Elbert County News 0521 by Colorado Community Media

May 21, 2015 VOLUME 120 | ISSUE 16 | 75¢

ElbertCountyNews.net E L B E R T C O U N T Y, C O L O R A D O

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NEWS IN A HURRY New principal for middle school

Elizabeth Middle School has a new principal, Pam Eschief. She will take over for Jodi Elkins, who decided to resign at the end of the school year. Eschief is the dean of students and athletic director at the middle school. She has been an employee of the Elizabeth School District for 16 years.

ElizaBash draws near

The annual ElizaBash festival is scheduled for June 6. Thousands of people typically attend the event, which features vendors, arts and crafts, live music and more on Elizabeth’s Main Street. ElizaBash will begin after the morning’s Stampede Rodeo Parade. Find more information at www.elizabethchamber.org

Fundraiser for track rescheduled

The Cardinal Clay Challenge originally scheduled for May 15 has been rescheduled for Aug. 15. Participants may sign up as a team of four or as an individual. The event will support the Elizabeth High School Track and Field Initiative to resurface the track and to repair the pole vault and jump runways. The event will be held at Quail Run Sporting Club, 6852 Quail Run Circle, Kiowa. Register at www.elizabeth.k12. co.us. Questions may be directed to Clay Terry at (303) 646-3868.

This photo shows the condition of Coal Creek Drive, a road located in northwest Elbert County, south of County Road 186. Photos by Rick Gustafson

Weather puts spotlight on roads

County faces tough decisions about paving as traffic increases By Rick Gustafson Special to Colorado Community Media

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ELBERT COUNTY NEWS (USPS 171-100)

OFFICE: 9137 S. Ridgeline Blvd., Suite 210 Highlands Ranch, CO 80129 PHONE: 303-566-4100 A legal newspaper of general circulation in Elizabeth, Colorado, the Elbert County News is published weekly on Thursday by Colorado Community Media, 9137 S. Ridgeline Blvd., Suite 210, Highlands Ranch, CO 80129. PERIODICALS POSTAGE PAID AT ELIZABETH, COLORADO and additional mailing ofﬁces. POSTMASTER: Send address change to: 9137 S. Ridgeline Blvd., Suite 210 Highlands Ranch, CO 80129 DEADLINES: Display: Thurs. 11 a.m. Legals: Thurs. 11 a.m. Classiﬁeds: Mon. 10 a.m.

PL E ASE RECYCLE T HI S C OPY

For more than two weeks, Elbert County, like much of Colorado, has received more than its share of rain, hail and snow. At one point, areas in the county received eight inches of rain from a single storm. While most residents can appreciate the muchneeded moisture, the heavy rain has taken its toll on many of the county’s 1,000 miles of dirt and gravel roads. According to County Manager Ed Ehmann, in some areas roads became so saturated that attempting to fix them would have done more harm than good, because the sodden roads were unable to support the weight of the equipment sent to repair them. At the Board of County Com-

Elbert County resident Kevin Lang talks about the poor condition of roads in the northwest part of the county during the Board of County Commissioners meeting May 13. missioners meeting on May 13, county resident Kevin Lang, who spoke on behalf of more than 200 households in the northwestern part of the county, told the BOCC that residents of his community were not appealing for paved roads, but that their concerns

went beyond the damage created by the current wet weather. “The conditions of the roads there are such that even our firefighters can’t get down roads, because it turns to slush. The road base is just sand and mud,” Lang said. “We just want roads that are

safe.” Ehmann acknowledged the high amount of traffic damaging the roads in the area. “It’s one of those areas we identified in 2008 that required paving on many of those roads, because the traffic volumes exceeded what we could maintain as gravel roads,” Ehmann said. “It’s hard for us to maintain that road and haul in materials. That’s why you see a blade out there more frequently than not.” Though road crews have been scrambling to maintain roads during the wet spring weather, the reality is that there are not enough paved roads in the county. The Western Elbert County Transportation Master Plan developed in 2008 identified 138 miles of road in the northwest part of Elbert County where traffic exceeds 200 vehicle trips per day, the threshold of traffic indicating a road needs to be paved. The county has completed paving Roads continues on Page 7

Ethics complaint against Rowland dismissed Group said residents stayed anonymous due to fear By Rick Gustafson Special to Colorado Community Media

The Colorado Independent Ethics Commission dismissed an ethics complaint against Elbert County Commissioner Robert Rowland at its monthly meeting on May 11. The IEC voted 3-2 to dismiss the complaint filed by Colorado Ethics Watch against the Republican District 1 commissioner as frivolous. Amy DeVan, executive director of the IEC, notified Rowland of the decision in a voicemail on May 12, informing him that he would be receiving no future contact from the IEC regarding this

issue. In an email addressed to members of the media and some county staff, Rowland wrote, “While these radically motivated distractions are a nuisance, and while we respect the different points of view of our rational citizens, this is just Rowland another example of a small, angry, destructive wing of this party that instead of offering constructive, positive input to help our county, continues to pursue a very confusing and counter-productive approach to injecting their ideology into the processes here in our county.” Colorado Ethics Watch Director Luis Toro said the decision surprised him, and he was disap-

pointed that the process had not been more transparent. Toro said that he felt the case against Rowland was stronger than a similar case brought by Ethics Watch against Jefferson County Commissioner Kevin McCasky, who spoke and voted in support of increasing public funds to the Jefferson Economic Council while he was applying for the position of its executive director. In that case, the IEC voted 2-1 that McCasky acted improperly. “Our track record is pretty strong,” Toro said. “We’ve put a lot of effort into this, and we strongly disagree that there is anything frivolous about this case. It is the job of the IEC to hold people accountable, and I think the people of Elbert County deserve better.” According to Toro, Ethics Watch filed the March 2014 complaint on behalf of “concerned Elbert County residents” who pre-

ferred to remain anonymous for fear of retaliation. The complaint to the IEC alleged that Rowland violated state ethics laws on Jan. 16, 2014, when he seconded and later voted in favor of a motion made by thenCommissioner Kurt Schlegel authorizing the Elbert County attorney to represent Rowland’s appeal of a $1,000 fine levied against him for violating Colorado campaign finance laws. In April 2014, the IEC voted unanimously to stay any action on the ethics complaint until the appellate court reached a decision regarding Rowland’s appeal of the fine. The charge against Rowland and subsequent fine for violating Colorado campaign finance laws was brought by Jill Duvall, chairwoman of the Elbert County Rowland continues on Page 7

2 Elbert County News

May 21, 2015

Rural school districts offer test ideas to state Array of concerns drives quest for alternatives By Donna Bryson

The Associated Press A dozen rural school districts from across Colorado, including the Elizabeth School District, are calling for relief from Common Core-linked testing and asking for a chance to take a local approach to measuring student success. The 14-district Rural Innovation Alliance boosted its case in a presentation to the state school board May 14 with references to similar efforts elsewhere in America. Colorado hasn’t been alone this year in a contentious debate about testing, with campaigns to encourage parents to pull their children out of statewide assessments — in part out of a sense that the burden of exams in general has become too great, and in part because of skepticism about the Common Core. Tests linked to the Common Core, a nationwide initiative to improve students’ math and English achievement, were

rolled out for the first time this year. Rural districts are concerned about the effect on their budgets of the technology for the tests, which are administered on computers. They also question whether it’s fair to judge teachers on how students do when their sample sizes are so small, and worry that results from the new tests are scheduled to come too late to be of much use in designing new curricula or study plans for individual students. Members of the Rural Innovation Alliance who addressed the state board last week also called for other factors, such as attendance rates or the results of surveys of emotional health, to be considered along with the statewide assessments in ranking schools and assessing teachers. Colorado joined the Partnership for Assessment of Readiness for College and Careers, or PARCC, a coalition of states, to develop Common Core tests that move away from the multiple-choice assessments of old to try to get students to show a sophisticated grasp of reading, writing and math. The more ambitious tests required more preparation time,

and grading them also is a lengthy process. Brian Hanson, whose Mancos district serves about 400 students in southwestern Colorado, said such tests have value, but “my concern is three months of instruction lost because of PARCC and I don’t get the results back for six months.” Mancos is among 14 districts that formed the Rural Innovation Alliance to try to design a testing regime that better suits their needs. The proposal Hanson and others described to board members is in its early stages and did not offer details, for example, on how far they wanted to back away from PARCC. But they noted that New Hampshire recently received federal permission for a pilot that would allow it to replace Common Core-linked tests in some years with other assessments. The New Hampshire Department of Education said its pilot, the first of its kind in the country, could set the stage for allowing its districts to reduce standardized testing and introduce more locally managed assessments. “We’re hoping that we can do that as well,” said Kathy Gebhardt, who ad-

dressed the board May 14 as an adviser to the rural alliance and is well known in Colorado for her work as an advocate for education reform. Board members were enthusiastic about the rural schools’ presentation, but noted they could take few practical steps to support them. Later on May 14, Elliott Asp, who is a special assistant to the state education commissioner, noted that many of the rural schools’ concerns were widely shared. Education policy makers in Colorado, he said, had been talking with counterparts in California, Vermont, Tennessee, Kentucky and, most notably, New Hampshire about developing new testing systems. Asp said Colorado hoped to approach the federal government this summer to request a chance to follow New Hampshire’s lead with its own pilot tests. Members of the rural alliance will be consulted on what that pilot might look like, Asp said in an interview, noting they had “already done a lot of thinking about what would work for them.”

