Brighton banner january 30, 2014

The Banner

45¢

Brighton news for Brighton readers

Volume 6, No. 5

January 30, 2014

8 pages

Board renews ERA’s charter

Salsa night heats Armory

About 150 people braved a chilly night Saturday to pack the Armory for a performance by the 12piece Denver-based salsa band, Quemando.

Dance lessons were offered, as well, and people

told city staffers they would like to see monthly Salsa nights, according to Public Information Manager Kristen Chernosky.

Banner Press photo

One dead, one wounded in shooting Brighton police are continuing to investigate a shooting that occurred during a family disturbance early Saturday morning in a home in southeastern Brighton.

Officers were dispatched to the 3500

block of Hottman Street, at around 1:50 a.m. on Saturday, according to a Police Department news release.

When officers arrived, they found two adult males with apparent gunshot wounds. A 30-year-old male was pro-

nounced dead at the scene, and another adult male was transported to an area hospital.

Authorities spent all day Saturday searching the home, according to a televised news report Saturday night.

City Council gets peek at ’14 strategic plan

By Lou Ellen Bromley for The Banner City Manager Manuel Esquibel spearheaded the City Council’s Tuesday study session, providing an overview of the year ahead that he titled “Driving Change for Opportunities.”

He presented a booklet outlining changes and procedures he would like to implement to improve how the city government can better work together with the City Council, as well as with the citizens of Brighton.

His goals for 2014 are to proactively

drive the city of Brighton’s policies, on behalf of the citizens, that have a direct or indirect impact on Brighton: • Promoting creativity while providing strategic and valuable resources and services that address the needs facing Brighton in the future.

• Raising the profile of city government as leaders to improve the quality of life in Brighton, and • To understand and expand the capacity of city officials to serve as ethical, effective and engaged leaders.

He also intends to transform the

city’s organizational structure and culture so it's focused on the top priorities of the citizens’ needs, and is financially solid, accountabile and providing a transparent, insightful look into the future.

Esquibel also recommended a city council policy statement calling for the mayor and City Council members to “solve real local problems in practical ways, … build relationships with Brighton citizens along with regional, state and federal partners. Understand

See City Council, Page 7

Inside The Banner this week State of the City

Mayor Dick McLean said the city is prepared for a strong 2014 during his State of the City address last week.

– Page 2

You’ll love ‘Her’ Spike Jonze’s movie about romance with an

operating system is made with care and attention.

– Page 6

Also:

Help Desk ............................ 2 Calendar ................................. 4 Movie ..................................... 5 Obituaries ............................. 7 Sports ..................................... 8

Don’t miss: “Love is in the Air” Saturday – See Calendar, Page 4

Adam Tabor spends winter on court.

– Page 8

By Evelyn Wiant for The Banner Eagle Ridge Academy high school’s charter was unanimously approved for renewal at Tuesday’s meeting of the District 27J Board of Education.

“I felt optimistic coming into this meeting,” said Ben Ploeger, head of school for ERA, “but so much hard work and conversation has gone into this and you can’t ever be sure of the future.

“It’s great that the charter has been renewed. The best part will be crafting the letter to inform to our parents and community of the news.”

The charter approval means that the school can continue operation for the next four years. Following the approval, the ERA contract now enters a 90-day period of revision. ERA and the District 27J school board will work on those revisions. If the contract is approved at the end of that time, ERA will operate under the conditions of the new contract beginning July 1.

Charter schools must renew their charter every three years; ERA’s charter was up for renewal in 2012. At that time, ERA was still recovering from a misappropriation of state funding provided to the school. The 27J board determined that ERA had not had sufficient time to recover from the setback, so a one-year contract extension was granted.

The approval of ERA’s charter hinged on a 19-point checklist of terms to be met by the school before the charter issue would be revisited.

See School Board, Page 7

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The Banner

Brighton Banner (USPS 290), January 30, 2014, Volume 6, No. 5, 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

Help desk

Community efforts where you can lend a hand. E-mail ask@brightonbanner.com

Bandits Baseball plans dinnerpoker fundraiser

The Brighton Bandits 12year-olds competitive baseball team has to raise $850 per player on the team (11 players) for a trip to a tournament in Cooperstown, N.Y. The orgainization plans a Spaghetti dinner/poker tournament on Feb. 8 at the Elks in Brighton at 101 N. Main St., to help raise funds.

Dinner is 5 -6:30 p.m. (just dinner is $15 for adults and $10 for children 2-12), and poker is 7-11 p.m. (Dinner and poker is $25 for the first buy-in; $20 for additional buy-ins after initial one). To obtain tickets, contact Karen Marshall, 303-912-5257 or purchase them at the door.

For several years, the Brighton Baseball community has been represented in Cooperstown, N.Y. at the Cooperstown Dreams Park with a current Brighton 12year-old competitive baseball team.

This summer, the Brighton Bandits, under the coaching of Rick Lane, has the opportunity to represent Brighton, at a weeklong tournament event.

One day, while standing in the Cooperstown National Baseball Hall of Fame with his son and grandson, a grandfather exclaimed ... “every kid in America should have the opportunity to play baseball in Cooperstown!”

Cooperstown Dreams Park and the American Youth Baseball Hall of Fame have accomplished what was once a dream.

Cooperstown Dreams Park offers young players a chance to succeed, to savor their moment in the spotlight and to feel the excitement of success. Many coaches and parents have described their week at Dreams Park as the

highlight of their child’s life.

Beginning with the opening ceremony, you can feel the energy and excitement of the cultural exchange and life enrichment. More than 1,200 teams come together for pin trading, orientation, eating together, skills competitions, and the excitement of the tournament. As the competition builds, all 22 fields coming to life.

It is the beginning of a player's dream, becoming his own hero. To be inducted into the most prestigious Youth Baseball Hall of Fame, and receiving the coveted Hall of Fame Ring, the highlight of this experience leaves every player with a great sense of pride, dignity and accomplishment, through the traditional values of faith, family, country and baseball.

As you can imagine, Brighton Bandits baseball players, their parents and coaches are heavily involved in fundraising activities to finance the adventure, making it possible for all of the boys on the team to share the experience. A lot of assistance is needed to help the Bandits represent Brighton.

More information about how you can helping is available from Rick Lane.

