Elbert County News 0323 by Colorado Community Media

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March 23, 2017

Burn Boot Camp opens Colorado location P10 ELBERT COUNTY, COLORADO

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Bill would help fill rural teacher positions

Indictment: Property in Elbert County part of illegal grow operation Marijuana-trafficking ring took pot across state lines, officials say BY JESSICA GIBBS JGIBBS@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM

A Castle Rock man has been arrested and named in an indictment that alleges he was a leader of a largescale marijuana-trafficking ring that transported pot illegally grown at multiple locations on the Front Range across state lines. The multi-jurisdictional investigation culminated in raids on 19 locations throughout the Denver metro area on March 16, bringing 15 people into custody, including Michael Stonehouse, 53, of Castle Stonehouse Rock. The indictment describes Stonehouse, who is being held on $1 million bond, as leading an enterprise that distributed marijuana to Arkansas, Illinois, Missouri and Minnesota.

Measure advances in House with bipartisan support BY CHRIS ROTAR CROTAR@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM

18th Judicial District Attorney George Brauchler announces the indictment of 16 people connected to a marijuana-trafficking drug ring in the Front Range. JESSICA GIBBS

SEE GROW, P4

A bipartisan measure intended to help fill teaching and other staff positions in Colorado’s rural school districts recently advanced in the state House. House Bill 1176 would allow retired teachers and other school employees, including bus drivers and cafeteria workers, to return to work on a full-time basis without facing a reduction in their retirement benefits. Presently, retired school workers may only work up to 140 days out of the 180-day school year without a reduction in their Public Employees’ Retirement Association — or PERA — benefits. SEE TEACHERS, P2

THE BOTTOM LINE PERIODICAL

‘The problem is that most patients don’t have a bone-density scan when they have a fracture, or some know that it’s low and don’t get treated.’ Dr. Kathy Vidlock | Page 6 INSIDE

CALENDAR: PAGE 5

VOICES: PAGE 8

ElbertCountyNews.net

LIFE: PAGE 10 VOLUME 122 | ISSUE 8

2 Elbert County News

March 23, 2017M

World War II sailor’s family would like remains returned USS Houston was sunk with local man likely in engine room BY JODI HORNER SPECIAL TO COLORADO COMMUNITY MEDIA

On the night of Feb. 28, 1942, as Allied ships sped toward Australia via the Java Coast of Indonesia, they knew they would be facing the Japanese Imperial Navy and would be severely outnumbered. Thus began the infamous Battle of Sunda Strait. “There was no doubt in anybody’s mind they weren’t coming back,” said Elbert County veterans services officer Ric Morgan. The USS Houston had a reputation for surviving the closest-of-shaves in battle, and was known as the “Galloping Ghost of the Java Coast,” said Morgan, who lives in Elbert. The Houston went down valiantly, “her guns still blazing,” Morgan said. Although 700 of the 1,068 aboard the USS Houston lost their lives in the battle and the ship’s sinking, the mettle of the Americans — teamed with an Australian ship the HMAS Perth — helped to sink the ship carrying the commander of the Japanese Army. A native son of Elbert County played a part in this powerful piece of World War II. Thomas “Steve” Cantrill lost his life aboard the Houston 75 years ago in the two-day battle against the Japanese Imperial Navy. Cantrill had worked his way up the ranks to Petty Officer First Class. His job aboard the Houston as a machinist mate meant he was likely at his station in the engine room below decks when the ship sank. Don Cole of Elbert was related to Cantrill through marriage. He remembers spending time with Cantrill as a young man. “He would round up he guys to play a little bit of football,” Cole recalled. “Before the war he went one of my aunts, Mildred Peterson,” Cole said, referring to a brief courtship his aunt had with Cantrill. There were 368 who survived the sinking, but they were taken as

TEACHERS FROM PAGE 1

Colorado’s rural school districts are facing a shortage of teachers, “with some positions going unfilled for five years or more,” according to a news release from the Colorado House Democrats. Of the state’s 178 school districts, 147 are classified as rural. The measure drew support from state Rep. Kimmi Lewis, R-Las Animas County. Her House District 64 incudes a number of rural areas, including Elbert County.

The document notifying Cantrill’s family of his death was found in an unopened envelope in his parents home many years after his death. It is signed by Harry Truman. PHOTO PROVIDED BY THE FAMILY OF STEVE CANTRILL

POWs to help build the Burma-Thailand Railway. Of those, 291 survived the nine months in the Japanese camps in Thailand, according to the U.S. Naval Institute. It was when these POWs were released that the fate of the Houston was revealed. Cantrill’s family received a letter from the U.S. Navy but never opened it. “They obviously knew what it was

and didn’t have the heart to open it,” said Don’s daughter, Natalie Cole. The exact location of the ship was discovered and several dives were made to examine the condition of the ship. “It’s in remarkably good condition,” Morgan said, although there had been looting and illegal scavenging of the steel and other parts prior to the official dives. Since it is an official gravesite of

the U.S. military, disturbing it is illegal. And although 700 crewmen were laid to rest within the Houston, some would like to see them repatriated. “Right now there is a lot of concern over environmental issues,” Morgan said. A main concern is the petroleum oil actively leaking from the site. In October 2014, the U.S. military laid a wreath on the waters over the Houston to honor the sailors who lost their lives on it. But the idea of bringing Steve Cantrill back to Elbert still pleases his family. “That just gave me chills,” Natalie said. The sentiment was echoed by her father. If Steve Cantrill’s body were laid to rest at the site reserved for him in the Kiowa-Elbert cemetery, it would give Don “a good feeling,” he said.

“I am pleased to see House Bill 1176 pass committee with such strong bipartisan support. Helping rural schools fill vacancies in the classroom is critical in my area,” Lewis said. “Retired teachers should be able to work in the classroom without time restrictions and I look forward to helping Rep. Becker get this important bill to the governor’s desk.” Elizabeth School District Superintendent Douglas Bissonette has high hopes for the legislation. “This bill would be a lifesaver for rural schools and students,” he said. “Teacher shortages, low wages and high turnover... are symptomatic of

a broken school funding system. The bill begins to address a portion of the failing funding system, and students will be the ultimate beneficiaries.” School employees may be hired under the bill in districts designated as rural that determine there is a “critical shortage of qualified employees and that the retiree possesses unique skills or qualifications needed by the district,” a summary of the bill states. HB 1176 is sponsored by state Reps. Barbara McLachlan, D-Durango, and Jon Becker, R-Fort Morgan. It is intended to help districts that have “gone through every other avenue to

find a teacher and haven’t been able to,” McLachlan said. The bill passed the House Finance Committee on an 11-1 vote March 15 and was sent to the Appropriations Committee. If it can garner full approval in the House, it will be sent to the Senate. “Retired teachers willing to get back into the classroom can be an invaluable asset to schools struggling to find quality educators,” Becker said. “This legislation simply modifies Colorado’s laws to ensure retired teachers, bus drivers and food service personnel will be able to work full time in the rural districts that need their help.”

A headstone marks an empty grave at the Elbert-Kiowa Cemetery to commemorate the life and service of Petty Officer First Class Thomas Stephen “Steve” Cantril. PHOTO BY NATALIE COLE

Elbert County News 3

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4 Elbert County News

March 23, 2017M

Bill that would limit home pot growth advances in Legislature ASSOCIATED PRESS

The nation’s most generous grow-your-own marijuana laws have drawn closer to being curbed in Colorado, where the state House has approved a bill that would limit

GROW FROM PAGE 1

The 37-page document says most of the pot that was distributed was illegally grown in warehouses or farms in Elizabeth, Denver and Colorado Springs. While it is lawful to grow limited amounts of marijuana in Colorado, the quantities grown at the locations were more than legally permitted, authorities say, and it is illegal to transport pot out of state. Raids took place in Denver, El Paso, Douglas, Elbert and Arapahoe counties. One suspect remains at large, although he is not in the state of Colorado, said 18th Judicial District Attorney George Brauchler. Approximately 200 local, state and federal law enforcement officers carried out the operation, effectively shutting

that number of plants that could be grown on residential property. House Bill 1220 would set a statewide limit of 16 marijuana plants per house, down from a current limit of 99 plants before registering with

state health authorities. The bill passed 65-10 on March 13 after sponsors argued that Colorado’s generous home-grown weed laws make it impossible to tell whether someone is growing plants legally, or whether the

plants are destined for the black market. Of the 28 states with legal medical marijuana, only Colorado currently allows more than 16 pot plants per home. Many Colorado jurisdic-

INDICTMENT NAMES 16 PEOPLE The following people were indicted following a months-long investigation into an enterprise that allegedly operated illegal marijuana grows and transported pot across state lines: • Jerram Cathey • John Cathey • Michael Stonehouse • Rudy Saenz

• Theodore Stonehouse • Tilden Lazaro • John Mason Cathey • Vernon Watts

down a ring that allegedly produced more than 300 pounds of marijuana a month, according to officials. “They accomplished this in large part through a network of folks who used cell phones, coded language, all sorts of information like that to try to defeat the system,” Brauchler said in a news conference March 17. Stonehouse faces more than a dozen felony charges, including participating in organized crime, conspiracy to distribute 50 pounds or more of marijuana, and conspiracy to commit money laundering.

