imberlines

Published by and for the City of Lone Tree Issue 69 Spring/Summer 2016

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

In this issue: Tell us what you want...Page 3.

Celebrate your independence.Page 4.

LTAC announces2016–2017 season.Page 8.

First you’ll see it,then you won’t. Page 17.

Gone.Well, not yet.But very soon.On May 17 at approximately 7:09 pm, when the

gavel comes down on the final order of business,City Council Chambers will fade from Mayor JimGunning’s life forever.But will Mayor Gunning fade from Lone Tree’s

memory?Not a chance.As Lone Tree’s second mayor, Gunning helped

Our City successfully navigate through its teen yearsand into ‘adulthood’—not always a simple task.

Continued on Page 2.

Gunning is going, going...

And not one that he shied away from, either.“Mayor Gunning has been committed to serving

the City’s residents and businesses from Day One,”explains Mayor Elect Jackie Millet. “He truly is aman of integrity.”Other words that have been used repeatedly

when describing Our Mayor:Intelligent.Articulate.Tenacious.Creative. Patient.Just to name a few.

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He’s also been hailed as a very good parallelparker.And for maintaining a sense of humor in less

than ideal situations (like when his IndependenceDay speeches were repeatedly overshadowed bytorrential downpours or firework-fed grassfires).But we digress.Perhaps the biggest common denominator

throughout Mayor Gunning’s eight years as Mayor(and two before that as City Councilmember) hasbeen collaboration.“He identifies all the players that will enjoy the

benefits of a particular partnership and bringsthose players to the table,” notes Millet. “He’s always recognized that we achieve much

more and have greater success accomplishingour goals if we’re all working together.”(The results of such joint efforts can be seen in

the accompanying sidebar of Accolades and Achievements.)The Mayor was also instrumental in initiating

several “firsts” for the City of Lone Tree: the Stateof the City presentation, HOA Summit, RealtorSummit, and a telephone town hall meeting tofurther engage residents.

Of course, hearing from residents has beenanother hallmark of Gunning’s tenure.Frequent public meetings were held on more

than 40 topics ranging from recreation amenitiesto community resources for seniors, water efficiency, new development, and a pedestrianbridge.“Under Mayor Gunning’s leadership, the City

has not only continued to be a highly desirableplace to live, work, and visit, but it has also solidified itself as a regional hub for economicgrowth,” notes City Manager Seth Hoffman, whohas worked closely with Mayor Gunning for thepast 10 years.So what would the Mayor Himself count

among his biggest accomplishments?Sure, there are the obvious ones—the Schwab

campus, Cabela’s, and the RTD light rail stations,to name a few.

Continued from Page 1.

A short list of Mayor Gunning's accolades and achievements:

• Transit Alliance’s 2014 Carla Madison Award forOutstanding Leadership by an Individual.

• Presided over the opening of the Lone Tree Arts Center.

• Played a leadership role in attracting majorcommercial development, including CharlesSchwab, Kaiser-Permanente, Level 3, and Cabela’s.

• Instrumental in bringing the Southeast Light RailExtension to Lone Tree.

• Multiple recreational enhancements were completed under his leadership, including theCook Creek Pool redevelopment, several newparks, a tennis center, and community garden.

• Served as the Metro Mayors Caucus Chair, 2013 & 2014.

• Served as a statewide leader in transportation.• Led the City to adopt a Construction Defects ordinance to improve housing diversity in the City.

You're invited......to celebrate Mayor Jim Gunning’s 10 years ofdedicated service to Our City!

Tuesday, May 10, 4:30–6:30 pm.Lone Tree Arts Center.Remarks begin at 5:30 pm.Fun begins immediately.RSVP via email to: michelle.konishi@cityoflonetree.com.

“Still, to me some of the biggest successes aresmall things that most people don’t even knowabout,” explains Mayor Gunning. “Sometimesyou’re just able to get little things done for people that they really weren't expecting. There’snot a lot of visibility to those kinds of things, butoften those were as important to me as some ofthe big accomplishments the City has had.”So what will the Mayor miss most once he hits

“former” status?That’s easy, says Gunning.It’s the people.“The City Staff has been unbelievable. You

simply can’t do the job as Mayor without a reallytalented staff—you just can’t. I will miss all of them,and all the people I’ve met in Lone Tree over theyears who I won’t get to see nearly as often.”

Mayor Gunning admits his favorite spot in LoneTree isn’t technically in Lone Tree: It’s atop thebluffs. “For me, watching the City grow and changeover the years while walking down that hill hasbeen pretty remarkable.”

Change is coming on May 17.

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But have no fear. It’s all part of the plan. Or perhaps more accurately, part of Our City’s electoral process. On Tuesday, May 17, Lone Tree will officially bid farewell toMayor Gunning and two City Councilmembers (Harold Andersonand Kim Monson) and will swear in three new members.

Harold Anderson has served on CityCouncil since 2008. Over the years, he’srepresented Lone Tree in many capacities,including at the Douglas County HousingPartnership Board, Partnership of DouglasCounty Governments, Lone Tree Chamber of Commerce, Rampart RangeMetropolitan District, Park MeadowsMetropolitan District, Centennial AirportCommunity Noise Roundtable, LoneTree Arts Commission, Lone Tree PublicArt Committee, Rocky Mountain Rail Authority Board of Directors, and the Transit Alliance.And that list doesn’t even encompass them all!

Kim Monson has served on CityCouncil since 2012. She, too, has represented Our City in numerous ways,including at the Partnership of DouglasCounty Governments, Park MeadowsMetropolitan District, South SuburbanParks and Recreation District, ColoradoMunicipal League Policy Committee, andColorado Communications and UtilityAlliance. She has also been a member of Lone Tree’s Audit Committee.

