Elbert County News 040413

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Elbert 4/3/13

Elbert County

April 4, 2013

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A Colorado Community Media Publication

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Elbert County, Colorado • Volume 118, Issue 10

Commissioners eye new district lines Move to equalize populations will be decided this month By Rhonda Moore

rmoore@ourcoloradonews.com Elbert County commissioners aim to finish a job that started with the 2010 Census, to spread the county’s population equally among commissioner districts. The redistricting is required by law to ensure each district holds about the same number of people, said Blake Hepburn, Elbert County election clerk. At present, the population count in District 1, represented by Commissioner Robert Rowland, exceeds that in District 2, represented by Commissioner Kurt Schlagel, by more than 3,200 people.

The shift in district boundaries outlines the district commissioners represent. Commissioners must live in the district they represent, Hepburn said. Because commissioners are elected on an at-large basis, county residents can vote for commissioners across district lines, Hepburn said. “The only thing the district lines are doing is saying where the candidates can come from in (future elections),” Hepburn said. “The only commissioner district up for reelection in 2014 is District 2.” The boundaries proposed for District 2 would bring in about 1,850 people who live in highly populous precincts just northeast of Elizabeth, an area that now is part of District 1. Hepburn presented the proposed redistricting to commissioners March 26, thereby opening up a 30-day window for public comment. At the end of the 30-day period, commis-

present district populations District 1 — 9,180 District 2 — 5,947 District 3 — 7,768 Undetermined between Districts 1 and 2 — 191 Proposed district populations District 1 — 7,694 District 2 — 7,624 District 3 — 7,768 Note: District 2 will gain 1,849 people who live south of County Road 146, north of Colorado 86, between county roads 33 and 21. Source: Elbert County elections office sioners will consider the proposal for adoption. State statute requires redistricting at the end of every census period, and the proposed lines were recommended in 2011 by Republican and Democratic party chairmen, Hepburn said. It is unclear why the proposed lines were not adopted by com-

missioners at that time. Redistricting can only take place on oddnumbered years and this is the last chance to rectify the imbalance before the next election. Once the lines are redrawn, the clerk’s office will begin the task of redrawing precinct lines, Hepburn said. The proposed redistricting will impact Districts 1 and 2, leaving District 3 untouched. Once complete, each district will comprise about 7,700 people. According to the 2010 census, Elbert County’s population was 23,086. “While everyone votes on all commissioners, the district lines don’t come into play in a significant way,” Rowland said. “In terms of us voting, we vote on issues that affect the entire county. From a practical point of view, it doesn’t affect our election.” The commissioners all live in areas that will remain in their respective districts.

Death-penalty repeal fizzles Two Democrats help seal fate of bill By Vic Vela

vvela@ourcoloradonews.com A Lakewood lawmaker’s vote on March 26 was pivotal in defeating a bill that sought to repeal the death penalty in Colorado. The bill was one of two pieces of legislation having to do with capital punishment that failed to survive at the Capitol in the same week. Rep. Brittany Pettersen, who was one of two Democrats to vote against House Bill 1264 in the House Judiciary Committee, said in a recent interview that “my voters and my constituents don’t support (the repeal).” “It was a really tough choice,” Report the freshman lawmaker told Colorado Community Media. “Voting between what I thought should happen and where my district lies, and (hearing) the arguments on both sides. But, ultimately I’m the representative of House District 28.” Rep. Bob Gardner, R-Colorado Springs, said during the committee hearing that his decision to vote against the bill had nothing to do with the views of his constituents. “I do not make this vote because of a set view of voters,” Gardner said. “I make it out of a sense of conviction that, for a category of crimes that represent the worst of evils, or for which there is no other specific deterrent, that the death penalty is appropriate.” Critics of the death penalty have long argued that the punishment is not fairly or consistently applied, and that it does not serve as a deterrent for committing capital crimes. They also have argued that executions disproportionately affect minorities and the poor. Worse, critics say, the wrong people sometimes end up getting sentenced to death. “There will be someone, somewhere who will be sentenced to death for a crime they did not commit,” said Rep. Daniel Kagan, D-Cherry Hills Village, the committee’s chairman. “As long as there are mistakes, there always will be a person who is a victim of that mistake.” Pettersen and Rep. Lois Court, D-Denver, joined all four Republicans on the committee to vote against the repeal. Four Democrats voted for the bill. Democratic Rep. Mike McLachlan of Durango was absent from the hearing due to illness.

Capitol

Lynda Edwards, who created the Edwards Foundation for Rescued Animals with her husband, John, leans down to kiss Millie, a llama who has found a home at the facility just outside of Parker. Photos by Chris Michlewicz

abandoned animals find friends Parker-area couple opens home, hearts By Chris Michlewicz

cmichlewicz@ourcoloradonews.com When animals are no longer wanted or cared for, Lynda and John Edwards give them a loving home. Every animal in their barnyard has a heartbreaking story. There is Molly the zebu, a sacred cow from India that, despite being perfectly healthy, was going to be euthanized when the Denver Zoo closed its Krall exhibit. There is Fudgie, a plump,

15-year-old Chihuahua that was among 15 rescued “bait dogs” used to rile up pit bulls before a fight. There are the three roosters that were dumped over the fence and into the barnyard a month ago. Countless others have been abused or neglected. There are so many creatures at the Edwards Foundation for Rescued Animals just east of Parker that its proprietor is unable to say exactly how many are on the 5-acre property. Regardless, the animals have gotten a second chance at life and even found some unlikely companions. It’s a common theme in the Edwards household, where foster children were Abandoned continues on Page 10

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Molly, a zebu that was rescued when the Denver Zoo closed an exhibit, is among the animals that have retired at Edwards Foundation for Rescued Animals.

Repeal continues on Page 10

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April 4, 2013

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Elbert County News 3

April 4, 2013

History whispers in Spanish place names The green road signs flash along Interstate 25, heading south. Pueblo, this exit. Cañon City, Salida, Buena Vista, that exit. About 50 miles south of Pueblo, you can head east on State Highway 10 to La Junta and Las Animas. A right on 160 west takes you into Huerfano County and along a thread of towns with names like La Veta, Blanca, Alamosa, Monte Vista, Del Norte. That’s the road my husband, our son and I are traveling to Durango in southwestern Colorado, not far from the New Mexico line, a region we are exploring for the first time. Along the way is a faded blue billboard that talks about Río Cucharas, the river that flows from La Veta to Walsenburg. What does that mean? my husband asks. Spoons River, I answer. He smiles. It’s a whimsical image — but one, I realize, that never gets painted unless you know the significance of the words. It makes me wonder: How much of place and culture gets lost in non-translation? So much of Colorado’s heritage is entwined in the Spanish names of its towns, rivers, mountain ranges, counties and streets — even the state itself (Colorado, red or colored). But throughout generations, we’ve Americanized their pronunciations so much — Salida becomes Sa-LIEdah rather than Sa-LEE-dah, which means exit — that we don’t recognize the language as Spanish anymore. They become, simply, words without definitions. And without meaning, the link to the past breaks. “For non-Hispanos, that connection has been lost in many ways,” said Bill Convery, Colorado’s state historian. “We lose a little bit of the richness of our culture when we forget the meaning of a place name. Understanding these meanings helps establish our own sense of place — it gives us grounding in our community which, as Americans, is constantly in flux.”

For many Hispanos the connection remains alive but fraught with emotional complexity, said Maruca Salazar, executive director of Museo de las Americas, a Denver organization committed to preserving Latin American art and culture. “Behind all of this, there is a very intense past,” she said. “The connection was not a friendly one — it was an imposition. … We come from a conquered nation, a conquered people. That makes us very unique.” Colorado has been home to many ethnic populations — Native Americans, the first, going back more than 10,000 years; French; Germans; Irish; and others. But the first and largest non-native group was the Hispanics. In the 1500s, Spanish expeditions followed Native American trails in a search for, among other things, gold. Spanish explorers drew the first maps of the state. The Arkansas River in Pueblo, south of Colorado Springs, marked the border between New Spain and the U.S. When Mexico won its independence from Spain in 1821, it offered land grants to reinforce land claims against encroaching U.S. settlers. But following the Mexican-American War in 1848, in which a number of southwestern states including New Mexico, California and southern and western Colorado were ceded to the U.S. for $15 million, many landowners were stripped of their property by U.S. courts. A battle for identity ensued. “Imagine going to bed Mexican and

waking up American,” Salazar said, quoting her mother-in-law, whose family has been in Colorado for seven generations. “Imagine losing your land. …” The railroads in the 1870s also transformed the region. The Denver & Río Grande Railroad wanted to reach Mexico and the Gulf Coast across the Río Grande (big river), so it included the river in its name to appeal to its continental aspirations. It established towns such as Alamosa (cottonwood) and Antonito (little Anthony) to compete with older Hispanic settlements, Convery said. But the railroads also pushed many Spanish-speaking farmers and ranchers into the northern parts of the state as English-speaking settlers moved in and changed the economic and political landscapes. They left behind, however, an enduring trail of history in places, traditions and influence. Many of the names that dot the southwestern part of the state, such as Barela and Cordova, come from the families that first settled the area. Conejos County is one of Convery’s favorite stories. The county moniker, which means rabbits, came from the naming of the creek, so billed in the 1850s because its waters “ran as fast as a rabbit.” Huerfano County comes from the volcanic butte that stands as a lonely sentinel — a huérfano or orphan — on the plains near Walsenburg. It was a major landmark for Hispanics traveling through the area, Convery said. The tiny town of Del Norte (from the North) got its name as the northern end of the Río Grande. Franciscan monks, following the Spaniards who named the San Luis (Saint Louis) Valley, watched the summer sunlight turn the earth of the nearby mountains a deep red. “It looks like blood,” Salazar said. “That’s what the Franciscans saw.” And so they called the range Sangre de Cristo, the

Congressman opens Douglas County office Gardner’s district includes Elbert County rmoore@ourcoloradonews.com

Tail-docking ban fails in Legislature By Vic Vela

vvela@ourcoloradonews. com

U.S. Congressman Cory Gardner visits with Elbert County resident Susan Weber at the March 27 opening of Gardner’s Castle Pines office. Photo by Rhonda Moore

‘It’s great that we get to talk to him and interact with him. It’s good because my parents want to vote for him.’ Jack Erdle The open house filled early and included students who added the visit to their spring break itinerary. Student visitors included some from Douglas and Elbert counties, and a group from Otero County. The Otero County students, brought by Yesenia Beascochea of the Colorado Immigrant Rights Coalition, traveled nearly three hours to talk to Gardner about im-

migration legislation. Local students included 16-year-old twins Jack and Mitch Erdle, 16, from Lone Tree. The Erdles visited as part of their sophomore advanced placement government curriculum. “It’s great that we get to talk to him and interact with him,” Jack Erdle said. “It’s good because my parents want to vote for him.” Gardner fielded ques-

tions from residents concerned about immigration, Obamacare, the economy and Second Amendment issues. He introduced federal legislation this year aimed at making college affordable by increasing tax-free contributions to college savings accounts to $10,000, George said. His other legislation is aimed to help small businesses, with a tax-free savings account for money used to start or grow a small business, she said. Gardner’s office is at 7505 Village Square Drive, Suite 202, in Castle Pines. For more information, contact Jorge Delgado, district representative, at 720-5083937, or visit www.Gardner. House.Gov.

