Lone Tree Voice May 2, 2024

Candidates for commissioner meet in forum

Water, growth top list of subjects at Highlands Ranch event

BY ELLIS ARNOLD

Ask most candidates running for commissioner what the top issues are in Douglas County, and they’ll point to the same issue: water. e county’s future supplies of wa-

ter are a challenge complicated by another issue: ongoing population growth.

“We’re a pro-business county, we’re a pro-growth county, but we have to make sure that our growth is happening in a smart manner,” said Julien Bouquet, a Democrat running to unseat Commissioner George Teal, a Republican.

Bouquet and another Democrat, Angela omas, have their work cut out for them running in District 2, a vast region that covers Castle Rock

and the southern portion of the county. e district encompasses much of the county’s rural areas and likely leans more conservative than the other commissioner contest on the ballot this year.

at’s the race in District 3, currently represented by Republican Lora omas, who cannot run for the seat again because of term limits. Covering the county’s northwest corner, the district’s population center is High-

Julien Bouquet, a Democrat, speaks during an April 24 forum in in Highlands Ranch for candidates running for Douglas County commissioner. He’s flanked by another Democratic candidate, Angela Thomas, and Commissioner George Teal, a Republican, on left.

PHOTO BY ELLIS ARNOLD

Schools chief fears ‘devastating’ impact of budget formula

SPEAK OUT!

TAKE OUR ELECTION SURVEY!

Help tell our news reporters and editors which issues to focus on in 2024. It only takes a minute. Thank you!

through the state legislature would put Douglas County School District’s nancial future in jeopardy by limiting state monies to the district.

So says district Superintendent Erin Kane, who joined other public school administrators to testify at the Capitol against House Bill 241448.

Introduced by Democratic Speaker of the House Rep. Julie McCluskie, the nance formula legislation seeks to provide more funding for special education, English-language learners, students in poverty and rural schools. But it limits funding based on cost of living and size of the district, two factors that currently benet Douglas County. e formula has no e ect on local funding from mill levy overrides and bonds, but Kane said it would hurt the district.

“ e bill overall would essentially freeze our funding for the next ve years at a minimum,” Kane told lawmakers earlier this month. “It would have a devastating impact on our district.”

e formula would impact districts in the 2025-26 school year, with a six-

year roll out, which will cost around

McCluskie said the goal of the formula is to direct resources to students who need them most.

“We have still not addressed the call for equity in this state, the need to make sure we’re driving more resources to those students who are at most risk of falling behind,” she said. ough the formula would increase funding for a majority of school districts in the state, there are some outliers, including large metro districts like Je Co School District and Cherry Creek School District, as well as small districts like Elbert School District and Cheyenne Mountain School District, which would not receive a funding increase.

Kane said more money is needed in general for education.

“ e issue is without additional funding, you can’t change the existing formula without creating winners and losers because you’re taking (funding) away from some districts to direct it to others,” Kane said.

Superintendents from 10 districts

Douglas County Superintendent Erin Kane speaks at a school board meeting. Last month, Kane raised concerns about a newly introduced school finance bill that could limit the district’s future funding.

PHOTO BY MCKENNA HARFORD

Want to Break Away From Common Exterior Products? Check Out These Winners

elevated it to the top of a competitive category.”

I’m always on the lookout for new products that might interest my readers, and Pro Builder magazine is great at finding and promoting them, including with their annual “Most Valuable Product (MVP) Awards. Their February-March 2024 issue featured the top 3 winners (gold, silver and bronze, of course) in 16 categories from “Connected Home” to “Weatherization.”

In this week’s column, I’d like to feature their winners in the “Exterior” category. I think you’ll agree that each provides a fresh look and a welcome break from what we are seeing, especially in the tract homes from the major builders.

The “Gold” winner was Tantimber’s decking product they call Thermowood Here is a picture and description of their wood decking:

“Thermowood is a sustainable alternative to endangered South American hardwoods and various environmentally damaging petroleum-based wood imitations and hybrid products. It is dimensionally stable, extremely durable, and will not warp in extreme temperatures and environments, the company says, while still being workable. The practical and environmental benefits of the product, as well as its pleasing aesthetics,

Tantimber is a Turkish company, and their website describes their commitment to sustainable production of natural wood products. Today’s composite decking materials are petroleum-based, but Tantimber’s products are made from thermally processed natural wood. Their website is www.Tantimber.com

The “Silver” winner was Nakamoto Forestry’s siding product Gendai. Here is the picture and description of this product:

“Gendai is sustainably sourced and ethically produced shou sugi ban siding — an exterior cladding made exclusively from Japanese cypress that is charred as a preservative heat treatment. The product is black in color with a waterbased finish. Traditionally called ‘arai’ meaning ‘washed,’ Gendai is brushed once to remove the textured charred surface, leaving behind a smooth appearance and dark hue. The burnt fiber crevasse shadows are subtle and create a silky color with charred grain details throughout.”

Archive of Past Columns Is Online

Over the past two decades, this column has appeared in local weeklies and the Denver Post, and during that time I’ve written about every conceivable topic related to real estate. You can find and search that archive online at www.JimSmithColumns.com

3-Bedroom Briarwood Hills Home

This bi-level home at 11296 W. Kentucky Dr. has been well maintained by the seller. It was painted and walkways replaced in 2006, and a new roof & siding were installed in 2017. The house is white with blue shutters and gutters, and a blue & white garage door was new in 2009. The seller put in a new, energy efficient furnace in 2014 and new acrylic shower and shower doors in 2007. The backyard is mostly flat now (due to the seller rocking the sloping landscape) and completely fenced. There are lilacs on two sides of the house, and an ornamental plum and two purple ash trees are in the backyard. Briarwood Hills is a very quiet, friendly neighborhood. Most of the surrounding homeowners care about their yards, as does this seller. You will find magazine-quality photos and a narrated video tour at www.LakewoodHome.info. Call listing agent Jim Swanson at 303-929-2727 to request a showing.

Nakamoto is a family-owned business in western Japan, which owns its own forests and mills near Hiroshima. They are the biggest manufacturer of yakisugi (the more common name for shou sugi ban wood) in the world, and have been doing it for 50 years. Their website is www.NakamotoForestry.com.

The “Bronze” winner for exterior products is Fiberon’s Wildwood Cladding. At right is the picture, and here is the paragraph describing the product:

“Free of toxic chemicals and made with 94% pre- and post-consumer recycled content, Wildwood composite cladding is a highly sustainable alternative to traditional wood cladding. It has several performance characteristics that make it an ideal solution for rainscreen applications, such as being hydrophobic and resistant to rotting, cracking, insects, and decay. The product features an open-joint profile and is available in a variety of board lengths and widths, combining the beauty and warmth of

Circling the Globe Was Fun

wood with the durability of highperformance, low-maintenance materials.”

The company operates out of Idaho and North Carolina. Its claim regarding sustainability is that its cladding features 94% pre– and post-consumer recycled content, is free of toxic chemicals and is manufactured using sustainable practices. They have been recognized as an “Eco-leader” by Green Builder magazine. The web address is too long for here. You will find a link for it at http:// RealEstateToday.substack.com

& Educational, But We’re Glad to Be Home!

$569,000

As you read this on May 2nd, Rita and I are just four days from our flight home to Denver, having circled the globe, mostly by ship. (There’s no port in Denver…) At right is a night-time picture of our ship, the Viking Sky, which I took in Tahiti back on Jan. 22nd. Our 122-day world cruise ends next Monday. Over 300 readers and friends have been following my daily “travel-blog” at http:// WhereAreJimandRita.substack.com. It will allow us to relive our adventures.

2-BR Lakewood Condo Listed by Jim Swanson

$300,000

This clean two-bedroom condo with both a detached garage and assigned parking is at 5725 Atlantic Place #100 in the Sunpointe condos of southeast Lakewood. This garden level unit has new flooring throughout. It has two good sized bedrooms and a nice living space with a woodburning fireplace. There’s a small outdoor patio, with storage. The subdivision is west of Sheridan Blvd. and just south of Jewell. All furniture in the unit is included if the Buyer wants it, otherwise it will be removed. The garage space is #112, and assigned parking space is #118. The building got a new roof thanks to a hail storm, and the seller will have paid his share of the deductible before closing. Find more pictures and a narrated video tour at www.LakewoodCondo.online. Call Jim Swanson at 303-929-2727 to see it.

the

care

Northwest biz chamber unveils new name, focus after merger

BY HALEY LENA HLENA@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM

During an annual awards breakfast, Northwest Douglas County Chamber and Economic Development Corp. o cials announced a merger and rebrand. e new entity is called the Douglas County Economic Development Corp.

“ is exciting rebrand signi es a uni ed approach to economic development in Douglas County,” said the EDC’s CEO Ellie Reynolds. “We are committed to providing you all with the best possible resources for economic development and growth.”

e move comes after a merger with the Douglas County Economic Development Collaborative.

e newly-dubbed EDC partners with the private and public sectors to shape and provide business policies for municipalities within the county.

One of the reasons behind the restructuring, said Reynolds, was to help propel the county in its aim to become a preferred site for nance, health care and other industries. Economic development partners

Members of the Northwest Douglas County Chamber and Economic Development Corporation and the Douglas County Economic Development Collaborative merged to form the Douglas County Economic Development Corporation.

will have access to ongoing programming that includes conferences, marketing and a robust incentive package.

