Sam Laird and his mother Carmen traveled from Colorado Springs to Loveland for the Slacker Run June 22.
PHOTO BY CHRIS KOEBERL
Long-time Idaho Springs Assistant City Manager Jon Cain leaves for Nederland job
Cain worked with the city of Idaho Springs for more than six years
BY CHRIS KOEBERL CKOEBERL@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM
Assistant Idaho Springs City Manager Jon Cain announced he’s taking a job in Boulder County as City Administrator in Nederland in July.
Cain has served as assistant city manager since February of 2018.
During his tenure, Cain applied for and provided Idaho Springs with millions of dollars in state and federal grant money for projects, according to city sta .
To say Cain’s departure is a loss to Idaho Springs is an understatement, according to Mayor Chuck Harmon.
“He insisted on giving you 16 hours worth of work in an eight-hour day,” Harmon said. “ at’s just how his work ethic has always been.”
Cain’s departure was o cially announced at the regular city council meeting June 24.
e town of Nederland received at least 30,”‘high quality” applications for the position of Town Administrator but Cain was the rst choice, according to interim Nederland Town Administrator Nicki Dunn.
“He has a really diverse background. He has knowledge of everything from parks to utilities, grant writing, planning and building and that’s going to be important to us
over here,” Dunn told the Courant. He also came “highly recommended” by several colleagues, according to Dunn.
e ultimate decision to take the city administrator job in Nederland was not easy, but Cain said it was the best move for him and his family.
“I’ve had a really great mentor in Andy (Marsh) and Chuck Harmon and they’ve both given me a lot of great advice,” Cain said. “Everyone just welcomed me in as family and I really appreciate it and I’ve learned so much.”
Even Harmon agreed Cain was ready to captain his own ship.
“For his professional growth, he’s ready and frankly he’s been ready to be a city administrator for quite a while,” Harmon said.
Cain’s last day with Idaho Springs will be July 4. He said it’s a good day to step down, as he was an integral part of organizing the entertainment and reworks, according to city leaders.
ere’s an old saying that’s appropriate according to multiple conversations with Cain: He may be leaving Idaho Springs, but Idaho Springs is never leaving him.
“ is place (Idaho Springs) is my heart and my place. At the end of the day, I just wanna see it shine,” Cain said.
Harmon said the position of assistant city manager will be posted soon in the Courant and at Govjobs. com.
Clearly, there are big shoes to be lled, Harmon concluded.
New England’s MLS Goes Its Own Way, Challenging DOJ Regarding NAR Settlement
On June 20, MLS Property Information Network (MLS PIN) informed its 44,600 New England subscribers that, effective immediately, they could submit listings with no offer of buyer agent compensation. That MLS field isn’t being removed, but will now designate the seller’s offer of compensation, not the broker’s.
The article about this development in Inman news service got me thinking about the rationale behind the litigation against co-op commissions and the 1st Amendment implications of prohibiting the display of a seller’s offer of an incentive for other agents to bring a buyer for their listing.
buyer’s agent to compensate. This is our policy at Golden Real Estate — a win/ win policy, under which we earn more for handling both sides of the transaction, and the seller pays less overall.
for them.
But let’s rethink that concept. Now, the listing commission in the above scenario would be 2.8%, not 5.6%, and the listing agreement would specify that the seller offers 2.8% to the buyer’s agent who represents the buyer for his home. The MLS would then have a field for displaying the seller’s offer of compensation, not the listing broker’s offer. This is where freedom of speech comes into play.
Let’s remember who has the resources to pay agents representing buyers. Unless buyers are paying cash, they’re already hard pressed to come up with the down payment and the fees charged by their loan officers. Those fees, except for the appraisal, are simply added to the principal amount of the mortgage loan, so they’re not out of pocket for buyers, but you better believe that a 4- or 5-figure agent compensation amount will be hard felt by buyers.
The many class action lawsuits regarding co-op commissions have echoed the same assertion, alleging that the sharing of commissions between listing and buyer brokers inflates seller costs and is a conspiracy in restraint of trade, a violation of the Sherman Antitrust Act. The change suggested in this column would, I believe, invalidate that claim.
MLS PIN made the following points in its June 20th email to subscribers:
The practice has, until now, been for the seller to agree to a listing commission which was high enough for the listing broker to share it with the agent who produced the buyer. For example, a listing commission might be 5.6%, specifying that 2.8% would be offered to a cooperating buyer’s agent.
Many, but not all, listing agents would insert in the contract a provision that the listing commission would be reduced by, say, 1%, if there was no
Price Reduced on My Model S
It still runs like new, although it has 103,000 miles on the odometer. I’m letting it go for $17,500. Call me at 303-5251851 for a test drive. You’ll love this car.
It would be stated in the listing agreement that sellers are free to offer zero compensation to brokers who produce the buyer for their home. Because offers of compensation by sellers would be published for buyers and their agents to see when searching for listings, sellers would be incentivized to offer such compensation. It’s okay for the seller to offer zero compensation, but if that results in few showings and no offers, the seller might change his mind later on. Listings suffer when the “days on market” number grows. I suspect most sellers will agree to offer something in order to increase showings and offers. It has always made sense to me that agents for buyers be compensated by the sellers. The builders of new homes will continue to offer compensation to buyer agents, with or without that offer being displayed on the MLS, knowing that failure to do so would only drive buyers to their competitors. The failure of any home seller to do the same would have the same effect.
Builders must already be excited by the conventional wisdom that buyers will have to pay the brokers who represent them, knowing the great advantage that such a belief will increase business
Coming Soon: Townhome in North Golden
$695,000
On the other hand, any compensation paid to a buyer’s agent by the seller is not paid upfront, but is taken from the seller’s proceeds, which makes it much less painful. But it needs to be a conscious decision of the seller to make that offer, just like any other incentive — for example, providing money to buy down the buyer’s interest rate. The shock of seeing the buyer’s agent’s commission on the seller’s settlement statement instead of the single commission payment to the listing agent is no doubt what triggered that class action lawsuits from sellers complaining, “Why am I paying my buyer’s broker?” With the decision to incentivize buyer agents being more conscious for sellers, that shock will not be as great.
“Offers of compensation, if any, will be made by the seller. Listing brokers and cooperating brokers will no longer split commissions.
“Listing agreements must disclose that the seller is neither required to offer compensation nor required to accede to any cooperating broker’s request for compensation. The listing broker must disclose this to the seller before the seller signs the listing agreement.
“If a seller elects to offer compensation, the listing agreement must also say that the cooperating broker will be an intended thirdparty beneficiary of the agreement with the right to enforce the same.
“Before posting a listing, the listing broker must certify, in a checkbox designated for this purpose in Pinergy [the MLS app], that the listing broker has notified the seller of the seller’s rights not to offer compensation and not to accede to a cooperating broker’s request for compensation.”
Just Listed: 4-BR Home in North Arvada
This 1967 brick ranch at 10840 W. 71st Pl. has a fully finished walk-out basement. Both the front and back yards are fenced and sprinklered. There are two bedrooms and one full bathroom and one 3/4 bathroom on the main floor and two more bedrooms sharing a 3/4 bath in the basement. With its own entrance and kitchenette, the basement could serve as a mother-in-law apartment. Both levels have wood-burning fireplaces. There’s a large covered deck on the main level and a sunroom which the seller uses as her dining room. With its ramped entrance, the main floor of this home is handicapped accessible. The kitchen was recently renovated. The location is a quiet subdivision that is nevertheless convenient to Old Towne Arvada, parks and bike paths, and the Apex Rec Center on 72nd Avenue. You can view a narrated video walk-through at www.GRElistings.com, then call Jim Smith at 303525-1851 to request a private showing. $695,000
Sitting at the end of a cul-de-sac in the small and quiet Canyon Point Villas subdivision, this home at 533 High Point Drive has a commanding view of the City of Golden, the table mountains and the foothills, including the famous "M" on Mt. Zion from its recently refinished full-width wood deck. You'll appreciate the interior too, including the recently refinished hardwood floors and new carpeting, and the updated kitchen with slab granite countertops. Even the two-car garage has been painted and includes wall cabinets and other storage. You will be able to view a narrated video tour next week at www.NorthGoldenHome.com, then come to our open house on Saturday, July 13th, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Or call Jim Smith at 303-525-1851 for a private showing.