• Myisha Evans • Vincent Castillo • Jason Jones • Amy Jones

The criminal acts date to March 2014, and the most recent one occurred early this month, Brauchler said. Drug exchanges were carried out in in highly populated areas and during broad daylight, Brauchler said. According to the indictment, that included a Starbucks parking lot in Castle Pines. The investigation began after 845 plants — worth $5.1 million and weighing 2,500 pounds — were seized in September 2016 from a property in Elizabeth on County Road 13 owned by Stonehouse, the indictment says. That gener-

• Jibaro Smith • William Todd Garner • John Ramsay • Raciel Martinez ated numerous leads, which opened the broader investigation, Brauchler said. During the March 16 raids, law enforcement seized 39 weapons, including handguns, shotguns and rifles. Brauchler was not aware of any officers being injured while making arrests. Warrants were also issued to seven banks for 22 different accounts. Also during the raids, law enforcement discovered two hash-oil extraction labs, one in Elbert County and one in Denver. Between 2014 and 2016, Stonehouse received more

tions already have per-home plant limits, usually set at 12. But the lack of a statewide limit makes it difficult for police to distinguish between legitimate patients and fronts for black-market weed, bill supporters argued. than $1 million in cash deposits into accounts he controlled, according to the indictment. Barbara Roach, a Denverbased special agent in charge with the Drug Enforcement Administration, said the trafficking ring, and others like it, are motivated to circumvent the legal system for financial gain — and they endanger communities in the process. “Yes, marijuana is being grown in Colorado for the specific goal of being sold and distributed outside of the state,” Roach said at the March 17 news conference. Steve Johnson, chief deputy with the Douglas County Sheriff ’s Office, said criminal enterprises like the one mentioned in the indictment rarely follow laws or building codes, hijacking water, electrical and chemical resources. “Without flinching, we’re going to take these on,” he said, “and fight to protect our communities.”

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Elbert County News 5

7March 23, 2017

Workforce center moves to Kiowa Site offers computer access, job listings, career counseling, other services STAFF REPORT

A state-run workforce center in Elbert County has headed east. The former Elizabeth Workforce Center has moved from 240 Elizabeth St. in Elizabeth to 75 Ute Avenue, Kiowa, which is about seven miles from the previous location, according to a news release from the Colorado Department of Labor and Employment. “The new Kiowa Workforce Center will be co-located with the Elbert County Department of Human Services,” said Ellen Golombek, executive director of the Colorado Department of Labor and Employment, which operates the workforce center. “The Department of Human Services shares our commitment to strengthening the region’s quality of life, so co-locating

with them is a perfect fit.” The state’s workforce centers offer a multitude of free services — including job listings, computer access, career counseling and recruiting services — for employers and job seekers. The center’s new location opened March 22. The phone number has changed to 720-639-5859. Hours of operation will be Monday through Thursday from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. “The new location will allow us to more effectively balance resources in partnership with Elbert County Human Services and provide coordinated services for both employers and job seekers,” said Dawn Garcia, Eastern Region Workforce Center director. “We want the citizens of Elizabeth to know that the same services we have provided them in the past will continue to be provided at our new location.” An open house for the new location is planned for 3 to 6 p.m. March 31. Find more information on the workforce centers at www.colorado.gov/ pacific/cdle/wfc.

Elizabeth Arts Survey: Community and civic leaders are exploring the potential for new, affordable art space to be built in Elizabeth. Everyone involved in the arts, cultural and creative communities is asked to take the Elizabeth Arts Survey. The survey closes April 10. Go to www.elizabethartsurvey.org. Lenten Fish Fry: 4-6:30 p.m. Fridays in Lent except Good Friday (through April 7) at Ave Maria Catholic Church, Parker. Knights of Columbus serve fried fish, baked fish or nuggets, along with cole slaw, fried or baked potato, mac and cheese, and dinner rolls. Iced tea, lemonade and coffee are free. Take out and drive through are available. Viewing of `The Thorn’: 7 p.m. Friday, March 24; 7:30 p.m. Saturday, March 25; 3 p.m. Sunday, March 26 and 7 p.m. Sunday, March 26 (Spanish version, `La Espina’), at Southeast Christian Church, 9650 Jordan Road, Parker. For tickets and information, go to www.thethorn.net. Contact 303-8419292 or info@southeastcc.org. `The Thorn’ is a theatrical portrayal of the life, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. White Elephant Bingo: 3 p.m. Sunday, March 26, at Valley House, 255 S. Valley Drive, Castle Rock. Bring small trinket or funny item worth $5 or less for the prize pot. Light refreshments served. Free, but space is limited. Call 303-482-5552 to RSVP. Donuts and Discussion: 10:30 a.m. Sunday, March 26, at Valley House, 255 S. Valley Drive, Castle Rock. Enjoy lively discussion and meet new friends in the community. Free, but space is limited. Call 303-482-5552 to RSVP. Dave Hidalgo to Perform at Red Hat Luncheon: noon Wednesday, March 29, at Victorian House, 19600 Victorian Drive, Parker. Event is free, but space is limited. Call 303-482-5552 to RSVP.

It only takes seconds to sign up for free emergency notifications at www.DouglasCountyCodeRED.com ensuring you will know if an emergency or disaster is on the way or happening near you via instant text alerts, emails or

phone calls. Register today.

Are you a veteran? The Douglas County Office of Veterans Affairs is here to serve veterans and their families. Assistance is available for vocational training, disability compensation, and benefits visit www.douglasveterans.org for details.

Basic building permits online

THINGS TO DO Elizabeth Library Book Sale: gently used books for children and adults for sale in the book sale room at the Elizabeth Library. Stocked by Friends of the Elizabeth Library. All donations from book sales benefit the Elizabeth Library.

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Fight Back Against Stress: 4-4:30 p.m. Monday, April 3, at the Grow Youth Center in the To the Rescue Building, 10355 S. Progress Way, Parker. Taught by Brooke Ebel, nutritional health coach, Natural Grocers in Parker. Call 303-931-8026 or go to www.GrowCommunityCenter.org. Zonta Douglas County Trivia Night: 6:30-9:30 p.m. Saturday, April 8, at Kirk Hall, Douglas County Fairgrounds, Castle Rock. Teams of six adults compete in eight rounds of trivia for cash prizes. Dessert bar, snacks, beverages, door prizes, and opportunities to win silent and live auction items included with team registration. Registration open through March 25. Go to www.zontadouglascounty.org. Call Sue Nissen at 303-202-2452. Free Legal Clinic: 6-8 p.m. Tuesday, April 11, at the Elizabeth Public Library, 651 W. Beverly St., Elizabeth. Clinics are for parties who have no attorney. Volunteer attorneys will answer questions, fill out forms and explain the process and procedure for all areas of civil litigation. Walkins welcome. 2017 dates are May 9, June 13, July 11, Aug. 8, Sept. 12, Oct. 10, Nov. 14 and Dec. 12. First come, first served. Easter Egg Hunt: noon Sunday, April 16 at 24310 Main St., Elbert. Presented by the Elbert Fire Protection District, the Friends of Elbert Library and Elbert Creekside 4-H. Crafts, games, refreshments, face painting and an appearance from the Easter Bunny. Outback Express: public transit service provided by the East Central Council of Local Governments. To ensure a seat is available, 24-hour notice appreciated. Call Kay Campbell, 719- 541-4275, or 800825-0208 for reservations. Go to http:// outbackexpress.tripod.com. Editor’s note: Calendar submissions must be received by noon Wednesday for publication the following week. Send listings to calendar@coloradocommunitymedia. com. No attachments, please. Listings are free and run on a space-available basis.

Contractors and homeowners may obtain basic building permits for roofing, mechanical, construction meter and window/door replacement for residential properties online. Visit www.douglas.co.us and search for building permits.

Interested in becoming a foster parent or adopting a child? Attend a free information session from 6-7:30 p.m., Monday, March 27 at the Castle Rock Library, 100 Wilcox Street. For more information call 303-636-1KID or to register online visit http://jeffco.us/collaborative-foster-care/information-night/

Slash-mulch site opens April 1 The County’s Castle Rock slash-mulch site, at 1400 Caprice Drive opens April 1 and will remain open on Saturdays-only from 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. through Oct. 28. For directions and a list of acceptable items visit www. douglas.co.us and search for mulch.

