Brighton banner january 9, 2014

The Banner

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Brighton news for Brighton readers

Volume 6, No. 2

January 9, 2014

8 pages

New era for City Council

By Michael Miller for The Banner Tuesday’s Brighton City Council meeting was, basically, a changing of the guard: Three former City Council members stepped down and the 2014 Council took office.

The warm and memorable occasion began with a statement from Mayor Richard McLean during the meeting of the outgoing Council. As three Council Members took their seats for the last time, he said that he had mixed emotions. He spoke of the abundance of good work that had been done and that Brighton was a better place because of these efforts.

The mayor said the group had gone beyond being just Council Members: They had learned to put aside personal differences and had become friends.

Mayor McLean then presented a plaque and a gift basket to Councilors Chris Maslanik and Wilma Rose and Mayor Protem Wayne Scott.

McLean said being mayor pro-tem is a thankless job but Scott always had his back, that Rose likes to grow things and she made Brighton a greener place, and that Maslanik used his skills as a developer to help build Brighton.

In turn, each of the outgoing members offered gratitude and compliments to Brighton’s fine staff, department heads, and shared memories of special projects and their time while serving Brighton.

Clockwise from left: New Ward 1 City Council Member Joan Kniss recites the oath of office with Chief District Judge C. Vincent Phelps. Outgoing Councilor Wilma Rose receives a garden variety sendoff. Mayor Pro-tem Joel Radke photos Wayne Scott dons a captain’s cap.

See Council, Page 3

Sister (City) Act 1 under way at Armory Mayor Antoni Herbowski, will welcome Brightonians on Saturday to the Armory art exhibit of his city …

Ziebice, Poland.

The opening reception for scores of photographs of Brighton’s sister city will include a telecast welcome from the Ziebice mayor, who has, in fact, visited Brighton in person.

Opening reception is planned for 46 p.m. Saturday for Images of Ziebice, A pictorial trip to our Sister City, Ziebice, Poland, To celebrate 20 years of friendship between the cities of Brighton and Ziebice, Poland, award-winning photographer and Ziebice resident Stanislaw Popardowski has prepared

a pictorial essay of Brighton’s sister city.

The display provides an intimate look at architecture, nature, city life and landscape of the 750-year-old historical city and the surrounding area.

A Brighton contingent will help Ziebice celebrate in Poland in late May and early June. On even-num-

Inside The Banner this week Robo car? Close

New police cars, designed with comfort and safety of officers in mind, now cruise Brigthon streets. – Page 2

It’s all business

With the new year comes a new series of classes from the Small Business

Development Center in Brighton. See what’s available.

– Page 6

Also:

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

Don’t miss: Relay for Life kickoff – See story on Page 2

Brighton’s Sailas enjoys being a guard.

– Page 8

bered years, Brighton residents and students visit Ziebice; on odd-numbered years, the students and chaperones from Ziebice come to Brighton.

Brighton will hold a similar celebration here next year.

The photo show itself opened last weekend and will run through Feb. 17 See Sister, Page 3

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The Banner

Brighton Banner (USPS 290), January 9, 2014, Volume 6, No. 2, 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

16th Relay for Life kickoff is Monday

Theme for the 2014 Brighton Relay for Life event – the 16th time the city has participated in the community fundraiser for the American Cancer Society – will be revealed on Monday.

One part of the highenergy event that brings the community together for the common cause of ending cancer is the new location for the Brighton Relay: Carmichael Park.

Relay General Chairman Michele Lussier will announce the theme and provide further details about the Brighton relay at the annual Brighton Relay Kickoff event, beginning at 6:30 p.m.

Monday at the Armory, 300 Strong St. Enjoy light refreshments and information about the services the American Cancer Society provides to cancer patients, and what’s being done to find cures for cancers.

Learn what local fundraising dollars make possible, and the many ways you can become part of Brighton’s biggest fundraising and celebration event ever, says a news release from the committee.

In addition to those details about the Relay itself, June 20, you also can meet some local cancer survivors who can tell you how relay has helped their lives. The Relay Committee also will recognize the teams that already have registered.

An added incentive at Monday’s meeting is that any team that registers on Monday night will have its $100 registration fee waived.

The Relay news release states that there are many ways you can participate: as an individual, or as a fundraising team with neighbors, friends, family, and coworkers.

The local committee will

help you with suggestions for a variety of fundraising activities. You’ll be a part of the many ways Brighton celebrates and supports the cancer survivors in the community, honors the memory of those we have lost, and raises money for research to stop the disease.

The January 13 event is open to the community.

Everyone has been, or will be, touched by cancer in their lifetimes. Relay provides an opportunity to fight it together.

Contact Michele Lussier, 720-641-7733, if you have any questions, or visit www. brightonarearelay.com.

CASA 101 session planned for today

CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates) of Adams and Broomfield Counties invites you to learn how your voice can make a difference in the life of an abused and neglected child at their ‘CASA 101’ Information Session from from 6 to 7:30 p.m. today at the Adams County Economic Development Building, 12200 Pecos St. Suite 100, Westminster.

‘CASA 101’ will provide attendees with an overview of the program which is currently seeking caring, community volunteers to advocate on behalf of abused and neglected children who have open cases in the judicial system.

CASA of Adams & Broomfield Counties is looking for individuals who are interested in becoming CASA Volunteer Advocates, who represent the best interests of abused and neglected children who are involved in the court system, through no fault of their own.

CASA staff members will be on hand to speak with guests about the program.

Brighton Banner

January 9, 2014

Safety key element in police car design

By Elena Guerrero Townsend for The Banner

This isn’t your grandfather’s police car. The smart and elegant Ford Taurus Interceptor is the police car of the future.

Sgt. Andre Perdomo of the Brighton Police Department said its fleet of Crown Victoria Interceptors has served the department well, but in 2013, Ford stopped making that model.

The Brighton Police Department chose to continue its tradition of buying Fords and purchased the next-generation of Interceptors: a modified Ford Taurus.

“To make the new generation of interceptors more officer friendly, the Ford Motor Co. asked police officers from all over the United States for their input,” Perdomo said.

“Ford improved the design to handle the rigors of police work.”

The old Crown Victorias were civilian cars and were not prewired for what Perdomo calls “plug-andplay,” to add the special equipment required for a police car. Ford changed that.

It now outfits the new retrostyled Interceptor sedans and SUVs to accommodate the police force. Body shops no longer have to drill into the car bodies to add the specific light bars on top.

Ford also designed specifically contoured driver’s seats to fit the bulky duty belts officers are required to wear. The modified seat gives officers a more comfortable ride and makes for less back and hip pain and less fatigue.

Another modification needed was wider back doors. Wider doors help officers put arrestees/prisoners in and out of the back seat more easily. Interceptors are equipped with blind-spot warning. So when they

change lanes the feature can warn them if another vehicle is in their blind spot. They come with back up cameras and sensors, another great safety feature.

