imberlinesPublished by and for the City of Lone Tree Issue 55 Winter, 2012-2013

The city that’s growing...carefully.303-708-1818 www.cityoflonetree.com

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Lone Treers like living in Lone Tree.In fact, many downright love it.And they don’t mind filling in

surveys to say so.Last fall, the City contracted with

National Research Center to conduct a community-wide resident survey.

The survey—much like those administered in 2006 and 2009—serves as a report card of sorts.

It gives residents the chance torate the quality of life in the City andtheir satisfaction with local governmentand community amenities/services.

Survey results also assist the Cityin future planning.

Here’s how it worked:The survey was mailed to all

households (4,625) in Lone Tree.Roughly 26% (1,154) responded to

the survey—which may not sound likean earth-shattering figure but, in theworld of surveys, is a statistically validsample.

Of those respondents, 98% ratedthe overall quality of life in Lone Treeas “excellent” or “good,” and 96% saidthey would recommend living in theCity to a friend.

Additionally, 82% said they relyon Timberlines—the very publicationyou are reading at this moment—asa primary source of information onCity news.

And the survey says…

(Continued on page 2)

307 307 words fromwords fromthe Mayor.the Mayor.

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Lone Tree gets an ‘A’.

First, let me extend my thanks to everyone whoparticipated in the resident survey. Our participationrate on first mailing was 26%.

There are many cities that require second mailingsto reach response rates high enough to statisticallyvalidate the survey. However, it’s not a surprise to theCity Council or staff that our residents are engagedand quick to provide the feedback that we need.

Our ratings remain incredibly high compared toour peers both locally and nationally in almostevery category. Residents rated the overall qualityof life in Lone Tree at an impressive 98% and raisedthe bar on the quality of City services from 95% previously to 97% in this survey.

Your views of Lone Tree put us at No. 11nationally on quality of life and at No. 3 nationallyon quality of City services when compared to almost400 other cities.

While these results are impressive, I would beremiss if I didn’t take a moment to thank the amazing City staff that makes Lone Tree a wonderfulplace to live.

Our employees are incredibly dedicated toworking with residents and constantly go beyond inreaching out to our community. It might be a policeofficer providing a motorist roadway assistance orCommunity Development walking through questionson new development in the City, but they are alwayseager to help.

It is a privilege to observe the professionalismand pride they take in making Lone Tree a betterplace, and I want to thank the residents for acknowledging their efforts.

As we observe the passing of another year, I wantto pass along the Council’s sincere thanks in the trustyou have placed in us as your representatives and theresponsibility we feel in maintaining it.

We wish you all the most blessed holidays anda safe and prosperous new year!

Sincerely,

Mayor of the City of Lone Tree

Even with such rave reviews, residents hadideas on what could make Lone Tree living evenbetter.

Those ideas—as well as additional findings—are highlighted in the accompanying graphics.

For Mayor Jim Gunning’s take on the results,see his column at left.

For more-detailed information—including howLone Tree stacks up against communitiesthroughout the country and across the FrontRange (hint: very well)—access the complete survey results online at: www.cityoflonetree.com/residentsurvey.

Suggestions for Improving Quality of Life.

(Continued from page 1)

Overall Quality of Life

What is the single most significant thing (program, service or type of business) the City of Lone Tree could do to

improve your quality of life in Lone Tree?

Provide more and better (upscale) retail, shopping and dining

Expand and improve parks and recreation services/reduce costs

Improve City services

Increase amount and accessability of pedestrian and bicycle paths

Too much development/growth

Improve traffic and light timing/reduce traffic noise

Reduce cost of living (e.g., affordable housing, lower taxes)

Improve City infrastructure

More job/voluntreer opportunities and business development

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Seven years ago, many of you reading this hadprobably never even heard of the concept:

Skydiving. Indoors.Say what? But now, some 2,515ish

days after opening its doors—and vertical wind tunnel—tothe public, SkyVenture Colorado is anything but awell-kept secret.

“If our projections holdtrue, we will have rightaround 27,000 visitors thisyear from outside of theFront Range area,” explainsBob Burke, Managing Partnerof the company whose buildingmystified area residents when itwas under construction.

But now that once-perplexing buildingboasts four giant fans that generate crazy windspeeds and serve as a magnet for adventure seekersfrom other cities, counties, states, and yes—fromaround the world.

It’s kind of funny when you think about it:The same venue that attracts military personnel

for training exercises also attracts 10-year-olds forbirthday parties.

And companies for team-building activities.And groups of men and women for bachelor

and bachelorette parties.And an older generation of ‘flyers’ who come

to cross it off their Bucket Lists. Truly, SkyVenture’s customers are diverse. About 67% are classified as leisure flyers—

moms, dads, kids, grandpas, and grandmas whocome in an average of 1.8 times a year.

(You figure out how that works.) Another 28% are skydivers, who use the facility

year-round but really rack up time in the tunnelfrom September to May.

“When you go out and do a coached jump outof an airplane, normally the skydiver pays for hisjump ticket, his coach’s jump ticket, and then acoaching fee, so it can be really expensive,” explains Burke.

And depending whether that jump is in Coloradoor at sea level, you get maybe 17–25 seconds that

you can do one-on-one coaching in the air beforeyou have to break and deploy.

For that same amount of money,skydivers can get close to 10 minutesin the tunnel, with five or six timesthe amount of coaching. Andthey can do everything in thetunnel that they can do inthe sky.

So who are the remaining5% of flying customers?

Military personnel andinternational travelers.Teams regularly come in

from the Air Force Academy,Fort Carson, and Special Opsgroups.In fact, rarely does a week

go by without a military group infiltrating Lone Tree’s wind tunnel

space.As for the international travelers, they often

pre-buy their time from dealers as far away asPuerto Rico and Australia.

So what’s been the biggest surprise to Burke interms of who walks through his door?

Hint: It’s not the soldier or world traveler. Or the Bucket Lister or adventure-seeking granny.It’s your friends and relatives.“The referral business we get from local people

has been unbelievable. A lot of Lone Tree neighborsbring friends and family who are visiting Colorado.They may not have ever even come themselves, butthey recommend it for people coming to town.”

SkyVenture Colorado putsLone Tree on world map.

Bob Burke in the wind tunnel.

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Lone Tree looking for a

few good youths.

Teenagers often get a bad rap.For playing their music too loud. For driving

their cars too fast. For neglecting to look up fromtheir iPhones.

But Lone Tree wants to change that image."The attitude is that kids don't do much for

their community, but we're here to change thatview and award students who are making a difference," explains Kyle Johnson, Chair of theLone Tree Youth Commission.

The seven-member Commission—made up ofstudents in grades 8–12 who live in Lone Tree andserve in an advisory capacity to City Council—created the award last year.

What award, you ask?The Outstanding Youth of Lone Tree Award,

aimed at recognizing youth in the community who demonstrate a commitment to communityinvolvement as well as personal achievement.

Who can apply?Any student whose legal residence is within

the City of Lone Tree at the time of application. The applicant must also be enrolled in grades

8–12, and the project or performance of qualifyingdeeds/actions identified in the application musthave occurred within the previous 12 months.

How can they apply?By completing the two-page application,

writing an essay, submitting a copy of their school transcript or report card, having two letters of recommendation mailed to the City, and wearingan “I Heart Lone Tree” shirt every day of the application period.

Okay, not that last part.But all the details can be found online at

www.cityoflonetree.com/youthaward beginningJanuary 25.

Applications will be accepted from February 1–April 1.

How will the winner be chosen?The award will be given to an individual or

group of students who demonstrate leadershipthrough community service or other outstandingachievements in academics, arts and culture, entrepreneurship, environment, sports and recreation, social action, or personal triumph.

