Highlands Ranch Herald 1210

December 10, 2020

FREE

DOUGLAS COUNTY, COLORADO

A publication of

HighlandsRanchHerald.net

INSIDE: VOICES: PAGE 12 | LIFE: PAGE 14 | CALENDAR: PAGE 17 | SPORTS: PAGE 25

VOLUME 34 | ISSUE 3

DCSD reporting ‘significant’ COVID slide Grading scale altered as academics struggle amid pandemic

BY JESSICA GIBBS JGIBBS@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM

The Tillack family poses for a COVID-19-safe photo with Santa and Mrs. Claus Dec. 4.

PHOTOS BY ELLIOTT WENZLER

‘A picture you’ll never forget’ Families flock to drive-thru Santa event

BY ELLIOTT WENZLER EWENZLER@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM

While the pandemic has made the typical visits with Santa impossible, 200 carloads of residents still got to see Mr. Claus in a drivethru event in Highlands Ranch Dec. 4.

The annual Hometown Holiday event may have looked different but there was still plenty of cheer, candy and Christmas wishes to be

had at the celebration, held at the Eastridge Recreation Center.

Beginning at about 3:30 p.m., cars lined up in the recreation center parking lot. As they waited for their chance to see Mr. and Mrs. Claus, they wound through the lot, past multiple local vendor booths and a group of carolers.

When it was their turn, each car had the chance to drive up next to the Clauses and get their photo.

Some children and parents peeked out of sunroofs while others peered through the car window for the photos.

SEE SANTA, P16

Mrs. Claus leans in to pet Tabby, a 7-month-old dog adopted recently from Rezdawg Rescue by the Justice family.

HOLIDAYS ON ICE

Some rinks are open for family-friendly fun despite pandemic P14

Principals in the Douglas County School District are reporting “a significant slide in student grades” this semester, according to a letter to the community from interim Superintendent Corey Wise.

That and other concerns led the district to alter its first-semester Wise grading scale for district-run and alternative high schools, as well as high school “eLearning” students. eLearning is the completely virtual program made available to students who prefer that over hybrid learning.

“The key piece of this is as a district we try to be responsive to student needs,” Wise said while speaking to Colorado Community Media by phone. “We thought this would be the most beneficial way to support the impact COVID has had on students.”

Wise’s letter to the community noted grades are particularly SEE DCSD, P6

EAGLES FALL TO BRUINS

Cherry Creek shuts out Valor Christian in state championship game P25

2 Highlands Ranch Herald

December 10, 2020D

Meet Time’s first Kid of the Year Gitanjali Rao, 15-year-old inventor and scientist, vows to ‘continue making change’

BY JESSICA GIBBS JGIBBS@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM

For nearly a century, Time magazine has named a Person of the Year, annually recognizing the most influential individual or individuals from the previous 12 months.

Now for the first time in its history, the magazine has named a Kid of the Year, and selected a 15-yearold scientist and inventor from Douglas County for the prestigious honor.

Gitanjali Rao attends STEM School Highlands Ranch and lives in Lone Tree, where she’s already produced a bevy of groundbreaking inventions and initiatives aimed at improving the world around her.

As news of Gitanjali’s new distinguishment spread, the teen told Colorado Community Media she was simply grateful to have been a finalist.

“It’s like nothing I could have ever imagined,” she said. “It never really sinks in, but I’m so beyond honored and humbled.”

Gitanjali spoke to actor and activist Angelina Jolie in a special interview for Time, saying she hopes her work inspires youths everywhere to be innovators. She was 10 when

she asked her parents if she could research carbon nanotube sensor technology, Gitanjali told Jolie.

Time launched Kid of the Year in collaboration with Nickelodeon and intends the honor to be “a barometer for the rising leaders in America’s youngest generation.”

The magazine scoured social media and school districts across the nation, using a panel of judges to whittle 5,000 nominees down to five finalists. According to Time, “exceptional leadership” made Gitanjali stand out from the rest.

With an impressive resume under her belt, the recognition is far from Gitanjali’s first time in the spotlight.

She made headlines after winning the 2017 Young Scientist Challenge, inventing a tool to quickly and cheaply detect lead in drinking water. For that, she was inspired largely by the water crisis in Flint, Michigan.

Gitanjali wowed Jimmy Fallon on “The Tonight Show” in 2018 while showcasing her lead-detecting device and corresponding app, stunning him with her young age and scientific know-how.

She landed a spot on the 2019 Forbes “30 under 30” list for science.

In addition to lead-detecting devices, Gitanjali created an app called Epione, which helps battle the opioid epidemic by providing people with pain management. The app connects to a device that can show how dependent a person is on opioids.

A CONTACTLESS WAY TO PAY.

THAT’S POSSIBLE.

Bellco Credit Union makes it possible to add your Bellco credit or debit card to your digital wallet enabling quick and safe contactless payments. Our remote banking solutions help you manage your money on the go — from mobile check deposits to account alerts. Banking with Bellco is just that easy!

Learn more at Bellco.org.

INSURED BY NCUA

Membership eligibility required.

Gitanjali Rao, 15, is the first-ever Kid of the Year named by Time magazine.

She’s also taken aim at cyberbullying and staggering youth suicide rates in Colorado. Gitanjali created another app and web extension called Kindly, which uses artificial intelligence to flag language that

COURTESY PHOTO

might qualify as bullying and alert the author. Kindly users can choose to rewrite their message or proceed with sharing it.

SEE KID, P26

Highlands Ranch Herald 3

0December 10, 2020

Douglas County continues to push for indoor-dining plan Commissioners stopped short of going through with a plan to go against state health orders

BY ELLIOTT WENZLER EWENZLER@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM

After debating whether to break from the state’s official COVID-19 health order for Douglas County, commissioners decided to again ask permission from the state to reopen indoor dining in the county in a letter sent to the executive director of the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment.

Commissioners also notified CDPHE Director Jill Hunsaker Ryan that they would begin putting a program in place to allow indoor dining, pending permission from the state.

“Thank you for taking a moment to review this notification of our development of the infrastructure for a Douglas County local certification program,” according to the letter, which was sent Dec. 4.

Commissioners are requesting that the state allow the county to use a “Variance Protection Program” similar to what is currently being utilized in Mesa County.

The program allows businesses, including restaurants, to be open at a more lenient level based on the establishments’ commitment to measures that reduce the spread of COVID-19.

“Douglas County … has created the infrastructure to pre-certify eligible businesses who can be members of the local certification program,” according to the letter signed by the three commissioners.

CDPHE announced Nov. 27 it would accept feedback from the public on a possible program similar to Mesa County’s, for other parts of the state. In a framework released by the state, a possible timeline listed Dec. 18 as the day the state could al-

low other counties to begin implementation of the program.

In a series of recent meetings, Douglas County commissioners considered whether or not to follow through on an earlier letter they sent to Gov. Jared Polis stating they would continue with the variance program allowing indoor dining, even without explicit permission.

In that letter, sent Nov. 25, commissioners said if they did not hear back from the governor by Dec. 4, they would go ahead and move forward with a similar program. But after not hearing back, the commissioners decided not to go through with the plan.

“We tried to push his hand and he didn’t bite,” Commissioner Lora Thomas said.

In meetings last week, Commissioner Abe Laydon argued the state had given implicit permission by not responding to the commissioners’ letter.

“We’re not fighting them, we’re just accepting their waiver,” he said. “‘You (the state) haven’t said anything so we’re taking that as you’re OK with us moving forward.”

The commissioners decided against that choice after considering the fact that the Tri-County Health Department likely wouldn’t support a plan that goes against the state health department. They also considered that the latest round of financial aid, approved by the state Legislature Dec. 2, requires that for businesses to get relief funds, their county must be in compliance with state health orders. There is an exception for restaurants inside — or one mile from — the city limits of a municipality that is in compliance.

“That puts us in an adversarial relationship with Tri-County,” Thomas said about moving forward without permission. “The other path is that we are working with Tri-County on this 5-Star (variance) pilot program… So that our businesses do not need to worry about getting their licenses taken away.”

SEE PLAN, P10

Residents encouraged to recycle live Christmas trees STAFF REPORT

The Highlands Ranch Metro District is offering free Christmas tree recycling once again this holiday season, according to a news release from the district. Ornament-free and tinsel-free trees can be dropped off from Thursday, Dec. 24 through Sunday, Jan. 16 at one of the tree recycling sites: • Redstone Park — 3280 Redstone Park Circle • Toepfer Park — 9320 Venneford Ranch Road • Dad Clark Park — 3385 Astorbrook Circle

• Highland Heritage Regional Park — a Douglas County drop-off site which will be available Dec. 26 through Jan. 31; 9651 S Quebec St. All Christmas trees will be chipped into mulch and made available free to Highlands Ranch residents, according to the release.

The mulch will be available on a self-serve basis at each of the tree recycling locations. Mulch left over will be used on parkway landscape throughout the community, according to the release.

More information is available by visiting highlandsranch.org or calling the metro district at 303-791-2710.

Keep It Up, Douglas County!

Douglas County communities are experiencing a surge in COVID-19 cases.

Your COVID safety measures make a difference. Learn more at douglas.co.us/douglascovid19/keepit-up-douglas-county

COVID-19 Impact Grants available Applications are being accepted for the Nonprofit Grant Program until Dec. 18, and the Restaurant and Indoor Event Venue Grant and Small Business Grant Programs until Dec. 30. Grants are awarded on a first-come, first-served basis. To review eligibility details and deadlines for each program and apply visit douglas. co.us/cares-act

Community COVID-19 testing events through Dec. 30 COVID-19 swabbing and antibody testing with or without health insurance are available at locations throughout the County. To preregister and to learn more visit douglas.co.us/covid19-testing/events.

For information about other testing providers visit douglas.co.us/covid19-testing-locations

Need help with home 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 visit douglas.co.us and search for LEAP or email LEAPHELP@discovermygoodwill.org

What’s happening with your County government?

Our commitment to open and transparent government includes online posting of information about public meetings at which the business of government is conducted.

To view various public meeting agendas and to participate in-person or remotely visit douglas.co.us and search for Meetings and Agendas.

County Offices Christmas Holiday closures Douglas County offices will be closing at noon on Thursday, Dec. 24 and closed on Friday, Dec. 25 in observance of the Christmas Holiday.

Many services are available online at DoItOnlineDouglas.com

Visit douglas.co.us

4 Highlands Ranch Herald

December 10, 2020D

Finding ways to give back during an unusual holiday season One local nonprofit helps feed hungry students, teachers

BY ELLIOTT WENZLER EWENZLER@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM

Local businesses and residents are continuing to feel the economic strain caused by the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

That’s why Douglas County nonprofits are stepping up to help residents in need make ends meet, put food on the table and find firm footing in a constantly changing landscape.

One of those nonprofits, The Backpack Society, based in Highlands Ranch, is focusing on providing food to hungry students and families through partnerships with 11 local schools.

June Everett, founder of the organization, originally planned to grow her new nonprofit, which began serving ThunderRidge High School in January, one school at a time.

When the pandemic hit, that plan was upended.

“We just had to jump right in because the need was so great,” she said.

The 501(c)(3) organization provides weekend meals for any student in need and for students on free and reduced lunches, as well as for their families. The group also provides meals for staff and teachers in

need of support. Right now, it gives out 600 meals to 60 students and at least 10 families every weekend, Everett said.

While all the schools it serves are in Highlands Ranch, the organization plans to expand to schools in other parts of the county, like Castle Rock and Sedalia.

“The problem is that some of the needs are really high,” she said.

“We want to be able to make sure we can support the need that’s there.”

Many community members reaching out for help have lost jobs or paychecks during the pandemic, Everett said.

“It’s hard for people to step up and ask for help,” she said. “On the surface, no one would know there is this issue in our community. But it is clearly an issue.”

Students and families of the schools served can sign up for the service through the school. Those schools are: ThunderRidge High, Rock Canyon High, Highlands Ranch High, SkyView Academy, Ranch View Middle, Rocky Heights Middle, Cresthill Middle, Eldorado Elementary, Eagle Ridge Elementary, Fox Creek Elementary and Northridge Elementary.

“Families will tell us ‘you have no idea how much this box of food is making a difference … I don’t have to worry about food, at least for a little while,’” Everett said.

The organization is in need of

How to help

SEE GIVE BACK, P5

SBDC VIRTUAL SERVICES Free Business Consulting SBDC VIRTUAL CONSULTING Strategic planning is a must.

Sign up or request an appointment today!

www.Aurora-SouthMetroSBDC.com/consulting

experience the ultimate

RESORT ESCAPE

Step into the ultimate resort, only 45 minutes from Denver.

Savor all-new flavors at Monarch Chophouse, enjoy burgers, brews and more around the clock at Twenty Four 7. Spread out and feel the thrill of the action on our spaciously expanded gaming floor.

Then, retreat to your own luxury guest room to relax, rejuvenate, and prepare to do it all over again. We’re ready. Are you?

Free Training for Entrepreneurs AuroraSouth Metro SBDC

Helping existing and new businesses grow and prosper By appointment only working remotely SBDC Host:

“BUSINESS CONVERSATIONS” Register for a webinar today.

Scroll through the current offerings.

www.Aurora-SouthMetroSBDC.com/training

Resiliency Tips and Resources SBDC ASSISTANCE and FINANCIAL OPTIONS Get your questions answered as your business pivots and reopens.

CITY OF AURORA

Aurora Municipal Center

CITY OF ENGLEWOOD

MonarchBlackHawk.com Gambling problem? Call 1.800.GAMBLER

Englewood Civic Center

THRIVE WORKPLACE DTC | Centennial

Funded in part through a cooperative agreement with the U.S. Small Business Administration.

Aurora-SouthMetroSBDC.com

info@Aurora-SouthMetroSBDC.com

Highlands Ranch Herald 5

0December 10, 2020

Change made at undersheriff following internal investigation

BY ELLIOTT WENZLER EWENZLER@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM

Following an internal investigation, Douglas County Sheriff Tony Spurlock has demoted his longstanding undersheriff and changed multiple positions in the office’s upper management, known as the command staff.

Holly NicholsonKluth served in the undersheriff position from 2014, when Spurlock was first elected, Nicholsonuntil the week of Nov. Kluth 16 this year, when she was replaced by David Walcher, the former sheriff of Arapahoe County. She now serves as a captain, a position several ranks below her former rank. Spurlock said Walcher he made the move, along with a few other changes in the command staff, to improve efficiencies in his office.

“In this case right there, it was in my best interest for efficiencies to move them and put other people in their place so I did and I think it will

GIVE BACK FROM PAGE 4

monetary donations to buy food

be in the best interest of efficiencies in my office,” he said in an interview.

Spurlock declined to release the internal investigation into Nicholson-Kluth and one other employee, Capt. Tim Moore, that triggered the change, citing a statute that allows these requests to be denied if the incident in question doesn’t involve a member of the public.

The sheriff confirmed that the change in staffing structure was the result of an internal investigation into both employees. He did not provide further details about the nature of the investigation.

“I’m just going to say it was a number of things that caused me to make that decision,” he said. “It was in the best interest of the office to put a new person in as undersheriff.”

Nicholson-Kluth also declined to provide additional information about the investigation, but said the sheriff has the right to change his staff as he sees fit.

“I’ve worked here for 32 years and I’ve served in many positons in the sheriff ’s office,” she said. “No matter where I serve, I’m committed to serving the citizens and public safety in this community.”

Moore, who was also demoted, said the investigation was not in re-

gard to any sort of ethics violation but didn’t go into further detail.

“I did not commit any serious acts of misconduct, I did not do anything unethical, I did not do anything dishonest,” he said. “The fact that my position has changed has nothing to do with my character.”

Moore, who had served as a chief deputy for the past 6 1/2 years, now holds the position of captain of detentions.

“When you work in a command role you work at the pleasure of the sheriff,” he said. “If the sheriff decides he wants to go a different direction, my job is to support that and accept it.”

There was no formal announcement of the change in administration. Spurlock and his spokesperson, Lauren Childress, said that’s not unusual.

“I make movements all the time,” Spurlock said.

Walcher, formerly the chief deputy of professional standards, will now serve as undersheriff.

Walcher, who served as Arapahoe County’s sheriff from 2014 until the Republican lost a re-election bid in 2018, started with Douglas County Sheriff ’s Office in July of this year.

Spurlock said his decision wasn’t made because of Walcher’s recent hiring.

“I was just lucky,” Spurlock said.

“I picked Dave as a guy with tons of experience and I got lucky there when I made this decision that I had him already on my staff.”

Spurlock said he doesn’t see the office’s operations changing in any significant way as a result of the change. “(Walcher) has a different personality, but the day-to-day will remain the same,” he said.

Walcher said he has seen a few things within the office that could be improved.

“I think a new set of eyes is always a good thing,” Walcher said.

Other changes made in the restructuring include promoting Kevin Duffy from captain of investigations to chief deputy of law enforcement services and moving Daren Weekly from captain of detentions to captain of investigations.

There are now two chief deputy positions instead of three under the former model.

“As command members of the sheriff ’s office, we are all on the same team,” Moore said. “We were before this, we will be after this.”

from the Food Bank of the Rockies. Those looking to support the organization can also buy gift cards from grocery stores and contact the organization to deliver them or place food items in a donation bin at

Mountain View Christian Church, 40 E. Highlands Ranch Parkway, near the Town Center.

“Anything donated stays right here in the community,” she said.

Volunteer opportunities are cur-

rently limited due to the pandemic but could become available in the future.

More information is available by visiting backpacksociety.org or on Facebook at @BackpackSocetyCO.

C Mo #1 olora rtg Rev do ag ers ’s eB e rok er

Are You Facing Financial Hardship?

by Sam Stroup

“

W

hen my husband died several years ago, I became the sole supporter of my household.

I worked hard to make my house payments but found myself struggling, falling deeper into debt each month.

My son encouraged me to get a reverse mortgage but I was stubbornly determined to go it alone. My son set up an appointment with Silver Leaf Mortgage and we went over the particulars of setting up a reverse mortgage. I discovered I would benefit financially while still remaining in control of my home. I was relieved of my mortgage payments and could even withdraw cash for my urgent needs. I agreed to a reverse mortgage and am now living with much less stress! I am convinced that had I continued with my conventional loan I would have had to sell my house. Thankfully, I can still live independently, no longer fearing homelessness or burdening my family.” ~Karen A. As a retired homeowner age 62 and older, the reality of financial hardship may be keeping you from the life you hoped for.

