2 The News-Press
February 14, 2013
Magical night for fire victims Theatre of Dreams fundraiser aids business operators By Rhonda Moore
rmoore@ourcoloradonews.com When Joe and Carol Givan named the fundraiser for victims of a downtown fire the “Anything Goes” Talent Show, they weren’t kidding. The show Feb. 7 at the Theatre of Dreams drew a clearinghouse of talent for the standing-roomonly crowd, with acts from across the Front Range. Amateur performers shared the stage with future stars, including the night’s winner, an 11-yearold graduate of the theater’s magic camp for area youth.
A.J. Perea of Lone Tree won first place with a “rip and restore” newspaper magic trick delivered with deadpan perfection. Perea faced off against an Elvis impersonator from Colorado Springs, Fort Collins magician Tim Pendergast, music from several Castle Rock performers and a stand-up comedian whose act was her inaugural stage performance. They were among the 16 acts that signed up for the talent show, launched as a fundraiser for victims of a Jan. 4 fire that displaced six downtown businesses. The Givans hosted the event with the help of the downtown merchants association, raising nearly $2,400 for merchants who could be waiting as long as six months to return to their storefronts. “We initially thought we would
do a (magic) show but decided a talent show would be much more fun,” Carol Massie Givan said. “We knew we could get a lot of great talent.” The recipients of the event were overwhelmed by the community support in the weeks following the fire, including K.C. and Mark Neel, owners of the Castle Rock Bike & Ski Shop, where the fire started. “This is another example of what makes Castle Rock special,” K.C. Neel said. Niki Katzenmeier and Jessica Bejot, owners of prenatal care center Birth Rocks, had been open for about three months when the fire hit. The pair is seeking temporary digs for their classes, events and support groups for new and expecting moms. “The support has been awe-
Deanna Bossio, of Castle Rock, got Elvis’ attention Feb. 7 at the Theatre of Dreams “Anything Goes” fundraiser, which raised nearly $2,400 for victims of a Jan. 4 downtown Castle Rock fire. Elvis was portrayed by Bruce “Aaron” Black of Colorado Springs. Photo by Rhonda Moore some,” Katzenmeier said. “I’m excited the way the commu-
Udall announces academy nominations Six Douglas, Elbert students make elite list Staff report U.S. Sen. Mark Udall announced his nomination of 48 Colorado students for appointment to four of the U.S. service academies. The students were selected from among 410 applications for nominations and included six students from Douglas and Elbert counties. The nominations were reviewed by Udall’s merit selection committee and applicants were evaluated based on academic aptitude, leadership potential, determination and overall character. Of the 410 applications, 200 stu-
dents were selected for interviews. Nominated students will now compete with others from around the country for appointments to the Air Force Academy, Naval Academy, Merchant Marine Academy and Military Academy. “One of my favorite opportunities is to nominate highly qualified, bright Udall young people to attend our military service academies,” Udall said. “Throughout American history, these academies have produced some of our finest military and civilian leaders. “I’m hopeful that many of my nom-
inees will receive appointments to the U.S. service academies,” Udall added. “I’m confident that these young men and women will ably and proudly serve our country.” Udall’s list of nominees included the following students from Douglas and Elbert counties: United States Air Force Academy: Hannah Murphy, Parker; Christopher Reed, Castle Rock; Timothy Shutack, Parker. United States Military Academy: Nicholas Bailey, Parker; Timothy Shutack, Parker; Tanner Thompson, Elizabeth. United States Naval Academy: Hannah Murphy, Parker. United States Merchant Marine Academy: Alexander Barton, Castle Rock.
nity is getting together to help us out.”
SO MUCH INSIDE THE NEWS-PRESS THIS WEEK Gun debate. State Democrats roll out their gun control legislative package, which includes contentious measures. Page 7
DCSO arrest. A deputy suspected of sexting a juvenile was taken into custody. Page 5
Southwest beauty. The new Georgia O’Keeffe exhibit at the Denver Art Museum includes some rarely shown images. Page 12
Making connections. The Solheim Cup captains visited with breast cancer survivors and patients at Parker Adventist Hospital. Page 10
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