Online Engagement Tool of the Week

Preparing Your Federal Tax Return? View and print your 2016 property tax payment receipts by visiting the Douglas County Treasurer’s property search website at www.douglascotax.com

Visit www.douglas.co.us

6 Elbert County News

March 23, 2017M

Doctor warns of ‘the silent disease’ Exercise, supplements, early detection keys to fighting osteoporosis BY TOM SKELLEY TSKELLEY@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM

Patty Thewes is glad she was in an automobile accident in January 2016. “It was kind of a godsend,” she says. Thewes, 64, broke her sacrum, the center bone of the pelvis, in the crash. A resulting MRI revealed she had osteoporosis, something she thought she wouldn’t have to worry about for years to come. “I was pretty active, and usually if you’re active and you’re taking your calcium, you think you’re OK,” the Castle Rock resident says. “I figured I was good to go until my late 70s.” Like Thewes, Gary Harrison of Elizabeth knew he had low bone density after he saw a doctor for hip problems in 2012. But he didn’t realize he had osteoporosis until 2014 when he reached for a shoe and broke his rib. “To be honest, I was surprised,” Harrison, 62, says. “I never thought men had (osteoporosis) until I found out I had it.” Their reactions are common with many patients Dr. Kathy Vidlock sees. Osteoporosis is a weakening of bone tissue often resulting in life-threatening fractures. Among people over the age of 50, it affects one of every three women and one in five men, Vidlock says. But many are still stunned to discover they have it. “A lot of people are really surprised,” Vidlock, of Parker, says. “There’s a misconception that it should cause pain, but it doesn’t unless you have a fracture.” Sitting in her office at Sky Ridge Medical Center, Vidlock says the most important factor in preventing or treating “the silent disease” is detection, which is particularly difficult with osteoporosis because it has no symptoms. Any woman who has gone through menopause and any patient over 50 being treated for a bone fracture should have a bone-density scan, Vidlock says. The DEXA scan — short for dual

BY THE NUMBERS • Worldwide, one-third of women over age 50 will experience osteoporotic fractures, as will one-fifth of men over 50. People with a prior fracture have an 86 percent increased risk of a subsequent fracture. • Osteoporosis accounts for more days spent in hospital than diabetes, myocardial infarction or breast cancer for women over 45. • As many as 80 percent of high-risk individuals are neither identiﬁed nor treated. • Osteoporosis and low bone mass are currently estimated to be a major public health threat for almost 44 million U.S. women and men 50 and older. • It is estimated that 61 million men and women will have osteoporosis by 2020. Source: International Osteoporosis Foundation

WHAT YOU CAN DO Risk factors: • Prior, non-traumatic fracture(s) • Family history of osteoporosis • Smoking • An average of more than three alcoholic drinks per day • Height loss • Early menopause Prevention: It is recommended that all women over the age of 65 get regular, biannual bone density tests. Dr. Kathy Vidlock said some patients, male and female, who were treated for a fracture after the age of 50 should be tested at least every two years as well. Other steps adults can take to minimize their risk for osteoporosis: • Ensure a nutritious diet and adequate calcium intake • Maintain an adequate supply of vitamin D. • Participate in regular weight-bearing activity, such as walking or lifting weights. • Avoid smoking and secondhand smoke. • Avoid heavy drinking. Source: International Osteoporosis Foundation energy X-ray absorptiometry — can be performed by a patient’s physician to measure the bone density in the spine, hip and wrist and doesn’t require preauthorization from insurance providers. “The problem is that most patients don’t have a bone-density scan when

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Dr. Kathy Vidlock displays models of weak, left, and healthy, right, bone density. Vidlock’s mother broke a hip due to osteoporosis but has since recovered from her injury and improved her bone density somewhat with exercise and calcium and vitamin D supplements. PHOTOS BY TOM SKELLEY they have a fracture, or some know that it’s low and don’t get treated,” she says. “Then by the time I see them, it’s worse.” Bone density begins to decrease when a person reaches their 20s. While that may make osteoporosis seem inevitable, Vidlock says there are steps to take to slow or prevent the disease. One is medication. Harrison and Thewes both take injections of Forteo, a drug proven to promote bone density. But the drug, the only one on the market that creates bone mass, is expensive at $1,100 per month, and can produce a host of side effects. Even without medication, Vidlock says there are steps adults can take to slow or prevent the disease. For starters, Vidlock recommends all adults make sure they are getting enough calcium and vitamin D. Most patients are aware of calcium’s role in maintaining healthy bones, but many don’t know they need vitamin D to help the body absorb calcium. Another important step to take, literally, is weight-bearing exercise. “Your bone tissue is really active,” she says, “it’s just like a muscle.” A daily walk or hike, or lifting weights stresses bone tissue, which responds by growing in much the same way a muscle does after a

Bone models show healthy bone density, on the right, compared to weak bone density, on the left. All bones begin to lose density in a person’s 20s, but nutrition and weight-bearing exercise can retain density into most individuals’ later years. workout. Cardiovascular exercise like biking or swimming may be great for the heart, Vidlock says, but it doesn’t stress bone tissue enough to promote growth. But again, Vidlock stresses that the most important factor in treating osteoporosis is finding out if you’re at risk of having it. “The takeaway is: `do you really know if you’re at risk?’ ” she says. “It’s worth a visit to your physician to find out.”

Elbert County News 7

7March 23, 2017

State enters budget season with big health questions BY KRISTEN WYATT ASSOCIATED PRESS

Colorado officials are scrambling to figure out what may happen to the $5 billion or so the state gets from the federal government each year to cover Medicaid. A proposed health care overhaul moving through Congress would have dramatic effects in Colorado, which was one of 31 states to make it easier to qualify for Medicaid, governmentcovered health insurance for the needy. Colorado now has some 1.3 million people on Medicaid, nearly double the amount of patients covered before the federal government offered to pick up the tab for adding more folks to the plan. That federal money was always intended to taper off, but a bill pending in the U.S. House would cut that support much sooner. That enhanced federal match for Medicaid expansion enrollees would be cut from 90 percent to about 65.5 percent in 2020. Colorado would have to spend about $1 billion a year make up the difference, or else kick patients out of the program. Colorado politicians from both the left and the right say the prospect of

“It’s still very early in the game to have specific numbers about what will change.” Marc Williams Spokesman for Colorado agency that administers Medicaid declining federal Medicaid support demands immediate action. But they have vastly different ideas about what to do. Democrats say the Obamacare replacement must be stopped or changed to ensure that people don’t lose coverage. Republicans say Colorado needs to start trimming Medicaid costs now and consider dismantling its health insurance exchange. As Colorado lawmakers start considering next year’s budget in coming weeks, health care uncertainty may dominate debate. Though the spending plan doesn’t yet make significant changes to account for federal health care cuts, expect a lot of arguing over whether it should. Democratic Gov. John Hickenlooper and Democrats ruling the state House don’t want to see deep cuts before knowing exactly how many dollars are going away. Even a lightning-fast adoption of the federal health care overhaul likely wouldn’t require drastic Colorado spending changes before the summer of 2018, when the next

CLUBS Ongoing AA If you want to drink, that’s your business. If you want to stop, that’s ours. More than 1,000 AA meetings are offered in the Denver area every week. If you think you may have a problem with alcohol, come see us. To find a meeting near you, call 303-322-4440, or go to www.daccaa.org. Affordable Colleges Online has created a guidebook to help women find and secure financial aid. The guide includes a collection of scholarships for women, including due dates and award amounts; insight into the financial aid application process; and other funding opportunities, such as industryspecific scholarships and funding for special groups. The guide is available online at http://www.affordablecollegesonline.org/ womens-guide-paying-for-college/. Camping Singles is a group of Colorado single adults who enjoy camping, fishing, hiking, swimming, biking, sightseeing, photography, the camaraderie of others, and starry nights around the camp fire. We usually camp in designated forest service or state park campgrounds within 2 to 5 hours of Denver. We welcome all single adults. Our membership ranges from the 40s to 60-plus. We usually meet at 7 p.m. the first Tuesday of the month. For specific meeting information, contact campingsingles@ gmail.com Castle Rock Bridge Club plays a friendly, ACBL-sanctioned duplicate game at 1 p.m. every Monday and Wednesday at Plum Creek Golf Club, 331 Players Club Drive, Castle Rock. For assistance in finding a bridge partner, call Georgiana Butler at 303-

Colorado budget expires. “There are a lot of details that are yet to be ironed out,” said Marc Williams, spokesman for Colorado’s agency that administers Medicaid. “It’s still very early in the game to have specific numbers about what will change.” But that’s not sitting well with conservatives who have argued for years that Colorado is headed for serious budget problems if it doesn’t trim health care spending. “It’s not the right economic model to put laws into place that hold the line,” said Sen. Kevin Lundberg, a Republican who sits on the powerful budgetwriting committee. “Costs are out of control and they’re just going to go up and up and up.” One Republican idea: Get rid of the state health insurance exchange, called Connect For Health Colorado. Republicans say the change could save Colorado some $40 million a year, with health insurance shoppers simply using federal or private-sector resources to buy health insurance.