He can be contacted at 303520-0501. In addition, contributions and donations can be made directly by mailing them to 29240 E. 162nd Ave. Brighton, CO 80603 c/o Bandits Baseball.

Mail donations by March 1.

If you wish to sponsor a specific player indicate that along with your donation.

Donations of $250 or more will include your business name on the traveling banner to Cooperstown and all summer.

Brighton Banner

January 30, 2014

Brighton Banter

Guest commentary about our city

State of the City

Good evening Brighton!

Welcome everyone to the 2014 State of the City Address.

Brighton is place so many people are proud to call home and I am proud to get to serve as the mayor of this wonderful community. There are so many positive changes, and changes yet to come, all of which are in the effort to maintain the integrity and feel of a close-knit and conscientious community.

Public service often involves sacrificing family time and personal time. And I would like to take this opportunity to introduce each individual on this council who has made the commitment to serve and give them the opportunity to introduce their family members.

Mayor Pro Tem and Ward 1 Council Member, Kirby Wallin Council member from Ward 1, Joan Kniss Council member from Ward 2, Cynthia Martinez Council member from Ward 2, Rex Bell Council member from Ward 3, Lynn Baca Council member from Ward 3, Ken Kreutzer Council member from Ward 4, Mark Humbert Councilmember from Ward 4, J.W. Edwards.

Now, I would like to recognize the support of my own family. My wife Nancy and my son, Gavin. My other children Michele and Sean and grandchildren Jason, Tyler, Kyla, Alyssa and Amanda are not able to join us.

The individuals sitting up here with me tonight are committed to always doing the right thing for the community 100 percent of the time. I always tell people that while I may have the title of “mayor,” I am just one of nine people you elected to serve this community. Without the hard work and teamwork of all nine council members, we wouldn’t be able to have accomplished all the great things we’ve been able to or to keep moving forward in a progressive manner.

We have three new council members who you elected in November and officially took office earlier this month. I am excited to have their fresh perspectives join us and know that they, too, will serve this community well.

Now let’s all recognize and welcome our state, county and local dignitaries whose very presence this evening indicates their commitment to the larger good. Please hold your applause until I’ve introduced each group.

(Introductions followed for senators, representatives, Adams County Commissioners, Weld County Commissioners, Adams County elected officials,

Mayor Dick McLean delivers the 2014 State of the City Address on Jan. 23 at the Armory.

Banner Press photo

District 27J Board of Education, local mayors and city council members, Greater Brighton Fire District Board of Directors, United Power Board of Directors; city boards and commissions (and city staffers serving each): Ag Land Preservation Subcommittee, Board of Adjustment, Board of Appeals, Brighton Economic Development Corp., Brighton Housing Authority, Brighton Urban Renewal Authority, Cultural Arts Commission, Eye for Art Committee, Historic Preservation Commission, Legacy Foundation, Liquor Licensing Authority, Lodging Tax Advisory Committee, Parks and Recreation Advisory Board, Planning Commission, Senior Advisory Board, Brighton Youth Commission, unofficial boards the Downtown Partnership, and members of the heART of Brighton.

And last, but definitely not least, I’d like to introduce the future leaders of our community. Student government presidents and vice presidents from several local schools are joining us this evening. And lastly, thank you for being here with us this evening.

It is truly an honor to get to stand before you and tell you about all the great things we are doing here in Brighton but, more importantly, all the exciting things on the horizon.

Brighton is alive and pulsating as ever!

With more than 34,000 Coloradans calling Brighton home, we are a bright … for-

ward-thinking city linked to our roots as an agricultural hub yet we embrace, welcome, and encourage change and innovation.

We are thriving. We have a downtown that has been revitalized and continues to draw in more and more people and businesses. This very facility we are in tonight attracts topnotch performances and hundreds of thousands of audience members. Businesses are taking note of what a gem our community is and want to open up here.

We have a premier adult recreation center that is the best of the best. Our parks and trail system continues to shine, and at the end of the day we – young or old – can all go home and feel safe about the community we live in.

Our location is prime. Being located near several major thoroughfares, downtown Denver, and the Denver International Airport has attracted residents who want to feel like they're part of a small town while having access to the amenities of other larger urban areas.

We also have rail service provided by two major railroad companies.

Restaurants, retail and businesses continue to be attracted to Brighton.

Last year, economic development projects brought 1,440 construction jobs and 799 permanent jobs to our city.

That’s outstanding!

We opened businesses in downtown like Treads Bicycle

See State of City, Page 3

Brighton Banner

January 30, 2014

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Staff committed to public service State of City from Page 2

Outfitters and Hidden Treasures Furniture. We opened businesses at the Prairie Center like the brand new Candlewood Suites and a 7-Eleven store. The Ross store is under construction out there, as well.

We built a new Tractor Supply Company on U.S. 85, the Solaire Apartments on Bromley Lane and we opened a new pho restaurant on Bridge Street. And this is just to name a few.

Committed to public service and working hard to keep up with the rapid changes is a very dynamic group – our city staff. With limited resources at times, they work diligently to continue to provide our citizens the services they have come to expect – clean and maintained streets, recreational activities and facilities, beautiful parks, healthy water, safe neighborhoods, police protection, good restaurants, entertainment, and shopping.

We are proud of our city and all that we have accomplished and look toward the future and continued growth, offering a little something for everyone.

As we move into 2014 and beyond, we focus on sustainable, purposeful and planned growth, yet being sure to keep the hometown spirit and agricultural history alive.

Leading the charge is our City Manager Manuel Esquibel, who has been in public service for more than 40 years.

Manuel keeps us on task and ensures the city is moving in a strategic manner so that we are not only focusing on today but what is to come next five, 10, 20 years and beyond. Thank you Manuel!

Serving for more than 20 years as our city attorney is Margaret Brubaker. Margaret’s knowledge, experience and dedication to Brighton is first rate. Her legal assistance in all areas of the city organization has helped us stay on track.

Her institutional knowledge is unmatched and as times are always changing, we appreciate that. Thanks for all you do!

Keeping our budgets and investments in order is our Budget and Policy Director Bernadette Kimmey.

Our economy has been up and down over the last decade but you’ve always kept our budget balanced. Because of your hard work, we continue to be a fiscally responsible municipality. Thank you, Bernadette.