Thankfully, a reverse mortgage may be the

perfect solution to address your financial situation. Whether it’s unexpected or increased expenses or day-to-day financial struggles of being on a fixed-income, a reverse mortgage is truly the lifeline you have been looking for. With a reverse mortgage, you own and keep your home, get the tax-free cash you need, eliminate your mortgage payment if you have one* and get the financial relief you need.

Pick up the phone and call Silver Leaf Mortgage today at 720-458-4034 and let us help ease your financial stress. The equity in your home is yours, it’s time to put it to work for you.

Silver Leaf Mortgage, Colorado’s #1 Reverse Mortgage Broker.

Sam Stroup, NMLS #1697823, Senior Loan Officer at Silver Leaf Mortgage in Centennial.

Contact me at: 720-458-4034, or you can email me at: SamS@SilverLeafMortgage.com

* The homeowner is still responsible for applicable property taxes and homeowner’s insurance,as well as maintaining the property.

720-458-4034

Located in The Streets at SouthGlenn 6972 South Vine Street | Suite 366 | Centennial, CO 80122

Mortgage Company Reverse Mortgage Company Mortgage Agent

Call within the next 30 days and choose one of these great offers: • A Free Appraisal • A Free Home Inspection • $1,000 Paid Towards Closing Costs Offer Code 1211 CCM

Sam Stroup

NMLS #1697823 Reverse Mortgage Specialist

720-458-4034

SamS@SilverLeafMortgage.com

Sam Stroup: Re ve Mortgage Expe rse rt!

Listen to: The Reverse Mortgage Show Hosted by Matt Witt Legends 810 and 94.3FM, 670 KLTT, 100.7FM KLZ and 560 KLZ or see us live on Colorado’s Best KWGN CW2 & Fox-31, or Colorado & Company KUSA 9News SLM NMLS #1394377 is an Equal Housing Lender. Credit and collateral are subject to approval. Terms and conditions apply. This is not a commitment to lend. Programs, rates, terms and conditions are subject to change without notice. Regulated by the Department of Real Estate.

6 Highlands Ranch Herald

December 10, 2020D

Mental health experts urge vigilance during holidays Pandemic collides with season to create ‘stressor on top of a stressor’

BY JESSICA GIBBS JGIBBS@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM

The holidays are usually a time filled with large celebrations, being near loved ones and focusing on what there is to be thankful for.

This year, mental health experts are urging the community to be extra vigilant in keeping up their mental health as the holiday season collides with the COVID-19 pandemic and creates a “stressor on top of a stressor.”

Di Thompson, the medical director for physician wellness at Centura Health, said 2020 holidays will be difficult for some community members as they steer far from tradition.

“Perhaps one of the ways that we can better cope with that is to acknowledge that,” she said. “This is not going to be the Hallmark Christmas that we plan for.”

Altering expectations can help, she said. Most important is finding connection “while we can’t physically always be with people.”

Zoom, call, text and stay in touch with loved ones however possible.

She also suggests people stick to healthy coping strategies — exercise, listening to music — and check in with themselves each

day to gauge how they are doing.

Never be afraid to seek additional support like counseling or therapy, she said.

Glenn Most is executive director of West Pines Behavioral Health and spokesman for the Let’s Talk Colorado campaign, which encourages people to start conversations about mental health.

A year fraught with a public health crisis, a tense political environment, and locally a devastating wildfire season is testing the community’s ability to adapt, Most said.

“In my memory, I’ve never experienced a year like the year we’ve been having,” he said. “It’s something that none of us, most of us, have never experienced.”

Those working in the field are seeing increased rates of depression and anxiety, Thompson and Most said. Most attributed much of that to the “deep, deep isolation” created by the pandemic.

“I think people saw the holiday season as a relief, as a break from what they were seeing as really marking the end of 2020,” Most said. “And what it has turned into is not necessarily the relief that people were expecting.”

During the holidays, Most suggested strategies like planning early and clearly communicating holiday plans to family. He also stressed avoiding blaming holiday plans or their disruption on family.

Making choices about how to

spend the holidays can be difficult, and there has been “increased judgment” toward one another during the pandemic, Most said.

“This isn’t the time to try to convince people about certain practices that they might be doing, that are right or wrong,” he said.

“This is not the time to argue about COVID.” He and his family chose not to gather with relatives outside their immediate family for Thanksgiving. Instead they opted for Zoom calls, and will likely do the same for Christmas, when they typically travel to California.

Just like he’s advised others to do, Most said, his family made a plan for Christmas early and communicated that to their loved ones.

Amber Berenz is program manager for Colorado Spirit Program — AllHealth Network’s initiative to provide free psychological support to people of all ages during the pandemic.

The program is grant funded through the Federal Emergency Management Agency and under the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment’s oversight. The grant is often used following natural disasters and has been deployed in Colorado after wildfires, Berenz said.

This time it’s in use to address a public health disaster, which calls for many of the same response

strategies, she said. Usually the grant would enable crisis response teams to go door-to-door to connect people with resources.

During the pandemic, the program is doing that virtually, Berenz said.

The holidays are typically a happy time for many, Berenz said, but they can also inflame trauma from loss or feelings of grief. For some community members, “the holidays are a difficult time any time of year.”

“For a lot of us, helping other people, supporting other people is a way we can manager our own stress,” she said.

In addition to strategies to help yourself cope — meditation, exercise, eating well, getting sleep — people can also care for the ones around them by checking in on them and asking how they are doing.

Thompson said starting those conversations can be uncomfortable but it’s one of the simplest and most effective ways to let someone know they are supported.

Most urged people to keep their guard up as they weather COVID fatigue amid promising news of vaccines becoming available. The community must continue working together “to get through this.”

“I’m very optimistic that this time next year,” he said, “we will be celebrating the holidays together.”

Douglas County commissioner honored STAFF REPORT

Colorado Counties Inc. has named Douglas County Commissioner Roger Partridge as the 2020 CCI Distinguished Service Award recipient, according to a news release from the county.

CCI is a nonprofit, membership association whose purpose is to offer assistance to county commissioners and to encourage Partridge counties to work together on common issues.

This honor is “given to a Colorado county commissioner universally

DCSD FROM PAGE 1

important to high school students applying for scholarships, college and other post-graduation plans and students are preparing for finals in a completely remote environment.

Asked how large the slide was, Wise said “I think when you say how big, that again goes back to the individual students and schools.”

“Systemically our grades are lower than they’ve been in the past,” he said.

The district began its school year with hybrid learning, where students attend a mix of in-person

recognized for unselfish service and who often sets the standard by which all Colorado county commissioners can measure their accomplishments and commitment,” according to the release.

Nominated and chosen by his peers, commissioner Partridge received the Distinguished Service Award as one who “regularly and unselfishly devotes time and energy to the ‘greater good’ whether that is in the Commissioner’s county, region or throughout the state,” according to CCI award criteria.

In determining the recipient of this award each year, the CCI Awards Committee evaluates length of service as a commis-

THE GRADING SCALES Previous: A: 90-100 B: 80-89 C: 70-79 D: 60-69 F: Below 60

New: A: 88-100 B: 76-87 C: 64-75 D: 52-63 F: Below 52

and virtual classes. Elementary students returned to full in-person learning on Oct. 19. All grades switched back to remote learning on Nov. 30 as COVID-19 cases surged across the state.

All the transitions came after the district had delayed the start of the school year for both hybrid and virtual students.

Once school was underway, mass

sioner and the individual Commissioner’s contributions to CCI over time.

“It is an honor to be recognized by such a phenomenal group of peers who are always supportive of one another and working tirelessly to build bridges,” commissioner Partridge said in the news release.

“This honor is really shared by all of the CCI representatives who are doing so much for their counties, especially during this year of such great challenges.”

Partridge, who was first elected in 2012, is term-limited and will step down from his position in January.

“Commissioner Partridge’s commitment to CCI over the last eight

years will be greatly missed. His willingness to go the extra mile and bring a united voice to all of the committees he served on and the CCI Board was truly impactful,” said John Swartout, executive director of CCI, in the release.

Governed by a board of directors consisting of eight commissioners from across the state, CCI’s focus is on information, education and legislative representation. CCI strives to keep members up-to-date on issues that directly impact county operations. At the same time, working to present a united voice to the Colorado General Assembly and other government and regulatory bodies to help shape the future.

quarantines posed more setbacks to consistent learning.

The disruption to schedules is but one issue likely contributing to the dip in grades, Wise said. The district is examining a number of issues facing its hybrid, eLearning and alternative systems.

The pandemic changed how teachers teach and how students learn, Wise said. Educators have to consider a child’s home environment.

They must decide what the right number of assignments is during the pandemic.

Some families may be able to access extra support through tutors, but others can’t. Many community members are dealing with isolation.

He urged the community to think

about everything they are going through, then “magnify it with teenagers.”

“These are 14- through 18-year-olds trying to balance everything, sometimes on their own, sometimes with support,” he said.

Wise said students, teachers and parents are all working harder than ever during the crisis and the COVID slide is not for a lack of trying.

The choice to change high school students’ grading scale boiled down to balancing the needs of students, he said.

“Grades shouldn’t be the motivation. Grades reflect the learning, and we’re not sure that grades are accurately reflecting the learning (this semester),” he said.

Highlands Ranch Herald 7

0December 10, 2020

‘There’s no blueprint for this’ Owners of a pair of Lone Tree businesses team up

BY NICK PUCKETT NPUCKETT@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM

Lone Tree restaurateurs are again searching for solutions after the state’s decision to move Douglas County to level red on its COVID-19 dial banned indoor dining in late November.

A pair of Lone Tree small business owners have partnered to weather the pandemic together.

Derrick Cooper and Fabian Valdez merged their Lone Tree enterprises this summer. Cooper, founder of OpenFridge Gourmet, a meal delivery service, and Valdez, founder of Outpost Eatery, have more than 40 years of culinary experience between them. The two are now coowners of each other’s businesses and are returning to their roots.

“Right now, you’ve got to resort back to when you first started a business. One of the keys to making your business work is `just don’t stop,’” Cooper said. “Find any way to keep going, any reason to keep going. We’ve both seen a lot of ways it can work and a lot of ways it cannot work. We just try to stay positive and put our collective heads together.”

Cooper, of Lone Tree, started OpenFridge Gourmet in January 2019. The service delivers a certain number of gourmet meals and snacks each week for a set price.

Cooper, or “Coop da Ville” as he’s sometimes known, said the pandemic offers an important lesson in maximizing their space.

Valdez opened his restaurant, Outpost Eatery, also in January 2019 at 7431 Park Meadows Drive. An energetic chef and mixologist eager to mingle with his customers, Valdez said he misses having customers in his restaurant.

Fabian Valdez, left, and Derrick Cooper are Lone Tree restaurateurs who’ve teamed up to weather the pandemic. Both have innovative spirits and a passion for high-quality cuisine and are determined to continue to find new ways to keep their doors open.

PHOTO BY NICK PUCKETT

“Eventually, as soon as this is all back to normal because that’s who I am — a front-of-the-house person,” Valdez said. “I love the interaction with guests, I love the mixology and seeing their eyes light up when they’re trying the food and the drinks. That’s what I grew up knowing and doing, but now we have to adjust.”

Valdez is an award-winning bartender and former Army medic with a track record of successful restaurant endeavors. Valdez opened Range Restaurant in downtown Denver in 2013. He leased a space in the old Southern Comfort building in Lone Tree for his 50-seat gastropub, emphasizing “craft” food and drinks.

Valdez hired Cooper as a consulting chef before the pandemic to teach Valdez’s other staff how to run the back of the house. When the pandemic struck, Valdez’s chef moved away, and Cooper and Valdez joined forces.

“After the first shutdown, I was kind of scared about even owning a restaurant to begin with anyway, so I was like `we need to do things that are more pandemic-friendly,’ ” Valdez said.

Cooper and Valdez purchased an Outpost Eatery food trailer this summer. And they’re not stopping just at breweries and parks. The duo organized times to visit local apartment complexes and neighborhoods by partnering with homeowners associations. Their menus allow customers to scan, order and pay for their food on their phone.

A notification will tell them when their food is ready, and they can come and get it.

“You can shut down a restaurant, but you can’t shut down a trailer,” Valdez said. “We’re trying to be as COVID-proof as possible.”

Valdez said since he has started his Outpost Eatery trailer, he’s noticed other restaurants following suit.

“We want to be ahead of the curve,” Cooper said. “We want to be the ones setting the trends of what the restaurant industry is going to turn into.”

Cooper believes the pandemic will cause many permanent changes to the industry, one that OpenFridge is well-suited for. Cooper says he is cautious not to let quality go by the wayside.

Cooper believes sacrificing quality for quantity would hinder his business in the long run. His goal is to continue innovating to deliver a “perfect product every time.”

But they’re still trying to figure things out, mostly through trial and error, Valdez said. They’re still working on perfecting their delivery system, exactly how much to charge for delivery and where and when to run the food trailer.

“There’s no blueprint for this,” Valdez said. “We’re creating in right now.”

To Cooper and Valdez, there is no other option.

“I don’t think either one of us are the type who really want to work for anybody else ever again,” Cooper said. “That being the case, we’ve got to do everything we can to make us work. We don’t have a choice but to keep going.”

Level-red orders prohibit indoor dining at restaurants, limiting businesses to outdoor, take-out, delivery and drive-thru services.

In an effort to improve outdoor dining capacity, the City of Lone Tree distributed 40 portable dining “igloos” to every restaurant that requested one, according to Economic Development Director Jeff Holwell.

The city also launched a new campaign to promote patronage of small businesses.

“What we all have to do is just keep fighting and just keep moving forward,” Valdez said. “Because if you can do that — I hate to say it— but there will be less competition.”

Gift mart a chance to shop from local crafters Artisans offer handmade wares through Christmas

BY DAVID GILBERT DGILBERT@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM

For those getting tired of doing their shopping on Amazon, the Christmas in the Rockies Gift Mart at the Aspen Grove shopping center sin south Littleton is a chance to get up close with handmade products and those who make them.

“There’s a lot of cool stuff here, and I’m trying to do what I can to support small business,” said Annie Shay, who picked up a book for her niece by local author Justin Matott — who was on hand to autograph it.

Booths at the gift mart offer local food, jewelry, art and even handmade face masks.

For some sellers, the gift mart is a chance to make up for a challenging year.

“Normally we would have spent a lot of our year at craft shows, but

Aspen Grove’s Gift Mart hosts an array of local artisans.

Children’s book author Justin Matott signs a book for Annie Shay.

that just didn’t happen in 2020,” said Shannon Campbell, co-owner of

PHOTOS BY DAVID GILBERT

Styria Bakery, who runs a booth offering traditional European breads

and pastries. “We’re really glad to be here. Bread is the ultimate comfort food, and I think people can use that this year.”

The gift mart is located at the far south end of Aspen Grove on Santa Fe Drive and Mineral Avenue, and runs on weekends through Dec. 27.

8 Highlands Ranch Herald

December 10, 2020D

Lawmakers churn out 10 COVID relief bills About $280 million dedicated to various assistance measures in special session

BY MICHAEL KARLIK THE DENVER GAZETTE

The Colorado General Assembly approved a COVID-19 relief package of 10 bills on Dec. 2, ending a three-day special session that Gov. Jared Polis called to fill the gaps left by Congress’ inaction.

The assistance measures, which ranged from providing support to child care operators and food pantries to capping fees charged for food delivery, amounted to approximately $280 million in funding.

“Coronavirus is real. It is deadly,” said Rep. Leslie Herod, D-Denver, on the final day of debate. “We know that the state of Colorado can do better — can and must do better — to keep people alive. But we also have to do our part to support these small businesses and pull together money from various places to provide as much support as we can.”

The state Capitol in Denver.

Polis’ call for a special session outlined seven areas for the Legislature to take action: small business, child care, housing aid, broadband, food insecurity, utilities assistance and public health response.

Among other items, the governor specifically asked lawmakers to appropriate money for the disaster emergency fund, allow restaurants and bars to retain up to $2,000 per month in sales tax revenue, and enhance internet access for educators and schoolchildren — all of which the

FILE PHOTO

General Assembly did.

The measures headed to the governor’s desk are:  House Bill 1001 will provide $20 million to create a broadband grant program for school districts to expand internet access.

Money must be distributed

by Feb. 1.  House Bill 1002 authorizes $45 million in grants to operators of child care centers through two separate programs. The first covers expenses for existing operators and the second will assist businesses that are expanding or just starting

up. The state must award grants by Feb. 28.  House Bill 1003 provides $5 million to food pantries, with the state needing to send out the money by March 31.  House Bill 1004 allows restaurants, bars and vintners to deduct $70,000 of net sales from their taxes, resulting in a retention of approximately $2,000 per month in sales tax revenue for each retailer, up to a limit of five sites. The bill allows retention for November through February.  House Bill 1005 gives authority to counties and municipalities to cap fees that third-party food delivery companies charge to restaurants during the COVID-19 pandemic. The legislation also prevents those companies from cutting the compensation or tips of employees to make up for lost revenue and requires them to disclose to customers any fees or commissions imposed on the restaurants.  House Bill 1006 adjusts several requirements of insurance premium tax payments, intended to make estimates of taxes owed more accurate.  Senate Bill 1 provides $37 million in relief to small

businesses with revenue of less than $2.5 million; $7.5 million to arts and cultural organizations; and $4 million to minority-owned businesses. Grants for small businesses are capped at $7,000, and counties must disburse payments by Feb. 12.  Senate Bill 2 grants $54 million in emergency housing assistance, $1 million in legal eviction aid and $5 million to individuals who are ineligible for other forms of relief, such as unemployment insurance, food assistance or the one-time $1,200 payment from the federal government.  Senate Bill 3 gives $5 million to Energy Outreach Colorado, a nonprofit that provides assistance to low-income households in paying energy bills. It must spend the money by June 30.  Senate Bill 4 transfers $100 million to the Controlled Maintenance Trust Fund for the governor to use for the Disaster Emergency Fund. The bill is intended to fill the gap left by the slow reimbursement of the Federal Emergency Management Agency for costs the state has incurred.

For more stories like this, subscribe at denvergazette. com

✓EXPERIENCE YOU CAN TRUST! Walk-In Tubs

WALK-IN BATHTUB SALE! SAVE $1,500

Only American Standard has OVER 140 years of experience and offers the Liberation Walk-In Bathtub.

✓SUPERIOR DESIGN! Ultra low easy entry and exit design, wide door, built-in safety bar and textured floor provides a safer bathing experience.

✓PATENTED QUICK-DRAIN® TECHNOLOGY ✓LIFETIME WARRANTY!

The ONLY Lifetime Warranty on the bath AND installation, INCLUDING labor backed by American Standard.