A panel made up of Lone Tree Youth Commissioners, City Councilmembers, and Citystaff will review all entries and conduct in-personinterviews with the top candidates. The winnerwill be chosen in late April.

And what's in it for the selfless communityservant who is named the Outstanding Youth?

The winner will be recognized at a publicaward ceremony in early May, leading to City-widefame and glory.

And as if that's not enough, money ($500) willchange hands as well.

Any other questions?Contact Kristen Knoll, staff liaison to the Youth

Commission, at 303-708-1818 orkristen.knoll@cityoflonetree.com.

Let’s face it: University classes don’t alwayshave attention-grabbing titles.

But they are designed to make you smarter.A fine example: Lone Tree’s Sales Tax Class. Who should enroll? Anyone who has a business and needs to be

smart about the City’s sales tax and use tax laws.These one-hour classes are held in the Juniper

Room at the City of Lone Tree Municipal Building,9220 Kimmer Drive.

They begin at 2 pm on the following Fridays:January 25, February 22, and March 22.

To register, contact Scott Hall, CPA, at 303-708-1818 ext.1288 or via e-mail atscott.hall@cityoflonetree.com.

Sales Tax University

announces winter classes.

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Fact #1: You’re older today than you were yesterday.

Fact #2: If the headline attracted your attention,these lunches are meant for you.

Fact #3: You live in Douglas County and, assuch, are likely to be an overachiever who wantsto do everything well.

So come check out these monthly lunches.They’re interesting.And social.Here are the upcoming topics:

Tuesday, January 8, at 11:30 am: Ten WarningSigns of Alzheimer’s Disease, presented by theAlzheimer’s Association.

Tuesday, February 12, at 11:30 am: Ever thinkabout publishing your own life story? Don’t missHow to Write a Memoir, presented by two LoneTree authors.

Tuesday, March 12, at 11:30 am: The topic isstill to be determined, but the location and timearen’t. Come be surprised (or check the onlineschedule as it’s updated).

The events are $10/per person and includelunch.

Non-Lone Tree residents are welcome to attend.All lunches are at the Lone Tree Golf Club and

Hotel.RSVP by contacting Sharon Van Ramshorst at

sharonvanram@yahoo.com. For more information about the Speaker Series

Luncheons and the Living and Aging Well in LoneTree Working Group, go towww.cityoflonetree.com/agingwell, or contactKristen Knoll at 303-708-1818.

Get the factsabout Living

and Aging Well.

Hail to the grief.Last summer, Lone Tree homeowners heard a

lot of knocking—first on their front doors, andlater on their rooftops.

But just how much grief did that June 6 hailstormcause within our City limits?

More than $11 million worth…and counting.Since the storm, the City has issued 743 permits

to repair or replace roofs in Lone Tree.Most of those have been on single-family and

multi-family residential structures. Each re-roof permit requires two inspections—

a mid-roof inspection and a final inspection.That’s a lot of inspecting. So much so that the City supplemented its

inspection staff (of one) by hiring a consulting firmto provide inspection services.

On the bright side: There are a lot of new roofcolors and home-exterior paint palettes to admire.

This is what hail damage looks like.

Losses in Millions

This is what it cost Lone Tree homeowners.

$12

$10

$8

$6

$4

$2

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High quality. Low cost.That’s a beautiful pairing in any arena.And thanks to a grant from the National

Endowment for the Arts (NEA), it’s one that the Lone Tree Arts Center will be able to continue for itspopular educational series throughout the 2013 season.

LTAC was recently awarded a $10,000 Arts Education in American Communities grant to support programs that further arts education.

The grant names Passport to Culture andSeedlings as the primary programs of focus, as wellas workshops and classes that engage children andadults in arts education.

Passport to Culture (see page 13) serves children3–10 years old and their parents and grandparents.Through programs representing a variety of culturesand performing arts genres, Passport teaches kidsabout art forms from around the world.

Seedlings (see page 12) is a similar programbut is designed specifically for preschoolers.

Participation in both the Passport andSeedlings programs has grown exponentiallysince their inception, from single-digit attendanceat the first program to more than 100 participantsat events this past fall.

The final component of the grant applies to educational classes and workshops for all ages.This includes pre-professional-level classes taughtby local theater professionals in the TreeHouseAcademy, and recreation-level courses that areavailable on Saturdays and as multi-day sessionsduring school breaks.

For more information on educational programsand events, visit www.lonetreeartscenter.org orcall 720-509-1000.

When the Colorado Symphony (CSO) announcedthe Lone Tree Arts Center as its new South Metrohome, people were thrilled.

Longtime fans of the CSO swooned at themere thought of seeing the top-notch orchestraclose to home.

Lone Tree patrons readied themselves for anentirely new experience in their own backyard.

And what had been one of Our City’s goalseven before the Arts Center was built had nowcome to fruition.

Anticipation was high, and the first concertshave not disappointed.

No small part of the appeal: The fact that, sittinganywhere in the 484-seat Main Stage Theater, youare never more than 60 feet from the stage.

That level of intimacy gives performers and audience members the unique experience of beingtruly connected through the performance.

Watching fingers pluck strings or fly across a piano. Hearing a soloist rise above the orchestra, yet

still being able to make out the piccolo.Breathing as one with the entire audience as a

movement ends in ringing silence, with no onewanting to break the moment but everyone wantingto show appreciation.

It’s a rare experience that few venues offer. Concertmaster Yumi Hwang Williams explains:

"I very much enjoyed playing in the Lone Tree ArtsCenter. This intimate hall allowed us to explorethe shades of color and dynamic, but the majesticmoments were especially dramatic. I look forwardto returning there and continuing our partnership."

Next up for the CSO in Lone Tree:

Giants of ClassicismFriday, January 11, 8 pm. The performance includes Mozart’s SymphonyNo. 40 (The Great G Minor Symphony), one of Mozart’s most well-known pieces.

The Art of BaroqueThursday, April 18, 7:30 pm.

To purchase tickets, contact the Lone Tree ArtsCenter Box Office at 720-509-1000 or online at www.lonetreeartscenter.org.

Colorado Symphony makes second home

at Arts Center.

Prestige—and money—flows fromNEA grant.

Photo by Don Casper

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Hysterically funny.Brilliantly conceived.A comedic masterpiece.Can Noises Off really

be all those things?Absolutely, if history is

any indication.And if Director Nick

Sugar is right, theater audiences are in for a memorable treat. Here’s his two-minute take on the play-within-a-play:

TL: Tell us about Noises Off and why it appeals to so many?NS: I’ve been on boards at different theater companies, and everybodyalways talks about Noises Off. I still remember the first time I saw it inthe 1990s. It’s such a visual, fun feast of frenzy that you just want to seeit again and again. And that’s why theater companies keep doing it.

TL: What are the perks of doing the show at LTAC?NS: You have to have a two-level set for this show—it’s a demanding set.It doesn’t work if you don’t have two levels of chaos instead of just one!

Running up and down the stairs, doors slamming, having all thisenergy – you need space. And the beautiful facility at Lone Tree offersthe space for this amazing set to happen.

TL: Your bio says you’re based in New York City and Denver.Are you originally from either of those cities?NS: I grew up in Denver. I’ve lived in Hong Kong, Los Angeles, andNew York City, and I’d been gone from Denver for about 12 years. Bythe time I came back and really looked around, I realized that Denverhad grown into a city! There was a downtown, and culture, and a lotof theater. So I started putting some resumes out and got a coupleprojects, and I was flying back and forth for a while. And eventually Idecided to move back here.

TL: Any regrets?NS: Not at all. Denver is a beautiful and comfortable place to live.

