Brighton banner february 6, 2014

The Banner

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Brighton news for Brighton readers

Volume 6, No. 6

February 6, 2014

8 pages

80-acre

homes project OK’d

Hooping it up for hearts

Zion Lutheran School students work Hula-Hoops in rotation with several other aerobic exercises during an exercise last week to learn about how the heart functions and how to take care of the

heart. The school also gave from the heart last week, collecting nonperishable food for the St. Augustine Community Food Pantry.

Elena Townsend photo fior The Banner

New court serves needs of veterans

Chief Judge C. Vincent Phelps and Judge Brian Bowen on Jan. 29 officially commissioned the Adams County Court for Veterans in the presence of more than 50 local and state colleagues and supporters.

The Adams County Court for Veterans is one of the 17th Judicial District’s Problem Solving Court programs, designed to offer innovative and nontraditional approaches that integrate treatment and criminal justice case processing to certain select types of cases that involve offenders who struggle with substance abuse, mental health or other behavioral health issues.

The specialty court programs provide more positive outcomes for crime victims, our community and the offenders by improving public safety and preventing repeat criminal behavior, which

also saves hundreds of thousands of taxpayer dollars.

More than 1 million veterans who have returned from Iraq and Afghanistan have been diagnosed with PTSD or Traumatic Brain Injuries, according to a news release announcing the Court for Veterans. It added that 75 percent of returning veterans will have substance-abuse issues. About 30,000 veterans live in Adams County.

“The Adams County Court for Veterans will work with the unique needs of our most dedicated citizens who have put their lives on the line for America, and are now currently involved in the criminal justice system,” the release stated.

“The Adams County Court for Veteran’s presiding judge, the Hon. See Veterans Court, Page 2

FMC plans Brighton site

Judge Brian Bowen speaks at the commissioning of the new Veterans Court on Jan. 29.

Inside The Banner this week Beatlemania lives

What might have seemed like a fad in the eyes of Baby Boomers’ parents has turned, for some, into a lifetime love of music. – Page 2

Film ‘by the book’

Labor Day progresses more like a book than a

movie, film critic Michael Miller says.

– Page 5

Also:

Brighton Banter..................... 2 Calendar ................................. 4 Movie ..................................... 5 Obituaries ............................. 7 Sports ..................................... 8

Don’t miss: “Shrek, The Musical” at Armory. See story, Page 7

By Lou Ellen Bromley for The Banner The Brighton City Council opened Tuesday night to a full house. The nearly full house was populated, in part, by people from the Fuller Estates neighborhood to express concerns about a council resolution about the development of the Village at Southgate project.

Fred Cooke, representing developer Lorax Construction, of Loveland, outlined plans for the nearly 80-acre site on 120th Avenue and Peoria Street.

He sought approval for a mixed-use development consisting of both commercial and residential buildings including multifamily and single-family residences plus open space and some commercial property.

Cooke said his company has looked into all aspects of the See City Council, Page 2

Cheers for the Brighton Chamber.

– Page 6

FMC Technologies Inc., a global provider of technology solutions for the energy industry, will locate a new sales and service facility for its Completion Services, Fluid Control and Surface Wellhead business units on a 20-acre site in Brighton.

FMC made the announcement in a news release distributed by the Brighton Economic Development Corp.

The project is an expansion of FMC Technologies' current See FMC, Page 6

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The Banner

Brighton Banner (USPS 290), February 6, 2014, Volume 6, No. 6, published weekly by Banner Press, 315 Strong St., Brighton, CO 80601 Subscription price $27 a year.

Periodicals Postage Paid at Brighton, CO Postmaster: Please send address changes (Form 3579) to Brighton Banner, P.O. Box 1006, Brighton, CO 80601. © 2014 Banner Press Publisher, ad sales representative .... Mark Humbert News inquiries, call 303-654-1155 or e-mail ask@brightonbanner.com.

Advertising inquries: 720-937-6064

Police chief introduces two new patrol officers City Council, from Page 1

development and has met the criteria required by Brighton city government. He also defended the plans for the commercial development along 120th Avenue because of a lack of service-oriented businesses. Cooke also spoke of plans to incorporate an existing barn and silo into park space to maintain its historical value.

Nearby residents’ concerns included property values, overcrowding in the existing schools, the need for crosswalks around the schools for the safety of the students, storm- drainage issues and the impact on existing water wells in the area.

Fuller Estates residents also have concerns about adequate police protection with the added population. Noise and light pollution were among other major concerns, as well as the location suggested for the shopping areas and the locations of multifamily residences and single-family residences in relation to Fuller Estates neighborhoods.

Some residents felt the commercial buildings should not be located on 120th Avenue across from Prairie View Middle School because of possible danger to students crossing 120th to reach the stores planned for there.

Cooke explained that the Overall Development Plan is the earliest stage of development and he is willing to meet with Fuller Estates residents and address their concerns and work on mutually beneficial solutions.

The council unanimously

approved the Overall Development Plan and the planned unit development for the Village at Southgate, with the addition of research in regard to drainage, buffers, lot sizes, and location density of the population of the development.

In other business Tuesday: • Police Chief Clint Blackhurst introduced new Brighton police officers Steve Woodruff and Tommy Quayle. Blackhurst spoke very highly of both officers and their ties to Brighton.

Quayle’s father, Tracy, is 30years-plus police officer.

• Brighton’s Police Explorer Post members also were introduced to the council by Sgt. Matt Domenico, who praised the unit’s recent performance at a competition in Chandler, Ariz. Domicko pointed out that the Explorers are active in the Brighton community, involved in Culturefest, Boys and Girls Club, the School District 27J Wellness Fair and the Festival of Lights, among others, accumulating thousands of hours of volunteer service.

• The council confirmed three appointments to city boards and commissions: Jeff Bernard to the Board of Appeals to fill a new term to September 2016; Archie Demarest to the Brighton Planning Commission to fill an unexpired term in Ward 4, until January 2017; Phillip Covarrubias as alternate member of the Planning Commission to fill an unexpired term to January 2016.

Court ensures support for vets Veterans Court, from Page 1

Brian Bowen, and the ACCV team are committed to ensure that our county’s veterans are receiving the services, treatment and support that they have earned, while ensuring the public’s safety through the criminal justice process.”

The Adams County Court

for Veterans team consists of: the 17th Judicial District Courts, District Attorney’s Office, Public Defender’s Office, Adams County Sheriff’s Department, 17th Judicial District Probation department, Veterans Justice Outreach, Adams County Veterans Services, and the Community Reach Center.

