Parker Chronicle December 12, 2024

Douglas County School Board makes plans for redistricting

BY MCKENNA HARFORD MHARFORD@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM

e Douglas County School District is looking to redistrict its school board districts to maintain equal representation for residents.

School boards that have directors voted in by district, as opposed to at-large directors, must reevaluate districts every four years to make sure they have equal populations.

“Every four years, (school) districts are required to analyze director districts to evaluate if they are balanced and, if not, to reapportion them,” explained Chief Operating O cer Rich Cosgrove of Douglas County schools.

Since 2020, Douglas County School District has added about 36,400 people, leading the districts to need to reapportionment.

Take a tour through the Forest of Stories

If you’re like Buddy the Elf from the 2003 holiday lm “Elf” and are enamored with the twinkly lights and grand ornaments on Christmas trees, you can now take your own magical journey, thanks to the Douglas County Libraries’ Forest of Stories.

With numerous holiday attractions and events taking place outdoors across the county at this time of the year, the Douglas County Libraries is bringing its attraction in-

side. Forest of Stories is part of the library’s Booked for the Holidays event o erings and provides tree-peeping and kid-friendly entertainment opportunities.

“ is is my favorite event of the year,” said Elaine McCain, chair of the Douglas County Libraries Foundation. “It’s accessible to all throughout the holidays, rather than just happening on one day or evening.”

Forest of Stories features more than 170 trees on display across seven library locations. Each tree is deco-

rated with an elaborate book theme that o ers various reading suggestions. From favorite children’s tales to classic literature to mysteries, there is a tree for everyone to enjoy and nd details. Just a few examples are Harry Potter, Bluey and even Dolly Parton.

“More trees than ever are on display this year,” said McCain. “Whatever your favorite theme is, you are sure to nd it in our forest.”

LIBRARY LOCATIONS FOR FOREST OF STORIES

• Castle Pines: 360 Village Square Lane

• Castle Rock: 110 S. Wilcox St.

• Highlands Ranch: 9292 S. Ridgeline Blvd.

• Lone Tree: 10055 Library Way

• Louviers: 7885 Louviers Blvd.

• Parker: 20105 East Mainstreet

• Roxborough: 8357 N. Rampart Range Rd. #200

The library operating hours for each location can be found on the Douglas County Libraries website at dcl.org/locations/.

Douglas County has seven director districts that must be roughly equal in size, with a 3% deviation from the average population allowed.

District A covers the western half of Highlands Ranch; District B covers most of the western side of the county outside of Highlands Ranch, including Sterling Ranch and Roxborough; District C covers the eastern half of Highlands Ranch; District D covers the southeastern parts of the county, including some of Castle Rock and Franktown; District E covers the north-central part of the county, including Castle Pines; District F covers part of Parker, the Pinery and a portion of Elbert County; and District G covers the remaining areas in Parker and Elbert County.

Population has declined in districts A, C, E and F, while districts B, D and G have increased in population. District C saw the biggest decline with more than 8,000 people leaving, and District G had the biggest increase with more than 12,700 people moving to the district.

“In general we saw growth in population in District G, as well as B, and then a decline in the Highlands Ranch districts,” Shavon Caldwell, planning manager for the district, said.

Sta presented three proposals for

Each of the trees is decorated based on local history and various book themes such as “Harry Potter,” “Bluey,” “Charlie Brown” and more

PHOTO BY HALEY LENA

First class seating on Frontier Airlines? Here it comes

BY SARAH MULHOLLAND CPR NEWS

Frontier Airlines is making a play for luxury travelers.

e Denver-based budget carrier is introducing rst-class seating as part of its e ort to revamp its operations and reach new customers. e new seating will roll out next year along with free seat upgrades and unlimited free companion seating for the most frequent iers, Frontier said in a statement.

“Travelers should expect more from their airline and, in 2025, Frontier will deliver as we continue our transformation into the most rewarding airline in the sky,” said Barry Bi e, CEO of Frontier Airlines, in the statement. “We’ve listened to customers, and they want more — more premium options, like rst-class seating, attainable seat upgrades, more free travel

Roadside detection

for their companions, and the ability to use miles on more than just airfare.”

e changes are a departure for an airline that is known for its rock-bottom fares and no-frills service. Frontier, along with other budget carriers, is struggling to compete with big airlines. Frontier had a reputation for nickeland-diming customers with fees that added substantial costs to the fares advertised. Last year, a class action lawsuit led in Florida alleged Frontier gate attendants earned bonuses for charging people additional baggage fees at the gate, among other things. Frontier has since added multiple pricing tiers that included things like checked bags.

is story is from CPR News, a nonprofit public broadcaster serving Colorado. Used by permission. For more, and to support Colorado Public Radio, visit cpr.org.

State to enforce Express Lane violations

system will

flag those crossing solid lines

BY HALEY LENA HLENA@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM

e Colorado Department of Transportation is cracking down on drivers that cross the solid lines of Colorado’s Express Lanes ahead of the new year, as penalties for breaking Express Lanes rules will soon take e ect on the I-25 South Gap, I-70 and U.S. 36 corridors.

Douglas County recently shared that the Express Lanes Safety and Toll Enforcement Program — which is managed by a government-owned business within CDOT — will be implementing advanced roadway technology to identify drivers entering and exiting Express Lanes outside of designated areas.

e roadside detection system pinpoints vehicles weaving over solid white

I-25 toll lane sign. Penalties for breaking Express Lane rules will soon take e ect on the I-25 South Gap, I-70 and U.S. 36 corridors. COURTESY OF COLORADO DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

lines in Express Lanes using sensors, cameras and software.

e system was rst introduced in Colorado last year on the I-70 Mountain Express Lane corridor and has since expanded to the C-470 and North I-25 Express Lanes.

“ is technology has already reduced violations by 80% in the corridors where

we’ve developed it,” Tim Hoover, a CDOT spokesperson, said in a statement. “ is means accidents avoided and lives saved.”

A warning period began on Dec. 1. is means drivers on the I-25 South Gap from south Castle Rock to Monument, on I-70 between I-25 and Chambers Road, and on U.S. 36 between Federal Boulevard and Table Mesa Drive will receive a warning for entering or exiting the Express Lanes outside of designated areas.

is enforcement will start with a 30day grace period, during which warnings will be mailed to the registered address of the vehicle.

e warning period will end on Jan 1, which is when violators will receive nes known as civil penalties. According to the state, civil penalties for violating the Express Lane rules will start at $75 if paid within 20 days. If the ne is not paid within 20 days, the ne increases to $150.

Over the years, CDOT has seen that weaving over the solid lines between Express Lanes and the general purpose lanes

cause crashes as drivers may not anticipate other vehicles to suddenly cross over the lines in front of them, forcing them to react quickly, according to CDOT.  e release from CDOT said that this behavior “signi cantly increases crash risks due to the speed di erential between vehicles in the Express Lanes and those in the general purpose lanes.”

Vehicles should only enter or exit Express Lanes at clearly marked points where there is signage and dashed lines.  According to CDOT’s website, a dashed line may be paired with a solid white line on some Express Lane corridors. In those cases, the driver can only enter the Express Lanes if they are closest to the dashed line. If the solid line is on the driver’s side, they cannot cross.

“More than 90% of drivers using Express Lanes follow the rules and don’t cross the solid lines,” Hoover said in a statement.

“Unfortunately, the small percentage that do weave endanger themselves and everyone else.”

Xcel Energy wants to charge more for electricity later in the evening

customers can also provide written feedback to the commission through an online form.

Millions of Colorado residents could soon pay more to use electricity later in the evening under a proposal from provider Xcel Energy.

e state’s largest utility led to change time-of-use rates in early September. If state regulators approve the proposal, customers will pay the most for power from 3 p.m. to 9 p.m. on non-holiday weekdays during the summer and from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. during the winter.

e current “on-peak” hours currently stretch from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. year-round.

e company also charges slightly higher rates during “mid-peak” hours from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m., which would be eliminated under the new proposal.

State utility regulators expect to reach a nal decision in February 2025, and the company could begin implementing the updated rate schedule as soon as May 2025.

e Colorado Public Utilities Commission recently encouraged residents to participate in a public hearing on the proposal on December 17. Xcel Energy

Xcel Energy started moving its Colorado customers to time-of-use rates in 2022. e pricing plans are meant to nudge customers to use energy during periods of lower demand and higher renewable energy production. Wind energy, for example, often goes to waste at night, so a utility can operate more eciently by encouraging customers to run dishwashers or charge electric cars later in the evening.

e company says the latest proposal isn’t only easier to understand. By setting higher rates for customers in the evening, the utility hopes to discourage energy usage at a time of day when solar energy production tends to drop — along with the sun.

“We found that we use the most fossilfuel generation after the sun sets when solar generation is low, but customer usage remains relatively high,” said Tyler Bryant, an Xcel Energy spokesperson. Customers, however, are already blasting the proposal. In written comments submitted to regulators, residents and

business owners say it’s inconvenient to cook or run a dishwasher after 9 p.m. If using energy during cheaper periods doesn’t make practical sense, multiple customers said the proposed time-ofuse rates amount to a “money grab” amid rising energy prices.

Bryant told CPR News the proposed changes would not allow the company to collect more revenue from energy users. It would, however, cut the cost of operating the electricity grid.

Meanwhile, ratepayer advocates agree Xcel’s proposal doesn’t o er residents a reasonable way to save money.

“You can’t expect a customer to hold o cooking on their electric stove until after 9 p.m. Maybe dishes or laundry, but it all becomes highly inconvenient,” said Joe Pereira, the deputy director for the O ce of the Utility Consumer Advocate.

Pereira’s o ce has also proposed an alternative rate plan. To incentivize customers to use surplus renewable energy, the plan would maintain the current time-ofuse schedule, but add a “super o -peak” period with discounted electricity rates from 6 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the summer and 6 a.m. to 3 p.m. during the rest of the year.

