Arvada Press May 30, 2024

Early College of Arvada celebrates final graduation

Early College of Arvada’s Executive Director Janice Anderson said over 1,000 college credits were earned by this year’s graduating class.

BY RYLEE DUNN RDUNN@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM

As graduates draped in black and green processed through the halls of the Arvada Center, a bittersweet pall loomed — this year’s ceremony will be the last for Early College of Arvada, as the school is set to permanently close at the end of the school year.

e grade 6 through 12 charter school is closing primarily due to declining enrollment, according to a letter from Colorado Charter School Institute’s Chief of Authorizing and Accountability Ryan Marks detailing the closure. Early College of Arvada’s enrollment dropped from 360 students in 2018-19 to 208 in 2022-23. is year’s graduating class was 45 strong — 35 seniors and 10 juniors who were able to graduate early.

“We’re very proud of ending it on a high note,” Anderson said. “For the ceremony, the biggest focus was that we celebrated the kids. We wanted to make it a happy event, a celebratory event — not that we’re avoiding talking about the closure, but (graduation) needs to be about the kids.”

Now, the school’s community looks ahead. Graduation, which took place on May 17, was the last major gathering for the school. e last day of school was May 23 for students and the next day for teachers. After that, the administrative team, led by Anderson, will close things out.

Almost all of Early College’s students already have plans for where they will continue their education next year, Anderson said. Most of the school’s teachers have already lined up employment for the next school year, and two of the school’s three administrators have positions lined up — with the exception of Anderson, who is retiring after a 29-year

career in education.

Early College of Arvada’s juniors, who are in the unenviable position of having to transfer schools for their senior year, are being honored at the Junior Jubilee awards ceremony on May 22, along with an ECA tassel for 2025 that students can save for next year.

Anderson said that for now, the school community is just taking things in stride.

“We have our moments where we stop and think ‘this is the last time we’ll do this,’” Anderson said. “We had our last re drill this morning. We stop to acknowledge it, we take a moment, but we have really tried to make it a celebration because the kids have worked so hard.”

She added that there is no plan for a reunion at this time, as the school draws students from many di erent districts and locales, including

Brighton and Dacono. Early College of Arvada celebrated its 15th anniversary this year. e school’s closure does not have to do with the Je erson County School District closures that have been going on for the last few years.

A group of graduates pose at the Arvada Center following Early College of Arvada’s PHOTOS BY JULIA WALKER

A grad cap decorated with the quote “All that I am and hope to be I owe to those who believe in me.”

Early College of Arvada’s final graduating class; 35 seniors, 10 juniors.

A family embraces.

Will You Be Among the Homeowners Focusing on Enhancing Outdoor Living in 2024?

Among those states which actually have four seasons, Colorado enjoys the best and longest season for outdoor living. When I lived here in my childhood, I recall that the Denver Post had “Climate Capital of the World” as its page one slogan. Denver’s climate was what drove me to return to Coloradoasanadult.Westillenjoy a year-round climate which is least impacted by climate change, with fewer or no hurricanes, earthquakes, tornados, and other natural disasters.

home with a fully tricked-out backyard, and I know my buyers do too. It’s a definitesellingpointandsetsanyhome apart from its competition.

So, it makes sense that Coloradans want to do more outdoor living. I’m finding more and more homes with outdoor kitchens and living spaces, and these are big selling points for any single-family listing.

Above right is a graphic from a 2023 article by the International Casual Furnishings Association which carried the following headline: “In 2023, Americans Will Spend Their Money on Lighting, Rugs, Umbrellas and Other Accessories to Spruce Up Their Backyards, Decks and Patios.”

I must say that I light up when I see a

The article was based on a survey which showed increased interest in backyard amenities by American homeowners. The statistics are in the graphic. In the article reporting on the survey, it was stated that “After two years of pandemic living that motivated many residents to invest in improving the spaces around their homes, there is significant interest in continuing to upgrade their outdoor living setting.” Their website, icfanet.org/news/2023_trend_report, promotes various products to enhance outdoor living, including outdoor bars, a canopied daybed, umbrellas, rugs, swivel rockers, artwork, pottery, pillows and more.

As I write this, there are 67 active REcolorado listings within 20 miles of downtown Denver which include an outdoor kitchen in their public remarks. There are 35 more beyond that 20-mile radius. Send me an email at the address below if you’d like me to share those

The Practice of Real Estate Won’t Change All That Much

The now-famous NAR Settlement of March 15th is now 2½ months in the past long enough for multiple people and “experts” to weigh in on how the practice of real estate will change.

I have attended several events which were touted as answering that question but literally did nothing of the kind. I believe that I have a better understanding of how it will all change as the implementation date of August 17th approaches.

Until then, nothing at all is changing. I just listed a couple homes which will advertise a co-op (buyer’s agent) commission of 2.5%, which is rather typical. There are still listings on the MLS showing 2.8% co-op commissions, and some showing 2.0% co-op, but all of us realize that it’s important to offer a coop if we want our listings to sell.

After Aug. 17th, it will be strictly forbidden for the MLS and websites which get their listings from the MLS Zillow, and every brokerage website, including our own to even hint at a co-op commission. The penalty for doing so is loss of MLS access, which is a career-ending penalty.

Most people think that buyers and agents will have to call each listing agent before showing a home to find out if a co-op is being offered and what the

listings with you, and I’d be happy to arrange a showing. Even if you don’t buy one of those listings, it could give you ideas as to how you might improve your own outdoor living space.

We live in the best place on planet Earth in my opinion, and we want to live life to the fullest, right? Why limit ourselves to wonderful indoor living spaces, when we can also enjoy the the great environment that is outside our walls?

My broker associates and I are here to help you in any way that suits you.

The research for the above chart was conducted by Wakefield Research on behalf of the American Home Furnishings Alliance and International Casual Furnishings Association among 1,000 nationally representative U.S. adults ages 18 and older between January 27-31, 2023.

Guest Article on April’s Real Estate Statistics

By MEGAN ALLER, First American Title

We are seeing a notable shift in the residential market, particularly within the attached property sector. This has been influenced by several key factors that have emerged in recent months.

Key Market Trends for April 2024:

¨ Active inventory has risen significantly, with a 31% increase in units for sale. New listings also saw a 14% uptick.

percentage or dollar amount will be. I watched one video presentation by a local brokerage which suggested that the amount of co-op could vary depending on the listing agent’s opinion of the professionalism of the buyer’s agent, offering 1% to one agent but 2% to another a terrible, likely illegal idea.

Not one person I read or listened to mentioned the printed brochure for a listing. It can easily state in print if a coop commission is offered and what the percentage or dollar amount is. This is no different than those for-sale-byowner listings which say “Co-op Paid.”

My practice will be to write listing agreements with 2.5 to 2.8 percent commissions, but with an additional provision authorizing me to promote on brochures, in this ad, and on listing websites (not connected to the MLS) a 2.0 to 2.8 percent co-op commission. I’m sure any seller will agree to that provision, because failure to do so would mean far fewer showings and offers.

Next Tuesday the Colorado Real Estate Commission will be presented by their Forms Committee with some minor changes to the purchase contract and listing contracts (for both buyers and sellers). I will attend that meeting and write about those changes the following week.

