April-May, 2019 by Southeast Express

IN OUR JUNE EDITION ~ A transformative program One year later, how Transforming Safety is rebuilding Southeast Colorado Springs

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MANY VOICES ... ONE COMMUNITY • VOL. 1, ISSUE 2 Express photo illustration/Jessica Kuhn

The birth of a crisis In midst of heroin By Regan Foster epidemic, hospitals he newborns are fussy. They can’t get to sleep, can’t eat and certainly can’t T struggle with be comforted. When they do eat, they may have horrible diarrhea that can result in newborn addicts dehydration or severe cases of diaper rash. They might clench their muscles or get The Southeast Express

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FATAL HEROIN-RELATED OVERDOSES IN 2016

Registered Nurse Gerri Ashley bottle feeds a newborn in the St. Francis Medical Center Neonatal Intensive Care Unit.

jittery. They can’t regulate their emotions, so a relatively minor problem could lead to a major meltdown. They are the youngest victims — the involuntary casualties — of an epidemic. Dozens to hundreds of infants each year are born addicted to opioids. “The crisis is huge right now,” said Susanna Prensner, a licensed clinical social worker who specializes in pediatrics. She should know. Prensner works with newborns in the Neonatal Intensive Care Continued as EPIDEMIC page 3

A force to be reckoned with A small-but-talented cadre of women firefighters proves this isn’t just a man’s job By Regan Foster

Vote 101

A user’s guide to the election Page 20

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n a cold January afternoon, Colorado Springs Fire Lieutenant-Paramedic Rachael Staebell, 40, took a quick inventory of a ladder truck at Colorado Springs Fire Station 4. The facility, located a few blocks from the Harrison School District 2 headquarters, houses an engine, the ladder truck and eight sworn firefighters. On this particular day, four of the eight on duty were women.

INSIDE

D2's 'super' dilemma page 8

A season for the record books

page 29

Express Photo/Bryan Oller

Continued as WOMEN page 5

Only 4.4 percent of the Colorado Springs Fire Department ﬁreﬁghters are female. But while their numbers are small, their impact is large.

WE’RE EXPANDING!

See page 2 to for employment opportunities with the Express

Putting their best faces forward

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By working together, we all grow N

ot too long ago, I was chatting with a friend and former colleague about what it takes to launch a nonprofit newspaper. He’s a longtime reporter and, like me, has built a career on established, for-profit publications. Whether as an act of support Regan Foster or one of voyeurism, he has been watching the Express with more than a little curiosity. So his question struck me. What does it take to launch a new nonprofit newspaper, especially in an era and climate when members of the media are attacked — sometimes physically — for doing what they do? It takes infrastructure. The best news team in the world can’t do a whole heckuva lot without what we consider the bare-minimum of technology: computers, internet service and phones. It takes a reliable printer to handle the hard copies,

and a web designer to get your digital product, not just running, but looking beautiful. It takes buy-in and hard work from professionals. Team Express is a small-but-mighty group of committed journalists and marketing consultants, an enthusiastic senior consultant, an unflappable graphic designer and our indomitable publisher, all of whom genuinely believe in this newspaper. We are also blessed to have the support and assistance of our colleagues at our sister papers, The Colorado Springs Business Journal, the Pikes Peak Bulletin and the Colorado Springs Independent (you can read their contributions later in this edition), and the guidance of our fiscal sponsors at the Concrete Couch. But, most of all, it takes the community. We can have the best people, product developers and technology around and still not put out a newspaper. This does not happen in a vacuum. It’s because of you, Southeast, that this second edition is in your hands. Your stories, your support, your collaboration and, most of all, your embrace of

this newspaper are what fuels us. You offer us content, advice, guidance and plenty of feedback. And in turn, we endeavor to make every paper better than its predecessor. Which is why we are conducting a content survey of our readers. (How’s that for segue?) It’s an eight-question thing that you can find at www.surveymonkey.com/r/CXL2MTQ. We also have a link to it on our website, SoutheastExpress.org. It’s free, takes about a minute to complete, and will give us the guidance we need to make each edition bigger, better and more tailored to your needs than the previous one. So thanks for being part of the Express team, Southeast Colorado Springs. I couldn’t be more humbled by your support and look forward to growing your community newspaper with you. Contact Southeast Express Editor and General Manager Regan Foster at (719) 578-2802 or regan.foster@southeastexpress.org.

Your Two Cents Welcome to the neighborhood I have lived in the Eastborough neighborhood for the past 42 years. We are located a good distance from a bus stop and far from our medical appointments. I am a retired Army major, and after traveling around the world, I selected Colorado Springs to be my adopted home city. We arrived in 1971 and have experienced the city’s tremendous growth, but not in the Southeast sector. We lost a Sam’s Club and a Red Lobster on South Academy Boulevard. There’s a large selection of fine restaurants in the metro area, but only a few in the Southeast. Meanwhile, in Southwest Colorado Springs, older parts of South Nevada Avenue are getting renovation attention. The move of Bristol Brewing into the former Ivywild Elementary School was a great start. Now new retail space is being developed all around

We’re Expanding! We have been overwhelmed, thrilled and humbled by the reception we have received so far. Thank you! Currently, the Express publishes every other month. Our goal is to publish monthly as soon as we can before — hopefully — publishing weekly. To meet our growth objectives, we need your help. First, if you know of a business or organization that would benefit from reaching 30,000 homes and businesses in Southeast, send them our way. Second, we need at least two more dedicated team members. If you know of someone who we should hire (including yourself) please have them apply! STAFF REPORTER

Our newest member of the editorial team must: • Love Southeast Colorado Springs and be curious about how to tell its stories • Have at least 2 years’ experience reporting • Have nimble social media, photographic and video skills • Have an operational knowledge of Adobe InCopy and Microsoft Office Suite Still interested? Then rush your resume, cover letter and writing samples to regan.foster@ southeastexpress.org.

SALES EXECUTIVE Our sales executive must: • Love Southeast Colorado Springs • Have at least 2 years’ sales experience • Maintain an uncompromising commitment to great customer service • Demonstrate strong spoken, written and digital communication skills Ready to get to work? Send your resume and cover letter to regan.foster@southeastexpress.org.

Both full-time positions offer good beneﬁts. No phone calls please.

Advertising in the 30,000-plus circulation Southeast Express is an incredibly efficient way for your business or civic organization to reach every single home and business in the 80910 and 80916 ZIP codes. For a no-obligation conversation with our advertising director, call or text Jamie Agrusa-Romero at 719-200-8787.

the Edelweiss German restaurant, and nearby on South Tejon Street a new prime steak house has opened. Back in Southeast – nothing! We have a new city councilor who lived in the Southeast area during its demise, and who is taking steps for a change in the future. I know she feels like the Southeast Express can be a sounding board for those who care and want to be a part of this change. Congratulations to the people behind the Southeast Express for taking an important leadership role, and for publishing a communication vehicle to guide us along the way! Your supporter, Robert A. Garrity Colorado Springs

WE WELCOME YOUR OPINIONS The Southeast Express accepts letters to the editor. To submit an opinion for consideration, email regan.foster@southeastexpress.org; or call Regan Foster at 578-2802. The Express reserves the right to determine suitability. Copyright ©2019, all rights reserved.

The Southeast Express is a project of fiscal sponsor and Colorado nonprofit Concrete Couch and with the support of Colorado Publishing House, Colorado Springs’ largest locally owned media company. The Southeast Express is published six times per year by the Concrete Couch, 214 E. Vermijo Ave., Colorado Springs, CO, 80903. POSTMASTER: Please send address changes to Southeast Express, 235 S. Nevada Ave., Colorado Springs, CO, 80903.

235 S. Nevada Ave., Colorado Springs, CO 80903 (719) 578-2802 • southeastexpress.org

Editor and General Manager REGAN FOSTER Senior Consultant LOU MELLINI Senior Account Executive JAMIE ROMERO-AGRUSA Account Executives LANNY ADAMS JASON JANC DANIELLE ROGGE Graphic Designers ROWDY TOMPKINS, MELISSA EDWARDS Community Outreach Director MANNY LOPEZ DEL RIO COLORADO PUBLISHING HOUSE Chair JOHN WEISS Executive Editor Emeritus RALPH ROUTON

To inquire about advertising ... jamie.agrusa@southeastexpress.org

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| Express photo illustration/Jessica Kuhn

Epidemic

Continued from page 1

Unit (NICU) at St. Francis Medical Center, and she said it is rare that the hospital doesn’t have at least two infants going through the painful process of withdrawal. The numbers support her assertion. In a two-month period last summer, the NICU cared for 19 babies born with neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS), the technical term for infants exposed to addictive drugs while still in the womb. That accounted for about 17 percent of the 109 total NICU newborns treated during that A tiny newborn rests in an incubator bed at St. Francis Medical Center. same time frame. Of those 19 addicted newborns, only nine came from El Paso County. The But those statistics have limitations. Baby steps remainder came from communities Only some hospitals — members of There is, however, a statewide Birth lacking such specialized medical the Colorado Hospital Association Defects Registry maintained by the care, such as the comparatively rural — provide data, as reporting is done Colorado Department of Public Alamosa. on a voluntary basis. This means that Health and Environment. Margaret Prensner is quick to point out that not every NAS birth in the state is Ruttenber, a department research this period represented an unusual included in the Birth Defects Registry. scientist and program director for spike in services and needs to be The reports also use specific codes, Colorado Responds to Children with viewed as a point-in-time sample, so statistics don’t specify what drug Special Needs, manages the registry. rather than a blanket measure of the or combination of drugs the mom There are about 1,300 conditions issue. And, to be honest, that’s part of was using when the babies were born, that the registry tracks, she said. That the problem. Ruttenber said. includes cases of neonatal abstinence While hospitals anecdotally track So there is no way to know whether syndrome. Between 2010 and 2017, their cases of addicted babies, there the baby came into this world depen1,719 such cases were reported. The is no statewide or federal database or dent on opioids, methamphetamines, largest spike of 290 reported cases other mechanism to keep tabs on the came in 2016, compared to the lowest cocaine or something else. 3.11.2019.pdf— 2 3/11/2019 PM 128 —12:49:56 in 2010. “It hasn’t been written into the numbers.PPWFC Southeast Express 4.75 x 6.5 Spring Job Fair 18plusnumber

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hospital association [guidelines]… yet to break down to that level,” Ruttenber said. “When this gets reported, in order to really know, you would have to go back into the medical record.” Which brings with it another set of complications For one thing, medical records are protected under federal privacy guidelines. For another, it is an incredibly pricey and time-consuming proposition to send researchers across the state to dig into and process the data. And the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, which would be the organization to fund such research, has no immediate plans to undertake an active study of fetal opioid dependency. But that sort of active study is exactly what’s needed to get a complete picture of the problem. The government used that model, Ruttenber said, to get a better understanding of fetal alcohol syndrome nearly two decades ago. “The CDC gave us money and we could actively go out and ascertain,” she said. “We went to clinics, we went to hospitals. “It’s very costly to go out and look for medical records.”