“Customers prefer cheap energy over expensive sticks,” Pereira said.  Western Resource Advocates, a climate advocacy group, submitted a similar alternative schedule to regulators. While the nonpro t agrees with the company about shifting the on-peak period from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m., it would add a “super opeak” period from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.

In written testimony submitted to regulators, Clare Valentine, a senior policy advisor for WRA, said the proposal would help cut costs and greenhouse gas emissions. An Xcel Energy study found the utility will generate the most excess energy in the morning and early afternoon by 2031. e “super o -peak” period would align around the same time of day.

“ is period would indicate the preferred time for customers to use energy — when it is cheapest and cleanest,” Valentine said.

is story is from CPR News, a nonprofit public broadcaster serving Colorado. Used by permission. For more, and to support Colorado Public Radio, visit cpr. org.

Media Coverage of Denver’s Real Estate Market Can Be Confusing

or Even Misleading

About this time each month, the media updates readers and viewers on Denver’s real estate market, based on the “market trends” report released by the Denver Metro Association of Realtors (DMAR), based on data from REcolorado, our local MLS.

The headline last Friday in the Denver Post was, “Metro Denver home sales tumble in November, taking prices down with them.”

When I worked for daily newspapers, the reporters did not write their own headlines. That was left to the copy desk, which I also worked on for awhile. So, remember to read the whole article and not just the headline!

below. Second, the statistics are based on month-to-month movement, which is not seasonally adjusted like other statistics. So, look at the two charts I printed at right to correct for those two flaws in the coverage.

However, headlines are what most people rely on, leading to a “conventional wisdom” about any given topic.

There are two problems with that headline. First, you need to know that the statistical report for “metro Denver” is based on statistics for an area that is more rural than urban or metropolitan, as I explain

Year-over-year, the number of sales is way up, and although the median closed price for detached single-family homes is down a little from October, it’s actually up fractionally from the prior November. The median closed price for the attached homes is actually up significantly from a year ago and up slightly from October.

DMAR’s statistics for condos and townhomes in its 11-county area were way off from the statistics based on a 25mile radius of downtown Denver. DMAR reported that the median price of attached listings was down 1.2% from November 2023, but you can see that it’s actually up quite a bit — 15.4%. The number of closings was up 51.4%.

According to DMAR, the number of

What’s the Statistical Definition of ‘Metro Denver’?

People often want to know, “How’s the real estate market?” That question is answered each month by the Denver Metro Association of Realtors using data from the Denver MLS, which is REcolorado. But they define “metro Denver” as the 11 counties that touch on the metro area. That map is at left. It would be just as easy to gather statistics (as I do) based on a 25-mile radius of downtown Denver, shown at right. The yellow circle on the left map approximates the 25-mile radius that I use.

active listings was up 39.3% from October 2023. In the 25-mile radius, they were up only 30%. These are just some exam-

Last week’s newsletter from our friends at Alpine Building Performance was on this topic, and some of the descriptions below are from them, but I have added my own content and edited theirs.

Brick or Stone Veneer - It has been decades since builders actually built brick or stone structural walls. Nowadays, homes are almost always wood frame with only a veneer of brick or stone. And that “stone” is usually “cultured stone” (example at right), which is made from concrete with additives to create the look of real stone and molded into different shapes. It’s fun to look at a wall and see if you can find where different shapes are repeated.

ples

Composite Decking - Trex was probably the original brand name for this product, which is a mostly petroleum product. Its first version over 25 years ago was gray and not very wood-like in appearance. It also was prone to sagging if your joists were more than 12 inches apart. Now Trex and its several competitors make versions which look quite wood-like. I like TimberTech’s line.

Balcony vs. Deck - A balcony is technically a structure that does not have exterior stairs to the ground level and can only be accessed from the interior.

Fiber Cement Siding - If you own a tract home built since, say, 1990, and you think you have wood siding, you quite likely have fiber cement siding that looks like wood.

James Hardie® dominates this product line with their “HardieBoard.” This exterior cladding is made from a mixture of cement, sand, water, and cellulose fibers. In addition to wood, it often mimics stucco or masonry, offering superior resistance to moisture, pests, fire, and weather. Fiber cement is a popular siding choice due to its affordability and benefits.

Flatwork - Refers to horizontal surfaces made from materials like concrete or pavers, including sidewalks, driveways, patios, and slabs, providing functional and decorative flat surfaces in outdoor spaces. It is not structural! It is slab-on-gravel, and if the earth under it is not properly prepared, it is prone to settling, which is fixed by “mudjacking,” a process in which a concrete slurry is pumped through 4-inch holes in the concrete to raise it. Your basement and garage floors are probably slabs on gravel. I am particularly fond of “stamped concrete,” which is typically colored and can resemble flagstone.

EIFS - (Exterior Insulation and Finish System) is also know as “artificial stucco.” It’s a multi-layered exterior wall cladding that provides insulation, waterproofing, and a customizable finish. It typically consists of an insulation board, base coat with fiberglass mesh, and a decorative finish coat often referred to as synthetic stucco. While EIFS has a bad reputation for moisture issues, it can be a great product IF it is installed properly.

entails, whether it be

of how much stats can vary based on the urban/rural mix of DMAR versus looking at a 25-mile radius of Denver.

Christmas with the Sheri returns for fourth year

Blue-suited Santa represents ‘good guys’ in event at Elbert County Fairgrounds

up either a game or

e community comes out and volunteers their time to set

www.elbertcounty-co. gov/181/Sheri s-Ofce.

The DeAngelis Center Foundation offers a variety of trainings and services supporting school and community safety. Our mission is to teach proper response and past lessons learned to help prevent and avoid traumas. Helping to create more beautiful futures for our children and every person living in our community.

A view of the crowd at a past Christmas with the Sheri event at the Elbert County Fairgrounds in Kiowa. This will be the fourth year for the event.

PHOTOS COURTESY OF SHARI NORTON

Kids wait in anticipation as Elbert County Sheri Tim Norton, alongside Santa, draws names to see who will win a bike. Last year, at least 50 bikes or ride-ons were awarded at Christmas With the Sheri .

Elbert County Sheri Tim Norton awarding a lucky kid a brand-new bicycle.

Santa, dressed in blue to recognize law enforcement, helps Elbert County Sheri Tim Norton draw names for prizes.

Elks help Parker Victim Services Unit

Lodge donates $3,000 to police operation

BY HALEY LENA HLENA@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM

One thing that brings a smile to the members of the Parker Elks Lodge is being able to assist the local programs and organizations that are dedicated to serving the community.

“I can’t describe the feeling,” said Norman Pozner, lodge member. “It’s just tremendous to give back to our community.” ose smiles were shared with the Parker Police Department as a handful of the local lodge members presented a $3,000 check to the police’s Victim Services Unit on Dec. 3.

Aimed at providing direct services to victims, their families or designees across Parker and Lone Tree, the Victim Services Unit serves an average of 500-600 people annually, said Heather Racine-Vogt, victim services coordinator.

Among the 2,000 plus lodges across the county, the Elks Lodge in Parker, also known as Elks Lodge #2873, is part of a national American association that has been committed to helping veterans, children, the homeless and others for decades.

Pozner has been with the Parker lodge since it was chartered about 10 years ago and through the years, the lodge has provided grants to a number of organizations.

While the Elks Lodge in Parker does not have its own building, Pozner said that does not stop it from doing what needs to be done to serve the community.  “If we see a need or a member presents

e Parker’s Victim Services Program was established in 1993 after Colorado passed a statewide constitutional amendment, called the Victims Rights Act, to provide rights to victims of certain

Made up of two sta , 10 volunteers and a supportive dog named Teddy, the unit’s services include, but are not limited to, short-term crisis intervention, follow up contact and referrals to other criminal justice or community agencies for things like medical care, nancial assistance, transportation, child care services and

e volunteers, who undergo 40 hours of mandatory training, work 11 to 13 hour

Although the service supports people year round, the holidays tend to be a difcult time. A lot of victim services programs are nonpro ts and are funded

“When December rolls around, there’s next to no grant money,” said RacineVogt. “We rely on community partners.”

So, the local Elks stepped up.

During this time of year, coats are an important item to have on hand, RacineVogt said, adding that the police department has had children come in who need coats. e donation the Elks provided will go towards items like coats, diapers, formula and other necessities.

“It is appreciated,” said Racine-Vogt. “I know the victims that we serve really appreciate it, too.”

a suggestion, we explore it and present that to the members,” Pozner said.

e Parker Police Department’s website has additional victim resources for domestic violence shelters, sex assault, grief, child protection and more. Visit tinyurl.com/mry4m96e.

Members of the Elks Lodge in Parker presented a check to the Victim Services Unit at the Parker Police Department. Joining them were a police o cer, victim advocates and Teddy, the service dog.

PHOTO BY HALEY LENA

Nursing home industry wants Trump to rescind sta ng mandate

BY JORDAN RAU KFF HEALTH NEWS

Covid’s rampage through the country’s nursing homes killed more than 172,000 residents and spurred the biggest industry reform in decades: a mandate that homes employ a minimum number of nurses.

But with President-elect Donald Trump’s return to the White House, the industry is ramping up pressure to kill that requirement before it takes e ect, leaving thousands of residents in homes too short-sta ed to provide proper care.

e nursing home industry has been marshaling opposition for months among congressional Republicans — and some Democrats — to overrule the Biden administration’s mandate. Two industry groups, the American Health Care Association and LeadingAge, have sued to overturn the regulation, and 20 Republican state attorneys general have led their own challenge.

Consumer advocates, industry ofcials and independent researchers agree that the incoming administration is likely to rescind the rule, given the rst Trump administration’s “patients over paperwork” campaign to remove “unnecessary, obsolete, or excessively burdensome health regulations on hospitals and other healthcare providers.”

Among other things, Trump aided the industry by easing nes against homes that had been cited for poor care.

