Highlands Ranch Herald 0325

March 25, 2021

FREE

DOUGLAS COUNTY, COLORADO

A publication of

HighlandsRanchHerald.net

INSIDE: VOICES: PAGE 12 | LIFE: PAGE 14 | CALENDAR: PAGE 17 | SPORTS: PAGE 18

VOLUME 34 | ISSUE 18

Schools’ proposed equity policy sparks ire, hope

GRIZZLIES CLAIM STATE TITLE

School board considering first-ever equity plan

BY JESSICA GIBBS JGIBBS@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM

ThunderRidge players celebrate after beating George Washington in the Class 5A boys championship game. See story on Page 20.

PHOTO BY JIM BENTON

LOOKING BACK AT A TRYING TIME

Moms recall adjusting family life to the impact of COVID-19 P6

EVENTS TO ENJOY OUT AND AROUND Spring outings aplenty in spite of a tough year P14

When the Douglas County School Board debuted a proposed policy in February focused on equity in education — a first of its kind for Colorado’s third-largest school district — directors asked community members to read it and weigh in.

Public feedback so far shows the policy drew praise from some but caused a furor among many.

Roughly two-thirds of the dozens of comments submitted through March 8 expressed fierce opposition to the policy. Critics called it child abuse, leftist propaganda, political indoctrination and anti-white.

They wanted to know why the district would focus on “equity” rather than “equality,” chastised the document for framing meritocracy as a myth and questioned how the policy would affect transgender rights in Douglas County Schools.

While equality focuses on ensuring each individual has the same tools and opportunities, equity takes into account barriers or needs that are unique to a person based on aspects of their identity, such as socioeconomic status or race.

SEE EQUITY, P10

2 Highlands Ranch Herald

March 25, 2021M

Coloradans 50-plus, more frontline workers up for vaccine New phase began March 19; general public could be next in April

BY ELLIS ARNOLD EARNOLD@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM

As vaccination efforts ramp up in Colorado, state officials expect to open eligibility to the general public sometime in April.

The latest batch of age groups and industries to reach priority is Colorado’s “phase 1B.4,” which kicked off March 19 and includes people ages 50 and older, frontline workers in food and restaurants, manufacturing, and other occupations, and certain state and local government workers.

“More shots in arms means fewer lives lost to this terrible virus,” Gov. Jared Polis said in a March 12 news release. “Given our state’s strides in administering this life-saving vaccine, we are thrilled to be taking this next step and anticipate that we can open up eligibility to the general public next month.”

Changes leading up to now After Colorado received its first shipments of a COVID-19 vaccine on Dec. 14 and health-care centers began giving shots to health-care workers — part of the state’s first phase of vaccinations — the gover-

nor announced that starting Dec. 30, people 70 and older were eligible for the vaccine.

By early January, some hospitals and other health-care providers in the Tri-County Health Department jurisdiction — Adams, Arapahoe and Douglas counties — began “phase 1B,” a stage that included people 70 and older and some healthcare workers and first responders.

On Jan. 29, Colorado had again updated its vaccine schedule, rebranding that stage as phase 1B.1 and laying out a 1B.2 and a 1B.3.

Phase 1B.2 kicked off on Feb. 8 and included Coloradans age 65 to 69 and school workers for grades pre-K through 12, among other groups.

At the time, the next step, 1B.3, was expected to include “frontline essential” workers in general, along with people age 16 to 64 with two or more high-risk health conditions.

Polis had announced that close to March 5, those groups would likely be eligible.

It was “also projected that Coloradans ages 60 and up will also be able to start receiving the vaccine around March 5,” a governor’s office news release said on Jan. 29.

Later, the newly updated schedule for phase 1B.3 officially included people age 60 to 64 and specifies agricultural and grocery store employees as the frontline workers with new priority. The phase includes people age 16 to 59 with two or more high-risk conditions. The change

was dated Feb. 26.

See the chart about halfway down the page at covid19.colorado.gov/ vaccine for a list of high-risk conditions. Phase 1B3 began as expected, time-wise, March 5.

Change in priority The latest schedule added phase 1B.4 that includes people age 50 and older — giving those Coloradans earlier priority than before — along with other frontline workers and people ages 16 to 49 with one higherrisk condition.

That includes frontline workers in the following fields: higher education staff in community colleges and colleges, food and restaurant services, manufacturing, the U.S. Postal Service, public transit and other transportation, governmental public health agencies, human services, faith leaders, direct care providers for Coloradans experiencing homelessness, and frontline journalists.

The phase somewhat mirrored the previously planned phase 2, which was set to begin in spring for Coloradans ages 60 to 64 and people with one high-risk condition.

There were no changes to the definitions of the state’s phases since Feb. 26, said Victoria Graham, a spokeswoman for the governor’s office.

The timing of Phase 1B.4 was moved up a couple of days from its original timing of March 21, Gra-

ham said.

Mass vaccination efforts Colorado was set to launch six state-run “community vaccination sites” across the state that will have the capacity to administer 6,000 shots per day, Polis’ office announced in the March 12 news release.

The state launched the first state community vaccination site at the Broadmoor World Arena in Colorado Springs on March 17. The drivethru site was to start by providing 2,000 shots per day.

“The facility will be able to conduct 6,000 vaccinations per day once there is enough vaccine supply. All vaccines are free with no co-pay,” a March 17 news release from Polis’ office said.

Coloradans who are currently eligible for the vaccine but have not yet received it will still be able to get a vaccine appointment as the state moves forward with 1B.4. People in the previous phases — such as Coloradans 70 and up — remain eligible and will still be prioritized, according to Tri-County Health Department.

Once the vaccine opens to the general public, vaccine providers will still be able to prioritize those who are at risk due to their age, along with others with high-risk conditions who have not yet received the vaccine, according to the March 12 release.

- E DUC AT IONA L A DV E RT I S E M E N T -

Better read this if you are 62 or older and still making mortgage payments.

It’s a well-known fact that for many older Americans, the home is their single biggest asset. And with interest rates near all-time lows while home values are still high, this combination creates the perfect dynamic for getting the most out of your built-up equity.

But many aren’t taking advantage of this unprecedented period. According to new statistics, senior homeowners in the U.S. are now sitting on more than 7.7 trillion dollars* of unused home equity. It’s not surprising that more than a million homeowners have already used a government-insured Home Equity Conversion Mortgage (HECM) loan to turn their home equity into extra cash for retirement.

It’s a fact, with a government-insured HECM loan, no monthly mortgage payments are required; however, the borrowers are still responsible for paying for the maintenance of their home, property taxes, homeowners insurance, and, if required, their HOA fees.

Today, HECM loans are simply an effective way for homeowners 62 and older to get the extra cash they need to enjoy retirement. The cash from a HECM loan can be used for almost any purpose. Other common uses include making home improvements, paying off medical bills, or helping other family members. Some people simply need the extra cash for everyday expenses while others are now using it as a safety net for financial emergencies.

AAG Area Sales Manager, Jarred Talmadge, says, “As your local AAG team, our goal is to provide you with information and never pressure you.

We’re here to answer your questions and give you guidance. If that means you want to work with us, great. If not, that’s okay, too. The best part? We are local, right here in Denver!”

If you’re a homeowner age 62 or older, you owe it to yourself to learn more so that you can make the best decision—for your financial future. Call (303) 957-3650 to learn more!

FREE

INFO

KIT

Contact your local AAG Professional today!

(303) 957-3650

*https://www.nrmlaonline.org/about/press-releases/senior-housingwealth-reaches-record-7-70-trillion NMLS# 9392 (www.nmlsconsumeraccess.org). American Advisors Group (AAG) is headquartered at 18200 Von Karman Ave., Suite 300, Irvine, CA 92612. AAG conducts business in CO (Regulated by the Division of Real Estate; to check the license status of your mortgage loan originator, visit http://www.dora.state.co.us/real-estate/index. htm). These materials are not from HUD or FHA and were not approved by HUD or a government agency. For full legal disclosure, please visit: www.americanadvisorsgroup.com/disclosure

Highlands Ranch Herald 3

1March 25, 2021

Looking for COVID-19 vaccine information?

The Tri-County Health Department is your source to determine when you may be eligible to receive the vaccine, how and where to get it. Visit tchd.org/ COVIDVaccine or call 303-220-9200.

Behind on your rent caused by COVID-19 impacts?

Douglas County residents, impacted by COVID-19, who are behind on their rent or utility payments may be eligible for assistance through the Douglas County Emergency Rental Assistance Program. Review eligibility details and apply at douglas.co.us/rentassistance

Slash-mulch site opens April 3 Jaime Villarreal, 23, was killed in March 2016. His killers are still at large.

COURTESY OF NATASHA ESPINOZA

Reward increased in slaying of young father Jaime Villarreal was killed in 2016; left behind two children

Do It Online, Douglas!

Did you know you may take care of much of your County business from the convenience of your smartphone, tablet, desktop or laptop? Visit DoItOnlineDouglas.com to access more than 60 County services 24/7. License plate renewal is available at kiosks located in King Soopers stores throughout the County as well as online.

Are you prepared for Wildfire?

STAFF REPORT

Five years after a young father was killed in south Littleton, Metro Denver Crime Stoppers announced an increased reward of up to $10,000 for information leading to an arrest in the case.

Jaime Villarreal, 23, was shot to death at 8122 Southpark Lane in the early hours of March 18, 2016.

Villareal and another man were shot in the parking lot of an office building while plowing snow, according to a news release.

The other man, who was shot in the leg, survived. Villarreal’s truck, a Ford pickup with a snowplow attached, was found abandoned and burned about a mile away later the same day.

Littleton Police believe two people seen on security footage may be involved. The men are described as Hispanic, were in their 20s at the time, and had thin builds, shaven heads, and wore black.

Villarreal left behind two young children.

“We just want to get justice for Jaime and for his family and most importantly his children,” said Natasha Espinoza, Villarreal’s fiancée, in a statement. “We want

The County’s main slash-mulch site, at 1400 Caprice Drive in Castle Rock opens April 3 and will remain open on Saturdays only from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. through Oct. 30. For more information, directions and a list of acceptable items visit douglas.co.us and search for Slash Mulch.

It only takes one spark to change your life forever – make sure you are ready for wildfire season. Learn about steps you can take today to reduce the risk to your family and property at douglas.co.us/land/wild¬firemitigation. And sign up for free emergency notifications at douglas.co.us/CodeRed to ensure you are aware if a wildfire or other emergency is happening near you.

Business Personal Property Tax Declarations due by April 15 A sketch of one of two suspects in VillarCOURTESY OF METRO DENVER CRIME STOPPERS real’s death.

whoever did this to be caught so they don’t have a chance to do this to another family, to take someone so special. You took not only a son, fiancée, friend, cousin but you took a father from his babies.

Something I would never wish on anyone.”

Anyone with information in the case is urged to call Metro Denver Crime Stoppers at 720-913-7867.

Tipsters can remain anonymous.

The tip line is answered 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

2021 Business Personal Property Tax Declarations may be filed online at DouglasFilesOnline.org. Business owners who own or lease business personal property with a total market value greater than $7,900 must report the property to the County Assessor. For more information visit douglas.co.us/assessor

Snow removal is a shared responsiblity!

Learn more at douglas.co.us/snow

Visit douglas.co.us

4 Highlands Ranch Herald

March 25, 2021M

Castle Rock council debates downtown site decision process Design Review Board’s powers come under question

BY THELMA GRIMES TGRIMES@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM

Members of the Castle Rock Town Council continue to debate whether an unelected, appointed board, such as the Design Review Board (DRB), should be making final decisions regarding downtown development and growth.

During the council’s March 16 meeting, Councilmember Caryn Johnson brought up the issue again. Since 2019, Johnson has said multiple times that there is a need for more discussion and change. Johnson said an unelected board should not be deciding major town issues. The councilmember said she has suggested multiple times that anything over 10,000 square feet should fall to the elected Town Council to discuss and approve. She said she is even willing to compromise up to 20,000 square feet.

In a 4-3 vote on Feb. 2, the council voted to keep the Design Review Board in place, as is.

Voting with Johnson were Councilmembers Laura Cavey and Tim Dietz. The remaining members, including Mayor Jason Gray and Councilmembers Ryan Hollingshead, Desiree LaFleur and Kevin Bracken, voted with the majority.

“If it is not broke, don’t fix it,” Hollingshead said. “This is an appointed board that is laser-focused on revitalizing downtown. They work with town staff and developers to do what is best for us. They go above and beyond. The board is doing what it is intended to do.”

Gray said he does appreciate the continued debate, noting that all councilmembers just want a process that works for the entire town.

“This is just an issue we have some differences on,” he said. “We want less government and not more. I understand people both love and hate growth. This is defi-

sions for some of the following nitely an important dialogue.” projects: Town Attorney Michael Hyman Encore — 465,500 square feet said a prior town council created Riverwalk South — 221,360 feet the Design Review Board in 2010, Riverwalk North — 171.206 putting in place the seven-member square feet board’s power The View — to review and 88,000 square have the “final” feet say for projects The Move oflocated within fice — 72,800 the downtown The town district. council only When asked votes on finanabout the cial aspects of Design Rea project. Howview Board’s ever, Dietz said authority, the process is Town Manager so far along by David Corliss then, he feels provided the the council’s following email hands are statement, tied, and they “Pursuant to have been told Town Code, the rejecting plans Design Review could result in Board makes a lawsuit from the final decidevelopers. sion on site Dietz said development Jason Gray, major projplans in the Castle Rock mayor ects, including downtown overEncore and lay district.” the recently Johnson said proposed she does not View project, which calls for a understand giving the board that three-block, six-story mixed-use much authority when all other complex, should be reviewed commissions and boards provide and approved or rejected only by recommendations to the council “elected representation.” but do not have a final say.

None of the Design Review Dietz, Cavey and Johnson have stressed they are not anti-business Board members takes an official oath of office. They are appointed or growth as some have suggested through a full council vote held but do believe major development annually and bi-annually. Prospecprojects downtown need more tive members submit an applicadiscussion regarding traffic and tion, participate in an interview impact to infrastructure. The process and must be recommendthree argued that elected officials ed by the council liaison to the should be making final decisions board. The current council liaison because they are the ones held acis Councilmember Cavey. countable by taxpayers.

As per Town code, the Design Hyman said the current orReview Board is required to have: dinances establishing Design • One member from the Planning Review Board powers can be Commission amended, but for now, the process • Two members from the Downto approve downtown projects is town Development Authority considered “legal.”

• Two members from the His“But it is up to the council on toric Preservation Board if this is the process the current • Two property owners within council wants to use,” he added. the Downtown Development AuIn recent years, the Design Review Board has made final deci- thority boundary

‘This is just an issue we have some differences on. We want less government and not more. I understand people both love and hate growth. This is definitely an important dialogue.’

Johnson said the “prescriptive” way the board is set up creates a stacked deck, meaning four downtown business owners are serving on the board at any given time.

They have a vested interest in continued growth, she said. Johnson questioned if those standing to benefit from growth can be impartial.

LaFleur disagreed, saying it is important to have those who are directly impacted by growth or lack of growth have a voice by participating on the town’s boards and committees.

“It’s not just about final decisions,” she said. “It’s about having more heads come together. This is all legal. These business owners have more skin in the game and have a vested interest in what happens.”

LaFleur said the members of the Design Review Board are not all business owners, noting that several, including Chairman Stuart Butler, are property owners.

When asked who the volunteer board answers to, Mayor Pro Tem Bracken said the town council.

He stressed that councilmembers follow all development proposed from start to finish, noting that when an issue comes before the council, they are prepared.

“We know this board is making good decisions on behalf of the town,” he said. “They are doing a good job. There is no reason to change it.”

Gray said he and other councilmembers are comfortable with the board makeup because the board members are citizens who are stakeholders in what happens downtown and will do what is best to have a thriving community.

“The conflict-of-interest debate is not an issue,” he said. “We want input from those vested interests to do what will benefit downtown.”

Gray also stressed that while the Design Review Board is comprised of all volunteers, they are still required to follow all public-meeting laws and procedures, which means posting agendas, accepting public comments, and hosting public hearings for proposed development.

Weekly Carrier Routes Available RACCOON CREEK

MEN’S WEEKDAY GOLF CLUB The Club is accepting new membership applications for the 2021 golf season. The Club has 14 tournaments scheduled for the year to be played every other Tuesday starting April 13th. Tournaments include individual stroke play and various types of team play. If you have not played at Raccoon Creek Golf Course recently you will be pleasantly surprised by changes made to the course and to the facilities.

For more information, please contact Paul Gesso, Secretary at 303-870-4896 or Bill McMahon, Treasurer at 303-883-4116.

Castle Rock & Highlands Ranch • 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

Highlands Ranch Herald 5

1March 25, 2021

2495 SELL YOUR HOME ½ %

$

Douglas County approves C-PACE financing program, again Commissioners vote on matter for third time since 2019

BY ELLIOTT WENZLER EWENZLER@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM

After going back and forth on the matter for several years now, the Douglas County commissioners voted 2-1 on March 9 to reapprove a new financing program for commercial properties.

