Parker Chronicle November 28, 2024

Artist Matt Ounsworth creates art out of Parker’s fallen historic tree

Months after a historic tree was cut down in downtown Parker, a Colorado artist and chainsaw sculptor is bringing it back to life: one carve at a time.

SPECIAL HOMETOWN HOLIDAYS EDITION

me,” said Matt Ounsworth.  Parker sta believe the Siberian elm tree was likely planted around the same time as the original construction of the schoolhouse, which was completed in 1915. For nearly a century, the tree stood tall, providing beauty and shade to those who walked down Mainstreet.  e tree was under the care of the Parker Recreation Forestry sta for years, but earlier this year in the spring, a large snowstorm hit and broke signi cant limbs, compromising many others. e

tree also showed other signs of wounds and decay.

In April, sta decided the tree reached the end of its useful life and cut it down, leaving only a portion of the trunk.

Ounsworth, an award-winning artist from Fort Collins, was commissioned to transform what remains of the tree into a piece of art. He was given a tour of the area to learn about its history before he formed a concept for the design.

“ e idea is like the spirit of the tree

Douglas County schools delay AP African American studies course

BY MCKENNA HARFORD MHARFORD@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM

On a 4-3 vote, the Douglas County School District delayed approval of an Advanced Placement African American studies course after community members raised concerns about its content, and board members said they didn’t feel informed enough.

Douglas County School Board President Christy Williams asked to wait before approving a curriculum for a new course on African American studies because the board had received multiple emails from community members with concerns and wanted more information.

“It is our responsibility to do our due diligence, and I don’t feel like I had enough time to prepare for this,” Williams said.

e course “examines the diversity of African-American experiences through direct encounters with rich and varied sources,” drawing on literature, the arts, humanities, political science, geography, and science, according to the College Board, which administers AP classes for high schools across the nation. Topics in the course extend from early African kingdoms to the contemporary moment.

Williams said she wanted to take more time to make sure the course aligns with the district’s equity policy and doesn’t include critical race theory. Critical race theory is an approach to studying racism in the United States and how it intersects with institutions, according to Associated Press reporting.

“I’m scheduling a time to go meet with (the teacher) so I can understand the class and answer questions from the public about it better,” Williams said.

ough the AP African American studies class was only recently introduced, it’s already received a lot of pushback nationwide, including being banned from classrooms in Florida after Governor Ron Desantis claimed it was pushing a political agenda.  AP classes are higher-level courses that o er students the chance to earn college credit while still in high school by taking an exam run by the College Board at the conclusion of the class. e class is an elective course.

Matt Ounsworth, a Colorado artist from Fort Collins, worked on the Parker tree sculpture from eight to 10 hours a day, carving wood spirits, animals and flowers into the tree.

PHOTO BY HALEY LENA

Annual Colorado Gives Day takes place on Dec. 10

BY HALEY LENA HLENA@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM

Whether a nonpro t organization has participated in Colorado Gives Day for one year or for 10, is large or small, the Colorado Gives Foundation continues to support thousands of nonpro ts across the state in the hopes of connecting people and ideas.

“Colorado Gives Day is really an opportunity to be part of the statewide movement,” said Kelly Dunkin, president and CEO of the Colorado Gives Foundation. “I think of it as the ultimate feel-good event.”

Colorado Gives Day launched in 2010 and has become one of the state’s largest 24-hour giving events. Taking place on the second Tuesday every December, which this year is Dec. 10, Coloradans can use the Colorado Gives Day website to nd a cause they want to support and can donate any amount.

However, early giving kicked o on the rst of November.

‘The ultimate feel-good event’

While people can donate to Colorado Gives all year long, Dunkin said donations during early giving and on Colorado Giving Day gets a boost from the foundation’s $1 Million + Incentive Fund.

When it comes to volunteering and charitable giving, national trends have indicated that there has been a decline over the years, which can be attributed to economic distress among other factors, according to a 2024 Giving USA report. e report showed that giving by individuals declined 2.3% in 2023.

Despite national trends, Dunkin said the Colorado Gives Foundation is seeing a di erent trend — a positive and hopeful one at that.

Compared to 2023 numbers, Dunkin said the amount donated so far this year has increased 76%. Additionally, the number of donations increased 46%, the number of nonpro ts that have received a donation went up 22% and the number of donors making donations increased 35%.

“We’re hopeful that it means we’ll see a great response on Colorado Gives Day,” said Dunkin.

Last year, more than $53 million was raised for more than 4,000 nonpro ts. As for early giving, the cumulative total

the foundation made between Nov. 1-13 in 2023 was $2.49 million, according to Dunkin. is year, the cumulative total made between Nov. 1-13 was about $3.1 million.

“We’re always amazed and grateful to Colorado donors who step up every year to support their favorite nonpro ts,” said Dunkin.

Making an impact

Lisa Mendelsberg, who founded Colorado Animal Rescue Express, also known as C.A.R.E., has participated in Colorado Gives Day for 14 years and each year, has seen the impact the fundraising event makes.

Colorado Animal Rescue Express, located in Greenwood Village, works to curb pet homelessness through transportation and veterinary care donations. e nonpro t also works to reduce pet-overpopulation with sponsored programs for spay and neuter procedures. e rst year that Mendelsberg participated in the event, her nonpro t won an award for being the smallest charity to have the largest number of donors.

“(Colorado Gives Day) gives a platform to tell your story and to be in front of other people, to be in front of a donor audience,” said Mendelsberg.

She added that Colorado Gives Day has been very important to the nonpro t’s success. Ever since it was formed in 2007, about 65,400 homeless pets have been moved to safety and about $398,000 has been donated to shelters, rescue groups and other caregiver organizations, according to the website.

e animal nonpro t is just one of thousands of nonpro ts that bene t from the annual fundraising event. e Aspen E ect, based in Douglas County, began fundraising through Colorado Gives Day last year.

Acknowledging the prevalence of mental health issues among youth, Jerry Van Leuvan founded the nonpro t to help give youth a place to connect with one another, heal and thrive.

In its third year of operations, e Aspen E ect is a youth program that aims to increase the resilience of youth across the county through the therapeutic relationships they develop with farm animals and

Here at Colorado Community Media, we take pride in being your local news source and bringing you stories that matter. We are participating in Colorado Gives Day, and we would be thankful if you donate to help keep our newsroom thriving. Donate at coloradocommunitymedia.com/give-to-ccm.

adult mentors.

“Being a part of Colorado GIves Day has not only helped us to raise funding for e Aspen E ect, it gives us a strong connection to the bigger community of nonpro t work in Colorado,” said Van Leuvan.

How it works

People can go online to Coloradogives. org and type in a name of the nonpro t they want to support. If they are unsure, they can search by cause or location. e 12 groups of causes range from animals and civil rights to mental health and re-

Donors can give various amounts to multiple nonpro ts at the same time by adding their donations to a cart. e donor can then check out all at once and receive one receipt.

“Just like shopping online,” said Dunkin. “If you can shop online, you can give online.”

Every donation made and processed between Nov. 1 and Dec. 10 is boosted by the $1 Million + Incentive Fund. e Colorado Gives Foundation puts in $500,000, its partner FirstBank puts in $500,000 and from there, other community sponsors help it grow.  e fund boosts every donation made based on a percentage, said Dunkin.  All nonpro ts receive a percentage of the fund equal to the percentage it raised for Colorado Gives Day. For example, if a nonpro t raises 10%, it gets 10% of the Incentive Fund.

“All nonpro ts on the website are public charities, therefore, whatever dedication you can take, you’ll need to talk to your tax advisor about that,” said Dunkin.  e foundation also has nonpro ts that o er the homeless tax credit, the child care tax credit and the Enterprise Zone tax credit on the website.

She added that a lot of individuals have what are called Donor Advised Funds, and a donor can easily use their Donor Advised Funds to make contributions to nonpro ts on the site.

To learn more or to search for causes and donate, visit coloradogives.org.

The Colorado Gives Foundation sees an uptake in the number of donations during the annual Colorado Gives Day fundraising event, which takes place on Dec. 10 this year. SHUTTERSTOCK IMAGE

Happy Thanksgiving! This Is When I Like to Share What and Whom I Am Grateful for

Just being healthy is something anyone should be grateful for, especially at my age of 77. I’m doubly blessed, because my wife Rita, 76, is also healthy! Our siblings, children, grandchildren, nieces, nephews and other relatives are healthy, too.

All of us are aware that not everyone is as lucky as we are, so philanthropic giving is a trait I think all of us share, and I know many readers of this column do, too. And our broker associates, who responded as one to sponsoring and providing side dishes for Dignity Tuesday, share that trait, too. Last week, as a group we donated food to Dignity Tuesday for people less fortunate than us . The event took place at Golden Pantry and Thrift, formerly the Christian Action Guild.

this long-running newspaper column. I particularly appreciate those readers who take the time to write to me, suggesting topics they want me to write about or making me aware of an issue that might have escaped my attention. Therefore, I have to say that I’m especially grateful to the publications who have made it possible for me to publish this column so widely.

er demographic that is perfect for this column. Those are my most faithful readers — although some of them object to my progressive views!

stay ahead of the competition.” I couldn’t stay as informed as I am — and keep my readers informed — without Inman in my back pocket. I mean, my inbox!

I’m grateful for Chuck Lontine, the owner of The Cloud, 96.9 FM, who organized Dignity Tuesday, which he started during the pandemic. He is a man with a big heart, and I salute him.

I’m grateful for the community we live in and for the larger metro Denver community. As most of you know, Dec. 10th is Colorado Gives Day, and I recently learned about its origins. It was started in 2010, when it was reported that Colorado was 50th on the list of states when it came to charitable giving. Thanks to the Colorado Gives Foundation, Colorado now ranks at the top of that list.

When thinking about who I’m grateful for, our clients — most of whom came to us from reading this column each week — come to mind immediately. Thank you for calling me, so I don’t have to call you! It is so nice that I don’t have to sell myself to prospective sellers and buyers. They come to me “pre-sold” thanks to

Thank you, Linda Shapley, the publisher of Colorado Community Media, for making it possible for this column to appear is all 24 of your weekly newspapers. And, I should add thanks to the National Trust for Local News and the Colorado Sun, which purchased CCM in 2021 with a commitment to saving community newspapers. If it weren’t for them and their non-profit model, some of those 24 newspapers, including this one, might not be around today.

My first big newspaper contract was with the Rocky Mountain News, when they created the YourHub section in 2005. When the Rocky ceased publishing in 2009, YourHub was the only piece of the Rocky which The Denver Post picked up and promoted. I like to think that my full-page ad 52 times per year might be a factor in justifying YourHub’s continuation. Thank you, The Denver Post, for continuing that publication so that I can continue reaching your readers all across the metro area.

