News
Elbert 5-30-13
Elbert County
May 30, 2013
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A Colorado Community Media Publication
ourelbertcountynews.com
Elbert County, Colorado • Volume 118, Issue 18
Stampede ready for another round Elizabeth tradition returns June 7-9 By Rhonda Moore
rmoore@ourcoloradonews.com The Elizabeth Stampede kicks off summer with a cowboy tradition for rodeo lovers worldwide. The Stampede is June 7-9 in Elizabeth, beginning with the Pro Rodeo Cowboys Association Xtreme Bulls professional bull riding. The all-bulls night is the start of three days of rodeo that this year is drawing visitors from as far as Norway, Germany and the United Kingdom, said Bill Sneed, Stampede board president. The Stampede has filled ticket orders for travelers who made sure to include a visit to Elizabeth’s biggest weekend on their American tour. “(Interest in the Stampede) is interna-
tional,” Sneed said. “It’s really interesting. A lot of (international visitors) are friends of friends, but some are people who found us on a tour.” The tour at Stampede includes a chute tour, which gives groups an inside look at the stock area where contestants prepare for competition. The tours are part of the Stampede’s effort to enhance the spectator experience, Sneed said. “We just find ways to get better every year,” Sneed said. The 2013 Elizabeth Stampede begins at 7 p.m. June 7. Vendor alley opens at the fairgrounds at 5 p.m. The Elizabeth Stampede Parade is at 10 a.m. June 8 in downtown Elizabeth, followed by the PRCA rodeo at 2 and 7 p.m. The Red, White & Blue rodeo is at 2 p.m. June 9, honoring veterans with the Stampede’s Military Day. More information about the Stampede, including ticket information and a schedule of events, is at www.elizabethstampede. com.
Bejeweled rodeo queens and their attendants make their way through downtown Elizabeth as part of the 2012 Elizabeth Stampede Parade. File photo
Ed-finance bill signed Fate of school measure will be in voters’ hands By Vic Vela
vvela@ourcoloradonews.com
A tornado that roared through part of Elbert County in June 2012 destroyed this home and left more than 130 others damaged. File photo
Get ready, says emergency expert Oklahoma tornado hit close to home for local director By Rhonda Moore
rmoore@ourcoloradonews.com The devastating tornado that recently struck Oklahoma prompted Elbert County officials to issue a reminder about the county’s emergency alert system. The county’s office of emergency management points to the system for its potentially life-saving early warnings about severe weather. For Cory Stark, the county’s director of
emergency management, the value of such a warning hit close to home. Stark had five family members impacted by the May 20 tornado that struck near Oklahoma City, including one who was missing for several hours in the aftermath of the tornado. The uncertainty about the safety of his loved ones was a humbling experience for Stark, who typically watches severe weather response from an emergency-management perspective, not from a personal perspective. “It was an eye-opener for me because I was tuned in to the emergency management side, but also on a personal level you realize those are your loved ones and your
family,” Stark said. “We’re all capable of finding ourselves in a disaster regardless of Safety continues on Page 8
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Elbert County Director of Emergency Management Cory Stark is shown inside the emergency operations center in Kiowa. File photo
Colorado public schools are a step closer to a major funding overhaul after Gov. John Hickenlooper on May 21 signed a new school finance act that proponents say would provide a longoverdue modernization of an antiquated school funding formula for classrooms across the state. But the governor’s signature doesn’t make the reform measure a done deal. Voters must give the go-ahead to the legislation’s price tag of about $1 billion in new taxes, something that Republican lawmakers are sure to rally against in the fall. If a vote falls short this November, the proposal could come back for funding votes through 2017. Hickenlooper, who was flanked at the Capitol bill-signing by legislative co-sponsors of Senate Bill 213, dubbed the “Future School Finance Act,” hailed the legislation as a way to “allow Colorado to vault to the top of every state” when it comes to school financing and transparency. “This bill really positions Colorado to be the national leader in terms of school reform, in terms of school effectiveness,” Hickenlooper said. The legislation would mark the most sweeping change to the state’s school finance formula that’s been seen in decades. The act would fund full-day kindergarten, provide preschool for at-risk children and would increase needsbased programs for special education students and children who are learning English. The legislation also would provide more funding for students who are involved in gifted and talented school programs. The bill would give school districts greater flexibility in being allowed the opportunity to have longer school years and school days, if they choose to do so. The bill also is expected to increase per-pupil funding for most school districts across the state by way of a funding system that supporters say is a more equitable way of divvying up money. Schools continues on Page 8
2-Color
2 Elbert County News
May 30, 2013
Death-penalty decision sets off firestorm Ta g Hickenlooper’s critics slam reprieve for notorious killer
‘They’re just hoping we’ll forget about this until we get the next governor.’
Marj Crowell, mother of murder victim Sylvia Crowell
By Dan Elliott
Associated Press Democratic Gov. John Hickenlooper’s decision to block the execution of convicted killer Nathan Dunlap for as long as he is governor infuriated victims’ relatives and drew quick criticism from Republicans ahead of the 2014 election. Hickenlooper on May 22 granted an indefinite reprieve to Dunlap, who is on death row for the ambush slayings of four people — three teenagers and a 50-year-old mother — in an Aurora Chuck E. Cheese’s restaurant in 1993. The reprieve essentially guarantees Dunlap, 38, will stay alive at least through Jan. 13, 2015, the last day of Hickenlooper’s first term. “I think it’s highly unlikely that I will revisit it,” Hickenlooper said. “We feel the governor has taken the cowardly way out,” said Marj Crowell, whose 19-year-old daughter, Sylvia Crowell, was
killed. “They’re just hoping we’ll forget about this until we get the next governor.” Hickenlooper is running for re-election next year, and Dunlap’s fate is certain to be a campaign issue. Citing Hickenlooper’s decision, former U.S. Rep. Tom Tancredo — who ran as a third-party candidate in the last gubernatorial election and received nearly 37 percent of the vote — announced May 23 that he will run again, this time as a Republican. Hickenlooper’s decision prompted unusually personal criticism. “Hickenlooper should’ve been up front with voters when he ran for office if he could not carry out the death penalty,” GOP Attorney General John Suthers said in a statement. “He’s made himself into Nathan Dunlap’s guardian angel,” said George Brauchler, the Republican district attorney in Arapahoe County, where Dunlap committed his
crime and was prosecuted. “He’s said, `As long as you keep me in office, Nathan Dunlap never has to face death.’” “This is something we’ve seen consistently out of this governor,” said Rep. Mark Waller, R-Colorado Springs, minority leader in the state’s lower house. “`I’m not going to make a decision.’” Hickenlooper has an image as a pragmatic problem-solver, and he enjoyed bipartisan popularity until this year. But he has been forced to take a stand on an increasing number of divisive issues since his party won back the statehouse in November. He signed sweeping gun-control legislation and approved laws to help people who are in the country illegally and to establish civil unions for same-sex couples this year. On the death penalty, Hickenlooper has appeared to be searching for a middle way. In a December interview with The Asso-
ciated Press, he said of repealing the death penalty: “I wrestle with this, right now, on a pretty much daily basis.” Legislators this year considered a bill that would have ended the death penalty, but they dropped it when Hickenlooper sent word he might veto it. In his reprieve order, Hickenlooper said the death penalty is used inconsistently across Colorado, and he cited problems inAsso obtaining the drugs required for lethal injection, the execution method mandated Fo by state law. He also said many states andcome nations are moving toward banning execu-plan Hick tions. Dunlap, whose execution was scheduled Ta for the week of Aug. 18, got only a reprieve,tion not the clemency he sought. Clemencysion would have removed the possibility of ex-of co ecution and changed his sentence to lifekilled is als without parole. “Mr. Dunlap was grateful. His expres-of sw sions of remorse were genuine. He is trulycludi sad for what happened,” said Phil Cherner,tion one of his attorneys. “This is not a day to “I state celebrate.” Cherner has said Dunlap had undiag-time nosed bipolar disorder at the time of the H crime, and that his attitude has changedafter since the state prison system began medi-plod Te cating him in 2006. party cand was a Ta elect
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Elbert County News 3
May 30, 2013
m Tancredo running for governor of Colorado
death on a
a bill nalty, oper
Former congressman saidto seek GOP nomination
ently ms inAssociated Press al indated Former U.S. Rep. Tom Tancredo has beandcome the latest Republican to announce xecu-plans to challenge Democratic Gov. John Hickenlooper next year. duled Tancredo said on May 23 on radio staieve,tion KHOW that the last straw was a deciencysion by Hickenlooper to delay the execution f ex-of convicted murderer Nathan Dunlap, who o lifekilled four people in 1993. Tancredo said he is also upset with Hickenlooper’s approval pres-of sweeping gun legislation this year, intrulycluding a law limiting the size of ammunirner,tion magazines. ay to “I’m going to run for governor for the state of Colorado, and I’m going to do it this diag-time as a Republican,” Tancredo said. f the Hickenlooper cruised to victory in 2010 ngedafter the Republican side of the ticket immedi-ploded. Tea party favorite Dan Maes won the party nomination when a better-funded candidate, former U.S. Rep. Scott McInnis, was accused of plagiarism. Tancredo then declared Maes unelectable and briefly left the party to run as
a third-party candidate. Tancredo received nearly 37 percent of the gubernatorial vote — more than triple what Maes received. Steve Laffey, a onetime Republican U.S. Senate candidate in Rhode Island, announced May 22 he’s also running for governor of Colorado. Republican Secretary of State Scott Gessler said he would decide this week whether to run. Tancredo gained national attention for blistering attacks on illegal immigrants and briefly ran for president in 2008. He continued his attacks on the Republican Party on May 23, saying it would rather run a middle-of-the-road candidate in hopes the person won’t offend enough people to lose the race. “I think it’s absolutely the wrong position to take. You should be looking for people who are committed to principle,” Tancredo said. “They’re hoping they get some guy who’s very, very wealthy, can fund his own campaign, can skirt the issues and run down the middle. But it doesn’t work that way.” State GOP Chairman Ryan Call defended the party, saying it has a number of good candidates, each bringing their own strengths. “It will be up to the Republican voters to decide who represents our party,” Call said.