Evidence of growth

In essence, the state’s hands are tied by bureaucratic regulations and no funding, despite the fact that state public health data show that in 2016, Continued as EPIDEMIC page 6

JOBFAIR

COLORADO SPRINGS

ppwfc.org ppwf w c.org wf

CMY

Wednesday, April il 17, 2019 10 a.m. Open to Veterans And eligible Spouses

Annual Spring Job Fair for Job Seekers ages 18+

10:30 a.m. Open to “How To Make The Job Fair Work For You” workshop attendees 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Open to General eral Public

3960 Palmer Park Blvd. Colorado Springs, CO 80909

For Express Entry into the Job Fair, pick up your Scan Card at any Pikes Peak Workforce Center location!

REGISTER: GISTER: connectingcolorado.com conn Veterans are entitled to priority of service. V Ve Paid f rom U.S. Department of Labor f unds

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The Bond Blueprint

We are holding Kindergarten and Preschool Roundup on Monday, April 15th and Tuesday, April 16th from 8:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. each day at the District Administration Building, 1060 Harrison Road.

Recent Milestones • Sand Creek International School received the building permit on February 28th. • Sand Creek International School guaranteed maximum price (GMP) contract completed on March 15th • Centennial Elementary School GMP completed on March 19th • Otero Elementary School GMP completed on March 19th

Participants can qualify for Preschool with CPCD/Head Start and enroll their student in Preschool or Kindergarten as well as visit with the Special Education Department and the Culturally & Linguistically Diverse Education Department. Community Partners, Peak Vista, and Pikes Peak Library District will also be present.

Track our on-going progress by visiting: www.hsd2.org/bondconstruction

March 25 - March 29 Spring Break

Join Us for the HSD2 Job Fair, April 6th You are invited to the Harrison School District Two Job Fair!

April 6, 8:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. HSD2 Job Fair

Saturday, April 6th, 2019 8:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

April 15 & 16, 8:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. Kindergarten Roundup

Mountain Vista Community School 2550 Dorset Drive Colorado Springs, CO 80910

April 18, 6:00 p.m. Board of Education Meeting April 26 District Closed May 23 Last Day of School May 23, 2:00 p.m.

@ Broadmoor World Arena

Harrison HS Graduation May 23, 5:00 p.m.

@ Broadmoor World Arena

Sierra HS Graduation

Harrison School District Two 1060 Harrison Road Colorado Springs, CO 80905 719-579-2000 www.hsd2.org

Join us on

APRIL — MAY 2019

Kindergarten Roundup for the 2019-2020 school year, April 15th & 16th

The groundbreaking ceremony at Sand Creek International School took place on a sunny afternoon on February 26th. This is part of Phase 1 of our bond construction and renovation project for Harrison School District Two.

Upcoming Events

Registration cannot be completed without these required documents provided by the parent/guardian: birth certificate, immunization record, current lease agreement or mortgage or current utility bill in their name. Visit Student Support online at www.hsd2.org/ studentsupport for more information.

Register online with Human Resources at www.hsd2. org/hr. District principals and department administrators will be interviewing candidates for the 2019-2020 school year. Vacancies include teachers, bus drivers, nutrition services, custodians, and many more. Don’t miss the opportunity to join this innovative and exciting school district.

Each school will be hosting a night for new students and their parents to meet kindergarten teachers, visit kindergarten classrooms and become familiar with life in their elementary school. Check online for the latest schedule at www.hsd2.org, click on Kindergarten Roundup under News.

Register Now for Summer School Interested in FREE Summer School? Space is limited – register today. Download the forms from the district website or pick them up from your school’s front office. Elementary & Middle School for hands-on learning and enrichment, field trips, and project-based learning. Monday-Thursday, 8 a.m. - 2 p.m. from July 15-25. High School for credit recovery. Monday-Thursday, 8 a.m. - 2 p.m. from July 8-25.

A K12 Insight Solution

What is Let’s Talk!? Let’s Talk! on your school and the district website gives parents, staff, students, and others a safe and easy way to reach out with questions, comments or personal issues, 24/7.

Women Continued from page 1

Staebell was joined by drivers Rebekah Wisham and Shelly Martinez, and trainee firefighter Sandra Thomas. What was a busy morning melded into a busy afternoon when the call came: A young child needed medical care. “Part of the reason we get into this job is because we love the humanity of it,” Staebell said. “We love the people.”

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women. Female officers include a battalion chief, a captain and five lieutenants.

Of sisters and mentors

Staebell’s firefighting career has roots in an ambulance. She was an emergency medical technician (EMT), but in 2000 she was quietly recruited into the fire department.

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Qualifying for the force is not easy. In Colorado Springs, the process includes rigorous physical, aptitude and knowledge tests and an EMT certification. Candidates must be at least 18 years old by their hire date, have a high school diploma or GED, meet the department’s minimum testing scores, be a U.S. citizen, be a legal driver and pass a background check. Then there’s the intensive, 17-week academy.

Honoring Hestia

The ancient Greeks worshiped a goddess named Hestia. She was the queen of hearth and fire, and a protector of the home. That’s an appropriate analogy for the small-but-mighty female force of the region’s firefighters. Through a series of open records requests, we performed a gender and rank analysis of the Denver, Colorado Springs, Aurora and Pueblo fire squads. We analyzed sworn fire personnel numbers, but did not consider civilian support staff. The 1,020-member strong Denver squad is the state’s largest. With 54 women (roughly 5.2 percent), it also has the area’s largest female cadre. Aurora, with its 432-member squad, was the second-largest surveyed, but with its 8.1 percent female force rate, was the most representative on a per-staff basis. The Springs was the lowest of the bunch, in terms of percentages of women. The force boasts 429 members, 19 (4.4 percent) of whom are

Photo slide show online at SoutheastExpress.org Maybe “mentored” is a better word. A female firefighter informally suggested that Staebell, an athletic woman with a can-do, team-focused attitude, might want to consider a change. “Those gals had a grassroots effort where they reached out to women in the community and said, ‘Hey, I think you would be a good fit,’” she said. “There’s such a sisterhood to it.” Staebell joined the Fountain Fire Department, where she stayed through 2003. In 2005, the Colorado Springs force became her fire home, and she became a lieutenant in 2016.

Just as she was mentored through the process by a veteran female firefighter, Staebell has guided many sisters in the force. She is a member of and mentor for the International Association of Women in Fire and Emergency Services, and encourages female firefighters across the nation.

Culture club

Firefighting is historically a man’s world, and the numbers show men still dominate the industry. There’s no doubt it’s a taxing job, with its heavy

“They taught me to hone my craft.” Andres Velez | PPCC Graduate | Veteran Owner, PigLatin Cocina

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equipment, uniforms and burdens; but in this post-#MeToo world, is it a safe one for women? In Colorado Springs, yes, Staebell said. “‘Male-dominated’ is not an excuse for poor behavior,” she said. “There is no place for harassment or assault.” She credited Chief Ted Collas for establishing a zero-tolerance policy that protects and promotes diversity of background, experiences and opinions. Diversity within a company is critical, Staebell said, because the work takes firefighters to the frontlines of tragedy. Whether at a burning building or a severe car crash, every company member brings experiences that can shape how the team responds. They must be able to rely on one another, both at the scene and when processing things later. “It’s important that you can go through the crap you see on a daily basis and know that team will be there in the unloading process,” Staebell said. “Diversity means diversity of thought, diversity of problem solving.” Fire Capt. Brian Vaughan started with the in Southeast. His mentor and boss, he said, was Jayme McConnellogue. Today, Battalion Chief McConnellogue is the department’s top-ranking woman. She helped shape Vaughan’s career, and in turn he takes seriously the task of shaping the next generation’s. “Sometime it's the role-model’s job … to help guide these young males,” he said. “Regardless of gender, we’re all in this together.” Regan.foster@southeastexpress.org

Photo by PPCC student Jim Root

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| Express photo illustration/Jessica Kuhn

Epidemic Continued from page 3

there were at least 228 fatal heroin-related overdoses. Further exacerbating the crisis, the National Institute on Drug Abuse reports that in 2015, a whopping 64.7 prescriptions were written for highly addictive opioids for every 100 Coloradans. That same year, the Rocky Mountain High Intensity Drug Trafficking Areas sponsored a multi-jurisdictional meeting with state and federal health and law enforcement agencies to tackle Colorado’s heroin problem. From this, the Heroin Response Work Group was born. The agency releases an annual report on opioid use in the Centennial State, and the 2018 review — the most recent available — shows that between 2011 and 2016, the rate of NAS grew from 2.6 per 1,000 live births (0.26 percent) to 4.4 per 1,000 (0.44 percent). The numbers came from Ruttenber’s registry, and while the increase may not sound like much, it represents a 69 percent increase in just five years. But mathematically speaking, at Pueblo’s Parkview Medical Center, in 2015 the number of addicted infants was nearly 10 times that reported rate. “In 2012, 2015 and 2017, we were right around 20 (addicted infants) per 1,000 (births),” said Camille Hodapp, a neonatal nurse practitioner who helps run the special care nursery there. “It was all over the nation around that time. “It took a lot of time to really believe that was happening and then it just hit us. It increased so rapidly.” All that comes with some hefty costs, too. According to a study published in the April 2018 edition of the journal Pediatrics, Medicaid covered care related to some 82 percent of the nation’s NAS-related births in 2014 at a cost of $462 million. That’s the price tag in dollars, but the social cost of children born dependent on highly addictive substances has yet to be seen. “I can’t answer that question honestly, because this is something that has more recently happened,” Hodapp said. “We’re going to need to do some research and long-term follow-up. That’s really hard to do with this population in general: Keeping them in contact for 20-plus years to see, now, did this child start using heroin later on in life?”

Peak and ebb?

Dr. Pastora Garcia-Jones is a neonatologist at UCHealth’s Memorial Hospital who also works with NAS babies at Parkview. She is also a member of the Colorado Hospital Substance Exposed Newborns (CHoSEN) collaborative, a 17-hospital-strong coalition of caregivers dedicated to getting to the heart of the crisis and promoting the best practices for treat-

APRIL — MAY 2019

of this is getting the parent involved,” she said. “That is really good because it gets the babies home, but the benefits go well beyond the hospital. If you can get the mother to bond with the baby because she is part of the solution rather than the problem, that has been shown to reduce recidivism. “Positive reinforcement works.”

Mothers’ needs

The St. Francis Medical Center Neonatal Intensive Care Unit can care for up to 53 babies at a time. It's a rare instance when at least one infant is not going through withdrawal from addictive drugs, experts say.

The following is the number of fatal heroin-related overdoses reported in Colorado from 2011 through 2016. 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015

79 91 118 151 160

2016

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Source: Heroin Response Work Group 2018 report, “Heroin in Colorado

ing drug-dependent newborns. The collaborative, she said, is gathering the type of information that the state can’t. Specifically: What drugs a mother-to-be used while pregnant, when a newborn’s withdrawal started, how the infant was treated and general details on the baby’s recovery. “What we’re collecting at CHoSEN … is clinical data,” Garcia-Jones said. “The health department collects data on low birth weights, stillbirths. But as far as data we’re doing something with, as far as I know the CHoSEN collaborative is the first of its kind.” She said the neonatal abstinence wave peaked at different times in different cities, as the use of heroin spread across the state. The crest in Pueblo came ahead of that in Colorado Springs, she said, but that doesn’t mean the tide is necessarily turning. She cited the widespread use of prescription opioids leading to an influx of dependent women as driving the trend. But as the understanding and media coverage of the epidemic have grown, doctors are putting down the prescription pads, meaning cases of opioid-involved NAS could taper off. “It peaked and it slowed down,” Garcia-Jones said. “It’s still way higher than it was in 2006, right, but we’re talking three to five times more babies than we used to have.”

