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Datteri named D38 Superintendent
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Lewis-Palmer D38 Board of Education, April 15 – Board selects new superintendent, recognizes staff achievements, approves classified and licensed pay scales
By Harriet Halbig Above: At the April 15 Lewis-Palmer School District 38 Board of Education meeting, the board announced its newsuperintendent, Dr. Stacie Datteri. Datteri comes from Greeley-Weld County School District 6, where she served as assistant superintendent of Academic Achievement and Elementary, K-8 Leadership. She has 21 years of administrative experience and 29 years of experience in the field of education. Pictured are D38 Board President Tiffiney Upchurch, left, and Datteri. Photo by Jackie Burhans. On April 15, the Lewis-Palmer D38 Board of Education approved the selection of a new superintendent, approved classified and licensed pay schedules, and recognized two employees for their achievements. New superintendent approved Following a nationwide search and including major input from community members, the Board of Education approved the selection of Dr. Stacie Datteri as the next superintendent for the district. Datteri comes to District 38 from Greeley, where she currently serves as assistant…
Monument Fire District Town Hall, April 18 – Proposed training center plans revealed
By Natalie Barszcz Above: A computer-generated depiction of the proposed Station 1 training tower. Graphic courtesy of MFD. At the Monument Fire District Station 1 proposed training center informational meeting on April 18, about 15 residents attended in person with a few attending via Zoom. Fire Chief Andy Kovacs welcomed the residents and said he and his staff would give a short PowerPoint presentation on the proposed training center and answer questions. Division Chief of Administration Jamey Bumgarner presented the district background and said: The original Station 1 was built in the early 1980s, and the current station was built in the early 2000s. The district began with an all-volunteer firefighting force with administration offices at the same location. In 2019, a remodel design process began to turn Station 1 into a modern facility, however architects realized the existing site would not be big enough for the design, because the…
Lewis-Palmer D38 Parent and Community Advisory Committee, April 9 – Reports on human resources, fiscal stewardship, superintendent search, and possible new charter school
By Harriet Halbig The Lewis-Palmer D38 Parent and Community Advisory Committee (PCAC) discussed human resources issues, fiscal responsibility, and the superintendent search at its April 9 meeting at Palmer Ridge High School. Palmer Ridge High School Principal Dr. Adam Frank spoke of his background as a middle school and high school teacher, coach, dean of students, athletic director, and assistant principal. He came to the area in 2021 and praised both high schools for their academic excellence and the character of the students, saying these factors made it a pleasure to be here. He spoke of two factors that made Palmer Ridge unique. The first is that it was built to include neighborhoods of teachers with individual cubicles. Unlike many schools, these neighborhoods included teachers of various subjects together. The second is the inclusion of Bear Time in the students’ day. During this 26-minute break, students are free to speak…
Monument Academy School Board, April 4, 11, and 25 – Vinchattle named executive director
By Jackie Burhans Monument Academy (MA) held two special and one regular board meetings in April. The special meeting on April 4 was a public interview of executive director finalists. At its regular meeting on April 11, the board questioned board candidates, discussed the employee handbook, and presented committee reports. At its April 25 special meeting, the board announced its executive director decision, reviewed financials, and heard a proposed budget for FY24-25. The board also considered updating its organization chart and moving employees into different positions. Executive director MA had planned to interview all the finalists for its executive director position at its April 4 meeting. Board President Ryan Graham noted that 278 applications came in and that the hiring committee had narrowed it down to fewer than 10, and the board narrowed it down to three: Joshua Yancy, Colin Vinchattle, and David Stanfield. He said that Yancy and Stanfield…
Black Forest Fire/Rescue Protection District, April 13 and April 17 – Board considers policy solutions; discusses long-range planning; approves by-law changes
