Lone Tree Voice 1207 by Colorado Community Media

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DECEMBER 7, 2017

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LoneTreeVoice.net

VOLUME 16 | ISSUE 46

2 Lone Tree Voice

December 7, 2017D

Lone Tree teens run youth justice system Court is option for first offenders in misdemeanor cases

WHO IS ELIGIBLE FOR TEEN COURT? Offenders wanting to have their cases heard in Lone Tree Teen Court: • Must take full responsibility for their crime and admit guilt. • Must be between the ages of 12 to 17. • Must be charged with first offenses only. • Must be willing to be sentenced by a jury of peers.

BY TABATHA DEANS STEWART TSTEWART@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM

Peer pressure has often been thought of as kids being a bad influence on each other. In Lone Tree Teen Court, available for first-time youth offenders, peer influence is what it’s all about. “Youth do feel more comfortable talking to other youth about what happened,” said Elise Krumholz, teen court coordinator for the City of Lone Tree. “Often times we focus on negative peer influence, and how that can lead to bad situations. In teen court we really try to flip that on its head and say positive peer influence is just as powerful.” In teen court, first-time youth offenders of misdemeanor crimes appear before a jury of their peers, between the ages of 12 and 17. The trained youth volunteers serve as prosecuting attorneys and jury members. The offender is questioned as if in municipal court trial, and given sentences by their peers. Sentences are specific to each offender, with the intention of providing the offender a path to repair the harm of the offense. Sentences could be lighter or harsher than one given by a judge. Sentencing could include a letter of apology, community service or educational classes. Offenders are often sentenced to serve as a jury member on the next trial. According to Krumholz, sometimes a letter of apology is all it takes to get a teenager to realize the consequence of a bad decision. Taking accountability for their actions, she said, is vital to stopping

Members of Lone Tree’s Teen Court sit in session. The court meets each Monday evening, and is conducted entirely by young people, including trial, jury duty and handing down of sentences.

PHOTO COURTESY OF LONE TREE

BESSIE’S HOPE SEEKS HELP Lone Tree Teen Court is seeking adult volunteers for a pilot program called Bessie’s Hope. Volunteers would serve in the role of community service mentor, and will help facilitate youths who are doing service hours with the elderly.

Volunteers would need to commit four to five hours per month, in two-hour shifts.

bad behavior before it gets out of control. “With peer-driven justice, their peers are helping them hold themselves accountable through sentencing requirements,” said Krumholz. Shoplifting, curfew violations, minor in possession and vandalism are some of the offenses seen in teen court, and the goal is to help each teen understand why they committed the offense

and how the offense has affected others, and to take responsibility for repairing the harm done, according to the mission statement of the teen court. “These kids are not bad kids, they’ve just made bad decisions,” said Tammy Hawkins, president of the National Association of Teen Courts. “What we want to do is help them figure out what they will do different next time.”

Those interested can contact Elise Krumholz at 720-509-1265 or Elise.krumholz@cityoflonetree. com

And, according to Hawkins, if kids come into the court thinking their peers will go easier on them than an adult, they’re sorely mistaken. “These kids don’t feel sorry for you. They’ve all been where you are, and are now sitting on the other side of the law,” she said. “They have to justify their sentencing and penalty, but they don’t pull any punches.” “The earlier these kids learn about the real world, and it’s consequences, the better for them,” said Hawkins. According to a report published by the National Institute of Justice, early intervention is important. “Studies agree that 40 to 60 percent of juvenile delinquents stop offending by early adulthood. For those who do persist, the transition

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from adolescence to adulthood is a period of increasing severity of offenses and an increase in lethal violence.” Teens who choose teen court over municipal court must commit to a six-month duration of jurisdiction, with three months to complete their sentencing. During that six-month time they cannot get in trouble, or their case will be referred back to municipal court for prosecution. If they complete their sentencing their case will be dismissed. Lone Tree Teen Court is held every Monday evening. The program is always looking for youth and adult volunteers, and offers a general legal training three times a year for volunteers. Contact Elise Krumholz at 720-5091265 or Elise.Krumholz@ cityoflonetree.com.

Lone Tree Voice 3

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4 Lone Tree Voice

December 7, 2017D

School board votes to rescind voucher program 6-0 vote pulls plug on any further attempts to push controversial plan

ing our 68,000-plus students who have chosen Douglas County schools.” The stalled voucher program was a pivotal talking point in weeks leading up to the Nov. 7 school board election, when voters elected four anti-reform candidates, Krista Holtzmann, Kevin Leung, Anthony Graziano and Christina Ciancio-Schor, who outwardly opposed the voucher program throughout their campaigns. They filled the seats of four reform-minded members, signaling a change in a longstanding majority board that espoused policies that, to many people, caused an exodus of teachers in recent years. “It’s my personal belief — and I ran my campaign to being a Douglas County board director with this being an important part of my platform — that public dollars should not be used to fund our private schools,” Graziano said at the Dec. 4 meeting. “I also know that the community has not supported vouchers based on the most recent district survey. So it’s with this, really simply, that I support rescinding the Choice Scholarship Program going forward.” The board, composed of seven reform-minded members at the time, first voted to approve the voucher program in 2011. Designed to accommodate 500 students, it allowed students’ parents to use state-provided, perpupil money toward tuition at private schools, including religiously affiliated institutions. Taxpayers for Public Education — a

BY ALEX DEWIND ADEWIND@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM

At a special meeting Dec. 4, more than a dozen parents, teachers and former educators got their wish as they took the stand and pleaded for the Douglas County Board of Education to end the controversial school voucher program that has garnered national attention in recent years. “I hope that after tonight the district won’t spend any more time or money on private school vouchers,” parent Kathy Boyer said. “Please put an end to the Choice Scholarship Program once and for all.” The school board listened. Six board members — one member abstained — voted unanimously to rescind the Choice Scholarship Program, a decision that marks an end to a six-year battle between reform-minded board members and many community members. “It has always been my belief that public school funding is for public education,” school board President David Ray said. “I respect every parent’s right to choose a public or private education for their child. However, as a public school system, our taxpayers should expect us to spend solely on educat-

the court sent back to the Colorado Colorado-based, nonprofit organizaSupreme Court the case known as Taxtion that advocates for a strong public payers for Public Education v. Douglas education system, according to its County School District, which has website — subsequently filed a lawsuit since been tied up in court. against the district to stop the voucher At the Dec. 4 special meeting, the program. School board member Kevin board approved a resolution to rescind Leung, newly elected last month, did the Choice Scholarship Program, not vote on the resolution at the Dec. repeal all district policies specifically 4 meeting because he is listed as a related to the Choice Scholarship Proplaintiff in the Taxpayers for Public gram and the School Choice Grant ProEducation case. gram and direct the board president A Denver judge quickly halted the and/or interim superintendent to end voucher program in 2011, but in 2013, a the litigation challenging the program state appeals court reversed that decision. The Colorado Supreme Court in in a “cost-efficient and timely manner.” June 2015 issued a ruling saying using The district has spent $1.77 million litipublic funds for religious schooling gating the case, board member Annewas illegal. Marie Lemieux said at the meeting. The school district, while it remained Wendy Vogel, vice president of under reform leadership, filed an apthe school board, said she wanted to peal with the U.S. Supreme Court in make it clear that the school voucher September 2015. In June of this year, discussion wasn’t about taking away the school voucher program got ananyone’s choice. other look from the Colorado Supreme “It’s a discussion simply about Court following a ruling by the U.S. who is going to pay for private school Supreme Court on a similar case in choice,” she said. “And my concern Missouri. In the case Trinity Lutheran with vouchers — as we heard from Church v. Comer, a Missouri church some of the public commenters tonight sued after being denied state funding — has always been accountability to for a preschool playground because the taxpayer for their investment in the Missouri state Constitution forbids education.” financially supporting a religious Following public comment, the institution. On June 26, the Supreme crowded boardroom erupted in apCourt ruled 7-2 that Missouri’s original plause. decision violated the U.S. Constitu“I would like to commend all of you tion’s protection of the free exercise of for not only listening to the commureligion by excluding churches from nity,” parent Laura Welch said, “but for LTAC17005_CCM_12.1.17.pdf 1 11/30/2017 state programs with a secular intent. 9:22:54 AM moving so swiftly to end these divisive As a result of the ruling in Missouri, programs.”

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Lone Tree Voice 5

7December 7, 2017

Celebrate the season with South Suburban

Douglas County Commissioner David Weaver speaks to about 50 people at the Parker Republican Breakfast Club meeting Dec. 1 about his nomination by President Trump to fill the role of U.S. marshal for Colorado.

STAFF REPORT

TABATHA STEWART

‘I will go do my service where I’m needed,’ commissioner says Weaver’s nomination for U.S. marshal of Colorado awaits Senate approval BY TABATHA DEANS STEWART TSTEWART@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM

David Weaver has served residents of Douglas County for more than 30 years, as a deputy, a sheriff and currently as a county commissioner. President Donald Trump is hoping Weaver will expand his role of service to include the entire state, and has nominated Weaver to serve as Colorado’s U.S. marshal. “I love my service here, I feel like I’ll be abandoning my family, but I will accept the nomination to U.S. marshal, and I will go do my service where I’m needed,” Weaver said in an address to the Parker Republican Breakfast Club Dec. 1. Weaver spoke candidly about the process of his nomination by Trump, and his more than 30-year history serving Douglas County in several capacities, beginning with his early career as a deputy. “When I first came here, at the young age of 21, I met the sheriff and thought ‘he could be Andy Griffith,’” said Weaver. “He wore a cowboy hat and looked the part.” Weaver went on to be elected the sheriff of Douglas County, where he served two terms. He was sworn in as a Douglas County commissioner in July 2014, filling a seat vacated early by Jack Hilbert. Weaver was later elected to the position and began serving his first full term in January 2015.

The nomination, and pending Senate confirmation, would leave a vacant seat on the board of commissioners, but Weaver assured the crowd that he would not leave them high and dry. “I don’t know when the confirmation will happen. It could be one month, three months, I just don’t know,” he said. “But we’ll have the right person in place as the new commissioner. I won’t leave you hanging.” Weaver said the interview process has been lengthy, thorough, and a little bit intimidating. “It started in November of last year, and they have investigated everything about me, going all the way back to when I was 18,” Weaver said. “Then I was put in a small room with about six other very official gentlemen, and asked every question imaginable, including whether or not I had ever said anything bad about the president of the United States. ‘Absolutely not,’ was my reply.” According to Weaver, U.S. marshals typically stay through that president’s term, and he plans to become active in the community again when his time with the Marshals comes to an end. Colorado employs 40 deputy marshals statewide, who apprehend and transport federal fugitives, execute civil and criminal processes, and cover witness security. “If you look at the history of U.S. marshals in Colorado, they just keep getting better looking,” Weaver joked to the crowd. “But all joking aside, this is a very serious job, there are a lot of responsibilities, and I am very honored the president nominated me.”

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From holiday ice shows to winter break camps, South Suburban offers many ways to celebrate the season. Children ages 5-12 can make gifts from nature for their friends and family. They will use materials from South Platte Park to create ornaments, frames and more during the Little Elves Holiday Workshop at 10 a.m., noon and 2 p.m. Dec. 9. South Platte Park is at 3000 W. Carson Drive, Littleton. If you have a golfer on your holiday gift list, check out the golf appreciation sale at the Lone Tree Golf Club and Hotel, 9808 Sunningdale Blvd., Lone Tree. Sale lasts from 4-7 p.m. Dec. 14. Admission is free, and food and drink specials are offered. Ice skaters skate to traditional holiday music and Santa makes an appearance at the holiday ice shows at the South Suburban Ice Arena and Family Sports Ice Arena. Admission to the shows is free, and canned food donations for Food Bank of the Rockies are accepted. Show times are 6 p.m. Dec. 15 and 3:15 p.m. Dec. 16 at South Suburban Ice Arena, 6580 S. Vine St., Centennial; and 3:30 p.m. Dec. 17 at Family Sports Ice Arena, 6901 S. Peoria St., Centennial. Skate with Santa at 7 p.m. Dec. 15 after the ice show at the South Suburban Ice Arena. Public skate admission rates apply. Santa also will stop by for skating at 2:15 p.m. Dec. 16 at both ice arenas, and at 2:15 p.m. Dec. 17 at Family Sports Ice Arena. Families can get into the spirit together with the Polar

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Party at 9 a.m., 10 a.m. and 11 a.m. Dec. 16 at the Lone Tree Recreation Center, 10249 Ridgegate Circle, Lone Tree. Activities include a familyfriendly obstacle course, craft activities and an opportunity to take a photo with Santa. This is not a drop-off activity; children must be accompanied by an adult. Students looking for something to do over their winter break have a number of options. A winter break gymnastics camp is offered Dec. 26 at the Goodson Recreation Center, 6315 S. University Blvd., Centennial. Camp runs from 9 a.m. to noon and is open to ages 4-11. A second session open to ages 6-11 is offered from 1:30-4:30 p.m. Winter break adventure camp at Family Sports Center keeps kids busy with activities such as the eXerGame Zone, ice skating, climbing wall, laser tag and more. Morning and afternoon snacks and lunch are included in fee. Camp open to kids in kindergarten through age 10. Camp runs from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. Dec. 2629, and Jan. 2-5. Those looking to explore the outdoors can check out the winter break nature camp at Carson Nature Center. Kids play games, take hikes and learn through nature-based activities. Open to ages 6-10, camp runs from 9 a.m. to noon Dec. 26-29. Artists can explore clay, drawing, painting, printmaking and mixed media at the winter break art camp Dec. 27 at the Lone Tree Recreation Center. Camp open to ages 6-122, and is offered Dec. 27-29 — at 9 a.m. and again at 1 p.m. For details about these and other South Suburban activities, go to www.sspr.org.

