Elbert County News 1005

TO PLAY OR NOT TO PLAY: Sports injuries a calculated risk of healthy, active lifestyle P12

75 CENTS

October 5, 2017

ELBERT COUNTY, COLORADO

A publication of

Q&A with new County Manager Sam Albrecht Air Force background helped shape father of two, Scout leader

BY JODI HORNER SPECIAL TO COLORADO COMMUNITY MEDIA

Cindy Cummins reaches for her walker as her husband Chris assists her. Chris has been Cindy’s primary caregiver since she was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in 2005, a role he says forced him to confront his own misconceptions about marriage, devotion and entitlement.

TOM SKELLEY

In health, and in sickness: ‘We have to be close’ A marriage evolves as a husband becomes his wife’s caregiver

BY TOM SKELLEY TSKELLEY@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM

Chris Cummins sits on the floor, cross-legged, facing his wife Cindy in the recliner where she spends most of her day. With her right hand, she strokes her Chihuahua, Porscha, snuggled in her lap. Lining the wall near the chair is a pile of Cindy’s shoes, some with lower leg braces attached, others with duct

tape on the soles to prevent her from slipping.

As Cindy leans forward, Chris guides her to the nearby walker, then walks just behind her, his hand resting softly on her back. He stands beside her as she positions herself on the stairlift that takes her upstairs to the bathroom — there’s none on the first level. And he waits just outside the bathroom door until she re-emerges.

Then they repeat the movements in reverse, a choreography synchronized with repetition and time.

Cindy, 61, settles into the recliner and Chris, 64, embraces her feet with his hands, gently placing them in a comfortable position on the leg

rest. He moves to the couch, always within 10 feet of his wife.

She sighs.

“This wasn’t how we planned to spend our retirement together,” she said.

Since they first met, the couple, now married 36 years, has felt a profound closeness. But Cindy’s 2005 diagnosis of multiple sclerosis, a degenerative neurological condition that progressively robs victims of their motor skills and shortens most victims’ lives, sent them on a journey that altered their relationship — at times for worse but, in the end, for better.

Samuel Albrecht officially signed with Elbert County on Sept. 27 as its new county manager.

Albrecht replaces Ed Ehmann, who resigned in June after more than three years as county manager.

Albrecht, who has a Parker address but lives in Elbert County, is originally from northern Alabama and attended Auburn University Albrecht on scholarship from the U.S. Air Force, for which he served in Operations Desert Storm/Desert Shield.

He has a degree in aerospace engineering and a master’s in business administration.

Albrecht and his wife, a Littleton native, have lived in Elbert County since 2010. They have two children, three Labrador retrievers, two cats, a hamster and a turtle, “so you could say we are animal people,” Albrecht said.

In his spare time he enjoys hunting, fishing, and camping, and serving as an assistant Scout leader for his son’s Boy Scout troop.

As he starts his new position, he answered questions recently for the Elbert County News: Why did you apply for the position of Elbert County manager?

I grew up in a county similar to Elbert County and feel that I can relate well to

SEE CAREGIVER, P14

SEE ALBRECHT, P2

THE BOTTOM LINE PERIODICAL

“We live in a world of incredibly talented and gifted people… And yet, on the other side, we also live in a world where mediocrity almost seems like an accepted norm.”

Michael Norton | columnist, Page 8 INSIDE

VOICES: PAGE 8 | LIFE: PAGE 12 | CALENDAR: PAGE 2

ElbertCountyNews.net

VOLUME 122 | ISSUE 36

2 Elbert County News

October 5, 2017O

THINGS TO DO Elizabeth Library Book Sale: gently used books for children and adults for sale in the book sale room at the Elizabeth Library.

Stocked by Friends of the Elizabeth Library.

All donations from book sales benefit the Elizabeth Library.

Remembering Our Veterans: 1 p.m. Friday, Oct. 6 in Panorama Hall of the Castle Rock Senior Center. Tom Tudor will present a slide program on “Arlington and the Tomb of the Unknowns.” Tom served as sentinel and commander of the relief at the Tomb in 1969 and 1970. He has spoken widely about our nation’s most hallowed ground.

Oct. 23 (The Black and White Truth About Racism); Monday, Oct. 30 (Mysteries of Mental Illness) at DAZBOG, 202 Wilcox St., Castle Rock. Call 303-814-0142. Go to LifetreeCafe.com.

Free Legal Clinic: 6-8 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 10 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 Nov. 14 and Dec. 12. First come, first served.

Castle Rock Trail Festival: Saturday, Oct. 7 at Philip Miller Park, 1375 W. Plum Creek Parkway. Festival combines the liveBIG run and the Ridgeline Trail Race to help participants explore the outdoors. Courses offered for all levels of runners. Following the run, John Adams: A Tribute to John Denver will perform at noon at the Amphitheater.

Ghostly Happenings: 7 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 12 at the Philip S. Miller Library, 100 S. Wilcox St., Castle Rock. Presentation

by Shaun Boyd, senior archivist, Douglas County Libraries, on reports of paranormal research in Douglas County. She will tell tales of spooky events of the past and how researchers try to record these events today. Jake Jacobs from Colorado Paranormal Investigators will be on hand with paranormal research equipment. Refreshments served at 6:45 p.m. Go to www. castlerockhistoricalsociety.org, or contact the Castle Rock Museum at 303-814-3164, museum@castlerockhistoricalsociety. org. Admission is free.

Lifetree Café: 5-6 p.m. Monday, Oct. 9 (Toxic Faith); Monday, Oct. 16 (The 60-Minute Guide to Greater Confidence); Monday,

Cemetery Tour: 4:30 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 14 through historic grave sites in Cedar Hill Cemetery. Castle Rock Historical Society

Brits of Magic: 7:30 p.m. Thursday and Friday, Oct. 6-7 at Theatre of Dreams, 735 Park St., Castle Rock. Performances

by Keith Fields and Lady Sarah. Reservations required; call 303-660-6799 or go to http://tickets.amazingshows.com. Show appropriate for all ages.

ALBRECHT FROM PAGE 1

the rural, hard-working citizens that call Elbert County home. The position description intrigued me, and after some research into the position, I decided to throw my name in the hat.

What is your past work experience related to the job of county manager?

My first duty station was at Schriever Air Force Base (at that time it was called Falcon Air Force Base) down in El Paso County. After that, I was transferred to Los Angeles Air Force Base. What I learned most about my time in the military was that I wasn’t

really doing any engineering, I was leading teams focused on a common mission.

After my seven years in the U.S. Air Force, I started working for nonprofits. I soon began running nonprofits as the executive director or CEO. Several of these nonprofits were around the same population as Elbert County, with many employees and large budgets, and elected boards of directors.

Teamwork, facilitation, and having a common vision helped me succeed in these positions.

In what area(s) do you believe Elbert County is currently succeeding?

I think we can look around and see the growth challenges that three of our county neighbors (El Paso, Doug-

members will portray some of our local people in history. Cedar Hill was founded in 1875 and is the only cemetery in Castle Rock. It contains the remains of pioneers significant in the early history of Castle Rock and Douglas County. Refreshments will be served following the tour. The tour is free and reservations are not required.

Contact the Castle Rock Museum at 303814-3163 or museum@castlerockhistoricalsociety.org.

Fire Prevent and Wing Cookoff: 5-8 p.m.

Saturday, Oct. 14 at the Elbert Fire Station.

Judging for best flavor, hottest, most original and best overall begins at 7 p.m.

Contestants sign up at elbertfireinfo@ gmail.com; send name, address and telephone number by Saturday, Sept. 30. Contestants must make 100 wings. Proceeds will benefit the Douglas/Elbert Task Force, which will select families in need to help throughout the holidays. Call 303-6483000 or email for information.

Festival of Fairies, Fables and Folktales: 11 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 14 at the Philip S. Miller Library, 100 S. Wilcox St., Castle Rock. Live music, jousting, crafts, a mead tasting (ages 21-plus), and more. All ages.

Registration is required at 303-791-7323 or DCL.org.

