Arvada Press 0223

FEBRUARY 23, 2017

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SPIRIT OF INVENTION: JEFFERSON COUNTY, COLORADO

A publication of

Distillers give a peek inside their local operations P14

Two women indicted in fatal Arvada disabled adult home fire

MAT CHAMPS: Pomona’s wrestling dynastic domination undeniable P24

Smoldering cigarette butts believed to have started blaze

BY SHANNA FORTIER SFORTIER@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM

WELCOME HOME: President’s Day ceremony welcomes 52 new citizens P4

Two women are facing charges homicide charges in connection with a fire that killed three people in Arvada last May. The victims who died included the daughter and granddaughter of one of the women facing charges.

Mary “Liz” Turner, 32, and Shana “Dee” Moore, 47, are facing charges of criminally negligent homicide.

Following a grand jury investigation that began in early December, the two women are accused of being careless with cigarette butts that apparently Turner triggered the deadly house fire.

Turner and Moore also face charges of negligent child abuse resulting in death, plus criminal negligence resulting in serious bodily injury and death of an at-risk adult.

The child abuse death charge is a class 3 felony, which in Colorado carries a prison sentence of four to 12 years with five years mandatory Moore probation, though the DA’s office said that sentence enhancements could increase the potential range of the sentence given the vulnerablility of the victims.

According to the indictment, on May 13, 2016, Turner and Moore, who were host providers at a home for disabled adults, were outside smoking cigarettes on the front porch of their residence SEE FIRE, P19

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THE BOTTOM LINE

‘These suggested adjustments allow us to protect our programming and keep the cuts as far away from our students as possible.’

Superintendent Dan McMinimee | Jeffco Public Schools | P9

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EVERYTHING

INSIDE

VOICES: PAGE 10 | LIFE: PAGE 14 | CALENDAR: PAGE 22 | SPORTS: PAGE 24

ArvadaPress.com

VOLUME 12 | ISSUE 40

2 Arvada Press

February 23, 2017F

Legislators and business professionals mingle

BY SHANNA FORTIER SFORTIER@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM

Arvada’s newest venue, Gallery 1874, was filled with local business professionals and Jefferson County legislators Feb. 15 for an annual reception dedicated to learning about the current legislative session and networking. The event was hosted by the Jefferson County Business Lobby — a partnership comprised of the Jefferson Economic Development Corporation, the Arvada, Golden, West and Wheat Ridge chambers of commerce with the participation of the Applewood Business Association, Evergreen Chamber of Commerce and Wheat Ridge Business Association. JCBL advocates for public policies to strengthen the business climate and Colorado economy.

Here’s what some of the local legislators and business professionals had to say about why they were there.

Rep. Tracy Kraft-Tharp District 29, Democrat “It’s important that I’m staying in touch with my community and listening to what they have to say. I’m a small businesswoman, so

Arvada City Councilman John Marriott, right, talks with business professionals at the Feb. 15 legislative reception.

SHANNA FORTIER this is good for me to connect with other small businesses.

As the state representative, my job is to represent the people in my area and you can only do that if you’re listening and you’re hearing what their priorities are. I have a number of really good bills that are introduced or coming really soon. One of my bills is to help make life easier for small businesses.

We call it regulatory reform, but what does that mean? It’s how can the government be friendly, more efficient and work better with small businesses.”

Sen. Rachel Zenzinger

District 19, Democrat “I think one of the best things about this event is it’s an opportunity to talk to people that are in business on the ground to hear from them firsthand the kinds of issues they’re dealing with.

And also to get feedback on the type of legislation that will be impacting the business community. It’s hearing those personal stories and the opportunity to talk to people one-on-one that is really valuable to me as a legislator. I think it’s really important that we’re working together down at the capitol and trying to strive for that

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bipartisan spirit, because I think that’s what is actually going to get things accomplished.”

Jeff Magnuson Arvada Sister Cities International “We’re in the midst of revitalizing our organization, Arvada Sister Cities International. We come out to these events to meet people, promote our mission and answer questions that people may have. Last year there was a push to promote Sister Cities at the governor level and we hope that that initiative comes up again.”

Preston Pranaugh Arvada resident “There are three priorities for the JCPL. I have most interest in the transportation discussion. And I say that because I am a native of Colorado and Arvada. I think that transportation has become a huge issue.

Even just commuting from my home to my office in Arvada is taking longer and longer. So, I think this is something that has an adverse affect on business and it has an adverse effect on our quality of life. I’d like to see us make some improvement on that.”

NEWS IN A HURRY Arvada hosts two-week free recycle event The City of Arvada, in partnership with SustainAbility, will be offering a free drop-off recycle event beginning Tuesday, May 2, through Sunday, May 14. Many bulky and hard-to-recycle items will be accepted, including electronics, TVs and monitors; appliances including ones containing Freon; batteries, paint, mattresses and box springs; and common household items including paper, cardboard and glass. For more information, visit arvada.org/cleanup. SustainAbility will accept many of your recyclable items outside of the two-week event, but fees will be charged for certain items. For more information, visit sustainability-recycling. com.

Rolling Sands in Olde Town closing due to rent hike Rolling Sands Yoga Boutique and Fitness store will close.

Owner Diane Thomas cited a significant rent increase as the cause. The store is currently having an “Everything Must Go” sale with large discounts on all merchandise. Store displays and furniture will be available for purchase as well.

Rolling Sands is located at 5709 Olde Wadsworth Blvd, Arvada CO 80002.

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Arvada Press 3

February 23, 2017

JEFFCO NEWS IN A HURRY NREL’s leadership academy The application period for the National Renewable Energy Laboratory’s (NREL) Executive Energy Leadership Academy is now open.

The program is designed for community and industry leaders with an interest in exploring renewable energy and energy efficiency technologies, applications and issues.

Specifics include briefings by technology experts, tours of research laboratories, visits to renewable energy installations and classroom projects.

The course takes place for four multi-day sessions from June through September at NREL’s main campus, 15013 Denver West Park-

way, in Golden.

Deadline to complete the application process is March 31. For more information or to apply, visit www. nrel.gov/workingwithus/energyexecs.html.

Openings for ladies’ golf league The West Woods 9 Hole Ladies Golf League has a limited number of openings for their Wednesday morning golf league.

The league is based out of the West Woods Golf Club, which is located at 6655 Quaker St. in Arvada.

To learn more about the golf club, visit www.westwoodsgolf.com.

For more information on joining the West Woods 9 Hole Ladies Golf

League, contact Maryann Mark at 303-526-1866.

Buffalo Bill birthday celebrations The public is invited to celebrate Buffalo Bill’s birthday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Feb. 25 at The Rock Rest, 16005 S. Golden Road, in Golden.

The event, which is free and family-friendly, will celebrate William Frederick “Buffalo Bill” Cody’s birthday and the 100th anniversary of his death. Col. Al Huffman, a Buffalo Bill impersonator who passed away in 2016, will be honored.

For more information, contact David or Lee at monarchproductions@earthlink.net.com.

Also in celebration of Buffalo Bill’s birthday, the Buffalo Bill Museum and Grave, 987 1/2 Lookout Mountain Road in Golden, will host its annual birthday celebration from noon to 4 p.m., Feb. 26. Admission is free for the entire day.

Activities include a cake cutting, a buffalo-chip tossing contest and costumed volunteers. The event also doubles as the opening of the museum’s newest exhibit called From Prairie to Palace, which highlights Buffalo Bill’s Wild West European tour.

For more information call 303526-0744 or visit www.buffalobill. org.

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How Do Credit Scores Affect Mortgage Interest Rates?

Your FICO credit score is the single most The calculation of that fee and how much it important factor when it comes to determin- increases your interest rate happens behind ing both your mortgage inter- REAL ESTATE the scenes. As a borrower, est rate and how much home you’re only told what your interTODAY you can buy. A low credit score est rate is, not how the lender can increase your mortgage arrived at it. Lenders quote interinterest rate as the result of a est rates with that LLPA fee government-mandated program already factored in. based on something called “riskEvery 20-point change in based pricing.” More formally, it's credit score can impact your known as the Loan-Level Pricing total monthly payment. In addiAdjustment (LLPA) program. tion, low credit scores also sigUnder this program a fee is nificantly increase the monthly assessed on conventional mortpayment of private mortgage gage loans based on the size of insurance (PMI). the down payment and the credit By JIM SMITH, The chart above right shows Realtor® score. Loans for borrowers with the impact on a $400,000 30lower credit scores and smaller down pay- year mortgage with a 5% down payment. ments are charged higher fees, resulting in Web-based loan calculators don’t factor in higher interest rates. your credit score, so you’d be smart to speak

Don’t Be Fooled by “1% Commission” Offers

The commissions charged in real estate transactions can confuse buyers and sellers.

Allow me to explain how it all works, in case you’re not clear about it.

Typically, the buyer’s agent — also known as the “selling agent” because he/she sells the home — is paid by the listing agent, not the seller. The seller signs a listing agreement for a total commission amount — which might range from 4 to 7 percent — and agrees to pay a portion of that commission to the broker who sells your home.

That’s referred to as the “co-op commission” because the selling agent is considered the “co-operating agent.” Regardless of the total commission charged, it is common in the Denver market for the listing agent to offer 2.8% as the co-op commission, which is spelled out in the listing agreement.

Since long before I became a Realtor, the listing commission has been subject to antitrust laws, meaning that we agents cannot discuss commissions with each other, so that each of us is incentivized to compete by offering lower commissions. Therefore, it is illegal for us to refer to a “standard” commission rate. The co-op commission, I’m told, is not subject to this rule, so it’s okay for me to say that the co-op commission is “typically” 2.8%. That number originated before anti-

trust laws were applied, when the “standard” commission was 7%. The Board of Realtors, in its wisdom, decided that buyer’s agents were entitled to 40% of that 7%, which equals 2.8%. Even as commission rates dropped under anti-trust laws, listing agents have been reluctant to reduce the co-op commission out of fear that agents would not show and sell their listings. (I tried offering 2.5% a few years ago, and went back to 2.8% after realizing this was true.)

Some discount brokerages will seek to get listings by advertising 1% or a flat fee such as $1,200 as the “listing” commission.

The “small print” will note that this does not include the buyer’s agent commission, which will be another 2.8% — which you’d be wise to agree to. The listing agent may suggest that you offer a smaller co-op commission, such as a flat $3,000, but you may well find yourself agreeing to increase that to 2.8% after a week or two with few showings and no offers.

Perhaps you, like me, have learned that you get what you pay for in life. That is true, for sure, with Golden Real Estate. Yes, we charge more, but sellers get more with our higher but below-average commission fees.

I welcome your questions and comments.

Feel free to call me or email me.

with a loan officer such as Bruce Gustafson of Universal Lending Corp., who provided the information for this column. His cell number is 303-596-0780. Bruce is an expert in the process of increasing your credit score to lower your rate. You should never seek out a “credit repair” company for this process. Bruce and other loan officers who have been trained in the process don’t charge for such counseling because they’re working to qualify you for a loan, which is where they make their money.

Also, some credit repair counselors concen-

trate on settling your debts for less than what you owe. According to Bruce, it may not be smart to pay off an older collection (most often medical, cell phone or cable) in anticipation of buying a home. The payoff may refresh negative data and lower your score.

Environmental Film Festival Opens Today

Every February, Golden Real Estate is happy to co-sponsor the Colorado Environmental Film Festival (CEFF), which is held at the American Mountaineering Center in downtown Golden. It opens this evening with free screenings and the award ceremony, 7-9:30 p.m..

Over the following two days, Feb. 24-25, you can buy a pass to see any of 16 feature films, 29 short films, and 4 youth films. The festival website, www.CEFF.net, gives the title, synopsis and length of each film, and when each of them will be screened. If the film has a website, the link is provided.

Some feature films that caught my attention include the following: A Plastic Ocean (1:40), Between Earth and Sky: Climate Change on the Last Frontier [about Alaska] (1:20), Shifting Sands on the Path to Sustainability [about the Indiana Dunes on Lake Michigan] (0:57); We the People 2.0 [about citizen activism] (1:29); and Poisoning Paradise [about Hawaii] (0:40).

Pierce Brosnan was executive producer of the Hawaii film and will be present at the screening along with the directors and will participate in a

question and answer session afterwards. The still photo below is from Belo Monte: After the Flood (0:57), concerning a hydroelectric dam built on a tributary of the Amazon, which ruined the livelihood of indigenous peoples.

I’m hoping to catch the following short films, too: Change for Chimps (0:04); From Flint: Voices of a Poisoned City (0:23); The Private Lives of Salmon (0:05); Tree Huggers [about old growth forestry] (0.10); Tropical Birds Confront Warming (0:04); and Whale Talk (0:06).

Tickets for Friday and Saturday are $18, or $36 for both days, which includes the wrap party on Saturday evening.

Between screenings you’ll want to visit the Call2Action Eco-Expo in the conference center, featuring “solutions-based organizations focused on environmental issues.” Golden Real Estate will have one of the 28 exhibitor booths. I’ll be there (when I’m not in a screening) offering free rides in my Tesla and answering questions about electric cars.

Jim Smith Broker/Owner

Golden Real Estate, Inc. DIRECT: 303-525-1851

EMAIL: Jim@GoldenRealEstate.com

All Agents Are EcoBrokers

17695 South Golden Road, Golden 80401 WEBSITE: www.GoldenRealEstate.com

4 Arvada Press

February 23, 2017F

One immigrant’s process to citizenship Library offers free classes to help immigrants become citizens

BY AMY THOMPSON SPECIAL TO COLORADO COMMUNITY MEDIA

Felicia Scott, born in Ghana, emigrated to the United States 17 years ago from Italy.

After migrating to Europe as a refugee, she was sponsored to come to the U.S. by her sister, who was living here, because she wanted her three children to learn English.

She saved money every year to become a naturalized citizen, but wasn’t financially able to complete the process until four years ago.

“The money was hard,” the Arvada resident said. “Every year I saved some money to do it…and one year I sent it in.”

Applicants must pay a $640 application fee and $85 for a background check and biometrics screening. Government subsidies are available to low-income families to help.

Once the application and biometrics information have been received and processed, it’s time to study the test curriculum, which covers English and civics. The threepart English exam, consisting of reading, writing and speaking, wasn’t a problem for Scott because she grew up speaking English in Ghana.

The 100-question civics test, however, required a lot of studying. Any of the 100 example questions can be included in the 10-question oral interview, of which six must be answered correctly to pass.

A candidate who fails the naturalization exam can retake it once more before having to re-apply and pay the fees for a second time.

Free class offers help Scott, 52, had heard about the free citizenship class at the Westminster Library Irving Branch, 7392 Irving St., through a friend who was taking free English classes there. The citizenship class, offered every Saturday at 10 a.m., provides an overview of the application requirements, tests, and a place to practice the curriculum.

“I went four or five times” to review the material, Scott said. “You have to study the questions to pass.”

The library started offering the class seven years ago, after seeing a need to help immigrants work through the steps to citizenship. The class had more than 500 participants last year, according to a library coordinator.

“The library is uniquely positioned to provide access to resources and offer opportunities for engagement and empowerment to the community,” Library Services Manager Emily Littlejohn said.

Ahmad Golestani, a volunteer instructor for the course and a naturalized citizen from Iran, works full-time at the Emily Griffith Technical College where he teaches citizenship classes, English classes and job-search training.

In Golestani’s experience, the most difficult part is the 20-page application that must be submitted to start the naturalization process.

Students must fill the application out on their own, unless they have permission SEE CITIZENSHIP, P5

Felicia Scott of Ghana sought help to obtain her U.S. citizenship through free classes offered at the Westminster Library. She and her 4-year-old grandson lunch together most Sundays after church in Arvada.

COURTESY PHOTO

February 23, 2017

5

Proud to be a new American

52 immigrants gain U.S. citizenship at Denver naturalization ceremony

BY CHRISTY STEADMAN CSTEADMAN@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM

Dennis Reijnders’ American-born wife Anna was about six months away from gaining Dutch citizenship when his job with a cell phone company was transferred to a different city in the Netherlands.

But the couple, who met when Anna was going to college in Britain, didn’t want to live in Amsterdam. They decided to move to the U.S. “He was always fascinated with America,” Anna Reijnders said.

So they stored their belongings and moved into Anna’s parents’ basement.

Upon arrival, they set a one-year goal to get new jobs, cars and a home to call their own.

The couple, who now live in Thornton, met these initial goals then moved on to something even bigger.

Dennis and 51 other people from 29 countries became U.S. citizens in a Feb. 14 ceremony in downtown Denver attended by family and friends.

The ceremony, which took place at the History Colorado Center, was the first of many to occur across the U.S. during the week leading up to President’s Day, in which 25,000 people were slated to earn U.S. citizenship.

CITIZENSHIP FROM PAGE 4

to receive aid from an immigration lawyer. That’s uncommon, according to Golestani.

“It’s difficult if you have low English (skills),” he said. “There are a lot of sections about family history, work.”