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6 Lone Tree Voice

December 7, 2017D

Ray named school board president as new members take seats Community eager to welcome new leadership at meeting BY ALEX DEWIND ADEWIND@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM

Dozens of people crowded around the front doors of the Douglas County School District Administrative Building in Castle Rock on Nov. 28. Inside, the conference room was maxed out at more than 100 guests, meaning those outside would have to wait for any seats that might become available. Parents, teachers and community members were there to witness four school board members depart and four new members, each elected on Nov. 7, fill their seats. They also saw the appointment of a new school board president. “I am here because I know that there is serious work to be done and you know that better than any of us,” parent Kristen Hirsch said during the public comment portion of the school board meeting. “But you have such community support.” The addition of members Anthony Graziano, Kevin Leung, Chris Schor and Krista Holtzmann signals a change in the direction of the school board, which has been in the spotlight since the 2009 election of a reformminded majority of members, who espoused policies such as pay-for-performance evaluations for teachers and a form of school choice that would later include a controversial voucher program. For six years, supporters of the

Members of the Douglas County School Board, from left, Anthony Graziano, Kevin Leung, Chris Schor, Krista Holtzmann, David Ray, Anne-Marie Lemieux and Wendy Vogel pose for their first photo as a new school board at a meeting at DCSD’s Administrative Building in Castle Rock on Nov. 28. ALEX DEWIND reforms held all seven seats on the board. They introduced new policies that, in the eyes of many, caused an exodus of hundreds of teachers and administrators. A shift occurred in 2015, when sitting candidates who opposed the reform policies — David Ray, Wendy Vogel and Anne-Marie Lemieux — each were elected to the board. The result was a divided board, with votes frequently falling 4-3 in favor of the former reform-minded members, Meghann Silverthorn, James Geddes, Judith Reynolds and Steven Peck. They were recognized for their service at the Nov. 28 meeting. “We know that the sacrifice is tremendous,” Ray said to Silverthorn, Geddes and Reynolds, who each held a plaque of honor. Peck was absent. At the meeting, Lemieux nominated Ray for board president, a motion that was unanimously approved. Ray succeeds Silverthorn in the position.

“You have been organized and thoughtful in your decision making, as well as how you have dealt with our staff, board members and community,” Lemieux said to Ray. Ray and his wife have lived in Parker since 1989. His two children attended Douglas County Schools. Ray worked as an elementary school principal in Douglas County for 23 years, during which he oversaw the opening of three schools: Coyote Creek Elementary in Highlands Ranch, Prairie Crossing Elementary in Parker and Mammoth Heights Elementary, also in Parker. He helped launch the district’s outdoor education program and has served on several committees, including the fiscal oversight committee and building specification and review committee. Before accepting the nomination, Ray listed the type of leader his is not: he doesn’t need control, he isn’t

charismatic, he has no political aspirations. He said he is a facilitator. He will lead with integrity. He knows that the board will make mistakes and that there will be do-overs when needed. “My job is to enhance the conversation and to make sure that all voices are heard,” Ray said. Vogel, of Highlands Ranch, will serve as vice president. Vogel has two children in Douglas County schools. She serves on the district’s Long Range Planning Committee, which studies facility and capacity needs, and several school accountability committees. Vogel previously worked in federal prisons doing substance abuse treatment and case management and now owns a quilting business. “She builds bridges with a wide array of people,” Ray said. “She is one who will find the means to do whatever it takes to do this role well.” Holtzmann will serve as secretary. She and her husband have lived in Parker for 17 years. Their two sons attended Douglas County schools. She worked as an assistant district attorney in child protection and as a volunteer attorney at the Rocky Mountain Children’s Law Center. She also has served on multiple school accountability committees. Lemieux will be the treasurer. Since 2004, she has lived in Highlands Ranch with her family. Her two children went to Douglas County schools. Lemieux taught elementary school for seven years before becoming a stay-at-home mother. She helped develop Douglas County Parents, a group of parents and community members formed in 2013 to inform the community on issues in the school district.

Former school board president closes chapter after eight years Silverthorn talks about achievements, challenges in Douglas County BY ALEX DEWIND ADEWIND@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM

If Meghann Silverthorn could change anything about her eight years on the Douglas County School Board, it would be the process and timing of policies implemented by the board, she said. “You can’t put things out there that only the board espouses,” said Silverthorn, sitting in a coffee shop in Parker on an afternoon in November. “You can’t assume that because people support ideas, they will support everything.” Silverthorn was termlimited, and her tenure on the Douglas County School

Board came to an end with the swearing-in of new board members Nov. 28. First elected in 2009, Silverthorn was part of a majority board that embraced controversial reforms such as pay-forperformance evaluations for teachers and a form of school Silverthorn choice that would later include a stalled voucher program. She served as president of the school board since December 2015. On Nov. 7, four anti-reform candidates were elected to the school board, signaling a change in direction from a majority board that held power for eight years. While she doesn’t know exactly what her next chapter will bring, Silverthorn is proud of her time on the school board — a tenure sometimes marked by controversy and contentiousness.

Getting an education Silverthorn, 39, said her educational and personal background prompted her to run for school board. Her father was in the Army when she was growing up. She attended a number of schools overseas that thrived on academic rigor, high expectations and parent involvement, she said. She also grew up watching her grandparents “work very hard having little formal education.” Her grandfather, an undocumented immigrant from Mexico, didn’t make it past third grade. “I’m the first in my family to graduate college,” Silverthorn said. “That education changed my family tree of two generations — that is very powerful.” After high school, Silverthorn had plans to go to the Air Force Academy and was nominated by a member of Congress. But then a medical event disqualified her. “I thought, well, I’m not going to be in the military, so what can I do?” she said.

She graduated from University of Colorado-Boulder with bachelor’s degrees in aerospace engineering sciences and political science. There she met her husband of 12 years, Jeff, who is a defense contractor. He spends half of the year overseas and is currently in Afghanistan. When he is home, the two of them enjoy skiing, doing things around the house and spending time with friends. They live in Parker. When she was in college, Silverthorn did work for the Air Force Research Laboratory. After graduation, she did 12 years of civilian service working as an analyst for the U.S. Department of Defense at its Lockheed Martin offices. She left that position in 2015 to focus on the school board. Encountering challenges Steven Peck, who was chosen by Silverthorn in 2016 to fill a vacant seat on the board, said Silverthorn guided the school district through a period of “significant turbulence,” when

what he refers to as “key leaders” — including former Superintendent Liz Fagen, members of her staff and a member of the board — resigned. “Her legacy will be one part charter champion, two parts fiscal hawk, and three doses of reasonable influence,” Peck said of Silverthorn. “She will be missed.” Silverthorn, who was a member of the majority board throughout her tenure, also faced backlash from many members of the community who blamed an exodus of hundreds of teachers and administrators on policies espoused by the majority. It was difficult for her to find common ground in a community that had extreme thoughts about how education should look, said David Ray, a sitting board member who served with Silverthorn for the past two years. The two often found themselves on opposite sides of issues. SEE SILVERTHORN, P7

Lone Tree Voice 7

7December 7, 2017

Lone Tree lights up the night

Hundreds of residents were on hand at the Lone Tree Arts Center Dec. 1, to kick off the holiday season with the official lighting of the Tree. PHOTO BY TABATHA STEWART

Hundreds brave chilly weather to kick off holiday season BY TABATHA DEANS STEWART TSTEWART@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM

Chilly temperatures didn’t dampen the enthusiasm of the Lone Tree residents who turned out by the hundreds to watch the first official lighting of the Christmas tree at the Lone Tree Arts Center. Party-goers chanted backward from 10 to one, and applauded as Lone Tree Mayor Jackie Millet and city council members flipped the switch to illuminate the tree and kick off the holiday season. The Lone Tree Arts Center Guild provided festive headbands of reindeer antlers for attendees,

SILVERTHORN FROM PAGE 6

“There were a lot of people she was trying to honor,” said Ray, who was named school board president by his fellow board members on Nov. 28. “Especially people who had more of a political agenda than a local agenda.” Of her leadership style, Ray said Silverthorn was consistent and skillful. She took her role as board president seriously and she was dedicated to the position. Ray pointed out that she attended “tons” of committee meetings and communicated with people through socal media or email. “I really do like her as a person,” Ray said. “We just philosophically were at such different places at what we thought the district and children needed.” Among the most controversial topics of Silverthorn’s tenure was when she and former board member Judith Reynolds held a private meeting with Grace Davis, a 16-year-old Ponderosa High School student who had organized a peaceful protest in March 2016

and The Denver Dolls entertained the crowd with their musical talents. Santa Claus was on hand to visit with the little ones, and hear their holiday wishes, while a cocoa bar helped keep the hands and stomachs of festival-goers warm. Roasting marshmallows over firepits and making S’mores were crowd favorites. Many residents got out of the cold and enjoyed the art hanging inside the arts center, while others gathered around outdoor fire pits in the grounds surrounding the center. Live reindeer made an appearance and carolers sang throughout the evening.

to ask why teachers were leaving the district. Davis said she was intimidated and bullied by the pair, which led to a independent investigation into the board members that, in the end, found no policies had been violated. Silverthorn said she wanted to be straightforward with Davis and find a better solution to the teacher-turnover issue. She thinks different political views played a part. Looking back, she “probably would have done things differently.” “I never ceased to be amazed by what happened when I met with a student to find out what her concerns were. I don’t really know how it got to how it ended up,” Silverthorn said. “I find it very unfortunate the way it turned out.” Reynolds said Silverthorn was supportive throughout the aftermath, which included backlash from many community members. The district received more than 600 emails in support of Davis and requesting the immediate resignation of Silverthorn and Reynolds. “I wish the whole thing would have been different,” Reynolds said. “There are a whole lot of things that I wish

Lone Tree residents braved chilly weather to enjoy S’mores, Santa and the lighting of the Christmas tree at the Lone Tree Arts Center. PHOTO BY TABATHA STEWART

would have gone differently from the get-go.” Taking stock Looking back at her time as a school board member, Silverthorn lists her best moments as seeing the progression and involvement of students, hiring interim Superintendent Erin Kane, who Silverthorn said “created a sense of stability,” and shifting the conversation about parent empowerment and school choice. “Even critics had to think about that more,” she said of school choice, which allows parents to select a type of school, such as neighborhood, charter or magnet, that fits their child’s needs. “Choice is about what you want from your schools.” Reynolds describes Silverthorn’s approach as “firm, fair and friendly.” Working alongside Silverthorn, Reynolds said her biggest accomplishment was when the school board passed a policy in July 2016 that allowed the administration of medical marijuana products, hemp oils and other cannabinoid products to qualified students on district property.

“That is something that has had a direct impact on not necessarily a huge number but a number of students that struggle with severe and serious health issues,” Reynolds said. “It’s something that allows those students to participate in school.” Silverthorn lists her top three challenges as budget, communication and translation of what the community valued into the classroom. The political environment of the majority versus minority became difficult, she said. “When one side has power, the other side always wants it,” she said. “… If you’re not careful, that turns into a very sharply divided community.” The weeks leading up to her final day on school board were strange and quiet, Silverthorn said. In her free time, she dyes silk, writes and reads. She likes researching politics and writing policy. She’s not sure what she will do next, but she sees herself staying involved in local government. She said she greatly values the time she spent on the school board. “It’s been one of the greatest privileges of my life to serve the people of Douglas County.”

8 Lone Tree Voice

December 7, 2017D

Christmas Douglas County offices will close at noon Dec. 22 through Dec. 25 for the Christmas Holiday. Many county services are available online at www.douglas.co.us

Help Yourself. Skip the line at the DMV in Castle Rock Douglas County residents can now renew their vehicle registration at a self-service kiosk at the County’s Motor Vehicle Office in Castle Rock. To learn more about the self-serve kiosk visit www.douglas.co.us/mv-kiosk/

Need help with heating costs? Eligible low income households in Douglas County may apply for energy assistance through the Low Income Energy Assistance Program (LEAP). For more information, or to download the application, please visit www.douglas.co.us and search for LEAP or email LEAPHELP@discovermygoodwill.org

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 for Meetings and Agendas.

Do you ever have snow removal questions? Visit www.douglas.co.us and search for Snow to view information on snow and ice removal in unincorporated Douglas County.

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Visit www.douglas.co.us

Sarah Deakin, creative arts manager of Wellspring Community, a nonprofit in Castle Rock that provides work, enrichment and educational opportunities for adults with special needs, leads a dance performance at the first-ever Douglas County Gives rally at Schomp MINI on Nov. 29. ALEX DEWIND

‘Give where you live’ BY ALEX DEWIND ADEWIND@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM

The Douglas County Community Foundation hosted the first Douglas County Gives Rally on Nov. 29 at Schomp MINI, 1001 Plum Valley Lane, in Highlands Ranch. At the hour-long event, 37 nonprofit organizations from Douglas County celebrated and anticipated Colorado Gives Day, an annual statewide movement to increase philanthropy in Colorado by donating online. This year, the day of giving was Dec. 5. “Give where you live,” said Donna Scott, chair of Douglas County Community Foundation, which partners with people and organizations in the county to build funds that serve the public. “The big thing is trying to get people in Douglas County to know about the nonprofits so they can support where they live.” During last year’s Colorado Gives Day, Douglas County nonprofits received 2,018 donations totaling

$813,527. This year, the goal is to increase the number of donations by 15 percent, said Scott. Nonprofits in Douglas County bring a variety of services to the community. For example, Wellspring Community, based in Castle Rock, offers work, enrichment and educational opportunities for adults with special needs. The Chelsea Hutchison Foundation in Lone Tree serves individuals, families and communities affected by epilepsy. In Parker, HawkQuest educates the community on rescue eagles, owls, falcons and hawks. Other nonprofits include Crisis Center, Douglas County Libraries Foundation, Douglas County Search and Rescue, Promise Ranch Therapeutic Riding. The list goes on. Run by mostly volunteers, the organizations benefit greatly from the annual day of giving. “It’s a chance for us to get the financial support that we so desperately need,” said Mary Lou Fenton, executive director of Wellspring Community.

Vendors make season bright BY ELLIS ARNOLD EARNOLD@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM

Still scrambling to holiday shop? For those who were looking on Dec. 2, the Annual Arts and Crafts Fair lent a little help. The event at Goodson Recreation Center in Centennial, put on by the South Suburban Parks and Recreation District, brought more than 70 vendors featuring pottery, jewelry, clothing, quilts, photography, painting and more from Colorado craftmakers and artists, according to the district. Three Girl Scouts were at the fair to raise money for a new prosthetic leg for a dog injured in dog-fighting. “These dogs are the first to get put down, not adopted,” said Justin Finesilver, one of the owners of The 3D Printing Store, which has a local location just south of Centennial at the Centennial Airport. The proceeds the girls raised went

Angelene Duffy, 9, and mother Amy Duffy, 45, run a booth at the Goodson Recreation Center’s Arts and Crafts Fair Dec. 2. Duffy, a Lakewood resident, sells handmade jewelry throughout the year at similar shows and at farmers markets. ELLIS ARNOLD

to Pawsthetics, a nonprofit effort of Finesilver’s business. The printing store has made prosthetics for more than 20 animals in the United States and other countries.