Holistic healing Treating an infant as it battles its way

through withdrawal is no easy task. It doesn’t automatically start detoxing the minute it emerges from the womb. Depending on when its mother last used, the baby might seem healthy for several hours. Across the region, laboring women are verbally screened regarding their drug use. If hospital staff has reason to believe a mothers isn't being 100 percent honest, a urine test can provide concrete results. When an infant’s symptoms — fussiness, high-pitched crying, jitteriness, poor appetite and an overall failure to thrive — start, they come on strong. “You start to see (the symptoms) within 24 to 48 hours, usually,” Parkview’s Hodapp said. Her unit subscribes to what’s called the “eat, sleep, console” method of treatment. Babies are kept in a quiet, calm and dim environment, swaddled and allowed to suck on a pacifier. “Having them be held a lot actually keeps them comforted through the withdrawal process,” Hodapp said. Those who can sleep between feedings and be soothed before fussiness turns into a meltdown are kept off medicines and allowed to detox naturally. It’s a holistic approach that encourages family participation in the process. That method has positive benefits for the parents, too, Garcia-Jones said. That’s because, she believes, every mother wants to do the right thing for her baby. “The most important linchpin to all

But how far can the “eat, sleep, console” method go to truly helping a fractured family to heal? St. Francis’ Prensner and fellow pediatric social worker Jeanne Moore aren’t entirely sure. Their hospital is working to implement the model; but for the time being it still utilizes a tiered treatment plan that involves medicating opioid-addicted infants with morphine and clonidine, and slowly stepping them off of the meds. “A baby like that could stay for two months, depending on a lot of other factors,” Moore said. During that time, the hospital and its social workers have plenty of opportunity to interact with the parents. Because they are mandatory reporters in cases of suspected child abuse, care providers are obligated to contact county social services when a mother reports addictive drug use. The exception comes when the drug in question is used to help treat opioid addiction and shows the mother is attempting to get sober, Moore and Prensner said. And that is at the heart of a medical paradox. Hospitals are obligated to care for their patients, regardless of socioeconomic status — as long as those patients aren’t using illegal drugs. But if a mother who is also going through withdrawal is caught getting high on hospital property, she must leave the premises and her baby behind. At the same time, physicians with the prescriptive power to medically treat those mothers may shy away from doing so, the social workers said. Treating addiction with a potentially addictive drug may feel counter-intuitive. Prensner believes training doctors about the benefits of medication-assisted treatment could help ease the stigma. Further complicating the problem is the fact that in-patient recovery programs are slim in Colorado. Factor in a pregnancy or a new delivery, Prensner said, and they become nearly non-existent. She and Moore work closely with the families, with the social services of their home counties and with the medical team to connect parents with the resources they need to recover, and to find the best possible landing place for each baby. “It’s our mission to help people heal and grow,” Prensner said. “This is not going away,” Moore added of the crisis. “This is only going to get worse.” regan.foster@southeastexpress.org

APRIL — MAY 2019

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The newest Council of Neighbors and Organizations (CONO) Southeast Colorado Springs community advocates present their research and recommendations March 6 at the SCP Hotel.

FIVE It’s been all about student success in Southeast for the past few months.

On Feb. 19, Southeast Express editor Regan Foster had the honor of helping to judge the 2019 Boys & Girls Club of the Pikes Peak Region Youth of the Year contest. Three teens — Zane Merrill, Marissa Mitchell and Rebecca Starnes — undertook the tasks of writing essays; gathering letters of recommendation; building an application packet; writing, memorizing and delivering without prompts a three-minute speech; and participating in an intense question-and-answer session with a five-judge panel. Judging took place on a snowy night at the Hotel Eleganté in Southeast, and Foster reports that naming the winner was no easy task. Starnes was crowned the Youth of the Year at a gala event and fundraiser on Feb. 21. She headed to Denver on March 26 to compete for the state title; however, the results were not released as of our deadline.

MARISSA MITCHELL

ZANE MERRILL

REBECCA STARNES

COURTESY PHOTO/TRINA BIVENS

An additional 11 community advocates are hitting Southeast streets, after the Council of Neighbors and Organizations (CONO) graduated its second Southeast advocate class on March 6. The nine-week training program saw the adult students identifying a problem in Southeast, and researching and presenting their solution. They chose to explore a lack of opportunity in the neighborhood — specifically issues with job development and training and with transportation. The solution, they proposed, was to continue growing social-impact employers as modeled by the Solid Rock Community Development Corp., The Men’s Xchange, The Community Barbershop/Salon Hub and Pub, and the coming Mission Trace community hub. The students presented their findings during a public graduation event at the SCP Hotel, capping an intense year of teaching enthusiastic residents the many facets of community leadership, said CONO Southeast Community Coordinator Julie Ramirez. Solid Rock CDC bid a happy congratulations to seven graduates on March 20 at the Solid Rock Christian Center. The students were the first to complete the Fresh Start Investment Program, an eight-week initiative designed to help those who have been directly impacted by the prison system become entrepreneurs. We wish them, and all future Southeast business leaders, the best of luck. We look forward to high-fiving your future success. To submit an item for the High Five, email a detailed description of the event, including date and location, and photos with identifying information from left to right to features@southeastexpress. org. For more information, call Regan Foster at 719-578-2802.

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APRIL — MAY 2019

No decision yet on D2 superintendents

Deliberations continue over who will be permanent dual executives By Regan Foster

The Southeast Express

t’s still not entirely clear who will lead Harrison School District 2 (D2) next year and beyond. The district board deadlocked March 21 over a 2-2 vote to name current interim Chief Operating Officers Wendy Birhanzel and John Rogerson the permanent dual superintendents. The team took the helm following the May resignation of then-Superintendent Andre Spencer, and its members are two of the three finalists for the shared job. Elizabeth Domangue, an associate professor at the University of Northern Colorado and a former D2 administrator, is the third. Choosing the next pair has been an arduous task that included a national search, private interviews, meetings with a selection committee, a public forum, and a second round of board interviews. The four members of the school board, charged with making the final decision, grew emotional they spoke about the challenges in making the decision. “You come down to three candidates and you look at the strengths of all three, and you go, ‘Wow, I wish we could smoosh them all together and get the best of all worlds,’” board vice president Linda Pugh said. “There are great strengths to all three. “You come down to where you have to think about, ‘Well, who might be the best paring? Which two would compliment each other the best?’” That value judgment weighed heavily. “These kids are me,” board secretary Jeannie Orozco said of the district students, her voice clogging with tears. “They are little kids of color who haven’t had opportunity in life, and that’s me. When I look at these kids, I see myself: I see lack of equality, lack of leadership. How do I take all of my life experiences and my leadership and invest that to move (the students) forward? “I don’t want anyone to think we make any decisions lightly,” she continued. “Every day, the decisions we make are going to affect our students’ lives … their whole lives.” Kelly Pomis, the treasurer of the board, has a child in the school district. “In 10 years, my child, who is a kindergartener, is going to be a junior,” she said. “This weighs so heavily as we think about the 11,000 students (in the district) and their futures today, tomorrow, 40 years from now.” The deadlocked vote — Board President Steven

Wendy Birhanzel

John Rogerson

Seibert and Pugh supported the Birhanzel/Rogerson pairing while Pomis and Orozco voted no — means the district’s leadership will remain as it is pending further deliberation. Regardless of the outcome, Seibert expressed hope that whomever is not selected will play an active role in the district well into the future. “There was very, very little that separated any of the three of them,” he said. “They all have areas of opportunity, strengths beyond measure and puzzle pieces that were very difficult to weigh.”

Meet the candidates

Birhanzel has worked at the district for about a decade. An expert in urban education and curriculum development, she is the co-chief operating officer at the district and is in charge of elementary schools, finance, curriculum and instruction, among other responsibilities. She earned a doctorate in educational leadership in urban school settings from the University of Southern California, and she put that education into action here while serving as principal of both Centennial and Wildflower elementary schools. Rogerson is the chief of secondary education, operations, human resources and student support services, among others, and co-leads the district with Birhanzel. The 14-year D2 veteran brings experience in the classroom and the boardroom, having been principal of both Fox Meadow middle and Giberson elementary schools. He holds a superintendent certificate from the University of Colorado at Colorado Springs; a master’s in educational leadership from Capella

Elizabeth Domangue

University and bachelor’s degrees from UCCS and Northeastern Illinois University. Domangue is an associate professor at the University of Northern Colorado but has deep roots within the district. She was previously assistant principal of Harrison High School, principal of Panorama Middle School and the district director of secondary curriculum, instruction and assessment. Domangue earned a doctorate in achievement and motivational theories in education from Louisiana State University, and maintains principal and administrative endorsements from the Colorado Department of Education. regan.foster@southeastexpress.org

What it means Three finalists are in the running for the right to serve as dual superintendent at Harrison School District 2 (D2). The model has been in practice on an interim basis for about a year, and the final two — who have yet to be named — will be the first of their kind in the state. The finalists, as chosen from a field of 31 hopefuls, are: D2 Co-Chief Operating Officer Wendy Birhanzel; D2 Co-Chief Operating Officer John Rogerson; and University of Northern Colorado Associate Professor Elizabeth Domangue.

See more content and watch a video of the candidates' forum online at SoutheastExpress.org.

ONLINE DEGREE PROGRAMS FOR WORKING PROFESSIONALS The University of Northern Colorado offers a variety of master and doctorate degrees, certificates, licensures and endorsement options through convenient online and face-to-face learning formats in Greeley, Loveland, Denver and Colorado Springs. For more information: excinfo@unco.edu | 970-351-1693 For a complete program list visit extended.unco.edu

#yoga #signlanguage #teaching #MaybeYoureOneOfUs

APRIL — MAY 2019

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MAJOR UPGRADES IN STORE FOR PANORAMA PARK THANKS TO GRANT FUNDING Panorama Park in Southeast Colorado Springs will soon receive the largest neighborhood park renovation in city history thanks in part to a grant from Great Outdoors Colorado (GOCO). The City’s parks department will receive $350,000 to upgrade the 13.5 acre park located adjacent to Panorama Middle School. Additional support for the renovations comes from the Trust for Public Land, the Southeast RISE Coalition, El Paso County Public Health and a grant from Transforming Safety. Colorado Health Foundation will award a $935,000 grant over three years to The Trust for Public Land for its work to revitalize the park. The City has engaged in a year-long process, along with several partners, to gather public input in designing the park. Parks department employees will seek additional community feedback this spring and summer to finalize a Master Plan vision for the park. Local youth will work with community leaders and design professionals to help lead the Master Plan process. Once the Master Plan is approved by the Parks’ advisory board, the City will begin to refine the design and layout of the park with plans to begin construction in 2020. Park ideas include a new playground, walking paths, lighting, play fields and courts, site furniture, and a community gathering space.

