Lone Tree Voice 0423

APRIL 23, 2020

READY TO RACE Local runners navigate postponements, crowded trails amid COVID-19 P14

FREE

DOUGLAS COUNTY, COLO-

A publication of

FEEDING THOSE ON THE FRONT LINES Donations fuel program for local heroes amid pandemic P2

mmunity

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challenges, we want you to know that ACC stands with you in obal pandemic, COVID-19. ACC has had the honor to be your over 50 years. We take our role in our communities seriously, culty, staff, students, and alumni who are making a difference in allenges.

rain many of the nurses, EMTs, police officers, early childhood , lab technicians, and mortuary personnel that are on the front m simply has been remarkable. While we have temporarily closed ed to remote instruction in an effort to play our role in social en in every sense of the word to serve you. If you have been laid nge, we are here for you. We partner with major sectors such as e, the arts, aerospace, and advanced manufacturing so we can r workforce in careers with sustainable wages.

rkforce programs are here to partner with your organizations collaborate to build innovative workforce solutions, such as nding, and financial support for program innovation. We seek to s from our high quality programs at the most affordable cost in thout the financial support of our partners.

th ACC for over 50 years. We are here to support our communities onger tomorrow.

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For information on workforce and community partnerships: Eric Dunker, Associate Vice President and Dean of Business, Technology, and Workforce Partnerships 303.797.5859 or eric.dunker@araphaoe.edu

‘HE WAS A VISIONARY’

For information on volunteer, sponsorship or investment opportunities: Courtney Loehfelm, Executive Director, ACC Foundation 720.440.4666 or courtney.loehfelm@ arapahoe.edu

ONLINE LEARNING

The late Jim Sullivan helped pave path for modern Douglas County P4

Your newspaper is made possible by advertisers like this one, who support our efforts to keep you connected to your community!

Douglas County teachers make changes, but keep focus on students P8

OVERCOMING OBSTACLES

Local high school swimmer has dealt with his share of challenges P11

THE BOTTOM LINE

“The coronavirus pandemic has already pounded state budgets... and it will leave no school district unharmed next fiscal year.”

DCSD Superintendent Thomas Tucker, Page 3 INSIDE

VOICES: PAGE 12 | LIFE: PAGE 14 | SPORTS: PAGE 11

LoneTreeVoice.net

VOLUME 19 | ISSUE 11

2 Lone Tree Voice

April 23, 2020A

Lone Tree citizens feed front-line workers with local eats ‘Citizen leadership in this community is as strong as anywhere else’

BY NICK PUCKETT NPUCKETT@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM

Health-care workers and first responders in Lone Tree will receive free, regular meals from local restaurants thanks to donated funds from residents.

The newly established Lone Tree Feeds program was designed to keep businesses running and frontline workers fed amid the statewide shutdown order. Sky Ridge Medical Center, the Lone Tree Police Department and two South Metro fire stations will receive a fixed number of free meals through at least the end of April.

The Lone Tree Feeds program is a new partnership of residents, the city and restaurants to raise tax-deductible donations in an effort to support the entire community.

“We want the city to look like it did before this all happened,” said Julie Britti, a retired communications professional and local volunteer.

The Lone Tree Feeds program grew from an idea hatched by four citizens April 3.

Britti, along with Joanie Brooks, a longtime marketing executive; former

Hillary Klemme, left, of Sky Ridge Medical Center, and Karrie Mccorkle, sales manager at Newk’s Eatery in Lone Tree, deliver catered meals from Newk’s and Red Robin (50 meals total) to Sky Ridge April 15.

NICK PUCKETT

Lone Tree Mayor Jim Gunning, a commercial pilot who served in the Air Force; and Mike Parr, a local volunteer and former recreation advisory committee member, approached city officials with the idea to raise money to buy meals from Lone Tree restaurants and donate them to local first responders and health-care workers.

The city set up a page on its website, cityoflonetree.com, to accept donations. From each participating restaurant, the city buys 25 meals for $10 per

meal, plus a 15% gratuity, free of city sales tax and credit card transaction fees.

The Lone Tree Feeds program raised more than $20,000 in the first week since it was officially set up April 8.

“I’m not all that surprised about this effort,” Gunning said. “In my previous tenure as mayor in Lone Tree, citizen leadership in this community is as strong as anywhere else.”

The program will feed 50 people ev-

ery day through April 30 at Sky Ridge Medical Center. The Lone Tree Police Department makes 25-meal orders through Lone Tree Feeds on Mondays and Fridays. Two South Metro fire stations, Station 34 at 8871 Maximus Drive and Station 44 at 12625 Lincoln Ave., split 25 meals every day. The program has 46 restaurants participating, each providing 25 to-go meals for a grand total of $275 with tip.

SEE EATS, P5

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Lone Tree Voice 3

April 23, 2020

Superintendent discusses COVID-19 fallout Douglas County School District braces for revenue loss, hopes to operate summer programs

BY JESSICA GIBBS JGIBBS@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM

The Douglas County School District is bracing for a possible $11 million loss in revenue for district-run schools because of the COVID-19 pandemic, has no plans to extend its school year into the summer, and will discuss cuts to its operation in May when staff members roll out next year’s proposed budget.

Superintendent Thomas Tucker revealed that and more about how the pandemic is affecting the Douglas County School District in a virtual town hall on April 16.

Tucker said district staff and board members will return on April 23 to hold a virtual panel with more detail about the pandemic’s financial impact on DCSD but offered insight on what the district knows so far.

“The coronavirus pandemic has already pounded state budgets, as many of you know, and it will leave no school district unharmed next fiscal year,” Tucker said.

Shutdowns including business closures and resulting high unemployment rates will crater state sales tax and income tax revenue, Tucker said, noting that districts across the state and nation depend on those dollars.

“My heart goes out for our parents and community members who have been furloughed, our community members who are in those occupations that have been hard hit,” Tucker said.

The pandemic has reduced projected 2020-21 per pupil revenue estimates released in July. In fact, Tucker said “the Douglas County School District anticipates flat funding at best.”

That would mean a loss of $222 per pupil, the increase the district was expecting to see next year before the pandemic erupted, or an approximate loss of $11 million in funding for district-run schools and departments.

Tucker cautioned, “this is still an estimate,” and said the district will know more when the state rolls out an updated forecast on May 12.

District staff will present DCSD’s proposed 2020-21 budget on May 26.

“The real depth of the cuts to K-12” will depend on several factors, Tucker said, adding that one of the “main factors that you want to keep your eye on” will be how

state lawmakers decide to spread cuts among competing priorities, like Medicaid and higher education.

It remains unclear how much the district might receive from the state through CARES Act funding or future stimulus packages, but the district is monitoring those relief dollars, Tucker said.

When asked if DCSD will extend its school year and if the district can operate its summer programs, Thomas said superintendents across the country and Front Range are weighing those questions.

“We don’t have any plans to extend our school year. We’re working closely with the Colorado Department of Education and have the waiver needed to finish off our current year remotely, as we are doing,” he said.

He remains hopeful the district can operate summer programs, but the district is waiting to hear public health experts’ and the governor’s recommendations for social distancing as the state looks to reopen later this year.

Sky Ridge Medical Center’s emergency services medical director Adam Barkin joined Tucker in hosting the town hall and said it remains uncertain how quickly the virus will go away.

He’s optimistic students can return to school in the fall, but students can expect to see changes in the structure of the school day.

Instead of packing 300 children into the lunchroom for meals, he predicts smaller gatherings, plus additional attention to sanitizing buildings.

“There are likely going to need to be some changes,” he said.

Predicting the future is difficult when the virus’s wake has already evolved rapidly, Barkin said. He called Gov. Jared Polis approach to reopening the state “very rational” and reminded community members it will be a gradual process, not like “flipping a light switch.”

Polis said April 15 it is impossible to keep people at home for months but that the state can’t rush back to life as normal. Social distancing restrictions — restaurant closures, stay-at-home orders — will be lifted gradually, he said.

The process could last for “two months, three months, 10 months — however long it is before there’s a cure or vaccine,” Polis said.

Tucker closed the town hall with a word of encouragement for the community.

“Practice grace and forgiveness Take a deep breath and give yourself a break,” he said. “Doggone it, it’s going to be OK. We’re going to make it through this and we’re going to come away stronger.”

COVID-19 Community Response Assistance is as close as your phone or computer. We understand that this is a difficult time for many in our community. Douglas County is ready to help you find support. Call 303.688.4825 for information about human services countywide including: *Food, shelter and childcare emergency assistance *Aging, employment and disability resources *Physical and mental healthcare The call center is staffed 8 a.m. – 5 p.m., Monday through Friday to answer your questions and provide assistance. Call to speak with department staff or visit DouglasCOVID19.com

April is Child Abuse Prevention Month What would you do if you suspected child abuse or neglect? Call 303.663.6270 or 1.844.4CO.KIDS. Visit douglas.co.us and search Child Welfare to know the signs of child abuse and neglect and what to do if you believe a child is at risk.

Interested in becoming a foster parent or adopting a child?

You are needed now more than ever! Attend a free remote information session on May 4 or May 18. For more information and to register please visit collaborativefostercare.com/152/Information-Night

What’s happening with your County government?

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

DoItOnlineDouglas.com

4 Lone Tree Voice

April 23, 2020A

Longtime commissioner leaves a big legacy Jim Sullivan, who died at 92, helped build the foundation for today’s Douglas County

VOICES FROM COUNTY, STATE LEADERS

BY ELLIOTT WENZLER EWENZLER@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM

Not everyone in Douglas County had a chance to meet longtime county commissioner Jim Sullivan, but if they have enjoyed the open space program, attended an event at the fairgrounds or driven on E-470, they’ve felt the impacts of his work.