“ e Trump administration has proven itself really eager to reverse overreaching regulations,” said Linda Couch, senior vice president for policy and advocacy at LeadingAge, which represents nonpro t elder care providers. “We think it’s got a pretty good chance of being repealed, and hope so.”

Issued in April, the sta ng regulation requires nursing homes to have registered nurses on-site around the clock — something that the industry has endorsed — and to maintain minimum numbers of nurses and aides. Four in 5 homes would have to increase sta ng. e requirements would be phased in, starting in May 2026.

Even before the election, many experts and activists had doubts that the rule would be e ectively enforced, given the poor results in states that have imposed their own minimums. In New York, California, Rhode Island, and Massachusetts — states with the most robust requirements — many homes remain below the legal sta ng levels. Governors have given many homes reprieves, and other

homes have found that paying penalties costs less than the increase in payroll for additional sta .

e federal government estimates the average annual cost over a decade to meet the Biden mandate would be $4.3 billion a year, a 2% increase in expenses, though the changes do not include increases in federal Medicare or Medicaid payments.

“Sta ng is everything in terms of nursing-home quality,” said R. Tamara Konetzka, a professor of public health sciences at the University of Chicago.

While the rule’s e ectiveness was uncertain, she worried that repealing it would send the wrong message. “We would be losing that signal that nursing homes should try really hard to improve their sta ng,” she said.

Advocate groups for nursing home residents, who had criticized the Biden administration rule for not requiring even higher sta ng levels, have since pivoted and are trying to protect it.

“We’re hoping the president-elect will come in and take a look at the science and data behind it and see this really is a modest reform,” said Sam Brooks, the director for public policy for the National Consumer Voice for Quality Long-Term Care, a Washington, D.C.-based nonpro t. “We’d be devastated to see it fall.”

e Trump transition team did not respond to a request for comment. e Department of Health and Human Services did not respond to requests for comment, but in a court ling it argued that nursing homes should be able to reach the required sta ng levels.

“ ere is more than enough time to identify, train and hire additional sta ,” the Biden administration wrote.

e quality of care in the nation’s 15,000 nursing homes and the lack of adequate sta ng for their 1.2 million residents has been a concern for decades.

Inspection reports continue to nd homes leaving residents lying in their own feces, su ering severe bedsores and falls, contracting infections, choking on food while unattended, or ending up back in a hospital for preventable reasons. Some nursing homes overuse psychotropic medications to pacify residents because they do not have enough workers to attend to them.

Leslie Frane, executive vice president of the SEIU, the Service Employees International Union, which represents health care workers, said in a statement that “far too many nursing home owners will not do the right thing and invest in workers without oversight and binding

Weekly Carrier Routes Available

Castle Rock, Lone Tree, Parker & Highlands Ranch Areas

regulation.”

e nursing home industry says many homes cannot a ord to increase their workforces, and that, even if they could, there is a scarcity of trained nurses, and not enough people willing to work as aides for an average $19 an hour. A registered nurse earns $40 an hour on average in a nursing home, less than what they could make at a hospital, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

e Biden administration noted in its court ling it was planning to spend $75 million to recruit and train more workers, and that there were more than 100,000 workers who left nursing homes during the pandemic and could be lured back if salaries and working conditions were better.

How many nursing homes could afford the increased cost remains a mystery because of weaknesses in the government’s requirements for nancial transparency. About half of homes lose money, according to their reports to Medicare, but some nursing home owners grow rich through clandestine maneuvers to siphon pro ts into their own pockets.

Last month, owners of Centers Health Care, one of New York state’s largest nursing home chains, agreed topay $45 millionto settle allegations by Attorney General Letitia James that they diverted $83 million intended for resident care to themselves during the pandemic.

Maryellen Mooney, a spokesperson for the Centers Health Care chain, which denied the allegations, said in a statement that Centers was “committed to fully implementing the settlement

terms, including a signi cant investment in resident care.”

About three-quarters of nursing homes are for-pro t. e industry, though, highlights the most sympathetic examples: rural nonpro t nursing homes like Kimball County Manor & Assisted Living in Kimball, Nebraska. Its sta ng levels for registered nurses are 40% below what the new rule would require, federal data shows.

Sarah Stull, Kimball’s administrator, said recruitment had always been challenging and that temporary nursing sta ng agencies charged more than double what she paid her own sta .

“We had to pay $65 for a nurse aide during covid, and that’s insane,” she said. e government estimated that about a fourth of the nation’s nursing homes would be eligible to apply for hardship exemptions if there were a documented shortage of nurses and aides in their communities compared with the national average.

But Nate Schema, the chief executive of the Good Samaritan Society, which runs 133 nonpro t homes mainly in the rural Midwest, estimated that only seven would be likely to qualify for a hardship waiver.

“Philosophically, they sound great,” he said. “But in practicality and how they’re put together, they won’t do much for us.”

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.

• Part-time hours

•Adaptable route sizes

Adaptable

• No suit & tie required!

Previous carrier experience encouraged; reliable vehicle and email access, required. no telephone inquiries - but email us at:

Aerospace industry makes its way to Parker

Polis announces expansion by Safran

Electronics and Defense

BY HALEY LENA

As Colorado continues to be a leader in the aerospace industry, an industrial area near Chamber Road and Compark Boulevard in Parker will be the new home for a sector of Safran Electronics & Defense, a global equipment supplier for defense and space.

“I am thrilled to welcome Safran to the Town of Parker,” said Weldy Feazell, Parker’s director of economic development. “Parker is committed to fostering innovation and growth in our dynamic aerospace community.”

Gov. Jared Polis and the Global Business Development Division of the Colorado O ce of Economic Development and International Trade announced Dec. 3 that Safran Electronics and Defense has selected Colorado for expansion.

Joe Bogosian, president and CEO of Safran Defense & Space, Inc. said Colorado is strategically located and is home to an “aerospace ecosystem” that will help advance its commitment to investing in the country and provide capabilities to meet the needs of the U.S. space market.

Headquartered in Arlington, Virginia, Safran Defense & Space Inc. is a leading provider of solutions designed to address challenges of advanced space missions and national defense. It operates through specialized business units in areas such as space solutions, geospatial arti cial intelligence and more.

Douglas County worked with partners such as the Colorado O ce of Economic Development and International Trade and the Metro Denver’s Economic Development Commission Colorado Space Coalition to bring the aerospace industry to Parker.

“It was kind of a perfect storm for us,” Parker Mayor Je Toborg said, adding that Parker had the land and it is in close proximity to Lockheed Martin south of Littleton.

Safran aims to open a manufacturing facility in Parker that will deliver electric propulsion thrusters and host Safran’s U.S. team for satellite communications, and space and ground domain awareness, among other services.

Referring to the site as a “keystone” project, Parker mayor-elect Joshua Rivero told the Parker Chronicle that he is proud to have Safran’s manufacturing operations come to the community.

“ e Town of Parker and Douglas County have identied aerospace as one of our key areas of focus for future

REDISTRICTING

redistricting on Nov. 19, none of which would unseat current board directors. All three scenarios shrink District G, relocate District E and grow Districts A and C, which

workforce development,” said Rivero.

e site is also anticipated to create 20 primary jobs in the aerospace industry. ese positions include engineers, technicians and operators.

“Safran not only brings experienced professionals to our region, but it also opens new avenues for collaboration and development in aerospace technology,” said Feazell. “ eir presence will create exciting opportunities for both residents and businesses.”

Aerospace in Colorado

Safran stated it chose Colorado for its “world class” aerospace ecosystem, workforce and supply chain.

With companies like Lockheed Martin, Northrop Grumman and Boeing concentrated in the state, Colorado has the nation’s second-largest aerospace economy, according to Metro Denver Aerospace Industry.

“Over the last ve years, Colorado’s aerospace indus-

Caldwell said helps account for the respective population changes.

Board directors were mostly in favor of the third scenario where the Solstice, Sterling Ranch and Roxborough areas are split between Districts A and B, with some parts of Highlands Ranch moving to District B, while leaving the portion of the district in Elbert County split be-

tween Districts G and F.

try has seen 30% growth and now employs over 240,000 workers,” Eve Lieberman, executive director of the O ce of Economic Development and International Trade said in a statement.

is is further emphasized by a November report from the O ce of Economic Development and International Trade. It stated, within the past two decades, Colorado’s aerospace industry grew by nearly 88%, demonstrating how prevalent the aerospace industry is in the state.

In addition to Colorado Springs being the home to the U.S. Space Command and the U.S. Space Force’s Space Operations Command, there are about 200 Colorado companies – 65 in Denver – that are participating in NASA’s Artemis program that plans to return Americans to the moon.

Colorado brought $22.8 billion in federal aerospace funding to companies headquartered in the state, according to the November report.

The other scenarios that were less favored moved all of Elbert County into District G or combined the Sterling Ranch and Solstice neighborhoods with District A.  Shannon Bingham, of Western Demographics, which put together the redistricting options, said he preferred the same scenario that most of

the board voiced support for because he said it best preserved the previous representation of the districts.

“What I try to do is preserve that historic pattern of representation so individual board members’ style and the style of the board in general, as far as how they represent their stakeholders, is not unduly disrupted by reapportionment,” Bingham said.

Safran Electronics and Defense Inc., a global equipment supplier for defense and space, has selected Colorado for expansion and plans to open a manufacturing site in Parker. SHUTTERSTOCK

CCM owner starts printing press operations in Colorado

National Trust for Local News facility hopes to o er a ordable option for other newspapers

Colorado Community Media’s 25 weekly and monthly newspapers are now being printed at e Trust Press, a commercial printing facility in northeast Denver launched by the National Trust for Local News to address the skyrocketing costs of producing local news in Colorado.

Printing costs for CCM’s newspapers have risen more than 60% in the past two years. After the Gannett-owned printer in Pueblo closed in the summer of 2023, the nonpro t National Trust for Local News — which owns Colorado Community Media — began looking for more long-term and a ordable solutions.  e project to stand up a new printing facility, named e Trust Press, spanned nearly a year.