7December 7, 2017

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Marijuana money and education in Denver metro schools Pot-tax revenue accounts for 1 percent of total state education funding BY SHANNA FORTIER SFORTIER@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM

Jefferson County Public Schools is hiring six more social-emotional counselors for 14 elementary schools. Douglas County School District has one additional school counselor at each of its nine middle schools. Littleton Public Schools can start a new program on substance abuse prevention. And, in Adams 12 Five Star Schools, there’s a new bullying prevention program. The school districts can thank state marijuana sales for the extra boost to mental health, counseling, dropout and other programs that help students socially and behaviorally. School officials say they are glad to have the additional money — regardless of its source — for programs they otherwise couldn’t fund. “Marijuana in Colorado is a done deal,” said Connie Bouwman, deputy superintendent of Littleton Public Schools. “The voters have clearly spoken. That being the case, we have a responsibility to continue to educate our students on the effects of alcohol and drugs. The dollars we receive

ABOUT THE TAXES How is marijuana taxed? Excise taxes: Colorado levies a 15 percent excise tax on wholesale marijuana, which is the product before it is sold to customers. Sales taxes: The state also imposes a 15 percent sales tax on retail marijuana as well as the regular 2.9 percent sales tax on retail and medical marijuana. Local jurisdictions may levy their own sales taxes. How much money comes to the Colorado Department of Education from marijuana taxes? In 2015-16, marijuana tax revenue for the Colorado Department of Education was $86.3 million. That number dropped to $54.2 million in 2016-17, but increased to $90.3 million in 2017-18. However, to put that into perspective, the marijuana tax revenue from 2017-18 was roughly 1.6 percent of the state’s K-12 education budget of $5.6 billion. Source: Colorado Department of Education

from our portion of the marijuana tax fund two substance abuse specialists to help us further our educational efforts.” In 2012, Colorado voters approved Amendment 64 that allowed adults 21 and older to consume or possess marijuana and required the state to set up a regulatory structure for

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referrals for LPS students and families.” w Jeffco schools was also one of those t recipients, receiving $825,164, an P amount it will get annually for two o more years depending on funding a availability. Those grant dollars will s pay for social-emotional counselors o at 14 elementary schools that feed p into Jefferson, Wheat Ridge and Lakewood high schools — the coms munities within the district that are a closest to areas that allow retail sale p of marijuana. d “Early, consistent intervention p is critical to student physical and r emotional health,” said Kevin Carb roll, chief student success officer i for Jeffco schools. “As educators we b understand and value that the social f and emotional well-being of our students, as well as their physical health,H directly impacts their ability to fully D access learning opportunities. We are d very excited to have this additional m f support for Jeffco kids.” The district’s Office of Student Services also was able to hire a student C support coordinator to lead substanceS D abuse prevention efforts. “The goal is to really focus on pre- C vention, building relationships with S kids and practicing social-emotional M skills early and often,” said Erin Sul- i livan, Jeffco schools’ social-emotional p learning coordinator, who also wrote f the grant. u d SEE MARIJUANA, P11 a a PLACE YOUR Apartments c

the retail marijuana industry. That amendment, as well as later bills, also mandated a sales tax with money going to the Colorado Department of Education. Since 2015, the Colorado Department of Education has received $230.8 million from marijuana revenue, comprising about 1 percent of the more than $5 billion the state gives to school districts. That money is divided into two main accounts — the Marijuana Tax Cash Fund and the Building Excellent Schools Today (BEST) fund. Most of the school programs are supported by four grant programs in the Marijuana Tax Cash Fund, which focus on bullying prevention, behavioral health, early literacy and drop out prevention. The School Health Professional grant has awarded the most money from all Marijuana Tax Cash Fund grants, distributing $16.5 million during the life of the grant program. Littleton was one of 36 school districts to receive money from the most recent distributionof this grant, which at $11.9 million accounted for the largest amount from the Marijuana Tax Cash Fund. “These specialists provide training for school staff and help coordinate prevention activities,” said Diane Leiker, director of communications for Littleton Public Schools. “They also provide education, assessment, case management and treatment

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Lone Tree Voice 11

7December 7, 2017

MARIJUANA FROM PAGE 10

The Douglas County School District was also awarded three-year funding totaling $2.44 million from the Health Professional Grant, which will add one full-time counselor for prevention at each of the district’s nine middle schools. These counselors will focus on substance use and mental health prevention. “I think it’s wonderful to have someone dedicated to really getting ahead of the problems and doing prevention work,” said Zac Hess, director for health, wellness and prevention for DCSD. “We know from research that’s the best way to combat it. What we hope is that it’s less intervention, less putting out fires, because we’re preventing the fires from being started in the first place.” Of all the districts applying for the Health Professional Grant funding, Denver Public Schools — the largest district in the state — has landed the most money, logging $2.78 million from 2016 to 2020. Other districts, such as Cherry Creek Schools, Mapleton Public Schools —which includes parts of Denver, Westminster, Northglenn and Commerce City — and Adams 12 Five Star are also using money from the Marijuana Cash Fund to fight bullying, prevent at-risk kids from dropping out of school and bolster literacy. The $74,000 that Adams 12 received from the Bullying Prevention and Education Grant will go to professional development, parent education nights and the purchase of a Buddy bench at Westgate Community School, a charter school. “The CDE Bullying Prevention and Education Grant has given us a framework, structures and a toolbox to enact real, sustainable change in our school and larger community,” said Amanda Novak, dean of culture for Westgate Community School. “Our students feel empowered to speak out and stand up for themselves and others in the face of

disrespect and bullying. Our community knows how to access support and resources, and there is an honest dedication to creating a positive and safe school.” Jeffco will spend its three-year $607,447 grant from the Student Re-engagement fund — the largest amount awarded in the metro area —to focus on mentoring, social-emotional strategies, credit recovery and case management in five schools. With money from the same program, School District 27J, which has schools in Thornton, Brighton and Commerce City, will focus on supporting students in its Career Readiness Certificate Program where students can acquire a National Career Readiness Certificate in combination with a GED diploma. “The Career Readiness Certificate Program allows students who are significantly older and have so few credits accumulated that it would be challenging for them to earn a traditional high school diploma prior to turning 21,” said Innovations and Options Principal Kenlyn Newman, with School District 27J. Mapleton Public Schools and Denver Public Schools are also addressing student re-engagement strategies with the grant money. By implementing programs at five schools that focus on improving academic intervention and improving attendance and behavior. Jeffco and Englewood schools are the only two districts in the metro area using grant money for early literacy programs. The Early Literacy Grant will bring more than a half million dollars into Clayton Elementary in Englewood over the next three years to specifically address literacy instruction. “Our Early Literacy Grant has allowed our staff to engage students in rigorous learning aligned with the Colorado Academic Standards and 21st Century Skills,” said Jenny Buster, principal of Clayton Elementary. “Through the use of evidencebased instructional resources and pedagogy, we are able to target the needs of all learners.”

WHERE THE MONEY COMES FROM In 2012, Colorado voters approved Amendment 64, which allowed adults 21 and older to consume or possess marijuana and required the state to set up a regulatory structure for the retail marijuana industry. It also mandated an excise tax — a specific tax on marijuana — with the first $40 million collected to be reserved for school construction. The tax revenue comes into the state’s coffers in two ways.

1. The excise tax The first $40 million from the excise tax on wholesale retail marijuana goes into the state’s Building Excellent Schools Today (BEST) fund. BEST also receives income streams from the Colorado State Land Board, spillover from the Colorado Lottery and interest on the assistance fund. School districts, Boards of Cooperative Educational Services, charter schools, Charter School Institute and the Colorado School for the Deaf and the Blind may apply for the grants and must provide matching funds. BEST also received a one-time disbursement

resulting from Proposition BB, a successful statewide ballot measure in 2015 that allowed the state to keep the surplus in marijuana tax revenue. This year, the state Board of Education approved $295.6 million in projects for school construction across the state in annual grant awards from the BEST program. Any money above the $40 million from marijuana sales goes to the Public School Fund, which is run by the state treasurer’s office and distributes fund throughout the state. 2. Marijuana Tax Cash Fund In 2014, the state Legislature created the Marijuana Tax Cash Fund to collect sales tax revenue from retail and medical marijuana. Revenue from that fund must be spent the following year on health care, monitoring of the health effects of marijuana, health education, substance abuse prevention and treatment programs and law enforcement. This is the fund from which grant money is awarded for programs that address mental health, bullying prevention, drop-out prevention and early literacy.

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VOICES

12 Lone Tree Voice

December 7, 2017D

These days, a press conference is more like a guess conference QUIET DESPERATION

Craig Marshall Smith

he story goes that Robert Johnson sold his soul to the devil. In Rosedale, Mississippi. In exchange for musical genius. (Tommy Johnson’s character in the film “Oh Brother, Where Art Thou?” is an allusion to that contract.) What would you ask for in exchange for your soul? Fame, fancy cars, and big cigars? To be forever young? A significant weight loss? Or maybe six figures and a na-

tional spotlight for four years? Would you be willing to stand in front of a hundred people, and a national television audience, and say with conviction, “All men are created equal’ has been widely misinterpreted”? That blue is red and night is day and denial is a river in Egypt? The ability to contour a fact into a new fact is something to behold. In fiction it’s called “believable lies.” I am a big believer in believable lies, but only the harmless kind.

Humor is based in rearranging commonly held beliefs. Steven Wright said, “A lot of people are afraid of heights. Not me, I’m afraid of widths.” I once told a class that Monet and Manet were the same man. Some of them believed me. It was a reminder that people in a position of authority can convince some people of almost anything. When I attended umpire school, I was told over and over to “sell” the call, even if I wasn’t certain.

Never, ever say, “Out?” I had to say “Out” with the belief that I was right, no matter what. I was never told, however, to choose sides, and influence the outcome on behalf of the team I had chosen. It’s possible to believe in someone who is wrong most of the time, whose allegations are refutable, who does far more harm than good, and convert all of it, every speck, into a convincing defense. SEE SMITH, P13

Instead of putting down last year, try building up next year

I Meaningful connections improve our quality of life LIVING & AGING WELL

Katy Carpenter

hen you think about the holidays, what comes to mind? For Shirley, an 84-year-old woman living in California, what the holiday season brings to her is memories of traditions and family. She was born to a mother and father who didn’t know their own parents, and they decided to provide their daughters with extra-special holidays. How they chose to do this was with food, made from scratch and delicious. For Thanksgiving, it was turkey with all

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the trimmings, fresh rolls and two different kinds of pie. At Christmas, there were cookies to be baked, bread to bring to all the neighbors and pot roast. They would invite the neighbors over after dinner to play cards. With Shirley’s own children, she decided holiday meals should be offered to their friends who had no family to connect with. There was something about sharing laughter and food that seemed important to her;

t is usually at this time of the year, or maybe even sooner, that we hear someone we know say something like, “I am so glad this year is coming to an end.” Or, “I can’t wait for the year to be over so I can start fresh again next WINNING year.” I actually overheard someone say that on last New WORDS Year’s Eve they had a really bad feeling about 2017 and then sure enough it had been. And in their words, “It has been the year from hell.” Oh my goodness, there is no doubt that we can look back on these past 11 months, or any prior year for that matter and find war, violence, politiMichael Norton cal unrest, unhealthy rivalries, divorce, death, heartache, disease, natural disasters, tragedies and more horrific events and situations than we know what to do with. And it’s no wonder that at this time of the year, or maybe even sooner, many people are looking for an escape route into next year. But here’s the thing, if we go looking for the bad in life, we will certainly find bad things. If we look for the good, we will also find the good. We should never put our blinders on when it comes to reality. Now that works both ways, doesn’t it?

SEE AGING, P14

SEE NORTON, P13

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Lone Tree Voice A legal newspaper of general circulation in Lone Tree, Colorado, the Voice is published weekly on Thursday by Colorado Community Media, 9137 Ridgeline Blvd., Suite 210, Highlands Ranch, CO 80129. Send address change to: 9137 Ridgeline Blvd., Suite 210, Highlands Ranch, CO 80129

Lone Tree Voice 13

7December 7, 2017

SMITH FROM PAGE 12

And to do it in the moment, extemporaneously, and to make doubters and those who question you seem like nincompoops. It’s a sight to behold. “Yesterday he said a 6 was a 9, and now you’re telling me that I listened to his statement when I was upside down?” “That’s right.” I am not sure what it would take to get me to say something that was disingenuous, that I knew was wrong-minded, might be hurtful, was intellectually broken, and make it sound like fair goods. Someone up there wouldn’t like it. My father. My father never misled me. He never promised me that he was going to have someone else build and pay for a swimming pool. He never told me that he knew American history when he didn’t. He never chased skirts. He never turned his errors into triumphs, and, most of all, he was never boastful. His kind of clarity is AWOL in America right now. I have no plans, however, to walk the streets with a lamp during the day, looking for an honest man. I guess I am too old for that, and resigned, and exasperated. The silver lining is this: I appreciate some people far more than I did before last November, and I appreciate some things — like good music, good art, and good literature — far more than I did before last November. What would you ask for in exchange for your soul? Craig Marshall Smith is an artist, educator and Highlands Ranch resident. He can be reached at craigmarshallsmith@comcast.net.

