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August 8, 2014 VOLU M E 1 2 | I SS UE 40
ParkerChronicle.net D O U G L A S C O U N T Y, C O L O R A D O
A publication of
Business tax breaks approved Council OKs $550,000 for three new arrivals By Chris Michlewicz
cmichlewicz@colorado communitymedia.com
Ron Ferreira, a woodturning artist from Parker, shows some of his creations. Ferreira will be among those selling their work at Art in the Park Aug. 16-17 at O’Brien Park. Photos by Chris Michlewicz
Woodturning artist spins magic Ron Ferreira to appear with works at Parker’s annual Art in the Park By Chris Michlewicz
cmichlewicz@colorado communitymedia.com The notion that his art might one day become an heirloom, passed down through a family he’ll never meet, motivates Ron Ferreira to achieve perfection. Though he descends from a line of stone masons, Ferreira’s chosen medium is woodturning. It’s a practice that requires skill with tools and dyes and, of course, his hands. Retired from commercial construction, Ferreira joined a woodworking club in 2000 and started out on typical projects, but was soon intrigued by the idea of carving out a bowl. His pieces gradually became more intricate, and after handing out finished platters, candlestick holders and serving bowls to surprised friends and neighbors, Ferreira decided to start a business, known simply as “Woodturnings by Ron.” He revealed his talents to the public during his first show last year, but left with a slight feeling of dis-
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Ron Ferreira’s woodturning creations will be among those being sold at Art in the Park Aug. 16-17 at O’Brien Park. appointment. “It broke my heart because I sold my two favorite pieces last year,” he said. “But you can’t store them, and I have to get them out there.” The Parker Artists Guild member is scheduled to appear at six art shows this year, including Art in the Park Aug. 16-17 at O’Brien Park, 10795 Victorian Dr. in Parker. The price of his artwork ranges from $50 to $500 for the more
elaborate creations. In a distinct Rhode Island accent, Ferreira talks excitedly about experimenting with grain patterns and carefully applying iridescent dyes and choosing the right chunk of wood with which to start. Many of his pieces are made from fruit trees, some knocked down by a hurricane and others removed because they were too close Magic continues on Page 20
Gov. Hickenlooper and Polis reach deal — task force created By Vic Vela
vvela@colorado communitymedia.com
U.S. Rep. Jared Polis discusses the details of a deal reached Aug. 4 with Gov. John Hickenlooper concerning fracking and local control initiatives. Photo by Vic Vela The task force is part of a deal that the two Democrats reached in the days leading up to the announcement that will also end efforts by Polis to
place two anti-fracking ballot initiatives on the November ballot. Later in the day, pro-fracking groups said they too will
Ballot won’t address schools in November State funding plan portrayed as unfair by board members By Jane Reuter
jreuter@colorado communitymedia.com
drop their own ballot initiative efforts, suddenly ending what was gearing up to be a ballot box fight that was expected to be costly — both in terms of campaign advertising dollars and potentially in political price for other candidates seeking office this fall. The Polis-backed initiatives sought to increase setback requirements for wells and would have also given communities greater control over oil and gas drilling operations. Pro-fracking groups had sought initiatives that could have had economic impacts on communities that ban fracking — the process by
Douglas County School District staff proposed a way to fix the district’s aging buildings without raising taxes, but the school board recently decided not to put the question on November’s ballot. Board members unanimously adopted the resolution not to participate in the fall election, citing concerns with the state’s school funding formula, which they believe already puts an unfair burden on Douglas County taxpayers. But a member of DCSD’s fiscal oversight committee said other factors are at play. “I think there are bigger issues the board is facing they need to resolve,” Dave Usechek said. “There is no doubt in my mind there’s a need (for capital funding). But until there is positive support for the board, and no longer this bickering between parents and the board, I am not willing to support giving additional funds. Both sides need to resolve their differences and start working together for the best interests of kids.” The board’s July 15 resolution said the
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Fracking initiatives dropped
Voters will not be weighing in on hydraulic fracturing this November after all. Gov. John Hickenlooper and U.S. Rep. Jared Polis announced an 11th hour deal on Aug. 4 to create a special task force to address issues surrounding fracking — the very day that signatures to put fracking on the November ballot were due for submission to the Secretary of State’s Office.
Parker Town Council granted nearly $550,000 in tax breaks to three new businesses that will increase the size of the local labor force. Council approved tax incentive packages July 21 for Culver’s restaurant, Great-West Life and Annuity Insurance, and the Parker Garage, all three of which will bring jobs to Parker. Culver’s, a Wisconsinbased fast-casual restaurant chain that’s wildly popular in the Midwest, Waid plans to open its 10th Colorado location on the northeast corner of Mainstreet and Twenty Mile Road in spring 2015. They were approved for a sales-tax shareback and building permit fee rebate agreement worth $97,500 over a three-year term. The 3,750-square-foot restaurant represents a future investment of approximately $1 million and will add as many as 50 new jobs, according to the agreement. Although Great-West Life and Annuity Insurance submitted a site plan for a 23-acre campus near Lincoln Avenue