“We hope to o er a county incentive package to attract and retain our primary employers here in Douglas County,” said Reynolds.  County Commissioner Abe Laydon added that the initiative pack-

age will include an integrated planning process that will help potential businesses get a sense of why they should do business in Douglas County.

Along with Laydon, the event included speakers Fred Marvel of Brannan Companies, U.S. Rep. Lauren Boebert and fellow commissioners Lora omas and George Teal.

e commissioners spoke about projects and initiatives throughout the county such as the HEART program, a newly-formed water commission, approaches to the immigration and more.

Like others, Teal believes the merger will allow the county to contribute to the economic development of the region. While speaking about U.S. Highway 85 roadway construction and future water and wastewater projects along the corridor, Teal said the goal is to give the infrastructure a backbone. e highway corridor, he said, will be home for economic development in the county. He added the county will also continue to focus on Parker and Castle Rock.

“ e merger adds to Douglas County’s reputation for intentional and strategic commitments to effective partnership with the business community,” Teal, who is also a board chairman of the EDC, said.  omas referenced the launch of a 23rd Judicial District starting in 2025, which will include Douglas, Elbert and Lincoln counties. Arapahoe County will remain in the 18th

COURTESY OF KATRINA RIGGS / DOUGLAS COUNTY EDC DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS AND EVENT

Judicial District.

“One of the important things commissioners need to do is make sure that the tax dollars the people pay are well spent and we were subsidizing the prosecution of crime in Aurora,” said omas. “ at’s not our job at Douglas County.”

She added that there is potential for speciality courts with the new judicial district that would focus on mental health.

Raymond H. Gonzales, president of Metro Denver Economic Development Corporation said in a statement that the Douglas County EDC forti es the economic development ecosystem.

“ is development is a signi cant stride ahead and should enhance all business attraction and expansion e orts while increasing oppor-

tunities in the amazing community that make up Douglas County,” said Gonzales.

At the breakfast, State Demographer Elizabeth Garner encouraged the attendees to look at how to balance housing development with economic development.

“Colorado attracts young adults, 20 to 40 years old,” said Garner, adding that there is going to be a shortage

State Demographer

Elizabeth Garner speaks to business owners and elected o cials at the annual Northwest Douglas County Chamber and Economic Development Corporation (EDC) breakfast and business awards. Northwest Douglas County Chamber and EDC announced their rebranding as the Douglas County Economic Development Corporation.

of young adults in the future, making competition for them as workers greater.

Garner asked: “What kinds of jobs are you going to be growing here? What are their wage rates? And what else will they want to do?”

Age is going to be the biggest challenge this decade for the county as it is the biggest impact, said Garner, as births are down, deaths are up and

migration is slowing, and when migration is lower than deaths, there is a total decline in the adult population.

Peak Millennials, ages 29 to 31, are going to be growing and pushing demand as they age, said Garner. is group is entering prime childbearing and homebuying years.

On the other hand, with over 50% of the county’s growth in the 65+ group, there are a lot of people in the labor force that have fallen in love with the county and will retire and age in place.

“You’re creating demand for new jobs, creating demand for retirement, plus demand for remote workers, where are they all going to live?” asked Garner.

e event also recognized its 2023’s business award recipients, Minuteman Press Parker, Gelato&Company, Cranelli’s Italian Restaurant, Help and Hope Center, Douglas County, Zoomin Groomin and Sarah Hubbard of Vertex Financial Group.

PHOTO BY HALEY LENA

Locals: Safety big concern amid University Blvd. construction

BY HALEY LENA HLENA@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM

With over 1,000 concerned residents, Douglas County held a town hall ursday night to address concerns about the reconstruction on a major intersection on South University Boulevard.

Aimed to improve tra c ow, better accommodate bicyclists and increase safety and mobility, the $13 million project began in August 2023. It is at the junction of South University Boulevard/Lincoln Avenue and Quebec Street.

In early April, the county made the decision to compress the schedule for the project, looking to complete it in late summer, before school starts, instead of in the fall. To do that, lanes were reduced down to one in each direction and, as construction progresses, additional lanes will open. But that has created some frustration for many drivers, who came to the town hall at Southridge Recreation Center in Highlands Ranch or participated online, to voice their concerns.

e biggest concern of the night is the large stream of cars that are cutting through nearby neighborhoods to avoid construction delays, many of them speeding. Another concern was the safety of drivers going through the intersection during construction.

An average of 32,000 cars go through the intersection each day and there have been 11 vehicle

After Refacing

crashes in the area since the beginning of the year, said Douglas County Sheri ’s O ce Capt. Dan McMillan.   e sheri ’s o ce has set up speed trailers that produce data, such as peak tra c times, but residents wondered what the Sheri ’s O ce is doing with that data.

County Tra c Division Manager Zeke Lynch said access signs were placed in neighborhoods to decrease the amount of tra c cutting through and speed signs were put up

to give people an indication of how fast they were going.

However, the problem persists. Residents asked for interventions like temporary rubber stops or speed bumps saying current safety e orts are not working, some pointing to a lack of consequences.

“I understand you can’t stop them from coming through and the volume, I get that,” a member of the public said. “But the speed has got to be addressed.”

Lynch is also balancing the time it takes drivers to get through the intersection during construction. e tra c lights are on a three-minute cycle.

“Which is quite a bit longer,” said Lynch. “ e idea behind doing that is to reduce the amount of lost time.”

Another factor is work time, which was expanded. Work starts at 7 a.m. and crews are given until 7 p.m., or 9

Douglas County’s Zeke Lynch, tra c division manager and Dan Roberts, assistant director of public works operations, listen to Highlands Ranch residents and address questions at a live town hall at Southridge Recreation Center.

PHOTO BY HALEY LENA

JUNE 13-16, 2024

FREE ADMISSION

PARKER’S FAVORITE WEEKEND!

Shopping ★ FOOD ★ EXHIBITS ★ MUSIC ★ RIDES ★ FAMILY FUN

FUN THINGS TO DO:

• Enjoy your Favorite Festival Food

• Shopping Marketplace

• Music on Four Stages

• Street Performers

• Carnival Rides for the Whole Family

• Free Kids Crafts

• Silent Disco – Dance, Dance, Dance!

• Get Dizzy in a Water Bubble

• Bungy Jumping

• Jump and Slide on the In atables

• Nurf Terf Battles (Nurf version of Paintball)

AIR ACADEMY CREDIT UNION

EAST MUSIC Stage – Live Music ALL Day

Friday 8 pm – 10 pm Sisters of Rock

Saturday 8 pm – 10 pm

Shelvis and the Roustabouts

Sunday 6:30 pm – 8 pm

THURSDAY, JUNE 13

1 pm – 10:30 pm: Carnival Only

FRIDAY, JUNE 14

Fri 1 pm – 10:30: Carnival

Fri 4 pm – 10:30 pm: Fesival

SATURDAY, JUNE 15

Sat 10 am – 10:30 pm

SUNDAY, JUNE 16

Sun 10 am – 8:30 pm

MAIN STAGE – Live Music ALL Day

HEADLINERS:

Friday, June 14 presented by

8:00 pm – 10:30 pm: Kory Brunson Band

Saturday, June 15 presented by

8:30 pm – 10:30 pm: Wash Park Band

Sunday, June 16 presented by

5:30 pm – 8:30 pm: That Eighties Band

THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS:

®

Ryan Chrys & the Rough Cuts parkerdaysfestival.com

CARNIVAL RIDES & GAMES:

presented by

BUY DISCOUNTED UNLIMITED CARNIVAL RIDE WRISTBANDS ONLINE

Single-Day Unlimited Carnival Rides: $35 each

Good any one day during the festival

Sold online through 12 noon Wed. June 12

4-Day MEGA Unlimited Carnival Rides: $89 each

Good all 4 days of the festival

PURCHASE DURING THE FESTIVAL

Single-Day Unlimited Carnival Rides: $40 each

TICKETS FOR INDIVIDUAL RIDES

Food, Beverage & Ride Tickets may be purchased at Festival Ticket Booths.

CORE ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE

Community Stage – Entertainment ALL Day supported by Allegro Music

Parker Days Festival is brought to you by the Parker Area Chamber of Commerce Foundation

A publication of

Call first: 115 Wilcox St., Suite 220, Castle Rock, CO 80104

Mailing Address: 750 W. Hampden Ave., Suite 225 Englewood, CO 80110

Phone: 303-566-4100

Web: LoneTreeVoice.net

To subscribe call 303-566-4100

LINDA SHAPLEY

Publisher

lshapley@coloradocommunitymedia.com

MICHAEL DE YOANNA

Editor-in-Chief michael@coloradocommunitymedia.com

ERIN ADDENBROOKE

Marketing Consultant eaddenbrooke@coloradocommunitymedia.com

AUDREY BROOKS

Business Manager abrooks@coloradocommunitymedia.com

ERIN FRANKS

Production Manager efranks@coloradocommunitymedia.com

LINDSAY NICOLETTI

Operations/ Circulation Manager lnicoletti@coloradocommunitymedia.com

FORUM

lands Ranch.

Columnists & Guest Commentaries

Columnist opinions are not necessarily those of the Voice. We welcome letters to the editor. Please include your full name, address and the best number to reach you by telephone.

Email letters to letters@coloradocommunitymedia.com

Deadline

Tues. for the following week’s paper.

Lone Tree Voice

A legal newspaper of general circulation in Lone Tree, Colorado, the Voice is published weekly on Thursday by Colorado Community Media, 115 Wilcox St., Suite 220, Castle Rock, CO 80104.

