Elbert county news 0814

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August 14, 2014 VOLU M E 1 1 9 | I S S UE 28

ElbertCountyNews.net E L B E R T C O U N T Y, C O L O R A D O

A publication of

County achieves financial deadline Audit breaks four-year streak of overdue reports

By Rick Gustafson

Special to Colorado Community Media For the first time in four years, Elbert County submitted its financial statements and compliance audit prior to the statutory deadline of midnight, July 31.

At a special meeting of the Board of County Commissioners on July 30, Kim Higgins, a partner with Eide Bailly LLP, presented her accounting firm’s audit opinions regarding the county’s 2013 financial statements, in addition to a report on compliance with federal awards.

Over the past years, Elbert County has had its share of financial challenges, and though the county government may not have completely turned its finances around, there was good news that came out of the audit.

During her presentation to the BOCC, Higgins praised the county’s efforts to improve its financial situation and applauded the direction the county is heading to

The Blazing Saddles Drill Team was part of the Elbert County Fair Parade on Aug. 3. Photos by Rick Gustafson

A fair end for all Elbert sending second highest number of entrants to Pueblo

Audit continues on Page 7

By Rick Gustafson

Special to Colorado Community Media

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With the judging completed, the top ribbons awarded, and the bleachers filled to capacity, it was standing room only inside the Ag Building at the Elbert County Fairgrounds in Kiowa for the 2014 Junior Market Sale.

One of many highlights at the Elbert County Fair, the Aug. 2 auction offered more than 150 animals, including market swine, beef cattle, lambs, poultry and rabbits, with the proceeds going to the 4-H’ers who spent the past year raising and caring for the animals.

Many of the animals, especially grand champions and reserve grand champions, sold at prices well above market as bidders, such as local businessman Rick Hunt and his wife Donna, paid premium prices in support of the hard work and expense that 4-H’ers put into raising their livestock.

Hunt, the owner of Hunt Construction and Full Rut Archery in Parker, said he planned to buy 10 to 15 animals this year and give the meat to his 50 employees as part of a bonus. In 2013, the Hunts spent over $30,000 on 4-H livestock.

For bidders interested in supporting 4-H’ers but not wanting the meat from their purchases, the Locker Plant offered a buyback program at market price. The plant also provided free transportation of the animals for processing.

Livestock was not the only thing appraised at the fair during the week. Judging for general 4-H projects, ranging from artistic clothing to model rocketry, began on July 25 and continued throughout the week.

According to Shelia Kelly, the county’s extension director and agent for 4-H development, Elbert County is second only to Larimer County for general category projects qualifying for this year’s state fair. More than 230 entrants will represent Elbert County Aug. 22- Sept. 1 in Pueblo.

In addition to 4-H activities, competitors displayed their skills in the Fellowship Hall. Local arti-

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Elbert Day celebrates area’s past Clayton Liss, 18, of Elbert, poses with his grand-champion goat, Shenanigans. sans competed in more than 30 open class general exhibits, including quilting and a variety of needle crafts; fine arts and photography; and, of course, an assortment of baked goods and deserts. Classes were open to both adults and children.

With a week of wet weather pushing out of the area, the fair moved into high gear the night of Aug. 1 with the Big Time Bucking Horse Futurity, a saddle bronc performance and a concert and dance, featuring the music of Honkytonk Voodoo.

In the arena on Aug. 2, dog handlers worked their stock dogs in trials, the handler and dog working together in a timed event to guide three sheep into a pen and around obstacles. By that evening, powerful horses took center stage in the arena for the horse pull.

Aug. 3 marked the final day of the county fair with all the pomp and circumstances of the parade down Comanche Street and the action of the Ranch Rodeo.

For many, the last day of fair is a milestone marking the end of summer. Exhibits are picked up and the doors to fairground buildings are locked by 5 p.m. There is the anticipation of the first school bells of the year on Aug. 6, of shuffling to class, and the excitement of a new 4-H project for next year’s Elbert County Fair.

Festival offers parade, ice cream, beer garden, ribbon cuttings, artistry and more Staff report Don’t be surprised if you see an old-time gunfight breakout in the town of Elbert on Aug. 16.

The small town will be celebrating its Western heritage at its annual festival, and people can expect to see a few cowboys moseying the streets.

The Elbert Day Festival will run from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Featured events will include an 8 a.m. breakfast at the historic Russell Gates building, a flyover of old planes at 9:30 a.m., and the annual parade at 10:30 a.m.

The festival offers something for children and adults alike. There will be pancake races, an egg toss and a watermelon seed-spitting contest. From noon to 3 p.m., there will be kids’ games, a petting zoo and a roping demonstration.

Food of all kinds will also be available from local vendors, and a beer garden is Elbert Day continues on Page 9

BRING YOUR APPETITE!

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2 Elbert County News

August 14, 2014

Retreating to read a refreshing reprieve I just returned from my third annual reading retreat.

A few years ago, a friend of mine and I decided to set aside a weekend every year, escape up to a cabin or bed and breakfast somewhere in the mountains, and read. We are both librarians, so we are avid readers, always with more choices of books to read than hours in the day to read them.

The first year, we both brought about a dozen books each to browse through, pass back and forth, and indulge in. While we did spend some solid time reading, I can’t say that I actually read one book all the way through. See above: too many books to choose from.

A year later, we rented a little cabin with a kitchenette, attached to a B&B that made us breakfast and provided a happy hour with wine and appetizers every evening. My mom

joined us. My role model for reading growing up, she is also an avid reader and wanted in on the fun. I brought a box full of cozy mysteries, a genre all three of us enjoy. I think we each managed to finish at least one book at the retreat.

So this year, I thought I would try something different, because I know how easily I am distracted by books. I reached for one

mighty tome that has sat on my shelf for years, waiting patiently for me.

It’s a book by my favorite author, A.S. Byatt. I am not much of a re-reader, but one of her early novels, “Possession,” I have read probably a dozen times. I wrote my master’s thesis on it. I have read almost everything else she has written.

When her newest book came out, I was so excited. I pre-ordered a copy so that I would be among the first to own it. Wait for the library to order a copy? No, thank you! I couldn’t wait that long!

That was five years ago now.

I picked up my copy before the reading retreat because I decided it was finally time to finish this book I had started. I had made it to page 139 of this 650-page masterpiece.

Where had the time gone? Where was my passion for my favorite author? And what are

the chances of reading such a long book in one weekend?

It didn’t happen, of course. I couldn’t read the whole book. Because it had been so long since I’d started, I had to start over again, and by the end of day one, I was finally back to where I had left off. But the retreat pulled me back into the book’s orbit, and I have continued to read it even now that I am back to my regularly scheduled life. And, since I already own my copy, the good news for you is that there might be a copy waiting for you on the shelf at the library.

Kari May lives in Elizabeth and is the director of the Elbert County Library District. She can be contacted through the library at director@ elbertcountylibrary.org. Visit the library at www.elbertcountylibrary.org.

Viaero marks 4G upgrade with donation Museum renovations

funded by foundation

Staff Report Cell phone and Internet users living in Elizabeth now have the option to subscribe to a Colorado-based 4G wireless provider because of an upgrade to a service network.

As part of its Aug. 2 celebration marking the arrival of 4G in Elizabeth, Viaero Wireless donated $500 to the local Advocates for Children Court-Appointed Special Advocates group to support its mission.

“We are so grateful to Viaero for its community involvement and support of advocating for the safety and well-being of children who have been removed from their homes due to abuse and neglect,” said Advocates for Children CASA Program Manager PattyAnn Maher. “This donation will help a child gain stability and have a greater chance of success in their future.”

Advocates for Children CASA represents the interests of those children through court-appointed volunteers, according to its website.

Staff Report

From left, Viaero Wireless sales associate Ann Coontz, CASA representatives Peggy Rudden and PattyAnn Maher, and sales associate Diane Pebley during the Aug. 2 event. Courtesy photo “Supporting the communities where we operate has always been a part of the way we do business, and we are proud to be upgrading to 4G for cell and Internet users in Elizabeth,” said Viaero President Frank DiRico.

Viaero is in the process of con-

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verting its entire network to 4G to improve network speed by more than 20 times over its previous delivery. Headquartered in Fort Morgan, Viaero Wireless specializes in providing service to rural communities in Colorado, Nebraska and Kansas.

The Boettcher Foundation has selected the Elbert County Historical Museum as one of 20 Colorado nonprofits to receive grant funding for community enrichment projects.

The nonprofits will be awarded a total of $815,000 in support of capital projects, including $10,000 toward the renovation of the museum in Kiowa and completion of “The Smoky Hill Trail” exhibit.

“From shared community spaces and historic preservation to game-changing youth development centers and concert venues, these projects represent some of the most innovative, thoughtful and ambitious campaigns being pursued by nonprofits in Colorado,” said Tim Schultz, Boettcher Foundation president and executive director. “These projects have the potential to create powerful change in the communities where they are located, and we are proud to contribute to their progress.”

The projects selected for funding by the foundation’s board of trustees represent efforts that contribute toward community enrichment in the areas of arts and culture, youth development or community recreation and senior centers.

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Elbert County News 3

August 14, 2014

Volunteer focuses on domestic violence Crisis Center provides shelter, legal help, more for victims

By Christy Steadman

csteadman @coloradocommunitymedia.com By day, Becki Rupp answers the phone and sends out emails, helps on presentations and plans events.

The 44-year-old marketer for Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield likes her job, but it’s what she does at the Crisis Center — serving Douglas and Elbert counties — that fulfills her.

“It allows me to help plan and support the initiative that will help people,” Rupp said. “And improve their lives in the long term.”

Her introduction to the Crisis Center started in 2009 when she volunteered at the Future for Families Gala, an annual fundraiser for the organization that provides a safe house and services for victims of domestic violence. From there, Rupp volunteered at the safe house and, more recently, joined the board of directors.

“She’s got an incredible heart for the organization,” said Jennifer Walker, executive director of the Crisis Center. “An all-around great volunteer.”

After helping with the gala, Rupp saw how the Castle Rock-based organization was making a difference, so she decided to volunteer at the center’s shelter. She volunteered there for about three years, dedicating three hours a week.

The shelter is a 28-bed safe house in a confidential location for victims of domestic violence. Men, women and children may stay at the shelter to escape abuse, said Lynn Adams, marketing and community outreach coordinator for the Crisis Center.

“It’s really eye-opening to see how it plays out in people’s lives,” she said, adding that her time at the shelter gave her a firsthand look at the effects of domestic violence.

Rupp joined the 11-member board of directors in January 2013. She wanted to bring her marketing skills and previous experience from work with other nonprofit organizations to the center.

“The dynamics shift a little,” she said.