GRANTS TO FUND PARK IMPROVEMENTS

For more information on the Panorama Park renovation and getting involved, visit ColoradoSprings.gov/PanoramaPark

CITY COUNCIL RECOGNIZES SAFETY In February, the Colorado Springs City Council read a proclamation recognizing local Southeast Colorado Springs’ non-profits working to improve the community through the Transforming Safety Grant. “Transforming Safety gives a really wonderful alternative approach to civil issues, to investing in people in advance of the problems that we have to pay for later,” Councilmember David Geislinger said before reading the proclamation.

State funding is being awarded to Southeast Colorado Springs as a new approach to improve public safety, and the community is eligible to receive up to $1.3 million per year through grants for local non-profits. The pilot period originally set for three years is already being looked at by the State Legislature for an extension to allow local non-profits more time to collect data to demonstrate the programs impact. Councilmember Yolanda

Avila shared that with the guidance of Pikes Peak Community Foundation and Denver Foundation, the work to make the initiative a success has been led by members of the Southeast community. To learn more about how the grants impact Southeast Colorado Springs head to

www.transformingsafety.org

CITY TO REPLACE CIRCLE DRIVE BRIDGES The Circle Drive Bridges (east of I-25 and Harrison High School over Fountain Creek) have been in use for 55 years and it’s time for them to be replaced.

PAVING CONTINUES THANKS TO 2C

Colorado Springs City Council adopted PlanCOS, a comprehensive plan for the City of Colorado Springs that will guide the city’s future physical development for the next 20 years.

Expect lots of cone zones along your commute as the fourth year of voter-approved 2C funded paving kicks off this spring. Here’s a sampling of some of the work to take place.

A strategic initiative brought forward by our Mayor and City Council is the result of a two- year process that engaged the community at every step of the way.

• Carefree Circle Drive South - Powers Boulevard to Village Road South

“I am proud of the collaborative and community-involved process that created PlanCOS,” said Mayor John Suthers. “PlanCOS will enable Colorado Springs to take advantage of economic opportunities that can create and maintain the very best places to live and conduct business, while also providing excellent quality of life. Essentially, it positions the city to remain a great place for future generations to live, work and play.”

• South Chelton Road - Airport Road to Jet Wing Drive

Join us for a public meeting to learn more:

• Union Boulevard Fountain Boulevard to Highway 24

• Thursday, April 25

• Carmel Drive - Delta Drive to Monterey Road

• 5:30 – 7 p.m.

Additionally, sections of Constitution, South Nevada, South Union, and Wasatch will be paved this year. For more information about 2C paving visit ColoradoSprings.gov/2C

• Solid Rock Christian Life Center

PlanCOS, the city’s ﬁrst comprehensive plan since 2001, is available to view at ColoradoSprings.gov/PlanCOS.

CITY ELECTION IS APRIL 2 The General Municipal Election is just around the corner on April 2. If you are a registered voter you should have received your ballot in the mail! The ofﬁces of Mayor, three at-large City Council members and one issue are on the ballot. To see the list of candidates, review the ballot issue or ﬁnd a ballot drop-off location visit ColoradoSprings.gov/election.

HAVEN’T RECEIVED YOUR BALLOT? Contact the City Clerk’s ofﬁce at 719-385-5901 if you need a replacement ballot. Unofﬁcial results will be posted on coloradosprings. gov/election after 7 p.m. April 2 and will be updated until ballots have been counted.

Mountain Metro Transit continues to add services to the Southeast! Two additional routes will help connect the Southeast to school, work, shopping, medical, and other important locations. High-frequency, 15-minute transit service was added to:

A project team is designing the plan for the new bridges and has created a Student Ambassador program with Harrison High School to help inform the public of the plan and to gain input that will result in a better project overall by reflecting the needs and desires of the community while reducing impacts to the traveling public during construction.

PLANCOS MAKES WAY FOR OUR FUTURE

• Palmer Park Boulevard - Academy Boulevard to Powers Boulevard

MOUNTAIN METRO TRANSIT INCREASES SERVICE

• 2520 Arlington Dr., 80910.

STAY CONNECTED

• Route 27 — South Academy Blvd. • Route 1 — to connect downtown to the Hancock Plaza on South Academy Blvd. Mountain Metro has nearly doubled the hours of bus service since 2010 with new routes and better frequencies. If you live in Southeast Colorado Springs and you need to get to school, to work, or to a medical appointment you now have more opportunities to use public transit for your trip.

HARRISON HS TEAMS UP TO HELP REPLACE CIRCLE DRIVE BRIDGES

Visit ColoradoSprings.gov/news for all the latest news from the City of Colorado Springs. Follow us on social media. • CityofCOS on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram • City Website: www.ColoradoSprings.gov

MOUNTAIN METRO ALSO OFFERS: • College Pass Program – ALL Pikes Peak Community College, UCCS, and Colorado College students ride any route, any time, by just swiping their student I.D. card including the new Route 40 to Pikes Peak Community College Rampart Campus • Free travel training for anyone • Real time bus arrival information via Google Maps

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APRIL — MAY 2019

Healthy practices continue to grow Value Care sale signals expanded health care coverage for Southeast By Jeanne Davant

“

Special to the Express

When we get staffed up and we get a physician on site, we would hope to see another couple of thousand patients.

alue Care Health Clinic is officially a part of Matthews-Vu Medical Group, a move that will likely expand health care services in Southeast Colorado Springs. The sale closed March 1 for an undisclosed price. In addition, in February Peak Vista Community Health Centers opened a clinic at 1815 Jet Wing Drive, further increasing the number of medical providers who serve the area. Value Care founder-turned-Matthews-Vu Site Manager Cory Arcarese told members of the multi-agency RISE Coalition that the partnership is a boon to a historically underserved part of the community. She asked the coalition, which comprises members of the nonprofit, faith, governmental and business communities, to shepherd and champion the change to their constituents. “When I first started this clinic … the Southeast came alongside me to help,” Acarese said. “Now, Southeast can be proud to say that Matthews-Vu is here with specialists. Peak Vista is here with specialists. Aspen Pointe is

”

— Debbie Chandler, Matthews-Vu CEO

now here with mental health care.” She and her staff will continue to work at the clinic. “I’m actually going to stay on and do business development for them,” Arcarese said in an interview. “I’m going to help them with their mission and vision, which is very much aligned with what we’re doing.” Matthews-Vu also has facilities on Woodmen Road, North Nevada Avenue near downtown and Pro Rodeo Drive in Rockrimmon. Matthews-Vu CEO Debbie Chandler told the RISE members that the clinic’s founders, doctors Richard Vu and Shabnum Matthews-Vu, were drawn to the Southeast because the area’s needs coalesce with their vision. “We take care of everyone we can

CSU ALLIANCE SCHOLARSHIP

because that’s what we believe in,” Chandler said. “Our plan is to be able to provide additional care coordination for those patients,” she said in a prior interview. “We have care managers who work with patients to help them get access not just to health care, but to make sure they can get good food and housing. We also have integrated behavioral health; our goal is to bring better access to behavioral health services to that population.”

A culture of caring Value Care, at 1050 S. Academy Blvd., serves as a medical home to about 4,200 patients. The clinic, whose providers have included two

Sil

nurse practitioners and a pair of medical assistants supported by a medical doctor, has been the only provider of primary care services in the 80910 ZIP code area. “Our plan is to hire a physician, full time by this summer, to work with the NPs and PAs,” Chandler said. “When we get staffed up and we get a physician on site, we would hope to see another couple of thousand patients.” The practice accepts Medicare-Medicaid patients, as well as those with commercial insurance. Arcarese said the clinic has eight exam rooms and that the facility has additional space for expansion. “We would hope by later this year to offer urgent care services, as well as maybe some weekend access hours before the end of this year,” Chandler said. The practice is looking to hire health care providers for the clinic, especially Spanish speakers, she said. Providers can apply through the Matthews-Vu website, www.matthewsvu.com.

A fresh foundation

Peak Vista opened its new center on Continued as HEALTHY page 19

y Friends

Thrift Store

Donate. Shop. Find. Repeat!

Automatic $ 16,000 Scholarship Graduate from Sierra High School and receive your automatic scholarship to CSU-Fort Collins Stop by and talk to a counselor about this and many other opportunities at Sierra 719-538-4852

You never know what treasures you’ll ﬁnd when you shop at the Silver Key Friends Thrift Store. With a wide selection of good quality clothing and household items, from vintage to recently recycled, there’s something for everyone. The store also features a specialty Home Medical Equipment Department for gently used wheelchairs, canes, and other mobility aids. You’ll have the satisfaction of knowing your purchase – and donations of your own used items at the store – helps support the vital community services provided by Silver Key for anyone age 60+.

1605 S. Murray Blvd. Colorado Springs, CO 80916 Open Monday – Saturday 9 am to 4 pm www.silverkey.org/thrift-store

Featurin g:

Home M edical Equipme nt Departm ent

Wednesday Senior Day: Save 15% Every Wednesday, seniors age 60+ receive a 15% discount (excluding items in the Home Medical Equipment Department).

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Healthy

The medical assistant program will be offered through a partnership with the National Institute of Medical AsContinued from page 18 sistant Advancement. The dental assistant course is a collaboration with Feb. 18. The organization purchased the 35,000-square-foot building, the Peak Vista’s dental service program. former location of Altierus Career “Medical assistants are a critical part College, in January for about $4.2 of the health care team,” McManus million. Nearly $3 million has been said. budgeted for renovations. According to NIMAA’s website, The clinic currently they often are the first offers medical and point of contact for behavioral health patients; they help services on a small with pre-visit planscale while the ning, perform clinical building undergoes tests and procedures, renovations. By next and support patients fall, it will offer comthrough education prehensive primary and motivational medical, dental and coaching. behavioral health “It’s going to be an care. incredible health Services will center, but it’ll also be include routine helping the economy preventive exams, by having the jobs same-day treatment Primary care there and also offerof acute illness and ing training for the … saves people injury, ongoing prijobs,” McManus said. mary care, lab and from high-cost pharmacy services, Momentum emergency and chronic disease for change care and managecare. ment, as well as Value Care and Peak — Pam McManus, referrals to specialty Vista’s clinic represent Peak Vista President care when needed. “huge strides that are and CEO The clinic will responsive to what have six medical we have heard — that providers who will people are having to be a mix of physicians, physician travel a fair distance to access services assistants and nurse practitioners, as and that it can be a major burden well as two master’s-level behavioral depending on transportation acceshealth providers, a dentist and dental sibility,” said Aubrey Day, healthy hygienist, nine medical assistants and environment planner with El Paso two to four dental assistants. Onsite County Public Health. navigators will help enroll and guide “Prior to Peak Vista making its patients through the health care announcement, there was no primary marketplace and will provide patient care in 80916 specifically,” Day said. education. “Value Care has been a great addition “I truly believe in the model of to the community and much closprimary health care,” Peak Vista CEO er, proximity-wise, than any other and President Pam McManus said. “I services.” think it’s critical that we have prevenPublic Health operates the WIC tive care and access to coordinated clinic at 2948 E. Fountain Blvd., care. That’s one of the exciting things which supports women and children about our system of care — it’s really with supplemental food, education a health care team … that works with on nutrition, immunizations and repatients on their goals and needs.” ferrals to other community programs. Primary care offers “incredible Otherwise, Public Health’s role is cost savings to the system,” she said. not to provide health care but to “There’s the human component bring partners together and share that’s critical, but primary care also data to meet the community’s needs, makes a difference in the economics Day said. of health care. It saves people from high-cost emergency care.” Jeanne Davant is a reporter for the ColPeak Vista’s new clinic also will orado Springs Business Journal, a sister offer training for medical and dental publication to the Southeast Express. assistants to encourage hiring from Express Editor Regan Foster contributed to this report. the community.

