Lakewood Sentinel 0227

ARTISTIC OUTLETS People experiencing homelessness find a ‘getaway’ P14

FEBRUARY 27, 2020

JEFFERSON COUNTY, COLORADO

A publication of

GREAT APE ART

Second annual art show celebrates Lakewood’s beautiful house P4

MORAN REMEMBERED Firefighter Dan Moran honored by community P7

BANKING FOR ALL

SAINTS IN STATE

1ST Bank opens multilingual center

Your newspaper is made possible by advertisers like this one, who support our efforts to keep you connected to your community!

Heroics and heartbreak on the mat P24

P9

THE BOTTOM LINE

“This year, I’m curious about what I’ll be doing on leap day … how I’ll spend the 1,400 extra minutes of 2020.”

Columnist Andrea Doray | P12 INSIDE

VOICES: PAGE 12 | LIFE: PAGE 14 | CALENDAR: PAGE 22 | SPORTS: PAGE 24

LakewoodSentinel.com

VOLUME 96 | ISSUE 27

2 Lakewood Sentinel

February 27, 2020F

MY NAME IS

FLOYD GONZALES

admissions and grants. I applied for a grant, got help and that got me in school.

I graduated with a degree in marketing, but I never got a job in that field.

I got a job as an auditor for the federal government. I enjoyed it. I learned to learn, and I became confident that I could learn anything I wanted to.

In auditing, they taught us how you develop a finding. You have to have criteria, condition, cause and effect. If you have those things, you’ll have a finding.

You have an important story. It’s powerful, and I think it’s fascinating.

Lakewood resident and musician About me I was a member of the National Guard for a few years during the Vietnam War. It was that or get drafted. The day after I joined, I got home, and my draft notice was in the mail.

Growing up in Wyoming, I would go to church on Sundays. My wife caught my eye at church. It took me a year and a half to get to sit in the same pew with her. I would sit in the closest seat I could to her. Once I finally got to sit next to her, I held her hand, and that was it. From then on, she had a grip on me. We’ve been married for 52 years.

In 1969, we came out to Denver for the first time for the Denver Pop Festival. My wife had just graduated from high school, and she got money from some of her relatives. She blew it like any 17-year-old girl would on tickets for the festival. At the time, I was managing a clothing store, and I hadn’t had a day off. We had been married over a year and hadn’t had a honeymoon. When I asked for time off, my boss fired me.

We decided to stay in Denver, even though we didn’t have a place of our

Floyd Gonzales strums his guitar. own. We were homeless for several weeks, and we slept at Barnum Park in Denver. It gave me a big insight into the homeless issue. I’m kind of grateful for that. It’s so easy to become homeless that you shouldn’t be judgmental about it at all. It can happen to any of us — a blink and a wink, and you can be homeless. It was a formative time, and it was good to have gone through that. It made me appreciate my life more.

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JOSEPH RIOS

Finding my way Since I had this clothing background, I became a manager at a store called Fashion Bar. I worked about 65 hours a week and made $300 to $400 a month.

You’re always trying to find a way to better yourself and prove yourself.

That’s the life cycle of a person. As I was doing that, I talked to a guy who knew somebody at the University of Colorado that could help me with

A love for music I’ve always been into music. As a little kid, I remember strumming a banjo. It woke something up in me.

From that point on, I was just in love with all instruments.

I picked up the guitar at about 18 or 19. It took me a year to tune it. Right around that time, I started to write love songs, but I really wasn’t good at it.

I ended up investing in some recording software, and I decided to learn how to do it. I taught myself to do my own recordings. When I write songs, I like to work them out with my guitar.

Then the lyrics come together. What amazes me is that I can do all this without reading music. My music is on streaming platforms. Commercially, I’m a failure, but life is a journey.

If you have a suggestion for My Name Is... contact Joseph Rios at jrios@coloradocommunitymedia.com

Amidst lawsuit, Everitt Middle works to ‘reinvigorate the perception’ Area parents discuss their differing views of Wheat Ridge schools

BY CASEY VAN DIVIER CVANDIVIER@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM

Becca Shramek, whose eighth-grade daughter attends Everitt Middle School in Wheat Ridge, has seen firsthand the positive effects of the school’s recent improvement efforts, particularly those focusing on socialemotional health.

“They have two emotional support dogs, they do gratitude journals,” Shramek said. “My daughter’s only sadness about middle school is that her time at Everitt was so short.”

But amid an attempt to change what some have called a negative reputation, the school has been involved in several controversies, causing other parents in the community to say Everitt’s improvements have a long way to go — and causing Superintendent Jason Glass and the schoolboard to

“look at a new vision for that school,” Glass said.

The proposal comes at a time when the school has received significant local media attention for a lawsuit surrounding the school, filed last November. A Jeffco mother, on behalf of her daughter, filed a complaint against Jeffco Public Schools, Glass and two prior Everitt administrators, former principal Jeff Gomez and former assistant principal William Carlin.

The complaint alleges that in 2017, the woman’s daughter told the principals she’d been harassed and groped dozens of times by two male classmates. It further alleges Carlin investigated the allegations, ignored evidence corroborating the claims and did nothing to discipline the two accused classmates.

The lawsuit also claims school officials have long overlooked a “culture of sexual harassment and assault (that) dates back to at least 2010.”

According to the complaint, “on Tuesdays, boys would touch girls’ breasts in the hallways … (and) on SEE EVERITT, P18

Lakewood Sentinel 3

February 27, 2020

’

ENSURING AN ACCURATE ELECTION Colorado Secretary of State Jena Griswold, Congressman Ed Perlmutter (CO-07) and Jefferson County Clerk George Stern met Feb. 20 in Wheat Ridge for an open house regarding election security and the upcoming primary process. “While Colorado is already considered one of the safest states in which to cast a ballot, we must never rest on our laurels,” Stern said. “That’s why elected officials at the local, state and federal levels are in constant communication to ensure that our systems are as secure and accessible as possible.”

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Of Course the Russians Would Want Trump Re-Elected. Look at His Accomplishments.

By JIM SMITH

This article represents the author’s personal analysis and opinion. It has not been shared with or endorsed by any of our broker associates.

No leader has done more to advance the interests of Vladimir Putin and Russia than President Trump. I write this as a former student of the Russian language (in which I am still semi-fluent) and thus a student of the Soviet Union and now Russia. I traveled to Moscow and Leningrad in 1978 as part of an MIT alumni trip, and again in 1986, 1987 and 1988 on “citizen diplomacy” trips under the auspices of the Center for SovietAmerican Dialogue in Bellingham, Washington. My last trip was to Vladivostok, the Pacific port and terminus of the Trans-Siberian railroad, in 1995, as a tourist on a cruise of China, Korea, Russia and Japan.

First, let’s consider Putin’s interests. A former KGB officer for the Soviet Union, he watched helplessly as the Soviet empire disintegrated under Gorbachev. When Boris Yeltsin resigned as Russian President and appointed Putin acting president on December 31, 1999, Putin made it his goal (after pardoning Yeltsin) to return his country to its former glory as a super-power and to bring as many of the former Soviet republics as possible, including Ukraine, back under Moscow’s control.

Key to strengthening Russia was the weakening of NATO and the European Union, and regaining strategically important Crimea. Although Crimea was annexed before he took office, Trump helped Putin succeed in weakening NATO and the EU. As a candidate, Trump called NATO “obsolete” and, as president, he hesitated to endorse Article

5, which states that an attack on one member of NATO is an attack on all members. The only time Article 5 has been invoked was in connection with the Sept. 11 attack on the United States.

Trump’s reluctance to support it must have made Putin very happy. He was made even happier when Trump enthusiastically supported the Brexit campaign to leave the European Union, and encouraged other European countries to follow Britain’s example.

Withdrawing the United States from the Trans-Pacific Partnership and from the Paris Accord on climate change, combined with other international actions, have contributed to a reduction in America’s standing on the global stage.

Trump’s criticism of Russia for its annexation of Crimea and its ongoing aggression against Ukraine can be described as half-hearted at best. The entire theory of Ukraine interfering in the 2016

Facebook Should Join Twitter in Banning Political Ads

It is appalling that Mark Zuckerberg won’t follow Twitter’s lead in banning political ads during this election year, even when he knows that proven falsehoods are being put forth.

With Facebook’s microtargeting capability, the social media giant allows outlandish lies to be sent just to those who are gullible enough to believe them and turn them viral.

This is what Russia did during the 2016

campaign and how they plan to help Trump win the 2020 election.

Is this purely a matter of greed on the part of Zuckerberg? The Trump campaign itself is reportedly spending $1 million per month on Facebook ads, with unknown millions being spent by the Russians spreading disinformation. Couldn’t Facebook at least suspend political advertising for 3 or 4 weeks prior to election day?

U.S. election, as recounted under oath by Fiona Hill, was a Russian narrative adopted by President Trump hook, line and sinker. It is fair to say that Trump has been duped by the Kremlin in this and other ways. Why wouldn’t Putin want to keep him in the White House?

Forget about collusion — it wasn’t necessary for Trump to collude in 2016, and it’s not necessary for him to collude this year. Putin saw in Trump the perfect man to become President when Trump was the Republican nominee, and is happy to chant, “Four More Years!”

What about Russia helping the Sanders’ campaign? I suspect that too is in support of Trump since he’d be easier for Trump to defeat as a “socialist.”

The lingering question is why Trump wants to advance Putin’s interests.

This article is posted on my personal blog at www.JimSmithBlog.com, where you can like, share or comment on it.

Jim Smith

Broker/Owner, 303-525-1851 Jim@GoldenRealEstate.com Broker Associates:

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4 Lakewood Sentinel

February 27, 2020F

Next Gallery kicks off Casa Bonita art exhibit

BY JOSEPH RIOS JRIOS@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM

T

he spirit of Casa Bonita took over Next Gallery in Lakewood on the night of Feb. 21 through the Viva Casa Bonita art showcase.

The Lakewood art gallery was filled with art all dedicated to the iconic Casa Bonita Mexican restaurant. Residents packed the gallery to explore the art, eat sopapillas courtesy of Casa Bonita, converse and more.

Next Gallery is located at 6851 W. Colfax Ave, Unit B. It is open 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. on Fridays and from noon to 5 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays.

You can see the art exhibit until March 8.

“Illuminating Colfax” by Lindsey Earl. Her piece shows the cliff divers that Casa Bonita is known for as well as the restaurant’s entrance. Casa Bonita has been part of the Lakewood community since 1974.

PHOTOS BY JOSEPH RIOS The front entrance of the Viva Casa Bonita art exhibit at Next Gallery. The entrance features a taco shell, paying homage to the food that is served at Casa Bonita in Lakewood. The exhibit runs until March 8.

Eileen O’Brien, left, and Castle Searcy greet guests as they walk through the doors of Next Gallery.

Laurie Adams of Broomfield looks at an art piece created entirely of lego. The piece was titled “Casa Bonita,” created by Cynde Rothenburger. The show was juried by Andrew Novick and Betsy Rudolph.

“Casarado” by Julie Connolly. The art piece exemplifies the flags Casa Bonita customers put up when they want their server. The art exhibit features over 50 pieces created by artists from the Denver metro area.

Residents pack Next Gallery in Lakewood on Feb. 21. Casa Bonita supplied its famous sopapillas for the event.

The night kicked off the Viva Casa Bonita art exhibit.

PROVEN

Lakewood Sentinel 5

February 27, 2020

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Mike Bloomberg is the only Democrat who can take on Trump—and Trump knows it.

MIKE WILL GET IT DONE. Election Day in Colorado is Tuesday, March 3rd.

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6 Lakewood Sentinel

February 27, 2020F

West Metro Fire christens new engine in Morrison

BY PAUL ALBANI-BURGIO PALBANIBURGIO@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM

The West Metro Fire Protection District reached into the past during the christening of its new fire truck.

Engine 9.

People came out to downtown Morrison on Saturday morning to observe and participate in the christening ceremony. During the ceremony, attendees formed a bucket brigade to add water from the old Engine 9 into the 500-gallon tank and kids helped firefighters use the hose from the old engine to wash the new one. Another firefighter also led those in attendance in a prayer and moment of silence for lost West Metro firefighters.

However, the most historical portion of the christening, a first for West Metro, came near the end of the ceremony when a bell was rung eight times to indicate the engine was ready for service. The number eight was chosen because fire departments serving Jefferson County have historically read out the code 10-8 to indicate they were ready for service.

The new engine, which cost a little over $750,000 and is expected to remain in service for 25 years, will be the new main engine for West Metro fire station 9 in Morrison. It is outfitted with hazmat suits, dive rescue equipment, bullet proof vests, devices for mountain rescues and other modern equipment along with the tank

A firefighter lifts a boy to allow him to dry the window of the new fire engine.

Kids were invited to help dry out the windows after the engine was washed as part of the ceremony.

A West Metro firefighter deposits the 9 from West Metro’s old fire engine 9 onto the new engine 9 at a christening ceremony in Morrison on Feb. 22. The new engine will be the main engine for station 9 in Morrison.