TL: Inquiring minds want to know: Is Sugar your real last name?NS: I was born and raised with that last name. I’m full-blooded Italian,and my family name is Zuccaro, which is sugar in Italian. When mygrandfather came to the U.S., he changed it.

TL: Do you have any rituals before opening night? Are you superstitious?NS: No, not at all. I just keep drinking coffee. And then after openingnight, I will definitely celebrate with an adult beverage.

TL: Any last words for those on the fence about coming toNoises Off?NS: If you really want to laugh and really want to have a good time,come see this show. It’s one that will stick with you for a long time.

Tuesday, January 29–Sunday, February 10

Lone Tree Arts Center

Wednesdays and Thursdaysat 7:30 pm

Fridays and Saturdays at 8 pm

Wednesday and Sunday matinees at 1:30 pm

This hysterically funny farcefollows the on- and off-stageantics of a mediocre touringcompany as they stumble fromdress rehearsal to disastrouslast night of their comedy play,Nothing On. In this play-within-a-play, absolutelyeverything that can go wrongdoes. The cast members desperately try to maintaincomposure and resort to sabotagingtheir fellow actors, resulting in aterrifying descent into hilariouschaos.

To purchase tickets or formore information, visitwww.lonetreeartscenter.orgor call 720-509-1000.

Noises Off turns on the laughs.Nick Sugar

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Th

e G

re

en c o r n e r

When it’s part of an energy-efficientheating/cooling system.

We know, we know.When you think of your neighborhood

Arts Center, you don’t think about energyefficiency.

You think about great performers.And comfortable seats.And refreshments at intermission.But your thinking’s about to change.Next time you’re there, take note of

its environmentally friendly attributes.For example, there are special parking

spaces for fuel-efficient vehicles. And windows in the theater to let in

natural light for non-performance dayswhen people are working onstage.

And yes, there are mushroom-likepods under every other seat to efficientlydisperse the heating and air conditioning.

Why are all these things in place?Because the Lone Tree Arts Center is a

‘green’ facility. And the U.S. Green BuildingCouncil even says so, designating it as LEED(Leadership in Energy and EnvironmentalDesign) Certified.

Which may sound a bit boring, but it’skind of a big deal.

“LEED requirements are generallywritten for facilities like office buildingsthat have relatively constant electrical demands throughout the day,” explainsSeth Hoffman, Lone Tree’s Deputy CityManager. “In a theater setting, the electricalloads spike when the lights and the air

When is a mushroomnot a mushroom?

conditioning turn on. That required our design team to be even more creative tomeet the LEED requirements.”

Thanks to that creativity, it can now besaid that LTAC celebrates the environment—every day.

Photo by Eric Wulfsberg

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Building a sensibly sustainablearts center was a priority for theCity Council from the very beginning.

During the planning andbuilding of the Lone Tree ArtsCenter, the City collaborated withspecialists at NREL, Xcel Energy,and Denver Water to ensure ahigh-performance structure offering considerable benefits interms of reduced pollution andresource conservation.

A couple other noteworthy facts:• LTAC’s choices in lighting

minimize light pollution. For example, parking lot fixtures keeplight in the lot—not on adjoiningroads or the sky.

• Low-consumption fixtureslike toilets and showers result in37% less water being used thanthe baseline amount calculatedfor the building.

• Increased insulation in wallsleads to a lower heating andcooling energy load.

• 75% of construction wastewas placed in separate dumpstersand taken to appropriate recyclefacilities.

• Much of LTAC is made fromrecycled materials. For instance,the spray-on acoustical ceiling inthe lobby and Event Hall is madefrom 80% post-consumer materials.

• LTAC used local materialswhen possible. For example, theexterior stone was harvested inMasonville, Colorado. And morethan 90% of the rebar, asphalt,and concrete is from local sources.

It’s just coffee.At least that’s what they say.But for Lone Tree Mayor Jim Gunning, it’ll be 40 cups of coffee.Over the course of (many more than) 40 days.In 40 cities.All to help build stronger relationships between cities in our

region.As incoming Chair of the Metro

Mayors Caucus (MMC),Mayor Gunning is usingconversations over coffee as a way to hearfrom each mayor aboutwhat’s happening intheir city while alsogetting their take onthe value of MMCand what it can do better.

So what exactly is MMC?Put simply, the Caucus is a

voluntary organization of mayors who work together on issuesaffecting their regions.

These issues have included FasTracks, local and state discussions around transportation funding, and supportinghealth and wellness issues in partnership with the metro business community, to name a few.

What’s likely to be on MMC’s radar in 2013? Mayor Gunning says that while transportation issues are

always at the forefront because of their regional nature and impact on quality of life and economic development, the Caucusis likely to begin an in-depth look at what’s developing at thefederal level concerning Internet sales tax (referred to as theMain Street Fairness Act).

Until then, Mayor Gunning has a few more coffees to schedule.And while he sipped his first cup back in October with the

Mayor of Lakewood, he plans to finish the last one in time forMMC’s annual retreat in January (which is when our Mayor officially begins his one-year term as Chair).

“As Chair, I want to continue to support and strengthen theregionalism the Caucus is known for both locally and nationally,”he says.

“After already visiting with more than half the mayors duringthis tour and hearing about some terrific efforts underway in theircities, I would like to provide more opportunities to exchangebest practices at our Caucus meetings.”

For more information about MMC, visit www.metromayors.org.

A look atwhat led to

LEED.

Mayor plans future over 40 cups of coffee.

Perched atop the construction site of the future Montecito housing development in RidgeGate, SenatorMark Udall is part of this Gang of Six who are looking north while referencing an all-important map.

The map highlights the many projects in various states of development in Lone Tree—four new housingprojects, two new hotels, two medical facilities, the future light rail extension, and the Cabela’s store.

From left to right, they are: Mayor Jim Gunning; Mike Fitzgerald, President/CEO of Denver SouthEconomic Development Partnership (DSEDP); Senator Mark Udall; Keith Simon, EVP and Director of Development of Coventry Development Corp.; Seth Hoffman, Lone Tree Deputy City Manager; and Steve Klausing, EVP of DSEDP.

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She has made her presence felt in Our Town over the years.As an Arts Commissioner.As a City Councilmember.As a Champion of Arts and Culture.Oh wait—that’s not an official title.But maybe it should be.Lone Tree’s own Patricia Braden was recently honored by

the Scientific & Cultural Facilities District at its annual award reception.

She was one of five district residents nominated for the Rex Morgan Award, which recognizes those whose leadershiphas made a significant impact on the arts, scientific, and cultural community.

For more information on the award or SCFD, visitwww.scfd.org.

Map to the future.

Woman of (culture and) honor.

If you see this woman around town,ask her to take a bow.

STATE OF THE CITY

SPECIAL SECTION

FOURTH QUARTER 2012

PAGE ONE

The City Staff has developed this report to keep the City Council informed on major issues in a consolidated format. If you have any general questions about this report, please contact Seth Hoffman in the City Management Office.

City Manager’s Office, Seth Hoffman, Deputy City Manager

• The City Manager’s Office hired Robert Johnson as the City’s first Internal Services Director. Robert oversees the operation of Risk Management, Human Resources, Information Technology, City Clerk/Municipal Court, Facilities, and Accounting.• The City selected Romina Shane, an eight-year resident of Lone Tree, as the next copywriter for the Timberlines quarterly newsletter. Romina comes to us with years of experience working in the publishing industry as both a writer and editor. • Staff worked with National Research Center (NRC) to complete the 2012 Resident Survey which can now be found in its entirety online at www.cityoflonetree.com/residentsurvey. The City is also working with NRC to develop a similar satisfaction survey targeted toward Lone Tree businesses.