Wet spring eases Colorado fire risk in weeks ahead Western half of state more vulnerable to blazes Associated Press Colorado officials expect a quiet start to the wildfire season along the Front Range, but the western half of the state is drier and more vulnerable. State Fire Prevention and Control Director Paul Cooke said May 15 that the

risk of fires along the Front Range will be below average through mid-June because of a wet spring. He says the risk could increase when the summer heat dries things out. Cooke says an average season brings about 3,000 fires that burn 150 square miles. Last year, about 3,700 fires burned 36 square miles in Colorado. In 2013, the state had 1,200 fires that burned nearly 305 square miles.

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The National Interagency Coordination Center says Colorado’s wildfire potential will be normal or below normal through August. The center coordinates firefighting efforts nationwide. Also on May 15, it was announced that Colorado will patrol its forests and grasslands with two new wildfire-spotting aircraft this summer, hoping to find and extinguish flames before they explode into deadly megafires. Fire management officer Joe LoBi-

ondo said infrared cameras aboard the planes are so sensitive that they can detect a campfire from 28,000 feet high. The planes are based at Centennial Airport. Officials say they can reach any part of the state in about 40 minutes. Cooke said it cost a total of $9 million to buy and equip both planes. He says they’ll pay for themselves if they prevent a single blaze like the 2012 Waldo Canyon fire, which killed two people and destroyed 346 houses in Colorado Springs.

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Elbert County News 3

May 21, 2015

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4 Elbert County News

May 21, 2015

Colorado health insurance exchange raises fees Assessment for family of four will more than double By Donna Bryson The Associated Press The board of directors of Colorado’s health insurance exchange has raised fees that will be passed on to consumers as it and other states face decreased federal funding and struggle to predict enrollment figures. The hike in administrative fees to 3.5 per-

cent from 1.4 percent of premiums means a family of four paying monthly premiums of $1,000 would see its assessment more than double from $14 a month to $35. Connect for Health Colorado Chief Executive Officer Kevin Patterson said last week they chose the middle of three options presented by staff, one that brings Colorado, which had had among the lowest assessments fees in the nation, in line with the federal exchange’s fee. “They didn’t feel like it was the right time to go above what the federal exchange was

charging,’’ Patterson said. “There are some things we need to prove to the public.” Shoppers have encountered frustrating delays on the exchange. Patterson himself said he thought it took too long at 20 minutes for him to buy a policy on the site. Patterson was Gov. John Hickenlooper’s chief administrative officer before being named Connect for Health’s CEO last month. He is the exchange’s third leader since it was established under the Affordable Care Act, and he said he would like the job permanently. A limited state audit report of Connect for Health in December said financial controls were inadequate and more than $30 million in payments and contracts lacked proper documentation or procedural controls. State lawmakers have called for broader reviews. Still, Colorado’s problems have been less severe than those associated with other exchanges. Deborah Bachrach, a lawyer and former Medicaid director for the New York State Department of Health who now advises states on federal health reform, said that while consumers now might be concerned by rising fees, the goal was to improve the exchanges’ ability to enroll more people who need health insurance. Some states are already seeing more plans coming onto the market. “More enrollees bring in more issuers. More issuers bring in more competition, which should bring premium costs down over time,’’ she said. Federal grants that helped more than a dozen states start their own insurance marketplaces are starting to run out, researchers Sean Miskell and Justin Giovannelli of Georgetown University’s Center on Health Insurance Reforms said in an interview last

week. Many, like Colorado, are considering raising fees. Some, like Rhode Island, are requesting state funding, a step Patterson said Colorado is not taking. Others, like Hawaii and Vermont, are looking to cut costs by transferring some of their operations, such as online platforms, to the federal government. Giovannelli said that when the exchanges began, officials could only guess how many people would enroll and where they should set their assessment rates. Now, after two enrollment periods, the facts needed to shape business decisions are becoming clearer. “People always say the government should be more like private business,’’ Miskell said. “But the flip side of that is, sometimes, private businesses fail.’’ Miskell said that with so much invested already in the Affordable Care Act, he is not concerned any exchange will fail. In Colorado, Patterson’s board last week also increased a flat monthly fee charged on all private policies sold in the state from $1.25 to $1.80. That affects about 1.2 million policies. Patterson added that his exchange, which currently gets no federal reimbursement for helping applicants sign up for Medicaid, was now seeking such support. As a first step, Patterson’s staff must determine how many of the people who come to his assistance network, brokers, website and customer service center are advised they qualify and go on to receive public insurance. Consultant Bachrach said Colorado is among several states that did not initially focus on the extent to which their exchange staff and technology would be working to help people sign up for Medicaid.

Are you a good neighbor to your environment? Everyone plays a part in protecting water quality. Washing and dumping of wastes into the storm drain is a direct threat to our lakes and streams. By keeping a neighborhood watch on your streets and shopping areas, you play a big part in keeping our lakes and streams clean and healthy. Please report illegal and accidental dumping to your local authorities. To find out how to properly discard your household chemicals, contact your local agency. Local stormwater agencies, including participants of the Douglas County Stormwater Co-op Group, SPLASH and SEMSWA, are teaming together to bring you this message. We take this so seriously that we posted this ad rather than send you more garbage in the mail. One thing is clear: our creeks, rivers and lakes depend on you.

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Never dump anything to the storm drain that you yourself would not drink or swim in. Community Media of Colorado agrees: Please recycle this newspaper responsibly and partner with our communities for a better tomorrow. Ad campaign creative donated by the Town of Castle Rock Utilities Department, Stormwater Division.

Elbert County News 5

May 21, 2015

Lawmakers say future unclear for VA hospital

HAVE AN EVENT? To submit a calendar listing, send information to calendar@coloradocommunitymedia.com.

g By Dan Elliott eThe Associated Press n - The chairmen of the House and Senate Veterans Affairs ycommittees said last week the future of an over-budget VA shospital under construction in Aurora is unclear because the Department of Veterans Affairs hasn’t come up with an acceptsable plan for funding it. y Sen. Johnny Isakson of Georgia and Rep. Jeff Miller of Flordida also criticized the VA for not punishing those responsible -for the overrun. e The rare joint statement shows how unhappy Congress is with the project and with the VA’s response. d The hospital is expected to cost more than $1.7 billion, .nearly triple an estimate the VA gave last year. Medical equip-ment, furniture and staff training will cost an additional $340 million, the VA has said. d The new facility will replace an aging and crowded one. t During a hearing in Colorado last month, Isakson said it “would be a stupid mistake” not to finish the hospital, but his joint statement with Miller contained a warning. k “Because of a near complete and total lack of focus on the n project at the highest levels of VA and the department’s disre5 gard for congressional oversight, the future of the Denver re-placement hospital is unclear,” they said. Three members of Colorado’s congressional delegation hsaid they were also unhappy with the VA’s response, but the rhospital must be finished. The statement was released by Sen. sMichael Bennet, a Democrat, and Sen. Cory Gardner and Rep. -Mike Coffman, both Republicans. f Earlier in the day, a VA official told a House subcommittee -— chaired by Coffman — that the department is improperly espending at least $5 billion a year without using the competiotive bidding and written contracts required by law. The VA wants to finish the Denver hospital with $730 milslion from a $5 billion fund that Congress set up to reduce wait ytimes for veterans to get health care. Lawmakers from both eparties rejected that plan May 12. o Sen. Richard Blumenthal of Connecticut, the top Democrat on the Senate Veterans Affairs committee, said it was unacceptable to delay health-care improvements in his state and others to accommodate cost overruns at a single site. The department stuck by the proposal May 14, releasing a statement saying, “Given the fiscal environment, VA believes this is the right choice that will allow for timely completion of the Denver project and the best option for taxpayers.” Isakson and Miller again criticized the VA for not holding anyone accountable for the botched Denver project. The VA blames a flawed design process and other problems for the overruns. The department launched two internal investigations and has promised to punish those responsible for the problems, but no firings have been announced, angering many members of Congress.

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6 Elbert County News

May 21, 2015

VOICES

LOCAL

In some cases, it’s all about the ownership Last week I attended and participated in a leadership retreat. There were many agenda items and topics that were covered over two days, but one topic really caught my attention: ownership. As I took part in the conversation and worked through the exercise of who owns specific responsibilities and functions within an organization I couldn’t help but think about how I think about ownership in my personal life as well. So even though ownership should be fairly obvious in the business world as roles and responsibilities, job descriptions and organizational charts help to define who in the company owns a specific function, many times true ownership slips through the cracks. Or worse, sometimes in a company or organization ownership often gets overlooked as we all too often play the blame game. It is always easier to deflect a poor outcome or a missed goal on another department or person in the company instead of owning it and being held accountable for delivering results. Another reason that ownership and accountability come in second place behind excuse-making is that managers fail to inspect what they expect. And when this happens, the tendency is for people to take shortcuts, fall

short on quality, and ultimately miss expected deliverables and goals. Now what about our personal lives? What happens when there is no company or organization or manager to hold us accountable for doing the things we want to do, should do, and even have to do? Michael Norton Are we owning it? WINNING I think for some people it is just as WORDS easy to point to other people, circumstances and events as a reason or excuse for not meeting a specific goal or following through on a project or commitment instead of owning it themselves. Some companies meet with success in spite of themselves, but truly successful companies excel when it comes to accountability and ownership. So what would happen if we excelled at owning it in our personal lives too? I mean, some of us get away with winging it or flying by the seat of our pants and cruise under the accountability radar and still find a

way to succeed. Could be short-term success, but some of us find a way to get by. But what I am talking about is truly owning it, and by “it” I mean all the things that we set our mind on, all of our relationships, commitments, hobbies and projects that we endeavor to pursue. In the absence of anyone else holding us accountable, can we inspect what we expect from ourselves? Maybe you are more of the Nike kind of person and “just do it.” But there is a difference between the Nike tagline, “Just Do It,” and owning it. They are certainly complementary because when we have the “owning it” part internalized, the “doing it” part will surely follow. So how are you doing when it comes to owning it? Whether it’s personally or professionally, and if you have any questions about how to “own it,” I would love to hear all about it at gotonorton@gmail.com. And when we live up to “owning it,” it really will be a better than good week. Michael Norton is a resident of Castle Rock, the former president of the Zig Ziglar Corporation, a strategic consultant, and a business and personal coach.