Brighton Banner

February 6, 2014

Brighton Banter

Guest commentary about our city

Beatlemania proves it’s lifelong passion

By Mark Humbert

OK, this isn’t about Brighton and, to break another rule, it IS about me … and millions of other people affected in some way by an event that occurred 50 years ago.

What the TV commentators don’t tell you about the arrival of The Beatles in the United States on Feb. 9, 1964, by then, the most popular pop music group of all time already had secured the No. 1 spot for two records in the U.S. (I Want to Hold Your Hand and She Loves You, which topped he charts during the week before they appeared on the Ed Sullivan Show.

The kids at Aetna Elementary School in Gary, Ind., and obviously in other places across the country were hooked already.

One of my sixth-grade classmates, Cathy Brown, stood at the front of Mr. Risley’s room one Friday morning (in something akin to Show-and-Tell but a little more sophisticated) and sang part of I Want to Hold Your Hand (with an error in the lyrics, substituting “I can’t have” for “I can’t hide,” an apparent issue with the accent).

Later she added a couple of female classmates and delivered renditions of She Loves You in English and German.

Our school culture was more affected when the music teacher, Mrs. Tarrant, and three other faculty members did a Beatles lip synch in Beatle wigs at a schoolwide show at the end of the year.

A Chicago radio station offered some sort of prize, probably a Beatle Book (a 32page pamphlet with everything imaginable – with lots of photos – about the latest sensation), for writing “Beatles” on objects. I chose writing it on a 45-rpm record.

Never turned it in, but I spent the two bucks or whatever outrageous amount for the book. There were Beatle Cards, Beatles posters and, for my 12th birthday, a Beatles cake, with plastic figurines of each of the Fab Four, plus a drum set.

I suspect Brighton had its own “British Invasion,” too. I know Boulder did, based on my wife’s accounts. She recalls her sister getting tickets to a subsequent Beatles concert in Denver Her father agreed to

Beatles trading cards from the first series in 1964. At least three other sets of cards exist, including Beatles Color Cards. It’s possible in the ’60s that these supplanted baseball cards for some.

Brighton Banter is a frequent column by members of local government, education, commerce and public safety and the community on a subject they choose. The opinions expressed are those of the individual writers. We invite reader comment.

drive a carload of teenage girls to the event and witness it with the screaming masses.

The fact is, an entire generation (and many of the next one) became Beatles fans.

A report this week on CBS Sunday Morning alluded to another effect: Youngsters, especially boys, across the United States, started picking up guitars – many of the electric variety. Christmas 1964 was big in our neighborhood for music. Boys in two other houses within 100 feet of my room received new guitars and amplifiers. For two of us, that year marked the beginning of a lifelong relationship with music.

My friend Dan and I frequently got together and learned to play the instruments. We’d actually started emulating our heroes earlier with tennis rackets and coffee-

can and fried-chicken-bucket drums.

Oddly, during the first years of our Beatles infatuations, we two guitarists had chosen Ringo as our favorite. Dan even named his dog Ringo (a beagle). We both “upgraded” about three years later to more expensive and versatile electrics and amps. We both “wrote” songs, and formed bands. By then – in the suburban rush in the ’60s, we had each moved to other – separate – communities and, though separated by miles, continued to team up, plug in and entertain our respective neighborhoods on summer days (open a garage door and hold an instant concert).

Even as geography and other interests sent us to other schools and spheres of friends, music stayed a part of our lives and we even picked up our guitars and played together.

Both of us left Indiana in our 20s, but the music stayed with us.

Dan was far ahead of me musically by then and I already had started a newspaper career.

He took lessons from a guy in

See Beatles, Page 3

Brighton Banner

February 6, 2014

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Beatles inspired many ‘boomers’ Beatles from Page 2

his town who was a local legend, Dave Sander, who, from Dan’s description, was a lot like folk singer Pete Seeger (who died last week at age 94).

I always expected to hear Dan on the radio. I heard people whose style and voice reminded me of him, but it wasn’t him.

Years ago, I discovered he was married, had a couple of kids and was not only a musician but a teacher and luthier in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. Recently – say, two weeks ago – I learned he was still performing. A YouTube video gave me the first chance since childhood to see him onstage doing an original song.

My musical abilities don’t reach his level, but I still love to write and play music. In fact, my three appearances onstage in Brighton with guitar in hand are the only three times in my adult life that I have played in front of people I didn’t know.

The other part of the story is that neither of us is a pure rock-and-roller anymore. Dan appears to have gone acoustic and folky. For me, the genre varies depending on what instrument I pick up (I took 36 weeks of piano and music theory during sixth and seventh grade until I got that Kingston one-pickup guitar, but also have dabbled with a mandolin, ukulele – thanks, More Music for Brighton – an electric bass and drums), the genre can change as well. The only song I’ve ever had on a CD that was sold was a hymn that I could neither play (too elaborate) nor sing (not my key), but I wrote it – on a computer – for someone else.

The computer age has made it simpler to write music and has provided yet another avenue to appreciate more classical forms and instruments.

The Beatles even made that happen, tossing orchestral arrangements into their music a la George Martin (Beethoven’s Ode to Joy is in the movie, Help).

But as the Sunday Morning report made clear, the Beatles influenced millions in the same way they drew in Dan and me.

Just ask any late Baby Boomer.

Music is a part of most, if not all of our lives, and even our children’s lives.

CBS will take us boomers and others back 50 years on Sunday with a special program about the Beatles’ first visit to the United States. I remember that time well, but Allison and I still will watch.

Music is at least as important in the lives of members of the BrightonMusic Orchestra.

Next month (March 2) it celebrates local composers, including some of their own in a program, called “Homespun.” In some cases, the Beatles have had an effect on their lives and have influenced their music. In others, like that of violist and composer Louis Jendras, his interest began in grade school but grew during the folk movement (just before the Beatles’ arrival). In the past, Homespun has featured a Brightonian who grew up in a musical family in Northern Indiana …

And grew to a lifelong hobby (seldom curtailed by my sports injuries), thanks to The Beatles.

Mark Humbert is Banner Press publisher and sometime musician.

Second Eagle Fest Saturday

By Michelle Boyer for The Banner Although it’s the dead of winter, there’s still time for birds. Barr Lake’s Second Annual Bald Eagle Fest will be Saturday at Barr Lake State Park,13401 Picadilly Road.

Rocky Mountain Bird Observatory staffers and volunteers will be at the Bald Eagle Viewing Gazebo. The RMBO will introduce participants to the Bald Eagle Watch Citizen Science process.