NORTON FROM PAGE 12

I mean when people use that expression, they are usually referring to putting blinders on so we ignore the bad things happening around us or uncomfortable situations we are trying to avoid. So the other side then is this, that we also shouldn’t put blinders on to ignore all the good and positive that is happening all around us as well. Instead of finding an escape route into next year to quickly move away from our trouble spots, what if we looked to build upon our brightest moments and use this past year as our launching pad into next year? Even if we had only one bright spot, and I would bet that we could find more if we really tried. Success begets success, good is a force multiplier, a positive attitude fans the flames of inspiration. The only thing that negativity does or that looking for the bad accomplishes is that they bring the fire extinguisher to the party of opportunity. If we proclaimed last year, before the New Year even started, that it was going to be a bad year, then of course that

What tax reform could mean for our country, for you

merica has not GUEST overhauled COLUMN its tax code system since 1986. Changing the tax code is challenging due to the complex impacts it can have on both our personal finances and businesses. While tax reform is not easy, the House last month took on this challenge and passed H.R. 1, the “Tax Mike Coffman Cuts and Jobs Act.” HR 1 will reform, simplify and modernize our current tax system. I believe such tax reform is a must to grow our economy, create more jobs and raise wages. For me, the process started with two simple questions: What would tax reform mean for Colorado and for our families? What effect would it have on our country? The answer is twofold. I strongly believe that any tax reform must first provide incentives for small businesses, which are the engine that drives economic growth in the United States, and second, it must provide tax relief for hard-working Americans and their families. As a former small business owner myself, I understand the hurdles small businesses face and the challenges many go through just to keep their doors open. One of the biggest challenges facing them is the onerously high income tax rates small business owners pay when they become successful. Under the current tax system, most small business owners “pass through” the profits of their business as personal taxable income. If the business is successful, those small business profits can be taxed at the highest individual

is what we would have strived to prove out. We placed our stake of negativity in the ground and by God, come hell or high water, we are going to make sure it’s bad for us and everyone else. Let’s turn that around and proclaim that the New Year will be filled with abundance, overflowing with opportunity, abundant in hope and encouragement, and topped off with a year full of loving relationships. And should we use 2017 as our launching pad and make that proclamation, will we not stand up and strive to prove that out as well? I bet we would. And I bet you, you reading this column right now, you would too. So how about you? Have you gotten caught up in the bad things that happened last year and are 100 percent focused on those? Or are you looking at what you did accomplish in the past 12 months and have a plan to build upon each success? Either way I would love to hear all of your stories at gotonorton@gmail.com. And when we can forget the escape route and start building our launching pad, 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.

marginal tax rate, which is 39.6 percent. Capping these small business rates at 25 percent (the lowest since 1931) will give small business owners an incentive to continue to grow their businesses. For the hard-working middle class, the bill that cleared the House calls for the doubling of the standard deduction to $12,000 per individual and to $24,000 per married couple. This means far fewer people will need to itemize to file their taxes, saving them both time and money. It also includes an additional $600 in child care tax credit, bringing the total to $1,600 per child. This increase in the credit will help relieve some of the financial pressure on working parents. The legislation will also help middle-class families by bringing back the jobs lost to other countries when U.S. corporations have moved overseas due to our nation’s corporate tax system.

Our corporate tax code pushes business overseas through a combination of two factors. The first is that, at 35 percent, our corporate rate is now the highest in the industrialized world, and secondly, we are unique among our international competitors who don’t tax overseas profits when they re-enter their country. U.S.-based companies today pay taxes to both the host country and to the IRS when bringing their profits back to invest in our economy — at a 35 percent rate. The net result is that U.S. corporations not only have been incorporating in other countries, but those that are still U.S.-based are keeping their profits overseas. In both cases these businesses reinvest their profits overseas instead of bringing profits back to help build a stronger U.S. economy. SEE COFFMAN, P14

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14 Lone Tree Voice

December 7, 2017D

CLUBS Editor’s note: To add or update a club listing, e-mail calendar@coloradocommunitymedia.com.

Professional

Lone Tree Networking Professionals is a networking/leads group that meets Tuesdays at 11:30 a.m. at Rio Grande Restaurant in Lone Tree. Exclusive business categories are open. Visitors and new members are welcome. Contact Don Shenk at 303-7460093. Professional Referral Network meets at 7:15 a.m. Tuesdays at Great Beginnings, east of I-25 at Lincoln Avenue. Call Ronald Conley at 303-841-1860 or e-mail www. professionalreferralnetwork.org.

Recreation

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 welcome all single adults. We usually meet at 7 p.m. the first Tuesday of the month. For specific meeting information, contact campingsingles@gmail.com Front Range Woodturners Club meets from 6-9 p.m. the first Tuesday of each month in the basement of the Rockler Woodworking store at 2553 S Colorado Blvd. Anyone interested in woodturning is welcome. Contact Jim Proud at cavaleon1956@gmail. com for more information.

and older. Applications and informaiton are available in the Lone Tree Pro Shop. Contact Nancy Cushing, league president, at 720560-9333 or email LTL9hole@gmail.com. Salty Dog Sailing Club If you love to sail or want to try, if you don’t have a boat, if you have a boat but don’t sail enough because you cannot find a crew, the Salty Dog Sailing Club is for you. The club meets the second Thursday of the month. Dinner begins at 5:30 p.m. with the business meeting commencing at 7 p.m. Go to www.saltydog. org for meeting locations and directions. SilverSneakers Fitness, Silver&Fit at ACC The Arapahoe Community College fitness center offers the SilverSneakers Fitness and Silver&Fit programs for seniors in the south metro Denver area. Call 303-797-5850. Third Thursday Mystery Book Club Join us for a discussion of mystery books with an emphasis on the unusual. Do you like Swedish Noir, historical mysteries, humorous mysteries? We read authors that have something to offer besides the quirky twist at the end of the story. If you’re tired of the same old best-selling mystery writers, come join us for lunch and mystery discussions at 11:30 a.m. every third Thursday at the Lone Tree Grille at the Lone Tree Golf Club and Hotel. Call Sue at 303-641-3534

Social/Service

Learn to Fly Fish: 9-11 a.m. Saturdays at Orvis Park Meadows, 8433 Park Meadows Center Drive, Unit 149, Lone Tree. The free Fly Fishing 101 course teaches the basics including fly casting, outfit rigging, and knot tying. After completing FF101, sign up for the free FF201 class at a local stocked pond and practice hooking, playing and landing fish. For information or to sign up, call 303768-9600 or go to www.orvis.com/s/parkmeadows-colorado-orvis-retail-store/620.

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

Lone Tree Ladies 9-Hole Golf. Applications are now being accepted for the upcoming Thursday morning 9-hole golf group. The group is open to women golfers ages 18

A Dreampower Animal Rescue / PAALS adoption for cats, dogs and more meets from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Park Meadows PetsMart. Call 303-688-9503.

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AGING FROM PAGE 12

she didn’t want to hear of anyone being alone. She knew that holidays can cause loneliness in some — maybe they feel unloved, they miss their family or there’s not enough money for a plane ticket home. To this day, although her current home is not large enough to host many people, she makes sure that all her neighbors have homemade cookies and bread to share. It is well known that human connection is important. We were made to be around others, to be social. Laughter is good medicine, and sounds of laughter create positive endorphins in our own brains, literally changing the way our brains process emotions. When we share a meal with others, hear them in a joyful state, we create a connection that actually helps us stay healthy. For most, during the holiday season, our tradition is to be with family and friends. We eat, we laugh, we share stories, play games, we have fun. We connect, even for a little while, with humanity. There are numerous emotional benefits from situations like this, which could be why we as a society continue to uphold these traditions. For some, social connection may

COFFMAN FROM PAGE 13

Corporate profits aren’t just about benefiting the wealthy; middle-class families rely on these publicly traded corporations for their tax-deferred retirement savings (i.e., 401K) as well as defined benefit pension funds like PERA. No doubt, according to the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office (CBO), this legislation, without factoring in any economic growth, is projected to add $1.5 trillion to the debt over the next 10 years. However, the same CBO has stated that each 0.4 percent in economic growth will generate $1 trillion in tax revenues to the federal govern-

not be possible. However, isolation is not helpful for any of us to maintain good physical and mental health. And when the holidays are here, many feel more isolated than ever. You or a loved one may live in a group home type of setting, surrounded by other people that do not share your traditions. It could be that your social circle has changed, leaving you wondering what to do with your time. But, there are ways to maintain or build connections regardless of your situation. You could volunteer somewhere, serving a meal. You could join a group at your church or in your community, include yourself in something different. If you’ve been invited to someone’s home for dinner, take them up on it and immerse yourself in a new situation. Find the joy in carolers coming to your door, whether they sing well or not! So many people want to help or make connections this time of year, and we must challenge ourselves to be open to it. It could be just the thing you need. Katy Carpenter is the owner of The Content Artist and can be reached by email at thecontentartist@gmail. com. This column is hosted by the Seniors Council of Douglas County. For more information, go online to MyDougCoSeniorLife.com, email DCSeniorLife@douglas.co.us or call 303-663-7681.

ment over that same time period. The economy has already moved from 2 percent to over 3 percent growth due to a reduction in regulatory burdens and in anticipation of tax reform. With tax reform, I believe we can have sustained economic growth that will not only help pay down the debt but provide increased opportunities for American small businesses, workers and their families in Colorado and in communities all across America. The time to strengthen our community and its economy with a fair and simpler tax code is now. U.S. Rep. Mike Coffman, R-Aurora, represents Colorado’s 6th Congressional District, which includes Aurora, Centennial, Littleton and Highlands Ranch, among other areas.

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Lone Tree Voice 15

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16 Lone Tree Voice

LOCAL

December 7, 2017D

LIFE

New DCPA artistic director brings lifetime of preparation

for families all over the metro area. “We’re the Rocky Mountain region’s largest lighting event, with most of our 60 acres lit up, as well as 130 animated animal sculptures,” said Sean Anderson-Vie, public relations manager with the zoo.

hen Chris Coleman’s mother shelved her acting dreams to be a mom, she started doing theater programs in the family’s local Southern Baptist church. That’s where Coleman first discovered the magic of the theater while he was growing up. So, you might say he’s been training for his new position as the artistic director of the Denver Center for the Performing Arts’ Theatre COMING his entire life. ATTRACTIONS Company “Digital entertainment and screens have become so ubiquitous that they’ve exhausted their ability to fascinate us,” Coleman said. “Theater is an antidote to that because it’s human. Instead of staying close to the surface, it invites to go deeper.” Coleman is the fourth Clarke Reader person to have this title in the company’s nearly 40 years, and will join the company in May. Until then, he will work with managing director Charles Varin and associate artistic directors Nataki Garrett and Charlie Miller to finalize the 2018-19 season. Before coming to Denver, Coleman served as artistic director of Portland Center Stage for the past 17 years, where be developed seasons that blended classic, modern and new works, as well as a playwrights’ festival, education programs and community events. Of its world premieres, 52 have gone on to play on more than 115 stages across the country and internationally. As artistic director, he will oversee programming of the company’s eight- to 10-play season of shows; the annual Colorado New Play Summit, and the experimental works of Off-Center. Additionally, the Theatre Company provides artistic and production support for select productions by DCPA Cabaret and DCPA Education. “I like the focus Denver has on community,” he said. “There’s so much to work with here, and I’m excited to understand what’s possible on these stages.” When he was first getting started, Coleman co-founded and was artistic director at Actors Express in Atlanta, a company he co-founded in the basement of an old church in 1988. This experience taught him about the theater world, and running a business — both skills that have proven useful over and over in his career. Now he’s ready to bring his talents to the Denver theater world. “I’m most excited about making work in these rooms,” he said. “I’ve never felt more strongly about the ability of art to impact audiences and the world.”

SEE LIGHTS, P17

SEE READER, P17

For the first year, Chatfield Farms in Littleton will be home to Santa’s Village, featuring Mr. and Mrs. Claus, as well as live reindeer. Below, the Denver Botanic Gardens’ York Street location features thousands of lights and is a popular spot for families, as well as for couples to get engaged. PHOTOS BY SCOTT DRESSEL-MARTIN/COURTESY OF DENVER BOTANIC GARDENS

Shining a

light on the season

Zoo, botanic gardens, downtown offer holiday beauty BY CLARKE READER CREADER@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM

Even though Grace Ramírez is a Denver native and works for the City of Denver, it’s still a thrill to see downtown and the Denver City and County Building all lit up for the season. “It’s been part of our family tradition for years,” said Ramírez, senior adviser for community affairs. “It’s a touchstone for a lot of families, and even though the lights are different every year, we have decorations we use every time. People have their favorites, which they are on the lookout for.” During the holiday season, Denver and surrounding cities have for years lit up the night with flashing and twinkling lights, music and family fun. All visitors need is a coat. The holiday lights at the Denver City and County Building have been a feature of the holidays since 1932, though its roots go back to 1919. The Denver Zoo’s annual Zoo Lights is entering its 27th year, and the Denver Botanic Gardens has hosted Blossoms of Light at its York Street Garden for 29 years, while the facility’s Chatfield Farms location has played host to lights for nine years — first as Trail of Lights, and this year as Santa’s Village. Because of this, each has become part of the season

The Denver Zoo’s 60 acres are full of lights and animated animal sculptures during Zoo Lights, which runs through Dec. 31. PHOTO COURTESY OF THE DENVER ZOO

Lone Tree Voice 17

7December 7, 2017

LIGHTS FROM PAGE 16

“People really take in all the different animals, which is great, because a lot of detail goes into the sculptures.” Beyond providing terrific holiday atmosphere, there are some unique activities available for visitors: Pop the question in a winter wonderland The lights at places like the zoo and the Blossoms of Lights top most home displays, which makes them the perfect places to get engaged. The zoo sees plenty of engagements, Anderson-Vie said, and Blossoms was the site of so many that it started an engagement package. “For people who want to propose, they can buy one of these, which provides them an hour to set up on the Green Roof, on top of our Offshoots Café,” said Erin Bird, communications manager at the Denver Botanic Gardens. “They can bring champagne up there and up to three guests to celebrate with them.” Interacting with the light The challenge with traditional activities is bringing people back with something new, and this year visitors will get to interact with the lights in different ways. The lights at the Denver City and County Building are synced to a music show, which begins at 5:30 and 6:45 p.m. Those looking to get even more hands-on can volunteer to actually switch the lights on. At Blossoms of Light, there’s an interactive light display set up in the theater that features a large field of sound-reactive, animated LED lights. As Bird explains, the lights react to the tones of voice and of drums. But the biggest change is at Chatfield Farms, where the Trail of Lights and its country approach has been replaced with a North Pole theme.

READER FROM PAGE 16

A night of magick at the MCA We’re drawing near to the winter solstice, so why not get in touch with your metaphysical side at the Museum of Contemporary Art’s Black Sheep Friday: Let’s Get Metaphysical event from 5 to 9 p.m. at the museum, 1485 Delgany St. Attendees will have the chance to make their own sigils — a symbol believed to have magical powers — and practice chaos magick — a contemporary magical practice which emphasizes the pragmatic use of belief systems and adds in original or created belief systems. There’s also a happy hour from 5-7 p.m. Visit www. mcadenver.org. The dream of the ‘90s is alive in Golden I have a special place in my heart for the 1990s, seeing as that’s when I first became aware of, and engaged with, the arts and pop culture. For me and others like me, Golden’s Zone Sports Bar and Grill, 15600 W. 44th Ave., is throwing an I Love the ‘90s night from 8 p.m. to midnight Dec. 9.

Downtown show stretches back to 1919 wiring and colored bulbs and strung them around the building.