Lastly, in this department, my thanks to Dan Johnson of the Denver Gazette for soliciting my account this October and making an offer I couldn’t refuse to include this full-page ad in your digital newspaper. Typical of printed newspapers, the Gazette has a mature homeown-

Moving, Even Locally, Can Cost You a Lot

At Golden Real Estate, we like to save you money wherever we can. For example, we have a handyman who can help you get your home ready to show or fix inspection issues at the client-only rate of $30/ hour.

We also have a box truck which you can use prior to, during and after closing, not just for moving to your new home, but making those dump runs or runs to Goodwill for donating all that stuff you accumulated over the years!

and packing material, including bubble wrap, so don’t buy any yourself.

We’ve been offering the use of this truck since 2004. In fact, this is our second truck. It’s hard to estimate how much money we have saved our buyers and sellers, but it must be several hundred thousands of dollars.

We also provide free moving boxes

We also make the truck available free to nonprofits and local organizations, such as Family Promise and BGoldN, which uses it to do pickups from Food Bank of the Rockies for local food banks.

The sellers bought this home at 5948 Routt Street from the builder 53 years ago, and it’s time to sell. You’ll be impressed by the exterior and interior improvements made by the seller through the years. For example, a sunroom was added over the back of the garage (visible in this picture) which is open to the kitchen and which opens to a deck with stairs down to a wood deck in the backyard. All the rooms have either hardwood or manufactured hardwood floors. The updated kitchen has an 18-inch ceramic tile floor, quartz countertop with undermount stainless steel sink and newer appliances. All the bathrooms have been updated, too. Even the driveway was updated with new concrete in an attractive pattern. You’ll love watching the sunset from the deck outside the front door next to the garage. Video tour and pictures at www.ArvadaHome.info. Open Saturday 11am to 1pm.

$650,000

I’m also grateful to my professional colleagues, especiallyfellow Realtors, who are among my most regular readers. And the Realtor association itself (the Denver Metro Association of Realtors or DMAR) does important work keeping us up to date on industry developments.

Just as important, in that regard, is the Inman News, which provides an endless stream of important email newsletters keeping me abreast of industry developments, innovations and challenges, which sometimes inspire a topic for this column. It describes itself as “the leading real estate news source for real estate agents, Realtors, brokers, real estate executives and real estate technology leaders who need the latest real estate news, insights and analysis to grow their business and

My broker associates, listed below, play an invaluable role in the day-to-day operation of Golden Real Estate. They are wonderfully diverse in their skills and backgrounds, and they help to staff our storefront office in downtown Golden seven days a week. They get wonderful reviews from the past clients, which you can read by clicking on the “Testimonials” tab at www.GoldenRealEstate.com

Here’s a Holiday Gift Giving Idea

Colorado Giving Foundation sells digital “Giving Cards.” Specify the dollar amount and who to send it to, and the recipient can then go to ColoradoGives.org where they can “spend” it as they wish. Give to clients, friends, children, et al. I’m going to make that my holiday giving!

Many Agents Are Taking a Continuing Education Class That Will Be Obsolete on January 1st

All licensed real estate professionals in Colorado are required to take the Annual Commission Update (ACU) class as part of their continuing education requirement to stay licensed.

The class can be taken at any time during the calendar year, with a new version introduced each January.

At Golden Real Estate, I incentivize our broker associates by reimbursing the $40 cost of the 4-hour class if they take it in January. It can be taken either online or in-person. That’s how important I think it is to be current on the everevolving rules that we must comply with and to learn about the latest revisions to the contract forms we must use.

Many licensees, however, don’t take this CE class until the last minute. I asked some of the major providers of the course for their enrollment figures to see how many licensees wait until the 4th quarter to take the class.

One of the biggest providers of CE classes is DMAR’s PEAK program, and Lisa Kallweit, DMAR’s director of member services, couldn’t give me this quarter’s enrollment numbers, but provided these numbers for the 4th quarter of the last three years.

2021 - 429 agents

2022 - 372 agents

2023 - 331 agents

Another big provider is Educated Minds. They have 393 agents enrolled so far this quarter and reported these numbers for the past three years:

2021 - 802 agents

2022 - 719 agents

2023 - 652 agents

It seems such a waste to take the ACU class at the end of the year, when the new ACU class is coming in January. Also, how many things did agents learn in December that they should have known 10 months earlier?

Golden Real Estate’s Broker Associates

David Dlugasch

303-908-4835

Joined us in 2014

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Jim Swanson

303-929-2727

Joined us in 2008

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Chuck Brown

303-885-7855

Joined us in 2014

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Greg Kraft

720-353-1922

Joined us in 2022

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Kathy Jonke

303-990-7428

Joined us in 2023

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Don’t be misled by our name. Our agents have listed homes throughout the Denver Metro area and helped clients buy homes and other real estate all over Colorado!

Why now might be the best time to buy an EV in Colorado

BY SAM BRASCH

NEWS

Colorado drivers considering an electric vehicle might not want to mull over the decision for too much longer.  at’s because the state’s nation-leading EV tax credit is set to shrink from $5,000 to $3,500 at the end of the year. e cut will make it harder for dealers to keep o ering eye-popping leases on low-cost EV models, which have helped put thousands of new battery-powered cars on Colorado roads over the last few months and drive the state to No. 2 in the nation for EV adoption.

On top of the scheduled reduction, the transition team for President-elect Donald Trump has signaled its planning to kill a federal EV tax credit worth up to $7,500 as part of a planned tax reform package. If the incoming Republican-led Congress goes along with the idea, it could further limit the total incentives available to Colorado EV buyers.

“ is is the best deal you’re ever going to get,” said Matt Groves, the president and CEO of the Colorado Auto Dealers Association. “We don’t know how much money is coming o the table next year, but it’s going to be more than zero.”

A suite of generous incentives has helped make Colorado a bright spot for EV adoption nationwide. Under current policies, a resident can theoretically qualify for up to $26,500 in discounts by combining state and federal incentives with additional rebates o ered by Xcel Energy, Colorado’s largest electricity provider.

EVERGREEN CHAMBER

It appears those steep discounts have helped convince drivers to ditch traditional vehicles. A recent report from the Colorado Auto Dealer Association found that 23 percent of new cars registered in the state during the rst three quarters of 2024 were either battery-electric or plugin hybrid models. Only California had a higher EV market share over the same period, the report shows.

One factor driving the trend is rock-bottom leases on some EV models. Boulder Nissan, for example, currently o ers an entry-level Nissan Leaf for $5 per month after a Colorado resident pays roughly $3,000 in dealer fees and sales taxes. Other local Nissan dealers o er higher monthly prices for a smaller upfront cost.

Ed Olsen, the general sales manager at Boulder Nissan, expects the eye-popping lease arrangements to slow in 2025. He said the deals only make sense due to Colorado’s EV tax credit, which o ers additional cash for a ordable models with a recommended sales price under $35,000, plus an extra incentive if auto dealers handle all the related paperwork.

Once the overall bene t shrinks, Olsen would guess the monthly lease price for a Nissan Leaf would jump to about $70 per month.

ose expectations also depend on President-elect Trump’s failure to eliminate the federal tax credit. If he moves ahead with the plan, Olsen said Nissan will likely shift the nances behind the current lease deals, forcing auto dealers to further increase prices.

But not everyone thinks Colorado’s EV momentum depends on the federal tax

credit

Groves, the president of the auto dealer association, said the federal discount was always confusing since it only applied to drivers meeting speci c income qualications and vehicles meeting domestic manufacturing requirements. If the federal tax credit disappears, he’s not convinced EV demand will dry up in Colorado.

At this point, he’s hopeful the EV market is mature enough to keep growing despite a drop in federal and state support. While incentives might decline, Colorado has built out its public charging network in the last few years and manufacturers o er far more options to potential buyers.

“As these cars become more prevalent, people are just becoming more comfortable with the concept,” Groves said.  e auto dealers association also isn’t planning to lobby for a larger state EV tax credit when the upcoming legislative session starts in January, Groves said.

Gov. Jared Polis, however, doesn’t want to see Colorado buyers lose access to the federal discount. In an email to CPR News, Eric Maruyama, a spokesperson for the governor’s o ce, said President-elect Trump’s plans to eliminate the tax credit and impose tari s will hurt consumers and kill jobs.

“We hope the incoming administration reconsiders putting American workers, our pocketbooks and the strength of our economy rst,” Maruyama said. is story is from CPR News, a nonpro t public broadcaster serving Colorado. Used by permission. For more, and to support Colorado Public Radio, visit cpr.org.

withAltezzaChamberChoir fromtheEvergreenChorale

December 7th & 8th, 14th & 15th 10 am - 5pm

European-Style Outdoor Marketplace

featuring over 30 Artisans, Food and more!

Horse-Drawn Wagon Rides

Alpine Biergarten

Wine & Wassail Bar

Shop and Dine at over 20 Merchants on Historic 6th Street

Live Entertainment

Santa Lucia Children’s Procession

Christmas at the Hamill House on Saturday December 14th and Saturday December 21st 2024. Tickets available on our website, www.historicgeorgetown.org

Saint Nicholas

Visit Historic Museums decorated in their Holiday Best

Big Horn Book Nook

Children’s Crafts at the John Tomay Library

Christmas Afternoon Tea at the Snetzer

Building

Hot Roasted Chestnuts

Dog Friendly (If your dog is friendly)

Free Parking & Free shuttles available

Featured on the TODAY show.

HISTORIC 6TH STREET

GEORGETOWN, CO 80444

Hospitals rationing intravenous fluids

National shortage in hurricane’s wake may last for months

BY JACKIE FORTIÉR KFF HEALTH NEWS

Hospitals around the country are conserving critical intravenous uid supplies to cope with a shortage that may last months. Some hospital administrators say they are changing how they think about IV uid hydration altogether.

Hurricane Helene, which hit North Carolina in September, wrecked a Baxter International facility that produces 60% of the IV uids used in the U.S., according to the American Hospital Association.

e company was forced to stop production and is rationing its products. In an update posted Nov. 7, Baxter said its North Cove facility had resumed producing some IV uids. In an email to KFF Health News, the company wrote that customers will be able to order normal quantities of “certain IV solutions products” by the end of the year, but there is no timeline for when the North Cove facility will be back to prehurricane production levels.

Meanwhile, hospitals are facing seasonal strains on their already limited IV uid resources, said Sam Elgawly, chief of resource stewardship at Inova, a health system in the Washington, D.C., area.

“We’ve been very aggressive in our conservation measures,” Elgawly said, stressing that he does not believe patient care has been compromised. He told KFF Health News that across the system IV uid usage has dropped 55% since early October.

Elgawly called the shortage a crisis that he expects to have to continue managing for some time. “We are going to operate under the assumption that this is going to be the way it is through the end of 2024 and have adopted our demand/conservation measures accordingly,” he said.