“We’re excited that this path-breaking idea is nally a reality in Colorado,” said Elizabeth Hansen Shapiro, CEO and co-founder of the National Trust. “Print newspapers are still valued, particularly in rural and underrepresented communities. We are proud to launch this affordable and sustainable printing solution that will strengthen local and ethnic news organizations across Colorado.” e new press plans to begin printing dozens of other local and ethnic newspapers in the new year. e Trust Press is estimated to save local publishers at least $500,000 in 2025 compared to ex-

isting printing options, according to the National Trust. e Trust Press was made possible by philanthropic support from the Colorado Media Project, Bohemian Foundation, Gates Family Foundation and e Colorado Trust. e National Trust is continuing to fundraise to support the Trust Press, with roughly $700,000 remaining to reach the project’s overall

goal of $1.7 million.

“Gates Family Foundation is grateful for the partners that rallied to make this new printing solution possible,” said omas A. Gougeon, president of Gates Family Foundation. “While the future of news is digital, a local and a ordable way to support print publications is an essential bridge to that future. We hope that this press will support smaller, local pub-

lishers on the Front Range in a way that is more a ordable, more mission aligned, and more supportive of the local news ecosystem in Colorado.”

e centerpiece of the Trust Press is a four-tower DGM 430 Press purpose-built for the smaller print runs that most local independent publishers now demand. e printing facility has already created ve full-time jobs, with more expected in 2025.

“We have heard from so many local publishers here in Colorado who are struggling to nd an a ordable printing solution, and I am excited to serve them at the Trust Press,” said Kevin Smalley, director of the Trust Press. “We have a great team and rst-rate facility in place. We’re already printing 100,000 copies per week and will soon o er a ordable printing services that support a wide range of publications and the communities they serve.”

Smalley, previously vice president of operations for e Daily Gazette in Schenectady, New York, joined CCM earlier this year to oversee the stand-up of the new press facility. Publishers or commercial printing customers interested in the Trust Press are encouraged to email printing@coloradocommunitymedia. com for more information.

Colorado Community Media, the nonpro t a liate of the National Trust for Local News, operates two dozen weekly and monthly publications in and around the Denver metro area. e National Trust, founded in 2021 in Colorado, owns and operates more than 60 newspapers across Maine, Colorado and Georgia — critical sources of community news that serve nearly 40 counties and some ve million people.

The centerpiece of the Trust Press, located in northeast Denver, is a four-tower DGM 430 Press purpose-built for smaller print runs.

LINDA SHAPLEY

Finishing strong and starting stronger

As the year draws to a close, it’s natural to re ect on how we’ve spent the past months and prepare for what lies ahead. is time of year holds a unique rhythm, one that challenges us to nish strong while simultaneously setting the stage to start the new year even stronger. In my career, I’ve been fortunate to work alongside individuals who exemplify an unwavering work ethic. eir example serves as a reminder that the choices we make in these critical weeks can set the tone for short- and long-term success. When it comes to year-end productivity, people tend to fall into three categories. First are the “hibernating bears,” who mentally check out, believing the end of the year is a time to coast. ey avoid new challenges, choosing to “wake up” in January, often starting from scratch.

WINNING

ally building strength and endurance. By January’s arrival, the initial hurdles are behind us, and we’re miles ahead of where we would have been. is principle applies equally to professional endeavors. For those in sales, the last month of the year is a critical period, yet it’s often underestimated. e hibernating salesperson may believe their prospects are too busy or disinterested during the holidays. But this mindset ignores a key truth: when we snooze, we lose.

At the other end of the spectrum are the “eager beavers” who work tirelessly, maximizing every moment. ese individuals are determined to squeeze every bit of opportunity out of the year while positioning themselves for a solid start to the next.

Somewhere in between are those who nd balance, resting and recharging while also seizing pockets of productivity. ey understand the value of entering the new year refreshed yet prepared, blending thoughtful re ection with strategic action.

How often do we set resolutions in January, particularly around tness, only to face the harsh reality of starting cold? Imagine if we began today, taking small steps toward our goals and gradu-

On the other hand, the eager beaver salesperson sees the holiday season as an opportunity. ey know that creativity and persistence can turn December into a month of signi cant wins. Whether it’s closing deals, setting up January meetings, or identifying personal and professional growth areas, they stay proactive while others are idle.

Here are some practical strategies to nish strong:

Focus on Follow-Up: Revisit leads and opportunities that may have gone quiet earlier in the year. e end of the year often brings a sense of urgency for decision-makers trying to nalize budgets or achieve annual goals.

Get Creative with Outreach: Use the holiday season to connect personally. Sending thoughtful messages or small tokens of appreciation can keep you top of mind and build goodwill.

Set the Table for January: Book meet-

Ifondly recall the tour I took of Hearst’s Castle on the California coast. I hadn’t planned on it, but when I saw how the woman at the welcome center, after I told her I had just watched “Citizen Kane,” hu ed about how the movie was NOT a fair representation of newspaper magnate William Randolph Hearst’ life, I couldn’t resist. I have to admit I was not disappointed. e tour was quite interesting. I entered the hallowed bedrooms where the rich and famous slept, gazed at magni cent works of art and statuary and learned that Hearst nally resorted to cutting o David Niven from the bar. Apparently he was a lush.

However, the most striking part of the tour for me came at the end when we were herded into Hearst’s lm room where he would do private, rst-run showings of Hollywood lms. Our guide stated Hearst invited and entertained a wide breadth of stars and artists. All were welcome except one.

“Who do you think it was?” he asked o handedly.

Stirred from my reverie, I clicked around on my heels and without hesitation said, “John Steinbeck.”

I was both right and delighted not

JERRY

FABYANIC

ings now for the start of the new year. Prospects and clients often plan ahead, and securing time on their calendars ensures you hit the ground running. Re ect and Plan: Take stock of your wins and lessons from the past year. Identify areas for growth and create a roadmap for development in 2025. Maintain Balance: Rest and recharge when needed. Burnout won’t serve you well in the long term, so nd moments to relax and refocus while staying productive. e way you nish this year directly impacts how you begin the next. Just as athletes maintain conditioning during the oseason, professionals who stay engaged in December enter January with momentum. ey’ve already overcome the inertia

The winter of our discontent

that plagues those who wait until the clock strikes midnight to get started. Let’s commit to nishing this year with intention and enthusiasm. Let’s maximize every opportunity, nurture every relationship, and embrace the chance to improve. And when the new year arrives, let’s start stronger. I would love to hear your story at gotonorton@gmail.com, and when we nish strong and start even stronger, 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.

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Hypocrisy by commissioners

because I knew that factoid but because it wasn’t hard to surmise. Steinbeck was brutally cutting toward the mega-rich, especially Hearst, and Hearst hated him passionately.

It’s not hard to imagine why: Steinbeck ripped away the veneer Hearst and many of the uber-wealthy of that time cloaked themselves with and hid behind. In so doing, he exposed not only them but also us in our complicity by venerating them and allowing them to get away with pretty much anything they want. He laid bare the corruption in their souls and the proclivity for it in ours. For then as it is now, it was about strength and success, success de ned by wealth, power and status.

If you’re looking for adventure or romance in a novel or getting lost in a whodunit, John Steinbeck is not your author. But if you dare take a peek into an unsettling side of the human soul, he’s your guide. And there’s no place better to start with than “ e Winter of Our Discontent.”

As he watches the drama unfold he’s the center of, it slowly dawns on Ethan Allen Hawley, the story’s protagonist, that strength and success are seemingly above reproach, above morality and criticism. He wonders though if there is a “check in men” that “stops or punishes” but concludes there isn’t and that the only punishment meted out in that moral universe is for failure.

It’s a pathetic ethical and moral code, but it is quintessentially American, encoded in the American ethos by Hearst and his uber-wealthy contemporaries, the so-called Titans of Industry. Success at all cost or else you’re red. And not only literally, but guratively in your private life because it’ll be well known that you’re a loser.

Wanting to be careful with a spoiler alert for those who haven’t read the novel, I won’t provide the context of the following. But I hope if you read or reread the book, you’ll take your time, slow-read, and highlight the exchange Ethan has toward the end of the story.

After surveying the ruin that has transpired, Ethan wryly observes what’s covered up, for the perps and their solicitous followers and acolytes,

Hypocrisy abounds in the actions of the Douglas County commissioners. Disrespecting their sworn oaths as government o cials to uphold the Constitution and be good stewards of tax money are the minimal obligations to represent us. Failure to respect and enforce constitutional law is a slippery slope. A few alarming examples of the local slippery slope are the attack on the wall of separation between church and state (religious slogans in government chambers), the obligation to provide citizens equal protections (LGBTQ+ community), and the establishment of a quasi-governmental body (Economic Development Council) which is hypocritical, but only if you believe in the rule of law established by the Constitution.

Katie Barrett, Castle Rock

Disrespectful behavior by o cial

As a concerned resident of Douglas County, I recently attended the Highlands Ranch Metro District (HRMD) board meeting on November 26th, where I was surprised by the prepared remarks from state Rep. Bob Marshall (HD43). During the public comment period, he criticized HRMD for not inviting him to the Veterans Day event at the Highlands Ranch

SEE LETTERS, P11

Columnist

Look with your heart

While I just recently read about this concept, physicists and neuroscientists discovered long ago that when we look at something, technically, what we see is the past. Studying the speed of light and the human brain, scientists learned that for us to identify an object, light must hit the object, bounce o , and move to our eyes where our brains process the image. ese steps take time; ultimately, while it is only a fraction of a second, it is the past that we are seeing.

e James Webb Space Telescope, looking deep into space, provides a clear example of this concept. Because of the strength and location of that telescope, we can observe images of events that took place 13 billion years ago. e light has taken that long to reach us.

e idea that what we “see” is in the past is thought provoking.