DOMESTIC VIOLENCE NEAR YOU • Domestic violence is the number one violent crime in Douglas County, from a law enforcement perspective, and it is often under-reported.

• Areas that experience a lot of growth, such as Douglas County, especially have a need for services in order to address the problem.

• Abuse happens everywhere, even in affluent communities.

• Domestic violence crosses all ages and both genders, all ethnic groups, and all socioeconomic levels.

• Research shows that 95 percent of boys and 72 percent of girls who witness domestic violence will carry abuse into their adult relationships, as either the victim or the perpetrator.

• The Crisis Center serves 1,000 to 1,200 domestic violence victims a year in Elbert and Douglas counties. Those numbers do not include calls to the crisis line.

Source: The Crisis Center

WHAT THE CRISIS CENTER DOES • It provides general community outreach, informing residents about the services the organization offers and opportunities for community members to get involved.

• Offers children’s and legal advocates for clients, and provides seven professionally trained therapists. In addition, about 300 people volunteer at the shelter.

• It holds fundraising efforts to support the safe house and the organization’s services.

• There are 11 domestic violence shelters in the Denver metro area that work with the Crisis Center. Those shelters work closely together to provide a safe place for victims.

“The board serves as the executive director’s boss.”

At the shelter, Rupp interacts with one to 10 people per week. As a board member, she cannot work directly with clients, but her efforts affect a larger number of people.

“This work has the opportunity to have an impact on the bigger picture,” Rupp said.

Clients who come to the shelter are not the only ones who benefit from the services and support the organization offers. The shelter also provides outpatient therapy and counseling, education and advocacy for the community.

Often, people who are not directly exposed to domestic violence fail to notice

Familiar face to lead Elizabeth High Ex-superintendent Blunck named acting principal

By Christy Steadman

csteadman @coloradocommunitymedia.com Dr. Rod Blunck, the former superintendent of the Elizabeth School District, has assumed the position as acting principal at Elizabeth High School.

Blunck, who took over on Aug. 7, accepted the position after Greg Wieman — who was principal at the school for five years — accepted a superintendent position with the Eureka County School District in Nevada.

Blunck began his career as a special education teacher, and is currently an associate clinical professor at the University of Colo-

rado at Denver. The curriculum of his courses focuses on school principal preparation and licensure. Additionally, he runs the Administrative Leadership Program at the university.

From July 2003 to June 2006, Blunck was superintendent for the Elizabeth School District, and developed a “great fondness for the community,” said Douglas Bissonette, current Elizabeth School District superintendent, in a news release.

“Blunck is well known and highly respected in our area and throughout the state,” Bissonette said. “(He) has extensive educational leadership experience and possesses the qualities of character that any school or community would desire in a high school principal.”

Blunck has committed to serve as principal through the end of October. The school district plans to fill the position long-term prior to that time.

Becki Rupp, right, greets a participant of the Tour de Ladies event on July 12. The Tour de Ladies is a women-only cycling event in which the proceeds benefit the Castle Rock-based Crisis Center that serves all of Douglas and Elbert counties. Photo by David Starck the impact on society, Rupp said. A person who is abused cannot be a productive community member, one example being in the workplace, she said, and children who are exposed to domestic violence may develop behavioral problems or have troubles in school, thus affecting their peers.

Intervention is important, but education and prevention are also critical, Rupp said. “(It’s) not just slapping a Band-Aid on the immediate situation, but healing the deeper wound,” she said. “Reaching way beyond the shelter, deep into the community.”

She may not be able to end world hunger, or create world peace, Rupp said, but “you’ve got to start somewhere.”

For Rupp, that somewhere is the Crisis Center.

“It fulfills,” she said, “the do-gooder in me.”

LOOKING FOR HELP JENNIFER WALKER, executive director of the Crisis Center, said the organization’s board of directors is looking to add five more members.

“WE’RE LOOKING for people who are strong leaders with good connections in the community, (who are) not afraid to be ambassadors of the agency,” Walker said.

INTERESTED CANDIDATES can contact Walker at 303688-1094 or jwalker@thecrisiscenter.org.

WHAT THE board of directors does: • Strategic and long-range planning, including budgeting

• ProvideS oversight for the organization • MakeS sure the organization is meeting its mission • takeS into account world and local views on domestic violence

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4 Elbert County News

August 14, 2014

Fracking ballot initiatives dropped Gov. Hickenlooper and Polis reach deal — task force created

By Vic Vela

vvela@colorado communitymedia.com Voters will not be weighing in on hydraulic fracturing this November after all.

Gov. John Hickenlooper and U.S. Rep. Jared Polis announced an 11th hour deal on Aug. 4 to create a special task force to address issues surrounding fracking — the very day that signatures to put fracking on the November ballot were due for submission to the Secretary of State’s Office.

The task force is part of a deal that the two Democrats reached in the days leading up to the announcement that will also end efforts by Polis to place two anti-fracking ballot initiatives on the November ballot.

Later in the day, pro-fracking groups said they too will drop their own ballot initiative efforts, suddenly ending what was gearing up to be a ballot box fight that was expected to be costly — both in terms of campaign advertising dollars and potentially in political price for other candidates seeking office this fall.

The Polis-backed initiatives sought to increase setback requirements for wells and would have also given communities greater control over oil and gas drilling operations. Pro-fracking groups had sought initiatives that could have had economic impacts on communities that ban fracking — the process by which water and chemicals are blasted into the ground to free up trapped oil and gas underneath.

Also as part of the agreement, Hickenlooper said that the state would work to end a lawsuit against Longmont over new oil and gas regulations the city adopted two years ago.

But the big news is the agreement to pull the ballot measures.

Hickenlooper and the oil and gas industry had opposed Polis’ efforts, concerned that the initiatives would be akin to a fracking ban in a state that relies on drilling to feed the economy.

U.S. Rep. Jared Polis discusses the details of a deal reached Aug. 4 with Gov. John Hickenlooper concerning fracking and local control initiatives. Photo by Vic Vela And Democrats were concerned that an expensive fracking battle would hurt candidates this November, especially Sen. Mark Udall, who is locked in a tight re-election campaign against U.S. Rep. Cory Gardner.

But those fears for Democrats now appear to be over as Polis announced he is backing off of his efforts to continue to pursue the initiatives, measures that he had been helping to finance.

Polis said during a hastily-called Capitol press conference that he considers the creation of a task force to be “a victory for the people of Colorado.”

“For the first time, with the (oil and gas) commission that the governor mentioned, citizens will be on equal footing with the oil and gas industry and will be able to directly negotiate to protect their property rights, home values, and air quality,” Polis said.

The 18-member task force would be charged with helping to “minimize land use conflicts that can occur when siting oil and gas facilities near homes, schools, businesses and recreational areas,” according to the governor’s office.

The task force would be made up a di-

verse group of members from across all business fields. Members would include representatives from the industries of oil and gas, conservation, agriculture, homebuilders and local governments and civic leaders.

The task force would make recommendations on fracking issues to the Legislature.

Fight over for now

Although the agreement had been announced by the governor and Polis, it was still unclear at the time of the press event whether profracking groups would agree to drop their own McNulty measures.

That question was answered late that same evening by Rep. Frank McNulty, R-Highlands Ranch, who was behind an initiative that would have prohibited communities that ban fracking from collecting revenues that are a part of oil and gas revenue allocation.

McNulty said through a press statement that he would suspend his efforts,

calling the decision by Polis to drop his initiatives “an exciting turn of events.”

Another pro-fracking initiative, which would have dealt with financial disclosure issues of future ballot measures that deal with energy development, was also dropped.

Hickenlooper had cautioned for months that the ballot initiatives could have “draconian” results on an industry that generates jobs and contributes billions of dollars to the Colorado economy.

For months, the governor held out hope of calling a special session to address local control issues surrounding fracking, only to call off those efforts last month after a compromise had failed to materialize.

It now appears that the governor doesn’t have to worry about an expensive fight over fracking in November.

“The (task force) will provide an alternative to ballot initiatives that, if successful, would have regulated the oil and gas industry through the rigidity of constitutional amendments and would have imposed a significant threat to ColoraFracking continues on Page 5

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Elbert County News 5

August 14, 2014

Congress leaves town as border crisis drags on Legislation is DOA; races spark breaks with party

By Vic Vela

vvela@coloradocommunitymedia.com Facing a humanitarian crisis along the U.S.-Mexico border, Congress responded last week with go-nowhere legislation that left the issue unresolved as members headed home for the summer recess.

And — proving just how dicey immigration politics are for elected officials — two Colorado Republicans who face tight races for separate offices this fall bucked their party by voting against a GOP-sponsored measure to halt an Obama administration program that shields young undocumented immigrants from deportation.

Reps. Cory Gardner of Yuma and Mike Coffman of Aurora voted against a bill that sought to end a program called Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals. The 2012 executive order that was put in place by President Obama protects immigrant children who grew up in the United States from being deported.

Gardner and Coffman were among 11 Republicans who voted against the DACA bill. Four Democrats voted in favor of the measure. That bill and a separate border funding measure passed the House of Representatives late Aug. 1.

But neither bill will become law. The Democrat-controlled Senate — which failed to pass its own border funding bill — had already adjourned prior to the House voting on the measures, but the bills would not have passed that chamber anyway.

After the bills passed the House, the president scolded Republicans for passing “extreme” and “unworkable” measures that do nothing to address the thousands of children who have migrated from Central America to the Texas border.

“That means while they’re out on vacation, I’m going to have to make some tough choices to meet the challenge, with or without Congress,” Obama said during a White House press conference.

The president had asked Congress for $3.7 billion in emergency funding to increase border security and hire more immigration court judges to deal with the crisis. Since last year, tens of thousands of immigrants have fled Central American countries to the U.S. border to escape gang violence and poverty in their homelands.

House Republicans instead passed a $659 million emergency funding package that would have provided some of the money needed for the Border Patrol, the National Guard and more judges. However, the bill also included changes to a 2008 anti-trafficking law that would have sped up the deportation of immigrant children.

The bill came a day after House Republicans pulled a vote on an earlier version of their funding package that failed to attract support from Tea Party conservatives.

Democrats blasted Republicans over the border measures.

Rep. Ed Perlmutter of Golden called the original bill “a poor piece of legislation” that wouldn’t have done anything to crack down on organized crime that is causing the immigration crisis to being with.

“I think it’s a microcosm of the Republicans’ inability to get anything done of significance in this Congress,” Perlmutter said.

But it was the vote to upend DACA that caused a political stir in Colorado. Gardner is running to unseat Democratic Sen. Mark Udall while Coffman is fighting off a challenge from former state House Speaker Andrew Romanoff for his 6th Congressional District seat.

Colorado’s growing percentage of Latino voters will play a key role in November, as indicated by Coffman’s and Gardner’s no votes on the DACA legislation.

