Highlands Ranch Herald 1207

DECEMBER 7, 2017

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LIGHTING UP THE SEASON: Light displays bring joy to many during holidays P16

DOUGLAS COUNTY, COLORADO

A publication of

‘SUCH COMMUNITY SUPPORT’:

Crowds of parents, teachers welcome four new members to school board P5 VOUCHER PROGRAM RESCINDED: School board

A NEW DIRECTION: Highlands Ranch residents could soon be served by a new firefighting district P2

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HighlandsRanchHerald.net

VOLUME 31 | ISSUE 3

2 Highlands Ranch Herald

December 7, 2017D

MY NAME IS

LASINDA CRANE

Lasinda Crane is pleased to be a Lone Tree restaurateur.

Mother, grandmother gave lasting inspiration

COURTESY PHOTO

About me I moved to Colorado from Florida when I was 13 years old. My husband Jimmy and I have spent the last 10 years working in Lone Tree in the food service, barista and customer service capacities. We were a match made in culinary heaven, as we both love Italian food and serving others. We have three children, Connor, Niko and Brittany and live in Highlands Ranch.

Working in Lone Tree We realized our 20-year dream of opening our own restaurant in 2013, when we opened Cranelli’s Italian Restaurant in Lone Tree, the day after Christmas. The people of Lone Tree have been great and many of them have become close friends.

In my opinion, the world would be a much better/happier place if we

would all take more accountability of what we do and say; if we treated everyone the exact way we ourselves want to be treated, it’s amazing what would happen. We all have bad days and if we could have a little more forgiveness about the things that hap-

pen to us and not take life so seriously, it would make our lives much calmer and more enjoyable. We only get to do this thing called life once and it’s up to us whether it’s going to be a roller-coaster ride or merry-go-round.

I for one want to be on a roller-coaster

ride (even though I’m afraid of them) because it’s more fun and exciting.

My inspiration My mother Mary Wyckoff and my grandma Erna Lingafelter are my two biggest inspirations. My mom brought me up as a single mother and always taught me the values of life; you have to earn what you get, respect your elders, be proud of who you are and to always say “I love you” because you never know if that will be the last time you see that person.

My Grandma Erna was my dad’s mom and lived until she was 96. She was one of the strongest women I knew. She lived through the death of four of her five boys as well as her husband and still managed to shine like a star! Erna always told me to be a lady and hold myself high, she helped teach me how to be proud of who I am and what I do. I would not be the woman I am today without the support and love of these two woman in my life.

If you have suggestions for My Name is… contact Alex DeWind at adewind@ coloradocommunitymedia.com

Highlands Ranch cutting ties with Littleton Fire Rescue Move comes on heels of city’s other fire partner also announcing plans to merge with South Metro

BY DAVID GILBERT DGILBERT@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM

And then there was one.

The Highlands Ranch Metro District informed the City of Littleton on Nov. 29 that it would be joining Littleton Fire Protection District in severing ties with the city’s fire department and merging with the larger South Metro Fire Rescue, leaving Littleton Fire Rescue — the city’s department — as the sole remaining entity in a decades-old partnership.

The partners, who plan to commence service with South Metro on Jan. 1, 2019, strongly encouraged the

City of Littleton to join them in merging with the large regional district that already provides fire protection for much of the southeast metro area.

The partners made their plea to Littleton city officials in an earlymorning meeting at the Littleton Museum on Nov. 30, saying that without the combined strength of Littleton Fire Protection District — which covers the western portion of Centennial, Bow Mar, Columbine Valley, Chatfield and parts of unincorporated Arapahoe County west of the Littleton city limits as well as Highlands Ranch Metro District — Littleton will be left with a fire department too puny to adequately meet the needs of citizens.

Irreconcilable differences Representatives of LFPD and Highlands Ranch cited similar reasons for the split: increasing costs, a desire for improved service and financial sustainability, and frustration with

what they described as an unequal partnership that gives unfair control to Littleton city officials.

South Metro first approached Littleton and its fire partners to propose a wholesale unification in August 2016, said LFPD Board of Directors President Keith Gardner.

“We crunched the numbers and found that over the next five or 10 years, we were looking at a climb to a mill levy of about 10, up from our current 7.67,” Gardner said. “South Metro was offering to lock us in at 9.25, with a higher level of service.

“How do you go to your voters and say, ‘Hey I’ve got a solution for better service at 10 mills for the next four or five years,’ when you’ve got a 9.25 sitting out there?”

The scales were tipped for LFPD earlier this year when Littleton City Council initially rejected a plan to merge the city’s fire dispatch services with South Metro, Gardner said.

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LFPD and Highlands Ranch sought mediation with the city over that decision, saying the plan’s proposed cost savings and increased level of service made it a no-brainer.

Though the city eventually relented and approved the merger, “the damage was done,” Gardner said. “It was a big slap in the face. To be discounted like that accelerated things and made us feel we’re on our own here.”

Highlands Ranch officials echoed LFPD, saying that merging with South Metro offers a level of financial sustainability and quality of service — as well as predictable governance — that they feel Littleton can’t offer.

“Finances are the key thing,” said Highlands Ranch Metro District board member Carolyn Schierholz. “We’re stewards of public money and we’ve got to spend it wisely.”

Schierholz said when she started SEE FIRE, P15

Highlands Ranch Herald 3

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4 Highlands Ranch Herald

December 7, 2017D

School board votes to rescind voucher program 6-0 vote pulls plug on any further attempts to push controversial plan

BY ALEX DEWIND ADEWIND@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM

At a special meeting Dec. 4, more than a dozen parents, teachers and former educators got their wish as they took the stand and pleaded for the Douglas County Board of Education to end the controversial school voucher program that has garnered national attention in recent years.

“I hope that after tonight the district won’t spend any more time or money on private school vouchers,” parent Kathy Boyer said. “Please put an end to the Choice Scholarship Program once and for all.”

The school board listened. Six board members — one member abstained — voted unanimously to rescind the Choice Scholarship Program, a decision that marks an end to a six-year battle between reform-minded board members and many community members.

“It has always been my belief that public school funding is for public education,” school board President David Ray said. “I respect every parent’s right to choose a public or private education for their child. However, as a public school system, our taxpayers should ex-

pect us to spend solely on educating our 68,000-plus students who have chosen Douglas County schools.”

The stalled voucher program was a pivotal talking point in weeks leading up to the Nov. 7 school board election, when voters elected four anti-reform candidates, Krista Holtzmann, Kevin Leung, Anthony Graziano and Christina Ciancio-Schor, who outwardly opposed the voucher program throughout their campaigns. They filled the seats of four reform-minded members, signaling a change in a longstanding majority board that espoused policies that, to many people, caused an exodus of teachers in recent years.

“It’s my personal belief — and I ran my campaign to being a Douglas County board director with this being an important part of my platform — that public dollars should not be used to fund our private schools,” Graziano said at the Dec. 4 meeting. “I also know that the community has not supported vouchers based on the most recent district survey.

So it’s with this, really simply, that I support rescinding the Choice Scholarship Program going forward.”

The board, composed of seven reformminded members at the time, first voted to approve the voucher program in 2011.

Designed to accommodate 500 students, it allowed students’ parents to use state-provided, per-pupil money toward tuition at private schools, including religiously affiliated institutions.

Taxpayers for Public Education — a

Colorado-based, nonprofit organization that advocates for a strong public education system, according to its website — subsequently filed a lawsuit against the district to stop the voucher program.

School board member Kevin Leung, newly elected last month, did not vote on the resolution at the Dec. 4 meeting because he is listed as a plaintiff in the Taxpayers for Public Education case.

A Denver judge quickly halted the voucher program in 2011, but in 2013, a state appeals court reversed that decision. The Colorado Supreme Court in June 2015 issued a ruling saying using public funds for religious schooling was illegal.

The school district, while it remained under reform leadership, filed an appeal with the U.S. Supreme Court in September 2015. In June of this year, the school voucher program got another look from the Colorado Supreme Court following a ruling by the U.S. Supreme Court on a similar case in Missouri.

In the case Trinity Lutheran Church v.

Comer, a Missouri church sued after being denied state funding for a preschool playground because the Missouri state Constitution forbids financially supporting a religious institution. On June 26, the Supreme Court ruled 7-2 that Missouri’s original decision violated the U.S. Constitution’s protection of the free exercise of religion by excluding churches from state programs with a secular intent.

As a result of the ruling in Missouri,

the court sent back to the Colorado Supreme Court the case known as Taxpayers for Public Education v. Douglas County School District, which has since been tied up in court.

At the Dec. 4 special meeting, the board approved a resolution to rescind the Choice Scholarship Program, repeal all district policies specifically related to the Choice Scholarship Program and the School Choice Grant Program and direct the board president and/ or interim superintendent to end the litigation challenging the program in a “cost-efficient and timely manner.” The district has spent $1.77 million litigating the case, board member Anne-Marie Lemieux said at the meeting.

Wendy Vogel, vice president of the school board, said she wanted to make it clear that the school voucher discussion wasn’t about taking away anyone’s choice.

“It’s a discussion simply about who is going to pay for private school choice,” she said. “And my concern with vouchers — as we heard from some of the public commenters tonight — has always been accountability to the taxpayer for their investment in education.”

Following public comment, the crowded boardroom erupted in applause.

“I would like to commend all of you for not only listening to the community,” parent Laura Welch said, “but for moving so swiftly to end these divisive programs.”

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Highlands Ranch Herald 5

7December 7, 2017

Ray named school board president as new members take seats Community eager to welcome new leadership at meeting

BY ALEX DEWIND ADEWIND@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM

Dozens of people crowded around the front doors of the Douglas County School District Administrative Building in Castle Rock on Nov. 28. Inside, the conference room was maxed out at more than 100 guests, meaning those outside would have to wait for any seats that might become available.

Parents, teachers and community members were there to witness four school board members depart and four new members, each elected on Nov. 7, fill their seats. They also saw the appointment of a new school board president.

“I am here because I know that there is serious work to be done and you know that better than any of us,” parent Kristen Hirsch said during the public comment portion of the school board meeting. “But you have such community support.”

The addition of members Anthony Graziano, Kevin Leung, Chris Schor and Krista Holtzmann signals a change in the direction of the school board, which has been in the spotlight since the 2009 election of a reformminded majority of members, who espoused policies such as pay-for-performance evaluations for teachers and a form of school choice that would later include a controversial voucher program.

For six years, supporters of the reforms held all seven seats on the

Members of the Douglas County School Board, from left, Anthony Graziano, Kevin Leung, Chris Schor, Krista Holtzmann, David Ray, Anne-Marie Lemieux and Wendy Vogel pose for their first photo as a new school board at a meeting at DCSD’s Administrative Building in Castle Rock on Nov. 28.

ALEX DEWIND board. They introduced new policies that, in the eyes of many, caused an exodus of hundreds of teachers and administrators. A shift occurred in 2015, when sitting candidates who opposed the reform policies — David Ray, Wendy Vogel and Anne-Marie Lemieux — each were elected to the board. The result was a divided board, with votes frequently falling 4-3 in favor of the former reform-minded members, Meghann Silverthorn, James Geddes, Judith Reynolds and Steven Peck. They were recognized for their service at the Nov. 28 meeting.

“We know that the sacrifice is tremendous,” Ray said to Silverthorn, Geddes and Reynolds, who each held a plaque of honor. Peck was absent.

At the meeting, Lemieux nominated Ray for board president, a motion that was unanimously approved. Ray succeeds Silverthorn in the position.

“You have been organized and

thoughtful in your decision making, as well as how you have dealt with our staff, board members and community,” Lemieux said to Ray. Ray and his wife have lived in Parker since 1989. His two children attended Douglas County Schools.

Ray worked as an elementary school principal in Douglas County for 23 years, during which he oversaw the opening of three schools: Coyote Creek Elementary in Highlands Ranch, Prairie Crossing Elementary in Parker and Mammoth Heights Elementary, also in Parker. He helped launch the district’s outdoor education program and has served on several committees, including the fiscal oversight committee and building specification and review committee.

Before accepting the nomination, Ray listed the type of leader his is not: he doesn’t need control, he isn’t charismatic, he has no political aspirations.

He said he is a facilitator. He will lead with integrity. He knows that the board will make mistakes and that there will be do-overs when needed.

“My job is to enhance the conversation and to make sure that all voices are heard,” Ray said.

Vogel, of Highlands Ranch, will serve as vice president. Vogel has two children in Douglas County schools.

She serves on the district’s Long Range Planning Committee, which studies facility and capacity needs, and several school accountability committees. Vogel previously worked in federal prisons doing substance abuse treatment and case management and now owns a quilting business.

“She builds bridges with a wide array of people,” Ray said. “She is one who will find the means to do whatever it takes to do this role well.”

Holtzmann will serve as secretary.

She and her husband have lived in Parker for 17 years. Their two sons attended Douglas County schools.

She worked as an assistant district attorney in child protection and as a volunteer attorney at the Rocky Mountain Children’s Law Center. She also has served on multiple school accountability committees.

Lemieux will be the treasurer.

Since 2004, she has lived in Highlands Ranch with her family. Her two children went to Douglas County schools. Lemieux taught elementary school for seven years before becoming a stay-at-home mother. She helped develop Douglas County Parents, a group of parents and community members formed in 2013 to inform the community on issues in the school district.

Former school board president closes chapter after eight years Silverthorn talks about achievements, challenges in Douglas County

BY ALEX DEWIND ADEWIND@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM

If Meghann Silverthorn could change anything about her eight years on the Douglas County School Board, it would be the process and timing of policies implemented by the board, she said.

“You can’t put things out there that only the board espouses,” said Silverthorn, sitting in a coffee shop in Parker on an afternoon in November. “You can’t assume that because people support ideas, they will support everything.”

Silverthorn was term-

limited, and her tenure on the Douglas County School Board came to an end with the swearing-in of new board members Nov. 28.

First elected in 2009, Silverthorn was part of a majority board that embraced controversial reforms such as pay-forperformance Silverthorn evaluations for teachers and a form of school choice that would later include a stalled voucher program. She served as president of the school board since December 2015.

On Nov. 7, four anti-reform candidates were elected to the school board, signaling a change in direction from a majority board that held power for eight years.

While she doesn’t know exactly what her next chapter will bring, Silverthorn is proud of her time on the

school board — a tenure sometimes marked by controversy and contentiousness.

Getting an education Silverthorn, 39, said her educational and personal background prompted her to run for school board. Her father was in the Army when she was growing up. She attended a number of schools overseas that thrived on academic rigor, high expectations and parent involvement, she said. She also grew up watching her grandparents “work very hard having little formal education.” Her grandfather, an undocumented immigrant from Mexico, didn’t make it past third grade.

