COMING IN FEBRUARY ~ Everybody Welcome! The new Southeast Express newspaper launches with a tribute to Fannie Mae Duncan, Colorado Springs’ queen of inclusion.
COURTESY PHOTO/COLORADO WOMEN’S HALL OF FAME
MANY VOICES ... ONE COMMUNITY • PROTOTYPE
A new voice for Southeast Colorado Springs Sen.-elect Pete Lee
“Benjamin Franklin was a newspaper founder and publisher, and he used his newspaper to link and connect the community together — the community being Philadelphia, which (with a population of approximately 50,000) was smaller than Southeast Colorado Springs is now. “To me, having a newspaper to make people aware is a critical part of developing, connecting, furthering and energizing Southeast Colorado Springs. A newspaper could facilitate communication.”
Here’s what some of our leaders are saying about the Express . . . County Commissioner Longinos Gonzalez Jr.
“This newspaper is a great opportunity for us to spread the word about the good things happening in our community, but also to get the word out on how we can improve our community and to raise issues that might be lacking, or that are getting overlooked — which occasionally occurs. Hopefully this is something that can help drive some . . . improvements in the area. I’m thankful to John (Weiss) and the publishing team.”
City Council member Yolanda Avila
“Sometimes diversity is seen as a negative, when in truth, it’s an asset. This newspaper will highlight the grand diversity we have. Not only in race and culture, but in age and housing and just the hodgepodge of what’s in Southeast. I think of a paper as being that glue, the connector, something that flows through all of those areas of our district. And not just our district, but connecting us to greater Colorado Springs “In all areas, it’s just really positive. I know people will pick it up and read it.” Continued on page 5
MAKING IT COUNT
EXPRESS PHOTO/REGAN FOSTER
Centennial Elementary School teacher Jessica Vasallo checks students’ work and answers questions.
‘An investment for generations’ With $180 million bond approved, D2 sets sights on renovations
By REGAN FOSTER The Southeast Express
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EXPRESS PHOTO/REGAN FOSTER
Cheslyn Johnson, 9, casts her first-ever ballot Nov. 6 during a Kids’ Election Day Party at the Sand Creek Library. Children were asked to vote between four toy options. ‘It feels good,’ Cheslyn says of voting for the safari set. A Jurassic-themed play set, the top vote-getter, will be added to the kids’ room in January.
nside Jessica Vasallo’s fourth-grade classroom, students studied fractions. From their perches on exercise balls, in traditional desk chairs and in floor-level plastic seats, the Centennial Elementary School classmates diligently worked through the mathematical puzzles. As teacher Vasallo strolled through the room, checking students’ work and answering questions, a virtual hour glass ticked away the seconds remaining in the exercise on a smart
board – today’s high-tech version of a chalk board. Computers lined one wall of the classroom, and those movement-compatible seats were the result of a grant that Vasallo won to accommodate kids’ individual learning needs. On the other side of the locked door, small cracks marred the impeccably clean floors and water damage from a leaky roof rippled the walls. But the imperfections are due to change soon. Plans to overhaul the building’s roof, repair water damage and update decades-old fixtures are now under way, thanks to a $180 million Continued as GENERATIONS page 3
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A Win for Our Community!
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Our community has shown tremendous support for Harrison School District Two with the approval of 4E. We are so thankful to the community and to our staff for this level of support for school improvements and for believing in our students, staff and our district. We are eager to renovate our buildings, bring you safer and more accessible schools with updated technology for better outcomes for students. HSD2 will form a Bond Spending Plan Oversight Committee that will consist of four community members and three staff that will monitor Bond Spending Plan progress and provide advice regarding project modifications.
We anticipate starting work in Spring 2019 with the following schools: Sand Creek International Elementary, Otero Elementary, Centennial Elementary, Mountain Vista Community School, and Fox Meadow Middle School parking lot.