`Middle path’ sought Coffman said in an interview prior to the votes that the DACA bill was “challenging” for him and that he had not yet made up his mind on how he was planning to vote.

“I think that there should be a middle path on this, but we shouldn’t have open borders, and I think the situation we have right now on the border is just unsustainable to this country,” Coffman said.

Coffman later explained his no vote on the DACA bill through an emailed statement.

“Kids who grew up here, know of no other country, and were brought here through no fault of their own, deserve our compassion and an opportunity to earn a path to citizenship,” he said.

Romanoff spokeswoman Denise Baron issued a statement that mockingly thanked Coffman for casting what Romanoff believes is the proper vote.

“It’s a shame that it took a strong opponent and a tough election to get the congressman to reverse his votes for the moment and suspend his attack on DACA,” Baron said.

Gardner also said prior to the bills being brought for a vote that he wasn’t sure how he would end up voting, saying he had yet to see the “final details of the language.”

Gardner ended up voting against the DACA measure, a move that drew a quick reaction from the Udall campaign, who implied that Gardner wouldn’t have voted the same way had he not been running for Senate.

“While this may seem like a sudden about-face, Coloradans know that Congressman Gardner is only trying to hide from his true agenda and that the only thing that has changed are Gardner’s ambitions,” Kristin Lynch, a Udall spokeswom-

an, said through an emailed statement.

The immediate border crisis aside, Congress has gone yet another period without passing anything close to comprehensive immigration reform. And, with Latinos expected to make up about 12 percent of the electorate this fall, Democrats will surely use the issue to their advantage in trying to paint the GOP as a party that refuses to do anything about this issue.

But Gardner said election-year politics isn’t what matters when it comes to the issue of immigration reform.

“I don’t think you can look at it through the eyes of elections,” Gardner said. “I think you have to look at it through the eyes of what’s happening. We have a broken immigration system that needs to be fixed, regardless of any election.”

“When things don’t get fixed, I don’t care who the voter is, they’re going to carry that out on anyone who is in charge.”

But Perlmutter said Gardner’s party is being run by the wrong people and said he hopes that Republicans will pay the price come November.

“You have the real ideological purists who don’t like immigrants and don’t like immigration, who don’t think there is any role of government in just about anything ...” Perlmutter said.

“Right now the purists and the ideologues are running the show.”

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VA overhaul garners overwhelming support Move comes on heels of series of revelations

By Vic Vela

vvela@coloradocommunitymedia.com Congress last week passed a bill aimed at reforming the Department of Veterans Affairs, an agency that has been the subject of intense scrutiny over a number of departmental failures.

The $16 billion legislation would provide money for new VA medical facilities and the hiring of more doctors and nurses.

The bill would also allow veterans to see doctors outside the VA system if they are unsuccessful in obtaining an appointment.

A congressional conference committee worked to merge efforts by the Senate and the House of Representatives and came up with a compromise bill that passed the Senate on July 31 with overwhelming bipartisan support. It passed the House the day before.

“I think veterans are going to be better served now and the VA is going to be a better organization by veterans being able to vote with their feet if they’re not getting adequate care,” said Rep. Mike Coffman of Aurora, a Republican and veteran who serves on the House Veterans Affairs Committee.

The bill is a response to several alarming departmental failures that came to light in recent months.

A federal audit shows that more than 57,000 veterans have

Fracking Continued from Page 4

do’s economy,” Hickenlooper said.

As for the Longmont litigation, Hickenlooper said he would call on the Colorado Oil and Gas Commission to drop its lawsuit against the city. The city had created its own set of rules surrounding fracking, including a requirement that wells be placed at least 750 feet from an occupied dwelling.

The lawsuit marked the first time the state had sued a city over its own oil and gas rules.

Fracking politics play out

The politics of fracking played out almost immediately after the press conference ended.

Former Congressman Bob Beauprez, who is running against Hickenlooper this fall, blasted the “backroom deal” reached by the governor and Polis as having left “many unanswered questions.”

Colorado Republican Chairman Ryan Call was also critical of the announcement.

waited at least three months to see a doctor, while others who asked for appointments never received one. Some veterans died while waiting months for an appointment.

Other findings have shown that VA employees — whose bonuses are tied to wait time reductions — falsified reports to hide information about long wait times.

The scandal led to the resignation of department director Eric Shinseki in May. The Senate on July 29 confirmed Robert McDonald as the department’s new secretary.

The bill would require that the agency send veterans to private health providers when the department is unable to provide care within 14 days.

The legislation would also ban bonuses for VA employees and puts in place greater oversight over the department’s operations.

Democratic Rep. Ed Perlmutter of Golden said he is particularly happy about being able to provide funding for more doctors and nurses, which he hopes will put an end to extraordinary wait times for appointments.

“I think this is going to benefit our veterans in both the short term and long term,” Perlmutter said.

Members of Congress hope the legislation is the beginning of the end to an embarrassing ordeal.

“Our veterans have made incredible sacrifices and we owe it to them to fulfill the promises we have made,” said Republican Rep. Cory Gardner of Yuma. “What’s happened at the VA over the last several years has been shameful and unbecoming of the type of respect and the oath we have made, the solemn obligation we have made to our vets.”

“Literally, the only thing that we know for certain after today’s press conference is that Gov. Hickenlooper, Jared Polis and Colorado Democrats want even more control over Colorado’s already heavily regulated energy industry,” Call said through an emailed statement.

As for Udall, he had been in a tough spot on the fracking issue, considering that a large number of environmentalists — a key Udall constituency — had been behind Polis’ efforts.

The senator issued a statement in favor of the agreement.

“This deal — which averts a divisive and counterproductive ballot fight over one-size-fits-all restrictions — is welcome news and underscores how all of Colorado benefits when we find common ground,” Udall said.

Polis, whose district includes some cities that have voted to ban fracking, told reporters that he had never been pressured by fellow Democrats worried about the political ramifications to halt his efforts.

“I would say no,” Polis said. “The Democrats in my district were very excited about these initiatives and the chance to fight it out and protect their homes. Obviously this will be disappointing to some of my constituents, Republican and Democratic, but I would point out to them that there’s been progress made.”

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6-Opinion

OPINION Don’t end up four words shy

6 Elbert County News

Y O U R S

Don’t come up three words shy in family life is good tip to live by.

In the civic arena of the early election season, we say don’t be four words short.

Be able to stand up and say, “I registered to vote.”

Even though matters of hydraulic fracturing have gone the way of a task force instead of ballot questions, plenty of other heady issues and candidate choices will be in play Nov. 4.

The general election will be conducted with mail ballots expected to land in mailboxes by the second week of October.

Those who voted in the primary are generally confident of their registrations and simply await their ballots. But those not in the thrust of Republican and Democrat party primary activities may want to take a few seconds to double-check their registration status at respective county

&

OUR VIEW websites.

Not to cause worry, but it really only takes a moment to check a voter registration through links on county websites — and to newly register is an easy process as well.

Something good to know is that registered voters remain registered in perpetuity by state law. Registrations are removed only when a mail ballot comes back as undeliverable for two election cycles. So as long as voters keep address information up to date and accurate, the ballots keep coming.

Those who register before the eighth

day before the election at www.govotecolorado.com will automatically receive a mail ballot. After the eighth day, those wanting to register must visit one of the Voter Service and Polling Centers in their respective counties. Applications received through voter registration drives must be received 22 days before the election. And ultimately, in Colorado citizens may register on Election Day in-person at a county voter service and polling center.

And who can vote?

The basics: A voter must be 18, a United States citizen, have resided in Colorado for 22 days before the election and not serving certain types of criminal sentences.

So come November don’t be even two words shy.

Let’s all be wearing “I voted” stickers.

To register, go to www.elbertcounty-co. gov/elections.php#.U-KE_oBdXAg.

August 14, 2014

O U R S

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Bill will help close ‘skills gap’ At a time when federal dollars are stretched thin, we need to shift to models that pay for outcomes, rather than paying for services that may or may not be working. This is the type of approach that can and should apply to a range of government services. It’s also the type of approach Republican Sen. Rob Portman and I took when crafting the recently passed Pay-for-Success Act — which works to make federal job training programs more effective and responsive to what employers want.

When I meet with business owners from all across the state, from the Western Slope to the San Luis Valley, from large manufacturers to small information technology companies, there is one thing that they have in common: a challenge finding workers with skills that match their business needs.

At Western Slope Industries in Grand Junction they stressed how difficult it was to find employees with the proper training. Diversified Machine Systems in Colorado Springs is rapidly expanding with high customer demand, yet they are not able to hire qualified employees fast enough. In Loveland, Leed Fabrication’s need is so great, they had to build their own training facility.

It’s not that there aren’t enough workers, it’s that they aren’t trained in the fields that are hiring. This problem, commonly referred to as the “skills gap,” is driving unemployment and stifling economic growth in Colorado and across the nation.

A 2011 report found that 74 percent of manufacturers are experiencing workforce shortages or skills deficiencies that are significantly hindering their ability to expand operations and improve productiv-

ity. They aren’t alone. Employers across the country — particularly in the informationtechnology sector and throughout other high-growth industries in this economy — are facing a lack of skilled workers, even as tens of thousands of Coloradans continue to look for work.

The Pay-for-Success Act creates a new model for workforce development that helps address this problem and close the skills gap by improving federal job training programs. State and local workforce boards will now have the flexibility to enter into contracts with job-training providers who will be reimbursed for their services only if they deliver on agreedupon outcomes.

For instance, a Colorado job-training provider tasked with training a certain number of workers to fill high-need positions in a specific region or a rapidly growing industry would not be paid if the jobs aren’t filled. The result is workforce development training that is more aligned to regional needs and employer demands.

In Colorado, roughly 10 percent of core federal job-training funds, or $3.24 million, will be available for workforce boards to steer toward these innovative types of Bennet continues on Page 7

LETTER TO THE EDITOR Abuse of animals is appalling I could not believe what I was seeing and reading regarding the case against Christie O’Rourke and David St. Antoine (Pair gets probation for cruelty to animals — July 31 Elbert County News) and the abuse inflicted on the animals in their care.

It was appalling the neglect and injury resulting in death to these poor animals.

The other travesty is our judicial system that gave these two individuals a slap on the hand and allows them to continue to keep some dogs, cats and birds in their care.

They were already on probation for similar offenses and then to be given more latitude to do this all over again is sickening. Anyone with this past and present behavior does not deserve another chance to harm innocent animals.

Anyone that keeps dead cats in their freezer not only requires mental health intervention, but there should be a law that people of this nature “can never own, keep or possess any form of a living animal in their care, ever.”

No wonder there is so much child and animal abuse, when the judicial system allows criminals to get off with a plea bargain or a minimal amount of punishment, only to become repeat offenders, as these people are.