The commissioner, who also served two terms as a state representative, died in his Perry Park home April 14 at the age of 92.

Sullivan, who was born in Iowa in 1927, was an Army veteran, a family man and a public servant. He moved to Douglas County from New York in 1972, just a few years after his son and namesake, Jim Sullivan Jr., began college at the University of Denver, his son said.

Sullivan, who was serving in the Korean War when his son was born, lived in many states in his life, including Texas, California, Nebraska and Minnesota. He met his wife Donna while attending college at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln.

The younger Sullivan grew accostomed to hearing stories from strangers who were affected by his

Jim Sullivan, a longtime Douglas County commissioner, died Tuesday, April 14 at the age of 92.

COURTESY PHOTO father. Once, a Canadian man who was living in Douglas County told Sullivan Jr. that he had decided to take the test to become a U.S. citizen solely so he could vote for his dad as a commissioner.

“I was always astounded at how many people my dad impacted,” Sullivan Jr. said.

When his father passed away and Sullivan Jr. began sharing the news,

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SERVICE PLANS A service for Jim Sullivan has been postponed due to the outbreak of COVID-19.

The service, expected to take place at the Douglas County Fairgrounds, will occur once limitations on large gatherings have been lifted. he found himself talking to his father’s banker. After hearing the news, she burst into tears.

“She said ‘your dad affected me so deeply. He would always ask about my kids, he remembered their names,’” Sullivan Jr. said.

While Sullivan’s exact cause of death was not disclosed, he faced health challenges in the years preceding his death, according to his son, who added that the death was not related to the COVID-19 pandemic.

During the 15 years that Sullivan, better known to some as Sully, served as a county commissioner — from 1989 to 2004 — he championed many projects still alive today.

“He was a visionary,” Roger Partridge, a current county commissioner, said.

Sullivan, who nominated Partridge to the planning commission in 2004, served as a mentor for the commissioner, Partridge said.

“He was definitely one of the movers and shakers to create who Douglas County is today,” he said.

Fairgrounds and 4-H Sullivan’s colleagues and friends knew the Douglas County Fairgrounds meant a great deal to the man. He not only loved attending events there, he also contributed to the facility’s existence.

“It was really Sully who made the opportunity for the fairgrounds to be what they are today,” Partridge said.

“He went ahead and pushed for the facilities that are now in the indoor arena and the event centers.”

Every year, Sullivan looked forward to the Douglas County Fair & Rodeo, a community event put on by the county

“He was a trendsetter as well as just a great guy.... He wasn’t afraid to have a really down-to-earth, open conversation with you.”

— Douglas County Sheriff Tony Spurlock “If you knew Sully, you knew him as a cheerful guy, always optimistic, and (he) had a great love for his family.”

— Douglas County Commissioner Roger Partridge “Jim Sullivan was humble, kind and full of gentle humor. No one ever bought green bananas thanks to Sully and his skit that will live forever in the hearts of those fortunate enough to serve with him. Jamie and I send our condolences to his family and loved ones during this time. Thank you to the Sullivan family for giving Jim to Colorado.”

— U.S. Sen. Cory Gardner “There was something about his demeanor that just relaxed you right away, and you knew you could talk to him.... It was important to him that the county maintained that rural feel, that we didn’t lose that to the growth occurring on the northern tier of the county.”

— Michael Cooke, former county commissioner who served with Sullivan “His advice was to the point, it was sage.

It made a lot of common sense, and that describes who he was.”

— Scott McInnis, former U.S. congressman and Mesa County commissioner

JIM SULLIVAN’S FAMILY Jim Sullivan and his wife Donna had three children, one of whom did not survive infancy. His surviving children are Jim Sullivan Jr. and Janet Sullivan. He is also survived by grandchildren David Cardoza, Nikki Rodgers and Tia Rodgers. Grandson Cass James Gelroth died in 2003. His wife, whom he was married to for nearly seven decades, died just four months before him. that includes a carnival, rodeo, livestock sale and live entertainment.

“During the two weeks of the county fair, you never saw him without a cowboy hat,” said former commissioner Michael Cooke, who served with Sullivan for six years. “That was a signature thing for him.”

Sullivan, who served on the fair board for many years, was also a big supporter of the 4-H club, Cooke said.

Every year, he participated in 4-H’s livestock sale.

“It meant a lot to him. And it had a lot to do with the kids,” Sullivan Jr. said. “He thought it was a good, wholesome, all-American, constructive activity.”

The water guy Those who worked with Sullivan during his time as commissioner also saw his dedication to conservation projects.

“Something he should be remembered for is his part in the development of the open space program in Douglas County,” Cooke said. “As a result, Douglas County can really boast that ... there’s a huge land mass that has been preserved.”

SEE SULLIVAN, P10

Lone Tree Voice 5

April 23, 2020

Douglas County freezes hiring for some positions Falling sales-tax revenue amid COVID-19 shutdown causes budget uncertainty

BY ELLIOTT WENZLER EWENZLER@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM

Douglas County has frozen hiring for some positions as the response to novel coronavirus substantially blocks a significant source of the government’s revenue — sales tax.

While it’s still unknown exactly how big of a hit the county’s budget will take, the finance team is preparing for every possible scenario, budget director Martha Marshall said. While they are in a strong position to weather the situation, some of the possible outcomes are “quite concerning,” she said.

“We need to go there because it would be irresponsible for us not to,” she said.

Sales tax and property tax are the two biggest revenue streams for the county, with sales tax making up about 21% and property taxes making up about 44%.

Because sales-tax revenue has about a two-month delay, the county won’t know how much less revenue was brought in during March until June, Marshall said. Until then, the county plans to work with municipalities, which see their revenues sooner, to help predict the impact they will see.

“We can’t say what it will look like because we’re not there yet,” she said. “It depends on how long it lasts.”

So far, there hasn’t been any talk of measures like layoffs or furloughs.

“We didn’t do that during the recession so that would be an extreme case for us,” Marshall said.

However, if the situation continues, the team may need to consider cutbacks.

“If we don’t have ongoing revenue, we’re going to have to make adjustments with ongoing expenditures,” she said.

Most of the county’s sales tax revenue goes to capital projects like roads and open space, Marshall said. While most ongoing projects have already been financed, future capital plans could be affected.

In addition to the selective hiring freeze, underutilized personnel have been reassigned to staff affected by COVID-19, according to a county statement. Some positions within the Department of Motor Vehicles, for instance, may not be filled. Some DMV workers will instead help out with human services, which has an increase in demand.

Douglas County has prepared for situations like this by adopting a financially conservative approach, Marshall said.

“Historically we are very realistic for all our revenue streams ... that helps us keep a balanced budget,” Marshall said. “Entering into the pandemic, we had these philosophies that put us into a good place to manage going forward.”

EATS FROM PAGE 2

“It’s a win-win for everybody,” Brooks said. “I think what’s interesting, too, is there’s quite a few restaurants in Lone Tree, so to get on the phone with us and work with 50-plus restaurants, and to hear their responses to all this and them jumping on board, it’s been rewarding for all of us.”

Britti, Brooks, Gunning and Parr saw other communities raising money through social media channels and donation sites like GoFundMe. The team found partnering with the city yielded much quicker results.

For now, the group is focused on facilitating as many meals as possible. The city is hesitant to schedule any deliveries beyond the current end date to the stay-athome order, which, as of April 16, is April 26.

“It seemed a community-based effort would be more of a fit for Lone Tree in terms of gathering donations,” Britti said. “Lone Tree is a very strong community.

People are really appreciative of their neighbors and neighborhoods and don’t want to see people fail.”

Lone Tree is heavily reliant on sales tax revenue and recently announced it anticipates a 9% hit to its yearend projected revenue due to the effects of COVID-19.

Park Meadows, the state’s largest indoor mall and the city’s main sales tax generator, has been forced to close its shops and dining area. The mall donated 25 meals to the cause, according to an April 14 news release.

“We think Lone Tree Feeds is indicative of the camaraderie and attitude of the entire Lone Tree community, whether it’s the residential or business community,” said Pam Kelly, Park Meadows’ general manager, in the release.

Mayor Jackie Millet applauded the initiative as well.

“During this unprecedented pandemic, it is really hard for people to come together when twe’re asking them to stay apart,” Millet said. “One way we found we could come together was to care for the people that are caring for us.”

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6 Lone Tree Voice

April 23, 2020A

South Suburban golf courses reopen Recreation district says safeguards will help provide a low-risk outdoor activity

RULES AND REGULATIONS

STAFF REPORT

The golf courses managed by the South Suburban Parks and Recreation District reopened April 18, with safeguards in place to provide a low-risk outdoor activity for area residents, according to the district.

South Suburban has worked to monitor the COVID-19 pandemic and align the operations of its golf courses to mirror the recommendations of public health orders, according to a news release. All patrons will be required to adhere to and respect the rules and safeguards the district will put in place, the release said.

Players must not go to a golf course if they have symptoms of COVID-19, or if they have been in contact with anyone who is ill or might have symptoms of the virus, especially if someone has tested positive, the release said. Additionally, players must practice good social distancing protocols and hygiene and stay at least 6 feet apart in the parking lot, around the clubhouse and on the golf course.

The release said players are asked not to touch common surfaces, shake hands or gather in groups. They must comply with proper distancing

Greg Bechler lines up a put at South Suburban Golf Course in Centennial April 18 with friend Jason Woodson looking on.

NICK PUCKETT and sanitizer use and are strongly encouraged to wear a mask covering their nose and mouth while at the course, the release said. All practice areas, including the driving range, putting green and chipping areas are closed to eliminate the opportunity to gather.