During the meeting, the debate on the issue between commissioners, business owners and residents delved into the very purpose of government.

Commercial Property Assessed Clean Energy, or C-PACE, is a tool providing up to 100% financing for new or existing commercial properties that are seeking to make clean energy improvements to their building. That could mean updates or construction on many elements, including windows, roofs and heating systems.

C-PACE connects building owners with private lenders for the loans, which are then repaid with the county’s property tax assessment process. The county then receives up to 1% in collection

fees based on the assessment for the life of the loan.

“I think there are a lot of benefits to doing this program,” said Commissioner Abe Laydon, who voted to approve the program.

“Participation will help us accomplish some wonderful economic development goals and I don’t want to be on the side against our economy and against our economic recovery and against our business community that has begged us to institute this program.”

This was the third time since 2019 that the county has looked at this issue. In November 2019, Laydon and former Commissioner Roger Partridge voted to approve moving forward with the program with Commissioner Lora Thomas voting against it. However in June 2020, Partridge changed his vote on the matter and voted to rescind their earlier approval.

“We know there’s a risk in a lot of things we do as commissioners, and we take calculated risks with the decisions we make … but when we have a risk that’s brought to us that’s very evident, it’s our job too to minimize that risk,” he said at the time.

Partridge went on to say he would reconsider supporting the program if the Colorado New Energy Improvement District board,

OR

over 500k

up to 500k

If Buying a home in Denver Metro & I’m Agent

SELLING only?

BUYING only?

1%*

Up to 1% credit of sale base price*

**listing commissions fees **+buyer agent co-ops

*equal to 33% of my commission paid *applied to Buyer closing costs

Full Service Saving THOUSANDS $$$

Charles Paeplow Cornerstone Homes Realty

720-560-1999 • charlespaeplow@yahoo.com which runs the program, would agree to certain assurances further minimizing the county’s risk from involvement in the loans.

During the March meeting, George Teal, the newest commissioner, swung the board again toward approval by voting in favor. “(It’s) essentially a means of diffusing risk through the power of the state. That’s really all it is,” he said. “To say that there’s no role for government in the purpose of using the power of the state to diffuse risk … most of government exists in order to do something to diffuse risk.”

Thomas and others who spoke against the program voiced concern about its impact on increasing the scope of government.

“I do not feel it is the role of government to be smack dab in the middle between a commercial building owner and a commercial bank,” she said. “That’s not what government is supposed to be for.

Government is supposed to be for protecting our individual rights.”

The county’s treasurer and assessor also voiced opposition to

the program during the meeting.

The treasurer, Dave Gill, read comments from both himself and the county assessor, Lisa Frizzell, who was unable to attend the meeting.

“I don’t want to be in the business of collecting debt for a private company,” Gill said. “I don’t want to be in the middle of two business entities.”

Two county residents spoke against the program and two spoke for it.

“Are you for limited government or not?” said David DiCarlo, a Highlands Ranch resident. “Because I’ve got mailers from you guys saying and promising us limited, conservative government and this just isn’t.”

Several commenters speaking against the program pointed to a C-PACE project in Fremont County that has defaulted. Supporters responded by saying out of the program’s more than 2,500 loans across the country, only two have defaulted.

by Matt Witt

A

W

mortgage experts at Silver Leaf Mortgage right now. ell-meaning children may prevent their parents from Did you know the proceeds fromaa reverse moving forward with mortgage are tax-free money that program that would truly benefi t may be used in any let waymisinformation you choose? For somea it’s them. Don’t about the instant, lifesaving help today.

Reverse Mortgages stop youneeded from getting Forfiothers, the safety for yourSpeak the nancialit’s freedom younet deserve. future or the unplanned events at like with a Reverse Mortgage life Specialist medical emergencies that arise.

Silver Leaf Mortgage to getmay the facts you need to for make an informed financial Qualifying a reverse mortgage, it’s decision. simple and easy. Qualification is based on these important factors: Objection #1: “Mom, the bank will own your home!” Actually, a Reverse • You (the borrower) must own Mortgage the home. is just a loan and Mom never gives up the • You musthome. be 62+. (A non-borrowing title to her spouse may be under 62.)

Objection #2: “Dad, there will be nothing • The must be your primary left forhome us kids!”

Parents and children often residence (you live there at least sixleft to don’t realize that the property can be months and one day per year). any hiers. With new safeguards (including

lower limits and reduced mortgage Even iflending you have bad credit, have had insurance costs), the loan balance a bankruptcy, or a foreclosure, you are grows more slowly,Inallowing thethere heirs to not disqualified. most cases is a decide to refi nance or sell the home and remedy for past credit problems. So, don’t keep equity. thinkthe youremaining can’t get the help you need.

Seniors – you’ve have worked your lives Let us help you navigate these all difficult to provide for your families. Rather than financial times, call your local experts struggling financially in retirement, you at Silver Leaf Mortgage today at can unlock the equity in your home, access 720-458-4034 to see if a Reverse tax-free money and enjoy a more secure Mortgage is right for you. life in your golden years.

If you are to get the facts for #1 Silver Leafready Mortgage, Colorado’s yourself, call me or my team Reverse Mortgage Broker. today at 720458-4034.

Matt Witt, NMLS #1638881,

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

in Centennial.

Matt Witt, NMLS #1638881, Contact me at: 720-458-4034, President at Silver Leaf Mortgage or you can email me at: in Centennial.

MattW@SilverLeafMortgage.com

Contact me at: 720-458-4034, * The homeowner is still responsible for applicable or you can email me at: property taxes and homeowner’s insurance, as well MattW@SilverLeafMortgage.com as maintaining the property.

720-458-4034

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

SEE C-PACE, P9

CCool MMo ##11 loorarad ortrt RRee doo’ ggaa vveer ’ss ggee rssee BBrroo ker

Making Decisions Based Upon the Facts Your Financial Assistance homeowner 62 or older?

“I calledretoyou askaquestions about accessing Have you ever found the equity in my home to helpyourself cover to choose monthlyhaving expenses, but mybetween son wasbuying against food or medicine?

Howme about having to it.

He doesn’t live with or pay my bills, put off a medical or dental procedure due he just thought it was a bad idea. He to limited If youcer have spoke withfunds? my loan offi at been Silverfaced Leaf with having to make a tough financialhis Mortgage, who was able to answer of decision of Iany stopI didn’t readingstop andwhen call objections. amkind so glad 720-458-4034 to speak toit!” the local reverse my son said he didn’t like

*Commissions subject to change

of the

Don’t forget to vote for Silver Leaf Mortgage, Mortgage Company Colorado’s #1 Reverse Mortgage Reverse Mortgage Company Broker at Colorado Community MediaMortgage Best of Best 2021!

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 0101CCM

Matt Witt

NMLS #1638881 Reverse Mortgage Specialist

720-458-4034

MattW@SilverLeafMortgage.com

Matt Witt: Reve Mortgage Experse 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

March 25, 2021M

Moms take on challenges, set priorities on self-care Managing jobs, teaching children at home primarily fell to mothers as schools and programs shut down

BY THELMA GRIMES TGRIMES@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM

As schools transitioned to online learning due to the pandemic last March, adults in many households had to make tough choices quickly.

They had to decide who would stay home with the children. Who would oversee online learning and childcare, especially for children 12 and under?

Studies show most of that responsibility fell on moms. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, women ages 25-44 were three times as likely as men to stop working during the pandemic to address childcare needs.

Kristin Orlowski, a UCHealth behavioral health expert in Highlands Ranch, said the data is not surprising. For moms, it is always about the children and taking care of them, she said.

“Moms have been given the responsibility of handling the brunt of the work,” she said. “Dealing with that has been a real issue for a lot of moms this year. You have working moms and you have the single moms really taking on this heavy load.”

Keeping careers intact For single mom Deborah Freeman, there was no deciding who would stay home. The responsibility to take care of her three daughters was solely on her shoulders.

However, Freeman faced the added stress of maintaining a career and paying bills while making sure her daughters were meeting academic standards along with providing emotional support as needed.

Freeman is the owner of the Just Between Friends (JBF) children’s consignment franchise in Douglas County. She holds two major sales events a year at the Douglas County Fairgrounds in Castle Rock, which accounts for most of her annual income. After a divorce, Freeman invested in the franchise to make a living and be at home as much as possible with her children.

With the spring show canceled in early April last year, Freeman said she was in limbo for weeks while seeking a center to accommodate the size of her event. She found a place in Lone Tree and moved the show to June. She made less money, had fewer consignors and fewer shoppers.

“It was a real struggle because during a pandemic there is no way to understand consumer behavior,” Freeman said. “There was no information or data. You just had to rely on relationships you have formed over the past years.”

Eight weeks later, Freeman hosted another sale, but like the last one, the revenue was down.

Freeman said she is more optimistic about 2021 but still faces an

Shannon Eklund and her children found outdoor, safe activities to do during the pandemic as a way of getting out of the house.

COURTESY PHOTOS

COVID-19: ONE YEAR MARKER Part 1: In this report, mothers share how they navigated the past year during COVID-19 challenges and restrictions.

In Part 2 next week, we will talk to students about how their routines with friends and schools changed drastically and how they adjusted. uphill battle. She has scheduled another show at the Douglas County Fairgrounds this spring, but due to limited open dates, it falls on Easter weekend. Like 2020, Freeman said there is no way to predict consumer behavior.

Serving on the board at Sky Ridge Medical Center, Freeman also hosts the annual Bumps and Babies event for expecting moms, which was canceled in 2020.

Shannon Eklund, an executive assistant for the Town of Castle Rock, said she is proud of the career she built and did not want to consider giving it up.

Knowing that more than a million moms had to leave careers and jobs in 2020 to take care of children is “heartbreaking,” she said.

“It is interesting how much really falls on moms,” said the mother of three. “I worked so hard for so long on my career. I am just glad to have had the support system around me that allowed me to keep going. Being a role model for my kids is super important.”

Parker mom Jenna Jackson was nursing a brand-new, in-home fashion boutique business when the pandemic hit. The Parker resident said she did not want to give up the work she had been doing for more than two years, but started asking herself if she should continue.

“I remember last March when everything was so scary,” said the mother of four. “I didn’t want to show clothes to people because I felt like there was way more important things happening in the world. I was trying to be respectful to people and deal with my family

The Eklund children, Ylina, Nani and Quentin, sport masks while practicing safety protocols during the pandemic.

and home.”

Eventually, Jackson said she found out her online women’s fashion and accessories boutique was an outlet for other moms.

“They wanted a distraction,” she said, “they wanted to shop while the kids ran around the house going crazy.”

For Susan Nats in Highlands Ranch, she and her husband Tim had just opened a Tropical Smoothie franchise one week before the major shutdown. Nats, a mother of two high-school sons and two college-aged daughters, said she had to put her children to work to make sure the business survived through the first year of the pandemic.

Nats said the need to keep the business running kept the family together and gave them all something to do.

Home-school challenges If anyone was prepared for the challenges of homeschooling, it was Eklund. Her two teenage daughters and preschool son were in good hands as Eklund was

homeschooled he entire childhood.

“I grew up in the wood-burning heat of the mountains in Montana,” she said. “When the kids came home, I thought, ‘I got this.’

I am blessed to have good, patient, understanding kids.”

From the start, Eklund said it was all about setting priorities, having structure and understanding boundaries. However, she joked there were still days where she was in a Zoom meeting while her 5-year-old son practiced ninja kicks loudly in the background.

“With my preschooler, it was not about preparing him for Harvard,” Eklund said. “We made play dough, worked on the ABCs and numbers. With my daughters, we found hobbies and stayed focused on structure. I had been pushing for more autonomy with my kids anyway. This really helped that.”

While her daughters adapted well to online learning, Freeman said there were still moments of depression, anxiety and stress for each of them, which range in age SEE MOMS, P8

Highlands Ranch Herald 7

1March 25, 2021

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. Or let The Buffet light up your senses with exquisite flavors and cuisine from all corners of the globe. 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?

Gambling problem? Call 1.800.GAMBLER

8 Highlands Ranch Herald

March 25, 2021M

As a fun project to do as a family, Jenna Jackson became known as the ‘Lunch Lady,’ producing a daily video on social media highlighting the homemade meals she made for 40 consecutive days for her family.

Deborah Freeman and her three daughters took the pandemic day by day, dealing with COURTESY PHOTOS issues as they came up and found new, positive ways to bond.

MUST READ I wouldnt be writing this if I wasn’t convinced that Trelora was THE BEST way to sell and buy residential real estate.

Why... because I personally experienced it for myself with the sale of my last three properties.

I saved nearly $12,000 in real estate commissions on the 1st two.

My first condo sold at top price in 3 weeks, my second condo sold in just 1 week for list price.

These properties are my hard earned asset. I wanted to realize my best profit when selling, thats why I went with Trelora and thats why I used them again to sell my home that just closed on 11/2/20.

IMPORTANTLY...

PRIOR to listing my home I did some outside research to know what I could sell my home for. I had time since I wasn’t moving for six months. I met with four different traditional agents to find out what they would sell my house for. Suggested selling prices ranged from $535 to $575. I was convinced that I could sell my house for $575. When I did decide to list my house Trelora told me that they felt I could get $589,900!!!

Well I did sell my house at that top price. I profited $14,900 more than I expected!!!

The BIG THING, I saved $17,646.50 in commissions.

I’ve been so happy with Trelora that I decided to do this story on my own.

My prompting, my idea/on my time.

My advertisement... PAID by me!!

What do I get from it...

It is knowing that I saved you and so many others like myself in non-necessary commissions that can be used elsewhere. Trelora is a flat fee broker that can/”will” provide all that you want when buying and selling.

These are my words and thoughts.

I stand by what I have said.

Sincerely Brian Brewster PAID ADVERTISEMENT

MOMS FROM PAGE 6

between 11 and 14.

“For us, it was very much a one day at a time situation,” she said.

“We had some missed milestones and missed moments. We just had to find a way to continue.”

Jackson said last spring when schools were canceled, the teachers tried their best, but virtual learning was not organized well for all her children, which range in age between 7 and 16.

“I essentially had a kindergarten dropout,” Jackson joked. “At 6 years old, he was just too little. My kids struggled online. They made it through, but a lot of (the curriculum) was thrown together.”

Jackson said in the fall, teachers had more time and virtual learning went a lot smoother.

In organizing regular school days, Jackson said she created a program that became known as the “Lunch Lady,” posting videos of her cooking lunch each day on social media.

The series became popular with family and friends as her kids started participating, creating meal lists and rating the homemade dishes.

Jackson said she did a 40-day series of homemade lunches that pushed her family to eat together every day.

“No matter what everybody was doing, they knew that noon every day was lunch time,” she said.

A focus on self-care As the pandemic restrictions

stayed intact through the summer, several moms said they started realizing the importance of self-care.

Freeman said one day she got up and realized she had gained weight, rarely put on nice clothes and was hardly ever wearing makeup anymore. With a focus on herself, she began putting more effort into her appearance and lost 30 pounds.

“I decided it was important to do something every day for myself,” she said. “I wanted to get more sleep. I wanted to get the energy to continue taking on whatever comes. I became very cognizant that just because my kids were home, I did not have to do everything. I knew I couldn’t fall into the trap of always trying to be super mom.”

Jackson said it was all about alone time. She realized months into the pandemic that it was OK to make dad cook dinner while she spent hours relaxing in a warm bath.

Orlowski said while 2020 posed a lot of mental-health challenges for all family members, she is not surprised moms figured out how much their own care mattered in a year that posed a lot of challenges.

“This year changed a lot of our lives and mothers started realizing that self-care matters,” she said.

“Without self-care, moms can’t take care of all of those around them. Without true self-care, especially in a pandemic, it can lead to serious burn out.”

By mid-summer, Eklund said she became very aware that selfisolation can be a good thing. With a sister nearby, Eklund co-isolated with her, providing breaks and relieving each other when needed.

“I realized it is important to put a priority on myself,” she said.

“The cards for me were stacked nicely. Not for a lack of trying — that’s for darn sure.”

Positives in a year of negatives In the end, Jackson said she loved having her family home every day. She loved the closeness the year brought with family nights, cooking lunches and being together. She also loved the slowdown.

“Before we had the shutdown, we were constantly going,” she said.

“We were driving kids to school, taking them to athletics. I really did enjoy the break from all of it.”

Orlinski said it is important for moms to take away the good parts of the year. It is also good to learn some of those lessons and instead of just forgetting them and going back to old habits, to consider carrying some of those new routines forward.

Freeman said she did more projects with her daughters, noting that a lot of it involved painting the bathroom three or more times, or designing a mural on the glass doors.

Together time became important during the pandemic. Freeman said she got back to having family dinners to talk about the day, laugh and enjoy each other’s company.

“It may not have been a perfect dinner, but it was perfect as long as we were having dinner together,” she said. “I worked on being present. It is still a struggle. Really, it was a struggle as a single mom even before COVID. On any given day, you feel like one of your kids is getting the short end of the stick.”

Eklund said she was already close with her son and daughters and the pandemic helped that continue.

“We have always been able to just find a way,” she said. “What works for one may not work for the other.