Internal Services, Robert Johnson, Director

• Internal Services is currently in the process of selecting a construction firm to implement enhancements to the City Municipal Building that will improve usability of the facility. The construction will start in the first quarter of 2013 and will be completed in phases to limit impact to City operations.• The Municipal Court processed 1,270 cases during the quarter. This is a 2.66% increase from the same time period in 2011.• The City Clerk staff assisted the Douglas County Election Department by providing a ballot drop off service at the City Municipal Building and provided the citizens of Lone Tree with the option of dropping off their ballots the Saturday before the election and during normal City office hours.• The City Council approved an upgrade to the audio /visual system at the Civic Center that will increase system performance during City Council meetings and for the municipal court systems. Upgrades will be completed in the first quarter of 2013.• 238 new business licenses have been issued during the 3rd quarter of 2012.• Annual renewal notices were sent to 2,893 licensed Lone Tree businesses in September 2012.• Human Resources staff assisted supervisors in completing performance evaluations for all permanent employees. Additionally, Human Resources is currently assisting with the hiring of the Police Chief position and three other positions during the quarter.

SPECIAL SECTIONPAGE TWO

Lone Tree Arts Center, Lisa Rigsby Peterson, Executive Director

• Since its opening, over 54,000 tickets have been sold to events at the Arts Center.• Rebecca Grabler was hired as the Development Director; Rebecca was previously in the development department at the Colorado Symphony. Ron Axelson and Cecilia McNeel were hired as Box Office Representatives. Randy St. Pierre, Richard Spomer, and David Laughlin were hired as technical staff.• The week-long fall break session SuperBoys & WonderGirls was a huge success as students aged six to twelve tapped into their creative side by developing superhero characters and creating a play together. • Both Seedlings and Passport to Culture performances have begun the 2012/2013 season with banner attendance. Both programs have grown exponentially since the opening of the Arts Center. • The 2012/2013 season began with the Arvada Center production of Dirty Rotten Scoundrels and the Creede Repertory Theatre production of Harry the Great. Both showcase the LTAC’s interest in partnerships that bring the top talent in the state and country to Lone Tree. • Two new series began this fall, Chamber Music Insights and Essential Jazz. Both provide the audience concert notes and information about the genre of music they represent via a concert host as well as through the music itself.

Community Development Department, Steve Hebert, Director

• A new Embassy Suites Hotel is planned near I-25 and Lincoln (just south of Hampton Inn). The 7-story hotel will include 174 guest rooms, meeting space and a restaurant. The development application is currently in process with the City. Pending approval, construction could begin late in 2013.• A new single-family neighborhood is proposed on 10 acres south of Prairie Sky Park. “NorthSky at RidgeGate” will consist of 33 lots for single family homes, and will be developed by a joint venture between Harvard Communities and Berkley Homes. The application to subdivide the property is currently in process with the City.• Brother’s Bar and Grill has received City Council approval to redevelop the former Claim Jumper building at C-470 and Quebec St. Brother’s Bar & Grill currently has only one other location in Colorado, on Market St. in downtown Denver.• New construction continues elsewhere throughout RidgeGate: Single-family homes in ParkSide and Montecito are underway, along with Regency town homes and multi-family apartments north of the Recreation Center. Cabela’s, near I-25 and RidgeGate Parkway, is currently under construction with a planned opening for the fall of 2013.• Professional panelists from the Urban Land Institute made their recommendations about the Entertainment District to the City Council on December 4th. The Entertainment District is bounded on the west by Yosemite St, on the north by C-470, on the south by Heritage Hills and on the east by the Crest Apartments, and is home to more than 50 businesses, numerous restaurants, specialty services, financial services, lodging and office uses. The panel’s recommendations will help the City consider future planning efforts and public investment in the Entertainment District area. • The Building Division’s administrative and inspection staff has been busy on all of the construction jobs mentioned above, in addition to nearly 700 re-roofing permits issued after the June hail storm. The City has hired a temporary, part-time building inspector to focus on roof inspections. Timely and diligent inspections help minimize the time it takes to complete a job and minimizes disruptions to the residents.• New businesses that have recently completed construction, or will soon, include Yogie’s Yogurt on Park Meadows Dr. near Sam’s Club, You Break I Fix near County Line Rd. and Willow St. and Pandora Jewelry in the Park Meadows Mall.

Please visit the Community Development Department page of the City’s web site for more information, or call 303-708-1818.

Why To accept a personal role in the improvement of our environment and theconservation of natural resources.

HowThere is no additional cost for recycling services. Pro Disposal, Inc. providesresidential curbside single-stream recycling. You may mix recyclable paper,plastic, and glass in bin. No sorting required.

WhenRecycling is picked up on the same day as your trash, on an every-other-weekschedule. Place recycle bins a few feet from your trash. Please have trash atcurbside by 7:00 a.m. on the day of collection.

BinsTwo free 18-gallon recycle bins per household may be picked up at the City ofLone Tree Administration Office or 65-gallon wheeled carts may be ordered.Information can be found at www.cityoflonetree.com/recyclecart.

TrashPro Disposal, Inc. will collect unlimited household trash each week. Please bag alltrash and place in a closed container to protect it (40-pound limit per can or bag).Bag all animal waste.

Yard WasteEach week, Pro Disposal, Inc. will collect up to 15 bags of yard waste (leaves andgrass). Branches and brush: cut into 4-foot lengths and tie securely in 24-inchdiameter bundles. Limit 10 bundles a week. 40-pound limit per bag.

Sharp Objects

Please place hypodermic needles, razor blades, or any other sharp items into ahard plastic container with a screw-on lid. Wrap broken glass and mirrors innewspaper and label. Do not recycle and place in trash.

Holidays Observed

New Year’s Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day,Christmas Day

Holiday Pickup

If your trash day falls on or after a holiday (that same week), your pickup will be one day later.

Clean-up Fee

Pro Disposal, Inc. is unable to accept any liquid waste or batteries. A clean-up feewill be added if your trash contains these. See Hazardous Waste.

Hazardous Wastewww.curbsideinc.com

At Your Door, at 800-449-7587, is the City’s household hazardous waste serviceprovider. They collect items that should not be placed in the trash or recycled. A minimum copay is collected. Electronics recycling is also available.

Special Pickups /Large Items

Please call Pro Disposal, Inc. at 303-791-3827 to obtain a quote and schedule apickup for large items and special pickups such as construction debris, housecleanouts, and furniture.

City of Lone Tree Homeowner’s 2013 Trash and Recycling Guidewww.cityoflonetree.com/green

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Aluminum Aluminum cans, foil, and rinsed pie tins.

Paper Bags and Cardboard

Please flatten cardboard. Wax-lined cardboard is not accepted,but it can be composted.

Glass Bottles and Jars

Food and beverage glass jars only.

Junk Mail

If you can tear it, throw it in; no Tyvek plastic overnight or mailing folders.

Magazines and Catalogs

Please discard plastic bags, CDs, and magnets.

Newspaper The entire newspaper, including the inserts and ads areaccepted.

Office Paper

All types of paper are accepted. If you can tear it, they canaccept it (No Tyvek).

Chip or Paperboard

Examples: cereal, tissue, soda carrier boxes, paper towel tubes,paper egg cartons.

Phone Books

Please discard bags and magnets.

Plastic Any #1 – #7 numbered container.

Steel and Aerosol Cans

Please make sure aerosol cans are completely empty.

Milk and Juice Cartons

Gabled top milk and juice cartons.

Do Not Recycle (Not Recyclable)No plastic bags, styrofoam, Tyvek overnight mail folders, plastic egg cartons, six-pack ring holders, or batteries.