Underwriters are increasingly scrutinizing the financial health of Homeowners Associations (HOAs) due to new lending guidelines. This has led to a rise in HOA dues and special assessments, largely driven by significant increases in master insurance policy costs. For example, some sellers have experienced HOA dues rising from around $300 to over $800. In another instance, an HOA is planning a special assessment of $3,600 annually for the next five years to stabilize their finances. Additionally, many condo communities have let their FHA approvals lapse, complicating the purchase process for first-time and lower entry buyers.

Lenders are also wary of mixed-use commercial/condo communities, viewing the financial burden placed on commercial spaces as a riskier proposition. Consequently, we are seeing a marked shift from condos to single-family detached units. Buyers who might have considered a $500,000 condo with a $1,000 monthly HOA bill are finding better value in singlefamily homes priced around $700,000, offering a more sound investment.

¨ Demand, as measured by pending transactions, decreased by 6.6%, although closed transactions increased by 14% month-over-month.

¨ Months of inventory increased to 2.5 months, reflecting a lagging indicator based on March's contracts.

¨ Attached residential home prices have dropped from last month due to rising inventory and decreased demand. However, prices are still up 1.1% to 2.5% compared to last year.

¨ While multiple offers are less frequent and less intense compared to 20202022, March saw 28.8% of attached units selling over asking price, with an average overage of 2.0%. Many of these homes included concessions to buy down interest rates.

¨ The average days on market decreased to 35 days, with the median days on market dropping to 12 days.

¨ 41.9% of homes were under contract within 7 days, up 3.6% from last month. Homes under contract within this timeframe received an average of 100.5% of their original list price.

2024 Arvada summer events guide

Your one-stop shop for all the summer’s happenings in Arvada

BY RYLEE DUNN RDUNN@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM

Summer is almost here, and Arvadans are ready to celebrate.

e City of Arvada, Arvada Festival Commission, Olde Town Business Improvement District and Arvada Chamber of Commerce are all hosting exciting summer events — some of which are free to the public.  Here is the 2024 Arvada summer events guide:

Arvada Farmers Market

9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. | every Sunday, June 2 to Sept. 29 | Olde Town Square  Bringing fresh fruit and vegetables to Olde Town, the Arvada Farmers Market is set to return every Sunday from June to September! Local vendors will be bringing fresh produce, artisan goods, baked confections and more to the historic district all summer long.

Yoga in the Park

9 a.m. to 10 a.m. | every Saturday, June 1 to Sept. 28 | McIlvoy Park  is year’s edition of Yoga in the Park will be run by new-to-Olde Town business Gray Yoga and is being extended through September for the rst time. Come down to McIlvoy Park every Saturday from June to September for free classes — the only thing you need to bring is a mat.

Second Saturdays

5 p.m. to 10 p.m. | June 8, July 13, Aug. 10 | Olde Town Arvada  Arvada’s summer concert series is back with some big names this year, as local favorites Rootbeer Richie and the Reveille are set to headline on June 8, followed by Nik Parr and the Sel ess Lovers on July 13 and Ryan Chrys and the Rough Cuts on Aug. 10.

Rough Cuts drummer Michael Jochum, an Arvada local, waspreviously pro led by the Arvada Press following his transition from being a touring drummer with Korn to keeping time for one of the foothills most popular country rock acts with Ryan Chrys.

Independence Day Fireworks

7 p.m. to 10 p.m. | July 4 | Stenger Sports Complex

It’s not July 4th without some reworks! Arvada’s annual reworks extravaganza will return to the Stenger Sports Complex this Independence Day, with the festivities slated to start around 9 p.m. e event is free to the public and propane grills are allowed on the elds. Personal reworks are prohibited at all times in Arvada.

Taste of Arvada

6 p.m. to 8 p.m. | July 11 | Apex Center

Tickets for this year’s Taste of Arvada — the Chamber of Commerce’s annual sampling of the town’s best eats —are on sale and the event is likely to sell out, according to the chambers Vice President of Member Services Samantha Geerdes. is year’s event will feature over 50 restaurants, breweries, co ee shops and other vendors, with local favorites Freedom Street Social, CDs Wings and the Arvada Tavern set to return. El Pollo Loco will be participating for the rst time this year, as will Arvada mainstay George’s Café.

“It’s a great way to try all the delicious food from all over Arvada and nd your next favorite restaurant,” Geerdes said.

Arvada on Tap

12 p.m. to 4 p.m. | July 13 Ralston | Park Addition (64th Avenue and Quail Street)

Arvada’s annual craft beer and BBQ sampling event is returning to the Ralston Park Addition for the eighth year. Tickets for the event are on sale now, as is brewery registration. An amateur BBQ contest will also take place, as will live music, food trucks and a homebrew demonstration.

Arvada Days

Clear Creek Valley Park | 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. | Aug. 24 | Clear Creek Valley Park

Finally, the annual end-of-summer bash at Clear Creek Valley Park is returning this year, and the free event promises to be fun for a familyfriendly bonanza. is year’s Arvada Days will feature in atables, train rides, live music, food trucks and craft vendors, as in years past. New this year will be a Nerf Zone, and Ralston House will be hosting a Beer Garden as they have previously.

Taste of Arvada will give folks a chance to sample Arvada’s best eats and drinks on July 11.

FILE PHOTOS BY RYLEE DUNN

Arvada on Tap returns on July 13 and will give local breweries a chance to show o their ales.

Arvada Days will cap o this year’s summer festivities, which promise to bring family fun from June to September.

Morrison’s new cameras flag 9,000 speeders in less than two weeks

BY JANE REUTER JREUTER@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM

In less than two weeks of operation, Morrison’s automated speed cameras clocked nearly 9,000 speeding drivers, generating 1.36 tickets every minute.

Morrison Police Chief Bill Vinelli said a representative of the cameras’ manufacturer told him it’s the highest volume they’ve ever seen. Tra c Logix provides the cameras, which are set to issue $40 citations at 35 mph — 10 mph over Morrison’s posted speed limit.

“Tra c Logix has these all over the country, and they told me they’ve never seen anything like the tra c in Morrison, Colorado,” Vinelli told

A Morrison speed camera flashes red May 21 to warn a passing driver that they’re over the posted speed limit. The cameras are set to issue citations to drivers traveling 10 mph over the town’s posted 25 mph speed limit.

PHOTO BY

JANE REUTER

Volunteers

Folks helped clear debris on Arvada’s trails for Day of Service.

Volunteers helped Hope House do some yardwork at their Arvada headquarters.

Over 50 Arvada businesses participate in inaugural Day of Service

121 volunteers help out at eight di erent service projects

BY RYLEE DUNN

Over a hundred volunteers from Arvada’s business community came together to lend a helping hand to nonpro ts in the community.

On May 3, the Arvada Chamber of Commerce hosted its inaugural Day of Service.

roughout the day, volunteers helped many organizations in Arvada — including Community Table, Hope House Colorado, Mirror Image Arts, Family Tree, Beyond Home, Animal Assisted erapy Programs of Colorado, City of Arvada and the Two Ponds Preservation Foundation.

With representatives from 51 Arvada businesses participating, over $12,000 worth of volunteer time was donated,

according to Arvada Chamber President & CEO Kami Welch.

Day of Service, Welch said, was part of the chamber’s purpose — giving back to the community and creating a positive impact.

“At the Arvada Chamber, part of our purpose as an organization is to make a positive impact on our community,” Welch said. “ at’s re ected in our vision: Healthy businesses, thriving community.