Also making sure we are fiscally responsible and implementing financial best practices is our Finance Director Dan Frelund.

While often a “behind the scenes department,” in the coming year Finance will be reviewing and ensuring that our operations meet banking and business best practices.

They will also be looking at

city revenues for additional sources while continuing to make sure staff is kept trained on proper policies and procedures.

Assuring that we keep all development projects in Brighton on the right track is our Assistant City Manager for Development Marv Falconburg.

In his role, Marv coordinates the efforts of Community Development, the Brighton Urban Renewal Authority, Brighton Economic Development Corp., and the Brighton Housing Authority.

Working together, these entities develop strategies in order to bring more jobs, businesses and housing to Brighton while making sure design standards, codes and regulations are followed properly.

The Brighton Urban Renewal Authority has been a driving force in sustaining our downtown area. Consisting of a diverse group of business, community and educational leaders, their focus is the improvement of existing structures, the attraction of new development, and the improvement of properties within the area. Leading the BURA efforts is Jac Cuney.

In the coming year, BURA will work closely with Community Development and EDC on the: • Redevelopment of Tomahawk Truck Stop • Sustainable development in Adams Crossing • Redevelopment of South Main and Bromley • Development of property north of Vestas and Crown Prince Boulevard.

• And, further downtown improvements.

Speaking of downtown: Our Downtown Initiative is a driving force in engaging the collective downtown neighborhood of merchants, residents and property owners by improving their vitality and quality of life – giving particular focus to the needs of downtown.

This year, the Downtown Initiative, led by Gary Montoya, will work on a Downtown Master Plan to allow for continued growth and revitalization of our historic area. It will include continued and enhanced marketing and branding efforts, business attraction, visual improvements and long-term development plans.

Many cities aren’t fortunate enough to have a true, historic downtown area – especially in Adams County – and we are so lucky that we do have one. We will continue our efforts to make downtown a destination – a place where you can stroll along the streets, shop in our independently-owned boutiques, and then mosey into one of our delicious restaurants for a bite to eat.

Brighton truly is a dynamic place to live, work, learn, and

The Brighton Housing Authority opened its 28-unit Libretto apartments to residents in November. At left, Housing Authority Director Joseph Espinosa speaks at the official dedication of the apartments and community center on Dec. 11.

Banner Press photos

play. Attracting quality job opportunities and new retail and industrial development in order to expand and diversify the local tax base while retaining the businesses we have, is the top priority of the Brighton Economic Development Corp.

Under the direction of Robert Smith, it provides leadership and direction in developing, coordinating and implementing economic strategies for the city.

In the coming year, our Economic Development efforts will bring new primary employers to Brighton.

Our retention and expansion efforts will help our current businesses to grow. And we will embrace the can-do spirit of our community by encouraging successful business start ups and investment.

The Brighton Housing Authority – under the direction of Joseph Espinosa – provides affordable housing to low- and moderate-income people.

The Housing Authority has maintained its National Public Housing Management Certification and its National Certified Credit Compliance Professional Certificate while also obtaining a 100 percent clean finding-free financial audit and compliance reporting on public housing.

In 2014, BHA is excited to work on acquisition of multifamily units as we look to increase the affordable housing inventory for city of Brighton.

The BHA also will complete schematic designs for 72 units for a mid-high-density multifamily project in northern Brighton as well as 66 units for a low-mid-density multifamily

project in southern Brighton.

And BHA will graduate 15 people from the Applicant Assistant Program, which is a program designed to help local lower-income entrepreneurs grow or start a business in partnership with the Small Business Development Center.

BHA provides housing services to the 1,000-plus individuals in the city and we are so thankful for the work they do to help this community.

Leading the efforts of our Community Development Department is Holly Prather.

With all this development we’ve been talking about, it is imperative to have a group that assures positive and managed growth of our city. Our Community Development team has implemented design standards for new development and assures that codes and regulations are followed to keep our citizens safe.

Some of the things you will see coming out of Community Development include: • Working with Adams County to prepare a South Subarea Plan that includes agritourism-based uses; • Designating historic properties as local landmarks; • Finalizing regulations for oil and gas; • Providing Web-based access for permitting and licensing records as well as providing online inspection requests for contractors; and • Adopt an International Swimming Pool Code.

With all this development, a critical service we provide to our citizens is water. As our population grows and our boundaries expand, so does the need for more quality water.

Our Utilities Department is led

by Jim Landeck.

The Utility Department’s mission is to assure that our community has healthy, safe drinking water, sanitary sewer, and storm sewer services. This staff often works 24/7 assuring the community receives the quality water they expect.

In 2014, you can anticipate these things to come out of the Utilities Department:

• Implementation of the Utility Business Plan • A comprehensive Utility Rate and Fee Study • The Sanitary Sewer Bypass Design and Construction for Adams County Correctional Center • The formal bid and construction of Brine Disposal Plant • Design and Construction of City Interconnect with South Platte Interceptor • And a Waterline and Sewer Line Rehabilitation Project.

Thank you, Jim, and your entire staff. We know how hard you work.

We couldn’t get anywhere if we didn’t have roadways to take us there! The Streets and Fleet Department is led by Joe Smith.

Throughout the city, the department works hard to take care of our roadways – paving, grading, (repairing) pot holes, striping, sweeping, snow plowing, (making and installing road signs, traffic lights, and alley maintenance. They also take care of all city vehicles – police cars, senior center vans, and mowing equipment.

This year some of the things you will see the Streets and Fleet Department working on include: • Completion of roadway connections for Tower Road and Southern Street.

• Installation of a signal at Baseline Road and Main Street.

• Continued roadway improvements to maintain durable surfaces on as many roadways as possible.

• Completion of the relocation of Main Street at Bromley Lane as well as improvements to the intersection of Bromley lane an U.S. 85.

• Upgrade the regulatory signs within the city to ensure good viability.

• And, continued upgrades to the parking lot at Strong Street and First Avenue, as well as the pedestrian access to downtown.

When you want to get away

See State of City, Page 6

Brighton Banner

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Word on the street Question: Are you going to watch the Super Bowl and where? And what foods are you going to make? Would you like to predict the score?

– By Elena Guerrero Townsend “Yes, I am watching it at my church. We are setting up two TVs and one drop screen to watch the game. We are having a chili cook off, so I’ll have lots of food to pick. I predict Broncos 27, Seahawks 14.”

