March 26, 2015 VOLU M E 1 4 | I S SUE 1 0
LoneTreeVoice.net A publication of
D O U G L A S C O U N T Y, C O L O R A D O
New chief fans flames of success South Metro’s Bob Baker talks about importance of role By Chris Michlewicz
cmichlewicz @coloradocommunitymedia.com At a towering 6 feet 6 inches, the first thing people notice about Bob Baker is his height. The second characteristic they usually pick up on is his dedication and enthusiasm for fire service. Baker worked in eight positions during 30 years with the South Metro Fire Rescue Authority before taking over as the department’s chief last
October. With predecessor Dan Qualman at the helm for 28 years, Baker knows he has big shoes to fill and high expectations to meet. Fortunately for him, Baker had the chance to study under Qualman and adopt many of his leadership qualities, chief among them patience and humility. Although he didn’t have much say in choosing his replacement, Qualman says he wasn’t surprised that Baker succeeded him at the highest rung in the South Metro Fire ladder. “He’s analytical and intuitive, which I think is a real positive strength,” said the former chief, now a fire-protection consultant who considers himself semiretired. Baker continues on Page 12
South Metro Fire Rescue Chief Bob Baker, who took over the position in October, stands outside of the department’s headquarters in Centennial on March 10. Photo by Chris Michlewicz
Senior-living development breaks ground Staff report
The City of Lone Tree celebrated with MorningStar Senior Living as it broke ground on its housing complex March 19. “For probably close to 10 years we’ve been trying to bring a project like this (to RidgeGate),” said Coventry Development’s — Size in acres vice president Keith of the lot the Simon. “It’s essendevelopment is tial to creating a being built on complete community.” — Number Coventry is of units, most the company that for independent oversees developliving, remainder ment in RidgeGate, for assisted living the six-acre project and memory care south of Lincoln — Avenue in which Starting point MorningStar is for monthly building. rental rates of Mor ningStar independent living CEO Ken Yaeger units promised fine amenities for future — residents. Square footage “The seniors of the building will Lone Tree deserve occupy high quality,” he said. “They lived through a tough, — Project’s cost tough time.”
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Nathan Gunn, left, conducts a workshop with members of Phamaly - a theater company composed of individuals with disabilities - at the Lone Tree Arts Center March 11. Photos by Jane Reuter
Sensory friendly programming expands Award will help arts center extend reach to those with special needs By Jane Reuter
jreuter@coloradocommunitymedia.com The Lone Tree Arts Center staff believes the arts are for everyone. Including those who can’t tolerate bright lights, thunderous applause or sitting still through long productions. It recently got a $14,000 financial boost to extend the reach of its sensory friendly performances even further. The programs started during the LTAC’s first season in March 2012. Illusionist Kevin Spencer held a performance for children with special needs. Inspired by Spencer, center staff planned the first sensory friendly performance in December 2013, tweaking the regular production of “Home for the Holidays” for individuals with autism spectrum disorders or other disabilities. Audience lights weren’t completely dimmed, the volume was lower, and the expectation that attendees might need to move about or otherwise express themselves was built into the performance. The center has hosted several sensory friendly productions since. “After we saw the impact on families, we knew we wanted to do this,” LTAC director Lisa Rigsby Peterson said. “This is sort of a movement for us. We are really committed to encouraging all kinds of organizations to con-
Wellspring Community choir members Ryan Boryla, standing, and Joel Gutierrez rehearse for their workshop with opera star Nathan Gunn March 11 at the Lone Tree Arts Center. sider including sensory friendly work in their lives. “This is work that’s easy. It’s not expensive. And you have the opportunity to reach people who have felt marginalized and not welcome.” The LTAC and Phamaly, a Denver theater
company composed of actors with disabilities, were awarded $14,000 in January during Colorado Art Tank. Similar to the show “Shark Tank,” in which people pitch business ideas, art proponents sought funds provided by The Bonfils-Stanton Foundation, Colorado Creative industries and The Denver Foundation. The money will enable Phamaly and the LTAC to schedule more sensory-friendly performances in upcoming seasons. The center also will convene a regional summit to share techniques about sensory friendly performances. Funds will help underwrite the cost of tickets to the performances and create a guide for organizations and families to find the programs. In March, opera star Nathan Gunn and music director Julie Gunn held a workshop at the Lone Tree Arts Center with actors from Phamaly and Castle Rock’s Wellspring Community choir. Wellspring is a day facility for adults with special needs. Nathan Gunn had high praise for Peterson’s mission. “I think what she’s doing is on the cutting edge,” he said. Wellspring director Mary Lou Fenton said the adults who participated displayed “tremendous pride and excitement.” “Engaging the disabled, opening up opportunities for them — this is fabulous,” she said. “What a unique opportunity for them to perform and be celebrated.” The LTAC’s next sensory friendly performance will be “Fancy Nancy” on May 16. During that production and future sensoryfriendly programs, members of Wellspring will serve as ushers.
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The complex expects to welcome its first residents in 18 months to two years. It is located on the northeast corner of RidgeGate Parkway and Commons Street. Amenities include private theaters, bistros, white-tablecloth dining options, full activities program, transportation, concierge service, pool, hot tub, exercise facility and courtyard with indoor/outdoor fireplace.
Lone Tree seniors listen as Moringstar Senior Living CEO Ken Jaeger talks about the project that broke ground in the city March 19. Photo by Jane Reuter