Jim Smith
Jim@GoldenRealEstate.com 1214 Washington Ave., Golden 80401 Broker Associates: JIM SWANSON, 303-929-2727 CHUCK BROWN, 303-885-7855
DAVID DLUGASCH, 303-908-4835
GREG KRAFT, 720-353-1922
AUSTIN POTTORFF, 970-281-9071
KATHY JONKE, 303-990-7428
In-house
,
“Concentrate on giving and the getting will take care of itself.” —Anonymous
Local Scouts help clean up Conifer
annual community service project on June 22. e troop includes members from Evergreen, Conifer, Morrison, Idaho Springs and Bergen Park.
Scouts and Scout leaders, led by Matthew Hansen, picked up trash and cleaned up the sidewalk that connects Conifer Road and Meyer Parkway, including the Hwy 285 underpass in Conifer. is sidewalk gives pedestrians access to the Conifer Loop trail, which connects the town center to neighborhoods.
CONSTRUCTION EQUIPMENT
Uncontested primary elections took place June 25 in Clear Creek County for new county commissioners in Districts 2 and 3 as one Republican and one Democrat in each district share the ballot.
Unopposed Clear Creek County Commissioner candidates advance through primaries
One Republican and one Democrat are on the ballot for the District 2 and 3 seats
BY CHRIS KOEBERL CKOEBERL@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM
Uncontested primary elections took place June 25 in Clear Creek County for new county commissioners in Districts 2 and 3 as one Republican and one Democrat in each district share the ballot.
In District 2, Republican Eric Ginter and Democrat Rebecca Lloyd are running to replace interim commissioner Mitch Houston.
Colorado Gov. Jared Polis appointed Houston to the interim position after former commissioner Sean Wood died in May.
In District 3, Republican Robert Smith will compete against Democrat Jodie Hartman-Ball for longtime commissioner Randy Wheelock’s seat in the general election in November. Wheelock is term-limited.
“My background includes working as a trial attorney for the US Department of Justice, private sector corporate counsel, on legislative matters at the EPA, and as a PTA Member and volunteer in our Clear Creek schools,” Lloyd said in a statement to the Courant. “I retired from my legal practice during the pandemic and am committed to working fulltime for the good of the County.”
Smith’s statement included information about his work as chairman of the Board of the Georgetown Trust for Conservation and Historic
Preservation.
“(It) runs the Visitor’s Center and manages restored historic properties,” he said. “ e Georgetown Trust also manages the Old School multiuse historic property and provides the Georgetown Cultural Arts Programs and Mountain Jam Concerts. Hartman-Ball statement addressed issues she will focus on in her campaign.
“ ere are many challenges that Clear Creek (County) faces, and I feel many of our voices have been left behind over the years,” she said.
“Concerns from Evergreen to the Divide need to be addressed. We need to continue to balance change while protecting our beautiful surroundings. We need a ordable housing, childcare, and elderly services. Growth needs to be managed, and the current residents should have some protections for their way of life. Folks shouldn’t have to worry about being displaced should developers come in to make a quick buck.”
Ginter sent the Courant this prole: “I started out my adult life in the Marine Corps Infantry. I started my own Electrical Contracting Company in 2008. All three of our kids started out at King Murphy and either have graduated or are on schedule to graduate from Clear Creek High School. ...As county commissioner I want to prioritize listening to residents ideas, concerns and grievances. I believe county government is and should always be a team e ort.”
As the primary election is uncontested in both districts, the candidates will move forward to the Nov. 5 general election.
Boy Scout Alex Fleet helps sweep the sidewalk June 22.
COURTESY PHOTO
and properTrust multiprovides ProConcerts. adin that I been said. Dineed while surroundhousing, and have life. about developers prothe my Compastarteither schedule High commissioner resigrievancis ort.” unconcandiNov.
We’d like to know about events or activities of interest to the community. Visit www.clearcreekcourant. com/calendar/ and post your event online for free. Email ckoeberl@coloradocommunitymedia.com to get items in the newspaper. Items will appear in print on a space-available basis.
THURSDAY
Idaho Springs July 4th: 11 a.m.on July 4 at Citizens Park, 1545 Miner St., in Idaho Springs. Music includes:
• 11 a.m.: Nathan Mceuen
• 1 p.m.: Mark Morris & Friends from RapidGrass
• 3:30 p.m.: Billy & Jilian Nershi from e String Cheese Incident
• 6:30 p.m. Chala Fireworks to start over the Water Wheel at dark.
UPCOMING
Skatepark Design Input Meeting: 6-8 p.m. on ursday, July 11 at Tommyknockers Brewery, located at 1410 Miner St. in Idaho Springs. All community members are encouraged to attend and share their ideas.
e iconic bicycle race that takes place on the highest paved road in the United States is Saturday, July 20. e course starts in the City of Idaho Springs at 7,500 feet and travels to the upper parking lot of Mount Blue Sky Scenic and Historic Byway at 14,130 feet. Information at www.bicyclerace.com.
Rapidgrass Music Festival:
e Clear Creek Metropolitan Recreation District music festival in Idaho Springs is slated for Aug. 2-3. Bluegrass music at the Shelly/Quinn ball elds: https:// rapidgrassfestival.com/ Overnight camping is available.
ONGOING
Tween & teen paranormal adventure: Join the Clear Creek Library District and professional paranormalists from Denver from 7-9 p.m. on July 13 in Georgetown. e paranormalists will teach young learners about their paranormal equipment and attempt to record paranormal activity at the John Tomay Memorial Library.
Evergreen Sports O cials: e Monday, July 15 baseball umpire training course is at Clear Creek High School. Classroom and eld training for anyone over 12 years old. Sign up information at evergreensportso cials.com.
e Mount Blue Sky Hill Climb:
CASA of the Continental Divide seeks volunteers:CASACD promotes and protects the best interests of abused and neglected children involved in court proceedings through the advocacy e orts of trained CASA volunteers. Be the di erence and advocate for the youth in our community. e o ce can be reached at 970-513-9390.
Test sirens scheduled: In an effort to notify people in the town of Georgetown of potential ooding due to the unlikely event of a dam failure at Xcel Energy’s Cabin Creek or Georgetown hydroelectric plants, sirens will be tested the rst Wednesday of every month.
detectors are working properly. To request a visit, ll out the form at www.clearcreekcounty.us/1388/ Community-Outreach.
Clear Creek Democrats: e Clear Creek Democrats meet from 5-7 p.m. the third ursday of the month at the Vintage Moose in Idaho Springs. Join them for conversation and social time.
Blue Spruce Habitat volunteers needed: Blue Spruce Habitat for Humanity is looking for volunteers. A variety of opportunities and exible schedules are available on new construction sites as well as for exterior minor home repairs. No previous construction experience needed. Contact volunteer@bluesprucehabitat.org for information.
Walk-in vaccine clinics: Walk-in vaccine clinics for adults and children needing u and other vaccines are available from 10 a.m.4 p.m. Wednesdays at the Clear Creek Health and Wellness Center, 1969 Miner St., Idaho Springs. No appointments required for the vaccines, though you can pre-register by calling 303-670-7528.
and more. Most insurances are accepted including Medicaid. Sliding scale/low-cost options are also available. No appointment necessary. is is a mobile dentist that comes once a month. Call program manager Lauralee at 720-205-4449 for questions.
Clear Creek Rotary 2000 meetings: Clear Creek Rotary 2000 meets at 7:30 a.m. Wednesdays at Marion’s of the Rockies. 2805 Colorado Blvd., Idaho Springs. For more information, email loe er806@ comcast.net.
Support After Suicide Loss:
Clear Creek EMS/Evergreen Fire Rescue Launch Mugs for Rugs Campaign: Bring an old throw rug and you’ll leave with a bright green mug! You can bring them to Station 1A in Dumont, 3400 Stanley Road, or you can email captains@ clearcreekems.com and CCEMS will come to you to make the trade. Clear Creek EMS also o ers fall-risk assessments by bringing someone from the re department to make sure smoke and carbon monoxide
Resilience1220 counseling: Young people 12 to 20 can get free counseling through an Evergreenbased organization called Resilience1220. Composed of licensed therapists, Resilience1220 serves individuals and groups in the foothills including Clear Creek County. ey also facilitate school and community groups to build life skills in wellness and resilience among youth. For more information or to schedule a counseling session, visit R1220.org, email Resilience1220@ gmail.com or call 720-282-1164.
