Elbert County News 0713 by Colorado Community Media

75 CENTS

July 13, 2017

COTTAGE INDUSTRY: Home entrepreneurs take their wares from the kitchen to the consumer P12

ELBERT COUNTY, COLORADO

A publication of

Survey shows support for expanding arts

LET THE GOOD TIMES ROLL:

Elizabeth officials will now explore ways to promote a creative culture in town

The upcoming county fair means plenty of family fun P3

BY JODI HORNER SPECIAL TO COLORADO COMMUNITY MEDIA

HELP WANTED: A record-low unemployment rate is leaving a depleted labor pool P7

Official business Those who enforce the rules say they are merely there to help golfers P16

After several weeks of analysis, the consulting firm Art Space unveiled the results of an online arts market survey conducted by the Town of Elizabeth through the firm at a June 27 public meeting. The objective of the study, which was funded by a grant from the Colorado Department of Local Affairs, was to determine the level of local interest in creating a shared artwork space that would potentially include a low-cost living space for artists. At 57 percent, the majority of respondents were in favor of establishing a shared creative space. These respondents were from Elizabeth and the surrounding area within 50 miles. “Based on this study, we know that we want to promote the arts culture in Elizabeth,” Community Development Director Grace Erickson said. The study also determined that currently there is not enough interest in having an affordable housing component connected to the space. “We’re slightly disappointed in the lack of demand for the living spaces but not necessarily surprised,” Erickson said “Eighty percent of the interested artists were 40 years and older.” With that, she explained, there is “just not a need for that type of housing… there are no action items at this time.” The survey went live Feb. 22 and ran through April 10. SEE CULTURE, P4

THE BOTTOM LINE PERIODICAL

‘There’s not much of a chance of it, but I would never want to be anyone’s role model. If I were elected, I would not serve.’ Craig Marshall Smith, columnist | Page 10 INSIDE

VOICES: PAGE 10 | LIFE: PAGE 12 | CALENDAR: PAGE 15 | SPORTS: PAGE 16

ElbertCountyNews.net

VOLUME 122 | ISSUE 24

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July 13, 2017J

Be sure to know where you’re hunting Wrong location can result in confiscation, fine, loss of privileges COURTESY OF COLORADO PARKS AND WILDLIFE

Harvesting a deer or elk in the wrong Game Management Unit is not only illegal, it can be very expensive. Consider the experience of an Oklahoma couple hunting in southwest Colorado. A Colorado Parks and Wildlife officer drove into their camp late one morning during the first rifle season. When he asked how the hunt was going the husband explained that they had each killed a cow about a mile away from their camp. The officer congratulated them and then asked to see their licenses. After looking at the licenses he asked exactly where they’d hunted. “Well, we were just over that ridge there,” the husband said, pointing to the west. The officer shook his head slightly and said, “Well, I’ve got some bad news. You were hunting in the wrong unit.” The man protested and attempted to point out their location on the basic map that’s printed in the Big Game Hunting brochure. The map provides little detail, shows only the location of

It’s crucial to know where you can and can’t hunt. a few major roads and offers no topographic markings. The wildlife officer pulled out a topographic map and showed the man that they were at least 15 miles — as the crow flies — away from where they were authorized to hunt. “But we’ve been hunting here for years,” the man said. Politely, but firmly, the wildlife officer explained the consequences: The meat would be confiscated and donated to a local food bank, and each of them would be fined $1,500. The couple’s hunting privileges in Colorado were subsequently suspended.

COURTESY OF COLORADO PARKS AND WILDLIFE

“There is no excuse for hunting in the wrong unit,” says Matt Thorpe, area wildlife manager in Durango. “Most unit boundaries have been in place for years and they seldom change.” Despite that fact, hunting in the wrong GMU is a common mistake. Here’s how to make sure you are hunting in the right unit: • Go to page 61 in the 2017 Colorado Big Game Brochure, find the GMU number and read the official location description. • Buy a high-quality topographic map that includes the GMU area and locate

the boundaries; then mark the map. • After you arrive at your hunting location, study the map and the landmarks in the area to make sure of the boundaries of the GMU. • If you have any questions, contact the nearest Parks and Wildlife office. Hunters must also be aware of the location of private land. To hunt on private land you must obtain permission. In Colorado, landowners are not required to post or mark their property. GMU descriptions can also be found on the Parks and Wildlife website: cpw. state.co.us.

CCM joins effort to document hate and bias incidents STAFF REPORT

A woman and her 5-year-old daughter walking on a sidewalk in a Highlands Ranch park recently came across a chalk-scrawled image of a swastika and words spelling “Kill the Jews.” In Lakewood, following the recent terrorist attacks in Manchester and London, police increased patrols around a local mosque after it received a series of threatening calls. The two incidents are among many nationwide as reports of bias, dis-

crimination and hate crimes surface. The FBI and civil rights organizations are tracking many higher-profile incidents. “But no government agency documents lower-level incidents of harassment and intimidation, such as online or real-life bullying,” says ProPublica, an independent, nonprofit newsroom dedicated to investigative reporting. “Documenting and understanding all of these incidents — from hate-inspired murders to anti-Semitic graffiti to racist online trolling — requires new, more creative approaches.”

With that in mind, ProPublica’s Documenting Hate project is working to create a national database of all incidents that can be used by journalists, researchers and civil rights organizations. Colorado Community Media has joined the more than 70 media organizations, academic institutions and civil rights organizations partnering with ProPublica to collect, verify and analyze reports by victims across the country. Your help is invaluable: We are asking residents in our communities to report any hate, bias or discrimina-

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tion instances by submitting an online report about those experiences. That information will be shared with the Documenting Hate partners, but with no one else without your permission. The online form can be found on the Colorado Community Media website, coloradocommunitymedia.com, as well as on our individual newspaper websites and Facebook pages. To submit a report, go to http://coloradocommunitymedia.com/stories/ propublicas-documenting-hate-project,250606

Elbert County News 3

7July 13, 2017

Fair will offer six days of good times as August begins Elbert County 4-H members at center of 83rd annual event in Kiowa BY JODI HORNER SPECIAL TO COLORADO COMMUNITY MEDIA

With the theme “There’s No Place Like Fair” leading the way to attract Elbert County citizens both native and new, Elbert County kicks off its 83rd annual county fair. From Aug. 1-6 the Elbert County Fair will host activities and events designed to appeal to a broad range of people at the fairgrounds in Kiowa. In the midst of it all are the county’s 4-H clubs and their hard-working members. “These 4-H kids work really hard all year and this is their opportunity to showcase that,” said Elbert County Fair Board President Tammi Schneider. “The fair is where you get to see that work come to fruition,” she said. “Our 4-H youth are center-stage and the heart of the Elbert County Fair,” said Colorado University Extension Campus support staff and 4-H assistant Lore Denson. The 4-H Pledge says that “I pledge … my hands to larger service … for my club, my community, my country and my world,” and the young members

August 3 - 6

The garden tractor pull is among the many events sure to draw a crowd this year at the Elbert County Fair. FILE PHOTO BY RICK GUSTAFSON have ample opportunity to practice what they preach during the fair. “At the county fair you will see 4-H’ers in action with daily grounds cleaning and helping out anywhere needed,” Denson said. The grand marshal for the fair this year is Stan Craley of Elizabeth, who is a member of Elbert County’s

2017

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maintenance staff and, as Fair Board Past President Ben Duke said on the county fair website, perfectly embodies the spirit of the fair with “… his ever-present smile and air of helpfulness ….” Attendees can get their funnel cake, nachos, and cotton candy fixes as they spend the morning, afternoon, or en-

tire day at the wide variety of venues open for the public. “The Elbert County Fair has evolved over the last five years as we’ve tried to maintain our traditional events, the livestock shows other events people have come to see for the past 80-plus years,” said Schneider. “We’re definitely trying to increase attendance by offering a wider variety of events that people can enjoy,” said Schneider, who lives in Kiowa. “Ninety-nine percent of the events are free, so it’s a good chance for families to enjoy the fair at very little expense.” She added: “Parking is free, admission is free.” Schneider credits funding allocated to the fair in the county budget, the generosity of sponsors and in-kind donations for making the low cost of the fair a reality. “There are 17 board members who work their tails off all year to make this fair happen,” Schneider said. Among the many free offerings will be an aerial circus, a movie night, Music around the Fire featuring Bruff and the Boys and Make It/Take It/Fly it Rockets. Although carnival rides are not included in the “free” category, the Kiddie Corral is, replete with bounce houses, a petting zoo and face painting. For a complete schedule and description of events, go to elbertcountyfair. com

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4 Elbert County News

July 13, 2017J

Process quietly ongoing for assisted suicides Fair Board seeks candidate with specific expertise Are you a Douglas County resident, with a love for the County Fair and Rodeo tradition, as well as a background in the music industry and/or family-friendly entertainment? For more information about the open Fair Board seat or to complete an application, please visit www. douglas.co.us and search for Fair Board or contact Maryjo Woodrick, Fair Coordinator, at 720.733.6900.