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Choice Enrollment for the 2019-2020 school year December 10 to March 15 What can District Two offer you? • Enroll in an International Baccalaureate school • Real-world STEAM experience in middle school • Free AP classes and AP tests • Earn an associate degree before you graduate high school • Earn your high school diploma and a trade certification at the same time
Track our on-going progress by visiting: www.hsd2.org/bondconstruction
Upcoming Events
Snow Days, Delays? Know right away!
December 10 Choice Enrollment Opens
Download the free Harrison School District Two app today and stay current with district and school news.
December 21 - January 7 Winter Break
The app provides access to the district and your school’s: • news feed • calendars • social media stream • push notifications • cafeteria menus, and more!
January 8 Students Return January 21 Martin Luther King Jr. Day District Closed January 24, 5:30 p.m. Board of Education Work Session & Meeting February 5, 5:30 p.m. Board of Education Work Session
Available in over 65 Languages!
Download now
February 18 President’s Day District Closed
The completed choice form with supporting documents must be turned in to Student Support at the District Administration Office, 1060 Harrison Road, during business hours Monday Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Students currently attending out of district schools or charter schools must provide the most recent attendance record, discipline record and grades/transcript from current school as supporting documents. Contact Student Support at 719-579-2554 for more information. Download the Choice Form on the Student Support page of the District website under Site Shortcuts. Parents will be notified within one week of their status.
Now Hiring
Harrison School District Two 1060 Harrison Road Colorado Springs, CO 80905 719-579-2000 www.hsd2.org
We are hiring staff who are dedicated to the educational advancement of all students in our district. All team members play an important role in the services we provide to students.
Join us on
We need bus drivers, bus monitors, substitute teachers, nutrition substitutes, and support personnel substitutes. Visit www.hsd2.org, click on the Employment button and apply today!
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.
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Our Mission
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To inform, celebrate, educate, empower and challenge the 80,000 vibrant and diverse residents of Southeast Colorado Springs.
All aboard the ‘Express’ train H
ello, Southeast Colorado Springs! We couldn’t be happier to meet you. I am honored to serve as the founding editor and general manager of the publication you are currently holding in your hands. I am also its receptionist, ombuds- Regan Foster men, primary coffee drinker . . . heck, I’ll even scrub the floors if that’s what it takes to get the paper to you. Veteran local newsman John Weiss is launching the Southeast Express because he saw a real need for a quality community newspaper to provide accurate, timely news to this diverse, vibrant and economically changing community of more than 80,000. In September, I left a long-term job as an editor at the Pueblo Chieftain to take this truly oncein-a-lifetime opportunity. It’s something that isn’t being done in the industry all that often. It’s a new newspaper that is about you, for you and often written by you. Friends, welcome aboard the Southeast Express. We are thrilled to make your acquaintance. Here’s the back story: A few years ago, John met with State Reps. Tony Exum and (now Sen-elect) Pete Lee to hear more about their multi-million dollar Transforming Safety initiative. He heard that Southeast Colorado Springs doesn’t always get its due when it comes to fresh food, parks, medical care, schools, roads, transportation and/or redevelopment projects. What he (accurately) suspected is it also didn’t have a reliable source of the news and information that can lead citizens to engage in the area and make their own informed choices. You see, Southeast is what we in the industry call a “news desert.” That means it is “a community ... with limited access to the sort of credible and
Generations Continued from page 1
referendum passed by Harrison School District 2 (D2) residents Nov. 6. “We’re going to be able to renovate the … building,” said Centennial Principal Kim Noyes, a grin illuminating her face. “We’ll be able to bring all of the modern conveniences into the building under a new roof.” Residents voted, 10,172-6,994, in favor of the tax hike, which will fund district-wide capital improvements. Among the major projects slated for the five-year rebuild are renovating Sand Creek and Soaring Eagles elementary schools to make them K-8 institutions and completely renovat-