Frequent cleaning/sanitizing of equipment and common areas around the clubhouse, including restrooms, doors and handrails will be completed.

Additionally, clubhouse and on-course restrooms will be open and are being disinfected. The men’s locker room at

Lone Tree Golf Course will be closed.

Multiple touch points have been eliminated, including bunker rakes, ball washers, water coolers and water buckets. Food and beverages will be available for grab-and-go service and from the beverage cart. Only credit card payments will be accepted.

When playing, shallow cups will be set 1 inch below the putting surface for easy removal of balls without touching the flagstick or side of the hole.

Players are asked not to remove the flagstick when putting. Players also are asked not to search for lost balls

South Suburban is taking the following precautions to ensure the safety of guests and staff when reopening the district’s golf courses: • No golf carts will be available. Private carts or other motorized vehicles will be prohibited.

• Reservations will be accepted by telephone only. Tee times cannot be booked online, and no walk-ins will be accepted.

• Pre-payment via telephone is required.

No cash transactions accepted. Players will be required to contact the golf shop prior to 6 p.m. on the day proceeding play.

• Players should arrive at the course no earlier than 15 minutes prior to their tee time.

• Rental clubs and pull carts will not be available. Personal pull carts will be allowed.

• Bag storage room at Lone Tree Golf Course will be closed. on or near neighboring properties.

Course rangers will monitor golfers on the course to ensure social distancing and assisting with any player needs. Patrons who cannot adhere to or respect the guidelines will be asked to leave and future playing privileges will be suspended, the release said.

For information and to make reservations, contact the pro shop at one of the district’s golf courses.

• Family Sports Golf Course, 303-6491115 • Littleton Golf Course, 303-794-5838 • Lone Tree Golf Course, 303-799-9940 • South Suburban Golf Course, 303770-5500

Three candidates seek seats on South Suburban board Two positions will be filled in upcoming election STAFF REPORT

The following is information about the three candidates seeking two seats in the May 5 South Suburban Parks and Recreation District board of directors election. The two candidates with the most votes will fill three-year terms on the fivemember board. Members are elected at-large on a nonpartisan basis.

The candidate information and quotes that follow were obtained through questionnaires posted on South Suburban’s website. For more information about the election and the candidates, go to www.ssprd. org/board-election.

Voters on the permanent absentee voter list should have received ballots already. A 24/7 ballot dropbox is located at the Goodson Recreation Center, 6315 S University Blvd, Centennial. South Suburban strongly encourages others to apply for an absentee ballot before April 28 by contacting Jennifer King, designated election official, at 303-483-7011 or elections@ssprd.org.

Those choosing to vote in person can vote May 5 at Goodson Recreation Center.

Michelle Cuellar City of residence: Centennial Contact information: michelle.e.cuellar@gmail.com Experience: Army veteran; worked as a senior accountant at Denver Water; served as treasurer for the PlayStrong Cherry Creek parent committee; volunteered at Children’s Hospital Cuellar “As a stay-at-home mom, I use SSPR facilities and programs five days a week. As a passionate user of SSPR I believe I have an important perspective to add to the board of directors. It’s a wonderful organization that provides the community with a vast number of programs and beautiful facilities. It fosters health, friendship and overall sense of well-being to the people they serve.

It is my time to give back to the community that I live in, by serving on the Board of Directors ensuring that South Suburban continues to prosper and grow in the community

for future generations to come.”

James Taylor City of residence: Littleton Contact information: jataylorsr@ comcast.net Experience: Incumbent SSPR board member; former member of Littleton City Council; former member of the Colorado Municipal League’s executive board; former public school administrator “As an incumbent, I’m interested in continuing what we have Taylor started: maintaining our current assets and enhancing them where needed and feasible. Seeing the successful completion of the items in the work plan is another priority for me.

South Suburban has a comprehensive Master Plan, adopted a threeyear financial plan and a five-year capital improvement plan, with the last two updated on a regular basis. The district needs to continue upgrading and reconstructing existing parks and facilities, conserving natural areas, and expanding trails, especially making trail connections.”

Ken Lucas City of residence: Centennial Contact information: lucas.ken@ gmail.com Experience: Former member of Centennial City Council; Navy veteran; senior executive-level financial and business management experience “I have been a resident of the South Suburban Parks and Recreation District since 1983, and throughout these years, I have seen the district grow and provide the increasingly wider va- Lucas riety of services and amenities that we all enjoy today.

And once the new Regional Recreation Complex opens late this year, the district will become the regional premier provider of indoor and outdoor activities for residents of all ages. I have supported all of the district’s past property tax ballot issues, knowing that the quality and variety of district offerings preserve and enhance both the health and the property values of us all. If elected, I will be focused on obtaining the greatest amount of value for each dollar spent.”

Lone Tree Voice 7

April 23, 2020

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8 Lone Tree Voice

April 23, 2020A

Teachers press on amid challenges of remote learning Closure of schools for the year heartbreaking, educators say

BY JESSICA GIBBS JGIBBS@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM

In the days leading up to the Douglas County School District’s spring break, murmurs began spreading among teachers that students might not return to school once the break ended because of COVID-19.

Temporary school closures ultimately ensued, followed by extensions of those shutdowns, and finally, the announcement on April 3 that the district will remain closed to in-person learning the remainder of the school year.

Students, who could be enrolled in anywhere from five to seven classes depending on grade level, will finish the year learning remotely from home.

The dramatic shift in the delivery of education shocked the teaching community, Douglas County teachers told Colorado Community Media.

None could say they have seen a crisis Sam Kurucz is a social studies teachers at Highlands Ranch High School.

COURTESY PHOTO impact the education system the way COVID-19 has.

“I think people that get into teachat Mesa Middle School in Castle Rock, ing, they’re just kind of built for exone day before the announcement that Teachers are now striving to perperiences like this. We’re trying to be schools will stay closed in the 2019-20 form a delicate balancing act between Olde Towne meaningful 1065 N Ford.pdf 12:18 PM as student-centered as we always are,” school year. keeping learning and1not4/16/20 said Niki Brock, an English teacher Once the announcement came out, overwhelming students, they said.

Brock felt heartbroken but also prouder than ever to work in education.

“We will get through this together as a community, and educators will continue to rise up to the challenge of taking care of our students,” she said later by email.

Sam Kurucz, a social studies teacher at Highlands Ranch High School, said news of school closures at first left teachers incredulous and frantically debating what it would mean for their students.

Kurucz expected many children would adapt well to remote education, and he felt most students could handle using technology. But it would not be easy for all students, he said, and that worried him.

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Emotional ups and downs Colleen Meyer, a sixth-grade teacher at Saddle Ranch Elementary School in Highlands Ranch, sorted through mixed emotions after learning schools will stay closed. She’s grateful for her health, but each day is filled with highs and lows, she said.

“I’m excited about some of the new teaching techniques that I have learned,” she said. “And there are moments where I just need to shut my laptop and walk away for a few minutes.”

Teachers said that the sheer num-

ber of emails they now receive can be daunting. They try to use class websites to provide students all the information they need for assignments.

They hold Google Hangouts and Zoom calls to stay connected. They post prerecorded videos with instructions for classwork or answers to questions.

“It’s just been unbelievable to see the creativity in our teaching staff, their patience in terms of working with students and trying to make sure they are making those face-to-face interactions with them,” said school board President David Ray in late March.

Meyer never foresaw herself incorporating “as much differentiation” into her teaching as she is now.

Remote learning requires teachers to meet every student at their individual skill level more than ever, she said.

She allowed her students to pick one of three paths moving forward: the first was remedial skill building, the second was continuing with the learning they began in August and reinforcing those skills, and the third was the most challenging — attempting their first research paper.

Meyer wanted to let students choose the pace for which they felt best prepared while learning remotely.

“It’s not right for every student to be learning new skills remotely,” she said.

Jenna Butler is in her fifth year teaching with the Douglas County School District. The science teacher at Legend High School in Parker can relate to what her students are experiencing — she’s also a student pursuing her graduate degree online.

She tries to make lessons as fun as she can by making morning videos about their assignments with a comical twist, like a goofy outfit or song.

She knew it was possible school could close for the remainder of the year, but she misses her students.

“We had hope we would get to see our students at least one more time this year,” she said.

Brock was grateful that teachers had Friday, March 13 to organize and prepare students for remote learning. Her principal worked on getting computers to students in need of them. Teachers told students how they would communicate with the class moving forward.

“I would say it went from shock to concern to pretty quickly then, action,” Brock said.

For Brock, challenges included ensuring she had a way to contact every student after moving online. She also thought about how to account for every student’s home life and remain mindful of students with fewer support systems.

She’s still waiting to see how remote learning and the pandemic will change education, but she believes teachers are up for the challenge.

“I think if there’s anybody that is capable of shifting on the fly, of working in a crisis moment, of multi-tasking, of learning new material quickly, it has to be teachers who do it best,” Meyer said. “I think that’s what we’ve always done. We’re learners. We learn constantly.”

Lone Tree Voice 9

April 23, 2020

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10 Lone Tree Voice

April 23, 2020A

Colorado stay-at-home order to end on time; some restrictions will remain ‘Safer at home’ social distancing phase will likely last months, followed by a more relaxed period of caution

BY ELLIS ARNOLD EARNOLD@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM

In the final week of Colorado’s stay-at-home order, Gov. Jared Polis compared the month-long measure to a sprint and emphasized that the months ahead — a “marathon” of social distancing — will be critical to keeping the COVID-19 pandemic under control in the state.

