Elbert County News 0330 by Colorado Community Media

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March 30, 2017

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ELBERT COUNTY, COLORADO

A publication of

Changes explored during water panel update Commissioners call for more oversight, possible new direction BY JODI HORNER SPECIAL TO COLORADO COMMUNITY MEDIA

Sophie Lawrence from Conifer pets her Fjord horse named Starfire Malin Jambette on March 11 at the Rocky Mountain Horse Expo in Denver. PHOTOS BY STEPHANIE MASON

Horse enthusiasts gallop to expo Training clinics and entertainment wrangle audiences across state BY STEPHANIE MASON SMASON@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM

The National Western Stock Show Complex in Denver recently hosted more than 150 events for thousands of horses and horse lovers alike during the 2017 Rocky Mountain Horse Expo. Throughout the weekend of March 10-12, nine arenas and event spaces simultaneously hosted horse-related clinics and events. Classes regarding riding, SEE HORSES, P5

Paige Osborne, from Breckenridge, rides her horse, Tucker, at Cody Harrison’s clinic about how to create and handle speed on March 11 at the Rocky Mountain Horse Expo in Denver.

In a thorough presentation by Bob Ware of the Water Advisory Commission, the Board of County Commissioners was updated on the group’s progress at the BOCC meeting on March 22. Ware told the county commissioners that the water group needs more members. “We’d like to have two or three more people,” he said. “We are also looking for some people to help us with research, things of that nature.” Although interest in Elbert County’s water situation has grown, there are still many people who need to become aware, Ware indicated. The WAC was formed more than 10 years ago as an ad hoc group with the purpose of advising the county commissioners on matters regarding water policy. The three current members have been on the water group for more than five years. “Most people take water for granted, as long as water is coming out of the tap, everything is good,” Ware said. But with 98 percent of the county’s population on wells, “people have a lot to be concerned about, it’s just that simple,” he said. Presently, there are 138 people on the WAC email list, though Ware hopes to see that number increase as Elbert County’s citizens become more informed and made aware of the need for citizen involvement. SEE WATER, P6

THE BOTTOM LINE PERIODICAL

‘On my mother’s side we always had a lot of stories, a lot of stories from Scotland. It’s a pretty Scottish thing, a love of history and family stories.’ Laurie Marr Wasmund, author | Page 2 INSIDE

CALENDAR: PAGE 7

VOICES: PAGE 8

ElbertCountyNews.net

LIFE: PAGE 10

SPORTS: PAGE 14 VOLUME 122 | ISSUE 9

2 Elbert County News

March 30, 2017M

Author passionate about state she calls home Historical fiction aims to shed light on history often overlooked BY JODI HORNER SPECIAL TO COLORADO COMMUNITY MEDIA

Local author Laurie Marr Wasmund is a proud Colorado native, although she doesn’t have a “Native” bumper sticker on her car. “I have the certified Pioneer plates. I applied before the law changed and anyone could get them,” said Wasmund, who grew up in Castle Rock and graduated from Douglas County High School. She now lives in unincorporated northwestern Elbert County. Wasmund’s passion for her home state is expressed through her writing. She has self-published three novels, each centered around fictitious Coloradans but set during real-life historical events. Through the stories of her characters, Wasmund paints a picture of the side of history often overlooked. “We know what happened in the trenches in France — most of us learned about that in school,” she said. “It is what happened in 1917-1919 in America that we don’t quite remember. The beginnings of `big’ government under President Wilson’s imposition of regulations on most industries … the atrocious treatment of German-Americans, who had to register in their local communities and who were then subjected to terrible discrimination, the horrific treatment of conscientious objectors, who were sentenced to hard labor in places like Fort Leavenworth and Alcatraz,” Wasmund explained. She is currently working on her fourth novel, “To Love Kindness,” which is set in 1918 during World War I, with America deeply entrenched in the war in France. It will be the second book in her “White Winter Trilogy.” Wasmund hopes it will be ready to publish by the end of this year. The first book of the trilogy, called “To Do Justice,” centers on three cousins from Colorado as America enters WWI. The third book will be titled “To Walk Humbly,” and will focus on life in Colorado after the war, when the

Author Laurie Marr Wasmund had the opportunity to present her book, “To Do Justice,” to Gov. John Hickenlooper at the Colorado Authors’ League event in September. COURTESY PHOTOS

Wasmund is shown in her home office working on her fourth novel, “To Do Kindness.”

Colorado government was steeped in the Ku Klux Klan, she said. “It’s a story that needs to be told,” Wasmund said. “Ninety percent of the state government was KKK in 1920s.” The titles for the “White Winter Trilogy” were all inspired by the Bible passage Micah 6:8. The Revised Standard Version translation, similar to others, says: “He has showed you, O man, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love

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kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?” Wasmund’s passion for history and storytelling stems from her own family history of storytelling. “On my mother’s side we always had a lot of stories, a lot of stories from Scotland. It’s a pretty Scottish thing, a love of history and family stories,” the redheaded Wasmund said. “My grandmother always had an incredible interest in history and did a

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The cover for Wasmund’s book “To Do Justice” features her grandfather, John Marr, and great uncle, Henry Halgate Storm, shortly after their return to Boston after WWI in 1919. COURTESY IMAGE lot with writing,” she said. Her grandmother, Josephine Lowell Marr, was a columnist for the Douglas County News (“Walk With the Pioneers”) and Douglas County’s first official historian. Later in her life, she published a history of Douglas County called “Douglas County: A Historical Journey.” With the 100th anniversary of America’s declaration of war on Germany approaching on April 6, Wasmund is especially enthusiastic to share her historical fiction with her fellow Coloradans, if not the world. “What I really want people to do (when they read her books) is two things. I want them to say, `hey, I want to watch this documentary, I want to read more about World War I, the Ludlow Massacre, and read the historical sources for themselves,’” she said. “Second, I want them to see how in history, what goes around comes around. Some of these conversations are very familiar to us today,” she said. Wasmund will be at Parker Writers at the new library from 2 to 4 p.m. April 9. She is hosting a workshop titled “Writing from the Senses.”