ElbErT CounTy nEws in a hurry Commissioners to meet weekly
Chamber hosts Elizabash
The Elizabash street party will be held from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. June 8 in downtown Elizabeth. It follows the Elizabeth Stampede Parade, which begins at 10 a.m. Elizabash will include music, entertainment, food, vendors and games. For more information visit www.elizabethchamber. org and look under “events.”
Elbert holds yearly yard sale
Homes and businesses in and around the town of Elbert will host the annual yard sale June 8 in Elbert. Breakfast burritos
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. 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:
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and lunch are available to purchase from 8 a.m.-3 p.m. at the Russell Gates Mercantile Building. The Elbert Woman’s Club will also serve coffee, cold drinks and desserts. Limited table rental space is available inside the Mercantile. Vendors can sell from their truck or trailer along Eccles Street at no charge. Elbert and the Mercantile are located on Elbert Road about 11 miles south of Kiowa between Highways 86 and 24.
On May 22 the Elbert County commissioners adopted a resolution to meet on a weekly schedule. Commissioners will conduct county business at 9 a.m. on Wednesdays beginning June 5. For more information visit the county’s website at elbertcounty-co.gov.
Display advertising: Thurs. 11 a.m. Legal advertising: Thurs. 11 a.m. classified advertising: Mon. 12 p.m.
Fax information to 303-566-4098 Mail to 9137 S. Ridgeline Blvd., Ste. 210, Highlands Ranch, CO 80129
Relay for Life set for school
Relay for Life of Elbert County is at 6 p.m. June 21 at Elizabeth High School in Elizabeth. About 22 teams are signed up to help raise money for the American Cancer Society. A team captain meeting for participating teams or for those interested in organizing a team is at 6 p.m. June 13 at the United Methodist Church, 724 E. Kiowa Ave. in Elizabeth. For more information contact Jenn Wassil at jwassil@yahoo.com.
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Reaching higher
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The exciting thing about UCCS is that there’s always something different happening on campus. There are so many ways to get involved and that’s what changed my life. Before I joined the Asian Pacific Islander Student Union I wasn’t very social. Now I’ve made unbelievable friends and had experiences I wouldn’t trade anything for. I’m a much different person than I was a year ago, and I have UCCS to thank for it. — S.K., Senior, Education major
www.uccs.edu 800-990-UCCS (8227)
4-Opinion
4 Elbert County News
May 30, 2013
opinions / yours and ours
Longtime friendship blurs decades “You two look like you’re up to no good tonight,” the attractive stranger said. She was about 15 years too late. Mike and I weren’t exactly looking for trouble. We were looking for a box of candies in a grocery store on Quebec. I had given Mike a box of Mike and Ike with the “Ike” scratched out, and he thought I had scratched it out myself. I wanted to prove to him that they weren’t my scratches. The candy’s parent company, Just Born, had the brilliant idea to spend $15 million in 2012 on an ad campaign designed to boost sales. Just Born had spent $125,000 on adverting in 2011. Big difference. The plan was to revive sales by splitting up Mike and Ike, and then re-unite them (which Just Born did in 2013). Did it work? You tell me. I have never had a Mike candy or an Ike candy in my life. But I have a Mike friend. He flew into Denver recently to select a painting from my inventory, as a gift. He didn’t know that he was going to be asked to perform an illegitimate marriage. That story is saved for another day. I met Mike the friend in 1960 in southwest Ohio, where we both attended the
same high school. I had just arrived from Southern California. Orange County, Calif., and Hamilton County, Ohio, in 1960. Big difference. One was sunshine and more sunshine. One was overcast and more overcast. I became overcast myself, until I met Mike, who lived just up the block. We were inseparable, until his father was transferred to northern California, after our junior year. His departure was a very sad day for me. Our friendship since then has had a few gaps, and at one time we were down to exchanging Christmas cards. You know that a friendship is in disrepair when it gets down
question of the week
What movie do you most want to see?
Colorado Community Media visited Reinke Bros. in downtown Littleton and Hollywood Theaters at the Streets at Southglenn recently to ask people what movie they’re most looking forward to seeing this summer and why.
“ ‘The Great Gatsby.’ I think it’s a good role for Leonardo DiCaprio, because he seems like him already.” — Amy Taylor, Great Barrington, Mass.