Have a legislative question? Email your ideas to Colorado Community Media Legislative Reporter Vic Vela at vvela@ourcoloradonews.com or call him at 303-566-4132.

Ann Macari Healey’s column about people, places and issues of everyday life appears every other week. She can be reached at ahealey@ourcoloradonews.com or 303566-4110.

Lawmaker may offer cattle bill again next year

By Rhonda Moore

U.S. Rep. Cory Gardner welcomed a full house when he opened his new office in Douglas County, greeting people who hoped to meet their representative. The congressman hosted an open house March 27 at his new office in Castle Pines, selected to serve constituents still relatively new to the 4th District. With the redistricting that stemmed from the 2010 Census, the district that sprawls across the eastern half of Colorado now stretches into Douglas, Elbert and Arapahoe counties. “It’s exciting,” he said. “A ton of people from all over get to see where we are. It’s very important for people to see where we are and to meet people who will be in our office.” The office is on Village Square Drive in Castle Pines, a location that “made the most sense” for one of the largest populations in Gardner’s district, said Rachel George, Gardner’s communications director. “Douglas County is about one-third of the congressional district,” George said. “He knew he needed (a presence) here.” Gardner also has offices in Greeley, Yuma and Rocky Ford.

blood of Christ. French and Germans also left their marks. Walsenburg was initially La Plaza de los Leones after the León family, but was renamed by the German immigrant Fred Walsen. The French decided to call Río Jesús María (River of Jesus and Mary) the Platte (flat — a pronunciation from French) instead. Spanish explorers named the river near Durango Las Animas Perdidas en Purgatorio (the lost souls of Purgatory). But French-Canadian traders called it Purgatoire, and later, Convery said, American cattlemen rechristened it Picketwire. Three different names — all reflective of the changing nature of history around the river. Like all names, they are stories that tell us how we got here. But we have to listen — and sometimes that means making the effort to translate. “Understanding the meaning and history of a place,” Convery said, “grounds us and helps us establish that we belong.” “Identity is an essential element of your psyche,” Salazar said. When “I know where I come from, I know what my values are.” As I scan a map of Colorado, poetic names jump at me — Dolores River, the river of sorrows. La Junta, the junction. Las Animas, the souls. What stories, I wonder, lie hidden in their names? And then there’s Mosca, a town of 674 people in the San Juan Valley whose name means fly. “I don’t know why it’s called Mosca,” Convery said. “But there’s got to be a story behind it.” One, assuredly, that gives meaning to life in Colorado today.

A bill that would have required dairy cows to receive anesthesia or be seen by a veterinarian before having their tails cut failed to make it out of the General Assembly this session. House Bill 1231 would have prohibited the routine tail-docking of dairy cows, something the bill’s sponsor, Rep. Steve Lebsock, DThornton, said is a “painful and unnecessary practice.” However, the bill has been shelved until after the legislative session ends, rendering it dead this year. The move was made after concerns about the bill were raised by members of the agricultural community. Tail-docking is a practice in which a tight band is put around the tail of a dairy cow, cutting off circulation before the tail falls off a few weeks later. Few farmers use this kind of method these days, but Lebsock believes that a law needs to be in place for those who do. The practice is believed in some circles as a way to keep a cow’s udder cleaner, which leads to better milk quality, as well as helping to keep udder inflammation from occurring. However, some studies have found no such ben-

efits. Lebsock said not only is tail-docking painful for the cow, the practice also leaves the animal without the ability to use its tail to swat away insects, or to communicate with members of its herd. “If a dairy cow is going to provide milk for my family for five years of that cow’s life, I think we should treat it halfway decent,” Lebsock told Colorado Community Media during a March 27 interview, the day after the bill died. Leading dairy industry groups oppose routine taildocking. However, some members of the agricultural community did not feel the matter should be put into state statute — the law would have resulted in a petty offense and a fine for offenders. And some lawmakers said during a recent House Health, Insurance, and Environment Committee hearing that the Legislature shouldn’t rush into something that they believe needs more work. “I just think that the whole issue needs a lot more time to be worked out,” Rep. Amy Stephens, RMonument, said during the hearing. “I really do feel for the dairy people.” Lebsock said he looks forward to working with the agricultural community over the summer, in hopes of introducing another version of the bill in next year’s legislative session.

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April 4, 2013

‘Dog Protection Act’ would guide police Deaths of pets get legislative attention By Vic Vela

vvela@ourcoloradonews. com It’s been more than two months since Ziggy’s life was taken from Jeff Fisher, but the pain of losing his four-legged best friend has yet to subside for the Westminster man. “I miss him every day,” Fisher said in a recent interview. “I miss him being there in the morning and coming home to him. He was awesome. He was like a son.” Ziggy, an 8-year-old border collie mix, was shot to death by an Adams County sheriff’s deputy on Jan. 14, in an incident that resulted in two very different versions of events. But Ziggy’s death — as

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of a dog an opportunity to save their dog,” Balmer said. The bill states that there have been more than 30 officer-involved dog shootings around the state in the last five years alone. Balmer also said that in cases where dogs are shot by police, the officer had been responding to a non-violent situation. “Every time it gets covered by any news outlet, we find out about more dog shootings,” Balmer said. “It’s a bigger problem than any of us knew it was when we first started (working on the bill).” Under the bill, a volunteer task force would be or-

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ganized to develop training guidelines for law enforcement agencies. Balmer did acknowledge that there is a “giant exception” area of the bill that lays out several instances where police would not be required to adhere to the training. They include cases where police are responding to suspected drug houses, or if the house is included in a “dangerous dog” registry. Jennifer Reba Edwards of the Wheat Ridge-based Animal Law Center said those exceptions are reasonable, but that the ultimate goal of the legislation is to create an environment where

police are better trained to deal with animals who are near and dear to the lives of many people in any community. “Most people don’t see their dog as some piece of property,” she said. “Most people see them as their short, hairy family members.” For Fisher, that was the case with Ziggy. His dog’s death was made even more tragic after it turned out that deputies were responding to the wrong address that night. Adams County District Attorney Dave Young has decided not to file charges against the deputy, citing “significant discrepancies” between Fisher’s and the deputies’ versions of events from that evening. Still, Fisher hopes that something good can come from this tragedy. “It was unreal what happened,” Fisher said. “But I hope this bill can prevent just one person’s dog from being killed.”

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well as several other cases of officer-involved dog shootings around the state — could end up leading to a new law aimed at saving dogs’ lives when police are called out to residences. State Senate Bill 226, which has been dubbed the “Dog Protection Act,” would require local law enforcement agencies to put in place training, and to adopt policies and procedures officers would be required to adhere to whenever they encounter dogs. Republican Sen. David Balmer of Centennial, a sponsor of the bill, said in a recent interview that the idea would be for police to properly announce their presence whenever they are responding to house calls, in order to give owners some time to put their dogs outside, or into another room. “We in this bill are creating a duty for law enforcement officers in non-violent situations to give the owner

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Saint Thomas More Catholic Church with the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Denver 8035 S. Quebec St. • Centennial, CO 80112

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Elbert County News 5

April 4, 2013

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ciation and chief of the Big Sandy Fire the helm of the division were two last Please reference billing – Erickson. Protection District. year: the June 7 tornado and the June “He has put forth tremendous ef- 24 fire along County Road 102 in the fort for the county,” Hillman said. We will mailElbert some area. auction flyers Stark has been leading the emer“There are displaying many complexities and would appreciate your gency management division since involved in large-scale disaster rethem. you sponse,” have anyStark questions please 2010, when the county closed its If 911 said. “It’s been phecenter and transitioned the call.service nomenal to be able to work with all of to Douglas County. He is responsible these agencies and bring us all togethfor coordinating 14 agencies in Elbert er to speak the same language and County during large-scale Columns disaster re- work together in a fashion that 2best Height 5 at sponses. meets the needs of the community The agencies include Total the Elbert size large.” 10 County Sheriff’s Office, the Elizaaddition to his emergency manCost per columnIninch 8.75 beth, Kiowa, Big Sandy, Agate, El- agement duties, Stark acts as the Cost ofand ad county’s public information $ 87.50 bert, North Central, Limon officer, Calhan fire departments,Number and the managing the county’s government of Inserts 1 Kiowa, Elizabeth and Simla police Facebook page at “Elbert County Total of ads 87.50pubdepartments. lic information” and the emergency Among the county’s largest disas- management Facebook page at “Elters he has managed since he took bert County OEM.”

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elbert county news in A hurry `Lawyers at the Library’ slated

The Elbert County Library District hosts “Lawyers at the Library” from 6-9 p.m. April 9 at the Elizabeth Library Branch at 651 W. Beverly Street. Volunteer attorneys will answer questions, help fill out forms and explain the process and procedure for the areas of family law, civil litigation, criminal defense, property law, probate law, collections, appeals, landlord-tenant law and civil protection orders. Walk-ins are welcome. Attendees will be helped on a firstcome, first-served basis.