Suzann Wright Parker

Obituaries obituaries@coloradocommunitymedia.com To Subscribe call 303-566-4100 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.

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Include your full name, address and the best number to reach you by telephone.

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Send your news tips, your own photographs, event information, letters, commentaries...

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Please share by contacting us at news@coloradocommunitymedia.com, and we will take it from there.

After all, the News is your paper.

7

Elbert County News 7

August 14, 2014

Looking for the good and creating joy The past five weeks have been extremely busy, including several flights and two crosscountry road trips.

Albeit I snuck in a vacation at the beach, I was unable to heed my own advice and completely disconnect from work and completely revel in the sun and sand.

However, I will say this, as crazy as the business trips and vacation have been, they have also been exceedingly productive and energizing.

You see, part of the problem sometimes, even when we are on vacation, is that we quickly get frustrated with situations and others around us. We look for the bad instead of the good. You know what I mean, right?

We are in line for an attraction or dinner and someone jumps the line and gets in ahead of us. And, yes, that can be completely exasperating, but only if we allow it. What if we just allowed ourselves to think positively and think, “Well, maybe they have some reason that is more urgent for them to go first than mine.” Or maybe, in the case of the restaurant, “They will not get the best server and we will.”

My old boss, mentor, and great friend Zig Ziglar used to remind us that, “Some people

go around looking for the bad like there was some kind of reward for it.” And if we look for the bad, it sure is easy to find.

However, I am here to remind you, as Zig always reminded me, that it is just as easy and maybe even easier to look for and find the good in people, situations, and in life.

I know, I know, how could that even be possible when so many things seem to stack up against us at times? Money problems, work-related issues, health crises, and broken or damaged relationships take up residence in our lives when we least expect them, and we would certainly rather be looking at a brighter picture. And we can look for that brighter picture through the lens of hope.

Even in the face of these very issues that

hurt us, frustrate us, or limit us, we can look for that silver lining and absolutely look for the good.

When we have money problems we are forced to rethink our current strategy and plan. I know many people who have dealt with bankruptcy only to find their passion and start their very own successful business.

There are countless stories of people with work-related challenges, who always used to blame the company or others for their problems, who then found out that they could contribute at a higher level personally and took ownership of improving the current office environment.

And most inspiring are those people facing a health issue rising up to either help others in the same situation or never allowing their debilitation to limit their performance.

They search out what is good and what can be done and get after it.

The emails I have received from our community over these past five-plus years include incredible stories of people who felt brokenhearted until they realized that relationships that were intended to be mended were, and those relationships that needed to end actually ended, and they were never

happier once they sought out the good in themselves and became less reliant on others for true happiness.

Have you ever been on the highway while another driver was swerving in and out of traffic, almost causing an accident, and the whole experience left you absolutely troubled? What if for one minute we stopped and thought that maybe they have a medical emergency and are trying to get to the hospital?

Now that occurs in about 2 percent of all rude driver behavior instances, but it could happen, and if we looked for the good instead of getting angered and upset, we could easily continue on our very merry way.

Finding joy begins with each one of us looking for the good instead of the bad. How about you, can you use a little more “good finding” in your life? If so, I would love to hear all about it at gotonorton@gmail.com, and as we collectively look for the good it really will be a better than good week.

Michael Norton is a resident of Highlands Ranch, the former president of the Zig Ziglar Corporation and the CEO/founder of www. candogo.com.

Things may drift away — but not the Drifters “When the night has come, and the land is dark, and the moon is the only light we’ll see.”

Who knows where I was? I might have been in a red Rambler convertible, driving to nowhere really, maybe to drive past Ruth Clinton’s house.

I did that a lot. I don’t know why, or what I was expecting to see. Maybe I was expecting to see her silhouette in an upstairs bedroom.

I would have been listening to the car radio when I heard the song, and it might have made an impression. New music was pouring into my head all the time.

It’s an amazing thing when you find out about something, and can’t get enough of it.

We didn’t have many choices. We had radio. We had LPs. We had singles. That’s it.

Some of those songs were great. I really can’t explain. If you are 13 or 14, you are lucky to have so many options now.

A few of the songs came along and moved into my thoughts, and they are still there.

I had a weekend thesis show in 1973, and I played the same two albums over and over on a record player that was at one end of the gallery.

I asked my father to send me the Big Bands collection that I had given to him for

Audit Continued from Page 1

develop its reporting procedures. She noted that despite financial struggles, the county still managed to complete a significant number of projects in 2013.

“That’s positive for the taxpayers,” Higgins said.

The news was not all good. Higgins cautioned that additional improvements to internal controls and administrative procedures are needed to facilitate the availability of timely financial information needed to make well-informed decisions.

The county’s overall revenue rose by $350,000, primarily from charges for services and use taxes, but the primary source of revenue, property tax review, remained flat yearover-year, and the county lost more than $3 million for the second year straight year.

Though the $3 million loss comes primarily from the depreciation of capital, which is a paper loss, the number quantifies the aging of county assets that will eventually need to be replaced in the future.

In addition, audit testing revealed two systemic flaws — “material weaknesses” — in the

Bennet Continued from Page 6

“Pay-for Success” contracts. This will help state and local workforce boards better serve the roughly 9,000 Coloradans who use their services to gain new skills to get back to work.

Christmas. He did.

And I played something else. I had a double album. It was “The Drifters’ Greatest Hits.”

It’s wet. It’s pouring rain. It’s July 2014, and it never pours rain and cools off like this in July. I am listening to the Drifters.

The art show was in 1973 and I was a useless plot of something. Now it’s 41 years later, and I think I finally know what is going on.

It’s not all good, is it?

Girls are screaming for the wrong reasons these days. New Direction and 5 Seconds of Summer are nothing to scream about. I know it’s tempting. Cute boys with guitars.

Look elsewhere, soon. It’s marketing rubbish.

My Boys of Summer were different. By the time I met the Drifters, they were no longer boys, but, man, they came in the front door. administration of federally funded programs.

The first allowed the county to overstate and then understate payroll costs to the state; the second, to pay benefits for federally funded programs without obtaining all of the necessary information outlined by the programs.

These same weaknesses were also identified in the 2012 audit, but since that audit wasn’t presented until Jan. 15, 2014, five and half months past the statutory deadline, the county was not able to fix the errors prior to the end of 2013. The county has since moved to correct the issues.

Eide Bailly’s reports also clarified the roles and responsibilities of each party involved in the accounting process.

“The preparation and fair presentation of these (financial statements) is the responsibility of Elbert County management,” Higgins said. “The role of the auditors is to express an opinion regarding whether the information in the reports are fairly stated in accordance with Generally Accepted Auditing Standards and Generally Accepted Government Auditing Standards.”

The county received an unqualified audit opinion, the highest available, for its financial statements, but received a qualified opinion (a lower rating) for its Report on Compliance with Major Federal Programs.

In 1952, they signed to be a backing group for Clyde McPhatter.

Then things got crazy. There have been 60 different members of the Drifters, so their discography gets muddy.

Ben E. King was the lead singer when they were at their best.

If none of this makes any sense, think about “Stand By Me,” the film. That’s Ben E. King singing the title song.

The Drifters had lots of hits. “I Count the Tears,” “This Magic Moment,” “Save the Last Dance For Me,” “There Goes My Baby” and “When My Little Girl Is Smiling.”

They recorded some hits that weren’t hits with me, like “Under the Boardwalk,” and “Up On the Roof.”

Oldies stations play those songs, and never, ever, play “When My Little Girl Is Smiling.”

“Stand By Me” was recorded on my birthday, Oct. 27, 1960. I was 13. I didn’t know

what that meant: Stand by me. I do now. I went off the tracks. I have some friends who are still standing by me. I hope someone is still standing by you — through thick and thin.

Are the songs as good as I think they are, or have my memories gotten in the way?

“I won’t be afraid, as long as you stand by me.”

I have been in a few dark corners. There have been clouds. I have spent some time with law enforcement. I have lost it, and lost my way.

On a humid night in Ohio I pushed a small red car to no meaningful reason, and heard a song that I can still hear.

“I won’t shed a tear, as long as you stand by me.”

Craig Marshall Smith is an artist, educator and Highlands Ranch resident. He can be reached at craigmarshallsmith@comcast.net.

To place an Obituary for Your Loved One… Private 303-566-4100 Obituaries@ColoradoCommunityMedia.com

Funeral Homes Visit: www.memoriams.com

The Pay-for-Success Act is the type of model that promotes innovation by rewarding results and penalizing complacency. This common-sense reform ensures that job training programs are more responsive to the needs of employers and are preparing more workers for a 21stcentury economy.

Democrat Michael Bennet has represented Colorado in the U.S. Senate since 2009.

8

8 Elbert County News

August 14, 2014

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9

Elbert County News 9

August 14, 2014

South Metro Out of Darkness Walk is Sept. 6 Higlands Ranch’s annual suicide prevention walk is 9th largest in nation

By Jane Reuter

jreuter@coloradocommunitymedia.com Just five years after it started, the Highlands Ranch-based South Metro Out of the Darkness Walk is among the largest and most successful in the nation.

The fifth annual event aimed at suicide prevention and awareness is at 10 a.m. Sept. 6 at Highlands Ranch High School.

Proceeds from the free, donation-driven walk benefit the Colorado Chapter of the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP).

The event culminates with a 2.9-mile walk, but also includes music, food vendors, a silent auction, memory trees, a resource fair, opening ceremony and a butterfly release.

The 2013 event drew about 1,600 participants who helped raise $140,000. It was the ninth largest among 300 walks nationwide.

This year’s fundraising goal is $150,000.

Sheri Cole, who organized the initial South Metro walk after losing her son to suicide in 2009, now is the AFSP’s Rocky Mountain area director. The region includes Colorado, Wyoming and Montana.

“Unfortunately, all three states are in the top 10 when it comes to suicide in the nation,” she said. “We have tremendous upside opportunity to always keep making a difference.”

Research indicates 90 percent of those who die by suicide suffer from a mental illness, most often depression. It’s a condition that’s treatable, Cole said.

“It’s not just someone that has a bad day and made a choice, so they’re a horrible person,” she said. “If you have juvenile diabetes, there’s something underlying the surface that’s going on inside your body that caused that. Suicide is a very complex disease. More needs to be done.

“If we can help eradicate the stigma and look at this like we do other illnesses, and continue to put the same time, energy and effort as we do toward other diseases, we’ll continue to make an impact.”

This year’s South Metro Walk chair, Laurie Freeman, lost both her teenaged son and her husband to suicide.

“This is my therapy,” she said of her role as chair. “This is my way to heal and to make sure that other people don’t end up walking in the same shoes I’ve been walking in.