The program is free, according to an RMBO news release, but, a parks pass ($7/daily; $70/annual) is required for entry. Call for information and to make reservations at 303-659-6005.

Another fun event offered

by RMBO is the Second

Annual “I Love Summer Camp Registration Kickoff and Campfire,” 7-9 p.m. on Feb. 15, at at the Old Stone House, at the end of Lark Bunting Lane.

“The program will include a campfire, early-bird registration discounts, silly songs, skits and stories; marshmallow roasting,” RMBO Community Educator Tyler Edmondson said.

There is a $7/vehicle fee to enter Barr Lake State Park, and a $2 per person fee to participate. Edmondson said the program fee will be waived if registering for any summer camps that night.

For more information about the Rocky Mountain Bird Observatory visit rmbo.org.

Zion Lutheran School first-graders in Kristin Lee’s class won the competiton for the most nonperishable food collected during a schoolwide drive. The school reported that 345 students collected 1,513 “pieces” of food during the drive last week.

Banner Press photos

For the heart, from the heart

By Elena Guerrero Townsend for The Banner Zion Lutheran School bustled with activity last week.

First, on Wednesday all grades from kindergarten through eighth grade participated in the Rope for Heart and Hoops for Heart event.

The American Heart Association event helped increase kids’ knowledge of how their hearts work.

Schoolchildren gathered in the gym and rotated every 10 minutes through an array of activities. They jumped rope, played hop-scotch, and twirled Hula-Hoops. They played games with a colorful parachute and walked on a balance beam. Then, they filled out worksheets that helped them increase their knowledge of how to take care of their hearts.

The Heart Association understands that inactive kids are more likely to become inactive adults.

Zion Lutheran School also teaches the children about community service. Students took canned goods and nonperishable items to the school.

This year, Kristin Lee's firstgrade class gathered the most food.

Lorri Carrier, the Parent Teacher League President for Zion, said 345 students

Zion Lutherean School students jump rope in an exercise to learn more about taking care of their hearts.

Elena Guerrero Townsend photos

brought in 1,513 pieces of food this year, an increase from last year.

Gerald Lucero from the St. Augustine Food Pantry picked up the food, which the students and staffers helped load.

"We hope that this act of

kindness continues and that our community joins us and gives to their local food pantries," Carrier said.

St. Augustine Food Pantry is at 29 S. Sixth Ave., Brighton. the phone number is 303-654-1040.

available at the door, though also sold in advance. For advance tickets, call 303-6559065, Ext. 1.

Funds raised through the benefit help keep costs affordable for people who need counseling.

One new group-counseling session, to be offered later this month, is the 2014 Healthy Relationships Group (10-11:30 a.m. Tuesdays through May 13), beginning

Feb. 25. The 12-week program is a composite of social skills training, assertiveness training and listening and negotiation skills. Cost is $5 per session (contact Rachel Morici, 303-655-9065).

For more information on either Healing Hearts or the Healthy Relationships Group, visit the Pennock Center website, www.pennockcounseling .org.

Healing Hearts benefit Friday at Eagle View For the second consecutive year, Pennock Center for Counseling will hold its Healing Hearts benefit at Eagle View Adult Center.

The event will be 6:30-8 p.m. on Friday at the adult center, 1150 Prairie Center Parkway.

The evening will include entertainment, hors d’oeuvres, wine and silent and live auctions.

Tickets are $15 and will be

Brighton Banner

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Word on the street Question: How and where did you meet your sweetheart? What is the best Valentine’s gift he or she gave you?

(At Village Inn) – By Elena Guerrero Townsend

Today

The week ahead

95a Bistro, Eagle View Adult Center trip, 12:25 p.m.; the Lafayette bistro has something for everyone, from chicken pot pie to sushi; $4 plus meal ($12+); deadline was Feb. 4

Yoga, Platte Valley Medical Center Conference Center, 12:15-12:50 p.m.; $6 drop-in rate; certified instructor. Bring your mat, info 303-498-1840.

Pilates Mat Class, Platte Valley Medical Center Conference Center, 5:15-6 p.m.; increase strength, tone, flexibility, stamina, overall fitness and health, taught by licensed physical therapist and certified Pilates instructor, $9 per class, 303-4981840

“I was 16 when I met my 17-year-old sailor at a USO gathering in Hutchinson, Kan. There was a Navy Air Base in Hutchinson during World War II. Can you believe that?”

– Roger and Anita Childers

Pictures on Your PC, Anythink Brighton, 7-8 p.m.; a class on digital pictures and how to copy and share them.

Basic editing and photo correction with Picasa. Basic computer skills and an email address required. Registration suggested, anythinklibraries.org Bingo at the VFW, 6 p.m.,161 N. Main St. Progressive last game.

Friday

It’s All About You, Eagle View Adult Center, 2 p.m.; Sometimes YOU just need to believe that YOU can get through anything and believe YOU can find joy in your life again. If YOU are a single woman by divorce or widowhood, join some fun activities and food; great music to move YOU and wise words from Gwen Crawford to help YOU in your journey forward. Be inspired and be together with other women who have dealt with the same loss. Wear comfortable clothes to try some Zumba moves. $4, deadline Feb. 5

“I was a bouncer at Ace’s Country Bar in Federal Heights. She asked me to dance.” “And he said no,” Dawn said.

“I was interested in her, and we dated for a few years before we got married.”

– Tracy and Dawn Baker

Healing Hearts Benefit for Pennock Center for Counseling, Eagle View Adult Center, 1150 Prairie Center Parkway, 6:30-8 p.m.; an evening of entertainment, hors d’oeuvres, wine, silent and live auctions; $15 at the door, or in advance at 303-655-9065, ext. 1

p.m.

Events at the Armory Images of Ziebice, A pictorial trip to Sister City Ziebice, Poland. Awardwinning photographer and Ziebice resident Sanislaw Popardowski’s photo essay. View the architecture, nature, city life and landscape of 750-year-old city. Exhibit runs through Feb. 17.

Shrek The Musical, Prairie Playhouse production, 7 p.m. on Feb. 7, 8, 14, 15, 20, 21 and 22, 3 p.m. on Feb. 8 and 22. $10 online, $15 at the door, $7 online $8 at the door for children 12 and under.

Night of Stars annual audition, 6 p.m., Feb. 17 for ages K-12. $5 audition fee.