“ ‘Star Trek Into Darkness.’ ... They’re bringing back the original characters but with new faces.” — Greg Reinke, Littleton
“ ‘The Hangover 3,’ because it resembles my life. I’ve got to be happy, and I’ve got to do what I can to get by.” — Scotty Buchanan, Centennial
“ ‘Star Trek Into Darkness.’ I saw the first one, and I really liked it. And somebody said they characterize Spock and Kirk without caricaturizing them.” — Jan Taylor, Littleton
Arapahoe took right path on gas, oil We should all pause for a moment to recognize the effective and collaborative efforts of the Arapahoe County government. Except in times of crisis, government, citizens and businesses can often be adversarial when trying to solve contentious issues. For the last year and a half, Arapahoe County commissioners have brought together all stakeholders to find a reasonable path for oil and gas development in the county. Faced with the highly politicized task of creating standards for oil and gas development in Arapahoe County, the county struck a path that while not highly publicized has proven to be the most effective process Colorado has seen thus far. The Board of County Commissioners avoided emotional reactions like moratoriums and instead convened meetings of industry representatives, citizens, experts and the state rule-making authority, the Colorado Oil & Gas Conservation Commission (COGCC). The result was a unanimously approved memorandum of understanding (MOU) that sets high standards for oil and gas operators beyond the rigorous, comprehensive regulations already in place at the state level. The MOU that the Arapahoe County Commissioners approved on April 30 is
to nothing but Christmas cards. Then Mike’s first wife was run over by a bus in New York City. Mike’s wife thought her death meant something sideways, that Mike and I needed to revive our friendship. Thank you, Connie. Since then we have been back and forth, Colorado to California, and California to Colorado. It’s not been often enough, but when it happens, it’s perfect. Mike was a very respected San Francisco architect and I was, well, a difficult college professor, so we come together as a bright, intelligent, articulate team. However, we thrive on foolishness, and sophomoric behavior. It’s 1962-63 again. Ralph Waldo Emerson said, “A friend is a person with whom I may be sincere. Before him, I may think aloud.” I know what he has done, the good and the otherwise, and he knows what I have done, for the past 53 years. I am always startled by the similarities: each of us has hit a few doubles and triples, experienced love, and missed the off ramp now and then. In 1967 we went to a concert at Melodyland, which had a revolving stage, in
This week there were a couple of quotes or sayings that for whatever reason I had heard repeatedly. The first one was, “If it were easy everyone would be doing it.” And the second saying was, “Good things come to those who wait, but not for those who wait too late.” I saw these words of encouragement in emails, and one was highlighted in a book that a friend had sent me. Other friends and associates used them on different calls and meetings. Coincidence — or am I being sent a message? The timing could not be better as I have been putting off some major decisions, projects, and goals. There has been so much going on that the excuses seemed easier than the activity required to get things accomplished. It’s go time. Time to get after things, time to stop daydreaming and getting lost in aimless thoughts and trying to come up with one more creative excuse. It’s go time. Is it “go time” for you? You see, I know where the starting line is, I know how to get myself fired up and ready for action. I am also typically selfmotivated and the coach or motivator for others. I know how to do this and what to do. But maybe like many of you reading this, I temporarily lost my inspiration or drive. I have allowed self-prescribed downtime to start becoming a habit instead of a respite. It’s “go time!” The term has been used in locker rooms by coaches before a big game. It has been used by boxing managers prior to walk-
9137 S. Ridgeline Blvd., Suite 210, Highlands Ranch, CO 80129
gerard healey President and Publisher Chris rotar Editor sCott gilBert Assistant Editor
Brackney continues on Page 7
Craig Marshall Smith is an artist, educator and Highlands Ranch resident. He can be reached at craigmarshallsmith@comcast. net
‘Go time’ is time to get up and go
Elbert County News
one that ensures our long-term prosperity. It respects private-property rights, encourages economic development, is mindful of the environment and protects our community’s health. While other communities implement pre-emptive regulations and even outright bans that ignore the rights of land and mineral owners and their ability to develop their resources, Arapahoe County’s MOU stands as a shining example of what oil and gas development should be in Colorado. It ensures private property rights, protects our state’s scenic beauty and limits the impact on public health, all while keeping oil and gas development operations economical enough for mineral owners to develop their resources and realize the returns on the investments they have made. We believe that this agreement will at-
Orange County, Calif. Two up-and-coming acts performed. First, Simon and Garfunkel. They were followed by The Mamas & The Papas. Not bad. As the stage revolved, I could hear Garfunkel’s mint clicking in his mouth. At that time, Simon was good friends with Garfunkel, just like Mike and me. Then things went off, and they split up, and both of them have had good careers apart. Eventually they gathered up and called each other. I watched them sing “The Boxer” on Letterman on July 2, 2011. Garfunkel’s hair was still haywire. “God, that was nice,” Letterman said afterwards. After Mike left us yesterday morning, to return his rental car at the airport, I said to Jennifer, “God, that was nice.” The attractive stranger could have been a mentalist and said, “You two look like old friends. Memories have brushed the same years.”
erin addenBrooke Advertising Director audrey Brooks Business Manager sCott andrews Creative Services Manager sandra arellano Circulation Director ron ‘MitCh’ MitChell Sales Executive
ing into the ring for a big fight. Businessmen and women have said the words, “It’s go time,” just before entering a meeting. And for those of you like me who have found themselves bordering on a rut or prolonged procrastination, we say it to ourselves as we wake up and take that first look in the mirror. “It’s go time!” It just takes a little inertia to spark momentum. And once we have just a little momentum we start to gain traction. As we dig in and allow our traction to turn into accelerated purpose, we find ourselves back on the path to success. “It’s go time!” Is there something waiting for you to start? Or are you waiting for something to start? Either way I would love to hear all about your “go time” at gotonorton@gmail. com, because when you get back into it and after it, whatever “it” is, this will be a better than good week. Michael Norton, a resident of Highlands Ranch, is the former president of the Zig Ziglar organization and CEO and founder of www.candogo.com
Colorado Community Media Phone 303-566-4100 • Fax 303-566-4098
Columnists and guest commentaries The Elbert County 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 County 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 your letter to letters@ourcoloradonews.com We welcome event listings and other submissions. news and Business Press releases Please visit ourcoloradonews.com, click on the Press releases tab and follow easy instructions to make submissions. Calendar calendar@ourcoloradonews.com Military notes militarynotes@ourcoloradonews.com school accomplishments, honor roll and dean’s list schoolnotes@ourcoloradonews.com sports sports@ourcoloradonews.com obituaries obituaries@ourcoloradonews.com to subscribe call 303-566-4100
we’re in this together 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@ourcoloradonews.com, and we will take it from there. After all, the News is your paper.
5-Color
Elbert County News 5
May 30, 2013
SOMBER FAREWELL
OPEN DAILY
JUNE SPECIAL EVENTS
SPONGEBOB VISITS, JUNE 8 & 9 – 12:30PM Special Reception & Themed Lunch MURDER MYSTERY DINNER TRAIN, JUNE 8 & 22 – 6:30PM A classic whodunit with a gourmet dinner RIDE THE ROCKIES TRAIN, JUNE 14 – 6:30PM Ride & Dine Specials ROYAL GORGE WHITEWATER FESTIVAL, JUNE 21 – 5:45PM Raft Race Chase Train
R A I L R O A D COACH • VISTA DOME • LUNCH • DINNER • MURDER MYSTERY Cañon City, Colorado
Members of the Marine Corps serve as pallbearers for Cpl. David Sonka, as police officers and K9s join in a salute May 16 at Mission Hills Church in Littleton. Sonka, 23, a Marine dog-handler from Parker who graduated from Chaparral High School, was killed in Afghanistan May 4 and was laid to rest at Fort Logan National Cemetery. Photo by Chris Michlewicz
Castle Rock
Highlands Ranch
Littleton
1200 South Street Castle Rock, CO 80104 303.688.3047 www.fumccr.org
Parker
Services:
Saturday 5:30pm Sunday 8am, 9:15am, 10:30am Sunday School 9:15am Little Blessings Day Care www.littleblessingspdo.com
CENTER FOR SPIRITUAL LIVING
Open and Welcoming
Sunday Worship
Weaving Truth and Relevance into Relationships and Life:
Sunday School 9:00 & 10:30 am
worship Time 10:30AM sundays
8:00 am Chapel Service 9:00 & 10:30 am
www.st-andrew-umc.com
Affiliated with United Church of Religious Science
303-794-2683 Preschool: 303-794-0510
Castle Rock Recreation Center 2301 Woodlands Blvd, Castle Rock
9203 S. University Blvd. Highlands Ranch, 80126
Sunday Services 10 a.m.
www.OurCenterforSpiritualLiving.org 720-851-0265
Abiding Word Lutheran Church 8391 S. Burnley Ct., Highlands Ranch
(Next to RTD lot @470 & University)
An Evangelical Presbyterian Church
Sunday Worship 10:30 4825 North Crowfoot Valley Rd. Castle Rock • canyonscc.org 303-663-5751
Welcome Home!
Worship Services Sundays at 9:00am
303-791-3315
pastor@awlc.org www.awlc.org
’
Rockin Out for Jesus
A Contemporary Christian Choir Camp June 3-7 – Grades 1-8 M – F: 9am–12pm – Free of Charge – sueeby@gracepointcc.us
First Presbyterian Church of Littleton
Connect – Grow – Serve – Love
Sunday Worship
8:45 am & 10:30 am
SErviCES:
Saturday 5:30pm
Sunday 9:30am
Joyful Mission Preschool 303-841-3770 7051 East Parker Hills Ct. • Parker, CO 303-841-3739 www.joylutheran-parker.org
Pastor David Fisher Parker
Community Church of Religious Science Hilltop United Church Of Christ 10926 E. Democrat Rd. Parker, CO 10am Worship Service www.hilltopucc.org 303-841-2808
Sunday services held in the historic Ruth Memorial Chapel at the Parker Mainstreet Center
...19650 E. Mainstreet, Parker 80138
Fellowship & Worship: 9:00 am Sunday School: 10:45 am 5755 Valley Hi Drive Parker, CO 303-941-0668
www.SpiritofHopeLCMC.org
New Thought...Ancient Wisdom Sunday Service
& Children’s Church 10:00 a.m.
