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…

Granting comfort and hope  By Lynne Marsala Basche Knowledge is power.  Three words that CHF founders Doug and Julie Hutchison want everyone touched by epilepsy to know.  With a mission to raise awareness about the Sudden Unexpected Death in Epilepsy (SUDEP), CHF exists to grant comfort, hope and positivity to individuals and families living with…

Protecting open space – By Lynne Marsala Basche Some people are part of the morning canine and coffee bunch scene at the Glendale Farm Open Space dog park.  Others prefer high tea at Cherokee Ranch and Castle.  There are those who participate in the ultramarathon as part of the Greenland Open Space trail run.  Residents…

Making a difference in the lives of kids By Lynne Marsala Basche; photo courtesy of Connect Us Imagine a world where all children embrace diversity, and social stigmas do not exist.  Connect Us strives to create that type of reality.  Connect Us knows that despite differences and abilities, children can thrive and learn from one…