truth even when it’s uncomfortable, but doing so with compassion and integrity. It means making tough calls without playing favorites. It means standing up for what’s right, while also pausing long enough to ask, “What might I not be seeing here?”
lean in when they know you’re not out to shame them, but you won’t coddle them either. Fairness gives rmness credibility. Without it, our rmness just feels like force.
A reader recently reminded me how quickly things can go sideways when fairness is left out of the equation. She’d just moved to a new state and, eager to plug
Firmness is about clarity, boundaries, and expectations. Fairness is about empathy, consistency, and understanding. One without the other becomes toxic. Being overly rm without fairness becomes rigid, authoritarian, and divisive. Being overly fair without rmness be-
And yes, being rm but fair takes work. It takes emotional intelligence. It takes humility. It takes the courage to course-correct when we get it wrong, which we all do. e beauty of this mindset is that it doesn’t just create better leaders, it creates better humans. When people feel both seen and held accountable, they rise. ey
Surviving the chaos: A real parent’s guide to kids in all the things
Let’s be honest: “Surviving” multiple kids in sports and activities is the bar. We’re not out here thriving. We’re not “leaning in.” We’re leaning over — into the trunk to nd a shin guard that may or may not be crusted with last season’s granola bar. And that’s OK.
If you’re a parent juggling multiple kids with multiple schedules in multiple zip codes, rst: I see you. Second: Here are a few survival tips that are more “real talk” than “Pinterest mom.” No judgment, no pressure, just solidarity and hopefully a laugh or two.
1. Let go of the dream schedule
Once upon a time, you thought a colorcoded family calendar would save your life. Maybe it was even laminated. But now? at calendar looks like a rainbow exploded and half the colors are mystery events you don’t remember agreeing to.
You don’t need a perfect schedule. You need just enough structure to get everyone where they need to be most of the time. If you’ve ever pulled up to practice 15 minutes late with a kid wearing their soccer cleats on the wrong feet but still standing, congratulations. at counts as a win.
2. Accept that dinner is a suggestion
You may have once believed in the family dinner table. You may have even cooked real meals that required pots and pans. But now? “Dinner” is often a grab bag of snacks eaten in a folding chair at the edge of a eld. And that’s ne. ere’s no trophy for quinoa. If your kids are fed, hydrated, and relatively upright, you’re doing great. Embrace the power of protein bars, drive-thru chicken nuggets, and those weird Uncrustables that somehow never go bad. You’ll be back to real food at a real table soon, hang in there!
3. Find your people
You know who really gets you? e other parents in lawn chairs at 6 a.m. on a Saturday. e ones with co ee thermoses the size
LETTER TO THE EDITOR
Bravo for new gun law
So, whether you’re leading a team, raising a child, moderating a community forum, or simply navigating relationships in today’s divided world, don’t just ask, Am I being rm enough? Ask also if I am being fair enough. Because when fairness is discernible, rmness is acceptable. And that’s not just common sense, it’s good practice. Where do you see yourself? Are you doing a fantastic job of balancing your rmness approach with your fairness mindset? Or could you be a better practitioner of connecting, being rm but fair? As always, I would love to hear your story at gotonorton@gmail.com. And when we understand that when fairness is discernible, rmness is acceptable, it really will be a better-than-good life.
Michael Norton is an author, a personal and professional coach, consultant, trainer, encourager and motivator of individuals and businesses, working with organizations and associations across multiple industries.
Regarding the news article “Douglas County fought new gun bill and lost”:
Commissioners wrong on gun law
of toddlers. ese are your people. You don’t have to be best friends with every parent on the team, but nding even one or two who’ll give you the scoop on game times and remind you when it’s your turn to bring snacks? at’s gold.
Bonus: Shared misery builds fast friendships. You’d be amazed what lifelong bonds are formed over bleacher splinters and forgotten water bottles.
4. The car is your second home — treat it accordingly
At this point, your vehicle is less of a car and more of a mobile command center with crumbs. It smells like old cleats and hope. Embrace it. Keep a car kit: snacks, extra clothes, water bottles, Band-Aids, sunscreen, and maybe a second phone charger (because someone’s always at 3%).