✓44 HYDROTHERAPY JETS! More than any other tub we’ve seen.

FREE!

Savings Include an American Standard Right Height Toilet FREE! ($500 Value)

FREE!

An In-Home Evaluation Will Be Scheduled At Your Earliest Convenience

Limited Time Offer! Call Today!

1-855-449-8779 Or visit: www.walkintubinfo.com/CO

Lifetime Warranty! Finance Options Available* Discount applied at time of purchase. Terms and Conditions Apply. * Subject to 3rd party credit approval. Minimum monthly payments required. Receive a free American Standard Cadet Toilet with full installation of a Liberation Walk-In Bath, Liberation Shower, or Deluxe Shower. Offer valid only while supplies last. Limit one per household. Must be first time purchaser. All offers subject to change prior to purchase. See www.AmericanStandardBathtubs.com for other restrictions and for licensing, warranty, and company information. * CSLB B982796; Suffolk NY:5543IH; NYC:HIC#2022748-DCA. Safety Tubs Co. LLC does not sell in Nassau NY, Westchester NY, Putnam NY, Rockland NY.

Highlands Ranch Herald 9

0December 10, 2020

From Slopeside

To Fireside

SAVE UPTO

40% ON TOP WINTER GEAR

VISIT EPICMOUNTAINGEAR.COM FOR STORE HOURS AND MORE INFORMATION AURORA | WESTMINSTER | BOULDER | COLORADO SPRINGS | FRISCO | LITTLETON | PARK MEADOWS

10 Highlands Ranch Herald

December 10, 2020D

State to consider giving businesses more capacity Colorado could take after Mesa County ‘5-star’ system, loosening COVID-19 restrictions

BY ELLIS ARNOLD EARNOLD@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM

The state public-health department is considering new rules that would allow businesses to operate at higher capacity than current coronavirus-related restrictions normally permit — as long as the businesses stick to strict protocols designed to prevent the virus’s spread in their buildings.

Colorado is taking public input on what it calls the “business best practice certification” program, modeled after a system Mesa County has “pioneered and has successfully run since the summer,” the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment wrote in a Nov. 27 news release.

Members of the public can review the draft of the program at tinyurl. com/CDPHEdraftframework and were able to submit comments at tinyurl.com/CDPHEframeworkcomment until Dec. 4.

Mesa County’s “5-star rating program” was designed to allow Mesa’s economy to achieve a wider reopening. Businesses qualify for the program based on their mask use, social distancing marking, facility capacity, written schedule for cleaning and active monitoring of symptoms, according to a Mesa County Public Health fact sheet.

The county’s program website listed more than 200 businesses and entities as “current partners,” including roughly 100 restaurants, breweries and wineries.

If the state adopts a similar

PLAN FROM PAGE 3

Laydon agreed that he also didn’t want to put financial aid at risk but said he felt it was important for the county to be consistent with their

Diners sit outside Smokin Fins in downtown Littleton on Nov. 20, hours before new orders took effect ending indoor dining in the face of surging PHOTO BY DAVID GILBERT COVID-19 numbers.

program, businesses that meet the requirements would generally be able to operate based on a level of the state’s COVID-19 dial that is one notch less severe than the current level the business would otherwise have to follow. For example, a business in a “level orange” county could operate at “level yellow” capacity restrictions.

The state’s COVID-19 dial, which has been in effect since September, is the set of different levels of restrictions that counties must follow based on the severity of each county’s local virus spread. The dial grew out of the state’s safer-at-home order — the policy that came after the statewide stay-at-home order this spring and allowed numerous types of businesses to reopen.

The recently announced level red — one step below a stay-at-home order — prohibits indoor dining and personal gatherings, along with tightening capacity restrictions at some business. The new level took effect on Nov. 20 and now includes Denver metro counties and other regions of the state.

The biggest change that would come with the state adopting a program similar to Mesa County’s is that businesses in level red could be allowed to operate at level orange

earlier letter that said they would move forward.

Commissioner Roger Partridge added that the letter felt in line with their efforts “to keep the pressure on the state to get that program finalized sooner than later.” he said.

The county planned to continue

restrictions — a shift that, most notably, could allow restaurants to reopen indoor dining.

It’s unclear whether the state will allow businesses in level red counties to operate at level orange, though.

That is still to be determined depending on the “results of Mesa pilot,” according to the state public-health department’s draft framework.

“Mesa County has a variance (an exemption) to operate its 5 Star program for 12 days while in red. This pilot will provide needed data on if a 5 Star program is compatible with suppression goals of the red level,” the draft framework says.

If a county crosses into level purple — the highest level on the dial, which would be a local stay-athome order similar to the statewide stay-at-home seen in the spring — its businesses would not be eligible to operate at a lower level of restrictions, according to the draft framework.

More details of the plan and whether it would apply in level red counties were not available by Dec. 4.

sion meeting. “That is not right.”

Weld County officials have said they won’t enforce the state’s level red restrictions, multiple Colorado news outlets have reported.

How a business would qualify

The announcement from the state came amid pushback from some counties and businesses against the new level red restrictions.

In a letter to Gov. Jared Polis sent Nov. 25, Douglas County’s elected leaders requested that the county be allowed to start a program that would keep qualifying restaurants open for indoor dining.

The commissioners referred to Mesa County’s program, which allows qualifying restaurants to be open with limited capacity, according to The Daily Sentinel in Grand Junction.

“It is not fair that a restaurant in Mesa County … is allowed to operate while businesses here can’t,” Douglas County Commissioner Lora Thomas said in a Nov. 24 work-ses-

According to the draft framework, businesses would qualify if they meet the following criteria: • The business has a written plan about how it is implementing or exceeding state prevention guidelines, implementing or exceeding local prevention, and has a clear compliance and enforcement plan.

• 100% mask-wearing among staff and customers with “strong compliance and enforcement protocols.”

• All employees do daily symptom checks or screening either with CDPHE symptom tracker tool or other approved protocol.

• Perform regular outreach to employees and customers to activate the state’s exposure notifications smartphone application that shares anonymous information with other users to alert them if they’ve been potentially exposed to someone who tests positive for COVID-19 and uploads their result to the system.

• Businesses must record the name and contact number of customers to be used for contact-tracing should a COVID-19 case be connected to that business.

• Business must comply with industry-specific requirements including that restaurants have table spacing of at least 10 feet and require reservations, gyms require reservations, and personal services require reservations. Further industry specific requirements will continue to be developed.

• Any business that has been cited for noncompliance with a public health order is ineligible to be certified.

Reporter Elliott Wenzler contributed to this story.

meetings about the infrastructure of the plan the following week.

Tri-County has confirmed it is working with the county on a plan to prepare for this program so that when given permission by the state, Douglas County can move forward as quickly as possible.

“TCHD is actively engaged with

Douglas County Government, municipalities and other key stakeholders to develop a plan,” said Jennifer Ludwig, Tri-County’s deputy director, through a spokesperson. “We are in the early stages of development and establishing roles, responsibilities and expectations for each entity involved.”

Counties push back on level red

We rise together to serve our most vulnerable.

These are unusual times. In the midst of change, Catholic Charities knows that no matter the circumstance, our community will always need care and support, love and kindness, dependability and grit. We know there are challenges ahead and we stand ready to help our communities rise.

There is no better time than now to make a difference for our communities through your support.

Join us in our rising, help us help each other.

Visit CCharitiesCC.Org to find out how you can change lives.

GIVE HOPE. RISE.

Help us help each other.

Highlands Ranch Herald 11

0December 10, 2020

CATALYST CONVENER CHAMPION CHAMBER ADVOCATES FOR RESTAURANTS WITH LETTER TO GOVERNOR Recently, Castle Rock Chamber & the Douglas County

COLLABORATION IS KEY TO SUPPORTING OUR BUSINESS COMMUNITY

While both the Chamber and DCBA acknowledge the devastating effects of the COVID -19 Pandemic on our state and recognize that difficult public health restrictions need to be considered and adopted, the Chamber and DCBA feel the current Red Level restrictions are disproportionately impacting our small and locally owned main street businesses to the peril of their owners, their customers and the communities they serve.

Collaboration is key to our success, there is strength in numbers! The Town, Economic Development Council, Castle Rock Chamber of Commerce and the Downtown Alliance make up the Castle Rock Economic Partnership (CREP). This partnerships was developed to achieve the community's vision through teamwork, performance accountability and commitment to goals and priorities. Working together we can cut through potential road blocks. Collaborating our efforts we can better support our businesses and provide necessary tools to not only survive, but to thrive.

Business Alliance (DCBA) sent letters to Governor Polis in support of reopening our local restaurants, asking for the Governor to strongly reconsider restrictions.

We are seeing this first hand in all of our communities and it is our opinion that the Governor should trust the weight of these difficult decisions to each citizen given the millions of unique circumstances that exist.

The Chamber's partnership with Douglas County, DCBA, Tri-County Health, Town of Castle Rock, Parker & Lone Tree are also looking very closely at Mesa County’s “5star” exemption program. Stay tuned for progress and view updates at CRCStrong.com.

STARLIGHTING ORNAMENTS ARE A SPECIAL & UNIQUE GIFT! ORDER ONLINE/PORCH PICK UP AT THE CHAMBER. $15/EACH

Get Connected to Leaders & Influencers in our community, Join the Chamber!

Email Pam@castlerock.org/call 303-688-4597 or visit CastleRock.org/Join for more information.

Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, Castle Rock Chamber of Commerce has made it our top priority to be an advocate for local businesses. Recognized as a trusted pillar in the community, the Chamber works side by side with leaders and influencers in our community to proactively advocate for our businesses. Castle Rock is a businessfriendly community, and we intend to do everything in our power to keep it that way.

We pride ourselves in doing business better here!

As a member of the Castle Rock Chamber, you are a connected, invaluable part of the business community. Members receive development updates and access to accurate, most up-to-date local, county, and state information. Whether it be providing loan assistance guidance, reminding residents to shop local or communicating news from the health department, the Chamber excels in this type of environment. We know our business community is counting on us and we are gladly up for the challenge. Recently we created www.CRCStrong.com to promote ALL local businesses and to provide one central location for COVID-19 resources and information, including state/local guidelines and best practices. Chamber membership is a great investment in the future of Castle Rock, Douglas County and your business. Not already a member, join today!

Since 1955, Castle Rock Chamber has been the voice of business and we will continue to be that constant, calming voice of comfort, letting our business community know they are not alone. As we look ahead we realize we have much yet to achieve in our efforts to advocate for our community. Rest assured we will remain steadfast in our support of workforce development, advocate for small businesses, responsibly supporting and protecting our growing community, and continue serving as a business resource you can trust. Visit CastleRock.org/Join to learn more and become a part of the Castle Rock Chamber Business Community.

12 Highlands Ranch Herald

F

LOCAL

December 10, 2020D

VOICES

From one’s perspective, two’s a crowd

ew remember Love, a 1960s Los Angeles rock band. They had a number of minor hits, including “My Little Red Book,” “7 and 7 Is,” QUIET and “Alone Again Or.” DESPERATION “Alone Again Or” was released in January 1968.

It initially peaked nationally at 123, but went as high as No. 7 where I was: in Los Angeles.

It’s worth a listen as a background to Craig Marshall this column.

Smith Hearing it now, I’m back in college — and, as now, living alone.

According to data collected by the U. S. Census Bureau in 2018, “There are an estimated 35.7 million singleperson households in the United States.”

That’s one-third of us.

Growing up in suburban neighborhoods, I don’t recall many singleperson households.

few suggestions.

Ivy Kwong said, “Plan ahead.

Don’t wait until the holiday is upon you to make a plan. Come up with something you’ll do on the day of the holiday: bake cookies, order take-out, work on a jigsaw puzzle, binge a podcast, watch your favorite movie.”

Kwong is a Seattle-based marriage and family therapist who specializes in healing codependency and intergenerational trauma.

I think doing any of those things as a plan would accentuate a perception of isolation. I might be wrong.

In the same article, Ayanna Abrams, a licensed clinical psychologist who specializes in creating healthy relationships, encourages singles to “Accept whatever feelings bubble up.”

I guess that means you should stay off the roof and go easy on the Smirnoff.

Living alone means I do everything around here. The laundry, yardwork, all the shopping, vacuuming. I reset the pins and thaw the goose.

And I wouldn’t have it any other way.

It’s likely the majority in my area now live in townhomes and condominiums.

I’m a single-person home owner and I live right next to one, but I don’t think there’s another on the block.

Why do so many of us live alone?

Lots of reasons.

I prefer it. There are no compromises or conflicts. None.

There were conflicts in our home when I was a teenager. Plenty.

The atmosphere was invariably tense.

Why did my mother and father remain together? That’s what couples did back then. They stayed together through thick and thin and more thin.

I had a front row seat to “All in the Acrimony.”

While I prefer to live alone, many don’t, but do because of the loss of a loved one, or because their children have grown up and departed.

For those and others for whom the holidays might be particularly difficult to face alone this year, a recent article in The New York Times had a

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR Commissioners back small businesses

I’m proud to see the Douglas County commissioners standing up for small businesses while protecting the safety of our community, knowing that both lives and livelihoods are at stake. They’ve recently demonstrated this by working to allow local restaurants to remain open, and fast-tracking relief funds for restaurants and indoor venue owners struggling financially to survive.

The commissioners recently asked the state government to allow local restaurants to remain open for in-person dining if they meet certain safety requirements, similar to Mesa County’s 5-Star Variance Protection Program that Governor Polis is supporting.

If restaurants in Mesa County — which has more COVID cases and less population than Douglas County — can stay open, then we should have a similar program to aid our struggling restaurants, many of which are already meeting the eight requirements in this plan.

Our commissioners are also fasttracking $15 million in CARES funds for local restaurants and other venues. Instead of waiting for the state to send funds, struggling businesses can get help quickly and directly from Douglas

A publication of

Call first: 9233 Park Meadows Dr., Lone Tree, CO 80124 Mailing Address: 750 W. Hampden Ave., Suite 225 Englewood, CO 80110 Phone: 303-566-4100 Web: HighlandsRanchHerald.net To subscribe call 303-566-4100

County (which then gets reimbursed by the state). This expedited access to funds increases local businesses’ likelihood of staying afloat.

Local restaurants, along with small businesses in general, are disproportionately burdened by these shutdowns. Sadly, over half of Colorado restaurants aren’t expected to survive these restrictions — damaging economic and social livelihoods, local jobs, and entrepreneurs’ dreams. Working to preserve both lives and livelihoods, like the commissioners are doing, is crucial.

Thank you, Douglas County commissioners for taking this holistic approach.

Dan Shipp Lone Tree Commissioners need discipline

My treasure file which will be passed on to my two greatgranddaughters in the not too distant future includes my first grade report card dated May 17, 1940. The first four grades were listed under “health” habits and the second four under “social” habits. Academic grades started at number fifteen. Irish Corner grade school was a one-room SEE LETTERS, P13

Guess who said the following?

“I live in that solitude which is painful in youth, but delicious in the years of maturity.”

As it is now, I have the mobility and the health to live alone. The day may come when I have neither. Then what?

Kwong, I’m planning ahead.

There’s one more level to living alone and that’s living alone without love. That’s something I won’t kid about.

In my case, I have a sufficient number of friends who care about me.

And I have Harry. To paraphrase Friedrich Nietzsche, life without Harry would be a mistake. I’d get me one if I were you.

My mailbox is always open, if someone could use a holiday pen pal.

The “delicious solitude” quote is Albert Einstein’s.

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

Realize you are amazing and watch what happens next

H

ere we are, four weeks out from ringing in another New Year. Many of us can’t wait to put 2020 in the rearview mirror. These last WINNING 11 months are difficult to describe in WORDS one word, it’s even hard to describe them in just a few words without finding something negative, sad, or troubling to say, so yes, the rearview mirror analogy could be an excelMichael Norton lent way to try and put it all behind us. However, it’s only a good strategy if we make sure that we can shift our focus on what is in front of us, not only on what’s behind us.

“See, when you drive home today, you’ve got a big windshield on the front of your car. And you’ve got a little bitty rearview mirror. And the reason the windshield is so large and the rearview mirror is so small is because what’s happened in your past is not near as important as

what’s in your future.” - Joel Osteen Success is a funny thing as we can see others succeeding where we feel like we have not. Whatever they touch turns to gold. They simply have a knack for being successful at whatever they endeavor to do. Even in a difficult COVID year, they were still able to meet with success. What’s the difference?

The difference is in the way we see ourselves.

It can become very easy to only see or recognize the mistakes we have made or the unfortunate events that have happened around us. And the weight of carrying those makes it impossible to see ourselves succeeding at anything.

The rearview mirror becomes our lens of failure even though that big windshield of opportunity is right there in front of us. And as Zig Ziglar said, “Failure is an event and not a person. Yesterday really did end last night.” Here’s the thing, I do not know you, but I do know that you are amazing and not a failure.

I know this because someone who

JERRY HEALEY President

ERIN ADDENBROOKE Marketing Consultant

jhealey@coloradocommunitymedia.com

eaddenbrooke@coloradocommunitymedia.com

CHRIS ROTAR Interim Editor

AUDREY BROOKS Business Manager

crotar@coloradocommunitymedia.com

abrooks@coloradocommunitymedia.com

Columnist opinions are not necessarily those of the Herald. We welcome letters to the editor. Please include your full name, address and the best number to reach you by telephone.

ELLIOTT WENZLER Community Editor

ERIN FRANKS Production Manager

Email letters to letters@coloradocommunitymedia.com

ewenzler@coloradocommunitymedia.com

efranks@coloradocommunitymedia.com

Deadline Wed. for the following week’s paper.

LINDSAY NICOLETTI Operations/ Circulation Manager lnicoletti@coloradocommunitymedia.com

Columnists & Guest Commentaries

To opt in or out of delivery please email us at circulation@ coloradocommunitymedia.com

SEE NORTON, P13

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

by Colorado Community Media, 9233 Park Meadows Dr., Lone Tree, CO 80124.

Send address change to: Highlands Ranch Herald, 750 W. Hampden Ave., Suite 225, Englewood, CO 80110

Highlands Ranch Herald 13

0December 10, 2020

W

This season, cultivate gratitude and generosity

e’ve begun the march toward the December holidays, celebrations where families have time- GUEST honored and much- COLUMN loved traditions.

But this year will be different, both in small and big ways. For the last year we’ve been managing changes in our daily routines. We’ve had to adjust to new Dr. Kimberly ways of workWinter ing, learning, and staying connected to the people we care about. It’s been stressful, scary, and at times, exhausting.