Assessing the real worth of advice No one wants to pay too much for anything. We think we need to get things “on sale” to get a good deal. However, when it comes to services of any kind, it can be a challenge to calculate the value for the cost, much less find a sale. The last time I got estimates for house painting or tree trimming, I was stunned. By the time you find someone reputable to do the work and make sure you get the best quality, the idea of a sale is long gone. Assessing value for any service is difficult, yet when it comes to financial advice, good service can be invaluable if it creates a better future. Investments are an item that you purchase for a cost. Here it makes sense to try and find a sale. On the other hand, financial advice is a service and you want the most reputable and the best quality firm you can find. An objective advisor is crucial for the more intrinsic value items such as achieving your personal goals. It is important to understand what advice costs, but it may be difficult to assess the value if you don’t realize what all the benefits are. One good example of this is a comment from the famous mutual fund manager Peter Lynch, who managed the Fidelity Magellan fund for years. Between 1977 and 1990, Lynch averaged a 29.2% annual return, consistently more than doubling the S&P 500 index and making it the best-performing mutual fund in the world. He was concerned that the average investor in his fund during that period of time actually lost money. This occurred due to poor investor behavior, jumping in and out of the fund at the wrong times. However, investors

working with advisors are less likely to make short-term trades that ruin long-term goals. The difference in these long-term returns is hard to put a price tag on. When an investor looks back over several years of performance, it is Patricia Kummer virtually impossible to guess if they would FINANCIAL stayed the course STRATEGIES have without an advisor or not. Returns are just one of the components of a good investment experience. Addressing your goals and reducing risk through an optimum mix of holdings is even more difficult. Knowing when to make changes in your positions and where to take tax-efficient distributions is very challenging. Taking profits and buying the underdog is naturally uncomfortable and therefore best left to an objective party. And keeping an eye on different markets around the world is very timeconsuming. Offering these services along with wading through research and analysts’ reports is more than a full-time job. I am not sure how you put a price tag on these types of services that can make or break your future. However, it is important to understand what you are paying for, and therefore transparency is crucial in the financial arena

today. Work with a registered investment advisor as they offer full disclosure on any fees associated with their services. The latest headline in financial advertising is something called a robo advisor. This is a computer that buys positions for you, which of course will be less expensive than personal advice. However, removing the relationship and the understanding of goals is what caused the Magellan investors to lose money during 13 stellar years. There will be no one to counsel investors when times get difficult. I personally would not want a computer dictating what I should be invested in, but costconscious people will be attracted to this until the next market correction. Take the time to build a relationship with your advisor and understand what fees you are paying and what services you are entitled to. Rely on them as a ready source of unbiased information that empowers you to make good decisions. Then you could be getting the best deal of the century.

Craig Marshall Smith

QUIET DESPERATION

Some people in Ohio, where it happened, thought I did it. The case went to trial in 2001, and the defendant was found not guilty. Many years later, a Colorado man thought he had figured everything out, and accused me. It was libelous. I’ll save all of that for another day. Some college students like to make things up

about their teachers. Disgruntled students can turn the department into “The Children’s Hour” just by going to the dean’s office. My hour was in 1984. I was called to the dean’s office, and I asked why. He said, “You know what you have done.” Out of respect for the dead, I won’t tell you

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Patricia Kummer has been an independent certified financial planner for 29 years and is president of Kummer Financial Strategies Inc., a registered investment advisor in Highlands Ranch. Kummer Financial is a five-year 5280 Top Advisor. Please visit www.kummerfinancial.com for more information or call the economic hotline at 303-683-5800. Any material discussed is meant for informational purposes only and not a substitute for individual advice.

Accusations have power, true or false There is a knock on the door. Two men in uniforms are standing outside, and one says, “You’re under arrest.” “What for?” “You know what you have done.” But you don’t know. It’s one of my worst nightmares. Variations of it have happened, just not the arrest part. Being wrongly accused happens all of the time, in life and in fiction. The best example in fiction might be Franz Kafka’s novel “The Trial.” A man is arrested and never told why, and readers never find out why either. At least Alfred Hitchcock explained things. One of Hitchcock’s central themes was the wrong man. In film after film, a man is accused and sought for something he didn’t do. “The 39 Steps” is a favorite of mine. Of course “North by Northwest,” and even “The Wrong Man.” I was watching Dr. Phil. (No comments.) A man was trying to prove his innocence. It was difficult to watch because everything was against him. I thought of “The Trial,” and my own experiences. The biggest was a 1963 murder case that involved me.

A publication of

what I thought of him that day, or what I still think of him today. What I have been through could have been a lot worse. The wrong man is released from a prison somewhere almost every week. There are many new technologies that weren’t available to investigators years ago. I watch “Forensic Files.” One man was imprisoned for 16 years for a crime he didn’t commit. The man on Dr. Phil looked guilty. It bothered me that I thought he looked guilty, without knowing the whole story. Did I think that Drew Peterson looked guilty, or that Casey Anthony looked guilty? Peterson is handsome and Anthony is attractive. This man wasn’t handsome. His eyes looked too intense, and his mannerisms were unusual. I am sure I would have looked like a zombie if that had been me. The man took a polygraph test. Dr. Phil told him the results on camera. The man’s wife, who believed in him just like Jerry Sandusky’s wife believes in Smith continues on Page 7

Columnists & Guest Commentaries The Elbert Co. News features a limited number of regular columnists, found on these pages and elsewhere in the paper, depending on the typical subject the columnist covers. Their opinions are not necessarily those of the Elbert Co. News. Want your own chance to bring an issue to our readers’ attention, to highlight something great in our community, or just to make people laugh? Why not write a letter of 300 words or fewer. Include your full name, address and the best number to reach you by telephone. Email letters to letters@coloradocommunitymedia.com

Connecting & Enriching Our team of professional reporters, photographers and editors are out in the community to bring you the news each week, but we can’t do it alone. Send your news tips, your own photographs, event information, letters, commentaries... If it happens, it’s news to us. Please share by contacting us at news@coloradocommunitymedia.com and we will take it from there.

After all, the Elbert Co. News is your paper.

May 21, 2015

DERBY IS THEME OF COWBOY BALL

Elbert County News 7

People from across Douglas County celebrated the second annual Cowboy Ball to raise money for the Douglas County Fair and Rodeo Foundation May 1 at the Douglas County Events Center. At this year’s ball, former Douglas County Comissioner Jack Hilbert was recognized for his dedication and service to the Douglas County Fair and Rodeo. This year’s theme was the Kentucky Derby, with a ladies hat competition and a bow tie contest for men.

COURTESY PHOTOS

Derby race time during the Cowboy Ball May 1 at the Douglas County Events Center.

Commissioner David Weaver, center, and former commissioner and honoree Jack Hilbert, left, in a dance-off during the Cowboy Ball May 1 at the Douglas County Events Center.

Roads Continued from Page 1

14 miles of identified roads. “Most of our paved roads are at or beyond their original life expectancy, and we still have to pave new roads,” said District 1 Commissioner Robert Rowland. “Paving and improvements under even the best of plans is feasible for only main arterials, not secondary roads.” According to budget data presented by the BOCC, after accounting for annual road and bridge maintenance expenditures of $4.3 million (payroll, equipment and fuel),

Rowland Continued from Page 1

Democratic Party and Rowland’s opponent for the District 1 commissioner’s seat in 2012. Duvall’s complaint to the Colorado secretary of state charged that a unanimous vote taken by the Board of County Commissioners — which authorized $15,000 of county funds to hire a consulting firm ahead of the November 2013 election to promote ballot issue 1C, a property tax mill levy increase — violated Colorado campaign finance laws. The BOCC collectively acknowledged the violation, but Rowland, the only individual commissioner named in the complaint, was ordered by the Colorado Office of Administrative Courts to pay a $1,000 fine/reimbursement to the county, a ruling the appellate court upheld in April 2015. In a letter to the IEC dated Feb. 24, 2015, Ethics Watch wrote to update the IEC on the status of Rowland’s campaign finance case,

Smith Continued from Page 6

Sandusky, was sitting next to him. He had been accused of sexually molesting his grandson. I thought, “This is not a good idea,” and, “Why am I watching this?” Have you ever been accused of something you didn’t do? Have you ever taken the fall for something you didn’t do, to spare someone else? Someone else or something else is very often blamed. It’s human nature.

the county has about $1.7 million of discretionary funds available annually for improvements to the county’s roads. At an average cost of $634,000 per mile to pave two lanes of road, the county is financially able to either pave around 2.75 miles or put down 19 miles of crushed asphalt annually. The cost to complete paving all 138 miles identified in the master plan is estimated at around $87 million. The county has worked to stretch its funds through grants. Ehmann credited the 2008 transportation plan with the county’s ability to obtain close to $4 million in grants for projects such as paving a four-mile stretch of County Road 29, which received a $983,000 grant from the Colorado Department of Local Affairs (DOLA) with a $2.5 “and to urge it (the IEC) to lift the stay and proceed to a hearing on this complaint.” The IEC met in an executive session on May 11 and dismissed the complaint. No further details regarding the proceedings have been made available by the IEC, which is required to maintain confidentiality under the Colorado Constitution. The Independent Ethics Commission has jurisdiction over all state executive and legislative branch elected officials and employees, and local officials and employees not having home-rule. It is charged with the implementation of Article XXIX of the Colorado Constitution, which addresses the conduct of public officials. Colorado Ethics watch is a private 501(c) (3) founded in 2006 by the Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington (CREW). According to its website, “Ethics Watch executes a comprehensive communications strategy to bring attention to misconduct in public life while also educating the public about ethics, transparency, nonpartisan election administration, and the importance of a strong, independent state and federal judiciary.”