– Steve Puckett

Today

The week ahead

Readers Theatre Performance, Eagle View Adult Center, 11 a.m.; free

State of the Chamber Luncheon, 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m., the Armory, 300 Stroing St.,. $15 for Brighton Chamber of Commerce members, $25 for non-members.

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 Tuesday before

“Most likely, I am going to watch the game at my church. I am making green chili with Elk meat. I will predict the score but not the winner. How about 15-3?”

– Jeannette Murphy

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 Exploring eBay, Anythink Brighton, 7-8 p.m.; eBay is a great site to find and sell used and new items. Learn how to create an account, post items and bid on available items, about Paypal and how to use eBay safely. Online registration suggested, anythinklibraries.org Bingo at the VFW, 6 p.m.,161 N. Main St. Progressive last game.

Friday

Friday Potluck, Eagle View Adult Center, starts at 11:30 a.m.; a true “potluck,” no signup, just bring a dish to share that serves 10 and your table setting, Free Afternoon Dance, Eagle View Adult Center, 1:30-3:30 p.m.; Tom Yook will play some of the music people love to dance to; everyone is invited to this afternoon of fun. $4 (at the door)

“Yes, we’re watching it at home. We’re making Mexican food: tacos and burritos. I’ll say the Broncos will score 41 and the Seahawks 34.”

– Doug Campbell

Saturday

“I’m watching the game at home with my family.

We're making a Mexican dish called discada. It’s a mixture of meats beef and pork and, then we add pico de galleo and beans.

You eat it just like tacos. I have no idea what the score will be, but I know it’s going to be fun.”

– Maria Enriquez

January 30, 2014

Diabetes Support Group, Platte Valley Medical Center Conference Room, 10 a.m.-noon; the perfect forum to experience compassion, support and direction to deal with diabetes, free but must RSVP two days ahead, 303-498-1699

Love is in the Air, Barr Lake State Park, 10 a.m.; kids ages 4-8 – with adult – can celebrate the heart of the Valentine season; bald eagles and great horned owls are the early birds of the nesting season. Learn about the unique courtship and nesting habits of these fantastic birds; story, craft, and short walk.

Sunday

American Legion hosts Breakfast at the V, everyone welcome: 7-11 a.m., VFW Hall, 161 N. Main St.: Eggs to order; ham, bacon or sausage; hashbrowns, toast; pancakes; biscuits and gravy. Seniors, $5, under 55, $5.50.

Monday

Toddler Tales, Anythink Brighton, 9:30-

p.m.

Events at the Armory State of the Chamber Luncheon, 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. today, $15 for Brighton Chamber of Commerce members, $25 for non-members.

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.

10:15 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

Basic Computers, Anythink Brighton, 10-11:30 a.m.; Delve into the world of computers – how to turn one on, operate a mouse and keyboard, Learn about browsers, files and programs; get comfortable with the daily operation of a computer. Registration suggested, anythinklibraries.org Free blood-pressure screening, Eagle View Adult Center, 10:30-11:30 a.m.; performed by Brighton Firefighters

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 Stroke Recovery Support Group, Platte Valley Medical Center, 1:30-3 p.m.; Group to help patients and families connect with others while learning about valuable community resources; facilitated by a licensed stroke rehabilitation therapist; RSVP or info, 303-498-1844

Tuesday

Yoga, Platte Valley Medical Center Conference Center, 4:45-5:20 p.m.; $6 dropin rate; certified instructor. Bring your mat, 303-498-1840.

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

The Studio: Stained Glass Cling, Anythink Brighton, 10-11:30 a.m.; Create a gorgeous window cling in the style of Frank Lloyd Wright, Louis Comfort Tiffany or from your own imagination. For adults. Supplies provided. 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

How Trusts Can Protect Heirs, Eagle View Adult Center, 1:30 p.m.; an estateplanning attorney will provide a comprehensive overview of how to use trusts to protect heirs’ inheritance and to help the inheritance grow; deadline Feb. 3 Raw Food, Anythink Brighton, 2:30-4 p.m.; Make delicious treats without a stove or microwave. For grades 6-12.

After-School Get Together: Paper Airplanes, Anythink Brighton, 2:30-4:30 p.m.; Learn some basic ways to fold a paper airplane, then try some more elaborate flying machines. Compete with your friends to see whose devices can fly the farthest. For students in grades K-5.

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

Thursday

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 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 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 a nd an email address required. Registration suggested, anythinklibraries.org

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

Lunch menus for Eagle View Adult Center

This week:

Friday potluck: Bring food to share 11:30 p.m., free.

Afternoon dance with music by Tom Yook, 1:20-3:30 p.m., $4.

Menus for the week of Feb. 3.

Monday: Turkey pot pie with a biscuit; green peas with red peppers trail mix apple fat-free milk

Tuesday: Porcupine meatballs in brown gravy creamed potatoes seasoned green beans rye bread with margarine carrifruit salad fat-free milk Wednesday: Chicken Scaloppini served over spaghetti with Scaloppini sauce broccoli parmesan sourdough bread with margarine fresh pear fat-free milk

Thursday: Red beans and rice with sausage corn maque choux French bread with margarine bread pudding with lemon sauce orange fat-free milk Friday: IT'S ALL ABOUT YOU! (no lunch schueduled) Zumba and Inspirational Program for Single Women 2 p.m., $4, deadline Feb. 7

Brighton Banner

January 30, 2014

5

There’s something special about ‘Her’

Theodore Twombly (Joaquin Phoenix), a creative writer at a company called Beautiful Handwritten Cards (the cards are neither handwritten nor written by the person whose signature is on them), has been depressed and lonely since his pending divorce six months ago.

He decides to purchase a new device called an OS1, an artificially intelligent, highly advanced operating system with its own unique personality and the capacity to evolve.

(How she was programmed to be able to do this is explained.)

Theodore quickly learns that “Samantha” (voiced by Scarlett Johansson) is not only able to read thousands of articles per second, organize his computer, and send and read his emails; she listens to him with compassion, makes jokes, has intuition, and acts as nothing less than a close human companion.

Their friendship soon escalates into a relationship, but Theodore doubts its authenticity, and Samantha feels insecure about not having a body (stay with me here).