The thing is, there’s an energy to Southeast that comprehensive news and information that feeds you can feel. It’s the thrum of a community on the democracy at the grassroots level,” according to the verge of reinventing itself; of a community that University of North Carolina’s Center for Innovawants to take control of its own destiny and rewrite tion and Sustainability in Local Media. its narrative. To be clear, Southeast does get some news coverSo that’s why we’re here. We will be your commuage. But almost all of it is superficial quick features nications conduit, your partners, your hub. We aim about crime, poverty, drugs and/or gang activity. to be your one-stop But we know there’s a destination for all the lot more to Southeast news, business, entrethan that. Enter the idea preneurship, education, for a new, nonprofit entertainment, culture, newspaper dedicated sports, faith, food and to taking a hard look at community-engagecommunity issues, as ment information you well as celebrating and could possibly need. connecting this fantasIt’s the thrum of a community on the verge We want to tell the tic area that so many of reinventing itself; of a community that amazing stories of the interesting and diverse wants to take control of its own destiny awesome talents here, people call home. and rewrite its narrative. to celebrate the melting There’s the unbelievpot that is this fabulous able musical and artistic community and to talent here. There’s a work alongside you to slew of fabulous prohelp you dig deep and discover your voice. grams committed to kids — be those offerings We’ll help connect customers and businesses, academic, athletic or altruistic. There’s a growing volunteers and nonprofits, employers and career interest in entrepreneurship and a wide-range of candidates. programs dedicated to helping small businesses get And we will be bringing it your way, free, via the off the ground. There are fabulous schools providpostal service. The paper will be hitting 30,000 ing genuinely extraordinary educational opportumailboxes every-other-month starting in February. nities. But as soon as we can we will publish monthly and But as Exum told us, the Express shouldn’t just then, hopefully, weekly. be “all wine and roses.” We’ll also take a hard look We will also be developing our digital presence. at the social issues facing the community — topics Starting right now, you can follow us right now on such as high drop-out rates, crime, transportation both Twitter and Facebook, and our website is up problems, the lack of civic engagement as eviand running. denced by low voter turnout in prior local elecSoutheast Springs is an amazing community, and tions and the need for more community developwe are excited to be a part of it. ment and renewal. But we will do so with an eye toward solutions. regan.foster@southeastexpress.org
ing Carmel Middle School. Centennial is the among the first five schools slated for work, and improvements will begin at the end of the current academic year, Noyes said. Sand Creek International, Otero Elementary and Mountain Vista Community schools and the Fox Meadow Middle School parking lot are also scheduled for early improvements. “As soon as the kids exit the building, we’ll have the workers come in,” Noyes said. Each institution in the 11,700-student district will receive some level of repair, said Wendy Birhanzel, former Centennial principal and one of two individuals leading the district as chief operating officer. D2 will also
There’s an energy to Southeast that you can feel.
form an oversight committee charged with reviewing and reporting on the use of the public funds. The tax increase is expected to cost the average homeowner about $15 more per month, or $180 per year. It marks the first voter-approved hike D2 has passed in 19 years. “Our community is investing in itself,” Birhanzel said. “We love the Southeast community, so we want our kids to have . . . opportunities.” “You plan for the next 20 years,” D2 Public Information Officer and Chief of Staff Christine O’Brien said during the tour of the elementary school. “This is such an investment for generations of people.”
What it means Harrison District 2 voters approved a $180 million bond for renovations throughout the district, including: • Renovating all existing schools to improve security, safety, technology and ADA compliance. • Reconfiguring Soaring Eagles and Sand Creek International elementary schools into K-8 schools. • Building a new, state-of-theart Carmel Middle School.
regan.foster@southeastexpress.org
“Our community is investing in itself. We love the Southeast community, so we want our kids to have . . . opportunities.” — Wendy Birhanzel, co-chief operating officer of Harrison School District 2
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IN YOUR WORDS
What does Southeast Colorado Springs mean to you? Asked Nov. 13 at the Sand Creek Library
Leroy Jaramillo
Christine Zanoni
Kacey Dash
“I lived here my whole life, so when I think of this part of town . . . it’s convenient. You have the grocery story, the library, the Sand Creek Trail that’s good to ride your bike on.”
“The library here is really good, and we used to go the (movie theater) here. There are a lot of things that are good down here.”
“It’s open. (There are) nice people, a lot of job opportunities and a very nice, clean area.”