“If we can get the word out there that it’s a disease of the brain, talk about and get rid of the stigma that goes with the word suicide, do more research and open communication, we could eradicate suicide someday.”

Both women believe the pain they’ve experienced can help others dealing with similar losses or to avoid such losses altogether.

“We’ve learned so much now we didn’t know before we lost loved ones,” Cole said. “We’d like our hindsight to become your foresight, so you don’t walk in these shoes.”

The event isn’t just for those impacted by suicide.

Elbert Day Continued from Page 1

scheduled to start serving cold drinks at 11 a.m. At the same time the beer garden opens, musician Barry Ward will kick off a day of live performances.

At 3:30 p.m., the Boy Scouts will be hosting an ice cream trough. The ice cream is free for all children in attendance.

The festival will also feature a car show and a history table with local authors selling their books.

Artists of Elbert County In conjunction with the Elbert Day Festival, the town will feature a selection of work from a number of local artists as part of its “Artists of Elbert County” showcase.

Featured works will include pencil drawings from Karmel Timmons, realistic colored pencil drawings from

Jillian Freeman spends some time caring for the Memory Tree at a previous Out of Darkness Walk in Highlands Ranch. The tree serves as a place where walkers can honor loved ones who died of suicide. Freeman lost both her brother and father to suicide within 10 months of one another. This year’s Out of Darkness Walk is Sept. 6 in Highlands Ranch. File photo

SUICIDE WARNING SIGNS Most of the time, people who kill themselves show one or more of these warning signs before they take action: Talking about wanting to kill themselves, or saying they wish they were dead Looking for a way to kill themselves, such as hoarding medicine or buying a gun Talking about a specific suicide plan Feeling hopeless or having no reason to live Feeling trapped, desperate, or needing to escape from an intolerable situation Having the feeling of being a burden to others Feeling humiliated Having intense anxiety and/or panic attacks Losing interest in things, or losing the ability to experience pleasure Insomnia Becoming socially isolated and withdrawn from friends, family, and others Acting irritable or agitated Showing rage, or talking about seeking revenge for being victimized or rejected, whether or not the situations the person describes seem real Individuals who show such behaviors should be evaluated for possible suicide risk by a medical doctor or mental health professional.

For help, call the National Suicide Prevention Hotline at 1-800-273-8255.

Courtesy of the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention

“There are also others that are struggling,” Cole said. “This is a place for them to be able to come and not be alone.”

Registration for the Sept. 6 walk begins at 9 a.m. with the opening ceremony at 10 a.m. In addition to the on-stage butterfly release that’s become part of the pre-walk events, participants this year can purchase their own butterflies for $10.

The walk is timed to coincide with National Suicide Prevention Week, which runs from Sept. 8-14.

ED KOVITZ AND ASSOCIATES, LLC

show.

SchoolAugust and library to cut ribbons 1, 2014

DOUGLAS-ELBERT COUNTY Music Teachers’ Associa-

tion meets at 9 a.m. every first Thursday at Parker Bible Church, between Jordan and Chambers on Main Street. All area music teachers are welcome. Call Lucie Washburn, 303-814-3479.

THE ELBERT County Sheriffs Posse is a nonprofit volunteer

organization that is part of the Elbert County Sheriffs Office. As volunteers we support the Elbert County Sheriffs Office, all law enforcement in our county, and the community at large. Membership is open to anyone without a criminal record. It meets the last Monday of the month at the Elbert County Sheriffs Office at 7 p.m. For more information or a membership application, go to http://www.elbertcountysheriff.com/posse.html, or contact Dave Peontek at 303-646-5456.

THE ELIZABETH Food Bank, 381 S. Banner in Elizabeth (next door

to Elizabeth Presbyterian Church) needs to let the public know that we are

At Applewood Plumbing & Electric, we give Ad Sent Via – EmailHeating – PDF Format

Also on Elbert Day, the Elbert School and Elbert Coun$1,000 every month to a local charity or nonprofit Please email back verification of receipt of this email ty Library District will host a grand opening celebration nominated by YOU! We’ve contributed more than and ribbon cutting from 11 a.m. until 1 p.m. Aug. 16.

Everyone is welcome to come check out the new facilColorado Community Media Phone: (303)over 566-4100 $95,000 the past 9 years with our monthly ity and enjoy games and other activities will be set up Fax: Classified Section - Attn: Ronthat Mitchell giveaway, and we’re still at it...making a difference for kids of all ages.

Ridgeline rmitchell@ourcoloradonews.com where it matters most, close to home. Nominate The9137 official ribbon Blvd., cuttingSte. for 210 the school will take Email: Ranch, place Highlands at 11 a.m. in front ofCO the80129 school, at 24489 Main St. your favorite local charity or nonprofit to win at in Elbert, while the official library ribbon cutting will take Deadline: Thursday 5 p.m. www.ApplewoodFixIt.com. place at 11:30 a.m. on the second floor in the library.

Refreshments will be served in the school commons area. Dear Mitch,

Elbert County News Only

DIVORCE AND Post-Decree Clinic. Elbert and Lincoln County Pro Se Divorce Clinic is offered from 9 a.m. to noon the third Friday of each month at the Elbert County Justice Center, 751 Ute St., in Kiowa. For information, call 303-520-6088 or email morgan@hayday.org. The clinic is free for parties who have no attorney and who are going through dissolution of marriage, legal separation, or post-decree cases. All walk-ins are welcome, and will be assisted on a first-come, first-served basis.

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“ ... to promote and support the full range of issues important to Vietnam veterans, to create a new Beth Appleton, animal paintings from Jane Rutledge and identity for this generation of metal landscape art from Keith Chew.

18005 U.S. Highway 24 - Post Office Box 275, Peyton, CO 80831-0275 The art show will run from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Old and to change public Office (719)is 749-2690 FreeloFax 877-258-4474 E-mail:veterans ed@edkovitz.com Sacred Heart Church, which 100 years oldToll this year, Visit98. our website at www.edkovitz.com perception of Vietnam veterans.” cated just east of town at 7211 County Road Learn more online at: Signs will be posted leading festivalgoers to the art

Please run this display ad as follows:

EDITOR’S NOTE: Clubs submissions or changes may be sent to calendar@

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availableDates to help anyone who needs food. The hours are Friday 12:30-3 p.m.

To Run: and Saturdays from 9-11:30 a.m. Other times by appointment.

Location: 15720 Berridge Road – 6 miles SE of Ramah, CO.

ELIZABETH GUITAR Group. Elizabeth guitar circle will meet on the

From Calhan go 2 miles northeast on Hwy 24 to Harrisville Road, then right (east) 8 miles to Berridge Road, then left (north) 1½ miles.

Thursday, August 14.

first and second Wednesday of each month at the Elizabeth Library. Traditional Size: 2Country, columns x 5” cowboy, Beatles, 50s, 60s, 70s, protocol/courtesy. pop, bluegrass, blues, jazz and more. We who play for pleasure would love to meet more of same. Acoustic or power down. Come prepared to share a few songs, perform, Please reference billing – Morris Auction. play along, sing along with others. Enjoy new guitar friends to jam with. Gerry Vinson hosts on the first Wednesday from 6:30-9 p.m., and Laurie Smith hosts We will mail some auction flyers on the second Wednesday from 6-9 p.m. Uncertain? Drop by and observe. and would yourat 720-363-3531. displaying Banjo, ukelele, mandolin appreciate welcome. Call Laurie

them.ATIfthe youLibrary, have any LAWYERS a freequestions legal clinic for please parties who have

call.will be offered from 6-9 p.m. the second Tuesday of every month no attorney, at the Elizabeth Library, 651 W. Beverly St. Volunteer attorneys will answer questions, help fill out forms and explain the process and procedure for the Columns 2 areas of family law, civil litigation, criminal defense, property law, probate law, Height 5 collections, appeals, landlord-tenant law and civil protection orders. Walk-ins Total size 10 are welcome. Everyone will be helped on a first-come, first-served basis.

Cost BOOK per column inchat 9:30 a.m. the first Saturday8.75 MYSTERY Club meets of each of ad $ a87.50 month atCost the Simla Public Library. The group enjoys talking about variety of mysteryNumber authors and titles.

We also periodically host a Colorado author during of Inserts 1 our meetings. Everyone may join us, and registration is not required. Visit the Total of ads 87.50 Simla Branch of the Elbert County Library District at 504 Washington Avenue, call 719-541-2573, or email farabe@elbertcountylibrary.org.

Mr. & Mrs. Morris are moving & selling everything including the 800 acre ranch.

Real Estate: 800 acres of Grassland Pasture with a 2 bedroom home & outbuildings. Includes Mineral Rights. Will be sold at 1:00 pm.

Please call or visit our website for additional information and auction terms. ’58 JD 620 tractor w/loader; ’09 Lincoln Town Car, Signature Limited, nice; ’86 Ford F150 4x4 pickup; ’13 JD D110 Lawn tractor, like new; Brand – V, reverse L, reverse L; Large stamp collection; Old machinery; Farm & ranch supplies; Tools; Hardware items; Antiques; Household items & World’s More!

An Auction Flyer & additional directions are listed on our website, or contact us for an Auction Flyer & to be on our mailing list: Email or US mail.

Ed Kovitz & Associates, LLC Auctioneer * Real Estate Broker * Appraisal Phone: (719) 749-2690 Email: ed@edkovitz.com Website: www.edkovitz.com Successfully serving our friends & neighbors since 1978

10-Life

10 Elbert County News

S O U T H

LIFE

August 14, 2014

M E T R O

Woodturning artist spins magic Ron Ferreira to appear with works at Parker’s annual Art in the Park

By Chris Michlewicz

cmichlewicz @coloradocommunitymedia.com The notion that his art might one day become an heirloom, passed down through a family he’ll never meet, motivates Ron Ferreira to achieve perfection.

Though he descends from a line of stone masons, Ferreira’s chosen medium is woodturning. It’s a practice that requires skill with tools and dyes and, of course, his hands. Retired from commercial construction, Ferreira joined a woodworking club in 2000 and started out on typical projects, but was soon intrigued by the idea of carving out a bowl.

His pieces gradually became more intricate, and after handing out finished platters, candlestick holders and serving bowls to surprised friends and neighbors, Ferreira decided to start a business, known simply as “Woodturnings by Ron.” He revealed his talents to the public during his first show last year, but left with a slight feeling of disappointment.

“It broke my heart because I sold my two favorite pieces last year,” he said.

“But you can’t store them, and I have to get them out there.”

The Parker Artists Guild member is scheduled to appear at six art shows this year, including Art in the Park Aug. 16-17 at O’Brien Park, 10795 Victorian Dr. in Parker. The price of his artwork ranges from $50 to $500 for the more elaborate creations.