A sample application is available at the library, along with studying materials that students can consult outside of the class. Golestani, a Westminster resident, teaches the citizenship class once a month to give back to his com-

Husband and wife Dennis and Anna Reijnders embrace after a ceremony on Feb. 14 during which Dennis received his U.S. citizenship. The two married 12 years ago, beginning their lives together in the Netherlands where Dennis is from. Anna, an American, was about six months away from getting Dutch citizenship when a transfer with Dennis’ job prompted them to want to move to the U.S. PHOTOS BY CHRISTY STEADMAN “It takes commitment and hard work,” said Colorado Sen. Michael Bennet in a letter read by his senior advisor Rosemary Rodriguez at the ceremony.

But not only did these people choose to become U.S. citizens, said JJ Rutherford, director of education at the History Colorado, they chose to be residents of Colorado.

“Being a citizen is a privilege,” new citizen Luis Lopez of Aurora said.

“You get better opportunities. That’s

why they call America the land of opportunity.”

Lopez grew up in a border town in Mexico. All his life he knew he would like the U.S., he said. “This is something I’ve always wanted.”

So had Abdel Perez Moreno of Colorado Springs. Born in Panama, Moreno, 38, has been in the country since 1993. He went to high school in Colorado Springs, and although he attended some college for a career in auto mechanics, citizenship will help

munity.

“I came to America, so I’ve been lucky that my education was good here,” he said.

He migrated in the 1980s on a student visa to earn his undergraduate degree in Vermont. He eventually completed a master’s in education, moved to Colorado, and fell in love with a woman from Longmont. After receiving his green card, he applied for citizenship and eventually passed the test.

The process from application to naturalization can be as quick as two months. On average, it takes between six and nine months, Golestani said.

The majority of students he works with at the library are from Mexico and South America, although he meets immigrants of all ages from all over the world.

Golestani suggests students take the library’s free English classes, offered six times a week at the Irving Street and College Hill locations, until they feel ready to complete the application on their own. Then, the citizenship classes can help them prepare for the tests.

Determination paves the way Scott played the audio recordings of the sample civics questions in her car

Arvada Press 5

open doors for better jobs, he said.

“I’m very proud of him,” said mother Eneida Davis. “He is a good son, and he deserves this.”

Yolanda Burton, a dentist in her home country of Colombia, came to the U.S. eight years ago when she married her American-born husband Mark.

Having citizenship is important, Burton said, because it gives a person the right to vote. But for her personally, Burton wanted her 14-year-old son to have all the opportunities American children have. He can also gain U.S. citizenship since his mother is now naturalized, she said.

Burton, a Denver resident, encourages everybody who is eligible to earn citizenship to do so.

“It’s not a hard process,” she said, “just time-consuming.”

That process includes demonstrating good moral character, becoming competent with the English language and passing a U.S. civics and government test of 10 questions chosen from 100 possible ones studied.

Norma and Youssef Ibrahim of Aurora left their careers as doctors in Egypt to come to the U.S. so they could provide a better life and good education for their three children.

Nearly six years later, the two are excited to settle in as new U.S. citizens.

“You can see it on our faces,” said Youssef Ibrahim, as he and wife smiled. “There’s no comparison to the U.S.”

while driving to her job as a cashier at Wal-Mart. Her three children quizzed her to help her study.

“If you study, you can get it done,” she said.

She remembers asking her American-born co-workers the civics questions, and they never knew the answers, she said with a laugh.

Her favorite part about living in the United States is the ease of traveling nationally and seeing the world.

“You can go anywhere you want,” said Scott, who is planning a trip to Israel with her church. “You don’t have to carry anything except your passport.”

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6 Arvada Press

February 23, 2017F

Except for fourth grade, Jeffco student math scores increase Fourth-grade scores stay flat; performance gaps exist for minorities

Math median growth percentile comparison: Fall to winter mathematics 80

BY SHANNA FORTIER SFORTIER@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM

PERCENTILE

70 60

** **

50 40 30 20 10

DE

E RAD TH G TEN

GRA

GRADE LEVEL

E RAD TH G NIN ADE H GR EIGT ADE H GR ENT SEV ADE H GR SIXT ADE H GR FIFT DE GRA RTH FOU

0

D THIR

In Jefferson County, the percentage of students performing in the high and high-average ranges in math has increased in all grade levels except for fourth grade, according to recent data released by Jeffco Public Schools.

Fourth-grade math scores stayed flat at 47 percent growth from fall to winter in 2015-16 school year and fall to winter in the 2016-17 school year.

“For us, that’s a celebration because it shows that kids are meeting expectations and have a good grasp of fundamental skills for math,” said Matt Flores, the district’s chief academic officer.

This was just some of the new student achievement and growth data presented to the Jeffco Board of Education at its Fed. 16 study session.

The data was pulled from the fall and winter Measure of Academic Progress (MAP) scores.

MAP is an online assessment that provides information related to students’ performance in English language arts and mathematics and is administered three times a year.

The flat growth for fourth-grade

2015-2016 2016-2017

SOURCE: Jefferson County Schools

grade: Only students taking algebra, geometry, or non-accelerated * 9thmathandare10threquired to take MAP.

math is partly due to a learning shift in that grade that focuses on abstract, instead of concrete, representation.

For example, Flores said, a number line is a visual tool that helps students

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transition from concrete to abstract thinking when talking about fractions.

Fourth grade, Flores said, is also when word problems begin to include

extraneous information.

“They have to discern the extra information or information needed and really need to use problem-solving skills,” Flores said.

Another challenge the district faces is performance gaps for minorities, students who qualify for free or reduced lunch and students with disabilities.

“This is a challenge in Jeffco, but also in Colorado and across the nation,” Flores said, adding that as a way of closing that gap, teachers try to create culturally relevant resources to the material being taught.

One big success, Flores said, is the number of students in the low range for reading in elementary school has declined, while the high/high average reading performance at the secondary level has increased.

“What we’ve found is that if kids are successful as readers, then the transition of reading to learn is easier,” Flores said. “That ability to feel confident in the primary pre-K to third grade in reading skills becomes so much more (important) in their education from that point on.”

Jeffco students also performed higher than the projected growth for mathematics in third, fifth, sixth, seventh, eighth and 10th grades, and for reading in eighth and 10th grades.

The board saw this as a win.

“I was very excited to see some of the growth percentiles that we saw,” board member Amanda Stevens said.

Jeffco Board of Education set to negotiate salaries with unions Teacher and support staff talking through April

BY SHANNA FORTIER SFORTIER@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM

The Jefferson County Board of Education is in negotiations with the Jefferson County Educators Association and the Jeffco Education Support Professionals Association to increase salaries.

Increasing compensation for teachers and staff has been at the forefront of the board’s priorities for the past year. With the recent failure of a proposed mill levy increase, which would have provided more dollars for teacher pay, the board has been looking at ways to decrease spending and reallocate it toward pay raises.

The original push was to find $25 million. A general recommendation of reductions totaling $20.3 million was presented to the board at the Jan. 26 meeting. That recommendation included the closure of five elementary schools and the reduction in several support positions.

On Feb. 9, Superintendent Dan McMinimee relayed new recommenda-

tions to the board, including keeping literacy interventionists, the social emotional supports and the gifted and talented resources, thus keeping reallocations as far away from students as possible. The board also voted to keep open four of the schools recommended for closure. The fifth, Pleasant View Elementary in Golden, will close at the end of this school year.

McMinimee said other cuts and cost savings could provide approximately $20 million to add to the compensation discussion. That figure includes approximately $11 million in reductions from central staff and services, reclassifying spending as well as reducing budget items to match recent spending levels and an additional $9 million in retirement savings.

Amy Weber, the district’s chief human resources officer, said $20 million should be sufficient to address pay for paraprofessionals and step raises for teachers, but fall short of the regional competitiveness the district had hoped for.

The board also discussed employee negotiations during its Feb. 16 study session.

Proposition 104, which passed in SEE UNION, P8

Arvada Press 7

7February 23, 2017

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8 Arvada Press

February 23, 2017F

Language bill may get bipartisan stamp of approval

a

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C ol

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Zenzinger-sponsored bill likely to be signed into law

C o m m u nit

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2017 BEST OF THE BEST

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Vote once per day March 1, 2017 – April 6, 2017.

To provide the most accurate results by geographical area, Colorado Community Media does not require, but does encourage readers to vote for businesses in their immediate local community. All nominated businesses have an equal opportunity of winning, no purchase required. Please see voting website for complete contest rules and regulations.

BY GLENN WALLACE GWALLACE@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM

Foster Elementary in Arvada is the only dual-immersion elementary school in the Jefferson County School District, teaching students both English- and Spanish-language skills. But even if the students from that program continue their language studies throughout middle and high school, mastering two languages as they apply for jobs and colleges, their high school diplomas look the same as everyone else’s.

A bipartisan bill that might receive approval from the Colorado House of Representatives in the coming days could change that, representing a win for language-learning students by making Colorado the 22nd state to approve the addition of a special bilingual seal on high school diplomas.

“It really just sets the standard across the Zenzinger state for what you need to show that you are bilingual,” said

UNION FROM PAGE 6

2014, requires school-union negotiations to be conducted in public.

Weber presented the board with compensation objectives: to provide salary increases for all current Jeffco employees; to utilize existing salary schedules and systems to advance with salary increases; to provide lane advancement (degree/credits) to teachers; to provide additional years of service credit when hiring new teachers, ideally eight years, which would be step nine on the scale; and to provide additional steps to teachers already hired, if possible, aligned with actual experience of those teachers.

Board member Ali Lasell said she liked the idea of offering eight years experience.

“We will attract more people and more veteran teachers, which is such a great asset,” she said.

Weber said she and her team are in the process of developing an attestation form, which the district will use to gather information on the number of years of experience of all teachers in the district. This will help the district determine the actual cost of honoring eight years of service, above the five years currently provided.

Weber also has been working with an outside consulting firm to answer the question of whether teachers can leave Jeffco and make more money in another district.

Sen. Rachel Zenzinger, D-Arvada, one of the bill’s primary sponsors. “It ensures employers that they know what they’re getting. Colleges, too.”

The bill’s other Senate sponsor is Kevin Priola, R-Henderson. In the House, the bill is sponsored by Democrat Millie Hamner from Summit County and James Wilson, R-Salida.

Last year, the bill passed the State House only to see it stall out in the Senate. Zenzinger, who was elected to the Senate in November said that since the bill has already passed the Senate “nearly unanimously,” and has bipartisan support, it should have no problem passing the House before the end of this legislative session.

If approved, the bill would allow school districts in Colorado to add a special bilingual seal to the high school diploma of any student who shows proficiency in English, as well as a “world language,” a term that includes traditional foreign languages, American Sign Language and could even include the languages of indigenous cultures.

“We tried last year to find a way to pass this, but were disappointed,” Foster Elementary Principal Leigh Hiester said in a statement. “We are so grateful that Sen. Zenzinger stepped SEE BILINGUAL, P21

What she concluded was different from what she thought when she started the study.

“I think there are individual situations where a teacher could make more if they leave,” Weber said. “But when we do the analysis across the system, I do not believe this is a significant concern.”

However, Weber added, “that’s different than making people feel valued.”

Regardless of flight risk, board member Brad Rupert said he thinks the district needs to honor the work teachers and support staff have been doing.

Three options for increased compensation were presented to the board Feb. 16.

Option one included the maximum amount of pay increases for all groups involved and totaled to $20.2 million.

“If we get all the money from the state, then we can handle option one,” said Kathleen Askelson, chief financial officer for Jeffco Schools. “We want to be specific on some adjustments, that they are contingent on state funding.”

The other two options each add up to less than $20 million and include different components, such as a costof-living adjustment.

Both unions have scheduled negotiation dates through April. JCEA is next scheduled to meet Tuesday, Feb. 28. JESPA is next scheduled to meet Thursday, Feb. 23. All meeting dates can be found at www.boarddocs.com/ co/jeffco/Board.nsf/Public.

Arvada Press 9

February 23, 2017

Jeffco Schools drops budget cuts to student programming Literacy, gifted and talented and social and emotional supports are safe for now

BY SHANNA FORTIER SFORTIER@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM

Budget cuts for the gifted and talented program, social and emotional learning specialists, literacy interventionist and custodial and transportation services have been temporarily lifted, following a revisit of reduction recommendations for the Jefferson County Board of Education.

At their regular meeting on, Feb. 9, the board heard over three hours of public comment, then discussed key issues on the reallocations list.

Limited funding and changing student enrollment has led the Jeffco Board of Education to consider $20 million in proposed budget reallocations next year. In November, Jeffco voters rejected two measures that would have increased school funding, and state K-12 funding has been below levels dictated by Amendment 23 since 2009 (the negative factor).

The Board set budget priorities for competitive compensation for employees, maintaining school funding levels through student-based budgeting, and

JEFFCO SCHOOLS BUDGET AT A GLANCE Items moving forward Pleasant View Elementary School will close as of the 2017/18 school year.

will be revisited after the state budget is released.

Moving to the 6-8 middle school model was reaffirmed as a positive direction for students, but the Board honored its original commitment of giving school communities a year to work on transitions. The accelerated timeline for Wheat Ridge and Arvada areas was not approved. The Chatfield area will move to the 6-8 model next year as planned and approved last June; other areas in the district will transition beginning in 2018/19 where feasible.

Items no longer to be considered for the 2017/18 budget year: Closing of Peck, Stober, Swanson, and Pennington elementary schools

Items deferred (only to be revisited if state funding is below expected levels) Wheat Ridge High School Gifted & Talented teachers for 2017/18 (the board allocated one-time funds and expects a plan to achieve a self-sustaining program beyond next year) Central Gifted & Talented Resource teachers Custodial services reductions Option and Outdoor Lab school busing Social Emotional Learning Specialists Literacy Interventionists

Items tabled Funding for additions to four middle schools

Mastery Connect program and MAP testing K-2 portion

keeping school buildings warm, safe and dry.

“Jeffco is a big and complex system, and making the type of adjustments we are talking about involves a serious focus and commitment to the only thing that should matter — having excellent opportunities for our students to achieve Jeffco 2020,” Superintendent Dan McMinimee said during the Feb. 9 Board of Education meeting.

During his prepared statement, McMinimee relayed new recommendations to the board, including keeping literacy interventionists, the social emotional supports and the gifted and talented resources, thus keeping reallocations as far away from students as possible.

Adjusted recommendations also included not speeding up the move of sixth graders and returning to the

plan as the board originally discussed last spring to work with communities a transition in the fall of 2018.

The proposed closure of five elementary schools was also included in the original general fund reduction recommendations. The board voted Feb. 9, to move forward with closing Pleasant View Elementary in Golden for a savings of $662,742 each year. The other four schools — Peck Elementary in Arvada, Pennington Elementary in Wheat Ridge, Stober Elementary in Lakewood, and Swanson Elementary in Arvada — will all stay open.

“We have heard that Jeffco continues to want to keep the cuts away from our students,” McMinimee said. “We have heard that early literacy remains a priority for both the board and the community and that we need a deeper understanding of the successes that have come from those investments before we eliminate that program. We have heard our social and emotional supports are making great differences for students and we should protect those if we are able to do so.”

Over 50 gifted and talented students addressed the board Feb. 9, with the support of their parents and several community members. A petition with approximately 2,000 signatures was also presented to the board advising them to maintain district support of the Gifted and Talented Center at

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10 Arvada Press

LOCAL

February 23, 2017F

VOICES Both music and marble shows our great capacity to create

L

HITTING HOME

Michael Alcorn

ast Sunday, I went to a concert. By itself this is not a very big deal.

After all, I’m a music teacher — I go to concerts frequently as part of my life. But this one was unique, at least in my experience. This concert was at the Cathedral Basilica downtown, and the performing group was the Adult Women’s Choir from Notre Dame Catholic Church, the church I grew up in. It was under the direction of Lillian Rotella and featuring, among others, my sister Susie.

Now, if you’ve never been in the Cathedral, you really must go visit. For my visit, the choir was great, and the acous-

tics are unbelievable. They were mic’d up and amplified, but I really believe it was unnecessary. The cavernous space and the marble surfaces everywhere carry every note, every nuance, every syllable from the dais to the far corners of the chapel with crystal clarity. I have — once — had the honor of playing my trumpet in there, and, I swear, it seemed like one note lasted about 10 seconds, once it finally got done echoing around.

But then, as you’re looking around, trying to follow the path of the last sound, the place just takes your breath away. Stained glass windows, 30 feet high, adorn every

surface and throw sparkles of refracted light in a million directions. Between the windows are sculptures, standing alone or in relief, depicting beautiful or tragic elements of the story of Christianity. The dais and altar are covered with more sculpture — and not the kind you find on the lawn outside the art school at CU, but flowing, dynamic human forms and intricate, organic depictions of Heaven and Earth.

Your eye follows the graceful arches of the structure to the high vaulted roof, and you feel a kinship to the superstructures like SEE ALCORN, P13

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Be a storyteller — share your disaster WIT AND GRIT

Mary McFerren Stobie

D

o you ever read Pickles comic strip in the Denver Post? The characters are a retired couple, Earl and Opal. In today’s comic strip, Earl sits a bench talking with his friend. Earl says, “Today’s the kind of day when I feel like just hopping on my Harley and taking off down the road.”