Visit prehistoric times July 29 Take a trip back in time to the end of the last Ice Age by a tour of the world-renowned Lamb Spring Archaeological Preserve at 9:30 a.m. on Saturday, July 29. For reservations or additional tour dates visit www.lambspring.org

Strive to Thrive offers hot meal and assistance Going through some difficult times? Need help with basic needs? Join us on Tuesday, August 1 from 4-6 p.m. at Cherry Hills Community Church, 3900 Grace Blvd. in Highlands Ranch. For free transportation to and from the event plase contact Douglas County First Call prior to July 27 at 303.660-7519. For more information visit www.communityofcarenetwork.com

Advocates say about 10 drug prescriptions have been filled in Colorado ASSOCIATED PRESS

Colorado’s law allowing terminally ill patients to seek life-ending drugs is quietly underway, with an estimated 10 prescriptions filled since voters approved the practice last year, advocates say. Compassion & Choices, the national organization that pushed the ballot initiative in November, provided the tally, but it’s impossible to know how many people took the drugs, Colorado Politics reported July 4. State health authorities won’t release figures on prescriptions until the end of the year. Colorado has joined Oregon, California, Montana, Vermont, Washington state and Washington, D.C., in allowing doctor-assisted suicide. But dozens of Colorado hospitals won’t participate in ending someone’s life. About one-third of the state’s hospitals are Catholicaffiliated. Doctors still can choose to write prescriptions in their offices and allow patients to end their lives at home. The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment plans to report by the end of the year how many doctors handled prescriptions, but it won’t say how many people took the drugs. Advocates say about one in three people prescribed life-ending drugs don’t take them. Patti James, an 81-year-old from Littleton with lung cancer, said that decision

CULTURE FROM PAGE 1

DOUGLAS COUNTY FAIR AND RODEO Family fun awaits - it’s time for the County Fair and Rodeo. August 3 - 6, 2017

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The goal had been to receive more than 400 responses, but only 161 people took the online survey. The survey also showed 21 percent were interested in renting ongoing private studio or creative work space, and 16 percent expressed interest in relocating to an affordable artists’ live/ work community. Art Space recommended looking toward bringing a gallery, classroom and general purpose fine arts studio to town. “We want to make sure that we keep up with the demand, and it would really support that — a classroom space specifically that would benefit more than just artists,” Erickson said. For example, “The average person would want to take pottery class,” she said. “Artists are great members of the community, they’re very entrepreneurial,” she said. “They’re teachers, they’re volunteers, they’re great members of the community,” Erickson said.

should be hers. She has fought cancer for 11 years and said she can’t take any more radiation. “I’ve had a long run with it,” she said. James said her choice to live or die, when the time is right, will be a personal and private one. She campaigned last year for the law. “We met so many people begging us to get this passed,” James said. “Not just sick people, but people who want to have this option available if they ever needed it.” In California, health officials late last month reported numbers from the first six months of its medically assisted suicide law, which went into effect in June 2016. A total of 191 people in the nation’s most populous state received life-ending drugs after being diagnosed with having less than six months to live, and 111 people took the medication and died. The outcomes of 59 others who received the prescriptions were not reported by their doctors, health officials said. In Colorado, lawmakers tucked $44,000 into the budget during the legislative session that ended in May to help better inform doctors with patients who might ask about the new law and pursue the option. But state Sen. Kevin Lundberg, a Republican from Berthoud, argued that taxpayers should not support the practice. “This is not the job of a doctor, and it’s certainly not the job of the government,” Lundberg said. Advocates like James say the new law empowers patients to make the decision. “I’ve always felt there had to be a kinder, more peaceful way to go,” James said.

“As our town grows, we want to make sure we maintain that culture. We don’t want to lose it.” She said that it was not necessary for the future art space to be a public building. “It’s a great opportunity for private investment,” she said. The survey also measured the affordability of potential studio/workspaces that could be rented, with the majority of respondents stating that pricing spaces for less than $400 per month would be necessary to make it affordable. Art Space recommended areas between 200 and 500 square feet for $200 per month as the ideal price point for rentals. The public arts committee will be exploring ways attract more artists to Elizabeth and promote the creative arts culture in the town. They will discuss ideas and suggestions at the next monthly meeting. The public arts committee meets at the town hall from 9 to 10:30 a.m. on the second and fourth Monday of each month. The results of the Elizabeth Arts Market Study are available to download on the town website at www.townofelizabeth.org.

Elbert County News 5

7July 13, 2017

Legend of Agriculture Award winners named

CALF group recognizes people with history of service BY JESSICA GIBBS JGIBBS@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM

The Colorado Agriculture Leadership Foundation strives to keep people connected to agriculture. Especially, CEO Brooke Fox said, in Douglas County, which was historically grounded in the industry but has become increasingly urbanized. That’s why the organization offers a Legend of Agriculture Award in honor of its founders, Bea and John Lowell, which recognizes individuals who are committed to serving youths, their community and the agriculture industry. “We kind of crafted the award after them,” Fox said of the Lowells, “because they spent their whole adult life serving in the community of Douglas County as well as youths in Douglas County.” The Colorado Agriculture Leadership Foundation, or CALF, was founded in 2002 at Lowell Ranch south of Castle Rock. The 133-acre working education ranch is home to programming and special events aimed at connecting people to agriculture. The Legend award is meant to honor people who, like the Lowells, were involved with agriculture and 4-H beyond parenting children in the programs, and are involved in the community. This year’s recipients of the Legend award are Sandy and Bruff Shea of Franktown. The couple will be honored at the Ninth Annual Legends of Agriculture Dinner on July 28 at the start to the Douglas County Fair and Rodeo. “We were shocked,” Bruff said of receiving the award. “I was quite surprised and very honored,” Sandy said. The couple learned they were this year’s recipients when they met with CALF members for what they thought was a social lunch until Fox arrived and surprised them with the news. The couple was a natural fit, Fox said. The Sheas are Douglas County natives who grew up in agriculture, Fox said, and exemplify what the Legend

award is meant to promote. “It’s just part of them — it’s in their system to be community-service oriented,” Fox said. Sandy was raised on a Franktown ranch homesteaded in 1881 by her great-grandfather, Christopher Kelly. The family owns 80 acres of original homestead and farms the property today. The ranch received the designation of a “Colorado Centennial Farm” in 1988 — one of nine in the county to do so. “That has always been a part of her life,” Bruff said of agriculture. Although he considers himself a “city boy” for having grown up in Sedalia, he began working the family ranch as well once he and Sandy married. Sandy and Bruff were both active in 4-H growing up. As 10-year members, Sandy was involved with raising and showing livestock while Bruff participated in forestry and electrical projects, as well as the Sedalia 4-H square dance team. Once the couple had married and started a family, their own children and other relatives raised 4-H livestock on the ranch. The couple eventually moved to Castle Rock but traveled back and forth to the ranch twice a day, Sandy said, so their children could care for their 4-H livestock. “You learn responsbility big time,” Sandy said of caring for animals. “It was a good experience for them. I wouldn’t raise them any other way.” The family still travels to Gunnison each year to watch their grandchildren compete in livestock judging on the Douglas County 4-H Livestock Judging Team. Bruff also served on the Douglas County Fair board from 1992 to 2009 in multiple capacities, including president. Being involved in agriculture for so many years was influential in shaping not only him and Sandy, Bruff said, but also their children and grandchildren. A connection to agriculture instills characteristics such as a strong work ethic, independence and accountability, he said. “It really became a great kind of family experience,” he said. “It’s all the values, candidly for me, that you get being involved in agriculture.” Fox said the work of Legend award

winners is important in a world where many in the public are detached from the agriculture industry. She says people don’t always realize how many aspects of their lives are touched by both livestock and plantbased agriculture. Whether it’s the food on their plate, the clothes they wear or the cosmetics they rely on, agriculture has a hand in delivering those products,

she said. “Everything they do throughout their day has some connection to the land,” Fox said. And the impact left on a community by people such as the Sheas, who remain involved in agriculture and support programming that keeps youth connected, is crucial, Fox said. “The youth of our community have so many opportunities,” Fox said,

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OBITUARIES OBITUARIES

MCQUEEN

Norman McQueen 9/1/1930 - 7/6/2017 86, of Parker. Founder of Pinetree Jewelers. Loving Husband of 61 years to the late Phyllis McQueen. Father of Curt (Mary Lou), Rod, Mitch (Sheri),

Rhonda (Jim) Thompson and Scott. Grandfather and Great-Grandfather. Memorial Service July 15, 2017. See ponderosavalleyfunerals.com

RIORDAN

Rosemarie (Terry) Riordan 5/28/1937 - 7/2/2017 80, of Elizabeth. Loving Wife of the late Lt. Col. Frank J. Riordan. Beloved Mother of Christine (Mike) Hein of Elizabeth and Stephen

(Sherry) Riordan of Boulder City, NV. Private Services will be held. See ponderosavalleyfunerals.com

September 21 1-888-9-AXS-TIX

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July 13, 2017J

CLUBS Ongoing 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/ParkerFranktown-Elizabeth-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 if you’re coming, call 303-814-2863 or email skycliffctr@ skycliff.org. Go to www.skycliff.org. 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. Waste Not Wednesdays: 4:15 p.m. Wednesdays, at Simla Library. Kids craft and learn with repurposed stuff. Call 719-541-2573 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

RidgeGate July, August and September 2017

The RidgeGate calendar of fun starts here.

Yoga in the Park It’s time again for sunset salutations. Join RidgeGate, South Suburban Parks and Recreation and the Lone Tree Recreation Center for free Yoga in the Park classes in Belvedere Park, at the corner of RidgeGate Circle and Belvedere Lane. Please bring your own yoga mat. In case of heavy rain or lightning, class will be cancelled. No need to register – just drop in!

Tuesday, July 25, 6:30-7:30pm Tuesday, August 29, 6:30-7:30pm

Guided Nature Hikes J U LY

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Each year, RidgeGate teams up with the South Suburban Parks and Recreation District to provide free, guided nature hikes. These hikes are led by professional naturalists from SSPRD, and offer insight and education into the natural ecosystems within the open space at RidgeGate. Hikes are free to the public – register at ridgegate.com.

Saturday, July 15, 8:30-10am — Monarchs and Milkweed Hike Saturday, July 22, 8-9:30am — Botany for Birdwatchers Thursday, August 3, 5:30-7pm — Insect and Spider Exploration Hike Wednesday, August 16, 6-7:30pm — Geocaching Basics Saturday, September 16, 9-11am — Family Fun Game & Trivia Hike Saturday, September 30, 9-10:30am — Autumn Glory Hike

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RidgeGate Summer Beats Concerts

AUGUST

Enjoy these summertime concerts out on the grass with free live music, food trucks and activities. It’s all happening in Prairie Sky Park, just west of the Lone Tree Recreation Center in RidgeGate, courtesy of the South Suburban Parks and Recreation District. Bring your picnic or grab something to eat at a food truck and enjoy the summer sounds.