South Pacific: 2-5 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays through Oct. 15 at the PACE Center, 20000 Pikes Peak Ave., Parker. Classic mu-

las, and Arapahoe) have had over the past years and hopefully learn how to plan accordingly. I have talked to all three county officials in a similar position to mine and they’ve offered to help me understand some of the struggles that they went through.

I believe that we all realize that Elbert County is going to have to address growth — if the population of Denver and Colorado follows projections.

Our master plan revision is underway, and seems to be looking at all reasonable options to help guide this growth.

What do you see as the most pressing challenges to address within the county?

I’ll go again with growth, but the

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sical tells the story of two relationships that blossom despite the racial prejudice of their communities. Go to http://parkerarts.org.

Outback Express: public transit service provided by the East Central Council of Local Governments; 24-hour notice appreciated. Call Kay Campbell, 719- 5414275, or 800-825-0208 for reservations.

Go to http://outbackexpress.tripod. com. October schedule: Monday, Oct. 16: Simla and Matheson to Colorado Springs; Thursday, Oct. 26, Simla and Matheson to Limon; Tuesday, Oct. 17, Kiowa, Elizabeth and Elbert to Parker or Colorado Springs; Tuesday, Oct. 10, Elizabeth to Colorado Springs or Parker; Thursday, Oct. 12, Good Samaritan Nursing Home residents.

Mini Law School: 6-7:30 p.m. Tuesdays through Oct. 24 at CU South Denver in Lone Tree. Course is seven weeks and is taught by law school faculty. Those who cannot attend the live lectures can choose Livestream and recorded viewing options; class materials and links to the lectures will be sent so participants can watch at their own pace.

Registration required; go to http://www. colorado.edu/law/minilawschool.

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.

challenge is to balance our desire for a rural lifestyle, private property rights, and planned economic growth to provide additional revenue for the population.

What would you say to the citizens of Elbert County about the current growth trends, and what do you believe must be done to further prepare Elbert County for growth?

Be a part of the planning process and let your voice be heard through that process.

If you could make one major change in the county or its infrastructure, what would it be and who would it impact most?

Ask me again in six months!

Elbert County News 3

7October 5, 2017

My retirement will be well ... I don’t really know .

Retire Well.

67% of American adults don’t have a clear understanding of their own finances.

From articles and guides, to videos and podcasts, when you visit the Hanson McClain Learning Library you’ll have access to a wide variety of informative financial topics.

Just visit HansonMcClain.com/Learn Statistic based on S&P Global: Global Financial Literacy Survey Hanson McClain Advisors is an Investment Advisor registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Securities offered through Hanson McClain Securities, a Registered Broker/Dealer, member FINRA/SIPC.

4 Elbert County News

October 5, 2017O

CLUBS Ongoing AA If you want to drink, that’s your business.

If you want to stop, that’s ours. More than 1,000 AA meetings are offered in the Denver area every week. If you think you may have a problem with alcohol, come see us. To find a meeting near you, call 303-322-4440, or go to www.daccaa.org.

Affordable Colleges Online has created a guidebook to help women find and secure financial aid. The guide includes a collection of scholarships for women, including due dates and award amounts; insight into the financial aid application process; and other funding opportunities, such as industryspecific scholarships and funding for special groups. The guide is available online at http://www.affordablecollegesonline.org/ womens-guide-paying-for-college/.

Camping Singles is a group of Colorado single adults who enjoy camping, fishing, hiking, swimming, biking, sightseeing, photography, the camaraderie of others, and starry nights around the camp fire. We usually camp in designated forest service or state park campgrounds within 2 to 5 hours of Denver. We welcome all single adults.

Our membership ranges from the 40s to 60-plus. We usually meet at 7 p.m. the first Tuesday of the month. For specific meeting information, contact campingsingles@ gmail.com Castle Rock Bridge Club plays a friendly, ACBL-sanctioned duplicate game at 1 p.m. every Monday and Wednesday at Plum Creek Golf Club, 331 Players Club Drive, Castle Rock. For assistance in finding a bridge

partner, call Georgiana Butler at 303-8108504. Go to www.castlerockbridge.com.

Chess: 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturdays at the Simla Library. All skill levels and ages welcome. Call 719-541-2573.

Douglas-Elbert County Music Teachers’ Association meets at 9 a.m. every first Thursday at Parker Bible Church, between Jordan and Chambers on Main Street. All area music teachers are welcome. Call Lucie Washburn, 303-814-3479.

Elbert County Sheriff’s Posse is a nonprofit volunteer organization that is part of the Elbert County Sheriff’s Office. As volunteers we support the Elbert County Sheriff’s Office, all law enforcement in our county, and the community at large. For more information or a membership application, go to http:// www.elbertcountysheriff.com/posse.html, or contact Dave Peontek at 303-646-5456.

Elbert Game Night: 5 p.m. Tuesdays at the Elbert Library. Board and card games for all ages. Call 303-648-3533 or go to pplibraries.org.

Elizabeth American Legion Post 82, a veterans association supporting veterans, their families, their survivors and the community, meets the first Tuesday of each month at the Legion Post Hall at South Banner Street and Elm Street in Elizabeth. Social hour begins at 5:30 p.m., and the regular business meeting begins at 6:30 p.m. All veterans are invited to attend these meetings to learn of their eligibility for membership in the National American Legion Organization.

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

Game Night: 4 p.m. Mondays at the Kiowa Library; call 303-621-2111. 5 p.m. Wednesdays at the Elbert Library; call 303-6483533. Enjoy board, card, and video games for all ages.

Kiowa Creek Food Pantry is a distribution site for the State of Colorado TEFAP food program. Food is distributed monthly to low income individuals/families that qualify. We also distribute low income senior food boxes for the state; those 60 and older may qualify for a monthly supplement. If you are in need of food assistance or know someone who is, we may be able to qualify you for one of these programs. Call the food pantry for more information at 303-6212376, or come by from 8:30 a.m. to noon Tuesdays; we are located in the Fellowship Hall at 231 Cheyenne Street, Kiowa.

Knitting Group: 2 p.m. Tuesdays at the Kiowa Library. Knit and chat. All skill levels welcome. Call 303-621-2111 or go to pplibraries.org.

Lawyers at the Library, a free legal clinic for parties who have no attorney, will be offered from 6-9 p.m. the second Tuesday of every month at the Elizabeth Library, 651 W. Beverly St. Volunteer attorneys will answer questions, help fill out forms and

explain the process and procedure for the areas of family law, civil litigation, criminal defense, property law, probate law, collections, appeals, landlord-tenant law and civil protection orders. Walk-ins are welcome.

Everyone will be helped on a first-come, first-served basis.

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

Mystery Book Club meets at 9:30 a.m. the first Saturday of each month at the Simla Public Library. The group enjoys talking about a variety of mystery authors and titles. We also periodically host a Colorado author during our meetings. Everyone may join us, and registration is not required.

Visit the Simla Branch of the Elbert County Library District at 504 Washington Avenue, call 719-541-2573, or email farabe@elbertcountylibrary.org.

Outback Express is a public transit service provided through the East Central Council of Local Governments is open and available to all residents of Cheyenne, Elbert, Kit Carson and Lincoln counties and provides an economical and efficient means of travel for the four-county region. Call Kay Campbell, Kiowa, at 719- 541-4275. You may also call the ECCOG office at 1-800-825-0208 to make reservations for any of the trips. You may also visit http://outbackexpress.tripod. com. To ensure that a seat is available, 24hour advance reservations are appreciated.

SEE CLUBS, P17

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Elbert County News 5

7October 5, 2017 John Fielder embarks on a hike with his large format film camera to capture Colorado’s unique fall colors. Fielder prefers a smaller digital camera for most outings now, accompanied by pack llamas in place of human assistants.

COURTESY OF JOHN FIELDER

Colorado photographer sees the big picture Fielder talks new book, the environment, the joy of solitude

BY TOM SKELLEY TSKELLEY@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM

From his Summit County home near Silverthorne, 9,000 feet above sea level, John Fielder watches an approaching storm front, waiting to find if it will bring rain or snow.

“One the edge of bad weather is where I get my best shots,” Fielder says.

“Right now I’m watching aspen leaves turning and blowing off of trees, that’s a very sensuous moment in time …. On Monday morning, if the storm brings snow, I’ll have leaves on the ground and snow on the peaks, that’s another one of those moments.”