The story of the Denver City and County Building’s lights began in 1919 when John Malpiede changed the white globes in Civic Center to red and green and twined some evergreen branches around the decorations. Then in 1920, the first Christmas tree was erected in Civic Center.

The City and County of Denver municipal government moved to its current location in 1932, and the tradition of lighting the building the Friday after Thanksgiving continued.

Malpiede eventually convinced Denver Mayor Ben Stapleton in 1926 that city hall, then located at 14th and Larimer streets, should be decorated for the holidays. Stapleton gave him $400 for equipment and decorations that year, and with that money Malpiede and four city electrical inspectors bought

A crew of six to eight people begins putting up lights in mid-October. In 2009, the city installed approximately 585 LED permanent light fixtures on the building and more than 2,000 feet of LED rope lights are used. Approximately five miles of electric wiring is utilized for the entire project.

SHUTTERSTOCK

AREA LIGHT DISPLAYS Blossoms of Light Denver Botanic Gardens, 1007 York St., Denver Lights on display through Jan. 1 5 to 9 p.m. Purchase tickets in advance at to ensure entry at www.botanicgardens.org Denver City and County Building 1437 Bannock St., Denver Lights on display until Jan. 21 5:45 to 10:45 p.m. Holiday’s Evening on the Littleton Museum Farms

6028 S Gallup St, Littleton, CO 80120 Dec. 10 5:30-8 p.m. Dec. 10 Will feature candlelight and bonfires as visitors stroll through the historic farms. Music, snacks and Santa. Tickets in advance at Littleton Museum and Bemis Library. A Hudson Christmas Hudson Gardens, 6115 S. Santa Fe Drive, Littleton 5:30-8:30 p.m. Dec. 8, 9, 10 and nightly Dec. 15 to 31 The model train will be deco-

rated, a giant Christmas tree will dazzle, as will countless evergreen trees. Walk through a lighted tunnel, enjoy reflections in the pond and shining snowflakes. Hot drinks, sweet treats and gift items are available and, of course, Santa is on hand to greet visitors. Tickets available at hudsongardens.org or at the door. Santa’s Village at Chatfield Farms 8500 W. Deer Creek Canyon Road, Littleton

Lights on display Friday, Saturday and Sunday through Dec. 24 4:30 to 8:30 p.m. Purchase tickets in advance at to ensure entry www.botanicgardens.org Zoo Lights Denver Zoo, 2300 Steele St., Denver Lights on display through Dec. 31 5:30 to 9 p.m. Dec. 1 to 31 Purchase tickets in advance at to ensure entry at www. denverzoo.org

“Santa and Mrs. Claus will be there, and we’ll even have live reindeer,” Bird said. “Tickets also get you hayride, and we have a Christmas cinema set up as well.” No matter where one looks, a chance for holiday traditions old and new. The free event includes music from local cover band 90s Til Dawn, who will play music from some of the decade’s biggest bands, including Green Day, Nirvana, Blink-182, Pearl Jam, Red Hot Chili Peppers and the Foo Fighters. The evening also features contests and prizes, 90s trivia and a 90s dance-off. Go to inthezonebar.com. Remember John Lennon through songs John Lennon’s life was tragically cut short when he was shot and killed on Dec. 8, 1980, and for the past two decades, Denver’s Mercury Café has honored the musician and The Beatles with a special performance. From 2-5 p.m. Dec. 10, Beatlemaniacs can attend the 20th Beatles and John Lennon Memorial Sing-Along concert at the café, 2199 California St. Lyric sheets will be provided, and attendees can also grab an organic bite between songs. Go to www.mercurycafe.com.

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18 Lone Tree Voice

December 7, 2017D

Paintings named for states hang in Englewood atrium

ichigan” is one of seven paintings named for states by artist Craig Marshall Smith, a Highlands Ranch resident and a Colorado Community Media columnist. They will hang in the handsome Museum Outdoor Arts Atrium Gallery through March 30 SONYA’S at the Englewood SAMPLER Civic Center, 1000 Englewood Parkway, second floor. They serve as a prelude to “Intersecting Formations,” a collection of collaborative and individual works by 12 artists with whom Smith has a history: as mentor, student or Sonya Ellingboe “artist he admires.” Smith has been Artist in Residence at MOA since mid-August, painting and organizing the 2018 exhibit. The Atrium is open whenever the building is open and there is no admission fee. Advent Evensong The Chancel Choir at Littleton United Methodist Church will be joined by other church choirs and violinist Alexander Raab at 7 p.m. Dec. 10, in a Christmas concert of music by Gjello, Todd, Knecht, Huish and others in the church sanctuary, 5894 S. Datura St., Littleton. Dona-

tions will support the community meal, Break Bread. Fielder at castle Colorado photographer John Fielder will offer a musical presentation of images from his new book, “A Colorado Winter” on Dec. 14 at the beautifully decorated Cherokee Ranch and Castle, 6113 Daniels Park Road, Sedalia, where his handsome books and calendars will be for sale, with a percentage going to the foundation. His presentation will be at 7 p.m., with tours scheduled at 5:45 and 6:15 p.m. A reception with Fielder begins at 5:30 p.m. with light refreshments, cash bar, book and calendar sales. Tickets for the event cost $35 per person, available online: cherokeeranch.tunestub.com/event. cfm?cart&id+271565. Bells at Bemis The mellow Smithtonian Handbell Ensemble will appear at 3 p.m. on Dec. 9 at Bemis Library, 6014 S. Datura St., Littleton, playing traditional and holiday favorites. Free. Denver Art Museum The Denver Art Museum’s Hamilton Building is now open seven days a week, while the North (Ponti) Building is closed for renovation — and is a nice destination for holiday excursions with family and friends.

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“Her Paris: Women Artists of the Age of Impressionism” is on view until Jan. 14 (special ticketing.) New exhibits include “Linking Asia: Art, Trade and Devotion” and “Eyes On: Xiaoze Xie.” The latter two are included in general admission, free for 18 and younger. Also of interest: “Stampede: Animals in Art,” showcasing over 300 objects from the DAM collection. The museum is at 13th Avenue and Broadway in downtown Denver. Denverartmuseum.org. Fine Art Market and more … The annual Fine Art Market Show and Sale at the Arvada Center offers a fine location to find special gifts through Dec. 17. Also: the Aces Show and Sale of works by ceramics students and instructors is open. Hours: 10 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. Fridays, Saturdays; 1 to 5 p.m. Sundays and Mondays; noon to 7:30 p.m. Tuesday through Thursdays. Free admission, open to the public, 6901 Wadsworth Blvd., Arvada, Arvadacenter.org. Stories on Stage “Making Merry,” the annual holiday program by Stories on Stage, will feature actor Jamie Horton reading from “Wind in the Willows.” Geree Hinshaw and Anthony Adu will also read, with music by Gary Grundei, at 1:30 p.m. Dec. 16 at the

Dairy Arts Center, 2590 Walnut St., Boulder; and 7:30 p.m. Dec. 16, 1:30 p.m. Dec. 17 at the King Center, Auraria Campus, 855 Lawrence Way, Denver. Tickets: thedairy.org, 303-4447328; storiesonstage.org, 303-494-0523. Photography by Andy Marquez Local photographer Andy Marquez will appear from 3 to 8 p.m. Dec. 8 and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Dec. 9 at Remax Edge, in Roxborough, 8351 N. Rampart Range Road, Unit 111, Littleton. He will have mounted 8-by-10 copies of his photographs and introduce his new coffee-table book, which is also available at Tattered Cover, Outnumbered Gallery and School of Mines Bookstore in Golden. Arapahoe Philharmonic Tchaikovsky’s “Nutcracker” in concert will be performed by the Arapahoe Philharmonic at 7:30 p.m. Dec. 14 in the Fisher Auditorium at Englewood High School Campus, 3800 S. Logan St., Englewood. At 7:10 p.m., the Classic Children’s Corner will feature two costumed young dancers from the Colorado Ballet. A new ticket package for young adults, 18 to 35, “Pay Your Age,” offers four tickets to be used at any concert, priced at the buyer’s age. See Arapahoe-Phil.org for concert tickets and information, or call 303781-1892.

Lone Tree Voice 19

7December 7, 2017

Stage shows share magic of holiday season BY SONYA ELLINGBOE SELLINGBOE@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM

“Seussical” at Town Hall Arts Center, 2450 W. Main St., Littleton, is delightful and some dates may be sold out. Check for tickets at 303-794 2787, ext. 5 or at the box office or at townhallartscenter.org. Reservations recommended. • “Making Merry” is Stories on Stage’s annual celebration and it’s at the King Center (Metropolitan State University campus), 855 Lawrence Way, Denver at 7:30 p.m. Dec. 16 and 1:30 p.m. Dec. 17. Actor Jamie Horton will read from “Wind in the Willows”; GerRee Hinshaw will read “Crimble Wocky,” inspired by Lewis Carroll; and Anthony Adu will read “The Goldfish,” about a young immigrant in London. Tickets: $15-$28, storiesonstage.org, 303-494-0523. • “Home for the Holidays” is an audience favorite musical show at Lone Tree Arts Center, 10075 Commons St., Lone Tree, Dec. 7-17. Also: A Kantorei Christmas on Dec. 19, Cherish the

Ladies on Dec. 20, Michael Martin Murphey’s “A Cowboy Christmas” on Dec. 22. Lonetreeartscenter.org, 720-509-1000. • “A Christmas Carol” is at Miners Alley Playhouse, 1224 Washington Ave. in Golden, through Dec. 23. Performances: 7:30 p.m. Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Dec. 20; 1 p.m. Sundays; and 6 p.m. Dec. 10 and 17. Adaptation by Josh Hartwell. Tickets: $15-$38. Minersalley.com or 303-935-3044. • “A Christmas Carol” is at the Stage Theatre, Denver Center for the Performing Arts, through Dec. 24. The DCPA is at 14th and Champa streets in downtown Denver. Tickets: $47-$97. The elaborate, traditional production is here. Denvercenter.org, 303-893-4100. • “Santaland Diaries,” by Joe Mantello, based on David Sedaris’ short story, runs through Dec. 24, starring Michael Bouchard. Jones Theatre at the Denver Center complex, 14th and Champa streets, downtown Denver. Staged by Boulder Ensemble Theatre Company. Note: mature language — 16 and over. Tickets: denvercenter.org, 303-893-4100.

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20 Lone Tree Voice

December 7, 2017D

Popular gift, housewares shop closing its doors Compleat Lifestyles has lost lease, will close toward end of year BY ELLIS ARNOLD EARNOLD@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM

A store decked out in bright, neoncolored signs saw a flow of customers in and out of the doors that would make you think it was in the throes of a grand opening. But the doors at Compleat Lifestyles, a shop that offers gifts, kitchen wares and other home goods, are soon closing. The store, which has stood in different forms at its location on South University Boulevard near East Dry Creek Road in Centennial for nearly 30 years, was up for a lease renewal but lost the lease. Its closing sale started in mid-November, and it will close Dec. 31 or when it runs out of merchandise, whichever comes first. “The number one thing people say is how sad they are,” said Connie Stevinson, who has owned the store for the last six years. Stevinson, a Centennial resident, hears from “people who have been coming since the store was across the street.” Stevinson bought the store from its previous owners, Joan Dennen and Barb Trexler, who opened the store’s first location — then named The Compleat Gourmet, using an archaic spell-

Connie Stevinson, owner of Compleat Lifestyles gift and housewares shop in Centennial, stands in the store holding a traditionally woven Rwandan basket Nov. 28. Stevinson began selling them after meeting members of a women’s collective in Rwanda in 2009 that makes them. PHOTOS BY ELLIS ARNOLD ing of “complete” — in 1984 in a strip mall just south of Arapahoe High School. In 1989, it took a new name, Compleat Gourmet and Gifts, and moved across the street. It currently sits at 7592 S. University Blvd. Decades later, Compleat Lifestyles has built up a loyal customer base. On Nov. 28, dozens of shoppers and a steady flow in and out of the store underscored that — friendly chatter fluttered through the store as artificial

Christmas trees stood for sale. The slow sway of holiday music wafted through the shop, where people looked at products in every aisle and nook. Jane Gusmus, a Centennial resident of 15 years, went in to shop amid the crowd that afternoon. “I hate to see it (close),” said Gusmus, who shopped at Compleat more than five times per year on average and first came there at least a decade ago. “Because this was a go-to store

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of mine, for gifts and just things we need.” Over the years, Gusmus bought hostess gifts, thank-you gifts, holiday gifts and “gifts for me,” she said with a laugh. “I really hate seeing local owners leave,” Gusmus said. “I really like to support them — it’s really unfortunate.” Stevinson, who was a certified public accountant and chief financial officer in the Denver-area health-care field before buying Compleat from its two founders who wanted to retire, started down the path to owning the store when she took a “life-changing” trip in 2009, she said. “I actually had been to Rwanda and was asked by a women’s collective to find a new outlet for (its) handicrafts, and I started wholesaling them,” Stevinson said. The group, Gahaya Links, started after the 1994 Rwandan genocide to economically empower women who were left as widows, single mothers or orphaned girls, according to its website. It makes traditionally woven baskets and jewelry. “At the time I met them, they had been selling Rwandan baskets to Macy’s,” Stevinson said. People in the group learned Stevinson worked in business, and she started selling the handicrafts at gift shows in New York, Atlanta, Las Vegas and Denver.

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Lone Tree Voice 21

7December 7, 2017

Pointers for proper postal package preparation Good box, strong tape, clear address will help gifts arrive safely STAFF REPORT

The U.S. Postal Service has been busy making sure every sleigh is ready to go this holiday season. Postal workers are ready to deliver special gifts, and the postal service has some tips on how to box a package to help ensure the holidays come off without a snag. First, select a sturdy box that is strong enough to protect the contents. If you are reusing a box, totally remove or obliterate all previous labels and markings with a heavy black marker. The post office provides free Priority Mail boxes in a variety of sizes.

Make sure heavy items are in a sturdy box with heavy packing tape, and that no contents are shifting. Place cushioning all around your item until you cannot hear it move inside when you shake it. Use newspaper to stuff glass and fragile, hollow items such as vases to avoid damage. When mailing framed photographs, take the glass out of the frame and wrap it separately. Remove batteries from toys. Wrap and place them next to the toys in the mailing box. Keep new batteries in the original packaging. In addition to packaging the items correctly, labeling is important when shipping a package. Make sure to use the proper address. Don’t guess. For correct spelling of city names and state abbreviations, or to find a zip code, go to www.usps.com. Make sure addresses are clearly printed and that all address elements,

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such as apartment numbers and directional information (ex: 123 S. Main St. Apt. 2B), are included and clear. Include both “to” and “from” information on packages, and only on one side. Place a card inside the package that contains the delivery and return address. This ensures the package can be delivered or returned should the mailing label become damaged or fall off. Mark packages “Fragile” if the contents are breakable, and mark packages with food items as “Perishable.” Finally, don’t use twine around your box. Use high quality 2-inch packaging tape. You can pay for and print your postage at home using Click N Ship at usps.com, or you can stop by the post office. The postal service has created a video on package preparation. To watch it, go to www.youtube.com/ watch?v=b4xGpzn2s5k.