But the proposal to dismantle the exchange faces almost certain doom in the House, where ruling Democrats consider it a premature broadside on Obamacare. Outside the state Capitol, health care analysts are gearing up for a long fight over Colorado’s plans to prepare for health care changes coming from Washington. “The cuts would be so dramatic they would really taint state budgets,” said Adam Fox of the Colorado Consumer Health Initiative, a Denver-based nonprofit that supports the current health care law. For now, Fox said, there’s not much states can do to be ready for drastic federal changes. “There’s really very little state budget writers can do to accommodate any of these cuts,” Fox said. Obamacare critics disagree. Linda Gorman, a health policy analyst for the Independence Institute, a Libertarian think tank in Denver, argues that Colorado should start planning now for reduced federal health care spending. “Colorado’s Medicaid program isn’t sustainable even at the current level, not without substantial tax increases,” Gorman said. But she’s not optimistic that Colorado’s divided Legislature will settle their health care differences this year. “I think `heads in sand’ is the way people would rather deal with this,” she said.

Attention: South Metro Area Businesses!

TRAINING

810-8504. Go to www.castlerockbridge.com. Chess: 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturdays at the Simla Library. All skill levels and ages welcome. Call 719-541-2573. Douglas-Elbert County Music Teachers’ Association meets at 9 a.m. every first Thursday at Parker Bible Church, between Jordan and Chambers on Main Street. All area music teachers are welcome. Call Lucie Washburn, 303-814-3479. Elbert County Sheriff’s Posse is a nonprofit volunteer organization that is part of the Elbert County Sheriff’s Office. As volunteers we support the Elbert County Sheriff’s Office, all law enforcement in our county, and the community at large. For more information or a membership application, go to http:// www.elbertcountysheriff.com/posse.html, or contact Dave Peontek at 303-646-5456. Elbert Game Night: 5 p.m. Tuesdays at the Elbert Library. Board and card games for all ages. Call 303-648-3533 or go to pplibraries.org. Elizabeth American Legion Post 82, a veterans association supporting veterans, their families, their survivors and the community, meets the first Tuesday of each month at the Legion Post Hall at South Banner Street and Elm Street in Elizabeth. Social hour begins at 5:30 p.m., and the regular business meeting begins at 6:30 p.m. All veterans are invited to attend these meetings to learn of their eligibility for membership in the National American Legion Organization. SEE CLUBS, P16

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8 Elbert County News

LOCAL

March 23, 2017M

VOICES

Actually, let your babies grow up to be cowboys — or anything else they want WINNING WORDS

Michael Norton

ell maybe Willie Nelson said it slightly differently: “Mammas, don’t let your babies grow up to be cowboys / Don’t let `em pick guitars or drive them old trucks / Let `em be doctors and lawyers and such / Mammas, don’t let your babies grow up to be cowboys / `Cause they’ll never stay home and they’re always alone / Even with someone they love.” I heard Willie’s song the other day and I reflected on what my answer might have been when I was asked the question all children are asked at some point, “What is it you want to be when you grow up?” The question might come from a teacher or a parent or grandparent, but at some point, we are all asked the question. There are some statistics that point to the fact that approximately 30 percent of people end up working in careers they dreamed of as children. So what happens to the other 70 percent of us? Maybe our dreams and desires changed as we matured or went through school and found other interests. Maybe when we graduated there were no job openings in our field or in the area where we lived, so we were forced to find other work. In some cases, even for some of us

well into the latter part of our careers, we never quite knew what we really wanted to be or do. I don’t remember exactly what my answers were when I was a young boy and was asked what I wanted to be, but somewhere I do remember seeing myself following in the footsteps of my grandfather. But what I do remember is the feeling I had when I was already well into my own career and asking my own children what they wanted to be when they grew up. And I remember their answers. I loved to ask them the question over and over again and as they aged their answers did change, but their dreams did not, and that is the point. I believe our responsibility to our children, our nieces and nephews, grandchildren or people we mentor at any level is to help them learn to dream and help give them guidance as they go through their journey. Of course we want the very best for those in our care, and we can never give in to forcing our hand upon where their dreams will take them. It would be wonderful if they became doctors and lawyers and such as Willie Nelson sings, as long as that is what fulfills their own goals and dreams. Here’s the other point. We see more and more

that our children are being raised in an era of social media and are receiving input from many sources with a variety of views. Without proper guidance, social input and influence could either work to shape the future of our children or rob the true passions of our children. It is so important that we make sure to counter balance the social input with good questioning and listening skills so that we can give them the very best chance at becoming and/or doing whatever it is they would like to do. We are not flying the airplane nor landing it for them, we are just providing some navigation along the way. So how about you? How about the young people in your own life? Do they have hopes and dreams of what they would like to be one day? I would love to hear those stories at gotonorton@gmail.com, and when we can help someone else become all it is that they want to be, it really will be a better than good week. Michael Norton is a resident of Castle Rock, the former president of the Zig Ziglar Corporation, a strategic consultant and a business and personal coach.

When a man loves a dachshund, he’ll spend his very last dime QUIET DESPERATION

Craig Marshall Smith

f you believe in dog years, Smitty is 13 going on 91. I believe in dog ears. If you have ever taken a long look (he said) at a dachshund, you know that they have long, hanging ears. What’s that for? It’s not a genetic whim. My son was bred to hunt underground animals, by digging into their burrows. Long ears keep the flying dirt out of their ear canals. Smitty doesn’t know anything about this. He is not a hunter, unless there is such a thing as hunting for naps. Dachshunds are teased in films, commercials, cartoons, and endlessly in person. We don’t stand for it. It’s bullying. Try bullying a pit bull instead. See where that gets you. You might be amused by a dachshund in a foam rubber hot dog bun with foam rubber mustard, but not us. I’d enact a law against costuming dogs. Buy a doll. Don’t buy a dog and put a hat on it. Sweaters are fine. However, sweaters with cute sayings sewn into them are not. “Get a long little doggie,” is unacceptable. “Stretch limo”? Jail. “Happy Halloweenie”? Prison.

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Sure, dachshunds are odd looking, and we like to tease anything that is odd looking. Just don’t do it around us. Smitty doesn’t know it, but he’s my No. 1 antidote, and the reason why I can get through the Sunday paper without shouting my hair off. I half-envy him. He is completely uniformed. Doesn’t know, doesn’t care. He cares about loving and being loved in return. Which brings me to Nat King Cole and his song “Nature Boy.” It’s not one of my favorite Nat King Cole songs. It sounds a little too transcendental, like the Maharishi Mahesh Yogi or a Dyson vacuum cleaner commercial. But Nat King Cole’s voice makes anything sound better. I’d like to hear him sing this column. “Nature Boy” starts out, “There was a boy, a very strange, enchanted boy.” I don’t think Smitty is particularly strange or enchanted. However, the song continues, “Then one day, a magic day, he passed my way.” It was a magic day when we met. Badger, also a dachshund, had just died. Smitty and I made eye contact at the shelter. He nodded, I nodded, and I took him home.

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According to a Department of Agriculture report, it costs $233,610 to raise a child from birth through 17 (therefore, not including college). Owning a dog is somewhat less expensive, but it’s not cheap. Smitty’s sticker price was just $135.00. A bargain. But since then, his tab is over $10,000. It includes major back surgery, daycare, overnight boarding, assorted medical repairs, food and treats, and tap classes. His legacy will continue to be costly, owing to incontinence. His, not mine. Yet. The carpet will have to be replaced. The hardwood floor will have to be refinished. We all have to find our own antidotes these days. I raise a cup of coffee and toast my antidotes every Sunday morning now. I have to. There is no comfort or relief in the paper. When it comes to a momentary vacation from the bedlam of existence, there is nothing better than an oblivious dachshund, who doesn’t know a scoundrel from Shinola. Craig Marshall Smith is an artist, educator and Highlands Ranch resident. He can be reached at craigmarshallsmith@comcast. net.

Columnists & Guest Commentaries Columnist opinions are not necessarily those of the Elbert County News. 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 Fri. 5 p.m. for the following week’s paper.

