Congratulations are in order as we transition from spring to summer. First, congratulations to Pat Jeffrey, who is leaving Grace Community Church and Colorado for a new challenge. Pat has been an active part of this community since The New Falcon Herald published its first issue. Coming to Colorado in 2001 to start a church in Falcon, Pat first organized Grace Community Church and then built it over the years with a growing congregation. From the churchís humble beginnings renting space in the same building as Frankieís Too to building a church on purchased land, Pat has been instrumental in leading his flock and the community. I remember 2004, when a small group of business leaders started the Falcon Professional Development League. We were part of that group, and Pat always supported our newspaper ó and the entire community. He will be greatly missed!Congratulations to the Falcon School District 49 graduates and the Black Forest graduates from District 20 and District 38. Good luck in whatever you do. Lindsey Harrison briefly interviewed the D 49 valedictorians and salutatorians so be sure to check out page .Since Fatherís Day is just around the corner, June 18, congratulations to all the fathers who weathered the high school years and are now breathing a sigh of relief that their seniors made it! And to all dads ó Happy Fatherís Day!Also in June, Juneteenth is the oldest celebration recognizing the end of slavery in the United States. On June 19, 1865, the Union soldiers landed at Galveston, Texas, and heard the news that the war had ended and the slaves were now free. Two years earlier, President Lincolnís Emancipation Proclamation was official, but it had little effect on the outcome of the Civil War, especially in Texas. Fast forward to 2017, and slavery still exists in the United States. Itís called human trafficking, which is basically enslaving humans for situations from labor to sex ó and it involves a significant number of American children. Todayís graduates have plenty of atrocious issues to deal with.Enjoy the Summer Solstice, the longest day of the year, on June 20! It leads us to the official start of summer on June 21.We have some excellent articles this month about growth, taxes and water issues. Enjoy the beginning of summer; congrats again to the graduating classes in the area! See you in July.– Michelle