Picadilly Road. Information, reservations: 303-659-6005

Cancer Support Group, Platte Valley Medical Center, 11 a.m.-noon; for cancer patients and their families, hosted in the Oncology Clinic, suite 270, refreshments, RSVP 303-498-2200 Shrek, the Musical, Prairie Playhouse production in the Armory, 2 p.m. and 7 p.m.; the hilarious story of everyone's favorite ogre comes to life on stage; adults $10 online, $15 at the door; 12 and under $7 online, $8 at the door

Shrek, the Musical, Prairie Playhouse production in the Armory, 7 p.m.; the hilarious story of everyone's favorite ogre comes to life on stage; adults $10 online, $15 at the door; 12 and under $7 online, $8 at the door

Saturday

Second Annual Bald Eagle Fest will be Saturday at Barr Lake State Park,13401

Wednesday

Baby Bounce, Anythink Brighton, 9:3010:15 a.m.; songs, rhymes and stories for babies and their caregivers. For ages birth-23 months. RSVP online Rowdy Readers, Anythink Brighton,1011:30 a.m.; Discuss Hell on Wheels: Wicked Towns Along Union Pacific Railroad, by Dick Kreck. Kreck tells the epic story of westward expansion, from the great wagon trails to the track layers, and the “Hell on Wheels” towns where the West was at its wildest. For adults.

RSVP online, anythinklibraries.org

Primetime for Preschoolers, Anythink Brighton, 10:30-11 a.m.; stories, finger plays, songs and other fun activities just for preschoolers. For ages 3-5. RSVP online, anythinklibraries.org Laser Tag, Anythink Brighton, 2:30-4 p.m.; Design a maze and tag your friends with lasers. For grades 6-12.

After-School Get Together: Heart Key Rings, Anythink Brighton, 2:30-4:30 p.m.; Learn a simple running stitch to sew a felt heart key ring ... for yourself or to give someone to show how much you care. For students in grades K-5.

Monday

Thursday

Breakfast at the V, everyone welcome: 7-11 a.m., VFW Hall, 161 N. Main St.: Eggs to order; ham, bacon or sausage; hash-browns, toast; pancakes.

Seniors, $5, under 55, $5.50.

Toddler Tales, Anythink Brighton, 9:3010:15 a.m.; stories, songs and finger plays geared just for toddlers, then have a few minutes of social time with the other caregivers while the children play with toys. For kids ages 2-3. RSVP online, anythinklibraries.org

Video Games and Chatter, Anythink Brighton, 3:30-4:30 p.m.; What do YOU want at the library? Play video games, have fun with other teens and help the library create new experiences for you and your friends. Snacks provided. For grades 6-12.

Photo courtesy Prairie Playhouse

Total Joint University, Platte Valley Medical Center, 5:30-7:30 p.m.; for patients scheduled for or contemplating a joint replacement; info from pre-op to recovery; RSVP svigil@pvmc.org, or 303-498-1840

Sunday

Music and Movement, Anythink Brighton, 10:30-11 a.m.; Sing, dance, and learn how to play some basic instruments. For kids ages 2-6. RSVP online, anythinklibraries.org

Toni Stratton portrays Pinocchio in the Prairie Playhouse production of Shrek, the Musical.

mat, 303-498-1840.

Brighton Beekeeping Club meeting, Agfinity / Ace Hardware, 55 W. Bromley Lane, 6:30 p.m., info 720-685-1950

Basic Computers 2, Anythink Brighton, 10-11:30 a.m.; Sign up for an email address and start learning the basics of using the Internet. Learn top 10 tips to make using a computer easier; how to copy and paste, search the Internet, save documents, more ... Registration suggested, anythinklibraries.org

“I met Steven Aliello when a co-worker brought him over to my apartment. I thought, Oh, he’s cute. He wood-burned a beautiful heart with rays around it into a wooden plaque for me. I loved it. ” – Katie Smith

“We met at his aunt’s Christmas party. Phillip was fresh out of the Marines. One year we had a candlelight dinner, and he gave me a dozen roses.”

– Christina and Phillip Sailas

February 6, 2014

Tuesday

Century Gambling, Eagle View Adult Center trip, 8:45 a.m.; After earning 100 points on your players card, receive $5 in cash and $5 coupon for food. An extra hour to gamble, as we leave the casino at 4 p.m. $15; deadline Feb. 6 Cardiac Support Group, Platte Valley Medical Center Conference Room C, 12:30-2 p.m.; for anyone coping with cardiovascular disease, RVSP, Danielle, 303-659-7000

Yoga, Platte Valley Medical Center Conference Center, 4:45-5:20 p.m.; $6 dropin rate; certified instructor. Bring your

Tour of the Women’s and Newborn Center, Platte Valley Medical Center, 6 p.m.; Meet in the lobby by the fireplace; free by appointment, 303-498-3518 Caregivers Support Group, Eagle View Adult Center, 10-11 a.m.; join other caregivers for valuable information and support, all ages welcome, 303-4264408

Yoga, Platte Valley Medical Center Conference Center, 12:15-12:50 p.m.; $6 drop-in rate; certified instructor. Bring your mat, info 303-498-1840.

Bunco, Eagle View Adult Center, 1:153:45 p.m.; Bunco is an easy game, learn it in 5 minutes; fun, refreshments, prizes, $4, deadline two days ahead

Ansel Adams Symphony Salute, Eagle View Adult Center trip, 4:30 p.m.; the Lamont Symphony Orchestra at D.U. performs music by Copland and Bruckner; concert includes a newly composed tribute to photographer Ansel Adams.

Dinner before at Poppies, $10 plus meal ($12+); deadline Feb. 7 Pilates Mat Class, Platte Valley Medical Center Conference Center, 5:15-6 p.m.; increase strength, tone, flexibility, stamina, overall fitness and health, taught by licensed physical therapist and certified Pilates instructor, $9 per class, 303-4981840 Craigslist: Buying and Selling, Anythink Brighton, 7-8 p.m.; Come and see what Craigslist has to offer, how to create an account and buy or sell. Get help searching and responding to advertisements. An email account is required.

Registration suggested.

Tell us Send your organization’s public events to mynews@brightonbanner.com, or write to The Banner, 315 Strong St., Brighton, CO 80601

Brighton Banner

February 6, 2014

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‘Labor Day’ more like book than film Adele is a divorced single mother. She lives on alimony with her son. She struggles, desperately, to make ends meet.

She is depressed, lonely, and has convinced herself that the element she needs most in her life probably isn’t going to happen. So has her son. She also has no idea what is coming her way on Labor Day. Adele and Henry are good, honest people. Other than each other, they don’t have much. They live their lives as fully as a single mother and only child possibly can. They are good to each other and they love each other.