PHOTOS BY PAUL ALBANI-BURGIO and a 1,250-gallon water pump. The engine it is replacing will continue to be used as a reserve engine.

As the ceremony came to a close, West Metro Division Chief Bob Olme

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One West Metro firefighter hands a bucket of water from the old fire engine 9 to put onto the new engine at the end of the bucket brigade portion of the christening ceremony in Morrison.

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A West Metro firefighter leads several kids in using the fire hose from the old engine 9 to wash the new engine as part of a christening ceremony for the new engine.

Captain Brendan Finegan, left, of West Metro Station 9 in Morrison hands one of the 9s from the old engine to another firefighter to put on the new engine as part of a christening ceremony for the new engine on Feb. 22.

Lakewood Sentinel 7

February 27, 2020

Firefighter remembered as a fighter West Metro Fire’s Dan Moran remembered for optimism during battle with line of duty illness

BY CASEY VAN DIVIER CVANDIVIER@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM

Throughout a battle with leukemia that lasted more than two years, Dan Moran was always optimistic about the future, his colleagues from West Metro Fire Rescue recall.

The 50-year-old West Metro firefighter passed away Feb. 7, leaving behind family, friends and colleagues who remember him for his determination, particularly during the years he was physically unMoran able to work because of his illness.

“He was positive and when he spoke about returning, it wasn’t `if ’; it was `when,’” said West Metro Fire lieutenant Jeff Delgado. “It was a good thing to witness his optimism through it all.”

Moran passed away from a line of duty illness after an 18-year career as a firefighter and paramedic. Raised in Wheat Ridge, he graduated from Colorado State University with a degree in

Zoology and “later found the career he loved; being a firefighter,” reads Moran’s obituary.

“As a husband, father, son, uncle and firefighter, Dan will be missed greatly by all whose lives he impacted,” it says.

Delgado remembers Moran as a reliable companion both on and off the job. The two worked side-by-side and often spent time together outside of work, with both families living in Arvada.

“My memories are of a loud and funny individual who was just fun to be around,” Delgado said. Having spent many shifts with Moran, “we would have a good time, we would tell jokes, we would help each other through situations. He was a good guy for that.”

West Metro safety captain Travis Hopwood likewise took notice of Moran’s positive energy.

“He was always smiling,” Hopwood said, and “he cared for his community.

He knew the response area and the people and the business-owners very well.”

Throughout his friendship with Moran, what stood out most to Hopwood was that “first and foremost, he’s very much a family man,” he said.

And Delgado agreed: “What defined him was his family,” he said. “He adored his wife and daughters. All he did was for them.”

Moran’s illness was attributed to some of the chemicals that firefight-

A procession of first responders travels up Ward Road, toward Red Rocks Church Arvada on Wadsworth, to remember the life of firefighter Dan Moran, who died from a job-related illness.

CASEY VAN DIVIER ers face on the job, which cannot always be avoided, even with current protective gear and safety measures, Delgado said.

“We’re exposed daily to diesel exhaust. We go to structure fires where we’re exposed to plastic burning or poisons, and to calls that may be hazardous-material calls,” he said.

He and Hopwood added that departments across the country are making advancements to mitigate this problem.

At West Metro, recent changes include a switch to a more protective

hood for firefighters to wear on calls, and a system to minimize diesel exhaust in the station as firefighters are parking their trucks, Delgado said.

The firefighters have also started washing down and changing out of gear on-scene, as opposed to returning to the station in contaminated gear, Hopwood said.

Additionally, West Metro has partnered with South Metro Fire Rescue and the University of Colorado to conduct a sleep study. Over the next five years, the study will determine how the responders’ sleep schedules affect their mental and physical health, and what can be done to mitigate these effects.

“Our culture’s changing, and I hope that trend continues,” Delgado said.

Both firefighters remembered Moran for his efforts to ensure that others in the department worked to stay safe.

“He shared with us to make sure we don’t ignore the little things we can be doing,” Hopwood said.

To his colleagues, Moran also embodied a commitment that all of them share. That commitment came through every time he spoke of his determination to come back, they said.

“There are countless cases of people becoming ill from what we do and yet, we’re all still here. There’s that servant attitude, and another big part of what we do is the love we have for each other,” Delgado said. “He didn’t give up. Dan loved being a firefighter.”

C Mo #1 olora rtg Rev do ag ers ’s eB e rok er

Low Interest Rates Means More Money for Retirement by Kathy Muni

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8 Lakewood Sentinel

February 27, 2020F

Lakewood woman aims to build pool to provide Watsu service Marta Stec wants to build a Watsu pool to accommodate her disabled clients

BY JOSEPH RIOS JRIOS@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM

Wheat Ridge resident P.J. Snyder suffers from Angelman Syndrome, a genetic disorder that affects the nervous system, as well as scoliosis, a condition that sees the spine curve to the left or the right. His health conditions have caused him to be non-verbal, and he can’t walk independently.

But by partaking in Watsu, a therapy that involves placing the body in warm water pools and using traditional Shiatsu massage techniques from a Watsu therapist, Snyder has more mobility and less back pain.

“He can walk independently in (warm water pools). He loves the water,” said Cindy Snyder, P.J.’s mother.

“We really miss Watsu.”

Snyder received Watsu therapy sessions from Marta Stec at Easterseals Colorado in Lakewood, an organization that provides programs for people with disabilities, older adults and caregivers. This past November, Easterseals Colorado closed its warm water pool, leaving Snyder and others with disabilities with no place to

Marta Stec, a Watsu practitioner, performs Watsu on Arvada resident Nate Craner. Stec serves people who have physical problems, post-traumatic stress disorder, autism and more. She says Watsu is like a massage in water. When a person undergoes Watsu, they are floated, stretched, cradled and rocked in a pool.

COURTESY OF MARTA STEC receive Watsu therapy sessions. The pool was designed for people with disabilities.

Now, Stec, who has been a Watsu practitioner since 1997, has created

COM NG SOON! CLAW-FUL CAJUN SEAFOOD KITCHEN Vietnamese Cajun Fusion seafood restaurant that specializes in a spicy crawfish boil.

1862 S. WADSWORTH BLVD. LAKEWOOD, CO 80226 North East corner of Wadsworth Blvd and Jewel Ave behind McDonald’s

the Flowing Water Watsu Aquatic Therapy nonprofit organization with the hope of raising enough funds to build her own warm water pool that is accessible for people with disabilities to continue to provide therapy services to her dozens of clients.

Stec serves people who have physical problems, post-traumatic stress disorder, autism and more.

“These people have no place to go.

Most pools don’t like outside services, and they don’t provide Watsu,” said Stec. “There are not many (Watsu providers) in Colorado.”

The benefits of Watsu include improved mobility, a decrease in pain, mental health benefits, and help with sleeping and cardiovascular issues, Stec said. She said Watsu is like a massage in water. When a person undergoes Watsu, they are floated, rocked, cradled and stretched in the pool.

In order to do the therapy, Watsu must be done in a pool that is 94 degrees, according to Stec. She currently hosts some Watsu sessions at Celestial Seahorse, a business in Lakewood that offers Watsu, but the business’s pool isn’t accessible for people with disabilities.

“When I opened (Celestial Seahorse), I wasn’t concerned about building a lift (into a pool) for the disabled because there was (Easterseals Colorado) and others that had a lift.

Since then, every single pool that has a lift that provides Watsu has closed down,” said Trudy Jagger, owner of Celestial Seahorse. “People who are disabled and in wheelchairs or walkers that can’t get up — they have nowhere to go.”

Stec currently has her eyes on vacant space at a property owned by David Zarou in Lakewood at 9600 W. Jewell Ave. Zarou, who works as a physician at his property, says he has had patients who have benefited from Watsu.

ABOUT WATSU Watsu was developed by Harold Dull in the early 1980s. It is a form of aquatic therapy where Watsu practitioners stretch, cradle, rock and float the body. According to the National Library of Medicine, Watsu can have a positive impact on stress, pain, mental health and the mood of pregnant women.

HOW TO HELP Flowing Water Watsu Aquatic Therapy is aiming to raise $30,000. You can donate to the nonprofit’s cause at gofundme.com/f/ aquatic-center-for-disabled “Being worked on manually on a table is one thing, but then to be floating for an hour really reaches part of the nervous system that you can’t in any other environment. I’m eager to have a tenant to fill (the vacant space), and I think this is noble work,” said Zarou.

To be able to afford a Watsu pool that can accommodate disabled residents, Flowing Water Watsu Aquatic Therapy has started a GoFundMe campaign to raise $30,000.

“I see the benefit tremendously, and you can just see that it is written all over (Stec’s clients), and how much it means to them. People just don’t do it over and over again if it isn’t working,” said Arvada resident Nate Craner. He receives Watsu therapy from Stec because he suffers from post-traumatic stress disorder.

“I wish there was greater awareness (about Watsu), to be honest. At first, I wasn’t sure about it, but I went back again and again, and I started to notice the changes from my body holding stress,” he said. “That combination of massage and movement — it just changed the dynamics of the way my brain works.”

Lakewood Sentinel 9

February 27, 2020

FirstBank opens Multicultural Banking Center The center will provide banking services in different languages

BY JOSEPH RIOS JRIOS@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM

Catering to different cultures is nothing new for FirstBank, according to Tony Oum, senior vice president of multicultural banking for the company. It started over 30 years ago when former FirstBank President Ken Chee was leading the company. Chee, who is of Chinese descent, made it a point for the bank to educate non-English speaking Chinese communities in financial literacy during the 1990s.

“It’s our job to educate our communities to be fully aware of banking and to understand the system. That way, they can make the right choice,” said Oum. “We think it’s important.”

Carrying out Chee’s vision, FirstBank, headquartered in Lakewood, has opened its Multicultural Banking Center at 550 S. Wadsworth Blvd. The center is designed to give residents banking services in their preferred language, including in Spanish, Chinese, Mandarin Chinese, Korean, Vietnamese and Cantonese languages.

Along with banking services, FirstBank’s Multicultural Banking Center will offer networking events, financial

IF YOU GO… WHERE: 550 S. Wadsworth Blvd.

HOURS: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday literacy classes, and chances for businesses and nonprofits to collaborate on community projects, according to the company.

“FirstBank has historically always unofficially had a focus on African, Hispanic and Asian communities.

But this more than anything formalizes that commitment we have with those communities, and it provides a comfortable space for loan officers and others to work out of,” said Felipe Bedón, vice president of multicultural banking for FirstBank. “(The Multicultural Banking Center is) exciting and the beginning of a formalized effort to help and support people of these communities.”

FirstBank estimates that almost 40% of its employees represent different races, ethnicities, military statuses and abilities. Bedón said hiring employees from different backgrounds doesn’t just help the bank’s customers — it creates a small community in the bank.

“When you have people who have your same cultural background, it’s a more friendly workplace,” said Bedón.

According to the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, in 2015, more than 30% of households that speak only Spanish were unbanked (no use

From left, former Denver City Council President Elbra Wedgeworth, FirstBank Lakewood Market President Amber Hills, FirstBank CEO Jim Reuter, FirstBank Senior Vice President of Multicultural Banking Tony Oum, FirstBank COO Emily Robinson and Lakewood Mayor Adam Paul at FirstBank’s Multicultural Banking Center’s grand opening on Feb. 13. FirstBank estimates that almost 40% of its employees represent different races, ethnicities, military statuses and abilities.

COURTESY OF KAYLA WEIMER of banking services), compared to only 6.5% of households where Spanish is not the only language spoken.

“Providing information to make decisions in language that is closest to someone’s heart is not just necessary, but the best way to be assured that they are understanding what they are doing,” said Paulina Erices, a

member of Adelante Jeffco, a network of community members and organizations that work to identify opportunities and strategies to offer services to Jeffco Latino families. “It makes sense for any organization to provide information in the language people speak. Then, you are truly connecting with the identity of that person.”

10 Lakewood Sentinel

February 27, 2020F

Colorado lawmakers inch forward on transportation deal How to pay for projects is wild card, with big political risks

BY JOHN FRANK THE COLORADO SUN

Behind the scenes at the Capitol, in private meetings and hushed conversations, Colorado lawmakers are talking about how to find a legislative unicorn: a bipartisan deal to find more money for transportation.

The negotiations started an impasse, only adding to the frustration felt by the advocates behind three failed prior election campaigns, but began slowly as both parties recognize it remains a top concern with voters.

Democratic House Speaker KC Becker, a lead negotiator, said the new talks are progressing and she’s “encouraged by the initial willingness to put together sort of a bipartisan package.” But she acknowledges the deal is far from reality — and the political risks are significant.

“All things are on the table right now, but what I think realistically can get done is probably of a much more limited nature,” the Boulder lawmaker said in an interview.

The conversation became a little more tense in the week of Feb. 11 as a conservative political group began an aggressive campaign to push back

The Colorado Department of Transportation is widening what’s called the Gap, a stretch of Interstate 25 between Castle Rock and Monument, after a study found the area in urgent need of improvements.

COURTESY PHOTO on one of the ideas at the center of the debate: an increase in the state’s 22-cent gasoline tax.