By Natalie Barszcz The Black Forest Fire Rescue Protection District (BFFRPD) board held a workshop on April 13 to discuss the policy-making authority, financial policies, long-range planning, and asset management planning. At the regular meeting on April 17, the board approved changes to its by-laws and considered a proposal from Lexipol to develop the district policy manual. The board discussed the long-range planning and asset management/maintenance plan policies and a proposal to engage a consultant to develop a district master plan. The board also discussed the sale of the reserve tender. Fire Chief PJ Langmaid was unavailable during the April 17 meeting. Board of Directors by-law revisions Chair Nate Dowden thanked the directors, Langmaid, Logistics and Planning Officer Rachel Dunn, and this reporter for attending the workshop on April 13, and as discussed during the workshop recommended adopting multiple revisions to the board by-laws: The vice chair shall preside in…
Donald Wescott Fire Protection District, April 24 – Merger process nears completion
By Natalie Barszcz At the Donald Wescott Fire Protection District (DWFPD) meeting on April 24, the board received several updates on the merger process with Tri-Lakes Monument Fire Protection District dba Monument Fire District (MFD), and re-assigned board positions. Mark Gunderman commented on his tenure as board president as he leaves Wescott to take a seat on the MFD Board of Directors. Treasurer Duane Garrett was excused, and Secretary Charles Fleece and Director Mike Forsythe attended via Zoom. Merger process update The district’s attorney, Emily Powell of Ireland Stapleton Pryor Pascoe PC law firm, attending via Zoom, gave an update on the merger process and said the following: The April 30 deadline to move the district properties onto the El Paso County Assessor’s tax rolls had been met. The District Court issued the court order for the exclusion process first in order to hold the process for 30 days to…
Monument Fire District, April 24 – Station 3 land purchase approved; outgoing directors recognized
By Natalie Barszcz At the Monument Fire District (MFD) meeting on April 24, the board approved a land purchase agreement for the rebuild of Station 3, recognized outgoing board Directors Roger Lance and Tom Tharnish; received an update on the merger process, received feedback from the Station 1 training center development town hall, and further discussed a land purchase for a future Station 6. The board also heard about a Senate Bill 194. Vice President John Hildebrandt attended via Zoom. Outgoing director recognition Fire Chief Andy Kovacs said it was the end of an era as directors Lance and Tharnish end their tenure on the Board of Directors and allow Donald Wescott Fire Protection District (DWFPD) board Directors Mark Gunderman and Duanne Garrett to replace them as permanent MFD board members. He said he could not ask for a better Board of Directors, with hearts always in the right place…
Monument Town Council, April 1 and 15 – Redistricting, property purchase, Higby Road development, and Pinball Pub
By Chris Jeub Monument’s Town Council met in April to consider redistricting ordinances addressing population disparities, a real estate acquisition aiming to expand development opportunities, and Higby Road’s development. The approval of a new lodging and entertainment liquor license for Colorado Pinball Pub promises to add a unique entertainment option to the community. Redistricting ordinance passes unanimously Presented by Town Attorney Bob Cole, Ordinance No. 09-2024 focused on the adjustment of residential district boundaries and the incorporation of Section 1.12.050 into the Monument Municipal Code. GIS Technician Connie Driedger delivered a comprehensive presentation explaining the redistricting process showing adherence to legal statutes and principles of equitable representation, including factors such as equal representation, racial equity, and community preservation. The methodology, rooted in population estimates derived from 2020 census data and the recent history of building permits, highlighted the substantial population growth from 2020 to 2024, prompting the imperative for redistricting…
Monument Planning Commission, April 10 – Development processes discussed
By Janet Sellers At the April 10 Monument Planning Commission meeting, the development process was discussed with a focus on providing more information upfront, streamlining the submittal process, clarifying the Planning Commission’s role, advocating for providing detailed information to address concerns, and providing individual submittals each time a new version is received. The group also brought up the issue of litigation and the lawyer’s role, while emphasizing the importance of having a final, unique project to discuss. Speakers shared their previous experiences with the process, emphasizing the importance of reaching a consensus and expressing concerns about the cost of an attorney, while questioning the consistency of the Town Council in providing information to the public. Development projects, Planning Commission roles Speakers addressed concerns about providing too much information and suggested a more streamlined submittal process, while some questions revolved around the Planning Commission’s ability to comment on development projects, specifically…