“He did it!” That has become more difficult, now that there are cameras everywhere. A life can be ruined or ended by a handful of hurtful words and misdirected accusations. The Salem witch trials resulted in the executions of 20 people, most of them women. Dr. Phil said, very slowly, that the man’s answers on the polygraph test were “deceptive.” Craig Marshall Smith is an artist, educator and Highlands Ranch resident. He can be reached at craigmarshallsmith@comcast. net.

Fair Foundation President Monica Wasden recognizes outgoing Chairman Bruff Shea for service and contributions during the Cowboy Ball May 1 at the Douglas County Events Center.

million match from Elbert County. “It helps us identify where we need to focus our improvements,” Ehmann said. “That’s a very powerful document for us.” Though the prognoses for new pavement may not be rosy, the county’s improvements to its financial position have allowed repairs on roads damaged from the weather. Because other counties were

hit harder, Elbert County will not likely see much or any emergency relief from the state, but Ehmann is confident about the county’s ability to absorb the financial hit from the storm. “We’ve budgeted for this. We have the reserves in order to handle things like this. That’s something we didn’t have several years ago,” Ehmann said.

In Loving Memory Place an Obituary for Your Loved One. Private 303-566-4100 Obituaries@ColoradoCommunityMedia.com

Funeral Homes Visit: www.memoriams.com

8 Elbert County News

May 21, 2015

LIFE

LOCAL

REVIEW

Ensemble to enliven Englewood

Doug Gray, lead singer of The Marshall Tucker Band, greets a front-row fan during the Southern-rock group’s May 8 set at the PACE Center. Photos by Chris Michlewicz

WITH SHADES OF GRAY, Marshall Tucker Band still has it

By Chris Michlewicz

cmichlewicz@coloradocommunitymedia.com

hey came. They saw. They Southern rocked the joint. Anyone who thought they were going to see the Allman Brothers Band’s less-talented cousin at the Parker Arts, Culture and Events Center May 7 and 8 was quickly proven wrong in the first few songs. The Marshall Tucker Band might have only one original member left — growling lead singer Doug Gray — but the cast called up to fill in the gaps over the years showed themselves capable of fulfilling legendary shoes. Guitarist Chris Hicks practically stole the show with a frenzy of scorching leads and controlled soul-grit vocals, earning a standing ovation May 8 for one haunting, unaccompanied performance under a quiet spotlight. Flautistsaxophonist-keyboardist Marcus James Henderson injected a youthful spark of energy with his foot-stomping solos, and he presented with precision the smile-inducing flute lead on “Heard It In a Love Song,” one of the band’s most wellknown hits. The group made no apologies for its old-fashioned ways. Gray told stories from the road and joked with youngerlooking audience members about certain songs coming out before they were born. The six-member Marshall Tucker Band drew a more boisterous crowd than the PACE Center is accustomed to. They stood and screamed when the mood struck, even if those around them weren’t doing the same, and shouted between songs, including one man who loudly declared his last time seeing the band was in Florida in 1979, to which Gray replied that both he and the yeller were probably too inebriated to remember details. The high-energy set was catapulted into orbit when Hicks and guitarist Rick Willis churned out interweaving guitar solos, at one point harmonizing sweetly and bringing people to their feet. But as with any show, the May 8 installment wasn’t without its hiccups. The rhythm section charged through minor timing snafus, and a handful of solos ran too long. Gray shied away from the tougher notes by pointing the microphone at the audience and, at times, he deferred to his side-

Guitarist Chris Hicks and singer Doug Gray belt it out. men to sing tunes he once sang (they all did a fantastic job). Gray’s attempts at vocal complexity on the ballad “Georgia Moon” sounded weathered, and he occasionally stood back and simply watched the band play without him. But the front man still performs 200 nights per year after 44 illustrious years with the same band, an impressive feat by anyone’s standard. Besides, Gray’s rapport with the crowd and ability to tell a good story, including one about being in a studio while the Bee Gees were recording the “Saturday Night Fever” soundtrack, kept everyone loose. The Southern-rock gods banged out explosive sets on consecutive nights after the first one on the calendar quickly sold out. The second show came complete with the favorites — “Can’t You See,” “Heard It In a Love Song,” “Fire On The Mountain” and “Take The Highway” — leaving no one disappointed. Near the end of the two-hour set, Gray remarked on the friendliness of the crowd in a town with which he wasn’t previously familiar. “I wasn’t sure where Parker was, but I (am) now,” he said.

Englewood Arts Presents the Ainomae Ensemble, with guest violinist Andres Cardenes, a Cuban musician who is former concertmaster of the Pittsburgh Symphony Sonya Ellingboe Orchestra, at 2 SONYA’S p.m. May 30 in Hampden Hall SAMPLER at Englewood Civic Center, 1000 Englewood Parkway. The ensemble will perform Schubert’s “String Quintet in C Major” and Richard Strauss’ “Metamophosen.” Ensemble members include: Silver Ainomae and Thomas Heinrich, cello, Boram Kang, violin, Claude Sims and Anne Ainomae, viola. Tickets: $20/$15/free under 18, at the door one hour preceding concert or at englewoodarts.org.

Kaleidoscope seeks artists

The Kaleidoscope Juried Exhibition’s call for artists is announced by Trish Sangelo at Arapahoe Community College. Exhibit dates are July 13 to Aug. 14 in the Colorado Gallery of the Arts at Arapahoe Community College. The juror will be Angela Farris-Belt, new ACC Art Department chairwoman. Submissions (actual pieces of art) are due by July 11 from 9 to 10:30 p.m. at the gallery in the ACC Annex at 5900 S. Santa Fe Drive, Littleton. Fee: $10 per work (cash only please), no limit. Jurying will be 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Artists will be notified of unaccepted work, which should be picked up between 1 and 3 p.m. the same day. 2D work must be framed and ready to hang with glass and wire properly installed. No sawtooth hangers. Wrapped canvas is OK. 3D work must be light enough for one person to lift. Clear lids only will be used on jewelry displays. Questions? Contact TrishSangelo@arapahoe.edu.

Women display artwork

“Significant Women Artists” runs through June 13 at Curtis Arts and Humanities Center, 2349 E. Orchard Road, Greenwood Village. Included: Patricia Aaron, Joanne Burney, Diana M. Carmody, Connie Dines, Joellyn Duesberry, Marie-Pascale FoucaultPhipps, Tina Suszynski, Lora Witt. Panel discussion by artists on June 1 at 7 p.m. Closing reception: June 13, 6 to 8 p.m. Gallery hours: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Mondays through Fridays. 303797-1779. Admission is free.

Alumni exhibit

“Vault” is an exhibit of art by Metropolitan State University art alumni at Metro’s Center for Visual Art, 965 Santa Fe Drive, Denver. Opening reception: 6 to 8 p.m. May 22. Exhibit runs through July 25, with a closing reception 6 to 8 p.m. July 23. CVA will host a 25th anniversary Street Fair with performances, art making and food from 4 to 8 p.m. July 17. Hours: 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesdays through Fridays and first and third Fridays until 8 p.m.

Fashion in Lone Tree

The Lone Tree Arts Center Guild will hold its annual Fashion Show, “Discover the Beauty of Summer,” from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. on June 3 at LTAC, 10075 Commons St., Lone Tree. Fashions will be provided by Sundance at Park Meadows and will include fashions for men and women. Tickets cost $45 and include

The band had one of the most boisterous crowds the PACE Center has ever seen.

Sampler continues on Page 9

Elbert County News 9

May 21, 2015

Sampler Continued from Page 8

luncheon, fashion show, gift bag and a chance to win door prizes from sponsors. Reservations: lonetreeartscenterguild. org.

GCRAG holds auction

The Greater Castle Rock Art Guild holds its annual art auction from 5 to 8 p.m. on May 29 at Art at the Edge, 314 Wilcox St., Castle Rock. Meet the artists, enjoy refreshments, take home original artwork.

Iris winners shown

The Mountains and Plains Iris Society will display winning varieties from 11:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at Denver Botanic Gardens’ Gates Hall, 1007 York St., Denver. Club members will be on hand to answer questions. Show admission is

free, but visitors pay DBG admission.