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Thursday, July 20, 5-8pm — Skean Dubh: Celtic Folk-Rock

Tunes on the Terrace at the Lone Tree Arts Center RidgeGate is again proud to sponsor Lone Tree Art Center’s Tunes on the Terrace – an outdoor evening concert series that will bring your summer nights to life. Performances range from bluegrass to jazz, and everything in between. The stars are out this summer! Check out the schedule and buy tickets at www.lonetreeartscenter.org.

Friday, July 21st — After Midnight Friday, August 4, 8-10pm — Doves Cry: Tribute to Prince, David Bowie and George Michael Friday, August 11, 8-10pm — The Motones (Main Stage Performance)

Experience Historic Schweiger Ranch

A M O R E N AT U R A L A P P R O A C H T O U R B A N I S M.

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Among RidgeGate’s cultural facilities is the 38-acre historic Schweiger Ranch, located just east of the RidgeGate Parkway and I-25 interchange. The historic restoration of the ranch and its buildings, led by the nonprofit Schweiger Ranch Foundation, gives us an important glimpse into the settlers’ lives in the late 1800s. Today, Schweiger Ranch is open to the public for self-guided visits each weekend (Saturdays and Sundays from 1-5pm) and a variety of exciting events throughout the year. Register for or learn more about these events at SchweigerRanch.org.

Saturday, July 15, 6-8pm — Campfire Stories with Liz Masterson & Cinnamon Sue Sunday, July 30, 1-3pm — Free Guided Tour Sunday, August 27, 1-3pm — Free Guided Tour

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. 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 303-8108504. Go to www.castlerockbridge.com.

MILESTONES Tanna Boyle, of Simla, was named to the spring 2017 dean’s list at the University of Minnesota. Miranda Brockman, of Elizabeth, was named to the spring 2017 dean’s list at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. Brockman is a senior majoring in biological systems engineering. Henry Brooks Imperial, of Kiowa, graduated in May 2017 with a bachelor’s degree from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln.

Elbert County News 7

7July 13, 2017

As unemployment drops, businesses labor to find workers Record-low jobless rate making it tough for some companies to fill openings

HOW THE COUNTIES COMPARE Below is a comparison of unemployment rates of six counties in the Denver metro area from May 2016 to May 2017. Rates are not seasonally adjusted. Adams: May 2016: 3.5 percent; May 2017: 2.6 percent Arapahoe: May 2016: 3 percent; May 2017: 2.3 percent Denver: May 2016: 3 percent; May 2017: 2.3 percent Douglas: May 2016: 2.6 percent; May 2017: 2 percent Elbert: May 2016: 2.6 percent; May 2017: 2.1 percent Jefferson: May 2016: 2.9 percent; May 2017: 2.2 percent Source: Colorado Department of Labor and Employment

BY ALEX DEWIND ADEWIND@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM

Husband and wife Jim and Kate Curtis opened Village Roaster, a coffee store in Lakewood, 23 years ago. Some employees have been with them for five to 10 years, others are seasonal high school and college students. But although they describe their staff as stable, they have noticed a change in the past year. “We don’t have as many applicants for positions,” Kate Curtis said. “There is not a lineup of people to choose from.” The struggle to find employees is the result of a historically low state unemployment rate of 2.3 percent, the lowest in the nation, the Colorado Department of Labor and Employment reports. That rate, which has remained the same for April and May, compares to a state unemployment rate of 8.8 percent in May 2010 and of 3.9 percent in May 2015, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The national unemployment rate for May was 4.3 percent, compared to 4.7 percent a year earlier.

Kate and Jim Curtis, owners of Village Roaster, a coffee store based in Lakewood. COURTESY PHOTO

Openings are highest in nonfarm payroll jobs, which include goods, construction and manufacturing positions. Business leaders in the Denver metro area agree the low unemployment rate signals a strong economy of employed people who have the means to spend money. “Job security means the economic

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engine in sales is doing well,” said Pamela Kelly, general manager of Park Meadows shopping center in Lone Tree, which has 200 retail stores and 16 restaurants. But conversely, the selection pool for employers has diminished in size and quality. Chamber of commerce leaders in the Denver metro area agree that their members — employers of small

to large businesses — are finding it difficult to fill positions. “It used to be that the typical ad you would see for employment was `help wanted: rock stars.’ Nowadays it’s more like `help wanted: warm bodies,’ ” said Doug Tisdale, executive vice president of economic development for the South Metro Denver Chamber of Commerce, which has 700 business members. “We are just really hardpressed to find people to fill available positions.” SEE BUSINESS, P9

8 Elbert County News

July 13, 2017J

‘Hairspray’ cast and crew bring classic show to life A behind-the-scenes look at producing Parker’s summer musical

IF YOU GO WHAT: “Hairspray” WHERE: PACE Center, 20000 Pikes Peak Ave., Parker WHEN: July 14-Aug. 6 7:30 p.m. Fridays 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays TICKETS: $22 INFORMATION: 303-805-6800, parkerarts. org

BY CASEY VAN DIVIER SPECIAL TO COLORADO COMMUNITY MEDIA

As director and choreographer of a larger-than-life production like “Hairspray,” Liane Adamo leaves no question unasked when working with the cast and crew: “Was it a shimmy or a flick?” she asks of a hand movement for a dance move at a recent rehearsal. Adamo, executive director of Inspire Creative, and her team have partnered with Parker Arts to develop the summer show, which opens July 14 and runs through Aug. 6 at the PACE Center, 20000 Pikes Peak Ave., Parker. Cast and crew members have put in the hours — 20, 30, even 40 hours a week — to make every second count in the two-hour production. Whether they’re calling the shots, singing the songs or building the sets, each individual plays an important role in making the show a memorable experience. The crew Since the middle of May, stage technician Roderick Borden and his stagehands have been creating the set that scenic designer Michael Duran spent nearly a month conceptualizing. “With PACE, we really try hard to

Jessica Hall, who plays Tracy Turnblad, and Laurence Katz, the production’s Link Larkin, rehearse for one of the show’s big dance numbers. CASEY VAN DIVIER make each set design different — to wow you in some different way,” said Borden, 34, one of more than 30 PACE Center stagehands and outside professionals working on “Hairspray.” As the stage technician for PACE, he has built sets for many productions, but he considers “Hairspray” one of his most ambitious projects yet. “We’re building rotating panels that will be automated to put you in different scenes and locations,” Borden said. “We really had to work as one big

team when it came to figuring out how to create that.” Stage manager Kelsea Heimlich, 25, employs problem-solving techniques, as well. She is responsible for communicating with the entire team, calling the show, and just about anything else that comes up along the way. “It’s a lot longer of a process than people ever actually think it is, but it’s so rewarding,” Heimlich said. “It’s always interesting to work with different directors and find out how they want things done. This show’s been awesome because Liane is a really organic choreographer, and she’s brought the same thing into her directing.” Adamo, usually a choreographer, is directing her first mainstage production. She has devoted hours to blocking scenes, recording dance moves and making suggestions to the crew. She often wakes up as early as four o’clock in the morning to get it all done. “As lighthearted as this show is — and fun — there are some pretty pertinent points to the story,” she said. “So being able to express that in the arts is amazing.” The cast While the crew works to keep things

s s

t t s a i R n running smoothly backstage, the cast b attends rehearsals full of clever ban- 3 ter, nonstop laughter, and extremely w hard work. Since their first rehearsal a on May 15, they have met at the PACE g Center three times a week to capture the show’s over-the-top essence. c “Working on a show like this is i rare — it’s full of fun, and it’s got a a huge cast with many different types R of people,” said Laurence Katz, 32, the i production’s Link Larkin. “You get to g work with a lot of people and make a p lot of friends.” o The process has been a long one for s Katz and his fellow cast members, w some of whom started preparing audition material — a song, a monologue t and a dance audition — at the beginning of the year. The March auditions w were open to the public and narrowed l down a group of 200 actors to a cast c of 34. t “Some people come from a profes- t sional place, and now they do this type of work for fun. Other people are C young, maybe students,” Adamo said. c “A lot of them go from show to show. b This is their life outside of having a s nine-to-five job.” f “I’m so honored to be part of this l cast, because I think everyone’s so h talented,” said Christy Oberndorf, 20, a who will be playing the role of Penny c Pingleton. “It’s like watching a cari toon, but with real-live people. All the i characters are so big and ridiculous.” Jessica Hall, the 27-year-old actress m who will play Tracy Turnblad, also d anticipates the opportunity to portray g an iconic character in the production. “It’s a little terrifying, but also exciting and wonderful,” she said. “The show takes a lot of collaboration, and I think our cast is blowing it out of the water.”

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Elbert County News 9

7July 13, 2017

BUSINESS

“Hiring now” signs aren’t uncommon in the Denver metro area as businesses search for employees in the midst of Colorado’s recordlow unemployment rate of 2.3 percent, the department of labor and employment reports. The selection pool is slim, business leaders say. ALEX DEWIND

FROM PAGE 7

Shifting attitudes A major reason many employers are struggling to fill positions is the mindset of the millennial worker. Millennials —a term used to describe the population born after 1980 — are taking the traditional four-year university route over trade professions, such as electricians, plumbers and mechanics. According to a 2017 study by Pew Research Center, 40 percent of millennial workers ages 25 to 29 had at least a bachelor’s degree in 2016, compared to 32 percent of Generation X workers — who are in their mid-30s to early 50s — and smaller shares of the baby boomer generation. In 2015, to address the shortage of craftsmen and women in the trade industry, Colorado lawmakers created the Skilled Worker Outreach, Recruitment, Key Training Act, which included a three-year, $10 million grant for training programs, including pre-apprenticeships and peer-to-peer outreach through local colleges and associations. The second cycle of the act will be rolled out this October. Still, business leaders say the attitude toward blue-collar jobs must shift. “We created an image that you weren’t as good if you were doing hard labor,” Tisdale said. “We need electricians, plumbers, because we have all these fancy gadgets and nobody to fix them.” Pam Bales, president of the West Chamber of Commerce, which includes 750 small- to medium-sized businesses in Jefferson County, has a similar outlook. She applauds the Jefferson County Business Education Alliance, formed five years ago to prepare high school students for the workforce, and Warren Tech, a career and technical high school in Lakewood, for fostering paths for young adults that don’t include a four-year university. “There are all kinds of fits for young millennials who don’t want to go a traditional route,” Bales said. “They can get into a profession that they love.”

