August 18, 2016 VO LUM E 29 | IS S U E 39 | FREE
LET THERE BE BEARDS There’s more to facial-hair fashion than meets the eye. PAGE 12
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A blast from the past
Stricter marijuana ordinance a ‘smart move’ New county law, among the strongest in state, aims to eliminate illegal grows By Shanna Fortier sfortier@coloradocommunitymedia.com
Sue Ashton and Charles Jude show off their moves at a jazz performance by Lannie Garrett & Her Swingin’ Big Band on Aug. 11. By popular demand, the band returned to the Highlands Ranch Mansion for its fifth year. Photo by Alex DeWind
Lannie’s Swingin’ Big Band returns for fifth year By Alex DeWind adewind@coloradocommunitymedia.com The Great Hall of the Highlands Ranch Mansion radiated dark hues of blues, purples and reds. On stage was a 10-piece band wearing top hats and all-black attire. The lead singer, Denver-based Lannie Garrett, rocked a gold-and-
black sequined dress as she belted out songs from the 1940s, including Rosemary Clooney’s “Mambo Italiano” and Big Joe Turner’s “Roll ‘Em Pete.” The Aug. 11 performance by Lannie’s Swingin’ Big Band was a blast from the past — an evening out of the swing era. The band returned for its fifth year at the Mansion by popular demand. The sold-out performance drew a crowd of about 225 adults. “This is my crowd,” Garrett said.
The Highlands Ranch Cultural Association and the Highlands Ranch Mansion, which co-hosted the event, are already discussing options for next year’s show, said Jamie Noebel, director of community relations for the Highlands Ranch Communtiy Association. “Lannie continues to sell out this event each year with an entertaining and fun show,” she said. “No matter what she comes up with it will be another great entertaining event not to miss.”
Outlook for future looks bright — and wet Updated master plan says shift to renewable water is working By Tom Skelley tskelley@coloradocommunitymedia.com
A Douglas County home employs xeriscaping, reducing the need for watering and improving the region’s overall consumption of water. Per capita demand for water has declined ahead of goals set by the SMWSA. Courtesy photo
Steve Tarr moved to Parker 15 years ago, and it didn’t take him long to learn that perhaps no other topic stokes as much controversy and concern in Colorado as water. “I’m from Michigan originally, so we have a lot more water than Colorado does,” Tarr said. “Yeah, water’s a very important issue.” Speaking from the edge of the pool at the Parker Recreation Center, Tarr said he, his wife and two children take conservation seriously. Tarr said their lawn is xeriscaped and they are careful about watering the grass they do have. Water continues on Page 5
Thanks to the recently passed county law that sharply reduces the number of marijuana plants that can be grown in a home, a Highlands Ranch family is looking forward to a return to normalcy in their neighborhood. “It’ll be nice for my daughter to be able to go outside and start playing again,” said James, who asked that his last name not be used because he said he fears for his family’s safety. “We won’t have to worry about the smell anymore and the traffic at night.” James was referring to a nearby rental home on Bentwood Circle in the community’s Bentley Hills subdivision, which the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office reported to have 66 legal medical marijuana plants growing inside. Ordinance continues on Page 14
FAST FACTS As of July, Colorado had 102,620 active medical marijuana patients. Doctors had issued a recommendation of 50 marijuana plants or more for 8,200 patients, the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment reported. According to the governor’s office, from 2014 to 2016, the number of medical marijuana patients with physician recommendations for an extended plant count of 50 or more plants increased by 54 percent. The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment, which regulates medical marijuana, reports that severe pain is the documented condition for 93 percent of medical marijuana patients, 22 percent of whom are between the ages of 21 and 30.
SETTING UP SHOP Whether short or tall, volleyball setters rely on skill to get the job done. Check out this story and others as we continue our fall sports previews on PAGE 26.
Experiencing facial redness this summer despite using sunscreen daily?
WE CAN HELP! 303-945-2080 Dr. Kimberly Neyman
See page 7 for Dr. Kim Neyman’s column on Rosacea.