At the end of the calendar year, many patients with insurance hurry to schedule surgical procedures before their deductibles reset in January. Elgawly is eyeing that typical surgical rush and the impending peak of respiratory virus season as he tries to stockpile IV uid bags. Hospitals such as Inova’s are using di erent ways to conserve, such as giving some medications intravenously, but without a dedicated IV uid bag, known as a push medication.

“You don’t even need a bag at all. You just give the medication without the bag,” he said. “ ere has been increasing lit-

erature over the last 10 to 20 years that indicates maybe you don’t need to use as much. And this accelerated our sort of innovation and testing of that idea.”

Monica Coleman is a nurse at a Department of Veterans A airs hospital in North Chicago. She said using push medications takes more time out of a nurse’s already hectic schedule because then they need to monitor the patient.

“ is could increase adverse e ects within the patient, because we’re giving the medication at a faster rate,” she said.

Elgawly is also interested in retooling electronic health records to question doctor orders for more IV hydration.

“Does the patient actually need that second bag? How did they do today with eating or drinking water or juice? ey did well? ey don’t need the bag. So it’s little conservation mechanisms like that that,

when you add them across, you know, the 2,000-patient system that Inova is, make a signi cant dent,” he said.

Simpler conservation measures could become common after the shortage abates, said Vince Green, chief medical o cer for Pipeline Health, a small hospital system in the Los Angeles area that serves mainly people on Medicare and Medicaid.

First, Green would like to see data showing that patient outcomes aren’t a ected. But for now, some of the new strategies just make sense to him. He has directed hospital sta to use up the entire IV bag before starting another.

“If they come in with IV uids that the paramedics have started, let’s continue it. If it saves half a bag of uids, so be it, but it adds up over time,” he said.

Patients may be asked to take more ac-

countability for their hydration, by drinking Gatorade or water rather than the default of hydrating through an IV, he said.

“From an environmental aspect, we don’t need to have this much waste and ll up our land lls. If we could reduce stu , I think it’d be wise,” he said.

But he’ll feel better when his hospitals receive a full order, which could be weeks away. Green said they are down to a twoweek supply, with an expected increase in hospitalizations due to respiratory virus season.

“We’re purchasing every IV uid bag that we can get,” he said.

KFF Health News is a national newsroom that produces in-depth journalism about health issues and is one of the core operating programs at KFF—an independent source of health policy research, polling, and journalism.

Hurricane Helene, which hit North Carolina in September, wrecked a facility that produces 60% of the IV fluids used in the U.S., according to the American Hospital Association. SHUTTERSTOCK IMAGE

CONCERNS

e 2025-26 school year is the rst year the course was to be available to schools nationwide following a pilot year, and the rst AP African American Studies exams will be given in spring 2025.

Valarie Moses, a teacher at Highlands Ranch High School who proposed the course, said she was surprised by the delay.

“I am a little surprised because it’s an AP course, so it’s approved by the College Board and (the district) o ers other AP courses,” Moses said. “It should be just another AP course, but I understand that if they have a number of constituents expressing concern that they want a chance to address it.”

Moses said she’s seen a lot of excitement from students for the course and hopes it will be approved in time for the next school year.

“From the beginning, it’s been students coming to me to say they really would like the course and the di erent perspective it o ers,” Moses said.

Williams was joined by board members Tim Moore, Becky Myers and Kaylee Winegar in the vote to delay the course. Four other proposed courses — a Spanish class, an architecture class, a teaching class and an engineering class — were approved with no discussion.

Moore and Winegar echoed Williams’ desire to get more information about the

“On its face, African American studies should not bother anybody. It’s an important topic and part of our history,” Moore said. “However, … some questions have been raised by our community and I don’t know how to answer them yet because I haven’t had time to dig into the curriculum.”

Williams’ request got pushback from board members Susan Meek, Brad Geiger and Valerie ompson. ey were concerned about the timing of the course approval a ecting students’ ability to enroll

Meek noted that the course meets state standards and the district’s educational objectives.

She added that the district already offers a number of courses that could include controversial or complex issues, such as colonialism, slavery and racism. She suggested a presentation on how sta handles coursework with tough topics.

“I’ve heard the concerns, but I think those concerns are inherent in many AP and (International Baccalaureate)-level courses that we have,” Meek said.

district who reviewed the course and doesn’t feel it’s appropriate for concerns from some parents to limit the choices of all students.

“We can have a process where we trust the experts, or we can have a process where a small group of people who are constant commenters and politically active get a veto over what our kids read and hear, and what’s in the classroom,” Geiger said.  e course approval will be on the agenda at the board’s Dec. 10 meeting.

MUST READ. GREAT FOR BOOK CLUBS.

A womanizing US president. Gin-drinking, poker-playing, skirt-chasing Cabinet members. And a plot from the inside to usurp control of the Navy’s oil reserves. Wild and juicy stuff this. And all of it a true chapter of America’s history.

There may not be another US scandal that is so heavy with corruption and criminality that weighs so lightly on our collective consciousness as the Teapot Dome Scandal. From 1920 to 1922, power-hungry politicians and corporate tycoons boldly schemed to steal the nation’s newest energy resourcel. In so doing these crooks put a black mark on the pioneering work of those who gave birth to Wyoming’s incredible bonanza.

With a deft researcher’s hand and the heart and attention of a creative writer, Constance Bierkan has written a rst-of-its-kind ctionalized recounting of what led up to this nearly forgotten nugget from the past, the Teapot Dome Scandal. Like No Place on Earth is a spirited coming-of-age story set in Wyoming at the start of the madcap Roaring Twenties and the birth of the oil industry. As much a love story as it is a historical deep-dive, Like No Place on Earth will be irresistible to book clubs and history buffs alike.

Constance Bierkan grew up in Zürich, Switzerland and London, England. She sat her Ordinary and Advanced Level exams administered by the University of London while in high school at Francis Holland and earned a BA in English Literature with a minor in Semantics from Skidmore College and Goucher College. She also worked toward a Master’s at Fair eld University in Psychology. Bierkan’s debut novel, Alone In A Crowded Room - An Adoption Story, published in 2017, received a Kirkus Star and was named Kirkus Best Book Indie 2018. Free To Breathe is her second outing and it captures one boy’s struggle to emerge from an abusive family and nd authentic loving relationships. Her third, In Spite of It All, is a historical ction piece, wherein the history of Hitler’s propaganda art is married to a race of high jinks to rescue it from the wrong hands. Fluent in French and German, Bierkan loves to read, people watch, work puzzles, travel and off-road in her badass Jeep Wrangler. She and her best friend-husband-Naval-Aviator-veteran-airline-pilotgentlemantree-farmer, live at 8,200 feet in the Rocky Mountains.

Douglas County School Board President Christy Williams, center, asked to delay approving a curriculum for a new course on African American studies because the board had received multiple emails from community members with concerns and she wanted more information. The vote passed 4-3 to delay the approval to Dec. 10.

PHOTO BY MCKENNA HARFORD

Douglas County School District schedules series of meetings to discuss closure plans

BY MCKENNA HARFORD MHARFORD@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM

e Douglas County School District is hosting community meetings in Highlands Ranch to discuss plans to consolidate some elementary schools in 2026.

e district is planning to pair up to six elementary schools — resulting in the closure of three schools — within Highlands Ranch because of declining enrollment.

No schools have been named so far and the district expects the decision regarding which schools would potentially close won’t be made until April 2025. e consolidations would be e ective for the 2026-2027 school year.

e community meetings will focus on discussing criteria for potential school consolidations and attendees will have the opportunity to provide feedback. e

community has two more opportunities to attend a meeting: 6 p.m. Dec. 3 online; and 6 p.m. Dec. 11 at the Cresthill Middle School library. A link for the Dec. 3 meeting will be available on the district’s website closer to the date.

In an email to the community about the potential consolidations, Superintendent Erin Kane said the district is juggling areas of growth and decline with the goal of making more opportunities available to students.

“It is a priority of the Douglas County School District to ensure that every student, whether in a growing or aging community, has access to all of the amazing opportunities that our school district has to o er,” Kane said.

More information about the consolidation process and the community meetings can be found at www.dcsdk12.org/ about/growth-and-decline.

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Douglas County School District is firming up its timeline to consolidate elementary schools in Highlands Ranch, which is seeing a decline in enrollment. The consolidations are planned for the 2026-27 school year.

PHOTO BY ARIA MARIZZA

Douglas County adds ‘In God we trust’ to public space where o cials meet

O cials also put up other messages in the space where local leaders pass laws

BY ELLIS ARNOLD EARNOLD@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM

After months of discussion, Douglas County has installed the words “In God we trust” — along with other messages — on the public room where o cials meet to pass laws and shape policy.

Inspired by the words on the Castle Rock Town Council’s meeting room, George Teal, one of the county’s three elected commissioners, proposed adding mottos to the county’s room. With Commissioner Abe Laydon’s support, and over opposition from Commissioner Lora omas, county o cials put up the national motto and other words, including a translation of “E pluribus unum” — Latin for “out of many, one” — and a quote from President Abraham Lincoln.

An email newsletter from omas said mottos “could be divisive and get some residents up in arms.”

Speaking to Colorado Community Media, omas didn’t single out a particular motto as one that could irk some members of the public.

“I just know in general that the less we can do to create division, the better we all are,” omas said.

She has “always believed that our hearing room looked very professional and stately, and we didn’t need to put slogans all over the walls,” she added. “And it cost money, and it cost sta time and energy as well.”

Teal felt that the change to the room “adds a degree of solemnity and respect,” he said.

“When people walk in, you know, it’s not just any other room,” Teal told CCM. “It’s a room where the people of a republic govern themselves.”

Earlier this year, concerning the cost of adding the mottos,Teal said: “We’re not talking thousands of dollars; we’re talking hundreds.”

However, the total cost with the vendor for the vinyl lettering and installation of the mottos was $1,968, according to county sta . e county added mottos to its meeting room in October, according to sta . is month, Teal said he’s “very happy we were able to make such a nice addition to our hearing room at such a reasonable cost.”

“I really believe the value of the words

far exceed the cost — a cost, I would point out, that is less than the average monthly mortgage payment, much less rent payment,” for many people in the county, Teal added.

‘Church and state’ Teal proposed the idea in January, and it didn’t take long for a resident to object.

“ omas Je erson envisioned a wall between church and state,” Katie Barrett, from the Castle Rock area, said at the Jan. 23 commissioners meeting, adding: “Mr. Teal is attacking that wall.”

Barrett, who has often spoken during the public comment portion of commissioners meetings, suggested that the commissioners instead use the phrase “E pluribus unum.”

“ is is the American ideal worth promoting,” Barrett said.

at phrase is a United States motto that appears to date back further as a national slogan than the one that ultimately came to be the o cial motto, “In God we trust,” which became the o cial motto by a decision of Congress in 1956.

Teal ended up agreeing with Barrett’s suggestion of using “E pluribus unum.”