The idea of missing out on treasured opportunities to connect in person with our loved ones is sad and disappointing. This is on

LETTERS FROM PAGE 12

school located in the farming community of Irish Corner in Nicholas County, West Virginia. It is now a one-room school museum located in Summersville, West Virginia.

Every farmhouse in the community predated the Civil War and had no electricity, running water or indoor plumbing. Heat came from a fireplace or potbellied stove and cooking was done on a wood or coal burning stove. The school was heated with a potbellied stove. Older students had farm chores to do, both before and after school, and we also did the school chores, including maintaining the stove and carrying water from the well.

NORTON FROM PAGE 12

only sees themselves as failing would have already given up and stopped reading this column two paragraphs ago.

The biggest life-changing lesson for me happened when someone encouraged me to see myself difdferently. I had a mentor who taught me to take an inventory of my talents and skills, which was helpful. But the better exercise was to make an honest assessment of the gaps in my talents and skills so that I could take the time and make the effort to improve my situation.

It’s fair to say that it was humbling to admit my shortcomings, but it was also freeing and inspiring.

Recognizing that the only difference in looking in the rearview mirror instead of the massive windshield in front of me, was the belief in myself.

The way we see ourselves is the way we will see our future. If the past feels like a boat anchor, we need to cut the chain. Because the way we see our past is not nearly as important as the way we see our future. And our future begins

top of the additional stress and anxiety many are feeling during this uncertain time. It’s especially hard for adults who are alone and unable to be with their friends or families. And the holidays can be painful for those of us who have lost their jobs and have financial worry.

Most families are already coping with more “together time” than ever. The result is periodic frayed nerves, even before the added strain from changing how we celebrate the holidays. And others are struggling with painful isolation and loneliness.

These are hard times. It’s natural to feel a sense of disappointment, sadness, and frustration.

But here we are, in the middle of a once-in-a-hundred-year global pandemic. The entire world is in the same boat. It’s an opportunity for us to pivot, adapt, and be flexible — all components of resilience.

Here are some tips on taking care of yourself during the 2020 holiday season: Be realistic. Keep your expectations in line with reality. Accept that this holiday season will be different than years past.

Set reasonable goals that fit your schedule and budget. Make healthy spending decisions and prioritize financially reasonable ways to celebrate.

Put your health first. Avoid overindulging in food and alcohol.

Maintain your regular healthy eating, exercising, and sleep habits.

Make time for yourself to rest and recharge. Enjoy a hot bath with candles and lavender. Take a walk in nature, rain or shine. Stretch, take an online yoga class, or go for a run.

Listen to beautiful music.

Connect. Reach out to friends and family, organize a family Zoom gathering, have a virtual holiday meal, include friends in your virtual

get-together that you know may be alone, especially older adults who may be isolated.

Be festive and creative. Decorate your home — inside and out. Pull out that old recipe you have been wanting to make but never got around to!

Cultivate gratitude and generosity.

Contact your favorite charity or local place of worship to see how you can become involved at a distance.

Giving of your time and talents is always appreciated by nonprofits and religious groups. Now, the need is greater than ever.

Reach out if you need help. If you are struggling with feeling sad, depressed, or anxious during this holiday season, you may need more help. Call Colorado Crisis Services at 844-493-8255.

Good health habits at school were essential in maintaining good health in the community. My backwoods community practiced this 80 years ago. The three Douglas County commissioners that fired Tri-County Health and later rescinded the firing are now rescinding again. They are supporting every COVID-19 rulebreaker in Douglas County What they all need is a good dose of Miss Sweeny, the red-haired farm girl who was my first-grade teacher. You didn’t mess with Miss Sweeny.

Roy Legg Highlands Ranch

referring to the part of the levelred health order that states “two or more people not from the same household in public or private is prohibited.” My partner and I spent

a quiet Thanksgiving at home alone.

We both have big families that opted to stay home to keep each other safe.

Dr. Kimberly Winter is a family practice physician with New West Physicians in Highlands Ranch.

SEE LETTERS, P31

Paying the price

To the letter writer who said that he “[doesn’t] know anyone who didn’t violate this order over the Thanksgiving holiday,” I’m writing to introduce myself. He was

with the way we see and believe in ourselves. And we are amazing.

With just a few weeks to go in the year, this is an excellent time to take an inventory of who we are and our capacity for accomplishment. It’s a fantastic time to look through the windshield, understanding that it is more about what happens next than what has happened in the past. As a matter of fact, Clemson University football coach Dabo Swinney, says it this way, “No matter what’s behind us in the rearview mirror, it’s always about what’s next.”

How about you? What’s your role in what happens next? Are you looking at what has happened, or are you focused on what can happen? And I may not know you personally, but I do know that you are amazing and I would love to hear your story at mnorton@ tramazing.com. Just remember that when we can believe in ourselves and our role in what happens next, it really will be a better than good week.

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

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

Funeral Homes Visit: www.memoriams.com

14 Highlands Ranch Herald

December 10, 2020D

LOCAL

LIFE

Here is a list of outdoor skate rinks that are open — and two that are closed.

Rink at the Rock, Castle Rock ABOUT: The covered ice rink in downtown Castle Rock is open through Feb. 15. The rink is reserved for private sessions MondayWednesday.

WHERE: 414 Perry St., Castle Rock OPEN SKATE HOURS: Thursday 4-8 p.m.; Friday 4-8 p.m.; Saturday 11 a.m.-9 p.m.; Sunday 11 a.m.-

5 p.m.

COST: Adult (12 and up), $10; child (11 and under) $8; skate rental, $4 MASKS: Required to be worn while skating.

Highly encouraged in waiting areas.

RESERVATION: Not required.

WEBSITE: www. downtowncastlerock. com/rink-at-the-rock-1

Discovery Park Ice Trail, Parker

Outdoor skating a holiday refuge amid pandemic

Alora Rankin smiles skating with her father, Bryan, at the Discovery Park Ice Trail in downtown Parker Dec. 3.

The skating loop is available by reservation only, and is one of a few outdoor ice rinks still open following level red public health orders.

PHOTOS BY NICK PUCKETT

up), $8; child (10 and under), $6; skate rental, $4 MASKS: Not required to be worn while skating.

RESERVATION: Required two days in advance online.

WEBSITE: www. parkerrec.com/1954/ Parker-Ice-Trail

Olde Town Arvada Ice Skating Rink, Arvada

BY NICK PUCKETT NPUCKETT@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM

ABOUT: The new, synthetic ice rink opened in Olde Town Arvada this fall to bring a little joy to people’s holiday season amid the pandemic.

WHERE: 57th and Old Wadsworth Boulevard, Arvada OPEN SKATE HOURS: Sunday-Saturday noon-8 p.m. (Hours

B

ryan Rankin did his best to keep up with his daughter on the ice.

Alora, the Ponderosa High School sophomore, darted around the Parker Ice Trail Dec. 3, at times lapping her father.

Alora egged on her father, urging him to try synchronized spins as they glided around the short loop at Discovery Park.

Bryan relished the daddydaughter time.

“I feel extremely blessed we even have a place like this to go to because I know a lot of cities don’t have an ice-skating rink, especially outdoors and as nice as this one,” Alora said. “Also, amid COVID, it’s nice that we’re still able to come have an outlet.”

The ice trail at Discover Park is one of only a handful of outdoor ice rinks still open following the level red public health orders. Masks are not required to skate, but capacity is limited.

In order to skate, visitors must fill out a registration form online and schedule a reservation two days in advance.

Visitors can request a spot in a two-hour time slot. The trail is open through the winter. For more information, visit ParkerRec.com.

Mary Colton, Parker’s parks and recreation director, said in a Dec. 4 email that the ice loop is a winter activity that lends itself to being a safe, family atmosphere.

“With such limited recreational options available due to COVID-19, Discovery Park offers a unique opportunity to recreate outdoors for improved physical and mental health, which are so important to all of us right now,” Colton said.

But many communities aren’t

ABOUT: An outdoor, loop ice trail in downtown Parker, open through the winter.

WHERE: 20115 Mainstreet, Parker OPEN SKATE HOURS: Monday-Friday 5-9 p.m.; Saturday 11 a.m.-9 p.m.; Sunday 11 a.m.-7 p.m.

COST: Adult (11 and

subject to reservations).

COST: Adult (11 and up) $8; child (10 and under) $5. Ticket includes skate rental.

MASKS: Required at all times.

RESERVATIONS: Required for one-hour time slots. Online only.

Website: oldetownarvada.org/skating-rink/

Longmont Ice Pavilion, Longmont

Dozens of skaters occupy the Parker Ice Trail during time blocks reserved two days in advance. The Ice Trail is open Monday through Friday, 5 p.m. to 9 p.m., 11 a.m.-9 p.m. on Saturdays and 11 a.m.-7 p.m. on Sundays, with special times for holidays. For more information, visit ParkerOnline.org.

so lucky.

The Rink at Belmar in Lakewood was forced to close after the state moved to level red orders Nov. 20. The 7,000-squarefoot rink at the Belmar Shopping Center is a popular spot for outdoor skating in any other year.

Tom Quinn, executive director of Alameda Connects, a business association for the Alameda corridor, said the organization is searching for new ways to give people a holiday feel despite closures and indoor shopping limitations.

“What we really focused on is: ‘What can we do, with the restrictions, to keep the holiday spirit alive?’” Quinn said.

The shopping district will be decked out with holiday lights. The City of Lakewood is holding its yearly lamp post decorating contest at Belmar Park Dec. 18. Santa is making appearances at Belmar through Dec. 24 as well. For details, visit BelmarColorado.com.

Arvada unveiled its synthetic ice rink this fall in Olde Town Square, thanks to the Arvada Business Improvement District.

Executive Director Joe Hengstler told Colorado Community Community Media it was the perfect time to open a rink following the strife caused by the pandemic.

The Streets at SouthGlenn decided against putting up its annual ice-skating rink this year due to COVID-19 concerns and looks forward to bringing it back in 2021, according to a spokesperson for the shopping district.

Evergreen could open skating at Evergreen Lake Dec. 18, weather permitting, according to the city’s recreation department’s website.

Bryan Rankin, able to catch his breath at the Parker Ice Trail Dec. 3, is thankful just to spend time with his daughter on the ice.

“Hopefully, normalcy kicks in soon,” he said.

ABOUT: A seasonal, full-service ice facility offering public skating as well as private rentals throughout the winter.

WHERE: 725 Eighth Ave., Longmont OPEN SKATE HOURS: Monday 11:15 a.m.-1:30 p.m., 3-5 p.m.; Tuesday 3-4:45 p.m.; Wednesday 11:15 a.m.-1:30 p.m., 3-5:15 p.m.; Thursday 3-5:15

p.m.; Friday 11 a.m.6:15 p.m.; Saturday 12:15-6:15 p.m.; Sunday 1:15-6 p.m.

COST: Adult resident/nonresident (1854) $5.75/$7.25; youth resident/nonresident (11-17) $5/$5.75; child resident/nonresident (2-10) $4.50/$5.50; senior resident/nonresident (55 and up) $5/$5.75; tot (under 2) free.

Coming soon: Evergreen Lake, Evergreen ABOUT: The 55acre lake in the Rocky Mountain foothills is nationally renowned for its ice skating, and it is scheduled to return just before Christmas.

The tentative open date is Dec. 18, pending bad weather.

WHERE: 29612 Upper Bear Creed Road, Evergreen OPEN SKATE HOURS: Monday-Friday 3-7 p.m.; Saturday

8 a.m.-8 p.m.; Sunday 8 a.m.-7 p.m.

COST: Adult (19-59), $8; youth (4-18), $7; seniors (60 and up), $6; military, $6; tot (3 and under), free.

MASKS: Not required.

Reservations: Required by time slots.

Online only.

WEBSITE: www. evergreenrecreation. com/224/Ice-Skatingand-Hockey

Closed

The Rink at Belmar, Lakewood Streets of Southglenn Skating at the Cube, Centennial

Highlands Ranch Herald 15

0December 10, 2020

Holiday series will take place on virtual stage

W

how their family tradihy are we surtions are changing ... Cast prised that the includes Jessica Austgen, always creative Sean Michael Cummings, Arvada Center Jada Susan Dixon, Tresha has come up with a new Farris, Kate Gleason, Geofholiday entertainment? frey Kent, Leslie O’Carroll, “The Family Tree: A VirtuSteve Wilson, Olivia al Holiday Comedy” Wilson and Titus deals with the situSONYA’S the dog. Visit “The ation may of us are SAMPLER Family Tree’s” dealing with right webpage at arvadanow: How can a center.org/events/ family gather in this the-family-tree. difficult holiday season??? Each performance will feature a Littleton Museum live cast — which at Littleton’s annual times will make mis“Own an Original” takes — per director show is in place and Lynne Collins. Plays ready for visitors if began Dec. 2 and Sonya Ellingboe and when the Littlewill run at 7 p.m. ton Museum is open through Dec. 20 on Zoom. to visitors. (Website says the The cast includes the farms are open Tuesday to Arvada Center’s regular Saturday, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. by Black Box Theatre’s cast reservation.) No information members and the script on awards yet from the Littlewas written by actor/playton Fine Art Board ... The wright Jessica Austgen, theme chosen by the board who will also perform. is “Liberating Humor” — a Ticket prices are based on commodity we can all look a pay-what-you-can model, forward to — if and when ranging from $20 to $50. the building can open. The One Arvada family has farm, however, is open durfamily meetings to discuss ing museum hours for family

Leslie O’Carroll, a well-known local actor, is included in the cast of Arvada Center’s virtual play “Family Tree.”

COURTESY PHOTO

groups to walk among the animals and farm buildings — but advance reservations are required. 303-795-3950, during museum hours.

and tune in right at 1:30 p.m.

The performance will not be available later. Online or box office — lonetreeartscenter. org or 303-805-6800.

Virtual Arts in the Afternoon

‘Nutcracker’ reminder

Lone Tree Arts Center will celebrate “Happy Birthday, Beethoven” with the Ivy Street Ensemble and host Betsy Schwarm at 1:30 p.m. on Dec. 16, the actual anniversary of Beethoven’s birth in 1770. The ensemble — flutist Cathy Peterson, violinist Erik Peterson and violist Philip Stevens — will present Beethoven’s Serenade, op. 25, plus music by current American composer Kenji Bunch, who was inspired by Beethoven. Tickets: choose what you pay

Colorado Ballet’s “The Nutcracker” has remaining free PBS shows — Dec. 18 at 9 p.m.; Dec. 19 at 1 a.m.; Dec. 24 at 7 p.m.; Dec. 25 at 12 a.m. (the wee hours of Christmas morning). May also be streamed during the holidays at the Rocky Mountain PBS app, downloadable at rmpbs.org/pbs-video-app.

Another reminder

Submissions to the Colorado Book Awards will be accepted through Jan. 8. Any book published in

2020 by Colorado authors, editors, illustrators, photographers. Categories include anthology/collection, biography, children’s literature, creative nonfiction, fiction, history, nonfiction, pictorial, poetry, young adult literature. Entry forms available at coloradohumanities.org.

Also, volunteers are needed to be a selector or judge. Application form at coloradohumanities.org, 303-894-7951.

Depot Gallery news notes

Longtime Littleton Fine Arts Guild member Pat Dall is “Spotlight Artist of the Month” for the Guild, and if it were a usual month, she would have a wall in the back room at Littleton’s Depot Art Gallery for her art to be displayed. She has served in many capacities, including president as well as creating her own artwork for display.

“It’s a Small World” is a display of miniature works of art displayed at Town Hall Arts Center’s Stanton Gallery.

The exhibit can be viewed online: www.depotartgallery. org/its-a-small-world.

Denver native’s art grabs attention

BY SONYA ELLINGBOE SELLINGBOE@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM

Denver native and skilled painter Jeff Velarde’s images tend to stand out in a gallery — and they tell stories about cities and the people who live in them, with precise lines and angles, dense colors ...

Appealing beings inhabit many, though not all, of his scenarios. I especially enjoy “Dumb O’ Brooklyn,” a look at Manhattan Bridge from a street in Brooklyn’s Dumbo neighborhood below — the bridge, sandwiched between ordinary-looking city buildings, along a pedestrian street.

Velarde grew up in Denver’s Westside, graduated from Denver West High School and attended Colorado Institute of Arts. He currently works in parallel careers. He is art director for Z-Axis Corporation, a litigation

“Jackson Square” is a painting by local artist Jeff Velarde, who grew up on the west side of Denver and often exhibits in COURTESY PHOTO Littleton.

graphics company, and pursues a fine arts profession as well.

His “Jackson Square” reflects the joy musicians feel when performing

those outdoor summer concerts we love. Sunshine, blue skies, colorful clothing, happy chatter, polished instruments. Each musician an individual and a shiny tuba front and center.

His website is also filled with assorted Anime types — some called “Creepypasta” characters.

He is an active member of the Littleton Fine Arts Guild and one can usually see a Velarde painting in the Depot Art Gallery in downtown Littleton — now closed along with half the immediate world. He has also exhibited at Curtis Center for the Arts, in Littleton’s annual “Own an Original” show, at CORE New Art Space and in a solo show at Town Hall Arts Center’s Stanton Art Gallery in 1995.

He describes his work as “telling the story of everyday life in urban

settings,” taking the viewer into that environment. “When I am painting figures in these settings I try to imagine what these characters are and what their story is. I try to come to my own conclusions about these people and try to convey what I think they are feeling. The end result that I shoot for is pleasing to the eye for its use of color, composition and subject matter, but also something that transports the viewer into another environment and an interesting view into the human condition.”

Velarde credits his wife and kids with providing inspiration and his work somehow seems like that of a happy, energetic artist. We will look forward to a reopened Depot Art Gallery in the New Year and new paintings by Velarde, as well as other talented Littleton Fine Arts Guild members. If only ...

To advertise your place of worship in this section, Serving the southeast Denver area

Castle Rock/Franktown

Greenwood Village

call Erin at 303-566-4074 or email eaddenbrooke@ColoradoCommunityMedia.com Parker

Advertise Here!

Advertise Here!

Advertise Your Place of Worship

Advertise Your Place of Worship

HERE

HERE

WORLD MISSION CHURCH (KOREAN CHURCH)

7249 E. Park Dr. Franktown, CO TIME: 10:30 PM PHONE: 303-688-1004 ENGLISH TRANSLATION

EVERYONE IS WELCOME!

Congregation Beth Shalom Serving the Southeast Denver area

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

303-505-9236

Please check our Website for details about Sunday Services. www.CSLParker.org

16 Highlands Ranch Herald

December 10, 2020D

SANTA FROM PAGE 1

After the photo, the jolly Claus couple handed out a few pieces of candy and heard any quick Christmas wishes from the children.