Dental clinics: Cleanings, Xrays, dentures, tooth extractions
A safe place to share and learn after losing a loved one to suicide. is group meets every fourth Wednesday of the month from 5:30-7:30 p.m. via Zoom or in person at the Resilience1220 o ce. For ages 14 and up. Suggested donation for this group is $15. Register at resilience1220.org/groups.
Storytime with Miss Honeybun: Storytime with Miss Honeybun is at 11:15 a.m. Tuesdays at the Idaho Springs Public Library and at 11:15 a.m. ursdays at the John Tomay Memorial Library in Georgetown.
Sensitive Collection: Resilience1220 strives to inform and support highly sensitive people to live healthy and empowered lives. It meets the third Wednesday of each month from 6-7 p.m. and is o ered via Zoom or in person at the Resilience1220 o ce. Register at resilience1220.org/groups.
Public Health o ering sexual health and family planning: Clear Creek County Public Health is now o ering Sexual Health and Planning Services at the Health and Wellness Center in Idaho Springs.
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Clear Creek Courant (USPS 52610)
A legal newspaper of general circulation in Idaho Springs, Colorado, the Clear Creek Courant is published weekly on Thursday by Colorado Community Media, 1630 Miner St., Idaho Springs, CO 80452.
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BY JASON GONZALES CHALKBEAT COLORADO
Which college opportunities are worth the money?
e routes to two- and four-year colleges didn’t t Maryssa McCray’s ambitions.
McCray, 19, wants to be an o cer in the Air Force. But her SAT score wasn’t high enough to enroll in the U.S. Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs. Life events also got in the way. Her Kia Sportage got stolen. She also experienced the shock of her family needing to put down two of their dogs.
When she heard about the ASCENT program from her Rangeview High School counselors, she jumped at the
chance. e program extends high school by a fth year, but allows students to attend college in that fth year. She enrolled at the Community College of Aurora as she gured out how to join the Air Force.
“I wasn’t necessarily ready to leave my family, so it kind of gave us both a little bit more time to get situated,” she said.
For students like McCray, Colorado has o ered numerous college-level opportunities, typically free of cost, while they attend high school. Some options introduce college-level classes as early as ninth grade. Others, like ASCENT, pay for students to attend college on
campus at no cost and can help prevent them from dropping out of high school. But state lawmakers are now digging deeper into the value and outcomes of these programs after a task force highlighted problems like a lack of cohesion with these programs. During this year’s legislative session, lawmakers placed an enrollment cap on ASCENT, which stands for Accelerating Students through Concurrent Enrollment, as part of broader e orts to scrutinize the program and others that give students college and workforce experience. While lawmakers say they’re dedi-
Maryssa McCray takes notes during an astronomy class on April 25, 2024. The ASCENT program allows students like McCray to stay enrolled in high school for an extra year but also take college classes.
PHOTO BY ELI IMADALI / CHALKBEAT
COLLEGE
cated to workforce and college programs in high school, ASCENT has faced perhaps the most skepticism because of the minimal data about it and its rising costs as more students participate.
It’s one of the state’s oldest concurrent and dual enrollment programs; lawmakers created ASCENT in 2009. Yet there’s still not a lot of information about the classes students take in college, whether they leave with a credential or degree, or whether students enter into good-paying careers, partly because collecting this data is not required.
However, the information that is available suggests ASCENT is not fullling its original mission to the extent people hoped. Originally aimed at helping students who might otherwise lack access to college, such as students without documentation, data shows that half of participants are white and three-quarters are middle-class.
District leaders say there’s value in ASCENT, even if other programs overlap somewhat with the experience students get. But others worry about the expense and an outdated mission that doesn’t align with workforce goals.
For students like McCray, the program allowed her time to gure out her next steps, instead of making a college decision that didn’t t or not going to college at all. She’s not sure what she would have done without the program.
“I knew at least for a year I can get through college, learn what I want to do and get used to it, and then gure things out from there,” McCray said.
Colorado report highlights fragmented dual enrollment options
About 90% of jobs that can support a family of three require a postsecondary education, such as a certicate or degree, according to a recent state report.
Yet recent graduation data shows only about half of all Colorado high school graduates will head to college. Many of them — especially Black, Hispanic, and Native American students — will never nish college or enter a workforce training program.
In response, Colorado has pushed college courses down to high school students to help them get college experience, a workforce credential, or even graduate with a higher edu-
cation degree. Or in the case of extended high school programs, like ASCENT, the state has o ered to pay for a student’s rst year or years in college.
But a report released in December by a state task force detailed a fragmented early career and college system that’s in need of streamlining.
Colorado has a dizzying number of such opportunities for high school students. e crowded landscape can cause confusion.
Each program is distinct, and not all of them are administered by the same o ce. at can make it dicult for families and students to understand their options.
e di erent programs also have disparate reporting requirements, creating di culties for measuring how programs are working as a whole and individually.
Colorado lawmakers said the task force’s report, which they authorized, outlined a path toward more accountability and would help them understand what is and isn’t working for students.
Colorado lawmakers halt ASCENT’s expansion
Lawmakers enacted a series of bills this year to expand and evaluate college and workforce education programs after the report.
e bills direct the state to do a comprehensive nancial study to analyze how much the programs cost the state and districts, compile long-term data on program outcomes, expand opportunities, and seek to nd a comprehensive direction when it comes to college and career education.
e growth — and the price tag — of ASCENT in particular raised lawmakers’ eyebrows.
Colorado had spent about $3.8 million a year on the program prior to 2022. at year, in the name of increasing opportunities for students statewide, lawmakers lifted a 500-student cap for ASCENT. at’s led to rapid growth for ASCENT. Next year, 1,700 students are expected to participate, up from 1,200 this year. As more of them have jumped at the chance at free college, the state is projecting it will spend about $17 million on ASCENT next year, more than quadruple what the program cost in 2022.
Lawmakers decided this year to cap the program at next year’s student enrollment levels, and a scal analysis says changes will bring down costs by about $1 million. ey also approved a mandate for students to ll out the Free Applica-
tion for Federal Student Aid, known as the FAFSA. at could o set some of the state’s costs if students are eligible for and receive federal grants. e new law also mandates further study of the program’s cost and outcomes.
Many ASCENT students enroll at community colleges in Colorado, which costs about $4,692 for fulltime enrollment of 30 credit hours a year. Yet the state provides about $10,000 a year to districts for every student in the ASCENT program. Aside from tuition, the funding covers districts’ administration of the program. But that hasn’t assuaged o cials’ concerns about costs.
“ ere are valid questions about whether this program is actually helping the students it is intended to help,” said Rep. Shannon Bird, a Westminster Democrat and Joint Budget Committee chair, during a oor hearing on the bill that targeted ASCENT. “And we need to make sure that we get the biggest return for every dollar we spend.”
ASCENT helps students get college experience e ASCENT program helped Jennifer Martin nd her footing in college.
Martin, 19, almost took a gap year after she graduated from Aurora’s Gateway High School in 2023 because she didn’t feel ready for college and worried about the cost. However, counselors helped convince Martin to participate in ASCENT, which would provide support from Aurora Public Schools during her year at the Community College of Aurora.
“My mentality was to save up enough money to where I could af-
ford the tuition and pay for the costs of living on campus,” she said. But other programs might achieve the same goal while o ering a clearer focus.
Michelle Romero, the postsecondary & workforce readiness director for the Colorado Department of Education, said newer extended high school programs that have come after ASCENT steer students into speci c careers.
For example, the P-TECH program began in 2016 and also gives students the option of extending high school enrollment. But it is designed to get students into a science, technology, engineering, or math pathway in ninth grade. e program o ers six years of high school, and allows students to graduate with an associate degree in a relevant eld. Some P-TECH students have graduated in four years and never needed more time in high school, Romero said.
Meanwhile, the state’s Teacher Recruitment Education and Preparation program started in 2021 to help address the state’s teacher shortage. e program also extends high school enrollment. It pays for students who want to become teachers to take college classes for up to two years.
ASCENT students, on the other hand, can take whichever college classes they want. And the state doesn’t even track if they stay in college beyond their ASCENT year.
