January 29, 2015 VOLU M E 1 0 | I S SUE 35
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Donation funds college expansion Community College receives large donation from local nonprofit By Crystal Anderson canderson@colorado communitymedia.com Two of Arvada’s key businesses came
together to celebrate learning and health education in Arvada through one sizable donation. “We believe we’ve found an investment and opportunity to invest in our home city,” said Marla Williams, president of Arvada’s Community First Foundation. “To invest in our conviction, that mental health and wellness is best addressed whole person, mind and body together ... that great opportunity is to invest in Red Rocks Commu-
nity College.” On Jan. 21, Community First Foundation, a local philanthropic nonprofit, donated $1 million to Red Rocks Community College, to help fund the expansion of a 55,000 square foot Arvada Health Professions and Science building located at 5420 Miller St. “This takes us so much further,” said Red Rocks President, Michele Haney. “We are about 82 percent there ... so this helps us
Proposed bill would block sales until rules take shape
The Academy’s Devin Caswell shoots over Faith Christian’s Spencer Bazz (1) and Jake Sanders (5) in the 74-43 loss to the 11-0 Eagles last week. Faith has been recognized as one of the top programs in the country. See related story, Page 23. Photo by Pam Wagner
By Amy Woodward
awoodward@colorado communitymedia.com
Delectably donating for sweet event By Crystal Anderson
canderson@colorado communitymedia.com With a mouthwatering tour of Olde Town, residents and visitors alike will have sweet cravings satisfied during the 14th annual Chocolate Affair. The event will feature more than 15 chocolatiers 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 7, showcasing their finest chocolate desserts and delicacies. Sprinkled throughout Olde Town, residents can sample treats at five locations, the McIlvoy House, the Arvada Library, The Rising Church, School House Kitchen and Libations and Silver Vines Winery. “It’s fun to walk around Olde Town and to see all the new stores,” said Judith Denham, Arvada Festivals Commission member. “It’s also really cool to eat and drink chocolate.” Along with the variety of chocolate cakes, cookies,
Expansion continues on Page 16
State rep looks to ban powdered alcohol
HIGH MARKS
14th annual Chocolate Affair comes to Olde Town
come and see it be a reality.” The $22.5 million project will triple the size of the campus while adding key programs such as, Nurse’s Aide, RN Refresher, Health Professional, Medical Assisting, Office Management, Phlebotomy Technician and Physician Assistant to the college’s growing selection of health courses.
IF YOU GO WHAT: The 14th Annual Chocolate Affair WHEN: Saturday, Feb. 7 TIME: 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. WHERE: Various locations in Olde Town Arvada brownies attendees can expect to sample chocolate popcorn, milk, wine, cherry chocolate beer and a chocolate-inspired whiskey drink. One of Arvada’s many family-friendly festivals, the event will feature music from the Tom Gershwin American Jazz trio, a children’s chocolate treasure hunt, a balloon artist, face painting, a chocolate chip cookie and brownie contest, and carriage rides. “This brings the Olde Town feel to all of it (the festival) because they’re going around and visiting all the merchants,” said Lynn Huizing, a member of the Arvada Festivals Commission. A partnership between Historic Olde Town Arvada and the Arvada Festivals Commission, the festival encourages residents to visit Olde Town
The 14th annual Chocolate Affair hits Olde Town Arvada Feb. 7 to celebrate Valentines Day and all things chocolate and raise money for the Ralston House. Photo by Crystal Anderson and celebrate the world of chocolate while raising money for the Ralston House, an Arvada nonprofit serving youth victims of sexual abuse or assault. This year organizers said they hope to see around 1,500 guests stop by one of their chocolate stations. Annually, the event raises approximately $4,700 for the Ralston House, a number, organizers said they want to see rise.
“This is the hometown community,” Denham said. “Like most of Arvada’s other festival productions, it’s unique to Arvada.” Treat tickets cost $1 a piece or $5 for six and can be picked up either in the Olde Town Square, between Olde Wadsworth Boulevard and 57th Avenue, or each of the tasting Event continues on Page 16
The introduction of powdered alcohol is raising concern across the nation, and Colorado is joining other states in attempts to ban the substance through legislation until lawmakers and state officials get a handle on it. Powdered alcohol, dubbed Palcohol after the company that manufactures the product, has set some politicians in a frenzy. Concerns have only increased since the federal Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau rescinded its approval for the substance in April 2014. Since that time, lawmakers have assembled to block the sale of Palcohol in liquor stores. Already, eight states such as Alaska and Delware have banned the product, with Illinois and Wisconsin legislators proposing bills to do this same this session. Since it is a powder, Palcohol falls outside the liquid alcohol regulations in Colorado, said Rep. JoAnn Windholz, R-Commerce City, who is sponsoring a bill to temporarily ban its sale in the state until Colorado enacts regulations for it. “It’s important we try to get out in front of this and be proactive,” Windholz said. In Windholz’s bill, she is also seeking an FDA approval before powdered alcohol is sold. “We don’t know about powdered alcohol,” said Jeanne McEvoy, of the Colorado Licensed Beverage Association. “More information needs to be known about it. It is ripe for abuse. Some of the unknowns include the amount of alcohol by volume, McEvoy added. Once properly regulated, though, McEvoy said she would like to see powdered alcohol make it to market. Concerns over accessibility to kids, spiking drinks and smuggling the powder onto airplanes and in nightclubs have been some of the arguments for why states should ban the item. The creator of Palcohol, Mark Phillips, stated in a YouTube video that public fears over the misuse of the product are false and urges the public to make up its own mind “versus getting caught up in the hysteria.” “Powdered alcohol is a revolutionary new product that has so many positive uses,” Phillips told Colorado Community Media. “Banning it will do more harm than good. We know Prohibition doesn’t work.” Phillips argues that aside from Palcohol’s convenient uses, in which water is used to mix the powder in a 4-inch by 6-inch packet, hotels in Hawaii have expressed interest in Alcohol continues on Page 16