“I’m the first in my family to graduate college,” Silverthorn said. “That education changed my family tree of two generations — that is very powerful.”

After high school, Silverthorn had plans to go to the

Air Force Academy and was nominated by a member of Congress. But then a medical event disqualified her.

“I thought, well, I’m not going to be in the military, so what can I do?” she said.

She graduated from University of Colorado-Boulder with bachelor’s degrees in aerospace engineering sciences and political science. There she met her husband of 12 years, Jeff, who is a defense contractor. He spends half of the year overseas and is currently in Afghanistan. When he is home, the two of them enjoy skiing, doing things around the house and spending time with friends. They live in Parker.

When she was in college, Silverthorn did work for the Air Force Research Laboratory. After graduation, she did 12 years of civilian service working as an analyst for the U.S. Department of Defense at its Lockheed Martin offices.

She left that position in 2015 to focus on the school board.

Encountering challenges Steven Peck, who was chosen by Silverthorn in 2016 to fill a vacant seat on the board, said Silverthorn guided the school district through a period of “significant turbulence,” when what he refers to as “key leaders” — including former Superintendent Liz Fagen, members of her staff and a member of the board — resigned.

“Her legacy will be one part charter champion, two parts fiscal hawk, and three doses of reasonable influence,” Peck said of Silverthorn. “She will be missed.”

Silverthorn, who was a member of the majority board throughout her tenure, also faced backlash from many members of the community SEE SILVERTHORN, P8

6 Highlands Ranch Herald

December 7, 2017D

‘Give where you live’

BY ALEX DEWIND ADEWIND@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM

T

he Douglas County Community Foundation hosted the first Douglas County Gives Rally on Nov. 29 at Schomp MINI, 1001 Plum Valley Lane, in Highlands Ranch. At the hour-long event, 37 nonprofit organizations from Douglas County celebrated and anticipated Colorado Gives Day, an annual statewide movement to increase philanthropy in Colorado by donating online. This year, the day of giving was Dec. 5.

“Give where you live,” said Donna Scott, chair of Douglas County Community Foundation, which partners with people and organizations in the county to build funds that serve the public.

“The big thing is trying to get people in Douglas County

to know about the nonprofits so they can support where they live.”

During last year’s Colorado Gives Day, Douglas County nonprofits received 2,018 donations totaling $813,527. This year, the goal is to increase the number of donations by 15 percent, said Scott.

Nonprofits in Douglas County bring a variety of services to the community.

For example, Wellspring Community, based in Castle Rock, offers work, enrichment and educational opportunities for adults with special needs. The Chelsea Hutchison Foundation in Lone Tree serves individuals, families and communities affected by epilepsy. In Parker, HawkQuest educates the community on rescue eagles, owls, falcons and hawks. Other nonprofits include Crisis Center, Douglas

Sarah Deakin, creative arts manager of Wellspring Community, a nonprofit in Castle Rock that provides work, enrichment and educational opportunities for adults with special needs, leads a dance performance at the first-ever Douglas County Gives rally at Schomp MINI on Nov. 29.

PHOTOS BY ALEX DEWIND Douglas County Sheriff Tony Spurlock reads a proclamation of the Dec. 5 Colorado Gives Day, when the public is encouraged to donate to nonprofit organizations, at a Nov. 29 rally hosted by Douglas County Community Foundation at Schomp MINI in Highlands Ranch. The first of its kind, the event raised awareness of giving to nonprofits in Douglas County.

County Libraries Foundation, Douglas County Search and Rescue, Promise Ranch Therapeutic Riding.

The list goes on. Run by mostly volunteers, the organizations benefit greatly from the annual day of giving.

“It’s a chance for us to get the financial support that we so desperately need,” said Mary Lou Fenton, executive director of Wellspring Community.

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Highlands Ranch Herald 7

7December 7, 2017

Christmas Douglas County offices will close at noon Dec. 22 through Dec. 25 for the Christmas Holiday. Many county services are available online at www.douglas.co.us

Help Yourself. Skip the line at the DMV in Castle Rock Douglas County Commissioner David Weaver speaks to about 50 people at the Parker Republican Breakfast Club meeting Dec. 1 about his nomination by President Trump to fill the role of U.S. marshal for Colorado.

TABATHA STEWART

‘I will go do my service where I’m needed,’ commissioner says David Weaver’s nomination for U.S. marshal of Colorado awaits Senate approval

BY TABATHA DEANS STEWART TSTEWART@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM

David Weaver has served residents of Douglas County for more than 30 years, as a deputy, a sheriff and currently as a county commissioner.

President Donald Trump is hoping Weaver will expand his role of service to include the entire state, and has nominated Weaver to serve as Colorado’s U.S. marshal.

“I love my service here, I feel like I’ll be abandoning my family, but I will accept the nomination to U.S. marshal, and I will go do my service where I’m needed,” Weaver said in an address to the Parker Republican Breakfast Club on Dec. 1.

Weaver spoke candidly about the process of his nomination by Trump, and his more than 30-year history serving Douglas County in several capacities, beginning with his early career as a deputy.

“When I first came here, at the young age of 21, I met the sheriff and thought ‘he could be Andy Griffith,’” said Weaver. “He wore a cowboy hat and looked the part.”

Weaver went on to be elected the sheriff of Douglas County, where he served two terms. He was sworn in as a Douglas County commissioner in July 2014, filling a seat vacated early

by Jack Hilbert. Weaver was later

elected to the position and began serving his first full term in January 2015.

The nomination, and pending Senate confirmation, would leave a vacant seat on the board of commissioners, but Weaver assured the crowd that he would not leave them high and dry.

“I don’t know when the confirmation will happen. It could be one month, three months, I just don’t know,” he said. “But we’ll have the right person in place as the new commissioner. I won’t leave you hanging.”

Weaver said the interview process has been lengthy, thorough, and a little bit intimidating.

“It started in November of last year, and they have investigated everything about me, going all the way back to when I was 18,” Weaver said. “Then I was put in a small room with about six other very official gentlemen, and asked every question imaginable, including whether or not I had ever said anything bad about the president of the United States. ‘Absolutely not,’ was my reply.”

According to Weaver, U.S. marshals typically stay through that president’s term, and he plans to become active in the community again when his time with the Marshals comes to an end.

Colorado employs 40 deputy marshals statewide, who apprehend and transport federal fugitives, execute civil and criminal processes, and cover witness security.

“If you look at the history of U.S. marshals in Colorado, they just keep getting better looking,” Weaver joked to the crowd.

“But all joking aside, this is a very serious job, there are a lot of responsibilities, and I am very honored the president nominated me.”

Douglas County residents can now renew their vehicle registration at a self-service kiosk at the County’s Motor Vehicle Office in Castle Rock. To learn more about the self-serve kiosk visit www.douglas.co.us/mv-kiosk/

Need help with heating costs?

Eligible low income households in Douglas County may apply for energy assistance through the Low Income Energy Assistance Program (LEAP). For more information, or to download the application, please visit www.douglas.co.us and search for LEAP or email LEAPHELP@discovermygoodwill.org

What’s happening with my County government?

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

Do you ever have snow removal questions?

Visit www.douglas.co.us and search for Snow to view information on snow and ice removal in unincorporated Douglas County.

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8 Highlands Ranch Herald

December 7, 2017D

SILVERTHORN

‘When one side has power, the other side always wants it … If you’re not careful, that turns into a very sharply divided community.’

FROM PAGE 5

who blamed an exodus of hundreds of teachers and administrators on policies espoused by the majority.

It was difficult for her to find common ground in a community that had extreme thoughts about how education should look, said David Ray, a sitting board member who served with Silverthorn for the past two years.

The two often found themselves on opposite sides of issues.

“There were a lot of people she was trying to honor,” said Ray, who was named school board president by his fellow board members on Nov. 28.

“Especially people who had more of a political agenda than a local agenda.”

Of her leadership style, Ray said Silverthorn was consistent and skillful.

She took her role as board president seriously and she was dedicated to the position. Ray pointed out that she attended “tons” of committee meetings and communicated with people through socal media or email.

“I really do like her as a person,” Ray said. “We just philosophically were at such different places at what we thought the district and children needed.”

Among the most controversial topics of Silverthorn’s tenure was when she and former board member Judith Reynolds held a private meeting with Grace Davis, a 16-year-old Ponderosa High School student who had organized a peaceful protest in March 2016 to ask why teachers were

Meghann Silverthorn, former Douglas County School Board president

leaving the district. Davis said she was intimidated and bullied by the pair, which led to a independent investigation into the board members that, in the end, found no policies had been violated.

Silverthorn said she wanted to be straightforward with Davis and find a better solution to the teacherturnover issue. She thinks different political views played a part. Looking back, she “probably would have done things differently.”

“I never ceased to be amazed by what happened when I met with a student to find out what her concerns were. I don’t really know how it got to how it ended up,” Silverthorn said.

“I find it very unfortunate the way it turned out.”

Reynolds said Silverthorn was supportive throughout the aftermath, which included backlash from many community members. The district received more than 600 emails in support of Davis and requesting the immediate resignation of Silverthorn

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and Reynolds.

“I wish the whole thing would have been different,” Reynolds said. “There are a whole lot of things that I wish would have gone differently from the get-go.”

Taking stock Looking back at her time as a school board member, Silverthorn lists her best moments as seeing the progression and involvement of students, hiring interim Superintendent Erin Kane, who Silverthorn said “created a sense of stability,” and shifting the conversation about parent empowerment and school choice.

“Even critics had to think about that more,” she said of school choice, which allows parents to select a type of school, such as neighborhood, charter or magnet, that fits their child’s needs. “Choice is about what you want from your schools.”

Reynolds describes Silverthorn’s approach as “firm, fair and friendly.”

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Working alongside Silverthorn, Reynolds said her biggest accomplishment was when the school board passed a policy in July 2016 that allowed the administration of medical marijuana products, hemp oils and other cannabinoid products to qualified students on district property.

“That is something that has had a direct impact on not necessarily a huge number but a number of students that struggle with severe and serious health issues,” Reynolds said. “It’s something that allows those students to participate in school.”

Silverthorn lists her top three challenges as budget, communication and translation of what the community valued into the classroom. The political environment of the majority versus minority became difficult, she said.

“When one side has power, the other side always wants it,” she said. “… If you’re not careful, that turns into a very sharply divided community.”

The weeks leading up to her final day on school board were strange and quiet, Silverthorn said. In her free time, she dyes silk, writes and reads. She likes researching politics and writing policy.

She’s not sure what she will do next, but she sees herself staying involved in local government. She said she greatly values the time she spent on the school board.

“It’s been one of the greatest privileges of my life to serve the people of Douglas County.”

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Highlands Ranch Herald 9

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December 7, 2017D

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Pot-tax revenue accounts for 1 percent of total state education funding

BY SHANNA FORTIER SFORTIER@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM

Jefferson County Public Schools is hiring six more social-emotional counselors for 14 elementary schools.

Douglas County School District has one additional school counselor at each of its nine middle schools.

Littleton Public Schools can start a new program on substance abuse prevention.

And, in Adams 12 Five Star Schools, there’s a new bullying prevention program.

The school districts can thank state marijuana sales for the extra boost to mental health, counseling, dropout and other programs that help students socially and behaviorally.

School officials say they are glad to have the additional money — regardless of its source — for programs they otherwise couldn’t fund.

“Marijuana in Colorado is a done deal,” said Connie Bouwman, deputy superintendent of Littleton Public Schools. “The voters have clearly spoken. That being the case, we have a responsibility to continue to educate our students on the effects of alcohol and drugs. The dollars we receive from our portion of the marijuana tax fund two substance abuse specialists to help us further our educational efforts.”

In 2012, Colorado voters approved Amendment 64 that allowed adults 21 and older to consume or possess marijuana and required the state to set up a regulatory structure for the retail marijuana industry. That amendment, as well as later bills, also mandated a sales tax with money going to the Colorado Department of Education.

Since 2015, the Colorado Department of Education has received $230.8 million from marijuana revenue, comprising about 1 percent of the more than $5 billion the state gives to school districts. That money is divided into two main accounts — the Marijuana Tax Cash Fund and the Building Excellent Schools Today (BEST) fund.

Most of the school programs are supported by four grant programs in the Marijuana Tax Cash Fund, which focus on bullying prevention, behavioral health, early literacy and drop out prevention.

The School Health Professional grant has awarded the most money from all Marijuana Tax Cash Fund grants, distributing $16.5 million during the life of the grant program.

Littleton was one of 36 school districts to receive money from the most recent distributionof this grant, which at $11.9 million accounted for the largest amount from the Marijuana Tax Cash Fund.

“These specialists provide training for school staff and help coordinate

ABOUT THE TAXES How is marijuana taxed?

Excise taxes: Colorado levies a 15 percent excise tax on wholesale marijuana, which is the product before it is sold to customers.

Sales taxes: The state also imposes a 15 percent sales tax on retail marijuana as well as the regular 2.9 percent sales tax on retail and medical marijuana. Local jurisdictions may levy their own sales taxes.

How much money comes to the Colorado Department of Education from marijuana taxes?

In 2015-16, marijuana tax revenue for the Colorado Department of Education was $86.3 million. That number dropped to $54.2 million in 2016-17, but increased to $90.3 million in 2017-18. However, to put that into perspective, the marijuana tax revenue from 2017-18 was roughly 1.6 percent of the state’s K-12 education budget of $5.6 billion.

Source: Colorado Department of Education

A trimmer works at a marijuana grow facility in Denver.

KEVIN J. BEATY/DENVERITE

prevention activities,” said Diane Leiker, director of communications for Littleton Public Schools. “They also provide education, assessment, case management and treatment referrals for LPS students and families.”

Jeffco schools was also one of those recipients, receiving $825,164, an amount it will get annually for two more years depending on funding availability. Those grant dollars will pay for social-emotional counselors at 14 elementary schools that feed into Jefferson, Wheat Ridge and Lakewood high schools — the communities within the district that are closest to areas that allow retail sale of marijuana.

“Early, consistent intervention is critical to student physical and emotional health,” said Kevin Carroll, chief student success officer for Jeffco schools. “As educators we understand and value that the social and emotional well-being of our students, as well as their physical health, directly impacts their ability to fully access learning opportunities. We are very excited to have this additional support for Jeffco kids.”

The district’s Office of Student Services also was able to hire a student support coordinator to lead substance SEE MARIJUANA, P11

Highlands Ranch Herald 11

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resulting from Proposition BB, a successful statewide ballot measure in 2015 that allowed the state to keep the surplus in marijuana tax revenue.

This year, the state Board of Education approved $295.6 million in projects for school construction across the state in annual grant awards from the BEST program.

Any money above the $40 million from marijuana sales goes to the Public School Fund, which is run by the state treasurer’s office and distributes fund throughout the state.