When discussing ASCENT student outcomes, Romero said: “Do they stick with a certain pathway? Do they nish? Do they end up with some type of credential, associate
Although you may have taken the time to create a welldesigned will and/or trust that distributes your property as you desire upon your death, there are some common challenges which may present themselves upon your passing. Disputes among your bene ciaries can result in bitter family relationships, costly court proceedings and nancial devastation. e following are some proactive measures you can take to avoid common challenges and ensure your documents accomplish your intended goals.
VOICES
How to avoid challenges in your will or trust
GUEST COLUMN
Treat children equally: Family dynamics may have you questioning whether your assets should be divided equally between your designated bene ciaries who are often your children. In order to avoid potential complications, especially if there is already discord, equal distribution may be a wise decision. If you have two children, leave each child half of all assets. Setting up a trust for a child with bad spending habits can be a useful tool to help protect and manage their assets. is way, a designated trustee will have the responsibility of managing assets for their bene t. e trust may specify how assets can be utilized, establish incentives to encourage good behavior and set restrictions to prevent erratic
spending. Regarding control of your estate, delegate positions according to skill level or select a corporate executor or trustee to avoid anyone from feeling slighted. Distribute tangible property through speci c bequests: While monetary assets can be divided easily, it can be di cult to determine the true value of items of sentimental value and tangible property. Statements in wills or trusts which divide all “tangible personal property” among your bene ciaries in substantially equal shares may not be enough instruction for your bene ciaries. Substantive value can be based upon several characteristics including emotional and sentimental worth. Discuss this issue with your bene ciaries to determine the personal signi cance of certain items. By inserting speci c bequests into your will or trust, you can mitigate squabbles regarding that antique lamp in the living room or your grandmother’s diamond ring.
Account for gifts given during lifetime: If you gifted money or
property to a bene ciary in the past, make sure to account for it in your plan. Since your goal is to treat all your children equally, you might want to address this gift in your will or trust. Classify any gift as an advancement, with the value of the gift counting as part of the “residuary” money you will leave to that bene ciary. For example, if you gave your daughter $5,000 toward student loans, you would speci cally state under her residuary share “less $5,000 gifted for student loan payments during my lifetime.”
Insert a no-contest clause in your will: Typically, a no-contest clause will state that if a bene ciary challenges the validity of the will and fails, that bene ciary will forfeit any inheritance they would have received. e clause acts as a threat and discourages those seeking to receive a bigger piece of the pie. If you know a bene ciary is prone to con ict, inserting this statement can prevent heated legal battles and ensure your estate is distributed as intended.
Prove your Competence: e bene ciary contesting the will or trust will often claim the maker of the document was incompetent, under undue in uence from another bene ciary, or under duress during the signing of their will. To avoid these
allegations, you may want to consider obtaining a medical evaluation which will con rm you are mentally competent and understand the nature and consequences of signing a will. is statement can be included in the will or presented to a court if the will is challenged. Another way to prove competence when signing a will is to have witnesses present at the signing. Witnesses can attest to the individual’s mental capacity and ability to understand the nature and consequences of signing a will, and to a rm that they believe the individual is of sound mind and not under any form of duress.
Disinherit any heirs: Leaving certain family members out of your will can be a source of contention among bene ciaries. If you are going to disinherit someone, make sure it is noted clearly in your will or trust so there can be no question as to whether you intended to exclude them.
Carolyn Moller Duncan’s Duncan Legal, PC is located in Centennial with a practice emphasis on estate planning, probate and trust administration. Carolyn has over 22 years of experience practicing law in Colorado. Carolyn is a member of the Colorado Bar, Trust & Estate Section, Family Law Section and Denver County Bar Association.
OLDS: This week in the Clear Creek Courant…
50 years of Courant headlines not to be confused with news
BY TEDDY JACOBSEN
Fourth fun to continue without the fireworks – July 3, 2013
For the second year, reworks were canceled in both Idaho Springs and Georgetown in light of dry conditions in the county. Clear Creek Fire
Chief Kelly Babeon made the decision. “What we needed was a monsoon set-up that would get things really wet for many days in a row,” he said.
Georgetown park honors late grocer – July 6, 1994
Georgetown’s Nybro Park was renamed in honor of the late Henry Anderson, who had been the town’s grocer for years. He was the proprietor of the Knciscl & Anderson Store, Georgetown’s oldest commercial establishment. Residents said they would say they were “going down to Henry’s” when they would visit the store.
New school almost complete –July 6, 1979
Gilpin County’s new K-12 school building was near completion near Missouri Lakes north of Black Hawk. e $1.2 million structure will provide classroom space for around 250 students.
Two bodies turn up – July 5, 1974
Clear Creek County Sheri Jim Miller said the body of a man was found inside a mine tunnel near Lawson with shots in the head and chest. Idaho Springs Police Chief
John Marks also said they found the body of a woman in the waters of Clear Creek just upstream from the Twin Tunnels. He said the water carried her body about three miles before coming to rest on a shoal.
e Clear Creek Courant was created in August of 1973. ese items come from Courant’s historic archives. As it turns out, previous Courant writers had the same idea for the paper’s 25th anniversary. eir section was dubbed, “Olds: Not to be confused with news.” It lives on for an entire year to celebrate the paper’s 50th birthday.
Creating more inclusive sport environments
Kindness and respect. Support and understanding.
When we think of an inclusive sports environment, words like these come to mind. But how do we turn these words into actions we can implement as parents or guardians out on the eld or court?
At the U.S. Center for SafeSport, athlete safety and well-being are our priority. By educating communities on how they can help prevent abuse and misconduct in sport, we help every participant feel safe, supported and strengthened. And more than that, we seek to help parents and coaches foster settings that are more inclusive and accessible for all athletes.
But rst, what do inclusive environments look like in practice? And how do we create them?
Valuing all athletes
From respecting physical and emotional boundaries to giving athletes with disabilities the help they request, inclusive sport settings treat each athlete with respect and care and make sure each athlete’s needs are met.
Maybe you’ve seen an athlete with a disability left out of an activity because the coach failed to o er a drill that’s accessible to all teammates. Or maybe you’ve witnessed a participant’s confused look as they try to understand a set of complicated warm-up instructions.
When we prioritize inclusivity, we prioritize principles that make sport accessible for everyone. Examples of this are communicating openly and clearly in ways that each child can understand and adapting activities so athletes of all abilities can play and thrive.
Inclusive sport environments are places where no one is excluded based on something that makes them di erent, where all athletes can participate at the level they want, and where kindness and respect outweigh competition and tting in.
What parents can do
When a child steps onto the eld or court, they may bring stress, trauma and individual challenges from their day-to-day lives with them. As a parent, guardian, or coach, you play a key role in creating a setting that is sensitive to that stress or trauma — and is built on support.
By reinforcing that no one has to
GUEST COLUMN
Ju’Riese Colón
change to t in, you can help create an atmosphere that values and appreciates all athletes.
Here are ve actions you can take:
1. Model respectful, kind behavior. Demonstrate care and compassion when engaging with athletes.
2. Value each athlete. Value the unique contributions each child brings to the team or organization and nd ways to support and encourage everyone’s individual contribution.
3. Communicate openly and clearly. Communicate in ways that each participant can understand, including using simpli ed language when possible and creating alternate formats of policies, rules, or schedules.
4. Promote athletes’ agency and autonomy: Encourage athletes to set physical and emotional boundaries and respect the boundaries they set.
5. Address harmful behaviors. When inappropriate or harmful behavior occurs, address it immediately. is way you can help maintain safe, supportive spaces for all.
Sports allow kids to learn and grow, but only when everyone is supported and included. How we treat each other matters. By building inclusive sport settings that are welcoming and encouraging we can lift athletes up, making them stronger and happier.
e U.S. Center for SafeSport produces tools and resources for parents, guardians, and coaches to help young athletes feel empowered and supported. Our Creating Inclusive Sport Environments handout provides key information and actions you can take to safeguard sport for all. For additional resources to help you recognize, prevent, and respond to abuse in sport, visit uscenterforsafesport.org/abuse-prevention-resources. If you or someone you know has experienced abuse or misconduct involving a participant of the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Movement, you can make a report to the U.S. Center for SafeSport: uscenterforsafesport.org/report-a-concern.
Ju’Riese Colón is the chief executive ofcer of U.S. Center for SafeSport, which describes itself as “an independent nonpro t committed to building a sport community where participants can work and learn together free of emotional, physical and sexual abuse and misconduct.”