“If my wife would let me.” “And I had a Harley.” “And my hemorrhoids weren’t killing me.”

Dis-ass-ter.

We all can relate, because most of us

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have infirmities. Comics are condensed storytelling. Storytelling in all forms provides connection with the humanity of others.

Now what about you? Do you like storytelling in the various forms it comes in these days? You can read your child or grandchild a story like The Three Little Pigs. (Two pigs eaten by the wolf, the third one overcomes the crisis and boils the wolf.

Hard choices a sign of the times I have lived in Jeffco for 40 years. I have four children well educated in Jeffco schools. My wife and I have known many Jeffco teachers over the years. These teachers have always impressed us with their skills and mostly their obvious caring about their students, as well as their love of teaching. In the late 1980’s and 1990’s Jeffco schools were considered to be among the best in the metro area. Sadly, I have followed the ups and downs these last years, witnessing the increasing discord in the Jeffco community.

How the times change. How could anyone not know that virtually everything in life increases in cost as time goes on. So goes the cost of education. Some neighborhoods age and adjacent areas build. New schools in grown areas must be supported. While difficult to downsize or eliminate schools in areas that can no longer “pay” for themselves with student enrollment, it is still a simple fact that there is only so much money to support schools, as Jeffco voters just proved.

Hard choices must be made. Sadly, Jeffco voters decided to turn down both 3A and 3B last November. However, every one of the surrounding school districts (Adams, Cherry Creek, Denver, and Boulder) approved school tax increases. I have heard it for many years that we owe it to the future (especially to our kids) to support our schools. Whatever may be the current situation, it is imperative we still provide for our kids and their futures.

I will continue to support our schools. But, unfortunately, this school board now must make very hard choices. Fiscal choices are always very hard. But that’s the boards’ job and what they were elected to do. The voters have decided what this board must now confront.

Get on with it.

SEE STOBIE, P13

SEE LETTERS, P13

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Arvada Press 11

February 23, 2017

STOBIE FROM PAGE 12

Or you can have a conversation with a friend over coffee, or put your story on Facebook. The story you have that people listen to most attentively is your troubling story.

You slipped on the ice and got a concussion on Thursday. Your garage burned down last night. You lost your job and you share what happened.

Hopefully your ending is upbeat.

With the concussion, you are forced to slow down and connect with your family. Your neighbors help you put out the fire and save your house, and draw the community together.

You lost your job but have a clever way to search for a new one. Your story helps other job seekers.

My recent crisis story involved fear of public speaking. Last August the Colorado Business Women’s group scheduled me to tell stories at their luncheon Jan. It sounded OK back then, but as the date got closer, I started to lose sleep. I was afraid I’d bomb in front of a group of 70 business women at the Denver Tech Center. But then I started to nail down my talk and felt better.

They had invited me because they liked the short stories in my memoir. My son came with me and made a video of my talk. Three short video clips are now on You-

LETTERS

Tube under the name Mary Stobie, or search for “Mary Stobie trashes Jack Klugman’s Coat.” (A story about when I made a big boo boo and was almost fired).

What I learned from not chickening out on giving my talk for Colorado Business Women is that story telling is the best way to connect with an audience. They listened.

They laughed. They called me the female Will Rogers.

If you want to learn more about how to tell your story, I recommend you go on YouTube and look up my friend Dave Lieber , a columnist from the Dallas Morning News.

Dave did a master talk on storytelling for TEDx where he tells his funny mishaps about trying to fit in with Texans. As he tells his own story, he teaches you the structure of how to tell your story.

If you share your afflictions, your adversities, and how you overcame them, I predict you will become a storyteller. You will connect with an audience. Your audience might be your child, your grandchild, your family, your friends, your neighbors or a bigger group. You might even become famous.

Mary Stobie is the author of the memoir You Fall Off, You Get Back On. The life stories in the book reveal Stobie’s humorous adventures, foibles and mishaps. She is available to speak to groups. Contact her at mry_jeanne@yahoo.com. Her website is www.marystobie.com.

superintendent, who we were lucky to have, at $220,000?

Tom Graham, Arvada

FROM PAGE 12

Bill Wehner, Arvada Pay disparity high in Jeffco At several recent speaking engagements, Jeffco Schools board president Ron Mitchell said his main contention regarding America’s economic and social justice problems is the obscene difference between the pay of the executive and the worker. Does everyone recall candidate Bernie Sanders becoming apoplectic over this situation?

The advertised base salary for a new Jeffco superintendent is $300,000. Jeffco teacher salaries range from $38,000 to $77,837, as reported by Glassdoor, Inc., an major employment research organization.

The board, with its infinite wisdom, feels that the salary offer is competitive, and a 6-digit gap is evil. So wouldn’t consistency call for a teacher pay scale starting higher than $200,000.

Where’s the common sense in wasting big taxpayer bucks to search for a replacement for Dan McMinimee, an ideal

Wanting to get off this train I might be in the minority but the train sure doesn’t seem like the best way to get to DIA for many people.

When we get on it to Union Station and then lug our luggage yet to another train that will take us to DIA that to me is not an easy way to get there.

The A Line bus was such a great way to get to DIA and RTD decided to stop that service so now there is no way to get there other than driving ourselves. (Ed Note: the 55L and 55S does take you from the Olde Town Park N Ride non-stop to Union Station.)

Why can’t we have some options other than cramming this train down our throat. Heaven knows when the train will start running for those people that could use it to get downtown or to the sporting events.

And yes, Ron Vander Kooi, south suburbs have always taken presidence over any other area of Denver as they get the first of everything whether it is good roads, overpasses, trains.

Mary Mack, Arvada

ALCORN FROM PAGE 12

Notre Dame Cathedral and Westminster Abbey, and all the history they embody.

I know there are some who see buildings like these, and can only focus on the incredible wealth represented by them. They see a gaudy, unnecessary artifice whose resources could have done so much more to feed the hungry and care for the sick. And I understand that impulse, and would lend it more credence, if the history of schools and hospitals and orphanages in the Western World weren’t, also, written on the pages of the Church.

That artifice that some see as wasteful, I find inspiring. Awesome. Humbling. I seek new sights and experiences to give me perspective and motivation, and, often, I look to the mountains or to

the skies for that purpose. But, being in that Cathedral, listening to beautiful music, made me remember that we silly humans, who are frighteningly good at destroying each other, are also capable of really incredible acts of creation.

Remember that, next time humanity gets you down. For every Hitler, we’ve created a Schubert; for Stalin, a Solshenytsyn; for every Mao, a Dalai Lama. Michelangelo, Mozart, Shakespeare, Lao Tzu — the works that these men created have lived for centuries beyond their lifespans, and I believe we still have that same capacity, if we choose to nurture it ... if we choose to focus on beauty, and rise above the ugly we tend to wallow in.

Michael Alcorn is a teacher and writer who lives in Arvada with his wife and three children. His novels are available at MichaelJAlcorn. com

OBITUARIES GIESEMAN

Timothy James Gieseman

May 9, 1958 - February 4, 2017 Of Colorado Springs was an employee of Charter Communications. Until a few years ago Tim made his home in Arvada, CO. A graduate of Arvada West High School in 1976, where he was a running athlete. A 1996 graduate of Metro State College. An employee of U.S. Postal Service for 18 years. Survived by his dearly loved sons, Owen and Evan, wife, Sheilah, parents, Jim

and Lee Gieseman, Arvada, CO, brother Michael (P.J.) Gieseman, Arvada, CO, sister Linda Gieseman, Arvada, CO, step brother Glen (Lisa) Dunkin, Denver, CO, nephews Justin (Maya), Matt, and Liam.

Preceded in death by mother, Sara Jo. Celebration of Life at 2pm, February 25, Arvada Presbyterian Church, 5592 Independence St., Arvada, CO. Memorials of your choice.

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12 Arvada Press

February 23, 2017F

Casa Bonita remains vital part of community Restaurant updates longtime landmark’s tropical lagoon

BY CLARKE READER CREADER@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM

Some students take a gap year between high school and college, but not many spend it like Max Spiegel has — diving into a tropical lagoon every 15 minutes or so at Lakewood’s Casa Bonita.

“I was a diver all four years at Cherry Creek High School,” he said recently as he climbed out of the pool’s 88-degree water after his first show of the day. “I love meeting all kinds of people like I do here — and when you’re a cliff diver, the kids idolize you.”

Casa Bonita, 6715 W. Colfax Ave., which has surprised and delighted patrons of all ages since 1974, still has the power to draw a crowd. The vibrant pink exterior belies its warm, old-Spanish interior, matching its Mexican culinary options. There’s a Disney-esque feeling to the booths and various shows hosted throughout the day, and it’s easy to get lost wandering its several levels.

“For us, and for the world, Casa Bonita is a top cultural icon,” said Bill Marino, executive director of the Lakewood-West Colfax Business Improvement District. “We have Casa Bonita, and the rest of the world doesn’t, so it’s a real feather in the cap of West Colfax and the 40 West Arts District.”

The restaurant’s 85-foot tower was a familiar sight to west metro residents for years. But Casa Bonita gained a whole new level of fame when “South Park” aired an episode set in the restaurant in November 2013.

“Every time that episode re-airs, we see an increase in visitors,” said Eileen Mullen, Casa Bonita’s office manager and head of marketing. “Coming here has become a ritual for many people, and we have customers who return often for special occasions.”

The 52,000-square-foot restaurant seats about 1,000 people on multiple levels, and in addition to the tropical diving pool, features arcades, gift shops and puppet shows. The famous waterfall used by the restaurant’s divers, was designed to resemble the cliffs of Acapulco. It is 30 feet high and the pool is 14 feet deep, and divers usually dive from about 15 feet above the water.

“You don’t deal with normal things when you work here,” said Mike Mason, Casa Bonita’s general manager.

“Most restaurants don’t have to think about who to call when you need to repair a tropical lagoon.”

The restaurant had to solve that very question at the end of January, when it embarked on its first major pool renovation in 20 years. Staff had made minor repairs on the pool every few years. But after two decades, parts of the rock formations were looking worse for wear, Mason explained.

“This gave us the opportunity to go

DID YOU KNOW? • Built in 1974, it took approximately one year to complete Casa Bonita.

• The restaurant is more than 52,000 square feet and seats more than 1,000 people.

• The pink tower facade is 85 feet fall.

• The dome is covered with 22-karat gold leaf and features a statue of Aztec emperor Cuauhtémoc.

• The fountain in front of the restaurant was shipped in pieces from Mexico.

• The waterfall, designed to resemble the cliffs of Acapulco, is 30 feet high and the pool is 14 feet deep.

• There’s some kind of dive show about every 15 minutes.

• The “Casa Bonita” episode of “South Park” aired on Nov. 12, 2003.

Casa Bonita is at 6175 W. Colfax Ave. in Lakewood. Hours are 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., Sunday through Thursday, and 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Friday and Saturday. For more information, call 303-232-5115 or visit www.casabonitadenver.com

Max Spiegel prepares for a dive during the first performance of the day at Lakewood’s Casa Bonita. There is some kind of performance at the restaurant about every 15 minutes.

PHOTOS BY CLARKE READER

The famous pink tower of Casa Bonita is 85 feet tall, and was built in 1974. full-bore and fix things up really nicely,” said Paco Espana, head creator at Casa Bonita. “It was a huge project, but we were able to clean everything up, and add some layers and depth to the pool and formations.”

The renovation process took about three weeks, and the pool reopened for divers on Feb. 11. About nine divers are usually part of the restaurant’s 200 employees, a number which jumps to more than 250 during the busy summer months.

“There are so many little stories in the details of this place that people probably never notice,” Mason said.

“Everyone who worked on the creation of our caverns etched their names in the stalagmites and stalactites they built. But you have to know where to look.”

When Broad Street Realty bought the Lamar Station Plaza Shopping Center in 2014, the company quickly realized the importance of keeping Casa Bonita where it was and extended the lease for 15 years.

Campers from the St. Vrain Valley school district eagerly await the opening of Casa Bonita on Feb. 17.

“From a cultural perspective, it was important to keep Casa Bonita because it is a 43-year-old iconic institution, not only for Lakewood and Denver, but the state of Colorado,” wrote Thomas Yockey, president of Broad Street, in an email interview.

“Its association with families literally spanned generations, because the kids who went there in the ‘70s are now taking their grandkids to visit Casa Bonita.”

And from a business perspective, Yockey said, “keeping Casa Bonita in place was important because of the irreplaceable visitor traffic that has the potential of driving customer traffic for other current and future tenants at Lamar Station Plaza.”

Casa Bonita’s power to pull in people has been a significant boon for West Colfax, especially in recent

years, as the avenue has seen a resurgence thanks to the efforts of organizations like 40 West, and volunteers.

“It just brings people to the corridor,” Marino said. “We can promote it as a destination and entertainment center, and it exposes opportunities on West Colfax, 40 West’s galleries, and other restaurants and breweries.”

And while all of this is well and good, for customers like David Zuniga, who has been visiting Casa Bonita for 40 years, the important thing is that the beautiful house is still there to show the next generation.

“We bring our students here a couple times a year, and they get so excited,” he said. “I started coming when I was a kid, and just kept coming back.”

Arvada Press 13

February 23, 2017

New pub owners hope to bring `Cheers’ vibe The Grandview in Olde Town Arvada has new owners

BY SHANNA FORTIER SFORTIER@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM

Alec Tyrrell knew that one day he would own a pub. That day came true when he and his wife, Carolyn, purchased The Grandview Tavern and Grill in Arvada this past October.

“Without Carolyn’s support, I would have never done it,” Alec Tyrrell said, adding that when the opportunity came up to buy the local pub he frequented, it was a no brainer.

To pursue this new venture, Tyrrell left his job in the engineering field — which he worked in for 22 years traveling internationally for five months out of the year.

“Although it was a wonderful job and great career, I was tried of traveling,” Tyrrell said.

Carolyn Tyrrell kept her day job at Guaranty Bank and Trust in Denver, where she serves as senior vice president of commercial banking.

Buying Grandview Tavern was an opportunity Carolyn Tyrrell said they couldn’t pass up.

“I’ve always had that incling that this was somehing I wanted to do at some point,” Alec Tyrrell said,

Carolyn and Alec Tyrrell bought The Grandview Tavern and Grill in October. adding that his uncle and brother have also managed pubs and that he worked at one in college. “Without Carolyns support, we would have never done it.”

Tyrrell was born in Manchester, England and raised in Australia. He moved to Colorado in 2001, when his company transferred him here. Shortly after, he found The Grandview and has been frequenting it ever since.

The pub, set on the corner of Grandview Avenue and Webster Street in Olde Town Arvada, is the oldest two-story brick building in

SHANNA FORTIER

Arvada — both a challenge and a blessing for the new owners. In the beginning of ownership, many inspections were needed making for a slow start, however; the character the building brings adds to the cozy vibe Tyrrell wants to bring to the space.

“It’s corny to say, but it’s the “Cheers” style pub of Arvada,” Alec Tyrrell said, adding that “Cheers” was one of his favorite shows growing up.

The new owners have already started making changes. New wines, spirits and beers have made their

debut at the bar, with the majority of the taps representing Coloradobrewed beers. Next to change is the food menu. The fare is typical gastropub food with a focus on burgers.

While those will stay on the menu, Tyrrell also plans on introducing specials such as crab-stuffed mushrooms.

A light brunch will also be served on Saturday and Sunday to accompany the new 10 a.m. opening time.

The earlier opening will accommodate European soccer games, which Tyrrell said will always be on.

Last month, Tyrrell brought a new flare to the pub and Arvada with the celebration of Australia Day — the official National Day of Australia celebrated annually on Jan. 26. They went all out with cans of Fosters and shrimp on the barbie.

However, Tyrrell said he doesn’t want the patrons to think of The Grandview as a British or Australian pub now.

“It’s for everyone,” he said. “We’re trying to keep it simple, comfy and cozy.”

The Tyrrells are looking forward to showing off the newly spruced back patio when the weather warms up and for the opening of the G Line, which has its Olde Town stop accross the street from the Grandview.

“I’m curious to see what the lightrail brings in,” Carolyn Tyrrell said.

“We’re ideally suited for that.”

2016/7 Musical Season Sponsored by

14 Arvada Press

LOCAL

February 23, 2017F

LIFE

Distilling the best parts of life

Some of the equipment used at Centennial’s Downslope Distilling. The distillery teaches monthly classes to people interested in learning about distilling.

Colorado’s spirits scene sees growth, diversification

BY CLARKE READER CREADER@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM

A

lot of ingredients are required to distill good, quality spirits. But one requirement is at the root of them all — passion.

“I went to Kentucky and Tennessee to learn from the distillers there,” said Mitch Abate, distiller at Downslope Distilling in Centennial. “It’s really cool to see people’s reactions when they try our drinks for the first time and have their preconceived notions changed.”

A distiller’s passion can be tasted in the dedication to the craft, quality of the spirits and how well the product is received.