“I thought it was a great idea — we put it up,” Teal said.

County o cials also installed the Colorado state motto, “Nil sine numine,” a Latin phrase that translates roughly to “Nothing without deity.”

In response to concerns about the separation of church and state, Teal has said his idea to put up messages is “really just

“Both speak to a higher being. One says God — the other says the deity,” Teal said.

“You read the Declaration of Independence, right in the very rst (paragraphs), (it) mentions God like twice.”

One of those times, the document refers to the “Creator,” Teal said, and it later mentions “Providence.”

At the January meeting, Barrett called Teal’s proposal a “potential constitutional faux pas.”

Despite such debate about the constitutionality of the government’s use of “In God we trust,” the practice has stood. e nation’s currency has long featured the phrase. In 1865, Congress stated that “it shall be lawful for the director of the mint … to cause the motto ‘In God we trust’ to be placed upon such coins,” an article on the Library of Congress website says.

And in 1957, the phrase appeared on paper money, shortly after Congress declared it the national motto, the library’s article says.

“I say we followed the standards of our federal government and our state government. You pull a dollar bill out of your pocket, you will see both ‘in God we trust’ and ‘E pluribus unum’ — the national mottos showing that we’re following our national laws,” Teal said in November. “We took oaths to protect and defend our national Constitution when we became commissioners.”

“E pluribus unum” has appeared on coins since 1795 and on the back of $1

notes since 1935, according to the U.S. e phrase is also on the Great Seal of the United States, a symbol that was adopted in 1782, according to an article on Ohio State University’s website.

In the early years of the U.S., it was common practice for each state to issue its own coins. From 1786 to 1788, New Jersey issued copper cents bearing a shield design similar to that seen on cents made in recent years. is series of New Jersey cents are the rst coins known to carry the de facto national motto of “E pluribus unum,” according to the National Museum of American History’s website.

Castle Rock influence

In his town politics days, Teal served on the Castle Rock Town Council. e council’s meeting room shows a handful of mottos, including “In God we trust,” the state motto rendered in English, and the Castle Rock phrase “Excellence, dedication, service,” along with the date Castle Rock was established as a town.

‘Of the people, by the people’

Along with the national and state mottos, county o cials also added a quote from Lincoln: “Government of the people, by the people, for the people.”

Laydon had suggested including quotations from American leaders such as Lincoln.

“I think that’s a very powerful, very appropriate statement of principles that we live by here in Douglas County,” Teal said.

The words “In God we trust” are displayed in the Douglas County commissioners’ public meeting room in Castle Rock, pictured here in October.

PHOTO BY ELLIS ARNOLD

Health o cials advocate for seasonal flu, COVID-19 vaccines

BY MCKENNA HARFORD MHARFORD@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM

With holiday events and seasonal gatherings coming up, Colorado’s health professionals are encouraging everyone to get vaccinated for the u and COVID-19.

e Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment says that anyone 6 months or older is eligible to get the u and COVID-19 vaccines this season.

“Similar to the seasonal u vaccine, most people should get an updated COVID-19 vaccine to protect themselves against the variants of the virus currently responsible for most infections and hospitalizations in the United States,” a CDPHE news release states.

Dr. Ming Wu, a primary care physician with AdventHealth in Littleton, said getting vaccinated helps prevent the spread of disease, and lessens the severity of symptoms.

“ ey’re not designed to prevent you from getting sick — you can still get COVID or the u when you’re on the vaccine — but it will help prevent the spread of disease and it does lessen severity of disease, hopefully preventing you from going to the hospital or having complications,” Wu said.

According to CDPHE, the state is currently seeing low levels of u and COVID-19 after a spike of COVID-19 cases between August and October.

Wu said he expects u cases to start picking up in December or January.

“It seems like the u season has kind of shifted later in the year, but also lasting later into the spring,” Wu said.

CDPHE notes that vaccines usually take a couple weeks before they o er maximum protection, and it is safe to get the u and COVID-19 vaccines at the same time.

ose who have never been vaccinated against COVID-19 can receive the updated vaccine at any time, while those who have been previously vaccinated can get the vaccine as long as it’s been at least two months since their most recent shot.

People who recently had COVID-19 may consider waiting up to three months after they tested positive or rst started feeling symptoms to get a COVID-19 vaccine.

Low and no-cost vaccines are available at local public health clinics, primary care o ces and many pharmacies. Most insurance plans cover the full cost of vaccines.

In addition to getting vaccinated, Wu said other precautions can be taken to avoid getting sick, such as washing your hands frequently, covering your mouth when coughing or sneezing, masking and staying home while sick.

“Even if you don’t have a positive test for COVID, if you’re coughing, wearing a mask can still help prevent that spread of disease,” Wu said.

After a positive COVID-19 test, the Centers for Disease Control recommends masking for 10 days or until symptoms go away completely.

Bill would help disaster victims replace lost documents

BY SARAH WILSON NEWSLINE

U.S. Sen. John Hickenlooper of Colorado is hoping Congress can pass a bill to waive document replacement fees for survivors of disasters like wild res and oods.

“When families get knocked upside down, some losing their homes and businesses, we’ve got to do a better job in helping them recover,” the Democrat said during a Nov. 18 call on the legislation.

e bill was introduced in September with Sen. James Lankford, an Oklahoma Republican. It has not seen any committee action yet. In the House, it is sponsored by Assistant Minority Leader Joe Neguse, a Colorado Democrat, and Rep. John Curtis, a Utah Republican.

U.S. Sen. John Hickenlooper of Colorado is hoping Congress can pass a bill to waive document replacement fees for survivors of disasters like wild res and oods.

“When families get knocked upside down, some losing their homes and businesses, we’ve got to do a better job in helping them recover,” the Democrat said during a call on the legislation.

e bill was introduced in September with Sen. James Lankford, an Oklahoma Republican. It has not seen any committee action yet. In the House, it is sponsored by Assistant Minority Leader Joe Neguse, a Colorado Democrat, and Rep. John Curtis, a Utah Republican.

ere is still time for either chamber’s version of the bill to pass committee and get a oor vote — even attached to a larger bill — by the end of the year and current congressional session. But Hickenlooper said Monday that if the bill doesn’t pass this year, it will be a priority in the new Congress that convenes in January.

“ is is the time when we don’t have a terrible wild re or looming ood,” he said. “ ese di erent pieces of legislation are not dramatic and won’t change the world, but if we get enough of them done then the next time we have a disaster, it will make life easier for the people of Colorado.”

Federal agencies can already waive replacement fees for documents like passports, visas and proof of citizenship for victims of declared major disasters, but Hickenlooper said the use of that waiver is sporadic. ose documents are often crucial in a person’s rebuilding process after a disaster, and fees can run into the thousands of dollars.

It costs $160 to replace passport materials and over $400 to replace a permanent resident card.

e bill would automatically waive the cost of replacing passports, visa forms, permanent residence cards, declaration of intent forms, citizenship documents, employment authorizations and the associated biometric service fees.

“We already have processes for waiving these fees. But why add to the bureaucracy and the red tape and make people jump through more hoops to get something waived, when we can just make it cost e ective in the rst place at no charge?” Boulder County Commissioner Ashley Stolzmann said.

Hickenlooper, Neguse and Democratic U.S. Sen. Michael Bennet introduced similar legislation in 2022 after the Marshall Fire in Boulder County, which destroyed over 1,000 homes in the nal days of 2021. It did not get a committee hearing that session. is story is from Colorado Newsline. Used by permission. For more, and to support the news organization, visit coloradonewsline.com.

An EMT prepares to give a vaccination at an event in Lakewood. COLORADO COMMUNITY MEDIA FILE PHOTO

Thanksgiving, gratitude, peace and contentment

With anksgiving here, many of us naturally pause to re ect on the blessings in our lives. Gratitude is woven into the fabric of this season, encouraging us to appreciate what we have and acknowledge those who have touched our lives. Yet, while giving thanks often peaks during this time, it’s worth asking: How can we make gratitude a constant presence in our lives rather than a eeting seasonal habit?

Gratitude is one of the most profound human emotions. It centers us, helps us nd perspective, and enriches our relationships. Over the years, I’ve written extensively about gratitude, and readers’ feedback has consistently afrmed its transformative power. Many have shared how focusing on gratitude has helped them navigate challenges and embrace the beauty in everyday life. is feedback underscores a truth I’ve observed: Gratitude is a gateway to peace

School bond funds will make di erence

Iam beyond thrilled to let you know that ballot initiative 5A (a $490 million bond) passed — with 60% of the vote! We are incredibly thankful to the voters of the Douglas County School District for understanding our need to care for our buildings and provide our students and sta with comfortable learning environments.

and contentment. However, gratitude is more than an individual feeling; it is deeply interconnected with values that shape how we live and interact with the world.

Gratitude has a ripple e ect. It reveals itself through gentleness, kindness, grace, peace, and compassion when practiced intentionally. Gratitude is not an isolated act; it touches every aspect of our lives.

ink about a time when you felt genuinely grateful, perhaps during a quiet moment with a loved one, a gesture of unexpected kindness, or a hard-won personal achievement. at gratitude likely came with a softer heart, kinder words, or more extraordinary patience. e more we cultivate gratitude, the more these qualities emerge in our behavior, deepening relationships and strengthening character.

And here’s the beauty: the more we embody gentleness, kindness, and grace, the more gratitude we tend to feel. It’s a virtuous cycle, a self-sustaining loop where gratitude fuels peace, and peace fuels gratitude.

We must guard against eeting gratitude. How often do we express thanks

in a moment, only to let the feeling fade when life’s challenges resurface? True peace and contentment require us to anchor gratitude as a daily habit, not just a passing thought.

Cultivating mindfulness is one way to do this. Pay attention to the small blessings that surround us each day: the warmth of the sun, the sound of laughter, or the steady rhythm of our breath. ese moments ground us in appreciation.

Another powerful practice is expressing gratitude outwardly. Tell someone how much they mean to you. Write a note, send a text, or say the words face-to-face. ese acts of acknowledgment deepen gratitude and strengthen connections. At its core, gratitude has the power to bring peace. Focusing on what we have rather than what we lack shifts us from a scarcity mindset to one of abundance. is helps us let go of comparison, fear, and frustration, creating space for contentment to grow.

Contentment doesn’t mean complacency; it means nding joy in the present while still striving for goals. Gratitude anchors us in the here and now, reminding

us that even amidst challenges, there is always something to be thankful for.

As we gather with family and friends this anksgiving, let’s embrace gratitude for a day and as a way of life. Let’s recognize the values it cultivates within us and the peace it brings to our hearts.

When we live with gratitude, it doesn’t just enrich our lives; it radiates outward, touching people and the world around us. In that shared thankfulness, we discover deeper connection, greater contentment, and lasting peace.