Business leaders also say millenials are as concerned with the lifestyle of a position — access to transportation, hours and benefits — as the pay. Companies need to recognize and address that mentality, said Tisdale. Some companies have devised work environments and schedules that appeal to millennials and their older counterparts. Lockheed Martin, an aerospace and defense company in Littleton, offers a 9/80 work schedule, in which employees work nine hours a day and get every other Friday off. It also offers medical benefits, incentives to stay healthy, including a health and exercise facility on campus, and clubs where people of like-minded interests can connect, said Reese Reynolds, humans resources director of Lockheed Martin’s Space Systems Division. “Healthy, happy and fulfilled employees get engaged in their work and end up dong great work,” Reynolds said. “We have outlets for their interests that are beyond their careers.”

morial Day, management hosts a picnic for all employees and their families. Each manager has a monthly budget called Cane’s Love to creatively reward the crew. “Our culture is very strong,” said Amanda Klein, a Raising Cane’s recruiter. Even so, the restaurant chain

encountered challenges in finding employees for its newest Colorado location. A job posting in Highlands Ranch had far fewer applicants than a similar position posted in St. Louis, according to Klein. Kate and Jim Curtis get to know their employees on a personal level. They ask about families and pets and celebrate occasions with their team outside of work. Commitment to their employees has allowed for slow and steady growth of their Lakewood business: Village Roasters, at 9255 W. Alameda Ave., now has a café in St. Anthony Hospital in Lakewood and a kiosk in the Lakewood Cultural Center. “The Golden Rule — treat people the way you want to be treated — is our philosophy,” Kate Curtis said. “We definitely have rules and procedures, but we have flexibility.” While there may not be one solution to the record-low unemployment rate’s adverse affects, business leaders hope to see more young adults apply for nontraditional yet highly needed positions in the workforce.

Creative ways to keep employees Restaurant and retail employers are finding unique ways to attract and retain entry-level employees in a competitive market. Raising Cane’s, a popular Louisianabased restaurant chain that opened this month in Highlands Ranch, closes for Thanksgiving, Christmas and the evening of Super Bowl Sunday. On Me-

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10 Elbert County News

QUIET DESPERATION

Craig Marshall Smith

LOCAL

VOICES Let’s consider this a role call, for example

am auditioning role models next week. Please bring your resume. Please don’t. I need a role model like I need a carton of mewing kittens. A role model is generally thought of as someone whose behavior is favorable, and who is a good example for others, especially, but not always, younger people. These often include athletes, entertainers, super heroes, politicians and priests. However, I never wanted to be like Mike, Missy, Captain America or Miss America. There’s not much of a chance of it, but I would never want to be anyone’s role model. If I were elected, I would not serve.

Your idea of a role model is probably not the same as mine. I have been reading about a new film that “empowers” women and offers young women and girls someone to look up to. Is it about Helen Keller? Not exactly. Maya Angelou? Not quite. It’s about a woman who wears Lynda Carter’s old clothes, which amounted to a push-up, a sword, and not much else. Trying to ID a man or a woman as a role model would be a good way to get myself in trouble. Let me throw out some names: Kylie and Kendall, Anderson Cooper, Hans Christian Andersen, Wayne LaPierre, Ted Nugent,

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Colorado Community Media welcomes letters to the editor. Please keep in mind the following ground rules: • Limit your letter to 300 words or fewer. • Keep it polite: Do not resort to name calling or “mud slinging.” • Include a source for any information that is not common knowledge. We will not publish information that cannot easily be verified. • Submit your letter by 5 p.m. on Friday in order for it to appear in the following week’s newspaper.

• Only submit ideas and opinions that are your own — and in your own words. Colorado Community Media will not publish any letter that is clearly part of a letter-writing campaign. • Include your full name, address and phone number. We will only publish your name and city or town of residence, but all of the information requested is needed for us to verify you are who you say you are. • Email your letter to letters@coloradocommunitymedia.com Thank you, and we look forward to your letters.

Does your credit score really matter? EXTENSION UPDATE

Sheila G. Kelley

July 13, 2017J

ow many of you have seen all the television commercials on checking your credit score? It seems that accessing your credit score is just as confusing and frustrating as it is to check your credit reports. In an article written by Glenda Wentworth, Colorado State University Family & Consumer Science extension agent and director in Eagle County, she reports that credit scores were once a mystical number you had to pay for or weren’t easily obtained. You may have noticed that over the last few years, many

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credit card issuers and other financial companies have begun to offer free credit scores to their customers. But be aware a credit score and credit report are two different financial documents. Your credit score is meant to illustrate your creditworthiness. Generally, your credit score reflects the information in your credit reports. The three biggest credit reporting companies are Equifax, Experian and TransUnion. Federal law gives you the right to get a free copy of your credit reports from each of the three SEE EXTENSION P11

Warren Buffett, Mark Zuckerman, J.K. Rowling, George Washington, George Washington Carver, Aimee Semple McPherson, Madalyn Murray O’Hair, Phyllis Schlafly, Fred Phelps, Fred Rogers. Bob Dylan. I am not being disingenuous about any of those names. There are people who look up to each of them. Can we agree 100 percent about anyone? Abraham Lincoln? Ask them in parts of the South. Martin Luther King Jr.? Ask them in parts of Arizona. Elvis didn’t want to be a role model, but SEE SMITH, P11

Just a slight change in wording can offer way to live with piece of peace

o the other day I was reminded of something I had heard a few times before and always enjoyed as a new way to think about things. And WINNING when I heard it WORDS this time it gave me a little cause for pause because it really was just so relevant to where we are now as a culture and society. I bring this up now because a Michael Norton couple of weeks ago I had written an article about happiness and joy. The column received so much raw, yet positive feedback from our community as many of you thought through the message of not just seeking happiness, but pursuing true joy or trying to find that joy again. And many lamented on the feeling that somehow the feeling of joy, even simple happiness had become lost somewhere along the way. We are not an isolated community when it comes to this feeling. All you have to do is speak to a friend, family member, or co-worker who lives in a different part of the country or maybe even in a different part of the

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world and you will get the sense that too many people are living on the edge. Frustration, sadness, and even anger have substituted a place in people’s lives, homes, and hearts where happiness once used to dwell. That is why when I was reminded of this philosophy; it rang so true in our current times. What I was reminded of was this: “Anger is only one letter away from danger.” Let that sink in for a minute because even though I had heard it before also, it seemed to be more important this week for me than maybe it had in the past. One letter, the letter “D,” has the potential to turn an unhealthy emotion into a scary situation or event. Perhaps we can think of other words where one letter can make a difference as well. As an example, when we are tired, sad, and frustrated and we feel like we want to cry, maybe change out the “C” in cry and replace it with a “T” for try. Try one more time, try one more path, try one more idea, or try to be more loving and kind, even in the face of the difficulties and challenges certain people or life can throw our way. It is so very easy to become cynical and hard-hearted. I mean we

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 NORTON, P11

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Elbert County News 11

7July 13, 2017

NORTON FROM PAGE 10

can shut out the world and those closest to us, can’t we? We can become irritable at home and at work and make ourselves and everyone else around us miserable. And sooner or later that hard-hearted and hard-headed thinking will end up in resentment and maybe even anger, just one letter removed from danger. And that danger can include maybe losing those we love the most. Instead, let’s change one more word by adding one more letter and removing another. I am sure you have heard someone say it in the heat of an argument, or on a TV show or in a movie at some point, “You want a piece of me?” They say it with such hostility and bravado, inviting the other person

to a fight. Well, if we happen to find ourselves in such a situation, rather than asking the person if they want a piece of us, what if we asked them to find peace with us instead? So how about you? Could you benefit from trying something new instead of crying about what’s happening around you? Can you see yourself as a peacemaker instead of taking a piece out of someone else? Either way I would love to hear all about it at gotonorton@ gmail.com, and when we decide to live with a piece of the peace that this world does have to offer us, and avoid the anger and danger, 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.

EXTENSION

three national credit reporting companies once every 12 months. Coloradans may get a second free copy from each company each year. FROM PAGE 10 To order your free annual credit report from one or all of the credit reporting bureaus and to purchase your credit score, visit www.annualcreditreport.com or call toll-free 877-322-8228. You may also complete and submit an Annual Credit Report Request. When you obtain your credit report, check it for accuracy. Look for mistakes in your name, phone number or address; check for loans, credit cards or other accounts that are not yours; reports saying you paid late when you paid on time; accounts you closed that are listed as open; and the same item showing up more than once such as an unpaid debt. If you find errors in your credit report, contact the credit reporting bureau and explain what you think is wrong and why. Request the information be corrected or deleted. It is always good to include any copies of documentation that you have to support the dispute. Your credit scores have a major impact on your financial opportunities. Credit scores are used by lenders to determine your credit risk and help predict the likelihood of you paying your credit obligations as agreed. It is also used in a loan approval, the terms you are offered or the rate of interest you will pay for the loan. A higher credit score may mean a lower interest rate, resulting in dollars saved over the course of the loan. A credit score is a “snapshot” of an individual’s credit history at a par-

SMITH FROM PAGE 10

Ed Sullivan tried to make him into one. It was awkward and embarrassing. “I wanted to say to Elvis Presley and the country that this is a real decent, fine boy, and wherever you go, Elvis, we want to say we’ve never had a pleasanter experience on our show with a big name than we’ve had with you.” (Ed also asked Connie Francis, “Tell me, Connie, is your mother still dead?”) I don’t think anyone would get everyone’s vote. Muhammad Ali? Gandhi? Barry Bonds? Bonds said, “I think everyone needs to be a role model, period.” I believe we need bad role models too, if we need role models at all. This isn’t Pleasantville. I think someone like Bernie Madoff taught us a good lesson.