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SPECIAL SECTIONPAGE THREE

Public Works Department, John P. Cotten, P.E.

• Public Works provided general landscape and road maintenance, noxious weed control, and traffic signal maintenance.• The 2012 street overlay and concrete replacement projects were completed in October. This work included the resurfacing of a portion of Lincoln Ave. in addition to local streets within the Fairways and Cypress Greens subdivisions and Ptarmigan Trail.• Coordination with the Douglas County Stormwater Coop and administration of the EPA Phase 2 Stormwater permit is ongoing. • Public Works continues to make updates to the “web mapper”, a website that provides an interactive map for residents and visitors. The web mapper site provides parcel information, Homeowners’ Association designations, snow plow routes, zoning information, and other useful information. This web mapper can be found at www.cityoflonetree.com/ezmap. • Public Works staff continued to assist Douglas County Traffic Engineering in the replacement of all of the traffic signal controllers in the City. This new controller allows for better communication between signals and the management center and reduces travel time delay with instant timing adjustments as the volumes of traffic change over the course of a day.• Public Works staff provided plan review on numerous planning and engineering documents submitted to the City for land development.• Construction of acceleration and deceleration lanes on Park Meadows Dr. adjacent to the new Kaiser Development project was completed in November 2012. Additionally, Park Meadows Dr. was resurfaced adjacent to this same area.• Replacement of concrete pavement panels was completed through a portion of westbound Lincoln Ave. between Interstate 25 and Havana St. This project is completed annually through portions of Lincoln Ave. east of Interstate 25.• Public Works completed the selection process for contractual services to provide both snow removal and routine street and storm sewer maintenance throughout the City. The selection process included requesting proposals, evaluating the proposals, and recommending the selected contractor to City Council.

Police Department, Ron Pinson, Acting Police Chief

• On October 26, 22 citizens graduated from the Citizen’s Police Academy. All of the Citizens that participated had the opportunity to learn many things about how the Police Department works and got to try some “hands on” police work. This academy was the culmination of many hours of hard work by the folks who volunteered their time and effort to learn more about how the department works. • The 2012 Lone Tree Police Department Open House was held Saturday, September 15. This public event included K-9 and Taser Demonstrations, Child ID Kits, an Interactive SWAT Booth, CSI, 911 Simulator and much more. • The National Pharmaceutical Drug Take Back Initiative event took place on September 29 from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm. The Police Department collected 6 boxes of used and old medicines that totaled 103.25 pounds that were turned over to the state for proper disposal. • With the colder weather and wet or snowy road conditions that we typically see this time of year, the Police Department would like to ask all citizens to use care when driving in conditions that are less than ideal. Slow down when roads start to get wet, increase the distance between you and the car in front of you, be aware that on side streets and in parking lots, children may be playing or may be in between vehicles and may dart out. • The Police Department has prepared some safety tips to assist with the prevention of identity theft during the holiday season. • Be aware of your surroundings. Do not leave purses, wallets or briefcases unattended, especially in shopping carts. If you are leaving these items or gifts and packages in your vehicle, lock them up in the trunk or out of view. Guard cell phones, credit cards, wallets and all of your personal effects. • Know who it is you are giving information to, either in person or over the phone. Do they need the information? Do you trust them? • Keep your receipts and shred any documents (or receipts) that contain personal or financial information that you no longer need. • Shred or destroy any mailings that offer credit if you are not going to partake of the offer. One of the biggest ways that criminals obtain identity information is that they find these offers in the mail or trash and fill them out for their own use. • Watch your accounts. Question any charges you feel are suspicious. • Keep good records. One or two fraudulent charges might get by you in these busy times if you’re not a good record keeper. • Don’t use your social security number for an account number or password if you don’t have to. Most companies now give you other options. • Have conversations that discuss account numbers and personal information quietly or out of earshot of others. • If you become a victim, act fast! Cancel cards, change accounts, file reports as soon as possible to minimize the damage.

SPECIAL SECTIONPAGE FOUR

Finance and Accounting, Christine Harwell, CPA

• For the nine months ended September 30, 2012, the City’s actual revenue (General Fund only) totaled $18,272,015 in comparison to a year to date budget of $17,024,863 resulting in a positive variance of $1,247,152. A significant portion of this variance relates to sales tax revenues coming in higher than budgeted as well as building permit fee revenues coming in higher than budgeted due to a significant amount of unanticipated roof replacements as a result of hail damage during 2012. • Through September, sales tax revenues were up 4.73% as compared to the same period in 2011. The 2012 budget anticipated a 3% increase year over year. As sales tax revenues are the largest source of revenue for the City, City staff continues to diligently monitor revenue receipts in comparison to the budget as well as sales tax trends. • For the nine months ended September 30, 2012, the City’s actual expenditures (General Fund only) totaled $16,302,152 in comparison to a year to date budget of $21,653,042, resulting in a positive variance of $5,350,890. A significant portion of this variance is due to the timing of various capital projects being completed later in the year than was originally anticipated.• The City has successful renegotiated a two-year extension on its Letter of Credit related to the City Municipal Building at a rate of 1.15%• A formal policy related to the accumulation of capital reserve balances related to future City capital project needs (both new projects as well as replacement projects) has been drafted and reviewed by Council as part of the City’s 2013 budget process. The policy will be formally adopted by Council concurrently with the adoption of the City’s 2013 budget in December.• The City’s 2013 budget public hearing was held on November 20, 2012. The Council has established the following seven priorities for the 2013 budget: Municipal Stewardship, Economic Vibrancy, Safe Community, Multimodal Transportation, Enriched Community, Attractive and Sustainable Environment, and Capital Investment in the Future. The 2013 budget will be adopted by Council on December 18, 2012.• The City recently received notice that its Standard & Poor’s AA rating has been renewed.

City Attorney’s Office, Gary White, City Attorney

• Following passage at the general election of Amendment 64, meant to regulate marijuana like alcohol, the City Attorney’s Office has been interpreting and studying the effects of the Amendment and planning strategies with the City Council as to its ramifications, preparing for the consequences of its implementation. • The City Attorney’s Office has worked with Public Works to develop a comprehensive and up to date ordinance for grading, erosion and sediment control standards that include storm water runoff requirements in order to comply with the latest state and federal regulations.• Following compliance checks of liquor establishments in the City, the City Attorney’s Office has prosecuted bar and restaurant owners who have violated liquor ordinances in order to keep the sale of alcohol out of the hands of underage buyers. • The City Attorney’s Office has worked on an Intergovernmental Agreement with the Town of Parker and the Lone Tree Police Department to provide fleet services for LTPD vehicles, reducing down time and costs to the City. • Working with the staff of the Lone Tree Arts Center, the City Attorney’s Office has been involved in contracting with artists and productions for the stage and the rental of Arts Center facilities.• The City Attorney’s Office reviewed and advised on issues concerning the Park Meadows Business Improvement District’s Operating Plan and Budget which was presented to and approved by the City Council.• The City Attorney’s Office has been active as counsel to the Lone Tree Entertainment Business Improvement District. • The City Attorney’s Office advises City Commissions, Boards and Committees on procedures, policies and conflict of interest issues.• The City Attorney’s Office continues to provide legal services related to enforcing audits for compliance with the tax codes, litigation, zoning regulations, construction and maintenance standards, traffic regulations, City criminal code improvements and liquor control and licensing matters.

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^̂A New Year almost always brings change.

That’s certainly true for the City’s variouscommittees, boards, and commissions.

So in 2013, the City says a heartfelt ‘Hello’ tothe residents stepping up to serve Lone Tree inthe years to come.

At the same time, the City bids a grateful‘Goodbye’ to those neighbors who have fulfilledtheir terms.