So, this anksgiving, let’s give thanks. But more importantly, let’s carry that gratitude forward, letting it shape who we are and how we live every day. I would love to hear your story of gratitude at gotonorton@gmail.com, and when we can anchor our lives in being truly thankful, it really will be 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.

Please take a couple of minutes to watch this brief thank-you video from DCSD Board President Christy Williams and me: tinyurl.com/dcsdvideo.

Funding from the bond will help us:

• Update and equip aging schools and facilities.

• Create additional Career and Technical Education pathways, including for our students with special education needs.

• Construct two new elementary schools in rapidly growing neighborhoods (one in RidgeGate and one in Sterling Ranch).

• Build an expansion at Sierra Middle School.

• Begin Phase 2 of the Legacy Campus.

• Provide safety and security updates at all schools.

See the full bond plan at tinyurl.com/ bondplan and how your school will bene t at tinyurl.com/schoolbene t.

Our Board of Education has established a citizen’s committee, the Mill Bond Oversight Committee, to oversee the expenditure of every dollar of the bond, in order to ensure that the district is spending the money as promised. Learn more

at tinyurl.com/adhocpanel. ere will be regular updates, including nancial progress, posted on the funding page of our website at funding.dcsdk12.org.

It’s truly incredible to see our community investing in our school district via last year’s mill levy override and this year’s bond initiative. is partnership, trust and support is incredible!

I am so grateful to our Board of Education for their leadership and their unwavering support for our district! ey really paved the way for an amazing e ort to fund our schools through their unanimous support. ank you to the school

and district leaders, teachers and sta for the countless hours spent volunteering to spread the word about 5A. We have especially loved seeing the many videos from our principals. Finally, we are very grateful to the Invest in DCSD campaign, made up of a diverse group of people coming together to advocate for one goal — creating the brightest futures possible for the children in our community!

Our sta and our community have people from all types of backgrounds who have di ering viewpoints and opinions, which makes Douglas County such an incredible place to work and live. I am

so inspired by our community’s ability to come together for our students. It is such a privilege to lead this amazing school district — today and every day.

Our community, including our teachers, students, sta and families, are the reason we continue to be the best school district in Colorado and one of the best in the country! ank you, once again, for investing in our children and in the future of this incredible community.

is guest column was written by Erin Kane, the superintendent of the Douglas County School District.

Erin Kane

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Drift to right was wrong

e Nov. 14 edition of the Highlands Ranch Herald Voices page contained a letter justifying why the electorate drifted “right,” why the Democratic Party failed in its progressive approach to governing, and defended Trump’s coalition of white supremacy and fascism claiming it was a “breath of fresh air.” Mr. Garbo goes on to say the progressive movement “wasn’t driven by compassion but by motives like self-righteousness, cruelty, and narcissism ... widening the gap between elites and working people.”

Mr. Garbo failed in his analysis by presenting a one-sided rationale. He excluded the lies and misrepresentations regarding Trump’s economic proposals of the monetary impact high tari s create on goods imported by the retailers where the working poor shop for their food and other goods (Walmart, Target, etc.), Trump’s intent to lower taxes on the rich and corporations which transfers the burden of paying for social programs, defense, infrastructure improvements, etc. to the middle class taxpayer.

Finally, Mr. Garbo defense of Trump’s immigration proposals makes no mention of the adverse impact of deportation of those immigrants who perform the labor that put food on our tables, build our houses, clean our homes, and take care of our parents and children, nor does he discuss the billions of dollars in cost to our taxpayers that deportation would cost the middle class and working poor. Does he still expect Mexico to pay for the wall Trump promised but never completed? e bottom line is: e average American voter is lazy, ill-informed as they do not read, do research, and believe everything they hear — no fact checking — and too many are racist, sexist, and believe in a patriarchal society. Democrats, throughout our history brought health care, Social Security, Medicare, workers compensation protections, voters rights and other bene ts to to the workers of America. Trump, his appointees and the Republican Party are poised to take much of it away; then “wokism” and progressive politics will not seem so bad and hopefully, Latinos, Gen Xers, and others who view Trump as a savior will have learned their lesson.

Barbara Morton, Highlands Ranch

Support Trump migrant policy

Unfortunately Governor Polis is reportedly going to resist President-elect Trump’s deportation policy.

A story by 9News dated 4/10 of this year declared Denver was poised to spend $89.9 million on services for immigrants sent to Denver. I believe most of those referenced entered “illegally.” e funding of these programs were to come from city services, which taxpayers paid for.

e city and state have been negatively impacted by the immigrants who have been sent to Colorado, primarily because of the sanctuary policies that our leaders have embraced.

ABOUT LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Colorado Community Media welcomes letters to the editor. Please note the following rules:

• Email your letter to letters@coloradocommunitymedia.com. Do not send via postal mail. Put the words “letter to the editor” in the email subject line.

It is time to comply with the will of the country (who overwhelmingly elected Trump) and the law of the land. Fighting the Trump administration will be costly to Coloradans and will ultimately be a losing battle.

Immigration to the United States is available to all those who are deported, but it must be done legally.

I urge Coloradans to contact elected leaders demanding cooperation with the policies of the Trump administration.

If our leaders continue with this nonsense, there is always the ballot box.

John Salanitro, Highlands Ranch

Not buying GOP

line

I found C.J. Garbo’s letter in the Nov. 14 edition to be an example of how outof-touch today’s Republican voters are. While there’s no doubt that some woke ideology red up the MAGA base, the popular vote was about evenly split after all the dust is settled — hardly a mandate the GOP faithful like to crow about. Half or more of the population still loathes Trump for his failed rst presidency and a million other things clearly showing him to be uniquely un t for the highest o ce in the land.

Some love to decry “woke ideology” without thinking for just a second about what it means: addressing the problem of demeaning and dehumanizing people if they di er from “us” — usually, white Christian Republicans. One could argue that some of the woke policies went too far at times, but does that mean we now have the license to look another human in the face and say, “I have the right to discriminate against you because you are di erent from me?”

Garbo trumpets the return of “common-sense” values being ushered in due to Trump’s regrettable reelection. Does that mean we should all cheer the rising incidents of racist rhetoric and violence the Trump train brings with it? e elevation of utterly incompetent and compromised people for cabinet positions? e favors being dished out to the billionaires who helped fund his campaign with the express promise that they’ll be rewarded? e list goes on and on and on ….

Say what you want about the e ectiveness of policies aimed at reducing institutionalized racism, homophobia, transphobia, misogyny, etc., but don’t tell me it’s a big step forward to cast it all aside in favor of the awful ways of the past. It used to be that Christians would ask “What would Jesus do?” when faced with a moral decision. When they now vote for despicable villains like Trump, they’re clearly answering it with “We don’t care.”

It’s often said that the ght to have a more equitable, just and tolerant country is always one step forward and two steps back. We are clearly in the latter phase, but I have to trust that people voting for hate candidates will soon see their tragic mistake, and we’ll get to that next step forward in 2026 and 2028.

Alex Miller, Highlands Ranch

OBITUARIES

ENRICO

Terri Enrico, known for her generosity and devotion to family and friends, passed away on September 23, 2024.

She had a radiant presence, always making others feel valued, and was passionate about helping people, celebrating holidays and milestones, traveling, and shopping.

Terri Enrico September 23, 2024

Workday, leading successful, major corporate transformations.

Terri was the beloved daughter of Ann and Rudy Enrico, and sister to Andy and Mark Enrico.

Her life was an example of compassion, generosity, and love. She will be deeply missed.

Terri was also an accomplished HR professional who built lasting friendships throughout her career. Most recently, she was a Project Director at

A celebration of Terri’s life will be held on December 15th from 1 to 4pm at Cherry Cricket, 2641 E. 2nd Ave., Denver

• Submit your letter by 5 p.m. on Wednesday in order to have it considered for publication in the following week’s newspaper.

• Letters should be exclusively submitted to Colorado Community Media and should not be submitted to other outlets or previously posted on websites or social media. Submitted letters become the property of CCM and should not be republished elsewhere.

TREE CARVING

lives on,” said Ounsworth. “When one thing ends, another thing begins … and the tree can have another mini life.”

e piece started with a face, also known as a Wood Spirit, which is what ties the carving as a whole together, said Ounsworth. Wood Spirits are faces carved into trees and totem poles and are meant to be a sign of good luck and good fortune.

e design also includes woodland creatures like a fox, an owl and a squirrel, as well as owers, lady bugs and butter ies.

“I’m going to put butter ies in there because it’s all about transmission,” said Ounsworth.

His primary themes as a carver center around not giving up, hopes and dreams. erefore, he aims to include a dream portal for children to write down their dreams and put in the tree.

Ounsworth said he always had a love for various art mediums growing up, but became an arborist as a profession. He said he would go around the wood yard and carve little faces for his coworkers to randomly nd, thinking it would be funny to see a little smiling face in the yard.

Blending his arbor and artistry skills together, Ounsworth began carving in 2013 and has worked on numerous large scale projects. He has also dived into the world of ice sculpting.

“I never thought I could actually do it for a living,” Ounsworth said of carving. “Dreams do happen.”

Members of the newly formed Parker Arts Commission are not only excited to see the tree have a second life and to be able to preserve a piece of Parker history, but also to see that public art is being recognized for its placemaking value.

Creative placemaking is the use of culture and art in public spaces to help strengthen the community through helping shape the physical and social character of the community, according to the National Endowment for the Arts. e concept has also proven to help better the economic development of towns and cities statewide.

“We hope the transformed tree will engage those who see it as a part of Parker’s identity and community spirit,” said Christine Kennedy, chair of the Parker Arts Commission. “We hope the elm tree will act as a focal point for gathering, sparking conversation, inspiring creativity and cultivating a sense of place and pride.”

The Salvation Army seeks bell ringers

Colorado Trust for Local News asks readers to make us aware of mistakes we may have made.

Email linda@cotln.org if you notice a possible error you would like us to take a look at.

While the holidays are often called the most wonderful time of the year, many people experience them di erently. Families struggle to pay their rent or utilities. Parents need help feeding their children and to provide gifts during the holidays. rough the year, e Salvation Army provides food, shelter, disaster response services and more for individuals and families in the Denver metro area. Donations provide vital funds that support e Salvation Army’s programs and services throughout the year. e need right now is great: e Salvation

Army seeks paid and volunteer bell ringers at their Red Kettles.

Bell ringers may pick their hours and location. For volunteers, it’s easy to sign up — individually or as a group — by visiting www.registertoring. com.

ose interested in being paid to bell ring can learn more by visiting the website of e Salvation Corps that’s nearest to their neighborhood. Find a listing of all the Denver-area Corps (neighborhood locations) by visiting denver.salvationarmy.org.

Paid bell-ringing positions are available for anyone over the age of 18.

Matt Ounsworth, an award-winning chainsaw sculptor, was hired by the Town of Parker to create a piece of art out of the historic siberian elm tree on Mainstreet that was cut down earlier this spring.