Elbert County News 3

7March 30, 2017

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4 Elbert County News

March 30, 2017M

Heroes Heroes A SSISTED L IVING

M E M O RY C A R E

Honored

A staff member for the office of Congressman Ken Buck meets with protesters outside the representative’s Castle Rock office on March 22, a day prior to the anticipated vote to repeal the Affordable Care Act. JESSICA GIBBS

A conversation continued over health care There's room in our Home & Hearts …for even more Heroes

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Douglas County group lobbies to keep ACA in the days before effort to replace it is halted BY JESSICA GIBBS JGIBBS@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM

A conversation between Douglas County residents and a congressman over health care has been brewing for weeks as Republicans sought to repeal and replace the Affordable Care Act. That conversation is likely to continue in the weeks and months to come. The American Health Care Act, backed by President Donald Trump and some other Republican leaders, was pulled by House Speaker Paul Ryan amid lackluster GOP support on March 24 — canceling an expected vote that had already been delayed a day. That means Obamacare remains the law of the land “for the foreseeable future,” Ryan said in a March 24 news conference broadcast on Facebook Live. The failed bill brings relief to some, like members of the Douglas County Indivisible CD4 group, but dismay to those who hoped to see the ACA go. Shortly after news of the bill being pulled came down on March 24, U.S. Rep. Ken Buck, R-Windsor, issued a statement. “This is a sad day for my constituents who are suffering under Obamacare,” he said. “We need to repeal Obamacare, but we also need to get the replacement right.” Buck represents the 4th Congressional District, which includes Castle Rock, Castle Pines, Parker, Lone Tree,

Elbert County and much of Colorado’s eastern plains region. Spencer Worley, an Indivisible member and Castle Pines resident, said he was glad to hear the bill was pulled. “I’m glad that the ACA is still intact but I’m urging that the Republicans stand up and listen to their constituencies even if it runs counter to their party platform,” he said. “The fact that it (ACA) wasn’t repealed gives me hope.” Should a repeal-and-replace attempt happen again, he hopes his representative, Buck, will vote no. Talks between Indivisible members and Buck gained momentum in February. Approximately 50 members of the Douglas County Indivisible group met with the congressman to talk health care. While Buck has openly supported replacing Obamacare — but hasn’t said whether he supported the replacement plan — most Indivisible members are passionately in favor of keeping it. Still, both sides said communication is important to bridging political divides. On March 22, about 30 members of Indivisible from Douglas County and Elizabeth gathered in protest outside Buck’s office in Castle Rock. Their mission: to stop the American Health Care Act from passing during the anticipated March 23 vote. In a whirlwind of events, the vote was delayed that day, then canceled March 24 after Trump asked Ryan to pull the bill. Buck didn’t say how he would have voted, and on March 22, a spokesman said the congressman was still weighing all options on the bill. The repeal-and-replace movement had Indivisible members worried. The SEE HEALTH, P16

Elbert County News 5

7March 30, 2017

Justin Dunn, a horse trainer from Guffey, Colorado, works his horse, Paulo, in a clinic about establishing clear communication with a horse on March 11 at the Rocky Mountain Horse Expo in Denver. PHOTOS BY STEPHANIE MASON

HORSES FROM PAGE 1

training, carriage driving and equine health were discussed at length. Among the 45 clinicians, favorites included Coloradobased horse trainers Julie Goodnight, Justin Dunn and Cody Harrison. Many classes included

a “Ride with the Experts” portion, in which people could bring their horses to be personally evaluated and worked with as an audience watched and took note of the new skillset being learned. Some classes were small clinics focused on specific skills that featured several riders and audience members. Some of these classes included controlling a

horse’s speed or loading a horse into a trailer. Justin Dunn, from Guffey, Colorado, taught a clinic about how to establish clear communication with a horse. “Never use fear or pain to force a horse to submit,” Dunn said. “We ask the horse to consistently stay the same. We give him every opportunity to understand what we are asking… We

want them to quietly respond to the questions we are asking.” Julie Goodnight, of Poncha Springs, Colorado, taught a class called “Tips on how to ride til’ you’re 90.” “Riding is not something you will ever stop learning,” Goodnight said. “You will never know everything there is to know about the sport.” Other events herded larger crowds to the event arena.

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6 Elbert County News

March 30, 2017M

C e

C ol

q f C K g b

C o m m u nit

Water Advisory Committee member Bob Ware presents an update on the progress of the commission at the Board of County Commissioners meeting on March 22. JODI HORNER

WATER FROM PAGE 1

VOTE

TODAY!

The WAC has used various means to educate the local population and generate interest in the water situation within the county, such as media presentations, speakers, and service programs. A public outreach program is available for people who need documentation assistance, such as how to make changes in ownership of their well and the laws surrounding that process. Another issue on which the WAC informs citizens is well adjudication (the legal process to determine who has a valid water right). When questioned by the BOCC about the legal implications of the WAC’s assistance to the public on personal property issues, Ware explained that they are not acting as legal advisers but rather directing citizens to public information documentation. The commissioners expressed their appreciation for the water commission’s hard work, then stated some of their concerns to Ware following he had completed his presentation. “As commissioners, we want to be involved, we want to know what’s being given to the public,” said Com-

missioner Danny Willcox. Commissioner Grant Thayer suggested more frequent public updates by the WAC. “Call us to get on the agenda,” he said. “Or call us if there’s something that needs to be discussed.” Commissioner Chris Richardson pinpointed the need for a redirection of the WAC’s current course. “I feel the group has been allowed to stray from their intended purpose,” he said. “What was once advisory to the BOCC is now a citizen education group. Laudable, but not their intended mandate.” Their specific responsibilities, scope and authority were never formally documented, Richardson said. “The original three members are no longer members … and it seems clear they (the current water advisory commission members) have chosen their own direction without consulting the BOCC on this change,” he said. “I want to sit down ... and jointly develop a vision, purpose, scope and end-state that meets the BOCC needs,” Richardson said. A specific date for the meeting has not been set. The Water Advisory Commission meetings are open to the public. They are held the first Wednesday of every month at 7 p.m. at the Pines & Plains Public Library in Elizabeth.

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Elbert County News 7

7March 30, 2017

Chamber to host casino night STAFF REPORT

The Elizabeth Area Chamber of Commerce is hosting a casino night event open to those 21 and older. The chamber’s 2nd Annual Banquet and Casino Night is scheduled for 6 to 10 p.m. April 8 at the Elbert County Fairgrounds, 95 Ute Ave., Kiowa. The event will feature casino game tables, a catered dinner, a cash bar and a live DJ. Each ticket includes dinner and

$500 in chips. Chips can be redeemed for raffle tickets at the end of the night. The raffle will include prizes sponsored by local businesses. One prize, from Lumin General Contractors, includes a free gutter system and window screenings. The chamber is seeking more raffle business sponsors, prizes, table sponsors and items to be placed in swag bags. Contact Wendy Walp at 303-243-1308 for more information.

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. 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. 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. Banquet, Casino Night: 6-10 p.m. Saturday, April 8, at the Elbert County Fairgrounds. Enjoy casino game tables, a catered dinner, DJ, dancing and a cash bar. Cost includes dinner and $500 in chips. Cash in your chips at the end of the night for raffle tickets. Contact Wendy Walp at 303-243-1308 if you have donations or items to be placed in the swag bags. Go to http://business. elizabethchamber.org/events/details/banquet-casino-nighteacoc-2nd-annual-2847 for tickets and information. Contact the chamber at 303-646-4287.

[PHOTO] 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. Walk-ins 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 800-825-0208 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.

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April is Child Abuse Prevention Month What would you do if you suspected child abuse or neglect? Call 303-663-6270 or visit www.douglas.co.us and search Child Protective Services to know the signs of child abuse and neglect and what to do if you believe a child is at risk.

