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August 21, 2014 VOLU M E 6 | I SS UE 34
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American Ninja Warrior, inspires youth to pursue dreams Brian Arnold, American Ninja Warrior speaks to Brighton Bulldogs By Michelle Boyer
Mkboyer8@gmail.com American Ninja Warrior is one of the most heart-racing obstacle course competitions on NBC television today. Even more inspiring than the show, is to have one of the American Ninja Warriors living in the Brighton area. Brian Arnold, 36 has been a part of American Ninja Warrior season four, five and now season six. Arnold was scheduled to talk with the Brighton High School football team on Wednesday. “We were very excited to have Brian Arnold come out and talk to our kids,” Assistant Coach Glenn Scott said. “Last season he made it farther in ANW than any American ever has. Our entire team watched him compete in stage one in Las Vegas on Monday night (on television of course). “We wanted our players to learn from his incredible ability to compete, his commitment to his craft, and his great humility.” Arnold said he always looks forward to talking to young kids. “Anytime I can inspire or motivate young kids, it makes me feel good that I can influence kids to go after their dreams, and makes me feel real good,” he said. For 24 years, Arnold has been rock climbing.
“I saw the American Ninja Warrior show and it looked like something I could do,” he said. “I tried out and got on the show. It really is so much fun. I did well making it to the second stage the first year. It made me realize it wasn’t as easy and I started dedicating more time and energy to pursue getting further. I trained for at least four- tofive days a week.” He made it to the third stage in the finals last season, which led him all the way to the flying bars, which was the last obstacle on the stage and was the furthest any American has ever made it. Knowing the commitment it took to keep training and pursuing his dreams of winning American Ninja Warrior, Arnold resigned from his maintenance director position at a nursing home in Boulder last year. “It gave me more time and energy to do what I needed to do,” he said. “It’s been worth it. I have more time with my family and I stay home with my kids and my wife has went back to work.” When asked why he wanted to pursue American Ninja Warrior in the first place, he said it’s a great physical challenge. “No one has done it yet, and it’s a lot of fun,” he said. “Of course the $500,000 makes things a lot better too. It motivates me more to keep improving. That’s what drives me and makes me excited about life.” Each year Arnold has competed in ANJ, he’s done better. He said he falls on something and then the next year he’s conquered it and learns that it’s a whole process of progression. “Last year, I did so well and came so
Brian Arnold during the American vs. Japan episode on stage 2, working his way up the Samon Ladder. Courtesy photo close to winning,” Arnold said. “It wasn’t so much physical than mental that at times throws you off.” Arnold said he has people approaching him daily, especially younger kids via by email or social network. “They constantly are telling me they look up to me,” he said. “It’s amazing when you think of 5.5 million people watching the show every Monday night. There are a lot of people who tell me I’m their inspiration. It’s a little overwhelming. I’m not used to it.” Arnold said he’s one of the favorites this year. “They keep showing me making it the furthest,” he said.
He’s not allowed to tell the outcome of the show as it’s been filming since spring and this summer. Arnold invites everyone to watch American Ninja Warrior every Monday night at 8 p.m. on NBC. The first Las Vegas finals show was on Monday. The finale is Monday, Sept. 15, and then there will be a special American vs. World Ninja Warrior. “It’s a special competition with the Top 5 Americans up against the Top 5 Japanese Warriors,” he said. “Last year the USA demolished the competition and won. This year they’ve added team Europe, making three teams going to fight for the title.”