The renowned photographer recently published “A Colorado Winter,” a book of frozen landscapes from around the state. The snow-covered scenes represent a departure from the vibrant foliage in much of Fielder’s work, and presented a challenge to prioritize shape over shade.

“You don’t have all of that massive color to work with, you have to work more with shapes and textures,” he said. But “if you can do it the right way, you can produce extraordinarily creative photography.”

Fielder spends much of the winter huddled in his snow-packed home, editing photos from the previous year.

But when the impulse strikes, he gets up in the dark and hikes or skis a few miles into the wild to make images in the early morning light. Through the late morning and afternoon he warms up in one of dozens of huts in the 10th Mountain Division trail system, then re-emerges before sunset to make a few more images and ski downhill toward home.

“One reason I love Colorado is that we have four distinct seasons,” he said.

“I tell people it’s like we have four years in each one … I consider myself to be 268 years old.”

Advocacy through art In 1993 the Sierra Club awarded Fielder its Ansel Adams Award for influencing policy through art, and his celebrity has boosted the profiles of nonprofit groups such as Conservation

Colorado as well as legislation including the Great Outdoors Colorado initiative in 1992 and the Responsible Growth initiative in 2000.

“It would be hypocritical of me to make a living off of nature and to not give back,” he said. “We are intelligent beings on a very special place, planet Earth. I’ve been so lucky to see and to feel just how special it really is, it’s my obligation to perpetuate what it contains for my grandkids.”

His biggest concerns outside Colorado’s borders are overpopulation and global warming — he thinks the term “climate change” is a cop-out — but he acknowledges the cliché that all politics are local and applies his time accordingly. His latest work is urging nonprofit groups to lobby lawmakers to put growth back on the legislative table.

“There is clear evidence that growth is compromising everything we came to Colorado for and stay here for,” Fielder said. “We can’t build a geographical fence around the place and tell people not to come, all we can do is create legislation to preserve the things we all love.”

Changed approach Advocacy pushed Fielder into the public eye, a potentially uncomfortable place for a wilderness photographer.

Perhaps it’s one reason he’s come to cherish being alone.

“As I’ve gotten older, I’ve found I love my solitude,” he said. “When I go into the wilderness I try to take full advantage of what it offers, the peace and quiet, the smells, the sounds.”

Expeditions in years past required heavy equipment and several human assistants, but as digital technology advanced he pared his staff down. A typical outing now consists of Fielder and two rented llamas, Roberto and Gustavus, who carry his tent, lenses and the occasional six-pack of beer.

“Their English is pretty poor,” he said, and the silence lets him focus on the big picture.

“It allows me to appreciate how lucky we are. To be sentient beings with two eyes, two ears two arms and two legs, and who live on a planet, in a galaxy, in a solar system, in a universe, in a multiverse,” Fielder said. “We’re distracted from the underlying big picture in our everyday lives, but when you’re alone and you don’t have those sensory distractions, your mind becomes incredibly lucid.”

Winter Readiness Begins Now Please visit www.douglas.co.us and search: Snow and Ice Removal as a reference quide to frequently asked questions about snow and ice removal in Douglas County.

County Line Road Improvements near Park Meadows Retail Resort With a focus on congestion reduction, improved traffic flow and increased safety, road improvements are underway at County Line Road near the north entrance of Park Meadows. Completion of this construction phase is expected in November. More at www.cityoflonetree. com

Visit prehistoric times Oct. 7 & 21 More than 11,000 years ago, at the end of the last Ice Age, mammoths roamed Douglas County. Learn more by taking a tour of the world-renowned Lamb Spring Archaeological Preserve at 9:30 a.m. on Saturday, Oct. 7. For reservations or additional tour dates visit www. lambspring.org

Need flood zone information?

If you live in unincorporated Douglas County, Flood Insurance Rate Maps and zone information are available by request. Simply visit www.douglas.co.us and search: Flood Plain Information. A form may also be requested by calling 303-660-7490 or visiting the Public Works Engineering Office at 100 Third St. in Castle Rock.

What’s happening with my County government?

Our commitment to open and transparent government includes online posting of information about all public meetings at which the business of government is conducted. To view agendas for various public meetings, visit www.douglas.co.us and search: Meetings and Agendas.

Online Engagement Tool of the Week

Check your voter registration status online, register to vote, update your home address, check your ballot status and more.

Visit www.douglas.co.us

6 Elbert County News

October 5, 2017O

HOW TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE

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.

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.

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 school students ages 15-18 studying in the

Douglas/Elbert Task Force Provides assistance to people in Douglas and Elbert counties who are in serious economic need, at risk of homelessness or in similar crisis.

Need: Volunteers to assist in the food bank,

client services and the thrift store Treasures on Park Street.

Contact: Marion Dahlem, 303-688-1114, ext.

32 Dumb Friends League Harmony Equine Center Cares for homeless horses and other equines.

Need: Volunteers to work with horses and other opportunities.

Requirements: Must be 16 years old, pass a background check, and be able to commit to at least three hours a week for three months.

Contact: 303-751-5772.

Other information: A volunteer open house is from 5-7 p.m. Thursday, July 21, at the center in Franktown. During the two-hour orientation, prospective volunteers will get an overview of the services provided, learn about the volunteer opportunities, take a tour of the center, and talk with staff and volunteers. In addition, the $25 volunteer application fee will be waived for anyone who applies to be a volunteer during the open house. Volunteers must be 16 years old, pass a background check and be able to commit to at least three hours a week for three months. RSVP at www.ddfl.org.

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 management (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

Attention: South Metro Area Businesses!

TRAINING

The Aurora-South Metro SBDC helps existing and new businesses grow and prosper through workshops and consulting.

Marketing Fundamentals

Discover what strategies and tactics work for your business Tuesday | October 10th | 6:30—8:30 PM | Free Lone Tree Library | 10055 Library Way

————————–——————————————————————————

Cash Flow Fundamentals

BUSINESS

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.

Make your money work for your business Thursday | October 19th | 6:30 PM — 8:30 PM | Free Englewood Malley Center | 3380 So. Lincoln St.

————————–——————————————————————————

Business Plan in a Day

10 Manageable Steps Friday | October 20th | 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM | $99 Englewood Civic Center | 1000 Englewood Pkwy.

Register online for workshops:

Aurora-SouthMetroSBDC.com/training | (303) 326-8686 Start-ups: Take two workshops prior to consulting.

A nationally accredited program Funded in part through a cooperative agreement with the U.S. Small Business Administration.

17-CUSD-02143-D_Newspapers_9.625x12.25_FNL.pdf 7October 5, 2017

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Elbert County News 7

The upside-down ketchup bottle earned its inventor $13 million.

Thomas Edison received 1,093 U.S. patents in his lifetime.

Lucille Ball’s drama school teachers said she would not be successful.

At CU South Denver, we celebrate

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Start climbing at CULearnForward.com.

8 Elbert County News

LOCAL

October 5, 2017O

VOICES

Some things need to be brought home, but violence is never one of them QUIET DESPERATION

Craig Marshall Smith

T

his isn’t going to be one of the funny ones.

According to the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence, “On average, 20 people per minute are physically abused by an intimate partner in the United States.”

October is National Domestic Violence Awareness Month.

Hitting someone, slapping someone, beating someone up are things I have never done.

I didn’t get that gobbet of testosterone at the factory.

Once again, I don’t have any answers. I sometimes wonder about my gender, and what is inside that leads to a belief in domination that

exhibits itself in physical abuse.

There is more abuse coming from men than there is coming from women.

“To the moon, Alice.” It’s never, “To the moon, Ralph.”

I know that clobbering someone entertains millions of people — always has, always will.

I never followed what Muhammad Ali did in the ring. Outside the ring, I listened.

What Ronda Rousey does for a living is of no interest to me.

“Punch and Judy” isn’t funny, at least not to me.

My sister and I used to wrestle, and maybe it’s natural to tussle when you are kids or puppies or cubs.

But later on, it can turn into something else, especially when macho-macho-man gets whatever it is into his head.

Smacking a woman is about as low as it gets.