Veterans Affairs Office closed April 18-21 The Douglas County Office of Veterans Affairs will be closed April 18-21 while staff attends mandatory training. For information on services offered by the office visit www.douglasveterans.org

Emergency happening near you? Be among the first to know. 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.

Voting open for Art Encounters outdoor sculptures 27 sculptures are showcased in parks, recreation center entrances, libraries and art centers throughout Douglas County. For art locations or to vote online and more visit www.douglas.co.us/artencounters The People’s Choice Award for the winning sculpture will be announced June 2017.

Help maintain the trails you love Want to join the County’s volunteer trail crew? Attend an open house on April 11 at Dawson Butte Open Space from 10-11 a.m. Learn the in and outs of corridor clearing, tread work, plants, wildlife and more. Visit www.douglas. co.us and search for Dawson Butte Open Space. RSVP by April 9 to Aknopp@douglas.co.us

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8 Elbert County News

WINNING WORDS

Michael Norton

LOCAL

March 30, 2017M

VOICES

Inspiring, affirming words add to beauty of beach

he past several months have been an extremely busy time in my life. And I am grateful for all of the work, opportunities, challenges, setbacks and people who have been placed in my path. The good news is that I was fortunate enough to take a short vacation on one of the Caribbean islands last week. The weather was perfect, the sand was soft, the water warm and inviting, the breeze singing through the palm trees, and all that combined with a good book was enough to help get me to that place of vacating all the tension, stress, and tiredness that had accumulated over the prior several months. That is, I thought it was enough, as it turned out I had one more blessing that would

take place each and every day while relaxing on the beach. There were many locals on the island who walk the beach talking with the guests and trying to sell their tours, fishing trips, snorkel trips, a ride or taxi into town, jewelry, aloe, and some other items that they carried with them. However, there was one local man who was selling foot massages. He carried a sign and his T-shirt read, “Just Feet.” Although I didn’t take advantage of a foot massage, many of the other guests did. However, what I did take advantage of was listening to Sam, as he walked the beach. As he walked, he would speak out loud. He wasn’t trying to sell his services, he was counting

Challenging food factoids to chew on

arch is National Nutrition worked, there is no “magic time” to Month, and in my recent stop eating at night (also good news work for an organizato a person whose circadian tion that provides rhythm regular misses a few ALCHEMY beats) as long as I’m not eating nutritional counseling, I too many calories during the learned a lot about healthy eatday. Oh … well, there’s that. ing, weight loss and wellness Health foods are better and, no, my extensive knowlfor us. Alternative fact! edge about losing weight is not And just how do we define just from decades of back-and“health food,” anyway? Soforth dieting. called health foods – such as In this world of gaslightgranola with added sugar, ing and alternative nutrifor example – can be just tion facts, there are a lot of as high in calories, fat, and myths about healthy eating salt as other foods, and are that have been perpetuated Andrea Doray often more expensive. Just by popular culture or trendy because they call themselves health diet plans … not that I personally foods doesn’t mean they really are. pay attention to what’s popular or We all need to drink eight glasses trendy, you understand. of water each day. Myth! Drinking But seriously, did you know that eight glasses of water is overrated. we’re supposed to eat carbs? That’s The actual amount of water you right, our bodies need carbohyshould drink is based on your age, drates to work correctly, including gender, weight and activity level. proper brain function (which might One guideline is to drink in ounces explain a lot to those of you who’ve an amount equal to half your been around when I’m on a diet). weight in pounds, up to 100 ounces Here are some other myth-busters per day. For some people, that’s of what I thought I knew: fewer than 8 glasses, and more than Don’t eat potatoes. Fake news! Po8 glasses each day for others. Mine tatoes themselves are not fattening varies with my weight (see above). – which is great news for a girl who Fresh foods are always healthier grew up in the San Luis Valley and than frozen/canned foods. Gasloves her some potatoes. It’s when lighting! Because fresh foods may we embellish by slathering on the lose nutrients while sitting in the butter and sour cream that we add grocery store (or your refrigerator), a lot of calories. (I will have to work both canned and frozen vegetables on this one.) can be good choices. Frozen foods We’ll gain weight if we eat after 8 p.m. Myth! According to the Registered Dietitian Nutritionists where I SEE DORAY, P9

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Not to give anything away, but let’s go all out on awards

am polishing my tuxedo. Jennifer’s backless, strapless gown is out of pawn. We’re getting ready for the Awards Awards. Pardon my redundancy, as W.C. Fields would say. We have awards QUIET for everything else, DESPERATION so why not awards for awards? There are two or three ceremonies every month, for movies, songs, zookeepers, and shoe clerks. The Awards Awards pools all of them. It makes Craig Marshall perfect sense. Sooner or later Smith each and every one of us will be handed a trophy. As an educator I made an important discovery. Give everyone an “A,” and everyone goes home happy. Best Jimmy Stewart Impersonator, Best Achievement in Achievement, Best Achievement in Underachievement, Best Methodist Named Carl. Best Acceptance Speech. Best Worst Acceptance Speech. Best Musical. Best Musical Music. Awarding awards goes back 40,000 years. We know that a Neanderthal named “Buzz” picked up a trophy for Best Grunting Around the Females. From there it spread to Greece, and

JERRY HEALEY President

ERIN ADDENBROOKE Majors/Classified Manager

on his sign, his T-shirt, and word of mouth to bring him business. What he was saying out loud while walking were daily positive affirmations. He had a different word for each day we were there. Sam would say something like, “Today I am happy. All my thoughts and all my actions today will build upon my happiness. I will share my happiness with others hoping I can give them some of my heart and happiness.” And he would repeat this over and over again while walking. This took place every day. The next day Sam walked by saying, “Today I am grateful, today I count my blessings instead of my curses,

the first Olympiad. And now? I have heard rumors about an awards channel, like Turner Classic Movies. Twenty-four hours a day. Non-stop ceremonies, new ones, old ones. Who wouldn’t want to see Sacheen Littlefeather accept on behalf of Marlon Brando again? And maybe catch up on what she is doing these days? She turned 70 last November. Upcoming: Best Sports Nicknames. I’m rooting for Thomas “The Angry Salad” Romaine, a St. Louis middleweight. Jennifer is rooting for Bill “Old Fish ‘n’ Chips” Flounderman, a utility infielder in the Appalachian League. Best Ethical Politician was canceled because there are none. Best Sideline Reporters? Same thing. Upcoming in June, appropriately: Best Best Man. Then we can look forward to Best Trophy. I like the Stanley Cup. It has the names of the winning teams, their coaches, players, and dentists engraved on it. Jennifer thinks that Floyd of Rosedale is tops. That’s the trophy they give to the winner of the Iowa-Minnesota football game every year.

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.