“I hate to break it to you, but the easy part was the sprint,” Polis said at an April 20 news conference, announcing a new phase of restrictions Coloradans likely will need to sustain for months.

Coloradans won’t endure a second extension of the statewide stay-athome order — it will be lifted April 27 as scheduled. But after that date,

the state still encourages staying home as much as possible, while some semblance of normalcy will return to business and people’s social lives.

Retail stores, for example, will be open for curbside delivery and then gradually open with precautions, according to Polis’ presentation. That could involve spacing between customers, one-way aisles and employees wearing masks, Polis said.

Clubs and event venues will remain closed, and bars and restaurants won’t open for dine-in service at least at first, according to Polis’ presentation.

The state will wait for data on how opening up retail affects the pandemic in Colorado before making a decision on restaurants, Polis said.

“A phased reopening of restaurants” by mid-May is the goal, Polis said.

Details of ‘safer at home’ State officials dubbed the new phase of social distancing a “safer at home” phase, and for adults older than 60 and people with serious underlying health conditions, the state still recommends staying home except when absolutely necessary. Social distancing is a public

health term that means reducing faceto-face interaction.

For everyone else, the state strongly advises wearing face coverings in public. Among other restrictions: Sick people may not go to work, Coloradans should avoid unnecessary travel and another part of the presentation said “no gatherings over 10 people.”

“It doesn’t mean we’re going to big nightclubs, but you shop for clothes, get a haircut,” Polis said. Businesses such as salons, tattoo parlors, dog grooming and personal training will open with precautions.

Other changes include: • Office workplaces the state had deemed noncritical can return to work May 4 at 50% capacity. Large workplaces are advised to use temperature and symptom checks.

Working from home still “needs to be maximized,” and Polis encouraged staggering shifts to keep distance between workers.

• “Elective” medical and dental services — those that that are not urgent — will be allowed with precautions.

• Higher education and K-12 schools will remain closed. It’s unclear if that

would apply in the fall. The governor’s office could not immediately respond to a question about that timeline.

• Real estate showings can begin, but no open houses.

• Child care will be open with precautions.

Coloradans are asked to avoid “unnecessary social interactions,” according to the presentation.

Eventually, a third social distancing phase — dubbed “protect our neighbors” — would see people socialize more normally with “significant precautions” and protections for vulnerable populations. That will occur when the capacity to better test for COVID-19 and monitor its spread will work “at scale,” the presentation said.

But “that’s a long way off,” Polis said.

Fluctuation between the three levels — the first was the stay-at-home order — may be needed to recover from outbreaks, according to the presentation. Polis has said a stay-at-home order may need to be issued again if the virus’s spread is dire enough.

SEE ORDER, P16

Douglas County announces flexible plan SULLIVAN for reducing stay-at-home orders FROM PAGE 4

The four-phase framework had input from multiple county leaders

BY ELLIOTT WENZLER EWENZLER@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM

Douglas County leaders have released a framework outlining how life in the community could begin returning to normal as the COVID-19 pandemic begins to slow.

The plan, created to be extremely flexible, hinges on a few main ideas: increased testing for the virus; encouraging citizens’ regular use of face masks; collaboration with hospitals; an increased sense of personal responsibility among residents; and efforts by businesses to return employees to work.

“We started hearing from people and businesses asking the question of `what’s being done?’” County Commis-

sioner Roger Partridge said. “Businesses and employees are looking to get back to work.”

As of April 20, Douglas County had 361 cases of COVID-19, with 19 deaths.

County staff wrote the four-phase framework after Dr. John Douglas, executive director of Tri-County Health Department, sent the commissioners ideas he had on how the county could begin returning to normal life.

“Like pretty much everybody in the state, we’ve been interested in planning what it looks like to move forward and begin to reopen the economy,” Douglas said.

The commissioners and leaders from the five county municipalities, the school district, the Highlands Ranch Metro District and the Highlands Ranch Community Association came together to contribute ideas to this process.

“All of us had a piece in putting this together,” Commissioner Lora Thomas said. “What we do in this document is balance public health needs along

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with our need for citizens to get back to our lives. We have checkpoints in place to move forward.”

The framework begins with the current stage: the stay-at-home order. To move to the next phase, called “early open,” the framework calls for a variety of benchmarks, including more testing, additional case investigations and a sustained decrease in the average rate of cases.

This first phase also includes plans for public information campaigns aimed at increasing residents’ use of masks and awareness of other preventative measures.

In order for the county to move from “early open” to “more extensive opening,” the county will look for additional, similar benchmarks around testing and mask usage. During the “early open” phase, the county would allow public gatherings of less than 50 people and the opening of restaurants and other businesses, according to the document.

If there is an increase in cases or hospitalizations or if hospitals don’t have adequate equipment to maintain their services, the county would return to “stay-at-home” under the framework.

Under the “more extensive opening” phase, even larger public gatherings will be allowed along with guidance for opening libraries, churches and schools. Once there is a vaccine in clinical trials and most citizens are using masks regularly, the county could move into the final phase: “close to normal,” according to the document.

SEE PLAN, P15

Sullivan also worked on securing resources like water for future generations of residents.

“He was the water guy,” Cooke said. “He had a great knowledge and a great sense about water issues.”

Sullivan also played a significant role in securing the Park Meadows mall and E-470 projects, according to his family and colleagues.

“Douglas County offers a choice of both rural and urban lifestyles and responsible development has really created that,” Cooke said.

“So much of that he played a big part in during his years on the commission.”

A legacy Sullivan was known to many as a family man with a deep sense of faith. He was the kind of guy who had a profound impact on everyone he met, his son said.

“He had deep, deep, powerful effects on people without trying to,” Jim Sullivan Jr. said. “I think it’s because he was a sincere and honest person.”

Sullivan was also known for his humor and wit.

“There was never a conversation with Sully that didn’t leave you in stitches,” Cooke said.

When Cooke last spoke to Sullivan over the phone in February, he was still leaving her in stitches with his one-liners and jokes, she said.

“It’s hard to describe a guy as big as he was,” she said. “He was big in terms of his legacy, the people he touched, the kids he helped and the county he grew. He was big.”

Lone Tree Voice 11

April 23, 2020

STUDENT-ATHLETE STUDENT ATHLETE SPOTLIGHT

Medical issues don’t stop swimmer Tanner Guderian took part in relay teams

BY JIM BENTON JBENTON@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM

T

anner Guderian, a senior at Mountain Vista High School, has scoliosis and epilepsy but is a member of the Highlands Ranch High School co-op team. He swam on two Falcons relay teams that placed 13th in last year’s state swim championships.

“I have scoliosis, which is a curvature of the spine,” Guderian said. “I have a 19-degree curve in my lower back which is pretty extreme for a guy. This means I’m constantly living with pain in my back and that can make some of the different turns and strokes in swimming pretty difficult.

“I am celebrating one year free off

Q&A with Guderian

medication for my epilepsy. I was diagnosed with it when I was 10 and suffered up to 15 seizures a day before we found a medication that worked. That meant I had seizures practically everywhere at school, at home and in the pool.

“That made it pretty nerve-racking for my parents and coaches as they did not want me to risk having a seizure and drowning just so I could continue a sport,” he continued. “It was also pretty terrifying for me whenever I would have one in the water.”

Guderian said swimming helped.

“I didn’t overcome these challenges so I could keep swimming,” he said. “Swimming helped me overcome these challenges. It would have been very easy for me to say `my back hurts’ or `I probably shouldn’t be doing this’ and just give up swimming. Because I stayed in the water, I was able to prove to myself, even though things are maybe a little uncomfortable, I can live a normal life and keep doing what I love.”

How does missing the season affect your college plans?

I’m very disappointed about the senior season.

It would have given me a chance to drop times so colleges could see them.

How do you like online learning in school these days?

This is my last quarter, so it hasn’t been too bad.

Who is your favorite athlete and why?

Michael Phelps because of what he did in the Olympics. (He won 28 Olympic medals and 23 were gold).

COACH’S TAKE: “He swims for the Aces Swim Club and Highlands Ranch. He was on track to have an amazing year but with COVID-19, his high school season and club season were canceled.

This effectively ended his chance to swim at a Division I level in college.”

Christina Kwon, Highlands Ranch boys swim coach

COURTESY PHOTO

What do you like to do away from swimming and school?

I love being outdoors.

Open water swimming and going outside for hikes.

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LOCAL

April 23, 2020A

VOICES

Some things change, but some never will

A

quarter could really get you something back then.

But if I had to choose — and back in 1985, I didn’t have a lot of quarters — I went with the newspaper. I was 11, so picking the paper over a FROM THE can of pop or some candy was perceived EDITOR as an odd choice by some, perhaps by many.

Where else was I going to get a written recap of yesterday’s games? How else could I learn the statistics of the players?

On Monday mornChris Rotar ings in my Florida hometown, especially in the fall, I’d walk to the local convenience store on my way to the bus stop, deposit a quar-

ter in the metal box outside and grab a copy of the local daily. I’d read several articles — usually about the Sunday football games — on the bus and save the rest for later.

The price of the paper went up a little over the years, but I kept reading.

I’d go on to write sports stories for that local daily and other papers, and instead of paying for the paper, they paid me. Eventually, I switched over to the news side and got hooked, copy editing stories about the 2000 presidential election and the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks.

In 2007, I left the humidity and landed a job with the forebears of the company that owns the paper you are reading now, working my way up the editor ranks.

By my count, I’ve been paid to work for newspapers for a quarter century.

than ever in the good newspapers can do.

I believe that you, our readers, crave the information local newspapers, like CCM, provide. Thank you for reading, by the way.