Sheep shearing

Although the Littleton Museum’s April Fiber Festival was canceled due to inclement weather, the sheep must still be sheared, now that they have hopefully dried their coats. It is scheduled for 10 a.m. to noon on May 23, for those who want to watch, although the related programs will wait until 2016. Littleton Museum is at 6028 S. Datura St., Littleton. Admission is free. 303-795-3950.

Zikr Dance in Lakewood

FREE PACE Y PATIO PARTY MIKE MASSÉ

May 27 at 6:00 p.m. Massé performs your favorite cover songs on the beautiful West Patio. tio.

David Taylor’s Zikr Dance Ensemble will perform a concert called “Invocation” at 7:30 p.m. June 6 and 2 p.m. June 7 at Lakewood Cultural Center, 470 Allison Parkway, Lakewood, and at 7:30 p.m. June 12 at Dairy Center for the Arts, 2590 Walnut St., Boulder. The world premiere of “Lady of the Lake” will be featured. Tickets: Lakewood: 303-987-7845, Lakewood.org/tickets; Dairy Center: 303-4407826, tickets.thedairy.org/online.

FREE PACE PATIO PARTY

THE TYLER WALKER BAND

June 24 at 6:00 p.m. Blending the best of current country hits with high energy originals.

WHAT'S HAPPENING THIS WEEK? Want to know what clubs, art exhibits, meetings and cultural events are happening in your area and the areas around you? Visit our website at www.coloradocommunitymedia.com/calendar.

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10 Elbert County News

May 21, 2015

‘Mad Max: Fury Road’ a can’t-miss thrill New film lives up to power of iconic series

“Mad Max: Fury Road,” a Warner Bros. release, is rated R by the Motion Picture Association of America for “intense sequences of violence throughout, and for disturbing images.” Running time: 120 minutes. Four stars out of four.

By Lindsey Bahr

Associated Press

The silences in “Mad Max: Fury Road” are unsettling. The moments are few and infrequent, but it’s not until the fiery roar of the engines and the thrashing of the guitars are suddenly stripped away that you can fully feel how deeply the film has flooded your being. The theater — and your heart — pulsate with the lack as you recover and wait for more.

It’s in the silences that director George Miller’s singular genius becomes evident, and for good reason: It’s the only time the film allows you to breathe. Thirty years after Miller gave the world “Mad Max: Beyond Thunderdome,” he’s re-

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turned to his own post-apocalyptic world and created an exceptional, fearless and poetic masterpiece that’s primed to become a modern classic. In this anarchic world, Max Rockatansky (Tom Hardy) is a lone wolf. As he tells us in the prologue, he’s a man whose past traumas have reduced him to a single instinct: survival. Max’s only humanity seems to be in his haunting visions of a child asking for protection. Otherwise, he’s gone full animal. As Max, Hardy doesn’t so much speak. He grunts and growls and scurries for freedom. But Max quickly gets entangled with others when the warlords of the wasteland put a fish hook in his neck and strap him on as a hood ornament to chase after the rogue Furiosa (Charlize Theron). She’s managed to escape the Citadel in a powerful, lumbering War Rig with the wives of their tyrannical leader Immortan Joe (Hugh Keays-Byrne, who also played Toecutter in “Mad Max”). Much of the film is spent with the women, and eventually Max, on the rig as they race across the desert away from the painted fighters on their tail. Furiosa, seeking redemption for untold sins, has made it her purpose to bring the wives to “the green place” — an idyllic haven she was taken from as a child. The wives, played by Rosie HuntingtonWhiteley, Riley Keough, Abbey Lee, Courtney Eaton and Zoe Kravitz, are all ethereal, spiritual beauties. Though physically perfect and visibly unmarked by the harsh conditions of the land, as Immortan Joe’s property, their collective trauma is more insidious. When they fight back and jump in to help their more grizzled and skilled travel mates, they do so

without fear or hesitation. Looking almost sturdy in comparison, it is Theron who steals the show as the steelyeyed, one-armed, and aptly named Furiosa. Her fierce and unwavering commitment to her self-assigned mission propels the sparse narrative and invigorates those around her, when death often seems like not just the easier option, but probably the more appealing one, too. Painted and scarred to the point of disguise, Nicholas Hoult is also a standout as Nux, an unlucky, but endearingly devoted Immortan Joe foot soldier who delivers on one of the few actual character arcs of the film. Ultimately, “Mad Max: Fury Road” is almost aggressively anti-character, though. The dialogue is beautifully lean and purposeful, allowing what does exist to have maximum impact. For Theron and Hardy, their triumphant performances are in their eyes. In the end, it is the bright, fresh visuals juxtaposed with the impressively choreographed and always surprising action and pacing that make the film. Cinematographer John Seale (“The English Patient”) has infused the barren landscape with a feast of striking, saturated colors, while Miller has made a two-hour race across the desert into a truly riveting must-see and see again. As we drive full speed into another summer (and half-decade) of sequels and interconnected universes, Miller has reminded us that blockbusters have the potential to not only be art, but radically visionary — even the fourth in a series. What a lovely day, indeed.

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Elbert County News 11

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12 Elbert County News

May 21, 2015 Spicy Sorghum Chicken Breasts

Contributed by Joy Gray Yield: 4 servings Prep time: 10 minutes Cook time: 12 minutes 4 chicken breasts 1/2 cup canola oil 2 tablespoons sorghum syrup 3 cloves garlic, minced 2 jalapeno peppers, minced Juice of 1 lemon Salt Pepper Put chicken breasts between sheets of wax paper and ge pound to about 1/2-inch thickness. Pierce both sides sev with fork and set aside. In large resealable bag, combine canola oil, sorghum garlic, jalapenos and lemon juice. Season with salt and p taste. Add chicken breasts to bag, seal and refrigerate 2– Heat grill to high. Remove chicken breasts from mari cook for 6 minutes. Turn to other side and cook for ano minutes or until internal temperature reaches 165°F.

Grilled Sorghum Tabbouleh Salad

Contributed by Brady Shadid Yield: 4 servings Prep time: 15 minutes Cook time: 1 hour 1 cup sorghum grain 3 cups water 1 yellow bell pepper, cored and quartered 1 red bell pepper, cored and quartered 1 white onion, cut into wedges 1/4 cup olive oil, plus 1 tablespoon 3 bunches parsley, chopped 1/4 cup fresh mint, chopped 1/3 cup lemon juice Salt Pepper Add sorghum to water and bring to a boil. Cover and re simmer for 50 minutes or until water is absorbed. Set as let cool. Sorghum can be prepared in advance and refrig overnight. Brush bell peppers and onion with 1 tablespoon olive grill over medium heat for 4 minutes. Turn to other side for another 4 minutes. Remove and let cool. Chop grilled peppers and onion and add to cooled sor Add parsley, mint, lemon juice and 1/4 cup olive oil to s and toss lightly. Season to taste with salt and pepper.

FAMILY FEATURES

f your outdoor grilling menu calls for easy, gluten-free dishes to accompany your favorite flame-kissed foods, sorghum may be your secret to success. Sorghum, an ancient cereal grain, is a highly versatile ingredient that can be used in a wide range of preparations, such as leavened and unleavened breads, fermented and unfermented beverages, and a host of flour-based foods such as pizza dough, pastas and cereals. It can also be consumed in place of whole grain in countless recipes and as a syrup. Because it is naturally gluten free, sorghum is a terrific option for those with celiac disease or gluten intolerance who don’t want to sacrifice the texture and taste of grain-based foods. What’s more, the nutrient-rich grain is a good source of iron, calcium, potassium as well as polycosinol, which research has shown to lower serum cholesterol and may improve heart health. For those who monitor glycemic index, sorghum also offers good news. Research indicates sorghum offers slow digestibility and a lower glycemic index. Foods with a lower glycemic index are believed to increase satiety, which means you feel fuller longer, aiding with weight management. Enjoy grilled fare with a new twist. From sweet, savory marinades to crisp, crunchy salads to refreshingly tangy beverages, sorghum is the ingredient that makes these recipes shine. For more recipes and tips for cooking with sorghum, visit www.HealthySorghum.com.

Cooking with Sorghum

A wide variety of recipes use sorghum, which can be found in whole grain, flour or syrup form. Learn which type of sorghum is best for your recipe: Use whole grain sorghum for great tasting and healthful dishes just like you would use rice. Whole grain sorghum can be used as an addition to vegetable salads or in cooked dishes like tabbouleh. It resembles bulgar or wheat berries and is a hearty, chewy solution for meeting the daily goal of two to three servings of whole grain. White sorghum flour is made from white food grade sorghum, which has the hull removed and milled like traditional flours. This flour can be used in a variety of baking applications in conjunction with other flours. Whole grain sorghum flour is milled with the entire grain without the hull removed. Whole grain flours contain all of the nutrition found in the outer casing of the grain. Sorghum syrup is a natural sweetener that comes from juice squeezed from the stalks of sweet sorghum. It has a rich, dark color and consistency similar to molasses but with a milder taste.

Southern Sweet Sorghum Tea Yield: 4 servings Prep time: 10 minutes 6 cups water 4 black tea bags 3/4 cup sorghum syrup 1/4 cup sugar 1/4 cup bourbon (optional) Juice of 1 orange 1 orange, washed and sliced Mint to garnish

Boil water. Remove from heat, add tea bags and steep for 5 minutes. Remove tea bags and stir in sorghum syrup and sugar. Pour into pitcher and refrigerate until cold. Stir in bourbon and orange juice. Add sliced oranges to pitcher. Serve over ice with mint to garnish.