Mayor Elect Jackie Milletwill leave her seat on City Councilto be sworn in as Lone Tree’s third mayor. Millet has been a member of City Council since 2008 and has served as mayor pro tem since 2012. So who will fill the seats of these three Faithful Public Servants? Glad you asked. Wynne Shaw, a 15-year resident, will fill Harold Anderson’s District 1 seat. Cathie Brunnick, a 9-year resident, will fill Kim Monson’s District 2 seat. And a fifth council member will be appointed to finish outMayor Elect Millet’s term. Phew—that’s a lot to keep track of. But we know you can do it! Look for more information about each of your new representatives in the next issue of Timberlines.

Want to watch?Come bid a heartfelt farewell tothose who have served Your City. Or come say ‘Welcome’ to thenewest members of City Council. Or do neither and just come witness the Changing of the Guardin Lone Tree.

Tuesday, May 17, 7 pm. City Council Chambers. Lone Tree Civic Center. 8527 Lone Tree Parkway.

Tell us what you want(whatyou really, reallywant).Really. Because the City’s inquiringminds want to know how youread/use the information providedin Timberlines. Simply visit www.surveymonkey.com/r/TimberlinesSurvey beforeMay 31. Read through each question. Click on the corresponding bubble. Take a moment or two to answerthe open-ended questions (yes,bonus points will be awarded tothose who do). And then click Submit. Need an incentive to participate? You can also register to win twotickets to a future Lone Tree ArtsCenter performance.

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20th Annual Independence DayCelebration.Monday, July 4, 4–9 pm.Sweetwater Park.Free entry (with wristbands).

While supplies last, each household inLone Tree and Acres Green can pickup four wristbands and purchase anadditional four at $5 each. (Funds collected from sales of additionalwristbands are donated to HeartsAcross the Miles.) Children ages 3 and under do not need wristbands.Wristbands typically sell out days beforethe event, so don’t get left out of thefun—pick yours up early!

WRISTBAND DISTRIBUTION DATES: Sunday, June 5, 11 am–2 pm: Kidsfest Event in the Lone Tree Arts Center parking lot. Wednesday, June 8, 4–7 pm: LTAC lobby. Saturday, June 18, 6–9 pm: Concert at Sweetwater Park (at the City tent). Wednesday, June 22, 5–8 pm: LTAC lobby. Saturday, June 25, 10 am–4 pm: LTAC lobby. Wednesday, June 29, 8 am–6 pm: LTAC lobby. Thursday, June 30, 8 am–6 pm: LTAC lobby.

For event information, parking options, and last-minutedetails/weather updates:www.cityoflonetree.com/july4.

Celebrate your independence...by going to an event you depend on.

©Bruce RymanYes, it’s a little ironic. But it’s also perfectly acceptable. Because this event offers something for everyone. So round up the neighbors. And slide on your wristbands. Here’s a look at how Our City’s 20th Annual IndependenceDay Celebration is going to go down:

3–3:50 pm: Free bike decorating (at the entrance to ClubTerrace Drive).

4 pm: Kids 4th of July Bike Parade begins. Route movesnortheast down Lone Tree Parkway, turning onto SweetwaterRoad and into the south entrance of Sweetwater Park. TheBMX Stunt Team will make an entrance alongside Lone Tree’syoung riders, giving a preview of the high-flying stunts they’llshowcase during their later performance.

4–8 pm: Kids’ activities, food, and family-friendly attractions. Yep, all that you’ve come to count on will be inthe park—from face painters and wacky hair artists to glittertattoos, inflatables, water slides, obstacle courses, a foam pit,and more! Bring bathing suits and towels for water activities.Keep an eye out for the wildly popular BMX Stunt Team, andcheck out the food and drinks from some of Denver’s finestfood trucks.

4:30–8:45 pm: Live music from 101st Army Rock Band,followed by headliner Funkiphino. Get ready to put onyour dancing shoes as these two bands rock it out and funk itup with cover songs from the 70s, 80s, 90s, and today!

9:00 pm: Fireworks! (Yes, it’s weather permitting, but let’s think positively...it worked last year.)

Did you order a tree as part ofOur City’s Arbor Day program? Then don’t forget to pick itup on Sunday, June 5, between 8 and 10 am. The process is simple: You should receive an email about a week ahead oftime with your designated 15-minute time slot. Then come to the Lone TreeArts Center’s north parking lotduring that time, load yourprecious new purchase intoyour car, and off you go! Questions? Contact Allissa Dailey at 720-509-1011 or allissa.dailey@cityoflonetree.com.

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Tree Pickup.

Well, sort of. Your City plans to give youtools, tips, and reminders so thatyou can take good care of theseleafy residents this summer. Here’s what you need to know:

Water trees regularly. Unfortunately, your lawn sprinkler system may not provide adequate water. Experts recommend wateringtrees three times a month between April and September. Of course, the exact recommendations depend on soiltype and other factors. So check soil moisture arounda tree before watering.

Remember their roots. Root systems can spread twoto three times wider than theheight of the tree. And most of a tree’s absorbingroots are in the top 12 inches ofsoil. So be sure to water deeply andslowly.

Watering methods may includea deep root fork or needle, soakerhose, or soft spray wand. (If a deep root fork/needle isused, insert the device no deeperthan 8 inches.) Apply water to many locationsunder the tree’s drip line.

How much is enough? A good rule of thumb is 10 gallons of water for each inch ofthe tree’s diameter. So pull out that ruler and putyour math skills to work. A 2-inch diameter tree, for example, will need 20 gallons per watering.

Mulch. Mulch helps conserve soil moisture. Apply organic mulch—whichcould include wood chips, bark,leaves, or evergreen needles—within the drip line at a depth of 4inches. Leave a 6-inch space betweenthe mulch and trunk of trees.

City plans to water your trees this summer!