WIDDOWFIELD-HATHCOCK
Devyn Leah Widdowfield-Hathcock December 7, 2010 - October 6, 2023
Devyn lost her battle for life on October 6, 2023 after battling Acute Meyloid Leukemia for almost 3 years. She met her leukemia head on and fought with all her might, teaching us all what it meant to ght with a true heart.
She is survived by her mother, Jennifer Widdow eld, father, Jon Hathcock, brother, Conall Widdow eld-Hathcock, grandparents, Murph and Verna Widdow eld and Edmund Hathcock,
several aunts, uncles and many cousins. Preceded in death by her sister Tegwyn Leah Widdow eld and grandmother Joan Hathcock.
A Celebration of Life for Devyn will be held on the afternoon of August 24, 2024 at Elm-Green Park on Floyd Hill. Time and more information will be posted on her Go Fund Me page as all details are nalized.
Link - https://gofund.me/4a454165
BY MCKENA HARFORD MHARFORD@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM
With one simple swish of his bug net, University of Colorado entomologist Adrian Carper deftly caught three di erent species of bees that had been buzzing around the Denver Botanic Gardens.
Carper identi ed them to his tour group as an American bumblebee, a sweat bee and a leafcutter bee — just a few of the more than 1,000 species of bees native to the state.
“ ere are so many things that sometimes we don’t see at rst glance but are there,” he said.
As part of the Denver Botanic Gardens’ Big Day of Bugs, Carper and others shared their expertise on pollinators with hundreds of
visitors, celebrating the important role the bugs and birds play.
Colorado’s colorful biodiversity is in large part thanks to the thousands of species of pollinators, including bees, butter ies, hummingbirds, beetles and moths, that call it home. Worldwide, more than 80% of owering plants rely on pollinators and pollination is crucial for producing fruit and other foods.
Pollinators play such a crucial role in the environment that Colorado named June as pollinator month in an e ort to educate about them and raise awareness of the issues leading to population decline, including habitat loss, climate change and pesticides.
June also kicked o the prime time for pollinators, according to John Murgel, a horticulture and natural resources specialist for the Douglas County Colorado State University Extension O ce.
“If you were going to pick one time to look for pollinators and see a diversity, this is it,” Murgel said.
For those interested in helping build up pollinator populations, there are a number of ways to help.
Murgel said anyone with an outdoor space can help combat habitat loss by planting owers, shrubs or trees that have pollen or nectar, particularly native wild owers like the aptly named beebalm.
“One thing folks can consider do-
ing is build habitat back into their landscapes,” he said. “It’s an ‘if you build it, they will come’ model for pollinators. If you have oral resources, you’re going to see pollinators.”
Murgel said it’s ideal to try and plant a variety of owers and shrubs that ower throughout the year. He added that local CSU extension o ces can recommend speci c plants depending on the area and resources available.
Another local resource is the People and Pollinators Action Network, which also o ers grants to support building new habitats.
Colorado is home to more than 1,000 species of bees, as well as thousands of other pollinators, like butterflies, beetles, moths and hummingbirds.
PHOTO BY MCKENNA HARFORD
POLLINATORS
In addition to owers, Murgel said an ideal pollinator habitat has access to soil, nesting sites, like rocks, mulch or sticks, and a water source. He also encouraged people to avoid weed fabric.
“ e more diverse habitat you can build, the more pollinators you stand to see and to help,” Murgel said.
Another big way to combat pollinator declines is to stop using pesticides, Murgel said.
In order to keep track of pollina-
tor populations, there are also volunteer networks that survey areas for di erent species. CSU extension o ces have the native bee watch program, which trains volunteers to identify species and then submit reports.
“You can do it in your yard or your local park, any place there are owers,” Murgel said. “ en you submit your observations so we can track how many native bees we’re seeing in habitat fragments.”
Similarly, the Butter y Pavillion, an invertebrate museum in Westminster, o ers the Colorado Butter-
y Monitoring Network to train volunteers to track butter y species.
A number of educational events also focus on pollinators, including the Big Day of Bugs and the Butter y Pavillion’s Pollinator Palooza. ornton residents Hailey, Shannon and Melissa Castillo, who took one of Carper’s bug tours, said they would be implementing several things they learned about at the Big Day of Bug in their new garden to support bees and hummingbirds.
“Now we know it’s not just about the owers, but also the environment,” Hailey Castillo said.
Hannah Craft, associate director of learning engagement and inter-
pretation with the Denver Botanic Gardens, said awareness and education is a key rst step to helping pollinators. She said surveys found that some visitors reduced their water consumption, planted di erent species or talked to a friend about conservation after learning about plants and pollinators.
“I think it’s exciting to move the needle on that and get people thinking,” Craft said. “ ings like climate change can seem really overwhelming but facilitating these conversations is a great place to start.”
Murgel agreed.
“For tiny creatures, tiny actions can be a really big deal,” he said.
Butterflies and moths fly freely inside the Butterfly Pavilion in Westminster.
PHOTO BY KRISTEN FIORE
BOTTOM LEFT: Thornton residents Melissa Castillo, Shannon Castillo and Hailey Castillo examine a bumblebee caught in a tube.
Castillos
Five tips to stay on track this summer for students headed to college in the fall
BY JASON GONZALES CHALKBEAT COLORADO
Many Colorado high school graduates have headed into this summer uncertain about college.
Some still might need an estimate of the cost, commit to enroll at a school, or nish tasks, like turning in immunization records and high school transcripts, before they show up in the fall.
While students and families might fear they’re behind for the fall, college advisers and admissions experts say they shouldn’t worry after a collegegoing process complicated by Free Application for Federal Student Aid issues.
“It’s been a bit of a struggle,” said Federico Rangel, a Denver Scholarship Foundation college adviser. “And it’s been hard for students to make college decisions.”
Because of the FAFSA complications, college experts worry students’ dreams of college might fade during the sum-
mer. But, they say, there are ways students and families can stay on top of the process.
Here are ve tips to remain on track this summer.
If you haven’t, fill out the FAFSA
Nationally, less than half of the Class of 2024 has lled out the FAFSA, which opens the possibility of federal grants and institutional aid to attend college. About 11% fewer students have lled out the FAFSA compared to last year. is year’s FAFSA issues started with a delay in when students could ll out the form. Problems persisted throughout much of the year. But, most problems that prevented students from lling out the form have been resolved.
Filling out the FAFSA is critical to families so they understand how much they can expect to pay.
Colleges and universities use the FAFSA to determine nancial aid for each family. Many students who struggle the
most to pay for college qualify to pay a lot less or even nothing.
Most students who are not U.S. citizens or permanent residents cannot ll out the FAFSA, but students who graduate from Colorado high schools can ll out the CASFA, or the Colorado Application for State Financial Aid. Students then can qualify for in-state tuition and aid, regardless of their immigration status.
You’re not too late to enroll in college
Haven’t committed to a college or university yet? at’s OK.
Many colleges nationwide extended enrollment deadlines to June 1. But, just because the deadline has passed doesn’t mean students are too late to choose a school.
Larger agship schools like the University of Colorado Boulder might be more strict on the timing of enrollment, but Marty Somero, director of University of Northern Colorado’s nancial aid o ce, said he speaks with other admissions o cers frequently and every public college and university will still work with students.
Smaller, regional universities like UNC in Greeley are more exible. Although the schools may have stated enrollment deadlines, Somero said, “we really don’t.”
“We just want to encourage students to make a decision as soon as possible,” he said.
Community colleges have the most exible enrollment deadlines.
“Colorado public colleges and universities are glad to work with students if they need to take just a little bit longer to make some decisions,” Somero said.
Make a list of college to-do items
Once a student commits to a college, there’s still a lot to do. Students must sign up for orientation, submit immunization records and high school transcripts, and check on housing options if they want to live on campus.
Students should keep a checklist of tasks they must complete.
“Students will need to keep things moving in the right direction so they don’t fall behind,” Somero said.
Rangel said typically he helps students prepare for college in April. But that timeline has been delayed for many students this year because they’re
still waiting on nancial aid details. For example, Adams State University’s nancial aid o ce is holding open hours on Fridays to help any student or parent ll out the FAFSA or gure out the college-going process. e university also plans to hold Friday and Saturday webinars throughout the summer.Students and parents can call 719-587-7306 or email onestop@ adams.edu for help. To access the webinar link visit adams.edu and click on the FAFSA Fridays graphic.