May 21, 2015

Elbert County News 13

THINGS TO DO

EDITOR’S NOTE: Calendar submissions must be received by noon Wednesday for publication the following week. Send listings to calendar@coloradocommunitymedia.com. No attachments, please. Listings are free and run on a space-available basis.

Events

SUMMER CAMPS ELIZABETH SCHOOL District offers a number of camps this

summer. Hang Ten Summer Camp runs from Friday, May 22 to Aug. 19, and is open from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. For information or to sign up, contact Rachelle Small, 303-646-6718 or rsmall@esdk12.org. Camp activities include crafts, science, field trips and more. Youth softball camp is designed for kindergarten to eighth-grade students (in the 2015-16 school year). Offense and defense are covered July 13-14; July 15-16 is for pitching and catching. Participants can sign up for one or both sessions. A high school softball camp for incoming ninth- to 12th-graders who plan on playing at Elizabeth in the fall. Camp runs Aug. 10-14. Contact Coach Steve Biller at 720-480-2680 or steve@mlbe.ne for information on any of the softball camps. Go to www.elizabeth.k12.co.us.

BAREFOOT MILE Walk/Run COLORADO-BASED MINISTRY Joy International is one of the foremost organizations rescuing child sex slaves and

restoring them into a healthy environment. Reformation Church of Elizabeth is hosting the Barefoot Mile walk/run fundraiser Saturday, May 23, in Castle Rock, to raise money for Joy’s rescue operations, which have reached more than 700 children. The one mile walk/run will take place in downtown Castle Rock, beginning at Mieneke Auto Care, at 8 Wilcox St. Participants can register at www.CastlerockBarefootMile.com and collect sponsorships for their run/walk. T-shirts are available for a donation of $15, though participants can walk the Barefoot Mile for a donation of any amount. Contact castlerockbarefootmile@gmail. com about sponsorship information.

Friday, June 5, and Saturday, June 6, and at 3 p.m. Sunday, June 7, at 735 Park St., Castle Rock. Reservations required; buy tickets online at tickets.amazingshows.com or call 303-660-6799. Go to www.AmazingShows.com.

TRACK INITIATIVE Golf Tournament

ELIZABASH STREET Festival

THE ELIZABETH High School Track and Field Task Force plans a golf tournament on Friday, May 29, at Spring Valley Golf Club. The fee is $100 per player and includes green fees, cart, range balls, lunch and prizes. Contests include longest drive, closest to pin, hole-in-one and longest putt. Proceeds will support the school’s track initiative, which is to resurface the track and repair the pole vault and jump areas. Go to http://www.elizabeth. k12.co.us/EHSTrackResurfacing.aspx or contact Lori McCoin at the school.

MORE THAN 5,000 festival-goers attend the annual ElizaBash Street Festival, planned for Saturday, June 6, on Main Street in Elizabeth. The day begins with the Stampede Rodeo Parade, then the street is cleared for the festival including arts and crafts, food, live music and other fun activities.

COYOTE CREEK Concerts THE 17TH Avenue All Stars will perform Saturday, May 30, at Casey Jones Pavilion, Elizabeth. The concert is part of Coyote Creek Concerts, which has been presenting live music in

Elbert County for 12 years. Go to www.coyotecreekconcerts.com for lineup and more details. Schedule: June 27, Bettman & Halpin; July 25, Sally Barris and Rebecca Folsom; Aug. 29, Katie Glassman & Snapshot; and Sept. 26, Small Potatoes.

MAGICIAN, SHOWROOM Star THEATRE OF Dreams presents Jeff McBride at 7:30 p.m.

FREE LEGAL Clinic A FREE legal clinic for parties who have no attorney is open from 6-9 p.m. Tuesday, June 9, at the Elizabeth Library, 651 W. Beverly St., Elizabeth. Volunteer attorneys will answer questions, help fill out forms and explain processes and procedures for all areas of civil litigation, including family law, property law, probate law, collections, appeals, landlord-tenant law, small claims, veterans issues and civil protection orders. Walk-ins are welcome.

Help offered on a first-come, first-served basis. Clinics are offered the second Tuesday of each month; future clinics are offered July 14, Aug. 11, Sept. 8, Oct. 13, Nov. 10, Dec. 8.

STREET FAIR, Car Show VENDORS ARE needed for the seventh annual Kiowa Street Fair, planned from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, June 27. Live music featuring Billie Owens, vendors, games, informational booths and more are planned. In conjunction with the Street Fair will be a car show to benefit the Elizabeth Veteran’s Memorial. Booth cost for the Kiowa Street Fair is $20 per 10-by-10 space, Contact Michelle at 303-621-2366, or moeser@townofkiowa. com. ELBERT DAY Festival HAVE FUN in the country at the Elbert Day Festival, open from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday, July 11, on Elbert Road between Colorado 86 and 84. Features include country breakfast, beer garden with lunch, evening meal, pancake race, art booths, craft/ food vendors, live music by Barry Ward, Jack O’Roses and more. A parade, old time games for all ages, antique cars, petting zoo, pony rides, roping, 5K run/walk and more. Call 303-648-3692 or email elberttowncommittee@gmail.com. Calendar continues on Page 15

Ponderosa Valley Funeral Services and J.S. Parker Cemetery invite you to share and participate in this Memorial Day Ceremony honoring our beloved Veterans

6th Annual

Memorial Day Veterans’ Service of Remembrance: Location: J.S. Parker Cemetery, Parker, CO Date: (Monday) May 25, 2014 • 10:00 a.m.

Patriotic Songs performed by the Army Brass Quintet Parker American Legion Post #1864 National Anthem Performed by Parker Chorale

Knights of Columbus St. Joseph Assembly #2618 Presentation of Colors by Peterson Air Force Base Honor Guard Welcome-The Honorable Mike Waid, Mayor of Parker

Inspirational Message-Major General H. Michael Edwards, The Adjutant General, Colorado 21 Gun Salute, TAPS and Folding of the Flag by Peterson Air Force Base Honor Guard

Please bring your own chair and/or umbrella • Inclement weather will cancel Event (Call 303-841-2405)

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May 21, 2015

National park’s centennial year celebrated Mountain gem got its start from Coloradans’ efforts By Sonya Ellingboe

sellingboe@colorado communitymedia.com In late April, the Colorado Mountain Club, 103 years old, celebrated its strongly influential role in establishing Rocky Mountain National Park by planning special hikes during the centennial year. The club will lead 100-mile hike packages and a series of wildflower hikes in RMNP this year, according to Jeff Golden, CMC communications and marketing associate. Members can sign up to accumulate 100 miles of hiking within the park during the year, and the organization will help lead shorter wildflower hikes for members and park visitors at various locations. Information on wildflower hikes will be available at the east and west park entry points, according to CMC volunteer Linda Lawson of Greenwood Village. Lawson’s special centennial year con-

tributions include a talk on how founding mountain club members, including Enos Mills, helped to establish the park’s existence. Others involved included Roger Toll, who was superintendent of Yellowstone and Mount Rainier national parks, and Carl Blaurock, who with William Ervin was first to climb all of Colorado’s 14,000-foot peaks, according to a History Colorado release. The CMC is housed in the historic former Golden High School, which also functions as the Bradford Washburn American Mountaineering Museum and is on the National Register of Historic Places. The History Colorado Center has a new exhibit on Rocky Mountain National Park and encourages visits to the Mountaineering Museum.

Local efforts led to park

Lawson is co-chairwoman of the mountain club’s Centennial Committee and is presenting information, with illustrations, to groups throughout Colorado. She begins with the story of the aforementioned Mills, an Estes Park resident

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who had been lecturing about the area’s features and history for a number of years. In 1909 the name “Estes Park Improvement Association” was preferred over “Estes Valley Game Preserve.” “At this point, there were already 12 national parks,” Lawson said. In 1911, Mills wrote to prominent Coloradan James Grafton Rogers, president of the American Alpine Club, about starting a Colorado Mountain Club, which Rogers agreed to undertake “as soon as the climbers return to town.” In April 1912 his first invitation yielded seven responses, followed by an announcement in the local newspaper. Twenty-five showed up and signed as charter members. They started to educate the public with lectures, walks and longer outings, and Mills initially proposed a park of 1,000 square miles stretching from Pikes Peak to the Estes Valley (later reduced). The first draft of a bill sent to Congress met with no action in 1913, and a Rocky Mountain National Park Committee was appointed to help with Congress. They made lantern slide presentations and went

to the Wind River Reservation in Wyoming (in Stanley Steamers, Lawson said) to interview tribal elders who had lived in the Estes Valley area about specific place names. The bill was redrafted and the area downsized to 379 square miles when the sixth revision was submitted in August 1914. On Jan. 26, 1915, it passed the Senate and was signed into law. Lawson said she came from Iowa and Oklahoma with energy company business experience and found the Colorado Mountain Club when she moved to Colorado.