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Palmer Lake Board of Trustees, April 3, 11, 25 – Elephant Rock advisory committee formed
By James Howald and Jackie Burhans In April, the Palmer Lake Board of Trustees (PLBOT) continued its long-running effort to plan the future of the Elephant Rock property, which was donated to the town by the Living Word Church in 2021, by forming an advisory committee to organize suggestions from citizens and to advise the board on the property’s future use. The board addressed several land use issues and considered two issues related to signs. Fire Chief John Vincent reported to the board on his plans to make Palmer Lake a fire-adapted community. The board granted four special event permits. Trustee Dennis Sterns announced that he was donating his time to act as the general contractor for the Tri-Lakes Center for the Arts (TLCA). The April 11 meeting was followed by an executive session and the Apr. 25 meeting was preceded by an executive session. Elephant Rock committee will only…
Woodmoor Water and Sanitation District, April 8 – Board discusses bills to regulate wetlands
By James Howald At its April meeting, the Woodmoor Water and Sanitation District (WWSD) board heard operational reports from District Manager Jessie Shaffer, Operations Superintendent Dan LaFontaine, District Engineer Ariel Hacker and board Treasurer Roy Martinez. Manager’s report Shaffer opened his report with an update on HB24-1379, a bill before the Colorado Legislature that would create a state-run permit system to regulate when developers can dig up and fill in streams and wetlands. A second bill addressing the same issue, SB24-127, has been introduced, Shaffer said; the difference between the two bills is that the first would place regulatory authority under the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment and the second under the Colorado Department of Natural Resources. The two bills would either be reconciled or one of them would be dropped, Shaffer said. In response to a question from Director Tom Roddam, Shaffer explained that both bills were…
Monument Sanitation District, April 17 – Repair will spare traffic on Highway 105
By Jackie Burhans and James Howald In April, the Monument Sanitation District (MSD) board accepted a proposal to repair a pipeline that runs under Highway 105 and a proposal to upgrade the radios used by the district’s supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) system. The board also heard an operational report from District Manager Mark Parker. Pipeline to be relined, not replaced Parker told the board that Insituform Technologies Inc. had proposed repairing a sewer line that runs under Highway 105 and serves the Conoco gas station, the McDonald’s restaurant, Jarrito Loco and the Taco Bell restaurant by using Cured in Place Pipeline (CIPP) technology. The repair will be made without interrupting traffic on Highway 105, Parker said. When a pipeline is repaired using CIPP, a felt liner saturated in resins is pulled through the pipeline, then the liner is cured in place using steam. Using CIPP, there is no…
Donala Water and Sanitation District, April 18 – Board discusses financial policy, water demand
By James Howald and Jackie Burhans In April, the Donala Water and Sanitation District (DWSD) board held a workshop and a regular board meeting, both on April 18. The workshop focused on the district’s financial policy and its projected water demand. During the regular board meeting, the board heard operational reports. Financial policy based on four funds General Manager Jeff Hodge told the board that the district’s total reserves were $9.5 million. That total amount is divided among four funds: the Bond Reserve Fund, the Strategic Reserve Fund, the Capital Reserve Fund, and the Operating Reserve Fund. The Bond Reserve Fund is established by the issuance of bonds, and the funds are protected by bond covenants. The funds are used to pay down principal or in the case of default. The target level for this fund is established when bonds are issued and may be recalculated as bonds are paid…
Triview Metropolitan District, April 25 – Water and wastewater fees/rates discussed; water rights lease agreement approved