2. Marijuana Tax Cash Fund In 2014, the state Legislature created the Marijuana Tax Cash Fund to collect sales tax revenue from retail and medical marijuana.

Revenue from that fund must be spent the following year on health care, monitoring of the health effects of marijuana, health education, substance abuse prevention and treatment programs and law enforcement.

This is the fund from which grant money is awarded for programs that address mental health, bullying prevention, drop-out prevention and early literacy.

SM

C ol

In 2012, Colorado voters approved Amendment 64, which allowed adults 21 and older to consume or possess marijuana and required the state to set up a regulatory structure for the retail marijuana industry.

It also mandated an excise tax — a specific tax on marijuana — with the first $40 million collected to be reserved for school construction.

The tax revenue comes into the state’s coffers in two ways.

1. The excise tax The first $40 million from the excise tax on wholesale retail marijuana goes into the state’s Building Excellent Schools Today (BEST) fund. BEST also receives income streams from the Colorado State Land Board, spillover from the Colorado Lottery and interest on the assistance fund. School districts, Boards of Cooperative Educational Services, charter schools, Charter School Institute and the Colorado School for the Deaf and the Blind may apply for the grants and must provide matching funds.

BEST also received a one-time disbursement

CALM AFTER THE STORM

ia

abuse prevention efforts.

“The goal is to really focus on prevention, building relationships with kids and practicing social-emotional skills early and often,” said Erin Sullivan, Jeffco schools’ social-emotional learning coordinator, who also wrote the grant.

The Douglas County School District was also awarded three-year funding totaling $2.44 million from the Health Professional Grant, which will add one full-time counselor for prevention at each of the district’s nine middle schools. These counselors will focus on substance use and mental health prevention.

“I think it’s wonderful to have someone dedicated to really getting ahead of the problems and doing prevention work,” said Zac Hess, director for health, wellness and prevention for DCSD. “We know from research that’s the best way to combat it. What we hope is that it’s less intervention, less putting out fires, because we’re preventing the fires from being started in the first place.”

Of all the districts applying for the Health Professional Grant funding, Denver Public Schools — the largest district in the state — has landed the most money, logging $2.78 million from 2016 to 2020.

Other districts, such as Cherry Creek Schools, Mapleton Public Schools — which includes parts of Denver, Westminster, Northglenn and Commerce City — and Adams 12 Five Star are also using money from the Marijuana Cash Fund to fight bullying, prevent at-risk kids from dropping out of school and bolster literacy.

The $74,000 that Adams 12 received from the Bullying Prevention and Education Grant will go to professional development, parent education nights and the purchase of a Buddy bench at Westgate Community School, a charter school.

“The CDE Bullying Prevention and Education Grant has given us a framework, structures and a toolbox to enact real, sustainable change in our school and larger community,” said Amanda

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FROM PAGE 10

M

MARIJUANA

Novak, dean of culture for Westgate Community School. “Our students feel empowered to speak out and stand up for themselves and others in the face of disrespect and bullying. Our community knows how to access support and resources, and there is an honest dedication to creating a positive and safe school.”

Jeffco will spend its three-year $607,447 grant from the Student Reengagement fund — the largest amount awarded in the metro area —to focus on mentoring, social-emotional strategies, credit recovery and case management in five schools.

With money from the same program, School District 27J, which has schools in Thornton, Brighton and Commerce City, will focus on supporting students in its Career Readiness Certificate Program where students can acquire a National Career Readiness Certificate in combination with a GED diploma.

“The Career Readiness Certificate Program allows students who are significantly older and have so few credits accumulated that it would be challenging for them to earn a traditional high school diploma prior to turning 21,” said Innovations and Options Principal Kenlyn Newman, with School District 27J. Mapleton Public Schools and Denver Public Schools are also addressing student re-engagement strategies with the grant money. By implementing programs at five schools that focus on improving academic intervention and improving attendance and behavior.

Jeffco and Englewood schools are the only two districts in the metro area using grant money for early literacy programs.

The Early Literacy Grant will bring more than a half million dollars into Clayton Elementary in Englewood over the next three years to specifically address literacy instruction.

“Our Early Literacy Grant has allowed our staff to engage students in rigorous learning aligned with the Colorado Academic Standards and 21st Century Skills,” said Jenny Buster, principal of Clayton Elementary.

“Through the use of evidence-based instructional resources and pedagogy, we are able to target the needs of all learners.”

C o m m u nit

y

12 Highlands Ranch Herald

December 7, 2017D

LOCAL

VOICES

These days, a press conference is more like a guess conference QUIET DESPERATION

Craig Marshall Smith

T

he story goes that Robert Johnson sold his soul to the devil.

In Rosedale, Mississippi.

In exchange for musical genius.

(Tommy Johnson’s character in the film “Oh Brother, Where Art Thou?” is an allusion to that contract.)

What would you ask for in exchange for your soul?

Fame, fancy cars, and big cigars? To be forever young? A significant weight loss?

Or maybe six figures and a na-

tional spotlight for four years?

Would you be willing to stand in front of a hundred people, and a national television audience, and say with conviction, “All men are created equal’ has been widely misinterpreted”?

That blue is red and night is day and denial is a river in Egypt?

The ability to contour a fact into a new fact is something to behold.

In fiction it’s called “believable lies.”

I am a big believer in believable

lies, but only the harmless kind.

Humor is based in rearranging commonly held beliefs.

Steven Wright said, “A lot of people are afraid of heights. Not me, I’m afraid of widths.”

I once told a class that Monet and Manet were the same man.

Some of them believed me.

It was a reminder that people in a position of authority can convince some people of almost anything.

When I attended umpire school, I was told over and over to “sell”

the call, even if I wasn’t certain.

Never, ever say, “Out?” I had to say “Out” with the belief that I was right, no matter what.

I was never told, however, to choose sides, and influence the outcome on behalf of the team I had chosen.

It’s possible to believe in someone who is wrong most of the time, whose allegations are refutable, who does far more harm SEE SMITH, P22

Instead of putting down last year, try building up next year

I Meaningful connections improve our quality of life LIVING & AGING WELL

Katy Carpenter

W

hen you think about the holidays, what comes to mind? For Shirley, an 84-year-old woman living in California, what the holiday season brings to her is memories of traditions and family.

She was born to a mother and father who didn’t know their own parents, and they decided to provide their daughters with extra-special holidays. How they chose to do this was with food, made from scratch and delicious.

For Thanksgiving, it was turkey with all

A publication of

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the trimmings, fresh rolls and two different kinds of pie.

At Christmas, there were cookies to be baked, bread to bring to all the neighbors and pot roast. They would invite the neighbors over after dinner to play cards.

With Shirley’s own children, she decided holiday meals should be offered to their friends who had no family to connect with.

There was something about sharing laughter and food that seemed important to her;

t is usually at this time of the year, or maybe even sooner, that we hear someone we know say something like, “I am so glad this year is coming to an end.”

Or, “I can’t wait for the year to be over so I can start fresh again next WINNING year.” I actually overheard someone say that on last New WORDS Year’s Eve they had a really bad feeling about 2017 and then sure enough it had been.

And in their words, “It has been the year from hell.”

Oh my goodness, there is no doubt that we can look back on these past 11 months, or any prior year for that matter and find war, violence, politiMichael Norton cal unrest, unhealthy rivalries, divorce, death, heartache, disease, natural disasters, tragedies and more horrific events and situations than we know what to do with. And it’s no wonder that at this time of the year, or maybe even sooner, many people are looking for an escape route into next year.

But here’s the thing, if we go looking for the bad in life, we will certainly find bad things. If we look for the good, we will also find the good.

We should never put our blinders on when it comes to reality. Now that works both ways, doesn’t it?

SEE AGING, P22

SEE NORTON, P13 Columnists & Guest Commentaries

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ERIN ADDENBROOKE Majors/Classified Manager

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Highlands Ranch Herald A legal newspaper of general circulation in Highlands Ranch, Colorado, the Herald is published weekly on Thursday

by Colorado Community Media, 9137 Ridgeline Blvd., Suite 210, Highlands Ranch, CO 80129.

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Highlands Ranch Herald 13

7December 7, 2017

What tax reform could mean for our country and for you

A

merica has not overhauled its tax code system since 1986. Changing the tax code is challenging due to the complex impacts it can have on both our personal finances and businesses. While tax reform is not easy, the House last month took on this challenge and passed H.R. 1, the “Tax Cuts and Jobs Act.” HR 1 will reform, simplify GUEST and modernize our current tax system.

COLUMN I believe such tax reform is a must to grow our economy, create more jobs and raise wages.

For me, the process started with two simple questions: What would tax reform mean for Colorado and for our families? Mike Coffman What effect would it have on our country? The answer is twofold. I strongly believe that any tax reform must first provide incentives for small businesses, which are the engine that drives economic growth in the United States, and second, it must provide tax relief for hard-working Americans and their families.

As a former small business owner myself, I understand the hurdles small businesses face and the challenges many go through just to keep their doors open.

One of the biggest challenges facing them is the onerously high income tax rates small business owners pay when they become successful. Under

NORTON FROM PAGE 12

I mean when people use that expression, they are usually referring to putting blinders on so we ignore the bad things happening around us or uncomfortable situations we are trying to avoid.

So the other side then is this, that we also shouldn’t put blinders on to ignore all the good and positive that is happening all around us as well.

Instead of finding an escape route into next year to quickly move away from our trouble spots, what if we looked to build upon our brightest moments and use this past year as our launching pad into next year? Even if we had only one bright spot, and I would bet that we could find more if we really tried.

Success begets success, good is a force multiplier, a positive attitude fans the flames of inspiration. The only thing that negativity does or that looking for the bad accomplishes is that they bring the fire extinguisher to the party of opportunity.

If we proclaimed last year, before the New Year even started, that it was going to be a bad year, then of course that is what we would have strived to prove out.

the current tax system, most small business owners “pass through” the profits of their business as personal taxable income. If the business is successful, those small business profits can be taxed at the highest individual marginal tax rate, which is 39.6 percent. Capping these small business rates at 25 percent (the lowest since 1931) will give small business owners an incentive to continue to grow their businesses.

For the hard-working middle class, the bill that cleared the House calls for the doubling of the standard deduction to $12,000 per individual and to $24,000 per married couple. This means far fewer people will need to itemize to file their taxes, saving them both time and money. It also includes an additional $600 in child care tax credit, bringing the total to $1,600 per child. This increase in the credit will help relieve some of the financial pressure on working parents.

The legislation will also help middleclass families by bringing back the jobs lost to other countries when U.S. corporations have moved overseas due to our nation’s corporate tax system.

Our corporate tax code pushes business overseas through a combination of two factors. The first is that, at 35 percent, our corporate rate is now the highest in the industrialized world, and secondly, we are unique among our international competitors who don’t tax overseas profits when they re-enter their country. U.S.-based companies today pay taxes to both the host country and to the IRS when bringing their profits back to invest in our

We placed our stake of negativity in the ground and by God, come hell or high water, we are going to make sure it’s bad for us and everyone else.

Let’s turn that around and proclaim that the New Year will be filled with abundance, overflowing with opportunity, abundant in hope and encouragement, and topped off with a year full of loving relationships.

And should we use 2017 as our launching pad and make that proclamation, will we not stand up and strive to prove that out as well? I bet we would.

And I bet you, you reading this column right now, you would too.

So how about you? Have you gotten caught up in the bad things that happened last year and are 100 percent focused on those?

Or are you looking at what you did accomplish in the past 12 months and have a plan to build upon each success? Either way I would love to hear all of your stories at gotonorton@ gmail.com.

And when we can forget the escape route and start building our launching pad, 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.

economy — at a 35 percent rate. The net result is that U.S. corporations not only have been incorporating in other countries, but those that are still U.S.based are keeping their profits overseas. In both cases these businesses reinvest their profits overseas instead of bringing profits back to help build a stronger U.S. economy. Corporate profits aren’t just about benefiting the wealthy; middle-class families rely on these publicly traded corporations for their tax-deferred retirement savings (i.e., 401K) as well as defined benefit pension funds like PERA. No doubt, according to the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office (CBO), this legislation, without factoring in any economic growth, is projected to add $1.5 trillion to the debt over the next 10 years. However, the same CBO has stated that each 0.4 percent in economic growth will

generate $1 trillion in tax revenues to the federal government over that same time period. The economy has already moved from 2 percent to over 3 percent growth due to a reduction in regulatory burdens and in anticipation of tax reform. With tax reform, I believe we can have sustained economic growth that will not only help pay down the debt but provide increased opportunities for American small businesses, workers and their families in Colorado and in communities all across America.

The time to strengthen our community and its economy with a fair and simpler tax code is now.

U.S. Rep. Mike Coffman, R-Aurora, represents Colorado’s 6th Congressional District, which includes Aurora, Centennial, Littleton and Highlands Ranch, among other areas.

OBITUARIES GOODMAN

Larry Goodman

Larry Goodman, 75, of Highlands Ranch & long time businessman, passed away in Sun City, AZ on November 17.

Services St Mary Catholic Church

6853 S Prince Dec 12. 10;30 Memorial mass followed by celebration of life.

Donations to heart associations, cancer research, or St. Vincent de Paul Society.

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Funeral Homes Visit: www.memoriams.com

14 Highlands Ranch Herald

December 7, 2017D

Holiday spirit hits

Highlands Ranch

BY ALEX DEWIND ADEWIND@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM

T Elementary students belt out holiday tunes at a Dec. 1 performance at Hometown Holiday in Town Center. The Highlands Ranch Community Association hosts the annual event that draws thousands of people.

PHOTOS COURTESY BILL MASURE/PHOTOGRAPHER Town Center comes to life on Dec. 1 for the annual Hometown Holiday hosted

by Highlands Ranch Community Association.

Each year, thousands of residents attend for the tree lighting, photos with Santa, rides, vendors and more.

own Center South radiated Christmas spirit on Dec. 1 for Hometown Holiday. Hosted by the Highlands Ranch Community Association, the annual event offers something for everyone: trolley rides, hayrides, a visit with reindeer, an appearance

by Mr. and Mrs. Claus. Event sponsors lined one side of the shopping center, handing out

Amanda Arnce, community events manager at the Highlands Ranch Community Association, stands between Mr. and Mrs. Claus at Hometown Holiday at Town Center. The Dec. 1 event included photos with Santa, treats, rides, vendors and more.

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goodies and crafts. New this year, 20 vendors were across the street selling a variety of retail and treats.

“I just love putting on the event and seeing all the kids light up,” said Amanda Arnce, HRCA’s community events manager.

“Parents can partake in everything without breaking the bank before Christmas.”

After sunset, a large evergreen front and center of Town Center South came to life with strands of neon lights.