In a distinct Rhode Island accent, Ferreira talks excitedly about experimenting with grain patterns and carefully applying iridescent dyes and choosing the right chunk of wood with which to start. Many of his pieces are made from fruit trees, some knocked down by a hurricane and others removed because they were too close to power lines. Ferreira jokes that his actual favorite type of wood is “free.”

He sometimes wakes up at 3 or 4 a.m. with a project idea, puts on a pot of coffee, and disappears into the garage, where he keeps his lathe and most of his tools.

“Once I get going on it, I can’t stop,” he

Ron Ferreira, a woodturning artist from Parker, shows some of his creations. Ferreira will be among those selling their work at Art in the Park Aug. 16-17 at O’Brien Park. Photos by Chris Michlewicz says. “It’s very addictive.”

The Parker resident is steadfast in his belief that woodturning is an art, not a craft, and should be treated as such, although it requires some explanation for casual observers. A few of Ferreira’s bowls are textured and pierced with a dental drill-like tool that carves out non-geometrical holes into wood that has been carved down to a width of one-sixteenth of an inch. Patience and precision are crucial, just like in more known art forms like acrylic painting and sculpturing.

As with most artists, the most gratifying feeling comes when an enthusiastic customer stops by Ferreira’s booth and expresses a deep appreciation for his work.

“That’s what I’m there for,” he said. “I want to see that, watch their face light up.”

For more information, stop by Ferreira’s booth at Art in the Park or visit his Facebook page by typing “Woodturnings by Ron” into the search field.

LEFT: Ron Ferreira’s woodturning creations will be among those being sold at Art in the Park Aug. 16-17 at O’Brien Park. RIGHT: Woodturning artist Ron Ferreira carves out a bowl in the garage of his Parker home. Ferreira will be among those selling their work at Art in the Park Aug. 16-17 at O’Brien Park.

Tip a glass at Art & Ale fest Visitors to sample brews while viewing, creating art

By Chris Michlewicz

cmichlewicz @coloradocommunitymedia.com An estimated 2,000 beer lovers will tip a glass during the Art & Ale Brew Festival.

Now in its 11th year at The Wildlife Experience, on Peoria Street south of Lincoln Avenue near Parker, the festival will gather 50 breweries and 20 restaurants eager to show off their latest concoctions from 6-10 p.m.

Aug. 15. The event has doubled in size in the last decade, as interest in craft brews has swelled.

There are a few new additions to the menu in 2014, including a create-your-own-art station that will enable visitors to paint on a 6-by-6-inch canvas. Organizers also threw corn hole (a.k.a. bag toss) onto the outdoor activity list, and for the viewing pleasure of beer connoisseurs, an ice sculpture demonstration.

The Art & Ale Brew Festival, which draws nearly four times as many attendees as the museum’s annual Art & Wine fest, has become so popular that organizers have to turn away some breweries and cap the number of tickets sold because of capacity constraints,

said Christopher Goetz, events and promotions coordinator for The Wildlife Experience.

There is good reason for its growth.

“It’s an all-around really fun event, and kind of like the last big blowout of summer before the kids go back to school,” Goetz said. “(Attendees) should expect a really super-fun party atmosphere.”

Flock of Beagles, a well-known ‘80s cover band from Denver, will play in the museum’s Great Hall, and dancing is highly encouraged, although oftentimes it doesn’t take much encouragement. Being an indoor and outdoor event helps spread the crowd and enables friends to step outside to enjoy a beautiful mid-August evening, Goetz said.

Non-drinkers and designated drivers get reduced admission and can grab a refreshing creation from a “mocktail” beverage station.

Shirley Temples and Roy Rogers drinks will be available, as will coffee from Caribou Coffee.

People who want to satisfy yet another craving can stop by the “sugar shack” area, which will feature Blue Bell Ice Cream and other treats, Goetz said.

Those who wish to attend should buy their tickets online at www.thewildlifeexperience. org as soon as possible, as the brew festival is expected to sell out. Tickets for non-members are $40 and members are $35. Door admission will be $40 if any tickets are left. Designated drivers can get in for $25.

Roughly 2,000 people are expected to attend the Art & Ale Brew Festival at The Wildlife Experience at Lincoln Avenue and Peoria Street. Courtesy photo

11

Elbert County News 11

August 14, 2014

Original art at ACC has bargain prices Festival devoted to affordable works returns

By Sonya Ellingboe

sellingboe @coloradocommunitymedia.com “Last year, I sold a piece originally priced at $795 for $100,” Littleton photographer Andy Marquez said of the Affordable Art Festival at Arapahoe Community College. “The customer was extremely happy.” Marquez will be in Booth 42 when the show returns later this month.

Like other established artists, both local and national, who participate in the Affordable Art Festival, Marquez had accumulated some surplus inventory and wished to sell it to make room for new work in his gallery.

This concept has been successful elsewhere in the country, where show manager Jim Delutes had observed it and brought it to Colorado last year at ACC. Potter Peggy Crago and metal artist Rick Martin, both of Englewood, will also be there, as will award winners from other shows, such as sculptor Arabella Tattershall, who won Best of Show at the 2013 Downtown Denver Arts Festival, and plein air painter Deborah McAllister of Lakewood, who won numerous awards last season.

Sean Brown of Houston, who is also signed on as an exhibitor, has jewelry in former Secretary of State Madeline Albright’s famous collection.

Jim Delutes, who also runs the large Downtown Denver Arts Festival on Memorial Day weekend, said that over 130 artists will show and sell works for $100 or less from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Aug. 24, from tents on Arapahoe Community College’s wide west lawn at the Littleton campus, 5900 S. Santa Fe Drive.

Admission costs $5 per person, which will go to the ACC Foundation for scholarships to deserving students.

Delutes mentions easy access from RTD’s C and D light-rail lines and lots of free parking on the campus. He also

“Primary Colors” by Littleton photographer Andy Marquez will be available at the Affordable Arts Festival on Aug. 24 at Arapahoe Community College. Courtesy photos

IF YOU GO The 2014 Affordable Art Festival will be held on the west lawn of Arapahoe Community College, 5900 S. Santa Fe Drive, Littleton, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Aug. 24. Admission: $5, which benefits the ACC Foundation. Information: affordableartsfestival.com.

mentions the show’s popularity and a long line of art lovers waiting to get in.

Music will add to the pleasure of attending: At the north end of the festival, John ( Jake) Jacobs will perform on the dulcimer and at the south end, attendees will find classical and acoustic guitar duo Skanson and Hansen.

LEFT: Pottery by Englewood Potter Peggy Crago will be shown at the Affordable Art Festival on Aug. 24 at ACC. RIGHT: Metal art by Rick Martin of Englewood will also be available for purchase at the Affordable Art Festival.

THINGS TO DO EDITOR’S NOTE: Calendar submissions must be received by noon Wednesday for publication the following week. Send listings to calendar@coloradocommunitymedia.com. No attachments, please. Listings are free and run on a space-available basis.

ALIGN YOURSELF In Nature VOLUNTEER REGISTERED yoga teachers will lead late summer yoga sessions in Castlewood Canyon State Park. Meet at the Pikes Peak Amphitheater for 75 minutes of luxurious breathe and movement. You can’t beat the setting!! Bring a yoga mat, blanket, and plenty of water.

A suggested $10 donation will benefit the Friends of Castlewood Canyon (http://castlewoodfriends.org).

E-mail YogaCastlewoodCanyon@gmail.com. Sessions are at 8:30 a.m. every Wednesday in August and September.

OUTBACK EXPRESS August Schedule THE OUTBACK Express, a public transit service provided

through the East Central Council of Local Governments, will take passengers from Simla and Matheson to Colorado Springs Aug. 18; from Simla and Matheson to Limon on Aug. 28; from Kiowa, Elizabeth and Elbert to Parker or Colorado Springs Aug. 19. Good Samaritan Nursing Home residents may ride on Aug. 14. Reservations are appreciated; call Kay Campbell, 719- 541-4275, or the ECCOG office, 800-825-0208. Visit http://outbackexpress.tripod.com.

RUN THE Parks to Support Elizabeth

Schools

RUN THE Parks third annual 5K run and 1.5-mile walk is Saturday, Aug. 16. The event starts at 8 a.m. at Casey Jones Park. Proceeds go to support the Elizabeth High School basketball and cross country booster clubs and the EHS track initiative. Sign up at https://runsignup. com/runtheparks; go to Stayin Fit and Lovin It, 34987 County Rd. 13, Unit 7, or call 303-601-9432. Free T-shirts to those who sign up at Stayin Fit and Lovin It, while supplies last.

ELBERT DAY Festival THE ELBERT Day Festival, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sat-

urday, Aug. 16, will feature a country breakfast, pancake race, art booths, craft/food vendors, live music

by Barry Ward and Carlos Washington. A parade and old time games for all ages included. Antique cars, petting zoo, pony rides, roping, 5K race. Call 303-648-3611 or email elberttowncommittee@gmail.com.

RHYOLITE DEMONSTRATION, Presentation

IN CONJUNCTION with the exhibit “Building with Rhyolite,” the Castle Rock Museum plans a short talk from local historian Jerry Persall on the origins of rhyolite, followed by a demonstration from local stone mason Tom Smith, who will demonstrate how rhyolite is cut to size and trimmed by hand. This program is from 1:30-3 p.m.

Saturday, Aug. 16, at Castle Rock Museum, 420 Elbert St., Castle Rock. Call 303-814-3164 or email crmuseum@comcast.net for information. Refreshments will be served.

TRIBUTE TO Vietnam Veterans A TRIBUTE to Vietnam Veterans will take place Saturday, Aug. 16 at the Elbert County Fairgrounds in Kiowa.

Joseph DiLeonardo, a Vietnam veteran is the organizer, and the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 10649 will act as co-host. Doors open at 11 a.m. and vets are encouraged to bring memorabilia that can be displayed on tables at the exhibit hall. The VFW will serve food by donation at 11:30 a.m., and the formal presentations commence at 1 p.m. DiLeonardo, author of “Vietnam War Defining Moment for America” will give a presentation, followed by other Vietnam veterans addressing the audience and sharing their experiences in the War and when they returned home. They will also share their observations and opinions about America forty years later. A petition to support Senate Bill 409 to make March 29 an annual day of remembrance for Vietnam Vets, will be circulated for signatures at this event. Any Vietnam veterans interested in speaking at this event should contact Joseph DiLeonardo at amlion68@hotmail.com. Any questions should also be directed to DiLeonardo at 303-646-3740 or amlion68@hotmail.com.

HAVE AN EVENT? To submit a calendar listing, send information to calendar@coloradocommunitymedia.com.

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12

12 Elbert County News

August 14, 2014

If water blossoms float your boat ...