I have been lucky all around. If it seemed like we needed to just get out of the house, I grabbed my computer, and we went to the park.

It was super fun.”

Highlands Ranch Herald 9

1March 25, 2021

Water provider garners engineering award the pipeline, (Dominion) is helping Douglas County water users to reduce, and in some cases, prevent dependence on non-renewable groundwater supplies.”

The project included installation of about 12 miles of 24- to 30-inch water transmission line.

Providence Infrastructure Consultants provided Reynolds Construction and Dominion Water professional water support services during the project’s planning, permitting, design and construction phase, according to the release.

Four other projects received the Engineering Excellence Award from ACEC. “The ACEC Colorado annual (Engineering Excellence Award) program recognizes consulting engineering firms for projects that demonstrate an exceptional degree of innovation, complexity, achievement and value,” according to a news release from ACEC. Dominion Water, formed in 2004, serves an area of 33,000 acres and has the goal of moving Northwest Douglas County away from nonrenewable water supplies.

STAFF REPORT

A water provider for Northwest Douglas County has been recognized by a statewide organization for excellence in engineering, according to a news release.

Dominion Water & Sanitation District — a wholesale water, wastewater and stormwater provider — won the accolade for their Eastern Regional Pipeline Project from the American Council of Engineering Companies of Colorado.

The project, in Castle Rock, Sedalia and other parts of unincorporated Douglas County, is part of the WISE partnership.

WISE, which stands for Water, Infrastructure and Supply Efficiency, is a partnership between 12 Front Range entities to supply water.

“Through the Eastern Regional Pipeline Project, northwest Douglas County will have access to a renewable, sustainable and reliable supply of potable water,” said Sarah Stone of Dominion, according to the Dominion news release.

“By securing WISE water through

C-PACE

ing “We’re conserving energy, we’re conserving water. To me those are noble goals.”

The project, currently in design, is expected to be completed in three to five years, Temple said.

Temple hopes to help educate other local businesses and landlords on the program and its benefits, he said.

“By updating their existing energy plan or their ventilation plan, they can help their properties save money in operating costs,” he said.

The program has been approved in 35 Colorado counties.

“The annual energy cost savings will, in most cases, exceed the annual assessment payment,” according to C-PACE.

FROM PAGE 5

“I can’t look at the one isolated percent of a percent example to inform our decision here and stand in the way of millions of dollars coming into our economy and thousands of jobs,” Laydon said.

One county project that will benefit from this passage is the Miller’s Landing multi-use development in Castle Rock, which will now be able to use C-PACE loans for financing.

“To me this is a conservation tool,” said Shawn Temple, managing director of P3 Advisors, the master developer of Miller’s Land-

Blazing Fast Internet!

ADD TO YOUR PACKAGE FOR ONLY

19.99

$

/mo.

where available

2-YEAR TV PRICE

GUARANTEE

6499

$

America’s Top 120 Package

190 CHANNELS

MO.

Including Local Channels!

for 12 Mos.

FREE

VOICE REMOTE

The DISH Voice Remote with the Google Assistant requires internet-connected Hopper, Joey, or Wally device.

Customer must press Voice Remote button to activate feature.

FREE

FREE

SMART HD DVR INCLUDED

STREAMING ON ALL YOUR DEVICES

* Requires eAutopay discount and includes Hopper Duo DVR ($5 discount for 24 months) or Wally/211

CALL TODAY - For $100 Gift Card

Promo Code: DISH100

1-833-955-3264 Offer ends 7/14/21.

“All offers require credit qualification, 24-month commitment with early termination fee and eAutoPay. Prices include Hopper Duo for qualifying customers.

Hopper, Hopper w/Sling or Hopper 3 $5/mo. more. Upfront fees may apply based on credit qualification.

of the

2021 BEST OF THE

BEST

VOTE NOW! VOTE ONLINE FROM MARCH 1, 2021 TO APRIL 15, 2021

HighlandsRanchHerald.net To provide the most accurate results by geographical area, Colorado Community Media does not require, but does encourage readers to vote for businesses in their immediate local community. All nominated businesses have an equal opportunity of winning, no purchase required. Please see voting website for complete contest rules and regulations.

10 Highlands Ranch Herald

March 25, 2021M

EQUITY FROM PAGE 1

Backers of the equity policy said it will improve how the district supports people of all backgrounds, and further promote diversity, inclusion and representation in the system.

One district employee wrote that the proposal made them feel safer and more included.

“And it makes me really happy for our students because they’ll benefit from all of us being more aware, more inclusive, and less accepting of bias, shame and discrimination,” said one writer.

The policy aims to ensure students and employees across identities — such as a person’s race, religion, gender, sexual orientation or disability — have what they need to attain or deliver education.

The proposal vows to create “a targeted system” to identify any inequities in the district in order to correct them. It says the district will not condone issues such as systemic racism, discrimination or the “myth of meritocracy.”

The district’s Equity Advisory Council, a group of staff, parents, students and community members, drafted the policy last year as anti-racist and social justice protests flared throughout nation.

Locally, past and current Black students and employees have reported numerous instances of racism or racial insensitivity in schools, and a lack of inclusion

in curriculum. They also called on the district to foster better diversity among staff, particularly within leadership.

In recent school board meetings, parents of special education students have raised concerns about their children’s access to or quality of education in the district. Then this month a Douglas County mother and the ACLU sued the district because school resource officers handcuffed and charged a boy with autism.

School board President David Ray was not immediately available for comment regarding next steps for the policy. He provided a statement through a spokeswoman in response to an interview request about public comment.

“It would be premature for me to react to public reaction until the collection of all comments has been completed (3/19/21),” Ray said. “The board is scheduled to have a work session on this topic at 5 p.m. prior to our regular meeting on March 23.”

Fears about reform Multiple people opposed to the equity policy rebuked it as racist toward white people or anti-white and linked it to the movement called Critical Race Theory, a frequent source of contention among conservatives.

“This proposed new form of racism against whites should not be tolerated in DCSD or anywhere else,” one writer stated.

One person said schools should not teach children to “mindlessly blame a particular race for all

Free Virtual Consulting CONFIDENTIAL BUSINESS CONSULTING Request an appointment today!

www.Aurora-SouthMetroSBDC.com/consulting

of the ills of society. We should also teach our kids about all of American history. Our country had some flaws, but also had some truly great moments (we ended slavery).”

A third person outlined ethnic demographic data for the predominantly white community and said the policy “should be focused on the equity of the majority who pay the bills for education.”

“While empathy and equality are admirable traits, the school’s job is to teach the subject matter that benefits the majority of students,” the individual wrote.

Several people took exception to the policy calling meritocracy a myth, something the Douglas County Republican Party also described as disturbing in a recent blog post about the policy.

Meritocracy refers to people achieving success through their abilities and talents and not through their class, privilege or wealth. Public commenters asked if the district would begin teaching students that hard work does not help them reach goals.

“The only group that does not benefit in that system are the lazy,” a public commenter wrote.

Numerous people asked if the policy would affect which sports teams and restrooms transgender students can access.

“Will a transgender student be required to register is (sic) a transgender in order to enter bathrooms of their non-birth gender, or play sports in their nongender sport,” one person asked, “or can any student decide how they want to identify on any given day?”

In one critic’s words, the equity policy is “a monumental waste of time.”

They echoed fears expressed throughout public comment — that if adopted, the policy would result in widespread restructuring or reform of education in DCSD, ushering in curriculum about topics like white privilege and gender fluidity.

“This so-called ‘equity’ policy addresses no real problem in DougCo schools (one would think there must be a rampant racism, prejudice, injustice, etc., etc., etc.,

in our community to justify such a comprehensive make-over of our school system),” an individual said.

In the party’s blog post, Douglas County Republicans called the proposed policy “troubling,” along with the district’s use of No Place For Hate, an anti-bullying and anti-racism program offered by the Anti-Defamation League (ADL).

Douglas County Republican Chairman Stu Parker could not be reached for comment.

“Douglas County residents agree that we want great, welcoming schools,” the post reads. “However, the Douglas County School District is trying to achieve these goals in misguided ways.”

The policy places too great an emphasis on people’s differences, the post said, despite having some “positive elements.”

The policy, the blog post said, “implies that their identities dictate what they’re currently capable of achieving, and that reforming systems and curriculum may need to occur to create ‘equity’ (which is different than equality of opportunity).”

Hope for a more supportive system Grassroots groups and equity advocates see the policy differently.

District parent Ishmeet Kalra called the policy a “first step to fixing the system.”

Kalra served as a volunteer for both the Equity Advisory Council, which drafted the policy, and work groups that helped write the district’s strategic plan, which brought forth initiatives like No Place For Hate.

She’s long wanted to see more equity for students who are not the ethnic or racial majority in the district, she said.

After George Floyd’s death, she wrote then-superintendent Thomas Tucker and board members to say the predominantly white school district “must do more.”

“We need to go beyond condemning racism,” she said.

The two most common concerns she’s heard about the policy are SEE EQUITY, P11

Low-Cost Webinars LEADING EDGETM

The business planning flagship program for the State of Colorado

AuroraSouth Metro SBDC

Helping existing and new businesses grow and prosper Virtual appointments only SBDC Host:

CITY OF AURORA

Aurora Municipal Center

CITY OF ENGLEWOOD Englewood Civic Center

THRIVE WORKPLACE DTC | Centennial

For existing businesses, start-ups and Child Care Register for webinars today!

www.Aurora-SouthMetroSBDC.com/training

Funding Options RESOURCES and PARTNER PROGRAMS We’ll get your connected.

VISIT THE WEBSITE BELOW TODAY!

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

Aurora-SouthMetroSBDC.com

info@Aurora-SouthMetroSBDC.com

Final Expenses Check this off your to-do list!

Guaranteed, modified whole life coverage from Physicians Life Insurance Company that’s affordable and easy to get.

• Guaranteed acceptance for ages 45 to 85* • No medical exam! No health questions!

• Lock in your rate for life

Call for a FREE Information Kit.

1-855-403-3383 >> www.life55plus.info/copa

*Ages may vary by state. Guaranteed for one of these life insurance policies. Benefits reduced first two years. Insurance Policy L770 (ID: L770ID; OK: L770OK; TN: L770TN).

6238

Highlands Ranch Herald 11

1March 25, 2021

EQUITY FROM PAGE 10

its stance on meritocracy and a general opposition to education systems focusing on equity instead of equality, she said.

“When we are debating ‘equality’ versus ‘equity,’ there is this fear,” she said, “if we extend resources to these kids than my kids will have less.”

People customize homes, cars, bikes, so Kalra asks, why not customize education as well?

“That means that your kid is also getting that custom treatment,” she said.

Kalra also supports describing meritocracy a myth. The CO-

VID-19 crisis provides a perfect analogy for how a lack of support for minority or underrepresented groups affects those students’ education, she said.

She urged people concerned by that line in the policy to consider how barriers to learning during the pandemic affected their children.

“How many of those parents have felt helpless? How many of those parents have felt anger and frustration? Now, how many of those parents are blaming their kids for not living up to their potential this year,” she said. “How many of them are telling their kids, ‘Just pull yourselves up by your bootstraps.’”

Another district parent, Nara Altmann, started a group called

the Equity Growth Zone after Floyd’s death. The group has held nearly 40 weekly meetings to date, gathering at first to discuss advocating for racial equity in the community at large.

Focus shifted to supporting the district and advocating for equitable cultures in schools. Some members work for the district, and many others are district parents.

Her goal is that the Equity Growth Zone gets community members of all backgrounds talking about racial equity, something the nation’s political climate makes difficult, she said.

“Every time we try to tackle something like just having a conversation around race,” she said, “people perceive that immediately as polarization.”

In a virtual February meeting, group members including Kalra and Altmann urged people to voice their support for the equity policy at board meetings and through the district’s website.

One mother hoped it would boost cultural sensitivity among educators and counselors. Her daughter’s teacher “constantly confuses her with another Indian student,” she said, and as a student of color, she feels continual pressure to fit in.

In feedback submitted online, supporters said they were encouraged to see district leadership focusing on the issue.

“This policy isn’t about limiting, prohibiting, out (sic) encroaching on anyone’s beliefs,” one person wrote.

Law will give financial relief to Colorado schools Districts will receive funds that were expected before enrollment decline

BY JASON GONZALES COLORADO SUN

Colorado school districts will get some financial relief under a bill signed into law by Gov. Jared Polis on March 15.

Under normal conditions, Colorado schools are funded based on enrollment. The legislation approved

by Polis ensures Colorado school districts will receive the money they originally expected for the 2020-21 school year despite about 30,000 fewer students showing up, a 3.3% decline in enrollment.

The law also sends millions to rural school districts to meet the unique needs of small and isolated schools.

Lawmakers quickly approved the bill this year, which represents one of the first major pieces of education legislation to see Polis’ signature. Bill sponsor and Joint Budget Committee Vice Chair Rep. Julie McCluskie, a Dillon Democrat, said

legislators are doing everything they can to put students, teachers, and parents at the center of the pandemic recovery.

“This funding boost protects schools across our state from catastrophic budget cuts at the worst possible time,” McCluskie said in a news release.

Every year, Colorado withholds millions from schools to pay for other priorities. Known as the budget stabilization factor, this amount grew to $1.2 billion this budget year due to major economic uncertainty last spring. The bill reduces that amount by $121 million. Colorado’s K-12 budget is about $7.2 billion.

Colorado will also send an extra $60 million to school districts — $41 million to make up for lost local tax revenue and another $19 million to districts that saw particularly large enrollment declines or that experienced a notable decrease in the number of students living in poverty.

Education officials don’t believe child poverty really declined. Instead, they think fewer families filled out paperwork for federal lunch subsidies because schools didn’t require them this year. For that reason, lawmakers decided to maintain funding based on previous student counts.

One solution for oxygen at home, away, and for travel Introducing the INOGEN ONE It’s oxygen therapy on your terms No more tanks to refill. No more deliveries. No more hassles with travel. The INOGEN ONE portable oxygen concentrator is designed to provide unparalleled freedom for oxygen therapy users. It’s small, lightweight, clinically proven for stationary and portable use, during the day and at night, and can go virtually anywhere — even on most airlines. Inogen accepts Medicare and many private insurances!

Reclaim Your Freedom And Independence NOW!

1-855-955-4723 MKT-P0108

McLachlan said.

Colorado lawmakers are also working on complex tax changes that could bring in more money for K-12 over time. Meanwhile, Colorado schools also expect to see a major infusion of money from the American Rescue Plan, 20% of which must be used to make up for lost learning time during the pandemic.

This story is from The Colorado Sun, a journalist-owned news outlet based in Denver and covering the state. Used by permission. For more, and to support The Colorado Sun, visit coloradosun.com.

Donate your gently used items

at the Highlands Ranch Donation Drive on March Donate your items to the Habitat for Humanity ReStores at the Highlands Ranch donation drive!

The ReStores accept donations of new and used furniture, appliances and more, and sell them back to the public at a discount. 100% of the proceeds from the ReStores support Habitat’s mission of building and preserving affordable homeownership.

WHERE: Saint Andrew United Methodist Church 9203 S. University Blvd., Highlands Ranch, 80126

Call Inogen Today To Request Your FREE Info Kit

© 2020 Inogen, Inc. All rights reserved.

Rural districts will receive an additional $25 million from a new nicotine tax approved by voters in November.

House Education Chair Barbara McLachlan, a Durango Democrat, said in the news release that lawmakers recognized that teachers and students have been some of the hardest hit by the pandemic.

“Building back stronger means making sizable investments in education and working to give our schools the funding they need to get back on track and start bridging the COVID education gap,”

27

Some items we can accept: Furniture Art and décor Home goods Construction Materials Some items we cannot accept: No clothing, curtains, linens, hazardous materials, mattresses/box springs, glass-topped tables No items that are incomplete, damaged or not fully functioning

WHEN:

For a full list of donation items we can accept, visit:

Saturday, March 27th, 10am-1pm

www.DonateToReStores.org

12 Highlands Ranch Herald

T

LOCAL

VOICES

Documentarians are manic about Titanic

he Titanic is a sunken scab that keeps getting picked on.

There’s a new Titanic documentary. There will be a new one next year and the year after that and the year after that.

I wish they would let her rest in peace, QUIET like Ethel Merman.

New technologies DESPERATION explain how they continue to make new documentaries.

Explaining why is different.

In the first place, there has to be an audience. I guess there is. Apparently Craig Marshall there’s still enough Smith of a mystery about it, and everyone loves a mystery.

One of the newer documentaries showed the ocean emptied like a bathtub, leaving the Titanic’s carcass easier to see like the desert bones of a goat.

I wish I had millions to throw away at a sunken ocean liner.

It was foggy. The captain refused

O

March 25, 2021

to slow down. There were icebergs.

The invincible Titanic sunk. There were reasonable and conclusive explanations.

Weren’t there? Apparently not.

One documentary was titled “The Titanic’s Final Mystery.” If only it were.

What more can we learn?

Tons, apparently.

The scenes I like best are the ones in the control rooms when men and women sit around pensively while very expensive deep water diving subs and cameras plunge into the darkness to see what really happened to this unsinkable ship that sank.