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Highlands Ranch Herald 15

7December 7, 2017

FIRE FROM PAGE 2

on the board a decade ago, Highlands Ranch was spending $6 million a year on fire protection. Today she said the number is closer to $9 million without a decrease in response times.

South Metro, on the other hand, is offering a fixed rate for the foreseeable future, she said, adding that South Metro also offers a higher-rated service, with an Insurance Service Office rating of 1, compared to Littleton’s 2 — which may translate into a lower property tax rate for businesses.

Schierholz brought up a concept that emerged time and again in the meeting: economies of scale. South Metro’s large size means it can more quickly respond to

large-scale emergencies or a variety of simultaneous incidents, she said.

“When 70 to 80 percent of our calls are medical, every second counts,” Schierholz said. “Same with a house burning down.”

Unified theory Representatives of the partners eagerly invited Littleton to join them in a wholesale merger with South Metro — something that might need to be approved by city voters.

During a special election in May, residents of the LFPD area and Highlands Ranch will decide whether South Metro can expand its boundaries to cover them. The City of Littleton might need to participate in a similar election to join South Metro.

If Littleton decides to stick it out alone, it could find itself too small to function safely, Schierholz said.

“With two or three stations, you can’t respond to a nursing home fire,” Schierholz said. “You just can’t. And you can’t depend on your neighbors to pick you up every time you trip. I hate to say it, but we’re playing with lives here.”

Littleton Fire Rescue Chief Chris Armstrong threw his support behind the merger proposal.

“At the end of the day, it doesn’t matter what patch the firefighters wear, what truck they ride, or who cuts their paycheck,” Armstrong said. “They want to provide the best service they can, and they know right now they’re not. Our resources are strained and our call volume is going up. Smaller departments just can’t compete with economies of scale.”

Littleton residents could be on the hook for costs above South Metro’s 9.25 mill levy

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offer if the city decided to stick it out alone, according to rough preliminary scenarios prepared by Littleton Finance Director Tiffany Hooten and presented at a city council study session on Nov. 28, with mill levies rising as high as 16 under a scenario that retains EMS service, to just shy of 10 under a bare-bones austerity scenario.

The firefighters themselves are overwhelmingly in favor of a wholesale merger, said Joel Heinemann, president of the Littleton firefighters’ union.

“This is an opportunity,” Heinemann said. “The firefighters’ association members have unanimously voted to approve moving toward unification. We hope the city is part of it.”

Littleton City Council members kept their cards close to the vest at the Nov.

30 meeting, with Carol Fey and Peggy Cole saying they needed to see more analysis and information on various scenarios before they endorsed a course of action.

Karina Elrod did not attend the meeting.

“We need to vet our numbers out more,” said Littleton Mayor Debbie Brinkman. “We haven’t run down the options. We have fewer options now than we had prior.”

Highlands Ranch Metro District board member Mark Dickerson was resolute.

“You have an easy sell to constituents,” Dickerson said to Brinkman. “You have to have good fire protection.

The voters have to have their input. But when it gets down to it, do you have the sufficient resources left to provide the services you promised? I don’t see it.

What choice do you have?”

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16 Highlands Ranch Herald

LOCAL

December 7, 2017D

LIFE

New DCPA artistic director brings lifetime of preparation

W

for families all over the metro area.

“We’re the Rocky Mountain region’s largest lighting event, with most of our 60 acres lit up, as well as 130 animated animal sculptures,” said Sean Anderson-Vie, public relations manager with the zoo.

hen Chris Coleman’s mother shelved her acting dreams to be a mom, she started doing theater programs in the family’s local Southern Baptist church. That’s where Coleman first discovered the magic of the theater while he was growing up.

So, you might say he’s been training for his new position as the artistic director of the Denver Center for the Performing Arts’ Theatre COMING his entire life.

ATTRACTIONS Company “Digital entertainment and screens have become so ubiquitous that they’ve exhausted their ability to fascinate us,” Coleman said. “Theater is an antidote to that because it’s human. Instead of staying close to the surface, it invites to go deeper.”

Coleman is the fourth Clarke Reader person to have this title in the company’s nearly 40 years, and will join the company in May. Until then, he will work with managing director Charles Varin and associate artistic directors Nataki Garrett and Charlie Miller to finalize the 2018-19 season.

Before coming to Denver, Coleman served as artistic director of Portland Center Stage for the past 17 years, where be developed seasons that blended classic, modern and new works, as well as a playwrights’ festival, education programs and community events.

Of its world premieres, 52 have gone on to play on more than 115 stages across the country and internationally.

As artistic director, he will oversee programming of the company’s eight- to 10-play season of shows; the annual Colorado New Play Summit, and the experimental works of Off-Center. Additionally, the Theatre Company provides artistic and production support for select productions by DCPA Cabaret and DCPA Education.

“I like the focus Denver has on community,” he said. “There’s so much to work with here, and I’m excited to understand what’s possible on these stages.”

When he was first getting started, Coleman co-founded and was artistic director at Actors Express in Atlanta, a company he co-founded in the basement of an old church in 1988. This experience taught him about the theater world, and running a business — both skills that have proven useful over and over in his career.

Now he’s ready to bring his talents to the Denver theater world.

“I’m most excited about making work in these rooms,” he said. “I’ve never felt more strongly about the ability of art to impact audiences and the world.”

SEE LIGHTS, P17

SEE READER, P17

For the first year, Chatfield Farms in Littleton will be home to Santa’s Village, featuring Mr. and Mrs. Claus, as well as live reindeer. Below, the Denver Botanic Gardens’ York Street location features thousands of lights and is a popular spot for families, as well as for couples to get engaged.

PHOTOS BY SCOTT DRESSEL-MARTIN/COURTESY OF DENVER BOTANIC GARDENS

Shining a

light on the season

Zoo, botanic gardens, downtown offer holiday beauty

BY CLARKE READER CREADER@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM

Even though Grace Ramírez is a Denver native and works for the City of Denver, it’s still a thrill to see downtown and the Denver City and County Building all lit up for the season.

“It’s been part of our family tradition for years,” said Ramírez, senior adviser for community affairs.

“It’s a touchstone for a lot of families, and even though the lights are different every year, we have decorations we use every time. People have their favorites, which they are on the lookout for.”

During the holiday season, Denver and surrounding cities have for years lit up the night with flashing and twinkling lights, music and family fun. All visitors need is a coat.

The holiday lights at the Denver City and County Building have been a feature of the holidays since 1932, though its roots go back to 1919.

The Denver Zoo’s annual Zoo Lights is entering its 27th year, and the Denver Botanic Gardens has hosted Blossoms of Light at its York Street Garden for 29 years, while the facility’s Chatfield Farms location has played host to lights for nine years — first as Trail of Lights, and this year as Santa’s Village.

Because of this, each has become part of the season

The Denver Zoo’s 60 acres are full of lights and animated animal sculptures during Zoo Lights, which runs through Dec. 31.

PHOTO COURTESY OF THE DENVER ZOO

Highlands Ranch Herald 17

7December 7, 2017

LIGHTS

AREA LIGHT DISPLAYS

Blossoms of Light Denver Botanic Gardens, 1007 York St., Denver Lights on display through Jan. 1 5 to 9 p.m.

Purchase tickets in advance at to ensure entry at www.botanicgardens.org

FROM PAGE 16

“People really take in all the different animals, which is great, because a lot of detail goes into the sculptures.”

Beyond providing terrific holiday atmosphere, there are some unique activities available for visitors:

Denver City and County Building 1437 Bannock St., Denver Lights on display until Jan. 21 5:45 to 10:45 p.m.

Pop the question in a winter wonderland The lights at places like the zoo and the Blossoms of Lights top most home displays, which makes them the perfect places to get engaged.

The zoo sees plenty of engagements, Anderson-Vie said, and Blossoms was the site of so many that it started an engagement package.

“For people who want to propose, they can buy one of these, which provides them an hour to set up on the Green Roof, on top of our Offshoots Café,” said Erin Bird, communications manager at the Denver Botanic Gardens. “They can bring champagne up there and up to three guests to celebrate with them.”

Holiday’s Evening on the Littleton Museum Farms 6028 S Gallup St, Littleton, CO 80120 Dec. 10 5:30-8 p.m. Dec. 10 Will feature candlelight and bonfires

Interacting with the light The challenge with traditional activities is bringing people back with something new, and this year visitors will get to interact with the lights in different ways.

The lights at the Denver City and County Building are synced to a music show, which begins at 5:30 and 6:45 p.m. Those looking to get even more hands-on can volunteer to actually switch the lights on.

At Blossoms of Light, there’s an interactive light display set up in the theater that features a large field of sound-reactive, animated LED lights. As Bird explains, the lights react to the tones of voice and of drums.

But the biggest change is at Chatfield Farms, where the Trail of Lights and its country approach has been replaced with a North Pole theme.

“Santa and Mrs. Claus will be there, and we’ll even have live reindeer,” Bird said. “Tickets also get you hayride, and we have a Christmas cinema set up as well.”

No matter where one looks, a chance for holiday traditions old and new.

READER FROM PAGE 16

A night of magick at the MCA , We’re drawing near to the winter solstice, so why not get in touch with your metaphysical side at the Museum of Contemporary Art’s Black Sheep Friday: Let’s Get Metaphysical event from 5 to 9 p.m. at the museum, 1485 Delgany St. Attendees will have the chance to make their own sigils — a symbol believed to have magical powers — and practice chaos magick — a contemporary magical practice which emphasizes the pragmatic use of belief systems and adds in original or created belief

as visitors stroll through the historic farms. Music, snacks and Santa.

Tickets in advance at Littleton Museum and Bemis Library.

A Hudson Christmas Hudson Gardens, 6115 S. Santa Fe Drive, Littleton 5:30-8:30 p.m. Dec. 8, 9, 10 and nightly Dec. 15 to 31 The model train will be decorated, a giant Christmas tree will dazzle, as will countless evergreen trees. Walk through a lighted tunnel, enjoy reflections in the pond and shining snowflakes. Hot drinks, sweet treats and gift items are available and, of course, Santa is on hand to greet visitors. Tickets available at hudsongardens.org or at the door.

Santa’s Village at Chatfield Farms 8500 W. Deer Creek Canyon Road, Littleton Lights on display Friday, Saturday and Sunday through Dec. 24 4:30 to 8:30 p.m.

Purchase tickets in advance at to ensure entry www.botanicgardens.org Zoo Lights Denver Zoo, 2300 Steele St., Denver Lights on display through Dec. 31 5:30 to 9 p.m.

Dec. 1 to 31 Purchase tickets in advance at to ensure entry at www.denverzoo.org

Downtown show stretches back to 1919 wiring and colored bulbs and strung them around the building.

The story of the Denver City and County Building’s lights began in 1919 when John Malpiede changed the white globes in Civic Center to red and green and twined some evergreen branches around the decorations. Then in 1920, the first Christmas tree was erected in Civic Center.

The City and County of Denver municipal government moved to its current location in 1932, and the tradition of lighting the building the Friday after Thanksgiving continued.

Malpiede eventually convinced Denver Mayor Ben Stapleton in 1926 that city hall, then located at 14th and Larimer streets, should be decorated for the holidays. Stapleton gave him $400 for equipment and decorations that year, and with that money Malpiede and four city electrical inspectors bought

A crew of six to eight people begins putting up lights in mid-October. In 2009, the city installed approximately 585 LED permanent light fixtures on the building and more than 2,000 feet of LED rope lights are used. Approximately five miles of electric wiring is utilized for the entire project.

SHUTTERSTOCK

systems. There’s also a happy hour from 5-7 p.m. Visit www.mcadenver.org.

contests and prizes, ‘90s trivia and a ‘90s dance-off. Go to www.inthezonebar.com.

The dream of the ‘90s is alive in Golden I have a special place in my heart for the 1990s, seeing as that’s when I first became aware of, and engaged with, the arts and pop culture.

For me and others like me, Golden’s Zone Sports Bar and Grill, 15600 W. 44th Ave., is throwing an I Love the ‘90s night from 8 p.m. to midnight Dec. 9.

The free event includes music from local cover band 90s Til Dawn, who will play music from some of the decade’s biggest bands, including Green Day, Nirvana, Blink-182, Pearl Jam, Red Hot Chili Peppers and the Foo Fighters. The evening also features

Remember John Lennon through songs John Lennon’s life was tragically cut short when he was shot and killed on Dec. 8, 1980, and for the past two decades, Denver’s Mercury Café has honored the musician and The Beatles with a special performance.

From 2-5 p.m. Dec. 10, Beatlemaniacs can attend the 20th Beatles and John Lennon Memorial SingAlong concert at the café, 2199 California St. Lyric sheets will be provided, and attendees can also grab an organic bite between songs. Go to www.mercurycafe.com.

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18 Highlands Ranch Herald

December 7, 2017D

Paintings named for states hang in Englewood atrium

M

ichigan” is one of seven paintings named for states by artist Craig Marshall Smith, a Highlands Ranch resident and a Colorado Community Media columnist.

They will hang SONYA’S in the handsome SAMPLER Museum Outdoor Arts Atrium Gallery through March 30 at the Englewood Civic Center, 1000 Englewood Parkway, second floor. They serve as a prelude to “Intersecting Formations,” a collection of collaboraSonya Ellingboe tive and individual works by 12 artists with whom Smith has a history: as mentor, student or “artist he admires.” Smith has been Artist in Residence at MOA since mid-August, painting and organizing the 2018 exhibit. The Atrium is open whenever the building is open and there is no admission fee.

Fielder at castle Colorado photographer John Fielder will offer a musical presentation of images from his new book, “A Colorado Winter” on Dec. 14 at the beautifully decorated Cherokee Ranch and Castle, 6113 Daniels Park Road, Sedalia, where his handsome books and calendars will be for sale, with a percentage going to the foundation.

His presentation will be at 7 p.m., with tours scheduled at 5:45 and 6:15 p.m. A reception with Fielder begins at 5:30 p.m. with light refreshments, cash bar, book and calendar sales.

Tickets for the event cost $35 per person, available online: cherokeeranch.tunestub.com/event. cfm?cart&id+271565.

Bells at Bemis The mellow Smithtonian Handbell Ensemble will appear at 3 p.m. on Dec. 9 at Bemis Library, 6014 S. Datura St., Littleton, playing traditional and holiday favorites. Free.

Denver Art Museum The Denver Art Museum’s Hamilton Building is now open seven days a week, while the North (Ponti) Building is closed for renovation — and is a nice destination for holiday excursions with family and friends. “Her Paris: Women Artists of the Age of Impressionism” is on view until Jan. 14 (special ticketing.)