ELBERT COUNTY NEWS (USPS 171-100) A legal newspaper of general circulation in Elizabeth, Colorado, the Elbert County News is published weekly on Thursday by Colorado Community Media, 9137 S. Ridgeline Blvd., Suite 210, Highlands Ranch, CO 80129. PERIODICALS POSTAGE PAID AT DENVER, COLORADO and additional mailing offices. POSTMASTER: Send address change to: 9137 S. Ridgeline Blvd., Suite 210, Highlands Ranch, CO 80129

Elbert County News 9

7March 23, 2017

HOW TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE Send volunteer opportunities to hharden@ coloradocommunitymedia.com. 18th Judicial District Attorney’s Office Domestic Violence Program Provides information and support to crime victims Need: Victim Adocates interact with and support victims of domestic violence. They also provide resource referrals and explain processes to victims. Requirements: 20 hours of training required; volunteers must commit to one morning a week at the Justice Center in Castle Rock. Contact: Mel Secrease, 720-733-4552 or msecrease@da.18.state.co.us. Alzheimer’s Association, Colorado Chapter Provides care and support to 67,000-plus families dealing with all kinds of dementing illnesses. Need: Walk to End Alzheimer’s committee members. Requirements: Individuals who love to help plan and execute. Our Walk to End Alzheimer’s attracts more than 10,000 people, so planning committee members are essential. Contact: Deb Wells, 303-813-1669 or dwells@alz.org. Angel Heart Project Delivers meals to men, women and children with life-threatening illnesses Need: Volunteers willing to deliver meals to clients in the South Denver area. Requirements: Attend an orientation and submit to a background check before volunteering. Training provided to all new drivers. Deliveries start at 1 p.m. and last until 3 p.m. Contact: 303-830-0202 or volunteer@ projectangelheart.org. Animal Rescue of the Rockies Provides foster care for death-row shelter dogs and cats throughout Colorado Need: Foster families for animals on lists to be euthanized Contact: www.animalrescueoftherockies. org. ASSE International Student Exchange Program Organizes student exchange programs Need: Local host families to provide homes for boys and girls age 15-18 from a variety of coutries. Contact: Cathy Hintz, 406-488-8325 or 800-733-2773 Audubon Society of Greater Denver Provides engaging and educational bird-

ing and wildlife programs at the Audubon Nature Center at Chatfield State Park and throughout the Denver metro area. Need: Volunteers lead birding field trips and assist with nature programs, office projects, fundraising and community events. Location: Chatfield State Park and offsite locations around Denver. Age requirement: 18 years or older for yearround volunteers; 13-17 for summer camp programs. Contact: Kate Hogan at communityoutreach@denveraudubon.org or 303-9739530. AYUSA: International Youth Exchange Program Promotes quality exchange programs for high school students from around the world. Need: Host families for international high school students ages 15-18 studying in the Denver area. Requirements: To provide students with a safe home, meals and transportation for 5-10 months. All family types are considered. Must fill out onlilne application and pass background check. Contact: Adrienne Bivens, 720-467-6430 or abivens@ayusa.org. Go to www.ayusa.org.

and in east Denver/Aurora, near Colfax Avenue and Yosemite Street. Other details: Tutors do not need to speak the student’s language. Most participants are homebound women and small children, adults who are disabled, and senior citizens. Many are not literate in their first language, and remain isolated from American culture. Requirements: Volunteers must attend training at Emily Griffith Technical College in downtown Denver. Sessions take place every 6-8 weeks. Go to www.refugee-esl.org for information and volunteer application. Next training session is Saturday, July 30. Contact: Sharon McCreary, 720-423-4843 or sharon.mccreary@emilygriffith.edu. Court Appointed Special Advocates Works with abused and neglected children in Arapahoe, Douglas, Elbert and Lincoln counties Need: Advocates for children, to get to know, speak up for and ensure their best interests in court Contact: 303-695-1882 or www.adv4children.org.

Denver Asset Building Coalition Provides low-income families with free tax preparation Need: Volunteers to join the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program Requirements: Volunteers are needed from Jan. 28 to April 17. No accounting background necessary; DABC trains all volunteers through an IRS-approved certification. Volunteers can choose their schedule and time commitment. Contact: Marissa Stanger, volunteer coordinator, at 303-388-7030 or marissa@ denverabc.org; go to www.denverabc.org. Douglas/Elbert Task Force Provides assistance to people in Douglas and Elbert counties who are in serious economic need, at risk of homelessness or in similar crisis. Need: Volunteers to assist in the food bank, client services and the thrift store Treasures on Park Street. Contact: Marion Dahlem, 303-688-1114, ext. 32 SEE VOLUNTEERS, P15

Castle Rock Senior Activity Center Provides services to local seniors Need: Volunteer drivers to take seniors to appointments, the grocery store, pharmacies and more. Contact: Steph Schroeder, 303-688-9498 Children’s Hospital Colorado South Campus, Highlands Ranch Contact: 720-777-6887 Colorado Humane Society Handles animal abuse and neglect cases Need: Volunteers to care for pregnant cats, dogs and their litters, as well as homes for cats and dogs that require socializing or that are recovering from surgery or injuries. Contact: Teresa Broaddus, 303-961-3925 Colorado Refugee English as a Second Language Program Teaches English to recently arrived refugees, who have fled war or persecution in their home country. In Colorado, refugees are from Afghanistan, Burma, Bhutan, Somalia, Iraq, Eritrea and D.R. Congo, among others. Need: Volunteers to teach English. Tutoring takes place in the student’s home. Refugees live throughout Denver, but the largest concentrations are in Thornton, near 88th Avenue and Washington Street,

PARKER AND ELIZABETH FUNERAL HOMES & CREMATORY Parker Funeral Home

10325 Parkglenn Way, Parker, Colorado 80138 (303) 841-4004

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

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Funeral Homes Visit: www.memoriams.com

10 Elbert County News

March 23, 2017M

‘We push them, we challenge them’ Fitness franchise Burn Boot Camp opens first Colorado location BY TOM SKELLEY TSKELLEY@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM

new boot camp just put down stakes in Parker, but don’t look for tents or flags outside. Owned and operated by husband and wife Carman and Sarah Ragatz, Burn Boot Camp opened a location at 12840 Stroh Ranch Court on Feb. 20, bringing a high-energy, supportive approach to fitness. The gym’s only been open a week, but Carman says clients are already seeing results, like being able to do push-ups on their toes. “We push them, we challenge them,” he says, “but it’s like a triumph for the entire gym community as a whole seeing them do it.” The coaching from Sarah and fellow trainer Duvi Vargas blares over up-tempo music from loudspeakers throughout the gym, pushing the participants to push themselves, while maintaining a positive atmosphere. A runner who avoided gyms by nature, Sarah joined a Burn location in North Carolina in February 2016 to get back in shape after a lengthy hiatus from exercise. She said the supportive, fun experience surpassed her expectations.

“From day one, I noticed there was something different there,” she says. “The workouts were different every day, the atmosphere was different. Everybody was high-fiving each other … I fell in love with it.” The “community of ladies” Sarah worked out with motivated her to keep coming back, and eventually she and Carman decided to make a career with their own Burn franchise. They moved to Parker with their four children in November and have been putting what free time they have into the gym. The 30-minute camps are organized in groups, but tailored to individual clients. Each member receives personalized focus meetings with one of the trainers to outline their fitness goals. Some camps are open to men and women, but Carman and Sarah say the gym’s communal atmosphere, and free child care during workouts, makes it especially appealing to female clients. The community atmosphere that begins in the gym continues on its Facebook page, administered by Sarah. The page contains information on schedules, upcoming camps and deals, such as membership discount of $30 for 30 days, available until March 20. Carman says Sarah also shares client testimonials, messages of encouragement and success stories to the page, to “keep the community going outside of the gym.” “That’s why we’re doing this,” he says. “And it’s only the beginning.”

Sarah Ragatz, left, helps a client through a workout at Burn Boot Camp in Parker. Ragatz says her own experience at a Burn franchise in North Carolina inspired her to open a location with her husband.

Sarah Ragatz, right, works out alongside her clients during a 30-minute camp at the Burn Boot Camp gym in Parker. Each member of the gym meets one-on-one with Ragatz or another trainer to outline personal goals and discuss how nutrition and exercise combine to meet those goals.

PHOTOS BY TOM SKELLEY

Sarah Ragatz, in green, fires up her clients at Burn Boot Camp in Parker on Feb. 28. Before opening their own franchise, Ragatz was a member of a Burn location in North Carolina.

Elbert County News 11

7March 23, 2017

Concerto competition winner to perform at Littleton venue

C ol

Voices West “April Fools a capella” is the theme for Voices West’s next concerts on April 1: At 1:30 p.m., the chorale will sing at Littleton United Methodist Church, 5894 S. Datura St., Littleton. At 7:30 p.m., the chorale will perform at King of Glory Lutheran Church, 10001 W. 58th Ave., Arvada. Tickets can be purchased online at voiceswest.org.

icholas May, a master’s student in the music department of the University of Kansas, is the 2017 winner of the Arapahoe Philharmonic’s annual T. Gordon Parks Concerto Competition and will perform in the 7:30 p.m. March 31 concert SONYA’S at South Suburban Christian Church, SAMPLER 7275 S. Broadway, Littleton. Parks was founding conductor of the orchestra. The 2017 competition was for orchestral wind, brass and percussion players. The concert is called “Mystery of the and will Sonya Ellingboe Enigma” showcase music by Edward Elgar and Pierre Max Dubois. The concert will open with Elgar’s well-known “Pomp and Circumstance March No. 1,” played across the nation at graduation ceremonies. Elgar’s “Variations on an Original Theme, Op. 63” includes 14 variations on a melody, each related to a member from the composer’s inner circle. May will perform Pierre Max Dubois’s “Concerto for Alto Saxophone and Strings.” Tickets: Arapahoe-phil.org or 303-781-1892.