PHOTO BY HALEY LENA

Elizabeth chamber honors veterans for service

Event at Casey Jones Pavilion is planned to continue on yearly basis

BY NICKY QUINBY SPECIAL TO COLORADO COMMUNITY MEDIA

e Elizabeth Area Chamber of Commerce recently hosted a Veterans Appreciation Day event at Casey Jones Pavilion, a gathering that it intends to hold annually going forward.

e gathering was held on Nov. 16, the weekend after Veterans Day. e parking lot was full and volunteers fried up fragrant onions and garlic out back.

To kick o the free event, the Colorado Army National Guard presented ags, spoke about the importance of veterans in preserving freedom, and led the national anthem alongside musician Kevin Austin. Austin provided live music while attendees enjoyed burgers and dessert, courtesy of the chamber.

Mary Martin, president of the Elizabeth Area Chamber of Commerce, hopes that the program will honor local veterans and their service, give them a chance to visit, share stories and eat a meal.

e local chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution arranged to have a “signature wall” for veterans to sign their names. Martin said the plan is to add to the wall in subsequent years. Eagles Nest Ranch was also present and provided Christmas cards for people to

sign that will be sent to troops currently serving.

Sta Sgt. Austin Norcross spoke before the national anthem. He referenced a quote inscribed on the Korean War Veterans Memorial in the District of Columbia:

“Our nation honors her sons and daughters who answered the call to defend a country they never knew and a people they never met.”

Norcross went on to say that it’s a privilege to thank veterans and let them know

their service and sacri ces are honored and appreciated. “ e price of freedom is high and may we never forget those who sacri ced for it,” he said.

Martin herself has a soft spot for veterans. “I’ll never forget my dad’s stories of his time in the Navy during World War II,” she shared, “... his pride in his decision to join the Navy at age 15, before anyone veri ed ages, or so he said, and the many opportunities to learn trades while in the service.”

Martin’s dad grew up in an orphanage and his decision to enlist was life-changing. “Not only was it a chance for him to serve his country, but also a chance to give meaning to his life, to make a di erence, and to learn new skills,” she went on.

e event was the brainchild of Martin and her husband Scott. Scott volunteers with Project Healing Waters based in Colorado Springs, a nonpro t group dedicated to the emotional and physical rehabilitation of disabled veterans through y- shing.

“We felt that the veterans needed to be honored in other ways that included a free lunch courtesy of the Elizabeth Area Chamber of Commerce, and including entertainment,” Martin said.

Martin said she’s excited to bring the event to the local community and is excited to watch it grow in the future. e 2nd Annual Veterans Appreciation Day is already scheduled for Nov. 8, 2025. For more information on the Elizabeth Area Chamber of Commerce, visit elizabethchamber.org.

41ST ANNUAL PARADE AT 2P.

Local Scouts and their families assembled flags to distribute to veterans as part of the Veterans Appreciation Day event at Casey Jones Pavilion. From left are Blake Atwell, Cadence, Erin, and Noli Bennett, and Blake’s mother Mandy.

PHOTO BY NICKY QUINBY

A merry and bright holiday

A roundup of local events sure to spread some festive cheer

BY COLORADO COMMUNITY MEDIA’S SOUTH METRO TEAM

Something that brings the magic of the holiday season is gathering with friends and family and celebrating with community. And the south metro area certainly has no shortage of festive things to do. Here is a roundup of some sta picks to help make your holiday season sparkle.

Holiday events at Festival Park in Castle Rock

e Festival Park Starlight Market will feature more than 40 vendors of unique crafts, art, specialty items, roasted chestnuts, salsa, tamales and more. Additional market attractions include a 40-foot decorated tree, hot cocoa, food trucks and holiday music. e market will run from 3-8 p.m. on Dec. 6 and 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Dec. 7. On Dec. 14 from 5-7 p.m., the community is invited to gather at Festival Park for Storytellers and S’mores, during which attendees can enjoy roasting marshmallows for s’mores and hot chocolate.  e town of Castle Rock has a number of holiday events happening this season. Photo courtesy of the Town of Castle Rock

its 20th anniversary this season and will be performing “ e Nutcracker of Castle Rock” on select dates this month. Performances will be at 7 p.m. Dec. 19 and 20; at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. Dec. 21; and at 2 p.m. Dec. 22 at Castle View High School. Tickets are available at 27168.danceticketing.com/r/events/.  e Castle Rock Dance Academy is hosting several performances of “ e Nutcracker of Castle Rock” at Castle View High School in December. Courtesy of Castle Rock Dance Academy

Tree lighting ceremony in Castle Pines Kick o December with a family-friendly event from 5-7 p.m. Dec. 6 at e Ridge golf course at 1414 Castle Pines Parkway in Castle Pines. e event will include meetand-greets with Santa and his reindeer, train rides, local talent showcasing seasonal music and dance, festive decorations, carolers and more. e tree lighting will occur at about 6:45 p.m. with a drone light show to follow, weather and conditions permitting. VIP ticketing options are also available. For more information, visit castlepinesco.gov/ event/tree-lighting-2 or call 303-705-0200.

Lone Tree Merry Days

Holiday Celebration at the Highlands Ranch Mansion

A traditional holiday celebration will be held at the Highlands Ranch Mansion once again this year. In addition to looking at all the classic decorations, guests can enjoy a horse-drawn wagon, school choirs, reindeer games on the lawn, booth vendors and Santa Claus. e event is from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Dec. 7. Transportation will be by shuttle bus from the west lot at Mountain Vista High School. Vehicles with handicapped placards or license plates can park at the mansion. Visit https:// tinyurl.com/HighlandsRanchMansionHoliday to learn more.

Holiday House Decorating Map

Are you more like Clark Griswold when it comes to putting lights on your house or are you for gurines and in atables? Either way, once your house is decorated, take a picture and submit the photo of your home at shorturl.at/KNTWa. e Highlands Ranch Community Association will post the map of the houses on Dec. 5 for all residents to go visit and witness the magic of holiday lights.

e “Gingerbread” house in Highlands Ranch that recently competed in the Great Christmas Light Fight.

Photo by Haley Lena

Schweiger Ranch Austrian Christmas

Explore Austrian holiday traditions at the eighth annual Schweiger Ranch Austrian Christmas event. From meeting Santa Claus and his reindeer to indulging in authentic Austrian food and music, it’s an event for the whole family to enjoy. Gates open at 11 a.m. on Dec. 7 and the event will conclude at 3 p.m. e ranch is located at 10822 S. Havana St. in Lone Tree. Visit schweigerranch.org/austrianchristmas for more information.

A Classic Parker Holiday concert

Lone Tree’s Merry Days o ers a variety of unique events, including a Holiday Tree Lighting Celebration, which will take place from 6-8 p.m. on Dec. 6 outside of the Lone Tree Arts Center, 10075 Commons St. Feel the holiday magic in the art during a stroll through the holiday market. Attendees can also enjoy a hot chocolate and s’mores bar, listen to holiday tunes by e Denver Dolls, spot some favorite holiday characters and tell Santa what’s on their wishlist. Learn more at https://cityo onetree.com/cityevents/merrydays/.

e Parker Chorale and the Parker Symphony Orchestra are teaming up to spread cheer during the A Classic Parker Holiday concert. Showtimes are o ered at 2:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Dec. 7-8. e concert takes place at the PACE Center, 20000 Pikes Peak Ave., in Parker. e family-friendly concert will include traditional carols, popular songs and some surprises. Tickets can be purchased at parkerarts.org/event/a-classic-parker-holiday.

Parker’s Hometown Holiday Experience and Hometown Christmas Parade and Market

e community is invited to make some wonderful holiday memories with family and friends in downtown Parker this season.

e kick-o weekend event took place on Nov. 30 and during each weekend leading up to Dec. 15, people can enjoy a festive downtown Parker. ose who spot one of Santa’s real-life elves around Mainstreet (on Saturdays and Sundays from noon to 4 p.m.) can snap a photo and post it on the town’s Facebook page to be entered to win a prize. Also visit Gingerbread Lane at the Schoolhouse, Polar Bear Ice Land at Discovery Park and Santa’s Workshop at O’Brien Park. Learn more at parkerco.gov/2269/Hometown-Holidays-Presentedby-Audi-Park. On Dec. 7, make plans to attend the Parker Hometown Christmas Parade from 10-11:30 a.m. and shop the market, which will be open from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. For information, visit downtownparker.com/ christmas-parade-2024.

Parker is o ering a festive Hometown Holiday Experience complete with a tall Christmas tree and Santa’s reallife elves every weekend through Dec. 15. Photo courtesy of the Town of Parker

High

Plains Singers Concert

e High Plains Singers will be presenting a holiday concert on Dec. 14 at Elizabeth Middle School, 34427 County Road 13. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. and the concert will begin promptly at 7 p.m. All attendees are invited to join the after-concert reception in the cafeteria. Also, there will be an art show featuring members of the Elbert County Artists Guild that will be on display and people can shop before and after the concert. To learn more or purchase tickets, visit thehighplainssingers.com.

Town of Elizabeth Mayor’s Tree Lighting

e Town of Elizabeth will host its Mayor’s Tree Lighting from 3-6 p.m. Dec. 7 at the Gesin’s Lot and on Main Street in Elizabeth. e event will include fun family activities and Santa visits along Main Street, with the tree lighting at 5 p.m. ere will be live music, carriage rides, nonpro t tents, food trucks and more. For more information, visit tinyurl.com/eliztree.

A crystal reindeer ornament hangs on a Christmas tree.

Photo by Haley Lena

Courtesy logo

Colorado Community Media’s south metro team consists of Haley Lena, McKenna Harford, Ellis Arnold, Nina Joss, Elisabeth Slay, Scott Gilbert and Christy Steadman. Nicky Quinby also contributed to this article.

SCHOOLS

session eliminated a practice this year that withholds money from schools for other priorities. District leaders say the changes would also exacerbate funding disparities and lead to harmful cuts for students, especially in districts grappling with declining enrollment.

Ultimately, the JBC and Colorado General Assembly will have the most say on how the state proceeds in terms of the budget, said Chuck Carpenter, Denver Public Schools chief nancial o cer. e district likely won’t see a major impact in funding cuts compared to other districts if the proposal goes through.

But the proposal makes budget planning di cult and, if passed, would fail to meet the promises made last year by lawmakers.

“ is is just another way where K-12 is used to balance the budget,” Carpenter said.

District leaders hoped for stability in the 2025-26 budget

During the 2024 legislative session, school o cials celebrated after lawmakers pushed to invest more in K-12 education.

Lawmakers eliminated the so-called budget stabilization factor after 15 years, which diverted constitutionally-mandated school funding for other priorities. ey also were able to approve a new school funding model that’s expected to boost state spending by $500 million. e law called for phasing the money in over six years and will better distribute state funding based on the types of students districts teach and help rural and smaller

districts. e law also changed student enrollment counts from ve to four years for the purpose of the budget.