The new Interceptors have Level III ballistic door panels.

Bullet proof doors are a great apparatus for officers to use for protection in a gunfight.

Ford’s new law-enforcement cars also have wider tires and larger brakes.

“Officers love that they now have all-wheel drive,” Perdomo said. “This improvement is tremendous because it allows them to respond quicker in snow storms. It also keeps them from getting stuck in the snow. It is quite an improvement over the read-wheel-drive Crown Vics.

“Law offenders beware the horsepower in some of the new vehicles,” Perdomo said.

“It is a highly efficient 3.5liter V-6 EcoBoost twin-turbo engine delivering no less than 263 horsepower. It is 25 percent more efficient than the 4.6-liter SOHC V-8 offered in the current Crown Victoria.

The new engine also is E-85 compatible. The Crown Vic roughly has 220 horsepower.”

A few years ago, Chief Clint Blackhurst wanted a new design for his fleet of police patrol cars. However, he wanted to keep the signature black-and-white paint scheme. A new logo was integrated onto a mostly black car. By changing the logo the car is more noticeable. And the reflective paint makes the vehicle more visible at night.

When headlights hit these patrol cars at night, drivers can tell immediately it is a patrol car because it has 365 degrees of reflection.

“The new logo improves safety and visibility of the vehicle,” he said.

Police cars essentially are roving offices. When police

departments receive their law enforcement vehicles from the factories, they add additional equipment: specific light bars; onboard computers; mobile data terminals that they call MDTs. “That is how officers are dispatched to their service from the citizen who calls 911,” Perdomo said.

Some of the cars are equipped with an automated license plate reader (ALPR).

Those cameras use infrared beam to scan license plates.

Then the plate reader cross checks them with the Colorado Bureau Investigation database. The cameras can spot plates that belong to a stolen car or a car used in a burglary or robbery.

It alerts the officers if that vehicle is one of interest.

It also helps them catch registered sex offenders traveling in a prohibited area, where children frequent, such as a school or park. The information from the ALPR alerts officers only if the sex offender is driving a vehicle registered to a sex offender.

Of course, police agencies install radar to monitor both stationary and oncoming traffic. “Our units are not equipped with Facial Recognition, and there are no plans on purchasing this technology in the near future,” Perdomo said.

This year Blackhurst is adding a couple of Ford SUVs. They look like Ford Explorers but have more room in them than the sedans they currently have. And the SUVs will come with all the same features as the cars.

Brighton Police Officers appreciated that Ford listened to their concerns and acted on them. They are enjoying all the new features that help keep them more comfortable and safe.

Police agencies nationwide helped Ford design a new police patrol vehicle. Photo courtesy Brighton police

Brighton Banner

January 9, 2014

3

Student-athletes have an advocate

By Michelle Boyer for The Banner Whether you’re a parent or a student-athlete, selecting the right college to further not only your education, but your athletics, is important.

RecruitMe2Play.com is a comprehensive college athletic scholarship service founded in 2009 by Darrell Johnson a former assistant coach at Prairie View High School.

“I’m a youth/high school football coach, and father of an NCAA Division I football player,” he said. “As a coach, and a parent I’ve had firsthand exposure to the glaring inefficiencies and ambiguity for student-athletes and parents regarding the college recruiting process. College is a major and critical part of our society and student athletes (scholarship and nonscholarship) are a major part of college.”

Johnson said the process starts when student-athletes are young and in their earliest experience in youth athletics, a time when most dream of playing their sport in college.

“The sad reality is that the process is complicated with so many moving parts that you as a parent and studentathletes must first understand, then navigate the entire process to ultimately get noticed, recruited and then receive a scholarship.

Compounding an already difficult process are two major myths that result in most student athletes – who are good students, solid athletes and qualified to compete for college scholarships – not getting noticed and ultimately recruited,” he said.

“First myth accepted by parents and students: ‘My son is such a good athlete that he’ll be discovered by college coaches and recruiters.’ That myth and belief held by most parents and student-athletes is totally false. Unless you

are one of what we call the 5percenters, you won’t be discovered and recruited. Fivepercent athletes are those who are so exceptional that they have been identified and rated by major national recruiting sources like Scouts and Rivals. In fact, there are more than a million studentathletes nationwide, and its numerical impossibility that a college representative will likely discover any one student-athlete out of the millions of scholarship candidates.

“The second critical myth or false assumption accepted by parents and student-athletes: ‘My high school coach will get me noticed and recruited.’ ” Johnson said these false beliefs will result in most student-athletes going unrecruited, and then maybe never attending college at all.

“Most high school coaches don’t have the knowledge, expertise, contacts or networks to effectively market their athletes,” Johnson said.

“They don’t have the resources or time to mount an effective campaign. Either one or both of these ‘myths’ can and most often result in a good student possibly never attending a college at all.”

Johnson said the solution is for every student-athlete to be responsible for their recruiting success and get help.

“The simple answer, get help, but from where and at what cost, how much should you plan on spending,” he said. “There are many recruiting services available costing from $1,000 to $8,000.

RecruitME2Play.com was created with two ideas in mind: comprehensive total recruiting service at an affordable price. We approach the entire process, from how to determine at which level your student athlete can realistically compete, recruiting rules and

Darrell Johnson, right, of RecruitMe2Play.com has the experience of a father, a coach and as an athlete.

Photo courtesy Darrell Johnson practices, arranging college visits, to access to every school in the country.

RecruitME2Play.com has this and much more, all collected and assembled under our site.”

Johnson’s experience has taught him that the one single key to successful recruiting is the time a person starts the process. “Ideally a studentathlete wants to start the recruiting process just prior to his freshman year,” he said.

“Parents and students must understand for colleges coaches and recruiters, it’s all about business. Their livelihood is contingent on building and maintaining a successful and productive sports program. The college is going to invest a lot of money on a scholarship student-athlete.

“However, before they do they’re going to do ‘due diligence’ to ensure that the person is right for their program.

They will do this by scrutinizing three characteristics of each athlete.

RecruitME2Play.com calls these the Recruiting Triad: academics, athletics and intangibles. Academics and athletics are pretty obvious, however intangibles are less obvious, but critically important. Intangibles are things

Images already in Armory Sister, from Page 1

in the Armory Performing Arts Center, 300 Strong St. The exhibit, prepared exclusively for the citizens of Brighton, is Popardowski’s 10th international show of his works.

Many of the photographs will be for sale while on exhibit, some will be reserved for the annual Brighton Sister Cities dinner and auction on Feb. 15 at the Brighton Recreation Center.

For more information, call Ken Kreutzer at 303659-4431.

Stanislaw Popardowski’s images of Ziebice, at the Armory, look even better in full color.

Banner Press photo

that relate to the individual, like their character, attitude, what coaches and teachers say about them, references and anything that will provide insight on them as a person. The college may even review the athlete’s Facebook page or their Instagram account, anything that will give them insight into the individual as a recruit.”