You’ve gotQs, they’ve gotAs.“Ask an Expert.”http://ask.extension.org/ask. This feature allows website users to provide a description (andeven upload photos) of a problem leaf, branch, or flower. Cooperative Extension staff and volunteers from across the UnitedStates respond with their answers.

Colorado Master Gardeners.720-733-6935 or mgardenr@douglas.co.us.Want some help closer to home? Colorado Master Gardeners answer questions from Douglas County residents by phone, email,or in person from late March to October.

And if you’ve recently planted a tree...Check out this link for proper care:www.ext.colostate.edu/mg/gardennotes/635.html.

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Or more appropriately, one city, one town, onecounty, one metro district, one state department...well, you get the idea. Let’s just say the list of partners in making theEast/West Regional Trail from Lone Tree to Parkera reality is long. But that’s not a bad thing. Because more partners mean more collaboration. And more funding resources. And a stronger commitment to timely completion. “When finished, this trail will offer such tremendous opportunities for neighbors to connectand families and friends to enjoy creation together,”notes City Councilmember Kim Monson. “Many individuals are working diligently to make thishappen, and we owe them our gratitude.” Here’s a (brief) look at the project and where it’sheaded:

• The idea of an East/West Regional Trail was initially formed in 1986 by a group of DouglasCounty citizens.

• The portion of the trail between Lone Tree andParker—approximately 8 miles—is the final missinglink along the 28-mile project. As proposed, its design includes: 8 miles of soft surface trail; threeunderpasses at Surrey Road, I-25, and Havana

Street; a trailhead at Schweiger Ranch; two crossings of Happy Canyon Creek; and retainingwalls, among other features.

• When complete, the entire East/West RegionalTrail will span from Redstone Community Park inHighlands Ranch to Cherry Creek Regional Trail inParker. It will be an important part of a regionaltrail system that travels from the Denver Metroarea all the way to Durango!

• Planning and design of this final portion of thetrail is largely complete. Funding is now neededfor construction. To that end, Douglas County, theCity of Lone Tree, and the Town of Parker are inthe process of applying for a Great Outdoors Colorado (GOCO) grant.

• Grant recipients will be announced in late 2016. Ifthe East/West Regional Trail project is among them,construction documents will then be prepared and(hopefully) go out to bid in the spring of 2017.

What happens if the project doesn’t receive aGOCO grant? We’re told it will continue to move forward, butit will take longer to complete. Stay tuned to Timberlines for future updates!

A trail of two cities.

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No really, they are.Because they’re invited to the Party of the Year forthe under-12 crowd.There will be hundreds of guests.And tons of activities.And no cost for admission.What could be cooler than that?Here’s what you need to know:

KidsFest.Sunday, June 5, 11 am–2 pm.Lone Tree Arts Center.Free Admission.

Schedule of Events:

10–11 am:Sensory Friendly Quiet Hour (kids and adults withspecial needs can come visit vendors an hour before the event officially starts). There will alsobe a sensory friendly performance in the Arts Center following this quiet hour.

11 am–2 pm:All activities and attractions open and continuethroughout the event. Enjoy arts and science vendors as well as kid-friendly activities that include chalk art and the Lone Tree Strider Cup.

For all the latest details and updates, visit www.cityoflonetree.com/kidsfest.

Nor a storage area for submarines. Nor a hangout for substitute teachers. It’s more of a hangout for cops—specifically,those assigned to the Park Meadows Retail Resort. The substation was originally housed in thebasement level of the mall back in 2007 (whenLTPD took over policing services from the DouglasCounty Sheriff’s Office). In 2009, it moved into roomier digs that weremore visible to the public on the ground level ofthe south side of the mall. And now in 2016, the substation may havefound its permanent home in The Vistas (adjacentto The Cheesecake Factory entrance). The new location is even more visible, more accessible, and boasts additional square footage. But you know what hasn’t changed? The primary benefits an onsite police substationprovides: The ability to respond to needs immediately, and strong partnerships betweenmall management, shop owners/employees, andmembers of the public. So next time you’re at Park Meadows and needto visit the Lost & Found or report a fender benderin the parking lot—or simply want to smell thatunmistakable smell of fresh paint—feel free tostop in.

LTPD Park Meadows Substation Open House.

Thursday, May 12, 2–5 pm. Located just west of The Cheesecake Factory main entrance.

Lone Tree’s newest substation is not a

sandwich shop.Your kids are the coolest.

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LTAC's ambitious seasonstarts in 5...4...3...2...

Well, it won’t be here quite that quickly. But for many patrons, Lone Tree Arts Center’s2016–17 season can’t start soon enough! Here’s a look at what’s in store:

The Doo Wop Project.Saturday, October 1, 8 pm.Featuring current and former stars of Broadway’ssmash hits Jersey Boys and Motown: The Musical,the Doo WopProject bringsunparalleledauthenticity of sound and vocal excellence tore-create—and in somecases, entirelyreimagine—some of thegreatest musicin American pop and rock history.

Bach’s “A Musical Offering.”Scott O’Neil and the Rosetta Music Society.Sunday, October 16, 7 pm.In 1747, J. S. Bach visited his son who was a courtcomposer to Prussian ruler Frederick the Great.While there, Frederick challenged Bach to improvise a fugue on a theme contrived by Frederick himself. Bach’s response became thebasis of what we now know as “A Musical Offering.” Come listen as Scott O’Neil and theRosetta Music Society explore this—as well asother—great fugues and canons by Bach.

Igor Butman and the Moscow Jazz Orchestra.Wednesday, October 19, 7:30 pm.This internationally renowned saxophonist andorchestra are one of the best hardcore jazz unitsaround! In addition to being a saxophone virtuoso, Butman is a bandleader, club owner, and television host who pushes the boundaries ofjazz mainstream with creative crossover projects.