“Day of Service allowed our business leaders to step up, do something amazing and complete tasks that organizations may not have had the ability to accomplish otherwise,” Welch continued.

Welch, along with Visit Arvada Director Jean Gordon, spent the Day of Service volunteering for Community Table — building boxes that will be used to transport food to families.

Others spent the day clearing weeds and sprucing up the campus of Hope House Colorado, an Arvada-based nonpro t that helps teen moms work toward self-su ciency.

Hope House Arvada Executive Director Lisa Steven said she was happy to see so many people come to support the organization.

“We are super excited because so many people from various businesses came to clean up the trash that is on our campus at Hope House, remove the weeds that are popping up and clean, just making this an excellent environment for our teen moms,” Steven said.

Over at Mirror Image Arts, a youth advocacy organization that seeks to disrupt the pipeline to prison, folks painted, built shelves and gardened to give the organization’s building a facelift.

“ e Day of Service volunteers were amazing,” eresa Mazza, Executive Director of Operations at Mirror Image Arts, said. “ ey were focused and worked hard to get so much done. We are so blown away by the support and care for our mission.”

e Chamber of Commerce is planning on holding Day of Service on an annual basis going forward, according to the chamber’s website.

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Volunteers outside of Mirror Image Arts for the inaugural Day of Service in Arvada.

PHOTOS COURTESY ARVADA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

FLASHTATTOOSWITHMR.ACE** MAKECUSTOMHATSWITHPARKERTHOMAS** LEARNPOPULARLINEDANCESWITHLAURIEBURKHARDT BODYART/FACEPAINTING&SPARKLEHAIRWITH LITTLEPEOPLEFACEPAINTING**

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6 facts about Chatfield Farms and its planned new welcome center

BY JO DAVIS JDAVIS@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM

Chat eld Farms is a 700-acre working farm and activity space located at 8500 W. Deer Creek Canyon Road in Littleton. e farm recently broke ground for a new welcome center.  Here are six things to know about the new center and farm:

info@fas4pets.org

1. The farm’s buildings have been around since the Hildebrand Ranch. e ranch operated in the 1800s. Many of those buildings still stand today and are accessible to visitors. Today, Chat eld Farms is still a working farm, continuing the

The proposed welcome center will be named after Judi and Robert

center has a $13.2 million budget and is slated to be

CHATFIELD FARMS

ranch’s legacy.

2. There are 2.5 miles of trails connected to the farm.

In addition to the farm experience, Chat eld Farms o ers 2.5 miles of trails and 15 curated gardens to explore.

3. The new center will be named for two of the farm’s donors.

e new welcome center will be named after donors Judi and Robert Newman. e Newmans are Denver philanthropists, retired businesspeople and avid patrons of the arts in Colorado.

4. The center is a part of a $40 million master plan for the farm.

e welcome center is stage one

of the Chat eld Farm master development plan and will be completed in January 2025, according to Erin

Bird, communications director for the Denver Botanic Gardens. Stage two is a 13,000-square-foot education center with indoor classrooms and an education garden.

5. The farm is not owned by the City of Littleton.

Denver Botanic Gardens and the U.S. Army Corp of Engineers comanage the property.

6. There are big events hosted there every year.

Each year, Chat eld Farms puts on a Lavender Festival, Corn Maze, Pumpkin Festival and Trail of Lights for visitors.

For more information on Chateld Farms, visit BotanicGardens. org/Chat eld-Farms.

CONGRATULATIONS!

To the winners of the 19th Annual Ethics in Business Awards, presented by the Rotary Club of Golden, the Golden Civic Foundation, the Greater Golden Chamber of Commerce, and the Je erson Economic Development Corporation

In the For-pro t category Humble House Café

And Congratulations also to the other nominees

For-profit

Confluence Companies

Connects Workspace

DT Construct

El Dorado Mexican Restaurant

Golden Hayride

Golden Paws Animal Hospital

Kona Bowls

Laurel Property Services

Old Capitol Grill & Smokehouse

Not-for-profit

BGoldN

Christian Action Guild

Foothills Animal Shelter

Friendship Bridge

Golden Bicycle eXperience

Golden Lions Club

ICAST

Leadership Golden

Leadership Roundtable

Miners Alley Performing Arts Center

AND ALSO A SINCERE “THANK YOU!” TO THE MANY SPONSORS OF THE 2024 ETHICS IN BUSINESS AWARDS PROGRAM.

Platinum Sponsor

Colorado School of Mines

Gold Sponsors

Colorado Community Media

Confluence Companies

In the Not-for-pro

t

category Hands of the Carpenter

Silver Sponsors

Applewood Plumbing, Heating and Electric

Bob and Dru Short//Tom and Linda Hughes

City of Golden First Bank

Jeffco Public Schools

Jefferson Center

Bronze Sponsors

Colorado Gives Foundation

Denver Marriott West

Developmental Disabilities

Resource Center

Eddy Taproom and Hotel

Golden Chamber//Smithworks

Cleaning Services

Golden Civic Foundation

Larry Fike, PC//White Rock Dental

Laurel Property Services//TaxOps Red Rocks Community College Foundation

W.E. O’Neil

Donors

Essence Laser & Wellness

Severy Creek Roofing

Skyline Property Management

FINALLY, THANKS ALSO TO THE MANY MEMBERS OF OUR COMMUNITY THAT ACTIVELY SUPPORTED THIS YEAR’S ETHICS IN BUSINESS AWARDS PROGRAM!

From left: Mike Imho , Denver Botanic Gardens board chair; Brian Vogt, CEO of Denver Botanic Gardens; Judi and Robert Newman; Larry Vickerman, director of Denver Botanic Gardens Chatfield Farms.

PHOTO BY SCOTT DRESSEL-MARTIN

The performing arts often have a reputation as only taking place in rare ed spaces, where only certain people have access to them. e whole idea of the Denver Fringe Festival is to burst that bubble and show that creativity can happen anywhere.

“Our approach is arts for all,” said Ann Sabbah, executive director of the annual event. “We look for all types of performers in all kinds of genres to take part and we strive to keep the price point at a very a ordable level.”

VOICES

Find Your Creative Outlet at Denver Fringe Festival

COMING ATTRACTIONS

e Denver Fringe Festival is back for its fth year, running from ursday, June 6, through Sunday, June 9, across 20 venues and locations, mostly concentrated in the RiNo and Five Points neighborhoods. is year’s event features more than 60 original shows, the bulk of which cost only $15. And 70 percent of all ticket sales go right back to the performers.

Some of the shows audiences can explore include: King Penny Radio: An Improvised 1940s Radio Show; Raw Groove, which features dance and live musical performances that take audiences on an Afrofuturistic journey through various movements and sounds of the Black diaspora; and Cirque du Cinéma, which combines burlesque, aerial, dance and camp nostalgia.

ere are also a couple of new features this year for attendees to check out.

e rst is the FringeART show, which is visual arts focused and

ABOUT LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

will be on display through June 21 at Ironton Distillery, 3636 Chestnut Place. e other new feature is the Fringe Free-ForAll, a locally-driven program bringing free performances to various streets and spaces in the neighborhoods. ese performances will include circus arts, magic and illusion, immersive experiences and more.