The two obviously can never touch, though that does not stop them from being physically intimate; my reaction to convince myself of the credibility of that scene is that the brain is what perceives physi-

cal sensations, even when physical body parts might not actually be there.

If Her sounds weird to you, you’re absolutely right. From Theodore’s high pants and ugly mustache to his holographic video games with the profane, childlike sidekick to his dating life to Jonze’s notunlikely concept of the future, the movie is bizarre on all levels.

But if you can get past the weirdness, it is also about as intelligent as Samantha herself, on all levels – OK, not quite as intelligent as Samantha, but it is a sophisticated movie that challenges viewers’ ideas of love, technology, and humanity.

Theodore sums up his last

Brighton Sister Cities will hold its 10th annual Dinner and Auction fundraiser on Feb. 15, at the Brighton Recreation Center, 555 N. 11th Ave. Proceeds from the evening will help fund the activities for the delegation from Ziebice, Poland, when they visit Brighton in 2015 to celebrate 20 years of the organization. Funds also will assist the students and chaperones from Brighton when they travel to Ziebice and add to the fund to make continuous improvements to Brighton Sister Cities Park.

Brighton Sister Cities is a collaborative cultural exchange program between Brighton and Ziebice.

Inaugurated in 1995, the program has given students, civic and business leaders, educators and individual rep-

resentatives the opportunity to experience a cross-cultural sharing of ideas, events, programs, and celebrations.

Since its inception, more than 200 students and adults have participated in the Sister Cities exchange program. The exchange is based on an annual rotation alternating between Brighton visiting Ziebice and Ziebice visiting Brighton.

A traditional Polish dinner will be served at 6:30 p.m., including all the fixings.

Entertainment will be provided by the Krakowiacy Polish Dance Group at 7.

Tickets are $12.50 a person.

The live auction will begin at 7:30.

Polish beer (piwo) and wine will be available.

Brighton Sister Cities requests help in three ways: 1. Have dinner and enjoy

Movies Her

By Abby Wright

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

relationship to Samantha: “It’s hard to grow without growing apart. It’s hard to change without scaring the other person.” All the while, Samantha is growing and changing at a much more rapid rate than Theodore.

Love bytes – megabytes.

Yet the movie carries greater weight: What constitutes a person? What makes love valid? Why does true love sometimes end? On a perhaps more alarming note, will technology someday transcend humanity?

Theodore has some loyal, supportive friends who add heart to the film, especially long-term friend from college, Amy (Amy Adams), who is the type of caring, reliable,

genuine friend a person would be lucky to find even once in a lifetime. While she, herself, is damaged, she discovers the freedom of individuality and, like Samantha, provides valuable insight for Theodore.

Distraught, Theodore tells Amy that his ex-wife – after finding out about Samantha – “thinks I can’t handle a real relationship.” Amy responds to Theodore’s implication about his relationship with Samantha, looking him in the eye, “Is it not a real relationship?”

The dialogue and character development feel true and resonate with us after the movie’s end, except for a scene with Olivia Wilde playing a flirty, drunk date of Theodore’s and suddenly having a change of heart. I think that scene is supposed to show Theodore’s not being ready for a relationship, but instead, it makes his date look unstable and inconsistent, which I do not think was the goal, as it was in one of the first scenes in which Theodore’s cyber date has an off-putting and – dare I say, psychotic – fetish.

While Theodore’s dinner date is not a credible character, her flaw does not reflect poorly on Olivia Wilde as an

actress; she still displays talent and versatility as she slurs her words and leads Theodore on.

And while Scarlett Johansson’s voice intonations and playful giggles as “Samantha” throughout the movie cannot be dismissed as not requiring talent, the most impressive actors are Adams and, especially, Phoenix.

Phoenix’s character is offbeat, yet Phoenix allows us to understand Theodore, the majority of the time in closeup, solo scenes.

Her elicits a feeling of freedom and some laughs along the way as Theodore learns to live again, not in the stereotypical way of traveling somewhere or doing activities he has never done but simply by loving. It doesn’t matter that Samantha cannot be there with him in physical form; he and she feel each other in a different way that is intriguing.

And as Samantha evolves, so too does Theodore, and we viewers can believe the metamorphosis because it was developed well over the time span of 126 minutes. Her, like Samantha herself, was made with care and attention.

It is an odd but refreshing piece of art that viewers will discuss and interpret.

the evening.

2. Buy something at the auction. Sister Cites already has received many items, including sports collectables,

Polish trinkets, and artwork.

4. Donate something for the auction. The organization asks for new items that have appeal at a benefit auction.

Donations are tax deductible.

For additional information, contact Ken Kreutzer at 303659-4431 or Henry Ross at 303-637-1252.

At AMC Theaters in Brighton Pavilions Writer: Spike Jonze Director: Spike Jonze Starring: Joaquin Phoenix, Amy Adams, Scarlett Johansson Genre: Drama, romance, sci-fi Rating: R for language, sexual content, and brief graphic nudity Run time: 2 hour, 6 minutes.

Abby’s grade: 4.5 of 5

Brighton Sister Cities to hold annual dinner-auction on Feb. 15

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

BHS swimming at Westminster, 4 p.m.

Friday: PVHS girls’ basketball vs.

Gateway, 7 p.m.

PVHS boys’ basketball at Gateway, 7 p.m.

Saturday: PVHS boys’ basketball vs.

Castleview, noon PVHS at BHS wrestling invitational at 8 a.m.

Tuesday: PVHS girls’ basketball at Northglenn, 7 p.m.

PVHS boys’ basketball vs. Northglenn, 6:30 p.m.

BHS girls’ basketball vs. Adams City, 7 p.m.

BHS boys’ basketball at Adams City, 7 p.m.

Scores: Boys’ Basketball - BHS 71, Gateway 58 Smoky Hill 64, BHS 57 PVHS 54, Westminster 45 Girls’ Basketball – Westminster 48, PVHS 37 BHS 60, Gateway 34

Brighton Banner

6

January 30, 2014

Fun, health focus of Parks and Recreation State of City from Page 3

from the hustle and bustle or blow off some energy, where do you turn? To our great parks and trails or our wonderful recreation centers. These are real gems in our community and make Brighton a great place to play.

The Parks and Recreation Department is led by Gary Wardle.