Johnson said RecruitME2 Play.com works with each recruit to ensure that their recruiting profile reflects well on them as a recruit.

By starting the process as early as the student’s freshman year, Johnson said will help ensure that the individual is addressing all of the recruiting requirements throughout the high school years, so in the end they’re positioned to receive scholarship offers starting their junior year.

“Remember, the scholarship award is at its core about business, and business is about relationships and further relationships take time to develop,” he said. “That is why I insist success requires student-athletes to start early.”

Johnson believes strongly that to succeed in the recruiting campaign; it requires two players, including the student

athlete and at least one parent or guidance figure.

“Most parents and students don’t begin until their senior year, and frankly in most cases it’s too late,” Johnson said. “There are things we can do to get back on track, so I tell athletes it’s never too late. Let’s go to work and something will happen.

Recruits should know that most, if not all, programs begin building their ‘recruiting roster’ for any given recruiting year as early as the freshman year. So, if you wait until your junior or senior year to begin your recruiting you’ll find that you’re too late because most colleges are already done recruiting for your graduation year.”

RecruitME2Play.com uses its trademarked Student Athlete Recruiting Profile (SAs) as the main marketing tool or media.

RecruitME2Play.com structures our entire process around the student-athlete’s current grade (9-12) and all recruiting activities accordingly,” such as developing solid skills, Johnson said.

He said the main recruiting reality of RecruitME2Play.com is to address early in the process how to help the students and parents understand the academic and athletic structure of college athletics.

Colleges can be public or private schools that are categorized athletically as National Collegiate Athletic Association or NCAA Division I, II, III, NAIA or junior colleges.

“The student athlete and parents need to understand the levels and what the standards are for each level. The SA and parents need to be informed on the competitive standards for each level and then make an informed decision on which level they can realistically compete.”

Wallin elected mayor pro-tem Council, from Page 1

Apparent to all three, foremost to them was representing the people of Brighton.

Their comments were always favorable and often humorous. Each of the remaining Council members spoke in kind to the three of them.

School District 27J Superintendent Chris Fiedler then presented each outgoing member a plaque made by students of Prairie View High School. The outgoing council meeting was then adjourned.

The incoming Council’s meeting was called to order.

Judge C. Vincent Phelps, chief judge of the 17th Judicial District, stepped forward to conduct the swearing in of (re-elected) Mayor McLean,

new Council Member Joan Kniss, re-elected Council Member Rex Bell, new Council Member Ken Kreutzer, and new Council Member Mark Humbert.

Kreutzer garnered a big laugh from the assembled audience when he said, as he walked up to Judge Phelps, “The last time I stood in front of you, I lost my driver’s license.”

McLean began Brighton’s meeting the new City Council by challenging all council members to do better than the previous one.

The first official action of the new council: electing Kirby Wallin, of Ward 1, as the new mayor pro-tem for the next two years. Also running was J.W. Edwards of Ward 4.

Brighton Banner

4

Word on the street Question: What is your favorite activity on a snowy day?

(Asked at the Brighton Recreation Center) – by Anne Rhoades

“Snowboarding. It’s a good workout and a lot of fun.”

– Ben Randall Brighton

his

Caregivers Support Group, Eagle View Adult Center, 10-11:30 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.

Medicaid and Medicare, Eagle View Adult Center, 1:30 p.m.; these are NOT the same government programs; learn the differences, about the eligibility requirement, and hot-button issues surrounding them. An attorney from Dolan & Associates, PC, will lead the program.

Deadline Jan. 7

or

of

The week ahead

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

“A hot cup of tea, fuzzy socks, a good book and a blanket.”

– Raya Cox, Fort Lupton

in s

Today

Smoking-cessation classes: Ready.

Set. Quit! Platte Valley Medical Center Conference Room C, 4:30-6:30 p.m.; Ready to kick the habit once and for all?

Seven-week class. Fresh approach to quitting; physical and emotional benefits of quitting; How to remove roadblocks; About nicotine-replacement therapies and the correct use and potential side effects of prescription quit-smoking medications. Help to quit smoking and begin a new smoke-free life; Session runs Jan.9-Feb. 20. Register with Chris Bowlin at 303-498-2190 or cbowlin@pvmc.org; sessions taught by hospital respiratory therapists; $40.

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

ed er n

l 1.

Baby Basics, Platte Valley Medical Center, 6-8:30 p.m.; This class helps you set realistic expectations for your baby’s first months and provides information and hands-on practice on feeding, bathing, diapering, care basics, vaccinations, safe sleeping, car-seat use; $40, register at 303-498-3518

“Sledding, because I can relive my childhood.”

– Matt Washburn, Boulder

Bingo at the VFW, 6 p.m.,161 N. Main St. Progressive last game.

Friday

Bonfils Blood Drive, Platte Valley Medical Center, 1600 Prairie Center Parkway; 9 a.m.-2:30 p.m.

“Snowboarding, because I’m pretty good at it and I like to jump.”

– Jonas Lach, Germany (BHS exchange student)

Rec Center closing for 3 days

The Brighton Recreation Center, 555 N. 11th Ave., will be closed Friday through Sunday to address a repair to the center’s boilers.

The closure is necessary because water to the entire building must be shut off

during the repairs.

All annual and quarterly pass holders will be credited for three additional days of membership.

The Recreation Center will reopen at 5:30 a.m. on Jan. 13.

January 9, 2014

Friday’s Feast, Eagle View Adult Center, noon; Canadian bacon and potato soup, sandwich and dessert, entertainment in recognition of the birthday of the King of Rock and Roll, $4, deadline was Jan. 8.

Saturday

Guided Bird Walk, Barr Lake State Park, 9 a.m.; grab your field guide and binoculars (or borrow a set from the park) and enjoy a morning of birding, all adult ability levels, 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 Opening Reception, Images of Ziebice, 4-6 p.m. Saturday at the Armory, 300 Strong St.: A pictorial trip to Sister City Ziebice, Poland. Award-winning 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. Some works will be for sale while on exhibit; some will be reserved for Brighton Sister Cities annual dinner and auction on Feb. 15 at the Brighton Recreation Center.

p.m.

Events at the Armory Opening Reception, Images of Ziebice, 4-6 p.m. Saturday: A pictorial trip to Sister City Ziebice, Poland. Award-winning 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.

Elle Records presents: Syndney Rose and Playing the Saint, Jan. 18, 7 p.m.; Great new bands with young fresh flavor. Tickets $10 online, $15 at the door. Tickets can be purchased at brightonarmory.org

Salsa Night featuring Colorado's HOTTEST Salsa band, Quemando, 8:30 p.m. Jan. 25; Also be ready for free salsa dance lessons. Tickets $7 online, $10 at the door, order online at brightonarmory.org

Sunday

Breakfast at “the V,” VFW Hall, 161 N. Main St., eggs to order; choice of sausage, ham, bacon; pancakes, English muffin or toast; fruit, juice, coffee, 711 a.m. Everyone welcome. $5 for those 55 or older, $5.50 for all others.