Send address change to: Lone Tree Voice, 750 W. Hampden Ave., Suite 225, Englewood, CO 80110

that’s lower R, lower W, lower R” — a one liner that elicited some laughs in the room.

rowing a political curveball, the Highlands Ranch area elected a Democrat, Bob Marshall, to the state House in 2022. Lora omas is set to challenge Marshall for that seat, and the void she leaves in Douglas County has attracted a handful of Republican contenders and one Democrat who led paperwork to run — Josh Smith, though he didn’t appear at a candidates forum in late April.

At that event, three candidates from each of the two districts talked about issues ranging from water to housing a ordability to wild re risk — all issues touched by the region’s population growth.

Gridlock over water provision and other basic services “can be life threatening,” Teal said.

e Northwest Douglas County Chamber and Economic Development Corporation hosted the forum in Highlands Ranch. Here’s a look at what candidates had to say.

‘No boogeyman’

at’s an apparent reference to the proposal to pump about 22,000 acrefeet of water per year to the county from the San Luis Valley in the south part of the state.

An acre-foot is the equivalent of a one-foot-deep pool about the size of a football eld. Renewable Water Resources, often called RWR, is the private company that proposed the project.

In 2022, Commissioner Abe Laydon joined Lora omas in deciding not to move forward with the project, and Teal continued to support it.

At the forum, Priscilla Rahn, a former vice chair of the Colorado Republican Party who is running to replace Lora omas, said: “ ere’s no boogeyman when it comes to the water issue.”

Revolving around water

On water, Bouquet, a member of the RTD board of directors, pointed to how properties develop.

a rate much higher than we should be using it,” Angela omas said.

She said water storage facilities are important for rural areas, adding that re departments should have access to water.

“Douglas County could be the next Marshall re, and we need to be looking at how we are growing and how we are growing safely,” Angela omas added.

Other comments

John Carson, a Republican running for Lora omas’ seat in District 3, has served on the Douglas County school board and the University of Colorado Board of Regents. He said the countyneeds a commissioner who is familiar with business.

A commissioner needs to be “making the government e cient, making it responsive,” Carson said.

State Sen. Kevin Van Winkle, a Republican who represents Highlands Ranch and is also running for Lora omas’ seat, said: “A ordability in Highlands Ranch and all across Douglas County is a huge issue facing hardworking taxpayers.”

His campaign website points to homeowners association costs as part of the problem.

He said the county needs “mixed-use developments, so that we have residential mixed with commercial.” He added: “As you go more vertical, you’re going to be using less water than if you’re going more horizontal.”

e shadow of a controversial proposal to pump water to Douglas County from southern Colorado continues to hang over the topic of the county’s water needs.

When Teal underscored the need for renewable water resources in Douglas County, he added, “And by the way,

Angela omas, who has served in leadership roles with the Douglas County Democratic Party, urged water conservation at the individual level with xtures like low-water toilets and low-water showers.

“Water is life, and we are using it at

“In 2015, Sen. Van Winkle co-sponsored a bill to eliminate several unnecessary regulations put on large Home Owners Associations. ose overly burdensome regulations were forced into law in 2013 and raised the cost of living for the Douglas County area,” the website says.

Candidates sit during an April 24 forum in Highlands Ranch for those running for Douglas County commissioner seats. From left sit Republican Commissioner George Teal, Democrat Angela Thomas, Democrat Julien Bouquet, moderator Linda Shapley of Colorado Community Media, and Republicans John Carson, Priscilla Rahn and state Sen. Kevin Van Winkle.

PHOTO BY ELLIS ARNOLD FROM PAGE 1

p.m. when necessary

Contractor, Villalobos Concrete, Inc. originally worked from 8: 30 a.m.-3:30 p.m., as the county’s commissioners thought it would be bene cial for drivers.

“But once we got started and heard the complaints and lived through it frankly, we decided we just needed to rip that bandaid o and get this project done,” said County Commissioner Lora omas.

The engineering of it all

As Highlands Ranch began building in the early 1980’s, engineering for roads was di erent. Steel and rebar were not used, as they are now.

“What we’re seeing in Highlands Ranch is, we’re just now reaching the point where roads need to be rebuilt,” Dan Roberts, assistant director of public works operations, said.  By the end of the project, there will be updated tra c signals and raised pedestrian safety islands, an additional westbound lane on Lincoln Avenue and University Boulevard, an additional eastbound lane on University Boulevard and Lincoln Avenue and an additional right-turn only lane on south Quebec Street to westbound University Avenue.

While some residents mentioned there has been construction in and around this intersection before, Roberts said they have made patches in the past and have been working on the current project for about three years.

e goal is to build an intersection that will last 40 or 50 years, Roberts added. e contractor is using reinforced concrete and that the new pavement is about 50% thicker than the original.

e county has been authorized to use a certain concrete for the middle of the intersection so that it can be driven on the next day. Roberts said drivers can expect the tra c movements to change almost daily.

“Generally what’s gonna happen is he’ll (the contractor) do like one lane, like a checkerboard, of one lane,” said Roberts.

e county encourages people to sign up for text updates by texting “QLUnews” to 21000. A text message will be sent every time there is a change.

When questioned about their strategy, Roberts said they looked

at several di erent alternatives, including working at night, but there were safety and noise concerns.  e entire intersection couldn’t be closed down all at once as it’s important to keep some of it open to allow for emergency vehicles to pass through, said Roberts. He also explained that working on each side of the intersection once at a time would have taken years and cost more due to construction in ation.

“It’s better to just get it done, go through the di cult period, and then have the improvement afterwards,” said County Commissioner George Teal.

With most of southbound Quebec to be open in the next couple of weeks, the majority of the main pavement will be in place by July 4.

“We just ask for your patience as we wrap this project up,” said Lynch.

LONE TREE!!

In Lone Tree, mayoral race sparks excitement for first time in a generation

BY HALEY LENA HLENA@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM

It has been 16 years since a mayoral race in Lone Tree has been contested. But this year’s election, on May 7, is di erent. Wynne Shaw and Marissa Harmon, two experienced city council members, are vying for the position in what has become a spirited battle.

“It’s a little bit of excitement for people,” said Shaw. “For what it’s worth, elections are good for the discipline of sitting down and really organizing your priorities.”

For months, the Lone Tree Voice has been inundated with letters

for and against the candidates. e nearly 20 letters to the editor have been about equally split for the candidates (and can be read at https:// shorturl.at/bkCF9).

“It just goes to show how passionate our residents are about making sure their voices are heard,” said Harmon.

e Voice previously reported that in past city elections, chances were that voters didn’t receive ballots because nearly all of the council elections since 2008 were canceled and candidates were unopposed.

From residents to other elected ofcials, both Shaw and Harmon have received varying levels of support,

La Ciudad ¡Hola!

many saying they want a leader who fosters economic success and cares about the people.

Both candidates have similar values in common and areas of focus, including scal responsibility, maintaining infrastructure, transportation, supporting law enforcement and inclusivity and accessibility.

Supporters of Shaw recognize her supportive leadership, city projects she has worked on and her three decades of experience.

south metro region has a voice,” said Shaw.

Others echoed the idea that Shaw is responsive to questions or concerns. Some said they’re impressed with her nancial and corporate knowledge. Deb and Roland Stubble eld wrote that she is “a rare blend of someone who has a great depth of governmental and nancial knowledge and an equal depth of caring and compassion for all whom she represents.”

Sign up for Colorado Community Media’s bilingual newsletter, La Ciudad

Language should not be a barrier to trustworthy news about your community. Our La Ciudad staff offers news in both English and Spanish.

El idioma no debería ser un obstáculo para acceder a noticias confiables que te interesan. Nuestro equipo de La Ciudad ofrece noticias tanto en inglés como en español.

To sign up for La Ciudad newsletter: Scan this QR Code or go to coloradocommunitymedia.com/newsletters

“As an elected organization leader, Wynne impressed us all with her ability to nd consensus, build rapport, move projects ahead and serve residents of all ages and abilities in our community,” Ada Anderson said in a letter to the editor.

Shaw has served on the city council for the past eight years, the last two as mayor pro tem. She recently became the board chair of the Denver Regional Council of Governments and is the chair of the Regional Transportation Committee – a metropolitan planning organization in the Denver region – and the Douglas County Transportation Forum.

With additional roles on other boards and committees throughout the county, Shaw told the Lone Tree Voice she believes the regional recognition she has earned over the years could be another reason the election is gaining attention.

“ ere’s a high level of interest in the election because many of the nearby municipal jurisdictions have an interest in making sure that the

Past and present members of the neighboring Centennial City Council, Tammy Maurer and Richard Holt, described her as solutions-oriented, thoughtful and ethical in their letter to the editor.

“ e reason I really want to become mayor is because I can add value to the city through my experience in my leadership skills and the voice that I’ve developed for the region,” said Shaw. “I’m ready to be mayor.”

Sharon Van Ramshorst, a former Lone Tree City Council member and mayor pro tem, wrote in a letter to the editor that she supports both candidates, but leans towards Shaw because of the number of years serving the city.

Harmon told the Voice that serving on the planning commission for three years was the best training ground for city council and that she got a better understanding on how the budget works when she engaged

Lone Tree’s mayoral candidates: Wynne Shaw, left, and Marissa Harmon. The two are up for election on the May 7 ballot. COURTESY CITY OF LONE TREE

Man gets life in prison for killing wife before divorce

BY HALEY LENA HLENA@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM

David Samuel Lechner, 46, has been sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole after being found guilty of shooting and killing his wife one day before their divorce was set to be nalized.