“I’ve been distilling for 26 years,” said Stephen Gould, owner and distiller at Golden Moon Distillery and Speakeasy. “To make our drinks, we bring in ingredients from all over the world, and the finished product goes out to countries like the United Kingdom, Italy and Denmark.”

Distilling is the process that purifies alcohol by heating it into vapor, which is then condensed through cooling.

The independent brewery scene in Colorado has been steadily growing for decades, and that same approach is now following suit in the world of distilling. According to the Colorado Distillers Guild, the state is home to more than 50 distillers making everything from whiskey and gin to kümmel and aquavit. In this growing

VISIT YOUR LOCAL DISTILLERY

PHOTOS BY CLARKE READER

DON’T TRY THIS AT HOME

Bear Creek Distillery 1879 S Acoma St., Denver 303-955-4638 www.bearcreekdistillery.com Devil’s Head Distillery 3296 S. Acoma St., Englewood 720-668-8770 www.devilsheaddistillery.com Downslope Distillery 6770 S. Dawson Circle, Centennial 303-693-4300 www.downslopedistilling.com Golden Moon Distillery 412 Violet St., Golden 303-993-7174 www.goldenmoondistillery.com

Golden Moon Speakeasy 1111 Miner’s Alley, Golden 720-638-1155 www.goldenmoonspeak.com Mad Rabbit Distillery 10860 Dover St., Westminster 303-623-7222 www.madrabbitdistillery.net Rocker Spirits 5587 S. Hill St., Littleton 303-795-7928 www.rockerspirits.com State 38 Distilling 400 Corporate Circle, Suite B, Golden 720-242-7219 www.state-38.com

industry, there’s all kinds of room for experimentation and variety.

“We’re Colorado’s only producer of aquavit, which is a Scandinavian spirit,” said Ryan White, owner of Devil’s Head Distillery in Englewood.

“We also do vodka and gin, but we wanted to make something that would differentiate us from everyone else.”

Local distillers’ commitment to quality, often locally-grown ingredients, is one reason more people are becoming interested in the industry, White said.

“There’s a greater interest from the public in locally-sourced goods,” he said. “There’s been a renewed focus on supporting local businesses, which has also been beneficial.”

Although people have grown more

familiar over time with the process for making beer and wine, the steps and nuances of distilling are still unfamiliar to many, which lends the process an appealing bit of mystery. But one of the goals of distilleries is to educate people, so tours are often offerred to show how the drinks are made.

Downslope Distilling takes education a step further and offers a distilling class once a month. Abate said he’s had students from all over the world learn about spirits and some of the ways they’re made.

“More and more people are coming in these days with at least some knowledge of how the process works,” he said. “This field is really booming, SEE DISTILLING, P15

In Colorado, it is legal to brew up to 100 gallons of beer and wine for personal use, but it is illegal to distill spirits without a federal permit or taxes.

There is no Colorado statute explicitly prohibiting stills, but it is illegal to use a still to make spirits for consumption or resale without a license.

The state does offer a distillery pub license to make spirits legally.

One of the stills used to make whiskey at Centennial’s Downslope Distilling.

Mitch Abate, distiller at Downslope, went to Kentucky and Tennessee to learn some of the secrets of making whiskey.

Arvada Press 15

February 23, 2017

A tale of two very different plays at Miners Alley Playhouse HIR ... the jury is still out I’m still trying to process the current production at Miners Alley Playhouse in Golden. “HIR” plays through March 5th. The story features a family that could only be described as “dysfunctional.” Paige (Martha Harmon Pardee), after years of keeping the house spotless, has turned into a complete slob since her husband, Arnold (Marc Stith) has become an invalid as the result of a stroke. Arnold, who ruled the home with an iron fist, is now incapacitated and unable to function normally.

Elder child Isaac (Royce Roeswood) has returned from the Marines and is completely taken aback when he sees the shambles in the house. Max, formerly Maxine, has decided she/he

AROUND TOWN Harriet Ford

DISTILLING FROM PAGE 14

and groups like the Colorado Distillers Guild are helping get the word out.”

Most distilleries have tasting

is transgender. Thus the title of the play HIR is the new pronoun for this kind of situation.

Paige has gone completely off the rails and is reveling in Arnold’s inability to control everything in the home. She no longer cleans, folds laundry, does dishes or housework of any kind. Max is now being home-schooled in spite of the fact that Paige is ill-equipped for the job. Isaac is beside himself because of the entire mess. He tends to side with his father which, of course, enrages his mother. Oh, I almost forgot to mention, Paige now has Arnold wearing dresses, wigs and lipstick which sends poor Isaac over the edge.

The acting and tech aspects of the play are superb, as is the directing

by Josh Hartwell; however, I still

haven’t landed on any one reaction to the content of the offering.

Robin Hood In sharp contrast to the above reviewed production, “Robin Hood” (the current Childrens Theatre play) is a romp in the woods ... literally.

Rory Pierce, Director of Childrens Programing, has done a masterful job with this delightful piece. Rory, whom you may remember from the vaunted Heritage Square Music Hall, has gathered some of his HSMH pals to participate in this show.

Scott Koop adapted the story, Randy Johnson arranged and recorded the soundtrack, and T.J. Mullin and Alex Crawford are in the cast. Other castmembers are Drew Hirschboeck, Damon Guerrasio, Erik Thurston and Alaina Beth Reel.

The story remains unchanged.

Robin Hood and his Merry Men live in the forest and rob from the rich to give to the poor. The king is away fighting a war and his brother Prince John has taken his place, along with the possessions of the people for his own use. Watching the cast interact with the kids in the audience is pure joy. It’s clear they love working with the youngsters.

For tickets and information for both productions, call 303-935-3044 or visit www.minersalley.com. You can reach your own conclusions about “HIR,” as I said before, the cast is brilliant, but I still haven’t made up my mind about the story line. It is definitely thought provoking.

Columnist Harriet Hunter Ford may be reached at hhunterford@ gmail.com.

rooms, so visitors can sample the finished product. Golden Moon opened its speakeasy three years ago to provide customers a classic cocktail bar vibe to try the distillery’s many offerings.

Bars like the Schoolhouse Kitchen and Libations in Olde Town Arvada use locally made whiskey

to enhance their collection of more than 1,100 whiskeys.

“Colorado’s whiskey scene is exploding right now,” said Lane Abshire, Schoolhouse’s resident whiskey nerd. “We have a lot of demand for local stuff. All the time people come in looking for Colorado whiskey.”

Many of these creations are being recognized in and out of Colorado. Last year, Golden Moon’s single malt whiskey won a double gold medal at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition. Devil’s

Head’s aquavit was recognized at the Denver International Spirits Competition, and Downslope’s Ould Tom Gin received the silver at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition.

Unfamiliarity about spirits and a fear of asking questions may have kept people from trying spirits, but Gould wants to change that.

“What I do is not about excluding people, but making things people enjoy,” he said. “We want to welcome everyone here to learn what they like.”

Recipes for spirits

Stephen Gould, owner and distiller at Golden Moon Distillery and Speakeasy, with one of his stills.

At Golden Moon’s one location, the company makes 18 spirits.

Local Focus. More News.

ColoradoCommunityMedia ColoradoCommunityMedia.com

16 Arvada Press

February 23, 2017F

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February 23, 2017

Hunters be aware, big changes this year for big game licenses OUTDOOR LIVING

The Division of Parks and Wildlife is giving big game hunters ample time to plan and apply for 2017 fall hunting seasons and licenses. The sun just set on waterfowl and pheasant seasons within the past two weeks, and already DPW has announced its 2017-18 big game season schedules.

Additionally, DPW is announcing some significant changes coming this year and in upcoming years related to utilizing total online apRon Hellbusch plication technology.

This will be the last year paper hunting license applications will be available. Securing future resident licenses will look much like the process and product used when applying for out-of-state non-resident licenses. Applicants will need to have an individual email address

and password when applying for CPW products in 2018.

“Hunters need to be assured all online personal information is correct when applying this year,” said Cory Chick, CPW’s license administration manager, “to help the future transition to the online process.”

There will be two printed brochures this year: One is the 2017 Colorado Big Game brochure for deer, elk, pronghorn, mouse and bear. The second is the 2017 Colorado Sheep and Goat brochure. Applications are due into CPW offices by April 4.The latter brochure contains all regulations for Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep, desert bighorn sheep and mountain goat.

Three key changes are noteworthy. One impacts license exchanges, where a new fee of 50 percent of the cost of the original license, not to exceed $25, will be imposed. A second change provides that any license returned that took five or more preference points will be reissued to the next eligible residency applicant.

Starting in 2017, fluorescent pink can be used as

an alternate to fluorescent orange when hunting in the field during big game seasons. Another positive change allows big game to be taken in CPW’s Walk-in Access areas. That brochure with maps will be out in August. Hunters in select deer areas will be asked to submit their deer carcasses for chronic wasting disease examination as a tool for CPW to better manage and control this disease among deer herds.

CPW has expanded its staff ’s skills to include many in the “trained hunt planners program,” established to assist and support hunters as they select hunting species, hunting areas and seasons. That service is available by calling 303-291-7526. The CPW website, cpw.state.co.us, provides info and guidance in planning fall hunts as well.

Hunters are encouraged to take advantage of these staff resources as they begin the planning and application process for a successful 2017 fall big game season.

Ron Hellbusch can be reached at Ron-Hellbusch@comcast.net.

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February 23, 2017F

Mother-daughter duo explore issues surrounding end of life F

BY SONYA ELLINGBOE SELLINGBOE@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM

Sooner or later, she will lose her parents.

With that statement, Patty Bortz introduced a recent discussion of endof-life issues called “The Last Chapter” with her mother, Libby Bortz, at the Mizel Arts and Culture Center in Denver. They plan to make further presentations throughout the metro area.

Patty described her mother, a wellknown Littleton housing activist, as “mentor and best friend, who serves on many boards, including hospital ethics and admissions committee for the medical school.” An affordable assisted living center in Littleton is named after her.

Libby said of her daughter: “Mother, lawyer, serves on many boards, school activist … She suggested this presentation.”

“Friends say they and their parents are not willing to talk” about end-of-

Libby Bortz and her daughter, Patty Bortz, have developed a program they call “The Last Chapter” about the value of discussing late-life decisions while one can talk about one’s wishes clearly. COURTESY PHOTO life issues, the octogenarian Libby said. “Why is it important? Are there resources? The most challenging parts of this stage includes pain, loss of energy, feeling invisible, divesting things, finding clothes that fit. I will need to move out of my home, funerals, losing the ability to participate.

When I was younger, I created orga-

nizations. Now, I’m more of a passenger.”

Libby continued: “I’m not afraid of dying. Makeup is optional, investment in health insurance is paying off. How lucky I am that saying goodbye will be so hard.”

Patty picked up the train of thought: “At 58, I’m caring for my father, who is confused and struggling. I’ve watched my parents give up skiing. (Libby only last year.) My parents have lost a lot of friends … spend a lot of emotional and physical energy fighting (aging).”

Libby: “I thought I could direct my life by having that conversation now, help avoid possible conflict. I have seen families fight about `what mother would have wanted’ and fall apart — about life support, for example. Then depression can be somewhat diminished and we can focus on the living we’ve done.”

Patty acknowledged “a real sense of relief in sharing a plan for the future.

We will be better able to handle it. I will be a better support.”

F

Libby drew laughs when she said, “Put me in a lovely piece of pottery a and keep me where the action is …” h “How will I divide with my brothP er?” Patty bounced back, then asked, e “What matters most now, as different t from 20 years ago?” l Libby: “What matters most is that I d have your help, have my friends, not w suffer much …” t “The role I play,” Patty said, “I can’t give as much time as you’d like.” a “With my own mother, I was part c of the `sandwich generation,” Libby i said. “Patty, I know you have your d own needs, family, I can’t promise `no t guilt,” but it’s OK.” r Final words of advice from both: h Making directives accessible, such as fi do-not-resuscitate forms. Using “Life s Alert” as a resource in case of falling when the kids are out of town. Having t lists of medications readily availalble. M Learning about palliative care and r other medical resources. Using a mediator in cases where children disagree.

Young adult refugees share their stories of hardship, faith Regis wartime speaker series continues through April 24 STAFF REPORT

Regis University’s weekly public speaker series “Stories from wartime” is held every Tuesday night through April 24 at the Regis’ Northwest Denver Campus.

A recent evening focused on the stories of four young refugees. All but one of the young adults flew into Denver to attend the event: An architectural designer. An accountant. A scientist.

A university student who is active in social justice work.

They are accomplished young adults whose lives were forever changed by the wars in their countries – wars the United States has been involved in, which is why Regis historian Nate

Matlock invited these young people to speak at “Stories from Wartime.” They are the first refugees to speak about their wartime experience during the program’s 22-year history.

“We’re broadening the focus. We want to hear from more people who’ve been affected by some of these wars,” Matlock recently said. “It broadens the dialogue and everyone’s understanding of a particular conflict.”

Taleen Dilanyan is an Iraqi woman who moved to Syria, where she joined the Iraqi Student Project, which helps war-displaced Iraqi students acquire undergraduate educations. She soon met, and lived with, fellow Iraqis Rand Zalzala and Riyam Al-Karkokliy.

All three immigrated to the United States during the past few years: Dilanyan to Smith College in Northampton, Massachusetts, to study chemistry and Italian, Zalzala to Oberlin College in Oberlin, Ohio, to study architecture, and Al-Karkokliy to Regis University to study business and accounting.

Each woman has graduated and is working in her chosen field: Dilanyan and Zalzala in Boston; Al-Karkokliy in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

The fourth guest panelist, Hasan A, who preferred his last name not be used, is a Syrian immigrant who came to the United States with his family; he’s an International Studies junior at the University of Denver.

They spoke freely about their prewar childhoods, wartime dangers and survival, and their U.S. lives during the hour-long presentation moderated

by Rick Crandall of KEZW-AM that was open to the public.

Hasan’s family decided to immigrate to the United States from Aleppo, Syria, in 2012 “when the building next to us collapsed after it was shelled.

That’s how (the decision) was made,” he said.

Zalzala recalled a happy childhood growing up in an apartment complex with lots of other children to play with, but her parents sheltered her

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from the deprivations of sanctions imposed on Iraq by the U.N. Security e Council after the country invaded p Kuwait in 1990, and were enforced for o more than a decade. b She referred to this time as “an t invisible war,” and said Iraqis were g “exhausted” when the sanctions were r lifted in 2003.

“I still don’t know how my mom and t dad raised us and how we managed to b live,” said Al-Karkokliy, addressing the T Iraqi sanctions. “We all finished our e t plates – no picky eaters.”

“Stories from Wartime,” sponsored t

by Regis’ Center for the Study of War c Experience, is offered every Tuesday s N at 6 p.m. through April 25 (with the j exception of March 7 due to Spring i Break) in room 212 of the Felix Pomponio Family Science Center on e Regis University’s Northwest Denver Campus, 3333 Regis Blvd. It is free to p the public. Visit www.regis.edu/war- a experience for a schedule of upcoming p d sessions and parking information. a w G t c s

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Arvada Press 19

February 23, 2017

FIRE FROM PAGE 1

at 6152 Robb St., Arvada. The home was owned by Parker Personal Care Homes, which employed Turner and Moore to care for two disabled clients living in the home. Moore’s daughter and granddaughter were also visiting overnight that evening.

It is alleged that the women attempted to extinguish their cigarettes and placed the butts in an empty cigarette box, in a drawer, in a bamboo table on the porch. The cigarette butts reportedly smoldered for two hours, then ignited, causing a fire on the front porch. The fire spread to the rest of the home.

The indictment indicated that by that time Turner and Moore were asleep in their bedroom, located in the basement

of the residence.

Tanya Bell, who was wheelchair-bound and a disabled resident of the home, awoke to smoke from the fire in her firstfloor bedroom located next to the front porch and called 911 for help at 1:29 a.m. on May 14, according to the indictment.

The Arvada Fire Department and Arvada Police Department responded to the house and attempted to extinguish the fire and rescue the occupants.

However, Bell and Moore’s daughter, Cristina Covington, and 4-year-old granddaughter, Marielle Covington, did not survive.

Bell succumbed to the smoke and was unconscious in her wheelchair inside her bedroom when fire personnel arrived, the indictment said. She was pronounced dead at the scene as a result of the fire.

Cristina Covington died days later in the hospital. Her

BUDGET FROM PAGE 9

Wheat Ridge High School. The center is the only one in Colorado and one of only five in the nation.

“Gifted individuals, these kids don’t even know there is a box unless you put them into one,” Kristi Hunter, of Arvada said in her address to the board. “If you close the GT center, these children have no where else to go. If you shut down this program, you risk their lives and our future.”

The Jeffco Gifted and Talented Center at Wheat Ridge High School has been serving GT learners since 2008.

The center supports the social and emotional needs of students, enabling them to succeed academically and is the only high school GT Center in the county, currently supporting over 120 students from all over the district.

Next school year, the center is projected to triple its enrollment since its inception with more than 150 students expected to enroll in the program.