If I were pressed on this, I would say that all I needed was Harry and Shirley. The country is full of Harrys and Shirleys. Unassuming parents, who love and protect their children, feed them, and send them to school. My Harry and my Shirley provided me with a Dickensian gamut of behavioral traits, dispositions, and temperaments that continue to serve as good examples of good examples and good examples of bad examples. My father was objective, rational, honest, industrious, and humorous. My mother did a good job of preparing me for unbalanced people. If it had only been one or the other, or if they had both been the same, I am certain I wouldn’t be writing a column like this — like this. Craig Marshall Smith is an artist, educator and Highlands Ranch resident. He can be reached at craigmarshallsmith@comcast.net.

ticular point in time. The good news is you are increasingly able to see your credit score from a variety of websites. Some websites offer credit scores for free in exchange for signing up and paying for a monthly credit monitoring service or to market their services to you. A number of credit card companies offer your credit score for free if you have an account with them. Just remember, these credit scores are estimates, not the actual score lenders will use. However, they do give you a sense of where you are financially at that point in time. Credit scores play a crucial role in your financial life. Be sure to check and update yours often. Elbert County Extension is a cooperative effort between CSU Extension and Elbert County government. Sheila G. Kelley is the Colorado State University extension director for Elbert County. She can be reached at sheila.kelley@ colostate.edu.

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12 Elbert County News

LOCAL

July 13, 2017J

LIFE

Homemade leaves home

Cottage food producers spread jam and joy as they sell their wares

COTTAGE FOODS: THE BASICS Allowed foods • Jams, jellies, preserves, honey • Spice blends, tea, dehydrated produce, ﬂour • Bread, cookies, candies, tortillas • Pickled fruits and veggies with a veriﬁed pH below 4.6 (free testing is available through the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment) • Up to 250 dozen whole eggs per month, only if washed and sanitized (the only cottage food that requires refrigeration)

BY DAVID GILBERT DGILBERT@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM

oanne Littau seems to float as she works, blending strawberries and rhubarb with pectin and lemon juice with the deftness and grace of an orchestra conductor. Ceramic pigs peer down at pots of jam bubbling like cauldrons on the stove of her little kitchen. On the wall hang the former New Yorker’s blue ribbons, earned at county fairs for delicacies like ginger pear butter, peach butter with rum and cranberry chutney. “Oh, it’s a delightful hobby,” Joanne said. “I’m proud of what I do, and people just love my jams.” Littau, of Denver, is one of hundreds, maybe thousands, of Coloradans who sell homemade goodies under the auspices of the Cottage Foods Act, a set of guidelines designed to grease the wheels for home cooks to sell their wares at farmers markets, community events or even out of their driveways. The short version of the regulations is fairly simple: take a food safety class — in person or online — keep a clean kitchen, make sure your items are properly labeled and get cooking. Many potentially nonhazardous foods are allowed, such as jams, jellies, honey, baked goods like bread and cookies, dried items like SEE HOMEMADE, P13

Not allowed foods • Meat, fish, or dairy products • Lemon curd, pesto, salsa, dressings, condiments • Beverages • Canned vegetables with a pH higher than 4.6 All items must feature labeling containing • Identification of the food • The producer’s name and address where the food was prepared • Current phone number or email address • Date the food was produced • Complete list of ingredients • The following disclaimer: “This product was produced in a home kitchen that is not subject to state licensure or inspection and that may also process common food allergens such as tree nuts, peanuts, eggs, soy, wheat, milk, fish and crustacean shellfish. This product is not intended for resale.”

Dorreen Strnad stocks her stand with homemade jam.

PHOTOS BY DAVID GILBERT

Training • Face-to-face training is available through Colorado State University’s County Extension offices. Classes generally cost $40 and last three to four hours. • Colorado’s ServeSafe Manager Certification is intended for commercial establishments, but satisfies the cottage food requirements. Classes cost $120 and up. • Online training is available through CSU, StateFoodSafety.com, and ServeSafe. Selling • Cottage foods must be sold directly to consumers, and not for resale in a store or restaurant. • Sellers are subject to income taxes, and a business license is required in some instances. • Foods can only be sold within Colorado. • In-state online sales are now allowed. • At the point of sale, prominently display a placard reading: “This product was produced in a home kitchen that is not subject to state licensure or inspection. This product is not intended for resale.”

Joanne Littau tells tales of her younger days in New York while finishing off a batch of strawberry rhubarb jam.

Joanne Littau’s jam all ready for sealing. Joanne makes two batches a day, most days of the month.

More information • Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment has a detailed page at www.colorado.gov/paciﬁc/cdphe/ cottage-foods-act • Call 303-692-3645, option 3 • Email cdphe_iepu@state.co.us Source: Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment

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Elbert County News 13

7July 13, 2017

HOMEMADE FROM PAGE 12

spice blends and teas, and even fresh eggs. Pickles are allowed if their pH is below 4.6. Nothing with meat is allowed, nor is anything that requires refrigeration, except eggs. Dairy products are off the menu, as are salsas and sauces. Producers can only sell directly to consumers, and you’re only allowed to earn $10,000 per year per variety of food item — meaning you can make 10 grand off chocolate chip cookies and another 10 grand off chocolate chip cookies with walnuts. Littau’s business keeps her hopping — she estimates she makes two batches of jellies, jams and preserves a day, most days of the month. She mainly sells her products, under the brand name The Jelly Jar LLC, at the Four Seasons Farmers & Artisans Market in Wheat Ridge, but she also makes the rounds of local festivals. She shared a booth at the Fourth of July parade and craft fair in Byers, and she’ll be at the Lafayette Peach Festival in August. This year she’ll enter the competition at the Arapahoe County Fair for the first time, and she’ll be back to defend last year’s first place ribbons in the Boulder County Fair. “I’ll never get rich off of cottage foods,” said the diminutive woman with smiling eyes and an easy, musical laugh. “But it occupies my time and makes me feel productive and involved with people. When I came here in the ‘90s, people kind of looked at me funny. I’m a New York girl — we’re bold and brassy. People out here are a little more toned down. At the market I can really cut loose and be myself.” Trying to fill a niche Being themselves is big for cottage food producers. “I wouldn’t trade this for anything,” said Diego Hernandez, the proprietor of Ant D’s Fine Foods, as he presided over tables loaded with jams, jellies and crates of fresh fruits and veggies under a canopy outside O’Toole’s Garden Center in Littleton. “It’s a hard life, but I get to show what I can do from my heart. I don’t have to do what my boss says, because I don’t have one.” Hernandez’s offerings include strawberry cracked black pepper jam and habanero peach jam, but the big seller

RECIPE

JOANNE’S STRAWBERRY RHUBARB JAM Courtesy of Joanne Littau

Remove from heat

Ingredients

Skim foam off (but don’t toss it — it makes a great ice cream topping)

2 cups strawberries 2 cups rhubarb, chopped 1 packet dry pectin 1/4 cup lemon juice

Use spoon to remove bubbles from jars

5 cups sugar Dash oil

Wipe rims of jars

DIRECTIONS Stir in lemon juice and pectin

Carefully place heated and sanitized jar lids on jars, screw down rings finger-tight

Bring to a boil over high heat, stirring frequently

Place on towel, cover with another towel

Add sugar

Allow to cool, listening for popping of jar lids

Blend or process fruit

Joanne Littau’s strawberry rhubarb jam bubbles on the stove. DAVID GILBERT

Bring to a rolling boil for one full minute Add a dash of oil to keep foam down

is farm-fresh eggs. He has regulars who show up every Tuesday to snag a dozen or two or three. “The only way you’d get ‘em fresher is if they were laid in your backyard,” he said. Ant D’s was started “with a raspberry bush and my last unemployment check,” said Hernandez, a lifelong chef and a Denver resident. Across the way on the hot asphalt, Dorreen Strnad sports a sheepish grin as she’s cajoled into talking up her sugary baked goods. “My scones are selling like crazy mad today,” Strnad, of Littleton, said. “Seems like nobody sells a good scone anymore, so I try to fill that niche.” She does it well. Her scones are fluffy and moist, almost mouth-puckering with tart blueberries. She does loads more than scones, too: big hearty loaves of sandwich bread, flawlessly frosted cookies, and yes, jams and jellies. “For me, cottage foods means freedom,” Strnad said. “I went to culinary school, then I did the whole punch-

Fill sanitized canning jars within 1/4 inch of the top

the-clock thing. I got tired of being a link in a chain and making money for somebody else. This is my nine-to-five now.” Following the rules Getting set up in cottage foods isn’t difficult, said Sheila Gains, a Colorado State University extension agent who teaches a cottage food safety training class that satisfies the law’s education requirement. Most important is understanding the ways in which a home kitchen is different from a commercial kitchen. “In a commercial kitchen, everyone there is prepped to make food,” Gains said. “In a commercial kitchen, nobody’s coming home from work and wanting to taste-test, no dogs are roaming around, no cats are jumping on counters. When somebody’s sick, they stay home. You’ve got to get everyone in your home on board that when you’re cooking, they’re either helping you keep everything clean or staying out of your way.”

Store in cool dark place until ready to use; refrigerate after opening

There are no hard numbers on cottage food producers — there’s no mandatory or voluntary registry. There may be thousands since the law took effect in 2012, Gains said. Before that, to legally sell homemade goods, you would have needed a commercial food license and kitchen. “It’s like going from zero miles per hour to a hundred to become a food producer, so this lets people in at 10 or 15 miles per hour,” Gains said. “They can develop their product through trial and error. They can see if producing food is something they want to do day in and day out. If they become super successful, they have a fighting chance of becoming a commercial producer.” To date, there have been no known outbreaks of foodborne illness from cottage food, said Therese Pilonetti with the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment, which oversees administration of cottage foods. “This law is about breaking down barriers,” Pilonetti said. “And it sure seems to be working.”