“While this conviction ensures a murderer will never be able to walk free, no sentence can replace the life he took that day,” Chief Deputy District Attorney Chris Gallo said in a statement from the 18th Judicial District.

Deputies with the Arapahoe County Sheri ’s O ce responded the morning of March 30, 2023, to a report of gunshots at a home in the 5200 Block of S. Geneva Way in

unincorporated Arapahoe County, near the Cherry Creek State Park. Deputies found Tracy Lechner deceased on the garage oor next to her SUV. An autopsy report ruled her death a homicide from multiple gunshot wounds.

Lechner’s defense counsel argued the shooting was self-defense and claimed he only wanted to confront his wife in her garage to try to convince her to not go through with the divorce.

Investigators argued the killing was calculated. e presented evidence that in the days leading up to Tracy Lechner’s murder, Lechner acquired a getaway car under a false name, purchased a GPS tracking unit, gloves, zip ties, duct tape and a tarp. Investigators also

Presented by Aponte & Busam

RECAP THE 2024 POST LEGISLATIVE SESSION

May 15, 2024 | 6 p.m.

University of Denver

Scan the QR Code, or visit coloradosun.com/events to RSVP for free!

said Lechner showed up the morning he killed his wife armed with a taser and gun.

“ is was not a case of self-defense,” Deputy District Attorney Tory Reavis said in a statement.

Reavis added that evidence showed Lechner incapacitated Tracy with a stun gun and then shot her three times, including once in the head.

Neighbors reported hearing gunshots. e 18th Judicial District’s statement stated, “One witness reported seeing Lechner standing over his wife, pulling the trigger at point blank range and then running to his getaway car.”

e witness rammed his rental truck into the side of Lechner’s vehicle in an attempt to keep him

MAYOR’S RACE

on a tax-related ballot initiative early in her career.

“I think that in my ve years, I have done much more and have many more achievements,” said Harmon. “And, I’ve enjoyed the entire process.”

In addition to being a mother of school-aged children and the owner of Roots & Mane hair salon, Harmon graduated from the Lone Tree Citizen’s Police Academy, has worked with the Lone Tree Homelessness Initiative and continues to volunteer around the community, also gaining her public attention.

Residents, including a member of the Lone Tree Planning Commission, admired Harmon’s dedication to and supportiveness, even calling her a “cherished ambassador” for the community, highlighting her collaboration skills and leadership.

“Marissa’s quali cations extend well beyond her professional accomplishments,” said Jack Rohr.

Former Lone Tree Mayor Jim Gunning added that leadership means pushing back and Harmon understands that.

“I am about making sure that the decisions on the council are made with the residents and businesses in mind,” said Harmon. “I feel I’m a proven leader and dedicated to s-

from eeing the scene. Deputies shortly later arrested Lechner down the street without incident.

A jury found Lechner guilty after about four hours of deliberation. His o enses include rst degree murder after deliberation, attempted kidnapping and an illegal use of a stun gun.

District Court Judge Jacob Edson sentenced Lechner Monday morning.

Under Colorado law, a rst-degree murder conviction carries an automatic life sentence with no possibility of parole.

“Two children are now growing up without their mother while their father sits behind bars,” said Gallo. “I can only hope this sentence brings some closure to Tracy’s family.”

cal stewardship.”

Harmon’s campaign focuses on listening to the residents, which many who wrote letters supporting her said she has done.

“I have so much information from our residents on what is most important to them and I know that will serve me well in the role as mayor in the future,” said Harmon.

If Harmon is elected, the city council would appoint “an eligible and interested member of the community,” to ful ll the remainder of her term, which ends in 2026, as previously reported by the Lone Tree Voice.

More information about Wynne Shaw can be found at wynneforlonetree.com and Marissa Harmon at marissaforlonetree.com.

City Council seats up for grabs is will also be the rst election held since 2018 in which two of the ve seats on the Lone Tree City Council are up for election.

Candidates for District 1, Brain O’Connell and Mike Parr, are on the ballot. e election for District 2 was canceled in March, declaring Alecia Brown as the sole candidate. More information about them can be found on the Lone Tree website at https://shorturl.at/btX04.

Residents can drop o their ballots in the ballot box located in the parking lot of the Lone Tree Municipal Building at 9220 Kimmer Drive.

signed onto a letter Kane sent to McCluskie voicing concerns with the proposed formula.

Kane said she supports additional funding for the students the bill seeks to help, but worries McCluskie’s bill will do more harm than good. Kane noted that Douglas County has more than 10,000 students in poverty who would not bene t from the proposal.

“In order to direct funding to our 10,000 students in poverty, which is the really good intention of this bill, I would have to make over $30 million in cuts across the school district,” she said. “My educators would not be able to get increases that are anywhere near competitive with our neighbors, which has a direct impact on my students in poverty and my students with special needs.”

Another concern is that the funding is not sustainable because it doesn’t identify additional revenue. Without sustainable revenue, Kane said the formula sets schools up to fail.

“In the long-run, without a sustainable funding source, every district will fall o a scal cli ,” Kane said.

Defending the bill during the April 18 hearing, McCluskie said she believes nancial sustainability will not be an issue because of the sixyear roll out and the ability to draw

from the general fund as well as the education fund.

“We should be concerned about ever bringing back the budget stabilization factor. We’re implementing this proposal over a long runway to make sure that as we elevate and lift up and bring more money to those students, we’re doing so without putting state funding at risk.”

e bill can also be paused in an economic recession or pandemic, McCluskie said.

Despite Douglas County’s pushback, the proposal has broad support from other district o cials and educational organizations, many of whom testi ed at the hours-long hearing on the bill.

Elizabeth School District Superintendent Dan Snowberger spoke in favor of the bill, arguing the formula corrects past underfunding of rural schools and directs funding where it’s needed.

“For far too long we have prioritized the cost of living in front of the formula, causing the wrong things to drive funding to school districts, major inequities in funding and failing to prioritize the needs of students across Colorado,” Snowberger said.

e House Education Committee passed the bill out of its rst hearing 8-3, sending it to the House Appropriations Committee. Reps. Eliza Hamrick (D-Centennial), Anthony Hartsook (R-Parker) and Tammy Story (D-Conifer), who represent Douglas County and Je Co school district, voted against the bill.

by:

Cute Pets

There are many things about SeriesFest, the annual event that celebrates emerging and underserved voices in episodic storytelling, that make it truly unique. But what really stands out as the event reaches its 10th season is how it charts a decade’s worth of change in television – both in programming and how people access shows.

VOICES

SeriesFest celebrates a decade of television greatness

“When I think back to that rst year, we didn’t know what to expect and weren’t sure if anybody was going to come,” said Randi Kleiner, co-founder and CEO of SeriesFest. “Now looking back, we’ve had so many success stories of shows that launched here, like ‘Mr. Robot’ and ‘Yellowstone,’ that people watch and love.”

Season 10 of SeriesFest kicked o on Wednesday, May 1, and runs through Sunday, May 5. e bulk of the festival will be held at the Sie FilmCenter, 2510 E. Colfax Ave. in Denver, but some special events will be held at other locations.

Fittingly for a milestone year like this, the event is bigger than ever, with more great programming to watch, panels to attend and unique events to take part in.

“My recommendation for attendees, especially new ones, is to choose an independent pilot block, a network screening and a panel and from there, you can see what you gravitate towards,” Kleiner said. “What you’ll nd is the festival is all about community — anyone who comes through the Sie FilmCenter doors will feel that.”

is year’s pilots lineup is more

LETTER TO THE EDITOR

Fingers crossed on AI plan

While I applaud Douglas County Schools for piloting an AI program next school year, I do hope that students will receive more monitoring beyond that of “visibility.”

wide-ranging than ever, with 45 independently produced pilots available to see. is includes international pilots, which is a rarity at these types of events. Attendees can select from shorts, dramas, comedies and more.

Some of the panels that are worth checking out include “It’s In the Details: Costume Design for Television,” which features costumers for shows like “Outlander,” “Queen Charlotte” and “Yellowstone,” and a screening and discussion of the hilarious SYFY show “Resident Alien.” Creator, executive producer and writer Chris Sheridan and actor Sara Tomko will both be in attendance.

For special events, the SeriesFest Soiree Fundraiser Gala is the biggest event of the whole festival. e organization will be honoring Minnie Driver, Mark Duplass, SAG-AFTRA, Shondaland and Betsy Beers, as well as celebrating 20 years of “Grey’s Anatomy,” with cast and creatives in-person. “Grey’s” is getting its own special legacy celebration, featuring showrunner Meg Marinis and actors James Pickens Jr, Kevin McKidd, Camilla Luddington, Caterina Scorsone and Kim Raver. And as always, the festival wraps up at Red Rocks, this year with a dance party celebrating Beyoncé’s new album, “Cowboy Carter,” featuring Young Guru and special guests from the

album.

“ ere is so much programming this year, and so much talent taking part, that I hope people come check it out as I know they will get hooked,” Kleiner said. “We’re always trying to expand our audience and I hope people embrace the festival and have the insightful conversations that really move the needle forward in the industry.”

For the full schedule, passes and more, visit https://seriesfest.com/.