By Natalie Barszcz At the Triview Metropolitan District meeting on April 25, the board heard about a proposal to increase the water and wastewater fees effective June 1 and reviewed a water rights lease agreement between the district and the Arkansas Groundwater and Reservoir Association (AGRA). The board discussed steps to resolve the unsold excess wastewater flows and heard about traffic concerns and hazards from residents. The board held an executive session to discuss the acquisition of water and land. Director Amanda Carlton was excused. Treasurer/Secretary James Barnhardt and Director Jason Gross joined via Zoom. Water and wastewater fees/rates District Manager Jim McGrady said a public hearing will be held at the May 23 board meeting to allow public comment on the proposed increases to the water and wastewater base rates, meter, and tiered volume charges and the average November-February volume uniform rate, and said: Colorado Springs Utilities (CSU) will…
El Paso Board of County Commissioners, April 9, 11, and 16 – Wildfire mitigation urged as Black Forest slash and mulch program opens for season
By Helen Walklett During April, the El Paso Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) made decisions relating to the Black Forest slash and mulch program and a Black Forest rezone application. Black Forest slash and mulch program At its April 9 meeting, the BOCC approved the 2024 memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the Black Forest Slash and Mulch Committee (SAMCOM), the nonprofit responsible for the program’s daily operation. This wildfire mitigation program, staffed entirely by volunteers, accepts slash (tree debris including branches and leaves) from residents that is ground into mulch, which is available free of charge to the public. The program does not accept bulk loads of needles, tree stumps, roots, weeds or grass. Under the MOU, the county contributes up to $40,000 toward grinder expenses, and SAMCOM provides $12,000 toward the costs. The site, within Black Forest Section 16 on the east side of Herring Road and just south…
El Paso County Planning Commission, April 18 – Old Denver Road property requesting rezone to commercial
By Helen Walklett At the El Paso County Planning Commission meeting on April 18, the commissioners heard a request to rezone an 8.07-acre property at 16050 Old Denver Road from RR-5 (rural residential) to CS (commercial service). The property is one-half mile north of the intersection of Baptist Road and Old Denver Road. The application was originally scheduled as a consent item, meaning there would be no discussion, but was pulled and heard as a regular item at the request of Commissioner Christopher Whitney, who had questions about the interplay of placetype (from the county’s master plan) and zoning. Discussion at the hearing focused on the existing duplex on the property, which is not an allowed use by right under the CS zoning and would require a variance of use. Staff has proposed a condition to the zoning approval that would see the duplex remain until it’s vacant for more…
Woodmoor Improvement Association, April 24 – Board member passes away
By Jackie Burhans The Woodmoor Improvement Association (WIA) board met on April 24 and announced the death of one of its members. The board also heard a response from a resident on a covenant issue and heard director reports. Board Director Per Suhr passes away Before hearing director reports, President Brian Bush invoked presidential reports to announce, with great sadness, the death of Covenant Director Per Suhr. He was found deceased in his home on April 19 at age 81. He had just returned from a golfing trip to Laughlin, Nev. with fellow country club members. Suhr was a longtime resident of Woodmoor and had served on the WIA board for more years than anyone could count, including the past nine years alongside Bush. He was also a golfing buddy, friend, and colleague, said Bush, and his wisdom, integrity, and humor will be sorely missed by all who had the…
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April Weather Wrap
By Bill Kappel For the second April in a row, precipitation was below average. However, unlike last year, we have had ample moisture heading into spring and therefore, the lower-than-normal moisture last month isn’t as big of a problem. Along with the drier-than-normal conditions, temperatures were above normal. This was mostly result of overnight lows being well above average and no significantly cold mornings during the month. The first two days of the month were cool and unsettled with light snowfall from the afternoon of the 1st into the morning of the 2nd. Most of us received 1-2 inches of snowfall, nothing too heavy but enough to remind us that winter-like weather wasn’t over yet. After this quick shot of cool weather and light snow, conditions were quiet for the next two weeks, with only a trace of snow occurring with a brief snow shower on the 6th. Temperatures were…
Letters to Our Community – LPHS After Prom thanks