When we look at our struggles, it is easy to get stuck viewing the past. Pondering an illness or some other di culty can leave our minds focused on what we are not able to do or what we do not have. ere are traps in that perspective. Yes, there are things that we can gain from looking at the past, but we must understand that it can be inaccurate, less than a full picture. Do we have the ability to see more than the past?

When we look with our hearts, we see more.

Looking with our heart comes with opening ourselves up to feeling all the emotions that surround our existence. When we look with our heart, we see the kind things people are doing for us, as well as the opportunity to help those around us. When we look with our heart, we understand the value of moments with others. ere is a purity of emotion in that

LETTERS

Library on November 11th, and secondly for asking about his stance on property tax legislation during last year’s legislative session. He apparently was invited to attend a board meeting during last year’s legislative session, and he appeared upset that board members dared to ask him his views on the property tax legislation and whether he would stand up for Highlands Ranch residents to combat the rising property tax rates. I am sorry, isn’t that his job?

After the meeting, I reached out to HRMD sta and was told that no elected o cials from Douglas County were sent invitations to the highly published event, which drew nearly 100 residents and veterans, including Rep. Marshall, who were honored at a very meaningful ceremony. HRMD hosts these events twice a year, and two of the board members are distinguished veterans: one, a former Army ofcer and the other, a 30-year combat veteran of the Navy. To suggest that HRMD does not show respect for veterans is not only inaccurate, but deeply unfair to the

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.

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

WORDS OF ENCOURAGEMENT

view, joy, elation, appreciation. Looking with our heart allows us to see the abundance that surrounds us.

Don’t get me wrong, our eyes are incredibly important to “seeing the situation.” But when we only look with our eyes, we are limiting ourselves. Seeing everything that surrounds us, the support, the care, the love is only possible when we look with our hearts. Our hearts show us encouragement and hope.

My hope for you is that this week you will sit and gaze with awe and wonder at what your heart shows you and that as you look with your heart, you will see, with great clarity, the past, present, and future. Additionally, I hope the view will remind you of all the other hearts that stand side by side with you.

I would appreciate hearing from you as you nd helpful morsels in these columns. is week I would especially love to hear about the things that you see when you look with your heart. I can be contacted at jim.roome@gmail.com

Jim Roome lives in Arvada with his wife Beth. He spent 34 years in public education. Lessons learned from the one two punch of being diagnosed with MS shortly before his best friend was diagnosed with terminal cancer led him into a new pursuit as a freelance writer and speaker. He uses his life experiences and love of stories to inspire, educate and encourage local, national and international audiences.

organization, sta and the volunteers who work tirelessly to make these ceremonies meaningful.

What troubled me further was a recent letter to the editor criticizing HRMD for what the writer called a “disrespectful snub.” In my view, the real issue is that Rep. Marshall seems to be seeking special treatment. His tone at the board meeting was overly aggressive, and his immediate exit after reading his prepared statement was not only disrespectful but unbecoming of a retired Marine o cer and an elected o cial. Public servants, especially those with military backgrounds, should demonstrate emotional control and respect for the institutions they engage with. Instead of focusing on a perceived slight, it is crucial that we all honor the work of local organizations like HRMD, which consistently supports and honors veterans in our community.

While I respect Rep. Marshall’s service, I believe his actions in this instance were misdirected. Rather than attacking HRMD, he should recognize the importance of these events and the dedication of the volunteers, sta and board members who make them possible.

Richard Bell, Chat eld East

following week’s newspaper.

• Letters must be no longer than 400 words.

• Letters should be exclusively submitted to Colorado Community Media and should not 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.

Jim Roome

A publication of

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

Mailing Address:

750 W. Hampden Ave., Suite 225 Englewood, CO 80110

Phone: 303-566-4100

Web: ParkerChronicle.net

To subscribe call 303-566-4100 or Scan this QR Code

LINDA SHAPLEY

Director of Editorial & Audience lshapley@coloradocommunitymedia.com

CHRISTY STEADMAN South Metro Editor csteadman@coloradocommunitymedia.com

HALEY LENA Community Editor hlena@coloradocommunitymedia.com

ERIN ADDENBROOKE Marketing Consultant eaddenbrooke@coloradocommunitymedia.com

ERIN FRANKS Production Manager efranks@coloradocommunitymedia.com

LINDSAY NICOLETTI

Operations/ Circulation Manager lnicoletti@coloradocommunitymedia.com

BUSINESS INQUIRIES

For advertiser or vendor questions, please email our business department at accounting@ coloradocommunitymedia.com

Columnists & Guest Commentaries

Columnist opinions are not necessarily those of the Chronicle.

We welcome letters to the editor. Please include your full name, address and the best number to reach you by telephone.

Email letters to letters@coloradocommunitymedia.com

Deadline

Tues. for the following week’s paper.

Parker Chronicle

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

Send address change to: Parker Chronicle, 750 W. Hampden Ave., Suite 225, Englewood, CO 80110

STORIES

e rst Forest of Stories opened to the public in November 2022 with only 120 trees. Now with more than 170 trees, it’s a year-long process to bring it all together, said Melissa Anciaux, a library sta writer and editor.

To make these trees, every department at the libraries contribute to the event. e themes and decor are voted on, and then the trees are decorated by library sta and volunteers.

Forest of Stories isn’t just about looking at the displays.

is year, the library is also partnering with local radio station Mix 100 for special in-library events, such as live readings from radio personalities, and contests or drawings that people can enter to win prizes and giveaways.

e exhibit is presented by the Douglas County Libraries Foundation, which is a nonpro t aimed to fund programs for families. It is free and open during library operating hours through Jan. 4.

CORRECTIONS

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.

FABYANIC

FROM PAGE 10

doesn’t exist. Hide it, ignore it, talk over or away from it, and poof, it’s gone, it never happened. Ethan is disgusted and deeply shaken by the rot, the moral dissoluteness that solidi ed in those around him, including the ones he loves most. But he’s more unnerved by how he, af-

ter the seed was planted, allowed it to fester and grow within himself. Alluding to the biblical admonition about the wages of sin, Ethan plaintively asks, “Has sin gone on strike for a wage raise?” Sin being the unethical, immoral, unbridled pursuit of success, power and status.

While reconnecting with his Moral North Star, Ethan remembers that in the end, all anyone has and leaves as a legacy is their integrity, dignity and reputation, which, as

Ben Franklin reminded us, is like glass: easily cracked and never well mended. Despaired, Ethan must decide what to do about his moral quandary. What action does he take? Read the book in this, the winter of our discontent, and thou shalt knowest the answer.

Jerry Fabyanic is the author of “Sisyphus Wins” and “Food for ought: Essays on Mind and Spirit.” He lives in Georgetown.

More than 170 Christmas trees are on display in each of the seven Douglas County Libraries as part of its Forest of Stories attraction. PHOTOS BY HALEY LENA FROM PAGE 1

The Douglas County Library Archives decorated a tree with Douglas County street signs, old photographs and letters.

BY KFF

Advocates look to states to pick up medical debt fight

There are worries that Trump will derail advancements

BY NOAM N. LEVEY KFF HEALTH NEWS

Worried that President-elect Donald Trump will curtail federal e orts to take on the nation’s medical debt problem, patient and consumer advocates are looking to states to help people who can’t afford their medical bills or pay down their debts.

“ e election simply shifts our focus,” said Eva Stahl, who oversees public policy at Undue Medical Debt, a nonpro t that has worked closely with the Biden administration and state leaders on medical debt. “States are going to be the epicenter of policy change to mitigate the harms of medical debt.”

New state initiatives may not be enough to protect Americans from medical debt if the incoming Trump administration and congressional Republicans move forward with plans to scale back federal aid that has helped millions gain health insurance or reduce the cost of their plans in recent years.

Comprehensive health coverage that limits patients’ out-of-pocket costs remains the best defense against medical debt.

But in the face of federal retrenchment, advocates are eyeing new initiatives in state legislatures to keep medical bills o people’s credit reports, a consumer protection that can boost credit scores and make it easier to buy a car, rent an apartment, or even get a job.

Several states are looking to strengthen oversight of medical credit cards and other nancial products that can leave patients paying high interest rates on top of their medical debt.

Some states are also exploring new ways to compel hospitals to bolster nancial aid programs to help their patients avoid sinking into debt.

“ ere’s an enormous amount that states can do,” said Elisabeth Benjamin, who leads health care initiatives at the nonpro t Community Service Society of New York. “Look at what’s happened here.”

New York state has enacted several laws in recent years to rein in hospital debt collections and to expand nancial aid for patients, often with support from both Democrats and Republicans in the legislature. “It doesn’t matter the party. No one likes medical debt,” Benjamin said.

Other states that have enacted protections in recent years include Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Florida,

Illinois, Minnesota, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, Oregon, Rhode Island, and Washington. Many measures picked up bipartisan support.

President Joe Biden’s administration has proved to be an ally in state e orts to control health care debt. Such debt burdens 100 million people in the United States, a KFF Health News investigation found.

Led by Biden appointee Rohit Chopra, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau has made medical debt a priority, going after aggressive collectors and exposing problematic practices across the medical debt industry. Earlier this year, the agency proposed landmark regulations to remove medical bills from consumer credit scores.

e White House also championed legislation to boost access to governmentsubsidized health insurance and to cap out-of-pocket drug costs for seniors, both key bulwarks against medical debt.

Trump hasn’t indicated whether his administration will move ahead with the CFPB credit reporting rule, which was slated to be nalized early next year. Congressional Republicans, who will control the House and Senate next year, have blasted the proposal as regulatory overreach that will compromise the value of credit reports.

And Elon Musk, the billionaire whom Trump has tapped to lead his initiative to shrink government, last week called for the elimination of the watchdog agency. “Delete CFPB,” Musk posted on X.

If the CFPB withdraws the proposed regulation, states could enact their own rules, following the lead of Colorado, New York, and other states that have passed credit reporting bans since 2023. Advocates in Massachusetts are pushing the legislature there to take up a ban when it reconvenes in January.