Banquet server
Homemaker
Financial trader
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About the EXPRESS The inaugural issue of the Southeast Express will be delivered via the U.S. Postal Service in early February to 30,000 households in the diverse and vibrant 80910 and 80916 ZIP codes. It will also be available for free at select high-traffic locations. For the first year, we will publish every-other month. But our aim is to publish monthly and eventually weekly. In addition, we are building a digital presence.
Game producer
“It is just pretty much a way of life. It’s my sunshine of happiness. It says ‘life’ to me.”
Maria Romero
The Southeast Express accepts letters to the editor. To submit an opinion for consideration, email regan. foster@southeastexpress.org; for further information, call Regan Foster at 578-2802.
Student
“It means home — growth.”
Arnisha Gainer
Mental health social worker
“It’s beautiful here, I love it. We moved here from Ohio, so it’s a nice change of scenery. Nice people, I love (Southeast).”
The Southeast Express is supported by the generosity and resources of the Colorado Springs Independent, Colorado Springs Business Journal and Manitou Springs newspaper The Pikes Peak Bulletin. With the support of these leading papers and the leadership team in place, the new, nonprofit Southeast Express has the journalistic chops to provide excellent, community-focused journalism.
WE WELCOME YOUR OPINIONS 235 S. Nevada Ave., Colorado Springs, CO 80903 (719) 578-2802 • southeastexpress.org
The Southeast Express is a nonprofit community newspaper supported by the resources and infrastructure of Colorado Publishing. Copyright ©2018, all rights reserved.
Editor and General Manager REGAN FOSTER Senior Consultant LOU MELLINI Account Executive JAMIE (ROMERO) AGRUSA Production Manager JAYSON PETERS Graphic Designers ROWDY TOMPKINS, MELISSA EDWARDS
The Southeast Express is generously supported by the staff and resources of Colorado Publishing House, Colorado Springs’ largest locally owned media company
COLORADO PUBLISHING HOUSE Chair JOHN WEISS Executive Editor Emeritus RALPH ROUTON
The Express reserves the right to determine suitability.
Jordan Bruno
LAUNCHING FEB. 4, 2019
To inquire about advertising ... jamie.agrusa@southeastexpress.org
Providing Exceptional Medical, Dental, and Behavioral Health Care.
We’re here for YOU in your neighborhood! Peak Vista Community Health Centers
Accepting new patients, Medicaid and Medicare at a location near you. Call now to schedule your appointment!
(719) 632-5700 peakvista.org
LAUNCHING FEB. 4, 2019
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Here’s what some of our Southeast leaders are saying about the Express . . . “It’s going to be a great asset. We get an opportunity to tell our story. It’s not going to be all wine and roses, we have to be true to who we are, but at least we can tell our story about the good things that are happening in Southeast Colorado Springs. I’m really excited to see what the response is going to be. “There’s lots of things that are happening. I know a lot of (teams, groups and people) in Southeast that would love to have their story told.”
Christine O’Brien Public information officer and chief of staff for Harrison School District 2 “This paper coming into focus facilitates people getting district information, but it’s so much more important than that because it has a community focus. “This paper gives residents, whether they are attached to Harrison School District 2 (through current students) or not, the ability to follow up on what’s happening at the school district in which they live. . . . On the flip side, it also gives the school district a great insight into what’s happening in the Southeast.”
Mina Liebert El Paso County public health planner and the RISE Coalition “For me, the strongest (benefit) is to share the local voice and tell stories. The other thing that will help is (promoting) the entrepreneurial spirit that residents really have. These are all critical as to what the paper could be in the neighborhood.”
James Sullivan President of the Boys and Girls Clubs of the Pikes Peak Region “I am a believer in information, so the more information that is out, is very helpful. I like the idea of highlighting what’s available. What are the services? Who’s present? Who’s active? If you have a need for childcare, if there’s a need for in-home care; there’s a lot of people, a lot of entities — whether nonprofit or corporate — and a lot of services available.”