Making sure we have fun and stay healthy is this department’s focus, and they’ve got some great plans for 2014 to keep that mission. A few of these plans include: • Completing the new splash pad and skate spot in Benedict Park • Completing renovation of Bromley/Hishinuma Farm, barn, migrant worker house, and silo, and developing a landscape master plan for the farm.

• Developing plans for the preservation of farmland in south Brighton • Making Brighton a BikeFriendly Community.

• Constructing a new playground in Malcolm Park/ North Elementary School • And completing a master plan for Ken Mitchell Open Space They have a busy year ahead of them and we are so excited to see these things come to fruition.

Thank you to Gary and the entire Parks and Recreation Department.

Protecting our streets and keeping our community safe is

our No. 1 priority. The Police Department is led by Police Chief Clint Blackhurst.

In the coming year, our Police Department will continue its efforts to increase the community’s sense of safety, security, and peace of mind and ensure the safety and welfare of its most vulnerable citizens.

And because of the increase in traffic accidents, some serious, we will be challenged to increase traffic safety across the city.

The city’s Information Technology Department is led

by Margaret Brocklander. She also oversees the city’s Geographic Information System Division and Facilities Division.

The IT Department has been at the forefront of technology, leading the way and serving as a central point of coordination and oversight. In 2014 it will: • Strengthen data security and promote awareness of cyber security risks • rethink business processes to achieve dramatic improvements, and • deliver efficient and effective technology services and shared solutions.

In addition, our facility maintenance team is energy conscious and continually strives to find ways to cut energy costs by using environmentally friendly products. They provide all city departments efficient service to enable them to work in a safe and comfortable atmosphere and maintain the facilities in good working

At Your Service

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

Holly Mitchell works out on a circuit weight machine, one of several new pieces of equipment added during the fall at the Brighton Recreation Center.

Anne Rhoades photo for The Banner

Work is under way to move the Main Street intersection at Bromley Lane about 200 feet east of its current location. The shift should allow for a full-movement intersection, including right and left turns to and Banner Press photo from Bromley. order and compliant with all mandated guidelines.

Our Human Resources Department, the Office of the City Clerk, and the Municipal Court are all led by Karen Borkowski Surine Karen assures that we continue to value our employees with training, awards, competitive benefits, recognition, bilingual pay, and a wellness program.

This year, Human Resources is committed to wellness and will continue to partner with Platte Valley Medical Center to make sure our employees are healthy. They will ensure a high level of customer service for the city by attracting and retaining quality staff.

Our city clerk, Natalie Hoel makes certain our records are maintained, our minutes are kept, our elections run smoothly. She oversees liquor licensing and other administrative functions.

The Municipal Court continues to provide a quality teen court program. Serving as our municipal judge is Kristin Brown. Judge Brown has done a wonderful job for our community and we thank her for

her service.

And serving as our deputy judge is William Hardesty.

Judge Hardesty, thank you for your commitment to the court system and the city of Brighton.

As a local government, being transparent and communicating what’s happening in the city is important to us. Helping us get the word out to our community and leading our Public Information and Community Resources office is Kristen Chernosky. The Public Information and Community Resources team is tasked with keeping our community informed, putting on community events as well as events at this facility we are in tonight, promoting the value of the arts and endorsing the spirit of creativity, and leading our city’s youth initiatives. They are a creative group with lots of plans for 2014.

In the coming year, keep your eyes and ears open for some new tools we’ll push out to keep our residents informed while also opening dialogue to hear what you have to say.

Our Special Events division and Armory have a lot in store

to keep you entertained.

It will bring back our great annual events, like Culturefest and Festival of Lights, while offering a fresh approach to some of our other city events.

Here at the Armory we’ve already got a jam-packed calendar. Thanks to Lodging Tax grant dollars, the Armory staff will put on a top-notch concert series this year that you won’t want to miss.

Our Arts and Culture office will continue to emphasize the importance of the arts in our community and work to bring all the entities that enrich our community together to develop a cultural arts plan for our future. And lastly, our Youth Services division, in coordination with our Brighton Youth Commission, will continue to push initiatives that help youth in our community. After all, our youth are our future and we need them to help make this community the best it can be. In April, the Youth Commission will host its third annual SPEAK Week, which focuses on awareness for suicide prevention. I hope you will come out for the 5K walk and help support this very important effort.

So as you can see, we’ve got a lot of great things happening in 2014 and a lot of hard work to do.

And I know because of the great people in this community, the sky is the limit.

I always say that it is not just one person that makes great things happen. It is not me, or your city council, or the city manager or staff … but collectively and collaboratively all of us working together to make Brighton the best it can be. It truly is a team effort.

I look forward to 2014. We are committed to make Brighton the best place in Colorado to live, learn, work and play. We are committed to being innovative, thoughtful, steadfast, responsible and responsive. And we are committed to doing the right thing not only for our community now but for those whom we will leave it to in the future.

Ladies and gentlemen, it is an honor for us to serve as your City Council. Thank you for everything you do to make Brighton a special place.

Before we end tonight, I would like to thank a few of our city employees for making tonight’s event possible: Sheryl Johnson, Kristen Chernosky, Andy Bergey, Zachary Reece, IT staff, and our great staff here at the Armory. Thank you for your hard work.

Thank you for coming tonight and thank you for being a part of Brighton!

Brighton Banner

January 30, 2014

Graduation rates rise in district School Board, from Page 1

District 27J Superintendent Chris Fiedler announced that district graduation rates rose significantly, growing by nearly 8 percent over the past year. 27J’s current graduation rate is 79.2 percent; it actually has a higher rate than the state average, which is 76.9 percent.

Fiedler said there is a 10 percent increase in the number of Hispanic students graduating on time, and that Hispanic males, a demographic Fielder has been especially concerned about, had a 12.2 percent increase in their rate of graduation. 27J has maintained the highest graduation rate of the surrounding districts for five years in a row.

The very first BOLT Academy student, Miranda Whetstone, graduated this month, finishing her schooling in only 31/2 years. Fiedler said that Whetstone would forever be a part of 27J trivia, as the first-ever graduate of

the new hybrid high school.

Fielder formally thanked the 27J Board of Education for its service to the district and the community after announcing a proclamation from Gov. John Hickenlooper naming January as School Board Appreciation Month.