5. Say “no” when you need to
Here’s the secret nobody tells you: you don’t have to say yes to every season, every sport, or every extracurricular that gets handed to you. It’s OK to say, “You know what, this is too much right now.”
Sometimes, doing less keeps the whole family from falling apart. If your sanity is hanging by a single piece of washi tape, permission granted to hit pause. ere’s no activity on earth more important than your peace of mind.
6. You’re allowed to not love it all
It’s OK if you don’t live for every single moment. at doesn’t make you a bad parent. at makes you human. And hey, sometimes there are bright spots.
I want to sincerely congratulate Governor Polis for signing the bill, “Semiautomatic Firearms & RapidFire Devices,” on April 10. It is another positive step forward to get these guns under control and o the streets.
Of course, in their typical extremist approach, the Douglas County commissioners passed a resolution against the bill and fortunately it was disregarded by Governor Polis who understands the bill does not violate the antiquated Second Amendment.
I want to make it very clear to the commissioners — you may try to come across that every person in Douglas County agrees with your militant stance just because you are the commissioners of the county, but there are many, including myself, who are not aligned with you and I do not consider you as being representative of me. I just hope Governor Polis realizes this when it comes to Douglas County.
e quote by Commissioner Laydon is a good example of how he does not represent me: “ ose are times when I think you want all of your neighbors to be armed … to have that bulwark against tyranny, no matter where it may come from.”
I certainly don’t want all the neighbors to be armed, so he is wrong in his quote saying “I think you want …” — I’m not part of his world of “you.” Additionally, I realize that we are not under attack by tyranny; that again is not in-line with his fanatic outlook.
e bill is an excellent step toward strengthening the enforcement of gun control. I encourage the governor and state legislature to continue this course by passing additional gun control bills.
Kevin B. Frey,
Castle Rock
Regarding the Douglas County commissioners’ failed attempt to stop a state law that will require Coloradans to obtain a permit and complete safety training before purchasing certain semiautomatic rearms: What if this bill had been in place before March 22, 2021? e mass shooting at the Boulder King Soopers where 10 lives were ended would not have happened. Ahmad Alissa’s mad carnage that horrible day took the life of o cer Eric Talley and nine other workers and customers. is bill requires Coloradans to obtain a permit and complete training before purchasing certain semiautomatic rearms. Alissa was deemed mentally ill but was able to walk out of that rearms shop in Arvada the same day to plan and commit a mass shooting. If only this bill had been in place 10 people would still be with their loved ones.
No, commissioners, this bill does not take away the 2nd, 5th or 14th Amendment rights. It does not unfairly target the American rearm manufacturers with “burdensome regulations and costs.” When crafting a “resolution” from Douglas County you must represent the entire population of Douglas County. e three commissioners responsible for this resolution neither asked for input from the citizens of Douglas County or noti ed the county of this ridiculous resolution. Mr. Laydon states “ ose are times when I think you want your neighbors to be armed ... to have that bulwark against tyranny, no matter where it comes from.”
I believe our three county commissioners need to be increased to at least ve maybe seven commissioners so they can govern for the entire county. Mr. Laydon, Mr. Teal and Mr. Van Winkle, you need to govern not dictate.
Gail McDonnell, Castle Rock
Megan Trask and Cody Galloway
BY BELEN WARD BWARD@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM
When Justine Williams came to Colorado from England, she pursued horse therapy for people with disabilities.
“As a kiddo in England, I was one of those kids who asked my mom and dad if I could ride horses, and I’ve always loved horses. So, they bought me a horse for my birthday, and I took 10 riding lessons and worked at the barn to pay for my riding lessons,” Williams said. Williams said that when she was 11 years old, her friend had a stroke, so she grew up with her childhood friend being disabled.
“By the time I graduated from high school, I knew I wanted to work with people with disabilities, and I found out about therapy horses,” Williams said.
Williams went to Budapest to train in conductive education at the Pet Institute.
“It’s where I learned about therapy and horses,” she said.