SEE SMITH, P9

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 30, 2017

NORTON FROM PAGE 8

today I am grateful for my family, my country, the food I will eat, the people I will meet, today I am grateful.” Now if I were a cynic, I might have thought that this was just Sam’s way of getting the attention of the resort guests so that they would read his sign or T-shirt and request a foot massage. But the more I watched him, and the more he walked the beach away from the guests, he continued saying out loud, softly, almost in a whisper sometimes, but still proclaiming his positive affirmations out loud. He wasn’t holding them inside, he wasn’t keeping them to himself, he was just sharing what seemed very natural and a very big part of his life and reason for contentment and happiness. I was only there for several days, so I do not know how many positive words and affirmations Sam has in his affirmation bucket or in his positive word bank, But I do know that happiness, gratitude, contentment, love and forgiveness were the words I heard Sam use. I don’t know that I had a favorite as they were all speaking directly to me, but I think the most memorable was his positive affirmation about love. Sam was causally and peacefully walking through the sand and saying,

SMITH FROM PAGE 8

The Hawkeyes beat the Golden Gophers last year, 14-7. Best License Plate is right around the corner. The Automobile License Plate Collectors Association gives out the annual award. Colorado won in 1975. Michigan won in 2013 with its tasteful montage of the Mackinac Bridge, a Woodward Avenue hot dog, and lyrics of “The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald.” “Lake Huron rolls, Superior sings, in the rooms of her ice-water mansions.” The album version of the song is 6:32, but I always think it takes a week. It’s up for Best Disaster Song, and I think it has a real shot. Its stiffest competition might be that catchy tune

“Today I choose love. I choose to love others as I have been loved. I choose to love even those who do not love me. I hope that someone may hear or see my love today and that it somehow makes a difference in their lives. Today I choose love.” And he recited it over and over again. Sam’s positive affirmations added to what was already a relaxing vacation, and his words reminded me just how powerful the spoken word is, especially when we are using them to positively affirm ourselves or others. So how about you? Do you have a positive word bank or affirmation bucket you can draw upon that drives your belief system for each day? It doesn’t have to be a big list or large bucket, maybe you just have a few “go-to” words that inspire you. My encouragement is that you try speaking them out loud, softly, almost a whisper if it gives you greater comfort, but to try the power of the positively spoken word for yourself. Even if you speak it in private, speak the words and thoughts out loud and let me know if it makes a difference at gotonorton@ gmail.com. And when we can start each day and live each day through positive words of affirmation, 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. about the Kansas City Hyatt Regency walkway collapse. “Krakatoa, East of Java” is up for Best Worst Movie Title, in part, I think, because Krakatoa is west of Java. “Living Without Intestines” certainly has a chance in that category. Speaking of categories, Best Category category nominations have just been announced. There will be Best Performance by a Single Mother with Three or More Kids in a Grocery Store, Each of Whom Had Sugary Cereals for Breakfast. And Best Version of “Lady of Spain” by Someone Who Sounds Exactly Like James Earl Jones. Look who’s talking? I have a trophy. It’s on a shelf right behind me. It says “Best Band Name Namer.” I won for Radioactive Dachshund. Craig Marshall Smith is an artist, educator and Highlands Ranch resident. He can be reached at craigmarshallsmith@comcast.net.

PARKER AND ELIZABETH FUNERAL HOMES & CREMATORY Parker Funeral Home

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DORAY FROM PAGE 8

are usually flash-frozen shortly after harvest and retain the most nutrients possible. Canned foods are often processed quickly and retain most of their nutrients. But check to make sure that fruits and vegetables aren’t packed with “syrup” or salt!

The lesson in all of this? Not everything you are asked to believe is actually true. Examine nutrition labels for yourself, and research sources you can trust, with science that backs them up. Truth is never overrated. Andrea Doray is a writer who learned a lot of this info from a list by CentraState Medical Center, and from Registered Dietitian Nutritionists she trusts. Contact her at a.doray@andreadoray.com.

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Funeral Homes Visit: www.memoriams.com

10 Elbert County News

LOCAL

Noodle dish

March 30, 2017M

LIFE

a real

pho-nomenon Vietnamese comfort food gains steam in metro area BY TOM SKELLEY TSKELLEY@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM

f all the traditions Vietnamese immigrants brought to the United States, pho is probably the one most people recognize, even if they can’t pronounce it. The beef-and-noodle dish, pronounced “fuh,” originated in Vietnam in the 1880s. The name is believed to come from the French “pot au feu,” which translates to “pot of fire,” a beef stew the French brought to Vietnam when they colonized the country. Over the course of generations, the dish became Vietnam’s national food. “We look at pho like Americans look at bacon and eggs,” says Sunny Wong, whose family owns Pho Real in Littleton. “It’s a staple, it’s a street food. You can just get out

of your car anywhere (in Vietnam) and get a bowl of pho. We eat it for breakfast and dinner.” Pho became popular in the United States over the last few decades, but the trend has become a favorite with consommé consumers, and new restaurants continue to open across the metro area. Aficionados frown upon referring to pho as a soup, but comparisons arise nonetheless. Wong points out a key difference is pho, as opposed to ramen or wonton soup, is always made with rice noodles, not egg or flour. A variety of spices like star anise and ginger are added during cooking, and the bowl is traditionally topped with thin slices of rare beef that brown in the bowl. But every batch of pho begins and ends with the broth. Chanh Nguyen, who owns and operates Hashtag Pho in Centennial with his daughters Ally and Sue, steeps beef bones for two days to infuse all of the flavor he can into the broth, just as Wong’s aunt and uncle do at Pho Real. One disadvantage of pho’s popularity, they say, is that some restaurants have begun to cut corners and use canned broth. Grocery stores have even begun to carry “instant pho,” a concept Sue and Ally laugh at.

Chanh Nguyen ladles out a bit of the beefy broth he’s steeping in the kitchen at Hashtag Pho in Centennial. Nguyen came to the United States in 1987 and opened his family’s first pho restaurant near County Line and Quebec over 15 years ago. TOM SKELLEY But the Nguyens’ discerning customers, like Dan Popylisen, of Parker, know the difference. “I’ve been in the restaurant business for more than 20 years, and some of the younger places around Denver take their broth off the back of a truck,” he says. “This place is the real deal.” Traditional pho is all about the beef, but many restaurants offer “pho chay,” a vegetarian variation created for Vietnam’s Buddhist population. Pho Real bases their vegetarian broth on soy sauce and adds tofu, while Hashtag Pho’s pho chay is carrot and cabbage-based. At Golden Pho, in Golden the menu boasts that the pho chay there takes 10 hours to cook, and

includes onions, ginger, cabbage, snow peas, squash, corn, scallions and even some cinnamon. ‘A sense of pride’ Authenticity and fresh ingredients are important to pho restaurateurs, Wong says, because family honor is on the line with every bowl. “Every good pho restaurant probably has a family behind it,” he says. “When people came to America from Vietnam, there’s a sense of pride in opening a pho restaurant.” Born in the U.S., Wong says eating pho almost every day was a way for him to connect to his heritage. For SEE PHO, P11

PHO-NETICS A quick Google search reveals the many punfilled names of area pho restaurants. Sonny Wong, manager of Pho Real in Littleton, said he and his family had a brainstorming session to come up with the name.