On Jan 26, Jeffco’s district staff presented the Board of Education with a list of proposed cuts. Included in this proposal was a line item that cut all district funding for two GT teachers at Wheat Ridge High School. Districtwide, 11,476 students participate in the GT program. District staff suggested that the program would possibly continue to be funded by the school’s student-based budgeting.

Since that time, there has been a massive amount of pushback from the community.

“I am not only a student n the GT program, but I’m a GT activist because I’ve seen the affect this program has on the people in it,” student Ian Miller told the board. “GT kids need specific assistance to grow and thrive in a society during their adolescence. From an emotion stance, the gifted and talented program has saved lives. If we allow this program to be cut, we are inadvertently holding the razor.”

Miller’s comment were not unlike his classmates. Student after student

daughter died at the hospital the morning of the fire.

The second disabled resident, Arthur Reigel, was asleep on the first floor of the residence when the fire started. According to the indictment, Moore got Reigel out of bed and attempted to pull him out of the window, but lost her grip. Fire personnel found him unresponsive when they arrived on scene. He remained in the hospital for several weeks, ultimately recovering but requiring follow-up care.

Turner and Moore turned themselves in to the Jefferson County jail the afternoon of Feb. 16. They were each released on a $10,000 personal recognizance bond. Both women are expected in court on Feb. 27 for their first appearance.

Scott Parker, the owner of Parker Personal Care Home, said his company has cooperated fully with law enforcement

stood at the podium and told their stories of being bullied, being abused, battling mental illness and not fitting in until they found a place where they could be themselves and thrive in the GT program.

“While these may be some of our wittiest and smartest and creative kids, they are also some our most vulnerable,” said Deborah Huntley, of Golden.

With a suggestion from McMinimee and his cabinet, the initial proposal to eliminate GT teachers at Wheat Ridge High School was deferred, meaning it will only be revisited if state funding is below expected levels.

The board directed staff to find funding for the center this year and to work with the school to make the program self-sustaining for future years.

Also on the deferment list was custodial services reductions, option and Outdoor Lab school busing, Mastery Connect program and MAP testing K-2 portion, Literacy Interventionists and Social Emotional Learning Specialists.

“These positions fill a void,” said Laura Ruyle, a social and emotion learning specialist in the Arvada West articulation area.

The specialists serve 28,212 students throughout the district daily.

“We recognize we can’t meet everyone’s expectations, but we do believe we can minimize the impact to programs, social/emotional supports and what happens in the classroom through thoughtful reallocation of resources,” McMinimee said.

The Board of Education originally wanted to fine $25 million in reallocations to provide increased compensation for underpaid teachers throughout the district.

“I believe you have adjusted your expectation of reallocating $25 million towards compensation as the shock it would create in the system has been identified, discussed and debated,” McMinimee said to the board.

McMinimee continued telling the board they could provide approximately $20 million now to add to the compensation discussion. That is approximately $11 million in reductions

and state regulatory agencies following the fire.

“The loss of a client and two other persons residing in the home deeply impacts the entire Parker Personal Care Home family, and our thoughts and prayers remain with the victims and their families,” Parker said in a statement. “We are committed to promoting a culture of safety.”

In Jefferson County, grand juries can be used to investigate, and charge criminal violations.

According to the county’s website, Jeffco grand juries are made up of 12 citizens, just like a trial jury. They are selected at random from voter registration rolls and Department of Motor Vehicles list of registered drivers.

“This matter was presented to the grand jury because we thought it was appropriate to review all the events and circumstances surrounding this

from central staff and services, reclassifying spending as well as reducing budget items to match recent spending levels and an additional $9 million in retirement savings.

That $11 million in reductions includes not removing funding from anything on the deferment list.

Amy Weber, the district’s chief human resources officer, said $20 million should be sufficient to address pay for paraprofessionals and step raise for

tragic incident,” said District Attorney Pete Weir, adding that at this time the indictment are allegations and neither Moore nor Turner have been found guilty.

Also according to the county website, a grand jury has the ability to obtain records not generally available to prosecutors in other investigations, and can also require reluctant witnesses to testify before the group.

In August, the Arvada Press published an investigative report on fire safety codes that found the Robb Street house was not in violation of the city’s building, safety and fire codes, but that stricter versions of those codes might have helped make the house safer.

“It’s heart-wrenching for everyone involved in this case,” Weir said. “We will pursue through the process and look for just results in this case.”

teachers, but fall short of the competitiveness they were hoping for.

“These suggested adjustments allow us to protect our programming and keep the cuts as far away from our students as possible,” McMinimee said. “I believe that is the priority of each and every one of you — it is the priority of my Cabinet, it is the priority of our staff members and our association partners and we have heard again that it is the priority of our community.”

The

Gardens Care Homes of Arvada

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Welcome to The Gardens Care Homes.We are family owned assisted living homes featuring beautiful gardens along with bedroom suites including full private bathrooms designed specifically for the comfort and safety of our residents. Our homes include open great rooms with large windows allowing for sunlight and beautiful views.

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The Gardens at Majestic View backs up to Majestic View Nature Center. 6882 Garland Street The Gardens at Indian Tree lines the Indian Tree Golf Course. 7319 Carr Street

303-421-6539 • Email: thegardenscarehomes@gmail.com www.thegardenscarehomes.com

20 Arvada Press

February 23, 2017F

CLUBS Ongoing Activities, Ongoing/Business Groups Mondays The Arvada Chorale, an auditioned community chorus, rehearses Monday evenings, September to June at Arvada United Methodist Church, 6750 Carr St., Arvada.

The chorale performs three concerts a year plus many community events. For audition information, call 720-432-9341, or email info@arvadachorale.org.

Divorce Workshop A workshop that covers the legal, financial and social issues of divorce is presented the third Monday of each month at the Sheridan Library, 3425 W. Oxford Ave., Denver. Check in from 5:155:30 p.m.; workshop runs from 5:30-7:30 p.m. Register online at www.divorceworkshopdenver.com. Advance registration costs $35; at the door, cost goes to $40 (cash/checks only). Attendees will get help taking the next step by getting unbiased information and resources. Learn the options available and next steps to take positive action steps. Discover community resources, and talk with other women experiencing similar life changes. Volunteer presenters include an attorney, mediator, therapist and wealth manager. Discussion items include co-parenting, child support, family coping, tax consequences, property division, hostile spouses and more. For info, contact 303-210-2607 or info@divorceworkshopdenver.com.

Drop-in Storytimes Bring the kids to get lost in the world of wonderful words and fabulous illustrations, from timeless clas-

sics to new discoveries, all with a nature theme. Drop-in storytimes are at 10 a.m. the first Thursday and third Monday of each month at Majestic View Nature Center, 7030 Garrison St., Arvada. Go to www.arvada.org/nature or call 720-8987405. Suitable for all ages. No registration required.

Golden Chapter, Order of DeMolay meets at 7 p.m. every first and third Wednesday in the town of Golden. Walt Disney, Mel Blanc & Walter Cronkite are counted amongst its Alumni. DeMolay is an organization for young men between the ages of 12 and 21 that offers character building, leadership training, and life skill development. We offer many activities, academic opportunities and scholarships. Please contact the chapter for more information. Email demolaygolden@gmail. com or www.coloradodemolay.org and visit Golden’s page under the Chapter tab by clicking on the Golden photo.

Golden Nar-Anon family group meets from 7:30-9 p.m. Mondays at Calvary Episcopal Church, 1320 Arapahoe St. We ask that people enter on the east side of the church and follow the signs to the upstairs meeting room. Call the Nar-Anon Family Groups World Service Organization at 800-4776291 or go to Nar-Anon.org.

Jefferson County Republican Men’s Club meets from 7-9 a.m. Mondays at Davies’ Chuck Wagon Diner, 10151 W. 26th Ave., Lakewood. Meeting fee is $5 (cash preferred). Order from diner menu (pay on you own). Call Fred Holden at 303-421-7619 for information. Republicans, especially stu-

dents, youth and women, welcome to join.

Job’s Daughters, Golden Chapter Bored?

Lonely? Make life-long friends. Join a group of young ladies from ages 10-20 learn leadership and organizational skills in meetings with support from friends. Meetings are the second and fourth Monday of the month in Golden. Meet periodically to do fun activities. Rewards of membership include life skills, community work and significant scholarships for college. Interested, call Job’s Daughters at 303-204-1572 to join us for an activity.

Open mic Living Water Unity Spiritual Community presents open mic night - celebrate your teen self from 4:30-6:30 p.m.

Mondays at 7401 W. 59th Ave., Arvada. This program gives teens the opportunity to express their performing art including voice and instrument, acting, poetry, stand-up comedy, mime, etc. Open to all students in sixth to 12th grades. Email bellbottoms809@gmail.com.

Square Dancing Want some fun exercise?

Learn to square dance. Start at 7 p.m. any Monday at the Wheat Ridge Grange, 3850 High Court. Call 303-973-9529.

Wheat Ridge Rotary Club meets from noon to 1:30 p.m. Mondays for lunch at the Wheat Ridge Recreation Center, 4005 Kipling St. Come as our guest and learn about our service projects for the community.

Tuesdays Applewood Kiwanis Club meets from 7-8 a.m. Tuesdays at the Applewood Golf Course, 14001 W. 32nd Ave., Golden. You are invited to attend a meeting. Our goals are to serve children worldwide and in our community. We ring the bell for Salvation Army, deliver Christmas baskets to needy families and, assist the Jeffco Action Center with school supplies for children from low-income families. These are just three of our many projects. For more information, contact Fred McGehan at 303-947-1565.

Arvada Fine Arts Guild: 2-4 p.m. the third Tuesday of each month at Indian Tree Golf Club, 7555 Wadsworth Blvd., Arvada, in the restaurant/clubhouse. Meetings are free and open to the public. Go to http:// arvadafineartsguild.com/ Arvada Sunrise Rotary Club meets from 7-8 a.m. Tuesdays at The Arvada Centre For The Arts and Humanities, 6901 Wadsworth Blvd. for a breakfast meeting. Come join us as our guest and learn about our community service projects and what Rotary does in the world to help people.

Denver Apple Pi, an Apple/Mac computer user group, meets from 7-9 p.m. the third Tuesday each month at the Applewood Community Church (downstairs), 12930 W. 32nd Ave., Golden. Program varies each month. We welcome those interested in learning more about their Apple or Mac computer. Visitors are welcome to see if you like our more mature group. More information may be found at denverapplepi.com.

Golden Rotary meets from 7:15-8:30 a.m.

Tuesdays at Rolling Hills Country Club, 15707 W. 26 Ave., Golden. This active organization reaches neighbors in need. We build, support, and organize. We save lives

locally and globally. For additional information visit www.rotayclubofgolden.org or contact Pat Madison at 303-279-1021.

W Lakewood Chapter of Retired and Active Federal Employees meets at 1 p.m. the A second Tuesday of most months at the Episcopal Church, 10th and Garrison. Call Greg Kann at 303-718-7307 with questions.

Lake Arbor Optimist Club Bringing Out the Best in Kids meets at 7 a.m. Tuesdays at A Indian Tree Golf Course, 7555 Wadsworth Blvd., Arvada. Breakfast served. Contact Terri Kearney, president, 303-506-6692; or Debbie Espinoza, treasurer, 720-937-2550.

New members welcome.

Northside Coin Club is a group of collectors A that meets monthly to promote the hobby of numismatics among its members and the public. The club meets at 7 p.m. the second Tuesday of the month at 12205 Perry St., at the Friendship Hall in the Cimarron Village in Broomfield. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. Find more information about our club at www. northsidecoinclub.org/ or look for us on Facebook.

Master Networks of Belmar Entrepreneurs and professionals interested in growing A their business and personal connections, this is the group for you. We use a national platform that includes an educational component along with traditional networking aspects. Group is oriented toward entrepreneurs and professionals. The group meets from 10-11 a.m. Tuesdays at DeMarras Bourbon Bar & Eatery, 11100 W. Alameda Ave. For information, visit a meeting or call Suzie at 303-979-9077 or email Littleton@ Mathnasium.com.

Ports of Call Singles Club, 55 Plus Social hours take place from 4-6 p.m. the second A Tuesday of each month at 3 Margaritas in Lakewood (contact Carol at 303-389-7707), and the fourth Tuesday of each month at Chads in Lakewood (contact Darlene at 303233-4099). Denver meetings are the fourth Thursday of each month at Baker St. Pub, 8101 E. Belleview, in the Tech Center (contact Harold at 303-693-3434). For information and a monthly newsletter, call JoAnn, membership chairperson, at 303-751-5195, L or Mary, president, at 303-985-8937.

Rocky Mountain Team Survivor, a health, education and fitness program for women of all abilities who have experienced cancer or are currently in treatment, offers weekly free, fun, supportive activities. Tuesdays, 10 a.m., Boulder Creek Walk (meet at Boulder Public Library main entrance). Tuesday, 11-11:30 a.m., Yoga, Boulder Senior Center, 909 Arapahoe Avenue. Thursdays, 6-7 p.m., u Fitness Training, Boulder Center for Sports Medicine, 311 Mapleton Avenue (entrance on S Maxwell Avenue.). Learn more at rockymtn- b d teamsurvivor.org. n s Wheat Ridge Art League meets at 7 p.m. the last Tuesday of the month at the Active s Adult Center, 6363 W. 35th Ave, Wheat Ridge. Social time starts at 6:45 p.m. Enjoy A an art demo by an award-winning artist each month at 7:30 pm. All art mediums andd abilities welcome. Contact Pat McAleese at c 303-941-4928 or mcpainter03@comcast. net for information. No meeting August or k m December. p s a SEE CLUBS, P21 m s

Arvada Press 21

February 23, 2017

CLUBS FROM PAGE 20

Wednesdays Adult Roller Skating is offered from 10:30 a.m. to noon every Wednesday at Roller City at 64th and Sheridan, Arvada. Cost is $5 plus $2 to rent skates. Contact Toni at 303-868-8273.

American Legion Auxiliary presents Burger Nite, 5-7:30 p.m. every Wednesday at Post 178, 1655 Simms St., Lakewood. Members, their guests and active military invited for varied food and reasonable prices. Visit www.alpost178.org.

Arvada Business Connection is a friendly group of Arvada Business owners who meet once each month on Wednesdays at various restaurants in the Arvada area. All are welcome – friends, kids and spouses, too. We collect a $5 donation, which is given to one of the attendees to donate as they wish.

They share how they donated the money at the next meeting. For meeting and contact information, check the Arvada Business Connection Facebook page @ArvadaBusinessConnection or call 303-995-9919.

Arvada Jefferson Kiwanis meets 7-8 a.m. Wednesdays at the Arvada Center, 6901 Wadsworth Blvd., for a breakfast meeting. We invite you to join us for great fellowship, interesting programs, and the satisfaction of serving your community. This Kiwanis organization supports the Arvada Community Food Bank, the school backpack program, Santa House, Ralston House, and many other local organizations.

For information or to visit a meeting, call Brad at 303-431-4697.

Arvada Rotary meets 6:30-8 p.m. Wednesdays at Indian Tree Golf Club, 7555 Wadsworth Blvd. The club engages in a variety of community service projects, with - emphasis on assistance to and support of Arvada’s youth. Visitors are always welcome. For additional information visit www.arvadarotary.org or call Dave Paul at 303-431-9657.

Looking for a speaking club in Golden? Buffalo Toastmasters meets 11:30 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. the first and third Wednesday of

BILINGUAL FROM PAGE 8

up and took this on for our school.”

Zenzinger said that Denver Public Schools and Eagle County had already been offering bilingual seals on their diplomas, and that her bill, at no significant cost to the state, would help set uniform standards for the entire state to follow.

An accomplishment for Zenzinger The bill’s apparent success follows ddefeats of several other bills in Senate committees.

Most recently, her SB17-102 was killed in the Senate Education Committee on Feb. 15. The bill would have prohibited private entities, such as standardized testing companies, from asking students questions about information that identifies the citizenship status or religion of a student or of

each month at the Denver West Office Park, 14142 Denver West Parkway, Building 51, Suite 195, Golden. Go to www.buffalotoastmasters.org or http://www.meetup.com/ Buffalo-Toastmasters-Golden/ for more information. Buffalo Toastmasters, where public speaking and leadership excellence is encouraged in a safe environment.

Dawn Yawn Toastmasters meets 6:458:30 a.m. Wednesdays at Denny’s Restaurant, 565 Union Blvd., Lakewood (on the southwest corner of 6th Avenue and Union Boulevard). You need Toastmasters training because communication is not optional, it is required. Do you communicate with confidence, are you worried about your next big presentation or job interview.

Attend the first three meetings for free. Call 303-988-2025 for directions. For information about the club, contact dawnyawn. toastmastersclubs.org or John Googins, VP of membership, at 303-547-0084, john. googins@gmail.com.

Foothills Music Teachers Association meets 9:30 a.m. to noon the third Wednesday of each month. FMTA is a local group of independent music teachers, affiliated with Colorado State Music Teachers Association and Music Teachers National Association.