The Wonder Bread Years.Saturday, October 29, 1:30 & 8 pm.A fresh and funny salute to Americana, The Wonder Bread Years stars formerSeinfeldwriter Pat Hazelland is a hilarious one-man show-and-tell thatreminds us there’s still akid inside each of us.Come enjoy this salute topure escapism and theBaby Boomer generation.

Sons of the Pioneers.Thursday, November 3, 7:30 pm.Originally founded by Roy Rogers, this premierwestern singing group has musically painted unforgettable images and stories of horses, cattle,cowboys, canyons, and prairies. Their originalsongs like “Tumbling Tumbleweeds,” “CoolWater,” and “Ghost Riders in the Sky” are classicsforever entwined into the lore and mystique of theAmerican West.

The HillBenders: Tommy, A Bluegrass Opry.Thursday, January 19, 7:30 pm.Forty-five yearsafter its original release, The Who’s Tommyhas been fully realized as a full-length bluegrasstribute featuringThe HillBenders.Starting with ashort set of their own bluegrass, the band’s perfectmix of virtuosomusicianship androck star vocalsbring Pete Townshend’s original vision tolife in a new andexciting way.

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Muscle Shoals: I’ll Take You There.Created by Randal Myler. Thursday, February 2–Sunday, February 12 (2017).Celebrate the incredible music recorded at MuscleShoals and share in the stories behind the music.Talented musicianstake you on a journeyfrom Muscle Shoals’early days with W.C.Handy through musicmade famous by Wilson Pickett, EttaJames, Aretha Franklin,the Staples Sisters,Percy Sledge, PaulSimon, Mac Davis, and many more.

Russian National Ballet’s The Sleeping Beauty.Thursday, February 16 (2017), 7:30 pm.Considered the crown jewel of choreographerMarius Petipa’s career, The Sleeping Beauty is setto Tchaikovsky’smagnificent scoreunder artistic director and former Bolshoiprincipal dancerElena Radchenko.

Takács Quartet.Friday, February 24 (2017), 8 pm.Come listen as one of the world’s great ensemblesplays with a unique blend of drama, warmth, and humor, combining four distinct musical personalities to bring fresh insights to the stringquartet repertoire. The Subdudes.Friday, March 3 (2017), 8 pm.This New Orleans-formed group is a living encapsulation of American music, a vibrant cauldron of sounds that stirs together meatygrooves and jazzy dynamics, soulful R&B swagger, easy vocal harmonies, cheeky rock ‘n’roll attitude, and folky social consciousness—notto mention some of the sharpest musicianshipyou’ll ever hear.

An Evening with Art Garfunkel.Tuesday, March 7 (2017), 7:30 pm.Grammy winner and pop-folk icon Art Garfunkelhas made an indelible mark on the music world as both a solo artist and half of the unrivaledSimon & Garfunkel. This special performance includes his solo hits, Simon & Garfunkel songs,cuts from his favorite songwriters, and parts of his forthcoming autobiography.

Some of a Thousand Words.Wendy Whelan, Brian Brooks, and Brooklyn Rider.Saturday, March 11 (2017), 8 pm.Former New York City Ballet prima ballerinaWendy Whelan and choreographer Brian Brooksreteam for an evening of contemporary dance,this time collaborating with New York-basedstring quartet Brooklyn Rider. Set to live musicfrom composers John Luther Adams, TyondaiBraxton, Philip Glass, Evan Ziporyn, and a newcomposition from Brooklyn Rider’s own Colin Jacobsen, Brooks creates solos and duets full of elegance and electricity.

The Trojan War: Our Warrior Chorus.Sunday, March 26 (2017), 7:30 pm.The Aquila Theatreand The WarriorChorus collaborate inthis unique theatricalexperience in whichthe classic myths ofancient Greece andRome are set againstthe compelling narratives of modernwar. The Trojan Waruses a multimedia format incorporating live action, film, bold projections, and thrilling musicby members of The Warrior Chorus, a programthat trains men and women who served in theU.S. military to the highest level in the performingarts and humanities.

WORLD PREMIERE!

REGIONALPREMIERE!

EVITA.Music by Andrew Lloyd Webber; Lyrics by Tim Rice. Wednesday, April 12–Saturday, April 29 (2017).

Argentina’s controversial First Lady is the subjectof this dynamic musical masterpiece. As an illegitimate 15 year old, Eva escaped her dirt-poorexistence for the bright lights of Buenos Aires.Driven by ambition and blessed with charisma,she was a starlet at 22, the president’s mistress at 24, First Lady at 27, and dead at 33. Come see how Eva Peron—“saint to the working class, reviled by the aristocracy, and mistrusted by themilitary”—was destined to leave a fascinating political legacy unique in the 20th century.

Shuffle.Scott O’Neil and the Rosetta Music Society. Saturday, May 6 (2017), 8 pm.Shuffle is a classical-pops hybrid, incorporatingworks by modern ‘popular’ composers as diverseas Björk, Pat Metheny, Annie Lennox, Rodgers and Hart, Henry Mancini, and Clean Bandit, supplemented with modern ‘serious’ composerslike Philip Glass, Arvo Pärt, and John Adams, andmixed in with classics by Bach, Prokofiev, Elgar,and others.

For a complete list of performances or to purchase a2016–17 three-show subscription package, visitwww.lonetreeartscenter.org or call 720-509-1000.Single tickets go on sale Monday, July 18.

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Bob Poole—Gorongosa Reborn: A Cameraman’s Journal.Tuesday, September 27, 7:30 pm & Wednesday, September 28, 10 am.

Bryan Smith: The Lens of Adventure.Tuesday, November 15, 7:30 pm & Wednesday, November 16, 10 am.