1 2 3 Pho 11804 Oswego St., Englewood

While many restaurant names are simply the word “pho” with a number attached, and a few are unfit to print, the following offers a sampling of some of the wittier restaurant pho names in the metro area.

Fee Fi Pho Fum 1384 S. Broadway, Denver

Pho-natic 229 E. Colfax Ave., Denver

Pho Real 2399 W. Main St., Littleton

Elbert County News 11

7March 30, 2017

CLUBS Editor’s note: To add or update a club listing, e-mail calendar@coloradocommunitymedia. com. Ongoing Outback Express is a public transit service Waste Not Wednesdays: 4:15 p.m. Wednesdays, at Simla Library. Kids craft and learn with repurposed stuff. Call 719541-2573 or go to pplibraries.org. What’s up Wednesdays: 4 p.m. Wednesdays at the Elbert Library; 3:30 p.m. Wednesdays at the Kiowa Library. Free STEAM activities for kids and parents. Call 303-648-3533 (Elbert) or 303-621-2111 (Kiowa) or go to pplibraries.org. Women’s Divorce Workshop covers the legal, financial and social issues of divorce and is presented the fourth Saturday of each month at Southeast Christian Church, 9650 Jordan Road, Parker. Meet in the community room. Check in from 8-8:30 a.m.; workshop runs from 8:30 a.m. to noon. Register online at www.divorceworkshopdenver.com. Advance registration costs $35; at the door, cost goes to $40 (cash/ checks only). Attendees will get help taking the next step by getting unbiased information and resources. Learn the options available and next steps to take positive action steps. Discover community resources, and talk with other women experiencing similar life changes. Volunteer presenters include an attorney, mediator, therapist and wealth manager. Discussion items include co-parenting, child support, family coping, tax consequences, property division, hostile spouses and more. For information, contact 303-210-2607 or info@divorceworkshopdenver.com

PHO FROM PAGE 10

American customers like Chad Baker, of Aurora, the connection may not be w as personal, but the personality of the cooks comes through in the taste. “Every kitchen has its own flavor, every restaurant does its own thing,” Baker, who’s been a pho fan for four or five years, says. “Every place has a different broth,” says Baker’s table mate, Nicole Nicholas of Highlands Ranch. Being able to customize her dish with basil, lime, jalapeno or sauces available is another plus. “I like that you can do your own thing with it,” she says. Littleton’s Janie Salazar says that that versatility makes pho the perfect option for a family. She and her husband bring their children to Pho Real so everybody gets what they want out of the meal. “There’s so many things you can throw in it,” Salazar says. “Everyone in the family customizes it, and the kids feel like they’re making their own soup.” A remedy for what ails you Salazar adds that knowing pho is made with fresh, healthy ingredients makes her feel good about what she’s feeding her family, a selling point not lost on other pho lovers who rely on the dish as a remedy for whatever ails

Political Douglas County Democrats. Contact 720509-9048 or info@DouglasDemocrats. org. Social-discussion meetings take place in Highlands Ranch, Castle Rock, Parker, Lone Tree and Roxborough. Executive committee meets at 7 p.m. the second Monday of every month at various sites. Visit douglasdemocrats.org and click on calendar for more information. Douglas County Libertarian Development Group meets at 6 p.m. the first Thursday of each month at the Rio Grande Restaurant, 9535 Park Meadows Drive. Go to LPDG.org. The group also has a very active Facebook page. In addition, we are also recognized by the State Libertarian party. Contact Wayne Harlos at 303-2293435. Douglas County Republican Party meets on second Saturday each month. Visit www.dcgop.org or call 303-730-0100. Douglas County Republican Women meets at 11 a.m. the third Wednesday each month at the Lone Tree Golf and Hotel. Call Marsha Haeflein at 303-841-4318 or visit www.dcgop.org or www.dcrw.org. Douglas County Young Republicans meets the last Monday of the month. Call Brett Olkowski at 303-257-5275 or e-mail brettnbrew@aol.com for more information. Highlands Ranch, Roxborough, and Lone Tree Democrats meet at 7 p.m. the Thursday of every month for topical speakers and lively discussion at the James H. LaRue Library, 9292 S. Ridgeline Blvd.,

them. Customers tell the Nguyens they rely on a hot bowl of pho to get them over the flu, a cold or the occasional hangover. “We hear it all,” Sue says. “I love that pho is becoming the next chicken noodle soup.” Monica Baruth likes to bring her 24-year-old daughter, Lindsay, with her when she visits Pho Real, especially when one of them is under the weather. “It’s like you’re eating your medicine,” Monica says, pointing with her chopsticks at the vibrant vegetables floating atop her bowl of broth. “It’s hydrating as well,” Lindsay says. “I love the freshness of it, it’s hearty and it makes your soul feel good.” That warm, full feeling is what keeps customers coming back, Wong says, healthy or sick, rain or shine or snow. “It’s a comfort food. You get filled up but it’s easy to digest,” he says. “It’s also really comforting to have a hot bowl of soup on a cold morning.” “I check the weather report every night,” he adds with a smile. As they begin to prepare an entrée for Popylisen, before he can order it, Sue and Ally insist they’d be making pho the same way they always have even if they didn’t have a restaurant. It’s comfort food for them too, after all. “We’re eating this every day,” Sue says. Ally agrees. “We’re making it as much for us as we are for them.”

Parker Democrats meets at 7 p.m. the third Tuesday of each month for discussion of timely topics, led by knowledgeable speakers, at the South Metro Fire Station 45, 16801 Northgate Drive, Parker. Visit www. douglasdemocrats.org for information.

BNI Connections (www.thebniconnections.com) invites business owners to attend its meeting held each Tuesday, 7:30 to 9:30 a.m. at the Lone Tree Recreation Center, 10249 Ridgegate Circle. There is no charge to attend a meeting as a guest. Please visit www.thebniconnections.com or contact Jack Rafferty, 303-414-2363 or jrafferty@hmbrown.com.

Professional American Business Women’s Association Top of the Rockies Chapter of Douglas County meets every third Tuesday. New members are welcome. Call Bev Phillips at 303-841-2080 or visit www.abwa.org.

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.

AAUW (American Association of University Women), founded in 1881, is the oldest women’s organization in the United States. It has a mission of promoting equity for women and girls through advocacy, education and research. Scholarships are provided to Douglas County women who are in college, and cash awards are presented to senior girls from Douglas County high schools who have an interest in the areas of science, technology, engineering or math (STEM). Meetings are in Castle Rock the third Wednesday of the month, at various times and locations. Go to douglascounty-co.aauw.net. Contact Beryl Jacobson at 303-688-8088 or berylmjacobson@gmail.com.