C o m m u nit

Saxophonist Nicholas May, a graduate student at the University of Kansas, will perform with the Arapahoe Philharmonic on March 31. He is winner of the 2017 T Gordon Parks Concerto Competition and will play Dubois’s “Concerto for Alto Saxophone and Strings. COURTESY PHOTO Opera competition On March 25 at 1 p.m. 15 singers, of the 36 who competed in the preliminaries, will appear in the final competition for Denver Lyric Opera Guild’s 2017 awards. The competition is held at Bethany Lutheran Church, 4500 E. Hampden Ave., Cherry Hills Village and admission is free — a nice opportunity for opera fans to hear arias by our future stars. (One can stay for the entire event or part of the time.) DLOG invites guests to its Awards Luncheon at Pinehurst Country Club on April 4, where winners will sing. RSVP deadline is March 30. Cost: $45. Send check to: Linda Young, 934 Cove Way, Denver CO 80210-5110 or register online, denverlyricoperaguild.org. SEE SAMPLER, P12

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12 Elbert County News

March 23, 2017M

CURTAIN TIME Something in common? “Drowning Girls” by Beth Graham, Charlie Tomlinson and Daniela Vlaskalic plays March 15 through May 19 on specific dates in the Black Box Theatre at the Arvada Center, 6910 Wadsworth Blvd., as part of the new Repertory Series, with excellent cast. Directed by Lynne Collins. For schedule and tickets, 720-898-7200, arvadacenter.org.

Su Teatro “Mas” by Milta Ortiz is about Mexican American Studies classes — and the problems they had — in Tucson Schools. Plays at Su Teatro Cultural and Performing Arts Center, 721 Santa Fe Drive, Denver, through March 26 at 7:30 p.m. Friday, Saturday. Next : March 30-April 2, XicanIndie Film Fest. Suteatro.org, 303-296-0219.

SAMPLER

p.m. March 31 at Goodson Recreation Center, 6315 S. University Blvd., Centennial. Ice cream floats, music, dancing; 1950s attire welcome. $5 residents, $7 non-residents. 303-347-5999.

FROM PAGE 11

Outdoor Play Month Phillip S. Miller Library in Castle Rock celebrates Outdoor Play month in March, with information on many activities and state parks. A Colorado State of Mind Fair with representative from state parks and clubs, will be 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on April 1. 303-791-7323, DCL.org. RMNP a century ago “The Circle Tour,” with Lee Whitely, will revisit Rocky Mountain National Park a century ago at the March 27 meeting of the Englewood Historic Preservation Society, open to the public: at the Englewood library, 1000 Englewood Parkway (2:30 p.m.) and 6:30 p.m. at Brew on Broadway (BOB) 3445 S. Broadway, Englewood. Admission is free and guests are welcome. Irish roots “Irish Denver: Favorite Names and Places” will feature a talk and book signing by Tom “Dr. Colorado” Noel and Dennis Gallagher at 1 p.m. on March 25 in the sanctuary of First Presbyterian Church of Littleton, 1609 W. Littleton Blvd. A catered lunch will precede the program at 11:45 a.m. in Ficklin Hall for $12. Reservation required: 303-798-1389. The book “Irish Denver” will be available for $20. Spring Fling South Suburban Recreation District will host “Spring Fling” from 3 to 5

Arapahoe Community College Jess T. Dugan will lecture on “A Decade of Visual Activism” at 7 p.m. March 28, in the Waring Theatre M2900, Arapahoe Community College Littleton Campus, 5900 S. Santa Fe Drive. She will discuss her ongoing project, “To Survive This Shore: Photographs and Interviews with Transgender and Gender-Variant Older Adults.” A reception will follow at the Jantzen Gallery in the Art and Design Center, where works from the “Champions of Change” exhibition will be on display. Admission is free. ACC will host the Fine Art Student Juried Exhibition from March 23 to April 13 at Colorado Gallery of the Arts, 5900 S. Santa Fe Drive, with an opening reception from 5 to 7 p.m. March 23. Hours: 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. weekdays. At noon on April 13, Art Department chair Angela Faris Belt will speak about “How to Get Exposure for your Artwork” in the gallery. Bent’s Fort Author/professor Dr. Elliott West will talk about “Bent’s Fort: American Crossroads” at 4 p.m. April 1 at Buck Recreation Center, 2004 W. Powers Ave., Littleton (Registration required — 303-347-5999) and at 2 p.m. April 2 at Denver Central Library, 10 W. 14th Parkway, Denver (registration not required). (His dinner talk at The Fort Restaurant on April 2 is sold out.) See TesoroCulturalCenter.org.

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Elbert County News 13

7March 23, 2017

Putting the ‘Billy’ in ‘modbilly’ Billy Bob Thornton and the Boxmasters to play PACE April 12

IF YOU GO... Where: PACE Center, 20000 Pikes Peak Ave., Parker, 80138 When: 7:30 p.m., April 12 Tickets: Prices range from $49 to $54 and are available by calling 303-805-6800, in person at the box office or online at parkerarts. ticketforce.com.

BY TOM SKELLEY TSKELLEY@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM

Most people in Parker know Billy Bob Thornton for his roles in Hollywood blockbusters, but he and his bandmates in The Boxmasters want to change that. For the past 10 years, they have been writing, recording and touring — and on April 12 they’ll make a stop at Parker’s PACE Center. They’re billed as Billy Bob Thornton and The Boxmasters, but Thornton said his name is spotlighted only to reach an audience beyond their core following in honky tonks and clubs throughout the Midwest. “If I had my way it wouldn’t say that,” he said. “But I get it, from a business perspective… We started out with so much against us, we’re just now cracking through.” Composed of Thornton on drums and vocals, J.D. Andrew on rhythm guitar and Teddy Andreadis on organ, the band has cranked out hundreds of songs and seven albums, with an eighth due out in the fall. Writers coined the term “modbilly” to describe the band’s sound, a reference to the combination of influences

A promotional photo shows members of the Boxmasters: Billy Bob Thornton, center, and JD Andrew and Teddy Andreadis. The band will perform original music inspired by American artists and 1960s-era British Invasion bands at the PACE Center in Parker on April 17 at 7:30 p.m. GETTY IMAGES from British bands like The Small Faces and American pop bands like the Beach Boys. “We’re a distinctly American band,” Andrew said. “I mean, we love the British Invasion bands but we’re essentially Midwestern and southern guys. We go out and play our own songs … There’re no computers or hard drives,

or some sinister engineer in the background turning knobs.” Thornton stops short of describing their sound, presenting his case directly to potential listeners. “Just listen to it,” he said. “If you like it, you like it and if you don’t, you don’t.” The core of the band is augmented

by bassist Dave Fowler, lead guitarist Kirk McKim and drummer Eric “Meat Sweats” Rhoades for the tour. The additions flesh out the band’s sound and leave Thornton free to interact with the audience and, on occasion, join them. “Sometimes, people think they’re supposed to just sit there like they’re watching a symphony or something,” Thornton said. “If that happens I might go out into the audience and hang out with them.” Regardless of how rowdy the crowd gets, Andrew said playing in a band with his best friends is “the perfect situation” and the realization of a lifelong dream. Thornton, who has played in garage bands since he was a kid, said sharing that dream with an audience makes the experience that much sweeter. “It gives me the thrill of when I was a teenager playing high school proms,” he said. “It’s that feeling of connecting with the audience and knowing if you’re on the same page. There’s just no feeling like it.”

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14 Elbert County News

March 23, 2017M

‘I’m not the type of person who asks for help’ Parker native puts pride aside in campaign to buy special needs van BY TOM SKELLEY TSKELLEY@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM

Like a lot of 4-year-olds, Ava Johnson’s favorite thing to do is dance. “She loves music, she loves dancing,” Ava’s mother, Jessica, says. “She’s a way better dancer than I am.” Ava boogies around the living room floor just fine, but Jessica, a Parker native from the Cottonwood neighborhood, needs help getting Ava to visits with her doctors and therapists. Ava was born with several health problems, including hydrocephalus and epilepsy, causing near-constant seizures. At 3 years old, doctors performed a hemispherectomy, removing the left half of her brain. The procedure reduced her seizures but left her mostly paralyzed on her right side and compounded her vision loss. Developmentally, she performs at the same level as 8-or 9-month-olds. Jessica is 5 feet 3 inches tall, and Ava, at 3 feet 7, is rapidly gaining on her. It’s getting increasingly difficult for Jessica to lift Ava and her accessories into the SUV they borrow from Jessica’s mother. As she watches Ava playing in the children’s section of the Douglas County Libraries Parker branch, Jessica reflects on the challenges they’ve faced so far. “It’s a very special thing to have every small feat that she’s been trying so hard for to be so big and so celebrated,” she says. “It makes it that much more special. I wouldn’t have it any other way.” About two years ago Jessica began saving money to buy an adapted van that will allow her to transport Ava and her wheelchair more easily. Jessica takes care of Ava full-time and Medicaid only covers one-fifth of Ava’s medical expenses. They rent Jessica’s late grandmother’s house in south Denver to save as much as they can, but it’s slow going. Then, in January, Jessica was in a five-car collision. She and Ava were fine, but their car was totaled, adding another setback to the goal of buying the van. “This is an exorbitant expense for any family,” she says, but “special needs families have so many other expenses that aren’t covered” by insurance or Medicaid. “I’m not the type of person who asks for help,” she says. But she realized she wouldn’t be able to afford the van without it, so she reluctantly set up a GoFundMe page, “Wheels for Ava.” Overcoming pride was just one obstacle. Jessica says another fundraising issue is the prevalence of other self-funding pages on the internet. Fundraising websites are full of people requesting money to finance everything from moving expenses to vacations, competing for attention and money, with pages like Jessica and Ava’s.