Kevin Hand: The Search for Life Beyond Earth.Tuesday, January 17, 7:30 pm & Wednesday, January 18, 10 am.

Nizar Ibrahim—Spinosaurus: Lost Giant of the Cretaceous.Tuesday, May 16, 7:30 pm & Wednesday, May 17, 10 am.

Holiday Shows.

Rhythmic Circus—Red and Green.Sunday, November 27, 7 pm.An Arts Center favorite, Rhythmic Circus combinesits signature style of rapid-fire tap with music youknow and love in this unique show that’s sure tofill you with the holiday spirit!

It’s a Wonderful Life, A Live Radio Play.Adapted by Joe Landry; Directed by Randal Myler. Thursday, December 8–Sunday, December 18.This beloved holiday classic comes to life on theArts Center stage as a live 1940s radio broadcast,complete with an applause sign, commercial jingles, and onstage sound effects. With the help of an ensemble that brings a few dozen charactersto the stage, the story of idealistic George Baileyunfolds as he considers ending his life one fatefulChristmas Eve.

Speakers Series.

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The Lone Tree Arts Center Guildsupports and promotes the ArtsCenter with ongoing social opportunities designed to raisefunds and build awareness.Next up on the calendar:

‘Not Just for the Dudes’ Event.Sunday, June 12, 5–8 pm.Join guild members and guestsfor an evening of golf and goodtimes at Topgolf in Centennial.Cost is $59 and includes twohours of golf, a dinner buffet, andsoft drinks. Cash bar available.

Cocktails and Couture.Thursday, June 23, 6–8 pm.Lone Tree Arts Center.Tickets: $45/person.Fashions provided by Rosey’s by Diane.

For information or to purchasetickets, call 303-662-9952, emailgmslabs@msn.com, or visitwww.lonetreeartscenterguild.org.

It’s almost summertime in RidgeGate.

Yoga in the Park. Join RidgeGate, SSPRD, and the Lone Tree Recreation Center forfree yoga classes in Belvedere Park (at the corner of Ridgegate Circle and Belvedere Lane). No yoga experience is necessary, andthere’s no need to register. In case of heavy rain or lightning, classwill be canceled. Tuesday, May 31, 6:30–7:30 pm. Tuesday, June 28, 6:30–7:30 pm. Tuesday, July 26, 6:30–7:30 pm.

Guided Nature Hikes. Led by professional naturalists from SSPRD, these family-friendlyhikes offer a chance to get some fresh air and exercise while alsogaining insight into the natural ecosystems around us. All hikes are at Willow Creek Trail in the RidgeGate bluffs. Registration at www.ridgegate.com is required. Thursday, May 26, 7–8:30 pm: Sunset birdwatching. Saturday, June 18, 8:30–10 am: Noticing natives (botany). Tuesday, June 21, 7–8:30 pm: Celebrating the summer solstice. Saturday, July 9, 6–8 pm: Family fun game night on the trail. Saturday, July 23, 8:30–10 am: Morning birdwatching.

RidgeGate Summer Beats Concerts. Kickstart your weekend with a concert under the stars and onthe grass at Prairie Sky Park, courtesy of SSPRD. Enjoy vendors, entertainers, outdoor fitness games, and art activities from 5–6 pm, with live music from 6–8 pm. Thursday, June 16, 5–8 pm: Featuring The Tom Petty Project. Thursday, July 21, 5–8 pm: Featuring Mostly Harmless.

At the Ranch. Historic Schweiger Ranch is locatedjust east of Ridgegate Parkway & I-25. Come for a self-guided tour on Saturdaysand Sundays from 1–5 pm, or check out oneof the events below, offered in partnershipwith CU South Denver: Saturday, May 21, 9 am–4 pm: Archery workshop. Sunday, May 22, 10 am–2 pm: Family camping skills workshop. Sunday, June 5, 1–3 pm: Special guided tour of Schweiger Ranch. Saturday, June 11, 10 am–2 pm: Geocaching and navigation workshop. Saturday, July 23, 9 am–4 pm: Archery workshop.

Register or learn more about these events online at www.ridgegate.com/events.

Make a splash!

Be sure to take advantage ofLone Tree Pool Days, when Cityresidents get into Cook CreekPool for free:

Sunday, June 5.Sunday, June 19.Sunday, July 3.Sunday, July 24.Sunday, August 7.

Proof of residency is required.Open from 10 am–6 pm.

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More fun, less roof.That’s what you get when you take the show outside and under the stars at Lone Tree Arts Center’s Terrace Theater. So come see one, some, or all of the performersin this year’s Tunes on the Terrace series. Remember, most of these shows sell out, sopurchase tickets early. Here’s a look at the lineup:

Kevin MaC.Friday, June 10, 8 pm. Kick off the 2016 season withthe return of singer, songwriter,and guitarist Kevin MaC. Although his roots are incountry music, MaC loves tosurprise audiences with his ownspin on hip hop, classic rock,and sometimes even a boy bandhit or two.

Ultraphonic Jazz Orchestra.Friday, June 24, 8 pm. This 21-piece jazz orchestra features the hottestlineup of jazz musicians in the Denver Metro area,including alumni of the Stan Kenton, Woody Herman, Buddy Rich, Maynard Ferguson, andGlenn Miller bands. Come hear an entertaining mixof new and exciting music, the best contemporarybig band charts, and the finest orchestrations everwritten for a large jazz ensemble.

Comedian Kevin Fitzgerald.Saturday, July 9, 8 pm. With a background that rangesfrom being a bouncer with TheRolling Stones and The Who to a25-year career in veterinary medicine and more than 20 yearsof performing as a professionalstand-up comedian, KevinFitzgerald is a true renaissanceman. His television appearancesinclude Emergency Vets, NBCNightly News, The Today Show, and The Late LateShow with Craig Ferguson. Please note: This family-friendly laughfest willbe presented indoors on the Main Stage.