Thanks to our great community of parents, LP staff, and students, After Prom 2024 was a huge success! We had approximately 450+ students attend the event themed “Around the World in 80 Days. Many school districts do not offer an After Prom, as the planning and coordination involve a substantial amount of time and money. Both District 38 high schools have such a dedicated group of staff, parents, and community patrons that we have been able to make After Prom a yearly tradition. Much of the financial support comes from family, community, and local business donations. We would like to recognize the following: Tri-Lakes Printing, Something New Boutique, Arlene’s Beans, Horseshoe Donuts, Broadmoor World Arena, Chick-fil-A Northgate , Mountain High Kettle Corn, Chipotle, City Rock, Costa Vida, Crumbl Cookies, Fuzzy’s Taco Shop, Glowgolf, IHOP InterQuest, Jeff Schmidt—State Farm, Jennifer Clinard Realtor—Front Range Real Estate Professionals, Josh & John’s Ice Cream…
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Between the Covers at Covered Treasures Bookstore – Military history for Memorial Day
By the staff at Covered Treasures “Those who stand for nothing fall for anything.”—Alexander Hamilton May is the month to pay tribute to the men and women who have served in the U.S. military. It’s the perfect time to learn the history of the U.S. in relation to the wars we have fought. Masters of the AirBy Donald Miller (Simon Schuster) $23 Masters of the Air is the deeply personal story of the American bomber boys in World War II who brought the war to Hitler’s doorstep. This is a story of life in wartime England and in the German prison camps, where tens of thousands of airmen spent part of the war. It ends with an account of the hunger marches that the captured airmen were forced to make near the end of the war through the country their bombs destroyed. Valiant WomenBy Lena Andrews (Mariner Books) $33 Valiant Women is…
May Library Events – Call for teen volunteers; CD swap program
By Harriet Halbig As summer approaches, teens are encouraged to volunteer to help with the Summer Adventure reading program. Activities will include helping children register for the program and tracking their progress, help with special programs, and help with everyday library functions. To apply, go to www.ppld.org/teens/volunteer. The Monument Library will sponsor a CD swap from 2 to 3 p.m. on Saturday, May 11. Bring new or gently used CDs and trade for music that’s new to you. You will also learn how to access music resources such as Freegal which are available through the library website. Come to the Palmer Lake Library from 2 to 3 p.m. on Wednesday, May 8 to make a handy farmers market tote bag for your summer purchases. You will be provided with a tote bag and stencils and other tools to decorate to your heart’s content. One tote bag per person and registration is required. Visit www.ppld.org,…
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Palmer Lake Historical Society, April 18 – Trolley cars, past and future
By Marlene Brown The Palmer Lake Historical Society (PLHS) April meeting hosted John Haney, a founding member of the Pikes Peak Trolley Museum and Restoration Shop. He has co-written three books on the history of streetcars and trolley systems. Haney’s talk centered on the streetcar system in Colorado Springs and Manitou Springs. He is a native of Colorado Springs and his family has been here since the1890s. Beginning in 1887, streetcars were pulled by horses. Called horsecars, they traveled along Tejon Street and Cascade Avenue, stopping at the restaurants and saloons in the new city of Colorado Springs. They would go to the north end to the 1888 Rock Island Roundhouse in the community of Roswell to turn around. This building is just west of Cascade near Penrose Hospital. The Roundhouse is now being operated by the Pikes Peak Street Railway Foundation for the Trolley Museum and Restoration Shop. For…
Continue Reading,,, Palmer Lake Historical Society, April 18 – Trolley cars, past and future
On the Trail (in memory of Tim Watkins) – Cadets build bridge over Monument Creek
By Steve Pate A crew of senior cadet engineering students from the U.S Air Force Academy (USAFA) have been working during their 2023-24 final year at the academy to design and build a bridge across Monument Creek to connect a newly improved section of the Creekside Trail to the Elephant Rock property area (not the Elephant Rock near Ben Lomand). During their final semester, the cadets made multiple trips to the site for measurements and design and prepared proposals to the Palmer Lake Parks and Trails commission (PLP&T) who selected the proposal they believed would best meet the needs of the community and satisfy Colorado Parks and Wildlife and the Pikes Peak Regional Building Department. The bridge links a trail from the Palmer Lake Glen area to and through the Elephant Rock property west of Highway 105 to allow residents and visitors to hike and bike from Palmer Lake through…
High Altitude Nature and Gardening (HANG) – Garden—and lawn—success starts with dandelions!