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HeadsUp Colorado hosts the Elizabeth Chamber of Commerce Business After Hours networking event from

5-7 p.m. April 11 at the HeadsUp ofminds residents whose license plates NOTE: Thisareadnotwas originally sent email. Original ad and some fice, 146 N. Elbert St. in Elizabeth. expired that they canvia renew HeadsUp Colorado is a nonprofit vehicles online. Please display the auction news office. - Thanks corporation and mentoringmail. program Vehicle owners mayflyers renewin30the days in Elbert County. Through one-onbefore or after the month tab on a one mentoring and community-suplicense plate. ported workshops, participants are It is best to refer to the month tab supported in their academic careers than to wait for a renewal card. Do and their relationships, and acquire not wait to renew until the last week skills and strategies required for of the 30-day grace period. healthy decision-making. To renew online, a vehicle owner The after-hours event includes will need the license plate number; hors d’oeuvres, door prizes and a credit card or checking account inforsilent auction to benefit the program. mation; and a valid email address. To For more information about HeadsUp register online, visit www.colorado. Colorado, visit www.headsupcologov/revenue and click on DMV. Folrado.org. low the links to online services, plate renewal, start renewal, enter license plate number, continue, address veriVehicle registration option explained fication, checkout. The Elbert County clerk’s office re-

Democratic bill riles oil, gas industry Measure targets perceived conflict By Kristen Wyatt Associated Press

The oil and gas industry is getting unusual scrutiny these days in Colorado, where Democrats in charge of the Legislature are tapping on the pedestal occupied by a business once considered so powerful that lawmakers left it alone. The latest tap came March 28, when a House committee voted 7-5 to reduce the industry’s sway on the commission that regulates drilling. The bill would prevent people who work for oil and gas companies to also serve on the Colorado Oil & Gas Conservation Commission. State lawmakers have historically deferred to the COGCC on drilling regulation. “The fox is guarding the henhouse,” said Rep. Mike Foote, D-Lafayette, the sponsor of the bill. He said the current

COGCC “stands shoulder to shoulder” with the energy industry, prompting doubt that the commission is properly protecting the public. “Allowing an institutionalized conflict of interest to continue is not in the best interests of citizens,” said Ralph Trenary, a Loveland City Council member. But a cadre of industry representatives, and Republicans on the committee, argued that oil and gas workers on the commission bring needed expertise to the job. Existing conflictof-interest guidelines, they argued, are sufficient. Some compared the bill to removing doctors from a medical board. Others complained that the lack of industry representation would lead to wasted oil and gas resources. “We are in no way in bed with COGCC,” insisted Scott Hall, CEO of Denver-based Black Diamond Minerals. The bill wouldn’t affect current COGCC commissioners who work in

oil and gas. But it would prohibit future members, who are appointed by governors, from being an employee, officer, or director of an oil and gas operator or service company while serving on the COGCC. The bill now awaits a vote by the full House. A separate bill up for consideration Thursday, to tighten regulations for when drilling companies are required to report spills, was delayed until April 10. More oil and gas crackdowns are under consideration in the Senate, including a measure to dramatically hike fines for environmental violations. Another bill would require drilling sites to be inspected annually, about three times more often than average wells are inspected now. Some industry representatives seem to feel under siege by the Legislature’s new Democratic control. Drilling has come under increased scrutiny because recent technology has enabled producers to extract oil and gas in more populous areas.

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6-Color-Opinion

6 Elbert County News

April 4, 2013

OPINIONS/YOURS AND OURS

Now is the time to prepare for wildfires Colorado’s first major wildfire of the year didn’t even wait until spring. The Galena Fire prompted evacuations while scorching more than 1,300 acres near Fort Collins in March. The blaze was an all-too-early reminder of what Coloradans went through last year, what many consider the state’s worst ever for wildfires. Statistics, provided by the Colorado Division of Fire Prevention and Control, tell the toll in 2012: Nearly 400,000 acres were burned. More than half a billion dollars in property was lost. The Waldo Canyon Fire alone destroyed nearly 350 homes. More than $48 million was spent in suppression efforts for the 16 largest wildfires of the year. Six civilians were killed. Already in 2013, we must turn our atten-

OUR VIEW tion to fire from ice. Even after several recent storms, snowpack is below normal levels and the state’s drought lingers. With little relief in sight, Denver Water and other utilities recently announced watering restrictions. It’s possible open-burning bans are not far behind in the metro area and around the state. In anticipation of — or maybe more accurately, as a response to — wildfire season, four state legislators recently announced plans to introduce a bill that

QUESTION OF THE WEEK

Should James Holmes face the death penalty? On March 27, accused Aurora theater shooter James Holmes offered to plead guilty to avoid the death penalty. The next

day, we asked people at Aspen Grove shopping center in Littleton how they felt about that.

“It’s not like jail is such a luxurious place … Killing him would just be ending that suffering.” — Melissa Jimenez, Littleton

“He killed a lot of people. He doesn’t deserve to live, even in jail.” — Faye Hershey, Littleton

“I don’t have any remorse about him being put to death, but I think the way the death penalty works is inefficient and a waste of money.” — Paul Raemer, Centennial

“I think the prosecutors ought to take his offer and get the whole thing over with rapidly and relatively inexpensively.” — Richard Hershey, Littleton

Some friends are always there for you Three of my best friends are appliances. The washing machine, the dryer, and the dishwasher. I have thought about this. They’re dependable, focused, and they’re always on time. They leave me alone when I want to be left alone, and when I need them, they are Johnny-on-the-spot, especially the washing machine. I do a good job of spotting my shirts with salad dressing, and the washing machine is always on standby. I can call on them any time of day or night I look forward to doing my laundry, and I look forward to doing my dishes. But it wasn’t always this way. When I went away to college and got my first apartment, I didn’t have any appliances, other than a hot plate, and a refrigerator that sounded like Charles Laughton. I hand-washed the dishes. And I had to take all of my laundry to something called a laundromat, also called “washaterias.” The laundromats were uniformly heinous. If you’ve ever had to use one, you know what I mean. I could spend half of my column allowance on laundromats, but please do me a favor, and just reminisce about them, so I can get back to my three friends. Hand-washing the dishes wasn’t much fun, so the pots and pans and plates waited on the tarmac, sometimes for days. I will admit to weeks. I would just rinse what I needed. Not any more. I run the dishwasher about every other day. And the washer and dryer too. I like to do laundry. Thundercats, I’ll do yours. I am going to try my best to explain this. I am not always dependable, focused, and on time. I miss the off ramp. The signs say “push” and I pull. Like Dave Mathews said, I “fall aside, stumbling down drunken roads, I find myself more and more mistaking myself for someone else.” Washing machines don’t stumble. That’s why I like mine. I can program it, and it sticks to the program. I don’t stick to the program, so I admire anyone or anything that can. Keep this under your hat. I’ll do a load of laundry just before bedtime just so that I can hear the washing machine going through its cycles, directly below me.

One day the builder’s grade dishwasher that came with the house decided to explode. A repairman arrived and on his way up the driveway asked what kind it was. When I told him, he turned, said, “Get a new one, buddy,” and left. I have wood flooring and the explosion damaged the wood. I had to vacate for three days while it was sanded and refinished. I went to Mesa Verde and listened to the guide. There was no mention of appliances. The Anasazi did not have Maytag. Maybe I wouldn’t like to do laundry as much as I do if I had a family, and had to get the stains out of Craig Jr.’s Old Navy jeans. Here’s another thing: I fold. I am one hell of a folder. I can fold a hand towel like a trained hand towel folder. That goes for bath towels and sheet towels. Whatever it is about fulfilling certain tasks that have a beginning, middle, and end, it feels good. I have made some kind of progress on a day when maybe otherwise I have drifted, or overworked a painting, or faltered with a column. My first college apartment was managed by Sam Sing and Jon Wong, who operated a little laundry on Sawtelle Boulevard in West Los Angeles. I had them do my shirts, light starch. They came back to me, folded impeccably, with a cardboard insert, and a paper ribbon around them. Laundry can be very beautiful. Maybe I like to do laundry simply because I succeed with it. Craig Marshall Smith is an artist, educator and Highlands Ranch resident. He can be reached at craigmarshallsmith@ comcast.net

would create a state aerial firefighting fleet. The bipartisan proposal is a response to the dry conditions in the state and to the federal government’s dwindling fleet of firefighting aircraft, which Colorado relies on for help with large blazes. “Quite frankly, we are one lightning strike, one careless match throw, one terrorist intentional match throw away from a catastrophic wildfire in Colorado,” said state Sen. Steve King, R-Grand Junction, who planned to be a sponsor of the bill. At this point, we can’t pass judgment on whether creating the fleet is the right way to go. We had not seen the bill as of press time. Further, the lawmakers shied away from answering questions on the program’s cost, which would include the initial funding

plus maintenance. Certainly, it wouldn’t be cheap. But we will applaud the legislators for bringing attention to and taking seriously the wildfire threat facing Colorado. The state needs more officials working toward solutions — not merely making speeches in the grim aftermath — when it comes to this issue. The burden is not on officials alone, however. We all play a role in wildfire prevention and safety. Make sure to take precautions like creating a “defensible space,” an area free from brush, around your home. If your city or county imposes open-burning restrictions in the months ahead, follow them. A year from now, we don’t want to look back at 2013 the way we do 2012.

Uncomplicating the complicated Lately I have found myself in conversations with people about how complicated their lives have become, or how complex situations at work or at home have created a feeling of being uptight or stressed out. So how do we simplify the complicated? Well, the first thing we need to do is understand that nothing is ever as difficult or as bad as it seems, and that panic truly is our worst enemy. And we also need to remind ourselves that all will be well. Situations become more convoluted and problematic when we allow the imagery of the worst-case scenario to worry us and erode our hope or positive outlook. The longer we dwell on the possibility that things will go bad, the more the situation will appear even more complicated. The second thing we can do is determine what we believe would be the best possible outcome. When we can begin with the end in mind, we start to see the light at the end of the tunnel. So in the first step we eliminate the negative or pessimistic thoughts and in step two we acknowledge and see the potential best-case scenario. We replace the negative input with positive output. The third and final tip I can share with you is to do some healthy and creative destruction of the situation. Peel the layers back and pick the problem apart piece by piece. When things become complicated it means that there are many events, moving parts, circumstances, people, or situations coming together to create confusion and maybe even chaos. When we try and attack the entire problem it can seem overwhelming or too much to overcome, so we ignore it hoping that it will go away or fix itself. And our avoidance behavior only compounds an already complicated situation. So what works better is to dissect the

Elbert County News 9137 S. Ridgeline Blvd., Suite 210, Highlands Ranch, CO 80129

GERARD HEALEY President and Publisher CHRIS ROTAR Editor SCOTT GILBERT Assistant Editor ERIN ADDENBROOKE Sales Manager AUDREY BROOKS Business Manager SCOTT ANDREWS Creative Services Manager SANDRA ARELLANO Circulation Director RON ‘MITCH’ MITCHELL Sales Executive

complication into manageable components, compartmentalize the elements causing the difficulties, and develop a plan to address each one. When we take this approach, that light at the end of our tunnel becomes brighter, and with each element or compartment that we sort through and fix, the light gets even brighter, the end of the tunnel closer, and our confidence soars as we prepare to take on the remaining elements. There is nothing that is so overly complicated that it cannot become uncomplicated by approaching it with a positive, constructive and productive attitude and a solid plan. If we choose to look at the complications in our life as something that is in our control instead out of our control, we will significantly increase our chances of simplifying the chaos and associated burdens of the complication. Are you facing a complicated situation that may seem overwhelming? I encourage you to practice the tactical approach outlined here in this column and let me know if it helped at gotonorton@gmail.com. When we can uncomplicate the complicated, it will be a better than good week. Michael Norton, a resident of Highlands Ranch, is the former president of the Zig Ziglar organization and CEO and founder of www.candogo.com.