Visit our website for details of classes & upcoming events.
P.O. Box 2945—Parker CO 80134-2945
GRACE PRESBYTERIAN Alongside One Another On Life’s Journey
You are invited to worship with us:
Sundays at 10:00 am
Sunday Worship 8:00 & 10:45 a.m.
Grace is on the NE Corner of Santa Fe Dr. & Highlands Ranch Pkwy. (Across from Murdochs)
Trinity Lutheran School & ELC (Ages 3-5, Grades K-8)
303-798-8485
303-841-4660 www.tlcas.org
Parker evangelical Presbyterian church
303.805.9890
www.gracecolorado.com
Lutheran Church & School
LUTHERAN CHURCH, ELCA
9030 Miller road Parker, Co 80138 303-841-2125 www.pepc.org
www.gracepointcc.us
A place for you
Trinity
Joy
www.P a r k er C C R S.org
www.parkerbiblechurch.org
303 798 6387
“Loving God - Making A Difference”
Franktown
4391 E Mainstreet, Parker, Colorado 80134 Church Office – (303) 841-3836
9:00am Spiritual Formation Classes for all Ages 90 east orchard road littleton co
Sunday Worship: 10:45AM & 6PM Bible Study: 9:30AM Children, Young People & Adults
888.724.5748
Parker
Where people are excited about God’s Word.
Open hearts. Open minds. Open doors.
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Scan to like CCM on Facebook
First United Methodist Church
Parker
RoyalGorgeRoute.com
Sunday
8:30 a.m. 11:00 a.m.
1609 W. Littleton Blvd. (303) 798-1389 • www.fpcl.org
To advertise your place of worship in this section, call 303-566-4091 or email kearhart@ourcoloradonews.com.
6-Color
6 Elbert County News
May 30, 2013
Secretary of state repays Colorado for trip Gessler had used funds to attend GOP convention Associated Press Colorado Secretary of State Scott Gessler has picked up the tab for a trip he took to the Republican National Convention last year that he initially billed to taxpayers. By sending a check for $1,278 to the state treasury on May 22, it appeared Gessler was trying to close the book on the politically damaging episode as he mulls a run for governor. Gessler, a Republican, used state funds to travel to Tampa, Fla., and speak at a panel on election law. Critics complained about his use of public money to attend a partisan event.
‘This should send a message to all elected officials that public funds are not for personal or political use.’ Luis Toro, director of Colorado Ethics Watch A watchdog group filed a complaint with the state ethics commission, and the Denver district attorney’s office opened an investigation. Gessler said he billed the state appropriately since he oversees elections and learned about issues related to his job. He spent another $400 in state funds to return early to Colorado to deal with death threats against his family, and did not repay that expense Wednesday. “We’re pleased that the secretary finally
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did what he should have done months ago — repay the state for funds used to attend a Republican Party event,” Luis Toro, director of Colorado Ethics Watch, said in a statement. “This should send a message to all elected officials that public funds are not for personal or political use.” Gessler maintains he did nothing wrong. “After many months of attempting to defend himself from this political attack, it became obvious that the Ethics Commission simply wasn’t going to give the secretary a
fair hearing,” said Andrew Cole, a spokesman for Gessler. “So he decided to pay the money back in an effort to move on from this episode and get back to work for the people of Colorado.” Gessler filed paperwork on May 23 to run for governor in 2014. His advisers described the filing as a formality that does not mean he is officially in the race. Gessler has said he will make a final decision next week. The filing came after he told Republicans in Fort Collins last week that he was thinking of challenging Democratic Gov. John Hickenlooper. Former Rep. Tom Tancredo and Steve Laffey, a former mayor of a Rhode Island city who now lives in Colorado, also plan to run for governor as Republicans. Tancredo announced his candidacy May 23 on a Denver talk radio show.
7-Color
Elbert County News 7
May 30, 2013
p Graduation isn’t just matter of degrees
A week ago, Ana Elfring, 18, graduokes-ated from high school. The event y thewasn’t particularly emotional — she fromwas ready to move on, the diploma r thethe required bridge to a university education and her future. 23 to Two weeks ago, T.J. Sweetin’s grandfather solemnly handed him a a for-folded American flag that had flown lly inover the state Capitol; his parents a fi-proudly pinned the rank of second lieutenant onto his dress blue uniubli-form. A college degree in hand and wasfour years of ROTC behind him, the Gov.21-year-old was, officially, finally, a Marine. Steve Around the same time, Ellen Theis landexuberantly accepted her English an todegree, six years after beginning it — redoand more than 30 years after her first Den-literature class — on the day before her 52nd birthday. “I would call it a milestone,” Theis said, “and a dream come true.” The school year’s end marks one of life’s milestones, the ritual of graduation, an acknowledgment of accomplishment, a rite of passage from one point in life to another, wrapped in assorted ribbons of meaning. Educational achievements aren’t the only milestones that become defining pieces of our stories. There are first drivers’ licenses, first jobs, 25th wedding anniversaries and 50th birthdays. They seem to impart needed stamps of approval on life’s timeline. Interestingly, studies show countries with well-established cultural rites of passage — “very distinct before and afters” — tend to have lower crime rates in young adulthood, said Kim Gorgens, an assistant professor of psychology at University of Denver. Just as compelling, added Gorgens, is the mind’s ability to hold onto noteworthy memories about ourselves. “We have this natural tendency to be storytellers,” she said. “The autobiographical episodic memory is particularly resistant to decay. … As we are losing our capacity to define ourselves, the last thing to go is our recall for significant events. It has a natural buoyancy.” Perhaps that’s because they can be among our happiest times. For Ana Elfring, these moments are more a series of steppingstones than milestones. Her 4-foot-11 slight frame belies a fierce strength. Determined to gather the resources needed to get herself to University of Colorado at Boulder, she navigated the financial aid maze on her own, securing several scholar-
Brackney Continued from Page 4
tract new revenue to our county. Not only will taxes go towards our schools, roads, and fire districts, but our communities will grow stronger through the addition of jobs. Main street stores will be filled with shoppers. To ensure Colorado’s economic vitality, the South Metro Denver Chamber is leading a delegation of business leaders on a trip to Houston later this month to tell some of the country’s
ships and a work-study grant. “It makes me feel really accomplished,” Elfring says of her successful effort to pay for college. “It’s like a weight off my shoulders.” She is most excited about the independence to choose what her day will look like, from what she eats to when she studies to what she does for fun. She plans to study biology and considers that graduation from college will, perhaps, mean more than her high school steppingstone. “I like to live more in the present than looking forward to something,” Elfring says. “But just because I’m not as goal-oriented doesn’t mean that I don’t strive to succeed. It’s just that I don’t look at things as `Well, at this point I should have achieved this much.’ I just kind of do my best as I’m going and see where it takes me. And, so far, I’ve been taken to pretty decent places. I’m going to the school I want to go to. I have friends and I have a job. So I’m pretty happy.” Thomas Joseph Sweetin is a tall, adventurous young man called T.J. after his namesake, his great-grandfather. His father’s job with the Drug Enforcement Administration moved the family around the country and instilled a love for change and excitement of the unknown. He likes to look forward and mark the big moments. Earning an international affairs degree from CU was definitely more meaningful than receiving a high school diploma for Sweetin. “College was different because I put so much work into it,” he says of days that involved not only academic studies but also hours of training and community service for the 100 students in ROTC. But the greater milestone, he says, is being commissioned into the Marines. “So many of my friends were upperclassmen, and we saw them graduate and get deployed, and you’re counting down the days to that,” Sweetin says. “When you’re a freshman, it feels so far off. You’re kind of waiting … for that day. The entire culmination of that whole college career is summed up in the one commissioning day.” largest oil and gas companies that Colorado and Arapahoe County are open for business. Should they do business in our state, they will have to adhere to strict environmental and health standards, but due to the efforts of our state and local elected officials and the input of our citizens and business community, we have created a clear and consistent framework of regulations for them to operate under. Businesses value consistent regulatory environments. Arapahoe County is leading the way in Colorado. Our success both today and into the future depends on balance, something we need to see more of as Colo-
In October, Sweetin heads to Quantico, Va., for six months of basic officer training. The next benchmark, he says, will be deployment. “It feels really good,” he says. “Life — it’s exciting. I’ve been ready for a while to get on with it.” On a recent Sunday morning, at the athletic field of Metropolitan State University of Denver, Ellen Theis hurled her dark blue cap into the air in exultation. A wife and mother who describes herself as a “why not?” person, she had always felt “less than” without a college degree. The achievement filled her to brimming. “When it really hit was when I picked up my cap and gown,” she says. “It was very surreal. It was joyous. … I was struck wordless by the profound feeling of satisfaction and deep pride in myself.” The journey had been long and circuitous. After high school, without encouragement or financial resources for higher education, Theis worked odd jobs and became a hairdresser. Children and family then became priorities. But hovering in the back of her mind, always, was a yearning for school: “I wanted to learn about James Joyce and Shakespeare, and I wanted always to know more.” Over the years, through four colleges and three states, she took a course here and there. At 46, when she saw friends pursuing degrees, she decided she could do it, too. She started with one course a semester and kept adding until she was juggling four at once. And on graduation day, she proudly hung a blue-andgold cum laude cord around her neck. She briefly considered not attending commencement. Then she realized if she walked away, the moment might be lost. “It’s much sweeter,” Theis said, “when it’s not handed easily to you.” She needed to mark this passage well. So her dad and stepmother flew in from California. Her husband and daughters, 15 and 13, bore witness, too. After, she felt complete. “My ideal self,” Theis said, “has a degree.” And so ends this season of milestones. Ann Macari Healey’s column about people, places and issues of everyday life appears every other week. She can be reached at ahealey@ourcolorado news.com or 303-566-4110.