14 Elbert County News

July 13, 2017J

Sibling sensations get set to harmonize at Hudson Gardens

merica’s longtime sibling duo, Donny and Marie Osmond, will bring their array of hits to Hudson Gardens and Event Center, 6115 S. Santa Fe Drive, Littleton, at 7:30 p.m. on July 18. (Gates open at 5:30 p.m.) Included: “A Little Bit Country, a Little Bit Rock ‘n’ Roll,” “Puppy Love,” “Paper Roses.” Tickets: $79/$69. Also on the calendar: a July Bird Walk with an Audubon Master Birder from Front Range Birding July 29; opportunities to meet gardeners and the beekeeper. See hudsongardens.org. A passion for pastels The Mile High National Pastel Exhibition, featuring about 100 landscapes, portraits, figurative and still life paintings, opened July 6 at the Littleton Museum and continues through Aug. 20 during museum hours. Tony Allain, an internationally recognized artist from the UK, was juror and demonstrated at

SONYA’S SAMPLER

the Aug. 6 opening. Admission is free. 303795-3950.

Entry reminder The Heritage Fine Arts Guild invites artists to enter the 2017 “This is Colorado” exhibit, scheduled Oct. 10 to Nov. 2 at the Colorado Gallery of the Arts at Arapahoe Sonya Ellingboe Community College. Open to all Colorado artists, with a deadline of Aug. 17. A prospectus and entry form are found at the guild’s website, heritage-guild.com, or for information, leave a message for show director Mary kay Jacobus, 303594-4667. (Juror will be Lance Green.) ‘Living History’ July weekends are dedicated to

“Living History,” in Tesoro Cultural Center’s weekend events at The Fort, 19192 Highway 8, Morrison. Featured artists, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. July 14-16: Sylvana Apache, Randy Sectaro, Jimmy Harrison. Music, food. See: tesoroculturalcenter.org for full summer schedule. Admission: $5 (free 12 and under). 303-839-1671. A look at eclipses “America’s Great Eclipses: 1878 and 2017” will be discussed by Boulder author, Dr. David Baron, at 7 p.m. July 24 at the Denver Museum of Nature & Science, 2001 Colorado Blvd., Denver. In 1878, scientists from across the nation came to Colorado (including a young Thomas Edison) to view the summer eclipse then. It’s 99 years later and Baron will talk about places just north of Colorado, where the view will be better (and sell and sign his book). Tickets: $12/ member; $15/ non-member; dmns. org, 303-370-6000. ‘Lazy Days’ awards Winners were announced on First Friday, July 7, at the Depot Art Gallery in the “Lazy Days of Summer” exhibit. Juror, painter Tanis Bula, selected “Along Bear Creek,” oil by David George, as Best of Show; “Flamingo Pattern” by Judy Diest, photo, First Place; “Summer Tease,” oil by David George, Second Place; “Clear Water,” watercolor by Brian Serff, Third Place. Honorable mentions: Patty Dwyer, Tim

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Donny and Marie Osmond will appear in concert at Hudson Gardens and Event Center in Littleton on July 18. COURTESY PHOTO Kathka, Gail Firmin, Carl Paulson. The exhibit runs to July 30, followed by the annual Western Welcome Week show. Heartland Emmys Littleton pianist, composer, recording artist Lisa Downing received her third Heartland Emmy Nomination for “The Torii Gates,” based on a story stemming from the Japanese earthquake and tsunami that resulted in items washing up on Oregon’s shores many months later. On July 14, she will travel to the stunning Portland, Oregon, Japanese Gardens for a celebration of the restoration and return of the gates to Hachinoe, Japan. Music can be purchased at LisaDowning.com.

Elbert County News 15

7July 13, 2017

THINGS TO DO

Choosing Trust In Risky Times: 4 p.m. Sunday, July 16; presented by the Castle Rock Unitarian Universalist Community, meeting at New Hope Presbyterian Church, 3737 New Hope Way, Castle Rock. Guest speaker is the Rev. Ruth Rinehart, assistant minister at Boulder Valley Unitarian Universalist Fellowship, a leader in JUUST Living and a Trustee of the Colorado Religious Coalition for Reproductive Choice. Arrive by 3:45 p.m. RSVP to Cath Wyngarden at cath@cruuc.org. Indian Prayer Trees: 9 a.m. to noon Sunday, July 16 at Fox Run Regional Park, Colorado Springs. Highlands Ranch Historical Society event features an easy hike/walk around the park, led by John Anderson, author and presenter. Transportation on your own to the venue. Register by Monday, July 10, at https://events. r20.constantcontact.com/register/eventReg? oeidk=a07ee9yr7ed3bab92e4&c=e9ecc4f01c39-11e5-aeac-d4ae5275396f&ch=e9f21c201c39-11e5-aeac-d4ae5275396f Theater Guild Awards Ceremony: 6 p.m. Monday, July 17 at the PACE Center, 20000 Pikes Peak Ave., Parker. After cocktails, the Colorado Theatre Guild’s 12th annual Henry Awards ceremony starts at 7 p.m., followed by an afterparty. Tickets available at parkerarts.org, or by calling the box office at 303-805-6800. Lifetree Café: 5-6 p.m. Monday, July 17 (What People Really Think of Christians); Monday,

Palomino Shakedown Concert: 5-7 p.m. Sunday, July 23 at Maddie’s Biergarten in Castle Rock. The Austin band performs its blend of original country, soul and rock `n’ roll. Go to www.PalominoShakedown.com to hear samples of the band’s music. Go to http://maddiesbg.com.

CALM AFTER THE STORM

Summer Wizard Camp: 9:30 a.m. to noon Monday through Thursday, with a recital at noon on the last day at Theatre of Dreams, 735 Park St., Suite C&D, Castle Rock. Learn magic, illusion, mentalism and stage performance. Taught by two full-time professional magicians, Joe Givan and Carol Massie. Camp dates are July 24-27. Open to all ages. Call 303-660-6799 or go to www.AmazingShows.com. 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, 719541-4275, or 800-825-0208 for reservations. Go to http://outbackexpress.tripod.com. July schedule: Simla and Matheson to Colorado Springs, Monday, July 17; Kiowa, Elizabeth and Elbert to Parker or Colorado Springs, Tuesday, July 18; Simla and Matheson to Limon, Thursday, July 27. Free Legal Clinic: 6-8 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 8 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 Sept. 12, Oct. 10, Nov. 14 and Dec. 12. First come, first served. 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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MuckFest MS: Saturday, July 15 at Salisbury North, 9200 Motsenbocker Road, Parker. Thousands of participants will slog their way through muddy obstacles that spin, swing and fling them up, down and sideways. Proceeds support the National Multiple Sclerosis Society. Go to www.MuckFestMS.com to register and for information.

Magician John Carney Performs: 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday, July 21-22 at Theatre of Dreams, 735 Park St., Castle Rock. Go to http:// Tickets.AmazingShows.com. Call 303-6606799.

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Elizabeth Farmers Market: open from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturdays through September at 165 Main St., Elizabeth. No market Aug. 19. Market includes vendors selling produce and other mercantile items. Go to www.townofelizabeth. org/farmer-smarket.html.

July 24 (Body Language); Monday, July 31 (Getting Unstuck) at Dazbog, 202 Wilcox St., Castle Rock.

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.

C o m m u nit

16 Elbert County News

July 13, 2017J

THISSUMMER SUMMER WATCH THIS WATCHA A

Sandy Schnitzer has been a rules official for the past four years and says “my call is really to help the golfer have a good round of golf and to be able to score the best that they can.” JIM BENTON

Making sure every stroke counts Before they get to roam the course, rules officials must pass rigorous training BY JIM BENTON JBENTON@COLORDOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM

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They drive around the golf course in carts and get good views of the action. They are the rules officials who volunteer at the various levels of golf, both professional and amateur. And while some golfers would rather not see them, officials say they are not out to marshal players — just to help them follow the rules. “We can’t run a tournament without rules officials because their job is to enforce the rules of golf and provide assistance to those golfers who do not know the rules and decisions on the rules of golf,” said Laura Robertson, executive director of the Colorado Women’s Golf Association. “Rules officials are there to help. We’re not there as a police force trying to find rules violations.” Workshops, seminars, tests and ride-alongs are among the training that takes a number of years for volunteers before becoming certified United States Golf Association-certified rules officials. Tom Kennedy, a retired Colorado Springs district judge, is a USGA chief rules official and said of the tutoring, “I hadn’t studied this hard since I took the bar exam 48 years ago. They made me work to become a certified rules official.” It’s demanding to be a rules administrator since there are 34 rules of golf, but every two years a large book is published concerning decisions on the rules. That’s to help clarify any ambiguity that might arise from the rules to allow rules officials to correctly interpret the rules. “You not only have to master the

Tom Kennedy retired as a Colorado Springs district judge in 2015 and is now a United States Golf Association chief rules official. JIM BENTON rules but understand the decisions,” Kennedy said. “Sometimes you have to use a judgment call. I’m used to making decisions, but I want it to be in a positive way. “I’ve made a lot of decisions sending people to prison for a very long time and those were never fun decisions. The decisions we are making out here on the golf course are to help educate the players. So if they make a mistake on the rule, they won’t make it a second time.” Brad Wiesley, a lawyer who lives near Indian Tree Golf Club in Arvada, is another chief rules official. “None of us like when a penalty is involved,” he said. “Some people think the rules official is handing out penalties. We never do that. The penalty is because of the rules of golf. “The reasons there are so many decisions is because golfers find interestSEE GOLF, P17

Elbert County News 17

7July 13, 2017

FROM PAGE 16

ing situations to get into. Sometimes there is not a decision to cover exactly what happened. So you have to do some interpretations. Similar situations are treated alike.” There are many rules that might be misinterpreted or broken. And golfers have a knack for getting themselves in odd — and sometimes, truly hazardous — situations. Rules official Sandy Schnitzer recalls that twice in the past few years a ball has landed on mating snakes. It happened once at Riverdale Dunes in Brighton, she said, when a tee shot on a par 3 landed on top of two bull snakes. The other time was at Murphy Creek in Aurora and rattlesnakes were the landing spot for a ball. Those were deemed “dangerous situations” and the golfers were allowed to move the ball without a penalty. Wiesley recalls a situation in which a player hit a ball near a tree by the green with a nest of swarming wasps. As with the snake situations, the golfer was allowed to move the ball without penalty. But most rulings aren’t as dramatic. “The junior tournaments, I find, give you the most rulings because a lot of times the younger people don’t know enough,” said rules official Andrew Snyder, of Greenwood Village. “It’s a learning experience for them and for us.” Colorado Golf Association Executive

Director Ed Mate says advice other than public information — like yardage, hazards and where the flagstick is located — can be a violation. “Probably the rule that gets broken a lot of times unwittingly is advice, anything you say to somebody that can influence their play,” Mate said. “Like I noticed something in your swing or boy that breeze sure is blowing hard. Things like that. There’s a line that you have to be really careful about.” Schnitzer, an Erie resident, has seen many golfers puzzled by water. “Golfers sometimes get confused over the relief they can take from a direct water hazard and lateral water hazard,” she said. Competitive golfers are used to dealing with rules and generally accept the decisions. “Most golfers know the rules and understand the rules are there to treat everybody playing in the event with equality,” Wiesley said. “Every once in a while people get frustrated when things don’t go the way they intend them to go. That can happen, but it is pretty rare. You understand somebody is frustrated. They are not mad at you personally.” Jack Tickle, a junior-to-be at Arapahoe High School, is a promising junior golfer who isn’t intimidated when he sees a rules official watching. “They don’t much get involved unless we ask — and they are helpful,” Tickle said. “I’ve never really had one say ‘I don’t know what that ruling is.’ They always know. They don’t help unless we ask. They let us play.”