Call Kathy at 303-988-9565.

Golden Elks Lodge meets at 7:30 p.m. the second and fourth Wednesdays of each month at 16795 W. 50th Ave. Contact golden2740@hotmail.com or 303-279-2740 for more information, or to learn how to join.

Kiwanis Club of Alameda West: 7-8 a.m.

Wednesdays at Garrison Street Grill, 608 Garrison St., Lakewood. Kiwanis is a global organization of volunteers dedicated to improving the world one child and one community at a time. The Alameda West Kiwanis Club is dedicated to serving the community through various service and fundraising projects. Our club has been of service to our community for more than 35 years. Join us at one of our meetings or for a service project. Contact Bob Zachman at 303-988-5678 or visit us at Alameda West Kiwanis on Facebook.

Music Teachers Association Suburban Northwest meets 9:30 a.m. to noon the first Wednesday of the month at Community in Christ Church, 12229 W. 80th Ave., Arvada. Meetings are open to the public and

include refreshments, business meeting and program featuring music teaching professionals from around the state lecturing on the latest teaching developments.

New Apostolic Church Food Pantry: Open from 9-11 a.m. every Wednesday at 5290 Vance St., Arvada, rear entrance. All are welcome. We provide food to anyone in need. Please visit us once a month. Call 720-722-FOOD (3663) or email foodpantry@nac-denver.org. Go to http://www. nac-denver.org/foodbank.html.

All Comforting Things of Colorado Inc. We are a nonprofit organization dedicated to bringing comfort and encouragement to individuals by providing them items made by hand. We encourage you to bring your skills and enthusiasm to our fun group. We meet at 10 a.m. the third Thursday of each month at Phillips Methodist Church, 1450 S. Pierce, Lakewood.

Contact actofcolo@gmail.com for more information.

Professional women NW Metro Business and Professional Women meets the first Wednesday of each month from September to May. Our mission is to achieve equity for all women in the workplace through advocacy, education and information. Call Marcia at 303-827-3283 to RSVP.

Arvada Associated Modelers hosts training night from 4-8 p.m. Thursdays from May to September (weather permitting) at the Arvada Airpark, 7608 Highway 93, Golden (use the Pioneer entrance between Leyden Road and 64th Avenue). Anyone interested in learning to fly radio control models is invited to take a no obligation, introductory flight with an instructor. No previous experience is needed, and the club provides radios and airplanes. Training is free and open to everyone. It’s fun for the entire family.

Go to www.arvadamodelers.com/pilottraining/.

CATHOLIC

NON-DENOMINATIONAL

Order Sons of Italy in America/Denver Lodge 2075 meets every third Wednesday of the month at 5925 W. 32nd Ave., Wheat Ridge. Dinner is at 6:30 p.m. and meeting follows at 7 p.m. Lots of fun activities planned for summer meetings. Everyone welcome. Call 303-238-8055.

ST. JOAN OF ARC C AT H O L I C C H U R C H

Proclaiming Christ to the Mountains & Plains www.StJoanArvada.org 12735 W 58th Ave · 80002 · 303-420-1232 Daily Masses: 8:30am, Mon-Sat Confessions: 8am Mon; Wed – Fri 7:30am & 4:00pm Sat Saturday Vigil Mass: 5:00 PM Sunday Masses: 7:30, 9:00, 11:30 am, 5:30pm

PRESBYTERIAN

Pastor: Bill Sanders

the student’s parents or family. The bill would have also prohibited those companies from collecting, selling, using or sharing that information.

Another one of her early bills — a $4 increase in the amount of money collected for recording or filing a real estate transaction — was also defeated.

The Colorado Legislature is currently split with Republicans in control of the Senate and Democrats controlling the house. Zenzinger said that even in such a climate, she felt “a moderate voice like mine can be good” in helping to find solutions on problems that both parties recognize. One such example was on transportation, she said.

“There’s a growing consensus that we need to find some sort of new revenue source” to address infrastructure and congestion, said Zenzinger.

“Whatever we do we have to make sure that it has to benefit all Coloradoans, and not just benefit us on the Front Range.”

Thursdays

Living and Sharing the Love of Christ Worship: 10:00am every Sunday Sunday School: 9:00am Sept – May (nursery provided)

Arvada Christian Church 8010 West 62nd Avenue 303-422-5412 www.arvadachristian.org Sunday Worship......9:30 am Nursery Available UNITED METHODIST

S ERVICES 8 &10 am Church School

9 &10 am

5592 Independence St. 80002 Tel. 303-422-3463

6750 Carr St. Arvada, CO 80004

Now enrolling for All Precious Children Learning Center

303.421.5135 • www.arvadaumc.org Nursery Available

www.Arvadapc.org

Golden First Presbyterian Church

On the round-about at South Golden Rd. and West 16th Ave. Sunday Praise & Worship................... 9:00 am Fellowship Time ................................. 10:00 am Church School ................................... 10:30 am

Pastor: Rev. Dr. Miriam M. Dixon

Nursery provided

303-279-5591

To advertise your place of worship Call 303-566-4100

Share the life, love, and laughter of Jesus Christ!

8:30 AM - Worship in Chapel 9:00 AM -Sunday School 10:00 AM - Worship in Sanctuary www.applewoodvalleychurch.org

303-279-2162

2035 Ellis Street, Golden CO 80401

G/W/L/A

22 Arvada Press

THINGS to DO

THEATER

‘The Nance’: 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, and 6 p.m. Sundays from March 3 to April 2, and 8 p.m.

Monday, March 20, at The Edge Theater, 1560 Teller St., Lakewood. In the 1930s it was easy to play gay and dangerous to be gay.

Call 303-232-0363 or go to www. theedgetheater.com for tickets.

Free parking. Adult themes.

Regional Premiere of ‘HIR’: 7:30 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays and 2 p.m. Sundays through March 5 at Miners Alley Playhouse, 1224 Washington Ave., Golden. Shows also planned at 7:30 p.m. Sundays, Feb. 12, Feb. 19 and Feb. 26. Call 303-935-3044 or go to www. minersalley.com.

‘Billy Elliot The Musical’: 7:30 p.m.

Fridays and Saturdays, and 3 p.m.

Sundays, from Feb. 24 to March 12 at Center Stage, 27608 Fireweed Drive, Evergreen, with an additional performance at 7:30 p.m. Friday, March 17, at the Colorado Ballet Black Box Theater, 1075 Santa Fe Drive, Denver. Tickets available at www.evergreenchorale.org or call 303-674-4002. Rated PG-13 for mature situations and language.

MUSIC

Groove N’ Motion Performance: 7 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 25, at the Forney Museum of Transportation, 4303 Brighton Blvd., Denver.

Full access to the museum, light hors d’oeuvres, cash bar, and a performance of classics from Earth, Wind & Fire, Chicago, and Tower of Power, as well as current wellknown hits. Tickets are available at: https://events.r20. constantcontact. com/register/eventR eg?oeidk=a07edi7d 91yd7780534&oseq =&c=&ch=. Contact Scott at 303-5218206 or scott@ groovenmotion.com for information.

ART

Watercolor and Tea: 6-8 p.m.

Wednesday, March 1, at Majestic View Nature Center, 7030 Garrison St., Arvada. Express the beauty of nature through different watercolor techniques. Experiment with dry brushes, salt, rubber cement, and enjoy tea as we create scenes from nature. Instructor is David Sullivan. Go to Arvada.org/publicclasses to register.

Explore Mythical Creatures Through Art: 4-5:30 p.m.

Wednesdays through March 15 at Majestic View Nature Center, 7030 Garrison St., Arvada. Ages 3-6 years. Ages 6-14 years. Register at Arvada.org/public-classes.

this week’s TOP FIVE Dinner Theater Show: 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday, Feb. 24-25 and March 3-4 at Colorado ACTS Theatre, 11455 W. I-70 Frontage Road North, Wheat Ridge. “Somebody Please Say Yes or Six Sues Silver Mine” delves into the world of vile villains and distraught damsels. Join the six Sue sisters as they try to create a hotel out of their deceased father’s dusty old silver mine. Call 303-456-6772 for reservations.

Buffalo Bill Birthday Party: 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 25 at The Rock Rest, 16005 S. Golden Road, Golden. Get on your Old West and celebrate with 100s of re-enactors. Live music. Free cake. Door prizes and more. Contact David or Lee at monarchproductions@earthlink.net.com.

The National Parks: 2:30-3:30 p.m. Thursday, March 2, at Atria of Applewood, 2800 Youngfield St., Lakewood. 2016 marked the 100th anniversary of the creation of the National Park Service. The world’s first national park, ‘Damage’ Art Exhibit: open through February 2018 at Red Rocks Community College, Lakewood, in the mezzanine near the library. Denver artist Sharon Brown’s exhibit features psychologically charged paintings created mostly from photographs. Go to www.rrcc.edu.

EVENTS

HD 29 Day at the Capitol: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 23. Join State Rep. Tracy Kraft-Tharp.

Attend committee hearings, tour the Capitol and have lunch with House leadershsip. RSVP to RepTracy29@gmail. com Community Coffee: 7-8 a.m. Thursday, Feb. 23 at La Dolce Vita in Olde Town Arvada, and from 6:30-7:30 p.m. at Panera in Walnut Creek, Westminster. Stop by for coffee and conversation with State Rep. Tracy Kraft-Tharp.

Walking in a Winter Wonderland: 11 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 25, at Ralston Central Park, 5850 Garrison St. Meet at the pavilion.

Adults and children will enjoy this walk along Ralston Creek Trail.

Space is limited. Go to Arvada. org/public-classes to register.

Jeffco Spellbinders: beginning Feb. 27, trainings consist of four halfday sessions. Jeffco Spellbinders are volunteers who are keeping the art of oral storytelling alive

Yellowstone, was created by an act of Congress in 1872. Today, the national park system includes over 400 units (58 national parks), over 84 million acres of land, and hosts over 300 million visitors per year. Join Active Minds as we tell the story of the development of our national parks system and highlight some of the more notable parks and their stories. Call 303-233-4343 to RSVP. League of Women Voters Orientation, Welcome: 1-3 p.m. Saturday, March 4, at Belmar Library, 555 S. Allison Parkway, Lakewood. Many post-election voters are fired up and seeking ways to get involved in their government. The League of Women Voters may offer that opportunity. Contact Becka at 720-955-3705 or becka.hill@q.com to RSVP. Go to www.lwvjeffco.org.

Children’s Theatre Production of `Robin Hood’: 1 p.m. Saturdays through March 4 at Miners Alley Playhouse, 1224 Washington Ave., Golden. Call for weekday performance availability.

Call 303-935-3044 or go to minersalley.com. For ages 12 and under, and the people who love them.

with monthly visits to schools.

Visitors welcome at the meetings, which are from 1-3 p.m. the third Monday of each month at Wheat Ridge United Methodist Church, 7530 W. 38th Ave., Wheat Ridge.

Go to www.spellbinders.org or call LaRene at 303-431-7906.

Dr. Seuss’s Birthday Party: 6-7 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 28 at Arvada Library, 7525 W. 57th Ave., Arvada.

You could not, would not want to miss a special storytime followed by crafts and snacks to celebrate Dr. Seuss’s birthday and Read Across America. Call 303-235-5275 or go to www.jeffcolibrary.org Police Brutality or Necessary Force?: noon and 7 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 28 at Lifetree Café, 5675 Field St., Arvada. Filmed interviews with a man who was severely beaten after a routine traffic stop and a police captain who used what was deemed appropriate force — but resulted in the death of an innocent man. Contact Polly Wegner at 303-424-4454 or pwegner@ peacelutheran.net.

Mile High Dowsers Meeting: 7-9:30 p.m. Thursday, March 2, at the Clements Community Center, 1580 Yarrow St., Lakewood. Learn about dowsing. This month’s practical dowsing exercise will be presented by Sabrina Nugent. Jack Roberts is our featured presenter sharing his knowledge of Thought Forms. Group meets the first Thursday of each month.

Go to www.milehighdowsers.org.

Round Table Issues Breakfast: 7 a.m. Friday, March 3, at American Legion Wilmore-Richter Post 161, 6230 W. 60th Ave., Arvada. Learn

about local projects and events.

Open to the public. Contact 303-424-0324 for cost and other information.

Animal Olympics: 10:15-10:45 a.m.

Saturday, March 4 at Majestic View Nature Center, 7030 Garrison St., Arvada. Meet animals from the Downtown Aquarium. Sign up at arvada.org/public-classes.

Comedy Bookcamp for Writers: 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, March 4 and Sunday, March 5, at Colorado Auto Dealers Association, 290 E. Speer Blvd., Denver. Led by Hollywood master writer, trainer, author and mentor Steve Kaplan (www.KaplanComedy.com). Lunch is included. Space is limited. Contact Author U at 720-588-9838, info@ authoru.org or www.authoru.org.

Rocky Mountain Train Show: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, March 4, and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, March 5, at the Denver Mart. Features 30 operating train layouts, manufacturer and hobby store displays, a marketplace of over 600 tables of trains for sale, howto clinics and appraisal opportunities for your old trains. Go to www.

RockyMountainTrainShow.com.

Ladies 9-Hole Golf Club Membership Meeting: 10 a.m. Monday, March 6, at Lake Arbor Golf Club, 8600 Wadsworth Blvd., Arvada.

Great club for women wanting to transition from playing par-3 golf courses to a regulation course. Club plays Monday mornings from April through September. Contact Lee Kauffman, head pro, at 720-8987360 or Jackie Stoffel, membership chair, at 303-465-5783 for applications or information.

February 23, 2017F

Jeffco International Women’s Day Luncheon: Wednesday, March 8 at Denver West Marriott, 1717 Denver West Blvd., Golden.

Keynote speaker is Dr. Tracy Camp, Colorado School of Mines.

Tickets on sale now. Sponsorships available. Go to http://www. ixpowerfoundation.org/currentprojects/march-8-women-s-day/.

Connection between Corruption and Extremism: 1 p.m. Wednesday, March 15, in Littleton; and 9:30 a.m. Saturday, March 18, at Westland Meridian, 10695 W. 17th Ave., Lakewood. Jeffco League of Women Voters nonfiction book club will discuss “Thieves of State: Why Corruption Threatens Global Security,” by Sarah Chayes, NPR correspondent and foreign policy expert. Call Lynne at 303-9855128 for information and the Wednesday meeting location.

Food Pantry: open from 9-11 a.m.

Wednesdays at New Apostolic Church, 5290 Vance St., Arvada, rear entrance (across the street from Beau Jo’s restaurant). Contact Gertrude at 303-902-6794.

Fun with Animals: 10-10:45 a.m.

Wednesdays in March at Majestic View Nature Center, 7030 Garrison St., Arvada. For ages 3-6 years. Learn about coyotes, beavers, bugs and fish. Use books, stories, crafts and games. Sign up at arvada.org/public-classes.

HEALTH

Bone Builders, Bone Breakers: 11 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 25, at Natural Grocers at Vitamin Cottage, Northwest Store, 7745 N. Wadsworth Blvd., Arvada. Bones are living tissue that respond to bone building care throughout life. Support lifelong bone health knowing how to get all the nutrients your bones need. Contact Kate Sheets at 303-423-0990.

Love Your Pet: Spay and Neuter: discounted fees for spay/neuter surgeries offered through February at Foothills Animal Shelter, 580 McIntyre St., Golden. Go to www.FoothillsAnimalShelter.org/ Spay. Contact 720-407-5215 or info@fas4pets.org.

Editor’s note: Calendar submissions must be received by noon Thursday for publication the following week. Send listings to calendar@ coloradocommunitymedia.com. No attachments, please. Listings are free and run on a space-available basis.

Arvada Press 23

February 23, 2017

:

Water World begins hunt for 2017 staff STAFF REPORT

Hyland Hills Water World has kicked off its search for more than 1,000 lifeguards, attendants and other summer employees.

Positions are available for the 2017 season for people 14 years old and older. Jobs include guest services, food services, gift and photo shop attendants, grounds and landscaping teams and lifeguards.

“For many, this is a first job,” said Water World spokes-

ShopLocalC ShopLocalC

person Joann Cortez. “We are dedicated to providing a meaningful work experience for the kids that make the team.”

Water World lifeguards must be certified through Ellis and Associates. Classes are held on site for those who are not yet certified.

Detailed information on available positions, rates of pay, age minimums and job applications are on the Water World website, www.waterworldcolorado.com/jobshop.

Interviews will begin in

Marketplace Auctions

Farm Products & Produce

early March, with hiring usually completed in April.

Hyland Hills Water World is one of the nation’s largest family water parks and boasts more than 50 attractions covering 70 acres. The community-owned amusement park is now in its 38th season and it has hosted more than 12 million guests over the years.

Water World has been named one of the best water parks in the world by the Travel Channel and the World Waterpark Association.

Local ads, coupons, special offers & more

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PLACE YOUR AD TODAY!