New AppointmentsArts Commission: Kerry Jamison and Bob Meldrum.Audit Committee: Andrew Dodgen.Board of Adjustment: Dave Kirchner, Jim Fucillo, and Bill Robertson (reappointed).Board of Appeals: Jason Margraf. Planning Commission: Rhonda Carlson, Martha Sippel (reappointed), and Stephen Mikolajczak (reappointed).Citizens’ Recreation Advisory Committee: Mike Parr (reappointed) and Vicki Swaider(reappointed).Youth Commission: Alex MacPherson and Lindsay Nikolaeff (reappointed).

Outgoing MembersCharles Roberts (Board of Appeals, 1997-2012).Richard Rodriguez (Board of Adjustment, 2009-2012).Elizabeth McKenna Greenberg (Arts Commission, 2007-2012).Thomas Haning (Planning Commission, 2007-2012).Nicole Toerber (Audit Committee, 2007-2012).Tessa Bell (Youth Commission, 2010-2012).Lexus Pickett (Youth Commission, 2009-2012).

All these volunteers are highly valued—andmuch appreciated!

Hello.And

Goodbye.

Lone Tree policeofficer achieves

hero status.

Police officers usually fill their workdays responding to citizens’ calls for assistance, enforcing traffic laws, and writing reports.

But every once in a while, this normal ‘routine’gets turned on its head.

Case in point: Last spring, when police dispatchaired a call for medical assistance needed at Sam’sClub in Lone Tree.

Officer Jason Hole quickly responded to thescene, where store employees directed him to afemale shopper who was choking so severely thatshe couldn’t breathe.

He began performing CPR and maintained thislife-saving effort until paramedics arrived andtransported her to the hospital.

“Officer Hole’s quick response and life-savingefforts were truly heroic,” said Acting Chief RonPinson as he presented him with the Life SavingMedal and Commendation.

“He certainly served his community that dayand represented the Lone Tree Police Departmentin a valiant manner.”

12

Take a picture—it’ll last longer.Then submit that picture for consideration in

the 11th Annual Lone Tree Photographic ArtShow and Sale, and it could last even longer yet.

The Lone Tree Arts Commission has officiallyannounced the Call for Entry into the City’s annual juried show. Here’s what you need toknow to make your picture(s) famous:

• Call for Entry opens Sunday, January 6.• Artists may submit up to three images onwww.callforartists.org by Sunday, March 3. • Entry is open to the general public. • Entries cannot have appeared in a previousLone Tree Photographic Show.• Entry fee of $35 per photographer.• Categories include: Digital Art; Animals inNature; People, Travel, and Places; and Natureand Landscape.• Total cash awards are estimated at $4,000.Best of Show winner will receive 30 days ofgallery space for up to 10 images at the LoneTree Arts Center once the Photo Show closes.• Artists whose entries are accepted will benotified by Friday, March 15.• The show will be held April 20–June 9 atthe Lone Tree Arts Center.

Visit www.cityoflonetree.com/photoshowfor more details.

Seedlings is a one-hour-long family lunchtimeprogram designed to engage parents and youngchildren in arts, culture, science, and genuine entertainment.

Enjoy a lunch from Firehouse Subs in Lone Tree when you pre-order with your ticketpurchase!

Recommended audience: Toddlers throughkindergarten.

Admission: $3. (Children ages one and under are free.)Child box lunches: $3.Adult box lunches: $4.

Linda the Jungle Lady.Tuesday, February 5,11 am.

Snakes and lizards.Bugs and turtles.

Hedgehogs and others.Just waiting to be

touched…by you.Join the Jungle Lady

as she presents a fun, safe, educational show featuring live animals.

It promises to be exciting and unusual, and audience members will have the chance to touchsome of the not-so-cuddly creatures.

Stories Alive.Tuesday, March 5,11 am.

Join MeghanCasey with RockyMountain Puppetsfor an incrediblestory time in whichcharacters from the story magically come to life.

An exciting and interactive experience thatyour child will always remember!

Purchase tickets at the Lone Tree Arts CenterBox Office in person, via phone at 720-509-1000,online at www.lonetreeartscenter.org, or the dayof the performance.

Little sprouts love Seedlings.

Last year’s Best of Show winner, Zion’s Art, by Laura Bennett.

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Specifically designed for children and theirfamilies to experience arts and culture outside theclassroom, Passport to Culture expands theirworlds of imagination!

Through performances, workshops, and pureentertainment, Passport fosters the growth of thevisual and performing arts, science, and culturalunderstanding in our community.

Get your Passport to Culture at each month’sfamily program at the Lone Tree Arts Center.

Children who fill up their passports with eventstickers can bring their completed passports to theLone Tree Box Office and receive complimentaryPassport to Culture tickets for their families.

Adults and children: $5.Children ages 2 and under: Free. Purchase tickets at the Lone Tree Arts Center

Box Office in person, via phone at 720-509-1000,online at www.lonetreeartscenter.org, or the dayof the performance.

Here’s what’s coming up:

Inside the Orchestra.Sunday, January 20, 1:30 pm & 3 pm.

Tiny Tots Inside the Orchestra is 45 minutes of engaging fun for children ages 6 and under, designed to introduce young kids to orchestralmusic—from literally inside the orchestra!

Come sit inside the orchestra and experiencekid-favorite tunes.

Wee Be Green.Sunday, February 17, 3 pm.

Join the Wee Noteables as they help uncover amix up when a young boy named Frank thinkshe’s going to have to move to Greenland when his parents say they're “going green.”

On the journey, Frank meets a puppet namedWendell Worm who finds he’s displaced from hishome when they “pave paradise and put up aparking lot!”

Come along on a grand adventure in this fast-paced, family-friendly interactive musical theaterprogram.

Bennett School of Irish Dance.Sunday, March 17, 3 pm.

Learn about Irish culture and dance as theBennett School of Irish Dance entrances you withits swift steps of traditional and modern solo steps.Audience members can even participate in ceili(which means ‘party’) steps to show off their ownIrish flair.

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Not sure how to keep your kids busy during winter and springbreaks from school? Check out these options from the Lone TreeArts Center.

Improv Intensive.Wednesday–Friday, January 2–4, 9 am–3 pm.

Improv Intensive is perfect for any young actor looking to experiment! This class challenges students as they dive intocharacter development, group mind and object study, scenework, and creative thinking.Cost: $90; Ages 13–18.

FUNdamentals of Improv.Wednesday–Friday, January 2–4, 9 am–3 pm.

This session introduces budding actors to the world of improv and pantomime. By learning improvisational gamesand techniques, students develop skills that lead to feelingcomfortable on stage.Cost: $90; Ages 8–12.

Funky Fairytales.Monday–Friday, March 25–29, 9 am–3 pm.

Have you ever heard of Little Red Hen Makes a Pizza, ThePrincess and the Bowling Ball, or maybe The Three Dragons Gruff ?Starting with well-known fairytales, this class mixes in creativityand teamwork to create a week full of funky fairytale fun.

From sword fighting to fairytale commercials, students havea ball as they learn basic acting skills and dream up interestingnew happily-ever-afters for their favorite characters. Activitiespromote teamwork, creativity, and literacy skills while buildingself-esteem.

Final class meeting includes a showcase of our favorite storiesacted out during the week for parents and friends.Cost: $175; Ages 6–12.

For more information, call 720-509-1000 or visit www.lonetreeartscenter.org.

Give your kids a (better) break.

Hank Williams is coming to an

Arts Center near you.And you don’t have to be a

country music fan to enjoy the show.This musical biography of the

rise and fall of the legendarysinger-songwriter is billed as nothing short of spectacular. Follow Williams through his oftenlonely journey from backwoodsAlabama to super-stardom at theGrand Ole Opry.

