Giving now for generations to come By Lynne Marsala Basche The Douglas County Libraries (DCL) system has always played a vital part in its communities and has been fortunate to have strong leaders with innovative ideas that have allowed DCL to thrive and become a nationally recognized district.  As districts look to secure funding, creating…

By Lynne Marsala Basche In 1999 Deputy Ronald King was killed by a drunk driver when he and his partner were returning from an assignment.  At that time, Douglas County had no benevolence organization that could step in and help his family with expenses.  With the notion that we are one incident away from becoming…

Smiles change lives By Lynne Marsala Basche Can a smile open doors, inspire self-confidence and create a ripple effect of goodwill in a community?  The 501(c)(3) Smile for a Lifetime (S4L) of Greater Denver seeks to achieve all that and more.  Drs. Kevin Theroux and Brooks Barefoot of Total Orthodontics in Lone Tree are dedicated…

Building a basis for excellence  By Lynne Marsala Basche Readers may not be aware of the DCEF, but chances are high they have taken advantage of their services.  For the past 25 years, the DCEF has been a partner with all Douglas County schools to prepare students to become career, college and citizenship-ready and not…

Here to help and serve  By Lynne Marsala Basche Alcohol, social media, bullying, drugs, sexting – these are just some of the challenges that students face today.  It can be overwhelming especially when these pressures shift and new ones surface faster than they ever have.  Douglas County, however, is fortunate to have the Y.E.S.S. program…

Hope thrives here By Lynne Marsala Basche The numbers are startling.  Despite being one of the wealthiest counties in the country, 100 percent of all Douglas County high schools and middle schools have homeless students, and elementary schools are not far behind with 82 percent.  In fact, in the last five years, the homeless student…