Americans for Prosperity’s Colorado chapter is airing 15-second commercials on screens at gas pumps

in the Denver area that urge people to tell lawmakers that “Colorado families can’t afford to pay more at the pump.”

The advocacy effort also includes mailers targeting key lawmakers, online ads and radio commercials.

It was first reported Feb. 11 in The Unaffiliated, the twice-weekly political newsletter from The Colorado Sun. The five-figure initial cost for the campaign is modest, but the effort serves as a warning shot to the negotiators at the state Capitol and the group’s spending could increase.

“People need to voice their opinions now on this if they really want to impact such an important issue down at the Capitol,” said Jesse Mallory, the organization’s state director.

AFP — which is backed by billionaire Charles Koch — fought against prior efforts to increase taxes to generate money for transportation. The group argues that Colorado lawmakers are spending too much money and should prioritize road construction above other needs.

The advertising suggests that lawmakers want to repeal the Taxpayer’s Bill of Rights and eliminate the requirement that voters approve tax hikes, but the effort to revamp TABOR is actually coming from liberal organizations outside the building.

Becker, who is one of the lawmakers targeted by the mailers, confirmed that new taxes or fees are part of the current discussion about a transportation spending bill. The main revenue source for road projects is the gasoline tax, but it has remained stagnant for nearly three decades and is a diminishing source of revenue.

“There’s some level of agreement that there has to be some new source of revenue,” she said. “Exactly what that is going to be is still in the works.”

THE COLORADO SUN The Colorado Sun is a reader-supported, nonpartisan news organization dedicated to covering Colorado issues. To learn more, go to ColoradoSun.com.

In addition to the gasoline tax, lawmakers are also discussing additional fees on electric vehicles based and ride-sharing, as well as earmarking existing tax dollars for roads and transit needs.

The politics of a tax or fee hike are unpredictable. Sen. Chris Holbert, the Republican leader, doesn’t support an increase in the gasoline tax and would rather see at least $300 million in existing revenue put toward road construction. But he has acknowledged there could be an appetite.

“There are Republicans, there are conservatives, who have the perspective that if you’re going to ask me for money, ask me for it the right way.

And the gas tax pays for transportation,” the Parker lawmaker said.

Still, Holbert said Democratic efforts to increase fees or taxes would backfire and result in big GOP wins in the November election. Becker said she agrees that there is a political risk, but she clarified later: “I don’t think it means we should back away from trying to do something.”

One other transportation funding model proposed this year is House Bill 1151 to allow local governments to create regional districts to raise money for their specific projects.

But it also faces political opposition — in this case from Gov. Jared Polis.

At a recent event, he said lawmakers should not create a solution “that only works for urban Colorado and suburban Colorado.”

“That’s not the best way for the state from a business perspective,” Polis added, saying it limits interconnectivity.

Lakewood Sentinel 11

February 27, 2020

C-470 project moving toward completion, CDOT says Toll lanes expected to open in spring, project to be finished by summer

BY DAVID GILBERT DGILBERT@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM

Stop us if you’ve heard this one before: Construction on C-470 is nearly finished.

The years-long C-470 Express Lanes Project, which will add tolled lanes along the busy highway, is scheduled to be completed this summer, according to the Colorado Department of Transportation, or CDOT. That’s about a year after the original expected completion date, and four years after the project began in 2016.

CDOT placed the project’s contractor, a joint venture of Flatiron Construction and AECOM, in default last summer after repeated delays and what CDOT called misleading updates.

“CDOT’s priority is getting this completed as quickly and safely as possible so we can bring it to the traveling public,” said Tamara Rollison, a spokeswoman for CDOT. “You’ve probably noticed whenever you’re out there, there’s work taking place, including weekend and night closures.”

Once completed, the project will add at least one, and in some places two toll lanes to each direction of the heavily congested corridor between I-25

The C-470 Express Lanes project is slated to be completed this summer -- a year behind schedule.

DAVID GILBERT and Wadsworth Boulevard. Motorists could save up to 18 minutes if traveling the full 12-mile length of the lanes, according to CDOT estimates.

Tolls could range as high as $6.60 for a full-length westbound trip during afternoon rush hour, according to CDOT documents. The high end for eastbound travel could be $4.85 during morning rush hour. Tolls will be lower in off-peak times and for motorists only traveling partway. The goal is to keep traffic moving at least 45 mph at all times.

The toll lanes are expected to be complete sometime in the spring, Rol-

lison said, and motorists will be able to use them for free for a few months while crews finalize installation and testing of tolling equipment.

Tolls will be assessed much like they are on E-470 east of I-25, Rollison said, utilizing license plate readers that will send a bill to the driver’s home. Drivers can also buy electronic passes that are good on all the state’s toll roads.

The remaining work is primarily paving, lane striping and signage installation, Rollison said.

In the meantime, CDOT is levying fines of $51,000 a day against Flatiron and AECOM for the behind-schedule

work, Rollison said.

“We like these projects finished within a certain time frame,” Rollison said. “We’ve been exercising our recourse as laid out in our contract with them.”

The project’s total cost is still in the neighborhood of $276 million, Rollison said. About $10 million of that is from Douglas County, and an additional $110 million came from state and federal funding.

Flatiron and AECOM are “working to safely expeditiously complete the project,” said Michael Swenson, a spokesman for Flatiron.

“We’ve been working with CDOT on this all the way through,” Swenson said. “We’ve focused significant resources on the project.”

Swenson declined to answer if the contractors have worked to change or improve their methods since being placed in default.

The project’s completion will bring welcome additional capacity to the local transportation grid, said Keith Reester, Littleton’s director of public works.

Still, Reester said, “you can’t build your way out of congestion.”

“You can, however, add capacity while you look at longer-term solutions: mode changes, shorter trips, working to help people live closer to their jobs and things like that,” Reester said. “You’re not going to get thousands of people to decide to stop driving tomorrow.”

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12 Lakewood Sentinel

LOCAL

February 27, 2020F

VOICES Spending the gift that is a leap day

L

eap. Leap of faith. Lovers’ leap.

Leap to mind, look before you leap, on giant leap for mankind.

Great leap forward. Leap frog, quantum leap, leap to conclusions.

ALCHEMY Leap year, leap month, leap day.

Leap day, Feb. 29, is a date that occurs every four years, added to the calendar as a corrective measure because the Earth doesn’t orbit the sun in precisely 365 days.

The first modern leap Andrea Doray day was observed Britain in 1752, and February was

with a couple of Hershey’s chocolate candies, a rubber band and a pencil eraser, a marble and a penny all wrapped in cellophane and tied with a white string.

It’s the note attached to the gift that caught my attention. In this one little glass bottle, Scarlett seems to have captured the ideal accessories for making the most of leap day … or any day, for that matter.

Perhaps the most important piece – for me, at least – is the eraser: “So you can make your mistakes disappear.”

The penny is for more than luck …

Scarlett tells me I will never have to say, “I’m broke!” And in case someone should say, “You’ve lost your marbles,” guess what? Yes, I have the one that

chosen because it’s the only month without 30 or 31 days.

Some historians believe leap days were introduced more than 2,000 years ago by competing Roman emperors who each wanted their own months – July and August, for example – to have the most days.

I find this history fascinating, as I do most history, but I haven’t really paid much mind to leap days before. This year, though, I’m curious about what I’ll be doing on leap day … how I’ll spend the 1,400 extra minutes of 2020, the gift of 86,400 seconds added to the other 365 days of the year.

As I write this, my eye falls on a gift I received some years ago from my friend Scarlett … a small glass jar

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR Two problems with a handy solution Many selectively read a newspaper such as the Sentinel article by article though when viewed collectively many times they tend to reinforce the need for solutions they occasionally present one as well.

This was the case with the Feb. 6 issue where it begins with a Realtor lamenting the loss of affordable trailers and parks followed by one about the homeless count and those needing affordability. The third was the growth cap and the pending approval of more unaffordable neotenements.

The last article highlights the county’s inability to afford the fairgrounds which herein lays the solution. Since the good NIML people of Lakewood effectively nuked the homeless facility on the federal center, perhaps the county would see fit to re-purpose all or part of the unfunded fairgrounds for a more benevolent purpose than occasional agriculture and horse activities.

The County needs funds and it is likely homeless advocates have access to plenty. There is infrastructure in place with facilities for meals, housing, on-site medical, and education. There is plenty of space for additional housing and a zoning change should be effortless. Fire/ EMS resources are close as is RCCC for attending classes and a light-rail stop for job transportation. There is even a kinship given that the Jefferson County Animal Shelter is just down the road.

Quotes in the article mention that

A publication of

the fairgrounds will look and operate differently. So which is the better option; people in need or empty space and occasional use? Tough to defy the logic.

Jim Krugman, Lakewood “Image conscious” isn’t bad It has been said, and probably correctly, that President Trump is a narcissist. I take this to be a very good thing, though it does result in some strange tweets at times. Being a narcissist causes the President to be very aware of himself, his image and his success or failure. The more he does for the country, and the better we do as both a nation and as individuals, the more this feeds his narcissism and all the better for the rest of us.

Why would anyone care if he is a narcissist, if it means we all do better? The policies of the past three years have done nothing but improve the economy and our position as a nation. Minorities are prospering at historical levels. This brings us to Senator Cory Gardner. I am very grateful that he has sided with President Trump around 90% of the time. This has been good for all of us, and we prosper as a result.

To bring attention to the few who are not doing well, and not prospering, is disingenuous when record numbers are being employed and prospering. There have always been those who do not do well or are not

Call first: 14143 Denver West Pkwy., Suite 100, Golden 80401, 303-566-4100 Mailing Address: 750 W. Hampden Ave., Suite 225 Englewood, CO 80110 Phone: 303-566-4100 Web: LakewoodSentinel.com To subscribe call 303-566-4100

I

have this routine that I go through almost every day with my trumpet. It’s 45 – 55 minutes of exercises, many of which are repetitive or very similar, and they are tedious. My wife, whose office is right next to mine, will do everything in her power to avoid being in her office when I’m going through my routine.

I do them because HITTING that is what I feel is HOME necessary for me to be able to play my trumpet the way I want to. It’s just a maintenance routine: I don’t really get any better, but it guarantees that I won’t get any worse. Trumpet playing, like many things, is a perishable skill.

Michael Alcorn I’m saying this to clarify a few things from my column of last week, in which I decried our cultural obsession with the cookie-cutter approach to everything. In particular, I took issue with sports camps that “coach the creativity out of kids” and take away all the joy of playing.

My trumpet routine does not bring me joy. What it does do is make it possible for me to experience one of those

JERRY HEALEY President

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gwallace@coloradocommunitymedia.com

JOSEPH RIOS Community Editor jrios@coloradocommunitymedia.com

SEE DORAY, P13

Nothing routine about inspiring enthusiasm

SEE LETTERS, P20

GLENN WALLACE Editor

Scarlett gave me.

The rubber band and the string both hold a lot of meaning for me. With the rubber band, I can stretch myself beyond my limits … which all of us must do from time to time. And the string? Scarlett tells me the string is to tie things together when everything falls apart.

Can I expect all of this on Saturday, Feb. 29? Let’s see – first, I am definitely sleeping in (this is not the mistake), meeting with my writing group, and going to lunch in Colorado Springs.

Driving the Gap will certainly stretch me to my limits and I’ll probably need to hang on to that last marble as well.

AUDREY BROOKS Business Manager

abrooks@coloradocommunitymedia.com

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rare, fleeting, ephemeral moments of pure beauty and joy when I play with other good musicians. And, believe me when I tell you, those moments are hard to come by. But, also, I’m 50 years old and I’ve been playing my trumpet for 40 years; this is what I’ve chosen to F do because I know that the tedium has a payoff.

I would think a 10-year old doing the same things I’m doing has a problem.

Patrick Mahomes is a wickedly talented quarterback, who makes plays that defy explanation. Did he attend quarterback camps growing up? I’m sure he did. Did he spend his whole life working on the minutia that leads to flawless technique? No. How do I know that? Because Patrick Mahomes was also a good enough baseball player to be drafted by the Detroit Tigers — at least some of his summers were spent on the baseball diamond, not in a quarterback camp. And, you know what else? He was also good enough at basketball to be considered a Division one basketball prospect.

Once he went to college, I’m sure he spent just as much time in film study and the weight room and working on the minutia with his position coach as everybody else on his team. But that was in college — he’d made his

Columnists & Guest Commentaries Columnist opinions are not necessarily those of the Sentinel. We welcome letters to the editor. Please Include your full name, address and the best number to reach you by telephone.

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D

SEE ALCORN, P20 Lakewood Sentinel A legal newspaper of general circulation in Jefferson County, Colorado, the Lakewood Sentinel is published weekly on Thursday by Colorado Community Media, 14143 Denver West Pkwy., Suite 100, Golden 80401.

POSTMASTER: Send address change to: Lakewood Sentinel, 750 W. Hampden Ave., Suite 225, Englewood, CO 80110

Lakewood Sentinel 13

February 27, 2020

Jeffco commissioners on budget situation

J

efferson County has a reputation as a wonderful place for all to thrive. Taxpayer dollars allow the county to deliver vital services.