“ ere are a lot of di erent levers that states have to take on medical debt,” said April Kuehnho , a senior attorney at the National Consumer Law Center, which has helped lead national e orts to expand debt protections for patients.

Kuehnho said she expects more states to crack down on medical credit card providers and other companies that lend money to patients to pay o medical bills, sometimes at double-digit interest rates.

Under the Biden administration, the CFPB has been investigating patientnancing companies amid warnings that many people may not understand that signing up for a medical credit card such as CareCredit or enrolling in a payment plan through a nancial services company can pile on more debt.

If the CFPB e orts stall under Trump, states could follow the lead of California,

New York, and Illinois, which have all tightened rules governing patient lending in recent years.

Consumer advocates say states are also likely to continue expanding e orts to get hospitals to provide more nancial assistance to reduce or eliminate bills for low- and middle-income patients, a key protection that can keep people from slipping into debt.

Hospitals historically have not made this aid readily available, prompting states such as California, Colorado, and Washington to set stronger standards to ensure more patients get help with bills they can’t a ord. is year, North Carolina also won approval from the Biden administration to withhold federal funding from hospitals in the state unless they agreed to expand nancial assistance.

In Georgia, where state government is entirely in Republican control, o cials have been discussing new measures to get hospitals to provide more assistance to patients.

“When we talk about hospitals putting pro ts over patients, we get lots of nodding in the legislature from Democrats and Republicans,” said Liz Coyle, executive director of Georgia Watch, a consumer advocacy nonpro t.

Many advocates caution, however, that state e orts to bolster patient protections will be critically undermined if the Trump administration cuts federal funding for health insurance programs such as Medicaid and the insurance marketplaces es-

tablished through the A ordable Care Act. Trump and congressional Republicans have signaled their intent to roll back federal subsidies passed under Biden that make health plans purchased on ACA marketplaces more a ordable. at could hike annual premiums by hundreds or even thousands of dollars for many enrollees, according to estimates by the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities, a think tank.

And during Trump’s rst term, he backed e orts in Republican-led states to restrict enrollment in their Medicaid safety net programs through rules that would require people to work in order to receive bene ts. GOP state leaders in Idaho, Louisiana, and other states have expressed a desire to renew such e orts.

“ at’s all a recipe for more medical debt,” said Stahl, of Undue Medical Debt. Jessica Altman, who heads the Covered California insurance marketplace, warned that federal cuts will imperil initiatives in her state that have limited copays and deductibles and curtailed debt for many state residents.

“States like California that have invested in critical a ordable programs for our residents will face tough decisions,” she 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.

Anthony Dominguez and Nate Harner have worked plenty of jobs and some have been ful lling. Dominguez was a medical caregiver and Harner is a musician in Fort Collins.

But both men were caught a little o guard by the accolades heaped on them after they started installing Christmas lights this fall for Humbug Holiday Lighting. e north metro company’s motto is “All e Magic Without e Hassle” and people are more than joyful to let Humbug take the complicated and sometimes dangerous task of hanging Christmas lights out of their hands.

“People are just so happy to see us,” said Dominguez, who recently carefully lined up a string of colorful lights outside a home in north Broom eld. “ ey are so grateful ... it just seems what we do makes people smile.”

“One customer was so happy for what we did for them, she baked us a plate of cookies,” Harner said. “I have never seen that before.” is is Humbug’s rst year in the Christmas lighting business, and owner Brad Goins said he is still dealing with the joy he is spreading.

“I’ve enjoyed it a lot more than I thought I would,” Goins said. “ ey are all just so incredibly excited to see us. It’s just something super special for them.”

As of late November, Humbug had serviced 60 homes. Most are in the north Denver metro area, but Goins thinks the company’s reach will soon stretch further south and beyond.

“ is business is going to grow. ere is such a demand,” he said.

Natalie — the Broom eld homeowner — said she and her family have hung Christmas lights for the past 15 years. is year, her husband announced he no longer wanted to take the risk.

“He’s afraid of heights, and he didn’t want to do it anymore,” she said.

Natalie, who asked that her last name not be used, contacted Humbug, which relies on online marketing as well as signs planted on the side of roadways to advertise their services. “ is is so great. You guys are great,” Natalie told the Humbug crew. “... e best part is that no one has to be hurt.”

Goins said worries over safety usually prompt people to call for his company’s services. It has led to the overall growth of the Christmas light industry in Colorado and elsewhere, Goins said.

“People call and say, ‘You really do this?’” Goins said. “A lot of people still don’t realize we’re out there.”

A typical installation may take up to four hours and the price tag to let professionals handle the work also widely varies, according to Goins and other light installers contacted by Colorado Community Media.

A two-story home may cost about $500 to decorate, especially if it has been tted for lights before. Some larger and more elaborate homes may cost a few thousand to t.

But many homeowners and businesses are more willing to pay for the installation just so they can forgo the hassles of hanging their own lights.

“When we do it, that means for homeowners there is no more climbing ladders or untangling lights. Who wants to do that during the holidays?” Goins said.

Most of the people who call for professional light installers are wives who no longer want their husbands climbing ladders and potentially hurting themselves, said Chris Rhodes, co-owner of Window Genie, which hangs Christmas lights in Arvada, Brighton, Denver, Eastlake and Wheat Ridge.

Brad Goins of Humbug Christmas Lights uses a pole to decorate a tree with Christmas lights. PHOTO BY MONTE WHALEY

LIGHTS

e company just nished decorating a home in Greenwood Village for “a few thousand dollars,” Rhodes said.

“A lot of guys say ‘Oh no, I can do it. I can do it,’” Rhodes said. “ e wives are saying ‘Well, let’s get someone else to do it.’”

A generational shift is also fueling the growth of professional Christmas cheer installers, Goins said.

Baby boomers are aging out of stringing lights, especially for homes that are more than one story, he said.

“ e generations after baby boomers are more than willing to let someone else do it for them,” Goins said. “Plus, they want to do something elaborate, something they can be proud of.”

Humbug professionals consult with homeowners before they start work on a home, Goins said.

“Professionals create a stunning and customized lighting design tailored to your home’s unique architecture,” states the Humbug website.

Humbug workers do the installation, takedown and storage.

“Licensed, insured, and OSHA-certied technicians ensure the job is done safely, reducing the risk of accidents,” according to the Humbug website.

“ e company uses commercialgrade lights and materials that are more durable and brighter than standard store-bought lights,” Goins said.

Some homeowners bring out their own lights and o er to let Humbug use those instead, Goins said.

“We always say no,” he said. “ ey almost always have some lights that are broken and need to be replaced.”

Humbug will also adjust or repair their display as needed to keep their house displays looking ideal, he said.

“We take a lot of pride in what we do and we want to make our customers happy,” Goins said.

Many of Window Genie’s 100 or so Christmas light customers are those who already use the company’s window cleaning services, Rhodes said.

Christmas light installation is the second most lucrative part of the business, said Rhodes, adding that by anksgiving the company is done with Yuletide services.

“It’s become a big part of our business,” Rhodes said. “We get customers coming back every year, wanting the whole Christmas treatment.”

Window Genie — based out of ornton — installs LED lights, programmable RGB lights and remote-controlled lights, Rhodes said.   e company also o ers a three-year, no-worries warranty on all maintenance and storage of customer lights. Window Genie’s methods are more meticulous than the typical “Uncle Bob” approach of just wrapping up lights in a haphazard manner and tossing them into a corner of the basement or work shed, Rhodes said.

Each customer’s strand is carefully wrapped up and includes a small map that informs installers where each light goes next year, Rhodes said.

Window Genie also carefully screens employees for their ladder skills, he said.

“If we see someone white knuckle a ladder, we won’t use them,” Rhodes said. FROM PAGE 14

The Humbug Holiday Lighting crew of Nate Harner, owner Brad Goins and Anthony Dominguez pose before starting work on a house in Broomfield.

PHOTO BY MONTE WHALEY

Anthony Dominguez of Humbug Christmas Lighting helps put up a string of holiday lights.

PHOTO BY MONTE WHALEY

BY JOHN RENFROW JRENFROW@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM

Two of the state’s best runners are returning to San Diego on Dec. 14 with national championship aspirations. After dominating the state for much or all of the high school cross country season, Benji Anderson and Emily Cohen are advancing to the Foot Locker Cross Country National Championships for the second straight year.

Anderson, from Mountain Vista High School in Highlands Ranch, and Cohen, from Cherry Creek in Greenwood Village, both earned a trip to California for the national championships after top-10 nishes at the Midwest Regionals in Kenosha, Wisconsin.

For Anderson, there isn’t much more the senior can accomplish in high school. He’s already an All-American, which he earned with a top-15 nish at the national championships last year. Plus, he’s coming o an undefeated high school cross country season.

Anderson nished atop the 5A boys in Colorado as an individual state champion, breaking the course record at the Norris Penrose Events Center in Colorado Springs with a time of 15:10.4. He knew he’d get back to San Diego.

Did he have any doubt?

“Not really,” Anderson said. “I’ve been sick for a week and a half or so, but I knew where my tness was at and I knew if I ran smart, I’d make it back there.”

He nished sixth at regionals on the boys side to advance. Being named an All-American again would be sweet, but he said he has other business to take care of.

“For sure,” he said, referring to wanting to be a two-time All-American. “But I think that’s not the end goal. I think there’s three main goals going into it and one of them is for sure to go after the win. e other two are to get top ve, or third is top 10. I’m giving myself an A-B-C goal so that way I’m walking away happy with something.”

Anderson is one of three returners from last year, which he thinks could work to his advantage. Most of his competition from 2023 graduated.

SPORTS LOCAL

3 Coloradans advance to Foot Locker Cross Country National Championships

“It’s such a tough course so if you don’t know how to run it, I don’t think you’re going to do super well up there. So, being one of the top returners, that really brings a lot of con dence.”

After committing to Notre Dame last May, Anderson said it’s not to look forward to college cross country. But he wants to make a statement before his high school days are done. He wants to nish rst.