“One of the most fun parts of the festival is the variety of venues audiences will get to experience,” Sabbah said. “Some performances are in more traditional theaters and art galleries, but you’ll also be able to visit everywhere from comedy clubs to event rooms at a brewery and even a video studio. is all makes for a much more intimate and immersive experience.”

e festival is also family friendly, with the free KidsFringe event, which features two original shows for kids, various forms of puppetry, a puppet meet and greet, and more.

ere’s no right way to approach an event like the Fringe Festival. Sabbah recommends people do some exploring and maybe try something new and that way a person can see what catches their interest.

“ is is a true community event that allows people to participate in intimate and immediate perfor-

Colorado Community Media welcomes letters to the editor. Please note the following rules:

mances that are very original and creative,” she said. “It’s a new take on what the performing arts can be and it can be really energizing.”

For full details and more, visit https://denverfringe.org/.

Get Your Summer on at Thorntonfest

e City of ornton is welcoming summer with orntonfest, an event that brings together everything from music and entertainment to activities for pets and children as well. e event will be held from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday, June 1 at Carpenter Park Fields, 108th Avenue and Colorado Boulevard.

Some of the live musicians slated to perform include the Guardians Band and Boogie Machine, and there will also be a car show, axe throwing and a 120-foot-long Ninja Warrior course. e festival also includes a Pet Fest and a Kid Zone. Full details are available at https:// www.thorntonco.gov.

PACE

Center Throws Prom for Adults

It’s prom season, but high schoolers don’t have to be the only ones enjoying it. e Parker Arts, Culture & Events (PACE) Center, 20000 Pikes Peak Ave., is giving adults a chance to have their own prom fun while raising money for a good cause.

e Neon Nights: Adult Prom Fundraiser will be held at the Center’s Event Room from 7 to 10 p.m. on Saturday, June 1. According to provided information, the “ultra-illuminated dance party features wow-worthy décor, a glow-in-the-dark makeup

station with tattoos and jewelry, photo op vignettes and a non-stop mix of your pop favorites.”

Tickets will get attendees an assortment of treats and two drink tickets, with all the funds supporting free community events. Visit https://parkerarts.org/event/neonnights-adult-prom-fundraiser/ for information and tickets.

Clarke’s Concert of the Week — Outside Festival at Civic Center Park

Denver doesn’t really have a signature music festival, but that could be changing with the rst Outside Festival, which is taking over Civic Center Park, Broadway and Colfax Avenue in Denver, on Saturday, June 1 and Sunday, June 2. e event is a celebration of all things outdoors and is driven by a partnership between Outside Interactive Inc, e State of Colorado’s Outdoor Recreation O ce and Visit Denver. e festival will feature a diverse group of musicians, like undercat, Lettuce, Say She She, Fleet Foxes, Andrew Bird and e Heavy Heavy, as well as Colorado bands that will perform throughout the weekend. In addition to the music, attendees can check out lms, the latest in outdoor gear and a range of other outdoor-focused events like a climbing wall and more. All the details and tickets can be found at https://festival.outsideonline.com/.

Clarke Reader’s column on culture appears on a weekly basis. He can be reached at Clarke.Reader@hotmail. com.

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O leads your First and at so whether your trusts wide most one or that ment.  creates ment.  the must sets incapacity grantor.   the the into limited accounts, items. An is ership name ter name cally grantor he grantor age of themselves ing trust’s is ment incapacity trust the cess avoiding probating stipulate circumstances is sets larly are

Clarke Reader

Do you need a trust?

One of the rst questions many of my clients ask is whether they need a trust. It’s a great question, but it leads to another: What do you want your estate plan to accomplish? First I will explain what trusts are and how they work. en I will look at the bene ts of a trust based plan so you will have a better idea of whether a trust is right for you and your family.

ere are many di erent types of trusts and they can accomplish a wide range of goals. However, when most people think about trusts, the one they have in mind is a Revocable or Living Trust.

GUEST

COLUMN

A trust is a separate legal entity that is established by a trust agreement.  e grantor is the person who creates and signs the trust agreement.  e trust agreement sets forth the rules and guidelines the trustee must follow when managing the assets whether it is during the grantor’s incapacity or upon the death of the grantor.

After signing the trust agreement, the grantor’s assets are funded into the trust. Assets that may be funded into the trust include, but are not limited to, real property, nancial accounts, motor vehicles and other items. An example of trust funding is recording a deed moving the ownership of a house from the grantor’s name into the name of the trust. After assets are transferred into the name of the trust, the trust technically owns the assets; however the grantor can continue to use them as he or she normally would.

When the trust is created, the grantor names a trustee to manage the assets funded into the name of the trust.  Most grantors name themselves as the initial trustee, giving them complete control over the trust’s assets. A  successor trustee is also named to take over management of the trust upon the grantor’s incapacity and death.

One of the primary bene ts of a trust is that it enables assets held in the trust to avoid the probate process after the grantor’s death thereby avoiding the costs associated with probating the estate. e grantor can stipulate when, how, and under what circumstances the successor trustee is authorized to distribute trust assets to bene ciaries. is is particularly important if the bene ciaries are not yet mature enough to man-

age an inheritance on their own, or in situations involving blended families.

Additionally a trust protects the privacy of the grantor (and bene ciaries) because the trust’s provisions are con dential. Once a person’s Last Will and Testament is submitted to the probate process, it is a matter of public record. Anyone can access information about the decedent’s assets, creditors, debts and more.

Trusts can also be used to protect the grantor and the grantor’s family from a stressful and expensive guardianship (day-to-day decisions) proceeding or conservator ( nancial) proceeding if the grantor becomes incapacitated.  e probate court treats the appointment of a guardian and the appointment of a conservator as two separate lawsuits, each with their own rules.

As mentioned earlier, there are many di erent types of trusts. If one of your primary goals is to protect assets from long-term care costs, creditors, lawsuits, and other threats, an Irrevocable Trust or an Asset Protection Trust may be a much better option then a Revocable Living Trust. If you have a loved one with special needs, a Special Needs Trust can allow you to create a fund for goods and services not provided by Medicaid or Supplemental Security Income while protecting eligibility for these vital programs.

ese are but a few examples of various trusts and what they can accomplish. If you’re still not sure whether you need a trust, we welcome the opportunity to explain your options in detail and, if appropriate in your particular circumstances, design and implement the trust that’s right for you and your family.

Carolyn Moller Duncan’s Duncan Legal, PC is located in Centennial with a practice emphasis on estate planning, probate and trust administration. Carolyn has over 22 years of experience practicing law in Colorado. Carolyn is a member of the Colorado Bar, Trust & Estate Section, Family Law Section and Denver County Bar Association.

SETTING THE STAGE

Colorado-born actress brings

BY BELEN WARD

immersive

one-woman show to Denver Fringe Festival

Lauren Hance will perform her one-woman award-winning comedy show “Holy O” at the 2024 Denver Fringe Festival on June 6, 7 and 9.

“ e Denver Fringe Festival does a fantastic job,” Hance said. “I have a lot of family and friends who live in the Denver area. So, it was a nice combination to be able to take my show to a place where a lot of people that I know can come and see it.”

Director and developer Amelia Peterson described the show as a cross between “Fleabag” and “ e Vagina Monologues.”

“It’s for audiences who are up for something playful, heartwarming, and experimental,” Peterson said.

In “Holy O,” Hance plays Vera in a solo comedy performance in which the audience becomes part of the play directly from their seats. e main character, Vera, contemplates becoming a nun but can’t let go of her vibrators.