Look: Those bolts weren’t fastened properly.

Look: The speedometer wasn’t working.

Look: Someone forgot to turn on the iceberg detector.

What do you get when you cross the Atlantic on the Titanic? About halfway.

What kind of lettuce did they serve on the Titanic. Iceberg.

Of the estimated 2,224 passengers on board, more than 1,500 died. One who survived, Molly Brown, and her

wealthy husband James, moved from Leadville into a $30,000 mansion on Pennsylvania Street in Denver.

It’s now a museum.

An abysmal movie, “The Unsinkable Molly Brown,” starring Debbie Reynolds, was released in 1964.

It’s a musical, if that helps.

Another documentary? Oh, why not? Men, and women, with money have to spend it on something. It might as well be on a sunken ship instead of college scholarships.

If only the Titanic could talk and put an end to all of this.

I think it would say two words, “Slow down.”

Other ships in the area sat for the night. But Captain Smith was intent.

He said, “Nothing can catch her, nothing can touch my 409.”

Trouble is, the ship’s iceberg scanning technology consisted of two young men without binoculars.

One, Frederick Fleet, 25, survived.

He died at the age of 77 (cause of death: suicide by hanging).

Fleet testified, “We could have seen it a bit sooner” if they had been issued binoculars.

Incomprehensible, isn’t it?

The largest ship afloat relied on two lookouts keeping their eyes peeled.

The Titanic was almost the length of three football fields.

Binoculars, good ones, are $19.99.

In 1912? Half that.

Sometimes it takes a disaster for improvements to be made. Improvements in ocean crossing liner safety measures were instituted.

If only Smitty had said, “Slow down. Let’s wait until morning, men.”

If Fleet had been issued binoculars.

If either or both had happened, the Titanic might be sitting pretty in Long Beach near the Queen Mary, open for tourists, serving high tea.

If, if, if.

Captain Smith’s last words: “Where’s all this water coming from?”

Now, let that last joke sink in.

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

You are tremendously amazing — and you should know it

ne of the things that I have learned many years ago is that we should never assume, that at any given moment, the person we are speaking with or communicating with does not need a word of encouragement or appreciaWINNING tion. And whether we are in the same WORDS boat or not, receiving a little positive feedback never hurt any of us, has it?

Just imagine for a moment that someone we work with, maybe a customer, or even a close friend whom we Michael Norton know and trust said to us, “I think that you are tremendously amazing.” My guess is that it would probably feel pretty good.

That one statement, said in less than two seconds, could be a gamechanger to anyone who receives such an impactful message.

Just like offering kindness, giving a well-deserved compliment costs us absolutely nothing. As a matter of fact, most times provid-

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

ing sincere praise provides a huge return of appreciation, loyalty and trust. Notice the word sincere.

When we share with someone our gratitude for their friendship, guidance, service or presence in our lives, it must be because we are truly grateful and because they are tremendously amazing.

Try it. Send someone a text, an email, or even give them a call and just say something like, “I really am so grateful for you, and I just wanted to tell you that I think you are tremendously amazing.”

The next time a server or anyone providing a service does an outstanding job, try sharing the same thing, “Thank you for your help, I think you are tremendously amazing.” Again, it only takes a few seconds and costs nothing. This is also something to absolutely share with a customer. Letting customers know that they are appreciated is always a best practice. And when customers are made to feel valued as individuals, loyalty will likely follow.

It is estimated that 690 million people go to bed on an empty stomach, hungry each night. This is a

very sad statistic and something that many people and organizations are trying to do something about. Ending hunger is an awesome cause and an incredible opportunity for even more of us to help the fight against hunger if we can.

Here’s the thing, it has also been said that as many people that there are in the world who go to bed hungry each night for something to eat, there are more than twice that number who go to bed each night hungry for a word of hope and encouragement. The solution to that problem seems so much easier to solve, doesn’t it? Just tell someone close to you that they are tremendously amazing.

And if saying tremendously amazing still seem a little long, try doing what we do in our business, we tell our team, our customers, and our partners that they are “Tramazing.” We have fun as it becomes contagious, and everyone jumps in to let those they work with that they are “Tramazing.”

Maybe giving kudos and acknowledging appreciation is something that is already happening

and being done consistently in our personal and professional lives. If so, that is wonderful, and you are already tremendously amazing, or “Tramazing.” However, if a demonstration of gratitude, respect and love can be achieved through just a few spoken or written words, why wouldn’t we say or write something that could bring another person the feeling that what they do and who they are is so very much appreciated?

How about you? Are there people in your life who are going to bed hungry for a word of hope and encouragement? Or are you already lifting up those around you and letting them know how special and appreciated they are? Either way, I would love to hear your story at mnorton@tramazing.com, and when we can let others around us know that they are tremendously amazing, or “Tramazing,” it really will be a better than good year.

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.

JERRY HEALEY President

ERIN ADDENBROOKE Marketing Consultant

jhealey@coloradocommunitymedia.com

eaddenbrooke@coloradocommunitymedia.com

MIKKEL KELLY Interim Editor

AUDREY BROOKS Business Manager

mkelly@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.

THELMA GRIMES Community Editor

ERIN FRANKS Production Manager

Email letters to letters@coloradocommunitymedia.com

tgrimes@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

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

1March 25, 2021

New position in DA’s office aims to repair community trust

BY JESSICA GIBBS JGIBBS@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM

A new position created in the 18th Judicial District Attorney’s Office is “a direct response” to calls for social justice and criminal justice reform seen throughout the nation in 2020, DA John Kellner says.

Kellner hired Aurora Ogg as the new district’s new community engagement director. She most recently worked as an assistant to Mayor Mike Coffman in Aurora and previously directed community outreach for Coffman when he served in Congress. Ogg started in February.

“What I learned, especially last

summer, is people want transparency,” Kellner said. “Especially when it comes to policing and prosecution.”

While campaigning, the first-term DA promised audits of the Ogg district, more publicly available data, and community town halls to address social issues in the district.

The community engagement director will be responsible for identifying “groups that may have been underserved in the past,” and getting office staff into the community, he said.

Part of the focus will be educating people on what happens in

the courtroom, but “part of it is listening and trying to learn what are the issues that we are directly impacting in a particular community.”

Ogg will also organize community advisory groups the office plans to launch. Those committees might focus on issues including juvenile criminal justice, immigration and a general citizens group.

“I think we have an obligation to connect with the community,” Kellner said. “Even outside times of crisis. Too often the community’s connection with the DA is on somebody’s absolute worst day.”

Ogg answered questions by email. She said stepping into the new role feels like a natural transi-

tion with her past experience at the federal and municipal level.

Ogg said her career working outside the justice system will help her understand perspectives of people unfamiliar with the role of a district attorney and how it affects their daily life.

“I think the voices we heard loud and clear last summer have always been there, they just didn’t have the same momentum and they weren’t always heard,” she said.

“It’s never going to be easy to fashion a criminal justice system that everyone is satisfied with. I feel like part of my job is to make sure that DA Kellner’s constituents are at the table when those conversations are taking place.”

the healthiest County in Colorado for the past four consecutive years … data demonstrates that Douglas County’s public health needs are very different from the other two Counties served by the Tri-County Health Department.” We’re doing great!

Why would the county commit additional resources to replicate what we already have? While not privy to the “data,” I’m confident DougCo health needs aren’t much different than residents of other counties.

Second: The county commissioners decided “… to evaluate and seek a different solution to public health services delivery for a County this size….” DougCo is the smallest of the TCHD collective with 23% of the combined 1.5M population. Our $2.5M share of the $11M county contributions funds disease control and prevention, environmental monitoring, health inspections, emergency preparedness and other services.

A cut-and-run, strike-out-on-ourown approach is hardly efficient or good management of tax dollars. Our commissioners should abandon this exercise and not make government duplicative and larger than necessary.

Janet Burda Highlands Ranch

counterparts, have been in-person the majority of the school year. A better comparison is to look at what other major metro school districts are doing and that shows they are all offering very similar neighborhood high school options.

If Douglas County desires highquality public schools that attract

and retain the best teachers and staff, we must stop the divisive attacks on school board members who are dedicated, unpaid volunteers. Fortunately, Mr. Ormond’s $262,000 investment in his failed recall attempt did not pay off.

Laura Mutton Highlands Ranch

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR American Rescue Plan needed The American Rescue Plan is big.

Real big. $1.9 trillion. With millions of people unemployed or underemployed, schools trying to reopen safely, and lines for food banks extending around blocks, this is a time for big solutions to big challenges.

America’s challenges will not resolve through inaction, especially when a thousand people a day are dying from COVID-19.

The American Rescue Plan includes billions of dollars to administer and distribute vaccines, diagnose infections, and purchase testing supplies and protective equipment.

There are also funds for hospitals, public health agencies, and biomedical research. During a global pandemic, our communities and healthcare workers need resources.

The American Rescue Plan also aggressively targets the economic crisis resulting from the pandemic.

Families and individuals will get help through direct payments, as will those who remain unemployed.

Small business loans, emergency rental assistance, and grants for restaurants are included to boost the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) resources. An expansion of the child tax credit will lift tens of millions of children out of poverty. Emergency health coverage will be given to those who have slipped through the cracks of a system badly in need of repair.

President Joe Biden, Vice President Kamala Harris, and congressional leadership has developed an ambitious piece of legislation. It’s big. It’s comprehensive. It responds to a crisis. This is the kind of action we need to deliver relief for working people.

Erik Clarke Denver Health plan is ill-advised What a year it’s been, and those pesky masks have been the root of so much conflict.

July’s Tri-County Health mask mandate provoked Douglas County commissioners to initiate withdrawal from TCHD and pursue the county’s own health agency. Recent actions continue the county’s relationship with TCHD through 2022 while a review of independent options occurs. Two statements in the 1/25/2021 DougCo website post on this issue are worthy of comment.

First: DougCo has “… been named

Recall full of misleading claims Claims that it was the failed recall that opened DCSD secondary doors for full in-person learning are completely false. They, along with comments comparing neighborhood secondary schools to private and charter schools, were made with little to no understanding of how the district operates.

Nate Ormond clearly never understood the district’s goal to return secondary students to full-time, in-person learning as soon as it was safe to do so. This goal, first stated back in August, is now planned for March, as a result of the successful vaccination of teachers and staff, not because of Mr. Ormond’s recall.

Comparing neighborhood schools to private and charter schools is disingenuous. Private and charter schools can control their enrollment and class sizes, while neighborhood schools cannot. It is much easier to socially distance students at Valor where the student-to-teacher ratio is half of nearby Mountain Vista. Mr. Ormond conveniently forgot to give credit to neighborhood elementary schools which, like their charter

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

March 25, 2021

LOCAL

LIFE

A GUIDE TO SAFE SPRING OUTINGS Seizing better weather with friends, family while minding virus

BY ELLIS ARNOLD EARNOLD@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM

O

ne year after Colorado’s governor announced a stayat-home order and drastically changed life throughout the state, the coronavirus still dictates the way Coloradans approach having fun and spending time with loved ones.

But as COVID-19 restrictions continue to loosen in parts of the Denver metro area and beyond — and as more Coloradans line up for vaccine shots — the natural question residents may ask is: What’s still off limits? What can be done safely?

One year after a spring unlike any other, many Coloradans may be raring to turn the page and make new memories. Here’s a look at how to take part in common spring pastimes with an eye toward keeping yourself and those near you safe.

Road trips Colorado’s vast expanse and varied scenery lend themselves to few things better than taking road trips.

In the pandemic’s early stages in Colorado, state officials recommended that travel for recreation be limited to a person’s own community, such as their county of residence, or traveling no more than about 10 miles.

The state public-health department isn’t urging that guidance now, but it advises being mindful of the restrictions in different areas.

“We know Coloradans love the outdoors, and we encourage them to enjoy what the state has to offer,” the Colorado State Joint Information Center, which takes questions for the health department, said in a statement. “Coloradans should check with the restrictions in the counties they are visiting to ensure they are in compliance during their stay.”

Checking the county government’s website for the area you’re visiting can be a quick, informative step. The state also maintains a map showing each county’s COVID19 restriction status, along with a chart of what each status means, at covid19.colorado.gov/data/covid19-dial-dashboard.

Traveling in cars with nonhousehold members can increase your risk of contracting COVID-19, a page on the state’s COVID-19 page from June says.

Yard, house parties Colorado’s guidance on backyard or indoor parties differs based on whether people have been fully vaccinated against COVID-19.

“For those who have completed their vaccination, the (federal) CDC has provided guidance on what activities are acceptable,” the state information center said in the

Dramatic sunsets are common throughout Colorado.

See the sights

statement. “Individuals who are not vaccinated should limit gatherings, follow local recommendations, wear masks and physically distance.”

The federal guidance is located at tinyurl.com/CDCvaccinatedguid-

ance.

A less-talked-about aspect of Colorado’s COVID-19 restrictions lately was the limit on personal gatherings.

The state’s COVID-19 dial is the set of restrictions counties must

COURTESY OF MATT INDEN/COLORADO TOURISM OFFICE

follow based on the local spread of the virus. The system also affects capacity at restaurants, other businesses, indoor and outdoor events, and other settings.

Among the dial’s six levels, blue is the second-least restrictive.

Purple, the most restrictive level, is a stay-at-home order.

Nearly the whole state was operating under the blue or yellow levels as of mid-March. Some Denverarea counties had progressed to blue by then, but others were still in yellow.

But the personal gatherings restriction had been the same across blue, yellow and orange — the middle levels. The state had allowed up to 10 people from no more than two households, although it’s the type of regulation where officials generally must rely on voluntary compliance.

On March 19, Colorado released a draft of the latest revisions to the COVID-19 dial, which included changes that would do away with the limit on personal gatherings.

The proposed update — dubbed “dial 3.0” — was to take effect on March 24.

“There is no longer a state limit on personal gathering sizes,” the state public-health department said in a news release announcing the update. “The state will follow (federal) CDC’s guidance on personal gatherings. The CDC still strongly recommends avoiding larger gatherings and crowds to prevent the spread of COVID-19.”

Prom The end of the school year means prom, a topic that comes with added anticipation after a spring of online-only schooling last year.

SEE SPRING, P15

Highlands Ranch Herald 15

1March 25, 2021

What’s still closed in Colorado?

A group cycling through the vineyards in Palisade, “wine country.”

SPRING FROM PAGE 14

Colorado’s public-health department offers painstakingly detailed guidance for prom, saying the rite should follow the state’s indoor and outdoor events restrictions.

For counties in level yellow, for indoor unseated events, the COVID-19 dial restrictions allow 50% capacity or 50 people without using the state’s social distancing space calculator (or up to 100 with the calculator), whichever is fewer. See the calculator at covid19. colorado.gov/distancingcalculator.

For outdoor unseated events in yellow counties, the dial allows 50% capacity or 175 people, whichever is fewer.

See restrictions for other settings and other levels at

covid19.colorado.gov/data/ covid-19-dial-dashboard.

A public health order formally outlines how the dial system works. See that at tinyurl.com/DialPublicHealthOrder.

“All in-person events are required to follow capacity limits guidance for indoor and outdoor events; however, we highly recommend that schools consider hosting these events outdoors when possible,” the state’s prom guidance document says.

The prom-specific guidance adds: “Consider two or more timed events to allow greater spacing while still allowing full participation.”

It also suggests assigning students to groups, or “pods,” of no more than 10.

“While at prom, attendees are allowed to be less than 6 feet from members within their designated pod but must remain at least 6 feet

away from separate pods,” the guidance says.

Asked whether the prom guidance carries the force of a public health order, the state information center said: “Schools organizing proms must follow indoor and outdoor event guidance, as well as restaurant guidance if food is served, and those parameters are outlined in public health orders. Other portions of the guidance are not outlined in a public health order but are highly recommended.”

See the prom document at tinyurl.com/ColoradoPromGuidance.

Air travel, public transit Colorado listed airline travel as having “medium to higher” risk in a page of guidance online from June.

“Check airlines and airports for their policies and procedures about

COVID-19,” the state’s page reads. “Check restrictions in the place you are traveling to.”

The page also suggests bringing hand sanitizer and disinfecting wipes and says to “consider what you would do if you became ill while you are away.”

“The risk may increase as more people become comfortable traveling,” the page adds.

The site also recommends checking policies about canceling due to crowded flights where social distancing is not possible.

Visit the CDC’s travel website for more information at tinyurl.com/CDCtravelguidance.

“Public transit can put you in close contact with others and increase your risk,” the state’s page says.

Swimming In settings for swimming,

COURTESY OF DENISE CHAMBERS/COLORADO TOURISM OFFICE

“it’s not the water; it’s the other people” that bring the risk, the state’s page says.

“It may be hard to maintain distance in common areas; it may be challenging for other swimmers to wear masks even when out of the water,” the page adds.

The page suggests strategizing ways to avoid common areas and maintain distance, along with wearing a face mask when possible and bringing an extra mask in case one gets wet.

Camping The section for camping says, of course, that COVID-19 risk is lowest if you camp with your household contacts.

“Plan well to avoid unanticipated stops and interactions,” the page says.

“Respect the community and follow local guidelines and restrictions.”