But as our population grows, so does demand for public safety, roads, public health and other essential county services.

You’ve undoubtedly seen headlines lately about our financial realities.

You may also wonder: how, in a strong economy, did we get to this point?

Let’s do the numbers A significant portion of the county’s services and programs are paid for by the General Fund, which is largely funded by property tax revenue and totals approximately $217 million in 2020. The General Fund makes up about one-third of the overall $605 million countywide budget. The other two-thirds represents dedicated funds that can only be used for specific purposes. The county cannot use dedicated funds to address the $16.1 million in 2020 budget cuts or additional reductions in 2021 or beyond.

How did we get here?

In the past, commissioners used the county’s General Fund reserves to avoid cuts and address the rising cost of services. However, this is no longer

DORAY

FROM PAGE 12

The penny will always come in handy and I hope I won’t need the string, but I’ll have it with me, just in case.

Oh ... and I forgot to mention the last two items: one small chocolate candy wrapped in silver paper – a “kiss” –

an option. Jeffco’s “rainy day fund” has reached its minimum threshold — or two months of operating costs.

We’re often asked why the county is facing budget challenges when property values have increased.

GUEST Don’t those propOPINION erty taxes provide more dollars for Casey Tighe, county services?

Libby Szabo and For every dollar Lesley Dahlkemper the county collects in property taxes, only 24 cents goes to the county to provide services. The remaining 76 cents is distributed to public schools, special districts and cities.

What’s more, the amount of property tax revenue the county is allowed to collect is limited by the Taxpayer Bill of Rights, or TABOR. TABOR restricts revenue growth for counties using a formula based on: the value of new construction in the county; and statewide inflation, measured by the Consumer Price Index. But the county’s formula does not account for population growth – unlike the state’s TABOR formula. The result: county tax revenues have not grown as fast as the demand or the increased cost for county services.

Most Colorado counties have sucand a “hug” in striped gold paper, so that anywhere I go (even through the Gap project!) I’ll know that someone, somewhere, cares about me.

And I can’t think of a better way to spend 86,400 seconds of my life.

Andrea Doray is a writer who would like to have leap days every year so she could sleep in more often. Contact Andrea at a.doray@andreadoray.com.

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ST. JOAN OF ARC

mar, punctuation and length.

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DENVER METRO

C AT H O L I C C H U R C H

Proclaiming Christ from the Mountains to the Plains www.StJoanArvada.org 12735 W 58th Ave · 80002 · 303-420-1232 Daily Masses: 8:30am, Mon-Sat Confessions: 8am Tue-Fri; 7:30am & 4:00pm Sat Saturday Vigil Mass: 5:00pm Sunday Masses: 7:30, 9:00, 11:30am, 5:30pm

cessfully sought relief from TABOR revenue limits. Jeffco is one of only two counties that has not. That means any surplus dollars above the county’s TABOR cap are refunded to taxpayers. Did you know that even state grants for public safety, parks, roads, housing and mental health count against our TABOR cap? This year, the county treasurer estimates that amount will be approximately $41 million.

Last November, Jeffco voters chose not to approve ballot measure 1A, which would have temporarily lifted the TABOR cap on tax revenue and helped the county avoid painful budget cuts. We respect their decision and have begun to implement those cuts.

Looking Ahead to 2021 More tough decisions are ahead as we look at the continuing financial challenge facing all county departments. We’ll continue to collaborate

with other elected county officials and department leaders to identify further reductions in their 2021 budgets.

We’ll keep our mission to promote the safety, health and well-being and stewardship of resources of the entire Jefferson County community front and center. We’ll also focus on those areas only government can do and continue to serve as strong fiscal stewards of taxpayer dollars, including maintaining our triple A bond rating and working with our national award-winning financial staff to ensure transparency and accountability.

Above all, we will work closely with our community to make sure your priorities are reflected to the best of our ability in our decision making.

Together, we’re confident we’ll find the best path forward for Jeffco!

For more information about the budget, please visit www.jeffco.us. or contact us at commish@jeffco.us.

OBITUARIES THOMAS

Bob Thomas

Bob Thomas, 88 of Lakewood Colorado, was born on February 13, 1932 in Fairfield, Iowa. He lived the majority of his life in Colorado with his wife of nearly 60 years, Micky. Throughout his life, he loved golfing, skiing, and spending time with his family. He will always be remembered for his quick wit, his soft chuckle and his kind spirit.

He graduated from Colorado State University with a degree in Geology followed by service at Coronado Naval base in San Diego from 1955 to 1957. After a 37 year career in commercial real estate as a property manager for Garrett-Bromfield Real Estate and Field Real Estate he retired in 1994. During that time, he was an active member of the Knights of the Round Table as well as president and emeritus of the Institute of Real Estate

Management (IREM).

During his retirement he found much to do working as a golf ranger for Foothills Parks and Recreation and as a driver for Planet Honda, a job that he loved because it combined two passions, driving and talking to people.

He is survived by his wife Micky, children Scott & Juli and Kevin & Shea, grandchildren Jeff & Katie, Robyn, Palmer, Erin and Eli Thomas and brothers Dick and Bill Thomas.

Services will be held on Monday, March 2nd at Fort Logan at 10:30am followed by a celebration of Bob’s life at 11:45am including a light lunch at Lakewood United Church of Christ at 100 Carr St. Lakewood, CO 80226.

In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to Lakewood United Church of Christ via check at the address above.

In Loving Memory Place an Obituary for Your Loved One.

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To advertise your place of worship, call Karen at 303-566-4100

Private 303-566-4100

Obituaries@ColoradoCommunityMedia.com

Funeral Homes Visit: www.memoriams.com

14 Lakewood Sentinel

LOCAL

LIFE

Artistic outlets

AMID HARDSHIP People experiencing homelessness find a ‘getaway’

BY CASEY VAN DIVIER CVANDIVIER@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM

W

ithin a single week, dozens of regulars find their way to the 2300 block of Arapahoe and Curtis streets in Denver.

Steven Barth, a jazz keyboard player, leaves the homeless shelter he’s been staying at for eight months, headed to a weekly dance group at the St. Francis Center, a daytime shelter on Curtis Street.

Ashley Anderson and Paul Laurendine, a married couple who met at the day shelter, also make their way to Curtis Street each week, drawn to the dance group where they first bonded.

Richard Beck, an artist who goes by the name Gonzo, walks from his Denver home to the RedLine Contemporary Art Center on Arapahoe Street — where, having once slept behind the building each night, he has since accepted a position as studio coordinator.

Every week, these individuals are drawn to the arts programs that happen to run in the back-to-back buildings. On Tuesday and Saturday afternoons, RedLine invites aspiring artists to the Reach Studio at 2350 Arapahoe St. And on Thursday mornings, ballet company Wonderbound holds a dance group at the St. Francis Center, 2323 Curtis St. The Denver arts groups, which each began within the last decade, seek to serve people experiencing homelessness in the metro area. More than anything, participants say the programs are about momentarily leaving behind the negative to embrace the positive.

“We’ve been coming to this for years. It’s been our getaway,” Anderson said of herself and her husband.

Participants also say that programs like these are few and far between.

“I wish it would last longer. There’s not much else to do,” said Barth, who often sits on the edge of the dance floor in the St. Francis Center’s clothing room, using drumsticks to keep the beat while others are dancing.

“It feels good to move,” he said. “It makes your heart beat.”

Programs’ purposes While the programs seek to achieve a common goal, each one approaches that goal differently.

The Pari Passu dance program — named after the Latin term for “equal step” — specifically engages those served by the St. Francis Center. Every Thursday, participants decide how to spend the hour, whether that means dancing together or simply discussing music, said group coordinator Heather Sutton.

“This is a population that is told a lot what they can and can’t do, so we try to meet whatever the

Artist Vanessa Constanti has four paintings featured in RedLine’s current exhibition. Having previously faced housing insecurity, “this is the first time I’ve been able to have an outlet for my art,” the artist said.

CASEY VAN DIVIER

VOLUNTEER The arts programs serving those experiencing homelessness are always looking for volunteers, program coordinators said.

Volunteer forms are available online at: Art From Ashes: artfromashes.org/support/volunteer RedLine Reach Studio: redlineart.org/volunteer St. Francis Center: sfcdenver.org/volunteer To volunteer with the Pari Passu dance program at the St. Francis Center, ask to be assigned to the program during volunteer orientation. demand is that day,” Sutton said. “One of the first things people lose when they’re experiencing financial hardship is access to the arts. It’s important for us to provide that.”

Directly after the hour wraps up at the center, Sutton holds another group at the Colorado Coalition for the Homeless, 2111 Champa St., Denver.

Sutton also coordinates for group members to occasionally watch Wonderbound dance rehearsals or attend local shows.

Pari Passu participant Debra Ann added that for her, the program is more than a chance to enjoy the arts; it’s also an opportunity to encourage those who are facing the same hardships that she is.

“I like to lift people up. Instead of sitting out there alone, we can come here and have fellowship,” said Debra Ann, who asked that her last name not be used.

SEE ARTISTIC, P15

February 27, 2020F

What midsummer dreams may come at the Arvada Center

T

he plays of William Shakespeare have been performed so many times in the more than 400 years since he did his writing that one mustn’t just consider the story, but how to tell that story.

Emily Van Fleet, director of “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” — the second show in the 2020 Black Box Repertory Season at the COMING Arvada Center — ATTRACTIONS decided to frame her telling with a creative twist.

“The framework for this production is a run-down, dilapidated playground. One might deduce from the set and costumes that we’re possibly in a futuristic world Clarke Reader that has fallen apart and gone into disarray,” Van Fleet explained. “There’s eight actors who gather a crowd and perform the show with found objects.

And we have all of Shakespeare’s brilliance within this framework.”

“A Midsummer Night’s Dream” runs at the center, 6901 Wadsworth Blvd., through May 16. Performances are at 1 p.m. on Wednesday, 7:30 p.m. Thursday through Saturday, and 2 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday.

One of Shakespeare’s most beloved comedies, the show blends human romance with the fantastical realm of the fairies, for a story that hilariously points out how ridiculous matters of the heart often are. Some of his best characters inhabit the play, and all eight actors each take on multiple roles.

“I’m always looking for more roles for women in Shakespeare’s work, so we get to do some genderbending in the show,” Van Fleet said. “Since this is a small troupe of actors, each takes whichever roles are available.”

The production is the Denver-area directing debut for Van Fleet, but as someone who will be very familiar to audiences due to her performances at the Center and all over town, she is relishing the opportunity to direct.

“The Arvada Center is such a lovely place to be a director, especially given my many, many years as a performer there. I’ve grown as an actor and artist, and now I’m really grateful for the opportunity to grow as a director,” she said. “The directing process began months and months ago, and as we got closer, I’ve been whittling away at the big ideas and finding the story.”

Oftentimes people are intimated by Shakespeare’s work, but his comedies SEE READER, P15

Lakewood Sentinel 15

February 27, 2020

ARTISTIC FROM PAGE 14

“No matter what you’re going through, music’s good for your soul.”

Meanwhile, through its Reach Studio program, RedLine invites any artist to visit the studio and access the program’s workspace, storage space and materials.

Reach Studio also provides “professional development and opportunities to sell artwork,” said JC Futrell, RedLine’s education director.

Participants’ work is featured in permanent exhibitions at RedLine and Saint John’s Cathedral at 1350 N. Washington St., Denver, he said. The studio’s core artists, who have regularly participated for six months, receive additional benefits including access to scholarships for the Rocky Mountain College of Art & Design.

“This studio really means connection and it really means safety,” Futrell said. “I’ve got artists who tell me that before coming in here, they didn’t really see themselves as artists, and now they do.”

That’s been the case for Reach Studio coordinator Gonzo, who first came to the studio about a decade ago, hoping to leave behind a life of financial hardship and crime, he said.

“I came into this building trying not to be anybody anymore. The minute I’d leave here, there’d be drugs, people who were addicted to things,” he said.

“We’re always on the verge of being

READER FROM PAGE 14

in particular are incredibly accessible, and Van Fleet said, “A Midsummer Night’s Dream,” will appeal to connoisseurs and novices alike.

“There’s nothing boring about this production whatsoever. It has a really contemporary feel that will bring everyone around,” she said. “There’s humor everywhere and gorgeous poetry. It really is just a collage of Shakespeare’s best.”

While the primary aim is certainly to entertain audiences with a wild comedic ride, the unique framework Van Fleet has given the production hints at a bigger - and more important - truth.

“Art is everywhere,” she said, “and

ART ON DISPLAY

Program invites young people

unsettled, but what’s kept me sane is consistency.”

Since joining the studio, he has accepted the coordinator position, sold numerous pieces and found stable housing, he said. He attributes the turnaround to his pursuit of an art career and says that, for many others, he’s seen the same transformation take place.

“I’ve created a whole new person,” he said. “I don’t do the things I used to do, and that’s what makes life worth living.”