There is no better word for a man who strikes a woman than “jerk.”

“One in three women and one in four men have been victims of (some form of) physical violence by an intimate partner in their lifetime” (NCADV).

Children — and babies — get into the ring with dad, a boyfriend, or a babysitter too.

Sometimes it’s the mother.

People line up to see violence-based dramas, SEE SMITH, P9

Trend of lowering the bar is really just a big downer

O Painted ladies fluttering south through Colorado EXTENSION UPDATE

Sheila G. Kelley

H

ave you noticed a large number of painted ladies in your garden lately? No, not dozens of beautiful women, but the painted lady butterfly? This morning as I sat out on my front porch, I was entertained by a beautiful spectacle of dozens of the ladies darting around, gathering food for their journey south. What a brilliant show from Mother Nature.

According to Elbert County Extension master gardener Lesley Roper, this is the natural migration of the painted lady butterfly, although migration patterns can be erratic and they may not migrate every year.

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During migration, this butterfly has been known to travel more than 9,000 miles from northern climates to more temperate locations to overwinter. During the winter, they remain in the extreme Southwest states, northwest Mexico and especially Baja, Mexico. Decent spring rains will favor these butterflies and greatly increase the migrating numbers.

Besides their abundant numbers, you can recognize the butterflies quite easily. When their wings are open, they are an orange brown SEE KELLEY, P9

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ne of my favorite things to do each week is attending some community social functions. Just a coffee hour WINNING where WORDS members of the community will take turns volunteering each week to provide the Michael Norton refreshments and snacks for others who come out to join everyone.

The turnout is usually very good and the conversations and time together are always worth the hour.

This past week I overheard a comment being made, and it was the second time in a couple of months that I heard the same comment so it caught my attention. I heard one person say to the woman providing the baked goods and refreshments that she shouldn’t be doing so good of a job at

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.

baking such delicious food, because now everyone will be expected to do the same.

Most people either bring in bagels, donuts, and other convenient store-bought refreshments. Now don’t get me wrong, I always enjoy those too, maybe a little too much. I just found it a little off-putting to discourage someone from reaching higher and delivering more than expected. Especially since it was on her own dime and time that she did the baking.

She was basically asked to lower the bar.

My whole career has been around sales, sales management, leadership and entrepreneurism.

Either in a direct sales role, sales management position, leader, trainer, or coach. So, coming off the heels of the social meeting and speaking with some sales folks last week, I was once again caught off guard by a statement I heard one sales person say to another, “Dude, you have to slow down, you are killSEE NORTON, P9

ELBERT COUNTY NEWS (USPS 171-100) A legal newspaper of general circulation in Elizabeth, Colorado, the Elbert County News is published weekly on Thursday

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Elbert County News 9

7October 5, 2017

SMITH FROM PAGE 8

a whole gaudy panoply, featuring nifty-cool Jawa ionization blasters, wrist rockets and flame projectors.

World history was packed with destructive human behavior long before films (and arcade games).

Films now just do a very vivid job of making it spectacularly realistic.

Good vs. evil is one thing. It’s the premise of just about everything.

Whether it’s biblical or your favorite team’s arch-rival, there has to be a protagonist and there has to be an antagonist.

It makes for good theater. It makes for a bad home.

Counseling, therapy, protective orders, arrests, imprisonments, but over and over nothing stands in the way if someone has it in for their “intimate partner.”

Sometimes it’s the heat of the moment, but often it’s a pattern of behavior.

There’s a video of former Baltimore Raven Ray Rice dragging his

NORTON FROM PAGE 8

ing it but you are making the rest of us look bad.” This is a management issue and cultural issue that is being addressed, it just spoke volumes to me about the acceptance of mediocrity.

He too was asked to lower the bar.

We live in a world of incredibly talented and gifted people. Individuals who are blessed with a tireless work ethic and have developed skills that bring benefit and joy to many people. And yet, on the other side, we also live in a world where mediocrity almost seems like an accepted norm. And whenever I observe such behavior or attitudes, especially when there is so much obvious talent and potential, I am reminded of the statement, “Talent without effort breeds mediocrity.”

Are you OK with lowering the bar for yourself ?

The best way to elevate performance is too set goals for ourselves.

Set goals that are in alignment with what we want to be, who we want to be, and where we want to go in life. Set goals that are in alignment with our dreams. And then we need to establish mini stretch goals that will help to keep us on track

then-fiancee out of an elevator. She’s now his wife.

Alcohol was blamed.

At other times, drugs are blamed.

Good excuses aren’t good reasons.

We’re not alone.

Then-Secretary-General of the United Nations Kofi Annan said (2006), “Violence against women and girls is a problem of pandemic proportions. At least one out of every three women around the world has been beaten, coerced into sex, or otherwise abused in her lifetime with the abuser usually someone known to her.”

It cannot help that some world leaders, like our own, resort to bullying.

It cannot help that some world leaders, like our own, threaten violence as a solution to differences.

There are many things that I wish I could reverse. That I wish I could improve.

This is one.

Craig Marshall Smith is an artist, educator and Highlands Ranch resident. He can be reached at craigmarshallsmith@comcast.net.

and to continuously raise the bar for ourselves. We need to do this regardless of living in a society or even with some people around us who may like the bar where it is set right now. And as we see, some even prefer to lower the bar.

It’s not just in volunteer work or in a selling career, we see it in all walks of life. We see it in students, athletes, artists, and professionals at every level. Some are just brilliant and still work so hard for themselves and for the good of others. We even see those who may lack the skills or talent but will outwork everyone around them. These are the people who continually raise the bar for themselves and who never accept mediocrity. These people inspire me the most.

So how about you? Is there a bar that needs to be lifted in your own life? Can you help someone else raise the bar just a little higher so they too can achieve their goals and realize their dreams? I would love to hear all about your own elevated performance stories at gotonorton@gmail.com, and when we can raise the bar and avoid mediocrity, 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.

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KELLEY FROM PAGE 8

with darker wing bases, a black patch and white bars on the leading edge of the wing. Look for five small black spots to help you further identify this pretty insect.

When wings are closed, they use a black, brown and gray pattern for camouflage and have four circles that mimic eyes to help frighten off predators. They are a mid-sized butterfly with a wing span of 2 to 2 7/8 inches.

Females lay eggs singly on the tops of host plant leaves and the caterpillars live in a silk nest while feeding on the leaves. Adults hibernate only in the South and areas with milder climates. Host plants for the larvae number in the hundreds and include thistles, hollyhock, sunflowers and various legumes. It is sometimes known

as the thistle butterfly because of this food preference.

Adult painted lady butterflies prefer nectar from composites (especially thistle), asters, cosmos, zinnia, alfalfa and many other garden flowers.

This butterfly is often seen in open fields or disturbed areas as well as garden locales and is found almost everywhere except Australia and Antarctica (it has even been seen in Iceland). It is often mistaken for the monarch butterfly as well as being known as the cosmopolitan because it is the most widely distributed butterfly in the world.

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.

OBITUARIES CAUDELL

Richard H. Caudell Aug. 11, 1948 - Sept. 28, 2017 Rich Caudell left us peacefully on Sept. 28, 2017. He died at his home with his son, daughter-in-law and wife at his side.

At his request, there will be no

services. To leave a condolence, please see ponderosavalleyfunerals.com

In Loving Memory Place an Obituary for Your Loved One.

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10 Elbert County News

October 5, 2017O

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12 Elbert County News

LOCAL

LIFE

October 5, 2017O

‘When it comes to injuries, listen to your body’

West Metro Fire Rescue’s EMTs and paramedics familiarize themselves with the latest equipment and gear football players use during an Aug. 18 training session. The fire department worked with emergency room doctors from St. Anthony Hospital to help prepare for responding to injuries commonly seen during football season. CHRISTY STEADMAN

Experts share sports injury prevention advice

BY CHRISTY STEADMAN CSTEADMAN@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM

B

efore entering her career, Julie Nickoley’s studies at Metro State required her to get clinical hours at different colleges and high schools across Colorado, where she worked with a professional to get onthe-job training. During these clinical hours, she diagnosed the first of three broken necks she has seen throughout her career as an athletic trainer.