The Highlands Ranch Community Association, which hosted the event, had planned for the unusual drive-thru for about two months, said Jamie Noebel, HRCA’s director of community relations and events.

“We wanted to do something where kids could actually see Santa. So we did this hoping we could bring a little joy,” she said. “It’s a picture you’ll never forget. This will be one you’lll come back to in years to come and say ‘Do you remember 2020?’”

Many of Santa’s visitors said how happy they were to be able to keep up the tradition, even with a new twist.

“It’s a little strange, but Connor really liked it,” said Austin Tillack, Highlands Ranch resident and father to Connor, 5.

Lauren Picune said she always looks for unique Christmas experiences this time of year and was happy to find this one.

“It’s nice that we’re doing it this way. Now we know that everyone is safe,” she said.

Her son Jacob, 4, shouted “Merry Christmas” to Santa with a giant grin on his face as the family drove away.

Santa and Mrs. Claus pose for a photo at the Highlands Ranch PHOTOS BY ELLIOTT WENZLER Recreation Center at Eastridge.

Children are able to leave letters for Santa at the Highlands Ranch Recreation Center at Eastridge until Dec. 17. Those who want to receive a letter back must provide a return address.

You’re looking

we’re hiring

Join the team at Colorado’s newest destination resort.

We have openings in everything from Food and Beverage to Hotel Hospitality, and every thing in between. Come experience the property, visit our hiring fair, and leave with a new career.

Connor Tillack, 5, tells Santa what he wants for Christmas during a drive-thru event put on by the Highlands Ranch Community Association Dec. 4. Connor asked for a garbage truck and a Slinky.

The Picune family says hello to Santa during the Dec. 4 drive-thru event at the Highlands Ranch Recreation Center at Eastridge.

+Santa+ -INTHE-

'llangar

DECEMBER 19

DECEMBER 20

at Wings Over the Rockies Air and Space Museum

at Wings Over the Rockies Exploration of Flight

7711 East Academy Boulevard, Denver, CO 80230

13005 Wings Way Englewood, CO 80112

10 AM - 4 PM

12 PM - 4 PM

December 15, 2020 • 9am - 3pm December 17, 2020 • 3pm - 9pm 488 Main Street, Black Hawk, CO

Apply before you arrive at MonarchBlackHawk.com

WINGS

OVER THE

ROCKIES

Highlands Ranch Herald 17

0December 10, 2020

powered by

Thu 12/10 CNA Competency @ 9:30am / Free-$120 Amity Healthcare Group Education Center, 5600 South Quebec Street, Suite 109A, Greenwood Village

Nursing Competency @ 10:30am / Free-$175 Amity Healthcare Group Education Center, 5600 South Quebec Street, Suite 109A, Greenwood Village

Journey Christmas Gathering

Colorado Concealed Carry -Black Friday / Holiday Special @ 9:30am / $25-$110 2186 S Holly St, 2186 South Holly Street, Denver

Dec. 12 Free Preview Music Class for Kids (Centennial, CO) @ 10am / Free CMA of Centennial, 7562 S. University Blvd. #BB, Centennial

Featured

@ 1pm / Free Denver First Church, 3800 East Hampden Avenue, Englewood

Sun 12/13 Sunday Worship Service @ 8:15am / Free Ridgeline Community Church, 555 Her‐ itage Avenue, Castle Rock

Castle Oaks Church Worship Service @ 9am / Free Castle Oaks Covenant Church, 826 PARK STREET, Castle Rock

Centennial Covenant Church @ 9am / Free Centennial Covenant Church, 401 West Mineral Avenue, Littleton

DFC Sunday On-Campus Worship 9:30am Service

ARTShop - "Hold Your Space" Create Your Own Journals

@ 9:30am / Free Denver First Church, 3800 East Hampden Avenue, Englewood

@ 6pm / $40 Discover Your Spiritual Gifts, 5808 S Rapp St, Suite 275, Littleton

Sunday Service Attendance / FWC Centennial, CO

Fri 12/11

@ 10am / Free Family Worship Center, 6395 S Clarkson Street, Centennial

Featured Dog Chiropractic Pop-Up Event @ 11am / Free Chuck and Don's, 5926 S Holly Street, Greenwood Village

Featured

Featured

Crossroads Young Adults @ 6:30pm / Free Crossroads Community Church, 9900 South Twenty Mile Road, Parker

Thu 12/17 3to5 Club Aurora @ 8am / Free 3000 S Parker Rd, 3000 South Parker Road, Aurora

Introduction to SoulCollage® @ 2:30pm / $40 Discover Your Spiritual Gifts, 5808 S Rapp St, Ste 275, Littleton

Featured

Welcome Party December 13 @ 12:15pm / Free Parker Performing Arts School, 15035 Compark Boulevard, Parker

Featured

Community Movie Night: Tuning In

Gingerbread House Decorating Night: December 17

@ 5pm / Free Discover Your Spiritual Gifts, 5808 S Rapp St, Ste 275, Littleton

@ 4pm / $45-$90 Jingle Bell Bar, 6785 E Chenango Ave, Denver Art Journaling with Create By Cari

Featured Holiday Fairy Playshop @ 2pm / $25 Discover Your Spiritual Gifts, 5808 S Rapp St, Ste 275, Littleton Kids Cooking: Holiday Cookies @ 4pm PACE Center, 20000 Pikes Peak Avenue, Parker

Swim Stroke/Conditioning Clinic: Starts and Turns

HAPPY HOLIDAYS OR ARE THEY?

@ 6pm / Free 3243 S Parker Rd, 3243 South Parker Road, Aurora

@ 3pm / Free Healing Heart Center, 5401 South Prince Street, Suite 105, Littleton

Introduction to Chakradance™

One Up Sunday Nights @ 6pm / Free Denver First Church, 3800 East Hampden Avenue, Englewood

@ 4pm Parker Recreation Center, 17301 E Lincoln Ave., Parker

@ 8:15pm Parker Fieldhouse, 18700 E Plaza Dr, Parker

@ 5:30pm / $165 Dec 11th - Dec 12th Private Residence, 1105 Bulrush Drive, Castle Rock

American Red Cross Community CPR/AED and First Aid

Tue 12/15

@ 4pm Parker Recreation Center, 17301 E. Lincoln Ave, Parker

@ 9:30am / Free-$120 Amity Healthcare Group Education Center, 5600 South Quebec Street, Suite 109A, Greenwood Village

@ 6:30pm / Free 6500 W Coal Mine Ave, 6500 West Coal Mine Avenue, Littleton

Sat 12/12 CCW/NRA Basic Pistol Shooter Course @ 9am / $150 Regus - Colorado, Greenwood Village DTC Crescent VI, 8400 East Crescent Parkway, Greenwood Village

Paint and wine class @ 5pm / $40 350 Perry St, 350 Perry Street, Castle Rock

Saturday Mini-Workshop: East Coast Swing Basics @ 8pm PACE Center, 20000 Pikes Peak Avenue, Parker

Kids Cooking: Holiday Cookies @ 8pm PACE Center, 20000 Pikes Peak Avenue, Parker

Featured

Kids Zone Event: Milk and Cookies with Santa

Peppermint Collage Class by Laura Heine

Parents Night Out at Authentic Life Church

@ 6pm / $25 Discover Your Spiritual Gifts, 5808 S Rapp St, Ste 275, Littleton

CNA Competency

3to5 Club Castle Rock @ 11am / Free Premier Members Credit Union, 6355 Promenade Parkway, Castle Rock

Christmas in Castle Rock @ 7pm / Free Renaissance Secondary School, 3954 Trail Boss Ln, Castle Rock

Featured

Prenatal Yoga @ 6:15pm / $13-$19 15200 E Orchard Rd, 15200 East Orchard Road, Centennial

JAMMIN' Trivia @ The Platte River Bar & Grill

2020 Carriage Rides in Downtown Castle Rock (2)

@ 7pm / Free Platte River Bar & Grill, 5995 South Santa Fe Drive, Littleton

@ 7:40pm / $20 Festival Park, 300 2nd Street, Cas‐ tle Rock

The best place to promote your events online and in print. Visit us @ https://littletonindependent.net/calendar

powered by

18 Highlands Ranch Herald

December 10, 2020D

High-end kennel makers find unique niche Married couple’s company creates personal connection with customers

BY AMANDA HANCOCK THE DENVER GAZETTE

Maybe you’ve never given much thought to dog kennels. Or cared how they looked.

That’s OK. Bethany Rathman cares enough for all of us. She found wire kennels — you know, the type of kennel that automatically pops in your mind — to be so unattractive that she decided they were never meant to be inside a home. So her husband, Brody, got to work crafting a kennel out of wood and pieces of metal that looked more like fancy furniture found in a magazine than a place for dogs to hang out.

A photo of that first kennel was shared on social media. It went viral. That was before Brody and Bethany had a name for their business or a website. When they launched B&B Kustom Kennels, their website bbkustomkennels.com crashed from all the views.

“It kind of blew up,” Bethany says.

They were featured on HGTV. The Washington Post called, and so did Country Living.

A TV show was in the works in 2018, but it wasn’t good timing. Bethany just found out she was pregnant with their son.

Labradoodles Gracie and Pyper pose for a portrait inside their B&B Kustom Kennels Doggie Den at their home in Monument.

PHOTO BY CHANCEY BUSH/THE GAZETTE

Since launching the business five years ago, the Rathmans have created a world where attractive dog kennels not only exist, but are in high demand around the country. In their world, thousands of followers also believe that “wire kennels are ugly.” In their world, that phrase might have to be in quotes because it’s trademarked. And, instead of kennels, they’re called “Doggie Dens,” which is another patent.

Made in Larkspur

All of the Doggie Dens are made inside a 2,000-square-foot unmarked

shed at the end of a gravel driveway in Larkspur. Bethany’s parents live in the house a few steps away.

Inside, there are sounds of sanding and sawing and that “Sunflower” song by Post Malone. It’s always busy as Brody and his team of guys, a mix of childhood and college friends, churn out eight or 10 kennels per week.

New orders go on a wait list that’s 25 weeks long.

The Doggie Dens come in eight different stains and a range of sizes to fit dogs of all sizes.

Bethany says she isn’t sure why the kennels, which start at a price of $899, are so popular.

“I would honestly love to know,” she says with a laugh.

Stephanie Bush, a longtime friend and B&B’s social media manager, has an idea.

“It’s honestly them as a couple,” Bush said. “People love their story.”

Their story starts at Taylor University in Indiana, which brought together a California girl who played volleyball and a Chicago boy who played baseball. They became best friends. And then they fell in love.

They moved to a small town in Colorado to be close to Bethany’s parents. He got a corporate desk job and she started teaching and coaching volleyball at a middle school.

Then, in 2015, the couple adopted 8-month-old Labradoodles named Gracie and Pyper. Since Brody had just renovated their house in Parker, Bethany wanted everything to fit their aesthetic. And wire kennels weren’t doing the trick.

“I just thought they were ugly and an eyesore,” Bethany said. “We’re the kind of people who ask, `How can we improve this? What’s a solution to this problem?’”

Even when people started showing interest in the handcrafted kennels, the husband-and-wife team weren’t thinking that big.

“We thought maybe we’d build one a month to help us pay off our student loans,” Bethany said.

Taking the plunge

Soon, Brody was working 20-hour days to keep up with orders on top of working his corporate job. They built kennels in their 450-square-foot garage and invited friends to move

in and help.

Then it came time for a huge risk.

They sold their house. Sold everything. And moved in with Bethany’s parents. All to focus on growing B&B. “We had something that is doing well, so we thought, `Let’s go for it,’” Bethany said.

It paid off.

They’ve since both quit their other jobs. Brody is B&B’s head builder and Bethany handles the business side. Among her duties, she makes a point to call each person who orders a kennel. As a result, most customers know their names. Followers have watched their 2-year-old son grow up.

“I think people like that that they’re investing in us and the story,” Brody said.

And he thinks people like that the product is not only made in America, but made by a bunch of guys with beards in a small Colorado town.

Most importantly, the Rathmans invented a product that’s highly sought after.

As Bush, the company’s social media manager, pointed out, the Doggie Dens seem to have attracted the perfect blend of dog lovers and home decor lovers.

“There are people who want to spoil their dog and then there are people who want their house to be beautiful,” she said. “Both kinds of people want one of these.”

Brody and Bethany, who live in Monument now, say they’re focused on keeping up with the business and hopefully moving into a bigger shop soon. They’re planning on starting a retail line, too.

Talking to the couple, it’s easy to see why a TV show might be in their future.

They often get compared to Chip and Joanna Gaines, the stars of “Fixer Uppers.”

“But I’m more Chip, and he’s more Joanna,” Bethany says. “He’s the more laid-back one.”

Their followers love their dynamic all the same.

“They’re so hardworking and they’re so stinkin’ cute,” Bush said.

“It’s really a good marriage.”

For more stories like this, subscribe at denvergazette.com

Highlands Ranch Herald 19

0December 10, 2020

Now, your voluntary contributions * go twice as far!

Annual

Voluntary Contribution

PROGRAM

JUST ANNOUNCED! Colorado Media Project will match all contributions received

by December 31, 2020.

We’re THANKFUL to be one of 25 newsrooms selected to participate in the @co.mediaproject year-end matching challenge—a campaign that drives membership and contributions to homegrown, Colorado newsrooms (like us!). And readers like you can play a key role in keeping our newsroom strong.

Please mark your calendar: Dec. 1 (Giving Tuesday, a.k.a. #GivingNewsDay) through Dec. 31 @co.mediaproject will match new monthly contributions 12x, and double one-time contributions up to $1,000 — for a total up to $5,000 per newsroom.

For a local newsroom like us, this is a big deal and will help us continue to deliver the kind of innovative journalism you’ve come to expect, every day.

This is #newsCOneeds. Mark your calendar for Dec. 1 or give now! ColoradoCommunityMedia.com/readerscare

As always, thank you for being a loyal reader and we wish you well this holiday season.

Support reliable, local news

*Colorado Media Project max is capped at $5,000.

To contribute online: www.coloradocommunitymedia.com/readerscare

To contribute by phone: Please call 303-566-4100 • Monday-Friday 9am-4pm

Should you choose not to contribute, you will still receive a free copy of the Highlands Ranch Herald.

But, for those who do contribute, you will be contributing toward quality, trusted journalism in your hometown.

To contribute by mail please detach the form below and return with your contribution:

Highlands Ranch Herald, Attn: VP, 750 W. Hampden Ave., Ste. 225 Englewood, CO 80110 Name: ______________________________________________________________________ Address:_____________________________________________________________________ City, State, Zip: _______________________________________________________________

Contribution & Carrier Tip: Enclosed is my one-time voluntary contribution of $______ Also please tip my carrier $______ Total Amount Enclosed

$______

Email: ________________________________________ Phone:_______________________ We do not sell or share your email or personal information.

Check to receive Newsletters, Breaking News, Exclusive Offers, & Events/Subscriber Services

Check

Please make payable to the Highlands Ranch Herald

Credit Card/Check Number: __________________________________________________ Expiration: ______________________________________ Sec. Code: _________________ Signature: ___________________________________________________________________ *By signing above, I authorize Colorado Community Media to charge the credit or debit card shown.

Credit card charge will appear as Colorado Community Media

To contribute online: www.coloradocommunitymedia.com/readerscare To contribute by phone: Please call 303-566-4100 Monday-Friday 9am-4pm

20 Highlands Ranch Herald

December 10, 2020D

‘What will happen to these people?’

For those sheltering with motel vouchers amid pandemic, the future is murky

BY DAVID GILBERT DGILBERT@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM

James and Desiree Jackson felt like they had life pretty well under control.

The couple, together for nearly a decade, lived in a comfortable home in Aurora. Desiree stayed home to care for their two young daughters while James worked at his longtime job at King Soopers.

But late last year, when James came down with an autoimmune disorder that began consuming his internal organs, their situation degraded quickly.

Unable to work, they couldn’t pay rent and lost the house. Desiree’s family was mired in substance abuse issues and was no help. Now pregnant with a third daughter, the family moved in with James’ mom — who soon passed away.

The family struck out on the streets with little more than backpacks and a stroller, lugging a heavy weighted blanket to keep the girls warm at night. They slept where they could.

The situation grew far more dire as the COVID-19 pandemic swept

Kayla Waters kisses her son Christopher, 3. The family lost their apartment in October.

Waters called the Holiday Motel in Englewood “the best hotel on earth.” PHOTO BY DAVID GILBERT

over the land: Hoarders wiped out baby supplies at grocery stores, and libraries and rec centers where the family sought refuge closed their doors. James, his organs still being consumed, feared that contracting COVID-19 could kill him.

The couple had long dreaded confessing their situation to social workers, for fear of losing their children to foster care. Out of options, they presented themselves to Arapahoe County caseworkers.

Instead of taking the children, a caseworker connected them to Bon-

W INTER CHE E R @

LONE TREE

Eat

Shop

Get a taste of Lone Tree this season when you enjoy takeout, delivery or a special outdoor dining experience in WinterCheer igloos available throughout the City.

Discover the best in holiday shopping at Park Meadows Retail Resort and the many specialty retailers in Lone Tree.

Curbside pickup and delivery options available to help prevent the spread of COVID-19 and provide you a safe shopping experience.

Give

Find that perfect gift or share that perfect moment.

It's easy to give (and get) a little cheer this season while supporting your local Lone Tree businesses.

Visit CityofLoneTree.com/WinterCheer for details

Stringent protocols are in place throughout Lone Tree to help prevent the spread of COVID-19, including face coverings, social distancing and ample curbside/delivery options.

nie DeHart of HAAT Force, a nonprofit that provides motel vouchers to families and people with disabilities living on the streets.

DeHart booked the family a twoweek stay at Englewood’s Holiday Motel, and for the first time in months, the weary couple and their little girls had a bed and shower of their own.

As the two-week voucher ran out, Holiday Motel co-owner Dwight Kim offered James a job helping maintain the place. The couple’s third daughter was born in August, and today the family of five shares a room beside the motel office.

“You can think you have everything together,” Desiree said outside the room as her girls napped. “And you can get down so low you think there’s no coming up. But things happen for a reason. I have such gratitude. My eyes are open.”

Now, James and Kim help each other take care of the motel. Nearly three-quarters of the motel’s 32 rooms are occupied by people who are elderly, disabled, ill, or caring for young children, none with anywhere else but the streets to go, all depending on vouchers to ride out a pandemic raging like never before.

James has taken on a mentor role for some of the other voucher recipients, trying to steer them toward outreach agencies, and even helping convert a room of the motel to use for meetings and classes.