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

March 25, 2021M

MCA Denver reaches quarter-century mark Several exhibitions available for viewing now as museum passes milestone

BY SONYA ELLINGBOE SELLINGBOE@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM

In 1996, Denver philanthropist Sue Cannon teamed up with Marina Graves, Mark Sink, Dale Chisman, Lawrence Argent and others in the arts community to create a home for a 21st-century museum, one that would present art and events — world-class exhibits and lectures and parties in central Denver.

Things started with a renovated Sakura Fish Market for seven years while they looked for the right spot for a permanent home; were given a lot at 19th and Delgany; hired young British architect David Adjaye (who is now Sir David Adjaye) and opened a new museum in 2007, directed by Cindy Payton.

The building itself offers a distinctive experience that surrounds the ongoing changing exhibits of contemporary art.

In 2009, Adam Lerner was appointed director and brought a sense of humor to programming as well as imaginative exhibits.

The MCA became a popular spot for evening events in addition to serious exhibits.

In August 2019, Nora Burnett Abrams was appointed the new Mark G. Falcone director of MCA Denver, after joining MCA as curator in 2010. “She has played a major role in conceiving, establishing and implementing the museum’s curatorial vision and has cultivated exceptional partnerships with artists, community members, lenders, donors and the national and international arts community,” we are told in an anniversary release.

Perhaps some of our readers have yet to discover this inviting spot in Denver — we hope you will want to get acquainted ...

Three new exhibits are open: “Keith Haring: Grace House Mural”; “Jaime Carrejo: Waiting”; and “Colorado in the Present Tense: Narkita Gold; Rick Griffith; Nathan Hall and Maia Ruth Lee.” Gold’s exhibit is called “Black in Denver,” and includes a wall filled with strong portraits of local people she wants to recognize. It “investigates identity, specifically in a small black community.”

Carrejo’s “Waiting” is an installation that “explores the relationship between confinement and duration, through layers of Southwestern symbolism, mid-century design and objects from his own domestic space.” He is a Denverbased artist and faculty member at Rocky Mountain College of Art

Artist Narkita Gold poses at her “Black in Denver” exhibit at MCA Denver.

+ Design.

Haring’s “Grace House Mural” features, for the first time since it was created, a site-specific painting executed in 1983/84 for a Catholic youth center in Manhattan, with 13 panels and additional ephemera, including an original plaque, two doors and a mailbox.

Haring’s graphic style continued to communicate in large public murals that followed in this mode.

“Grace House Mural” was designed specifically to inspire and elevate the spirits of some of New York’s at-risk teens and includes

COURTESY PHOTO

some of his most iconic motifs: “Radiant Baby,” “Barking Dog” and dancing figures. The work was created with oil-based paint on a cement wall.

MCA Denver is open at 1485 Delgany St., with general admission tickets, Tuesday from 1-7 p.m.; Wednesday to Friday from noon to 7 p.m.; Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Reserve tickets by calling 303-298-7554 or going to mcadenver.org.

The rooftop Cafe Oasis is open and all food and drink must be consumed on the rooftop at present.

Physicians Mutual Insurance Company

A less expensive way to help get the dental care you deserve!

• Get help paying dental bills and keep more money in your pocket

• This is real dental insurance — NOT just a discount plan • Get affordable coverage before your next checkup

Don’t wait! Call now and we’ll rush you a FREE Information Kit with all the details.

TO ADVERTISE YOUR PLACE OF WORSHIP, CALL 303-566-4100

1-855-429-7670 dental50plus.com/copa Insurance Policy P150 6210 0519

Highlands Ranch Herald 17

1March 25, 2021

powered by

Thu 3/25

Sat 3/27 Fu Manchu

Featured

Featured

Thu 4/01 Featured

@ 6pm Gothic Theatre, 3263 South Broadway, En‐ glewood

Sun 3/28 Children's Ministry & 4Five (6 months thru Grade 5) @ 8am / Free Crossroads Community Church, 9900 South Twenty Mile Road, Parker

Community Presale Shopping | Spring & Summer 2021

Centennial Covenant Church

New Agent Boot Camp @ 12pm / Free 6050 Greenwood Plaza Blvd, 6050 Greenwood Plaza Boulevard, En‐ glewood

Fri 3/26 Featured

@ 8am / Free Centennial Covenant Church, 401 West Mineral Avenue, Littleton

Passover Sunday @ 8:15am / Free Harvest Church, 14100 E Jewell Ave, Au‐ rora

Sunday Service Attendance / FWC Centennial, CO @ 9am / Free Family Worship Center, 6395 S Clarkson Street, Centennial

16 Hours Only Social Media Marketing training course Littleton @ 8:30am / $400-$500 IT Training Center, Tech Training Solutions, Littleton

Wed 3/31 Featured

Children's Ministry & 4Five (6 months thru Grade 5)

@ 8am / Free-$5 Douglas County Fairgrounds Event Center, 500 Fairgrounds Rd, Castle Rock New Agent Boot Camp @ 12pm / Free 6050 Greenwood Plaza Blvd, 6050 Green‐ wood Plaza Boulevard, Englewood

Knit & Crochet-Morning @ 3pm Apr 1st - Apr 29th Heather Gardens Clubhouse, 2888 S. Heather Gardens Way, Aurora

Featured

@ 10am / Free Crossroads Community Church, 9900 South Twenty Mile Road, Parker

Katie Hopkins - Parker, CO @ 5:30pm / $20 Deep Space, 11020 S. Pikes Peak Dr,,, Parker

Featured

Eagle Moon - Body Spirit Mind Gathering @ 11am / Free-$45 9126 W Bowles Ave, 9126 West Bowles Avenue, Littleton

Mon 3/29 SAFe Scrum Master 5.0 @ 7am / $845-$995 Mar 29th - Mar 30th Remote/Virtual Training, Remote Street, Denver

Sacred Sound Bath @ 5:30pm / $20 Discover Your Spiritual Gifts, 5808 S Rapp St, Ste 275, Littleton

Featured

4 Weeks Only Azure Fundamentals(AZ-900)Training Course Littleton

Prime Time Presale Shopping | Spring & Summer 2021 @ 12pm / Free-$20 Douglas County Fairgrounds Event Center, 500 Fairgrounds Rd, Castle Rock Pilates Reformer/Tower, Level 1-2 Wed. 9 a.m. @ 2pm Mar 31st - May 5th Parker Recreation Center, 17301 E Lincoln Ave., Parker

Thursday Health Tips: Essential Oils in Health Care @ 5:30pm / Free 9034 E Easter Pl, 9034 East Easter Place, Centennial

Featured

4 Weeks Only Design Thinking Training Course in Littleton @ 6:30pm / $400-$500 IT Training Center, Tech Training Solutions, Littleton

16 Hours Only Social Media Marketing training course Denver

@ 6pm / Free Courtyard by Marriott Denver Tech Center, 6565 South Boston Street, Greenwood Village

@ 5:30pm / $25 Discover Your Spiritual Gifts, 5808 S Rapp St, Ste 275, Littleton

Featured

@ 6:30pm / $400-$500 IT Training Center, Tech Training Solutions, Littleton

April Fools Comedy Show

Tue 3/30

Getting Started With Essential Oils - Centennial

Dragon Realm Introduction

@ 8:30am / $400-$500 IT Training Center, Tech Training Solutions, Denver

16 Hours Only Microsoft Share‐ Point Training Course Littleton @ 8:30am / $400-$500 IT Training Center, Tech Training Solutions, Littleton

Littleton Virtual Game Night: Trivia, Charades, and Drawing over Video

ADHD: Sending your ADHD child to college

@ 6pm / Free 2707 Littleton Main St, 2707 Littleton Main Street, Littleton

@ 11:15pm Parker Recreation Center, 17301 E Lincoln Ave., Parker

Succulent & Crystal Terrariums @ 5pm / $65-$65 Living The Dream Brewing, 12305 North Dumont Way, Littleton GROUP THERAPY: The Series Message Series @ 6pm / Free Harvest Church, 14100 E Jewell Ave, Au‐ rora

Entrepreneurship Crash Course Centennial @ 7pm / Free Online, Online Webinar, Centennial

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

@ 6pm / $10 Lincoln Station Coffee/Pizza/Mu‐ sic, 9360 Station Street, #Ste 175, Lone Tree Entrepreneur's Business & Real Estate Investing Workshop @ 6pm / Free Glendale, Due to limited seating, name, email and phone number are required to complete your registration., Exact location is shared after registration is complete.

Pilates Reformer/Tower, Level 1-2 Thur. 6:30 p.m. @ 11:30pm Apr 1st - May 6th Parker Recreation Center, 17301 E Lincoln Ave., Parker powered by

18 Highlands Ranch Herald

March 25, 2021

LOCAL

SPORTS

Highlands Ranch girls top Ralston Valley in hoops playoffs

BY RYAN DUNN RDUNN@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM

The Highlands Ranch Falcons (14-2, 8-1) are heading to the 2021 CHSAA 5A State Tournament Final Four for the 3rd time in the past five years. The Falcons defeated the Ralston Valley Mustangs (14-3, 7-1) 46-30 in a home game played on March 16.

Highlands Ranch got off to a hot start thanks to an early 6-0 run sparked by junior power forward Alex Pirog, who scored the Falcons’ first seven points. While Pirog went to work in the paint, Ralston Valley failed to answer, missing their first six field goal attempts.

Ralston Valley eventually answered with a McKenna Nichols floater to stop the Falcons’ run. Saya Sabus — who led Ralston Valley with nine points — added a pull-up three pointer late in the frame to bring the Mustangs within striking distance, as they finished the first quarter down 11-9.

Nevertheless, the Mustangs were unable to capitalize on their rally in the second frame. Pirog made a few key defensive stops and was able to keep Ralston Valley’s star point guard Sydney Bevington off the board in the second and held the Santa Clara commit to just six points in the game.

Ralston Valley point guard Sydney Bevington toes the baseline as she looks for a pass PHOTO BY RYAN DUNN late in the Mustangs’ Great 8 loss to Highlands Ranch.

Guard Katie Johanning added five points in the second quarter to give the Falcons a commanding 27-13 lead going into halftime.

Any hope of a Mustangs comeback was dashed by an domineering third quarter showing from the Falcons, led by senior point guard and Gonzaga-bound Payton Muma.

Muma, who finished with a gamehigh 22 points, made an acrobatic reverse layup through contact in the third quarter’s closing minutes and ended the frame with a decisive step-back buzzer-beater to give the

Falcons a 37-23 lead going into the fourth.

“We weren’t getting a lot of points in the third quarter, so I knew that I had to do something,” said Muma.

“Shoutout to my teammates for getting me open and getting me the ball. My mindset was to just drive it and try to get a foul.

“For that shot, I knew there was only nine seconds left so I just went for it,” Muma said of her buzzerbeater.

The Falcons closed the game with a 9-7 fourth quarter punctuated by a

catch-and-shoot three-pointer from Muma.

The win sets up a Final Four matchup between Highlands Ranch and Valor on March 18, while Ralston Valley’s loss brings an end to the storied careers of the Mustangs’ senior class, which made the Great 8 three times in four years.

“It was a good season,” said Ralston Valley Head Coach Jeff Gomer. “This group of seniors won a lot of games; three Great 8’s. I just wish it would have ended better for them.”

Mustangs senior forward Alexia Zendejas said the loss signals the end of the road for a group that has been playing together since they were children.

“It was an honor to play here,” said Zendejas. “It’s not where we wanted to end it, but we’ve all been playing together for a very long time. It still doesn’t feel real. We’ve played together since we were little.”

Ralston Valley will graduate six seniors from this year’s team, leaving rising senior Sabus as the most experienced player on the Mustangs’ roster going into next year.

Highlands Ranch lost to Valor Christian on 66-45 on March 18 in the State Tournament final four, ending their season.

NEW SHOWER

SALE! $799OFF OFF

NO

S H O W E R S A N D B AT H S

Dreamstyle Shower System

18

MONTHS

WITH

PLUS

–INTEREST –PAYMENTS –MONEY DOWN

FREE SHOWER DOOR

*

FOR THIS MONTH ONLY

Richard Karn Home Improvement Expert

Call TODAY for a FREE consultation

We’re only offering these savings for this month only! You must book your appointment by the end of the month.

877-875-2951

*0% APR for 18 months available to well qualified buyers on approved credit only. Financing not valid with other offers or prior purchases. Finance charges will be waived if promo balance is paid in full in 18 months. Down payment may be required, OAC. Valid with the purchase of a complete Dreamstyle Shower Systems. Due to COVID, some restrictions may apply. Dreamstyle Remodeling, Inc. (fn) ROC260542 B-3. ©Dreamstyle Remodeling Inc. all rights reserved.

Lic. PC0003837

Highlands Ranch Herald 19

1March 25, 2021

PROTECT YOUR HOME 365 DAYS A YEAR BACKED BY A YEAR-ROUND

NATIO

INSTALLS ON NEW & EXISTING GUTTERS

2

uPVC Frame

Hanger Existing Gutter

EXCLUSIVE LIMITED TIME OFFER!

15

%

OFF

YOUR ENTIRE PURCHASE *

+

10

SENIORS & MILITARY!

%

OFF

+

2

D

WARRANTY

Micromesh

4

ER GUA

LIFETIME

1

3

’S

GU

TT

1

R

E

N

TH

CLOG-FREE GUARANTEE

5

“LeafFilter was a great investment for our home.”

–Bill & Jan.

%

OFF

TO THE FIRST 50 CALLERS ONLY! **

FINANCING THAT FITS YOUR BUDGET!

1

Promo Code: 285

Keeps Out All Debris Completely sealed system protects your gutters — and entire home — from damaging debris.

Subject to credit approval. Call for details.

1

CALL US TODAY FOR

A FREE ESTIMATE

1-844-618-9585

WE INSTALL

YEAR-ROUND!

Mon-Thurs: 8am-11pm, Fri-Sat: 8am-5pm, Sun: 2pm-8pm EST *For those who qualify. One coupon per household. No obligation estimate valid for 1 year. **Offer valid at time of estimate only 2The 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.” CSLB# 1035795 DOPL #10783658-5501 License# 7656 License# 50145 License# 41354 License# 99338 License# 128344 License# 218294 WA UBI# 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 License# 2705169445 License# 262000022 License# 262000403 License# 0086990 Registration# H-19114

20 Highlands Ranch Herald

March 25, 2021M

ThunderRidge, Lutheran take boys hoops titles

BY JIM BENTON JBENTON@COL ORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM

ThunderRidge used a second quarter surge to claim its first state basketball boys title in almost 20 years and Lutheran’s third quarter performance domination in the Lions’ first Class 3A boys championship celebration as a Parker school.

The Grizzlies (13-2) outscored George Washington 15-4 in the second quarter and went on to record to a 68-59 Class 5A victory on March 21 at the Broadmoor World Arena which was the first state championship since capturing back-to-back crowns in 2002 and 2003.

Lutheran used a 12-0 run to start the third period and outscored the top-seed and previously unbeaten St. Mary’s 25-5 to roll to a 72-56 romp in the Class 3A championship game on March 21. It was the first state title for Lutheran (16-1) since the school split with Denver Lutheran and moved to the Parker campus.

ThunderRidge (13-2) has a history of excellent teams and prevailed 66-64 in overtime over top-seed and undefeated Cherry Creek in the semifinals before reaching the finals to claim the school’s fifth state basketball championship.

“It means the world to win it,” said ThunderRidge coach Joe Ortiz after the victory. “I can’t tell you how many times I’ve thought about that.

It ended with a storybook finish.

We’ve been to eight other final fours, five other finals so, yeah, it’s nice.”

The Grizzlies were tied after the first period against the Patriots who had split a pair of games against ThunderRidge during the regular season. They opened the second stanza with an 8-0 run and outscored GW 15-4 during the eight minutes.

Jackson Brennan, who finished with 11 points, had six points during the second period surge.

“We were on a dry spell and came here to break it,” said Jason Simental who had 16 points in ThunderRidge’s balanced offensive attack.

Nolan Marold, a 6-foot-6 senior, paced the Grizzlies with a double double of 15 points and 10 rebounds.

Senior guard Tommy Apodaca was the ringleader for Lutheran with nine of his game-high 22 points coming in the third quarter when the Lions started with a 12-0 run and

ThunderRidge players celebrate after defeating George Washington in the Class 5A boys championship game.

outscored the Pirates 25-5 to take command of the game.

Lutheran trailed 27-24 at halftime.

“We just knew we needed to apt up our pressure and take control,” said Apodaca. “They are a great defensive team to we had to control it and make our shots. I could feel it in the third quarter. My ankle was hurting real bad but I had to come out and do what the team needed.

“Once we got into a flow we knew we had it and knew they were not going to be able to stop us.”

Lions coach Bill Brandsma could fee the change in the second half.

“We had to control tempo and not turn the ball over and we didn’t do a good job of that in the first half,” said Brandsma. “We talked at halftime we had to finish when we go to the rim. We were up six or eight in the first half and they came SEE TITLES, P22

ThunderRidge players celebrate after defeating George Washington in the Class 5A boys championship game.