Answers

GOLF

Brad Wiesley has been a rules official for 10 years and says he volunteers to give something back to the game which he has played since he was a youngster. “My wife tells me I can’t play golf every day so I found a place to be on the golf course where people want to be and I’m doing something helpful for the golf community.” JIM BENTON

THANKS for

PLAYING!

18 Elbert County News

July 13, 2017J

HOW TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE Send volunteer opportunities to hharden@ coloradocommunitymedia.com. 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. 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.

client services and the thrift store Treasures on Park Street. Contact: Marion Dahlem, 303-688-1114, ext. 32

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.

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.

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 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

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

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.

AYUSA: International Youth Exchange Program Promotes quality exchange programs for high school students from around the world. Need: Host families for international high

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,

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. Elbert County Sheriff ’s Posse Supports the Elbert County Sheriff ’s Office and the Office of Emergency Management with detentions support, patrol, administrative duties, event security, emergency services support, and call-outs as need arises. Need: With proper training and clearances, volunteers help with patrol, fingerprinting, records keeping, community event security services, disaster response and manage-

ment (wildfire, tornado, blizzard, flood, disaster relief, etc.). Requirements: Must be 21 years of age or older; retired individuals are great. Must complete a employment application, pass a background check, and complete interviews. After being sworn in, in the first three months of membership, complete a minimum of 45 hours of orientation and training curriculum. After this 90-day probationary period, members must log a minimum of 10 hours of month and attend monthly training meetings. Persons ages 15-20, may join the Elbert County Sheriffs Explorer POST that is associated with the Posse. Contact: David Peontek at djp1911@msn. com or 303-646-5456. Go to http://www. elbertcountysheriff.com/posse.html; print out and complete an employment application and turn it into the Elbert County Sheriff ’s Office in Kiowa, “Attn: David Peontek.” 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 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 SEE VOLUNTEERS, P19

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1996).

7July 13, 2017

Elbert County News 19

A Petition has been filed alleging that the above Decedent died leaving the following property:

VOLUNTEERS

The oil, gas, and other minerals found on orpatients beto hospice and their families. Neighbor Network neath the following real property situate in the Rachel Nonprofit that helps older adults stay inde-State ofContact: County of Elbert, Colorado, and more Wang at 303-546-7921 particularly described as follows: pendent. Serves all of Douglas County All of Sections 15, 21, 23;Red NE ¼Cross Section 20; W Need: Volunteers who can provide transporFROM PAGE 18 ½ NW ¼ Section 24, all in Township 6 South, the elderly, international causes tation, light housekeeping, handyman Range 60 Westand 6th P.M., Supports Elbert County, Colorado; and and social services companion services to seniors. Hospice of Covenant Care Section 4, Section 8, Section 9, the to provide support Need: Volunteers Requirements: Must be at least 21 years old 5, Section Nonprofit, faith-based hospice W½ of Section 15, Section 10, Section 3, less 303-607-4768 or 303-266-7855 and have a valid driver’s license auto in the N½Contact: Need: Volunteers to support patients and 68.29 and acre parcel of Section 3, as described in Book 332 at Page 1000, all in Towninsurance. families ship 8 South, Range 60 West of the 6th P.M., Sunset Hospice Contact: 303-814-4300, neighbornetwork@ Contact: 303-731-8039 and in all of the hereinafter described oil, gas, and other mineral rights: the NE¼ & SE¼ of support douglas.co.us or dcneighbornetwork.org. Section 22; the W½NW¼Provides , E½NE¼, end-of-life E½SE¼, W½SW¼ of Section 28; the E½NW¼ , E½SW¼ training is from 6-10 p.m. Need: Volunteer Meals on Wheels of Section 24; and in all of the hereinafter deeveryin:second and fourth Tuesdays; they Parker Delivers meals to residents in Englewood, scribed oil, gas, and other minerals the NW¼ PublicSenior Notice Center & SW¼ of Section 22; all in also Township 8 South, meet from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. every first Provides services to local seniors. southern Jefferson County and western Range 60 West of the 6th P.M.; and in the Elbert County District Court SE¼SW¼, NE¼NE¼ SecthirdofSaturday Elbert County, Coloradodrivers to take Need: Volunteer seniorsSE¼, to S½NE¼, and Arapahoe County tion 34, Township 7 South, Range 60 West of 751 Ute Ave. Contact: Jami Martin at 303-693-2105 for80117 a hot meal, tothe appointments, Need: Drivers to deliver meals; volunteers to PO Boxthe 6th P.M. 232,center Kiowa, CO to the grocery store, and more. help prepare, box and label meals The hearing on the Petition will be held at the In the Matter of the Determination of Heirs or Step at 303-841-5370. Requirements: Must dedicate one to two following time and locationThe or atRight a later date to Inc. Devisees or Contact: Both and of Louise InterestsWest in which the hearing may beTherapeutic continued: Property of: horseback riding program for hours a week Date: August 25, 2017 Time: 8:00 a.m.and adults with disabilities. Based BURNETT, also known as children Hospice Contact: Phil or Mary at 303-798-7642MARTHA D. PeopleFirst Courtroom or Division: 1 MARTHA DILLER BURNETT in Littleton. Denver hospice (from 8 a.m. to noon Mondays through Address: Elbert County District Court, and MARTHA BURNETT, Deceased 751 Ute Ave., Kiowa, CO Need: 80117 Volunteers to help with horses before, Need: Volunteers to provide companionship Fridays) Zorn & Richardson, P.C. Edward L. Zorn, #1653 Matthew J. Richardson, #42242 626 E. Platte Avenue Fort Morgan CO 80701 Telephone No. 970-867-1199 Facsimile No. 970-867-1197 Email: elzorn@zornlawoffice.com mjrichardson@zornlawoffice.com Case Number: 2017 PR 030035

Name Changes PUBLIC NOTICE Amended Public Notice of Petition for Change of Name Public notice is given on June 5, 2017 that a Petition for a Change of Name of an adult has been filed with the Elbert County Court. The Petition requests that the name of Ronald Keith Kelley Jr. be changed to Ronald Keith Hancock Case No.: 17 C 6 Cheryl A. Layne, Clerk of Court By: Jafeen Jenkins, Deputy Clerk Legal Notice No: 23694 First Publication: June 29, 2017 Last Publication: July 13, 2017 Publisher: Elbert County News

To All Interested Persons and Owners by Inheritance: Donald Frank Burnett (deceased November 11, 2012), Rebecca Burnett Brown, Karen Burnett Loehman, and Lyndon Diller Burnett (individually and as Trustee of the Donald F. and Martha D. Burnett Revocable Trust, dated May 17, 1996).

Misc. Private Legals

All of Sections 15, 21, 23; NE ¼ Section 20; W ½ NW ¼ Section 24, all in Township 6 South, Range 60 West 6th P.M., Elbert County, Colorado; and

Elbert County District Court Elbert County, Colorado 751 Ute Ave. PO Box 232, Kiowa, CO 80117

Section 4, Section 5, Section 8, Section 9, the W½ of Section 15, Section 10, Section 3, less 68.29 acre parcel in the N½ of Section 3, as described in Book 332 at Page 1000, all in Township 8 South, Range 60 West of the 6th P.M., and in all of the hereinafter described oil, gas, and other mineral rights: the NE¼ & SE¼ of Section 22; the W½NW¼ , E½NE¼, E½SE¼, W½SW¼ of Section 28; the E½NW¼ , E½SW¼ of Section 24; and in all of the hereinafter described oil, gas, and other minerals in: the NW¼ & SW¼ of Section 22; all in Township 8 South, Range 60 West of the 6th P.M.; and in the SE¼SW¼, SE¼, S½NE¼, NE¼NE¼ of Section 34, Township 7 South, Range 60 West of the 6th P.M.

In the Matter of the Determination of Heirs or Devisees or Both and of Interests in Property of:

The hearing on the Petition will be held at the following time and location or at a later date to which the hearing may be continued:

MARTHA D. BURNETT, also known as MARTHA DILLER BURNETT and MARTHA BURNETT, Deceased

Date: August 25, 2017 Time: 8:00 a.m. Courtroom or Division: 1 Address: Elbert County District Court, 751 Ute Ave., Kiowa, CO 80117

Misc. Private Legals Public Notice

Zorn & Richardson, P.C. Edward L. Zorn, #1653 Matthew J. Richardson, #42242 626 E. Platte Avenue Fort Morgan CO 80701 Telephone No. 970-867-1199 Facsimile No. 970-867-1197 Email: elzorn@zornlawoffice.com mjrichardson@zornlawoffice.com Case Number: 2017 PR 030035 NOTICE OF HEARING BY PUBLICATION INTERESTED PERSONS AND OWNERS BY INHERITANCE PURSUANT TO § 15-12-1303, C.R.S. To All Interested Persons and Owners by Inheritance: Donald Frank Burnett (deceased November 11, 2012), Rebecca Burnett Brown, Karen Burnett Loehman, and Lyndon Diller Burnett (individually and as Trustee of the Donald F. and Martha D. Burnett Revocable Trust, dated May 17, 1996).