I will miss being part of the CCM team as I navigate my way down an asof-yet-unknown path. We’ve done important work together. We’ve covered some of the saddest days in Denver metro area history, including school shootings in 2013 and 2019. We’ve also covered some of the brightest days — the graduations, state championship games and parades that make a community a community.

One thing is for certain: I’ll keep reading.

COMING NEXT WEEK Meet the new editor, Mark Harden, in next week’s edition. Harden brings decades of experience — including editor roles at The Denver Post, Denver Business Journal and Colorado Politics — to Colorado Community Media.

When I started my career, newspaper jobs — and newspaper advertisements — were everywhere, it seemed.

So much is different now in the journalism industry, and, for the most part, not the good kind of different.

But that’s a conversation for another time and place. Too many people are hurting now, and the COVID-19 pandemic is taking a toll on just about every industry.

I’m moving on from my managing editor post at Colorado Community Media, and I leave believing now more

Chris Rotar has been an editor with Colorado Community Media since 2007.

Follow him on Twitter @ChrisRotar

There’s a message in a bottle, and it’s mixed

O

HOW IS COVID-19 AFFECTING YOU? Let us know how the COVID-19 pandemic is having an impact on you, the challenges you have encountered or acts of kindness you have experienced. To share your story, email us at: newsdesk@coloradocommunitymedia.com

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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: LoneTreeVoice.net To subscribe call 303-566-4100

n a Monday in March, Denver Mayor Michael Hancock briefly panicked the city by declaring liquor stores to be non-essential businesses. He declared they would have to close and remain closed until further notice, starting the next day.

Maybe you know QUIET what happened next.

For the rest of that DESPERATION Monday lines were out the door at liquor stores around town. Twentyfive years ago, I would have needed a U-Haul.

Then that evening, Hancock changed his mind.

I thought about those of us who drink and Craig Marshall drink a lot. As well as about the ones who Smith might be triggered to relapse during a quarantine.

Have current events affected alcohol sales? Just a little.

The Washington Post reported, “The extreme worry and isolation sparked by the coronavirus pandemic is likely leading many people to increase their consumption of beer, wine and hard alcohol, experts say. A recent survey

by the market firm Nielsen reported off-premises sales of alcoholic beverages across the United States have grown 55% in the week ending March 21.”

Twenty-five years ago, I wouldn’t know what day it is right now. Alcohol — specifically vodka — was my best friend.

Until it wasn’t.

I’m not out of the woods: no one in recovery is. But there have been no temptations or cravings during this wild ride through the pandemic.

As for others? I don’t know, but I’m guessing it’s been too much for some of us. If true, my thoughts are with you.

There’s no glamour in being an alcoholic, but there have been some glamorous alcoholics.

Lord Byron, John Barrymore, W.C. Fields, Ben Affleck, Dana Andrews, Oksana Baiul, George Best, Humphrey Bogart, Charles Bukowski, Jackson Pollock, Willem de Kooning, William Holden.

Holden, 63, was found dead in his Santa Monica apartment, apparently af ter falling during a binge and hitting his head. He was found two or three days after the incident.

There is a misconception that J.D. Salinger saw Holden’s name on a marquee

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SEE SMITH, P13 Lone Tree Voice A legal newspaper of general circulation in Lone Tree, Colorado, the Voice is published weekly on Thursday by Colorado Community Media, 9233 Park Meadows Dr., Lone Tree, CO 80124.

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Lone Tree Voice 13

April 23, 2020

R

Building winning relationships at home and at work

elationships at home are being strengthened during our time of quarantine and isolation as we get reacquainted with our family.

Relationships are also being tested as we know that old saying, “Familiarity breeds contempt.” Relationships at work are also being strengthened as people are stepWINNING ping up their virtual communication game WORDS - and figuring out how to work productively and positively while working from home.

Yet some relationships at work are suffering as the remote working scenarios are not working out as planned.

Michael Norton If you have figured out how to deepen your relationships at home and at work, I encourage you to stay on your path, and maybe share with others some of your secrets. In this brief column, I hope to share a few insights when it comes to building winning relationships at home and at work. You will recognize that some of the things that help create a winning relationship from home and at work are really the same things.

When I hear of relationships that are struggling, whether it be at home or at work, one of the most common topics

%

SMITH

—

FROM PAGE 12

for the 1947 film “Dear Ruth” next to the last name of his co-star, Joan Caulfield, and that’s where the main character in “The Catcher in the Rye” came from. However, Salinger had written a short story in 1941 about an alienated teen named Holden Caulfield.

I am not entirely sure why I have not relapsed. After all, the conditions are perfect for what I am: an isolation drinker.

Isolation drinkers drink at home, - alone. That’s me.

It’s a seemingly perfect way to wallow in the disease (if that’s what it is).

Until when? Until an isolation drinker runs out of alcohol and then it’s the worst.

I walked for miles to get a bottle. Each step was necessary and each step was

that comes out is a lack of communication. Are we over-communicating?

Are we under-communicating? Have we gone totally silent and counting on grunts and groans to send our message?

And when we are communicating, are we making sure that we are truly listening? Are we listening with the same passion that we want to be heard?

Are we talking with our family and our remote associates? Or are we talking at our family and remote associates?

My guidance has always been to look for the good when communicating. Too often we are looking for an opening to provide an answer or some kind of comeback. When we look for the good, we will find the good. When we listen to understand, we will earn trust. When we communicate in a way that allows our family, friends, and associates to be heard, we start building winning relationships. Communication is so very important as it is one of the primary ways that we share information and feelings.

Gratitude is next on the list, as it’s been said that gratitude is one of the strongest human emotions. Showing gratitude lets those around us know just how important they are to us and how much we truly appreciate them.

We can communicate gratitude in so many ways; saying please and thank you; providing recognition of a job well done; letting our loved ones know how much we love them; doing something humiliating. Necessity won every time.

If this were a meeting I’d tell my story. It’s not unusual: lots of help, therapy, research, meetings, help, therapy, determination, meetings and luck.

Luck? I’m lucky to be alive. I’ve thought about it and I think about it every time I read about someone like Amy Winehouse.

Like her or not, that girl could sing.

If I had checked out 25 years ago, I wouldn’t be sitting here doing something I love, writing, with someone I love nearby.

I’m not about to tell anyone to quit drinking, especially right now. The illusion of alcohol’s benefits might be too great. I just hope anyone who has relapsed makes it to the other side of this alive.

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

When we take the time to really communicate, find ways to show our gratitude and appreciation, and learn to love on our families, friends, loved ones, coworkers, customers, and partners, we will have an awesome foundation for building winning relationships at home and at work.

So how about you? My hope is that all the relationships in your life are strong and happy. If you could use a little help with communication, showing gratitude, or living in the spirit of love, I would love to hear from you at mnorton@tramazing.com. And when we learn how to build winning relationships at home and at work, it really will be a better than good week.

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

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for others that they are fully capable of doing for themselves, just to show them we care about them.

We discussed communication and gratitude, now let’s add one more for today, and that is love. Not just the romantic kind of love, but love and kindness for those in our homes and who we work with. Love and respect for all the people making sure we can still get food and other essentials. Love and awe for the people working so hard in health care and on the front lines.

Unconditional love and unconditional forgiveness for anyone who may have offended us or hurt us. Replace any feelings of anger or blame about this virus and the economy with the feelings of love, kindness, respect, gratitude, forgiveness, and hope. Borrowing from the Bible and 1st Corinthians 13:13, “And now these three remain: faith, hope, and love. But the greatest of these is love.”

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14 Lone Tree Voice

LOCAL

LIFE

April 23, 2020A

Local runners navigate postponements, crowded trails amid COVID-19

BY CASEY VAN DIVIER CVANDIVIER@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM

I

n March, Lakewood High School cross-country and track coach Bryn Smetana was four months into training for her first Boston Marathon. She was following a training schedule planned out to the day and the mile, preparing for a race about a month away, when an announcement threw a wrench into her plans: Following the lead of numerous athletic events worldwide, the marathon would be postponed for five months.

“I was doing my longest runs and running every day, and now I have to in a sense start over,” Smetana said. “I recreated my entire plan.”

With the marathon rescheduled from April 20 to Sept. 14, Smetana’s focus has shifted from pushing herself to the limit to simply maintaining her fitness levels. And among fellow Colorado runners also waiting out the five-month marathon delay and the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, many have taken the same approach.

The Boston Marathon brings more than 30,000 runners from across the world to Boston each spring. This year, more than 300 individuals from the Denver area have plans to run the race, with entrants making a series of unexpected adjustments to ensure they can stay committed to an event that is now months away — and stay fit in a time when training requires more precautions than ever before.

Those precautions span the physical, such as learning to run with a mask on, to the social, as distancing guidelines require residents to stay at least six feet apart.

Focus on safety Arvada resident Brad Lindeberg said he often has run with groups like the Arvada Runners club, but since the pandemic hit, the group has canceled its weekly group runs, staying in touch over social media instead.

Thornton resident Veronica Reish said that while she used to complete longer training runs while her father biked beside her, she since has transitioned to running alone.

But even despite a commitment to running without training partners, social distancing can prove difficult along the Denver area’s crowded trail system, the runners said.

“I’ve done a couple of very early morning runs, but I’m trying to not go out because there are more people on the trails,” Reish said. “I’ve had to step back a little bit and do a lot more running on the treadmill at home.”

Others, like Rich Airey, a Denver resident and running coach, have turned to running on the streets to

Barb Hurtt, who lives in unincorporated Jefferson County, runs along Golden’s Clear Creek Trail. Hurtt has been a runner for about 25 years and has run about half a dozen previous marathons, with plans to run the Boston Marathon this year, postponed until Sept. 14.