Jessica Johnson and her daughter Ava share a tender moment at the Douglas County Libraries Parker branch on March 6. Jessica, who attended Chaparral High School and grew up in the Cottonwood subdivision, is saving money for an adapted van to transport Ava and her wheelchair. PHOTOS BY TOM SKELLEY

Jessica Johnson says her daughter, Ava, is a better dancer than she is. Ava had a hemisperectomy at age 3 to help control seizures from epilepsy. Johnson set up a GoFundMe page: “Wheels for Ava,” to raise funds for the van. Jessica Johnson loads her 4-year-old daughter Ava into the SUV she borrows from her mother. Getting Ava and her wheelchair in and out of the vehicle is getting more diificult as Ava continues to grow, Jessica says. “Social media is oversaturated with people asking for money that they don’t need,” Jessica says, noting she’s already made payments on the van, reserved at Performance Mobility in Highlands Ranch. “People are desensitized because everybody has a GoFundMe page. It makes it so difficult for people who

actually do need these things.” There has been more interest from the public since a recent story about her and Ava was featured on CBS 4, Jessica says, getting her closer to her goal and reconnecting her with former classmates. “So many of them are people I went to high school with,” she says. “There

are a lot of people from Chaparral on there.” The buzz increased her fundraising total to about $14,000, where it currently stands. It’s a long way from $50,000, but she, and Ava, are on their way.

IF YOU WANT TO HELP Anyone interested in contributing to Ava Johnson’s campaign can visit the “Wheels for Ava” fundraising page at: gofundme. com/9xnwbw.

Elbert County News 15

7March 23, 2017

VOLUNTEERS FROM PAGE 9

Dumb Friends League Harmony Equine Center Cares for homeless horses and other equines. Need: Volunteers to work with horses and other opportunities. Requirements: Must be 16 years old, pass a background check, and be able to commit to at least three hours a week for three months. Contact: 303-751-5772. Other information: A volunteer open house is from 5-7 p.m. Thursday, July 21, at the center in Franktown. During the two-hour orientation, prospective volunteers will get an overview of the services provided, learn about the volunteer opportunities, take a tour of the center, and talk with staff and volunteers. In addition, the $25 volunteer application fee will be waived for anyone who applies to be a volunteer during the open house. Volunteers must be 16 years old, pass a background check and be able to commit to at least three hours a week for three months. RSVP at www.ddfl.org. Front Range BEST Hosts free robotics competitions for middle and high school students Need: Volunteer judges for competions. Contact: Tami Kirkland, 720-323-6827 or Tami.Kirkland@FrontRangeBEST.org Gateway Battered Women’s Shelter Serves victims of family violence in Aurora and Arapahoe County Need: Volunteers help with crisis-line

management, children’s services, legal advocacy, community education and other shelter services. Donations: Also accepts used cell phones (younger than 4 years) to give to victims. Mail to Gateway at P.O. Box 914, Aurora, CO 80040, or drop them off at Neighborly Thrift Store, 3360 S. Broadway, Englewood Requirements: Must attend a 26-hour training session; bilingual skills welcome Contact: Jeneen Klippel-Worden, 303-3431856 or jkworden@gatewayshelter.com Girl Scouts of Colorado Youth organization for girls Need: Troop leaders, office support, administrative help and more Age requirement: Men and women, 18 and older Contact: www.girlscoutsofcolorado.org, inquiry@gscolorado.org or 1-877-404-5708 Global Orphan Relief Develops and supports programs bringing light, comfort and security to orphans around the world Need: Super stars with website development, users of the abundant resources of social media. Those with great connection ability are needed to help with the development of the donor pool. Contact: Those interested serving this faith-based Colorado nonprofit can contact Deitra Dupray, 303-895-7536 or dadupray@comcast.net. GraceFull Community Cafe Provides a place in Littleton where people of all backgrounds can gather, eat well and be inspired to give back. Cafe is open for breakfast and lunch, from 6:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tuesday to Saturday. A partner of the GraceFull Foundation.

Need: Opportunities for food preparation, guest service, cleaning and dishwashing. Location: 5610 Curtice St., Littleton Contact: Sign up for volunteer opportunities at http://gracefullcafe.com/volunteer/ Habitat ReStore Nonprofit home improvement stores and donation centers Need: Volunteers for Wheat Ridge, Denver or Littleton Habitat ReStores, helping with the cash register, dock and warehouse floor Contact: 303-996-5468, email Alice Goble at Alice@habitatmetrodenver.org Highlands Ranch Community Association Works with Therapeutic Recreation Program and Special Olympics Need: Volunteers to help teach classes, coach Special Olympics, provide athletes support during Special Olympics practices, assist with special events, and help participats succeed in the therapeutic recreation program. Contact: Summer Aden, 303-471-7043 or www.hrcaonline.org/tr Hospice at Home Need: Volunteers help patients and their families with respite care, videotaping, massage and other tasks. Home study training is available. Contact 303-698-6404 Hospice of Covenant Care Nonprofit, faith-based hospice Need: Volunteers to support patients and families Contact: 303-731-8039

Public Notice

Public Notices All persons having claims against the above named estate are required to present them to the Personal Representative or to: The District Court of Elbert County, PO Box 232, Kiowa, Colorado 80117 On or before July 10, 2017 or the claims may be forever barred.

Notice To Creditors PUBLIC NOTICE NOTICE TO CREDITORS Estate of Donald Grant Schriner, Deceased Case Number: 16 PR 30046

All persons having claims against the abovenamed estate are required to present them to the Personal Representative or to the District Court of Elbert County, Colorado on or before July 17, 2017 or the claims may be forever barred. LaDonna Christianson, c/o Brian A. Jeffrey Personal Representative 1600 Broadway, Suite 1200 Denver, Colorado 80202 Legal Notice No: 23625 First Publication: March 16, 2017 Last Publication: March 30, 2017 Publisher: Elbert County News Public Notice NOTICE TO CREDITORS Estate of LILIAN KATHRYN STROND-CORDOVA, Deceased. Case No.: 17PR30011 All persons having claims against the above named estate are required to present them to the Personal Representative or to: The District Court of Elbert County, PO Box 232, Kiowa, Colorado 80117 On or before July 10, 2017 or the claims may be forever barred. Ralph C. Cordova Personal Representative P 46432 Indian Brush Court 4 Parker, Colorado 80138 P Legal Notice No.: 23621 First Publication: March 9, 2017 Last Publication: March 23, 2017 Publisher: The Elbert County News

Ralph C. Cordova Personal Representative 46432 Indian Brush Court Parker, Colorado 80138

Notice To Creditors

Legal Notice No.: 23621 First Publication: March 9, 2017 Last Publication: March 23, 2017 Publisher: The Elbert County News Public Notice NOTICE TO CREDITORS Estate of Cash M. Wills aka Cash Monroe Wills, Deceased Case Number: 17PR30013 All persons having claims against the abovenamed estate are required to present them to the Personal Representative or to the District Court of Elbert County, Colorado on or before July 17, 2017, or the claims may be forever barred. Louis Darren Wills, Personal Representative C/O Gubbels Law Office, P.C. 402 N. Wilcox Street, Suite 100 Castle Rock, CO 80104

Lutheran Family Services: Cultural Mentoring Program We welcome refugee families and help them adjust to their new home Need: People who can commit to working with refugees on skills for self-sufficiency and helping them learn about their new home. Requirements: Must be 18 or older (although children of volunteers are welcome to participate). One-hour training and orientation required. Contact: David Cornish, 303-225-0199 or david.cornish@lfsrm.org; go to www.lfsrm.org. Meals on Wheels Delivers meals to residents in Englewood, southern Jefferson County and western Arapahoe County Need: Drivers to deliver meals; volunteers to help prepare, box and label meals Requirements: Must dedicate one to two hours a week Contact: Phil or Mary at 303-798-7642 (from 8 a.m. to noon Mondays through Fridays)

Notices

Lone Tree Police Department Volunteers

NOTICE TO CREDITORS Estate of LILIAN KATHRYN STROND-CORDOVA, Deceased. Case No.: 17PR30011

in Police Service (VIPS) Provides assistance within the Police Department in both Administrative and Patrol functions. Need: Volunteers are needed to assist with many areas within the Police Department to include patrol functions, fingerprinting, and fleet maintenance. Requirements: Must attend the Lone Tree Police Department Citizen’s Police Academy, and submit to a background check. Additional training is provided based on area of interest. Patrol volunteers must commit to a minimum monthly hour requirement. Contact: Tim.Beals@cityoflonetree.com or 720-509-1159.