The hearing will take approximately 1 hour. Note: • You must answer the Petition within 35 days after the last publication of this Notice. • Within the time required for answering the Petition, all objections to the Petition must be in writing and filed with the Court. • The hearing shall be limited to the Petition, the objections timely filed and the parties answering the Petition in a timely manner. s/ Matthew J. Richardson Date: June 27, 2017 Matthew J. Richardson, #42242 Zorn & Richardson, P.C. 626 E. Platte Ave. Fort Morgan, CO 80701 Legal Notice No.: 23698 First Publication: July 6, 2017 Last Publication: July 20, 2017 Publisher: The Elbert County News

Public Notices

A Petition has been filed alleging that the above Decedent died leaving the following property:

The oil, gas, and other minerals found on or beneath the following real property situate in the County of Elbert, State of Colorado, and more particularly described as follows:

All of Sections 15, 21, 23; NE ¼ Section 20; W ½ NW ¼ Section 24, all in Township 6 South, Range 60 West 6th P.M., Elbert County, Colorado; and

Notices

Note: • You must answer the Petition within 35 days after the last publication of this Notice. • Within the time required for answering the Petition, all objections to the Petition must be in writing and filed with the Court. • The hearing shall be limited to the Petition, the objections timely filed and the parties answering the Petition in a timely manner.

s/ Matthew J. Richardson Date: June 27, 2017 Matthew J. Richardson, #42242 Zorn & Richardson, P.C. 626 E. Platte Ave. Fort Morgan, CO 80701

Misc. Private Legals

Legal Notice No.: 23698 First Publication: July 6, 2017 Last Publication: July 20, 2017 Publisher: The Elbert County News

A Petition has been filed alleging that the above Decedent died leaving the following property: The oil, gas, and other minerals found on or beneath the following real property situate in the County of Elbert, State of Colorado, and more particularly described as follows:

Volunteers of America, Foster Grandparent Program Foster grandparents volunteer in early childhood centers and public schools focusing on literacy and numeracy for at-risk children and youth. Need: Seniors on a low, fixed income who enjoy working with children. Volunteers work 15-40 hours a week. Contact: 303-297-0408 or www.voacolorado.org.

The hearing will take approximately 1 hour.

Public Notices NOTICE OF HEARING BY PUBLICATION INTERESTED PERSONS AND OWNERS BY INHERITANCE PURSUANT TO § 15-12-1303, C.R.S.

during and after lessons, as well as to walk alongside clients as they ride to help keep them securely on their horses. Volunteers also needed to help with administrative tasks and fundraising. Requirements: Volunteers who help with lessons must be at least 14 years old and attend a three-hour training session. Contact: volunteercoordinator@therightstepinc.org or go to www.therightstepinc.org.

Public Notice NOTICE OF PURCHASE OF REAL ESTATE AT TAX LIEN SALE AND OF APPLICATION FOR ISSUANCE OF TREASURER’S DEED TSC# 2011-01447 To Every Person in Actual Possession or Occupancy of the hereinafter Described Land, Lot or Premises, and to the Person in Whose Name the Same was Taxed or Specially Assessed, and to all Persons having an Interest or Title of Record in or to the said Premises and To Whom It may Concern, and more especially to: FIRSTIER BANK You and each of you are hereby notified that on the 8th day of November A.D. 2011 the then County Treasurer of the County of Elbert, in the State of Colorado, sold at public tax lien sale to ROBERT M BALDOCCHI WHO ASSIGNED THE LIEN TO SOPRANO, LLC ON 2-27-2014 WHO THEN ASSIGNED THE LIEN TO BRITANIE RIDGE ESTATES, HOA ON 5-24-2017 the following described real estate situate in the County of Elbert, State of Colorado, to wit: Assessed Value: 150 Legal Description: Section: 27 Township: 7 Range: 64Subdivision: BRITANIE RIDGE ESTATES Lot: 00AOPEN SPACE Assessed To: That said real estate was taxed or specially assessed in the name(s) of FIRSTIER BANK for said year 2011. That a Treasurer’s Deed will be issued for said real estate to the said BRITANIE RIDGE ESTATES, HOA at 3:00 o’clock P.M., on the 19th day of October, A.D.2017, unless the same has been redeemed. Said property may be redeemed from said sale at any time prior to the actual execution of said Treasurer’s Deed. Witness my hand this 26thth day of June, 2017 A. D. Richard Pettitt County Treasurer of Elbert County Legal Notice No.: 23700 First Publication: July 6, 2017 Last Publication: July 20, 2017 Publisher: The Elbert County News

To advertise your public notices call 303-566-4100 PUBLIC NOTICE

Misc. Private Legals

Misc. Private CHILD FINDLegals

Public Notice

East Central BOCES and/or its member districts would like to locate all 0 through 21 year olds, who may have a disability.

District Court, Elbert County State of Colorado 751 Ute Street Kiowa, Colorado 80117 In the Matter of the Petition of: JAMES WILLIAM WHITE For the Adoption of a Child Case Number: 2017 JA 7: Division: 1 Courtroom: 1 Attorneys for James W. White, Petitioner: Bruce A. Danford, Esq. (Atty.Reg. #33701) James W. Noland, Esq. (Atty.Reg. #33935) 11971 Quay Street Broomfield, CO 80020 Phone Number: (303) 410-2900 E-mail: brucedanford@brucedanford.com SUMMONS BY PUBLICATION THE PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF COLORADO TO RESPONDENT: JEFFREY D. MIFFLIN 7717 Nightingale Lane, Godfrey, Illinois 62035 YOU ARE HEREBY SUMMONED and required to appear and defend against the “Petition for Stepparent Adoption” filed with the court in this action by filing with the clerk of the court an answer or other response. You are required to file your answer or response within 21 days after the service of this summons upon you. Service of this summons shall be complete on the day of the last publication. A copy of the petition may be obtained from the clerk of the court. If you fail to file your answer or other response to the petition in writing within 21 days after the date of last publication, judgment by default may be rendered against you by the court for the relief demanded in the petition without further notice. This is an action: On a “Petition for Stepparent Adoption” in which petitioner James William White seeks to adopt minor child M.R.M., d/o/b 06/28/06. Dated this 5th day of July, 2017.

The Colorado Department of Education maintains a comprehensive child identification system consistent with Part B of IDEA and ensures that each Local Education Agency (LEA), in collaboration with a variety of community resources, assumes the leadership role in establishing and maintaining a process in their community for the purpose of locating, identifying and evaluating all children, birth to 21 years, who may have a disability and may be eligible for services and supports under Part C or special education services under Part B of IDEA. Ages 0 through 5 year-old concerns should be directed to the following:

• Cheyenne County (Cheyenne Wells and Kit Carson Schools) • Lincoln County (Genoa-Hugo School) • Yuma County (Idalia & Liberty Schools) • Kit Carson County (Bethune, Stratton, ArribaFlagler & Hi-Plains Schools) • Arapahoe County (Byers, Deer Trail, Strasburg & Bennett Schools) • Washington County (Arickaree & Woodlin Schools) • Adams County (Bennett, Strasburg, Byers and Deer Trail Schools) • Lincoln County (Limon & Karval Schools) • Elbert County (Agate & Kiowa Schools) • Kit Carson County (Burlington Schools)

Please contact: Stacey Schillig, Child Find Coordinator - (719) 775-2342, ext. 133

All 5 through 21 year-old concerns should be directed to the local school district administrator, special education teacher, East Central BOCES (719) 775-2342, ext. 101. Services for infants and toddlers are voluntary.

The East Central BOCES member schools are: Bennett, Strasburg, Byers, Deer Trail, Agate, Woodlin, Arickaree, Limon, Genoa-Hugo, Karval, Kiowa, Kit Carson, Cheyenne Wells, ArribaFlagler, Hi-Plains, Stratton, Bethune, Burlington, Liberty, and Idalia. References: IDEA, Part C, Section 303.320-323 IDEA, Part B, Section 300.125 ECEA CCR 301-8 2220-R-4.01-4.04(4) East Central BOCES Comprehensive Plan Section III Process of Identifying

Legal Notice No.: 23701 First Publication: July 13, 2017 Last Publication: July 13, 2017 Publisher: The Elbert County News PUBLIC NOTICE CHILD FIND East Central BOCES and/or its member districts would like to locate all 0 through 21 year olds, who may have a disability.

Legal Notice No.: 23699 First Publication: July 6, 2017 Last Publication: July 13, 2017 Publisher: The Elbert County News

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

303-566-4088

• Cheyenne County (Cheyenne Wells and Kit Carson Schools) • Lincoln County (Genoa-Hugo School) • Yuma County (Idalia & Liberty Schools)

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20 Elbert County News

July 13, 2017J

A Bigger Brand Of Fun

Hey Kids!! Color this picture and win! Grab your crayons, colored pencils, markers, paints or paper & paste â&#x20AC;&#x201C; whatever you can imagine to decorate your picture. Winners and prizes will be awarded by age group for best coloring and most creative! Prizes are $25 Gift Certificates. Name __________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Address/City/State/Zip ___________________________________________________________________________________________________ Phone ________________________________ Age Group _______________________________________________________________________ Age groups are as follows: 1-3 years, 4-7 years, and 8-11 years. Winners in age group will be determined and prizes will be awarded for the following catagories: Most Creative and Best Colored. Submit your coloring page in person or by mail to the Douglas County Fairgrounds Administration offices, located in the events center at 500 Fairgrounds Road, Castle Rock, CO 80104, on or before July 28, 2017.

Sponsored by the Douglas County Fair & Rodeo & Colorado Community Media.