A LOCAL COLORADO METAL BUILDING PROVIDER FOR OVER 20 YEARS! - SHOP & GARAGE BUILDINGS - BARNDOMINIUMS - BARNS & AGRICULTURAL BUILDINGS - EQUESTRIAN FACILITIES - AND MORE

CALL FOR YOUR QUOTE TODAY!

303-948-2038

www.MetalBuildingOutlet.com

PHOTOS BY JIM BENTON

Highlands Ranch Herald 21

1March 25, 2021

DON’T JUST KINDA TV. DIRECTV.

CHOICE™ ALL INCLUDED PACKAGE

Access 80,000+ shows and movies On Demand

59

$

Requires subscription to top-tier PREMIER™ programming package, Movies Extra Pack, EPIX, Hallmark Movies Now, Lifetime Movie Club and Pantaya. Other packages will have fewer shows and movies. Additional fees apply for new releases and library titles available through DIRECTV CINEMA.

99

mo

For 12 mos.plus taxes andfees.

W/24-mo. agmt & other qualifying AT&T svc (min. $35/mo. + taxes and fees). Autopay & paperless bill req’d. Prices higher in 2nd year.

Regional Sports Fee up to $9.99/mo. is extra & applies.*

Watch your favorite live sports, news and entertainment anywhere† HBO Max™ included for a year

Subj. to change. HBO Max auto-renews after 12 months at then prevailing rate (currently $14.99/mo.), and Cinemax,® SHOWTIME,® STARZ,® and EPIX® are included for 3 months and auto-renew thereafter at then prevailing rate (currently $38.96/mo.), unless you call to change or cancel. Req’s you to select offers.

Access HBO Max only through HBO Max app or hbomax.com. HBO Max also includes HBO channels and HBO On Demand on DIRECTV. Online account registration required. Data rates may apply for app download/usage. See back for details.

*$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™ 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. See back for details.

Don’t settle for cable. Call now!

Iv Support Holdings LLC

877-220-6081 CHOICE Package 1-YR ALL INCLUDED PACKAGE W/ OTHER ELIG. SVC: Ends 3/27/21. 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 $122/mo. for CHOICE All Included), unless canceled 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. $10/mo. bundle discount: Internet: Req’s new (min. $35/mo. plus taxes and $10/mo. equip. fee) or existing svc. Excludes DSL. Wireless: Consumers only. Sold separately. Req’s new (min. $50/mo after discounts) or existing AT&T postpaid svc on elig. plan (excl. Lifeline) on a smartphone, phone or AT&T Wireless Internet device (excl. voice-only AT&T Wireless Internet). Both svcs: Eligible svc must be installed/activated w/in 30 days of TV activation and svc addresses must match to receive bill credit starting in 1-3 bill cycles. First time credit will include all credits earned since meeting offer requirements. Must maintain both qualifying svcs to continue credits. No credits in 2nd year for bundled services. 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. GENERAL WIRELESS: Subj. to Wireless Customer Agmt (att.com/wca). Credit approval req’d. Deposit/Down Payment: may apply. Additional monthly fees & taxes: Apply per line & include Regulatory Cost Recovery Fee (Up to $1.50), Administrative Fee ($1.99) & other fees which are not government-required surcharges as well as taxes. Additional one-time Fees may apply. See www.att.com/mobilityfees for more details. Usage, speed, coverage & other restr’s apply. International and domestic off-net data may be at 2G speeds. AT&T service is subject to AT&T network management policies, see att.com/broadbandinfo for details. †DIRECTV App & Mobile DVR: Available only in the US. (excl Puerto Rico and U.S.V.I.). Req’s compatible device. Live streaming channels based on your TV pkg & location. Not all channels available to stream out of home. To watch recorded shows on the go, must download to mobile device using Genie HD DVR model HR44 or higher connected to home Wi-Fi network. Rewind and fast-forward may not work. Limits: Mature, music, pay-per-view and some On Demand content is not available for downloading. 5 shows on 5 devices at once. All functions and programming subject to change at any time. Programming, pricing, promotions, restrictions & terms subject to change & may be modified, discontinued or terminated at any time without notice. Offers may not be combined with other promotional offers on the same services and may be modified or discontinued at any time without notice. Other conditions apply to all offers. HBO MAX™ is only accessible in the U.S. and certain U.S. territories where a high-speed broadband connection is available. ©2021 WarnerMedia Direct, LLC. All Rights Reserved. HBO MAX is used under license. ©2021 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.

22 Highlands Ranch Herald

March 25, 2021M

Lutheran’s 6-foot-11-inch Baye Fall shoots a jump shot during the Class 3A boys basketball championship game at the Broadmoor World Arena. Lutheran defeated St. Mary’s, 72-56.

ThunderRidge’s Nolan Marold (11) looks to make a move during the Class 5A state championship game which was played March 20 at the Broadmoor World Arena. ThunderPHOTOS BY JIM BENTON Ridge won over George Washington, 68-59.

TITLES FROM PAGE 20

back and took the lead. For us the second half was about owning the ball and not turning it over. It was a weird season. Six weeks ago, I said.

‘God, the outcome is in your hands’. I just coached these guys and this just capped it off.”

Apodaca made five of nine three-

point shots and was one of four Lutheran players in double figures.

Mamadou Sow, a 6-8 senior, had 16 points and a double double with 10 rebounds. Sam Hoops had 12 points and 10 rebounds while 6-11 sophomore Baye Fall, who had the defensive assignment against St. Mary’s top scorer and point guard Sam Howery, added 10 points and 11 rebounds.

Howery had 20 points to pace St. Mary’s.

Lutheran’s Class 3A state championship team.

WINDOW & DOOR FLASH SALE THIS MONTH ONLY

“Leo and Billy with Dreamstyle windows installed our new windows today, ALL in one day! Amazing! They were the hardest workers; they were super clean, cleaning up each room area after each window; really polite, and VERY skilled at their work, with so many details to accomplish on each window, they didn’t miss one step and the end product is excellent! We don’t even want to put our drapes back up!” – John L, BBB, 12/1/20

WITH

Richard Karn Home Improvement Expert

*

OR LOW MONTHLY PAYMENTS

Call for your FREE consultation:

855-552-7250

©2018 Google LLC All rights reserved. Google and the Google logo are registered trademarks of Google LLC. *Valid with the purchase of 4 or more windows. Not valid on previous orders. Valid on initial consultation only. 0% APR for 18 months available to well qualified buyers on approved credit only. Finance charges will be waived if promo balance is paid in full in 18 months. Down payment may be required, OAC, See representative for details. Valid on purchases made in the month and year of consultation and purchase of product. ©2021 ©Dreamstyle Remodeling Inc. all rights reserved. Lic. PC0003837

Highlands Ranch Herald 23

1March 25, 2021

Call now to get your ADT security system starting at $19.99/mo.* Plus get $100 off installation† when you call today! *Requires 36-month monitoring contract for intrusion only with a minimum charge of $28.99 after the 12 month term. Equipment shown requires ADT Secure or higher. Early term. and installation fees apply. Taxes addt’l. For full terms and pricing see below. † Requires minimum purchase of $449.

Life safety

tected Let us help you stay pro re! mo & s ood fl from fire, CO,

$100 off installation Cameras

Choose from indoor, s so outdoor & doorbell cam n you can keep watch eve h wit re the when you aren’t eo.

Vid T AD upgrade to

1-877-219-6861

en panel Upgrade to a touchscre ent or ipm equ e and smart hom urity. sec e hom stick with basic 0! $10 e sav Either way, you’ll

Redemption code:

Reply by:

DF-CD-NP-Q121

April 15, 2021

Get protected by America’s #1 home security provider

Theft Protection Guarantee**

24/7 ADT Monitoring

#1 Smart Home Security provider

ADT 6-Month Money-Back Guarantee‡

Certain restrictions apply

Certain restrictions apply

YOUR E XCLUSIVE SAVINGS COUP ON STARTING AT

19

$

99 /mo

BONUS $100 off installation

Call now to redeem your exclusive offer!

1-877-219-6861 Redemption code:

Reply by:

DF-CD-NP-Q121

April 15, 2021

We’re available 24/7. See if you qualify for same-day service!

*$19.99/month + †$100 off Installation: Requires 36-month monitoring contract with a minimum charge of $28.99/mo. (before instant savings) (24-month monitoring contract in California, total fees from $695.76 (before instant savings) and enrollment in Easy Pay. Service and installation charges vary depending on system configuration, equipment and services selected. Offer includes (i) $9.00 instant savings per month applicable only towards monthly monitoring charge for the first 12 months of initial contract term (total value of $108.00) and (ii) $100 instant savings on installation with minimum purchase of $449 after promotion is applied. Traditional Service Level requires landline phone. Excludes ADT’s Extended Limited Warranty. Upon early termination by Customer, ADT may charge 75% of the remaining monthly service charges for the balance of the initial contract term. Limit one offer per new ADT customer contract. Not valid on purchases from ADT Authorized Dealers. Expires 4/15/2021. **Theft Protection Guarantee: Customer may receive reimbursement of up to five hundred dollars ($500) of Customer’s homeowner’s insurance deductible (if any) if, and only if, ALL requirements for Theft Protection Guarantee are met to ADT’s reasonable satisfaction.

Customer must request reimbursment within 60 days of property loss. Request must be mailed to ADT and include: Theft Protection Guarantee certificate signed by Customer, a letter from Customer requesting reimbursement, a copy of the police report, and a copy of the accepted insurance claim. ADT reserves the right to reject any application for reimbursement that does not comply with all of the requirements. ‡ADT Money-Back Guarantee: Money back guarantee only applies after ADT has made attempts to resolve a system related issue and has not been able to resolve that issue within the first 6 months of your contract. Equipment must be fully removed before a refund will be processed. Conditions preventing normal system operation cannot be caused by the customer.

Interactive Services: ADT Command Interactive Solutions Services (“ADT Command”) helps you manage your home environment and family lifestyle. Requires purchase of an ADT alarm system with 36 month monitoring contract ranging $45.99-$57.99/mo with QSP (24-month monitoring contract in California, total fees ranging $1,103.76-$1,391.76), enrollment in ADT Easy Pay, and a compatible device with Internet and email access. These interactive services do not cover the operation or maintenance of any household equipment/ systems that are connected to the ADT Command equipment. All ADT Command services are not available with all interactive service levels. All ADT Command services may not be available in all geographic areas. You may be required to pay additional charges to purchase equipment required to utilize the interactive service features you desire.

General: Additional charges may apply in areas that require guard response service for municipal alarm verification. System remains property of ADT. Local permit fees may be required. Prices and offers subject to change and may vary by market. Additional taxes and fees may apply. Satisfactory credit required. A security deposit may be required. Simulated screen images and photos are for illustrative purposes only. ©2021 ADT LLC dba ADT Security Services. All rights reserved. ADT, the ADT logo, 800.ADT.ASAP and the product/service names listed in this document are marks and/or registered marks. Unauthorized use is strictly prohibited. Third-party marks are the property of their respective owners. License information available at www.ADT.com or by calling 800.ADT.ASAP. CA ACO7155, 974443, PPO120288; FL EF0001121; LA F1639, F1640, F1643, F1654, F1655; MA 172C; NC Licensed by the Alarm Systems Licensing Board of the State of North Carolina, 7535P2, 7561P2, 7562P10, 7563P7, 7565P1, 7566P9, 7564P4; NY 12000305615; PA 090797 DF-CD-NP-Q121

24 Highlands Ranch Herald

March 25, 2021M

Valor retains hockey title in 5A

BY JIM BENTON JBENTON@COL ORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM

George Gwozdecky has been coaching hockey for over 40 years including the past six at Valor Christian.

He knows what it takes to win a game.

On March 18 at the Budweiser Events Center in Loveland, Gwozdecky knew the Eagles had to shoot the puck at the net and force Fort Collins goalie Sam Simon to make saves.

Valor did just that, holding a 49-19 advantage in shots on goal, and won its second straight Class 5A CHSAA state hockey championship with a 4-3 win over the previously undefeated Lambkins.

The Eagles got three of their four goals from defensemen with Ryan Kayser scoring twice and Jameson Charles getting the game-winner with 2:36 remaining in the contest.

Valor captured the state title last year with a five overtime, 1-0 win over Fort Collins that saw Simon tie a national record with 84 saves in the setback.

“We needed our defensemen to be aggressive,” said Gwozdecky.

“One of the things we knew we needed to do is get pucks to the net because of Simon. We had to create second chance opportunities.

Fortunately some good shots went by him.

“It was just one of those crazy nights. It was like the last shot wins. It certainly was an interesting game. I’m proud of these guys.

Anytime you can win your last game of the season it’s a heck of an accomplishment. Considering they were defending the championship, that’s even tougher to do.”

Fort Collins took a 1-0 lead in the first minute of the second period but the two goals by Kayser and one by Evan Pahos helped create a 3-3 tie which Charles ended with his hard shot off an assist from Ryder Price at the 14:34 mark.

“We have kind of been in that position all year,” explained Kayser. “We give up the first goal but we know we are a better team deep down and we have more depth.

“Our defensemen don’t really score that much but sometimes when you need it, you get three out of the four goals. Not bad. Two for me and my D partner got the gamewinner. There is nothing better than that.”

Valor, which has gone 85-17-3 over the past five seasons, finished with a 12-2 record in this COVID 19 shortened season.

“The school made a real strong commitment to the hockey program about getting ice time and being serious about hockey,” said Gwozdecky who was head coach at the University of Denver for 19 seasons. “I noticed that and that’s what intrigued me about the position. The first couple years were building years.”

Pahos, who scored the game deciding goal in last season’s championship game, though he had tallied the 2021 title game-winning shot with 4:32 remaining in the game but the goal was waved off.

“I thought we had the winner a

Valor Christian won its second straight state hockey championship on March 18 in Loveland with a 4-3 win over Fort Collins. The PHOTOS BY JIM BENTON men in jerseys in the background are former Valor players.

Valor defenseman Jameson Charles (12) got the winning goal with 2:36 remaining in the game as the Eagles won back-toback state championships after a 4-3 victory over Fort Collins on March 18.

few minutes earlier where kind of everybody in the building realized it was a goal but the guys that mattered waved it off,” added Gwoz-

Valor defenseman Ryan Kayser (4) scored two goals in the 4-3 state championship win over Fort Collins on March 18.

decky.

“The official told me the puck hit the cross bar post and came out. Then I asked him why did you blow the whistle and stop play?

The puck is live on the ice. I got no answer. He just skated away.”

Pahos did get the game win-

ner in overtime as Valor downed Regis Jesuit, 3-2, in one of the semifinal games played March 16.

Fort Collins went three overtimes before Nolan Williamson scored 27 seconds into the third extra session in a 3-2 semifinal victory over Chaparral.

Highlands Ranch Herald 25

1March 25, 2021

Valor girls take hoops title over Regis

BY JIM BENTON JBENTON@COL ORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM

Valor Christian’s girls basketball team followed the same script that has been successful all season.

The Eagles used balanced scoring and contributions from everybody in the lineup to whip Regis Jesuit, 67-42, in the Class 5A state championship game played March 21 at the Broadmoor World Arena in Colorado Springs.

Top-seeded Valor had four players finish in double figures as the Eagles wrapped up a 17-0 season and capture the school’s third state girls basketball title.

“I think that’s the way we’ve been all season,” said Valor coach Jessika Caldwell who started playing basketball in the area and went to Coronado High School. “We’ve had balanced scoring all the time. We’ve had people coming off the bench and making great plays.”

Valor missed its first four shots of the game and had two turnovers and Regis grabbed a 7-3 lead but a 3-point basket by sophomore Ali Wetta sparked an 11-2 spurt and coach Carl Mattei’s Raiders had a hard time keeping pace the rest of the game.

“This was a special team,” said Kindyll Wetta, a senior who has overcame two ACL tears and will be playing next for the University of Colorado. “Everyone plays with a lot of heart and a lot of hustle. We love SEE VALOR, P26

Lutheran’s Stephanie Schultz (13) launches a jump shot during the Class 3A state championship game on March 20 against Platte PHOTO BY JIM BENTON Valley.

A Smarter Way to Power Your Home.

Power your home, save money and be prepared for utility power outages with the PWRcell, a solar + battery storage system.

REQUEST A FREE QUOTE!

ACT NOW TO RECEIVE A $300 SPECIAL OFFER!*

(833) 379-1388

*Offer value when purchased at retail. **Financing available through authorized Generac partners.

Solar panels sold separately.

$0 DOWN FINANCING OPTIONS!**

26 Highlands Ranch Herald

March 25, 2021M

C R O S SWO R D P U Z Z L E

State wants soccer players to become officials

BY STEVE SMITH SSMITH@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM

To paraphrase a line from the Army, the Colorado High School Activities Association and the state’s high school soccer officials organization are looking for a few good soccer referees who happen to play the sport.

Colorado High School Soccer Officials President Ken Hehr outlined his goals before a Zoom meeting of CHSAA’s soccer committee earlier this month.