She ended up getting married and then came to the U.S., moving to Colorado in 2001. With her passion and education as a therapist, she started her Rhythm of the Horse therapy services in Fort Lupton in 2021. Williams works with children with di erent types of disabilities, such as kids with autism, who don’t speak much.
“With training, I initiate a lot of language when they are on the horse. I teach them to say ‘go’ or ‘stop’ with my horses, Chloe or Gus,” Williams said. “It could be overwhelming to make the horse move, which is what they want, but they need to say something. So, they’re motivated to say something,”
She also works with children and adults with cerebral palsy.
“I also work with disabilities from stroke, ADHD, Down syndrome, multiple sclerosis, anyone with neuro-motor dysfunction, and I also work with other neurodivergent issues such as autism (and) sensory processing disorder,” Williams said.
Rhythm of the Horse also has a program for horse reading for children who are new readers or struggling readers, and can learn to read with a horse.
“So, they’re learning to feel more comfortable and con dent about reading by partnering with the horse. It’s very special,” Williams said.
William said Rhythm of the Horse also o ers its Equine Assisted Learning Program for people who may be overwhelmed in life or have relationship issues.
e children and adults can choose which horse they want to work with and eventually build a bond with that horse to get through their fear, anxiety or whatever they are experiencing.
Rachel Sartucci, who has cerebral palsy, comes once
Karen MacDowell, a volunteer with Rhythm of the Horse
a week for training for up to an hour. Her mom, Elizabeth Robinson, said Rachel, who is now 30, started the program when she was 21.
“I think the program is helping her not get old and tight as quickly. She has cerebral palsy, a type that makes her muscles contract and not go back out. Her right side is weaker, so when she’s on the horse, it relaxes her muscles,” Robinson said.
Karen MacDowell is retired, and has been volunteering with Rhythm of the Horse for about ve years.
“I’ve been working with Rachel the whole time I’ve been here. It’s important work, and it makes you feel good to help others,” MacDowell said.
Colleen Larson is also retired and has been volunteering for four years, helping Williams with the clients.
“What Williams does with the horses and with riders is amazing. When they get on and o the horse, it’s nothing short of miraculous,” Larson said.
Rhythm of the Horse is a nonpro t and o ers scholarships based on nancial need. e organization applies for grants and fundraises.
“We are looking for volunteers to come and help with the di erent programs. We welcome high school students or adults — anybody who is interested,” Williams said.
PAGE 16: From left, Elizabeth Robinson, Rachel Sartucci, Justine Williams and Karen MacDowell assist Rachel, who has cerebral palsy, get mounted on the saddle for her training.
TOP: Justine Williams and Karen MacDowell help Rachel Sartucci with hands-and-arm stretching exercises while mounted on a horse.
BOTTOM: Justine Williams and Karen MacDowell work with Rachel Sartucci to use her voice to command the horse to go or stop with music, while Colleen Larson leads the horse. This therapy helps with communication, cognitive abilities and social-emotional growth.
EQUINE THERAPY
In addition, Williams stated that she is initiating a program to nd local do-it-yourself enthusiasts who would like to come together and form their own small group and social network.
“ ey could help build and x things on the farm — such as walking ladders for the children learning to walk or x a fence — where they can socialize with the kids,” Williams said.
Williams has a large barn arena on her property, but it needs someone to put electricity in it so she can expand and use it on hot days and cold days to train her clients.
“I have multiple sclerosis,” Williams said. “Before my mother passed in 2015, she always worried about me working in the heat. I work outside in the heat, which exacerbates my MS symptoms.”
Williams said she hopes to launch a capital campaign to run electricity underground from her house to the barn.
“I could have more classes throughout the day on cloudy days and wintertime to get some heat in here and some lights in the evening to do train-
For more information on Rhythm of the Horse therapy, contact Justine Williams, executive director and therapist, at 303-681-8183 or email her at justine@rhythmofthehorse.org. The website is www.rhythmofthehorse.org.
The services Williams o ers:
ing,” Williams said. “We could hold fundraising events and bring in more fun. So that’s something that I would like to do with this indoor area.”
• Conductive education, a holistic education with individuals with neurological impairment or delays.
• Adaptive riding for individuals with special needs to learn horseback riding or transition to other programs.