Lone Tree Arts Center Blends Music and Movement

It’s been a long time since classical music carried the stodgy reputation it once used to have. From pairing orchestras with popular acts to performing lm scores live, there is so much room for experimentation and fun. e Lone Tree Arts Center, 10075 Commons St., is taking this to a thrilling new level with Cirque de la Symphonie and the Boulder Phil.

e event will be held at the center at 7 p.m. on Sunday, May 5, and will delight audiences with a unique pairing of music and acrobatics. e Boulder Philharmonic Orchestra is one of the region’s best orchestral groups and Cirque de la Symphonie is well-known for its unique and enrapturing approach to movement synchronized to music.

Secure your tickets at www.lonetreeartscenter.org.

Ain’t No Party Like the Denver Derby Party

No party in Denver gets quite the hullabaloo that e Original Den-

ver Derby Party does, and deservedly so. Every year it’s a total blast of fun and tradition, all going to a good cause (100 percent of all proceeds bene t the Sean Ranch Lough Foundation).

Held on Saturday, May 4, the party has found a perfect venue in McGregor Square, 1901 Wazee St. in Denver. McGregor has more than 17,000 square feet of outdoor gathering space, the Milepost Zero food hall, three levels of indoor space and balconies, and features a 66-foot by 20-foot LED screen, according to provided information.

Make sure your derby drip is on point and get information and tickets at https://denverderby.com/.

Clarke’s Concert of the Week — Blondshell at the Larimer Lounge

Sabrina Teitelbaum, the 25-yearold who records under the name Blondshell, is one of last year’s great new indie rock discoveries — her self-titled album from 2023 made a bunch of best of lists and brims with great guitar licks and smart and insightful lyricism.

In support of the album, Blondshell will be stopping by the Larimer Lounge, 2721 Larimer St. Denver, at 8 p.m. on Wednesday, May 8. An intimate venue like this is the perfect place for Teitelbaum’s classic-rockinspired ri s to achieve full e ect. Get tickets at www.larimerlounge. com.

Clarke Reader’s column on culture appears on a weekly basis. He can be reached at Clarke.Reader@hotmail. com.

So much of AI is an amalgamation of ideas and philosophies. A friend introduced me to AI tools

to compose a legal-sounding letter, and while it gave me ideas, none of the versions rolled out well. Like Wikipedia, AI’s veracity ultimately depends upon the human input.

When I taught writing and researching skills in Iowa, I spent much student preparation time

on rewording practice so as to avoid plagiarism. I also required multiple sources that I randomly checked, and while students could look at Wikipedia, I would not allow them to list it as a research source. Of course, I didn’t have the option of using AI before I retired. AI may prove to be

an even more nebulous fusion of ideas. I just hope that students refer to speci c information that can be traced to multiple, veriable sources.

We wait to see how AI usage unfolds. Let’s hope it’s both educational and ethical.

Linda Mazunik, Lone Tree

Clarke Reader

The power of genuine relationships

This week’s column was inspired by many of you, the people in my life who remind me through your check-ins and impromptu reach outs, that I have been blessed by so many of you personally, professionally, and spiritually in my life. I am a big fan of LinkedIn and use it daily as most of you know, and I also have a much greater appreciation for the many real and thoughtful people that I get to interact with as we go through this life together.

In today’s digitally driven world, it’s easy to equate the strength of our professional networks with the number of connections we have on platforms like LinkedIn. While online networking certainly has its merits, the true power of relationships extends far beyond virtual connections. From the close-knit circles of friends and family to the broader spheres of in uence, genuine connections have the potential to open doors, create opportunities, and foster meaningful collaborations that transcend the con nes of cyberspace.

In the realm of business, these connections can prove invaluable in unlocking new markets, forging strategic partnerships and securing lucrative opportunities. A recommendation from a trusted colleague or a referral from a respected industry contact carries more weight than a cold email or a generic LinkedIn connection request.

And beyond the realm of professional endeavors, the power of genuine connections extends to acts of kindness, support and altruism that enrich our lives and uplift our communities. Whether it’s lending a helping hand to a neighbor in need, volunteering for a charitable cause, or simply o ering a listening ear to a friend in distress, these acts of compassion and empathy strengthen the fabric of our society and reinforce the bonds that unite us as human beings.

At the heart of it all are the deepseated relationships we cultivate over the years, both in our personal and professional lives. Whether it’s the unwavering support of family during times of adversity or the camaraderie of lifelong friends who celebrate our successes, these close connections enrich our lives in ways that extend far beyond business transactions or networking opportunities.

Within our professional circles, the bonds forged through shared experiences, collaborative e orts and mutual respect are equally invaluable. ese trusted allies o er more than just career advice or industry insights; they provide a sense of solidarity and camaraderie that bolsters our con dence and resilience in the face of adversity.

Beyond our immediate circles is a vast network of acquaintances, colleagues and acquaintances of acquaintances whose paths intersect with ours in unexpected ways. While we may not share the same level of intimacy with these individuals, there is still a foundation of trust and connection that can be leveraged to mutual advantage.

In essence, while online networking platforms like LinkedIn provide a valuable avenue for expanding our professional networks and connecting with like-minded individuals, the true power of relationships lies in the depth of human connection that transcends virtual interactions.

As we navigate the complexities of the digital age, let us not lose sight of the profound value of genuine relationships and the transformative power of human connection. I would love to hear your personal and professional connection story at gotonorton@gmail.com and if we remember that by nurturing and cultivating these connections, both online and o ine, we can create a more interconnected, compassionate and prosperous world for ourselves and future generations. And that really will make it a better than good life.

Michael Norton is an author, a personal and professional coach, consultant, trainer, encourager and motivator of individuals and businesses, working with organizations and associations across multiple industries.

Local organizations provide comprehensive services for people in need

“comprehensive legal, emotional and critical supportive services for survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, child abuse, abuse of at-risk individuals, elder abuse, and human tra cking.”

Brandon Bowles, developmental manager for PorchLight, said the navigators are the PorchLight team members who help guide each person through the center. e organization partners with several government and nonpro t agencies to provide services to people and families in need.

lieve that tackling all of a person’s needs is the best way to help them.

Pos Ryant, founder and director of the Apprentice of Peace Youth Organization of Denver believes that forming relationships is at the heart of what makes the holistic approach work.

BY JO DAVIS JDAVIS@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA

Healthcare, a ordable housing, food insecurity, homelessness, violence and in ation are among the top issues facing Americans and Coloradans, according to a study by Pew Research Center.

While the state and the country struggle to resolve these issues through legislation, nonpro ts in the Denver metro area are attacking the issues using a holistic approach.

e Merriam-Webster Dictionary de nes “holistic” as a focus on the whole system, not a single part. A holistic approach to helping people means also helping with shelter, food, mental health, medical checks, employment, wellness and more in addition to the problem that brought the person in for help.

Several local organizations practice using a holistic approach to helping people. One model of this approach is the PorchLight Family Justice Center in Lakewood.

e organization’s work is described on its website as providing

According to Bowles, these services can range from health checks at the in-house clinic, legal services, remote court appearances, therapy, housing, clothing and even childcare, among other things.

e center has several services provided by partner agencies right there on location, so there is no need to leave the building for most things, Bowles added.

“We have 20 cubicles here for partners to use,” Bowles said. “So oftentimes we use the analogy that PorchLight is kind of like the mall.

e stores in the mall are our partners and the services that are provided.”

He gave an example. “Our medical services are provided through St. Anthony’s forensic nursing programs,” Bowles explained. “Our navigators are kind of like personal shoppers. So, they’re the ones that know what is on sale at all the stores, what’s on discount. If you want to nd a pair of orange shoes, they’re going to tell you which store to go to. So that’s kind of an easy way to think about it.”

Organizations like PorchLight be-

“I think we’re more focused on the relationship with clients and really providing opportunities for the community to build their resilience,” Ryant said. “To nd their support system, to create awareness around various wellness tools and/or programs that are out there. And not only the ones we o er but that are out there for people who may be struggling, who just need a friend.”

Ryant went on to say that helping his target demographic — the youth of the Denver Metro area — requires providing services and a space for their families as well.

AOPYO is not the only organization that provides services for the entire family. Gigi’s Playhouse of Denver in Lakewood provides a space and services for kids and adults with Down syndrome. ese services include education, tness, wellness, occupational skills, support groups and more. However, there is also programming that the family can use.

“ e value that we’re giving to these families is astronomical,” said Leslie Klane, executive director of Gigi’s Denver. “It’s not just in the fact that the services are free, but it’s in helping the families (and the person with Down syndrome) move on that path towards a future of independence and a good quality of life of enjoying life.”

ese organizations and others believe the bene ts of the holistic approach is yielding results.

For example, Gigi’s Playhouse Denver volunteers have developed a cutting-edge tness program GigiFit, for kids with Down Syndrome. According to Klane, the program is being used around the world.

“We have two physicians locally, in Wheat Ridge. ey co-designed GigiFit,” Klane explained. “It’s about mobility, dexterity, exibility and its movement.”

Klane said the doctors designed the program to help Denver families at rst.

“But then it became national, then international,” Klane said. She said GigiFit classes are virtual, with participants from all over the world.   AOPYO’s best success stories come from the people who came back to help work at the company once their time with the program nished.

An example is Lex Cacciatori, the AOPYO communications support specialist. Cacciatori said she entered the program at a volatile time in her adolescence. e organization’s approach helped steer her to a better life.

“It’s not just supportiveness, energy and the community, but the people of AOPYO,” Cacciatore said. “ ey’ve really supported me through a lot of things personally, academically and in every aspect of my life.”