Don’t
hesitate to reach out
Have a question?
Rangel and Somero said college advisers and admission o cers want to help.
“Students certainly should reach out to the schools,” Somero said. Students also can keep in touch with their high school counselors. Rangel said he will be helping Denver students throughout the summer with questions and completing items necessary to go to college. Other school counselors are available to do the same, he said.Somero also said college admissions o cers want to help. A call to the school’s admissions o ce can help students and families stay on track, he said. “ ere’s help out there,” Somero said.
Connect with a school resource o ce ere are other o ces at colleges and universities that can help. Rangel said a great way to get questions answered is to reach out to student resource centers on campuses.
e support services, sometimes called educational opportunity centers or academic success o ces, are meant to help students on campus.
Students also can sign up for programs meant to help them succeed. Programs like TRIO, which includes three federal programs meant to help students from low-income backgrounds and who are the rst in their families to go to college, can help students navigate hurdles throughout the summer. e programs — Upward Bound, Talent Search, and Student Support Services — also help students once they are enrolled and taking classes.
Chalkbeat is a nonpro t news site covering educational change in public schools.
Much of Colorado could be pushed into drought by late summer
BY SHANNON MULLANE THE COLORADO SUN
Colorado has seen an average water year so far, but looking ahead, climate experts say much of the state could fall into drought conditions and struggle to nd relief.
Colorado’s very average snowpack has o cially melted away from all 115 federal snow monitoring stations in the state, as of this week. Reservoir levels are at 94%, just slightly below average, while precipitation was at exactly 100% of the 30-year median, according to a recent Water Conditions Monitoring Committee meeting.
Heat, however, has been on the rise. Even summer showers may not be enough to combat its e ects, or to keep the state away from drought.
“Really the entire state is at risk of developing drought this summer,” Assistant State Climatologist Becky Bolinger told listeners during the meeting. “A strong monsoon would be really helpful. It would limit that risk of worsening drought, particularly over the Four Corners. … For now, it’s looking like that is not as likely, and that it’s going to be a pretty rough summer.”
Climate experts track precipitation, temperature, soil moisture and other factors year-round to gauge water supplies and storage for farmers, city utility managers, reservoir operators and residents around the state.
is year’s outlook has some of those water users looking out for impacts to sh populations, recreation opportunities, irrigation supplies and
Skiers cruise down the slopes at Arapahoe Basin ski area in Colorado on Nov. 13, 2023. Low precipitation has left much of the region in a “snow drought,” which could have big implications for Colorado River water supply. Climate o cials said the snow pack has o cially melted as of June 27 at all mountain monitoring stations.
wild res.
“Without much rain, wild re will de nitely be a pretty serious concern,” said Adrian Bergere, executive director of the San Miguel Watershed Coalition in southwestern Colorado. e period from October 2023 through May ranked in the top 10 warmest time periods across a signi cant majority of the state when compared with a 129-year historical record, Bolinger said.
Areas of southeastern Colorado, like Lamar and La Junta, have already reported 20 or more days over 90 degrees. e Front Range has already had 10-15 days over 90 degrees. Most
of the country is also likely to be hotter than usual for the rest of the summer, she said.
at’s quite the switch after last year, which started out with cooler-thanaverage months, Bolinger said. e hotter temperatures are likely to continue for the rest of the summer. Western Colorado and the Four Corners area have a 70%-80% chance of above-average temperatures — a very high degree of con dence, Bolinger said.
Colorado’s stream and river levels are receding after a normal runo year, and incoming precipitation will be increasingly helpful for water us-
ers in the late summer and early fall. Although the state has seen average precipitation so far, there’s a 40%-50% chance rainfall will tumble below normal levels for July through September. Some areas, like Fort Collins and Burlington, have seen less-than-average rainfall so far. Even with some rain in the near-term forecast for early July, it will be hard for these areas to end the water year, which closes Sept. 30, at the average level, Bolinger said. e combination of hot and dry weather could make it harder for areas of the state that are already experienc-
SEE DROUGHT, P22
‘Killed by a Tra c Engineer’ debuts alongside new CU Denver program
BY ALLEN COWGILL SPECIAL TO COLORADO COMMUNITY MEDIA
University of Colorado Denver professor Dr. Wes Marshall started his career as a tra c engineer, but he quickly realized that safety rules in the profession were built on what he described as pillars of sand.
Marshall’s new book, “Killed by a Tra c Engineer,” details the myriad of systemic failures that have led to record numbers of tra c deaths.
Tra c crash deaths have taken the lives of more people in the United States than all U.S. wars combined, said Marshall, who has written more than 70 research papers on streets and transportation. He wanted to use this book to go after the foundations of the system.
“ e real problem isn’t just that we put Band-Aids on our problems,” Marshall said, “which is the vicious cycle we are stuck in now. We create terrible roads, throw Band-Aids on here and there, but they don’t x what led to problems in the rst place.”
Marshall’s book opens with a comparison to the very early days of the medical profession, when, one could argue, more people were killed by it than helped. For example, even as recently as the 1940s, Marshall writes, “doctors used X-rays to remove unwanted hair … and gave people cancer.”
e book then pivots to the tra c engineering profession, which is less than 100 years old and has produced a “system that incites bad behaviors and invites crashes.”
Wild
Marshall asserts that there isn’t one fundamental problem with the system, but many.
Crash data, for example, focuses on human error such as speeding, driving through red lights or jaywalking. Holding the road user at fault lets tra c engineers o the hook, Marshall said, even when data could have predicted the outcome or better design could have prevented crashes.
“Just to say it’s random user error doesn’t get at the fundamental problem, that the system is creating that error,” Marshall said.
In another example, Marshall describes how engineers often create wide roads – much wider than needed, and designed like highways – that easily allow, even invite, drivers to exceed the speed limit.
He notes that it’s not an error that everyone is speeding on streets like Federal Boulevard, it’s simply typical behavior for the street given its design.
When asked why Federal Boulevard is one of the most dangerous streets in Denver, especially for pedestrians, Marshall pointed to crash statistics that do not address the fundamental problem of the street. For example, if someone jaywalks and gets hurt or killed, the police will often cite jaywalking as the cause of the crash.
“As engineers and planners, we look at that data and we don’t think we did anything wrong, we just look at it and think we need to put more money into education and enforcement,” Marshall said.
Show
Marshall advised that we take a step back and try to understand why a person would illegally cross the street. e person may have jaywalked on a street like Federal because the nearest crosswalk is a half-mile away and sidewalks leading there might be nonexistent or impassable. He said that road users don’t want to get hurt, but that the built environment and road infrastructure can lead them to make decisions that seem rational given their options.
“To me, that is our fault as engineers that we are not providing people with a safe place to cross,” Marshall said, “but the data would
never tell us that. I think we need to dig deeper.”
Marshall noted that the streets tra c engineers have spent the most energy re-engineering, widening and building for speed, like Federal Boulevard, are often the most deadly. Whereas neighborhood streets that have been minimally altered or remain unaltered by tra c engineers are often the most safe.
Marshall also described rules of the profession that are not grounded in safety. For example, many tra c engineers will set a steet’s speed limit based on what they call the “85th percentile rule.” is is the speed at or below which 85 percent of drivers travel on a road segment. So instead of basing the speed limit on what may be the safest for the road conditions or the community the road goes through, it bases the speed limit on how fast drivers are able to travel down the road.
Marshall noted that among the most signi cant of systemic problems are engineering schools that teach tra c engineering practices that lead to systemic failures. Marshall said it gives him hope that CU Denver is trying to provide forward-thinking tools to tra c engineers and planners of the future. A new university program, Human Centered Transportation Education, will o er a minor, certi cate, dual-degree and graduate-level programs.
Editor’s note: Allen Cowgill is the City Council District 1 appointee to the DOTI Advisory Board, where he serves as the board co-chair.
Wes Marshall’s new book details transportation system failures that lead to deaths.
PHOTO BY ALLEN COWGILL
Vander Jackets stitches fashion to sustainability
Local clothing line joins unique local businesses at Aug. 10-11 Firefly Handmade market in Washington Park
BY MERYL PHAIR
SPECIAL TO COLORADO COMMUNITY MEDIA
Sarah Vander Neut recently stitched the nal threads of her 2,500th jacket since starting her Denver based apparel company Vander Jacket.