Advent Evensong The Chancel Choir at Littleton United Methodist Church will be joined by other church choirs and violinist Alexander Raab at 7 p.m. Dec. 10, in a Christmas concert of music by Gjello, Todd, Knecht, Huish and others in the church sanctuary, 5894 S. Datura St., Littleton. Donations will support the

GOING BUSINESS! OUT OF

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New exhibits include “Linking Asia: Art, Trade and Devotion” and “Eyes On: Xiaoze Xie.” The latter two are included in general admission, free for 18 and younger.

Also of interest: “Stampede: Animals in Art,” showcasing over 300 objects from the DAM collection. The museum is at 13th Avenue and Broadway in downtown Denver. Denverartmuseum.org.

Fine Art Market and more …

The annual Fine Art Market Show and Sale at the Arvada Center offers a fine location to find special gifts through Dec. 17.

Also: the Aces Show and Sale of works by ceramics students and instructors is open. Hours: 10 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. Fridays, Saturdays; 1 to 5 p.m. Sundays and Mondays; noon to

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“Michigan” oil on panel, 48”x38” is included in a collection of seven paintings by former art professor Craig Marshall Smith, which are displayed in the MOA Atrium Gallery at the Englewood Civic Center through March 30.

K Stories on Stage d “Making Merry,” the annual holiday o program by Stories on Stage, will feature actor Jamie Horton reading m w from “Wind in the Willows.” Geree Hinshaw and Anthony Adu will also b t read, with music by Gary Grundei, at 1:30 p.m. Dec. 16 at the Dairy Arts Center, 2590 Walnut St., Boulder; and d b 7:30 p.m. Dec. 16, 1:30 p.m. Dec. 17 at the King Center, Auraria Campus, 855 b Lawrence Way, Denver. Tickets: the- e dairy.org, 303-444-7328; storiesonstage. m org, 303-494-0523.

B p Photography by Andy Marquez Local photographer Andy Marquez w s will appear from 3 to 8 p.m. Dec. 8 and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Dec. 9 at Remax Edge, in Roxborough, 8351 N. Rampart 1 a Range Road, Unit 111, Littleton.

He will have mounted 8-by-10 copies d of his photographs and introduce his p t new coffee-table book, which is also available at Tattered Cover, Outnum- r a bered Gallery and School of Mines Bookstore in Golden. b t Arapahoe Philharmonic m Tchaikovsky’s “Nutcracker” in m concert will be performed by the Arapahoe Philharmonic at 7:30 p.m. i b Dec. 14 in the Fisher Auditorium at Englewood High School Campus, 3800 ( S. Logan St., Englewood.

At 7:10 p.m., the Classic Children’s Corner will feature two costumed young dancers from the Colorado Ballet.

A new ticket package for young adults, 18 to 35, “Pay Your Age,” offers four tickets to be used at any concert, priced at the buyer’s age.

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Highlands Ranch Herald 19

7December 7, 2017

Mothers’ Milk Bank celebrates its 12,000th human milk donor

BY SHANNA FORTIER SFORTIER@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM

As a neonatal nurse practitioner, Kathryn Brecht, of Denver, spends her days caring for fragile newborns, many of whom rely on donor human milk.

“I see the benefits of donor human milk on a daily basis when I go to work,” Brecht said. “There are a lot of babies that depend on it to get big and thrive and go home.”

That’s why when Brecht started producing too much milk following the birth to her second son, she decided to become a milk donor through Mothers’ Milk Bank.

“I’m very fortunate that I produce more milk than my baby needs,” Brecht said. “I wanted my milk to be put to good use and there’s no better way than to give it to premature or sick babies that need it.”

Last month, Brecht became the 12,000th donor at Mothers’ Milk Bank, a program of Rocky Mountain Children’s Health Foundation that has provided donor human milk to babies throughout the country, mostly in Colorado, with a wide network of hospital and community partners for 33 years.

MMB is the largest nonprofit milk bank in North America and earlier this year, observed another significant milestone, having dispensed its five millionth ounce of milk. The majority of MMB’s donations help pre-term babies in neonatal intensive care units (NICUs) who are so tiny they might

only need one ounce per day.

“Human milk is often referred to as liquid gold because it provides hundreds of important components for newborns that are not found in formula,” said Laraine Lockhart-Borman, director of outreach for MMB. “We feel honored to provide milk to babies who need it most as it helps them through one of the most fragile periods of their lives. When deciding between providing a baby with milk from a mother or manufactured formula, there really is no comparison. Human milk is always the best choice.”

Premature birth is the leading cause of infant death in Colorado. Colorado averages 400 infant deaths per year with 38 percent of these resulting from premature birth. Babies who survive an early birth may face serious and lifelong health problems; however, the immediate availability of human milk can help prevent some of these ailments. Many mothers who deliver preterm may not yet be able to produce milk, and that’s when the Mothers’ Milk Bank steps in.

“More than 90 percent of MMB’s donations directly serve premature babies in hospital settings and it’s our mission to make sure every baby who needs milk to survive receives it,” said Lockhart-Borman. “We accomplish this with the help of hundreds of new donors across the country every year.

We need more milk donors to meet the demand and this month is the perfect time to sign up to give the gift of life.”

HOW TO DONATE Mother’s Milk Bank welcomes donor milk from women throughout Colorado and most of the United States. Women interested in donating milk can contact MMB at 303-869-1888.

To be eligible as a milk donor, one must: Be confident in her milk supply and produce milk in excess of her own baby’s needs Be willing to donate a minimum total of 150 ounces throughout her time as a donor Not have any medical condition that prohibits her from giving blood Be in excellent health without any chronic illnesses or history of major medical issues or cancer, including leukemia Have no history of hepatitis after age 11 or positive tuberculosis tests Be a non-smoker and refrain from using tobacco or marijuana products of any kind Have not received blood or blood products or organ or tissue transplants in the past 12

months Have no history of intimate contact with anyone at risk for HIV/AIDS Not be taking vitamin supplements that exceed 2,000 percent Daily Value (DV) Take only approved medications and herbal supplements/teas. Mothers’ Milk Tea, fenugreek and any lactation support product containing fenugreek or other herbs is NOT compatible with donating.

Consume less than 24 ounces of caffeinated beverages a day (2-3 cups of coffee) Wait 12 hours after drinking any alcoholic beverage to collect milk to donate Be motivated to practice exceptional hygiene and carry out careful milk collection and storage methods Be willing to undergo blood testing Be less than 18 months postpartum when collecting the milk

During the holiday season, the milk bank is in need because cold and flu season, which prevents sick donors from donating, which makes donations decrease. To help with this MMB is holding a donor drive in December with the goal of 250 new donors to sign up to give their excess human milk to babies in need.

MMB supports donation and outreach centers across Colorado in the Denver metro area, Boulder, Fort Collins, Colorado Springs, Greeley, Grand Junction, Lone Tree, Lafayette, Louisville, Loveland, Parker, Pueblo, Salida and Steamboat Springs.

Mothers who are interested in donating their milk are encouraged to contact MMB for a verbal screening.

Every healthy lactating mother with an infant under the age of 18 months is a potential milk donor.

Brecht encourages other mothers to share their gift of life.

“If you’re like me, you might be leery of committing to anything that might take up your time in an already busy life with small children,” Brecht said. “But if you’re already pumping and collecting milk for your own baby, the most time-consuming part of the donation process is already done.”

To advertise your place of worship in this section, call Karen at 303-566-4091 or email Serving the southeast Denver kearhart@ColoradoCommunityMedia.com area Greenwood Village Castle Rock/Franktown

Castle Rock/Franktown

 First United  Methodist Church 1200 South Street Castle Rock, CO 80104 303.688.3047 www.fumccr.org

  Services:  Sunday Worship 4825 N. Crowfoot Valley Road Castle Rock, CO. 80108 303-663-5751 www.CanyonsCC.org 

Sunday Services:  9:30am – Traditional

9:00am & 10:45am

 9:00am - Sunday School

11:00am – Modern Traditional

Little Blessings Parents Day Out www.littleblessingspdo.com

 (Nursery & Sunday School offered during 11am service)  

   

   

Trinity Lutheran Church & School

Sunday Worship 8:00 & 10:45 a.m.

Sunday School Bible Study 9:30am Trinity Lutheran School & ELC (Ages 3-5, Grades K-8)

  303-841-4660   www.tlcas.org

Parker

Centennial St. Thomas More

Sunday Services - 10 a.m.

Catholic Parish & School

Seven Sunday Masses Two Daily Masses Confessions Six Days a Week STM Catholic School Preschool – Grade 8

8035 South Quebec Street Centennial, CO 80112 303.770.1155

www.stthomasmore.org

Congregation Beth Shalom

Cimarron Middle School 12130 Canterberry Parkway Parker, CO 80138 www.CSLParker.org

Serving the Southeast Denver area

Call or check our website for information on services and social events! www.cbsdenver.org

303-794-6643

Highlands Ranch Pine Lane Elementary South 6475 E Ponderosa Dr. Parker, CO 80138 303-941-0668

20 Highlands Ranch Herald

December 7, 2017D

Locally built Mars probe almost ready for launch InSight, manufactured

by Lockheed, will study Red Planet’s interior

BY DAVID GILBERT DGILBERT@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM

A locally built robotic lander destined for Mars is almost ready to take off, and engineers at Lockheed Martin Space Systems are excited to watch it leave.

The InSight Mars lander was largely built at Lockheed’s Waterton Canyon campus, as part of a joint effort between NASA and a host of international agencies. The lander, scheduled to set down on the Red Planet in November 2018, will use a seismometer and a soil probe to study the interior of the planet.

The hope is that better data about Mars’ core will lead to a better understanding of planetary formation, said Stu Spath, InSight’s program manager.

“The problem is that Earth is a little too active to conduct these kind of precise experiments,” Spath said.

“On Mars we’ll be able to detect information about the planet’s interior from the reverberation of

Mechanical designer Emily Boster explains a mockup of the soil probe that InSight will use to measure heat radiating from Mars’ core. meteorite impacts.”

The lander was originally intended to launch last year, but problems with vacuum seals on the scientific instruments forced a delay. With the problems resolved, InSight should be ready to blast off in May, which is the next time the planets align in a way that’s conducive to interplanetary travel.

Scott Daniels, the program’s assembly test and launch operations manager, is cautiously optimistic.

“It takes a million things to go right, but only one thing to go wrong,” Daniels said. “We take nothing for granted.”

Engineers inspect the InSight lander, which should set foot on Mars in about a year.

PHOTOS BY DAVID GILBERT

A mockup of the seismometer that InSight will use to detect meteorite impacts and earthquakes — or are they marsquakes?

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Assembly test and operations manager Scott Daniels discusses the vacuum testing process used to seal InSight’s seismometer.

17-CUSD-02143-D_Newspapers_9.625x12.25_FNL.pdf 7December 7, 2017

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10/2/17

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Highlands Ranch Herald 21

The upside-down ketchup bottle earned its inventor $13 million.

Thomas Edison received 1,093 U.S. patents in his lifetime.

Lucille Ball’s drama school teachers said she would not be successful.

At CU South Denver, we celebrate

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22 Highlands Ranch Herald

December 7, 2017D

Highlands Ranch tennis pavilion SMITH getting extensive improvements

pay for a swimming pool.

He never told me that he knew American history when he didn’t. He never chased skirts. He never turned his errors into triumphs, and, most of all, he was never boastful.

His kind of clarity is AWOL in America right now. I have no plans, however, to walk the streets with a lamp during the day, looking for an honest man.

I guess I am too old for that, and resigned, and exasperated.

The silver lining is this: I appreciate some people far more than I did before last November, and I appreciate some things — like good music, good art, and good literature — far more than I did before last November.

What would you ask for in exchange for your soul?

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

He can be reached at craigmarshallsmith@comcast.net.

FROM PAGE 12

Northridge Recreation Center facility has 11 courts total

BY DANIEL BROWN SPECIAL TO COLORADO COMMUNITY MEDIA

Tennis is a challenging sport that requires frequent practice. For locals wanting to maintain their game throughout the year, Northridge Tennis Pavilion is being upgraded.

The six indoor and five outdoor courts at 8801 S. Broadway have provided the community a chance to play tennis year-round for decades.

As stated on the Highlands Ranch Community Association website, players of all ages and abilities can participate in group or private lessons and reserve a court to play at their leisure. With professional coaches and equipment available, Northridge Recreation Center is the tennis hot spot in Highlands Ranch.

The 20-year-old canopy structure is supported by metal beams and covered with a liner that encloses the roof and walls. This teepee-like material has a limited lifespan. “We were at our time when the engineers felt we needed to replace the fabric,”

said Michael Shellman, the director of tennis in Highlands Ranch.

Plans call for the original liner roofing to remain intact but with a new outer and inner layer. This new vinyl exterior layer will provide a dead air space between the two outer layers. The new hard inner ceiling will support an insulation barrier. These changes are designed to improve the energy efficiency and comfort inside the recreation facility.

Shellman also commented on the court lighting conditions, “The hope is that the new reflective liner will aid the existing lighting system,” he said.

The plans include a new roof, insulation barrier, renovated monitor and tennis offices, improved heating, reflective liner and resurfaced courts.

The new monitor and tennis offices will provide guests and staff a more comfortable and functional space inside the pavilion.

Construction is underway, and all improvements are scheduled to be completed before the end of 2018.

Tennis programs will continue normally on both indoor and outdoor courts.

than good, and convert all of it, every speck, into a convincing defense. And to do it in the moment, extemporaneously, and to make doubters and those who question you seem like nincompoops. It’s a sight to behold.

“Yesterday he said a 6 was a 9, and now you’re telling me that I listened to his statement when I was upside down?”

“That’s right.”

I am not sure what it would take to get me to say something that was disingenuous, that I knew was wrongminded, might be hurtful, was intellectually broken, and make it sound like fair goods.

Someone up there wouldn’t like it.

My father. My father never misled me. He never promised me that he was going to have someone else build and

AGING FROM PAGE 12

she didn’t want to hear of anyone being alone. She knew that holidays can cause loneliness in some — maybe they feel unloved, they miss their family or there’s not enough money for a plane ticket home.

To this day, although her current home is not large enough to host many people, she makes sure that all her neighbors have homemade cookies and bread to share.

It is well known that human connection is important. We were made to be around others, to be social. Laughter is good medicine, and sounds of laughter create positive endorphins in our own brains, literally changing the way our brains process emotions. When we share a meal with others, hear them in a joyful state, we create a connection that actually helps us stay healthy.

For most, during the holiday season, our tradition is to be with family and friends. We eat, we laugh, we share stories, play games, we have fun.

We connect, even for a little while, with humanity. There are numerous emotional benefits from situations like this, which could be why we as a society continue to uphold these traditions.