Terry All Dog Show, Fairgrounds Exhibit Hall, 8 a.m.-5 p.m.

Monday

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

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. Online registration suggested: anythinklibraries.org 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 Back to “Normal,” Eagle View Adult Center class, 1-2 p.m.; what is “normal” during grief and loss? What helps us cope? Information meeting on grief, loss and living. Deadline Jan. 9

Welcome Back Session, Anythink Brighton, 3:30 p.m.; what do YOU want to experience at the library? Have fun with other teens and help the library create new programs and activities for you and your friends. Snacks provided. For students in grades 6-12.

Tuesday

Cardiac Support Group, Platte Valley Medical Center Conference Room C, 12:30 p.m.; for anyone coping with car-

diovascular disease, RVSP jalvarez@pvmc.org or 303-498-1850

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

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

Pilates Mat Class, Platte Valley Medical Center Conference Center, 5:45-6:30 p.m.; increase strength, tone, flexibility, stamina, overall fitness and health, $9 per class, 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, anythinklibraries.org

Lure and Lore of Deserts, Eagle View Adult Center trip, 9:30 a.m.; each desert of the world is unique, with its own look, feel, and past. The one similarity is their attraction to humans throughout the centuries. This is part of the popular Northglenn Travel Film Series. Lunch after at the Cracker Barrel. $10 plus meal ($8+), Deadline: Jan. 7 Brighton Book Lovers, Anythink Brighton, 10-11:30 a.m.; Join us for a lively discussion of The House on Mango Street by Sandra Cisneros. Told in a series of vignettes – sometimes heartbreaking, sometimes deeply joyous – this is the story of a young Latina girl growing up in Chicago, inventing for herself who and what she will become. For adults.

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 After-School Get Together: Puzzles, Anythink Brighton, 2:30-4:30 p.m.; Use your creative side to turn a blank puzzle into colorful piece of art. For students in grades K-5.

The Studio: Low Light and Slow Motion, Anythink Brighton, 2:30 p.m.; Learn how to create fun photographic images using slow motion, low light, no light and slow shutters. For students in grades 6-12.

Thursday

Healthy Tips, Eagle View Adult Center, 11 a.m.

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

The Studio: 3-D Design and Printing with 123-D Design Online, Anythink Brighton, 7-8 p.m.; ready to get a little more in-depth with 3-D image creation?

Learn to use 123-D Design to create 3-D images, download the software, create the images, save, share and prepare to print. An email address is required to use the software. RSVP online Bingo at the VFW, 6 p.m.,161 N. Main St. Progressive last game.

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

January 9, 2014

5

‘Mitty’ plot as plain as hero’s name

Walter Mitty (Ben Stiller), a photo negative developer for Time magazine for 16 years, “zones out” often, vividly imagining himself as a suave (by his definition, apparently) hero and adventurer who woos his co-worker/crush, Cheryl Melhoff (Kriesten Wiig).

From jumping into a burning building to hiking the Himalayas, Walter leads adventurous (albeit fantastical and corny) daydreams.

His real life: not quite so exciting.

He has not been anywhere or done anything worthy of mentioning, in his own opinion, so he cannot even spice up his online dating profile to get a single “wink.”

Walter’s job is at stake when he misplaces a photo slide from his friend and renowned photographer, Sean O’Connell (Sean Penn), that was supposed to be the cover photo for Time’s very last issue. Walter decides to travel

to Greenland to find Sean, who does not have a cell phone, to get some answers about the negative that was never there when Walter received it.

Scheduling the plane ride the same day he decides to leave, traveling with no clean clothes or toiletries, and finding a person who could be anywhere in another country is as fantastical as Walter’s daydreams, yet the filmmakers want us to believe that he just up and left, always headed in the right direction.

Not only that, but he returns to work on the spur of the moment and then continues his journey again, making his travels seem rocket speed.

In addition, the time he spends in Greenland, Iceland, Yemen, and Afghanistan is glossed over, too. He experiences some unique events: jumping into a helicopter with a questionable pilot, fighting off a shark, outrun-

Movies Walter Mitty

By Abby Wright

Abby Wright and Michael Miller review new movies regularly for The Banner. ning a volcano, skateboarding for miles down a beautiful country road, seeing a snow leopard roar, playing soccer in the Himalayas, but the experiences mean nothing because the movie lacks insight; instead, it possesses quantity over quality.

Even the characters, with the exception of elusive, wise,

At AMC Theaters in Brighton Pavilions Writers: Steve Conrad, James Thurber Director: Ben Stiller Starring: Ben Stiller, Kristen Wiig, Jon Daly Genre: Adventure, comedy, drama, fantasy Rating: PG for some crude comments, language, and action violence Run time: 1 hour, 54 minutes.

Abby’s grade: 2.5 of 5 and playful Sean O’Connell, are like soda-pop that has gone flat. Walter and Cheryl like each other because they are both kind people with dry senses of humor, barely enough to make viewers crack a smile.

His unbelievable jerk of a boss (Adam Scott) adds some tension to a bland movie, but

nothing more. The friends he meets along his journey are fleeting and simply fillers or like the artificial coloring in the flat soda.

Walter’s chemistry with his sister (Kathryn Hahn) is nonexistent, despite the attempts to illustrate their closeness, and any boring conversation in which his sister participates somehow makes us want to not be in Walter’s life anymore with him, though Kathryn Hahn was offbeat and hilarious in We’re the Millers (2013).

Walter Mitty was a missed opportunity to create a meaningful, memorable experience for viewers, because the idea of abandoning the mundane never became anything more than mundane itself.

The story is thin, the humor dry, the characters stale. It’s like being hungry and having only an old loaf of plain bread to eat. Walter Mitty does not satisfy when it is as ordinary as the name.

‘Hustle’ proves to be sleep inducer

Imagine opening on a balding 50-something with a paunch standing in front of a mirror doing his very best comb-over, which includes a bad hairpiece and cosmetic glue.

This scene is dull, not the least bit interesting or funny, had nothing to do with this character’s development, and it was excessively long to the point of being boring.

If the director’s intention was to set the tone and give his audience an idea of what to expect from this movie, he succeeded. The opener pretty much sums up American Hustle.

After Irving Rosenfeld finishes putting himself together, he joins a woman, Sydney Prosser, whom he is having a relationship with, and Richie DiMaso, who has brought them here.

We learn they are working a con and the mark is about to enter the room. Con-game films are not a bad premise, there have been some excellent ones in the past, notably The Sting. Hustle has no Sting.

