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June 25, 2014
75 cents | Volume 49, Issue 23 Tri-Lakes Region, Monument, Gleneagle, Black Forest and Northern El Paso County A publication of
tri-lakestribune.net
Brofft settles into new role as District 38 superintendent
SUMMER SOLSTICE SUNSET
Educator was hired in March By Danny Summers
dsummers@colorado communitymedia.com
Fires and dust, from New Mexico and other locales, have combined with local cloud formation for some impressive sunsets in the past week. Photo by Rob Carrigan
Tri-Lakes Relay celebrates fifth year Teams raise money for cancer research, local outreach By Norma Engelberg Contributing writer
Relay for Life of Tri-Lakes is gearing up for another 12 hours of celebration and remembrance as teams begin fundraising to beat cancer that will culminate on Aug. 2 at the Lewis-Palmer High School’s Don Breese Stadium. The Relay starts at 7 p.m. and ends at 7 a.m. on Aug. 3 “The Relay is meant to be a celebration of life,” said Charity Jones, American Cancer Society community events specialist working in the Tri-Lakes area. “The opening ceremony, the Survivor’s Lap with their caretakers, the teams; we’re all standing up against cancer.” The event is a true relay. There are teams made up of families, friends and/or co-workers who, after the opening ceremony and Survivors’ Lap, take turns making sure there is at least one or two team member on the track at all times until the closing ceremony, Every registered team member gets a T-shirt. “Walking around the track is symbolic,” Jones said. Also symbolic of remembrance and one of the most
moving parts of the event is the luminaria ceremony at 9 p.m. “Each luminaria is decorated in memory of those we’ve lost or in honor of those who are still fighting,” Jones said. “The luminaria are lighted and the field lights are turned off. We walk around the darkened track as our loved ones’ names are read and we celebrate their lives and memories. It can be a very emotional time.” The rest of the event is a time to keep up the spirits and energies of the walkers, including the on-site DJ who will keep the music coming. “One big highlight of the night is the Misster Relay event,” Jones said. “The guys dress up as women and raise money for cancer research. It’s very competitive and just about every team signs up a guy.” The “guy” who raises the most money from the other participants is crowned “Misster Relay.” Food is another fundraiser. Participants pay $8 for wristband that entitles them to eat all night. “There will be lots of incredible food,” Jones said. “California Pizza Kitchen and Texas Roadhouse are just two of the restaurants providing food. No one will go hungry.” Speaking of food, Jones added that the Survivors’ Dinner at
POSTAL ADDRESS
Teams registering for the Tri-Lakes Relay for Life on Aug. 2 at Don Breese Stadium will raise funds for the American Cancer Society. The Society is second only to the federal government when it comes to cancer research and other programs that benefit cancer survivors. Photo by Norma Engelberg 4:30 p.m. before the event opens will be catered by the Double Tree Hotel’s Chef Pete. Survivors will get their special T-shirts either at the dinner or at the field before they take their lap. Other activities include a silent auction with wine, beauty products, crafts and other items; a bouncy house for children, themed laps and dance-step instructions to name just a few. The entire community is invited to stay the course or just drop in for a few hours. “Some people come for the opening ceremony or maybe come for the luminaria ceremo-
TRI-LAKES TRIBUNE
ny and then stay a few hours,” Jones said. “Others are real troopers and stay the entire 12 hours. Most people walk around the track but we’ve had a few who run it.” Teams and their members can register for $10 per member online at www.relayforlife.org or even at the event. “It’s never too late to form a team,” Jones said, adding that survivors can also register before the Relay online or by calling 800-227-2345. “Choose option No. 2 and someone will help you sign up over the phone.”
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Karen Brofft’s contract doesn’t require her to begin her career as the Lewis-Palmer School District 38 superintendent until July 1, but she wanted to get a jump start on things. Brofft took her seat in the big chair on Monday, June 16. The move occurred just three days after interim superintendent Ted Bauman ended his reign. “I’m not working every day in June, but I plan to be here as often as I can,” Brofft said. Brofft is getting paid on a per diem rate until her contract kicks in. Brofft, 55, was hired as the District’s new superintendent in March. There were 34 applicants for the post. The Tri-Lakes area District had more than 6,200 students at the end of the last school year in Monument, Palmer Lake, Woodmoor and northern Black Forest, and a general fund budget of $44 million. It is consistently one of the top in state academic assessment tests. Nearly 90 percent of its graduates go on to higher education. Before going into education Brofft worked in public relations and was a computer programmer. Besides serving as assistant superintendent of the diverse 3,000-student Englewood schools through June 6 of this year, she was principal, elementary teacher and head of curriculum and assessment in the Douglas County School District. She has an education specialty degree in administrative leadership and policy studies from the University of Colorado, Denver; a master’s in curriculum and instruction and an undergraduate degree from Lewis & Clark College in Oregon. Her experience includes 13 years teaching and 11 years in administration. Bauman served as the District’s interim superintendent since the retirement of John Borman last December. It was Bauman’s second term on an interim basis. He also previously served as the regular fulltime superintendent. “Ted told us this is it for him,” Brofft said with a smile. “We have to get along without him from here on out.” Bauman was instrumental in getting Brofft up to speed in her new role. She made it a point to come down from Englewood and work with Bauman at least once a week after she was hired by District 38. “Ted was phenomenal,” Brofft said. “I tried to get to as many things as I could. “The time with Ted was definitely helpful. He took time to introduce me to people and I had a great opportunity to cultivate some relationships.” Brofft bought a home in Monument earlier this month and plans on becoming entrenched in the community.
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Brofft continues on Page 14
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