“I want to encourage high-school players to become referees so they understand the rules of the game,” Hehr told the committee. “If they take the course, that helps the referees on the field because the players aren’t yelling about something they don’t know about. It’s a great way to educate the student-athlete and help us out.”

The discussion was part of a larger talk about how to find enough

VALOR FROM PAGE 25

each other, we play as a team and we want each other to succeed.

“We knew what we had to do against Regis and we executed. It’s hard to guard a team where everybody can score, everybody can pass and everybody can play defense.

That’s what our team is. Everybody can contribute, and it’s hard to stop a team like that.”

It was the second win this season for Valor over Regis which beat previously unbeaten Grandview in the semifinals and was second seeded.

Kindyll Wetta scored 17 points and had 10 assists to lead the Eagles.

Sister Ali Wetta had 14 points, sophomore Macey Huard had 11 points and senior Jenna Siebert had 10 points.

Valor made eight three-point shots with Huard getting three and Ali

officials to cover high-school soccer games through June. Most teams want to play Tuesday and Thursdays. Hehr said that represented eight times as many games as were set for Mondays and Wednesdays.

“Our goal is to cover every game,” Hehr said. “The reality is, we’re going to have shortfalls.”

One solution is for double- and tripleheaders at single game sites.

Hehr said he was able to schedule the same crews to work multiple games at the same stadium.

“We could link the same crew but flip the center (the head referee) for the second game,” Hehr said. “But, each crew needs to have two officials who are capable of working the center.”

Hehr didn’t start officiating until he was in his 40s.

“I would take the view of recruiting good, young referees,” Hehr told the soccer committee. “We welcome anyone, but the younger the better.

We can keep them for a while.”

Wetta and Siebert two each.

In the Class 3A girls championship game played on March 20, cold shooting Lutheran did not play well in the closing minutes and lost, 4944, to Platte Valley.

Lutheran held a 34-32 lead heading into the final quarter but a 10-3 run by the Broncos pushed the Lions against the ropes.

The Lions trailed 45-44 with 55.2 seconds remaining in the game but Platte Valley cashed in on six of eight free throws over the final 36.2 seconds to seal the win.

Lutheran (15-2) shot just 24 percent from the field in the first half and 34.1 percent for the game and missed twice on field goal attempts in the waning seconds.

“No, we did not shoot well,” said Lutheran coach Mark Duitsman. “It was a good game. Right now it is a little too soon for the girls to realize it was a good season.”

Stephanie Schultz had 13 points to pace the Lions while Raelyn Kelty added 11 points.

Answers

THANKS for

PLAYING!

© 2016 King Features Synd., Inc.

Solution

Highlands Ranch Herald 27

1March 25, 2021

www.ColoradoCommunityCareers.com

ToCareer Advertise call KarenHelp 303.566.4091 Training Wanted 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 Registered Occupational Therapist

2 day per week Registered Occupational Therapist. OTR must have, or be eligible for appropriate Colorado licensure. Provide Pre-12 intervention, assessment, direct & indirect services just east of Denver on I-70, Bennett, Strasburg Byers & Kiowa areas. Support from an experienced COTA is available. Access to company vehicle or mileage reimbursement.

To apply for this position, please complete the Certified Application for Employment available on the East Central BOCES website www. ecboces.org under “Jobs”. EOE Questions contact Tracy at (719) 775-2342, ext. 101 or email tracyg@ ecboces.org

School Psychologist or Intern East Central BOCES is seeking a Full Time or Part Time School Psychologist or Intern to join our dynamic, multi-disciplinary team of professionals for the 2021-22 school year. Educational Specialist (Ed.S.), Colorado certified, BCBA Licensed preferred. Provide PreK-12 intervention including assessment, development of IEP’s & consultation services. Schools located within an easy drive to the Denver Metro area.

May be eligible for loan forgiveness.

Salary competitive and excellent benefits including dental, vision and medical insurance. Use of a car or mileage reimbursement. Questions contact Tracy (719) 775-2342, ext.

101. To apply for this position, please complete the Certified Application for Employment available on the East Central BOCES website www.ecboces.org under “Jobs”. EOE

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

kearhart@coloradocommunitymedia.com Watch Your Business

GROW TO ADVERTISE CALL 303-566-4100

Local ads, coupons & deals are just one click away!

To advertise your business here,

Please Recycle this Publication when Finished

CHECK IT OUT AT:

ColoradoCommunityMedia.com

Please Recycle this Publication when Finished

Colorado Community Media, in Englewood, CO is a full service media company looking to add For Local News Anytime of the Day Visitto our team.

OurColoradoNews.com

For Local News Anytime of the Day Visit OurColoradoNews.com

Call us at 303-566-4100

MULTI-MEDIA ADVERTISING ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE Colorado Community Media, publishers of 24 weekly and 3 monthly publications is currently seeking to hire an Multi-Media Advertising Account Executive. If you aren’t familiar with us, maybe you know one of our publications such as the Arvada Press, Golden Transcript, Westminster Window, Littleton Independent, the Parker Chronicle, the Castle Rock NewsPress or the Washington Park Profile. But we are a lot more than local newspapers. We also can help businesses through our full suite of digital marketing tools. Such as programmatic online advertising, email marketing and our own newspaper websites. If you have a desire to help businesses succeed by being a marketing advisor with many solutions at your disposal, this is your opportunity. Plus, as the local newspaper, we are trusted and well known.

Candidate must be a multi-tasker, be outgoing and a fast learner. Like any sales position, candidate must like the challenge of calling on prospects as well as established customers and earning commission on every sale. Newspaper sales experience a plus but not required.

Position is full time and offers a base salary plus commission and full benefits available. We offer a nice working environment.

What we do as an organization matters. Sales revenues supports our newsroom. Our reporters are out there everyday holding the powerful accountable, telling good stories about good people, keeping readers informed about things to do and yes, the occasional breaking news story that is not always positive. If you are mission driven, we have a strong mission and a 150+ year history in Colorado doing what we do.

Please send resume to:

Job Type: Full-time • Pay: $40,000.00 - $70,000.00 per year

eaddenbrooke@coloradocommunitymedia.com

COVID-19 considerations:

Come join CCM to be a part of helping local businesses be successful and our community newspapers thrive.

Sales sits in tall cubicles, properly socially distanced from others. Everyone wears a mask when not at their desks. Currently, it is rare that sales meets with anyone in person. Almost all work is being done via zoom, phone or email at this time.

28 Highlands Ranch Herald

March 25, 2021M

www.ColoradoServiceDirectory.com

To Advertise call Karen 303.566.4091 • Elder Care/Home Health Care/Personal Assistant • Housecleaning /Organizing /Meal Prep • Errands/Shopping /Downsizing /Companion Work • Pet/House Sitting /Childcare • Gardening

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

303-875-7271 • allisonfultoncares@yahoo.com

kearhart@coloradocommunitymedia.com Cleaning Electricians

Affordable Electrician

EXCEPTIONAL HOUSECLEANING # 1 ,INC. Since 1997 - Lincensed - Insured - Bonded Weekly, Bi-Weekly, 3Weeks, Monthly, Move-In, Move-Out

FREE ESTIMATES SONNY NGUYEN: OFFICE & CELL: 303-918-2411

Over 25 years experience • Residential Expert • All electrical upgrades • No Job Too Small • Senior Discounts

exceptionalhousecleaning@gmail.com exceptionalhousecln.wixsite.com/home

Cell: 720-690-7645 Office: 720-621-6955

Visa-M/C • Paypal • Venmo

Fence Services

Bathrooms

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

Bathroom Remodeling Made Easy!

Call us today, for a free design consultation.

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

303-997-4763

Cleaning

www.BuildABath.net

NaNcy

G

O

Let’s keep the environment we: work, school, workout, vacation, spend holidays, shop, live, sleep and relax

Solutions

• CARPET REPAIRS •RE-STRETCHING • PET DAMAGE

n:

Call Ke

720-244-3623

CLEAN! PRO FORM CONCRETE

Cleaning

A BROOM AND A BUCKET

CALL FOR AN ESTIMATE

Spring Cleaning Specials Trusted name in residential cleanings

303-888-7755 TLLC Concrete Ty Barrett

303-646-2355 We also clean fridges, stoves, organize & help downsize

HOME REPAIRS & REMODELING

All of Flat Work by by AllPhases Phases of Flat Work

T.M. T.M.CONCRETE CONCRETE

Driveways, Sidewalks, Patios Driveways, Sidewalks, Patios Tear-outs, stamped & colored Tear-outs, stamped & colored concrete.

Quality work, Lic./Ins. concrete. Quality Reasonable rates work, Lic./Ins. "Small Jobs OK!" Reasonable rates 303-514-7364 "Small Jobs OK!" tmconcrete.net 303-514-7364

tmconcrete.net

Specialize in barn floors, Driveways, Remove and replacement Any job over 400 SF give us a call!

WE DO ALL DECK & FENCE REPAIRS CALL US FOR A FREE ESTIMATE

SAND/WASH/STAIN 15% OFF! www.coloradodeckandfence.com codeckandfencepro@gmail.com

UTDOOR

www.abroomandabucket.com

ESIGNS, INC

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

• 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

ONE WAY HANDYMAN

• Decks • Fences • Stairs • Overhangs •

•All Concrete •Tear Out •Patios •Driveways

•Curb & Gutter •Walls •Anything Concrete

303-888-7595 Deck/Patio

General Repairs Licensed General Contractor

303-805-7800

In business in Colorado 25 years

303-471-2323

30+ years experience Clem: 303-973-6991

FREE ESTIMATES

’s DeSpain HOME SOLUTIONS

A PATCH TO MATCH Drywall Repair Specialist

BEST PRICES

We accept all major credit cards.

Drywall

• Home Renovation and Remodel • 30 years Experience • Insured • Satisfaction Guaranteed Highly rated & screened contractor by Home Advisor & Angies list

Solving All your Remodeling & Repair Problems – Just Ask!

DEPENDABLE, RELIABLE SERVICE Over 30 Years Experience Licensed & Insured

Eric DeSpain 303-840-1874

Call Ed 720-328-5039 !

INSURED

We’d love to come out!

Charity Passarella (303) 667-3536

Handyman

TM

Concrete/Paving

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

PROFESSIONAL HOUSE CLEANING

Scott, Owner - 720-364-5270

Deck/Patio

KEEPI N U SE

303-250-2334

Carpet

Low rates, Free estimates

Cleaning

H

Carpet/Flooring

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

Residential/Commercial/ Farm & Ranch Fencing

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

JIM 303.818.6319

“HONEY-DO’S DONE… THAT YOUR HONEY DON’T DO.” — SMALL JOBS INSIDE AND OUT —

Highlands Ranch Herald 29

1March 25, 2021 Painting

Lawn/Garden Services

CONTINENTAL INC. Commercial and Residential Lawn Maintenance Mow – Edge - Trim Call for a Aeration & Fertilization Sprinkler Repair FREE quote

Plumbing

PEREZ PAINTING LLC

Front Door Refinishing Specialist InteRIoR / exteRIoR • Fully InSuReD

720-298-3496

Continental8270@yahoo.com

peRezpaIntIngcoloRaDo@yahoo.com Lawn/Garden Services

Colorado Lawn Care SPRING/SUMMER:

Landscaping - Tree/Hedge Trimming Shrub Removal - Aeration - Sod Edging - River Rock - Mulch Weekly Mowing - Power Washing – Deck/Fence Install/Repair

Robert Pencak

General Construction Handyman Framing-Finish Carpentry-Plumbing Doors-Windows-Drywall Decks-Tile-Paint Serving Castle Rock and surrounding areas

Quality*Integrity*Honesty

303-883-2461 Hardwood Floors

A Hardwood Floor

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

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

Call: 303-570-7930 ahardwoodspecialistdenver.com Hauling Service

Cut Rate Hauling Trash / Rubbish / Debris and Junk Removal Professional and Reliable Year Round Service Rubin (720)434-8042 Kerwin (720) 519-5559 Landscape/Nurseries

Landscape & Concrete Landscaping • Yard Cleanup • Sod Concrete • Sprinklers • Fertilization Tree Trimming/Cutting • Planting Retaining Walls • Flagstone Fencing • Gutter Cleaning Power Raking • Aerating

720-436-6158 Please Recycle this Publication when Finished

In business in Colorado 25 Years We Accept All Major Credit Cards

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

Tile

ANYTHING TILE

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

Call now for free estimate

(303) 646-0140

Windows & Doors

Thomas Flooring & Tile

Colorado’s Premier Colorado’s Premier Window and Door Window and Door Specialist Specialist

CallCall Joe for a quote Joe for a quote

Alpine Landscape Management

720.202.6160 720.202.6160

Weekly Mowing, Aerate, Fertilize, Spring Clean Up, Power Raking, Trim Bushes & Small Trees, Senior Discounts

Painting

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

Painting

Plumbing

L.S. PAINTING, Inc.

ANCHOR PLUMBING

Littleton Based & Family Owned

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

303-948-9287

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

A+

Rating BBB

(303) 961-3485 Licenced & Insured

LS@LSPaintinginc.com www.lspaintinginc.com

Residential Experts 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

35% Off

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

720-328-2572

www.innovativepaintingllc.com

Free estimates

Call Niilo 763-226-5719

32 Years Experience • Work Warranty

303-781-4919 FREE Estimates Tree Service

Continental Inc. Tree and Shrub Trimming CALL FOR A FREE QUOTE

720-283-2155 ABE’S TREE & SHRUB CARE • Pruning • Removals • Shrub Maintenance • FreeEstimates

Father and son business for 15+ years.

Residential ceilings & walls, stain decks, wallpaper removal, stain & varnish.

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

Abraham Spilsbury Owner/Operator

Smith & Sons Painting Residential Experts

• Insurance Claims

www.1wayroofer.com

303-946-6995

technology

• Roofing

303-805-7800

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

Serving Littleton Jeffco 41 years

720-329-9732

Roofing/Gutters

• Gutters

Have a Hail Damaged Roof?

Lawn Aeration....................$60 Power Raking ..................$110 Spring Fertilization ..... $50-$80 Weekly Mowing ......... $28-$48

Specialist

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

• Siding

Roofing/Gutters

A&M Lawn Service

INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY SOLUTIONS THAT WORK FOR YOUR BUSINESS.

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

720-283-2155

Handyman

Plumb-Crazy, LLC.

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

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

Certified Arborist,Insured, Littleton Resident 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

30 Highlands Ranch Herald

March 25, 2021M

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 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 720-274-7174.

AT&T TV HEARING AIDS!!!

AT&T TV - The Best of Live & On-Demand on all Your Favorite Screens CHOICE Package, $64.99/mo. plus taxes for 12 months. Premium Channels at No Charge for One Year!

Anytime, Anywhere!

Some restrictions apply. W/24-mo. agmt TV price higher in 2nd year.

Regional Sports Fee up to $8.49/mo. is extra & applies.

CALL: IVS - 1-888-495-0214

HOME BUSINESS OPPORTUNITY

Become an Enterpreneur it’s Easy!

System provided for your Success!! mydailychoice.com/reach4th Independent MDC Affiliated

Buy One/get one FREE!!!

Nearly invisible, fully rechargeable IN-EAR NANO hearing aids Priced thousands less than competitors!

Colorado Press Network 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 Network, 720-274-7174

Classifieds

Merchandise

Misc. Notices

Furniture

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

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

Beautiful Furniture for sale. $60 each. In addition to what is pictured also have a matching desk.

Personal effects not included.

Call 720-260-5759

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!

Personals ASIAN WOMEN! Penpals, friendship! Free brochure. Send S.A.S.E.: Box 4601NN, Thousand Oaks CA 91362. 805-492-8040 www.pacisl.com Since 1991.

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

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

Please Recycle this Publication when Finished

Miscellaneous Miscellaneous kearhart@coloradocommunitymedia.com

GENERIC VIAGRA and CIALIS! 100 Pills $99.00 FREE Shipping!

100% guaranteed. 24/7 CALL NOW! 888-889-5515

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

45-day trial!!!

CALL: 1-866-522-0708

Health & Beauty

Miscellaneous DISH TV $64.99 190 Channels + $14.95 High Speed Internet. Free Installation, Smart HD DVR included, Free Voice remote. Some Restrictions apply. Promo Expires 7/21/21.

1-833-872-2545.

LAKEWOOD FLEA MARKET OUTDOOR All year-round. Every Saturday 8am-2pm Roller City 6803 West Alameda Call Rod 720-329-3281 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 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 Stay in your home longer with an American Standard Walk-In Bathtub.

Up to $1,500 off, including a free toilet, and a lifetime warranty on the tub and installation! Call us at 1-855534-6198 or visit www.walkintubquote.com/news DIRECTV NOW. No Satellite. $40/ mo. 65 Channels. Stream news, life events, sports & on demand titles.

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

Viagra – Premium Generic Viagra(100mg) or Cialis (20mg) 100 Tablets for $99 Asthma Inhalers as low as $13 per inhaler FREE SHIPPING Satisfaction Guaranteed.

(888)424-4908 or Visit: www. USAStayHealthy.com

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

GENERAC Standby Generators.

The weather is increasingly unpredictable. Be prepared for power outages. FREE 7-year extended warranty ($695 value!) Schedule FREE in-home assessment 1-844-3348353 Special financing if qualified.