Last produce fair canceled Food Bank of Rockies experiences fresh produce shortage By Tammy Kranz POSTAL ADDRESS
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tkranz@coloradocommunitymedia.com It is hard to have a Health and Produce Fair without the main ingredients — fresh veggies and fruit. Last Thursday the Food Bank of the Rockies had a shortage of fresh produce, which resulted in the cancellation of the third and last Fair scheduled for Aug. 15 at the Church of God Seventh Day in Thornton. “The food bank relies on food donations, and the amount of food donated varies depending on supply,” said Thornton Senior Citizen Program Manager Lisa Ranalli. ”The number of people expected at this fair far exceeds the amount of food available at this time, so a cancellation is unavoidable.” The past two fairs — held June 20 and July 18 — averaged between 600 and 1,000 people in attendance. Since 2008 the city of Thornton has teamed up with the Food Bank of the Rockies, Cooking Matters and Tri-County Health Department to coordinate the fairs, which are designed to give people access to fresh fruits and vegetables and to information about other community resources. This was the first time officials had to cancel an event because of a shortage of fresh produce.
Workers with Cooking Matters prepare a healthy snack with fresh produce during a Health and Produce Fair in Thornton last year. This year, fair organizers had to cancel the last event due to a shortage of fresh produce by the Food Bank of the Rockies. Photo by Tammy Kranz food on them — even produce. “Frozen and canned produce is still very nutritious, especially if it’s not packed with extra sugar or salt,” she said. To find out more about the Food Bank of the Rockies or to find a pantry near you, visit www. foodbankrockies.org/.
Market Day offers family fun weekend Sixth Annual Market Day begins Saturday morning By Michelle Boyer
Mkboyer8@gmail.com A bike ride through local farms and a “Roast and Toast” are the book ends to Brighton’s Sixth Annual Market Day on tap this weekend.
Bike Tour P L EA SE R ECYC L E T H I S C OPY
“I’m hoping it’s not a trend and it’s a tiny issue,” said Janie Gianotsos, director of marketing and communications with the Food Bank of the Rockies. “The timing — it’s a tiny bit of a fluke.” Gianotsos said the Food Bank is seeing an increased demand for fresh produce. “More people are paying attention to their diet,” she said. “Twenty-eight percent of our distribution is produce, so that’s good.” Fresh produce accounts for 13 percent of that overall number, while 15 percent is canned or frozen produce. The Food Bank receives fresh produce donated by farmers, wholesalers and grocery stores in a large truck. “We are so grateful to the agriculture community for what they do give us,” Gianotsos said. However, she added, she hopes donations will increase in 2015 because of the new tax credit for donating food to charitable organizations. Gov. John Hickenlooper in May signed House Bill 141119, which offers a 25 percent tax credit to local producers for the wholesale value of the food they produce and donate to food banks in Colorado. “Hopefully, next year that will help,” she said. She said people with gardens at home are invited to donate to their local pantries. “I know a lot of people have extra zucchinis and tomatoes that they grow, and those are welcomed donations with our partners,” Gianotsos said. She added that people could also donate money to the Food Bank so it can buy fresh produce. Regardless if the Food Bank has fresh vegetables and fruit, Gianotsos said, the shelves have
Saturday start off the morning with a Family Bike Tour of local farms presented by Treads Bicycle Outfitters. Check-in is at 8:30 a.m. at Treads
and tour begins at 9 a.m. The tour will consist of at least four local farms and be from 9-1 p.m. Participants will receive a gift bag. Register at BrightonArmory.org.
Farmers Market and More
“The purpose of Market Day is to honor the agricultural heritage of Brighton,” Event and Downtown Initiative Manager Gary Montoya said. “We’ve invited several local growers to come out and be represented. We’re happy to be back downtown.” Brighton’s first Market Day was held in downtown in 2009 on North Main St. Harmony Gardens, Lulu’s Farm, Laura’s Pro-
duce and Chef Julie Martin, sponsored by Berry Patch Farms will be the exhibitors during the day. Nonprofits will include Cooking Matters, a branch of Share our Strength. Other vendors include churches, about 20 vendors for the Artisan Fair. The Colorado State University Extension office will have master gardeners who will display container gardening and cold frames. Not only will Brighton Rotary be selling corn to take home, but they will roast it to be eaten on site. Local grower Bob Sakata has donated all the sweet corn. Petrocco Farms will provide their fresh farm Market continues on Page 10