In the Monet Pool at Denver Botanic Gardens, water lilies, lotuses and other aquatic plants are at their peak — and are enhanced by Dale Chihuly’s glass sculptural works floating next to them. On Aug. 15, the annual Water Blossom Festival is celebrated by the Colorado Water Garden Society and the Botanic Gardens. International water gardeners are in town for a four-day symposium, and extra events are planned that are open to the public. The festival runs from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. and will feature local vendors, such as Tagawa Gardens, and information about how to grow these lovely plants.

Free guided tours at 1 and 3 p.m. Also, at 2 p.m., Ebi Condo, curator of the Japanese Garden, will offer a special tour of this popular spot. Both events are free with general admission, which will also allow a wider tour of the Chihuly pieces located throughout the gardens. Information: colowatergardensociety.org. Denver Botanic Gardens is located at 1007 York St. in Denver.

Musicians invited The Arapahoe Community College string orchestra seeks violinists, violists, cellists and double bass players of all ages to participate in this community orchestra. You do not have to be an ACC student to join. Rehearsals are at 5 p.m. on Mondays. For information, contact Dr. Hidemi Matsushita at 303-797-5867 or hidemi.matsushita@arapahoe.edu.

Photo exhibit at Curtis Curtis Arts and Humanities Center, 2349 E. Orchard Road, Greenwood Village, opened its popular annual photography exhibit “Greenwood … and Beyond” on Aug. 8. It runs through Sept. 12. On Aug. 21 at 6:30 p.m., juror Eric Biggerstaff will give a free lecture on “The Fine Art of Photography.” Gallery hours are 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Mondays through Fridays. 303-797-1779.

Young in spotlight Spotlight Performing Arts Center’s students ages 4-10 present “Toy Story” at 5 p.m. on Aug. 27 at 6328 E. County Line Road, #102. Tickets cost $8. Also coming soon: “High School Musical” with performers ages 5-17 years old on Sept. 5, 6, 12 and 13 at 7 p.m. Tickets: $12. Auditions are scheduled for “Frozen” (teens and children 6 and older) and for “Frozen Jr.” (ages 3-10) at 4 p.m. Sept. 19, with weekly rehearsals until January performances. Informa-

tion and tuition rates: spotlightperformers.com or 720443-2623.

Show in Castle Rock The Greater Castle Rock Art Guild will present Tadashi Hayakawa painting on Aug. 28, in the Thursday Open Studios series (4-ish to 9 p.m.) Visit the gcrag.com website for information on many upcoming classes and exhibits. The studio, Art on the Edge, is at 317 Wilcox St. in Castle Rock.

Benefit has international flair “A Sip and Taste of Culture,” an evening of wine and beer tasting and international cuisine from local restaurants, will benefit Littleton’s Immigrant Integration Initiative (LI3) program, which helps documented immigrants on their journey to becoming community citizens. It will be held from 6 t0 8 p.m. on Aug. 28 at FirstBank, 101 W. County Line Road, Littleton. Tickets: $30/two for $50, connectingimmigrants.org or at the door.

Water Lilies and Chihuly glass sculptures float in Monet’s Pond at the Denver Botanic Gardens, where there will be a Water Blossom Festival on Friday, Aug.15, sponsored by the Colorado Water Garden Society. Photo by Jim Arneill with Rene Heredia and his company of Flamenco dancers from 7 -10 p.m. on Aug. 22 in the Veranda Tent. A $55 ticket includes a castle tour and cash bar. Cherokeeranch.org, 303-688-4600.

San Diego to Denver

A chance to sing The Castle Rock Chorale will hold placement auditions from 7 to 9 p.m. Aug. 19 at New Hope Presbyterian Church, 3737 New Hope Way, Castle Rock. Season plans include a performance of “Carmina Burana” with the Lone Tree Symphony. Prospective members should email: info@castlerockchorale.org to schedule an audition and ask questions.

Full of Flamenco Cherokee Castle, 6113 N. Daniels Park Road, Sedalia, will offer an evening of Spanish Gypsy music and dance

“In Lak’ech San Diego to Denver: You Are My Other Self” runs from Aug. 15 to Oct. 4 at the Center for Visual Arts, Metropolitan State University’s gallery at 965 Santa Fe Drive, Denver. Co-curators David Avalos and Cecily Cullen have invited artists from Colorado and San Diego to “challenge our assumptions, invite us to re-invent ourselves and to create a revolutionary culture through empathy and collective effort,” according to David Avalos, Richard T. Castro Visiting Professor. Additional events: “Puentes Si, Paredes No: Building Bridges Not Walls” in September. CVA hours: 11a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesdays through Fridays; noon to 5 p.m.

Saturdays; open until 8 p.m. on first and third Fridays.

Volunteer brought own color to world of plants Gardener remembered with naming of beautiful place

By Sonya Ellingboe sellingboe@coloradocommunitymedia.com Bob Hoffman delighted in showing off the spiny undersides of exotic Victoria lilies, as well as in growing, planting and nurturing an impressive collection of lilies, lotuses, cannas, papyruses and many other plant varieties that thrive with wet feet.

His family and fellow gardeners feel an acute sense of loss since he passed away on July 18, but are consoled by remembering his really substantial contributions to his community. He was active with, and recently president of, the Colorado Water Garden Society. Volunteers support

gardens at Denver Botanic Gardens and Hudson Gardens, planting, dividing, coaxing and caring for a colorful variety of plants.

Often attired in waders, he and other volunteers give these special spots the ongoing attention they require to thrive, which includes specific shelter and care through the winter.

Fran Hoffman said her husband, who spent 15 years in the Air Force before coming to work at Lockheed Martin in Colorado, started talking about his long-awaited pond as soon as they moved into their home on the west side of Littleton — but they had little kids and it had to wait until their son, Mike, could swim at age 8. “Then I said, `Go for it.’ We all dug that first pond and learned a lot. At first, it wasn’t big enough,” she remembered.

Bob Hoffman was born in 1943 in Illinois, attended Coe College in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, as a physical education major and spent 15 years in the Air Force. He and Fran were

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married in 1968 and had two children: Mike, who lives in Colorado, and Jennifer, who passed away on May 1. Grandson Austin lives with Fran and attends elementary school nearby.

While he had no formal education in horticulture, Hoffman quietly and steadily pursued a love of plants, developing true expertise in his chosen specialty. “He read a lot, volunteered at Chatfield and we all volunteered at Denver Botanic Gardens,” Fran said. There he worked with aquatic plant expert Joe Tomocik and his successor Tamara Kilbane.

Hoffman was active with the Rocky Mountain Koi Club and the Mile High Garden Railroad Club — which means he helped with the model train that delights visitors at Hudson Gardens, according to friend and fellow club member Jim Arneill.

“His vast knowledge of Hudson Gardens, the lilies, lotus and the myriad of hardy and tropical plants was sometimes hard to fathom,” recalled friend and fellow plant lover Dorothy Martinez in a tribute she wrote — remembering a man who was “kind, generous, devoted, humble, easygoing, gentle, warm, open, giving and diplomatic.”

At a reception at Hudson Gardens following the July 25 memorial service, director Rich Meredith announced that the water gardens Hoffman had recently redesigned would be named in his honor.

Visitors can walk towards the southwest corner of the gardens to enjoy this quiet, beautiful place.

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Bob Hoffman, shows off a Victoria Lily leaf he grew at Hudson Gardens.

Hoffman, who passed away recently, volunteered extensively in the water gardens, was president of the Colorado Water Garden Society, and volunteered at Denver Botanic Gardens. Photo by Dorothy Martinez

13-Sports

August 14, 2014

SPORTS

Elbert County News 13

The Backcountry Black team, from left, Dalton Spanbauer, Becky Conzelman, Stephanie Brady, Dave Foster, Meredeth Smith and Chris Dozois, compete in an event called the “worm” at the Reebok CrossFit Games in California. The team placed 15th out of 43 in the overall world competition. Photos by Robbie Wright

Among the most CrossFit Team from Douglas County gym competes in world competition

By Christy Steadman

csteadman @coloradocommunitymedia.com CrossFit is a community.

“CrossFit is not easy,” said Steve Hartle, owner of Backcountry CrossFit gym in Highlands Ranch. “It’s the motivation from the group that helps drive you. That sense of community that we’re all in this together.”

Recently, seven Highlands Ranch athletes from Backcountry CrossFit competed at the Reebok CrossFit Games, a worldwide competition to “find the fittest on Earth,” which took place July 25-31 in Carson, Calif.

According to the CrossFit Games website, “the goal is to find the fittest athletes, not to produce an easily replicable workout program.”

Although only seven people affiliated with Backcountry CrossFit qualified to compete in the games, Hartle said it was

Dalton Spanbauer of Highlands Ranch does a muscle-up at the Reebok CrossFit Games in California. He was one of seven members of BackCountry CrossFit to compete in the world championships.

Chris Dozois of Castle Rock competes in the mens deadlift at the Reebok CrossFit Games in California. Dozois was one of seven members of Highlands Ranch’s Backcountry CrossFit that competed in the world championship competition. a group effort that got them there. He said just qualifying for the games is a big deal, and over 45 athletes from the local gym went to spectate and cheer on their team.

“We’re (only) the second team in Colorado to ever qualify for the games,” he said, adding that the competition has been around since 2007.

Each CrossFit gym is independently owned, and there are about 10,000 in the world, Hartle said.

From those 10,000 gyms, 217,000 people began the process of qualifying for the CrossFit Games with the Open, a competition that took place at the end of February.

Hartle said the Open consisted of five weeks of different judged workouts. Each week, the scores are compared to others from throughout the region.

There are 17 regions around the world.

Teams competing in Backcountry CrossFit’s region come from Colorado, Utah, Wyoming, Arizona, New Mexico and Nevada.

After scoring high enough in the Open, the top 30 teams from the region went on to Regionals in May, which took place in Salt Lake City.

The Regional competition is a “threeday competition of head-to-head work-

outs,” Hartle said.

Of the 30 teams that competed in Regionals, the top three qualified to compete in the CrossFit Games.

The Backcountry CrossFit team, called Backcountry Black, won second place at Regionals.

The team consists of three women, Stephanie Brady and Meredith Smith of Highlands Ranch, and Becky Conzelman of Denver; and three men, Dalton Spanbauer of Highlands Ranch, Chris Dozois of Castle Rock and Dave Foster of Denver.

Backcountry CrossFit also had a master in the competition, Mike Egan of Highlands Ranch, who competed individually.

Backcountry Black competed in 13 dif-

ferent scored workouts, Hartle said, eventually placing 15th out of 43 teams. Egan competed against 19 other athletes, and was required to do eight different workouts.

He finished 12th in the men’s 45-49-yearold division.