“I’m super psyched (about going to Notre Dame),” he said. “Especially in the ACC (Atlantic Coast Conference) because it’s so competitive, it’s going to be a grind but I’m super excited. I know some of my friends who are in college there already and are really loving it, so I just want to be a part of that.”

For Cohen, a junior, focusing on continued improvement of her tness was a big motivating factor coming into 2024. At the Foot Locker Cross Country National Championships last year, Cohen nished 22nd with 18:22.

at was impressive for a sophomore, but she said she wants to be an All-American like Anderson, who she has watched succeed at the highest level. Cohen was determined to return and put on a show. She nished fourth at the regionals to earn another chance at a national championship.

“I believed in myself. I’ve de nitely improved a lot with my tness this year so I knew I could de nitely do it,” Cohen said on making it back this year. “Also, after just barely missing out on Nike Cross Nationals, I was really motivated to make Foot Locker (Nationals).”

Cohen nished third at state in the fall with a time of 17 minutes, 35 seconds. It’s one spot higher than she nished in 2023.

“I’m really proud of my season,” she said. “I got two personal records this season. I was able to go under 17 minutes and I also ran really well at (the Liberty Bell Cross Country Invitational). And this year Niwot (High School) moved up to 5A, so we had more competition at the state meet. So, I’m very happy with how I ran this year.”

Niwot didn’t miss a beat moving up from 4A. e school nished fth and junior Addison Ritzenhein nished rst in

girls 5A.

ough Cohen knows she has another year of high school running ahead of her, she isn’t ready to wait for a last dance.

“I know I have next year, but I want to achieve my goals as soon as I possibly can. But also I’m in this sport for the longevity of it,” Cohen said. “My goal is top 10. Honestly, I don’t think time really matters that much because it’s all about placement, so I’m just going to race to the best of my abilities and see what I can do.”

Plus, another trip to San Diego was simply too fun to miss out on.

“I am extremely excited,” said Cohen on returning to San Diego. “I was so grateful to be able to go last year. It’s such an amazing opportunity. Everything they do for us athletes is so fun and they really build the race up. It’s such a fun and unique experience.”

Joining Cohen and Anderson from Colorado this year is Rosie Mucharsky from Denver East High School. Mucharsky nished eighth at the Foot Locker Midwest Regional with a time of 17:41.2.

At state, the senior helped lead Denver East to a 10th-place nish. She nished

10th among individual girls with a time of 17:55.3.

e girls championship will begin at 9:15 a.m. PST on Dec. 14, and the boys championship takes place at 10 a.m. PST.

For more information, including tickets and race times, visit www.footlockercc. com/.

Mountain Vista’s Benji Anderson, center, crosses the finish line at the Foot Locker Midwest Regional in Kenosha, Wisconsin on Nov. 30. Finishing in sixth place, he and the others in the top 10 will advance to the Foot Locker Cross Country National Championships in San Diego on Dec. 14.

Rosie Mucharsky from Denver East High School powers through the Foot Locker Midwest Regional in Kenosha, Wisconsin on Nov. 30. She finished eighth among the girl runners to advance to the national championships on Dec. 14.

Thu 12/19

Azi

@ 7pm

Hi-Dive, 7 S Broadway, Denver

Holiday Brass

@ 7:30pm Boettcher Hall, Denver

Colorado Ballet w/ The Nutcracker

@ 7:30pm

Mark Oblinger: Chris and the Kings

Annual Holiday Show! @ 7pm

Swallow Hill Music, 71 E Yale Ave, Den‐ver James Grebb @ 9pm Larimer Lounge, 2721 Larimer St, Denver

Sat 12/21

The Denver Brass: Home for Christmas @ 2:30pm

Ellie Caulkins Opera House, Denver

Funny Girl

@ 7:30pm

Temple Hoyne Buell Theatre, 1400 Curtis Street, Denver

Fri 12/20

Colorado Holiday Bazaar

@ 5pm / Free

Dec 20th - Dec 22nd

3950 River Point Pkwy, 3950 River Point Parkway, Englewood. denvermakers market@gmail.com, 303-505-1856

Max Gomez: Mercury Cafe

@ 7pm Mercury Cafe, 2199 California St, Denver

Mosaic

@ 8pm

Lost Lake Lounge, 3602 E Colfax Ave, Denver

Phat Daddy

@ 8:30pm

Tailgate Tavern & Grill, 19552 Mainstreet, Parker

sfam

@ 9pm

The Black Box, 314 E 13th Ave, Denver

Colorado Mammoth vs. Halifax Thunderbirds @ 7pm / $31-$999 Ball Arena, Denver

SHIBA SAN @ 7pm

Mission Ballroom, 4242 Wynkoop St,, Denver

Face Vocal Band: Joy to the World @ 7:30pm Paramount, 1635 Glenarm Pl, Denver

Los Alcos w/Gio Chamba, Fruta Brutal, Jozer + Raise Del Sol @ 8pm Lost Lake Lounge, 3602 E Colfax Ave, Denver

Megan Hamilton Christmas Party @ 9pm / $19.95 Club Vinyl, Denver

The News @ 10pm Ski House, 2719 Larimer St, Denver

Sun 12/22

SK8 @ 2pm HQ, 60 S Broadway, Denver

Too Hot To Handel w/ Colorado Symphony Orchestra @ 2:30pm Boettcher Hall, Denver

Cirque Dreams Holidaze

@ 3pm Bellco Theatre, Denver

Convergence Station Exhibition @ 6pm

Convergence Station, 1338 1st Street, Denver

Modern Swing Mondays 2024 @ 7pm / $16.51

Stampede, Aurora

King Center - Concert Hall, 855 Lawrence Way #145, Denver

Colorado Avalanche vs. Seattle Kraken @ 6pm / $95-$999

Ball Arena, Denver

Funny Girl @ 7:30pm

Temple Hoyne Buell Theatre, 1400 Curtis Street, Denver

DJ Rockstar Aaron: Forbidden BingoTailgate Tavern & Grill @ 8pm

Tailgate Tavern & Grill, 19552 Mainstreet, Parker

Gary Owen (21+ Event) @ 8:45pm

Denver �mprov, 8246 �orth�eld Boulevard, Den‐ver

Mon 12/23

Cirque Dreams Holidaze @ 11am

Bellco Theatre, 1100 Stout Street, Den‐ver

KSE Venue Ball Arena Walk-In Tour @ 1pm Denver

Denver Nuggets vs. Phoenix Suns @ 8pm / $85-$4260 Ball Arena, Denver

Tue 12/24

Colorado Ballet w/ The Nutcracker @ 1pm Ellie Caulkins Opera House, Denver

Celebrate Christmas at St. Matthew's Church in Parker! @ 3pm 19580 Pilgrims Pl, 19580 Pilgrims Place, Parker. of�ce@smecp.org, 303841-0121

Convergence Station Exhibition @ 4:59pm

Convergence Station, 1338 1st Street, Denver

Wed 12/25

Beyond Laser Light Experience @ 4pm Denver

Thu 12/26

Beyond Laser Light Experience @ 4pm Denver

Joe Sib @ 7:30pm

Comedy Works Downtown, 1226 15th St, Den‐ver

CAREERS

Help Wanted

Seasonal Tax Preparer (Lone Tree)

Are you a licensed tax preparer looking for a rewarding seasonal opportunity? Join our small business accounting firm for the 2025 tax season!

About Us:

 We are a family business and a small business ourselves.

 We pride ourselves on being both dog and family friendly.

 Our firm is dedicated to providing personalized accounting services to individuals and businesses.

Responsibilities:

 Preparing individual and business tax returns.

 Offering expert tax advice and support.

 Ensuring compliance with current tax regulations and laws.

Qualifications:

 Must be a licensed tax preparer.

 Experience in tax preparation for both individuals and businesses is required.

 Strong attention to detail and excellent communication skills.

Compensation: $45+/hr - pay is commission based

If you are experienced, detail-oriented, and ready to join a supportive and friendly team, we would love to hear from you.

Please send resume to sheilat@cbizofdenver.com

Help Wanted

Special Education Teacher

Special Education Teacher for a significant needs program located at the Strasburg School District beginning January 2025

• Current Colorado Special Education Teacher license required

• BA salary range

$41,000$47,300 & MA salary range

$46,250-$52,550, based on experience

• Excellent benefits. including full health benefits!

• Collaborative work environment with lots of free continuing education opportunities available

• May be eligible for Student Loan Forgiveness

• Questions contact Tracy at (719) 775-2342, ext. 101 or tracyg@ecboces.org

• To apply for this position, please visit our website ecboces.org and click on the “Jobs” page, click on the job you are interested in & then click on the green button “Apply Online” at the bottom of the job listing. EOE

TALENT MANAGER

Talent Manager for Littleton, CO based consulting firm. Must have 3 yrs of exp in an influence mktg position w/ a focus on fashion & beauty sector. This is a fully remote position where the employee will work from their home office anywhere in the US. Salary range of $67,475-76,000/ yr + health stipend of $300 per mo. Job posting will expire on January 15, 2025. Send resumes to Lissette Calveiro, CEO, Influence with Impact LLC, 7327 S Carr Crt, Littleton, CO 80128.

REAL ESTATE & RENTAL

MARKETPLACE

Miscellaneous

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

Water damage cleanup: A small amount of water can cause major damage to your home. Our trusted professionals dry out wet areas & repair to protect your family & your home value! Call 24/7: 1-888-872-2809. Have zip code!