“ e onset of rapturous prayers complicates her situation, leading the audience to assume the role of an advice-giving saint,” Hance said.

“As Vera’s story unfolds, it intertwines with choose-your-ownadventure stories that explore the connection of body, spirit and sexuality,” Hance continued. “Along the way, the audience helps Vera make some of the biggest decisions of her life, starting with what shirt to wear.”

Hance was born and raised at the Air Force Academy in Colorado

Springs but now lives in Houston. As a little girl, Hance said she already had the personality to be an entertainer.

“When I was a little girl, my mom would put me in the grocery cart. She said I babbled before I even talked,” Hance said.

Hance said her mother decided she had to do something with her since she was very entertaining and thought she would put her play. So, in elementary school, she joined the school play and YMCA.

“It was the best thing ever. I love it. It was what I wanted to do since I was a little girl,” she said.

Hance studied theater at Abilene Christian University in West Texas and started as an actress. She graduated with a degree in Directing.

“Like many performers, you go out into the world and try to get into act-

ing. When I was in Texas, it was hard to make a complete living as an actor, no matter where you live,” Hance said.

“ ey have a great auxiliary campus in Houston with a good arts and culture program. I also liked many teachers who were interested in lm and all forms of art,” she continued.

Hance also has a master’s degree in theology, arts, and culture from Fuller eological Seminary. She said that “Holy O” was part of her thesis project.

“Now, I take it on the road to di erent festivals,” Hance said.

Hance travels coast to coast, producing, being a playwright and directing theater. She also hosts and produces a podcast, “What is Fringe?”

FESTIVAL

Hance said Peterson helped her develop and direct “Holy O.” She spent her career working with playwrights and presenting at festivals, such as the Kennedy Center’s Page to Stage Festival and the New York International Fringe Festival.

“I’m also working now with Cathy Lam-Patrie, a co-director. She is helping me with some more acting because Amelia has been a part of this show, but my show is self-producing, and she is taking a pause to work on some other projects in Knoxville,” Hance said.

Hance said Cathy Lam-Patrie is an internationally recognized producer from Hong Kong who is devoted to advancing justice-focused work. In 2023, she received the Edinburgh Fringe First Award for “A Funeral for My Friend Who Is Still Alive.”

“Amelia is all groovy about me getting assistance because we’re all in it for the betterment of the piece. We had long conversations about the development process,” Hance said. “We sent me o to do my work with festivals.”

In addition to several other awards, “Holy O” received a “Best of Fringe” award from DC eatre Arts and was described by reviewer Ari Rogers as “a deeply moving, uniquely intimate, and spiritual exploration of sexuality.”

“It was exciting to receive these awards. is is probably the hardest thing I’ve ever done artistically because it’s self-produced, and I’m the writer and the performer,” Hance said.

Hance said that on the business side, she does all the work, sending out press releases and learning how to do that process, advertising and getting people to the show.

“It’s been one of the hardest things I’ve done but also one of the best things that I’ve ever done,” she said. “I’ve grown so much, and my ability to believe in myself, who I am and what I can do, and how I can impact the world.”

Hance said she is very relational, and her show is very relational. e audience gets very involved, which excites her.

“I love connecting with people and

creating space for them to feel the experience. It feels good when other people recognize my work and really believe what I’m doing. And it’s nice when other people say they believe in what I’m doing,” Hance said.

“Denver has a vibrant art scene. It’s inspiring to come to a city that supports the arts, and the Fringe Festival is received well. I’m particular about where I go because it costs a lot of time and money to take a show somewhere and the place that is going and want it to be successful within the art scene and the festival,” Hance continued.

Hance’s “Holy O” performances during the Denver Fringe Festival will be at Big Up Studios, 3410 Blake St., Denver, CO 80205.

“Holy O” showtimes are at 8 p.m. ursday, June 6, 9:30 p.m. Friday, June 7, and 5:30 p.m. Sunday, June 9.  Tickets are $15 and can be purchased at https://denverfringe.org/ shows/holy-o/. For more information about the show, go to theholyoplay.com.

The Denver Fringe Festival

Now in its fth year running, this

year’s Denver Fringe Festival boasts more than 150 performances, including 60 original productions that include theater, dance, circus, comedy, cabaret and more. e four-day festival, which takes place June 6-9, will take place in roughly 20 venues, primarily located in Denver’s RiNo and Five Points, and a satellite location in Aurora.

In addition to “Holy O,” some other highlights include “King Penny Radio,” an improvised 1940’s radio show complete with costumes and old-timey piano music; “Disko Boy,” a family-friendly drag show featuring Hans L’Adida; and “Raw Groove: Life of the Party,” which will take audience members on an Afrofuturistic journey with dance and live musical performances.

“To be able to produce a show and have the right exposure is hard to come by,” said Constance Harris with Raw Groove. “With the network that Denver Fringe has in place with venues and audiences, it cuts out some of the obstacles and allows artists to produce what they want.”

Harris, who is also known by her stage name Connie Love, is partici-

pating in the festival for the rst time this year.

Even more to look forward to this year are additional experiences such as “On e Fringes,” which is a visual art exhibit that will be on display through June 21 at Ironton Distillery in Denver; and Fringe Free-For-All, which will consist of a variety of performances in free-entry venues and street performances.

“We’re really manifesting our goal of making the arts accessible to all,” said Ann Sabbah, executive director of the Denver Fringe Festival, in a press release. “ e elements we’re adding this year allow us to support more independent artists, collaborate within the community and share live performance art with more people. We’re ve years in and the re for Fringe is burning bright.”

e Denver Fringe Festival is known for providing “unjuried, uncensored and unconventional art” to all. ose wanting a more family-friendly experience can attend KidsFringe, which o ers two free shows catered for an audience of kids and families.

PHOTO AT LEFT: In Lauren Hance’s one-woman show “Holy O,” her character Vera is asleep on stage as the audience enters the theater. Each audience member is given four gold pipe cleaners and instructions on how to make their own “saintly” orb.

PHOTO BY RAY KUGLAR

In a sudden realization in “Holy O,” Vera proclaims that she wants to keep her clothes and wonders why she prays for people.

PHOTO BY AMELIA PETERSON

SPEED CAMS

speeding drivers than Morrison’s 15 police o cers can do alone.

the Morrison Town Board during its May 21 meeting. “Anyone who wants to paint Morrison as a speed trap can stand and watch, and see that we have a tra c safety issue.”

One violator was clocked at 61 mph — more than twice the 25 mph speed limit, he said.

Morrison is a quaint, historic town that draws thousands of visitors on weekends. Bear Creek Avenue doubles as a state highway, which abruptly transforms into an often-congested downtown as drivers enter Morrison. Pedestrian safety has long been a concern, and town leaders hope the cameras will help make its main thoroughfare safer.

“ is is data-driven and evidencebased,” Trustee Paul Sutton said of statistics generated by the speed cameras. “It’s a high-pedestrian environment and a public safety issue. Hopefully, we’ll get down to not having 5,000 a week. Five hundred a week would be a dramatic improvement for everybody.”