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MISSION

To inform, celebrate, educate, empower and challenge the 80,000 vibrant and diverse residents of Southeast Colorado Springs.

Stand Up for a Child as a CASA volunteer. YOU can make a difference right here in your own neighborhood for abused and neglected children.

We have families and children in our community who are in crisis. CASA stands for Court Appointed Special Advocates and CASA volunteers are trained to advocate for the children.

There are hundreds of kids waiting for someone to speak up for them… waiting for someone like YOU. Find out how you can make a difference at the next CASA Volunteer Information Session on February 8. More details available at

CASAPPR.ORG or by calling 719-447-9898

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A user’s guide to the April 2 municipal election

t’s almost time for the municipal election — another opportunity to choose the city’s leaders. The Colorado Springs clerk mailed more than 200,000 ballots to registered active city voters in mid-March, allowing them to decide who, of 11 candidates for City Council and four hopefuls for mayor, is the best qualified, and whether the local firefighters’ union should have the power to collectively bargain with the city. Don’t toss out that ballot with the junk mail. Instead consider this: Municipal government has the most direct day-to-day impact on your life. These are the people who set the city code that determines things like how close to the street you can build, how fast you can drive, even how many pets you can have — and what kinds. City leaders

Do I get to vote

determine how the budget will be allocated. And local elections set the tax rates to build budgets in the first place. So it’s critical that all registered voters participate in the process. But in past elections, residents of Southeast Colorado Springs’ District 4 haven’t voted in large numbers. City records show that in 2017, Southeast voters cast 5,751 ballots. That compares to 9,762 in the city’s next-lowest-participating district (6) and 14,457 (5), 15,504 (1) and 15,706 (4) in the remaining competitive districts. District 2 was uncontested. Voting matters, so let’s get you up to speed on who’s running, what the ballot question means and how you can make your opinions heard. — Compiled by Regan Foster

Let’s see … are you at least 18 years old or will you be by April 2? Are you an American citizen? And have you lived in the state since at least March 11? If the answer is yes to all of these questions, you are eligible to register to vote. Source: sos.state.co.us

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APRIL — MAY 2019

Who’s On Deck? Springs voters will have the chance to choose three at-large City Council members and the mayor. It’s a busy ballot this year: 11 are vying for Council, while four are making their bids to be the city’s CEO. Here’s who you will see on the Council ballot, listed in the order in which they appear: Gordon Klingenschmitt, Bill Murray, Val Snider, Wayne Williams, Tony Gioia, Terry Martinez, Regina English, Tom Strand, Randy Tuck, Athena Roe and Dennis Spiker. And here’s who is making the bid for the mayor’s seat: Lawrence Joseph Martinez, John Suthers, John Pitchford and Juliette Parker. Council members and mayor all serve four-year terms, and the winners will represent the entire city. Source: coloradosprings.gov/election

! R E D OR R! E D R O

So, clearly the candidates are not listed in alphabetical order.

What gives?

The sequence in which those names appear is based on, in essence, a lottery. Just to make it onto the ballot, the hopefuls had to gather 100 or more signatures from registered city voters, complete an affidavit of independent candidacy and a disclosure of substantial private business interests, and get the whole packet back to the city clerk by Jan. 22. Once the clerk confirmed the paperwork was good to go, a drawing took place to determine the ballot order. So the ballot order was totally happenstance. Which is why it’s important to go through the entire list to find the candidates you think best represent your vision for the city’s future. Source: coloradosprings.gov/election

APRIL — MAY 2019

So how do I register to

VOTE?

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There are a couple of different ways. If you already have a Colorado driver’s license or state ID card, you may register online at govotecolorado.com. This is also where registered voters can go to confirm that their registrations and relevant personal information — like their addresses or party affiliations — are correct. Registration forms are also available on the secretary of state’s website, sos.state.co.us; at the county clerk’s election website, epcvotes.com; and at federal post offices. You may mail, fax, or scan and email a completed and signed form back to the county clerk and recorder’s office.

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Sources: govotecolorado.com; epcvotes.com; colorado.gov; coloradosprings.gov/city-elections

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Janet Duncan, EA

DUNCANACCOUNTINGANDTAX.COM

ON VIEW IN THE MUSEUM

What’s that QUESTION? Page two of the ballot asks voters a question on behalf of the local firefighters. It’s long and unwieldy and full of jargon, but it is important. It’s asking voters whether the firefighters union should have the right to enter into collective bargaining on issues like wages, benefits, pensions and working conditions. It’s worth noting that state law prohibits firefighters from striking, and that the measure only applies to sworn firefighters — not the chief, his direct reports or the civilian support staff. In the case that the union and city couldn’t reach an agreement, the initiative requires they would go to arbitration. And if that doesn’t work, then the issue at impasse would go to the voters in a special election, to be paid for by the party that won’t budge. A “yes” is a vote in favor of collective bargaining. Union advocates say a “yes” vote would ensure the firefighters have a place at the negotiation table, regardless of who holds the mayor’s seat. As it stands now, they say, whenever the mayor or City Council changes, it changes the rank-and-file force members’ dynamic with the top brass. Opponents, meanwhile, worry that the measure would give disproportionate clout to just one sector of the city’s employees. They also point out that the firefighters have never been neglected in the budgeting process, and that more than 50 percent of the city’s annual expenditures go to first responders. Source: interviews with the local firefighters union and opponents

Nora Naranjo Morse

GATHERING GROUND Advancing the trajectory of Indigenous artistic traditions through exploration of new sculptural techniques Exhibition supported by Andrew W. Mellon Foundation Image: Nora Naranjo Morse, The Black White and Brown of It, 2008, image courtesy the artist

CAST OFFS Once your ballot is ﬁlled out and ready to be counted, then what? Obviously you can pop a first-class stamp on the envelope and drop it in the mail, but again, mailer beware — it must be received by 7 p.m. on April 2 in order to be counted. If you’re too late to mail, that’s OK. The city maintains a dozen drop boxes where you can safely and securely cast your vote. Here are the locations that are most conveniently located for Southeast residents, and the hours when they are available: • Southeast & Armed Services YMCA, 2190 Jet Wing Drive: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday or 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. April 2 • El Paso County Clerk and Recorder Southeast – Powers Branch, 5650 Industrial Place: 24/7 through 7 p.m. April 2. • The City Clerk’s Office, 30 S. Nevada Ave.: 24/7 through 7 p.m. April 2.

SPECIALIZING IN BOOKKEEPING, ACCOUNTING AND TAXES FOR SMALL BUSINESS AND INDIVIDUALS

IF YOU PREFER TO REGISTER IN PERSON, you may do so at

a state department of motor vehicles office (the nearest to Southeast is located at 200 S. Cascade Ave.); at an armed forces recruitment office; at the El Paso County clerk’s office, 1675 Garden of the Gods Road, suite 2201; or via a voter registration drive. But make sure you act quickly. This municipal election, like all city elections since 2015, will be conducted via mail-in ballot only.

SPORTS

coloradocollege.edu/fac · (719) 634-5581 Museum | Theatre | Art School

WITH THE ARTS WE THRIVE We’re making it easier than ever to enjoy the arts with Museum Free Days the second Saturday and third Friday of each month. PLUS — Admission for students & teachers is always FREE and military and seniors get in for only $5!

Source: coloradosprings.gov/city-clerk/page/voter-information Fine Arts Center supported by The John E. and Margaret L. Lane Foundation and The Anschutz Foundation

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(Foreground, from left) Sam Grifﬁth, Valerie Bortoleotti and Cat Flores work on sketch animations at the Imagination Space in the Citadel Mall, while Scott and Chrysti Burroughs (background) watch.

APRIL — MAY 2019

Express photos/Cory Peterson

A whole new (animated) world

Springs native, former Disney employee teaches art of animation By Cory Peterson

Special to the Express

cott Burroughs is as animated as the characters he creates. While teaching an intimate-but-eager class about animation, this artist, who spent 10 years working for The Walt Disney Studios, bounced on the balls of his feet. He moved eagerly among his pupils, answering questions, sketching quick examples and performing exaggerated movements so the participants had a real-time model of movement. He played Disney tunes and reminisced about his experiences working on films like “Pocahontas,” “The Hunchback of Notre Dame” and “Mulan.” He even had his students stand and balance on one foot while holding the other behind them. His pupils inevitably were forced to thrust their weight slightly forward and counter-balance with their arms. It was all intended to make them think about how their bodies move when running, and it was a lot of work for a series of eight quick sketches. But Burroughs wouldn’t have it any other way. “I love teaching; it’s super fun,” Burroughs said. “I love encouraging people. I don’t really care about the age, especially when it comes to art. “Whenever somebody tells me they can’t do something, I’m just like ‘OK, we are trying that.’”

ABOVE: Scott Burroughs demonstrates how to draw a jogging character during an animation workshop at the Imagination Space in the Citadel Mall. Burroughs, a Colorado Springs native, worked for a decade as an animator for The Walt Disney Studios. He now teaches classes in animation and painting for artists of all ages. RIGHT: Student Valerie Bortoleotti, 19, ﬂips through the eight cards comprising her animation sequence. The students learned how to make a cartoon character run.

Continued as Animation on page 23

CHECK IT OUT

Who: Former Disney artist and art teacher Scott Burroughs What: Animation and painting classes for artists of all ages and skill levels When: Saturdays, 2 p.m. April 6 (animation); 4 p.m. April 27 (painting) Where: Imagination Space (iSpace) at the Citadel Mall, 750 Citadel Drive East Tickets: $35 Info: artisrad.com

APRIL — MAY 2019

Animation Continued from page 22

Burroughs, a Colorado Springs native and Air Academy High School alumnus, encourages artists of all ages twice a month at Imagination Celebration’s Imagination Space (iSpace) in the Citadel Mall. Starting in April, one session will be dedicated to animation and portrait sketches, while the second will focus on painting. Classes cost $35 each, but Burroughs has hosted contests for free sessions, and worked with Imagination Celebration Executive Director Deb Thornton to identify worthy candidates for scholarship help. For a complete schedule or to register for the classes, visit artisrad.com/sign-up. Burroughs invited the Express to sit in on a March animation class in which five pupils, ages 10 to 23, raptly worked at making their versions of a chubby cartoon character named Bob go for a realistic jog. After wrapping their animations, they turned to drawing portraits of Vanellope, a character from the Disney film “Wreck-It Ralph.” Allison Bowen, a 17-year-old senior at The Vanguard School, drew Bob as a Pan-esque trickster that darted along with tail flopping behind him. She has always liked art, but was self-taught in animation until taking Burroughs’ class. The March session was her fourth under his tutelage, and now is she is considering animation as a career.

SUMMER CAMP 2019

Session 1: June 3-28 Session 2: July 8-Aug 2 7:30am-5:30pm Weekly - $195 Daily - $60 Discounts Available!