rado determines how best to utilize natural resources like oil and gas. The South Metro Denver Chamber and the more than 1,300 businesses we represent commend Arapahoe County for their efforts to balance the environmental and economic needs of our community. We congratulate the county for their leadership and we urge other communities to recognize the benefits of working together to find rational solutions to complex and contentious issues. John Brackney is the president and CEO of the South Metro Denver Chamber of Commerce
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8-Color
8 Elbert County News
May 30, 2013
Safety
EXTRA! EXTRA! Have a news or business story idea? We'd love to read all about it. To send us your news and business press releases, please visit ourcoloradonews.com, click on the Press Releases tab and follow easy instructions to make submissions.
Continued from Page 1
our position in life, and we all have to work toward planning because it could happen to anybody.” Stark’s family included an aunt, uncle and several cousins, two of whom work in public safety and another who was among the teachers trapped in a damaged high school. His family members emerged from the devastation unharmed and without losing their homes, but the lessons learned were a reminder of the importance of preparation for storm season. “That early-warning notification is the key to survival in these storms,” Stark said. “It solidified for me that having a good concept on having a sheltering (plan) in place and what that means for you at home, work, church and school — understanding the concepts behind it are truly critical. It solidified the urgency and priority to continue pushing the message that we have to take personal responsibility to understand what (preparedness) looks like, wherever it is you spend most of your time during storm season.” Stark conducts emergency-preparedness training on behalf of the emergency management office and urges residents to register with the county’s CodeRed emergency alert system, a free service that pro-
Schools Continued from Page 1
Under the new formula, the state would determine how much revenue individual school districts are able to raise, with the state backfilling the difference. The state also would provide more support for local mill levy-matching. And, the bill would create a new teacher evaluation formula that supporters say is badly needed. Sen. Mike Johnston, D-Denver, was the main driver behind the legislative effort. The former Thornton High School principal said the bill marks a “tremendous step forward” in making Colorado a school reform model for the nation. “Instead of forcing (students and teachers) to work in a system that was created before the Internet, email and cell phones ... they instead will work in a system that is built for the 21st century,” Johnston said. But Johnston’s efforts could be all for
COUNTY URGES PREPARATION The Elbert County Office of Emergency Management produced a video with a quick look at establishing an emergency shelter plan. The video is on YouTube, entitled “A Look at Sheltering in Place.” For tips on tornado safety, visit ready.gov/tornadoes. For weather alerts from the National Weather Service, visit weather.gov. Source: Elbert County Office of Emergency Management
vides emergency alerts to registered users. Other preparedness tips include having a family shelter plan in place in the event of an emergency; notifying family members and friends what that plan is; creating an emergency kit with food and water in case services are temporarily disabled; establishing an emergency communication plan among family members; and being willing to leave the area if a storm is looming and no safe shelter is available. “It’s a matter of having a plan in place so you don’t have to think about it when you get that warning,” Stark said. “Be sure you have communicated it with your kids so everybody knows what you’re doing if you get that call from CodeRed. It doesn’t matter what the shelter plan is, any plan is better than no plan.” To enroll in Elbert County’s CodeRed notification system, go to elbertcounty-co.gov and click on the CodeRed icon near the bottom of the left-hand banner.
naught if voters do not approve funding, which would come in the form of some sort of tax increase. Rep. Millie Hamner, D-Dillon, a bill sponsor, acknowledged that “the biggest challenge” will be in convincing voters to provide funding for the measure. Backers of the act don’t yet know what the tax measure will look like on the fall ballot. Hickenlooper would not say which tax measure he preferred, but did say that he “certainly” will campaign for the effort. The governor shouldn’t expect many Republican lawmakers to join him on the campaign trail. Republicans during the legislative session denounced the reform measure as a bloated effort that would lead to greater bureaucracy and doesn’t do enough to put in place necessary school reform measures. They also say the bill is nothing more than a $1 billion tax increase on the people of Colorado. The new school finance model would not take effect until the 2015-2016 school year. The 2013-2014 school funding model came in a separate piece of legislation.
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South Metrolife 9-Life
Elbert County News 9 May 30, 2013
‘Swan Lake’ comes to life on screen “Swan Lake Marinsky Live” will be broadcast live to a movie theater near you at 6:30 p.m. June 6. The renowned St. Petersburg ballet company will be shown in performance from the historic Marinsky Theatre in Russia, with principal ballerina Ekatrina Kondaurove as Odette. Technology by the Cameron|Pace Group/RealD 3D. Participating theaters include: Greenwood Plaza 12, Regal River Point and Highlands Ranch 24. Tickets are available online at FathomEvents.com.
Julius Caesar, played by Drew Guetig, center, addresses members of the Roman Senate. Students at the Ambleside School, located in Centennial, held their third annual Shakespeare festival on May 17 and celebrated with live performances of the Bard’s famous works Photos by Deborah Grigsby
Much ado about Shakespeare PhotoS by Deborah grIgSby Students at the Ambleside School in Centennial took a day to honor the works of William Shakespeare with live performances of not only his most memorable sonnets, but also “Julius Caesar,” a tragedy that portrays a conspiracy against the infamous Roman dictator and his assassination. Students crafted many of the props and costumes themselves, and later hosted a community luncheon for the audience. The event held May 17 was the third annual Shakespeare festival for the private school that uses great works of art, music and science to complement regular classroom learning activities.
By Sonya Ellingboe
sellingboe@ourcoloradonews.com Each year, Curtis Arts and Humanities Center invites artists to enter an All Colorado Show, with a juror selecting the exhibit from many entries. This spring, director Jo Cole decided to invite five winners from previous years to submit works for the “Gold Medal Show: Five Years of First Place Winners From the Greenwood Village All Colorado Annual Shows.” Invited artists each exhibit a small selection of representative work, which gives a good picture of the high-quality art this gallery attracts. It should be better known among area art lovers.
If you go Curtis Arts and Humanities Center is located at 2349 E. Orchard Road, just west of University. It is open from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Mondays through Fridays. 303-797-1779. Admission is free. The center also offers art classes for children and adults.
Since the monarchy is taking excellent care of the expected royal baby, FanciMats and More, 5654 S. Prince St #B, has found two beneficiaries of baby gifts that will happily accept gifts for moms and new babies. And FanciMats is hosting a party from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. June 8, with cake and punch. One recipient is the San Luis Valley Medical Center and Women’s Health division, the only provider in that low-income area. The other is the Nurse Family Partnership, which provides one-on-one service to underserved mothers-to-be and new mothers to assure a safer pregnancy and healthier baby. Wrapped new items should be labeled — or FanciMats will provide labels. 303798-9825.