Henry is a wonderful boy.

He is conscious of their situation and careful not to complicate it by being a surly, difficult, or juvenile delinquent type of kid, even though he could easily be such. He has stood up to the shortcomings of his life and does all he can to be a joy and a help to his mom. Henry is Adele’s only source of comfort.

Movies Labor Day By Michael Miller

Abby Wright and Michael Miller review new movies regularly for The Banner.

They go shopping the weekend before Labor Day and are confronted by Frank, who is bleeding and limps.

Frank is a good-looking guy with a build to match and a threatening appearance whose capacity for violence is, at first glance, obvious.

He commandeers them to their house and we learn Frank is a fugitive who has

At AMC Theaters in Brighton Pavilions Writers: Jason Reitman, Joyce Maynard (book) Director: Jason Reitman Starring: Josh Brolin, Kate Winslet Genre: Drama Rating: PG-13 for “sequences of violence and intense action, and brief language.”

Run time: 1 hour, 51 minutes.

Michael’s grade: 2 of 5 just escaped from prison. The fear in mother and child is palpable and Frank makes no attempt to dissipate it. The audience’s imagination needs little effort to understand the danger these two are in, much less all the possible harm that can be perpetrated on an attractive woman and a defenseless sixth-grader.

The few hours Frank told

them was all he needed stretches to overnight and then the next day. He fixes the car, cleans up the house, does yard work, cooks for them and makes a fair peach pie. Most important of all, he takes a genuine interest in the boy. Gradually, mom, son, and the audience become cajoled into accepting Frank, not to mention relieved, as it becomes more and more apparent that Frank is a forthright man.

Still, there are moments when that terror rushes back in, such as the TV broadcast that advises Frank was jailed for murder, or when the odd knock comes on the front door. However, Frank and Adele ultimately fall in love and make plans to escape to Canada and start life all over.

Labor Day is an emotional movie, almost a chick flick, based on a novel by a woman for women apparently to postulate what the ideal man should be like. We see Frank doing laundry and you almost expect him to be wear-

ing an apron. Although it has tense moments, there is little action, nothing thrilling or exciting, the pace slacks, and it almost becomes boring, but not quite.

The director, who also wrote the screenplay, doesn’t add many filler shots or scenes, but the direction lacks vision. The audience views the film exactly as one would expect to see it, as if they’re reading a book and not being entertained by a movie.

The backstories to both the main characters are of interest, revealing, and give the script depth. The film would have been a disaster, on the order of a train wreck, without it.

All of the acting is average, a little bit stilted, and some of those child parts look as though they were cast from the local high school drama department. It would be difficult to imagine that either of the principals would claim this movie so much as comes close to their best work.

collective voices help to identify and inform professional learning and instruction,” said West Ridge Elementary Principal Carie Brock. “Julie has more than 20 years of experience in elementary education and 27J has had the great fortune of being her home for the past 11 years.

“It is no surprise that she has eagerly accepted the

opportunity to volunteer her time, expertise, and inspirational voice to implement changes aimed at improving student outcomes.”

It is anticipated that the PARCC ELA and mathematics assessments will replace the state’s current TCAP reading, writing and mathematics assessments in the spring of 2015.

Teacher will review assessment program

West Ridge Elementary fifth-grade teacher Julie Schwab will represent School District 27J and the state of Colorado in a national discussion about the development and implementation of Common Core State Standards-aligned assessments for K-12 students, the school district announced in a news release.

Schwab, a 27J teacher since 2003, was selected by the National Education Association to serve as a State Educator Reviewer as the Partnership for Assessment of Readiness for College and Careers partners with the American Federation of Teachers and the NEA on the implementation of the new standards.

PARCC is a multistate assessment consortium that is developing shared English language arts and mathematics assessments.

More than 20 states, including Colorado, participate in the consortium.

The new, higher standards

and the development of aligned assessments are designed to improve college and career readiJulie Schwab ness among American students.

Schwab will join educators from across the country in an effort to ensure the new planned standards and assessments meet the high bar of quality necessary to inform instruction and will have the opportunity to lead the development of other instructional supports and materials.

Schwab will spend Friday through Sunday in Washington, D.C., taking part in an initial training known as an Item Review Boot Camp.

After completion of the boot camp, she will take part in at least one other face-toface or virtual meeting and

Prep sports this week Today: PVHS wrestling vs. Legacy, 7 p.m.

Friday: BHS girls’ basketball vs. PVHS, 5:30 p.m.

BHS boys’ basketball vs. PVHS, 7 p.m.

BHS girls’ swimming championships at Northglenn, 4:30 p.m.

Saturday: PVHS wrestling at Thornton Invite, 8 a.m.

BHS girls’ swimming championships at Northglenn, 8 a.m.

BHS wrestling EMAC championships, TBD Monday: PVHS girls’ basketball at Columbine, 7 p.m.

Tuesday: BHS boys’ basketball vs.

Rangeview, 7 p.m.

BHS girls’ basketball at Rangeview, 7 p.m.

Scores: Boys’ Basketball – BHS 64, Hinkley 62 PVHS 58, Northglenn 26 BHS 61, Adams City 36 Aurora Central 71, PVHS 53 PVHS 81, Gateway 79 Castle View 45, PVHS 32 Girls’ Basketball – Gateway 49, PVHS 47 PVHS 57, Aurora Central 50 BHS 53, Hinkley 30 BHS 60, Adams City 27

could be part of other state and regional meetings.

She will be one of three educators representing Colorado in the group.

“The test development process is complex and requires the input of educators to not only provide expertise in crafting items that appear on the assessments, but to ensure that their

Brighton Banner

6

February 6, 2014

Chamber looks forward to growth in 2014

By Elena Guerrero Townsend For The Banner Brighton’s Chamber of Commerce had the crowd on its feet at the Armory on Jan. 30, with the help of Brighton High School cheerleaders This year for their annual State of the Chamber luncheon the Chamber invited the Bulldogs cheerleaders.

The cheerleaders energized the room.

Board of Directors Treasurer Kevin Kildow entertained the group with sports trivia questions before they all sat down to business at hand. Holly Hansen, the Chamber’s new CEO, recognized the newest members and the longest-standing members from each table, who then approached the stage to resounding applause.

Bryan Blehm, of Valley Bank & Trust and new chamber board president, revisited the chamber’s highlights of 2013 and addressed its plans for this year.