Colorado Community Media Phone 303-566-4100 • Fax 303-566-4098

Columnists and guest commentaries The Elbert County News features a limited number of regular columnists, found on these pages and elsewhere in the paper, depending on the typical subject the columnist covers. Their opinions are not necessarily those of the Elbert County News. Want your own chance to bring an issue to our readers’ attention, to highlight something great in our community, or just to make people laugh? Why not write a letter of 300 words or fewer. Include your full name, address and the best number to reach you by telephone.

Email your letter to letters@ourcoloradonews.com We welcome event listings and other submissions. News and Business Press Releases Please visit ourcoloradonews.com, click on the Press Releases tab and follow easy instructions to make submissions. Calendar calendar@ourcoloradonews.com Military Notes militarynotes@ourcoloradonews.com School accomplishments, honor roll and dean’s list schoolnotes@ourcoloradonews.com Sports sports@ourcoloradonews.com Obituaries obituaries@ourcoloradonews.com To Subscribe call 720-409-4775

WE’RE IN THIS TOGETHER Our team of professional reporters, photographers and editors are out in the community to bring you the news each week, but we can’t do it alone. Send your news tips, your own photographs, event information, letters, commentaries... If it happens, it’s news to us. Please share by contacting us at news@ourcoloradonews.com, and we will take it from there. After all, the News is your paper.

7-Çolor

Elbert County News 7

April 4, 2013

THINGS TO DO

APRIL 4, MAY 4

WEATHER SPOTTER. Emergency Management and the National Weather Service are offering weather spotter classes ’t be from 6-9 p.m. April 4 at the Elbert County Fairgrounds, Exhibit Building, 95 Ute Ave., Kiowa; and from 9 a.m. to noon May 4 at or Elbert School. Classes are free. Email cory.stark@elbertcountysly co.gov if you’d like to participate. e APRIL 4-6 ard hes ALL-STATE BAND. The Elizabeth High School Band will s to perform April 4-6 in the all-state competition. For information, contact EHS band director Christian Noon, cnoon@esdk12.org.

, APRIL 6 re-

STARS AWARDS. The Elizabeth Education Foundation STARS award banquet is April 6 in the cafetorium at Elizabeth High ree School. Teachers can nominate students in grades 5-12 for city the STARS (Students Taking Accountability and Responsibility ic- Seriously) awards. For information, contact Mary Smith, info@ elizabethef.org. m.

ook APRIL 11

BUSINESS AFTER hours. Elizabeth Area Chamber of Commerce’s business after hours event is from 5-7 p.m. April 11 at HeadsUp Colorado, a nonprofit corporation providing mentoring in Elbert County. Through one-on-one mentoring and community supported workshops, participants are supported in their academic careers and their relationships, and acquire skills and strategies required for healthy decision making. The event will feature food, door prizes and a silent auction, and takes place at 146 N. Elbert St. in Elizabeth. If you cannot attend, visit http:// www.elizabethchamber.org/. APRIL 17 BLOOD DRIVE. Walmart community blood drive is from 2-6 p.m. April 17 inside Bonfils’ mobile bus at 2100 Legacy Circle, Elizabeth. For information or to schedule an appointment, contact the Bonfils’ Appointment Center at 303-363-2300 or visit www.bonfils.org. APRIL 18 CHAMBER LUNCHEON. Join the Elizabeth Area Chamber of

Commerce for its luncheon at 11:30 a.m. April 18 at Elizabeth Town Hall, 151 S. Banner St. The Small Business Development Center will give a presentation on social media. The public is welcome. After the lunch, you can go to the Elizabeth Library for hands-on one-on-one assistance with social media. RSVPs are required. Call Beverly at 303-646-4287 or email at director@ elizabethchamber.org.

APRIL 19, MAY 17 LEGAL CLINIC. A free clinic for parties who have no attorney

and who are going through divorce, legal separation, custody, post-decree cases or protection order cases is offered from

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9 a.m. to noon the third Friday of each month at the Elbert County Justice Center, 751 Ute St., in Kiowa. All walk-ins are welcome, and everyone will be assisted on a first-come, firstserved basis. Upcoming dates are March 15; April 19; May 17; June 21; July 19; Aug. 16; Sept. 20; Oct. 18; Nov. 15; Dec. 20.

APRIL 20 RIBBON CUTTING. Help celebrate the dedication of Fawn Valley Park in Kiowa at 10 a.m. April 20. Kiowa town staff and board will serve treats and refreshments, while the Kiowa Lions Club grills up hotdogs. Play at the park and meet your neighbors for a morning of fun in the park. Because the egg hunt was cancelled in March, eggs will be hidden at the park for a additional fun. No pets at this event. This park was made possible through grants provided by the ElPomar Foundation and the Colorado Health Foundation. PREPAREDNESS EVENT. Emergency management volunteers are planning a preparedness day from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. April 20 with the Douglas and Elbert County Horse Council, Douglas and Elbert Community Animal Response Teams, The Elbert County Volunteer Corps, Elbert County Sheriff ’s Posse, Red Cross, COVOAD and more who will share preparedness tips, ideas, and work to ensure community members have the information and tools to make informed decisions on personal preparedness. The afternoon will include booths and information for everyone in the family from readiness kits to family communication plans. The location is the Elbert County Fairgrounds, 95 Ute Ave., Kiowa. CHILDREN’S FESTIVAL. Elbert County Early Childhood Council presents its fifth annual Children’s Festival. This is a yearly fun filled event for families of young children. Different organizations get together to present child focused activities geared toward young children through age 8. These organizations usually also have parent information and provide a free give away item for the child/family to take home. The festival is from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. April 20 at the Fire Station in Elizabeth. It is free. Visit www.ececc.org. APRIL 25 RIBBON CUTTING. A ribbon cutting at the relocated Edward Jones office of Rob Reiman is from 5-7 p.m. April 25 at 117 S. Elizabeth St., Suite D. Celebrate with Rob and Sandy as they show off their new office. Meet them and enjoy refreshments and networking with other area business people.

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APRIL 27 ROYALTY INFORMATION. Attention all Elbert County 4H girls who would like to learn more about royalty. There will be a royalty clinic April 27 at Peace in Christ Church, 236 Tabor St., Elizabeth. The clinic starts at 9 a.m. and you will learn about hair styling, makeup, clothing and the commitment for being fair royalty. You can contact Mary Jacobson, coordinator, at 720-289-0104 with questions.

Please register by Monday, April 8, 2013. To register for this program, call 877-219-0410, or go to www.msrelapseprogram.com, and refer to Program 1093. A caregiver or friend is welcome to accompany you. ©2012 Questcor Pharmaceuticals, Inc. PM-524-01 04/12

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8-Color-H&G

8 Elbert County News

April 4, 2013

Eco-friendly landscape is low-maintenance Gardening expert’s plan can pay off By Melinda Myers info@melindamyers.com

I

t’s possible to create a beautiful landscape and be kind to the environment even with a busy schedule and while staying within budget. All it takes is a bit of planning and a few low-maintenance strategies. Here are five strategies to create a low-maintenance ecofriendly landscape this season. • Be water-wise: Save money on the water bill, time spent watering and this precious resource, water. Start by growing drought-tolerant plants suited to your growing environment. Once established they will only need watering during extended dry spells. Mulch with shredded leaves, evergreen needles, wood chips, or other organic matter to conserve moisture, reduce weeds, and improve the soil as they decompose. Fertilize with a low nitrogen fertilizer, like Milorganite, that promotes slow steady growth instead of excessive greenery that requires more water. Plus, it won’t burn even during drought.

​Courtesy​photo • Recycle yard waste in the landscape: Minimize the amount of yard waste produced, reuse what can be in other areas of the landscape and recycle the rest as compost. These are just a few strategies that will save time bagging, hauling, and disposing of yard debris. And better yet, implementing this strategy will save money and time spent buying and transporting soil amendments, since it will be created right in the backyard. Start by leaving grass clippings on the lawn. The short clippings break down quickly, adding organic matter, nutrients and moisture to the soil. Grow trees suited to the growing con-

ditions and available space. That means less pruning and fewer trimmings that will need to be managed. • Make compost at home: Recycle yard waste into compost. Put plant waste into a heap and let it rot. Yes, it really is that simple. The more effort put into the process, the quicker the results. Do not add insect-infested or diseased plant material or perennial weeds like quack grass, annual weeds gone to seed, or invasive plants. Most compost piles are not hot enough to kill these pests. And do not add meat, dairy, or bones that can attract rodents. • Manage pests in harmony