Make sure to use a sturdy box and strong packaging tape when preparing boxes for shipping. COURTESY PHOTO

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22 Lone Tree Voice

December 7, 2017D

Exhibit shares memories from students’ trip to England Arapahoe, Colorado Mesa joined forces as 16 travelers made overseas journey BY SONYA ELLINGBOE SELLINGBOE@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM

In May, 16 Arapahoe Community College and Colorado Mesa University students headed across the pond to England for a 12-day art-making journey to record impressions of architecture, art, food and culture — individual visions of scenes both ancient and contemporary, according

SHOP FROM PAGE 20

That’s how she met Dennen and Trexler, who eventually took on the products in their store on consignment. “I still sell them today,” Stevinson said. Compleat’s closing is one more example of a changing retail landscape in Stevinson’s eyes. Big-box stores and Amazon will be what customers are eventually left with, she said. “It’s important for the public to understand that if (you) can

IF YOU GO “Through the Eye of a Lens,” an exhibit of photography and collaborative works by ACC and Colorado Mesa University students, runs through Jan. 11 in the Colorado Gallery of the Arts, in the Annex at the Littleton ACC campus, 5900 S. Santa Fe Drive, with a reception from 4-7 p.m. Dec. 7. ACC will be closed Dec. 25 to Jan. 1. Gallery hours: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Mondays through Fridays and until 7 p.m. Tuesdays. Contact Trish Sangelo at TrishSangelo@arapahoe.edu. to Trish Sangelo, ACC program coordinator. “London is very much a blend of old and new,” Sangelo said. “Brick and glass exist side by side, the new

buy something locally from a local business, (you’re) supporting” your city with sales tax revenue and supporting your community, Stevinson said. She lamented the trend of people coming into physical stores and looking at a product in person, then viewing it on their phones to buy it online. “People want to have their cake and eat it too.” The lease ends Dec. 31, and Compleat lost the lease because its Denver-area property owners have other plans for the space, Stevinson said. “They said they would announce the plan at a later date,” she added.

reflecting the old, offering an inspiring contrast for artists.” Those memories are now being shared in an exhibit at ACC’s Littleton campus. The travelers visited, recorded and photographed scenes dating to ancient Roman occupation, as well as cuttingedge modern — plus the British Museum; street scenes; the Warner Brothers Harry Potter Studio; a cruise on the Thames River … Other spots with visual and intellectual appeal included Cardiff Castle, Roman Baths, the Tower of London, Westminster Abbey, Buckingham Palace, Wellington Arch and St. Paul’s Cathedral and Garden.

As a business person, she’s not bitter about the change, though, and she plans to consider other locations where she could reopen the store in the metro area. She won’t rule out a reopening, but there’s no guarantee. “It’s an expensive landlord market right now,” Stevinson said. Stevinson was a longtime shopper at Compleat herself before owning the store. And judging by the customers, demand for a new store won’t be in short supply. Gusmus planned to take advantage of the sale again. “I’ll be back,” Gusmus said.

The group watched the changing of the guard at Buckingham Palace and participated in the Aardman Animation Workshops (“Wallace and Gromit”) and the Dr. Who Experience. “The Study Abroad Program provides a variety of for-credit international courses, fostering intercultural understanding through the study of art. These classes allow students to immerse themselves in a global experience, providing them with a different perspective on culture, theory, history, art, architecture and the economy,” Sangelo adds. She also said that 49 art students are going to Japan next June. We’ll look forward to that exhibit.

A crowd of shoppers at Compleat Lifestyles in Centennial, which is holding a store-closing sale Nov. 28. The store, which originally opened in 1984 just across South University Boulevard, lost its lease, which expires Dec. 31.

To advertise your place of worship in this section, call Karen at 303-566-4091 or email Serving the southeast Denver kearhart@ColoradoCommunityMedia.com area Greenwood Village Castle Rock/Franktown

Castle Rock/Franktown

 First United  Methodist Church 1200 South Street Castle Rock, CO 80104 303.688.3047 www.fumccr.org

  Services:  Sunday Worship 4825 N. Crowfoot Valley Road Castle Rock, CO. 80108 303-663-5751 www.CanyonsCC.org 

Sunday Services:  9:30am – Traditional

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7December 7, 2017

Lone Tree Voice 23

THINGS to DO

THEATER

‘Tangled, The Musical’ Auditions: 3:45 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 12 at Spotlight Performing Arts Center, 6328 E. County Line Road, Highlands Ranch. Ages 3-9 years. Call 720-44-DANCE or go to www. spotlightperformers.com. Seussical, The Musical: 7:30 p.m. Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays, and 2 p.m. Sundays through Dec. 30 at Town Hall Arts Center, 2450 W. Main St., Littleton. Show at 6:30 p.m. Dec. 10. No show on Dec. 24. Go to townhallartscenter. org/seussical.

ART

Lego Maniacs: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 9, at the Englewood Public Library, 1000 Englewood Parkway. School-aged children, come in and create! Parents welcome too. Call 303762-2560. Little Elves Holiday Workshop: 10-11:30 a.m., noon to 1:30 p.m. and 2-3:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 9 at South Platte Park, 3000 W. Carson Drive, Littleton. Make gifts from nature, including ornaments, frames and more. For ages 5-12. Go to https://www.ssprd.org and search Little Elves Holiday Workshop in the catalog. Quilting: An American Tradition: 1-2 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 13 at Southglenn Library, 6972 S. Vine St., Centennial. Jeananne Wright, a nationally-known quilt historian, will share about the evolution of quilt making from the 1800s to present day. Go to arapahoelibraries.org.

MUSIC

Wilson Phillips: 7:30-9 p.m. Friday, Dec. 8 at the PACE Center, 20000 Pikes Peak Ave., Parker. Go to http://parkerarts.org/ Littleton Symphony Orchestra Holiday Concert: 7:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 8 at Littleton United Methodist Church, 5894 S. Datura St., Littleton. Madison Suh, 11-year-old piano prodigy, will perform Mozart Concerto No. 21. Get tickets online at www.littletonsymphony. org. Christmas: Ancient to Modern: 7:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 8, and 2 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 9 at St. Andrew United Methodist Church, 9203 S. University Blvd., Highlands Ranch. Freewill offering will be taken. Contact 303-794-2683 or Mark

this week’s TOP FIVE Alexander Raab. Admission is free. Donations from a love-offering will go support the community meal Break Bread. Go to www.littletonumc. org.

Parker Christmas Carriage Parade: noon Saturday, Dec. 9 on Mainstreet in downtown Parker. Holiday farmers’ market, petting zoo, pony rides, ice sculpting and visits with Santa. Go to http://www. parkeronline.org/826/ Christmas-CarriageParade. Harplanders: 2-3 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 9 at the Englewood Public Library. Reading Circle and live performances by the Colorado Celtic Harp Society. Go to http://www.englewoodgov.org/inside-city-hall/city-departments/library. Christmas Concert: Advent Evensong: 7 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 10 at Littleton United Methodist Church, 5894 S. Datura St., Littleton. The Chancel Choir of Littleton UMC will be joined by the church’s children’s choir and high-school ensemble, along with pianist Kathy Forsberg and special guest, violinist

Zwilling mzwilling@gostandrew. com. Classical Holiday Music: 1:30-2:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 8 at the James H. LaRue Library, 9292 Ridgeline Blvd., Highlands Ranch. Join Active Minds in discovering some of the holiday’s most beautiful and timeless melodies. Call 303791-7323 or go to www.dcl.org to register. Winter Music Recital: 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 9 at Tagawa Gardens, 7711 S. Parker Road, Centennial. Local students and their teachers from Douglas Elbert Music Teachers Association perform. Smithtonian Handbell Ensemble Concert: 2 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 9 at the Bemis Public Library, 6014 S. Datura St., Littleton. Call 303-7953961. Tanya Tucker: 7:30-9 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 10 at the PACE Center, 20000 Pikes Peak Ave., Parker. Go to http://parkerarts.org/ Do You Hear What I Hear? Laughter and Light Holiday Concert: 3 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 10 at St. Andrew United Methodist Church, 9203 S. University Blvd. in Highlands Ranch. Presented by the Denver Gay Men’s Chorus and a brass quartet. Tickets available at DGMC.org.

History Comes Alive: Alexander Hamilton: 2-3 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 10 at Koelbel Library, 5955 S. Holly St., Centennial. Spend an hour with Alexander Hamilton, through historical interpreter Hal Bidlack, who will bring this self-made man to life. Bring your questions to this interactive event. Save your spot at arapahoelibraries.org. Nutcracker of Parker: 7 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 14 to Sunday, Dec. 17, and 2 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, Dec. 16-17 at the PACE Center, 20000 Pikes Peak Ave., Parker. Colorado School of Dance performs. Go to http://parkerarts.org/2019/Shows-Events

Christmas Concert and Silent Auction: 3:30-5:30 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 10 at Front Range Christian School, Performing Arts Center, 6657 W. Ottawa Ave., Littleton. Benefits Aggie’s Baby Home in Uganda. Contact aggiesbabyhome@gmail.com or go to www.aggiesbabyhome. wordpress.org. Seasonal Sounds: The Smithtonian Handbell Ensemble: 7-8 p.m. Monday, Dec. 11 at Koelbel Library, 5955 S. Holly St., Centennial. Go to arapahoelibraries.org. Nutcracker in Concert: 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 16 at Englewood High School, Fisher Auditorium, 3800 S. Logan St., Englewood. Conductor talk at 6:45 p.m. Call 303-781-1892 or go to www.arapahoe-phil.org for tickets and information.

FILM

Topic Tuesday: Christmas in Yellowstone: 2-4 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 12 at Koelbel Library, 5955 S. Holly St., Centennial. See how animals celebrate in a winter wonderland in the film “Christmas in Yellowstone.” Save your spot at arapahoelibraries.org.

EVENTS

Holiday Open House: 2-4 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 9 at Castlewood Library, 6739 S. Uinta St., Centennial. Drop by for crafts for kids, tech demos for the grown-ups and cookies for all. Get in the spirit with a live performance of holiday music on the harp from 2:30-3:30 pm. More info: arapahoelibraries.org. Holiday’s Evening at the Museum: 5:30-8 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 10 at the Littleton Museum, 6028 S. Gallup St., Littleton. Tickets on sale at the museum or the Bemis Library, 6014 S. Datura St., Littleton. Call 303-795-3950. Santa’s New Village, 3-D Magic: open through Dec. 24 in the Dillard’s Court at Park Meadows. Walk inside an oversized Christmas tree featuring 3-D lights that transform into gingerbread men, candy canes, snowmen and more, then share wishes with St. Nick. Pick up glasses at Santa’s Village, the gift wrap station or select vendors in Park Meadows. Go to https://www.parkmeadows.com for hours and other details. Santa’s Village: Fridays to Sundays through Dec 24 at Chatfield Farms, 8500 W. Deer Creek

Canyon Road, Littleton. Replaces Trail of Lights. Admission includes a hayride, short holiday movies at Santa’s Cinema, live reindeer, crafts with Mrs. Claus, pictures with Santa and craft vendors in Santa’s workshop. Food and beverages may be purchased. Go to https://www.botanicgardens. org/chatfield-farms A Hudson Christmas: 5-8 p.m. select evenings through Dec. 31 at Hudson Gardens and Event Center, 6115 S. Santa Fe Drive, Littleton. Outdoor holiday walking tour. Share Christmas wishes with Santa; take a photo on Santa’s sleigh. Tickets available at www.altitudetickets.com, or in person on event nights. Go to www.hudsongardens.org.

HEALTH

Gluten Free Baking: Easy Sweet and Savory Recipes: 7-8 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 12 at Smoky Hill Library, 5430 S. Biscay Circle, Centennial. Save your spot at arapahoelibraries.org.

EDUCATION

English Conversation Circle: 10:30-11:30 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 9 in the Altenbach Room at the Englewood Library, 1000 Englewood Parkway. Conversation in a casual, inclusive atmosphere. Beginning and Intermediate English language learners. Web-Based Video Production: 7-8:30 p.m. Monday, Dec. 11 at Southglenn Library, 6972 S. Vine St., Centennial. Learn how to shoot and edit video using web-based software. Save your spot at arapahoelibraries.org. Take a Bite of the Big Apple: 12:30-1:30 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 12 at Tattered Cover, Aspen Grove Shopping Center, 7301 S. Santa Fe Drive, Littleton. There’s no place quite like New York City. Join Active Minds in exploring the city’s past and present, as well as the important people and places that have shaped the city. Call 303-470-7050. Iceland: 3-4 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 13 at RiverPointe, 5225 S. Prince St., Littleton. Join Active Minds for a review of Iceland’s history and explore some of the characteristics of the country that make it unique among the countries of the world. Call 303-797-0600 to RSVP. 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.

24 Lone Tree Voice

December 7, 2017D

Marketplace ANNOUNCEMENTS

Misc. Notices **TRYING TO LOCATE** Donelle Angela Schenkeir Concerning 2 properties Please contact: Mike Kajpust 720-722-3965

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7December 7, 2017

SPORTS

Grappling in the great outdoors Douglas County, ThunderRidge compete in wrestling match at football stadium BY JIM BENTON JBENTON@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM

It was a pleasant, cloudy afternoon on Dec. 1 with only a slight wind and the temperature reaching 60 degrees. It was nice enough that Douglas County and ThunderRidge high schools held what is believed to be the first Colorado outdoor wrestling dual meet on the field at Douglas County Public Schools Stadium in Castle Rock. About 100 people surrounded the mat and the Douglas County pep band was in the stands for what was called the Sunset Slam. Douglas County coach Gary Hartman and ThunderRidge coach Casey Paul worked together to put together the outdoor match. “It was fun, crazy, different,” Hartman said. “We were trying to get the Douglas County students here, hoping that it would get them here standing mat-side, but that didn’t really work out for us, but the parents enjoyed it.” Paul was pleased with the weather and the outdoor setting. “The wildcard has always been the weather,” he said. “Last weekend we were looking ahead and said we think we could make this happen. It could have just as easily been 29 degrees and snowing today. It was pretty cool. I don’t know as far as wrestling it was much different. The air is fresher and the air is a little crisper but as far as competing I’m not sure it is much different. “The overall atmosphere is pretty cool for the kids. It makes it special. Our sport in our area kind of takes a backseat to basketball. This gives the kids something that they can hang their hat on that they got to wrestle outside. It was something new and different and generates some interest for our sport.” ThunderRidge won the meet, 41-36. “It was fun to make history for high schools in Colorado,” said ThunderRidge 152-pounder Rory Salcedo. “It was a nice experience because it wasn’t too hot or too cold and it wasn’t too overwhelming. The atmosphere was neat. It was nice just look in the background and kind of be relaxed before a match before everything gets kind of hectic.” Paul and Hartman hope to do another outdoor event next season hosted by ThunderRidge. Paul said two or three locations are being considered.