The college football player was hit hard in the first quarter of the game, she said, but didn’t tell anyone about his neck pain. Then, he got hit again in the fourth quarter and finally pulled himself out of the game.

“He basically played the entire game with a broken neck,” said Nickoley, who is now the head athletic trainer for the Colorado Storm, a statewide youth soccer association.

This particular athlete — Nickoley wouldn’t identify him by name or which college he played for — was very lucky, she added. He wasn’t paralyzed and the spinal cord wasn’t damaged.

From bruises to broken bones, even the most experienced athletes are prone to injury. But there is some preventative advice out there.

First and foremost, it’s important to

5 TIPS TO AVOID SPORTS INJURIES • Get the gear. For any sport, the proper gear and protective equipment can protect athletes from injuries.

• Condition and stretch. Make sure your entire body is conditioned — not just the muscles being used in the particular sport or training.

• Play safe. Avoid reckless play and follow the rules when playing sports.

• Take a break. Even if it’s only one day a take care of your body, Nickoley said.

“The biggest thing I see with successful athletes is how they take care of their bodies,” she said. But “you don’t have to be a competitive athlete or have a background in sports to take care of your body.”

Nutrition and exercise are important for everyone’s health, Nickoley said.

Whether it be taking a walk in your neighborhood or going to the local rec center for a swim, everyone should get their heart rate up for at least 30 minutes a day.

Active people have lower rates of obesity, heart disease, diabetes and even some emotional problems such as depression and anxiety, said Heidi Christensen, medical director of Primary Care Sports Medicine for Centura Health. And for younger people, playing sports can help with self-esteem and socialization.

“Injuries can happen, but being ac-

week, it’s important to take some time off from training.

• Educate yourself. Coaches, athletic trainers and other sports medicine professionals are always happy to have conversations with athletes and provide advice.

Sources: Julie Nickoley, athletic trainer for Colorado Storm, and Heidi Christensen, medical director of Primary Care Sports Medicine for Centura Health tive and playing sports outweigh the risks,” Christensen said. “As long as you don’t play or exercise beyond your personal capabilities, you can help safeguard against injuries.”

When injuries happen West Metro Fire Rescue’s EMTs and paramedics started a three-week training session on Aug. 18, during which about 280 people worked with emergency room doctors from St. Anthony Hospital to help prepare for responding to injuries commonly seen during football season.

The training focused on new procedures in preparing injured players for the emergency room and/or potential surgeries, and familiarizing themselves with the latest equipment and gear football players use.

“We’re finding that as the equipment changes, so must our practice,” said Mike Binney, the fire department’s

EMS training lieutenant. “In the metro area, we want to be prepared for whatever we have to show up to.”

It might not always require a trip to the emergency room, Christensen said, it is always important to get a proper diagnosis from somebody who is professionally trained to do so that that treatment or rehab can start right away.

But “it’s not just about treating the injury to get the clear to return to the sport,” Christensen added. “It’s getting the proper tools to prevent a recurring injury.”

Too many people get right back into the sport as soon as the pain goes away, but this puts that person at a higher risk of reinjuring themselves, Christensen said.

People tend to sustain serious injuries because they pushed themselves above and beyond what they were conditioned for, Christensen said.

Whether you’re recovering from an injury, just becoming more active or beginning to train for a new sport, “it’s always a good rule of thumb to increase the level of activity gradually,” Christensen said.

But because athletes typically love their sport, they will often push the limits, Nickoley said.

“They love what they’re doing.

They’ll do whatever they can to keep playing,” she said. “And the body can handle a lot. But especially when it comes to injuries, listen to your body.”

Elbert County News 13

7October 5, 2017

Woodcarvers move yearly show to Highlands Ranch Visitors can shop, stroll, watch artisans create new works

IF YOU GO THE 43RD ANNUAL WOODCARVING SHOW, COMPETITION AND SALE will be held by the Colorado Carvers Club on Oct. 14 (10 a.m. to 5 p.m.) and Oct. 15 (10 a.m. to 4 p.m.) at the Hilton Garden Inn, 1050 Plaza Drive, Highlands Ranch. Admission is $5 and children are admitted free. Carved objects, tools, wood and related items will be for sale — mostly by cash or check, although some vendors accept credit cards.

BY SONYA ELLINGBOE SELLINGBOE@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM

For a number of years, the metrowide Colorado Woodcarvers Club has held its annual show/competition/sale at the Jefferson County Fairgrounds, but on Oct. 14-15, 2017, the organization will move into the south area (Hilton Garden Inn in Highlands Ranch, 1050 Plaza Drive), bringing a collection of skilled craftsmen and their projects.

Visitors will see a world of carved creatures and other items that grow out of the imaginations of the club’s many members in the 43rd Annual Woodcarvers Show. Most items will be for sale and would be a one-of-a-kind gift — or a new addition for the readers’ own collection. Members will be working on a new project as they sit at the show’s tables, ready to chat with visitors.

We first met veteran carver Ralph Mueller of Littleton prior to a show some years ago and are happy to know the Lockheed Martin retiree, now 87, is still happily creating with wood, a knife

Ralph Mueller of Littleton, a Lockheed Martin retiree, will present his work at the Colorado Woodcarvers Club Annual show on Oct. 14-15 at the Hilton Garden Inn in Highlands Ranch. PHOTO BY SHARLEE MUELLER and other tools. He started in a class at Englewood’s Malley Recreation Center when he retired and enjoys carving all kinds of birds and animals. The playful river otter is a personal favorite.

In addition to small pieces, he has carved on a dead tree in his back yard, he said.

Mueller enjoyed a 34-year career as an instrumentation engineer at

Lockheed Martin. (known as Martin Marietta when he came on board after a stretch in the service and college).

This carver was born in Nebraska — one of eight boys and one girl, who all helped on the farm. He attended college in Indiana.

His favorite wood to carve is Nebraska red cedar (his brother brought him a load). It’s appealing in grain and color,

with reddish tones. He usually carves on basswood, but also enjoys working with and finishing pieces in walnut and cherry. He’s happy with a recent carving of a Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep created from that special cedar, and plans to enter about six pieces in the show.

There will be a carving competition on both days at 2 p.m. and visitors can see a block of wood come to life under skilled hands — and ask questions. A featured carver will be presented from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. each day.

Perhaps someone else will find an enjoyable new pastime.

The club holds monthly meetings at the Maplewood Grove Grange, 3130 Youngfield St. in Westminster. Next date on the website is Nov. 4. See coloradocarvers.org.

Award-winning theater vocalist coming to Lone Tree Arts Center

“S

imply Broadway” will be Brian Stokes Mitchell’s program title when the singer appears in concert at 8 p.m. Oct. 14 at Lone Tree Arts Center, 10075 Commons St., Lone Tree.

His award-winning SONYA’S career includes favorites such as “Man SAMPLER of La Mancha” and “Kiss Me Kate” on Broadway, as well as film and television appearances, a place in the Theatre Hall of Fame and more than 20 albums. Tickets: 720-509-1000, lonetreeartscenter.org.

Sonya Ellingboe

Japanese baskets “Against the Grain: Japanese Baskets of Mayumi Tsukuda” opens with a reception from 5 to 8 p.m.

Oct. 6 at Outnumbered Gallery, 5654 S. Prince St., Littleton. The exhibit runs through October. Hours: noon to 6 p.m.

Tuesdays and Wednesdays; 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Thursdays and Fridays; 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturdays; noon to 4 p.m. Sundays. Go to outnumberedgallery.com.

History Camp reminder History Camp starts at 9 a.m. Oct. 7 at Red Rocks Community College in Lakewood. Speakers on many historic topics: ghost towns, Native Americans, the world wars, General Iron Works in Englewood and much more, plus breakfast and lunch. At press time, the event

was heading toward sold-out status; to register, go to historycamp.org.