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with nature: A healthy plant is the best defense against insects and disease. Select the most pestresistant plants suited to the growing conditions and provide proper care. Check plants regularly throughout the growing season. It is easier to control a few insects than the hundreds that can develop in a week or two. And when problems arise, look for the most eco-friendly control. Start by removing small infestations by hand. Consider traps, barriers, and natural products if further control is needed. And as always be sure to read and follow label directions carefully. • Use energy-wise landscape design: Use landscape plantings to keep homes warmer in the winter and cooler in the summer. Homes will have a more comfortable temperature throughout the seasons and energy costs will be reduced. Plant trees on the east and west side of a house to shade windows in the summer and let the sun shine in and warm it up through the south-facing windows in winter. Shade air conditioners, so they run more efficiently. Incorporate these changes into gardening routines and hab-

its over time. Soon these and many more strategies that help save time and money while being kind to the environment will seem to occur automatically. Nationally known gardening expert, TV/radio host, author and columnist Melinda Myers has more than 30 years of horticulture experience and has written over 20 gardening books, including “Can’t Miss Small Space Gardening.” She hosts the nationally syndicated Melinda’s Garden Moment segments which air on over 115 TV and radio stations throughout the U.S. She is a columnist and contributing editor for Birds & Blooms magazine and writes the twice monthly Gardeners’ Questions newspaper column. Melinda also has a column in Gardening How-to magazine. Melinda hosted “The Plant Doctor” radio program for over 20 years as well as seven seasons of “Great Lakes Gardener” on PBS. She has written articles for Better Homes and Gardens and Fine Gardening and was a columnist and contributing editor for Backyard Living magazine. Melinda has a master’s degree in horticulture, is a certified arborist and was a horticulture instructor with tenure. Her website is www. melindamyers.com

9-H&G-Color

Elbert County News 9

April 4, 2013

Get air conditioning e ready for warm weather

and helpBy StatePoint e bewill hen the weather heats up, your heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) system quickly becomes a most valuable player in your xpert,home life and stays that way for several lum-months. However, the U.S. Census Bureau thanestimates that more than 3 million HVAC iencesystems fail each year. Do you know if it’s rden-time to maintain, repair or replace your Missair conditioning system? hosts “Air conditioning is a big investment nda’sin your home. Learning what maintewhichnance steps you can take on your own and sta-what questions to ask your air conditionis aing contractor can save you time, money ditorand keep you comfortable this season,” andsays Frank Landwehr, vice president of rden-Emerson Climate Technologies, a major umn.provider of equipment used in heating, Gar-ventilation, air conditioning and refriglindaeration systems. radio Remember, not all maintenance needs wellto be outsourced. Here are some prevenLakestive tasks to take that can extend the life rittenof air conditioning equipment: Gar- • Change air filters: A general rule is wasto change indoor ductwork filters every edizine. ee in borist uctor www.

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three months or at the beginning of every heating and cooling season. Ensure the filter is sized correctly, fitting snuggly. • Keep the outdoor unit clean: Keep coils free of debris by hosing off with light pressure. Any bushes or shrubs should be trimmed back away from the unit. • Let air flow: Maintain a reliable airflow to reduce moisture buildup that can lead to mold. Keep vents open. Similarly, keep internal doors open inside your home to maintain air flow. • Clean duct grills: Annually, clean the vents and grills at the opening of each duct in every room by lifting the grill out of the floor, wiping with a rag or vacuuming to remove dust and debris. • Keep condensate drain open: A stopped-up condensate line can lead to expensive water damage. Keep the drain line clean and the drain tube open and clear to prevent backup. Good maintenance will only get you so far. Eventually, your equipment will need to be replaced. Hire only a certified A/C technician you trust. This season, keep your cool. Take the time to maintain, repair and replace your A/C equipment when necessary.

Tips help cut water use By Colorado Nursery & Greenhouse Association info@coloradonga.org

W

ith spring snowstorms followed by 60-degree days, you know it’s time to start thinking about getting outside and into the garden. This winter has been a tricky one and by now we’ve all heard the word — drought — but that doesn’t mean it’s time to throw in the trowel. Whether you’re into turf, trees, shrubs, flowers or edibles, following a few key principles can help yield a beautiful, bountiful landscape using less water. Even the most experienced gardeners often confuse xeriscapes with zeroscapes. Zeroscapes imply no landscape and that’s a very bad thing for everyone. Beautiful landscaping does more than just look pretty, it also increases property values, reduces energy consumption, produces oxygen and even absorbs carbon dioxide. So what is xeriscape? Xeriscape is actually a set of planting principles that can help you create attractive, sustainable, and water-efficient landscapes using these

seven basic and sound horticultural practices. • Plan and design landscaping comprehensively. • Evaluate soil and improve if necessary. Amending soil increases water retention. • Create practical turf areas. The front lawns of eight houses have the cooling effect of about 70 tons of air conditioning. • Select plants with similar needs and group them accordingly in the landscape. • Water efficiently with a properly designed irrigation system. • Use organic mulches to reduce surface evaporation of water and minimize weeds. • Practice appropriate landscape maintenance. Remember, even in drought years, landscaping can add as much as 15 percent to the resale value of your home. So dust off your gloves, put these principles to work and see for yourself that a beautiful landscape and water-wise conservation can in fact live in harmony. Visit plantsomethingco.org for more information and expert tips throughout the season.

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10-Color

10 Elbert County News

April 4, 2013

Abandoned: ‘We couldn’t do this without volunteers’ Abandoned continues from Page 1

raised before the animals took over. The Edwardses continue to help those in need, as long as they donate some of their time and effort. The large-animal rescue is run entirely by volunteers, including high school students who perform community service, referrals from the juvenile courts and special-needs adults looking for a project. Most of the volunteers come to the rescue in the rural-residential Sierra Vista subdivision without knowing a thing about how to take care of farm animals. By the time they leave, they are skilled at cleaning, brushing and feeding a variety of animals. “We couldn’t do it without volunteers,” Lynda Edwards says. One volunteer, in particular, has dedicated herself to the no-kill shelter. Diane Ham, known to Edwards as “the fowl lady,” arrived two years ago and has since come nearly every morning to pitch in where she is needed. Ham didn’t know anything about taking care of birds, but learned how to nurse the ducks, turkeys, hens and roosters back to health through research and handson experience. Ham has become part of the extended family. “I feel at home here,” she said. Of course, the volunteers are quickly introduced to the colorful cast of characters

Lynda Edwards, left, hangs out with Goldie and volunteer Diane Ham in the barnyard at the Edwards Foundation for Rescued Animals in unincorporated Douglas County. Photo by Chris Michlewicz in the barnyard. Millie, an overly friendly llama, likes to dole out lip-smacking smooches. Goldie and Dealer, two aging horses, sniff wildly at visitors and tag along out of sheer curiosity. And Pancake, an ornery and authoritative goat, runs the yard

by welcoming people with repeated head butts. Edwards even gives out certificates to victims who survive Pancake’s “special loving.” The Edwards Foundation for Rescued Animals was created about six years ago af-

S

ter John Edwards, a retiree seeking to spend his added free time wisely, began volunteering at different animal-related venues each day. He eventually brought his work home with him and the nonprofit rescue quickly grew. The Edwardses planned to focus on large animals, but couldn’t say no to the smaller ones. “We don’t like to take in cats or dogs,” Lynda Edwards says with a wry laugh as Sam, a pup from the Dumb Friends League, scurries around her feet. Three feet from Sam is a black kitten comfortably bathing himself on a cushioned chair. Just a few weeks before, he was found abandoned underneath a trash bin at a local Starbucks and was brought in with open arms. Edwards and Ham then attempt to count how many cats are kept in the house, on top of the three outdoor cats. Things aren’t always easy. The poor economy caused many volunteers to find paying jobs and the price of hay has skyrocketed, leading to more abandoned horses and higher costs for the rescue. And in an effort to find permanent homes for as many animals as possible, the foundation doesn’t charge an adoption fee. It relies heavily on donations. For more information, go online to www. edwardsanimals.com.

Repeal: Veto hint weakened measure Repeal continues from Page 1

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The bill lost steam after a recent report from The Denver Post brought up the possibility that Gov. John Hickenlooper might veto the bill. House Speaker Mark Ferrandino, DDenver, said he did not believe that the governor’s veto threat negatively interfered with the legislative process. “Him letting us know where he is, is a helpful thing in the process,” Ferrandino recently told the Capitol corps. “It’s worse that it gets to the governor’s desk, and then we find out that he’s not supportive of the legislation.”

Meanwhile, a bill that would have put the death penalty on the ballot was yanked by its own sponsor, the day after House Bill 1264 was voted down. Rep. Rhonda Fields’ House Bill 1270 wasn’t meant to go anywhere in the first place. Two men who are convicted of killing Fields’ son in 2005 currently are on death row. “My position has always been that I did not want to see the repeal or the abolishment of the death penalty,” the Aurora Democrat said in a recent interview. “And when (House Bill 1264) died, there was no need for me to bring my bill because it keeps the death penalty on the books.”

South Metrolife 11-LIFE

Elbert County News 11 April 4, 2013

Photographer shares insights Jon Lutz will be guest speaker for the April 9 meeting of the Englewood Camera Club at 6:30 p.m. at Greenwood Village City Hall, 6060 S. Quebec St., Greenwood Village. Doors open at 6 p.m. Lutz has been a photographer of raptors for many years and is a part-time staff member of the Birds of Prey Foundation. He will talk about the foundation’s work in rehabilitation and release as well as about photographing birds. Guests and new members are welcomed by this club, formed in 1952. Information: englewoodcameraclub.net.

Country legend Rep. Mike Coffman, left, assists Brig. Gen. James “Jim” Hall as the crowd stands to sing “God Bless America,” along with former Colorado Gov. Bill Owens in the background. Hall was honored for his contributions to the aviation and parachuting community during a March 24 reception at Glenmoor Country Club in Cherry Hills Village. Photos by Deborah Grigsby

Parachute pioneer lauded Legendary jumper Hall honored with benefit for son By Deborah Grigsby

dgrigsby@ourcoloradonews. com At 86, retired Air Force Brig. Gen. James “Jim” Hall may not be suiting up for another freefall jump, but many of the technical improvements he engineered decades ago still are. A master parachutist with more than 1,800 jumps, Hall became a legend in the field of parachuting, including helping launch the Air Force Academy’s premier parachute program. Hall, accompanied by his family, was toasted at a March 24 reception at the Glenmoor Country Club in Cherry Hills Village. Lauded by the likes of former Colorado Gov. Bill Owens, U.S. Rep. Mike Coffman and former U.S. Rep. Bob Beauprez, more than 150 guests attended the Irish-themed event that also served as a benefit for his special-needs son, Eagle Hall, who hopes to continue to participate in the Special Olympics

Retired Brig. Gen James “Jim” Hall autographs copies of his book “Parachuting for Gold in Old Mexico” after a reception in his honor at the Glenmoor Country Club in Cherry Hills Village. Hall, 86, has been credited with more than 1,800 parachute jumps over 60 years. He also is responsible for many technical innovations in parachuting that have saved the lives of many pilots and airmen. James Hall, who is a graduate of the both the Army Parachute School and the U.S. Forest Service Smoke Jumper School, is credited with creating the “buddy system” for free fall and the “4-line cut” for parachuting emergencies. In 1959, Hall and a partner founded the first professional

parachuting firm ever. “Almost every parachute development done for the U.S. Air Force Academy in the first 30 years came from Gen. Hall,” said retired Lt. Col. John Buckley, a former combat pilot. “Brig. Gen. Hall’s developments saved lives.” Hall’s life accomplishments

are the stuff from which legends are made. From conversations with Fidel Castro and Che Guevera, to Hollywood stuntmen, Hall’s accomplishments are the stuff from which legends are born. In 1965, Hall suited up to conduct the first zero-zero ejection seat test for the F-106. The test was known as Project 90, and zero-zero refers to the fact Hall was propelled more than 400 feet in the air from an aircraft cockpit at zero feet in altitude and zero knots velocity. Hall often jokes about the event, saying he has been “kicked in the a-- harder than that.” Irish tenor Anthony Kearns performed a short repertoire of traditional Irish ditties, much to Hall’s delight. “Wow, I didn’t know I had this many friends,” said a humbled Hall. “I just want to thank each of you for being here and each of you for being my friend.” Hall retired in 1981 from the Colorado Air National Guard and was later inducted into the Colorado Aviation Hall of Fame.