Mailed to
30,000 homes and businesses in 80910 & 80916
Chauncey LaBrie Pastor and founder of WeighOut Ministries “I believe a paper is needed to balance out the negative publicity that has been broadcast in the area. It seems like every time I read the news or watch the news, whenever they’re talking about . . . anything specifically in that area, it’s mostly negative. I believe it would be really awesome to see the positive, as well as the negative. “There’s some really good things that are about the take place, and there are initiatives that the people of the Southeast should be proud . . . to be part of.” — Compiled and edited for clarity by Regan Foster
THE
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In a time of ‘fake news,’ newspapers, digital are trusted community partners By JAYSON PETERS For the Express
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ewspapers are many things. They are solid records of their communities, reflecting the births, proud deeds and shameful misdeeds and passings of a community’s residents. More than a mere mirror of a community, a newspaper can also be a lens, focusing creators and readers toward a goal that might otherwise seem out of reach. But a newspaper can also be a prism, taking subjects that we have trouble grasping and breaking them down to be understood in new light. Newspapers are often old. (My last stop before joining this publisher was The Pueblo Chieftain, which just celebrated its 150th year in print.) Sometimes, they can be slow to embrace new concepts and adapt their inner workings to the changing world they chronicle. Newspapers are in flux. Some newspapers are in real trouble. But one type of newspaper continues to not just
getINVOLVED
tip of the iceberg, but it’s the tip of an iceberg that you want to see first. Underlying that, the engines of a news operation and opinion community will be working in many formats to drive what you see going out online, whether it’s on the web, a social media post you can share or an email newsletter packaging what you need to know in a convenient bundle. But in the end, journalism is journalism — the package doesn’t matter. The journalism I see happening all around me is the same basic practice I learned more than 20 years ago at the college named after iconic journalist Walter Cronkite, who once famously warned that “democracy is in danger” due to the lack of free airtime for political candidates. It’s a warning we’re hearing once more, as legitimate news media come under unfounded attack with each passing day. This newspaper is new. It needs you, and you need it more than you might think. No matter what form it takes.
survive, but thrive – hyper-local community newspapers like the Southeast Express you are holding in your hands right now. Yes, newspapers are here to stay. And a website backed by a reputable print publication can make the product even stronger. A healthy media diet, just like a healthy media company, encompasses many different kinds of news producers and products, and with offerings like our voluntary regular newsletter, we endeavor to offer the many sources of sustenance a well-informed media diet needs. I’ve spent most of my working life in newspapers, performing one role or another. I trained as a reporter, but very early on entered behind-the-scenes production, becoming a copy editor and page designer before industry turmoil led me into the world of digital editing and publishing. For years, until very recently, I’ve managed newspaper websites and mobile applications. Now my path has led me largely back toward print newspaper production, with a supporting role for online operations; but always in my career I approached digital journalism as an add-on to, not a replacement for, the print product. A vibrant, mobile-friendly website may just be the
Jayson Peters is the production manager of Colorado Publishing House, and former multimedia and web editor for multiple newspapers throughout the Southwest. Contact him at jayson.peters@csbj.com.
