Herald Englewood
November 16, 2012
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A Colorado Community Media Publication
ourenglewoodnews.com
Arapahoe County, Colorado • Volume 92, Issue 40
Student count shows growth Bump is first since 2001 By Tom Munds
tmunds@ourcoloradonews.com
Members of the Veterans Honor Guard fire the 21-gun salute Nov. 11 during the Veterans Day ceremonies at Fort Logan National Cemetery. The ceremony, on a cold, windy morning, was held before a smaller-than-usual crowd. Photos by Tom Munds
Veterans tribute sends chills Small crowd ignores cold at Fort Logan National Cemetery By Tom Munds
tmunds@ourcoloradonews.com Despite the blast of wintry weather, the speeches, wreath-laying and 21-gun salute went on as planned Nov. 11 at the annual Veterans Day ceremonies at Fort Logan National Cemetery. This is the 35th year that Department of Colorado District 10 of the Veterans of Foreign Wars and Ladies Auxiliary has sponsored the event honoring all those who have served or are serving in the U.S. armed forces. Don McNeely, Veterans of Foreign War District 10 senior vice commander, said the day is very important because it is a time set aside to honor veterans and those now in the service for what they’ve done for their country. McNeely not only is active in the VFW, he is a member of the Veterans Honor Guard. “I was the commander of the honor guard at the Presidio in California when I was on active duty and, when I learned about the Veterans Honor Guard, I signed up,” the Vietnam veteran said. “We serve as the honor guard and fire the salute at funerals for veterans. I feel honored to be part of the group paying final tribute to a veteran.” This year, about a dozen young men and women who are members of Centennial’s Young Marine unit cleared away snow from the podium area, handed out programs and held the national, state and armed forces flags in place as a stiff wind started to blow
Craig Fischer is one of several buglers playing taps during the Veterans Day ceremonies at Fort Logan National Cemetery, which went forward amid cold weather. during the ceremonies. Brenda McNulty, unit commander, said young men and women joining the organization go through recruit training focusing on subjects like physical training and drill. Then they join the unit serving as volunteers in a number of veterans’ events and providing informational programs at schools. As the time drew near for the start of the ceremonies, a small crowd filtered in. Near the front of the seating area, Linda Wexler drew her coat around her against the chilly temperatures. The Littleton resident said she is the fourth generation of her family to join the Army soon after graduating from high school. “I came back to Colorado after my hitch in the Army and, for the last six years, I have made it a point to come to the Fort Logan
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Englewood School District records show an increase in students for first time in about a decade. The official count shows Englewood has 2,938 students, not counting those in preschool, which is 21 students more than were in classes on Oct. 1, 2011. “We are obviously pleased with the student count and even this small increase in enrollment,” said Brian Ewert, school superintendent. “The increase was generally over all levels. However, we did see an increase in kindergarten enrollment and had to add at least one additional kindergarten class at Bishop Elementary School.” Englewood first enrollment decline was reported in 1996 when there were 4,520 students in class, 64 fewer than the year before. While enrollment declined most years, the student count was up in 1997 and again in 2000. However, the constant decline started in 2001 when there were 4,341 students in Englewood schools. There were drops of 100 or more students for the next five years, with the biggest decline coming in 2006, when there were 3,413 students enrolled, 233 fewer than the year before. “I would like to think the community has taken a closer look at our schools before moving their children to other districts,” Ewert said. “There is a lot going on in our district and I think that has generated a lot of positive enthusiasm in our community.” He pointed to the $58 million project under way. He said construction has begun on a $40 million project to create a new, stateof-the-art seventh- through 12th-grade Student continues on Page 21
Young Marine Jacob Basinspiler holds the American flag at Fort Logan National Cemetery. The Highlands Ranch resident and fellow Young Marines did a variety of activities during the ceremonies. ceremonies on Veterans Day,” she said. “I know what it is like to serve in the military and I feel being here is the least I can do to honor those who served before and after I was in the Army.” She said she also comes to Fort Logan on Veterans Day to visit the graves of two friends and three family members because she feels that is the least she can do. A short distance away, Tina Mason also hugged her coat around her against the cold. “Coming to Fort Logan for Veterans Day is something I have done since I was a girl,” the Sheridan resident said. “My dad, Harold, was commander of Sheridan VFW Post 9644 in the ‘60s, and I understand he is one of those who helped start the annual ceremonies for Veterans Day.” She said she comes every year to honor the veterans and also to honor her dad and his dedication to recognize all the men and women who served their country in the military.
Fire study nearly final Councils will get results after finishing touches By Jennifer Smith
jsmith@ourcoloradonews.com
When it comes to what to do with Littleton’s and Englewood’s fire departments, opinions range from “hands off our fire station” to “merge police and public works too.” Representatives of Emergency Services Consulting International held forums in Englewood and Littleton last week to listen to the public before putting the finishing touches on their study. They’re looking at possibilities for sharing, consolidating or even merging the two departments. “The amount of money that’s been available in the past is eroded; it’s not there,” said Jim Broman, ESCI associate. “And the cost of doing business has not followed the same path.” Fire continues on Page 21