Lone Tree Voice 25

LOCAL

Polls drive up interest, but are not all that accurate

Douglas County’s Austin Kelchen gains control in his 170-pound match against ThunderRidge’s Cy Paul in a Dec. 1 dual meet that was held outside at the Douglas County Stadium. ThunderRidge won the dual meet, 41-36, and the schools hope to have another outdoor match next season. PHOTOS BY JIM BENTON

Referee Mike Coulter gets ready to signal a pin for ThunderRidge 152-pounder Rory Salcedo in his match against Douglas County’s Chris Heckenkamp. ThunderRidge and Douglas County wrestled in what is believed to be the first outdoor match held in Colorado on Dec. 1 at Douglas County Stadium. ThunderRidge won, 41-36.

he veracity of preseason basketball polls is often ridiculed. Yes, polls mean little, since a lot will change during the season. Polls are speculative, especially the preseason ones, and teams still have to prove themselves during games. Teams seldom win OVERTIME by reputation alone. Still, polls are interesting and popular. CHSAANow.com released its preseason basketball polls Nov. 27 and there were plenty of area teams ranked Jim Benton in the Top 10. Rock Canyon, buoyed by the return of its dynamic backcourt of Sam Masten and Tyson Gilbert plus three other returning regulars, was top-ranked in Class 5A. The Jaguars were state semifinalists last season. Golden has seven seniors back from the 2017 state runners-up and the Demons were ranked No. 1 in the preseason 4A boys poll. The Demons lost to Valor Christian in the 2017 state title contest. ThunderRidge, a semifinal team last season, was fifth in the 5A rankings and Chaparral eighth. Holy Family was fifth and Valor eighth in the first poll of the season. Faith Christian, the Class 3A runner-up last season, was second and Lutheran eighth in the boys preseason poll. Cherry Creek, a semifinalist a year ago, was second-ranked in the preseason Class 5A girls poll, with 2017 runner-up Lakewood fourth, Highlands Ranch fifth, Ralston Valley sixth, Horizon seventh and Castle View 10th. In the Class 4A preseason girls poll, Golden was fourth, Valor seventh, D’Evelyn eighth and Holy Family ninth. Lutheran was seventhranked in the 3A girls poll and Faith Christian 10th. Polls are a source for debate all during the season. Coaches and players often say they don’t pay attention but almost everybody knows about teams that are ranked. One of the favorite chants for students is `overrated’ when a top-ranked team is struggling. Ryan Casey oversees CHSAANow. com and summed up the attractiveness of polls that always create conversation. SEE BENTON, P32

26 Lone Tree Voice

December 7, 2017D

Kilponen, Montoya are softball standouts Valor, Douglas County athletes are saluted for their pitching, playing prowess BY JIM BENTON JBENTON@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM

Ali Kilponen stepped up as a team leader. Abbey Montoya took over at shortstop and both had stellar softball seasons. Kilponen, a senior at Valor Christian, and Douglas County senior Montoya were named the 2017 Colorado Community Media South Metro Pitcher and Player of the Year respectively. It was the third straight season Kilponen earned South Metro Pitcher of the Year honors. Kilponen, who pitched Valor to three state Class 4A title as a freshman, sophomore, and junior, compiled stateleading figures this season with a 0.42 earned run average, 273 batters struck out in 134 innings pitched, 22 wins and seven no-hitters. Plus she hit .466. “The two things that really stand out besides the stats were her leadership and mentorship,” said Eagles coach Dave Atencio. “We lost five kids from last year’s team and we only had four kids coming back from the three-peat title teams. We started four kids that were playing junior varsity last year and the other one was a freshman.

Valor Christian’s Ali Kilponen is the Colorado Community Media South Metro Pitcher of the Year. PHOTO BY PAUL DISALVO “She was the only senior and it was incredible for her to take on the leadership role and mentor those kids.” Kilponen, who signed a letter of intent with Louisiana State, had an 87-4 career record with a 0.55 ERA, 50 shutouts, 17 no-hitters, 998 strikeouts in 537 innings pitched and 67 walks. “As odd it may sound, she was probably better overall this year pitching-

wise than she was the previous three years,” added Atencio. “She is bigger, stronger and more experienced from three years of playing high school and club level. “In her four years at Valor her overall record is incredible. I’ve been doing this for 25 years on the high school level and in my opinion she will go down as one of the greatest if not the

Douglas County’s Abbey Montoya is the Colorado Community Media South Metro Player of the Year. COURTESY PHOTO greatest pitcher that has ever come out of Colorado.” Montoya, who signed to play at Coastal Carolina, was a catcher for Douglas County but played shortstop in club softball. New Huskies coach Dane Craig played her at shortstop the entire high school season. SEE SOFTBALL, P31

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Lone Tree Voice 27

7December 7, 2017

Mountain Vista’s Jenna Fitzsimmons is the Colorado Community Media Girls Cross Country Runner of the Year. PHOTO BY TOM MUNDS

Valor, Vista runners show path to success BY JIM BENTON JBENTON@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM

Valor Christian sophomore Cole Sprout and Jenna Fitzsimmons of Mountain Vista didn’t waste much time looking behind to see who was chasing them. Both won individual titles at the state cross country championships on Oct. 28 in Colorado Springs. Sprout made it look easy in captur-

ing the Class 4A title with a 14.3-second victory. He was timed in a 4A record time of 15:42.1, breaking the previous classification standard of 15:50.4. Fitzsimmons, also a sophomore, was fifth last season but crossed the finish line first in the Class 5A race with a time of 18:10.3 to beat runnerup and Vista teammate Caroline Eck by over six seconds. Sprout was selected as the 2017 boys Colorado Community Media South Metro Runner of the Year while Fitzsimmons was the girls Runner of the Year for the second straight season. SEE RUNNERS, P31

Answers

Sprout, Fitzsimmons take honors for impressive season in cross country

THANKS for

PLAYING!

28 Lone Tree Voice

December 7, 2017D

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Lone Tree Voice 29

7December 7, 2017

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Lone Tree Voice 31

7December 7, 2017

RUNNERS

SOFTBALL

FROM PAGE 27

FROM PAGE 26

“It obviously wasn’t easy but a lot less “I caught all three seasons before my senior season,” said Montoya. intense that it could have been,” said Sprout “I played some shortstop my junior about his state championship win. “At the year. Growing up I was always a Desert Twilight (Sept. 29 in Casa Grande, catcher/shortstop. During my club Arizona.) where I ran a 14:49 it was a tight season I didn’t catch at all and race down to the wire. I didn’t have time to wound up getting recruited as a rest. Public Notice “I definitely had that (time to rest) duringPUBLIC NOTICE middle infielder. I like shortstop way DOUGLAS COUNTY DISTRICT COURT, Lone Tree the state meet. The last mile when I had a better. I was ready to play shortstop STATE OF COLORADO NOTICE OF SALE pretty good gap, I was still pushing but notTrustee Sale No. 2017-0219 coming into high school ball after 4000 Justice Way Public Castle Rock, CO as hard as I could have. I could have probsummer ball.” Douglas County, CO 80109 To Whom It May Concern: On 9/25/2017 4:12:00 PM the undersigned Public Trustee ably run a faster time if I had a person right Montoya led the Continental THE PEOPLE OF THE STATE caused the Notice of Election and Demand relatbehind me to give that extra boost.” League with a .662 batting average, OF COLORADO ing to the Deed of Trust described below to be recorded in Douglas County. which ranked fourth among all Sprout was undefeated in Colorado and In the Interest of: Class 5A hitters. She was the league was the Jefferson County 4A League chamTIMBERLY GONZALES, D.O.B.: 5/13/2002 Original Grantor: JONATHAN TAYLOR and AND LUCIE TAYLOR in runs scored with 32, stolen pion, regional winner and state titleholder. RICHARD GONZALES, D.O.B.: 4/20/2004leader and Original Beneficiary: MORTGAGE DANIEL GONZALES, D.O.B.: 12/19/2005,bases with 24 and on-base percent“I was happy with the season. ItELECTRONIC was an REGISTRATION SYSTEMS, Children, INC. AS NOMINEE FOR AFFILIATED age at .685. She tied for first with 32 incredible experience,” he continued. “I just And concerning: FINANCIAL GROUP, INC., TARA LYNN ORTIZ, Mother; Deceased runs batted in and was second with ITS SUCCESSORS AND ASSIGNS really wanted to improve my times this year, JOSEPH A. GONZALES, D.O.B: 2/27/1973, Current Holder of Evidence of Debt: BANK OF Father; AMERICA, N.A. a 1.140 slugging percentage. win state and hopefully qualify for nationRespondents; Date of Deed of Trust (DOT): 11/20/2006 “Things went pretty well,” said als.” And Recording Date of DOT: 12/1/2006 JOAN DELIA HALL, Maternal Grandmother, Reception No. of DOT: 2006103182 Montoya. “Going into the season Fitzsimmons, whose two older sisters and DOT Recorded in Douglas County. Delaney and Mauren competed inOriginal crossPrincipal Amount of Evidence of Debt: RAMON C. ORTIZ, Maternal Grandfather,with everything that went down, I Special Respondents. $608,000.00 was able to help lead the team and country at Mountain Vista, was motivated CASE NUMBER: 17JV240 • DIVISION 7 Outstanding Principal Amount as of the date hereof: to $602,850.45 re-establish ourselves because we by the team and led the Golden Eagles the Attorney for Department: were kind of the underdog. I was state team title. John Thirkell, #13865 Pursuant to C.R.S. §38-38-101 (4) (i), you are R. LeeAnn Reigrut, #28833 notified that the covenants of the deed of just hoping to hit and field the ball “I was focused on the team and hereby what I Thomas Joaquin, #30941 trust have been violated as follows: Borrower's as best as I could.” could do doing the race,” said Fitzsimmons. 4400 Castleton Ct. failure to make timely payments as required unCastle Rock, CO 80109 der the Evidence of Debt and Deed of Trust. She obviously hit well and also “I was just trying to get to the finish line. I (303) 663-7726 FAX 877-285-8988 FORECLOSED MAY NOT BE Cole A thought people would be flying atTHE theLIEN finish. Valor Christian’s Sprout is the Colorado Community Media Boys Cross had a .924 field percentage with five jthirkel@douglas.co.us FIRST LIEN. Everything went pretty well.” Country Runner of the Year. PHOTO BY TOM MUNDS errors in 66 total chances. lreigrut@douglas.co.us

Public Notices Legal Description of Real Property: LOT 25, CARRIAGE CLUB ESTATES FILING NO. 1, COUNTY OF DOULGLAS, STATE OF COLORADO. Which has the address of: 10402 Carriage Club Drive, Lone Tree, CO 80124

NOTICE OF SALE

Public Trustees PUBLIC NOTICE Lone Tree NOTICE OF SALE Public Trustee Sale No. 2017-0219 To Whom It May Concern: On 9/25/2017 4:12:00 PM the undersigned Public Trustee caused the Notice of Election and Demand relating to the Deed of Trust described below to be recorded in Douglas County.

Original Grantor: JONATHAN TAYLOR AND LUCIE TAYLOR Original Beneficiary: MORTGAGE ELECTRONIC REGISTRATION SYSTEMS, INC. AS NOMINEE FOR AFFILIATED FINANCIAL GROUP, INC., ITS SUCCESSORS AND ASSIGNS Current Holder of Evidence of Debt: BANK OF AMERICA, N.A. Date of Deed of Trust (DOT): 11/20/2006 Recording Date of DOT: 12/1/2006 Reception No. of DOT: 2006103182 DOT Recorded in Douglas County. Original Principal Amount of Evidence of Debt: $608,000.00 Outstanding Principal Amount as of the date hereof: $602,850.45

Pursuant to C.R.S. §38-38-101 (4) (i), you are hereby notified that the covenants of the deed of trust have been violated as follows: Borrower's failure to make timely payments as required under the Evidence of Debt and Deed of Trust. THE LIEN FORECLOSED MAY NOT BE A FIRST LIEN.

The property described herein is all of the property encumbered by the lien of the deed of trust.

Legal Description of Real Property: LOT 25, CARRIAGE CLUB ESTATES FILING NO. 1, COUNTY OF DOULGLAS, STATE OF COLORADO. Which has the address of: 10402 Carriage Club Drive, Lone Tree, CO 80124 NOTICE OF SALE

The current holder of the Evidence of Debt secured by the Deed of Trust described herein, has filed written election and demand for sale as provided by law and in said Deed of Trust.

THEREFORE, Notice Is Hereby Given that on the first possible sale date (unless the sale is continued*) at 10:00 a.m. Wednesday, January 17, 2018, at the Public Trustee’s office, 402 Wil-

The current holder of the Evidence of Debt secured by the Deed of Trust described herein, has filed written election and demand for sale as provided by law and in said Deed of Trust.