We want to publish the paper you want to see. So to help guide our publication, we’re starting a community steering committee. We also need your feedback. Want to share an opinion, tell us what we’re doing well and what needs tweaking or send us a listing? Please contact us at: regan.foster@southeastexpress.org or 578-2802
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E.A. Tutt Club serves youth in Southeast Colorado Springs after school Monday- Friday. For more information, visit
bgcppr.org/ea-tutt Youth of the Year celebrates the extraordinary achievements of Club teens. Three candidates will vie for up to $100,000 in scholarship money. Our 2019 Youth of the Year will take place Feb. 21, 2019, and sponsors are still needed. For more information, visit bgcppr.org/2019-yoy
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s ’ n e m o w cuts Your hair is our hair so it has to look
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1726 S. Circle 719-418-2240
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When we say
‘multimedia’ ... Take a look at the Express’ digital plan
By REGAN FOSTER The Southeast Express
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y now, you know The Southeast Express will not cut corners in its news coverage or market place. We aim to be innovative in how we offer the community news and advertising content. But we’re not stopping there. Just as we want to rewrite the standards for community journalism, we’re launching a multimedia effort that embraces real-time news coverage, social media, interactive communication and great digital storytelling. We will put out a regular, and totally voluntary for the readers, emailed newsletter designed to keep the community informed of news coming from or related to Southeast. News doesn’t take a break. It doesn’t occur in convenient weekly, monthly or every-other-month packages. So in between print editions, readers may visit our website, follow us on Twitter and Facebook and receive our emails to get updates they need and deserve. We will endeavor to be the readers’
first and best source of real-time news information, be it school schedule changes, traffic snarls or last-minute family-outing opportunities. There’s any number of reasons a story may be published on our website before it makes it into print, but the ultimate reason is our readers. They expect it, so we will make every effort to deliver it. To be clear, not every story that makes it on our website will make it into the paper – there’s no reason, for example, to print a piece on a collision causing traffic congestion several days after it happens – just like you may not get the entirety of a story online. Say, for example, City Council decides to add more red light cameras to Academy Boulevard (for the record, that’s not in the works); we’ll let our readers know online as soon as we can, but offer more analysis of the change in the next edition. Beyond print, we have embraced social media and have established active presences on Facebook and Twitter. There, our readers may comment, provide us with feedback and participate in the ongoing story of Southeast. We’re planting the seeds for a lush and rich digital world: Let’s make it grow together. regan.foster@southeastexpress.org
www.southeastexpress.org • Facebook @SoutheastExpressNews • Twitter @SEExpressNews
Southeast Express
CALENDAR — Compiled by Regan Foster
Editor’s note: Over the course of two years and during interviews with hundreds of Southeast leaders, organizational representatives and residents, we have consistently heard the need for a single, consolidated destination for community-engagement events, training sessions, volunteer opportunities and family friendly outings. We are delighted to present to you the Express’ community calendar. This calendar will run both in publication and online, to help readers plan and maximize their and their family’s free time. This is just a taste of the types of information we aim to provide for our readers.
DECEMBER 17
Sand Creek Library Maker Space open: 1-5 p.m., 1821 S. Academy Blvd; 597-7070 or ppld.org/creative-services/ make-sand-creek.
DECEMBER 18
Thrive Colorado Springs Entrepreneurial Business Soft Launch: noon to 6 p.m., Citadel Mall, 750 Citadel Drive East.
Microsoft Excel Class: 4-5:30 p.m., Sand Creek Library, 1821 S. Academy Blvd.; 597-7070 or ppld.librarymarket.com.
DECEMBER 19
Colorado Springs School District 11 Board of Education special meeting and work session: 5:30-9:30 p.m., D11 Administration Board Room, 1115 N. El Paso St.; d11.org.
Stay Gold Comedy Open Mic: 9 p.m., Gold Camp Brewing Company, 1007 S. Tejon St.; 695-0344 or facebook.com/ goldcampbrew.
DECEMBER 20
Harrison School District 2 end of second quarter. Colorado Springs School District 11 students begin winter break.
DECEMBER 21
Food Pantry: 2:30-4:30 p.m., Atlas Preparatory Academy, 1602 S. Murray Blvd., open to families.
DECEMBER 22
Christmas in the Land of Oz, games, crafts and activities and a Munchkin costume contest to celebrate the holidays in the wonderful land of Oz: 1:30 p.m., Ruth Holley Library, 685 N. Murray Blvd.
DECEMBER 27
Theater auditions, “Fond Farewell”: 5-7 p.m., Fountain Community Theater, 326 W. Alabama Ave., Fountain; 233-5192, fountaintheater@gmail.com or fountaintheater.org.
DECEMBER 28
Arty Party: 7-10 p.m., The Gallery Below, 718B N. Weber St.; 347-961-4789 or jonb@thegallerybelow.com, facebook.com/thegallerybelow.
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Silver Key
Aging in place has never been easier!
