Window 6-27-13
June 27, 2013
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A Colorado Community Media Publication
ourwestminsternews.com
Adams County and Jefferson County, Colorado • Volume 68, Issue 36
And the winners are ... Look inside to find out who made Colorado Community Media’s list.
Art out of a stone From left, Andrew, Jeannie and Gordon Saur of Westminster will be taking on the 150-mile, two-day Colorado-Wyoming Chapter, National Multiple Sclerosis Society’s Newmont Photos by Ashley Reimers
Taking the challenge Tired of watching, mom joins cause with 150-mile bike ride By Ashley Reimers
areimers@ourcoloradonews.com Instead of standing on the sidelines, Westminster resident Jeannie Saur will be crossing the finish line of the upcoming Colorado-Wyoming Chapter, National Multiple Sclerosis Society’s Newmont Bike MS ride. She’s used to cheering on her husband Andrew, who has participated in the race for many years, but this year she’s taken the challenge and will riding for a cause that not only effects one in 400 Coloradans, but her personally. Jeannie’s first MS episode was the night before her wedding day, followed by another episode the next summer. Both episodes affected her eyes. She was eventually diagnosed in 1996. She said she chose to do the MS ride to challenge herself physically and to no longer be a fixture on the sidelines. “There are a lot of times with MS that you can start to put yourself in a box, and I just wanted to challenge that notion,” she
‘To actually cross the finish line with my husband, rather than just watch him cross the finish line is great.’ Jeannie Saur
Andrew, Jeannie and Gordon Saur enjoy riding together. said. “To actually cross the finish line with my husband, rather than just watch him cross the finish line is great.” The Newmont Bike MS ride will be June 29-30 and starts and ends at Front Range Community College in Westminster. It is a 150-mile bike ride and more than 3,000 cyclists will ride together to raise $3.6 million for research to help find a cure for MS, a disease that affects the central nervous system. Jeannie is getting a little help and support for her first ride. She’s riding tandem with her husband Andrew and will also be accompanied by her 13-year-old son Gordon, who is riding solo and is also her training partner. Jeannie said it’s been inspiring to watch her son dedicate himself to training by never giving up, even on the longest rides. But for Gordon, he just wants to be part of something that can
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not only help his family, but many other families dealing with MS. “I want to find a cure for MS because my family and other families have to deal with the impact of the disease when they least expect it,” he said. Training for the Saur family hasn’t been as smooth as Jeannie has hoped. Not too long ago she had a serious MS episode that affected her ability to walk which took her out of commission for a while. But as soon as she was capable, Jeannie was back on her bike training when she could. She said this experience has taught her that she is capable of doing physical things even with her MS and that when she sets a goal, she can reach it. “Whatever training we’ve gotten in, we’ve gotten in and we’re as prepared as we are going to be for that day, so now it’s just time to enjoy it,” Jeannie said. “I don’t cross finish lines, I’m not into those kinds of events so to cross the finish line as the three of us is going to be really awesome.” The Saur family will be riding with the Left Hand Brewing team, which is a Bike MS sponsor and a top fundraising team that will surpassed the $200,000 cumulative mark this year. For more information on the ColoradoWyoming Chapter, National Multiple Sclerosis Society’s Newmont Bike MS ride, visit www.cureMSco-wy.org.
Project invites community to paint rocks By Ashley Reimers
areimers@ourcoloradonews.com With the help of the community, the Paletteers Art Club is hoping to display 500 painted rocks throughout Adams County in public areas like parks, trails and open space. The project is called Art Rocks-APublic Art Project, sponsored by the Paletteers and the Scientific and Cultural Facilities District, and already 200 rocks have been painted. “We did this project 11 years ago and it was a big hit,” said Becky Silver, Aar River Gallery owner and Paletteer member. “We figured since it’s been a while since then that we should do it again.” Community members will have a few opportunities this summer to paint If you go rocks with no cost WhAt: Art Rocks-Ato participate and Public Art Project all supplies provided. When: July 13, 18 Silver said and 27 many people • Session one painted rocks at the recent Jazz 1 to 5 p.m. Saturday Festival in WestJuly 13 minster, but for Gallery 3698, 3698 W. those who missed 72nd Ave., Westminster that opportunity • Session two she and two other galleries will 1 to 4 p.m. Thursday be hosting rockJuly 18 painting sessions. Mainstreet Gallery, The first ses36 South Main St., sion will be 1-5 Brighton p.m. on Saturday, July 13, at Gallery • Session three 3698, 3698 West 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. 72nd Ave. in WestSaturday July 27 minster. The second is Aar River Gallery, from 1-4 p.m. on 3707 W 73rd Ave., Thursday, July Westminster. 18, at Mainstreet Info: 303-466-2512. Gallery, 36 South Main St. in Brighton. The final session is from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, July 27, at Aar River Gallery, 3707 W 73rd Ave. in Westminster. All rocks must be donated to the Art Rocks Project and artists will be on hand to assist anyone with questions. “I think this program is great because a lot of people don’t get a chance to go into galleries, so it’s kind of nice that people get to see art while they are out on a walk or at the park,” Silver said. “It’s great for families to do together and a fun way to be creative.” Silver said the Paletteers are hoping to have all of the 500 rocks complete by the end of August when members will begin to place the rocks throughout the county. For more information contact Silver at 303-466-2512.