‘It saves your life’ Though many of the artists live within walking distance of the studio, some have a longer commute, coming in from the surrounding suburbs.

“We get artists from Arvada, Wheat Ridge, Englewood, Thornton — they come from all over to be in this space,” Futrell said.

Artist Patti Kurtzman commutes to the studio from her home in Golden, connected to the program by her passion for art and her brother’s past

artists who share that art can help make beauty where we least expect.”

For tickets and information, call 720898-7200 or visit www.arvadacenter.org/ on-stage/a-midsummer-nights-dream.

Get details and tickets at www.coloradohorsecouncil.com/rmhe/.

Annual horse expo highlights equine versatility Just when you thought it was safe to be at the National Western Complex, the 27th annual Rocky Mountain Horse Expo is back to showcase how robust and amiable these beautiful animals are.

Organized by the Colorado Horse Council, the event runs from Friday, Feb. 28 through Sunday, March 1 at the complex, 4655 Humboldt St. in Denver.

Options at the expo include clinics and workshops, art exhibits, dressage, the Colt Starting Challenge and a whole lot more.

Clarke’s Concert of the Week - The Lone Bellow at the Bluebird Theater Brooklyn’s The Lone Bellow do folk rock in the classic tradition. In addition to some Byrds-esque harmonizing, there’s elements of country mixed in with all the folk.

At their best, like on the song “Then Came the Morning,” the group’s vocal interplay and lyrical beauty (“Then came the morning/It was bright like a light that you kept from your smile”) combine to something approaching transcendence.

In support of their latest album, “Half Moon Light,” the trio will be playing at 8 p.m. on Wednesday, March 4 and Thursday, March 5 at the Bluebird Theater, 3317 E. Colfax Ave. Visit www.

Reach Studio’s annual exhibition — which this year focuses on a theme of Afrofuturism — is on display now at RedLine, 2350 Arapahoe St., Denver. The exhibition will be up through March 29 at 5 p.m.

Reach Studio artists’ work is also available to view or purchase at Saint John’s Cathedral, 1350 N. Washington St., Denver. homelessness, she said. Juannean Young, who left her job about two years ago to become an artist, drives to RedLine every week from Aurora, where she recently moved into a shared-living home.

Young and many of her fellow artists said that through the studio’s sales and connections, they feel they have started to make names for themselves in the art world.

Vanessa Constanti is one artist who’s found this success. In the past, the artist faced housing insecurity; she has since found stable housing, but she continues to visit the studio as she cares for her daughter, who has significant special needs, Constanti said.

In addition to selling artwork and being a part of exhibitions, the program provides something even more important, she said.

“When you’re dealing with special needs or housing insecurity, you’re never self-actualizing. You’re mired in just surviving,” she said. “This is the first time I’ve been able to have an outlet for my art. I think most of us will use the same terms: It saves your life.”

bluebirdtheater.net for tickets.

Colorado-raised comedian comes home New York City-based comedian Dan Soder knows Colorado well, which makes sense, as he was raised in Aurora. In his latest special, “Son of a Gary,” (one of the best stand-up specials of 2019) he has several riffs on his hometown that will ring true to anyone familiar with the area.

Soder will be returning home for a slew of shows at Comedy Works Downtown in Larimer Square, 1226 15th St. He’ll be performing at 8 p.m. on Thursday, March 5, 7:30 and 9:45 p.m. on Friday, March 6 and Saturday, March 7.

Get tickets at www.comedyworks. com/comedians/dan-soder.

Clarke Reader’s column on culture appears on a weekly basis. He can be reached at Clarke.Reader@hotmail.com.

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16 Lakewood Sentinel

February 27, 2020F

Diverse offerings make up summer concert lineup STAFF REPORT

IF YOU GO

A diverse range of entertainment, including political satire, high-energy a cappella, and retro throwbacks, will highlight the 2020 summer concert series at the Arvada Center.

The series, featuring concerts by internationally-known and criticallyacclaimed musical acts, along with shows from some of Colorado’s cultural organizations, launches in June with the political parodies of The Capitol Steps.

The Australian Pink Floyd Show, called the “kings of the genre” by the Daily Mirror, lights up the stage, followed by nationally-recognized a cappella group FACE Vocal Band.

2020 Arvada Center Summer Concert Series. All concerts begin at 7:30 p.m. and take place in the Outdoor Amphitheatre unless otherwise noted. Tickets available at https://arvadacenter.org.

June 5: The Capitol Steps, The Lyin’ Kings June 6: Third Law Dance/Theater (Main Stage Theatre, indoors) June 19-20: Wonderbound (Main Stage Theatre, indoors) June 28: Denver Brass July 18: Colorado Jazz Repertory Orchestra Aug. 1: Cleo Parker Robinson Dance, (Main Stage Theatre, indoors) Aug. 11: The Australian Pink Floyd Show, All That You Feel World Tour 2020 Aug. 15: FACE Vocal Band Aug. 29: Colorado Ballet Sept. 12: Ultimate 70s Tour: Poco, Orleans, and Pure Prairie League Back at the Arvada Center by popular demand, Poco, Orleans, and Pure

Prairie League bring the sounds of the 70s to life.

Side by side with these nationally touring acts, local cultural favorites will perform as well. Covering nearly every performing art, audiences will enjoy dance performances by Third Law Dance/Theater, Wonderbound, Cleo Parker Robinson Dance, and Colorado Ballet.

Music lovers will find something to love with The Denver Brass and the Colorado Jazz Repertory Orchestra.

Returning again this summer, Steuben’s will set up shop at the Arvada h Center, selling food and refreshments c for every performance.

More concerts will be announced in f the upcoming weeks. Tickets for these w concerts are now on sale at Arvada- T a center.org. u

Free community gardening classes offered in Arvada STAFF REPORT

The Arvada Community Garden is offering free gardening classes on several Wednesday evenings at the community garden.

The classes begin at 6 p.m. and will last about an hour, include handouts.

They will take place in the barn or outside at the garden at 9195 W. 57th Ave., Arvada. Classes run from March through September.

The first class, “Starting Plants from Seed,” is March 18. It will be a short class to learn how to start plants

from seed, including onions, tomatoes, peppers, cole crops and flowers.

Includes selection of potting soil, containers to use, germination, lighting, watering, fertilizing, hardening off and final planting. Each participant will receive planting containers and tools, and several seedlings to take home to care for until planting time.

The next three classes will be: April 29, Everything About Onions May 13, Having a Weed Free Garden May 20, Backyard Beekeeping Go to www.arvadagardeners.org for classes through September and

When you get your invitation to take the 2020 census, make sure you’re counted.

Did you know funding for the community programs you care about is based on census numbers? Make sure you and your community are counted by responding to the 2020 census.

we’re in this together

This year, you can answer online, by phone or mail.

Learn more about the census at 2020census.gov.

descriptions. Contact Heather Fielder, heather_fiedler@yahoo.com or 720341-9968.

In addition, Arvada residents interested in participating in the community garden can request at plot at the community garden. For $40 for the season, residents will receive a 12-by22-foot garden plot, dawn-to-dusk year-round access, running ditch water, some plants and seeds, shared storage area, volunteer opportunities, greenhouse access, hose and tool usage, remote garden monitoring, community involvement and plenty

of free advice. Half-size gardens are C also available for $20. ADA raised bed 7 2 plots are $25, and wheelchair plots M cost $15.

To rent a plot for the season, contact$ Judi Sedustine at 303-907-2502 or bil- b ljudis@comcast.net. Upon completion p o of the paperwork and remittance, you will be assigned a plot on a first come, first served basis. New member a orientation will be in late April, ditch h water is turned on and pumps started i r about the same time.

Go to www.arvadagardeners.org for D m information.

Lakewood Sentinel 17

February 27, 2020

Jazz Age musical jam packed with song and dance “The Drowsy Chaperone” plays from March 20 to April 5 at Lakewood Cultural Center STAFF REPORT

When a die-hard theater fan plays his favorite cast album, the characters come to life in a musical farce.

“The Drowsy Chaperone,” on stage from March 20 to April 5 at the Lakewood Cultural Center, has won five Tony Awards, including Best Book and Best Original Score. It is a sendup of the Jazz Age musical, featuring one song and dance number after another.

Presented by Performance Now Theater Company and the Lakewood Cultural Center, performances are at 7:30 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, and 2 p.m. Saturdays and Sunday from March 20 to April 5. Tickets start at t$20 and are available at the center’s box office, 470 S. Allison Parkway; by phone at 303-987-7845, or at Lakewood. org/LCCPresents.

With the houselights down, a man in a chair appears on stage and puts on his favorite record: the cast recording of a fictitious 1928 musical. The recording comes to life, and “The Drowsy Chaperone” begins as the man in the chair looks on.

IF YOU GO WHAT: “The Drowsy Chaperone,” presented by Performance Now Theater Company and the Lakewood Cultural Center WHEN: March 20 to April 5; performances are at 7:30 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, and 2 p.m. Saturdays and Sunday WHERE: Lakewood Cultural Center, 470 S. Allison Parkway TICKETS: Start at $20 and are available at the center’s box office, by phone at 303-987-7845, or online at Lakewood.org/ LCCPresents Mix in two lovers on the eve of their wedding, a bumbling best man, a desperate theater producer, a not-sobright hostess, two gangsters posing as pastry chefs, a misguided Don Juan and an intoxicated chaperone, and you have the ingredients for an evening of madcap delight.

Hailed as “the perfect Broadway musical” by New York Magazine, “The Drowsy Chaperone” pokes fun at all the tropes that characterize the musical theater genre.

The cast includes Bernie Cardell as Man in Chair, Nancy Begley as The Drowsy Chaperone, Emma Maxfield as Janet Van de Graaff, Andy Sievers as Robert Martin, Seth Caikowski as Adolpho, Jennifer Burnett as Mrs. Tottendale, Brian Trampler as Underling, Alan Rubin as Mr. Feldzieg, Adrianne Hampton as Kitty, Andrew Bates as George, Kris Graves and Tim Campbell as Gangsters 1 & 2 and Brekken

The Lakewood Cultural Center and Performance Now Theatre Company co-present “The Drowsy Chaperone” from March 20 through April 5 at the Lakewood Cultural Center.

COURTESY OF RDG PHOTOGRAPHY Baker as Trix.

The ensemble includes Lindsay Blackman, Samantha Burley, Court Clark, Rebecca Dean, Gennifer Grahnquist, Abby Herron, Riley Homes, James Martin, Justin Milner, Jessica

Strong, Aaron Szindler and Will Treat.

“The Drowsy Chaperone” is presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International. All authorized performance materials are also supplied by MTI.

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18 Lakewood Sentinel

February 27, 2020F

EVERITT FROM PAGE 2

Fridays, boys would touch girls’ buttocks in the hallways.” The complaint goes on to say that students viewed the occurrences as tradition and commonly referred to them using profane nicknames.

The school district, in collaboration with its outside counsel, conducted a preliminary investigation that “determined many of the allegations are without merit, however our investigation continues,” said Craig Hess, district chief legal counsel. “Our complete response will be contained in our answer” to the complaint, which will be filed no later than March 3, he said.

Hess and the school’s current principal, JoAnn Euler, did not reply to further questions regarding the case.

Community reactions For some community members, the lawsuit didn’t come as a surprise.

Sara Hood, who attended Everitt, has a 22-year-old stepson who also attended Everitt and an 11-year-old son who currently attends, said that when she heard the news, she recalled stories she’d heard from her stepson years ago.

Checking in with him again, he said he remembered Everitt classmates engaging in the weekly occurrences of harassment a decade ago.

“That was going on when he went there. It’s the same stuff,” Hood said.

But for others, the news didn’t resonate with what they know about the school now.

“Of course, hearing that is concerning. It’s an upsetting thought,” said Leslie Weinstein, whose son began attending Everitt this year. “But it was confusing. I wanted to know more because of the fact that our experience has been so positive there.”

Last fall, a call for change While the lawsuit has stirred up community conversations, efforts to affect change at Everitt date back before the complaint made headlines.

In October, parents of the school accountability committee at Golden’s Maple Grove Elementary presented to the board of education. Maple Grove feeds into Everitt Middle School.

The parents’ data showed that only four students who graduated from Maple Grove in 2019 — 8.2% of the 49 graduates — enrolled at Everitt that fall.

Parents requested the school board give Maple Grove students priority enrollment into nearby option school, the Manning School, as a possible alternative to Everitt.

The request was primarily “to build the connection with Manning,” which sits adjacent to Maple Grove, said Brian Hansen, a Maple Grove parent and president of the Applewood Property Owners. “Manning makes sense for us.”

That said, “we had heard rumors and concerns about Everitt that have always circled in the background,” mostly related to general safety issues for students, he said.

“Everyone wants Everitt to be a successful school,” Hansen said. “But if I were in the position of having to send my kids to middle school next year, I

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would not consider Everitt.”

One of the school accountability committee’s concerns has been Everitt’s academic performance, he said.

On state standardized test Colorado Measures of Academic Success (CMAS), Everitt’s 2019 scores showed 28% of students met or exceeded expectations in English; 13.9% in math; and 20.3% in science.