Vinelli said the cameras ag far more

“I average about 15 to 18 minutes on a tra c stop,” he said. “In that time, the camera catches another 20. We can’t write enough on our own to equate to what the camera is helping us do.”

e town also had to jump to a higher data plan May 21 to keep up with the spike in online activity the cameras are creating. An image of each car the camera ags for speeding is uploaded daily and transmitted to Louisiana-based Emergent Enforcement Solution, a third-party vendor that processes citations.

“We don’t force anybody to speed,” Vinelli said. “We’re not unique to any municipality in the country. We just happen to be more proactive than a lot of them. But they’re going to this. Every chief I talk to wants to know where I got those. Every community will have them soon.”

e cameras began generating citations May 8. Before that, they’d been in warning mode for 60 days, issuing warnings to speeding drivers with no monetary penalty.

One of the cameras is permanently mounted at Colorado Highways 74 and 8, and the other is on a trailer that can be moved around town.

VEHICLES &

Thu 6/06

Korey Foss: Rock Candy @ Dirty Dogs @ 5:30pm

Dirty Dogs Roadhouse, 17999 W Colfax Ave, Golden

Kayla Marque: Secret show! @ 7:30pm Sofar sounds denver, Denver

Michael Palascak @ 8pm

Herman's Hideaway, 1578 S Broadway, Denver

Trevor Michael @ 8pm Larimer Lounge, 2721 Larimer St, Denver

Bywater Call

@ 8pm / $17.50-$25

Ophelia's Electric Soapbox, Denver

Catching Flies w/ Andy Immerman @ 9pm

Cervantes' Masterpiece Ballroom & Other Side, 2637 Welton St, Denver

Fri 6/07

Phoebe Nix @ 7pm

Lost Lake Lounge, 3602 E Colfax Ave, Denver

The Disruptors @ 8pm

Herman's Hideaway, 1578 S Broadway, Denver

Sat 6/08

Perpetual Motion: Grand Opoening of Al Si Ceramics!

@ 4pm

Al Si Ceramic Studio, 790 W Tennessee Ave Su. 100, Denver

Giant Walking Robots @ 8pm

Ophelia's Electric Soapbox, 1215 20th St, Denver

Sophistafunk w/ Giant Walking Robots @ 9pm / $22-$27

Sun 6/09

John F. O'Donnel - I'm On Lithium @ 6pm / $20

Denver Comedy Lounge, 3559 Larimer St, Denver. josh@coloradosakeco.com

The Jauntee: Denver Shroom Fest 2024 @ 7pm

ReelWorks Denver, 1399 35th St, Denver

Waiting For Dani @ 8pm

Herman's Hideaway, 1578 S Broadway, Denver

Paramount Theatre Club Seating: Celeste Barber @ 8pm / $69.50

Paramount Theatre, Denver

Mon 6/10

Film On The Rocks: The Matrix @ 7pm

Red Rocks Amphitheatre, 18300 West Alameda Parkway, Morrison

Tue 6/11

Lou Hazel @ 7pm

Globe Hall, 4483 Logan St, Den‐ver

Wed 6/12

Eric Golden @ 5pm

Morrison Inn, 301 Bear Creek Ave,, Morri‐son

Ophelia's Electric Soapbox, Denver Self Service @ 6pm

Marquis Theater, 2009 Larimer St, Denver

The Narcissist Cookbook @ 7pm

The Oriental Theater, 4335 W 44th Ave, Denver

FONT @ 7pm

Hi-Dive, 7 S Broadway, Denver

Cruxvae @ 8pm

Herman's Hideaway, 1578 S Broadway, Denver

Sierra Green and The Giants @ 8pm

Ogden Theatre, 935 E Colfax Ave, Denver

Tab Benoit @ 8pm

Ogden Theatre, 935 E Colfax Ave, Denver

Fresh Start warrant clearing event: What you need to know before you go

BY JO DAVIS JDAVIS@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM

The Fresh Start Relief for Outstanding Warrants event is happening from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m on June 1 at the Jefferson County Courthouse and Administration Building.

The Jefferson County website and social media accounts say that it’s an opportunity to “clear” active low-level warrants. However, that still leaves some questions about the program and what people can expect.

Colorado First Judicial District Attorney’s Office Director of Public Affairs Brionna Boatright answered some questions about the event.

A note on the term “cleared” Boatright also clarified what the program means by “clearing” the warrants.

“When we say that warrants are ‘cleared,’ it just means that individuals are given an opportunity to move toward a resolution in their case by setting a new court date, re-engaging in probation, enrolling in Pathways (Diversion Program), or resolve their case entirely, for eligible individuals to take accountability for prior mistakes without being arrested,” Boatright explained.

“For instance, if an individual has a non-DUI traffic warrant for No Proof of Insurance, they can come to Fresh Start, present proof of insurance, and have their case dismissed,” Boatright continued.

“In contrast, if the same person is contacted by law enforcement, they would face arrest and imprisonment, leading to resource consumption and disruption to their life. Warrant clearing events are

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303-985-8733 www.gmpc.net Sunday Worship 10:00AM “Find Connection…Discover Faith” All Are

the only mechanism for eligible individuals to take accountability for prior mistakes without being arrested.”

Colorado Community Media sat down with Boatright for the following Q&A. Answers have been edited for clarity.

How long has the program been in place and how did it get started?

The original concept was introduced by the Criminal Justice Coordinating Committee*. Jeffco’s first event took place in 2021 after a six-month collaborative effort involving First Judicial District Attorney Alexis King, the Colorado State Public Defender’s Office, First Judicial District Court, First Judicial District Probation Department, Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office, Jefferson County Justice Services, and C3.

Note from Boatright: The Criminal Justice Coordinating Committee serves as an advisory body to the policymakers, judiciary and stakeholder groups of the criminal justice system in Jefferson County. The Committee monitors the existing criminal justice system to examine potential opportunities for improvements to the system, prioritizes projects, conducts research, analyzes options, makes recommendations, and assists with implementation. This interagency collaboration seeks to identify innovative and evidence-based solutions to address deficiencies in the system and promote fairness and justice.

The program description on the Jefferson County website says that the

Your Place of Worship

La Ciudad ¡Hola!

We meet in person with extraordinary live music on the 1st and 3rd Sundays of each month from 10:30a.m. to noon at:

Activity Options, 7401 W. 59th Ave., Arvada, 80003.

All other Sunday meetings are on zoom from 10:30a.m. to noon.

Please phone: 720-576-9193, or email: livingwaterspiritualcommunity@gmail.com

Our website is: www.livingwaterunity.org

To advertise your place of worship in this section, call Erin at 303-566-4074 or email eaddenbrooke@ColoradoCommunityMedia.com

Language should not be a barrier to trustworthy news about your community. Our La Ciudad staff offers news in both English and Spanish.

El idioma no debería ser un obstáculo para acceder a noticias confiables que te interesan. Nuestro equipo de La Ciudad ofrece noticias tanto en inglés como en español.

FRESH START

program will allow the courts and law enforcement the time and resources to concentrate on other more serious warrants. Does this mean that the county is not actively pursuing the types of warrants eligible for Fresh Start?

To clarify, the website states, “The Fresh Start event will not only benefit individuals with outstanding warrants but will cut down on the costs to taxpayers and allow law enforcement to direct their resources toward offenders who commit higher level crimes and directly victimize others in the community.”

Any active warrant puts individuals at risk of arrest and incarceration. By reducing the number of individuals with low-level warrants, we are preserving law en -

forcement, judicial, and taxpayer resources for more serious and violent offenses. Traffic cases account for the majority of warrants, and while our law enforcement partners work diligently to address these low-level warrants and engage with the individuals involved, their primary focus is on proactive policing to improve community safety.