Summer reading
Sammy Lorden mourns the death of Julius Caesar, played by played by Drew Guetig. Lorden and Guetig are students at the Ambleside School in Centennial, where they were part of a production of Shakespeare’s “Julius Caesar.”
Winners on the walls at gallery Greenwood Village gallery invites five artists to show their works
Royal baby shower
It was originally a 1920 red brick schoolhouse at Orchard Road and University and was converted into a Landmark Historic Site and Gallery by the Greenwood Village Arts and Humanities Council. Hardwood floors, large windows and good lighting offer an inviting background for modest-sized exhibits of all sorts. Invited artists in this show are: • Kathryn Cole, whose works are softedged, figurative in subtle colors. • Joellyn Duesberry, a prolific painter who lives in Greenwood Village and paints the landscapes around her, including scenes along the South Platte River, in a distinctive style. • Rob Gratiot, a Denver painter who frequently exhibits at Curtis and elsewhere in a hyper-realistic style with city scenes and still lifes. “There is a certain mystery about approaching windows and doors,” he writes. They simultaneously keep the viewer out and let the viewer partially into the pictured space. • Sharon Holsapple paints large, engaging figurative works. • Irene Delka McCray, whose figures certainly encourage the viewer to create stories. She writes in her website about “the possibilities, desires and necessities bound up in human beingness … paintings are meant as scenes from the psychic realm.”
• Area libraries are launching their summer reading programs. Sign up in your neighborhood. Examples: The adult program at Littleton’s Bemis Library has a theme of “Delve Into Your Past.” Sign up and enter prize drawings for every book you read or for exploring Littleton history on the city’s website. A grand prize $100 shopping spree at Aspen Grove will be the final drawing. Runs through July 31. 303-795-3961. Register for a children’s reading program too. • Arapahoe Library District has a summer reading program ranging from newborns to teens, with incentives and prizes. A record features ways to build a strong literacy foundation with babies. Kickoff events throughout the district: Koelbel — June 1, 9 a.m. to noon; Sheridan — June 1, 2 to 4 p.m.; Smoky Hill — June 1, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.; Southglenn — June 1, 2 to 4 p.m.; Castlewood — June 8, 10 a.m. to noon. Register at arapahoelibraries.org or 303-LIBRARY.
For the short set
Hunk-Ta-Bunk-Ta, Katherine Dines, will perform for kids at 11 a.m. June 4 at the Lone Tree Arts Center. Movement, sing-along, percussion and story songs. Tickets: $3. 720-509-1000, LoneTreeArtsCenter.org.
‘Simple Gifts’ concert “Security” by Irene Delka McCray engages the viewer’s imagination in Curtis Arts and Humanities Center’s “Gold Medal Show.” Courtesy photo The exhibit will run until June 7 and should interest viewers of all kinds. Painters certainly will be intrigued by presentation and technique, but everyone will be drawn to the stories these artists have to tell us. Where have they been and what are they wanting to share with us?
The Castle Rock Chorale presents a concert called “Simple Gifts” on two evenings: 7:30 p.m. May 31 at Christ’s Episcopal Church, 615 4th St., Castle Rock, and 7:30 p.m. June 8 at Valley View Christian Church, 11004 Wildfield Lane, near Highlands Ranch. Anthems, folk tunes, songs of remembrance, lullabies, nursery rhymes and a premiere of a new composition by CRC tenor and resident composer Carlos Arellano will be on the program. Tickets at the door: $15/$10 (free 5 and under).
10-Sports
10 Elbert County News
May 30, 2013
Planting completed in Songbird Garden Program is connected to nationwide initiative
IF YOU GO Hudson Gardens and Event Center is at 6115 S. Santa Fe Drive, Littleton. Open daily 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., except for early closing on Sundays when concerts are scheduled in summer. Admission is free. 303-797-8565.
By Sonya Ellingboe
sellingboe@ourcoloradonews.com A nationwide Save the Songbirds initiative is designed to save a million songbirds by creating 50,000 acres of habitat for them across the country. Hudson Gardens in Littleton is a participant. The program was made possible by a grant from Scotts Songbird Selections, a division of Scott’s Miracle Grow, plus contributions from the Audubon Society of Greater Denver, Front Range Birding Company and the Scientific and Cultural Facilities District. In fall 2012, space was set aside for a Songbird Garden in the northwest quarter of Hudson Gardens — past the amphitheater. Trees were planted, or existing ones were incorporated, and feeders and nest boxes were installed. A planting plan, chosen for food and cover, was published looking ahead to spring 2013, when select perennials would be added. Scientists specializing in botany and ornithology approved plant and feeder choices and future plans for appropriate plantings. On May 21, Hudson Gardens volunteers planted perennials to fill in the prepared beds. The garden will be visible from the Monet water gardens as well as the edge of the amphitheater and will offer information that encourages individuals to make home gardens into wildlife sanctuaries. A birdfriendly habitat can be created in any land-
Hudson Gardens volunteers plant perennials to provide food and cover for songbirds. Courtesy photo by Ian Anderson scape, with food, water, cover and a place to raise young. Basic tips for a backyard bird habitat include: • Choose plants for function rather than appearance.
• Plant trees and shrubs that offer heavy fruit production. (Birds especially like red and blue-colored berries.) • Skip the grass and substitute birdfriendly plants. • Layer your landscape to emulate a nat-
ural environment. • Don’t deadhead. Let plants set seed to serve as food. • Leaf litter is good. Place piles of raked plant material under trees and shrubs to provide cover and insects. • Go organic. Use non-chemical management methods to tame pests and diseases when possible. Herbicides and pesticides can be ingested by birds if they feed on affected insects or plants. Plant material in Hudson Gardens’ Songbird Garden includes sunset hyssop, redosier dogwood, hedge cotoneaster, Russian Hawthorne, blanket flower, dotted gayfeather, Arnold’s red honeysuckle, tall Oregon grape holly, Oregon grape holly, bee balm, beardlip penstemon, Austrian pine, narrowleaf cottonwood, Mexican coneflower, golden currant, little bluestem grass and Indian grass. The Gardens also offer monthly Bird Walks, classes on many aspects of gardening and seasonal special gardens. A mentorship program in beekeeping provides opportunities to learn this popular activity. For information on dates and fees, see hudsongardens.org/programs. Nearby is Joshua Weiner’s recently installed steel sculpture of a giant, all-inclusive nest — an appropriate companion piece.
Arts, drama, nature provide summer fun Young people have plethora of activities around area By Sonya Ellingboe
sellingboe@ourcoloradonews.com
Duck Commanders Phil, left, and Willie Robertson helped raise $60,000 for The Rock Christian Academy in Castle Rock with a May 19 appearance at the Douglas County Event Center. Courtesy photo by Kendra Landrey
‘Duck Dynasty’ rocks The Rock Academy Robertsons helped raise $60,000 for Christian school By Rhonda Moore
rmoore@ourcoloradonews.com It was a good day at Duck Command central when the “Duck Dynasty” family came to town. Phil and Willie Robertson of “Duck Dynasty” made an appearance in Castle Rock May 19, to help raise funds for The Rock Christian Academy. Their visit was at the top of the list for the school’s parent-teacher fellowship, which came up with the idea to invite the Duck Commanders to town. The idea turned into a $60,000 fundraiser, with the proceeds from ticket sales dedicated to a 10,000-square-foot expansion of the school, improvements on the school’s playground, technology updates in the classrooms and financial assistance to qualifying families, said Michael Brumbaugh, assistant director of the parentteacher fellowship. The school intends to use part of the money to provide scholarships to families who can’t afford the $4,700 annual tuition,
‘There will likely be even more students enrolled before the school year
For children’s summer fun, the trick is to hit a balance that fits each individual child — one that a parent can manage to provide. Running and playing ball and swimming fill the bill for many kids, but for some others, taking a crack at Shakespeare or a musical, working in clay or paint, or getting up close and personal with a frog or turtle may open new possibilities. Each of our areas has a recreation district with a great variety of programs. See catalogs online for South Suburban, Englewood, Highlands Ranch, Lone Tree, Parker and Castle Rock. We have a few additional suggestions that may fit a child’s interests: • The Actor’s Playground at Town Hall Arts Center in Littleton offers a production of “Grease” (school version) for grades 6-12, running June 17 to July 12, with eight performances scheduled. For grades 1 to 5, there’s junior play production of “The Aristocats” June 17 to July 3. “On Camera Techniques” is for grades 4 to 9 and explores differences between live theater and on-camera performance. A Fairy Camp Theater Skills class for K-3 runs July 8 to 12. A Superhero camp for K-3 is July 22 to 26. Swashbuckling Sword Skills for Grades 6 to 12 is July 22 to 26. Instructors are Seth Maisel and Shelly Bordas. Visit www.townhallartscenter.com/classes.