Tickets are on sale now for thisunforgettable tribute that highlightshis unique magic as a performerand the simple spell of his yearningsongs.

Hank Williams: Lost HighwayBy Randal Myler and Mark HarelikLone Tree Arts CenterApril 4–14

The historic Schweiger Ranch in RidgeGate is now open to the publicevery Saturday and Sunday from 1–5 pm.

For more information go to www.cityoflonetree.com/schweigerranch or call 303-790-0557.

OPEN

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Next up for Lone Tree’s burgeoning jazz scene:

Essential Jazz: Small Groups Make Up a Big Band!Friday, January 18, at 8 pm.

SFJAZZ Collective: The Music of Chick CoreaTuesday, March 26, at 7:30 pm.

Tickets are available online at www.lonetreeartscenter.org, by phone at 720-509-1000, or at the box office in thelobby weekdays from 10 am to 4 pm.

Just when you thinkyou’ve got Lone Tree all figured out, think again.

Most residents wouldn’tpinpoint their City as ahotbed of jazz music.

But maybe they should.Last fall, the Lone Tree Arts Center hosted a

dynamic concert featuring internationally notedjazz musician Allan Harris.

Then it kicked off its Essential Jazz series, designed to give listeners a ‘roadmap’ of jazzmusic—from its inception to its future.

The star of the Essential series is Colorado JazzRepertory Orchestra, which features some of thebest jazz musicians this state has to offer—includingLone Tree’s own Art Bouton.

The first performance showcased Big Band Swing.Then came From Dixieland to Jazz, The Evolution

and When the Duke Meets the Count, an Evening withBig Band Royalty.

In January, audiences will be treated to SmallGroups Make Up a Big Band!

And some might say the best is yet to come, as the SFJAZZ Collective comes to town in Marchand takes on the music of legendary pianist andcomposer Chick Corea.

And what’s so great about the SFJAZZ Collective?The Denver Post answers the question this way:

“The Collective is an all-star jazz ensemble comprising eight of the finest performer/composersat work in jazz today. The Collective has becomeone of the most acclaimed groups on the jazz sceneand…has been called ‘the future of jazz’ by The New York Times.”

So in a sense, the future is now.Or on March 26, to be more exact.

All that jazz...and then some.

16

SSPRD keeps Lone Treers busy.Kids’ Expo.Saturday, February 9,11 am–3 pm.

The Lone TreeRecreation Centerhosts its second annual FREE Kids’Expo, featuring localagencies and busi-nesses that cater tofamilies. Participants can learn about summercamps, family recreation, swim lessons, outdoorpool specials, health and safety, local entertainment,and more. Kids’ activities, entertainment, and doorprizes also abound. Questions? Contact MaryKaminski at MaryK@ssprd.org or visitwww.ssprd.org.

Stretch yourself with new Barre, Yoga, and Zumba classes.

Three new reasons to visit Lone Tree Recre-ation Center: Zumba Gold on Tuesdays at 8:30 am;Restorative (gentle) Yoga on Wednesdays at 6:30pm; and Barre Sculpt on Fridays at 9 am.

Classes are included in the recreation center’sdaily admission fee.

Affordable blood screenings.Tuesday, January 15, 7–9:30 am.Lone Tree Recreation Center.

SSPRD and University Hospital are teaming upto provide comprehensive blood screenings. Costis $40 for cholesterol and 30 other blood components;12-hour fast required. Minimum age 18, unless accompanied by a guardian. Additional screeningsavailable. No reservations needed, so just show up!

Bingo Night.Friday, January 25, 7 pm.Lone Tree Golf Club & Hotel.

Nope, this isn’t your church’s Bingo game! The number-calling starts at 7 pm in The Out of Bounds Grill. Come earlier for dinner and drink specials. Only $12 gets you boards for all six games and the chance to win cash prizes.

Sign up by calling 303-790-0202.

The new Cook Creek Tennis Courts in theTaos Open Space (just north of Cook Creek Pool)were officially dedicated last fall.

Dedicated to what? To offering residents two courts, a backboard,

a shelter, port-o-let, parking lot, and bridge overWillow Creek to Willow Creek Trail.

Dedicated by whom? The courts were jointly funded by SSPRD and

the City of Lone Tree. Jackie Millet, Mayor ProTem, and John Ostermiller, SSPRD board chair,shared ribbon-cutting duties.

Smiling for the camera are (from left to right)City Councilmember Kim Monson; SSPRD BoardMember Sue Rosser; Jackie Millet; John Ostermiller;City Councilmember Susan Squyer; and SSPRDBoard Members Pam Eller and Mike Anderson.

Mystery Dinner Theater. Friday, February 8, 6:30 pm.Lone Tree Golf Club & Hotel.

Gather your friends for a night of mystery! The Mystery Dinner madness includes a four-course meal and a drink ticket. It's up to you—and the rest of the audience—to solve this baffling, interactive “WhoDunnit.” Call 303-790-0202 for more information.

Tennis, anyone?

17

Here’s a sampling of what’s happening at our localbranch:

BOOK CLUBSUnless specifically noted, updated book lists for eachclub can be found at www.douglascountylibraries.org.Most clubs are for adults, and registration is generallynot required. For more information, call 303-791-7323.

Book Banter.Meets first Wednesday of eachmonth at 7 pm.January 2: What Alice Forgot byLiane Moriarty.February 6: Mr. Churchill's Secretary by Susan MacNeal.March 6: Desert Queen: The Extraordinary Life of Gertrude Bellby Janet Wallach.

Crime and Beyond.Dedicated to reading/discussingmystery novels. Meets fourth Monday of each monthat 6:30 pm.

Great Books Discussion Group.Forum for discussing significantworks of fiction, philosophy, politicalscience, poetry, and drama. Meets first Thursday of each monthat 7 pm.

Mother-Daughter Book Club.Spend time together, read and talk about new books,and meet new people!For girls in grades 4–6 and their moms or caretakers. Meets six times a year. Next meeting: Sunday, February 3, 2 pm. Register in person at Douglas County Libraries in Lone Tree.

Readers Roost.Meets first Thursday of each month at noon.

OTHER OFFERINGSRegistration is suggested or required for most events.Visit www.douglascountylibraries.org or call 303-791-7323 to reserve your spot. It’s that simple.

Conversational Spanish.Six-week course designed to increase Spanish fluency.Adults only. Tuesdays, January 8–February 12, 6:30 pm.

A new year, a bunch of new reasonsto visit the library.

Teen Library Council.Offers students (ages 12–18) a chance to help planevents, recommend materials, and volunteer in thecommunity while earning community service hours.Second Thursday of each month at 7 pm. Upcoming dates: January 10, February 14, and March 14.

Zoo Story.Enjoy a performance of Edward Albee's classic Americanplay, Zoo Story, presented by Cafe la Papa ETC! Adult themes.Saturday, January 12, 6 pm.

SAT/ACT Combo Practice Test.Students answer questions from the ACT and SAT, then receive a detailed analysis of their performance ina follow-up session to help determine which test isright for them. High school sophomores, juniors, andseniors only. Saturday, February 2, 9:30 am.

Anti-Valentine’s Zombie Prom.Teens trade in the mush and pink of Valentine's Day forgore, goodies, games, and an undead costume contest. Thursday, February 14, 7 pm.

Colorado's Wineries.An evening with author Paula Mitchell and a virtual tourof state wineries profiled in her new book. Wine and appetizers will be served, and books will be available forsale and signing. Friday, February 15, 6:30 pm.

CSI for Kids.Kids ages 6–9 can join others their age for sleuthing,finger-printing, and more. Friday, February 22, 6 pm.