Castle Rock Writers meets from 6:308:30 p.m. one Monday each month at the Philip S. Miller Library, 100 S. Wilcox St., Castle Rock. The group features established writers such as Mary Taylor Young, Pam McCutcheon, Terry Whalin, Annie Dawid, and Anne Randolph in leading workshops relevant to new and advanced writers. For exact dates each month and workshop topics, go to www.castlerockwriters.com. Bring paper or a fullycharged laptop. RSVPs to castlerockwriters@gmail.com appreciated, or call Alice Aldridge-Dennis at 303-521-8615.

Highlands Ranch. Visit www.douglasdemocrats.org for more information.

BNI Castle Rock Business Leaders chapter meets from 7:30-9 a.m. Wednesdays at the Castle Rock Recreation Center, 2301 Woodlands Blvd. Call 303-993-9973 with any questions or visit www.BNIColorado. com.

The League of Women Voters of Arapahoe County has two meetings per month. No unit meetings are in June through August, but the two unit meetings per month will begin again in September on second Monday evenings and second Thursday mornings. Call 303-798-2939. The group is open to residents of Douglas County.

12 Elbert County News

March 30, 2017M

Guild members selling art at Depot venue in Littleton

olorful miniature paintings in tions with a number of luminaries, as well as Malaysian headhunters. many styles and techniques, whimsical ceramic bird feedThe MOA is at 1000 Englewood Parkers, traditional functional pot- way in the Englewood Civic Center, tery and other products cre1000 Englewood Parkway. SONYA’S ated by the members of the Admission is free. Pianist Littleton Fine Arts Guild are SAMPLER Hank Troy will perform at available at bargain prices the reception. “Life changes through April 23 at the Depot things. Things get erased, Art Gallery. The gallery is so you go back and unerase housed in a restored 1888 them to understand.”—DarSanta Fe Depot that once was ryl Pottorf. 303-806-0444; a hub of Downtown Littleton. moaonline.org It is located at 2069 W. Powers Ave., Littleton. Open 10 a.m. Fielder presentation to 5 p.m. Tuesdays-Saturdays, “Landscape Photography 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sundays. Techniques” will be the 303-795-0781. Admission free, for noted Colorado Sonya Ellingboe topic parking free. photographer John Fielder when he speaks to the HighGhost town presentation lands Ranch Photography Club on “Legend of the High Country: April 11. The meeting will be from Colorado’s Vanishing Ghost Towns” 7 to 9 p.m. in the Shea A Meeting is historian Ron Ruhoff ’s special Room at the James H. LaRue Branch interest and he has visited them Library, 9292 Ridgeline Blvd., Highsince 1955. He combines his images lands Ranch. The club, which meets with music and live narration and on the second Tuesday of each will present the First Thursday month (except December) at various Lecture at the Littleton Museum locations, welcomes members of all at 7 p.m. April 6. Admission is free, skills and visitors are invited. (May but free advance tickets will assure 9 will be at the Lone Tree Library a seat. (four-per-person limit.) The Event Hall.) lecture series is a collaboration of the Littleton Museum and Historic Special benefit Littleton Inc. The museum is at 6028 The Goods, 2550 E. Colfax Ave., S. Gallup St. in Littleton. 303-795Denver, will host a benefit for United 3950. Cerebral Palsy, in conjunction with Tattered Cover, local author Frank Museum Outdoor Arts Dadione and music project Songs “Unerased Journeys: A Survey of for Jake from 5 to 9 p.m. March 30. Works by Darryl Pottorf ” opens at A percentage of food and drink the Museum Outdoor Art with a 6 to purchases and 100 percent of sales 9 p.m. reception on April 8, running of Dadione’s memoir, “Life’s Equauntil July 15. The internationally tion,” will go to United Cerebral recognized artist was studio asPalsy. 303-355-5445, thegoodsrestausistant and then collaborator with rant.com. Robert Rauschenberg, which led to international travel and connecSEE SAMPLER, P13

Answers

THANKS for

PLAYING!

Solution

Elbert County News 13

7March 30, 2017

SAMPLER FROM PAGE 12

Going far far away … “Star Wars and the Power of Costume” is extended a week — through April 9 — at the Denver Art Museum, before it blasts off to another location. Advance timed ticket purchase is recommended to avoid a disappointed fan from arriving at one of the many sold-out segments. Visit denverartmuseum.org or call 720-913-0130. Littleton Symphony “Colossal Classics and Surprising Concertos: The Titan” is Littleton Symphony’s concert at 7:30 p.m. March 31 at Littleton United Methodist Church, 5894 S. Datura St., Littleton. Jurgen de Lemos is con-

ductor. Opening with John Williams’ “Liberty Fanfare,” the audience will next hear violinist Geraldine Walther perform the “Bartok Viola Concerto.” After intermission, the orchestra will play Mahler’s First Symphony, “The Titan.” Information and tickets: Littletonsymphony.org, 303-933-6824.

“Colorado’s National Parks and Monuments.” Books will be for sale. • Author Jessica Brady leads a threepart workshop on writing fiction at 5:30 p.m. at the Castle Pines Library, 360 Village Square Lane, on March 30: Characters; April 6: Setting; April 13: Plot. Register separately for each session. dcl.org.

Douglas County Libraries • Best-selling author Lisa Scottoline will appear to talk about her latest book, “One Perfect Lie,” an urban crime thriller, at 7 p.m. on April 13 at CU South Denver, 10035 S. Peoria St., Parker. There will be dessert bites and book signing by the author. Tickets: $30, include a hardback copy of “One Perfect Lie.” Tickets: dcl.org or your library branch. • Photographer John Fielder will appear at 6:30 p.m. April 7 at Castle Rock Library, 100 Wilcox St., to celebrate

Writers Studio fest Arapahoe Community College Writers Studio presents its annual Literary Festival from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on April 8 in the Half Moon, Littleton Campus, 5900 S. Santa Fe Drive. Workshops, lunch and readings, books for sale. Advance reservations required (maximum, 20). RSVP: andrea.mason@arapahoe.edu. Check by April 6 to: ACC Writers Studio Literary Festival c/o Andrea Mason-Campus Box 32, P.O. Box 9002, Littleton, CO 80160-9002.

CURTAIN TIME 18th-century Mississippi “The Robber Bridegroom” by Alfred Uhry, Robert Waldman, based on the novel by Eudora Welty, plays March 31 through April 30 at Town Hall Arts Center, 2450 W. Main St. in downtown Littleton. Tale of Jamie Lockhart, a rascally backwoods robber who courts the rich planter’s daughter Rosamund. (An evil stepmother is involved.) Directed by Bob Wells, with musical direction by Donna Debreceni and choreography by Kelly Kates. Performances: 7:30

$35/$30, cherrycreektheater.org, 303800-6578.

p.m. Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays; 2 p.m. on April 15 and Sundays. Tickets: $20-$42, 303-794-2787, ext. 5 or townhallartscenter.org. Little steps “Baby Dance” by Jane Anderson, presented by Cherry Creek Theatre Company at Mizel Arts and Cultural Center, 350 Dahlia St., Denver, runs through April 23. Gavin Mayer directs. Performances: 8 p.m. Thursdays and Saturdays; 2 p.m. Sundays and 7 p.m. Sundays April 16 and 23. Tickets:

And Toto Too “The Gun Show” by E.M. Lewis, a world premiere, is presented April 1329 by And Toto Too Theatre Company, supported by Next Stage NOW, at The Commons on Champa, 1245 Champa St., Denver, in the Denver Performing Arts Complex. Performances: 7:30 p.m. Thursdays through Saturdays, followed by a community discussion. Tickets $25/$22, 720-583-3975, andtototoo.org.