CURTAIN TIME
begins.’ Michael Brumbaugh
Three perceptions Brumbaugh said. One unexpected consequence of the “Duck Dynasty” visit began to emerge in the days after the academy began spreading the word about the event. At the time of the announcement, enrollment was 86 students, Brumbaugh said. The day after the Duck Commanders left town, enrollment for the coming school year was 106 students. “There will likely be even more students enrolled before the school year begins,” Brumbaugh said. “That was (our) main goal — to increase enrollment.”
asp. 303-794-2787. • The Greater Castle Rock Arts Guild has just released a long list of classes, with many for teens. See GCRAG.org. • Front Range Theater Company in Castle Rock will hold its Triple Threat Summer Camp July 15 to 26, with performances July 26-27. • Englewood’s annual summer musical will be “Oliver.” Rehearsals and performances will be held at Mullen High School, 3601 S. Lowell Blvd., while Englewood High School is under construction. • Curtis Arts and Humanities Center, 2349 E. Orchard Road in Greenwood Village, offers two Mini Art Master programs on Mondays: on June 17 (Michelangelo and Mondrian); June 24 (Bourgeois and Lichtenstein); July 15 (Matisse and Munch); Aug. 5 (Hokusai and Marc). See greenwoodvillage.com or call 303-486-5773. • Greenwood Village also offers handson projects with Art in the Park — 12 sessions at Silo Park, 9300 E. Orchard Road, on Tuesdays and Thursdays June 11, 13, 18, 20, 25 and 27, July 2, 11, 16 and 18, and Aug. 6 and 8. See greenwoodvillage.com or call 303-486-5773. • South Platte Park offers Ranger Pam’s Nature Adventures for 4- and 5-year-olds; Kids’ Nature Clubhouse for 6- to 10-yearolds (several sessions); Junior Rangers for 10- to 12-year-olds, plus individual events, such as night hikes. See sspr.org. We recognize this is just a sample of what is available out there, based on information we have received. Exploration is encouraged
“Baby! The Musical” by David Shire and Richard Maltby Jr., with book by Sybille Pearson, based on a story by Susan Yankowitz, looks at the impact of pregnancy on three couple of different generations. It plays May 31 through June 23. It’s presented by Cherry Creek Theatre Company at Shaver-Ramsey Showroom, 2414 E. Third Ave,. Denver. Performances: 7:30 p.m. Fridays, Saturdays; 6:30 p.m. Sundays. Tickets: $28/$25, 303-800-6578, cherrycreektheatre. org.
A classic
“One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest” by
Dale Wasserman plays June 7 to 30 at the Edge Theatre, 1560 Teller St., Lakewood (new address). Performances: 8 p.m. Fridays, Saturdays; 6 p.m. Sundays. Tickets: $22, theedgetheatre.com.
What is appropriate?
“Collected Stories” by Donald Margulies plays June 7 to July 14 at Miners Alley Playhouse, 1224 Washington Ave., Golden. Directed by Robert Kramer, Performances: 7:30 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays; 6 p.m. Sundays; 2 p.m. July 14. Tickets: $19 to 29.50. 303-935-3044, minersalley.com.
11-Color
Elbert County News 11
May 30, 2013
JUNE 8 ELIZABASH. THE Elizabeth Area
Chamber of Commerce presents ed toElizaBash from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. June 8 on Main Street in Elizabeth. Enjoy a akedfamily fun filled day starting with the bs toStampede Parade at 10 a.m. and then stay in downtown Elizabeth for music, man-entertainment, food, vendors, games, dis-and more. All free to the public. Visit pesti-www.elizabethchamber.org. feed COMMUNITY YARD sale. Homes and businesses in and around Elbert will have dens’ their annual yard sale from 8 a.m. to 3 ssop, p.m. June 8 at the Russell Gates MercanRustile Building. The Elbert Woman’s Club otted is dedicated to the Elbert community , tall and the Mercantile, built in 1906. For , bee information, call Doris, 303-648-3121. pine, one-JUNE 13 grassBUSINESS AFTER hours. The Elizabeth
Area Chamber of Commerce Business BirdAfter Hours is from 5-7 p.m. June 13 at den-the Elizabeth Library Meeting Room on men-Beverly Street. Your hosts will be the videsElizabeth Lion’s Club. Learn about the ivity.Club and all the good things they are hud-doing for our community. Network with
other businesses and residents. Everyone y in-is welcome. nclunionJUNE 19
BLOOD DRIVE. Walmart community blood drive is from 2-6 p.m. June 19 inside Bonfils’ mobile bus at 2100 Legacy Circle, Elizabeth. For information or to schedule an appointment, contact Bonfils Appointment Center at 303-3632300 or visit www.bonfils.org. JUNE 21, July 19 LEGAL CLINIC. A free clinic for parties who have no attorney and who are going through divorce, legal separation, custody, post-decree cases or protection order cases is offered from 9 a.m. to noon the third Friday of each month at the Elbert County Justice Center, 751 Ute St., in Kiowa. All walk-ins are welcome, and everyone will be assisted on a firstcome, first-served basis. Upcoming dates are March 15; April 19; May 17; June 21; July 19; Aug. 16; Sept. 20; Oct. 18; Nov. 15; Dec. 20. THROUGH JUNE 21; JULY 19-20 QUILT ENTRIES. Firehouse Quilts is
JUNE 22 SAFETY FAIR. Join the Elbert County
Sheriff ’s Office and many of the wonderful response agencies in the community for their annual safety fair from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. June 22 in the Walmart parking lot in Elizabeth. The whole family can gain valuable knowledge on everything from bike safety, cyber safety, to lessons on the consequence of drinking and driving. Check http://www. elbertcountysheriff.com/ for details and information.
JUNE 29 KIOWA STREET Fair. Come see the treasures within Elbert County and enjoy a family fun filled day at the Kiowa Street Fair from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. June 29 at AF Nordman Park. Food, live music, vendors, activities and more. Visit www. townofkiowa.com. Then head on over to the Elbert County Fairgrounds for the Cowboy Up Rodeo in Kiowa. Starts at 6 p.m. and will give you an evening of excitement and rodeo adventure. www. cowboyupinkiowa.org. The evening ends with Fireworks, weather permitting, provided by the Kiowa Fire Protection District. JULY 4 PIONEER FOURTH celebration is from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. July 4 at the Elbert County Museum in Kiowa. Good old-fashioned fun with free tours of the Elbert County Museum, pie eating contest, silent auction, music, food and more. Go to www.elbertcountymuseum. org for all the details.
CLASSIFIEDS TO ADVERTISE, CALL 303-566-4100
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ELIZABETH STAMPEDE Rodeo is June 7-9 at Casey Jones Park in Elizabeth. Come see the voted Best Small Rodeo in the Nation. Visit www. elizabethstampede.com for all the details.
looking for quilt entries for its eighth annual quilt show to support its mission of helping children in crisis in Colorado. Early bird entries submitted by May 17 are taken at a discounted entry fee ($15). Otherwise, the fee is $18 per item, and the final deadline is June 21. This year’s show has a special theme, Patriotic, along with 13 other categories. The show is from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. July 19-20 at the Douglas County Events Center in Castle Rock. All forms and instructions are available at www.firehousequilts. org; click on the Quilt Show link at the top.
Help Wanted
Commercial Property/ Rent
Centennial Mental Health Center has an opening for a
Mental Health Professional II or III for our Elizabeth Office, $35,403$41,219 + Prior Experience ,DOE. Provides direct mental health treatment to a variety of individuals which will include youth, adolescents, and their families in our Parenting with Love and Limits Program. Master’s degree in psychology, social work or other human services field. Licensed or licensable in the State of CO (LPC, LMFT,LCSW). Email resume to Jobs@CentennialMHC.org. Visit www.centennialmhc.org for an online application and full job description.