CASEY VAN DIVIER

LOCAL RUN CLUBS

Lakewood High teacher and cross-country coach Bryn Smetana runs a trail in Littleton, wearing a cloth face covering as directed by the CDC. COURTESY OF BRYN SMETANA avoid crowded parks and trails.

“There’s hardly any traffic. I’m trying to run every street (in the city),” Airey said. “I started off with a square-mile perimeter of my house and I’m going from there. I check off the streets as I go.”

Another common challenge for local runners has been figuring out exactly how much to run, as they balance unusual amounts of free time with the fact that races won’t resume until the fall.

As a coach, Airey said he has seen two common trends among Colorado runners.

“Either people are completely losing all of their motivation and doing nothing, or they’re thinking, ‘I need to take advantage of this and do more,’” he said. “My advice would be just to continue what you’ve been doing and,

When social distancing restrictions are lifted, area runners can get together with any one of the many running clubs spanning the metro area. Groups include: Arvada Runners: facebook.com/groups/ arvadarunners Belmar Running Club: facebook.com/ BelmarRunningClub Castle Rock Run Club: strava.com/ clubs/211712 Colorado Masters Running/Racewalking Association: comastersrun.org Denver Trail Runners: denvertrailrunners. com Highlands Ranch Running Club: highlandsranchrunningclub.org Mile High Runners: www.milehighrunners.com Rocky Mountain Road Runners: rmrr.org if anything, do a little bit less.”

Lindeberg agreed, saying members of the running community have been encouraging one another not to push themselves too hard.

“When you train really hard, you compromise your immune system.

Now, it’s more of a focus on running for enjoyment and not doing as many miles,” he said. “We’ve collectively said, let’s just get our base mileage in and be ready to race when races start happening again.”

A positive spin For some, the rescheduling has come with silver linings. Littleton runner Callie Skokos, for instance, had plans to run the Boston Marathon April 20 and the London Marathon April 26.

With both rescheduled, for Sept. 14 and Oct. 4 respectively, she’ll now have a longer turnaround between the two

races, she said.

Aiming to raise money for Children’s Hospital Colorado through the race, she acknowledged the virus could have a negative impact on fundraising. “Especially with people being out of work, people are more focused on their day-to-day, instead of donations,” she said.

That said, “I hope through the summer, I’ll possibly be able to raise more,” she said.

Barb Hurtt, a University of Denver teaching assistant professor who lives in unincorporated Jefferson County, added that for runners who actually have more work during the pandemic, instead of more free time, the postponement has been a somewhat welcome break.

“My work obligations increased about 50%, so it’s kind of been a blessing that I’ve had less demand on my training,” she said. “And I’ll enjoy being able to train over the summer, in nicer weather — I can’t tell you how many days I spent on the treadmill in February.”

Many of the runners said they remain unsure whether the race will actually go forward as scheduled in September, or if the virus’s impacts will prompt the Boston Athletic Association to postpone the race again.

But if all goes as planned, Airey, Hurtt, Lindeberg, Reish, Skokos and Smetana all still plan to represent Colorado at the race later this year, with hopes that the changes could, ultimately, even improve their times Sept. 14.

“This has helped me strengthen my runs. It’s something I look forward to every day,” Smetana said. “I’m just grateful I’m still able to get fresh air.”

Lone Tree Voice 15

April 23, 2020

Front Range air cleaner following drop in driving Wildlife appearing more often in urban areas as crowds grow in animals’ habitat

VOTING EXTENDED TO APRIL 30, 2020

BY PAUL ALBANI-BURGIO PALBANIBURGIO@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM

From the health-care system to the economy, COVID-19 has unleashed extraordinary stress and pain across the Denver metro area. But there’s one aspect of life on the Front Range that experts say has been impacted positively — albeit almost certainly temporarily — by the behavioral changes brought on by the virus: the natural environment.

The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment’s Air Pollution Control Division says a preliminary analysis of air quality data shows there have been significant declines in the concentration of several significant pollutants in the air since stay-at-home and social distancing practices started to be widely observed in the Denver area in March.

Those data come from five sites in and around Denver where the Air Pollution Control Division measures those pollutants.

Comparisons of average measurements collected between March 1 and 25 to measurements collected in January and February 2020 and March 2019 found that concentrations of all six pollutants the division measures declined in nearly every instance, with some concentrations declining for as much as 60%.

Levels of nitrous oxide, a pollutant that is emitted from the burning of fuels and contributes to global warming, decreased by at least 11% and as much as 25% from March 2019 and as much as 59% from February, the comparisons show.

The amount of sulfur dioxide, a component of acid rain, also decreased by more than 50% from March 2019 at two measurement locations, although a third in Adams County showed a 6% increase.

But while those decreases suggest the pandemic crisis is having a positive impact on air quality in the metro

PLAN FROM PAGE 10

Commissioners say the benchmarks within the framework are intentionally vague to allow shifts as data and information about the disease continue to become available.

“We don’t want to be in a situation where we have a clear number that needs to be met,” Thomas said. “We want to look at the entire situation.”

Douglas called the framework a “really good start” and added that his team “thought they did a pretty good job of framing it from a local perspective,” he said.

“I think it provides the public some

The view of central Golden from Lookout Mountain.

PAUL ALBANI-BURGIO

area, CDPHE Air Pollution Control Division Director Gary Kaufman said in a statement that more data would be needed to draw any long-term conclusions about the overall impact of the response on air quality.

“We have never faced a pandemic like this, and that means tremendous uncertainty in trying to predict (longer range) outcomes from the crisis,” Kaufman said.

Although CDPHE did conduct an analysis of the air quality measures in response to media inquiries, Kaufman said predicting or modeling the longterm air quality impacts of the crisis is “not a current priority” at a time when CDPHE is focused on addressing the health aspects of the crisis.

Kaufman said it is also “too early” to assess the effects of the COVID-19 on ozone, as ozone season does not typically start until June.

But while the positive changes that have resulted from COVID-19 will likely be reversed as people return to normal activities, the American Lung Association says the COVID-19 crisis is serving to illustrate why the government needs to play a bigger role in dealing with air pollution, particularly as some studies suggest air pollution exposure may increase COVID-19 risk.

“The science is really clear that the nation needs stronger limits on ozone and particulate pollution to safeguard our health,” said JoAnna Strother, a senior director of advocacy at the

American Lung Association.

While city residents may for now be able to breathe a little easier thanks to a decrease in pollution driven by COVID-19, Colorado Parks and Wildlife has been monitoring the impact the crisis has been having on Colorado’s wild inhabitants.

Jason Clay, a spokesman for CPW, said heavy visitation to state parks and other popular natural areas seems to be leading some animals to avoid those areas. In contrast, many urban areas that animals typically avoid have become quieter and less heavily trafficked, which is leading some animals to visit or seek shelter in those locations.

Still, Clay said residents should not expect to see widespread changes in animal behavior, particularly if the crisis does not last too long.

“We are not necessarily predicting there is going to be major impacts because of this,” Clay said. “In general, wildlife are slow to adapt to big changes in human behavior.”

But there is one big change that Clay said he is expecting to see during the crisis — a sharp reduction in animal roadkill numbers. Those numbers are tracked by CPW but the organization has not yet released figures for the period since the COVID-19 crisis began.

“With so many fewer cars on the road you definitely expect to see a decrease,” he said. “So, it will definitely be interesting to get a look at those numbers.”

sort of visible, articulated, wellthought through sense that we’re not just stuck,” he said. “There’s a plan moving forward.”

Commissioner Abe Laydon shared Douglas’ viewpoint that the framework can provide something valuable to the public.

“My hope is that from the document, that the citizens we serve can get a sense of hope, encouragement, reassurance and a sense that there is a light at the end of this tunnel,” he said.

The document, which has been sent to Gov. Jared Polis, asks to allow county exceptions to future statewide orders and restrictions based on county-specific data.

“Government is best that is closest

to people,” Laydon said. “Perhaps if counties can make decisions that best reflect their citizens, the whole state will benefit.”

Douglas agreed with the sentiment, pointing out that Douglas County may be trending down in terms of its rate of increasing coronavirus cases.

“It may be ready to adopt more relaxed measures sooner than Denver or other areas,” he said.

If Douglas County continues a downward trend, it’s possible that the county would be ready to slowly begin phasing into more relaxed measures by the middle of May, he said.

“This provides a pretty good idea of not the absolute road map,” he said, “but a pretty good sense of what that road map could look like.”

2020 BEST OF THE

BEST VOTING EXTENDED TO APRIL 30, 2020

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16 Lone Tree Voice

April 23, 2020A

Unemployment claims break Great Recession record Federal law will make gig workers eligible for benefits

BY ELLIS ARNOLD EARNOLD@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM

During the fallout from the Great Recession, the week with the highest number of claims for unemployment assistance filed was the week ending Jan. 9, 2010, with 7,749 claims.

This year, the week ending March 21 — when Colorado closed dine-in restaurant and bar service, and hair and nail salons, spas, and tattoo and massage parlors — shattered that record.

Then, the next three weeks saw the numbers increase fivefold.

Colorado’s economic upheaval during the COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted hundreds of thousands of lives, reflected in no more concrete terms than the number of Coloradans applying for unemployment benefits: those who have been laid off, had work hours reduced or have been furloughed, meaning temporarily laid off.

The week ending March 21 saw 19,745 new unemployment claims filed, according to a Colorado Department of Labor and Employment news release. That set a new state record, far outpacing the Great Recession numbers. The week prior clocked in at just 2,321.