Hikes near 100-mile total

In this “Year of the Mountaineer,” the club will coordinate members’ 100 miles of hikes, visits to 100 of 125 peaks, and special wildflower hikes with Plant Masters, which are open to physically fit park visitors. Ownership of a year-round cabin in Allenspark, a small town bordering Rocky Mountain National Park’s eastern edge, means that hiking in the park is very much a way of life for glass artist Sally Van Der Park continues on Page 15

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g Ongoing - DOUGLAS-ELBERT COUNTY Music Teachers’ Associas tion meets at 9 a.m. every first Thursday at Parker Bible Church, between Jordan and Chambers on Main Street. All area music teachers are welcome. Call Lucie a Washburn, 303-814-3479. e THE ELBERT County Sheriff’s Posse is a nonprofit volunteer t organization that is part of the Elbert County Sheriff’s Office. As volunteers we e support the Elbert County Sheriff’s Office, all law enforcement in our county, and

the community at large. For more information or a membership application, go d to http://www.elbertcountysheriff.com/posse.html, or contact Dave Peontek at s 303-646-5456. THE ELIZABETH Food Bank, 381 S. Banner in Elizabeth (next door to Elizabeth Presbyterian Church) needs to let the public know that we are available to help anyone who needs food. The hours are Friday 12:30-3 p.m. and Saturdays e from 9-11:30 a.m. Other times by appointment. f LAWYERS AT the Library, a free legal clinic for parties who have no l attorney, will be offered from 6-9 p.m. the second Tuesday of every month at the h Elizabeth Library, 651 W. Beverly St. Volunteer attorneys will answer questions,

y , h r

help fill out forms and explain the process and procedure for the areas of family law, civil litigation, criminal defense, property law, probate law, collections, appeals, landlord-tenant law and civil protection orders. Walk-ins are welcome. Everyone will be helped on a first-come, first-served basis.

MYSTERY BOOK Club meets at 9:30 a.m. the first Saturday of each

month at the Simla Public Library. The group enjoys talking about a variety of mystery authors and titles. We also periodically host a Colorado author during our meetings. Everyone may join us, and registration is not required. Visit the Simla Branch of the Elbert County Library District at 504 Washington Avenue, call 719541-2573, or email farabe@elbertcountylibrary.org.

THE OUTBACK Express is a public transit service provided through the

East Central Council of Local Governments is open and available to all residents of Cheyenne, Elbert, Kit Carson and Lincoln counties and provides an economical and efficient means of travel for the four-county region. Call Kay Campbell, Kiowa, at 719- 541-4275. You may also call the ECCOG office at 1-800-825-0208 to make reservations for any of the trips. You may also visit http://outbackexpress.tripod.com. To ensure that a seat is available, 24-hour advance reservations are appreciated.

OVEREATERS ANONYMOUS meets from 10-11 a.m. and from 7-8 p.m. Wednesdays in the Sedalia Room at New Hope Presbyterian Church, 2100 Meadows Parkway, Castle Rock. SENIORS MEET in Elizabeth every Monday at 11 a.m. for food, fun and

AREA CLUBS

Elbert County News 15

3425 for information.

Stroke Victors meets from 6-7:30 p.m. the second Tuesday of each month.

THERAPEUTIC RIDING. Promise Ranch Therapeutic Riding in Parker offers free therapeutic riding for developmentally disabled adults and children. Scholarship money is available for Douglas County residents to provide 10 therapeutic riding lessons. Call 303-841-5007 or visit www.promiseranchtherapeuticriding.com.

Cookies and coffee provided. Contact Sue Parson, 303-814-2863. Caregivers Support Group meets from 10-11:30 a.m. Tuesdays. All groups meet at Sky Cliff Adult Day Center in Castle Rock. Contact Sky Cliff at 303-814-2863. Visit www. skycliff.org.

VFW POST 10649 meets monthly at 8:30 a.m. the first Saturday of every

SKY CLIFF Adult Day Center Support Groups: Stoke

month at 24325 Main St., Elbert. Go to http://www.vfwpost10649.org. Contact

Victors meets from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. the second and last Wednesday of each month. Lunch is provided. Contact Sue Parson, 303-814-2863. Evening

Alan Beebe at 303-435-2560 for questions.

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fellowship at Elizabeth Senior Center, 823 S. Banner St. Bring a dish for potluck on the first Monday of each month. Other Mondays, bring a sack lunch. Bingo, games and socializing. New leadership. Call Agnes at 303-883-7881 or Carol at 303-646-

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Kamp and her husband, residents of Centennial. They recently tallied up their miles for the past year and found they are both close to the 100-mile goal they set in 2014 to honor the park’s centennial year. “We started when we saw the suggestion on Facebook,” she said, and they have hiked through the winter with snow shoes and/or cleats. Winter is her husband’s favorite time. “It makes you feel rough and rustic.” Does Van Der Kamp have a favorite hike? “That’s like asking a parent to name a favorite child,” she replied. They have enjoyed new hiking buddies and will probably finish the 100 miles in late May or early June. They need to agree on a really special spot for attaining the 100-mile mark: “Twin Sisters for sunrise or Bluebird Lake in August” (though not in the one-year timeframe) for wildflowers. They are recreational hikers, she said, and she is keeping a photo chronicle/journal. “We started out on a threemile hike and ended up covering nine miles …” A member of the Littleton Fine Arts Guild, she exhibits her art at the Depot Art Gallery. It is stained and fused glass, which sometimes incorporates broken glass pieces she finds in the mountains, as well as branches from their property. “We won’t stop at 100 miles,” she concluded.

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RidgeGate May and June 2015

Your summer calendar of For Local News, fun starts here. Anytime of the Day Visit

ColoradoCommunityMedia.com

Yoga in the Park It’s time again for sunset salutations. Join RidgeGate, South Suburban Parks and Recreation and the Lone Tree Recreation Center forFor freeLocal YogaNews, in the Park classes in Belvedere Park, at the corner of RidgeGate Circle Anytime of and the Day Belvedere Lane. In case of storms, class will be cancelled. Visit Tuesday, May 26, 6:30-7:30pm

ColoradoCommunityMedia.com

Tuesday, June 30, 6:30-7:30pm

Guided Nature Hikes Each year, RidgeGate teams up with the South Suburban Parks and Recreation District to provide free, guided nature hikes on a variety of topics. Hikes are free to the public – registration is required at ridgegate.com/events. Thursday, May 28, 7:00-8:30pm — Evening Birdwatching Hike Thursday, June 4, 6:30-8pm — Botany Hike Saturday, June 13, 9:30-11am — Happy Kids, Happy Hikes Sunday, June 21, 7-8:30pm — Celebrating the Solstice

Tunes on the Terrace at the Lone Tree Arts Center

Author creates sweeping history Another south-metro resident with strong Rocky Mountain National Park connections is Mary Taylor Young of Castle Rock, who started spending summers in the park with her grandparents as a very small child. She has grown up to become a nature writer with 15 books to her credit, and she recently won first place in nonfiction in the Colorado Authors’ League annual competition. “Rocky Mountain National Park: the First Hundred Years” is a large, beautifully illustrated coffee-table book that talks about the park from prehistoric times to today.

RidgeGate sponsors Lone Tree Art Center’s Tunes on the Terrace – an outdoor evening concert series that will bring your summer nights to life. Check out the full schedule and buy tickets at lonetreeartscenter.org. Saturday, June 20, 8-10pm — Dan Treanor’s Afrosippi Band featuring Erica Brown Saturday, June 27, 8-10pm — Jazz Vocalist Kathy Kosins

Walk Concerts Enjoy this series of concerts with free live music, food trucks and activities. It’s all happening in Prairie Sky Park, courtesy of South Suburban Parks and Recreation. Enjoy vendors, entertainers and art activities from 5- 6pm, with live music starting at 6 and continuing until 8pm.

Calendar

Thursday, May 21, 5-8pm — The Country Music Project - Country Thursday, June 18, 5-8pm — The Parlor Pickers - Old Americana Folk

Continued from Page 13

Schweiger Ranch Events

CHAMBER ANNUAL Events

Among RidgeGate’s cultural facilities is the 38- acre historic Schweiger Ranch, which hosts a variety of events throughout the year in partnership with The Liniger Building at CU South Denver (formerly The Wildlife Experience.) Learn more at ridgegate.com.

ELIZABETH AREA Chamber of Commerce is planning its annual events, including the

golf tournament on Friday, July 31; the Harvest Festival on Saturday, Oct. 31; Olde Town Christmas on Friday, Dec. 4. Vendors and sponsors are needed; contact www.elizabethchamber.org for details about participating.

PROHIBITION CASINO Night ELIZABETH AREA Chamber of Commerce plans its first Prohibition Casino Night on Saturday, Oct. 24 at Spring Valley Golf Course. The event includes a poker tournament, casino games, dancing and a silent auction. A portion of proceeds will benefit Elbert County Coalition for Outreach, which provides assistance to families in need. Contact www.elizabethchamber.org.