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“I’ve always liked drawing characters and stories,” she said. “This is the best way to tell stories. “If you can draw something, you can show emotion you can’t get from writing or music.” Burroughs is a graduate of the Academy of Art University outside of San Francisco. His wife of 32 years and marketing director, Chrysti Burroughs, said Scott Burroughs was originally a sculpting major, but he fell in love with animation after Disney held a meet and greet and presentation at the school. In addition to his decade at the mouse’s house, he has experience as a video game animator and conceptual artist for Sega, and has illustrated children’s books, curriculum and murals. But teaching has always been at the forefront of his interests. So much so that he and his wife even taught painting classes at a California winery. Chrysti Burroughs is, herself, an amateur abstract painter. When they moved back to Colorado Springs to be closer to family, there was no question that the couple would find a way to share its love for creation. A mutual friend introduced them to Imagination Celebration’s Thornton, who was immediately on board. “We just felt like this was a really good, creative space,” Chrysti Burroughs said. “It’s a privilege to be part of the arts community, and the arts are so important.”

| SOUTHEAST EXPRESS

Express photos/Cory Peterson

ABOVE: Andie Buhl scans through her animation sequence. 'I am a huge fan of Disney,' the 23-year-old says. When she learned she could take an animation class from a former Disney employee, there was no question. 'I was like, "I'm going,"' she says. LEFT: Sam Grifﬁ th 14, scans over her sketches. Students in Scott Burroughs' animation class learned how to make a cartoon character jog.

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APRIL — MAY 2019

Are you feeling chicken? This healthy meal will fill stomachs without breaking the bank

By REGAN FOSTER The Southeast Express

few months ago, a Southeast resident leader challenged me: Could I make an affordable meal for four that her kids would eat? We’re about to find out. The first task was to figure out what constitutes an affordable meal for four people. The industry-leading personal finance website The Simple Dollar estimated that the average meal out costs $12.75 per person — $51 for four — before the tip. That was in fall 2017, so it’s safe to say that figure has increased. I figured I would cut that in half and set a budget of $25 — a whopping $6.25 per family member and still less than most fast-food value meals. Off to the Southeast King Soopers I went on a sunny Saturday morning. I wanted to make stuffed chicken, one of my favorite comfort foods and one that my niece and nephews have demonstrated is kid-approved. The centerpiece is chicken breast stuffed with shredded cheese and broccoli and drizzled with an olive oil-based dressing. Now, admittedly this cut of meat costs a bit more than its thigh or leg counterparts, but it’s also lower in fat and calories while still packing a big protein punch. For my sides, I whipped boiled cauliflower — hear me out on this one, spud lovers — into a vitamin C-packed mashed potato substitute that

is definitely seconds-worthy, and I steamed some fresh, crisp green beans. Drizzled with the same olive-oil vinaigrette as the chicken, these tender-crisp goodies not only provided vitamins, potassium, calcium, iron and zinc, they tasted mighty fine, too. Partner this menu with water or milk and you

LI SHOPPING

-----------------------$8.52 ast ............ e r b n e k ic h 2.57 4 pounds c owns ...... $ r c li o c c o r b 1.36 pound ........ $2.15 eans .......... b n e e r g d 1 poun ..... $4.69 ﬂower ........ li u a c s d n u 2.62 po .... $1.99 d dressing la a s il -o e v Kraft oli . $2.29 eese ............ h c d e d d e r $1.49 2 cups sh ilk .............. m t n e c r e p $1.87 ½ gallon 2 .................. .. : t) n e c r e Tax (8.25 p -----------------------24.57

............... $

.. Total ..........

STUFFED CHICKEN BREASTS Makes four servings

Four chicken breasts, about ½ to ¾ pound each 1½ cup cheddar cheese, shredded 1 cup broccoli ½ cup salad dressing of your choice (I used an olive oil vinaigrette) Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Clean broccoli by rinsing well, slicing the crown from the woody stem and separating the ﬂorets. Save the stem for later use (it’s great pickled or boiled for a stock), if desired. Using a heavy knife or a food processor fitted with the chopping blades, slice the broccoli to the desired texture (shoot for a very fine chop for young kids and the veggie-averse) and dump into a large bowl.

If your cheese is in block form, coarsely shred it using the largest set of holes. If it is pre-shredded, just measure out the required amount and dump it into the bowl with the broccoli. Mix well. Butterfly the chicken breasts. To do this, lay the meat flat on a cutting board. Press down on the meat with the fingertips of your non-dominant hand and very carefully, using a very sharp knife, slice in long, clean strokes through most, but a not all, of the chicken breast so it opens up like a book or a butterfly’s wings. (See southeastexpress.org for a demo video.) Repeat for the remaining chicken breasts. Open the breasts and lay them flat on a cutting board. Either cover them individually in plastic wrap or place them, one at a time, in a zipper-top plastic bag and seal. Using a heavy, flat implement (anything from a meat mallet to a rolling pin to a heavy-bottomed skillet will work) pound the meat until it is all about the same thickness. You want to make it nice and flat, but not pop holes in the meat if it can be avoided. Repeat with remaining chicken breasts. Working one serving at a time, unwrap chicken and place on a rimmed cookie sheet or in a large, greased casserole dish. Drizzle meat with dressing and fill each breast with about a quarter of your broccoli/cheddar mix. Fold to close the chicken and press to reseal. Repeat the process until all breasts are stuffed. If you have remaining dressing or cheddar mix, feel free to sprinkle the leftovers across the top. Bake at 375 until meat is cooked all the way through and juices run clear when pierced with a knife, about 1 hour.

STEAMED GREEN BEANS Makes about 3 cups

1 pound fresh green beans 2 quarts water ¼ cup salad dressing

have a delicious, healthy way to fill plates and stomachs alike. It takes about 90 minutes, start to finish; the final price tag rang in at $24.57; and if you’re anything like me, you’ll have the added bonus of leftovers that pack nicely for the kids’ lunch or yours. regan.foster@southeastexpress.org

Trim the ends of the beans and discard. Rinse the beans well in clean water and set aside. Bring 2 quarts water to a boil in a small soup pot. Fit a colander over the pot so steam escapes through the mesh, and dump beans into the colander. Cover and steam until the beans are tender-crisp, 5 to 7 minutes. This may require two separate batches. Remove beans from steam bath, drizzle with dressing and serve hot.

MASHED CAULIFLOWER ‘POTATOES’ Makes about 4 cups

Cook’s note: There are a million different ways to make mashed potatoes. Since cauliflower makes such a great, low-starch and low-carb alternative, prep this dish just as you would your spuds. I personally love vegetable cream cheese; however, this recipe calls for the milk that was within budget. 1 medium head cauliflower (about 2½ pounds) 8 quarts water ½ cup milk ½ cup cheddar cheese, shredded Salt and pepper to taste Clean the cauliflower by removing the leaves and separating the florets. Rinse well to remove any dirt and coarsely chop the stem into half-inch pieces. Bring water to a boil in a large soup pot. Dump in cauliflower and allow it to boil until very soft, usually between 20 and 30 minutes. Drain through a wiremesh strainer and return to the warm soup pot. Mash cauliflower to the consistency of potatoes. Stir in milk and cheddar cheese until cauliflower develops a creamy texture and the cheese starts to melt. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Cover and keep warm.

APRIL — MAY 2019

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| SOUTHEAST EXPRESS

Diversity By MATTHEW SCHNIPER Special to the Express

n my decade-plus of writing food criticism at the Colorado Springs Independent, I’ve unavoidably formulated some personal, broadbrush impressions related to the culinary personalities of different areas of the Pikes Peak region When I direct foodie friends to the Southeast side, I describe its offerings as some of the best authentic ethnic food in the area. I fondly recall only hearing Spanish spoken inside Luna Market, as I dove into a fruit cocktail reminiscent of trips to Mexico with its prickly pear mixed with papaya, pineapple, mango and more fruit laced with chile powder and lime juice.

Then there’s the bright-orange kimchi pancakes and bulgogi at Tong Tong, staple Korean items that have won over American palates, though the eatery is perfectly capable of searing more adventurous eaters’ mouths with a sour and spicy stew. There’s goat curry or oxtail and Jamaican flavor at Reggae Pot Xpress. A whole, head-on tilapia at La Palapa Bar & Grill. Everything and anything from Amy’s Donuts. An adobada burrito from El Super Taco. Cuban sandwiches plus pastelitos at HavanaGrill Authentic Cuban Cuisine. I could, of course, go on and even mention the non-ethnic but still-vital-to-the-community, affordable spots like Omelets Etc. 2. Like art being a reflection of society, a neighborhood’s restaurants speak to the fabric of the community and the people living there. If you

Now Open in Southeast COS

want posh, pricey, special-occasion cuisine, that’s great — go elsewhere. If you want legit bites direct from representatives of many nationalities and cultures, then adventure through a dining tour of Southeast Colorado Springs. There’s so much heart and flavor on display, and refreshingly, the pricepoints match the value. I wholeheartedly celebrate the wide diversity of so many small, local businesses that make serving their neighbors their sincerest mission. Our regional dining scene wouldn’t be near as vibrant and robust without the colorful contributions from the Southeast side. Cheers to you. Matthew Schniper is editor and food critic of the Colorado Springs Independent. Contact him at matthew@csindy.com or 577-4545.

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APRIL — MAY 2019

Putting their

t s e bfaces

forward Arts students vie for top honors in citywide competition By Regan Foster

The Southeast Express

ixty-one students put their artistic talents to the test March 8 in the fifth-annual all-city high school art competition, hosted by Sierra High School. The budding artists came from Harrison, Mitchell, Sierra, CIVA Charter, Pine Creek, Air Academy and Liberty high schools. They put forth their best efforts with colored pencils, Prismacolor pencils, pastels, mixed media and clay. They received the rules for their individual categories and were given three hours to complete their masterpieces. Once time was up, the works were handed over to professional street artist and muralist Lisa “Miss Boombox” Romans. She had the unenviable task of pick-

(From left) High school seniors Zuni Lilley, 17, of Air Academy; Cayla Holling, 18, of Pine Creek; and Air Academy's Landon Dills, 18, put the ﬁnal touches on their entries for the ﬁfth-annual all-city high school art competition. Sixty-one students competed in the event, which took place March 8 at Sierra High School.

ing the best entries from each of the five categories. “It’s been great stuff; this is gonna be tough,” Romans said with a laugh. There is a direct correlation between a vibrant arts-education program and student success. According to the advocacy group Americans for the Arts, students who take four years of arts and music classes average almost 100 points higher on their SAT scores than those who take one-half year or less. And low-income students who are highly engaged in the arts are five times more likely to finish high school than their disengaged, peers. In addition, lower-income kids who have high arts exposure are twice as likely to graduate college as their peers who received no arts education. Todd Hale knows why. “It exercises both sides of the brain,” the Sierra art teacher said. “Schools with better arts programs have better testing scores overall. If you have better arts education, you have better student results.” regan.foster@southeastexpress.org

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Help us cover the Southeast The Southeast Express is looking for a staff reporter to help us cover the Southeast. If you love Southeast Colorado Springs and are curious about how to tell its stories, we want to meet you. See page 2 for details and how to apply.