For the week ending March 28, 61,583 initial unemployment claims came in. The following week, 46,065 initial unemployment claims were filed. In the week ending April 11, the department counted 104,217 initial unemployment claims filed.

Those four weeks represent the month-long period with the most unemployment claims filed in Colorado on record, according to Cher Haavind, deputy executive director of the state Labor Department.

ORDER

FROM PAGE 10

Rollback may vary across state Polis announced the state has its

In the coming weeks, Colorado may see the most unemployment benefits paid by dollar amount on record, possibly topping the record from the Great Recession, which lasted 18 months from December 2007 to June 2009 and created ripple effects of job losses lasting long afterward. A direct comparison is difficult because Great Recession data is monthly, said Ryan Gedney, senior economist for the department.

“That said, we paid out roughly $103 million in regular (unemployment) benefits May 2009 — the highest monthly total on record. From week ending March 21 to week ending April 11, we paid out $109 million in regular (unemployment) benefits,” Gedney said.

Colorado’s unemployment rate increased from 2.5% in February to 4.5% in March, according to a news release from the department. That’s Colorado’s highest unemployment rate since August 2015, according to the release.

The unemployment rate is measured based on the week that includes the 12th of the month — March 8 to March 14 — so the change in unemployment rate reflects the impact on Colorado’s employment during the first stages of the COVID-19 outbreak in the state, but before Colorado ordered certain businesses to close during the week ending March 21.

Working on wait times The state Labor Department experienced unprecedented traffic from those looking to file claims, and department officials in April were in conversations to outsource some call activity — as other states have done — to help take pressure off the regular call center, Haavind said.

The system “was handling 2,000 claims a week — now we’re at, in some weeks, 60,000. The sheer volume of calls to the call center is just unman-

first application from a county to lift the state’s stay at home order locally, a few days before it would end statewide.

Eagle County has seen a “sustained decrease for the last 14 days” and has shown its testing capabilities and

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ageable,” Haavind told reporters April 16.

Haavind also warned the public about fraud: She’s heard reports of people going door-to-door misrepresenting themselves or calling and asking for bank routing information and saying it regards unemployment benefits, for example.

“Just to remind folks, you should never be asked for personal identifying information” in those ways, Haavind said.

Data across industries The five industries with highest number of claims for the week ending March 28 were: • Accommodation and food services: 21,124 claims; • Health care and social service: 9,717; • Retail: 7,400; • Other services, such as nail and beauty salons and barbers: 5,914; • Arts, entertainment and recreation: 4,080.

“Now, you may be asking why health care and social assistance claims are in that top five list,” the department said in a “talking points” sheet for a call with reporters. “The primary driver in the increase in those claims is from offices of dentists. Offices of physicians, other health practitioners — like chiropractors and optometrists — and child day care services are also seeing substantial increases in claims.”

Gig workers, others now eligible Those who work part-time or temporary positions as gig workers — such as driving for Lyft — are also eligible for unemployment benefits in light of the recently passed federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act. On April 17, the state announced that people who have lost gig work and

preparedness to contain the virus, according to Polis.

Local public health agencies may apply for relief from the stay-at-home order to more effectively meet local conditions, according to the order’s text.

The governor’s enthusiasm appeared to encourage moves for local control going forward, and the presentation announced a process for local governments to modify the state’s new guidelines based on local conditions.

“There should not be, in a big diverse state, one statewide approach.

We knew the situation would be different in Otero County, in Pitkin County” and so on, Polis said.

That means county officials could implement measures locally to address a COVID-19 outbreak at a single facility, or issue a temporary stay-at-home order for a neighborhood or area with an outbreak, Polis said.

Mass testing not yet reached State officials in recent weeks have noted the importance of increased

similar previously ineligible positions will be able to apply for benefits starting April 20.

The legislation makes “pandemic unemployment assistance” available for up to 39 weeks to those not ordinarily eligible, according to the state Labor Department. That includes gig workers, the self-employed, contract employees, those who cannot work from home during a shelter order and those who have exhausted regular unemployment benefits. It also includes workers directly impacted by COVID-19, such as those who need to care for a child whose school is closed or a dependent who tested positive for the illness.

“When you add on the newly eligible workers under the CARES Act, we could easily see more than $200 million per month” paid in unemployment benefits in Colorado, Haavind said.

The state Unemployment Insurance Division has to reprogram its systems to provide the new benefits, the state Labor Department said in a news release. All eligible workers will receive these benefits backdated and will not lose out on any amount to which they are entitled, the release added.

Additional weekly $600 available Also new under the CARES Act is the Federal Pandemic Unemployment Compensation program, providing an extra $600 per week to any individual eligible for any unemployment compensation program. The state said that provision also will become effective April 20.

Pandemic Emergency Unemployment Compensation provides an additional 13 weeks of benefits beyond the standard maximum of 26 weeks for regular unemployment benefits.

To apply for unemployment assistance, visit www.colorado.gov/pacific/ cdle/file-claim.

testing as social distancing restrictions roll back, to keep the virus’s spread controlled.

And while there was never a clear timeline for Polis’ goal of mass testing, it appears Colorado won’t achieve widespread statewide testing before the stay-at-home order ends.

Polis said the state continues its work to increase testing capacity and noted the state is seeing 10 times as much testing as around when the pandemic began in Colorado.

“But even if you had all that (mass) testing, you wouldn’t have the ability to follow up from a quarantine perspective” on most people, and social distancing would still be necessary, Polis said.

Another shortcoming of testing is that a large portion of those with COVID-19 don’t show symptoms, the governor added.

“No one anywhere is even close to testing (all) asymptomatic people,” Polis said.

Colorado is dealing with testing supply shortages, like other places across the country, according to Rachel Herlihy, state epidemiologist.

Lone Tree Voice 17

April 23, 2020

Area leaders urge census participation As Jefferson County Commissioner Casey Tighe watched people stay at home and socially distance amid the COVID-19 pandemic, he couldn’t help but see their efforts as an act of patriotism.

There’s another way people can help their country during the crisis, he said, and that’s by completing the 2020 census, which launched as communities across the nation ramped up public health measures in connection with the pandemic response.

“Ask your family, your friends: ‘Have you filled out the census?’” Tighe said.

While the census may not be top of mind for people amid the pandemic, as they worry about economic hardships and their health, local nonprofit and elected leaders are urging residents to use the extra time at home to partake in the “the gold standard” of data collection.

Gillian Winbourn is program director for Together We Count, a statewide nonprofit aiming to ensure historically undercounted people are represented in the 2020 census. Participation, particularly now, is paramount, she said.

“This is a way to help Colorado rebuild and make sure that it can get its fair share of support continuing for the next 10 years,” Winbourn said.

“I think in a time like now, we can see how much we rely on services and the government services.”

Together We Count started in 2017 and will operate only for the duration of the 2020 census effort. The organization already expected challenges to the 2020 census because of distrust in government and the possibility that some people will face hurdles responding in new ways.

Before COVID-19 hit, the U.S. Census

RESPONSE BY COUNTY Here are the response rates for some metro area counties, according to an April 13 news release by the U.S. Census Bureau: Douglas County: 63.9% Jefferson County: 63.2% Arapahoe County: 58% Elbert County: 56.3% Adams County: 53% Denver County: 51.5% Bureau was already gearing up for people to respond online, by phone and by mail — for the first time in census history.

Together We Count focuses on reaching populations like renters, immigrants, refugees and people with low literacy — all demographics the census bureau defines as hard to count, Winbourn said. The nonprofit also adds older adults to that list and stresses that young children count.

“We knew that it was going to be a more challenging time,” she said.

“Particularly with COVID, it’s really affected the timeline.”

Gillian noted the census opened on March 12, shortly before social distancing measures took off.

Local governments and nonprofits had to scrap many of their traditional outreach methods to promote the census because of COVID-19, like providing education at community events and meetings. Many said they are now relying more heavily on social media to get the word out.

The U.S. Census Bureau adjusted its 2020 census operational timeline in response to the pandemic. Field activities are not likely to resume until June 1.

The current deadline to respond is Aug. 14, said spokeswoman Laurie Cipriano.

SEE CENSUS, P23

Answers

Solution © 2016 King Features Synd., Inc.

BY JESSICA GIBBS JGIBBS@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM

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April 23, 2020A

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April 23, 2020A

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Lone Tree Voice 21

April 23, 2020

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22 Lone Tree Voice

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Lone Tree Voice 23

April 23, 2020

COVID-19 rates disproportionately higher among minorities Out of more than 5,000 COVID-19 cases with race and ethnicity data reported in Colorado, the black, Hispanic and native Hawaiian-Pacific Islander populations show statistically higher rates of the disease than others, according to the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment.

While black or African American residents are 3.9% of the state population, they make up 7% of its cases, according to an April 13 news release.

That disparity between percentage of population and percentage of cases far outpaces all other race categories, aside from native Hawaiians-Pacific Islanders, who represent 0.6% of Colorado’s cases but make up just 0.1% of its population, according to the release.

The race and ethnicity data represent 67% of all reported COVID-19 cases in Colorado as of April 13. Cases with an unknown race or ethnicity were excluded from the calculations.

Initial disease reports to public health departments often are missing information on race and ethnicity, according to the state health department, which is drafting a public health order to clarify the type of data the department needs from health care entities.

Because studies have shown people with underlying health conditions are more likely to die of the virus, tracking racial and ethnic data is a high priority for the department, it continued.

“We know that social and health care inequities affect outcomes, and that becomes even more apparent in times of disaster,” Jill Hunsaker-Ryan, executive director of the department, said in the release. “There have been generations of institutionalized barriers to things like preventive medical care, healthy food, safe and stable housing, quality education, reliable transportation and clean air. Research shows that these types of factors are the most predictive of health outcomes.