‘New York Nights’ set for PACE Center Wind ensemble joins with students for concert By Sonya Ellingboe

sellingboe@ourcoloradonews.com Parker will get a taste of the Big Apple with the upcoming “New York Nights” concert by the Colorado Wind Ensemble. The ensemble, a 45-member metro-area orchestra of woodwinds, brass and percussion, is one of The Parker Arts, Culture and Events Center’s performing partners and plays there several times a year. The ensemble’s main home is Littleton United Methodist Church, but it also trav-

if You go “New York Nights” is at the PACE Center, 20000 Pikes Peak Ave., Parker, at 7:30 p.m. on April 5. Tickets: $21.50 to $13.50, 303-805-6800, pacecenteronline.ticketforce.com. els west to the Lakewood Cultural Center a couple of times a year, building its audience. The CWE will perform “New York Nights” at PACE Center at 7:30 p.m. April 5. Students from Douglas County schools who study with orchestra members will join the ensemble for this concert. Most of the member musicians have music degrees and many teach. Matthew Roeder is director. Innovative contemporary composers like to write for wind ensembles, according

to orchestra publicist Ellen Christianson, so the audience may hear music they haven’t heard previously . The program opens with familiar music, though: Symphonic dances from Leonard Bernstein’s “West Side Story,” arranged by Lavender. “Red Cape Tango” from Michael Daugherty’s “Metropolis Symphony” follows, then Jeff Tyzik’s “New York Cityscape” will feature a tango tuba solo. Robert Beaser’s “Manhattan Roll” and Clifton Williams’ “Symphonic Dance No. 3” fill out the evening’s program. This versatile orchestra is playing its 31st season in the south metro area, presenting music that especially features each instrument. Guest conductors for the CWE will be Nick Bidinger and Jayne Copland.

“Hank Williams: Lost Highways,” a musical biography of the late and legendary singer/songwriter, was conceived and workshopped at the Denver Center Theatre Company in 1986/87 before an off-Broadway run. With original director Randal Myler and musical director Dan Wheetman, it will play April 4-14 at Lone Tree Arts Center, 10075 Commons St., Lone Tree. The cast includes Kathy Brady and Randy Moore of DCTC and local actors Jamie Ann Romero and Rhonda Brown plus a band. Tickets start at $29, 720-509-1000, lonetreeartscenter.org/hank.

All Colorado entries

Entry forms for the Depot Art Gallery’s 2013 All Colorado Show are now available. The annual Western Welcome Week event will run July 17 to Aug. 25 at the Depot Art Gallery, 2069 W. Powers Ave., Littleton, and is open to all Colorado residents. Pat Fostvedt will be juror. Cash and vendor awards will be announced at the opening reception on July 20. Entry forms are available: depotartgallery.org/All_Colorado_Show_2013.html, or call 303-795-0781.

MOA exhibit

Internationally acclaimed textile artist Claudy Jongstra, from the Netherlands, will open an exhibit of her work on April 13, running through July 13, at the Museum of Outdoor Art, in the Englewood Civic Center, 1000 Englewood Parkway. An opening reception will be held from 5-9 p.m. April 13. Prior to the reception, Jongstra and members of her atelier will lecture in the next-door Hampden Hall. Hours: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesdays to Thursdays; 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Fridays; 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturdays. 303-806-0444, moaonline.org.

Poetry workshop

“Poetry and Perspectives” will be a workshop held by the Parker Writers Group, conducted by member Susan Rocco-McKeel, at 2-4 p.m. April 14 at the Parker Library. Exercise your perceptions, using poetry. RoccoMcKeel has published poetry and a short story and is working on a novel. Anyone is welcome and no registration is needed. Parkerwritersgroup@gmail.com.

Auditions set

“Oklahoma!” auditions will be April 19 (6 to 9 p.m.) and April 20 (2 to 5 p.m.) at the PACE Center, 20000 Pikes Peak Ave, Parker. Directed by Kim Moore in partnership with Parker Theater Academy and Parker United Methodist Church. There is a participation fee of $45 for those selected ($20 for each additional family member). Call 303-805-6800 to schedule an appointment. Prepare a 30-second song, preferably from “Oklahoma!” Rehearsals start in June, 6:30 to 9 p.m. Mondays through Thursdays. Production dates: July 26 to August 4.

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12 Elbert County News

April 4, 2013

Winery guide author coming to Ranch Mitchell has traveled to nearly all of Colorado’s facilities By Sonya Ellingboe

BOOK FOR WINE LOVERS “Exploring Colorado Wineries” ($23.95) is available at bookstores, wineries and from the author: ExploringColoradoWineries.com, where updated information is added as it’s available to her and blogs describe winery visits in detail.

sellingboe@ourcoloradonews.com Local author Paula Mitchell shared tasting tips and suggestions about pairing wines and foods when she spoke at Bemis Library last month — and she especially talked about Colorado’s growing collection of wineries, as described in her 2012 book, “Exploring Colorado Wineries.” She is stopping again in the south metro area at 6:30 p.m. April 26, when she will appear at the Highlands Ranch Library, 9292 Ridgeline Blvd. For reservations, call 303792-7323. She has visited 97 percent of the state’s 105 wineries, she said — meeting owners from all walks of life and sampling their products, which may vary from one or two specialties to a range of varieties and flavors. And she has recently completed training to be a Level II sommelier. Novices reading Mitchell’s book will appreciate her chapter on tasting, including

advice to start a personal journal. There is an order: white before red, delicate before strong, dry before sweet … Five s’s follow: See, swirl, smell, sip, savor — plus a page of descriptive words. How to read a wine label and a section on the process of winemaking and grape varieties leads to an overview of common grapes grown in Colorado, resulting wines and related terminology The reader is ready to travel — hopefully with journal in hand — and Mitchell divides the state into regions, with details as to times when wineries are open for visits. Weekend expeditions may be the way to organize after one takes note of hours and locations. She defines Colorado’s regions as: Grand Valley, Delta and Montrose counties, Four Corners Region, Front Range Region (north and south), Pikes Peak Region, Mountain Region. In addition to winery visits, there are

“Exploring Colorado Wineries” is by local author Paula Mitchell. Courtesy image numerous spots that host tasting rooms for more than one vintner — including several in the metro area which are open on Satur-

South Metro Denver SBDC Hosts Intensive 10-week Business Planning Course

This spring the South Metro Denver Small Business Development Center (SBDC) will again offer an intensive business planning course for entrepreneurs. The Colorado Leading Edge will present the NxLeveL® Entrepreneurial Training Program; a course designed for entrepreneurs who are currently in business seeking both knowledge and skills to grow their businesses. Participants graduate with a fully executed business plan, which might be a feasibility study, growth plan, or start-up plan. Cash prizes will be awarded for the best plans from generous grant matching sponsor, Colorado Business Bank. Both facilitators and participants rave about the course and its ability to help entrepreneurs get their new growth plans off the ground successfully. Jeannie Pershin, a partner at Romancing the Bean coffee shop in Littleton, was impressed with the course. “I’ve always concentrated on the operations side of the business and completing this program with my partner gave me new insight as to the total picture of our operation. They uncovered areas of our business practices that we hadn’t taken into account.” “The NxLeveL business planning course is a one-of-a-kind program for business owners who need to write or enhance their business plan in order to expand their business.

This 10-week course offers a safe place for entrepreneurs to learn and support each other on the path to completing a business plan. I have found this course adds to the success of the business by assisting entrepreneurs in getting capital, planning growth, or starting a new venture,” said Marcia McGilley, Executive Director of the South Metro Denver Small Business Development Center. Over 10 weeks the course will cover: • Planning & Research: Entrepreneurial Essentials • Organizational Matters: Management & Legal Structure • Marketing: Market Research, Analysis & Understanding • Advertising: Strategies, Tactics & Implementation • Financial Overview: Books, Records & Controls, Financial Planning • Managing Your Money: Cash Flow Projections, Budgets & Assumptions The course also features: • Guest speakers including accountants, attorneys and bankers • Networking opportunities • A comprehensive textbook, workbook and resource guide • Five hours of one-on-one business consulting from the South Metro Denver SBDC at no charge • Interaction with business loan officers at the Lender’s Panel • Special bonus sessions: Web site review, IBIS World Industry Research report, and Brandify Report The SBDC will be holding an informational seminar on the program on Thursday, April 4th and again on April 11th from 4:30 pm – 5:30 pm at the South Metro Denver Chamber Center, 2154 E. Commons Ave., Suite 324 in the