For some, social connection may not

be possible. However, isolation is not helpful for any of us to maintain good physical and mental health. And when the holidays are here, many feel more isolated than ever.

You or a loved one may live in a group home type of setting, surrounded by other people that do not share your traditions.

It could be that your social circle has changed, leaving you wondering what to do with your time. But, there are ways to maintain or build connections regardless of your situation.

You could volunteer somewhere, serving a meal. You could join a group at your church or in your community, include yourself in something different. If you’ve been invited to someone’s home for dinner, take them up on it and immerse yourself in a new situation.

Find the joy in carolers coming to your door, whether they sing well or not! So many people want to help or make connections this time of year, and we must challenge ourselves to be open to it. It could be just the thing you need.

Katy Carpenter is the owner of The Content Artist and can be reached by email at thecontentartist@gmail.com.

This column is hosted by the Seniors Council of Douglas County. For more information, go online to MyDougCoSeniorLife.com, email DCSeniorLife@ douglas.co.us or call 303-663-7681.

Time is a gift and one short hour can provide priceless moments for others. This holiday season, give the gift of your time to Bonfils Blood Center and we’ll transform it into the gift of life for patients in need.

GIVE BLOOD. Highlands Ranch Community Donor Center 541 W. Highlands Ranch Pkwy.

Open Monday through Saturday 7 am - 7 pm & Sundays 7 am – 3 pm

Walk-ins are welcome!

Visit bonfils.org for more information.

7December 7, 2017

Highlands Ranch Herald 23

THINGS to DO

THEATER

‘Tangled, The Musical’ Auditions: 3:45 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 12 at Spotlight Performing Arts Center, 6328 E. County Line Road, Highlands Ranch. Ages 3-9 years.

Call 720-44-DANCE or go to www. spotlightperformers.com.

Seussical, The Musical: 7:30 p.m.

Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays, and 2 p.m. Sundays through Dec. 30 at Town Hall Arts Center, 2450 W. Main St., Littleton. Show at 6:30 p.m. Dec. 10. No show on Dec. 24. Go to townhallartscenter. org/seussical.

ART

Lego Maniacs: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 9, at the Englewood Public Library, 1000 Englewood Parkway. School-aged children, come in and create!

Parents welcome too. Call 303762-2560.

Little Elves Holiday Workshop: 10-11:30 a.m., noon to 1:30 p.m. and 2-3:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 9 at South Platte Park, 3000 W. s Carson Drive, Littleton. Make gifts from nature, including ornaments, frames and more. For ages 5-12.

Go to https://www.ssprd.org and search Little Elves Holiday Workshop in the catalog.

Quilting: An American Tradition: 1-2 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 13 at Southglenn Library, 6972 S. Vine St., Centennial. Jeananne Wright, a nationally-known quilt historian, will share about the evolution of quilt making from the 1800s to present day. Go to arapahoelibraries.org.

MUSIC

Wilson Phillips: 7:30-9 p.m. Friday, Dec. 8 at the PACE Center, 20000 Pikes Peak Ave., Parker. Go to http://parkerarts.org/

Littleton Sym- phony Orchestra Holiday Concert: 7:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 8 at Littleton United Methodist Church, 5894 S. Datura St., Littleton. Madison Suh, 11-year-old piano prodigy, will perform Mozart Concerto No. 21. Get tickets online at www.littletonsymphony. org.

Christmas: Ancient to Modern: 7:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 8, and 2 p.m.

Saturday, Dec. 9 at St. Andrew United Methodist Church, 9203 S. University Blvd., Highlands Ranch.

Freewill offering will be taken.

Contact 303-794-2683 or Mark

this week’s TOP FIVE Alexander Raab. Admission is free. Donations from a love-offering will go support the community meal Break Bread.

Go to www.littletonumc. org.

Parker Christmas Carriage Parade: noon Saturday, Dec. 9 on Mainstreet in downtown Parker. Holiday farmers’ market, petting zoo, pony rides, ice sculpting and visits with Santa. Go to http://www. parkeronline.org/826/ Christmas-CarriageParade.

Harplanders: 2-3 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 9 at the Englewood Public Library. Reading Circle and live performances by the Colorado Celtic Harp Society. Go to http://www.englewoodgov.org/inside-city-hall/city-departments/library.

Christmas Concert: Advent Evensong: 7 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 10 at Littleton United Methodist Church, 5894 S. Datura St., Littleton. The Chancel Choir of Littleton UMC will be joined by the church’s children’s choir and high-school ensemble, along with pianist Kathy Forsberg and special guest, violinist

Zwilling mzwilling@gostandrew. com.

Classical Holiday Music: 1:30-2:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 8 at the James H. LaRue Library, 9292 Ridgeline Blvd., Highlands Ranch. Join Active Minds in discovering some of the holiday’s most beautiful and timeless melodies. Call 303791-7323 or go to www.dcl.org to register.

Winter Music Recital: 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 9 at Tagawa Gardens, 7711 S. Parker Road, Centennial. Local students and their teachers from Douglas Elbert Music Teachers Association perform.

Smithtonian Handbell Ensemble Concert: 2 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 9 at the Bemis Public Library, 6014 S. Datura St., Littleton.

Call 303-7953961.

Tanya Tucker: 7:30-9 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 10 at the PACE Center, 20000 Pikes Peak Ave., Parker. Go to http://parkerarts.org/ Do You Hear What I Hear?

Laughter and Light Holiday Concert: 3 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 10 at St. Andrew United Methodist Church, 9203 S. University Blvd. in Highlands Ranch. Presented by the Denver Gay Men’s Chorus and a brass quartet. Tickets available at DGMC.org.

History Comes Alive: Alexander Hamilton: 2-3 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 10 at Koelbel Library, 5955 S. Holly St., Centennial.

Spend an hour with Alexander Hamilton, through historical interpreter Hal Bidlack, who will bring this self-made man to life. Bring your questions to this interactive event. Save your spot at arapahoelibraries.org.

Nutcracker of Parker: 7 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 14 to Sunday, Dec. 17, and 2 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, Dec. 16-17 at the PACE Center, 20000 Pikes Peak Ave., Parker. Colorado School of Dance performs.

Go to http://parkerarts.org/2019/Shows-Events

Christmas Concert and Silent Auction: 3:30-5:30 p.m.

Sunday, Dec. 10 at Front Range Christian School, Performing Arts Center, 6657 W. Ottawa Ave., Littleton. Benefits Aggie’s Baby Home in Uganda. Contact aggiesbabyhome@gmail.com or go to www.aggiesbabyhome. wordpress.org.

Seasonal Sounds: The Smithtonian Handbell Ensemble: 7-8 p.m.

Monday, Dec. 11 at Koelbel Library, 5955 S. Holly St., Centennial. Go to arapahoelibraries.org.

Nutcracker in Concert: 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 16 at Englewood High School, Fisher Auditorium, 3800 S. Logan St., Englewood.

Conductor talk at 6:45 p.m. Call 303-781-1892 or go to www.arapahoe-phil.org for tickets and information.

FILM

Topic Tuesday: Christmas in Yellowstone: 2-4 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 12 at Koelbel Library, 5955 S. Holly St., Centennial. See how animals celebrate in a winter wonderland in the film “Christmas in Yellowstone.” Save your spot at arapahoelibraries.org.

EVENTS

Holiday Open House: 2-4 p.m.

Saturday, Dec. 9 at Castlewood Library, 6739 S. Uinta St., Centennial. Drop by for crafts for kids, tech demos for the grown-ups and cookies for all. Get in the spirit with a live performance of holiday music on the harp from 2:30-3:30 pm. More info: arapahoelibraries.org.

Holiday’s Evening at the Museum: 5:30-8 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 10 at the Littleton Museum, 6028 S. Gallup St., Littleton. Tickets on sale at the museum or the Bemis Library, 6014 S. Datura St., Littleton. Call 303-795-3950.

Santa’s New Village, 3-D Magic: open through Dec. 24 in the Dillard’s Court at Park Meadows.

Walk inside an oversized Christmas tree featuring 3-D lights that transform into gingerbread men, candy canes, snowmen and more, then share wishes with St. Nick. Pick up glasses at Santa’s Village, the gift wrap station or select vendors in Park Meadows. Go to https://www.parkmeadows.com for hours and other details.

Santa’s Village: Fridays to Sundays through Dec 24 at Chatfield Farms, 8500 W. Deer Creek

Canyon Road, Littleton. Replaces Trail of Lights. Admission includes a hayride, short holiday movies at Santa’s Cinema, live reindeer, crafts with Mrs. Claus, pictures with Santa and craft vendors in Santa’s workshop. Food and beverages may be purchased. Go to https://www.botanicgardens. org/chatfield-farms

A Hudson Christmas: 5-8 p.m. select evenings through Dec. 31 at Hudson Gardens and Event Center, 6115 S. Santa Fe Drive, Littleton. Outdoor holiday walking tour. Share Christmas wishes with Santa; take a photo on Santa’s sleigh. Tickets available at www.altitudetickets.com, or in person on event nights. Go to www.hudsongardens.org.

HEALTH

Gluten Free Baking: Easy Sweet and Savory Recipes: 7-8 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 12 at Smoky Hill Library, 5430 S. Biscay Circle, Centennial. Save your spot at arapahoelibraries.org.

EDUCATION

English Conversation Circle: 10:30-11:30 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 9 in the Altenbach Room at the Englewood Library, 1000 Englewood Parkway. Conversation in a casual, inclusive atmosphere. Beginning and Intermediate English language learners.

Web-Based Video Production: 7-8:30 p.m. Monday, Dec. 11 at Southglenn Library, 6972 S. Vine St., Centennial. Learn how to shoot and edit video using web-based software. Save your spot at arapahoelibraries.org.

Take a Bite of the Big Apple: 12:30-1:30 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 12 at Tattered Cover, Aspen Grove Shopping Center, 7301 S. Santa Fe Drive, Littleton. There’s no place quite like New York City.

Join Active Minds in exploring the city’s past and present, as well as the important people and places that have shaped the city. Call 303-470-7050.

Iceland: 3-4 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 13 at RiverPointe, 5225 S. Prince St., Littleton. Join Active Minds for a review of Iceland’s history and explore some of the characteristics of the country that make it unique among the countries of the world. Call 303-797-0600 to RSVP. 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.

24 Highlands Ranch Herald

December 7, 2017D

Marketplace ANNOUNCEMENTS

Misc. Notices **TRYING TO LOCATE** Donelle Angela Schenkeir Concerning 2 properties Please contact: Mike Kajpust 720-722-3965

OPOCS SINGLES CLUB-55 PLUS A CIRCLE OF FRIENDS Social hours monthly 4-6p Lakewood Chad's 4th Tuesday of the month Hostess Darlene @ 720-233-4099 4th Thursday Denver - Baker Street Pub 8101 East Bellview Host Harold @ 303-693-3464 For more info and monthly newsletter call JoAnn membership chairman 303-751-5195 or Mary President @ 303-985-8937

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7December 7, 2017

Highlands Ranch Herald 25

LOCAL

SPORTS

Polls drive up interest, but are not all that accurate

T

Douglas County’s Austin Kelchen gains control in his 170-pound match against ThunderRidge’s Cy Paul in a Dec. 1 dual meet that was held outside at the Douglas County Stadium. ThunderRidge won the dual meet, 41-36, and the schools hope to have another outdoor match next season.

PHOTOS BY JIM BENTON

Grappling in the great outdoors Douglas County, ThunderRidge compete in wrestling match at football stadium ThunderRidge and Douglas County held what was believed to be the first outdoor dual wrestling meet held in Colorado on Dec. 1 at Douglas County Public School Stadium.

BY JIM BENTON JBENTON@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM

It was a pleasant, cloudy afternoon on Dec. 1 with only a slight wind and the temperature reaching 60 degrees.

It was nice enough that Douglas County and ThunderRidge high schools held what is believed to be the first Colorado outdoor wrestling dual meet on the field at Douglas County Public Schools Stadium in Castle Rock.

About 100 people surrounded the mat and the Douglas County pep band was in the stands for what was called the Sunset Slam.

Douglas County coach Gary Hartman and ThunderRidge coach Casey Paul worked together to put together the outdoor match.

“It was fun, crazy, different,” Hartman said.

“We were trying to get the Douglas County students here, hoping that it would get them here standing matside, but that didn’t really work out for us, but the parents enjoyed it.”

Paul was pleased with the weather and the outdoor setting.

“The wildcard has always been the

weather,” he said. “Last weekend we were looking ahead and said we think we could make this happen. It could have just as easily been 29 degrees and snowing today. It was pretty cool.

I don’t know as far as wrestling it was much different. The air is fresher and the air is a little crisper but as far as competing I’m not sure it is much different.

“The overall atmosphere is pretty cool for the kids. It makes it special.

Our sport in our area kind of takes a backseat to basketball. This gives the kids something that they can hang their hat on that they got to wrestle outside. It was something new and

different and generates some interest for our sport.”

ThunderRidge won the meet, 41-36.

“It was fun to make history for high schools in Colorado,” said ThunderRidge 152-pounder Rory Salcedo.

“It was a nice experience because it wasn’t too hot or too cold and it wasn’t too overwhelming. The atmosphere was neat. It was nice just look in the background and kind of be relaxed before a match before everything gets kind of hectic.”

Paul and Hartman hope to do another outdoor event next season hosted

by ThunderRidge. Paul said two or three locations are being considered.

he veracity of preseason basketball polls is often ridiculed.

Yes, polls mean little, since a lot will change during the season.

Polls are speculative, especially the preseason ones, and teams still have to prove themselves during games.

Teams seldom win by reputation alone.

OVERTIME Still, polls are interesting and popular.

CHSAANow.com released its preseason basketball polls Nov. 27 and there were plenty of area teams ranked in the Top 10.

Jim Benton Rock Canyon, buoyed by the return of its dynamic backcourt of Sam Masten and Tyson Gilbert plus three other returning regulars, was top-ranked in Class 5A. The Jaguars were state semifinalists last season.

Golden has seven seniors back from the 2017 state runners-up and the Demons were ranked No. 1 in the preseason 4A boys poll. The Demons lost to Valor Christian in the 2017 state title contest.

ThunderRidge, a semifinal team last season, was fifth in the 5A rankings and Chaparral eighth. Holy Family was fifth and Valor eighth in the first poll of the season.

Faith Christian, the Class 3A runner-up last season, was second and Lutheran eighth in the boys preseason poll.

Cherry Creek, a semifinalist a year ago, was second-ranked in the preseason Class 5A girls poll, with 2017 runner-up Lakewood fourth, Highlands Ranch fifth, Ralston Valley sixth, Horizon seventh and Castle View 10th. In the Class 4A preseason girls poll, Golden was fourth, Valor seventh, D’Evelyn eighth and Holy Family ninth. Lutheran was seventhranked in the 3A girls poll and Faith Christian 10th.