• Sensor integration therapy, which helps children with sensory-processing challenges improve their ability to handle sensory input.
• e Horsepower Reading and Math program combines social emotional learning with academics to support students struggling with reading and math due to ADHD, anxiety, depression and other challenges.
• Equine-assisted learning activities with a horse, such as mounting or dismounting it, which focuses on personal development and academic skills.
In addition, Rhythm of the Horse o ers various camps during school breaks, accommodating school groups. Homeschoolers and emotional support groups are available upon request.
PHOTOS BY BELEN WARD
Justine Williams hopes to raise funds to install electricity inside the barn to be able to make more use of its arena.
Justine Williams works with Rachel Sartucci to put a hoop over a pole, which works her cognitive skills.
Go for Launch program aims to inspire students
Space travel experts and astronauts o ered STEM at Air and Space Port
BY BELEN WARD BWARD@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM
Michelle Lucas, founder of Higher Orbits Go for Launch, has worked at NASA’s Johnson Space Center and made her reputation preparing people for space ight. She traveled the world teaching people how to live on board the International Space Station.
But the satisfaction she received from that job is nothing compared to thrill of seeing a new generation get interested in space ight.
“Don’t get me wrong, training astronauts for space was ful lling, but being able to prepare the next generation is a next level of ful llment,” Lucas said. at’s what she and her team were aiming for April 26 and 27 at the Colorado Space Port near Watkins. e space port hosted the Go for Launch Higher Orbits event, a special STEM program, for 35 Denver-area middle and high school students.
Lucas said it’s incredibly ful lling to inspire the next generation of space enthusiasts, especially for kids that don’t have access to these kinds of opportunities.
She said she can relate.
“I’m a kid who is in love with space, from the south side of Chicago with no access to space-inspired STEM programming,” she said.
Post-its, tape and teamwork
e students learned about teamwork, communication, technology, leadership, science, engineering and brainstorming during the two day program. eir tasks include working as teams to create a tower made of paper stable enough to support the miniature NASA Orion Capsule placed on top. Each tower was tested with a small fan to assess its strength. Global Village Academy’s Colton Burke, Prospect Ridge Academy’s Eshaan Valles and Colorado Skies Academy students Yiri Yerikanis, and Zach Schultz worked as a team.
e group of 8th grade students brainstormed how to best build their tower, each participating with structural engineering concepts and feeding o each other for inspiration.
eir nal tower was made of Post-its, paper and some tape with room for the Orion Capsule on top. eir project was tested for strength, and they won rst place. Not only that, but they had fun doing it.
at’s the goal, Lucas said. Being able to create something that she can bring to the backyards of students across the country is so meaningful to her.
Dreams of space
e impact is huge, according to Robert Ferguson from Westminster Public Schools’ Random Innovation Center. He teaches the aviation engineering pathway, including drone classes, pilot training, engineering design, aviation electronics, and aerospace.
“I’m excited about the new opportunities for the next generation and am looking forward to seeing their progress and achievements at the Colorado Air and Space Port,” Ferguson said. “I’ve had students who have gone on to be airplane mechanics, training as pilots, and some have gone to the military, or the School of Mines, Metropolitan State University, and Colorado State University.”
Lucas said that since she was a little girl, she dreamed of working in the space industry, and had the privilege of doing that after she graduated.
“I worked at Johnson Space Center variety of di erent jobs with the International Space Station. I was part of the payload safety review panel,” Lucas said. “I was a ight controller and mission control, and then I was a technical instructor for astronauts and other instructors.”
After 12 years, commercial space started to take o , so she decided to leave NASA and start her own consulting company.
“I did some work for a nonpro t internationally. We launched Higher Orbits, a nonpro t. It’s our 10th anniversary. We’ve conducted 84 programs in 21 states, impacting over a thousand students.”
Space loomed large in Capt. Wendy Lawrence’s imagination, too. Lawrence was an astronaut with four space shuttle missions under her belt, including the Astro Two mission to the Russian Space Station Mir.
Lawrence said she grew up reading about the Mercury or Gemini space programs, but as Apollo started, she was in front of her black and white televisions at home.