“We are a growing chamber,” Blehm said. “In the last few years we’ve experienced a lot of success, and the chamber has placed a high priority on growing our membership.”

Chamber currently has 323 members, having added 84 new members to its roster.

“These companies and nonprofit organizations represent thousands of jobs in the Brighton community and immense revenue to our local economy,” Blehm said.

He discussed the way members can invest in the

Holly Hansen

organization. They can select from seven different categories from base membership to platinum level. The new structure is based on members’ individual needs, their ability to support the Chamber, and desired outcome.

Membership goals for 2014 are to secure one new platinum investor, upgrade 10 percent of current memberships, and increase the Chairman’s Circle to 15 members. It aims to maintain its current membership.

The Board of Directors Treasurer Kevin Kildow presented the financial report, stating that the Chamber is solely funded by member investments. Four signature events are membership dues, the golf tournament, Duck Race, and the annual banquet.

Those events generated $257,000, an increase of $41,612 for annual revenues from 2012, a 19 percent increase.

Hansen reviewed 2013’s

Brian Blehm

MVP moments. One of those moments was the city of Brighton providing a Lodging Tax grant.

“Because we run on a shoestring budget, these funds allowed the city to create and implement some projects that we normally would not have been able to do,” Hansen said.

The grant will allow the Chamber to install an electronic message board just outside of Historic City Hall on the Bridge Street side.

Visibility of the board will allow the Chamber to announce both community and Chamber events. The money also helped upgrade our Community Resource and Visitors Center in Historic City Hall.

The Chamber also received a lodging tax mini grant for the 30 Days 30 Ways to Share program and expanded its Welcome Bag program.

“We’ve had a big year supporting nonprofit organizations with our rubber duck

The Brighton High Schol cheerleaders provided the “pregame” entertainment last week at the State of the Chamber luncheon, which took Elena Townsend photos for The Banner the form of a pep rally.

race and duck hunt,” Hansen said.

The Chamber’s Karah Reygers introduced Yvette Martinez as the new community concierge, whose bilingual abilities will allow the Chamber to reach an untapped market by recruiting Hispanic business own-

ers.

To support the city’s latest Chamber events, or find a local business to suit your needs visit http://brightonchamber.com. The Chamber office is in the Historic City Hall, 22 S. Fourth Ave., Suite 205. The phone number is 303-659-0223.

At Your Service FMC site to bring 66 employees FMC, from Page 1

For Service Guide

The Banner rates, call

303-654-1155

Banner Classifieds MANY HOUSES AND APARTMENTS FOR RENT Call Lambert Realty 303-659-1216

FREE HELP-WANTED/ POSITIONS-WANTED ADS in The Brighton Banner.

Call 303-654-1155 for more information

Colorado operations, with initial staffing at the new facility to include 66 employees. The company plans to further expand operations and add more than 50 jobs over the next five years. The average annual wage for positions in the Brighton facility is significantly higher than the county average wage.

FMC Technologies’ $11.9 million project will include construction of a 50,000square-foot facility tat 1571 County Road 27, just west of Vestas in Brighton.

The project is in Weld County in an area known as the Energy Employment Corridor and will join other large area employers, including Baker Hughes, Anadarko and Halliburton. Central Development of Denverwill manage development of the facility.

John Deiss, FMC Technologies’ Property Development Manager said: “(The Brighton) ... facility will

provide us with a single location that allows three of our businesses to work together more closely to ensure customer success.”

In October, the Colorado Economic Development Commission considered and approved FMC Technologies’ application for $532,440 in performance-based Job Growth Incentive Tax Credits (JGITC) over a 60-month period. Colorado’s JGITC Program provides state income tax credits to businesses undertaking job creation projects in the state.

To qualify for the JGITC program businesses need to create at least 20 new jobs in Colorado, with an average yearly wage of at least 110 percent of the county average wage rate based on where the business is located. The FMC Technologies project also will be located in a Colorado Enterprise Zone (EZ) and will be eligible for benefits under the EZ Program. All new jobs created must be maintained for at least one year after the

positions are hired to qualify for either State Incentive Program.

“The expansion of FMC Technologies and the addition of new high-paying jobs is great news for Colorado and for the Brighton community,” said Gov. John Hickenlooper.

Brighton EDC Chairman James Vigesaa commented: “The Brighton EDC has been working with FMC Technologies since late 2012 and these are the kinds of projects we love to bring to Brighton … good-paying jobs with benefits; solid capital investment; and attracting a great company like FMC Technologies to join our community. ” In a letter of support for the FMC Technologies project, Brighton Mayor Dick McLean wrote to the Colorado Economic Development Commission: “The city of Brighton is committed to promoting strong economic development programs in our community.”

Brighton Banner

February 6, 2014

7

Musical ‘Shrek’ takes Armory stage on Friday

Shrek The Musical, based on the Oscar-winning DreamWorks film that started it all, brings the story of everyone’s favorite ogre to life onstage.

“Prairie Playhouse's all-age cast with contemporary Rockstyle musical score, new stage and seating configuration, and more fun that you can imagine ... this is our biggest production of the year, and a great way to celebrate PPH’s big sixth season,” states a news release from Prairie Playhouse.

“It’s going to be our best production yet, guaranteed,” Director Shauna Marble said.

“We have a full orchestra: Shrek has a great rock/contemporary score and our cast is amazing.”

In a faraway kingdom turned upside down, things get ugly when an unseemly ogre (not a handsome prince) shows up to rescue a feisty

princess. Throw in a donkey who won’t shut up, a villain with a SHORT temper, a cookie with an attitude and more than a dozen other fairy tale misfits, and you've got the kind of mess that calls for a real hero. Luckily, there's one on hand, and his name is Shrek.

“Shrek The Musical is part romance, part twisted fairy tale and fun for everyone,” the release stated.

Performances are in the Armory, 300 Strong St., Friday and Saturday, on Feb. 13-15, and Feb. 20-22. Each day during the three-weekend run, shows begin at 7 p.m. (on the two Thursdays, three Fridays and Saturdays), plus matinee shows at 3 p.m. on Feb. 8 and 22.

John Hadfield, last seen on the PPH stage as Capt. Von Trapp in The Sound of Music, plays the Ogre. Amy Laumann plays the plucky

Princess Fiona; Dan Lawless, a veteran of several PPH productions, including the most recent – A Christmas Carol – portrays Donkey.