Each individually designed and sewn product is a work of art for the Aurora based designer, who sources materials from excess fabric found in the metro area, upcycling the surplus deadstock into functional eye-catching pieces. e jackets are thoughtfully crafted to accommodate everything a runner might need, such as a watch hole, longer cu s that can serve as gloves, thumb holes and an assortment of open pockets, like a back pouch to t anything from an extra layer to a water bottle and dog treats.
“Good design is compassionate because it helps people, bringing beauty to their life and solving their problems,” said Vander Neut and for the designer, the creation of Vander Jacket did exactly that. While pregnant with her daughter in 2011,
Vander Neut needed a jacket to wear running.
“At the time in Colorado, it was a decade where everyone wore two colors of a pu y coat from Columbia or North Face, or an REI brand,” said Vander Neut.
Unable to nd a jacket that t right for her growing body, and tired of wearing her husband’s old sweatshirt, she designed a few pregnancy jackets to wear. After her daughter was born, she sold her jackets at a ea market in Denver. e jackets were an immediate hit. Along with runners looking for functional and stylish designs, they struck a chord with Colorado’s outdoorsy customer base.
“Coloradans know that you need jackets,” said Vander Neut. “I frequently hear that people are always ready to buy a jacket because they know they’ll wear it.”
e business has since expanded from jackets to include athletic vests, tank tops, hats, balaclavas, bags and more. e business now employs a small but productive team of diverse women in the Denver area who craft and distribute the products through their online website as well as locally in Colorado.
“I still get excited that what I make is apparel for people to use during the healthiest hour of their day,” said Vander Neut, who emphasizes the clothing is for anyone to wear regardless of if they run in it or not.
Sarah Vander Neut in pink Vander Jacket, just one of over 2,500 the designer has made from excess fabric acquired around the metro area. COURTESY OF VANDER JACKET
SPORTS
22nd annual Slacker Half-Marathon in Clear Creek County draws more than 2,500 runners
The Slacker Half-Marathon from Loveland Ski Area to downtown Georgetown is the highest-elevation halfmarathon start in the U.S.
BY CHRIS KOEBERL
e 22nd annual Slacker HalfMarathon drew more than 2,500 runners to the start line at Loveland Ski Area at 10,630 feet in elevation. Participants nished the race at City Park in Georgetown at 8,400 feet in elevation.
It’s no surprise organizers call it the Slacker Half-Marathon, because the entire run across dirt and paved roads is downhill.
“Runners can take as long as they want to nish… we’ll stay here until the ultimate Slackers, as we call them, come through,” Clear Creek Metropolitan Recreation District Special Events Director Jenn Jordan-Truesdale said.
City Park in Georgetown was packed with hundreds of runners and supporters on June 22. It’s the rst time in race history that the Slacker Half-Marathon ended at City Park instead of downtown, according to organizers.
Sam Laird and his mother Carmen traveled from Colorado Springs to Loveland for the race. Carmen said
Sam had been training for the run for weeks with the goal of getting stronger and healthier.
“He’s very independent and… just wants to do things, he wants to keep busy, he wants to keep active and this was just a fun summer activity for him to do,” Laird said.
Sam described the run as “hard work but an awesome opportunity.”
Race sponsors CCRMD, Tommyknocker Brewery & Pub, Loveland Ski Area, Mighty Argo and Beau Jo’s, among many more, filled the park with food and drink for all.
Race volunteer Mark Reynolds was busy with his crew throughout the morning cooking and serving more than 1,500 free Nathan’s hotdogs and buns to a hungry crowd.
Clear Creek County emergency medical teams were also prevalent in the crowd, treating minor injuries.
“Minor orthopedic injuries, twisted ankles, sprains, cramping things of that nature, sometimes we’ll run into dehydration,” Clear Creek EMS Capitan Paul MacFarland said, listing some of the common medical needs at the Slacker Half-Marathon. “So we have a full complement of medical equipment here and then the ambulance right there in case we require a transport out of here.”
In addition to treating simple injuries, the county EMS was also teaching anyone who would listen
Race volunteer Mark Reynolds was busy with his crew throughout the morning cooking and serving more than 1,500 free Nathan’s hotdogs and buns to a hungry crowd in Georgetown June 22.
Slacker finisher Kayla Cooley of Arvada said she loved the race, especially the slacker part in Georgetown June 22. PHOTOS BY CHRIS KOEBERL
A vibrant tradition with a dark history
24th annual Colorado Dragon Boat Festival to take place at Sloan’s Lake on July 27-28
BY CHANCY J. GATLIN-ANDERSON
SPECIAL TO COLORADO COMMUNITY MEDIA
As the legend goes, an ancient Chinese poet and court o cial named Qu Yuan drowned himself in the Miluo River in protest of the corrupt imperial government. Onlookers from the nearby village rushed into the river with their boats to retrieve Qu Yuan’s body, violently thrashing at sh with their paddles along the way to prevent them from eating his quickly decaying esh. is is said to be the origin of the Chinese Dragon Boat Festival, and ultimately the dragon boat race.
Historically, the Dragon Boat Festival takes place on the fth day of the fth lunar month, a traditionally unlucky time of the year. According to the Smithsonian Institute, the festival incorporates several traditions that work to rid people of misfortune during this time. Parents, for example, give their children ve threads of colored silk to carry around with them during the Dragon Boat Festi-
val.
e threads are meant to keep negative spirits at bay.
To honor this Chinese tradition, communities all over the world hold Dragon Boat Festivals, incorporating food, arts and sports, all in celebration of Chinese history and culture.
Denver’s Sloan’s Lake Park is home to the United States’ largest Dragon Boat Festival, attracting nearly 200,000 attendees in recent years.
e Colorado Dragon Boat Festival debuted in 2001 with the mission of building bridges of awareness,
knowledge and understanding between the diverse Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Paci c Islander (AANHPI) communities in Colorado and the general public through cultural education, leadership development and athletic competition.
e 2024 Colorado Dragon Boat Festival will take place on the north side of Sloan’s Lake Park on July 2728. In addition to the much-anticipated dragon boat races, the festival will include an Asian Marketplace where vendors and artists will be selling wares, two Taste of Asia food courts, and a stage for live music. It will also feature live art demos, eye dotting ceremony, a performing arts stage, water zorbs and a dragonland kids play area.
“Our festival stands out because we are not just about Dragon Boat races. We are an arts and culture festival that also highlights and promotes the ancient sport of Dragon Boating. On land, we feature three stages with over 60 performances from community organizations, including Taiko
drumming, Indian dance, and K-pop battles,” said Sara Moore, executive director of Colorado Dragon Boat, a non-pro t established in 2001. ose involved with Colorado Dragon Boat believe that AANHPI representation is crucial, especially in Colorado. e AANHPI umbrella encompasses more than 40 di erent ethnicities and cultures.
“In Colorado, only about 4% of the population identi es as AANHPI, highlighting the need for our communities to unite to be seen and heard,” said Moore. “ is is precisely why Colorado Dragon Boat, the nonpro t that hosts the Colorado Dragon Boat Festival, was established.”
Moore added that the three founders – Ding Wen Hsu, Howie Solow and John Chin – recognized the necessity of bringing diverse AANHPI communities together to celebrate a collective impact.
“ e Colorado Dragon Boat Festival not only unites our AANHPI
The Dragon Boat Races on Sloan’s Lake are a highlight of the festival.
COURTESY OF COLORADO DRAGON BOAT
SEE DRAGON BOATS, P21
DRAGON BOATS
communities in a safe and fun environment to celebrate and promote our remarkable contributions and achievements, but also invites the general public to join us in celebration,” Moore said. “Although we are an AANHPI festival, many attendees come from other marginalized and underrepresented communities. We strive to create a safe space for everyone to celebrate art and culture.”
Following the COVID-19 pandemic, there was a signi cant increase in anti-Asian sentiment and hate, making the Colorado Dragon Boat Festival even more vital in the post-pandemic era.
“It is heartwarming to see so many Coloradans and others support our community after such a challenging time. In 2023, over 200,000 attendees joined our two-day event, demonstrating Coloradans’ strong desire to support and uplift diversity and culture. We are a staple in Colorado history, as well as one of the largest events in Denver year after year,” Moore said.
