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September 25, 2014 VOLU M E 27 | I S S UE 45
HighlandsRanchHerald.net A publication of
D O U G L A S C O U N T Y, C O L O R A D O
An Oktober celebration! Confidence
grows with new friends, language English practice sessions offered by library district By Christy Steadman
csteadman @coloradocommunitymedia.com
Other dogs may have finished the heat already, but that didn’t stop Sean Reilly from coaxing Bernie to the finish line with a hot dog Sept. 20. It was Bernie’s second year running in the dachshund races at the HRCA’s Oktoberfest, but first year making it to the finish line. Photo by Ryan Boldrey Attendees of the Highlands Ranch Oktoberfest got to experience a taste of German culture Sept. 20 in Town Center. The event kicked off with the Oktoberfest 5K at 9 a.m., and the fun continued until the fireworks display in the evening. Tapping of the keg was at noon, and a big crowd pleaser this year was the dachshund races and bestdressed dog contest in the afternoon. Throughout the day, people enjoyed live German music and dancing, bounce houses and games … and, of course, German food and beer to delight the palate.
The Chalet Dancers, a group based in Castle Rock, perform German dances at the Highlands Ranch Oktoberfest. Photo by Christy Steadman Collaboration at its finest. HRCA CEO Jerry Flannery enjoys a beverage at Oktoberfest, while Metro District chairman Rick Owens, center, and HRCA director Brock Norris, background enjoy the festivities as well. Photo by Ryan Boldrey
Kathy Rountree holds up Rosie, who the crowd began to affectionately call Jockey Dog, during the best dressed dog contest at the Highlands Ranch Oktoberfest Sept. 20. Rosie took second in the fashion contest, but did not get more than a foot or two past the start line when it was time to race. Photo by Christy Steadman
Karl Brehm, aquatics coordinator at Southridge Recreation Center, stayed busy all day serving beer at the Highlands Ranch Oktoberfest Sept. 20. Photo by Christy Steadman
Not all dogs shared the enthusiasm of their human companion when it came to the idea of racing other dogs. This particular dachshund thought posing for pictures by the start line was a much more fun idea than trying to be the first one to finish in her heat. Photo by Ryan Boldrey
Ivette Bartra’s husband is Canadian and speaks five languages. His job requires them to move quite often, so Bartra, of Peru, likes learning about new cultures and meeting new friends through Practice Your English sessions. Monica Ceja was a history teacher in the Mexican state of Michoacán. Now a Highlands Ranch resident, Ceja attends Practice Your English because she wants to return to Mexico someday to teach English there. Tatiana and Taisiyia Lushnikova, mother and daughter from Siberia, come to Practice Your English simply because they enjoy using the English language in a relaxed, social atmosphere. “Basically, it’s a public speaking opportunity,” said Shana Rubio, Practice Your English volunteer facilitator. “The point is to get you talking.” Practice Your English is for adults whose second language is English and want to improve their English-language speaking skills. “I like my hobbies, but I don’t practice my English enough,” said Tatiana Lushnikova, who makes jewelry in her home. The free sessions are drop-in and do not follow a strict curriculum. The only requirement is that one person does not dominate the conversation so everyone has a chance to have the floor, said Tiffany Curtin, adult literacy specialist with Douglas County Libraries. “The volunteers treat it like having a group of friends over who don’t speak English 100 percent fluently,” Curtin said. Practice Your English sessions take place from 10:30 a.m. to noon every Saturday at the James H. LaRue/Highlands Ranch Library and the Parker Library. All skill levels are welcome, Curtin said, but most participants are generally at the intermediate level. Those with high-beginning or intermediate abilities get the most out of it, she said. “We try to keep (sessions) as conversation, rather than a class,” Curtin said. “But sometimes there are some that are hungry to learn.” The Highlands Ranch sessions generally have the largest turnout, Curtin said, with as many as up to 11 attendees at one session. However, both libraries attract students from Asian, Spanish-speaking and European countries. In August and September, volunteers facilitated conversations with people from Korea, China, India, Turkey, Russia, Siberia, Ukraine, Colombia, Venezuela, Brazil, El Salvador, Mexico and Peru. They talk about whatever keeps the conversation flowing. “It’s always different every single time,” Rubio said. “I try to create an environment that people can feel comfortable talking about themselves.” Facilitators usually have some sort of a plan, Curtain said, which generally begins with basic introductions. Then they may talk about the Broncos, the Rockies or the Olympics. Usually, facilitators bring some sort of visual aid or a game to play, such as Go Fish where students draw a question that prompts conversation. Sometimes, facilitators incorporate cultural aspects. For example, they may talk about American values, U.S. history or civics. “Participants are encouraged to talk about their own observances,” Curtin said. English continues on Page 9