Districtwide, those numbers were 51.7% for English; 39.8% for math; and 37.3% for science.

In discussions around test scores, Glass and other district leaders have pointed out that the scores alone don’t indicate how successful a school may be.

The Everitt PTA highlights several other indicators of success, while also stating that in the parents’ experience, “it is evident that our teachers and staff are invested and committed to helping kids reach their full potential,” said a PTA statement.

“Everitt’s emphasis on social-emotional development helps students feel heard and connected in a safe, supportive environment,” the statement said.

Even so, parents weren’t satisfied when they were told Maple Grove children would not receive priority enrollment into Manning.

After another meeting with Glass, the group and superintendent compromised: Maple Grove students will receive priority enrollment into nearby Bell Middle School for one year; and the district will work to “reinvigorate the perception of Everitt,” Glass said.

Potential examples of this, he said, would be the creation of a STEM pathway or project-based learning curriculum.

Glass added Everitt is in the process of hiring a principal for the 2020-2021 school year, with Euler currently serving as interim principal.

The changes line up with what groups like the Maple Grove school accountability committee are asking for.

“We want to see the district put more resources into Everitt: money, teachers, staff and support services,” Hansen said.

The committee has offered to lend a hand however it can, he said. “We’re all willing to put time and commitment toward helping Everitt become successful.”

Opposite experiences Two months after the committee reached its compromise with Glass,

the community learned of the lawsuit against the district.

Some Everitt parents, like Hood, felt E compelled to ask their children if they had experienced similar harassment at school.

Hood said her 11-year-old son has never witnessed any sexual harassment at Everitt. But he himself has been bullied: In December, a student O pushed him down a hill at school, lead-Q ing to a fight between the two boys, Hood said.

Despite phone calls and meetings between her and school administrators, the classmate was never disciplined and was not removed from the classes he shares with her son, she said.

Additionally, Hood says her son has told her of multiple fights, students being expelled for bullying, and students kicking, tripping and pushing one another every day in the halls.

R “He says it’s so unsafe. He hates it,” she said. “Every morning he tells me he doesn’t want to go to school because the only place he feels safe is at home.”

R She has considered removing her son from the school and said she is more likely to enroll him in online school than to let him continue to attend Everitt.

Euler and the district did not respond for comment regarding Hood’s R statements.

Like Hood, Weinstein asked her son about some of the details described in the complaint, she said.

“I have no idea what happened in these instances. But the concepts of these things were completely foreign” to her son, she said. “When I’ve asked R him specifics, like how the hallways are, he told me he has not observed any fights.”

Shramek likewise said that her daughter has told her she feels safe at school.

“Everitt is very quiet about all the positive things going on at the school,” she said.

What several parents could agree on: Community members need more opportunities to exchange their stories about the school. Parents who have enjoyed their experience say this could potentially destigmatize the school, while those with concerns say it could pave the way toward new solutions.

“For our whole community, it can only help to have some sort of collaborative effort,” Weinstein said.

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Lakewood Sentinel 19

February 27, 2020

CLUBS Editor’s note: Clubs listings are published free, on a space-available basis. Listings are submitted by the community; to submit a new listing, or to make changes to or remove an existing listing, contact hharden@ coloradocommunitymedia.com.

Ongoing /Recreation, Clubs and Services Quilt tops The Jeffco Hand Quilters are 18 women who gather every Monday to turn quilt tops into finished heirloom quilts. The group will do estimates from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Mondays, except holidays, at Lakewood United Methodist Church, 14th and Brentwood. Money earned from the quilting is donated to the Action Center, helping feed and clothe those who need assistance.

You may call Mary Wollenhaupt at 303986-1381 for more information. We also welcome quilters to join our group.

Ralston Creek Sertoma Club meets Thursdays at Panera Bread, 7739 Wadsworth, Arvada. Contact Ron Marquez at 303-4570759 or Ron.Marquez@ddrcco.com.

Reality check Learn, laugh and move beyond denial in a small, cozy, group workshop environment. Join me for a facilitated Reality Check. Put on your big-girl pants, and call 303-953-2344 for details.

Running schedule Foothills Running and Cycling Club’s activity schedule includes long runs at 8 a.m. every Saturday and cycling rides every Sunday at 10 a.m. Both activities meet at Clear Creek History Park, 11th and Arapahoe. For more information and updates on times, visit www.frcclub.com.

Running at Dawn Buddies We are a group of

friendly runners of varying abilities and ages who enjoy running close to sunrise. We meet at 5:30 a.m. Wednesdays near Jackson Park in Lakewood, and run around the neighborhood, ending back at the starting location by 6:30 a.m. No fees, just neighborly good will and fun. For information, contact mdl. rivera@gmail.com.

Scleroderma Foundation offers support group meetings for patients and caregivers 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on the second Saturday of each month at the Arthritis Foundation, 2280 S. Albion St., Denver. The leader is Bonnie Schweder, 303-438-7124. Visit www. scleroderma.org/chapter/colorado/support. shtm for more details or other meeting locations.

Singles Club SNCW is a social club for singles over 55. The club meets at 6 p.m. on the third Sunday of most months at the Clements Community Center, 1580 Yarrow St., Lakewood. Don’t stay home. Join the friendly group for a meal, conversation and a speaker or other entertainment on Sundays and throughout the month. Call Pat at 303-882-5534 or check out the website at www.sncw.org.

Widowed Men and Women of America, a nonprofit organization of the state based in Denver, has more than 5o0 members. The group sponsors social events for members to make new friends and have fun with people who have shared life experiences.

Members live in the Denver metro area and surrounding communities. Members are encouraged to visit different links to find the best fit for their interests. Contact Dorothy at 303-794-7547 or Les at 303-797-1209, or

go to www.widowedamerica.org.

Western club The Buffalo Bill Saddle Club meets at 7 p.m. the second Wednesday of the month at Jefferson County Fairgrounds, 15200 W. 6th Ave. The club is dedicated to preserving and promoting our Western heritage through family-oriented activities with our horse companions. Day rides, weekend camping, parades and annual gymkhana.

Guests welcome. For more information, go online to www.BBSCGolden.org.

West Metro Real Estate Investing Education Group meets 7-9 p.m. the third Monday of each month in Classroom 1 of the Wheat Ridge Recreation Center, 4005 Kipling St., Wheat Ridge, CO 80033. We cover all the information you will need to successfully fix and flip or buy rentals with positive cash flow. We analyze deals as examples, talk about where to get funding, the best ways to find a bargain and sometimes do property tours. Investors of all levels of experience are welcome but no agents please.

Women’s basketball A senior women’s basketball club meets 9-11 a.m. Fridays at Golden Community Center, 1470 10th St. Women 50-plus years old are invited to join.

There are no extra fees for pass holders or Silver Sneakers participants. All levels are welcome. For more information, contact Debbie at dezarn@cal.berkeley.edu or at 303-384-8100.

Women’s retirement Coaching for solo women entering retirement. Make these the best days of your life. Call 303-953-2344 for more information.

Zumba fitness Party yourself into shape with the Latin-inspired, easy-to-follow calorie-burning dance fitness party.

Three classes available each week at the Lakeview Event Center in Lakewood. Call 303-989-6300 or contact Tina Mylene at 720-335-2822 for class schedule.

Mondays Arvada Chorale: an auditioned community chorus, rehearses Monday evenings from September to June at Arvada United Methodist Church, 6750 Carr St., Arvada.

The chorale performs three concerts a year plus many community events. For audition information, call 720-432-9341, or email info@arvadachorale.org.

Divorce Workshop: 5:30-7:30 p.m. the third Monday of each month at the Sheridan Library, 3425 W. Oxford Ave., Denver. Covers legal, financial and social issues of divorce.

Check-in from 5:15-5:30 p.m. Register online at www.divorceworkshopdenver.com.

Volunteer presenters include an attorney, mediator, therapist and wealth manager.

Discussion items include co-parenting, child support, family coping, tax consequences, property division, hostile spouses and more.

Contact 303-210-2607 or info@divorceworkshopdenver.com.

Drop-In Discovery: 10 a.m. the first Thursday and the third Monday of each month at Majestic View Nature Center, 7030 Garrison St., Arvada. Explore different themes using hands-on activities, books, puzzles, crafts and more. Info: arvada.org or 720-898-7405.

SEE CLUBS, P23

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20 Lakewood Sentinel

February 27, 2020F

LETTERS FROM PAGE 12

capable of doing well. Even Jesus tells us “The poor you will always have with you…” (Matthew 26:11).

Senator Gardner has brought needed projects to Colorado and has been part of the renewed success of our country. Let’s stick with what is working and keep Senator Gardner in office.

Bill Hineser, Arvada A negative review On Donald Trump as Employee of the Year: Let’s consider some other performance metrics over the last three years.

He has overspent his projects’ budgets (the National Debt hit record highs and deficit spending has increased the last three years). He has not met project deliverables as promised (the Great Wall of America is not being payed for by Mexico; our economy has not grown at 4-6% in any of the last three years; the 2017 tax cuts have not paid for themselves; health care has not improved in America, medical costs have not come down; and there has been nothing on replacing the Affordable Care Act with what he said would be “something better.”

He has created a toxic working

ALCORN FROM PAGE 12

choice and he focused his energies in the best way that he saw fit. And, it seems to have worked out for him. But, he has balance in his background, and I would submit, that has a lot to do with his extraordinary creativity.

I’m not going to belittle passion. If you want to devote your whole life to

environment (belittles subordinates; interferes in other employee’s work; and there is excessive staff turnover at the White House indicative of poor management). He has taken the credit for the work done by others (the current great economy did not start with Trump’s election, it had been going on for six years under Obama). He has shown a disdain for company policies and procedures (misunderstands the Constitution and how the branches of government work).

Yes, Trump is doing to the Federal government what he did in the business sector (four bankruptcies; stiffing suppliers; a bogus charity; a failed university, a failed airline, and failed casinos).

I have 30 years working in the business world. The above behaviors will get you fired in most organizations.

Showmanship is not leadership.

Doug Ziegler, Lakewood Wildlife threatened On Jan. 11 I attended an all-day bird-friendly, climate-friendly conference presented by Audubon of the Rockies, Xcel Energy and the city of Ft. Collins. The featured speaker was Ed Begley Jr., environmentalist and TV star. He recently appeared on Young Sheldon and was featured on 60 Minutes.

Americans use nearly 80,000,000 pounds of chemical pesticides on their lawns every year. I’ve turned my

one thing, go for it. I hope you find your joy and do something to change the world. If your children fall in love with something, and want to dedicate their spare time to it, great! But, let me remind you of a few things when we’re dealing with our children: • I’ve never heard a single analyst or talent scout say that young athletes need to focus on one sport year-round.

In fact, I’ve heard the opposite.

• Schools of Medicine LOVE music students. A 2010 study by Lewis Thom-

Protecting voting rights For years I’ve seen the wealthy Republican elite, lacking a message that will resonate with average Americans, have been seeking ways outside of accepted democratic norms to maintain their power, privilege,

and position. They have developed many tools to accomplish this, and voter suppression is one of the most potent in their toolbox. Credit goes to Secretary of State Jena Griswold for seeing this threat to our democracy and fighting to expand voter access to the democratic process.

Sec. Griswold helped pass the Colorado Votes Act. This act adds polling stations and ballot drop-boxes across the state, expands voting hours, and allows 17-year-olds to vote in primaries if they will be 18 on election day. She also assisted with legislation to allow parolees to vote.

To combat Republican disinformation tactics, she created a new .gov web address for Colorado’s election resources (GoVoteColorado.gov), giving voters a trusted and secure source of information. She is also pursuing alternate ways for young voters to register, given the limits of voter registration linked to driver’s licenses at a time when fewer people get licenses.

As we enter the 2020 election cycle, it is important to remember the right of every American to vote for their leaders. We are a nation founded on the principle of government by the consent of the governed. That is the American way. Thank you, Sec. Griswold, for your fight to protect the rights of all of us to choose our leaders.

Anthony Stitt, Golden

as discovered that, of all undergraduate majors, students with music undergraduate degrees had the highest acceptance rate of all majors. You wouldn’t think they would be, but medicine and music are completely sympatico.

• Albert Einstein was a violin player, and the lead guitarist of the rock band Queen was an astrophysicist. And Leonardo DaVinci was the greatest artist of his time and a scientist/inventor.

Artistic pursuits and scientific discovery are never incompatible.

Our children need more outlets for creativity and opportunities to find joy. The more we pigeonhole them into little boxes of our own construction, the less likely they are to find either of those things.

Michael Alcorn is a teacher and writer who lives in Arvada with his wife and three children. His new novel, “Charon’s Blade,” is available at Amazon.com, on Kindle, or through MichaelJAlcorn. com.” His opinions are not necessarily those of Colorado Community Media.

own yard into a certified Residential Wildlife Sanctuary.