Moore added that planning for the Colorado Dragon Boat Festival is a year-round endeavor, and sta and volunteers are always introducing new and exciting elements to keep the festival fresh and relevant each year.
“For our sta , this event is a passion project that inspires them daily,” Moore said. “However, the festival would not be possible without the hundreds of community volunteers who devote their time and energy to ensuring a safe and enjoyable event each year.”
DROUGHT
ing drought conditions to recover, and it could mean that more areas fall into drought, she said.
About 16% of the state is experiencing drought conditions. at is vastly better than in late 2020 and early 2021, when the entire state was in drought and over 20% was in the most severe drought category. At that level, agricultural and recreational economic losses are large, reservoirs are low, large res can develop and mandatory water restrictions are often implemented, according to the U.S. Drought Monitor.
“ ere is a slightly increased risk for drier extremes in the southern part of the state, which really means there would be a low likelihood that any drought that worsens or develops in the summer is not going to see relief through the fall,” Bolinger said.
In the Upper Rio Grande River Basin, aquatic biologist Estevan Vigil is keeping an eye on the water temperatures and water levels on the Rio Grande and Conejos rivers for Colorado Parks and Wildlife.
Brown trout and rainbow trout ourish when water is about 50 degrees but struggle when it rises above 70 degrees. At that level, their immune systems become stressed, and catch-and-release shing can lead to higher sh mortality.
If stream levels fall below 50% of the norm, and if temperatures rise above 70 degrees, Vigil may implement voluntary or emergency shing closures.
“In the (San Luis Valley) since 2019, we’ve probably done it twice,” Vigil said. “I’m anticipating having to do it this year.”
A strong monsoon season would help keep rivers owing and shing access open, he said.
Several city water managers said their reservoir storage supplies were
looking good during the water conditions meeting. Colorado Springs Utilities reservoirs were at 85% of their capacity, and Denver Water’s reservoirs were 97% full.
e lack of monsoons would heighten concerns over wild re risk or lead to a shorter rafting season for boaters, Bergere said. Less-thanaverage rainfall could also leave sections of the river dry as water gets pulled for other uses, like irrigation and municipal supplies.
Water users in the San Miguel River Basin know how to endure uctuating supplies, Bergere said.
“What we’re looking at there is not amazing, but it’s something we’re pretty used to down here,” he said. “Without much rain, wild re will de nitely be a pretty serious concern.”
is story was printed through a news sharing agreement with e Colorado Sun, a journalist-owned nonpro t based in Denver that covers the state.
FROM PAGE 5
Public Health o ers counseling, emergency contraception, pregnancy testing, STI and HIV screenings, basic infertility services and birth control options and referrals. ese services are con dential. Public Health can also now bill Medicaid and most private insurance. However, if you do not have insurance, fees are based on a sliding scale — and no one will be turned away if they are unable to pay.
Clear Creek County Lookout Alert: e CodeRED alerts have been replaced by the Lookout Alert. Residents can sign up for emergency alerts county-wide by signing up at www.lookoutalert.co. e new site replaces CodeRED following the switch to Je Com911 for emergency dispatch earlier this year.
FASHION
A runner herself, Vander Neut’s eye for colorful athletic apparel started at a young age growing up in the heart of all things running in Eugene, Oregon. Her dad was a marathon runner for Nike and would often review prototypes for Nike apparel.
“He’d get about 100 miles of wear on a product, which for him was in a week, and take out a yellow legal pad and write what he thought about all of it and send it back,” said Vander Neut. Growing up close to the process of clothing design and learned how to sew from her mother, a passion for fashion design was instilled which took her college in Texas and Idaho before grad school in Colorado, where she ultimately decided to start putting down roots.
e idea to use surplus materials was at rst a necessity for the scrappy fashion designer with an eye for picking out a treasure, but quickly became the center of the business’s mission.
As she worked to nd and collect remnant fabric around Denver, she sourced her fabrics from craft stores and local art supplies or reused sites like Craigslist along with local athletic gear companies. Even after twelve years of creating her products, she’s still surprised how much fabric waste and excess materials are in circulation.
As for the potential for scaling up the enterprise, Vander Neut said it would take the right business partner, and in line with their business values, they would have to grow slowly. One major consideration for growth would be access to fabrics. “ e remnant fabrics that we use can be limiting but it also pushes me to a creative place because of that
limit,” said Vander Neut. “It’s like, I just got this load of fabric, and they should be windbreakers so we’re making windbreakers. Our company’s mission sets a limitation that pushes me to innovate.”
Firefly Handmade takes Vander Jacket to the next level
Expo last October which was a big
has evolved from its establishment in 2010 by three friends in Boulder, to a vibrant community of makers. e market is held three times a year in the spring, summer and fall with two holiday markets, one in Denver and one in Boulder, held annually. Each market is selective with artists from sixteen categories of goods
1. MUSIC: What is a didgeridoo?
TRIVIA
to play professional football after college graduation?
2. ANIMAL KINGDOM: What is a baby swan called?
3. HISTORY: What is the name of the treaty that ended the Revolutionary War?
4. GEOGRAPHY: In which country is the Basilica de la Sagrada Familia located?
5. SCIENCE: What does a hertz measure?
6. GENERAL KNOWLEDGE: What color is most of the toilet paper in France?
7. PSYCHOLOGY: What irrational fear is represented by coulrophobia?
8. LANGUAGE: What is the rst character to be added to Morse Code since WWII?
9. LITERATURE: What is the term for a section at the end of a book that concludes what has happened?
10. U.S. PRESIDENTS: Which president turned down o ers
Answers
1. A wind instrument used by Australia’s indigenous people.
2. A cygnet.
3. e Treaty of Paris.
4. Barcelona, Spain.
5. Frequency.
6. Pink.
7. Fear of clowns.
8. e @ symbol (2004).
9. An epilogue.
10. Gerald Ford.
(c) 2024 King Features Synd., Inc.
FLASHBACK
1. Name the Beatles album that includes “I’ve Just Seen a Face,” “You Won’t See Me” and “Michelle.”
2. Which duo released “ e Closer I Get to You”?
3. Where did in Lizzy get their name?
4. Who was Stagger Lee in the song?
5. Name the song that contains this lyric: “I watched you die, I heard you cry every night in your sleep.”
Answers
1. “Rubber Soul,” in 1965. It was released with 14 songs in the U.K. and 10 in the U.S. with an additional two taken from another album.
2. Roberta Flack and Donny Hathaway in 1978. e song climbed the charts in the U.S. and was nominated for Best Vocal Performance by a Duo in 1979.
3. From a character in the 1937 comic “ e Dandy,” which had a character called Tin Lizzie, a robot maid.
4. “Stag” Lee Shelton was a gambler who killed Billy Lyons in 1895 during a card game in St. Louis.
5. “Because of You,” by Kelly Clarkson in 2005. Clarkson wrote the song when she was a teenager in response to the pain of her parents’ divorce. e accompanying video won Best Female Video at MTV’s awards the next year.
(c) 2024 King Features Syndicate
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Legal Notice No. CCC916
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Handmade markets showcase local artisans and hand-crafted goods.
FASHION
ranging from skincare, ceramics, jewelry and apparel to visual art. While many artists return every year, about a quarter are new to the scene, ensuring each market is fresh with new products
to showcase. Artists are required to be on site for the festivals, which Beth Pomerantz, owner and creative director of Firefly since 2013, stresses is an essential piece to the unique feel of the market.
“We think it’s important for them to be able to share their stories,” said Pomerantz. “We’ve grown a great community of ar-
July 18, 2024
Publisher: Clear Creek Courant
tisans, shoppers and friends of Firefly. We have also been fortunate to have a huge amount of support from the communities where the festivals take place.”
To support the community in return, Pomerantz said the festival connects customers with local businesses near the markets. Instead of bringing in food trucks, for example, Firefly en-
Public notice is given on June 21, 2024, that a Petition for a Change of Name of an adult has beenfiledwiththeClearCreekCountyCourt.
The petition requests that the
courages festival shoppers to stop into the restaurants and shops surrounding the marketplace. Pomerantz hopes that local businesses will see more customers not only during the festival itself, but year-round through the additional exposure.
The Firefly Handmade summer market also features live music and is, of course, pup friendly.
Runner takes a break in Vander Jacket designed for road running. COURTESY OF VANDER JACKET