A M O R E N AT U R A L A P P R O A C H T O N E W U R B A N I S M.

events@ridgegate.com

Saturday, June 6 — Geocaching & Navigation Workshop with CU South Denver Saturday, June 13 — Archery Workshop with CU South Denver

16 Elbert County News

May 21, 2015

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Knee Arthritis Pain: One HUGE Mistake And Two “Smart Moves”

Doctor’s Simple Advice Gets Rave Reviews By Patients Lucky Enough To Give It A Try By Matt Edgar America’s Health Writer

El Paso County - Have you been told that exercise will help your knee arthritis pain? Well... has it helped? If it hasn’t, one local doctor has a very good reason why. Not only that - he says if you are trying to exercise with knee arthritis - you might be making a HUGE mistake. Sounds crazy? Yes it does. In fact, I thought it was a ridiculous thing to say. That is until I talked to some of his patients who gave him rave reviews. Many said he completely changed their life. When they first came to the office, their knee arthritis pain was so bad they could barely walk and were scheduled for total knee replacement surgery. In a relatively short period of time, they cancelled surgery and are enjoying their lives again. Why is exercising a HUGE mistake and what does this doctor recommend that is helping so many knee arthritis sufferers who come to see them from all over the state? His name is Dr. Swanson MD. Dr. Swanson is a Medical doctor and head of arthritis treatment at Osteo Relief Institute in Colorado Springs, CO. Double Edged Sword Dr. Swanson says that exer-

cising with knee arthritis is a double edged sword. It is true, your knee joints need motion to be healthy. And lack of motion can be very detrimental. Without motion joints become “sick.” And in theory exercising should help knee arthritis. But here is the BIG problem: Knee arthritis is condition that dries up the lubricating fluids in your knee. It also changes the joint surface and creates bone spurs. Because of these changes - exercising on an arthritic knee can cause more swelling, more pain and more arthritic changes. Imagine driving your car without any oil. What happens? The engine parts scrape together and wear out. You can’t simply drive your car more and make it better. And in many cases - you simply can’t just exercise your knee and make it better, either. What’s the answer? In a car it’s simple - put in more oil. And then make sure the oil level is correct and it is changed when necessary. With your knee joints - it is a little more complicated. The major lubricating fluid in your knee joint is called synovial fluid. Synovial fluid is the fluid that “dries up” when you suffer with arthritis.

Making Knee Arthritis Pain Worse: Research has discovered that people are suffering with arthritis much younger than expected. Making the right treatment choices now can possibly stop the progression and eliminate the pain.

But there is good news: Now doctors can inject one of the building blocks of synovial fluid directly into your knee joint. This building block of synovial fluid is called hyaluronic acid. And when hyaluronic acid is injected directly into the knee joint, many experts believe it helps lubricate the joint. Some say it is like squirting oil on a rusty door hinge. This allowed the knee joint to glide more smoothly and often reduces or even eliminates pain.

And here is the most important part: Now that the joint is lubricated and can move with less or no pain - specific exercises can be a tremendous help. That’s why the doctors (when patients qualify) treat knee arthritis patients with hyaluronic acid injections FIRST and then prescribe a very specific rehabilitation and exercise program specially developed to help knee arthritis pain. This comprehensive knee arthritis pain program is called, “P.A.C.E.” and has been getting wonderful results. So what is the HUGE mistake? If you suffer with knee arthritis and are exercising and the pain is either not getting better - or getting worse - you may be making a mistake. You may actually be making things worse. And that’s the last thing you want to do. What are the two “smart moves?” If you have knee arthritis pain, look into viscosupplementation with hyaluronic acid. In many cases treatment with hyaluronic acid followed by a specific rehabilitation or exercise program can get results when everything else has failed. In fact, it is not uncommon to get pain relieve just from the hyaluronic acid treatments alone - without doing any rehabilitation or exercising at all. And the results can be dramatic. If you are thinking about giv-

ing hyaluronic acid treatments a try - this is VERY IMPORTANT: In our opinion the doctor you choose should use advanced imaging technology such as fluoroscopy to guide the injections and make sure the hyaluronic acid goes where it is supposed to. Laser guided digital imaging is one of the best technologies to guide injections. Research shows that without fluoroscopy, doctors miss the joint space up to 30% of the time. Obviously, if the joint space is missed - the treatment cannot work. If you have already had viscosupplementaion without this advanced imaging technology and it did not work - you may want to give it another try with a doctor who uses this cutting edge technique to get the best results possible. So, if you suffer with knee arthritis pain, talk to a specialist about viscosupplementation with hyaluronic acid especially if exercise is not working or making things worse. And make sure the doctor you choose works in a state-of-the-art medical facility and uses advanced fluoroscopic imaging (Like laser guided digital imaging) to guide the injections to make sure the treatments have the best chance to work. For more information on viscosupplementation for knee arthritis or to get a free screening to see if this treatment is right for you, one of the specialists at Osteo Relief Institute can be reached at 719323-6612.

Knee Pain Treatment Craze In Colorado Springs After thousands already helped knee pain suffers face 48 hour cut off to get risk free screening for incredibly popular treatment

(ORI) - The clock is ticking. There is only 48 hours to go. If you suffer with knee arthritis pain and would like to get a risk free knee pain screening to see if the experts at Osteo Relief Institute in Colorado Springs, CO can help you with their extremely popular knee pain relief program read this right now. Here is why: For the past several years, the experts at Osteo Relief Institute have been literally swarmed with knee arthritis sufferers looking for relief. Nearly all these knee pain sufferers chose Osteo Relief for one reason - their top-notch knee pain relief program featuring viscosupplementation with hyaluronic acid and specially designed rehabilitation program. The Secret To Success? The experts at Osteo Relief Institute believe one of the biggest reasons for their success is the fact that they have some of the best technology money can buy. Laser Guided Digital Imaging The clinic uses extremely advanced imaging equipment that allows them to see directly into the knee joint that they are treating. This advanced imaging is called, “Laser Guided Digital Imaging” and many experts believe is the difference between success and failure with this knee pain treatment. And probably the best thing about this technology is that is has allowed the experts at Osteo Relief Institute to get results with knee pain when so many others have failed. What Is This Treatment? This treatment is viscosupplementation with hyaluronic acid (HA). Those are big medical terms that basically means this... When you have knee arthritis - the lubricating fluid (synovial fluid) in your knee joint dries up. This means instead of gliding smoothly - your bones start to rub

and grind against each other. This causes a little pain in the beginning - but over time the pain steadily gets worse until it is excruciating. Hyaluronic acid works so well because it is like “joint oil.” It is a natural substance and is one of the natural building blocks of the synovial fluid that lubricates your knee. Scientists and researchers discovered this natural building block to synovial fluid in the rooster’s comb - that big red thing on top of the roosters head. It is extracted from the roosters comb, purified and concentrated. When it is injected directly into your knee joint, it is like squirting oil on a rusty door hinge. Hyaluronic acid allows your joints to glide more smoothly eliminating a lot of the rubbing, grinding and pain. Why You Should Try This Even If You’ve Already Had Similar Treatments Without results... “We have been able to help so many knee pain sufferers - even many who have already tried other injections like Synvisc, Supartz, Orthovisc and even Hyalgan. We use special and very advanced low-dose video fluoroscopy imaging called “Hologic Digital Imaging” so we can see right into the joint. This allows us to put the Hyaglan exactly where is needs to be. Studies show doctors doing joint injections without fluoroscopy miss the joint up to 30% of the time.” said the director of Arthritis Treatment at Osteo Relief Institute. Osteo Relief Institute is a state of the art medical facility offering only the best technology. And that’s not all - Osteo Relief Institute has a complete knee relief program called “P.A.C.E.” to make sure you get the most pain relief and the best possible results from treatment. “Every case is individual.

lief Institute can only accept a limited amount of new patients each month for this screening. And because of the demand, we can only guarantee you a spot if you call within the next 48 hours. If you are suffering in pain - make the call right now so you can make your appointment today. Why not take 20 minutes for your risk free screening to discover how you may be able to end your knee arthritis pain? So call 719-323-6612 right Successful Treatment - Hyalgan Failed Treatment - the injection now and find out if the exbeing precisely injected directly into (and Hyalgan) misses the joint the knee joint using Hologic digital perts at Osteo Relief Institute space. Research shows this ocimaging. Advanced imaging alcurs up to 30% of the time without can help you like they have lows treatments to be as precise as the use of holistic digital imaging already helped thousands of possible. Hyalgan can lubricate the to guide the injection. This is why others in your community. joint and decrease pain. Hyalgan may not have worked for And here’s something you. really important - Hyaluronic acid treatments and the P.A.C.E program are covered by Some patients get quite a bit of re- pain. most insurance and Medicare. To lief right away - others take a little But You Must Do This schedule your risk free screenmore time. But most have been exRIGHT NOW tremely happy and the results usuThe specialists at Osteo Re- ing. ally last for at least 6 months. Patients who were suffering for years If You Can Answer Yes - You Are with bad knee pain are getting Eligible For A Knee Arthritis their lives back... going for walks again and exercising. It’s amazing Screening With The Experts At to see. They tell all their friends Osteo Relief Institute that’s why we are swarmed. I can’t tell you how many patients have Do you have pain and osteoarthritis (arthritis) of cancelled their total knee replacethe knee? ment surgeries.” added one of the doctors. Have you tried other treatments such as How To Get It NSAIDS and other anti-inflammatory medicaIf you have knee pain, the doctors and staff would like to invite tions without success? you for a risk free screening to see Have you already tried viscosupplementation if you are a candidate for Hyalgan treatments and the P.A.C.E pro(Hyalgan, Supartz, Synvisc) without satisfactory gram. results? All you have to do is call 719323-6612 right now and when the If you answered yes to any of these questionsscheduling specialist answers the call Osteo Relief Institute and schedule your risk free phone tell her you would like your knee pain screening 719-323-6612 free “Knee Pain Screening.” Your screening will only take about 25-30 minutes... you will get all your questions answered and leave knowing if you have possibly Non-Surgical Spine Pain, Neuropathy, And Joint Arthritis Treatment found the solution to your knee