Full-Time Registered Occupational Therapist,
Grades PreK-12. OTR must have or be eligible for appropriate Colorado licensure. Our BOCES serves 21 member school districts in Eastern Colorado & have a team of 5 OTR’s. We are team oriented and collaboratively support efforts of our staff for our children. Salary based on education and experience. Excellent benefits. Access to company vehicle or mileage reimbursement. Some tuition reimbursement could be possible. To apply for this position, please complete the Certified Application for Employment available for download on the upper left section of the job listing page on our website www.ecboces.org. Questions contact Tracy at (719) 7752342, ext. 101. Please fax completed application and supporting documents, including resume, to (719) 775-9714 or email tracyg@ecboces.org. EOE
Call 303-688-2497
Festival is July 20-21 at Casey Jones Park in Elizabeth. Take yourself back in time and enjoy traditional Scottish Highland Games with a Medieval and Renaissance Fest, a British Dog Show, and a community fair to create a great weekend of fun for the entire family. www.elizabethcelticfestival.com.
PUBLIC NOTICE
NOTICE TO CREDITORS Estate of Michael A. Perrella, aka Michael Perrella, Deceased Case Number: 2013 PR 24
NOTICE TO CREDITORS Estate of Mike Arko, aka Michael Arko, aka Michael J. Arko, Deceased Case Number: 2013 PR 20
All persons having claims against the above-named estate are required to present them to the Personal Representative or to the District Court of Elbert County, Colorado on or before September 16, 2013 or the claims may be forever barred. Lucy L. Perrella-Franceus Personal Representative 199 Jamestown Road Basking Ridge, NJ 07920-3056 Legal Notice No: 927950 First Publication: May 16, 2013 Last Publication: May 30, 2013 Publisher: The Elbert County News
All persons having claims against the above-named estate are required to present them to the Personal Representative or to the District Court of Elbert County, Colorado on or before September 30, 2013 or the claims may be forever barred. Kelli Arko Personal Representative 317 Rushmore Street Elizabeth, Colorado 80107 Legal Notice No: 927958 First Publication: May 30, 2013 Last Publication: June 13, 2013 Publisher: Elbert County News
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All persons having claims against the above-named estate are required to present them to the Personal Representative or to the District Court of Elbert County, Colorado on or before September 30, 2013 or the claims may be forever barred.
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NOTICE TO CREDITORS Estate of Mike Arko, aka Michael Arko, aka Michael J. Arko, Deceased Case Number: 2013 PR 20
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Notice To Creditors
Legal Notice No: 927958 First Publication: May 30, 2013 Last Publication: June 13, 2013 Publisher: Elbert County News
Government Legals Public Notice DOUGLAS COUNTY SCHOOL DISTRICT RE1 PROPOSED SCHOOL BUDGET Notice is hereby given that a proposed budget has been submitted to the Board of Education of Douglas County School District RE1, Douglas and Elbert Counties, Colorado, for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2013, and will be filed in the principal administrative offices of the School District, 620 Wilcox Street, Castle Rock, Colorado, 80104, where it will be available for public inspection during business hours or online on the Douglas County School District website at www.dcsdk12.org. Such proposed budget will be first considered for adoption at a regular meeting of the Board of Education at the principal administrative offices of the School District, 620 Wilcox Street, Castle Rock, Colorado, 80104 on Tuesday, June 18, 2013, at 7:00 o'clock p.m.
Public Notice DOUGLAS COUNTY SCHOOL DISTRICT RE1 PROPOSED SCHOOL BUDGET Notice is hereby given that a proposed budget has been submitted to the Board of Education of Douglas County School District RE1, Douglas and Elbert Counties, Colorado, for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2013, and will be filed in the principal administrative offices of the School District, 620 Wilcox Street, Castle Rock, Colorado, 80104, where it will be available for public inspection during business hours or online on the Douglas County School District website at www.dcsdk12.org. Such proposed budget will be first considered for adoption at a regular meeting of the Board of Education at the principal administrative offices of the School District, 620 Wilcox Street, Castle Rock, Colorado, 80104 on Tuesday, June 18, 2013, at 7:00 o'clock p.m.
Government Legals
Colorado statutes provide that it is not necessary for the Board of Education to formally adopt the proposed budget on June 18, 2013, but if the proposed budget is to be adopted at some future meeting, the date, time and place of any continued meeting shall be announced by the Board of Education and entered into the minutes of the meeting of the Board held for consideration of the proposed budget as specified in this notice. Any person paying school taxes in said district may either at such meeting or at any time prior to the final adoption of the proposed budget, file or register his/her objections thereto.
has been submitted to the Board of Education of Douglas County School District RE1, Douglas and Elbert Counties, Colorado, for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2013, and will be filed in the principal administrative offices of the School District, 620 Wilcox Street, Castle Rock, Colorado, 80104, where it will be available for public inspection during business hours or online on the Douglas County School District website at www.dcsdk12.org. Such proposed budget will be first considered for adoption at a regular meeting of the Board of Education at the principal administrative offices of the School District, 620 Wilcox Street, Castle Rock, Colorado, 80104 on Tuesday, June 18, 2013, at 7:00 o'clock p.m. Colorado statutes provide that it is not necessary for the Board of Education to formally adopt the proposed budget on June 18, 2013, but if the proposed budget is to be adopted at some future meeting, the date, time and place of any continued meeting shall be announced by the Board of Education and entered into the minutes of the meeting of the Board held for consideration of the proposed budget as specified in this notice.
Government Legals
Any person paying school taxes in said district may either at such meeting or at any time prior to the final adoption of the proposed budget, file or register his/her objections thereto. Douglas County School District RE1 Dated: May 23, 2013 Nona Eichelberger Board of Education Secretary Legal Notice No.: 927953 First Publication: May 23, 2013 Last Publication: June 6, 2013 Publisher: Elbert County News Public Notice NOTICE OF PROPOSED SCHOOL BUDGET Notice is hereby given that a proposed budget has been submitted to the Board of Education of the Elizabeth C-1 School District for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2013 and has been filed in the office of the Superintendent of Schools where it is available for public inspection. Such proposed budget will be considered for adoption at a regular meeting of the Board of Education of the District to be held at 634 South Elbert Street, Elizabeth, Colorado on June 24, 2013 at 7:00 P.M. Any person paying school taxes in said district may at any time prior to the final adoption of the budget file or register his or her objections thereto.
Public Notice NOTICE OF PROPOSED SCHOOL BUDGET
Government Legals
Notice is hereby given that a proposed budget has been submitted to the Board of Education of the Elizabeth C-1 School District for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2013 and has been filed in the office of the Superintendent of Schools where it is available for public inspection. Such proposed budget will be considered for adoption at a regular meeting of the Board of Education of the District to be held at 634 South Elbert Street, Elizabeth, Colorado on June 24, 2013 at 7:00 P.M. Any person paying school taxes in said district may at any time prior to the final adoption of the budget file or register his or her objections thereto. Board of Education, Elizabeth School District C-1 Dated May 20, 2013 Chip Swan, Secretary, Board of Education Legal Notice No.: 927959 First Publication: May 30, 2013 Last Publication: May 30, 2013 Publisher: The Elbert County News
When government takes action, it uses local newspapers to notify Douglas County School District RE1 Dated: Maynotices 23, 2013 you. Reading your public is the best way to find out what is Nona Eichelberger Board of Education Secretary happening in your community and how it affects you. If you don’t Legal Notice No.: 927953 Colorado statutes provide that it is not neFirst Publication: May 23, 2013 cessary for the Board of Education to read notices, never what you might miss. Last Publication: June 6,know 2013 formallypublic adopt the proposed budget on you
Notices are meant to be noticed.
June 18, 2013, but if the proposed budget is to be adopted at some future meeting, the date, time and place of any continued meeting shall be announced by the Board of Education and entered into the minutes
Publisher: Elbert County News
Board of Education, Elizabeth School District C-1
Dated May 20, 2013 Chip Swan, Secretary, Board of Education
12-Color
12 Elbert County News
May 30, 2013