Polis’ budget proposal tries to address an about $640 million budget shortfall next scal year, partly due to rising costs in Medicaid. At the same time, the state is limited by the Taxpayer’s Bill of Rights in how much revenue the state can keep.

His budget framework would change the student counts from the planned fouryear average to a single year count. If lawmakers approve the change, this would have the biggest impact on schools with declining enrollment because averaging creates a multi-year bu er for them.

e governor also wants to slow the phase-in of the new school nance formula to seven years.

Je erson County School District Superintendent Tracy Dorland said her district has made hard decisions to close schools as enrollment has declined. In Colorado, many districts have experienced enrollment declines.

Any funding change would cause even more disruptions for her students and families, she said.

“ ey need to leave things alone for a minute so that we have some clarity and some stability in our revenue models,” Dorland said.

In proposing the change, Polis has pointed to the majority of states that use one-year counts. He also said his proposal would fend o any return to using the budget stabilization factor.

Nationally, since the pandemic, some states have started to do the opposite of what Polis has proposed, according to Christopher Duncombe, Education Commission of the States principal, who is a school nance expert.

He said a few states have opted to blend enrollment across multiple years to pro-

tect districts with declining enrollment from nancial losses. For example, California allows districts to choose between a one-year count or a three-year average.

Tracie Rainey, Colorado School Finance Project executive director, added a change would also pull money away from schools during a time when the state is still awaiting a study that shows how much schools need to adequately educate students.

Her analysis shows the $191 million cuts would unevenly impact districts, with some receiving a 33% cut in what they expected while others would see zero impact.

“It’s not bringing back the budget stabilization factor, but in all essence, it’s a cut to K-12,” she said.

Polis’ proposal sparks district and lawmaker concern

During a presentation from Polis, budget lawmakers shared reservations about enacting his plan. e Joint Budget Committee does the bulk of the work to craft the budget.

Sen. Barbara Kirkmeyer, a Weld County Republican, said she was nding it difcult to take Polis’ budget seriously because it doesn’t keep the promises made by the legislature in the last year.

“I’m very disappointed that it looks like we’re actually cutting funding to K-12 education,” Kirkmeyer said.

Dorland said her district would get about $23 million less under this proposal.

“And this is after, since 2009, $10 billion that has been withheld from Colorado public education,” she said. “ e JBC really needs to think about how removing averaging will impact districts across the state and the impact we’ve already had over the last decade.”

Cherry Creek School District Chief Financial and Operating O cer Scott Smith said although his district didn’t experience enrollment declines this year, the elimination of averaging would still impact his district by about $10 to $15 million.

“We’ve shortchanged a generation of kids,” Smith said. “We should be doing everything we can to not allow that to happen again.”

Meanwhile, Chris Gdowksi, Adams 12 superintendent, said three Adams County districts, including his, are some of the lowest-funded in the Metro area and his district would get about $13.8 million less than expected. Other districts in the area have a bu er because they raise more local property tax dollars for schools.

Changes to the state budget are felt more acutely in the three districts because of low property tax wealth, he said.

For Adams 12, Gdowksi said he might have to cut positions such as support sta , hold o on crucial raises in a district that has struggled to stay competitive with the surrounding area, and increase class sizes.

Gdowksi said funding for public education needs a long-term solution. He, like other district leaders, said he would like to see a bipartisan-backed statewide ballot measure to raise more funding for schools. And he’s hopeful lawmakers will nd a di erent way to balance the budget in the short-term.

“I am hopeful that folks can lean in and nd a di erent way,” Gdowski said. “ ere are di erent and better ways to get there.”

Reprinted with permission from Chalkbeat, a nonpro t news site covering educational change in public schools. Sign up for their newsletters at ckbe.at/newsletters.

Families urge state to support dyslexia screening

BY SUZIE GLASSMAN SGLASSMAN@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM

“I want to tell you the story of my daughter, Mackenzie,” Parent Bri Luna said, her voice trembling as she stood before Colorado’s Board of Education.

“Mackenzie was a vivacious, bubbly, enthusiastic ve-year-old when I dropped her o at kindergarten,” Luna said. “Her nickname was ‘Little Miss Sunshine.’”

But Makenzie’s early struggles with reading soon spiraled into years of frustration and anxiety, she explained.

Despite pleas and numerous teacher conferences, Mackenzie wasn’t screened for dyslexia. Instead, she received interventions that didn’t address her core needs. By middle school, her anxiety had worsened, requiring medication. In high school, she missed weeks of school due to overwhelming stress, Luna said.

It wasn’t until Mackenzie’s mother pursued a degree in literacy that she recognized her daughter’s symptoms as classic signs of dyslexia. Now 23, Mackenzie still grapples with self-doubt.

“I think about what would have changed if she had been screened in kindergarten,” Luna said.

Mackenzie’s struggle is one of countless stories shared by parents desperate for the state to change its approach to dyslexia screening.

Advocates have pushed for mandatory screening for years, but e orts to pass legislation have failed.

When the Colorado Department of Education recently recommended adding a mandate to the state’s READ Act requiring districts to use early literacy assessments that include dyslexia indicators in another 2-3 years, many decided they could no longer remain silent.

“ ere are just under 250,000 students in grades K-3 in Colorado,” said co-chair of the statewide dyslexia advocacy group COKID Lindsay Drakos. “KID” stands for “Kids Identi ed with Dyslexia.”

“By not screening for another four years, we will be missing an estimated 120,000 kids in the next few years, using 12% as a conservative estimate of dyslexia occurrence,” Drakos continued.

Calls for immediate action

Colorado remains one of only seven states that does not mandate dyslexia screening, despite annual recommendations from the Dyslexia Working Group since 2020. e group, formed in 2019, was created to advise the Department of Education on literacy issues and push for

better support for students with dyslexia.

“Screening is critical because having our teachers understand what they’re seeing with their students is very important,” said Elisa Sodja, cofounder of Je co KID. “It impacts how they help them, how they support them and how they teach them.”

Sodja’s partner at Je co KID, Jen Halsall, agreed. “It’s critical that the screening occurs. It’s a clarifying lens written for our teachers. And that’s the piece that I think is critical across the country.”

Yet, each year, their calls for universal screening have gone unanswered. While advocates propose fully-funded screening starting as early as next school year, the Department of Education advocates a slower approach.

ey plan to add dyslexia indicators to the READ Act assessment rubric, a process that would not be implemented until 2027 at the earliest.

e reason for the lack of urgency in the department is unclear. However, Shelbie Konkle, a lobbyist for the Department of Education, suggested budget constraints

and opposition to any “new unfunded mandates” could provide a barrier to universal dyslexia screening legislation.

The cost of delayed action e stakes are high. Research suggests that dyslexia a ects 20% of the population and represents 80–90% of all those with learning disabilities.

Without proper screening and intervention, many will struggle academically, with implications extending well beyond the classroom.

During public comment, one speaker shared a personal story about a relative whose dyslexia went undiagnosed, leading to a lifetime of hardships, including encounters with the criminal justice system.

“He was never identi ed, and it changed the course of his life,” she said, her voice heavy with emotion. “Early identi cation could have made all the di erence.”

Without proper interventions, children with undiagnosed dyslexia often require more intensive and expensive support services later on. Advocates argue that

investing in screening and early support now would improve outcomes and reduce long-term costs for schools.

Small changes, big impact

Advocates pointed out that some currently approved assessments used under the READ Act could e ectively screen for dyslexia with minor modi cations.

“ ere are two assessments already in use by roughly 65% of the state,” Drakos said. “By adding a few subtests, we could screen all children for an additional $1 to $1.5 million — a fraction of what we might otherwise spend in remedial e orts.”

Yet even these incremental steps have met resistance. e Department of Education has cited concerns about preparation time and funding availability. For parents, the reluctance to act feels like yet another instance of a system prioritizing red tape over their children’s needs.

“We’ve heard the same excuses for years,” said Amy Dobronyi, another parent advocate who spoke during public

Dyslexia screening advocates argue that delaying legislation could result in thousands of children not getting the help they need.

comment. “Districts need more time, there’s not enough money, we have to wait for systems to be in place. Meanwhile, other states are acting, and we’re still talking.”

Halsall highlighted the critical need for screening and identi cation: “ ey’re probably doing twice as much work trying to gure out how to help the kid. And if you have the screening and identi cation, that child is not going to be...in the meetings with teachers asking, ‘How do we help this kid? What’s going on?’ It’s, ‘Here’s the answer. is is why. Now we know how to help them.’”

The human face of dyslexia

For many parents who spoke at the board meeting, the issue of dyslexia screening is deeply personal. ey shared stories of children who had fallen behind their peers, whose self-esteem had plummeted and whose frustration had boiled over into behavioral issues.

One mother spoke of her son, who struggled with reading until a teacher recognized the signs of dyslexia and intervened.

“Once he got the help he needed, he started to thrive,” she said. “But it shouldn’t take a miracle for every child to get what they need.”

One of the most powerful testimonies came from a parent whose child, despite signi cant struggles, was never properly identi ed or supported and took her life, leaving behind a note that she couldn’t

face another day of school.

Parents, educators and advocacy groups are not the only ones pushing for change. Some state board members have expressed support for dyslexia screening legislation.

“If we begin by telling ourselves the truth about how big the challenge is, that can be part of the argument for the fund-

ing for the services... even if all we get is a successful push for more robust and e ective screening,” said board member Rebecca McClellan. “ e data that comes from that helps to justify and strengthen the argument for resources to help those students.”

Board member Karla Esser acknowledged that dyslexia screening has been a topic for years.

“I really want to solve this issue,” Esser said. “It’s just going to keep bubbling up

over and over again if we don’t get to the point where we have a screener.”

For advocates and parents, the stakes are clear.

e longer Colorado waits to implement universal dyslexia screening, the more children will face preventable academic struggles, loss of self-esteem and even more severe outcomes.

Countless families are hoping their years of pleas will nally result in real, tangible change.

One mom shares how she fought for her two sons to receive a dyslexia diagnosis and get the reading intervention they need.

COLORADO STATE BOARD OF EDUCATION YOUTUBE

Bri Luna, former Poudre School District teacher and board member of the Rocky Mountain Branch of the International Dyslexia Association, testifies on behalf of her family’s struggle.

Which Colorado county loves Cybertrucks the most?

413 Cybertrucks are registered in state

BY HANNAH METZGER WESTWORD

Does seeing a Cybertruck barreling down the street ruin your day? If so, there are a few Colorado counties you should avoid.

Tesla’s electric pickup truck has developed a divisive reputation since it hit the scene one year ago, from safety and software issues leading to ve separate recalls issued for the vehicles to viral trunk nger-crushing incidents and aesthetic complaints about the bizarre futuristic design.