The remaining members of the 48-person cast include: Ray Sievering, Lord Farquaad; Allex Hadfield, Gingy; Toni Stratton, ?Pinocchio; Courtney Cox, Dragon, (Fiona, understudy), Soul backup, Duloc performer, Little Red; Ryan Bowman, (Shrek understudy), Papa Ogre, Knight 1, Dwarf, Thelonius, Duloc performer; Anna Polson, Mama Ogre, Wicked Witch, Duloc performer; Lauryn Madsen, Queen Lillian, Snow White's Hag Witch, Bluebird; David Marcy, King Harold, Knight 4, Hunter/Prince; Mark Godwin, Knight 3, Tweedle Dee, Captain of the Guard, Duloc performer, Tap Dancer; Brian Kile, Knight 2, Tweedle Dum, Duloc performer, tap

dancer; Erin Reeves, Peter Pan, Soul backup, Duloc performer, tap dancer; Madelyn Happ, Fairy Godmother, Duloc performer; Allison Jensen,Kid Fiona, Spoon; Hannah Marcy, Little Bo Beep; Rachel Marcy, Farmer; Adam McGrady, Humpty Dumpty; Mallory Moeller, Sugar Plum Fairy, Duloc performer; Andrew Hadfield, Papa Bear, Pied Piper; Katie Harty, ?Mama Bear; Aiden Lawless, Brother Bear, Duloc performer; Erik Madsen, ?Kid Shrek, Brother Bear; Maeghyn Williams, Baby Bear, Duloc performer; Casandra Baird, Pig 3, Duloc performer; Jessica Connell, Blind Mouse, Duloc performer; Baylee Hadfield, Teen Fiona, Pig 2; Emily Lenehan, Pig 1; Todd Teter Blind Mouse, Duloc performer; Katey Tippets, Blind Mouse; Cindy Tovrea, Big Bad Wolf; Boston Dunlap, Jack,

Duloc performer; Treya Pember, Jill, Duloc performer; Quinn Cochran, Mad Hatter, Duloc performer; Trae Epema, Elf, Duloc performer; Shauna Marble, Duloc performer, tap dancer; Katelyn Anderson, Antelope; Tyler Dunlap, Tinkerbell; Lacey Easdon, Little Bunny; Kennedy Lawless, Ugly Duckling; Deanna Marcy, Princess; Josalyn Tippets, Puss in Boots; Grace Wilson, Dish; KyleeAnn; Brueggemann, Rat of Pied Piper; Shelby Gupton, Rat of Pied Piper; Rachel Riewerts, Rat of Pied Piper; Carlena Lim, Duloc performer, Tap Dancer, Stage Manager.

Marble, the executive director and founder of Prairie Playhouse, is also music director and choreographer.

PPH started in February 2009 with Schoolhouse Rock, Live!, its first children’s musical, at Prairie View High.

Obituaries/funeral notices George A. McCormick

George A. McCormick, 80, of Lochbuie, died Feb. 4 at his home. Born Sept. 5, 1933, in Denver to Addison and Nellie (Clark) McCormick, he graduated from high school in Denver and later married Elaine Barslien in October 1959 in Denver. He made his home in the LochbuieHudson area for the past 35 years.

George owned and operated SpitFire Automotive in Denver for more than 30 years. He loved to follow NASCAR and was an avid Broncos fan. He loved reading and listening to music, especially classical and the Big Bands. George’s true joy in life was flying his own plane.

Survivors include his children Iris (Tim) Clark of Brighton, Jim McCormick of Morrison, Corey McCormick of Denver, DeAnna (Russell) Clark of Golden and Marjorie (Ron) McCormick of Mountain City, Tenn.; sisters June (Bos) Boswell of Englewood and Lois Shelden of Arvada; numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Private family services will be held at a later date. TaborRice Funeral Home is handling the arrangements.

Ashley N. Bowen

Ashley N. Bowen, 26, of Brighton, died Jan. 30. She was born March 6, 1987, in Denver to Harvey and Patrice (Holgate) Bowen and attended schools in Brighton.

Ashley had most recently been working for the state

Health Department as a home-health caretaker. She loved playing volleyball and being with her children, who were her whole world.

Survivors include her father Harvey (Connie) Bowen of Illinois; mother Patrice Bowen of Brighton; maternal grandmother Sue Holgate of Scottsdale, Ariz.; brother Will (Misty) Foster of Brighton; three children Tiana Tollander, Taylor Tollander and Devon Bowen.

Visitation was 5-7 p.m.

Wednesday, and funeral service, 11 a.m. today. All services at Tabor-Rice Funeral Home.

Interment at Elmwood Cemetery.

Memorial contributions can be made to the Ashley Bowen Memorial Fund c/o Valley Bank & Trust, 30 N. Fourth Ave., Brighton. Tabor-Rice Funeral Home is handling the arrangements.

Jacob Foos

Jacob Foos, 97, of Brighton, died Jan. 28. He was born in Gill to Peter and Elizabeth Miller Foos. Jacob married Ruth Boggess on May 18, 1944. She preceded him in death in 2004.

Jake served in the Army Air Force in communications during World War II. He spent time in the Philippines

and, while there, accidentally ran into his brother, Herbert, who was stationed on the opposite side of the island.

He was honorably discharged in January 1946. In 1947, he and Ruth moved to Brighton.

Every year Jake took the family on a road-trip vacation to either Illinois or Washington state to visit family. The vacations were always fun, something to remember and involved lots of family.

Jake was a mechanic for 30 years for P.I.E. in Denver, repairing the big trucks. He also was the family mechanic for kids and grandkids. He enjoyed building things, tinkering with cuckoo clocks, playing pinochle, doing crossword puzzles and later doing word-search puzzles. He also liked to dance the polka and fox trot. He was a good sport and liked a good laugh. He always enjoyed spending time with his family.

Jacob is survived by his children, Diana R. (Dan) Pollard, Brighton; Larry J. (Nancy) Foos, Thornton; six grandchildren, Logan (JoAnn) Pollard, Amanda (Marcelino) Pollard, Jason Foos, Alan Foos, Philip Foos and Chad Foos; five great-grandchildren, Jacob Foos, Jayden Foos, Jace Foos, Grant Pollard

and Hayden Pollard; and sister, Mary Moore (age 101). He was preceded in death by his brothers Herbert and Herman Foos.

Graveside service was Wednesday at Fort Logan National Cemetery, Denver.

All are welcome to come. See more at: http://www.horancares.com/obituary/JacobFoos/BrightonCO/1338501#sthash.8VfU3s78. dpuf.