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The holy trinities of Triple Threat Athletics, academics and family fuel the future at Southeast boxing gym By Regan Foster

The Southeast Express

harles “Coach Lev” Leverette named his gym Triple Threat to reflect his Christian faith and the power of the holy trinity. But on Monday, Wednesday and Friday nights, when the massive combative-sports facility on the city’s Southeast side welcomes childhood members, the significance of the name tilts slightly. That’s when a trio of tiny titans straps on pint-sized equipment and trains in the art of pugilism. “That’s the real triple threat,” Leverette, the gym founder and head coach, said with a laugh. The 4-year-old triplets are among the smallest fraction, stature wise, of the 45 kids between the ages of 4 and 18 that Leverette and a support squad of former fighters, mentors, faith leaders and trainers work with in any given week. Although the gym is, first and foremost, a safe training space for all ages and skill levels of fighters, it is also a haven for youths who want to learn more about boxing, mixed martial arts and Brazilian jiu-jitsu. Leverette runs a training program for young athletes that emphasizes academics and citizenship as much as it does sport. Continued as ATHLETICS page 28

Express photos/Regan Foster

Triple Threat Gym owner Charles 'Coach Lev' Leverette helps Jose Deleon, 10, with his wraps prior to running boxing drills on heavy bags. Leverette's gym includes a youth program that stresses citizenship, academics and athletics.

“

My daddy used to say, everything I learn I can teach to somebody else.

”

— Charles “Coach Lev” Leverette, Triple Threat Gym

Leverette coaches young ﬁghters through warm-up drills before a recent youth training session at Triple Threat Gym in Southeast Colorado Springs.

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Savannah Williams (left), a 14-year-old elite boxer with Triple Threat Gym helps 7-year-old Zion Victoria with his gloves. The friends are part of a youth training program at the Southeast gym that emphasizes academics, athletics, family and citizenship.

Athletics Continued from page 27

Academics and athletics

Young students train from 4:30 to 6 p.m. three days per week. But before they step onto the canvas, there are some criteria. “I tell them ‘no books, no box,’” Leverette said. “That’s the ground rules coming into the gym. “It all plays into the discipline at school, the discipline at the gym, the discipline at home.” Leverette is so committed to their holistic success that he has installed a computer lab in the gym’s offices, he collects academic report cards and he keeps a barber’s chair up front for members who could use a little extra grooming. It’s part of a motto that, once again, is trifold. “Look good, feel good, do good,” Leverette said. “It’s all about the trinity, too. We try to keep it real by these kids. We advise them about life. “It is a commitment,” he continued. “It is a commitment for all the kids.”

Fighting his way to the top

To learn from Leverette is to be trained by a humble giant. A native of Brent, Alabama, he found his way to Colorado Springs the same way so many do: via the military. The 46-year-old served 20 years in the Army before retiring as a staff sergeant. Leverette became an assistant coach to the U.S. Army boxing squad and later the national Olympic team. After much consideration and a good deal of prayer, he opened Triple Threat in 2014. “When I grew up, my daddy used to say, everything I learn I can teach to somebody else,” Leverette said. “It just kind of snowballed.” But here’s the thing: Boxing may very well be in Leverette’s blood, but it’s not in his history. This globe-traveling, champion fighter didn’t strap on a pair of gloves until he was in his 20s and a senior officer issued him a high-stakes bet. If Leverette won an upcoming amateur match, he could go home for a visit. If he didn’t, he had to wash the platoon leader’s car. “I came from Alabama, where it was all about football, God and food,” he said with a laugh. “I ended up knocking two guys out that weekend.” Suffice it to say, he got to see his family.

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APRIL — MAY 2019

Express photos/Regan Foster

Williams (left) spars with 15-year-old Brianna Amos at Triple Threat Gym. The teens represented the club at the USA Boxing Western Elite and U.S. Open Championships in late March.

‘He has high hopes’ Triple Threat gym is a coliseum of a place. It features two rings and mats for jiu-jitsu sparring, as well as a weight setup and floor space for cardio and strength training. And it counts among its supporters some of the world’s best fighters, including three-time world champion and reigning welterweight title holder Terence Crawford, national bronze medalist Sammy Vasquez Jr. and Ultimate Fighting Championship women’s welterweight contender Raquel Pennington.

About the GYM WHO: Triple Threat Gym was founded and is managed by former Army and Olympic boxing coach Charles “Coach Lev” Leverette, and is advised by a team of former fighters and mentors including the Rev. Promise Lee, Robert Lozado and Richard Verdugo. WHAT: Triple Threat offers a wide range of fighting-sports classes and training for all skill levels. It counts among its supporters some of boxing, mixed martial arts and Brazilian jiu-jitsu’s top athletes. But its pride is a youth program that mentors youngsters in athletics, academics and family. HOURS: 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. Mondays through Fridays; 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturdays. WHERE: 5709 Observation Court, Suite 120 INFO: Triplethreatgym.com, 205-0722 or triplethreatgym@gmail.com

The training team offers classes in everything from traditional and competitive boxing to fitness, self-defense and women’s boxing. But it is in the youth programming that the Triple Threat team’s hearts, visions and hopes for a stronger future lie. On a recent Monday evening, while youths practiced on heavy bags, a fighter stopped to correct one boy’s posture. The sweat-soaked pro was Crawford, who was just wrapping up a workout of his own, although Leverette waited until after the training session wrapped to tell the student. Meanwhile, 14-year-old Savannah Williams sparred with Brianna Amos, 15. The girls were just a few days away from leaving for Reno, Nevada, and the USA Boxing Western Elite Qualifier and U.S.

Open Championships. As they skillfully jabbed and crossed, bobbed and ducked, it was clear these were highly skilled athletes. Amos said she was drawn to boxing because it requires grit, and to Triple Threat because it mandates heart. “It’s more of a mental sport than a physical sport,” she said. “You have to work hard and be self-disciplined.” She gestured to Leverette, who was giving his students a water break. They gathered around him in an eager circle, awaiting the next task and a word of praise. “Coach is very involved in the kids,” she said. “It’s hard to find coaches like that. He has high hopes for us.”

Of boxing and building Leverette partnered with the Rev. Promise Lee, pastor of Relevant Word Christian Cultural Center, to create and grow the youth mentorship program. Two other veteran fighters — one-time Marine Corps boxer Robert Lozado and former soldier Richard Verdugo — soon jumped on board. The partnership brought a wide range of experience and leadership to the table, and Leverette credits its support with growing his vision from an idea to a full-fledged program. “We want the kids who are struggling at school,” Lee said. “The champions of the world often come from that background.” Lozado proudly pointed to a Triple Threat alumnus whose success has led him to the Colorado School of Mines on an academic scholarship. “He came from here,” Lozado said. “Directly from here.” Donna Church introduced her 7-year-old son, Zion Victoria, to Triple Threat because she felt he needed a positive male role model. What she got after that first visit in 2018 was an extended family. “He has so many good men interacting with him,” Church said. “I’ve been blessed in the fact that I’m surrounded by people who have the same goals and morals,” Leverette said. “I was seeing the signs, the signs were right there. “It’s growing. It’s continuing to grow.” regan.foster@southeastexpress.org

APRIL — MAY 2019

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STATEStampede Harrison School District 2 (D2) athletes had a winter season for the record books. Whether on the court or the mats, Harrison and Sierra high school athletes celebrated some remarkable accomplishments. On the basketball court, the Harrison boys took what was supposed to be a rebuilding year and turned it into a bid for the state crown. The Panthers, under the direction of Coach Eric Kaiser, battled their way to the Great 8, before falling 64-63 to No. 2 Longmont in overtime. Kaiser, celebrating his first year at the helm, credited the extraordinary run to the squad’s athleticism, talent and hard work, and to the support of the players’ families, friends and community. The Sierra Stallions boys basketball squad also had a solid 4A playoff run that took the squad into the Sweet 16. Sierra easily bested Sand Creek, 74-65, and Pueblo West, 64-56, before losing a 64-63 heartbreaker to No. 11 Cheyenne Mountain. But the success wasn’t just limited to the boys squads. The Sierra girls basketball team also put up an impressive post-season run, and one star player hit a bucket-list bucket during the post-season. Junior D’nae Wilson scored her 1,000th career point on Feb. 22, helping propel the stallions to the Sweet 16 and herself to the class 4A second-team all-state squad. The Stallions valiantly fought in its bid against No. 1 Air Academy, but were bested in a 48-44 nail-biter. Both schools also sent top wrestlers to the Colorado High School Athletic Association State Championships in February. Nate Mesa, Kyon McDonald and Nester Torres represented the pride of the Panthers, while Atsamaz Pliev and Elijah Smith grappled for the Stallions in Denver. Pliev went on to be Sierra’s first state medalist, finishing third in the 220-pound division. Mesa claimed a fourth-place medal in the 285-pound class. The student-athletes also proved their mettle in the academic arena. On Feb. 6, four Harrison seniors signed college scholarships. The student-athletes, their intended colleges and their sports were: McDonald, Northwest Tech., wrestling; Devon Washington, Colorado State University, track; and Mesa and Orlando Westbrook-Sanchez, both South Dakota School of Mines, both football.

Courtesy photo/Robert Bentley

Sierra High School wrestler Atsamaz Pliev (second from right) accepts his third-place medal, and his school's ﬁrst, in the state championships.

Courtesy photo/Robert Bentley

ABOVE: Sierra junior D'Nae Wilson celebrates hitting her 1,000th career point with coach Joe Williams. Wilson was named to the CHSAA Class 4A second-team all-state squad.

Sports@southeastexpress.org Express photo/Regan Foster

Scream for

your team!

Here are our editor’s picks for the must-see matchups of April.

WEEK OF APRIL 1

Harrison High School Girls varsity soccer vs. Sierra: 4:15 p.m. April 4 at Harrison High School, 2755 Janitell Road. Mitchell High School Varsity boys baseball vs. Englewood: 10 a.m. and noon April 6 at Mitchell High School, 120 Potter Drive. Palmer High School Boys varsity swimming vs. Coronado: 4 p.m. April 2 at Palmer High School, 301 N. Nevada Ave. Sierra High School Girls varsity tennis vs. Colorado Springs Christian: 4 p.m. April 2 at Sierra High School, 2250 Jet Wing Drive.

WEEK OF APRIL 8

Harrison High School Boys JV baseball vs. Woodland Park: 3:30 and 5:30 p.m. April 8 at Harrison High School, 2755 Janitell Road. Mitchell High School Girls varsity soccer vs. Harrison: 7 p.m. April 9 at Garry Berry Stadium, 2020 Glenn Summer Road. Palmer High School Boys varsity lacrosse vs. Colorado Academy: 7:30 p.m. April 10 at 2115 Afton Way. Girls varsity lacrosse vs. Durango: 6 p.m. April 12 at 325 Wahsatch Ave. Sierra High School Boys varsity baseball vs. Widefield: 4 p.m. April 11 at Widefield High School, 705 Aspen Drive.

WEEK OF APRIL 15

Harrison High School Girls varsity soccer vs. Elizabeth: 6 p.m. April 18 at Elizabeth High School, 34500 County Road 13, Elizabeth. Mitchell High School Boys varsity baseball vs. Sierra: 4 p.m. April 18 at Sierra High School, 2250 Jet Wing Drive. Palmer High School Girls varsity golf Cougar Classic: 10 a.m. April 15 at Kissing Camels Golf Course, 4500 Kissing Camels Drive. Sierra High School Girls varsity soccer vs. Widefield: 4 p.m., April 18 at Sierra High School, 2250 Jet Wing Drive.