Streets at SouthGlenn Complex in Centennial. You’ll be able to meet and ask questions of the instructors and learn how this opportunity can benefit your business. The actual 10-week course will run from 6:00 to 9:30 pm on Wednesday evenings beginning April 17th through June 19th at the Chamber Center. Cost for the 10week course is $495 per person, $445 for South Metro Denver Chamber of Commerce members and Colorado Business Bank customers with additional members of a registered organization able to take the course for an additional $250. A limited number of partial scholarships are available to business owners in need of financial assistance. NxLeveL™ is funded by Colorado Business Bank, the State of Colorado, and the South Metro Denver Chamber of Commerce. Register for the course by email at info@ smallbusinessdenver.com or call 303-795-0142 for more information. The South Metro Denver Small Business Development Center is partially funded by the U.S. Small Business Administration. The Support given by the U.S. Small Business Administration through such funding does not constitute an express or implied endorsement of any of the co-sponsors’ or participants’ opinions products or services. The Colorado SBDC is a partnership between the Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade, the U.S. Small Business Administration, Colorado’s institutions of higher education, and local development organizations.

day afternoons and more. Colorado Winery Row at 4640 Pecos St. in Denver represents four wineries: Bonacquisti Wine Company, Cottonwood Cellars and The Olathe Winery, Garfield Estates Vineyard and Winery and Verso Cellars. The tasting room is open from noon to 5 p.m. Thursdays through Saturdays and by appointment. It exhibits work by local artists and sometimes has events with live music. Specialties are highlighted through the book: Liliputian Winery in Hotchkiss, for example, is the only producer in the U.S. of Ginger Wine, called ShangriLa — nice with sushi. After each regional grouping of wineries, Mitchell has included a listing of other things to do and see in the area. In the Delta and Montrose, West Elks Region, suggestions include: Black Canyon of the Gunnison, Morrow Point Boat Tours, the Creamery Arts Center, West Elk Scenic By-Way. For each winery, Mitchell pictures a label in color, lists how many cases are produced annually and which varieties; a message from the owner; tasting room details and other amenities; precise directions; and possible other tasting room locations.

Calendar of Events For a complete calendar of South Metro Denver Chamber events or more information, visit our web site at www.bestchamber.com or call 303-795-0142. Thursday, April 4th Healthcare Policy Taskforce The Chamber Center, 2154 E. Commons Ave., Suite 342, Centennial FastTracks New Investor Orientation The Chamber Center, 2154 E. Commons Ave., Suite 342, Centennial Celebrating the Success of Littleton Modern Dentistry 7456 S. Simms St., Unit A-1, Littleton Friday, April 5th Retirement Celebration for Mary Kay McCarty The Chamber Center, 2154 E. Commons Ave., Suite 342, Centennial Tuesday, April 9th Columbine High School Social Enterprise Presentation The Chamber Center, 2154 E. Commons Ave., Suite 342, Centennial Business Bible Study The Chamber Center, 2154 E. Commons Ave., Suite 342, Centennial Business After Hours hosted by PROformance Apparel 6905 S. Broadway, Suite 181, Littleton Wednesday, April 10th HYPE Board of Advisors Meeting The Chamber Center, 2154 E. Commons Ave., Suite 342, Centennial Nonprofit & Business Partnership Advisory Board Meeting The Chamber Center, 2154 E. Commons Ave., Suite 342, Centennial Celebrating Funky Business’ New ConneXions Store Southwest Plaza Mall, 8501 West Bowles Ave., Littleton Thursday, April 11th Technology Advocates Group The Chamber Center, 2154 E. Commons Ave., Suite 342, Centennial Littleton Business Coalition with Brett Spenst, CEO, Littleton Adventist Hospital South Denver Cardiology Associates, 1000 Southpark Drive, Littleton Women in Leadership Meeting The Chamber Center, 2154 E. Commons Ave., Suite 342, Centennial Colorado Center for the Blind Annual Business Networking Event 2233 W. Shepperd Ave., Littleton Friday, April 12th Economic Development Group Breakfast The Chamber Center, 2154 E. Commons Ave., Suite 342, Centennial

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13

Elbert County News 13

April 4, 2013

Boxing is a big hit for fitness Workout trend on the upswing

Jiner, who’s also a professional fighter. “The response has been overwhelming,” he said. As at LA Boxing, most of Jiner’s students are women. He, too, praises the calorieburning benefits of the sport, describing boxing as “one of the better total cardio exercises you can do.” But his first priority is form. “My boxing classes are very technical,” he said. “Your first class, you might not even break a sweat. Before you can start amping up, I need to make sure your feet are underneath you and you’re punching properly. You take one of my classes and have to remember combinations. “It’s a thinking sport. It’s a holistic sport. There’s a lot of spirituality involved in it as well. I like the physicality, the discipline, the mental focus of the sport.” Frantom agrees, and said boxing isn’t what she’d expected. Jiner “kept telling me boxing is like dancing,” she said. “I’ve never been able to dance. I was very intimidated. You have to think about 500 different things at the same time.” She also had to first overcome an aversion to the idea of punching. “I remember telling him, `I’m from the South, I don’t hit people’,” Frantom said. “Now that I can do it, I think it makes a woman more attractive because she has the confidence that comes with knowing, `I can take care of myself.’”

os St. Bowood fieldBy Jane Reuter Versojreuter@ourcoloradonews.com

on to Hope Frantom was, she said, “an uncoandordinated mess” when she started boxing. localNow, she’s not just coordinated but has h livegained a level of confidence she says permeates every aspect of her life. h the “I feel like whatever you throw at me, I , forcould probably do,” said the Aurora resi.S. ofdent, who works as a trainer at Lone Tree withAthletic Club. “I have more confidence about trying new things. I am more confiwin-dent approaching men in a social situation. g ofI’m also a more confident teacher. a. In “It’s also a great workout.” gion, Frantom is among a wave of women f thechoosing boxing and kickboxing for fit, theness. A trend for several years, the sport got cenica boost with the debut of women’s boxing at the 2012 Olympics. Cardio kickboxing es aclasses have grown 37 percent in the past s arethree years, according to Women’s Health eties;magazine. oom “Better than 60 percent of our class is e di-made up of women,” said Stephen Stafford, oomgeneral manager at Lone Tree’s LA Boxing. “I have a lot of teachers, medical professionals, lawyers, business executives — all high-stress jobs. It’s that release they get

Sandra Wong of Castle Rock, participating in a kickboxing class at the Lone Tree Athletic Club, is among a growing wave of women using boxing and kickboxing for fitness. Photo by Jane Reuter (from boxing), in an environment that’s not intimidating.” In addition to providing an emotional outlet, boxing offers “every aspect of fitness,” Stafford said, adding that most people burn between 800 and 1,000 calories per

class. “Aside from heavyweights, have you ever seen a fat boxer?” he asked. The Lone Tree Athletic Club recently opened a boxing room in early 2013, with the urging of personal training manager Pat

Before she says ‘I do’ rboldrey@ourcoloradonews.com Before any bride walks down the aisle there is a lot of work that needs to be done. First she needs to find an aisle to walk down, an officiant to perform the ceremony, a florist, a photographer, a reception hall, someone to take care of the music. And of course, no one will come if she doesn’t pick out some invitations and put them in the mail or have a place to hold the reception. Lucky for those brides to be, there’s a one-stop shop where every one of those things can be lined up — the Highlands Ranch Bridal Show. The first-year show, scheduled for noon-4 p.m. April 7 at the Hilton Garden Inn, 1050 Plaza Drive in Highlands Ranch, will feature 32 local wedding vendors from bakeries to travel agents, photographers, officiants, DJs, bachelorette party planners, dance instructors and reception sites.

What: Highlands Ranch Bridal Show When: Noon-4 p.m. April 7 How much: $5 Where: Hilton Garden Inn, 1050 Plaza Drive, Highlands Ranch To register: Go to www.hrbridalshow. eventbrite.com To know: The first 100 brides registered will receive a swag bag full of goodies and special offers from the vendors, including honeymoon travel vouchers and more. There will even be a chocolate fountain and a masseuse on site to help relieve the stress behind the decision-making. What sets the show apart, though, according to Hilton Garden manager Karly Stein, are the workshops that will be put on by Denver-based business Beyond the Bedroom throughout the day. “I’m pretty excited about Beyond the Bedroom,” Stein said. “It’s unique to a bridal show. They will be conducting relationship workshops, and will even have one called `How not to dance for your wedding,’ which we thought was important because a lot of brides

The Highlands Ranch Bridal Show on April 7 will give brides-to-be a chance to mingle with 32 vendors who specialize in everything a bride needs for her big day, from flowers to accessories, music and more. Photo by Deborah Grigsby and grooms don’t see the importance of that.” Beyond the message of keeping the more intimate movements between husband and wife for the honeymoon and off the dance floor, there will also be half-hour workshops on “Hair tips and tricks for your wedding photography,” “Looking picture perfect on your wedding day,” “The little details in planning your wedding,” “Love languages

for you and your partner,” “Honeymoon travel planning 101,” and “Vegas Stiletto Fitness.” Event admission is $5 and the first 100 brides who RSVP will get a swag bag that includes goodies from vendors such as travel vouchers for honeymoons and more. To see a complete list of vendors, read more about the workshops or to register, please visit www.hrbridalshow.eventbrite.com.

CURTAIN TIME Hitchcock in Littleton

“The 39 Steps,” adapted by Patrick Barlow from John Buchan’s novel and Alfred Hitchcock’s movie, will play April 12 to May 5 at Town Hall Arts Center, 2450 W. Main St., Littleton. Four actors bring 150 characters to life — fast. Performances: 7:30 p.m. Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays; 2:30 p.m. Sundays. Tickets: 303-7942787, ext. 5.

Family saga

“The Color Purple — The Musical About Love” is based on the novel by Alice Walker, adapted by Marsha Norman, with music and lyrics by Brenda Russell, Alee Willis, Stephen Bray. It plays April 12 to May 12 at the Aurora Fox, 9900 E Colfax Ave., Aurora. Directed

by donnie l. betts. Performances: 7:30 p.m. Fridays, Saturdays; 2 p.m. Sundays. Tickets: $28/$24, 303-7391970, aurorafox.org.

Kit Kat Klub

“Cabaret” by Kander and Ebb will be presented April 12 to May 12 by Ignite Theatre in the studio theater at the Aurora Fox, 9900 E. Colfax Ave., Aurora. Directed by Danny Harrigan. Performances: 7:30 Fridays and Saturdays and Monday, April 15; 2:30 p.m. Sundays. Tickets: $27/$20, 720-3622697, ignitetheatre.com.

About the Thayers

“On Golden Pond” by Ernest Thompson plays April 5 to 20 at the Festival Playhouse, 5665 Olde Wadsworth Blvd., Arvada.