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Ranchway Feeds Building At The Larimer County Fairgrounds

Classic Cars Street Rods Muscle Cars Memorabilia

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Doors Open: 8am - Memorabilia: 9am - Vehicles: 10am March 4th, 2017 - Larimer County Fairgrounds NO RESERVE#'s: $150 & 5% Commission RESERVE#'s: $250 & 8% Commission BUYERS FEE: 5% Fee To consign or buy visit us online at: www.specialtyautoauction.com

or call 970-266-9561

Misc. Notices Littleton Ladies Golf League 9 Hole Accepting new members for Wednesday morning play for the 2017 season Contact Mary Uppinghouse uppies@aol.com

SEEKING ACCIDENT WITNESS

On May 13, 2016, at approximately 12:02 pm, there was a traffic accident in the intersection of 88th Ave and Harlan St. The accident involved two vehicles- a Mercedes Sprinter van and a Toyota Tacoma pick-up. At least one driver was injured.

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The Westminster Police Department investigated the accident; however, they were unable to identify/locate any independent witnesses to the accident.

Your assistance is needed. If you witnessed this accident, please contact:

Moto 4G lite unlocked phone 32 gigs, can expand to 128 gigs on an SD micro card, cables and case included Quicken Deluxe 2016, Corel Paint Shop, Landstrom 10k gold belt buckle, Sterling and Turquoise belt buckle, Never used Sony record player, 2 new plain metal headboards (photos can be provided) 2 queen bed frames, never used 720-645-5066

Woodley’s entertainment center.

Cherry wood. TV cabinet: W 47”, H 86”; holding up to 40” TV; 2 lower cabinets with shelves, sliding racks. Accessory cabinet (to left): W.23”, H. 84”, 4 wooden shelves; glass door. 1 lower cabinet with shelves. Display shelves above both cabinets with recessed can lights. $800 or best offer. Also, Sony 34" HDTV, free. Also, Sony 34’’ HDTV, Model XBR. $200 OBO. 303-523-3175

Wanted DONATE YOUR CAR, TRUCK, BOAT, RV; Running or not, to www.developmentaldisabled.org Tax deductible! 303-659-1744.

19 years of service (go onto website to see 57 Chevy)

We have expanded our veterinary services to include extended hours, in-house diagnostics, additional surgery options and Royal Canin prescription food.

February is Dental Health Month! We are offering discounted dental procedures for a flat rate of $395 (for cats under 7) and $475 (for cats over 8). The cost includes exam, bloodwork, scale/ polish, unlimited extractions, anesthesia and medication(s).

We offer high quality care at cost effective prices.

Please call 303.237.0914 to schedule an appointment.

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Group forming: to create a Community, Cohousing for Seniors, Intentional Communities or Shared housing here in Littleton or the wider south Denver area.

45 plus-Seniors-Singles-Couples-Elder OrphansLooking for a way to live your best life in Mind, Body and Spirit?

Thanks to Highline Crossing Cohousing Community and Martha Lyon our host, our first meeting will be visiting and touring Littleton's only Cohousing Community Highline Crossing.

Meeting: Highline Crossing Cohousing Community 1620 West Canal Ct. Littleton, Colorado February 26, 1-2pm RSVP to Organizing Host: Kris Elletson 303-798-0160

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24 Arvada Press

LOCAL

February 23, 2017F

SPORTS

Slam dunk champ helps raise daughter’s game

J

Pomona coach Sam Federico, far left, has the Panthers’ wrestling program on an impressive run. Pomona has finished first or second in the Class 5A state team standings for seven straight years.

PHOTOS BY DENNIS PLEUSS/JEFFCO PUBLIC SCHOOLS

Pomona dominates 5A wrestling stage Panthers capture backto-back team titles and win four individual championships

BY DENNIS PLEUSS JEFFCO PUBLIC SCHOOLS

Pomona senior Jason Romero flexes after winning the Class 5A 160-pound title over Cherokee Trail senior Josh Richardson on Feb. 18 at Pepsi Center. Romero, along with sophomores Justin Pacheco (113), Colton Yapoujian (120) and Theorius Robison (132) all won individual state title for Pomona.

DENVER — Pomona senior Jason Romero finally got the individual state wrestling championship he desired.

“It’s amazing It’s beyond words,” Romero said after defeating Cherokee Trail senior Josh Richardson in the Class 5A 160-pound bout on the final night of the state wrestling tournament Feb. 18 at Pepsi Center.

SEE WRESTLING, P26

STANDOUT PERFORMERS Gabriel Dinette, wrestling, junior, Lakewood: He became a two-time state wrestling champion when he defeated Josh Betts of Rocky Mountain, 10-2, in the 152-pound title match on Feb. 18. He ended the season with a 41-1 record.

Alec Clifton, basketball, senior, D’Evelyn: He made a 3-pointer with 10 seconds remaining in the second overtime to help the

Jaguars earn a 71-69 win over Golden on Feb. 16 in the Jefferson County 4A League regular season finale.

Chloe Gillach, basketball, senior, Ralston Valley: Gillach scored 20 points and had eight steals in the Mustangs’ 71-29 romp over Arvada West on Feb. 16.

Theorius Robison, wrestling, sophomore, Pomona: The state champion Panthers

had four individuals win championships and Robison became a two-time state champ with a 3-2 decision over Dylan Martinez of Grand Junction in the 132-pound title match on Feb. 18.

Manuel Perez, basketball, junior, Bear Creek: Perez made seven 3-pointers and scored 25 points in the Bears’ 70-51 victory over Grand Junction Central on Feb. 18.

STANDOUT PERFORMERS are five athletes named from south metro area high schools. Preference is given to those making their debut on the list. To nominate an athlete, contact Jim Benton at jbenton@coloradocommunitymedia.com

ason Richardson, the former Michigan State standout who played 14 seasons in the National Basketball Association, knows what it feels like to be in OVERTIME a pressure-packed basketball game.

However, he admits that stress as a player is nothing like the tension he feels when watching his daughter Jaela play high school basketball for Cherry Creek.

Jim Benton “There’s so much pressure watching her play,” said Richardson who has made his home in the Denver area for the past two years.

“No matter what your child does, you want your child to succeed. When she makes a turnover or misses a shot it’s like, ‘Oh man, come on.’ There’s definitely more pressure watching her.

“It’s definitely a lot of fun just watching where she came from to the player she is now. It’s fun seeing her out there being a young adult.”

Jaela Richardson played last season at Heritage High in Saginaw, Michigan, but a knee injury ended her season in February. She chose to join her father in Colorado and enrolled at Cherry Creek.

“I get a lot of advice from my Dad,” she said. “After every game, we watch film and go over not only what I’m doing, but what my teammates are doing. And what I can do better and we can do better as a team. I tell him, Dad if I did something, let me know. If the team did something, let me know, so we can make the team better.”

Jaela, a 6-foot junior who missed several games early this season while completing rehab from need surgery, is averaging 9.4 points and 8.1 rebounds a game for a Bruins team loaded with tall players.

“I’m trying to work more on becoming more of a guard,” she said. “There are plenty of opportunities with our offense that allow me to be on the perimeter, and I have to take advantage of it.”

Jason Richardson — the NBA slam dunk contest winner in 2002 and 2003 — knows it’s hard for his daughter to get the experience needed to play a perimeter position that she will likely have to play in college. In high school, good inside players are needed.

“It’s difficult for her to do that, but it’s part of the game she has to work on,” said Richardson, who at 6-6 played shooting guard and small forward for several NBA teams, retiring in 2015. “She has one more year. Last year was a wash — she was hurt and SEE BENTON, P29

Arvada Press 25

February 23, 2017

Jeffco adapted athletics hits the hockey rink Special needs students from 19 schools participated in hockey day

BY SHANNA FORTIER SFORTIER@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM

When Bernie, the mascot for the Colorado Avalanche, walked into the gymnasium at the Gold Crown Field House on a recent morning, students athletes in the Jeffco Schools adaptive athletics program got excited.

High fives, hugs and fist bumps abounded Feb. 16 among the 24 teams representing 19 Jeffco middle and high schools at hockey day.

“This program means everything,” said Laura Zloger, adaptive physical education teacher at Lakewood High School. Zloger and her 16 students with disabilities look forward to the adapted athletics tournaments each month. “And then to have Bernie here, the mascot for the Avalanche, that just gets everybody fired up.”

The mission of the Jeffco adapted athletics program is to provide Jeffco students with disabilities the same opportunity as other students to enjoy the benefits of a middle school or high school sports program — becoming active members in society who lead healthy lifestyles.

Students that participate in the program range in mental disabilities from autism and social/emotional needs to physical disabilities that limit mobility. The sport of hockey is adapted for these students with the use of foam sticks, a bouncy foam ball for the puck and 10-minute games. Some students are in wheelchairs.

“It’s about giving them that opportunity to focus on their ability and not disability,” said Bryan Wickoren, adapted physical education coordinator for the district. “We don’t want them to be a spectator.”

The adaptive athletics program holds a tournament each month focusing on a different sport. The sports tie into the in-class curriculum and the seasonal prep sports.

Hockey day coincided with Hockey

A

SSISTED

L

IVING

Home is where the

H ONORED

Roman Hill-Schmik, of Lakewood High, battles Katie Wilson, of Arvada West, for the ball during their first hockey game of the day.

PHOTOS BY SHANNA FORTIER

Colorado Avalanche mascot Bernie stopped by the Jeffco Schools adaptive athletics program.

Week in America and next month, basketball tournaments are scheduled around March Madness.

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High School hockey team and Metropolitan State University of Denver acted as officials for the games.

“It’s about trying to give back,”

said Jay Gleson, senior hockey player at Ralston Valley. “It’s a lot of fun. A lot of smiles. And being able to help kids that aren’t as fortunate to play hockey, which is one of the things that I love to do. It really warms your heart.”

Jeffo Schools Superintendent Dan McMinimee is a big supporter of the program.

“I’m really proud of the work (Bryan Wickerson) does,” McMinimee said. “It’s about trying to remove the roadblocks so every students has the opportunity to have this kind of experience.”

The program, which once required schools to pay for their transportation, is now free for all students and schools.

“It means too much, not just to our 16 kids at Lakewood High School, but the special needs kids throughout the district in elementary and secondary,” Zloger said.

“Now everybody gets an opportunity to do this.”

26 Arvada Press

February 23, 2017F

WRESTLING FROM PAGE 24

Besides winning four individual titles, Pomona was able to dominate the 5A team standings racking up 192.5 points to distance themselves from second-place Grand Junction (141.5 points).

“It was fun. It was a good tournament,” Pomona coach Sam Federico said. “They got what they deserved.

They put in the work and they are champs now.”

Romero returned to the champion finals for a third straight year. Romero had to settle for state runner-up his sophomore and junior seasons, but was on a mission this year to close out his prep career with that elusive state title.

Pomona’s trio of three sophomores — Justin Pacheco (113), Colton Yapoujian (120) and Theorius Robison (132) — were clearly locked in for their title championship matches. Pacheco and Yapoujian were able to shutout their opponents with 3-0 and 5-0 victories, respectively.

“The team has wrapped it up before the finals, so that takes off a lot of pressure,” Yapoujian said. “I felt like I had more pressure in the semis.

Tonight I just went out and had some fun.”

Pacheco was actually tied 0-0 with just more than a minute to go against Coronado senior Stephen Dabelko.

The Pomona sophomore was intentionally released by Dabelko for a 1-point escape and Pacheco added on a late takedown for the victory.

“Those big tournaments I think really helps a lot,” Pacheco said referring to the out-of-state tournament the Panthers always hit during the season. “They settle our nerves down quite a bit.”

Robison was the lone returning individual state champ this season for the Panthers. He finished off his sophomore campaign with a 33-1 record holding on to a 3-2 victory over Grand Junction junior Dylan Martinez in the final.

Robison is halfway to becoming Pomona’s first 4-time state champion in the program’s history. Pomona wrestling legend Tom Clum was one victory away to completing his career as an undefeated 4-time state champion, but lost the 5A 125 title bout in 2001 to Wasson’s Brett Roller in an

Support your local paper!

Members of Pomona’s wrestling team pose after being presented the Class 5A state wrestling championship trophy Feb. 18 at Pepsi Center. The Panthers claimed their fifth team title since 2000 and also won four individual titles on the final day of the 3-day state tournament.

PHOTOS BY DENNIS PLEUSS/JEFFCO PUBLIC SCHOOLS epic 13-12 battle.

“I try not to think about it, but people do ask me about it,” Robison said of the chance to be in the exclusive 4-time individual championship group. “I just know I have to just keep working hard because there is always someone out there working hard to knock you off.”

Senior Nolan Krone was the only Panther in the finals unable to grab a state title. Krone wasn’t able to upset Castle View senior Josh Richardson, who went undefeated at 170 pounds.

Topping off the tremendous performance by the Panthers during the three-day tournament was Pomona claiming its fifth 5A state wrestling team title since 2000. The back-toback accomplishment duplicated the feat pulled off by the Panthers in 2000 and 2001.

It’s also the third team title for Pomona in the last five years. In fact, the Panthers have finished first or second in the 5A team standings for seven straight years. Nine of 11 Pomona wrestlers that qualified for the 3-day state tourney found their way to the podium Saturday night.

“We just have more talent rolling in year-after-year,” Romero said.

It wasn’t all smooth sailing for Pomona. Even before the start of the season the Panthers lost senior Cameron Gonzales. Last year’s state runner-up at 170 suffered a broken lower leg in Pomona’s state football semifinal game in late November.

“Losing Cam was huge for our team. He is an amazing talent,” Romero said. “We just had to stick to what we do and do our thing. We couldn’t worry about it too much.”

Rival Arvada West won back-toback titles in 2014 and 2015, giving the two Arvada-area school the distinction of combining to win the last five 5A team titles.

“I’m going to miss this 2016-17 team,” Romero said. “It’s probably one of the most talented ever to walk through Colorado. I’m going to miss them a lot.”

The question now … Can Pomona keep the dynasty going and have a similar run that Ponderosa had nearly than a decade ago when the Mustangs won eight straight 5A team titles from 2003 to 2010?

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P RO G R A M

“The coaches are hoping we get nine, so then can fill all their fingers with their wedding rings,” Pacheco said of the Panthers’ long-term goal of surpassing Ponderosa’s run. “They think that would be fun.”

Fatzinger grabs elusive state title Arvada West senior Cody Fatzinger grabbed his first state title after placing either second or third in his weight class the previous three years.

“I’ve trained long and hard for this,” Fatzinger said. “It finally came.”

Fatzinger said he was glad to finish out his prep career with a state championship to his name before heading to Western State Colorado University in Gunnison.

“I think there was less pressure to be honest,” Fatzinger said. “I’ve already signed to wrestling in college, so I didn’t have to worry about that. I just wanted to wrestle and have fun.”

Dennis Pleuss is a communications specialist for Jeffco Public Schools with a focus on athletics and activities.

For more Jeffco coverage, go online at CHSAANow.com/Jeffco.

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Arvada Press 27

February 23, 2017

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February 23, 2017F

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7February 23, 2017

BENTON FROM PAGE 24

wasn’t able to work on her jump shot or dribbling. She has a big summer ahead of her. She has to put up a lot of shots and do a lot of ball handling and get used to shooting the ball.

“It was a different style of basketball in Michigan, more physical, more defense and not the high-scoring games. Out here, there a lot more girls that are skilled and more 3-point shooting and stuff like that. She wanted to develop her game and that’s why she chose to move out here.”

On a winning note Kyle Cisneros knows how to go out on top.

The Jefferson senior won the Class 3A championship at 132 pounds with an 8-3 decision over Brandon Damian of Valley at the Colorado State Wrestling Championships over the weekend.

It was the second consecutive state title after winning at 126 pounds in 2016.

He also leaves Colorado high school wrestling as the all-time leader with 177 career wins.

“It was a great way to finish my career in high school,” Cisneros said. “I couldn’t ask to finish any other way.”

Jim Benton is a sports writer for Colorado Community Media. He has been covering sports in the Denver area since 1968. He can be reached at jbenton@ coloradocommunitymedia.com or at 303-566-4083.

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30 Arvada Press

February 23, 2017F

HOW THEY FINISHED Results of area wrestlers who placed in the top six at the Colorado State Wrestling tournament Feb. 16-18 at the Pepsi Center.

Class 5A Team scores (top 20) 1. Pomona: 192.5; 5. Castle View: 79.0; 9. Ponderosa: 70.5; 12. Arvada West: 54.6; 15. Lakewood: 45.0; 16. Legacy: 39.0; 17.

Mountain Vista: 34.5 106 pounds 1st Place: Malik Heinselman, Castle View, 44-0, Jr. over Dawson Collins, Grand Junction, 42-3, Fr., MD 23-9.

113 pounds 1st Place: Justin Pacheco, Pomona, 34-9, So. over Stephen Dabelko, Coronado, 37-2, Sr., Dec 3-0.

3rd Place: Adrian Marquez, Castle View, 33-8, So. over Jarron Martinez, Brighton, 35-12, Jr., MD 14-5.

120 pounds 1st Place: Colton Yapoujian, Pomona, 38-4, So. over Darren Green, Broomfield, 34-8, Fr., Dec 5-0.