“There is much to be learned from this disaster, and the uneven effects of COVID-19 on different communities will perhaps be one of the most profound lessons,” Hunsaker-Ryan continued.

As of April 13, Colorado’s tally of COVID-19 cases reached nearly 7,700 across 56 counties, with nearly 1,500 hospitalized, about 38,700 people tested and 308 deaths. There have been 72 outbreaks at residential and non-hospital health care facilities.

Starting April 14, the state health department was to add race and ethnicity data to its daily update of COVID data AT covid19.colorado.gov.

Explaining the disparity “Colorado has racial disparities in certain chronic diseases due to unequal access to health care and economic opportunities occurring over many generations,” the state health department said in the release.

BY ELLIS ARNOLD EARNOLD@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM

CENSUS FROM PAGE 17

As of April 13, the Colorado response rate trailed Kansas by less than 1 percentage point, coming in at No. 11 on the list of states with the best self-response date. Just shy of 52% of Colorado households had responded. The national self-response rate was 48%.

Within Colorado, two counties — Jefferson and Douglas — are neck-andneck for the best self-response rate in the state, with both above 63% as of an April 13 report. Commissioners for each county said they are competitive and shooting for that No. 1 slot.

POLIS ON DISPARITY Gov. Jared Polis commented on the racial differences in COVID-19 cases at an April 13 news conference, saying that asthma and diabetes — and diet — disproportionately are problems for racial minorities and could be relevant to the disparity.

Asked what his administration is doing about the disparity, Polis said, “We care about everybody” and that people live in integrated communities.

“You can’t say we’re … stopping it for Hispanics and not for white people or for blacks and not for Hispanics,” Polis said.

“The reason to stay at home is for everybody; that drives down infection rates across the board.”

“The things I’ve heard is that it’s likely a proxy for socioeconomic issues — which, obviously, there’s no short-term solution for that. It’s part of a broader problem that our country has with regard to extreme income disparities,” Polis said.

3.9%, Asians 3.1%, American Indian or Alaskan natives 0.6%, and native Hawaiians and Pacific Islanders 0.1%, according to 2018 U.S. Census Bureau data cited in the news release.

Those of multiple races make up 2.7%. Population data do not include the “other” category.

Cases broken down by race White and Asian Coloradans, and those of multiple races, showed statistically lower rates of COVID-19, according to the data. American Indian and Alaskan natives’ rates were not statistically different from their percentage of

the state population.

The 5,188 cases with race and ethnicity data reported show the following counts: • White: 3,064 cases, 59.1 of total • Hispanic: 1,458 cases, 28.1% • Black: 363 cases, 7% • Asian: 116 cases, 2.2% • Multiple races: 96 cases, 1.9% • Other: 38 cases, 0.7% • Native Hawaiian or other Pacific Islander: 29 cases, 0.6% • American Indian or Alaskan natives: 24 cases, 0.5% As a percentage of the Colorado population in general, whites make up 67.8%, Hispanics 21.7%, blacks

Deaths broken down by race The data also included deaths by race and ethnicity, showing that blacks were similarly overrepresented in the death count, making up 6.8%, or 17 deaths.

Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islanders were overrepresented with 1.6%, or four deaths.

American Indians and native Alaskans were also overrepresented. White Coloradans were slightly overrepresented as well.

Hispanics were underrepresented, as were Asians and those of multiple races.

The data included race and ethnicity data for 249 deaths, representing 81% of all reported COVID-19 deaths in Colorado as of April 13.

The deaths among cases reported with race and ethnicity show the following counts: • White: 172 deaths, 69.1% of total • Hispanic: 44 deaths, 17.7% • Black: 17 deaths, 6.8% • Asian: seven deaths, 2.8% • Native Hawaiian or other Pacific Islander: four deaths, 1.6% • Multiple races: three deaths, 1.2% • American Indian or Alaskan natives: two deaths, 0.8% No deaths were listed under the “other” category.

“If you’re at home and you have access to computer and internet, you probably have some time to do it. It’s a way to break up your day,” Tighe said.

But there’s much more at stake than bragging rights, the commissioners stressed, as the census will determine how much federal funding is funneled down to local communities.

“There is so much that is based on getting an accurate count. We need to have a complete count and that means 100%,” said Douglas County Commissioner Lora Thomas.

Thomas, Tighe and Winbourn listed a slew of services impacted by the census.

Funding health-care clinics, Medicare and Medicaid, highways and transportation, disaster relief, edu-

cational programs, fire departments and human services are just some of the community services that rely on census data.

The data also informs the business community, such as helping grocery stores decide where to open locations, Winbourn said.

There’s also the issue of representation in Washington.

Since 1790, the census has determined the number of seats a state receives in the U.S. House of Representatives.

“There’s a lot of speculation that the state of Colorado is going to get an additional congressional district,” Thomas said.

Tighe said an accurate census count translates to an appropriate level of

representation in Congress for the state and creates “a fair playing field around the country” if the nationwide count is accurate.

Under the adjusted census timeline, bureau experts will assess and deliver each state’s population total, which determines its number of seats in the U.S. House of Representatives, to the president by April 30, 2021.

The president delivers apportionment counts to congress within 14 days. Redistricting counts are then to PUBLIC be delivered to states

by NOTICE July 31, 2021.

Completing the census takes minFrom the Office of Lisa Frizell, Douglas County Assessor: Colorado law requires the utes, Thomas said, estimating she County Assessor to hear objections to real propvaluations annually. to real propfinished erty in less than five Objections minutes. erty valuations for 2020 will begin May 1, 2020 “It’s really straightforward,” she must and end June 1, 2020. Written objections be postmarked no later than June 1, 2020. said. “There’s no trick questions.

It’sReal property valuation objections presented on-line easy to answer.” will be accepted through 12a.m. (midnight) June

www.ColoradoCommunityMedia.com/Notices

PUBLIC NOTICES

Public Notices call Sheree 303.566.4088

legals@coloradocommunitymedia.com

City and County PUBLIC NOTICE From the Office of Lisa Frizell, Douglas County Assessor: Colorado law requires the County Assessor to hear objections to real property valuations annually. Objections to real property valuations for 2020 will begin May 1, 2020 and end June 1, 2020. Written objections must be postmarked no later than June 1, 2020. Real property valuation objections presented on-line will be accepted through 12a.m. (midnight) June 1st. Objections to personal property valuations will be heard beginning August 3, 2020. Objections to personal property valuations for 2020 must be delivered by close of business or postmarked no later than August 20, 2020. If the last day to appeal falls on a Saturday, Sunday, or legal holiday, the appeal is deemed to have been timely filed if postmarked on the next business day.At this time, due to social distancing recommendations,in-person appeal meetings have been suspended.However,telephone ap-

1st. Objections to personal property valuations will be heard beginning August 3, 2020. Objections to personal property valuations for 2020 must be delivered by close of business or postmarked no later than August 20, 2020. If the last day to appeal falls on a Saturday, Sunday, or legal holiday, the appeal is deemed to have been timely filed if postmarked on the next business day.At this time, due to social distancing recommendations,in-person appeal meetings have been suspended.However,telephone appeals may be scheduled online or by phoning the Assessor’s Office.Information regarding the valuation process and appeals can be obtained on the Assessor’s website at www.douglas.co.us/assessor, or by phoning the office at 303-660-7450.

City and County

Legal Notice No.: 937354 First Publication: April 23, 2020 Last Publication: April 23, 2020 Publisher: Douglas County News-Press

Lone Tree Legals 4.23.20 * 1

24 Lone Tree Voice

April 23, 2020A

#ACCSTRONG

Letter to the Community From ACC Dear ACC Community Partners, At this time of unprecedented challenges, we want you to know that ACC stands with you in the fight against this current global pandemic, COVID-19. ACC has had the honor to be your community college partner for over 50 years. We take our role in our communities seriously, and we are very proud of our faculty, staff, students, and alumni who are making a difference in addressing these COVID-19 challenges.

ACC has had the privilege to train many of the nurses, EMTs, police officers, early childhood professionals, medical assistants, lab technicians, and mortuary personnel that are on the front lines of this battle. Their heroism simply has been remarkable. While we have temporarily closed our campus facilities and moved to remote instruction in an effort to play our role in social distancing, the college is still open in every sense of the word to serve you. If you have been laid off and/or seeking a career change, we are here for you. We partner with major sectors such as health care, technology, finance, the arts, aerospace, and advanced manufacturing so we can keep top talent flowing into our workforce in careers with sustainable wages.

Our ACC Foundation and workforce programs are here to partner with your organizations and businesses who seek to collaborate to build innovative workforce solutions, such as apprenticeships, scholarship funding, and financial support for program innovation. We seek to graduate well-prepared students from our high quality programs at the most affordable cost in Colorado, and we can’t do it without the financial support of our partners.

Thank you again for standing with ACC for over 50 years. We are here to support our communities and work together towards a stronger tomorrow.

Sincerely, Diana M. Doyle, Ph.D. President, Arapahoe Community College

For information on how to enroll or learn more about ACC programs: ACC Admissions Office 303.797.5637 or email admissions@arapahoe.edu

MOVE MOUNTAINS

For information on workforce and community partnerships: Eric Dunker, Associate Vice President and Dean of Business, Technology, and Workforce Partnerships 303.797.5859 or eric.dunker@araphaoe.edu

For information on volunteer, sponsorship or investment opportunities: Courtney Loehfelm, Executive Director, ACC Foundation 720.440.4666 or courtney.loehfelm@ arapahoe.edu