“Before my mom passed, she always told me I would find a way to help people,” he said. “I know she’s looking down and smiling.”

‘A bandage on the situation’ In the past, HAAT Force and sister organizations provided overnight shelter to people living on the streets on nights when temperatures plummeted or blizzards blew.

As the pandemic reshaped society last spring, the groups shifted their focus, seeking longer-term shelter for families and those whose age or health meant they were under serious threat from living without access to hygiene or the ability to get distance from others.

As unemployment surged and churches closed their doors, donations dried up, but were replaced with funding from the federal CARES Act.

But federal funds came with a catch: they had to be spent by the end of the year.

Now, as New Year’s approaches, local governments are scrambling to line up more funding to keep paying for vouchers.

Meanwhile, shelter groups face a convergence of other factors: eviction and foreclosure moratoriums are due to expire just as a new round of public health restrictions is putting more people out of work, potentially pushing many more people in tenuous situations into life on the streets.

“My biggest worry is, what will happen to these people?” asked Betsy Keyack, a board member at HAAT Force, who is running much of the group’s operations as longtime board chair DeHart struggles to recover from a severe case of COVID-19.

HAAT Force is currently providing long-term shelter to 59 people in 25 groups, Keyack said, but the future is tenuous.

“They’re supposed to figure out what to do when they have to leave the hotels,” Keyack said. “But that’s really, really difficult.”

Many of the services they are instructed to work with require computer access, but many of those in the motels don’t have computers, or are elderly and struggle to use them. Access to computers at libraries or places like Englewood’s Giving Heart outreach agency is limited or cut off. Volunteers who would normally help people navigate complicated systems — many of them elderly themselves and therefore at greater risk from the virus — are unavailable. Meanwhile, affordable housing is extremely limited, and wait lists stretch years long.

“We’re putting a bandage on the situation,” Keyack said. “These are people who desperately need stability. Places where they can improve their situations, find steady employment, or for kids somewhere they can get a steady education. Right now, people are making it by the skin of their teeth.”

‘Value in human life’

Other shelter groups are facing similar challenges. The Severe Weather Shelter Network, a sprawling consortium of churches primarily in Arapahoe and Jefferson counties that open their basements to unhoused single adults on cold winter nights, is unable to operate as normal this year.

Many of its member churches remain closed to the public, said director Lynn Ann Huizingh, and public health guidelines disallow so many people in such tight quarters.

Many of the group’s volunteers are elderly, and are staying away from group gatherings anyway.

The group has shifted to a motel voucher system, lining up dozens of rooms at nine different motels.

The shift hasn’t come cheap. In a normal year, the group might register 500 people for shelter between October and April. This year, Huizingh said, they registered 500 people by early December, with more added to the ranks every week.

SEE MOTEL, P22

Highlands Ranch Herald 21

0December 10, 2020

This Holiday Season...

shop LOCAL eat LOCAL read LOCAL

Local businesses and restaurants need your support more than ever this holiday season.

And they’ve come up with creative ways for you to shop safely through delivery, pickup and online.

Find all the information you need to make the most of your holidays in your local newspaper.

In print and online you’ll find the best shopping deals, ideas on what to do with your family and the latest news to help you celebrate safely this season.

SUPPORT LOCAL

SUPPORT YOUR NEWSPAPER SUBSCRIBE TODAY

America’s Newspapers is a national association supporting journalism and healthy newspapers in our local communities. Find out more at www.newspapers.org or follow us on Twitter @newspapersorg or on Facebook @americasnewspapers.

22 Highlands Ranch Herald

December 10, 2020D

MOTEL

Douglas said. “Motels have proven to be a critical resource. Having families, veterans and people with disabilities on the street isn’t good for anyone. With hospitals already taxed, it’s no good to have people in there being treated for frostbite.

We don’t want people freezing to death.”

FROM PAGE 20

“We’re seeing a huge increase in people living on the street,” she said.

“Maybe a fifth of our guests this year are new to the street, and most have lost their jobs and their housing since March.”

Providing motel accommodations is much more complex than providing cots in church basements, and the shift has not come cheap.

Faced with increasing duties and a lack of volunteers, the network has had to hire several employees to handle administrative tasks and check in on guests. Paying for motel rooms for a three-day stretch of bad weather can cost $20,000, Huizingh said.

A silver lining, she said, is that the group’s registry is exposing the true scope of homelessness in the suburbs.

“We’ve known for years the number of people on the streets is majorly undercounted,” she said.

“We’re starting to get a real count.

It could mean more funding from governments and foundations to help people.”

The work is difficult, but Huizingh called it a calling.

“For me personally, it’s an extension of my faith,” she said. “Jesus said, ‘What you have done for the least of my brothers and sisters, you have done for me.’ There’s value in human life. These are people who are marginalized, shunned, turned away. They’re isolated and invisible.

It’s a burden on our hearts, and we

‘A helping hand’

Mary McDonald, left, and Peter Shaw, holding his Chihuahua Slabbo, sit outside McDonald’s room at the Holiday Motel in Englewood. McDonald’s Christmas tree came from PHOTO BY DAVID GILBERT the home of a former caregiving client who died of cirrhosis.

have to do something.”

‘We don’t want people freezing’

Local government officials say they see the need and are doing everything they can to maintain the voucher programs after the federal money must be sent back to the national treasury.

Arapahoe County has already allocated nearly $900,000 of its CARES Act allotment toward emergency housing, said Nancy Sharpe, chair of the board of county commissioners. After the first of the year, Sharpe said the plan is to use community development block grant funding, and there is even some hope that limited CARES funds can be held over.

“We don’t want to see these families back on the street,” Sharpe said. “We should be able to get them through at least until spring.”

Meanwhile, the county is beefing up its outreach programs, and working to provide “navigators” who can help walk people in need through the struggle of building personal stability.

In Jefferson County, officials have allotted $250,000 of CARES Act funds toward the Severe Weather Shelter Network’s efforts, said Kat Douglas, the county’s regional homelessness and housing development coordinator.

She said she feels confident the county will be able to provide additional funds, some drawn from grants from the federal Department of Housing and Urban Development, to cover the network’s need until spring.

The network is doing vital work, Douglas said.

“We don’t have a great shelter network in Jefferson County,”

At the Holiday Motel, Dwight Kim, the co-owner, makes the rounds checking on guests riding out the pandemic.

There’s Mary McDonald, a 1980 graduate of Arapahoe High School, who lost all her cleaning service’s clients early in the pandemic. She salutes every fire truck, ambulance and police car that drives past.

There’s Peter Shaw, a once successful contractor who lost his home after he got too sick to work. Recovering from a brutal car crash, he is hoping to access the final $5,000 of his late wife’s life insurance to buy a van to live in.

There’s Michael Curtis, who found his way to the motel after months spent nursing a broken shoulder while living in his Jeep behind the convenience store where he worked until being forced out when he was fired.

There’s Kayla Waters, raising two sons, ages 8 and 3, whose ADHD gives them such severe fits of rage that she was not allowed to renew the lease on her last apartment.

“Even once this pandemic is over, homlessness is not going away,” Kim said. “It can happen to anyone. We live in a fragile world. All people need is a helping hand.”

Embrace the warmth of family and create

PERFECT HOLIDAY

oments

Send gifts they’ll love, make meals they’ll remember with Omaha Steaks.

GET THE BUTCHER’S DELUXE PACKAGE

TRY THE EXCLUSIVE OMAHA STEAKS

BUTCHER’S CUT TOP SIRLOIN Taller, thicker steaks, expertly hand-cut.

Double-trimmed for 100% flawless bites.

Aged 21 days for the most tenderness.

4 (5 oz.) Butcher’s Cut Top Sirloins 4 (4 oz.) Boneless Pork Chops 4 Boneless Chicken Breasts (1 lb. pkg.)

8 (4 oz.) Omaha Steaks Burgers 8 (3 oz.) Gourmet Jumbo Franks 8 (3.8 oz.) Individual Scalloped Potatoes 8 (4 oz.) Caramel Apple Tartlets Steak Seasoning (1 oz.)

FREE PORK CHOPS & CHICKEN BREASTS Get even more for the holidays when you buy this package today!

$298.87* separately

INTRODUCTORY PRICE: $129 99

Shop Now! OmahaSteaks.com/dinner327 or call 1.833.299.6525

Ask for 66762MJK

*Savings shown over aggregated single item base price. Photos exemplary of product advertised. Limit 2. 4 free (4 oz.) pork chops and 4 free chicken breasts (1 lb. pkg.) will be sent to each shipping address that includes (66762). Free product(s) may be substituted. Standard S&H added per address. Offer available while supplies last. Items may be substituted due to inventory limitations. Cannot be combined with other offers.

Other restrictions may apply. All purchases acknowledge acceptance of Terms of Use. Visit omahasteaks.com/termsof-useOSI or call 1-800-228-9872 for a copy. Expires 1/31/21.

Highlands Ranch Herald 23

0December 10, 2020

CLOG-FREE GUT TERS

OR YOUR MONEY BACK

GUARANTEED!

1

D

TH GU

TT

NATIO

’S

R

O BEF

E

N

r ilte F f a E Le

R

ER AFT

r ilte F f Lea

ER GUA

“My only regret is that I wish I had known about LeafFilter sooner.”

–Doug L. LIFETIME

INSTALLS ON NEW & EXISTING GUTTERS

THE LEAFFILTER SYSTEM Micromesh

Virgin Vinyl

WARRANTY

15% OFF YOUR ENTIRE LEAFFILTER PURCHASE* Exclusive Offer – Redeem By Phone Today!

ADDITIONALLY

Hanger

10% OFF SENIOR & MILITARY DISCOUNTS

Existing Gutter

CALL US TODAY FOR

A FREE ESTIMATE

1-844-618-9585 Promo Code: 285

Mon-Thurs: 8am-11pm, Fri-Sat: 8am-5pm, Sun: 2pm-8pm EST

PLUS!

THE FIRST 50 CALLERS WILL

RECEIVE AN ADDITIONAL

5% OFF

YOUR ENTIRE INSTALL! **Offer valid at estimate only

FINANCING THAT FITS 1 YOUR BUDGET! Subject to credit approval.

Call for details.

1

*The leading consumer reporting agency conducted a 16 month outdoor test of gutter guards in 2010 and recognized LeafFilter as the “#1 rated professionally installed gutter guard system in America.” *For those who qualify. **Offer valid at time of estimate only **One coupon per household. No obligation estimate valid for 1 year. CSLB# 1035795 DOPL #10783658-5501 License# 7656 License# 50145 License# 41354 License# 99338 License# 128344 License# 218294 License# 603 233 977 License# 2102212986 License# 2106212946 License# 2705132153A License# LEAFFNW822JZ License# WV056912 License# WC-29998-H17 Nassau HIC License# H01067000 Registration# 176447 Registration# HIC.0649905 Registration# C127229 Registration# C127230 Registration# 366920918 Registration# PC6475 Registration# IR731804 Registration# 13VH09953900 Registration# PA069383 Suffolk HIC License# 52229-H

24 Highlands Ranch Herald

December 10, 2020D

COVID-19 contact tracing apps not gaining much traction Many Americans steer clear of smartphone technology that fights disease spread

BY RAE ELLEN BICHELL KAISER HEALTH NEWS

The app builders had planned for pranksters, ensuring that only people with verified COVID-19 cases could trigger an alert. They’d planned for heavy criticism about privacy, in many cases making the features as bare-bones as possible.

But, as more states roll out smartphone contact-tracing technology, other challenges are emerging.

Namely, human nature.

The problem starts with downloads. Stefano Tessaro calls it the “chicken-and-egg” issue: The system works only if a lot of people buy into it, but people will buy into it only if they know it works.

“Accuracy of the system ends up increasing trust, but it is trust that increases adoptions, which in turn increases accuracy,” Tessaro, a computer scientist at the University of Washington who was involved in creating that state’s forthcoming contact-tracing app, said in a lecture in October.

In other parts of the world, people are taking that necessary leap of faith. Ireland and Switzerland, touting some of the highest uptake rates, report more than 20% of their populations use a contact-tracing app.

Many Americans balk

Americans seem not so hot on the idea. As with much of the U.S. response to the pandemic, this country hasn’t had a national strategy. So it’s up to states. And only about a dozen, including the recent addition of Colorado, have launched the smartphone feature, which sends users a notification if they’ve crossed paths with another app user who later tests positive for COVID-19.

Within those few states, enthusiasm appears dim. In Wyoming, Alabama and North Dakota, some of the few states with usage data beyond initial downloads, under 3% of the population is using the app.

The service, built by Google and Apple and adapted by individual countries, states or territories, either appears as a downloadable app or as a setting, depending on the state and the device. It uses Bluetooth to identify other phones using the app within about 6 feet for more than 15 minutes. If a user tests positive for COVID-19, they’re given a verification code to input so that each contact can be notified they were potentially exposed. The person’s identity is shielded, as are those of the people notified.

“The more people who add their phone to the fight against COVID, the more protection we all get.

Everyone should do it,” Sarah Tuneberg, who leads Colorado’s test and containment effort, told reporters on Oct. 29. “The sky’s the

limit. Or the population is the limit, really.”

But the population could prove to be quite a limit. Data from earlyadopter governments suggests even those who download the app and use it might not follow directions at the most critical juncture.

According to the Virginia Health Department, from August to November, about 613 app users tested positive and received a code to alert their contacts that they may have exposed them to the virus. About 60% of them actually activated it.

In North Dakota, where the outbreak is so big that human contact tracers can’t keep up, the data is even more dire. In October, about 90 people tested positive and received the codes required to alert their contacts. Only about 30% did so.

Researchers in Dublin tracking app usage in 33 regions around the world have encountered echoes of the same issue. In October, they wrote that in parts of Europe fewer people were alerting their contacts than expected, given the scale of the outbreaks and the number of active app users. Italy and Poland ranked lowest. There, they estimated, just 10% of the app users they’d expect were submitting the codes necessary to warn others.

“I’m not sure that anybody working in this field had foreseen that that could be a problem,” said Lucie Abeler-Dörner, part of a team at the Big Data Institute at England’s University of Oxford studying

COVID-19 interventions, including digital contact tracing. “Everybody just assumed that if you sign up for a voluntary app … why would you then not push that button?”

So far, people in the field only have guesses. Abeler-Dörner wonders how much of it has to do with people going into panic mode when they find out they’re positive.

Clarity of instructions questioned

Tessaro, the University of Washington computer scientist, asks if the health officials who provide the code need more training on how to provide clear instructions to users.

Elissa Redmiles, a faculty member at the Max Planck Institute for Software Systems who is studying what drives people to install contacttracing apps, worries that people may have difficulty inputting their test results.

But Tim Brookins, a Microsoft engineer who developed North Dakota’s contact-tracing app as a volunteer, has a bleaker outlook.

“There’s a general belief that some people want to load the app so that they can be notified if someone else was positive, in a self-serving way,” he said. “But if they’re positive, they don’t want to take the time.”

Abeler-Dörner called the voluntary notification a design flaw and said the alerts should instead be automatically triggered.

SEE TRACING, P31

DON’T JUST KINDA TV. DIRECTV.

DIRECT V

69

$ Get the 2020 NFL SUNDAY TICKET season included at no extra cost.

CHOICE TM PACKAGE

99

mo

For 12 mos. Plus taxes and Regional Sports Fee.

Prices higher in 2nd year. Regional Sports

*$19.95 ACTIVATION, EARLY TERMINATION FEE OF $20/MO. FOR EACH MONTH REMAINING ON AGMT., EQUIPMENT NON-RETURN & ADD’L FEES APPLY. Price incl. CHOICE All Included Pkg., monthly service and equip. fees for 1 HD DVR & is after $5/ mo. autopay & paperless bill and $10/mo. bundle discounts for up to 12 mos each. Pay $74.99/mo. + taxes until discount starts w/in 3 bills. New approved residential customers only (equipment lease req’d). Credit card req’d (except MA & PA). Restr’s apply.

ONLY ON DIRECTV Only DIRECTV lets you watch every Sunday NFL game live, from start to finish—no matter where you live. Out-of-market games only.

NFL SUNDAY TICKET APP Stream NFL SUNDAY TICKET live—from anywhere—on your favorite connected devices.

Get the best value with DIRECTV. Call now!

RED ZONE CHANNEL® Brings you the final yards of every scoring drive around league on one LIVE channel.

With NFL SUNDAY TICKET MAX. Only available in HD.

DIRECTV FANTASY ZONE® Watch your favorite fantasy players live from game-to-game with real-time analysis. With NFL SUNDAY TICKET MAX. Only available in HD.

GAME MIX CHANNEL Watch up to 8 live NFL games on one screen, complete with scores and game clock.

Only available in HD.

Iv Support Holdings LLC

877-220-6081

CHOICE 1-YR ALL INCLUDED PACKAGE W/ OTHER ELIG. SVC: Ends 01/16/21. Available only in the U.S. (excludes Puerto Rico and U.S.V.I.). Pricing: $59.99/mo for first 12 mos. only. After 12 mos. or loss of eligibility, then prevailing rate applies (currently $115/mo for CHOICE All Included), unless cancelled or changed prior to end of the promo period. Pricing subject to change. $5/mo. autopay/paperless bill discount: Must enroll in autopay & paperless bill within 30 days of TV activation to receive bill credit starting in 1-3 bill cycles. First time credit will include all credits earned since meeting offer requirements. Must maintain autopay/paperless bill and valid email address to continue credits. No credits in 2nd year for autopay/paperless bill. Includes: CHOICE All Included TV Pkg, monthly service & equipment fees for one Genie HD DVR, and standard pro installation. Additional Fees & Taxes: Price excludes Regional Sports Fee of up to $9.99/mo. (which is extra & applies to CHOICE and/or MÁS ULTRA and higher Pkgs.), applicable use tax expense surcharge on retail value of installation, custom installation, equipment upgrades/add-ons (min. $99 one-time & $7/mo. monthly fees for each extra receiver/DIRECTV Ready TV/Device), and certain other add’l fees & charges. See att.com/directvfees for additional details. Different offers may apply for eligible multi-dwelling unit and telco customers. DIRECTV SVC TERMS: Subject to Equipment Lease & Customer Agreements. Must maintain a min. base TV pkg of $29.99/mo. Some offers may not be available through all channels and in select areas. Visit directv.com/legal or call for details. 2020 NFL SUNDAY TICKET OFFER: Subject to change. Package consists of all live out-of-market NFL games (based on customer’s service address) broadcast on FOX and CBS. However, games broadcast by your local FOX or CBS affiliate. will not be available in NFL SUNDAY TICKET. Games available via remote viewing based on device location. Other conditions apply. 2020 NFL SUNDAY TICKET regular full-season retail price is $293.94. 2020 NFL SUNDAY TICKET MAX regular full-season retail price is $395.94. Customers activating CHOICE Package or above or MÁS ULTRA Package or above will be eligible to receive the 2020 season of NFL SUNDAY TICKET MAX at no additional cost. NFL SUNDAY TICKET subscription will not automatically renew. Only one game may be accessed remotely at any given time. Compatible device/operating system required for online/mobile access. Additional data charges may apply. Visit directv.com/nfl for a list of compatible devices/system requirements For full Mix Channel and interactive functionality, HD equipment model H/HR 21 or later is required. NFL, the NFL Shield design and the NFL SUNDAY TICKET name and logo are registered trademarks of the NFL and its affiliates. NFL team names and uniform designs are registered trademarks of the teams indicated. ©2020 AT&T Intellectual Property. All Rights Reserved. AT&T, Globe logo, DIRECTV, and all other DIRECTV marks contained herein are trademarks of AT&T Intellectual Property and/or AT&T affiliated companies. All other marks are the property of their respective owners.