The board recognized The Hibbert Group with the Reaching In award for its donation of supplies to the district. The organization donated extra office materials, including $4,000 worth of paper, and more than 500 three-ring binders that were distributed to district students. Chuck Robert accepted the award for Hibbert Group.

The next meeting of the Board of Education will be a Linkage with middle school students and parents, held on Feb. 11 at 6 p.m. at the Boys and Girls Club, 1800 Longspeak St. The next regular meeting is on Feb. 25 at 7 p.m. at Prairie View Middle School, 12915 E. 120th Ave., Henderson.

Police ‘Super’-size enforcement

The Brighton Police Department will step up its DUI enforcement efforts on Super Bowl Sunday, using funding from a Colorado Department of Transportation

grant, according to a news release from the department.

Two additional officers will patrol the streets, looking for drivers who are impaired by drugs or alcohol. over.

Police capture two suspects in purse thefts Brighton Police arrested two fugitives at the Best Western Brighton Inn on Jan. 22, related to thefts of purses and valuables from cars of people dropping off their children at day-care centers.

An alert hotel employee called the police after the suspects’ pictures were shown by the Longmont Police Department in a CrimeStoppers broadcast during the evening news.

The fugitives had registered at the hotel using an alias three nights earlier, according to a Brighton police news release.

Brighton officers contacted the Longmont Police Department and verified the identity of the two fugitives.

When officers arrived at the hotel, both of the fugitives were trying to escape through a side door. Bianca Montiel was taken into custody without incident.

Montiel was arrested on five warrants, four of which are felonies and a new charge of possession of methamphetamine.

Christopher Ureste fled from officers for about a quarter mile on foot before he was caught by Cpl. Keith Soustek. Ureste was arrested on 10 warrants, nine of which are felonies.

7

Author to speak at Feb. 11 session City Council, from Page 1

how to balance today’s urgent needs while keeping and eye on the future and maintaining a strong financial organization. Leading effectively, our children and families thrive, local economies to flourish, people are safer, infrastructure is efficiently planned and maintained, the environment is cleaner and healthier and preserved for future generations.”

Tuesday’s study session was the first of two (the next will be Feb. 11) at which the planning agendas for 2014 were to be discussed.

Esquibel has invited Peter Kageyama, author of the book, For the Love of Cities, to be a guest speaker at the first February study session.

In other business Tuesday, Mayor Pro-tem Kirby Wallin expressed community concerns about the parking problems around Donelson Park.

Lack of adequate parking spaces at the park is causing people to park on the side streets around the park. He said the problem will become more clear in the spring, when youth sports are in full swing.

Parks and Recreation Director Gary Wardle is looking into contacting the school district about working with

the city to build a parking area on the south west corner of the park next to the school.

He said the cost would be about $120,000 and that a water-drainage problem caused by ground water in the area would have to be addressed.

Interviews to fill vacant board and commission seats took place before the study session officially began.

Three candidates, Archie Demarest, Jeff Bernard, and Phil Covarrubias were interviewed by the council.

Council members asked a series of questions concerning each person’s qualifications and their ideas on handling difficult situations on the boards. A final vote to fill the positions will be made Tuesday at the regular council meeting.

Council member Cynthia Martinez brought up concerns about the questions asked of the applicants. She said she was concerned because some questions deemed redundant were skipped for some candidates for Planning Commission positions. City Clerk Natalie Hoel was asked to contact staffers tied to the respective boards and commissions to review the questions and make recommendations to the council.

Obituaries/funeral notices Bessie Edna McConahey

Bessie Edna McConahey, 95, of Brighton, died Jan. 27.

She was born in Monroe County, Mich. She was married to Earl Steven McConahey on July 29, 1939.

Bessie worked as a caregiver for her mother-in-law, and also worked for Shraders Bombs, Glove Factory in Ohio, Woolworth’s and daycare for five different families.

She was a member of the North Denver Democratic Party and had a passion for gardening, reading and Colorado history.

Bessie is survived by daughters JoAnn and Ruth and their spouses; 19 grandchildren and their spouses; 35 great-grandchildren and their spouses; 42 great-great-grandchildren; and two great-greatgreat-grandchildren.

Viewing, 11 a.m.-2 p.m., with memorial gathering at noon on Saturday at Olinger Moore Howard Chapel, 4345 W. 46th Ave., Denver.

Ruth E. Haggard

Ruth E. Haggard, 87, of Loveland, died Jan. 24. She

was born in Atwood, Kan. She moved with her parents to Brighton in 1936 where she helped with the family farm.

Ruth was a cake decorator for many years and in 1977 moved to Loveland and worked for Hewlett-Packard.

She loved to travel, especially to Las Vegas, and do many types of crafts.

Ruth was preceded in death by her husband and five siblings. Survivors include her sister Marge Parker.

Memorial service, 11 a.m. today at Viegut Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be given to Pathways Hospice in care of Viegut Funeral Home. Go to www.viegutfuneralhome.com for condolences.

Eva OrtegaMarquez

Eva Ortega-Marquez, 65, of Brighton, died Jan. 13 in Mexico. She was born to Francisco Ortega and Nemecia Herrera and married Amado Marquez in 1985 in Brighton.

She loved working in her garden and keeping herself busy. Eva enjoyed spending time with her family and extended family and was a loving mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. She was a member of St. Augustine Catholic Church and was a devout Catholic who spent her spare time praying for others.

Survivors include her children Oscar (Melissa) Raul-

Ortega, Anna Maria Ortega and Jose (Amber) GueraOrtega, all of Brighton, Jose Luis Ortega of Juarez, Mexico, and Abraham (Carmen) Medina of Roswell, N.M.; four sisters and four brothers; 16 grandchildren and one great-grandchild. She was preceded in death by her

husband, Amado, in 2012.

Rosary service and Mass of Christian burial, were held last week at St. Augustine Catholic Service. Graveside service was at Fort. Logan National Cemetery. TaborRice Funeral Home handled the arrangements.

Brighton Banner

8

January 30, 2014

T-hawks beat Bulldogs at their sport

By Michelle Boyer for The Banner Historically Brighton’s best sport has been wrestling. For Prairie View High School wrestling Coach Jason Humphrey, the yearly dual meet is huge. Humphrey is a Brighton wrestling alum himself.