Goodbye Trammells We are saddened to learn of the deaths of Vickey and Jim Trammell in recent months. Both were popular faculty members at Arapahoe Community College. They offered naturalist training at Chatfield Arboretum and elsewhere and were longtime Littleton Garden Club members as well as lecturers in the community. `13 the Musical’ Miscast’s “Killer Kids”: Evan Gibley, Kaden Hinkle, Hannah Katz, Darrow Klein, Hannah Meg Weintraub and Rylee Vogel, plus friends, will perform “13” the Musical by Jason Robert Brown, Dan Ellis and Robert Horn at 2 and 7 p.m. on Oct. 8 at the Wolf Theatre, Denver Jewish Community Center, 350 S. Dahlia St., Denver. Like “Miscast,” it’s a benefit for the Denver Actors Fund, which recently benefited from a performance of “Miscast” at Littleton Town Hall. (It provides aid to members of the local theater community who need help with medical expenses. To date, it has granted $128,617.) Tickets: ticketor.com/13themusicalforthedenver actorsfund.

Englewood Camera Club The Englewood Camera Club will meet Oct. 10 at Lutheran Church of the Holy Spirit, 6400 S. University, Centennial. (We have not yet received a speaker’s name.) The longstanding

group meets at 7 p.m. on the second Tuesday of the month and welcomes guests and new members. See englewoodcameraclub.net.

Parson and Parson In “Counterpoints,” father and son Charles and Colin Parson will open an exhibit at the Museum Outdoor Arts where they respond and react to each other’s work, reflecting on forms found in today’s world. Opening reception: 6 to 9 p.m. Oct. 14 at the MOA Indoor Gallery, 1000 Englewood Parkway, Englewood (through Dec. 15). Outdoor sculptures will be displayed at Westlands Park, 5701 Quebec St., Greenwood Viillage (through Aug. 9, 2018.).

Jazz orchestra The Colorado Jazz Repertory Orchestra, directed by Art Bouton of Lone Tree, performs “West Coast Jazz” (music by Stan Kenton and Woody Herman, with vocals by Heidi Schmidt) at 7:30 p.m. Oct. 7 at the Arvada Center, 6901 Wadsworth Blvd., Arvada. Tickets: $35/$28/$20. 720-898-7200, arvadacenter. org.

Tesoro lectures Tesoro Cultural Center resumes its free lectures on Colorado and Southwestern history: “The Apache Wars” (book) by Dr. Paul Hutton at 4 p.m. on Oct 28 at Buck Recreation Center, 2004 W. Powers Ave., Littleton; and at 2 p.m. on Oct. 29 at Denver Public Library, 10 W. 14th Ave., Denver. Register at: TesoroCulturalCenter.org, 303-839-1671. Also

programmed: dinner/lecture at the Fort restaurant at 6 p.m. Oct. 29 ($68).

Autumn events From 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Oct. 14, the Harvest Festival will be held at the Littleton Museum, 6028 S. Gallup St., Littleton.

Bring a wagon to haul a pumpkin home from the 1860s farm (pay by size and weight). Enjoy free activities as you visit the farm’s animals. Refreshments.

303-795-3950. From 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Oct. 13, the Pumpkin Festival will be held at Chatfield Farms, 8500 W. Deer Creek Canyon Road, Littleton. Pumpkins from the farm for sale, rides and other activities. $8/$7/$4, free 2 and under.

(Discounted Corn Maze tickets: Maze open through Oct. 29, Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays. $9-$14, free under 2.) `Dracula’ ballet Colorado Ballet presents “Dracula,” choreographed by Michael Pink, Oct. 6-15 at the Ellie Caulkins Opera House at the Denver Center for Performing Arts, 14th and Champa streets in downtown Denver. Tickets: coloradoballet. org. `The Foreigner’ Arvada Center’s Black Box Theater season opens Oct. 13 with Larry Shue’s comical “The Foreigner,” which runs through Nov. 18. Geoffrey Kent is director. Performances: 7:30 p.m. Thursdays through Saturdays; 1 p.m. Wednesdays; 2 p.m. Sundays. The Arvada Center is at 6901 Wadsworth Blvd., 720-898-7200, arvadacenter.org.

14 Elbert County News

October 5, 2017O

CAREGIVER

BY THE NUMBERS

As the illness progressively robbed Cindy of her independence, and Chris took on the role of primary caregiver, they learned to meet in the middle, work out the challenges that could have ended their marriage, and find a way to deeper love.

‘I saw her standing there’ Cindy and Chris met in 1980 at an “Orphans’ Easter,” a gathering of transplants to Colorado spending the holidays away from their families. Cindy’s sister, Chris’ co-worker at Mountain Bell, hosted.

Cindy was sitting on the couch when Chris, carrying a salad, entered the room.

“We looked at each other and we both had a tingle,” Cindy said, her smile suggesting she can still feel the electric sensation.

“I looked across the room and it was like that Beatles song, how does it go?” Chris says. “I saw her standing there.”

They took a walk around Sloan’s Lake to end their expatriate holiday, and Chris called his parents that night to say he’d found the woman he was going to marry. They had their first date two weeks later at the People’s Fair in downtown Denver and didn’t waste time getting to know each other better.

Cindy, a small-town Nebraska girl, was smitten by a man who introduced new experiences. Chris took her roller skating for the first time. They saw “The Rocky Horror Picture Show” and John Waters movies.

In Cindy, Chris found a muse who exuded compassion and whose creativity inspired his own.

“She was very creative and talented and giving,” he said. “It’s a very inspirational thing to have someone around like that — it’s like a well you draw from.”

They ate Chinese food, had long conversations and created art together. Cindy made quilts, an average of 25 a year. Chris played harmonica and wrote short stories.

It didn’t hurt, Cindy added, that they were both hot to trot.

“We were easy,” she said with a devilish grin and a sidelong glance at Chris’ reddening face. “It was a lot of fun.”

Chris asked Cindy to marry him two weeks after their first date, while he was battling a bout of strep throat. Cindy chalked the cheeky proposal up to a fever and waited almost a year before taking him at his word. They married in 1981 and bought a home in Edgewater.

Two children followed, Courtney, now 30, and Cody, now 25. Chris did accounting and consulting for Mountain Bell and Cindy ran a day care center from her home before working in school cafeterias at Northeast Elementary in Parker, then Chaparral High School in Parker. They moved to a bigger house in Arvada, then Parker. Life was good.

Then came Cindy’s 2005 diagnosis.

‘Something was really wrong’ The symptoms were dismissed at first. Cindy began having what she calls “zingers,” intense, shooting pains traveling from her hips to her feet. Bouts of vertigo came and went. Her vision worsened to the point she stopped driving after dark. Her left leg began to drag.

For as long as she could, Cindy kept up her job in the cafeteria at Chaparral High School, working the cash register to avoid the chance of dropping trays of food. At the end of the 2005 school year, realizing she wouldn’t pass the 50-pound lifting test to return to work in the fall, she resigned.

Soon after her resignation, on a visit to Nebraska for her parents’ 50th anniversary, Cindy could barely get out of the car.

“Everybody could tell ...” Chris said as Cindy finished his thought, “... something was really wrong.”

The zingers continued, and bouts of vertigo became severe. Cindy’s eyesight grew even worse. She went to an ophthalmologist at Walmart for glasses, but he told her to talk to her doctor instead.

50 3.7 86 60 38 60 63 30 60

— average age of a caregiver

FROM PAGE 1

years — average duration of care provided

percent — care for a relative

percent — perform medical or nursing tasks, most without formal training

percent — provide care for more than six years

percent — are employed outside of their caregiving role

percent — provide for someone with a physical condition percent — assist someone with memory problems

Chris Cummins helps his wife Cindy with one of her handmade quilts, rousing Cindy’s Chihuahua, Porscha.

Cindy’s creativity, apparent in the quilts she’s made for decades, was one of the attributes that attracted Chris, himself a writer and amateur musician, to her.

TOM SKELLEY

percent — assist with one or more daily activity, such as bathing or feeding

Source: Colorado Health Institute

WHERE TO TURN FOR HELP For more information on support, preventing caregiver burnout and services available to caregivers and their families, contact: • Family Caregiver Alliance: caregiver.org • Caregiver Support Services: caregiversupportservices.com She did. And after a series of tests, the diagnosis came back as multiple sclerosis. Intially the couple took the news well.

“We were so thrilled that it was MS,” she said.

Cindy’s aunt had died of a brain tumor after experiencing similar symptoms with her vision.