How many warrants were resolved in the 2023 Fresh Start event?

We’ve had events since 2021, and resolve between 40-90 warrants at each event. In 2023, we resolved just under 160 warrants between two warrant events.

What other resources will be available at the event?

Several community partners, including the Community Connections Center (C3), Benefits in Action, Hazelbrook Sober Living, Bayaud Enterprises, Ke’nekt, Com -

BATHROOM REMODELING DONE RIGHT

munity Economic Defense Project, Front Range Clinic, Master’s Apprentice, and Behavioral Treatment Services. All of those agencies will also be on-site to provide information and resources.

At our last event in November 2023, there were approximately 140 connections made in a variety of areas including housing, Medicaid and other benefits, employment, bus passes, substance use treatment, mental health treatment, hygiene, harm reduction and more.

The website says people can email to find out if their warrants are eligible for relief. Are there any other ways to check on a warrant to see if relief is possible?

The only way to check eligibility is via email; for probation violation cases, individuals should email 01probation@judicial.state. co.us, and for all other cases, email warrantforgiveness.golden@colo -

What is the most important thing that readers should know about the program?

It is important to stress that this event excludes people charged or convicted of an offense under the Victim Rights Act – such as assault, child abuse, unlawful sexual contact or domestic violence. In addition, people with weapons offenses and those with second or subsequent cases involving driving under the influence or driving while ability impaired are not eligible for the event.

This initiative addresses minor offenses, primarily traffic violations, that would otherwise lead to arrests and court appearances that consume law enforcement and taxpayer resources and create challenges for defendants seeking to take responsibility.

Get more information on the Fresh Start event at Jeffco.us.

Evergreen woman to ride for cancer awareness

Mother who lost daughter to neuroendocrine tumors will raise funds to better educate doctors on uncommon condition

BY JANE REUTER JREUTER@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM

On June 8, Evergreen resident Gil Schaenzle will push o on a onemonth, 1,000-mile bicycle ride to raise awareness of an uncommon

form of cancer — one that took her 20-year-old daughter’s life.

Anna Rose died from neuroendocrine cancer in 2017, after doctors initially misdiagnosed her with several other conditions.

Funds raised from Schaenzle’s ride will go toward educating doctors about neuroendocrine tumors, to buy time and better treatment for other patients and families.

“I can’t tell you how many times I’ve cried over the years, seeing another person I know with NET cancer pass away,” Schaenzle said. “I feel like there’s just so much more to be done to keep getting more awareness of this out there.”

Evergreen’s Gil Schaenzle will set o June 8 on a 1,000-mile bike ride to raise awareness of a rare cancer known as neuroendocrine tumors. She lost her daughter Anna Rose to NETs cancer in 2017.

Over 90% of NET patients are incorrectly diagnosed and treated for the wrong disease, according to the Neuroendocrine Cancer Awareness Network, which said NET has low priority for medical research because it was traditionally considered rare — a fact that is changing as diagnoses climb. Schaenzle said doctors she’s spoken to said they spent about 45 minutes on it during medical school, a fact she wants to change.

“It’s the most misdiagnosed cancer in the world,” Schaenzle said. “It takes patients ve to seven years on average to get a diagnosis. But if you catch it early and you’re low grade, you can have a pretty wonderful life. If you’re getting the right treatment and nutrition, and the right plan, you can actually die of something else.”

Schaenzle will cycle along 10 historic water canals from Cincinnati to Washington, D.C., ending on the steps of Congress. ere, she plans to meet with U.S. Rep. Joaquin Castro, a NET patient who’s been supportive of her campaign. She also hopes for media coverage to further spread her message.

In 2016, Anna Rose was a “perfectly healthy athlete” when she

started experiencing numbness in her legs while running, then passing out playing volleyball or running. After months of worsening illness and misdiagnosis, a Denver endocrinologist diagnosed her with NET.

“She was smart, beautiful, with kindness oozing from every pore when she started having these seemingly unconnected symptoms,” her mother said. “She had a very bright future. She was in her rst year of college at Colorado Mesa University when she was diagnosed. She was in chemo on her 21st birthday, when most kids are out having a good time. She passed shortly after.”

In 2017, Schaenzle did her rst event to raise awareness about NET. en a long-distance runner, she did half marathons through all the national parks in the contiguous United States.

While her knees are telling her not to run such distances again, she’s not done yet. is time, Schaenzle will spread her message on wheels. at’s not the only change she’s experienced in the last several years.

“I still miss Anna with every single breath, but I have learned how to look at my grief di erently, how to sit with it and accept it,” she said. “ is time, I feel this is about other NET patients. is is about the ones who are still here, who aren’t getting the right treatment and need a diagnosis.”

Anna Rose’s father and Schaenzle’s husband Fred will drive a van that will accompany her on her journey. She knows from her 2017 run that such e orts get results. at garnered her an appearance on the Today show.

“I’ve had people say, ‘If I hadn’t seen you on the Today show, I would never have known I had NET cancer. But I knew when I saw you that’s what I had, and I got the right diagnoses and I’m being treated,’” she said.

It’s the best use of her time Schaenzle knows.

“When Anna Rose was sick, I prayed every day he would give it to me; I was ne with going,” she said. “And that didn’t happen. But since then I have prayed every day to please take my brokenness and use it to help other people. It’s so important we don’t look down the cesspool of grief and never come back again.” For information or to make a donation, go to e Healing Net.

LOCALS EYE OLYMPIC SPLASH

Area high school swimmers headline the roster of Coloradans qualified for U.S. Olympic trials

BY JOHN RENFROW JRENFROW@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM

Between slews of di erent strokes, roughly 320,000 competitive swimmers across America come up for air unsure of their placings as they compete against other swimmers and themselves.

e athletes can only hope with bated breath that their score is Olympic-worthy when they breach for the nal time. Only about 800 will make it.

Just seven swimmers registered to Colorado clubs emerged victorious, o cially qualifying for the U.S. Olympic Team Trials in Indianapolis on June 15-23. Two are high schoolers from the Denver metro area.

Douglas County High School’s Mila Nikanorov and Cherry Creek High School’s Charlotte Wilson headline the group. Both (recently graduated) seniors are rst-team all-state Colorado swimmers and multiple Class 5A state champions. Both also swam club for Highlands Ranch Athletics.

“Ever since I was 13, it was something that I wanted to do. It was a big goal,” Nikanorov, an Ohio State commit, said. “I had smaller goals to keep track of the progress and not make it seem unreachable. I really pride myself in knowing that I stuck with something for at least four years. I got my rst trials cut when I was 17.”

To qualify for the trials, athletes must post a qualifying time standard.

e necessary qualifying times to earn a

trip to Indianapolis are at www. usaswimming.org/.

Because of the registry process for the team trials, athletes may have been born in Colorado but are currently training elsewhere, so they won’t be on this list. Here is the list of registered Coloradans who quali ed, according to USA Swimming:

Mila Nikanorov (age 18 from Douglas County); Charlotte Wilkson (age 17 from Cherry Creek); Madi Mintenko (age 16 from Colorado Springs); Joshua Corn (age 19 from Morrison); Gavin Keogh (age 16 from Erie); Ben Sampson (age 21 from Arvada); Morgan Lukinac (age 20 from Boulder).