Polls are a source for debate all during the season. Coaches and players often say they don’t pay attention but almost everybody knows about teams that are ranked. One of the favorite chants for students is `overrated’ when a top-ranked team is struggling.

Ryan Casey oversees CHSAANow. com and summed up the attractiveness of polls that always create conversation.

SEE BENTON, P32

26 Highlands Ranch Herald

December 7, 2017D

Kilponen, Montoya are softball standouts Valor, Douglas County athletes are saluted for their pitching, playing prowess

BY JIM BENTON JBENTON@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM

Ali Kilponen stepped up as a team leader. Abbey Montoya took over at shortstop and both had stellar softball seasons.

Kilponen, a senior at Valor Christian, and Douglas County senior Montoya were named the 2017 Colorado Community Media South Metro Pitcher and Player of the Year respectively.

It was the third straight season Kilponen earned South Metro Pitcher of the Year honors.

Kilponen, who pitched Valor to three state Class 4A title as a freshman, sophomore, and junior, compiled stateleading figures this season with a 0.42 earned run average, 273 batters struck out in 134 innings pitched, 22 wins and seven no-hitters. Plus she hit .466.

“The two things that really stand out besides the stats were her leadership and mentorship,” said Eagles coach Dave Atencio. “We lost five kids from last year’s team and we only had four kids coming back from the three-peat title teams. We started four kids that

Valor Christian’s Ali Kilponen is the Colorado Community Media South Metro Pitcher of the Year.

PHOTO BY PAUL DISALVO were playing junior varsity last year and the other one was a freshman.

“She was the only senior and it was incredible for her to take on the leadership role and mentor those kids.”

Kilponen, who signed a letter of intent with Louisiana State, had an 87-4 career record with a 0.55 ERA, 50 shutouts, 17 no-hitters, 998 strikeouts

Douglas County’s Abbey Montoya is the Colorado Community Media South Metro Player of the Year.

COURTESY PHOTO

in 537 innings pitched and 67 walks. all record is incredible. I’ve been doing “As odd it may sound, she was probthis for 25 years on the high school ably better overall this year pitchinglevel and in my opinion she will go wise than she was the previous three down as one of the greatest if not the years,” added Atencio. “She is bigger, greatest pitcher that has ever come stronger and more experienced from out of Colorado.” three years of playing high school and Montoya, who signed to play at LTAC17005_CCM_12.1.17.pdf 1 11/30/2017 9:22:54 AM club level.

“In her four years at Valor her overSEE SOFTBALL, P32

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Highlands Ranch Herald 27

7December 7, 2017

Valor Christian’s Cole Sprout is the Colorado Community Media Boys Cross Country Runner of the Year.

TOM MUNDS

Valor, Vista runners show path to success

BY JIM BENTON JBENTON@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM

Valor Christian sophomore Cole Sprout and Jenna Fitzsimmons of Mountain Vista didn’t waste much time looking behind to see who was chasing them.

Both won individual titles at the state cross country championships on Oct. 28 in Colorado Springs.

Sprout made it look easy in capturing the Class 4A title with a 14.3-second victory. He was timed in a 4A record time of 15:42.1, breaking the previous classification standard of 15:50.4.

Fitzsimmons, also a sophomore, was fifth last season but crossed the finish line first in the Class 5A race with a time of 18:10.3 to beat runner-up and Vista teammate Caroline Eck by over six seconds.

Sprout was selected as the 2017 boys Colorado Community Media South Metro Runner of the Year while Fitzsimmons was the girls Runner of the Year for the second straight season.

“It obviously wasn’t easy but a lot less intense that it could have been,” said Sprout about his state championship win. “At the Desert Twilight (Sept. 29 in Casa Grande, Arizona.) where I ran a 14:49 it was a tight race down to the wire. I didn’t have time to rest.

“I definitely had that (time to rest) during the state meet. The last mile when I had a pretty good gap, I was still pushing but not as hard as I could have. I could have probably run a faster time if I had a person right behind me to give that extra boost.”

Sprout was undefeated in Colorado and was the Jefferson County 4A League champion, regional winner and state titleholder.

SEE RUNNERS, P32

Answers

Solution © 2016 King Features Synd., Inc.

Sprout, Fitzsimmons take honors for impressive season in cross country

THANKS for

PLAYING!

28 Highlands Ranch Herald

December 7, 2017D

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Highlands Ranch Herald 29

7December 7, 2017

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First Publication: 11/9/2017 Last Publication: 12/7/2017 Publisher: Douglas County News Press

7December 7, 2017

Dated: 9/19/2017 CHRISTINE DUFFY DOUGLAS COUNTY Public Trustee

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

Public Trustees PUBLIC NOTICE Highlands Ranch NOTICE OF SALE Public Trustee Sale No. 2017-0207 To Whom It May Concern: On 9/11/2017 10:39:00 AM the undersigned Public Trustee caused the Notice of Election and Demand relating to the Deed of Trust described below to be recorded in Douglas County.

Original Grantor: DARREN A. CHAMBO Original Beneficiary: MORTGAGE ELECTRONIC REGISTRATION SYSTEMS, INC., AS NOMINEE FOR UNIVERSAL LENDING CORPORATION Current Holder of Evidence of Debt: WELLS FARGO BANK, N.A. Date of Deed of Trust (DOT): 7/29/2004 Recording Date of DOT: 8/3/2004 Reception No. of DOT: 2004080365 DOT Recorded in Douglas County.

Original Principal Amount of Evidence of Debt: $211,019.00 Outstanding Principal Amount as of the date hereof: $208,055.78

Pursuant to C.R.S. §38-38-101 (4) (i), you are hereby notified that the covenants of the deed of trust have been violated as follows: the failure to make timely payments required under said Deed of Trust and the Evidence of Debt secured thereby.

THE LIEN FORECLOSED MAY NOT BE A FIRST LIEN.

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

Legal Description of Real Property: LOT 10, BLOCK 2, HIGHLANDS RANCH FILING NO. 68A, COUNTY OF DOUGLAS, STATE OF COLORADO. Which has the address of: 6281 Yale Drive, Highlands Ranch, CO 80130 NOTICE OF SALE

The current holder of the Evidence of Debt secured by the Deed of Trust described herein, has filed written election and demand for sale as provided by law and in said Deed of Trust.

THEREFORE, Notice Is Hereby Given that on the first possible sale date (unless the sale is continued*) at 10:00 a.m. Wednesday, January 3, 2018, at the Public Trustee’s office, 402 Wilcox Street, Castle Rock, Colorado, I will sell at public auction to the highest and best bidder for cash, the said real property and all interest of said Grantor(s), Grantor(s)’ heirs and assigns therein, for the purpose of paying the indebtedness provided in said Evidence of Debt secured by the Deed of Trust, plus attorneys’ fees, the expenses of sale and other items allowed by law, and will deliver to the purchaser a Certificate of Purchase, all as provided by law. If the sale date is continued to a later date, the deadline to file a notice of intent to cure by those parties entitled to cure may also be extended.

If you believe that your lender or servicer has failed to provide a single point of contact (38-38-103.1 CRS) or they are still pursuing foreclosure even though you have submitted a completed loss mitigation application or you have been offered and have accepted a loss mitigation option (38-38-103.2 CRS), you may file a complaint with the Colorado Attorney General (720-508-6006) or the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (855411-2372) or both. However, the filing of a complaint in and of itself will not stop the foreclosure process.

First Publication: 11/9/2017 Last Publication: 12/7/2017 Publisher: Douglas County News Press Dated: 9/19/2017 CHRISTINE DUFFY DOUGLAS COUNTY Public Trustee

The name, address and telephone numbers of the attorney(s) representing the legal holder of the indebtedness is: EVE GRINA Colorado Registration #: 43658 7700 E. ARAPAHOE ROAD, SUITE 230, CENTENNIAL, COLORADO 80112 Phone #: (877) 369-6122 Fax #: Attorney File #: CO-17-780591-LL

*YOU MAY TRACK FORECLOSURE SALE DATES on the Public Trustee website : http://www.douglas.co.us/publictrustee/ Legal Notice No.: 2017-0207 First Publication: 11/9/2017 Last Publication: 12/7/2017 Publisher: Douglas County News Press

EVE GRINA Colorado Registration #: 43658 7700 E. ARAPAHOE ROAD, SUITE 230, CENTENNIAL, COLORADO 80112 Phone #: (877) 369-6122 Fax #: Attorney File #: CO-17-780591-LL

Public Trustees

*YOU MAY TRACK FORECLOSURE SALE DATES on the Publ ic Trustee website: http://www.douglas.co.us/publictrustee/ Legal Notice No.: 2017-0207 First Publication: 11/9/2017 Last Publication: 12/7/2017 Publisher: Douglas County News Press PUBLIC NOTICE Highlands Ranch NOTICE OF SALE Public Trustee Sale No. 2017-0217 To Whom It May Concern: On 9/20/2017 3:31:00 PM the undersigned Public Trustee caused the Notice of Election and Demand relating to the Deed of Trust described below to be recorded in Douglas County.

Original Grantor: BRIAN J. BRADFORD Original Beneficiary: MORTGAGE ELECTRONIC REGISTRATION SYSTEMS, INC., AS NOMINEE FOR RBC MORTGAGE COMPANY, AN ILLINOIS CORPORATION Current Holder of Evidence of Debt: BANK OF AMERICA, N.A. Date of Deed of Trust (DOT): 3/24/2005 Recording Date of DOT: 4/8/2005 Reception No. of DOT: 2005030751 DOT Recorded in Douglas County.

Original Principal Amount of Evidence of Debt: $238,000.00 Outstanding Principal Amount as of the date hereof: $196,854.32 Pursuant to C.R.S. §38-38-101 (4) (i), you are hereby notified that the covenants of the deed of trust have been violated as follows: Failure to pay principal and interest when due together with all other payments provided for in the Evidence of Debt secured by the Deed of Trust and/or other violations of the terms thereof.

THE LIEN FORECLOSED MAY NOT BE A FIRST LIEN. The property described herein is all of the property encumbered by the lien of the deed of trust.

Legal Description of Real Property: LOT 130, HIGHLANDS RANCH FILING NO. 122-A, COUNTY OF DOUGLAS, STATE OF COLORADO. Which has the address of: 9878 Aftonwood Street, Highlands Ranch, CO 80126 NOTICE OF SALE The current holder of the Evidence of Debt secured by the Deed of Trust described herein, has filed written election and demand for sale as provided by law and in said Deed of Trust.

THEREFORE, Notice Is Hereby Given that on the first possible sale date (unless the sale is continued*) at 10:00 a.m. Wednesday, January 10, 2018, at the Public Trustee’s office, 402 Wilcox Street, Castle Rock, Colorado, I will sell at public auction to the highest and best bidder for cash, the said real property and all interest of said Grantor(s), Grantor(s)’ heirs and assigns therein, for the purpose of paying the indebtedness provided in said Evidence of Debt secured by the Deed of Trust, plus attorneys’ fees, the expenses of sale and other items allowed by law, and will deliver to the purchaser a Certificate of Purchase, all as provided by law. If the sale date is continued to a later date, the deadline to file a notice of intent to cure by those parties entitled to cure may also be extended.

If you believe that your lender or servicer has failed to provide a single point of contact (38-38-103.1 CRS) or they are still pursuing foreclosure even though you have submitted a completed loss mitigation application or you have been offered and have accepted a loss mitigation option (38-38-103.2 CRS), you may file a complaint with the Colorado Attorney General (720-508-6006) or the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (855411-2372) or both. However, the filing of a complaint in and of itself will not stop the foreclosure process.

First Publication: 11/16/2017 Last Publication: 12/14/2017 Publisher: Douglas County News Press Dated: 9/22/2017 CHRISTINE DUFFY DOUGLAS COUNTY Public Trustee The name, address and telephone numbers of the attorney(s) representing the legal holder of the indebtedness is: SCOTT TOEBBEN Colorado Registration #: 19011 216 16TH STREET SUITE 1210, DENVER, COLORADO 80202 Phone #: (720) 259-6710 Fax #: Attorney File #: 15CO00875-4

Notices

mitted a completed loss mitigation application or you have been offered and have accepted a loss mitigation option (38-38-103.2 CRS), you may file a complaint with the Colorado Attorney General (720-508-6006) or the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (855411-2372) or both. However, the filing of a complaint in and of itself will not stop the foreclosure process.

First Publication: 11/16/2017 Last Publication: 12/14/2017 Publisher: Douglas County News Press Dated: 9/22/2017 CHRISTINE DUFFY DOUGLAS COUNTY Public Trustee

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

Public Trustees

SCOTT TOEBBEN Colorado Registration #: 19011 216 16TH STREET SUITE 1210, DENVER, COLORADO 80202 Phone #: (720) 259-6710 Fax #: Attorney File #: 15CO00875-4 *YOU MAY TRACK FORECLOSURE SALE DATES on the Public Trustee website : http://www.douglas.co.us/publictrustee/ Legal Notice No.: 2017-0217 First Publication: 11/16/2017 Last Publication: 12/14/2017 Publisher: Douglas County News Press PUBLIC NOTICE Littleton NOTICE OF SALE Public Trustee Sale No. 2017-0218 To Whom It May Concern: On 9/29/2017 5:15:00 PM the undersigned Public Trustee caused the Notice of Election and Demand relating to the Deed of Trust described below to be recorded in Douglas County.

cox Street, Castle Rock, Colorado, I will sell at public auction to the highest and best bidder for cash, the said real property and all interest of said Grantor(s), Grantor(s)’ heirs and assigns therein, for the purpose of paying the indebtedness provided in said Evidence of Debt secured by the Deed of Trust, plus attorneys’ fees, the expenses of sale and other items allowed by law, and will deliver to the purchaser a Certificate of Purchase, all as provided by law. If the sale date is continued to a later date, the deadline to file a notice of intent to cure by those parties entitled to cure may also be extended.

Public Trustees

First Publication: 11/23/2017 Last Publication: 12/21/2017 Publisher: Douglas County News Press Dated: 10/2/2017 CHRISTINE DUFFY DOUGLAS COUNTY Public Trustee The name, address and telephone numbers of the attorney(s) representing the legal holder of the indebtedness is: MONICA KADRMAS Colorado Registration #: 34904 1199 BANNOCK STREET, DENVER, COLORADO 80204 Phone #: (303) 350-3711 Fax #: Attorney File #: 00000006714570 *YOU MAY TRACK FORECLOSURE SALE DATES on the Public Trustee website : http://www.douglas.co.us/publictrustee/ Legal Notice No.: 2017-0218 First Publication: 11/23/2017 Last Publication: 12/21/2017 Publisher: Douglas County News Press

Pursuant to C.R.S. §38-38-101 (4) (i), you are hereby notified that the covenants of the deed of trust have been violated as follows: Failure to pay principal and interest when due together with all other payments provided for in the Evidence of Debt secured by the Deed of Trust and other violations of the terms thereof.