20% OFF Feeders & Hardware* *Valid only at the participating store listed. One discount per purchase. Offer not valid on previous purchases or sale items. Offer valid 03/31/17 thru 04/15/17. Code: PC

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14 Elbert County News

LOCAL

March 30, 2017M

SPORTS Catchers must keep firm grip on game

Position demands mental toughness, strong rapport with pitchers BY JIM BENTON JBENTON@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM

The position of catcher is not easy on the body. Players take their lumps with foul tips, flung bats and plays at home plate with a base runner charging toward them. And, of course, there’s the squatting catchers must do, keeping their knees bent with torso low to the ground to receive pitches. But sometimes, the hardest part of being a catcher has nothing to do with blocking a ball in the dirt, throwing out a runner trying to steal a base or catching a foul ball. It’s the mental side of the game. Catchers have to be leaders — and sometimes, psychologists for their teammates on the mound. “The toughest thing about catching is the pitchers,” Lakewood senior catcher Casey O’Neill said. “Everyone is different and you have to handle each one differently. Oh, for sure, you have to be a psychologist. “Some guys, you have to go out there and tell them jokes, some guys you have to tell them they’re all right, and some guys you have to go out there and tell them straight that they are (playing poorly).” Mountain Vista coach Ron Quintana, a former catcher, said catchers need to be intelligent and able to immerse themselves in the game. “For any catcher, whether it’s high school or college, you are always looking for someone who is going to be a leader, very vocal,” he said. “So you are looking for someone who can make good choices and good decisions.” Heritage senior Casey Opitz, who has signed to play at the University of Arkansas, is one of the area’s top catchers. But even he says controlling what others do on the diamond is often difficult. “You pretty much have to know where everybody has to go before they do,” he said. “That’s the hardest part. When it gets to the seventh in-

Heritage catcher Casey Opitz is a switch hitter, which could benefit him as he moves on because it could keep him in the lineup longer. Coaches sometimes pinch hit for a right-handed hitting catcher. Opitz started switch hitting when he was a youngster and can face either a right-handed or left-handed pitcher.

Westminster senior Miguel Palos likes being a catcher because ‘you are part of the whole game and you’re the leader of the whole game.’ PHOTOS BY JIM BENTON Lakewood senior catcher Casey O’Neill, a Colorado Colorado Springs recruit, says catching has changed. “As pitchers get better, catchers have to get better. As you get better umpires, it’s less about receiving and more about how you hit as a catcher and how you control the field.”

ning, runner on third, blocking the ball is just instinct stuff, stuff you work on. But the mental stuff is probably the hardest part.” Some high school catchers can call which pitches the

player on the mound throws — and Opitz is one of them. “It’s basically a mind game, “ Opitz said. “You play chess with the hitter. You have to know what pitches are working for that pitcher that day,

you’ve got to know what the hitter is not seeing well, and kind of mixing those two. Then when he comes up the second time, he’ll kind of be guessing a little bit because of what he saw the first at-bat,

then you have to throw the opposite of what he’s thinking.” Optiz’s teammate, standout junior pitcher Riley Egloff, appreciates the input from his catcher. “I love when a catcher comes up to you and knocks some sense into you or tells you that you need to get your head straight,” Egloff said. “Once there is someone to come out and calm you down, it’s great.” Northglenn coach Cameron Tallman pitched at the University of Northern Colorado and also knows the value of a good catcher. “You have to have trust in your catcher to throw the right pitch, do the right things and be able to throw a ball in the dirt and be comfortable and trust that he will block the ball,” he said. Westminster’s Miguel Palos, one of the top catchers in the East Metro League, said it’s important to be able to calm a pitcher down and tell him to throw strikes. That just comes with the terrain behind home plate. “You are part of the whole game,” Palos said. “You’re the leader of the whole game.” The ultimate impact of a top-notch catcher can often be seen in a pitcher’s statistics, Heritage coach Scott Hormann said. “A great catcher,” he said, “makes a mediocre pitcher great.”

Elbert County News 15

7March 30, 2017

Women supporting women ‘was never a new idea’ Expectant mothers turn to doulas for better birth experiences BY TOM SKELLEY TSKELLEY@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM

Sometimes it’s easier for a doula to describe what she isn’t than to define what she is. “I’m your support person, I’m not a doctor. I’m not your husband,” Denise Grovo, a doula in training, tells her first client, Centennial attorney Lauren da Cunha. “I can’t prescribe medication. I can’t catch the baby.” Grovo, of Parker, takes diligent notes, creating a birth plan — a list of the things da Cunha wants and doesn’t want — for the delivery of her first child, due in June. Denise Grovo, left, recuperates as her doula, Sarah Lopez, center, stands beside V. She writes down how long da Cunha Miller and her new baby, whom Grovo carried as a surrogate. Grovo paid for half of Lopez’s doula services out-of-pocket to have her there to help when needed. COURTESY PHOTO wants to wait before cutting the umbilical cord and how soon the baby “If there are people out there who will be brought to her for skin-to-skin shows the benefits of supporting have that experience and I can draw contact. mothers throughout labor and childfrom it, why wouldn’t I?” she says. birth. Data from Doulas of North She reminds da Cunha that doctors “That sense of the unknown will be America International, one of several will make the ultimate decision about less if I’ll be able to turn to someone doula certification organizations, using an epidural or performing a and say `what is going on?’ I think it show approximately 94 doulas in Colocesarean section, but she’ll make sure will be helpful to have that peace of rado from their program alone. it’s necessary before they go forward. mind.” Doulas offer expectant mothers Her place is beside da Cunha, not The most recent numbers seem to information, emotional support and in between her and her doctors. validate da Cunha’s hope. some cases, postpartum and breast“I’m there for as long as you need A 2011 study by the American feeding care. Most importantly, they me to be,” Grovo says, to offer masCongress of Obstetricians and have the experience of someone who sages, counseling and whatever else Gynecologists and other women’s knows what to expect in a delivery she can do to make the delivery go health groups show mothers who room. smoothly. Her overnight bag is always use doulas spend less time in labor, That experience is what attracted at the ready. use pain medication such as epidurda Cunha. It’s her first baby, and she The doula — a Greek word meaning als less often, have fewer cesarean and her husband aren’t sure what to “women’s servant” — is becoming sections and are significantly less expect. more popular as emerging research