Jim L. Haffner

Jim L. Haffner, 73, of Hudson, died Jan. 27. He was born in Hudson to John and Cleo (Dunston) Haffner and attended schools in Hudson and served in the Army. The biggest share of Jim’s life was spent as a dairyman and farming in Colorado. He also worked for Co-op in Prospect

Valley for 20 years, retiring in 2006.

Survivors include his children Rick (Heidi) Robertson of Keenesburg, Jerry Haffner of Pueblo, Jodi Davidson of Greenville, S.C., and Brandon Haffner of Roggen; siblings Jean Billinger of Northglenn, Shirley (Larry) Hamilton of Palm Springs, Calif., Larry Haffner of Arlington, Wash., Ron (Ann) Haffner of Greeley and Jack (Judy) Haffner of Las Cruces, N.M.; and seven grandchildren.

Memorial service was Monday at Tabor-Rice Funeral Home.

Memorial contributions can be made to the American Legion Post 180, 595 E. Railroad Ave., Keenesburg.

Tabor-Rice Funeral Home handled arrangements.

Brighton Banner

8

February 6, 2014

Rivalry: Kaiser, Anderson square off

By Michelle Boyer for The Banner On Friday, Brighton will host the second doubleheader basketball game of the season against cross-town rival Prairie View High School.

The girls will lay it all on the line at 7 p.m. in an East Metro Athletic Conference matchup. The Bulldogs are 31 in league play and the Thunderhawks are close behind with a 3-2 record.

In last month’s rival game at Prairie View, Brighton squeezed by Prairie View, 4842.

“We’ll treat the Prairie View game like any on our schedule,” BHS Coach Dan Doehler said. “After we got upset by (Westminster) in early January, we’ve learned not to look ahead, and take one game at a time. However after Westy lost to Rangeview recently, we’re back in the mix. We also can’t get lost in the hype of this game. The atmosphere will be electric, and we get this game at home.

“We just need to show up, do what we do and the rest will take care of itself.”

The game will for sure be about Brighton’s five spot, Cassie Kaiser, and Prairie View’s Alek Anderson.

“Cassie has been an anchor for us in the post,” Doehler said.

“She’s one of the toughest kids I’ve ever been around.

Her knowledge of the game is increasing every day, which is

Brighton senior center Cassie Kaiser. allowing her to create more opportunities not only for herself, but for teammates as well. She’s having a career year in points, rebounds and blocked shots. Cassie will be extremely missed going into next year, but we have some great youth that should step in right away and fill her void.”

Kaiser has played basketball since sixth grade, with four of her teammates.

Prairie View’s Alek Anderson.

“I consider it a passion, because I love playing it, and it’s something fun to do with my friends,” she said.

She said her team is going to work together and stay positive, playing the game they’re best at on Friday.

“We’re going to play our hearts out, since it’s our last rivalry game, and make it count,” she said.

“I’m just going to do my part and get some easy buck-

Michelle Boyer photos

ets down low, and also support the rest of my team to accomplish their goals.”

Kaiser said this season has been a great ride for the team.

“We have a winning record, even though we’ve had a couple tough losses I love every minute on the court with these girls and my coaches.

I’m going to enjoy the rest of our final season together.”

“Going up against Cassie is

a battle, because we’re both physical and aggressive players,” Prairie View post player, Alek Anderson said. “I plan on being aggressive, confident and to not make the same mistakes that I made the last time we faced off with Brighton.”

Anderson made the transition from C-team last year to varsity this year. The sophomore said it was painful. “It took me a little while to adjust to intensity, the speed, the physicality and the focus needed to succeed on varsity,” she said. “Luckily it didn’t take too long.”

The 5-foot-9 post also occasionally plays forward for the Thunderhawks.

“I think it’s my speed and agility that helps me on the court,” she said. “I’ve been playing for three seasons now (started playing in eighth grade). I started playing basketball because I wanted to try something new, and ended up loving it.”

Anderson also participates in track. She said when it comes to both sports, she’s passionate for each. “For instance, I’m passionate about basketball because of the side of me that wants to directly compete, and get physical and aggressive. “ Track, I love because of the side of me that’s more to myself and wants to train hard to get that personal best time,” Anderson said.

S

Wrestling like a family to Bulldogs’ Balderas

By Michelle Boyer for The Banner Brighton Bulldogs wrestler Tony Balderas said his

favorite move is his doubleleg takedown.

“I’m confident on my feet and I can take anyone down,” he said.

The 106-pound senior has been wrestling for 13 years.

“I started when I was little and my parents just put me in it, and I never quit,” Balderas said.

He said the Brighton wrestling team is like an army. “You can win or you can lose (individually),” he said. “But your team can win or lose at the same time.

Wrestling is the true meaning of, you’re only hurting yourself. But as you get older you realize you hurt your team.

Wrestling is more like a family than a team.”

Balderas is looking good this season, and hopes to make the Class 5A State Championship for the first time in his high school career this year. He must first qualify at the regional tournament on Feb. 14-15 at Bear Creek High School.

“Tony is definitely a hopeful, and he is currently

Brighton High School 106-pound wrestler takes control of his opponent during a tournament earlier this season. He won his weight class Saturday at the Brighton Invitational. Michelle Boyer photo for The Banner

ranked fourth in the state,” Coach Tom Wagner said.

Balderas has a record of 267. Brighton hosted its invitational last weekend with 10 teams, which, Wagner said, were all competitive and made a tough day for wrestling.

“My team wrestled very well on the road to being healthy,” he said. “We came in third place as a team, and just 13 points out of first place. We advanced six guys

to the finals and ended up with two champs.”

Balderas, at 106 pounds, and Orlando Gallegos at 132 took tournament titles; Jared Garcia (113), Raymond Baca (126), Dalton Wadkins (182) and Sam Jackson (285) placed second; and Tomas Sanchez (195) placed fourth.

“We’ve had a crazy year, going from a very tough team, to struggling to fill the lineup,” Wagner said.

“Between kids’ ineligibilities

due to injuries it’s been a year that myself, as a coach or a competitor, have never been through in my life. The injuries are getting better, and kids are getting back in the lineup and, I hope, ready for the push for regionals and state.

Coronado finished the Brighton tournament first with 153 points as a team.

Cherokee Trail was second with 145.5 points, and Brighton third with 139 points. Prairie View finished the tournament sixth, with 90 points.

Last year Balderas was one place short of qualifying for state during the regional tournament.

“I blew it in a match by two points,” he said. “This year will be the first time competing at state.”

After high school, Balderas plans to attend Front Range Community College. He then will transfer to a university, where he wants to attain his degree to be a psychotherapist.

Brigh Scho Adam