FACE.Friday, July 15, 8 pm. This internationally acclaimed all-vocal rockband from Boulder captivates audiences with its infectious energy and endearing love of performance. Using just four singers and a vocaldrummer, FACE blends modern popular tuneswith complex harmonies, brilliant beatboxrhythms, and superb singing.

Mary Louise Lee Band.Friday, July 29, 8 pm. Bringing a mix of R&B,soul, contemporary jazz, andTop 40, the Mary Louise LeeBand will get everyone moving! A native of Denver,Lee has built an extraordinaryprofessional performing career spanning nearly 20years. The band has openedfor artists including StephanieMills, Boyz II Men, Cameo, Al B. Sure, Jeffrey Osborne, Sheila E., and Evelyn“Champagne” King.

Tickets are $25 for lawn/$30 for reserved seating. Five-show packages are $115 for lawn/$135 forreserved seating. Purchase online at www.lonetreeartscenter.orgor by calling 720-509-1000.

Concerts are held rain or shine, with LTAC’s MainStage reserved in case of inclement weather. Picnics are welcomed, but alcoholic beverages are not. LTAC offers full bar service during performances.

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Grab friends, family members, and comfy blankets and head toSweetwater Park for a night of fun under the stars!As always, count on crafts for the kids (courtesy of South

Suburban Parks & Recreation), dining options from food trucks,and free admission.First up this summer:

MarchFourth! Band.Sweetwater Park.

Saturday, June 18, 6–9 pm.

This internationally acclaimed, genre-breaking group includes 20 musicians, dancers, and artisans who take audiences of all ages on a joy-inducing, foot-stomping, soul-stirring journey. Come see this over-the-top spectacle that includes stilt walkers,

Vaudeville-style dancers, high-energy compositions, colorful costumes, hilarious stage shenanigans, and more!

Artistry in Rhythm.Friday, May 6, 7:30 pm. Join the Lone Tree SymphonyOrchestra for a special evening ofart and music featuring the multiple talents of Bill Hill, principal timpanist with the Colorado Symphony Orchestraand teacher at University of Denver’s Lamont School of Music.An acclaimed composer, soloist,fine artist, and conductor, Hill willperform his own compositionscombined with original artwork inan evening that promises to bemagical!

Purchase tickets online atwww.lonetreesymphony.org or bycalling 720-509-1000.

Next up forthe LTSO:

Don’t read this!Unless you have a business in Our City. And you mail in your sales or use tax returns.In which case you should definitely read this. Because the City of Lone Tree has a new mailing address for just such info:

City of Lone Tree P.O. Box 17987 Denver, CO 80217-0987

New business applications should also be sent to this address.

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Look for this column in each issue of Timberlines for updates regarding the Southeast Light RailExtension (SERE),scheduled for completion in 2019. (Yep, that’s just a few short years away!)

Here’s the latest:

• RTD held its first SERE open house in April atthe Lone Tree Recreation Center, where projectstaff members shared design renderings, construction schedules, and upcoming travelerimpacts. RTD’s Board of Directors also held a series of interactive town hall meetings in whichmore than 30,000 RTD patrons participated.

• The University of Colorado A Line opened atthe end of April, making it possible for passengersto travel from Lincoln Station to the airport (viathe E Line to Denver Union Station and then transferring to the A Line). Once the R line in Aurora opens, residents will be able to travel fromLincoln Station through Aurora to Peoria Station,and then connect to the commuter train to DIA.

• SERE project teams are geared up to start construction! RTD project staff and the generalcontractor’s team (Balfour Beatty InfrastructureInc.) are now onsite at the project field office inMeridian Business Park, and equipment and materials have been moved to the field yard atRidgegate Parkway and Havana Street.

• Construction is expected to begin shortly afterthe $92 million award from the Federal Transit Administration’s Small Starts Grant Agreement isreceived (which could be as early as May). For more information, visit www.rtd-denver.com/e-f-line-extension.shtml.

Warmer weather means more people knocking onyour front door. And that often makes residents wonder aboutOur City’s requirements when it comes to solicitors. So here’s a recap of what Lone Tree’s MunicipalCode requires: • Solicitors, peddlers, and hawkers must register with the City and get a permit before visiting any households within City Limits. • They’re required to carry that permit whenwalking our neighborhoods (so residents knowthe person at their door is open about his/heridentity and intentions). • Residents can sign up to be included on a ‘NoVisit’ list that’s intended to prevent such visitorsfrom coming to the door. (Sign up by calling 303-708-1818, or send an email with your name,address, and homeowners association/subdivisionto information@cityoflonetree.com.) • Canvassers (whose purpose is to enlist supportfor or against a particular cause or issue) are encouraged—but not required—to register with theCity and do not have to adhere to the ‘No Visit’ list. • If you’re on the ‘No Visit’ list and a solicitorstill shows up at your door, explain that you’re onthe ‘No Visit’ list and ask the solicitor to leave. Ifyou’d like, you can also report the solicitor usingthe Lone Tree Police Department’s non-emergencyphone number (303-339-8150).

Know the code.

So use it to your advantage. To get discounts inrestaurants. And at the movies. And when you travel. And when you’re here in Lone Tree, use thathigher number to gain access to special eventsgeared toward the older, wiser crowd. Here’s what’s coming up:

Monday, May 9, at 11:30 am: Maintaining Your Independence, presented by Einar Jensen, South Metro Fire Rescue.

Monday, June 13, at 11:30 am: A Closer Look at Service Dogs, presented by Freedom Service Dogs of America.

Monday, July 11, at 11:30 am: The Life of Babette Engl, presented by Jennifer Drybread. Enjoy a glimpse of what life was like for this Douglas County pioneer who ranched near the Castlewood Canyon area in the 1800s.