Public Notices Public Notice

NOTICE TO CREDITORS Estate of Keith L. Abbey, Deceased Case Number: 2016PR030070

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 Keith L. Abbey, Deceased Case Number: 2016PR030070

Notice To Creditors

LINDA EHMANN Personal Representative 13455 County Rd. 154, Kiowa, Colorado, 80117 Legal Notice No.: 23636 First Publication: March 30, 2017 Last Publication: April 13, 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

likely to report a negative birthing experience. “It was never a new idea,” says Penny Lyon, a trainer with DONA. “It goes back to Biblical times.” A movement began in the United States in the 1970s to improve support for women as studies showed women were less fearful if they had someone to take care of them during labor, Lyons says. “We were just women supporting women having babies,” she says. “I think we were called hippies at that time.” Sarah Lopez volunteers for Denver Health’s volunteer doula program as well as owning her own practice. She’s helped more than a dozen women deliver babies, including Grovo. Like Lyon, she sees acceptance of doulas coming full circle. “There was this time when the whole village labored together,” she says. “Now we’re circling back to that.” After having her first child without the aid of a doula, Grovo says her second delivery was more relaxed. She, her husband and Lopez laid out a plan long before her labor pains started, leaving her fewer decisions to make on the spot. “It’s just too much,” she says. “It was nice to tell Sarah (what we wanted) and then go and relax and let my body do the work.” Now, Grovo hopes to provide that same peace of mind for da Cunha. She’ll deal with the details so da Cunha can focus on what she needs to do. “You’re running a marathon,” Grovo says. “You don’t need to be worrying about those other things.”

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Elbert County

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

NOTICE OF MEDICAID APPLICATION

PUBLIC MEETING NOTICE FOR THE ELBERT COUNTY WATER SUPPLY STUDY WORKSHOP #2 -- STAKEHOLDER WORKSHOP

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

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.

REVIEW OF FUTURE PROJECTED WATER NEEDS AND CONCEPTUAL WATER SUPPLY OPTIONS AND PROJECT ALTERNATIVES DATE/TIME: THURSDAY, APRIL 13TH, 2017 6:30 PM – 8:00 PM LOCATION: EXHIBIT BUILDING, COUNTY FAIRGROUNDS 95 UTE AVENUE, KIOWA Legal Notice No.: 23637 First Publication: March 30, 2017 Last Publication: April 6, 2017 Publisher: The Elbert County News

Legal Notice No.: 23633 First Publication: March 23, 2017 Last Publication: April 13, 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

Elbert * 1

16 Elbert County News

March 30, 2017M

HOW TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE Send volunteer opportunities to hharden@coloradocommunitymedia.com. Neighbor Network Nonprofit that helps older adults stay independent. Serves all of Douglas County Need: Volunteers who can provide transportation, light housekeeping, handyman and companion services to seniors. Requirements: Must 21 years old or older and have a valid driver’s license,auto insurance. Contact: 303-814-4300, neighbornetwork@ douglas.co.us or dcneighbornetwork.org. Nonprofit Wildlife Group Works to protect native wildlife in Greenwood Village Need: Volunteers help protect wildlife Contact: info@wildearthguardians.org Outreach Uganda Empowers impoverished people in Uganda, especially women and children, to overcome poverty through income generation, education, and training. Need: Volunteers weekly to provide office support with fair trade craft show preparation, mailings and miscellaneous office work. Office hours are 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday to Friday. Office located at 9457 S. University Blvd., Suite 410, Highlands Ranch. Contact: Jennifer Dent, 303-683-8450 or office@ outreachuganda.org. Paladin Rescue Alliance Christian non-government organization dedicated to rescuing human trafficking victims and building alliances to combat trafficking locally, nationally and internationally Need: Volunteers to help organize supplie

Age requirement: All ages can participate. Contact: www.paladinrescue.org; Paladin Rescue Alliance, P.O. Box 79, Littleton, CO 80160; 888327-3063 Parker Senior Center Provides services to local seniors. Need: Volunteer drivers to take seniors to the center for a hot meal, to appointments, to the grocery store, and more. Contact: Louise West at 303-841-5370. Pedaling4Parkinsons Proceeds go to the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research. Date: June 24 Need: Volunteers to work at aid stations and at an expo at Sweetwater Park in Lone Tree. Shifts available from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. June 24. Research shows bicycling can have tremendous benefits to people with Parkinson’s. Contact: info@pedaling4parkinsons.org, 888548-3002 ext. 2, or www.pedaling4parkinsons. org. Project CURE Delivers medical supplies and equipment to developing countries around the world Need: Groups of 7-15 people to help sort medical supplies; those with medical/clinical backgrounds to become Sort Team Leaders; truck drivers to help pick up donations (no CDL required). Age requirements: Ages 15 and older (if a large group of ages 15 and younger is interested, we can try to accommodate different projects). Location: 10377 E. Geddes Ave., Centennial Contact: Kelyn Anker, 303-792-0729 or 720341-3152; kelynanker@projectcure.org; www. projectcure.org.

HEALTH FROM PAGE 4

plan boasted a $337 billion cut to the federal deficit over the next 10 years, according to a report published by the Congressional Budget Office. That was good news for many, but bad news for those like members of Indivisible who resent that many of those cuts would have been to Medicaid funding and subsidies for the poor provided through the ACA. The Congressional Budget Office also reported the plan would leave 24 million more people uninsured by 2026, also largely tied to changes planned for Medicaid. On March 22, a staff member from Buck’s office came outside to greet the group. He thanked them for being there and participating in the democratic process, then invited them inside one or two at a time to voice their concerns. Worley left Buck’s office after meeting staff members and rejoined his fellow protesters. He thought the meeting went well, but said staff members seemed shocked by his story. Due to a birth defect, the Castle Pines man has worn a prosthetic left arm since he was 5 months old. “The arm I’m wearing is about a $6,000 to $8,000 arm,” he said. “Insurance says I should get a new arm every five years and it’s been seven.”

Worley works as a manager in the restaurant industry, has a bachelor’s degree and says he’s never received federal aid for his disability. When it comes to health care, he has four specific needs: a low premium, low maximum-out-of-pocket costs, a low deductible and access to “durable medical devices.” He’s covered through Connect for Health Colorado on a plan meeting his four requirements, costing him $165 a month, he said. “If I lose access to the health coverage I have currently, I may become dependent on the state,” he said, “and that would be a travesty.” Gary Wyngarden, one of the event organizers, was quick to clarify that not all Indivisibles believe the Affordable Care Act is perfect. Wyngarden said he and his wife saw premiums rise considerably under Obamacare, and felt coverage lessened. That will only worsen over time, Ryan said March 24, calling rising premiums one of his biggest concerns. But Wyngarden said he’d rather pay higher premiums than have 24 million more Americans uninsured. For Buck, it was back to the drawing board. “We need to regroup and develop a better replacement for Obamacare,” Buck said March 24, “one that focuses on lowering costs and ensuring coverage for as many people as possible.”