In the Interest of: TIMBERLY GONZALES, D.O.B.: 5/13/2002 and RICHARD GONZALES, D.O.B.: 4/20/2004 and DANIEL GONZALES, D.O.B.: 12/19/2005, Children, And concerning: TARA LYNN ORTIZ, Mother; Deceased JOSEPH A. GONZALES, D.O.B: 2/27/1973, Father; Respondents; And JOAN DELIA HALL, Maternal Grandmother, and RAMON C. ORTIZ, Maternal Grandfather, Special Respondents.

CASE NUMBER: 17JV240 • DIVISION 7

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

Legal Description of Real Property: ALL THAT CERTAIN PARCEL OF LAND SITUATED IN THE COUNTY OF DOUGLAS, STATE OF COLORADO, BEING KNOWN AND DESIGNATED AS LOT 223, HIGHLANDS RANCH FILING NO. 120-A, COUNTY OF DOUGLAS, STATE OF COLORADO. Which has the address of: 9696 Rockhampton Way, Littleton, CO 80130-7107 NOTICE OF SALE The current holder of the Evidence of Debt secured by the Deed of Trust described herein, has filed written election and demand for sale as provided by law and in said Deed of Trust.

THEREFORE, Notice Is Hereby Given that on the first possible sale date (unless the sale is continued*) at 10:00 a.m. Wednesday, January 17, 2018, at the Public Trustee’s office, 402 Wilcox Street, Castle Rock, Colorado, I will sell at public auction to the highest and best bidder for cash, the said real property and all interest of said Grantor(s), Grantor(s)’ heirs and assigns therein, for the purpose of paying the indebtedness provided in said Evidence of Debt secured by the Deed of Trust, plus attorneys’ fees, the expenses of sale and other items allowed by law, and will deliver to the purchaser a Certificate of Purchase, all as provided by law. If the sale date is continued to a later date, the deadline to file a notice of intent to cure by those parties entitled to cure may also be extended.

If you believe that your lender or servicer has failed to provide a single point of contact (38-38-103.1 CRS) or they are still pursuing foreclosure even though you have submitted a completed loss mitigation application or you have been offered and have accepted a loss mitigation option (38-38-103.2 CRS), you may file a complaint with the Colorado Attorney General (720-508-6006) or the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (855411-2372) or both. However, the filing of a complaint in and of itself will not stop the foreclosure process.

Highlands Ranch Herald 31

You are hereby notified that a petition has been filed which alleges that the above-named children are dependent or neglected as per the facts set forth in the Dependency and Neglect Petition, a copy of which is being served upon you. A Motion for Allocation of Parental Responsibilities regarding the children has also been filed.

An Adjudicatory Hearing and a Hearing on Allocation of Parental Responsibilities has been set for December 18, 2017 at 10:30 a.m., If you believe that your lender or servicer in Division 7, Douglas County District Court, To advertise your4000 public notices call 303-566-4100 has failed to provide a single point of conJustice Way, Castle Rock, Colorado, tact (38-38-103.1 CRS) or they are still pursu80109. ing foreclosure even though you have submitted a completed loss mitigation applicaYour presence before this court is required to tion or you have been offered and have acdefend against the claims in this petition. IF cepted a loss mitigation option (38-38-103.2 YOU FAIL TO APPEAR, THE COURT WILL CRS), you may file a complaint with the ColPROCEED IN YOUR ABSENCE, WITHOUT orado Attorney General (720-508-6006) or the FURTHER NOTICE, TO CONDUCT AN ADJUConsumer Financial Protection Bureau (855DICATORY HEARING AND MAY ENTER A 411-2372) or both. However, the filing of a JUDGMENT BY DEFAULT THEREBY ADJUcomplaint in and of itself will not stop the DICATING YOUR CHILDREN AS DEPENDforeclosure process.

ENT OR NEGLECTED CHILDREN.

Original Grantor: JULIE L NICHOL Original Beneficiary: MORTGAGE ELECTRONIC REGISTRATION SYSTEMS, INC., ACTING SOLELY AS NOMINEE FOR COUNTRYWIDE HOM E LOANS, INC. Current Holder of Evidence of Debt: WILMINGTON TRUST, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, AS SUCCESSOR TRUSTEE TO CITIBANK N.A., AS TRUSTEE FOR BEAR STEARNS ALT-A TRUST, MORTGAGE PASSTHROUGH CERTIFICATES, SERIES 2006-4 Date of Deed of Trust (DOT): 4/10/2006 Recording Date of DOT: 4/21/2006 Reception No. of DOT: 2006033491 DOT Recorded in Douglas County.

Original Principal Amount of Evidence of Debt: $223,250.00 Outstanding Principal Amount as of the date hereof: $222,588.44

THE LIEN FORECLOSED MAY NOT BE A FIRST LIEN.

2/27/1973, RESPONDENT FATHER,

Misc. Private Legals Public Notice DOUGLAS COUNTY DISTRICT COURT, STATE OF COLORADO 4000 Justice Way Castle Rock, CO Douglas County, CO 80109 THE PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF COLORADO

Attorney for Department: John Thirkell, #13865 R. LeeAnn Reigrut, #28833 Thomas Joaquin, #30941 4400 Castleton Ct. Castle Rock, CO 80109 (303) 663-7726 FAX 877-285-8988 jthirkel@douglas.co.us lreigrut@douglas.co.us tjoaquin@douglas.co.us

Misc. Private Legals

You have the right to request a trial by jury at the adjudicatory stage of this petition. You also have the right to legal representation at every stage of the proceedings by counsel of your own choosing, or if you are without sufficient financial means, appointment of counsel by the Court. Termination of your parent-child legal relationship to free your children for adoption is a possible remedy in this proceeding. If that remedy is pursued, you are entitled to a hearing before a Judge. You also have the right, if you are indigent, to have the Court appoint, at no expense to you, one expert witness of your own choosing at any hearing on the termination of your parent-child relationship. If you are a minor, you have the right to the appointment of a Guardian ad litem to represent your best interests.

You have the right to have this matter heard by a district court judge rather than by the magistrate. You may waive that right, and in doing so, you will be bound by the findings and recommendations of the magistrate, subject to review as provided by Section 19-1-108(5.5), C.R.S. 2017, and subsequently, to the right of appeal as provided by Colorado Appellate Rule 3.4.

This summons is being initiated by the Douglas County Department of Human Services through its counsel.

Dated: November 29, 2017 /s/ R. LeeAnn Reigrut R. LeeAnn Reigrut, #28833 Assistant Douglas County Attorney Legal Notice No.: 932179 First Publication: December 7, 2017 Last Publication: December 7, 2017 Publisher: Douglas County News-Press

City and County PUBLIC NOTICE NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that on December 12, 2017 beginning at 2:30 p.m. or as soon thereafter as possible, in the Commissioner’s Hearing Room, Philip S. Miller Building, 100 Third Street, Castle Rock, Colorado, the Board of County Commissioners of the County of Douglas will conduct a public hearing concerning the proposed adoption of a resolution amending the 2017 adopted budget. Any interested elector of Douglas County may file an objection to the proposed amendment to the budget at any time prior to it’s final adoption by the Board of County Commissioners. A copy of said resolution may be obtained for inspection at the offices of the County Commissioners at the above address in Castle Rock, Colorado, or viewed on-line at www.douglas.co.us.

Legal Notice No.: 932066 First Publication: December 7, 2017 Last Publication: December 7, 2017 Publisher: Douglas County News-Press Public Notice

DEPENDENCY SUMMONS

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING

This Summons is initiated pursuant to Rule 2.2 of the Colorado Rules of Juvenile Procedure, Rule 4 of the Colorado Rules of Civil Procedure, and Section 19-3-503, C.R.S. 2017.

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the proposed budgets for the County of Douglas and all its agencies, the Douglas County Law Enforcement Authority, the Douglas County Woodmoor Mountain General Improvement District, the Douglas County Local Improvement District No. 07-01-Lincoln Station, and the Douglas County Public Trustee have been submitted to the Board of County Commissioners of Douglas County for the ensuing year 2018. The Board of County Commissioners will hold a public hearing to consider the adoption of the proposed budgets on December 12, 2017 beginning at 2:30 p.m. or as soon thereafter as possible, in the Commissioner’s Hearing Room, Phillip S. Miller Building, 100 Third Street, Castle Rock, Colorado. Any interested elector of Douglas County may file an objection to the proposed adopted budget prior to its final adoption by the Board of County Commissioners. A copy of said resolution may be obtained for inspection at the offices of the County Commissioners at the above address in Castle Rock, Colorado, or viewed on-line at www.douglas.co.us.

TO: JOSEPH A. GONZALES, D.O.B.: 2/27/1973, RESPONDENT FATHER, You are hereby notified that a petition has been filed which alleges that the above-named children are dependent or neglected as per the facts set forth in the Dependency and Neglect Petition, a copy of which is being served upon you. A Motion for Allocation of Parental Responsibilities regarding the children has also been filed.

An Adjudicatory Hearing and a Hearing on Allocation of Parental Responsibilities has been set for December 18, 2017 at 10:30 a.m., in Division 7, Douglas County District Court, 4000 Justice Way, Castle Rock, Colorado, 80109.

Your presence before this court is required to defend against the claims in this petition. IF YOU FAIL TO APPEAR, THE COURT WILL PROCEED IN YOUR ABSENCE, WITHOUT FURTHER NOTICE, TO CONDUCT AN ADJUDICATORY HEARING AND MAY ENTER A JUDGMENT BY DEFAULT THEREBY ADJUDICATING YOUR CHILDREN AS DEPENDENT OR NEGLECTED CHILDREN.

Legal Notice No.: 932162 First Publication: December 7, 2017 Last Publication: December 7, 2017 Publisher: Douglas County News-Press

Please read the legal notices.

*YOU MAY TRACK FORECLOSURE SALE DATES on the Public Trustee website: http://www.douglas.co.us/publictrustee/ Legal Notice No.: 2017-0217

First Publication: 11/23/2017 Last Publication: 12/21/2017 Publisher: Douglas County News Press Dated: 10/2/2017 CHRISTINE DUFFY DOUGLAS COUNTY Public Trustee

You have the right to request a trial by jury at the adjudicatory stage of this petition. You also have the right to legal representation at every stage of the proceedings by counsel of your own choosing, or if you are without sufficient financial means, appointment of counsel by the Court. Termination of your parent-child legal re-

Highlands Ranch * 1

32 Highlands Ranch Herald

December 7, 2017D

SOFTBALL FROM PAGE 26

Coastal Carolina, was a catcher for Douglas County but played shortstop in club softball. New Huskies coach Dane Craig played her at shortstop the entire high school season.

“I caught all three seasons before my senior season,” said Montoya.

“I played some shortstop my junior year. Growing up I was always a catcher/shortstop. During my club season I didn’t catch at all and wound up getting recruited as a middle infielder. I like shortstop way better. I was ready to play shortstop coming into high school ball after summer ball.”

BENTON

RUNNERS

Montoya led the Continental League with a .662 batting average, which ranked fourth among all Class 5A hitters.

She was the league leader in runs scored with 32, stolen bases with 24 and on-base percentage at .685. She tied for first with 32 runs batted in and was second with a 1.140 slugging percentage.

“Things went pretty well,” said Montoya. “Going into the season with everything that went down, I was able to help lead the team and re-establish ourselves because we were kind of the underdog. I was just hoping to hit and field the ball as best as I could.”

She obviously hit well and also had a .924 field percentage with five errors in 66 total chances.

FROM PAGE 27

Mountain Vista’s Jenna Fitzsimmons is the Colorado Community Media Girls Cross Country Runner of the Year.

PHOTO BY TOM MUNDS

FROM PAGE 25

where a team should be ranked, fine.

They are still talking about them. And the point is to have people talk about high school sports.”

“The polls are one of the most consistently read things on our website,” said Casey. “It’s about generating interest around high school sports. Polls make certain games, not more important, but bigger. It’s just like when you have two of the top-five teams playing, everybody knows. It doesn’t have any impact on post-season seeding ...

“In reality the coaches are right,” admitted Casey. “They (the polls) don’t really matter but what they do create a certain reality, create a visibility of certain teams in a certain sport and make people talk about them. The key with that is talk. If somebody doesn’t agree

Champion in Denver I remember years ago when working for the Rocky Mountain News that I was sent to Florida to cover the Daytona 500.

At the time I wondered if the editors knew we lived in Denver, Colorado, and not Denver, North Carolina.

However, I discovered just how popular NASCAR racing is. Martin Truex Jr. and Furniture Row Racing have made the sport even more prevalent in Denver, Colorado this season.

Truex, driver of Furniture Row’s No. 78 Toyota, was in town Nov. 27 along with the NASCAR Monster Energy championship trophy.

He dominated the regular season for the only team operating west of the Mississippi but he still had to survive the season’s last race on Nov. 19 at Homestead Miami Speedway to win the season championship.

It was tense during the waning laps as Truex held off Kyle Busch, one of the four winner-take-all finalists, to secure the championship.

One of the coolest people during those closing laps was Golden resident Cole Pearn, who is Truex’s crew chief.

Pearn blocked out thoughts on a great season going to waste if Truex didn’t finish ahead of the other three finalists in NASCAR’s playoff format.

“We were really calm and tried to stay focused on what we needed to do and give Martin feedback of where Kyle was turning,” said Pearn. “I really didn’t feel

“I was happy with the season. It was an incredible experience,” he continued. “I just really wanted to improve my times this year, win state and hopefully qualify for nationals.”

Fitzsimmons, whose two older sisters Delaney and Mauren competed in cross country at Mountain Vista, was motivated by the team and led the Golden Eagles to the state team title.

“I was focused on the team and what I could do doing the race,” said Fitzsimmons. “I was just trying to get to the finish line. I thought people would be flying at the finish. Everything went pretty well.” too much emotion until there was about two laps to go. I started to think it was possible and then when he crossed the checkered flag, it was surreal.”

Etc. Two teams from the Highlands Ranch Community Association finished first and second in the second-fourth grade division of the 2017 CARA Volleyball State Tournament held Nov. 4 at the Tony Grampsas gym in Golden. The Crushing Waves, coached by Brenda Chavez, took first and the Purple Crush, coached by Kelly Katsnelson, finished second.

Jim Benton is a sports writer for Colorado Community Media. He has been covering sports in the Denver area since 1968. He can be reached at jbenton@ coloradocommunitymedia.com

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