Book Lovers Evening.Get in on a fun talk about new books you must have onyour reading list. Door prizes and discussion. Wednesday, March 13, 7 pm.

Stuffed Animal Sleepover.Two-part event for kidsand their stuffedfriends. Animal friendswill sleep at the library.Kids come back the nextday to learn about theirovernight adventures!Friday, March 22, 6 pm.

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Robert Johnson recently joined the City as Internal Services Director.

To find out what that means to you and what Lone Tree means to him (so far), read on.

What exactly does an Internal Services Director do?

I’m responsible for managing the City’sHuman Resources, Information Technology, Accounting, City Clerk/Municipal Court, and Facilities departments.

These responsibilities all focus on providing information and services to Lone Tree customers,which include City staff, residents, and businesses.

So whether you have a question about payinga traffic ticket, finding information on our website,or applying for a job with the City—the InternalServices Director and his staff are here to providewhat you need.

And I take it this isn’t your first time workingin city government?

I’ve been working with local governments formore than 20 years. I spent eight years as a privateconsultant to local governments in Florida.

One of my most rewarding projects was helpingthe City of Homestead manage $50 million in grantfunding that helped the city’s rebuilding efforts following Hurricane Andrew.

A new facearound town.

More recently, I was Economic DevelopmentManager and then Deputy City Manager in Leesburg,Florida, where I also served a term as president of theChamber of Commerce.

What’s your favorite thing about Lone Treeso far?

The ability to live and work in a communitywith such diversity of recreational opportunity isjust awesome.

Is that a long way of saying there’s a lot todo here?

Yes!

Do you have a favorite place to shop in Lone Tree?

Having just moved here six months ago, HomeDepot is getting a disproportionate amount of mytime and money.

We heard about an unexpected housewarminggift you received from Mother Nature…

We moved into Heritage Hills on June 4. Ourmovers delivered all our household items that day,and most were still in boxes in our garage whenthe hailstorm hit on June 6.

Because of all those boxes in the garage, ourcars were parked in the driveway. We suffered extensive hail damage to both of them.

We also lost a tree in our front yard. So, besides unpacking, we had the pleasure of

cutting up a tree and car shopping during our firstweek in Lone Tree.

Did that make you question your move to Colorado?

Not at all. I wouldn’t trade the hailstorms forthe hurricanes that we left behind in Florida!

Next up for the Lone Tree Symphony:Friday, March 1, 7:30 pm.Backpacking Through Europe

To purchase tickets or for more information,visit www.lonetreeartscenter.org or call 720-509-1000.

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After closing out the year at its Annual Din-ner & Awards Banquet, the Lone Tree Chamberof Commerce is now in the planning stages for2013 programs and events. Events will includethe annual State of the City of Lone Tree in May,the Liberty Dash 5K on July 4, and A Taste ofLone Tree in August.

To learn more about these events, theChamber, or how your business can get involved,please call 303-792-3282 or visitwww.lonetreechamber.com.

When and where should we meet?City Councilmeets at 7 pm.Planning Commission meets at 6:30 pm.Citizens’ Recreation Advisory Committee meets at 5 pm.Arts Commission meets at 6:30 pm.Youth Commission meets at 7:30 pm.Lone Tree Photography Club meets 7–9 pm.Lone Tree Beading Groupmeets at 9 am.Lone Tree Hiking Clubmeets at 7 pm.

The above meet at the Lone Tree Civic Center except for theYouth Commission and the Recreation Advisory Committeewhich meet at the Lone Tree Municipal Building—and the ArtsCommission which meets at the LT Arts Center.

Chambernews andnotes.

Marcy Thompson of First Commercial Bank(center) was recently named the Chamber’s Volunteer of the Year. Michelle Holbrook, 2012Chamber President, and Mark Merritt, Chairmanof the Board, presented the award at the annualDinner & Awards Celebration.

The award for Business of the Year went toIMS Printing. Pictured here (L to R) are MichelleHolbrook, 2012 Chamber President; J. J. Heim,IMS Printing; Mark Merritt, Chairman of theBoard; and Tim Kelly, Chairman-Elect 2013.

Photo by Don Casper

Photo by Don Casper

The question is: Do you?Take a moment to remember.Did you visit an aquarium?Take a trip up Pikes Peak on the Cog Railroad?Enjoy sampling some suds during a tour of Coors

Brewery?Then it’s

entirely possible thata City staff memberis holding yourmemories hostageat this very moment.

It seems aNikon Coolpixcamera becameseparated from itsowner during asummer visit toSweetwater Park,most likely duringa concert or the Independence Day celebration.

If all of this is starting to sound familiar and you’dlike to reclaim your summer, simply contact Timberlines at timberlines@cityoflonetree.comwith additional details.

Don’t worry—the truth will set your camera free.

RememberMe?

We know what youdid last summer.

A Mini-Calendar of Meetings & Happenings.(Details—including times & places—on all listings can be found elsewhere in this Timberlines.)

January

2: LT Library/Book Banter2: City Council - Canceled 2: Arts Center/Winter Break Camps begin3: LT Library/Readers Roost3: LT Library/Great Books 3: Youth Commission6: Call for Entries/LT Photographic Show7: Photography Club8: LT Library/Conversational Spanish8: Living & Aging Well Lunch8: Planning Commission9: Arts Commission10: Teen Library Council11: CSO: Giants of Classicism12: Beading Group12: LT Library/Zoo Story14: Hiking Club14: Recreation Advisory Committee15: Affordable Blood Screenings15: LT Library/Conversational Spanish15: City Council17: Youth Commission18: Essential Jazz20: Passport/Inside the Orchestra21: Photography Club22: LT Library/Conversational Spanish22: Planning Commission25: Sales Tax University25: Bingo Night26: Beading Group28: LT Library/Crime & Beyond29: LT Library/Conversational Spanish29: Noises Off opens

February

1: Application period opens for Outstanding Youth of LT

2: LT Library/SAT & ACT Combo Test3: LT Library/Mother-Daughter Book Club4: Photography Club5: Seedlings/Linda the Jungle Lady5: LT Library/Conversational Spanish5: City Council6: LT Library/Book Banter7: LT Library/Readers Roost7: LT Library/Great Books 7: Youth Commission8: Mystery Dinner Theater9: Kids’ Expo9: Beading Group11: Hiking Club11: Recreation Advisory Committee12: LT Library/Conversational Spanish12: Living & Aging Well Lunch12: Planning Commission13: Arts Commission14: Teen Library Council14: LT Library/Anti-Valentine’s Zombie Prom15: LT Library/Colorado’s Wineries17: Passport/Wee Be Green18: Photography Club19: City Council21: Youth Commission22: Sales Tax University22: LT Library/CSI for Kids23: Beading Group25: LT Library/Crime & Beyond26: Planning Commission

March

1: Lone Tree Symphony/Backpacking Through Europe3: Submission deadline/LT Photographic Show4: Photography Club5: Seedlings/Stories Alive5: City Council6: LT Library/Book Banter7: LT Library/Readers Roost7: LT Library/Great Books 7: Youth Commission9: Beading Group11: Hiking Club11: Recreation Advisory Committee12: Living & Aging Well Lunch12: Planning Commission13: Arts Commission13: LT Library/Book Lovers Evening14: Teen Library Council17: Passport/Bennett School of Irish Dance18: Photography Club19: City Council21: Youth Commission22: Sales Tax University22: LT Library/Stuffed Animal Sleepover23: Beading Group25: Arts Center/Spring Break camp begins25: LT Library/Crime & Beyond26: Planning Commission26: SFJAZZ Collective:

The Music of Chick Corea

Talk back to Timberlines at timberlines@cityoflonetree.com