The mark is a mayor in New Jersey and the con does-

Movies

At AMC Theaters in Brighton Pavilions

American Hustle

Writers: Eric Singer, David Russell Director: David Russell Starring: Christian Bale, Bradley Cooper Genre: Crime, drama Rating: R for pervasive language, some sexual content and brief violence Run time: 2 hours, 18 minutes.

Michael’s grade: 2 of 5

By Michael Miller

Abby Wright and Michael Miller review new movies regularly for The Banner. n’t go quite as planned. The mayor is a stand-up guy who refuses to take money that is shoved at him and leaves the room. Irving chases after him and film goes to a flashback.

Irving has been a con man for most of his life, consequently he became good at it.

He marries and adopts her child, then he meets the woman he should have married.

He brings Sydney into his fold and they embark on a successful voyage of many

cons for several years. One day they con an undercover FBI agent, Richie DiMaso.

Richie has nothing on Irving but he places Sydney under arrest.

To give you an idea of how this film is faring to its audience so far, the gentleman in the next seat is sleeping.

Richie has been watching Irving for some time and now has a proposition for Irving.

To get Syndey out of jail, he wants Irving to develop a con to lure some crooked public

officials into accepting bribes.

Here, we see that this movie is loosely – key word here – based on the FBI’s ABSCAM incident of the late 1970s.

Irving’s plan is to convince the political officials that a wealthy Arabian sheikh wants to build a casino in Atlantic City but requires American citizenship to do it.

The flashback ends and ultimately we see U.S. Congressman after U.S. Congressman taking briefcases stuffed with cash while insisting they’ll do whatever they can for the betterment of America.

Amy Adams (that gentleman was wide awake for a couple of her rather revealing scenes) and all the actors did a good job portraying their parts. The acting cannot be faulted, and look for Robert DeNiro in a solid bit part.

Using ABSCAM as the basis for a script seems like a good idea for a movie but the writers would have been much better off had they adhered to the actual true and compelling story of this FBI pursuit of corrupt politicians.

Bob Guccione, Penthouse magazine publisher, building a

Police investigate Carmichael vandalism

Brighton police are investigating several cases of vandalism to the new restroom facilities in Carmichael Park, behind City Hall at 650 Southern St. The crimes, which have been occurring since approximately Dec. 14, include dam-

age to drinking fountain pipes, rocks torn from the exterior facade of the building, damage to mirrors and light sensors inside the restrooms, and someone setting a fire that damaged walls inside the facility.

Police Chief Clint

Blackhurst said the real victims of the crimes were the citizens of Brighton, who will be unable to use the facilities until they can be repaired.

“In a city that takes such pride in providing quality recreational facilities for its residents to enjoy, it’s a

shame to see senseless acts like this, which hurt us all and benefit no one,” he said.

Anyone with information related to any of the vandalism incidents is asked to call the Brighton Police Department tip-line at 303655-8740.

casino in Atlantic City at the time, was talked to. He declined and later filed suit against the government for its approach.

Instead, it veers well off the mark – pun intended. It was very much lackluster, it drags constantly, utilizing many filler shots to give it length, has little to no action, and you can see the end coming from 35 years ago. There is no place to lay the blame for this but at the director, from the feet up.

That gentleman sitting, well, sleeping next to me: He left the theater a little early.

Brighton Banner

6

January 9, 2014

Start new year with small business classes

The Brighton Small Business Development Center is starting a new schedule of classes and hopes to provide business owners/operators with excellent information for the year to help you as you start or grow your business, according to a news release from SBDC director Teri Sanchez.

Workshops are open to both business owners and and employees, and most are free.

On Jan. 31, facilitators are adding a surprise for the participants: Door prizes valued at $20.

“Be certain to sign up for ‘Effective Communication in the Workplace,’ especially if you have employees, customers or vendors. That would be everyone, right?”

Sanchez wrote.

If you are self employed, the time to start considering retirement and estate planning is now, not later, and there’s a class in that this spring.

“Even a few dollars put aside each month now will provide you with a comfortable retirement in the future,” she noted. “I realize we sometimes get so busy working in our business we forget to provide for ourselves. Be certain to sign up for Estate and Retirement Planning for Small Business Owners,” you have several dates to choose from.

Among the upcoming classes: Estate & Retirement Planning For Small Businesses Jan. 17, 9 a.m.- noon No matter where your business is or where you are in life, whether starting a company or planning for your retirement, careful financial, business and estate plan-

ning are critical. Many business owners underestimate their need to save for retirement and don’t take advantage of savings opportunities.

At the same time, there should be special consideration of the complexity of income flow and diversity of various business practices with the ebbs and flows of your business. Join the SBDC for a free presentation on building your retirement roadmap, and how to protect your business, yourself and your family should something happen to you. The objective of this session is to gain a better understanding of the importance of saving for retirement, as well your options for reducing risk and managing your assets, understanding how to exit your business when you are ready and how to manage succession or closing your business on retirement.

Speakers: Chuong M. Le, The Le Law Group and T. Lloyd Worth, Worth Financial Partners, LLC FEE: Free

Biz Start-up Academy Jan. 24, 9 a.m. -4 p.m.

Today more people are starting their own business for many reasons; downsizing where they worked for many years; following a lifelong dream; freedom, etc. This allday workshop will get you in motion. Facilitators will walk you through the steps in one day: 1. What’s in a name 2. Determine a legal structure 3. Register your business name. Check the Secretary of State business database to see if it is available.

4. Get an FEIN (Federal Employee Identification Number).

At Your Service For Service Guide

The Banner rates, call

303-654-1155

5. Get a business license.

6. Doing business with your municipality 7. Understanding federal state, county and city tax requirements.

8. Understand how to obtain a business bank account.

9. Set up a simple accounting spreadsheet.

10. Identify your customer segments and revenue streams 11. Meet with counselors to get questions answered and set up a follow-up appointment.

This one-day training will take a few hours but in the end you will have a better understanding of how to start and run your business and all the confusion surrounding licensing and legal requirements will be behind you.

What is more, you will be an entrepreneur with a network of advisers and documents to get you off on the right foot.

Speakers: Amanda Griffin, Colorado Marketing Chick, Chuong M. Le, The Le Law Group, Michael Silva, City of Brighton Sales Tax Division, Valerie Escatel, Valley Bank & Trust Lynn Weintraub C.E.S., P.A.; Business Consultants Corp. Access to Capital Panel Fee: $35 $25 Prepaid- send check to: BEDC/SBDC 1850 Egbert St. Suite 140, Brighton CO 80601 OR $35 at the door

Effective Communication in the Workplace Jan. 31, 9 a.m.-noon Communication has gotten increasingly complicated lately with the help of technology. Text, email, phone calls, social media, and even in-person conversations can get messy and misconstrued, leading to conflicts in the workplace. At this training, learn how to communicate more clearly, how to give and receive feedback, and how to quickly address and resolve conflicts when they occur.