The Cumminses were relieved to find out Cindy was cancer-free.

“We were feeling optimistic that whatever it was, we would get over it,” Chris said.

Not long after the diagnosis, Cindy’s family in Nebraska called — her father had fallen and was dying.

But Cindy was too ill to make the trip.

“I so resented MS then,” she said. “I couldn’t be there to give my dad a hug when he really needed one.”

“I think I was in denial” before, Chris said. “Then when you realize something’s damaging your spouse’s nerves, you know it’s going to get really nasty.”

‘I felt like a single mom’ Within a few months, Cindy was largely homebound. Chris took on additional roles: nurse, chauffeur, personal assistant, housekeeper.

As their new reality took shape, being the breadwinner and coming home to his “second job” took a toll on Chris. But he had made his wedding vows: “in sickness and in health,” and he was going to stand by them.

“I felt like a single mom,” he said. “I would work all day, then when I was done with my job I’d have to shop, clean and do laundry, cook … then you lay

your head down and worry that (she’s) going to fall at three in the morning, which happened. You find yourself not sleeping.”

Chris’ patience eroded from a combination of work-related fatigue and attending to Cindy’s medical needs, not to mention the paperwork, appointments and phone calls that came with them. Cindy’s memory lapses, a symptom of MS, increased to the point where she sometimes couldn’t finish a sentence. Communication became more difficult and everyday conversations more strained. Performing the chores he’d taken over from Cindy, like loading the dishwasher, became fertile ground for arguments.

They both felt cheated out of the golden years they had envisioned.

“You picture buying a Corvette when you retire, not a minivan,” Chris said.

Cindy felt guilty for being a burden as her coordination became worse and Chris took on what had been her household responsibilites, like cooking and laundry. Chris felt guilty when his body language or tone betrayed his frustration and compounded her guilt. More than once, Cindy considered divorce as the pain and stress of what their lives had become obscured the love and joy they’d always known.

But the love never went away. And the joy, after a time, came back.

‘My manner changed’ A turning point came when Chris retired from CenturyLink in 2015, relieving an enormous amount of stress on both partners. He no longer came home exhausted from work. He had more time to meditate every morning, repeating intentional statements to carry him through the day.

“I will say ‘I am full of love,’ “ he said, extending his arms as wide as they will reach. “That reminds me I have love to give Cindy ... I relish that I have a day where I’m needed ... If things are really bad, I’ll SEE CAREGIVER, P15

Elbert County News 15

7October 5, 2017

CAREGIVER

MAKING IT WORK • Make time for your own interests and hobbies — don’t stop doing what you love.

• Spend time away from one another. Keep in touch with cell phones.

• Talk to each other. Be honest about your feelings, frustrations and fears.

• Forgive each other, and yourself, for hurt caused during heat of arguments or disagreements.

• Meditate.

• Seek out support groups to share experiences and counseling sessions when needed.

• Remember to enjoy life, not prepare for death.

FROM PAGE 14

say ‘I am calm, I am strong.’ “ Introspection helped him challenge the “narrative” he once held about devotion — and entitlement.

“There was a voice in my head saying, ‘This is demeaning, I didn’t sign on for this,’” he said. “Did Mother Teresa think anything was demeaning?

Once I embraced the concept that I am here to help her, with whatever that is, my manner changed. Now I go to bed and I sleep good.”

A palliative care counseling session at the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus in 2016 helped Chris realize taking care of himself was as important as taking care of Cindy. For her, the session affirmed that they’re both in the process of enjoying life, not preparing for death.

In 2006, they began meeting with the Parker Pals, a self-help group for victims of MS and their families.

Chris still attends regularly, Cindy goes when she can.

They relish the activities they can enjoy together, like cooking dinner, but they both make time for themselves. Chris drops Cindy off at the mall in her electric wheelchair, so she can take her time and shop without him rushing her. Meanwhile, he swims at the Parker Recreation Center or works out. They stay in touch with ther cell phones.

Chris still writes, recently selfpublishing an autobiography of his mother compiled from her manuscripts. Cindy still quilts, though vertigo and tremors in her arm have

Chris and Cindy Cummins share an embrace in the living room where Cindy spends most of her time. Cindy, who has multiple sclerosis, says she feels guilty for burdening her family with her care. Chris says caring for her has brought them closer and is grateful they’ve been married for more than 36 years. TOM SKELLEY kept her from finishing the two quilt tops she started for her granddaughter and nephew more than a year ago.

‘I’ll do whatever I can’ In the last few years, they’ve learned to forgive each other, and themselves, for what they’ve said in the heat of the moment. Pressure builds at times, but they acknowledge it and move on. They’ve learned how to argue and still listen to each other.

They talk openly. About the proper way to load the dishwasher. About their children. About what will happen when Cindy’s needs exceed Chris’

abilities.

After her diagnosis, her doctor gave Cindy 10 to 15 years to live, but 11 years later, she doesn’t trust that estimate.

“We have to talk about things other people can ignore,” Chris says.

“Death is an inevitability.”

They talk about nursing homes.

Cindy dreads the thought of living in a room too small for her sewing gear, and fears schedules that may limit when she can see her husband.

“I’ll do whatever I can to keep her here,” Chris said.

They talk about physician-assisted suicide, a viable option in Colorado since the 2016 passage of Proposition 106, the End of Life Options Act. “We have discussed it,” Cindy says.

“I don’t know if I’m going to do it.”

For now, those conversations are abstract, and Cindy can enjoy sitting in her recliner with Porscha on her lap.

But a recent fall and extended stay in a rehabilitation facility reminds them the inevitable is just that.

So they concentrate on cherishing every moment together, grateful for the 36 years they’ve had, looking forward to the tomorrows to come.

There are worse things than MS, Chris believes.

They could have lost one of their children.

They could have died in a car crash.

They could have fallen out of love.

“If you breeze through life and you go off in different directions, you miss out on the closeness,” Chris said. “We have to be close.”

‘You’re never prepared’ Specialist weighs in on spouses turned caregivers

SAVE YOUR ENERGY

for the next family road trip Set your smart thermostat. Install LED bulbs. Turn off the lights. Close the blinds. Unplug electronics. Turn down the water heater. When you get a free home energy evaluation from Black Hills Energy, you learn a lot of no-cost and low-cost, energy-saving tips that really add up! Which means you can save your energy for the next family road trip.

Visit bheSaveMoney.com or call 866-971-7392 to schedule your evaluation.

16 Elbert County News

October 5, 2017O

Elbert County News 17

7October 5, 2017

CLUBS FROM PAGE 4

Overeaters Anonymous meets from 10-11 a.m. and from 7-8 p.m. Wednesdays in the Sedalia Room at New Hope Presbyterian Church, 2100 Meadows Parkway, Castle Rock.

Parker-Franktown-Elizabeth Paper Crafting Club is open to anyone interested in card making and scrapbooking. We meet regularly throughout the month on various weekday evenings and weekends.

Club events take place at 7786 Prairie Lake Trail, Parker (in the Pinery). Contact Alison Collins at 720-212-4788 for information or find us online at http://www.meetup. com/Parker-Franktown-Elizabeth-PaperCrafting-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.

CALM AFTER THE STORM

SM

In honor of Veterans Day, Colorado Community Media will be printing a special ‘Salute to Veterans’ section featuring photos of some of the veterans in our community.

Join us in honoring our veterans by submitting photos of the veterans in your life.

Go to the link below to submit photos:

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18 Elbert County News

October 5, 2017O

VEHICLES & EQUIPMENT AUCTION Pumpkin Festival for Families! from Colorado Cities & Counties

Weds., Oct. 11th, 9am - 7500 York St, Denver, CO Inspection: October 9th & 10th from 8:15am - 4:45pm

Over 200 Well-Maintained Low Mileage Vehicles including Shuttle & Transit Buses, Bucket Trucks, Utility Trucks, Dump Trucks, SUVs, Pickups, Vans, Cars & Police Vehicles. Plus Trailers, Mowers, Shop Equipment & Much More!

Oct. 7 & 8, 14 & 15, 21 & 22 10 AM - 3 PM

TagawaGardens.com>>Calendar for ticket prices and each day’s events!