She said Ryant even checked in with her throughout college to provide the much-needed support and encouragement.

HOLISTIC

Dr. G.C. Di Laura, language specialist at AOPYO, said the center and Ryant helped her whole family. Di Laura said that she rst came to the program years ago to seek support for her daughter.

“ e atmosphere that they create, the openness, a safe it’s so hard to nd these places, especially for the youth,” Di Laura said. “As a parent, my daughter also went through the program. And Pos (Ryant) was amazing for her. We had very hard personal di culties at that time.”

Di Laura said Ryant and the organization helped her whole family with wellness, mental health, academic support and providing a community.

Some other local organizations that provide holistic help include:

• Marisol Homes of Denver is a women’s shelter that runs a holistic program for clients. e program includes services and support in employment, housing, health care, mental health awareness wellness and more.

• Hope House of Colorado in Arvada calls its holistic approach “selfsu ciency programming” used to help teen mothers in the Denver Metro area. e organization provides wellness, education, career, social support and more for teen mothers.

• e Arc of Colorado has locations all across the state and the U.S. It provides services and support for adults and kids with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families. Additionally, Arc provides mental, career, education and wellness services for their clients.

• Avi at Old Towne in Arvada holds 30 apartments for former foster kids who have “aged out” of the system and are no longer eligible for services. CASA of Je erson and Gilpin Counties partners with Foothills Regional Housing to create housing for 30 of the teens. e program also provides services in mentorship, wellness, and support with career and education.

To nd more organizations that o er a holistic approach to helping people, go to ColoradoGives.org and search the nonpro t organizations listed.

Pos Ryant, right, and Ronnie Qi stand in the Apprentice of Peace Youth Organization’s new headquarters. The organization o ers wellness classes, support groups, Self Care Saturday events, tutoring and more to help Denver Metro teens.

PHOTOS BY JO DAVIS

Lex Cacciatore was once a teen in the Apprentice of Peace Youth Organization. The holistic program helped her to get accepted to and graduate college. Cacciatore now works for AOPYO, helping other teens.

Littleton farmers market on first, third Sundays opens May 5

BY NINA JOSS NJOSS@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM

Downtown Littleton is joining other Denver areas with a weekend farmers market, o ering fresh local food, music and a chance to bump into neighbors.

e market will take place on South Nevada Street, just north of Main Street, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. twice a month on the rst and third Sundays starting May 5.

Two Littleton residents joined forces to start the event. ey hope to build an inclusive community, support small businesses and create more equitable access to fresh food.

“I’m excited to see people build connections with vendors and neighbors in a really tangible way, and then start to see our city as something that can be a little bit more for everybody,” said Keely Quinn, who works in communications and founded the event on the side.

In the past, Quinn ran a baking business and used to sell her goods at farmers markets.

e farmers market is an initiative of a nonpro t Quinn recently started, LittletonQ+. It focuses on highlighting Littleton’s diversity, including through LGBTQ+-focused events, small business events and

Norton, who owns Juniperseed Mercantile, a sustainable personal care product and re ll store in Littleton. e two brainstormed ideas for inclusive local events. Norton, who has been a vendor at farmers markets for about ve years, thought downtown Littleton would be a good place for one. e two are also involved in the citizens’ group Vibrant Littleton, which Quinn said supports the idea of a farmers market.

Although there is an existing farmers market on Wednesdays in Aspen Grove, Quinn and Norton wanted a weekend market to give more working residents the option to visit.

Littleton joins more than a score of communities in the Front Range with active farmers markets. Quinn said having one closer to home would give the opportunity for many Littleton residents to walk and bike there.

Littleton’s vendors include:

Ellson Farms

Golden Sourdough

Littleton Meats

Meat Sweats

Fox Fungi

Cencalli

Rocking HC Eggs

Grand Valley Country Market

Lani Belle Honey LLC

Moonlit VVitch

On the Fence Kombucha

Quinn said they decided to focus the market on food instead of handicrafts in order to reduce competition with storefronts downtown. ey hope for the market to bring more customers to local businesses.

“We want that to help infuse more

ere will be no food trucks at the market so people are encouraged to dine downtown, Quinn said. Cencalli Taqueria, a restaurant on Main Street, will have a booth o ering breakfast burritos.

To support Littleton businesses, Quinn said she and Norton will waive the $50 season registration fee for Littleton merchants to host booths at the market.

LittletonQ+ asks vendors to pay 10% of their sales from each event to help support the organization, but o ers exibility. If vendors feel comfortable paying more or less to maintain their margins, Quinn and Norton are happy to discuss other options.

A bluegrass band will perform at the market. A free community yoga class is also planned for the rst hour of each event.

Quinn said the market, at its core, is about community and supporting small, local businesses. Gathering in a small area for limited hours on a speci c day gives people the opportunity to run into their neighbors, she said. ese “organic connections” can “help bridge social gaps.”

She said she is excited to support local farmers and food producers who are working hard to earn a living, and hopes the market can give people a chance to eat fresher foods.

“Bringing fresh produce into a more central location helps to create some equity,” Quinn said. “Littleton is not a food desert by any means, but having an additional touch point of access, I think is really great.”

Links to sign up to volunteer or register as a vendor are available at littletonq.com.

The Littleton farmers market will take place on South Nevada Street, just north of Main Street, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. twice a month. SHUTTERSTOCK IMAGE

Thu 5/02

Whitney Peyton @ 6pm

Herman's Hideaway, 1578 S Broadway, Denver

Jamie Lissow @ 6:30pm

Comedy Works South, 5345 Land‐mark Pl, Greenwood Village

Fri 5/03

Jamie Lissow @ 6:15am

Comedy Works South, 5345 Landmark Pl, Greenwood Village

Start Making Sense: Talking Heads

Tribute @ 7pm

Gothic Theatre, 3263 S Broadway, Engle‐wood

Sat 5/04

Jamie Lissow @ 6:15am

Comedy Works South, 5345 Landmark Pl, Greenwood Village

Jamie Lissow @ 8:45am

Comedy Works South, 5345 Landmark Pl, Greenwood Village

L.A. WITCH @ 5pm

Levitt Pavilion Denver, 1380 W Florida Ave, Denver

Breakfast Fly-In @ 8am

Exploration of Flight (Centennial Airport), 13005 Wings Way, Engle‐wood. info@wingsmuseum.org

The Mike G Band @ 6:30pm Takoda Tavern, 12311 Pine Bluffs Way # A, Parker

Pick & Howl @ 7pm

Mon 5/06

Modern Swing Mondays 2024 @ 6pm / $10 Stampede, Aurora

Tue 5/07

Jump Serving @ 4pm / $50

Elevation Volleyball Club, 12987 E Adam Aircraft Drive, Englewood. 720-524-4136

Alan Doyle @ 5:30pm

Parker Arts, Culture & Events Center, 20000 Pikes Peak Avenue, Parker

Teague Starbuck @ 5pm

Swans @ 6pm

Gothic Theatre, 3263 S Broadway, Englewood

Sam Bush @ 7pm

Gothic Theatre, 3263 S Broadway, Engle‐wood

Sun 5/05

Sarah and the Safe Word @ 7pm Hi-Dive - Denver, Denver

Alex Ubago @ 8pm Stampede, 2430 S Havana St, Aurora

Gothic Theatre, 3263 S Broadway, Englewood

Swans @ 7pm

Gothic Theatre, Englewood

13U Open Gym @ 11pm / Free May 7th - Jun 12th

Elevation Volleyball Club, 12987 E Adam Aircraft Drive, Englewood. 720-524-4136

Wed 5/08

Alternate Guitar Tunings Workshop w/Pierce Pettis at Swallow Hill @ 6:30pm Swallow Hill Music Association, 71 E Yale Ave, Denver

The Pint Room, 2620 W Belleview Ave, Littleton

Thu 5/09

Attacking @ 4pm / $50

Elevation Volleyball Club, 12987 E Adam Aircraft Drive, Englewood. 720-524-4136

ZeeCeeKeely: "Road Through Tico Time"

@ 6pm

Herman's Hideaway, 1578 S Broadway, Denver

Ty Segall @ 6pm Gothic Theatre, 3263 S Broadway, Engle‐wood

Steve Azar: Mockingbird Hitmaker's Series Denver @ 6:30pm

Herman's Hideaway, 1578 S Broadway, Denver

Pierce Pettis back at Swallow Hill Music!

@ 7pm

Swallow Hill Music, 71 E Yale Ave, Denver

Ty Segall @ 7pm

Gothic Theatre, 3263 S Broadway, Engle‐wood

Calendar information is provided by event organiz‐ers. All events are subject to change or cancella‐tion. This publication is not responsible for the ac‐curacy of the information contained in this calendar.

powered by

Mountain Vista’s Keri Atchison becomes first pom coach inducted to CHSCA Hall of Fame

A Golden Eagles legend etched into Colorado coaching history

BY JOHN RENFROW JRENFROW@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM

Coming o Mountain Vista’s rstplace jazz nish at the 2023 spirit state championships, the program’s leader learned she’d be making history among Colorado’s coaching elites.

Keri Atchison, the longtime spirit director and head pom coach for the Golden Eagles, o cially became the rst pom coach inducted into the Colorado High School Coaches Association Hall of Fame.

“Our motto the whole season was, ‘You’re more than a number,’” Atchison said. “‘Your worth is how you show up and what you share in the gift of this dance. And they did it beautifully.”