Bath & shower updates in as little as 1 day! Affordable prices - No payments for 18 months! Lifetime warranty & professional installs. Senior & military discounts available. 1-877-5439189

SERVICE DIRECTORY

Elizabeth, Colorado Contact 303-660-0420 or 800-373-5550

Split & Delivered $450 a cord Stacking $50 Call 303-647-2475 or 720-323-2173 Health & Beauty

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

Medical

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

Miscellaneous

Replace your roof w/the best looking & longest lasting material steel from Erie Metal Roofs! 3 styles & multiple colors available. Guaranteed to last a lifetime! Limited Time Offer up to 50% off install + Additional 10% off install (military, health & 1st responders.) 1-833-370-1234

Eliminate gutter cleaning forever! LeafFilter, the most advanced debris-blocking gutter protection. Schedule free LeafFilter estimate today. 20% off Entire Purchase. 10% Senior & Military Discounts. Call 1-833610-1936

American Log Homes DEVELOPER LIQUIDATION SALE! Log Home kits selling for Balance Owed. Up to 50% off. Design plans can be modified! No time limit on delivery. Call 1-866-307-5491, M-F 9am–5pm ET.

Jacuzzi Bath Remodel can install a new, custom bath or shower in as little as one day. For a limited time, waving ALL installation costs! (Additional terms apply. Subject to change and vary by dealer. Offer ends 12/29/24.) Call 1-844-501-3208

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

We buy houses for cash as is! No repairs. No fuss. Any condition. Easy three step process: Call, get cash offer & get paid. Get your fair cash offer today by calling Liz Buys Houses: 1-844-8775833

Prepare for power outages today with a Generac Home Standby Generator. Act now to receive a FREE 7-Year warranty with qualifying purchase* Call 1-855948-6176 today to schedule a free quote. It’s not just a generator. It’s a power move.

Hop on and see the sights in downtown Castle Rock

In the downtown Castle Rock area, catch free trolley rides and enjoy the Castle Rock holiday lights.

e trolley will run a continuous loop starting at the Encore public parking garage entrance on South Street between Wilcox and Perry streets, drive north on Wilcox Street to 6th Street and stop at the entrance to the Douglas County School District parking lot on 6th Street between Wilcox and Perry streets.

e full loop from either stop back to the same stop takes about 10 minutes, and half of the loop just to the other stop takes about ve minutes.

e free rides run from 5-7 p.m. every Monday and Tuesday evening until Dec. 30. (Note: No rides Dec. 24).

For more information, see downtowncastlerock.com/holiday-trolley-rides.

Get outside in the holiday season

Join a South Platte Park naturalist on a guided walk on New Year’s Day. e event will take you on a relaxing nature walk where you can enjoy scenic river views and look for wildlife.

Meet on the west deck of Carson Nature Center at 3000 W. Carson Drive in Littleton. e event runs from 9-10:30 a.m.

tumes designed to promote early literacy while enchanting the whole family with dogs, ants and the Christmas chicken. Rodolfo must coax his dog to kiss him three times!

e event is for families with children of all ages and will run from 11-11:45 a.m on Dec. 27 at Bemis Public Library in Littleton.

Come Sit N’ Knit in Englewood

Whether you’re an expert or don’t know how to cast on knitting stitches, this group could be just what you’re looking for, an event listing for Englewood Public Library says.

Come to the library to build your skills, share your knowledge and make new friends.

e event runs from 6-7 p.m. Dec. 18.

Cost is $10 and the walk is about 1.5 miles. Dress for the forecast, and binoculars or cameras are suggested. Children under 16 must be accompanied by a registered adult. No pets, please. Call 303-798-5131 or see tinyurl.com/ NatureWalkSouthSuburban for registration information.

One-man Christmas play comes to Littleton

“A Christmas Smooch” is a one-man play complete with sets, props and cos-

BY GABE ALLEN KUNC

e library sits northeast of Santa Fe Drive and Hampden Avenue, o Inca Street.

Agriculture teaching kit available for classrooms

Students across Colorado have the opportunity to learn about the profound impact that agricultural gure Dr. John Matsushima has had on modern farming and ranching practices through the new book “Cattle, Corn and Courage.”

Colorado Agriculture in the Classroom’s annual literacy project is offering classrooms statewide a free kit lled with interactive activities and corresponding educational resources to teach students about Colorado agriculture.

For 2025, two class kits will be available — one for elementary-level students and one for middle and high school students.

a virtual eld trip to History Colorado Center in Denver.

Colorado Foundation for Agriculture is a nonpro t and serves prekindergarten through 12th grade formal and informal education across Colorado.

For details about the di erent kits available, visit colorado.agclassroom. org/teaching/literacy. Deadline to sign up is Jan. 20 or until kit requests are maxed out.

What’s going on at Lone Tree Arts Center e Lone Tree Arts Center is putting on several upcoming events. Here’s a sampling. For registration, see the links below or call 720-509-1000.

• Dec. 17 — 6:30 p.m. — Experience the Inspire Music Art’s children’s choir and orchestra in their Christmas Celebration. ey are showcasing the talents of the many students as they grow in their musical journey. To register, visit tinyurl.com/ChildrensChoirLoneTree.

e kits will include a variety of interactive activities; beef-tasting experience and lesson in beef nutrition; a whole dent corn and steam- aked corn sensory activity; a corn seed germination experiment; access to videos and

• Dec. 18 — 1:30 p.m. — Denver Brass Holiday brings their trumpets, horns and tubas for a resounding celebration of the holiday season. is concert will feature favorite holiday tunes, from the warm and nostalgic to the bright and joyous, including Denver Brass’ brand new arrangement of Tchaikovsky’s “Nutcracker.” To reserve tickets, visit tinyurl.com/BrassHolidayLoneTree.

• Dec. 19 — 7:30 p.m. — Symphony of the Rockies presents Soundtracks of the Season, a holiday lm score spectacular. e evening will be lled with favorite holiday lm scores, from the melodies of “Home Alone” to the whimsical tunes of the “Polar Express.” To reserve tickets, see tinyurl.com/MovieSymphonyLoneTree.

Gatsby.” She won a Grammy and was nominated for a Tony for her role as Eurydice in “Hadestown,” according to the Lone Tree Arts Center website. To reserve tickets, see tinyurl.com/BroadwayEvaLoneTree.

‘Sparkle and Stroll’ in downtown Littleton Come to downtown Littleton for a season lled with festive events and sparkling lights.

And brighten your holiday season — one stamp at a time. Shop, dine and collect stamps on a Sparkle and Stroll card by purchasing from local merchants. You’ll be entered to win prizes when you turn in your stamped card by Dec. 31.

Handbell ensemble to play holiday favorites in Littleton

• Dec. 20 — 7:30 p.m. — Eva Noblezada from the Broadway stage comes to put on a festive show celebrating the holiday season. She is currently starring on Broadway as Daisy in “ e Great

Nothing heralds the holiday season quite like music from favorites like “A Charlie Brown Christmas” or the “Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy” from the “Nutcracker” ballet.

Listen to the Smithtonians Handbell Ensemble play these and other favorites, such as Mel Torme’s “ e Christmas Song,” Christmas Eve in Sarajevo, and “Silent Night,” played on a new veoctave set of hand chimes. e event runs from 11 a.m.-noon Dec. 14 at Bemis Public Library.

New Year’s Eve in Lone Tree Ring in the new year at the Lone Tree Golf Club and Hotel.

Doors open at 8 p.m. on Dec. 31, and live music from 70s tribute band Boogie Machine starts at 9 p.m.

Tickets include an open bar, hors d’oeuvres and complimentary champagne toast. e location is 9808 Sunningdale Blvd.

Reserve your spot at tinyurl.com/ LoneTreeNewYearsEve. For questions, contact Jennifer Kuhl at jkuhl@ssprd. org or call 303-586-5895.

Taking the ‘forever’ out of forever chemicals

A team of Front Range chemists have made a breakthrough that could have global implications.

e scientists, led by Colorado State University postdoctoral scholar Xin Liu, detailed a new technique for breaking down poly uoroalkyl substances, also known as PFAS or “forever chemicals,” in a paper published in Nature. Previously, known methods for decomposing PFAS required large amounts of energy via UV radiation or heat. In contrast, the new technique leverages what one editorial calls “clever chemistry” to break down PFAS with visible light. In fact, they used a purple LED that wouldn’t be out of place on a string of Christmas lights.

Garret

Miyake, a professor of chemis-

try at CSU and the leader of the research group that spearheaded the project, said that the new study solves a longstanding problem in the eld.

“ e carbon- uorine bond is one of the strongest bonds that is made in chemistry. at’s what gives PFAS such interesting properties,” he said. “ is is the rst example of an organic catalyzed system that uses visible light to activate carbon uorine bonds and decompose PFAS-type molecules. It’s the mildest way to do it.”

e new nding comes just months after the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency tightened up regulations for PFAS in drinking water. In April, the agency set maximum allowable levels of six common PFAS. e new regulation estimated that between 6% and 10% of public water systems in America would be in violation of the rule on day one.

In the 21st century, practically everyone

has been exposed to these chemicals at some level. PFAS are used in everything from non-stick cookware to re retardant. Exposure has been linked to developmental issues in children, increased cancer risk and a weakened immune system. us far, no one has discovered a broadly applicable method for removing the chemicals from the environment. e new research from Liu, Miyake and their collaborators doesn’t change that fact. At least not yet. For now, the technique has only been tested in a highly-controlled laboratory environment. Getting it to work in drinking water, wastewater or soil will take more work.

“ e major challenges are in the future,” Liu said. “How to make our reaction work in environmental conditions is the hardest part.”

Jinyong Liu, a peer-reviewer for the  Nature paper, has been working on methods

to break down PFAS for nearly a decade. He says that, although the new low-energy method developed by the Miyake group is undeniably a breakthrough, e ective treatment of PFAS will require more than one approach. He sees each new insight as a net gain for the eld.

“ ey have one theory, we have another theory,” Liu said. “We all bene t from that understanding and can start designing or adding something new to achieve the ultimate goal, which is the complete destruction of all PFAS.”

For now, these chemicals will remain ubiquitous in our water, soil and bodies. But, as research attention and funding increases, scientists remain optimistic that PFAS will one day lose the “forever chemical” moniker.

is article comes from a sharing agreement with AP StoryShare.