WEEK OF APRIL 22

Harrison High School Boys JV baseball vs. Mesa Ridge: 3:30 and 5:30 p.m. April 23 at Mesa Ridge High School, 6070 Mesa Ridge Parkway. Mitchell High School Girls varsity soccer vs. Widefield: 4 p.m. April 23 at Widefield High School, 615 Widefield Drive.

LEFT: Members of the Harrison High School basketball squad loosen up on their home court, before hitting the road for their Great 8 playoff game against Longmont.

Palmer High School Boys varsity swimming Trojan Invite: 4 p.m. April 26 and 9 a.m. April 27 at Fountain-Fort Carson High School, 900 Jimmy Camp Road, Fountain. Sierra High School Girls varsity tennis vs. St. Mary’s: 4 p.m. April 23 at Sierra High School, 2250 Jet Wing Drive.

WEEK OF APRIL 29

Harrison High School Girls varsity soccer vs. Widefield: 6 p.m. April 30 at Widefield High School, 615 Widefield Drive. Mitchell High School Girls varsity soccer vs. Sierra: 4 p.m. April 30 at Sierra High School, 2250 Jet Wing Drive. Boys varsity baseball vs. Jefferson: 11 a.m. May 4 at Mitchell High School, 120 Potter Drive. Palmer High School Girls varsity lacrosse vs. Eaglecrest: 6:30 p.m. April 29 at Eaglecrest High School, 2115 Afton Way. Sierra High School Coed varsity track, Cañon City Blossom Invite: 10 a.m. May 3 at Cañon City High School, 1313 College Ave., Cañon City.

For complete April and May high school sports schedules, visit southeastexpress.org/something-to-cheer-about. Schedules are updated daily.

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CALENDAR — Compiled by Regan Foster The Southeast Express publishes events, meetings and notices of general interest for free both in print and online. Digital notices are updated on Fridays. To submit an item for consideration, email newsroom@southeastexpress.org. Items for electronic consideration must be received by 5 p.m. the preceding Thursday; items for consideration in our print edition must be received by 5 p.m. the last Monday of the month. The Express reserves the right to edit content for style and clarity, and to determine suitability for publication.

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April 1

Adult education, “Minding Your Business”: 6-8 p.m., Sand Creek Library, 2851 S. Academy Blvd.; 531-6333 ext. 2308 or tzarsky@ppld.org, ppld. librarymarket.com.

April 2

Colorado Springs municipal election day

Harrison School District 2 Coffee with the Cabinet: 5:30-6:30 p.m., 1060 Harrison Road.

April 5

Lunch and a Movie, “First Man” (PG-13): noon to 2 p.m., Ruth Holley Library, 685 N. Murray Blvd.; 597-5377 or mtrejo-lopez@ppld.org.

April 6

Monster Jam: 10:30 a.m., pitpass opens, 1 and 7 p.m. showtime, Broadmoor World Arena, 3185 Venetucci Blvd.; $15-$52, broadmoorworldarena. com or AXS.com.

April 7

Colorado Springs Philharmonic “Life is Beautiful”: 2:30 p.m., Pikes Peak Center for the Performing Arts, 190 S. Cascade Ave.; $26-$75, AXS.com.

April 8

JOB FAIR APRIL 10

Colorado Springs Workforce Center Young Adult Job Fair: 1-5 p.m., Southeast Armed Forces YMCA, 2190 Jet Wing Drive.

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| SOUTHEAST EXPRESS

11 a.m. to 1 p.m., Deerﬁeld Hills Park, 4290 Deerﬁeld Hills Road.

April 4

★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★

Deerfield Hills EASTER EGG HUNT

Colorado Springs School District 11 Board of Education work session: 4-6 p.m., 1115 N. El Paso St.

Colorado Springs municipal election day

LIFESTYLES

April 20

April 3

APRIL 2

Nursing Information Session: 6-7:30 p.m., Pikes Peak Community College, 5675 S. Academy Blvd.

April 9

Colorado Springs City Council meeting: 1 p.m., Council Chambers, 107 N. Nevada Ave.

April 10

Colorado Springs Workforce Center Young Adult Job Fair: noon to 4:30 p.m., Southeast Armed Forces YMCA, 2190 Jet Wing Drive. Southeast WIC anniversary celebration: 2-4 p.m., Southeast WIC ofﬁce, 2948 E. Fountain Blvd.

April 11

Colorado Springs Planning Commission meeting: 8:30 a.m., 30 S. Nevada

Ave., Suite 102.

April 12

Dream Centers’ Dream a Dream Ladies Tea and Silent Auction: 11 a.m., Pinery at the Hill, 775 W. Bijou St.; $35-$500, crowdrise.com.

April 21

Easter Easter brunch: 10 a.m., Hotel Elegante Conference & Event Center, 2886 S. Circle Drive; hotelelegante.com.

April 22

April 13

“Taking Care of Your Girls”: 9 a.m. to noon, Hillside Community Center, 925 S. Institute St.

Trauma-release exercise class: 11-11:50 a.m., Pikes Peak Community College Centennial Campus gymnasium, 5675 S. Academy Blvd.; 502-2555.

April 14

April 23

Body, Mind, Spirit Celebration: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Colorado Springs City Auditorium, 221 E. Kiowa St.; $6, BMS Celebration.com.

April 15

Pikes Peak Workforce Center training and skills for young adults interview workshop: 10-11:30 a.m., Sand Creek Library, 1821 S. Academy Blvd.; 6673721 or tashabaker@elpasoco.com. Pikes Peak Workforce Center training and skills for young adults resume workshop: 4-5:30 p.m., Sand Creek Library, 1821 S. Academy Blvd.; 667-3721 or tashabaker@elpasoco. com.

“Get on Board” community volunteer and connections event: 4:30-6:30 p.m., Colorado College Cornerstone Arts Center, Celeste Theater, 825 N. Cascade Ave.; leadershippikespeak. org.

April 24

Colorado Springs School District 11 Board of Education meeting: 6:30-10 p.m., 1115 N. El Paso St.

April 25

Southeast Business Plan Competition award luncheon: 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., Hotel Elegante Conference and Event Center, 2886 S. Circle Drive.

April 16

April 26

April 17

April 27

Pikes Peak Community College jazz and percussion concert: 7-8:30 p.m., Centennial Campus Theater, 5675 S. Academy Blvd. Colorado Springs Black Chamber of Commerce inaugural business conference “Self Made: Thinking, Acting, Being Entrepreneurial”: 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., DoubleTree by Hilton, 1775 E. Cheyenne Mountain Blvd.; $40-$60, www.csblackchamber.com or info@ csblackchamber.com.

April 18

Kindergarten information night at Soaring Eagles Elementary School: 5:30 p.m., 471 Harrier Ridge Drive.

April 19

Coed varsity track, Fountain-Fort Carson Invitational: 2 p.m., Fountain-Fort Carson High School, 900 Jimmy Camp Road.

April 20

Deerfield Hills Easter Egg Hunt: 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., Deerfield Hills Park, 4290 Deerfield Hills Road.

The Southeast Express gladly considers community-engagement announcements for inclusion in the community calendar and listings. Please email your items to news@southestexpress.org and include “calendar” in the subject line.

Deerfield Hills Mobile Food Pantry: 11 a.m., Deerfield Hills Community Center & Sprayground, 4290 Deerfield Hills Road. El Dia de los Niños: 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., Deerfield Hills Community Center, 4290 Deerfield Hills Road.

April 28

Womxn of the Future sustainable pop-up: 1-5 p.m., Ivywild School, 1604 S. Cascade Ave.

April 29

Pikes Peak Community College vocal majors recital: 7:30-9 p.m., Centennial Campus Theater, 5675 S. Academy Blvd.

April 30

Pikes Peak Community College instrumental recital: 5:30-7 p.m., Centennial Campus Theater, 5675 S. Academy Blvd. Pikes Peak Community College choir concert: 7:30-9 p.m., Centennial Campus Theater, 5675 S. Academy Blvd.

@SoutheastExpressNews @SEExpressNews

SOUTHEAST EXPRESS |

CALENDAR

BUSINESS

LIFESTYLES

SPORTS

In Your Words

What should Southeast Colorado Springs do to elevate its reputation?

Connie Royer

Andrew Naef

Chris Newman

“A lot of it has to do with being able to help people who need help. When things happen in life, it’s hard to get help sometimes.”

“People should just care more about the area and themselves.”

“Nothing comes to mind. I feel like where we live it’s not an issue. ... It’s no different than anywhere else in the city.”

Deli clerk

Brittany McCulloch Teacher

“We don’t have a lot of community events other than sports things. We could have more community events to bring people of diverse interests together. “Also, there’s not as many thriving small businesses as there are downtown. Those tend to bring people into places.”

Self-employed

U.S. Army service member

OPINION

APRIL — MAY 2019

t s a e h t ou S

Spotted in

Express photo/Regan Foster

Housewife and mother

“There’s plenty. Maybe improve the roads a little bit.”

NEWS

Internet tech support

Kenia Cruz

Riley Andrews

“We don’t have a park close by here. That would be very helpful, for the kids to have a safe place to play. “Maybe, too, to have more police so the neighborhoods are secure.”

SH IN P A R T N E R

The RISE Coalition trailer offers a cheery promise of community and spring following a late-winter snowstorm. The trailer often can be spotted at coalition events throughout Southeast; however, when it is not in use, it greets guests to Solid Rock Christian Center, 2520 Arlington Drive. The Express aims to highlight public art and unique spaces found in Southeast in each edition. Tell us about your favorite hidden gem by emailing features@southeastexpress.org.

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36TH ANNUAL

Fiesta and Car Show

THE BIGGEST OUTDOOR FIESTA & CAR SHOW in COLORADO SPRINGS

FREE FAMILY EVENT 10:30am DJ Silky Smooth – Variety Music 11:00 Grand Opening with Color Guard and Elected Offi cials rts borative effo

lla ample of co e the exDancers pment.” Xochitl from . We ar ity velo 11:30 Aztec Grupo un de m ic m om co e on ec Director vers n, Executive resulting in rso is a truly di de es gs An ss n rin Pueblo, CO ne mi si Sp nja o Be d bu an t en m st “SE Colorad , private inve c.com cdBarajas between city 12:30 Ballet Folklorico de solidrock

Sunday • May 5 • 2019 10:30am-5pm Learn more

.com/srcdc1

at facebook

1:00pm Zumba Dance Performance 2:00 Ballet Folklorico de La Raza

MISSION TRACE SHOPPING CENTER • 3031 S ACADEMY • 80916

3:00 Hip Hop Contest – Opening by JJ Company Dance Crew

• FAMILY ENTERTAINMENT • CAR SHOW • FOOD • CRAFTS • NON-PROFIT VENDORS

Dem Boys Christian Rap Group (All are encouraged to Join on site)

Solidrockcdc.com • www.elcincodemayo.org

4:00 Opening Dancing with variety music by DJ Silky Smooth 5:00 Trophy Presentations