Notice To Creditors

To advertise your public notices call 303-566-4100

Misc. Private Legals

Public Notice

NOTICE TO CREDITORS Estate of Wanda J. Wills aka Wanda Jean Wills, Deceased Case Number 17PR30012

NOTICE OF MEDICAID APPLICATION

All persons having claims against the abovenamed estate are required to present them to the Personal Representative or to the District Court of Elbert County, Colorado on or before July 17, 2017, or the claims may be forever barred. Darren L. Wills aka Louis Darren Wills, Personal Representative C/O Gubbels Law Office, P.C. 402 N. Wilcox Street, Suite 100 Castle Rock, CO 80104 Legal Notice No.:23629 First Publication: March 16, 2017 Last Publication: March 30, 2017 Publisher: The Elbert County News

Legal Notice No.:23628 First Publication: March 16, 2017 Last Publication: March 30, 2017 Publisher: The Elbert County News

Public Notices

PLEASE TAKE NOTICE THAT E.C.M.C., LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY HAS FILED AN APPLICATION WITH THE COLORADO DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH CARE POLICY AND FINANCING FOR MEDICAID CERTIFICATION OF ITS PROPOSED NURSING FACILITY LOCATED AT 33996 COUNTY ROAD 17 IN THE TOWN OF ELIZABETH. THIS APPLICATION HAS BEEN FILED PURSUANT TO THE APPLICABLE COLORADO DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH CARE POLICY AND FINANCING REGULATIONS FOR NEW FACILITY CERTIFICATION AND WILL BE AVAILABLE FOR VIEWING BY THE PUBLIC AT THE DEPARTMENT’S OFFICES AT 1570 GRANT STREET, DENVER, COLORADO 80203 OR ON THE DEPARTMENT’S WEBSITE: www.Colorado.gov/hcpf. Legal Notice No.: 23633 First Publication: March 23, 2017 Last Publication: April 13, 2017 Publisher: The Elbert County News

Misc. Private Legals Public Notice

Mobilitie, LLC is proposing to construct a 45foot utility pole telecommunications tower at 10255 Lambert Rd, Elbert, Elbert County, CO 80106 (38 58 40.7 N / 104 34 32.2 W). The tower is anticipated to have no lights. Interested persons may review the application for this project at www.fcc.gov/asr/applications and entering Antenna Structure Registration (ASR) Form 854 File Number “A1064340” and may raise environmental concerns about the project by filing a Request for Environmental Review with the Federal Communications Commission. Requests for Environmental Review must be filed within 30 days of the date that notice of the project is published on the FCC’s website. The FCC strongly encourages interested parties to file Requests for Environmental Review online at www.fcc.gov/asr/environmentalrequest. Parties wishing to submit the request by mail may do so by addressing the request to: FCC Requests for Environmental Review, Attn: Ramon Williams, 445 12th Street SW, Washington, DC 20554. Legal Notice No: 23632 First Publication: March 23, 2017 Last Publication: March 23, 2017 Publisher: Elbert County News

Please call if we can help you with your legal publication.

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16 Elbert County News

March 23, 2017M

CLUBS

offered from 6-9 p.m. the second Tuesday of every month at the Elizabeth Library, 651 W. Beverly St. Volunteer attorneys will answer questions, help fill out forms and explain the process and procedure for the areas of family law, civil litigation, criminal defense, property law, probate law, collections, appeals, landlord-tenant law and civil protection orders. Walk-ins are welcome. Everyone will be helped on a first-come, first-served basis.

FROM PAGE 7

Elizabeth Food Bank, 381 S. Banner in Elizabeth (next door to Elizabeth Presbyterian Church) needs to let the public know that we are available to help anyone who needs food. Hours are Friday 12:30-3 p.m. and Saturdays from 9-11:30 a.m. Other times by appointment.

LEGO Master Brickster: 3:45 p.m. Thursdays at the Kiowa Library. Build LEGO stuff together. Call 303-621-2111 or go to pplibraries.org.

Game Night: 4 p.m. Mondays at the Kiowa Library; call 303-621-2111. 5 p.m. Wednesdays at the Elbert Library; call 303-6483533. Enjoy board, card, and video games for all ages. Kiowa Creek Food Pantry is a distribution site for the State of Colorado TEFAP food program. Food is distributed monthly to low income individuals/families that qualify. We also distribute low income senior food boxes for the state; those 60 and older may qualify for a monthly supplement. If you are in need of food assistance or know someone who is, we may be able to qualify you for one of these programs. Call the food pantry for more information at 303-621-2376, or come by from 8:30 a.m. to noon Tuesdays; we are located in the Fellowship Hall at 231 Cheyenne Street, Kiowa. Knitting Group: 2 p.m. Tuesdays at the Kiowa Library. Knit and chat. All skill levels welcome. Call 303-621-2111 or go to pplibraries.org. Lawyers at the Library, a free legal clinic for parties who have no attorney, will be

Mystery Book Club meets at 9:30 a.m. the first Saturday of each month at the Simla Public Library. The group enjoys talking about a variety of mystery authors and titles. We also periodically host a Colorado author during our meetings. Everyone may join us, and registration is not required. Visit the Simla Branch of the Elbert County Library District at 504 Washington Avenue, call 719-541-2573, or email farabe@elbertcountylibrary.org. Outback Express is a public transit service provided through the East Central Council of Local Governments is open and available to all residents of Cheyenne, Elbert, Kit Carson and Lincoln counties and provides an economical and efficient means of travel for the four-county region. Call Kay Campbell, Kiowa, at 719- 541-4275. You may also call the ECCOG office at 1-800-825-0208 to make reservations for any of the trips. You may also visit http://outbackexpress.tripod.com. To ensure that a seat is

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available, 24-hour advance reservations are appreciated. Overeaters Anonymous meets from 10-11 a.m. and from 7-8 p.m. Wednesdays in the Sedalia Room at New Hope Presbyterian Church, 2100 Meadows Parkway, Castle Rock. Parker-Franktown-Elizabeth Paper Crafting Club is open to anyone interested in card making and scrapbooking. We meet regularly throughout the month on various weekday evenings and weekends. Club events take place at 7786 Prairie Lake Trail, Parker (in the Pinery). Contact Alison Collins at 720-212-4788 for information or find us online at http:// www.meetup.com/Parker-FranktownElizabeth-Paper-Crafting-Club/ Seniors meet in Elizabeth every Monday at 11 a.m. for food, fun and fellowship at Elizabeth Senior Center, 823 S. Banner St. Bring a dish for potluck on the first Monday of each month. Other Mondays, bring a sack lunch. Bingo, games and socializing. New leadership. Call Agnes at 303-883-7881 or Carol at 303-646-3425 for information. Simla Open Mic Night: 6:30 p.m. Fridays, Simla Library. Share poetry, music, dance, comedy or painting (inter alios), or just come and watch. Sky Cliff Center Caregiver Support Group: 10-11:30 a.m. the third Tuesday of each month at 4600 E. Highway 86, Castle Rock. Caregiving for adults can be challenging at times, and you’re not alone. For information, or to let the center know

Sky Cliff Center Stroke Support Group: 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. the second and last Wednesday of each month at Christlife Community Church, 5451 E. Highway 86, Franktown (lunch provided). 10-11:30 a.m. the third Wednesday of each month at Sky Ridge Medical Center, 10101 Ridge Gate Parkway, Lone Tree. Call Sky Cliff Center at 303-814-2863. Teen Tuesday: 5 p.m. Tuesdays at the Elbert Library. Play card and video games. Call 303-648-3533 or go to pplibraries.org. Therapeutic riding. Promise Ranch Therapeutic Riding in Parker offers free therapeutic riding for developmentally disabled adults and children. Scholarship money is available for Douglas County residents to provide 10 therapeutic riding lessons. Call 303-841-5007 or visit www. promiseranchtherapeuticriding.com. VFW Post 10649 meets monthly at 8:30 a.m. the first Saturday of every month at 24325 Main St., Elbert. Go to http://www. vfwpost10649.org. Contact Alan Beebe at 303-435-2560 for questions. VFW Post 4266, serving veterans of foreign wars in Parker, Castle Pines and Castle Rock areas, meets at 7 p.m. the third Monday of every month at the Pinery Fire Station, Community Room Lower Level, 8170 N. Hillcrest Way, Parker. Go to www.vfwpost4266.org. P.O. Box 4266, Parker, CO 80134. On Facebook at VFW Post 4266, Parker.

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