She’s only the second spirit coach to be inducted, following her mentor and trailblazer Virginia Lorbeer,

who was inducted in 2019. Lorbeer recently passed away.

Atchison is a Littleton native and alum of Heritage High School where she was a Liberty Belle on the school’s pom team.

Atchison, who was part of the original sta when Mountain Vista opened in 2001, is in her 33rd year of teaching and 24th year of coaching.

Under Atchison, Mountain Vista poms have captured 14 league and 16 regional titles in pom, jazz and hip-hop categories, plus 10 Class 5A state titles and ve state runnersup.

Vista is the only team in Colorado to hold state titles in all three dance divisions: pom (2006, 2008, 2009) hip-hop (2013, 2014) and jazz (2010, 2015, 2018, 2021, 2023).

Atchison has been named Coach of the Year in the Continental League eight times and in 2008 and 2021 was chosen as the Colorado Dance Coach of the Year.

In 2018, Atchison was awarded the prestigious Dale Yost Teacher/ Coach of the Year by the Colorado High School Coaches Association.

Weekly Carrier Routes Available

In 2022, she was recognized as a National Coach of the Year nalist at the National Coaches Convention.

be afraid to hire someone who is better than you, smarter than you, more talented than you … they will be your magic-makers,’” Atchison said. “ at’s what I’ve been able to do. I have a team of assistant coaches who all danced for me … ey came back and give to the program

they grew up in … I have a team of choreographers and technicians and dance studio owners who all come along and help me grow these Mountain Vista dancers into not only incredible dancers but incred-

Now, Atchison is o cially a Hall of Famer. Colorado Community Media spoke with Atchison about

Keri Atchison, the spirit director and head pom coach at Mountain Vista High School, poses at her Hall of Fame ceremony. Atchison is the first pom coach to be inducted into the Colorado High School Coaches Association Hall of Fame. COURTESY PHOTO

the honor, the future of pom and spirit as a sport and more:

Colorado Community Media: What was your reaction to being told you’d be inducted into the Colorado High School Coaches Hall of Fame?

Atchison:I was actually shocked. For so many years we weren’t even considered a sport or a part of the Coaches Association. We weren’t considered a sport until CHSAA recognized us. After CHSAA recognized us as a sport, CHSCA invited us into their coaches association in 2012. So, it blew my mind. A few years ago, a woman named Virginia Lorbeer, who had been my mentor and just this incredible woman who really got us recognized as a sport, got inducted. I had no idea that a few years later it would be me.

CCM: Virginia Lorbeer was clearly a titan of the sport, but also your mentor. What did she mean to you and to spirit sports as a whole?

Atchison:She was so instrumental in getting us to be a sport. Actually, when we rst got invited to join CHSCA, she was the spirit board president, starting in 2012. She asked me to be her vice president. And so we spent 12 to 13 years together running that board and

doing everything we could to educate our spirit coaches together. So, there was really nothing that I have ever done as a coach that she wasn’t right there alongside me. So, losing her recently was so di cult and so hard because she and I have been together for years doing this. Really, really sad loss for our spirit community.

CCM: Other than becoming a sanctioned sport, what has changed or grown in the spirit community most since you’ve been involved in the sport as an athlete or coach?

Atchison:When I was Liberty Belle, a pom back at Heritage, we were just an activity. And we had sponsors; we didn’t have coaches and we had very few opportunities to compete. We were there simply to support the other sports. And now, here we are 40 years later and we are a sport that is so competitive. e state of Colorado is highly competitive in our leagues, our regionals, at the state level and even at the national level. And so the balance that spirit athletes have between still being true spirit leaders at the school, supporting everyone and being just as highly competitive … it’s just incredible to see how far we’ve come in 40 years.

CCM: What about Mountain Vista is so special and why is the culture one you’ve wanted to build and retain all these years?

Atchison:It’s been incredible. I’ve

been so fortunate because I have an incredible administration all the way up to the district level that truly supports our spirit athletes. We won our rst state title in the 5A pom division back in 2006, jumped into hip-hop for two years and were able to win a couple of titles there, and now we’ve really been a jazz team. So, we’re the only team in the state of Colorado on the dance side that’s won in all three divisions.

CCM: Is there a di erence in your style or approach between pom, jazz or hip-hop?

Atchison: What I have found, and what I think works really well for the Mountain Vista dance community, is I really let the dancers dictate the direction we go. They come to me with different strengths over the years. Initially, they were all very, very pom-focused, so it made the most sense to us to compete in the pom division. And then we had a couple years where that group had grown up together doing hip-hop and that was their strength. So I said, “OK, let’s figure it out,” and let’s move over to that division. So, the learning curve is for me much more than it is for the dancers.

CCM: What made the jazz group that won in 2023 so special?

Atchison:Oh my goodness, this group was absolutely incredible. [ e past two years] we came up just a little bit short and had been the runner-up, so this group was so

hungry. ere’s a lot of subjectivity in our sport … similar to gymnastics or ice skating … they decided rather than try to focus on beating another team, they were going to focus on growing themselves and being the best they could be and their worth would be found in the performances they gave and how they felt about it more than trying to get a placement. When they made that mental shift, it’s actually what made them unstoppable. ey had a maturity and a grace and an excitement to put this routine we focused on this season out on the oor. It just kept getting better and better because they felt so good about what they were doing and weren’t focused on the outcome.

CCM: What do you think the future of pom and spirit sports is? What do you see on the horizon?

Atchison: I think what’s happening is that because we, in the state of Colorado, focus so much on also competing at the national level … there are areas that, nationally, cheer and poms are growing … and Colorado is on the cutting edge of that. ankfully, CHSAA welcomes those things and helps us implement those changes so that we’re always able to o er at the state level what the nation is doing. And so it keeps us constantly growing and on that cutting edge because CHSAA has really stepped into letting us grow, and it makes all the di erence for our athletes.

Girls flag football sanctioned by CHSAA

Colorado becomes 11th state to legitimize the sport

BY JOHN RENFROW JRENFROW@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM

A recent vote by the Colorado High School Activities Association sanctioned girls ag football as an o cial sport.

Passing by a vote of 57-9 with ve abstentions, there will be two classi cations this fall for girls ag football. It is CHSAA’s 27th sanctioned sport. After a highly successful pilot program in the past two years, CHSAA set the sport in stone.  Colorado joins Tennessee, New

Arvada West junior Sara Walker makes some downfield moves after matching a catch during the girls flag football state championship game against Cherry Creek in October 2023. CHSSA has agreed to sanction the sport.

York, Florida, Arizona, Nevada, Georgia, Illinois, California, Alaska and Alabama as states to sanction girls ag football.

Several area schools have developed ag football pilot programs, including Valor Christian, Arvada West, Cherry Creek, Legend, Mountain Vista, Elizabeth and more.

Last October, Arvada West defeated Cherry Creek 34-14 in the nal of the 16-team state championship tournament. e Wildcats nished the season with a perfect 25-0 record.

Area coaches are big advocates for the sport.

“It’s fun for the girls to make some new friends, play a game that they’ve always just had to watch,” said Darren Pitzner, the coach for the Legend High School girls’ team. “For me growing up, I was always drawing up plays in the dirt and developed a love for the game that way. e girls have made a lot of friends, a ton of

smiles and a ton of highlights.” e sport received funding from the Denver Broncos during the pilot period.

“In addition to providing an amazing platform for empowerment, inclusion and teamwork, girls ag creates a powerful sense of belonging and community for our next generation of leaders,” Broncos Owner Carrie Walton Penner said in a statement.

ough last year’s postseason was held at the Pat Bowlen Fieldhouse at the Denver Broncos’ Center Health Training Center, future postseason details for 5A and 4A will need to be determined.

A girls ag football committee will also be formed soon by CHSAA.  is story will be updated as more details are released.

CHSAA adopts shot clock for varsity teams

Teams will be on the clock starting in 2026

BY STEVE SMITH SPECIAL TO COLORADO COMMUNITY MEDIA

After several months of debate, the Colorado High School Activities Association formally adopted the use of a 35-second shot clock in prep basketball. e decision came during the association’s legislative council meeting on April 23.

e change takes e ect in the 2026-2027 school year for varsity boys and girls teams. e association’s legislative council approved it by a margin of almost 3-to-2.

e agenda said those in favor cited a need to prepare players for college basketball’s shot clock, an improved pace of play and the chance to reward good defense.

ose opposed pointed to initial set-up costs (perhaps between $3,000 and $10,000, depending on the electrical structure of the gym, according to the agenda), the po-

tential increased cost for game workers and for training a shot clock operator.

ere was no discussion during the council’s meeting.

ere were two other shot-clock proposals on the agenda. Supporters withdrew one agenda item after the council approved the shot-clock item. e second, which would have applied to class 6A schools only, failed.

e council also turned down a bid to increase the size of the state basketball tournament from 32 to

40 teams. Fifty-seven percent voted no.

e proposal called for the top 24 teams to receive a rst-round bye. Chaparral Athletic Director Rob Johnson said players and coaches want to be able to play in one last tournament game.

“Scheduling really helps,” he said. “Many of these programs want a competitive, rst-round game. It’s a chance for (seeds) 25 to 40 to have a competitive, fun playo experience.”

No one spoke in opposition.

FILE PHOTO

Saturday Sep. 21st at DCSD Legacy Campus

Saturday Oct. 5th at The

DEADLINES: CLASSIFIED LINE ADS: FRIDAY, 12 P.M.