Nikanorov recently swam the second-fastest time in Colorado history in the 500-meter freestyle at the high school state competition (4:42.49), just missing Olympian

Missy Franklin’s record by 0.77 seconds. Her time is currently the fastest high school time in the 500-meter freestyle in the country this year, and the second-fastest time in state meet history in all classi cations.

Wilson led Cherry Creek to its fourth straight 5A title and is a twotime individual state champion. Her time of 52.90 in the 100-meter backstroke is the third-fastest time in state meet history among all classi cations.

“It was something I had on my goal list for this year,” Wilson, a University of Virginia commit, said. “I had been trying to qualify for a year and a half since the times came out for quali cations because I’ve been super close for a while.” e multi-year commitment to this goal doesn’t stop now.

Mila Nikanorov recently swam the second-fastest time in Colorado history in the 500-meter freestyle at the high school state competition (4:42.49), just missing Olympian Missy Franklin’s record by 0.77 seconds. She will swim for Ohio State University this fall. COURTESY

SPLASH

Both Wilson and Nikanorov are determined to display their best showings in Indy this summer but are relishing the accomplishment of just getting there.

“I’m just going to have fun with it. I’m already there,” Nikanorov said. “I’m just going to enjoy myself with the experience of going to the biggest meet in the country. I’ve been working on mental skills, just keeping myself calm especially knowing I’m going to be competing at such a high level with very fantastic swimmers as well.”

Positive self-talk is a tool swimmers rely on in what is arguably the most mental sport of them all, Nikanorov said.

It can be easy to get into a negative mindset during di cult sets, so utilizing one or two positive afrmations is more powerful than one might think.

feel coming from Colorado helps

“You have to race fast people to go fast times,” she said. “Having that group of fast swimmers in Colorado, especially people doing distance, which is what I do, really helps me. e competitive aspect of racing people in the state has helped me improve. I’ve practiced with some people from other (Colorado) teams which has been challenging but helpful to see what I can do to improve my training.”

Of the 800 at the trials, a max of 52 (26 men and 26 women) can make the Olympic Team.

Even if Wilson and Nikanorov don’t continue their path to Paris this summer, the locals are excited about the learning opportunity, picking the brains of the best swimmers in the nation this summer.

“Swimming is a really big mental game,” Wilson said. “You can be perfectly physically ready to swim super fast, but any mental doubt or mental hiccup is probably the biggest aspect of not falling short of your goals. For me, the biggest thing is being mentally ready and prepared to swim as fast as I can.”

But mental fortitude can only take you so far, especially once you reach the “top of the top of the top”,

as Wilson put it. Team trials can be the best place to learn and soak up skills from the best in the country, whether you make the Olympic cut or not, Wilson said.

e two Division I swimmers both

“I’m just so excited to swim with the greatest ever,” Wilson said. “I think it’s every swimmer’s goal when they’re little: ‘Wow, I want to make the Olympics.’ I’m just so excited to start training in college and to try and push my limits of what I think is possible for myself.”

For more information, including purchasing tickets for the U.S. Team Trials in Indianapolis, visit www.usaswimming.org/.

Mila Nikanorov takes a beat between races. The 18-year-old from Douglas County currently holds the fastest high school time in the 500-meter freestyle in the country, and the second-fastest time in Colorado meet history in all classifications.

COURTESY PHOTO

Ben Sampson, a former Ralston Valley swimmer from Arvada, swims for Colorado Mesa University above. Sampson, 21, is the oldest Coloradan from the state at the U.S. Olympic Team Trials in Indianapolis from June 15-23.

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Fentanyl deaths continue to rise in Colorado

The DEA has a new approach to combat the problem in the Rocky Mountain region

BY ERNESTO CABRAL

Fentanyl-related overdose deaths hit a new high in 2023 as law enforcement seized record amounts of the synthetic opioid, o cial data shows.

At least 1,089 people died from fentanyl poisoning last year, up 18.4% from 920 the year before, according to preliminary data released by the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment.

A surge that started ve years ago has continued, with the number of fentanyl-related deaths increasing more than 900% from the 102 recorded in 2018, data from the health department’s Center for Health and Environmental Data shows.

Denver recorded more deaths in 2023 than any other county with 321, compared with Adams (136), Arapahoe (133), Je erson (124) and El Paso (116).

e health department anticipates releasing nal data in June.

So far this year, 141 fatalities have been reported to the CDPHE, however the data is typically lagging by at least three months. Denver again leads with 37 deaths from fentanyl.  e Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s records tell a similar story about Colorado. In 2023, 1,187 fatalities were registered provisionally in the “other synthetic narcotics” category, which mainly comprises fentanyl. Unlike the state agency, the

CDC said it does not have an exact number of fentanyl deaths.  e numbers for 2023 mark a 22.2% rise from the previous year and a 785% surge since 2018, according to the CDC database.

“We are facing more than just an opioid crisis in the U.S”, said Nora Volkow, director of the National Institute on Drug Abuse at the National Institutes of Health. “Stimulants like methamphetamine, which is more prevalent in use in the Western U.S., are now increasingly being contaminated or used together with fentanyl.”

As fentanyl deaths in Colorado soared, the Drug Enforcement Administration seizures of the drug here also spiked. In 2023, the agency conscated a record 2.61 million pills in Colorado, up from 1.9 million in 2022 and 565,200 in 2021. is year, the DEA Rocky Mountain Field Division is on pace to beat those numbers, after seizing 1.4 million pills, between January and March, more than half of the amount seized last year.

News of the rising death toll comes days after the DEA announced a new strategy to combat fentanyl in the Rocky Mountain region. Earlier this month around 200 money service businesses and nancial institutions that aid in sending money to people in other countries were asked to cooperate in an investigation into the cash owing to support the illicit opioid market.

e probe, called Operation “Cash Out,” was launched in Colorado, Utah, Wyoming and Montana by the DEA, IRS and the Rocky Mountain High Intensity Drug Tra cking Area, the DEA said in a news release.

U.S. authorities say fentanyl constitutes a multi-billion-dollar enterprise for Mexican cartels such as Sinaloa and Jalisco, which operate near the

U.S. border.

“ e only thing they care about is their money. is interagency operation intends to target the networks and seize their assets through building stronger relationships with the private sector nancial community,” said David Olesky, acting special agent in charge for DEA’s Rocky Mountain Field Division, in the release.

In recent years, new legislation, o cial investigations and initiatives from families and schools have emerged to prevent and combat the rising number of fentanyl-related deaths in Colorado, a bill signed into

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law on April 22 making it legal for students and sta at public and charter schools to carry and administer opioid overdose reversal drugs such as naloxone.

“ e Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment is committed to doing all we can to prevent drug overdoses, and one of our current strategies is to increase access to naloxone,” said the state agency in a statement.

is story was printed through a news sharing agreement with e Colorado Sun, a journalist-owned nonpro t based in Denver that covers the state.

THE COLORADO SUN

As many as 7 in 10 counterfeit pills tested in 2023 contained a potentially lethal dose of fentanyl, or roughly the amount that fits on the tips of a pencil, national DEA laboratory testing showed.

PHOTO COURTESY OF ROCKY MOUNTAIN FIELD DIVISION OF THE DRUG ENFORCEMENT ADMINISTRATION