December 10, 2020

LOCAL

SPORTS

Highlands Ranch Herald 25

Creek shuts out Valor for state crown Logan leads Bruins football team to second consecutive trophy

BY JIM BENTON JBENTON@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM

Cherry Creek football coach Dave Logan turned his best player loose in the Class 5A state championship game, which was held Dec. 5 at the CSU-Pueblo ThunderBowl Stadium.

Myles Purchase, a defensive back and kick returner during the regular season, was inserted as a wildcat quarterback during the Bruins’ playoff run, and the move to that formation paid dividends.

The 5-foot-11, 170-pound senior who has committed to play at Iowa State rushed for two touchdowns, recovered a fumble and intercepted a pass as top-seeded Cherry Creek blanked No. 2 Valor Christian, 21-0, to win Creek’s second straight state title.

Creek was 14-0 last season and concluded a 9-0 campaign this year in an abbreviated season plagued with COVID-19 restrictions. The win over Valor was the 23rd consecutive victory for the Bruins, who last lost in the 2018 state championship game against the Eagles.

Valor suffered its first loss in eight games and never got its fast-paced, high-scoring offense in gear against the Bruins, who took a 21-0 lead into the scoreless second half.

Purchase scored on a 31-yard run to put Creek in front with 7:45 left in the first quarter. He scored on a threeyard run on the Bruins’ second possession of the game with 34 seconds still to be played in the first quarter.

“I said it before the season started and before this game that he’s (Purchase) the best all-around football player in the state,” said Logan.

“He’s a multi-talented athlete. He’s very smart. He has great hands, he can cover, he can tackle, can run routes and can catch the ball. I have yet to find something he can’t do.”

Purchase pointed to the team’s hard work in a difficult season for help securing the back-to-back championships for Creek.

“It feels great,” he repeated. “I will give credit to all my teammates and people that helped me out and all the coaches that put in the work to make me the best player I could be. It felt great to be the wildcat. We waited until the playoffs to put it in. I was just happy I was put in the position to make plays.”

Purchase, who had 103 yards and scored two touchdowns in Creek’s 35-7 semifinal win over Pomona, finished with 113 yards rushing against Valor, and his offense added to the 106 rushing yards that James Walker II gained against the Eagles.

Creek senior quarterback Julian Hammond was 18-22-1 for 180 yards and one touchdown. He tossed a 33-yard TD pass to Chase Penry, who had eight catches in the game. Gunnar Helm caught five passes.

“I felt overall we played good but we should have cleaned up some of the penalties,” said Hammond. “It

Cherry Creek’s Myles Purchase (3) gets airborne as Valor Christian defenders Zaire Jackson (5) and Griffin Meier (16) cut him off.

PHOTOS BY PAUL DISALVO Purchase’s Bruins shut out the Eagles 21-0 to win the 5A state final Dec. 5 at the CSU Pueblo Thunderbowl.

was good to see we could move the ball. It feels great to know I could lead the team to two state championships in my three years.”

Creek, which according to Logan had five or six players on this year’s team that were playing in the 2018 loss to Valor, finished with over 400 yards in total offense but missed two field goals and had 13 penalties for 111 yards. Valor, a team that came into the title contest averaging 39 points and 410 yards of total offense per game, was held to 178 yards of total offense and was saddled with the shutout setback.

Valor’s Gavin Sawchuck, the state’s top Class 5A rusher during the regular season, broke loose on a 57-yard run in the third quarter, but the Bruins contained him to 153 yards rushing on 23 carries.

Sawchuck’s long run set up Valor for a chance to get on the scoreboard with a first down at the Creek 14-yard line, but Eagles’ quarterback Sean McNair was under heavy pressure on a fourth down pass, fumbled, and Branden Jackson recovered as the Bruins ended the scoring threat.

Valor’s quick running of offensive plays didn’t seem to bother the Bruins defense.

“We worked on it all week,” said Purchase. “It was the thing we worked on every day and that’s the thing we knew would make the game for us. Basically it was just making sure we got back to the line of scrimmage and made sure we got the calls from the sidelines.”

Valor coach Donnie Yantis hopes his team learned something from the loss, which gave Creek a 2-1

Valor Christian’s Tyler Larson (6) gets pulled to the ground by Cherry Creek defenders Sam Pezdirtz (26) and Austin Luhring (16) as teammates Jaxson Hurd (48) and Myles Purchase close in to help.

edge in state title games against the Eagles.

“I’m proud of our team that battled through adversity all season with this pandemic,” Yantis said. “It wasn’t our night, we didn’t play well and didn’t coach well. Hats off to coach Logan, his staff and players.

They performed well and earned the win. We will be back. This type of loss will be a motivation to our program moving forward into the off season.”

It was the 11th state title won by Cherry Creek. Logan has coached nine for state championship teams, including three at Creek, which

made its third consecutive appearance in a state title affair.

“It’s always exciting when you finish at the end of the year and have a chance to win,” said Logan.

“It never gets old. The faces change, every season is unique and every team is unique. It’s hard to do (win back-to-back state titles). This season was a big challenge for my kids, my staff and myself. This is my 28th year and I never had a season like this with so many distractions, so many protocols and so many things you couldn’t do in practice. We tried to abide by them all and it made it very challenging.”

26 Highlands Ranch Herald

December 10, 2020D

C R O S S W O R D KID P U Z Z L E FROM PAGE 2

Gitanjali said her biggest motivation is knowing people in the world need help, that her generation is facing global problems never seen before and that she can use technology to help address those issues, such as climate change.

Most important to her is the time she spends mentoring other students. Gitanjali runs workshops roughly three times a week, impacting approximately 150 students across them. In total, she’s mentored thousands of students, parents and educators.

She wants other young people to dream big and know they can do anything “they put their mind to.”

“Imagine how cool it would be if a whole group of innovators and a whole army of youth looked to solving issues in our society,” she said.

Local school leaders joined in congratulating Gitanjali.

Douglas County School District interim Superintendent Corey Wise in a statement commended Gitanjali for her “amazing accomplishment” earning national recognition “at such a young age.”

“It is a true testament to her ability and dedication to making the world a better place. For Gitanjali, the sky’s the limit and we are so proud of her,” Wise said.

Executive Director of STEM School Penny Eucker said Gitanjali never rests and inspires everyone at STEM through her dedication to giving others a better life.

“When adults fret about the state of the world with poverty, climate change or COVID, I always interject that help is on the way with students like Gitanjali. She has taken our most challenging problems as a student and fearlessly works toward solutions,” Eucker said.

Gitanjali has already set her sights on a new problem to solve.

She’s back to focusing on clean drinking water after watching a documentary about young boys in Africa forced to rely on water without any knowledge of what’s in it, including parasite or other living organisms.

“It’s so appalling to see people not have access to clean drinking water,” she said.

She’s not sure what she hopes to do in the next five years, or after.

She changes her mind often, she said, but thinks she might end up working in product development.

Her immediate goal is to broaden the scope of her workshops so she can reach more young people unsure of where to start in pursuing their dreams.

“I’m more of a go-with-the-flow person,” she said. “I will continue making change. I will continue making a positive impact.”

Weekly Carrier Routes Available Castle Rock Area • Part-time hours • Adaptable route sizes • No suit & tie required!

Previous carrier experience encouraged; reliable vehicle and email access, required. no telephone inquiries - but

email us at:

snevins@coloradocommunitymedia.com

Answers

THANKS for

PLAYING!

© 2016 King Features Synd., Inc.

Solution

Highlands Ranch Herald 27

0December 10, 2020

www.ColoradoCommunityCareers.com

To Advertise call Karen 303.566.4091

kearhart@coloradocommunitymedia.com

TO ADVERTISE CALL 303-566-4100

Career Training COMPUTER & IT TRAINING PROGRAM! Train

become Computer & Help Desk Professional! sto Grants & Scholarships for qualified applicants on certain programs. 888-449-1713 (M-F 8-6 ET)

TRAIN ONLINE TO DO MEDICAL BILLING! Become a Medical Office Professional online at CTI! Get Trained, Certified & ready to work in months! Call 888-572-6790.

(M-F 8am-6pm ET)

Help Wanted LEGITIMATE WORK AT HOME No Sales, no Investment, No Risk, Free training, Free website. Contact Susan at 303-646-4171 or fill out form at www.wisechoice4u.com

Part - Time - Help Needed on 35 acres. One or two days a week. Mow earound the house. Must be able to drive tractor, fix fences etc. Must have driver’s license and transportation. Call Gary 303-901-3692

H RING? It’s easy to place your ad online.

Rates are very reasonable with self-placement.

It will run in print and on all 20 of our newspaper websites.

classifieds.yourquickads.com/ccm/

CAREGIVERS Looking for caring individuals to care for Seniors as they age in home.

Involves building relationships, light housekeeping, and personal care. $14-18/hour. Full-time, part-time, overnights. Email resumes to nathanmiller@comfortkeepers.com MAINTENANCE WORKER I (SEASONAL) Castle Rock Water The Town of Castle Rock Water Department has an opening for a seasonal Maintenance Worker I that will be reporting to the Grounds & Facilities Sr. Maintenance Technician.

This seasonal position will assist plant maintenance, Operations and participate in the snow removal program, as needed. Performs duties in a manner consistent with the stated values of the organization.

Qualifications generally include a high school diploma supplemented by six to 12 months related work experience, preferably with exposure to heavy equipment, basic piping techniques and underground utility repair; or an equivalent combination of education, training and experience. Must be able to work outdoors in various environments and climates, and be able to lift up to 50 lbs.

Valid Colorado Class A CDL driver’s license with Tank Vehicle endorsement required, or ability to attain within 6 months. Must satisfactorily complete a driving record check and criminal background check prior to commencing employment.

We value teamwork, cooperation, and quality communication. We strive to provide exceptional public service to our customers and encourage creativity and innovation.

Hiring rate: $16.38 to $19.26/hr. Apply on line at www.crgov.com/jobs #CRWMWIS2020-01. Position closes December 16, 2020. EOE Visit our website at www.CRgov.com The Town of Castle Rock is an equal opportunity employer.

FIND YOUR PASSION

TO ADVERTISE CALL 303-566-4100

28 Highlands Ranch Herald

December 10, 2020D

www.ColoradoServiceDirectory.com

To Advertise call Karen 303.566.4091

Handyman

kearhart@coloradocommunitymedia.com Heating/Air Conditioning

Serving the the Front Serving Front Range Rangesince since1955 1955 Furnaces Water Heaters Furnaces •• Boilers • Water Heaters Rooftop HVAC • Mobile Furnaces Rooftop HVAC • Commercial Commercial Residential • Install •• Residential Repair • Replace Install •and Repair • Replace Furnace Boiler Specials

• Elder Care/Home Health Care/Personal Assistant • Housecleaning /Organizing /Meal Prep • Errands/Shopping /Downsizing /Companion Work • Pet/House Sitting /Childcare • Gardening

Free Estimates Free Estimates •• 720-327-9214 720-327-9214

I Care About All Your Family’s Needs Call For An Estimate • No Job Too Big or Too Small

ONE WAY HANDYMAN

General Repairs Licensed General Contractor

303-805-7800

In business in Colorado 25 years We accept all major credit cards.

Garage Doors

303-875-7271 • allisonfultoncares@yahoo.com

Hardwood Floors

Bathrooms

A Hardwood Floor Specialist

CASTLE ROCK GARAGE DOORS • New Openers and Doors • Service and Maintenance • Broken Springs

•Free Estimates•

Bathroom Remodeling Made Easy!

Tony -720-975-4299

Call us today, for a free design consultation.

303-997-4763

Deck/Patio

Handyman

www.BuildABath.net

UTDOOR Blinds

Blind Repair Blinds Break, We Fix ‘Em!

Concrete/Paving

• Decks • Fences • Stairs • Overhangs •

PRO FORM CONCRETE

Most Major Brands of Blinds, Shades, & Shutters Call Joseph For Mobile Repair

We do driveways, garage floors, walkways, front porches, steps, back patios, and always provide free estimates. Fully insured, local and perform quality work.

Veteran, Family owned www.designcraftblindsandfloors.com

303-888-7755

303-564-4809 Carpet/Flooring

TLLC Concrete Ty Barrett

•Re-StRetching • Pet Damage • RePaiR

:

n Call Ke

720-244-3623

A PATCH TO MATCH Drywall Repair Specialist

• Home Renovation and Remodel • 30 years Experience • Insured • Satisfaction Guaranteed

Any job over 400 SF give us a call!

Fence Services

30+ years experience Clem: 303-973-6991

FREE ESTIMATES

303-883-2461

Hauling Service

’s DeSpain HOME SOLUTIONS

Trash / Rubbish / Debris and Junk Removal Professional and Reliable Year Round Service Rubin (720)434-8042 Kerwin (720) 519-5559 Lawn/Garden Services

Colorado Lawn Care

INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY SOLUTIONS THAT WORK FOR YOUR BUSINESS.

Solving All your Remodeling & Repair Problems – Just Ask!

DEPENDABLE, RELIABLE SERVICE Over 30 Years Experience Licensed & Insured

Eric DeSpain 303-840-1874

Highly rated & screened contractor by Home Advisor & Angies list

Call Ed 720-328-5039

Carpet BEST PRICES

Quality*Integrity*Honesty

Drywall

Specialize in barn floors, Driveways, Remove and replacement

Deck/Patio

Robert Pencak

General Construction Handyman

Serving Castle Rock and surrounding areas

303-471-2323

Call: 303-570-7930

ahardwoodspecialistdenver.com

Cut Rate Hauling Framing-Finish Carpentry-Plumbing Doors-Windows-Drywall Decks-Tile-Paint

CALL FOR AN ESTIMATE

303-646-2355

Solutions

ESIGNS, INC

“Specializing in Composite Redwood and Cedar Construction for Over 30 Years”

New Installations Refinish · Repairs 25 Years of Experience Fully Insured and Bonded Locally Owned · Free Estimates

Fall & Winter

Landscaping, Fall Aeration, Overseed, Fertilizer, Gutter Cleaning, Lawn/Leaf Cleanup, Fence & Deck Install/Repair, Tree & Shrub Trimming/Removal, Snow Removal Residential/Commercial

scottcindy4242@gmail.com 720-202-9975 Licensed/Insured

PROFESSIONAL technology

D & D FENCING

Commercial & Residential All types of cedar, chain link, iron, and vinyl fences. Install and repair. Serving all areas.

Low Prices.

FREE Estimates.

BBB Call For WINTER SPECIAL

720-434-7822

TM

HOME REPAIRS & REMODELING

• Drywall • Painting • Tile • Trim • Doors • Painting • Decks • Bath Remodel • Kitchen Remodels • Basements & Much More!

We Never Mark Up Materials Saving you 25%-35% All Work Guaranteed • A+ BBB Rated

Call Today for a FREE ESTIMATE 303-427-2955

!

INSURED

JIM 303.818.6319

Cowboy Fencing is a full service fence & gate company installing fences in Colorado for 23 6 years.

Residential/Commercial/ Farm & Ranch Fencing

“HONEY-DO’S DONE… THAT YOUR HONEY DON’T DO.”

Scott, Owner - 720-364-5270

— SMALL JOBS INSIDE AND OUT —

Low rates, Free estimates

OUTDOOR SERVICES TREES/ SHRUBS TRIMMED Planted, Trimmed & Removal • Sod Work • Rock & Block Walls • Sprinklers • Aeration • Stumps Ground • Mulch

Licensed / Insured

DICK 303-783-9000 Alpine Landscape Management Weekly Mowing, Aerate, Fertilize, Fall Clean Up, Small Trees, Trim Bushes & Snow Removal, Senior Discounts

720-329-9732

Highlands Ranch Herald 29

0December 10, 2020 Roofing/Gutters

Insurance

Tree Service

Have a Hail Damaged Roof?

- Call Golden Spike Roofing - We are 100% Local & Have Great References - Roofing • Siding • Paint • Windows • Gutters

- Call Dave Vaughn 720-427-7422 - davegoldenspikeroofing@gmail.com

CALL FOR FREE QUOTE

720-283-2155 ABE’S TREE & SHRUB CARE

Insurance

Attention Medigap Plan F enrollees!

Learn how the Colorado Supplement Special Election Period can reduce your premiums WITHOUT underwriting!

Taking the Mystery out of Medicare*

Karl Bruns-Kyler (303) 416-6304 www.theBig65.com

*Karl Bruns-Kyler is a Private Insurance Broker, a Certified Senior Advisor, CSA, with no affiliation to Medicare, CMS or any governmental organization.

Tree Service

Abraham Spilsbury Owner/Operator

A-1 Stump Removal

Call Stump grinding specialist or Most stumps $75.00 & up Text $55 Minimum.

Free estimates. Licensed & Insured.

39 years experience.

A father and son team!