Luncheons are held at Lone Tree Golf Club & Hotel. And they’re interesting. And fun. Cost is $13/person and includes an entree, beverage, and gratuity. Non-Lone Tree residents are welcome to attend. RSVP by calling 303-225-4930 or go towww.livingandagingwellluncheon.eventbrite.com.

For more information, visit www.cityoflonetree.com/agingwell.

Age is nothing but a number.

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Lightroom vs. Photoshop:Which Is The Right Tool?Saturday, May 21, 9–11 am.Cost: $38 (fees included).Lone Tree Arts Center.

If that title alone piqued your curiosity, then thisworkshop’s for you! During this informative session, George Jardinewill demonstrate professional maskingand retouching techniques that he acquired duringa lifetime of using Photoshop and traveling to exotic locations in Europe and Asia. Attendees will discover: • How Lightroom and Photoshop compare, andwhen to choose one over the other. • How both programs are integrated so thatusers can easily jump back and forth from one tothe other. • How Lightroom generates and manages yourPhotoshop files.

Purchase tickets through the LTAC Box Office,online at www.cityoflonetree.com/photoshow, or by calling 720-509-1000.

Exploring the Light Photo Show Workshop.

And don’t forget...The Exploring the Light Photo Show will beon display at the Lone Tree Arts Center throughSunday, May 29. So come check out the winners in this year’scategories, including the Best of Show and People’s Choice. Viewing hours are from 10 am–4 pm, Mondaythrough Friday, and two hours prior to LTACproductions. And if you see something you like, you’re inluck: All images are for sale.

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Th

e G

re

en c o r n e r

Builders has included to meet theseguidelines for its Lone Tree townhomesare: • Double thick walls that result in moreroom for more insulation, improved energy performance, a more consistentand reliable air barrier, and a better abilityto prevent noise from traveling throughthe walls. • Solar panels on each unit. • Energy monitoring systems thatallow homeowners to monitor their electricity production and usage. • Tankless water heaters that providean endless supply of hot water. • Blue-stained pine that's harvested,milled, and framed in Colorado. • And low VOC (volatile organic compound) paints, just to name a few.

“This sort of development simply givesresidents another option to considerwhen it comes to energy consumption,”notes City Councilmember Susan Squyer. “Lone Tree home buyers tend to be sophisticated in their decisions related towalkability, neighborhood amenities, andhome features, and this is a unique feature.” In any case—whether a home’s energyefficiency drives your buying decisions orwhether it’s of zero interest—Our City’sComprehensive Plan supports providing amix of housing types and affordabilityranges to accommodate a broad demographic group.

To read more about Zero Energy Readyhomes and related guidelines, visitwww.energy.gov/eere/buildings/zero-energy-ready-home.

For most of us, having little or no energyisn’t something to celebrate. In fact, it’s usually a negative. Not so when it comes to today’s housing. Take, for instance, Lincoln CommonsRows in RidgeGate. The townhome development offersLone Tree home buyers a new housingoption: Zero Energy Ready residences. What, exactly, does that mean? It means they’re ready for people withno energy to move into them. Just kidding. It really means the homes are builtwith energy efficiency in mind, so that allor most annual energy consumption canbe offset with renewable energy. So does that mean if you live in a ZeroEnergy Ready home your monthly energybill will be $0? Not quite—but close. “Zero Energy Ready Home” is actuallya designation given by the U.S. Departmentof Energy (DOE). It’s part of DOE's Better Buildings initiative aimed at making commercial,industrial, public, and residential buildings20% more energy efficient over the nextdecade. To get the Zero Energy Ready label,homes must be independently certified tomeet specific guidelines and must be 40-50% more energy efficient than a typicalnew home. Some of the features Thrive Home

I have ZERO

energy!

You say that like it’s a badthing.

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First you'll see it, then you won't.

But when that happens, don’t worry. It’s just part of the process. Because when you’re building a bridge that features a 78-foot tall leaf, it can’t all happen atonce...or in one place. Here’s a recap of how Lone Tree’s soon-to-belandmark came to be and what you can expect tosee over the coming months:

• It began with an interest in creating a safe, convenient pedestrian crossing over Lincoln Avenue. Many public involvement meetings andone telephone town hall later, a significant majorityof participants had voiced their support for construction of a pedestrian bridge.

• The majority of participants also voiced a preference for a unique leaf design. As City Councilmember Harold Anderson explains: “Residents who attended the meetings liked theleaf design because they felt it would stand out andbe unique to Lone Tree—it wouldn’t be just another pedestrian bridge.”

• City Council then designated $7 million in thisyear’s budget for the design, property acquisition,and construction of this new “leaf bridge.” Morethan half of the $7 million will be reimbursed byproject partners including:

Douglas County, $1 million; Park Meadows Metro District, $1 million; South Suburban Parks and Recreation District, $1 million; RidgeGate Investments Inc., $500,000; Omni Park Metro District, $25,000; and Heritage Hills Metro District, $10,000.

• Hamon Construction was selected for the project, and the final design phase began late lastmonth.

• Before construction begins, the City will receivea Final Guaranteed Maximum Price from Hamon Construction to ensure the bridge is built within theCity’s budget.

And that’s when residents will start to see thingshappen. Come late July, work on the bridge foundationsand grading should begin. Then there may appear to be a lull in the action,when little work occurs onsite while the fabricationof the steel leaf and bridge structure continues offsite. But a month or two later (September/October),work on the bridge will again be apparent, withconstruction progressing through the end of March. And by the spring of 2017, if all goes as planned,the City of Lone Tree will have built a bridge—andthen gotten over it.

The latest from SSPRD...For a complete list of South Suburban Parks and Recreation District(SSPRD) events, classes, and programs, visit www.sspr.org.