“Most of us had not migrated to color yet, and we were enthralled, amazed by what we saw. For me, it was Apollo 11 watching Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin walk on the moon,” Lawrence said. “I just knew at that moment, I wanted to ride a rocket and have a chance to nd space.”
Lawrence said Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Mathematics programs, also known as STEM or STEAM, are an opportunity for the students to take what they have been learning in school and apply it to a particular challenge, coming up with an idea for an experiment that could be on the International Space Station.
“It’s their opportunity to apply knowledge and education they acquired, giving them experience that they can go on and take on challenges and be successful.”
Elizabeth Balga, another volunteer for the program, works as a senior human systems integration engineer and ight operations engineer at Sierra Space in Colorado.
She worked on the Dream Chaser program, which is a cargo vehicle designed
to bring payloads to the International Space Station.
Balga said she was inspired by Space ight since she was a little girl and was enamored with everything in science, space, and technology in her classes.
“ is age range is where kids are trying to decide what they want to do with the rest of their lives, and allowing them to learn about space, but also STEM and space, everything it takes to go into space,” Balga said.
“It’s science, technology, engineering, art, and math. ere are also biology and aviation paths that are part of the greater aerospace realm,” Balga said. “As a kid, I didn’t have a lot of these opportunities to learn about aerospace. I would have loved to go to a ‘Go for Launch’ as a kid.” Go for Launch volunteer Sonia Morales also works as a modeling and simulations engineer at the Aerospace Corporation.
“I’ve been looking for other opportunities to give back to students, to inspire them. I found out about Go for Launch asking for volunteers, and I was very excited to volunteer,” Morales said.
Eighth-grade students Henry Kovacs, from Thunder Ridge, Blake Chyou, homeschooled, Ben Santos, Eagle Crest High School, and Teagan Bura, Colorado Skies Academy watch to see how the tower they constructed fares against a sti wind during the Go For Launch program at the Colorado Air and Space Port. They claimed second place for the stability of their tower.
Students work to build a tower that can withstand strong winds while holding a space capsule during the Go For Launch program at the Colorado Air and Space station. PHOTOS BY BELEN WARD
Boom Supersonic to test engine at Colorado Space Port
BY BELEN WARD
Centennial’s Boom Supersonic plans to test its hypersonic Symphony engine — that powered the rst private aircraft to break the sound barrier last year — at the Colorado Air and Space Port, according to a news release on April 25.
“ is is an exciting moment not just for Adams County but for the future of aerospace innovation in Colorado,” said Lynn Baca, chair of the Adams County Board of Commissioners. “Boom’s investment in our community puts us at the forefront of the aerospace industry and re ects our shared commitment to advancing nextgeneration transportation technologies.” Boom would use a former hypersonic test site at the Colorado Space Port to run its prototype engine through its paces. e Symphony test site is on the Space Port grounds near Watkins, roughly 35 miles from Boom’s Denver headquarters. ey will be using advanced instrumenta-
tion and a data collection system to accelerate engine development and enhancement.
Boom has agreed to invest $3.5 million in the Space Port this year to get the testing site ready for this year’s prototype engine core trials, according to o cials.
“We are very excited to welcome Boom Supersonic to Colorado Air and Space Port and to support the development of its revolutionary Symphony Engine,” said Je Kloska, Director of CASP. “We look forward to a great partnership with Boom and to advancing our aviation and aerospace ecosystem at CASP.”
e high-temperature test site was most recently used by Reaction Engines UK to test a revolutionary engine pre-cooler heat exchanger, according to a December 2022 Spaceport news release.
In January 2024, Colorado-based La Storia lm company documented Boom Supersonics’ test ight of its XB-1 aircraft, the rst private aircraft to break the sound barrier.
Join us for an unforgettable night of soul-stirring music at , a powerhouse gathering of blues legends that promise to electrify the stage!
PACE Center | 7:30 PM
Fondly known as “America’s answer to The Beatles,” The Lovin’ Spoonful bring their chart-topping folk-rock hits to the PACE Center! 2025/2026
The Boom supersonic flight of XB-1 aircraft test flight.