Speaker: Kate Aronoff; Peer Assistance Services, Inc. FEE: Free How to Sell Without Looking and Feeling Like a

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

Salesperson Topic: Marketing and Sales Register online Feb. 7, 9 a.m.-noon North Metro Denver SBDC Brighton Satellite The No. 1 skill of business owners is the ability to sell.

However, people are never really taught how to sell effectively. The old school way of selling features, advantages and benefits has lost its effectiveness and most often will place you into a position of frustration, anger and fatigue.

Are you tired of chasing clients? Are you tired of playing by their rules? Are you tired of playing the waiting game with prospects? Would you like to learn to sell without looking like a sales person? Come learn how to effectively solve your clients’ problems and build an open, honest sales environment that will lead you to more success and income.

Speaker(s): Chris Felton, author of Couples Money Fee: Free

BizModel Workshop – Planning for Business Development and Growth Topic: Business Basics Feb. 28, 9 a.m. -4 p.m.

North Metro Denver SBDC Brighton Satellite Forget Business Plans! The business planning method for the 21st Century is more practical and effective in not only starting a business but in growing a business through the different stages of business growth.

The BIZMODEL Workshop

offers systematic methodologies of business development strategies to deliver value and innovation to business planning: A new perspective on business strategy using a business model template to answer: The concepts and elements of Building your business model will help you: 1. Identify your true business model and niche 2. Identify your real customer segments 3. Focus on the big picture (lowering the planning risk) 4. Reach beyond existing demand to show the scalability of the business 5. Develop the strategic sequence for the business 6. Identify key organizational hurdles 7. Build execution into the strategy How to structure the business to insure future growth using a reproducible manner, leading to opportunity while minimizing risk To help ensure the business model can be implemented in a way that it supports a viable business participants will be given follow up appointments to complete their business model canvas.

Light continental breakfast and light lunch served.

Speaker(s): SBDC Consultants Class will be held at Brighton City Hall in the basement community rooms at 500 S. Fourth Ave. Fee: $ 35 Register online $25 Prepaid- send check to: BEDC/SBDC 1850 Egbert St. Suite 140, Brighton CO 80601 $35 at the door

Obituaries/funeral notices Gregory A. Meador

Gregory A. Meador, 57, of Brighton, died Jan. 3 at his home.

He was born in Grand Junction, on June 1, 1956, to John and Marjorie (Burnett) Meador.

A memorial service will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday at First Presbyterian Church in Brighton.

Tabor-Rice Funeral Home is handling arrangements.

Henry Martinez

Henry Martinez, 89, of Burlingame, Calif., died Dec. 29 after a battle with pneumonia.

He touched many lives with his gentle loving spirit and his zest for life. Henry was born in Frederick, Colo.

He served in the Army during the Korean War. He enjoyed his family, especially his grandchildren and great

grandchildren. Survivors include his children Carol Muegge of Concord, Calif., Richard Gonzales of Brighton, Christine Carniglia of Cypress, Calif.; and Rodney Martinez of Lomita, Calif; and his grandchildren Jennifer Weaver, Kelly Jones and Jamie Kroll all of Brighton, Edward Muegge, Michael Muegge, Steven Muegge, Stephan Carniglia, Antony Carniglia, David Martinez, and Bethann Navarrete, all of California; and 25 great-grandchildren.

His generous, loving spirit will be missed by all who knew him.

Visitation, 5-8 p.m. today at Oakmont Memorial Park in Lafayette, Calif. Funeral service, 1 p.m. Friday at Christ the King Catholic Church, 199 Brandon Rd, Pleasant Hill, Calif. Burial to follow at Oakmont Memorial Park.

Brighton Banner

January 9, 2014

7

Obituaries/funeral notices Rosemary E. Muse

Rosemary E. Muse, 82, of Fort Lupton, died Jan. 5 in Loveland. She was born in Longmont to Daniel and Anna (Zeiler) Hessler and graduated from high school in Hudson in 1949. She married Lennie Muse in 1949 in Fort Lupton.

Rosemary has lived in Fort Lupton since 1955 and was a telephone operator for Mountain Bell, from 1947 to 1960, and then a bookkeeper for Fort Lupton State Bank, from 1960 to 1978. She was a member of the Fort Lupton Baptist Church, Eastern Star Bountiful Lodge 72 and Brighton Lodge 52.

She loved to travel in any fashion to any destination.

She loved to sew and participated in numerous bowling leagues.

Survivors include her children Jean (Harmon) MuseReynolds of Fort Lupton and Keith (Herminia) Muse of Security; brother Daniel Hessler of Trinidad; five grandchildren; seven greatgrandchildren and three great-great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Lennie, in November 2010.

Visitation, 5-8 p.m. today, followed by the funeral service at 11 a.m. on Friday. All services will be held at Crossroads Baptist Church, 1115 First St., Fort Lupton.

Interment at Hillside Cemetery.

Memorial contributions can be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105. Tabor-Rice Funeral Home is handling the arrangements.

Grace Anne Cundall

Grace Anne (Zehnder) Cundall, 88, died Jan. 4 at her home west of Brighton. She was born to Rudolph Robert Zehnder Sr. and Caroline Susanna (Schoech) Zehnder at the family homestead west of Standley Lake, near Arvada.

Grace attended Wagner Elementary School in Jefferson County and graduated from Holy Family High School in Denver in 1942.

Grace Anne worked at St. Anthony (Central) hospital and the Arvada Dime Store in Arvada, before being employed by Mountain States Telephone and Telegraph Co., later known as Mountain Bell.

She continued to work for Mountain Bell until she married Howard Frederick Cundall on April 20, 1947 at Shrine of St. Anne’s Catholic Church, the same church where her parents were the first couple to be married when the church was new. To this union four daughters were born: Margaret (Jerry)

Burnett of Hereford, Paula (Scott) Tietmeyer of Grover, Virginia (Bill) Halligan of Bushnell, Neb., and Gloria (Peter Starin, deceased) Cundall of Brighton. Grace and Howard were very proud of their daughters, their families and their accomplishments.

Grace retired from Mountain Bell in March 1986 after 30 years, only taking a few years away while the girls were small. After her retirement, Grace remained active, helping Howard on the family farm. She spent countless hours working on the families’ genealogy, scrapbooking, embroidering and working jigsaw puzzles. She loved the outdoors and traveling. One of her highlights in her later years was being able to travel to Austria and Switzerland in 2009 where she visited her family’s historical homestead in Sattel, Switzerland.

She was an active supporter and project leader of the Good-Luck 4-H Club enjoying the members and their projects. Grace and Howard both devoted much of their lives enriching the lives of those around them. But above all, the family and the time spent with them were most important to Grace.

Survivors include her four daughters and their families; six grandchildren Jeffrey (Kim) Burnett of Carpenter, Wyo., Jay (Lisa) Burnett of Grover, JoElla (Andy) Norman of Crawford, Neb., Ann (Kurtis) Gebauer of Grover, Cody (Candice) Halligan of Bushnell, Neb., and Paul Tietmeyer of Grover; and nine great-grandchildren; and sister Ardella Stake. She was preceded in death by her husband, Howard Cundall, and sister Elizabeth Bachman.