Last Wednesday Prairie View demolished Brighton in their dual wrestling match, 40-23.

Humphrey said wrestlers to watch this far into the season are Santana Salas (113pounder), Kenan Davis (120), JR Lehmann (132), Luis Bejarano (145-pounder) and Alex Munoz (170-pounder).

“Munoz is a senior and one of the captains of the team,” Humphrey said. “He’s having a great season, and we do expect him to get to state again this year.”

Starting his season at the 182-pound weight class, Munoz said he cut his weight and started wrestling in the

170-pound class. His record this season is 26-7.

“My goal is to be a state placer this year,” he said.

“Last year I came up short, so I’m working hard to attain my goal of placing.”

Munoz qualified for state for the first time last season, where he finished fourth in the 182-pound weight class, with a 29-8 record.

Munoz started wrestling when he was 5. He said a guest speaker at his elementary school spoke about wrestling as the hardest thing a person could do, and he brought a flier that was handed out that day.

“My dad and I liked it ever since,” he said.

Munoz said his team looks great overall this season.

“Our coaches are pushing us to our limits, and making us better wrestlers each day,” he said. “We have kids that have barely started wrestling and kids who have been wrestling their whole life.

Prairie View High School wrestler Alex Munoz works toward a takedown against a Westminster wrestler. Munoz has been wrestling at 170 pounds recently.

Michelle Boyer photo for The Banner Everyone has bought into the program, and that’s why we’ll be successful as a team.”

He believes his teammates all have each other’s backs and the team is all supercompetitive. “Luis Bejarano and I are partners during practice,” Munoz said. “We get so competitive to the

point it’s almost a fistfight, but we hang out like nothing happened after practice.”

Wrestling isn’t the only important sport in Munoz’s life.

“I love football, and wrestling is more of a sport I do because only the toughest

of the tough and baddest of the bad are wrestlers,” he said.

“I want to be known as that wrestler who plays football because it helps with reactions and tackling while football aids in wrestling with footwork.”

After graduation, Munoz hopes to play football for Colorado State University.

He plans to earn his degree in fire science along with something in automotive studies.

“I will be a fireman, and also I love working on cars,” he said.

Saturday is the Brighton High School invitational.

Prairie View will participate in the meet that starts at 8 a.m. in Gamble Gymnasium.

“At this point in the year, all matches are huge because we’re getting really close to regionals,” Humphrey said.

“We need to make sure we’re peaking at the right time.”

Sister led Wentworth to swimming

By Michelle Boyer for The Banner Ashlee Wentworth would not call swimming a passion, just yet.

The Prairie View High School junior has been swimming on the Brighton High School swim team the past two years.

“I started swimming because my sister (Britnee) was on the swim team,” she said. “But I also wanted to try something different other than basketball. Swimming is something I do enjoy, though.”

She swims the 100-freestyle

in 1 minute, 12 seconds; the 100-backstroke in 1:22; and is a member of the medley relay, swimming the 50-backstroke in 37 seconds.

“My favorite event is the 100-yard backstroke because I just love swimming that stroke,” she said. “It’s the stroke that comes easiest to me, and I enjoy it more than any other stroke, and it’s the one I’m best at so I always try to beat my previous time at every meet to better myself.”

Brighton High School swimming is a school co-op sport that supports Prairie View, since it doesn’t have its

own swim program. When asked how Wentworth felt about swimming for the Brighton team, she said she loved it. Unlike other sports it doesn’t have that rivalry.

“Since I swim for BHS, and go to PVHS I have to wear Brighton stuff, which I get teased a lot for at school,” she said. “I love the girls from Brighton and the other schools. I’m glad it’s a co-op team because it gives me the opportunity to meet new people outside of my everyday school environment.”

Wentworth said despite her sister graduating in 2011 from

Prairie View, she still helps her on the weekends with her flip turns and other swimming techniques.

“My team is full of ladies that push me to do my best,” she said. “They’re a big reason why my season has gone so well, because right when I think I want to give up, they’re there to push me back up and encourage me to keep going. Overall my season has been personally successful.

I’ve dropped a ton of time on my personal events and have bonded a lot more with my team.”

Swimmer Ashlee Wentworth

By Michelle Boyer Adam Tabor plays basketball because he’s always been

around it with his older brothers, Michael and Collin, playing the sport. He’s played it for more than 10 years.

“I saw them playing, and it looked fun,” he said. “So, I thought I’d give it a try.”

The 6-foot-tall Bulldogs shooting/point guard, believes the team hasn’t had its best season, but certainly not it’s worst.

“Despite our losing record, one would think our team would be undefeated,” he said. “The way we play and act; both on and off the court, choose to never give up and how we keep pushing through the season tells a lot.

“It’s been hard to maintain a successful basketball team, due to having four new coaches in the past four years.

But we look past that, and we continue to ‘ramp up,’ as our

team says.”

Tabor said there’s a big difference playing varsity compared to junior varsity this year. “The speed is a lot different, as is the pressure,” he said. “But I choose to look past that, and play the game like I know how, no matter what level of competition it is.”

Although he plays basketball, Tabor said baseball is his favorite sport.

“I believe it’s the sport I’m best at,” he said. “It was my first true love. Baseball is my life, and I truly don’t know what I would do without it in my life.”

Playing not only basketball, but also football in the fall, Tabor said both help build his stamina. They keep him in shape, too.

“Football builds up my strength, speed, toughness

and agility,” he said.

“Baseball builds up my quickness and hand-eye coordination. I believe all the skills one needs for a certain sport benefit and make a person better at the other.

“Football I mainly play just for fun. Basketball and baseball on the other hand, I play for the love of the game. And that means the most to me.”

Because this is Tabor’s first year playing varsity basketball, he hasn’t received any

awards, other than a couple of most-valuable-player awards for certain games this season, such as the Prairie View game earlier this month.

“Sports are my life, and mean everything in the world to me,” he said. “I honestly don’t know what I would do with my life without them.”

Brighton is 4-13 overall this season and 2-3 in leagues.

Brighton’s next game is 7 p.m. Tuesday at Adams City.

Basketball always a part of Adam Tabor’s life

Brighton High School guard Adam Tabor dribbles upcourt.

Michelle Boyer photo for The Banner