3rd Place: Louie Romero, Mountain Range, 23-7, Sr. over Alex Alvarez, Poudre, 39-10, So., MD 13-4.

126 pounds 1st Place: Cody Fatzinger, Arvada West, 35-3, Sr. over Job Greenwood, Poudre, 30-10, So., Dec 3-2.

5th Place: Nicholas Gonzales, Adams City, 34-7, Jr. over Preston Weaver, Mountain Vista, 34-11, Sr., Dec 11-9.

132 pounds 1st Place: Theorius Robison, Pomona, 33-1, So. over Dylan Martinez, Grand Junction, 40-4, Jr., Dec 3-2.

3rd Place: Dayton Marvel, Arvada West, 21-6, Jr. over Maverick Keigher, Doherty, 39-11, Jr., Dec 5-1.

145 pounds 1st Place Match: Josiah Rider, Grand Junction, 38-1, Jr. over Parker Benekas, Ponderosa, 37-7, Jr., Fall 1:35.

5th Place: Santana Salas, Prai-

rie View, 38-9, Sr. over Bode Marvel, Arvada West, 17-8, So., Dec 6-2.

152 pounds 1st Place: Gabriel Dinette, Lakewood, 41-1, Jr. over Josh Betts, Rocky Mountain, 29-7, Jr. , MD 10-2.

5th Place: Nathan Baca, Brighton, 35-10, Jr. over Kai Blake, Cherry Creek, 38-12, So., Fall 4:21.

160 pounds 1st Place: Jason Romero, Pomona, 37-7, Sr. over Josh Richardson, Cherokee Trail, 38-12, Sr., Dec 11-5.

3rd Place: Aidan Funk, Legacy, 39-8, Jr. over Jeremiah Ellerd, Brighton, 40-8, Sr., Dec 8-7.

170 pounds 1st Place: Tate Samuelson, Castle View, 44-0, Jr. over Nolan Krone, Pomona, 37-10, Sr., Dec 4-1.

3rd Place: Drian Hays, Legacy, 45-4, Jr. over Seth Latham, Grand Junction, 32-10, Jr., Dec 4-0.

182 pounds 1st Place: Jimmy Weaver, Coronado, 41-1, Sr. over Jayden Woodruff, Ponderosa, 21-3, Jr., Dec 2-1.

3rd Place: Tyler Ross, Grandview, 38-8, Sr. over Uriah Vigil, Pomona, 15-6, Sr., Dec 4-1.

5th Place: Jack Huber, Thunder Ridge, 40-7, Sr. over Nathen Meyer, Fossil Ridge, 32-9, Jr., Fall 2:12.

195 pounds 1st Place: Trent Schultz, Mountain Vista, 40-0, Sr. over Zeke Silva, Cherokee Trail, 28-3, Sr., SV-1, 3-1.

220 pounds 1st Place: Cohl Schultz, Ponderosa, 45-1, So. over Max Gonzales, Cherokee Trail, 412, Sr., Dec 7-0.

5th Place: Angelo Arellano, Pomona, 20-9, Sr. over Micah Smith, Douglas County, 39-12, Jr., Fall 1:37.

285 pounds 3rd Place: Brandon Micale, Pomona, 23-3, Sr. over Hayden

Still, Lakewood, 32-10, Jr., Dec 4-2.

Class 3A Team scores (top 20) 2. Jefferson 99.0; 5. Sheridan 81.0; 17. Holy Family 36.5.

120 pounds t 1st Place: Joe Chavez, Cent tauri, 44-4, So. over Jimmy Ramirez III, Jefferson, 43-5, t Fr., MD 17-3.

S 3rd Place: Presiliano Maez, p Sheridan, 43-2, Jr. over Ethan o Andrade, Lamar, 32-11, So., s Dec 5-2.

126 pounds f 5th Place: Homero Navarro, N Sheridan, 34-7, Jr. over Zander Condit, Conifer, 40-12, Fr., Dec r 11-8. f 132 pounds 1st Place: Kyle Cisneros, Jefp ferson, 46-4, Sr. over Brandon Damian, Valley, 39-5, Jr., Dec. p 8-3. f 138 pounds 3rd Place: Nick Gallegos, Jef- a ferson, 38-10, Fr. over Devon m Atencio, Alamosa, 32-15, Sr., a f Dec 2-1. t 5th Place: Matt Bailey, Berthoud, 34-11, Sr. over Hunter Branson, Holy Family, 26-13, b Fr., Dec 3-1. i 152 pounds 5th Place: p Brandon Onofre, Jefferson, 429, Sr. over Chance Dillingham, o Delta, 34-12, Sr., Dec 6-4. p 160 pounds 1st Place: Kolsen Welham, Holy Family, 37-4, Sr. over Hayden Johnson, Steamboat Springs, 36-8, Jr. , MD 13-3.

170 pounds 3rd Place: Faustin Lopez, Sheridan, 33-4, Jr. over Alex Cordova, Rifle, 41-8, Sr., Fall 1:37.

220 pounds 1st Place: Oscar Lopez, Jefferson, 35-2, Sr. over Evan Hoff, Grand Valley, 25-4, Sr., SV-1 , 10-5.

285 pounds 1st Place: Ricky Ayala, Sheridan, 24-5, Sr. over Logan Church, Delta, 41-3, Jr., Dec 3-2.

Answers

THANKS for

PLAYING!

Š 2016 King Features Synd., Inc.

Solution

Arvada Press 31

February 23, 2017

Wheat Ridge Police Department warns of recent scams

conscious decision to be happy and then develop and strengthen your discipline to keep moving in that direction. His research shows that 75 percent of success comes from your sense of optimism and social connections. The remaining 25 percent is from your “smartness.”

Shawn doesn’t believe in the glass being half-full or half-empty — that’s a scarcity thought. There’s always a pitcher nearby so it doesn’t really matter. We’re all in this together — let’s share our talents and fill up the glass so we all win.

Shawn’s studies prove that happiness is: * A choice * Vibrant and spreads * An advantage To begin increasing your Happiness Intelligence here are a few easy activities to get you started. As with anything new, you can’t just read it and expect it to stick. You’ve got to do it. The choice is yours — do you want to get happier and healthier or not?

Glenn Bott of Arvada is enthusiastic about life and everything he does.

He speaks and consults on creating personal freedom and solving problems. He shares what he learned by successfully reinventing himself after recovering from a severe brain injury.

Bott can be reached at glennbott.com.

To advertise your public notices call 303-566-4100

WHAT'S HAPPENING NEAR YOU? Want to know what news is happening in your area and the areas around you?

Visit our website at ColoradoCommunityMedia.com.

City and County Public Notice

ADVERTISEMENT FOR BIDS Sealed bids for the construction of City of Arvada, Project No. 17-ST-03, Project Title 2017 Crack Seal, will be received at the office of the City Engineer until 11:00 am on March 7, 2017 and then publicly opened and read aloud.

The BID DOCUMENTS, consisting of Advertisement for Bids, Information for Bidders, Special Conditions, Addendum when issued, Bid Bond, Bid Proposal, Bid Schedule, and the Project Drawings may be examined at the following locations: City of Arvada Engineering Division 8101 Ralston Road, Arvada, Colorado 80002 Dodge Plan Room – www.construction.com ISqFt Plan Room – 1030 West Ellsworth Ave., Unit G, Denver, Colorado 80223 Reed Construction Data - www.reedpsp.com Rocky Mountain E-Purchasing System at www.rockymountainbidsystem.com No cost bid documents may be obtained at www.rockymountainbidsystem.com on or after February 16, 2017. Bid documents may also be obtained at the office of the City Engineer upon payment of $30.00 per set, which is non-refundable.

ESTIMATED QUANTITIES OF THE MAJOR ITEMS OF WORK ARE: 70 TON Crack Sealant (up to 1-1/2” wide cracks) 10 TON Mastic Sealant (greater than 1-1/2” wide cracks) 1 LS Traffic Control 20 DAY Portable Variable Message Sign 1 LS Citizen Notification 1 LS Mobilization 1 LS Minor Contract Revisions Bidders, subcontractors and suppliers must be familiar with the current City of Arvada Engineering Code of Standards and Specifications for the Design and Construction of Public Improvements, dated January 12, 2016, which will be combined with the Bid Documents to form the Contract Documents for the Project. A copy of the Standards may be obtained from the office of the City Engineer upon a non-refundable payment of $50.00. Holders will be notified when supplemental revisions and additions are available as they are adopted. The Standards are also available at no cost on the City's web site at www.arvada.org. Holders are responsible for keeping current their City of Arvada Engineering Code of Standards and Specifications.

The Project Engineer for this work is Kjell Moe, at 720-898-7662.

CITY OF ARVADA Timothy R. Hoos, P.E., City Engineer Legal Notice No.: 46699 First Publication: February 16, 2017 Last Publication: March 2, 2017 Publisher: Golden Transcript Wheat Ridge Transcript and the Arvada Press

PUBLIC NOTICES

e hear a lot about our emotional intelligence these days. Do you take time to increase your Happiness Intelligence? This is much more important to GUEST your longstanding success and satisCOLUMN faction than your EI or IQ. Let’s explore this further: Happiness is available to each of us throughout the day. It’s a matter of choice, an inside job. In any moment we can choose to be happy, yet this Glenn Bott is a rare quality because so few make the decision.

Choosing to be happy isn’t difficult.

It just takes a little practice. Few do this because of habit and an unwillingness to reprogram themselves for better results.

Shawn Achor, a Harvard professor, teaches a positive psychology course.

It’s the most popular class at Harvard, not just because it’s fun and enlightening but because it works and produces results. Shawn defines happiness as doing what you love.

It’s what gives meaning to your life.

Shawn’s studies have proven that we all have the power to be happier. This is developed by making a

* Urgent requests to donate to a fake charity to help people and/ or animals impacted by a recent disaster To reduce unwanted phone calls or file a complaint Register home and cell phone numbers with the National Do Not Call Registry by calling 1-888-382-1222. This national registry was created to offer consumers a choice regarding telemarketing calls. It won’t stop all unsolicited calls but it should help.

Victims of a telephone scam or telemarketing fraud can file an online complaint with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) by phone at 1-877-382-4357.

For more information on crime prevention or to establish a Neighborhood Watch program, contact Wheat Ridge Police at 303235-2910.

secitoN cilbuP

W

Time to increase your happiness intelligence

online and use that instead of the link that appears in the email.

Never click a link in an email from a stranger, and if something just doesn’t look right, it probably isn’t.

A link without any message, or one containing misspelled words or awkward grammar is often just a scam.

Fraud can occur by mail, text, or ads asking for personal information. Phone scammers will often use bait, offering fake prizes, products, and services. Types of phone scams reported on USA.gov include: * “Free” or “low-cost” vacations that cost a fortune in hidden costs * Offers like advance fee loans, payday loans, and credit card loss protection * Fake business and investment opportunities

Notices

In addition to the recent report of the scam involving a “Yes” response to cell phone calls, this time of year there are often Internal Revenue Service (IRS) related scams. To prevent tax identity theft, be wary of any IRS letter or notice that states: * More than one tax return was filed using the same Social Security Number * Additional tax is owed, tax refund offset, or collection actions for a year’s taxes weren’t filed * IRS records indicate wages were paid by an unknown employer The IRS does NOT request personal or financial information from a taxpayer by calling, sending an email, a text, or social media message. Do not reply or click on any links in emails claiming to be from the IRS. Instead, report it to the IRS. Here are some other tips to avoid being the victim of a scam: * Never give money or personal information to anyone over the phone * Use a secure Internet site for online purchases and to provide personal information * Never wire money based on a

phone call or online request, even if that person claims to be a relative or friend in need * Confirm with relatives or friends if someone calls saying they are in trouble or need money. Never wire money without checking first. * Warn seniors about scammers calling grandma or grandpa claiming to be grandchildren injured or in trouble and needing money. Make sure they know to check before ever sending money. * Never wire money to collect a prize * Call the Wheat Ridge Police Department (303-237-2220) before wiring money to a foreign country Every year, thousands of people lose their money and personal information to telephone and online scams. Typically, phone scammers will try to sell something that the person answering the call hadn’t planned to buy. The scammer will apply pressure to get personal information, like credit card or Social Security numbers. Scammer contact by email will often include what appears to be a link to a legitimate website. Look closely at the Internet address. One letter may be off or the company name may be spelled incorrectly. Look up the company contact information

Public Notices

STAFF REPORT

It’s your right to know what the city and county governments are changing and proposing. ~~~ See the ordinances on these legal pages. ~~~ Read the public notices and be informed!

Arvada * 1

32 Arvada Press

February 23, 2017F

Wheat Ridge veteran hopes for help battling leukemia Close to Home Colorado shares story of soldier’s struggle

HOW YOU CAN HELP For more information on how to donate funds to Clarence “Ozzy” and Judy Osborne, reach out to Paige McDaniel at paigemcdaniel@ aol.com.

To learn more about Close to Home, a state nonprofit that works to end homelessness, visit www.closetohomeco.org/about.

BY CLARKE READER CREADER@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM

The same radiation that saved Wheat Ridge resident and veteran Clarence “Ozzy” Osborne’s life when he was battling throat cancer in 2014 may well have contributed, he believes, to the myelodysplastic syndrome leukemia he is now battling.

But although Osborne, 59, is making progress in fighting the cancer, he and his wife Judy are in danger of losing their attached condo because of the high cost of medical bills and inability to work while dealing with the illness. Judy is also currently unable to work while she recovers from several surgeries.

“We’re waiting for my Supplemental Security Income to kick in, but that won’t happen until sometime in March,” Osborne said. “Every time the phone rings, I’m nervous about who could be calling. This is a very troublesome time, and it’s been a long, tough road.”

When Paige McDaniel, who attends Landmark Tabernacle Pentecostal with the Osbornes, heard about their struggles, she was inspired to try and help the family however she could.

Wheat Ridge resident Clarence “Ozzy” Osborne during his time in the airborne infantry in 1974.

COURTESY PHOTO “We’re looking for any help we can get in the community, because we haven’t had much luck with many veterans’ organizations,” said McDaniel, who became close friends with the Osbornes. “They need help with things like paying their mortgage and their Xcel bill.”

Osborne currently has health care courtesy of the Affordable Care Act. The pair’s rent is $1,100 per month, car payment is $460 a month, and their Xcel bill is $1,600, and very past due. McDaniel and others are trying to raise around $50,000 to

help with the medical bills.

Clarence Osborne, born and raised in Detroit, came to Colorado in 1980 after he was honorably discharged from the Army. He enlisted in the Army when he was 17 years old in 1974 and went into the airborne infantry unit.

He was sent to Vicenza, Italy, and reenlisted in 1977, this time becoming a crew chief for Bell UH-1 Iroquois helicopters (nicknamed “Huey”) for the rest of his time.

“I liked it a lot and learned a lot, but I was anxious to get out,” he remembered. “For just some boy out of Detroit, I was able to see a whole lot. I saw most of Europe by the time I was 21.”

After he left the military, Osborne worked in myriad jobs, including for an armored car company and private security firm. He also was an RTD driving instructor and, before retiring in summer 2016, a limo driver.

“Earlier that year I started feeling sick and was constantly out of energy, and on Sept. 29, I was diagnosed with leukemia,” he said. “I spent 30 days in

the hospital receiving treatment, but the cancer resisted the chemo. At the end of my treatment period, the doctors gave me about six months to live.”

Osborne was enrolled in an experimental drug study program at Presbyterian St. Luke’s Hospital in Aurora, which he said appears to be helping.

These says, he says he feels more positive about his prognosis.

But financial worries are increasing, and so McDaniel got involved with the Close to Home Campaign, a state nonprofit that works to end homelessness.

“Organizations across the Denver metro area all work together on this campaign to help those who are homeless or facing homelessness get out of the situation,” said Amy Pohl, a Close to Home Campaign partner.

“Most people know someone who has some kind of experience with homelessness, and we’re trying to get communities active in dealing with the issue.”

Illness and the costs associated with treatment are common causes of homelessness, Pohl said, and she emphasized that it can happen to anyone.

That’s the fate McDaniel wants to prevent for the Osbornes.

“I’ve been so humbled by the support I’ve received,” Clarence Osborne said. “I’ve always tried to do good things for others, and it’s amazing to have people doing the same for me.”

The Arvada Press, your hometown newspaper and part of the largest local media company in the state is looking to fill a full and part-time sales positions. If you strive to be a larger part of your community by meeting with business owners big and small, helping them grow their business by marketing with digital media, community newspapers, and everything in between – then we would like to meet you.

We have a few requirements: Flexible - Like each day to be unique?

Creative - Can you think “outside of the box”

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Upbeat - Are you enthusiastic and like to have fun?

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If you answered yes, please keep reading.

Our titles are Marketing & Community Engagement Specialists but we do so much more.

Send us your resume to eaddenbrooke@coloradocommunitymedia.com. We are locally family owned and operated, provide training, offer a competitive salary, commission and a full benefits package that includes paid time off, health, dental, vision and 401K.