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

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 NEW AUTHORS WANTED! Page Publishing will help you self-publish your book. Free author submission kit! Limited offer! 866-951-7214

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.

ATTENTION MERCHANTS: Pay Zero Percent Processing Fees!

Eliminate Monthly Merchant Processing Fees With Cash Discount!

Boost Your Revenue! Find Out How! Call 866-422-7434 CashDiscounts.com !!OLD GUITARS WANTED!! GIBSON, FENDER, MARTIN, Etc. 1930’s to 1980’s. TOP DOLLAR PAID. CALL TOLL FREE 1-866433-8277

Wanted to Buy Wants to purchase minerals and other oil and gas interests. Send details to P.O. Box 13557 Denver, Co. 80201

Transportation 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.

Get cash for your used or junk car today. We buy all cars, trucks, New Ad Copy! and SUVs. Free pick up. Call. 1-888-985-1806

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

Bestcashforcarsco.com

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

Please Recycle this Publication when Finished

For Local News Anytime

Sale To AdvertiseHome callforKaren 303.566.4091 of the Day Visit

2495

$

OurColoradoNews.com

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

Full Service Saving THOUSANDS $$$

Charles Paeplow Cornerstone Homes Realty

720-560-1999 • charlespaeplow@yahoo.com

*Commissions subject to change

kearhart@coloradocommunitymedia.com

TO ADVERTISE CALL For303-566-4100 Local News Anytim

of the Day Visit OurColoradoNews.com

Highlands Ranch Herald 31

1March 25, 2021

A year into COVID, cautious optimism among Littleton businesses

BY DAVID GILBERT DGILBERT@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM

The pace of new business creation in Littleton slowed since the COVID-19 pandemic began to reshape life last March, but so did the pace of business loss.

The City of Littleton issued 126 business licenses between the beginning of March 2020 and the same time this year, according to city data. That total was down from 162 in the same period the year prior, a decrease of 22.2%.

But city officials say they’re only aware of 51 businesses closing or leaving Littleton from March to March during the pandemic, down from 90 in the same period the year before.

The number of businesses closed or moved is likely incomplete, said city finance director Tiffany Hooten, because the city has no single mechanism to track the data.

Instead, city staff cobble together the number from different sources, including tax remittances that stop coming in.

Littleton’s sales tax revenue finished 2020 down 3.27% from the year before, though Hooten said the figure was far better than the decline of 10% to 12% she had predicted last May. November and December sales tax revenues were actually up over the year before.

“It’s still too early to tell” how business will fare in 2021, Hooten said. “Many businesses have ambitions to open at full capacity, but we’re not sure when that will be allowed yet. Even once that happens, we’ll have to see how people’s

shopping and dining habits have changed. Takeout food could remain more prevalent. There are still a lot of unknowns.”

Littleton Business Chamber cochair Pat Dunahay said in spite of the difficulty, he’s optimistic for the future.

“The overall attitude in the business community is that things are getting better,” Dunahay said by phone as he stood on Main Street on a Friday afternoon. “Things are headed in the right direction, and I don’t see Littleton slowing down.”

www.ColoradoCommunityMedia.com/Notices

PUBLIC NOTICES

Public Notices call Sheree 303.566.4088 Legals Public Trustees PUBLIC NOTICE Highlands Ranch NOTICE OF SALE Public Trustee Sale No. 2021-0004 To Whom It May Concern: On 1/13/2021 12:40:00 PM the undersigned Public Trustee caused the Notice of Election and Demand relating to the Deed of Trust described below to be recorded in Douglas County.

Original Grantor: JOSHUA P WESSLER AND DESRI WESSLER Original Beneficiary: MORTGAGE ELECTRONIC REGISTRATION SYSTEMS, INC. AS NOMINEE FOR COUNTRYWIDE BANK, FSB Current Holder of Evidence of Debt: U.S. BANK TRUST NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, AS TRUSTEE FOR TOWD POINT MASTER FUNDING TRUST 2018-PM16 Date of Deed of Trust (DOT): 9/7/2007 Recording Date of DOT: 9/16/2008 Reception No. of DOT: 2008063242 DOT Recorded in Douglas County.

Original Principal Amount of Evidence of Debt: $55,900.00 Outstanding Principal Amount as of the date hereof: $55,642.49 Pursuant to C.R.S. §38-38-101 (4) (i), you are hereby notified that the covenants of the deed of trust have been violated as follows: Failure to pay principal and interest when due together with all other payments provided for in the Evidence of Debt secured by the Deed of Trust and other violations of the terms thereof.

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

Legal Description of Real Property: LOT 258, HIGHLANDS RANCH FILING NO. 111-B, COUNTY OF DOUGLAS, STATE OF COLORADO. Which has the address of: 2347 Gold Dust Lane, Highlands Ranch, CO 80129 NOTICE OF SALE The current holder of the Evidence of Debt secured by the Deed of Trust described herein, has filed written election and demand for sale as provided by law and in said Deed of Trust.

THEREFORE, Notice Is Hereby Given that on the first possible sale date (unless the sale is continued*) at 10:00 a.m. Wednesday, May 5, 2021, at the Public Trustee’s office, Philip S Miller Building Hearing Room, 100 Third Street, Castle Rock, Colorado, I will sell at public auction to the highest and best bidder for cash, the said real property and all interest of said Grantor(s), Grantor(s)’ heirs and assigns therein, for the purpose of paying the indebtedness provided in said Evidence of Debt secured by the Deed of Trust, plus attorneys’ fees, the expenses of sale and other items allowed by law, and will deliver to the purchaser a Certificate of Purchase, all as provided by law. If the sale date is continued to a later date, the deadline to file a notice of intent to cure by those parties entitled to cure may also be extended.

First Publication: 3/11/2021 Last Publication: 4/8/2021 Publisher: Douglas County News Press Dated: 1/13/2021 DAVID GILL

DOUGLAS COUNTY Public Trustee The name, address and telephone numbers of the attorney(s) representing the legal holder of the indebtedness is: ANNA JOHNSTON Colorado Registration #: 51978 1391 Speer Boulevard, Suite 700 , DENVER, COLORADO 80204 Phone #: (303) 350-3711 Fax #: Attorney File #: 00000009103144 *YOU MAY TRACK FORECLOSURE SALE DATES on the Public Trustee website: http://www. douglas.co.us/publictrustee/ Legal No. 2021-0004 First Publication: 3/11/2021 Last Publication: 4/8/2021 Publisher: Douglas County News Press

PUBLIC NOTICE Englewood NOTICE OF SALE Public Trustee Sale No. 2021-0001 To Whom It May Concern: On 1/19/2021 11:56:00 AM the undersigned Public Trustee caused the Notice of Election and Demand relating to the Deed of Trust described below to be recorded in Douglas County.

Original Grantor: GINESSA RHUE Original Beneficiary: MORTGAGE ELECTRONIC REGISTRATION SYSTEMS, INC. ACTING SOLELY AS NOMINEE FOR CASTLE & COOKE MORTGAGE, LLC Current Holder of Evidence of Debt: CSMC 2018-RPL3 TRUST Date of Deed of Trust (DOT): 6/29/2010 Recording Date of DOT: 7/6/2010 Reception No. of DOT: 2010041549 DOT Recorded in Douglas County.

Original Principal Amount of Evidence of Debt: $157,362.00 Outstanding Principal Amount as of the date hereof: $150,147.40 Pursuant to C.R.S. §38-38-101 (4) (i), you are hereby notified that the covenants of the deed of trust have been violated as follows: Failure to pay principal and interest when due together with all other payments provided for in the Evidence of Debt secured by the Deed of Trust and other violations of the terms thereof.

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

Legal Description of Real Property: UNIT 201, CONDOMINIUM BUILDING 2, CANYON CREEK CONDOMINIUMS, ACCORDING TO THE CONDOMINIUM MAP FOR CANYON CREEK CONDOMINIUMS RECORDED JUNE 21, 2005 AT RECEPTION NUMBER 2005055822, IN THE RECORDS OF THE OFFICE OF THE CLERK AND RECORDER OF THE COUNTY OF DOUGLAS, COLORADO, AND AS DEFINED AND DESCRIBED IN THE DECLARATION OF COVENANTS, CONDITIONS AND RESTRICTIONS OF CANYON CREEK CONDOMINIUMS, RECORDED ON FEBRUARY 25, 2005 AT RECEPTION NUMBER 2005016274, IN SAID RECORDS, COUNTY OF DOUGLAS, STATE OF COLORADO Which has the address of: 8467 Canyon Rim Circle #201, Englewood, CO 80112 NOTICE OF SALE The current holder of the Evidence of Debt secured by the Deed of Trust described herein,

legals@coloradocommunitymedia.com

has filed written election and demand for sale as provided by law and in said Deed of Trust.

THEREFORE, Notice Is Hereby Given that on the first possible sale date (unless the sale is continued*) at 10:00 a.m. Wednesday, May 12, 2021, at the Public Trustee’s office, Philip S Miller Building Hearing Room, 100 Third Street, Castle Rock, Colorado, I will sell at public auction to the highest and best bidder for cash, the said real property and all interest of said Grantor(s), Grantor(s)’ heirs and assigns therein, for the purpose of paying the indebtedness provided in said Evidence of Debt secured by the Deed of Trust, plus attorneys’ fees, the expenses of sale and other items allowed by law, and will deliver to the purchaser a Certificate of Purchase, all as provided by law. If the sale date is continued to a later date, the deadline to file a notice of intent to cure by those parties entitled to cure may also be extended.

First Publication: 3/18/2021 Last Publication: 4/15/2021 Publisher: Douglas County News Press Dated: 1/19/2021 DAVID GILL DOUGLAS COUNTY Public Trustee The name, address and telephone numbers of the attorney(s) representing the legal holder of the indebtedness is: ANNA JOHNSTON Colorado Registration #: 51978 1391 Speer Boulevard, Suite 700 , DENVER, COLORADO 80204 Phone #: (303) 350-3711 Fax #: Attorney File #: 00000008453789 *YOU MAY TRACK FORECLOSURE SALE DATES on the Public Trustee website: http://www. douglas.co.us/publictrustee/ Legal Notice No. 2021-0001 First Publication: 3/18/2021 Last Publication: 4/15/2021 Publisher: Douglas County News Press

Adoption / Guardianship Public Notice DOUGLAS COUNTY DISTRICT COURT, STATE OF COLORADO 4000 Justice Way Castle Rock, CO Douglas County, CO 80109 THE PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF COLORADO In the Interest of: JASHANI CLARK, D.O.B.: 12/20/2003; Child, And concerning: ASHLEY JONES, D.O.B.: 1/23/1986; Mother; JOHN DOE, Father; Respondents, GERMAINE JONES, D.O.B.: 2/18/1985; Step-Father, Special Respondent.

Attorney for Department: John Thirkell, #13865 R. LeeAnn Reigrut, #28833 Angela Borkowski, #50088 4400 Castleton Ct. Castle Rock, CO 80109 (303) 814-5326 Fax: (303) 479-9259 jthirkel@douglas.co.us lreigrut@douglas.co.us aborkowski@douglas.co.us CASE NUMBER: 21JV32 DIVISION 8 DEPENDENCY SUMMONS This Summons is initiated pursuant to Rule 2.2 of the Colorado Rules of Juvenile Procedure, Rule 4 of the Colorado Rules of Civil Procedure, and

And Judy and Andrew Halula, Paternal Grandparents, Special Respondents.

Section 19-3-503, C.R.S. 2019.

TO: JOHN DOE TO THE RESPONDENT NAMED ABOVE: You are hereby notified that a petition has been filed which alleges that the above-named child is dependent or neglected as per the facts set forth in the Dependency and Neglect Petition, a copy of which may be obtained at the office of the Douglas County Attorney’s Office.

A Return of Service for Respondent Father and Pre-Trial Conference have been set for April 5, 2021 at 10:15 a.m. in Division 8 by phone: 720437-6180 + 75592#, Douglas County District Court, 4000 Justice Way, Castle Rock, Colorado, 80109.

Your presence before this court is required to defend against the claims in this petition. IF YOU FAIL TO APPEAR, THE COURT WILL PROCEED IN YOUR ABSENCE, WITHOUT FURTHER NOTICE, TO CONDUCT AN ADJUDICATORY HEARING AND MAY ENTER A JUDGMENT BY DEFAULT THEREBY ADJUDICATING YOUR CHILD AS A DEPENDENT OR NEGLECTED CHILD. You have the right to request a trial by jury at the adjudicatory stage of this petition. You also have the right to legal representation at every stage of the proceedings by counsel of your own choosing, or if you are without sufficient financial means, appointment of counsel by the Court. Termination of your parent-child legal relationship to free your children for adoption is a possible remedy in this proceeding. If that remedy is pursued, you are entitled to a hearing before a Judge. You also have the right, if you are indigent, to have the Court appoint, at no expense to you, one expert witness of your own choosing at any hearing on the termination of your parent-child relationship.

If you are a minor, you have the right to the appointment of a Guardian ad litem to represent your best interests.

You have the right to have this matter heard by a district court judge rather than by the magistrate.

You may waive that right, and in doing so, you will be bound by the findings and recommendations of the magistrate, subject to review as provided by sec. 19-1-108(5.5), C.R.S. 2020, and subsequently, to the right of appeal as provided by Colorado Appellate Rule 3.4.

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

Dated: Angela Borkowski, #50088 Assistant Douglas County Attorney Legal Notice No. 938907 First Publication: March 25, 2021 Last Publication: March 25, 2021 Publisher: Douglas County News-Press Public Notice DOUGLAS COUNTY DISTRICT COURT, STATE OF COLORADO 4000 Justice Way Castle Rock, CO Douglas County, CO 80109 THE PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF COLORADO In the Interest of: HARPER HALULA, D.O.B.: 05/01/2018; ALEXIS HALULA, D.O.B.: 03/26/2015; MELODY MOREIKO, D.O.B.: 06/27/2008; Children, And concerning: DANIELLE HALULA, D.O.B.: 09/06/1991, Mother; NATHAN HALULA, D.O.B.: 11/27/1991, Father to Alexis and Harper; STEPHEN MOREIKO, D.O.B.: 05/14/1988, Father to Melody; Respondents,

Attorney for Department: John Thirkell, #13865 Lori Kennedy, #53479 4400 Castleton Ct. Castle Rock, CO 80109 (303) 814-5326 Fax: (303) 479-9259 jthirkel@douglas.co.us lkennedy@douglas.co.us CASE NUMBER: 20JV205 DIVISION 8 DEPENDENCY SUMMONS This Summons is initiated pursuant to Rule 2.2 of the Colorado Rules of Juvenile Procedure, Rule 4 of the Colorado Rules of Civil Procedure, and Section 19-3-503, C.R.S. 2019.

TO: STEPHEN MOREIKO, D.O.B.: 05/14/1988 TO THE RESPONDENT NAMED ABOVE: You are hereby notified that a petition has been filed which alleges that the above-named child is dependent or neglected as per the facts set forth in the Dependency and Neglect Petition, a copy of which may be obtained at the office of the Douglas County Attorney’s Office.

Return of Service, Adjudication for Respondent Father’s, and Permanency Planning Hearing have been set for March 29, 2021 at 10:45 a.m. in Division 8, Douglas County District Court. All parties shall participate by phone at 720-4376180, extension 75591#, unless otherwise ordered by the Court.

Your presence before this court is required to defend against the claims in this petition. IF YOU FAIL TO APPEAR, THE COURT WILL PROCEED IN YOUR ABSENCE, WITHOUT FURTHER NOTICE, TO CONDUCT AN ADJUDICATORY HEARING AND MAY ENTER A JUDGMENT BY DEFAULT THEREBY ADJUDICATING YOUR CHILD AS A DEPENDENT OR NEGLECTED CHILD. You have the right to request a trial by jury at the adjudicatory stage of this petition. You also have the right to legal representation at every stage of the proceedings by counsel of your own choosing, or if you are without sufficient financial means, appointment of counsel by the Court. Termination of your parent-child legal relationship to free your children for adoption is a possible remedy in this proceeding. If that remedy is pursued, you are entitled to a hearing before a Judge. You also have the right, if you are indigent, to have the Court appoint, at no expense to you, one expert witness of your own choosing at any hearing on the termination of your parent-child relationship.

If you are a minor, you have the right to the appointment of a Guardian ad litem to represent your best interests.

You have the right to have this matter heard by a district court judge rather than by the magistrate.

You may waive that right, and in doing so, you will be bound by the findings and recommendations of the magistrate, subject to review as provided by sec. 19-1-108(5.5), C.R.S. 2019, and subsequently, to the right of appeal as provided by Colorado Appellate Rule 3.4.

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

Dated: March 18, 2021 /s/ Lori Kennedy Lori Kennedy, #53479 Assistant Douglas County Attorney Legal Notice No. 938926 First Publication: March 25, 2021 Last Publication: March 25, 2021 Publisher: Douglas County News-Press

###

Highlands Ranch Legals 3.25.21 * 1

32 Highlands Ranch Herald

March 25, 2021