But that hasn’t stopped hundreds of Coloradans from shelling out upwards of $100,000 for the polarizing pickup. ere are 413 Cybertrucks currently registered across Colorado, according to the Division of Motor Vehicles.

Only nine of Colorado’s 64 counties have more than 10 Cybertrucks registered. Over two dozen others have 10 or fewer: Alamosa, Broom eld, Cha ee, Clear Creek, Delta, Eagle, Elbert, Fremont, Gar eld, Gilpin, Grand, Gunnison, Huerfano, La Plata, Lake, Lincoln, Mesa, Park, Pitkin, Pueblo, Rio Grande, Routt, San Miguel, Summit and Teller.

Westword ranked the state’s counties by number of Cybertrucks based on DMV data from Oct. 31, including analyses of each county’s total vehicles registered from the latest annual report by the Colorado Department of Revenue.

Here is where Coloradans are most

likely to encounter the 7,000-pound stainless-steel boxes on wheels (and Elon Musk fanboys):

Percentage of Cybertrucks: 0.0048 percent

Roughly one in every 21,000 vehicles registered in Weld County is a Cybertruck. at’s the ninth most Cybertrucks by number and the eighth most by percentage.

Percentage of Cybertrucks: 0.0046 percent

istered in Denver County is a Cybertruck. at’s the seventh most Cybertrucks by

4. El Paso County Cybertrucks: 42

Total registered vehicles: 754,550

Percentage of Cybertrucks: 0.0056 percent

Roughly one in every 18,000 vehicles registered in El Paso County is a Cybertruck. at’s the fourth most Cybertrucks by number and the seventh most by percentage.

3. Douglas County Cybertrucks: 49

Total registered vehicles: 419,835

Percentage of Cybertrucks: 0.0117 percent

Roughly one in every 8,500 vehicles registered in Douglas County is a Cybertruck. at’s the third most Cybertrucks by number and the rst most by percentage.

2. Arapahoe County Cybertrucks: 55

Total registered vehicles: 586,430

Percentage of Cybertrucks: 0.0094 percent

Roughly one in every 10,500 vehicles registered in Arapahoe County is a Cybertruck. at’s the second most Cybertrucks by number and the fourth most by percentage.

Percentage of Cybertrucks: 0.006 percent

Roughly one in every 16,500 vehicles registered in Larimer County is a Cybertruck. at’s the eighth most Cybertrucks by number and the fth most by percentage.

7. Denver County Cybertrucks: 28

Percentage of Cybertrucks: 0.0057 percent istered in Adams County is a Cybertruck.

5. Boulder County Cybertrucks: 34

Total registered vehicles: 305,534

Percentage of Cybertrucks: 0.0111 percent

Roughly one in every 9,000 vehicles registered in Boulder County is a Cybertruck. at’s the fth most Cybertrucks by number and the second most by percentage.

1. Je erson County Cybertrucks: 58

Total registered vehicles: 591,809

Percentage of Cybertrucks: 0.0098 percent

Roughly one in every 10,000 vehicles registered in Je erson County are Cybertrucks. at’s the rst most Cybertrucks by number and the third most by percentage.

Printed with permission from Westword, an alternative weekly that has celebrated Denver culture since 1977.

Former VP Pence visits CCU as inaugural President’s Speaker Series lecturer

Pence warns against populism, says his decision to certify the 2020 election results was ‘worth the cost’

BY RYLEE DUNN RDUNN@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM

Former Vice President Mike Pence paid a visit to Colorado Christian University for the institution’s inaugural President’s Speaker Series, where he participated in a luncheon, presented scholarships, gave a keynote lecture and elded questions from CCU President Eric Hogue during a Q&A session.

Pence’s visit on Nov. 15 saw the former vice president — along with Hogue and Centennial Institute (a conservative think tank operated out of CCU) Director Greg Schaller — discuss a number of issues, including the relationship between Christianity and conservativism, gay marriage, abortion and Pence’s political career.

Serving as Vice President during Donald Trump’s rst term, Pence notably played a central role in the Jan. 6, 2021 United States Capitol attack by refusing to acquiesce to demands that he reject Joe Biden’s victory in the 2020 Presidential Election, all while rioters erected a gallows nearby and chanted to “Hang Mike Pence.” e former Governor of Indiana was not chosen as Trump’s running mate in

this year’s election, where his place on the ballot was lled by Vice President-Elect J.D. Vance — a move largely speculated to be due to, in part, Pence’s actions on Jan. 6, 2021.

“It’s worth the cost,” Pence said of his decision to certify the 2020 election results and the impact the events had on his political career. He added that he believes that “our calling” is “supporting, defending and upholding the constitution.”

Nevertheless, Pence said he and his wife Karen “o ered our most sincere congratulations to President Trump” after Trump’s victory in the 2024 Presidential Election. He then warned against populism and said that he feels the Republican Party needs to stick to the “traditional conservative agenda.”

“We have a time of great opportunity… but I also believe it is a time of concern,” Pence said. “For those of us who believe in a traditional conservative agenda, we need to heed to our roots and ensure that our majority and leadership stays on the path… e truth is there’s been an erosion.

“Even if Republicans have achieved a monumental victory this year, we’ve also faced an erosion that seems to be taking place when it comes to our deepest values and our ideals and our principles,” Pence continued.

Pence then referenced a speech he gave at St. Anthony’s College while he was running for president in 2023.

“ e truth is today, conservatives in America are struggling with an essential question,” Pence said. “I said then I think

the public to come to a time to choose whether we will continue on the path of the traditional conservative agenda that has de ned our party — and in so many ways our nation throughout our history — or whether our party will follow the siren song of populism unmoored from conservative principle.”

Pence said that while traditional conservative values are rooted in Christian values, populism departs from those values in favor of other motivations.

“Populism begins from a di erent place altogether,” Pence said. “It comes

ultimately from the depths of frustration and oftentimes anger toward perceived wrongs and injustices… Now I understand that frustration fuels the populace.

“In recent years, I’ve witnessed it rsthand, not only government, but many of the institutions in our society have failed us, broken trust, or evaded accountability,” Pence continued. “Populists want to x the problem, but their means are wrong.”

He then cautioned against abandon-

Former Vice President Mike Pence addresses the crowd at CCU for the inaugural President’s Speaker Series keynote.

PHOTO BY RYLEE DUNN

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PENCE

ing “our greatest ally, Israel” during their “dark hour” and gave his main takeaway from his time as vice president.

“If America’s not leading the free world, then the free world isn’t being led,” Pence said.

CCU notably received a letter from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu after students and faculty held multiple displays of support for the Middle Eastern nation. e pro-Israel demonstrations di er from the climate on many college campuses across the nation, where proPalestine demonstrations have become commonplace.

Hogue said Pence was an ideal inaugural speaker for the President’s Speaker Series — and, incidentally, the inaugural speaker at CCU’s new Doug and Linda McDonald Performance Hall — because of his track record during his political career.

“During his work in the U.S. House of Representatives and in the White House, the vice president faithfully stood for the Constitution and, in doing so, stood for each and every American,” Hogue said.

Hogue also gave an overview of the President’s Speaker Series and what stu-

dents can expect in future years.

“ e President’s Speaker Series is designed to o er CCU a unique opportunity to host national and international leaders,” Hogue said. “Entrepreneurs will show up. Performing artists will show up. Now, you probably can in uence politicians and future leaders to engage our students like we experienced today.”

Hogue added that the series is part of CCU’s vision to be “the nation’s best performing, most trusted, respected, recognized, Christ-centered, biblically sound, evangelical conservative university that is unapologetic.”

Pence called the Bible “the greatest book on leadership ever written,” and praised its example of “servant leadership,” amongst other strengths. He continued to praise CCU and the Centennial Institute’s e orts in “Training up a generation of leaders in the time in the life of our nation (when) I believe it is our very essential need.”

“More than anything else, America needs leaders,” Pence said. “Men and women of conviction and of principle, who will cue to the foundations of faith, who will walk in obedience, who will claim the grace that is available in their faith and in so doing… It has been men and women of integrity that have always ensured the vitality and prosperity in this nation, and always will.”

Schaller took a sterner tone, stating that he believes it is the duty of CCU and the Centennial Institute to address “malformation(s)” in the current generation of young people.

“I think we have a real cultural crisis,” Schaller said. “I think we have a generation or two of either unformed or malformed young men and women who are greatly impacted by our culture, and because of the lack of formation, they are not prepared to face many of the challenges that our culture is throwing at them.”

Schaller cited the Supreme Court decision in Obergefell vs. Hodges, which allowed same-sex couples to marry, as an example of the aforementioned cultural crisis.

“When I see some of the changes that have happened in our culture over the last few years,” Schaller said, “and the reactions of so many young people when we have decisions like Obergefell, and then very quickly, public opinion changes of self-identi ed Christians, it’s because they never fully embraced and understood God’s plan for His creation, God’s plan for human sexuality, God’s plan for marriage.

“And when they don’t have that proper formation, as the culture begins to shift, they’re not prepared to defend and this is what we so desperately need,” Schaller continued. “So, I’m looking forward to de-

veloping lots and lots of programs, courses, di erent initiatives that we can bring to our CCU students and then to a wider audience so that we can fortify them.”

Pence also gave comments in support of traditional marriage.

“Standing up for traditional marriage between one man and one woman must be the calling of our time,” Pence said. “It all begins, to me, with faith and family. But for me as a conservative, preserving that is the most important (thing).”

Abortion was also discussed throughout the day, with Pence referring to CCU as “Pro-life U” at one point during his keynote address.

“ ere is a notion in America today is standing for most defenseless in our society must be marginalized,” Pence said. “Well, I believe that to be conservative is to stand without apology for the sanctity of human life.”

He also heralded the Supreme Court’s decision to “sen(d) Roe vs. Wade to the ashes of history, where it belongs.”

At the luncheon, Pence was given a proclamation recognizing his visit to CCU and presented two scholarships for incoming CCU freshmen.

Next year’s CCU President’s Speaker Series edition is set to feature gospel musician Steven Curtis Chapman and his wife Mary Beth Chapman. e event is scheduled for Feb. 7, 2025.

Eric Hogue presents Mike Pence with a proclamation from CCU.

PHOTOS BY RYLEE DUNN

Mike Pence and Eric Hogue converse during the Q&A session.

Two high school seniors are presented with scholarships as part of the day’s festivities.

Former Vice President Mike Pence addresses the crowd at the luncheon.

The Q&A portion of the keynote. From left: Karen Pence, Mike Pence, CCU President Eric Hogue, CCU First Lady Tammy Hogue.

The sun sets early in the mountains. But Black Hawk lights up. With five distinct dining options. Spy the snowfall from the rooftop spa.

Or, feel the heat from the expansive gaming floor, Where there’s no limit on the fun.

The sun may set early, But here, we play bright.

Experience the holidays.