Annual Tennis Carnival.Saturday, May 7, 11 am–1 pm. Celebrate the opening of the summer tennisseason at this family event! Adults and kids ages 5 and up can participatein fun activities on the court and find out aboutupcoming programs and tournaments at all of SSPRD’s tennis facilities. The event is free, but registration is required. Visit www.cityoflonetree.com/tennisevents for more info.

Summer Adventure Pass. Experience summertime fun at any of SSPRD’srecreation centers and outdoor pools from May 30through September 6 with a Summer Adventure Pass! Passes on sale through June 19. (Or purchase by May 15 for added value at theLone Tree Recreation Center.)

Music on the Patio.Fridays, 6–9 pm (beginning June 10). Live bands. The great outdoors. Food and drink specials. They all converge on Lone Tree Grill’s patio every Friday night thissummer.

Tantalizing Tastes. Enjoy five food courses paired with five beverages in an intimate,relaxed setting at Lone Tree Golf Club & Hotel. Seating is limited, and reservations are required. Call 303-790-0202. Next up in the series: Tuesday, June 14, 6–8 pm: “Flag Day” edition.

Junior Golf Camp.Monday, June 13–Thursday, June 16 & Monday, July 11–Thursday, July 14. Kids can explore the sport of golf in a fun camp setting. Ages 7–17. Registration is required.

Get Into Golf Clinic.Saturday, July 16, 2–4 pm. Love to golf? Or want your kids to give it a try? Then don’t miss this fun, free event that includes clinics with local pros. Participants will also receive a discount good toward future play. Registration is required. Visit www.cityoflonetree.com/golf for more information.18

The Lone Tree Chamber of Commerce is gearing up for summer!Join them at the following events:

Business After Hours.Thank you to member businesseswho volunteer to host these popular monthly events.If you’ve never experienced one,here’s what you need to know:

• Held on the first Wednesday ofeach month from 5–7 pm.

• Open to community members($15 fee for nonmembers) whowould like to learn more about theLone Tree Chamber, as well asmeet and mingle with members.

Next up:

Wednesday, June 1: UC Health.(9548 Park Meadows Drive)

Wednesday, July 6: Brio.(8441 Park Meadows Center Drive)

Women in Leadership Luncheons.This new luncheon series will beheld quarterly and is open to all.

Friday, June 17,11:30 am–1 pm.Featuring Sylvia Young, President and CEO of HealthONE. Location is still to be determined, and sponsorships are available.

For more information on these andother Lone Tree Chamber of Commerce events and programs,visit www.lonetreechamber.com,call 303-792-3282, or email chamberinfo@lonetreechamber.com.

News & Notes.

Coming soon to the Lone Tree Library...Check out the events below, or visit www.douglascountylibraries.org for a completelist of activities, book discussion groups, and more. Registration is usually required (with librarystaff or online). Please note that events scheduled on or before June 17 will be held at the current location on Lone Tree Parkway. Events scheduled on or after July 9 will be at thenew RidgeGate location.

Art Stop on the Go! Budding artists are invitedto cultivate their inner Picasso through literature-based art projects. Led by representativesfrom the Boulder Museum of Contemporary Art. Ages 6–12. Tuesday, May 10, 4:30 pm. Tuesday, May 17, 4:30 pm. Tuesday, June 7, 4:30 pm. Tuesday, July 19, 4:30 pm.

Slick Science: Robotics.Thursday, June 23, 6 pm & Friday, June 24, 1 pm. Kids ages 9–13 learn simple robotic programmingskills at this hands-on science program.

Business Start-Up Basics.Wednesday, July 13, 6:30 pm. Adults learn the basic requirements of startinga business, including registration, financing, andbusiness planning. Presented by the Small Business DevelopmentCenter of South Metro Denver.

Getting Started with Book Start.Wednesday, July 20, 11 am. Do you miss reading books toyour children or grandchildren? Come find out how you canmake a difference reading qualityliterature and sharing early literacy activities with children inlocal childcare facilities. This training session will help you determine if this program is a fit for you. (Volunteers must be able to commit to threehours/week for a minimum of three months andhave their own transportation.)

More Slick Science.Thursday, July 21, 6 pm & Friday, July 22, 1 pm. Kids ages 9–13 learn science experiments thatwill ‘wow’ their friends and impress their families.

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BMoCA

New library opening soon!The new Douglas County Libraries Lone Tree branchis almost finished! Opening Day for the new RidgeGate location isscheduled for Saturday, July 9. The current location will close for three weeksprior to the grand opening, beginning on Friday, June 17, at 5 pm. But have no fear. If you have books/materials due during the closure,you can hang on to them during that period. No items will be due, and no fines will accrue. (Although you can drop them off at the new library’s drive-through book drop or any other Douglas County Library during that time.)

Have questions about holds, storytimes, or bookdonations? Visit www.douglascountylibraries.org/moving-faq. Want to see a live feed from the construction site? Visit http://bit.ly/1PJYdrc.

Branching out? Take us with you...

Email your photo submissions to timberlines@cityoflonetree.com.

Talk back to Timberlines at timberlines@cityoflonetree.com.If you live outside of Lone Tree, sign up to receive this publication electronically at www.cityoflonetree.com/enewssignup and select

“Lone Tree Quarterly Newsletter.”

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Timberlines escapes a herd of wildebeest!Well, sort of. Lone Tree’s very own Seehausenand Van Gundy families took Timberlines alongon a safari in Tanzania’s Serengeti NationalPark during the Great Wildebeest Migration.

Timberlines is read by those in the Middle East!At least if they’re from Lone Tree and theirlast name rhymes with ‘wire.’City Councilmember Susan Squyer and her husband, Paul, took along their favoritereading material on a recent trip to Amman,Jordan.