Food, friendship and fun! Anyone age 60+ is welcome to enjoy a hot meal every Monday - Friday at 1655 S. Murray Blvd. Make reservations at www.silverkey.org or 719-884-2304.
Silver Key
Home Delivered Meals
including Meals on Wheels
Make your life a little easier! Choose 3, 5, or 7 day meal plans delivered to your home at lunchtime by friendly volunteers. Anyone age 60+ can register at 719-884-2370.
Remain active and independent with door-through-door ADA accessible transportation for medical appointments, shopping, activities and more. Anyone age 60+ can register at www.silverkey.org or 719-884-2380.
Senior Assistance Silver Key provides assistance with rent, utilities, medical expenses, benefit applications, food, transportation, and budget coaching to help seniors age 60+ achieve stability and maintain independence. Contact 719-884-2350.
Silver Key Friends
Thrift Store
Shop a wide selection of good quality clothing & household items, plus a Home Medical Equipment Department for used mobility aids. Open Monday – Saturday 9am to 4pm. Silver Key 1605 S. Murray Blvd. Colorado Springs, CO 80916 719-884-2300 www.silverkey.org
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What to expect from your Southeast Express Inaugural issue to publish in February By John Weiss
The Southeast Express
Launching a new community-powered and empowering newspaper is not for the faint of heart. It has taken two years of planning and conversations with civic and faith leaders, community advocates and activists, business owners, nonprofit directors and hundreds of others to determine the news needs of the amazingly diverse and vibrant, but economically changing, 80,000-person community living in and around the 80910 and 80916 ZIP codes. What we repeatedly heard was the need for information. What they say is true: Information is power. The opposite is also true: a lack of information leads to powerlessness. So here is just a taste of what you will find in this new neighborhood newspaper: • Stories about our schools, teachers, kids and administrators. Sure,
we’ll cover local sports heroes past and present, but we’ll also get you plenty of information about what’s happening in the classroom and on the school board. This means both the great — the recognitions, the rebuilding, the student achievements — and the not-so-great — say, gang activity in schools and drop-out rates. • Business news, such as profiles of current companies, corporate leaders and up-and-coming entrepreneurs who will be our next generation of employers. We will also cover and promote employment events, networking events, internships and educational opportunities. • General interest and community stories, featuring the interesting characters who comprise our community. We will also offer an inclusive community calendar that details local happenings, meetings, program events, volunteer opportunities, training sessions and more. • Governmental and legislative updates that matter to Southeast. We’ll be your eyes and ears on happenings at City Council, at the county
board and in the state legislature for programs and issues that are relevant to the neighborhood. We will also let you know how to get involved and will host events like candidate forums.
SEND US YOUR LISTINGS The Southeast Express publishes events, meetings and notices of general interest in print and online. Digital notices are updated on Fridays. To submit an item for consideration, email regan.foster@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.
• Lifestyle stories, such as religion and spirituality; healthy eating, good nutrition and diet; reviews of culinary hot spots; arts and entertainment sto-
ries and listings; and historical looks at the neighborhood. We will also have plenty of photos of the people and places in Southeast Colorado Springs. • Hard looks at the social and economic challenges facing Southeast, including crime and gang activity; poverty; transportation issues; and the driving forces behind the renewal of the community. We will look at these issues with an eye not toward glamorizing, but informing and with a goal of finding solutions. • Birth notices; engagement, wedding and anniversary announcements; death notifications; and — for those wishing to honor a late loved one — obituaries and memorials. The community asked for them, and not for nothing are these called “vital statistics.” All of this will be sent directly to 30,000 households and distributed at select locations in the region at no cost to the readers. In short, if a topic is important to the community, it’s important to us.
WHAT THEY SAY IS TRUE: INFORMATION IS POWER. The opposite is also true: A lack of information leads to powerlessness.
Providing Access to Opportunity
UCCS, PPCC, and Colorado College students have unlimited access to bus service. Any bus, any time, with just a swipe of their student ID card. Whether you need to get to school, work, or a doctor’s appointment Mountain Metro can help. Providing more routes, more service, more options.
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