While we are all astounded at the recent loss of animal life in Australia, under the radar, the number of birds in the United States has declined by 3 billion since 1970. The monarch butterfly, which only a few years ago numbered in the billions, is predicted to go extinct in the next 20 years. The lesser prairie chicken now numbers 38,000. It is now found only in the norther most part of Texas, Oklahoma, southwest Kansas, and with the exception of a few sightings in Baca County, it went extinct in Colorado in 2018. Today, 1 in every 2 bird species in Colorado is threatened. I do residential bird county. In 2019 I counted one robin for the year. Even common birds such as some species of sparrow are now threatened.

At the end of the conference the featured speaker for the Audubon Society broke down crying. She said, in the end it may not be about whether or not you love birds, it may be about whether or not you love your children and your grandchildren.

Glen Davis, Arvada

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Lakewood Sentinel 21

February 27, 2020

Applewood Business Association MARCH Newsletter ApplewoodBusiness.com | AbsolutelyApplewood.com

March Member & Guest Meetings: Luncheon –

Thursday, March 12, 11:15am – 1:00pm Location – Sheraton Denver West– 360 Union Blvd, Lakewood, CO 80228 – Please note the location change for this meeting –

Cost: ABA Member $20.00, includes meal (Non-member is $25)

Breakfast –

Thursday, March 26, 2020, 7:30am – 9:00am Beau’s Kitchen & Tavern 360 Union Blvd, Lakewood, CO 80228 Cost: $20.00, includes meal

Please Join Us! RSVP Online, ApplewoodBusiness.com

22 Lakewood Sentinel

THINGS to DO

THEATER

Up Next at Colorado ACTS: Sherlock Holmes and the Hound of the Baskervilles Dinner Theatre: Performances: 7 p.m.

Feb. 28, 29, March 6, 7 Matinee: 2 p.m. March 7 at Colorado ACTS Theatre, 11455 West Interstate 70 Frontage Road, North, Wheat Ridge. Dinner and show tickets are $15. Show only tickets are $8 for adults and $7 for students and senior citizens. Visit coloradoacts. org or call 303-456-6772 for more information.

Miners Alley Children’s Theatre Presents: Hansel and Gretel: Runs through Feb. 29 with performances on Saturdays at 1 p.m. Feb. 22 & 29 at 11 a.m. & 1 p.m. Tickets are $12 and available by calling 303-935-3044 or online at minersalley.com. Miners Alley Playhouse is located at 1224 Washington Ave. Golden.

ART

Have your artwork professionally critiqued: 7 to 9 p.m. Wednesday, March 4 at Clements Community Center, 1580 Yarrow St., Lakewood. Popular Colorado Artist, Educator, Author and Speaker will be our guest at Mountainside Art Guild to critique a piece of your art. All artists are welcome. For more information, contact Nancy Wylie at 303-420-8169 or email@ nwylie.com.

3rd Annual Casa Bonita Art Exhibition: Runs through March 8 at Next Gallery, W. Colfax Ave., Unit B, Lakewood. Artists from all over the Denver Metro area have created art that celebrates the iconic Lakewood restaurant.

Visit nextartgallerydenver.com for more information.

MUSIC

The Golden Eagle Concert Band presents: Around & Out Of This World: 7 to 9 p.m. Thursday, March 5 at Apex Community Recreation Center, 6842 Wadsworth Blvd., Arvada. The Golden Eagle Concert Band presents a concert that will take you on a trip around the world and beyond. Free: Donations requested at the door. Visit goldeneagleconcertband.org for more information.

Confluence Sings Songs of Hope in the Dark: 2 p.m. Saturday, March 7 at St. James Episcopal Church, 8235 W. 44th Ave., Wheat Ridge.

February 27, 2020F

this week’s TOP FIVE Behind the Black Box: Noon Friday, Feb. 28 at the Arvada Center for the Arts and Humanities, 6901 Wadsworth Blvd., Arvada. Have you ever wondered how a script comes to life? Or, what’s involved with choreographing actor’s movements acoss the stage? We would like to invite you to take a deep dive into some aspects of stagecraft with our production team at one of three behind the Black Box events.

Visit arvadacenter.org for more information.

Family Fun Night: 5:30-8:30 p.m. Friday, Feb. 28 at Apex Center, 13150 W. 72nd Ave., Arvada. Need some fun and adventurous family bonding time?

Join us at the Apex Center for Family Fun Night!

Registration fee includes swimming, rock climbing, ice skating, bounce house, and pizza dinner for 1 parent and 1 child. Res. $19 (non-res. $24). Preregistration is a must. Visit apexprd.org for more information.

LCC Presents Reverso: 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 29 at the Lakewood Cultural Center, 470 S. Allison Pkwy., Lakewood. Jazz and chamber music are gracefully intertwined by Reverso, a collaboration

Whether you prefer Mozart or Bobby McFerrin, you will enjoy music that touches your spirit and warms your heart! Tickets are $10 pre-sale; $12 at the door, with children under 11 free. For more information or to order tickets, visit www.confluencechoir.org or call 303-279-2932.

EVENTS

DGMG Jewelry, Gem & Mineral Show: Feb. 28 through March 1 at the Jefferson County Fairgrounds, 15200 West 6th Ave., Golden. Fun for the whole family, with beautiful minerals from around the world, ancient fossils, meteorites from outer space, rocks that glow in the dark, and of course magnificent hand-crafted jewelry.

Visit denvergem.org/Shows.html for more information.

between American trombonist Ryan Keberle and Paris-based pianist Frank Woeste, that traces its overlapping musical inspiration to early 20th century French composers Maurice Ravel and those collectively known as Les Six. Tickets start at $22 and are available at 303-987-7845 or Lakewood.org/ LCCPresents.

WinterFest, a free outdoor celebration: 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 29 at McIlvoy Park, 5750 Upham St., Arvada. Come experience live cultural performances, art demonstrations, craft vendors and winter-themed attractions at this free familyfriendly event. Event is free. Visit arvadafestivals. com/winterfest for more information.

Pikes Peak: On Common Ground: 6 to 7:30 p.m.

Wednesday, March 4 at Golden History Museum, 923 10th St., Golden. On July 14, 1820 Edwin James performed the first documented climb to the summit of Pikes Peak. July 14, 2020 will mark the bicentennial year of Edwin’s achievement. Free for members; $10 plus online registration fee for non-members. Visit goldenhistory.org for more information.

St. Bernadette Catholic Parish in Lakewood marks the 5th anniversary of Laudato Si’: On Care for Our Common Home: Join us for an introductory session on Sat., Feb. 29th, at 5:15 p.m. or Sun., March 1, at 11:15 a.m. to learn more about Laudato Si’. Sessions are free to the public, however, registration is required. Please visit stbernadettelakewood.org or call (303) 233-1523. Attendance is open to people of all ages, all parishes and all faiths.

5th Annual Jeffco International Women’s Day: 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Friday, March 6 at Baldoria on the Water, 146 Van Gordon St., Golden. 5th Annual Jeffco International Women’s Day on March 6, 2020 will include keynote speaker Heidi Ganahl, a “meet & greet” with elected officials and candidates for office, door prizes, lunch and much more. Visit JeffcoWomen2020.org for more information.

Yoga, Burger & Beer!: 10 a.m. to noon, Saturday, March 7 at Flying Pig Bacon Co, 5777 Olde Wadsworth Boulevard, Arvada. Join us the first Saturday of every month at Flying Pig Bacon Co. in Olde Town Arvada for just $20 ($15 if you are a current member) Visit eventbrite.com/e/yoga-burgerbeer-tickets-86081974503 for more information.

Glow Skate: 7:15 to 8:45 p.m.

Saturday, March 7 at Apex Center, 13150 W. 72nd Ave., Arvada. Lace up your ice skates and get ready

a.m. on the third Thursday of each month (weather permitting) at the church, 5970 W. 60th Ave. in Arvada. ALC provides this service to all qualifying Colorado residence. Call 303-431-6481 to see if you qualify.

EDUCATION

Putin’s Russia: 3 to 4 p.m. Thursday, March 5 at Applewood Place, 2800 Youngfield St., Lakewood.

Join Active Minds as we examine the story of Russia under the influence of Vladimir Putin. Cost: Free. RSVP Required (Limited Seating): 303-233-4343.

Parenting Without Punishment: 3 to 4 p.m. Sunday, March 1 at Wheat Ridge Library, 5475 W. 32nd Ave., Wheat Ridge. Learn five tools you can use right away to create more sustainable calm and harmony in your home. Led by a JAI Certified Parent Coach.

Event is free. Visit jeffcolibrary.org for more information.

for the lights and music - Glow Skate is back! This is a familyfriendly event, open to everyone of all ages. Visit apexprd.org for more information.

TriceraTOTs Preschool Program: TriceraTOTs is a toddler program perfect for children ages 2-5 years.

The program consists of reading 2-4 dinosaur-themed books and then participating in a 15-minute craft or activity. The program lasts 30-45 minutes. Cost: $5/child (non-member); $3/child (FODR member); children age one or under are free. Attendance: Limit to 20 children. Register at dinoridge.

HEALTH

org/tours-programs/triceratotspreschool-program/.

Buddy Saturday//Free Fitness Class: 9:15 to 10:45 a.m. Saturday, March 14 at The Studio on 64th, 6350 Wadsworth, Unit A, Arvada.

Every month The Studio opens its doors to our community & offers a free 75 minute “COMBO” class which includes kickboxing, kettlebells & yoga and is beginner friendly. If you are new to kickboxing or want a little refresher, join us for an intro session at 9:15 am.

Class will start at 9:30 am. Email StudioOn64@gmail.com or call 303-423-6067 for more information.

Food Pantry Agape Life Church distributes free food from 10-11

Osher Lifelong Learning Institute/DU, OLLI West: Classes for 50-plus in art, literature, music, history, philosophy, politics, science, wellness, and the world.

Classes meet at the Jefferson Unitarian Church at 14350 32nd Ave. No tests; learn as much as you want. Go to portfolio.du.edu/ olliwest or call 303-503-3992.

Editor’s note: Calendar submissions must be received by noon Wednesday for publication the following week. To place a calendar item, go to eventlink.coloradocommunitymedia.com. Things to Do events run free, on a space-available basis.

Lakewood Sentinel 23

February 27, 2020

CLUBS FROM PAGE 19

Golden Chapter, Order of DeMolay: 7 p.m. every first and third Wednesday in the town of Golden. For young men ages 12-21, DeMolay offers character building, leadership training, and life skill development. Contact demolaygolden@gmail. com or www.coloradodemolay.org and visit Golden’s page under the Chapter tab by clicking on the Golden photo.

Golden Nar-Anon Family Group: 7:30-9 p.m. Mondays at Calvary Episcopal Church, 1320 Arapahoe St. Enter on the east side of the church and follow the signs to the upstairs meeting room. Contact 800-4776291 or go to Nar-Anon.org.

Grief Support Group: 6-7 p.m. the third Monday of each month at Apex Community Recreation Center, 6842 Wadsworth Blvd.

Have you lost someone you loved? Often walking through this time with others helps the journey. Call 303-425-9583.

Jefferson County Republican Men’s Club: meets Mondays from 7-9 a.m. at Davie’s Chuckwagon Diner, 10151 W. 26th Ave., west of intersection at Kipling and 26th. Meeting fee is $5 cash, then you can purchase coffee or breakfast as you wish. Republicans of all ages welcome. Women are welcome. People curious about the issues of the day are welcome. Website: www.JRMC2.com. Email Dan Bidstrup, President@JRMC2.com.

Job’s Daughters, Golden Chapter: meets the second and fourth Monday of each month in Golden. Join girls and young

women ages 10-20 to learn leadership and organizational skills in meetings with support from friends. Rewards of membership include life skills, community work and significant scholarships for college. Contact 303-204-1572.

Lakewood Elks. In Lakewood since 1949; club is celebrating its 70th anniversary year. Elks began in 1868. Lodge meetings at 7 p.m. the first and third Monday of the month at 1455 Newland St., Lakewood.

Youth, veterans, community programs and more. Call 303-238-1307.

Mile High Branch 49, Fleet Reserve Association: meets at 11 a.m. the second Monday of each month at American Legion Post 161, 6230 W. 60th Ave., Arvada. FRA is a congressionally chartered, nonprofit organization representing the interests of current and former enlisted members of the Navy, Marine Corps and Coast Guard. In addition to its advocacy work on Capitol Hill in support of enlisted personnel, FRA aids its members with career issues by maintaining close relationships with government agencies and by educating lawmakers about the challenges facing those who serve in the armed forces. The FRA Education Foundation also awards scholarships totaling $100,000 annually, sponsors a national essay contest, and assists its members with disaster relief grants.

Open Mic Night: 4:30-6:30 p.m. Mondays at Living Water Unity Spiritual Community, 7401 W. 59th Ave., Arvada. Gives teens the opportunity to express their performing art including voice and instrument, acting, poetry, stand-up comedy, mime, etc. Open to all students in sixth to 12th grades. Email bellbottoms809@gmail.com.

Folk Music Legends

Photo Club at Mile Hi meets at 6:30 p.m. the third Monday of each month at Mile Hi Church, 9077 W. Alameda Ave., Lakewood.