10% off when coupon presented

Call Terry or Corey 303-424-7357 Lighting

Call 720-456-8196

Painting

CR&R Painting, Inc. Interior/Exterior, decks/fences Free Estimates 303-349-1046 www.crrpainting.com

DANIEL’S PAINTING exterior • interior residential repaints Re-caulk all home complete prime all caulked areas / replace any damaged boards/ popcorn removal drywall and texture repair/fences and decks/insured and bonded

720-301-0442 Residential Experts

Plumbing

Painting

Painting

Robert Dudley Lighting LLC For all your indoor & outdoor lighting needs, plus…

• Internet/TV Cable & Outlets •Ceiling Fans •Thermostats •Wall-Mounted TV’s • And many more services Free Estimates All Work Guaranteed

Fences: pressure washing / Drywall patch Free Estimates • Great Winter Rates

Highlands Ranch resident

All Int. & Ext. CALL TODAY FOR YOUR FREE QUOTE

720-328-2572

www.innovativepaintingllc.com

“We’re Crazy About Plumbing” CUSTOM HOMES • REMODEL FINISHED BASEMENTS SERVICE AND REPAIR Licensed • Insured ALAN ATTWOOD, Master Plumber

Call Joseph

PH: 303-472-8217 FX: 303-688-8821

303-523-6372

Littleton Based & Family Owned

• Siding

303-948-9287

• Gutters A+

Rating BBB

LS@LSPaintinginc.com www.lspaintinginc.com

Plumbing

ANCHOR PLUMBING

Residential: Hot Water Heat • Forced Air Water Heaters • Kitchens • Baths Service Repair • Sprinkler Repair

(303) 961-3485

Dirty Jobs

Done Dirt Cheap

Drain Cleaning + Plumbing Can do repair work on Everything in your home!

7 Days a week No extra charge for weekends 35 yrs experience

CALL Anytime 720-308-6696 Plumbin

720.283.8226 • C:720.979.3888 aspilsbury@msn.com

Windows

TOP WINDOW CLEANING #1 in Customer Satisfactions

10% OFF to NEW CUSTOMERS Over 20 Years Experience Insured / Bonded Call Today For A FREE Estimate Quality work guaranteed Gutter, Tree Trimming/Removal

720-400-6496 topwindowcleaning.net

(303) 234-1539

• Roofing

• Stain and Renew Custom Handrails • Custom Interior & Exterior • Residential & Commercial Painting • Paint Kitchen Cabinets • Free Estimates - Insured • 30 Years Serving Metro Denver • Satisfaction Guaranteed

Certified Arborist,Insured, Littleton Resident

All Types of Roofing New Roofs, Reroofs, Repairs & Roof Certifications Aluminum Seamless Gutters Family owned/operated since 1980 Call Today for a FREE Estimate • Senior Discounts www.AnyWeatherRoofing.com • Sales@AnyWEatherRoofing.com

L.S. PAINTING, Inc.

Residential Experts

35% Off

Roofing/Gutters

• Pruning • Removals • Shrub Maintenance • FreeEstimates

Plumb-Crazy, LLC.

Interior • Exterior Residential Specialist Woodworking, Decks

Licenced & Insured

We paint over 800 Homes Per Year No Deposit Ever Satisfaction Guaranteed 5 year, 7 year and 9 year Exterior Warranties 2 Yr. Interior Warranty Licensed & Insured up to $2 Million Locally Owned and Operated In business for 29 years Free Color Consulting & Samples

Tree and Shrub Trimming

PLUMBING & SPRINKLERS

Free Instant Phone Quote Repair or Replace: Faucets, Sprinklers, Toilets, Sinks, Disposals, Water Heaters, Gas Lines, Broken Pipes, Spigots/ Hosebibs, Water Pressure Regulator, Ice Maker, Drain Cleaning, Dishwasher Instl., for coupons go to vertecservices.com CALL Vertec 303-371-3828

Remodeling

• Insurance Claims

303-805-7800

www.1wayroofer.com In business in Colorado 25 Years We Accept All Major Credit Cards

Tile

ANYTHING TILE

● Marble ● Repairs ● Granite Counter Tops Remodeling is my specialty!

Call now for free estimate Interior and Exterior.

Decks, Painting, Roofing, Basements, and Kitchens.

Local Parker Business and Family Owned.

Phone 303-942-0732

www.booneremodeling.com

(303) 646-0140

Thomas Flooring & Tile • All Types of Tile • • Granite-Ceramic • • Porcelain • • Natural Stone •Vinyl • •Bathroom Remodel•

32 Years Experience • Work Warranty

303-781-4919 FREE Estimates

To advertise your business, call us at 303-566-4100

30 Highlands Ranch Herald

December 10, 2020D

P L A C E A D S O N L I N E 2 4 / 7 AT

www.ColoradoCommunityClassifieds.com

To Advertise call Karen 303.566.4091 Colorado Statewide Classified Advertising Network

To place a 25-word COSCAN Network ad in 91 Colorado newspapers for only $300, contact your local newspaper or call Colorado Press Association Network at 303-571-5117.

WANTED

COLORADO PRESS ASSOCIATION NETWORK

Cash for Mineral Rights Free, no-risk, cash offer. Contact us with the details: Call: 720-988-5617 Write: Minerals, PO BOX 3668, Littleton, CO 80161 Email: opportunity@ecmresourcesinc.com

Buy a 25-word statewide classified line ad in newspapers across the state of Colorado for just $300 per week.

Ask about our frequency discounts!

Contact this newspaper or call Colorado Press Association Network 303-571-5117

Classifieds

Health & Beauty

Misc. Notices

VIAGRA and CIALIS USERS! 50 Generic Pills SPECIAL $99.00 FREE Shipping! 100% guaranteed.

24/7 CALL NOW! 888-445-5928 Hablamos Espanol

CASH FOR CARS: We Buy Any Condition Vehicle, 2002 and Newer.

Nationwide Free Pick Up! Call Now: 1-800-864-5960.

WIDOWED MEN AND WOMEN OF AMERICA. A social club offering many exciting activities and life long friendships.

Social hours for all areas of Metro Denver.

Visit Widowedamerica.org for details In your area!

Merchandise

Medical Attention oxygen therapy users! Inogen One G4 is capable of full 24/7 oxygen delivery. Only 2.8 pounds.

Free info kit. Call 877-929-9587

Miscellaneous DIRECTV NOW. No Satellite. $40/ mo. 65 Channels. Stream news, life events, sports & on demand titles.

No contract/commitment. CALL 1-866-825-6523

Firewood

NEW AUTHORS WANTED! Page Publishing will help you self-publish your book. Free author submission kit! Limited offer! 866-951-7214 Split & Delivered $300 a cord Stacking available extra $50 Call 303-647-2475 or 720-323-2173

AT&T Internet. Starting at $40/month w/12-mo agreement. 1 TB of data/ month. Ask how to bundle & SAVE! Geo & service restrictions apply.

1-888-796-8850

GENERAC generators. Weather is increasingly unpredictable. Be prepared for power outages. FREE 7-yr ext warranty ($695 value!) Schedule FREE in-home assessment 1-844334-8353 Special financing if qualified.

Hearing aids! Bogo free! High-quality rechargeable Nano hearing aids priced 90% less than competitors.

Nearly invisible! 45-day money back guarantee! 833-669-5806 Wesley Financial Group, LLC timeshare Cancellation Experts Over $50,000,000 in timeshare debt & fees cancelled in 2019. Get free info package & learn how to get rid of your timeshare! Free consult. Over 450 positive reviews. Call 844-909-3339

HughesNet Satellite Internet – Finally, no hard data limits! Call Today for speeds up to 25mbps as low as $59.99/mo! $75 gift card, terms apply. 1-844-863-4478 DENTAL INSURANCE - Physicians Mutual Insurance Company.

Covers for 350 procedures. Real insurance - not a discount plan. Get your free dental info kit!

1-888-623-3036 www.dental50plus.com/58 #6258.

Scrap Metal, Batteries, Appliances, Wiring, Scrap Plumbing/Heating, Cars/Parts, Clean out Garages/Yards, Rake, Yard work done w/chainsaw, Certified Auto Mechanical / Body Work & paint available Also can do inside or outside cleaning 303-647-2475 / 720-323-2173

Eliminate gutter cleaning forever!

LeafFilter, the most advanced debris-blocking protection. Schedule free estimate. 15% off Purchase.

10% Senior & Military Discounts.

Call 1-855-995-2490 The Generac PWRcell solar plus battery storage system. Save money, reduce reliance on grid, prepare for outages & power your home. Full installation services. $0 down financing option. Request free no obligation quote. 1-855-270-3785

To Advertise call Karen 303.566.4091 Home for Sale

2495

$

SELL YOUR HOME OR

½% over 500k

up to 500k

If Buying a home in Denver Metro & I’m Agent

SELLING only?

1%*

**listing commissions fees **+buyer agent co-ops

BUYING only?

Up to 1% credit of sale base price* *equal to 33% of my commission paid *applied to Buyer closing costs

Wanted: Auto kearhart@coloradocommunitymedia.com

Miscellaneous

Rentals

Office Rent/Lease VARIOUS OFFICES

100-2,311 sq.ft. Rents from $200-$1750/month.

Full service.

405-409 S Wilcox Castle Rock Wasson Properties

719-520-1730

Please Recycle this Publication when Finished

Cornerstone Homes Realty

720-560-1999 • charlespaeplow@yahoo.com

*Commissions subject to change

303-795-2004

Miscellaneous

Miscellaneous

Life Alert. One press of a button sends help fast, 24/7! At home & on the go. Mobile Pendant w/GPS. Free first aid kit with subscription. 877537-8817 free brochure.

Protect your home w/home security monitored

by ADT. Starting at $27.99/mo. Get free equipment bundle including keypad, motion sensor, wireless door & windows sensors.

833-719-1073

DISH TV $59.99 190 Channels + $14.95 High Speed Internet. Free Installation, Smart HD DVR & voice remote. Restrictions apply. 1-833872-2545.

Transportation

Wheelchair, Silver Spirit II “Drive” model, like new, $89 obo.

Toilet raiser (straddles john so you sit higher) $12. Invacare sturdy shower bench, long enough to serve as transfer bench $12. Quality walker like new, $10. New, gold, Delta shower trim kits with valve, $160 value, $79 New, fancy, bathroom faucets, $79 value, $39. 6 red and green Xmas floodlights, $12.

Wanted

CARS/TRUCKS WANTED!!! 2002 and Newer! Any Condition. Running or Not. Competitive Offer! Free Towing! We’re Nationwide! Call Now: 1-888-416-2330.

Cash for all Vehicles!

Cars, Trucks, Vans, SUV’s Any condition • Running or not No title OK • Free towing

(303)741-0762

Cell: (303)918-2185 for texting

Thinking about installing a new shower?

American Standard makes it easy. Free design consult.1-888-674-3005 today to see how to save $1,000 on installation or visit www.newshowerdeal.com/ display

Bestcashforcarsco.com

Please Recycle this Publication when Finished

For Local News Anytime kearhart@coloradocommunitymedia.com

Full Service Saving THOUSANDS $$$

Charles Paeplow

Wanted to purchase 2006, 2007 or 2008 Dodge Magnum.

Less than 100K miles.

Private party only.

of the Day Visit OurColoradoNews.com

Highlands Ranch Herald 31

0December 10, 2020

TRACING FROM PAGE 24

Even with the limitations of the apps, the technology can help identify new COVID cases. In Switzerland, researchers looked at data from two studies of contact-tracing app users. They wrote in a not-yetpeer-reviewed paper that while only 13% of people with confirmed cases in Switzerland used the app to alert their contacts from July to September, that prompted about 1,700 people who had potentially been exposed to call a dedicated hotline for help. And of those, at least 41 people discovered they were, indeed, positive for COVID-19.

In the U.S., another non-peer-reviewed modeling study from Google and Oxford looking at three Washington state counties found that even if only 15% of the population uses a contact-tracing app, it could lead to a drop in COVID-19 infections and deaths. Abeler-Dörner, a study co-author, said the findings could be applicable elsewhere, in broad strokes.

“It will avert infections,” she said.

“If it’s 200 or 1,000 and it prevents 10 deaths, it’s probably worth it.”

LETTERS FROM PAGE 13

We made a full Thanksgiving dinner, complete with all the trimmings, and visited with our loved ones over Zoom. It was a lovely day, and at the end of it we felt good about our family being willing to show our love to each other by keeping each other safe.

To the letter writer who said, sarcastically, “unelected bureaucrats know better than we do,” yes, they do. The officials who work at our state and local health departments are trained health professionals who have the scientific expertise required to keep a community safe during a pandemic. Unless you are a trained epidemiologist or public health official,

SHUTTERSTOCK IMAGE

That may be true even at low adoption rates if the app users are clustered in certain communities, as opposed to being scattered evenly across the state. But prioritizing privacy has required health departments to forgo the very data that would let them know if users are near one another. While an app in the United Kingdom asks users for the first few digits of their postal code, very few U.S. states can tell if users are in the same community.

Some affiliate with schools

Some exceptions include North Dakota, Wyoming and Arizona,

you do not have that knowledge.

That’s why we hire these folks... to use their expertise to keep us safe.

I’m sorry that so many put themselves and their short-term wants and desires above the safety of the community. It is why our nation has among the highest per capita number of cases in the world, to say nothing of our rate of hospitalizations and deaths. We are all paying a price for the unwillingness of some to do what’s best for all. Some are too weak to weather an emergency like this, and I’m sad for them and all who they endanger. For the majority out there who are making daily sacrifices for the love of their families, communities, and nation, I am grateful.

Kathy McKittrick Castle Rock

which allow app users to select an affiliation with a college or university. At the University of Arizona, enough people are using the app that about 27% of people contacted by campus contact tracers said they’d already been notified of a possible exposure. Brookins of Microsoft, who created Care19 Alert, the app used in Wyoming and North Dakota, said that offering an affiliation option also allows people who’ve been exposed to get campusspecific instructions on where to get tested and what to do next.

“In theory, we can add businesses,” he said. “It’s so polarizing, no businesses have wanted to sign up, honestly.”

The privacy-focused design also means researchers don’t have what they need to prove the apps’ usefulness and therefore encourage higher adoption.

“Here there is actually some irony because the fact that we are designing this solution with privacy in mind somehow prevents us from accurately assessing whether the system works as it should,” Tessaro said.

In states including Colorado, Virginia and Nevada, the embedded privacy protections mean no one knows who has enabled the contact-

tracing technology. Are they people who barely interact with anyone, or are they essential workers, interacting regularly with many people that human contact tracers would never be able to reach? Are they crossing paths and trading signals with other app users or, if they test positive, will their warning fall silently like a tree in an empty forest? Will they choose to notify people at all?

Colorado’s health department said it’s issuing thousands of COVID codes a day. As of Nov. 18, 3,400 people have used the codes to notify their contacts, it said. An automated system issues codes for positive COVID-19 tests even if the infected people don’t have the app, making it impossible to know how many users are acting on the codes.

“I have hope that the vast majority of Coloradans will take this opportunity to give this gift of exposure notification to other people,” said Tuneberg. “I believe Coloradans will do it.”

Support area gyms

depression and negative moods.

Evidence shows physical activity also strengthens the body’s immune system, improves cardiovascular health and may help to protect against COVID-19 complications.

As the owner of the Planet Fitness clubs in Parker and Castle Rock, I can confidently say Colorado’s fitness industry is providing the safest environment possible to workout. Based on data from the governor’s office, only one out of 686 health clubs across the state has been linked to COVID-19 since the start of the pandemic. We know gyms are essential for our health. And with the current restrictions, hundreds of gyms across the state are at risk of closing permanently, leaving tens of thousands of people in the industry without jobs.

Jonny Jost Planet Fitness franchisee, Parker and Castle Rock locations

It is paramount we do everything possible to keep essential resources available to the community. That should include fitness facilities.

Maintaining your mental and physical health is crucial in the fight against COVID-19. Local business owners in the fitness industry, like myself, hope our local and state leaders realize gyms are a part of the solution — not the problem — to this pandemic.

All Coloradans must do their part to support local businesses — including local fitness centers — to help us avoid more mandatory closures. Wear your mask, practice physical distancing and avoid social gatherings. The holidays are a stressful time, and the addition of these restrictions will make this season even more difficult. Prioritize exercise as a way to combat anxiety,

This story is from Kaiser Health News, a nonprofit news service covering health issues. It is an editorially independent program of Kaiser Family Foundation, which is not affiliated with Kaiser Permanente. Used by permission. For more, khn.org.

www.ColoradoCommunityMedia.com/Notices

PUBLIC NOTICES

Public Notices call Sheree 303.566.4088 Legals City and County Public Notice NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING 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, and the Douglas County Local Improvement District No. 07-01-Lincoln Station have been submitted to

the Board of County Commissioners of Douglas County for the ensuing year 2021. The Board of County Commissioners will hold a public hearing to consider the adoption of the proposed budgets on December 15, 2020 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.

Legal Notice No. 938429 First Publication: December 10, 2020 Last Publication: December 10, 2020

legals@coloradocommunitymedia.com

Publisher: Douglas County News-Press

Bids and Settlements PUBLIC NOTICE NOTICE OF CONTRACTORS SETTLEMENT COUNTY OF DOUGLAS STATE OF COLORADO NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN, pursuant to Section 38-26-107, C.R.S., as amended, that on the 11th day of JANUARY 2021, final settlement will be made by the County of Douglas, State of Colorado, for and on account of a contract between Douglas County and ARROW-J LANDSCAPE & DESIGN, INC. for the BAYOU GULCH REGIONAL PARK

SITE IMPROVEMENTS PROJECT – INVITATION FOR BID (IFB) #019-20 (PO#40552 & PO#40553); and that any person, co-partnership, association or corporation that has an unpaid claim against said ARROW-J LANDSCAPE & DESIGN, INC. for or on account for the furnishing of labor, materials, team hire, sustenance, provisions, provender or other supplies used or consumed by such contractor or any subcontractors in or about the performance of said work, or that supplied rental machinery, tools, or equipment to the extent used in the prosecution of said work, may at any time up to and including said time of such final settlement on said 11th day of JANUARY 2021, to file a verified statement of the amount due and unpaid on account of such claim with the Douglas County Government, Board of County Commissioners, c/o Parks, Trails & Building Grounds, 100 Third Street, Castle Rock, Colorado 80104.

Failure on the part of the claimant to file such statement prior to such final settlement will relieve said County of Douglas from all and any liability for such claimant’s claim. The Board of Douglas County Commissioners of the County of Douglas, Colorado, By: Carolyn S. Riggs, CPPB, Purchasing Supervisor, Douglas County Government.

Legal Notice No. 938440 First Publication: December 10, 2020 Last Publication: December 17, 2020 Publisher: Douglas County News-Press

###

Highlands Ranch Legals 12.10.20 * 1

32 Highlands Ranch Herald

S:9.125"

December 10, 2020

DOUGLAS COUNTY IS SEEING A SURGE IN CASES

KEEP IT UP TO KEEP COVID DOWN.

D o u g l a s

C O U N T Y

K e e p wa s h i n g yo u r ha n d s , and wearing your mask.

Learn more at www.douglas.co.us