“CrossFit, in general, is competitive,” Egan said. “You’re competing every day — either against yourself or others in the gym. But, everyone is there, still encouraging you.”

A definition of CrossFit is “constantly varied, functional movements (that are) performed at high intensity over a broad time and modal domains.”

Hartle said the workouts have to encompass certain things, but can be anything from Olympic lifting, gymnastics and cardio.

CrossFit is known as a general preparedness program because it “specializes in not specializing,” Hartle said.

“One of the beautiful things about CrossFit is that anyone can do it (because) it can be scaled to people’s different abilities,” Hartle said. “You challenge yourself every day (and) the better you get, the harder it gets. The appeal is that you never plateau.”

Egan said the hardest part about getting involved with CrossFit is showing up.

“When you first walk in the door, it’s intimidating — people doing strange workouts,” Egan said, “but it’s geared from entry-level to advanced. If you do the work, you see progress.”

Hartle’s wife, Ashley, who is co-owner of Backcountry CrossFit, said there is no limitation with CrossFit because everything can be modified.

She said people who do it gain a new outlook on what they can accomplish.

“CrossFit is core-centric,” she said. “It starts with the core and works out. It makes you stronger for everything you do in life.”

‘You challenge yourself every day (and) the better you get, the harder it gets. The appeal is that you never plateau.’

Steve Hartle, Backcountry CrossFit Owner

14

14 Elbert County News

August 14, 2014

Notices

To advertise your public notices call 303-566-4100

Public Notice

Elbert County Schedule of Receipts and Disbursement: January 1, 2014 through June 30, 2014

Helen Krieble, the founder and president of the Colorado Horse Park, has decided to sell the world-class equestrian venue south of Parker and is searching for a “like-minded” buyer with an interest in keeping the horse park open. Courtesy photo

Horse park for sale, owner set to retire Founder wants to focus on family, immigration reform

By Chris Michlewicz

cmichlewicz@colorado communitymedia.com For someone who has done so much for the Douglas County community, Helen Krieble certainly has a lot of humility.

Krieble, the founder and president of the Colorado Horse Park, has decided to sell the world-class equestrian venue south of Parker and is searching for a “like-minded” buyer with an interest in keeping the horse park open.

“A lot of people have put their life blood into creating (the venue), and to turn it into a housing development would be a tragedy,” Krieble said, referring to offers that have already come in.

The facility opened in 1990 as High Prairie Farms. Krieble took over in 2002 and doubled the number of stables and arenas. Colorado Horse Park has hosted numerous international competitions, and last season was particularly successful in terms of attendance and performances from elite riders.

Krieble, 71, is ready to pursue other endeavors. “It’s very sad that I have to leave, but there comes a time when you can’t continue,” she said. “I’m very proud of what we did. We accomplished something very wonderful, and last year truly was our best year, so it’s a nice way to go out.”

Krieble plans to step down Jan. 1 to put a greater focus on her work in immigration reform on behalf of a public policy foundation named for her late husband, Vernon.

She will continue delivering speeches on the topic and plans to embark on a nationwide campaign to establish a “sensible program” to secure the nation’s borders, she said.

Krieble noted that she has split her time between the horse park and her political activities, but no longer has any desire to work two full-time jobs. She will instead move back to Connecticut, where she grew up, to spend time with her family, including 10 grandchildren.

Looking back, Krieble takes immense pride in her years of community involvement, and said she is thankful that the community has in turn reciprocated the gesture by supporting the horse park. She was “flabbergasted” when the Parker Chamber of Commerce chose her as its Cornerstone Award winner in 2012. In typical fashion, Krieble deflected any accolades, insisting that the selection committee “could have found somebody better,” but she nonetheless characterized the honor as “a wonderful thing.”

When asked whether she might stay on in some capacity if the horse park is kept open, Krieble said she would “love to play a role, but not a big one.”

“The new owner will have their own ideas,” she said.

“I’m old-fashioned. I think it needs a fresh look. They don’t need an old lady’s point of view.”

Although there would be no requirement for the new owner to keep the venue operating, Krieble said it’s important to preserve the county’s equestrian roots. She is even willing to lower the price tag if a horse enthusiast takes over.

“The history and the heritage in Douglas County has always been associated with the horse and to close this major equestrian facility that keeps that alive would be a tragedy,” said Krieble, who noted that the county had more horses per capita than any other in the nation when she bought the 150-acre park.

Continued to Next Page The facility was put up for sale in 2009 for $11.5 million.

The current asking price is unknown.

15

Elbert County News 15

August 14, 2014

Zip lines approved for Castle Rock park Philip S. Miller Park expected to open in fall

By Mike DiFerdinando

mdiferdinado @coloradocommunitymedia.com Zip lines will soon be swinging into Philip S. Miller Park.

On July 22, the Castle Rock Town Council unanimously approved a lease agreement with Royal Gorge Zip Lines out of Canon City that will bring a zip-line course to the new park.

The 10-year-lease agreement ensures that 5 percent of the total gross revenue collected will go to Castle Rock. The town estimates the revenue will be about $45,000 annually.

Royal Gorge Zip Lines will cover all costs of design, construction, fees, permits and business operations for the zip lines and aerial trekking, including staffing, insurance, and inspections. Monthly financial reports will be submitted to the town.

“What we were looking for was a familyfriendly recreational opportunity that was financially solid and did not require any funding from the town except for the use of the land itself,” said Town of Castle Rock Parks and Recreation Director Rob Hannah.

According to Hannah, research done by the town found that the demographics, timing, location and visibility make Castle Rock an attractive location for a zip-line course.

Hannah said zip-line courses are laid out very similar to golf courses.

“You take off of a tower or tee box and zip down to another landing tower or green,” he said.

A typical experience on the proposed course will take between three and threeand-a-half hours and includes nine different zip lines up to 1,000-feet long, reaching speeds of 50 miles per hour.

In addition to the traditional course, there will also be an Aerial Trekking Timber Park and Dual Race Lines.

The Aerial Trekking Timber Park area will provide a family-style challenge course. This is a self-paced tour designed for children between the ages of 6 and 15, but is also appropriate for adults.

The Timber Park will have both easy and difficult routes. Time spent in the Aerial Park could last between 30 minutes and 2 hours.

Dual race lines are designed with competition as the goal.

Two people take off at the same time and it’s a race to the end. It is designed and located so that a participant can race several times in a row.

Castle Rock Town Council recently approved a 10-year lease agreement with Royal Gorge Zip Lines of Canon City to build a zip line course in the soon-to-be-open Philip S. Miller Park. The course, highlighted by a three-and-a-half hour traditional course, will also feature a timber park and dual race lines. Stock photo “If you’re playing soccer with the soccer team out at Philip S. Miller park and you want to come and compete on something and you don’t have three-and-a-half hours, you can do either one of these two in a reasonable amount of time,” Hannah said.

The non-resident cost for the zip-line course is anticipated to be $97.90, which in-

cludes a 10 percent activity fee in the price of each ticket. The Aerial Trekking Timber Park Course will $53.90 for non-residents and the dual racing course will cost $22.

It is still unknown when construction of the course will begin.

Philip S. Miller Park is scheduled to open in late October or early November.

SALOME’S STARS

crossword • sudoku

FOR THE WEEK OF AUG 11, 2014

GALLERY OF GAMES

ARIES (Mar 21 to Apr 19) Dealing with a difficult person can be the kind of challenge you Aries Lambs love. Or it could be an energy-draining exercise in futility. Be certain your goals are worth your efforts.

TAURUS (Apr 20 to May 20) The Divine Bovine might be seeing red at having your crisis-resolution efforts overlooked. But others know the truth, and they can be expected to step forward when the time comes.

& weekly horoscope

GEMINI (May 21 to Jun 20) You should be well on your way to finally making that important decision. Having the support of loved ones will help when crunch time comes. Keep a positive attitude.

CANCER (Jun 21 to Jul 22) Feeling uneasy about a move might not mean you’re having a case of Cancerian wavering. It could be your inner sense is warning you to reassess your situation before taking action.

crossword • sudoku & weekly horoscope

GALLERY OF GAMES

LEO (Jul 23 to Aug 22) Your pride could get in the way of admitting you might have erred. Best to ‘fess up now before a small mistake turns into a big misunderstanding. Make the weekend a special family time.

VIRGO (Aug 23 to Sept 22) Trying to please someone with a less-than-glowing opinion of something you value could be a waste of time. If you like it, stay with it. The week’s end brings an answer to an old mystery.

LIBRA (Sept 23 to Oct 22) There might be time to make a change. But be honest with yourself: Is it what you really want, or one you feel pressured into making? Your answer should determine your next move.

SCORPIO (Oct 23 to Nov 21) Change is dominant, but so is caution: Proceed carefully, checking each step along the way to avoid encountering any unwelcome surprises that might be lurking along your path.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov 22 to Dec 21) It could be a mistake to rely on someone to keep his or her promise without checking out previous performances. What you learn now could save you from a painful lesson later.

CAPRICORN (Dec 22 to Jan 19) Taking a strong stand on an issue you feel is too important to ignore could inspire others to follow suit. The weekend is a good time to socialize with old friends and make new ones.

AQUARIUS (Jan 20 to Feb 18) Your sensitive nature gives you an insight into the problems of someone close to you. Your offer of support could be just what this person needs to start turning his or her life around.

PISCES (Feb 19 to Mar 20) Financial matters continue to need even more careful analysis than usual.

Use caution with investment possibilities. A personal relationship might take an unexpected turn by the week’s end.

“Trust Us!”

BORN THIS WEEK: YYou appreciate the wonders of the world and enjoy sharing your delight with others. © 2014 King Features Synd., Inc.

Elbert County

Name Changes PUBLIC NOTICE

Continued From Last Page

Public Notice of Petition for Change of Name Public notice is given on July 23, 2014 that a Petition for a Change of Name of an adult has been filed with the Elbert County Court.

The Petition requests that the name of Mark Joseph Johnson be changed to Mia Jasmine Johnson.

Case No.: 2014 C 121 Palmer L. Boyette County Court Judge Legal Notice No: 23008 First Publication: August 7, 2014 Last Publication: August 21, 2014 Publisher: Elbert County News

Legal Notice No.:23010 and 23011 * First Publication: August 14, 2014 * Last Publication: August 14, 2014 * Publisher: Elbert County News

Without public notices, the government wouldn’t have to say anything else.

Public notices are a community’s window into the government. From zoning regulations to local budgets, governments have used local newspapers to inform citizens of its actions as an essential part of your right to know. You know where to look, when to look and what to look for to be involved as a citizen. Local newspapers provide you with the information you need to get involved.

Noticesaremeanttobenoticed.

Readyourpublicnoticesandgetinvolved!

16

16 Elbert County News

August 14, 2014

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