By Janet Sellers Before you grab anything that’s toxic, let’s take a look at some handy hints that are easy and don’t harm people or pets. Chemicals to kill weeds and varmints go down into our groundwater and poison our water. Every year I share the importance of the dandelions as the first food for both hummingbirds and pollinators. Root to flower, the dandelion supports our gardens in ways we may never have imagined. Dandelions send their roots down anywhere from 2-20 feet to bring up nutrients to the surface. The roots also loosen and aerate the soil and help control erosion. Dandelions enrich our soil and our gardens. Dandelions will not return when the soil is rich and balanced. They are edible roots to flowers. And they actually fertilize the grass. Dandelions are in the same family as lettuce, artichokes, chamomile, and daisies. So how did dandelions get such…
Art Matters – Art multiples: slabs to electronic screens; Art Hop rides again
By Janet Sellers News flash: Our local Art Hop season begins in May, now 5-8 p.m. on fourth Fridays. Wander around downtown Monument for an evening of fun, art, food, and meeting up with old—and new—friends. Today’s creative artwork and hand-painted unique apparel are here as expensive yet greatly expressive, artist-designed clothing, shoes, handbags, luggage and more—even body ink. The novel ideas and values of scarcity are coming back from the mass-produced, highly available pieces that were in demand in yesteryear. And yet: Mass-made art was an innovation When they started, most printing process outcomes allowed for a cheaper alternative to hand work. All were available largely to the wealthy, as most new technologies are in any age. The Museum of Modern Art in New York City explains on its website that lithography was invented around 1796 in Germany by an otherwise unknown Bavarian playwright, Alois Senefelder, who accidentally discovered that he…
Continue Reading,,, Art Matters – Art multiples: slabs to electronic screens; Art Hop rides again
Snapshots of Our Community
Monument Play Park plans, Mar. 10 Above: Thirty people attended a public meeting March 10 to give feedback and get more information on the proposed Heart of Monument Play Park. The park will be next to the Monument Community Presbyterian Church, which is donating the land. It’ll be for people of all ages and those with physical and emotional disabilities. NES Inc. will use the input from the meeting attendants as well as comments gathered by Monument Hill Kiwanis Club and the Heart of Monument Steering Committee to finalize the design of the park. NES says the design could be ready by June. It’s hoped the park will be open this summer or fall. From left, Roberta Ross, Monument Mayor Mitch LaKind, and Tri-Lakes Cares Executive Director Haley Chapin look at the project plans. Photo by Bob Harrigan. TLC thanks Kiwanis, Mar. 30 Above: Tri-Lakes Cares (TLC) has thanked Monument Hill Kiwanis Club…
Our Community Notices
By Janet Sellers Although we strive for accuracy in these listings, dates or times are often changed after publication. Please double-check the time and place of any event you wish to attend by calling the information number for that event. Please notify us if your event listing needs to be updated. Slash mulch program Slash can be brought to the Black Forest slash and mulch program. Tree and brush debris only. This program serves fire mitigation efforts in the area and is $10 per load to drop off, regardless of size. The program also offers free mulch to take home. Details: www.BFSlash.org. See also the BOCC article on page 20. WMMI needs volunteers The Museum of Mining and Industry is currently recruiting for Visitor Services Associates and Guides. Please consider sharing your time and expertise. Volunteers must be 18 and older and pass a background check. For information about volunteer opportunities,…
Our Community Calendar
By Janet Sellers Although we strive for accuracy in these listings, dates or times are often changed after publication. Please double-check the time and place of any event you wish to attend by calling the info number for that event. Please contact calendar@ocn.me with changes and additions. GOVERNMENTAL BODIES Forest Lakes Metropolitan District, Pinon Pines Metropolitan District 1, 2 & 3 board typically meets quarterly on the first Mon. Meetings are held via teleconference. For virtual joining instructions and updates see www.forestlakesmetrodistrict.com. El Paso Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) regular meeting, usually every Tue., 9 am. View agendas and meetings at www.agendasuite.org/iip/elpaso. Meetings are held at Centennial Hall, 200 S. Cascade Ave., Suite 150, Colo. Springs. Info: 719-520-643. BOCC land use meetings are held the second and fourth Thursdays of the month (as needed) at 1pm Centennial Hall. Monument Town Council meeting, Mon., June 3 & 17, 6:30 pm, Town…
Other issues
- Vol. 24 No. 10 – October 5, 2024
- Vol. 24 No. 9 – September 7, 2024
- Vol. 24 No. 8 – August 3, 2024
- Vol. 24 No. 7 – July 6, 2024
- Vol. 24 No. 6 – June 1, 2024
- Vol. 24 No. 4 – April 6, 2024
- Vol. 24 No. 3 – March 2, 2024
- Vol. 24 No. 2 – February 3, 2024
- Vol. 24 No. 1 – January 6, 2024
- Vol. 23 No. 12 – December 2, 2023