Rosary service, 7 p.m. today at Tabor-Rice Funeral Home. Mass of Christian burial will follow at 1 p.m. on Friday at Shrine of St. Anne Catholic Church, 7555 Grant Place, Arvada. Interment will follow at Mount Olivet Cemetery in Wheat Ridge.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Good-Luck 4H Club scholarship fund or the charity of your choice.

Tabor-Rice Funeral Home is handling the arrangements.

Francisco M. Ysac

Francisco (Frank) M. Ysac, 50, of Firestone, died Jan. 4 at his home after a four-year battle with colon cancer. He was born in Scottsbluff, Neb., to Daniel and Stella (Lucius) Ysac. He attended schools in Scottsbluff and married Lori Lucero on June 23, 2001, in Brighton.

He was an engineer for the past 24 years for the Burlington Northern and Santa Fe railroad in Denver.

Frank was very athletic and enjoyed sports. He also enjoyed his cars and going on drives up the mountain.

Survivors include his parents Daniel and Stella Ysac of Scottsbluff; wife Lori Ysac of Firestone; children Shania Ysac and Sheree Ysac, both of Firestone, Stephanie Ysac of Dallas, Deanna Ysac of Gering, Neb., Frank (Vanessa) Ysac, Jr. of Scottsbluff, Selina Ysac of Omaha, Nichole (Rick) Guzman of Longmont, Isaiah (Nikki) Gallegos of Thornton, Sheraya (Abel) Zertuche of Brighton; brothers Daniel Ysac, Jr. of Gering, Stephen (Nicole) Ysac of Ulysses, Kan., Dan Sabala of Lincoln, and Tony Steidley of Scottsbluff; and 12 grandchildren.

Rosary service, 7 p.m.

Friday at Tabor-Rice Funeral Home. Memorial service will follow at 11 a.m. on Saturday at The Healing Place, 17801 E. 160th Ave. Memorial contributions can be made to the Francisco Ysac Memorial Fund, c/o Valley Bank & Trust, 30 N. Fourth Ave., Brighton, 80601. TaborRice Funeral Home is handling the arrangements.

Dean M. Shaw

Dean M. Shaw, 86, of Brighton, died Dec. 29 at his home. He was born in Elm Creek, Neb., to Kenneth and Elva Shaw. He left Nebraska at age 11 and moved to Norton, Kan. in 1938, graduated from Norton High School in 1945, then enlisted in the Navy in Denver. He served overseas in the Marshall Islands, came back to the United States in the spring of 1946, made a trip through the Panama Canal and was discharged in Norfolk, Va. Dean then returned to Colorado and attended college in Greeley.

He married Betty Gibbons in

January 1952; together they moved to Brighton in April 1954, where they have lived since.

Dean worked in farm-andranch supply at both Big R and Brighton Co-op for 30 years, retiring in 1992. He was a member of the Brighton United Methodist Church.

Survivors include his children Greg (Erin) Shaw of Greeley and Jody Shaw (Maryanne Frantz) of Littleton; brother James Shaw of Greeley; sister Lois Miller of Greeley and two grandchildren, Rachael and Delanie Shaw of Westminster.

He was preceded in death by his brother Chuck in 2002 and his wife, Betty, in 2011.

Services were Jan. 3.

Memorial contributions can be made to the Brighton United Methodist Church, 625 S. Eighth Ave., Brighton, CO 80601. Tabor-Rice Funeral Home handled arrangements.

Wayne E. Hester Sr. Wayne E. Hester Sr., 68, of Hudson, died Dec. 27 in Brighton. He was born in Little Rock, Ark. Memorial service was Saturday at the Hudson United Methodist Church.

Tabor-Rice Funeral Home handled the arrangements.

Ruben Rivera

Ruben Rivera, 76, of Brighton, died Dec. 24 at TRU Care Hospice in Louisville.

He was born in San Miguel, El Salvador, to Ruben and Maria Magdalena Rivera. He worked for United Airlines and was married to Regina Rivera Romero.

Survivors include sister Alicia Rivera, of El Salvador; children Martha Saucedo of Brighton and Ruben E. Rivera, of New York; and three grandchildren.

Private funeral services will be held. Memorial gifts

may be made to Martha Saucedo, 203 N. 17th Court, Brighton, 80601. Erlinger Funeral Home is handling the arrangements.

Harold W. Hosmer

Harold W. Hosmer, 95, died Dec. 16 at Lutheran Hospice in Wheat Ridge.

He lived independently on his farm southeast of Hudson until five days before his death. Harold was born southeast of Hudson to Darrell William Hosmer and Myrtle A. Williams Hosmer.

A graduate of Brighton High School, he lived his entire life on the family farm.

He married Leone L. Bowles, also of Hudson, in 1928.

When first married, he worked nights for Sundstrand Corp. in Denver and farmed during the day.

His love of horses became a life-long pursuit and successful business enterprise.

He raised quarter horses, paints, appaloosas, and Shetland ponies. In addition to raising two world-champion appaloosas, he bred and raised Skip’s Flaming Star, AQHA Superior Halter Horse and AQHA champion, with 199 halter points.

Harold and Leone were married for 63 years. He leaves a legacy that will long be remembered.

Survivors include his son Butch (Leslie) Hosmer; daughter La Donna Stuckert, grandson Craig (Lisa) Black, great-granddaughter Chyanna Black, grandson Jamie (Rebecca) Hosmer, and great-grandchildren Audrey and Clark Hosmer.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Leone, in 2001; son-in-law John Black, daughter-in-law Barbara Ann Hosmer, and grandson Jason William Hosmer.

Celebration of life was Tuesday at Tabor-Rice Funeral Home.

Brighton Banner

8

January 9, 2014

BHS guard says height is no problem

By Michelle Boyer for The Banner Zoe Sailas, the 5-foot-5 Brighton High School basketball player is a forward/ guard.

“It would be nice to be a few inches taller, but I don’t believe my height is a problem when I play because I don’t need to be too tall to play a guard or at the top of the key on defense,” she said.

“I really enjoy the position I play because I’m pretty fast, and the guard position allows the opportunity for me to shoot, drive the ball to the hoop or to get an assist. I love playing defense, though, that is my favorite.”

Sailas has played basketball since sixth grade. She started playing recreational basketball and really enjoyed it.

“Some of my friends in the middle school played on a competitive team, so I decided to join them,” she said.

“My main sport then was soccer, but eventually basketball became my true passion and I fell in love with the game. My coach and team were amaz-

ing and helped my passion for the game really grow that first year.”

The Bulldogs have five wins and two losses so far this season; Sailas said that puts the team ahead of where they were last year at this point in the season.