Directed by Charles Ault. Performances: 7:30 p.m. Fridays, Saturdays; 2 p.m. Sundays. Tickets: $16/$14, 303-422-4090, www.festivalplayhouse.com.

Patsy Cline

“Always … Patsy Cline” plays April 12 to 20 at the PACE Center, 20000 Pikes

Peak Ave., Parker. Performances: 7:30 Friday, Saturday; 2 p.m. Saturday, Sunday. Tickets: pacecenteronline.org.

Regional premiere

“Tigers Be Still” by Kate Rosenstock plays April 12 through May 11, a regional premiere presented by Fire-

NOTICES

By Ryan Boldrey

IF YOU GO

ourcolorado

Bridal Show offers unique workshops

Notice To Creditors PUBLIC NOTICE

house Theater at the John Hand Theater, 7853 E. First Place, Denver. Directed by Luke Allen Terry. Performances: 7:30 p.m. Fridays, Saturdays, Monday, April 22; 6:30 p.m. Sundays April 21 and May 5. Tickets: $20/$18/$15 on April 22. 303-562-3232, firehousetheatercompany.com.

NOTICE TO CREDITORS In the Matter of the Estate of Edwin P. Nicholas, Deceased Case Number: 2013 PR 17 All persons having claims against the above-named estate are required to present them to the Personal Representative or to the District Court of Elbert County, Colorado on or before August 19, 2013 or the claims may be forever barred. Steven J. Nicholas Personal Representative P.O. Box 181 Elbert, Colorado 80106 Legal Notice No: 927917 First Publication: March 28, 2013 Last Publication: April 11, 2013 Publisher: Elbert County News PUBLIC NOTICE

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NOTICE TO CREDITORS In the Matter of the Estate of Joan E. Nicholas, Deceased Case Number: 2013 PR 16 All persons having claims against the above-named estate are required to present them to the Personal Representative or to the District Court of Douglas County, Colorado on or before August 19, 2013 or the claims may be forever barred. Steven J. Nicholas Personal Representative P.O. Box 181 Elbert, Colorado 80106 Legal Notice No: 927918 First Publication: March 28, 2013 Last Publication: April 11, 2013 Publisher: The Elbert County News

Elbertsports 14-Sports-B&W

14 Elbert County News April 4, 2013

Cardinals head into league action Baseball team returns from invitational in Phoenix By Scott Stocker

sports@ourcoloradonews.com The spring break was probably just what the Elizabeth baseball team needed. It included a trip to Arizona to participate in the Coach Bob Invitational Tournament in Phoenix. Elizabeth came away with a 2-2 record, 2-1 in the Cardinals pool, and overall, coach Doug Severinson was pleased with the way his players responded. The Cardinals are now 4-3 overall. “We only have three seniors, so we could be considered young,” said Severinson, now in his third year as the Elizabeth head coach. “However, we have a lot of juniors who have been involved in competitive ball and we have a good pitching staff, four deep. “Moving into a new league, the Colorado 7, should prove interesting,” Severinson said. “The Arizona trip was a bonding experience for all of us and a good trip for the kids. I think we will have a solid team with our seven returning players. It has been a rough start, as the weather here at home has held us back and we’ve had a lot of indoor practice. Now, it’s on to league action.” Elizabeth was defeated by Mesa Ridge, 12-2, in the Cardinals’ season opener back on March 18. However, they rebounded the next day with a 25-0 victory over Mitchell. And that was a game in which every player on the varsity roster had a least one hit, 23 on the day. Jeff Stevens came through with four RBI against Mitchell, with Brandon Severinson, the coach’s son, also adding four RBI with the help of a pair of doubles and a couple stolen bases. Jace Evans

also batted in four runs, while Brady Oliver chipped in with three more batted home. Elizabeth defeated Strasburg 10-4, then headed off to Arizona. They finished 2-1 in their bracket, 2-2 overall. The Cardinals fell to Douglas High of Juneau, Alaska, 6-5, then were beaten by Apollo of Glendale, Ariz., 13-5. They rebounded with a 6-1 win over Denver Christian, which also made the Arizona trip, then defeated Kalmath Union, Oregon, 4-2. “Now it’s on to league play and we will go after it,” Severinson said. “Just a quick look ahead we see Englewood and Fort Morgan as the stronger teams in the league. We’ll just have to see how everything plays out, as this is a new league for us.” Brandon Severinson is off to a solid start at the plate with an early season .462 average. It’s a mark also held by teammate Brody Oliver, who also leads the Cardinals with six RBI. Leading the team in hitting at this point, though, is Cody Stienke with a lofty .556 average and five RBI. Also hitting above the .300 mark in the early going is Tyler Erzen (.444), Wahlstrom (.333) and Brett Yates (.308). “The trip was good and finally a chance to spend more days outside,” Brandon Severinson said with a chuckle. “Until we got to Arizona we had only played three games outside and only had three outdoor practices. “We have to share the gyms with the others playing spring sports and that puts a damper on your practices. “That first game in Arizona we committed seven errors, but after that we were able to bounce back,” Severinson said. “I’m excited about the season and I really think we have a lot of potential to do well in our league, and talent I hope we don’t waste.”

Elizabeth shortstop Cody Stienke leads the team in batting with a .556 average.

simla volleyball coach named to hall of fame Snyder has led volleyball team for nearly 30 years By Scott Stocker

sports@ourcoloradonews.com Simla’s Sue Snyder was just a kid when the Colorado High School Coaches Association began its hall of fame. Now, she is among the five newest members to join the hall this year. The 50th annual CHSCA Hall of Fame dinner and induction was held March 30 at the Red Lion Hotel in Aurora. Joining Snyder were coaching greats Scott Yates of Kent Denver, Brian Christensen of Akron, Greg King of Norwood and Mike Pallotto of Roosevelt. Snyder, who graduated from Miami (now

SCHOLARSHIP AWARDS Simla’s Kenzi Mitchell was one of eight students who received CHSCA Scholarship Awards. The recipients have to be outstanding scholars in their schools as well as top athletes. Joining Mitchell on the recognition stand was Mark Doolin of Hayden, Dillon Joens of Platte Valley, Andrew Perry of Otis, Joseph Seaton of Highland, Sernia Nickle of Coronado, Hannah Jo Yahn of Caliche and Allyson Vasquez of Akron. Miami-Yoder) High School in 1978, finished her 30th season as a volleyball coach this year. Her first year at the side of the net was at Ellicott in 1983-84. From there, it was on to Simla. Snyder’s teams at Simla have won two

state championships (1994 and 1996) as well as five state runner-up trophies (1988, 1995, 1997, 2007 and 2012). She was selected as the Dave Sanders Coach of the Year in 2012 and was the recipient of the Don DesCombes Award in 2002. “Fifty years is quite a feat and I think the organization is stronger now than it has ever been,” Snyder said. “It just tries to offer something new all the time. Going into the hall is such a humble honor. “I just look back, too, at all the coaches and athletes along the way who I’ve been able to work with and help. But this is an honor for the whole school and county - all of those who have worked so hard in our programs and who have done such great jobs. They have all put up such wonderful efforts over the years. The kids have brought

speCial reCognition awards Teacher/Coach of the Year: Ray Van Heukelem, Denver Christian Lloyd Gaskill Award: P.J. Gardner, Liberty High School Media Award: Bobby Fernandez, Greeley Tribune CHSCA Benefactor Award: Bert Borgman, Colorado High School Activities Association Inaugural Dick Katte Sportsmanship Award: Dick Katte, Denver Christian DesCombes Distinguished Service Award: Bob Graf, Denver Special Recognition: Sandy Beasley, CHSCA All-state Games director

the dream.” Snyder has also been an active force in the CHSCA and quite active in helping to bring the level of recognition to girls athletics in Colorado to a high standard.

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Elbert County News 15

April 4, 2013

Reality show teaches survivor skills Eagle Scout appears on ‘Apocalypse 101’ series

By Chris Michlewicz

cmichlewicz@ourcoloradonews.com Josh Worby is now better prepared for a zombie apocalypse. Already an Eagle Scout with plenty of emergency preparedness training, Worby recently got a supplemental lesson from a group of military survivalists. The Legend High School senior’s father, Dave, answered a casting call posted on Craigslist by the

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they have some literary license.” Shot last September in the mountains west of Golden, the four-man team of hosts, made up of retired Marines, picked apart Josh Worby’s survival bag, also known as a “bug out bag.” They gave the 17-year-old a hard time about his halfjoking eagerness to learn how to defend against a zombie takeover. They also poked fun at his mechanical arm brace that enables him to attach and carry flashlights and other tools. But the novice firearmuser got the last laugh during a target-shooting lesson: He repeatedly hit a watermelon from several hundred yards out, while

Parker resident Josh Worby, 17, appeared on an episode of Apocalypse 101, a reality TV series on the National Geographic channel. Courtesy photo the hosts were unable to hit it at all. The survivalists, own-

ers of Colorado-based Forge Survival Supply, also showed the teen the convenience of MREs — or Meals Ready to Eat — and the importance of maintaining a proper fighting stance during hand-to-hand combat, but those sequences did not make the final cut. In the last few years, Dave Worby says, he began to notice a lot more extra food and water around the house. His son joined Cub Scouts at an early age and has always liked learning survival techniques, but his interest grew as the undead inexplicably exploded with popularity. The Centers for Disease Control, presumably with tongue in cheek, even

launched a 2012 campaign aimed at zombie apocalypse preparedness. The CDC argued that anyone prepared for zombies would be ready for virtually any other disaster. Dave Worby, who moved to Parker in 1987, points out that thanks to his son, his family has the appropriate supplies and a little more know-how to face the aftermath of a biological event or a nuclear blast. The show featuring Josh Worby was scheduled to air again March 26, as well as in reruns. To learn more about the show, visit www.nationalgeographic.com and click on the `television’ tab, then click on `shows.’

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London-based producers of “Apocalypse 101,” a new National Geographic Channel reality TV series in the same vein as pop-culture favorite “Doomsday Preppers.” It turned out that Worby, a theater buff with an affinity for zombie-related video games and movies like “Zombieland,” was the perfect fit. He nailed an audition in a Walmart parking lot and was tapped to costar in one of the first “Apocalypse 101” episodes, which aired right after “Doomsday Preppers” March 19. “The show has different scenarios and they take people into situations and advise them on how to act,” Dave Worby said. “It’s kind of a docudrama setup, but

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