Public Trustees

THEREFORE, Notice Is Hereby Given that on the first possible sale date (unless the sale is continued*) at 10:00 a.m. Wednesday, January 17, 2018, at the Public Trustee’s office, 402 Wilcox Street, Castle Rock, Colorado, I will sell at public auction to the highest and best bidder for cash, the said real property and all interest of said Grantor(s), Grantor(s)’ heirs and assigns therein, for the purpose of paying the indebtedness provided in said Evidence of Debt secured by the Deed of Trust, plus attorneys’ fees, the expenses of sale and other items allowed by law, and will deliver to the purchaser a Certificate of Purchase, all as provided by law. If the sale date is continued to a later date, the deadline to file a notice of intent to cure by those parties entitled to cure may also be extended. If you believe that your lender or servicer has failed to provide a single point of contact (38-38-103.1 CRS) or they are still pursuing foreclosure even though you have submitted a completed loss mitigation application or you have been offered and have accepted a loss mitigation option (38-38-103.2 CRS), you may file a complaint with the Colorado Attorney General (720-508-6006) or the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (855411-2372) or both. However, the filing of a complaint in and of itself will not stop the foreclosure process. First Publication: 11/23/2017 Last Publication: 12/21/2017 Publisher: Douglas County News Press Dated: 10/2/2017 CHRISTINE DUFFY DOUGLAS COUNTY Public Trustee The name, address and telephone numbers of the attorney(s) representing the legal holder of the indebtedness is: DAVID R DOUGHTY Colorado Registration #: 40042 9800 S. MERIDIAN BLVD. SUITE 400, ENGLEWOOD, COLORADO 80112 Phone #: (303) 706-9990 Fax #: (303) 706-9994 Attorney File #: 17-016665 *YOU MAY TRACK FORECLOSURE SALE DATES on the Public Trustee website : http://www.douglas.co.us/publictrustee/ Legal Notice No.: 2017-0219 First Publication: 11/23/2017 Last Publication: 12/21/2017 Publisher: Douglas County News Press

Notices tjoaquin@douglas.co.us

The property described herein is all of the property encumbered by the lien of the deed of trust.

Misc. Private Legals Public Notice DOUGLAS COUNTY DISTRICT COURT, STATE OF COLORADO 4000 Justice Way Castle Rock, CO Douglas County, CO 80109 THE PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF COLORADO In the Interest of: TIMBERLY GONZALES, D.O.B.: 5/13/2002 and RICHARD GONZALES, D.O.B.: 4/20/2004 and DANIEL GONZALES, D.O.B.: 12/19/2005, Children, And concerning: TARA LYNN ORTIZ, Mother; Deceased JOSEPH A. GONZALES, D.O.B: 2/27/1973, Father; Respondents; And JOAN DELIA HALL, Maternal Grandmother, and RAMON C. ORTIZ, Maternal Grandfather, Special Respondents. CASE NUMBER: 17JV240 • DIVISION 7 Attorney for Department: John Thirkell, #13865 R. LeeAnn Reigrut, #28833 Thomas Joaquin, #30941 4400 Castleton Ct. Castle Rock, CO 80109 (303) 663-7726 FAX 877-285-8988 jthirkel@douglas.co.us lreigrut@douglas.co.us tjoaquin@douglas.co.us DEPENDENCY SUMMONS This Summons is initiated pursuant to Rule 2.2 of the Colorado Rules of Juvenile Procedure, Rule 4 of the Colorado Rules of Civil Procedure, and Section 19-3-503, C.R.S. 2017. TO: JOSEPH A. GONZALES, D.O.B.: 2/27/1973, RESPONDENT FATHER, You are hereby notified that a petition has been filed which alleges that the above-named children are dependent or neglected as per the facts set forth in the Dependency and Neglect Petition, a copy of which is being served upon you. A Motion for Allocation of Parental Responsibilities regarding the children has also been filed. An Adjudicatory Hearing and a Hearing on Allocation of Parental Responsibilities has been set for December 18, 2017 at 10:30 a.m.,

DEPENDENCY SUMMONS

This Summons is initiated pursuant to Rule 2.2 of the Colorado Rules of Juvenile Procedure, Rule 4 of the Colorado Rules of Civil Procedure, and Section 19-3-503, C.R.S. 2017.

TO: JOSEPH A. GONZALES, D.O.B.: 2/27/1973, RESPONDENT FATHER,

You are hereby notified that a petition has been To advertise your public notices call 303-566-4100 filed which alleges that the above-named children are dependent or neglected as per the facts set forth in the Dependency and Neglect Petition, a copy of which is being served upon you. A Motion for Allocation of Parental Responsibilities regarding the children has also been filed.

Misc. Private Legals

An Adjudicatory Hearing and a Hearing on Allocation of Parental Responsibilities has been set for December 18, 2017 at 10:30 a.m., in Division 7, Douglas County District Court, 4000 Justice Way, Castle Rock, Colorado, 80109. Your presence before this court is required to defend against the claims in this petition. IF YOU FAIL TO APPEAR, THE COURT WILL PROCEED IN YOUR ABSENCE, WITHOUT FURTHER NOTICE, TO CONDUCT AN ADJUDICATORY HEARING AND MAY ENTER A JUDGMENT BY DEFAULT THEREBY ADJUDICATING YOUR CHILDREN AS DEPENDENT OR NEGLECTED CHILDREN. You have the right to request a trial by jury at the adjudicatory stage of this petition. You also have the right to legal representation at every stage of the proceedings by counsel of your own choosing, or if you are without sufficient financial means, appointment of counsel by the Court. Termination of your parent-child legal relationship to free your children for adoption is a possible remedy in this proceeding. If that remedy is pursued, you are entitled to a hearing before a Judge. You also have the right, if you are indigent, to have the Court appoint, at no expense to you, one expert witness of your own choosing at any hearing on the termination of your parent-child relationship. If you are a minor, you have the right to the appointment of a Guardian ad litem to represent your best interests. You have the right to have this matter heard by a district court judge rather than by the magistrate. You may waive that right, and in doing so, you will be bound by the findings and recommendations of the magistrate, subject to review as provided by Section 19-1-108(5.5), C.R.S. 2017, and subsequently, to the right of appeal as provided by Colorado Appellate Rule 3.4. This summons is being initiated by the Douglas County Department of Human Services through its counsel. Dated: November 29, 2017 /s/ R. LeeAnn Reigrut R. LeeAnn Reigrut, #28833 Assistant Douglas County Attorney Legal Notice No.: 932179 First Publication: December 7, 2017 Last Publication: December 7, 2017 Publisher: Douglas County News-Press

City and County PUBLIC NOTICE

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that on December 12, 2017 beginning at 2:30 p.m. or as soon thereafter as possible, in the Commissioner’s Hearing Room, Philip S. Miller Building, 100 Third Street, Castle Rock, Colorado, the Board of County Commissioners of the County of Douglas will conduct a public hearing concerning the proposed adoption of a resolution amending the 2017 adopted budget. Any interested elector of Douglas County may file an objection to the proposed amendment to the budget at any time prior to it’s final adoption by the Board of County Commissioners. A copy of said resolution may be obtained for inspection at the offices of the County Commissioners at the above address in Castle Rock, Colorado, or viewed on-line at www.douglas.co.us. Legal Notice No.: 932066 First Publication: December 7, 2017 Last Publication: December 7, 2017 Publisher: Douglas County News-Press Public Notice NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the proposed budgets for the County of Douglas and all its agencies, the Douglas County Law Enforcement Authority, the Douglas County Woodmoor Mountain General Improvement District, the Douglas County Local Improvement District No. 07-01-Lincoln Station, and the Douglas County Public Trustee have been submitted to the Board of County Commissioners of Douglas County for the ensuing year 2018. The Board of County Commissioners will hold a public hearing to consider the adoption of the proposed budgets on December 12, 2017 beginning at 2:30 p.m. or as soon thereafter as possible, in the Commissioner’s Hearing Room, Phillip S. Miller Building, 100 Third Street, Castle Rock, Colorado. Any interested elector of Douglas County may file an objection to the proposed adopted budget prior to its final adoption by the Board of County Commissioners. A copy of said resolution may be obtained for inspection at the offices of the County Commissioners at the above address in Castle Rock, Colorado, or viewed on-line at www.douglas.co.us. Legal Notice No.: 932162 First Publication: December 7, 2017 Last Publication: December 7, 2017 Publisher: Douglas County News-Press

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HOW TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE at risk of homelessness or in similar crisis. Need: Assist in the food bank, client services and the thrift store Treasures on Park Street. Contact: Marion Dahlem, 303-688-1114, x32

Front Range BEST: free robotics competitions for middle and high school students. Need: Volunteer judges for competions. Contact: Tami Kirkland, 720-323-6827 or Tami.Kirkland@FrontRangeBEST.org

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: Two-hour orientation provides an overview of the volunteer needs. Contact www.ddfl.org.

Highlands Ranch Community Association: Works with Therapeutic Recreation Program and Special Olympics. Need: Volunteers to help teach classes, coach Special Olympics, provide athletes support during Special Olympics practices, assist with special events, and help participats succeed in the therapeutic recreation program. Contact: Summer Aden, 303-471-7043 or www.hrcaonline.org/tr

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where a team should be ranked, fine. They are still talking about them. And the point is to have people talk about high school sports.”

“The polls are one of the most consistently read things on our website,” said Casey. “It’s about generating interest around high school sports. Polls make certain games, not more important, but bigger. It’s just like when you have two of the top-five teams playing, everybody knows. It doesn’t have any impact on post-season seeding ... “In reality the coaches are right,” admitted Casey. “They (the polls) don’t really matter but what they do create a certain reality, create a visibility of certain teams in a certain sport and make people talk about them. The key with that is talk. If somebody doesn’t agree

Champion in Denver I remember years ago when working for the Rocky Mountain News that I was sent to Florida to cover the Daytona 500. At the time I wondered if the editors knew we lived in Denver, Colorado, and not Denver, North Carolina. However, I discovered just how popular NASCAR racing is. Martin Truex Jr. and Furniture Row Racing have made the sport even more prevalent in Denver, Colorado this season. Truex, driver of Furniture Row’s No. 78 Toyota, was in town Nov. 27 along with the NASCAR Monster Energy championship trophy.

He dominated the regular season for the only team operating west of the Mississippi but he still had to survive the season’s last race on Nov. 19 at Homestead Miami Speedway to win the season championship. It was tense during the waning laps as Truex held off Kyle Busch, one of the four winner-take-all finalists, to secure the championship. One of the coolest people during those closing laps was Golden resident Cole Pearn, who is Truex’s crew chief. Pearn blocked out thoughts on a great season going to waste if Truex didn’t finish ahead of the other three finalists in NASCAR’s playoff format. “We were really calm and tried to stay focused on what we needed to do and give Martin feedback of where Kyle was turning,” said Pearn. “I really didn’t feel

Send volunteer opportunities to hharden@ coloradocommunitymedia.com Douglas County Libraries: elevates our community by inspiring a love of reading, discovery and connection. Need: Event assistance, weekly shelving or bookstore shifts, tutoring, Storytime helpers, and more. Requirements: Attend an orientation. We will provide training. Specific requirements are listed in each opportunity’s details. Contact: Visit VolunteerConnectDC.org and search for Douglas County Libraries opportunities. Douglas/Elbert Task Force: Provides assistance to people in Douglas and Elbert counties who are in serious economic need,

BENTON

Lone Tree Police Department Volunteers in Police Service (VIPS): Provides admin-

istrative and patrol assistance for the police department. Need: assist with patrol functions, fingerprinting, and fleet maintenance. Requirements: Must attend the Lone Tree Police Department Citizen’s Police Academy, and submit to a background check. Additional training is provided. Patrol volunteers must commit to a minimum monthly hour requirement. Contact: Tim.Beals@cityoflonetree.com or 720-509-1159. Nonprofit Wildlife Group: Works to protect native wildlife in Greenwood Village. Need: Volunteers help protect wildlife. Requirements: Must work two hours per week, schedule flexible. Contact: info@wildearthguardians.org too much emotion until there was about two laps to go. I started to think it was possible and then when he crossed the checkered flag, it was surreal.” Etc. Two teams from the Highlands Ranch Community Association finished first and second in the second-fourth grade division of the 2017 CARA Volleyball State Tournament held Nov. 4 at the Tony Grampsas gym in Golden. The Crushing Waves, coached by Brenda Chavez, took first and the Purple Crush, coached by Kelly Katsnelson, finished second. Jim Benton is a sports writer for Colorado Community Media. He has been covering sports in the Denver area since 1968. He can be reached at jbenton@ coloradocommunitymedia.com

The Castle Rock Home & Holiday Show At The Douglas County Fairgrounds DECEMBER 8TH THROUGH DECEMBER 10TH. FREE ADMISSION Check out the latest trends in renovation and remodeling and holiday gift ideas.

5280 Exteriors ADT Home Security Aerus L&L systems American Exteriors Aqua Spas Aquaficial Avric Solar Bath Perfect Bath Fitter of Colorado BinRenew Beldon - Leaf Gaurd Blakeman Vaccuum & Sewing Bluegreen Vacations Blu Guard Security Bordner Castle Rock Kitchen & Bath CCT Wireless - Sprint Callebur Inc

Cellular Sales Center Point Renovations Champion Home Exteriors Cigna Colorado Living Creative Interior Design Cutarelli Vision Cutco Danish Pande Corp. Discovery Toys Double Dog EA Trade Shows Ecomark Solar Everything Hot Tubs Fancy Feathers Fashion Handbags & Lovely Leggings Finished Basement Company Fitness Gallery

FixUrRx Flat Rate Real Estate Freedom Construction Front Range Installers Front Range Landscape & Nursery Gadgets N More Global Travel Network Global Travel Network Gravina’s Window Center of Littleton Heathers Happy Faces The Heat Depot Hello Fresh High Country Flagpole Hawaiian Moon Innovative Living Interstate Roofing Jeff the Pillow Guy J&L Adventures

Julia Zettler Desgin Kissable Lips by Kassie Lavender Snow Level B Inc Lifetime Windows & Siding Lip Bar Liquid Summer Beverage Company LuLaRoe Mary Kay Marvin Windows & Doors by CMC Mattress Firm Millennium Windows & Siding McCauley’s Moustache Cafe Moving Memories Mutt Masters

Namaste LTD Nature’s Family Soutions Pain Wizard Peak Structural Pella Windows & Doors Precision Meets Heart Prestige Products Windows & Siding Passanante’s Home Food Services Power Home Remodeling Rare Patient Voice Renew Crew Renewal by Anderson Rod Martin’s Complete Basement Systems Rox Unique Royal Crest Dairy Satellite Guru

The Castle Rock Home & Holiday Show

December 8th from 12 to 6 • December 9th from 10 to 6 • December 10th from 11 to 5

FREE SHOW

Scentsy Schlossadler International Wines Sears Home Services Sisters Suitcase Sleep Number Softub Sogno Toscano Olive Oil Boutique Sunpower by Photon Brothers Superior Sleep System Pavers The Lavender Movement Touchstone Crystal by Swarovski Tupperware Usborne Book & More Vivax Pros Willow Creek Boutique You Hung the Moon Young Living