CAREERS

Help Wanted

Director Professional Services

For Enverus Inc. in Centennial, CO, to help our customers benefit from our business automation products. Requires: Bachelor's in bus. admin., operations research, comp. info. systems or rel. field (accepts foreign edu. equiv.) + 2 years in designing and implementing business processes & designing & delivering training programs. Position requires 10% domestic travel. Partial telecommute but must reside within commuting distance of Centennial, CO. Submit resume to aimee.lane@enverus.com.

Reference Position #129.

Salary: $115,000.00$140,000.00.

Eng 3, Bknd Eng

Comcast Cable Comm, LLC, Englewood, CO. Dsgn & dev new sw and web apps. Reqs: Bach or forgn equiv in CS, Engin or rltd & 2 yrs exp dev sw use Java & Spring Boot; deploy apps in AWS; 1 yr use Jenkins, Concourse, or any other CI/CD tool to deploy apps; use Datadog or any other app metric anlys tool to anlyz app metrics; & debug apps w/ ELK, Splunk, or any other app debug tool. Salary: $87,443 to $135k/yr. Benefits: https://jobs.comcast.com/lifeat-comcast/benefits. Apply to: Job_Candidates@comcast.co m Ref Job ID# 1127. App window: 30 days (+/- depend on # of applicnts).

SERVICE DIRECTORY: WEDNESDAY, 5 P.M.

Help Wanted

Speech-Language Pathologist

Remote or in person FT or part time SpeechLanguage Pathologist or SLPA Positions Available for the 2024-2025 school year. Open to School Internships. No Contract Agencies. Able to provide supervision for CFY hours. Join our dynamic, multi-disciplinary team of professionals for the 202425 school year. Complete assessments, attend IEP meetings, provide direct services and indirect services for students in PreK-12th grades. Competitive salaries: SLP - $50,450-$56,050 & SLPA- BA $41,000- $46,600 based on 186 day contract. Salaries given are based on a full-year contract. Salary commensurate upon experience. May also be eligible for loan forgiveness! Excellent benefits, including full health benefits & mileage reimbursement. For in person providers there is flexible scheduling with the opportunity to complete some work at home.

Questions contact Tracy at (719) 775-2342, ext. 101. To apply for this position, please visit our website ecboces.org and click on the “Jobs” page, click on the job you are interested in & then click on the green button “Apply Online”, located at the bottom of the job listing. EOE

LEGALS: TUESDAY 5 P.M.

Help Wanted

School Psychologist or Intern

Full-Time School Psychologist or Intern to join our dynamic, multi-disciplinary team of professionals for the 202324 school year - School Districts East of Limon Area Requirements: Educational Specialist (Ed.S.), Colorado certified. Provide PreK12 intervention including assessment, development of IEP’s & consultation services. Competitive salaries: ED.S $57,800$66,200 & Intern $53,590$59,550, both commensurate upon experience. Excellent benefits including dental, vision, and medical insurance. Flexible scheduling with the opportunity to complete some work at home. May also be eligible for loan forgiveness. Flexible schedule. Use of a car or mileage reimbursement. Questions contact Tracy (719) 775-2342, ext. 101. To apply for this position, please visit our website ecboces. org and click on the “Jobs” page, click on the job you are interested in & then click on the green button “Apply Online”, located at the bottom of the job listing. EOE

SERVICE DIRECTORY ADS AND CLASSIFIED LINE ADS

Help Wanted

Special Education Teacher

For a significant needs program located at the Strasburg School District for 2024-25 School Year. Current Colorado Special Education Teacher license required. BA salary range $41,000$47,300 & MA salary range $46,250-$52,550, based on experience. Excellent benefits. including full health benefits! Collaborative work environment with lots of free continuing education opportunities available. May be eligible for Student Loan Forgiveness. Questions contact Tracy at (719) 7752342, ext. 101 or tracyg@ ecboces.org. To apply for this position, please visit our website ecboces.org and click on the “Jobs” page, click on the job you are interested in & then click on the green button “Apply Online” at the bottom of the job listing. EOE

Contact Erin Addenbrooke, 303-566-4074 eaddenbrooke@coloradocommunitymedia.com

Help Wanted

Teacher of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing

East Central BOCES is seeking a Part-Time 3 day a week Teacher of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing for the 2024-2025 school year.

Salary Range- $27,750$32,790 for 112 days dependent on experiences and education. Hold or be able to attain a Colorado Teaching License with an endorsement as a Special Education Specialist- Deaf/ Hard of Hearing required. Complete assessments, attend IEP meetings, provide direct and indirect special education services. Excellent benefits including access to a company vehicle or mileage reimbursement and fully paid health insurance, including vision and dental. May be eligible for loan forgiveness program. Flexible scheduling with the opportunity to complete some work from home. To apply for this position, please visit our website ecboces.org and click on the “Jobs” page, click on the job you are interested in & then click on the green button “Apply Online”, located at the bottom of the job listing. Questions contact Tracy at (719) 775-2342, ext. 101. EOE

Misc. Notices

WIDOWED MEN AND WOMEN OF AMERICA.

A social club offering many exciting activities and life long friendships. Social hours for all areas of Metro Denver. Visit Widowedamerica.org for details In your area!

Garage and Estate Sales

Garage Sales

Red Hawk Golf Course

Community Wide

Garage Sale

30+ Homes

Friday & Saturday, May 3 & May 4 from 8am-3pm

Castle Rock, Wolfenserger Road @ Red Hawk Drive

Maps will be available at all participating homes.

100+ HOMES

CHERRY KNOLLS, THE KNOLLS & TIFFANY

NEIGHBORHOODS

Fri. & Sat. May 3 & 4 S. Colorado Blvd. & E. Dry Creek Rd 80122

Maps Available

Merchandise

Firewood

Health & Beauty

VIAGRA and CIALIS USERS!

50 Generic Pills SPECIAL

$99.00

100% guaranteed. 24/7 CALL NOW! 888-445-5928

Hablamos Espanol

Dental insurance from Physicians Mutual Insurance Company. Coverage for 400+ procedures. Real dental insurance - not just a discount plan. Get your free Information Kit with details! 1-855-526-1060 www.dental50plus.com/ads #6258

Medical

Attention oxygen therapy users! Discover oxygen therapy that moves with you with Inogen Portable Oxygen Concentrators. Free information kit. 1-866-4779045

Miscellaneous

Aging Roof? New Homeowner?

Got Storm Damage?

You need a local expert provider that proudly stands behind their work. Fast, free estimate. Financing available. Call 1-888-878-9091

Water damage cleanup:

A small amount of water can cause major damage to your home. Our trusted professionals dry out wet areas & repair to protect your family

Miscellaneous

Miscellaneous

Miscellaneous

DIRECTV Stream - Carries the most local MLB Games! Choice Package $89.99/ mo for 12 mos Stream on 20 devices at once. HBO Max included for 3 mos (w/ Choice Package or higher.) No contract or hidden fees! Some restrictions apply. Call IVS 1-866-859-0405

Split & Delivered $450 a cord

Stacking $50 Call 303-647-2475 or 720-323-2173

Lawn & Garden

Professional lawn service:

Fertilization, weed control, seeding, aeration & mosquito control. Call now for a free quote. Ask about our first application special! 1-833606-6777

& your home value! Call 24/7: 1-888-872-2809. Have zip code!

Jacuzzi Bath Remodel can install a new, custom bath or shower in as little as one day. For a lim-ited time, waving all installation costs! (Additional terms apply. Subject to change and vary by dealer. Offer ends 6/30/24.) 1-844-501-3208

MobileHelp America’s premier mobile medical alert system. Whether you’re home or away. For safety & peace of mind. No long term contracts!

Free brochure! Call 1-888489-3936

Don’t let the stairs limit your mobility! Discover the ideal solution for anyone who struggles on the stairs, is concerned about a fall or wants to regain access to their entire home. Call AmeriGlide today! 1-833399-3595

Eliminate gutter cleaning forever! LeafFilter, the most advanced debris-blocking gutter protection. Schedule free LeafFilter estimate today. 20% off Entire Purchase. 10% Senior & Military Discounts. Call 1-833-610-1936

Become a published author

We want to read your book! Dorrance Publishing trusted since 1920. Consultation, production, promotion & distribution. Call for free author`s guide 1-877-7294998 or visit dorranceinfo. com/ads

Bath & shower updates in as little as 1 day! Affordable pricesNo payments for 18 months! Lifetime warranty & professional installs. Senior & military discounts available. 1-877-543-9189

Safe Step. North America’s #1 Walk-in tub. Comprehensive lifetime warranty. Top-of-the-line installation and service. Now featuring our free shower package & $1600 off - limited time! Financing available. 1-855-417-1306

Home break-ins take less than 60 seconds. Don’t wait! Protect your family, your home, your assets now for as little as 70¢/day! 1-844-591-7951

Prepare for power outages today with a Generac Home Standby Generator. Act now to receive a FREE 7-Year warranty with qualifying purchase* Call 1-855-9486176 today to schedule a free quote. It’s not just a generator. It’s a power move.

Doodle Puppies Golden Doodles and Bernedoodles Home-Raised Heath Tested and Guaranteed Standard and Mini Size available Schedule a visit today! (970)215-6860 www.puppylovedoodles.com

Wanted

Donate Your Car to Veterans Today! Help and Support our Veterans. Fast - FREE pick up. 100% tax deductible. Call 1-800-2450398