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December 5, 2014 VOLU M E 9 4 | I S S UE 41 | 7 5 ¢
EnglewoodHerald.net A R A P A H O E C O U N T Y, C O L O R A D O
A publication of
WHAT’S INSIDE
Big check: Well-fed receives boost from Swedish Medical Center. Page 4
Traditions: Bishop students keep Turkey Trot alive. Page 14 The Medicine Heart Dancers perform the grass dance during their Nov. 26 program at Hampden Hall. The dancers are led by Henry StandingBear who is followed by his sister, Keya, and Malinda Medina. Photo by Tom Munds
Champs: Englewood sixth-grade football team wins Carnation Bowl Championship game. Page 19
Medicine Heart troupe demonstrates traditions By Tom Munds
tmunds@colorado communitymedia.com
POSTAL ADDRESS
ENGLEWOOD HERALD
(ISSN 1058-7837) (USPS 176-680) OFFICE: 9137 S. Ridgeline Blvd., Suite 210 Highlands Ranch, CO 80129 PHONE: 303-566-4100 A legal newspaper of general circulation in Englewood, Colorado, the Englewood Herald is published weekly on Friday by Colorado Community Media, 9137 S. Ridgeline Blvd., Suite 210, Highlands Ranch, CO 80129. PERIODICALS POSTAGE PAID AT Littleton, COLORADO and additional mailing offices. POSTMASTER: Send address change to: 9137 S. Ridgeline Blvd., Suite 210 Highlands Ranch, CO 80129 DEADLINES: Display: Fri. 11 a.m. Legal: Fri. 11 a.m. | Classified: Mon. 5 p.m. G ET SOCIAL WITH US
P L EA SE R ECYC L E T H I S C OPY
Malinda Medina wanted her dance to help teach others about her Native American heritage. “I think dancing is really fun and it makes me feel awesome to dance with our group,” the 13-year-old said. “I do ballet and that helps me because I dance on my
toes.” Medina was part of the Medicine Heart Dancers, who performed Nov. 21 at Hampden Hall in the Englewood Civic Center. The pounding thunder of the drums and high-pitched chanting echoed off the walls. The group consisted of two men — the drummers and chanters for the performance — and a trio of young dancers. Henry StandingBear wore a warrior’s outfit, including feathers in his hair and bells on his feet that jingled as he danced. Two young women, Keya StandingBear and Medina, wore outfits that included shawls decorated with long fringe to accentuate
their motions. Michelle Perez explained the dances, the tradition behind them and their meanings to the audience of about 75 adults and children. For example, she pointed out the drum was round and shaped like the world, and the beats of the drums were like the beats of the heart. “We who are members of the Medicine Heart Dance Group live in the city and are from any different tribes,” she said. “But, through the dancing, we strive to preserve
Dance continues on Page 20
Man gets Thanksgiving meal dished up 40 years for attack Volunteers served free Thanksgiving meals to all who came By Tom Munds
Judge sends Englewood resident to jail for assaulting his parents By Tom Munds
tmunds@colorado communitymedia.com Codell Loats was sentenced to 40 years in prison for the attempted murder and assault of his parents. The jury found Loats guilty in September of this year, and on Nov. 25, 18th Judicial District Judge Elizabeth Weishaupl sentenced the 29-yearold to prison. Deputy District Loats Attorney Anne Kelly, who represented the people during the trial, said the jury’s action represented the community’s strong desire to hold violent offenders accountable. Attack continues on Page 20
tmunds@coloradocommunitymedia.com
Volunteers transformed a portion of an Englewood motel parking lot into a canvas shelter for a free Thanksgiving dinner for about 150 people. “This is the second year we have served a Thanksgiving meal to people who won’t have one otherwise,” said Steve Scott, who headed the project. “We just want to reach out with a warm meal, love and encouragement to those who chose to join us.” Work began about an hour before the meal was served. About 30 volunteers from Mosaic and Living Branch churches in Englewood, Bear Valley Church and Crossroads Church of Denver erected canopies and attached tarps as side walls to shield dinners from the wind at the Lucky U Motel, 4575 S. Broadway. Tables inside the enclosure were draped with Thanksgiving patterned tablecloths and decorations. “I learned about this project at church,” Mosaic Church
Guest Tom Roscoe, left, gets a helping of stuffing Nov. 27 as he joined others eating a Thanksgiving meal prepared and served by volunteers from four area churches. The event was set up at the Lucky U Motel in Englewood, and volunteers served the meal to about 150 people. Photo by Tom Munds member Desirae Adams said as she helped decorate the tables. “I decided to volunteer to help today. The people we serve are so appreciative of a warm meal, and it makes me feel good, really good, to help other folks have a nice Thanksgiving.” Denver resident Chris Ronlund called the project wonderful. “I heard about this project from a co-worker,” she said as she served potatoes to the din-
ers. “… I am glad to be a part of it. I think volunteering here and helping these people have a nice meal makes me very grateful for all that I have and enjoy. I am glad for the opportunity to show love to our guests and try to give them at least a spark of hope that things will get better for them.” People from the motels and other areas began lining up, waiting for the meal to be served. Meal continues on Page 22