November 6, 2014 VOLU M E 31 | I SS UE 1 9 | 5 0 ¢
WheatRidgeTranscript.com J E F F E R S O N C O U N T Y, C O L O R A D O
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District highlights inspiring stories
ONWARD TO STATE
By Crystal Anderson
canderson@colorado communitymedia.com
Faith Christian senior Katie Hachen (5) returns the serve by Centaurus in the first game of the Regional Playoff on Saturday in Arvada. Faith defeated Centaurus and Liberty Commons and will advance to the state tournament. Photo by Pam Wagner
Jeffco open space talks trails, apps POSTAL ADDRESS
WHEAT RIDGE TRANSCRIPT (ISSN 1089-9197)
OFFICE: 722 Washington Ave, Unit 210 Golden, CO 80401 PHONE: 303-566-4100 A legal newspaper of general circulation in Jefferson County, Colorado, the Wheat Ridge Transcript is published weekly on Thursday by Mile High Newspapers, 722 Washington Ave, Unit 210, Golden, CO 80401. PERIODICALS POSTAGE PAID AT GOLDEN, COLORADO and additional mailing offices. POSTMASTER: Send address change to: Wheat Ridge Transcript 722 Washington Ave, Unit 210 Golden, CO 80401 DEADLINES: Display: Fri. 11 a.m. Legal: Fri. 11 a.m. | Classified: Mon. 5 p.m. GE T SOCIAL WITH US
P L EA SE R ECYC L E T H I S C OPY
Workgroup in the works for single use trails By Amy Woodward
awoodward@colorado communitymedia.com Jeffco Park and Open Space trail specialists are busy constructing, maintaining and cleaning up trails around the county. On Wednesday, Oct. 29, the department held a trail talks forum to update the public on its updates at the American Mountaineering Center. Flood recovery efforts have been one of the primary focuses for Jeffco Open Space, and with the help of dedicated volunteers who have pitched in with trail repairs, majority of the work has been completed, reported David Davenport, outdoor recreation management coordinator for Jeffco Open Space. But it hasn’t been an easy year, and three trails remain closed off from the public after financial assistance from FEMA took longer than expected. “Anytime you take money from federal government, you are then subject to federal procedures and federal regulations,” Davenport said. “Anything that we were going to apply for FEMA funding with, we had to go through a fairly long and involved process that would result in what is called an environmental assessment.” Jeffco Open Space requested $375,000 from FEMA last year. In early October of
Flood waters gushed down the sides at North Table Mountain Park during the September floods last year. The Mesa Top loop at the park is one of three trails remaining that are in need of repairs and are closed off to the public. Courtesy photo
WORKING GROUP To be considered for the Working Group for Single Use Trails interested citizens must submit a resume and letter of interest to Dave Davenport, Outdoor Recreation Management Coordinator, by end of business, Friday, November 14, 2014 to ddavenpo@ jeffco.us or 700 Jeffco Parkway, Suite 100, Golden, CO 80401. Selection criteria of Working Group members will include but is not limited to: residency or business interest in Jefferson County; involvement with JCOS as a volunteer, advocate, or have conducted permitted activities in the Parks; and individuals who identify themselves with more than one user group. this year, the nearly 50 page environmental assessment was approved, and trail specialists can now move ahead on repair work for Mustang Trail, Mesa Top and Wranglers. The rest of Apex park is expected to open on Sunday, Nov. 26, pending weather
conditions. The re-routing of Pick ‘n Sledge is being pushed until Spring 2015, but trail specialists said nothing is planned but getting trails open. The North Folk Trail opened on Oct. 11. The 9.3 mile trail connects to Reynolds Park, Pike National Forest and Pine Valley Ranch Park creating a 36.2 mile pathway of smooth cement. “There’s a number of ways you could use the trail,” said Tom Hoby, director at Jeffco Parks and Open Space. “We’ve had a lot of positive feedback.” Serious runners have taken to the trail and were able to complete it in under three hours, Davenport said. The department announced they are working on new interactive maps for the website that will also be mobile compatible. “You will be able to get a lot more information and be able to plan Trails continues on Page 5
Modern-day heroes come in all shapes and sizes, and seven people from the Jeffco School District are using strength, creativity and intelligence to influence their community. The 11th annual Jeffco Heroes Awards honors individuals from across the district who put forth extra effort, inspiring others with stories of their own. “It’s important, we feel, to recognize the students and teachers who go above and beyond,” said Debbie Delgado, executive director of the Jeffco Schools Foundation. “We feel these are stories that go untold.” Honorees come from six Jeffco schools, with two from Wheat Ridge High School, and one each from Two Roads Charter, Jefferson High School, Wheat Ridge 5-8, Stein Elementary and Alameda International High School. Nominated by principals and school staff, this year’s heroes embody a perseverance for accomplishment that resonates within their communities. This year’s awards ceremony will be 5 p.m., Wednesday, Nov. 12, at the Arvada Center for the Arts and Humanities, 6901 Wadsworth Blvd. “It’s about people, not just about good policy or good practices that get things done,” Delgado said, “and we want to showcase that.” Undeterred by cancer, homelessness, depression and loss, this year’s student honorees have shown resilience as they also worked diligently in school. During their high school careers, Carina Wilson, Eli Graham, Daniil Arushanov and Helen Castillo have strived academically, helped tutor others, participated in extracurricular clubs and sports, and worked to provide an income and necessities for themselves and their families — while remaining strong leaders in their schools. “It hit me I was doing something to help people out,” Wilson said of her tutoring and student leadership. Wilson grew up in several homes, including experiencing periods of homelessness, switching schools repeatedly prior to attending Jefferson High School. “I think with everything that I do now, I put my heart into everything I do and with people — and I feel like I am the hero.” Behind every student is a support system of teachers, staff and administrators. This year’s teacher heroes — Laurin Haber-Cruz, Scott Walker and Franky Scaglione — have dedicated their careers to helping students succeed. Whether it’s through eloquent communications, a complex equation or a painting on a colorful canvas, this year’s teacher heroes are committing time, expertise and talents to foster a fun and challenging environment for their students. “I know I work hard and am passionate about my work, but I never expected someone to recognize me,” said Walker, who moved into teaching math after owning his own business nine years ago. Aside from teaching, Walker coaches several sports, tutors at Wheat Ridge 5-8 and Arvada High School and is obtaining his second master’s degree, this time in English Language Learning. “A lot of times we’re just dealing with the tip of the iceberg with these kids … But you know, every year I see those test scores, it just shows these kids can succeed,” Walker said. For these seven individuals, being a hero is a part of everyday life, an aspect Wilson said she hopes everyone can emulate. “You should be strong through anything, and really you don’t have an excuse to fail,” Wilson said. “I’ve been through what they’ve been through … I put a lot of emphasis on getting involved. Dedicate your life to something so you can be successful.” And these heroes have. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit www.jeffcoschoolsfoundation.org.