Social time and conversation begin at 6:30 p.m. and presentation begins at 7:10 p.m.

Learn more at www.photoclubatmilehi. com/

free and open to the public. Go to http:// arvadafineartsguild.com/ Arvada Sunrise Rotary Club: 7-8 a.m. Tuesdays at The Arvada Center for The Arts and Humanities, 6901 Wadsworth Blvd. Learn about community service projects and what Rotary does in the world to help people.

Square Dancing: 7 p.m. Mondays at the Wheat Ridge Grange, 3850 High Court.

Want some fun exercise? Learn to square dance. Call 303-973-9529.

Denver Apple Pi: 7-9 p.m. the third Tuesday each month at the Applewood Community Church (downstairs), 12930 W. 32nd Ave., Golden. An Apple/Mac computer user group. Go to denverapplepi.com.

TOPS CO 35, Arvada: a weight-loss support group. Find out how you can Take Off Pounds Sensibly. Group meets Mondays at Community in Christ Lutheran Church, 12229 W. 80th Ave. Weigh-in is from 6-6:45 p.m., followed by a meeting. Call 303-905-7171.

Discovery Play: 11:15 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. Tuesdays at Wheat Ridge Library, 5475 W. 32nd Ave., Wheat Ridge. Build STEM skills as you enjoy songs, stories and hands-on fun with your family. For preschoolers and younger.

Wheat Ridge Rotary Club: noon to 1:30 p.m. most Mondays at Wheat Ridge Recreation Center, 45th and Kipling. Come as our guest and learn about our service projects for the community. Go to www.wheatridgerotary. org.

Tuesdays Applewood Kiwanis Club: 7-8 a.m. Tuesdays at Davies’ Chuck Wagon Diner, 10151 W. 26th Ave., Wheat Ridge. We are volunteers with the goals of improving the world one child and one community at a time. Our projects include providing school supplies to schools in low-income areas, Ronald McDonald House, mentoring middle school students, Salvation Army fundraising. Go to www.applewoodkiwanis.com.

Golden Optimist Breakfast Club: meets every Tuesday from 7-8 a.m. at the Windy Saddle coffee shop, 1110 Washington Ave., Golden. They are a small but mighty service organization in Golden. It is part of The Optimist International, whose mission is “By providing hope and positive vision, Optimists bring out the best in youth, our communities, and ourselves.” They also operate the Golden Optimists Bicycle Recycle Program at 1200 Johnson Rd, Golden, open Tuesdays and Thursday afternoons. Visit this informal friendly group at the Windy Saddle or at the bike shop and share your ideas to bring positive impact to our community. GoldenOptimists.org or email at GoldenOptimists@gmail.com

Arvada Fine Arts Guild: 2-4 p.m. the third Tuesday of each month at Indian Tree Golf Club, 7555 Wadsworth Blvd., Arvada, in the restaurant/clubhouse. Meetings are

Golden Rotary: 7:15-8:30 a.m. Tuesdays at Rolling Hills Country Club, 15707 W. 26 Ave., Golden. Visit www.rotayclubofgolden.org or contact Pat Madison at 303-279-1021.

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24 Lakewood Sentinel

February 27, 2020F

LOCAL

SPORTS

W

Green Mountain girls hoops building something special

BY BY DENNIS PLEUSS JEFFCO PUBLIC SCHOOLS

DENVER — Green Mountain’s girls basketball team continues to check off its lists of goals for the 2019-20 season.

The Rams — No. 3 seed in the Class 4A state tournament that begins this week — won the program’s first Jeffco League title since 1993 with a clean 12-0 conference record.

“The girls definitely had league circled,” Green Mountain coach Darren Pitzner said Tuesday night after a 79-11 non-league road victory against Kennedy. “It was tough and a grind. I think they understood how tough it was going to be. It’s nice to lock up league, but the goals are definitely higher than that.”

Green Mountain (21-2, 12-0 in 4A Jeffco) finished off its league and regularseason edging Evergreen 38-34 on Feb. 21. The Rams are riding a seven-game winning streak heading into the 48team state tournament next week.

The No. 3-seeded Rams host the winner of Standley Lake/Pueblo County on Friday, Feb. 28, at Green Mountain High School.

“We are going all out and going until the end,” Green Mountain senior Maddie Phillips said about the playoffs. “We are definitely not giving up. We just have to keep going hard so we can go deep into playoffs because that is our main goal.”

Green Mountain won its sixth straight game Feb. 18 with a 79-11 victory on the road against Kennedy. The only two losses for the 20-win Rams is a loss to No. 2 Pueblo West before Winter Break and a 1-point setback against Class 5A’s ThunderRidge a few week’s ago.

Fittingly, the Rams had four players from four different classes score in double-figures against Kennedy (2-20). Phillips (15 points), junior Courtney Hank (14 points), sophomore Avery Oaster (15 points) and freshman Jayda Maves (12

Green Mountain senior Riley Shoemaker, right, is fouled by Kennedy senior Ariana Torres during the non-league game Feb. 18 at Kennedy High School. The Rams finished a historic regular season with a 21-2 record, along with winning their first conference title since 1993.

Green Mountain sophomore Shea Murphy (14) prepares to get a shot up before Kennedy freshman Guadalupe Ramirez (20) can block the shot Feb. 18 at Kennedy High School.

The Rams took a 79-11 victory.

PHOTOS BY DENNIS PLEUSS/JEFFCO PUBLIC SCHOOLS points) led the Rams in scoring.

“Honestly, I didn’t even image it coming into this season,” Phillips said of what the team has already accomplished this season. “We all played different levels last year, but we came together as one this year. I think have all really grown as a team and individuals.”

Phillips and fellow senior Riley Shoemaker have both been on varsity since freshman, even before Pitzner took over the program at the start of their

sophomore season.

Green Mountain went 6-19, 4-10 in league two years ago. The Rams showed signs of what was yet to come last season with Green Mountain going 18-7, 10-2 to finish second in the conference behind Evergreen.

“He (Pitzner) really brought our team and community really close together to build what we have now,” Shoemaker said. “Three years ago today I would have never thought we would be where we are today.”

The depth of talent at all four grade levels, along with a tenacious defense that has held seven teams to less than 20 points this year has been the winning formula for Green Mountain.

“Each year we kind of know what we are capable of, but the goal of the program is to run a quality program, have player development, to get better as a team and better as a family,” Pitzner said. “The girls are the ones who are building an awesome program.”

There is still work to be done this season.

“For us it’s all about preparation,” Pitzner said about getting better in several areas over the next week. “If we can check off all those boxes, all the things it will take, then we can make a run.”

Dennis Pleuss is a media specialist for Jeffco Public Schools with a focus on athletics and activities. For more Jeffco coverage, go online at CHSAANow.com

Redemption, then heartbreak for Jefferson wrestling at Pepsi Center Jefferson senior Jimmy Ramirez III, left, shakes the hand of Berthoud senior Dalton Williams before the start of the Class 3A 126-pound third-place match Feb. 22 at Pepsi Center.

Ramirez finished injury plagued his high school wrestling career with a first-period pin in his last match.

BY DENNIS PLEUSS JEFFCO PUBLIC SCHOOLS

DENVER — Jefferson senior Jimmy Ramirez III celebrated like he had just won his first individual wrestling state title Feb. 22 at Pepsi Center.

“It meant a lot to be back here and having another chance to compete,” Ramirez said moments after he pinned Berthoud senior Dalton Williams 42 seconds into the third-place match at Saturday afternoon in the Class 3A state place matches. “It really taught me that wrestling is a privilege.

You have to fight every second you are out there.”

It has been a long road with several detours for Ramirez, who was billed as one of the top wrestlers in the state a

PHOTO BY DENNIS PLEUSS/ JEFFCO PUBLIC SCHOOLS

few years ago.

As a freshman, Ramirez placed second at 120 pounds at the 3A state tournament to finish his first year of high

school wrestling with a 43-5 record.

The future was bright for Ramirez and being a multiple state champion appeared to be in the cards.

“There has definitely been ups and downs,” Ramirez said. “I just kept it in mind what kind of person I am and that I have to push through. It’s not easy. Not everyone can do it. I’m one of a kind.”

Ramirez suffered right knee injuries early during the wrestling season as a sophomore and junior. He had damage to three of the four major knee ligaments his sophomore season. While his injury his junior year wasn’t as serious, it required another seasonending surgery.

“It taught me a greater lesson that I feel like winning state titles couldn’t teach you,” Ramirez said about what he has been though over the past three SEE WRESTLING, P25

Lakewood Sentinel 25

February 27, 2020

WRESTLING FROM PAGE 24

years. “It has really humbled me and taught me that life owes you nothing.

You have to go out there and take it.”

What Ramirez took and earned this season with a 33-3 record, including a 4-1 record at the state tournament.

He nearly advanced to the champion bouts Saturday night, but a 4-2 loss to Florence senior Johnny Masopust kept Ramirez from getting a shot at that state title that seemed well within reach early in his career.

“He (Ramirez) has put in a lot of work. He has just had some bad breaks,” Jefferson coach Oscar Fonseca said. “I’m just glad he was here.

He’s a little banged up, but he made it to the state tournament and that’s what I’m happy about.”

Ramirez is headed to Colorado State University-Pueblo to continue his academic career and also plans to wrestle for the ThunderWolves.

“I’ll peak in college and have a great, successful college career,” Ramirez said. “Without injuries, hopefully.”

Jefferson sophomore Angelo Lozado did finish atop the podium for the second straight year. The 113-pounder defeated Alamosa junior Davon Chavez 6-1 in the championship match to become a two-time state champion.

Lozado became the Saints first multiple state wrestling champion since Kyle Cisneros won back-to-back titles in 2016 and 2017.

“Working hard and getting to those early morning practices helped a lot,” said Lozado who added his wasn’t as nervous in his second straight state champion final.

Jefferson took a slim lead over Eaton and Valley in the 3A team standings after Lozado’s win. The Saints were within reach of winning the school’s first team state title since Jefferson’s baseball won state back in 1968.

“We are in a dogfight,” Fonseca said before the championship finals. “We are trying our hardest and that’s all I could ask of my kids.”

Seniors Zander Condit (145 pounds) and Nick Gallegos (152) still had their championship matches ahead for the Saints, but then the unthinkable happened.

Condit held a 9-3 lead late in the third period against Eaton sophomore

Jefferson senior Nick Gallegos, facing, attempts to get some late points against Pagosa Spring junior Cameron Lucero in the Class 3A 152-pound championship bout Feb. 22 at Pepsi Center. Gallegos suffered a 2-0 loss.

Jefferson sophomore Angelo Lozado has his arm raised after his 6-1 victory in the Class 3A 113-pound championship bout Feb. 22 at Pepsi Center. Lozado became a two-time state champion for the Saints with the win.

PHOTOS BY DENNIS PLEUSS/JEFFCO PUBLIC SCHOOLS Ryan Dirksen. However, Dirksen was able to get a 2-point reversal in the final seconds and had 3 near-fall points. It appeared Condit would still take a 9-8 victory, but the referee gave Dirksen the pin as time expired.

Fonseca argued that time had expired before the pin. The three officials on the mat conferred with the scoring table and then huddled. The head referee stayed with his call of a pin and raised Dirksen’s arm.

The pin gave Eaton six team points to leap over Jefferson.

With the shock of Condit’s loss fresh, Gallegos struggled in his title bout against Pagosa Springs junior Cameron Lucero. Gallegos, who was trying to defend his 152-pound title, suffered a 2-0 loss.

Valley also leaped over Jefferson in the team standings with a major-decision victories by Isaiah Rios (138) and

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Jaziah Whaley (160). Eaton and Valley finished tied for the team title with

105.5 points. It was the first shared team state title since 1992.

Jefferson finished third with 101 points. Ramirez’s words were perhaps the best to put the heartbreak in perspective.

“We had big expectations for everybody,” Ramirez said. “I still love them.

They are still my brothers. We are still a young team and have some good young guys. Having Oscar as your coach is the best thing you can have.”

Dennis Pleuss is a media specialist for Jeffco Public Schools with a focus on athletics and activities. For more Jeffco coverage, go online at CHSAANow. com

26 Lakewood Sentinel

February 27, 2020F

LOCKING UP THAT FINAL WIN Alameda senior Carlos Flores, left, locks up with Grand Valley sophomore Hayden Grice during the Class 3A 285-pound fifth-place match Feb. 22 at Pepsi Center. Flores was able to get the pin against Grice to place fifth and grab his 30th victory on the season in his last high school wrestling match of his career.

PHOTO BY DENNIS PLEUSS/ JEFFCO PUBLIC SCHOOLS

FROSH IN FIRST STATE TOURNEY Wheat Ridge freshman Daunte Limon struggles to escape the hold of Pueblo Centennial junior Dominic Castro in a Class 3A 113-pound first-round match Feb. 20 at Pepsi Center. Limon finished with a 2-2 record at the state tournament, finishes his season with a 41-8 mark.

PHOTO BY DENNIS PLEUSS/ JEFFCO PUBLIC SCHOOLS

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