Family-friendly activities vary each weekend & include pony rides (Oct. 7,8), petting zoo (Oct. 14,15,21,22), The Bat Cave, Wild on Water Bubbles, mini-train (Saturdays), historical hayride (Sundays), balloon artist, airbrush tatoos & more! FREE stage shows include HawkQuest, Live Spiders and Snakes, Kids Grape-stomping, ‘Castaways’ Rescued Pet Tricks, Colorado History storyteller & more!

5 FREE ACTIVITY TICKETS

with each bundle of 25 activity tickets (reg. $1 per ticket or 25 tickets for $20, with coupon receive 30 tickets for $20!) Not valid with other discounts or offers, #9457

•VEHICLES•TRUCKS•MOTORCYCLES•CAMPING TRAILER•BOATS & MUCH MORE!

Live Auction Sat. - October 14 11:00 AM – 1501 W. Wesley Ave., Denver Inspection: Fri., Oct. 13 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM Sat., Oct. 14 - 9:00 AM - 11:00 AM Description: • VEHICLES – 2011 Ford F350 Truck, 2013 Land Rover, 1995 Dodge Viper SRT 10 650, hard top convertible, 1972 Mercury Cougar Convertible & Plus Many More!

• CAMPING TRAILER – 2001 Rockwood Freedom Pop Up Camping Trailer • MOTORCYCLES – Suzuki GS1100E Motorcycle, 1983 Honda Motorcycle • SKID STER – 2015 Case SR 240 with forks & auger • For further updates e-mail customerservice@dickensheet.com ; www.dickensheet.com

Littleton

First United Methodist Church

WORLD MISSION CHURCH

South Denver Humanistic Judaism



1200 South Street Castle Rock, CO 80104 303.688.3047 www.fumccr.org

 Services: 

(KOREAN CHURCH)

DUE TO THE FIRE, MEETING TO BE HELD AT

LIVING WATER CHRISTIAN CHURCH 7049 E PARK DR., FRANKTOWN, CO 80016 TIME: 12:30 PM PHONE: 303-688-1004 ENGLISH TRANSLATION

EVERYONE IS WELCOME!

Serving the 720-284-2231 southeast Denver madrikhadavis@gmail.com area A home for secular, cultural Jews

Sunday 9:00am - Non-traditional Service 10:45am - Traditional Service  9:00am - Sunday School



Little Blessings Day Care  www.littleblessingspdo.com

Trinity

 

Lutheran Church & School

Sunday Worship 8:00 & 10:45 a.m.

Sunday School Bible Study 9:30am Trinity Lutheran School & ELC (Ages 3-5, Grades K-8)

 303-841-4660  www.tlcas.org

Centennial

Greenwood Village

St. Thomas More

STM Catholic School Preschool – Grade 8

8035 South Quebec Street Centennial, CO 80112 303.770.1150

www.stthomasmore.org

Parker

Parker

Sunday Services - 10 a.m.

Parker evangelical Presbyterian church

Cimarron Middle School 12130 Canterberry Parkway Parker, CO 80138 www.CSLParker.org

Connect – Grow – Serve

Sunday Worship

8:45 am & 10:30 am 9030 MILLER ROAD PARKER, CO 80138 3038412125 www.pepc.org

Catholic Parish & School

Seven Sunday Masses Two Daily Masses Confessions Six Days a Week

www.Dickensheet.com

Find us on meetup and facebook!

meetup.com/South-Denver-Humanistic-Judaism/ facebook.com/SouthDenverHumanisticJudaism/ Michelle Davis Community Leader

Pine Lane Elementary South 6475 E Ponderosa Dr. Parker, CO 80138 303-941-0668

Congregation Beth Shalom Serving the Southeast Denver area

Call or check our website for information on services and social events! www.cbsdenver.org

303-794-6643

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On Behalf of the United States Marshals Service, Estates & Others

Castle Rock/Franktown

M D

303.690.4722 | TagawaGardens.com

PUBLIC LIVE AUCTION

Castle Rock/Franktown

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see website for fall hours

(303) 934-8322

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7711 S. Parker Rd, Centennial

(between E-470 and Arapahoe Rd., just south of Broncos Parkway)

Bid Online at www.rollerauction.com

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To advertise your place of worship in this section, call Karen at 303-566-4091 or email kearhart@ColoradoCommunityMedia.com

Elbert County News 19

7October 5, 2017

VOLUNTEERS FROM PAGE 6

Hospice of Covenant Care Nonprofit, faith-based hospice Need: Volunteers to support patients and families Contact: 303-731-8039 Meals on Wheels Delivers meals to residents in Englewood, southern Jefferson County and western Arapahoe County Need: Drivers to deliver meals; volunteers to help prepare, box and label meals Requirements: Must dedicate one to two hours a week Contact: Phil or Mary at 303-798-7642 (from 8 a.m. to noon Mondays through Fridays)

Neighbor Network Nonprofit that helps older adults stay independent. Serves all of Douglas County Need: Volunteers who can provide transportation, light housekeeping, handyman and companion services to seniors.

Requirements: Must be at least 21 years old and have a valid driver’s license and auto insurance.

Contact: 303-814-4300, neighbornetwork@ douglas.co.us or dcneighbornetwork.org.

Parker Senior Center Provides services to local seniors.

Need: Volunteer drivers to take seniors to the center for a hot meal, to appointments, to the grocery store, and more.

Contact: Louise West at 303-841-5370.

PeopleFirst Hospice Denver hospice Need: Volunteers to provide companionship to

Local Focus. More News.

hospice patients and their families.

Contact: Rachel Wang at 303-546-7921 Red Cross Supports the elderly, international causes and social services Need: Volunteers to provide support Contact: 303-607-4768 or 303-266-7855 Sunset Hospice Provides end-of-life support Need: Volunteer training is from 6-10 p.m. every second and fourth Tuesdays; they also meet from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. every first and third Saturday Contact: Jami Martin at 303-693-2105 The Right Step Inc. Therapeutic horseback riding program for children and adults with disabilities. Based in Littleton.

Need: Volunteers to help with horses before, 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.

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.

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Help Wanted

303-566-4100 Executive Director, East CentralAdvertise: BOCES

The East Central Board of Cooperative Educational Services (BOCES) is seeking an Executive Director Preference will be given to an individual who: 1.) Has had successful educational administrative experience.

2.) Possess a current Colorado Administrator license.

3.) Has a working knowledge of, and a clear understanding of, what a successful BOCES is; Preferably has had experience with or within a BOCES. 4.) Has an understanding of Special Education and an Administrative Unit.

5.) Has an understanding of Federal Programs –Title & Perkins Programs 6.) Has a strong, successful record in creating cooperative environments.

Skills Needed: 1.) Understanding of a BOCES. 2.) Ability to work with and create cooperative teams.

3.) Ability to create and administrate a $10 million budget.

4.) Good communication skills – both oral and written.

5.) Ability to facilitate Board and Superintendents meetings.

6.) Facilitation skills to gather information from school districts.

7.) Ability to evaluate staff members and help them reach their potential.

8.) Must have a strong background in education.

9.) Understand current Colorado Legislation and the ability to represent rural school district within this context.

10.) Be willing to serve and represent member districts on local and state committees.

231 Day Contract to begin July 1, 2018 Applications Close December 1, 2017 Note: The successful candidate must live in or be willing to relocate to live within the East Central BOCES service area boundaries.

Contact Don Anderson, Executive Director East Central BOCES, for an application packet or go to www.ecboces.org for an online application. Candidates are asked not to contact administration and board members within the East Central BOCES, but are asked to use the central contact person. Email or mail a letter of interest and request an application package to: Don Anderson, Executive Director, ECBOCES P.O. Box 910, 820 Second Street Limon, CO 80828 Telephone: 719-775-2342 Ext. 116, dona@ecboces.org The completed application will include the following items: 1) A Letter of Interest 2) A completed application 3) A current resume 4) Three letters of recommendation 5) An unofficial college transcript 6) A copy of their current Administrator’s License “Providing Services to Member Districts; Making a Difference for Students”

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ColoradoCommunityMedia.com

20 Elbert County News

October 5, 2017O