“We have six experienced seniors and we are doing great so far this season,” she said. “We had a great win against Mountain Range; we won by 3 when we lost by 20 last year. I’m very excited to see what we bring the rest of the season.”

Sailas has played club basketball with her team, also called the Brighton Bulldogs or the Lady Bulldogs, yearround since sixth grade.

During the fall season and spring/summer season, Sailas said, the club team is active, but not as much as her school team during the winter season.

“We didn’t practice each day like high-school ball, but we played tournaments nearly every weekend,” she said.

“It prepared me and four other seniors for high-school-

Brighton guard/forward Zoe Sailas drives past her opponent during a recent game.

Michelle Boyer photo

level ball. The five of us have been playing together forever,

Prep sports this week Today: BHS girls’ basketball vs. Montbello, 7 p.m.

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

PVHS boys’ basketball vs.

BHS, 7 p.m.

Saturday: PVHS girls’ basketball vs. Horizon, Noon BHS swimming at Mountain Range Invitation at Veteran’s

Memorial Aquatic Center, Thornton, TBD BHS girls’ basketball at Pueblo West, 1 p.m.

Monday: BHS boys’ basketball at Ponderosa, 7 p.m.

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

BHS girls’ swimming vs.

Rangeview, 4:30 p.m.

Wednesday: PVHS boys’ basketball at Douglas County, 7 p.m.

Scores: Boys’ BasketballBoulder 62, PVHS 56 Ponderosa 36, BHS 34 Girls’ Basketball: Broomfield 80, BHS 30 Boulder 62, PVHS 56 Westminster 53, BHS 50

it seems.”

She said her teammates

have such a strong bond from all of the past years of club ball that it definitely shows in high school play.

Following graduation, Sailas plans to attend a university in Colorado. She’s applied and has been accepted to Colorado University, Colorado State University and the University of Northern Colorado.

“My decision is between CSU and CU,” she said. “I’m undecided for my major, and I don’t plan on continuing with basketball.”

Sailas has maintained a 4.0 grade-point average, and has received multiple all-academic awards every year during her high school basketball career.

This season Sailas has scored 4.4 points a game, has collected 24 rebounds and has 11 assists.

Brighton’s current record is 7-4. Brighton hosts Montbello today at 7 p.m., will take on its cross-town rival at Prairie View at 7 p.m. Friday, and will travel to Pueblo West on

Prairie View’s Ramirez loves his court time

By Michelle Boyer for The Banner Prairie View High School point guard Alonso Ramirez plays basketball because it’s what he loves to do.

“My passion for the sport is amazing,” he said. “I love stepping foot on the court, knowing I’m about to be involved in something I love.

“Practices get long and tiring, but I’m really excited to get practice started for basketball than I ever was for football.”

Ramirez has played the sport since he was 7. He said his football coach said he was very athletic and recommended Ramirez play basketball.

The 5-foot-10 guard said the advantages to his height are that it makes him light on his feet and very shifty.

Going into Friday’s game against Brighton, Ramirez feels confident. “I know Prairie View can do it,” he said. “This is a game we’re looking forward to and I know our seniors are going to go and play their heart out. I have faith in my team and I know we’ve got this.”

The Thunderhawks’ season record so far is 2-7, while Brighton’s is 2-6.

Prairie View point guard Alonso Ramirez.

Michelle Boyer photo

“Our team has had a slow start this season, we’ve had some obstacles we’ve needed to overcome, but we’re getting better as a team,” he said. “Slowly but surely we’re coming together.”

Ramirez has scored 8.1 points a game, with 12 rebounds and 15 assists throughout the season. He was recognized for a student ambassador program to go to Italy. As a junior, Ramirez finished first semester this year with a 3.8 grade-point average.

The Banner

45¢

Brighton news for Brighton readers

Volume 6, No. 3

January 16, 2014

8 pages

27J Board discusses charter

By Evelyn Wiant for The Banner Charter renewal for Eagle Ridge Academy was the primary topic of discussion Tuesday during the study session of the District 27J Board of Education.

The 27J board will vote to renew or reject the charter at its regular meeting on Jan. 28. If the charter is renewed, Eagle Ridge and District 27J will enter into a 90-day negotiation of ERA’s contract. After a contract has been completed, the document will be presented to the 27J board for a final approval in April.

The Board of Education must approve ERA’s charter for renewal every three years.

This topic was put before the board one year ago, but at the time, ERA was fresh from a setback involving a misappropriation of state funding in the school. The 27J board felt that Eagle Ridge had not had sufficient time to recover from the issue, and granted a oneyear contract extension until the school could resolve the matter. A 19-point checklist of terms was drawn up for Eagle Ridge to meet in the time before the charter renewal would be revisited.

“Assuming that all of those conditions were met, this is now an expedited process so that the application would not have to be started completely over,” said Janet Wyatt, chief legal officer for 27J. The board will review the application document, as well as reports from ERA and 27J on the progress of the school in meeting that checklist. Items included filling all of the

The art of Sister Cities

Brighton Sister Cities members Jan and Dave Olson and Bonnie and Steve Simcox look at some of the photographs of Ziebice, Poland, taken by Stanislaw Popardowski, on display at the Armory through Feb. 17 during the reception for the photo show on Saturday. At right, Tomasz Skotnicki and Ken Kreutzer stand at the lectern and talk to Ziebiece Sister Cities members, including the city’s mayor, during a skype telecast.

Story on Page 3.

Banner Press photos

See School board, Page 3

Council learns of risks tied to governing

By Lou Bromley for The Banner New and returning City Council members received a lesson (or refresher course) on the responsibilities of being a public official on Tuesday during the first council study session of the new year.

Colorado Intergovernmental Risk

Sharing Agency staffer Tami Tanoue, herself a former city attorney, provided a PowerPoint presentation about expectations for a city council member. Her presentation was designed to help councilors understand their roles as council members, the conduct expected of them, standards to maintain, courteous behavior, and legal

issues. She explained how behavior of governments and those who govern can be factors in public liability. She pointed out that proper process in governmental actions can sometimes be as important or more important than the decisions they make.

With 245 member municipalities and affiliated legal entities out of 271

Inside The Banner this week Relay kicks off

The new venue for the 2014 Relay for Life in Brighton is Carmichael Park – Page 2

It’s all business

With the new year comes a new series of classes from the Small Business

Development Center in Brighton. See what’s available.

– Page 6

Also:

Help Desk ............................ 2 Calendar ................................. 4 Bravo ...................................... 5 Obituaries ............................. 7 Sports ..............................*/... 6,

Don’t miss: Eagle Watch deadline today – See story on Page 3

Wrestling helps Sam Jackson’s football skills.

– Page 6

in Colorado, CIRSA addresses the liability issues of public entities throughout the state. Mayor Dick McLean thanked Tanoue and said (as he begins his ninth year in city government) the presentation was a good reminder for him and all the council members.

See Council, Page 3